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.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Holiday Review: The Navy Seal’s Christmas Bride by Cora Seton- Heroes of Chance Creek Series -Book 4

Posted on 12/09/2014 by shellbellereads

The Navy Seal’s Christmas Bride

A Holiday Romance

Heroes of Chance Creek Series – Book 4

Synopsis

It’s Christmas time at Crescent Hall, but don’t expect expect peace, harmony and goodwill among men. When Mason Hall and his wife, Regan, invite their friends to stay for the holidays, sparks fly in an epic battle of the sexes, military style!

Navy SEAL Dan Hemmins goes head to head with soldier Sarah Metlin to prove once and for all that woman can’t possibly qualify for an elite branch of the military, but when Sarah proves she’s not just one of the most qualified warriors he’s ever met, she’s also one of the smartest and sexiest, too, he’ll do whatever it takes to get close to her, even if he has to challenge her to another contest…or three…or five!

The Navy SEAL’s Christmas Bride is a Heroes of Chance Creek novella, and has also been featured in the SEALs of Winter box set.

Pre Order: Amazon

Also Available

Seals of Winter Boxed Set

Amazon

Michel’s Review

Want to spend the holidays with some very hot military men and military woman? Spend it with the Heroes of Chance Creek.

Dan Hemmins is retiring his Navy Seal career. He is hoping to start up a new business. He wants to build a camp where civilians can go and do some of the training exercises that Navy Seals and military special ops have to go through in order to serve. He is hoping to get some of his friends at Crescent Hall to come on board in this new endeavor. What a great way to spend the holidays, reconnecting with friends and finding a new team in civilian life. What he didn’t count on was Sarah Metlin. Sarah has the potential to become his partner in every way. That is if he can drop his caveman attitude and give Sarah the respect she has hard earned and deserves.

Sarah has served in the Army for years. She has trained hard and is disappointed that they will not allow women in the special forces. She has reached her limit as to be told what women can and can’t do. Maybe it’s time for a career change. Maybe it’s time for some life changes. When she goes to spend the holiday with her friends in Montana she meets another man that has that same kind of attitude. A Navy Seal that thinks he’s superior to a mere enlisted soldier. He has another thing coming. She is going to show him what a woman soldier can do.

The bets are on. It’s a battle of the sexes. It’s a battle of the different armed forces. Little do Dan and Sarah realize is that it is a battle of the heart. They are going to get the best Christmas gift of all. Love. That is if they can stop competing with one another.

I loved this book. It was fun and light hearted. Watching a woman show up the men was downright awesome. The chemistry between Dan and Sarah is so hot that it could melt one of the glaciers. Readers …you are in for a very special treat. Dan and Sarah are going to create their own little special ops task in the bedroom.

I highly recommend this book. I am going to read this entire series. I loved the characters and their own little family unit.

Author Bio:

USA Today and NYT Times bestselling author Cora Seton loves cowboys, country life, gardening, bike-riding, and lazing around with a good book. Mother of four, wife to a computer programmer/eco-farmer, she ditched her California lifestyle nine years ago and moved to a remote logging town in northwestern British Columbia.

Like the characters in her novels, Cora enjoys old-fashioned pursuits and modern technology, spending mornings transforming a one-acre lot into a paradise of orchards, berry bushes and market gardens, and afternoons writing the latest Chance Creek romance novel on her iPad mini.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

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.

Read This Book!

$100 American Express Gift Card

Holiday Novellas

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

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.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Holiday Review: Yours For Christmas by Susan Mallery- Fools Gold Series- Book 15.5

Posted on 12/03/2014 by shellbellereads

Yours For Christmas

Fool’s Gold Series- Book 15.5

By Susan Mallery

Synopsis

Step out of the winter chill and into the warmth of Fool’s Gold, California, the charming small-town setting for a new holiday novella from New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery

Famous former NFL stars don’t date single working moms like Bailey Voss. She’ll allow herself to daydream about Kenny Scott’s muscles and killer smile, but wanting more would lead to post-holiday regret. Then Kenny volunteers to run a toy drive with Bailey, and she learns that he’s not just hot…he’s also generous, funny, nice. The whole package—tantalizingly out of reach.

