Holiday Review: Home For Christmas by Lily Everett – Sanctuary Island Series

Posted on 11/30/2015 by shellbellereads

Home For The Christmas

Sanctuary Island Series – Book 4

By Lily Everett

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

Tis the season for family and love…
At least it’s supposed to be. For Libby Leeds, however, the holiday season is just another reminder of things she’d rather forget. When she left Sanctuary Island as an orphaned child, she never thought she’d go back except in her dreams, dreams she’s kept alive by writing monthly column of her fictional small-town life, until her publisher sends her back home for the holidays.
Owen Shepard is a fallen hero, wounded in action rescuing three of his fellow soldiers, but after a whirlwind of media attention, all this charismatic Army Ranger wants is to get back on his feet and make it to Sanctuary Island to be with his daughter in time for Christmas. What he didn’t expect was to be put on a crash course with a columnist hiding her past. Will the magic of Sanctuary Island at Christmastime allow them to find healing together?

Tina’s Review

** Provided by Publisher in Exchange for an Honest Review **

Judging a Book by it’s Cover:
Cover depicts a classic winter-y Christmas scene with horse-drawn sleigh, snow-covered cabin in the woods, and surrounding pines wrapped in lights. Synopsis sounds warm and filled with love, healing, and second-chances – a theme that Ms. Everett is well-versed in.
Looking Deeper:
Third person POV. For the past several years, Libby’s been living a lie – or perhaps more like wistful thinking. But the daydreams and make-believe life is shattered when her boss commits her to a task that can expose her to all as a fraud. Given an ultimatum, present the perfect life she always writes about or lose your job and risk prison, how is she going to pull this off? Owen’s broken, in more ways than one, and all he wants is to find his way home to his daughter and try to make her holidays something truly memorable and special, but will be able to connect to a child that knows he only plans on leaving her again? Ms. Everett never fails to infuse family values with hope and heart-warming second chances. The Hero and heroine in this story are both very well-written. There are a handful of secondary characters present or mentioned from previous installments of this series, and other tied-in series’, however, this story can and does stand strongly on it’s own. There are also a few new characters introduced into the mix, each providing another layer or filler to the plot. The chemistry between Libby and Owen is fantastic, even (or, maybe, especially) when Owen thought Libby was married to Nash – which provided a few smiles and giggles along the way. The interaction between the characters is authentic and the dialogue felt spot-on. There were several conflicts along the way, especially given the premise of the plot, that were handled in the best way they were able. The lies and secrets were getting a little tedious and thick however, seems everyone had something to hide, or at least omit. The plot is extremely well-written with an easy flow with characters that you feel like you truly are getting to know on a personal level. There were only a few small spots that I’d say predictability made itself present (the Christmas Present in the epilogue, for one). The conclusion felt solid and sturdy with an epilogue that covered all the key elements. Overall, HOME FOR CHRISTMAS was an endearing Holiday read.

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Author Bio:

Lily Everett grew up in a small town in central Virginia, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Although she’s lived many other places since, from college in Philadelphia to her first publishing job in New York City and her current home in Austin, Texas, she never forgot the beauty and warmth of her little hometown. She is thrilled to be writing the Sanctuary Island series full time because it allows her to combine her longstanding love of romance with the memories of her childhood home.

Lily’s alter ego is Louisa Edwards. Under that name, she is the author of the Recipe for Love series, sexy contemporary romances with hot chef heroes set in the high-stakes, fast-paced world of professional restaurants.

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Holiday Review: The Naughty List by Jodi Redford

Posted on 12/17/2014 by shellbellereads

The Naughty List

A Holiday Romance

By Jodi Redford

Synopsis

Makin’ a list, and rocking it…twice.

Perpetual good girl Lacey McGuire has two Christmas wish lists. One suitable for public consumption…and a private one that’s too hot to handle. Right at the top: wild, wicked fantasies about her best buddies and business partners Ryan Hollister and Bram Colton.

Besides the fact they’re both poster boys for Hunks ’R’ Us, they’ve been there for her through thick, thin and the heartbreak of a cheating fiancé. So what if her boys will never know they star in her sexiest daydreams? In her fantasy world, her heart will never get trampled again.

Ry and Bram are pretty sure Lacey never meant to email a list of some of her raunchiest wants. Particularly the one that tightens their shorts—she wants a threesome. With them. Although they’ve loved her for years, they made a pact to keep Lacey off limits in order to protect their friendship. Now all bets are off. And the quest to give her all she wants—and more—is on.

Warning: This book contains a wickedly hot M/F/M ménage that will heat up the holidays. Friends steaming things up in a hot tub. Bondage and blindfolds. Sexy shenanigans at a Christmas tree lot. And maybe even a glimpse of Santa…in a Speedo.

