Tuesday, December 31, 2024

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but Franca Andrews has never felt more miserable. With business far from bustling, she needs a Christmas miracle to keep her beloved nutcracker shop open… But there’s one man standing in her way – expert snow globe maker Raff Dardenne.

Dardenne Snow Globes have a magical reputation for bringing lovers together, a myth Raff continues to exploit. But this Christmas their shops are pitted against each other and only one gets to stay on Ever After Street. Franca doesn’t know how her handmade nutcrackers are ever going to compete with Raff’s snow globes, especially at the most magical time of the year!

As these two enemies get to know each other, Franca discovers another side to Raff – kind, caring and funny. But unless she can prove that his magical snow globes can’t really match true lovers together, she’s going to lose everything…

But maybe it’s not too late for them to put aside their differences and find some Christmas magic of their own?

My Review

I was completely swept away to Ever After Street where it’s Christmas 365 days a year and there’s magic all around… and a couple of problematic Grinches in a head-to-head business deathmatch.

Franca is hanging on by a thread this holiday season. When Raff’s shop threatens her livelihood, Franca sets things in motion that could either benefit her nutcracker shop, or shutter its doors for good. When something bad happens leaving Franca unable to work, Raff graciously offers to help. Begrudgingly, Franca accepts. As the two spend time together, Franca begins to realize she may have been wrong about Raff all along.

Life has left its mark on Franca. She has been dealt several bad hands and has had to pick herself up off the ground more than once. She’s a strong woman with a vibrant spirit, but has a quiet fragility that’s not often seen. I could easily relate to her.

Raff is a complete surprise and I am so in love with him. If Franca doesn’t want him, I’ll gladly volunteer as tribute! He’s a wonderful character and I can’t wait for readers to discover it for themselves!

Jaimie’s books always evoke strong emotions. I laugh, I cry, I empathize, I love, and I take these stories into my heart for safekeeping. Franca and Raff’s story is fun, heartfelt, and so beautiful!

Christmas Ever After is the perfect holiday read. I highly recommend it and all of Jaimie’s books!

FTC Disclaimer: I voluntarily read a copy of the book generously provided by the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influences my thoughts or feelings about the book or the content of my review.

Purchase Links

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Boldwood Books

About the Author

Jaimie Admans is the bestselling author of several romantic comedies – including The Little Christmas Shop on Nutcracker Lane and The Chateau of Happily-Ever-Afters. She lives in South Wales and was previously published by HQ Digital. Her new work for Boldwood, The Ever After Street Series, is based on the magical world of fairytales, the first title was released in Spring 2023. Learn more at jaimieadmans.com.

Tuesday, December 24, 2024

Review: Under The Covers by Rebecca Zanetti

Happy Re-Release Day!

Rebecca Zanetti's Maverick, Montana series from Entangled Brazen Publishing is being reissued by the author!

The books have new pretty covers but have the same awesome stories!

The series has been rebranded Montana Mavericks.

Under The Covers stars local sheriff, Quinn Lodge and mysterious artist, Juliet Montgomery.

There's lots of mystery and even more smokin' hot chemistry!

Under The Covers is currently FREE to read on Kindle Unlimited!

About the Book

Opposites don’t attract. They ignite…

The small Montana town near the Kooskia Reserve seemed like the perfect place for Juliet Montgomery to hide from her not-so-law-abiding family. But when her peace is shattered by a break-in and threatening phone calls, it’s clear someone back in New York knows where she is. It’s time to plan her getaway and fast—but first, she needs to tie up a few loose ends and find out exactly what the town’s sexy cowboy sheriff is hiding.

Sheriff Quinn Lodge has enough demons of his own to know when someone’s hiding something, and he’s determined to uncover what’s beneath Juliet’s uptight city-girl exterior—preferably one piece of clothing at a time. But when their chemistry goes from fizzy to full-on explosive, things start getting complicated.

How can Juliet stay beneath the covers with Quinn, when doing so means blowing her cover?

**Previously published by Entangled Brazen. This is the same book with a different cover.

Excerpt

Juliet tensed the second the outside door clanged shut. So much for her brief reprieve. She turned around and sat on the highest rung of the ladder, her gaze on the hard wooden floor so far below her feet. Paintings still hung on the wall, and she needed to take them down. But first, she had to face the sheriff.

