Review: Sugarplum Way (Harmony Harbor #4) by Debbie Mason

"Death by vibrator. Not a bad way to go." - Aidan Gallagher

Sugarplum Way
Series: Harmony Harbor #4
Author: Debbie Mason
Publisher: Forever
Published: October 31, 2017
Source: Publisher for Review

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"Heartfelt and delightful!" -RaeAnne Thayne, New York Times bestselling author

Romance writer Julia Landon knows how to write a happily-ever-after. Creating one for herself is a whole different story. But after a surprising--and surprisingly passionate--kiss under the mistletoe at Harmony Harbor's holiday party last year, Julia thought she might have finally found her very own chance at true love. Until she learns her Mr. Tall, Dark, and Broodingly Handsome has sworn off relationships. Well, if she can't have him in real life, Julia knows just how to get the next best thing....

Aidan's only priority is to be the best single dad ever. And this year, he plans to make the holidays magical for his little girl, Ella Rose. But visions of stolen kisses under the mistletoe keep dancing in his head, and when he finds out Julia has written him into her latest novel, he can't help imagining the possibilities of a future together. Little does he know, though, Julia has been keeping a secret that threatens all their dreams. Luckily, 'tis the season for a little Christmas magic.

Review: Totally His (Opposites Attract #3) by Erin Nicholas

"You in the market for a bodyguard, Feisty?" - Finn Kelly

Totally His
Series: Opposites Attract #3
Author: Erin Nicholas
Publisher: Forever
Published: October 31, 2017
Source: Publisher for Review

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Sophia Birch loves nothing more than the spotlight--as long as she's playing a part. A theater geek from an early age, Sophia now runs a little hole-in-the-wall playhouse that feeds her passion... even if it sometimes makes it hard to feed herself! And then one night it all nearly goes up in smoke. Desperate to save the only copy of an irreplaceable script, Sophia rushes back into the burning building.

Police officer Finn Kelly knows crazy when he sees it. And a woman running back into a burning building definitely qualifies as crazy. She also happens to be incredibly sexy. But when he finally finds her ruffling through drawers and refusing to leave, his only option is to carry her out over his shoulder....and then decide whether to arrest her.

Review: A SEAL's Strength (Military Match #2) by JM Stewart

"Gabe Donovan, if you're thanking me for great sex I'm going to hit you." - Stephanie Mason

A SEAL's Strength
Series: Military Match #2
Author:  JM Stewart
Publisher: Forever Yours
Published: October 3, 2017
Source: Publisher for Review

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A sizzling new series about three friends looking for love-and the sexy SEALs who are ready to fulfill their craziest fantasies. This second chance was worth the wait . . . 

As a SEAL, Gabriel Donovan did the toughest jobs imaginable without blinking an eye. But three years after his wife’s death, the idea of dating still makes him sick to his stomach. His daughter desperately needs a mother, though, and there’s nothing Gabe won’t do for his little girl.

Stephanie Mason doesn’t run from anything. Not even coming face to face with the “one that got away” on a blind date. Steph’s body vividly remembers every single thing about Gabe and while some things have changed, the way he makes her feel sure as hell hasn’t.

Gabe and Steph know that love comes with risks, but if they’re brave enough, this second chance might just bring them the love of a lifetime.

Spotlight: Long, Tall Cowboy Christmas (Happy, Texas #2) by Carolyn Brown

Long, Tall Cowboy Christmas

Happy, Texas #2

Carolyn Brown

September 26, 2017

Forever

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A heartwarming holiday read from USA Today bestselling author Carolyn Brown.

Nash Lamont is a man about as solitary as they come. That's exactly why ranch life in middle-of-nowhere Happy, Texas suits him. So what the heck is he doing letting a beautiful widow and her three rambunctious children temporarily move in? Before he knows it, they're stringing Christmas lights and decorating the tree... and he's having the time of his life. But after everything he's been through, Nash knows this kind of happiness doesn't last.

