All posts by writinstuff

Contemporary romance writer, political comedy writer, ghostwriter and editor. Lover of coffee & cocktails, world traveler, off-key singer, vegan and adventurer-ish!
book reviews, Holiday, Romance

Review ~ Christmas Glitter by Ann B. Harrison

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After a rough year involving a serious car accident, painful recovery and broken engagement, Dakota Moore moves to Cherry Lake to rebuild her life. To embrace her new community, she volunteers to coordinate the annual Christmas tree gala.

Adam Clements has come home to help his mother run the family business while his father recovers from a heart attack. For the last decade, he’s been a high-flying soccer player, enjoying the life that comes with his popularity. But something is missing and he can’t put his finger on it… until he returns to Cherry Lake and remembers the feeling of home.

Adam tries to keep his distance because he knows he’ll be leaving, but he can’t deny his attraction to Dakota. With the countdown to Christmas on, can Dakota convince Adam that his home is right there in Cherry Lake, with her?

One of the things I liked most about Christmas Glitter was the overall theme of making choices. Both Dakota and Adam have had some life changing events happen in their lives recently and Ann B. Harrison’s tale is about the choices they make. Do they let these things happen to them or do they make a choice about what their lives will look like next? It’s an interesting choice, but a good one as the story unfolds with Dakota recovering physically and emotionally, and Adam dealing with the realities of aging parents and an aging body as a professional athlete.. With both Adam and Dakota back in Cherry Lake, they will both have to decide what happens next. Her life is now in Cherry Lake but his stay is only temporary, even if the life that’s waiting for him isn’t as fulfilling as it should be.

The thing the author does so well in Christmas Glitter is the way the relationship builds. Not that I’m opposed to it, but there is no insta-love, this is definitely a slow burn that starts with friendship and gradually changes as they get to know each other. Healing, though in different ways, changes their perspectives and as the story moves forward you just know this will cause some drama later on! Aside from the basic relationship drama, I loved the focus on the holiday and the small town calmness.

I am a sucker for a small town romance and Christmas Glitter was the perfect holiday treat.

New Releases, Novellas, Romance

LIVE!!! ~ The Christmas Fountain by Kait Nolan

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Elementary school teacher Mary Alice Reed wanted a nice, stable guy to share her happily ever after. When she thought she’d found him, everyone tried to tell her that the guy she thought was her Mr. Right, was really Mr. Somebody Else’s. Living with a town’s worth of I-told-you-so isn’t easy, but she’s coping. And definitely taking a break from love in order to get past her last disaster to chair her favorite Christmas charity.

Trauma surgeon Chad Phillips gave up the intensity and long hours of a big city hospital to move to Wishful. He wants a home and family, a town with a slower pace, where he can actually build a life. Being one of Wishful’s most eligible bachelors has gotten him a lot of pie and casseroles, but it hasn’t helped him find that special someone to come home to.

When a friend’s accident lands Mary Alice in his ER, Chad finds himself more than intrigued. Part Martha Stewart, part Mary Poppins, and all Girl Next Door, she’s exactly what he’s been looking for. Volunteering for the Fountain of Hope charity seems like the perfect way to get to know his Christmas crush. But just as he seems to be overcoming Mary Alice’s once bitten, twice shy caution, that one tiny thing from his past, that he probably should have told her about, shows up for a Christmas season visit. Chad’s gonna have some explaining to do.

Get it HERE!!!

book reviews, Holiday, Romance

Review ~ Christmas Nights – J.H. Croix

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Get your copy HERE!!!

ABOUT:

Sometimes it takes more courage to love than to be alone.

When Janie Stevens gets fished out of the icy ocean after a boating accident, she doesn’t expect to fall for the man who saves her. Travis Wilkes, the man in question, is all kinds of man—firefighter, emergency responder and pure, rugged masculinity. She’s completely unprepared for the burning, yearning craving he kindles.

