Second Chance eX-mas by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Book Review: Second Chance Ex-Mas
Author: N.D. Jackson
FIVE STARS
A short story about love lost and second chances. Can Ally and Archer let the past stay in the past or will they never be able to reconcile.
Great short love story.
KLH
Second Chance eX-mas by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Ally is a single mom working hard to get her grow her business so her and her daughter, Glory, could live comfortably. However, he quiet life is thrown into chaos when Archer comes back to town. Archer has been serving in the military and is moving back to his hometown. He hasn’t seen Ally in years and hopes that she is happy. However, his mother gives him news on his first day back home that will change his life forever. He has a daughter. Now Archer is determined to get to know his daughter and, hopefully, get to know her mother. Ally isn’t going to make it easy for Archer…but sometimes old flames don’t completely die out.
I enjoyed this story from beginning to end. Ally is a strong, independent woman and I love how she handled Archer coming back into her life. I can understand where her feelings were coming from and I enjoyed watching their relationship grow and evolve since they are adults and not the children they when they last saw each other. This was a cute story of reigniting old flames while coming to terms with the changes life has thrown their way.
Second Chance eX-mas by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Second Chance eX-mas by N.D. Jackson was a great 5 star second chance romance.
Ally was left 5 years ago by Archer, he didn’t even look back. Now she is back in town working to have her own business. When she finds out Archer is returning home, she knows she won’t be able to keep her secret much longer. What will he do when he learns the truth?
Archer is determined to get Ally back. All his feelings for her came rushing back when he saw her. Will she understand why he left? Can he get her to come back?
Overall this was a great 2nd chance romance and I LOVED all of the characters. We have secrets, steamy moments and rekindled love in this book and I felt like I was right there with them. The author does a great job of pulling you in with her writing. I had some LOL moments and one character really tugged at my heartstrings. If you’re looking for a great 2nd chance romance this is the book for you. 1-click and get started today. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Reviewed by @mab54615
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Second Chance eX-mas by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved this sweet and steamy Christmas romance which had me hooked from page one. Although a fairly short book it was packed full of, romance, emotions, family dramas and wonderful characters. Set in a small town called Blissful, childhood sweethearts Ally and Archer get a second chance at love when Archer returns to his hometown after leaving the military. Archer is determined to win back the women who he left behind but has always loved but Ally can still not get over the heartbreak she suffered when he left her. Archer gets a big surprise when he meets Ally’s daughter Glory and realises that when he left Ally she was pregnant. Although Ally is happy for Archer to spend time with and get to know his daughter she is less keen to spend time with him herself, despite his best efforts and that of his Mum who is a doting Grandmother to Glory.
When a steamy kiss leads to an even steamier night together they both recognise that the chemistry they shared is still definitely there and as they spend time together as family leading up to Christmas Ally realises that she has always loved Archer and still does. Archer has a Christmas Eve gift for Ally that he hopes will ensure that they can both let go of the past and have a happy future together that lasts beyond Christmas Day.
Full of Christmas magic and the festive spirit this is a lovely lighthearted and heartwarming novella. I loved all the characters and they all added to the overall story. The chemistry between Archer and Ally sizzled off the page. The author made both the characters and the setting of Blissful at Christmas time really come alive. The narrative flowed well and I felt immersed in the story. An enjoyable and engaging Christmas romance with a real feel good factor.
Second Chance eX-mas by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I’m a sucker for a second chance love story and this novella packed quite an emotional punch in a few short pages. I have enjoyed this author’s writing in the past and this novella further cements my appreciation for her skill with the written word. I love holiday romances, slow burn storylines, and second chances – this story will be one I will gladly add to my book rotation to enjoy often. Loved it.
The Nearness of You by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Nearness of You by KG Fletcher is a beautiful love story between a singer who loves the oldies, like Frank Sinatra, and loves the 60’s style, and a very handsome model from England. Lauren can’t believe she’s met and connected with David at the hotel where she works weekends singing at the bar. David is mesmerized by Lauren in a way he’s never expected. The two connect so well, they both seem to know they’ve met the one but will they follow it through?
I love reading books by Ms. Fletcher. I connect with her characters pretty quickly. The books are well written and you can’t help but continue reading until you are finished.
