Category Archives: book reviews

Blog Tours, book reviews, Holiday, New Releases, Romance

Romance Release & Review!!! ~ The Matchmaking Heirs by Whitley Cox & Ember Leigh

December 2023 writinstuff Leave a comment

Title: The Matchmaking Heirs
Series: Winter Harbor Heroes, Book 4
Authors: Whitley Cox & Ember Leigh
Release: December 1, 2023
Genre: Christmas, holiday, winter, matchmaking, small town, mystery, family secrets, feel-good, inspirational, warm and fuzzy
Cover Design: EmCat Designs

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/150381114-the-matchmaking-heirs

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-matchmaking-heirs-first-christmas-in-winter-harbor-winter-harbor-heroes-book-4-by-whitley-cox-and-ember-leigh

Blurb:

It’s the Winters brothers first Christmas in Winter Harbor!
They’ve reconciled, found love, found a purpose and are winning over the hearts of the townspeople. What more could they ask for?

Perhaps even an inkling of an idea what to get their better half for Christmas for starters.

And now they’ve been tasked with a matchmaking quest that seems downright impossible. Maribel has put it on the brothers and their lady loves to help widow Drucilla Crombie finally get the man she’s pined over for nearly sixty years. But old Mr. Gentry is oblivious and ornery and, according to Maribel, would need a map and a compass to find the nose on his own face, so he’s completely hopeless when it comes to love.

Now, it’s up to Callum, Carson, Colton and their women to help bring the two Winter Harborites together once and for all. But it won’t be easy. And if that’s not hard enough, there’s a journalist in Summer Hills hell-bent on dragging the Summers and Winters family names through the mud. So they need to figure out what his problem is and put a stop to it before things escalate and ruin Christmas for everyone.

Get ready for laughter, swoony moments, and one unforgettable Christmas in the quirky small coastal town of Winter Harbor, Oregon as the brothers and their loves unravel mysteries, play matchmakers and sneak moments under the mistletoe for the first time ever.

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Blog Tours, book reviews, enemies to lovers romance, Holiday, New Releases, Romance

New Release & Book Review!! ~ Grumpy Little Christmas by Marika Ray

November 2023 writinstuff Leave a comment

Title: Grumpy Little Christmas
Author: Marika Ray
Release: November 14, 2023
Genre: Small Town Romantic Comedy
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/466wE8t
Cover Design: Shanoff Designs
Tagline: All I Want for Christmas is a Grumpy Viking

Blurb:

My country music career is going downhill fast, and my very public breakup isn’t helping. All I want is to hide away at a cozy ski lodge this Christmas, avoid anything festive, and figure out what to do with my life. Is that so much to ask?

Aksel Lund is a modern-day Viking who should be gracing magazine covers with his smoldery frown, not running the Havenkirk Ski Lodge like a tyrant. Unbeknownst to me, this map-dot town in Idaho doesn’t have a spa or know how to be chill about Christmas. Aksel’s eight-year-old daughter drags me to every single Snowmass celebration because I don’t have the heart to tell her no.

Her grinch of a father though? He has no heart. When he’s not criticizing my music, or saving me from hurtling down the slopes, or arguing with me over my excessive luggage—it’s only five suitcases, calm down—he’s dodging my questions about why he’s a single dad and who keeps calling about his debts.

I may be a celebrity— which basically makes me a scrooge in his eyes—but I know a thing or two about hard times. And it looks like Havenkirk will be sold to some rich developer the minute the tinsel comes down. If only Mr. Tall-Dark-and-Brooding would let me help save the lodge.

And if only Aksel didn’t make my heart twist painfully in my chest and leave me panting whenever he turns that glower on me. If only I truly loved the season and could pull a Christmas miracle out of my guitar.

Turns out a miracle is what I need to get Aksel out of my heart, too.

Buy Links:

Amazon Universal: https://mybook.to/grumpychristmas

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3SQ4dZ4

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Blog Tours, book reviews, Comedy fiction, enemies to lovers romance, New Releases, Romance, Romantic Comedy/RomCom

New Release & Review!! ~ Flirting with the Scrooge by Gia Stevens

November 2023 writinstuff Leave a comment

Title: Flirting with the Scrooge
Series: Harbor Highlands Series
Author: Gia Stevens
Release Date: November 20, 2023
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Tropes: Holiday Romance, Grumpy x Sunshine, Return to Hometown, Rock Star
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3QAJuFT
BookBub: https://bit.ly/3sqy27o

Blurb:

‘Twas a month before Christmas, and all through the town,
Everyone was ready to celebrate, except my hot and grumpy new neighbor.

