Tag Archives: Contemporary Romance

His To Protect (Red Stone Security #5) by Katie Reus-a review

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HIS TO PROTECT (Red Stone Security #5) by Katie Reus-a review

His to Protect

ABOUT THE BOOK: Released December 29, 2012

No woman ever affected Red Stone Security expert Kell Malone quite like Charlotte Bastien. It’s been a year since that incredibly intense night they spent together and he still can’t get her out of his head. When he discovers she’s in Miami—with their three-month-old son—he’s stunned. Hurt. He’s also determined to know his child, and if she’ll give him the chance, to make a life with the stubborn woman who has sworn off love.

Single mom Charlotte came to Miami to tell Kell about their son, and that’s all—she won’t open her heart just to have it trashed by another man. Unfortunately, Kell makes that hard. He’s everything she wants, and just one look from him unleashes wicked memories and wild desires. When she witnesses a murder and lands on a hit list, Kell steps up to protect her and their son, but winning her love proves to be the hardest mission he’s ever undertaken

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REVIEW: I am a fan of several of Katie Reus’s series and her Red Stone Security series has been one of my favorites this past year. But saying that, I found His To Protect a bit of the same old thing. In each storyline, our hero finds the lost love of his life: the one that got away; the one he would die to protect; or his second chance to make things work-but the female in question is pulled into circumstances that will put her very life in danger. His to Protect is no different but there is a catch in this particular storyline: Charlotte, the woman who kicked him to the curb one year prior, has returned with their three month old son-surprise!

Once again, the heroine must be moved and secluded to protect her from the people wishing to cause her harm. For a security firm, they have a difficult time protecting their loved ones from gangs, drug runners and street thugs. Kell and Charlotte are separated from each other for part of the storyline and because of this I didn’t feel the connection to the couple. I wanted more one on one time-even a few late night phone calls would have helped.

We learn very little about Kell and even less about the couple’s past together-I would have liked to read more about their relationship, both past and present and more about Kell-but this is a novella and perhaps Katie didn’t have the time or space to build upon character development. Kell is definitely an alpha male but one with a heart and soul. There are a few cameos from Red Stone Security members like Travis (growl) connecting this particular story to the series. And saying that, if you are new to the series, each novel can be read as a stand alone without too much difficulty.

His To Protect is a novella; a quick read that has a little romance, a little sex, a little suspense and a little intrigue. I don’t have a problem recommending His To Protect, but I was looking for something more.  For a lazy afternoon read, His To Protect is a wonderful choice.

ORDER LINKS: Amazon / Barnes and Noble// KOBO

Reviewed by Sandy

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EASY by Tammara Webber-a review

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EASY by Tammara Webber-a review

ABOUT THE BOOK: A girl who believes trust can be misplaced, promises are made to be broken, and loyalty is an illusion. A boy who believes truth is relative, lies can mask unbearable pain, and guilt is eternal. Will what they find in each other validate their conclusions, or disprove them all?

When Jacqueline follows her longtime boyfriend to the college of his choice, the last thing she expects is a breakup two months into sophomore year. After two weeks in shock, she wakes up to her new reality: she’s single, attending a state university instead of a music conservatory, ignored by her former circle of friends, and failing a class for the first time in her life.

Leaving a party alone, Jacqueline is assaulted by her ex’s frat brother. Rescued by a stranger who seems to be in the right place at the right time, she wants nothing more than to forget the attack and that night–but her savior, Lucas, sits on the back row of her econ class, sketching in a notebook and staring at her. Her friends nominate him to be the perfect rebound.

When her attacker turns stalker, Jacqueline has a choice: crumple in defeat or learn to fight back. Lucas remains protective, but he’s hiding secrets of his own. Suddenly appearances are everything, and knowing who to trust is anything but easy.

Easy Collage

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REVIEW: I guess I am a little late on the EASY review train but when I read so many 5 star and A ratings for this ‘mature YA’ or ‘new adult’ contemporary storyline I had to take a chance and….. it was well worth it.

EASY is not the usual YA storyline: First, it is mature YA-there are a few non-graphic sex scenes; all of the characters are over 20 years of age. Secondly, there is no love triangle (get down on my knees and gives thanks). Thirdly, most of the storyline takes place on the university campus and involves third and fourth year students and, their family and friends.

