Swoon Worthy Spotlights

Welcome to Swoon Worthy Spotlights hosted by KJ's Book Nook, Katie's Clean Book Collection and Bookworm Nation! Once a month we will feature 1-3 of our favorite books that we have read during the month. We will share the cover(s), our review(s) and a link to each other's post so you can check out which books we have all chosen!

For this month's Swoon Worthy Spotlights I am going to choose...

Out of the Mouth of Babes by Stephanie Fowers




Her TV Bachelor Fake Fiance by Kimberly Krey

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Stop by and see

KJ's Book Nook's post HERE

and

Bookworm Nation's post HERE!

An Agent for Elizabeth by Julia Ridgmont {Review}

An Agent for Elizabeth by Julia Ridgmont
(The Pinkerton Matchmaker Series #7)

Kindle Edition, 118 pages

Published November 25th 2018 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own and were voluntarily given

   

Life for eighteen-year-old Elizabeth Stone was going smoothly until her mother died and the man she’s been in love with for years suddenly disappeared. Now he’s back in town, but only for a short visit, and he still thinks of her as a kid sister. What will it take to make him notice her as a woman?

Tainted by his undercover work, Pinkerton agent Stephen Randall wants what is best for his childhood friend—and it isn’t him. Brushing off Beth’s advances seems like the best plan. That is, until she is mistaken for a female outlaw wanted for robbery and murder. Now they must work together to find her nemesis and clear her name, and the only way to do that is for Beth to become a Pinkerton agent herself—and marry Stephen.

But with the case—and their attraction—heating up, will Stephen realize his love for her in time to save her?

An Agent for Elizabeth is the seventh book in The Pinkerton Matchmaker series. Be sure to grab your copy and then look for the next exciting installment in the series!

My Review: 4 Stars

People sure grew up a lot faster in the past than they do nowadays. Being a Pinkerton agent sounds so dashing, adventurous, and dangerous! And I don't think many young people could do what these people did back then. I loved the premise of these Pinkerton agents taking wives to work on cases. In this instance, Stephen and Elizabeth know each other from the past and the way Beth plunks herself right into Stephen's life again, with spunk and sass, is adorable.

Being an agent is tough, as Beth soon discovers when they embark on an adventure. While hot on the trail after outlaw Callie Delleman, danger and mystery arises and those perils only serve to bring these two closer together.

A surprising twist gives the reader a surprise, but the bond that emerges is worth the risk. This is an enjoyable tale and has a little bit of everything--mystery, danger, and love.

Content: mild romance (some vague innuendo, kissing); mild violence

Second Chance Mistletoe Kisses by Anne-Marie Meyer {Review}

Second Chance Mistletoe Kisses by Anne-Marie Meyer (Love Tries Again Series Book 1)

Kindle Edition, 144 pages

Published November 20th 2018 by Sweet Heart Books 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given

    

Two broken hearts plus one meddling grandmother equals a Christmas to remember.

Quinn is a single mom who's down on her luck. It's a few days before Christmas and despite the fact that she's desperately trying to keep her world from crumbling down, fate isn't on her side. Just as she wrangles her five-year-old daughter into her truck, the wind picks up and scratches the Jaguar next to her. Dollar signs flash through her eyes, but it's nothing compared to the fact that the car belongs to Collin Stewart—the boy who broke her heart so many years ago. 

Collin is back in his sleepy home town to spend the holidays with his sick grandmother. While out on an errand for her, he discovers that the girl he's never really been able to forget about has scratched his car. His thoughts keep returning to her and at the prompting of his grandmother, he calls her to inquire about her plans for the holidays. He soon discovers that there's been a fire at Quinn's house and the only plausible thing to do is ask her to stay with him. 

It's difficult enough living in close quarters with a person you once loved, but add in Collin's sneaky grandmother or Quinn's precocious daughter and feelings become hard to ignore. Both want to protect themselves, and before they can fully trust one another, they need to decide if they can overcome their fears.

