Winter Romance Wednesday – Page 10

December 16, 2015December 13, 2015

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kelly reviews All He Wants for Christmas by Elisabeth Naughton, Alexandra Ivy, Cynthia Eden, Katie Reus, Laura Wright, and Skye Jordan

TITLE: All He Wants for Christmas (An Anthology)
AUTHOR: Elisabeth Naughton, Alexandra Ivy, Cynthia Eden, Katie Reus, Laura Wright, and Skye Jordan
PUBLICATION DATE: December 1, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From six of your favorite New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors…

Here’s to finding spies, cops, rockers, SEALs, professional hockey players and billionaires under the Christmas tree this year!

MELT FOR ME by Elisabeth Naughton

Yuletide Spirits pub owner Ella McKinley doesn’t do holidays. Not after everything she lost on a cold, snowy night long ago. In fact, she’d be perfectly happy if the calendar jumped from November to January, bypassing December all together. Then rock’s latest “it” guy, Tate Kendrick, rolls into town, and though Ella tries to resist his wicked charm, the heat they once shared flares hotter than ever. When trouble linked to the rock star strikes at her pub, Ella suddenly starts to wonder if the return of her first love is a holiday miracle or nothing more than her nightmare before Christmas.

SWEET RAPTURE by Alexandra Ivy

Meg Anderson has returned to her home in Holly, North Carolina after she discovered her relationship with Dylan Cain was nothing more than a lie. The last thing she expects is for Dylan to be her new tenant. Or the realization that he might be the only thing standing between her and a killer…

THE SPY WHO CAME FOR CHRISTMAS by Cynthia Eden

Everyone in town thinks that Jemma White is as sweet as the delicious treats she makes at her chocolate shop—but they’re wrong. Jemma is ready to let her wild side out, and she’s just found the perfect man to make all of her fantasies come true. Grayson Cole is a too-sexy-to-be-true stranger who has escaped to Holly for the holidays. He is her perfect temptation, and Jemma can’t wait to steam up the cold winter nights with him. But when danger from Grayson’s past follows him to town, she realizes that the man she is falling for has been keeping some very dark secrets…secrets that may just get them both killed.

MERRY CHRISTMAS, BABY by Katie Reus

After unexpectedly inheriting a bookstore, Nora and her younger sister settled in Holly, NC, a place where it’s Christmas year-round. As the legal guardian for her sister the past few years, romance has been the last thing on Nora’s mind. But she broke her rules for the town’s golden boy—former SEAL Jackson O’Connor. When Jackson does something stupid and almost loses Nora for good, he realizes just how far he’s willing to go for the woman who’s stolen his heart. But it might take a Christmas miracle to get Nora to give him a second chance.

SINFUL IN SNOW by Laura Wright

Billionaire Back In Town: Gabriel Fox is a ruthless, heartless, soulless grinch. His only goal in coming to Holly, North Carolina is to ruin Carol Cardini’s Christmas. Like she ruined his—and his life—ten years ago. Now that her business is in trouble, he’s finally found the way. But the beautiful owner of Christmas Carol’s Shop and Crafts won’t allow her dream to be destroyed. Not by revenge, and certainly not by the sexiest man she’s ever known. She can, however offer an apology, and a chair at her holiday table. But can a grinch’s cold heart be warmed and healed by the love of a good woman—and the magic of Christmas spirit?

HOME ADVANTAGE by Skye Jordan

NHL superstar, Meier Grant, finds himself sidelined for a bum shoulder and sentenced to three weeks recovery—in his hometown of Holly, North Carolina. But an extended family stay isn’t on his holiday wish list, especially when his parents are more interested in capitalizing on his fame than much needed family bonding. So when he learns the high school beauty and so out-of-his-league Faith Nicholas is suddenly single, and even sexier ten years later, home doesn’t seem so bad. Not when it includes spending some quality bonding time with Faith. Meier may have some of the best moves in the league, but will they be enough to win a woman deserving of forever?

Collection: 150,000 words

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts

Since this is an anthology featuring six wonderful authors I will give you a brief review of each story. Welcome to Holly, North Carolina where Christmas abounds 24-7-365!!!

