Review of Royally Matched (Royally Kissed #2) by Kate O'Keeffe

 

I’ve got 99 problems, and picking the wrong guy might be all of them.

I've always had my royal checklist: Attend the Husband Hunting Ball? Check. Find the perfect match for a princess like me? Check. Feel zero sparks with Mr. Right (aka Enzo Revera)? Sadly, double check.

But then I meet Marco, Enzo's charming and rugged brother. He's everything I shouldn't want, especially since I've planned my life to avoid the messiness of love.

When a twist of fate puts Marco at my side, I can't deny our chemistry, even if he's all wrong for a princess like me. Thrown together by royal duties and an ancient riddle, Marco and I embark on a crazy adventure that leads us to hidden clues.

As we unravel a secret that changes everything, I’m faced with a choice between duty and desire. Can I defy expectations and claim both the throne I’ve always wanted and my true love?


In this dizzyingly romantic modern royal romcom for grown-ups, find out what happens when a cinnamon roll hero meets a princess who follows ALL the rules... Royally Matched is a closed-door romance with all the sizzle but without the spice, and a guaranteed happily ever after. It’s Book 2 in the brand new series, Royally Kissed.

If you enjoyed "The Selection" by Kiera Cass, the "Modern Royals" series by Aven Ellis, or Emma St. Clair's "Sweet Royal Romcom" series you'll love this modern royal romance.

Buy on Amazon

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Check out the entire Royally Kissed series!

**My thoughts**

I think I liked this second installment of the Royally Kissed series more than the first one! Amelia is the princess who is completely dedicated to following all of the rules, maintaining decorum, and keeping up appearances. She would rather sacrifice her own happiness in love than break the rules. OK, and then there is also that broken heart in the past that she would really prefer to not revisit.

But honey, a spreadsheet? The perfect man on paper? I remember those days, too, I guess. I had a written list of my perfect man - and the guy who checked off all the boxes definitely wasn't him. And then I got older and wiser. Amelia has some learning to do. But if she didn't have this learning to do, we wouldn't have a story to read.

Marco and Enzo are polar opposites in spite of being brothers. And neither one of them is really who he appears to be at first - at least not in Amelia's eyes. I'm 100% Team Marco from day one and would love to find one of him for myself!

What I loved the most about this one was Amelia learning about herself and coming into her own. Marco even learns a lot about himself and what his life is supposed to be. They perfectly complement each other and are frankly more magical than Maddie and Alex. I truly adored this one.

Now I want the next installment to hurry up and come out!

I received a requested ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review of The Backup Princess (Royally Kissed #1) by Kate O'Keeffe

 

When a Texas gal punches a prince instead of curtsying, you know this isn't your grandmother's fairy tale.

Taking the bull by the horns is child's play compared to ruling Malveaux. Yet here I am, a Texas girl turned princess, swapping tacos for a tiara.

Then I meet Europe’s most eligible bachelor, the irritatingly handsome Prince Alexander, and accidentally deck him instead of curtsying.

Oops.

I’d feel bad if he wasn’t such a self-satisfied jerk.

Now, I'm racing against a royal clock that ticks with the urgency of a preening peacock, trying not to let down my newfound country or my own wild heart. Alexander? He's a walking contradiction, with a smirk that heats my blood and eyes that tell tales of a depth I didn't expect.

Decisions aren't exactly my rodeo, but this time, my choice could cost me my new crown—or lead to a love story that rewrites my happily ever after.

Will this Texas girl rise to the royal challenge, or is this one fairytale destined to end with the slipper never found?



MEDAL WINNER AT THE READERS’ FAVORITE BOOK AWARDS



The Princess Diaries meets The Hating Game in this in this dizzyingly romantic modern royal romcom for grown-ups, where an American girl's unexpected ascent to royalty collides with a fiery romance with a hot neighboring prince. The Backup Princess is a closed-door romance with all the sizzle but without the spice, and a guaranteed happily ever after. It’s Book 1 in the brand new series, Royally Kissed.

If you enjoyed "The Selection" by Kiera Cass, the "Modern Royals" series by Aven Ellis, or Emma St. Clair's "Sweet Royal Romcom" series you'll love this modern royal romance.

Buy on Amazon

(affiliate links included)

Check out the entire Royally Kissed series!

**My thoughts**

I can always count on Kate O'Keeffe to pen a unique take on a common trope that keeps me completely engaged and wanting more. I'm madly in love with this series, which hooked me from that opening line in the book description. I loved the nod to The Princess Diaries when Maddie discovers her royal heritage and has to decide whether or not to take the crown when it is her time. (And there are also some other little moments that fellow Princess Diaries book fans will pick up on.) I felt nods to the real royal family saga with abdication and untrue gossip and stereotypes of the hottie princes. And yet, Maddie and Alex are their own characters with their own story. 

It's a classic enemies-to-lovers trope as well, because Maddie can't stand Alex when she meets him. And while their nations are friendly, they are also in competition. They even admit that they are attracted to each other, but aren't sold on getting together at first. And then the attraction takes over.

