Tag Archives: Anthology

Andrea by M.A. Abraham/ Magnetic Allure by DM Earl – Reviews

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Andrea by M.A. Abraham/ Magnetic Allure by DM Earl (Ignite Your Soul Charity Anthology- Reviews

 

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Anthology :

The Ignite Your Soul Author Event is celebrating its 10TH ANNIVERSARY! The sale of this anthology is supporting the SickKids Foundation.

From the authors of Ignite Your Soul Author Event, a collection of short love stories from meet-cute to second chances, sweet to spicy, there’s something within these pages for every romance lover.

Anthology Author List

Crystal St.Clair   
Erin Cristofoli 
J.C. Hannigan 
Cassidy London 
JA Lafrance
AW Clarke 
C.A. King 
Kayleigh Malcolm 
Shana Gray 
M.A. Abraham
Allison M. Cosgrove
Amy Ruttan 
Anjelica Grace 
Devin Sloane 
D M Earl
Jennifer Luerssen
Kendra Mei Chailyn
Melinda Falgoust 
Rachel Hope
Tricia Daniels2 

 

Andrea Description:
Andrea knows her past life is over. Now, laying in a hospital bed with her mother’s last words resonating in her mind, she waits in silence for her aunt. Only to her will she tell her secret before taking her place amongst those her parents trusted to protect and guide her.

•••••••••••••

Review:

Andrea by M.A. Abraham is a novella that is part of the Ignite Your Soul Anthology. Above is the list of authors participating in this Anthology. Since I read all of M.A. Abraham’s work, this review is only on her novella Andrea.

Andrea’s family were all killed in a car crash accident, with only Andrea surviving.  She remembered her mother’s final words before her death… “Remember what I am about to tell you; Andrea, your Zia Donna will be coming for you, or perhaps just her husband. When they arrive, they will address you as Dree, not Andrea. By doing this, you will know they are who they say they are, and are family. Trust no one who tries to take you out of the hospital but them”

Andrea is only 16, and until she sees her aunt or uncle, she pretends to still be in a semi-coma. She has been told to tell them this was no accident, that this was deliberate. Her uncle will know who order the hit, and he will keep her safe.  Her aunt and uncle, Donna and Benito, arrive from Italy, with the sons of Don Tammaso. Zia Donna whispers into her niece’s ear. “Mia Bella Dree. I have come for you. Andrea awakes, as she heard her aunt call her Mia Bella Dree. 

Andrea has a lot of pain, as well as suffering from the loss of her family; it will take time for the wounds to heal. All Andrea wants is to leave the hospital, and after disagreements with the doctor and family, she finally is released.  Andrea arrived in Italy, still very much in pain; they arrived at Don Tommaso’s home, who she meets, but she will be in the care of Zia Donna and Benito.  Luca, who is Don Tommaso’s son, is assigned to go to America, run the estate and investigate who was behind the attack.  As he leaves, he knows that one day in the far future, Andrea will be his.  The novella leaves things open, as Andrea will take a long time to recover, and until she reaches 18, she then could return to America.  I look forward to see when M.A. Abraham will complete this book, as it looks like a very good story.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for review

_____________

MAGNETIC ALLURE
Ignite Your Soul Anthology
by DM Earl
Release Date: June 19, 2024
Genre: adult, contemporary,

As a traveling nurse, Luna Zawacki, loves the freedom her job provides Seeing new places and meeting new people always makes the work more interesting and exciting. However, a transient lifestyle makes little time for personal or even romantic connections. But when two young girls are rushed into her emergency room after a tragic car accident leaves the daughters without parents, Luna can’t resist the pull the girls’ loss has on her heartstrings. Ensuring their safety and well-being while they recover become her top priority.

Being on the hospital board poses some challenges for Eli Stanford. He likes to keep his work at work, and his home life separate from his business. But everything changes when his two nieces are fighting for their lives after a fatal crush kills his sister (brother?). Now, more than ever, Eli must trust the hospital to care for the girls. Luckily, the determined and compassionate nurse assigned to his nieces shares his vision.

