** Review ** THE PREGNANCY PROJECT Kat Cantrell

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

** Review **  THE PREGNANCY PROJECT  Kat CantrellThe Pregnancy Project by Kat Cantrell
Series: Love and Lipstick
Published by Harlequin Desire on December 1, 2016
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five-stars

He'll prove his seduction theories work—even on his pregnant best friend!

On TV, Dr. Dante Gates teaches the science of attraction. Now this wealthy genius is using his expertise on best friend Dr. Harper Livingston. His theory: one kiss will extinguish that distracting spark between them. Reality proves hotter than any fantasy…until he learns Harper's expecting…

She chose pregnancy by sperm donor before her best friend became Dr. Sexy. Now, if she wants all he can give, she has to stay emotionally detached—or risk losing his friendship and her cosmetics company. But as she surrenders to his masterful seduction, she admits some things are worth the risk…

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With the next book in her Love and Lipstick series, Kat Cantrell brings us Harper’s story, and it’s a fun one!  It’s a friends-to-lovers story with loads of chemistry with a bit of nerdy sass thrown in to boot!  We get a glimpse at the other Fyra Cosmetics gals, and we get to go on the journey of clueless to happily ever after!

Harper Livingston and Dante Gates have been best friends since back in their college days.  They are each other’s go to person to be there for any problem, no matter what.  They are both scientifically driven and adore their geekdom!  Now, all of a sudden Dante is trying to change the game and throw attraction and lust into the mix.  As if!  Harper has never had an attraction a day in her life … but wait … what was all that craziness she felt when he kissed her??

Right in the midst of all of this new exploration, is Harper’s news that she’s pregnant!  How was she to know that just after she had a successful artificial insemination, she’d actually want to have sex for real with her hunky best friend?  Will this experiment be the best thing that ever happened to them and their friendship, or will it all blow up in their faces?

five-stars

** Blog Tour / Book Review ** SEASIDE WHISPERS Melissa Foster

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

** Blog Tour / Book Review **  SEASIDE WHISPERS  Melissa FosterSeaside Whispers by Melissa Foster
Series: Love in Bloom: Seaside Summers
on November 30, 2016
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five-stars

Having a mad crush on her boss’s son, Matt Lacroux—an intriguing mix of proper gentleman and flirtatious bad boy—is probably not the smartest idea for single mother Mira Savage. Especially when the company, and her job, is already on shaky ground. But as a Princeton professor, Matt’s life is hours away from Mira’s home on Cape Cod, keeping him safely in the fantasy-only zone. And as a single mother to six-year-old Hagen, with a floundering company to save, fantasies are all she has time for.

With hopes of becoming dean off the table, and too many months of longing for a woman who lived too far away to pursue, Matt’s publishing contract couldn’t have come at a better time. He heads home to Cape Cod on a brief sabbatical, intent on starting his book, and finally getting his arms around sweet, seductive Mira.

A surprise encounter leads to white-hot passions and midnight confessions. The more time Matt and Mira spend together, the deeper their relationship grows, and the love and attention Matt showers on Hagen is more than she has ever dreamed of. But Matt’s sabbatical is only temporary, and Mira’s not saving his father’s company so she can leave it behind. Will their whispers of love be enough for one of them to change their life forever?

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With another fun delve into the Seaside Summers series, we get to see the last Lacroux brother find his happily ever after.  This family and group of friends are always fun to read and give us a great dip into being part of a big, loving family.  The characters are great, the romance is sweet, and the chemistry is steamy hot!

We got a hint of something between Matt Lacroux and his dad’s employee, Mira Savage in the last book at the big family engagement party, so it’s great to pick up this book and see their flirty friendship continued once they returned home.  Matt ends up taking a sabbatical from teaching and heads home to Cape Cod to reconnect with his family and concentrate on writing his book … it doesn’t hurt that he hasn’t stopped thinking about Mira since they met almost a year ago either!

