For the Bear's Eyes Only by Kathy Lyons ~ Excerpt and Giveaway

The third book in a wild shifter series from USA TODAY bestselling author Kathy Lyons.

Life as Alan Carman knew it is over.  After he was captured and tortured by a mysterious enemy, the lawyer’s latent grizzly-shifter DNA was triggered.  The old Alan is gone, and in its place is a terrifying vicious beast that lives and breathes for revenge.  He will track down the person who did this to him—and it’ll be the last thing he ever does.

Tonya Kappes refuses to let Alan run headlong to his death.  A bear-shifting deputy—and the Gladwin Clan’s beta—Tonya faces Alan with one weapon: the love that’s lingered between them since they were kids.  But the idealistic man she knew has changed…into something raw, primal, and unbelievably sexy, igniting every lustful cell in her body.  And, if Alan can’t learn to love the beast inside himself, maybe he can love the animal in her.

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Excerpt from For The Bear's Eyes Only

He stared at her and shook his head. “You think because I’m not fur and claws right now that I’m tame? That I won’t tear right through you if you try to Tase me again?”

She held up her bare hands, spread wide. “I don’t want to hurt you. I want to talk to you. Come home with me. Please. There are...things we need to talk about.” She’d almost said more. She’d nearly told him about how much her bear was right now pulsing with want. How his scent was oddly compelling even at its worst. About all the confusion that he created inside her. But she was on an open mic with Mark on the other end. She just couldn’t force herself to be that vulnerable with another man listening in. So she swallowed the full sentence and settled for pleading.

He was still stroking her jaw, the caress of his thumb gentle and soothing. Hell she was so tired right now, a little tug from him and she’d melt into his arms. It didn’t make sense. She was a rational woman, and Alan wasn’t the easy man she remembered. He was volatile and dangerous. But apparently that made her grizzly wet and needy. Maybe she did have a thing for monsters.

“When was the last time you slept?” he asked.

She shook her head. “Not until you’re safe.”

He tugged her closer with just the edge of his nails. They weren’t claws just then. There was no pinprick to his touch. Just the blunt edge of his fingers tugging her forward and she went willingly. “I’m not the one in danger,” he murmured.

“Bullshit,” she answered. But that was as far as she got before his mouth was on hers. Hot. Possessive. Desperate. It was like he was taking everything he could get before it all disappeared.

She met his tongue with her own, arching her neck and dueling with him. Her hands found his shoulders, and she gripped him, dragging him closer or holding on to him for support. She wasn’t sure which. And while her heart exploded into a feverish beat, her mind ceased yammering. It had been full of words and strategies, ways that she could convince him to come back with her. But at the first press of his lips, they were silenced. This was what she wanted. This was what they both needed. So she kissed him back, and in the midst of his desperation, she tried to reassure him.

Yes, she said with teeth and tongue. Yes, I want you, too.

Then he was gone.

About the Author:

Kathy Lyons is the wild, adventurous half of USA TODAY bestselling author Jade Lee. A lover of all things fantastical, Kathy spent much of her childhood in Narnia, Middle Earth, Amber, and Earthsea, just to name a few.  There is nothing she adores more than turning an ordinary day into something magical, which is what happens all the time in her books. Winner of several industry awards including the Prism-Best of the Best, Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice, and Fresh Fiction's Steamiest Read, Kathy has published over fifty romance novels, and she's just getting started. Check out her latest news at KathyLyons.com.

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The Edge (Ignite #1) by Fleur Camacho ~ Review

Title: The Edge (Ignite #1)

Author: Fleur Camacho
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: 75 pages
Publisher: Indie
Release Date: October 12, 2016
Source: Freebie
Rating: 2
Heat Rating: 2
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Laura only wants one thing, and it’s the deepest darkest secret of her heart. When a mysterious man emerges from a fire in her backyard, can he be the key to unlocking the secret she guards so close? Or will his own secrets ruin her trust forever?

If you like edge-of-your-seat paranormal romance, you’ll love this book.

This book had a great set-up. We start with a hunky guy walking out of a burning field, rushed to the hospital, and Laura needs to know what happened. Somehow, he's not hurt nearly as bad as he should have been. But he's being hunted, and it puts Laura and the ones she's closest to at great risk.

Definitely an eye-catching story, but it wasn't executed as well as it should have been. There are too many things that just "happen" with no explanation. Like when he runs from the hospital - without unhooking the machines or IVs, without any alarms of any sort going off, that there wasn't a police officer waiting to talk to him about the accident..... It was something that really stood out to me. There are enough of these little mistakes that I really started to get distracted.

I really wanted to like this one, but I don't think I'll be continuing the series.