My Review: 4 Stars

I'm loving these second chance Christmas romances, especially as this one involves a darling little girl named Macie. Quinn is a struggling single mom and when her old Ford truck door scratches her old boyfriend, Collin's, fancy car in a parking lot, she knows she's doomed.


Collin doesn't have kids and tends to spoil Macie, especially when she turns bratty. But they have a cute relationship--he's a prince to her princess ways. Of course, that really scores him points in Quinn's book. He's a very generous and loving guy.


Another common denominator with these Hallmark-type stories, is that he has a sweet grandmother who happens to love Quinn and meddles in subtle ways to get them together. Ruby is lovable and makes me miss my own grandmothers.


I love the magic of the Christmas season, as it heals hearts, instills hope within a hardened person, and brings people together in peace, love, and joy. This story is sweet and heartwarming, and utterly adorable.


Content: mild romance (kisses)

Relatively Normal by Whitney Dineen {Review}

Relatively Normal by Whitney Dineen

310 pages

Published October 8th 2018 by 33 Partners Publishing 

    

Catriona Masterton's fiancé, Ethan, is Normal.

He plans trips six months in advance and arrives at the airport a minimum of three hours early. He purchases life insurance, luggage insurance, and always opts for the extended warranty. He's responsible, reliable, and would make any woman a wonderful life partner.

In other words, he's the exact opposite of the Masterton clan.

Cat's mother has a kitchen gadget fetish, a father whose best friends are taxidermied field mice, and a super stoner man-child brother who lives--where else?--in the basement. Then there's Nan, her proud Scottish grandmother with a proclivity for profanity and mischief.

What on earth will Catriona's Normal fiancé think when he comes home with her to meet her parents? What will he think when he discovers his soon-to-be in-laws invited Cat's ex to join them for Thanksgiving dinner?

Find out in a laugh-out-loud journey of self-discovery, familial pandemonium, and love. A must read for fans of a true romantic comedy!

  

My Review: 3.5 Stars

"Everyone's crazy in their own way. What makes two people compatible is finding someone whose crazy complements yours and vice versa."

Cat has been in New York for a decade and is now living with her fiance, Ethan. How she managed to keep him away from her eccentric family for so long is a mystery to me, but now they're off, along with his parents, to spend Thanksgiving with her quirky family in the Midwest and what results is highly entertaining. 

One of my favorite chick flicks is While You Were Sleeping and this story has a few similar elements--a spitfire, crazy grandma, zany parents, and lots of action-packed drama, all mixed up with a ginormous love triangle and a few sweet moments.

This was a fun and fluffy read, but I wanted a tiny bit more, especially with a 14 year gap in a friendship/relationship. Nothing was too deep. That aside, there were things that took me by surprise and I was intrigued to see how it would all end. It's true--sometimes you have to leave what you have to really appreciate it.

Content: mild+ romance (innuendo, kissing, all intimacy is behind closed doors/implied); moderate language

My Brother's Bride by Rachael Anderson {Book Spotlight and Giveaway}

My Brother’s Bride by Rachael Anderson

Abigail Nash leads a lonely existence. Her mother died giving birth to her, her father’s business dealings took him away more often than not, and her ailing great-aunt, unable to provide much in the way of companionship, was a lack-luster guardian at best. So when her dear friends offered to launch her into London society, it appeared Abby’s life was taking a turn for the better, with suitors and social engagements aplenty. When she marries a proclaimed darling of the ton, it seems she will at last settle into the life of her dreams.

But appearances aren’t always what they seem, and dreams often become disappointments.

Just months into her marriage, Abby finds herself widowed, penniless, increasing, and determined to never hope again. But when her late husband’s brother, the Earl of Brigston, attempts to thaw the numbness surrounding her heart, Abby must decide if she has it in her to risk another chance at happiness, knowing the odds are not in her favor.

Get your copy from Amazon

Read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

Excerpt

When Brigston entered the kitchen, Abby’s back was partially to him, so she didn’t immediately see him. Her brow was furrowed in concentration as she whipped something in a bowl. She paused to lift the spoon, only to frown at the white liquid dripping from it.

