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.

Her Renegade Cowboy by Lora Leigh (Review)

This book was a mistake for me, and probably should have stopped after a few chapters. I regret not DNFing Her Renegade Cowboy. I thought this would have more suspense than what was in here. However, you know what got me to read this book was the cover, and the promising book blurb. 

Yes, Levi Roberts is an undercover US Marshall, and former Army Ranger. He's playing a cowboy on Lily's cousin's ranch. He's not there most of time cause he's at Lily's house getting it on. Lily is a school teacher. You are probably thinking she's sweet and kind. Wrong! She's sassy, and a firer ball. She could be with her students, but you don't really see her interacting with her students. 

Majority of this book takes place around Lily's house. Honestly, you don't really feel the impending doom that her life is in until the last portions of the book. I probably should have put this story down, after the first time. I trudged on trying to read the story. If you are looking for a story that has more suspense you aren't going to find it here. Now if you are looking for hot steamy read, and not really going anywhere, this my friend is your read.

Copy provided by St. Martin via NetGalley

Rating: 1 Star

Lost and Found Family by Jennifer Ryan (Review)

I got a chance to read Lost and Found Family by Jennifer Ryan. I love Jennifer Ryan, she knows how to draw you into a story. She definitely drew me in with Sarah Anderson. She lost her husband, and was summoned by her MiL to bring her kids. I felt so bad for Sarah, because she's trying to do the best she can with people that hate her without knowing the full story. 

Okay, I liked the story. However, towards the end it started to drag, because I want when a lot was revealed. I was tired of Sarah being the punching bag. Plus, she had to be a saint with all the crap that she put up with. I enjoyed the relationship between Luke and Sarah. It was nice for her to find someone who appreciated her. 

Some may not like Sarah cause she's so perfect. However, those who are already fans to Jennifer Ryan will like the story. It was a cute story. I did have the feels of the story. 

Copy provided by William Morrow via Edelweiss 

Rating: 3 1/2 Stars

When Stars Collide by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (Review)

I got a chance to finished When Stars Collide by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. I do have a fondness for her stories. They are fun to read or listen to, so I was excited for a chance to checkout her latest Chicago Stars story. I love this series. We have met some super fun characters, and very memorable moments. Yes, I was excited that there was a new book. I'm going to be honest I don't remember ever reading a Thaddeus Bowman Owens (T-Bo). He could have been in the last story. I could try to listen to the previous story, but I just can't. Moving on. We have Thad who has to work with Olivia Shore who is a famous opera singer. She holds a grudge against Thad to some information. Anyway, we have a rocky start with these two for a national tour of a product. 

It wasn't a bad story, but it wasn't a great story. I like the idea of a jock and an opera singer trying to play nice on a national tour for a product. However, it kind of fell flat for me. There were some banter in the book, but nothing like past banter. I guess I didn't feel an emotional connection to the character. SEP usually hits a couple of spots with me: 1) She has me needing a box of tissue at least once in the story. 2) I'm laughing so hard that I'm in stitches. Which didn't happen to me. I did get a few chuckles, but nothing that feel busting a gut. However, towards the end I did feel it was more like SEP book, but by the time I got there was ready for the story to be over. Will I check this story out again, probably. I do my annual listen to the Chicago Stars stories, because that's a comfort for me. It was okay read. Will I continue reading SEP of course, because not every book is going to hit the same spot for everyone. However, majority of her books hit the right spots. 

Copy provided by William Morrow via Edelweiss

Rating: 3 Stars

Love for Beginners by Jill Shalvis (Review)

A few months back I did finished Love for Beginners, which I should have written right away. Oh well, here we go. We have Emma Harris who woke up from a comma to a loser fiancé and loser best friend. I guess they will all be ex's. Now she's picking up the pieces of her life, and have fresh start. However, she has to work hard for what she wants. 

She starts to fall for her evil physical therapist, Simon. Simon seems like the whole package, but he comes with some serious baggage which could hinder any relationship. Not to mention that he's related to Emma arch nemesis from high school. 

Of course, everyone in the story has issues. People come with issues. Each of them have to overcome their personal issues that they may find happiness. Allie and Emma might even be able to patch up the past and might even become friends. Emma might even be able to find love. 

Overall, Love for Beginners is a pretty good read. The title is works for the story, because they are all beginners at love. Granted they've had relationships in the past, Yet they are beginners at lasting relationships. If you have been a fan of this series will enjoy the story. 

