A Snowglobe Christmas

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A Family's Christmas Wish, A Snowglobe Christmas, Book Review, Linda Goodnight, Lissa Manley, Yuletide Homecoming

A Snowglobe Christmas brings readers two sweet holiday stories about people learning to trust in God’s plan. Amy Caldwell is returning to Snowglobe, Montana to take over her mother’s store. She left five years ago when her fiancé, Rafe Westfield, chose the Marines over her. Now she’s back, but so is Rafe. Sara Kincaid has a bad history with men – her father left when Sara was twelve and her own husband left when she was 9 months pregnant. Time spent with widower Owen Larsen and his daughter Janey shows her what a good, solid man is like. The only problem is that he is moving in a couple of weeks. Can these couples open themselves up to God and see the path He has in mind for them?

In Yuletide Homecoming, Linda Goodnight creates two characters battling with their pasts. Amy’s father left her when she was a child and Rafe’s choosing his military career over her just emphasized her abandonment issues. She wants to protect herself from being hurt by Rafe again, but God has other ideas and throws the two together. Rafe thought he was doing the best for both of them when he joined the military but haunted by what he saw in war he has his own burdens and spending time with Amy again makes him question if he made the right decision before. Their struggles will touch your heart and their journey back to each other is a perfect complement to the holiday season.

Lissa Manley’s A Family’s Christmas Wish is also touching and emotion-packed. Sara and Owen have had their own troubles – Sara’s horrible luck with men and the death Owen’s wife have lead the two to believe they are better off on their own. However, a friendship that blossoms between their adorable daughters means the two spend a lot of time together and they realize that there may be more to life than what they have. Sara is sweet and sensitive; she’s a great mother and good friend. Owen is caring and giving. He tries very hard to be a good father, especially now that his daughter has lost her mother. Both are afraid of getting hurt and Manley does a wonderful job showing their deepening feelings, their conflict with themselves and their choices for the future.

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Lean on Me

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Book Review, HelenKay Dimon, Holloway series, Lean on Me

Lean on Me is the second in HelenKay Dimon’s Holloway series. Cassidy Clarke has traveled the world to climb some of the tallest mountains but she now finds herself in her small West Virginia hometown, broke and without direction. Unfortunately the town isn’t very welcoming since she bad-mouthed them during an interview. Unexpectedly championed by one of the town’s much loved sons, former classmate Mitch Anders, Cassidy finds herself accepting an offer of a place to stay . . . with him.

This is a pretty short book, a quick read at just over 100 pages. Cassidy is at a crossroads, but she handles it with grace and courage. Mitch is flirty, charming and fun. His interactions with Cassidy and his friends are funny and entertaining. For the most part he’s confident, in a witty and audacious way that makes him fantastic, but he has his own issues and that was my only problem with the story. I don’t know if it was because it is so short, but I didn’t feel like his romantic hang-up with Cassidy was given enough detail. It seemed to come on too quickly at the end but the resolution was satisfying and touching, as was the majority of the book.

As with most romance series set in small towns, this one is eccentric and entertaining. The inhabitants have a gossip grapevine that defies description and makes for some humorous, exasperating and embarrassing situations. Being the second book in a series, those who have read It’s Not Christmas Without You will get another glimpse of the inhabitants of Holloway, West Virginia. But if you haven’t, that’s ok – I haven’t and did not feel it impacted my enjoyment of this one.

If you are looking for a quick, humorous read, pick up Lean on Me. It’s full of romance, quirkiness and fun.

The Three Musketeers: Surrender the Dark

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Book Review, Donna Kauffman, Surrender the Dark, The Three Musketeers

Jarrett McCullough heads an independent consulting company that works with the government to deliver sensitive information into the most dangerous areas of the world. His latest case has gone drastically wrong and he finds himself wounded on the doorstep of the last person he wants to see. Two years ago Rae Gannon’s last job for Jarrett ended badly and she retreated to a remote mountain cabin. Finding her ex-boss on her doorstep brings back horrible memories of that time, as well as a new awareness of him as a man and the danger of the past she thought she’d left behind.

Surrender the Dark is an emotionally charged books about two people coming terms with the decisions they’ve made and the people they’ve become. The secret, life-and-death nature of their jobs have left Jarrett and Rae emotionally distant, suspicious and wary. Kauffman does an excellent job of providing details into their thoughts and feelings, creating believable characters with moving issues that readers will understand. Their growth throughout the story is well-developed and touching, mixed with intimate scenes that are hot enough to sizzle the page.

Jarrett’s case is an underlying theme, creating conflict between them, but the related action does not make an appearance until the last couple of chapters. You’ll be disappointed if you go into it expecting a lot of intrigue, but it is a story centered on the people, not the case, and in this it definitely delivers.

This is the first in Donna Kauffman’s The Three Musketeers series and one of Loveswept’s Classic Romances. Almost all of the story includes only the two so there isn’t really a secondary cast, although Jarrett’s friends (the other two musketeers) make an appearance toward the end and have their own follow-up books. Originally published in the mid-90s, the story holds up exceptionally well with only a minor instance with technology showing its age. The anchor is the personal side of Jarrett and Rae, an emotional journey that is not dictated by when the book was written.