I also love Alex's sisters, though Amelia can be a bit uptight. You know there are plenty of stories to come. This new chapter in the histories of Ledonia and Malveaux are just getting started, and I'm here for the ride!

Review of Second Chance in Paradise by Jennifer Peel

 

Second Chance in Paradise

Doctoral student Holland Reeves may have aced every class she’s ever taken, but when it comes to life outside her lab, she’s beginning to realize she doesn’t have one. In fact, she has more meaningful relationships with test tubes and pipettes than with people. Wishing to change that, she reluctantly agrees to attend an old friend’s wedding. The only problem is, it means she has to return to Paradise. The small coastal town that once upon a time lived up to its name, that was, until he—Porter Clairborne—left her without even saying goodbye. It’s fine, it’s all fine. She has better things to do than be ridiculously happy and in love. Things like finding a cure for heart disease.

But when she returns to Paradise, she gets way more than she bargained for. Porter, the prodigal son, has returned—unbeknownst to her—and he has more on his mind than just helping his family’s business, the Clairborne Resort. He’s determined to win back the woman who captured his heart several summers ago. Lucky for him, Holland has a little mishap that forces her to stay in Paradise a lot longer than she expected.

Now together, Holland and Porter must decide if first love deserves a second chance. Will Paradise once again live up to its name? Or will it remain a town of broken dreams?

USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Peel presents a beautiful second chance romance full of sizzling kisses and heart-tugging moments. It’s the perfect beach read.

Buy on Amazon

(affiliate link included)

**My thoughts**

I admit that it took me a couple of tries to get through this one. When I first started reading it, I was somehow confused by the characters and their relationships and who was whom. [But I think that was more of a ME thing than a writing thing. No idea what was going on in my mind then.] And then it took me a little bit to get used to Holland and her way of thinking and looking at the world. I saw her as a neurodivergent character, which I love seeing more of in books. She even had me trying to see how much of the periodic table I could remember from my chemistry days.

I recognized bits of myself in her, especially the high anxiety causing her to tunnel in on her scientific work and needing a push from others to engage in the outer world. I felt the awkwardness of having someone take you under their wing as their surrogate child and not feeling like you quite deserve that much unconditional love from outside the family. I was very proud of her for giving in and going to her friend's wedding and then letting Porter and his family take care of her.

And then there is Porter. I would love to have a Porter in my life. He fully embraces Holland for who she is and loves her quirks. He's determined to show her who she really is and to rectify what went wrong in their past. To be honest, I don't think they would have worked out as well had they just stayed together in the first place. They clearly needed some time apart to become the best version of their coupledom. And how can you not when in a place like Paradise?

Holland and Porter aren't the only second chance story happening in this book. And the other one truly had me in tears. Worth the read once I was able to get into it.

Review of All the Christmas Vibes by Melissa Baldwin

 

All the Christmas Vibes

'Tis the season for a spontaneous holiday getaway and an unexpected connection. Will the magic of Christmas offer a new chance at love?

Sophie
It’s Christmas, and I can’t help but believe that magic happens around this time of year—or at least, I really hope it does. I’ve always been obsessed with the holidays, and the best part? I can binge-watch all the Hallmark movies I want. Secretly, I might be hoping for my own love story to play out just like in the movies. It’s possible, right? I mean, it happened for my friend.

A girls' trip to Tennessee seems like the perfect way to unwind. Then, I meet Jake—the coach of the Tennessee Wolves. Our connection is instant, and I find myself wanting to get to know him better. But there’s one small issue… I don’t know if he’s available.

That’s when I get my reality check—life isn’t a Hallmark movie, and love? It’s complicated.

Jake
This Christmas feels different, like everything is a bit out of place. I guess that’s what an unexpected breakup will do to you. At least I have my career to keep me focused—coaching a professional hockey team is no walk in the park, but it definitely keeps my mind occupied.

The last thing I need is to get involved with someone new. Then Sophie walks into my life—fun, spontaneous, and not afraid to take chances. They say opposites attract, but I’m not sure if I’m ready for that.

To complicate things even more, my ex has started coming around again. I don’t know if it’s easier to stay with what’s familiar or take a chance on something new.

Buy on Amazon

(affiliate links included)

Check out the related Love on Thin Ice multiauthor series!

**My thoughts**

This latest offering from Melissa Baldwin is a spinoff from the Love on Thin Ice series that Melissa worked on with many of her author friends (and some of my other favorites to read). I am ashamed to admit that I am behind on that series, though I'm dying to sink my teeth in it. But I didn't feel like was missing anything in this book having not yet read that series. Melissa's book in that series was about Blair, Sophie's best friend, and her relationship with Cooper, Jake's teammate. Having met them in this book, I can't wait to go back and read their story! And I love that there are enough characters for the story of this hockey team to continue with spinoffs.

Sophie gets to do something I have always wanted to do - takes off on an adventure to Tennessee and ends up finding herself a good man. For someone who loves those cheesy holiday Hallmark movies - I'm referring to both myself and to Sophie - it's the perfect trip and setting!

You can tell that Sophie is comfortable in her life in Texas, but she's also kind of stuck. She's at one of those turning points where she could keep on keeping on, but then if the right path diverges, she can easily choose to follow that one. Jake may be coming off of a long-term relationship, but he has clearly moved on.

