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Book Review – Lady Catherine’s Secret

08 Monday Dec 2014

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Fans of historical romances will want to check this one out.  It has a strong heroine and sexy hero, great secondary characters and a tantalizing plot – an absolutely fantastic read.  Make sure you read the excerpt and my review!

*****

Lady Catherine's Secret CoverLady Catherine’s Secret

Secrets and Seduction, #2

by Sheridan Jeane

Publication Date: December 1, 2014

Genres: Historical Romance

Blurb:

London, 1853

Despite Lady Catherine’s love of fencing, she needs to stop pretending to be a boy and fraternizing with men…but not until after the fencing tournament! Her mother plans to marry her off by the end of the season, so this will be her last chance to enjoy her freedom. When she impulsively puts her reputation at risk to save the life of a dashing competitor, all seems lost when he sees through her disguise, but he vows never to reveal her secret. Thank goodness for gentlemanly honor!

Daniel, Marquess of Huntley, wants to overcome the rumors of his father’s madness so that he can be embraced by London society. His plan is to marry the most proper woman who will have him, and then raise stable, respectable children. He certainly isn’t interested in some hoyden with a penchant for masquerading as a boy and flaunting society’s rules. In fact, he’d prefer to keep his distance.

When an obsessed suitor discovers Catherine’s secret and threatens blackmail, the only path out of social ruin is marriage. But what kind of protection does matrimony provide when a vengeful suitor is plotting the ultimate revenge?

Amazon:  http://amzn.to/1qX5pSr

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1Cnqs70

*****

Excerpt:

Daniel downed the glass of Glenfarclas in one swallow. “My plan isn’t progressing at all,” he said.

“Yes, of course. Your ridiculous plan.”

Daniel shifted under his friend’s amused gaze. “I’m having trouble finding a highly respected woman who is willing to align herself with someone as—as unusual as I am. I believe ‘colorful’ is the most polite word I’ve heard used to describe me. Although I’ve also heard the words ‘bourgeois’ and ‘unbalanced’ bandied about.”

“Stop it.” Wentworth scowled at him. “With your title, you outrank everyone except a duke and the members of the royal family. Nobody would dare snub you.”

“Perhaps not openly, but once they factor in my shipping business, my lack of polish, my mother’s low birth, and the rumors of my father’s madness, I’m beyond redemption in the eyes of most members of London society.” He downed the contents of his glass in a single swallow, savoring the burn that turned into a spreading warmth. “The thing that provides me with the most satisfaction is the very thing these people find the most damning. My shipping business.”

“Why do you care what they think?” Wentworth said as he gestured angrily toward Daniel. “Why place so much emphasis on propriety? After all, your primary goal in this is to find a woman who can provide you with an heir, isn’t it? Why complicate the issue by insisting that she and her family also be paragons of propriety? Don’t you see your own hypocrisy?”

Daniel thumped his glass down on the sideboard and pulled the stopper from the decanter, sloshing another inch of liquid into his tumbler. “I know I’m not a saint, but I refuse to put my children through the same hell I endured.” He turned and glared at his friend. “You, better than anyone, know how much I suffered at Eton. You were there with me. How can you ask me why?”

Daniel clenched the glass as he remembered those first few months at Eton. The loneliness and abuse he’d endured had nearly broken him. He’d begun to believe everyone’s taunts. They were right about him. He was no good. Especially after the horrible things he’d done. They were unforgivable. How could he ever redeem himself?

The dogs of melancholy had nipped at his heels as they tried to chase him to ground. His depression must have been only a faint echo of what his father experienced on a daily basis, and it explained why the man had escaped into a bottle, eventually descending into madness. What if Daniel was destined for the same path? What if his regrets drove him mad as well?

*****

Review:

This is the second book in Jeane’s Secrets and Seduction series but as far as I can tell the two books are not closely linked.  And while the first one was a whodunit, this one deals more with the secrets people keep and the impact they have.  There is a villain but we know who he is about halfway thru, just when his part starts to come into play, so the rest is about what he’s going to do and how it is going to affect our happy couple.

I guess what I’m getting at is if you are starting here, that’s fine because it stands on its own very well.  But if you are a returning reader and looking for the same intrigue element from the first one you might not find what you are looking for here.  That being said, if you are looking for a well-written, well-paced and involved historical romance then this is definitely the book for you.

