A Christmas Promise {Review}

 A Christmas Promise (Timeless Regency Collection) by Joanna Barker, Annette Lyon, and Jennifer Moore

Paperback, 320 pages

Publication: November 17th 2020 by Mirror Press 

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

THE TWO BELLS OF CHRISTMAS by Joanna Barker
Roland Hastings made a promise to his father: to marry and carry on the family line. But after a year of searching, he has given up hope of finding the right woman. Anticipating a quiet Christmas with his mother, Roland is frustrated to learn she has organized an entire house party to help him find a bride. Cassandra Bell arrives for the house party with her twin sister Vivian, who has set her heart on winning a proposal from the eligible Mr. Hastings. But when Vivian grows ill, she begs Cassie to switch places with her and keep the other conniving ladies away from Mr. Hastings. Cassie reluctantly takes on the role of her poised and proper twin, but things become much more complicated when Roland begins to take an interest in the spunky and unconventional Cassie...

PROMISE ME AGAIN by Annette Lyon
Secret wedding plans. A powerful brother who will go to any lengths to stop them. Can love truly conquer all? Miriam and Jacob have loved each other for as long as they can remember. They want to wed, but Jacob's older brother Norman forbids it. Deciding to do so secretly without his blessing, Miriam and Jacob make plans to marry on Christmas Eve at a church several hours’ journey away. Despite their efforts, Norman’s long reach finds them. Miriam’s love is tested to the very limit when she is forced into a devil’s bargain with him. She agrees only to spare Jacob pain, but can their hearts find their way back to each other no matter what—or who—stands in their way?

A CHRISTMAS JOURNEY by Jennifer Moore
The war is over, but Lucy Breckenridge’s plans for a perfect Christmas are ruined when Captain James Stewart brings news that her father will not return in time for the holiday. Determined to not miss yet another Christmas with her father, Lucy starts on a journey for London with her trusty maid and manservant. Learning they have gone, James follows, hoping to stop her before she discovers the true reason for Colonel Breckenridge’s absence. Along the way, the two join in local holiday celebrations and learn that families have flaws, friendship requires trust, and Christmas traditions can be created in the most unexpected places.

 

   

My Review: 5 Stars

 

Christmastime in the Regency era gives me a major case of nostalgia for some reason and this collection won my heart as well.

 

In THE TWO BELLS OF CHRISTMAS, identical twins attend a house party where one has to impersonate the other. I adored Cassie's spunky personality and anticipated the unorthodox situations she'd find herself in. The bond between these sisters was so endearing and the blossoming romance was so sweet. Although a novella, Barker does a fantastic job in creating a complete story that was easy to get lost in.

 

A secret wedding is in the works in PROMISE ME AGAIN. I'm of the opinion that a person can chose whom they want to marry and it was so aggravating to watch Jacob's brother try to thwart his marriage to Miriam. My heart shattered when events turned in such a heartbreaking way throughout the course of this novella. Lyon is able to create a story that runs the gamut of emotions, while maintaining a core of tenderness.

 

I was surprised by the depth in A CHRISTMAS JOURNEY. Lucy decides if her father can't be home for Christmas, then she'll take the beloved holiday to him. Moore does a great job of portraying the feeling of home and takes the reader on a journey right along with the characters. This was the perfect way to wrap up this set of stories about everyday, normal people in the Regency era.

Content: mild romance

Midsummer Night (A Timeless Romance Anthology) {Review}

Midsummer Night (A Timeless Romance Anthology)

Kindle Edition

Published June 11th 2019 by Mirror Press 

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

   

Six Fantasy Romance Novellas in one collection:

Featuring Wall Street Journal bestselling author Charlie N. Holmberg, with Julie Wright, Annette Lyon, Jane Redd, Amber Argyle, and Luisa Perkins.

ILLUSIONS OF LOVE by Charlie N. Holmberg:
Aster has worked as the great magician Celtin's assistant for two years and has been in love with him nearly as long. After hearing he'll be looking for a wife at the house ball, Aster disguises herself as a high-class woman so she can woo him away from other bachelorettes. But not everything goes according to plan...

DANCING WITH THE MOON by Julie Wright:
A girl may love a ghost, but where would they live? When a ghost who insists he isn't dead shows up in Grace's shed, he begs for her help. If they cannot reunite his spirit and body before the full moon rises, Arell will die in actuality and so will the royal family. The race against the moon becomes more frantic when Grace realizes she loves him and will die alongside him if she loses him. But can a ghost with no heart return her love?

THE TRUEST TREASURE by Annette Lyon:
(summary coming soon)

THE ISLE OF ROSE by Jane Redd:
Cornelia's greatest secret is that she can read minds. When her sister elopes with another man, Cornelia must stand in her sister's stead to marry Lord Moss, a man with the same gift, who has the power to expose her.

FIRE AND FOUNTAIN by Luisa Perkins:
Historian Lucie Tremblay loves studying Québec’s past, but when she accidentally travels back in time through a magical St. John’s Eve bonfire, she finds that life in 17th-century New France is far more complicated than it seems in books. As colonist Nicolas Beaubien tries to help her find a way back to 2019, Lucie finds herself falling for him—and must choose between her old life and new love.

LADY OF SHADOWS by Amber Argyle:
Every year, girls go missing in the night—taken by the beast of the Forbidden Forest. A beast that has haunted the town of Hamel for centuries. A beast that is now coming for Caelia.

Midsummer Night is a Timeless Romance Anthology® book

My Review: 4 Stars

Fantasy is not my go-to genre and I sometimes have a hard time getting into all the magical elements and creatures, but this collection was fun. I always know I can count on a sweet, clean, and entertaining book with a Timeless Romance Anthology.

Each story delivered a unique fantasy, with some elements more extreme than others--magic, fairies, mind readers, time travelers, beasts, etc. I loved that a couple of the stories had suspense in them, as I was not expecting that, and a well-written suspense is always a great complement to any story. I'm a sucker for a marriage of convenience and Heather Moore's story had a super fun twist on that trope.

I love to discover new authors and had fun with this set, but was a little disappointed that Amber Argyle's novella was a backstory for a series, which I haven't read, and left me a little confused because I wasn't sure what was going on and who the characters were.  

Overall, this was a great set to get those imagination gears turning and giving the reader an entertaining jaunt into the world of fantasy.

 Content: mild romance; mild violence

A Yuletide Regency (A Timeless Romance Anthology) {Review}

A Yuletide Regency (A Timeless Romance Anthology)

Kindle Edition, 306 pages

Published November 2nd 2018 by Mirror Press 

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

    

'Tis the season for six lovely and charming Regency romances!

Curl up by the fire, sip your favorite hot drink, and enjoy A YULETIDE REGENCY: six brand new Regency romance novellas by Regina Scott, Sarah M. Eden, Jen Geigle Johnson, Annette Lyon, Krista Lynne Jensen, and Heather B. Moore.