As Luna and Eli drop everything to focus on the care of the innocent girls, the two grow closer. But is the magnetic allure that pulls them together a reaction to trauma or will Eli and Luna find a real connection after the devastation subsides?

••••••••

REVIEW:MAGNETIC ALLURE by DM Earl is a contemporary, adult short story, part of the IGNITE YOUR SOUL charity anthology. This is travelling nurse Luna Zawacki, and businessman Eli Stanford’s introductory story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Luna and Eli) MAGNETIC ALLURE follows in the wake of a deadly accident that took the lives of Eli’s brother and his wife but left their two children struggling to survive. Luna Zawacki is a travelling nurse, working the ICU when the children are brought in but Luna never expected to come face to face with her future in the guise of Eli Stanford, the children’s uncle. A quick introduction, and a mutual need for space, finds our couple spending the night together as they make plans for potentially something more.

MAGNETIC ALLURE is a fast paced, quick read, approximately five chapters in length that reveals the introduction to our story line couple. The premise is engaging and captivating; the romance is fast and passionate but mostly implied; the characters are single minded and strong-willed. MAGNETIC ALLURE ends on a bit of a cliff hanger-there is more to come.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Lady in Glass and Other Stories by Anne Bishop – a Review

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The Lady in Glass and Other Stories by Anne Bishop – a Review

 

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Description:
A magical collection of stories new and old spanning across all of Anne Bishop’s most beloved fantasy worlds.

Here, together for the first time, the shorter works of New York Times bestselling fantasy author Anne Bishop are included in one dazzling volume.

A master of bringing fantasy worlds to life, this collection showcases Bishop’s impressive range, from rarities of her earliest writing to the Realms of the Blood, from darker fairytale retellings to the Landscapes of Ephemera, and from standalone stories of space exploration and fantastical creatures to the contemporary fantasy terrain of the World of the Others.

Includes previously published and unpublished tales, as well as two brand-new stories, written especially for this “Friends and Corpses,” a murder mystery in which the corpse has some decidedly unusual qualities, and “Home for the Howlidays,” a heartwarming return to the Blood Prophet Meg Corbyn and the shapeshifting Simon Wolfgard from The Others.

 

 

Review:

The Lady in Glass and Other Stories is an anthology of a collection of short stories written by Anne Bishop throughout her career.   Anne Bishop is a master in creating wonderful fantasies, which I have loved them all.  Some of these stories are previously published or unpublished tales from her fantastic fantasy world of amazing books; which include my favorites, Black Jewels, Ephemera, and the World of the Others. Two brand-new stories include Home for the Howlidays (The Others), and Friends and Corpses (unusual murder mystery).

Some of the collections were very short from her early days, and others were longer; such as from Realms of the Blood, Fairytales, Landscapes of Ephemera and the World of The Others. Of course, my favorites were from Black Jewels and The Others, though I have loved everything she has written.

Black Jewels has always been my go to all-time series (I never have enough from this series), and every time Anne gives us a new book, I cannot wait to savor it.  I loved reading more or reminding me of these two additions. It was wonderful to read more about Jaenelle, Lucifer, Daemon and Surreal.

Home for the Howlidays was a wonderful new addition to The Others, as this took place after Etched in Bone. I loved seeing Meg Corbyn, Simon Wolfgard, and all our favorites from this series; it was so much fun to read. I’m would love to have more from the Courtyard and the World of the Others.  The Dark Ship was also very good, with everyone, including the elementals trying to save two officers, as the Elders are creating havoc to stop the evil humans from killing.

Friends and Corpses is one of the new stories, which is a murder mystery, with corpses remaining alive for a short time. It is an unusual story, with solving the mystery, as well as the police controlling these zombies, it was actually good, but very different.

As noted above, I am a big fan of Anne Bishop, loving all of her series, as she is a master at creating wonderful unique fantasy worlds.  I look forward to what she gives us next.  If you are a Fantasy lover, I wholly suggest you read anything by Anne Bishop.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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Holiday Heroes by Janie Crouch / Regan Black-review

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Holiday Heroes (Never Too Late for Love) by Janie Crouch / Regan Black-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 6, 2023

These heroes will protect their women from danger and won’t let them spend the holidays alone…

Includes two full books for one great price!

