Review: "Stuck Under the Mistletoe" by Georgia Coffman

"Stuck Under the Mistletoe" by Georgia Coffman is part of the multi-author Naughty List series and also ties into the Stuck with You series, though it works well as a standalone.

 

Facing a frivolous lawsuit from the father of one of her students, high school art teacher Katie Bumble is having a tough time getting into the holiday spirit. In an effort to cheer her up, her best friend from college decides to set her up on a blind date with her brother, Griffin Chase. It seems like a promising setup until attorney Griffin humiliatingly stands her up; he learned of Katie's lawsuit on the news and is afraid that being seen with her could ruin his professional reputation. The following evening, Katie and Griffin meet by chance at his sister's Christmas party and hit it off, but harsh words are exchanged after their identities are revealed. Neither of them can forget the kiss they shared under the mistletoe, however. Maybe his sister was right about them all along...
 

I loved Griffin and Katie's snappy banter as well as the passion that was hiding just beneath the surface of their relationship, waiting to ignite. Katie was quite likeable and I couldn't help but empathize with the unfair situation she was in because of the lawsuit. I wasn't quite as fond of Griffin, who sometimes came across as a judgmental jerk in his treatment of Katie. I totally understand how a job like his could turn someone cynical; even so, as an attorney, shouldn't he have believed in the concept of "innocent until proven guilty" and waited to draw conclusions until he had all the facts? That said, I truly believed that he saw the error of his ways, and I was OK with where he and Katie ended up. (I wouldn't have minded seeing him grovel a bit more, however.)

 

I'd recommend "Stuck Under the Mistletoe" for all contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans. I look forward to Coffman's next release.

 

*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

 

 

About "Stuck Under the Mistletoe"

When my best friend offers to set me up with her brother on a blind date, I happily agree. I trust her, and I need some good fortune this holiday season.

Except the Grinch doesn’t show.

That’s right—he stands me up. Add that to my list of grievances this Christmas.

But before I resign myself to spending this cheery month alone, searching the neighborhood for stray cats to love on, I meet a guy at a party.

The only serious things about the charming mystery man are his sharp suit and even sharper jawline. It only takes a few minutes to realize he’s just the fun I need after all the drama overwhelming me lately.

After one glass of bubbly and a few laughs to the tune of “Frosty the Snowman,” we steal a kiss under the mistletoe, and my life is forever changed.

But right when I think I couldn’t be happier, I find out my holiday hottie is none other than my best friend’s brother—the smug lawyer who bailed on our blind date without so much as a text or apology.

I should hate him, but it’s too late.

I’m stuck under the mistletoe, replaying our kiss over and over in my head.

I’m stuck on Griffin Chase. 

 

Review: "Falling for Mr. Safety" by Delancey Stewart and Marika Ray

Falling For Mr. Safety by Marika Ray and Delancey Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Pet shop owner Juniper Carlisle is putting together an animal talent show to be held before the first game of the season at Solano Creek's new minor league baseball complex. She's counting on her best friend Iris to be her assistant, but when Iris is forced to back out, security expert Carter Callihan reluctantly steps in. Los Angeles-based Carter is in Solano Creek to help with security for the new ballpark as well as to visit his grandfather and older brother Trey, Iris's fiance. His cautious approach to life couldn't possibly be more different from Juni's quirky, fun-loving personality, but secretly, he can't help being fascinated by her. Spending time with Juni and his family helps uptight Carter relax, and the less he focuses on what could go wrong, the more he realizes what has been missing in his life - namely, Juni. After their rocky beginning, can he convince her to give him a chance?

This story was completely adorable and I enjoyed it tremendously. Juni and Carter's banter was hilarious and despite their differences, they made a super cute couple. They each had some family baggage to work through, though the focus was mainly on Juni's issues with her circus performer parents. They were apparently pretty self-absorbed and I completely understood why she felt they'd overlooked her all her life, but I appreciated that not everything was as it seemed with them. What I most loved about the book, however, was Carter's incredibly creative, funny, and sweet grand gesture near the end. It was totally out of left field, but perfect nonetheless.

I highly recommend this book for all romantic comedy fans and can't wait to get my hands on the next book of the series.

*Review copy provided by the authors. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Review: "Lovestruck" by Julia Jarrett

Lovestruck by Julia Jarrett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"Lovestruck" by Julia Jarrett is part of the multi-author Naughty List series and also ties into Jarrett's Dogwood Cove series, though it works well as a standalone.

Waitress and nursing student Kat Donnelly has had a crush on police officer Hunter Callaghan for nearly two years, but he's never seemed to notice her as more than a friend. The truth is that Hunter returns Kat's feelings but doesn't believe she would ever be interested in him. Besides, her four overprotective older brothers have made it clear that their baby sister is off limits. Motivated by a viral video to go after what she wants, Kat works up the courage to ask Hunter to the annual charity gala benefiting the Dogwood Cove animal shelter. Unfortunately, as the event draws closer, Hunter finds himself overwhelmed with anxiety, convinced that he will never be good enough for Kat. Can he overcome his fears - as well as the objections of Kat's brothers - to build a future with the girl of his dreams?

