Day 11: Holiday Star by Dr. Melissa Dymond

Happy December!

Today is Day 11 of my holiday reading recommendations!

Holiday Star by Dr. Melissa Dymond

It's a beautiful story of heartache and healing.

This book comes in TWO versions.

1) A spicy/open-door version with mild explicit language and intimate scenes

2) A sweet/clean/closed-door version with no language and only kissing.

Melissa want ALL of her readers to feel comfortable, please choose the best version for yourself.

You can read Holiday Star for FREE on Kindle Unlimited! 

About the Book

One doctor. One movie star. One house. One month until Christmas. What could go wrong?

Dr. Gwen Wright is having a not-so-merry Christmas.

For the month of December, she’s alone, house-sitting for her mother and new stepfather.

Her surgically precise world gets a plot twist when Caleb Lawson—world-famous movie star on the run from the paparazzi and his secrets—crash lands in her kitchen.

Besides being a Hollywood heartthrob, Caleb is also her stepdad’s nephew. He thinks he has as much right to stay in the house as she does, but as far as Gwen’s concerned, she’s the landlord and he’s the squatter.

Forced to share the small space, Gwen is drawn to the moody celebrity.

Sure, sometimes he can be a Grinch, but when Caleb finally touches Gwen, it makes her jingle bells ring.

But the future looms like a foggy Christmas Eve. With no red-nosed reindeer to guide them, can Gwen and Caleb overcome their differences? After all, she’s ordinary, and he’s a star.

Falling in love is going to take a Christmas miracle.

Holiday Star is a swoon-inducing, page-turning, celebrity romance novel with the perfect blend of angst and tension. Read if you like enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, tons of chemistry, a touch of groveling, and happily ever after.

My Review

Holiday Star is a wonderful read, full of promise, passion, and self discovery.

I could not put the book down. I was immediately drawn to Gwen. We had so many similarities and insecurities in common. She was so easily relatable. All the characters were well thought out and created with purpose. The storyline was brilliantly written and held my attention until the very last word.

This is not just a story about romance, this is a story about heartache and healing. It’s about grief and recognizing all the ways it affects us in our daily lives. It’s about shattering other people’s expectations of yourself and living your truth. It’s also a story about fighting for what you believe in. To have the courage and strength to dream new dreams and reimagine your life, despite the outside world–or your doubts–standing in the way.

Holiday Star brings my heart so much joy and is a balm to my soul. I whole-heartedly recommend it to any reader struggling during the holiday season, or any 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

Dr. Melissa Dymond Website

The book is currently FREE on Kindle Unlimited

About the Author

Melissa Dymond is a mom, doctor, and writer. When she’s not working, you can find her drinking an iced white chocolate mocha while voraciously reading, scrolling social media, or planning her family’s next Disney vacation. 

Always surrounded by boys, Melissa lives with her doctor husband, three amazing sons, and her adorable Siberian husky Buddy. Learn more at melissadymondauthor.com

Day 10: Caribou's Gift by Eve Langlais

Happy Holidays!

Today is Day 10 of my holiday reading recommendations!

There are SO many amazing holiday reads. From now until December 25th, I'll be doubling (or tripling) up on daily recommendations! 

My second rec of the day is Caribou's Gift by Eve Langlais!

This is Book 4 in Eve's Kodiak Point paranormal romance series. 

This story was first published in 2014 and is still a fun, funny, and loveable holiday read!

Caribou's Gift is a small town Christmas romance and is the perfect read to get you through the day! 

And.. It's 99 CENTS!

Snag yourself a copy today!

About the Book

A Hero With Antlers and Attitude

Darn it, a man had his pride and a caribou a certain majestic presence, all of which could wind up ruined if he abased himself to play a simple-minded reindeer in the town’s Christmas parade.

No way was he wearing tinsel in his antlers.

Like heck was he sporting a red nose and pulling a sleigh.