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The Bachelor Auction (The Bachelors of Arizona #1) by Rachel Van Dyken ~ Review

Title: The Bachelor Auction (The Bachelors of Arizona #1)

Author: Rachel Van Dyken
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 352 pages
Publisher: Forever Romance
Release Date: October 4, 2016
Source: NetGalley
Rating: 3
Heat Rating: 3
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Cinderella never had to deal with this crap.

Jane isn't entirely sure that Cinderella got such a raw deal. Sure, she had a rough start, but didn't she eventually land a prince and a happily-ever-after? Meanwhile, Jane is busy waiting on her demanding, entitled sisters, running her cleaning business, and . . . yep, not a prince in sight. Until a party and a broken shoe incident leave Jane wondering if princes---or at least, a certain deliciously hunky billionaire---maybe do exist.

Except Brock Wellington isn't anyone's dream guy. Hell, a prince would never agree to be auctioned off in marriage to the highest bidder. Or act like an arrogant jerk---even if it was just a façade. Now, as Brock is waiting for the auction chopping block, he figures it's karmic retribution that he's tempted by a sexy, sassy woman he can't have. But while they can't have a fairy-tale ending, maybe they can indulge in a little bit of fantasy . .

This was an adorable spin on a Cinderella romance. Jane was the perfect mix of Cinderalla and modern woman. She was introverted enough that I could easily relate to her hatred of going out on the town, but not so shy that she didn't stand up for herself when push came to shove. She even owns a cleaning company - a great modern twist on the theme - and loses a shoe along the way.

The downside was Brock (I think). The hero was great. I loved him and his family, although they got a bit over the to towards the end. It was the names that did this book in for me. Even by the end I couldn't keep the brothers apart. All with similar names that start with B, and we meet them within pages of each other. The similar names just sort of merged into one giant Wellington son instead of one older brother and two younger twins. I made a cheat sheet half way through so I could keep them straight. I didn't like it.

The story was a lot of fun. There were some sad moments as both Brock and Jane deal with their past and how it has changed the way they cope with the present. There are happy and laughing moments that I didn't want to see end. But the whole brother name thing just hung over it all.

I'm hoping that book two helps to separate the brothers a little more for me because they were all a lot of fun and I really want to see how their separate lives all intertwine as they find their love.

*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*

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Do It Yourself by Nikky Kaye ~ Review

Title: Do It Yourself

Author: Nikky Kaye
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 86 pages
Publisher: Indie
Release Date: September 26, 2016
Source: Purchased
Rating: 5
Heat Rating: 3
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Sarah began her DIY education by ditching the biggest tool in her garage—her husband. Now she’s realizing that not just her marriage was boring, beige and transitional, and she’s in over her head.

Luckily, Chris the hot young handyman is teaching her how to screw, drill, and hammer—and also how to use her power tools.

Together they’re updating her wiring and unclogging her pipes. But when Sarah worries that she’s treating Chris like her own personal power tool, what will she do? Will she pull the plug?

This sexy 25,000-word novella features adults in adult situations and using adult language.. 

This is the ultimate handyman romance come to life. There is just so much hot goodness in the little novella that I read it twice - back to back - which is unheard of for me! The witty and pun filled dialog was too good for me to walk away after the first time. And, like a good meatloaf, the seconds were just as good as the firsts.

But this book isn't all fluff and sexiness. Somehow, Nikky Kaye threw a couple little life lessons in there without me even noticing them at first. Sarah has a lot on her plate, and her way of dealing with things is to do them all on her own. I was rather impressed with her home improvement abilities and skill with tools.

But she does run into a project that's just too far beyond her skills and youtube tutorials. So she hires a handyman to show her how to do it. Which I love! He isn't doing it all for her, but teaches her along the way. And he's such a great teacher too!

But handyman Chris isn't exactly what Sarah thinks at first. She jumps to conclusions, feelings get hurt, and everyone comes out of the experience having learned a little lesson. So pick an afternoon and just curl up with Do It Yourself. Tell everyone you're furthering your home improvement methods and tune them out for a couple hours. You won't regret it!

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Seducing the Marquess (Lords and Ladies in Love #1) by Callie Hutton

Title: Seducing the Marquess (Lords and Ladies in Love #1)
Author: Callie Hutton
Genre: Historical Romance
Length: 214, Kindle Edition
Publisher: Entangled Publishing, LLC
Release Date: October 17th 2016
Source: Purchased
Rating: 4
Heat Rating: 2
Reviewed by: Vashti

Richard, Marquess of Devon is satisfied with his ton marriage. His wife of five months, Lady Eugenia Devon, thought she was, too, until she found the book. Their marriage is one of respect and affection, with no messy entanglements such as love. Devon’s upbringing impressed upon him that gentlemen slake their baser needs on a mistress, not their gently bred wives. However, once married, he was no longer comfortable bedding a woman other Eugenia. When
she stumbles onto a naughty book, she begins a campaign to change the rules.

