Monday, December 26, 2016

How to Get Over Your Ex in Ninety Days by Jennifer Peel + Book Giveaway

How to Get Over Your Ex in Ninety Days

• Break off all contact for ninety days.
• Stay away from social media.
• Remember all the things you liked to do when you were single and revisit those activities.
• Think carefully about starting any new romantic attachments.
• Wine, lots of wine. No, don’t. It could end badly.
• Be mindful of anxiety and feelings of hopelessness.
• Remind yourself it takes ninety days for your mind to switch gears and picture your life in a new direction.

Presley Benson thinks she found the perfect plan to get over her ex-boyfriend, Jackson Montgomery. All she needs is ninety days. There’s a problem, though. Jackson Montgomery is the newly appointed vice principal of Riverton High School where she teaches drama.

And oh yeah, he wants her back.

So what’s a girl to do? Stick with the plan of course.


Oh my goodness.  This book!  

How does Jennifer Peel do it?  I mean, SERIOUSLY?!  Every.  Single.  Time.  I pick up a new book by Jennifer and I'm in love all over again.  It never fails.  I'm really in love with this one though.  How to Get Over Your Ex in Ninety Days is deliciously amusing and it made me happy!

Presley got dumped by her perfect boyfriend.  It came out of nowhere and she can hardly believe it.  Her best friend helps to formulate a plan for recovery and in 90 days she will be over Jackson.  We get a look into Presley's mind and her heart through journal entries to Mr. Bingley which is utterly hilarious to me because man, she really lets Bingley have it when it comes to Jane.  As a solid Pride and Prejudice fan, this was so funny.  

Then we switch back to Presley going through her days and interactions with Jackson.  Oh gee, just thinking of some of the scenes makes me smile right now.  Can I just say that the word "meow" has never been so amusing to me?  This book had me giggling and smiling pretty much the whole way though it.  I was completely entertained and I LOVE when that happens.  I want to go back and read this book right now.  

There were some more serious moments too, but overall this book had a lightness to it that made it so enjoyable.  Jennifer Peel has a way of writing characters that you feel like you know personally.  This book should be a movie.  It played out that perfectly in my head.

I love this book so much that I'm going to give away a copy of this book through Amazon.  It's an ebook so understand that when entering.  

Content:  Clean

- I was given a copy of this book for free.  I was under no obligation to give a postitive review and all opinions expressed are my own.


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Thursday, December 22, 2016

The Viscount of Maisons-Laffitte by Jennie Goutet

Single moms are not supposed to fall for rich French aristocrats!
There's just no way he will ever choose her.

Is there such a thing as Prince Charming? Chastity didn't take a teaching job in France to find hers, but a woman can dream, n'est-ce pas? If the father of one of her students--the Viscount Charles Jean Anne Monorie de Brase--is the best local example of princes, Charming or Otherwise, Chastity is ready to put aside any thought of falling in love again.

She's had enough of his arrogance and would prefer him to keep his distance, yet it seems there is no avoiding each other. With the ongoing pressure of a repentant ex-boyfriend, a nefarious drug dealer, and an art heist that spans the decades, Chastity and the viscount are thrown together by circumstances she would soon rather forget.

As the intimacy between Charles and Chastity deepens, they must decide if their love is enough to bridge the gap between their disparate worlds, and if happily ever after can exist outside of fairy tales.


I had a hard time settling in with this book.  There were a lot of characters and the perspective and voice was always changing, sometimes without me knowing who exactly it was.  I think this was supposed to add an air of mystery but to me it was distracting.  I got used to the writing style as I went on but it sure wasn't my favorite.  Because there were so many characters and the voice was constantly switching, I think I had a harder time connecting emotionally.

The setting in France was fun.  I enjoyed the brief glances at French life (the market, the cafe) and wish there had been more of those.

The overall storyline was good.  There was a building mystery with plenty of characters with nefarious plans.  They all sort of converge in the end along with the romance.  It makes a compelling ending!

Overall, this wasn't my favorite book but it had some good moments.  3/5 stars.

Content:  Drug use and drug dealing, mild violence but nothing graphic, clean romance

- I received a copy of this book for free.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Cover Reveal for Condemn Me Not by Heather B. Moore!


I am excited to announce the 
cover reveal of 
USA Today Bestselling Author 
Heather B. Moore's 
CONDEMN ME NOT.

CONDEMN ME NOT releases 
March 14th, 2017!

