Review: Maple & Moonlight by Daphne Elliot

Welcome to Maplewood, Vermont. America’s Most Charming Small Town has some dark, sticky secrets. Come for the maple syrup, festivals, and cheese wars; stay for swoon. 

Maple & Moonlight is Book #2 in Daphne Elliot's Maplewood series.

About the Book

As a single mom rebuilding my life from scratch, I don’t need help. And I definitely don’t need the attention of a six-foot-three maple farmer with a beard and a hero complex who looks at me like I’m a problem he didn’t sign up for.

My landlord is broad-shouldered, permanently unimpressed, and entirely too comfortable telling me when I’m wrong. I think he’s grumpy, rigid, and overprotective. He thinks I’m chaos in Crocs.

Falling for Josh Lawrence was never part of the plan.

But then he starts showing up.

For my son when he’s overwhelmed.

For my daughters when they need someone steady.

And for me when my hands won’t stop shaking.

I didn’t come to Vermont looking for a protector. I don’t need rescuing. But somewhere between harvest festivals, pumpkin canoe races, and quiet mornings in the sugar shack, the man I swore was just an annoyance becomes my safe place.

And when my dangerous past resurfaces and threatens the new life I’ve built, the grumpy maple farmer next door becomes my fiercest protector, ready to stand by my side while I fight for my family.

Because it turns out maple farmers are a lot like their trees: quiet, stubborn, and surprisingly sweet when the pressure builds.

My Review

I found this book on Kindle Unlimited and it struck my fancy so I gave it a go. It took me some time getting used to the story before I settled in and started enjoying it though.

The FMC’s youngest child is a boy with autism. I was easily able to relate to her, and have a little trepidation about reading the story. As a parent of a neurodivergent child, I had my own preconceived notions about the book, but as I relinquished control over my own thoughts/fears about my own experiences and just let myself empathize with Celine, I was welcomed into the story with open arms.

I am a huge fan of small town stories and second chances and this had both. A single mom getting a second chance at life after ending an abusive marriage. A small town that welcomes Celine and her children with open arms. Townspeople who love to gossip, yet are always ready to pitch in and help their neighbor, who take pride in their town. I really enjoyed all these aspects of the story.

There's also a continuing story arc from Book 1. A scandal has devastated the town’s tourism industry and has put all the businesses in jeopardy. This fallout is continuing throughout the series and it’s pretty intriguing.

I love the respectful way the author created the extra special characters in the story. I thought the characters were crafted beautifully and the storyline reflected that. I really enjoyed the book and am looking forward to more from the author.

Purchase Links*

Kindle Unlimited

About the Author

In High School, Daphne Elliot was voted “most likely to become a romance novelist.” After spending the last decade as a corporate lawyer, she has finally embraced her destiny. Her small town steamy novels are filled with flirty banter, sexy hijinks, and lots and lots of heart. 

Daphne is a coffee-drinking, hot-sauce loving introvert who spends all her free time in her garden. She lives on a small farm in New England with her husband, two kids, two dogs, twelve backyard chickens and a hive of Italian honeybees. 

Keep in touch with Daphne by subscribing to her newsletter here: daphneelliot.com/join-newsletter

*Third party links to the publisher's website. May contain affiliate links.

Review: Darling Daffodils Farm by Brittanee Nicole

From the USA Today bestselling superstar romance author of the Boston Bolts hockey series comes a spicy rivals-to-lovers, grumpy-sunshine romance about a young woman returning to her family’s daffodil farm only to find “Cowboy” running her daddy’s business. . . . This gorgeous first edition trade paperback features colored stenciled edges.

About the Book

They say you can never tame a wildflower…

When aspiring pastry chef, Tally Darling, returns home to her family’s daffodil farm, the last thing she expects to find is a hot—half-naked—farmhand living in her childhood bedroom and running her late daddy’s business.

Jesse Walker might be gorgeous but he’s also infuriatingly grumpy. Walker has no time for Tally and the feeling is mutual.

That is, until Tally hears him moan over one of her signature salted honey cupcakes. And then discovers how good it tastes when they kiss.

As dewy April days turn into warm May evenings, Walker and Tally soon realize that there is a thin line between love and hate. But will their budding connection grow into something that lasts beyond one season?

My Review

Darling Daffodils Farm is a fun, exasperating, and heartfelt small town romance with lively and colorful characters, a TMI town group chat, and an enemies to lovers trope that’ll knock your socks off!

Tally has come home to the family farm after years of wandering to find a usurper in her bedroom. Who cares if he’s a super hunky cowboy type with lots of muscles and a scowl for days. He’s in HER house a year after her father passed away. Why would her mom let some stranger stay in their house?

Walker is trying his best to keep his thoughts to himself about his late mentor’s flighty daughter returning to the farm. She’s loud, brash, and won’t leave well enough alone, messing up his plans for the farm. There are secrets about the business Tally’s mom doesn’t want Tally or her sister to know about and Walker is hard-pressed to keep them. But sooner or later, the chickens will come home to roost and when that happens, it could mean disaster for the farm.

Tally and Walker have a crazy slow-burning chemistry that explodes in wild abandon all over the pages in a wide open door romance that leaves nothing but the hinges on. While Tally and Walker are electric characters, I found more enjoyment keeping up with secondary characters and the citizens of Hope Harbor. I especially love the town group chat! It is hilarious!

This small town is a hoot! There’s a club for the senior citizen women called the Liberty Ladies who believe everyone’s business is their business. They are rambunctious, ornery, and young at heart! There’s also a saucy book club that’s just as fun as it sounds. Many of the Liberty Ladies are also town matchmakers and it’s so fun watching the menfolk dodge their attentions. Their matchmaking schemes were relentless and endearing.

Darling Daffodils Farm is so funny. I can’t tell you how many times I snort-laughed at something Tally or Walker said or how overly-sexed the Liberty Ladies club is. It was so much fun to experience!

This is my first read by the author and I was absolutely enchanted. I highly recommend Darling Daffodils Farm and can’t wait for the next book! 

