(Tempt My Heart) 1.5 A Tempting Christmas
580664
What a wonderful way for Brittan and Jordan to celebrate the holiday together.  It shows the love they have for each other and his understanding of her.
446497
We meet Conner and Faith in the previous novels as Faith had a come to Jesus moment when she saw Conner working on Donovan Pates estate in the quiet lakeside community of Evergreen Cove. Faith, coming off a nasty breakup is best friends and business partners with Sofie Martin.  I loved Faith. She is strong, confident and sassy. Conner is best friends with Donovan and has recently returned from Afghanistan. The man is gorgeous inside and out, but also troubled from his time abroad. Seeing his protective nature, and uncovering his, romantic side was delicious.

Lemmon added danger and a snow storm to bring our commitment shy couple together. The sparks, teasing, and bickering had me smiling and swooning.  She created a wonderful holiday setting highlighting one of the sweetest Christmases ever. I adored this couple and consumed this tale in a single afternoon during the Ho-Ho-Ho readathon. It was the perfect feel good romance to put me in a holiday mood.

Foodie lovers be warned there is wicked talk of cupcakes, cinnamon buns and bakery devil dogs you will crave. Thankfully, there is a recipe for them! Copy provided by publisher, full review at caffeinated book reviewer
2465062
OMG. Yes, Nick and Holly are one of my favorite Christmas couples. This sexy read is definitely a ONE-CLICKER. Also, where can I get a Santa Nick? Can I sit on his lap too?
1180890
Title: The Mistletoe Secret
Author: Richard Paul Evans
Read by: Richard Paul Evans and Madeleine Maby
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Length: Approximately 5 hours and 20 minutes
Source: Simon & Schuster Audio Digital Review Copy  Thank-you!

Alex Bartlett had a great marriage  or so he thought.  As he cut down his work travel to spend more time with his wife, he discovered that she did not want to spend more time with him and was in fact cheating on him.  Alone and depressed, Alexs two friends try to get him to sign up for a dating website.  While on the web signing up, Alex stumbles upon a blog of a woman talking about loneliness called LBH and he suddenly feels a connection.  Desperate to find her, Alex starts a search that will lead him across the country.  Once at this location, he falls into a new problem, falling in love with a woman who does not meet the criteria of who he is searching for.  Will he be able to find happiness this Christmas and who is the mysterious lonely blogger?

The Mistletoe Secret is the third book in the Mistletoe series, but is a stand lone novel.  It was another great Christmas romance novel to listen to this Christmas season.  Richard Paul Evans is a great narrator.  I enjoyed how he narrated most of the book with Madeleine Maby reading the blog posts by LBH.  I thought this was a unique story  I also enjoyed that it was told from a male point of view.

Overall, The Mistletoe Secret is a great romance from a male point of view.  I really loved Alexs friends and the characters in this story. They made me laugh out loud in several instances. I also enjoyed that it was a clean romance.  I will definitely be listening to more Richard Paul Evans audiobooks.
270791
Christmas on the Last Frontier by J.H. Croix, is a beautiful Christmas present story. It has everything I love in a book this time of year. Sweet, love, action, suspense and great characters with the magic of Christmas. Who does want a hot Navy Seal hero for a new book boyfriend. Do yourself a favor and read this wonderful first book in a new series. I absolutely love every book by J.H. Croix.

I was given an ARC of this book, for my honest review.
4194820
Publisher's Description:

From #1 New York Times bestselling author, Victoria Alexander, comes a romantic Christmas historicalwhich features the happily ever after story of a fan favoriteand how one little impetuous moment can lead to the miracle of love!

My friends have always considered me the most proper among us. But no one was more surprised than I, Portia, Lady Redwell, when I decided to flee the matchmaking efforts of my family to spend Christmas in an enchanting villa on the coast of Italy. My admittedly impulsive plans were immediately complicated by the presence of a certain gentleman, Mr. Fletcher Jamison, who insisted he had a claim on the villa. It was only in the true spirit of Christmas that I agreed to share the villa with him. His charm, his blue eyes as dark as the December seas, and the laugh that oddly seemed to fill my soul were not considerations.

That I returned again for Christmas is due entirely to the charm of the villa, and nothing at all to do with the fact that he too would be there.

My friend Veronica has often said those least likely to bend are most likely to snap.

It appears I have snapped

My Thoughts:

I truly enjoy reading the romantic tales spun by Victoria Alexander. They are delightfully funny with charming and interesting characters Unlike other books I have read by her, this one is written entirely in first person, dedicated to the thoughts of the heroine. I don't usually care for books that are written this way, but this one is totally engaging and a can't put down read.

Portia is usually predictable and most likely a bit stuffy. In order to escape the matchmaking efforts of both family and friends she goes on what she terms as an adventure. She arrives at the villa her aunt has procured for their stay in Italy, sans her aunt who suddenly returned home to London.

There she finds a gentleman, Mr. Fletcher Jamison who claims he has procured the villa for himself. Their first meeting is very memorable as Mr. Jamison is quite naked and swimming in the sea.