ALWAYS KISS AT CHRISTMAS by Regina Scott
Mary Rose has one goal for her mother’s annual Christmas Eve party: convince her childhood friend Julian Mayes to marry her. She has always admired Julian. Surely one moment under the kissing bough will convince him they were meant to be together. Newly hired by a prestigious London law firm, Julian is ready to shake the dust of the countryside off his polished boots. But he’s always had a soft spot for Mary. As the danger to her future becomes clear, will one kiss be enough to prove to him how far he will go to protect her?

A YULETIDE MATCH by Sarah M. Eden
Famed matchmaker to the ton, Adelaide Northrup cannot imagine a more perfect way to spend Christmas than answering the desperate call of Mr. Porter Bartrum: widower, young father, dunderhead. The young gentleman’s first marriage was an arranged one and he hasn’t the first idea how to find a wife on his own. His dear friend, Chloe Munson, has watched his attempts with amusement and finds this latest approach, the clandestine hiring of a matchmaker, his most entertaining yet. If Adelaide plays her cards right, and she always does, she might very well manage to secure two happy endings.

THE FORBIDDEN DUKE by Jen Geigle Johnson
They weren’t supposed to meet, but now that they have, nothing will ever be the same. The Duke of Salsbury blames her family. Lady Catherine blames his. Will an age-old dispute between the Salsburys and Asters rip apart any hope they have to be together? In this game of secrets and lies, can their love for each other conquer even the most tightly held family prejudices?

MISTLETOE AT WILLOWSMEADE by Annette Lyon
On Christmas Eve, Eleanor Hadfield, who works as governess at her childhood home of Willowsmeade, is stunned to learn that the love of her youth, Julian Phillips, is coming back after a decade’s absence. Once the gardener’s son, he has elevated his station to navy captain. Making a match with a mere governess would lower his position, if he were to still love her as he did as a young man, which is unlikely. Unable to bear the idea of noble Julian keeping an old promise out of obligation or pity, Eleanor decides to leave the only place that has ever been a home.

FOLLOW THE RIVER HOME by Krista Lynne Jensen
With her beloved home entailed away to a wealthy cousin, spirited Arabelle Hyatt has resigned herself to marry the arrogant man, if only to save her family from destitution. But before an understanding is reached, a childhood friend returns from war, wounded in more ways than one. With Christmas coming—what may be their last at Hybrigge—holiday traditions are celebrated, memories are revisited, and Arabelle learns what lies in a man’s words is not always what lies in his heart.

THE NEW EARL by Heather B. Moore
Celia Thompson knows she can’t live with the new earl who’s come to take her brother’s place. Before she can pack her belongings and reconcile herself to a fate of living as a spinster in her aunt’s home, the new earl arrives. Yet, Aaron, now Lord Banfield, is not the pompous, arrogant man she’d imagined. In fact, he’s quite . . . interesting and handsome. Celia decides to help the man acclimate to his new role. But the longer she stays on at Banfield, the more she realizes the new earl might be the answer she’s been looking for.  

My Review: 4 Stars

This is a charming collection of Regency Christmas stories that really warm the heart and delight the soul. As always, with these Timeless Romance Collections, they can be read a story at a time or all at once and each offering gives the reader a taste of different aspects of Regency life.

I loved the kissing bough and the childhood friendship that connects Julian and Mary in ALWAYS KISS AT CHRISTMAS.

The idea of a matchmaker, and a successful one at that, delivered an appealing story in A YULETIDE MATCH. The antics were fun and entertaining.

THE FORBIDDEN DUKE made me laugh and kept me very entertained, with the mix-up and the slight, intriguing mystery.

MISTLETOE AT WILLOWSMEADE produced a slightly sentimental feeling, especially as this story is all about giving up on dreams and accepting a future different from the one that was planned. Yet, there is a thread of hope and second chances that drifts through the pages.

Self-sacrifice is a strong theme in FOLLOW THE RIVER HOME. I love how true character is revealed and the heart is followed.

Misconceptions take the characters by surprise in THE NEW EARL. I loved the characters, especially the dog, and the way Aaron and Celia came to know each other so thoroughly and quickly.

Content: mild romance

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

Timeless Love: Romantic Stories {Review}

Timeless Love: Romantic Stories That Span the Ages Collection

Kindle Edition

Expected publication: June 19th 2018
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own and were not compensated in any way.

   

This 7-novella romance collection will only be available until the first week of July, and then it will be "unpublished" from sell sites. *The ebook edition of the collection will remain on the buyer’s device after the ebook is disbanded.

And then all of the novellas and short stories in the collection will be published separately in print and ebook! Look up each author for sneak peeks of all the gorgeous covers for these upcoming novellas!

All proceeds from the sale of this collection will be donated to the LiveStrong Foundation.

Enjoy seven romances through the ages in this Timeless Love limited time ebook. An open invitation to fall in love with the writing styles of a few new-to-you multi-published authors of your favorite Christian romance eras.

Give Me Thine Heart 1812 Andrea Boeshaar
Moira loathes the man she is set to marry. But when she meets Samuel Stryker, she soon guesses that he's from the colonies. When she finds a deep secret, Sam must make the decision: kill her or take her with him.

This Freedom Journey 1833 Misty M. Beller
Adrien Lockman left France to finally live life on his own terms, but when he discovers a half-starved and half-frozen woman in the treacherous Canadian mountains, the truth soon becomes clear--the only way they'll survive is together.

The Heart of Home 1865 Stephenia H. McGee
Opal Martin aspires to scrub the remnants of the War Between the States from her tattered life. When a nearly drowned soldier appears and asks if he can die on her porch, she must guard against the sudden revival of her heart's hope for love. Tristan Stuart wants to escape the pain of war. He wakes up at a house that's too much like home, with a woman determined to mend him he may discover a life worth fighting for. To save the last of what Opal holds dear, will he become the man she needs or let the troubled waters carry him away?

Enchanting Nicholette 1893 Dawn Crandall
Young, widowed, and newly out of mourning, Nicholette Everstone is an heiress yearning to be loved. Her parents had arranged for her to marry her loving late husband, but the marriage ended tragically on her wedding day. Returning to Boston after being away, she finds there's someone new to her set of friends and family she can't help but fall for. But when she learns of the danger and sacrifices this man takes on, will her heart be strong enough to keep her fears at bay?

Teach Me To Love 1899 Kari Trumbo
Izzy Lawson has taken her last abuse. When her husband dies, she rushes to Belle Fourche to stay with the only friend she has. The wall she's worked so hard to build crumbles in the arms of a man so different from her husband. Conrad Oleson can't read and it's shamed him for longer than he can remember. As Izzy reveals her painful past, he can't stay away. He'll do about anything, to get closer. Including, teach her how to love.

