* Release Day Blitz / Review / Excerpt * CROSSING HOPE by Kimberly Kincaid

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Day Blitz / Review / Excerpt * CROSSING HOPE by Kimberly KincaidCrossing Hope by Kimberly Kincaid
Series: Cross Creek Series #4
Published by Kimberly Kincaid Romance on October 15, 2018
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four-half-stars

Marley Rallston would rather be anywhere other than too-small-for-a-map-dot Millhaven, Virginia. But thanks to a heap of debt, what was supposed to be a quick trip to fulfill her mother’s dying wish has turned into an extended stay with the family she never knew she had and the father who never wanted her. To top it off, now she’s being forced to do community service with the town’s biggest bad boy, when all she wants to do is make enough cash to get out of Dodge? Life can’t get much worse.

The only thing Greyson Whittaker cares about is his family’s farm. He’ll do anything to keep Whittaker Hollow in the black, including live up to his rough, tough reputation by running the place by himself, no matter the cost. Mandatory community service with the daughter of their biggest rival is the last thing he wants or needs. But the more time Greyson and Marley spend together, the hotter their attraction burns, and the more the unlikely pair begins to realize that forbidden fruit just might taste the sweetest…

 

Decadently delicious! With the fourth and final book in her beloved Cross Creek series, Kimberly Kincaid brings us the story of the surprise sister. She knew nothing about a father and three brothers until just before her life was devastated by her mother’s death, and she’s carried her bitterness and anger tightly around her soul for months now, but when one obnoxious jerk of a man is the one to make her open her eyes to the family she has right in front of her, well, sparks are going to fly!

Marley Rallston lost the one person who meant the world to her, and she hasn’t been willing to open her heart to the family she stumbled upon afterwards. She came to Millhaven, Virginia to meet her birth father Tobias, but only because her Mom made her promise on her death bed that she would … now she’s only hanging around out of necessity. As soon as she has the funds together to abandon ship, she’ll be out of this town faster than they can turn around!

Greyson Whittaker is the known bad boy around town. His rivalry with the Crosses is legendary. When Greyson and Marley find themselves in a bit of a pickle on the same night, they wind up going before a judge and getting assigned to community service together. A Whittaker and a Cross together in the same space? Blasphemy! When their up close and personal interaction starts the beginning of a burning attraction between the two of them, things are about to get good!

 

 

 

 

From USA Today bestselling author Kimberly Kincaid comes CROSSING HOPE, the next standalone title in the Cross Creek series, now available! A series filled with rugged, salt of the earth heroes who happen to be brothers, and strong family dynamics, CROSSING HOPE is filled with heart, humor, and heat. Grab you copy today!

 

Marley Rallston would rather be anywhere other than too-small-for-a-map-dot Millhaven, Virginia. But thanks to a heap of debt, what was supposed to be a quick trip to fulfill her mother’s dying wish has turned into an extended stay with the family she never knew she had and the father who never wanted her. To top it off, now she’s being forced to do community service with the town’s biggest bad boy, when all she wants to do is make enough cash to get out of Dodge? Life can’t get much worse.

The only thing Greyson Whittaker cares about is his family’s farm. He’ll do anything to keep Whittaker Hollow in the black, including live up to his rough, tough reputation by running the place by himself, no matter the cost. Mandatory community service with the daughter of their biggest rival is the last thing he wants or needs. But the more time Greyson and Marley spend together, the hotter their attraction burns, and the more the unlikely pair begins to realize that forbidden fruit just might taste the sweetest…

 

Grab your copy today!

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Apple Books | Kobo

 

 

EXCERPT:

Marley’s boots clapped to a halt on the linoleum at the same time her heartbeat cranked way, way up in her chest. She blamed the former on the way the deputy—who had nervously picked her up from The Corner Market—had stopped short beside her, as well as the sight of her oldest brother Owen’s best friend standing a few feet away, his face locked in disbelief. The latter was entirely the fault of the man planted next to Lane, though. Between his tanned skin, the tall, muscular frame that nearly gave Lane’s a run for its money, and the inky black tattoo curling from beneath the sleeve of his T-shirt all the way to his left elbow, Marley really couldn’t help the visceral reaction.