Mira is hesitant to act on her attraction to Matt because his father is her boss and her job is already on shaky ground, but she’s also a single mother with a lot of responsibility.  But Matt isn’t taking it lying down, and every time she sees him treat her son in such a gentle manner, her heart melts!  After a chance encounter leads to a magical night together, they decide that taking a chance on the connection they are feeling might be dangerous, but they can’t resist!

 

 

 

Seaside Whispers (Love in Bloom: Seaside Summers) by Melissa Foster

Date of Publication: November 30, 2016

Blurb

Seaside Summers is a series of stand-alone romances that may also be enjoyed as part of the larger Love in Bloom series.

“Melissa Foster is synonymous with sexy, swoony, heartfelt romance!” New York Times Bestseller Lauren Blakely

 

Having a mad crush on her boss’s son, Matt Lacroux–an intriguing mix of proper gentleman and flirtatious bad boy–is probably not the smartest idea for single mother Mira Savage. Especially when the company, and her job, is already on shaky ground. But as a Princeton professor, Matt’s life is hours away from Mira’s home on Cape Cod, keeping him safely in the fantasy-only zone. And as a single mother to six-year-old Hagen, with a floundering company to save, fantasies are all she has time for.

With hopes of becoming dean off the table, and too many months of longing for a woman who lived too far away to pursue, Matt’s publishing contract couldn’t have come at a better time. He heads home to Cape Cod on a brief sabbatical, intent on starting his book, and finally getting his arms around sweet, seductive Mira.

A surprise encounter leads to white-hot passions and midnight confessions. The more time Matt and Mira spend together, the deeper their relationship grows, and the love and attention Matt showers on Hagen is more than she has ever dreamed of. But Matt’s sabbatical is only temporary, and Mira’s not saving his father’s company so she can leave it behind. Will their whispers of love be enough for one of them to change their life forever?

“You can always rely on Melissa Foster to deliver a story that’s fresh, emotional and entertaining. Make sure you have all night, because once you start you won’t want to stop reading. Every book’s a winner!” New York Times Bestselling Author Brenda Novak

“With her wonderful characters and resonating emotions, Melissa Foster is a must-read author!” New York Times Bestseller Julie Kenner

“Like Nora Roberts, Melissa Foster has captivated me with her fantastic, sexy, romantic stories.” K. Winning

***

WANT MORE SEASIDE SUMMERS? All Seaside books can be read as stand-alone novels or as part of the series:

SEASIDE SUMMERS

Seaside Dreams (Bella)

Seaside Hearts (Jenna)

Seaside Sunsets (Jamie)

Seaside Secrets (Amy)

Seaside Nights (Sky)

Seaside Embrace (Hunter)

Seaside Lovers (Grayson)

Seaside Whispers (Matt)

***

Read the complete LOVE IN BLOOM series:

SNOW SISTERS

THE BRADENS (at Weston, CO)

THE REMINGTONS

THE BRADENS (at Trusty, CO)

THE BRADENS (at Peaceful Harbor)

SEASIDE SUMMERS

WILD BOYS AFTER DARK

For a complete reading guide, family tree, checklists, and more, visit Melissa’s website.

NOTE FROM AUTHOR – This book has explicit sexual references. If that is not your cup of tea, please do not feel obliged to review, thankyou x

Available From


About Melissa Foster

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and new adult romance, contemporary women’s fiction, suspense, and historical fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Her books have been recommended by USA Today’s book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the World Literary Café and Fostering Success. When she’s not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on Fostering Success. Melissa has been published in Calgary’s Child Magazine, the Huffington Post, and Women Business Owners magazine.

Melissa hosts an Aspiring Authors contest for children and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa lives in Maryland with her family.

Visit Melissa on social media. Melissa enjoys discussing her books with book clubs and reader groups, and welcomes an invitation to your event.