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Tina’s Review

** Won from and Provided by Author , Thank You Ms. Redford! **

— Off the Cover —
Makin’ a list, and rocking it…twice.
Perpetual good girl Lacey McGuire has two Christmas wish lists. One suitable for public consumption…and a private one that’s too hot to handle. Right at the top: wild, wicked fantasies about her best buddies and business partners Ryan Hollister and Bram Colton.
Besides the fact they’re both poster boys for Hunks ’R’ Us, they’ve been there for her through thick, thin and the heartbreak of a cheating fiancé. So what if her boys will never know they star in her sexiest daydreams? In her fantasy world, her heart will never get trampled again.
Ry and Bram are pretty sure Lacey never meant to email a list of some of her raunchiest wants. Particularly the one that tightens their shorts—she wants a threesome. With them. Although they’ve loved her for years, they made a pact to keep Lacey off limits in order to protect their friendship. Now all bets are off. And the quest to give her all she wants—and more—is on.
Warning: This book contains a wickedly hot M/F/M ménage that will heat up the holidays. Friends steaming things up in a hot tub. Bondage and blindfolds. Sexy shenanigans at a Christmas tree lot. And maybe even a glimpse of Santa…in a Speedo.

— In Review —
M/F/M Holiday Novella, 100 – 150 pages.
Bram has the looks of a surfer and is more carefree and fun-loving. Ryan is darker in coloration and more serious and intense. Lacey’s the smart, beautiful and “boring” girl. The boys are in love with her and she with them, but only Bram and Ry know how the other feels. Lacey, Bram and Ryan have been best friends since high school and now they run a bar and restaurant together.
The personalities of the three are lively, intense and passionate. There are plenty of laugh out loud moments between the mental meanderings and the verbal sparring. After drunk-emailing a Christmas Wish List by accident, every kinky desire is known and the guys are more than happy to fulfill her -and their own- fantasies.
Once the list is “out”, the story line kind of re-prioritizes, keeping the sexual tension and encounters in the foreground and pushing any real elemental depth back. There was some conflicting drama available to add a bit of dimension that lingered throughout the story, but was resolved quite suddenly in the end. A solid ending was provided with minimal predictability.

An enjoyable, fun, quick Raunchy Holiday read!

Author Bio

At the ripe age of seven, I penned my first epic, complete with stick figure illustrations. Sadly, my drawing skills haven’t improved much, but my love of creating fantasy worlds is still going strong.
Yep, I still love writing about fairies, ghosts, and other supernatural creatures, only my stories pack a little more heat these days.

I currently reside in Michigan with my husband and overgrown lapdog. I’m a member of Romance Writers of America and Greater Detroit Romance Writers of America.

When I’m not writing or working the day job, I’m usually tinkering in the garden (weather permitting) or drooling over those smokin’ hot Winchester Brothers from Supernatural. Strictly for research purposes, of course.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Holiday Review: All I Want For Christmas Is A Cowboy by Katie Lane, Jennifer Ryan, and Emma Cane

Posted on 12/16/2014 by shellbellereads

All I Want For Christmas Is A Cowboy

A Holiday Romance Anthology

By Katie Lane, Jennifer Ryan, and Emma Kane

Synopsis

From Emma Cane, Jennifer Ryan, and Katie Lane come three wildly romantic holiday stories featuring snowstorms, proposals, a sleigh ride … and, yes, cowboys.

The Christmas Cabin by Emma Cane

Sandy and her young son, Nate, are Christmas tree–hunting when a snowstorm strikes and an old ranch hand points them to an abandoned cabin. Little does Sandy know he sent cowboy Doug Thalberg to the same place. It’s a Christmas all of Valentine Valley will remember.

Can’t Wait by Jennifer Ryan

Before The Hunted Series began …

Though she is the woman of his dreams, Caleb Bowden knows his best friend’s sister, Summer Turner, is off limits. He won’t cross that line, which means Summer will just have to take the reins if she wants her cowboy for Christmas.

Baby It’s Cold Outside by Katie Lane

Alana Hale hits the internet dating jackpot when she finds Clint McCormick. He’s sensitive and responsible—not to mention wealthy. When he invites her to spend the holidays on his family’s ranch, she readily accepts. But on the way there, a blizzard strands her with a womanizing rodeo cowboy who could change everything …

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

The Christmas Cabin by Emma Cane
Sandy and her young son, Nate, are Christmas tree–hunting when a snowstorm strikes and an old ranch hand points them to an abandoned cabin. Little does Sandy know he sent cowboy Doug Thalberg to the same place. It’s a Christmas all of Valentine Valley will remember.
—
This novella opens with Sandy and Doug Thalberg hosting a family gathering in their cozy cabin in the woods and traditional retelling of a romantic tale that began two days before Christmas. Reporter, Jessica Fitzpatrick, sits in to hear the local, infamous story first-hand. The tale is not told in a narrative form, but rather as if it were happening real-time. It concludes with the family and Jessica in the cabin.
The full cast of characters are well-written. The plot, dialogue and character interaction are believable, flow is smooth. Because of the time frame and novella length, it’s hard to pack a lot of dynamics in, but it did have some minor dimension. The conflicts were fairly mild and handled maturely. Predictability was virtually nil. Overall, a super short, but sweet, read.

