A Royal (Fake) Engagement (Second Chance Fairy Tale #3) by Julia Keanini

Sometimes even a prince can't solve everything.

Callie Rodriguez will do anything to keep her daughter safe, including paying her soon-to-be ex-husband an enormous sum of money to keep him and his unsavory friends away. But when Callie's ability to pay that money is threatened, she is desperate for a solution.

Channing Turner, aka Prince Chandler Torre, has been living a double-life as a typical citizen of United States. But his gig is up. Channing's royal mother is calling him home to Litiana just in time to strut him in front of all the princess wannabes and their title-scheming mothers at his brother's wedding. To keep that distasteful scenario from happening, Channing tells his mother he's engaged to his friend Callie. The only problem? Callie has no idea.

Channing has the money to make Callie's problem disappear and Callie is the only one who can save Channing from the royal rumble that will ensue if Channing comes home as a single, eligible prince. Their solution seems simple ... a temporary pretend engagement ... until the lines between fictitious and real in their royal fake engagement become blurred. Is the idea of a happily ever after just as make-believe as their engagement?

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

I am such a sucker for stories involving princes and princesses.   I guess there is just something about castles, private jets and fancy dresses that feels so dreamy.  When you add that with a romantic love story, it is surely sigh worthy!

Channing and Callie are good friends.  I love that the story begins with a good friendship which comes into play so many times.  They treat each other well and trust each other even when they are unsure because they have already established a firm foundation friendship.  As the story progresses, Callie and Channing both eventually realize there may be more feelings on their own side than friendship but it's a fine line they are walking.  I really loved both Callie and Channing and it was ever so satisfying to see them both come into their feelings and go for what they want.  I especially loved Callie's "enough is enough" moment.  I could feel the girl power through the pages.

This is the second book I've read by this author and I have to say that I enjoyed this book even more than the first book I read.  There are actually three books in this series and I haven't read the first book, but that in no way took away from this book.  Each book can stand alone although there are some cross over characters.  This is definitely an author that I will be watching out for!

This is a sweet, clean romance.

- I picked up a copy of this book through Kindle Unlimited.

Perfectly Summer (Perfect #3) by Robin Daniels

Summer vacation is Levi London’s favorite time of the year. Each summer, he and his brothers are shipped off to Florida to stay with their grandparents. For ten weeks everything is perfect. He has freedom, fun, and Summer West—the cute and spunky girl across the street—for whom he’s planned to confess his giant crush.

Right before the London boys are scheduled to leave, a scandalous family situation causes their mom to accompany them on vacation. Not only does Levi’s fun quotient promise to take a nose dive, but all the drama has him feeling less than his normal happy self.

Summer decides that Levi needs a distraction, in the form of a prank war. But he gets more than he bargains for when his older brother Lucas is both better at pranking and determined to date Summer too. Levi is a peacekeeper, but he isn’t sure he can mediate his family’s struggles or strike the right balance between mischief and romance. Especially when Lucas keeps reminding him that all is fair in love and war.

*** This book may contain negative triggers for people with a family history of infidelity.***

Content Description: This is a stand-alone YA contemporary romance with companion novels set at the same high school. It contains minor language, innuendo, crude humor, and kissing. This book has no sex, written or implied, between any of the teenage characters and has no explicit language. However, the family conflict revolves around adultery between the parents. While it is not highly descriptive, sex is discussed multiple times with regard to adult relationships. Recommended for ages 14 and up.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

First I would say please, please read the content description above.  It is exactly what I would say in regards to this book.  I would up the recommended age to at least 16.

While I am not a fun of many of the things described in the content description above, one thing I am a fan of is characters that are distinct and easy to picture.  I feel like I had a good handle on the personalities in this book.  The whole story played out like a movie in my head which is always awesome.  Given, it would be a teenage movie, so not really my go-to genre, but it was so easy to visualize everything.  That is a sign of some good, personable writing.

I really loved Levi.  Every single thing about him.  He stole the show for me.  The story is told from his perspective so that may be part of why I felt so attached to him but honestly, he is just a good guy.  He is a peacemaker.  He is kind and thinks of others, especially his mother.  I'm a mother and I LOVE that.  :)

Even though this book deals with a tough, emotional issue that isn't altogether uncommon unfortunately, there were so many lighthearted and fun situations that balanced it out.  I felt like the hard things were represented well.