Having struggled with anxiety myself, I couldn't help both relating to and being heartbroken by much of what Hunter went through in this story. I can't count the number of times I've had similar thoughts of not being good enough go through my head! Kat was in a unique position to understand his anxiety because of her medical background, and I really appreciated that she applied her knowledge to the situation rather than jumping to conclusions. That's just one of the reasons that she and Hunter made such a great couple, and I loved cheering them on to their HEA.

I highly recommend "Lovestruck" for all fans of contemporary/small town romance and/or the friends to lovers trope. I can't wait to get my hands on whatever Jarrett writes next.

*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Review: "Checking It Twice" by Claire Hastings

Checking It Twice by Claire Hastings
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"Checking It Twice" by Claire Hastings is part of the multi-author Naughty List series and also ties into the Atlanta Rising series, though it works well as a standalone.

After her colleagues teasingly describe her as a Goody Two-Shoes, first grade teacher Haven Taylor sets out to shed her good girl reputation by creating and checking off items on a "naughty list." She's working on her list at a local sports bar when she runs into her brother's best friend, professional soccer player DB Elliot, and realizes that he would be the perfect person to help her in her quest. He reluctantly agrees, mainly because he can't stand the thought of Haven completing the items on her list with another man - especially the one-night stand. He's secretly had feelings for Haven for years, but the bro code meant that his best friend's little sister was off-limits. He's thrilled to finally have his chance with her, even if it has to end before they head home to spend Christmas with their families. But will they really be able to say goodbye when the time comes?

This story was so much fun! I loved how cute and playful Haven and Elliot were; for someone who claimed to be a grump, he never seemed to be very grumpy around her. I also loved that Haven called Elliot "Dobby" because it reminded me of the little house elf from Harry Potter, though smoking hot dirty talker Elliot really couldn't have been less like the original Dobby if he tried. Their feelings for each other were apparent from the start, but it took working on the list together to push them out of the friendship comfort zone and open them up to the possibility of a romantic relationship. Their concerns about Haven's brother's reaction to their romance were understandable, but I'm glad they were able to work through those relatively easily because it was obvious that they belonged together.

I highly recommend "Checking It Twice" for all contemporary/sports romance and romantic comedy fans and look forward to whatever Hastings writes next.

*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Release Blitz + Review: "Flirting with the Enemy" by Gia Stevens

Today, I'm excited to take part in the release blitz celebrating "Flirting with the Enemy" by Gia Stevens, part of the Harbor Highlands series. Characters from the previous book make appearances in this one, but it reads as a standalone.

 

Marketing associate Parisa Anthony has been waiting a long time for the chance at a promotion to marketing director, and she'll do whatever it takes to beat out her annoying co-worker, Seth Taylor, for the job. As part of the interview process, Seth and Parisa have been asked to attend a real estate conference in Colorado and make a presentation on the new ideas they'd bring to the position. A booking mistake has them landing in Denver instead of Aspen, forcing them to share a rental car for the 4-hour drive to the resort. As if that weren't bad enough, an unexpected early-season blizzard causes their car to go off the road, landing them in a ditch. Fortunately, they're able to make their way to a small, rundown motel in the middle of nowhere, but a rogue spider chases Parisa out of her room and into Seth's. As they wait for the storm to clear, they entertain themselves by playing twenty questions and begin to see a different - and much more attractive - side of each other. One thing leads to another, but they're quick to agree that what happens in Colorado should stay in Colorado. Their feelings may not be so easy to forget once they get home, however.

I very much enjoyed this funny, sweet, and heartwarming story, which featured likeable, sympathetic characters and a fast-paced, engaging plot. Seth and Parisa had fantastic chemistry and I adored their witty banter. Their relationship really was a lot of fun, particularly when they did things like pass notes back and forth between their cubicles. They reminded me of grade schoolers with a crush, though the content of their notes was much more adult! I also loved Parisa's grand gesture, both because it showed how well she knew Seth and understood what was important to him, but also because it served a larger purpose in helping to get his parents' charity back up and running after their building was destroyed in a fire.
 

I highly recommend "Flirting with the Enemy" for all contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans. I look forward to what's to come in future books of the series, which will hopefully include a story for Seth's hilariously flirty friend Trey. I need to know more about his single guys' club - and see him brought to his knees by love!

*Review copy provided by the author/publisher via Enticing Journey Book Promotions. All opinions expressed are my own.    

 

About "Flirting with the Enemy"

All is fair in love and promotions…
Until you flirt with the enemy.

Seth Taylor is a thorn in my side. I can’t stand his cocky smirk, know it all demeanor, but most of all, I can't stand those ridiculous bow ties he wears.

But the number one reason I hate him…
He’s applying for my promotion.
Well, it’s not mine, yet, but he’s certainly ruined my shoo-in chance.

When we’re told interviews will be held during a conference in Colorado, I pray our hotel rooms are on different floors.

Of course, things never go according to plan.