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Can’t Wait by Jennifer Ryan
Before The Hunted Series began …
Though she is the woman of his dreams, Caleb Bowden knows his best friend’s sister, Summer Turner, is off limits. He won’t cross that line, which means Summer will just have to take the reins if she wants her cowboy for Christmas.
—
Summer is in love with Caleb, but Caleb has it in his mind that regardless how he feels about Summer, he cannot act upon it because she is Jack’s little sister. Jack’s his best friend and there’s a bro-code to follow. If that’s not enough, they served in Iraq together and he feels he owes his life to Jack. Even more, now he’s even working for Jack on the ranch. To say Summer is off-limits is an understatement. But she’s determined as all get-out to make him hers.
Very few novellas manage to create character depth and a full and dynamic plot worthy of a 5-star rating from me, but… here we are. Is it possible for a reader to fall in love with a novella’s hero? Most definitely. Caleb and Jack’s tormented souls each deserve a full-length novel. Great characters, written with loads of depth and dimension. The dialogue is smart and sassy by turns. The plot is very enjoyable and flows so smoothly I wanted more. The entire plot was based on the conflict, which obviously gets resolved in a wonderful way. I easily would have enjoyed this story and these characters if it would have been a full-length novel and am intrigued with the rest of the series as a result.
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Baby It’s Cold Outside by Katie Lane
Alana Hale hits the internet dating jackpot when she finds Clint McCormick. He’s sensitive and responsible—not to mention wealthy. When he invites her to spend the holidays on his family’s ranch, she readily accepts. But on the way there, a blizzard strands her with a womanizing rodeo cowboy who could change everything …
—
Alana perpetually makes poor decisions when it comes to men, but she’s done with that. Through an online date-matching site, she finds her perfect man. She decides to surprise him for the Holidays at the family ranch in Taos, NM but the Hawaiian is ill-prepared for the blizzard that causes her to slide into a ditch somewhere on the ranch’s property. She’s even less prepared for a snow-laden calf or a sexy Cowboy Viking – Winter Warrior that finds her.
This was a fun read. I totally and thoroughly enjoyed Alana. Her winter warrior wasn’t too bad either. This was a REALLY short story, or is was written so well that it felt shorter than short. The flow, dialogue, interaction was smooth and believable. The plot was light and fun. Not predictable, really. There was just enough dynamics and dimension to keep it from being flat. A very well-liked novella.
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Author Bios

Emma Cane

Emma Cane grew up reading and soon discovered that she liked to write passionate stories of teenagers in space. Her love of “passionate stories” has never gone away, although today she concentrates on the heartwarming characters of Valentine Valley, her fictional small town in the Colorado Rockies.

Now that her three children are grown, Emma loves spending time crocheting and singing (although not necessarily at the same time), and hiking and snowshoeing alongside her husband Jim and two rambunctious dogs Apollo and Uma.

Emma also writes USA Today bestselling historical romances under the name Gayle Callen.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Jennifer Ryan

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Hunted Series and The McBride Series. Jennifer writes romantic suspense and contemporary small-town romances.

Jennifer lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and three children. When she isn’t writing a book, she’s reading one. Her obsession with both is often revealed in the state of her home and how late dinner is to the table. When she finally leaves those fictional worlds, you’ll find her in the garden, playing in the dirt and daydreaming about people who live only in her head, until she puts them on paper.

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Katie Lane

Katie Lane’s interest in romance was sparked in high school in the backseat of a ’65 mustang-okay, so maybe it wasn’t romance as much as raging teenage hormones. Still, coupled with a wild imagination, those make-out sessions inspired many a steamy storyline along with a strong belief that true love does prevail. Katie lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico with the owner of that mustang and would love to hear from her readers.

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Holiday Review: Holding Holly by Julie Brannagh- Love and Football Series- Book 4.5- A Holiday Novella

Posted on 12/11/2014 by shellbellereads

Holding Holly

A Holiday Novella

Love and Football Series- Book 4.5

By Julie Brannaugh

Synopsis

Julie Brannagh’s delightful Love and Football series returns in time for Christmas …

Holly Reynolds has a secret. Make that two. The first involves upholding her grandmother’s hobby of answering Dear Santa letters from dozens of local schoolchildren. The second … well, he just came strolling in the door.

For the last two years, Holly has not been able to stop thinking about gorgeous Seattle Shark Derrick Collins. His on-field exploits induce nightmares in quarterbacks across the NFL, but she knows he has a heart of gold.

Derrick has never known a woman he wanted to bring home to meet his family, mostly because he keeps picking the wrong ones—until he runs into sweet, shy Holly Reynolds. Different from anyone he’s ever known, Derrick realizes she might just be everything he needs.

When he discovers her holiday letter writing, he is determined to play Santa too. And as the pair team up to bring joy to one little boy very much in need, they discover the most precious Christmas gift of all: love.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Michel’s Review

*** Arc Copy provided by publisher, via Edelweiss, for a fair and honest review. ***

Back in November Smut Book Junkie Reviewers were searching for Holiday Themed Romances to feature throughout the month of December. I came across this book and it sounded very intriguing. First of all, I am a huge fan of Sports Romances. I love a good romance that engages a professional athlete in the game of love. Secondly, I love Holiday Romances. These kind of books always get me in the holiday spirit. The combination is bright and merry and leaves the reader with an uplifted spirit.

Holding Holly was everything I hoped for. It had the magic of Christmas, the spirit of giving, a heartwarming romance, and exceptional characters. This book was highly entertaining even though it was on the milder side of the romance heat index. It didn’t matter because the story itself was captivating.