Forever Werewolf

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Book Review, Forever Werewolf, Michele Hauf

In Forever Werewolf, Trystan Hawkes is an omega wolf, a lone wolf without a pack. His father is half-werewolf, half-vampire and his mother is full-blood vampire, which rules out acceptance from traditional werewolf packs. He comes to Castle Wulfsiege on an errand for his father’s company, delivering a package to the pack leader, and ends up staying to help dig them out after an avalanche. His immediate, and mutual, attraction to the leader’s daughter could cause them both issues as Alexis is hiding her own secret … as is another member of the pack.

This is a solid paranormal romance – Hauf does a good job of detailing the rules of her world to those who aren’t familiar with it, without overburdening those that are. As with any other-worldly book, readers have to come into it with an open mind, but nothing in the story stretches realism too far (well, for a world full of witches, vampires and werewolves). Tryst is a good solid alpha male, complete with his own issues and troubles, but he is smart, sensitive, and giving. He is willing to help strangers in a crisis and wants only to do what is best. Lexi has her own problems but she too is smart and wants what is best for her pack. The interactions between the two are hot and steamy, with a good dose of fun. There are plenty of scuffles and some pack intrigue that keep things interesting, even outside of Tryst & Lexi’s romance.

This is a 2 for 1 book and includes a second, bonus Michele Hauf story – Moon Kissed.

Contest – Naughty & Nice Holiday Hop

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contest, Naughty & Nice Holiday Hop

To celebrate the release of Naughty & Nice, (on sale 11/5) written by authors extraordinaire, Ruthie Knox, Molly O’Keefe &Stefanie Sloane, we’re hopping!

Prizes – R@R is giving away (must be 18 or older to participate):

• 15 Net Galley Preview copy winners of Naughty & Nice +
• 5 ABOUT LAST NIGHT paper giveaways (US only) +
• Grand Prize of $15 Gift Certificate to eRetailer of choice!!

Mark your calendars – begins 10/22, then enter to win at a Rafflecopter giveaway!!  (click the contest picture on the right for more chances to win)

Lady Louisa’s Christmas Knight

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Book Review, Grace Burrowes, Lady Louisa's Christmas Knight, Windham Family

Lady Louisa’s Christmas Knight is the newest in Grace Burrowes’s Windham family Series. Lady Louisa is the oldest of the Duke’s single daughters and should be the next to get married. However, she is hiding a secret that she believes limits her prospects until it can be resolved. Sir Joseph Carrington fought in the war with a couple of Lady Louisa’s brothers and is a family friend. The two begin to get closer but Sir Joseph thinks his lack of title puts him beneath Lady Louisa’s notice, plus he has a secret of his own. A rake’s attempt at ruining her has Sir Joseph offering marriage and the two must decide if their secrets can be shared or if they will destroy everything.

This story is the perfect balance – a heartwarming romance, with a dash of intrigue to keep things interesting and a touch of holiday cheer. The characters are well-developed and their romance is slow & sweet as they start to see each other in a different light. Lady Louisa is unique and quirky, an original with a sharp mind and big heart. She’s found her perfect match in Sir Joseph and their interactions are funny, playful and touching. He’s honorable, intelligent, and witty, with a strong heart and deep character which makes him perfect hero material. They have great chemistry and you find yourself rooting for them from the very beginning.

Lady Louisa’s family plays a huge part in her life so they are all well represented in this story. Many of them have had their own story so readers are given an update on their lives, however it will not affect your enjoyment of this one if you’ve never read another of Burrowes’s books. The secondary characters are fantastic though, unique and entertaining, and the writing is beautifully done, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself finishing this story and heading out to get the previous books.

The Convenient Bride

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Book Review, Jennifer St George, The Convenient Bride

The Convenient Bride is a lovely story about a man coming to grips with his past. Sienna will do just about anything to save her family’s hotel and Antonio Moretti is willing to use that to his advantage. If Sienna does not pay off the loan Antonio gave her father immediately then he will take control of the hotel by default. He is willing to make her a deal though, one that will allow her the time to get the hotel on its feet, but in exchange she has to become his wife for a year. Antonio needs a better image in order to secure a hotel owned by his aunt and uncle. They don’t approve of his playboy lifestyle and he believes that aligning himself with Sienna could change their minds. But nothing in his experience prepares him for Sienna.

Due to a tragedy in his past Antonio has walled himself off from everyone and put all of his attention into his work … and into women. He’s ruthless and driven but removed, enjoying the finer things in life without emotional involvement. Sienna is all about family and has given up her own dreams to help her dad with his hotel. She’s smart, sexy and caring. She’s not at all familiar with the wealthy world that Antonio lives in and her refreshing attitude causes him to re-evaluate the way he looks at life. (I’d say she’s like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman but I don’t want to give anyone the idea that she’s a hooker. The more cynical might disagree since Antonio is paying her to be his wife and, though that isn’t something most of us can imagine doing, Sienna handles it with style and grace). The reveal of Antonio’s secret tragedy is very emotional and the ending is quite touching. This is a fast-paced story, just days pass from beginning to end, but for those that love the idea of a soul-mate, someone who is so perfect for you that you recognize it immediately, it is a delightfully precious tale, regardless of the timing.

