The Last Christmas by Seelie Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Dave and Joan Wright are given an amazing Christmas miracle a cure. Whilst santa is giving this miracle to this couple they have their doubts. What can santa do that modern medicine cannot do. Upstairs is full will they belive santa or find a cure with medience themselves.
Antipodes by T.S. Simons
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This author is new to me and one that I look forward to reading more from. This particular work was a very interesting YA dystopian/apocalyptic work that was set in Australia. I appreciated the social awareness that immediately was present and felt that this story was very timely and relatable to our present day condition. I was invested into the storyline quickly and had difficulty putting it down before it was finished. I look forward to seeing how the author continues the series.
Reviewed by @heatherlovelace
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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.
Fighting for Us by Bella Emy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Fighting For Us is the first book in the Love Is Worth Fighting For series by Bella Emy. It is a really great contemporary romance by an author that was new to me. I’m being braver and trying out a lot of new authors and I’m so glad as I’ve found lots of exciting authors out there, including Bella Emy.
The author had me in floods of tears from the very beginning as Lorenzo loses his beloved wife. I was heartbroken for him and his baby daughter. Lorenzo is a character that I fell in love with from this very first chapter and I went through every emotion with him: his despair at losing his wife, his angst at having feelings for Carissa and not wanting to sully his wife’s memory.
Carissa is another wonderful character. She’s had a tough time and I just knew that she and Lorenzo would be perfect for one another. I adored reading their story as it had so much emotion throughout. I enjoyed how they originally got together, continually randomly bumping into one another and both being unable to get the other out of their minds. The author does a great job of building their relationship up and keeps the reader engaged with the story.
I really loved this book and would definitely recommend it to others.
Antipodes by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Antipodes is a young adult dystopian novel by T.S. Simmons that will interest teenagers concerned about building a sustainable and socially richer society.
If you’re looking for a bit of an escape from our current world with the ongoing threat of COVID-19, this is not it. The apocalyptic event that drives the initial plot is based around a disease that threatens all life on Earth. But if our pandemic has got you speculating and wondering – what if the disease was spread differently? If you were in a position of power, how might you manage the threat? This book will engage and fuel your imagination!
I was at times reminded of Lord of the Flies – this would make a particularly good read for young adults who’ve read Lord of the Flies and wondered about how the characters could have taken the opportunity to build a better society.
I really liked the links to both Australia and Scotland – it’s so fun to get to travel to different places through the pages of the book! Personally I found the way that the Scots was written out a bit exaggerated and jarring but I think that would be more effective for Australian readers who would otherwise imagine characters’ voices in their own accent.
This is an enjoyable, five-star book. It’s the first book in a series, with others to come (and a prequel already available) so it will give readers plenty to look forward to!
Revel by Alden Elway
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a really good book. It is faced paced and contains a little bit of everything from paranormal to mystery and romance. The characters are really well written and I was gripped by Revel’s story.
Revel is a werewolf and part of a pack. Being a member of the pack means she has to abide by certain rules. One of the main ones being no falling for humans. So imagine her trouble when she finds herself doing just that. She can’t explain her attraction to Jamie but it’s definately strong. Can she keep their budding relationship a secret? Will she get punished for even thinking it? Revel’s life is full of secrets can a relationship with a human work when she has to hide so much?
Also added to these problems is the fact that hikers are disappearing in their wood. Are Revel and her family in danger? Why are the hikers disappearing and by who’s hands?
Revel by Alden Elway
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Revel (The Howl Series Book 1) by Alden Elway
4 Stars
This is more than just a book about werewolves. It is a story about a young woman figuring out who and what she wants to be; accepting it and embracing it. Being a woman in a pack means being loved but being controlled. The men have freedom and make the rules while the women abide by them. Revel has always walked a fine line between obedience and insolence. Running in the forest is her only freedom until she is spotted by a hiker. Unfortunately for her, this hiker happens to work with her brother and mentions it to him. Caught within the depths of Jaime’s blue eyes, Revel wants to taste the forbidden fruit. So the lies begin because being with a human is against the law.
As bodies of dead hikers start piling up in their territory, Revel realizes how hard it is to live a lie. With evidence pointing to animal attacks and wolves spotted closer to town, the pack needs to be careful. The pack finding out about her human boyfriend is the least of her worries. She needs to admit who she truly is to protect her pack.
This is an intense, action packed story. It was easy to connect with the characters and live the story through them. I was intrigued to learn more about Revel and her background. The story left me hanging and now I can’t wait to read part two.
Review by @ Anna Hirsch
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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.
Becoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Becoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter is a unique and intriguing story that captured my attention from the moment I started reading it. I loved the whole concept of the three characters and how they interlinked with each other. Told from the three different perspectives the book had a depth and complexity about it that, for me, made it more interesting to read.