Kasey Dawson thought she'd never get over the death of her husband. Nash, with his strong hands and infinite patience, is stirring something she hasn't felt in a long time. Kasey knows the sexy cowboy isn't telling her everything about this past, though. And she refuses to risk heartbreak all over again. But her kids have a plan of their own: Nothing will keep them from having a real family again-even if it takes a little help from Santa himself.

Review: The Corner of Forever and Always (Everland, Georgia #2) by Lia Riley

"It's been a long time since I've been on a date with a woman that I'm interested in. I want to do it right. Be romantic." - Beau Marino

The Corner of Forever and Always
Series: Everland, Georgia #2
Author: Lia Riley
Publisher: Forever
Published: September 26, 2017
Source: Publisher for Review

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Fairy tales aren’t ever what they seem . . . 

Tuesday Knight’s dream of Broadway stardom has flopped, leaving her unemployed and brokenhearted. Ready to quit kissing frogs and make her own happily-ever-after, she takes a job as a princess in Everland, Georgia’s historical amusement park.

Mayor Beau Marino lives an unenchanted existence-all work, no play-which is fine by him. After his marriage ended in disaster, the last thing he wants in his life is more drama. But Everland’s new free spirit has a talent for getting under his starched collar.

When the town’s beloved but bankrupt park might be shut down, Tuesday and Beau face a choice. Can they join forces, save the day-and each other? Or will their fierce battle of wills destroy any chance of a fairy-tale ending?

Review: The Trouble with Christmas (Christmas, Colorado #1) by Debbie Mason

"Bite me." - Madison Lane

The Trouble with Christmas
Series: Christmas, Colorado #1
Author: Debbie Mason
Publisher: Forever
Published: September 26, 2017
Source: Publisher for Review

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It will take a Christmas miracle to melt her heart.

Resort developer Madison Lane is about to lose the one thing she loves most in the world - her job. Dubbed "The Grinch Who Killed Christmas," Madison spoiled a deal that would turn quaint Christmas, Colorado, into a tourist's winter wonderland. Now the citizens want her fired but the company gives her one last chance, sending Madison to the small town to restore the holiday cheer.

For Sheriff Gage McBride, no hotshot executive from New York City is going to destroy the dreams of the people he loves. But one look at this beautiful woman and it's his heart that may be broken. In just a few days, Madison causes more trouble than he's had to deal with all year. He can't decide if she's naughty or nice, but one thing is for certain - Christmas will never be the same again.

Christmas with Forever - Holiday Series 2016

Can you believe it? November is a whisper away from saying goodbye for 2016. I absolutely love this time of year. It doesn't get too chilly here in California, but snow is all around us in the world of romance. I've wanted to do a holiday series for a couple years, but it never seemed to work out. I was determined to have it this year, so here we go! I hope to have reviews, holiday movie talk, and publisher spotlights from now until Christmas Eve. I hope you enjoy!

Without further ado, here's Christmas with Forever...

Forever leads the way into the holiday season with some wonderful Christmas titles. I'm so excited that Debbie Mason is back with her brand new series, Harmony Harbor. It wouldn't be Christmas without a holiday title from Debbie. Although Mistletoe Cottage is the only holiday title I've read so far, I do hope to check out a couple of Forever's other romances. Here are just a handful of their titles.

Merry Christmas Cowboy

Lucky Penny Ranch #3

Carolyn Brown

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THIS CHRISTMAS, SANTA'S WEARING A STETSON

Tis the night before Christmas and all through the house is the presence of one wickedly hot cowboy who's come to stay for the holiday. Fiona Logan is downright shocked to return to her childhood home and find that the tall blond stranger who came to her rescue on an icy road will be sleeping just across the hall from her bedroom. Talk about temptation . . . 

Jud Dawson never believed the Lucky Penny Ranch would live up to its name until now. Fiona is gorgeous, smart, funny, and everything he thought he'd never find. Now all he has to do is convince her to stick around town instead of hightailing it back to Houston. But with wild weather, nosy neighbors, and a new baby in the family, getting her to admit that she's falling in love might just take a Christmas miracle.

Christmas Comes to Main Street

Briar Creek #5

Olivia Miles

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The mistletoe is out, and the gloves are off . . . 