A Fairytale Hero — Jackson Prince thought love was done for him when his wife died five years ago. But the shy girl he never forgot from high school saving his life on Christmas Eve proves him wrong. Now they’ll both learn it’s never too late for love.

A Hero in Paradise – The holidays lost their shine for Will Frasier after his wife passed. Bucking traditions, he’s headed for Key West to do a friend a favor. One that brings him face to face with a woman who still believes in miracles… and that it’s never too late for love.

•••••

REVIEW: A FAIRYTALE HERO by Janie Crouch is the introductory novella in Josie Jade’s contemporary adult, romantic suspense PRINCES OF FAIRYTALE, COLORADO series focusing on the Prince family. This is fifty-four year old widower, former US Army Ranger and patriarch of the Prince family Jackson Prince, and fifty-one year old divorcee, and cafe owner Chandra Priestly’s story line.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Jackson and Chandra) A FAIRYTALE HERO follows the Chandra and Jackson, on the run, from the men targeting our story line hero. Jackson Prince has been working undercover with his son, Fairytale’s Sheriff Beau Prince, and Jackson has witnessed something that placed him in the direct line of fire. With three men looking for Jackson, our hero seeks refuge on Christmas Eve with the local cafe owner, a woman he once knew, years before. Enter Fairytale Colorado cafe owner Chandra Priestly, and the woman who would lay claim to his heart as our couple struggle to stay one step ahead of the men taking aim at our story line hero.

A FAIRYTALE HERO is a story of power and control, family and relationships, friendships and acceptance. The premise is intriguing and entertaining; the romance has only started and mostly implied; the characters are charismatic and charming.

__________

REVIEW: A HERO IN PARADISE by Regan Black is a contemporary, adult stand alone, romantic suspense story line in the Never Too Late for Love multi-authored series. This is widower/father/police officer/security specialist Will Frasier, and single mother/bar owner Maureen Lassiter’s story line. A HERO IN PARADISE is loosely connected to the author’s Brotherhood Protectors World/The Guardian Agency series.

Told from omniscient dual third person perspectives (Will and Maureen) HOLIDAY HEROES picks up two days before Christmas wherein our heroine is a partial witness to a murder behind the Key West Beachcomber bar of which she owns. Calling in protection from the Guardian Agency, Maureen will be up close and personal with police officer Will Frasier, the man with whom Maureen will fall in love. The local police and Will believe Maureen has become a target for what she saw, and with the help of Will, and his sons David, Eli and Lance, Maureen’s life will be saved several times. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between our story line couple, and the potential fall-out as Will begins to suspect something darker behind the scenes.

The relationship between Will and Maureen begins as an assignment but quickly grows into something more as our couple are pushed together by circumstance and chance.Someone has targeted our story line heroine, and Will is determined to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love. The $ex scenes are all implied.

The world building reveals Will and Maureen’s histories: their lives and loves, their losses and family, including marriage and children.

We are introduced to Will’s sons David, Eli and Lance, as well as local police officer Jenkins, and Maureen’s son Tim.

A HERO IN PARADISE is a story of betrayal and power, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The premise is dramatic yet endearing; the romance is subtle; the characters are dynamic and charismatic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Bane & Bound (Twisted Legends 10) by Crimson Syn-Review Tour

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Bane & Bound (Twisted Legends 10) by Crimson Syn-Review Tour

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Legend has it that Hellhounds are the gatekeepers of hell.
​​​​​​​They are sent to stalk those who owe their souls to the Devil.
In a moment of despair, Beau Kavanaugh is given an ultimatum.
A deal that will cost him more than just his soul.
Being dragged into the depths of hell, he is bound to pay off a century’s old debt.
There are one million souls to collect,
And there’s only one left.
With his contract fulfilled,
Beau will finally be able to get back to a life he never lived, or so that’s what was promised.
And no one ever said the devil keeps his promises.