This is the first book that I have ready by this author and I was really drawn in to her writing style. She wove the chapters and the characters together in a brilliant way and really made me get in to the storyline. The way the different chapters were written felt like they were done with such ease that the whole thing felt natural. The story progressed well and I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen.
Each of the characters had a great role to play. They all interacted well with each other and yet were strong enough to stand on their own. They all had their flaws and yet were strong enough to make this story work. This is a fantastic book and one I have thoroughly enjoyed. If you enjoy this genre then I would highly recommend it.
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.
Antipodes by T.S. Simons
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is considered a Young Adult book, but I think any age will enjoy this book. I found that the attention to detail was amazing. I did not have any trouble visualizing any parts of the book. I felt that I could stand on August Island with the characters in the book. This island is off the coast of Australia. The setting of the book has the premise that they are in a post-apocalyptic Australia The characters are unique as well. Cam in the last year of his science. Then there is Freja who is the love interest of Cam. Then there is Lewis Island. Cam finds Fraser and Laetitia who become friends. Can Cam set up August Island to have a thriving society? Will Cam find Freja? I highly recommend this book as I feel you can enjoy the content and the personal relationships you may gain in the journey.
Sweets and Santa by Rosie Pease
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Sweets and Santa (The Matchmaking Baker Book 2) by Rosie Pease is just a cute little novel that gives your brain a breath of fresh air after you’ve been reading all them psycho mysteries. A sweet (literally) little Christmas mystery. Although our heroine doesn’t actually solve the mystery it’s more an accidental revealing. I love the running commentary about the cookies in the bakery and I love all the characters in this novel and I especially love the recipe at the end, a unique little addition. This book gives you more than just a good story I’m looking forward to more of these little books.
Revel by Alden Elway
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Revel by Alden Elway a five-star read you will revel in. This was my first read by this author and it will not be my last, there was a glut of stories about wolves a while ago and I started to avoid them, but I am glad I decided to give this one a try as the descriptions is so well done you can smell the dew on the forest floor. This was so good, it brings a refreshing take on the story, if you like action and romance with a great story then don’t miss this great story.
Review by @saraoxo
The Singer and Her Song by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the second book in this series. I enjoyed it just as much as the first. I highly suggest reading the first book before this one to help your enjoyment of this series. This is a well written story that the author’s attention to details made the story feel realistic. The characters were connectable and kept the story engaging. Uqntum is a singer who has lost her husband and one of her children. As the story goes on, she becomes dangerous and will need to find her strength. I felt bad for her in parts but she made such a great character. I wanted to see what happened to her. This book kept me turning pages to the end. I highly recommend reading Uqntum’s story and if she finds her inner strength.
Review by @bjwagner
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Moonlit Mirage – A Cook Islands Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Cade Malone and Nadia Bennet are two people from completely different worlds, but who shared an unexpected connection in one fleeting moment in time, when one of them rescued the other from certain death. We start with Cade as he is driving home at night when a car swerves in front of him and into his lane just as they are about to cross a bridge, there is a loud crack, but nothing to worry about, it was just a rock thrown up by the car, so he opens the car windows to get a breeze in to help him keep awake after the long day he has had. He is nearly across the bridge and nearly home and safe, until another car comes up behind him and speeds up, the car is straddling both the lanes on the bridge and although he has sped up, the car is still gaining on him and as they are starting to pass him, this one actually hits him and sends him careening off he bridge and into the freezing cold river below.
As Cade is sinking and the water is pouring in through the open window, he realises that the seatbelt is stuck and he can’t get free, as he takes his last breath and hopes that someone has seen and is going to rescue him, someone does, he sees a young woman swimming towards him, she is small, but she is about to help him, she smashes the window and on being unable to open the door, she disappears. Just as Cade is thinking that she has left, she reappears and moves to kiss him, when she does, that is when the connection is made and he goes with it, when he realises that it is more than a kiss and that she breathes into his mouth when he eventually opens it, she keeps doing this until help arrives and she leaves him.
As she leaves the Cade in the water, Nadia gets out and meets with another person waiting at the water’s edge, she hands over the keys which were her objective in getting to the car, but she also cut the seatbelt to free Cade at the same time, all because she has been thrown by the connection she felt with Cade while underwater. She hands over the keys and then her mission is completed and she could get on with her life as far away from Cade as possible. That is until one night years later when their paths unexpectedly cross again on one of the Cook Islands at a resort party, they are both as surprised as the other, but that connection they felt is still as strong as ever, but was this a planned meeting, will their pasts return to haunt them, or will they be able to make the most of that connection and strengthen it?