Christmas is my favorite time of year with the festive parties and holiday cheer. But having Connor Tyler move in next door is as much fun as searching for a burned-out bulb in a string of lights.

His rugged good looks and guitar can make anyone swoon. That doesn’t change the fact that he slammed the door in my face when I welcomed him with a tray of homemade cookies.

But I won’t let his bah-humbug attitude damper my holiday spirit. This year, more than ever, I need to deck the halls and revel in being jolly. As I ramp up my holiday cheer, Connor spends more and more time casting lingering glances toward my… mistletoe. When a blizzard hits, a gesture of hospitality leads to exchanging more than presents.

As Christmas draws nearer, I chip away at his icy facade only to discover a painful truth. There’s an expiration date on his time next door.

And I’m certain I don’t have enough boxes of tinsel to convince him to stay.

Buy Links:

Universal: https://geni.us/FWTScrooge
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3sJ83sq
Apple: https://geni.us/FWTScrooge_Apple
Kobo: https://geni.us/FWTScrooge_Kobo
B&N: https://geni.us/FWTScrooge_Nook
Google Play: https://geni.us/FWTScroogeGP
Smashwords: https://geni.us/FWTScrooge_SW

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book reviews, Fiction, friends to lovers, New Releases, Romance

Romance Book Review!! ~ A Love Like You by Kait Nolan

November 2023 writinstuff Leave a comment

ABOUT:

After Mick Routlege catches the garter at his best friend’s wedding, everyone is convinced he’s next. Too bad the only woman he wants has him lodged firmly in the friend zone.

Between her job as a nurse and the demands of her family, Juliette Chen feels like the world is on her shoulders. Spread so thin, she doesn’t have time for a relationship… even if she might like one with her sexy, funny neighbor.

When Mick scores tickets to see their favorite band, he surprises Juliette with an overnight roadtrip. But an unseasonable holiday blizzard traps these two friends in close quarters at the inn hosting the concert. Will getting snowed in together show Juliette that friends make the best lovers or will she stay blind to the fact that Mick is just what she needs?

GET IT TODAY!!!

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Blog Tours, book reviews, New Releases, Romance, sports romance

Romance Book Review!! ~ One Pucking Love by Ellie Wade

November 2023 writinstuff Leave a comment

Title: One Pucking Love
Series: Crane Hockey
Author: Ellie Wade
Release Date: November 13, 2023
Genre/Tropes: Contemporary Romance, Sports, Hockey, Brother’s Best Friend, Second Chance, Friends to Lovers, Male Virgin, Forced Proximity
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/198246915-one-pucking-love
Cover Design: Kate Farlow with Y’All that graphic

Blurb:

From USA Today best-selling author Ellie Wade comes a brother’s best friend and second-chance hockey romance.

Cade Richards is the starting forward of the NHL team the Cranes. He’s at the top of his game and scoring like a champ. On a quick trip home, he runs into Iris, the woman he’s spent his adult life striving to be good enough for, the one who holds his heart.

Iris Feldmore’s life is in shambles. Everything she’s worked for has crumbled. Her brother returns home with his best friend—her first love, Cade—in tow. The hockey team gave Cade the nickname of Heartbreaker, and it’s fitting because he broke hers. If she’s honest with herself, she’s never gotten over it.

Now Cade’s back and offering to help her in a way only he can. He’s always known what she needed, yet she’s terrified to let him in. She wouldn’t survive his loss again.

This time, though, something feels different. Their chemistry is off the charts, but she’s been fooled before. After all these years, could everything she’s wanted be in reach?

Or will opening her heart end in another devastating heartbreak?

GET IT TODAY: https://amzn.to/3sJ6eeZ

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Blog Tours, book reviews, enemies to lovers romance, New Releases, Romance

New Release & Review!! ~ Done With You by Whitley Cox

October 2023 writinstuff 1 Comment

Title: Done With You
Series: Young Sisters Novel
Author: Whitley Cox
Release: October 14, 2023
Genre: close proximity, cop, enemies to lovers, Christmas, broken hero
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/150300846-done-with-you
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/done-with-you-young-sisters-book-4-by-whitley-cox

Blurb:

She already knows all of his secrets, and that’s what terrifies him the most.

