Taking over the world, one book at a time
TITLE: Mistletoe Mansion
CHARACTERS:Kimmy & Luke
AUTHOR: Samantha Tonge
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/10/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Kimmy Jones has three loves: cupcakes, gossip magazines and dreaming of getting fit just by owning celeb workouts. When Kimmy’s Sensible Boyfriend told her he didn’t approve of her longing for the high life or her dream of starting a cupcake company Kimmy thought she could compromise – after all, she did return those five-inch Paris Hilton heels! But asking her to trade in cake-making for a job sorting potatoes is a step too far.
So, newly single – and newly homeless – Kimmy needs a dusting of Christmas luck. And, masquerading as a professional house sitter, her new temporary home is the stunning Mistletoe Mansion. Soon she’s best buds with glamorous next door golf WAG Melissa, and orders are pouring in for her fabulous Merry Berry cupcakes! The only thorn in her side is handsome handyman Luke, a distraction she definitely doesn’t need. And talking of distractions, something very odd is going on at night…
Kimmy is finally living the life she’s always wanted. But will her glimpse into the glittering lifestyle of the rich and famous be as glamorous as she’s always imagined…?
REVIEW:
I had the hardest time with this story and would have given it 2.5 but I am bumping it to mid-star because I think some of this was me. I have never been a fan of dumb-silly. I mean those kind of movies never even make me break a smirk while others can’t rave enough about it. So maybe it was just me.
First this story is set in England so the language is different but that is ok and just needs some understanding. The whole celebrity fascination didn’t sit with me either. I, again, am not the type that watch the reality shows or can’t wait for my People magazine to come in. I couldn’t care less about celebrities so Kimmy’s obsession is not something I can get behind.
I guess the story is ok. The characters got on my nerves more often than not. I didn’t get why Kimmy was so wrapped up in Adam when he was so hot and cold. Luke is ok but I really don’t get his fascination with Kimmy. This story was just not for me (can you tell?) but maybe someone who enjoys silly comedy would appreciate it.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Her Holiday Man
CHARACTERS: Christina & Will
AUTHOR: Shannon Stacey
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/03/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Christina Forrester is starting over. After a financial scandal sent her ex-husband to prison, she’s left raising her young son without any of the comforts of their old life. Budgets, coupons, lawn care—you name it, she’s learning to do it all on her own. Well, almost on her own—she’d be lost without Gail Broughton, the kind widow across the street. But when Gail’s son comes home, Christina’s vow to never trust a man again is put to the test.
Will Broughton left town because he was tired of being “that poor man” who lost his wife and unborn child in a tragic accident. But years have passed and, with his dad gone and his mom alone, it’s time to go home. Only his mother’s not alone. She’s taken Christina under her wing, and the beautiful and determined single mother awakens something in Will he thought was buried forever.
As Will and Christina are forced to spend more time together, feelings that are more than neighborly grow between them. And with Christmas coming and a child filling both houses with holiday cheer, it becomes nearly impossible not to embrace the joy—and the love—in their lives.
REVIEW:
This is a short holiday novella of only about 75 pages. This is a very enjoyable read that really can get you into the Christmas spirit. Christina is starting over from a rich fancy life and is now without anything but her son and yet seems happier than ever. Will is coming back to hometown that he has run away from for years and finds more there than he bargained for.
I felt every bit of the Christmas feel that the author put in this story. I loved the connection that Christina, Nathaniel and Grammy Gail have even before Will comes into the picture. Most of us have had that “adopted gramma” in our lives and that is what Grammy Gail is to Nathaniel and the love they feel towards each other is so sweet. And the connection between Will and Christina is enjoyable to read as well.
This is a perfect novella to have ready to curl in front of the Christmas tree and enjoy when you have the house to yourself. It won’t take long to read and yet will make you feel ready to start the holidays.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Yours for Christmas
SERIES #: Fools Gold #15.5
CHARACTERS: Kenny Scott & Bailey Voss
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: October 28, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Step out of the winter chill and into the warmth of Fool’s Gold, California, the charming small-town setting for a new holiday novella from New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery
Famous former NFL stars don’t date single working moms like Bailey Voss. She’ll allow herself to daydream about Kenny Scott’s muscles and killer smile, but wanting more would lead to post-holiday regret. Then Kenny volunteers to run a toy drive with Bailey, and she learns that he’s not just hot…he’s also generous, funny, nice. The whole package—tantalizingly out of reach.
