Review: Designed for Perfection by Elle Davis

Messing with Mother Nature can have unexpected consequences... Having a genius level IQ, model good looks, and supernatural physical traits, almost guarantees seventeen year old Ronan Callahan a life of success. He is a genetically engineered human, custom designed by scientists and his wealthy parents, who paid a hefty price for his perfect designer qualities. But, being a Designer Baby doesn't guarantee happiness for Ronan. In fact, his superior traits leave him bored, unchallenged and a social misfit. Cat McCullough, is orphaned, raising her little sister Claire, and struggling to survive. The last thing she's looking for is romance. In a high school full of girls swooning over Ronan Callahan, she's the only one who rejects his arrogant, cold, and indifferent behavior towards others. And yet, she's the only girl to ever capture his attention for more than a minute. When Ronan falls for Cat, he falls hard. For the first time ever, he looks forward to the traditional high school experience that now includes a budding romance. But when his life is threatened by a deadly virus, he is forced to abandon the simplicity of tradition and unite with five other Designer's, whom he shares a secret Designer trait so powerful, that it has the potential to influence world events.

Paperback, 252 pages

Published October 16th 2013 by Createspace

Genre: Young adult/ romance/ fantasy

Kristine's Thoughts:

* I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review.*

I wasn't sure what I would think when I first got this book in the mail. I will admit that I am sometimes guilty of judging a book by its cover and I really do not like the cover. Considering the people depicted on the front are suppose to be beyond beautiful it just doesn't fit. To me they look scary with perhaps the exception of the little girl. I'm glad that I could look past it because it ended up being a pretty good young adult read. I think my youngest daughter would probably really like it. 

I won't re-tell the story (you can read the synopsis) but I will say that it was an easy book to get through with a simple writing style. It left you guessing and routing for the Designers. The story does not end when the book does leaving room for another book in the series. Although I felt the book was a little young for me I still enjoyed it. The relationship between Ronan and Cat was not as believable as I would have liked. It started out great but then seemed to a little rushed.

I will probably check out the next book to see where the story goes and recommend it to a younger audience.

 

About the Author

Elle Davis lives in El Dorado Hills, CA with her husband and two daughters.She is a Registered Nurse and works part-time as a Wound Ostomy Specialist.In her free time, she enjoys cycling, boating, snow skiing and camping.

Twitter-  Elle Davis

 

Review: Letting Go by Belinda Tors

Can Margery Arturo make it on her own after leaving her husband, Tony? With a teen-age daughter, Lola, she escapes while her husband is on a business trip. She gets a job at a battered women's shelter as a counselor. How does she succeed? And how does she react when he returns and finds she is gone? And how does she react when he refuses to pay her child support and monies he owes in their divorce settlement? Margery soon learns that leaving a violent husband has more risks than possibly getting beaten up more or killed after she departs.

Paperback, 236 pages

Published October 30th 2013 by Outskirts Press      
Terri's Thoughts

I received a copy of this book directly from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This read covered a pretty heavy topic in tackling spousal abuse yet it was a remarkably easy read.  The writing style of Tors enabled me to get through the book in a couple of hours.  It tackles the impacts of leaving a toxic relationship not just from Margery's point of view but also from her children's.  We journey through tribulations and hardships of starting out on your own along with Margery.  I liked how the reader saw the development of Margery's empowerment as she found her voice after years of being knocked down.  I think this is a wonderful message as spousal abuse is a serious and far to common occurrence.  Through the words of Tors I hope that it may give someone out there the courage to follow in her footsteps.

I might be a little picky on this however the book was not without some issues for me.  I had a hard time identifying with Fred and the subsequent relationship with Margery.  I know he was to be depicted as someone who was finally supportive however I sometimes felt that he was not.  I kept waiting for some horrible secret to be exposed about him making him in to a monster.  I also felt that the introduction of his ex-wife in to the storyline felt a little surplus.  Lastly I felt that Margery was selfish in her relationship with Fred and that she did not understand his needs when it came to his family.

Overall I feel this book delivers a strong message of courage to woman.  It shows that it is possible to break out of the pattern of an abusive relationship.  It also mentions several social programs available to those in need.  For the message alone I would recommend this book.

About the Author

Belinda Tors is a retired social worker and journalist who has published widely in newspapers and literary journals.  Under the name Barbara Fitfield, she is the author of two women's novels, Photographs and Memories and Lucifer Rising as well as a self-illustrated book of poetry, Passion's Evidence.  She is a member of several writing groups including the Florida Writer's Association, The Tomoka Poets, and the Ormond Beach Writers' League.  Ms. Tors resides in Port Orange, Florida

Review: Wanted by J. Kenner

For fans of Fifty Shades of Grey, Bared to You, and Release Me comes an all-new erotic series of three enigmatic and powerful men, and the striking women who can bring them to their knees.
 