“Are you certain this will thicken into a cream?” she asked.

A flash of irritation crossed Monsieur Roch's face until he spotted Morgan and seemed to think better of it. He managed a patient tone in his accented French. “It takes time, my lady.”

Morgan stifled a chuckle as Abby examined another spoonful of the liquid. “I’ve been whipping it for several minutes, but it doesn’t seem even a little thicker to me. Have I forgotten to add something?”

“No,” said the cook in clipped tones.

Morgan stepped forward and leaned in close. “If your arm is tired—”

Abby jumped, and what liquid remained on the spoon splattered across Morgan’s face. She spun around, her eyes growing wide with horror when she saw what she’d done.

He wiped a dab from his nose and tasted it. “A little more sugar, perhaps?”

“Brigston! I’m so dreadfully sorry.” She dropped the spoon into the bowl and grabbed a rag from a nearby wash basin, dabbing it across his face.

“Not that rag!” cried the cook. “It was only just used to mop the floors.”

Abby dropped it as though it had burned her, and Morgan tried not to cringe at the thought of filthy water coating his face.

Monsieur Roch retrieved a clean rag and held it out to him, appearing apologetic. He flicked another irritated glance at Abby before returning to his work.

As Morgan wiped the cream from his face, he wondered what Abby would do or say next. Offer another fumbled apology? Make her excuses and flee? Pretend the incident never happened and return to her labors? He never knew what to expect from her.

Her face scarlet, she cleared her throat and lifted her adorably determined chin. “You are most welcome, my lord.”

He raised a brow. “For what, my lady?”

“I have heard that cream does wonders for one’s complexion, and it seems the rumors are correct. Your skin appears much . . . creamier.”

Praise for My Brother's Bride

I found this book to be completely unexpected. I have read all the historical novels by this author and they have all been fun and delightful reads and even though this book had those elements as well, it was definitely more emotional than I was expecting... I loved Abby’s quiet strength and Morgan’s protectiveness. These two were great together. ~Melanie


My to-read list is long but Rachael is one author I always bump to the top and put all other books on hold for. She never disappoints so it's no surprise that this is another top-notch offering from Rachael. I loved these characters and cheered for them as they overcame obstacles and circumstances that tried to keep them apart. My Brother's Bride is an awesome and needed addition to the clean romance genre. So many authors pump out books so fast that often I find the quality of their work is lacking. Since I read for entertainment I'm able to forgive a lot and typically just overlook the shortcomings that are prevalent with so many books in this genre. Thankfully that is not the case with Rachael's books. I'm grateful for the time she takes to ensure she offers her readers quality books with original storylines that won't disappoint. ~ Kathy

Giveaway Details

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 12/16/18

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Love, Snow, and Mistletoe {Review}

Love, Snow, and Mistletoe

Kindle Edition, 264 pages

Published November 14th 2018 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given

    

Her Fake Christmas Date
BY VICTORINE LIESKE

Jennifer uses an old friend as an excuse for why she can’t go on a blind date. She doesn’t know he’s been secretly in love with her since grade school.

A Holiday Rescue
BY TAMIE DEAREN

Despite her fame as an author, Amy is all alone at Christmas. Stranded in a snowstorm, she's rescued by a handsome stranger. Can shared cocoa lead to love?

 A Second Chance for Christmas
BY MICHELLE PENNINGTON

Grace planned to spend December moving into her new apartment and getting ready for Christmas with her daughter, not falling for her neighbor, Sam--whose heart she broke years ago.

The Billionaire’s Perfect Match
BY ANNIE HOUSTON

Heading up large corporations is tough on your love life. A trip home throws high school friends Aurelia and Lander together and sparks fly. They each have everything, except love.

My Review: 5 Stars

If you love darling Hallmark movie-type Christmas stories, than this set is for you! I love how each story showcases a sweet romance all wrapped up with feel-good feelings and holiday magic.