Preorder links ebook / paperback







Here it is!





Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Midwinter's Eve Giveaway Hop!


Happy Holidays, everyone!  It's time for another blog hop giveaway!  Yay!  I'm giving away a $12 Amazon gift card.  Thanks for stopping by!
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Monday, December 19, 2016

Christmas in the Cove by Carol Ross + $50 and Book Giveaway!



Christmas in the CoveChristmas in the Cove
by Carol Ross
Adult Contemporary Romance
Mass Market Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
December 1st 2016 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Nobody is going to hurt her—not on his watch

A DEA stealth mission has brought coast guard Lt. Commander Eli Pelletier home. But when he ends up aiding rescue swimmer Aubrey Wynn during her own harrowing mission, powerful emotions reignite between them. Except Aubrey doesn't want Eli's protection. She wants answers.

Twelve years ago, Eli broke up with Aubrey without telling her the real reason he was leaving Pacific Cove. How can he try for a second chance if he's forced to deceive her again? Amid suspected drug trafficking and a sabotaged Christmas contest, Eli must find a way to regain Aubrey's trust without compromising his career or endangering the woman he loves.


This book starts you right off in the middle of an adventure.  I loved that!  There was no gentle build up, just me getting to know the character in the thrill of the moment.  There were definitely more gentle moments after but I really liked how this book combined a bit of suspense, mystery and adventure along with the sweet romance that was happening.  They were all intertwined and woven together.

Aubrey is a fun character.  I love how she was so much a part of her community.  Her desires to help those who cannot help themselves really endeared me to her as a reader.  All the characters were great and I could see the perfect set up for the next book happening as I read.  That's always fun!

In addition to the enjoyable plot, this book is also set around Christmas, making it the perfect book to read this week!  I love the Harlequin Heartwarming line.  You never have to worry about content because you know they will be sweet and clean.

Content:  mild peril, some mild violence

-I received this book through Prism Book Tours.  All opinions expressed are my own.




Carol Ross lives with her husband and one loveable miscreant of a dachshund in a small town in Washington close to both the ocean and the mountains. She adores the Pacific Northwest because it provides her with endless opportunities for the activities she loves—hiking, running, skiing, and spending time outdoors. Although she enjoys reading in many genres, she writes what she loves the most—romance, especially light-hearted stories about the fun, flirty, and often-tumultuous path toward a happily ever after.


Other Books by the Author


Tour Giveaway

- 1 winner will receive a $50 Amazon eGift Card and a copy of Christmas in the Cove (signed copy if US, ebook if international)
- Ends December 24th

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Friday, December 16, 2016

On Tour With Catch A Fallen Star (Grace Note Records #2) by Amy Vastine + Big Giveaway!



Catch a Fallen StarCatch a Fallen Star
(Grace Note Records #2)
by Amy Vastine
Adult Contemporary Romance
Mass Market Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
December 1st 2016 by Harlequin Heartwarming

He's got to save his career—and himself

Hitting rock bottom has landed country star Boone Williams in the middle of his worst nightmare: a recording studio on a horse therapy farm hours away from Nashville. He has no interest in dealing with his problems or writing a new album. And he's definitely not interested in the gorgeous, feisty mom of one of Helping Hooves's young clients. She doesn't even know who he is! But his record label is one tabloid story from cutting him loose, and Boone can't seem to turn around without bumping into Ruby and her daughter, Violet. Clearly, Boone's not going to get what he wants. Could Ruby be just what he needs?


Catch a Fallen Star is the second book in this Grace Note Records series.  I read the first book in the series but I really think this book can stand alone.  The characters in the first book appear in this book but only as side characters.  I enjoyed the first book in this series so if you haven't had a chance to read it, I'd recommend starting from the beginning.

This book holds a lot of drama within it's pages.  This isn't a romance in the typical sense, but more of the stories of many people with struggles and issues, fighting their way through and finding healing and help in each other.  Boone is a recovering alcoholic.  He has made some pretty big mistakes and is trying to piece his life back together.  One of his biggest regrets is the loss of the relationship with his daughter.  When Boone meets the young and sassy Violet, they forge an instant sort of connection and fill a void for the other.  For Boone it's a daughter figure and for Violet, it's a father figure.  Both Boone and Violet are receiving counseling and therapy for the things they are struggling with.  