After what seems to be a misunderstanding of graphic proportions Portia agrees that they should simply share the accommodations. This leads to a very unusual love story.
How can these two resist their pull toward each other?

I gave this delightful Christmas mix up 4.75 of 5.0 stars for story line and character development and a sensual rating of 3.75 of 5.0 flames. This book does not contain graphic love scenes but the chemistry simply sizzles between our hero and heroine, all seen from the heroine's thoughts.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the publisher by invitation via NetGalley to read and review. This in no way affected my opinion of this story which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
3227149
Loved this Christmas special!!! It was steamy and romantic at the same time. What I loved about it the most was the MAGIC and the spirit of Christmas. Thanks
374224
This story id so sweet and sexy. I know it will be a reread. I adore the Christmas setting and the story of how these two got together was so adorable. Perfect mix of sexy in there too. Recommended!!
928309
I loved this book! It left me with such a great, happy, hopeful feeling. It is full of the messages of redemption, forgiveness, acceptance and love  so perfect for the Christmas season!

If youve read the rest of the series, you first met Fred in The Christmas Calamity. He was a trouble making teen, whose life was not headed in a positive direction. By choosing to change, and with great mentors and examples in the town, he has become an incredible man!! The difference between who he was, and who he is, adds great beauty to this story. It was wonderful to watch him find love and family, and discover where he belonged.

I loved Elsa! She is a delight! I really wish I could visit her bakery!! I also loved Freds aunts! They brought light and magic everywhere they went. And its always great to see everyone in Hardman again. It is a very special town, with amazing people!

Shanna Hatfield has once again written a story that I cant put down, filled with humor, romance and characters that jump off the page. There is a reason she is one of my favorite authors  and every book she writes confirms that!

I received a complimentary copy of the book, which I voluntarily reviewed. I have given my honest opinion.
1090775
Christmas on 4th Street is a perfect book to get you into the Christmas spirit! Who cares if this is the end of September, I sure didn't when I read this book. I really liked it enough that I think I could read it again in December. Seriously.

This book was either the third or fourth that I have read in the Fool's Gold series and my favorite so far. Since I have read out of order, maybe I am finally getting to know the town. But this is an excellent story to read during the holidays even if you aren't familiar with the series. The characters of importance to the storyline are explained as to who they are.

I really like the character of Noelle and her Christmas shop. Getting to know Gabriel and his family was great too. Fool's Gold is an amazing town of caring people. I love how friends come to help out each other.

This book was just an all around sweet story. No, it wasn't sickening sweet, the author threw a few curves out there just as life throws us curves. But it really is a well written humorous, romantic Christmas novel with a couple of teary eyes moments thrown in. :)

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a really good holiday romance. You do not have to be a Fool's Gold fan to read this but you will definitely be a fan when you finish!

* I received this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
2000049
From the back cover:

Here comes Santa Claus--with four stories that celebrate the joy of holiday love and cheer!

"Promises to Keep" by Victoria Alexander

After a trip to see a department-store Kirs Kringle, a lonely business woman is swept back to a long-ago Christmas--and given a second chance to share a passion that will prove to her it really is a wonderful life.

"Naughty or Nice" by Sandra Hill

When a young beauty sets out to steal some Yuletide cheer, she expects to end up with a stocking full of coal. Instead, a run-in with Santa's most virile helper brings her the best gift of all: a heart full of love.

"Santa Reads Romance" by Dara Joy

During a snowstorm, a romance writer is surprised when a handsome stranger dressed as Jolly Old St. Nick arrives at her isolated cabin--and stires up a blizzard of desire.

"A Gift for Santa" by Nelle McFather

With a dast a Father Christmas's magic, a generous widow saves her town's holiday celebration--and teaches the man she loves the true meaning of the season.

And my review:

I absolutely LOVED "Promises to Keep". I didn't expect to like it so much, as I've found that (apart from "The Prince's Bride") this author's work is good for a one-time read, but not as a keeper. But this story was FANTASTIC. I normally don't like the falling-in-love-at-first-sight theme (I usually find it silly) but this author handled it so well, that it was believable. I actually got tears in my eyes reading about the heroine's lost love, and I really rooted for them to get together. And the paranormal time-travel (the heroine went back into the WWII era) twist just made it that much more enjoyable. I know I'll be rereading this novella! Highly recommended. Five stars.

"Naughty or Nice" started off really well. It grabbed my attention within the first two pages, which is what you really want in a story. And it had some laugh-out-loud moments (glad I was at home at the time). But this author's use of the love-at-first-sight theme was very poorly done, especially when compared to the story that preceded it. And it was really more of a lust-at-first-sight story than a love story. If that's what you're looking for, then fine. But I don't like stories about people who hardly know each other having wild sex in a pantry. I need more motivation for romance than just physical attraction. When the characters jumped each other's bones, I skipped to the next story. Two stars, as it started off well.