She’d known he’d show up after receiving her e-mail. Nerves jumped in her belly as she waited.

He strode into the main room of the art gallery and brought the scents of male and pine with him. Stopping several feet away, he looked up. “Juliet.”

“Sheriff.” She took a deep breath, trying to keep her focus on his dark eyes.

But that body deserved a second glance. Tight and packed hard, the sheriff wore faded jeans, a dark button-downed shirt, and a gun at his hip. Black hair swept away from a bronze face with rugged features. Not handsome, but definitely masculine and somehow, tough. Years ago, she’d liked tough. Many years ago.

He cocked his head to the side and studied her.

For months, he’d been studying her…that dark gaze probing deep, warming her in places she tried to control. But Quinn Lodge was all about control, and the smirk he gave promised she’d be the one relinquishing it. “Any other woman, I’d be worried about that top rung. Not you, though,” he murmured.

She smiled to mask her instant arousal from his gravelly voice and resorted to using a polite tone. “You don’t care if I fall?”

“I care. But you won’t fall. You’re the most graceful person I’ve ever met. Ever even seen.” Admiration and something deeper glimmered in his eyes.

She swallowed. “Thank you. Now perhaps we should get to the arguing part of the evening.”

“I’m not going to argue.” Stubbornness lined his jaw, at home and natural along the firm length. “Neither are you.”

While the words sounded like a peaceful overture, in truth, they were nothing but an order. She clasped her hands together and smoothed down her long skirt. When he used that tone, her panties dampened. If the boys from the private school who’d dubbed her “frigid virgin” could only see her now. “Good, no arguing. We agree.”

His grin flashed a dimple in his left cheek, and he shifted his weight. “You’re not leaving the gallery.”

“Yes, I am.” She should not look. She absolutely would not look. But she’d recognized his move when he’s shifted his weight…yes. A very impressive bulge filled out the sheriff’s worn jeans.

She swallowed, her ears ringing. Her thighs suddenly ached to part.

His eyebrows rose. “Juliet?”

Guilt flashed through her even as her eyes shot up. “Yes?”

His smile was devastating. “Would you like to finally discuss it?”

“Your erection?” The words slipped out before she could think. Oh God. She slapped a hand over her mouth.

He laughed, the sound male and free. “Here in the backcountry, ma’am, we prefer the term hard-on. But yes, let’s discuss the fact that I’m permanently erect around you. Tell me you’re finally ready to do something about it.”

Her heart bashed into her rib cage. “Like what?” she choked.

“Well now”— he tucked his thumbs in his pockets, his gaze caressing up her legs to her rapidly sharpening nipples— “I’ve never taken a woman on a ladder before, but the thought does have some possibilities. How flexible are you, darlin’?”

The spit dried up in her mouth, while warmth flowed through the rest of her. He wasn’t joking. If she gave the word, he’d be on her. Shock filled her at how badly she wanted the sheriff on her. Most men would be at least a little embarrassed by the tented jeans. Not Quinn Lodge. He wanted to explore the idea.

“While I appreciate your offer, I’d prefer we returned to settling the issue of the gallery.” Could she sound any less like a spinster from the eighteen hundreds? “I’m unable to pay the rent, and thus, I need to move on.” But where? The upcoming art show needed to be somewhere close by or nobody would attend. While she had no choice but to leave town right after the opening, at least she could leave on a triumphant note.

“I don’t need the rent. Let’s keep a running total, and after you’re hugely successful, you can pay me.” He ran a broad hand through his hair. “Stop being impossible.”

She wasn’t a charity case. Plus, the last person she wanted to owe was the sheriff. The man viewed the world in clear, unequivocal lines, and she lived in the gray area. A fact he could never know.

“I’m sorry, but I’m not taking advantage of you.” She was out of money, and no way would she stick around.

He sighed. “Juliet, I don’t need the money.”

The words from any other man would’ve been bragging. Not Quinn Lodge. He was merely being nice…and telling the truth. His family owned most of Montana, and he’d invested heavily in real estate. The guy owned many properties, including the two-story brick building that had held her gallery for the past few months, since she’d arrived in town.

She sighed. “I’m not owing you.”