Even if the guy was leveling her with a dark and stormy gaze that said he didn’t like what he was looking at in return.

“What the hell is going on here?” Lane’s voice crash-landed in Marley’s thoughts just in time to chase the flush from her face. What did she care what this scowling stranger thought of her, anyway? She had bigger problems at the moment, thanks.

Case in point. “I, uh,” Deputy Collingsworth stammered, turning roughly the color of summer strawberries as he cleared his throat. “I made an arrest.”

“I can see that,” Lane replied tightly. “What I meant was, would you care to elaborate on exactly why it is that you’ve arrested my best friend’s little sister?”

Marley’s gut fluttered, but she refused to let the sensation get anywhere near her face. She’d known exactly what she was doing when she’d claimed those groceries as her own. Even if the steel bars and jail cell were a whole lot more real now that they were standing starkly in front of her.

Deputy Collingsworth straightened. “She was shoplifting at The Corner Market. Travis Paulson caught her red-handed, and she admitted it, to him and to me. What else was I supposed to do?”

Shock streaked over Lane’s face, but it didn’t last. “Radio me, for starters,” he hissed, and the guy next to him released an audible, oh-please scoff that sent Marley’s brows hooking up. She opened her mouth to tell Lane and the deputy and God and anyone else within earshot that she didn’t want any special treatment.

But Lane was already shaking his head, the thought forgotten. “You know what, never mind. We’ve got a more immediate issue to deal with here.”

“Okay,” Woody said, enough of a question hanging in his voice that Lane huffed out a breath.

“I’ve also made an arrest, as you can see.” He jerked his chin at Tall, Dark, and Scowling. “And we can’t put two people of the opposite sex in the same jail cell.”

The guy’s face changed then, sending another curl of heat through Marley’s blood. “By all means. Ladies first,” he said, gesturing grandly at the single cell. His smirk was its own entity, taking over his unnervingly rugged and (ugh) undeniably good-looking face as if it had a life of its own. He could fill Wrigley Field with his arrogant attitude and ultra-cocky bravado. Even then, he was brimming with so much of both that he’d probably have to use a crowbar to cram it all in. Too bad for him and his sexy little smile, Marley was packing boatloads of backbone, herself.

And she was in just the mood to let it fly like a fifty-foot flag.

“Oh, no. Really. Age before beauty,” she maintained, planting her hands on the hips of her cutoffs and smiling so sweetly at the wide-open door to the cell, she damn near needed a root canal. “After you.”

The guy’s black brows shot toward the tousled waves falling over his forehead. “It wouldn’t be gentlemanly of me to step on your cute little toes. Please. I insist.”

Oh, my God, was this guy even for real?

 

And don’t miss the first three standalone titles in the Cross Creek series, CROSSING HEARTS, CROSSING THE LINE, and CROSSING PROMISES!

 

Hunter Cross has no regrets. Having left his football prospects behind the day he graduated high school, he’s happy to carry out his legacy on his family’s farm in the foothills of the Shenandoah. But when a shoulder injury puts him face-to-face with the high school sweetheart who abandoned town—and him—twelve years ago, Hunter’s simple life gets a lot more complicated.

Emerson Montgomery has secrets. Refusing to divulge why she left her job as a hotshot physical therapist for a pro football team, she struggles to readjust to life in the hometown she left behind. The more time she spends with Hunter, the more Emerson finds herself wanting to trust him with the diagnosis of MS that has turned her world upside down.

But revealing secrets comes with a price. Can Hunter and Emerson rekindle their past love? Or will the realities of the present—and the trust that goes with them—burn that bridge for good?

Amazon

 

Cocky farmer Eli Cross plays twice as hard as he works. When his latest stunt drums up a heap of negative PR for the family farm, he grudgingly agrees to play host to an ambitious New York City photographer. Her feature on Cross Creek could be just the ticket to show the country what the Cross brothers do best…which is more problem than solution for Eli.