Façade 1942 Pepper D. Basham
Olivia Rakes has excellent observations skills for facts and details, but stumbles through matters of the heart. When her brother goes missing in German-occupied France, Livy enlists her services with a group of search-and-rescue spies, who not only thrust her toward espionage, but...romance. Agent Christopher Dawson has avoided Livy since she broke his heart. When the search for his best friend brings them together, the heart takes on a mind of its own. In a world where war changes the rules of life and love, can they work together to complete their rescue mission before the enemy catches them?

Bookishly Ever After 2018 Sarah Monzon
It all started with a bet and a book.
Emory Blake is the ultimate bibliophile. She'd take curling up with a novel over a night on the town any day. But then her best friend, Tate Woodby, accuses her of living between the pages of her paperbacks instead of the real world, and he makes a bet that will force her to experience the adventures of her fictional friends...instead of just reading about them. With her face no longer buried in books, Emory must confront the pain of the past.

My Review: 5 Stars

I've only read three of these stories so far, but wow! I was completely blown away by the variety, the plots, the romance, and the characters, and I'm excited to finish the collection. They claim to be novellas, but they are on the longer side and didn't feel like they were. These really are timeless stories that will warm the coldest heart and give a reader a few hours of enjoyable escape.

In ENCHANTING NICHOLETTE, I was transported back to the beloved Everstone family. An undeniable and instant chemistry exploded and my heart sang at the potential for Nicholette to finally have her happily ever after. There is humor mixed with tender love in this bittersweet, heartfelt, and inspiring offering. I love the way Crandall writes and brings her characters to life and I really enjoyed coming to know Nicholette on a deeper level.

It's a known fact--I could NEVER be a spy, but I love reading about them. Olivia proves to be a natural in FACADE. The fascinating escapades and sizzling romance really captured my attention and I often wondered how in the world she would get out of the various situations she found herself in. This one is intense on so many different levels and I loved every minute of it.

BOOKISHLY EVER AFTER has a special spot in my heart because I tend to hold contemporary romances at a higher standard, wanting both an escape and something realistic at the same time, and this one totally delivered both. Emory is a bookworm (like me) and would rather curl up with a book on the weekend than go out (again, like me), but her BFF, Tate, has a plan to get her out more and in a deliciously romantic way, it backfires. Such a satisfying conclusion to this collection.

Content: each story has mild romance and mild Christian elements 

With a Kiss: A Sweet Romance Anthology

With a Kiss: A Sweet Romance Anthology
Published: May 22, 2018
666 pages
Source: I received a copy, which had no influence on my opinion

 

WITH A KISS: A Sweet Romance Anthology

A collection of 10 brand new sweet romance novellas by USA Today bestselling & award winning authors.

**On sale for a limited time only!**

Romances in this collection:
DANCING TO FREEDOM by Traci Hunter Abramson: A Russian ballerina. An American hockey player. A forbidden romance. Can Katrina follow her heart when freedom is the one thing she lacks? Or will the Cold War cost her the only man she has ever loved?

RYLEE’S MIX-UP by Rachel Branton: Rylee Williams didn’t want to be a bridesmaid at her estranged sister’s wedding, the sister who’d grown up with the family she was supposed to have. So why does she find herself in a dress two sizes too big and no date for the wedding? Maybe it’s time to give up on her family once and for all. But a greased pig contest and handsome cowboy Beck Seeger might just change her mind—both about sticking it out and taking a chance at love.

THE REFUGEE’S BILLIONAIRE by Rachelle J. Christensen: Shawn Halstrom has an assignment: travel to Atlanta, Georgia to investigate The Heart of Atlanta refugee center so that Burke Enterprises can make a donation. The job should take two weeks tops, but he wasn’t planning on falling for a Cuban refugee named Carolina Diaz. She’s a single mother who isn’t interested in dating, even if the guy might be a billionaire.

JUST THIS MOMENT by Joyce DiPastena: Alys’s late husband thought her useful only for spinning thread. Now a mysterious monk has come to take her to a nunnery. Can a sightless woman like Alys exert her independence to forge a future of her own choice? And will the monk, who stirs forbidden longings in her, help or hinder her?

ORIGAMI GIRL by Danyelle Ferguson: Josephine loved teaching crafts at the children's hospital until she was assigned to help Dr. Blake learn how to relate with his patients. As she helps the young doctor soften his sharp edges, relax his rigid folds, and open up to the people around him, she finds she can't help but love the man he's becoming.

SABRINA’S HERO by Donna Hatch: For weeks, Sabrina daydreams about a mysterious gentleman who frequents the lending library. Is he perchance an agent for the crown? A returning war hero? A highwayman? A fateful public assembly introduces her to the mystery man as well as an intriguing newcomer. Now she’s torn between a charming rake promising the adventure she craves, and a handsome barrister who offers security. Only one will stand by her when it matters most.

FALLING FOR LUCY by Heather B. Moore: Lucy Morley’s older sister is perfect, yet Lucy can’t even hold down a job, let alone stick with something like college. After another disastrous firing, she lands her dream job at a bookstore—and it doesn’t hurt that her new boss, Adam Parks, is pretty much her dream man. But if Lucy is good at one thing, it’s guarding herself from heartbreak. Adam has other plans in mind that include finding a way into Lucy’s heart.

MY DEAREST EMMA by Luisa Perkins: Since her husband died at 25, Johanna has worked at a busy hotel in the new railroad town of Danube, Minnesota, soothing her loneliness by writing home to her sister in Germany. When she meets August, a shy widower, her letters reveal a budding friendship. But Johanna soon begins to question whether their romance can survive a demanding employer, August’s jealous daughter, and the misgivings of two recently broken hearts.

COVERTLY YOURS by Janette Rallison: Paisley Spencer never needed a knight in shining armor—until she finds herself surrounded by three gangsters in a bad part of Phoenix. A handsome stranger intervenes, rescuing her from certain disaster. The only catch? Now she has to pretend to be his girlfriend for the next hour. She finds it’s a job she doesn't want to end.

Novella by Heather Tullis: description coming soon

My Review: 5 Stars

I love the idea of some of my favorite authors coming together to write this book for charity. And I love that a lot of the stories reflect perfectly each author's writing styles and some of them even connect to series that the authors have already written, which is an added bonus.

I didn't have a chance to finish all of the stories yet, but I did read more than half and have loved the uniqueness of every single one of them. Although they are short (less than 100 pages each), they each felt complete and satisfying. I really enjoyed the variety of characters and time periods and can't wait to finish the rest!

DANCING TO FREEDOM really portrays the importance of freedom well. Katrina, a Russian ballet dancer, lives in a glass cage and Robert is determined to break her out of it. I loved the obvious adoration and growing love that ensues through this tenderly heart-wrenching story. My emotions were really drawn out and the characters came to life.