This book is part of a series although it can stand alone.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.  All opinions expressed are my own.

His Christmas Bride (The Marietta St Claire's Book 3) by Lara Van Hulzen

Lucas lives in New York, but he's always loved Marietta. When he gets engaged, he decides Montana is exactly the place to get married. Tanner Ranch brings back happy memories of horseback riding and summer nights under the stars making it the perfect place to hold his wedding. However, Erin Tanner walks back into his life and other memories start to make him doubt whether he's chosen the right bride.

Erin Tanner is content to live a simple life in Marietta, helping her dad run the family ranch. However, things haven't been easy for the Tanners. With their ranch in financial trouble and in desperate need of repair, Erin knows she needs to do something. And fast... Even if that means saying goodbye to any hopes of a romantic future with Lucas St. Claire by hosting his wedding at the Tanner Ranch.

While Lucas struggles with his feelings, Erin tries to move past hers and accept that Lucas isn't part of her future. But the connection they felt years ago pulls them toward one another, and Lucas is forced to face the truth of what he really wants in life.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

I have one last Christmas themed book for you this week!  As we head into the holiday season, I just want to wish you all the very best.  May you feel love and warmth however you celebrate.

Lucas is a character you will be completely frustrated with.  I was!  He is trying to live up to what he thinks his family expects of him and he is slow in coming around to his own true desires.  What is plain as day to us as readers, and to many of the characters in this book, is not what is obvious to Lucas.  Silly man.  

Erin, on the other hand, knows what she wants right from the very beginning.  I enjoyed how the flashbacks and backstory filled in the blanks as I read.  I got a very clear picture of Erin and her dreams and personality.  I really loved Erin.

This is a sweet, gentle love story.  It progressed slowly but I was never bored or discontent.  The secondary characters really helped this story feel well rounded and familial.  I loved the ending.  So sweet.

This is the third book in this series but it can be read as a stand alone.  Characters from previous books are in this book so you would appreciate them more if you do read in order, but you don't have to.

Content:  mild swearing throughout, kissing

- I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley at my request.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Sugar and Spice (The Glitter and Sparkle Series Book 3) by Shari L. Tapscott

Fueled by love and determination, twenty-one-year-old Harper took a great leap of faith and transferred home from college to finally declare her feelings to Brandon, the boy who's adored her since they were children.

There was only one thing that could derail her perfect plan, and that was Brandon showing up with a new girlfriend the very same weekend.

Now slightly bitter and irked at the world, Harper focuses her time and attention on making her sister's childhood dream come true: she's going to meet Mason Knight, former lead singer of the wildly popular Forever Now band. All Harper has to do is bake her way onto the nationally televised, holiday cookie competition he happens to be judging. Easy. Until she finds herself partnered with Sadie--Brandon's vapid, wide-eyed, hair-of-many-bottle-blond-colors girlfriend.

Just when Harper's ready to throw in the towel, she collides with entitled, pretty-boy, celebrity-judge Mason. Except he's not entitled, and with his sharp eyes and chiseled jaw, there's nothing pretty about him. Suddenly, Harper doesn't just want in the competition--she wants to win. Even if that means she has to play nice with Sadie to accomplish it...

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

This books is SO CUTE!  I just loved it.  It was light, easy reading and I had a lot of fun delving into Harper's world.  The cooking show aspect was fun, especially since they were baking cookies!!  Yum.

Harper felt real and easy to relate to.  She has a humor that appealed to me and made me smile.  Harper is a kind person, even when she wants to be mean.  I really did like her.  I also loved the blushing interactions she has with Mason.  There is crackling attraction there and that always draws me in like a moth to the light.

I love Shari Tapscott.  Her writing style just resonates with me.  I started with her Eldentimber series, which is one of my all time favorites (and the first book in this series is FREE), then continued with her Silver and Orchids series.  Both of those series have a touch of the mystical and magical about them.  This Glitter and Sparkle series is YA contemporary and while different from the other two, still a fun series.  You don't have to read this series in order but you will probably enjoy it better if you do.  :)

Content:  mild innuendo, kissing

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

Enter to Win $25! Cami Checketts in the 12 Days of Clean Romance!