Scarlett Edwards-Stewart has photographed everything from end zones to war zones. She’s confident she can ace this one little story to help her best friend’s failing magazine. At least, she would be if her super-sexy host wasn’t so tight lipped. But the more Scarlett works with Eli, the more she discovers that he’s not who he seems. Can his secret bring them closer together? Or will it be the very thing that tears them apart?

Amazon

 

For Owen Cross, the only thing that matters more than family is farming. As the oldest Cross brother, the land is his legacy, and he’ll do whatever it takes to make Cross Creek a success—including hiring local widow Cate McAllister to manage the bookkeeping tasks that are growing in his office like weeds. Cate’s as pragmatic as she is pretty, and she rattles his hard-fought composure at every turn.

Cate had known a lot of things about her husband before he died three years ago in a car accident, but how much debt he’d gotten them into wasn’t one of them. She needs her job at Cross Creek, even if her boss is both gruff and gorgeous. But Owen’s a family man, through and through, and the last thing Cate is interested in is anything—or anyone—with strings attached.

As Owen and Cate join forces to right the farm, they discover there’s more to the other than the surfaces shows, and that passion can be found in unexpected places. Can Cate heal from the loss of one family to gain the love of her life? Or will the past prove too much for the promise of the future?

Amazon

 

About Kimberly Kincaid:

Kimberly Kincaid writes contemporary romance that splits the difference between sexy and sweet. When she’s not sitting cross-legged in an ancient desk chair known as “The Pleather Bomber”, she can be found practicing obscene amounts of yoga, whipping up anything from enchiladas to éclairs in her kitchen, or curled up with her nose in a book. Kimberly is a USA Today best-selling author and a 2015 RWA RITA® finalist who lives (and writes!) by the mantra that food is love. Kimberly resides in Virginia with her wildly patient husband and their three daughters.

 

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest * Instagram

four-half-stars

* Review * SWEET HOME MONTANA by Lynne Marshall

* Review * SWEET HOME MONTANA by Lynne MarshallSweet Home Montana by Lynne Marshall
Series: Charity, Montana #3
Published by Tule Publishing on September 27, 2018
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four-stars

Entrepreneur Wade Conrad is called home to act as a temporary guardian for his teenage half-brother, who’s acting out and needs strong guidance. Wade feels they are both floundering, so he seeks help for Brent at Healing Heart Acres, an equine therapy center.

Erin Chase has been working as an equine therapist since her fiancé called off their wedding with no explanation three years ago. She personally enjoys the peace found through animal therapy and believes in passing on the gift. When Erin meets Wade, she’s instantly drawn to his concern for his brother, as well as his kindness and charm.

Wade treasures time spent with Erin. They both long for more, but Wade’s leaving for California soon and his brother’s needs come first. Will he take a chance on love before it’s too late?

 

The power of forgiveness is strong on this return trip to Charity, Montana! With the next in her beloved series, Lynne Marshall brings us the story of two hearts who each have had their share of despair and disappointment in their lives but who both happen to be at a point where they can see that it’s time to move past the bitterness to see how bright the future is on the other side. The characters spend time together connecting with his brother, and in turn confide in each other about the past. Their courtship only officially starts at the end of the book, but we’re left believing they’ve found their soul mate. Subtle, sweet and satisfying!

Wade Conrad didn’t really expect to find himself back home in Montana right about now. He left the turmoil of home when it was time to head to college and basically never looked back. Years have passed and he’s held onto his grudges, right or wrong. When his father reaches out to him to see if he can home and spend a little time with his little brother, he finds it hard to resist. He doesn’t really know Brent, and the more time they spend together, the more he realizes he needs some help connecting with him. A recommendation to the Healing Heart Acres equestrian therapy center turns out to work wonders!