Jake's sister Julia is a little intense in the beginning. I did soften toward her as the book went on, thoug, because she's just intense to protect her brother.

And then we have the ex, Traci. OY! I had all of the flashbacks to some catty women in my younger years! Good riddance to her and kudos to Sophie for being able to stay strong.

I admit that the chemistry didn't jump off the page for me the way that I expected it to. But it's there and it burns at a respectable pace. We come to a satisfying stopping point in the story of Sophie and Jake, but you know there's a lot more to come. I'm hoping that this world continues so that we can see what happens!

Review of Swoony Moon (Crescent Moon Ranch #2) by Tess Thompson

 

Swoony Moon

As children, they’d made a pact to marry until a mutual family tragedy ripped them apart. Can a Christmas miracle bring them back together in this clean and wholesome, small-town romance, or will the cruel demons of the past ruin their second chance?

Atticus
Annie Armstrong was my best friend growing up. When betrayal brought heartbreak to both our lives, she and her father moved away from Bluefern, Montana. As the years went by, we tried to stay in touch through letters but eventually our correspondence dwindled to an occasional text. Now, she’s a big Hollywood star I see on my television screen every week. I’m just a boring tech nerd turned billionaire. Our lives could not be further apart, especially since I’ve returned to my family’s Montana ranch to run my charity work from home.

But then, Annie shows up, broken and in need of a good hiding place. Will the decades since our last tearful goodbye prove too much for a second chance?

Annie
Atticus Moon was the finest boy I’d ever known. Although the years had distanced us, I never stopped thinking about him or wishing we could have remained close. Was it simply time and distance that separated us? Or had the selfish choice my mother made when we were children ruined any chance of a relationship with Atticus or his family? I’d not stopped running from the past long enough to know the answer.

However, when the unthinkable happens and I’m left alone, publicly humiliated and in possible danger, I head to Bluefern and Atticus. Will he take me in after all this time and be the friend I so desperately need or will he disappoint me like all the other men in my life?

Opposites attract in this sweet, emotional family saga starring the Moon brothers. Grab it today for a cozy, happy-ever-after by USA Today bestselling author, Tess Thompson.

Buy on Amazon

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Check out the entire Crescent Moon Ranch series!

**My thoughts**

I fell in love with the Moon boys in the introductory book in this series, Mama Moon. I had a special soft spot for Atticus and Annie. Even as children, you knew that they shared the same soul and were destined for each other. But of course, fate had to step in and make a temporary mess of things. Sure, it's been a long time since they have seen each other. They are opposites in a lot of ways. But they are also perfect for each other in so many ways. I mean, where did Annie turn when she needed help? She knows that Atticus is her home.

Swoony Moon definitely lives up to its name as this twosome figures out who they are now - both apart and together - and fall in love all over again. It's going to be hard for one of the other brothers to top this one for me! But we shall see. I'm looking forward to all of them finding their happily ever after.

Review of Mama Moon (Crescent Moon Ranch #1) by Tess Thompson

 

Mama Moon
When her world is shattered, a single mother must summon every ounce of strength and determination to rebuild a future for herself and her five precious boys. Can she save her Montana ranch and protect her babies?

Stella
I’m a mother above all else. My boys are my life and my heart. When I’m suddenly raising them alone, I must face the possibility of selling the ranch that’s been in my family for generations.

The last thing on my mind is finding a second chance at love. Yet, when a buttoned-up banker offers his assistance, I can’t help but say yes. Will the man in a suit and leather loafers be the key to my next chapter?

Jasper
When I agreed to open a bank branch in a small town in western Montana, I had no idea how much I would love life in a sleepy community full of cowboys and cowgirls. Things get even more interesting when I meet Stella. She’s a mother of five adorable boys with the prettiest brown eyes I’ve ever seen. She also has a rundown ranch in desperate need of repair.

I’m only a city boy in a suit with no business on a ranch. Yet, Stella and her boys feel like home. Can I convince her I’m the one to repair her broken heart and her ranch?

This clean and wholesome series starter from USA Today Bestselling author Tess Thompson will warm hearts as Stella and Jasper make a family from the broken parts of trampled dreams in this opposites-attract, contemporary romance.

Buy on Amazon

(affiliate links included)

Check out the entire Crescent Moon Ranch series!

**My thoughts**

Sweet, innocent Stella. She gets caught up in Rex's web, and understandably so. Those rodeo men can be quite delicious with their charisma and bravery. She thinks she has everything that she wants, because he gives her five sons. But happiness is in the eye of the beholder, and his eyes have gone elsewhere. Tragedy strikes and secrets are revealed, shattering Stella's world and leaving her all on her own with her boys. Life looks tough, but those boys are gonna give their mama what she needs to persevere. And I mean a MAMA, not just a mother. If you haven't fallen in love with these kids by the end of this first book, I don't know what to tell you. Just wait until you get to know them better. Each one of them does right by their mama and tugs at your heartstrings.