'Tis the worst season to be single, but Kara Hastings won't let a little Christmas funk spoil the festive season. Sure, running her own bakery is a little harder than she expected, but she can handle it. And she'll prove it to a certain infuriatingly handsome, bossy Big City guy. She may be sugar and spice, but she can kick his butt twice. 

Nate Griffin is in Briar Creek only for the holidays, and he refuses to fall for the whole "small town, candy cane-scented Christmas Wonderland" thing. He's more interested in the fresh-faced cookie chef who always knows exactly how to get under his skin. So when Nate challenges Kara in the town's big holiday contest, it's not just the competition that starts to heat up. If he's not careful, Kara won't just melt his icy resolve against a small-town Christmas . . . she'll melt his heart too.

All He Wants for Christmas

Edge of Scandal

Elle Wright

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Married by Christmas . . .

Morgan Smith is more than ready to settle down with the love of his life. He fought hard for Syd, and just thinking about calling her "Mrs. Smith" . . . man, he'd happily elope right now. But his bride wants a Christmas wedding, and he's not going to disappoint her. Nothing will stop him from meeting her at the end of that aisle-until one night changes everything.

Sydney Williams' world could not be more perfect: an amazing man, a beautiful daughter, and soon the wedding of her dreams. But a heart-stopping message in the middle of the night quickly turns her blue skies stormy. Now Morgan's in danger and the only Christmas miracle Syd wants is to hear his voice again . . .

Also from Forever...

**All links take you to the publisher's website where you can find various purchase links.**

A Christmas Bride by Hope Ramsay

A Highlander's Christmas Kiss by Paula Quinn

Mistletoe Cottage by Debbie Mason

A Cowboy's Christmas Eve by RC Ryan

Review: Return of the Bad Boy (Second Chance #4) by Jessica Lemmon

"I'm coming for you, Sarge." - Asher Knight

Return of the Bad Boy
Series: Second Chance #4
Author: Jessica Lemmon
Publisher: Forever
Release Date: April 26, 2016
Source: Publisher for Review

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He's a mess...

Asher Knight has three constants in his life: music, beautiful women, and a bottle of Jack. He lives for the next gig, the next city, and dreams only of a life spent in front of an arena full of screaming fans. But Asher's nomad ways come to a sudden stop when he learns he's the father of a three-year-old from a past relationship and suddenly this rock star bad boy is forced to put down roots.

Only she can clean up

Gloria Shields is no one's fool. Sure, the sexual chemistry between her and Asher has always been intense, but she'd never risk giving her heart to a man who has a perfect record for breaking them. Except the man desperate to make things right with his newfound son is nothing like the rock god she's guarded her heart against for years. And it isn't long before she starts to wonder if life with this bad boy might be the best thing that's ever happened to her.

I was of two minds when I started Return of the Bad Boy. We finally get Asher and Gloria's book. After watching their chemistry and sexual tension sizzle in previous books, it was time for it to ignite. And boy does it ever! My man Ash... For a sexy-as-sin rock star, he sure does have the patience of a saint. Not knowing how to lure Gloria out of her shell frustrates the hell out of him, but he does it because he loves her. Ash knows what they have is special so he refuses to let Gloria ignore their chemistry. While her mind and body scream YES, it is her heart that is scared. It's heartbreaking because Gloria doesn't know how to love or even know how to be loved. Everyone that has ever been important in her life has abandoned her. It is only recently that she's started to build a new family out of her friendships. So when Asher starts pushing his way into her heart, it throws her for a loop. I was awestruck watching them slowly rebuild her trust until Gloria finally opened her heart to the possibility of a happily ever after with Asher.

Now why was I of two minds with this book? That's simple... I freaking loved every book in this series and I was not ready to say goodbye to these characters. The Second Chance series is what introduced me to Jessica Lemmon's writing. From the moment I started the first book in the series, I was a goner. Jessica's writing style is flawless. You get a wide range of emotions in her books, especially with Return of the Bad Boy. I was elated to finally get Ash and Gloria's story. I was just as frustrated as Asher was when Gloria was hell bent on pushing him away. I cried alongside Gloria as she realized that her past may have damaged her new friendships and relationship with Ash. While I'm sure a couple of these characters will appear in future books, I still grinned like a fool as all of their story lines came to an end. All of these emotions in one phenomenal book. Jessica is now one of my favorite authors. I'm sad to see this series end, but I'm also very excited to see what she has in store for us next.

