Almost and Forever by Angela K. Parker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved this story. Beautiful, tragic and original. A story of how love is not easy. Such beautiful writing. The characters are written and developed so very well. You can’t help but be sucked into this story. You’ll feel every emotion that is felt. I couldn’t put this story down. I felt like i was on a roller coaster.
Faking the Fall by Libby Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The sweetest love story I have read in a while! Grab your favorite drink and a cozy blanket and snuggle up because you won’t want to put this down! I enjoyed how wholesome this story was. Alice and James have the sweetest connection and I loved unraveling their story. The small town life aspect is more than accurate as everyone is in everyone’s business and gossip spreads fast. Which is exactly what the couple needs to keep their peace. It was a beautiful painted picture that kept me engaged from start to finish! If you are looking for a cute romcom, look no further.
Merry Christmas, Montana by Elsa Winckler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 stars
Merry Christmas, Montana is the third book in the heart-warming series The Millers of Marietta by Elsa.
This small-town romance is a fun story and a nice read to escape for a few hours. Plus, we get the added bonus of it being set around Christmas. It gives you all the feels and gets you in to Christmas mode.
The Millers of Marietta is about the Miller siblings as the name suggests, who moved to Marietta for a new start. You really should read the books in order as these wonderful characters cross over and you get to find out so much more about them. I love the characters and it is nice to catch up.
As I said this tale is filled with mixed emotions, taking chances, laughter, family, love, weddings, with slow burn romance and spicy undertones.
With just the right pace, some tension, and realistic characters that you can’t help but like it is easy to become invested.
I had mixed emotions about Riley in the beginning, but a broken heart will do that to a person, so I understand. She doesn’t have time for or want love. She is only in town for a cousins wedding. AND the fun begins.
Mitch was so easy to like and being the eldest he is a little overprotective and can come across as a grump. It was fun to watch these two dance around each other.
Plus, you hope that one little boy gets his Christmas wish.
This delightful story is also the perfect gift for Christmas, birthdays or just because. It leaves you eager for what’s to come next.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Melt My Heart by Alicia Street
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 stars
Melt My Heart by Alicia Street is book 2 in the North Fork series, and it will lift your spirits. I was first introduced to this sweet romance tale in the anthology Irresistible at Christmas – Pets to the Rescue and thoroughly enjoyed it.
It is a wonderfully written tale this is a quick and easy read. It is heartwarming and heartfelt with adorable characters.
I was so engrossed and drawn into their journey so much that before I knew it, I was turning the last page and at some stage hubby was calling for me and I didn’t hear him. He’ll get over it because it’s not the first time he has been ignored whilst I was reading.
The story was a little predictable, but it is still a fun story with some steam and lots of surprise twist and drama.
They come from different worlds but when a rich ex-SEAL falls for a waitress at the local café the chase begins even if she is not sure they are a good match.
Let’s not forget the adorable four-legged creature who worms their way into hearts as well.
Who doesn’t love a sweet story with fur babies and romance?
I am excited to read the rest of the series.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Almost and Forever by Angela K. Parker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 stars
**This book contains adult content and the loss of a loved one. It is not suitable for all readers. **
Almost and Forever is a heartachingly beautiful tale. Tissues please……. This old saying holds true in this case – “If you love something, set it free. If it comes back, it’s yours. If not, it was never meant to be,”
It is a tale of love, loss, guilt, hope, want, need, anger, angst and forgiveness and so much more that it will have you smiling one moment and then crying the next all throughout.
The story flowed smoothly and with likeable but heartbreaking characters. I love that this book was written in both of the characters points of views, and I loved the care, the tenderness, and everything in between. There were times when I wanted to shake them and others when I wanted to wrap them in big hugs but as they say the road to happiness is not always straight.
When truths come to light it may just destroy everything.
He is all she has ever wanted but how can you compete will a ghost, when one’s heart is with another. Playing second fiddle is not a place she wants to be.
