Second Chance (Griffin Force #5) by Julie Coulter Bellon

 

Griffin Force tracks a dangerous terrorist to Libya, but the only man on their team that can infiltrate the terrorist's lair is Augie---their computer tech. They'll take a huge risk with an undercover asset who gets Augie in and assures them he won't be killed.

But who can the team really trust when the op goes sideways?

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

Wa-hoo!  It's release day for this book and I feel like I've been waiting forever for it!  I mean, it hasn't REALLY been forever, but you know what I mean.  It seems like so long ago that this author revealed the cover for this book and I was SO excited.  Julie Coulter Bellon is one of my favorites in this military suspense genre.  She has written in other genres too and I like that but this is my first love.  I loved being back with the Griffin Force team with the spotlight on Augie, the computer tech genius.  Time to really shine, Augie!!

And shine he did.  

Even in the dark moments, Augie was shining.  He really came through as a protector and a defender.  I loved his bravery and his kindness.  Rian has a great presence in this book- who doesn't love a strong woman?  She was amazing.  And of course, seeing old friends was nice too.  I love how this team works together.

I loved how the story unfolded.  I stayed up way too late last night to finish it because I didn't want to sleep until knew everything.  Of course, now I am desperate for the next book because I was left with a "to be continued . . . "  Boo.  I sure hope the author is writing that next book!!

Content:  peril, violence, kissing

This book is on KU!

The Captain's Christmas Promise (Griffin Force) by Julie Coulter Bellon

 

 

A Christmas they won't forget . . .

After spending every waking moment hunting the world’s most wanted terrorist, Colt Mitchell and Brenna Wilson decide to take a break and go home for the Christmas holidays. The minute they touch down on Canadian soil, however, they are pulled into an international conspiracy that would leave the son of a Kuwaiti diplomat dead. Colt and Brenna finally locate the target, but a contract killer is hot on their trail. Retreating to the Canadian wilderness to keep everyone safe, they'll need all their skills---and maybe a Christmas miracle---to make it out alive.

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I've been so excited to read this story!  Colt and Brenna's story begins in The Captain (Griffin Force #2) and this story follows after that.  I don't think you have to read the main story first but I can guarantee you will be happier if you do.  I loved reconnecting with these characters here.  Colt and Brenna are awesome.

This story is novella length but it sure packs a punch!  It's not your typical Christmas story because, well, Colt and Brenna aren't typical people with ordinary jobs.  I loved the tension and danger as well as the sweeter moments with family.  It was balanced well and over before I knew it.  I just love Julie Coulter Bellon's military suspense books.  They are my favorite. 

Content:  some violence, peril, kissing 

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

 

The Viscount's Vow by Julie Coulter Bellon

Edward Rutledge, the newly minted Viscount Carlisle, has come back from war a changed man. The echo of the battlefield and the death of his best friend Marcus haunt him to the point that he decides to break his betrothal to Charlotte---the only woman he’s ever loved.

When he’s summoned home to Hartwell Manor, he comes face-to-face with her. Slowly, her strength and love make him see that he might be able to reclaim what he thought was lost. But when word reaches him that Marcus might not have died in Spain and yet lives, Edward will do anything to bring his friend home. As the mystery deepens, however, Edward is drawn into an intrigue that forces him to confront the demons that have plagued him since he returned to England. Will he have to sacrifice everything he’s built with Charlotte in order to keep her safe?

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

The beginning premise of this book isn't a unique one.  In fact, when I began reading, it felt very similar to a couple of regency books I've read recently.  Man comes home from war, feels he is unworthy/incapable of love for varying reasons so he refuses the girl.  I was excited when things took a turn as Edward goes on a mission to rescue his old friend, Marcus.  That's when I really became interested in this story.  I wish there had been more intensity to that part of the story because it all ended very gently without too much fuss.  I was a little disappointed.  I also felt like Marcus changed his mind regarding marrying Charlotte easily and quickly.  His promises to Charlotte's brother seemed contradictory to what he really intended.  I don't know.  Some of that just confused me. 