His chin lowered.

Hers lifted.

A cell phone buzzed from his pocket. He drew it out, frowned at the number, and then looked back up at her. “I, ah, need to take this. Do you mind?”

“No.” Darn if his manners didn’t make her feel even more uncomfortable.

“Thanks.” He lifted the device to his ear. “Lodge here.”

He listened and slowly exhaled. “Thank you, Governor.” He shook his head. “I don’t think so… Yes, I understand what you are saying.” Dark eyes rose and warmed as they focused on Juliet’s hardened nipples. She’d cross her arms, but why hide? It wasn’t like the sheriff was concerned about the massive erection he was still sporting, and she could be just as nonchalant as he. She dragged her thoughts back to his ongoing conversation.

“I would, but I already have a date.” That dimple flashed again, this time longer. “Yes, I’m seeing someone—Juliet Montgomery. She owns the art gallery in town. Of course she’ll be at the dance as well as at the ride. Thank you very much.” He slid the phone into his pocket.

Tingles wandered down Juliet’s spine. Several of her fantasies regarding the sheriff included being part of his everyday life. Of course, many more centered on his nights. “We’re dating?”

“Well now,” only a true Montana man could drawl a sentence like that, “how about we reach an agreement?”

She frowned even as her clit sprang to attention. Her raging hormones would love to reach an agreement. “I’m not for sale, Quinn.”

He lost the smile. “I would never presume you were, darlin’. Here’s the deal—we both need help. How about we help each other?”

* * *

“Besides,” Quinn reached the bottom of the ladder and held up a hand, “aren’t you tired of dancing around this? For the last few months, we’ve danced around this.”

“That’s what responsible adults do.” Juliet automatically took his hand to descend. Electricity danced up her arm from his warm palm.

“Bullshit.” He helped her to the hard-tiled floor.

“You feel it, too.”

Yes, she did, and the crass language actually turned her on. But he didn’t know her, and he wouldn’t like her if he did. “I’ve chosen not to act on any temporary attraction.” As a tall woman, it truly unnerved her when she needed to tilt her head back to meet his gaze. “How tall are you, anyway?”

He shrugged. “Six four, last time I checked. How about you?”

“Five ten.”

He nodded. “Petite. Very petite.”

The man was crazy. She tugged her hand free. “I’m not dating you.”

“I know. We’re pretending.” He glanced around at the many paintings on the wall. “Are these from Sophie’s new collection?”

“Yes.” The damn man already knew his sister-in-law’s paintings adorned the walls.

“Didn’t you promise her an amazing showing for the opening of your gallery?” he asked.

“Yes.”

“Well, then. This is the only place to have an amazing showing, right?”

Wasn’t that just like a man to go right for the kill? Sophie was Juliet’s friend, one of her only friends, and the showing meant a lot to her. “You’re not being fair.”

He reached out and ran a finger down Juliet’s cheek, his gaze following the motion.

Heat flared from his touch, through her breasts, right down between her legs. “Stop.”

His hand dropped. “I need a pretend girlfriend. You need to keep the gallery open. This is a perfect agreement.”

Darn it. Temptation had her glancing around the spectacular space. Three rooms, all containing different types of Western art, made up the gallery. The main room already held most of the paintings created by Sophie Lodge. Rich, oil-based paintings showing life in Maverick, life on the reservation, and the wickedness of Montana weather. The showing would put both Sophie’s art and Juliet’s gallery on the Western-gallery map.

She wanted on that map. Perhaps badly enough to make a deal with the sheriff. Plus, she was tired of dancing around her attraction to Quinn. Would that attraction explode or fizzle if they spent time together? Frankly, it didn’t matter. She had to leave town soon. Why not appease her curiosity? “Okay, but keep your hands to yourself.”

“But—”

“No.” She pressed her hands on her hips. The man was too dangerous, too tempting. A woman had to keep some control, or Quinn would run wild. No question. “You’re creative, and this is your idea. If we pretend to date, you keep your hands off me.”

His eyes dropped to an amused, challenging expression. He held out both hands, palms up. “Tell you what, darlin’. These hands won’t touch you until you ask nicely. Very nicely.”

“That will never happen,” she snapped.