Assumptions cause some conflict in THE REFUGEE'S BILLIONAIRE. I enjoy reading stories with big-hearted, selfless characters and this one delivers. The threads of redemption and hard work really added to the plot. There was an immediate and sweet connection between Shawn and Carolina that warmed my heart and Daniel, Carolina's young son, was the icing on the cake.

ORIGAMI GIRL is a true case of opposites attract. First impressions aren't always accurate and sometimes walls need to be knocked down to get to the heart of a person and sometimes a person isn't as flighty as she seems. I loved the setting and the character growth, especially with Dr. Blake. Jojo was such a fun an light-hearted character. The romance was a sweet complement to the slightly sad hospital situation.

Sabrina dreams of meeting a man of adventure and her mysterious library companion turns out to be too boring and safe for her taste. SABRINA'S HERO is slightly reminiscent of Pride and Prejudice, with the heroes and villains, but definitely earns praise on its own. I loved the way the story unfolded and the character realizations that developed, especially as they involved a very sweet and swoon-worthy romance.

FALLING FOR LUCY proves that everyone has a niche in life. It's especially hard for siblings to feel like they have to fit in the same mold as each other and when Lucy doesn't feel like she measures up to hers, she's hard on herself. A part-time job interview at a bookstore changes her life. And not just in the job sense. She clicks with her boss, Adam, and the subtle sparks and the passion for books completely captivated me.

I was a little surprised by COVERTLY YOURS. Paisley is rescued in a bad part of town late at night, but now has to pretend to be the guy's girlfriend. She's obviously an innocent and good girl, but the chemistry ignites with this bad gang boy, Ice, anyway. I was nervous for her, especially as the night got worse and worse, but in true Rallison style, it all tied together in a delightful tale.

Content: all of these stories are sweet and clean

The Orient Express (Timeless Victorian Collection) by Various Authors

The Orient Express (Timeless Victorian Collection)
by Elizabeth Johns, Annette Lyon, and Nancy Campbell Allen

ebook, 320 pages

Published March 27th 2018 by Mirror Press 

Source: I received a copy, which did not affect my thoughts or opinions in any way. 

 

 

TO BREAK A BETROTHAL by Elizabeth Johns:
Recently orphaned heiress Kate Worthington must travel to England from her home in India to break an outdated betrothal contract. Surely the lure of money will tempt Lord Darlington to release her! A gentleman befriends her whilst she is aboard the luxurious Orient Express, and the attraction she feels firms her resolve to break the betrothal. What she does not count on is Lord Darlington’s hidden depths. She has so much to lose, least of which is her heart.

DETECTIVE GRACE MEETS HER MATCH by Annette Lyon:
Even private investigator Grace Thomas needs a vacation, yet she can’t exactly turn off her detective skills at a whim. Boarding the Orient Express might be a vacation for some, but Grace finds that her senses are on high alert. She prides herself in being one step ahead of any flirtatious gentlemen, and fellow passenger Marshall Bailey is no exception. When Grace discovers that Marshall is traveling under another name, she learns that her first impressions aren’t always correct, and that she’s mistakenly allowed him to play havoc on her heart. Marshall will just have to convince Grace to give him a second chance.

MARRIED ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS by Nancy Campbell Allen:
Detective Vincent Brady must recover a priceless statue before it falls into the wrong hands. The only problem is that the American woman who’s carrying it for her brother has no idea the value. Vincent catches up with Emily Grant, but convincing her that he’s not out to harm her or her brother is harder than Vincent expected. Finally, Emily agrees to travel with Vincent on the Orient Express, and they plot how to rescue her brother while keeping themselves out of harm’s way. Vincent soon discovers that out of all the hardships he’s overcome in his lifetime to rise to his current detective status, convincing Emily to take a chance on him even harder.

  

My Review: 4 Stars

 

I guess my history lessons are lacking because I didn't realize how cool and real the Orient Express was! I honestly didn't know much about it. I loved getting a glimpse of it through the eyes of three different sets of characters and enjoyed that it played a central role in connecting these novellas.

 

Each story is a lot of fun, as there are twists that weren't expected--at least, not by me. There is an arranged marriage (betrothal), a woman who owns a detective agency and is set on finding her man, and a fake marriage, which are some of my favorite tropes. Each story had a bit of a mystery and some intrigue, which added to the overall entertainment. I could see the books play out in my mind like movies, especially the sweet romances.

 

I really enjoy these collections because they're not only entertaining, but they each deliver a clean, wholesome, and fun story that leaves me feeling slightly more educated about the time period. And the romance is sigh-worthy.

Content: very mild violence; mild, sweet romance

A Night in Grosvenor Square {Review}

A Night in Grosvenor Square (Timeless Regency Collection) by Sarah M. Eden, Annette Lyon, and Heather B. Moore

Kindle Edition, 380 pages

Published January 23rd 2018 by Mirror Press

A MATCH FOR PRINCESS POMPOUS by Sarah M. Eden
Matchmaker Adelaide Northrop may be embarking on her greatest challenge yet. Miss Odette Armistead has been dubbed “Princess Pompous” by Society’s elite, and Odette’s parents are desperate to see her married off to a respectable gentleman. When Adelaide first meets Odette, she is expecting a young lady who fits the pompous description. Instead, Adelaide discovers that Odette is far from conceited, but has chosen to wear a mask in a desperate attempt to hide her love for a gentleman who has been chosen for someone else. It seems that Adelaide has far more than matchmaking to accomplish.

CONFECTIONS AND PRETENSE by Annette Lyon
Anne Preston dreams of opening her own dessert shop some day and saves every spare penny she earns working at Gunter’s Tea Shop. She makes ice cream molds to perfection, bakes and decorates cakes, and hopes to one day be an independent shop owner. When an American man orders an ice, Anne is immediately taken with Davis Whitledge, but he is far above her station in life, so she tries to forget about his cordiality. Soon, she finds herself in a dangerous situation when confronted by two troublemakers, and Davis happens to be nearby. He sends the scoundrels on their way, but this only makes Anne more of a target. He doesn’t understand London ways, and his generosity has the potential to steal Anne’s dreams, or to make them soar.

LITTLE LONDON by Heather B. Moore
Ellen Humphreys has never had a Season, has never danced the waltz, and will likely never do so while confined to watching over her ill mother at their country estate. Therefore, Ellen creates her own Little London, and imagines all the gentleman she’d dance with and all of the friendships she’d have with other young ladies, if only she were allowed to have a Season. When Quinn Edwards, Marquess of Kenworth, comes upon her quite by happenstance while Ellen is imagining herself in a London ballroom, she is mortified about her playacting. But a chain of events is set off from this one meeting that has Ellen questioning if her reputation would ever survive a Season or another encounter with the marquess.

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My Review: 5 Stars

Each one of these stories is utterly delightful! The common factor is Grosvenor Square--a very prestigious area of London. I think what really charmed me is how each story told a different angle of people living in these times and how they would relate to this place.