Second Chance eX-mas by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
If you are looking to read a good second chance magical Christmas love story, then this book is for you. This is not my first book by N.D. Jackson and it will not be the last one either. Her attention to detail is what makes this story on my list of books to read. This story is about Archer and Ally. They were a couple and then they broke up. Archer moved away and Ally stayed. Archer came back to town because he knew what he did was not right and truly not the decision he did not mean to make. Can Archer use the Christmas magic to help get back with Ally? Does Ally want Archer back after he had left her in the past? I highly recommend reading this book.
Wildfire by Ashley A Quinn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Wildfire by Ashley A. Quinn is the second book in the Broken Bow series. This is the first book that I have read by this author so didn’t really know what to expect when it started it. What I got was a well written story with strong characters that really drew me in. I liked the suspenseful element to the book and how that was combined with the great chemistry between the two main characters.
After reading the description I wasn’t sure what direction the author might take with the book but I loved the track she went down. It was intriguing and gripping while also having an emotional side to it. I very much enjoyed this book and as the first by this author I thought I was a great was to be introduced to her. I will definitely be checking out more of her work in the future.
Second Chance eX-mas by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Second Chance eX-mas by N.D. Jackson is a quick holiday romance that will really have you rooting for the characters. It is a great second chance story with just the right amount of holiday magic to make it feel special.
Although this is a pretty quick read – it is a novella after all – the book doesn’t feel like there is anything missing or it has been rushed. The author has managed to create a short story with a full storyline to it. I loved that I could really get behind the characters and couldn’t wait to see how they would work things out. Even with so much between them it felt right that they should end up together in some way!
This isn’t the first book that I have read by this author and it definitely won’t be the last either. She really has a great way of creating brilliant stories and this one is no exception. I would certainly recommend this book to anyone who was a nice quick read to get them in the holiday spirit.
Second Chance eX-mas by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a story about Ally and Archer, childhood sweethearts who had it all, the looks, the hope and the future as well as every chance for it to come true, that is until Archer left and never looked back but also never knew what he left behind until he returned home and found out.
It is Christmas in Blissful and Ally is busy preparing orders and making deliveries for her customers and as always is running late for her other responsibilities, but when she finally arrives home with everything she needed to complete her work before she can relax and enjoys the holiday season properly, she receives a piece of news which shakes her to the core, Archer is coming back to Blissful. Archer who left her, Archer who hurt her, Archer who she had learnt to live without and survive the wounds in her heart which he gave her and Archer who she would not let back in no matter what he tried to do, she had just gotten her life to a position where she could look at the future and be hopeful, despite the time and energy she had spent to get there and she wouldn’t let that future slip away.
Archer is thinking about coming back to Blissful and what that means, he is thinking about the day he left and the decision he made which led him to do so, it is a long drive from the airport and it is giving him more time to think than he would like. He knows that she probably hates him and has a life without him, but he doesn’t want to see it if she has, he is remembering all the places in the town as he passes them and some of the memories of Ally which are associated with them, as he thinks about turning the car around, but that all fades into the background when he pulls up outside his mother’s house. He sees the shutters and thinks about his siblings and how they each chose their own colours for them, he then sees his mother bounding down the steps and into his arms for a hug and to know if he is home for good, his reply is as long as she will put him up for and with that out of the way, he goes to eat what she has cooked for his homecoming meal and they start to catch up on what the other has been up to since he left, including exactly what he left behind and it is the shock of a lifetime.
This information leads to Archer and Ally meeting again and Archer trying to mend all that he broke when he left, he knows now what he wants and will stop at nothing to get it, but will he manage to reform these bonds, will the magic of Christmas be able to help, or will the past be too much to overcome? This is a story of second chances, but what they look like is not always what people plan them to be.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
~ ~ ~ ~ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
When not writing, you can usually find me with my nose stuck in a book or watching some terrible disaster movie on SyFy. I also love baseball, crafting, and cooking. I live in Ohio with my husband, two kids, three cats, and one very wild shepherd mix. Life is busy and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Holiday Terminal by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Such a sweet and feel good Christmas book! Holiday Terminal (A Second Chance Secret Baby Billionaire Holiday Romance) is the first book in the Warren Family Holidays Series by Gwyn McNamee and Christy Anderson. Penelope is a hard working single mom who is just trying to get home to her family for Christmas. One problem is there is a wicked storm, which halters her travel plans to get to get there. So, they get stranded in an extremely small town in Tennessee. She isn’t the only one who gets stranded there either. Artemis Warren has an infamous family and has the money to go with it. The one thing that he doesn’t have is the girl that broke his heart one summer in North Carolina. He’s carried a torch for her ever since. As fate plays it, these two get stranded at the same time at the very same airport their planes had to land at due to the storm. In less than 24 hours their lives get turned upside down and they leave to a happy ending. This book is a little bit of an emotional roller coaster. It was such an easy read and it pulled you in from the start and didn’t stop until the very end. I am so glad that there is a second book! I can’t wait to read it! This book is a Hallmark movie waiting to happen! I absolutely adored it! I have no complaints at all! Well done ladies!