He is a mess, but she makes him want more only he is buried in his grief.
If you like a sweet romance with a few twists and turns, then give this author a go.
Reviewed by @jennadb
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~ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ~ ~ ~
Single mom Riley O’Sullivan isn’t one to complain, but with her closest family members now settled in Marietta, Montana, while she still calls Portland home, finding good help isn’t as easy as it used to be. With Christmas approaching, Riley and her young son Dylan are excited to be in Marietta with family for the holidays; but she certainly doesn’t need maddening Mitch Miller coming to her rescue, awakening her senses, or making Dylan ask questions about what dads do.
Mitch Miller left his successful financial career behind him when he moved to Marietta with his two sisters. He’s not looking for love, but Riley captivates him like no other woman ever has. She thinks he’s an overprotective grinch–with good cause–but it’s clear to everyone Riley and Dylan could use a little Christmas magic and he’s willing to help. It’s not as if he’s offering his heart.
Perhaps all it will take to bring them together is the Christmas wish from one special little boy.
Click here to view the Book Trailer for Merry Christmas, Montana (The Millers of Marietta Book 3) by Elsa Winckler
Elsa has been reading love stories for as long as she can remember and when she ‘met’ the classic authors like Jane Austen, Elizabeth Gaskell, Henry James The Brontë sisters, etc. during her Honors studies, she was hooked for life.
She married her college boyfriend and they are fortunate to live in the picturesque little seaside village of Betty’s Bay, South Africa.
She adores writing kissing books with strong, beautiful, feisty, independent and headstrong heroines and dashing Alpha heroes who loves fiercely and protects the ones they love. Her stories typically incorporate the family background of the characters to better understand where they come from and who they are when we meet them in the story.
BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE 
Hope
Adam Emerson was meant for me, but unfortunately, his heart belonged to someone else.
At a pivotal point in my life, I decided to end my relationship to make room for something new. My change of heart couldn’t have come at a better time.
My future began the moment I met Adam. Our first encounter showed his kindness. He swept in on a wish and was whisked away just as fast. During our second encounter, I got a glimpse of his anger. But the third revealed all of him—a man who loves fiercely, even in the midst of grief.
Adam
While dealing with a heartbreaking loss, I visited a local cafe for a reprieve. I didn’t expect to run into Hope again or to intervene when some guy approached her. The timing couldn’t have been worse for my interference, but she looked like she needed a reprieve too. After spending minutes with her, I wanted days, and the days turned into weeks. Hope showered my grief with kindness and doused my anger with love. When I wanted to lose control, she wouldn’t let me. She gave me space but kept me close. But there was more to her than I realized.
When a shocking discovery is revealed, I’m left wondering if our connection is strong enough to sustain us. Or is it the very thing that will tear us apart?
**
Almost and Forever is a beautiful, heartwarming story of loss, love, and forgiveness!
**This book contains adult content and the loss of a loved one. It is not suitable for all readers.**
Angela K. Parker is an author who believes in HEAs. She writes intense romance with heart, emotion, and steam brought to life by strong heroines and their swoon worthy heroes.
Angela lives in South Carolina. Amongst writing, she has a passion for reading, music, and math. When she’s not engaged in any of the above, she’s spending time with her family or catching up on the latest movies. She’s always had an active imagination. Now she’s putting it to good use.
̩͙̩̩̥͙̩̥̩ ⑅ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ⑅ ̩̥̩̩̩̥͙̩͙ˊˎ
A rescued dog. A mysterious letter. A secret history shared. Can the challenge that brings Wynter and Caleb together melt the hearts of two people who have given up on love? Wynter used to like schmoozing with wealthy people and talking them into donating their money to a good cause. As a professional fundraiser working for nonprofits, she thought she had the best of both worlds, even felt a bit like a female Robin Hood. But after falling for a charming liar who shattered her career as well as her heart, Wynter has sworn off all men. Ex-Navy SEAL Caleb has not sworn off women, but love is definitely off the table. Now making big money selling high-priced yachts, one-night stands are easy to come by. So many parts of himself have been dead since his last military tour that he is done with opening his heart or trying to be anybody’s hero. But then he meets Wynter.
