Holiday Ever After: One Snowy Night/ Holiday Wishes/Mistletoe in Paradise by Jill Shalvis

Holiday Ever After is a combination of novellas that Jill Shalvis wrote for a couple of her series. One Snowy Night and Holiday Wishes fit in the world of Heartbreaker Bay, and Mistletoe in Paradise fits in Wildstone books. I actually read One Snowy Night and Holiday Wishes when they released. However, I hadn't had a chance to read Mistletoe in Paradise. So lets dive into the stories.

Audiobook Review: I Love You First Anthology

Amanda Ronconi is one of my favorite narrators, and she knows how to make the characters come alive. You can never go wrong with her if it's a small town story that has quirky characters. Now that is out of the way,  time to dive into the stories. 

Take Two by Suzanne Enoch

We have Eleanor Ross and Brian MacCafferty in this story. They use to have a relationship, and now they have a working one. Okay, not really. This story was adorable, and a quick listen. They had a lot to work on to repair all aspects of their lives. It's nice little pick me up story. 

Pasties and Poor Decisions by Molly Harper

We have Anastasia Villers and Ned Fitzroy. In this story Anastasia hits rock bottom, and needs to come crawling home. She never thought that her coming would be a welcoming one, but it wasn't what she expected. Ned and Anastasia use to have a relationship until she ghosted him. Need some patching up with these. Honestly, this story could have been a full on novel, because there's potential to make it longer. However, it was a cute listen.

Last Chance Motel by Karen Hawkins

This was a super cute story. We have Evan and Jessica Graham. They have an extremely rocky relationship. It was so bad that Jessica left Evan and sent him divorce papers. Evan tries to win back Jessica, but has an uphill battle. Overall, it was a cute story. 

Overall, these stories were cute. They all could have been made the stories a full fledge novels, but it was good to have something quick to listen. Also, they were heart-warming, and gave fuzzy feelings at the end. 

Copy provided by author via Audiobook

Rating: 

4 Stars

Audiobook: Diamond Fire by Ilona Andrews

I got a chance to listen to Diamond Fire by Ilona Andrews. I really liked this novella. There are some points where it the story is a little bit awkward or a little rush, but that happens with novellas. However, I like this story, because it's a great transition from Nevada to Catalina. In Wildfire we finished Nevada and Rogan love story, and now we get their wedding. Catalina is starting to be able to understand and control her power. We get to see a her use her power to solve what is going on that might stop Rogan and Nevada wedding.

Yay! for transitions. Now I'm reading to start on Catalina's story. I might hold off on continuing on with the series at the time, because I need the complete story with Catalina and Alessandro. This way Catalina's trilogy will be done. However, I'm really enjoying the series.

Copy provided by local library.

Rating:
4 Stars

InkSlinger PR Review: Twist of Fate by Jill Shalvis

We are beyond excited to be celebrating this release from Jill Shalvis with you today by participating in the blog tour! TWIST OF FATE is part of her Heartbreaker Bay series and it is releasing as part of 1001 Dark Nights. Check out the book trailer from the title below. Click here to grab your copy now.

 

About TWIST OF FATE:

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jill Shalvis comes a new story in her Heartbreaker Bay series…

When the one you want … 

Daisy doesn’t believe love is ever-lasting, so it’s ironic as hell that she parlayed a business degree into a wedding planning business. More ironic still is her latest job bringing her back into contact with the man who’d taught her that love can’t last.

Is the one you can’t have…

To say Diego has been taught the hard way to bury emotions is an understatement. But when he’s called home to help the brother he hasn’t seen or spoken to in years, that’s one thing. It’s another entirely to also come face to face with the first woman he ever loved.

First and only… 

Can love conquer all? Daisy’s learned to depend only on herself, and Diego is and always has been an island of one. And yet when they’re together, even when they’re bickering, still wary and haunted by memories of what was … it’s magic. The question is, how to find their way back to each other…? 


**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.**  

My Thoughts:

Jaguar's Mate by Katie Reus (Review)

In Jaguar's Mate, this quick little novella has a lot jam packed into the story. One of the things I like about this story is you don't have to read the previous book. Seriously, you are good to go, because the story focuses on Sapphire and Eli's relationship. He wants her, and she believes she's curse. It takes them saving her friend's daughter to realize she really wants him.

