Tag Archives: Christmas Reviews

The Christmas Cottage by Samantha Chase-a review

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The Christmas Cottage by Samantha Chase-a review

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The Christmas Cottage
by Samantha Chase
Genre: contemporary, romance
Release Date: November 2012

the christmas cottage

ebook .99cents : Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 2012

Any couple who spends the night in the Christmas cottage shall have love everlasting… Lacey Quinn did not believe in happily ever after or the legend of the Christmas cottage. As maid of honor for her best friend Ava, her duties included decorating the cottage for the newlyweds. It was a simple enough task, but she hadn’t counted on sexy Ean Callahan, the bride-to-be’s brother, to be assisting her. Spending the evening ensconced in the overly romantic setting while a blizzard howls outside has Lacey wondering if fairy tales really do come true…

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I am grinning from ear to ear after reading THE CHRISTMAS COTTAGE by Samantha Chase. It starts with the legend of the Christmas cottage. When a couple spends their wedding night at this cottage, they shall have everlasting love. Well, bridesmaid Lacey doesn’t buy it, but bride Ava has a binder full of jobs that Lacey must do to get the cottage ready for her wedding. Did I mention that Ava is a Bridezilla or that I wanted to punch her in the throat from time to time? Lacey humors her lifelong best friend and drives up to the cottage to make plans. Unknown to her, her childhood crush and Ava’s brother, Ean is there and they get snowed in for the night. No spoilers here, but I think that Ean and Lacey get reacquainted really fast!

Can there be love everlasting for our two main characters? This is a beautiful love story, a romance between two people who have known each other all of the lives. There are some beautiful quotes concerning their love.

Ean has this swoon worthy thought: “Lacey Quinn owned a part of his heart that he was just now realizing had always belonged to her and he had no idea what to do about it”.

The question is, does flighty Ava end up getting married on Christmas Eve or does she have other plans? This is a love story that you need to read in one sitting, I hope that you smile along as Ean and Lacey navigate their own happy ever after!

Reviewed by Jules

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Christmas Kisses by H.M. Ward- a review

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Christmas Kisses (Winter Kisses #1) by H.M. Ward-a review

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Christmas Kisses
Winter Kisses #1
by H.J. Ward
Release Date: December 2012
Genre: contemporary, romance, adult

Christmas Kisses

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

How hard is it to NOT have sex with him? Lust has melted Holly Connelly’s brain and it’s all Ryan Darcy’s fault. He’s been ruthlessly flirting with her for the past three years. Ryan’s a sex god complete with sinful body, endless wit, and an orgasm-inducing smile. One sultry look from him will make her panties jump off her body. His endless string of one-night stands has Holly thinking she’ll be just another conquest. Since she actually has feelings for the guy, it makes it that much harder to put off his advances. When they get trapped together by a snowstorm, it’s all she can do to resist him. If Holly says yes, she’ll probably regret it. If she says no, she’ll always wonder what if.

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Holly and Ryan have been pining after each other for 3 long years, but never acted upon it for fear of rejection. They couldn’t be more wrong! Now that Holly’s home for winter break…will they get their Christmas miracle? Not only had I heard so many positive things about H.M. Ward, but realizing Christmas Kisses fell under the New Adult genre, I jumped at the opportunity. It gave me so much more than I expected, it was my own little Christmas gift!

I thought we were going home. I thought we’d chat and catch up along the way, and maybe share a goodnight kiss.

I’ve never been more wrong about anything in my life.

Ugh…STILL swooning as I write this review! Holly is back in Long Island six months after a hasty two-step to Texas (see what I did there?). A bad breakup will do that to a broken-hearted girl. Seems Ryan was left out of the loop over Holly’s mad dash and realizes it mattered to him; he wished he would have known Holly was leaving to…to…finally tell her how much he liked her. Had Holly even suspected Ryan reciprocated her feelings…well, we wouldn’t have this terrific book, now would we?