We are given our two main characters right away but they spend quite a bit of time going their own way.  Of course we know they are going to get together and live happily ever after but they have other plans … silly of them, eh?  I really like Catherine and Daniel.  Both have parts of their pasts that they want to overcome and readers can easily understand how they ended up where they are, doing what they are doing.  In a society controlled so much by impressions, the two of them are motivated by avoiding scandal at all costs.  They just don’t recognize that in each other they may find acceptance.

With matchmaking mamas, societal scandals, and a couple who needs each other to truly be free, Lady Catherine’s Secret is the perfect choice for lovers of historical romances.

*****

Sheridan JeaneAuthor Info:

Sheridan Jeane writes exciting and emotion-packed historical romances set in the Victorian Era that confront issues of trust and conformity.

With the advent of the industrial age, life was changing. Many people tried to hold on to the old ways of life while others embraced the new opportunities open to them.

Join Sheridan as she explores the clash between the old and the new.

Sheridan has always loved books, history, and stories about amazing people who blaze new trails.

Despite naming their daughter Sheridan because they thought it might someday look great on the cover of a book, Sheridan’s parents urged her in a more practical direction for college. Sheridan earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science with a minor in English.

Website:  http://sheridan-jeane.strikingly.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/SheridanJeane

Twitter:   https://twitter.com/SheridanJeane

GoodReads:  https://www.goodreads.com/photo/author/8120594.Sheridan_Jeane

Media Contact:  IndieSage PR – www.indiesage.com

*****

Giveaway:

Lady Catherine's Secret Giveaway Graphic

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/5440a354273/

*****

Tour Schedule:

December 8– Elizabeth McKenna Romance Author– Excerpt

December 8– Coffee Talk Writers– Excerpt

December 8– SBM Book Obsession– Excerpt

December 8– Coffee Books & Art– Excerpt

December 8– LibriAmoriMiei– Review

December 8– Romantic Reads and Such– Review / Excerpt / Author Interview or Guest Post

December 8– Imagine a World– Review / Excerpt

December 8– Deliciously Wicked Books– Review

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December 9– JassyBooks– Excerpt

December 9– Vera is Reading– Excerpt

December 9– LBM Book Blog– Review / Excerpt

December 9– ReneaMason– Author Interview or Guest Post

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December 10– Red Moon– Excerpt

December 10– Queen of the Night Reviews– Excerpt

December 10– Biraz Tuz Biraz ?eker– Excerpt

December 10– WiLoveBooks– Review / Excerpt

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December 11– Breezy Book Blog– Review / Excerpt

December 11– Crystal’s Many Reviewers– Review

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December 12– Renee Entress’s Blog– Review / Excerpt

December 12– Warrior Woman Winmill– Review

December 12– Girlygirlbookreviews– Review / Excerpt

December 12– Sweet N Sassy Book A Holics– Review / Excerpt

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Book Review – Yours for Christmas

05 Friday Dec 2014

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cover55240-mediumStep 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 Mallory.

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 hothe’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.

Y’all I just LOVE Susan Mallery’s books (which you can see here and here and here and over a half dozen other reviews I’ve done) and Yours for Christmas doesn’t let me down.  The characters are so real that I feel like I actually know them, that I could call them up to meet me for coffee.  Every high and low was like my own and I gave a little hooray at the end.

Both Baily and Kenny’s feelings are totally understandable, the doubts and fears so real.  Their story has been coming along for the last couple of books, so we’ve had those little hints along the way, and I was so excited to finally read it.  Their relationship built so naturally and fluidly, it was sweet and fun and a little bit heartbreaking at times (for both of them).  And the ending has to be one of my favorites.  I won’t spoil anything but I gave Baily a little atta girl cheer.

I don’t know what more to say when it comes to Mallery’s work that I haven’t said before – fantastic characters, engrossing stories, real emotions, humorous moments, all mixed with times of angst.

For years I haven’t even hesitated when I saw her name on the cover of a book – she’s a master at the heartfelt, contemporary romance.  And it just makes it all the better when it is a Christmas story!

Book Review – Falling For Max

30 Sunday Nov 2014

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9780373002290_p0_v2_s260x420Max Crawford has reached the point in life where he’s starting to think about settling down. Unfortunately, he’s always been a little awkward when it comes to social interactions, and working from home doesn’t help. He spends so much time alone, painting beautiful, historically accurate model trains that half of Whitford has begun to joke that he may be a serial killer. Not exactly prime husband material.