Lady Eugenia wants her very proper husband to fall in love with her. But her much changed and undeniably wicked behavior might inadvertently drive her confused husband to ponder the unthinkable—his perfect Lady has taken a lover. But the only man Eugenia only wants is her husband. The book can bring sizzling desire to the marriage or it might cause an explosion.

I  enjoyed reading "Seducing the Marquess".  It was a light, easy, and funny read. Devon and Eugenia were such a sweet couple. No over the top drama, or gut-wrenching situations, just a fun read.

The seduction in thus case, however, comes after the marriage, not before, and unlike the description says, Eugenia's behavior is not really wicked, it is just out of the norm for her.

Devon goals upon seeking a wife were simple. He could count on her to always do the right thing, could handle every issue that came up in his household without troubling him, and was both gracious and beautiful. No hint of scandal has ever been, nor would ever become, associated with her name.  Devon had wanted Eugenia since he first laid eyes on her, even though she had been dubbed by the ton "The Ice Queen".  However, after 5 months of marriage where everything had been perfect, he was now experiencing a sense of restlessness, wishing they had more to say to each other.

Eugenia, heaven forbid, actually fell in love with Devon even before they were wed. Not good "ton" of course, but after 5 months of marriage, she wants a husband who will love her. She doesn't want a traditional "Society" marriage. She wants a marriage of mutual love, and wants Devon out of the bed of his mistress and in hers every night. And now that his mistress, Margaret, was killed in a carriage accident, Eugenia was ready to make sure he never went to another mistress again. And so the story goes.

Both Devin and Eugenia are brought up by very strict, opinionated  parents. Devon's father heartily drilled into him over and over since his youth, "That a wife is a special person with tender sensibilities. You must not upset her by treating her like a light skirt. Protect your wife, show her the proper respect and slake your lust on a mistress" and so Devon only visits his wife's bed 3 times a week, just in an attempt to get her pregnant, and always in the dark, devoid of desire and passion.

Eugenia on the other hand, was taught by her mother that on your wedding night to  lie still, think of redecorating, or new gowns, and soon it will be all over. Your husband will be pleased and you have done your duty. A lady never shows emotion.

Now Eugenia armed with the book she accidentally fell upon in the library, "Secrets of the Bedchamber" feels she now has a plan and holds in her hand a book that would show her the mysteries of desire and passion that she always assumed kept her husband visiting his mistress.

The story that follows is one that is filled with mass confusion, primarily on the part of Devon, and misunderstanding on the part of Eugenia. There are several funny scenes and the dialogue between Devon and Eugenia is really sweet. Both are completely misguided in their opinions of one another, but I love the interaction and play between them. This book could make a great romantic comedy.  However...There was a lot of unnecessary repetition, that got boring pretty quick.  Reading about Devon's upbringing and his father's beliefs on how a husband is to treat his wife was fine the first 2 times. 15 is really Overkill! I felt like maybe the author was just trying to fill up the pages by adding more words.  Devon's misunderstanding and how he treats his wife, in my opinion. was a little mean at times, and I really can not fathom any man walking out on a half naked, in your lap, ready, and more than willing women! Especially after he himself is all fired up and ready to go.  I'm sorry I just don't know any man that has that kind of strength against his own wife!

Overall I enjoyed the story. Unlike the cover, and even the title would suggest, there is not a lot of heavy bedroom romps that you see in this novel.  It really is a sweet novel, about two people who genuinely love each other but have just been brought up under such rules and strictures of the day that they are both  having a hard time coming to terms with the fact that neither of them no longer want to conform to society. They want to have their own happily ever after, on their own terms in their marriage. Don't miss this one. This is a sweet, but not sappy, quick read, one that I think most will enjoy.

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The Seventh Son (Norman Conquest #4) by Ashley York

Title: The Seventh Son (Norman Conquest #4)

Author: Ashley York                            
Genre: Medieval Romance
Length: 324 Pages
Publisher: Indie
Release Date: March 30, 2016
Source: Review Request
Rating: 3
Heat Rating: 3
Reviewed by: Vashti                                                                                        

Drogheda, Ireland 1075

The sixth son bears a curse as certain as the seventh son bears a blessing. When Tadhg MacNaughton’s betrothed is ripped from his arms and married to another, he believes the legend is true.

Tisa O'Brien's life slams into a downward spiral at the news she is no longer betrothed to the love of her life but to the tanist of a warring, prideful clan with dangerous political aspirations, the Meic Lochlainn. She faces her destiny with all the strength and dignity of her Irish heritage despite dealing with a husband who resents her and meets his needs in the arms of others, fighting off the lustful advances of her father-in-law, Aodh, and longing for the husband of her heart.