When Derrick Collins takes his mother and grandmother out for some holiday shopping in the small town of Noel, he stumbles upon more than a town full of holiday cheer. He runs into Holly Reynolds. He has secretly had a crush on Holly from the previous summer football camp. She is a shy, kind , and beautiful woman that intrigues his interest.

When Derrick asks Holly on a date, little do either of them know that this date will change both of them. Trapped in a snow storm with Holly’s grandmother will give them another reason to be together. Holly’s grandmother has had a 30 year Christmas project that she needs help with. She enlists Derrick, Holly, and the Sharks to give one family in Noel a very special Christmas. This project will give Derrick and Holly the gift of love in many ways.

I absolutely loved this magical holiday romance. Little did I know that this book was a novella in the Love and Football series. I liked Julie Brannagh’s style of writing. Her characters are larger than life and full of personality. Her writing flows with ease. I had to look up the other books in this series and get them on my ereader. Like I said, I am a sucker for Sports Romance. I am now a fan of Julie Brannagh’s writing. I highly recommend Holding Holly. It will make your holiday season merrier.

Love and Football Series

Blitzing Emily – Book 1

All’s fair in Love and Football . . .

Emily Hamilton doesn’t trust men. She’s much more comfortable playing the romantic lead in front of a packed house onstage than in her own life. So when NFL star and alluring ladies’ man Brandon McKenna acts as her personal white knight, she has no illusions that he’ll stick around. However, a misunderstanding with the press throws them together in a fake engagement that yields unexpected (and breathtaking) benefits.

Every time Brandon calls her “Sugar,” Emily almost believes he’s playing for keeps—not just to score. Can she let down her defenses and get her own happily ever after?

Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble ~ ITunes

Rushing Amy – Book 2

For Amy Hamilton, only three Fs matter: Family, Football, and Flowers. It might be nice to find someone to share Forever with, too, but right now she’s working double overtime while she gets her flower shop off the ground. The last thing she needs or wants is a distraction … or help, for that matter. Especially in the form of gorgeous and aggravatingly arrogant ex-NFL star Matt Stephens.

Matt lives by a playbook—his playbook. He never thought his toughest opponent would come in the form of a stunning florist with a stubborn streak to match his own. Since meeting her in the bar after her sister’s wedding, he’s known there’s something between them. After she refuses—again and again—to go out with him, Matt will do anything to win her heart … But will Amy, who has everything to lose, let the clock run out on the one-yard line?

Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble ~ ITunes

Catching Cameron – Book 3

Star sports reporter Cameron Ondine has one firm rule: she does not date football players. Ever. She tangled with one years ago, and it did not end well. Been there, done that.

But when Cameron comes face-to-face with the very man who shattered her heart—on camera, no less—her world is upended for a second time by recklessly handsome Seattle Shark Zach Anderson.

Zach has never been able to forget the gorgeous blonde who stole his breath away when he was still just a rookie. They’ve managed to give each other a wide berth for years, but when their jobs suddenly bring them together again and again, he knows he has to face his past once and for all.

Because as they spend more time together, he becomes less focused on the action on the field and more concerned with catching Cameron.

Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble ~ ITunes

Covering Kendall – Book 4

Kendall Tracy, General Manager of the San Francisco Miners, is not one for rash decisions or one-night stands. But when she finds herself alone in a hotel room with a heart-stoppingly gorgeous man—who looks oddly familiar—Kendall throws her own rules out the window … and they blow right back into her face.

Drew McCoy should look familiar; he’s a star player for her team’s archrival, the Seattle Sharks. Which would basically make Drew and Kendall the Romeo and Juliet of professional football … well, without all the dying.

Not that it’s an issue. They agree to pretend their encounter never happened. Nothing good can come of it anyway, right?

Drew’s not so sure. Kendall may be all wrong for him, but he can’t stop thinking about her, and he finds that some risks are worth taking. Because the stakes are always highest when you’re playing for keeps.

Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble ~ ITunes

Author Bio:

Julie Brannagh has been writing since she could hold a pencil. She lives in a small town near Seattle, where she once served as a city council member and owned a yarn shop. She shares her home with a wonderful husband, two uncivilized Maine Coons and a rambunctious chocolate Lab.

When she’s not writing, she’s reading–or armchair-quarterbacking her favorite NFL team from the comfort of the family room couch. Julie is a Golden Heart finalist and the author of contemporary sports romances.

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Holiday Review: The Hazard’s of Mistletoe by Alyssa Rose Ivy

Posted on 12/10/2014 by shellbellereads

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The Hazard’s of Mistletoe

Hazards Series- Book 3.5

By Alyssa Rose Ivy

One snowy Christmas Eve, one mistletoe kiss, one friendship changed forever.

Don’t underestimate the power of mistletoe. It looks innocent enough, but a single branch has the potential to change your life. One mistletoe kiss led to the most embarrassing night of my life, but thankfully by the next Christmas I ended up exactly where I was supposed to be.

