Tag Archives: Book Review

Book Review – Follow the Snowflakes

12 Tuesday Dec 2017

Posted by in Blog Tour, Book Review, Contest, Sneak Peek

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

, ,

Who loves sappy Christmas romances?!?!?  (I do, I do!!)

*****

Follow the Snowflakes: A Christmas Novella

by Angelina Kerner

Date Published: December 15, 2017

Genre: Chick-lit, contemporary romance

Publisher: KDP Select

Blurb:

At 28, it’s bad to be single. After four years of relationship struggles, Cat is ready to try anything.

That’s when her friend tells her about her class’ Dear Santa letters. One little boy asked for a new mommy, and she suggests Cat meets the kid’s dad, just to see where things go. Cat figures it can’t hurt…until she meets a stranger in the midst of a car accident. The man is handsome with a sad look in his eyes. He still wears a wedding band and she’s not sure his heart’s available, even if he makes her heart race. But, maybe he’s a widower? Cat wonders if she should resign herself to being an old maid, or whether she could possibly be the answer to a little boy’s Christmas wish, unless there’s a third option – a future with the stranger.

add to Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36555250-follow-the-snowflakes-a-christmas-novella

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07733X13J?ref_=pe_2427780_160035660

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/follow-the-snowflakes

Book Trailer Link: https://youtu.be/9I9tcpMrg4s

*****

Excerpt:

Sunday

December 17th, 2017

Dear Diary,

When I eventually return to read my entries in my old age, I’ll always remember just how miserable I was in December of 2017. I should have had a diary when I was a teen; then it would have been funny to re-read what I went through back then. When I was in high school, I didn’t have many friends. In fact, my mother introduced me to a girl on the day of orientation. Here’s the story:

Mom parked her car, and we got out. She began looking for all the gathered students outside of the gymnasium. I knew no one at the high school and Mom knew that too. It was mainly because I finished middle school in a different district and at that moment, I was not happy about the move. I gazed at the students and my Mom. She had that glint in her eyes that said a plan was forming and I could do nothing to stop it. After a minute, she motioned me to follow her and I did, just like the good girl that I was. We walked up to two girls. One had long brown hair and was wearing a loose shirt and long skirt, while the other had short blonde hair, glasses and wore a tiger t-shirt with jeans. Mom told them how it would be nice for them to take little old me into their friendship. They said ‘sure,’ and she just left me there.

You see Diary? Now those are memories. Memories of dating an engaged guy at 28, is not as good as that one, huh?

If you’re wondering, I couldn’t really make friends with the long skirt. She and I were too different. She was very opinionated, and I couldn’t hold a conversation without being confused. The glasses girl and I stayed friends until the first year of college. We grew apart after she moved away. I did hear from her once. She congratulated me on my degree. It was random. She sounded happy, and she met her life partner. I was happy for her, but that conversation didn’t rekindle the friendship that lasted for five years.

Now, I am off to work. Yes, I’m working today, although it’s a Sunday. There are branches open on Sundays; I am talking about the ones inside the grocery stores. My friend, Jessica, who’s a manager at one, called me to cover for her today because she has a cold. I couldn’t say no, so I need to go. Oh, and she told me to buy her crew breakfast! At least, we’re only open until 2 pm today.

Cat

PS: Buy those groceries TONIGHT, or you’ll be eating Chinese noodles, and not the take-out ones.

*****

Review:

Cat mentions Hallmark Channel Christmas movies a few times and you get the feel that that was the direction Kerner was going with her story.  It’s fun, lighthearted, and predictable, but still so very enjoyable.

After the latest bad surprise with her latest relationship, Cat is ready to write off men for a while.  Which, of course, means that they come out of the woodwork – her friend has a widower dad that might be a good match and she meets a guy at the scene of an accident.  (Think you can figure out where things go from here?  Yeah, but it is still an adventure.)

A relatively new author, Kerner still has a little growing to do as a writer but she has a ton of promise.  The characters are entertaining, the story flows well, and I found myself looking forward to seeing how it all came together.  All a mark of a good book in my opinion!