Tadhg MacNaughton makes a deal with the devil to ensure the survival of his clan as he is commanded to fight for Aodh who envisions himself the new High King of Eire. Up close and personal, Tadhg must witness his true love's marriage and remain silent even as it rips him apart. When a sinister plot to overthrow King William of England led by the exiled Leofrid Godwin and Clan Meic Lochlainn comes to light, Tadhg is faced with saving his clan or endangering his sister and her Norman husband.

An Irish beauty and a warrior betrayed, doomed in love from the start or does fate have something else in store for them?

The Seventh Son is the final book in the Norman Conquest series.

This is the story of Tadgh and Tisa, and whether they will get their happy ever after or not.  However, given that  this is the last book in the series, we see all the main characters from the first three books brought back and questions answered. Including the question of  Sir. John's paternity.

This could be a stand alone read but I think there are too many story lines going on, and the reader may have a hard time understanding all that is happening and why.

There really is not  much interaction between Tadgh and Tisa until midway near the end of the book. To me, this story seemed to revolve more around Tisa, her queen of a husband Darragh, and Tisa's struggle for survival in an unfamiliar, totally foreign, and many times hostile situation.   Tisa and Darragh are both forced into this marriage by their fathers.  A marriage that neither of them wants.  Tisa was really blindsided by her father, Roland, and not only because he ends her engagement to the love of her life.  It was very cruel, no matter his reasons, and Roland never redeemed himself in my eyes.

Sometimes a character can rub you the wrong way in the beginning of a story and then totally redeem themselves, but Darragh is not that character!  I think Darragh was very much bipolar because he seemed cruel, hard, and extremely self-centered, but after the marriage sometimes he's kind and warm, wanting to protect and help Tisa.  Then BAM, in the blink of an eye, or in the wink of a guy, he flips and is all about himself and what he wants.  Leaving Tisa to fend for herself on more than one occasion.  It actually got really old, very fast, hearing him drool on and on about how he doesn't sleep alone, or seeing him fawning over his preferred bed partners. The fact that he is so disrespectful to his wife in their home and then at one point he has the nerve to question her as to whether she's cuckolding him, was one of many reasons why I totally disliked Darragh.  He keeps saying he wants to protect her and he sees how she is truly protecting him from his father Aodh, yet he does not reciprocate.  Every time I started to warm up to him, the bipolar switch came on and he would do something that just disgusted me.

When Tisa and Tadgh finally get together and interact it is literally so heart-wrenching I was tempted to go to the end of the book to find out what happened but that's not my style.  I will never go to the end of the book because I thoroughly enjoy the "read" when a book captures my attention.  I really was tempted though, because Tisa seemed like she just couldn't catch a break, and I was desperate to find out how it all ends.

There is an extreme amount of confusion that leads to heartache for most of the characters in this story, which all started off in book 2 with Padraig, Tadgh's father.

This book is a journey, to say the least.  Not just the struggles of Tisa and Tadgh, but some of the very evil characters that are introduced in this book  are literally cringe-worthy, and you actually want them to die.  Tisa's father-in-law or more accurate, her Creep-in-law, was the worst in the series and I didn't think anybody could stoop lower than that swine Ivan from books 1, 2 and 3.  Garrett is another vile creature but Malcolm, who was assigned as a sort of bodyguard, seemed at first an iffy guy, but he actually turned out to be one of the best men in the book.

There were a few bits I found hard to believe such as Aodh having tears of grief.  Simply because he was so vile and disrespectful to Tisa and Darragh.  Also his vain ambitions led him to badly mistreat his first wife and granddaughter.  Just hard to believe this first rate A-hole even had tears in is body.  I'm sure they were as black as his soul!  I won't go into much more detail but I seriously question the naming of Tisa's first born.  Hard to believe that no matter Tisa's thinking,  how could her husband approve of his 1st born son being given a name other than his.

This was not my favorite book of the series, which is ironic because this book is the one I had the most anticipation to read.   The cover was actually my favorite out of all four books.  By no means is this a bad book,  I simply liked books 2 and 3 more.  There were just so many different stories and points of view going on that from chapter 1 to the next it was jumping back and forth and just a little hard to follow in the beginning.  Along with a few typos, but not enough to distract from reading.  Lovers of this series will certainly love this book.

I recommend to anyone who is into medieval romance novels,  Irish medieval history, which I thoroughly enjoy,  men with a twitch in the wrist, or just heartfelt struggles and wondering if your hero and heroine are ever going to find their way through to a happily-ever-after, then this book is for you.