The ache of past loss reminds Kenny why he needs to avoid getting too close to anyone. Especially to a gorgeous redhead and her adorable little girl. Mess it up, and he’d lose them both. Yet Kenny can only resist Bailey for so long. And as festive spirit spreads throughout the town, he’s all wrapped up in Bailey’s sweet, sexy kisses and determined to make this the first of many Christmases together
KELLY’S REVIEW:
4 Hearts As with all novella’s my review will be short and sweet.
Another great trip to the wonderful town of Fool’s Gold, California. I was so excited to read Kenny’s book. The tension between Kenny and Bailey has been growing over the last two book, ever since the Boys of The Score PR firm moved to Fool’s Gold. I really enjoyed Kenny & Bailey’s book. While I am a little sad that Kenny only got a novella I think that Ms. Mallery did a wonderful job with the story. Yes I would have liked more. But I am not sure that there would have been enough for a full length novel.
I am looking forward to the next book in this series!
KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Fool’s Gold is one of my favorite places to visit and Christmas time makes the visit even sweeter. This romance has been in the making for a long time. The moment Chloe walked up to Kenny he was a goner. It just took him all this time to realize it.
This is a short novella and therein lies the problem I wish this had been longer. I love Bailey and was so thrilled for her to be moving on with her life with Chloe. And Kenny is just a great guy and we have loved him through all the other books and it was sad that we didn’t get more of their romance.
No one should miss any of the books in the Fool’s Gold series but if you haven’t read any I suggest starting with this year’s trilogy of stories so you understand the connection of Bailey, Kenny and Chloe.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley & e-book Harlequin HQN in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: Oh Naughty Night
CHARACTERS: Main Characters
AUTHOR: Leslie Kelly
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/21/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Hot for the holidays!
Every Halloween party has its share of eye candy, and journalist Chaz Browning has just spotted a treat he can’t resist;a deliciously wicked witch with sparkly red hair and deep, dark eyes that promise all kinds of sexy tricks. She wants no names. No strings. Just a night of lust-filled magic.
The witch’s mask may hide her face, but Lulu Vandenberg knows exactly who Chaz is. They spent most of their childhoods tormenting each other. So the moment Chaz touches her and everything turns to lust, Lulu knows she can never reveal her identity. But desire has a memory of its own, and Chaz has vowed to find his fantasy woman before the holidays end.
REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is a cute sort of holiday romance. There honestly isn’t much about the holiday but that is ok. It is a sweet story anyway. It can be a little wordy with the memories of Chaz and Lulu’s childhood together. It reminds us too many times that Lulu can’t tell Chaz who she is. But other than that it is cute. The bedroom scenes are done well and not overdone. It is only about 200 pages so it is a short story. The characters connect really well and share a great chemistry.
I will read the next in the series and look forward to it.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Christmas With A SEAL
CHARACTERS: Frankie & Phillip
AUTHOR: Tawny Weber
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/21/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Subject: Navy SEAL Lieutenant Phillip Banks
Mission: Resist one saucy redhead’s attempts to de-Scrooge him and seduce him!
Silversmith Frankie Silvera has lost her creative mojo. And she knows how to get it back—by getting her sexy on with a certain hot sailor. Just the thought of Phillip’s hard, Navy-trained body against her, and everything goes molten. He’s the “inspiration” Frankie needs for the holidays!
Navy SEAL Phillip Banks is the prince of protocol. But after his last mission went horribly off-course, all of that control has dissipated. Now he’s at the mercy of one very determined female who is pulling out all the stops on Operation Christmas—including red-hot lingerie and the promise of oh-so-wicked delights But does giving in mean giving up everything he’s worked for?
REVIEW:
I’m sorry to say that I really just didn’t feel it with this story. The characters didn’t seem to have much chemistry and it felt more like Frankie was using Phillip at first.The idea of the story is a bit cliche which could be fine since a lot of Harlequin romances can be but I just never got into this story.
There was a lot of potential with this book but it just never got off the ground.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: On the Naughty List
CHARACTERS: Multiple
AUTHOR: Lori Foster, Carly Phillips, Beth Ciotta & Sugar Jamison
PUBLICATION DATE: October 14, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The most wonderful time of the year is back with On The Naughty List, bringing perennial favorite holiday stories from Lori Foster and Carly Phillips, along with two Christmas stories that delighted readers a year ago. This sexy anthology will make you want to give your heart to Christmas again and again…
Lori Foster has two co-workers plan a Christmas party side-by-side-and discover a love worth celebrating in Christmas Bonus.
Carly Phillips explores a “mistletoe moment” when a no-nonsense lawyer intent on seducing her boss meets his twin instead–and gives him a scintillating kiss that leaves him begging for more in Naughty Under the Mistletoe.