A failed connecting flight, a road trip, and a blizzard force us to seek refuge at an isolated roadside motel in the mountains. When my only option is to share a room with Seth, I’m expecting the bow tie wearing, clean cut, black rim glasses Seth. Not this guy standing in front of me wearing only gray sweatpants that hang dangerously low on his hips and a cocky grin.

Maybe it’s the high altitude or perhaps it’s Seth who's causing this lightheadedness.

Because when a game of twenty questions turns naughty, it doesn’t take long for the burning rage to turn into fiery passion.

All I know, the longer we stay here lines blur and feelings become real.

 

Review: "Chocolate Covered Mistletoe" by Samantha Baca

Chocolate Covered Mistletoe by Samantha Baca
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Brooke Hansen and Ryder Jones grew up together in the small town of Stone Creek, Tennessee, but she hasn't seen her former high school crush in the years since he moved away with his ex-girlfriend. Following the sudden death of his father, Ryder realizes that he's needed at home to help care for his mother, so he sells his successful chocolate shop in Nashville and decides to open a new location in his father's old flower shop in Stone Creek. Unfortunately, that puts him in direct competition with Brooke, whose bakery is already struggling after a recent rent increase. Brooke is willing to do just about anything to save her business, but rekindling her friendship with Ryder is not part of those plans. Can he give her a reason to change her mind?

I very much enjoyed this funny, sweet, and perfectly steamy story. Ryder and Brooke made an adorable couple and the connection between them was apparent from the moment they first saw each other again. I appreciated that Ryder apologized for his actions toward Brooke before he left town and that he was honest about his feelings for her when they were younger. His behavior showed real growth and maturity, which is sometimes tough to do in a novella.

I recommend "Chocolate Covered Mistletoe" for all contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans. I will definitely be picking up the next book in the series, featuring Ryder's friend Parker and Brooke's friend Sheila.

*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Review: "Secret Santa" by Kristin Lee

Secret Santa by Kristin Lee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After being arrested for DUI on his way into town to check on his elderly grandfather, divorced single father and mechanic Axel Chase is sentenced to community service in the form of playing Santa for the holidays. The one bright spot about returning to his hometown of Kissing Springs is meeting his grandfather's new neighbor, dental assistant Alice "Ali" Gardner. There's a mutual attraction from the moment they meet, but their age gap discourages them from pursuing a relationship. Can the magic of the season bring these two wounded souls together?

I enjoyed this sweet grumpy/sunshine romance, which featured likeable characters and a healthy dose of steam. Even with the focus on Axel playing Santa, there wasn't an over-the-top Christmas vibe, which IMO means that the story could be read and enjoyed at any time of the year. Axel was a really good guy caught in a tough situation, and I couldn't help empathizing with everything he was going through. I could tell that he genuinely loved his kids and just wanted to be a part of their lives. As for Ali, while I also empathized with her feelings of abandonment and how Axel's behavior may have triggered them, I couldn't help but feel that she overreacted to his request for time to deal with the situation involving his ex-wife and kids. At that point, their relationship was all of a few days old and hadn't been defined beyond agreeing that they wouldn't hook up with other people; it's not like they were engaged! Even though I liked them together, their whole relationship just moved a bit too fast for me.

Despite that (relatively minor) frustration, I'd recommend "Secret Santa" for all fans of steamy contemporary romance. I look forward to checking out more of this author's books in the future.

*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Release Blitz + Review: "Open Fire" by M.E. Carter

Today, I'm pleased to take part in the release blitz celebrating "Open Fire" by M.E. Carter, book #3 of the Florida Glaze series. A few characters from the previous books make cameo appearances in this one, but it works well as a standalone.

 

With 24 hours free before his next game on Christmas night, professional hockey player Becker Bell decides to hop on a plane and spend the holiday with his father in Chicago. He's disappointed when mechanical difficulties lead to a flight delay, but things start to look up when he meets Sloan Webber, who's also traveling to Chicago to spend the holidays with her family. As the delay drags on, Sloan and Becker quickly bond while exploring the airport together. Their day may have started with misfortune, but it just might end with true love.

This story was so much fun! Becker and Sloan were so comfortable with each other that it seemed like they had already been a couple for years. I loved the way they bantered and teased each other, especially in regards to the rivalry between Becker's team, the Florida Glaze, and Sloan's favorite hockey team, the Chicago Blaze. In addition, I enjoyed the many laugh-out-loud moments in this story, particularly Sloan and Becker's contrasting experiences navigating airport security and the way both of their fantasies of hooking up in the airport ended in disaster. That alone was enough to prove how perfect they were for each other!
 

Overall, I adored "Open Fire" and highly recommend it for all contemporary/sports romance fans. I look forward to the next book in the series.

 

*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

 

 

About "Open Fire"

His chestnuts will be roasting…

With just 24 hours to hang out with his dad, Becker Bell is determined to get home for Christmas. Things aren’t looking promising. Multiple delays are making it harder than necessary to get where he needs to be, leaving him frustrated and even worse… bored. That is, until a scattered redhead is knocked right off her feet in front of him.

Sloan Webster just wants to be with her family for the holidays. However, between security mishaps and several hours’ worth of delays, it seems the universe is against her. But when an unexpected good Samaritan offers his assistance, things begin looking up.

