Book Reviews – Page 297

Review MISTLETOE REUNION THREAT Virginia Vaughan

November 29, 2016 Leave a Comment

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** Review ** MISTLETOE REUNION THREAT Virginia Vaughan

Mistletoe Reunion Threat by Virginia Vaughan
Series: Rangers Under Fire
Published by Love Inspired Suspense on December 1, 2016
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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.

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?

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Review THE TEXAN’S ONE-NIGHT STANDOFF Charlene Sands

November 28, 2016 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

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

The Texan's One-Night Standoff by Charlene Sands
Series: Dynasties: The Newports
Published by Harlequin Desire on December 1, 2016
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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.

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?

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Review CAUGHT UP IN YOU Jules Bennett

November 28, 2016 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

** Review ** CAUGHT UP IN YOU Jules Bennett

Caught Up In You by Jules Bennett
Series: The Monroes
Published by Zebra on November 29, 2016
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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.

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?

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Review AN UNFORGETTABLE HOLIDAY Joanne Dannon

November 25, 2016 1 Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

** Review ** AN UNFORGETTABLE HOLIDAY Joanne Dannon

An Unforgettable Holiday by Joanne Dannon
Published by Clarendon 3 Publishing on November 25, 2016
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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?

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.

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Review MAYBE THIS TIME Jennifer Snow

November 25, 2016 Leave a Comment

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** Review ** MAYBE THIS TIME Jennifer Snow

Maybe This Time by Jennifer Snow
Series: Colorado Ice
Published by Forever on November 29, 2016
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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.

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!

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Review SIZE MATTERS by Alison Bliss

November 22, 2016 Leave a Comment

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** Review ** SIZE MATTERS by Alison Bliss

Size Matters by Alison Bliss
Series: A Perfect Fit
Published by Forever on November 29, 2016
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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.

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!

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Review CHRISTMAS ON CRIMSON MOUNTAIN Michelle Major

November 21, 2016 Leave a Comment

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** Review ** CHRISTMAS ON CRIMSON MOUNTAIN Michelle Major

Christmas on Crimson Mountain by Michelle Major
Series: Crimson, Colorado
Published by Harlequin Special Edition on December 1, 2016
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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…

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?

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Review THE HOLIDAY GIFT RaeAnne Thayne

November 21, 2016 Leave a Comment

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** Review ** THE HOLIDAY GIFT RaeAnne Thayne

The Holiday Gift by RaeAnne Thayne
Series: The Cowboys of Cold Creek
Published by Harlequin Special Edition on December 1, 2016
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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.

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?

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Review CHRISTMAS IN THE COVE Carol Ross

November 19, 2016 Leave a Comment

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** Review ** CHRISTMAS IN THE COVE Carol Ross

Christmas in the Cove by Carol Ross
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on December 1, 2016
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Nobody is going to hurt her—not on his watch

A DEA stealth mission has brought coast guard Lt. Commander Eli Pelletier home. But when he ends up aiding rescue swimmer Aubrey Wynn during her own harrowing mission, powerful emotions reignite between them. Except Aubrey doesn't want Eli's protection. She wants answers.

Twelve years ago, Eli broke up with Aubrey without telling her the real reason he was leaving Pacific Cove. How can he try for a second chance if he's forced to deceive her again? Amid suspected drug trafficking and a sabotaged Christmas contest, Eli must find a way to regain Aubrey's trust without compromising his career or endangering the woman he loves.

A sweet story about reconnecting with “the one that got away”. Great characters showcasing a close-knit small town with interwoven family and friends.

An undercover investigation has brought Lt. Commander Eli Pelletier home to Pacific Cove, Oregan after many years away. He reconnects with many old friends … including a very special one that he let slip through his fingers.

Coast Guard rescue swimmer Aubrey Wynn can’t believe it when she sees Eli. She’s never forgotten her childhood best friend … and for a short time more. She still wishes she had answers to why he left her all those years ago.

Will he be able to regain her trust and earn a second chance with her, or will the suspected drug trafficking case that he’s working on and can’t tell her details about derail them before they even get started?

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Review MAID UNDER THE MISTLETOE Maureen Child

November 19, 2016 Leave a Comment

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** Review ** MAID UNDER THE MISTLETOE Maureen Child

Maid Under the Mistletoe by Maureen Child
Published by Harlequin Desire on December 1, 2016
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An upstairs-downstairs affair for Christmas…only from USA TODAY bestselling author Maureen Child!

Single mom Joy Curran needs this temporary holiday housekeeping job working for a reclusive billionaire. But her sexy, aloof boss pulls at Joy's heartstrings—and her long-denied desires—in unexpected ways…

Sam Henry never got over the loss of his wife and son, and he's shut himself off from happiness, love…and the holidays. But Joy and her sweet daughter bring laughter into his life. And living with his new maid ignites a passion he can't ignore. After one glorious night in Joy's arms, will this beauty be the Christmas miracle that changes the beast forever?

Gut wrenching! Maureen Child takes us on a roller coaster ride of emotion with her latest novel that showcases despair after loss, healing on the horizon and the sweet innocence of a child’s heart. The characters are real, the emotion is high, and the hope of bringing peace to a broken heart follow you through each page. Quick, easy read that you won’t want to put down!

Joy Curran really needs this temporary housekeeping job so she has somewhere to spend Christmas with her little girl, but the rumored gruffness of this reclusive billionaire has her a bit on edge.

Sam Henry locked himself away from the world and anything that reminded him of his old life after he lost his wife and son in an accident several years ago. He doesn’t want to befriend anyone, he doesn’t want to remember what the joy of a young child’s delight feels like, he doesn’t want to move on.

Will this be the Christmas blessing that he didn’t even know he needed?

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