Melt For Me:
This was a sweet second chance at love story. I really enjoyed Ella and Tate. I loved the back-story and the issues that kept them apart for so long. These two are most definitely a couple that I hope Ms. Naughton will bring back at sometime in the future. I would love to know what the future holds for them

Sweet Rapture:
Too cute! That is how I would describe this story. Dylan & Meg are just to darn cute. The suspense was a little unexpected but it was a nice twist. I loved that Dylan was willing to rick everything for a second chance. And that Meg was able make one of Dylan a life long dream come true.

The Spy Who Came For Christmas:
Grayson may just be passing through town, or a least that is what he thinks he is doing right up until he sees the town’s beautiful chocolatier. Jemma is the good girl in town, the girl that never does anything bad or reckless. But one look at Grayson, that all is about to change. Loved these two and this story

Merry Christmas, Baby:
Great story. I loved Jackson and Nora. They are both so sweet and kind. I loved how they dealt with the break in’s and how Jackson gave Brad the “I am going to kill you if you look at my girl” look.

Sinful in Snow:
What does it take to bring a billionaire bad boy to his knees? That is a simple answer that Gabriel Fox is about to realize. Carol Cardini!! The girl that Gabriel has wanted to seek revenge on for the last 10 years. Poor guy, he is not going to know what hit him.
Really enjoyed this story. Gabriel is a total pain in the butt and Carol makes sure he knows it.

Home Advantage:
What could be better than a superstar who knows he is hot sh*t coming home and finding out that his superstar powers will not work on the town’s very pretty hardware store owner. I loved this story. I loved that Faith didn’t let Meier’s superstardom cloud her judgement. And I loved that Meier is not above begging and groveling. 🙂

I truly enjoyed all of these stories. If you are looking for six wonderful Christmas stories to get you in the holiday spirit, then you need to plan a trip to Holly, North Carolina. Where you could not hide from Christmas even if you wanted to.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Katie Reus in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

December 9, 2015December 9, 2015

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kelly reviews The Christmas Wager by Delilah Marvelle

TITLE: The Christmas Wager
SERIES #: A Happy Christmas #1
CHARACTERS: Miss Barrington
AUTHOR: Delilah Marvelle
PUBLICATION DATE: December 1, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A mysterious key to an attic that cannot be found…
A ghost with good but overly ambitious intentions…
And a forgotten wager that is about to turn Miss Barrington’s life into a holiday mess.

Are you ready for the outrageously funny and Happy Christmas Series?
WARNING: THERE IS A LOT OF MAGIC AND ROMANCE IN THIS BOX.

London, England – Winter of 1860
When all the ladies of London realize that handsome and refined gentleman, the Duke of Ainsley, is formally looking for a wife, only weeks before Christmas, a mad dash to claim him begins. Miss Barrington knows her chances with the duke are incredibly good given what her close gypsy friend had once foretold, but a forgotten wager with her greatest nemesis, American millionaire, Mr. Redstone, is about to bring on complications and…chaos.

Will she claim the dashing and respectable duke once foretold by the stars? Or will she fall for Mr. Redstone and go against destiny? Only the days leading up to Christmas will tell!

REVIEW:
Okay how do I put this nicely….. Ms. Marvelle, thank you for writing this story I enjoyed every page. But darn it all I don’t know if I can wait another year for the next installment 🙂
The Christmas Wager was a great Christmas love story set in the mid-1800’s and told in only a Ms. Marvelle can tell it. Not only do we get an epic love story but we get a little history lesson with it.
I loved Felicity. She is the type of girl you want as a best friend. She is honest to a fault and one you have her loyalty you will have it for always. Maxwell…. Maxwell…. Maxwell. He is just the right mix of gentlemen and rake that all women want. It was a lot of fun watching these two circle each other.
I don’t want to give anything away, but know this if you pick up a copy of The Christmas Wager this Christmas you will be very happy.
Until next year, a whole 365 days away……

Favorite lines
“Do you always wander up to windows and accuse men of flirting with you for it? Because this would be a first for me.”

“In case you were wondering, I’m available, a full twenty and since I’m all about being honest, I should probably disclose I’ve been arrested fourteen times.”