   

 

How to Kiss a Billionaire by Cami Checketts Sassy meets swoon-worthy in this fast-paced contemporary romance. Miriam Salisbury escapes to Oregon to avoid a boyfriend who won't take no for an answer, killing her beloved cat to prove it. When her father sends Clay Browning to protect her, she's certain he's lost his mind. As far as she's concerned Clay's experience is limited to posing for the camera, charming women, and making fun of her. He's been teasing her since they were children and she's never gotten over the way he threw crawdads at her at church picnics. Clay retired from the military and entered the world of private security. When he gets the call to protect Miriam he's excited to be around his lifelong crush. As expected, he teases her nonstop and the only thing he takes seriously is her security. He knows she'd never give him a chance and he can't help but give her a hard time. After Miriam is dumped in the freezing ocean on a crabbing expedition and Clay saves her from drowning and freezing to death, she takes a second look at her hired gun. But opening up to him is more terrifying than facing her stalker. As events escalate to a frenzied climax, Miriam and Clay must put aside past grudges in the hope of finding a lasting love for their future.

 

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Praise for series:

"Cami Checketts is an expert at sending a flurry of butterflies straight to the heart! If you love the beach, a dash of suspense, and some toe-curling, swoony romance, then the Billionaire Beach Romance series is definitely for you.” Katie Watkins, Book Reviewer, Katie’s Clean Book Collection

 "I LOVE these sweet romances! I love that each of them is a mini escape. You almost feel as though you've traveled to a warm destination even though it's cold and snowy where you live. I love that I can pass them to either my daughter or my grandma and never have any concern about the content. And the characters in these are amazing! I love them all!” Cathy Jeppsen, Book Reviewer, My Book a Day

 

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 Miriam closed her eyes as Clay’s arms came around her and held her tight.

 “Whoa, darling, if I would’ve known I’d get this reception, I would’ve broken into your house years ago.”

 Miriam pushed away from him, stumbling from the realization that he hadn’t changed. Clay was a vicious flirt and never took anything seriously. She shoved at his chest, but he didn’t budge. He was real and he was here, and unfortunately for her unsteady nerves, it didn’t look like he was going away. “What are you doing here?” she demanded.

 “Your daddy hired me.”

 “My daddy … hired you?” She glared at him. “For what? A pinup model?”

 He smiled and tilted his head to the side. “I know I look good, but I actually have a few skills in protection too.”

 “You do not. All you’ve ever been good at is spending your billions of dollars and getting women to simper at your feet.” She knew he’d been in the military for four years after high school, but after that, he appeared to be the ultimate player. At least, it looked that way in the online photos she’d seen, when she’d googled him. Okay, it was pathetic that she’d googled him, but he was Clay Browning, a.k.a. Miriam’s dream man.

 He spread his arms, and she couldn’t help but notice the definition from his forearms and biceps up through his shoulders and chest. Maybe he should find a shirt that wasn’t so … form-fitting. “Hey, I’ve got lots of talents. What can I say?”

 Miriam pushed out a huffy breath. “You are not here. This is all some kind of crazy fantasy.”

 “I know I’m the stuff fantasies are made of, but I really am here.” He sauntered a step closer, and that spicy cologne made her stomach heat up. “You want to enact some of those fantasies you’ve been having about me?”

 She put a hand on his chest to keep him from coming any closer. Those muscles were real. Yikes. She dropped her hand and stepped back. “For one second, just for one, be serious. Why are you here, and how did you get in my house?”

 Clay rolled his eyes and folded his arms across his chest. Sheesh. What did he do with biceps that defined? Wrestle bulls?

 Focus, Miriam!

 “Your daddy called me, said Greg was threatening and stalking you and I had to find you. So I found you, and now I’m here to watch over you.”

 Watch over you? She would not survive with this man in the same town, let alone the same house. Her throat was dry and all those daydreams she used to have about him rotated through her mind. “How did you get in?” she demanded.

 “I told you: I have skills.” He smiled and finally admitted, “I was special ops in the Army and I’ve worked in private security since then.”