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The Norman Conquest

The Saxon Bride #1

The Gentle Knight #2
The Irish Warrior #3

Mayhem by Gemma Brocato ~ Excerpt and Giveaway

Title: Mayhem

Series: Goddesses of Delphi #2

Author: Gemma Brocato

Genre: Paranormal/Fantasy Romance

Release Date: November 8, 2016

Length: 212 Pages

Format: Digital

Digital ISBN: 1-944513-12-4

A freak solar flare plunges Nia Thanos, Muse of Astronomy, into an evil immortal’s attempt at a hostile take over of Olympus Enterprises. Her jobs—save the family business while rescuing the world from pandemonium. To eliminate the menace she must convince one mortal man to believe in the magic of what if.

‘Doubting Thomas’ Wilde hosts a television program aimed at busting myths. But when Nia confesses to being a Muse, it’s one myth he can’t bust, or believe. His refusal to help leaves Nia to face the challenge on her own.

Riots, looting, and general anarchy are minor problems compared to what’s coming if the balance of power shifts on Olympus. Nia’s undeniable attraction to Thomas wreaks havoc on her heart and threatens her ability to secure the safety of humankind. Nia finds herself fighting to persuade the one man she can’t live without to help save the world.

Available at: Amazon

Free on Kindle Unlimited

Excerpt from Mayhem

“Why did they all walk away? All those people. Surely someone was more qualified than us to help that poor man.” Nia’s voice was muffled against his shoulder. The warmth of her hands oozed into his pecs, triggering a heated response in his groin. Her body snugged tightly to his was about the only thing that seemed right in the world.

“Who knows? Tonight kind of proves my theory that there isn’t any good left in the world. People are absorbed in their own lives. They don’t care about what is going on around them.” He tightened his grip around her waist.

“You can’t possibly believe that. What about people volunteering for charities? What about all those random acts of kindness the media likes to report?”

God, he wished he could believe in those things. He rested his hands on the small of her back. “When was the last time you actually read or heard about someone doing anything altruistic? Even the charities you mentioned are only really in it for the money.”

She leaned away and gazed into his eyes. “That’s an awfully jaded view of the world, Thomas.”

“I’ve seen too much pain and suffering. In my own family and others. Human kindness is as much of a myth as the Loch Ness monster.”

“Actually, Nessie isn’t myth at all. He’s one of Poseidon’s offspring condemned to the loch for some infraction eons ago.” A shock of her sunny red hair flopped over her brow as she shook her head. A grin spread across her face. “That’s it. I’m officially on a mission to enlighten you about the goodness of human nature.”

“You’re welcome to try.” He slanted a kiss across her smiling lips, probed them with his tongue.

She slid her arms around his neck, stretching up on her toes. Her breasts pressed to his chest stirred him. His cock jumped to life. Gathering her closer, he pressed the curve of her buttocks, increasing the contact between her hips and his. He didn’t care if she’d become aware of the depth of his attraction to her. Or that the attraction he felt to her happened this fast, or was more powerful than anything he’d ever experienced. Days. They’d known each other only a handful of days, and already, he wanted more with her.

The fact was—he was enthralled by the feel of her body, the press of her lips, the glide of her tongue against his. He let go the residual negativity left by the accident, and the crowd’s response. Sinking into the kiss with this gorgeous woman warmed his heart and soul.

He opened his lips on hers and stroked his tongue into the warm cave of her mouth. He backed up until his shoulders contacted the rough bark of a massive, old oak tree. Tightening his grip around her waist, he spun them in a half circle until he had her sandwiched between the tree and his body. The kiss deepened until it bordered on voracious. He was hungry for her in a way he hadn’t been hungry for a woman in a long time. There was no denying he wanted this woman. In his arms…in his bed. In his life.

More from the Goddesses of Delphi series!

Out now: Tyranny

Available at: Amazon

Free through November 9^th!!

About the author:

Gemma's favorite desk accessories for many years were a circular wooden token, better known as a 'round tuit,' and a slip of paper from a fortune cookie proclaiming her a lover of words; some day she'd write a book. All it took was a transfer to the United Kingdom, the lovely English springtime, and a huge dose of homesickness to write her first novel. Once it was completed and sent off with a kiss, even the rejections addressed to 'Dear Author' were gratifying.

After returning to America, she spent a number of years as a copywriter, dedicating her skills to making insurance and the agents who sell them sound sexy. Eventually, her full-time job as a writer interfered with her desire to be a writer full-time and she left the world of financial products behind to pursue a career as a romance author.

Gemma focuses mainly on contemporary and paranormal romance, with an occasional detour into science fiction romance. Her titles are available in digital and print-on-demand at all major retailers.

You can visit her online at the following places: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub | Instagram

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Do You Hear What I Hear? by Margaret Brownley

Title: Do You Hear What I Hear (Second Chance at Star Inn)
Author: Margaret Brownley
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Christmas
Length: Novella
Publisher: Swerve
Release Date: October 25, 2016
Source: NetGalley
Rating: 4
Heat Rating: 1
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Two bad things happened to Sally Cartwright that week. Three if she counted the pink slip received at the Home and Familymagazine's annual Christmas party. But nothing was worse than plowing into a snowbank and being stuck in a town she swore never to see again. A town she once called home. Now she must spend the long cold night in the car or follow the bright shining star through the woods to the old Star Inn. She chooses the inn and that's where her troubles really begin...

