Cowboy Christmas Homecoming by Mary Connealy; Ruth Logan Herne; Julie Lessman; Anna Schmidt

Posted October 14, 2016 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

Title: Cowboy Christmas Homecoming
Series: A novella collection
Author: Mary Connealy; Ruth Logan Herne; Julie Lessman; Anna Schmidt
Genre: Historical Romance, Christmas Romance
Published: October 14, 2016
Publisher: Gilead Publishing
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

They’ve weathered a lot worse than winter. For widow June Harper, another cold front is about to hit. Most call him Hugh. She’d call him Scrooge, except as the man ensures her needs are met, June can’t help but wonder how to meet the needs of his heart.

Netty Lewis can take care of herself, has for a while now. Some hired help over the holidays doesn’t change that. And even if Roy does take care of her, that doesn’t mean he cares for her or that he’ll stay past Christmas.

Pastor Colton McCabe is having the opposite problem. He’s not sure he’ll make it through the holidays with his new housekeeper. Grace can’t seem to do anything right but love. Perhaps being a homekeeper will earn her a permanent residence in his heart.

And no one longs for a home more than Connie Lancaster. She’s determined to return to St. Louis, and no cowboy can change her mind. But if Isaac can change her heart, maybe Connie will see the homecoming she’s been waiting for isn’t to a place but a person.

Stories in this novella collection include: Last Chance Christmas by Julie Lessman, A Cowboy for Christmas by Ruth Logan Herne, Longhorn Christmas by Mary Connely, Connie’s Christmas Prayer by Anna Schmidt.

Read on for my thoughts on Cowboy Christmas Homecoming. no true spoilers, promise.

Sleigh Bells Ring by Sandra D. Bricker; Barbara J. Scott; Lynette Sowell; Lenora Worth

Posted October 14, 2016 by Marsha in Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: Sleigh Bells Ring
Series: A Novella Collection
Author: Sandra D. Bricker; Barbara J. Scott; Lynette Sowell; Lenora Worth
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Christmas Romance
Published: October 14, 2016
Publisher: Gilead Publishing
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Never mind a pony. The Tucker girls have inherited their father’s horse farm for Christmas. Make that . . . a run-down horse farm. It needs some serious TLC in order to make it sell-ready. Joanna knows that by recruiting her sisters and one handsome ranch hand they can fix up the place and even celebrate one last Christmas while they’re at it. However, to Isabella, returning to their home in Kentucky bluegrass country for Christmas seems like an impossible hurdle. Can her Chicago boyfriend make life merry and bright again?

One thing’s for sure—nothing is peace on earth for Sophia as a new beau brings up old wounds. And when the fate of the horse farm is put in jeopardy because Amy accidentally fraternizes with the enemy, tensions rise. But it’s not like the land developer stole Christmas . . . just her heart.

Can the Tucker sisters have themselves a merry little Christmas?

Stories in this collection include: All I Want For Christmas by Sandra Bricker, Her Old Kentucky Home by Lynette Sowell, Please Come Home for Christmas by Lenora Worth, I’ll Be Home for Christmas by Barbara J. Scott

Read on for my thoughts on Sleigh Bells Ring. No true spoilers, promise.

By Firelight by Janice Maynard

Posted October 11, 2016 by Marsha in Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: By Firelight
Series:
Author: Janice Maynard
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Christmas Romance
Published: (combined) October 11, 2016
Publisher: Kensington Books – Lyrical Shine
My Rating: 3 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

By Firelight
There’s nothing like nearly freezing to death on the Appalachian Trail to make a woman want to live a little. And when Madison Tierney stumbles upon Grant Monroe’s mountain cabin during a blizzard, she’s gripped by something more than gratitude. Soon, the glow of firelight sparks hot, sweet kisses…and the start of a Christmas adventure she’ll never forget.

Hot Arctic Nights
In North Pole, Alaska, Christmas spirit is everywhere—except in Hallie Prentiss’s heart. At least her two-week stint managing the Dancing Elves B&B will pay the bills. Then she gets a look at long-term guest Daniel Reynolds. Whether dressed as Santa or (even better) wearing next to nothing, the man is gorgeous, charming, and sexy as hell. Workaholic Hallie is tempted to take a walk on the naughty side for once. But when she does, will she ever want to leave?

Previously published as By Firelight in A Very Merry Christmas and Hot Arctic Nights in Wicked Wonderland.

Read on for my thoughts on By Firelight. No true spoilers, promise.

