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

(affiliate links included)

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

A Long, Dark Road by Joan Hall Hovey

 

This one is for fans of horror! Get six stories in one! Check out an excerpt from one of them below and then be sure to download your own copy. Preview others as you follow the tour. Best of luck entering the great giveaway!

Read an exclusive excerpt from Funny and Ironic: Amazing, Happy, and Feel Good Stories by Marco di Noia

 

We could all use a little levity and happiness right now, wouldn't you say? So embrace this excerpt from Funny and Ironic: Amazing, Happy and Feel Good Stories by Marco di Noia. You'll find even more as you follow the tour, but you can always download your own copy to further enjoy. Let the author know your thoughts along the way. Best of luck entering the giveaway!

Funny short stories, ironic stories, amazing stories, animal stories, incredible stories, unusual stories, comical stories, humorous stories. Happy and feel good stories to create funny conversation, humorous conversation, a great conversation starter.

Read an exclusive excerpt:

The Super Horse

If there was a horse that could swim faster than he could run, then you could take him to the beach and ride him in the surf.

There was a big horse, who was shiny and black, with a jet-black mane. This horse loved to rescue people and wanted to join the lifeguards.

The lifeguards wanted this horse as a rescue horse. He could run on the sand yet could swim faster than he could run.

If you were swimming and saw a shark, the shark would never catch you, with the horse of course.

There was a shark, and of course, the horse was not scared for obvious reasons, and the horse ran on the sand and swam out to a boy and rescued him from the shark. He was a super horse. WHAT A HORSE!

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON * BOOKSHOP * BARNES & NOBLE * BOOK DEPOSITORY

(affiliate link included)

About the author:

Hi, my name's Marco! I live in Sydney, Australia. I began writing stories to relieve boredom. After I wrote a few stories, I realized that they made me laugh. I kept writing and my depression went away. I am happy with the way the stories make me laugh and I hope you enjoy them too.

CONNECT WITH AUTHOR MARCO

K: @FunnyandIronicStories

INSTAGRAM: @tigerhorse777

Marco Di Noia will be awarding a $15 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

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Nino Gugunishvili, author of From My Balcony to Yours, on her journey to becoming an author

 

Writers don't just magically appear. There's often a journey that each person goes on to becoming an author. Today, Nino Gugunishvili shares hers as well as an excerpt from From My Balcony to Yours. Let her know your thoughts as you follow the tour. Best of luck entering the giveaway!

Canceled Plans? –Check!
Panic and Fear? – Check!
Self- Isolation? – Check!
Missing Friends? – Check!
Gaining Weight? – Check!
Binge-Watching TV? – Check!
Lengthy Self- diggings? – Check!
Hope? – Check, check, check!
Who would have thought that Global Pandemic, Self-Isolation, Cluster, and a Lockdown were to become the trendiest words in 2020? Who would have imagined the world would freeze and people would stay home shattered with fear, panic, uncertainty towards their future?
How do we adjust to this changing reality, when none of our questions have answers when plans turn upside down, things get totally out of control?
In her new book: “From My Balcony to Yours,” author Nino Gugunishvili shares her personal account during the first several months of the COVID -19 global pandemic in the form of short stories and observations.

Nino Gugunishvili’s writing biography includes a collection of short stories “You Will Have a Black Labrador” and a women’s fiction novel “ Friday Evening, Eight O’Clock.”

Read an excerpt:

Dance, Dance, Dance!

I didn't want to get out of bed today. I couldn't find the reason why I had to, why I couldn't snuggle in bed for the whole day. What did I have to do that needed jumping out and throwing myself into a routine? I could bring my laptop to my bedroom and connect with the outer world from there. Who'd care? Then I could go to sleep, wake up and sleep some more. Luckily, the more optimistic part of me decided that there are better rejuvenating ways, and I got out of my bedroom for coffee, news, and the social media frenzy. It seemed the world stood in the exact same place as yesterday. The virus outbreak, self-isolation, quarantine, social distancing, and clusters are the words we hear and use most often.

My immediate 'cluster' of friends is okay. Each handling the self-imposed stay at home time differently, ranging from mild panic to existential crises blended with self-irony and humor of all imaginable shades (read dark). All the usual remedies of taking our minds off from the downpour of negative news, like reading or watching TV shows and movies, didn't seem to work this time, at least for me. I need something more substantial, mind-blowing, tiring, and freeing. Something that would make me forget my weight, my double-chin, and my thinning hair. I need to see a happier face in the mirror today. Try dancing! I tell myself, but the lazy part of me starts laughing hysterically.

