Category: Contemporary Romance

Four Weddings and a White Christmas by Jenny Oliver

Posted October 8, 2015 by Marsha in Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: Four Weddings and a White Christmas
Series: Cherry Pie Island #5
Author: Jenny Oliver
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Christmas Romance
Published: October 8, 2015
Publisher: Carina UK
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

It’s Christmas! And this year Cherry Pie Island is covered with confetti as well as snow – as the island gets set to celebrate four weddings, as well as the most picturesque Christmas in memory. Nowhere does a deliciously warm and wonderfully festive Christmas as Cherry Pie Island!

Welcome back to Cherry Pie Island…the most delicious place to spend Christmas!

Hannah’s holidays are normally spent nibbling chocolate coins with her daughter and arguing with her sister about whether they’re too old for stockings on Christmas morning. But this year, she’s been offered the dressmaker’s job of a lifetime: creating a one-of-a-kind a dress for her school friend Annie’s Christmas wedding on the picture-perfect Cherry Pie Island.

Many mince pies and one hot-pink organza dress later, Hannah is set to snuggle back into her old routine…until she discovers that there are three more weddings this winter – and not a dress in sight!

Four very different themes, four demanding brides and four parties spent avoiding chef Harry Fontaine, whose cynicism is as much a wedding day guarantee as confetti and cake. Hannah has her work cut out for her! Yet, with a sprinkling of snowflakes and Christmas magic, it could be that this is the year when miracles really do happen…if Hannah will let them.

Read on for my thoughts on Four Weddings and a White Christmas. No true spoilers, promise.

A Cowboy Firefighter for Christmas by Kim Redford

Posted October 7, 2015 by Marsha in Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance, Series / 2 Comments

Title: A Cowboy Firefighter for Christmas
Series: Smokin’ Hot Cowboys #1
Author: Kim Redford
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Christmas Romance
Published: October 6, 2015
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Warm up this Christmas with a sexy cowboy firefighter who knows how to ignite flames as well as put them out…

Trey Duval is a rancher, proud as can be of his Wildcat Ranch. He’s also the top volunteer firefighter of Wildcat Bluff, Texas, the town that pulls out all the stops for its Christmas festivities.

City girl Misty Reynolds comes to Wildcat Bluff just in time to help Trey put out a suspicious fire, leading him to dub her his “Christmas angel.” Unfortunately, Misty’s past has left her with terrible memories of fire, and of Christmastime.

As the two are thrown together again and again, Trey finds himself wanting Misty more and more, and Misty feels stronger and braver when Trey is around. Though their trust grows slowly, their passion for each other is burning hot…

Read on for my thoughts on A Cowboy Firefighter for Christmas. No true spoilers, promise.

All Is Calm, All Is Bright by Colleen Coble

Posted October 7, 2015 by Marsha in Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: All Is Calm & All Is Bright
Series:
Author: Colleen Coble
Genre: Christmas Romance
Published: October 6, 2015
Publisher: Thomas Nelson – Fiction
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

ALL IS CALM

Brendan Waddell needs a place to recuperate. Lauren Everman needs a place to hide. It’s going to be an unexpectedly romantic Christmas at Bluebird Ranch.

Brendan Waddell has always considered Bluebird Ranch a little piece of heaven: an idyllic ranch that pairs abused children with abused horses, run by one of his old Marine buddies. Now, recovering from an on-the-job injury, Brendan thinks the ranch is the perfect place to spend Christmas healing up.

When Lauren Everman was a seventeen-year-old foster kid, Bluebird Ranch was the safest place she knew. Now it’s the perfect hideout for a woman on the run. As the witness to a murder, Lauren needs somewhere to lie low, and her skill with horses means she’ll be able to lend a hand with the troubled kids at Bluebird—without answering too many questions.

Lauren’s rich hair, high cheekbones, and dark eyes immediately get Brendan’s attention—but so does her secretive behavior. This Special Ops Intel man knows a woman on the run when he sees one, and he’s not about to let her put Bluebird Ranch at risk.

But as Brendan and Lauren get to know each other, their suspicions evaporate and romance starts to sizzle. But this would-be couple has more to worry about than each other—there’s a killer on the loose who wants Lauren kept quiet.

ALL IS BRIGHT

A romantic, Christmas wedding at her seaside hotel gives Delilah a chance to shine with her unique gifts. But will her light be snuffed out before the bride and groom say “I do”?

As manager of the Tidewater Inn, Delilah Carter has been planning a spectacular Christmas wedding for her friends at the grand hotel overlooking the ocean. While picking up still more twinkly lights and some last-minute groceries for the reception dinner, a huge truck runs her off the freezing, wet roads into the dark night. Her car stops just short of an enormous tree and the truck speeds off into the night. Delilah escapes with her life and has almost convinced herself the whole thing was an accident, but then she begins to receive threatening phone calls. With the wedding just hours away, she’s distracted and anxious. Then Sheriff Tom Bourne stops by the inn and volunteers to help.