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Delilah Marvelle Productions, LLC in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

December 2, 2015November 29, 2015

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews A Midnight Clear by Hope Ramsey

TITLE: A Midnight Clear
SERIES #: Last Chance #9.5
CHARACTERS: Teri & Tom
AUTHOR: Hope Ramsey
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/01/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Dr. Tom Crawford isn’t feeling the spirit of the season when he arrives in Last Chance. Far from friends and family, he’s the odd man out in this town of gossiping, tight-knit Southerners-until he meets a sweetly sexy single mom who makes him feel welcome. Suddenly the handsome doctor is thinking he’s finally found a place to call home. Local florist Teri Summers has her hands full of mistletoe in preparation for the holiday, yet finding someone to kiss is her last priority. But when the gorgeous new doctor makes a connection with her special needs son, Aiden, Teri finds herself wondering if she’s finally found happiness in this season of joy. For Teri and Tom, Last Chance may be their best chance at love . . .

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is a sweet story of believing in the spirit of Christmas and the angels that watch over us. The story is short but will get you in the holiday mood.

Teri is a hard working single mom of a boy who is on the Autistic Spectrum. I truly believe that Hope Ramsey wrote a great interpretation of how life is with a child with Autism. The problems they face with always having to watch what is around the child, what the child eats, even what colors are hard for the child to deal with. It is a life of exhaustion and Ramsey showed that without lecturing about the condition. She did a great job!

Tom is a good guy trying to help the new town as well as Teri and her son. But I feel he oversteps too often. As a single mom I would never allow a man who didn’t know my son and the situation to tell me how I should be raising him. I liked Tom but it really put me off a bit to read.

I think this is a story worth telling and worth reading. Especially if you have someone in your life living the life that Teri is.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

November 18, 2015November 15, 2015

Winter Romance Wednesday! Natasha reviews Merry Christmas Mrs. Robinson by Delilah Marvelle

TITLE: Merry Christmas Mrs. Robinson
CHARACTERS: Lady Jane & Duke of Somerset Martin Nicholas Pierce
AUTHOR: Delilah Marvelle
PUBLICATION DATE: November 9, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon |B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Novella originally published in the All I Want for Christmas is a Duke anthology

Lady Jane left her father, the Earl of Chadwick, and the ton behind to experience life on the stage. After a disastrous marriage, the widow is living on the edge of poverty, determined to guard her heart, when a secret admirer from her past demands a second chance.

Shy and retiring Martin Nicholas Pierce, the Sixth Duke of Somerset, has carried a torch for Lady Jane since her youth, but he is five years her junior. When she married another man, he left for Europe, determined to put her out of his mind. After returning to find Lady Jane free, he vows to replace the memories of her cursed Twelfth Night with a new beginning.

REVIEW: I love this story, I love historical romance, and I love Delilah Marvelle. She always writes such passionate characters. I always end a book feeling like I was truly a part of the world Delilah writes about. I almost always end her stories wishing I were one of the characters. This novella is perfect for the holidays and will not disappoint any Delilah readers. It is a quick stand-alone story that will make you want to pick up everything Delilah has ever written. Do that. Now. I’ll wait. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Entangled Publishing and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

November 18, 2015November 15, 2015

Winter Romance Wednesday! Natasha reviews Sugar, Spice and Shifters: A Touch of Holiday Magic

TITLE: Sugar, Spice and Shifters: A Touch of Holiday Magic
AUTHORS: Elianne Adams, Calle J. Brookes, Rinelle Grey, J.K. Harper, Loribelle Hunt, Ellis Leigh, Anna Lowe, Tina Moss, Eris Sage, Vivienne Savage, Bethany Shaw, Diana St. Gabriel, Kristen Strassel, Elle Thorne, Holley Trent, Catherine Vale and Lori Whyte
PUBLICATION DATE: November 15, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Ring in your holiday season with all-new holiday shifter stories from today’s hottest paranormal romance writers.
From the sweetest of mating claims to the spiciest of holiday wishes come true, this set has a perfect present for every reader. Whether you’ve asked Santa for wolf shifters, werebears, or dragons, this box set of ALL NEW holiday tales from bestselling authors gives the best gift any lover of paranormal romance could want: a little naughty n’ nice with a whole lot of sugar n’ spice.