*****

Author Info:

ANGELINA KERNER is a self-published author of paranormal and lighthearted romance. She’s the wife of a photographer/physicist, and the mother of a cute little toddler, but she’s also been a dancer, a psychologist, an anthropologist, a geographer, a dreamer, and an adventurer. She does her best writing while being bothered by her cats, taking care of her son, in dressing rooms while waiting for family to try on clothing, and at home in sunny California. Angelina loves to play goddess-dragon matchmaker, transporting readers to a place where young goddesses have lovable flaws, the Fates plan to dethrone, the universe is endless and untamed, and dragons roam free! She also loves to write carefree romance where one can finish reading with a smile.

https://www.facebook.com/AngelinaKernerFiction (Facebook)

https://twitter.com/kernerangelina (Twitter)

https://kernerangelina.live/ (Blog)

https://www.pinterest.ca/angelinakerner/ (Pinterest)

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14651070.Angelina_Kerner (Goodreads)

*****

Giveaway:

“I have the sweetest Giveaway for the tour, open worldwide.

Included is a Wine bottle Christmas tree, chocolates, Rudolph hot chocolate with Snowflake marshmallows, a Christmas tree ornament and a signed copy of Seven Hours: Challenge Accepted.

While you read, you can enjoy chocolate!

Angelina XO”

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0e7c6a8f22/

*****

Schedule:

Dec. 11th

Reads & Reels (Featured Promo) http://www.readsandreels.com

Book Reviews by Shalini (Excerpt) www.bookreviewsbyshalini.wordpress.com

Darque Dreamer Reads (Review) https://darquedreamerreads.wordpress.com

Gemma’s Book Reviews (Review) http://www.gemmmasbookreviews.wordpress.com

Dec. 12th

Jen Med’s Book Reviews (Review) http://Jenmedsbookreviews.com

Romantic Reads and Such (Review) https://romanticreadsandsuch.wordpress.com

Loves Books Group (Review) http://www.lovesbooksgroup.blog

Tranquil Dreams (Review) https://klling.wordpress.com

Nesie’s Place (Excerpt) https://nesiesplace.wordpress.com

Dec. 13th

Book Inspector Blog (Review) https://bbookinspector.wordpress.com

Spunky n’ Sassy (Review) http://spunky-n-sassy.blogspot.com

Endless Reading Blog (Review) http://endlessreading.wordpress.com

Didi Oviatt (Review) https://didioviatt.wordpress.com

Novel Gossip (Review) https://novelgossip.com

Dec. 14th

Books to Get Lost In (Review) http://bookstogetlostin.blogspot.ca

J Bronder Book Reviews (Review) https://jbronderbookreviews.com

Portable Magic (Review) http://portablemagic.net

Bookish Lifestyle (Review) http://www.evie-bookish.blogspot.com

Book Lover in Florida (Review) http://bookloverfl12.wordpress.com

Dec. 15th

On the Shelf Reviews (Review) https://ontheshelfreviews.wordpress.com

Splashes into Books (Review) http://splashesintobooks.wordpress.com

Book Review – Holiday House Call

08 Friday Dec 2017

Posted by in Book Review

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , ,

Holiday House Call

Calling It series

by Jen Doyle

Dr. Karen Carmichael prides herself on being capable, optimistic and always in control. But even neurosurgeons have breaking points, especially as the holidays approach. When Karen finds herself on the side of the road, explaining to a cop that her less-than-stellar driving was due to stress and tears rather than too much booze, it’s humiliating. When that cop turns out to be a one-night stand from her past, it’s icing on the bad-day cake.

Officer John “Tuck” Tucker didn’t expect to see Karen again after their night together. The circumstances may not be ideal, but convincing this beautiful, stubborn woman to get to know him with his clothes on is more fun than he could have imagined. 