Ruby is naturally brought into this circle as she is Violet's mother.  Her interactions with Boone are at first filled with frustration and sometimes anger but Ruby can see the way Violet looks up to Boone and needs him.  Boone and Ruby's interactions become softer and the attraction builds between them.  I liked the way Boone and Ruby's relationship took such a natural course.  Through each other they begin to see the other side of the story. 

I loved the natural progression of all the relationships in this book.  It felt real and sometimes gritty but always with a glimmer of hope and healing on the horizon.  

Content:  Clean, some talk of alcohol addiction

- I received a copy of this book from Prism Book Tours.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Other Books in the Series

The Girl He Used to LoveThe Girl He Used to Love
(Grace Note Records #1)
by Amy Vastine
Adult Contemporary Romance
Mass Market Paperback & ebook, 368 pages
July 1st 2016 by Harlequin Heartwarming

The past will always be between them

He swore he'd never return home. Then a flat tire lands Dean Presley back in Grass Lake, Tennessee, and he's forced to confront the woman he left behind. Faith Stratton was once the love of his life. Now her gifted brother could be the rising Nashville star Dean needs for his struggling music label. But it means taking Sawyer away from the horse therapy farm that Faith's so proud of. That won't be easy, especially since those old feelings that started all the trouble… Well, let's just say he can't go back there, because he doesn't want to relive the memories of the terrible accident that drove them apart.



Amy Vastine has been plotting stories in her head for as long as she can remember. An eternal optimist, she studied social work, hoping to teach others how to find their silver lining. Now, she enjoys creating happily ever afters for all to read. Amy lives outside Chicago with her high school sweetheart-turned-husband, three fun-loving children, and their sweet but mischievous puppy dog.


Tour Schedule


Tour Giveaway


- 1 winner will win a grand prize of The Girl He Used to Love, A Heartwarming Holiday anthology, winner’s choice of CD or MP3 of Tim McGraw’s album Damn Country Music, and a guitar Christmas ornament (US only)
- 5 winners will win an ebook of A Heartwarming Holiday anthology and a 20% off coupon for a Heartwarming novel of their choice from Harlequin.com (open internationally)
- 5 winners will win The Girl He Used to Love (paperbacks US, ebook international)
- Ends December 23rd

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Thursday, December 15, 2016

A Family Under The Christmas Tree by Terri Reed + Giveaway




A Family Under the Christmas TreeA Family Under the Christmas Tree
by Terri Reed
Inspirational Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 340 pages
October 4th 2016 by Howard Books

In this heartwarming tale set during the Christmas season, a single father and a fashion photographer are brought together by a young boy and a mischievous Bernese mountain dog—but first they must learn to set aside their differences if they are willing to let their relationship bloom.

David Murphy never knew much about kids. But when his brother dies unexpectedly, David is granted custody of his six-year-old nephew, Troy, who he’s only seen once a year since he was born. He already has his hands full running his business, and he has no idea how to help the grieving boy. When Troy runs off one day, David finds him at a park playing with an adorable and rambunctious Bernese mountain dog—who leads him to Sophie.

Sophie Griffith has spent her life travelling around the world as a photojournalist. She has never stayed in one place for long, and her new assignment—helping her grandmother for a few weeks—is just temporary. Once Christmas day comes, Sophie is off the hook and can leave for a new adventure. Caring for her grandmother is a piece of cake—but caring for her new Bernese mountain dog, Riggs, is a different story. It doesn’t help that Riggs strikes up a friendship with a lost little boy one day at the park—and leads her to David.

Neither David nor Sophie have time for romance. But as they spend more time together, they start falling for each other even though they know it can’t go anywhere. Sophie will be gone after Christmas, and the last thing David needs is another distraction as he tries to comfort Troy. But as their faith and growing love for the boy and dog unites them, they wonder whether it’s more than a holiday romance…and maybe Troy might finally get his Christmas wish for a family.

GoodreadsAmazonBarnes & NobleBook Depository


This book is all sweetness and Christmas goodness.  If you are looking for a cute holiday romance then you should check this book out.  Curl up, settle in.  There is cookie baking, tree cutting and decorating, a visit to Santa and all sorts of traditional Christmas events.

Honestly though?  It just may have been little Troy and the dog, Riggs who steal this show.  Cuteness overload.  David and Sophie both have hesitations in following up their attraction with a relationship.  Good thing Grandma is there to push things along!