The Bookshop on Autumn Lane by Cynthia Tennent

Posted October 11, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: The Bookshop on Autumn Lane
Series: Truheart #3
Author: Cynthia Tennent
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: October 11, 2016
Publisher: Kensington Books – Lyrical Shine
My Rating: 3 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

While some young women would jump through hoops to claim ownership of a bookshop,
free-spirited Gertrude “Trudy” Brown wants nothing to do with the rundown store her late Aunt Gertrude left her. Having suffered from dyslexia all her life, books aren’t exactly her friends. With not much more than a collie dog who’s scared of his own shadow, and a rusty but trusty ’74 Beetle, Trudy arrives in the tiny town of Truhart, determined to sell off her cumbersome inheritance as quickly as possible…

But Trudy is not the only stranger in town. Christopher “Kit” Darlington, a professor of American Studies at Cambridge, is searching for an elusive manuscript—and he secretly thinks Trudy’s ramshackle bookshop might hold the key to its discovery. As these two opposites spend the autumn days together, cleaning out Trudy’s bookshop, they soon find that uncovering both literature and love can be equally mysterious…

Trudy’s never been the type to stay in one spot too long, but something about Kit makes her consider starting a new chapter—and maybe even finding there’s a happily-ever-after…

Read on for my thoughts on The Bookshop on Autumn lane. No true spoilers, promise.

Wild by Eve Langlais, Kate Douglas, A. C. Arthur

Posted October 5, 2016 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

Title: Wild
Series:
Author: Wild by Eve Langlais, Kate Douglas, A. C. Arthur
Genre: Paranormal Romance – Shifters
Published: October 4, 2016
Publisher: St Martin’s Press
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

In Catch a Tiger by the Tail by Eve Langlais, Broderick has a job to do—audit the books of a gentleman’s club. Sounds simple, except his company wants him to find dirt linking to the mob, his secret mob employer wants someone to pin the blame on, and the bar manager at the heart of the controversy doesn’t want him—even though she’s his mate.

In Wild Passions by Kate Douglas, six women—friends closer than sisters—head off to an exclusive mountain resort for a week-long bachelorette getaway, where most of the women just wants to know if there are any good men left in the world. There are, and they’re the men of Feral Passions, a unique resort located on a private wolf preserve, owned and run by a pack of sexy werewolves who use it as their own personal hunting ground for mates.

In Her Perfect Mates by A.C. Arthur, Malec Zenta was part of a loving lycan family until his twin brother’s suicide took a piece of his soul. Channing Verdi never knew his parents, but that was fine because at the age of sixteen on the night of the full moon, he realized his purpose. The only pleasure these two betas have managed to find in their life was in the bed with the women they shared. Now, a human woman has entered their lives…a woman who sets their primal instincts on fire, a woman they can’t help but stake their claim on…and give her the ultimate pleasure of being with two shifters at once.

Read on for my thoughts on Wild. No true spoilers, promise.

A Christmas Kiss by Elizabeth Mansfield

Posted October 5, 2016 by Marsha in Christmas Romance / 0 Comments

Title: A Christmas Kiss
Series:
Author: Elizabeth Mansfield
Genre: Regency Romance
Published: Original 1970 – reprint October 4, 2016
Publisher: Open Road
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

After defending her virtue by striking the besotted son of her employer, Miss Evalyn Pennington is discharged from her position under a cloud of scandal. With no place to go and no prospects for the coming year, the impoverished governess accepts an invitation from Jamie Everard, heir to an earldom, to spend the holidays at his family’s estate. But Evalyn has barely settled in at Gyllford Manor when she catches the eye of Philip Everard, the fourth Earl of Gyllford—and Jamie’s father.

After his wife died, Philip vowed to never marry again, despite his sister’s best efforts to reintroduce him to London society. Then, his son brings a guest home for Christmas. Is the lovely, intelligent Evalyn the woman to make his footloose son settle down at last? But why does Jamie treat Evalyn in such a cavalier manner? And what is Philip to do about the reigning beauty of London who has set her cap for him—and is about to set in motion a scheme that will have far-reaching consequences for them all?

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

Legal Wolf’s Mate by Eve Langlais

Posted October 5, 2016 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

Title: Legal Wolf’s Mate
Series:
Author: Eve Langlais
Genre: Paranormal Romance – Shifter
Published: October 4, 2016
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

In Legal Wolf’s Mate, taking on a pro bono murder case isn’t a problem for a lawyer who enjoys a challenge.

Discovering that his new client is his mate? A tad more complicated.

Gavin has no intention of settling down, especially not with a woman accused of murder, but once he sets eyes on Megan, his fate is sealed.

Read on for my thoughts on Legal Wolf’s Mate. No true spoilers, promise.