Karen swore she’d never fall for someone who risks his life for his job. She sees enough heartbreak at work without inviting it into her personal life, and she has no interest in becoming involved in the small town Tuck calls home. But despite valiant efforts to keep her walls up, her affection for Tuck is growing into something much stronger. With a life built around work alone looking less appealing by the day, Karen will have to take a leap of faith—and trust that Tuck will leap with her. 

I felt so bad for Karen through so much of this book.  It is obvious that while her friends do what they can she’s not had the support she needs throughout her career.  It’s hard enough being a doctor but the things she sees could break anyone.  It takes a bit for Tuck to figure out that something is missing for her (and of course he has to have a few man moments) but when he does he steps up like the awesome guy he is.  It’s not easy because she fights him every step of the way 🙂  But he’s tenacious and willing to be patient when he needs to be.  Everyone should be so lucky to have that kind of person to be at their side.

Book Review – Mistletoe

07 Thursday Dec 2017

Posted by in Blog Tour, Book Review, Contest, Sneak Peek

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

, , ,

This is a new author for me but I’ll be seeking out more from her to add to my TBR pile!

*****

Mistletoe

The Smokey Blues, Book 6

by Emily Mims

Genre:  Romance

Publisher: Boroughs Publishing Group

Date of Publication:  November 20th 2017

ISBN:  978-1-979474-24-5 – print book

ISBN: 978-1-944262-99-0 – eBook

Number of pages:  227

Word Count: 65,450

Cover Artist: Boroughs Publishing Group

Blurb:

Can the holiday season turn make-believe into real passion, love and romance?

Aspiring songwriter Caitlyn Murphy is tired of sister’s hand-me-downs. From toys and bicycles to men, it seemed like everything in Caitlyn’s life first belonged to her late sister. Roped into doing Christmas for motherless nieces, and entering into a pretend romance with their dangerously attractive father, Caitlyn soon finds herself falling in love with the girls, and the enigmatic Tanner Dyson. She resists the temptation and Tanner’s insistence that they make their pretend relationship real. She wants her own family, not the one her sister had first.

Boroughs Publishing     Amazon

*****

Blurb:

“I haven’t dated anybody since I lost your sister.”  Tanner laced his fingers together. “But yes, before I fell in love with Meghan, I mostly dated dancers and other women who worked in the clubs. I guess we’re going to have to work that much harder to make it believable.”

Caitlyn eyed him curiously. “How do we do that?”

“We start by spending the rest of this evening together, like we can’t bear to be separated from one another. We sit down tomorrow morning and come up with some concrete plans, both for the girls’ Christmas this year and for some public outings for you and me so it looks like we’re dating. We see how it goes. Do you have time for a short outing with them tomorrow? Something they can tell my mother about if she asks?”

“I can take them somewhere. It might be pretty simple.”

“Simple is fine.” He glanced down the hall. “Let’s get back to the reception and put this whole thing in motion.”

She would help. But she didn’t have to like it. She would make damned sure both her mother and her Aunt Bea knew she didn’t particularly appreciate being shanghaied into a ridiculous subterfuge with Tanner Dyson. She didn’t even like him all that much. And she wasn’t all that close to the girls. How would she know what they wanted or needed to celebrate Christmas?

They returned to the party and made a beeline for the champagne fountain. He filled two flutes and handed one to her, his fingers warm where they brushed against hers. She resisted the urge to down the champagne in one nervous gulp and instead sipped it slowly, determined to ignore the curious looks she and Tanner were getting, especially when he settled his hand at her waist in a casual show of possession. To her surprise, the warmth of his hand felt comfortable, reassuring even.

She looked around to see if the Dysons had seen them together. She couldn’t spot them in the crowd, but she did catch Timberlynn’s eye as her sister gave her an almost imperceptible wink. Her mother or Aunt Bea must have filled Timberlynn in on what was going on. Her sister would probably laugh all the way home tonight. Trish looked at them curiously, especially after Tanner pulled her close for a hug, and leaned over and whispered something to Asher. Suddenly the magnitude of the ruse she and Tanner were trying to pull swept over her. Who else besides the Dysons were they going to try to fool? Just them? Or everybody in Kingsport?