Elora Wolfsbane lives a life of solitude.
She’s fought the darkness for as long as she can remember.
A witch’s daughter, wiccan blood runs through her veins.
The only source of protection against her father’s ill decisions.
A promise was made to the devil a long time ago,
An exchange of one soul for the next.
Now she finds herself slaying demons, fighting for her right to live.
But the only way to fight the devil,
Is to stay pure of mind, body, and soul.
A task seemingly impossible, when Beau Kavanaugh is near.

Beau has one job,
To hunt down Elora’s soul and drag it back down to the Dark Prince,
where she’ll reign by his side.
But what happens when a contract is broken
And a Hellhound decides to pay the price for the living?
Will he be forgiven, or will he drag Elora down with him to forever burn in the depths of hell?

•••••••

REVIEW:BANE & BOUND by Crimson Syn is an adult paranormal/fantasy romance story line found in the multi-authored TWISTED LEGENDS collection focusing on gods and demons, the fallen and their prey. This is H*llhound/vessel Beau Kavanaugh, and book store owner/demon hunter Elora Wolfsbane’s story line. BANE & BOUND can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Beau and Elora) following several times lines, BANE & BOUND focuses on the hunt for a soul. Beau Kavanaugh lost his life early in the twentieth century but given a choice between eternal damnation or a vessel for H*ll Beau chose to work for the Devil himself. Opting to be bound with a H*llhound, Beau became a soul collector, tasked with capturing one million souls, returning them to Lucifer for all eternity but when his final task was revealed, Beau would come face to face with his H*llhound’s fated mate, a woman whose soul is Beau’s final task. Having to outwit and outrun Ashdemai, the demon of lust, and perform a task for Kimaris, the demon of hidden treasures, our couple quickly discover the soul Beau is looking for has been bound to someone else. What ensues is the building but tempestuous relationship between Beau and Elora, and the fall-out as Beau makes a deal for a life and Elora’s soul.

The relationship between Beau and Elora begins when Beau is tasked with one final collection, retrieving Elora’s soul for Lucifer but Elora’s soul have been bound to someone else, and Beau and his H*llhound have fallen for our story line heroine. Elora is something not quite human, and the power that surrounds our heroine is a power bequeathed from someone else. As the attraction and need between Beau and Elora continues to grow, there may be no happily ever after for a couple cursed to live their life in H*ll.

The secondary and supporting characters include Lucifer; the fallen angel turned demon Kimaris; Ashdemai, the demon of Lust, as well as Elora’s best friend and witch Karma.

BANE & BOUND is a fast paced story of sins and sacrifice, penance and love. The premise is dark and heart breaking; the romance is seductive and fated; the characters are powerful, dangerous, determined and cursed.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

My name is Crimson Syn, not really, but what fun is it to use my real name. Instead I’ll use my inner goddess’ name, it’s much more fun that way. I grew up in New York City where I had a wonderful education, loving parents and awesome friends. What more could a girl ask for?

I started writing at the age of sixteen. The first romance I read was Stephanie Laurens’ Devil’s Bride. Since then I have been influenced by dozens of flourishing romance authors and even more dashing and daring rogues. I must say it, but Fifty Shades was not my first erotic romance, nor did it influence me to start writing them. If you’ve never read Mary Balogh, Elizabeth Hoyt, Lisa Kleypas, Bertrice Small or A.N. Roquelaure’s Sleeping Beauty trilogy, then you’re missing out. Those were my sweet introductions to erotic romance, and boy were they hot.

So here I am, after reading so many wonderful stories, I have too many sinful tales of my own not to share. I like my alphas rough and possessive, and I have no shame in saying it or writing it. I had delightfully wicked teachers growing up, their books took me to new worlds and brought me new loves. So, I want to do the same for you. I want to indulge my readers in those steamy reads that will send them into the arms of dangerous alphas and deliciously sexy rogues, without leaving the confines of their nice warm bed. If I am able to entice your inner goddesses, then I have done my job and I am satisfied.

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Hidden Treasures (Together We Stand) by M.A. Abraham – a Review

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Hidden Treasures (Together We Stand Anthology) by M.A. Abraham – a Review

 

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Charity anthology ebook ONLY 99c

 

Description:
They are hunted from the moment of their birth, their parents, and all of the Drakes will fight to the death to protect them.

Sequestered on an island with the young girls, Nonnie teaches these Hidden Treasures.

They will grow powerful as they age, enough to challenge the world, and their mates, as they forge new paths into the future for their people.

For they are Drakaina, and they will survive

 

 

Review:

Together We Stand is a multi-authored anthology. Below is my review on M.A. Abraham’s Hidden Treasures story. 

The story revolves around the Drakaina girls, who from their birth are protected by the Drakes.  Every summer all Drakaina are sent to an island for private schooling, which in this world can go on for 50 years; when they reach maturity, they should be able to survive in the outside world of humans and Dragon Hunters.

Nonnie is the one who will teach the girls how to behave, act in front of people, and in time learn how to defend themselves.  We meet all the girls, three of whom, are Nonnie’s granddaughters; with all the girls being beautiful, wily, precocious and adventurous. Nonnie is always in control when she watches over them, challenging them to expand their knowledge, as well as well as being strict; especially as they age, they will become very powerful. They will in the latter years, start thinking about meeting their mates.

Nonnie was a wonderful character who worked hard to meld them to be ready to handle the future.  It was nice to get to see each summer, as the girls got older, the ones who would excel.  Of course, her granddaughters were very good, especially the youngest, who became the one who most of the girls followed.

Hidden Treasures was a fun and interesting short story, that gave us a glimpse at how the Drakes trained and looked after their young Drakaina girls.  I really enjoyed this lighthearted story, that was a different kind of read.   Hidden Treasures was very well written by M.A. Abraham.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for review

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?Trek (Royal Bastards MC:Savannah GA) by Erin Trejo-review tour

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?☠️? Trek (Royal Bastards MC:Savannah GA Chapter) by Erin Trejo-review tour 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 21, 2022

My life was going according to plan.
I lived it to the fullest and destroyed the trafficking rings we located.
Then she ran through my front door, a blast from the past. She was broken and needed protection. Who was I to tell her no?
The club took her in. I took her in and made it my mission to find those who hurt her. However, her shattered soul was almost too much for me to handle.
She needed things, things I wanted to give her.
Now I’m struggling with my choices of what’s right and wrong.
Can I love the girl she is now?

•••••

REVIEW:TREK (Royal Bastards MC: Savannah GA Chapter) is author Erin Trejo’s contribution to the multi-authored ROYAL BASTARDS MC series. This is Trek and Heidi’s storyline.

WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there will be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Trek and Heidi) TREK focuses on the take down of a sexual trafficking ring thought to be set up close to the RBMC’s backyard but Trek never expected to come face to face with a ghost from his past, the woman who once stirred something deep within our story line hero. Heidi was kidnapped, used and abused, and in this struggles to maintain any sense of normalcy in the face of months under the control of someone else. Unable to return to society, Heidi finds herself in the hands of the RBMC, and the man with whom she will fall in love. What ensues is the highly sexual relationship between Heidi and Trek, and the fall-out as several members of the Royal B*stards MC finds themselves at a disadvantage, unable to take down the man in charge.

The relationship between Trek and Heidi is one of second chances, of a sorts. Heidi and Trek aka Rory were childhood friends but life took Trek in another direction, and Heidi found herself a survivor of the ultimate betrayal. Heidi struggles with her freedom, with no path going forward, and Trek wants revenge for the woman with whom he is falling in love. The $ex scenes are aggressive and erotic.

We are introduced to several members of Erin Trejo’s RBMC: Savannah Georgia Chapter including VicPresident Drake and Evie (Blood Lust), Demon and Cheryl (Unbreak Me), and Rage (Bleed for Me). The requisite evil has many faces.

TREK is a quick read; a graphic, gritty, raw and dark story of abuse, violence, and retribution but I was hoping for a little more story set up and world building. The characters are broken but healing.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

I am a wife, mother, child chauffeur and author. I love being able to create different characters and spin a web that makes them come together in the end. My books do not stick to just one genre, they span many.

I write about things that are real life situations and fairy tales are not always smooth sailing. My MC books are hard and gritty and they have struggles just like you would in life.