I enjoyed this book but I felt like the story was spinning in the same place for quite a bit, with the characters thinking the same thing over and over.  It was a little slow moving, but the characters were likable and brought a smile to my face.  Christmas stories during December are always fun to read!


Terri Reed’s romance and romantic suspense novels have appeared on Publishers Weekly top 25 Romance and Publishers Weekly top ten Religion Fiction, Nielsen’s Bookscan top 100 and featured in USA Today, Christian Fiction Magazine, More To Life Magazine and Romantic Times Magazine, finaled in RWA’s RITA contest, National Reader’s Choice Award contest, ACFW’s The Carol Award contest. She is an active member of both Romance Writers of America and American Christian Fiction Writers. She resides in the Pacific Northwest with her college-sweetheart husband. When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, gardening and playing with her dogs.


Tour Giveaway


- 1 winner will receive a copy of Love Inspired Classic 2 in 1, Love Comes Home and A Sheltering Love, a light up angle ornament, a Santa bookmark, A Family Under the Christmas Tree bookmark, a manicure set, and a Tule Book Girl book bag (US only)
- 1 winner will receive a $10 Amazon eGift Card (open internationally)
- Ends December 22nd

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Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Saints at Devil's Gate: Landscapes along the Mormon Trail by Laura Allred Hurtado, Bryon C. Andreasen, John Burton (Illustrator), Josh Clare (Illustrator), Bryan Mark Taylor (Illustrator)


From 1846 to 1869, some 70,000 Mormon pioneers traveled the Mormon Trail, the 1,300-mile route from Illinois and Iowa to Salt Lake City. In 2011, three award-winning Mormon painters decided to visit sites all along the historic route and capture the landscapes in oil. This full-color art book, featuring 52 landscape paintings, presents the fruit of their five-year project. Each painting is paired with journal entries or reminiscences from pioneers who made the journey. Essays by the authors and an artist interview illuminate both the art and the history of the trail.

The book gives written and visual context to the pioneers’ experience of the trail, bears witness to the land as it exists today, and links the experience of pioneers to the challenges of today.

Note: This book was published to accompany an exhibition of the same name at the Church History Museum in Salt Lake City. Therefore, distribution of the book has been limited. Copies are available at the museum gift store, at store.lds.org, and at some independent bookstores in Utah.

Also of note:  The Saints at Devil's Gate exhibition at the Church History Museum in Salt Lake City is free and open to the public through August 2017.  You can also view it online at history.lds.org

This past summer my family took a bit of a road trip back through Wyoming and South Dakota.  One of the stops we made was at Devil's Gate in Wyoming.  We toured the grounds and museum there, learning about the Mormon pioneers and their trek across the country.  It was amazing to me to learn so much about those people, real people, who gave up so much in hopes of a better life.  Their faith and courage is incredible to me.  I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have been able to accomplish such a thing.  When I was contacted about reading this book, I just knew I had to do it.  I had just been there!

What I love about this book is that each page brings me a new perspective.  Up in the top right corner is a little map of sorts showing me where the painting took place.  Then below that are personal accounts taken from the actual journals of people who traveled through that very place.  On the opposing page is a beautiful scenic painting.  There are fifty-two landscape paintings and they really capture not only the scenery but the weather and spirit of those early pioneers.  What a fantastic labor of love by some very talented artists.

My dad is going to love looking through this book.  He is a history loving guy and he has been to many of the places recorded in this book.  I can't wait to share this book with him.  This would be an excellent gift for anyone who loves history and more specifically the history of the pioneers.

I'm so glad I had the opportunity to read through this book.  It was fantastic! 

-A copy of this book was provided to me for free.  I was under no obligation to review favorably and all opinions expressed are my own.

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Mischief and Manors by Ashtyn Newbold


When Annette Downing and her mischievous little brothers are sent to Kellaway Manor for the summer, she hopes for a relaxing escape. But Annette finds her closeted heart in jeopardy when reunited with the handsome Owen Kellaway, a childhood acquaintance and respected gentlemen. When Owen is enlisted to help the boys with their behavior, Annette wonders if he has just as much mischief up his sleeve as her brothers. Bound by a promise she made to her late parents, and amid a frightening mystery, Annette faces a difficult decision when she finds herself falling for Owen's charm…


I love a good regency romance and this one surely kept my interest and made me smile.  This book felt a bit like a breath of fresh air as it was a bit different than the usual regency's I read.