FTC Disclaimer: I voluntarily read a physical ARC 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*

Penguin Random House | Brittanée Nicole Website

About the Author

Photo: © Meghan Brady Photography

Brittanée Nicole is the USA Today bestselling author of the Boston Bolts Hockey series as well as Mother Faker, which is part of the bestselling Momcom series, among others. Known for writing swoony men who always fall first, Brittanée loves stories centered around strong friendships that form the basis of a found family and messy, beautiful love. She lives in New England with her husband and two children. Learn more at www.brittaneenicole.com

*Third party links to the publisher's website. May contain affiliate links.

Review: Downpour by Maggie Gates

A paraplegic bull rider and his new home aide fall in love as they pick up the pieces of their lives in the second book in the popular Griffith Brothers series.

About the Book

Rule #1 of almost dying: Make sure someone knows your passwords. It’s hard to cancel your phone plan if you’re dead.

Rule #2 of almost dying: Make sure your house is clean before you walk up the steps to the pearly gates. It makes selling off your life easier.

All it took was eight seconds for Ray Griffith to win the biggest competition of his life, and one second to lose everything except that championship buckle. He’d left his family’s cattle ranch at eighteen with no intention of ever coming back for good. Now he’s back, learning to navigate life in a wheelchair with a beautiful disaster attempting to burn the house down.

Rule #1 of trying to not get fired: Don’t piss off the grumpy bull rider.

Rule #2 of trying to not get fired: When you do get fired, keep your chin up. The grumpy bull rider was hot.

It was just a little fire. Tiny, even. But that didn’t change the fact that Ray Griffith didn’t want her anywhere near him. But they reached an agreement: if she ignores him, he doesn’t fire her. Easy, right? Turns out not so much if they can’t keep their hands off each other.

Excerpt

 

Chapter 1

Brooke

I stretched out in my crisp, cool sheets as sunlight leaked through the blinds. Was there anything better than waking up in fresh sheets? I could already tell it was going to be a great day.

The window air conditioner rattled like maracas. The pair of googly eyes I had attached to it jiggled with every heave. Poor thing was dying in this sweltering June heat.

"You're doing great, little guy." I patted its rusted metal case. "Just keep going."

I shimmied into a relatively clean pair of shorts I found dangling off the bed frame. One flip-flop peeked out from under the bed, and I found the other on top of my dresser.

Bounding down the stairs, I greeted the sprawled-out figures on the couches on my way across the room.

Nick, the roommate who had lived here the longest out of all of us, lifted his head from the faded recliner. "Rent's due, Stacey."

"Really?" I laughed nervously and pawed through my pantry shelf. "I could have sworn I gave you money already."

I grabbed a box of granola bars with my name on it and opened it up. Empty. Maybe one of my roommates got hungry and didn't have anything else? That was alright. I'd just have oatmeal.

Nope, that box was empty too.

"Hey, do you know if someone ate my food?" I asked.

A familiar blue-and-white wrapper was on Nick's lap. "Dunno," he grunted as he chased his bite with a swig of beer.

Chandler, one of my other roommates, was passed out on the sofa with a mixing bowl of oatmeal resting on his stomach.

"No worries," I chirped, slinging my bag over my shoulder. "I'll just go by the store on my way back."

Stepping over a bulging garbage bag, I tiptoed past the mess of last night's party. Crushed beer cans skittered underfoot as I headed to the door.

"Don't forget about the money," Nick hollered as he scrolled his phone. "Cash this time. No checks."

The sun baked my skin as I skipped to my car, curls bouncing with each step. Mondays were the best. They were a fresh start. A new chance. Full of exciting possibilities.

I slid into the driver's seat and tossed my bag on the floorboard. The plastic flower pot on my dashboard wiggled as I turned the ignition.

"Aw, crap," I muttered, noticing the low fuel light. "That's fine, Madame Universe. Thanks for the excuse to grab a gas station snack."

I swung into the nearest station, chatting up the friendly cashier about the soap opera playing on the TV behind the counter as I paid for a snack cake and a few gallons of gas.

Everyone was being so nice today. Even Nick had almost gotten my name right. Usually, it was Brenda, Bonnie, or some other B name. But today, he called me by my last name like I was one of the bros.

The house was really starting to feel like home.

It was fun to always be surrounded by people. I always had someone to talk to or hang out with. It was like living in a dorm.

My own little found family.

I parked in front of the Caring Hands office and skipped up the brick steps. The door's jingling bells announced my arrival as I stepped into the cool air conditioning.

"Good morning, Peggy!" I greeted the office manager cheerfully.

She looked up from her desk with a frown. "You're late."

"Am I?" I pulled out my phone to check the time. "Oh shoot, it's dead. Do you have a charger?"

Peggy's eyebrow twitched.

"Oh my god! Your eyeshadow looks amazing today! The blue totally makes your eyes pop."

She huffed. "Have a seat, Brooke."

I plopped into the chair across from her desk, noticing a new addition. "Did you get a new plant? It's so cute! Does it have a name?"

Peggy sighed. "A name?"

"Yes! Plants have personalities. Naming them is a huge responsibility. It's like naming a baby."

Her fingers rattled against the keyboard. "I'm glad you brought up responsibility. Let's talk about that."

I bounced my feet and admired the cheery blue and yellow nail polish on my toes. It was bright like a sunny day against the dreary gray office carpet.

"Brooke," Peggy snapped, jolting me from my wistful thoughts.

I looked up. "So, who am I going to see today?"

Her jaw was locked. "You're going to have a light day. The only client you have is Mr. Wilson."

"Light day? Awesome! There's this antique store I've been dying to go to." I propped my elbow on her desk and rested my chin in my hand. "What's your day like? Do you wanna come with me? We could grab lunch and make an afternoon of it."

She huffed. "Let me clarify. You only have one client left."

I gasped. "Everyone got better? Even Mrs. Jones? I thought it would take months for her to recover. I mean, yeesh-breaking both your legs like that . . . But look at her go. She's a rock star!"

Peggy pinched the bridge of her nose. "No one got better, Brooke. You cost the agency nine accounts. Nine valuable, paying clients left because of you."

"Really? I don't understand . . ."