The storyline begins with a sexual assault against our heroine Jacqueline Wallace and progresses through the emotional turmoil, a women must face, when her personal space and private life have been violated. We are taken on a journey that follows Jacqueline as she refuses to file charges against her ex-boyfriend’s frat brother and the ensuing changes that her life will follow at the hands of her ‘knight in shining armor’. Only this knight’s armor has a few blemishes that Jacqueline hopes to discover.

Lucas is our reluctant hero. After rescuing Jacqueline from her would-be rapist, Lucas seems to be everywhere Jacqueline is-coincidence? Jacqueline is unsure but she will soon realize that Lucas has long been a part of her everyday curriculum at school and she had never taken the time to look at the world around her-so wrapped up in her previous relationship, she hadn’t even noticed they were barely speaking to each other.

As the storyline develops Jacqueline’s friendship with Lucas strengthens with each encounter and it helps that Lucas seems to be everywhere on campus and involved with a myriad of events and volunteer programs where Jacqueline has become involved. Luke has a few secret of his own including a dark past that hits too close to home with Jacqueline’s assault.

Tammara Webber weaves together the lives of friends who must endure the humiliation of rejection and betrayal, fear of potential retaliation and the love and support of roommates and pals. There are some fascinating and colorful secondary characters who lives intertwine on a daily basis especially Jacqueline’s tutor and, her roommate Erin. But not everyone is who he or she seems to be.

EASY is a well-written and personally engaging storyline that grabs you from the very start. Tammara has written a novel that is worth the price of admission and one that every young woman should read. Sexual assault and rape must be reported and, the old boys clubs and fraternities must be held accountable for their actions when one of their own hides behind the power of old money and the public persona of institutions and the elite. EASY is an amazing storyline from the pen of Tammara Webber.

ORDER LINKS: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository / KOBO /

Reviewed by Sandy

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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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All She Wants for Christmas/A Rare Gift by Jaci Burton-a review

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All She Wants for Christmas/ A Rare Gift by Jaci Burton- a review

All She Wants for Christmas/A Rare Gift by Jaci Burton-a review

Description from website:

All She Wants for Christmas by Jaci Burton -The Kent Brothers Series book 1

Main Characters: Ethan Kent and Riley Jensen

Ethan Kent – Youngest of the Kent brothers, he was in love with Riley in high school, but made a foolish mistake and lost her. With Riley back in town, he has a lot of mistakes to make up for. But his heart has always been with Riley.

Riley Jensen – She followed her heart as a teenager, but when Ethan betrayed her, she followed her dreams instead. Now she’s back and everything about Ethan has changed. Is she willing to give him a second chance?

Review:

So far I’ve only read one Jaci Burton book (Taking a Shot from her Play by Play series) and enjoyed it, so I thought what the heck, lets check out her Christmas series about the Kent brothers. So far I’ve only read this one, but I plan to read the other two, as I enjoyed this one so much.

All She Wants for Christmas was a touching, heart warming story about love lost, heartache, forgiveness and love found again. The storyline, actions and the characters are real, and Burton did an amazing job of capturing them just right and letting them unfold on the pages. You feel the emotion of the characters and the storyline rolls off the page.

I really enjoyed the characters of Ethan and Riley. You can’t help but fall in love with them instantly and root for them throughout the book. Throw in a cute adorable seven year old Zoey to the mix (Ethan’s daughter) and you have yourself a winning combination for a holiday story. Not only are Ethan, Riley and Zoey lovable characters, but so too are the secondary characters. I absolutely loved the Kent’s mom, she is a no nonsense type person and isn’t afraid to speak her mind. The scene with her and Ethan talking about his feelings for Riley and what mom thinks he needs to do had me chuckling. I could just see that scene so clearly, I was actually waiting for her to take him by the ear and drag him over to Riley and have him admit his feelings to her. The ear pulling didn’t happen, but in the end Ethan does finally admit his feelings in a most touching and made my eyes mist up kind of way. His words to Riley were so beautiful and tender that it made me wish for an Ethan of my very own.

I think Burton did a wonderful job of capturing the spirit of the holidays in a small town, as well as the magic the holidays bring. At times it reminded me of my own small city where everyone knows everyone, and you can’t blink without someone noticing. The interaction between the characters is well written, and makes you feel like you are there watching the events unfold from the sidelines. This story will definitely put a smile on your face, and have you thinking warm and fuzzy thoughts while putting you in the holiday spirit. If you’re looking for a heartwarming, sweet story just in time for the holidays then this one’s for you. This is one holiday story I highly recommend, and now I’m off to read the second book in this holiday series, A Rare Gift.