Lumber mill owner, Rick Talbot, is in no mood for Christmas cheer. Having recently buried his father, he's still trying to sort out the financial mess left behind. Unless Rick comes up with a miracle, the mill run by the family for generations is about to shut down for good. That would put a lot of men out of work and impact the future of the town. If things weren't bad enough he's now stuck at the old Star Inn waiting for the road back to his cabin to reopen. His luck takes another turn for the worse when he suddenly comes face to face with the past he'd sooner forget. For unless he's seeing things, the only woman he's ever loved is standing in front of the inn's blazing fire trying to get warm. How is it possible that one chance meeting could stir up so many old memories?

Both Rick and Sally regret what happened between them, but his family lumberyard clashes with her tree-hugging ways and neither is willing to try again. It will take the storm of the century, one stage-struck young boy, a certain meddling "angel"--and even a cranky cat--to convince them that in matters of the heart, sometimes the second time around is best.

The best in this little collection so far! I loved Sally, and the one that got away theme is always a favorite of mine. Sally is spunky and has a mission in her life. Life just may not agree with it. I loved her go-get-em attitude and would love to be bestfriends with her.

Rick was a tad cliche. But I've come to expect a little bit of that in a Christmas romance. He's always regretted letting Sally walk out of his life, but he still doesn't see any other choice. Their life goals were just too far apart. But what if all that changed? What if they could align their views and goals and find a way to make it stick this time?

A great second change romance with some really fun characters.

*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*

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Second Chance at Star Inn

Room at the Inn for Christmas
Silent Night, Star-Lit Night

Silent Night, Star-Lit Night by Ruthe Logan Herne

Title: Silent Night, Star-Lit Night (Second Chance at Star Inn)
Author: Ruth Logan Herne
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: Novella
Publisher: Swerve
Release Date: October 25, 2016
Source: NetGalley
Rating: 3
Heat Rating: 1
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Jed Taylor knows how to cowboy up on the range, and on the sales’ floor of his family’s rapidly growing western and ranch store in Central Washington, which is exactly where he would normally be a week before Christmas… but when he heard Mia O’Loughlin was planning a trip north, pregnant and alone, Jed’s promise to her late husband kicked in. More Grinch than grace, he boarded a plane and headed to the coast, determined that his best friend’s widow wouldn’t make the long trek alone. It wasn’t supposed to be like this, widowed, pregnant and all alone on the West Coast.

E.R. nurse and Red Cross emergency responder Mia O’Loughlin had always taken life in full stride, but losing her deployed husband the week before she realized they were expecting their first child knocked her off-kilter. With Christmas and her due date approaching, all she can see is getting back home to Kittitas County for the birth of her child… their child… and seeing her failing Grandpa Joe one last time. Determined to do it on her own, she reluctantly allows Jed to accompany her, mostly because the gruff cowboy showed up and won’t take no for an answer.

But when a blizzard grinds their progress to a stop in Northern Oregon, the light from an old inn beckons them into a town hunkered down to ride out the unexpected storm. With the help of the inn’s wise and wonderful “angel,” Mia realizes the old white church has been turned into a shelter. She insists on leaving the inn to help those forced out of their homes and off the highway. As she and Jed improvise to provide comfort to others, they begin to see that facing this once-dreaded Christmas together could be the very best way of all.

 Another sweet glimpse into the Star Inn and Christmastime. Once again, plans go wrong and a very pregnant Mia finds herself stranded at the Star Inn with her friend, Jed. The set up for this was cute, but a bit cliche. With Mia's husband having died, Jed seems to swoop in to rescue her from all of the things. Yes, all of them. It was a bit much.

But Mia does her own fair share of saving while stranded in the little town. When a blizzard keeping the electricity out, her Red Cross training comes in handy in a very unusual way - and two little kids will never forget this Christmas.

I enjoyed the story, but it justs didn't stick to me. It wasn't as memorable or sigh-inducing as I had hoped it would be.

*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*

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Second Chance at Star Inn

Room at the Inn for Christmas

Room at the Inn for Christmas by Mary Connealy

Title: Room at the Inn for Christmas (Second Chance at Star Inn)
Author: Mary Connealy
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Christmas
Length: Novella
Publisher: Swerve
Release Date: October 25, 2016
Source: NetGalley
Rating: 3
Heat Rating: 1
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Welcome to Heywood, Oregon where three lost women find healing, hope and love under the bright light of the town's old Star Inn this Christmas season.