My heart sank as she began to list off my failings-always running late, misplacing things, mixing up meals. I tried to explain about my noisy roommates and lack of sleep, but she cut me off.

"I don't want to hear excuses. I can't keep giving you assignments if you're going to cost us money. This is your last chance."

My bottom lip trembled. "I'll do better. I promise."

"Don't bother coming back here if Mr. Wilson sends you away," she said, turning back to her computer and waving me off.

I retreated out of the office and slunk back to my car. The check-engine light greeted me when I started the engine, and a knot formed in my stomach.

I needed this paycheck.

Rent, groceries, car repairs-being alive was expensive.

Being a home aide wasn't my dream job, but it gave me plenty of time to dream about other things. Plus, I loved helping my clients. Keeping them company, driving them to their appointments, chatting about their day while I cleaned their houses . . . People were awesome, and getting paid to do life with them was the best.

I just had to do better.

Two more years . . . I had to survive for two more years, and then everything would be fine.

Chapter 2

Ray

I threaded the end of the rope through the loop and tightened it. My hand trembled. I bit the knot to loosen it so I could tie it again, all while ignoring the body on the other side of the room.

Unfortunately, the body was alive.

"I don't know why everyone said you're crabby," she said as she cleaned up from lunch. "You're just quiet. Nothing wrong with that, sweetheart. I don't mind the quiet. There's too much noise these days."

A dull ache pulsed behind my eyes. "Stop talking."

She huffed. "That grouchy act won't work on me. I raised six boys-including my husband. I can handle your attitude."

The rope fell as I unlocked my chair and rolled to the door. "Out."

She propped her hands on her hips. "I just got here."

"And now you're leaving." I opened the front door and wheeled away. "Don't bother locking up."

It was already time to change the locks again. Seemed like I spent more money on doorknobs than anything else. Fortunately, the drill was still on the side table in the living room.

Maybe a number lock would be easier than dealing with keys and all that bullshit. I could just reprogram the code.

"Mr. Griffith, there's no reason for you to speak to me that way."

"There's no reason for you to still be here."

"But I-"

"I believe he told you to leave." Cassandra, my brother's fiancée, appeared in the doorway. She hitched her thumb over her shoulder. "Beat it."

The old lady glowered. "Who do you think you are, telling me to leave my job?"

Cassandra's cold stare made it clear the old lady was fucked. "It doesn't matter who I am. Ray told you to get out of his house. Now leave. You're trespassing at this point."

"I have a job to do."

"I fired you," I clipped.

Cassandra looked like she was about to claw the woman's eyes out.

"This family is just as crazy as everyone said," she yammered as she grabbed her oversized quilted purse and stormed out.

I lifted my wrist and managed a half-decent middle finger. She should have listened the first time.

Why didn't people listen to me? They always thought I was joking or that I wasn't the final say on who got to set foot in my house.

Cassandra waited until the woman stomped to her car before closing the door behind her. "I brought your mail down. Marty sent some documents for you to sign."

"Get Christian to do it," I grumbled. "He's my power of attorney."

"You really have to stop firing people," she said without the slightest bit of emotion. "We're getting a reputation."

"Isn't it your job to fix people's reputations? This should be child's play for you."

Cassandra dropped the mail on the table and pushed the chairs in. She picked up the tea towel the loudmouthed grandma had dropped so it wouldn't get caught under my chair and hung it over the dishwasher handle.

"I offered to bring you on as a client. You said no, remember? I don't offer twice. If you want my help, you know where to find me."

I rolled into the living room and parked myself in front of the sliding door. "I don't need a publicist."

"Marty says otherwise, and I agree with him."

The thought of Marty and his new rider made my blood boil. They could both go to hell as far as I was concerned.

Cassandra tapped a manicured nail on the envelopes. "Sign them and let me know when they're done. I'll put them with the outgoing mail."

"Chris can do it."

"Fine," she said, all too agreeably for my comfort. Cassandra was anything but agreeable.

Maybe that's why we got along so well.

"But that means he's going to come down here and lecture you. Do you really want him asking why you fired another CNA?"

I glared at her. "Leave a pen on the table."

She smirked, knowing she had won. "Call if you need something."

"I won't."

She shrugged like it was no big deal. "Suit yourself."

The door closed behind her, and I waited until the click of her high heels faded into the distance before I breathed again.

Finally alone.

I eased up to the kitchen table and made a reach for the first envelope. My physical therapist had chewed my ass out this morning for not working on my left hand, but I didn't feel like failing today.

I knew what was stuffed in the envelopes. Contract terminations from two more sponsors.

Rule number one of almost dying: Make sure someone knows your passwords. It's hard to cancel your phone plan if you're dead.

Rule number two of almost dying: Make sure your house is clean before you walk up the steps to the pearly gates. It makes selling off your life easier.

I tried to rip the damn thing open, but I couldn't pinch the envelope.

The rope was fine. It was half an inch thick. Paper was thin, and I didn't have the dexterity to hold it and tear it open.

Unlike Christian, who would have opened the envelopes and laid out the pages, Cassandra left them sealed. Deliberately.

I managed to get my pocket knife open and sliced open the letter. The cool handle pressed against my palm as I slid the knife down and pressed my thumb behind the blade.

The sound of boots thudding against the wooden ramp outside startled me. The knife twisted in my hand and the sharp edge slid across the pad of my thumb.

"Shit," I hissed and yanked my hand away. Crimson droplets spattered across the crisp white paper and onto my lap, staining my sweatpants.

Just fucking great. I quickly pressed my thumb to my shirt to stop the bleeding.

The doorknob clicked and the door creaked open.

Christian halted in his tracks at the sight of me before rushing over in a panic. "What the hell happened to you? Cass just left."

"Accident," I muttered. "Why're you here?"

"Just checkin' on you," he said. He grabbed the knife, wiped it off, closed it, and turned toward my bedroom. "Sit tight. I'll grab a change of clothes for you."

"Don't want 'em."

Christian paused with his hands braced on the bedroom doorframe. "We've gotta talk about this."

"Don't you have a ranch to run?" I said as I gingerly slipped my hand between the folded piece of paper and opened it up to see what my former manager had sent over. Marty would just have to deal with the bloodstains. "What did you do all fucking day when I was in Colorado and riding the circuit?"