Review by @vegasdaisie
Second Chance eX-mas by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was such a fun and fast read for the holiday season. I have never read anything by ND Jackson prior to this but what an introduction. I loved how this was a slow burn second chance romance that brought a sleepy little town to life with the Christmas magic. I found myself really giggling and aww’in at all the moments that made me stop and reminisce on my own holiday love and magic. I will be looking for more reads by ND Jackson in the very near future and hope to like them just as much. This was a short read so I don’t feel like I can give much more than the blurb on what takes place in this novel without ruining all the specialness of it all, so for details you will have to one-click this holiday read for yourself. You will not be disappointed that you did!
Review by @lizaileen
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Fake Fiancé: A Second Chance Office Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a great quick read from Amy McKinley.
Adeline finds herself with opportunity to travel to Italy for work. Knowing that this is a great career move, and far away from her ex, she sets off to the other side of the world. There, she finds herself working for a grumpy, but sexy, Stone Crenshaw.
Stone is trying to get the renovations on his current hotel done so he can move onto the next project. His first impression of his new employee is less than stellar…but he gives her the chance to prove herself. One way to that, pretend to be his fiancé when a hotel goes up for sale by a man who believes in the importance of family.
What starts out as part of her job quickly becomes something much more. However, not everyone wants to see Adeline and Stone together and that adds a whole other layer of drama to the story. There was romance and drama…and the descriptions of Italy make me want to travel there as soon as a I get the chance. This story has many layers to it that kept me turning the pages til I had reached the end. Another great story by Amy McKinley!
Fake Fiancé: A Second Chance Office Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Fake Fiance: a Second Chance Office Romance
Amy McKinley
4 out of 5 stars
This is not the first book I’ve read by this author, I have really come to enjoy her writing style and attention to detail throughout the several books I have read and Fake Fiance is no exception. While this book has a different feel than the Gray Ghost series I came to know the author from, this was in no way disappointing. This book is fairly short at about 150 pages and I had trouble putting it down. I felt that the plot was really strong and I was interested in the story after just the first couple pages. I enjoyed how the characters, especially Adeline were likeable. I would definitely recommend this book to others and look forward to reading more from this author.
Claim Me Now by Lea Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Claim Me Now by Lea Nolan is the second book in the Heron Harbor series, and it was a great read! This book felt like a quick read, not only because the chapters were pretty short but also because it was just that good. I didn’t want to put this book down! This is the first novel I’ve read from this series, I wasn’t confused so this could definitely be a standalone novel! The characters were great and well written, with amazing character development throughout the book. I loved the diverse characters and all their traits. It felt like being home with my family when I read it. It was also pretty steamy, so that could be a plus if you enjoy that short of thing, and I do. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!
Fake Fiancé: A Second Chance Office Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Fake Fiancé: A Second Chance Office Romance by Amy McKinley
Adeline is leaving her hometown behind her after graduating college. Going to Italy is a stepping stone for her career. She doesn’t expect to fall in love. Not with her boss. Sharing dreams is one thing but falling in love wasn’t. The quote I chose for Adeline is: “Stop being a knuckle dragger. You don’t need me, Tommy. You’re a gifted athlete. I know you’ll get snapped up by the team of your dreams. I don’t have anything to do with your skill, and we’re friends. That’s all. But if you don’t get it through your thick skull that that’s the only thing we’ll ever be, then we’re going to have problems, and that won’t look good to any potential NFL affiliates if they get wind of this little scenario.”
Stone is the owner of several hotels and he’s not having a great time in the one he’s in now. Losing his assistant is hard, but not knowing if the new one will work out is harder. He finds himself attracted to Adeline and doesn’t want to lose her. The quote I chose for Stone is: “If you’re going to wear heels you can’t walk in unaided, then I’ll need to hold onto you. We wouldn’t want to have a repeat of what happened earlier in my office today.”
Highly recommended for contemporary romance lovers.