Available on Amazon

on sale for $0.99

Your journey to becoming an author

My journey to becoming an author goes back to the winter of 2013 when I started writing my debut novel – Friday Evening, Eight O’Clock, about a young woman Tasha, who decides to change her life dramatically and relocates to Paris, France, diving into new adventures, romance, and rivalry. Much like Tasha, often without a second thought, I delved into writing, not thinking what would happen next; as I recall the process now, it seems I was driven by curiosity, excitement, and the novelty of the experience. Somewhere deep down, I always knew I’d want to write a novel but never considered it seriously enough to pursue until the clumsy, straight-forward, funny, slightly neurotic Tasha was born. In the 2015 Friday Evening, Eight O’Clock was finally published.

Fast forward to 2019, and a new collection of essays/short stories called You Will Have a Black Labrador came out. You’d think writing the second book would be more comfortable, but in many ways writing it was much scarier and more demanding than the first one. Contrary to my debut novel, You Will Have a Black Labrador is, to a great extent, autobiographical, and it felt strange and, at times, rather challenging to be a character.

Little did I know back in 2019 that we were about to enter the most challenging, frightening, dramatic year of 2020 with the Covid-19 Pandemic changing and shattering everything around us to the core.

Another collection of essays: From My Balcony to Yours, started as a series of blogs I was writing from March to September, and it was my close friend who actually suggested making a book out of it. I think From My Balcony to Yours follows all the skyrocketing emotional phases we went through, from fear and uncertainty to disillusionment, irony, sarcasm, disbelief, grief, but most importantly, and ultimately, hope, and that’s why maybe, I hope that this book will find its readers.

About Nino Gugunishvili

Nino Gugunishvili is the author of the two collections of short stories, “From My Balcony to Yours” and “You Will Have a Black Labrador.” Her women’s fiction novel “ Friday Evening, Eight O’Clock” was published in 2015. Nino lives in Tbilisi, Georgia. Her educational and professional background includes film, television, and journalism.

Twitter: @NinoGuguni

Instagram: ngugunishvili

Facebook Author page: Nino Gugunishvili 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14276355.Nino_Gugunishvili

Nino Gugunishvili will be awarding a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. 

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Grace (Angle Creek Christmas Brides Book 13) by Jo Grafford

 

A long-lost soldier, a sister of the woman he was once engaged to, and the merry mischief of a Christmas matchmaker…

Grace Byrd has been in love with Lieutenant Charley Arrington for as long as she can remember, but he barely notices her existence when her oldest sister, Elizabeth, is around. Grace’s heart is shattered when he goes missing in action and is presumed dead. She silently vows to live out her days as a spinster, because she cannot imagine ever giving her heart to another man.

Now he’s back in their lives — returned from a southern hospital where he suffered of amnesia for months. Ready to claim her oldest sister’s hand in marriage at long last, he quickly learns Elizabeth has become a mail-order bride in his absence to help out with her family’s failing finances. What’s more, she’s fallen in love with her new husband.

Is this Grace’s second chance to win the heart of the man she loves? Can Charley move beyond his old dreams and replace them with new ones? One-click this sweet, small town romance to find out…and be whisked away by the hope and healing of the holidays!

ANGEL CREEK CHRISTMAS BRIDES SERIES
★ Titles by Jo! ★
Elizabeth
Grace

Available on Amazon

(affiliate links included)

Read an excerpt:

Grace peered into the mirror over the table in her cousin’s entry foyer, nervously straightening her travel hat. Of all people in the world, why did it have to be Charley Arrington coming to escort her back to Angel Creek?

She knew the logical answer to that question, of course. He’d come to Charleston to fetch his parents for the holidays. However, it felt monumentally unfair that the man she loved would be the one delivering her into the arms of the man she would marry— one she’d never met. One who wasn’t Charley.

Find more of Jo Grafford's books here.

Jo is an Amazon bestselling author of sweet and inspirational romance stories with humor, heart, and happily-ever-afters.