Tom has always had a soft spot for Delilah, and he’s determined to protect her. But he is pulled away by a bizarre Christmas stunt that has the neighborhood reeling, and Delilah is attacked again.

Will Delilah have to cancel the Christmas wedding at Tidewater Inn? And will Tom’s protection be enough to save Delilah from the shadowy figure looming in the background?

Read on for my thoughts on All Is Calm & All Is Bright. No true spoilers, promise.

Home For Christmas by Lily Everett

Posted October 6, 2015 by Marsha in Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: Home For Christmas
Series: Sanctuary Island #4
Author: Lily Everett
Genre: Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance
Published: October 6, 2015
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Magazine columnist Libby Leeds has made a name for herself sharing heartwarming stories from her perfect life on Sanctuary Island. There’s just one minor detail she’s left out: she hasn’t set foot on the island since her childhood. Orphaned and heartbroken, she departed years ago and never looked back-except in her fictional columns. Now a wounded war hero is returning to Sanctuary Island, and Libby’s editor insists she cover the story by taking the long road back…

HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

Army Ranger Owen Shepard is a tall, handsome single father, and now a media sensation. He wants to reconnect with his daughter, Caitlin, and make up for lost time by giving her a Christmas to remember. When “America’s Favorite Homemaker” Libby Leeds offers her help, he jumps at the chance. But the sweet, reclusive writer is more intriguing, and more tempting, than Owen could have imagined. Soon, Owen and Caitlin are spending their holiday with Libby, decorating trees, making gingerbread houses, and warming up by the fire. It’s the closest Libby has come to love and family since she was a child-but until she and Owen admit what is in their hearts, the home they are creating together will be only in their dreams.

Read on for my thoughts on Home for Christmas. No true spoilers, promise.

The Christmas Cottage & Ever After by Samantha Chase

Posted October 6, 2015 by Marsha in Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: The Christmas Cottage & Ever After
Series: The Christmas Cottage #1 & #2
Author: Samantha Chase
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Christmas Romance
Published: combined reissue October 6, 2015
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

An exciting reissue of both books in the beloved Christmas Cottage series from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Samantha Chase, just in time for the holidays .

Legend has it that any couple who spends the night in the Christmas Cottage shall have love everlasting…

THE CHRISTMAS COTTAGE
Lacey Quinn does not believe in happily-ever-after or the legend of the Christmas Cottage. But her best friend does, and she’s the one getting married. It’s Lacey’s job to make sure everything at the cottage is perfect for the newlyweds. Instead, she finds herself snowed in with the best man, and she begins to wonder if fairy tales really can come true.

EVER AFTER
Ava Callahan wants desperately to believe in love everlasting. But when Brian McCabe walks back into her life and upsets her carefully organized world, her commitment to perfection makes it hard to accept the love that’s right in front of her. Will it take a night in the Christmas Cottage for Ava and Brian to find their happy ending?

Read on for my thoughts on the reissue of The Christmas Cottage & Ever After. No true spoilers, promise.

Keep Me, Cowboy by Nicole Helm

Posted October 5, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: Keep Me, Cowboy
Series: Montana Born Rodeo 2015 #3
Author: Nicole helm
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: October 2, 2015
Publisher: Tule Publishing
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Rodeo cowboy Cole McArthur has spent the last ten years running from Marietta, Montana, from his father’s expectations, and from the only woman he’s ever loved. But now his past is at his front door, begging for his help.

Jess Clark doesn’t want to face the only man who’s ever claimed enough of her heart to break it, but her foster family needs their prodigal son home, and she owes them too much to not make that happen. Seeing Cole for the first time in a decade unlocks the kind of desire she’s only ever felt for him, and never acted on with anyone.

Back in Marietta facing family betrayal and family secrets, heat explodes between them, and feelings buried long ago rise to the surface. But can Jess convince this wandering cowboy that his home is with her?

Read on for my thoughts on Keep Me, Cowboy. No true spoilers, promise.

Wish Upon A Christmas Cake by Darcie Boleyn

Posted October 5, 2015 by Marsha in Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: Wish Upon a Christmas Cake
Series:
Author: Darcie Boleyn
Genre: Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance
Published: October 2, 2015
Publisher: Carina UK
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

The most wonderful time of the year?

Katie Warham has just one wish this year…to have the best Christmas ever!

If only she could lock herself away in a cloud of flour and sugar at her cosy little tearoom, Crumbtious Cakes, instead of spending the festive season trapped with her judgemental mother, crazy Aunt Gina and loved-up celebrity brother Carl…

But Katie never expected her ex-boyfriend, widower Sam – and his two adorable children – to turn up on her doorstep. She didn’t think that any man could tempt her under the mistletoe this year, but Sam might just prove the exception! And as the snow begins to fall and Katie puts the final touches to her famous Christmas cake, she begins to wonder, could her Christmas wish actually come true?