Erin Chase has been volunteering at the center for a few years now. She was drawn to the area when her fiancee unexpectedly called off the wedding and left her feeling lost and overwhelmed. She enjoys the comfort of the country air, the gentleness of the animals and the satisfaction helping others brings to her. When she meets Wade and his brother, the attraction between them is quick to flare, but he’s returning to California soon. Is there any hope for a future if they give in to temptation?

four-stars

* Review * DEAR JANE by Kendall Ryan

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * DEAR JANE by Kendall RyanDear Jane by Kendall Ryan
on October 15, 2018
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four-stars

I broke her heart ten years ago and left town.

She hates me, and rightly so. It doesn’t matter that the rest of the country loves me, that I’m a starting quarterback with a multimillion-dollar contract. Because when I look in the mirror, all I see is a failure who was too young—and too afraid—to fight for what I wanted.

But I’m not that guy anymore, and all I need is one shot to convince her.

***
He has no idea what happened after he left. And now I’m supposed to work alongside him like we don’t have this huge, messy history?

But I’m older now, wiser, and I won’t let anything stand in my way of doing a good job for this league. Not even one overpaid, arrogant player who thinks we’re going to kiss and make up.

News flash, buddy: I am over you.

 

A blast from the past that she’s not quite ready for! A story of being reunited with your first love, and having things feel too much like old times. The characters are a lot of fun, and while the story line is a bit cliche and predictable, it was a cute little romance and satisfying.

Jane Royce takes her position as assistant manager of a professional football team seriously. She’d do just about anything to keep things running smoothly … and she guesses she’s about to prove that since she’s just been told they’ve signed a new quarterback … who happens to be the man who broke her heart years ago!

Quarterback Weston Chase is thrilled to see Jane. They were high school sweethearts that just naturally grew apart after he left for college and was busy with football. He knows he disappointed her, but he’s not sure why she’s acting like she hates him. Wow … what is her problem??

four-stars

* Review * SIN & INK by Naima Simone

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * SIN & INK by Naima SimoneSin and Ink by Naima Simone
Series: Sweetest Taboo #1
Published by Entangled: Scorched on October 15, 2018
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four-half-stars

There's sin, and then there's literally going-straight-to-hell sin...

Being in lust with my dead brother's wife pretty much guarantees that one day I'll be the devil's bitch. But Eden Gordon works with me, so it's getting harder and harder to stay away. I promised my family—and him—I would, though.

My days as an MMA champion are behind me. But whenever I see her, with those wicked curves and soft mouth created for dirty deeds, it's a knock-down fight to just maintain my distance. "Hard Knox" becomes more than just the name of my tattoo shop. However, surrendering to the forbidden might be worth losing everything...

 

Steaming hot forbidden love! Naima Simone is rocking our world with Hard Knox! He gives off this gruff, hard living persona, but when it comes to Eden, he’s such a nice guy. We get some view point from both of them of why they feel the way they do, and get to go along for the ride in their forbidden romance. I loved their story and can’t wait to see what’s in store for us next!

Former MMA champion Knox Gordon is living with undeniable temptation right under his nose, day in and day out. He has wanted her since the first moment he laid eyes on her all those years ago, but she wasn’t his to have … and even now, she’s off limits … he made a promise. So why does temptation keep feeling like it would be worth it all just to have one taste??

Eden Gordon lost her husband very unexpectedly, and now she’s still putting her life back together again. Her brother-in-law Knox was the one to yank her out of the pit of despair she was existing in immediately after Connor’s death. She’s worked hard to slowly heal and be ready to live again … and Knox is also to thank for waking her libido up and making her lust after every inch of his body! She knows he doesn’t want her … but she can’t stop thinking about him!

four-half-stars

* Review * RECLAIMED BY THE KNIGHT by Nicole Locke

* Review * RECLAIMED BY THE KNIGHT by Nicole LockeReclaimed by the Knight by Nicole Locke
Series: Lovers and Legends
Published by Harlequin Historical on September 1, 2018
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four-half-stars

He left to save his family…

Now he’s back!