Annette is a protector.  Circumstances have led her to a most undesirable place with a vicious aunt and two young brothers to take care of.  Annette has shored up the walls of her heart to survive except when it comes to her mischievous brothers who are her whole world.  I loved watching Annette and her brothers thrive under gentler care.  The smiles and happiness that came as a result of a little kindness made all the difference.  For Annette, it meant that those walls of defense slowly came tumbling down.  It was a sweet process and one I enjoyed very much.

The little brothers brought humor and levity to many situations and Owen was a champion in my opinion.  I just loved him.  The characters really make this book come alive and the added bit of intrigue and mystery was a bonus.  

This is the first book I have read by this author and I will be keeping my eye on her for future books.  

Content:  Clean, some mentions of abuse

- I received a copy of this book free from the publisher.  I was under no obligation to give a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

Monday, December 12, 2016

The Prophecy: A Young Adult Romantic Fantasy (The Healer Series Book 4) by C.J. Anaya

Armed with memories of her past life and the identity of her true soul mate, Hope is bound and determined to fulfill her destiny and heal the veil...on her own terms, that is. Unfortunately, Hope's inability to play by the rules causes a rift in the group and discord with Tie. Dark forces are at work fighting to tear them apart, while Victor, Ms. Mori, and Dr. Fairmont attempt to understand Tie's role in saving the world.

Hope's inability to sense the veil, Angie's visions of loved one's deaths, Kirby's vulnerability, and an unwanted bond with a dangerous kami are certain to prevent her from ending the conflict once and for all. The group needs answers found in an ancient prophecy and written in a language few understand.

And they have no idea where it is...

And Amatsu's servants are hunting them...

And the veil is failing...


This is the fourth book in the Healer Series.  You really, really need to read these books in order as they all build upon each other.  This is the perfect time to get started on this series because the box set containing the first three books is free right now on Amazon.  Yay!!

This series is a mash up of so many different things-  Asian mythology with Gods and Goddesses, supernatural creatures, fantasy elements, and romance.  It has great forward momentum and it's hard to put down.

In this fourth book it was nice to have everyone together again, in the same realm, fighting together to save the day.  It's the culmination of the previous books, setting the stage for the final show down.  And what a show down it was!  All the pieces started falling into place and everyone had to sacrifice to get to the end.

I've really enjoyed this series.  I read through the first three quickly and then had to wait a whole two months for this last book.  Waiting = Torture.  :)  This book was worth the wait to finally have some closure.  There are still some loose ends here- especially regarding Angie- that I'm hoping will spark a new series maybe?  Or at least another book focusing on Angie and her new love triangle.  Here's to hoping!!

Content:  Mild swearing, intense kissing, some violence

- I was given a copy of this book for free.  A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.


Saturday, December 10, 2016

A Christmas Kiss (Kissed by the Bay, #5) by Susan Hatler

Harper Avery is a jaded divorce attorney who loves helping her clients move on to better things. After all, they’ve struggled enough being in an unhappy marriage. When one client’s soon-to-be ex-husband suddenly says he wants a second chance with his wife, Harper’s dubious, certain that her client is just going to get hurt again.

Despite his career as a divorce attorney, Gabriel Hart still believes that love can work miracles. Sure, there are no guarantees, but he totally supports his client’s efforts to reconcile with his wife—even if it means Gabriel has to go head-to-head with Harper to keep her from ruining the couple’s chances.

With the holidays approaching, husband and wife set out to see if they can work through their issues, while Harper decides to spend the long Christmas weekend at her friend’s cabin in Lake Tahoe. Only when she gets there, someone is already occupying her last-minute rental—Gabriel Hart. Both refuse to give up their holiday retreat. Will their adversarial working relationship make for a stressful weekend? Or will the magic of Christmas sprinkle them with a love that can beat the odds?

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

This book is overflowing with all that is sweet and romantic in the perfect wintery Christmas setting - Lake Tahoe!  (I love Lake Tahoe!  I actually prefer it in the summer though- I'm a girl that doesn't like to be cold.)

I think Gabriel is perfectly named for the angel that he is.  He stole the show with his thoughtfulness and kindness in this book.  I just loved him.  Harper is a bit more jaded then Gabriel and has a harder time letting go and allowing herself to feel.  Opposites definitely attract in this case!

