The Romance of the Sugar Plum Fairy by Amanda Tru

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

The Romance of the Sugar Plum FairyTitle:  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.

Read More

Divider

Boyfriend For Hire by Gail Chianese

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

Boyfriend For HireTitle:  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.

Read More

Divider

Tinsel and Temptation by Multi-Authors

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

Tinsel and TemptationTitle:  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.

Read More

Divider

What Doesn’t Kill You by Laura E. James

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

What Doesn't Kill YouTitle:  What Doesn’t Kill You
Series:
Author:  Laura E. James
Genre:  Romance
Published:  November 27, 2015
Publisher:  Dark Choc Lit
My Rating:  5 stars
Source:  NetGalley
Cover Description:

What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger – but how strong can one person be?

Griff Hendry knows what it is to be strong. After a turbulent past, he’s dedicated himself to saving lives, working as a coastguard along the breath-taking shores of Dorset. It’s Griff’s belief that everyone is worth saving – which is why he can’t forgive his father, Logan, for what he did.

Griff’s future is plunged into uncertainty when his wife, Evie, tells him she wants a separation. The revelation is a shock and leads Griff to question what Evie could possibly be hiding – and she isn’t the only one holding back. Griff’s troubled stepdaughter, Tess, also harbours a dark secret.

As the truth is uncovered, Griff is forced to accept that perhaps he’s never understood what real strength is.

From Dark Choc Lit – compelling, emotional, hard-hitting novels. Not your typical romance story.

Read on for my thoughts on What Doesn’t Kill You.  No true spoilers, promise.

Read More

Divider

Scrooge Falls In Love by Susette Williams

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

Scrooge Falls In LoveTitle:  Scrooge Falls In Love
Series:  Typecast Christmas #1
Author:  Susette Williams
Genre:  Christmas Romance
Published:  September 21, 2013
Publisher:
My Rating:  4 snowy stars
Source:  Borrowed, Kindle Unlimited
Cover Description:

Tate Stephens, the high school principal, begrudgingly agrees to play Scrooge in the school Christmas play. Tate is irritated that Charity Fletcher, his nephew’s teacher and director of the play, chose his handicapped nephew for the part of Tiny Tim. Didn’t she find it cruel to typecast his nephew that way? Can the school play be a success, or will Tate become the Scrooge who wouldn’t change and spoils Christmas?

Charity Fletcher is inspired by how precocious, outgoing and sweet Matthias Reeves is in spite of his bone disease. His over-protective uncle, Tate, on the other hand, can be quite infuriating. She reluctantly gives Tate a role in the school play so that he can make sure that Matthias is safe. Charity hopes that Uncle Tate will make a similar transformation as Scrooge in their rendition of the play. If Matthias is lucky, perhaps his teacher and uncle can find true love with a happily ever after ending.

Read on for my thoughts on Scrooge Falls In Love.  No true spoilers, promise.

Read More

Divider

Christmas Romance 2015: Places To See by Multi-Authors

Posted November 24, 2015 by Marsha in Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Christmas Romance 2015 Places to SeeTitle:  Christmas Romance:  Places To See
Series:
Author:  Jennifer Conner, Sharon Kleve, Angela Ford, Natalie-Nicole Bates
Genre:  Contemporary Romance, Christmas Romance
Published:  November 19, 2015
Publisher:  Books To Go Now
My Rating:  4 stars
Source:  NetGalley
Cover Description:

Together for the first time together in a boxed set.

Aubri, Paget, Erika, and Jade were there to support their boss after the loss of his daughter. Mr. Simon knows the women work too hard and with his daughter’s death, he’s found that life is short. For Christmas, he decides to give the four women an early present and fly them anywhere in the world they want to go with all expenses paid.

They chose Germany, France, Italy, and Bulgaria.

The girls know how to work but can they learn how to have fun?

Come along with Aubri, Paget, Erica, and Jade and they travel around the world and maybe along the way…even fall in love!

Kisses and Strudel – Places to See Germany – Jennifer Conner
In Love with Paris – Places to See France – Sharon Kleve
Christmas in Tuscany – Places to See Italy – Angela Ford
Twice as Nice Christmas – Places to See Bulgaria – Natalie-Nicole Bates

Read on for my thoughts on this Christma Romance 2015:  Places To See Bundle.  No true spoilers, promise.