Alicia Street is a USA Today bestselling author and a Daphne du Maurier award winner. She writes both steamy and sweet romance and sometimes collaborates with her husband, Roy. She spent many years as a professional dancer, choreographer, and teacher. A compulsive reader of every genre, Alicia loves watching old black-and-white movies and inventing new recipes for soup.
Chasing Cheer by Heather Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Adorable Christmas story, full of magic, love, and all the feels.
When Holly Claus decides to check in on a small-town fall festival, she doesn’t know she is changing her life forever. This slow build love story is a good reminder to be present so we don’t miss the joy to be found around us. I am hoping for more stories around the characters in this book because each brought their own little spark.
Reviewed by @daree222
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Beyond Friendship by Marlyn Love
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Brian owns Six-Pack, the hottest nightclub, and is the perfect bachelor. He is Mr. One Night and won’t even entertain anything more with someone. Brian is about to act on his impulses when he sees Amanda for the first time. Until he finds out she’s his best friend’s younger sister that is. Amanda is a successful entrepreneur and knows Brian is off-limits, even if she feels their chemistry and longs for more than friendship.
Can Brian set his fears aside before he destroys every chance for happiness?
Beyond Friendship is emotional and pull on your heartstrings for so many reasons. Marlyn Love does a great job making the reader feel so many emptions and getting drawn in to the relationship between Brian and Amanda.
This the fourth book in this series and it did not disappoint!! I couldn’t put it down and when I had to I couldn’t wait to pick it back up once I got home from work. This story is all about Alice and James. They are both artists but one creates paintings while the other one writes. Alice is wanting to get her parents and the town off her back about her settling down whereas she isn’t really wanting to settle down quite yet. James (the famous painter) moved to Buckeye Falls, Ohio to get away from the hustle and bustle of New York and try to find a new muse to help him with his painters block. From the moment they meet, you just know that there is love there, but do they realize it is really the question. I promise you that this book will make you laugh, cry and be all in your feels as you read all about James and Alice.
Faking the Fall by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This the fourth book in this series and it did not disappoint!! I couldn’t put it down and when I had to I couldn’t wait to pick it back up once I got home from work. This story is all about Alice and James. They are both artists but one creates paintings while the other one writes. Alice is wanting to get her parents and the town off her back about her settling down whereas she isn’t really wanting to settle down quite yet. James (the famous painter) moved to Buckeye Falls, Ohio to get away from the hustle and bustle of New York and try to find a new muse to help him with his painters block. From the moment they meet, you just know that there is love there, but do they realize it is really the question. I promise you that this book will make you laugh, cry and be all in your feels as you read all about James and Alice.
This is the first book in this series! This story is about Max Sanchez and his ex-wife Ginny. So make sure that you read this one first, otherwise you will be a little confused like I was. I absolutely loved this book!!!! Max is a chef who met Ginny while in school. He moved back to Buckeye Falls, Ohio once his parents decided to retire and move to Florida. Ginny is a marketing genius for a company in New York (which is where she moved to, she fled Buckeye Falls and Max). The question is now, do they still love each other and it is really worth the risk with a possible heartbreak again? I had wondered this through out the story. It seemed like they… I really don’t want to spoil the book. Please remember to read this one first and then book 2.
This is the first book in this series! This story is about Max Sanchez and his ex-wife Ginny. So make sure that you read this one first, otherwise you will be a little confused like I was. I absolutely loved this book!!!! Max is a chef who met Ginny while in school. He moved back to Buckeye Falls, Ohio once his parents decided to retire and move to Florida. Ginny is a marketing genius for a company in New York (which is where she moved to, she fled Buckeye Falls and Max). The question is now, do they still love each other and it is really worth the risk with a possible heartbreak again? I had wondered this through out the story. It seemed like they… I really don’t want to spoil the book. Please remember to read this one first and then book 2.