Maybe there’s time for a Christmas miracle after all… 

 

Review: "A Cup of Cheer" by Heather Miekstyn

A Cup of Cheer by Heather Miekstyn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Felicity Heart and Alex Beckett have been best friends since the summer before second grade, when he and his father moved into her family's neighborhood in the small town of Mistle Berry, Michigan. She's secretly been in love with him since they were 10 but is sure he sees her as only a friend. In fact, when she tried to tell him how she felt a few months ago, he told her that he wasn't looking for a relationship. Felicity responded by accepting a new job in Mississippi, hoping that the distance would help her get over her unrequited feelings. Unfortunately, when she returns home to spend the holidays with her family, she quickly finds that her feelings are as strong as ever. Alex, meanwhile, insists on acting like nothing between them has changed, even pressuring her to turn down their former classmate David's invitation to be his partner for the town's annual Mistletoe Mayhem competition. According to Alex, it would interfere with them being able to spend time together while Felicity's in town. It therefore comes as a surprise when Felicity learns that Alex has agreed to partner with Mindy, a fellow teacher at Mistle Berry High. Furious, Felicity accepts David's offer and cuts off contact with Alex, deciding that the best way to get over him once and for all is by defeating him in the competition.

I really enjoyed this funny, sweet story. Alex and Felicity were super cute together and the Mistletoe Mayhem competition was a lot of fun. The various challenges created plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, but I think my favorite one was the snowball fight instigated by David and Alex. The one thing I would have liked better about the book is if it had been narrated in dual POV. Because we only got Felicity's side of the story, I didn't feel like I got to know Alex very well. Most of his thoughts and motivations had to be explained by other people telling Felicity what they had observed, which worked to a degree, but it wasn't the same as hearing directly from him.

I recommend "A Cup of Cheer" for all fans of sweet contemporary romance and romantic comedy. I look forward to the author's next release (hopefully featuring Felicity's sister Kristen).

*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Review: "Jack and Frost Bake-Off" by Amanda P. Jones

Jack and Frost Bake-Off by Amanda P. Jones
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Baker Megan Frost is thrilled to be chosen as a contestant for the latest season of holiday baking competition show Baking Spirits Bright. She hopes to use the $100,000 grand prize to repay the loan her parents gave her when she opened her bakery, Frostings, as well as expand into a second location. If she can't repay the loan by June, she'll be forced to close her beloved bakery and give into her mother's demands to find a job in the legal field. When Meg arrives in Los Angeles for filming, she's surprised and angry to learn that one of her fellow contestants is Jack Ackleman, who runs a competing bakery back in Connecticut and has stolen catering jobs from her in the past. What's even worse is that he doesn't seem to recognize her. For introvert Jack, being on TV is basically his worst nightmare, but the bakery he and his brother Mark inherited from their late mother is in financial trouble, and winning the competition is his last chance to save it. He'll do whatever he has to do to hang onto his last remaining connection to his mother, even if the thought of having to defeat Meg becomes more difficult as they get to know - and unwillingly like - each other over the course of the competition.

There were sparks between Meg and Jack from the moment they met. I loved their banter as well as the adorably awkward things they did and said around each other early in their relationship. It was also cute how they sort of accidentally became friends; when they first started spending time together, it was mostly an effort for each of them to keep an "enemy" close. They gradually started to see the good in each other and their romantic feelings grew from there. The competition aspect of the story was handled very well and added just the right amount of tension while also keeping things fun. Finally, I empathized with the family baggage Jack and Meg each had to overcome.

I very much enjoyed "Jack and Frost Bake-Off" and highly recommend it for all sweet contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans. It was the first book I've read by this author, but it won't be the last.

*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Review: "Christmas Chaos" by Kelly Kay and Evie Alexander

Congratulations to Kelly Kay and Evie Alexander on the release of "Christmas Chaos," book #3 of Evie and Kelly's Holiday Disasters series. Six strangers become unlikely friends after getting stuck in an airport lounge together. This book follows two of those characters through interconnected novellas as they live out their HEAs while navigating a few unexpected disasters. Both stories made me snort laugh, but I also shed a few tears along the way.

 

In the first story, Alexander's "No Way in a Manger," change is coming to Kinloch: Zoe is expecting a baby, and Rory's not ready. He's terrified that he will follow in his father's footsteps and be a terrible parent. As if preparing for a baby weren't enough, Zoe has thrown herself into plans for an elaborate Christmas celebration at the castle, and it's almost more than the two of them can handle - especially after Rory's mom and her new husband, wacky actor Brad, decide to lend their "help." Will Rory make it through the holidays with his wits intact?
 

It still amazes me how big, tough, grumpy Rory just melts for Zoe. His love for her is so pure, and all he wants to do is protect her, even though she's strong enough to stand on her own and doesn't need his protection. They really are #couplegoals! They went through a lot in this story, but after a lot of laughs (and a few tears), they ended up in exactly the perfect place.