An impromptu meeting at a club reignites those repressed feelings! The time to act is now (especially since Holly is flying back to school on January 1st), but Ryan and Holly are so unaccustomed to being more than friends (they’d always enjoyed each other’s company while silently drooling over one another), that the awkwardness sets in…and fires off a series of misreads that had me clamoring for clarity!!! That’s part of the allure of this genre, however. NA follows high school into college when experimentation is at its peak and the lead couple is supposed to misunderstand, to confuse the obvious. You know you were there once upon a time! [Symbol] It’s the magic we feel/read when courage to reveal their true feelings surfaces.

My brain says we should just tell him. My heart thinks we should just tell him. My body thinks we should just take the syrup over there, pour it over his sexy body, and lick him.

I loved it all…pre-admissions and post-swoons. It was a fantastic read! Angst, joy, steamy seduction, and most important: Making the best out of missed opportunities. The cover models graced one of my favorite books, so I am not embarrassed to say it was a package deal! You cannot go wrong with this book and I will be researching more by this author.

The 132 page short story may be titled Christmas Kisses, but so much more happens along the way in this delight!

Reviewed by Carmen

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Holiday Games by Jaci Burton – a Review

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Holiday Games by Jaci Burton – a Review

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Holiday Games
Play by Play – Book #6.5
by Jaci Burton
Release Date: November 19, 2013
Holiday GamesLinks to order Holiday Games: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

Description:
“A Riley wedding is in the works, a Riley Christmas means a house full of family, and baby making is on Liz Riley’s mind. Chasing Gavin around and meeting in dark closets can be fun, but Liz is more than a little determined. Even with family in every corner of the house, Gavin is more than ready to do whatever Liz wants—especially when sex is involved. It’s a Riley family Christmas.”

 

Review;

For anyone who is a fan of Jaci Burton and her Play-by-Play series then this short story is a must.  It’s a nice reunion of sorts with all the members of the Riley family and their significant others.  I really enjoyed being able to revisit with all these characters and see what they have been up to. Ms. Burton has created a wonderful set of characters within the Riley family and their significant others and all are showcased nicely in this story.  I also love that fact that the story takes place around Christmas, with a Christmas wedding taking place, and thoughts of baby making running through Liz’s head. Oh what a fun filled Riley Christmas this is turning out to be.

Since this story is more of a reunion of sorts for Burton fans and her Riley family characters, not much in terms of drama takes place.  It’s more of a relaxed, laid back type of story, and having the chance to catch up with our favourite characters from past books.  It’s wonderful celebration of family and friends.  Don’t get me wrong, Ms. Burton makes sure she has enough sizzle in the book between Gavin and Liz as they try to get pregnant, and Liz is not shy about this with Gavin.  She will steal any chance she can to get Gavin alone and into baby making mode.  We really get to see just how much they’ve grown as a couple and that their life together is still sizzling.   The love they have for each other runs deep and it’s shown time and time again in every scene they have together.  Not only are Liz and Gavin blissfully happy, but so too are all the other couples.  Even though the major plot line centers around Liz and Gavin and her quest to have his child, we are also treated to a Christmas wedding between Ty and Jenna(Taking a Shot).  There is no shortage of love and happiness  this holiday season within the Riley family.

Being a fan of this series I enjoyed Holiday Games. I liked the overall setup of the story, being able to revisit with and catch up with past couples. It’s nice to see the family camaraderie during sporting events, and even nicer to see just how close this family is, and what they all mean to each other.  The Bachelorette and Bachelor party scenes for Jenna and Tyler are fun filled, and add the perfect balance to the emotional turmoil Liz is going through as she tries to have Gavin’s baby. The scenes between Liz and Gavin are touching and heartfelt and the emotion between the two pours off the pages.  Jaci Burton has written a wonderful short story that takes place over the holidays, well showcasing all of her amazing characters who make up the Riley family in her Play-by-Play series.  For anyone who is a fan of her Play-by-Play series this one is a lovely bonus to the series.