REVIEW:
My favorite story in this bundle was written by one of my favorite authors, Elianne Adams. The short story, Her Gingerbread Dragon was the sweetest love story that was just right for this time of year. Maddie and Luke are both strong characters independently and work really well together. I enjoyed them as a couple very much. This story is part two in Adams’ Dragon Blood series, so we got to see characters from the first story. I enjoyed getting that connection to previous characters. However this can definitely be read as a stand-alone. My only complaint is that we don’t get much of Maddie and Luke’s backstories. I know this is because of the length of the book, but I liked the characters so much I would have liked to get to know them a little better. I want more!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

November 11, 2015November 8, 2015

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Home For Christmas by Lily Everett

TITLE: Home For Christmas
SERIES #: Sanctuary Island #4
CHARACTERS: Libby & Owen
AUTHOR: Lily Everett
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/06/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Tis the season for family and love…

At least it’s supposed to be. For Libby Leeds, however, the holiday season is just another reminder of things she’d rather forget. When she left Sanctuary Island as an orphaned child, she never thought she’d go back except in her dreams, dreams she’s kept alive by writing monthly column of her fictional small-town life, until her publisher sends her back home for the holidays.

Owen Shepard is a fallen hero, wounded in action rescuing three of his fellow soldiers, but after a whirlwind of media attention, all this charismatic Army Ranger wants is to get back on his feet and make it to Sanctuary Island to be with his daughter in time for Christmas. What he didn’t expect was to be put on a crash course with a columnist hiding her past. Will the magic of Sanctuary Island at Christmastime allow them to find healing together?

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This is a very sweet holiday story. While a bit cliche’ it still brings you a feeling of warm and love while reading.

Owen is a wounded soldier. Libby is a writer who lives more in her imagination than reality and when she is forced to entertain him and his family for the holidays the romance begins.

Like I said the story is good even though typical of holiday romance. The couple of problems I had were the repeating of thoughts over and over. Owen told us at least 20 times how he had to get better to go back in the field. Libby equaled that with how much she didn’t have a loving family.

The one thing I really enjoyed about the story was the first chapter. It really showed the relationship that Libby was having with Owen even though she hadn’t met him yet. She had already started to fall for him just seeing his tv interview and I think we could feel her crush.

If you enjoy a sweet holiday romance you will enjoy this one.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

November 4, 2015November 1, 2015

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Hot Toy by Jennifer Crusie

TITLE: Hot Toy
CHARACTERS: Trudy & Nolan
AUTHOR: Jennifer Crusie
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/13/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Previously published in the anthology Santa, Baby, HOT TOY is now available as a standalone e-story for the first time!

Mayhem ensues under the mistletoe as a determined shopper grabs the very last hot toy action figure off the shelf, only to find herself plunged into the middle of a real-life spy game and in the arms of a sexy secret agent…

REVIEW:
3.25 Hearts This is a short holiday story… sorta. It is about 50 pages and a very quick read. It was part of an anthology that I had not read even though I thought I had read all of Crusie’s books. I had a hard time getting started with this book. First Trudy is a bit well witchy. Nolan seems a bit immature and they didn’t have much chemistry. Then the story takes off a little and then it gets a bit better.

It is set in 2006 over “the toy to have” and back then that would have been a big thing alone but then there is a bit of a spy game going on and who is the bad guy and who is the good guy. If you want a quick read that is set at Christmas time and gives you more of the overload of the holiday than the romance of it than this is a great book…

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

October 28, 2015October 26, 2015

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Christmas On Candy Cane Lane by Sheila Roberts

TITLE: Christmas On Candy Cane Lane
SERIES #: Life In Icicles Falls #8
CHARACTERS: Tilda, Maddy & Ivy
AUTHOR: Sheila Roberts
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/27/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Icicle Falls is the place to be at Christmas…

Everyone’s getting ready for Christmas in Icicle Falls, especially on Candy Cane Lane, where holiday decorating is taken very seriously. Tilda Morrison, town cop, is looking forward to celebrating Christmas in her first house… until she discovers that she’s expected to “keep up” with the neighbors, including Maddy Donaldson, the inspiration behind the whole extravaganza. But this year, someone’s destroying Maddie’s precious candy canes! Thank goodness for the cop in their neighborhood.