 

In the second story, Kay's "No Crib and No Bed," Tabi and Bax desperately need a break after multiple miscarriages and failed rounds of fertility treatments, as well as losing their beloved foster kids. As much as they love being Aunt Tabi and Uncle Bax, spending time around so many pregnant women and young children feels too difficult for them right now, so they've decided to take a 3-week vacation in Brazil rather than spend Christmas with their extended families. The plan gets derailed when their ramshackle old farmhouse collapses - with them inside - on the same night they learn that they've been chosen as adoptive parents for a baby due to be born at any moment. They're thrilled, terrified, and totally unprepared, but it seems as if Tabi and Bax are about to realize their dream of being parents after all.

I definitely shed some (happy) tears while reading this story. Sometimes good things really do happen to good people - even if those people happen to be fictional. Bax and Tabi's zany relatives added the perfect touch of humor to the story while still managing to come through for them when they needed help the most. Like Rory and Zoe, Bax and Tabi went through a lot in this story, but I loved where they ended up.

I can't recommend "Christmas Chaos" highly enough for all romantic comedy fans. I look forward to whatever Kay and Alexander write next. (Sidenote: I couldn't help but notice a reference to this series as "Volume 1" of the Holiday Disasters series. I hope that means there will be a Volume 2 in the future because this collaboration has been such a delight!)

*Review copy provided by the authors. All opinions expressed are my own.

CW: Pregnancy; Miscarriage; Infertility

 

About "Christmas Chaos"

One Christmas, two couples, utter chaos. These laugh-out-loud novellas are hotter than chestnuts roasting on an open fire!

No Way in a Manger - by Evie Alexander
Rory’s seen battle, conquered the wiles of the Scottish Highlands, and won Zoe’s heart. But now he faces his biggest challenge of all, Christmas at the castle and a heavily pregnant wife who wants everything to be perfect. The holidays should be relaxing, and having a baby’s easy, right? But with wayward in-laws, an out-of-control cow and mad Santa getting in the way, nothing is going to plan…

No Crib and No Bed - by Kelly Kay
Tabi Aganos has put her belief in miracles behind her and redirected her life to focus on her husband, Bax, the winery they’ve built, and fixing up her beloved old farmhouse. They have everything in place for the perfect holiday, until one hot night sends their plans crashing through the floor. But when family and friends pitch in to help, and Santa brings some unexpectedly magical gifts, their Christmas turns from chaos into joy.

Evie and Kelly’s Holiday Disasters are a series of hot and hilarious romantic comedies with interconnected characters, focusing on one holiday and one trope at a time. No cheating, no cliff-hangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after (HEA).

 

Review: "Holiday Hijinks" by Samantha Baca

Holiday Hijinks by Samantha Baca
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When Holly's boyfriend of five years, Henry, invites her to spend the weekend before Christmas with him at his family's rustic cabin, she's convinced that he's finally going to propose. It doesn't turn out to be quite the romantic getaway she hoped for, however, when they arrive to find that his parents have also decided to visit the small cabin for the weekend. With a huge snowstorm rolling in, it seems the four of them will be stuck together for the next few days, which is unfortunate for Holly since Henry's parents don't like her. Even more unfortunate is the conversation she overhears between Henry and his father in which he confesses that he plans to break up with Holly, not propose. Desperate to escape the uncomfortable situation, Holly hops into Henry's SUV and drives off, crashing into a tree on the icy road. Luckily, she escapes with only minor injuries and is rescued by ruggedly handsome Blake, who carries her back to his cabin. Their chemistry is instant, and when Blake offers to help an injured Holly bathe, the steam they generate comes from more than just the hot water. The more they get to know each other, the more their feelings grow, but their relationship isn't supposed to be anything more than short-term fun between two people stranded together by the weather. When the snow ends and the roads are finally cleared, will Blake and Holly find that their feelings are here to stay?

I really enjoyed this story! I couldn't help feeling bad for Holly because it seemed like everything that could go wrong for her did go wrong before she met Blake. She seemed like a genuinely sweet and kind person, but there was absolutely nothing she could do to win over Henry's snooty parents. Henry didn't do much to help the situation, and I was cheering when she left him behind in the snow. Blake was a huge upgrade - sometimes taciturn and a bit grumpy, but ultimately so much more caring than Henry could ever hope to be.

I recommend "Holiday Hijinks" for all contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans and look forward to whatever Samantha Baca writes next.

*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Review: "Goldilocks and the Grumpy Bear" by Kacie West

Goldilocks and the Grumpy Bear: A Romcom Holiday Novella by Kacie West
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

High school history teacher Natalie's 4-year-old daughter, Addy, is with her father for Christmas this year, so she decides to spend a week on her own at a cabin in the Adirondacks to relax and recharge. She's reaching for a mixing bowl on a high shelf in the kitchen when professional baseball player Declan and his 6-year-old son, Chris, suddenly burst in, startling her and causing a fall. After Declan catches her, he accuses her of breaking into his home. They soon realize that his brother Finn mixed up the dates and rented the cabin to Natalie by mistake. Declan offers to pay for her to travel to his house in Florida instead, but the snowstorm outside makes it impossible for her to leave. Stuck together and forced to make the best of things until the storm ends, can sunshine Natalie help grumpy Declan discover the true magic of Christmas?