Nicholas of Mei Solis swore to do anything to protect his home—even going away to fight for it. This meant leaving beautiful Matilda, too. Now Nicholas has returned briefly to lay to rest the ghosts of his past. But one look at Matilda, now widowed and with child, changes everything. Suddenly Nicholas is compelled to stay…and to take back the future they both thought they’d lost…

 

A historical rendition of lost love reconnecting! With an in depth depiction of several characters who were the best of friends once upon a time, but who now have feelings of betrayal floating around them. Nicholas and Matilda are both quick to grab our attention, and as they begin the slow process of reconnecting and forgiving each other, we get a glimpse of what the future could hold for them. Danger is swirling, but true love is once again beaming a powerful force. Really good read!

Nicholas sacrificed himself and many years of his life in order to raise the money needed to keep his family homestead running and receiving the upgrading that it needed. Now he has arrived home, to confront his past and the ones he thinks have done him wrong.

Matilda was betrothed to Nicholas all those years ago when he left, but when he stopped writing or responding and never returned home, she went on to marry another. Now widowed and pregnant, she’s not sure how to react when Nicholas returns. She’s still angry, yet seeing him brings back those same old feelings.

four-half-stars

* Review * ROCKY MOUNTAIN COWBOY CHRISTMAS by Katie Ruggle

* Review * ROCKY MOUNTAIN COWBOY CHRISTMAS by Katie RuggleRocky Mountain Cowboy Christmas by Katie Ruggle
Series: Rocky Mountain Cowboys #1
Published by Sourcebooks Casablanca on September 25, 2018
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four-stars

HE'S THE ONE YOU'VE BEEN WAITING FOR!
In the heart of the Rockies
One white Christmas can change everything.

When firefighter and single dad Steve Springfield moved his four kids to a Colorado Christmas tree ranch, he intended for it to be a safe haven. But he never expected danger to follow them to his childhood home...

Or that he would come face-to-face with the one girl he could never forget.

Folk artist Camille Brandt lives a quiet life. As the town's resident eccentric, she's used to being lonely—until Steve freaking Springfield changes everything. Brave and kind, he's always had a piece of her heart, and it doesn't take long before she's in danger of falling for him again. But as mysterious fires break out across the sleepy Colorado town, Steve and Camille will have to fight if they want their happy family to survive until Christmas...

 

Explosive chemistry, family camaraderie and a surprise twist you won’t expect! With the kick off of a new Rocky Mountain Cowboys series, Katie Ruggle introduces us to the Springfield family and the Colorado town where they reside. The characters are well developed, and the plot has an air of excitement to it as we follow along with the couple as they start a relationship with each other. The surprise twist sort of takes you aback, and the ending and culmination of it all is rather quick and unexpected. Overall, a solid read!

When firefighter and single dad moved his four kids back home to his family Christmas tree ranch in Colorado, he was expecting a low key lifestyle. Instead, he’s getting a sudden life filled with chaos! Kids going this way and that, brothers pestering him, mysterious fires popping up, and low and behold the one girl from his youth that he could never forget!

Artist Camille Brandt enjoys her quiet life as the resident weirdo. She’s socially awkward and keeps to herself as much as she can get away with, but there’s something about Steve and his kids that bring out a side of her that she’s not all that familiar with. A nurturing, loving the family life warm side! As they put up the good fight of attempting to fight their attraction for one another, Steve and Camille figure out that danger is near, they just don’t know who or why!

four-stars

* Review * GOOD LUCK WITH THAT by Kristan Higgins

* Review * GOOD LUCK WITH THAT by Kristan HigginsGood Luck with That by Kristan Higgins
Published by Berkley on August 7, 2018
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four-stars

Emerson, Georgia, and Marley have been best friends ever since they met at a weight-loss camp as teens. When Emerson tragically passes away, she leaves one final wish for her best friends: to conquer the fears they still carry as adults.

For each of them, that means something different. For Marley, it's coming to terms with the survivor's guilt she's carried around since her twin sister's death, which has left her blind to the real chance for romance in her life. For Georgia, it's about learning to stop trying to live up to her mother's and brother's ridiculous standards, and learning to accept the love her ex-husband has tried to give her.