Readers can connect with her in Cuppa Jo Readers on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/CuppaJoReaders and Bookbub at https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jo-grafford. To join her New Release Email List, visit JoGrafford.com.

I was compensated via Fiverr for sharing this post. I only share those books I feel will be of interest to my readers.

The Fake Bride Rescue: A K9 Handler Romance (Disaster City Search & Rescue #7) by Jo Grafford

 

Firefighter Ransom Keller can’t stand the thought of attending his twenty-year high school reunion as a single guy. Folks tend to expect a little more action in the romance department from a former star linebacker and an ex party machine. But a decade in the Special Forces followed by career in fire rescue operations hasn’t left him much time to play Romeo. So he does the unthinkable — he hires an actress to pose as his bride for the weekend.

Serena Chandler is supposed to be working on her doctoral dissertation, not filling in for her bestie’s slightly scandalous rent-a-date service. However, her short-term “husband” seems like a perfect gentleman, so she relaxes and decides to enjoy their weekend trip together while keeping things strictly professional between them. He’s made it clear he’s a no strings attached kind of man, and that’s fine with her.

Their carefully negotiated agreement works right up to the point when a fire breaks out at his alma mater, and she becomes trapped in the gym. Watching the ripped and ready Ransom take charge in a daring rescue operation, however, makes all her best-laid plans go up in smoke. She finds herself scheming with her Mensa-level I.Q. for a way to turn their fake marriage into a real one.

If they survive the fire, of course!

Read an excerpt:

The guy staring back from the photo wore aviator sunglasses. His arms were crossed in a defiant gesture, and his mouth was twisted in a scowl. He certainly wasn’t going out of his way to look datable, which Serena found that appealing. 

“He looks ready to hurt someone,” she chuckled. 

Iris adopted a smug look. “His name is Ransom Keller. Ex Special Forces. And what he needs is a fake bride at his side during his twentieth high school reunion.” 

“A fake bride, huh? That’s a thing?” Serena asked dryly. 

“It’s really a thing,” her bestie returned cheerfully. “Remember all that playing pretend we did as children?” 

“Um, yeah, and I distinctly recall our husbands being imaginary.” 

“Well, it was excellent practice for this.”

 Available on Amazon

(affiliate link)

Find more of Jo Grafford's books here.

Jo is an Amazon bestselling author of sweet and inspirational romance stories with humor, heart, and happily-ever-afters.

Readers can connect with her in Cuppa Jo Readers on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/CuppaJoReaders and Bookbub at https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jo-grafford. To join her New Release Email List, visit JoGrafford.com.

I was compensated via Fiverr for sharing this post. I only share those books that I feel will be of interest to my readers.

Meddlesome Madge (Mail Order Brides Rescue Series 11) by Jo Grafford

  

A small-town spinster more concerned about the happiness of others than her own and a highly eligible bachelor determined to change her mind...

Madge Barra has a finger in every pie — managing her rascal half-brothers and their mail-order brides, feeding the diamond mining crew at Hope’s Landing, and helping fundraise for the Ladies Auxiliary. Now she’s being asked to serve as the church secretary until their handsome new pastor can hire full-time help. With her too-busy schedule spinning her straight for spinsterhood, Madge fears she’s long since missed her chance at love.

Abe Sullivan is at his wits’ end managing church renovations while juggling the never-ending charity outreaches, Sunday potlucks, and other demands of the meddling Ladies Auxiliary. When they dish up the delectable Madge as his temporary secretary, however, he discovers there’s one woman in the world whose meddling he actually enjoys. Unfortunately, Madge makes it clear she’s far too busy to make time for him on her personal calendar.

He enlists the help of a local matchmaker in his quest to convince her to court him and accidentally stirs up a whole new level of bridal nerves, mishaps, and mayhem!

Available on Amazon

(affiliate link)

Find more of Jo Grafford's books here.

Jo is an Amazon bestselling author of sweet and inspirational romance stories with humor, heart, and happily-ever-afters.

Readers can connect with her in Cuppa Jo Readers on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/CuppaJoReaders and Bookbub at https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jo-grafford. To join her New Release Email List, visit JoGrafford.com.

I was compensated via Fiverr for sharing this post. I only share those books that I feel will be of interest to my readers.

The Blind Date Rescue (Disaster City Search & Rescue) by Jo Grafford

When a tropical storm serves up a second chance at love for a once-burnt-twice-shy kind of guy...