*****

Review:

This is the first in the series I’ve read so I’m not sure how much the previous stories might play into Caitlyn and Tanner’s interactions.  I’m sure they’ve made appearances but I’m not sure how much that should influence reader’s reaction to their love story.  Overall, though, the story does stand alone pretty well.  Mims does a fantastic job of making sure that new readers like me can keep up with anything that might trickle in from those other stories.

There is definitely tension between the two.  Caitlyn has never warmed up to her sister’s husband – he’s all around a little too much for her and she never felt like he was worthy of being her sister’s husband.

I’m an only child so I have a pretty hard time grasping the intricacies of sibling relationships in stories like this.  Caitlyn resents her sister and feels like she’s always played second to her – getting all her hand-me-downs, big and small.  But she also loves her and holds her in very high regard, going so far to think that the man her sister loved wasn’t good enough to marry her.  Logically it makes sense but there’s just so much turbulence there and it bleeds over into her dealings with Tanner.

Who is having enough issues of his own dealing with life after the death of his wife.  It’s not been easy and he’s now feeling pressure from his own (awful) parents, which leads him to falling into a fake relationship with his sister-in-law.  He’s very aware that she’s never really liked him and having to rely on her help is complicated.  Made even more so when he starts seeing her as more than just his wife’s sister.

Mims does well by Caitlyn.  I think she finally gets a chance to put some of her emotional demons to rest and come to terms with her feelings about herself.  It’s hard for her to face certain things after so many years but she does.  I think Tanner does a good job of facing a few of his own issues (although he does have a few fabulous man moments that make you want to smack him a little).  His own childhood and history has given him a few doubts and unfortunately a lack of good communication skills on both their parts just feeds into that, and for Caitlyn as well.  They eventually get things figured out but it takes a bit and some soul-searching for them to get there 🙂

There’s a lot of drama on everyone’s part in Mistletoe and quite a few people need to learn to talk AND listen.  Quite a bit of their troubles could have been avoided with a little better communication but Mims gives us very human characters with very human faults.  (I know I’m AWFUL about communicating some things!)  It makes it real and difficult and, most of all, enjoyable to read.

*****

Author Info:

Author of thirty-four romance novels, Emily Mims combined her writing career with a career in public education until leaving the classroom to write full time. The mother of two sons and six grandsons, she and her husband live in central Texas but frequently visit their grandchildren in Tennessee and Georgia. For relaxation, she plays four musical instruments: the piano, the ukulele, the organ and the dulcimer.

Website: www.emilymims.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/emily.mims.756

Twitter: www.twitter.com/emilymimsauthor

Instagram: www.instagram.com/mims_emily

*****

Giveaway:

Copies of the first and second books in the Smokey Blues series; Mist and Smoke.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/ba112ffc1705/

*****

Click on the banner below to check out the rest of the tour

Book Review – A Reckless Redemption

06 Wednesday Dec 2017

Posted by in Book Review

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

, , ,

A Reckless Redemption

Spies and Lovers series

by Laura Trentham

Warning: Contains a broody Scotsman, a fiery-haired lass, and a night of passion that changes everything. Readers are encouraged to bring a fan.

Can a single night’s deception lead to a lifelong love?

On the eve of her wedding to a man she detests, Brynmore McCann can think of only one way to escape—by ruining herself—but the local lads leave her wholly uninspired. Just as she’s ready to accept her fate, she spots Maxwell Drake, home after nearly a decade. Even though he had loved her sister when they were young, Bryn has always considered him hers, and she can’t think of anyone she’d rather have bed her for the first time. Only she never intends for him to uncover her real name.

Upon returning home, Maxwell is stunned by the news that his father may have left him an inheritance. As the unacknowledged by-blow of a local nobleman, Maxwell struggles with resentment over the way he and his mother were treated by his father and the village. To add to his troubles, he discovers the lass he spent an incredibly satisfying night with was not the village whore, but the high-born sister of his first love. He insists Brynmore travel with him to Edinburgh until they determine if she is with child. Because if she is, she’ll marry him whether she wants to or not.