A MATCH FOR PRINCESS POMPOUS gave the reader a tale of a secret. "Matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a match..." I haven't really read a story where a matchmaker is employed and wow, is she good at what she does. I loved the secret and although the way it came about is a little heartbreaking, it definitely provides some great entertainment.

CONFECTIONS AND PRETENSE is all about one of my favorite treats--ice cream. A working-class girl, an American, and delicious descriptions of unique flavors of this creamy treat all added up to an endearing story. Anne is a darling and Davis is swoon-worthy.

What do you do if you aren't allowed to socialize? Why, you come up with your own LITTLE LONDON. Ellen and Quinn's story is the icing on the cake of this wonderful collection. I loved the little descriptions of society and the way the little character variances and preferences added some chemistry, especially when some backbones were grown.

I loved my time spent in Grosvenor Square and each offering really encompassed a wide range of situations and people. This is another great book by these beloved authors.

Content: mild romance; mild violence (Confections and Pretense).

*I received a copy, which had no influence on my thoughts and opinions*

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Happily Ever After: A Timeless Romance Anthology {Review}

Happily Ever After (A Timeless Romance Anthology)

Kindle Edition

Published October 24th 2017 by Mirror Press

Six brand new fairy tale romance novellas by New York Times bestseller Jessica Day George, and bestselling authors Julie Wright, Sarah M. Eden, Julie Daines, Heather B. Moore, and Annette Lyon.

MAIL-ORDER PRINCESS by Jessica Day George: Elise flees her small kingdom and arrives in the New World with only her two trunks and seven swans—her seven brothers to be exact. But Elise will do anything to get her brothers away from their cruel stepmother’s curse, even if it means accepting the long-distance marriage proposal to a former count turned farmer.

THE MILLER’S DAUGHTER by Julie Wright: When Isa meets Thomas Rumple, she is quickly infatuated with his good looks and natural charm, until she learns his true identity. Due to a wild claim by her insufferable father, Isa’s life is threatened by the king if she can’t spin a room full of straw into gold, and Thomas may be the only one who can save her.

THE PEBBLED PATH by Sarah M. Eden: Deep in the heart of a mysterious forest, Gretel trades her freedom to save her beloved father from the spell of an evil enchantress. Even attempting to escape would cost her father his life. Gretel’s determination to fulfill her promise wavers when she meets Hansel, a young man who captures her heart. For, she loves him too dearly to put his life in danger, and he loves her too much to simply leave her to her fate.

BLACK FERN by Julie Daines: Rós is desperate to find work in order to care for her ailing father and younger sisters. She applies to the mysterious owner of a crumbling castle and is soon swept up in dark secrets. Unsure if the owner of the castle is man or beast, Rós determines to help him at all cost. She soon discovers that the cost may be too great, even for her.

SCARLET by Heather B. Moore: When Scarlet needs to fetch a healing tonic on the night when the wolves are at their most dangerous, she has no choice but to apply to her nemesis, August, for help. He agrees to help her, but they encounter a pack of wolves that put up a fierce fight, marking Scarlet as their newly targeted prey.

SO RARE A POWER by Annette Lyon: Stella knows she’s taking a risk each time she meets Patrick in the rose garden that they’ve cultivated together. And no matter how much her mother will disapprove of their relationship, Stella can’t deny her feelings for him. When the Snow Queen steals away Patrick to drain him of his powers of creating beauty and life, Stella must decide what she’s willing to risk to rescue him.
 

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My Review: 4 Stars

I love a good fairy tale and this collection really delivered some fun twists on favorite classics. I also love to see what spins will add a little something new and it's interesting to see how those twists were cleverly woven into the tale. This collection gives variations on: The Wild Swans, Rumplestiltskin, Hansel and Gretel, Beauty and the Beast, Little Red Riding Hood, and The Snow Queen.

A fairy tale doesn't have to be really long to feel complete, which is what really makes this a good fit for the Timeless Romance Anthologies. I thought each story was a perfect length and each can be read in a sitting here and there, to be savored over time.

I really enjoyed them all, but I especially loved Scarlet (Little Red Riding Hood), as it was very creepy, yet very romantic, and Black Fern (Beauty and the Beast). Don't miss this collection if you love fairy tales as much as I do!

Content: mild violence; mild romance

*I received a copy, which had no influence on my thoughts and opinions, which are my own.*

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You & Me Forever {Review}

You & Me Forever (A Sweet Romance Collection)

ARC, 378 pages

Published by Gryfyn Publishing

    

Over 10 HOURS of reading time - nine sweet romance short stories and novellas by nine different authors!

Bestselling novelists and new writers have come together to bring readers You & Me Forever: a collection of heartwarming stories about finding romance, falling for your first love, and discovering the one you're truly meant to be with. Stories vary from dark and emotional to endearing and wholesome, all with a happily-ever-after ending.

Teens and adults will enjoy this young adult and new adult clean romance anthology with a message to always believe in true love. Would you be his, forever?

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My Review: 4 Stars

I haven't had time to read this whole collection yet, but I'm impressed that these authors joined forces to put together a collection of clean stories that anyone can enjoy.

I was lucky enough to read Cindy Ray Hale's story, IT WAS YOU. Aleyna is trying to make her way into the world of film and works as an extra whenever she can. Carson is an up-and-coming actor, who is an all-around great guy. The characters and their friends are realistic and fun, which makes them relatable.

The story is told in first person, which never fails to draw me in as an honorary best friend to the main character. As Aleyna works on set, the reader is given a bird's eye view to the word of acting, which is very interesting, as well as a best friend's vantage point to a budding and potentially heart-stopping romance, which is ooh-la-la. The natural ebb and flow is engaging and had me gripped from the chance encounter in the smoothie shop.

Why only 4 stars? I honestly wanted more! I would have loved to see this in a full-length novel with more development and drawn out situations because I liked it that much. If you need a quick romance fix, this is a story to try!

Content: mild romance (kissing)

*I received a copy through instafreebie, which didn't affect my opinions in any way.*

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Silver Screen Kisses (Echo Ridge Anthology #3) {Review}

Silver Screen Kisses (Echo Ridge Anthology #3)

Kindle Edition, 483 pages

Expected publication: March 7th 2017 by Peachwood Press

*I received a complimentary copy, which in no way affected my thoughts and opinions*

***I am going to put my review of each story in this anthology after the description.***

Silver Screen Kisses is a collection of stories inspired by movies from everyone’s favorite list. Written by award-winning and bestselling authors, these contemporary romances take the reader back to Echo Ridge in the spring, when the promise of new love is budding just like the tulips around the Emerald Inn Bed & Breakfast.