Excerpt:

“Ice skating and hot cocoa? What are you buttering me up for?” I sat down on the bench and unlaced my skates. The snow was falling a little bit heavier, but the flakes were still light and more pleasant than a nuisance.

“I’m just enjoying an evening with a beautiful woman. I do have a romantic side you know.”

“Romantic?” What was Glen playing at? I’d had a crush on him for years, but things had stayed completely platonic. We were good friends who saw each other once a year, and teased each other through text messages and late night phone calls. That was it.

He didn’t hear me. He was already in line to return our skates. I waited for him to return with my boots, and not for the first time I was glad I’d worn wool socks. It was cold during the day, but the nights were absolutely freezing.

“Here you go, my lady.” He bent down and proceeded to put my foot into my boot.

I pulled away from him. “Knock it off. What’s gotten into you tonight?” As charming as Glen was being something seemed off with him. I wondered if maybe I wasn’t the only one who was upset.

He proceeded to move on to my next boot. “It’s Christmas Eve. Aren’t you Miss Holiday Spirit?”

“Usually.”

“Exactly.” He put on his shoes and tugged on my hand to pull me to standing. “Let’s get those hot chocolates.”

The line at the café on the other side of the rink was nearly out the door, but I was enjoying Glen’s company so much I didn’t mind.

He insisted on buying my hot cocoa for me, and considering he’d already paid for my skate rental, I was starting to feel uncomfortable. Glen had all the money he could ever need, but I wasn’t used to guys buying me anything. My dating experience wasn’t extensive, and it involved boys who were all about going dutch. “I really don’t mind paying.”

“Yeah, but I want to pay. Stop arguing and enjoy yourself.” He lightly bumped his shoulder into mine.

“Well, thanks.”

We walked around the village sipping our hot chocolate and not saying much. After a while we took a seat on a bench. It was underneath a tree, and the pine needles blocked some of the falling snow. I closed my eyes and listened to the chatter of people walking by mixed with the low hum of holiday music.

“You guys need to kiss.”

I opened my eyes and saw a girl staring at us. “You’re sitting under mistletoe. That’s the rules. You’re under mistletoe, you kiss.”

I looked up. Sure enough there was mistletoe hanging over us from the tree. It wasn’t real, it was just the decorative stuff they used, but it had the same unmistakable appearance.

Glen put an arm around me. “I think she’s right, Savy.”

I turned to glare at him. “Don’t even start.”

“Why not? Scared to kiss me?” he teased.

Yes. I was scared. Terrified. This was Glen. Kissing him wasn’t something I was prepared to do casually while sitting on a bench in the snow with a bunch of onlookers. Of course I couldn’t tell him that though. “Why would I be scared?”

“I don’t know. Just checking.” He got a twinkle in his eye. That twinkle should have given me all the warning I needed, but it didn’t. I was wholly unprepared when his lips made contact with mine. They were warm and soft, and they moved perfectly against mine. I kissed him back, desperately wanting to know what his mouth tasted like, and if his tongue felt half as good as his lips.

Michel’s Review

The Hazard’s of Mistletoe by Alyssa Rose Ivy is a charming mature YA/ New Adult romance. This book captured the hopes and fears of young people falling in love for the first time. It also showed the importance of communication, honesty, and staying true to your heart.

The characters were easy to relate to and easy to understand. Their feelings for one another were clearly obvious from page one. They just needed a boost from friends and family to recognize their feelings. Once they do, they are getting more than mistletoe kisses, they are getting a love to last a lifetime.

The Hazard’s of Mistletoe is a charming holiday romance that is perfect to help you get into the holiday spirit.

Alyssa Rose Ivy Bio:

Alyssa Rose Ivy is a New Adult and Young Adult author who loves to weave stories with romance and a southern setting. Although raised in the New York area, she fell in love with the South after moving to New Orleans for college. After years as a perpetual student, she turned back to her creative side and decided to write. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and two young children, and she can usually be found with a cup of coffee in her hand.

Twitter ** Author Goodreads ** Pinterest ** Website ** THE HAZARDS OF MISTLETOE Goodreads ** Facebook

Holiday Review: Santa’s Secret by Serenity Woods

Posted on 12/08/2014 by shellbellereads

Santa’s Secret

A Holiday Romance

By Serenity Woods

Synopsis

Will the magic still be there when they wake on Christmas morning?
Having long since lost his Christmas spirit, Rudi comes to Santa’s Secret Village looking to sell the resort. His seven-year-old daughter already knows the truth about Santa, and neither of them is particularly in the mood for the festive season.

Practically a recluse since the death of her husband, Eva’s not looking for romance. Her trip to Santa’s Village is for the sole purpose of making Christmas more festive this year for her young son. But Eva brings an unexpected sparkle to Rudi and Isabel’s lives that renews their belief in the spirit of Christmas.

As the weather grows colder, things heat up between Rudi and Eva. But will the magic still be there when they wake on Christmas morning?

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Michel’s Review

Santa’s Secret by Serenity Woods had all the holiday magic readers crave during the holiday season. This book captured the joys of Christmas, the innocence of a child’s heart, and the gift of love. It had an international theme that showcased some different holiday customs on the European Side.