Along the road to Edinburgh, they are attacked by persons unknown. As the list of suspects who want them dead grows longer and his worries deepen, Maxwell prepares for an even more personal battle—how to keep from surrendering his heart to Brynmore.

I’m an avid reader of Trentham’s contemporary series but this is the first of her historicals I’ve read.  (And it can easily stand on it’s own so don’t worry if this is your first too 🙂 )  I found A Reckless Redemption to be a fun adventure.  There’s suspense and danger, love and sizzle, plus all the feels you could want.  All of those wonderful things that make a good love story!

Bryn’s somehow found herself in a whole mess of trouble and she’s not sure why.  Her step-sister is forcing her to marry (against her will) an abusive brute and Bryn’s desperate to find a way out.  How lucky for her an unrequited love from her childhood shows up at just the right time … or maybe not because things get even more complicated.

Maxwell’s life hasn’t been easy.  As a child he was treated horribly because he was the bastard son of a nobleman and only managed to survive due to kindness of others.  After he left to join the military, there was war … yeah, that’s gonna leave some scars (inside and out).  So while he’s grown into a good man, he’s got a lot of walls built up.  Then he meets Bryn again and the poor man doesn’t stand a chance.

I loved these two together.  Maxwell tries to be all stern and standoffish but its really hard to hide that those walls are starting to crumble.  All of his hardships have left him gun-shy but the man really needs someone to care for him.  And no one on earth has a bigger heart that Bryn.  She’s forever taking care of others and it takes about two minutes for her to charm just about everyone she meets!

There’s some shenanigans over the reason for the marriage and Maxwell’s inheritance that lead them into all sorts of mischief and danger.  Trentham makes sure it all wraps up nicely at the end but she does take you on quite the ride to get there.

While they may find themselves in a bit of trouble at the moment, if Bryn and Maxwell work together there is just about nothing that they can’t overcome.  As long as they are willing to take a chance with their hearts … yeah, that leads to some troubles even more dangerous than the people trying to kill them!  But you know they’ll figure it out and manage to get a HEA before its all over.

Book Review – Bittersweet Christmas

05 Tuesday Dec 2017

Posted by in Book Review

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , ,

Bittersweet Christmas

The Order series

by Nina Croft

Orphan Liam Ryan isn’t asking for much this Christmas–just his Uncle John. And he’s counting on Father Christmas to find a way to make that happen.

But when Father Christmas tosses Liam’s letter, claiming that the kid is asking the impossible, his daughter, Winter, takes over. Half-pixie, Winter, longs to do something important with her life, starting with getting a job at the Order of the Shadow Accords, the organization that polices the supernatural world. When she discovers Liam’s uncle works for the Order, it seems like fate.

Savaged by werewolves and bitten by a vampire, no one knows what to expect of John

Ryan, but it won’t be anything good. So there’s no way he’s getting involved with his nephew…or anyone else. Worse, he’s getting a babysitter over the holidays. But when he meets irrepressible Winter, all that matters is whether she likes her guys to be naughty or nice….

I’ve never heard of this series but I saw Nina Croft on the cover and I knew I needed to give it a go.  And she definitely didn’t disappoint!

John Ryan is struggling with his new state of being.  A vampire-werewolf is something new and no one knows what to expect.  He’s getting a little tired of everyone hovering but he also understands why they have to.  He doesn’t even understand himself or know what to expect next so how can he expect anyone else to … then he meets Winter.  And his instant and undeniable attraction to her just complicates an already overly-complicated situation.

Winter really wants to start over somewhere that people don’t have certain expectations about her – yes, she’s made mistakes, been a little flighty, and overly … enthusiastic sometimes but she’s older now.  And she really wants the chance to prove herself.  Babysitting Ryan may not be what she expected but if she can get him together with his nephew then maybe she can finally get her chance.  Finding him super sexy and hard to resist is definitely not the best way to do that.