The ache of past loss reminds Kenny why he needs to avoid getting too close to anyone. Especially to a gorgeous redhead and her adorable little girl. Mess it up, and he’d lose them both. Yet Kenny can only resist Bailey for so long. And as festive spirit spreads throughout the town, he’s all wrapped up in Bailey’s sweet, sexy kisses and determined to make this the first of many Christmases together…

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Tracey’s Review

The good things about novellas: They’re short and sweet, they offer a chance for readers to have their author ‘fix’ between bigger books, and they can focus on just a few characters. On the other hand, because they’re so short, they tend to move relatively quickly, and there’s less time for a meaty storyline to develop.

YOURS FOR CHRISTMAS, a novella in Susan Mallery’s Fool’s Gold series, is a sweet story, focusing on widowed mother Bailey Voss and former NFL player Kenny Scott. Bailey, mom to sweet little Chloe, has had a mad crush on Kenny forever. When the two are tapped to head up a Christmas charity event, they begin spending a lot of time together, and feelings deeper than friendship emerge on both sides. The trouble, though, is that Kenny has a rule: he doesn’t date women with children, ever. He’s been badly burned, and is unwilling to have his heart broken again, no matter how much he likes Bailey.

I liked this story, and didn’t feel like I needed to have read previous books in the series to enjoy it. I’m a sucker for stories about small town and community, and Susan has given us just that in the Fool’s Gold books. Her characters are real and likeable, and, while I wanted to pinch Kenny a couple of times, I totally bought the relationship between him and Bailey. Again, this is a novella, so things go a little more quickly than might seem completely realistic, but, heck, this is love, and it’s Christmas, so just go with it. I’m giving this four sweet and sexy stars, and am looking forward to getting to know more about the residents of Fool’s Gold, California.

Author Bio:

With more than 25 million books sold worldwide, New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery is known for creating characters who feel as real as the folks next door, and for putting them into emotional, often funny situations readers recognize from their own lives. Susan’s books have made Booklist’s Top 10 Romances list in four out of five consecutive years. RT Book Reviews says, “When it comes to heartfelt contemporary romance, Mallery is in a class by herself.” With her popular, ongoing Fool’s Gold series, Susan has reached new heights on the bestsellers lists and has won the hearts of countless new fans.

Susan grew up in southern California, moved so many times that her friends stopped writing her address in pen, and now has settled in Seattle with her husband and the most delightfully spoiled little dog who ever lived.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Holiday Release Blitz: A Forever Christmas by Sandi Lynn – A Black Family Holiday

Posted on 12/02/2014 by shellbellereads

A Forever Christmas

A Black Family Holiday

The Forever Trilogy- Book 6

By Sandi Lynn

Synopsis

The Black family is back in this short Christmas holiday story!

Join Connor, Ellery, Julia and Collin, as they prepare for and celebrate the holiday season with their family and closest friends.

18+

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

The Forever Trilogy

Forever Black – Book 1

When Ellery moved to New York with her boyfriend, she thought they’d live happily ever after in their small New York apartment. She never thought he’d pack his bags and leave because he “needed space.”

With her newfound single status and fear of being alone, Ellery buries herself in her artwork and paintings until one night she helps a mysterious intoxicated stranger get home safely. Little did she know the mysterious stranger is none other than CEO and millionaire Connor Black. After finding Ellery in his kitchen the next morning and assuming she broke his #1 rule about sleepovers, he becomes intrigued, not only by her stubbornness and defiance, but by her kindness.

Connor Black, emotionally dead and damaged, that stemmed from a personal tragedy, made a vow to never love or fall in love with a woman, until Ellery Lane walked into his life by accident. After she opens up and shows him her world, Connor starts to feel emotions and feelings he never knew existed. Despite the rumors and warnings regarding Connor Black and his use and misuse of women, Ellery finds herself being drawn into his world.

Ellery knows they can never be together because she is harboring a deep secret that could destroy Connor emotionally forever.

Join Connor and Ellery as they embark on a journey of courage, love and strength. Will it be enough to save them?

**18+ For adult situations and language**

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Forever You – Book 2

~~NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING NOVEL~~

Forever you, the highly demanded second novel of USA Today’s bestseller Forever Black.