Two single parents, two adorable children, two lonely hearts, one magical christmas village, and the magic of Christmas will warm your heart. We will watch the children teach their parents the wonders of Christmas. Two lonely people will find a love they thought they could never experience again. Four people will become a family on this very special holiday.

I loved everything about this holiday book. It was well written and flowed with ease. The love scenes were sizzling hot and the emotional scenes were well played. The characters captured the readers heart. It warmed my heart and make me feel the holiday magic.

Read Santa’s Secret for a special holiday experience.

Author Bio:

Serenity Woods writes contemporary romances with both heat and heart, often set in the sub-tropical Northland of New Zealand, where she lives.

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Holiday Feature + Giveaway : Merry Christmas, Baby by Jill Shalvis and All I Want For Christmas Is You by Jessica Scott

Posted on 12/05/2014 by shellbellereads

Merry Christmas, Baby

By Jill Shalvis

A Lucky Harbor Holiday Novella -Book 12.5

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Synopsis

SEASON’S KISSES . . .
Wild child Chloe Thompson can’t believe how much things have changed. She still can’t get enough of her sexy husband Sawyer, but he seems to prefer working to impending fatherhood. So tonight, a very pregnant Chloe is escaping her troubles at the town Christmas party.

Sheriff Sawyer Thompson hopes surprising Chloe at the party will give him a chance to set things right. But as the snow begins to fall and the wind rages, he wonders whether he can make it back in time. While mother nature conspires to keep Sawyer and Chloe apart, an unexpected arrival will require them to kiss and make up . . . and ring in the happiest holiday Lucky Harbor has ever seen.

Tracey’s Review

Chloe Thompson knows that she’s been less than easy to live with lately, but, heck, being nine months pregnant should get a girl a pass, right? Then there’s the fact that things between her and her hunky husband Sawyer seems to be less loving than usual, and that he’s gone more than he’s around, making Chloe wonder how he really feels about the impending arrival of their ‘Bean.’

MERRY CHRISTMAS, BABY was my first experience with reading one of Jill Shalvis’ books, and, so, my first introduction to Lucky Harbor. This was a novella, so was very short, but Jill was able to pack a lot of entertainment into it. I love a smalltown romance, and the folks of Lucky Harbor just make the homey feel more evident. Jill’s characters are great; all of them are so unique, with their own quirks and personalities, and, with snappy dialogue and a holiday theme, it was fun to see them interact with each other. My only wish is that I’d read the whole series first, so that I knew more about who everyone is, because I have a feeling that I’d have been in love with them, and with Lucky Harbor, long before now. I recommend this sweet, sexy, and sassy little holiday read for anyone. While it is not necessary to have read the other books first, I do suggest that it may not be a bad idea, but it is completely enjoyable either way.

All I Want For Christmas Is You

A Coming Home Holiday Novella – Book 5.5

By Jessica Scott

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / I Tunes

Synopsis

From USA Today Bestselling author Jessica Scott comes an all new novella about a woman who came back from war changed and the man who loves her enough not to let her go.

All Major Patrick MacLean wanted was Christmas with the woman and child who were his family in everything but name. But Captain Samantha Egan has come back from the war a different woman than the one who left – and she doesn’t know if she can love him anymore.

But neither of them counted on the determination of a little girl they both call daughter and if Natalie has her wish, her parents may have no idea what’s coming for them. It’s going to take Christmas miracle to bring these two wounded warriors back from the edge of a broken heart.

This story has been featured in Home For Christmas: A Holiday Duet with JoAnn Ross.

Michel’s Review

Wow! All I Want For Christmas by Jessica Scott packed a powerful punch! I cannot believe a novella could be this powerful and dig so deeply into my emotions. The story was beautifully written. Jessica Scott illustrated a very honest glimpse into the lives of those that serve in the Armed Forces. Their sense of “normal ” life is a completely different definition than most average Americans. They have chosen a career that serves and protects. Their jobs are 24/7. They sacrifice their personal and family lives to perform their jobs so that we can have peace in our own personal lives. There isn’t down time when deployed. There isn’t weekends off or nights to unwind. Their sense of normal changes completely, from sleeping arrangements or use of the facilities. It is not a resort vacation or an exclusive campground. It is a wartime arena that is dictated by their surroundings at every moment. Danger is a constant threat. Lives are lost, lives are broken, and lives are saved. No wonder is so difficult for the soldiers to return home and try to blend into our sense of “normal”.

All I Want For Christmas Is You is about a military career couple. They are not married but have been together for years. They have an eight year old daughter and a strong loving relationship. With both of them being in the military , they have deployed at different times so that one parent is always home with their daughter. Their last deployments have caused this couple to have a two year separation. Not only that, Samantha has returned home with some very serious PSTD issues. She is disconnected with the normal world, disconnected from those she loves, and emotionally numb. Rather than reaching out for help, she leaves with the intent of ending her relationship with Patrick.

Patrick is determined to save his family and save the woman he loves. He understands what she is dealing with. Through love, patience, complete honesty, insight into his own war experiences, and guidance in getting the right kind of help, Patrick will show Samantha that there is more to their “normal” life than she realizes. She is worth fixing.

The love they have for each other and the love for their daughter Natalie is all that matters.