Happy Holidays and a very Merry Christmas

Happy Reading, until next time! 

Reviewed by Marcie

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Home For Christmas by Kristin Holt-a review

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Home for Christmas by Kristin Holt-a review

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Home for Christmas
by Kristin Holt
Release Date: September 20, 2013
Genre: historical, romance

Home for christmas

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 20, 2013

ebook only .99cents: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

Miranda sneaks home after a long absence, determined to avoid her former fiance. But Hunter wants far more than his old role as brother-in-law-to-be. Abundant Christmas spirit, matchmaking mothers, and hometown holiday celebrations conspire against Miranda’s plans for a quiet, at-home Christmas. Her heart doesn’t stand a chance.

••••••••••••••••

When I was a kid, I loved reading Laura Ingalls Wilder Little House on the Prairie books. This Christmas story reminded me of that time. This was a very romantic Christmas story, complete with horse and buggy rides in the snow, playing secret Santa to deserving families and the type of love story that will weather any storm.

When Miranda thought she had found her happy ever after with Warren, she is stunned when he ends their relationship on their wedding day. She leaves town for three years, trying to recover from the embarrassment and the lose of her love. She decides to come home for the holidays although she is apprehensive about seeing Warren. What she didn’t expect was Warren’s brother would be the one to show her what love really is. Hunter has loved Miranda for years but never told Miranda out of respect of his brother. But now that Miranda is back and he has a chance to love her, he refuses to let her get away.

This is a very sweet and romantic story. It’s perfect for Christmas time and has the happy ending that we all love to read about.

Reviewed by Tricia

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The Christmas Cuckoo by Mary Jo Putney-a review

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The Christmas Cuckoo by Mary Jo Putney-a review

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The Christmas Cuckoo
by Mary Jo Putney
Release Date: October 2013
Genre: Historical Romance

The Christmas Cuckoo

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 2013

ebook only .99cents: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

Major Jack Howard, a weary veteran of the Peninsular Wars, has just returned to England and intends to return to an unwelcoming family home for Christmas. But when a pompous secretary gives him too many orders, Jack hops on the next stagecoach leaving London inn, not caring where it’s going. Too much whisky to stave off freezing leaves him sleeping it off in a different inn, and when an attractive young woman asks if he’s Jack Howard he happily goes home with her.

Despite vile weather, Meg Lambert drives to the local inn to collect her brother’s friend Jack Howard, but since she’s never met the man, she doesn’t realize that she’s brought home the wrong Jack Howard. Jack realizes her mistake when he awakes the next morning with an aching head—but he finds a warmth and welcome with Meg and her family that he’s yearned for all his life. He can’t bring himself to admit that he’s a cuckoo in her nest—but what will happen when Meg’s brother and the right Jack Howard turn up for Christmas???

••••••••••••••••••

Tis the season to be jolly! The jolliness of this story is truly contagious. When the most unlikely people come together anything can happen. So what happens when tight-knit family, the Lamberts and loner war veteran, Jack Howard get together during the holidays?

Tired and weary from endless travel Jack Howard rebels against the countess’s wishes, boards a random stagecoach, gets drunk with a fellow passenger on the stagecoach, and passes out in a tavern in Chippenham. Meg Lambert hopes to find a husband for her little sister, Phoebe and goes out to pick up her brother’s friend whose name just also happens to be Jack Howard with hopes that the two will click. What happens is Meg picks up the wrong Jack Howard. In a whirlwind of doing regular chores, baking and singing in the spirit of the holidays, and prepping for the holidays Jack Howard starts to yearn for many of the things the Lambert Family has to offer that he hasn’t felt in a long time such as warmth, comfort, and the overall feeling of acceptance and belonging. In the midst of all that, there is a blossoming romance between Jack Howard and Meg Lambert. So what happens when the big brother Jeremy who is due to be home for Christmas comes in with the intended Jack Howard in tow with him? Will the mix up change the feelings Jack and Meg have for each other?