But he changes his mind when he meets the woman in charge of the event.

Single mom, Crystal, is doing her best to offer her daughter the best Christmas ever. It’s their first in Kodiak Point, and she’s not about to let some vain jerk ruin it. If playing dirty is what it takes…then bring on the Christmas games.

As Crystal and Kyle butt heads, they discover more than goodwill this holiday season. They’re gifted with a second chance at love.

My Review

Oh my goodness! CARIBOU’S GIFT is hilarious!

I love Kyle! The cocky caribou who refuses to play Rudolf and guide Santa’s sleigh in the annual Christmas parade has truly met his match in Crystal! The feisty cougar has found sanctuary and protection for her and her daughter here in Kodiak Point. She’s also learned her lesson when it comes to sexy shifters and their devastating grins; so when Kyle flashes his her way, Crystal’s head is telling her to run in the opposite direction quick, fast and in a hurry, but her cougar has other plans for the delicious male. Naked sexy-time plans!

As soon as I read the part in the book’s blurb about Kyle wearing tinsel on his antlers, I had to find out what was going on! I thoroughly enjoyed each and every word of the story. The dialogue had me laughing out loud several times and the characters were crazy, lovable and over the top! I can’t believe I didn’t know about this quirky shifter series before! I’m totally asking Santa for all the Kodiak Point books for Christmas!

This is a delightful read full of humor and heart and I highly recommend that EVERYONE experience Kodiak Point at Christmas time! Get your copy today!!

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

Eve Langlais Website

Caribou's Gift is 99 Pennies!

About the Author

Hello, my name is Eve and I am a Canadian author who loves to write hot romance, usually with hot shifters, cyborgs or aliens. I should warn you that I possess a twisted imagination and a sarcastic sense of humor something I like to let loose in my writing.

I love to write, and while I don’t always know what my mind is going to come up with next, I can promise it will be fun, probably humorous and most of all romantic, because I love a happily ever after. Learn more at evelanglais.com

Day 10: Home For The Holidays by Jeaniene Frost

Happy December!

Today is Day 10 of my holiday reading recommendations!

Home for the Holidays by Jeaniene Frost!

This is Book 6.5 in Jeaniene's Night Huntress series! 

It's a fantasy romance series centered around Cat and Bones. Their love story is complex, dangerous, and hilarious! There's also a couple of spinoff series as well.

The entire series is amazing and I recommend reading all of the books! 

This story can be read as a series or a standalone. 

Today, Home for the Holidays is on sale for 99 CENTS!

Get your copy today!

About the Book

Originally appeared in the print anthology The Bite Before Christmas.

'Tis the season to join Cat and Bones for some holiday cheer in this Night Huntress novella by USA Today and New York Times bestselling author Jeaniene Frost.

They were looking forward to a normal holiday—at least as "normal" as it gets for vampires Cat and Bones and their otherworldly friends and family. But their yuletide plans are shattered when a mysterious stranger shows up and reveals long-buried secrets that threaten to take a bite out of their holiday cheer … and lives.

My Review

You'd think Cat & Bones could have a nice holiday without some crazy stuff going down. Well, it's not happening this time anyway. The stranger who shows up makes a shocking revelation that leaves Bones, and Cat, reeling. Unbeknownst to them, this stranger is possessing the vampires with a heavy duty demon entity, not even Mencheres can escape its thrall.

Cat, Ian, and Denise have dodged this particular bullet but how do they go about defeating something so powerful, even a millennium-old vampire could succumb to it? You better read it and find out!

This story was SO crazy! Fighting, demon possession and the most surprising is Ian stepping up and taking control of the situation, helping Cat get her husband back. All the books and novellas in the series are a must read!

Purchase Links

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Apple Books

Kobo | Google Play

Currently on sale for 99 Pennies!