Copy provided by William Morrow via Edelweiss

Rating: 4 Stars

Wilde Child by Eloisa James (Review)

 

Oh boy! There were times I was blushing with Lady Joan and Thaddeus. Somebody get me a fan. Other than a higher steam factor, Wilde Child is amazing. LOVE these two. It's amazing to watch these characters to grow in the series to finally get their story. Plus, amazing to see them actually come together when we watch Thaddeus court to of Joan's sisters. 

Honestly, Thaddeus wouldn't have worked with her sisters, he was to stuff. He needed to let loose, who better to help with that other than Joan. I love when Joan realize that she might like Thaddeus when she was a little butt-hurt in the past. As they hang out more, passion ensues. However, both have things hanging over their head. It's been a while since I read the other books, so I can't remember if Thaddeus circumstances was mention on why he had to marry a certain type of girl. However, Joan's is mention since she's a walking scandal. I mean when your mother walks out of the family to be with a Prussian Prince it makes the news. It doesn't help that you look more like the Prussian Prince. Hey she has royal blood. 

Wilde Child was a fantastic way to end a series. I know the Duke of Lindow has more kids, but you never know when they will popup in a series, and Eloisa James is amazing at doing that. Honesty, we are probably not done with the Wilde, but the others a little too young to get their own stories. Thaddeus and Joan make this story go way too fast. I completely melted when Thaddeus would look Joan *self fan*. One thing that sticks out in the story is that Wilde's stick together. 

Copy provided by Avon via Edelweiss

Rating: 5 Stars

InkSlinger PR Blog Tour + Review: By Mist@ke by Sigal Ehrlich

By Mist@ke 

Poison & Wine, 1

Sigal Ehrlich

January 21, 2021

You've Got Mail meets Grey's Anatomy in this sweet slow-burn, virtual meet-cute romance.

There's so much going on in Anna's life. Teaching countless hours at the studio and nurturing the three major relationships of her life - her group of tight-knit friends, all while attempting to not screw up this whole adulthood thing leaves very little time to waste on yet another dating app. At this point, a relationship is off the menu. Being "self-partnered" is more than enough.

A serious relationship has been crossed off Liam Brody's list of goals, at least for the foreseeable future. Completing his residency and becoming a trauma surgeon is his only priority. Casual relationships, his friends, and books are the only things he's willing to lose his precious free time to.

When an accidental email starts a deep online connection, both Liam and Anna dive in with zero concern . . . because there's really no harm in getting close to someone who you'll never meet in real life, right?

Wrong.

When a turn of events brings their "safe" virtual connection to an unexpected face-to-face, Anna and Liam learn their online chemistry pales in comparison to the real deal. A realization that brings along the bazillion-dollar question - what do you do when you meet The One at the most impossibly wrong time?

** by Mist@ke is book 1 in a standalone series with connected characters, but independent storylines.

My Thoughts:

The Spinster and the Rake by Eva Devon (Review)

I got a chance to read The Spinster and the Rake by Eva Devon. Definitely not your typical read, but still a good read. Some parts of the story does remind of me Pride and Prejudice, but the story is its own. We meet Georgiana Bly who is destined to be a spinster; however, fate has another plan. We also meet Edward Stanhope, the Duke of Thornfield. Of course, he feels that he was trapped in marriage. Good times. 

Anyway, Edward isn’t your typical Duke. He’s a bit standoffish, but there is a reason. Even though it wouldn’t be something talked about in a regency story, I get the feeling that he might be on the spectrum. However, this is my personal opinion. I could be wrong, but that is how it felt to me. I love Georgiana, she’s so understanding and tries to be a perfect duchess even though she’s way beneath Edward’s status. There were a few times I felt bad for Georgiana cause she never wanted to be someones responsibility. Yet, Edward and Georgiana learn to balance one another. 

Overall, The Spinster and the Rake was a pretty good read. I hope that we get Georgiana's sister story, because I think we could see the background of the drama that happens in the story. At least that is my hopes. Looking for a not so typical Duke, you might want to checkout The Spinster and the Rake.

Copy provided by author

Rating: 4 1/2 Stars

The Perks of Loving a Scoundrel by Jennifer McQuiston (Review)

When this book first came out, I had started The Perks of Loving a Scoundrel. The sad thing was I so close to finishing the story, but something stopped me from reading. I put it aside, and I finally finished the story. I'm kicking myself, because I was soooo close to the end😫. Moving on. 

Truth be told, the story was meh. I think part of the reasons I stopped reading the story was I had other things pressing, and I figure I can put this aside. It has taken me a few years to come back to the story, and I had to restart the story. We meet Mary Channing who came to help her sister out, but her sister had other ideas. Her twin sister wanted Mary to experience a season, and possibly find love. However, Mary is content with her nose in a book. Then we meet Geoffrey Westmore, a well known scoundrel. Always scamping around London, but he accidentally gets trapped into marriage with Mary. All she wanted to do is prevent an assassination plot that they over heard together.  