This is a short story so it's over before you know it but I felt like I had all the arch and elements need to be fully invested.  This was a fun diversion and the perfect romantic story for the holiday season.  Grab a cup of hot chocolate, your favorite snuggy blanket and settle in for a fun, romantic treat!

Content:  Clean

- I received a copy of this book from the author.  I was under no obligation to write a positive review.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Thursday, December 8, 2016

Winter Sky by Chris Stewart


In a bombed-out Polish village during World War II a young resistance fighter finds that he is suddenly alone and trapped between two opposing armies. He is one of Poland's "Devil's Rebels" fighting desperately to save his homeland, but an injury has erased his memory and his only possession is a torn photograph of a couple he assumes are his parents. The woman appears to be holding the hand of a young child whose image has been ripped off. Could the child be him?

Caught in the crosshairs of the retreating German army and the advancing Russian forces, the village holds nothing but destruction and despair until a mysterious young woman offers a small glimmer of hope that may represent his last chance - news of a refuge train departing from a nearby town headed for American installations at the border. But complications arise when the resistance fighter is betrayed by his own countryman and hunted by German SS Officers who are determined to kill him before they retreat. Desperately searching for a home and family he can't remember he is persuaded to rescue two children who are doomed to die without his help.

As time runs out the former rebel is faced with an impossible choice. Standing at the crossroads of saving himself or risking his life for strangers, what would motivate a young man at the brink of salvation to make one more sacrifice?



I have been reading a lot of Christmas books lately but none like this one.  This book is not fluffy or even sweet.  It was actually really hard for me to read and I'll tell you why.  War is ugly and awful.  The devastation and loss pulls at my heart and just makes me sad.  This book depicts so much of the realities of war and I'll be honest in saying that I struggled reading it.  But, as with most of the most awful things in the world, you find stories of men and women who display courage and kindness.  They shine in the darkness that surrounds them.  That is what happens in this book.

This book takes us back to WWII and the less focused on Polish people.  A people caught in the cross hairs of the battle between Germany and Russia.  For one young man, a rebel resistance fighter, this is his own personal nightmare.  He is strong and he is brave.  He is fighting to stay alive.  It's an amazing tale of heroism and sacrifice.

This book is on the shorter side and didn't take me long to read.  I had a hard time putting it down because the story is so compelling, but I had to because my emotions were battered.  As a mother, a wife and a daughter, I cannot even begin to imagine some of the horrors described in this book.  But out of this book also comes the emotion of gratitude for what I have.  Much of what I have comes at a price that I didn't pay.  I am a recipient of freedom and prosperity because of many others and I am indebted and grateful.

Winter Sky is not your typical Christmas story, but it will bring to a better place in the end.  I'm so glad I had the chance to read it.

Content:  Violence

- I received a copy of this book, free from the publisher.  I was under no obligation to post a positive review.  All opinions expressed are my own.


Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Wrong Brother, Right Match (Anyone But You #3) by Jennifer Shirk + $20 Giveaway!


Wrong Brother, Right Match
Anyone But You #3
By: Jennifer Shirk
Releasing December 5, 2016
Entangled Bliss

Matchmaking guru Kennedy Pepperdine’s life is perfect. Perfect job. Perfect friends. Perfect boyfriend. Except...when she gets trapped in an elevator with a handsome stranger, she accidentally confesses a secret: maybe her perfect boyfriend, Justin, isn’t so perfect for her after all. But a matchmaker should be able to successfully match herself, right? Thankfully, she’ll never see the handsome stranger again. Until she heads home with Justin for the holidays and learns that the sexy stranger is none other than Justin’s older brother, Matt.

Matt Ellis is trying to be on his best behavior for his mother—it is Christmas, after all. But when he recognizes the beautiful woman from the elevator—the one he hasn’t been able to stop thinking about for months—his best behavior is being held by a thread. Matt’s always sacrificed for his family, and nothing is more important than their happiness, but the more time he spends around Kennedy, the more he wonders if her supposed "right match" might just be the wrong brother.




Love, love, love, love!  Here I give you my biggest dreamy, happy sigh.  <SIGH>  If you are looking for the perfect holiday romance to snuggle in with this month (Or today.  It really should be today because honestly?  Why wait?!) then look no further because this is your book.  I inhaled this book.  It was so fun to read.  I kind of want to go back and read it again.  If I had time, I totally would.

Kennedy has a growing business and the perfect boyfriend.  After all, he was her perfect match and Kennedy is in the business of knowing such things.  Then Kennedy finds herself stuck in an elevator with a handsome stranger and what happens?  A kiss of course.  A zingy, heart stopping kiss that neither participant can forget. 