He is everything I crave, all I desperately want—and he is everything I can’t have.
 
Evan Black embodies my every fantasy. He is brilliant, fierce, and devastatingly handsome. But he is also headstrong, dangerous, and burdened with secrets.

My family warned me to stay away, that I could never handle Evan’s dark dealings or scarred past. Maybe I should have listened. Maybe I should have run. But our desire is undeniable, and some temptations you just can’t fight.

And from the moment we touch—the passion between us consuming us both—I know that I will never be the same.

Wanted is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences.

Kindle Edition, 272 pages

Expected publication: January 7th 2014 by Random House, LLC 

Genre: Erotica

Kristine's Thoughts:

* I received a copy of this book from Random House Publishing Group via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.*

Let me start off by saying there is some serious heat in this book. I thought I was going to have to throw my kindle in the snow bank to stop it from melting! If you are looking for some pretty intense erotic scenes, you have found it with Wanted.

The plot...

I am not going to re-tell the story or synopsis because I hate doing that instead I will just give my two cents. Basically Angie has had the hots for Evan since she was 16 but was told to stay away by her Uncle Jaun. The first half of the book is filled with romanticising, chemistry, lust and the build up to these two characters coming together. This was my favourite part of the book and if I was giving a rating on this half alone it would be a 4 star. I could feel the wanting and longing and was silently routing for these two to finally give in. Props to J. Kenner for so clearing describing the emotions to the point that I was feeling it right along with them.

I did not enjoy the second half of the book as much as the first half. The story seemed a little rushed and it lost my attention a few times. If I was rating this book on the second half only I would give it a 3 star. I just felt like it lost some of the chemistry and emotion that I love so much. Don't get me wrong, it's not bad, just not as good as the first half.

The Characters...

I found Angie to be likeable in a broken, messed up kind of way. What I appreciated about her was that she was not the inexperienced "good girl" virgin that is depicted quite often in these types of stories. She knew exactly what she wanted and went after it. Although haunted with secrets she was not the damsel in distress to the extreme which can get annoying.

Evan is off the charts in the hot department and will have many, many women swooning. He is the picture perfect bad boy. In his case he actually is bad with many dangerous secrets and not just the misunderstood guy with the bad boy attitude. I have no doubt that readers will thoroughly enjoy his take charge attitude in and out of the bedroom.

Although this is the first book in a new series I am happy to say that you are not left hanging at the end. The next books will be about Tyler and Cole, Evan's partners and friends. This is the first book by J. Kenner that I have read and I will be checking out her other work as well as looking for the rest of this series.

 

 

About the Author

J. Kenner spent more than ten years as a litigator in Southern California and Central Texas, using her rare free time to indulge her passion for writing. California born, she now lives—and writes—in Texas, with her husband and daughters.

Website- http://www.jkenner.com

Twitter-juliekenner 

Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/JKennerBooks 

Goodreads- https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6459302.J_Kenner 

Review: A Star for Mrs. Blake by April Smith

An emotionally charged, brilliantly realized novel set in the 1930s about five American women-Gold Star Mothers-who travel to France to visit the graves of their World War I soldier sons: a pilgrimage that will change their lives in unforeseeable and indelible ways.

The women meet for the first time just before their journey begins: Katie, an Irish maid from Dorchester, Massachusetts; Minnie, wife of an immigrant Russian Jewish chicken farmer; Bobbie, a wealthy Boston socialite; Wilhelmina, a former tennis star in precarious mental health; and Cora Blake, a single mother and librarian from coastal Maine. In Paris, Cora meets a journalist whose drug habit helps him hide from his own wartime fate-facial wounds so grievous he's forced to wear a metal mask. This man will change Cora's life in wholly unexpected ways. And when the women finally travel to Verdun to visit the battlegrounds where their sons fought as well as the cemeteries where they are buried, shocking events-a death, a scandal, a secret revealed-will guarantee that Cora's life and those of her traveling companions will become inextricably intertwined. Only now will they be able to emerge from their grief and return home to their loved ones. This is a timeless story set against a footnote of history: little known but unforgettable.

Hardcover, 352 pages

Expected publication: January 14th 2014 by Knopf      

Terri's Thoughts

I received this ARC from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.  The expected publication is January 14th 2014.

I was interested in this story due to the fact that it was written about the aftermath of WWI.  While much has been written about WWII I found that there is less so about the first great war.  This read while fiction taught me about a piece of history that I was unaware of in the Gold Star Mothers.  Upon completion of the book I took the opportunity to do some research on the topic to educate myself further on this piece of history.  That is always a good sign that a book has drawn me in if I want to find out more about the historical aspects of a storyline.  This was perhaps the most compelling part of the read for me and the basis of my rating.