ORDER LINKS: Barnes and Noble / KOBO / Amazon

A Rare Gift by Jaci Burton – Book 2 in The Kent Brothers Series

Main Characters: Wyatt Kent and Calliope Andrews

Wyatt Kent – Divorced and bitter about it. Oldest of the Kent brothers, he runs Kent Construction with his brothers, mostly keeps to himself and doesn’t get involved with women anymore since his bitter divorce. Until he meets the whirlwind that is Calliope, who refuses to let him drown in his bitterness and forces him to come to life again.

Calliope Andrews – Younger sister of Wyatt’s ex-wife, she had a crush on Wyatt years ago, but it’s the more mature Calliope who sees the potential in Wyatt’s sense of humor and how much he has to offer. She wants to help him let go of the past so he has a chance at a future.

Review

I knew after reading the first book I’d have to continue with this series. Let me tell you I wasn’t disappointed, and glad I followed my instincts. Wyatt’s story is just as cute and heart warming a read as the first book. Once again Jaci spins a story about love lost, trusting one’s heart again, yearning for love and finding true love with the right person.

At first I thought it might be a bit awkward with Calliope being the little sister of Wyatt’s ex(Cassie), but Jaci does an excellent job of dealing with that situation. It wasn’t awkward at all for me, in fact it was the exact opposite. Jaci had me captivated with Wyatt from the get go and had me cheering him on to shed his grumpy ways, trust in love again and give Calliope a chance. The way that Jaci wrote this book, and dealt with Calliope and Wyatt’s relationship allows the reader to settle back and enjoy a good story.

Watching Wyatt go from a grumpy, bitter man to one full of life, laughter and love with Calliope is a fun adventure. It was funny and sweet all at the same time watching Wyatt slowly fall for Calliope all the while thinking he shouldn’t be feeling this way about her because of his past with Cassie. Due to the way the situation was left between Wyatt and Cassie, it’s no wonder he’s a bitter, grumpy negative man. However, thanks to Calliope, her never say never attitude and fiesty personality, poor Wyatt doesn’t stand a chance. I really enjoyed Calliope’s character, who wouldn’t when the heroine can say this to the man she’s been in love with all her life;

“I can’t believe a big tough guy like you is afraid of a little thing like me, Wyatt.” Then she stepped back, her gaze traveling halfway down and staring at the part of him she had no business staring at. When she lifted her gaze again, she grinned.
“I know you have balls in there. Why don’t you try to find them? When you do, it’s your turn to come ask me out.”

LOL!! Calliope is a riot and just the right woman for Wyatt. She brings, love, trust and laughter back into his life. More then that she makes him realize he’s been wasting his life long enough being lonely and realizes that what he wants and needs is staring him right in the face.

As in the first book, Jaci once again captures her characters personalities perfectly and the emotion and playfulness between Wyatt and Calliope just role off the pages. You can’t help but cheer these two characters on throughout the book, hoping that Calliope’s plan to put the past between Wyatt and Cassie to rest succeeds, so that he can finally move on and have the life he was meant to have with Calliope. The ending of the book is wonderful and seeing Wyatt finally happy and in love with the right woman is just the icing on the cake. If you are looking for something fun, sweet, with a touch of Christmas tossed in for good measure, then this one’s for you. I also know I’ll be following up with the third book as soon as I have the time. 😉

ORDER LINKS: Barnes and Noble / Amazon / KOBO

Happy reading and Merry Christmas

The Kent Brother’s Series;

All She Wants for Christmas
A Rare Gift
The Best Thing (Dec, 2012)

Reviewed by Marcie

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A Christmas Proposal by Karen Hall-a review

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A Christmas Proposal by Karen Hall-a review

A Christmas Proposal by Karen Hall is a short story, all of 28 pages, set in the late Victorian England.

The herione is Cassandra Barnwell, weathy and not without wit. She was a suffragette and did not rank high on the “hotness” scale. She was, of course, also unwed. The hero is Brandon Russell, the younger brother of a duke and the next in line to the dukedom. He was also an archaeologist and spent most of his time “playing in the world’s biggest sandbox” in Egypt.