Edward and Charlotte are both nice characters, good people, easy to like.  The story is gentle, easy reading and the ending is sweet.  Although this book wasn't my favorite I liked it and I am a fan of this author.  Her military romantic suspense books are my very favorites.

Content:  kissing

This book is available on Kindle Unlimited. 

The Marquess Meets His Match by Julie Coulter Bellon + Giveaway!

A traitor with a deadly plan. Two agents sent to expose his identity before he strikes. But danger is closer than they think . . .

Lord Christian Wolverton―known as Wolf in a covert group operating during the war against Napoleon―has been called home from his military duties. For the moment, his family responsibilities require him to suspend his more clandestine activities. But information falls into his hands that a traitor will soon try to tip the scales back into French favor and Christian doesn't have much time to stop it from happening.

Going to the one person who can help him, the powerful Duke of Huntingdon, Christian comes face to face with Lady Alice. She's a beautiful member of the ton with a very big secret―she's also a trained agent and already on the case. Forced to partner with her to lure the traitor out of hiding, Christian wants to quickly close the case himself, before Lady Alice is more closely involved. But Lady Alice has ideas of her own and she's going to prove her theories correct―with or without him.

Danger is closer than they think, however, and it's a race against time to expose the traitor's identity before British lives are endangered. Both Christian and Alice have strong opinions on who he is, but which one will be proven right and can they catch him before it's too late?

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

What a fun romp this book is!  There is mystery, intrigue, danger and yes, a growing romance.  Lady Alice is fantastic- a trained secret agent with plenty of moxie.  She is strong, brave and smart but also very feminine and classy.  She felt like the perfect heroine to me.  I love how she stands her ground with Lord Wolverton and how much he grows to respect and enjoy that.  ;)

The story was entertaining, the plot moved at a great pace and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it.

Content:  mild peril, mild violence, kissing

- I picked this book up on Kindle Unlimited.

Julie Coulter Bellon is the author of nearly two dozen romantic suspense books. Her book All Fall Down won the RONE award for Best Suspense, Pocket Full of Posies won a RONE Honorable Mention for Best Suspense and The Captain was a RONE award finalist for Best Suspense. Most recently, her books The Capture and Second Look were both Whitney finalists for Best Suspense/Mystery.

Julie loves to travel and her favorite cities she's visited so far are probably Athens, Paris, Ottawa, and London. In her free time she loves to read, write, teach, watch HawaiiFive-O, and eat Canadian chocolate. Not necessarily in that order.

If you'd like to be the first to hear about Julie's new projects and receive a free book, you can sign up to be part of her VIP Readers Group at juliebellon.com
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Second Look (Griffin Force) by Julie Coulter Bellon

When the most wanted terrorist in the world escapes from a high security prison, Nate Hughes is part of the task force sent to recapture him. During the mission, he meets Abby, a fellow investigator that seems to have it all together. He's drawn to her and hopes they can join forces, but when her past is revealed, loyalties are called into question. Could she have turned against the country she once held dear?

The CIA wants her captured and interrogated, but with a terrorist attack imminent, Abby may be the only person in a position to help them stop it. Nate must make a choice to either trust her or turn her in---but the wrong decision would clear the path for the largest attack on freedom the world has ever seen.

And time is running out.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

Author Julie Coulter Bellon is one of my very favorite authors in the romantic suspense genre.  I love this Griffin Force series and I'm always so excited when a new one comes out.

Each book in this series can stand alone but you might have more fun if you read this series in order because there is some continuation of secondary characters.

Abby is one smart lady.  Honestly, I know there are people out in the world right now doing exactly what Abby did in this book and it honestly just boggles my mind.  Smart, brave, dedicated people, willing to give all for the fight of freedom and justice.  It makes me feel so lame and weak, but so grateful too.  Anyway, back to Abby.  Smarty pants Abby.  And Nate, who believes in her from the moment he meets her.  I love how Nate trusts his gut and those feeling inside him and how his whole team supports him.  It's awesome.

This story had me so invested from beginning to end.  I loved the fantastic forward momentum that hardly left me any time to breathe.  I had moments of full anxiety and then moments of sweet love.  It was exactly what I was hoping for.