Champion surfer Ford Anderson is a classic shy guy. He’s far more comfortable riding the next big wave than he is braving the perils of dating. So when his best friend and self-proclaimed wingman tries to wheedle him into going on a blind date, he turns him down flat. A mere few hours later, a news alert identifies his would-be dinner date as the woman stranded on a sinking yacht.

Though he’s certified to handle water rescues, Ford can’t help feeling guilty, knowing the lovely marine biologist would be safely enjoying a meal on dry land if he’d asked her out like he was supposed to. With a storm brewing and the water turning treacherous, there aren’t many surfers who can handle the kinds of waves blowing in. In fact, he knows only one surfer skilled enough to handle the mission — him.

Looks like Ford will be getting to meet his brilliant and beautiful blind date, after all!

Available on Amazon

(affiliate link)

Find more of Jo Grafford's books here.

Jo is an Amazon bestselling author of sweet and inspirational romance stories with humor, heart, and happily-ever-afters.

Readers can connect with her in Cuppa Jo Readers on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/CuppaJoReaders and Bookbub at https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jo-grafford. To join her New Release Email List, visit JoGrafford.com.

I was compensated via Fiverr for sharing this post. I only share those books that I feel will be of interest to my readers.

Single Chicas by Sandra C. Lopez

Welcome to the book blast for Single Chicas, a collection of stories by Sandra C. Lopez! Enjoy this excerpt and then follow the tour for even more. Remember to leave questions and comments for Sandra along the way. Best of luck in the giveaway!

Single Chicas is a collection of stories about modern Latinas being in, out, and around the zany hurdles of relationships. One woman receives strange calls from a lonely soul, another seeks advice on how to love herself, and another wakes up in a parallel universe to a man she's never met. These chicas will make painstaking effort to survive the complexities with humor and grace. Once again, López dazzles audiences with her brilliantly candid craft. Smart, witty, and funny, these stories will explore the true endurance of singlehood.

Read an excerpt:

Dear Single Chicas,

Hey, hey, love your site! I was wondering if you could help me. I have a boyfriend I'm crazy about, but he has a tendency to call me at work. It's getting annoying. Any advice?

Sincerely, Looney Cell


"Ah, a typical relationship conundrum," Simone said with a mouthful of pizza.

"Yeah, a typical headache," Georgia added.

"So what do we say?" Chrissy asked.

"Try this," Simone said, waiting for Chrissy to start typing.


Dear Looney Cell,

Your boyfriend needs to realize that, when you are at work, you are NOT his girlfriend. You need to give him specific hours, just like in any other job. Lay down the line with him. Point out that each time he calls you at your job, it keeps you from doing the work—work you're getting paid to do and work that in no way, shape, or form involves him. Besides, it may get you in trouble with your boss, if it hasn't already. Instead tell him to send you a simple text, but be careful not to overload your phone memory. Thanks for the shout out!

Single Chicas


The next email read:


Dear Single Chicas,

What's up! Problem: I'm engaged and I'm totally freaking out about it. Would I be a fool to ask if we could postpone the big day until I'm less freaked?

Yours truly, Runaway Bride


Reply:


Dear Runaway Bride,

Absolutely not! Don't do anything you don't feel ready for. Be honest about it. If nobody can understand that, then you would save yourself the headache and the hassle, not to mention the time and money, for that whole shindig. If it wasn't meant to be, then so be it. If, however, you have a guy that is willing to wait, then, by all means, let him wait. Wait, wait, wait until you are sure you can make it down that aisle without breaking out in hives. Just make sure you bring your running shoes on the big day....just in case. ;)

Sincerely, Single Chicas


The next email read:


Hey, Single Chicas,

I saw this one episode of "I Love Lucy" where Lucy suggests a vacation from marriage. What are your thoughts? Yay or Nay?

Sincerely, TV Addict


Dear TV Addict,

Yay! A vacation from marriage allows for the re-discovery of one's individuality―the "I" before the "we." There is such a thing as spending "too much" time together. Lucy said it best in that episode: "I'm sick at the sight of your face." Take a vacation to avoid this sickness. 

Sincerely, Single Chicas

Buy on Amazon 

(affiliate link)

Book is free during the tour!