A former job-hopper, Jessica Lemmon resides in Ohio with her husband and rescue dog. She holds a degree in graphic design currently gathering dust in an impressive frame. When she’s not writing super-sexy heroes, she can be found cooking, drawing, drinking coffee (okay, wine), and eating potato chips. She firmly believes God gifts us with talents for a purpose, and with His help, you can create the life you want.

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Review: Kiss Me in Christmas (Christmas, Colorado #6) by Debbie Mason

"Because despite what everyone thinks, you're not the spoiled drama queen you pretend to be. You're still the sweet, thoughtful, generous girl you were growing up." - Easton McBride

Kiss Me in Christmas
Series: Christmas, Colorado #6
Author: Debbie Mason
Publisher: Forever
Release Date: February 23, 2016
Source: publisher for review

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It's always been you...

Actress Chloe O'Connor has become America's sweetheart, but back in little Christmas, Colorado, she's still remembered as a shy, awkward schoolgirl. And there's no one she dreads (and secretly wants) to see more than her high school crush, Easton McBride. Just one look from the former star quarterback and it's like she's instantly transformed from daytime drama queen to tongue-tied teenager. She's kissed Hollywood actors and famous cover models, so she can certainly play it cool while turning up the heat, right?

After an injury ended his military career, Easton McBride built a good life in the rugged countryside of his hometown. And the last thing he needs is his quiet solitude shattered by a high-maintenance temptress who isn't anything like the sweet Chloe he misses. While he enjoys the flirtation with this new bold and beautiful woman, he can't help but wonder whether a kiss could have the power to bring back the small-town girl he's grown to love.

There is something about this series that I am just absolutely loving. The small town romances with lots of happy couples and one aunt that is determined to play matchmaker for her books. All of it mixed together makes for super fun books. In the previous book in the Christmas, Colorado series, we get to know Chloe O'Conner as a superficial starlet that really takes her sister for granted. In the 6th book of the series, Kiss Me in Colorado, readers get to see a different side of Chloe. No longer the starlet, Chloe is the outcast of the small town with really only one person in her corner. Her heart breaks a little more each time she's left out of family functions, with every snide comment from her tormentors, and at the thought of her one love wanting someone else. My heart broke along with her. In fact, I teared up more than once. Although she truly dug her own hole, I still wanted to give her a friendly hug and glare at everyone else. Easton is torn between the true Chloe that he knows still exists and the Chloe that the world has seen lately. Slowly, he falls deeper until he's firmly planted in her corner and faces those that doubt her. I adored Chloe and Easton. Honestly, she was not my favorite character in the previous book, but she more than redeemed herself in this one. To fully understand and appreciate her transformation, it is best to read both books in order. There were moments where I wanted Easton to wake up and realize how he's treating her, especially in the beginning when he's not so truthful with her. When he finally comes around and reveals the protective man he really is, I fell in love with him alongside Chloe.

Although the books in the Christmas, Colorado series are clean romances, the chemistry between Chloe and Easton is the driving force in Kiss Me in Colorado, Readers get a small taste of it in the previous book so it was fun to see it front and center in this one. Unrequited young love turns into a lasting love between two wonderful characters. As usual, I loved catching up with the previous characters as well as getting to know a future couple. Yes, I still need to read the first 3 books in the series, but I know it'll be a fun ride.

Debbie Mason is the USA Today bestselling author of the Christmas, Colorado series. Her books have been praised for their "likable characters, clever dialogue and juicy plots" (RT Book Reviews). She also writes historical paranormals as Debbie Mazzuca. Her MacLeod series has received several nominations for best paranormal as well as a Holt Medallion Award of Merit. When she isn't writing or reading, Debbie enjoys spending time with her very own real-life hero, their four wonderful children, an adorable grandbaby, and a yappy Yorkie named Bella.