Find Melissa Foster Online

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five-stars

** Review ** MISTLETOE REUNION THREAT Virginia Vaughan

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

** Review **  MISTLETOE REUNION THREAT  Virginia VaughanMistletoe Reunion Threat by Virginia Vaughan
Series: Rangers Under Fire
Published by Love Inspired Suspense on December 1, 2016
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four-stars

MISSING CHILD

Someone wants Mississippi prosecutor Ashlynn Morris dead…and they've taken her son to get to her. The only person she can trust to get him back is his father, a man who doesn't even know about their secret child. When grief and survivor guilt pushed army ranger Garrett Lewis to run out on their wedding five years ago, he knew he was leaving behind the love of his life. But a son? Finding out he's a father has him reeling, especially since his little boy is missing. But now the tormented ex-soldier has a new mission, one that can't fail. Protect the woman he's never stopped loving…and bring her son—their son—home for Christmas.

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Lots of intrigue in this faith-based Christmas novel!  The characters are strong and very easy to relate to, and the plot is exciting as we second guess every person they think they can trust because someone is obviously deceiving them!  A big lesson in forgiveness of others and even in yourself plays a big part in the dynamics of this book.

Ashlynn Morris is going about her every day life as an assistant district attorney in Jackson, Mississippi when all of a sudden her life is turned on end.  Someone tries to kill her, and then her young son is abducted!  She’s desperate for help, and willing to accept it from even the last person on earth she would have wanted to see right now … the man who crushed her heart when he walked out on her and their son 5 years ago!

Grief and survivor’s guilt after a mission gone horribly wrong left Army ranger Garrett Lewis reeling and punishing himself by walking away from his future happiness.  He knew he was walking away from the love of his life when he abandoned their wedding plans, but he didn’t know he was also walking away from his son.  Now he’s back when Ash needs him the most … can she count on him to stick around this time?

four-stars

** Review ** THE TEXAN’S ONE-NIGHT STANDOFF Charlene Sands

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

** Review **  THE TEXAN’S ONE-NIGHT STANDOFF  Charlene SandsThe Texan's One-Night Standoff by Charlene Sands
Series: Dynasties: The Newports
Published by Harlequin Desire on December 1, 2016
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four-half-stars

Chicago real estate hotshot Brooks Newport is on a quest to find his true father. But tracking him to a small Texas town puts Brooks on a collision course with horse trainer Ruby Lopez. After a no-strings-attached night together, he's on his way.

When Brooks finally meets the father he never knew, he must come to grips with the past—and the very shocking present. Because Ruby works for the man. And she has a secret of her own—not only is Brooks finding his father, he's about to become one!

The Texan's One-Night Standoff is part of the Dynasties: The Newports series.

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A fun read that was hard to put down!  It’s sexy, it’s sassy and it gives the heartstrings quite a few pulls as we see this family come together after being separated for so long!

Chicago real estate developer Brooks Newport is making a journey to Texas to finally meet his long-lost biological father.  Through no fault of their own, they have been kept apart for all these years and now that they have learned of each other’s existence, they are eager to establish a relationship.

Ruby Lopez works for his father on his ranch, and is like part of the family, but he and Ruby meet the night before he arrives at the ranch and share a heated night of passion.  They each go on their way never expecting to see each other again, so imagine their shock when they see each other for the first time on the ranch.  Will they decide to sweep their past meeting under the rug and keep things professional now that his father is in the picture, or will they be unable to resist the temptation of each other … and what will happen when a surprise baby is thrown into the mix?

four-half-stars

** Review ** CAUGHT UP IN YOU Jules Bennett

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

** Review **  CAUGHT UP IN YOU  Jules BennettCaught Up In You by Jules Bennett
Series: The Monroes
Published by Zebra on November 29, 2016
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five-stars

The Monroe brothers have their differences, but one project unites them: turning an antebellum mansion in their Haven, Georgia, hometown into a peaceful spa. It was the dream of their late sister—and it’s about to set off a major renovation in the life of middle brother Braxton. . .

Braxton Monroe’s taking a break from teaching to do some strenuous work on a Civil War–era house, and feeling the strain in every rock-hard muscle. Good thing he has to interview massage therapists for the spa—even if it’s embarrassing to meet a job candidate in his boxers. Cora Buchanan has hands so talented—and a voice so sultry—he wants to hire her before he even lifts his head from the table. But he’s shocked to meet her outside the massage room—with her seeing-eye dog, Heidi the yellow lab.