This is a romance with a twist of danger and an emotional ride with twists and turns throughout, but the ending is well worth the ride.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
The Kissing Bough by Madelynne Ellis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this short Christmas romance story. This is a well written story that has characters that bring the story to life. This story reads like a fairytale in a way that makes it entertaining and fast paced. The characters are connectable and kept me turning pages to the end. They heated up my night as much as they heated up the pages. This is a story about Viola. She has been locked up by her aunt with the only freedom is Christmas Eve. Percy and Lord William are not only cousins but they also have a special relationship. They need a special woman but what they are not expecting is Viola. I enjoyed their chemistry together and how they made the story come to life. Will Viola get a fairytale ending? This made such a great Christmas story and fun to read. I highly recommend this book.
Review by @bjwagner
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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
Antipodes by T.S. Simons
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
Antipodes by T.S. Simons
I wasn’t sure what to expect exactly going in. This is a Young Adult Dystopian that is packed with mystery and romance and is set in a present – day post – Apocalyptic Australia. This isn’t my normal go to genre but im glad I picked up this wonderfully written story this author did a fantastic job with the details and the characters make you feel as if you are right there with them. Cam has finished his degree from Melbourne University and has been offered an opportunity to create a complete sustainable community near Australia on an island, along the way he meets Freyja and falls in love. Everything is going well until she goes missing. Will he find her? What does his future look like. Find out what happens next in this absolute must read.
Revel by Alden Elway
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Revel by Alden Elway is a fast paced story with a level of intrigue thrown in for good measure. The story is mysterious and engaging and really keeps your attention from start to finish. My favourite part of the book had to be the main character Revel. I thought she was so interesting to read about, a strong and independent character that seemed to be really going on a journey.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I enjoyed the writing style throughout. The author knows just when to push the story forward and when to dive more into the detail. She has created a complex and interesting character in Revel and has definitely found the perfect way to leave you, as the reading, wanting more. I am definitely looking forward to see what is coming next.
Revel by Alden Elway
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I love reading shifter romances so I was instantly interested in this book. The mystery and secrecy kept me captivated to the point I could not put this book down. The perspective of Revel gave an interesting look into pack life and emphasised the danger of love that kept me on the edge of my seat.
Review by @rochelle
Bake Believe by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Bake Believe by Cori Cooper is a fun and entertaining children’s story that I really think will appeal to readers of all ages. The author has created a story that is perfectly written for the age it is intended for but also has a deeper level that makes it perfect for those of other ages too.
I thought the whole book was a light-hearted and fun story. It was great to learn about Cat and her family secret and see how that played out throughout the book. Cat was so interesting to read about – she is the perfect example of what it is like to be her age and it was so easy to picture being right there next to her.
I also loved the addition of the recipes throughout the book – I thought it was unique and a great way to make the book stand out. I would definitely recommend this book and it is one I thoroughly enjoyed.
Rick by Roz Lee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Rick by Roz Lee is the third book in the Ingram Brothers series. This is a book can be read as a standalone and is a great example of someone finding the strength to just be themselves. I think the author has done a great job of portraying the struggle within Rick. It feels like he is a realistic and engaging character and it was so easy to be drawn into his story. The conflict you could see him just made him all the more interesting to read about.
The story itself was well written and it had been developed in just the right way. The story built when it was needed but the author managed to stay true to the characters she had written as well. I thought it was well paced and very easy to get into.
This is the first book that I have read by this author but it definitely won’t be the last – and I will be starting with the previous books in this series for sure!
~ ~ ~ ~ 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
Sweets and Santa by Rosie Pease
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Sweets and Santa is book 2 from The Matchmaking Baker series by Rosie Pease. It is the first paranormal based story I’ve read, as well as the first book from this author I have ever read and I really enjoyed it! It is a quick, easy, enjoyable story about a newly in business Bakery owner that seems to be surrounded by mysterious events and what seems to be a touch of magic! It appealed to me first off because its a story based around the Christmas Holidays. It is definitely not what I imagined for a paranormal story. It is suitable for all readers! I feel like there were a few parts I would have understood better if I read the first book first. I found every single character to be likable. The story had a great flow, and was very well written. I had a hard time putting it down once I had picked it up! I give it 5 stars and highly recommend it for everyone!
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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Sweets and Santa by Rosie Pease
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was such an awesome book and I have no idea how I have never read this author before but now I will be reading all her books!
I was hooked from page one and loved every minute of it. Joanie is new in town and owns a bakery. When she is accused of stealing things that come up missing in town, she is set on figuring it out in her own special way.
This writing style was so comforting and engaging and cannot wait to dive into this authors work.
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!