"Santa Reads Romance" also started off really well. I liked the idea of a romance writer falling in love with a publisher (who incidentally thinks that writers are the bane of his existence). The plot started off with a bang, and what could be more interesting (and funny) than having the heroine conk the hero out with a piece of firewood because she thinks he's about to attack her? But then this became a falling-in-lust story, which again is not what I'm looking for. While I have nothing wrong with sexual attraction between leads (necessary for a good romance), I want more motivation than that to make the story work for me. Two stars, as again, this novella started off well.

"A Gift for Santa" just could not hold my interest. I'm not really sure what the problem was, but it seemed like the author was trying to throw way to much information at the reader without bothering to properly develop the characters. When I have to find myself re-reading the same page over and over and still not having it stick in my head, it's not worth the effort. One star.

As usual with romance anthologies, if you find one good story, you're lucky. While the last three stories (which were all contemporaries) were not worth my time, the first one was sooo good that I'm glad that I bought this book, and I would recommend it for that one story alone.
1098807
Great Christmas Regency Romance Novel. The author used seductive passages appropriately. I am looking forward to reading more of her books.
3160294
This novella is a perfect sweet and charming Christmas read. It has everything that I like when looking for a holiday read; a beautiful festive cover, a quaint setting, very likable characters, and a romance that seems realistic and not over the top. Anna heads to the Cotswolds for Christmas to escape her life in NYC. Local carpenter and handyman comes to her rescue. The place she intends to stay is flooded so the owner finds her a room in Willoughby Close. This is the first of 4 books in the Willoughby Close Series and I look forward to reading the next installment.

Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy to review.
528947
Great Christmas or New Year reading, in fact this pair of stories should make you smile any time of the year. I've read them both and lived them. Here are my reviews:
Three Nights Before Christmas
I loved Three Nights Before Christmas! Kat Latham writes forewords that make you believe that her books have been wrung from stone. I don't know whether it is really, really hard for her to create or whether she is just a little unsure of her skill as an author. Whatever it is, she has absolutely no need to worry. This lady can write!
Lacey has been to hell and back, having spent three years in jail after a drug conviction, so when the man who put her there asks for a favour she doesn't feel all that kindly disposed towards him. The thing is, though, that the favour involves rebuilding a locomotive, and Lacey loves locomotives.
Austin is none too pleased to see Lacey back after her three years in jail. He was convinced of her guilt when he testified against her, and his opinion hasn't changed. Trouble is Lacey has skills that he needs and he needs them now.
It was fun watching these two dancing around each other, fighting the mutual attraction and trying not to like each other. The plot made me think too, which is refreshing in a romance novel. There are all the "what ifs" associated with wrongful arrest and the consequences a conviction can have on a person's life. Above all though, this book was deeply satisfying to read. I can't wait for Kat Latham's next offering.
His Christmas Gift
His Christmas Gift tells the story of Sawyer Gallagher and his sister Lacey's lawyer Jenna. A pigeon pair to Kat Latham's book Three Nights Before Christmas, this book is set almost exclusively at Gallagher's Christmas Tree Farm where Sawyer and Jenna find themselves holed up together in the lead up to Christmas, he with a broken leg and she with chicken pox.
Written with Sarah Mayberry's usual blend of sexy meets witty, the book is fun to read from start to finish while also throwing in a dose of angst as Jenna deals wth her family issues and Sawyer tries really hard to be less of a Mr Fix It.
The plot flows nicely, the narrative is good and both Sawyer and Jenna are likeable. I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to my next dose of Mayberry magic. Recommended, but read Three Nights Before Christmas first, both for context and because it too is a good book.
2672183
2 very wonderful novellas for Christmas. And 2 beautiful Christmas wedding stories,

#1. The first story is about a young woman who is being accused of murdering a fellow horse trainer, and the the person saying it is her is her cousin. Lauren takes the horse that is being accused of doing the deed to a ranch for troubled children that she had gone to as a kid, and does wonderful work with kids. She meets Brendan, the owners husband friend from the military who has come for Christmas and trying to decide if he should take a medical discharge. They finally figure out who the real killer is and why. A Wonderful story.
#2. The second story is about a woman who has started over after living in foster care after he parents died when she was young and has started a wonderful life for herself. One of her friends is having her wedding at the resort she works at. Another's friend is starting a new relationship and is happy but the man she broke up with is blaming Delilah for the breakup and the sheriff has a crush on her. Well he finds her brother and give her a wonderful Christmas present.
2446752
I'm going backwards here. I read the 2nd on in the series and decided I would read this one before No. 3, a Christmas themed story.

The heroine in this story describes herself as a gardener when she meets the Lawyer hero on her Mini-break. It was a case of insta-lust but in a novella length story I can live with that, especially as they connected on other levels as well.

I expected this to be a one night stand story but after that initial meeting our romantic couple meet accidentally which leads to very unaccidental meetings. Needless to say the hero has a new home with a garden that needs refurbishing.

Overall this was a sweet story with a nice bit of sizzle.
2432313
i really enjoyed this book.  i really liked the beginning and how this couple met.  it was sheer accident and for some reason that is appealing to me when couples meet that way and then can build on it going forward.  obviously there was chemistry and a connection there.  i also enjoyed the christmas theme throughout the book and the traditions they tried to follow and achieve.  a sweet holiday romance that i really liked.