Cora has left her family—and fiancé—in Atlanta to make her way in this small town. All her parents’ money can’t restore her sight, but it’s up to her to restore her independence. Though she bristles at Braxton’s protectiveness, she too feels lingering effects from their intimate touch. Now that he’s her boss, it’s strictly hands-off. . . .Until a secret she’s keeping destroys his fragile trust, and they must find the courage to knock down the walls between them.

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With the next book out in “The Monroes” series, Jules Bennett brings us Braxton’s story.  We met and fell in love with this family in book one where we learned the back story of the spa they are working on opening, and this book brings us more family angst, feisty hook-ups and just a real connection with the members of this family.  Love them!

Braxton Monroe has his day job on hold for awhile to do a lot of manual labor around the spa with his brothers to make sure they get it opened up on time.  He’s not over-joyed to be stuck going to get a massage and catching the ribbing from the guys for it, but he drew the short end of the stick, so off he goes to interview the masseuse.

Cora Buchanan doesn’t want the fact that she’s blind to hinder her from living the independent life that she wants, so she’s hopeful at getting this job and keeping the life that she ran away from in Atlanta a part of her past.  When she and Braxton start to spend time together, neither can deny the powerful attraction they are feeling around each other.  Will they be able to ignore it and keep it all business like they want, or will they give in to temptation?

five-stars

** Review ** AN UNFORGETTABLE HOLIDAY Joanne Dannon

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

** Review **  AN UNFORGETTABLE HOLIDAY Joanne DannonAn Unforgettable Holiday by Joanne Dannon
Published by Clarendon 3 Publishing on November 25, 2016
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four-stars

When falling in love isn’t as easy as falling in love.

Heart warming holiday reads with a splash of faith. Give yourself the gift of love with these romances that will fill your heart with the magic of the holiday spirit.

A Magical Christmas In Jerusalem

Australian project manager Kiara Lonsdale is career focussed and determined to provide and care for the grandmother who raised her. Taking time off work to vacation has never been high on her agenda, but this year she’s made an exception. She’s helping her gran fulfil a life-long dream by accompanying her on a Christmas to the Holy Land tour.

Jacques Lenoir and his extended family run tours in Israel and he’s committed to their business. Jacques feels responsible for his grandparents’ welfare since they risked their lives, and others’, as operatives in the French Resistance, during the War.

But over romantic dinners in the desert, camel rides, and mud baths at the Dead Sea, sparks fly between Kiara and Jacques. Will this only be a holiday romance or will a touch of Christmas magic make it last a lifetime?

A Magical Chanukah in New York

Lisa Sassoon has shunned the scandal of her loser-ex cheating on her by escaping to New York. Instead of sightseeing, she’s become a recluse focusing on helping the less fortunate at a homeless shelter.

Gabe Olivari, entrepreneur and savvy business New Yorker, can’t let go of the pain of losing his best friend. So caught up in his own grief and believing he doesn’t deserve to be happy, he compensates by pushing everyone close to him away.

But when Lisa and Gabe meet, there is an instant connection that forces them to question not only their behaviours but their aspirations.

Can a dash of Chanukah magic help Lisa and Gabe realise that sparkling dates and dreamy kisses can lead to more? Perhaps even a lifetime of happiness?

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Two delightful holiday novellas to help put you in the mood for the holidays!

A MAGICAL CHRISTMAS IN JERUSALEM centers around an Australian workaholic who takes some time off to take her beloved grandmother on the trip she’s always dreamed of to spend Christmas in the Holy Land.  She meets an Israeli tour guide whose family all work in the business and is swept off her feet!  Will this be a short lived infatuation, or will this turn into her trip of a lifetime that leads to her happily ever after?

A MAGICAL CHANUKAH IN NEW YORK centers around an Australian free-spirit who runs away from having to deal with a broken heart thanks to her cheating ex and heads to New York for a break.  She meets a sexy businessman who is suffering the grief of losing his best friend, and together they embark on a whirlwind romance where along the way they help each other overcome the turmoil they have been suffering.

four-stars

** Review ** MAYBE THIS TIME Jennifer Snow

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

** Review **  MAYBE THIS TIME Jennifer SnowMaybe This Time by Jennifer Snow
Series: Colorado Ice
Published by Forever on November 29, 2016
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five-stars

Starting over means a second chance . . .