About the Author

Jeaniene Frost is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of fantasy romance. She is best known for the Night Huntress series, the Night Prince series, the Night Rebel series, and the Broken Destiny series. Jeaniene’s novels have also appeared on the Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal, ABA Indiebound, and international bestseller lists. Foreign rights for Jeaniene’s novels have sold to twenty different countries.

Jeaniene lives in Maryland with her husband Matthew, who long ago accepted that she rarely cooks and always sleeps in on the weekends. Jeaniene also enjoys reading, writing, poetry, watching movies, exploring old cemeteries, spelunking, and traveling – by car. Airplanes, children, and cook books frighten her. Learn more at jeanienefrost.com

Day 9: Christmas at Seashell Cottage by Donna Alward

Happy December!

Today is Day 9 of my holiday reading recommendations!

Christmas at Seashell Cottage by Donna Alward.

This is a heartwarming small town Christmas romance.

It was first published in 2014 but is still a great holiday read. 

Christmas at Seashell Cottage is Book 3 in Donna's Jewel Cove series and it can easily be read as a standalone.

It's currently FREE to read on Kindle Unlimited!

About the Book

An abandoned baby plays matchmaker in this heartwarming holiday story in the Jewell Cove series.

When Charlie and Dave discover an abandoned baby in the church manger, their first date takes an unconventional turn. Before workaholic Charlie can say “Baby Jesus,” she finds herself providing foster care for the newborn while still tending to her medical practice. Ex-SEAL and single dad Dave Ricker is used to adjusting on the fly and turns out to be a surprising help. Clearly there are hidden depths to the hunky shipbuilder…

Dave feels himself falling for Charlie, especially when he sees how she dotes on the baby. But she wants promises he can’t make, security he can’t offer. He’s already failed as a husband and father once and vowed never again.

When the baby’s birth mother is located, Charlie’s world falls apart. Dave gives her comfort, but can he take the greatest risk of all and offer her forever—in time for a perfect Christmas?

My Review

I glanced over several of the book’s reviews before I began reading and the one word that kept popping up was “heartwarming.” After I finished it, I can see why. This is a heartwarming story of two lonely people who’ve found each other during the Christmas season. Not wanting to rush too fast or label their feelings, Charlie and Dave set a leisurely pace in getting to know one another, and both falling hard and fast in the process.

It was so easy to fall in love with these characters. Charlie is a doctor and was raised to make decisions on logic and purpose, but when she finally meets the man she’s been crushing on face-to-face, she finds that her dreams and her reality are very different. Dave is a former Navy SEAL who’s taken on a temporary job to be closer to his daughter. When a chance meeting with the lovely doctor ignites a strong attraction, Dave struggles with the need to spend more time with Charlie while respecting her need to keep him—and his temporary plans of staying in Jewell Cove—at arm’s length.

I absolutely loved the book! I was completely invested in the story and enjoyed every word of it. The characters are likable and easily relatable. The romance was slow and I loved the fact that Charlie and Dave took the time to get to know each other despite their strong sexual attraction. Also, I appreciated the author’s decision to keep the profanity minimal and the love scenes tasteful. I loved it! I want to read all the books and learn about all the people of Jewell Cove.

CHRISTMAS AT SEASHELL COTTAGE is a delightful read with realistic and endearing characters and a beautiful love story. I recommend it to all readers who love Christmas-themed small town stories full of heart!

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

Read it for FREE on Kindle Unlimited

About the Author

Since 2006, New York Times bestseller Donna Jones Alward has enchanted readers with stories of happy endings and homecomings that have won several awards and been translated into over a dozen languages. She’s worked as an administrative assistant, teaching assistant, in retail and as a stay-at-home-mom, but always knew her degree in English Literature would pay off, as she is now happy to be a full-time writer. Her new historical fiction tales blend her love of history with characters who step beyond their biggest fears to claim the lives they desire.

Donna currently lives in Nova Scotia, Canada, with her husband and two cats. You can often find her near the water, either kayaking on the lake or walking the sandy beaches to refill her creative well. Learn mor at donnajonesalward.com 

Day 8: More Than Merry by Jessica Topper

Happy December!