We have a mouse heroine and a rake of a hero. West is trying to keep Mary safe, but she doesn't want to be left out of action. Both finding that they might actually find themselves please to be together. There were a few surprises I didn't expect. Overall, not a bad read. I'm glad to finally finish the story. 

Copy provided by Avon via Edelweiss (also own the story)

Rating:

3 1/2 Stars

Her Night with the Duke by Diana Quincy (Review)

I was excited to read Her Night with the Duke by Diana Quincy, because I read her very first book and I loved it. Honestly I had high hopes. Don't get me wrong it was pretty good read. I really like the beginning of the story, because we had so much sexual tension between Hunt and Leela. Both of them trying to fight their feelings. Hunt trying to marry Lady Victoria, which happens to be Leela's step-daughter. However, they are more friends than step-mother and step-daughter. 

The pacing of the story was going great for the first half of the story. However, the pacing slows down when a certain event happens. I felt that the latter half of the story felt like filler. I actually put the story down for sometime. I felt myself trying to finish the story. I wanted to scream at Hunt, there is a reason for Leela to turn you down you dolt. 

Overall, it was a pretty good story, but to me it felt like it was starting drag. I'm intrigued by other characters story. Hunt was a dolt at times. Leela was a strong heroine. I liked that she didn't simper when things didn't go her way, but made them happen. It's a pretty good start to a new series. 

Copy provided by Avon

Rating:

3 1/2 Stars

This Scot of Mine by Sophie Jordan (Review)

 

Finally decided that This Scot of Mine by Sophie Jordan need to be read. I have to say this was an interesting read, and of course I'm jumping into a middle of the series. A couple of reasons why I chose this book: 1) The author is amazing. I have enjoyed previous books of hers. 2) THE COVER. That is probably the main reason. I'm sucker for a red dress on the cover. SUCKER! Moving on my reasons for picking this book, and writing what makes this interesting read. 

We have Lady Clara who decides that she needs to cuckold her vile fiancée, and makes him believe she's with child from another man. Vile fiancée believes her, and disgraces her. Now she needs to run up north where she will be safe from ridicule of the Ton. Her whole family believes she's pregnant, and they are trying to figure out who to marry her off. All Clara wanted was peaceful life in Scotland, and be the amazing aunt everyone wants. Marcus has other plans for her, and he finds the perfect gent for the part, Laird Hunt MacLarin.

Hunt believes that his family is cursed. Each of the previous Laird MacLarin never saw the birth of their babes, so he has decided to never get marry or have bairns. He has a sweet deal going on with barren widow, why mess it up. However, he gets an opportunity to be a father without being the natural father to Lady Clare's bairn. Actually pretty ingenious, except for the fact she's not pregnant. 

This is where the story gets interesting. Boy does some crazy stuff happen, and due to a curse. There could have been a curse, but some of things could be explain through logic. However, logic does take a backseat in this story, because we have a CURSE. It's interesting how they break the curse. I'm still not sure on that, but he it was a pretty good read. If you are looking for cursed fellow, and fake pregnancy, you don't have look to far with This Scot of Mine. Honesty I couldn't put it down. I needed to know if he lives or dies. It was a pretty fun read, and I felt bad for Lady Clara.

Copy provided by Avon via Edelweiss

Rating: 4 1/2 Stars

Daring and the Duke by Sarah MacLean (Review)

We have finally arrived to the final chapter of Bareknuckle Bastards series. Now we get to really see what led to Ewan's madness, and why he was after vengeance of his brothers. In the last book he got the crap beat out of him by Grace. If you haven't read the second well spoiler. This is one of the series you need to read the previous books, because they do build off one another. Now that Ewan knows Grace is alive he's out to winner back. From the previous books, we know he can be persistent. He has to fix what he has broken before them. 

We also get a glimpse of the past, and how the father was sadistic bastard. Another thing we learn is the reason behind Ewan's action when Grace, Whit, and Devin ran away. All the things start to fall into place, and we start to understand the whole situation. 

Honestly, Daring and the Duke was a nice ending to the series. It fixes everything that went wrong over the years. A lot happens in this series, and Sarah MacLean does an amazing job with the series. The series is gritty, and not something you see in historical romance. If you don't mind some grit, you might consider the series. 