Abigail Jansen is done with hockey . . . and hockey players. After leaving her two-timing NHL-star husband, Abby decides to start over in her hometown of Glenwood Falls, Colorado. There she doesn't have to deal with people gossiping behind her back or hear the word "hockey"---until her daughter tries out for the junior hockey team. Now Abby has to face her fears . . . and coach Jackson Westmore. He's tall, dark, handsome---and happens to hate her.

All through high school, talented hockey player Jackson Westmore had a crush on Abby, but he would never make a move on his best friend's girl. He gave her the cold shoulder out of self-preservation and worked out his frustrations on the ice. So when Abby returns, newly divorced and still sexy as hell, Jackson knows he's in trouble. Now even the best defensive skills might not keep him from losing his heart.

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Next up in Jennifer Snow’s Colorado Ice series, we get Jackson’s story.  He was one of Becky’s hockey obsessed brothers in the first book, and it’s fun to delve into what made him who he is and watch him search for that happy ending!  It was also fun getting a glimpse into how Becky & Neil are doing!  Overall, a really fun read … sweet, yet spicy … with a great family camaraderie among the characters.  Looking forward to the next book in the series!

Abigail Jansen returns home to Glenwood Falls, Colorado to raise her daughter when her marriage falls apart.  After being cheated on and drug through the mud by her NHL husband, she doesn’t care if she never hears the word HOCKEY ever again.

Jackson Westmore isn’t happy to see Abby back in town.  He crushed on her for years when they were young, yet couldn’t let it show because she was his best friend’s girl.  Now that she’s in front of him again, will he be able to keep his feelings to himself, or will he finally get that chance he always hoped for?

When Abby’s daughter wants to try out for the junior hockey team, she’s anything but happy … but she hasn’t seen a smile on her daughters face in a long time, so she can’t bear to say no.  Since Jackson is the coach, she’s now interacting with him on a regular basis … and man is he HOT!

five-stars

** Review ** SIZE MATTERS by Alison Bliss

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

** Review **  SIZE MATTERS by Alison BlissSize Matters by Alison Bliss
Series: A Perfect Fit
Published by Forever on November 29, 2016
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four-half-stars

The rules of (fake) engagement . . .
Leah Martin has spent her life trying to avoid temptation. But she's sick of low-fat snacks, counting calories, and her hyper-critical mom. Fortunately, her popular new bakery keeps her good and distracted. But there aren't enough éclairs in the world to distract Leah from the hotness that is Sam Cooper - or the fact that he just told her mother that they're engaged . . . which is a big, fat lie.

Sam sometime speaks before he thinks. So what started out as defending Leah's date-ability to her judgmental mother soon turned into having a fiancee! Now the plan is to keep up the fake engagement, stay "just friends," and make Leah's family loathe him enough to just call the whole thing off . But Sam has an insatiable sweet tooth, not only for Leah's decadent desserts but her decadent curves. Her full lips. Her bright green eyes. Yep, things aren't going quite according to plan. Now Sam has to convince Leah that he's for real . . . before their little lie turns into one big, sweet disaster.

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Funny, sweet and sexy all rolled up into a smorgasbord of goodness!  Be prepared for people to look at you strangely as you are reading this book, because I guarantee you will be grinning throughout and occasionally bust out in a full blown chuckle without warning!  I would happily hang out with the folks in this book and have a blast … they are just THAT likable!

Leah Martin has spent the majority of her adult life carrying just a few too many pounds and feeling self-conscious about it … especially after a run-in with her overly-critical mother.  She’s recently opened her own bakery and is determined to enjoy life more!