Yes, we have a love story, but we also have a serious issue that needs to be dealt with before they can have any kind of relationship. Yep, this a quick read, and can be done within a few hours. Great for just needing something to read, but not ready for a novel kind of read. You have love and action going on in Jaguar's Mate. So, if you are in need a quick little read look no further.

Copy provided by author

Rating:
4 Stars

A Very Dragon Christmas by Katie Reus ( Review)

At the very beginning of A Very Dragon Christmas there is a warning that this isn't a standalone novella, and that's a true statement. If you haven't read any of the Darkness books go back and start with book one. This is one of the series you have to read from the first book. With that said, I think this is a fun little story that hits all the emotional points. Again, you can't start with this story, because a lot has happen.

Victoria and Drake are expecting there little guy, but he's taking his sweet little time. Yes, in the previous books she has been pregnant. He finally decides to come. Poor Victoria. There are hints of more things too happen, and I can't wait for them. I need them. Anyway, things happen in the story that you are like NOOOO!

Overall, it's a nice little holiday piece. It tidies up Victoria's pregnancy, and we might eventually see more having baby fever. A Very Dragon Christmas also gives a glimpse of things to come. Again, I can't say anymore, because you have to read the previous stories to understand the intricate details. If you have been keeping up with the series, this is a good one.

Copy provided by author

Rating:
4 1/2 Stars

Sentinel of Darkness by Katie Reus (Review)

Sentinel of Darkness was a pretty good read. We have Dagen who is a pretty sexy dragon that basically stuck his foot in his mouth when he notice this little human, Keva. Keva has had a pretty hard life. Even though she was saved by a shifter, she's pretty leery of shifters. One bad relationship kind of ruins that trust, so Dagen has his work cut for him.

This is a fast past novella. We watch Dagen try to show Keva that he's a decent guy, and not all shifters are terrible people. The story  made me love Dagen. He's a totally hot and wonderful hero. I like Keva, but there were moments I want to say he's a good guy. However, she had trust issues to work through. It's a nice story that makes me love dragons even more.

Copy provided by author.

Rating:
4 1/2 Stars

Spotlight + Review + Giveaway: The Good Luck Sister by Jill Shalvis

The Good Luck Sister
Wildstone, 1.5
Jill Shalvis
William Morrow Impulse
May 1, 2018

After a difficult few years, Tilly Adams is ready for life to start going right. Though she has a case of first-day nerves teaching art at the local community college, she knows it isn’t anything a few snuggles from her rescue puppy won’t cure. Until she sees Dylan Scott again, her one-time BFF and first love sitting in the front row.

Dylan knows he should’ve left well enough alone, but when he sees Tilly living her dream, he can’t help but make contact. Ten years ago, he left Wildstone and everything in it behind, including Tilly. He had his reasons, but now he wants her back in his life, anyway he can get her. 

When Tilly agrees to design the logo for Dylan’s new helicopter touring company, it’s business only... until she finds herself falling into his arms once again. Can she possibly open her heart back up to the only man who’s ever broken it? But soon they’re both realizing the truth—love always deserves a second chance.

My Thoughts: 

InkSlinger PR Review + Excerpt: Ride Dirty by Laura Kaye

From New York Times Bestselling author Laura Kaye, comes RIDE DIRTY, a new novella in her Raven Riders Series, brought to you by 1,001 Dark Nights! Be sure to grab your copy today!

About RIDE DIRTY:

Caine McKannon is all about rules. As the Raven Riders Sergeant-at-Arms, he prizes loyalty to his brothers and protection of his club. As a man, he takes pleasure wherever he can get it but allows no one close—because distance is the only way to ensure people can’t hurt you. And he’s had enough pain for a lifetime.

But then he rescues a beautiful woman from an attack.

Kids and school are kindergarten teacher Emma Kerry’s whole life, so she’s stunned to realize she has an enemy—and even more surprised to find a protector in the intimidating man who saved her. Tall, dark, and tattooed, Caine is unlike any man Emma’s ever known, and she’s as uncertain of him as she is attracted. As the danger escalates, Caine is in her house more and more – until one night of passion lands him in her bed.

But breaking the rules comes at a price, forcing Caine to fight dirty to earn a chance at love.