His left eyebrow rose. “I wondered if that red hair came with a temper.” Interest darkened his eyes to midnight. “So much passion locked up in such a classy package. I thought so.” He leaned into her space. “Be careful, or I’ll make you beg.”

Excerpt copyrighted by Rebecca Zanetti

My Review

I can't get enough of these yummy cowboys!!

Rebecca Zanetti sure knows how to write sexy cowboys! This book showcases Sheriff Quinn Lodge. He is noble, honest and sexy as hell! He has his hands full with Juliet Montgomery, the fiery-haired woman who’s recently opened the art gallery in town.

You don’t want to miss the action, suspense and the explosive passion. A must read for any romance reader!

FTC Disclaimer: I voluntarily read a copy of the book generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influences my thoughts or feelings about the book or the content of my review.

Purchase Links

Amazon

Read for FREE on Kindle Unlimited!

About the Author

New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly and #1 Amazon bestselling author Rebecca Zanetti has published more than sixty novels, which have been translated into several languages, with more than five million copies sold world-wide. Her books have received Publishers Weekly starred reviews and have been featured in Entertainment Weekly, Woman’s World, and Women’s Day Magazines. Her novels have also been included in Amazon best books of the year and have been favorably reviewed in both the Washington Post and the New York Times Book Reviews. Rebecca has ridden in a locked Chevy trunk, has asked the unfortunate delivery guy to release her from a set of handcuffs, and has discovered the best silver mine shafts in which to bury a body…all in the name of research. Honest. Find Rebecca at: www.RebeccaZanetti.com

Day 24: Christmas Eve Love Story by Ginny Baird

Happy Holidays!

Today is Day 24 of my holiday reading recommendations.

Christmas Eve Love Story is a Christmas Groundhog’s Day-style time trap full of heart, hijinks, and a hunky security guard that’ll have you weak in the knees!

About the Book

Annie Jones is stuck repeating Christmas Eve until she finds everything she's been missing in life in this heartwarming time travel Christmas romance for fans of Miracle on 34th Street, Groundhog Day, and Josie Silver's A Winter in New York.

Annie Jones works hard designing windows for iconic New York City department store Lawson's Finest. So when her Christmas window display gets upended by some rambunctious kids on Christmas Eve, the all-too-realistic store Santa gives Annie a little decorating tip on how to start over. With help from friendly security guard Braden Tate, Annie repairs the damage and heads home. But when she wakes the next morning, she's bewildered to find that it isn't Christmas day at all, but Christmas Eve all over again.

Trapped in a time loop, Annie doesn't know how she'll ever make it back to the present. Luckily, she has an infinite number of chances to get things right. As little everyday choices bring her closer to Braden and to Christmas day, Annie starts to picture what her new life― one full of friendship, love, and community―could look like.

My Review

Christmas Eve Love Story is a Christmas Groundhog’s Day-style novel full of heart, hijinks, and a hunky security guard that’ll have you weak in the knees!

Annie is a wonderful character that takes pride in her work, is caring and empathetic, and a little quirky. Watching her experience déjà vu daily was entertaining and a little exasperating. I loved how hard Annie tried every day to create a better outcome than the day before. No matter how annoying it was waking up every day to Christmas Eve, Annie never gave up hope.

I absolutely love this book! I love the sweet romance! I love the witty dialogue. I love the beautifully written storyline. And I love how much heart, soul, and Christmas cheer was crammed into the pages.

I struggled to write this review because I didn’t want to share too much and spoil the magic of the story for readers. Even though I found the words, they still don’t feel adequate enough to express how special I think Christmas Eve Love Story is. It’s a beautiful story that encapsulates the wonder, whimsy, and the true spirit of Christmas.

Purchase Links

Sourcebooks | Ginny Baird Website

About the Author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Ginny Baird writes heartwarming contemporary stories filled with love, laughter, and happily ever afters. Visit her website to learn more about Ginny and her books. www.ginnybairdromance.com

Monday, December 23, 2024

Day 23: The Post Box at the North Pole by Jaimie Admans

Happy Holidays!

Today is Day 23 of my holiday reading recommendations.

The Post Box at the North Pole is a magical read with lots of wonder and Christmas spirit!

It's a beautiful read and one of my holiday favorites.