I also have books that are not so in your face. There are several that are good love stories that are fraught with issues that the characters have to deal with.

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A Very Naughty MC Christmas by KL Savage et el-review tour

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A Very Naughty MC Christmas Anthology by KL Savage, Cassandra Robbins et el-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 30, 2021

Tis the season for an MC Christmas. 10 steamy stories sure to make the naughty list this year.

••••••••

REVIEW:NOTE: A VERY NAUGHTY MC CHRISTMAS contains graphic language, text, and sexual scenarios that may not be suitable for all readers.

My review covers KL Savage, and Cassandra Robbins’ story line.

ELLE’S MISCHIEF (Ruthless Kings MC) by KL Savage

Told from several firsts person perspectives including Elle, Poodle, Reaper and Braveheart, ELLE’S MISCHIEF focuses on James ‘Poodle’ Winston’s fourteen year old daughter Ellie and her obsession with learning to drive a motorcycle. Convincing her father to teach her to drive, Ellie is surprised when Poodle finally relents, and allows Ellie to take his bike for a spin. With the approach of the Christmas holidays, Ellie, along with Reaper’s adopted daughter Maizey, want to shop for their MC uncles, so Maizey convinces a reluctant Ellie to drive to the store, taking Reaper’s motorcycle in the process but all does not go well, and Ellie and Maizey find themselves in a precarious position facing the wrath of the Ruthless Kings president.

The epilogue of ELLE’S MISCHIEF advances the series approximately four years wherein we see a possible love interest for Poodle’s now eighteen year old daughter Ellie, and the potential fall out as Ellie’s crush believes there is no way he is going to survive.

ELLE’S MISCHIEF is a quick read; a fast paced, holiday novella where many of the previous story line characters from KL Savage’s interconnected series are reunited for a Christmas celebration. The premise is entertaining; the $ex scenes are intimate and provocative; the characters are familiar, colorful and charismatic.

______

CLUBHOUSE CHRISTMAS (The Disciples 4.5) by Cassandra Robbins

Told from several first person perspective (Blade, Axel, Edge, Poet,Ryder) CLUBHOUSE CHRISTMAS focuses on several couples on Christmas morning as the Disciples MC embark on a Christmas celebration but all is not well when the Club wakes to the destruction of the clubhouse decorations.

The reader is up close and personal with club president Blade and his wife Eve McCormick, Axel and Antoinette Fontaine, Edge and Dolly Daniels, Poet and Charlie on Christmas morning as each couple prepares for the day, and Blade tries to gain control of a disastrous holiday celebration.

CLUBHOUSE CHRISTMAS is another quick read; fast paced holiday novella that revisits the previous story line couples, their growing and expanding families, and their struggles to move forward. The premise is engaging; the characters are familiar and edgy; the $ex scenes are provocative and raw. Ryder’s story is next.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS

L. Wilder: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLeslieWilder

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Sandy Alvarez & Crystal Daniels: https://www.facebook.com/Authors.SandyAlvarez.CrystalDaniels

K.L. Savage: https://www.facebook.com/k.l.savage.author

Cassandra Robbins: https://www.facebook.com/cassandrafayerobbins

Lilly Atlas: https://www.facebook.com/lillyatlasbooks

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Holiday Ever After by Jill Shalvis – a Review

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Holiday Ever After by Jill Shalvis – a Review

 

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Description:
Three fan-favorite Jill Shalvis novellas are together for the first time in this holiday anthology!

One Snowy Night
It’s Christmas Eve and Rory Andrews is desperate to get home to her family. Problem is, her only ride to Lake Tahoe comes in the form of the annoyingly handsome Max Stranton, her long-time crush, and his big, goofy, lovable dog. A long road trip in a massive blizzard might be just what they need to face their past…and one steamy, snowy night is all it takes to bring Max and Rory together at last.

Holiday Wishes
When Sean O’Riley shows up for his older brother’s bachelor weekend, the last person he expects to see is Lotti Hartford, the woman he lost his virginity to a decade ago. As the weekend continues, Sean realizes he wants to leave his hook-up life behind, but can he convince Lotti to open her heart to him again?