I've always been a fan of the fake date angle and HER FAKE CHRISTMAS DATE delivers a special treat when Jennifer invents a fake date with her former neighbor, Shane, when she goes home for Christmas, in a effort to avoid her mother's matchmaking attempts.

Shane and Jennifer have a past friendship, which only adds to the sensational chemistry that now exists between them. I loved the banter and the way they now saw each other with new eyes, especially for Jennifer. Darling and sweet.

A HOLIDAY RESCUE had me giggling and swooning as a bestselling author meets a handsome rancher. I absolutely loved Amy and Max and Max's precocious daughter, Cady. This winsome cast of characters completely wrapped my heart around their story as they truly got to know each other without any of their professional baggage. Amy was naive, which made her a funny character. The snow, kisses, and hot cocoa were an added bonus.

A SECOND CHANCE FOR ROMANCE delivers just that--a second chance for Grace and Sam. I'm a fairly independent person, to an extent, and understood Grace's need to make it on her own with her sweet young daughter, after a divorce, but she was borderline poverty level. Sam's constant watch over them and the beaten pathway between their apartments warmed my heart. I loved the connection they shared and the Christmas magic of love and joy that permeated the story.

The childhood friends-to-lovers trope in THE BILLIONAIRE'S PERFECT MATCH was perfect for this story. I loved how similar Aurelia and Lander were in their businesses and how they just wanted to be loved for who they were and not for their money. The snowy walks and blossoming romance were the perfect cap to this sweet collection and that ending was the cherry on top. 

Content: all of these stories had mild, swoony romance

Catching a Witch by Heidi Eljarbo {Book Spotlight}

Catching a Witch by Heidi Eljarbo

Kindle Edition, 284 pages

Published August 1st 2017 by TCK Publishing 

    

What Would You Do to Save Your Best Friend from Burning?
 

The year 1660 is when it all changed...

That's when a witch-hunter comes to Clara Dahl's seaside village in Norway. She's horrified to discover how fast her neighbors and friends are to turn against each other. She soon realizes her sleepy, little, picturesque corner of the world has been invaded by evil—and it has nothing to do with witchcraft.

As neighbor turns against neighbor, Clara finds herself drawn into the fray, forced to do what she can to protect her friends and loved ones. An educated and upstanding minister's daughter, Clara speaks out against the witch-hunter's unjust treatment of those accused of witchcraft. She sees how he plays the villagers, using their superstitions and religious beliefs to make good people accept horrible things.

When Clara’s best friend Bess is accused of being a witch, Clara must make an incredible sacrifice to save not only her friend, but the entire town… before it’s too late.

About the Book

In 1660, women had no voting rights, couldn’t own property, and were treated as second-class citizens. If that weren’t bad enough, many innocent women—especially poor women—were tried and executed for witchcraft. The people responsible for their deaths were often their own friends, family members, and neighbors.

Catching a Witch is a story about a young woman who's willing to do whatever it takes to protect the people she cares about most in this world.

You’ll love this book if you enjoy…

Historical dramas
Witches and witch hunting
Historical thrillers
The history of religion and superstitions
A story with a strong female protagonist fighting for what’s right
Readers of similar books such as Year of Wonder by Geraldine Brooks, The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe, The Heretic’s daughter by Kathleen Kent, and The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare will love Catching a Witch. 

About the Author

Heidi Eljarbo grew up in a home filled with books and artwork and she never truly imagined she would do anything other than write and paint. She studied art, languages, and history, all of which have come in handy when working as a freelance writer, magazine journalist, and painter.
After living in Canada, six US states, Japan, Switzerland, and Austria, Heidi now calls Norway home. She and her husband have a total of nine children, eleven grandchildren—so far—in addition to a bouncy Wheaten Terrier and a bird. They love to have the munchkins come and visit at the Duck and Cherry, their family dwelling.
Their favorite retreat is a mountain cabin, where they hike in the summertime and ski the vast, white terrain during winter.
Heidi’s favorites are family, God's beautiful nature, and the word whimsical.