Today is Day 8 of my holiday reading recommendations!

More Than Merry is a very short novella in Jessica Topper's
Love & Steel series.

If you are not familiar with the series, there may be some spoilers.

But it's a quick holiday read if you're on a time crunch and need
a Christmas fix!

Annnd it's currently FREE!

Snag your copy today and I highly recommend you check out
Louder than Love, Book 1! 

A little about Louder Than Love: A widow and her very young daughter, Abbey, are trying to move on after the tragic death of her beloved husband. Three years after being widowed, Katrina meets a half-drunk Adrian Graves whom she’s hired to play children’s songs he wrote 10 years before at her local library's children's event. Turns out, he's a former British heavy metal rock god. As the two battle their way through a relationship, conquering their demons becomes more complicated than they both realized; especially when Katrina, or Kat as she’s affectionately called by Adrian,
refuses to face hers. It is so good!

About the Book

Not all gifts come wrapped in ribbon…

Katrina Lewis-Graves never thought she’d call Manhattan home again. The train derailment that left her widowed, and her one-year old daughter fatherless, prompted her to flee years ago. But after a recluse rocker unexpectedly tumbled into their lives, time – and love – coaxes this level-headed librarian back to the city. It seems the perfect place to expand their fragile family unit. Still, Kat has had enough love and loss in life to suspect that happiness doesn’t come without a hitch in your plans…

After years on the road as a touring musician and countless Christmases spent alone, Adrian Graves finally feels like he has a home. His Central Park West apartment never knew laughter until his stepdaughter Abbey; never felt lived in until Kat brought life and love to it. This year, he’s intent on filling it to the rafters with friends and family. Especially as he and Kat await the arrival of a new baby, now four days past due.

But following a Christmas Eve full of fun and festivities, complications arise – forcing Adrian to confront parts of his past he’d thought long-buried, and leaving Kat to trust her faith in the man he has become.

Come celebrate the holidays in Manhattan – parts magical, melancholy, and merry – with your favorite rock star family. MORE THAN MERRY is a holiday novella companion to the full-length novel LOUDER THAN LOVE.

If you haven’t read LOUDER THAN LOVE yet, you may encounter spoilers!

My Review

This is a short & sweet read that'll warm your heart and tear your eye!

I am absolutely gaga over Kat, Adrian and Abbey! This family unit is just so adorable! In this novella, we are treated to a Christmas story with all the feels and a few surprises! I loved it!

More Than Merry is the perfect cherry on top of this family's happily ever after!

Purchase Links

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Google Play

This novella is a FREE read!

About the Author

Jessica Topper has been in love with the beauty of the written word ever since she memorized Maurice Sendak’s Chicken Soup with Rice at the age of three.

After earning a B.A. in English Literature and her Master’s Degree in Library Science, Jessica went on to work as a librarian in New York City before trading in the books for bookkeeping. For seventeen years, she worked in the production office of an international touring rock band.

Jessica broke the rock romance mold with her 2013 debut novel LOUDER THAN LOVE. Her follow-up romantic comedy, DICTATORSHIP OF THE DRESS, was named one of Publishers Weekly’s Best Books of 2015.



She lives in Western New York with her family – including two cats that love to walk across her keyboard. Learn more at jesstopper.com

Day 7: Christmas in the Cop Car by Laura Trentham

Happy December!

Today is Day 7 of my holiday reading recommendations!

Christmas in the Cop Car was first published as
Candy Cane Christmas in 2016.

This is a novella length bad boyish holiday romance that's got so much heart!

It's definitely worth a read.

About the Book

Christmas is Cottonbloom is about to get hot...