Sandra C. López is a writer, artist, blogger, and book reviewer. She is one of today's funny and influential authors in YA and chick lit. Her first novel, Esperanza, was published in March 2008 WHILE she was still in college. Her most recent and bestselling book is Single Chicas, a collection of humorous short stories about zany chicas. She is currently working on the next installment of the Single Chicas series called Holiday Chicas. Release date coming soon! When not writing her stories, Sandra supports the art and literary communities with freelance work and book promotion. For more info, see below:

Connect on:

Website: www.sandra-lopez.com

Book Review Blog : http://sandrasbookclub.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SandraLopezAuthorArtist/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ArtistSandraL

Sandra C. Lopez will be awarding a $15 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

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For the Love of Dog Tales by I. L. Cannon 99 cent special offer

Cannon introduces his first collection of “life stories” as told through the experiences of our canine friends. This volume, of five intriguing dog tales, takes you on an emotional joyride you’ll hold truly close to your heart for years. These stories captivate and expose the contradictions in the lives of our canine companions in their “man eat dog world”.

See through the battle-weary eyes of a pit bull that must fight the ultimate battle outside the arena for his very existence. Rally with two courageous police dogs, risking their lives following the sordid trail of a savage serial killer. Race alongside the thundering paws of a challenged greyhound, where losing a race means losing one’s life. Share the pitiful incarceration and uncertainty of a laboratory dog as he copes with his rapidly diminishing time on this Earth. Chum along on the mean city streets with a hapless canine hobo, as he wanders in and out of the lives of families and stumbles upon adventure after adventure, to learn tragically the painful lessons of love and its ultimate sacrifice.

Take advantage of a 99 cent deal!

Order directly from the author's website.

Praise for, For the Love of Dog Tales

"It was so incredibly moving and truly gives a voice to dogs living at the mercy of a world not of their making."

Heather Allen

President & CEO

HALO Animal Rescue

"Thank you for a book that not only gives a voice to our canine friends and their struggles but also compels us to raise our voices to end that struggle." 

Top Dog Eileen Proctor

Pet Lifestyle Expert and Animal Welfare Advocate 

"You have captured in this work something greater than just a 'dog's tale'. Your story speaks to the greater issue of man's inhumanity to man as well as all living creatures." 

Valerie Fair

Artist

Also Available on Amazon

Paperback / Kindle

(Affiliate links)

Storyteller and dreamer, Irvin L. Cannon, put pen to paper for the first time in response to a challenge. A simple challenge issued in response to his comment… “I can write a better story than that.” The challenge uttered, “Do it then”! He began scribbling story after story into notebooks. For the Love of Dog Tales is the first release from those tucked away pages birthed from that short exchange.

Born and raised on the East Coast in large metropolitan cities, the author’s fascination with storytelling began in his youth. His vision and imagination for the art of storytelling was primarily nurtured by his love for comic books. A scientist by training, dog lover by nature, and a man with many years in law enforcement, author Cannon’s experience in the inner city street wars, combine to produce a biting view of the world around us as seen through the eyes of his canine characters—characters with whom he has crossed paths.

Cannon has seen and felt many evils imposed upon humanity and dogs in the performance of his duties. He has given the reader a window into the depth of emotions and cruelty experienced by the dogs, evidenced by their physical condition and the stories told through their eyes. For the Love of Dog Tales melds his love for a well-told story with his life experiences and love for animals.

The author presently resides in the Midwest with his wife.

Official websites:

http://ilcannon.com/

http://fortheloveofdogtales.com/

I was compensated via Fiverr for sharing this post. I only share those books that I feel will be of interest to my readers.

Australia Burns Charity Anthology (Show Australia Some Love) by Various Authors Who Care

As the world watched in horror, massive fires engulfed large sections of the continent of Australia and burned out of control for days and days on end. So many of us felt completely at a loss about what to do. This large group of authors got together to donate short stories to anthologies whose proceeds will go to help Australia begin the long healing process. Show support by downloading the volumes and following the tour.

(Affiliate links included.)

Volume 1

Stories in this collection are contributed by authors who care about Australia and the relief efforts from the devastating bushfires. All profits from the book will be donated to charities involved with the recovery efforts. The publisher and authors are not affiliated with the charities. They simply want to show Australia their love and support.