I found that the character's and storyline was well written.  Although centered around Cora's pilgrimage the supporting cast was well detailed and each could have been deserving of their own storyline/novel.  This story was about grief and loss and learning to move on so it was not a cheery read.  That being said it was never dull or too depressing.  It was in fact moving in the way that Cora and the other mothers grew during their journey.  I also found that it kept the story realistic as travelling across seas to a foreign country to visit the grave of your son who died during war would be a daunting task.  I did find Cora's outlook on life refreshing as she accepted everyone for who they were and saw people beyond racial and religious lines.

I truly enjoyed this read and it stuck with me after I read the last page.  I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.  Smith is a new author to me however I will be interested to read her other works.  I am glad I discovered this read.

About the Author

Here's the down and dirty: grew up in the Bronx, went to college in Boston, graduate school in California, back to Cambridge to write a first failed novel and learn how the world works by writing ad copy,west to Los Angeles in 1976 for a career writing and producing TV, until the writer's strike of 1988 when I wrote my first novel on spec, North of Montana. Two wonderful grown children and the best husband in the world, now of 34 years. Stable enough on the outside but take away swimming, writing, hiking, yakking with girlfriends, pet pooches, chocolate chip cookies (the gooey kind), British TV series and grapefruit Martinis -- well, don't.

Website:  http://www.aprilsmith.net
Twitter:   AprilSmithBooks

Feature and Follow Friday #10

Feature & Follow Friday is a weekly meme that allows book bloggers to interact with each other and find new blogs! It has two hosts, Parajunkee and Alison Can Read. The rules are... 

• (Required) Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Hosts {Parajunkee & Alison Can Read}
• (Required) Follow our Featured Bloggers
• Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing. You can also grab the code if you would like to insert it into your posts.
• Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say “hi” in your comments and that they are now following you.
• If you are using WordPress or another CMS that doesn’t have GFC (Google Friends Connect) state in your posts how you would like to be followed
• Follow Follow Follow as many as you can, as many as you want, or just follow a few. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs. Also, don’t just follow, comment and say hi. Another blogger might not know you are a new follower if you don’t say “HI”
• If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love…and the followers
• If you’re new to the follow Friday hop, comment and let me know, so I can stop by and check out your blog.
•  

This week's question is...

Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! What books did Santa stuff your stocking with this holiday season? Do a holiday book haul for us! If you don’t celebrate just show off your books that you got this week. Pictures!!!

I didn't get any books for Christmas but when I returned from my vacation (3 days before Christmas) I had three books waiting in my mailbox that I had won in giveaways. These are the three that I won...

I don't know much about these books because I avoid reading the synopsis whenever possible so that the book is a complete surprise to me. Have any of you read these books? Are they any good?

That is my Feature and Follow Friday for this week! Comment down below if you're a new follower of mine with a link to your blog and I will make sure to follow you back. You can follow us via gfc, bloglovin, facebook and twitter.

Review: Beyond Escape by Deborah K. Jensen

After separating from her husband of twenty years, Kim is in desperate need of an escape. Retreating to her parents’ home in Texas for a month, Kim encounters ample distractions, the best being Camilo, an alluring Latino man seventeen years her junior. However, when returning to Texas unearths memories of a long-ago lover, Kim discovers her unintentional involvement in a series of dangerous escapades, bringing her deeper into her past than she ever cared to venture. Beyond Escape follows Kim as she pursues a trail of drugs, murder, and secret love affairs that were meant to stay buried.

Paperback, 1st, 336 pages 
Published October 15th 2012 by Beaver's Pond Press 

Kristine's Thoughts:

* I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*

After receiving this book I went on Goodreads and noticed that it had a few very positive reviews so I was excited to start it. I'm almost sad to say that my opinion of the book is not the same.

I really struggled with this book. Although the story idea is interesting the book itself was all over the map. There are two many plots and I found that I could not connect fully with them. There is Kim's divorce, a much younger love interest, a mystery involving her first lover, and her father's illness. Add to this a side plot involving her best friend that really made no sense and you basically have the story. It just seemed like too many different things going on yet it was still a very slow read.

I found Kim to be very naive and uptight for a woman in her 40's and because of this, also annoying. I connected more with the wine (it is referenced a lot) than the budding relationship with Camilo. The conversations between all characters seemed forced and unnatural. Her sudden interest in Mark after 20 some years of not thinking about him was hard to believe as well. Who forgets about their first lover especially under the circumstances in this book for over 20 years?