Seven Nights in a Rogue’s Bed

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Anna Campbell, Book Review, Seven Nights in a Rogue's Bed, Sons of Sin Series

I love Seven Nights in a Rogue’s Bed – I’ve read it twice now because a while back I received an advance copy and was intrigued enough by the story that I read it right away. I wanted to wait until the publication date to write the review, so I read it again to make sure I remembered it right … Loved it then and love it now.

Roberta owes her husband’s cousin, Jonas, a lot of money but he is willing to overlook the debt if she becomes his mistress for a week. The two cousins have been enemies all of their lives and if her husband finds out about the debt, there is no telling what he could do to her. In order to protect her sister, Sidonie takes Roberta’s place in meeting Jonas for a week at a remote castle. She expects to find a scarred, heartless monster willing to take her virtue during a week of sin but what she finds instead is a complex, intriguing man – a man more dangerous to her heart than to her body.

Jonas is scarred on the inside as well as out. He’s had a lot of people let him down and a lifetime of betrayal has made him a harsh, ruthless man. He has the potential to be so much more than society expects of him and he just needs someone to believe in him, to be there for him. Someone who can see behind the scars and cynical persona to the person underneath. Sidonie is strong and caring – two things she will need to deal with Jonas.

Seven Nights in a Rogue’s Bed is an touching, exciting ride. When Sidonie and Jonas aren’t steaming up the pages, they are tugging at your heartstrings. The characters are complex, well-developed and troubled. You quickly find yourself drawn to them, wanting the best for them, and just when things start going well Campbell yanks the rug out from under you.

This book is an emotional roller-coaster from the beginning – Jonas has not had an easy life and they have to be willing to face a lot of demons before even thinking about a happily-ever-after. It is the first in The Sons of Sin Series and if the kick-off is any indication it will definitely be exciting.

Sultry with a Twist

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Book Review, Macy Beckett, Sultry with a Twist

Sultry with a Twist is the sweet debut romantic novel from Macy Beckett and she brings readers a winner. Mae-June Augustine left her home town of Sultry Springs nine years ago with a broken heart and she’s not been back since. But now she discovers that, due to an indiscretion on graduation day, she has to go home to serve a month of community service. Being back brings her together with the two people who hurt her all those years ago – the grandmother who raised her and the man who held her heart before crushing it. Will this prove to be her time for second chances or will she leave devastated all over again?

You’ll find yourself wanting to shake Luke and then give him a big hug. He has self-esteem and relationship problems related to his childhood – his mother left him with June’s grandmother when he was 12, causing him to feel that he isn’t good enough to be loved. These abandonment issues have driven his life so far but he’s finally at a point where it could turn around. Because otherwise he’s a good man – kind, hardworking, thoughtful, and generous – he just needs to see that in himself.

June has done some growing up and coming back home shows her things she hadn’t seen before. She was too young then to realize there were reasons for the way both her grandmother and Luke acted. But she’s got the spunk and the patience to handle things differently this time around.

Sultry with a Twist is a wonderful emotional mixture – humorous, sexy, and heart-warming. The characters are home-grown, solid folk and Beckett makes them real. She also makes them quirky, funny and fun. This is the first in a series so readers can expect to see more of this great little town and its entertaining population, which will be a treat. Full of small town charm, Macy Beckett’s books will be a fast addition to the gotta read pile.

Hunk for the Holidays

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Book Review, Hunk for the Holidays, Katie Lane

Katie Lane’s Hunk for the Holidays brings readers the classic romance plot device of mistaken identity – Cassie McPherson works hard at her family’s construction business and since her last relationship ended a little over a year ago she’s not had time to date. So to avoid any matchmaking from friends and family, she hires an escort to take her to a holiday party. This isn’t the first time she’s had to do this, but it is the first time she’s wanted more from the guy she’s hired . . . or at least she thinks she’s hired. Bowled over by his first glimpse of Cassie, James Sutton goes along with her misconception and quickly finds himself seriously attracted to her. But as things start to heat up, he needs to find a way to tell her that he’s not actually an escort but her business’s biggest rival.

Even using a common theme, Lane does a wonderful job giving readers characters that are appealing, sexy and fun to read. You might wonder if anyone would actually find themselves in this situation, but then you realize that you are enjoying yourself too much to care. Cassie successfully and hilariously channels Lucille Ball, managing to get herself in one embarrassing situation after another. She’s not all that confident in her appeal, more comfortable on a job site than in anything girlie, but she’s smart and sassy which gives her her own unique style. Jake, with I Love Lucy moments of his own, is attractive, funny and charming. And definitely interested in Cassie. He just has to figure out how to get out of the mess he’s made.

The story is more slapstick than deep, but it works just fine. The characters are engaging, the story is funny, and it makes for an entertaining, satisfying read – that’s more than enough for me.