Travis is the quintessential sexy outdoorsman and much too busy for love. He’s been honed by a life on the edge in Alaska and not much rattles him. When he yanks Janie out of the freezing waters of picturesque Kachemak Bay, he takes one look into her eyes and can’t stop thinking about her. A man who doesn’t blink in the face of danger finds himself nearly brought to his knees by a woman.

Janie has her reasons for being committed to a life that doesn’t include romance. To say she has trust issues is a bit of an understatement. With the sparks flying between Janie and Travis burning too hot for them to ignore, they discover there may be much more than passion binding them together. Steamy nights, snowy days and Christmas just might convince Travis and Janie that love is possible.

This wasn’t my first Diamond Creek, Alaska novel and I doubt it’ll be my last even though they are sometimes hit or miss. Christmas Nights though was pure, romantic fun. Janie gets pulled from ice cold water by resident bachelor, town hero and rugged outdoorsman, Travis and from there, things get interesting. Janie and Travis kind of dance around each other at first, which was fun to watch because they both had their own reasons—though totally lame ones—for not pursuing romance.

Once they started spending time together, I was hooked. First of all, you have to love any guy who saves your life and then stops to check on you in the hospital. And throw in that sizzling chemistry that was there in the hospital room with them and you knew this was going to be a fun read. Travis is hot and all man, but he’s also sweet and kind, so yeah I have a bit of a crush on him.

One of the best things about Christmas Nights is that it was a mostly angst-free read. There was drama, particularly where Janie’s reasons for being wary of relationships was concerned and that was more than enough drama, and not in a bad way. There were no scheming exes or crazy stalkers either. Just one precocious teenager and two adults trying to find love in Alaska. Oh! That’s the other thing J.H. Croix does really well with these novels. I feel like I’ve been to Alaska (I haven’t…yet) but the author really pulls you into the rugged chaos of the terrain, the beauty and serenity of the area.

Over the past year and a half I have become a solid J.X. Croix fan because of the Diamond Creek, Alaska series and this one was the perfect holiday read. Steamy, sweet and just enough Christmas to make you feel warm and fuzzy.

Romance

Just $.99 TODAY ONLY!!!

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It Must Be Love is on sale for just 99 pennies until midnight PST TODAY!!

If you haven’t been to Mustang Prairie yet, let Trixie and Jack reel you in.

 

💖💋🔥💖💋Welcome to Mustang Prairie🔥💖💋🔥💖💋
Trixie is a Mustang Prairie girl, born and raised. At least until her parents up and moved her to a commune in Oregon and far away from the love of her young life. Jack Thorpe.

But grownup Trixie is back in Mustang Prairie and ready for the next chapter in her life, which includes her lingerie store Under the Skirt and starting her own line of sexy lacy things. When her past collides with her present in the form of a tall, blonde artist, Trixie has to wonder if her girlish crush could be the answer to her grownup dreams?

Jack married his high school sweetheart, only it didn’t turn out so sweet and he never got to tell her it was over. Now he has to smile and pretend while the world goes on and on about how great Marissa was, especially now that he’d brought his girls back to Mustang Prairie for good.

The one bright spot in town was the new and improved girl next door. Little Trixie wasn’t so little and Jack was more than a little interested. Too bad he wasn’t interested in another round of the rollercoaster known as love and commitment.

Too bad he can’t stay away.

It Must Be Love
US: http://amzn.to/2hFSIzw
UK: http://amzn.to/2k8vAdA

Fall in love with the rest of #MustangPrairie!!!

Conflict of Interest (Shellie & Noel) ~ http://amzn.to/1SJDcyR

A Little Bit In Love (Alex & Baxter) ~ http://amzn.to/1L9772p

Feels Like Love (Sadie & Dylan) ~ http://amzn.to/1KIICF5

Romance

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

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To all my friends, family and readers in the United States, I wanted to take a moment to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and tell you that I am thankful for ALL OF YOU!! Those of you who have bought my books, reviewed them or helped pimp them. To those of you who supported and encouraged me, and those who offered critiques that were hard to hear…thank you.