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Review: See You at Sunset (Seashell Bay #3) by V.K. Sykes

"Holly, you know you can stop me anytime. But I don't think you want to, so why don't you just let go for once. Stop worrying and let go." - Micah Lancaster

See You at Sunset
Series: Seashell Bay # 3
Author: V.K. Sykes
Publisher: Forever / Grand Central
Release Date: February 23, 2016
Source: publisher for review

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DEEPER THAN ANY OCEAN . . .

All Holly Tyler wants is a fantastic career, a not-too-committed relationship, and a city where there are no painful memories. Instead, she's called back to her hometown of Seashell Bay to help with her family's struggling general store. It's a town where everyone knows everyone, and where one man could sink Holly's careful plans.

Deputy Sheriff Micah Lancaster has wanted Holly for as long as he can remember. He knows she has a life on the mainland-and a boyfriend-and that there's no real future with her. But now Holly is back and the attraction still flickers between them, a promise of something more. Their desire is stronger than any undertow . . . and once it pulls them under, it won't let go.

See You at Sunset, the third book from V.K. Sykes Seashell Bay series, welcomes readers back to the picturesque island. Holly is back home to care for her aunts, take charge of the failing family store, and to come face to face to the only man that has the power to heal her broken heart. After losing those closest to her, Holly is understandably reluctant to open her heart. Micah held a torch for Holly for years. Now that she's back, he has to reign in his attraction because of her boyfriend. As time passes, however, their attraction grows deeper and love begins to blossom, there isn't anything they can't overcome as long as they are together.

I adored See You at Sunset. I'm a sucker for small town romances and they don't get better than Seashell Bay. I love the fact that they stand up and fight for each other no matter what. I love that they'll welcome anyone home with open arms and open hearts. The characters that I've come to know are fabulous, not only the three couples, but also the numerous background characters. I loved Micah and Holly. Micah... Not only is he a hottie, but he's such a good guy. He'll always be there for Holly, but he also gives her the space she needs to fully heal. Poor Holly has seen death many times in her life, first her parents and then the most recent loss that permanently left a large hole in her heart. It takes the love of her family, friends, and most importantly, Micah, to show Holly that it is okay to love again. I loved their friendship just as much as I loved their budding relationship. Their romance was a perfect addition to a series that I'm already over the moon for. See You at Sunset had everything I've come to love in a V.K. Sykes book - fantastic writing, characters to fall in love with, and a romance that'll make me swoon. 

V.K. Sykes is really two people – Vanessa Kelly and Randy Sykes, a husband and wife team who write USA Today Bestselling contemporary romance and also romantic suspense. Randy excels at plot and characterization, but tends to fall down on the job when it comes to that pesky old thing called emotion. That’s where Vanessa steps in. She usually writes the sex scenes too, since Randy is a bit uncomfortable when it comes to that sort of stuff. Vanessa also writes award-winning Regency-set historical romance for Kensington Zebra under her own name. You can check out Vanessa’s bestselling historical romances at www.vanessakellyauthor.com.

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Review: Extreme Honor (True Heroes #1) by Piper J. Drake

"With the two of you, there isn't anything that can keep me worried." - Lyn Jones

Extreme Honor
Series: True Heroes #1
Author: Piper J. Drake
Publisher: Forever
Release Day: January 26, 2016
Source: publisher for review

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HONOR, LOYALTY, LOVE.

David Cruz is good at two things: war and training dogs. The ex-soldier’s toughest case is Atlas, a Belgian Malinois whose handler died in combat. Nobody at Hope’s Crossing kennel can break through the animal’s grief. That is, until dog whisperer Evelyn Jones walks into the facility . . . and into Atlas’s heart. David hates to admit that the curvy blonde’s mesmerizing effect isn’t limited to canines. But when Lyn’s work with Atlas puts her in danger, David will do anything to protect her.

Lyn realizes that David’s own battle scars make him uniquely qualified for his job as a trainer. Tough as nails yet gentle when it counts, he’s gotten closer to Atlas than anyone else—and he’s willing to put his hard-wired suspicion aside to let her do the same. But someone desperate enough to kill doesn’t want Lyn working with Atlas. Now only teamwork, trust, and courage can save two troubled hearts and the dog who loves them both . . .