There were days where all I wanted was to saddle up and ride through the plains until I couldn't see anything or anyone. I was jealous of CJ, the youngest of the four of us. He got to ride away from it all, spending his days surrounded by sprawling plains, far from the rest of the world.

I had tried to do that. I tried to leave it all behind.

"I worry about people all day," Christian said. "Bree, Gracie, Cass, and the ranch used to be at the top of that list. Now it's you."

I bristled at the mention of my nieces. At one point in time, they had been like my own daughters.

When Christian's wife died and Nate was deployed, I'd stepped in to help Christian with his girls, Bree and Gracie. Those two girls were my world.

To them, I was Superman.

Invincible and indestructible.

I stared at the table so he couldn't see the hurt boiling in my eyes. My hair hung over my face. I was long overdue for a trim. The shaggy mane was making me resemble Christian more with each passing day.

He sighed. "I know this sucks for you."

It sucks? Is he fucking kidding me?

A caustic laugh escaped me. "Really? I wasn't aware. Thanks for letting me know."

"Ray-"

"Fuck off," I said as I reached for the pen. I fisted it and jammed the end against the table to open it up. Slowly, I managed to scribble something that vaguely resembled Ray Griffith.

The three letters of my first name were a sloppy, childlike scrawl-wonky, misshapen, and inconsistent in size and spacing, sprawling across the entire signature line.

Excerpted from Downpour by Maggie Gates. Copyright © 2025 by Maggie Gates. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.

My Review

Downpour has the following tropes:

• Small Town
• Grumpy\Sunshine
• Opposites Attract
• Family Business
• Age Gap
• Rope Play
• Paraplegic Cowboy MMC
• Klutzy FMC
• Meddlesome Family

Downpour is a small town contemporary romance with lots of heart. Our MMC Ray Griffith was a famous bull rider until his luck ran out and his last ride left him in a wheelchair. Ray is struggling to find a new normal and all the limitations that come with his new circumstances which has left him mean as a rattlesnake and unbearable to be around. Which is also making it hard for the family to find good help because Ray keeps firing everyone! 

Brooke is a down-on-her-luck young lady with her head in the clouds and in danger of losing yet another job. She’s a bit naive and a little (a lot) klutzy, but she’s got a heart of pure gold and is stubborn as a mule. Brooke is desperate and can’t lose this job with Ray, so they strike a bargain to stay out of each other’s hair. That doesn’t last long. The more time they spend together, the more Ray thaws to the lovely Brooke and soon flames aren’t the only things smoking up the kitchen!

Downpour is a wonderful read about finding the courage to keep going, accepting help when you need it, and realizing a career-ending injury doesn’t mean everything is over, it’s just another curve in the road of life. 

FTC Disclaimer: I voluntarily read a print 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*

Penguin Random House | Maggie Gates Website

About the Author

Photo: © Maggie Gates

Maggie Gates writes raw, relatable romance novels packed full of heat and humor. Maggie calls North Carolina home. In her spare time, she enjoys daydreaming about her characters, jamming to country music, and eating all the barbecue and tacos she can find! Her e-reader is always within reach due to a love of small-town romances that borders on obsession. Learn more at maggiegates.com

*Third party links to the publisher's website. May contain affiliate links.

Review: Heart Strings by Ivy Fairbanks

Heart Strings is the second book in Ivy Fairbanks's Love in Galway series set in Ireland.

This is my first read from the author and I thoroughly enjoyed the story and am looking forward to the next book.

About the Book

She doesn’t do second chances. But he’s not done writing their song.

Cielo “Lo” Valdez doesn’t believe in second chances. Surviving cancer taught her life is too short to spend time on someone who wronged you. But Aidan O’Toole is determined to show her life is best spent together.

When the tough-as-nails Texan moved to Galway for medical school, she wasn’t looking for love. Aidan, a gorgeous, tattooed, mandolin-playing lawyer, slipped past her defenses. They each fell hard and fast. But when Aidan was given the opportunity of a lifetime—to move to London and record an album—he took it, breaking Lo’s heart. Yet more than two years and a successful album later, every song he writes is still about her, the one he let get away. And every time Lo hears his voice on the radio singing about love, it’s an arrow straight to her soul.

Now they’re on a collision course as maid of honor and best man at a weekend-long Irish castle wedding. Are some mistakes worth forgiving? Can Aidan convince Lo their song wasn’t meant to end?

My Review

Heart Strings is a second chance romance that’ll make you laugh, shed a few tears, and give you butterflies.

The storyline is a precarious balancing act of feelings and emotions that had my heart in a chokehold. Lo and Aidan’s relationship is so beautifully fragile and their journey is a tough one. Can they find the courage to claim the happiness they both so desperately deserve?

This was a book full of so many feelings and of so much love. The dialogue is funny and heartfelt. The characters are fun-loving, endearing, and easily relatable. I smiled a lot while reading and couldn’t contain a few chuckles.

I know I’m mentioning love a lot, but that’s the best way I can describe Heart Strings. All the actions, all the drama, all the earth-shattering and heartwrenching things that happen in this book, are colored with love. Love of a parent. Love of a friend. Love of family. And a love so raw, it defies definition. 

I am looking forward to the next book.

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.

Excerpt & Purchase Links

Penguin Random House*

About the Author

Photo: © Eero Loera

Ivy Fairbanks is the author of Morbidly Yours and Heart Strings, and a shameless consumer of rom-com books, hazelnut coffee, and Hozier music. Not necessarily in that order. Living with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome has made her a believer in the importance of representation in romance. Fairbanks writes stories where realistic characters find love, acceptance, and their happily-ever-afters. She lives in the Tampa Bay area with her husband and son. At any given moment, she is probably trapped under a sleeping tabby cat. Learn more at www.ivyfairbanksbooks.com

*Third party links to the publisher's website. May contain affiliate links.

Review: The Lodge by Kayla Olson

From the author of The Reunion, a cozy rom-com about a writer who decamps to a Vermont lodge for work but finds herself distracted by the charming ski instructor next door.