Connor Black’s life consisted of his company and his use of multiple women. There was never going to be love, relationships or a fairy-tale life. Emotionally dead and damaged, that stemmed from a personal tragedy, Connor Black vowed never to love or fall in love with a woman, that was until Ellery Lane walked into his life by accident and changed him forever. He starts experiencing feelings and emotions he never felt before and finds himself being drawn into her world.

You took the journey with Connor and Ellery as their love, courage and strength was put to the test. You watched their worlds come together through her eyes in Forever Black. Now it’s time to take the journey through his in Forever You.

18+ due to adult content.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Forever Us – Book 3

New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal Best Selling Book

The story of Connor and Ellery Black continues in the last installment of the Forever Black Trilogy, Forever Us.

You took Connor and Ellery’s journey of love, courage, and strength as Ellery’s illness threatened their future in Forever Black. You continued their journey through the eyes of Connor Black in Forever You as you watched them get their happily ever after through marriage and planning for their first child.

Join Connor and Ellery once again as they face the challenges of parenthood. Take their journey in Forever Us as they learn to cope with the demands of a new baby, a demanding career, and the onset of a new challenges in which Connor and Ellery must confront for the sake of their family.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Being Julia- A Forever Novella- Book 4

My name is Julia, and I’m the daughter of Connor and Ellery Black. I may look like Daddy’s little princess, but I’m far from it. My life consists of lying to my parents and sneaking out of the penthouse. My CEO millionaire father seems to think that at the tender age of sixteen, I’m too young to date boys. My mother, the artist, tries to stay neutral and doesn’t say too much.

My best friend London and I hang out almost every day. We love to shop, and we try to pick up all the bad boys that our parents wouldn’t approve of. We occasionally get into trouble, but I can usually talk my way out of it, except for the time my father caught me and Brody Sullivan having sex in my bedroom.

This is the story of my journey through life, in which I try to figure out who I am, from the time of my sixteenth birthday until the day I marry the man of my dreams, Jake Jensen. My aspirations, dreams, hard work, defiance, and smart mouth are all woven into one thing – me, being Julia!

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Collin – Book 5

A New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Novel

The Forever Trilogy hasn’t ended yet…now it’s time for Connor & Ellery’s son to tell his story…

I’d like to introduce myself. My name is Collin Black, and I’m the future CEO of Black Enterprises. At twenty-two years old, I’m living the American dream, or at least my version of it. I’m rich, fit, sexy, and no matter where I go, women are always throwing themselves at me. I love to party, and when I do, it can sometimes lead to trouble.

Women. What can I say? One woman broke my heart which led me to close myself off so it could never happen again. I’ve become one of New York’s most eligible bachelors and bad boy. I leave a trail of broken hearts wherever I go.

Until her.

This is my journey of going through the ups and downs of life as I climb the corporate ladder, heal a broken heart, and discover that there’s more life than what I thought.

She. Changed. Everything.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Author Bio

Sandi Lynn, born and raised in the US, has always dreamed of becoming an author since she won her first young author’s award in grade school. She spends her days raising her three teenage girls and writing full-time. Sandi Lynn is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of her Forever Trilogy (Forever Black, Forever You, Forever Us). She has a severe coffee addiction and can usually be found hanging out at the local Starbucks with her laptop, sipping lattes, and working on her books. In addition to writing romance novels, she loves to write poetry.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Holiday Review: Cowboys For Christmas by Liz Talley, Kim Law, and Terri Osburn

Posted on 12/01/2014 by shellbellereads

Cowboys For Christmas

A Holiday Romance Anthology

By Liz Talley, Terri Osburn, Kim Law

Synopsis

3 cowboys…2 weeks…1 wedding!
Three all-new stories by Kim Law, Terri Osburn, and Liz Talley
Claire, Georgia, and Mary Catherine couldn’t be more different, but they promised they would be there for one another no matter what. And when they all gather in Holly Hills, Texas, for Mary Catherine’s Christmas wedding, they’ll find they have one thing in common: hearts that are about to be branded—by unforgettable cowboys.
In “Love Me, Cowboy” by Terri Osburn, wallflower Claire would be more excited about the wedding if it didn’t mean running into Mary Catherine’s brother—the bull rider she once had a scorching one-night stand with…
Ivy League volleyball coach Georgia never wanted to see Holly Hills—or another cowboy—again. But a sexy veterinarian is making her rethink her vow to never marry a Texas man in “Kiss Me, Cowboy” by Liz Talley.
Claire and Georgia both think that Mary Catherine is getting hitched to the wrong man, despite how perfect he is. And in “Marry Me, Cowboy” by Kim Law, a local rancher with a wild reputation gives Mary Catherine a glimpse of what might have been—and what could still be…