Tori Burns has found happiness in Maine, thanks in large part to her shifts at the Trailside Diner. She likes the work, and she loves the local gossip. When shy, geeky Max Crawford becomes a regular, she’s intrigued. When she finds out he’s in the market for a wife, she’s fascinated…and determined to help.

Molding Max into every woman’s dream turns out to be much easier than expected. But has Tori’s plan worked a little too well? As she turns his comfortable life all sorts of upside down, she’ll have to find a way to show just how she’s fallen for him…the real him.

I’ll be honest – I am all over the place when it comes to this series.  I have not read all of them (but most, I think) and I even reviewed a couple – All He Ever Dreamed and All He Ever Desired.  The ones I have read definitely weren’t in order, but so far that hasn’t bothered me at all.  If this is your first, third, or ninth, I don’t think it matters.  What does matter is that they are wonderfully well written, with detailed characters and a great plot.

I remember Max from earlier stories.  I remember that he kept to himself and there was a HUGE mystery over what he did in the basement, but I don’t remember him being that much of an “odd duck”.  Maybe that is one of those things I missed in my skipping around in my reading.  I must say, though, that I do love him.  He’s always been a little different and he’s learned to adapt, but now he’s reached a stage where he is thinking of settling down and getting married.  It definitely will take the right woman to understand him and his intricacies, but I think that is true for any relationship.  Or at least for one to work.

Tori, on the other hand, isn’t interested in long-term.  And with her parents history it is understandable.  I think my favorite part of the story is that someone tries to get her help for her issues.  That it isn’t a case of her finding the right guy, falling in love, and forgetting ALL about her hang-ups.

Falling for Max is a super cute story about two people who meet, become friends, and find themselves falling in love.  Like real life, there are problems and stress and hurt feelings but also fun and love and sex and love and a bunch of other good things too.  That’s one of my favorite parts of this series – it’s real and true.

Book Review – His Road Home

29 Saturday Nov 2014

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cover51533-mediumSpecial Forces medic Rey Cruz needs to find a fiancée, fast, or he’ll end up in a marriage orchestrated by an Afghan warlord. Finding a picture online of a girl he barely knew back home, he fakes an engagement photo, thinking no one else will see it. But when Rey loses both legs and the ability to speak while rescuing a local boy, the image goes viral.

Seattle marine biologist Grace Kim is shocked to find out she’s engaged. When she’s offered a plane ticket to visit her “fiancé,” she takes it, looking for the answer to one question: Why did he lie? Touched by Rey’s funny texts and the determination she sees in him, Grace offers her friendship—a big step for someone who prefers whales to most company.

And when Rey is finally sent home, Grace agrees to help him drive his classic car cross-country over Thanksgiving—a once-in-a-lifetime road trip that leads to what feels like real love. In front of his friends and family, she plays the caring fiancée, but what place will Grace have in Rey’s new life once he’s ready to be on his own again?

I didn’t read First to Burn, which I understand precedes this one in the same world but from what I’m getting online they are completely different books.  First to Burn is a paranormal military romance but His Road Home doesn’t have any of the paranormal elements to it.  Rey is in the first one, as being part of that hero’s unit in Afghanistan, but his story is totally a contemporary tale … a humorous, touching, sweet and sexy contemporary tale.

Rey and Grace meet under quite implausible circumstances but Richland totally makes it work for her.  And their first interactions are rough but so appealing that I couldn’t stop turning the pages.  And then once they get past that and move into the falling in love stage (long distance, at that), it just gets sweeter.  I do wish that we’d seen more of those interactions because they are super cute and funny, which sets up their attraction and affection for each other wonderfully.

Since I haven’t read the first book, my only understanding of pre-injury Rey comes from the little bits at the beginning of this story, but I must say I absolutely LOVE post-injury Rey.  He’s dealing with a lot (this is also something I wish we’d seen more of in the months between his injury and when he gets released) but he does it with a lot of style.  He’s got a wonderful sense of humor and a great self-confidence, even without legs, and his good graces just shine through.  Although most of the focus is on him so we don’t get as much about Grace, they make an absolutely adorable pair … and a very sexy one so be prepared for a little steam on that road trip home.

Able to stand on its own, His Road Home is a total page-turner about two strangers falling in love.  It’s believable, touching, hot and addictive.  Richland has a wonderful writing style that makes it easy to get lost in her characters and lose large chunks of time.

Book Review – Bite Me I’m Yours

27 Thursday Nov 2014

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cover50387-mediumSarah’s known monsters…and John isn’t one.