My biggest disappointment is in how the book ends. Absolutely nothing is resolved which leads me to believe that perhaps a second book is in the works. If that is the case, I don't think I'll be reading it. It just was not my cup of tea.

 

Deborah Jensen was born and raised in Minnesota. Writing has been a lifelong passion for her although she spent most of her career in the finance world. Beyond Escape is her debut novel, inspired by real life relationships and circumstances. Deborah currently lives in Northern Minnesota with her husband. They have two grown children.

Website-http://www.deborahkjensen.com 

Twitter-deborahkjensen    

Holiday wishes and news on an upcoming giveaway!

Terri and I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. We hope that your holiday is filled with lots of love, friendship and family. I just got back from an almost two week vacation that had me spending a few days in New York City. While there I had the opportunity to meet Brandon Stanton, blogger and author of Humans of New York, while he was doing a book signing. I picked up an extra copy and had him sign it so that we can give it away on our blog. With the craziness of being away and Christmas there has been no time to set up a giveaway but I am hoping to get it up in the next few days so stay tuned! It may be too late for Christmas but free is always good.

Kristine

Review: A Season For Hope (A Fairhope Christmas Novella) by Sarra Cannon (The 12 NA's of Christmas)

*A Season For Hope is proud to be a part of The 12 NA's of Christmas*
12 New Adult Novellas. 12 Bestselling Authors.
 
Being dumped just before the holidays was my worst nightmare. I’d spent so many years thinking Preston Wright was the one for me that when he told me it was over, I thought I’d rather die than face the future. 
I never expected someone like Judd Kohler to come crashing into my life. Literally. He was coming out. I was going in. My face got in the way. You get the picture. It was an accident. Running into him twice in one day, though? It started to feel like fate. 
My mother always says Christmas is a magical time of year. A season for hope. All I know is that just when I thought I’d lost mine, hope somehow found its way back to me. 
Just in time for Christmas.

Each book in the Fairhope series can stand-alone, but you'll see updates on your favorite characters throughout each book, so read them in order to get the most enjoyment out of the series!

ebook, 129 pages

Published October 27th 2013 by Dead River Books 

Genre: New Adult

 

Kristine's Thoughts:

 

This is another cute novella that I think will appeal to the younger of the new adult fans.

 

Bailey is a college girl who is struggling after her boyfriend breaks up with her. Everything revolved around him from what she wore, who she hung out with, what she did and what she said. She doesn't know who she is without him and how to move on.

 

When she literally bumps into Judd, a hunky med student, it looks like her luck might be changing. He is almost too good to be true. He is caring, attentive, kind and doesn't seem to want her change who she is for him. Soon begins Bailey's internal battle. Does she want to open her heart and risk getting it broken again. What does he expect of her and is she the type of person he really wants? Will his friends like her?

 

What I liked about this novella is that Bailey's struggles are ones that millions of young woman deal with and they are totaly relatable. It is a story about figuring out who you are and being yourself. There is a strong message hidden within the words that you can be loved for who you are and you should never change to be who you think someone wants you to be.

 

I'm a sucker for any story that takes place during the holiday season so this book was a perfect little Christmas read! 

 

 

About the Author

 

Website-http://www.sarracannon.com 

 

Twitter-sarramaria 

 

Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/sarracannon

 

Goodreads- https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4435742.Sarra_Cannon  

Review: The Christmas Waltz by Connie Keenan

Years have passed since music teacher June Sheppard's fiance died in the war. Yet on a snowy day in 1962, while conducting the school choir at a Christmas concert in the park, she sees Paul Everett again--just a face in the crowd. Not one to believe in ghosts, she's nonetheless haunted by dreams of long ago and a love that has never been forgotten by her...or Paul.

This short story, an old-fashioned romance, is approximately 10,000 words long and part of The Larkspur Valley Series.

Terri's Review

I downloaded this story on Amazon as it captured my interest as it mentioned June being haunted by the past.  Anytime there is a story about the past I am usually hooked.

This did not disappoint.  It was a Christmas story mixed in with the story of a lost love from long ago and the hopes of moving forward in the present.  This was a short story however I could have stuck around in this story longer.  I will not divulge how the story turned out however I will say that it is appropriately named as it concludes with a beautiful Christmas waltz.

I was not previously familiar with Keenan's work however I will be checking out some of her other works after reading this story.

About the Author

Website:  http://conniekeenanwriter.blogspot.com
Twitter:  ConnieKeenan
Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/ConnieKeenan    

Review: Winter Kisses (The 12 NA's of Christmas) by Addison Moore

Having a one-night stand with your ex is never easy. She thinks its revenge sex. He thinks its make-up sex. Things can only go wrong from here.