Read on for my thoughts on Wish Upon A Christmas Cake. No true spoilers, promise.

The Engagement Game by Jenny Holiday

Posted October 5, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: The Engagement Game
Series: 49th Floor #3
Author: Jenny Holiday
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: October 5, 2015
Publisher: Entangled Publishing, Indulgence
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

The black sheep of the old-money Rosemanns, advertising executive Marcus has made his own way in the world—and done extremely well for himself—but his family is still pressuring him to join their investment firm and settle down with a quiet, unobjectionable girl.

Which is why the sexy Rose Verma is the perfect date for his family’s charity ball. A bleeding-heart lefty from the wrong side of the tracks, Rose has never met a stray dog she didn’t love or a polka-dotted mini-dress she couldn’t rock. Marcus has enough dirt on Rose to “convince” her to play along. And if he lets it slip that they’re engaged, all the better.

But all’s fair in love and blackmail, and Rose is ready to play a few cards of her own.

Read on for my thoughts on The Engagement Game. No true spoilers, promise.

The Name of the Game by Jennifer Dawson

Posted October 3, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: The Name of the Game
Series: Something New #3
Author: Jennifer Dawson
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: September 29, 2015
Publisher: Kensington Books, Zebra
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Some people follow the rules. . .

A professor of forensic anthropology, James Donovan is the reasonable sibling among the passionate, impulsive Donovans. But there’s nothing reasonable about his reaction to baker Gracie Roberts. She’s all wild curls and mouth-watering curves, as deliciously tempting as the sugary treats she’s famous for–and twice as irritating. But before long, James decides that getting a taste of her is one indulgence he can’t pass up. . .

Some people play to win. . .

Independent, smart, and sexy, Gracie’s year-long dry spell has her itching for a man. Responsible, health-obsessed James? Not in a million years! She needs a guy who knows how to let loose! But when James sets out to show her just how satisfying a disciplined man can be when pleasure is at stake, she learns just how sweet–and spicy–he really is.

Have James and Gracie found the recipe for love?

Read on for my thoughts on The Name of the Game. No true spoilers, promise.

Do You Believe In Santa? by Sierra Donovan

Posted October 3, 2015 by Marsha in Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: Do You Believe In Santa?
Series: Evergreen Lane #1
Author: Sierra Donovan
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Christmas Romance
Published: September 29, 2015
Publisher: Kensington Books, Zebra
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Miracles don’t just happen on 34th Street. They can happen right in your living room—if you’re willing to believe…

What grown woman claims to have seen Santa Claus? Mandy Reese, for one—on a very special Christmas Eve when she was eight years old. These days, Mandy works at a year-round Christmas store in Tall Pine, California, where customers love to hear about her childhood encounter with Saint Nick. But when Jake Wyndham arrives in town—charming, gorgeous, extremely practical—Mandy faces a dilemma. Deny what she saw, or let Jake think she’s sugar plum crazy?

Jake scouts hotel locations all over the country, but he’s never met anyone quite like Mandy before. Her warmth and sparkle are irresistible, but…meeting Santa? Really? Jake’s no Scrooge but he’s definitely skeptical. Then again, there are all kinds of things Jake never experienced until he came to Tall Pine. Like autumn snow. Mind blowing kisses. And the magic of falling head-over-heels, madly in love.

Read on for my thoughts on Do You Believe In Santa? No true spoilers, promise.

Better Date Than Never by Susan Hatler ~ Box Set 7-10

Posted October 2, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: Better Date Than Never Boxed Set 7-10
Series: Better Date Than Never
Author: Susan Hatler
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: July 13, 2015
Publisher: Hatco Publishing
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: Purchased
Cover Description:

This book bundle includes four contemporary romance books (one novel and three novellas) from the bestselling series, Better Date than Never. Dating is so much easier when you have good friends to lean on. . . .

(Driven to Date, Book 7)
When Jill Parnell’s promotion is nabbed by nepotism, she is offered another position on the partner-track, by pretending to date Ryan—the man who got her job.

(Up to Date, Book 8)
Ginger Nielsen donates her decorating services to a charity auction and now must work for the one man with the power to break her heart.

(Déjà Date, Book 9)
Melinda Morgan must complete her dad’s challenging Carpe Diem list in time to buy her beloved neighborhood bakery, but her plan gets complicated when the owner’s son, who broke her heart, comes back to town.

(Date and Dash, Book 10)
Mary Ann Nielsen, an impulsive blonde beauty, accidentally bids on the wrong auction item and must use her winning bid to go on a reality TV dating show and pretend to be in love with sexy but irritating risk management analyst Trevor Brooks in order to win enough money to buy back her beloved grandmother’s bracelet.

Read on for my thoughts on the Better Date Than Never Boxed Set of books 7-10. No true spoilers, promise.