I really enjoyed this funny, sweet, and perfectly steamy story, which featured endearing characters and a fast-paced plot. Natalie and Declan made such a great couple; I loved the way they bonded over being single parents and the difficulties of having to split time with their kids. I also liked Natalie's relationship with Declan's son Chris, who really seemed to blossom under her care and attention. She was a much better influence than his mother, Declan's ex-girlfriend Lauren, whose behavior was both infuriating and heartbreaking at times. She constantly trash talked Declan and tried to use Chris to manipulate him, which was incredibly unfair because Declan was a good father who deserved to spend time with his son. I was glad that they seemed to be in a better place by the end of the story.

I'd recommend "Goldilocks and the Grumpy Bear" for all romantic comedy fans and will definitely be checking out more of the authors' books in the future.

*Review copy provided by the authors. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Release Blitz + Review: "Single and Ready to Jingle" by Piper Rayne

I'm delighted to take part in today's release blitz celebrating "Single and Ready to Jingle" by Piper Rayne.

 

After being matched on a blind dating app, event planner Kenzie Montgomery and lawyer Andrew Wainwright decide to take their relationship offline and schedule an in-person date. Unfortunately, it doesn't go well; he's immediately put off when she arrives for their first dinner together wearing an elf costume, having run out of time to change after hosting a Christmas-themed event at work that day. Their interaction becomes even more awkward when Kenzie recognizes his name as that of her older brother's best friend. They try to enjoy their meal after agreeing that they can't pursue a romantic relationship, but a disagreement over celebrating the holidays causes them to exchange harsh words, and Kenzie storms out. The next day, Andrew's at work when he learns that the event planner for his firm's upcoming holiday party unexpectedly quit, upsetting his boss's much younger fiancee, who's overseeing the preparations. Realizing that helping the woman his boss loves could give him an edge in the ongoing race to make partner, he suggests Kenzie as a replacement and volunteers to set up an appointment with her. He'll have to smooth things over with her first, however. Andrew apologizes and Kenzie agrees to take the job, but only if he agrees to participate in three holiday activities with her so that she can try and show him the magic of Christmas. 

I very much enjoyed this funny, sweet grumpy/sunshine romance. Kenzie and Andrew got off to a rocky start, but they were cute together and absolutely brought out the best in each other. They were both dealing with a fair amount of emotional baggage related to their parents and past relationships, but their hangups were understandable and I empathized with both of them. It was easy to root for them both individually and as a couple, and I loved cheering them on to their HEA.

I highly recommend "Single and Ready to Jingle" for all contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans. I will definitely be checking out more of Piper Rayne's books in the future.

 

*Review copy provided by the authors via Valentine PR. All opinions expressed are my own.

 

 

About "Single and Ready to Jingle"

Single and Ready to Jingle by Piper Rayne is now live!

The girl who loves Christmas falls for the Grinch—it's a Christmas miracle.

What started as a dumpster fire of a blind date turns into a deal.

In truth, it probably didn't help that I showed up dressed like an elf but that's a story for another time. Our start was rocky at best which is why it's so frustrating that I can't stop thinking about his sexy British accent. Or the way his chest and arms fill out his suit. Or his perfect hair with that single streak of grey at the front.

Santa likes lists and so do I, so here's all the reasons why Andrew and I aren't right for each other:

• He's my brother's best friend.
• He's the biggest grump I've ever met.
• He hates Christmas.

That last one is big for a girl like me who thinks that the entire month of December should be a national holiday. So, when he calls for my help in planning his firm's holiday party, I can't pass up the opportunity to grow my small business. Bonus, we make a deal, and he agrees to attend three holiday events with me so I can make him fall in love with Christmas. As if I'd pass up an opportunity to make a Grinch's heart grow three times its size.

It isn't long until I discover Andrew has a very real reason to hate Christmas and I start to see him in a different light. That's when the Christmas miracle begins. 

 

Review: "The Price of Passion" by Ember Leigh

The Price of Passion by Ember Leigh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I finished "The Price of Passion" a few days ago and am still struggling to put into words how much I loved this book. I did not want to put it down once I started reading; the plot twists just kept on coming, and I couldn't wait for the next big secret to be revealed.

The chemistry between main characters Jessa Walton and Damian Fairchild was smoking hot, but I loved their emotional connection just as much. Jessa's efforts to care for Damian by making sure he ate and took time away from the office were incredibly sweet. The main problem was that Damian had enough emotional and family baggage to fill an entire luggage cart, which made him push Jessa away when she got too close. They each had more than their fair share of obstacles to overcome over the course of the story, but I was rooting for them the whole way.

One of the things I most loved about the first book of this series was the close relationship between Damian and his brothers Axel and Trace, so to see the way their relationship deteriorated in this book was really heartbreaking. I hope they can find a way back to each other in book #3! (And after the incredible ending of this book, I also hope we won't have to wait too long to find out what happens next...)