About the Book

Sasha Hansley hates Christmas. As a child, it was her favourite time of year, but ever since the tragic death of her mother, it has completely lost its magic.

But when she gets an unexpected phone call from her estranged father, she’s forced to dust off her snow boots. He’s been running a Lapland style Christmas village in Norway, and eager to reconnect with her dad, Sasha books the next flight out there.

Met at the runway by drop-dead-gorgeous Taavi Salvesen, they sleigh ride through the snow with the Northern Lights guiding their way.

When Sasha uncovers sacks of unopened Santa mail – letters that children and adults from all over the world write to Santa every year – she realises that she can send a little bit of magic out into the world by replying to some of them.

With Taavi on hand to help, will Sasha rediscover her own excitement for Christmas and find love among the letters?

My Review

This is one of the best Christmas stories I’ve ever read. This story will tug hard on those heartstrings.

This is a story of a woman with a broken spirit and a cynical view of Christmas. She’s never ventured out of her comfort zone and is secretly longing for the father who abandoned her shortly after her mother’s death, when she needed him most.

This is also a story about hope, about courage, and about the magic of Christmas. This is also a story about love and how beautifully fragile it is. It’s a story of Christmas miracles, reindeer and letters to Santa Claus.

I absolutely loved this book. I loved watching Sasha in her new environment and I loved watching her with Taavi. They bumped heads as much as they locked eyes with each other and couldn’t break away. Sasha really “saw” Taavi and she refused to let his walls keep her out of the one place that was off limits… his heart.

The author did an amazing job of describing the landscape and the beauty of this Nordic destination. It’s enchanting and beautiful and it felt almost like I was there with Sasha and Taavi.

I was quickly swept away in the magic and merriment of the story and its people. I laughed, cried and loved every bit of the book and I didn’t want it to end.

I whole-heartedly recommend The Post Box at the North Pole.

Purchase Links

Amazon US | Amazon UK

About the Author

Jaimie is a 36-year-old English-sounding Welsh girl with an awkward-to-spell name. She lives in South Wales and enjoys writing, gardening, watching horror movies, and drinking tea, although she’s seriously considering marrying her coffee machine. She loves autumn and winter, and singing songs from musicals despite the fact she’s got the voice of a dying hyena. She hates spiders, hot weather, and cheese & onion crisps. She spends far too much time on Twitter and owns too many pairs of boots.

She will never have time to read all the books she wants to read.

She is the author of several romantic comedies for HarperCollins – The Chateau of Happily Ever Afters, The Little Wedding Island, It’s a Wonderful Night, The Little Vintage Carousel by the Sea, Snowflakes at the Little Christmas Tree Farm, The Little Bookshop of Love Stories, The Wishing Tree Beside the Shore, The Little Christmas Shop on Nutcracker Lane, and The Post Box at the North Pole. Learn more at jaimieadmans.com

Sunday, December 22, 2024

Day 22: A Very Merry Hitman by Katie Reus

Happy Holidays!

Today is Day 22 of my holiday reading recommendations.

This is Book 2 of Katie's Romantic Suspense series, Holiday With a Hitman!

These books are novella-sized but packed full of action, suspense, steamy chemistry, and holiday cheer!

Even though this is the second book, it can easily be read as a standalone.

About the Book

She’s surrounded by hitmen…

Aileen’s parents, brother and all her neighbors have unconventional jobs to say the least. So she’s surrounded by hitmen. Is it a little strange? Sure, but so is she. And lately she finds herself looking at one of her neighbors in a new light. When the single mom asks him for a teeny tiny favor—to help her after years of being celibate—he shuts down. So she decides to throw herself back out there and start dating again.

And he’s the most intimidating of them all…

Dante has wanted Aileen for as long as he can remember, but because of her past trauma, he’s always considered her off-limits. When two different Santas try to rob her in a matter of days, then all bets are off. Something weird is going on, so he does what any good hitman would do—he takes over her protection detail. He’ll keep her under his roof, in his arms, and hopefully in his bed, while ending any and all threats to her. Too bad her nosy family keeps getting in his way. It may be the most wonderful time of the year, but danger is about to find them all.

My Review

A Very Merry Hitman is a hoot! I love the action, suspense, single mom awkwardness, steamy chemistry, and Christmas hijinks!