This story was beautifully written and very emotional. It is the perfect holiday book that will validate and honor the lives we live. The men and woman have sacrificed their own personal lives to allow all of us to have Happy Holidays. They deserve them too!

Jessica Scott has once again wowed me with her writing and sensitivity to powerful issues.

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Holiday Review: Unexpectedly Yours by Melody Grace- Beachwood Bay Series – Book 10

Posted on 12/05/2014 by shellbellereads

Unexpectedly Yours

A Beachwood Bay Holiday Romance

Beachwood Bay Series – Book 10

By Melody Grace

Synopsis

A flirty, festive treat from New York Times bestselling author Melody Grace!

Sophie Young has been dreaming about the perfect Christmas in New York ever since she was a kid. But when her boyfriend bails on their romantic trip for two, she finds herself stranded in the city on Christmas Eve, with only a holiday-hating smooth-talking, utterly sexy stranger for company…

Rock-star Austin Kelly is fed up with Christmas – he’s more interested in who’s going to be cozying up under the mistletoe. But when his little black book comes up empty, he finds himself on a whirlwind tour of the city with the most unlikely partner in festive fun…

The snow is falling, but things are definitely heating up inside. And by the time the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, there will be plenty to celebrate with old friends and familiar faces back in Beachwood Bay.

(Unexpectedly Yours is part of the Beachwood Bay series, but is designed to be read as a holiday stand-alone. You don’t need to have read any of the other books to enjoy this story!)

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Tracey’s Review

Serendpity: (happy) chance, (happy) accident, fluke; luck, good luck, good fortune, fortuity, providence; happy coincidence.

Christmas for Sophie Young has never been anything special. Since her parents’ divorce when she was young, it’s been a series of rushed visits and fights over who got her for which holiday. So when Sophie has the chance to plan the perfect Christmas getaway to New York City with her boyfriend, she goes all in, planning it down to the very last detail. But when fate steps in and delivers an unhappy surprise, things aren’t looking quite so magical.

Austin Kelly, on a break from recording his first solo album, thinks that the holidays are nothing but a bunch of humbug, outdated traditions and rushing around that leave everyone feeling frazzled and empty. When things go awry, and his flight to join his family for Christmas is canceled, Austin is relieved, deciding that a hotel room, a bottle of something strong, and one of his many female admirers is a much better way to spend his time.

I am a sucker for Melody Grace’s books, so when I saw that she had written a holiday novella featuring characters related to the ones in her BEACHWOOD BAY series, I was over the moon. I love these books, and everyone in them; add to that the fact that Melody writes hot and sexy romance like nobody’s business, and it’s a win-win for me. This story had me from the beginning. Sophie is likeable, an independent spitfire determined to enjoy Christmas even though her jerk of a now-ex has thrown a real wrench into her plans. She is down-to-earth, and has Austin’s number from the minute he turns on the charm and attempts to add her to his list of conquests. Her refusal to fall for his line makes Sophie even more attractive to Austin, and the two quickly find that the best laid plans can take a happy turn when they let go and stop trying to control the way things turn out. I absolutely recommend this book, and give it five romantic, sexy, heartwarming stars; if it doesn’t get you in the holiday spirit, then nothing will.

Author Bio:

Melody Grace is a small-town girl turned SoCal beach lover. After spending her life with her nose in a book, she decided it was time she wrote one herself. She loves steamy romance novels, happily-ever-afters, and lusting after fictional menfolk.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Holiday Review: Second Chance Holiday by Aurora Rose Reynolds

Posted on 12/04/2014 by shellbellereads

Second Chance Holiday

By Aurora Rose Reynolds

Synopsis

Mike Rouger isn’t looking for love. He decided long ago that he would rather stay single than get mixed up with a woman again. Then Kathleen Mullings comes back into his life with her teenage son and changes everything. What happens when a man set in his ways meets a sassy woman who knows what she wants? Mix in the Mayson clan and the Christmas season and you’re sure to enjoy the ride of Second Chance Holiday.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Michel’s Review

Are you a fan of the Until Series by Aurora Rose Reynolds? She has given the readers a very special gift for the holidays. She gave us Mike Rouger’s story. Yes, November’s dad is finally going to meet his match and settle down.

Mike has been a die hard bachelor since November’s mother left him when November was a baby. Being the owner of a strip bar would give the impression that Mike is a player and doesn’t value committed relationships. That is quite the opposite of the kind of man he really is. He is a man of honor. A man with strong family values. He is a man that has earned respect and given respect to all those who cross his path. He takes his business seriously and treats his help with the utmost respect. He is also a very lonely man. He lives his life quietly. He spends his time with his daughter and his precious granddaughters. Who would think that a man pushing his mid forties would find love and happiness. Who would think that he would be gifted with another chance to have the family he always wanted? Who would think that he would become a father figure to a very troubled teenage boy. But there’s more, Mike was granted the ultimate Christmas gift. He has been given a Christmas miracle.

When Kathleen Mullings runs into her high school crush after twenty years she is still in awe of the man he has become. He is just as attractive and tempting as he was in high school. She has moved back to Tennessee after a failed marriage. She never imagined she would want to be in another relationship. She has a troubled teenage son that needs direction and guidance toward the right paths in life. He is the reason she returned home. Can she get involved in a relationship with Mike? Will he accept her son? Or will they be casual plus ones?