Content:  violence, sweet kissing

- I picked this book up on Kindle Unlimited

A Highlander's Hidden Heart by Julie Coulter Bellon + Book Giveaway!

Despite being the daughter of a duke, shy Elizabeth Barrington becomes a target for the cruel whisperings of the ton. She would rather stay at home with her sketchbook indefinitely than give them more to gossip about, but when a dashing new earl arrives, everything changes. His Scottish brogue and easy acceptance draw her in and she finds herself falling in love. Before she can act on her feelings, however, her father promises her to a man who hides his cruel behavior behind a mask of civility. With her future at stake, Elizabeth must make a choice—do her duty or choose a love that could cost her everything.

Alec Ramsay never expected to inherit an earldom or settle in England, but he leaves behind his life in the Scottish Highlands and comes to London. After meeting his new neighbor, the beautiful and soft-spoken Lady Elizabeth, Alec can’t wait to further their acquaintance. It doesn’t take long in her company, however, for Alec to see he’s in danger of losing his heart. But when long-held prejudices rear their ugly head, Alec is caught between doing what is right and his new role as an English gentleman. Has he finally found the love he’s waited his whole life for, only to lose her in the web of unfair judgments and proper English traditions?

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

It's always fun to see an author you love branch out and do something new.  Over the years I have loved Julie Bellon and her military suspense romance books.  They are some of my favorites!  This book is quite outside that genre.  A complete one-eighty.  And while I did enjoy this book, I'm still the biggest fan of those military romances!  I hope a get a new one of those soon!  (Plus, as a little side note here, I feel like so many authors are switching to write in this "regency" genre and there are SO many of them out there right now.  I'm longing for a good, clean romantic  military suspense which there aren't nearly as many of.)

I think what I loved most about this book was Alec.  He meets Elizabeth and is completely unfazed by her obvious struggles.  His acceptance of her is instant and heart warming.  Alec is fiercely loyal and he is, above all else, a true gentleman.  I loved him.  Well, the thought of him in a kilt, sporting the strong Scottish brogue didn't hurt anything either.  😉

I didn't completely buy into how everything went down with Elizabeth's father but other than that, this was a sweet story with characters that are easy to root for.

This is a short book (maybe novella size) but the story felt whole and complete.  

Content:  clean, some kissing

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

Tour schedule:

April 23rd: Katie’s Clean Book Collection / Heidi Reads

April 24th - LDS and Lovin’ It / The Bibliophile Files

April 25th - LDS Writer Mom / My Book a Day / Singing Librarian Books / Getting Your Read On

April 26th - Peggy Urry / Min Reads and Reviews (spotlight)

April 27th - Among the Reads / Joy in the Moments / Literary Time Out / Wishful Endings

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Love's Journey Home (Lincoln Love Stories) by Julie Coulter Bellon

Olivia Dalton has a reputation in the DA’s office—tough, thorough, and fierce when she’s closing a case. Those skills are essential in the courtroom, but not in the relationship department—until Mick Donovan crosses her path. Everyone thinks he’s a player, but when an unexpected situation arises, she glimpses an honorable man instead. Olivia is drawn to him, but he pushes her away, unable to shake the past that still haunts him.

Mick Donovan learned at a young age never to let anyone close because those you love never stay. Keeping people at arms-length has never been hard for him—until he meets Olivia Dalton. Mick is caught up in a case she’s prosecuting, and he can’t deny his attraction to her, but when she uncovers the past he’s kept carefully hidden, he’s sure she’ll turn away. Yet, even with all his secrets in the open, Olivia reaches out. Can he let his guard down long enough to let her in and take a chance on love?

* Amazon * Goodreads *

It's always a happy day when I get to read a new book by Julie Coulter Bellon!  She first hooked me with her military suspense books- which I absolutely love.  Now she's made a jump to straight up romance and I find it interesting that she's done it with no suspense or nail biting whatsoever.  I kept waiting for the proverbial ball to drop with this story- the big blow up, the major hurdle but nothing happened.  This was a sweet story from the beginning with no razzle or fluff.  It felt very realistic and I never doubted for a minute that everything that happened in this book could happen just this way in real life.