My Thoughts:

A Scottish Lord for Christmas by Lauren Smith (Review)

A Scottish Lord for Christmas was probably the gut wrenching of all the Sins and Scandals series. So, we have Lady Rowena Pepperwirth, she's the younger sister Milly. She's sweet, biddable, and about to enter her first season. Everything is new and exciting, but she catches the eye of Lord Forres. Quinn MacCauley needs to find a wife to raise his daughter, and fill some other needs. He's taken by Rowena and how much she cares for his daughter. His goal is to make her his wife and keep her at arms length. However, there is one problem, Rowena is the kind of person to love everyone with her whole heart. Plus, she's willing to take on the challenge of healing Quinn with her love.

Oh man, see where this can break your heart. We have one who is willing take a chance on love, and the other too scare to love again. A Scottish Lord for Christmas is a fairly fast read, and with little conflict other Quinn battling his feelings for Rowena. After all he never wants to forget his first love. Can he learn to love Rowena the way she's meant to be love or is he going to suck the life out of her. It doesn't help that his servants want to continue to honor the memory of his first wife. They are a bit nasty to Rowena. Fortunately, she has his daughter and his sister on her side. Overall, a pretty good read. Mainly a sweet one too.

Copy provided by Forever Romance.

Rating:
4 Stars

Driving Mr. Dead by Molly Harper (Review)

Like I said I have been on a Molly Harper kick, and I figure might as well start reading Driving Mr. Dead: 1) it's part of the Half-Moon Hollow series 2) I got to hear a sample of the story. 3) Miranda Puckett was mention in A Witch's Handbook to Kisses and Curses. However, I found Driving Mr. Dead is kind of in a weird space. It might be because it was published before the last Jane Jameson book, and before the first Half-Moon Hollow, so there are timeline issues here. Other than that it was a fun read.

We have Miranda Puckett who is a walking disaster, who needs time to think, because her fiancee is a douchebag. Yes, a walking douchebag, but he gets what he deserves. I wish it was a little more violent, oh well. Then we have Colin Sutherland. Oh Colin. Talk about a stick in a butt. The start of the road trip was probably not the most easiest. In some ways it made me think of Planes, Trains, and Automobiles as they were trying to make their way back to Half-Moon Hollow. Talk a Murphy's Law kind of trip.

Overall, Molly Harper brings another fun vampire story. A super quick read that will have you laughing from start to finish. Granted I did choke up towards the end, because of Colin's poor choice of words. Anyway, if you are need of an escape, you might want to take a road trip to Half-Moon Hollow in Driving Mr. Dead.

Rating:
4 1/2 Stars

Release Spotlight + Review + Giveaway: I'll Be Home for Christmas by Jen McLaughlin

I'll Be Home for Christmas

Out of Line, 5.5

Jen McLaughlin

November 21, 20017

Nothing could make me leave my family alone for Christmas—except maybe my father-in-law. I swore to Carrie I’d make it home in time, and I’m keeping that promise. One way or another…

I’ll be home for Christmas.

Some promises can’t be kept, and sometimes things just don’t work out. Finn is my world, my life. But when my worst nightmares come true, I’m faced with the impossible truth. Without him…

I'm lost.

My Thoughts:

Forever Romance Review + Giveaway: Once Upon A Maiden Lane by Elizabeth Hoyt

Once Upon a Maiden Lane

Maiden Lane, 12.5

Elizabeth Hoyt

Forever

November 14, 2017

A stand-alone novella from New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Hoyt!

Miss Mary Whitsun is far too intelligent to fall for the rakish charms of a handsome aristocrat. But when the gentleman in question approaches her in a bookshop, mistaking her for his fiancée, Lady Johanna Albright, the flirtatious encounter only raises more questions. Could Mary, a servant raised in a St Giles orphanage, actually be Lady Joanna's long-lost twin sister? If so, Mary has been betrothed since birth---to the rakishly handsome artistocrat himself . . .

Henry Collins, Viscount Blackwell, is far too intrigued by Mary to let her go so easily. He's drawn to her sharp mind, indomitable spirit, and the fiery way in which she dismisses him---ladies simply don't dismiss Lord Blackwell. But as Mary makes her first hesitant steps into society, she can't help but wonder if she truly has a place in Henry's world---or in his heart.