Matt is so swoon worthy.  Even when he is being ornery to Kennedy upon first seeing her at his family's house for Christmas, he is swoony.  I just LOVED Matt.  He is so good to his family and he is so good to Kennedy.  Well, after said ornery business is over.  Matt was so easy to like and so easy to root for.

Jennifer Shirk is one of my favorite authors in the clean romance world.  Her characters have great personality and I'm always drawn to them.  I follow Jennifer Shirk and I'm always watching for new books by her.  I think this one is my new favorite!

Content:  mild swearing, kissing, casual drinking

- I received a copy of this book for free.  A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.

Enjoy the following excerpt!

Matt looked at his sister. “What do you think?”

“We can let her in on the secret,” Caitlyn said with a huge grin. “She’s definitely one of us.”

Matt hesitated. “Okay. The truth is…we all hate the fruitcake.”

“I knew it!” she exclaimed then frowned. “But I don’t understand. Why pretend to like it, then?”

“Honestly? Because none of us has the heart to tell her the truth. It makes her so happy. She’s one of the two percent who actually enjoys it.”

“And your dad,” she added. “He liked it, too. Your mom said so.”

 Matt shook his head gravely. “No, he hated it the most.”

 Kennedy blinked then looked to Caitlyn. “He did?”

“Yup.” Caitlyn shrugged. “Like Matt said, we didn’t have the heart to make her feel bad on Christmas. At least this time she didn’t put any figs or dried pineapple in it. That was a particularly bad year. Although Justin tolerated it the best out of all of us.”

Kennedy cracked a smile. “So your mom goes through all this trouble of making a fruitcake every Christmas and she’s the only one who eats it?”

“Oh, no,” Matt assured her. “We’ll all choke down a slice. You, too, since you’ll soon be part of the family. And we’ll all tell her how great it is. It’s tradition.”

“Tradition,” Caitlyn echoed firmly.

Kennedy laughed. Oh my, if she didn’t already love this family, this aspect of it only endeared them to her more. “Well, your secret is safe with me. I love traditions myself.”

“That’s good,” Caitlyn said, cracking herself up, “because you and Matt are standing under the mistletoe.”

What?!

Kennedy cautiously looked up as if to find the Sword of Damocles dangling over her, but instead found a small green ball of mistletoe tied up with ribbon. Crap! Her gaze dropped to Matt, who held a gleam of interest in his eyes, and her cheeks caught fire.

“Oh, well, that’s a silly tradition,” she said hurriedly, “I mean, we don’t have to do that.” Do we?

Barbara walked back into the room. “What don’t you have to do?”

Caitlyn pointed to the ball. “Matt and Kennedy are under the mistletoe.”

“Oh, how nice,” Barbara said, clasping her hands. “Kiss her, Matt. It’s Christmas after all.” 

Matt glanced at Kennedy and stiffened, but without further argument leaned in to her. Her heart fluttered like a hummingbird in anticipation. She caught the pleasant scent of pine and soap on his skin as he brushed his lips against her cheek, hovering for just a few brief seconds before he was once again at a safe distance from her. Such a simple kiss, yet her emotions whirled and skidded.

“I’d better get going,” Matt murmured, backing into the door.

His mom frowned. “Are you okay, dear? Maybe you should sit down a bit first.”

“No, I need to get kissing—er, going. I need to go.” His gaze reluctantly returned to hers, and his voice dipped. “I’ll see you tomorrow night?”

She nodded, not trusting her voice. Then he was out the door as if suddenly spooked.

Unfortunately, she knew exactly how he felt.

Jennifer Shirk has a bachelor degree in pharmacy-which has in NO WAY at all helped her with her writing career. But she likes to point it out, since it shows romantic-at-hearts come in all shapes, sizes, and mind-numbing educations.

She writes sweet (and sometimes even funny) romances for Samhain Publishing, Avalon Books/Montlake Romance and now Entangled Publishing. She won third place in the RWA 2006 NYC's Kathryn Hayes Love and Laughter Contest with her first book, THE ROLE OF A LIFETIME. Recently, her novel SUNNY DAYS FOR SAM won the 2013 Golden Quill Published Authors Contest for Best Traditional Romance.

Lately she's been on a serious exercise kick. But don't hold that against her.






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