But as Marley and Georgia grow stronger, the real meaning of Emerson's dying wish becomes truly clear: more than anything, she wanted her friends to love themselves.

 

An emotional journey of friendship, self-awareness and finding the ideal way to just be YOU! Through a roller coaster of emotions, Kristan Higgins takes us on a journey of three women who met and became the best of friends just before they all embarked on that all encompassing journey of starting college and starting a life on their own. They stayed in touch through the years and even as life’s ups and downs took them further apart, they all held the others dear to their heart and knew one day they’d do that dream get together again. Only the end comes way too soon for one of them, and it leaves the other two reeling and finding comfort in the friendship they shared. The story brings forth a beautiful message of not judging a book by it’s cover, and to truly attempt to see people for who they really are, not through an obscured view of what’s acceptable … even yourself!

Emerson, Georgia and Marley met and instantly clicked at weight-loss camp the summer before they were starting college. Georgia and Marley settled closer together, so they stayed in better contact, but Emerson was further away and brought into the loop when possible. Now in their thirties, Georgia and Marley are saddened to be called to Emerson’s side as she wanted to secure a promise from them on her deathbed … she wanted them to complete the list of dreams they compiled as teens.

Georgia loved and lost early in life because she failed to see the worth she gave to life and her relationships. An ever unpleasant family dynamic between an impossible to please mother and a judgemental brother made for a warped view of love, family and self-worth. When a second chance at happiness crosses her path, will she be able to see a brighter future for herself in time to jump out and hold on?

Marley has spent her life living on the edge of guilt because she still has a life that she feels like the twin sister she lost at the age of four just might have deserved more than her. She comes across as the most confident of the three, but part of her doesn’t live for herself, and doesn’t allow herself to be treated the way she deserves. When faced with the possibility of love, will she be able to overcome her demons and believe she deserves it?

four-stars

* Review * THE BILLIONAIRE’S LEGACY by Reese Ryan

* Review * THE BILLIONAIRE’S LEGACY by Reese RyanThe Billionaire's Legacy by Reese Ryan
Series: Billionaires and Babies
Published by Harlequin Desire on October 1, 2018
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five-stars

“Just for tonight.”

Until their chance reunion takes a sharp turn…toward twins.

Tech billionaire Benjamin Bennett can’t resist a steamy weekend with Sloane Sutton—his crush on her goes way back. But when he tracks her down, she’s pregnant—with twins! Now their fling needs trust to survive. Benji wants a wedding; his family claims she’s a gold digger. But Sloane won’t be bought—or married. Can they find common ground…and a shot at forever?

 

One night … to parenthood! You might recognize a few of the names in this book if you read Reese Ryan’s previous Desire because they’re related to the folks at King’s Finest Distillery. This particular couple grabbed my attention quickly and the angst rolling off of them and in particular his family made for a really enthralling read. I loved their story! Fast paced, great characters and a well-developed story line.

When tech billionaire Benjamin Bennett had the opportunity for one night of passion with the woman he’s had a crush on since he was just a boy, there was no way he was passing that up! Six months later he still hasn’t been able to get her off his mind, so when he returns from his extended business trip, he goes to see her … imagine his surprise when he finds her pregnant with his babies!

Sloane Sutton knew that having a one time fling with her best friend’s little brother was not a great idea, but sometimes the best of intentions go out the window when desire takes over. Now he’s mad she didn’t tell him about the babies, his family thinks she’s a gold digger, and she just simply wants everyone to go away and let her live her life!

five-stars

* Review * GOT IT BAD by Christi Barth

* Review * GOT IT BAD by Christi BarthGot it Bad by Christi Barth
Series: Bad Boys Gone Good #3
Published by Avon Impulse on September 18, 2018
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four-stars

In USA Today bestseller Christi Barth’s last Bad Boys Gone Good novel, the brother who’s always followed the rules finally gets to be a little bad.

Kellan Maguire was a semester away from becoming a lawyer when his life imploded. Now he’s in Witness Protection, hiding from the mob and mad as hell that his brothers lied to him about, oh, everything. The only bright spot in his new life is their drop-dead-gorgeous U.S. Marshal handler. Yeah, he wants to handle her... a lot.