If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I would. I highly recommend "The Price of Passion" for all fans of angsty/emotional contemporary romance and can't wait to get my hands on the next book of the series.

*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Review: "Paulo & Noella and the Two Turtle Doves" by Ellie Hall

Paulo & Noella and the Two Turtle Doves by Ellie Hall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Freelance journalist Noella is engaged in her favorite form of stress relief - trying on wedding dresses - when retired boxer turned boxing coach Paulo Costa sneaks into her dressing room to hide from an overzealous fan. There's an immediate connection and they go on their first date that same day. A few months later, they're in New Orleans for a fight and impulsively decide to elope. Unfortunately, after the fighter Paulo's coaching loses, he panics and blames his relationship with Noella for making him lose focus. He pushes her away, and their marriage is over before it's even begun. They don't even get the chance to share the news with family and friends.

A few weeks later, Noella is struggling to find her Christmas spirit as she confronts the prospect of spending the holidays alone. Her friends and family are all headed out of town, leaving her behind. Her parents decide to surprise her with a plane ticket to Montana, where her grandparents' old cabin in the small town of Hawk Ridge Hollow awaits. At first, she's unsure about making the trip, but when she finds a mysterious, yet high-paying freelance job advertised in Hawk Ridge Hollow, she can't afford to turn it down.

Meanwhile, Paulo has suddenly and unexpectedly become the guardian of 5-year-old Madison and 3-year-old Cameron, and it's not going well. He packs up the kids and takes them to Hawk Ridge Hollow for the holidays, hoping for some help from his family. They've no sooner driven into town when they run into Noella at his family's new pizza and pie shop. She helps him when the kids inadvertently cause chaos, though she makes it clear that she's still angry at him for the way things ended between them. Paulo realizes that he needs a nanny, and Noella is the perfect candidate. If spending time with her and the kids gives him a chance to try and win her back, so much the better...

I've been excited to read the mysterious Paulo's story since the beginning of this series, and it was totally worth the wait. He and Noella were so cute together and they were both great with the kids. I appreciated how genuinely remorseful Paulo was about the way he ended things with Noella, especially because he knew he hurt her. He did a really good job of showing her that he had changed and would never choose work over her (and the kids) again.

Overall, I loved this funny, sweet, and heartwarming story and highly recommend it for all sweet contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans. I've truly enjoyed every book in this series and can't wait to find out what's to come in the final installment.

*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Release Blitz + Review: "A Very Merry Margarita Mix-Up" by Brittanee Nicole

Today, I'm happy to participate in the release blitz promoting "A Very Merry Margarita Mix-Up" by Brittanee Nicole, book #5 of the Bristol Bay series. Characters from the previous books make appearances in this one, but it reads as a standalone.

 

When Juliana "Jules" Kingsley receives a letter from the grandmother she never knew informing her that she has two sisters, she's shocked and confused. She soon learns that after her parents split when she was a baby, her mother moved with her across the country, leaving her identical twin, Hailey, and older sister, Caris, behind with their father. Furious at her mother for robbing her of the chance to know her family, Jules decides to travel to Rhode Island to meet them. Before she even has a chance to let her grandmother know she's arrived, a handsome man walks up to her and kisses her out of the blue, then asks her to meet him for dinner the following day. If she shows up, he says, he'll know that she wants to pursue a relationship with him; if not, they can pretend it never happened. In the commotion of meeting her family later that day, she temporarily forgets about the incident, but it soon becomes clear that there's been a mix-up: the man who kissed her, Shawn Chase, thought she was her twin. 

 

Former professional baseball player Shawn has had feelings for his best friend, Hailey, for months, but hasn't worked up the courage to make a move. A letter from an old friend back in Tahoe convinces him that it's finally time to act, not just with Hailey but also on his dream of becoming a firefighter. However, he doesn't count on the surprise appearance of Hailey's twin or the fact that he accidentally shared the best kiss of his life with Jules, not Hailey. After Jules decides to stay in Rhode Island and try to make her dream of running a bakery a reality, another mix-up leads to her and Shawn becoming roommates, and they quickly become close. But will he be able to convince Jules that she's the one he really wants, not her sister?
 

Jules and Shawn had fantastic chemistry and I really loved the way they bantered and teased each other. He brought out a funny side of her that wasn't always apparent with others because of her normally quiet, introverted personality. It was sweet how hard he tried to help her feel at home in her new surroundings, especially considering the lack of welcome her sisters, especially Hailey, seemed to offer her. (I'm willing to give Caris the benefit of the doubt and say that she was probably just busy, not intentionally neglecting Jules, but Hailey was definitely keeping her distance on purpose.) I also LOVED the fact that Shawn not only read and enjoyed romance novels, he actually took lessons away from them and applied them to their relationship. It prevented a big misunderstanding scenario near the end of the story, which I very much appreciated.

 

I highly recommend this funny, sweet, and deliciously steamy story for all contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans. It was the first book I've read by this author, but it definitely won't be the last. 

 

*Review copy provided by the author via Wordsmith Publicity. All opinions expressed are my own.