And then there's Jasper, the new man in town who becomes a sort of knight in shining armor without taking away from any of Stella's strength. If anything, he helps her find it again. We could all use someone like him to help us to be our best. I also love him for being able to look past her hurt and awkwardness as she tries to move on. And bless him for taking on such an enormous responsibility! Life works in mysterious ways sometimes.

And SLURFPIG FTW! IYKYK. Yes, all the acronyms. [And I believe you can actually buy a SLURFPIG now!]

I love Tess Thompson's small town settings. Crescent Moon Ranch is 100% a place that I would love to visit. I also love how she manages to create these beautiful families who face adversity and then come back stronger than ever. Each character and family member is completely their authentic selves, showing us how wonderful the dynamic family can be and how we need a variety of people to make this world go 'round. Mama Moon lays a strong foundation for the upcoming books in this series, and I'm here for every single one of them.

Review of Unexpected Gifts (Sugarville Grove #2) by Tess Thompson

Unexpected Gifts 

Abigail Parker just wants to get through the holidays, but fate has other plans...

After a year of unexpected twists, Abigail finds herself in the small town of Sugarville Grove, Vermont, as the guardian of her late cousin’s two young children. Leaving behind her bustling city life and dream job at a veterinary practice, Abigail’s only goal is to adjust to her new responsibilities and figure out how to be the mother they need. Falling for her rugged, no-nonsense neighbor is definitely not part of the plan.

Luke Hayes has his hands full raising his lively four-year-old daughter, Lily, while managing his family’s maple syrup farm. With his heart still scarred from being abandoned by Lily’s mother, Luke has sworn off romance. But when a broken fence and a mischievous dog bring Abigail into his life, he starts to wonder if maybe love isn’t as far out of reach as he thought.

As the holiday lights sparkle and the snow falls, Abigail and Luke find themselves drawn together, despite their differences. But with Abigail adjusting to her new life and Luke determined to protect his heart, it will take more than a little Christmas magic to bring them together.

Welcome to Sugarville Grove, where holiday charm, second chances, and unexpected romance are always in the air. Life is sweet in Sugarville Grove! Be sure to check out the rest of the series!

Buy on Amazon

(affiliate links included)

Check out the whole Sugarville Grove series!

**My thoughts**

It's classic Tess Thompson at Christmas, tugging at the heartstrings with a festive backdrop. Small towns are her specialty. I felt Abigail's deep angst as she came to the rescue of her cousin's orphaned children. I felt Luke's loneliness while raising his daughter without her mother. We're taken deep into their thoughts and inner conflict as they both try to navigate new life situations. And while it may be an instant attraction, it's a nice slow burn of a love story that feels real. 

This book is the second installment of a four-book series penned by Tess Thompson and Clara Pines, taking place in Sugarville Grove. The two books are independent of each other in the sense that you don't have to read one to understand the other. But you will have nods to characters in Clara's book. And in another classic Tess Thompson move, there are links to other towns in her other series - a sort of Tess multiverse, if you will. I always love stumbling upon the Easter eggs.

So overall, this is another feel-good, clean love story that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy. You may even shed a little tear here and there - in a good way! 

Each author has one more book planned for this series, coming out in a couple of months. I can't wait to see what else unfolds in Sugarville Grove! 

I received a requested review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Read my review of book 1: Sweet Surprises by Clara Pines

Review of Sweet Surprises (Sugarville Grove #1) by Clara Pines

 

Sweet Surprises

All this single dad wants is a quiet Christmas, but he’s in for a sweet surprise…

Charlotte Kendrick is thrilled when her best friend invites her to run the family ice cream shop in small-town Sugarville Grove. She’s had a rough year with a bad break-up and a terrible loss. But Charlotte isn’t going to let that dampen her spirits. She’s determined to have fun, finish the things she starts, and avoid falling for another guy – especially her best friend’s grumpy, gorgeous older brother.

Tag Lawrence has buried himself in his work on the family dairy farm and his fierce love for his kids ever since losing his wife years ago. People might say he’s a grump, but he’d rather focus on his energetic five-year-old son and increasingly reserved thirteen-year-old daughter than worry about the world outside Lawrence Farm.

But when an early freeze and a burst pipe leave the pretty new manager of the dairy’s ice cream shop out in the cold, Tag feels obliged to offer her a home for the holidays. The upbeat young woman connects with his kids in a way that makes his chest ache, but Tag knows he will never allow himself to fall in love again. And he definitely can’t even think about getting involved with his little sister’s best friend, no matter how much her smiles make him feel like something is awakening in his heart.

Nothing short of a Christmas miracle could bring these two together. It’s a good thing they’re in Sugarville Grove this holiday season.

Welcome to Sugarville Grove, where clean & wholesome small-town romance awaits you on every corner. Life is sweet in Sugarville Grove! Be sure to read the whole series!

Available on Amazon

(affiliate links included)

Check out the whole Sugarville Grove series!

**My thoughts**

I admit that I hadn't heard of Clara Pines before this series came out. I was brought to her and this book because Sugarville Grove is a series that she is doing with author Tess Thompson, and I've been a fan of Tess Thompson's since the beginning of her writing career. So naturally, I had to give this one a shot! And I fell totally in love with the book and the characters.