About the Book

Alix Morgan just got her big break as the ghostwriter of a memoir by Sebastian Green, a former member of the boy band True North. And when he offers her a penthouse at a luxurious resort in Vermont, she jumps at the chance to work far away from her noisy, cramped apartment.

Her career as an entertainment journalist has been building toward this dream job—after all, she used to cover True North and was one of the last people to interview former front man Jett Beckett before he disappeared. As she combs through her client’s voice memos, the specter of the missing lead singer remains, and fans are desperate to know the full story.

But Alix also has time for some fun at this glamorous resort, where she begins ski lessons with a handsome instructor named Tyler. As Alix and Tyler fall in love on the slopes, Alix’s work takes a complicated turn—and the mystery of True North’s downfall may be hers to solve.

Goodreads | Buy Links*

My Review

This is my first read by the author and I am quite impressed!

Growing up, I was (still am) a HUGE boy band fan so I was quickly drawn to this book about the mystery surrounding a missing boy bander who disappeared all Eddie and The Cruisers-style. Where did he go? Is he still alive? Could he be hiding in plain sight? Fans have been speculating for YEARS! I had to find out what happened!

The Lodge quickly swept me away into a scenic Vermont landscape where Alix finds inspiration for her breakthrough gig as a ghostwriter. And where she befriends a kind, funny, and handsome local ski instructor who also just so happens to be her neighbor, which makes for a delightful distraction.

The storyline is engaging and absolutely lovely. The romance is beautifully done. Alix and Tyler have great chemistry. Theirs is a sweet (and clean) romance.

This is also a story with real, raw emotions. The struggles each character faces carry consequential burdens that are painstakingly difficult to navigate. There’s not always a correct answer, life decisions are never just black and white. The story also touches on the darker side of fame, the good, the bad, and the life shattering.

The Lodge is a wonderful read with a little bit of mystery and lots of heart. I whole-heartedly recommend it to every reader!

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.

About the Author

Kayla Olson is the author of two books for young adults with her adult debut (a rom-com, The Reunion) to hit shelves in 2023. Her work has been published in fifteen languages; find her on Instagram (@authorkaylaolson), Twitter (@olsonkayla), or her website (www.kaylaolson.com).

*Third party links to the publisher's website. May contain affiliate links.

Day 20: Along Came Holly by Codi Hall

Happy Holidays!

Today is Day 20 of my holiday reading recommendations.

Along Came Holly by Codi Hall!

This is the 3rd book in Codi's Mistletoe Romance series. It showcases three adult siblings that grew up on a Christmas tree farm, set against the backdrop of a small town in the Pacific Northwest!

All the books in this series (and the spinoff) are heartwarming and hilarious!

Get your copy today!

About the Book

Holly Winters is not about to let her grumpy neighbor Declan steal her holiday joy…even if he does look rather handsome under the mistletoe.

Holly Winters owns the jolliest holiday shop on Main Street and this season is shaping up to be the best yet. The only pit in her figgy pudding? Declan Gallagher, the owner of the hardware store next door. He's the scroogiest man in all of Mistletoe, Idaho. Then Holly's revenge prank escalates into an all-out war with her Grinchy neighbor, and the situation turns sticky when she realizes she needs his help.

Declan can't believe the nerve of his oh-so-cheerful neighbor hiring him to set up her holiday lights display, but the money is too good to pass up. Despite his utter loathing of excessive decorations, he throws himself into getting the job done, only to encounter sabotage at every turn. To his astonishment, Declan finds himself championing the very woman who used to get under his skin. Then one rooftop kiss has him thinking maybe the season's traditions aren't as heinous as he believed. Declan's heart has grown three sizes since Holly came along, but how can he admit he's falling for the one woman he shouldn't want?

My Review

The books in Codi Hall’s Mistletoe Romance series were first released annually as an audiobook special and then the print/eBooks were published a year afterward. Since I’m not a big audiobook person, I have been (im)patiently waiting to read Along Came Holly. And it was so worth the wait!

Along Came Holly is a perfect enemies-to-lovers story backdropped by a small-town full of Christmas cheer, literally named Mistletoe! There’s laughter, hijinks, everything Christmas and a love story so powerful, it’ll melt the iciest of hearts!

Declan has been such a mystery and in Along Came Holly, we get to peel back his layers, seeing why he hates Christmas. It’s heartbreaking, bittersweet, and endearing. There’s so much more to Declan than his gruff disposition and his constant scowl. I just want to give him a big hug!

Holly is a firecracker and larger than life. She’s passionate about everything she does and I admire that about her. Holly is also a fierce protector of her family and those she calls her own. She’s courageous, confident and has the most wicked sense of humor! I would totally be BFFs with her because I definitely don’t want to be on the receiving end of her ire or that fiery temper she brandishes as easily as her love and loyalty.

I absolutely LOVE this story! Holly and Declan are business neighbors and have been feuding since the beginning of the series. I love their banter and their chemistry is off the charts! It’ll take a Christmas miracle, and some help from the gang in Mistletoe to keep the peace between Holly and Declan and… help them discover that what they both needed was always right there in front of them. Each other.

This story has ALL the feels and will have you laughing, crying and falling in love right alongside Holly and Declan. I highly recommend this and every book in the Mistletoe Romance series! It’s got everything you need: Christmas, small-town, family, fun, crocheted peens, loveable pets, a Christmas tree farm and so much more!

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

Codi Hall Website

About the Author

Codi Hall has been writing for eight years under the pen name, Codi Gary. In the spring of 2020, Codi signed with Audible for three original audio books about a trio of siblings finding love in their little mountain town during Christmas time. A California native living in Idaho, she fell in love with big skies, amazing people, and brisk winters. When she isn't writing, you can find her watching movies with her family, making silly Tik Toks, taking gorgeous photos, and snuggling up with a good book and one of her many furbabies! Learn more at www.codigarysbooks.com

Day 19: There's Something About Merry by Codi Hall

Happy Holidays!

Today is Day 19 of my holiday reading recommendations.

There's Something About Merry by Codi Hall!

This has got to be my favorite Christmas read EVER!

This is a small town Christmas romance with loads of charm and laughs!