I had a bit of a mixed reaction with Extreme Honor. First off, can we take a moment to admire that cover? Gorgeous cover! It caught my attention the moment I came across the book online. I love all kinds of romantic suspense. Whether it is heavy on the romance or heavy on the suspense, I love 'em. Extreme Honor was kind of light on both. While the attraction was instant, the romance between Lyn and Cruz was actually a slow-build. It took them a while to gradually move towards one another without putting up road blocks. While the chemistry and sexual tension were present throughout the book, it was, however, more of a slow simmer. The suspense was a bit of the same. There really weren't any "on the edge" intense moments. It gradually built up to the climax and the big reveal at the end. It was enough to catch my attention and keep me wanting more, which is what I love with a good suspense.

From the characters to the author's writing, I enjoyed reading Extreme Honor. Lyn, David, and Atlas were fabulous. As individuals, they are lost. None really knowing where their place in the world is. Together, they can conquer the world. Piper J. Drake's writing was fantastic. The plot was fast paced and the writing was smooth. The one aspect of Extreme Honor that bugged me was the ending. Without spoiling it for readers, I'm only going to say that it left me wanting a lot more. It didn't answer the big question. Which, in a way, may actually be a good thing because now I really want to read the next book in the series in hopes that more will be revealed as it progresses.

Piper J. Drake (or "PJ") spent her childhood pretending to study for the SATs by reading every interesting novel she could find at the library. After being introduced to the wonderful world of romance by her best friend, she dove into the genre. PJ began her writing career as PJ Schnyder, writing sci-fi & paranormal romance and steampunk, for which she won the FF&P PRISM award as well as the NJRW Golden Leaf award and Parsec award. PJ's romantic suspense novels incorporate her interests in mixed martial arts and the military. The True Heroes series is inspired by her experience rescuing, owning and training a variety of retired working dogs, including Kaiser, a former guard dog, and Mozart, who was trained to detect explosives.

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Coming July 2016

Review of SNOWBOUND AT CHRISTMAS (Christmas, Colorado #5) by Debbie Mason

"You're a very demanding, beautiful, sexy woman, but I won't risk hurting you. So for now, you'll have to be satisfied with a kiss." - Grayson Alexander

Snowbound at Christmas
Series: Christmas Colorado #5
Author: Debbie Mason
Publisher: Forever
Release Date: September 29, 2015
Source: Netgalley

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Surviving the holidays will take a Christmas miracle . . .

Ex-cop Cat O'Connor is bored working for her sister, Chloe, as a personal assistant on the set of her soap opera. Until Chloe gets an opportunity to audition for the role of a lifetime and asks her identical twin to substitute for her on the soap with no one the wiser. It's a perfect switch-until Cat attracts the attention of the mysterious Mr. Tall, Dark, and Way-too-handsome leading man.

Grayson Alexander never thought being snowbound in the charming town of Christmas, Colorado, for the holiday would get so hot. But between working with sexy, tough Cat on set and keeping his real reason for being there under wraps, he's definitely feeling the heat. And if there's one thing they'll learn as they bring out the mistletoe, it's that in this town, true love is always in season.

Confession time... Okay, so I really have two confessions for you today. My first is that I love the movie America's Sweethearts. It is a fun and neurotic movie that I could watch many times without it getting old. After reading the blurb, I got an America's Sweethearts vibe from Snowbound at Christmas that immediately made me take notice. My second confession is that I am addicted to holiday romances. Movies... Books... If it takes place in December and has a happily ever after, I'm a goner. That was the second reason why I jumped at the chance to read this book. And if you need another reason, I also loved the previous book (although I still have not tackled books 1 through 3). However, with that said, I had to fight the book for the first couple of chapters. Why? I seriously did not like Chloe and every time she was in the scene, I wanted Cat (our heroine) to slap her. Now, I know violence isn't the answer, but sometimes it is called for and believe you me, Chloe needed it. Once I learned to compartmentalize my feelings towards Chloe (more on that later) and as the relationship between Cat and Grayson started to form, I could not put the book down. I pushed through and at about 1:30 in the morning, I was gone and had to keep reading. As weird as it sounds, I loved the battle between Cat and Grayson. One minute, they are hot for each other and they're back to being suspicious of each other in the next. It was like a tennis match, just with sexual tension. 