Sarah’s life isn’t going well. She’s divorced from an abusive jerk, been drugged, stuffed in her trunk and nearly kidnapped. Between that and a harsh winter, it’s almost more than a girl can take. She’s rightly distrusting of any man’s affection, so an ice-skating date with John – who doesn’t seem to feel the cold – isn’t exactly on her bucket list. Yet something about him captures her attention.

John is determined to live as an ordinary mortal. He’s moved into the city, bought a sports bar and works there as the bartender. As a new vampire, he’s never considered dating, until he meets Sarah. Prudence dictates he stay away from her, but everything about her calls to him…right down to her cute animal socks.

Sure, finding out John is a vampire is scary, but Sarah’s learned not all monsters have fangs. Besides, someone else isn’t too happy about their budding relationship. Sarah will have to survive before getting her chance at love.

This is my first book in McKitrick’s Bitten By Love series – I haven’t read My Sunny Vampire – but I actually didn’t realize this was part of a series until I was well into it … and even then it didn’t really make a difference.  I think that maybe I would have understood some of John’s world a little better but then again maybe not.  I got along just fine with what I got here (although now, I’m going to have to add the first book to my TBR file) and I felt like I was given everything I needed to keep up.

Bite Me I’m Yours is another one of those that is more of a contemporary romance with paranormal themes than it is a paranormal romance.  At its heart it is more about the romance between John and Sarah than it is about the fact that John is a vampire – although John’s issues do stem from the fact that this will be his first romantic relationship since he was turned.  Not the easiest of things to tell a potential girlfriend.

But Sarah’s issues are very normal … at least until John’s secret is revealed.  She’s come out of an abusive relationship and it’s left a serious amount of scars.  It will take a patient man to get her to relax and learn to be herself again.  Luckily John’s got a good heart and a lot of time on his hands.  Add in that Sarah’s ex isn’t ready to let her go – and a serial killer to keep things interesting – and readers will be le[t on their toes.

McKitrick does a fantastic job of mixing all of the elements (vampire, abusive past and serial killer) without short-changing anything.  With good flow and interesting characters, Bite Me I’m Yours is good for those in the mood for a little fang with their kisses.

Book Review – Relentless Liberation

23 Sunday Nov 2014

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cover51608-mediumBeing stalked from town to town by an unstable ex-boyfriend means demure bookworm Mina Roper is used to keeping a low profile. But after a coworker brings her to an underground boxing competition, shy Mina falls deeply in lust with gorgeous fighter Tyler Serano. The problem? She’s convinced he’s hopelessly out of her league.

Tyler knows his matches are brutally violent, so why does this sweet, subdued beauty keep showing up to watch them week after week? Despite his overwhelming fear of commitment, Tyler’s innocent curiosity evolves into a hot, all-consuming attraction.

Just when it looks like happily ever after might be possible, Mina’s past catches up to her and she’s forced to make a tough choice. Follow her usual escape strategy—or risk it all for a new kind of life with Tyler.

Inside Scoop: Mina’s past includes a nonconsensual sexual encounter and brief violence, which could be triggering for some readers.

Relentless Liberation is one of two books I’ve read recently where there is the apparent division in the attractiveness of the couple – where one is thought to be out of the league of the other – and both were handled very well.  The men are strong and caring, able to see something attractive in their women, and with the patience to make sure that she starts to see the beauty that he does.

I really like both Tyler and Mina and together they make a really good couple.  There is so much more than meets the eye to Tyler – he’s not just a brute – and his smarts and savvy woo Mina just as much as his hard body and moves in the ring (and in bed).

Mira may seem quiet and bookish but with Tyler she’s willing to let her hair down a little.  Although seemingly different at first, they have a lot in common and complement well, bringing out the best in each other.  Both are also facing demons but together they are able to defeat their pasts and move forward to a healthy relationship.

Fine gives her readers a sweet and sexy story about two people who get to know each other, fall in love and believe in themselves & each other enough to be able to take on their pasts and win.  At about 150 pages, it isn’t a short book but it is well written and reads very smoothly so I moved quickly to the HEA … with a smile on my face and a little cheer for Mira and Tyler.

Book Review – Snow Angel Cove

21 Friday Nov 2014

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cover50597-mediumNew York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne welcomes you to Haven Point, a small town full of big surprises that are both merry and bright

Nothing short of a miracle can restore Eliza Hayward’s Christmas cheer. The job she pinned her dreams on has gone up in smoke—literally—and now she’s stuck in an unfamiliar, if breathtaking, small town. Precariously close to being destitute, Eliza needs a hero, but she’s not expecting one who almost runs her down with his car!