My Thoughts:

Avon Spotlight + Review + Excerpt: Holiday Wishes by Jill Shalvis

Holiday Wishes 
Heartbreaker Bay, 4.5
Jill Shalvis
Avon Impulse
November 7, 2017


It’s Christmastime again in Heartbreaker Bay!

When Sean O’Riley shows up at the Hartford Bed & Breakfast for his older brother’s bachelor weekend, he’s just hoping to make it through the weekend. What he’s not expecting is to come face to face with the woman he lost his virginity to a decade ago—a woman he’s never really forgotten.

The last time Lotti Hartford saw Sean, she told him she loved him while he said nothing. Now, ten years later, she’s just looking for a good time. For once, she wants to be the wild and free one, and Sean – the good time guy – is the perfect candidate.

But as the weekend continues, Sean realizes that after a lifetime of being the hook-up king, he’s ready to find happily-ever-after, and he wants it with Lotti. But will she open her heart to him again? As Christmas sweeps through the little B&B, he can only hope love and magic are in the air.

My Thoughts:

Mistletoe Me, Baby by Katie Reus (Review)

Mistletoe Me, Baby is a sweet little holiday read. This time it's Nolan O'Conner chance at love. Anyway, Nolan has been in love with Miranda Flores since she arrived in town. However, she friend zone Nolan, since she was taking care of her nephew. So, Nolan basically biding his time to make a move, and he finds his opportunity when Miranda asks him to be her fake fiancee. Seems like a lucky break for Nolan. Nolan figures it would be a perfect time to show Miranda that they are meant to be together. Sounds so simple, but life throws a few curve balls along the way.

Mistletoe Me, Baby is a quick little holiday read. For the most part everything works out. Kind like a Hallmark channel kind of read. Yes, Nolan and Miranda do get their happy ever after, but there are few bumps like I said. So, if you are in the mood for a quick holiday read, Mistletoe Me, Baby might be calling your name.

Copy provided by author

Rating:
4 Stars

A Gentleman Never Surrenders by Lauren Smith (Review)

After reading An Earl By Any Other Name I was super excited to read the next story. When found out the next story was about Owen, I couldn't wait. I mean Owen did something extremely stupid in the first book, and he kind of deserved what he got. I mean desperate times call for desperate measure. Anyway, when I read the blurb I was like who's Milly. Still super excited, then I started reading I was like, "Oh it's her". Yes, I wasn't too sure about the heroine. If you read An Earl By Any Other Name you might agree with me on this. Serious, Milly happens to be Mildred Pepperwirth, and she's definitely not a pleasant kind of person, or so I thought.

All right so Owen needs funds and Milly has a ton of funds; however, Milly wants to marry for love. After all she wants a relationship like her mother and father. She thought that if any guy wanted to get to know the real her would try to see past her prickly exterior. Yes, Owen is a fortune-hunter, but it wasn't his doing. He wants a wife who is willing to share her fortune to help restore his land. Basically, he tries to compromise Milly's younger sister, but got Milly instead. Now he's trying to make the situation the best he can. Milly is devastated, because her dream is over. Yes, I can go on, but I think you get the gist.

Actually, Owen and Milly are a better match for one another, and they do get to know one another. However, it's not all sunshine and roses, they have to learn to get to know one another and build trust. Seriously, not an easy task when one decided to try to compromise the other.

Overall, I did like A Gentleman Never Surrenders, because we get to see sides of Milly and Owen we didn't get to see. Milly is an actually a decent person. She's not the mean cold-hearted person we see in the first book. I have to say that I actually love Owen. He's a really good guy, stupid at times, but an overall good guy. Now I do have one grip. This story should have definitely longer, or at least an epilogue. Seriously, something happens at the end I'm like "What the heck, seriously!".  So, I'm hoping one of the characters does get a story, and maybe it would give a better understanding of the ending of A Gentleman Never Surrenders.🤞  Other than that it was a pretty good read, and by the end I liked Milly and Owen.

Copy provided by Forever Romance via NetGalley

Rating:
4 Stars

InkSlinger PR Spotlight + Review: Eye Candy Anthology

A frightfully good time! Dive into these Halloween novellas from bestselling authors Tijan, J. Daniels, Helena Hunting, Bella Jewel and Tara Sivec. Featuring stories set in the worlds of their popular series.