The beginning of the story sets the background for both Cassandra and Brandon. Cassandra had just turned down yet another marriage proposal from an eligible bachelor. She wanted to marry for love and the eligible bachelors loved her money. Brandon was back in old blighty because he was out of funds for his expedition, and to attend his sister’s wedding. Upon his arrival, he learned that his great benefactor was going to marry a showgirl, who did not want the said great benefactor to donate to Brandon’s expedition anymore. Brandon’s father left him an inheritance but he could not touch the funds until he turned thirty-two or got hitched. Brandon could not approach his duke brother as the duke wanted him to stay in London to take his rightful place.

Anyway, a story like that requires a meddling relative. This comes in the form of Cassandra’s great aunt Tilda, who was always throwing eligible bachelors in Cassandra’s way. Aunt Tilda wanted Cassandra engaged by Christmas because it would be so romantic. After a chance meeting at the British Museum, Cassandra came up with the idea of getting Brandon to pretend to court her to get auntie off her back. In return, she would fund Brandon’s expedition. Cassandra was also going to take part in a suffragett demonstration and Brandon was to ditch her because taking part in a demonstration was unseemly. That way Brandon did not really have to marry her. However, they fell secretly in love with each other in the pretend courtship.

Along with meddling relative, a story like that would need a big misunderstanding. This comes in the form of Brandon’s stupid ‘friends’. They made a bet, when Brandon first arrived in England, that Brandon would be proposing to Cassandra for her money. Incidentally, many of these friends happened to be the eligible bachelors Cassandra had turned down. Anyway, just as Brandon was about to declare himself to Casssandra (having found out that his duke brother had managed to produce a couple of male heirs and now the duke was in a good mood and willing to fund Brandon’s expedition), his ‘friends’ made the bet known to Cassandra. Cassandra was not pleased with that and left before Brandon could explain.

Then the suffragett demonstration took place and there was some suggestion that chaos had ensued. A concerned Brandon went looking for Cassandra and found her to be well, having just ‘rescued’ a little boy who was separated from his mother. Brandon made his explanation and all was forgiven. And they lived happily forever after playing in the world’s biggest sandbox!

ORDER NOW: Amazon / Barnes and Noble /

Reviewed by 3 Dots…

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Just Remember to Breathe by Charles Sheehan-Miles: a review

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Just Remember to Breathe by Charles Sheehan-Miles: a review

Just Remember to Breathe by Charles Sheehan-Miles

Just Remember to Breathe (November 2012 release) is an intricate love story between Alexandra Thompson and Dylan Paris. Issues resulting from dysfunction, among both the wealthy and the poor set these two star-crossed lovers on a journey to find themselves and their way to love and commitment.

The story is written under first person, but from both Alex’s and Dylan’s perspectives. However, point of view headings let you know who is telling that particular part of the story. It’s interesting to see both perspectives and how they relate and differ…

The lives of the two main characters are entwined around each other as if fate won’t let them be apart for long. We’re enticed by glimpses of memories of their first meeting (Junior’s in High School on a trip abroad)and how they fell deeply in love, only to have distance (she’s on the West Coast and he’s in Georgia), social difficulties, and fear of relationships put a strain on their budding love.

I don’t want to spoil the story so I’ll just say that it begins with Alexandra Thompson, daughter of an American Ambassador and controlling mother, now a pre-law student at Columbia. She’s still suffering from a broken heart when she finds that Dylan Paris is now going to be her partner in her work-study program.

Dylan is the son of a poor, alcoholic and abusive father and a reformed alcoholic mother. Hurting and scared after his and Alex’s first “break-up”, he joined the Army and was sent to Afghanistan. When he returned home after much trauma and severe injury, he enrolled in Columbia and finds himself to be Alex’s partner in a work-study program.

Unable to change their work-study programs, they are stuck working together and the rest of the story begins!

It’s a really good love story that deals with issues resulting from their differences and the ramifications of bad decisions and assumptions. The way issues are handled is fascinating and their growing love often compelling. Love stories are amazing in scope and this one covers a whole range of obstacles: fear, date rape, death of friends, PTSD, war injuries, parental pressure – and in only about 190 pages!

I found this story and style to be interesting and packed with action and emotion. A great book to curl up with!

ORDER NOW: Barnes and Noble / Amazon/ The Book Depository KOBO

Copy supplied by author.

Reviewed by Georgianna S.

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The Navy Seal’s Promise by Soraya Lane-a review

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From now until Christmas, The Reading Cafe will daily post one or two Christmas themed novels and storyline reviews for everyone to enjoy.