Aileen is a single mom to a very smart, rambunctious girl. She has a career, a home, wonderful family, and has just about everything she needs. Well, what she really needs is someone to help dust off the cobwebs and make sure her lady parts still work! And she hopes that someone is Dante, her hot neighbor, family friend, and hitman extraordinaire.

Dante has been gaga over Aileen for years! He’s dumbstruck when Aileen asks him for a little poke and tickle but before he can answer, she runs out and asks him to forget it. Forget it? Never. When Aileen falls victim to Santa trying to rob her–twice–Dante’s protective instincts are in full alpha mode as he works to keep Aileen and her daughter Nessa safe.

As Dante and Aileen spend more time together, the slow burning flame that Dante’s kept for her quickly develops into an all-consuming passion that leaves nothing but embers behind. Dante is definitely not getting coal in his stocking this year 😏

The suspense is thrilling, the romance is combustible, the dialogue is funny, and the story will melt your heart.

I highly recommend the Holiday with a Hitman series and I’ll be asking Santa for more stories in this vibrant, festive book world!

Purchase Links

Katie Reus Website

About the Author

Katie Reus is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Ancients Rising series, the Endgame Trilogy and the Red Stone Security series. She fell in love with romance at a young age thanks to books she pilfered from her mom’s stash. Years later she loves reading romance almost as much as she loves writing it.

However, she didn’t always know she wanted to be a writer. After changing majors many times, she finally graduated summa cum laude with a degree in psychology. Not long after that she discovered a new love. Writing. She now spends her days writing paranormal romance and romantic suspense. Learn more about Katie and her books by visiting her website: katiereus.com

Saturday, December 21, 2024

Day 21: How the Hitman Stole Christmas by Katie Reus

Happy Holidays!

Today is Day 21 of my holiday reading recommendations.

This is Book 1 of Katie's Romantic Suspense series, Holiday With a Hitman!

The story is funny, fast-paced and full of steamy passion!

You can't go wrong with a Katie Reus book!

About the Book

Tis the season for a grumpy-sunshine romance with a side of murder and mayhem!

She hates Christmas and everything that goes with it…

Explosives expert Elliana hates Christmas—and the only good thing about this holiday season is that her gorgeous neighbor seems allergic to shirts and clothes in general. She knows because she’s been watching him for months with her drone. She’s never stalked anyone before, but he not only doesn’t seem to mind, he puts on nightly strip shows just for her. When she finally works up the courage to talk to him, she stumbles right into a murder—that he’s committed.

But this holiday is one she’ll never forget…

According to him, the whole murder thing is no big deal—the dead guy needed killing. And while her hot neighbor wants her, protecting her is his main priority. So when she’s targeted, this cinnamon roll hitman kidnaps her for her own good. With a deadly threat hunting them and a hot hitman who keeps handcuffing her to him “for her own protection”, Elliana is starting to reconsider her grinchy stance on the holidays. And when everything finally comes to a head, the results are bound to be…explosive.

My Review

How the Hitman Stole Christmas is funny, steamy, inappropriately appropriate and loads of fun! The characters are loveable, the dialogue had me constantly laughing out loud, and the chemistry between Elliana and Theo is explosive!

You wouldn’t think a hitman would be able to steal Christmas-and my heart-but you’d be totally wrong! I absolutely loved it! And to find out that it’s gonna be a series?!?!?! I cannot WAIT for the next book!

Purchase Links

Katie Reus Website

Tuesday, December 31, 2024

Favorite Books of 2024

Wednesday, December 25, 2024

Happy Holidays!

About the Book

My Review

Purchase Links

About the Author

Tuesday, December 24, 2024

Happy Re-Release Day!

About the Book

Excerpt

My Review

Purchase Links

About the Author

Happy Holidays!

About the Book

My Review

Purchase Links

About the Author

Monday, December 23, 2024

Happy Holidays!

About the Book

My Review

Purchase Links

About the Author

Sunday, December 22, 2024

Happy Holidays!

About the Book

My Review

Purchase Links

About the Author

Saturday, December 21, 2024

Happy Holidays!

About the Book

My Review

Purchase Links

About the Author

FTC Disclosure

Disclaimer

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