Bittersweet Christmas isn’t really a holiday read (Winter’s dad is Santa and it all starts with the letter) but it is definitely super enjoyable.  There’s the perfect amount of heat and heart and danger to meet anyone’s wants.  And now I’m super curious about what else is going on in the world that Croft has created 🙂

(This is the first in the series that I’ve read but it can easily be read on its own.  Croft does a great job of keeping you in the loop of anything that you might need to know.)

Book Review – Cowboy’s Legacy

04 Monday Dec 2017

Posted by in Blog Tour, Book Review

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , ,

B.J. Daniels has been a well loved romance author for a long time and I’m so excited to be able to share her latest book!

*****

Cowboy’s Legacy

A Cahill Ranch Novel

by B.J. Daniels

Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages

Publisher: HQN Books (November 28, 2017)

Blurb:

Nothing will stop a Cahill cowboy from protecting what’s his

After a rocky marriage and even rockier divorce, Sheriff Flint Cahill finally has something good in his life again. Maggie Thompson’s down-to-earth charm and beautiful smile hooked him from the start. When she disappears on the day they plan to start their lives together, all signs point to abduction—and his ex-wife.

Functioning on adrenaline and instinct, Flint must call on his every resource to bring Maggie home before it’s too late. His past and future are blurred. Maggie’s only chance at surviving her abductor and a raging winter storm depends on an old vendetta that could destroy it all. But the Cahills don’t give up easily, and Flint’s love will have to be strong enough to conquer anything, including the unimaginable.

Goodreads | Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

*****

Review:

This is the first in the series that I’ve read and I’m not sure how much of that impacted the story.  What I got was more suspense than romance – the two leads spend 98% of the book apart and there isn’t a lot of backstory to fill things in – but maybe they made appearances in early books … I’m not sure.  I’m not saying that it wasn’t enjoyable (it was really good, actually) but it was different that what I was expecting.

So, having said that, I’ll get to the really good part 🙂  The mystery over what happened to Maggie kept me on the edge of my seat.  Daniels does a great job of leading you through the investigation and revealing each piece as it comes up.  Nothing felt overly heavy handed and nowhere did it feel like you were being sent on a wild goose chase unnecessarily.  It is so easy for a mystery to get away from the author but I was truly quite satisfied with the big reveal & resolution.

Daniels is a fan favorite for a reason and she shows it once again!

*****

Author Info:

NYT and USA Today Bestselling author B.J. Daniels was born in Texas but moved with her family to Montana at the age of five. Her first home was a cabin in the Gallatin Canyon and later a lake house on Hebgen Lake outside of West Yellowstone.

Most of her books are set in Montana, a place she loves. She lives now in a unique part of the state with her husband and three Springer Spaniels.

When she isn’t writing, she loves to play tennis, boat, camp, quilt and snowboard. There is nothing she enjoys more than curling up with a good book.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

*****

Click on the banner below to check out the rest of the tour

Book Review – Wanted: Mom for Christmas

29 Wednesday Nov 2017

Posted by in Book Review

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , ,

Wanted: Mom for Christmas

Cates Brothers series

by Lee Kilraine

Christmas is coming to Climax, North Carolina—and it’s delivering an unexpected second chance right to Hawk Savage’s door…

For small-town cop and single dad Hawk Savage, Christmas tends to be more hassle and worry than mistletoe and magic. His daughter, Heather, is ten going on teenager, while his son, Henry Lee, has decided he needs a mommy, ASAP. HL’s constant matchmaking is enough to break a father’s heart, but Hawk has a more immediate problem. His high-school girlfriend, Nora Joy, just arrived on his doorstep, claiming to be his family’s new Rent-A-Mom. He sure didn’t hire her, but he can’t turn Nora’s admittedly shapely tush out on the street.

Sidelined by injury, Olympic medal-winning volleyball player Nora receives a mysterious Rent-A-Mom job offer just when her finances, and her spirits, are at an all-time low. True, she’s not much for cooking. Or housekeeping. Still, it’s hard to resist Hawk’s children…and Hawk himself has changed from the lanky teenager she once knew to a strong, steady, very tempting man.