It's soooo good! And it's currently on sale for 99 CENTS!

Get your copy today!

About the Book

Curl up this Christmas with a fun, festive romcom featuring:

🎄Irresistible single dad hero
🎄Heartwarming second chance at love story
🎄The healing magic of the holiday season
🎄Warm nights on the family Christmas tree farm

Merry Winters is going to need a whole lot of Christmas cheer to make up for the disaster of a year she’s had. Rather than sulk, she decides to funnel all her frustrations into preparing for the most wonderful (and busiest) time of year at the Winters’ Christmas Tree Farm. Although her family isn’t ready to hand over the reins yet, Merry is determined to prove herself as manager material, and a certain flirty outdoorsman on her dating app has been giving her just the confidence to do so.

What Merry doesn’t know is that she’s been chatting anonymously with the farm’s new foreman, Clark Griffin. The single dad has kept himself out of the dating pool ever since his son’s mother left; but the more Merry dedicates herself to the farm, the more Clark falls for her generous heart and jolly spirit.

As Clark and Merry catch feelings both online and off, their romantic potential dangles in front of their noses like mistletoe. Love is within their reach, if only they’re brave enough to take the first step.

My Review

There’s Something About Merry is a beautiful, heartwarming and funny small-town Christmas romance that gives you all the feels and leaves you wanting more!

The story started a little slow for me but once I got my footing, I was immediately whisked away to Mistletoe, Idaho where an enchanting and exuberant family–aptly named The Winters–own a bustling Christmas tree farm. And on this farm there is a rugged, sexy foreman named Clark and his super cute seven-year-old son Jace.

Because of a painful past, Clark holds his emotions and feelings close to the vest keeping everyone at arm’s length, with the exception of his son and brother. But working on the farm and being accepted into the Winters’ family fold, Clark finds his smiles are less strained and more frequent, except when it comes to The Winters’ oldest daughter Merry. She’s a temptation he doesn’t want or need… or does he?

Merry has been back home at the farm healing from a bad breakup. Her dream is to take over the Christmas tree farm after her dad retires and is having a hard time trying to convince him she is serious. She’s pretty peeved her dad hired a new foreman to work the farm and doesn’t feel like her dad trusts her with the family business. I mean, yeah Clark is super handsome and once upon a time, she had a crush on him when he worked at the farm when they were teens, but he didn’t feel the same. Clark's cool demeanor towards her confirms her feelings about his disinterest… until some things start to happen and Merry isn’t so sure she’s correct in her assumptions.

I absolutely LOVED this book! Merry is wonderfully kind, quirky, so funny and has a heart of gold. I absolutely loved her! All the characters are amazing, well thought out, lovingly crafted and so easily relatable! The storyline is fun, heartwarming and everything you want in a Christmas romance. I did not want to put it down!

I laughed, loved and got a little misty-eyed with the cute and fun storyline, amazing characters and funny dialogue! The story is so sweet and so heartfelt and it gave me so much joy to read. I am an absolute fan of Codi Hall now and I cannot wait for the next book!

There is definitely Something About Merry and it’s absolutely delightful! I highly recommend this wonderful Christmas read!

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 | Barnes & Noble | Apple Books

Kobo | Google Play

There's Something About Merry is currently on sale for 99 CENTS!

About the Author

Codi Hall has been writing for eight years under the pen name, Codi Gary. In the spring of 2020, Codi signed with Audible for three original audio books about a trio of siblings finding love in their little mountain town during Christmas time. A California native living in Idaho, she fell in love with big skies, amazing people, and brisk winters. When she isn't writing, you can find her watching movies with her family, making silly Tik Toks, taking gorgeous photos, and snuggling up with a good book and one of her many furbabies! Learn more at www.codigarysbooks.com

Day 18: A Cowboy Country Christmas by Jennie Marts

Happy Holidays!

Today is Day 18 of my holiday reading recommendations.

A Cowboy Country Christmas is Book #6 in her Creedence Horse Rescue series and it's soooooo good! 

It's funny, heartfelt, and absolutely heartwarming! 

A Cowboy Country Christmas is just what you need to satisfy your holiday cheer needs!

It was an absolute joy to read and loved it! I hope you'll love it too!

About the Book

There's no better time than Christmas to open your heart 

Holt Callahan used to love the holidays, but getting dumped on Christmas Eve would turn anyone into a Grinch. Now he hates Christmas and all the holly jolly shenanigans that go with it. When he moves back to his cousin's ranch in Creedence, Colorado, the last thing he expects is to come face to face with the one who got away and all of her holiday cheer.

Lainey McBride is all about Christmas. Now she's running her family's ranch festivities while her grandfather is in rehab, and no matter how many things don't go according to plan, she's determined to bring her holiday spirit. But the holidays have their own way of healing, and a Christmas in Creedence just might be the merry magic that brings these two broken hearts back together again.

My Review

A Cowboy Country Christmas has all the feels all wrapped up in the magic and mayhem of the Christmas season. I absolutely love this story full of love, hope and second chances.

Holt and Lainey have been in love since they were kids. Something tragic happened in high school one Christmas and a lot of confusion and broken hearts have kept these two souls separate for ten long years. A runaway horse brings Holt and Lainey back into each other’s orbit. Then it’s a wild roller coaster ride of Christmas cheer, nosey townsfolk, a grumpy cowboy grinch, a sunshiny elf with a hand for helping everyone, a menagerie of quirky farm animals, and a love story desperately in need of a Christmas miracle.

The story is beautiful, fun, hilarious, heartfelt, heart wrenching, and packed full of Christmas spirit. The secondary characters are amazing and vital to the storyline. The animals are the real stars of the show! The love in this book is so raw and so beautifully fragile, I felt every high and low of Holt and Lainey’s story as if it were my own. It was a complete joy to read and I highly recommend this and every book by the author.

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 | Sourcebooks Casablanca Books

About the Author

Jennie Marts is the USA TODAY Best-selling author of award-winning books filled with love, laughter, and always a happily ever after. Readers call her books “laugh out loud” funny and the “perfect mix of romance, humor, and steam.” Fic Central claimed one of her books was “the most fun I’ve had reading in years.”