Charlotte has had a rough go in life and is starting all over again by helping her best friend's family resurrect the family ice cream business. This cannot be an easy feat in a small Vermont town in the middle of winter! And yet, Charlotte is filled with great ideas and has a strong desire to learn as much as she can. It doesn't hurt that her best friend's older brother is easy on the eyes and has a grumpy nature that almost begs for someone to break through it.

Tag has also had a bit of a rough go, now raising his two children on his own. Chance was a mere toddler when he lost his mom and is now a four-year-old bundle of energy. I recognize and embrace his boisterous spirit, found in many of my favorite students over the years. Olivia is a teenager who still cannot wrap her head around not having her mom anymore. Her sullen nature makes her a tough nut to crack, but the right person will be able to penetrate that shell.

No one expected the level of healing that Charlotte's presence is able to bring - not just to Tag and his children, but also his family and other people in the town. That's the magic found in these small town stories at Christmastime. I could feel the magic all around them while I was reading this book and felt inspired to try to be a better person, like Charlotte. My only issue was the happy ending felt a bit rushed, considering where these two started in their emotional states.

Nevertheless, I am glad that I was introduced to this series and am looking forward to seeing how these two authors weave their characters and tales together in this new small town and continue the Christmas magic. And I am definitely going to check out Clara's other books!

I received a requested ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Read my review of book 2: Unexpected Gifts by Tess Thompson.

Review of Only Santas in the Building (Under the Mistletoe #5) by Alexis Daria

 

Only Santas in the Building

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, especially for a comic book illustrator whose late-night naughty fantasies become real in a festive and spicy short story by bestselling author Alexis Daria.

All Evie Cruz wants for Christmas is a nap. And maybe some ornaments for her naked Christmas tree. And while she’s making a list, she wouldn’t mind unwrapping her sexy upstairs neighbor like a present. Luckily, the building’s Santa-themed party and a surprise sprig of mistletoe give her just the opening she needs to make all her wishes come true.

Alexis Daria’s Only Santas in the Building is part of Under the Mistletoe, a collection of sexy December romances to warm the cold winter nights. They can be read or listened to in one swoony sitting.

Buy on Amazon

(affiliate links included)

Check out the entire Under the Mistletoe collection!

**My thoughts**

This final installment in the Under the Mistletoe series was another great addition! Evie works from home as a comic illustrator and is often pressured to really dig in to make her deadlines. This leaves her little social time and definitely not enough time to dig out the holiday decorations for celebration. This has not gone unnoticed! Someone is leaving her cute little ornaments, but it's not who she thinks it is. (And seriously, this is not a spoiler. If you don't know who it is from the start, I don't know what to tell you.) And she is such a sweetheart for wanting to return the favor.

She also has a super hottie for an upstairs neighbor, who is all too eager to help her out whenever she is in need. And it feels like some others are also conspiring to help her with her needs. 

I love it when a geeky girl is able to discover her true inner beauty and can embrace it and get what she really wants. Christmastime is the perfect time to do this. This series ending had me wishing I could do some neighborly baking, too! I would love to have updates in their lives! 

Read all of my reviews!

1- Cruel Winter With You by Ali Hazelwood

2- Merry Every After by Tessa Bailey

3- All By By Elf by Olivia Dade

4- Merriment and Mayhem by Alexandria Bellefleur

5- Only Santas in the Building by Alexis Daria

Review of Merriment and Mayhem (Under the Mistletoe #4) by Alexandria Bellefleur

 

Merriment and Mayhem

This Christmas, a hot fireman makes a holiday rescue and sparks fly in this sizzling holiday short story by bestselling author Alexandria Bellefleur.

When Everleigh Dangerfield’s baking disaster necessitates a call to 911, firefighter Griffin Brantley douses the flames in the kitchen, but the ones he stokes in Everleigh are an entirely different story. Unfortunately, Everleigh’s only visiting and doesn’t do casual hookups, no matter how smoldering the temptation. But Everleigh’s holiday mishaps have just begun. And Griffin is seemingly always on call. If Everleigh is game for a change of plans, he can give her the merriest Christmas of her life.

Alexandria Bellefleur’s Merriment and Mayhem is part of Under the Mistletoe, a collection of sexy December romances to warm the cold winter nights. They can be read or listened to in one swoony sitting.

Buy on Amazon

(affiliate links included)

Check out the entire Under the Mistletoe collection!

**My thoughts**

Now we're on to the 4th installment of this series and my favorite one so far. I completely relate to Everleigh and her accident-prone ways. If I haven't done one of her mishaps yet, it's quite likely that I would if I were ever in that situation. And seriously, who hasn't had fantasies of the hottie firefighter coming to her rescue? This was a short story that actually came together quite well in spite of it being short. You knew enough of where you were coming from and had pretty clear direction where the story was going to go, even after "The End." The supplementary characters added to the story. I loved their banter. I would absolutely love to visit this couple and this town again in the future!

Read all of my reviews!