Faking the Fall by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the 4th book in this series, though it can be read as a stand-alone. This book is another great addition to the series, and makes me wish I lived in Buckeye Falls. In this book, we follow Alice Snyder as she tries to decide what the future holds for her now that she is done with her multiple college degrees, and is back home trying to get over the end of a relationship. What Alice doesn’t expect is to come across James Gibson, a talented and highly sought after artist from New York City who moves to Buckeye Falls with the hopes of recuperating from his failed marriage, and finding the spark to continue his artwork. When Alice and James meet and the town of Buckeye Falls starts spreading rumors that they are dating, Alice convinces James to go along with it, to give her space and time to breathe and figure out her future. If you are in the mood for a guaranteed happily-ever-after, with good world building and many great main and supporting characters, I would definitely recommend this book and this whole series.
Faking the Fall by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the 4th book in this series, though it can be read as a stand-alone. This book is another great addition to the series, and makes me wish I lived in Buckeye Falls. In this book, we follow Alice Snyder as she tries to decide what the future holds for her now that she is done with her multiple college degrees, and is back home trying to get over the end of a relationship. What Alice doesn’t expect is to come across James Gibson, a talented and highly sought after artist from New York City who moves to Buckeye Falls with the hopes of recuperating from his failed marriage, and finding the spark to continue his artwork. When Alice and James meet and the town of Buckeye Falls starts spreading rumors that they are dating, Alice convinces James to go along with it, to give her space and time to breathe and figure out her future. If you are in the mood for a guaranteed happily-ever-after, with good world building and many great main and supporting characters, I would definitely recommend this book and this whole series.
Beyond Friendship by Marlyn Love
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Beyond Friendship is the third book in the Irresistible series by Marlyn Love. This book follows the story of Brian, an eternal bachelor with a fondness of beautiful women and Amanda, the sister of Brian’s best friend. When the two cross paths there is an instant spark, which only seems to grow, despite Brians protestations about how the two would never work out. When the pair finally discuss their feelings, it seems like it is all going well until a series of events unfold which scares Brian into thinking that this isn’t the right path. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but I really liked this book, I found Amanda to be really likable, she is a strong woman and I really liked that. Brian needed a bit of a push in the right direction but ultimately was a good guy. I would recommend this book if you like the friends to lovers genre.
Chasing Cheer by Heather Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I absolutely loved this book. It was such a great holiday romance, it has me wishing it was almost Christmas. If you’re looking for a book to put you in the holiday mood, this is it. The idea about needing “cheer” to light up the North Pole is fantastic, I liked Holly’s little stories of places she usually frequents to get cheer. In this book the elves don’t make toys, they make dreams, which I loved. I felt like I was watching a Hallmark movie with how easy the chemistry came between Holly and Ash, it didn’t feel rushed; I felt that seeing Holly interact with other characters made their romance flow nicely. I do wish we could have gotten an answer about the magic in Emerald Hollow but I still enjoyed the book and recommend to anyone looking for a clean romance with a happy ending.
Chasing Cheer by Heather Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What a hallmark of a story this book turned out to be. I loved the fairytale love story within this book. But also the story of bringing Christmas magic to a small town that is a hallmark town already. I could see this book being a movie and brining it all to life.
Holly is in charge of capturing Christmas Cheer and keeping the spirit alive in the North Pole. She happens across a flier for a festival in a small magical town in Oregon. Little did she know how her life was going to change with her arrival to Emerald Hollow.
When Holly fills her Cheer meter so quickly upon her first trip to Emerald Hollow. She agrees to come back and help with the Christmas Faire. Things turn south and the real question is will Christmas Magic be saved? Will love win out and will Holly be able to tell the truth?