Amanda Star’s father always wanted her to come into the family business, and run the majestic old Star Inn with him but she had bigger plans. She’s a high-powered executive in the multi-national Halston hotel chain. One more promotion—which she expects to get by Christmas—will make her the youngest vice president in Halston history and she’s got her sights set on the CEO job.

Then she inherits the Star Inn. With no time to be away from her job, she impatiently rushes home to list the beautiful old bed and breakfast for sale. Now that she’s here she’s swamped with sweet memories and keen regret. Her father has made the inn a safe haven where weary travelers can get away from their hectic lives, and Amanda, working 10-hour days and living on coffee and antacids, desperately needs that safe haven.

As Amanda struggles against the lure of home, she also is reunited with an old classmate: Anthony Carter, a handyman with a guarded heart. Hurt before by a woman who saw his contentment and pleasure in building and living on his own land as a lack of ambition, Cart reluctantly finds himself drawn to a woman who wants so much more than a man with callused hands and sawdust in his hair. A woman who came home for Christmas and badly needs to stay. With the help of Angel Rafferty, the front desk clerk and a lifelong friend of Amanda’s parents, can Cart help Amanda realize the hospitality industry is far more than spreadsheets and bottom lines in time for Christmas?

This is one book in a series that are all centered around the Star Inn. This one seemed like the perfect place to start with an introduction to the Inn, it's family, and the town of Heywood. And it was a great place to kick off.

This story starts off on a roll with Amanda returning to clear up her father's estate after his death. She's a big city girl that's always on the go. When she runs into her old crush, Anthony, she's in for quite a surprise. Not just because he's hot as all get out and seems genuinely happy to see her (at least at first), but his appearance is the first in a string of lies that begin to unfold.

Now, I won't be giving too much away when I say that Amanda is about to find out that pretty much everything she heard after she moved to the city about her hometown and family was all lies. Really big lies. She is perfectly devastated and confused, her reaction was everything it should have been. But Anthony doesn't really buy it. Why didn't she come see for herself, or call, or something.

Eventually the two find their way through the sea of lies and come up with a reason for why they were told to her. I really really really didn't buy the reason. None of it felt right, and they even admitted that they were just guessing. But it threw a hole into the story that I had a hard time getting out of. I kept going back to "why?" And I never got an answer that seemed even remotely believable to me.

I've already dove in to the next books in the collection. I'm excited to see what happens at the Star Inn this holiday season.

**This book was received in exchange for an honest review**

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Hometown Holiday Reunion (Oaks Crossing #3) by Mia Ross ~ Review

Title: Hometown Holiday Reunion (Oaks Crossing #3)

Author: Mia Ross
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Inspirational
Length: 224 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired
Release Date: September 20, 2016
Source: Purchased
Rating: 4
Heat Rating: 1
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Falling for the Girl Next Door

Returning home to take care of his ailing mother, Cam Stewart reunites with his best friend's little sister. And while Erin Kinley is still a firecracker, she's grown from an annoying tagalong to a beautiful woman and devoted foster mom. She and Cam still drive each other crazy…until Erin turns to Cam for comfort during a stressful adoption process. Cam's fractured family had him convinced he'd never be a dad, but suddenly he's considering two things he never thought he would: having a family and staying in Oaks Crossing. Could Erin and her son be everything he's longed for?

Another great story from Mia Ross - she is the ultimate queen of Contemporary Inspirational Romance. Returning to Oaks Crossing to visit the girl of the Kinley family, Erin is setting off on her own to set up a new pet shot in town. When she goes to see the space she might be buying she's surprised to find out it's owned by Cam (he's equally surprised). They haven't really seen much of each other since they tormented each other in school.

But life has changed both of them, although it does take them a little bit of time to realize this, but old impressions can be hard to change. Gradually, their lives begin to intertwine more and more. The best thing about Mia Ross's romances, is that I could see them happening to anyone, anywhere. The couples come together so naturally that that you just sit back and enjoy a very pleasurable ride.

Now, things aren't all sun and roses. Every relationship will have its bumps, misunderstandings, and differences. Those are all present as Cam and Erin discover their new feelings for each other and learn their way with each other.

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Oaks Crossing

Her Small Town Cowboy #1

Rescued by the Farmer #2

Vampire for Christmas by Felicity Heaton

Title: Vampire for Christmas

Author: Felicity Heaton
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Christmas
Length: 91 pages
Publisher: Dark Rose Publishing
Release Date: November 2, 2010
Source: Freebie
Rating: 3
Heat Rating: 3
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

It was one last mission. Shannon, a demon hunter with the agency, is looking forward to leaving behind the small town and the vampire she’s been stuck with for the past two years. Things are getting complicated fast and she wants out. A fresh start, free of her vampire partner, awaits her if she can survive their final mission and the lonely Christmas holidays.