Throughout the story I always wondered why the story the story was called “The Christmas Cuckoo” when it seemed like a family love story. The reason why this story is called “The Christmas Cuckoo” is an interesting concept of the cuckoo birds and their habits of laying their eggs in the nests of other birds, therefore leaving the burden of raising the offspring to the nest of the bird the cuckoo laid their eggs in. The concept sounds familiar about the cuckoo bird laying their eggs in the wrong nest *ahem* Jack Howard. Jack Howard is the cuckoo bird who ended up in the wrong nest. Also there is a cuckoo bird clock that is significant in the story as well. The cuckoo bird is actually quite symbolic in this story.

I really enjoyed the focus on family and love through I felt like the story could’ve focused on the budding romance between Jack and Meg a little more. I kind of felt like there I was something missing or more to be desired from their romance. I did enjoy the significance of the cuckoo bird, I found it to be quite interesting. Everything worked in the end and it was a pretty good book, but it wasn’t my favorite. Honestly, I would rate this book 3 out of 5 stars.

Reviewed by Xtina

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No Mistletoe Required by Jeanette Murray- a review

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No Mistletoe Required by Jeanette Murray-a review

NO MISTLETOE REQUIRED by Jeanette Murray

NO MISTLETOE REQUIRED is the November 5, 2012 release by Jeanette Murray. Like most holiday novels, the requisite HEA is not missing from Jeanette’s storyline, but getting there was a bit of a struggle.

Dan Beckins is a divorce lawyer whose view of the holidays has been marred and forever tainted by the automobile accident that killed his parents on Christmas Day so many years ago. When his buddy volunteered them to help with the building of the annual Winter Wonderland display at the hospital Dan was incensed. Geoff knew Dan no longer celebrated the winter festival and the longer he worked on the display, the angrier his friend became until a petite little blond with enough bubbly personality for everyone showed him the true meaning of Christmas.

Anna Smith loved the holidays but there is always a dark cloud hanging over her enjoyment. Stricken with leukemia as a teen, Anna spent almost an entire year at the local hospital undergoing treatment and recovery. As an adult, Anna now gives back with the annual children’s Christmas display and workshop. But with a second cancer diagnosis, Anna was reluctant to get personally involved in a relationship with another man. But the sight of Dan Beckins as he forged ahead with the Christmas display had Anna reconsidering her relationship policy-maybe a one night stand or fling was really what she needed. What she didn’t expect was for Dan to lose his heart to a woman who may not be around to celebrate many more holidays.

The relationship between Dan and Anna is quick to start as Anna knows what she wants and starts to seduce Dan at every opportunity when they are alone. From asking him to help her with the heavy lifting to cornering the man in a cleaning closet, Anna isn’t afraid to go for what she wants-and all Anna thinks she wants is a passionate night of sex with no strings attached. But Dan soon realizes that he has fallen for the spunky no-nonsense woman who had broken his heart. When Anna rejects Dan’s offer of a permanent relationship, Dan’s sorrow will be felt by everyone working, at the hospital, on the Christmas display.

NO MISTLETOE REQUIRED is a short story that brings two broken souls together during one of the most festive times of the year. Dan’s memories of the day his parents were killed has forever jaded his opinion about Christmas Day and Anna’s continuing health struggles force her to take a long hard look at the way she has been treating all potential relationships and friends.

The writing is simple with a few questionable grammar faux pas, but overall the storyline is a sweet look at a Christmas story.