Beth Ciotta brings two friends who, after years apart, together at home for the holidays. They don’t seem to have much in common anymore, but when the two get stranded together during a blizzard, they are forced to reexamine if they are better off as “just friends”? Or could it be that true love was there all along? in Some Kind of Wonderful.
In Sugar Jamison’s Have Yourself a Curvy Little Christmas, former wild child Dina Gregory returns home to New York to find the father of her young son. Instead, she finds his stuffy older brother, Ben. Ben can’t help but admire her tenacity—and her bold beauty. Could it be that Dina has reignited his Christmas spirit?
KELLY’S REVIEW:
4 Hearts It is always hard to review novella’s without giving too much of the story away so below is a quick and dirty review for each.
Christmas Bonus: Characters: Eric Bragg & Maggie Carmichael
Eric has been interest in Maggie for years, except now she is his boss. Any hope of a relationship with her has gone out the window. Or has it?
Maggie needs Eric. She needs him to help her by being her date for the company Christmas party. It is the perfect plan to seduce the man she is in love with. But will Eric take the bait?
Eric & Maggie were great!!
Naughty Under the Mistletoe: Characters: Maxwell Cobin & Antonia Larson
A hot kiss under the mistletoe with the man of your dreams is the perfect way to start the holiday season. Only problem Toni just kissed the wrong man.
And Max thought going to his father’s company Christmas party was going to be boring.
Max & Toni were really fun to read.
Some Kind of Wonderful: Characters: Zachery Cole & Maya Templeton
This was a fun quick Cupcake Lover’s read. Maya & Zach have been friends for years. The best of friends, but never anything more. But when the holiday’s bring them back together fire works spark.
Since this is a novella I am not giving you more than that. But if you love Beth’s other Cupcake Lover’s stories you will enjoy Some Kind of Wonderful.
Have Yourself a Curvy Little Christmas: Characters: Ben Rowe & Dina Gregory
I think this was my favorite story of the four. I love Ben & Dina!
I just loved Ben. He is dark, stuffy and stubborn and in need of a lot of light and laughter in this life.
Dina is one tough cookie who has not lived the best life. But now that she has her son she wants to be better and that means facing the father of her son.
I for sure am going to pick up more of Sugar Jamison’s stories.
KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Christmas Bonus: 3 Hearts – This story was just ok. While short it seemed to take forever to read. The characters just don’t seem to mesh either. Erik acts like a old man not just in his early thirties. And Maggie is 22 but asks like the 17 year old she was when they met. Not my cup of tea.
Naughty Under The Mistletoe: 3.5 Hearts – This story is cute. Different with the whole twin brother thing. Enjoyable short read.
Some Kind Of Wonderful: 3.5 Hearts – This is part of a series that I haven’t read. It is cute. I wanted to read more but it was still good. I may have to go back to read the series.
Have Yourself A Curvy Little Christmas: I read this story last winter. I gave it 4 stars. See review at Books-n-Kisses.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & St. Martins in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: The Christmas Light
CHARACTERS: Various
AUTHOR: Donna VanLiere
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/14/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the small town of Grandon, five very different people discover the true meaning of Christmas. Jennifer and Ryan are both single parents, struggling with their own losses and heartache as they attempt to move forward in the present while still holding onto the memories, joy, and heartache of the past. Sixteen-year-old Kaylee is faced with a life-changing situation that has affected her whole family. Stephen and Lily are happily married and ready to start a family. All of them are facing their own struggles, and all are finding their way through the dark. When they are brought together for a rather unconventional church Nativity, they will learn that with strength, courage, and love, there is always hope. The New York Times bestselling author of the beloved The Christmas Hope series returns with this new heartwarming, inspirational story about the power of love and faith to reveal the possibilities that lay right in front of you.
REVIEW:
This was a hard read for me. Mainly because of the writing. It is written as if the author is writing a screenplay. It is distracting if you ask me. The rest of the story was fine and had a sweet holiday feel good feeling about it but it was hard for me to get passed the writing. This is my first book by this author even though everyone probably knows The Christmas Shoes from the song. Just not my cup of tea.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: A Highland Wolf Christmas
SERIES #: Heart of the Wolf #15
CHARACTERS: Guthrie MacNeill & Calle Steward
AUTHOR: Terry Spears
PUBLICATION DATE: October 7, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Financial advisor Guthrie MacNeill isn’t a complete Scrooge—he just hates the enormous cost associated with the Christmas holiday season. Needless to say, when his pack hires a party planner to decorate the castle, he’s at his wit’s end. Until Calla Stewart arrives on the scene with her mistletoe in hand.