Now back to Chloe. Yes, she is a background character, but she also plays a big role in Snowbound at Christmas. As much as I wanted to throttle her 75% of the book, she does have moments where I wanted her to be happy. She's obviously the heroine in the next Christmas, Colorado book and I was curious as to how she would redeem herself enough going into her own book. I must say, I was totally rooting for her at the end of this book. She's well on her way to learning that she has to change her ways if she wants a chance at happiness and I am actually looking forward to her driving Easton up the wall in the 6th book in this series. 

By the end of Snowbound at Christmas, I was completely under Debbie Mason's spell. Although her books are "fade to black," the sexual chemistry still jumps off the page. I loved the mix of sweet and quirkiness that Debbie brings to her characters. I really need to pick her her previous books before the next Christmas, Colorado book comes out in 2016.

Debbie Mason is the bestselling author of the Christmas, Colorado series. Her books have been praised for their "likable characters, clever dialogue and juicy plots" (RT Book Reviews). She also writes historical paranormals as Debbie Mazzuca. Her MacLeod series has received several nominations for best paranormal as well as a Holt Medallion Award of Merit. When she isn't writing or reading, Debbie enjoys spending time with her very own real-life hero, their four wonderful children, an adorable grandbaby, and a yappy Yorkie named Bella.

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Review of Frisk Me (New York's Finest #1) by Lauren Layne

"You are a pain in the ass." - Luc Moretti

Frisk Me
Series: New York’s Finest #1
Author: Lauren Layne
Publisher: Forever
Release Date: July 28, 2015
Source: Netgalley

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After a photograph of Luc Moretti saving a tourist hits social media, he instantly becomes New York's most famous and beloved cop. When a major network decides to run a special on the "American Hero," Luc's boss gives him no choice but to cooperate in the name of good exposure for the department. Luc doesn't mind the celebrity status-what he does mind is the gorgeous brunette journalist who's been assigned to follow his every move. Especially since she also happens to be the same knockout that rejected him rather publicly the week before.

Ava Sims is a woman who gets what she wants. And what she wants is to be CBC's lead anchor-but to get there, she'll need to nail the fluff piece on the playboy cop. Luc Moretti is everything Ava knows to stay away from: a stubborn charmer with a hero-complex. But the more Ava gets to know Luc and his oddball family, the more she realizes that beneath the swagger and the blue uniform is a complex man who makes her heart beat too fast. Soon, Ava's doing the unthinkable, and falling for the best of New York's finest ...

As a lover of all things romance, I always look forward to all of the fun firsts between the hero and heroine. That first glance. The first kiss. The first time they have sex. All of those magic firsts that everyone looks forward to in a romance, whether it is a book or a movie. However... Put a Lauren Layne book in front of me and all of that flies out the window. When it comes to sexual tension, Lauren is the best. I know that when I start one of Lauren's books, the characters will always have the best foreplay in the guise of arguing. They can swear up and down that they are just arguing, but everyone else knows what is really going on.

Frisk Me is the start of what I hope is a very long series. Why? Because I flipping loved every damn moment of this book and I want sequels for just about every character. Where do I start? Ava and Luc... Sweet Mother of Pearl, those two were amazing. Both are the odd balls in their respective families. Ava's family are media hogs, whereas she would rather not. Luc is on the bottom of the totem pole in his family of cops when he is a little scared of what his future holds. The difference is their families. Luc's family loves him, flaws and all, but Ava's family just glaze over her. All of their differences and similarities bring them together and show them what is important in life. They help each other make amends with their pasts as they move forward towards a future together. 