ORDER NOW: Barnes and Noble / Amazon / KOBO

Copied supplied by Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Secret Santa by Kristine Cheney-a review

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Secret Santa by Kristine Cheney- a review

Secret Santa by Kristine Cheney

Holly Gordon is making a new life for herself in a small town and understands the loneliness of the Christmas season so she volunteers for the town’s secret santa program. Unfortunately, Holly gets a Scrooge as the recipient of her gifts. Marcus Jenner is a loner who is trying to recover from a heartwrenching loss and is not happy to be on the Secret
Santa list. In Holly’s excitement to deliver the presents, she always manages to cause some type of chaos and Marcus can’t figure out why she just won’t leave him alone. Even though Marcus keeps shunning her gifts, Holly finds herself smitten with Marcus and can’t stay away. In an effort to protect his heart, Marcus pushes Holly away. What he didn’t know was Holly was suffering from a serious illness and once she disappears, he
realizes how much he looked forward to their crazy encounters. In a strange turn of events, Marcus is able to give Holly a miraculous gift of his own.

I enjoyed this story. It’s a perfect Christmas time romance that pulls at your heart. Kristine Cheney’s writing brings the story to life, it’s so easy to picture the scenes with the way she describes each detail. Holly and Marcus have their happy ever after, but the road to get there is full of twists and turns that will make you laugh, cry and get the warm fuzzies. If you want a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, this is a great story to escape into.

ORDER LINKS: Barnes and Noble / Amazon / KOBO

Reviewed by Tricia

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The Holly and the Thistle by Regan Walker-a review

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THE HOLLY AND THE THISTLE by Regan Walker-a review

The Holly and the Thistle by Regan Walker

About the book: Release date November 24, 2012

A chance meeting at Berry’s wine shop, a misunderstanding and Christmastide all come together to allow the most handsome Scot in London to give Lady Emily Picton the best Christmas gift ever: a marriage not of convenience, but of love.

Review:

The Holly and the Thistle begins with Lady Emily Picton hurrying along the rain soaked streets of 1818 London, trying to reach Berry’s wine shop in order to procure a favorite wine for a Christmas affair being thrown by the Dowager Countess of Claremont. Upon entering the wine shop, Lady Emily looks less the lady and more the “bedraggled chit” due to unfortunate events involving rain, mud and carriages. She encounters a handsome “store clerk” who fetches the wine for her. She leaves the store in a snit, and, to add insult to injury, is that laughter she hears?

Lady Emily, widowed three years earlier, knows that the Countess will be up to her old tricks: trying to play matchmaker, but the Countess has become a dear friend and Emily would never refuse her invitation. Emily arrives early for the party where the Countess informs her that indeed there is a Scottish gentleman whom will be attending the party the she wants her to meet, Mr. William Stephen.

As the guests arrive, Lord and Lady Ormond, (whom we first meet in Racing With the Wind), are chatting with Emily as the Countess brings a gentleman over to introduce to her. Mr. Stephen and Lord Ormond attended college together and are old friends. When the introductions are made between Emily and William, she is surprised to see the “store clerk” whom she encountered in the wine shop, who obviously, is not a store clerk at all, but a wealthy Scottish businessman who builds ships. They recognize each other immediately and the attraction is instantaneous. But, Lady Emily has vowed to remain a widow. Her first marriage only lasted three years and he was definitely not a gentleman. She has no desire to go through that kind of turmoil again. William knows that he has his work cut out for him and knows that she will be worth the effort. So he sets out to prove that all men are not created equal. Does true love conquer all? Does this Christmas season turn out to be the happiest of all for Lady Emily? You’ll have to read to find out.

The Holly and the Thistle is a short story that had me from the beginning. Emily and William are great together and I loved the strength in each of them. There was a teary moment or two in this for me and I love the small cast of supporting characters. And, of course, I looooved getting to see Lord and Lady Ormond again and see their ever growing family. Truly a great Christmas read. The one problem with this short story? The word SHORT!! I wanted it to go on and on………… Regan Walker has been added to my list of authors that are must reads and I suggest you do the same.

ORDER LINKS: Amazon / Barnes and Noble/ KOBO

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Vickie M.

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