Calla has never had a client as difficult as Guthrie, but she’s determined to give the pack a Christmas season they will never forget—no matter how much it costs. But when her ex-fiancé begins stalking her and threatening her safety, Guthrie decides to loosen his grip on the purse strings and let out his inner Highland warrior wolf to protect her.
KELLY’S REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Another good Highland Wolf story by Ms. Spears. I enjoyed reading about Guthrie & Calla. These two were fun to read about in Hero of a Highland Wolf when Calla stole Guthrie boxers and hung them up on a pole. From that moment on I knew these two would be great fun to read. And of course the did not disappoint. Both are coming off of bad breakups and both are a little gun shy about a new relationship. Yet they can’t seem to keep their hands and lips for that matter off each other. So rationally the only thing to do is court right? Unfortunately the pass and the people in it keep coming back to try to hurt Calla. But that doesn’t stop them from having a great story.
I am looking forward to the next installment in the Highland Wolf series.
Favorite scene: what is a male wolf to do when trapped under a christmas, while trapping the she wolf he is interested in under him? Well kiss the hell out of her of course. hehehehe Love it. Kissing under the Mistletoe my but, new holiday tradition kissing under the falling christmas tree.
KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts I enjoyed this story very much. I have read some of the series but not all of it but this certainly can be read as a stand alone you will just have the feeling that you missed the story of some of the background characters.
Cassie and Guthrie seem to be perfect for each other. We met Cassie in the last book and we knew she was meant for Guthrie when she stole his boxers for the pirate party the lass’ were having. And we knew there was a connection right then and there and boy is there. Cassie is just coming off of a broken engagement to a wolf she thinks she loved but once she is with Guthrie she wonders if she ever really loved the other wolf. But Baird is not letting her go and while it takes a while we learn why.
The connection that the brothers have is a wonderful back story as well. The closeness is something every family should have. I will say there is not a lot about Christmas in this story so if you are wanting a Holiday themed story this is really not it. But it is a sweet winter tale and one to enjoy if you enjoy the genre.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: The Christmas Wedding Ring
CHARACTERS: Dylan Black & Molly Anderson
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: Reissue date October 7, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Re-issue of Wedding Ring Promise – Originally published 1998.
New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery returns with a classic story of destiny, desire and a little holiday magic!
In her youth, Molly Anderson couldn’t help crushing on gorgeous bad-boy Dylan Black?even though he only had eyes for her older sister. When things didn’t work out between them, he said goodbye to Molly as well, vowing they’d have a great adventure when she grew up. Years later, dumped by her fianc? just before Christmas, she’s finally ready to take Dylan up on his promise.
A guarded Dylan always had a weakness for Molly, and when she waltzes back into his life?grown-up and gorgeous?he’s stunned. So why not whisk her away for some no-strings-attached fun?
Laughter-filled days and late-night kisses are changing Molly’s life, for good. The only gift she truly wants now is Dylan’s love, but when he discovers the secret she’s been keeping, she may lose him again?this time forever
KELLY’S REVIEW:
4 Hearts As a warning: this is a rei-issue of Ms. Mallery’s The Wedding Ring Promise. It even states that in the blurb so when I see that people are complaining about it being a re-issue it upsets me. But any ways. I loved this story. It was a quick and sweet read.
You know what they say about bad things coming in three’s will Molly Anderson’s week from hell fits that bill perfectly. First, she gets downsized. Second, she finds out her now ex-fiance ran off to Mexico with his secretary. And lastly, could be a matter of life or death. So what is one to do when faced with the week from hell? You find an old gift from a friend with a promise of “Whenever, Wherever, I will be there for you and talk you on an adventure”.
The last person Dylan Black ever expected to darken his door step was little Molly Anderson, who is not so little any more. When Molly comes to collect on a promise made 14 years ago he is ready. Ready to take a step away from his life and the decisions he needs to make.
I really loved Dylan and Molly’s story. While this story line might have been told many many times (Bad boy and the girl who had a major crush on him) Ms. Mallery made it feel like the first time I read that story line. I loved the drama of Molly’s week and how well Dylan deals with her ups and downs. I really enjoyed watching these two fall in love.
If you are a Susan Mallery fan and have not read this story yet I would suggest picking up a copy of The Christmas Wedding Ring and find out for yourself.
KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts I thought I had pretty much read every Susan Mallery book out there but somehow I missed them one but I am glad I finally got a chance to read it because I really enjoyed it. I will say it is certainly different than the way Mallery writes now but at the same time it still has the same feel to it. Molly is strong even though she is going through a lot and I mean a lot. Dylan is gorgeous and has a heart of gold. That is what the basis is for any of Mallery’s books and this does not disappoint.
This story is a lesson of life in a sweet holiday story. This is Mallery’s story that reminds us to live in the moment, do not take anything for granted and to enjoy what you have because you never know when it will be taken away. Molly is going through so much. Within three days her life falls apart and yet she holds her head high, she has a smile on her face and she has a sense of humor. Yes she is scared but she is also living. Dylan is supportive and a great gy but honestly while he is a big part of the story and we learn a bit of a lesson for him this is truly Molly’s story.
Susan Mallery’s stories are not to be missed. Even this re-release.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Edelweiss & Harlequin in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: The Christmas He Loved Her
SERIES #: Bad Boys of Crystal Lake #2
CHARACTERS: Raine & Jake
AUTHOR: Juliana Stone
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/01/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
All he wants this Christmas is her.
In the small town of Crystal Lake, Christmas is a time for sledding, hot chocolate, and cozying up to the fire with those you love. For Jake Edwards, it’s also time to come home and face his past. He thought there would never be anything harder than losing his brother. Turns out there is: falling in love with his brother’s widow, Raine.
Ever since they were little, Jesse was the Edwards brother who was always there for her, and Jake was the one who knew just how to push her buttons. Raine can’t imagine a life without them, which is why it was doubly decimating when Jake left town after his brother’s sudden death. Now he’s back and she doesn’t know whether to be mad or thrilled. Maybe both. Maybe it will be the perfect chance for both of them to finally find happiness again.
REVIEW:
What a sad story. Raine most certainly is suffering from depression which of course does not make for much of a holiday romance. Jake is suffering from PTSD so the two of them really need more than just each other. The characters seem so angry with each other, with themselves and with the world.
I also had a hard time with Raine being in such a depression yet she feels love for her dead husband’s twin brother? Raine is so self-absorbed that I found her hard to like. She thinks she is the only one suffering. Jake has been with Jesse his entire life but Jake should think Raine’s pain was more important than his own? I like Jake and want him to turn out happy but I can’t imagine he would really be happy with a person like Raine.
I really enjoyed the first book in the series and wanted to read this one so much but it didn’t have the same feel as the first one. I will say the sorrow in this series is so real the reader feels depressed too and that I guess is a sign of a good book. The problem is I just never connected with Raine.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: A Fool’s Gold Christmas
SERIES #: Fool’s Gold #9.5
CHARACTERS: Dante Jefferson & Evie Stryker
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: September 25, 2012
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The unrelenting cheer in Fool’s Gold, California, is bringing out the humbug in dancer Evie Stryker. She learned early on that Christmas miracles don’t happen, at least not for her. And this year seems like no exception. An injury has forced her to return to the family fold, no matter that they’re estranged. She won’t add to the awkward scenario by being seduced by the bad-boy charms of her brother’s best friend, the last man she should ever want to date. Even when she’s recruited to stage Fool’s Gold’s winter festival, she vows to do as promised, then move forward with her life anywhere but here.
Jaded lawyer Dante Jefferson is getting used to the backwater town he now reluctantly calls home, but the pounding of little dancers’ feet above his temporary office is more than any man should have to take! When he confronts their gorgeous teacher, he’s unprepared for the attraction that sears him down to the soul. Evie is his best friend’s sister-off-limits unless he’s willing to risk his heart. Dante has always believed that love is the most dangerous force in the universe, but that was before he had to reckon with the magic of a certain small town, where miracles do seem to happen….
REVIEW:
Dante has been forced to move to the little town of Fool’s Gold because his business partner has decided that this is where he needs to be. That doesn’t mean he is happy about it or about the dance studio that is clogging away above his head. But Dante is planning on putting a stop to the noise once and for all. That is until he sees who the dance teachers is.
Evie is back in Fool’s Gold. Not because she wants to, but because her family dragged her back. But now that she is back she is going to make the best of her time. As long as she can steer clear of her mother & brothers. Steering clear of her brothers business partner is not going to be as easy.
Dante & Evie are both dealing with so much pain from the past. Pain that is making them blind to everything that they could to each other. But can the christmas season bring these two together or will they be left hurting even more?
Another good story from Susan Mallery. I really enjoy every trip that I take to Fool’s Gold and can’t wait to see what Susan has in store next for the people of Fool’s Gold.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & Harlequin HQN in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
