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