She is living her own happily ever after in the mountains of Colorado with her husband, two dogs, and a parakeet that loves to tweet to the oldies. She’s addicted to Diet Coke, adores Cheetos, and believes you can’t have too many books, shoes, or friends.

Her books include the contemporary western romance Hearts of Montana series, the romantic comedy/ cozy mysteries of The Page Turners series, the hunky hockey-playing men in the Bannister family in the Bannister Brothers Books, and the small-town romantic comedies in the Lovestruck series of Cotton Creek Romances.

Jennie loves to hear from readers. Follow her on Facebook at Jennie Marts Books, or Twitter at @JennieMarts. Visit her at http://www.jenniemarts.com and sign up for her newsletter to keep up with the latest news and releases.

Day 17: A Scottish Christmas by Emma Bennet

Happy Holidays!

Today is Day 17 of my holiday reading recommendations.

A Scottish Christmas is heartwarming, festive, and full of charm!

It's a delightful read and I highly recommend it to every reader!

A Scottish Christmas is currently 99 pennies on Amazon or you can read it FREE on Kindle Unlimited!

About the Book

THE BRAND-NEW FEEL-GOOD, CHARMING, FESTIVE ROMANCE.

Fall in love this Christmas. 

Working the festive period in a pop-up Christmas shop was not how Rose Aldridge was expecting to spend December. But neither was she expecting to meet a handsome, brooding, Scottish businessman. 

Alistair Duncan hates Christmas. His wife left him and his daughter on Christmas Eve. To make matters worse, his family have announced they are coming to stay at his sprawling Scottish estate. He needs help planning a big family Christmas. 

Alistair braves the holiday rush in search of an events company. But instead he finds himself standing in a Christmas pop-up shop, offering the job to the quirky shop assistant. To his shock, she accepts. 

Rose wastes no time Christmas tree shopping and party planning, and before long the Duncan family estate is a mass of ribbons, presents and twinkling lights — even the family goat Houdini gets into the spirit! 

But planning the family Christmas means being involved in Alistair’s life, especially his 12-year-old daughter Isla. And the more Alistair sees how Rose fits into his family, the more the ice around his heart begins to thaw. 

As Christmas Eve approaches, and Rose is due to return to London, it’s time for the Christmas magic to weave its spell . . . 

My Review

Rose and Alistair’s meet-cute begins when Alistair picks up Rose’s Disney Princess Elsa crown that’s fallen from her blonde wig at the Christmas shop she’s working at. Super cute, right?

Anyway, Alistair is in desperate need of a Christmas miracle because he’s put off several important holiday events until the last minute and has no clue where to begin planning. You see, Alistair has a strong aversion to everything Christmas and keeps himself busy throughout the holiday season so he doesn’t have to remember the past. So busy, in fact, that he’s run out of time this year and decides to pop into a cheery shop to garner some inspiration getting things sorted.

Alistair finds out Rose has been an event planner at her previous employ and on a whim, offers her a job for three weeks to plan a few Christmas parties for him, including decorating his home in the Scottish highlands. Alistair hands Rose his business card, giving her a few hours to think about it. Pretty crazy right? Don’t worry about stranger danger, this is a Hallmark-type story, so it’s safe for Rose to accept. 

Rose is shocked to get a job offer from the handsome Scotsman. With her job prospects dried up around London–and after an extensive Google search on him–Rose accepts Alistair’s offer. Twenty-four hours later Rose is at Alistair’s estate with him, his 12-year-old daughter Isla, and a cute escape artist goat, aptly named Houdini. 

Oh my goodness, this story was so much fun to read! The storyline is lovingly written. The characters are crafted with care and purpose. The romance gave me butterflies.

If you’ve got a case of the holiday blues, A Scottish Christmas is the perfect remedy!

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

A Scottish Christmas is currently 99 Cents!

or

You can read for FREE on Kindle Unlimited!

About the Author

Emma grew up and lived in London, before falling in love and moving to Wales to marry her own hero. Emma now lives with her husband and four children in a small Welsh market town. She can often be found in rivers attempting to control two overexcited chocolate Labradors, whose snoring features in many of her YouTube videos.

Emma likes (in no particular order): cake, books, Cary Grant films, coffee, chocolate, guinea pigs, knitting, quilting, and happily ever afters! Learn more at www.emma-bennet.co.uk  

Day 16: The Christmas Countdown by Holly Cassidy

Happy Holidays!

Today is Day 16 of my holiday reading recommendations.

The Christmas Countdown by Holly Cassidy.

It's a heartfelt, healing journey full of Christmas spirit!

About the Book

From the author of The Christmas Wager comes a charming holiday rom com about a young, recently heartbroken woman who is tasked by her sister to complete Advent calendar challenges in the lead up to Christmas to reignite her belief in herself, the holidays, and love again.

She’s given up on love and Christmas…but fate has other plans.

All Callie wants for Christmas is to hibernate. She’s still reeling from being dumped by her childhood sweetheart, and under no circumstances will she go home for the holidays considering her ex will be right next door with his new, perfect partner. Callie is officially in grinch mode, but her meddling sister, Anita, won’t let her give up on life, love, and Christmas quite so easily.

Anita stages a Christmas intervention for Callie with a homemade Advent calendar challenge—cheerful tasks to push Callie out of her comfort zone and into the holiday spirit, inspired by a childhood tradition. Callie reluctantly plays along, but when she comes face-to-face with a charming baker who just might be the spoonful of sugar she needs, her strict rules on love and the holidays are tested. As they strike a deal to do the activities together, could the twenty four little doors on Callie’s Advent calendar not only open up one, but two closed-off hearts?

My Review

This is a story about love. Love for a sister. Love for family. Love for the holidays. And finding courage to love yourself. It’s also a story about healing.

Don’t worry, this is not just a marshmallowy feelgood book, there’s also a lot of Christmas tomfoolery going on, too! 

The Christmas Countdown encapsulates everything you love (and don’t love) about the holiday season. It also runs the gambit of emotions from heartbreak to joy and everything in between. Callie is so easily relatable and I wanted to encourage her as much as I wanted to wring her neck! She was so stubborn but I’m so glad that Anita was too. 