Read More

Divider

Dukes Are Forever by Anna Harrington

Posted November 24, 2015 by Marsha in Series / 2 Comments

Dukes Are ForeverTitle:  Dukes Are Forever
Series:  The Secret Life of Scoundrels #1
Author:  Anna Harrington
Genre:  Regency Romance
Published:  November 24, 2015
Publisher:  Forever
My Rating:  4 stars
Source:  NetGalley
Cover Description:

ALL’S FAIR IN LOVE

Battlefields and barrooms hold much more interest for Edward Westover, Duke of Swarthmore, than a little girl’s fondness for dolls and lace. When he takes possession of his enemy’s estate, everything that villain held dear—including his daughter—belongs to Edward. Hire a governess, arrange a dowry, give a few reassurances, and be off on his way—that’s Edward’s plan. But he’s in for the shock of his life. For his new ward is a beautiful, impetuous, and utterly irresistible woman…

…AND WAR

Kate Benton is stunned. Who is this arrogant, infuriating man who’s invited himself into her home and taken over her life? Her vow: to do everything in her power to convince him to leave her—and Brambly House—alone. Yet as chilly days melt into sultry nights, Kate sees glimpses of kindness underneath Edward’s cool façade . . . and a passionate nature that takes her breath away. There’s so much she doesn’t know about this man. But does she dare trust this devilish duke with her heart?

Read on for my thoughts on Dukes Are Forever.  No true spoilers, promise.

Read More

Divider

Should’ve Said No by Tracy March

Posted November 24, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Should've Said NoTitle:  Should’ve Said No
Series:  Thistle Bend #1
Author:  Tracy March
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Published:  November 24, 2015
Publisher:  Loveswept
My Rating:  4 stars
Source:  NetGalley
Cover Description:

A year after being laid off from the Smithsonian, Lindsey Simms says yes to a job offer as curator of a heritage museum in Thistle Bend, Colorado (population 1,519). It could be worse—and it is. Because the new museum has escalated a dispute between the Karlssons, Lindsey’s relatives, and the Crenshaws, a blood feud which goes way back to a land deal that changed the fortunes of both families. Trying to stay objective, Lindsey can’t tell anyone about her conflict of interest—especially not the ruggedly handsome handyman fixing up her cabin, who seems to be keeping secrets of his own.

Although he’s the executive director of the family trust and one of Colorado’s most eligible bachelors, Carden Crenshaw prefers getting his hands dirty in town and on his sprawling ranch. Staying busy has given him an excuse not to risk heartbreak, but getting to know the beautiful “museum lady” makes him reconsider. Little does he know, the heat between them will only add fuel to the fire—unless this unlikely couple can prove they’re lovers, not fighters.

Read on for  my thoughts on Should’ve Said No.  No true spoilers, promise.

Read More

Divider

COYER Back to Basics

Posted November 22, 2015 by Marsha in Discussion Post / 2 Comments

COYER going back to basics 12-19I don’t know about you – but my Kindle is stuffed with so many books just waiting patiently (or impatiently) for me to get to them to read and review.

I might have a one click addiction – but, heck, there are so many books out there just calling my name.  There just isn’t enough time to do all the reading that I truly want to spend time doing.  So, I’m going to join in on the COYER Back to Basics event that begins December 20, 2015 and start whittling down my obscene amount of stories on my e-reader.

If you’d like to learn more just click on the graphic or go here to:  COYER Back to Basics sign up page.

I honestly do not have a goal in mind.  But in three months I figure I can get that over stuffed Kindle on a slight diet by simply slowly ticking them off – one by one until March.  It’s all in good fun, with great company.  So if you have books on your e-reader that meet the easy requirements then head on over to the sign up page, read the super easy “rules and explanations” and you’re good to go.

Divider

Getting Lucky by Stacy Finz

Posted November 21, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Getting LuckyTitle:  Getting Lucky
Series:  Nugget #5
Author:  Stacy Finz
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Published:  November 10, 2015
Publisher:  Kensington Books / Lyrical Shine
My Rating:  4 stars
Source:  NetGalley
Cover Description:

In Nugget, California, a tiny town tucked into the Sierra Nevada mountains, luck is what you make it, and love is never far behind…

From his humble beginnings in Nugget, Lucky Rodriguez has become a champion on the rodeo circuit, truly living up to his name in every regard. But when he returns home, he gets something success can’t buy: a daughter he never knew he had. And the girl’s mother, an old friend he has hasn’t thought about since, now touches his heart like no buckle bunny ever could.

Tawny Wade hasn’t always had luck on her side. She fell for a boy she couldn’t have, lost her parents too young, and now her daughter needs a transplant she can’t provide. But if Lucky is a stem cell match, all that could change. The trouble is, Lucky’s got a past in Nugget that makes him off-limits as anything more than a donor for her daughter. And yet, Tawny’s never stopped loving the man who now holds her family’s fate in his cowboy-callused hands.

Read on for my thoughts on Getting Lucky.  No true spoilers, promise.

Read More

Divider