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Michel’s Review

Cowboys For Christmas was a fantastic anthology. The authors did a wonderful job of tying their individual story with those of the other authors. The plotting was precise throughout the three stories. The individual plots of each story focused on one of the leading female characters and their personal trials and tribulations. Each of these stories not only gave the readers insight to their individual leading character but also stayed very true to other characters and the personalities the other co authors created. Throughout each book there are some of the same scenes, with the same tone, but delivered from their characters perspective of that moment. The flow of each story was in perfect timing with the other two stories and made the overall story seem effortless. To deliver this kind of book with three different stories, the same characters, and the same overall plot takes a lot of work and collaboration between the authors. This was done with supreme care and made this anthology an excellent read.

We meet three women that have been friends since childhood. They grew up in Holly Hills, Texas. Holly Hills, Texas is a small ranching community that is basically defined by two prominent families. The Holly Family and the Campbell Family.

Love Me, Cowboy by Terri Osburn

Claire Campbell was the fat girl that was ruled by her mother’s commands. Her mother cared more about the family’s social status and position in Holly Hills. Claire was always insecure and fed her emotions. Now at twenty eight, she has returned to Holly Hills to teach elementary school. She is no longer the “fat” girl and “weak” girl that her mother once controlled. She has started to develop a backbone. The one thing that haunts her from her past is Tyler Holly. Tyler Holly is the younger brother of her best friend and the one boy she always had a crush on. A high school one night stand that didn’t turn out so well has always haunted her.

Tyler has returned to Holly Hills as well after a serious rodeo injury. He is looking to recuperate and get back on the rodeo circuit. With his sister’s upcoming wedding, he is bound to run into the one woman that could hold him in Holly Hills. Claire Campbell has always been the girl his heart has wanted.

Can these two find happiness together with their futures going in different directions?

Kiss Me, Cowboy by Liz Talley

Georgia Hightower left Holly Hills, Texas as soon as she could. She was the poor trailer trash of the community. The only people that saw the girl that hid beneath the surface were her best friends, Claire Campbell and Mary Catherine Holly. She vowed to never return to Holly Hills unless she was successful and had money to prove her self worth.

She is dreading returning to Holly Hills. She is dreading attending Mary Catherine’s wedding. She feels Mary Catherine is selling herself short. But because she is a loyal friend she returns to the one place that has horrible memories for her. Not only is she dreading the return to Holly Hills, she is also dealing with some problems in her life she has established in Boston.

When she meets Reed McCormick, the new vet in town, Holly Hills doesn’t look so bad. She will see the town through new eyes and come to appreciate everything the sexy vet can show her.

As her problems come to a head in Boston, she will have to choose a lonely successful life or a life filled with love in Holly Hills? Is Reed McCormick enough to make Georgia stay in Holly Hills.

Marry Me, Cowboy by Kim Law

Mary Catherine Holly has come home to Holly Hills to get married on Christmas Eve. She is marrying the town’s golden boy who is now a successful doctor in Dallas. The two were high school sweethearts until Mary Catherine exhibited an independent wild streak.

Her wild streak included dating a boy from the wrong side of town. Jax Tipton was the very definition of trouble and wild. The two had a wild teenage affair that ended badly.

Now she is a mature adult woman. She has a successful career and good social standing in the community. She would prefer to be married in Dallas but because of her family’s social status in Holly Hills she is getting married there.

Her step mother is planning the entire wedding. The wedding must be perfect and meet the expectations of their social status. Mary Catherine is fine with her step mother taking over all the wedding planning. She is fine with someone else choosing her dress, choosing her bridesmaid dresses, and choosing the venue. She just wants to get the wedding over with and get out of town before she runs into Jax Tipton.

Betweem the bridezilla step monster and a sexy boyfriend from the past, Mary Catherine’s world is spiraling out of control. Her friends know she isn’t happy. Jax Tipton knows she isn’t happy. Will Mary Catherine recognize it before it’s too late? Is Jax the man that can put a smile back on her face?