If you would like to know more, please visit:

https://www.heidieljarbo.com/

https://www.facebook.com/authorheidie...

https://no.pinterest.com/heidieljarbo/

https://www.twitter.com/HeidiEljarbo

Persuading Him by Keena Richins {Review}

Persuading Him by Keena Richins

Kindle Edition, 257 pages

Published September 18th 2018 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given

    

At seventeen, Anne found the love of her life in an ambitious, yet troubled ex-foster boy. However, her wealthy family persuaded her to keep on her path to a prestigious career instead of running away with a boy with no future.

Eight years later, she finds herself with no career, little money, and a heart still pining for that ex-foster boy. When she accidentally runs into him--now handsome, rich, and working for the prestigious Pemberley Estates Corporation--she discovers he still hasn't forgiven her yet. How in the world is she going to convince him to give her a second chance?

"Persuading Him" is a stand-alone, clean/sweet, second-chance romance with a guaranteed happily ever after, plus with some other Austen characters sprinkled in. It tells the tale completely from Anne's side. Check out the companion novel for Rick's side.

My Review: 3 Stars

Persuasion is such a classic and I enjoyed the modern spin on this beloved favorite. This version, though modernized, follows the Austen tale quite closely and while that's a good thing, I always expect a little more out of contemporary stories. I wanted a little more romance and a little less whine. That said, Anne's family was vividly terrible and Anne's coming into herself was sweet and satisfying.

It was so much fun to see other Austen characters show up in this story, even in name only. The connections and relationships were complicated, tangled, and interesting to sort out. Overall, this was an entertaining read.

Content: mild romance

The Pinkerton Matchmaker by Christine Sterling and Marianne Spitzer {Review}

The Pinkerton Matchmaker by Christine Sterling and Marianne Spitzer

Kindle Edition, 118 pages

Published October 13th 2018 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

    

Pairing prospective lady Pinkerton detectives with rough and ready agents? What could possibly go wrong?

Head of the Denver Pinkerton office, Archie Gordon, has been tasked with hiring female agents.

The problem? They need to be trained by existing agents while solving cases. Alone and unchaperoned. In 1871.

The solution? Have each pair marry temporarily, for the duration of the case. If Archie can convince his reluctant agents and the even more reluctant women to agree, that is.

One thing is certain, it won't be dull. And the couples might even find love on the road to adventure. If they don't kill each other first.

This is a sweet romance that ends on a cliffhanger. 

My Review: 5 Stars

What a solid, promising start to this series. It's obvious (to myself) that I couldn't ever do the job of a Pinkerton agent, but I love reading about the dashing and dangerous vocation. And what a brilliant idea to pair a man with a woman under a temporary marriage. I loved the way this prequel sets up the series and my interest was piqued by this rag-tag group of characters. I can't wait to discover their individual stories and I'm crossing my fingers for love for each and every one of them.

Content: very mild romantic elements; very mild implied danger

Each book in the Pinkerton Matchmaker series is a stand-alone book, but you can read them in order to fully enjoy the series:

The Pinkerton Matchmaker – Christine Sterling & Marianne Spitzer
An Agent for Lucy – Amelia Adams
An Agent for Regina – Marianne Spitzer
An Agent for Wilhelmina - Sophie Dawson
An Agent for Claudette – Christine Sterling
An Agent for Audrey - Laura Beers
An Agent for Victoria - Kate Marie Clark
An Agent for Elizabeth - Julia Ridgmont
An Agent for Cecily - Marie Higgins
An Agent for Charity - Patricia PACJAC Carroll
An Agent for Diana - Rebecca Connelly
An Agent for Belle - Nerys Leigh
An Agent for Ada - H.L. Roberts
An Agent for Arielle - Parker J. Cole

Violin Words by Taylor Dean {Book Blast and Giveaway}

Violin Words by Taylor Dean

WHO IS THE AUTHOR?

When Jade Lockwood begins to receive anonymous love letters, she becomes a woman on a mission. She’s determined to figure out who wrote the flowery, over-the-top letters filled with the sweetest violin words she’s ever heard.