Jeremy Whitehurst has tried to leave his bad-boy behavior and tarnished image behind in Alabama for a fresh start in Cottonbloom, Louisiana. Unfortunately, trouble has dogged him across state lines. Stepping up and protecting a young woman from her abusive boyfriend earned him a beat-down and got him fired. Although the thanks in the girl’s dark eyes made it all worth it, he recognizes she’s just a different kind of trouble. A trouble he’s not sure he can stay away from.

One rebellious summer dented Kayla Redmond’s carefree innocence. Now her focus is on completing her associate’s degree for bookkeeping, and no one is going to derail her plans. Unfortunately, her job at Fournette Brothers Designs puts her in the path of the one man who has seen her at her worst, yet his blue eyes don’t judge her. He sees beyond the brokenness inside of her and rouses her wild side once more. But, that’s what got her in trouble in the first place.

Christmas is coming and Kayla’s ready to forgive herself and take a chance. But the holiday has only ever brought heartache to Jeremy. No Christmas miracle kept his mother clean or out of jail. Will one reckless night and some time spent in the back of a cop car be the best present Jeremy’s ever been given?

My Review

This is a super sweet novella about two previous secondary characters in the Cottonbloom world. We first meet Jeremy and Kayla in Book 1, Kiss Me That Way, Cade Fournette and Monroe Kirby’s story. Monroe taught self-defense classes and Kayla was one of her students. Monroe also had a soft spot for the young lady and made sure Kayla knew that if she ever got into trouble, she could call Monroe.

Well, one night Kayla needed help. Monroe and Kayla were cornered by Kayla’s drunk abusive boyfriend and a good Samaritan came to their rescue in the form of Jeremy Whitehurst. Jeremy sees the women in trouble and intervenes, getting his behind kicked in the process. Kayla never forgot that night…and neither has Jeremy.

We fast-forward a couple of years to present day Cottonbloom. Kayla has gotten her life together and is almost done with her associate’s degree. She’s coming to Fournette Brothers Designs (Cade & Sawyer’s business) to apply for a bookkeeping job. And before she has a chance to head inside, she trips in the parking lot just as Jeremy comes riding in on his motorcycle. She hasn’t forgotten Jeremy’s kindness and although they’ve seen each other over the past two years, they haven’t really shared a connection until he renders first aid on her knee.

Jeremy has been working for Cade Fournette and his brother Sawyer as a mechanic for a while now. He keeps to himself as well as keeping everyone else away. Jeremy had a bad childhood and was labeled a troublemaker early on in his small hometown in Alabama. But he wasn’t. He was just a kid that had to grow up WAY faster than everyone else. Thankfully the Fournette brothers saw his potential and hired him shortly after he saved Monroe and Kayla from an attack.

Jeremy and Kayla have excellent chemistry. I was hoping for their story when I first met them back in Cade’s book! Their story was so special and tugged hard on my heartstrings. Jeremy didn’t believe he deserved happiness, especially a beautiful woman like Kayla in his life. The story kind of hit home for me a bit. I could easily relate to Jeremy and his struggle to accept that he was worthy of being happy. Jeremy and Kayla’s story is well-deserved and beautifully written.

Christmas in the Cop Car (formerly Candy Cane Christmas) can definitely be read as a standalone or part of the series. It’s a Christmas story full of hope, heart and happiness. Sometimes we need to be smacked upside the head in order to accept the fact that we are not undeserving of happiness. I want to thank Laura Trentham for writing this beautiful book and I can’t wait to find out what she has in story next in this wonderful community of Cottonbloom!

FTC Disclaimer: I voluntarily read a copy of the book generously provided by the publisher via Net Galley in 2016 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 | Kobo | Google Play

About the Author

An award-winning author, Laura Trentham was born and raised in a small town in Tennessee. Although, she loved English and reading in high school, she was convinced an English degree equated to starvation. She chose the next most logical major—Chemical Engineering—and worked in a hard hat and steel toed boots for several years.