Federal Marshal Delaney Evans has protected her fair share of dangerous criminals. But Kellan is a whole different kind of dangerous—dangerously hot, to be specific. The charming, handsome, and utterly law-abiding Maguire brother got under her skin the moment they met and the more time she spends with him, the harder it is to deny their attraction. Delaney’s willing to give Kellan one night—to get him out of her system—and then it’s over.

Except one night isn’t enough and soon they’re breaking every rule of WITSEC to be together. Kellan’s got it bad for her, but Delaney’s career, her entire life, would fall apart if anyone found out. And then the biggest complication of all hits…

 

The good guy has finally gone bad! With the final book in her Bad Boys Gone Good series, Christi Barth brings us the story of the straight and narrow brother Kellan. I had hoped for a little more drama surrounding how the series would end, but it was entertaining none-the-less. Kellan and Delaney didn’t forge the connection that his brothers and their ladies did in the previous two books, maybe because she had been an on-going character throughout and wasn’t just being introduced. Overall the series was fun.

Kellan Maquire was just a conceited almost lawyer with one semester yet to go when he was whisked away from the world he knew and into witness protection with his mobster brothers. Kellan still hasn’t forgiven Rafe and Flynn for keeping it all a secret and for not giving him an option in how it all went down. He’s basically just going through the motions of his boring job at the cranberry plant while his brothers embrace their new lives and new loves.

US Marshall Delaney Evans hasn’t had it easy since she was assigned the Maquire brothers. They’ve been a thorn in her side for awhile now, but she can’t deny that the youngest one really gets under her skin. When she makes the mistake of giving in to temptation and starting a secret fling with him, she knows her job is on the line if anyone finds out about them.

four-stars

* Review * DEFENDING CHRISTMAS by Carol Ross

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * DEFENDING CHRISTMAS by Carol RossDefending Christmas: A Christmas Wedding Story by Carol Ross
Series: 12 Days of Heartwarming Christmas
on October 9, 2018
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four-stars

Christmas Town’s city attorney Lincoln Vasser suspects the multi-million-dollar lawsuit threatening the town is a fraud, but he needs help proving it. Private Investigator Jax Marshall comes highly recommended, but when Lincoln hires her he can’t quite figure out why. Her laid-back attitude, questionable work ethic, and apparent unconcern for the urgency of the case rub him the wrong way. It doesn't make sense for him to be attracted to her.

Jax Marshall knows that taking a case for the arrogant Lincoln Vasser is a mistake. But when he makes her an offer much more tempting than money, she agrees. She soon wishes she hadn’t. The guy is demanding and uptight, and, worst of all, he keeps trying to tell her how to do her job! He's almost completely unlikable. Almost.

One thing they can agree on is that happy ever afters are strictly for fairytales and Christmas Town myths. Finding a way to work together is difficult enough, admitting that they’re falling in love is going to take an extra little nudge from that very Christmas Town magic they don’t believe in.

 

Delightfully filled with fireworks, romance and sweet nothings! The couple least likely to … but yet somehow they do! He’s uptight and demanding, she’s laid back and works at her own pace, but as they slowly come together to work on this case together, each one starts to have a greater appreciation for the other. Jax & Lincoln were quick to draw me in, and I continued to enjoy their connection throughout. This particular book in the anthology had less to do with the carousel and more to do with the town as a whole, but the entire series is turning into a really fun compilation of small town happily ever afters!

City attorney Lincoln Vasser is trying to keep the potential multi-million dollar lawsuit that could ruin Christmas Town, Maine under wraps while he figures out how to blow it to pieces, but the disregard and obstinance of the PI he’s been recommended to hire is really getting under his skin. Does she actually work for a living or what??

Private Investigator Jacqueline Marshall can’t believe the gall of this big wig attorney thinking he can dictate her schedule and snap his fingers to get her to come running. She runs a very successful business, and all of her clients are equally important. He can just put on his big boy pants and wait his turn!

four-stars