My Fair Lacey by Janette Rallison -- 4.5 Stars
Lacey Johnson has dreamed of opening a restaurant for years. All she needs is one little loan to make it happen. But with the way Lacey talks and dresses, she looks more like someone who would hold up a bank than someone who’d ever get a loan from one. When Garrett Halifax, her roommate’s Harvard-educated brother, volunteers to change her image and teach her to speak correctly, she jumps at the chance. But she quickly finds she’s in over her head. Pretending to fit in with the town’s elite is harder than she thought, and despite her best efforts, she’s falling for Garrett. Could someone who is handsome, rich, and educated ever consider her as more than just a project? A contemporary twist on My Fair Lady, this is a story that is sure to please Echo Ridge fans.

Lacey is rough around the edges and Garrett takes it upon himself to refine her and help her get a business loan to open her dream restaurant. I love the modern take on this classic and thought that the characters were great. Lacey is sweet and tries really hard to change and help herself. I could see her falling for Garrett along the way, but wanted to see more of Garrett's feelings for Lacey, more of a connection. This rags-to-riches type story really warms the heart and starts this collection off with a bang.
You’ve Got Email by Heather Tullis -- 5 Stars
Maria never expected to fall in love with a man she’d never met, but she can’t wait to get to her laptop every night to chat with Bobwhite67. She would be happy to focus on getting to know him better, but her two jobs and two sons keep her ridiculously busy. Then there’s her ex-husband’s bookie, who’s impatiently waiting for the last couple payments on his debt.

Bret can’t help but notice how hard the beautiful Maria works and the similarities she has with the Zoomama he’s been talking with online. Though he really wants to make things easier for her, Bret accidentally gets her in hot water with both of her bosses. Can he get Maria to give him a chance in the real world and not just online?

It's so easy to be someone else from the comfort of your own home and while under a pseudonym. Maria is falling in love online, but her real life encounters with Bret leave her feeling a bit irritated. Maria is so hardworking and loyal, sacrificing much for her boys. Bret is almost too good to be true. The way the online conversations are woven in with these characters real lives is great. This story left a sweet feeling in the pit of my stomach and the gradual love story warmed my heart. What a great way to put an even more modern spin on this classic.

The Princess Bride of Riodan by Rachelle J. Christensen -- 5 Stars
When a mysterious man offers to help Elise redecorate the old Bed & Breakfast, she gladly hands him a wallpaper steamer. After she discovers his true identity, she doesn’t know whether to curtsy or run and hide. Unfortunately, hiding isn’t an option because her heart is already tangled up with the handsome prince. At the same time, Elise’s old crush from high school wants a relationship and she’s forced to decide whether to chase after a fairy tale ending or stay grounded in reality.

I've mentioned before and I'm sure I'll mention it again, I'm a sucker for royalty stories and this one delivered a swoony sweet love triangle. Elise is single and working hard to save her grandma's house, when suddenly, she has two options for love--a crush from the past and a handsome prince! I love the ties to this romantic classic and the movie quotes kept a smile on my face. For a short story, this one is full of decisions, romance, and self-discovery and I enjoyed every minute.

My Best Man’s Wedding by Cami Checketts -- 5 StarsJessica Mason made a vow to marry her best guy friend, Josh, when they turned thirty. When Josh calls with the news that he's coming home to Echo Ridge for his wedding, Jessica is determined to break up the happy couple and take her rightful place as his bride. Gentry Trine, a coworker, agrees to pretend to be her fiancé to stir up feelings of jealousy. However, Jessica didn't realize fake fiancés could kiss like champions, and make a girl smile nonstop. Can she figure out which is the right man for her before she loses them both?

A marriage pact from the past gives Jessica comfort--if she and Josh are still single by the time they turn 30, they'll marry each other. When he calls with the news of his sudden engagement, she's determined to make him jealous. Enter in one fake fiancé. The way Gentry feels about Jessica almost caused my pages to smolder. He's intense and swoony and with the chemistry between these two, I don't know why she didn't just bag Josh because..if Jessica is so sure that Josh is the one for her, why haven't they talked in years? Why does she suddenly want him now? Although she's trying to sabotage the wedding, I love how mature she is (for the most part) in the way she deals with his fiancée. This is one elegant couple.
While You Were Skiing by Lucy McConnell -- 5 StarsMia Davis’s new job in guest relations at Ruby Mountain Ski Resort gets complicated when the gorgeous Ryder Montgomery falls off the ski lift, tells everyone they are engaged, and then loses consciousness. Worried about a head injury, Mia plays along, making him lunch, kissing in the front entryway and planning a future together; a future Mia wants with all of her heart. Things become all the more complicated when Ryder’s estranged family gets involved. Caught up in the fantasy and romance, Mia has to tell the truth or risk losing a part of herself and the man she loves forever.

This is one of my all-time favorite romantic comedies and this new spin stole my heart. There are a few similarities that made me smile, especially the almost word-for-word dialogue in places, but there are enough twists to make it its own story. Mia saves Ryder and now everyone thinks they're engaged. Once again, palpable chemistry...*sigh*... I love Mia's interactions with the family and with Ryder and nearly swooned at their banter, as she helps him recover. A great ending to this set!

***Overall, I really loved this collection and loved the way each story was tied together to this fantastic fictional setting. I feel at home in this place and feel that these characters are real people and friends. I loved the connections to movies and thought each story was told in a creative and unique way, yet had enough similarities that they were comfortable. As always, I'm already eagerly awaiting more.***

Content: mild romance

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Under the Mistletoe Collection (A Timeless Romance Anthology) {Review}

Under the Mistletoe Collection (A Timeless Romance Anthology)

Kindle Edition, 299 pages

Published October 15th 2015 by Mirror Press

    

Amazon #1 Bestselling series in *New Release* for Clean Romance

Six Award-Winning Authors have contributed new stories to A Timeless Romance Anthology: Under the Mistletoe Collection. Six contemporary novellas, all adding sweet romance to the Christmas season.

In the enchanting novella FORGOTTEN KISSES by Cindy Roland Anderson, costume designer Madison Taylor has no love lost when the male lead playing Sir Lancelot in a TV series is fired. She couldn’t stand working with him anyway. But when she discovers who his replacement is, her heart nearly stops. Caleb Matthews is one of the hottest male actors ever… and not to mention Madison’s former boyfriend. When things got too serious between them, everything fell apart. And now, Madison must play nice or lose her job. She just has to forget all of the reasons she’d fallen for him in the first place.

In THE LAST CHRISTMAS, a sweet romance novella by Annette Lyon, Meredith only has to make it through the Christmas holiday pretending that she and her husband Eric aren’t on the verge of divorce. She doesn’t want to ruin the holiday for her two grown daughters and their boyfriends. But when Eric hurries home after weeks of living in a motel to unpack before their daughters arrive, he starts pressing Meredith with questions about why she filed for divorce. The last thing Meredith wants to do it give Eric a second chance, but it seems that Eric is not willing to let her go without trying to win her back.