Published November 1st 2013
ebook  101 pages










Kristine's Thoughts:

I am going to keep my thoughts short and sweet as I do with all novellas that I write about. When a story is so short I hate to re-tell the plot and give the story away.

Laney and Ryder turn up the heat in this book. There is an over abundance of sexual chemistry with just as many steamy pages in this novella. There is no doubt that these two characters want and need to be together. Both characters are witty, quirky and likeable and I was giggling to myself on many occasions.

The only issue I had was with the conflict resolution. Perhaps it was because it is a novella but it seemed to lack one. The reason that they broke up in the first place was just as present by the end of this book as it was at the beginning. Nothing really changed on that front. It was kind of sad that that the issues with Ryder's mother were not resolved.

Although I was left somewhat unsatisfied with the conflict resolution I  very much enjoyed the Laney and Ryder portion of the book. With the holiday season, a second chance romance and a lot of witty moments, I have to say that it made for a pretty good read.

About the Author

Addison Moore is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who writes contemporary and paranormal romance. Previously she worked as a therapist on a locked psychiatric unit for nearly a decade. She resides on the West Coast with her husband, four wonderful children, and two dogs where she eats too much chocolate and stays up way too late. When she's not writing, she's reading. 


Website-http://addisonmoorewrites.blogspot.com/
Twitter-AddisonMoore 
Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/pages/Addison-Moore 

Review: Christmas at Pebble Creek by Vannetta Chapman

This short story e-romance is an exclusive bonus from The Pebble Creek Amish Series by Vannetta Chapman. Fans of the series will enjoy this chance to briefly revisit Pebble Creek, and new readers will be introduced to an Amish community that is more deeply explored in the three full novels, A Promise for Miriam, A Home for Lydia, and A Wedding for Julia.
As a bonus, this eBook also includes Amish homestyle recipes for chicken and dumplings, green beans, and fresh bread. Heavy snow blankets the southwestern Wisconsin Amish community as nineteen-year-old Grace Miller closes the schoolhouse for Christmas break. She’s looking forward to having extra time to help the family prepare for the holiday, and she is hoping to get a few more drawings in of the beautiful, snowy Pebble Creek landscape. Her courtship with Adam Lapp is going on six months, and Grace can’t wait to give him his present: a blue-and-brown buggy blanket she crocheted for him. Yes, this Christmas is going to be especially joyful. Yet, amid the cheer of snowshoe outings, church potlucks, and holiday festivities, Grace is given a bittersweet reminder of the Christmas story. Grief is present with celebration, and though the future is rarely certain, she is given a heartwarming glimpse that God knows our needs before we do and will provide.

Terri's Review

This was a story about a girl in an Amish community during the Christmas break.  Due to it's short length there is not a lot that I can mention about it without giving the storyline so I will stick with my overall thoughts.  The story was well written and good enough for me to consider looking at the full length Pebble Creek stories.  The issue that I had with this read is that the synopsis makes it sound like there is more to the story then there really is.  It mentions an underlying sense of grief while in the book it is merely mentioned and covered very quickly.  I had a hard time getting past this as there was not near a much substance as hinted.  That aside I did enjoy reading about some of the Amissh customs and relationships.  This book even comes with recipes to try which has gotten my stomach growling.  My overall impression is that the full length novels would have potential and more to offer than this story.

About the Author

Vannetta Chapman writes inspirational fiction full of grace. She has published over one hundred articles in Christian family magazines, receiving more than two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. She discovered her love for the Amish while researching her grandfather’s birthplace of Albion, Pennsylvania.

Her novel, Falling to Pieces, was a 2012 ACFW Carol Award winner for best mystery. All of her books have been Christian Book Distributor bestsellers. She currently writes Amish fiction for Abingdon Press, Zondervan, and Harvest House. Chapman lives in the Texas hill country with her husband.

For more information, visit her at www.VannettaChapman.com or blog with her at http://vannettachapman.wordpress.com/. She can also be found at http://www.facebook.com/VannettaChapm

Off the Market (The 12 NA's of Christmas) by Magan Vernon

*** This book is proud to be a part of The 12 NA's of Christmas ***

12 New Adult Novellas. 12 Best Selling Authors. November 2013.

Etta Davis didn't have showing a house penciled into her Christmas plans, but with the other realtors already off enjoying their holiday, she'd been stuck with the task. It wasn't all bad though, the house up for grabs used to belong to the family of her high school sweetheart, Andrew Lawson. Though now dilapidated, thanks to its current owners, it still held the power to bring back forgotten memories and turn the routine showing into something else entirely. Particularly when Andrew shows up, wanting to buy the house. Now Etta must decide whether a second chance is worth taking the house, and her heart, off the market.

ebook, 55 pages

Published November 1st 2013 by Beautifully Broken Books 

Genre: New Adult

Kristine's Thoughts:

 

What can I say that isn't already written in the synopsis of a fifty five page novella? You have Christmas, a second chance romance and some hot and sexy...what more could you want? Wrap it all up together and you have a very pleasurable quick and easy Christmas read.