Copy provide by Avon via Edelweiss

Rating:

4 Stars

Brazen and the Beast by Sarah MacLean (Review)

First off, let me say that I love this cover, because it matches Lady Henrietta Sedley (Hattie) in Brazen and the Beast. I love that she's not the typical heroine. Hattie is curvaceous, and strong-will. After all it's the year of Hattie. Then she stumbles upon Beast in her carriage. Oh lord, he's kind of taken aback by Hattie, but he wants to know who stole his cargo. Anyway, Beast and Hattie make a deal. However, the deal is one-sided. I mean who is going to take on the Bastards. Honestly we don't really see Ewan until the end. However, you know he's lurking around the corner. 

Brazen and the Beast was pretty good. I like that Beast found his match with Hattie. Hattie definitely keeps him on his toes. She might not be the conventional looking heroine, but I love that about the story. There were things that popped up in the story, that people that are closed minded might not enjoy the story. Overall, a pretty good story, and it does propel us to Grace and Ewan's story. Beast and Devil definitely have a grudge against Ewan, I'm surprise he doesn't end up dead, because of certain events. Anyway, if you are looking for an unconventional historical romance. 

Copy provide by Avon via Edelweiss

Rating:

4 Stars

The Truth About Love and Dukes by Laura Lee Guhrke (Review)

I took a chance on The Truth About Love and Dukes by Laura Lee Guhrke. So, we have Miss Irene Deverill who owns a gossip sheet, and also rights a column Lady Trewlove. Lady Trewlove answers of the letters to lovelorn, and try to help them solve their problems. Irene ends up getting into a little trouble with helping a Dowager Duchess of Torquil,  and her son is not too happy. Now the Duke of Torquil is out to get Irene to fix the issue with his mother.

Oh my heavens. Usually I love hero, but I thought he was pompous and arrogant. That's being nice. I would choose other words, but it might get sensory. However, I LOVED Irene. She opinionated, and trying to fight the rights of women. Suffragist, such a dirty word to the old way of thinking. However, the world needs more people like Irene. In the story we see to ideologies clashing, because we have old way of thinking, and merging forward thinking. This causes conflict in the story, that makes you wonder if Henry (the Duke of Torquil) and Irene to see eye to eye. Also Henry battles with tradition, and that love can't be part of the picture. Laure Lee Guhrke does an amazing job with this time period, because this is the era where we have a lot of change. Sometimes I find that she might move a little slow; however, Irene is such a spitfire that you can't find it slowly. She's ready to start punching out the door, and Henry is willing to give her a fight. Overall, The Truth About Love and Dukes was pretty good read.

Copy provided by Avon via Edelweiss

Rating:
4 1/2 Stars

The Summer Deal by Jill Shalvis (Review)

I was able to read The Summer Deal by Jill Shalvis. With the Wildstone series we get knew group with each group, so it would be easy to pick up any book in the series and you would be fine. In this story we meet Brynn Turner, and Kinsey Davis. They have known each other for like forever, and they were enemies. However, things are reveal that they are half-siblings.

They both have to overcome the past and move forward together. However, one of them doesn't know that they are related. There is a lot of secrets going on in the house, and Brynn has a few trust issues. Actually everyone in the house a bit of a trust issue. However, this was a pretty cute read. We have bonding that goes on with enemies to friends. We find romance between Brynn and Eli. Eli happens to be Kinsey's best friend. One of my favorite parts of the story was the journal entries from each of the girls about their summer camp experience, and I think gives light to why there is trust issue.

Overall, The Summer Deal was a pretty good read. I liked the characters a lot more than the previous book. I feel like I want to go back to Wildstone after this story, and see could happen.

Copy provided by Avon via Edelweiss

Rating:
4 Stars

The Scoundrel in Her Bed by Lorraine Heath (Review)

I got a chance to take a look at The Scoundrel in Her Bed by Lorraine Heath. That Trewlove family is pretty awesome. Now we get to know Finn a little more. Okay Lady Lavinia Kent was the one who stood up the Duke of Thornley. She's been on the run for sometime. However, Lavinia and Finn have a history together.

When they first met Lavinia was a spoiled daughter of an earl, and Finn a commoner. However, they started a friendship that had to be secreted. They started to fall for one another. Her father found out and put a stop, which cost Finn quite a bit. Now Finn and Lavinia have to work on repairing the relationship.

I enjoyed The Scoundrel in Her Bed, because we got the flashbacks on how their relationship was blossoming. Sometimes things have to come to an end, they were left bitter about one another. However, they didn't know the whole truth. Towards the end Lavinia was being selfish, but Finn was willing to let her see for herself. I'm glad it worked out in the end. Overall, was a pretty good story.