Sexy Sam Cooper catches her attention from the moment she lays eyes on him, but he can’t seem to stop sticking his foot in his mouth and saying the wrong thing every time he’s in her presence. When he tells her mother that they are engaged … when they are NOT … all bets are off!  Now it’s up to him to convince her family that he’s totally wrong for her so they are off the hook for this pretend relationship.  Only he really likes her and wants to be friends when it’s all over … then he finds he can’t stop wanting more!

four-half-stars

** Review ** CHRISTMAS ON CRIMSON MOUNTAIN Michelle Major

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

** Review **  CHRISTMAS ON CRIMSON MOUNTAIN Michelle MajorChristmas on Crimson Mountain by Michelle Major
Series: Crimson, Colorado
Published by Harlequin Special Edition on December 1, 2016
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five-stars

LOVE ON THE MOUNTAIN

Peace and quiet—that's all Connor Pierce wanted from the rented cabin on Crimson Mountain. Yet the caretaker turned out to be lovely April Sanders—a total distraction. As were the two little girls she was caring for. Connor's plan to forget his painful past soon detoured into giving the ladies a Christmas to remember.

Being named guardian of two motherless girls has upended April's world. Add to the mix a mysterious, brooding writer claiming he wanted to be left alone while going out of his way to bring a little joy to the girls, and she has quite the quandary. April had counted herself out of a happy ending. But maybe Santa still had a few surprises up his merry old sleeve…

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Michelle Major turns our emotions inside out with the latest in her Crimson, Colorado series! With her normal “get to the heart of it” style, she instantly wraps our hearts around two little girls and two people who have been hit hard by life.  I found myself hoping against hope that these four people could heal each other’s pain.  It’s sad, it’s sweet, it’s raw … and you even find yourself chuckling out loud a few times amidst the emotion because the kids are that adorable and sassy.  Loved it!

Connor Pierce was just seeking some peace and quiet when he rented a cabin on Crimson Mountain for a couple of weeks, but when the caretaker shows up with kids in tow, he is sure this is going to be a nightmare!

April Sanders doesn’t know what to make of the unhappy man staring her down when she introduces herself, but there’s no way she’s going to turn those little girls away from the happy Christmas they desperately need.

Connor doesn’t know how to interact with the world anymore, but he can’t resist helping these little girls heal when he sees the sadness in their eyes.  Will this be just what he needs to wake up to life again?  And will April finally have to face her fears and decide a future isn’t so bad?

five-stars

** Review ** THE HOLIDAY GIFT RaeAnne Thayne

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

** Review **  THE HOLIDAY GIFT  RaeAnne ThayneThe Holiday Gift by RaeAnne Thayne
Series: The Cowboys of Cold Creek
Published by Harlequin Special Edition on December 1, 2016
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four-stars

A COWBOY FOR CHRISTMAS

With two kids and an active life, widow Faith Dustin only wants peace and quiet for Christmas. But her snowy Pine Gulch ranch is nothing but chaotic. All that keeps Faith going is her helpful neighbor, cowboy Chase Brannon. He's always been "good ol' Chase," her faithful friend. Until he kisses her under the mistletoe…

Years ago Chase blew his chance with the woman he's loved since childhood. Now he's determined to step out of the friend zone…and into the role of husband. But the scared and stubborn Faith won't let herself fall. With Christmas just days away, Chase will need all the magic of the season—and the help of her two matchmaking children—to unwrap a second chance at love.

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A sweet story about finding love again after loss … where you least expect it, but always knew!  I kept wanting to kick Faith when she was pushing him away, but I loved them together and all of their extended family rallied around them made for a fun read!

Widow Faith Dustin can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel of grief that has surrounded her since losing her husband a few years ago.  She’s had great support from her family and community and most of all her best friend who was always there to support her and her kids and pick up all the slack.  When she realizes he feels more for her than just friendship, she’s terrified!

Chase Brannon let Faith slip through his hands and marry his good friend all those years ago, and he’s not planning to make the same mistake again.  He knows he has to throw his hat in the ring before she’s swept off her feet by some other cowboy, but he’s going to have to be patient with her because he can see the panic in her eyes.

As she stubbornly tries to keep him at arms length, will Faith realize what she is giving up before it’s gone?

four-stars