 

I have to give Vernon credit for being able to pull off a story in so few pages. In most books it takes more than that to get into a story or get to know or even like the characters.  Etta and Andrew were likeable from the very beginning and it was easy to route for them. It was a very cute story. This was the first book by this author for me but it won't be my last. 

 

 

About the Author

 

Magan Vernon is a Young Adult and New Adult writer who lives with her family in the insurance capital of the world. When not writing she spends her time fighting over fake boyfriends via social media. 

Website-http://www.maganvernon.com 

 

Twitter-MaganVernon 

 

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author...

 

Goodreads- https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5237606.Magan_Vernon 

  

 

 

Review: Christmas Catch (The 12 NA's of Christmas) by Chelsea M. Cameron

** Christmas Catch is proud to be a part of The 12 NA's of Christmas **
12 New Adult Novellas. 12 Best Selling Authors. November 2013.

 
Two years ago, when Ivy Emerson bailed from the tiny fishing village she’d grown up in to go to Columbia, Sawyer McCallister was the only thing she was sad to leave behind, and she still didn’t look back. But when her mother guilts her into coming home for Christmas, she crashes headfirst into Sawyer, who’s also returned after being away.
 
Now that they’ve both been dragged back to Saltwater, Maine, they might just realize it’s where they belong. Together.

Kindle Edition, 72 pages

Published October 25th 2013 

Genre: New Adult/ Romance/ Holiday

 

Kristine's Thoughts:

 

I am a sucker for all things romance and all things Christmas so this book did not disappoint. Who doesn't like a quick, easy holiday second chance romance?

 

With only 72 pages you dive head first into the story and quickly become hooked. Basically it is the story of young love that ends because of certain circumstances and the unresolved feelings that linger. Neither Emerson or Sawyer have truly forgotten or gotten over each other. When Emerson comes home for Christmas is seems that numerous things planned and unplanned bring them face to face. You can feel the heat and chemistry rolling off each page.

 

Although somewhat predictable it is a very cute, sexy holiday novella. With such a short book I don't want to say much of anything else for fear of giving anything away so I will leave it at that.

 

 About the Author

Chelsea M. Cameron is a YA/NA New York Times/USA Today Best Selling author from Maine. Lover of things random and ridiculous, Jane Austen/Charlotte and Emily Bronte Fangirl, red velvet cake enthusiast, obsessive tea drinker, vegetarian, former cheerleader and world's worst video gamer. When not writing, she enjoys watching infomercials, singing in the car and tweeting (this one time, she was tweeted by Neil Gaiman). She has a degree in journalism from the University of Maine, Orono that she promptly abandoned to write about the people in her own head. More often than not, these people turn out to be just as weird as she is.

Her New Adult Contemporary Romance titles include My Favorite Mistake, which has been bought by Harlequin along with a sequel, My Sweetest Escape (January 28, 2014), Deeper We Fall and Faster We Burn and For Real (November 14, 2013) and the novella, Christmas Catch (November 1, 2014).

Her Young Adult books include Nocturnal, Nightmare, Neither, and Neverend, the first three books in The Noctalis Chronicles and Whisper, the first in The Whisper Trilogy. The second and third books in the series, Silence and Listen, will be out in 2014.
Her Adult Contemporary Romance titles include Sweet Surrendering, and coming soon, Dark Surrendering.  

 

Website-http://www.chelseamcameron.com 

Twitter-chel_c_cam 

Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chelsea-M-Cameron-Official-Author-Page   

Goodreads-https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5752359.Chelsea_M_Cameron

 

 

Review: Without You - A Christmas Short Story by Adrianne James

Logan has a serious decision to make. Does he follow his head and leave the girl who only follows her heart behind, or does he leave the only life he knows to follow his heart back into her arms?

Terri's Review

This was a very short story much more than I expected.  With that in mind James managed to fit a lot of emotion within it's shore pages.  This was a story about a man serving his country in the military and trying to choose between his sense of security and duty and the woman he loves.  I will not say how the story concludes however there was quite a bit to think about during this read.  What would one do in this situation?  Can you change your priorities and the roadmap you had set out for your life?  Is love enough?

I enjoyed this read more for the way it provoked my thoughts than the actual story.  I am amazed that such a short read has the ability to raise so many philosophical thoughts in my head. 