Olivia and Mick meet, are attracted and follow up on those feelings.  There are some minor glitches in communication while the couple finds their footing, especially in the trust department, but that is all completely normal.  Mick has a rough personal history that he guards well, but trust comes eventually.  Olivia and Mick are both great characters and easy to like.

I loved the added element of foster parenting.  There are so many good people out there, providing love and homes for so many children who need them.  I know a few personally and they really are the best sort of people.  This book brought out a bit of the bad that sometimes accompanies this, but mostly the good.  

This book was enjoyable, easy reading.  It made me happy.

Content:  Clean, some mention of child abuse and neglect, drug and alcohol addiction and abuse, kissing

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

The Capture (Griffin Force #3) by Julie Coulter Bellon

Julian Bennet, head of Griffin Force, finally finds love with Zaya Altes, but the day he buys her an engagement ring, international terrorist Nazer al-Raimi abducts her. Getting her back consumes him, yet it takes nearly six months to find her. The daring mission to extract her from a hidden prison in Afghanistan is successful, but Zaya has suffered during captivity. Though she’s grateful to Julian for breaking her out, she wants nothing to do with him. Before he can show her how much he still loves her, Nazer finds them and vows revenge. Can Julian keep Zaya safe and still stop Nazer once and for all?

Zaya Altes nearly gave up hope of ever being rescued, but when Griffin Force finally finds her, returning to life is harder than she imagined. While her feelings for Julian are as strong as ever, she feels too broken to recapture what they once had. Instead, Zaya jumps at a chance to trap Nazer, wanting vengeance for what she’s endured. As the final showdown draws near, however, Zaya will have to make an unimaginable choice to let Nazer close to her again. But when a shocking web of betrayal is uncovered in their own ranks, their one chance to capture him is compromised. Julian and Zaya will put everything on the line, but can they survive this ultimate test and finally reach for their chance at happiness?

 *Amazon * Goodreads *

Julie Bellon is one of my favorite authors in the romantic suspense genre.  Well, she's one of my favorites period.  :)  I really love her military suspense books- they are full of action, danger and excellent characters that I just can't help but love.  This book is part of a series, but it can stand alone.  I would recommend reading the whole series though, it's worth it!

This book starts off with Zaya being held hostage by a terrorist organization.  She is tortured, starved and near death.  I know this is a fictional book but I also know that these things happen today and I am in awe of people who are brave enough to face these things or even the chance of these things when they go to work each day.  I would never survive it, but how grateful I am that there are people better than me.  Freedom is an amazing gift given by people that this book represents.

Anyway, back to the book.  Ha.  SO GOOD!  Zaya, brave and strong.  She holds on in horrific circumstances for so long, waiting to be rescued.  Julian is desperate to find Zaya, not only his teammate, but his love.  Julian is all things strong and good.  He fights for Zaya and tries so hard to provide her with everything he thinks she will need for her recovery.  I loved the dynamics of their relationship.  Watching Zaya come to terms with some of the things that happened and realize her limitations and her strengths were endearing.  I just loved her.

This book is full of action and suspense, but it's also full of moments where I have time to breathe and connect with the characters.  I wasn't tense the whole book.  The ending was explosive and so satisfying.

If you haven't read anything by Julie Bellon, you really need to.  She is a fantastic author and I'm always on the lookout for her next book. 

Content:  some violence, torture (but nothing too graphic), kissing

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

Love's Broken Road by Julie Coulter Bellon + $30 and Book Giveaway!!

After surviving an abusive marriage, Victoria Newel needs a clean slate for herself and her son. Taking a job as a math teacher, she moves across the country to the small town of Lincoln, Utah, where no one knows her and she can start over. However, her new colleague, Drew Dalton, offers her friendship and maybe something more. But has her heart healed enough that she could trust again?