Tilda already has her hands full trying to sort out her love life and fix up her fixer-upper. Oh, and won’t it be fun to have the family over for Christmas dinner? Not really… Then there’s her neighbor, Ivy Bohn. As a newly single mom, Ivy can sum up the holiday in two words: Bah, humbug. But she’s determined to give her kids a perfect Christmas.

Despite family disasters, irritating ex-husbands and kitchen catastrophes, these three women are going to find out that Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year!

REVIEW:
This is a really wonderful holiday novel. It really puts you in the romantic Christmas mood.

First is Tilda. And Devon. This is the typical question of can first impressions be changed? Devon has changed and Tilda just hasn’t noticed but Devon is going to try to get her to change her mind while she changes the rest of her life.

Maddy and Ivy are Tilda’s neighbors that are dealing with the own situations. Maddy IS Christmas. She is all about playing Mrs Claus and making the holiday “perfect”. Ivy is having to make a great Christmas as a divorcee with children.

I enjoyed this story very much. There were a few weird things to me. I am not sure I have ever read a book by Roberts before this one and know I have not read any from this series but if you are looking for a nice read with a holiday feel this is a great book to pick up.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

October 21, 2015October 18, 2015

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kelly reviews Hot Holiday Nights by Jaci Burton

TITLE: Hot Holiday Nights
SERIES #: Play-by-Play
CHARACTERS: Alex McConnell, Ben Reynolds and Victoria Baldwin
AUTHOR: Jaci Burton
PUBLICATION DATE: October 20, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Victoria Baldwin is a successful sports agent who always puts work first—unless she’s on vacation. Then it’s all about play. On holiday in Hawaii over Christmas, she meets Alex McConnell, a successful young surfer on the islands for a surfing competition. She couldn’t think of a better vacation fling. But when she meets Ben Reynolds, Alex’s manager, she realizes she wants both men. This could be her hottest holiday ever, and the vacation that changes her life.

REVIEW:
In Hot Holiday Nights we get to follow sports agent Victoria Baldwin on her holiday trip to Hawaii. And it just happens to be the same time as a huge Surfing contest. Which brings some hottie surfers. Alex is a surfing super start and a very sweet guy who is looking for a good time will he is in Hawaii. Ben is Alex’s agent, best friend and was once a competitive surfer until he was hurt.
This was a very quick read and boy howdy it was spicy. Victoria is a women who knows what she wants and when she wants it. Alex, Victoria and Ben make a great team!!! I don’t want to give you too much but if you like the Play by Play series you will love this novella.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

October 14, 2015October 11, 2015

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Christmas At Evergreen Inn by Donna Alward

TITLE: Christmas At Evergreen Inn
SERIES #: Jewell Cove #4
CHARACTERS: Todd & Lainey
AUTHOR: Donna Alward
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/13/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Welcome back to Jewell Cove, where this holiday season, there happens to be no room at the inn…

When a December Nor’easter roars up the eastern seaboard, Jewell Cove cop Todd Ricker spends his day off being a Good Samaritan to stranded holiday travelers. But when the roads close and Todd can’t make his way home, he discovers that the Evergreen Inn is full up. Until another Good Samaritan opens her doors and offers him a place to stay…

Lainey Price is not looking forward to Christmas, but just because she’s not filled with the holiday spirit doesn’t mean she’s going to turn Todd out into the stormy night. Even if it means offering the handsome police officer the couch in her tiny cottage. But when the weather takes a turn for the worse, the two are snowed in for a wintry evening by the fire. With Christmas only a few days away, can Todd convince Lainey to open her heart to the season…and love?

REVIEW:
This is a cute holiday novella. Only about 80 pages so a quick read. The story is set at Christmas but not much is Christmas related more winter related but even that is ok. Here is the thing. I think the synopsis is a bit deceiving. I had the feeling that Lainey and Todd had never met. Todd was just a good samaritan there to help out and Lainey an innkeeper. But the two have known each other all their lives. I think that makes a big difference when starting the story.