She’s neglected her love life, concentrating on Lockwood Cabins, the business her father built from the ground up. But her sweet letters have awakened something inside of her, something that can’t be ignored.

Facing Christmas alone this year, her emotions are already fragile. Add in a mysterious burglary, a handsome stranger, and a little deceit, and it just might be the most eventful Christmas she’s ever endured.

Will Jade find her happy ending? Or will her love letters prove to be nothing more than a sinister ploy?

Find out in this charming Christmas novel.

Get your copy on Amazon

Read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

Praise:

Don’t miss this fun, perfect holiday read by a master storyteller!
-Mylissa Demeyere, Author of The Songs of You and Me and The Songs that Brought Me Back

A sweet, heartwarming romance with a twist of mystery and suspense, all wrapped up in Christmas magic that makes this one hard to put down.
-Charissa Stastny, Author of The Ruled Out Romance Series

 Excerpt:

I have no clue whatsoever as to The Author of the one and only love letter I’ve ever received. I’ve neglected my love life, giving all of my attention to Lockwood Cabins. Now I realize what a mistake that has been. When I read the letter, I’m filled with sensations I didn’t know existed.

It’s as if I can physically feel the depth behind his words. I’m taken away to another world and I just want to float away, wrapped in his love.

The Author’s words are flowery and eloquent, stirring and moving. They’re as lyrical and achingly sweet as a few strokes from a violin.

Violin words.

Yes.

My letter is filled with violin words. All meant for me. And I love them.

A few simple chords from a violin inspires soul soaring emotion within me and leaves me breathless. Somehow the sound speaks to me and I have to close my eyes and thank God that I’m alive, if only to hear such a precious sound.

But when I read my love letter, my reaction is the same. Words alone have never had this effect on me. Plain and simple words—twenty-six letters all strung together in thousands of combinations—and together they form the most beautiful thoughts. I hold the letter to my chest and absorb the love.

It’s the sweetest torture, the most exquisite agony. I welcome it. To feel is to live, I know that now.

Wow. Just wow. Are those violin words really directed toward me? I always figured I’d meet someone and get married one day. But never in my wildest dreams did I imagine a man would speak to me like that. It sends a thrill through my body. Every time.

 

Author Taylor Dean

Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories that were always wandering around in her head, quickly finding she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it’s paranormal, contemporary, or suspense—you’ll find all sub-genres of clean romance in her line-up.

Website * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads * Newsletter

Blast Giveaway Details

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 12/12/18

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Claire's Christmas Dance by Rachelle J. Christensen {Review}

Claire's Christmas Dance by Rachelle J. Christensen

Kindle Edition

Published November 11th 2018 by Peachwood Press 

    

Claire has always dreamed of dancing at the Fielding House Christmas Ball, but she never dreamed she might dance into the arms of a gentleman not of her class.

The Fielding House Christmas Ball is for everyone, including servants. This Christmas Eve a lady’s maid, Claire Walden, plans to attend for the first time, but when Mrs. Fielding’s grandson shows up unexpectedly the dance may take a different turn. Edmund is a gentleman of the upper class, but with a questionable background. When he shows an interest in Claire, she doesn’t want to risk her heart, but over time, Claire comes to know Edmund. As the Christmas Eve ball approaches, Claire wonders if love might be able to cross the lines of servants and high society. If she saves a dance for Edmund, will he steal her heart forever? 

My Review: 5 Stars

This is the perfect treat for the holiday season! This author delivers a short and sweet story that really hits that sweet spot of wholesome romance and the length is exactly what is needed during this busy time of year.

Claire is a servant, but she's fortunate enough to be treated more like a family member than a slave. An intriguing, unexpected run-in with her employer's grandson causes her to reevaluate her stance concerning love and society.

I loved the charming setting of the ball and Edmund is a very likable and winsome character. He nearly stole my heart, too, and the sweetness of this story brought a smile to my face, and left me completely in the mood for Christmas and romance.