1- Cruel Winter With You by Ali Hazelwood

2- Merry Every After by Tessa Bailey

3- All By By Elf by Olivia Dade

4- Merriment and Mayhem by Alexandria Bellefleur

5- Only Santas in the Building by Alexis Daria

Review of All By My Elf (Under the Mistletoe #3) by Olivia Dade

 

All By My Elf

Secret crushes, spicy Christmas treats, heinous holiday traffic, and a fateful snowstorm bring good friends together in a funny, sexy short story by bestselling author Olivia Dade.

Nina and William are underpaid adjunct professors at the same university, where winter break is no break at all: ’tis the season to make extra money. When their holiday side hustle has them stranded by a blinding blizzard in the middle of nowhere, there’s nothing to do but cuddle up for warmth and play a hot and bothered game of Never Have I Ever to pass the time. But in the game of love, secrets never stay secret for long…

Olivia Dade’s All by My Elf is part of Under the Mistletoe, a collection of sexy December romances to warm the cold winter nights. They can be read or listened to in one swoony sitting.

Available on Amazon

(affiliate links included)

Check out the entire Under the Mistletoe collection!

**My thoughts**

This one was another odd one in this series that I felt could have been better. Nina has had a crush on William for a long time, as they have been working together as adjunct professors at the university. They're now working together in this weird holiday gig with one of their friends and colleagues. Only Nina is completely convinced that William and Claudia have something going between them. I get being absent-minded professors and having doubt about a man's feelings, but had a hard time with her denial. And then, if Nina and Claudia were such good friends, why weren't they talking about it? I'm still not quite clear on what Nina thought she saw as evidence between the two of them. And if Claudia wanted Nina and William together so badly, why wasn't she playing up to both of them? Honestly, Claudia felt like an unnecessary addition to the story and was offloaded pretty quickly. I think this story would have had better flow without her. I also didn't quite buy super shy Nina suddenly letting loose in quite the way she did, but stranger things have happened. Another one that fell short of its potential, but still an easy read and not a total waste of my time.

Read all of my reviews!

1- Cruel Winter With You by Ali Hazelwood

2- Merry Every After by Tessa Bailey

3- All By By Elf by Olivia Dade

4- Merriment and Mayhem by Alexandria Bellefleur

5- Only Santas in the Building by Alexis Daria

Review of Merry Ever After (Under the Mistletoe #2) by Tessa Bailey

 

Merry Ever After

A single mother working in a thrift store. A gentle giant farmer who can’t find jeans that fit. When opposites attract, they find themselves making alterations in more ways than one in this smoking-hot short story by #1 New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey.

Evie Crowe is starting over in a strange town with her newborn, and men are the furthest thing from her mind. If only the quiet, hulking farmer, Luke Ward, would stop coming into the thrift shop and piquing her reluctant interest. Evie wants to stay single all the way—she can’t trust anything more than friends-with-holiday-benefits. But Luke is in it for the long haul. He’s fixed on making this a Christmas Evie will remember forever. If she gives him a chance.

Tessa Bailey’s Merry Ever After is part of Under the Mistletoe, a collection of sexy December romances to warm the cold winter nights. They can be read or listened to in one swoony sitting.

Buy on Amazon

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Check out the entire Under the Mistletoe collection!

**My thoughts**

I read the stories in this series in order. I knew to expect some heat, but WOW, was this a departure from the first book in the series! And it's totally not what I was expecting from Tessa Bailey. I felt like this one fell short for me and reminded me of why short stories are not my favorites to read. Evie and Luke went from 0 to 120 super fast and I didn't feel it coming. There wasn't enough time for much backstory and buildup. And then they went from being super shy around each other to the filthy talk that just felt out of character in a way. That being said, this story does have a lot of potential and I'd love to see it fleshed out some more. 

Read all of my reviews!

1- Cruel Winter With You by Ali Hazelwood

2- Merry Every After by Tessa Bailey

3- All By By Elf by Olivia Dade

4- Merriment and Mayhem by Alexandria Bellefleur

5- Only Santas in the Building by Alexis Daria

Review of Cruel Winter With You (Under the Mistletoe #1) by Ali Hazelwood

 

Cruel Winter With You

For two former childhood friends, a blustery winter storm stirs some frosty—and scorching—memories in a delightfully sexy short story by #1 New York Times bestselling author Ali Hazelwood.

All newly minted pediatrician Jamie Malek wants is to borrow a roasting pan for Christmas dinner. Unfortunately, that requires her to interact with Marc—her best friend’s troublemaking brother, who’s now a tech billionaire. He’s the one who got away. She’s the one who broke his heart. Outside, a howling blizzard. Inside, a crackling fire. Suddenly, being snowbound with the man she never expected to see again might not be such a bad way to spend a winter’s night.

Ali Hazelwood’s Cruel Winter with You is part of Under the Mistletoe, a collection of sexy December romances to warm the cold winter nights. They can be read or listened to in one swoony sitting.

Available on Amazon

(affiliate links included)

Check out the entire Under the Mistletoe collection!

***My thoughts***

I've been curious about Ali Hazelwood's work for quite some time now, as I often see her riding the top of the Kindle bestseller lists. This seemed like a perfect opportunity! I know that I'll definitely be looking for more of her stories after this one.

This short story is the first in a festive collection of five by various authors. I really had a soft spot for this one out of the bunch. 