Faking the Fall by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Faking the Fall
By: Libby Kay
This is the fourth book in the Buckeye Falls Series by Libby Kay. This book has a setting of the wonderful small town of Buckeye Falls. Buckeye Falls has all the charm of a small town but also all the downsides of a small town as well. Including the local gossip and everyone knowing everyone else’s business. That’s where this book picks up. Alice is the talk of the town, she has always had a wild streak and that leaves all the neighbors talking. And if she ever wanted to forget anything she has done, she can forget about it because everyone loves to remind her. She is returning to Buckeye Falls after some time away and is ready to become a more mature version of herself. James is an artist who has definitely hit a bit of a dry spell. As fate would have the two of them cross paths and sparks fly. One thing that Libby Kay does is create a charming romance that definitely has charming small town vibes. I love that each book focuses on its own couple so they function as a standalone but there is some overlap because they take place in the same town. I have read each and every one and I hope there is more to come from this series!
Beyond Friendship by Marlyn Love
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Beyond Friendship
By: Marilyn Love
This is the first book I have read by Marilyn Love. However, it is the third in the series. It definitely reads as a standalone as I completely understood what was going on and hadn’t read any of the previous books. That being said, I am definitely going back and reading them now. Because Marilyn Love has wonderful character development skills and knows how to write a romance that keeps you on the edge of your seat. I loved Amanda and Brian and their incredibly complicated relationship. It has the best friend’s little sister element but it also has the irresistible elements of absolutely unbelievable chemistry. This book is absolutely wonderful and I recommend it to everyone. The characters are absolutely amazing!
Faking the Fall by Libby Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the fourth book in this series. It’s a standalone but I recommend reading the series as the characters appear in other books. A very sweet read with a “Hallmark” feel. It has great characters and world building.
Chasing Cheer by Heather Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Holly Claus has an enormous job, filling her Cheer meter to keep the North Pole lit. She travels the world looking for locations that are overflowing with Cheer. When she happens upon Emerald Hollow, she finds the quaint little town is a Cheer magnet. She fills her monthly quota in a single day! Holly decides to find out what is so different about this town and why there’s so much cheer. This is a cute, romantic story about love and the magic of Christmas.
Review by Terri Jo McAllister
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Chasing Cheer by Heather Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
An adorable holiday romance based around Christmas. The author writes the story that easily paints the words into a movie in your mind. Following Holly as she collected the Cheer to power the North Pole was delightful. She was easy to connect with and care about. The other main character Ash was also easy to connect with. Reading the romance between the two main characters made for a sweet holiday romance. A great weekend read!
Chasing Cheer by Heather Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Chasing Cheer by Heather Schneider is such a fun Christmas story. This is book 1 of the Emerald Hollow series. We follow Holly Claus as she comes to Emerald Hollow to figure out why it has such an abundance of cheer. In the process, she meets Ash Hayes who is trying to build up his tourism business. These two are so sweet together and it is obvious they have a spark from their first meeting. It is clear these two are made for each other but there are obstacles. I really enjoyed this story. It has such a Hallmark movie feel, that has you ready for Christmas movies, crackling fires, and hot chocolate. I loved the whole new spin on the North Pole and Santa Claus. The world-building took me by surprise. I expected the same ole same. I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait to read book 2.
Faking the Fall by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another lovely read from this author. I really enjoy reading her books they are so easy to read and just an absolute pleasure. I love the covers for these books as well, they really suit the series well.
I really liked Alice and James – they both seemed like such genuine, likeable people. I’ve got to admit from the moment they entered into this fake relationship I just knew there was going to more to it – they were just so perfect for each other. I love the small town that these stories are set in although some of the residents can be a little overbearing at times!
This was another great read and one that I would highly recommend. They can be read as standalones however I would recommend that they are read in order.
Cruel Truths by T. Christensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Cruel Truths was a quick and thoroughly enjoyable enemies-to-lovers office romance!