About "A Very Merry Margarita Mix-Up"

They say don’t kiss your best friend. I accidentally kissed her twin sister.

Jules and Hailey Milsom couldn’t be more different. Except they’re identical twins.

One is my best friend. The other is the new girl in town, searching for a family she never knew existed.

It’s just my luck that when I finally make a move on my best friend, I share the best kiss of my life with a stranger.

Any sane person would realize this is hopeless. But when the red-haired beauty needs a reason to stay in Bristol, I double down and try to make every one of her Christmas dreams come true.

And I kiss her…again and again.

But the one thing she really wants, a relationship with her twin, may be the one Christmas wish I can’t deliver.

And this mix-up may be nothing more than a mistake.

Authors Note: A Very Merry Margarita Mix-Up is a steamy interconnected standalone that features a cinnamon roll firefighter, a sweet baker, small town shenanigans and all the Christmas joy your heart can handle.

 

Review: "Carry Me Through Christmas" by Rachel Holm

Carry Me Through Christmas by Rachel Holm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When she's offered her dream job organizing the annual Holly Ridge Christmas Festival, Blaire Greene jumps at the chance to move back home. Unfortunately, it's not under the best of circumstances; festival revenue has fallen over the past several years, and if this year's event is not a success, it will be the last one. Even worse, the town's budget situation is so precarious that the state is threatening to force Holly Ridge to merge with its neighbor (and biggest rival), Winterberry Glen. Blaire will do whatever it takes to save her hometown, even if that means working with Winterberry Glen's grinch of a CFO, Cole Thomas. The state has given Cole oversight over the festival's budget, and if he does well, he has an offer on the table to join the state's audit department in the new year.

Working together proves to be a challenge for complete opposites Blaire and Cole, both of whom are determined to get their way. Secretly, however, there's an attraction between them that neither can deny. The problem is that the state's guidelines for Cole's oversight of the festival specifically prevent him from having a personal relationship with Blaire to avoid any appearance of impropriety. Can they find a way to be together that won't jeopardize both Holly Ridge's future and Cole's job prospects?

I adored this funny, sweet, and heartwarming story, particularly the witty, teasing banter between Cole and Blaire. He thought it would be easy to get his way because he was holding the purse strings, but she stood up to him at every turn. Their battle of wills over seemingly insignificant details like where to meet was so funny! I loved how they slowly started to see different sides to each other as well as how their growing relationship helped Cole rediscover his holiday spirit. They were such a fun couple and I was rooting for them the whole way.

I highly recommend this fantastic debut novel for all contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans. I can't wait to see what the author writes next!

*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Release Blitz + Review: "Forbidden French" by R.S. Grey

I'm excited to take part in the release blitz celebrating "Forbidden French" by R.S. Grey. It's a follow up to "My Professor" featuring Emelia's older half-brother Emmett, but reads as a standalone.

 

There was more angst to Lainey and Emmett's story than I usually expect when picking up a book by R.S. Grey, but it was still beautifully written and compulsively readable. Their lives had been planned out for them basically since birth, and they both struggled to break out of the roles their families had created for them to find love and acceptance for who they were, as well as to make their own choices about how to live their lives. While their path to happiness was far from straightforward, I couldn't help but empathize with both Emmett and Lainey and root for them the whole way.

 

Overall, I loved "Forbidden French" and highly recommend it for all contemporary romance fans. I look forward to whatever R.S. Grey writes next.

 

*Review copy provided by the author via InkSlingerPR.  All opinions expressed are my own.

 

About "Forbidden French"

Once upon a time, Emmett Mercier was the golden boy of St. John’s Boarding School. The crown prince of his father’s vast business empire, unapologetically attractive…oh, and fluent in French.

At school, I kept a picture of him hidden beneath my pillow, a tiny token of my adolescent infatuation, but I might as well have been worshiping a distant demigod. He was hardly aware of my existence. I was far too young, and he was far too consequential—until one day we found ourselves alone together in the dark library and struck up a friendship…of sorts.

But in the years since leaving St. John’s, I’ve no longer bothered yearning for Emmett. What a useless dream. I would have gone crazy trying to keep up with his jet-setting life. Which Parisian hotel is he calling home now? Is there some new lithe model draping herself across his lap today?

My negligence comes back to bite me. I’m ill-prepared the day he strides into my art gallery. There’s only a mere trace of the boy I once knew. Self-assured, handsome, intoxicating—Emmett is more man than I can handle.

There’s no room for him in my gilded cage. My life is planned to a T. From where I go to how I dress, it all depends on the calculated whims of my grandmother. Soon, I’ll even dutifully walk down the aisle toward a man of her choosing.

Emmett can’t stand my obedience. Now that we’ve rekindled our friendship, he’s intent on unearthing my heart’s true motives.

And therein lies the problem: I was doing just fine without him, but now that he’s rattling the bars of my cage, I’m forced to acknowledge the truth.

Once upon a time, Emmett Mercier was all I wanted. The midnight wanderings, the whispered nothings, the unbearable longing—they etched indelible marks on my soul. Even now, after all these years, my heart is only fluent in one language.
Forbidden French.