It was one last mission. Rafe, a vampire doing time with the agency, watches it approach with dread weighing heavily in his stomach. Two years of working with Shannon has been difficult, especially since he started falling for her, but he doesn’t want their partnership to end. He has barely a few days to make her face her feelings and stop her from leaving, and he intends to do just that.

When a slimy demon threatens the season of peace and goodwill, it’s the chance Rafe has been waiting for and the moment Shannon secretly fears. Rafe’s determination to prise open her heart and her own resolve to keep it closed clash as violently as they do with the demon, and threatens to end as messily.

Can Rafe make Shannon see that his love for her is real and that she feels something for him too? Can Shannon face her fears and her past, and stop herself from running away from both? Will a wish on a star bring her what her heart truly desires—a vampire for Christmas?

Demons, vampires, and hunters are collide in Vampire for Christmas. This was an interesting combination of light-hearted with a bit of humor mixed with a darker paranormal element. Rafe and Shannon have been partners, hunting down random baddies - usually demons - for several years together, but now Shannon is being transferred and Rafe may never see her again. He's determined to show her his true feelings before she leaves - hoping he can convince her to stay with him.

Enter demon. And not just any demon. This one reminded of Slimer from Ghostbusters - only with a much worse attitude. While dangerous, the demon was a bit comical with his ooze and overall grossness. Heaton was able to use this to set up some really great scenes for Rafe and Shannon to interact and give them a chance to really open up to each other.

The biggest thing standing in their way is Shannon's past and her prejudice against vampires in general. She has a good reason, but she still isn't sure about bringing her guard down around Rafe even though they have been partners for years.

I enjoyed this story a lot - especially the demon, he's going to stick with me for awhile. I had a hard time really getting into Shannon's mind though. She ws closed off to the point that even as a reader it was hard to see into her, and I wanted a little more of that.

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How to Impress a Marquess by Susanna Ives

Title: How to Impress a Marquess (Wicked Little Secrets #3)

Author: Susanna Ives
Genre: Historical Romance
Length: 384 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Release Date: November 1, 2016
Source: NetGalley
Rating: 4
Heat Rating: 3
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

TAKE ONE MARQUESS: Proper, put-upon, dependable, but concealing a sensitive artist's soul.

ADD ONE BOHEMIAN LADY: Creative, boisterous, unruly, but secretly yearning for a steadfast love, home, and family.STIR in a sensational serialized story that has society ravenous for each installment.

COMBINE with ambitious guests at an ill-fated house party hosted by a treacherous dowager possessing a poison tongue.

SHAKE until a stuffy marquess and rebellious lady make a shocking discovery: the contents of their hearts are just alike.Take a sip. You'll laugh, you'll swoon, you'll never want this moving Victorian love story to end.

These two really cracked me up. They are such opposites, and you can see the opposites attract coming from a mile away, but it was done quite well. Again, the characters were all a little too extreme, but there were immediate consequences from Society which made the situations a little more believable.

Lillith is an artist, and she's proud of it. She supports other artists and writes a popular serial under a pen name. This is very important, I loved how this serial played a part in the story. At first I thought it was just another aspect to Lillith's character, but it's the way it all plays out that made it almost another character itself. Lillith is not your traditional lady by any means. She's quirky and honest, she's bursting with energy and sweeps everyone up along with her.

George is quite the opposite. He's calm and respectful, making sure his duty comes before anything and everything else - including his own happiness. But Lillith breathes life back into him and his family when Society insists she joins in at a highly-attended house party.

This house party is also another character unto itself. It's the perfect backdrop for the antics and adventures that Lillith and George find themselves caught up in. There was a good dose of humor and some very memorable moments - but then we got a little out of control. From the tail end of the house party through the very end of the book, things went too far for my taste. It was no longer a light humor, but something more forced and not as much fun.

Once the ending hits, it made up for the previous craziness a little. The way it all seems to wrap back up around itself and put the right finishing touches to the story were great.

*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*

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A Present for Christmas by Shihoh Walker

Title: A Present for Christmas
Author: Shiloh Walker
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 20 pages
Publisher: Indie
Release Date: October 30, 2010
Source: Freebie
Rating: 3
Heat Rating: 3
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Faced with a choice, David has to decide what matters the most. Home…or the heart.

After completing an assignment in Alaska, he’s about to head home, but he realizes he might be leaving behind his heart—Cris, the woman he fell in love with. Now he has to make a choice. Return home to everything he knows, or take a chance on love.

For a super short story, the book delivers a great HEA moment. It's really the only moment, but I was given little bits and pieces of back story to fill in some of the blanks, which really helped me enjoy the characters more. I still wanted more though. Even a couple pages leading up to where it actually starts would have been nice.

However, there was no separation between scenes, which made it very hard to tell the POV-change, which it did fairly often for a short story. But the author had a good way with words and characters.

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