Copy provided by Avon via Edelweiss

Rating:
4 1/2 Stars

When a Duke Loves a Woman by Lorraine Heath (Review)

I finally got a chance to take a look at When a Duke Loves a Woman by Lorraine Heath. I'm really loving this series. We get to hang out with Gillie Trewlove in this story, and she happens to put a Duke into his place. We get to know the Duke of Thornley. His pride was severely hurt, so he went hunting for his runaway bride. Which he ends up getting accosted by thugs, but fortunately Gillie was near by to save hime.

Anyway, the story progress when Thorne is recovered, and he asks Gillie to help him find his fiancé. As they journey about Whitechapel he finds himself drawn to her more than his bride to be. However, he's trying to figure out if love is worth more or if he should honor his father's dying wish. It would be hard to marry Gillie after all she has a few marks against her: 1. She was born on the wrong side of the blanket. 2. She's a tavern owner. I'm sure we can make the list go on. However, she's a the best sort of person to have in your corner.

When a Duke Loves a Woman definitely a good read. I love that Gillie was strong woman that she didn't need a man to rescue her. I mean her brothers meant well towards the end, but it would have been awkward. I'm glad Thorne realized he needed Gillie.

Copy provided by Avon via Edelweiss

Rating:
5 Stars

Mr. Malcolm's List by Suzanne Allain (Review)

I have to say that Mr. Malcolm's List by Suzanne Allain is a cute read. Those who like their historical romance reads to be accurate might want to take a pass on this story. However, if you are looking for something light and kind of fluffy, you might enjoy Mr. Malcolm's List.

Okay we have Jeremy Malcolm who has a list of what he wants in a wife. He plans to stick with it. However, his friends sister took offense to not being even worthy to garner his attention that she cooks up a plan to use one of her friends to take down Mr. Malcolm. This is where we meet Selina Dalton. Selina is a vicar's daughter, which makes her unlikely to deceive Mr. Malcolm. Actually, she wasn't a big fan of the plan from the beginning.

Mr. Malcolm was pompous, but he did feel something for Selina. However, Julia tried to play fast on loose with her friendship with Selina, and almost cost Selina everything. I felt that Selina was a pawn throughout the book, and I felt bad for her.

Overall, I liked the story, and it's definitely not for everyone. When I opened my thoughts, those who are wanting more close to historical accurate aren't going to like this story. If you are looking for something that is light, you found it in Mr. Malcolm's List.

Copy provided by Berkley via NetGalley

Rating:
4 Stars

Wicked and the Wallflower by Sarah MacLean (Review)

I think one of the most important thing about reading a Sarah MacLean book is that they are interconnected with each other. We actually meet Lady Felicity Faircloth in The Day of the Duchess. I recommend reading that one first before diving into Wicked and the Wallflower. Then you get an understanding why Felicity has nickname like Finished Felicity, and there is a few others. All she wants to be is accepted into Society again. Since she's no longer adored by the ton, she started to run her mouth saying she was engaged with the Duke of Marwick.

Fortunately, Marwick didn't call her out on her lie. They were basically using each other in a way. Here comes Devil. Devil also uses Felicity to get to Marwick. Marwick and Devil have a history together, which gets explored in this story. Devil feels this pull toward Felicity, but he needs to complete the mission that was set out all those years ago. Felicity happens to be collateral damage. All Felicity wants to be is loved.

Sarah is known to write a smart, witty stories. Wicked and the Wallflower does fit that description. Sarah combines two worlds that wouldn't be brought together. Felicity which is light while Devil is dark. They balance one another. I think this is a little more edgier than her previous book, but still just as good. I look forward to see what will happen as the series goes forward.

Copy provided by Avon via Edelweiss

Rating:
4 1/2 Stars

Say Yes to th Duke by Eloisa James (Review)

I got a chance to read Say Yes to the Duke by Eloisa James. I wasn't sure what to expect with Viola story. She doesn't really consider herself a Wilde, because her biological father wasn't the Duke. However, she was raised with a bunch of Wildes, they are bound to rub off her. They have, but she doesn't believe that she is anything like them. Once she starts to believe she's a Wilde her personality fully forms.

Then we have the Duke of Wynter who wants to marry Duke of Lindow's daughter. He thought he wanted Lady Joan, but his uncle was pushing for Miss Viola Astley. Viola was a better match for him, and it was a good thing he realize.

This story was fun to read. I liked Viola and Wynter they kind of balance one another. Plus, he brought out the Wilde side of Viola. Plus, Wynter couldn't see her marrying a Vicar, nor could her family. It was a wild ride with these two.

Copy provided by Avon via Edelweiss

Rating:
4 Stars