Drew Dalton lost his wife to cancer years ago and he locked his heart away, throwing himself into his teaching job. But when Victoria Newel starts working at the high school, she awakens something in him that he never thought he’d feel again. Her gentle nature and quiet strength draws him to her, but it’s obvious she’s hiding something in her past from him. Can he open his heart to a woman who harbors so many secrets of her own?

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

One of my favorite authors is here, trying something a little different than her usual fare.  Julie Coulter Bellon is queen of romantic suspense, usually military style.  I love her books!  This book though, is romance without the suspense.  Can a suspense fantastico write a romance without suspense in it?  Well, I definitely think so!

Victoria and Drew are both broken but in different ways.  Their lives have looked very different so far but they are at the same place now- teaching, surviving and hoping.  I was drawn to both Victoria and Drew.  Victoria is a survivor.  She is strong and determined to move forward and create a safe, happy place for her son and for herself.  Drew is all things gentle and kind.  He is thoughtful and can see other's pain and struggles.  He is the perfect man for Victoria, even if it does take a bit for them both to figure that out.  I loved the addition of Victoria's son in the story.  His antics felt typical for a young boy and brought the feeling of family to the story.

This book was easy to fall into and felt so good around my heart.  I really enjoyed it!

I hope you will check out all of Julie's books if you haven't already.  They are all fantastic!

-I received a copy of this book from the author.  A favorable review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.

Julie Coulter Bellon is the author of more than a dozen romantic suspense novels. Her book All Fall Down won the RONE award for Best Suspense and Pocket Full of Posies won a RONE Honorable Mention for Best Suspense. 

Julie loves to travel and her favorite cities she's visited so far are probably Athens, Paris, Ottawa, and London. She loves to read, write, teach, watch Castle, Hawaii Five-O, and eat Canadian chocolate. Not necessarily in that order. 

Julie offers writing and publishing tips as well as her take on life on her blog ldswritermom.blogspot.com You can also find out about all her upcoming projects at her website juliebellon.com 

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Forget Me Not (Hostage Negotiation #3.5) by Julie Coulter Bellon

After reconnecting with Lucy Aguayo on an undercover mission to Colombia, Bart Gutierrez can't imagine his life without her now. Exploring their new relationship has him thinking of love and marriage, but before they can move forward, their dangerous past comes back to haunt them. Can they face it together or will it tear them apart?

Lucy has been undercover for five years and her new "normal" life takes some getting used to. Bart and his family have welcomed her with open arms and just as she starts to believe her newfound happiness isn't going to be snatched away, government agents show up unannounced and give her an ultimatum---do one last operation for us or you won't like the consequences.

Everything doesn't go as planned, however, and soon both of their lives are on the line. Can they survive the mission and put the past behind them once and for all, in order to have the future they've always wanted?

(A companion novella that takes place directly following Pocket Full of Posies Hostage Negotiation Team #3)

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

I just love having these in between, follow up novellas for this Hostage Negotiation Team series.  It's like a P.S. for the characters.  So fun.

This  P.S. is for Bart and Lucy.  They are home from Colombia and working on their relationship.  You may think that this means that things are quiet and back to normal, but no.  No it isn't.  Bart and Lucy are sucked right back into the drug cartel once again with the hopes that this time will finally be the last and they can move on with their lives.

There was a bit of romance and a bit of suspense.  I was pulled right back into the lives of Bart and Lucy- willingly and happily.  

I love how Julie Bellon writes.  She is one of my very favorite authors in this genre.  Reading her books is the best treat!

Content:  Clean, some violence

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

New Release! The Captain (Griffin Force #2) by Julie Coulter Bellon

Captain Colt Mitchell is part of the elite Griffin Force team hunting down terrorist Nazer al-Raimi. After an attack on the Canadian Parliament buildings, the team gets good intel on Nazer’s whereabouts. They plan to grab him, but when the mission goes wrong, Colt is captured and dragged away. Bruised, restrained, and disoriented, Colt is stunned to see Brenna Wilson, the Canadian intelligence officer who broke his heart years ago, standing next to Nazer. But how deep is she in the operation and can she help Colt escape?

After the devastating attack on Canadian soil, Brenna is recruited to go undercover to find out what Nazer is planning next. She’s close to her goal until her former flame Colt Mitchell is taken hostage. Walking away from him has always been her biggest regret and she knows she has to save him, even if it blows her mission. Taking matters into her own hands, she pulls off a daring escape, but Colt and Brenna must learn to trust each other again if they want to stay alive. With their hearts and their lives on the line can they survive long enough to stop Nazer from ravaging another country’s sense of security?

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

I always feel like such a lucky girl to be able to read and review for Julie Bellon.  Her books are so good- full of military suspense and action but not in an overly graphic way.  I love the bit of romance that weaves it's way through the story.  It's never the center stage but in this case, it was the driving force behind the way the events unfolded.

Colt and Brenna have a history.  They knew each other intimately before but went their separate ways due to Brenna's choices.  Imagine coming face to face with the person you loved when you are a hostage and she is undercover as a slave.  Wild set up, that.  

This book has awesome pacing- never a dull or droopy moment.  I love that.  I started the book dropped right into the very thick of things and it just never let up.  I was completely engaged the whole time.  It left me wondering at the end if that was a shorter book because it felt like it was over too fast.  So good.  I love this series!

Content:  Clean romance, some violence (torture, death, injuries, drugging)

I received a copy of this book from the author for my honest review.

The Captive (Griffin Force #1) by Julie Coulter Bellon

Former Navy SEAL Jake Williams is the newly appointed head of a task force assigned to rescue a kidnapped American diplomat. Their only hope is Mya Amari, the daughter of a notorious Algerian hostage negotiator, but she is full of secrets and complications–something Jake takes as a personal challenge. As they grow closer, the threat to the mission escalates and time runs out for the hostages. Can Jake unravel the web of deception to save them all without getting caught in the crossfire?

Mya Amari has been in hiding nearly her entire life to escape her father’s enemies. But when her sister is kidnapped along with an American diplomat, she’ll do anything to bring her home–including walking into the enemy’s lair. She doesn’t trust anyone, especially the too-handsome-for-his-own-good Commander Williams, but when all her careful plans explode out of control, he’s the only one she can turn to with the truth about her family. Is it too little, too late?

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

It is always a happy day when I get to sit down and read one of Julie Bellon's books.  New releases from her are like Christmas for me.  Lucky me, I got to read this book over the Christmas holiday so it was like Christmas and Christmas for me!  :)

This book is the beginning of a new series but still brings the same elements that I've come to know and expect from Julie Bellon.  There is always action and mild suspense along with the romance in her books and this book was no different.

Jake is all things a male lead should be.  Strong, brave, smart, handsome and determined to keep people safe.  He is a take charge kind of guy but he is also kind.  Especially to Mya when she doesn't really look to deserve it.  I really loved Jake consistently in all situations.

Mya was a bit more prickly but it's her moments of weakness that helped me connect with her.  That and her love for her family.

I read through this book quickly and was a bit sad to see it come to an end.  It's so easy to get wrapped up in books by Julie Bellon.  She is one of my favorites!

A Timeless Romance Anthology: Under the Mistletoe

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

'Tis the season for some Christmas romance!  This Timeless Romance Collection is so appropriately named "Under the Mistletoe" and all these novellas capture that holiday romance perfectly.  I love these novella collections.  I have come to know what to expect of them and they just never disappoint.

So many of my favorite authors are represented in this collection.  I really can't call out a favorite here because each one of these stories made me happy.  In this collection you will find the rekindling of old flames, friends turning into more, and the butterflies of new love. This was such a fun collection and I read straight through them all.

This is the perfect book to curl up with this holiday season.  I loved it.

Falling Slowly (Hostage Negotiation #1.5) by Julie Coulter Bellon

**This is a companion novella to All Fall Down (Hostage Negotiation #1)**

Rafe Kelly never thought he’d fall in love with Claire Michaels, the hostage negotiator sent to get him out of a life or death situation. Though it was easy to see from the beginning that Claire was good at her profession, Rafe quickly realized she was even better for him personally―and that they might have a future together.