Content: mild romance

A Tree for the Billionaire by Michelle Pennington {Review}

A Tree for the Billionaire (A Southern Billionaire Romance) by Michelle Pennington

Kindle Edition, 134 pages

Publication: November 19th 2018 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given

   

A woman who's lost her heart. A man who's just discovered his.

Getting hired as the personal assistant to the intelligent and attractive billionaire Christopher Warren seemed like a fairytale come true for Kate Ryan, but two years later, she hands in her two-weeks notice just before Christmas. How can she keep working for him day after day when she's in love with him? Not even the most beautiful and fascinating women in the world hold his interest, so there’s clearly no chance for her. Unfortunately, Mr. Warren seems determined to change her mind.

Christopher has felt estranged from the world his whole life, but no matter how lonely he is in the midst of his hectic life, he can’t seem to develop deep, lasting feelings for any of the woman he’s dated. But even as he decides to focus on business, his assistant Kate hands in her resignation. Determined not to lose her, he decides to spend everyday he has convincing her to stay. But staying in a remote cabin in the Smokey Mountains while Kate fills it with Christmas trees and gingerbread was not what he had in mind.

Kate has plans of her own.

My Review: 5 Stars

There's more to life than money and this is especially apparent as Kate tries to deliver a good, old-fashioned Christmas to her soon-to-be ex-boss, Chris. He's had everything money can buy, a plethora of beautiful women to date, and an assistant who knows him better than he knows himself, yet he doesn't seem to own true happiness. On the other hand, Kate has given her all to this dream job, but can't do it anymore because she's in love with this unattainable man.

I love the orderly drive that Kate possesses and even in the face of leaving her job, she's willing to give a little bit more to show Chris some true and simple love and tradition. I enjoyed watching Chris open his eyes to the world around him and to what's right under his nose.

The romance is a slow and sizzling burn, much like the steam from a hot tub out in the winter chill, but it's wholesomely satisfying. And I must say--the epilogue was the icing on top of this beautiful cake. This is one story that will ward off the frosty air and warm the heart.

Content: mild, swoony romance 

Her TV Bachelor Fake Fiance by Kimberly Krey {Review}

Her TV Bachelor Fake Fiance by Kimberly Krey

Kindle Edition, 162 pages

Published November 13th 2018 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

    

Cambria gave this year’s TV Bachelor the face-slap seen & heard across America.
Can she offer him redemption too?

Canyon Byer, pharmaceutical rep turned famous model, is the new eligible bachelor on Find My Fiancé. Weeks into filming the reality TV show, Canyon earns the title of America’s Shallow Bachelor, as he seems to eliminate women with substance. As the finale draws near, he needs a shot at redemption, but in order to get it, America’s favorite bachelorette—the same woman Canyon wishes he hadn’t wronged—will have to give him a second chance.

While Cambria Wilson sits among family and friends during finale night, mixed feelings fight for a place in her heart. Sure, she and Canyon shared a very memorable kiss and she’d even been falling for him until she realized what a jerk he was, but that doesn’t explain the strange sadness that looms as she waits to see which of the finalists he’ll propose to.
 

In an unexpected twist during the final episode, Cambria learns that Canyon’s not going to propose to either of the bachelorettes left on the show. In fact, he’s about to appear on the doorstep of a woman he hopes to win back—all on live TV.
 

The bachelorette will be asked to join Canyon on a two-week winter wonderland getaway. Cambria would bet her Soap and Body Shop that she’s the last woman he’d choose; that is, until the chime of her doorbell proves her wrong.

My Review: 5 Stars

I love books based on The Bachelor! I haven't ever watched more than a part of one episode of the show, but I know what it's all about and I love the romantic premise. Kimberly Krey does a great job of taking that basic idea and twisting it enough to make it her own and I would love a show like this one.

Canyon made a serious mistake and he's left with two women, but he can't go through with a proposal to either one. An alternate plan is presented and he takes it--he's given a second chance with the one who got away. Cambria is as sweet as can be and accepts the challenge.