Once I understood the dynamics of the relationship it was fine and I really enjoyed it. Like I said it was quick and a light read. Good to have around for short spans of reading time this holiday season.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

October 7, 2015October 5, 2015

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kelly & Kimberly review A Silver Wolf Christmas by Terry Spear

TITLE: A Silver Wolf Christmas
SERIES #: Heart Of The Wolf #17
CHARACTERS: C.J. Silver & Laurel MacTire
AUTHOR: Terry Spear
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/06/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Fans of shapeshifter romance will be thrilled to spend Christmas with the Silver Town werewolf pack…

C.J. Silver is eager to help the new she-wolves in town renovate the old hotel in time for the holidays, especially if it means spending time under the mistletoe with the alluring Laurel MacTire.

The bustle in the long abandoned hotel attracts the attention of human ghosthunters out to prove the place haunted, but the bigger problem is keeping them from discovering the werewolves in Silver Town. CJ and Laurel have to pull the wool over everyone’s eyes. Working together is a surprisingly hot holiday treat for two attractive and clever wolf shifters

KELLY’S REVIEW:
3 Hearts I enjoyed this story. I liked that it was set at Christmas time, yet didn’t have a huge “it’s a Christmas story” vibe. I really enjoyed C.J. and Laurel’s relationship. It was nice to see them grow as people and as a couple throughout this book. I enjoyed the ghostly elements of the story too.
I really liked the new wolfs we meet too. I am hoping that means more stories in the future :).
All and all this was another really good read by Ms. Spears

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4 Hearts I enjoyed this story. It is set at Christmas but I wouldn’t exactly say it is a holiday story. But it is still an enjoyable shifting story with a bit of a different kind of paranormal and a bit of suspense.

In the beginning I had a bit of a problem with this book. CJ seemed like a teenager with his first crush. He was written very young but as the book moved forward he seemed to change into a man and not a teen. I liked Laurel right off. She is the alpha of her three sisters and seems really mature which is why I couldn’t see her and CJ together at first.

We learn that the girls are in town for more than renovating the old hotel and it begins to feel a little like a ghost story. Is there is a ghost wolf? A haunted hotel? And what happened to the previous owners and the girls aunt?

After I got more into the book I enjoyed it more. The beginning was a bit rough and I did have a bit of a problem with how quickly to the reader the romance happened. It seemed like one day they were interested in each other but distant and the next they were dating and then mated. It just seemed fast to me. But as the book moved on the romance became more real to them I enjoyed it more. The suspense part was an added enjoyment. As I said I don’t know that I would call this a Christmas story even though it is brought up a few times but as a fan of paranormal romance you will enjoy it no matter what time of year it is.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

October 7, 2015October 5, 2015

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Wish Upon A Christmas Cake by Darcie Boleyn

TITLE: Wish Upon A Christmas Cake
CHARACTERS: Katie & Sam
AUTHOR: Darcie Boleyn
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/02/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The most wonderful time of the year?

Katie Warham has just one wish this year…to have the best Christmas ever!

If only she could lock herself away in a cloud of flour and sugar at her cosy little tearoom, Crumbtious Cakes, instead of spending the festive season trapped with her judgemental mother, crazy Aunt Gina and loved-up celebrity brother Carl…

But Katie never expected her ex-boyfriend, widower Sam – and his two adorable children – to turn up on her doorstep. She didn’t think that any man could tempt her under the mistletoe this year, but Sam might just prove the exception! And as the snow begins to fall and Katie puts the final touches to her famous Christmas cake, she begins to wonder, could her Christmas wish actually come true?

This holiday season, snuggle up by a roaring fire with a mulled wine and enjoy Darcie Boleyn’s festive winter warmer!

REVIEW:
I had a bit of a hard time with this story. First it was set in first person and that, for me, takes away from the story. I never felt a connection between Katie and Sam. Katie is just a bit uptight to me. I never really enjoyed reading her and since it was first person it was hard to move beyond her and enjoy the story.

Katie has been pining over Sam for years and compared every guy since to him. Sure we all have “the one that got away” but it seems to me she is the one who let him go so why is she upset? I don’t know. While this story had a lot of the Christmas spirit in it for some reason it just didn’t work for me.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.