Rescuing Eliza is pure instinct for tech genius Aidan Caine. At first, putting the renovation of his lakeside guest lodge in Eliza’s hands assuages his guilt—until he sees how quickly he could fall for her. Having focused solely on his business for years, he never knew what his life was missing before Eliza, but now he’s willing to risk his heart on a yuletide romance that could lead to forever.

I love this idea!  Thayne is doing a spin-off of her Hone’s Crossing series featuring one of the Caines (make sure you check out Willowleaf Lane, Christmas in Snowflake Canyon and Wild Iris Ridge).  Snow Angel Cove is perfect because it is like a mini-reboot, perfect for new readers and with a ton of opportunities to develop new characters, but it allows you to still keep some of the familiar elements that returning readers love.  AND add in that it is a Christmas story full of seasonal warmth and syrupy sweetness … what more could you ask for? !?

Just like his siblings, Aiden is a good man.  He’s strong and considerate, with a deep sense of what’s important (even if he forgets here and there), and wants to do the right thing as much as he can.  He’s been burned a few times so he’s made it a point to keep his world as small as possible but he takes care of those important to him.  Eliza has known a lot of hardship in her life but it hasn’t stopped her from becoming a kind and caring person.  She’s a dedicated mother and loves those in her sphere deeply.  The two are definitely a strong, solid match and we’re right there with them as they develop feelings for each other, moving steadily toward a HEA together.

The majority of the book focuses on the time leading up to Aiden’s family coming to visit so we don’t get a ton of time with some of the characters that were in the previous series.  We do get some insight from Aiden into his family which I think will be a real treat for those who have read the previous stories.  And as with some of the other books by Thayne, there are fantastic secondary characters introduced to help play up the primary couple and be potential leads in following books.  We’re definitely given just enough to make us crave the next book. 

If you are looking for a sweet holiday romance Snow Angel Cove is a can’t miss.  And Thayne is such a whiz at giving her readers sentimental reads full of complex and addictive characters, focusing on people and their connection to each other, that you’ll be putting the rest of her books on your letter to Santa.  I hope you’ve been good this year!

Book Review – The Cottage on the Corner

17 Monday Nov 2014

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cover48763-medium“A delicious treat. Don’t miss a visit to Apple Valley!” –Emily March, New York Times bestselling author

In Apple Valley, Washington, true friends are never far, neighbors can help heal the loneliest hearts–and longed-for dreams can unexpectedly become real . . .

Charlotte Garrison’s second chance is falling into place just like she’s carefully planned. A few more sales of her heavenly sweets and she’ll be able to turn the empty shop on Main Street into her own bakery–a plan much more sensible than ever again risking her heart. But when a rambunctious three-year-old girl lands on town deputy Max Stanford’s doorstep, Charlotte finds helping the good-looking deputy care for her is sparking the most impossible dreams . . .

Max has never been much for settling down. But while he finds out if little Zuzu is really his daughter, Charlotte’s warmth and caring makes him want to prove he’s worthy of her trust. And as they struggle to come to terms with their pasts, Max will do whatever it takes to show Charlotte home is where dreams come true–and he and Zuzu are all the love and home she’ll ever need.

I haven’t read any other books set in Apple Valley but I think maybe I should have.  The Cottage on the Corner is super sweet and innocent – with just a few kisses and some lustful thoughts, it is more about the characters’ emotions.  Not only do we have an attraction between Charlotte & Max, McCoy gives us precocious Zuzu for fun.  And there’s a ton of good, old-fashioned friendships thrown in to remind readers that love comes in so very many forms.

I will say that my only complaint is that the ending doesn’t wrap things up in a cute little package.  I know that most series have a little bleed between the books, and maybe I’ll get my resolution in the next one, but I would have liked an epilogue or another chapter.  I mean, it is a romance so you know that the hero and heroine get together at the end (or at least they do in the romances I read :)), but I just needed that little bit more here.

The rest of it, though, was fantastic. The characters are lively with realistic problems and feelings.  The town is quintessential small-town America, where everyone knows your name and pokes their nose in your business.  I found myself engaged right along with Max and Charlotte as they dealt with their fears and troubles, growing and changing as they evaluated what they wanted for themselves and their lives.