Twelve Days of Christmas by Debbie Macomber

Posted October 4, 2016 by Marsha in Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: Twelve Days of Christmas
Series:
Author: Debbie Macomber
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Christmas Romance
Published: October 4, 2016
Publisher: Random House – Ballantine
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Friendly and bubbly, Julia Padden likes nearly everyone, but her standoffish neighbor, Cain Maddox, presents a particular challenge. No matter how hard she’s tried to be nice, Cain rudely rebuffs her at every turn, preferring to keep to himself. But when Julia catches Cain stealing her newspaper from the lobby of their apartment building, that’s the last straw. She’s going to break through Cain’s Scrooge-like exterior the only way she knows how: by killing him with kindness.

To track her progress, Julia starts a blog called The Twelve Days of Christmas. Her first attempts to humanize Cain are far from successful. Julia brings him homemade Christmas treats and the disagreeable grinch won’t even accept them. Meanwhile, Julie’s blog becomes an online sensation, as an astonishing number of people start following her adventures. Julia continues to find ways to express kindness and, little by little, chips away at Cain’s gruff façade to reveal the caring man underneath. Unbelievably, Julia feels herself falling for Cain—and she suspects that he may be falling for her as well. But as the popularity of her blog continues to grow, Julia must decide if telling Cain the truth about having chronicled their relationship to the rest of the world is worth risking their chance at love.

Read on for my thoughts on Twelve Days of Christmas. No true spoilers, promise.

Take Me Deeper by Jackie Ashenden

Posted October 4, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: Take Me Deeper
Series: Texas Bounty #1
Author: Jackie Ashenden
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: October 4, 2016
Publisher: Random House – Loveswept
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Even as a Green Beret, Zane Redmond hasn’t faced a tougher mission than going home again. Loyalty to his brothers is the only reason he’s back in Texas, not that he intends to stay for long. Zane sure as hell isn’t going into the family business. One last bounty and he’s done—or so he thinks. Nobody warned him that his fugitive happens to be a red-hot brunette with a smart mouth, a body made for sin, and a brutal cartel on her trail.

Bad circumstances and worse choices have left Iris Callahan in a desperate situation. After getting arrested for a drug drop gone wrong, she skipped bail and hit the road to avoid testifying. Now the cartel wants Iris silenced forever, and she’s just lucky that Zane catches her before they do. Handcuffed to a bed, she surrenders to the cool-as-ice bounty hunter in order to survive. But as the chase heats up, Zane sneaks past her emotional defenses—and Iris is in too deep to let him go.

Titles in this series include: Take Me Deeper

Read on for my thoughts on Take Me Deeper. No true spoilers, promise.

A Rancher’s Surrender by Michelle Beattie

Posted October 3, 2016 by Marsha in Series / 0 Comments

Title: A Rancher’s Surrender
Series: Frontier Montana #1
Author: Michelle Beattie
Genre: Historical Romance, Western Romance, Cowboy Romance
Published: October 3, 2016
Publisher: Tule Publishing
My Rating: 4 s tars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Denied entrance into vet school because of her gender, fiery and determined Jillian Matthews trained at her father’s side and then headed west to Montana Territory after answering an ad using only her father’s initials and last name.

She is convinced that her skills will override local ranchers prejudice. She’s wrong and handsome Wade Parker, the one who hired her, is the first to make his displeasure public. But Jillian refuses to back down and sets out to win Wade’s approval. Soon that’s not all she hopes to win.

Widower Wade Parker is furious the new vet he helped hire is a woman. The fact that she’s beautiful, smart and wakes parts of him that he thought dead burns even more. Feeling tricked, Wade is determined to send her back east but when the town turns on Jillian and her enemies become dangerous, he steps up to be her protector. And that’s not the only role Jillian has him contemplating.

Titles in this series include: A Rancher’s Surrender (with more to come)

Read on for my thoughts on A Rancher’s Surrender. No true spoilers, promise.

Christmas At The Dog & Duck by Jill Steeples

Posted October 2, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: Christmas at the Dog & Duck
Series:
Author: Jill Steeples
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: October 1, 2016
Publisher: Aria
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Ellie Browne has left behind her high-flying job in London to return to the charming Buckinghamshire village of Little Leyton. Working shifts at The Dog and Duck and running her own doggy-day-care business, Ellie’s looking for a much simpler way of life and a good old fashioned Christmas.

But Little Leyton’s landscape is changing; Johnny Tay, Ellie’s ex, wants to pick up where they left off; sultry property developer Max Golding, has moved into the village and is ruffling feathers; and rumour has it that the pub, which holds a special place in Ellie’s heart, might be sold. Suddenly, life’s looking a whole lot more complicated.

Read on for my thoughts on Christmas at the Dog & Duck. No true spoilers, promise.

A New York Love Story by Cassie Rocca

Posted October 2, 2016 by Marsha in Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: A New York Love Story
Series:
Author: Cassie Rocca
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Christmas Romance
Published: October 1, 2016
Publisher: Aria
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Giving a present is not always easy. Clover O’Brian knows that only too well: her job consists of helping people in the arduous task of choosing unusual gifts. Christmas is coming, New York is buzzing, and Clover, who has always loved the festive period, savors the atmosphere.