Putting one book out for consumption is hard. Making a career of it is even harder without the right people around to help you succeed. It is a slow climb but we’re all still making it together. So thank you for being the kind of people to help and I hope I’ve given back as much or more to you.

Eat well and be thankful for those that are with you today, and remember those who aren’t with you any longer.

And wish me luck as I embark on my very first vegan Thanksgiving meal.

After your belly is stuffed and your heart is full of mashed potatoes and yummy pecan pie, snuggle up with a good book or two.

Just #99cents

Alex & Baxter

book reviews, New Releases, Novellas, Romance

Review ~ The Christmas Fountain – Kait Nolan

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Get your copy HERE!!!

ABOUT:

Elementary school teacher Mary Alice Reed wanted a nice, stable guy to share her happily ever after. When she thought she’d found him, everyone tried to tell her that the guy she thought was her Mr. Right, was really Mr. Somebody Else’s. Living with a town’s worth of I-told-you-so isn’t easy, but she’s coping. And definitely taking a break from love in order to get past her last disaster to chair her favorite Christmas charity.

Trauma surgeon Chad Phillips gave up the intensity and long hours of a big city hospital to move to Wishful. He wants a home and family, a town with a slower pace, where he can actually build a life. Being one of Wishful’s most eligible bachelors has gotten him a lot of pie and casseroles, but it hasn’t helped him find that special someone to come home to.

When a friend’s accident lands Mary Alice in his ER, Chad finds himself more than intrigued. Part Martha Stewart, part Mary Poppins, and all Girl Next Door, she’s exactly what he’s been looking for. Volunteering for the Fountain of Hope charity seems like the perfect way to get to know his Christmas crush. But just as he seems to be overcoming Mary Alice’s once bitten, twice shy caution, that one tiny thing from his past, that he probably should have told her about, shows up for a Christmas season visit. Chad’s gonna have some explaining to do.

The Christmas Fountain by Kait Nolan is the perfect holiday story. It’s a full blown romance, complete with meet cute and a slow, sexy buildup. Only it all happens around the holidays. There are no cheesy Christmas themes or kitsch thrown in, just Mary Alice and Chad.

And I LOVED them together. Flirting in the ER over drunk friend was the perfect way for this serious couple to meet. And from that point their relationship progressed perfectly, with fun dates and plenty of sweet romance and a whole lotta steamy romance. There was a little bit of everything for everyone who loves a great small town romance.

I can’t say there was a part of this story I didn’t like. I cracked open my Kindle yesterday and finished it just a minutes before starting on this review. It was quick, fun and easy. But, I’m gonna have to call BS on Chad for one tiny little misunderstanding. Yeah, I know it’s a romance and there has to be drama and/or misunderstanding, I got it and love it. Hell, I write romance myself and I have a bit of a girl crush on Kait. But Chad…seriously? I think Mary Alice was totally within her rights to be pissed off because of ALL the things you hide or keep to yourself IT’S NOT THAT! Not when you know her history, so while it all worked out, I’m calling Dr. Phillips out on his behavior on that part.

Overall, I loved this story. It had just enough holiday for the season and I loved some of the secondary characters. Kait Nolan is one author who excels at pulling in different characters without overloading the story with too many people.

The Christmas Fountain was a fun holiday romance to get you in the spirit!

book reviews, New Releases, Romance

Review ~ Romancing the Bachelor – Diane Alberts

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ABOUT:

Eric Hamilton isn’t looking for love. Hell, he isn’t even looking for a girl. He has a five-year plan, and he’s one hundred percent focused on that. But then Shelby walks into his life, and suddenly, he can’t think about anything else. Unfortunately for him, she hates his guts, and wants nothing to do with him. But he’s a man who loves a challenge.

Shelby Jefferson can’t wait to get out of the city, and back to her country roots. She moved to Atlanta for a guy who promptly left her, and the last thing she wants is to fall for another man who might make her want to stay. But Eric is nothing if not persistent, and before long she’s inside his arms, in his bed, and falling for him. Hard. But when history repeats itself, she’s left having to choose between a man and herself…again.

The thing I liked best about Romancing the Bachelor was that these two people, so seemingly different, were so much alike. Not what they liked, but the baggage they carried. Eric is more than a bachelor, he’s a player. A love’em and leave’em kind of guy who makes sure everyone woman knows what to expect from him up front.

And it’s no secret.

So when he finally notices Shelby, who’s been a court reporter in the courts where he argues cases for years. What makes his attention even worse? They also live in the same building and in all those years he never once noticed her. Oh, but she noticed him all right. How could she not? Eric is hot, successful and did I mention hot? But, guess what? Yep, Shelby has baggage too and that baggage is taking her out of the city and back to a small town…somewhere.

But Eric is relentless and Shelby starts to think, why not. She’s leaving no matter what, so why not? Well there are about a billion reasons why not, but when a guy like Eric Hamilton wants in your bed…you let him in!

Romancing the Bachelor was a really good time. I really enjoyed the chemistry between the leads, the flirting and fun sexy banter. It felt real, like you want to feel during those first dates when you’re falling. Diane Alberts is an author I always give a shot to, and this book was no different. There was, of course, drama and misunderstanding but it wasn’t so over the top that it ruined the story.

New Releases, Romance

Hard Work by K.m. Scott is LIVE!

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It is a sexy new standalone loosely based on Beauty and The Beast, is now available, so get it today and fall in love with Zane and Becca’s story!

Zane Gilford has lived a blessed life. The only son of the owner of The Gilford House Inn, he’s benefitted from his mother’s extraordinary success. But Vermont was never where he wanted to be, and the day after graduation, he put the quaint country inn and everything about it behind him and never looked back.

Until now.

The death of his mother left Zane a very wealthy man, but in her will she also left him a surprise. For an entire year, he must run that Vermont inn he’s hated all his life if he wants to get one red cent of his inheritance.

Becca Fox has worked her way to the top of the advertising business and has the personal and professional scars to prove it. In her rare time off, she loves visiting her favorite bed and breakfast in the mountains of Vermont. When she finds a new owner running The Gilford House Inn, she wonders if her favorite getaway place has been ruined for her. He’s sexy as all hell and incredibly good looking, but he’s so cocky and arrogant.

From the first moment he sees her, Zane knows he wants Becca, but to get a woman like her, he’s going to have to learn to be a better man than he’s ever been. He’s got an inn to run and a woman to win. Neither is going to be easy. And time isn’t in his favor.

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2AVzxeF
iBooks: http://kmscottbooks.com/hardib
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Kobo: http://kmscottbooks.com/hardko
Google Play: http://kmscottbooks.com/hardgp

book reviews, New Releases, Romance

Review ~ Possessed By A Vampire – Susan Griscom

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ABOUT:

They possess the power to make their dreams come true—but it won’t be easy.

Preston Knight—Elvis to his friends—loves being a vampire. The night he was turned was the first step to him becoming the kind of man he always hoped to be. Now, he’s a rock star. What could be better? But the one thing that would make his world complete is just out of reach. The woman he yearns for has some serious secrets, and despite him knowing that she wants him just as much as he wants her, she won’t let him in.

Lily Grey never asked to be a vampire. The choice was taken from her eons ago, and things never improved. Now, she finds herself peddling drugs on the streets of San Francisco and playing the part of doting wife to a possessive and sadistic vampire with delusions of grandeur. But family means everything to Lily, and she’s willing to sacrifice everything for it…even her one chance at happiness with the sexy-as-sin vampire who sets her heart ablaze.