I absolutely loved this anthology. I would of given this book a 5 Star Rating but there was one thing that held me back. This book was supposed to be a Holiday Romance. It was not. There was very little mention of the holidays. The few scenes that revolved around some kind of holiday event where more focused on the upcoming wedding rather than the upcoming holiday. I never felt the holiday spirit. This book focused more on the wedding theme rather than the holiday theme. This was a great disappointment to me.

I would highly recommend Cowboys For Christmas. It is well written, highly entertaining, and loaded with small town romance.

About the Authors:

Terri Osburn is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Anchor Island series. She makes her home along the coast of Virginia with an eye-rolling teenager, three fat tabbies, and a hyper yorkiepoo.
Liz Talley is a former English teacher who lives in North Louisiana with her high school sweetheart, two rough and tumble boys, and a gaggle of pets.
RITA-nominated and Golden Heart winner Kim Law is a former computer programmer, now spending her days writing happily ever afters. A native of Kentucky, she lives with her husband and a passel of animals in Middle Tennessee.

Holiday Review: Unwrapped by Maisey Yates- A Silver Creek Novel

Posted on 11/28/2014 by shellbellereads

Unwrapped

A Silver Creek Holiday Romance

By Maisey Yates

Synopsis

In USA Today bestselling author Maisey Yates’s latest Silver Creek Romance, a naughty Christmas wish turns into something so much more…

Kindergarten teacher Sarah Larsen has spent her whole life being the good girl. But now, she’s ready to do something bad. So wearing the shortest, tightest black dress she owns, she marches over to the nearest bar to fulfill her Christmas fantasy: a wild night with a total stranger.

Walker Callahan moved to Silver Creek to start fresh. He doesn’t want to bring his baggage into a relationship, so an evening of fun with the sexiest welcoming committee ever is just what he needs.
They were both in it for one night with no strings attached.. But when Sarah discovers that Walker is the father of her new student, things turn deliciously complicated. Can the cold winter nights thaw two frozen hearts?

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Tracey’s Review

Raised by her grandmother to believe that passion is a bad thing, and that men bring nothing but trouble, Sarah Larsen has led a sheltered life. Sarah’s determination to step outside of her box and experience life has led her to a bar and a shot of whiskey that she really doesn’t want. Enter one tall, dark, mysterious, and, oh, so handsome man. Walker Callahan has been living a loss-filled life for the past two years, but is in Silver Creek for a fresh start. And, boy, is he in the right place at the right time, because he’s about to get that in spades.

I love Maisey Yates, just love every single word that she writes. Every. Single. Word. She crafts dialogue that grabs me and puts me right down into the story, words that illustrate, define, and elicit responses. Her characters are real, people that have quirks and flaws and wicked senses of humor. They haven’t lived charmed lives, but they’re making the best of things, and changing each other along the way.

I started reading UNWRAPPED, expecting a sweet Christmas novella about the folks from Silver Creek, and I did get that. But I also got a whole lot of humor (really, I was laughing out loud, because these folks are funny, whether talking to each other, or inside their own heads), super-hot and steamy scenes, and love, so much love. Sarah and Walker are the perfect foils for each other, and the sparks between them turn very quickly into a full-on inferno. But their relationship is not just the physical one that each swears that they’re looking for, and it becomes apparent to them and the reader very early on. This little story was the perfect addition to my pile of holiday reads, and, as with any of Maisey’s books, has been added to my list of favorites.

Author Bio:
USA Today Bestselling romance writer with a penchant for coffee, sugared cereal, and alpha males. Three children, one husband, and too many dresses for my closet.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Saucy Southern Readers

professional, honest, and timely book reviews

Tag Archives: Holiday Romance

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

Holiday Review: The Navy Seal’s Christmas Bride by Cora Seton- Heroes of Chance Creek Series -Book 4

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

Holiday Review: Yours For Christmas by Susan Mallery- Fools Gold Series- Book 15.5

Holiday Release Blitz: A Forever Christmas by Sandi Lynn – A Black Family Holiday

Holiday Review: Cowboys For Christmas by Liz Talley, Kim Law, and Terri Osburn

Holiday Review: Unwrapped by Maisey Yates- A Silver Creek Novel

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: