The North Pole Prize by Caroline Mickelson

Posted December 4, 2015 by Marsha in Christmas Romance / 0 Comments

Title: The North Pole Prize
Series: A Christmas Central Romantic Comedy #4
Author: Caroline Mickelson
Genre: Christmas Romance
Published: September 16, 2014
Publisher: Bon Accord Press
My Rating: 4 snowy stars
Source: Borrowed, Kindle Unlimited
Cover Description:

North Pole engineer Garrett McCree values his peace and quiet above all else, and his life runs according to a carefully crafted master plan. Until, that is, Santa Claus asks Garrett to play chaperone to the winner of the North Pole Prize essay contest. Out of loyalty to Santa, Garrett reluctantly agrees. After all, how much trouble can one woman possibly be?

But when beautiful and vivacious Angelique Devereaux, a Christmas-loving, serial gift giver arrives at Christmas Central, Garrett soon realizes the answer to that question. Predictable is out, spontaneous is in, and Garrett’s heart will never be the same.

Read on for my thoughts on The North Pole Prize. No true spoilers, promise.

The Return of Kris Kringle by Caroline Mickelson

Posted December 3, 2015 by Marsha in Christmas Romance / 0 Comments

Title: The Return of Kris Kringle
Series: A Christmas Central Romantic Comedy #3
Author: Caroline Mickelson
Genre: Christmas Romance
Published: October 10, 2014
Publisher: Bon Accord Press
My Rating: 4 snowy stars
Source: Borrowed, Kindle Unlimited
Cover Description:

After years away from the North Pole, Kris Kringle happily accepts her Uncle Santa’s offer to move back to Christmas Central as head chef. With her young daughter in tow, Kris returns home with two objectives in mind. Goal number one, bring her love of healthy eating and nutritious fare to the North Pole dining service. Goal number two, recover from heartbreak and forget Kyle Masterson, the man who broke her heart.

But when Santa hires Kyle as a new co-chef for the holiday season, Kris suddenly realizes that replacing the elves’ beloved sugar cookies with carrots is going to be a piece of cake compared to working alongside her ex-fiancé.

Read on for my thoughts on The Return of Kris Kringle. No true spoilers, promise.

A Man of Character by Margaret Locke

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

Title: A Man of Character
Series: A Matter of Love #1
Author: Margaret Locke
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: May 26, 2015
Publisher: Locked On Love Publishing
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: Borrowed, Kindle Unlimited
Cover Description:

What would you do if you discovered the men you were dating were fictional characters you’d created long ago?

Thirty-five-year-old Catherine Schreiber has shelved love for good. Keeping her ailing bookstore afloat takes all her time, and she’s perfectly fine with that. So when several men ask her out in short order, she’s not sure what to do…especially since something about them seems eerily familiar.

Caught between fantasy and reality, Cat must decide which—or whom—she wants more.

Blending humor with unusual twists, including a magical manuscript, a computer scientist in shining armor, and even a Regency ball, A Man of Character tells a story not only of love, but also of the lengths we’ll go for friendship, self-discovery, and second chances.

Read on for my thoughts on A Man of Character. No true spoilers, promise.

Mrs. Saint Nick by Caroline Mickelson

Posted December 2, 2015 by Marsha in Christmas Romance / 0 Comments

Title: Mrs. Saint Nick
Series: A Christmas Central Romantic Comedy #2
Author: Caroline Mickelson
Genre: Christmas Romance
Published: November 15, 2013
Publisher: Bon Accord Press
My Rating: 4 snowy stars
Source: Borrowed, Kindle Unlimited
Cover Description:

When Santa offers efficiency expert Holly Jamison a job at the North Pole, she’s delighted to accept. It’s not that she loves the Christmas holidays. Far from it. Everywhere she looks, from the piles of presents to the thousands of cheery elves hard at work, Holly sees ways to improve the whole operation. Even Nick Claus, Santa’s charming son, fails to draw Holly into the holiday spirit. Holly has to admit that Nick’s charismatic and handsome, but his fun-loving side doesn’t mask his lack of a work ethic.

It’s only when Holly cancels Nick’s pet project, and jeopardizes Christmas for thousands of children, that she realizes that the man she discounts as a total slacker might be the only one who can teach her about the joy of Christmas.

Read on for my thoughts on Mrs. Saint Nick. No true spoilers, promise.

Who Else Loves Christmas Giveaways?

Posted December 1, 2015 by Marsha in Discussion Post / 0 Comments

ID-10069329 I don’t know about you – but I love getting gifts. So, yeah Christmas is a really explosive fun time around my house.

There is a fun, and gift filled giveaway going on over at Indie Romance Authors Christmas Kindle Giveaway. A Paperwhite Kindle and lots of ebooks to start off stuffing your brand new Kindle.

Fill out the form, answer the questions and someone is going to be picked to win big time. So, if you like giveaways, contests and just plain fun head on over and check it out – maybe it’s something you’d like to take part in.

I learned about it from author Caroline Mickelson whose stories I always enjoy – right now on Keeper Bookshelf I’ve got a bunch of her Christmas stories up for the Christmas Daily Feature.

So excuse me – I gotta go put on my thinking cap and enter a contest. Happy Christmas everyone!

Miss Kane’s Christmas by Caroline Mickelson

Posted December 1, 2015 by Marsha in Christmas Romance / 0 Comments

Title: Miss Kane’s Christmas
Series: A Christmas Central Romantic Comedy #1
Author: Caroline Mickelson
Genre: Christmas Romance
Published: October 18, 2012
Publisher: Bon Accord Press
My Rating: 4 snowy stars
Source: Borrowed, Kindle Unlimited
Cover Description:

With Christmas only three days away, Carol Claus agrees to her father’s request that she leave the North Pole on a mission to help save Christmas. Joining single father Ben Hanson and his children for the holidays seems an easy enough task until Santa informs her that Ben is the man behind the disturbing new book ‘Beyond Bah Humbug: Why Lying to Your Children about Santa Claus is a Bad Idea’.

Posing as Miss Kane, the children’s new nanny, Carol pulls out all the stops to show Ben how fun Christmas can be, all the while struggling to understand how one man could hate the holidays so much. How could she, Santa’s only daughter, be so attracted to a man who refuses to believe her father exists?

Read on for my thoughts on Miss Kane’s Christmas. No true spoilers, promise.

Safe In His Arms by Melody Anne

Posted November 30, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: Safe In His Arms
Series: Unexpected Heroes #0.5
Author: Melody Anne
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: November 30, 2015
Publisher: Pocket Star
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Natalie Duncan is thrilled to get her first teaching job, but southern California didn’t prepare her for winter in Montana—or for gorgeous fire chief Hawk Winchester.

For a man dedicated to putting out fires, Hawk really knows how to add heat to Natalie’s life, especially when he’s rescuing her from compromising situations. A man this strong and capable should know exactly what to do when a lady is trapped under the mistletoe.

Suddenly Natalie’s blue Christmas is glowing red-hot.

Read on for my thoughts on Safe In His Arms. No true spoilers, promise.

Rekindle The Flame by Kate Meader

Posted November 30, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: Rekindle The Flame
Series: Hot In Chicago #0.5
Author: Kate Meader
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: November 30, 2015
Publisher: Pocket Books
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Chicago firefighter Beck Rivera always knew his destiny would be defined by two things: his dream to follow in the footsteps of his legendary foster father Sean Dempsey and his teenage passion for heiress Darcy Cochrane, the one girl who could both stoke and cool his fire. Loving her meant setting her free and breaking her heart—and his. But when a chance reunion at his family’s bar, sparked by a drunk Santa, places her in his path again, destiny can no longer be denied.

The last thing heiress-turned-tattoo-artist Darcy Cochrane needs is the rollercoaster of emotion stirred up by her first love: sexy, gorgeous man-on-fire Beck Rivera. But he always had such talented hands. And more talented lips. And…maybe one time can’t hurt. Then she’ll send him packing like he did to her all those years ago. But Darcy and Beck soon discover that nothing ignites holiday flames like rekindling a lost love.

Read on for my thoughts on Rekindle The Flame. No true spoilers, promise.

The New Year’s Wish by Dani-Lyn Alexander

Posted November 30, 2015 by Marsha in Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: The New Year’s Wish
Series:
Author: Dani-Lyn Alexander
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: November 30, 2015
Publisher:
My Rating: 3 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Olivia Calloway isn’t cut out for the nine-to-five life. She’s a born entrepreneur. She just has to figure out her soul’s true calling—and she’s given herself until the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve to do it. With her trust fund dwindling and only two and a half months to go, she takes an assistant position at prestigious law firm Harris & Harris.

The problem is, Olivia’s a terrible employee—incessantly late, forgetful, and clumsy. Not that her gorgeous new boss Garrett Emerson seems to mind. Beautiful, charming Olivia has been on his mind ever since she ran into him, literally, sprinting to the interview. But Olivia’s first big assignment—to plan an elaborate last minute New Year’s Eve party for the entire company—could make or break her job entirely.

With Ms. Harris herself demanding perfection, a jealous office rival rooting for Olivia to lose, and even Garrett dreading the affair, can Olivia finally prove herself—or will an unforeseen complication send her back to the drawing board? All she wants for the holidays is to be her own boss—and to ignite the flirtatious sparks between her and Garrett…so she can file their relationship under love.

Read on for my thoughts on The New Year’s Wish. No true spoilers, promise.

Act of Love by K. R. Jordan

Posted November 30, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: Act of Love
Series: Typecast Christmas #4
Author: K. R. Jordan
Genre: Christmas Romance
Published: September 22, 2013
Publisher:
My Rating: 4 snowy stars
Source: Borrowed, Kindle Unlimited
Cover Description:

After a year that involved a box office flop and a spectacular break-up, actor Jackson Wyatt returns home to fulfill a promise to his sister to act in a play at her community theater. What he didn’t count on was his sister casting his ex-girlfriend as the female lead opposite him. Returning to his roots has Jack taking a hard look at his life, and he finds himself wanting the things he gave up so many years ago.

Natasha can’t believe she agreed to play opposite her ex in the play ‘The Gift of the Magi’ at her best friend’s theatre. But she feels a certain kinship to the main character, Della, and it’s not just her long hair. As if facing a Christmas where she barely has the money to make ends meet, let alone buy presents for those she loves wasn’t hard enough, now she’s having to deal with Jack’s reappearance in her life.

Through Natasha, Jack sees a side of life he’s missed out on. With love as her currency she gives more to others than he ever could with all his money. But would she be willing to give him a second chance at love?

Read on for my thoughts on Act of Love. No true spoilers, promise.

Curtain Calls and Christmas Wishes by Cynthia Hickey

Posted November 29, 2015 by Marsha in Christmas Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: Curtain Calls and Christmas Wishes
Series: Typecast Christmas #3
Author: Cynthia hickey
Genre: Christmas Romance
Published: November 9, 2013
Publisher:
My Rating: 4 snowy stars
Source: Borrowed, Kindle Unlimited
Cover Description:

Do Christmas wishes really come true?

Lacey Cooper dreams of directing plays. When the manager at the local theater company falls ill, she gets her chance to direct the annual Christmas play, A White Christmas. Then, the lead role is injured in an accident and Lacey must ask the man in charge of stage setup to step in.

Dillon Marks is growing tired of his job as probation officer, but volunteers on a regular basis at the local theater company, bringing several of his clients with him. When Lacey begs him to step into the leading role, he initially says no. He can sing, but can’t dance at all. She finally convinces him to step into the role.

When Lacey makes it clear that she isn’t interested in a man with a dangerous profession, the two try to squelch their growing attraction for each other. Then, they are snowbound in the theater with a mad man and their feelings come to the surface. Can these two find love among the lights and action of a White Christmas?

Read on for my thoughts on Curtain Calls and Christmas Wishes. No true spoilers, promise.

Give It Up by Lori Foster

Posted November 28, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 2 Comments

Title: Give It Up
Series: Dean Brothers & Friend #1-3
Author: Lori Foster
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: November 24, 2015
Publisher: Kensington Books / Zebra
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster knows what to do with the right man at the right time…

He Sees You When You’re Sleeping

What Booker Dean wants for Christmas isn’t under the tree, it’s right next door. Frances Kennedy is everything Booker desires…and the gift he has planned for her involves a lot of delicious unwrapping…

Some Like It Hot

Family practitioner Cary Rupert wants Nora Chilton so badly he can barely keep a hold of his stethoscope. Now he’s out to prove that when it comes to loving her forever, he’s just what the doctor ordered…

Playing Doctor

Dr. Axel Dean likes his women with sensual moxie, not virginal innocence. But when Libby Preston won’t take no for an answer, Axel is more than willing to administer the cure…

Read on for my thoughts on Give It Up. No true spoilers, promise.

The Romance of the Sugar Plum Fairy by Amanda Tru

Posted November 28, 2015 by Marsha in Christmas Romance / 0 Comments

Title: The Romance of the Sugar Plum Fairy
Series: Typecast Christmas #2
Author: Amanda Tru
Genre: Christmas Romance
Published: September 17, 2013
Publisher:
My Rating: 4 snowy stars
Source: Borrowed, Kindle Unlimited
Cover Description:

After one last performance, Calyssa Durant will be trading in her ballet slippers for an uncertain future.

Having sacrificed so much of her life to become a ballerina, Calyssa has met her goals only to long for something more. She will dance the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy in the ‘Nutcracker’ one more time before quitting her traveling ballet troupe.

But, when a late-night rehearsal ends with surprising danger, Calyssa and theater owner, Nikolas Clauson, are caught in a battle with an unexpected villain. As the smoke clears, Calyssa finds herself on a journey to her own, real-life ‘Land of the Sweets’. Will she also find her own Nutcracker Prince, or will his stormy past and current secrets be more than this ballerina can overcome?

Read on for my thoughts on The Romance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. No true spoilers, promise.

Boyfriend For Hire by Gail Chianese

Posted November 27, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: Boyfriend For Hire
Series: West Side Romance #2
Author: Gail Chianese
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: November 24, 2015
Publisher: Kensington Books / Lyrical Press
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

The only girl in a family of five brothers, Tawny Torres has had enough of waiting on men. She has her life and her career all mapped out, and neither includes an apron, an iron, or a husband—yet. But when a new job emphasizes a healthy balance of work and play, she needs a guy to stand in as her love interest at a company picnic. Gorgeous charmer David “King of Pleasure” Farber fits the bill perfectly—so well that Tawny is shocked to realize she’s having a hard time letting him go…

David’s a confirmed bachelor, but he can’t get enough of Tawny’s firecracker combination of tough and tender. Unfortunately, he’s overloaded with work at his construction firm and now definitely isn’t the time for distraction—he struggles enough with that already. Still, he can’t ignore his feelings for Tawny. He’ll just have to convince her that he’s more than a boyfriend-for-hire.

And she’ll have to prove he can trust her with his biggest secret…

Read on for my thoughts on Boyfriend For Hire. No true spoilers, promise.

Tinsel and Temptation by Multi-Authors

Posted November 27, 2015 by Marsha in Christmas Romance / 0 Comments

Title: Tinsel and Temptation (a bundle)
Series:
Author: Eileen Rendahl, Elizabeth Maxwell, Spring Warren, Delilah Dawson, Evelyn G. Walker, Kris Calvin
Genre: Varied Romance, Christmas Romance
Published: November 13, 2015
Publisher: Ho-Ho-Holiday Press
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Six authors. Six voices. Six genres. One winter season.

Fire and Fruitcake by Eileen Rendahl

A new story from Eileen Rendahl’s award-winning Messenger series.

It’s baby’s first Hanukkah and Melina and Ted have their hands full figuring out what to expect when you’re expecting a fiery conflagration when they get a call about a mysterious creature stuffed full of fruitcake and up to no good.

Hearts Wide Open by Elizabeth Maxwell

Julia Orchard has never worried about karma. She’s young, beautiful and living large in New York City. Sure, she’s done things in the name of success that she’s not proud of, but who hasn’t? Then during the biggest pitch of her career, the ghost of her dead husband appears with a message: you have until Christmas morning to pay your debts or face an uncertain future. As Julia races against the clock, she begins to realize there’s power in small acts of kindness and facing life with your heart wide open.

Not Even a Mouse by Spring Warren

It’s the darkest, coldest time of year and Ned is making a killing selling high octane cordials to make the prairie holidays merry and bright. He decides to make one more stop at a little house with a light in the window before heading home on the night before Christmas.

Once Upon a Kidnapped Santa by Delilah Dawson

What happens when you mix a baker, a kidnapped Santa, a remote cabin and a snowy Christmas Eve? A recipe for the best sexy Christmas Day ever!

Orion’s Mirror by Evelyn G. Walker

People do change. As Halley is headed home for the holidays after her first semester in college, she knows this to be true. But will her family and closest friend treat her just the same?

The Merriest of Murders by Kris Calvin

A California senator’s holiday party might be just the place for lobbyist Maren Kane to put a bad break-up behind her and meet someone new. Until Santa turns up dead in the senator’s pool and Maren’s a suspect! Agatha Christie meets House of Cards under the mistletoe.

Read on for my thoughts on Tinsel and Temptation. No true spoilers, promise.