When one night of passion opens the door for a century of secrets to be revealed, Lily and Preston must fight for not only what they believe in but also what they love.

Possessed By A Vampire is the story of two very different vampires. Preston, known as Elvis to his friends, has loved it from the moment he made the transition. But Lily never wanted, didn’t ask for it and resents the hell out of being a vampire. He is a live life by the seat of his pants musician and she is a slightly naïve, sweet and trapped by her maker into living a life she doesn’t want. When they meet, there is something powerful, visceral about their connection. Susan Griscom does a really good job of painting the picture of their connection. She highlights the instinctive protective nature that rises up in good time guy Elvis, when it comes to Lily. Too bad, Lily is deeply connected to another.

The attraction in Possessed By A Vampire is instantaneous and I felt totally okay with that. Especially because there was a long past to get through before we could even get a glimmer of hope for Elvis and Lily. Lily’s life hasn’t been a happy one since was turned into a vampire but the one bright spot is Elvis, but her heart is not free and that’s the major conflict in this story. They had to dig into the past to figure out how to beat the current threat so they could live many, many lives together. To flesh out the story, Susan Griscom has given us a cast of supporting characters to love and hate on this thrilling adventure to the end.

New Releases, Romance

LIVE!! ~ Checkmate Duet Boxed Set

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Titles Included: Checkmate: This is Dangerous & Checkmate: This is Beautiful
Series: Checkmate Duet Series (Logan & Kayla)
Author: Kennedy Fox
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Trope: Second-chance Romance
Photographer & Designer: Sara Eirew

Release Date: November 16, 2017

Introducing the complete Logan & Kayla saga in the Checkmate series from the USA Today Bestselling duo, Kennedy Fox!

Checkmate: This is Dangerous & This is Beautiful is a second-chance romance that’ll have you swooning and laughing from the first to the last page! Are you ready to play the game?

***

Logan Knight is a real-life knight in shining armor. 
Brooding and mysterious, he’s the kind of guy every girl instantly notices. Between his seductive smirk and charming good looks, it’s no wonder Kayla can’t help the way he makes her feel when she’s near him. 
Too bad he’s unavailable–or so he says.

Kayla Sinclair is a saint and real-life angel.

She wears her heart on her sleeve and inspires Logan to be a better person.

Rescuing dogs, feeding the homeless, volunteering at the local food pantry are just a few of the ways she gives back to others, although no one has ever been there for her.

Falling for her is inevitable, but losing her will destroy him.

Logan may think he has her all figured out, but Kayla is determined to prove him wrong.. This game of push and pull has her running in circles. One wrong move and they could both lose.

When unexpected tragedy strikes and Kayla forgets their relationship ever existed, Logan’s worst nightmare comes to life. He’ll do anything to remind her of the love they shared. It’ll be an uphill battle, but Logan won’t walk away without a fight. Whoever said all is fair in love and war never played by his rules.

Checkmate.

*Recommend for ages 18+ due to sexual content and adult language.*

 

iBooks: hyperurl.co/ibookslk
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Nook: hyperurl.co/nooklk
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2hC7NqJ

Amazon International: hyperurl.co/amazoninlk

PRE-ORDER LINKS
iBooks: http://apple.co/2xZ1Men
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Nook: http://bit.ly/2wIilek

Amazon: Coming Soon

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Cover reveal is scheduled for January 8, 2018
Release is scheduled for January 30, 2018

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Brooke Cumberland & Lyra Parish are a duo of romance authors who teamed up under the USA Today Bestselling pseudonym, Kennedy Fox who share a love of You’ve Got Mailand The Holiday. When they aren’t bonding over romantic comedies, they like to brainstorm new book ideas. One day, they decided to collaborate and have some fun creating new characters that’ll make your lady bits tingle and your heart melt. If you enjoy romance stories with sexy, tattooed alpha males and smart, independent women, then a Kennedy Fox book is for you!

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