When they get back from their mission in Afghanistan, however, Claire goes back to the Hostage Negotiation Team and Rafe is left to deal with the huge hole in his life after leaving the SEALs. Trying to balance an uncertain future with a new relationship is made even more complicated when a family crisis strikes. Will Rafe and Claire be able to turn to each other for strength or are they over before they’ve really begun?

* Amazon * Goodreads * B&N * Kobo *

Now here's something I love.  A sweet love story continuation from a book that I loved.  I first read about Rafe and Claire in "All Fall Down" which is a clean romantic suspense (more suspense than romance).  In that book they make a connection and we have a glimpse of what will come.  In "Falling Slowly" we get a follow up on Rafe and Claire's romance and I loved it.  It's sort of like a P.S..

Rafe and Claire are back in real life, trying to figure out how to navigate this new and growing relationship in uncharted waters.  This is a novella and so it went by way too fast.  I wanted more.  Yeah, greedy am I.  I love all of Julie's books.  They are fast paced and engaging.  This novella was less suspenseful and focused more on the growing relationship which is such a perfect idea for in between novellas, I think.  So fun!  I REALLY hope she does this for all her books.  That would be awesome!

If you haven't read any of Julie's books, this is a great time to start!  They are all fantastic.

All Fall Down  (Hostage Negotiation #1)

Falling Slowly (Hostage Negotiation #1.5)

Ashes, Ashes  (Hostage Negotiation #2)

From the Ashes (Hostage Negotiation #2.5)

Pocket Full of Posies  (Hostage Negotiation #3)

Ring Around the Rosie  (Hostage Negotiation #4)

Also, just as an FYI, "All Fall Down" should be released April 15th as an audio book!

Julie Coulter Bellon is the author of eleven romantic suspense novels. Her book All Fall Down won the RONE award for Best Suspense and Pocket Full of Posies won a RONE Honorable Mention for Best Suspense.

Julie loves her work partly because she gets to travel to distant lands to research and add an authentic feel to all of her books. Her favorite cities so far are Athens, Paris, Ottawa, and London. She would love to visit Hawaii, Australia, Ireland, and Scotland someday. She loves to read, write, teach, watch Castle, Hawaii Five-O, and eat Canadian chocolate. Not necessarily in that order.

Julie also offers writing and publishing tips as well as her take on life on her blog ldswritermom.blogspot.com

From the Ashes by Julie Coulter Bellon

**This novella is a continuation of Colby and Sophia's story from Ashes Ashes (Hostage Negotiation Team #2)**

As a suspect in Senator DeMarco's murder, Sophia Naziri worked hard to bring the true killer to justice and prove her innocence. But she pays a high personal price trying to clear her name when she's held hostage and nearly killed---and Sophia can't put it behind her just yet.

Matters get even more complicated when classified information regarding the murder is leaked. Sophia is besieged by the press and trapped even further by the memories that won't let her move on. In order to escape the situation, Sophia heads to a secluded cabin with Detective Colby Black so they can lay low and figure out who the leak is. But can Sophia find the peace she craves? Or will the circumstances that brought her and Colby together now drive them apart?

I'm always excited to read books by authors I love.  This little bonus piece is a novella that comes after "Ashes, Ashes", book two in the Hostage Negotiation Team series.  You really need to read that book before you pick up this novella or you will be hopelessly lost.  But if you haven't yet read this series by Julie Bellon, you really, really should.  It is a fantastic romantic suspense series.  The tension never lets up.  It's one of my favorites.

As for this novella, I loved it.  It wasn't so intense in the suspense department but it gave me that P.S., the happily ever after kind of note at the end.  More detail of how things go after the main intense drama and action.  It was the after effects.  What happens when Sophia and Colby come home?  It isn't all sunshine and lollipops but there is for sure some sweetness in there.  :)  This is a super quick read and I hope Julie does more of these for the other books!  So fun.

My thanks to Julie for letting me read and review for her.  I love being a part of her SWAT team!  What could be better than reading and reviewing for one of your favorite authors?  Not much!  Reading is happy.