 “You’re being serious now? This isn’t some bull crap line that Clay Browning is giving me?”

 He smirked. “You can believe whatever you want, sweetheart.” He took a step closer, and her legs betrayed her by not backing up. “But do believe that I’m here and you I and are going to get real cozy.”

 Miriam looked over his gorgeous face. She clenched her trembling hands together and swallowed hard. “I’m not one of your flavors of the week, Clay.”

 He leaned in and sniffed her. “Ah. Yeah, I think you are. Vanilla with a hint of chocolate. My favorite flavor this week.” 

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Author Cami Checketts Cami Checketts is married and the proud mother of four future WWF champions. Sometimes between being a human horse, cleaning up magic potions, and reading Bernstein Bears, she gets the chance to write fiction. Cami graduated from Utah State University with a degree in Exercise Science. She and her family live in the beautiful Cache Valley of Northern Utah. During the two months of the year it isn't snowing, she enjoys swimming, biking, running, and water-skiing.  

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Also by Cami Checketts

Don't miss the rest of the Billionaire Beach Romances: Shadows in the Curtain Caribbean Rescue Cozumel Escape Cancun Getaway Trusting the Billionaire Onboard for Love
 

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Giveaway Details

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway

Ends 12/31/17

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

Once Upon a Time Travel by Sariah Wilson

Once upon a time…

Recent college grad Emma Damon knows the Rose Room in Hartley Hall is off limits, which is exactly why she can’t wait to get inside. Once she enters the forbidden room, Emma learns more about the history of the museum than she ever intended to know.

Waking up confused and shocked in 1816, all Emma wants is to return to her cozy home with flushing toilets and disposable razors. But when she’s mistaken for someone else, Emma must pretend to be everything she’s not. About to be engaged to the Earl of Hartley’s brother, Emma fails miserably at playing the role of a sophisticated lady.

Hartley is determined to ensure that the quirky and adorable woman marries his brother – despite his ever-growing attraction to her. After loving and losing, he refuses to fall prey to the shackles of love. But as his desire for Emma increases, he knows he must forfeit his happiness for his brother’s future. After all, there’s no such thing as happily ever after.

Or is there?

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

This book was highly entertaining to me.  I smiled a LOT and I even giggled out loud a few times.  I love when books amuse me.  Then you add in the ever growing attraction and tension between Emma and Hartley and I was completely hooked.  There were a few times I was mentally pulling my hair out and yelling, "Oh, COME ON!" only to be right back to giggling the next minute.  So fun.

There is a great cast of characters in this book and I loved the touch of the magical here.  I'd love to see this book grow into a series with some back stories about Hartley's sisters.  

Sariah Wilson is a go-to author for me.  This book is not like her others but it is surely one of her most amusing.  This is the perfect book for a romantic escape.  It will lighten your day and bring a smile to your face.

Content:  some kissing, making out that gets a little steamy but stays clean

- I received a copy of this book, per my request, from the publisher via NetGalley.  All opinions expressed are my own.

$25 Giveaway With 12 Days of Clean Romance Author Annette K. Larsen

 

 

 

Just Ella by Annette K. Larsen Ariella was only looking for a distraction, something to break up the monotony of palace life. What she found was a young man willing to overlook her title and show her a new and vibrant way of life. But when her growing feelings for Gavin spiral out of control and clash with the expectations of her station, she will discover that the consequences of her curiosity are far more severe than she'd imagined. "I watched in helpless horror as two guards hauled Gavin to his feet and dragged him from the room. My voice was frozen, unable to protest as another guard took hold of my arm, leading me upstairs. From the confines of my room, I stared into the darkness beyond my window, hoping to catch one more glimpse of Gavin. He was gone, and I wondered if he would have been better off if he had never met me."