I loved Frisk Me so much, I stayed up until 3am because I could not put it down. The only reason why I got any sleep that night was because my Kindle ran out of battery. Lauren is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I love her writing style. It is fun and flirty with a dash of sexy. Her characters are so easy to fall in love with. Luc and Ava were perfection. From their bickering to the sweet and tender moments... From the foreplay to the first kiss... Every moment made me smile and giggle. And let us not forget the force that is Nonna! Oh, the wait for the next book is going to be absolute torture...

Lauren Layne is the USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance.

Prior to becoming an author, Lauren worked in e-commerce and web-marketing. In 2011, she and her husband moved from Seattle to New York City, where Lauren decided to pursue a full-time writing career. It took six months to get her first book deal (despite ardent assurances to her husband that it would only take three). Since then, Lauren's gone on to publish ten books, including the bestselling Stiletto series, with several more on the way in 2015.

Lauren currently lives in Chicago with her husband and spoiled Pomeranian. When not writing, you'll find her at happy hour, running at a doggedly slow pace, or trying to straighten her naturally curly hair.

Lauren's Links

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Review of Wedding Bells in Christmas (Christmas, Colorado #4) by Debbie Mason

"Give me your pickle, slick." - Chance McBride

Wedding Bells in Christmas
Series: Christmas, Colorado # 4
Author: Debbie Mason
Publisher: Forever
Release Date: May 26th, 2015
Source: Netgalley

Buy Links: Amazon - B&N - iTunes - Kobo
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To have and to hold from this day forward

Wedding bells are ringing in the charming town of Christmas, but not for Vivian Westfield. She's just had her heart trampled under the cowboy boots of Chance McBride and lost her dream job at a big-city newspaper. But when she returns for a wedding, she stumbles on a story that could resurrect her career. First, though, she'll have to deal with the handsome man standing in her way . . . and a still-burning flame that's too hot to ignore.

Chance recognizes trouble when he sees it. He just didn't expect to find it in the first-class cabin on the flight home for his father's wedding. Yet there she is, as gorgeous as ever. Vivi dared Chance to want things he knew he could never have. It's why he left her. But Christmas's meddling matchmakers have them firmly in their sights. So if they want to survive the next week, they'll have to play the part of an adoring couple-an irresistible charade that may give them a second chance at the real thing . . .

Wedding Bells in Christmas, the fourth book in author Debbie Mason's Christmas, Colorado series, was charming blend of sweet with just a hint of spicy. I adored watching Chance and Vivi fall in forever. Broken after the sudden death of his wife and daughter, Chance McBride never wants to feel what he felt when his world fell apart. If that means letting go of what might be his last chance at love, then so be it. However, he just can't bring himself to let her go. After losing her job and falling hopelessly in love with a man she knows she can't have, Vivi Westfield is left wondering where her life is taking her. One thing is for certain, she's a lovable scaredy-cat that'll jump at her own shadow. I enjoyed Wedding Bells in Christmas. I loved the characters and had fun getting to know all of their kookiness. I loved that is was a clean, fade to black romance with the perfect amount of sexual chemistry to get my imagination churning. The mystery behind Kate's death and the drugstore burglaries wasn't overpowering, but added another layer to the story. One regret I have is that I started the series with this book and it felt as if I was missing a piece of Vivi and Chance's backstory. They knew each other previously and while most of their history is explained throughout Wedding Bells in Christmas, I still felt that there were elements that were not and I wished I knew what had happened. With that said, it didn't have a big impact on how I felt about the story. It was fully my fault and now I want to go back to the first book to see what I missed. Plus I really want to know more about Aunt Nell's books. Overall, Wedding Bells in Christmas was an adorable, quick read that sparked my hidden love of sweet romances.

Debbie Mason is the bestselling author of the Christmas, Colorado series. Her books have been praised for their "likable characters, clever dialogue and juicy plots" (RT Book Reviews). She also writes historical paranormals as Debbie Mazzuca. Her MacLeod series has received several nominations for best paranormal as well as a Holt Medallion Award of Merit. When she isn't writing or reading, Debbie enjoys spending time with her very own real-life hero, their four wonderful children, an adorable grandbaby, and a yappy Yorkie named Bella.

Author Links

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