Claim Me Now by Lea Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 Stars
Claim Me Now (Heron Harbor #2) by Lea Nolan
This is the first book I’ve read by the author and it can be read as a stand alone. Nolan captures your attention with the way she writes. I was falling in love with the characters before I really knew them.
Raven doesn’t do relationships and she sure as hell doesn’t fall in love. Fired from her job she goes to her family’s beach house. Thinking a long weekend will help, but when a stranger enters the picture things change. The quote I chose for Raven is: “You bought Paulson Diagnostics?”
Jack drives in a storm to a beach house he rented from a friend. When he arrives he’s in for a shocker and it’s the good kind of shocker. He gets a call from a co-worker saying they have a spy in the company and then finds a bigger problem. The quote I chose for Jack is: “When you walked back in the diner, your hair was a little wind-blown, your cheeks flushed from the cold. You looked beautiful. And a little wild. Kind of like you’d been sexed up. A man would’ve had to have been all-the-way blind to have missed you.”
Highly recommended for Contemporary Romance lovers.
Fake Fiancé: A Second Chance Office Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Fake Fiancé: A Second Chance Office Romance by Amy McKinley
5 out of 5 stars
This is the second book that I have read by Ms. McKinley and I really enjoyed it. This was, easy read fast paced, read that I really enjoyed, I enjoyed the suspense as you wonder how this is will play out for these two amazing characters. I enjoyed watching how attracted they were to one another with their little quirks. They really work….
Tracy
@tracym
All I Want for Christmas by Vivian Fiano
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
All I Want for Christmas: Military Romance Short Story by Vivian Fiano
What a sweet story. You could feel and sadness from both Kinsley and Bryson. Kinsley is crushed by the call she gets as she should be, but I could understand why she was feeling some guilt too after they hung up.
I really admire our military service men and women who have to spend long periods of time away from the family, but the spouses, significant others, parents, kids, etc. are just amazing and I have no clue how they get through all that time apart.
If you find yourself with about an hour with nothing to do, try this sweet story.
Corporate Christmas by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a lovely little story
Chole has been working hard since she was an intern. Jason is starting a new job. These two meet at work what happened next. These two don’t get off to a good start. What is life but a bit rocky. Chole trying to get this company to sign it’s her ambition will they. How will she fare with her new boss and how will he react to her. Read more to find out,you won’t want to miss this whirlwind.
Fake Fiancé: A Second Chance Office Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a great read i love books in this genre. It is well written and enjoyable. I love that this is set in Italy a perfect place to start Adeline and Stone’s chemistry. I could not put this down, it was great reading how sassy Adeline was against Stone’s workaholic grouchy self., yet their lust for each other is undeniable.
Run to the Sea by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wanna ‘run to the sea’ and get away? Well I do believe the that KG Fletcher has managed to encapsulate the perfect little weekend getaway between the covers of Run to the Sea. I absolutely could sit here and tell you for hours my favorite moments in this novel, there were many and truly it’d turn into a verbatim quote by quote review so you would only miss out on the good stuff for yourself that way. Instead I will tell you this is one of those books that just about anyone can relate to. We have all been at that point in our life that our MC’s were in, questioning every decision we ever made and if we are truly where we should be at this point in life. The moments worth making into a novel are the ones in which we make pivotal decisions in what we definitely need going forward. Cappy and Emmy both find themselves in this moment and we get a front row seat to all of the beautiful emotion, drama, laughter, love, and memories that accompany this.
I couldn’t stop listening from page one to the very end and found myself devouring it in just one short snowy afternoon. The scenery and the way that Fletcher writes it is transformative in the sense that I felt as if I was right there breathing in the salty sea air and dragging my toes in the warm sand. I would say every moment was worth every bit of a five star rating and I can’t wait to find out what will come next from the pen of KG Fletcher!
Review by @lizaileen
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Claim Me Now by Lea Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Claim Me Now by Lea Nolan was a great 5 star read.
I was pulled in right from the beginning and had a late night of reading because I didn’t want to put it down.
Raven gets some shocking news from her bosses children which includes that she is now unemployed. She is devastated due to the recent project she was working on and worried about her co-workers and their jobs. To get away she goes to her beach house for the weekend. What she didn’t expect was Jack Baines waking her up, and let’s say that was an interesting moment that had me LOL.
Jack was looking for a downtime weekend to regroup after taking over another company. He hasn’t been happy with how his stepfather has been running things and has plans for when he takes over. He didn’t expect to find Raven at the home he had rented for the weekend.