A collection of Short Stories in Mainstream Fiction, Women's Fiction, Thrillers, and Mystery

A Solicitous Wife by Madeleine McDonald
No One Knew by Larry Farmer
Pinochle by Brenda Whiteside
The Tuesday Night Meeting by Peggy Jaeger
911, What's Your Emergency? by D. V. Stone
Tall Tales by Laura Strickland
Fare Gain by Alexandra Christle
The Note by Stephen B. King
Three Ghosts by Julie Howard
Detective Paws and Lip Gloss by Maureen L. Bonatch
The Ring by Margaret Ann Spence
Portrait of a Gunfighter by Hywela Lyn
Six Hours or So by Lisa Wilkes
Prussic Acid by Melody DeBlois

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Volume 2

Stories in this collection are contributed by authors who care about Australia and the relief efforts from the devastating bushfires. All profits from the book will be donated to charities involved with the recovery efforts. The publisher and authors are not affiliated with the charities. They simply want to show Australia their love and support.

A collection of Romance, Young Adult, and Women's Fiction Short Stories

Che Gelida Manina by M. S. Spencer
Recipes for Love by Carol Henry
Waiting for Caleb by Gini Rifkin
Wings of Fire by Jana Richards
A Lark by Gabbi Grey
Apple Crisp by Terry Graham
Goody Twoshoes by Mark Love
The Number by Barbara Bettis
Deadly Homecoming by Peggy Chambers
An Egg-Cellent Witness by Marilyn Barr
Season of Withered Corn by Judy Ann Davis
Beneath the Pines by Debby Grahl
Christopher Reisner by Linda Griffin
Unexpected Love: Chase Allen by Anna Lores
The Cowboy and the Lady by Jean Adams
The Heart Necklace by Amanda Uhl
The Relaxation Response by Darcy Lundeen
Dancing Through Tears by Jeny Heckman

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Volume Three

Stories in this collection are contributed by authors who care about Australia and the relief efforts from the devastating bushfires. All profits from the book will be donated to charities involved with the recovery efforts. The publisher and authors are not affiliated with the charities. They simply want to show Australia their love and support.

A collection of Paranormal, Horror, and Sci-Fi Fiction Short Stories.

The Pilot's Son by CJ Zahner
The Vengeance by Rhonda Gilmour
A Climb to Kill by ML Erdahl
Born of Fangs by Sydney Winward
Johnny Appleseed by Robert Herold
Rebellion in Slot III by Roni Denholtz
Home, Sweet Mobile Home by Alana Lorens
The Filthy Human by Tori V. Rainn
Baby Daddy by Kerry Blaisdell
The Witch of Calico Island by Cat Dubie
Stained-Glass Vision by Mary Morgan
A Witch's Protocol by Tena Stetler
I Choose Life by Kristal Dawn Harris
Together Forever by N. Christine Samuelson
Where Is Your High School Sweetheart? by Donna Kunkel
Lost and Found by Joanne Guidoccio
Nursery Chimes by D.S. Lucas

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The publisher will give away a $10 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter. Follow the tour for more chances to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review of Murder at a Reunion (Ridgeway Rescue Mysteries #8) by P. Creeden

Murder at a Reunion

Colby invites Emma to attend his high school reunion, along with both Gabby and Molly. The night couldn't be more perfect... until they stumble upon a murder...

Book Links

Goodreads * Amazon

**My thoughts**

Hey! Colby is finally asking out Emma! We knew that it was coming, but, you know. Well, sort of. Colby asks Emma to go to his reunion with him, and of course there is a murder. And of course, Emma solves it super quickly. 

I would say I probably read this one in like 15 minutes. But this one had more substance to the story and was not the culprit I initially suspected.

Thank you to the author and Promotional Book Tours for a review copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review of The Santa Trial by Tess Thompson

The Santa Trial

Neither Ryan nor Rena is thrilled about jury duty. He's a widower with a small daughter who needs him. She's a struggling single woman who can't afford to miss a day's pay. But when they spot each other across the courtroom, suddenly jury duty doesn't seem like such a burden after all. Together with their fellow jurors, they must decide the fate of a defendant who believes he's Santa. It's a seemingly unromantic task for two infatuated strangers, but love could find a way with a little help from the magic of Christmas. Like a stocking stuffed with all the special treats of the season, this Tess Thompson novella is as sweet as sugar plums and as satisfying as a batch of fresh, warm cookies.