Christmas in Climax is shaping up to be full of surprises. But the biggest one of all might be the happy-ever-after that a little boy’s Christmas wish can bring…

This is one of those holiday stories with just the tiniest of supernatural twists.  It reminds me so much of those Hallmark Channel Christmas movies where Santa or an angel or a ghost helps to get the couple together for their HEA.  I love those movies so that made it even more fun!

Nora is at loose ends and thanks to a little holiday magic she finds herself on Hawk’s doorstop just when he needs her.  While she’s definitely not Mary Poppins she does have a HUGE heart and finds herself quickly drawn into their lives.  It’s definitely hard stepping into a role that hasn’t been filled since Hawk’s wife passed away but if anyone can win over the little family it will be her.

Hawk is doing everything he can for his kids but he’s definitely finding himself stretched a little thin as his daughter approaches her teenage years and his son is desperate for a mom.  When he finds himself face to face with an old girlfriend he starts thinking things he hasn’t for a very long time.  He’s dedicated himself to being the best dad he can but maybe it is time to start thinking as a man too …

Short and cute and full of holiday fun, Wanted: Mom for Christmas is perfect for those (like me) who just love those feel-good, candy-sweet, made-for-tv movies 🙂

(Oh, and I had no idea this was a part of a series so obviously it can easily stand on its own.)

Book Review – Until You Loved Me

28 Tuesday Nov 2017

Posted by in Book Review

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , ,

Until You Loved Me

Silver Springs series

by Brenda Novak

New York Times bestselling author Brenda Novak returns to Silver Springs

Sometimes starting over means finding everything you’ve been missing…

After catching her fiancé cheating—with another man—usually straitlaced, workaholic scientist Ellie Fisher liberates her wild side just long enough to indulge in a passionate one-night stand with a tall, dark stranger she meets at a trendy Miami bar. Embarrassed by her recklessness, she ducks out the following morning without learning the guy’s full name, something that shouldn’t have been a problem…until a pregnancy test turns positive.

Being a professional football player, Hudson King has always been cautious around women. But this one had been different—so disinterested in his celebrity, so convincingly into him. When Ellie tracks him down, claiming she’s carrying his baby, he’s stunned. And more than a little betrayed.

But after growing up as an orphan, he’ll do anything to stay involved in his child’s life, so he urges Ellie to move to Silver Springs, where they can co-parent. Hudson has a lot of love to give, certainly enough for his child, and when their initial spark reignites, perhaps for Ellie, too…

In an interesting twist for a romance, a good portion of the early part of the story has the two on their own.  But in a weird way it kinda works because as a reader we get a better understanding of our lead characters.  For the romance though it kinda was bad because that meant that the two leads didn’t get to know each other during that time.  It’s realistic for how the story flows but does make the love story part a little harder to get to.  Being as skilled as she is, though, Novak does make it work.  Once they start spending time together, Ellie and Hudson somehow manage to get past their insecurities and learn to be brave enough to go after what they want.  It just takes a while … but what else do you expect in a romance 🙂

I really enjoyed Ellie – she’s super smart but her confidence has taken a bit of a hit because of her cheating, no-good ex.  A night with Hudson definitely goes a long way in getting her mojo back … until she finds herself pregnant and no way to contact the father.  I’m sure finding out that he’s a famous NFL player wasn’t easy but she handles it well (and I have to say she’s a lot more forgiving and understanding than I would have been.)

Hudson’s past definitely makes finding out he has a baby on the way a shock.  He’s always done what he could to limit the chance of an accidental pregnancy because no baby of his would ever feel unwanted.  So he does everything he can to make sure that he will be there now … after he pulls a few bonehead moves, of course!  While there may have been a few moments when I wanted to smack him, I always understood where he was coming from and the idea of what he’s gone through, and is currently experiencing, after being abandoned as a baby is heartbreaking.

Full of all the feels, realism, and interesting characters that you’d expect from a Novak book, Until You Loved Me is another great addition to the Silver Springs series.