Tijan’s Fallen Crest crew are back for a weekend of mischief that takes a sinister turn; all four couples from J. Daniels’ Alabama Summer series gear up for Halloween in their own sexy ways, with a special surprise at the end; Helena Hunting’s characters from Shacking Up plan a Halloween gala that features a few ghouls and witches; Bella Jewel brings the chills and thrills in her suspenseful take on Halloween night; and Tara Sivec gathers the Holiday family together one last time as they try to make this ghostly holiday one to remember—or one they’d rather forget… 

Cozy up with a mug of hot cider on a dark night and fall under the spell of this Halloween anthology!  

My Thoughts:

Protected By Love by Jennifer Ryan (Review)

Protected By Love is Jennifer Ryan's introduction to her new series Montana Heat. So far we are introduced to Caden Cooke and his brother Beck Cooke, and I'm sure we will get more guys along the way. Anyway, they work for the DEA. In Jennifer previous serious, we saw some drug problems arise, and the Cooke brothers have been slowly introduce to the Montana area. Now they are get their own stories. First up to get his own story is Caden.

Basically his aunt is trying to fix him up with this girl, Mia Martin. However, work gets in the way. His aunt is like dude get your act together or your going to lose the girl that you never had. Sparks fly, and it goes all down hill from there.

Protected By Love is an insta-love. They are thrown together in a very high stress situation, where they are unsure if they are going to get out. I think the story is more of a jumping point to the series. Caden and Mia get a romance, but we are going to bring in that there is more trouble afoot. We see that something is brewing in Montana and it isn't good. Hey Caden and Mia get a happy ever after. It's a pretty good lead in to the series, and I think that's the best way to look at it. The series does seem promising. I'm curious about Beck's story, because in Protected By Love he's not in a good place. Hopefully he gets his head in the game. Overall, a good intro to the Montana Heat series.

Copy provided by Avon via Edelweiss.

Rating:
3 1/2 Stars

An Earl By Any Other Name by Lauren Smith (Review)

A few days ago I read, An Earl By Any Other Name by Lauren Smith. I absolutely loved the story. I'm only gripe will be the cover. The cover reminds me of most regency stories, so when I came to find out it was set in 1911 I was a little shock. That's pretty much my only issue with the story. However, it's a wonderful story set in a time where there a lot of change going on. We have women who want the right to vote, would like a voice in the world. They want to be more than object that should be place on a mantle.

Ivy Leighton would love to see change. She loved to be loved for herself and not her money. We still see at this time some of the Lord's trying to keep to the old ways, but the world is changing. Ivy definitely would like to be an equal in the world.

We have Leo, who is one of those lords who is trying to on to the old ways. Of course he has his road all mapped out, but when he gets to know Ivy he's not sure if the road he's on is the right course.

I love how Lauren brings to life these characters in An Earl By Any Other Name. You want to cheer on Ivy for being a progressive young woman, and at times you want to smack Leo for being an idiot. Yes, it's a quick read, but capturing. Yes, it could have been a little longer, but it was enough as a novella. Sometimes you get novellas and go that's it, but this isn't one of them. I love the dynamics these two bring to the story. I can't wait for more to come in this series.

Copy provided by Forever Romance via NetGalley

Rating:
5 Stars

Falling for His Mate by Savannah Stuart (Review)

Technically, Falling for His Mate is a second chance romance, but honestly I don't really consider it. However, some may see this story as a second chance romance. Really, they have been apart for six weeks, Andrew realize he was a being a moron. Now he's going to fight for Charlie. He decides to be the exchange shifter with to the her pack and try to gain forgiveness. Pretty straightforward. Charlie's is pissed and hurt, but part of her has never really let go of him. Shifters.

All right, Falling for His Mate is super quick read with a little action towards the end. The story is pretty cut and dry, with Andrew trying to prove to Charlie he's the wolf for her. So, if you are in need a quick romance to give you a little pickup and a side of suspence. Seriously, it's a side, the romance is the main course. You have found yourself a winner in Falling for His Mate. There's more to the story, but it's quick.

Copy provided by author.

Rating:
4 Stars