They both decided to try and share the house for the weekend. The attraction between them was too much and they have a very steamy evening that turns into a weekend thing. When a storm hit’s things take a dangerous twist and we get an even bigger glimpse into the hunky man. There is so much more to this read than two people falling in love, there are some things from the past that come up and we get another HUGE twist that throws Raven for a loop. Will these two let their walls down and get a HEA? Overall I really enjoyed this read, both characters were great and all of the secondary characters added a great element as well. If you are looking for a great read with more than romance this is the series and book for you. I look forward to reading more from the series. 1-click and get started today.
Reviewed by @mab54615
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Fake Fiancé: A Second Chance Office Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Fake Fiancé: A Second Chance Office Romance by Amy McKinley is a brilliant story with strong and engaging characters. I was instantly hooked on this book the moment I started reading! I loved how much you could feel the chemistry coming off these two characters right from the start – they were clearly meant to be together and it was great to watch how they found a way.
The story itself was interesting and well written. It is one of those books that is a pretty easy read and yet still has a depth and complexity about it so that it never becomes boring.
This author really has become a favourite of mine. Her books are always engaging and entertaining and they never fail to keep me reading. This is a brilliant book to add to that list and I would highly recommend it!
Fake Fiancé: A Second Chance Office Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was an emotional read. It is a story I love and the characters are so well written. I love Adeline’s character. She is a fiesty strong woman who doesn’t let nothing get in her way.
When Adeline is asked to cover someone’s maternity leave she has no plans of finding romance. All she is focused on is pursuing her career and getting to the top. However things all change when she meets her boss Stone Crenshaw.
Stone is the owner of a hotel which he is renovating. He is work focused and has no intention of settling down. He’s after his next hotel and will do anything he can to win the bid on it. Even pretending to be in love.
When he makes Adeline an offer to become his fiancee to help him win the bid she is reluctant but smart to see how it will help her progress her career so she agrees.
What neither party sees coming is that the actual contact and connection between them is real and so strong.
Can they fight this connection and keep this strictly business? Who is out to split this couple up? Can they survive the obscales in front of them or will it tear them apart?
Claim Me Now by Lea Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is my first read from this author and a brilliant introduction into this author it was! This author has a brilliant writing style that captivates you from the very beginning and brings the characters to life! These two characters had amazing chemistry that was undeniable and really made this book engaging as I really wanted to see where their connection and relationship would go, throughout the read, I couldn’t help but root for them but with them being opposites, will there be too many issues stopping it from being a HEA? I can’t wait to read more books from this author until then I highly recommend this book.
Reviewed By @tillytillzz
Holiday Terminal by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Holiday Terminal is a great Christmas read. This is the first book in this series, i got pulled in straight away. It is well written and i got really invested in Penelope and Art’s romance, they met six years previous but when Art left at the end of the Summer and never contacted Penelope again the last thing she wanted was to run into him at the airport when her flight had to make an emergency landing. Can they get a second chance? you will have to read to find out
I’m a fan of KG Fletcher. Every book I’ve read has been awesome. This audiobook was no different. The female narrator did a wonderful job at pulling you into the story. I’ve read this e-book before and it was great, but listening to it was wonderful. I loved the picture painted by the words I listened to. These characters are relatable and I can’t get enough of this series. I recommend the Reigning Hearts series AND KG Fletcher!
Fake Fiancé: A Second Chance Office Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Fake Fiance is a fantastic office romance by Amy McKinley. It was previously published in the Sinful Secrets (A Contemporary Romance Box Set). I have been a huge fan of Amy McKinley’s writing for a long time so it’s always great to get lost in her writing again.
Adeline has her dream job lined up in Italy but what she doesn’t expect is that within days of starting her new job she’s playing the role of fake fiancé to her hot but very grumpy boss, Stone, so that he can convince a possible seller that he’s a respectable family man.
What results is a great story that I was engrossed in and read in one sitting as I didn’t want to put it down. Adeline and Stone’s story is a great read. Both are great characters that I totally fell in love with. The more you get to know Stone you get to see a different side to the ruthless, cold, arrogant businessman and he’s actually a very nice guy down deep inside.
The story is very well written and flows well and kept me engrossed throughout. One thing I loved was the setting of the book. You are treated to detailed description of beautiful setting in Italy and it makes me want to visit there and see it all for myself.
All in all this is a great book that I’d definitely recommend to others to read.