The Navy Seal’s Promise by Soraya Lane-a review

THE NAVY SEAL’S PROMISE by Soraya Lane

THE NAVY SEAL’S PROMISE is a short story (September 2012 release) from Soraya Lane’s contemporary romance line of novels. Like many novellas, the storyline is quick paced, to the point and the romance is heartwarming.

The story focuses on two members of the military home for the holidays when they find themselves stranded in a snowstorm, at the airport, on Christmas Eve. Saskia Cullen is a corporal in the army, on 48 hours leave, hoping to see her young son on Christmas Day before her return to duty, and Luke Gray, a Navy SEAL who is home for a few days before his next assignment.

Both Luke and Saskia are looking for something or someone but neither is aware that the someone is right in front of them. Luke lost his wife to cancer three years earlier and has not celebrated the holidays since the SEALs refused to give him leave to visit his dying wife. Saskia hides a painful past knowing her son’s father wants nothing to do with her military career or a child. Seeing the sorrow on Saskia’s face, Luke knows there is only one option, and he calls in a favor to get Saskia home for the holidays. Luke promises Saskia that he will get her home for Christmas dinner and in true Navy SEAL fashion, Luke keeps his word.

THE NAVY SEAL’S PROMISES is a sweet story of romance. There is no secret agenda, no covert operation and the adults know what they want. No one pushes the other away and both make another promise to see each other again. If you like a love story with a HEA this one is sure to please.

ORDER NOW: Amazon

Reviewed by Sandy

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Gift Wrapped for Christmas by Mona Ingram-a review

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GIFT WRAPPED FOR CHRISTMAS by Mona Ingram-a review

FROM THE AUTHOR’S WEBSITE: Maddie LaRocque loses her job two months before Christmas, but undeterred, she starts a gift wrapping business in the lobby of an historic building in downtown Calgary. When she falls into the arms of Brent, the building’s maintenance man, it looks as though Christmas might have come early. But it turns out that Brent isn’t the man she thought he was. Gift Wrapped for Christmas is a heartfelt romance about real people in real situations.

REVIEW:

GIFT WRAPPED FOR CHRISTMAS (September 2012 release) is the perfect romantic holiday storyline for everyone looking for a HEA. And as an added bonus, Mona offers up two love stories for the price of one. And in saying that, Mona does not come out and address the leading storyline couple in the beginning, in fact, you begin to wonder who the premise is about. But in all due time, you discover that the love of your life may be standing in the same room or sitting across from you at the same table.

Two months before Christmas and Maddie LaRoque has lost her position at a Calgary accounting firm in the Drummond building. With no potential prospects on the horizon, Maddie begins to outline a plan to set up her own business in the same building where she once worked. To lease the empty storefront, Maddie must engage Chase Drummond-billionaire owner of Drummond Enterprises. And to no one’s surprise Chase is as handsome as he is rich, but Maddie is more interested in the building’s maintenance man who does something to Maddie that she hasn’t felt in a long time.

When Chase’s 10 year old niece Annie desires to be a fashion designer, we are introduced to Maddie’s BFF and roommate Lily-a fashion designer who owns her own company and a woman who will play an integral role in Chase Drummond’s life. When Lily and Chase are finally introduced, Lily is quick to point out to Maddie that she is tired of playing the beautiful arm candy to rich men trying to make an impression in the world of business. Both Maddie and Lily have suffered some amazing heartbreaks at the hands of men with whom they were in love. And the pattern seems to continue when Chase’s attraction to Lily seems to be marred by the continuous photographs of him appearing with his ‘fiance ‘ at public events.

Maddie will soon discover that the man she is drawn to is not the man she thought. And it is no surprise to Maddie when she discovers that this man appears to have difficulty in the honesty department-betrayal and heartbreak greet Maddie with every waking day. Both Lily and Maddie find themselves devastated that old habits die hard when they fall in love with men who appear to be already committed to someone else

GIFT WRAPPED FOR CHRISTMAS is a heartwarming and romantic tale about two women who have suffered betrayal and heartbreak, and who finally believe they have found the right man. Add a couple of manipulative and greedy women looking to land a billionaire of their own, and you have the ingredients for a potential cat fight, but Lily and Maddie are beyond the games, and each will chose to handle their disappointment and heartbreak they only way they can. Gift Wrapped for Christmas is a great story to curl up under a blanket with the fireplace glowing.

e-book ORDER LINK: Amazon/

Reviewed by Sandy

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