 

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Praise for Just Ella

"This book is so well written it felt just perfect. Honest. I loved it from beginning to end." -Aimee Brown, Getting Your Read On

"Full of those tender moments you want to go back and read again, plus exciting moments, clever humor, and some suspense as well." -Jana, The Writer's Assistant "Loved every second of this book. It was engaging, eventful, beautifully written and hard to put down. It's wonderful for all ages!" -Jen, Goodreads

   

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 He gave me a sad smile and shrugged. “I apologize if my bluntness offends you. I figured you would leave if you were upset by me.”
“That would be very rude of me.”
“It’s what I’d expect.”
“Why? Because that’s what a noble would do?”
“Well.” The confusion was back, forcing him to make a slight concession. “Any other noble.” It was somewhat gratifying that he no longer felt compelled to lump me with the nobles he despised. However, the fact remained—I wasn’t a noble. And I knew he would think even less of me when he knew what I was.
I wouldn’t lie. “I told you, I’m not—”
“Come now, Ella. Your tree climbing hasn’t got me fooled.” He used an almost paternal tone, his eyes laughing. “You are nobility, aren’t you?”
 I buried my hurt. “No, I’m something worse.”
“Oh, come now, I don’t think that badly of people. The only thing that might be worse is royalty.” How charming he was, even when insulting me.
I stood silent for a moment, wondering if he would catch on. When he continued to gaze at me, I simply said, “Exactly.”
A look of horror crossed his face and I gave him a sad smile before turning to leave.
“Oh,” I heard him stuttering behind me, sounding utterly mortified. “No, I…my apologies, miss—Your Highness,” he corrected himself sharply. “Princess, I’m so very sorry, I…”
I shook my head as I turned to face him again. He looked so different: the confidence, the grin, the amusement were all gone, replaced with a look akin to physical pain. “It’s all right,” I said quietly. “You’re not wrong.” I should have inclined my head, waiting for him to bow before I left. Instead I lifted my hand in farewell.

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Author Annette K. Larsen I was born in Utah, but migrated to Arizona, Missouri, and Virginia before settling in Idaho. Though I dabbled in writing throughout school, being an author seemed like an unattainable dream. It took me seven years to write my first book, Just Ella. During that time, I taught myself how to write a novel. Not the most time effective method, but it gave me an education I wouldn’t have received from a class or a how-to book. Something about the struggle of writing without a formula or rules worked for me. I write clean romance because I love it. Jane Eyre is the hero of my youth and taught me that clinging to your convictions will be hard, but will bring you more genuine happiness than giving in ever can. I love chocolate, Into the Woods, ocean waves, my husband, and my five littles. And I love books that leave me with a sigh of contentment.

 

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Also by Annette K. Larsen

 
 

Keeping Kinley is on Sale for just 99 cents!

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Giveaway Details

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway

Ends 12/28/17

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

12 Days of Clean Romance with Author Heather Moore- $25 Giveaway!

 

 

The Falling Series

Contemporary Romance Novellas from USA Today bestselling author Heather B. Moore

 

Falling for Sydney Sydney has been the perfect friend, the perfect daughter, and Rian checks off on her perfect fiancé list. But when Sydney notices a strange truck parked in her fiancé’s parking spot, she’s in for the surprise of her life. Not only is Rian not who she thought he was, but his brother Jake is about to turn her life upside down.  

    

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Falling for Maria At twenty-six, Maria is holding out for the perfect man to share the rest of her life with. Josh seems to be that man, but after months of dating, their relationship is at a stand-still. Maria plans to nudge Josh forward, but when the company she works for is bought out, her new boss Walker seems determined to change Maria’s idea of the perfect man.

   

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Falling for June Once a year, June Dawson goes on vacation with her best friends from high school. When she arrives in Maui, she realizes she's the odd-woman out. With Sydney engaged, and Maria nearly so, June wonders if anyone will ever fall for her. Then June meets Lance, their gorgeous next door bungalow neighbor at the Maui resort, and she's definitely charmed. But after her recent breakup, June refuses to fall for gorgeous, or charming, again.

   

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Author Heather B. Moore Heather B. Moore is a USA Today bestselling author of more than a dozen historical novels and thrillers, written under pen name H.B. Moore. She writes women's fiction, romance and inspirational non-fiction under Heather B. Moore. This can all be confusing, so her kids just call her Mom. Heather attended Cairo American College in Egypt, the Anglican School of Jerusalem in Israel, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University in Utah. Heather is represented by Jane Dystel of Dystel, Goderich, and Bourret.

 

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Also by Heather B. Moore

 

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Giveaway Details

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway

Ends 12/27/17

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