In Julie Coulter Bellon’s captivating novella TRUTH OR DARE, after a year of recovery, wounded war veteran Jonah Harrison comes home for Christmas. No longer the outgoing high school track star, he just wants to be left alone, away from well-meaning friends and neighbors. But when a blizzard strands him with Cami Jackson—the girl who once knew him best—he can’t hide anything from her, no matter how much he wants to. Cami has a wounded heart of her own, though, and it might take a Christmas miracle for them to find the healing they both long for and the courage to reach for a chance at love.

In the charming novella HOLIDAY BUCKET LIST by Sarah M. Eden, Celeste Lagorio has officially given up on Christmas. A single mother, with her children grown and unable to return for the holiday, Celeste determines to take a break from everything. When her single neighbor and almost-best-friend, Mike Durham, discovers her non-plans, they discuss things they’ve always wanted to do, but never had time. Mike and Celeste put together a friendly competition of checking off the things on their bucket list, all the while drawing closer and discovering they have more in common than they thought.

In CHRISTMAS EVERY DAY, a delightful novella by Heather B. Moore, Monica is on the verge of buying her dream store, but when she tells her boyfriend, he turns it into an embarrassing public argument. Heartbroken, but determined to follow her dream, she goes to her employer’s Christmas party to play Mrs. Claus, only to be paired with someone unexpected. A young Mr. Claus who is the complete opposite of her ex-boyfriend in all the most important ways. Yet, Monica is not sure she can risk opening her heart again.

In Jennifer Griffith’s exciting novella FIRST (AND LAST) CHRISTMAS DATE, pilot Juliet Law has been in a holding pattern, dating the wrong guy, until she gets a holiday shake-up: old flame Tag McClintock e-mails her to ask for second date—after ten years. Their first date, back in high school, had been an unmitigated disaster culminating with Pepto Bismol and the police. Still, Juliet would have gone out with Tag again the next day—and the next—had he asked. So now that he’s finally popping up in her in-box again, Juliet must decide whether to say yes to the date, even if it puts her at risk of another decade of carrying a torch for Tag McClintock. Will their second date be their last?

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My Review: 5 Stars

I love the holidays and these sweet Christmas romances each hit the spot. I was pleasantly surprised to find stories that span the ages. Not only are there younger couples, but older ones as well, and each book has a great story to tell. I only wish that each and every story had a kiss under the mistletoe.

Jealousy and second chances are big themes in FORGOTTEN KISSES. The characters work in Hollywood and discover that after two years, the spark is still there. But can the jealousy be dispelled? I love how the feelings and insecurities are accurately portrayed. That tender glance of love made my knees weak.

THE LAST CHRISTMAS is about a couple who are ready to divorce after 25 years of marriage. My heart was completely tugged by this story, as it's so easy to lose sight of the reason why a couple marries in the first place. The emerging glimmers of communication and the responses to the pleas almost brought tears to my eyes and this one really stood out to me.

TRUTH OR DARE brings the reader a second chance romance with a couple who each struggles with pain and injured souls. I love the way they play this simple game to rekindled a friendship and more. Such sweet reactions and tender love.

In a friends-to-love story, CHRISTMAS BUCKET LIST brings us two widowed characters who make a list to recreate what their younger selves would have wanted for gifts. An unrequited love just may finally be recognized in the process, in this sweet story. I love their lists and the way it all played out.

Who can resist a knight in shining armor--especially a perfectly flawed one? In CHRISTMAS EVERY DAY, Monica is rescued from a bad boyfriend by Jaxon. As they are thrown together and help each other heal over heartaches, they just might realize how perfectly matched they are. I loved the adventure and suspense that was mixed into the romance.

FIRST (AND LAST) CHRISTMAS DATE is a second chance romance. When Juliet gets an email out of the blue ten years after a disastrous first date with Tag, she jumps at the chance to flesh out her former crush. Another disastrous date is in the making, but the results may be different. This story was action-packed and very swoony, which I didn't mind in the least.

This is a great collection that I would love to re-read each year!

Content: each story has mild (kissing) romance. The last one has some innuendo and Christmas Every Day has some mild language.

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Love in an Elevator: A Romantic Comedy Anthology {Book Blast with Giveaway}

   

Love in an Elevator: A Romantic Comedy Anthology 

Laugh, swoon, and escape with this romantic comedy anthology! Will an elevator ride change her life? 

In HOLD THE LIFT by Aven Ellis, Sierra Crawford ends up meeting sexy British hockey player Jude Parker after their elevator sticks. Sierra finds herself getting to know Jude—and she likes what she sees. But he wouldn’t be interested in a food-obsessed assistant editor right? Sierra knows she’s quirky—her fondness of Magic 8 Balls is proof of that—so there’s no way he could look her way. Or can he? 

In DOWN, THEN UP by Beth Labonte, Lauren Oswald never expected to see her college love, Jamie, again. Not after the way things ended. She certainly doesn’t expect to see him ten years later at a bachelorette party in Vegas, waiting inside a hotel elevator. Slightly older. Different haircut. No wedding ring. Same eyes. As the pair embark on a late night errand, Lauren is flooded with memories of how Jamie became the one that got away—and she realizes that this one night could be their last chance to make things right. 

In GOING UP? by Whitney Dineen, Fiona Kitchen had a dream when she moved to New York and it wasn’t taking a job as an elevator operator in a posh, West Side, apartment building. She also didn’t expect to meet a hot handyman, a Columbian drug lord and a notorious mob boss and then fall for one of them in a big way. Life in the Big Apple isn’t quite turning out the way she planned, but who said that was a bad thing? 

In Becky Monson’s TAKING A CHANCE, Liza Parker has a fear of heights, crowds and small spaces. So what’s a girl like her doing on a crowded elevator going to the top of the Empire State Building? Freaking out, that’s what she’s doing. Enter Jay Sanders, a tourist who thinks he might be able to help Liza face her fears, but she has to be willing to spend the day with a complete stranger. Maybe taking a chance on Jay is just what Liza needs. 

In HAPPY TO BE STUCK WITH YOU by Rich Amooi, Becca has had an office crush on Daniel—Mr. Delicious—for over a year. Getting stuck in an elevator with him was the last thing she expected. If only she can control her claustrophobia. To make matters worse, they're also stuck with an eighty-year-old man who has a weak bladder, and a penchant for playing cupid. But life is unpredictable. Sometimes, getting stuck is the best thing that can happen. 

Computer genius Maisy Potter crosses an ocean to take her dream vacation at an English country estate … where the winsome Mark Prebys works below stairs. With him, Maisy discovers a carefree happiness she's never known. But will the troubles dogging her from back home, a secret or two whispered behind the parlour curtains, and misunderstandings to beat the band extinguish the magic they think they've found in each other? And if not, what happens when Maisy's enchanting holiday ends? Find out in UPSTAIRS, DOWNSTAIRS … AND THE LIFT IN BETWEEN by Geralyn Corcillo. 