I was completely hooked from the opening pages of this book. Lindy has a dream to become a fashion designer, and she has worked hard to make that dream come true. Now, it seems she might actually have a chance to get her foot in the door of the fashion company she wants to be a part of. The only thing standing in her way is Cade Kingsley, her new boss. After their first meeting, it’s apparent their working relationship is full of fireworks and not in a good way! She refers to him as Mr. A (if you catch my drift). And, Cade really lives up to that name. Things become complicated when she gets another job duty, “fake girlfriend.” These two soon discover that sparks fly in another way outside of the office, and I loved watching every minute of them falling for one another.
Lindy captured my attention from the very beginning. Her personality jumps right off the pages of the book and brings her to life, and believe me, she has a bigger-than-life personality. She is one of the strongest female characters I have come across in a while. Her childhood was much different than Cade’s, and I loved the way that she reminded Cade that not everyone was as privileged as he was. She was loyal and loved her family, and Cade was able to use that to get Lindy to bend to his will. Lindy was also not afraid to be brutally honest with him. Beneath that strong exterior, she was also vulnerable and not really trusting of men. So, when she allowed the walls to fall from around her heart, it was a beautiful thing to see.
Cade captured my attention as well and not in a good way…at first. I, like Lindy, found him cold and an A. At the same time, I was also intrigued about the mystery of who he REALLY was. Sometimes, I felt like he took advantage of Lindy’s love of her family and used it to benefit him. But, he did say he always got what he wanted, and he wanted her. As time went on, his vulnerabilities also were exposed. Despite his controlling nature, I got to see the sweet side of him in the way he showed his affection and love for Lindy.
I am a huge fan of enemies-to-lovers romances, and the push and pull between Lindy and Cade is why I always keep coming back for more. In the beginning, it was hard to tell if these two even liked each other. I enjoyed the way they pushed each other’s buttons, and in the end, I loved the people they became. I have read some of T. Christensen’s other books but not in this series, and now, I can’t wait to go back and read the previous books in the series. Her sister, Tessa, and her complicated relationship with her husband really piqued my interest! If you love a complicated alpha male and a gutsy woman who pushes his buttons, then give Lindy and Cade a try. I think you will come to love them just as much as I did.
Wild For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the 3rd book in The Balefire Series. The story of Annabelle and Dakota is so good. This is a second chance romance as long as they both get out of their own heads and admit what they truly feel for each other. There is just so much to this story. Each book in this series just gets better.
Daring Ceri by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a fun entertaining read. Morgana does a great job at developing the story and keeping you engaged.
This book follows the story of Ceri and Alex. Ceri has moved on and is ready to start her new life and forget the past the best she can. Things started falling apart when she went to the local courthouse to get her marriage license for herself and her new fiance. She learns that unfortunately, she is now going to have to face the one man in this world that broke her heart.
Alex has been living most people’s dreams. He is a famous rock star and gets to travel the world and have his pick of women. He is more than willing to give Ceri what she wants but only at the small cost of a three-month tour with his band.
Will old flames return? Can you truly forget and move on from your first great love? Can you prove to someone you changed when they don’t want to believe you?
Read this book to find out how this tour goes for these two.
Daring Ceri by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was hooked from the beginning of this book! The chemistry between the characters was something that was insatiable! I was unable to put this book down, it was so good! I cannot wait to read more books by this author! I cannot wait to read the other books in the series because I was OBSESSED with this book.
Lies – Truth – Love by Marina Hanna
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I just loved this book. I just could not put it down. The story of Olivia and Ethan was just perfect. The twists and turns. The miscommunications and half truths. All of it added up makes for an engaging book that had me on the edge of my seat until the end.
Beyond Friendship by Marlyn Love
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a quick read. I enjoyed the story and thought the characters were well designed. The chemistry between Brian and Amanda is good and develops nicely throughout the story. The author’s writing style is engaging and this book can definitely be read as a standalone. I would read others by this author.