About the Author

Growing up, Adrianne couldn't get her hands on enough books to satisfy her need for the make believe. If she finished a novel and didn't have a new one ready and waiting for her, she began to create her own tales of magic and wonder. Now, as an adult, books still make up majority of her free time, and now her tales get written down to be shared with the world.

During the day, Adrianne uses her camera to capture life's stories for clients of all ages and at night, after her two children are tucked in bed; she devotes herself to her written work. Adrianne is living the life she always wanted, surrounded by art and beauty, the written word and a loving family.

As a young adult and new adult author, Adrianne James has plans to bring stories of growing characters, a little romance, and perhaps a little magic and mythology down the line for her readers to enjoy.

Website:  http://www.adriannejames.com

Twitter:  Adrianne_James    
Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/AdrianneJames    

Review: If I Return (The 12 NA's of Christmas) by Sawyer Bennett

If I Return is proud to be a part of The 12 NA's of Christmas
12 New Adult Novellas. 12 Best Selling Authors. November 2013.

Would you wait?

College student, Hope Camden, is relentlessly serious, awkwardly shy and in complete need of taking a walk on the wilder side. At least, that’s what her sister tells her when she drags her off for an impromptu Christmas getaway in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Hope’s plans to keep her nose in a book the entire vacation are thwarted when she meets Jack Freeman, the gorgeous and enigmatic Army helicopter pilot staying at the same resort. What was supposed to be a quiet Christmas holiday turns into a life changing event for Hope and Jack. The only problem? Jack is headed off to war, and there is no guarantee he will come back.

Kristine's Thoughts:

As usual I always find it hard to put my thoughts into words when it comes to a novella. At only 83 pages in length I don't want to give anything away. This novella although not lengthy reads like a full length book. The plot and characters are well developed and the story does not feel rushed. I am a sucker for any Christmasy type books and this one does not disappoint.

Ladies, we have another swoon worthy leading male in this book! Jack Freeman, an Army helicopter pilot, is about as sexy, hot and likeable as they come. The chemistry between Jack and Hope melts the pages. The bathroom/mirror scene is about as hot and erotic as it gets.

Although there is a lot of descriptive between the sheets scenes there is a very cute and heart warming story to go with it. I thoroughly enjoyed the way it was told in the present with Hope reminiscing back to when the two met and then returning to the present. Will Jack come back or won't he? Does Hope wait for him? You have to read it to find out.

With a wintery backdrop, a steamy romance and the Christmas season all at play you can't go wrong! 

About the Author

USA Today Best-Selling Author, Sawyer Bennett is a snarky southern woman and reformed trial lawyer who decided to finally start putting on paper all of the stories that were floating in her head. She is married to a mobster (well, a market researcher) and they have two big, furry dogs who hog the bed. Sawyer would like to report she doesn't have many weaknesses but can be bribed with a nominal amount of milk chocolate. 

Website-http://www.sawyerbennett.com
Twitter-bennettbooks
Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/bennettbooks 


 


 

Review: A Grosvenor Square Christmas by Anna Campbell, Shana Galen, Vanessa Kelly, and Kate Noble

Four breathtakingly romantic tales of a Regency Christmas from four bestselling romance authors.

Down through the years, enchantment touches a tall gray house in Grosvenor Square. The legend of Lady Winterson’s Christmas ball promises true love and happiness to one lucky couple. Who will feel the magic this winter?

1803 - The Seduction of a Duchess by Shana Galen

Rowena Harcourt, the Duchess of Valère, never forgot the handsome footman who helped her escape the French Revolution. For fourteen years, Gabriel Lamarque has loved Rowena—now at Lady Winterson’s Christmas ball, has fate finally delivered a chance to win her hand?

1818 - One Kiss for Christmas by Vanessa Kelly

Nigel Dash is London’s most reliable gentleman, a reputation he never minded until he fell in love with beautiful Amelia Easton. Unfortunately, Amelia sees Nigel as a dependable friend, not a dashing suitor. At Lady Winterson’s famous Christmas ball, Nigel vows to change Amelia’s mind—by sweeping her off her feet.

1825 - His Christmas Cinderella by Anna Campbell

At the season’s most glittering ball, a girl who has never dared to dream of forever after discovers a Christmas miracle.

1830 - The Last First Kiss by Kate Noble

Susannah Westforth has always loved Sebastian Beckett – but he’s only ever seen her as a friend. When Sebastian takes his Grand Tour, Susannah transforms herself into a woman he’ll notice. Now Sebastian is back, just in time for Lady Winterson's Christmas ball – but the last thing he expects to see is his little Susie, all grown up...

You’re invited to join the whirling dance at Lady Winterson’s sparkling Christmas ball, where miracles happen and true love shines forever. How can you resist?