Callie’s sister Anita is outgoing, boisterous, and does everything she can to help Callie start her healing journey. Everyone needs a sister like Anita.

I thoroughly enjoyed the story and recommend it to anyone who needs to smile this season.

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

Penguin Random House

About the Author

Photo: © Robert McKinnon

Holly Cassidy is the pen name for internationally bestselling author Hannah Mary McKinnon. Her suspense novels include The Neighbors, Her Secret Son, Sister Dear, You Will Remember Me, Never Coming Home, The Revenge List, and Only One Survives (coming July 2024). McKinnon was born in England, grew up in Switzerland, and now lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband and three sons. The Christmas Wager was her first novel writing as Holly Cassidy. Learn more at hannahmarymckinnon.com/home-holly-cassidy

Day 15: Mistletoe Me, Baby by Katie Reus

Happy Holidays!

Today is Day 15 of my holiday reading recommendations.

Second book of the day is Mistletoe Me, Baby by Katie Reus

This is Book #4 in Katie's O'Conner Family series and can easily be read as a standalone!

About the Book

She needs a fake fiancé…

With the holidays fast approaching, Miranda Flores makes up a fake fiancé so her well-meaning family will get off her back. She just never expected them to suddenly show up on her doorstep a couple weeks before Christmas, wanting to spend the holidays with her. So she turns to Nolan O’Connor, her sexy best friend, and asks him for the favor of a lifetime: she needs him to act the part of her fiancé until her parents leave town.

He wants forever…

Pretending to be engaged to the woman he’s already fallen for? No problem. Nolan agrees to Miranda’s fake engagement scheme because as far as he’s concerned, she’s the one. But he plays his role too well, because soon the entire town thinks they’re engaged and things get more complicated—especially since he can’t pretend with her anymore. Then tragedy strikes and Miranda tries to shut him out, but Nolan won’t let her. He’ll do whatever it takes to convince her that he wants to make her his forever.

My Review

MISTLETOE ME, BABY has everything you want in a Christmas romance! A strong, stubborn heroine almost too proud to ask for help. A hero that’s fiercely loyal, loving, caring and determined to claim the woman he loves… even when she’s asking him to get out of her life. And a quaint little town in Holly, North Carolina where it’s Christmas all year round as the perfect backdrop for this short-and-sweet love story!

Miranda and Nolan paired beautifully together. Their chemistry was off-the-charts sexy and very steamy. I loved how tender and patient Nolan was, especially when Miranda was pushing him away. He stood strong and never gave up on his love. That’s the kind of love I’m looking for!

You can’t go wrong with MISTLETOE ME, BABY or any of the O’Connor Family books! All of them are full of heart, family and love that will have you coming back for more!

FTC Disclaimer: I voluntarily read a copy of the book in 2017 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

Katie Reus Website

About the Author

Katie Reus is the USA Today bestselling author of the Ancients Rising series, the Endgame trilogy and the Redemption Harbor Series. She fell in love with reading at a young age thanks to weekly trips to the library. However, she didn’t always know she wanted to be a writer. After changing majors too many times, she finally graduated 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. In addition to writing, she’s also obsessed with hiking, quilting, and is currently working on getting her private pilot certification. Learn more at katiereus.com

Day 15: Holiday Wishes by Jill Shalvis

Happy Holidays!

Today is Day 15 of my holiday reading recommendations.

I'm sharing a couple holiday novellas today!

First book is Holiday Wishes by Jill Shalvis!

This is Book #4.5 in Jill's Heartbreaker Bay series and can easily be read as a standalone.

About the Book

It’s Christmastime again in Heartbreaker Bay!

When Sean O’Riley shows up at the Hartford Bed & Breakfast for his older brother’s bachelor weekend, he’s just hoping to make it through the weekend. What he’s not expecting is to come face to face with the woman he lost his virginity to a decade ago—a woman he’s never really forgotten.

The last time Lotti Hartford saw Sean, she told him she loved him while he said nothing. Now, ten years later, she’s just looking for a good time. For once, she wants to be the wild and free one, and Sean – the good time guy – is the perfect candidate. 

But as the weekend continues, Sean realizes that after a lifetime of being the hook-up king, he’s ready to find happily-ever-after, and he wants it with Lotti. But will she open her heart to him again? As Christmas sweeps through the little B&B, he can only hope love and magic are in the air. 

My Review

HOLIDAY WISHES is a short and sweet read full of love, romance and second chances.

Sean was a former ladies man and now a newly-minted stand-up guy. He's messed up a lot in his life and his brother Finn has always been there to bail him out. Now, Sean wants to be that reliable, dependable guy. He's got everything planned for his brother's wedding, including the bachelor/bachelorette parties. Everything is going smoothly until Sean comes face to face with his past. A past that's haunted him ever since he broke Lotti's heart.

Lotti is ready for a two week vacation in the sand and surf of Cabo. A few more days and she's on her way. She's got a lot of emotional baggage and is looking forward to leaving it home. Little does she know, Mother Nature and Fate, it seems, have no intention of giving Lotti her well-earned vacation. Lotti thought she had enough man problems... until her first love walks into her family-owned B&B with a killer smile and an irresistible charm too tempting not to fall for.

Sean and Lotti run through a lot of emotions and a lot of history in this short read. In the beginning, I wasn't too keen on either of the characters. I thought Sean to have an ego and Lotti was too tough. As I continued to read, I realized there was so much more to the characters and they weren't at all what I first thought.

If you're looking for a quick read in between all that holiday shopping, HOLIDAY WISHES is just the read for you!

FTC Disclaimer: I voluntarily read a copy of the book in 2017 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

Jill Shalvis Website

Holiday Wishes can currently be read for FREE on Kindle Unlimited!

About the Author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jill Shalvis writes contemporary romance and romantic comedies filled with madcap adventures and shenanigans and sexy times. (just don’t tell her mom). She’s sold 20 million plus copies worldwide to date and lives with her family in a small mountain town near Lake Tahoe full of quirky characters (Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is mostly coincidental). Learn more about Jill and her books at jillshalvis.com