Jamie has known Marc since he was a newborn. Somehow, the two of them have always gotten along, even better than he gets along with his own sister, who happens to be Jamie's best friend. Marc has clearly had a crush on her forever, always looking out for her in a subtle way. Jamie has always had a soft spot for him. But is it enough to cross over that line?

This story falls into that proximity trope during a snowstorm, which is probably my favorite setting for this particular trope. Add into it the best friend's brother and almost a second-chance romance and you have the ingredients for a sweet and sexy romp that will leave you feeling all gushy inside. 

I'm not normally a fan of short stories, because I am always wanting more. This one did satisfy me enough, though I still would have loved to have had more. Maybe they'll reappear in another book or story at some point down the road?

Read all of my reviews!

1- Cruel Winter With You by Ali Hazelwood

2- Merry Every After by Tessa Bailey

3- All By By Elf by Olivia Dade

4- Merriment and Mayhem by Alexandria Bellefleur

5- Only Santas in the Building by Alexis Daria

Review of When Stars Rise at Midnight (The Midnight Stars Saga Book 2)

 

When Stars Rise at Midnight

Falling in love was the last thing they wanted. Can they resist their feelings to protect the ones they care about?

Estelle
After the trauma of my family’s abandonment and the forced adoption of my baby, I find solace in New York City, living in a fine apartment, thanks to my benefactor, Percival Bancroft. He asks for nothing in return except for one thing – dinner once a week. All would be well if it weren’t for my growing feelings for the kind man who rescued me from a life on the streets. He is not mine to love, as he belongs to another.

Percival
This is not the life I wanted, but it’s the one I have, and I must make the best of it. Thankfully, I have Estelle safely tucked away in an apartment in the city. If only I hadn’t fallen in love with her, all would be well. With my wife committed to an insane asylum with no hope of recovery, there is no chance for love in my life.

Read part two of USA Today bestselling author Tess Thompson’s Midnight Stars Saga, a clean and wholesome American historical romance, for this rags-to-riches tale of forbidden love.

Buy on Amazon

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***My thoughts**

I'm so glad I didn't need to wait a long time for this sequel! As I am always saying, Tess Thompson is one of the only authors of historical fiction that I will devour again and again. I almost think her historical fiction is now stronger than her contemporaries. And this series is now my favorite.

The first installment ended on what Tess called a cliffhanger. To me, it was just a natural pause point, because it was a huge turning point in the story. This one has both heartbreak and heart filling as Estelle and Percival continue to battle their hearts' true desires as she continues to pull herself out of the trenches and he persists in helping her. Throw in a murder mystery and some unexpected plot twists, and I guarantee an engrossing read. I am just so in love with all of these characters and felt some echoes of Jane Eyre, one of my all-time favorite stories. (This is one of Tess's other strong points: you feel echoes of your classic favorites, but she makes the stories all her own.)

I will definitely be rereading this series.

I received a requested review copy via Bookfunnel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Read my review of the first book, When Stars Fall at Midnight.

Review of When Stars Fall at Midnight by Tess Thompson

When Stars Fall at Midnight by Tess Thompson

1921

Estelle
Cast out and alone, I lost everything weeks before my wedding—my betrothed, my family, my future. With nowhere to turn, I accept the help of a compassionate stranger, not knowing it may lead me towards a path I swore never to tread.

Percival
After my wife succumbed to a psychotic break, I placed her in an asylum, a decision that haunts me as I raise our daughter alone. Hope for her recovery wanes with each passing year. I've vowed to uphold my marital duty, yet the arrival of a mysterious woman tempts me with forbidden possibilities. My father’s dishonorable legacy is a constant reminder of the man I refuse to become.

Set in the tumultuous early 1920s, "When Stars Fall at Midnight" is the first installment in Tess Thompson’s romantic family saga. Join USA Today Bestselling author in this tale of resilience, redemption, and unexpected love, where second chances arise from the ruins of tragedy, and newfound bonds forge new a family.

Buy on Amazon

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***My thoughts***

Every time I think I cannot like Tess Thompson's romances any more, she surprises me with yet another masterpiece. She is one of the only authors I can stomach when it comes to historical romance, because those tales actually feel real. The first book in this new series, When Stars Fall at Midnight, is so engrossing, I had a hard time putting it down. Her prose was so clear and descriptive, and the dialgoue so natural that I felt like I was watching the book play out in front of me on a screen, kind of like watching Bridgerton. [So shoutout to Netflix! You should make a series from this one!]

Estelle has always felt like the lesser twin with no prospects for the future. She finally finds some good and beauty in her life, only to have her whole world come crashing down. Forced to make heartwrenching decisions, she starts her life over, thanks to a chance encounter with a noble benefactor in Percival. He also has his own secrets and difficulty in life. The two of them are so good for each other, but too many obstacles stand in their way. This is not an easy path to a romance - and should they even be trying? Moral dilemmas will have you contemplating which decisions are the correct ones. I kept thinking I knew what was going to happen, but not quite!