Book Links

Goodreads * Amazon * B&N * iBooks * Kobo

**My thoughts**

This story is one that will make your heart swell, bring tears to your eyes, and leave you with a warm, fuzzy feeling at the same time. I reread it every year because it is one of my favorites by this author.

Morgan's mom died when she was just a baby. So she writes a letter to Santa asking for a new mommy. 

Morgan's father Ryan is selected to be on a jury. So is Rena, who works in Ryan's building and who finds him very attractive. The defendant is accused of breaking and entering and happens to look exactly like Santa Claus. Oh yeah, and it's four days before Christmas. 

The two end up spending some time together during the trial and the magic begins. Romance is in the air. You will believe in Christmas magic again. Hey Hallmark, here's one for you to adapt into a holiday classic movie!

Find more of Tess Thompson's books here.

Review of Murder at a Wedding (A Ridgeway Rescue Mystery) by P. Creeden

Murder at a Wedding

Emma’s father, Sheriff Wright, is getting married. Though Emma feels a wee bit jealous that another woman is taking her father away from her, Emma’s determined to be grown up about it. Both she and Molly have a part in the small ceremony. But when they arrive at the restaurant, a man falls from the fourth floor of the parking garage.

Only one person is witness to the incident upstairs, but she’s claiming she’s a victim, herself. Things aren’t quite adding up in the victim’s claims, though, but Emma doesn’t want to ruin the occasion with one of her theories. Still, the question remains—was it an accident or was it murder?

Book Links

Goodreads * Amazon

**My thoughts**

Emma's father is suddenly getting married and she isn't sure what she thinks about it. And of course, just as people are beginning to arrive for the rehearsal dinner, there is a murder. 

They seem to quickly get over the trauma and go to the dinner celebration, inviting the woman who was claiming the deceased was trying to attack her. I have a hard time understanding how Renee so easily came to a stranger's intimate wedding just two days after her hubby was murdered. And she is fine staying at her house with the bloody mess in the other room. Possibly part of the twists and turns in the quick plot?

At least Emma's relationship with Colby is starting to heat up in this one. :) 

Mysterious Attraction by T.J. McAllister

Mysterious Attraction

Emma McPearson was lucky enough to find the love of her life at a young age. After a surprising event, she loses him quicker than she ever would have expected. While Emma is visiting her hometown for the holidays, she deals with the pain of losing her one true love. Along the way, Emma meets someone that will help her cope and change her life forever.

Buy Links

Amazon / Books 2 Read

I received compensation via Fiverr for sharing this post.

Timeless Quenchers by Ichirou B

Timeless Quenchers

A mixed compilation of short stories that travels with time. Begins in the wild west era, to the modern world and onwards to the unexplainable until it reaches the final story of medieval times. All mixed into one book. Quench your need to read with this story of six.

Available on Amazon

About Ichirou B

Ichirou hasn’t quite decided what to put in this column. Being quite the story teller and having won prizes spinning marvelous stories, one fine day, Ichirou decided to put these marvelous stories into writing.

Unexpected (Short Stories From Around the World) by P.F. Citizen One

A series of short, true life stories, which are the product of the travels and observations of one man. The stories are a miscellaneous collection of the funny and sad, of tragedy, love and friendship. And they are all, in a way, unexpected.

Unexpected takes you on a journey from a Brazilian working on the oil rigs of Venezuela, who gets the shock of his life, to the uplifting story of a Chinese beggar living on the streets, entertaining passers-by with his songs and surviving through the mercy and kindness of others.

There is a story for each of us in this book. Each one is subtly different and each carries either a message of hope for lost, or of caution for the unwary.

Unexpected is just that. Just as life is and just as the course of our lives run, at times unexpectedly.

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P.F. Citizen One is a writer. He works as a petroleum engineer, which requires a lot of traveling to different countries, and he uses the situations and varied people he has come across as an inspiration for his great love of writing. His interest in travel has meant that he has picked up some useful languages along the way, and he is now fluent in English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and German, allowing him to go just about anywhere and still be understood. Most of the time. He lists his great fear as ''being stranded alone on a desert island'' and, as a result, he avoids traveling by boat whenever he can.

P.F. Citizen One’s new book, Unexpected, was published on October 7th and is a book of short stories, inspired by his travels throughout the world and the people he has met.

 

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