In THE ONLY WAY IS UP by Lindy Dale, Meet Bailey Burns: hottest thing on the literary circuit. And the most reluctant. After fainting in a lift and regaining consciousness to find herself kissing a stranger, Bailey thinks her week can’t get much worse. But it can. Much worse. Bailey is about to be proposed to by a crazed fan wearing a vampire costume. She’s about to discover she’s in relationship with the guy she kissed. Not only that, but said guy happens to be her new PR manager. Oh dear! 

In OUT OF ORDER, by Dee Ernst, Grace has sworn off good-looking men. As soon as she starts dating one of them, she transforms from a mature, confident woman to a needy teen-aged girl. So when she meets Seth, the best-looking man she’s ever seen, she makes the right choice — forget all about him. But a neurotic golden retriever and a broken elevator keep bringing them together. Is the world working against her… or maybe the gods are finally smiling?

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * iTunes

 

Praise for the Book

"...fun, easy, and highly entertaining reads, perfect for when you have a night in and need a little hit of frivolity and a happily ever after."-Author Jennifer Collin

"Touching, funny, and--true to the elevator theme--an uplifting and wonderful ride." -Author Jo Perry

Grab a copy of Love in an Elevator for just 99 cents this week only!

   

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway

Ends 11/2/16 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.

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A Timeless Romance Anthology: Blind Date Collection {Review}

A Timeless Romance Anthology: Blind Date Collection

Kindle Edition, 303 pages

Published September 13th 2016 by Mirror Press



***My review of each story will be following the novella description.***  My Rating: 5 Stars

Amazon #1 Bestselling series in *New Release* for Clean Romance

A TIMELESS ROMANCE ANTHOLOGY: BLIND DATE COLLECTION: Featuring New York Times bestselling author Victorine E. Lieske. Readers will love this collection of six novellas—three contemporary and three historical—all with one thing in common: Romance.

Three Historical Romance Novellas:

THE PROMISE THAT KATY DID, by Annette Lyon: After the death of Sue Ellen, the closest thing she has to family, Katy knows it’s time to leave the house she’s lived in as a guest and start over in the city. She quickly secures a job, but before leaving, she must honor the unusual promise she made to Sue Ellen on her deathbed: meet with Mr. Balmer. The elderly gentleman arranges for his grandson Barrett to escort her to a town dance. That evening, shy Katy quickly feels at ease with her partner. If her new position weren’t taking her from town morning after next, perhaps something could develop between them. But Barrett may not feel the same about her, and besides, they don't have enough time to find out.


I can't imagine being alone in the world and having to imposed on the kindness and generosity of others to survive, but that's just the situation that Katy finds herself in. A deathbed request from a close friend, leads her to meeting Barrett. I love the gentle, tender story that develops, as this couple gets to know each other and as they each analyze their feelings. This is a very sweet story and is a great start to the book!

A LADY OF SENSE, by Sarah M. Eden: Eleanor Sherwood has lived her entire life under her parents’ thumb with little hope of escape. When they choose the unbearable Mr. Broadstead to be her future husband, she begs her father for another option. He arranges for her to meet Peter Havensham, who quickly proves himself a good and kindhearted gentleman, completely different from Mr. Broadstead, and utterly undeserving of a forced engagement. Eleanor cannot bring herself to prey upon Peter’s honor, but neither can she imagine a life with Mr. Broadstead. What is a lady to do when faced with such an impossible choice?


I was very curious to know how in the world a blind date could possibly come about during the Regency period, but Ms. Eden delivered! This story is slightly humorous and so much fun. I love the "ultimatum," of sorts, that Eleanor's father gives her and the way she finally comes to her decision. These are great characters, with vividly descriptive personalities. This book hit the spot!

A SECOND CHANCE, by Heather B. Moore: Virginia needs a new start in order to recover from her broken marriage and vicious gossips of her neighborhood in Boston, so when her best friend Millie invites Virginia to Chicago, she goes to live with her friend’s family. But when Millie asked Virginia to participate in a double-date, Virginia knows she’s not ready to start dating again. Reluctantly she agrees, only to find out that Max might just be the man who can repair the cracks in her heart.

This story is a bit scandalous, considering that Virginia is newly divorced and escaping to her friend's home to recover. Almost being tricked into a date, she finds herself more ready to move on than she thought. I really liked Virginia. Not only is she very dedicated to her young son, but she's very determined not to mess up again. She clearly has trust issues, but she's knows when to act and does so. 

Three Contemporary Romance Novellas:

BRAELYNN’S BLIND DATE, by Victorine E. Lieske. When Braelynn agrees to go on a blind date, she thinks she’s hit the jackpot. Tyler is gorgeous and the perfect gentleman. Of course she should have known it was too good to be true. It turns out that Tyler really wasn’t Tyler, but a random stranger who went along with Braelynn’s mistaken assumption. So, she chalks it up to a dumb mistake until she gets to work Monday morning and discovers that her gorgeous blind date is now her new boss.

Am I the only one who thinks this is the ultimate horror story for a blind date? I used to be nervous that I'd meet the "wrong" guy if I didn't know who it was that I was supposed to date. I couldn't help but laugh at the antics that happened throughout this story and I was mildly horrified at the work situation. This is a fun story to read, be embarrassed about, and to cheer the characters on. 

BIANCA’S HOPE, by Rachel Branton: A blind-date-gone-wrong is not the way Bianca would have chosen to celebrate the news that she might be losing her business, but saying no to the sister who took care of her after their mother’s death proves impossible. So for one date, one torturous evening, she’ll endure the company of an infuriating, heartless man she has no intention of ever seeing again. She doesn’t expect her heart to have other plans. Bianca soon learns that sometimes the unexpected is not only what you need, it’s exactly what you’ve been waiting for all along.


Not all blind dates start out with an instant dislike, but this one does. I read the book that this story spins off from, so it was fun to revisit these characters, although it can stand alone. I love how the story shows that first impressions aren't always all that.

BLIND SPOT, by Sariah Wilson: Ria has prepared most of her life to meet her prince, trouble is, her mother keeps yanking her back to reality. So when Ria reads about a country teeming with princes, she drops everything and applies to grad school. But every blind date goes wrong, and while Ria commiserates with her roommate Tessa and Tessa’s totally un-prince-like brother Paolo, Ria discovers that all the things she thought she wanted in a man are far from what she really needs.

You had me at "prince." Ria goes overseas for school, determined to meet a prince, but is caught off guard when she meets Paolo instead. When she is stood up for her blind date, Paolo comes to the rescue and the story firmly plants itself into my heart at that exact moment and only solidifies my feelings from there. This is a great story with fun, unique characters. What a perfect way to end this collection!

Content: all have mild romantic elements. Clean!

*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*

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