This installment of the series does end before their story has completed. At the end, Tess calls it a cliffhanger. To me, it didn't feel so much like a cliffhanger as a logical place to pause. I'm anxious to read the next part, but am happy to see it looks like it won't be a really long wait for it! There are so many directions that this could all go.

I received a requested copy via BookFunnel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Read my review of book 2, When Stars Rise at Midnight.

Meet Nathaniel Koszer, author of Latency (Energy Crisis Series Part One)

 

Today you get to meet Nathaniel Koszer, author of the sci-fi biotech Latency, which is part one of the Energy Crisis series. He's also sharing an excerpt from the book. Ask him more questions in the comments section and then follow the tour for even more fun. Best of luck entering the giveaway!

Q&A with M. Laszlo, author of On the Threshold

 

Today I am excited to have you meet M. Laszlo, author of the historical science fiction book On the Threshold in this Q&A. We also have an excerpt from his book and a great giveaway. Have even more fun as you follow the tour!

Review of Secret Admirer Pact by Bernadette Marie plus her Top 10 Favorite Rom Com Movies

 

If you're in the mood for a cute, clean "friends-to-lovers" romance, then this is the book for you! Today I have an excerpt for you as well as my thoughts after reading it. And then the author is also sharing her Top 10 Rom Com Movies. How does your list compare to hers? Let us know in the comments and then follow the tour for even more.

Secrets of a Gay Man Growing Up in the 1950s by Jonathan Feinn

 

I cannot imagine what it would have been like to be gay back in the 1950s, having to hide who I really was and essentially live a lie. I've known friends and family members who had to do so and have heard parts of their stories. And now, Jonathan Feinn is sharing his. Read an excerpt from his memoir, Secrets of a Gay Man Growing Up in the 1950s and then follow the tour for more. Best of luck entering the giveaway!

SWAT for Dummies by Gail Koger

 

Take a romcom and through in some action and adventure and you get an engaging new read from Gail Koger! Check out an excerpt from SWAT for Dummies and then download your own copy! Check out the rest of the tour for even more fun. Best of luck entering the great giveaway!

The Babel Apocalypse Audiobook by Vyvyan Evans

 

The spoken word is quite powerful, and having this science fiction book available in audiobook is almost crucial to the storyline. Check out a written excerpt from The Babel Apocalypse and then follow the tour for more! Also read about author Vyvyan Evans' thoughts on the future of language streaming. Best of luck entering the giveaway!

Read an exclusive excerpt from If the Duke Dares by Darcy Burke

 

If the Bridgerton series made you a fan of regency and all of the rakish dukes, please let me introduce you to Darcy Burke. Your bonus today is being able to read an excerpt from her latest, If the Duke Dares. Be sure to download it and then enter the great giveaway! There's more if you continue to follow the tour. 

Review of Her Silent Cry (Detective Josie Quinn #6) by Lisa Regan

Round and round she goes, blonde pigtails flying, her high-pitched giggle catching on the wind. But as the ride slows to a stop, her seat is suddenly empty. Little Lucy is gone…

When seven-year-old Lucy Ross is snatched from the carousel in Denton city park, Detective Josie Quinn joins the frantic search. She’s the one who finds Lucy’s sparkly butterfly backpack abandoned by the ticket booth, a note with a devastating message stuffed inside: answer your phone, or your sweet little darling will die…

The next day, Lucy’s parents are filled with hope when they pick up a call which they think is from their babysitter – but instead it’s a chilling male voice on the line. Josie races to the babysitter’s small apartment only to find her lifeless body in a tangle of sheets on her bed.

Josie is faced with the most high-stakes case of her career as each new phone call from someone connected to the family ends with the shocking discovery of another body. This twisted killer wants revenge, and he won’t stop until the Ross family are in pieces…

Something is telling Josie that Lucy’s parents aren’t giving her the whole truth, but digging deeper into their lives will force her to confront a life-changing secret of her own. Does Josie have what it takes to crack this case? She has no choice if she’s going to bring Lucy home alive…

Buy on Amazon

See the entire Detective Josie Quinn series.

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I adore Lisa Regan’s Josie Quinn series and have read each of them more than once. They are just completely engrossing.

This is one that reminds me of why I watch children in my care like a hawk when we are at playgrounds and why I cringe when caregivers are more engaged in their smartphones. In the blink of an eye, something can happen. And the way that this whole crime was carried out is quite devious. This book is one that haunts me every time I reread the series.

I do love the clues that are dropped along the way. They keep the story that much more intriguing. And the interwoven first person story from the mystery narrator is just as fascinating as you’re trying to figure out who it is and how it all ties together. And I think the results will pleasantly surprise you.

Josie also continues to grow as a person. You can see her soften more and more as her relationships grow with people like Noah, Misty, and Misty’s son. I love watching it happen.

Now, that being said, don’t feel like you absolutely must read all of the previous books first. This book absolutely works as a standalone. I just think everyone should read all of the books. And I do, repeatedly.

Cerys: Valkyrie Earth by Merrin Slade

 

Isn't this cover gorgeous? You're not going to want to miss this dystopian space opera from Merrin Slade. Check out an excerpt from Cerys: Valkyrie Earth and then follow the tour for more. Best of luck entering the giveaway!