Cade Harrison already has everything in life. A Hollywood actor, he is handsome, rich, famous and popular. Success, however, has its downsides; having just emerged from a disastrous relationship with an actress, he feels a need to hide away in an area unfrequented by stars, in an apartment lent him by a friend, far from prying eyes – especially those of tabloid reporters. But as chance will have it, the apartment in question is right opposite the one occupied by Clover, who until now has seen Hollywood actors only on the big screen. Two quite different lives meet by chance, at the most exhilarating time of year.

Read on for my thoughts on A New York Love Story. No true spoilers, promise.

Wanting It All by Christi Barth

Posted October 1, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: Wanting It All
Series: Naked Men #2
Author: Christi Barth
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: August 9, 2016
Publisher: Random House Publishing – Loveswept
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

The heartthrobs of the Naked Men blog and podcast get a little too real about friendship, love, and sex. For one wealthy bachelor, the trouble starts when all three collide. . . .

After narrowly surviving a bus crash in high school with his best friends, science geek Knox Davis resolved to become so successful that he could have anything and everything he wants. Now he’s über-wealthy, a huge business success, and a notorious ladies’ man. Knox refuses to limit himself to one woman, but when his latest conquest—a blond beauty from the Alaskan bush—challenges his superficial ways, Knox begins to see the world through her eyes, and finds he likes what he sees.

A nurturer at heart, Madison Abbott wants to put down roots. She left Alaska to meet Mr. Right—and to track down Logan, the half-brother she’s never met. Instead, she finds Knox. Although the sexy-as-sin bachelor may not seem like marriage material, Madison’s starting to think that Knox is The One. But Knox refuses to settle down, especially once he learns that Madison is his best friend’s little sister. Now it’s up to her to convince Knox that she’s everything he really wants.

Titles in this series include: Risking It All, Wanting It All, Giving I All (January 2017), Trying It All (May, 2017)

Read on for my thoughts on Wanting It All. No true spoilers, promise.

Alpha Wolf Need Not Apply by Terry Spear

Posted October 1, 2016 by Marsha in Series / 0 Comments

Title: Alpha Wolf Need Not Apply
Series: Heart of the Wolf #19, Silver Town Wolf #6
Author: Terry Spear
Genre: Paranormal Romance – Shifters
Published: May 3, 2016
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
My Rating: 4.5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Wolf shifter and park ranger Eric Silver is committed to his job policing spectacular San Isabel National Forest, and he’s hot on the scent of some mysterious wolves who are up to no good. When Eric’s investigation leads him to cross paths with forester Pepper Grayling, he’s fascinated to learn this she-wolf is her pack’s leader — strong, independent, and definitely not looking for a mate.

With unknown dangers on the prowl, Pepper is tempted to give in to her attraction to Eric and align her pack with his. But Pepper’s been pursued by many alpha males–all out to take over her pack and gain her hard-won territory–and Eric is a born leader. How does Eric earn the trust of a she-wolf who’s been betrayed so often in the past?

Titles in the Silver Town Wolf series include: Destiny of the Wolf, Wolf Fever, Dreaming of the Wolf, Silence of the Wolf, A Silver Wolf Christmas, Alpha Wolf Need Not Apply

Read on for my thoughts on Alpha Wolf Need Not Apply. No true spoilers, promise.

Kiss Me in Christmas by Debbie Mason

Posted October 1, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: Kiss Me In Christmas
Series: Christmas, Colorado #6
Author: Debbie Mason
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: February 23, 2016
Publisher: Forever (Grand Central Publishing)
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Actress Chloe O’Connor has become America’s sweetheart, but back in little Christmas, Colorado, she’s still remembered as a shy, awkward schoolgirl. And there’s no one she dreads (and secretly wants) to see more than her high school crush, Easton McBride. Just one look from the former star quarterback and it’s like she’s instantly transformed from daytime drama queen to tongue-tied teenager. She’s kissed Hollywood actors and famous cover models, so she can certainly play it cool while turning up the heat, right?

After an injury ended his military career, Easton McBride built a good life in the rugged countryside of his hometown. And the last thing he needs is his quiet solitude shattered by a high-maintenance temptress who isn’t anything like the sweet Chloe he misses. While he enjoys the flirtation with this new bold and beautiful woman, he can’t help but wonder whether a kiss could have the power to bring back the small-town girl he’s grown to love.

Titles in this series include: The Trouble With Christmas, Christmas In July, It Happened At Christmas, Wedding Bells In Christmas, Snowbound At Christmas, Kiss me In Christmas, Happy Ever After In Christmas

Read on for my thoughts on Kiss Me In Christmas. No true spoilers, promise.