I love the undeniable chemistry that oozes between these two characters. I mean, I am seriously in love. It's easy to see why there were sparks of attraction in the first place and that it's deeper than a superficial level. Canyon and Cambria are strong, admirable, and gorgeous people--inside and out. I loved the twists and the turns that the show puts them through and the added dimension of tough issues, fears, and trials brought a solid element to the story. 

The swoon, forgiveness, romance, and Christmastime elements made this one a keeper in my book. This is one I have to put on my holiday re-read list.

Content: mild+ romance (swoony, steamy-clean kissing) 

Out of the Mouth of Babes by Stephanie Fowers {Review}

Out of the Mouth of Babes by Stephanie Fowers

Kindle Edition, 394 pages

Published October 29th 2018 by Triad Media and Entertainment 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

    

Kids get away with saying most anything, like Aunt Gina should marry that "charmer" she met at her sister's wedding.

But Gina won’t have anything to do with that guy who played with her heart that night—he’s a heartbreaker—no matter how much her niece and nephews adore him now. Besides, the two come from different worlds. Gina’s a workaholic career woman; he’s the irresponsible flirt. Whenever they meet, there are fireworks, and not the good kind.

That is, until her sister wins a cruise to the Caribbean and asks the two to babysit for 2 weeks. Sparks fly as they find a way to play house without burning the place down. Forget marriage—these two shouldn't even date.

And what do kids know anyway? Maybe everything.

My Review: 5 Stars

This book is on the longer side but DO NOT let that keep you from reading it! I was fully immersed from the very first chapter. I felt every emotion through every single page and loved every minute that I spent in these pages. I think I lived this story too, as a fly on the wall, of course.

Before I say anything else, I have to say that the first meeting between Gina and Ash had me cringing, laughing, and completely swooning. The flirtatious banter was captivating. And then life brings all that to a halt and the book skips forward.

Gina is a strong and capable businesswoman, but she's losing her passion for her job and who better to help her gain her zest for life back than Ash? Timing is everything, people! I loved Gina, especially as her humanness shines through as she plays mom to her niece and nephews. The antics and mishaps had me chuckling with empathy, being a mom myself. But she handles it--in her own way.

I can't say enough about the playboy, Ash. He's the whole package, human fears and all, and I love how he complements Gina. 

I don't want to give everything away, but this story wrapped itself snug and tight around my heart. Every character is well done, even the villains, and the chemistry is snapping and popping with swoony heat. The comic relief is spot on, too. I honestly didn't want this one to end and was still thinking about it days later.

Content: mild+ romance (swoony kissing, light innuendo)

The Risky Groom by Carly Morgan (.99 Cents) {Book Spotlight}

The Risky Groom by Carly Morgan

A football player and the woman who got away! How much would you bet on true love this holiday season?

The generous and seriously hot, Dalton Ruff, wide receiver for the Denver Storm, has had a rough twenty-four hours. Spending time in jail with his teammates a week for Christmas wasn’t on his to do list. But after fellow player and good friend, Will Kent bets him that he can’t find, date, and kiss the woman who got away, he accepts the challenge.

The beautiful and talented, Lydia Landon is newly relocated to the quaint town of Port St. Austen. The fact that it happens to be her ex boyfriend, Dalton’s, hometown doesn’t bother her at all, until she runs smack into his naked chest on the beach and then finds herself at his brother’s house having dinner with his family. When Dalton asks her to go out with him again, she tells him no because there’s NO way they could ever work out. But when he shows up to help out with the Christmas program she’s in charge of…she remembers how determined he is.

After exploring a cave of sea creatures together, unexpectedly discovering the secret acts of service Dalton was doing for a family down on their luck, and finding herself being comforted in Dalton’s arms when she’s attacked by a dangerous stalker, Lydia can’t help but find herself falling for him all over again.

Now they have to make a choice, let the problems of the past keep them apart or give the ultimate sacrifice and get everything they ever wanted.

Get your copy of just 99 ¢ today!

Read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

Praise for The Risky Groom

This is a refreshing and thoughtful love story with characters that will just steal your heart and lift your spirits with their journey towards true love.