Book Review – Can’t Walk Away

22 Wednesday Nov 2017

Posted by in Book Review

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , ,

Can’t Walk Away

Nashville Dreams #1

by Sandy James

In Nashville the stars shine a little brighter, songs sound a little sweeter, and love lasts a lifetime.

Young, rich, and better looking than a man has a right to be, successful songwriter Brad “Hitman” Maxwell was once Nashville’s biggest celebrity. Then a heartbreaking loss and a shocking betrayal caused his light to go out. Now, instead of pouring his soul into song, he pours beers at Words & Music. His bar is the perfect escape–a place to forget his past–until the night she takes the stage…

Savannah Wolf used to dream of becoming Nashville’s hottest star. Now, as a young single mom, she dreams of a steady income and being home to tuck her daughter into bed. So when Brad Maxwell offers her the gig of a lifetime–playing as the headliner at Words & Music–Savannah discovers the best of both worlds. And she refuses to ruin this opportunity by falling for her sexy boss. Except that Brad suddenly starts writing music again… music inspired by her.

Both Brad and Savannah have super trust issues, which you can imagine what that means.  Yep, just a few bumps that end up being a bigger deal than maybe they should have been.  Part of their problem is that they have a pretty hard time ignoring their attraction to each other so they are moving pretty fast.  Leading to lots of assumptions and jumping to conclusions that is only exacerbated by their trouble with trusting each other.

Granted both of them have their reasons.  Brad’s marriage wasn’t what he thought it was and when he finds out it changes a lot about how he sees the world.  It also damaged his confidence and he tried to get it back with women … lots of women.  And since Savannah’s last relationship was with a scoundrel who took off with all of her money and left her alone, she’s not exactly feeling all that sure of herself either.

The nice thing though is that James does a great job of having Savannah stand up for herself.  She knows what she wants and she’s not willing to back down.  She just has to make sure that Brad actually hears her, which isn’t always the easiest of things.  He’s not completely clueless though and does figure things out eventually 🙂

Make sure that you are ready for a lot of ups and downs, because things are not easy for these two.  But I found the ride differently worth the bumps.

Book Review – Becoming Bella

21 Tuesday Nov 2017

Posted by in Book Review

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , ,

Becoming Bella

The Ghost Falls series

by Sarah Hegger

This Christmas, a good reputation can really get in a girl’s way . . .

As long as she can remember, Bella Erikson’s been the unofficial sweetheart of Ghost Falls, Utah. And ever since Nate Evans dipped her braids in purple paint in the first grade, he’s been her dream guy. Not that she minds the attention, but sometimes she wishes people saw more in her than just the girl who still has a crush on Sheriff Evans. She has a life after all, a new dress shop to run, and more mature relationships to pursue . . .

Nate knows he’s not good enough for sweet Bella. But he’s pretty sure the new guy sending her heart emojis and giant bouquets isn’t either. And when Bella’s suitor turns stalker, protecting Bella isn’t just Nate’s instinct—it’s his duty. Crammed together for safety and really talking for the first time in years, Bella and Nate can’t fight the moment their chemistry turns into pyrotechnics. Whether it will burn them out or light up the sky, only time will tell . . .

Bella and her decades old crush on Nate is so darn cute.  And you have to feel for her because it definitely isn’t a secret – the whole town knows and isn’t afraid to point it out.  But you have to give her some credit for trying to move on … except she happens to do it with a stalker.  Yeah, that didn’t go so well.  The good part is that it puts her in close proximity to Nate and finally has him addressing his own feelings.  And the bad part is, well, there’s a stalker.

I think that Hegger handles that part really well.  There’s danger but she never makes light of the situation.  It is a serious issue and they take it as such.  I think she also handles everyone’s feelings well too.  Now, some may think that with a stalker on the loose that Mr. Alpha Sheriff might want to tone it done a few times but Bella doesn’t seem to mind 🙂

It’s a slow process for Nate to forgive himself for his past and figure out that he’s good enough for Bella.  But lucky for him she’s willing to wait him out.  And once he gets his act together, Nate is definitely gold in the SO department.