Looking for one night to forget her problems, Oona Young uses an alias and follows a handsome stranger back to his hotel room. Their time together is brief but passionate, and she leaves in the morning, believing she’ll never see him again. Only when her newest patient is the same man who’s seen all of her tattoos, do things get awkward. She’s read his file and knows what he’s dealing with. Ethically, she must refuse to treat him.

Forced into therapy before he can return to active duty as a police officer, Aiden Lassiter has been on the waitlist to see Dr. Young for months. So imagine his frustration and shock when the woman, who hasn’t left his thoughts since that wild night he used a fake name, is sitting in the therapist’s chair and refuses to treat him.
Things can’t get any worse, right?

Oh, but they can and certainly do when he finally works up the courage to visit his estranged brother and Oona ends up beside him on the plane. Little do either of them know they’re in for one interesting Christmas.

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Blog Tours, book reviews, Fiction, friends to lovers, New Releases, Romance

Release Day Book Review!! ~ Single Dad in a Kilt by Kait Nolan

October 2023 writinstuff Leave a comment

ABOUT:

They say timing is everything, and for single dad Hamish Colquhoun, the timing couldn’t be worse. With a new law practice to establish, a centuries-old farmhouse to restore, and the challenges of raising a tween daughter, romance is the last thing on his mind. But when Afton Lennox, his best friend’s runaway bride, comes home seeking redemption, she ignites all the feelings he’s tried for years to bury. Will he let his guarded heart take a leap of faith to write a new ending to their shared history?

AVAILABLE NOW!! ~ Goodreads

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book reviews, Romance, small town romance

Romance Book Review! ~ Wait For Me by J.H. Croix

September 2023 writinstuff Leave a comment

ABOUT:

He makes an offer I can’t refuse. I never thought I was saving myself for anyone. Until Lucas.

Lucas

My priorities are my daughter and my job as a first responder. Romance isn’t even on the radar. Until one little package changes everything.

In a single mind-blowing hour, I end up with a package meant for Valentina Smith, and I find out she’s innocent. I won’t even mention what’s in that package.

Next thing I know, my other brain gets the best of me. Valentina deserves the best, so that brain says, running my mouth like it has no business.

I don’t expect to fall for her. So hard it brings me to my knees. Did I mention she’s meant to be worshipped?

Wait For Me is perfect for readers who love small town romance, single father romance, smart, sassy & innocent heroines, slow burn, emotional romance with a dash of angst, plenty of swoon, and a deeply protective broody hero.

Get your copy HERE!!!

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book reviews, Romance

Book Review!! ~ This Crazy Love by J.H. Croix

September 2023 writinstuff 1 Comment

ABOUT:

Rule #1: Do not fall for your brother’s best friend.
Rule # 2: Absolutely do not fall for your brother’s best friend.
Rule # 3: Don’t break the rules.

Shay

Jackson Stone is hot—like burn-down-buildings kind of hot. He’s also my brother’s best friend, and the memory of one kiss with him years ago still might get to me. Maybe. But, I am not looking for a second chance.

When I return to the small town of Stolen Hearts Valley, my life is a hot mess. I’m a few bucks shy of broke with nowhere else to go. My heart’s battered and bruised, and when it comes to romance, the door is nailed shut.

But Jackson’s the kind of man women ruin panties over. Oh, and he’s my roommate. Talk about too close for comfort.

When I’m at my most vulnerable, he pulls that whole knight-in-shining-armor thing. What can I say? He’s near impossible to resist.

Jackson

Shay Martin is my best friend’s little sister. And she’s so hot she nearly sets me on fire.

She’s a walking complication, and I don’t do complications. But I can’t seem to stay away from her. It doesn’t help that her bedroom is across the hall from mine.

Every look, every kiss, every touch nearly brings me to my knees. I can’t keep my balance, much less think. Before I know it, I’ll do anything for her. Complications be d*mned.

Get This Crazy Love –> Amazon: https://amzn.to/3P8k5CZ

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Blog Tours, book reviews, New Releases, Novellas, Romance, small town romance

Romance Book Review ~ Beards & Babies by Heather Lauren

September 2023 writinstuff Leave a comment

ABOUT:

The bare naked buns of my brother’s best friend greet me in Florida.

I haven’t seen Soren Mathews since the most embarrassing night of my life. Now ten years older, he’s all grizzly man. With a sexy beard and new scars, he draws me right back under his spell.

For one night, the storm keeps us under one roof. Our bodies beg for each other in a blaze of heat, but in the morning he’s gone.

I try to move forward with a new life in Candy Cane Key but less than two months later I’m terrified that it’s much more then the common cold making me feel so sick…