Terri's Review

I downloaded this book from Amazon and I am writing my thought on each story as I read them.

The Seduction of a Duchess: 

This was the first story in the Grosvenor Square Christmas collection.  Due to it's short length it is difficult to formulate an honest review however I will try.

There were two things that I really enjoyed about this story.  The first being that it took place in 1803 and had all of the social customs typical of that period.  The second being that the story focused around a woman who was considered of a "certain age" and that she had a second chance at romance.  Although her age would not even get a nod in today's times it was considered quite old for the times.

The love story was simple and clean and left everything up to the imagination of the reader.  This was a refreshing change.  There is a hint that the butler plays a role in all of the stories and I am hoping to learn more about him as I read the remaining stories.  He has piqued my interest...

One Kiss for Christmas:

This story continues the tradition of Lady Winterson's Christmas ball.  This instalment surrounded Nigel in his hopes of having Amelia see him as more than just a friend.  I found this story very short and felt that nothing occurred during it.  It was just ok for me.  I did however find moments amusing particularly when it came to Amelia;s pompous suitor.  I also liked the fact that the butler was mentioned again and appeared to be one of the masterminds behind Lady Winterson's matchmaking.

His Christmas Cinderella:

This story is exactly as advertised in the title.  A girl who is treated as nothing by her Aunt and cousin who finds her prince charming to take her away.  This story ventures away from 3 Grosvernor Square a little more than the others as most of the story takes place prior to the ball.  In keeping with the theme of the series it does conclude at the ball and there is mention of the notorious butler.  I think I may have mentioned it but for some reason I look forward to any scene with the butler in it.  This instalment is a little more racy than the first two.

The Last First Kiss:

This was a sweet story about a young girl in love with her neighbor who leaves for three years while she grows up.  Although we know how this story will conclude based on the previous stories it was still pleasing to see Sebastien actually see Susannah for who she was upon his return at the ball.  More pleasing was that we finally got to see the conclusion of Philbert (the butler) and Lady Winterson's romance.  I was waiting on that from the first story and I am happy that this series concluded with that.

Overall a pleasant read of stories surrounding the annual Christmas ball at 3 Grosvenor Square.

About the Authors

Anna Campbell

(From Goodreads profile)

I've always been a voracious reader! I write Regency historical romance for Grand Central Publishing and Avon.My latest release is A RAKE'S MIDNIGHT KISS from Grand Central, book 2 of the "Sons of Sin" series. My next "Sons of Sin" book is WHAT A DUKE DARES, out late August 2014.

And don't miss my short story "His Christmas Cinderella" in the Christmas anthology, A GROSVENOR SQUARE CHRISTMAS, which includes stories by me, Shana Galen, Kate Noble and Vanessa Kelly.

You can find excerpts, news and contests on my website at www.annacampbell.info

You can usually catch me hanging around with my bandita buddies on the Romance Bandits blog - www.romancebandits.com Pop by and say hello!

I'd love you to join my fan page on Facebook where I like to chat and run contests. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Anna-Ca...

I'm also on Twitter at @AnnaCampbellOz

I love to hear from readers and you can contact me on anna@annacampbell.info

Shana Galen

Shana Galen is the author of numerous fast-paced adventurous Regency historical romances, including the Rita-nominated Blackthorne’s Bride. Her books have been sold worldwide, including Japan, Brazil, Russia, Spain, Turkey, and the Netherlands, and have been featured in the Rhapsody and Doubleday Book Clubs. A former English teacher in Houston’s inner city, Shana now writes full time. She’s a wife, a mother, and an expert multi-tasker. She loves to hear from readers: visit her website at www.shanagalen.com or see what she’s up to daily on Facebook and twitter.


Twitter:  shanagalen
 Vanessa Kelly

 

Vanessa Kelly writes Regency-set historical romance for Kensington Zebra. Her books have finaled in numerous contests, and she has been named by Booklist as "one of the new stars of historical romance." Her third book, My Favorite Countess, was nominated for a Reviewers' Choice Award by RT Book Reviews. Her second book, Sex And The Single Earl, won the Maggie Medallion for Best Historical Romance. When not immersed in the Regency period, Vanessa writes USA Today Bestselling contemporary romance with her husband under the pen name of V.K. Sykes. Find her on the web at www.vanessakellyauthor.com or at www.vksykes.com.

Twitter: VanessaKellyAut

Kate Noble

Kate Noble love books. Romances especially. But, being born into a family of doctors, scientists, and mathematicians, she didn’t discover she was adept at writing until, oh, about junior year of high school. Which came as something of a relief, as she was hopeless at memorizing the Latin names for all the bones in the human body. The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle eludes her to this day.


Website:  http://www.katenoble.com