Mistletoe in Paradise
Years after their secret fling ended, Hannah isn’t eager to see James during their families’ annual joint holiday-themed yacht adventure. But when they’re the only people who show up, James and Hannah are stuck together on the high seas for days. As the former lovers try to make the best of the Christmas snafu, they soon realize the best things in life can’t be planned, and sometimes love is sweeter the second time around. 

 

 

Review:

Holiday Ever After by Jill Shalvis is a holiday bonanza with three novellas (from Heartbreaker and Wildstone series).

One Snowy Night
We meet our heroine, Rory Andrews, as she needs a ride home for the holidays, and is surprised when her friend asked Max Stranton to give her a ride home, since he doesn’t live far from Lake Tahoe.  She reluctantly accepts the ride, and Rory gets a kick out of Max’s dog, Carl; since she is a dog groomer and she knows Carl loves her. Cute.  Rory did see Max lately, as he worked in the same building as her, and she usually groomed, Carl.
 
Rory and Max were friends in high school, but though she had a crush on him, nothing ever developed, and she left home at the age of 17, rarely coming back.  Along the way home, they run into a blizzard, which will allow them to get to rekindle their friendship, and get know each other more. In a very short time, the chemistry between them heats up.  I found it nice that Max stood up for Rory when they arrived at her home, especially since she hasn’t been home for a long time.  This was a fun cute story, and a couple we rooted hard for to stay together.

 

Holiday Wishes
Sean O’Riley had planned his brother’s bachelor/bachelorette weekend, and the entire group of friends (boys and girls) arrive at the Bed and Breakfast to enjoy the weekend before the wedding. Sean is surprised to recognize the person in charge of the Inn. Lotti Hanfield runs her family’s B&B, and is shocked to meet the boy (now man), who broke her heart, and has never seen him since then.  When she ignores him, his brother and friends tease him that this woman wants nothing to do with him.  Sean has always been a playboy, but lately when seeing all his friends begin to settle down, he feels the change in wanting to find someone to spend forever with.

Lotti has been hurt before, and is not interested in Sean’s attempts to show her that he is a changed man.  Lotti has made plans to close the B&B for two weeks for a vacation, but the nasty blizzard will change things.  Everyone is very pleased with how Lotti has arranged everything for the group (events and food). But now that no one can leave, Sean convinces Lotti to help him set up an impromptu wedding at the B&B; but with a food shortage, she was able get some stuff from local neighbors, and they all worked together to decorate the wedding.  Being stuck at the inn for a couple of more days, was just perfect for them to fall for each other, as they had great chemistry.  This story was lots of fun and enjoyable, and also great to see so many of our favorites from previous books. 

 

Mistletoe in Paridise
Hannah Banfield, our heroine, is a workaholic as a health care advocate, with little time to spare.  But with Christmas close, she agrees to join her father on their annual Caribbean yacht trip; but she also knows her mother is not coming, and Hannah needs to give her father her mother’s divorce papers.  To her surprise, her father also invited James, who was Hannah’s love years ago. 

James Webber, our hero, was happy to see Hannah, but both are surprised when the yacht starts moving with only the two of them (James’s family also used to attend the annual trip), as well as her father and another person.  While stuck together for a few days, James and Hannah talk about their lives, and how both are buried in their work.  They talk about the death of James’s brother, and how it changed their lives.  James sees Hannah constantly interrupted on her cell for work, and learns how she is now working in health care, especially since the death of Jason.  James also explains he needs to change his life, as he has his own business (expedition company), but also works overtime to handle his father’s company.  He plans to tell his father that he is quitting and work only on his business. 

When Hannah’s father leaves them at a stop for a day or two to spend time alone, both James and Hannah realize that they still love each other.  It was sweet and wonderful to see them work past the issues that have kept their lives at a standstill, and needed to open themselves to being happy.  I really loved James and Hannah together, and their eventual happy ever after.

Holiday Ever After was fun to read, as all three novellas were great.  No surprise here, as Jill Shalvis is one of the best at writing wonderful sweet romances. If you have not read her books, you are missing a gem of an author. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

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