Mike and Kathleen are in for some big surprises. They have been given a second chance and they are both determined to make the most of it. They will be given a Christmas Miracle that will give the Rouger / Mayson clan joy for many years.

I highly recommend this Christmas novella. It is the perfect holiday romance that will warm your days and make them brighter. This novella can be read as a stand alone book or in series order.

About Aurora Rose Reynolds

Aurora Rose Reynolds is a navy brat who’s husband served in the United States Navy. She has lived all over the country but now resides in New York City with her Husband and pet fish. She’s married to an alpha male that loves her as much as the men in her books love their women. He gives her over the top inspiration everyday. In her free time she reads, writes and enjoys going to the movies with her husband and cookie. She also enjoys taking mini weekend vacations to nowhere, or spends time at home with friends and family. Last but not least she appreciates everyday and admires it’s beauty.

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Holiday Review: Home For Christmas by Fiona Greene

Posted on 12/03/2014 by shellbellereads

Home For Christmas

By Fiona Greene

Synopsis

What began as an impersonal-but-cheerful holiday gift for a soldier far from home becomes so much more…

Sergeant Tate McAuliffe, stationed in Afghanistan, opens his Christmas care package from Australia and is stunned by both its contents and the sender.

Fun-loving Christmas tree designer Layla Preston is a breath of fresh air for loner Tate. Although they’ve never met, their email friendship quickly develops and their feelings for each other deepen.

But Layla knows the heartache that loving a soldier can bring and when Tate is injured, her deep-seated fear drives them apart. With their relationship in tatters, can Layla and Tate work through their differences, so Layla can welcome Tate home for Christmas?

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Tina’s Review

*** Provided by Netgalley in exchange for an Honest Review. ***

To say Sergeant Tate McAuliffe has had some crappy Christmases in his past would be an understatement and why should this year be any different? Stationed in Afghanistan, he’s taken by surprise by the gift he receives from a stranger.
Layla Preston lives in Australia and follows the troops’ mission in Afghanistan. She comes from a military family, but they are all gone now. Inherited from her dad, she has Bonsai Christmas, a tree farm her father purchased after retiring from the military.

This IS an Australian novella, some terminology translations may be helpful:
Ute= Utility Vehicle, Thong= flip flops, Esky= cooler, RSL= Returned and Services League (support organization for the ADF (Australian Defence Force)), doona= quilt or blanket

Short Holiday novella: under 100 pages. Stands alone.
Tate really is portrays as a broken spirit when it comes to family and holiday reunions, preferring his fellow soldiers to blood family. Layla is like an angel in spirit. She breathes life and vitality to all with her kindness and generosity. There’s a nice blend of secondary characters that help support the story. Believable dialogue and interaction enable the dynamic and dramatic plot to flow smoothly and swiftly. There was enough push and pull in the story line to create some conflict, although it was nothing of epic proportions, and a pleasant enough resolve was found. Predictability was blissfully low. The conclusion was solid and without cliffhangers. Overall, this was a very enjoyable read.

Author Bio:

I love books.

As a child we didn’t live near a library until one opened when I was nine. I was in heaven, then we moved and I traded my library card for one for a mobile library that visited the local shops. Ten months later, we moved again. This time to an older house on stilts with a dark and scary ground floor. Exploring the depths, I discovered a cupboard and stored inside were boxes and boxes of romance novels.

My early love of category romance morphed into a passion for historicals, romantic suspense and futuristic romance. In an attempt to widen my reading preferences, I still visit the library regularly, but choose all my books by the spine, without reading the back cover. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn’t.

My books and short stories range from journeys across time and space – futuristic and sci-fi romances to contemporary romance. After all, what’s not to love about a strong military leader with a spacecraft? Unless its a sexy farmer with a Ute?

A lot of my pre-writing is done while I’m pounding the pavement – either running or walking the family’s two large dogs. I’m always up for a challenge, so I split my time between my home town of Brisbane and an owner-builder project on a rural property in Queensland’s Southern Downs, where the air is crisp and clear and the view of the night sky is to die for.

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Saucy Southern Readers

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Tag Archives: Holiday Review

Holiday Review: Home For Christmas by Lily Everett – Sanctuary Island Series

Holiday Review: The Naughty List by Jodi Redford

Holiday Review: All I Want For Christmas Is A Cowboy by Katie Lane, Jennifer Ryan, and Emma Cane

Holiday Review: Holding Holly by Julie Brannagh- Love and Football Series- Book 4.5- A Holiday Novella

Holiday Review: The Hazard’s of Mistletoe by Alyssa Rose Ivy

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Holiday Review: Santa’s Secret by Serenity Woods

Holiday Feature + Giveaway : Merry Christmas, Baby by Jill Shalvis and All I Want For Christmas Is You by Jessica Scott

Holiday Review: Unexpectedly Yours by Melody Grace- Beachwood Bay Series – Book 10

Holiday Review: Second Chance Holiday by Aurora Rose Reynolds

Holiday Review: Home For Christmas by Fiona Greene

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