She writes sexy, small town contemporaries and smoking hot Regency historicals. KISS ME THAT WAY, Cottonbloom Book 1, won the Stiletto Contest for Best Long Contemporary and finaled in the National Readers Choice Award. THEN HE KISSED ME, Cottonbloom Book 2, was named an Amazon Best Romance of 2016 and was a finalist for the National Excellence for Romance Fiction. TILL I KISSED YOU, Cottonbloom Book 3, is a finalist in the Maggie contest. LEAVE THE NIGHT ON, the latest Cottonbloom book, was named an iBooks Best Book of the Month and a Recommended Read from NPR.

When not lost in a cozy Southern town or Regency England, she's shuttling kids to soccer, helping with homework, and avoiding the Mt. Everest-sized pile of laundry that is almost as big as the to-be-read pile of books on her nightstand.

Day 6: The Anna Albertini Holiday Bundle #1 by Rebecca Zanetti!

Happy December!

Today is Day 6 of my holiday reading recommendations.

I'm sharing THREE stories today!

The Anna Albertini Holiday Bundle #1 by Rebecca Zanetti
is on sale for 99 CENTS!

This bundle contains Holiday Rescue, Holiday Rogue, & Holiday Rebel!

These are all stories in the Anna Albertini Files series but can easily be read as standalones!

The series is a romantic suspense with slapstick & hijinks! 

It's quickly becoming a favorite series! 

You can't beat this price! Get your copy today!

The sale price won't last long!

What are you waiting for???

Purchase links are available HERE 

About the Book

Three Albertini Brothers fall hard and fast during the holiday season!

HOLIDAY RESCUE
Quint Albertini, a dedicated smokejumper and search and rescue expert, enjoys his life of adventure with his loyal dog, close friends, and cherished freedom, steering clear of commitment and meddling matchmakers. But when Heather Davis, a woman with a troubled past, gets stranded on a mountain during a fierce winter storm, Quint and his dog come to her rescue. As sparks fly between them, the Albertini family seizes the holiday season as the perfect time to ignite a romance neither Quint nor Heather can ignore.

HOLIDAY ROGUE
Bosco Albertini has sworn off love, focusing on his military career instead, so when his charming new neighbor Marlie Kreuk moves in, he places her firmly in the friend zone. Despite her captivating hazel eyes, sharp wit, and undeniable chemistry, Bosco is determined to keep things platonic—even as his family and dog quickly fall for her. Marlie accepts his decision, but when danger threatens her, Bosco puts his life on the line to protect her, sparking a desire for more than friendship. As they battle deadly attackers and navigate the meddling Albertini matchmakers during the Christmas season, Bosco and Marlie must decide if they’re ready to risk it all for love.

HOLIDAY REBEL
Rory Albertini, a seasoned operative accustomed to navigating danger, is caught off guard when his fiancée, Serenity McDerny, ends their engagement after discovering his true profession as a spy. Determined to win her back, he gives her time to adjust but imposes a deadline for her decision. As threats close in on Serenity, Rory faces the dilemma of revealing his covert skills, which could jeopardize their relationship further. Serenity, a determined Irishwoman, grapples with Rory’s deception, but with danger approaching and the Albertini matchmakers in full force, she must decide if their love is worth another chance this holiday season.

Excerpt

Holiday Rescue

Holiday Rogue

Holiday Rebel

My Review

Each story is an exciting, explosive experience with strong, protective alpha males and the feisty females that've captured their attention... and their hearts! 

The Anna Albertini Files have a close nit family dynamic. When one is in trouble, everyone rides to their rescue, and vice versa! 

And you can't forget meddling matchmaking grandmas that will stop at nothing to make sure each grandchild has found the happiness they so rightly deserve.

These stories may be short reads, but they are packed full of action, suspense, passion, and family hijinks while set against the backdrop of the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

If you love your romance a little spicy and lots of fun, The Anna Albertini Files is the place to be!

Purchase Links

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Apple Books | Kobo

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