With The Cottage on the Corner, McCoy delivers a story with heart-warming impact, an enticing writing style, and good flow.  The charm of her town and characters pulled me right in and will have me keeping an eye out for the next book in the series (and going back to pick up The House on Main Street as soon as I can).

Book Review – Unwrapped

16 Sunday Nov 2014

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cover53784-mediumIn USA Today bestselling author Maisey Yates’s latest Silver Creek Romance, a naughty Christmas wish turns into something so much more…

Kindergarten teacher Sarah Larsen has spent her whole life being the good girl. But now, she’s ready to do something bad. So wearing the shortest, tightest black dress she owns, she marches over to the nearest bar to fulfill her Christmas fantasy: a wild night with a total stranger.

Walker Callahan moved to Silver Creek to start fresh. He doesn’t want to bring his baggage into a relationship, so an evening of fun with the sexiest welcoming committee ever is just what he needs.

They were both in it for one night with no strings attached.. But when Sarah discovers that Walker is the father of her new student, things turn deliciously complicated. Can the cold winter nights thaw two frozen hearts?  

I loved Sarah.  She’s spent a lot of years under her grandmother’s cold control and she’s finally free to discover who she really wants to be.  The only problems is one of her first steps is to have a one night stand … with a man who turns out to be the single father of one of her kindergarten students.  Not the best of starts.  Thrown together over the holidays, though, Walker helps her find a path to be the person she wants to be, without even realizing it.  He doesn’t intentionally do it for her but he provides support along the way and it’s fantastic.

Walker was burned by his ex-wife and he’s not willing to give someone his heart again. He’s hurt and scared and trying to do the right things for his daughter.  He’s finding Sarah hard to resist and, of course, when she gets too close he runs away.  But the moment when he realizes how much Sarah actually means to him is super sweet. 

Unwrapped is another perfect read to get you in the mood for the holidays – it has a sympathetic heroine who finds her true self, a troubled hero who figures out what is worth fighting for, and an adorable little girl to yank on your heart strings. 

Book Review – Maybe This Christmas

15 Saturday Nov 2014

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cover49723-mediumThis winter, ex-skiing champion, reformed heartbreaker and single dad Tyler O’Neil has only one mission—making sure his daughter, Jess, has the best Christmas ever. The fact that his best friend, Brenna, is also temporarily moving into his chalet at the overbooked Snow Crystal resort is a delicious distraction he’s simply going to have to ignore. Theirs is the one relationship he’s never ruined, and he’s not about to start now.

Ski pro Brenna Daniels knows all about the perils of unrequited love—she’s been in love with Tyler for years. But living with him is absolute torture… How can she concentrate on being his friend when he’s sleeping in the room next door? Then when Tyler kisses Brenna, suddenly the relationship she’s always dreamed of feels so close she could almost touch it. Could this be the Christmas her dreams of a happy-ever-after finally come true?

This is the first of the O’Neil Brothers books that I’ve read and I loved every page of it  – I’m dying to go back and read the others because those brothers are definitely addictive.  If you are a reader of contemporary romances with that small town flair, Morgan’s books are definitely for you.

Not having read the previous stories, I think I missed out a little on some of the events leading up to this story but I never felt too lost.  I really appreciate an author who can write a series so that new readers can keep up but who doesn’t get so involved that returning readers will feel like it drags.  And Maybe This Christmas is a complete and engaging story; I definitely feel like it can stand on its own just fine.

Your heart just goes out to Brenna.  Being in love with your best friend and not having those feelings returned is extremely hard … and she’s lived with it for years.  You feel for her every step of the way as she deals with it in even greater detail now thanks to having to live in the same house with Tyler.

Tyler has his own troubles and is completely clueless to Brenna’s feelings … well, he’s very good at denying her feelings.  And his own.  But his life hasn’t exactly been filled with meaningful, long-term relationships so it is definitely understandable why he’s afraid.  The two of them are fantastic together and everyone can see what a great pair they’d make.  It is just getting him to understand it as well that is going to be the hard part.

Morgan’s secondary characters are just as engaging as her main ones.  Not having read the rest of the series, this is my first introduction to the family and they are why I’ve got to get my hands on the rest of the books.  They are a loving and boisterous bunch and one that grabbed my heard right away.

Full of warmth and heartache and one of the best endings I’ve read in a long time, Maybe This Christmas is an absolutely perfect choice for a feel-good holiday read.