With A Kiss: A Sweet Romance Anthology

DANCING TO FREEDOM by Traci Hunter Abramson: A Russian ballerina. An American hockey player. A forbidden romance. Can Katrina follow her heart when freedom is the one thing she lacks? Or will the Cold War cost her the only man she has ever loved?

RYLEE’S MIX-UP by Rachel Branton: Rylee Williams didn’t want to be a bridesmaid at her estranged sister’s wedding, the sister who’d grown up with the family she was supposed to have. So why does she find herself in a dress two sizes too big and no date for the wedding? Maybe it’s time to give up on her family once and for all. But a greased pig contest and handsome cowboy Beck Seeger might just change her mind—both about sticking it out and taking a chance at love.

THE REFUGEE’S BILLIONAIRE by Rachelle J. Christensen: Shawn Halstrom has an assignment: travel to Atlanta, Georgia to investigate The Heart of Atlanta refugee center so that Burke Enterprises can make a donation. The job should take two weeks tops, but he wasn’t planning on falling for a Cuban refugee named Carolina Diaz. She’s a single mother who isn’t interested in dating, even if the guy might be a billionaire.

JUST THIS MOMENT by Joyce DiPastena: Alys’s late husband thought her useful only for spinning thread. Now a mysterious monk has come to take her to a nunnery. Can a sightless woman like Alys exert her independence to forge a future of her own choice? And will the monk, who stirs forbidden longings in her, help or hinder her?

ORIGAMI GIRL by Danyelle Ferguson: Josephine loved teaching crafts at the children's hospital until she was assigned to help Dr. Blake learn how to relate with his patients. As she helps the young doctor soften his sharp edges, relax his rigid folds, and open up to the people around him, she finds she can't help but love the man he's becoming.

SABRINA’S HERO by Donna Hatch: For weeks, Sabrina daydreams about a mysterious gentleman who frequents the lending library. Is he perchance an agent for the crown? A returning war hero? A highwayman? A fateful public assembly introduces her to the mystery man as well as an intriguing newcomer. Now she’s torn between a charming rake promising the adventure she craves, and a handsome barrister who offers security. Only one will stand by her when it matters most.

FALLING FOR LUCY by Heather B. Moore: Lucy Morley’s older sister is perfect, yet Lucy can’t even hold down a job, let alone stick with something like college. After another disastrous firing, she lands her dream job at a bookstore—and it doesn’t hurt that her new boss, Adam Parks, is pretty much her dream man. But if Lucy is good at one thing, it’s guarding herself from heartbreak. Adam has other plans in mind that include finding a way into Lucy’s heart.

MY DEAREST EMMA by Luisa Perkins: Since her husband died at 25, Johanna has worked at a busy hotel in the new railroad town of Danube, Minnesota, soothing her loneliness by writing home to her sister in Germany. When she meets August, a shy widower, her letters reveal a budding friendship. But Johanna soon begins to question whether their romance can survive a demanding employer, August’s jealous daughter, and the misgivings of two recently broken hearts.

COVERTLY YOURS by Janette Rallison: Paisley Spencer never needed a knight in shining armor—until she finds herself surrounded by three gangsters in a bad part of Phoenix. A handsome stranger intervenes, rescuing her from certain disaster. The only catch? Now she has to pretend to be his girlfriend for the next hour. She finds it’s a job she doesn't want to end.

 * Amazon * Goodreads * 

What a fun collection of stories from a fantastic group of authors!  I love that this group of people have come together to do what they do best- write stories- to raise money for a fellow author friend that is struggling and in need of support.  What a great community of friends, right?

These books will transport you to various times and places but all of them have one thing in common.  Sweet, clean romance, which I love, so this anthology was perfect for me to settle right in to.  I don't have time to review each book individually but they are all good.  I have a few favorites- Origami Girl, Falling for Lucy, and Just This Moment.  You just cannot go wrong picking up this collection.  Read them binge style or savor them one by one, here and there.  There are so many stories!

Content:  kissing, clean romance

- I picked this book up on Kindle Unlimited  

Kisses Between the Lines: An Echo Ridge Anthology (Echo Ridge Romance Book 2)

Welcome to Echo Ridge, New York where romance finds its way into the hearts and lives of the people who walk the streets of the close-knit community. 

In these five novellas, readers will experience the power a book has to change a life, make dreams come true, and bring two hearts together as the characters work to fill the classic section of the library. Filled with charm, wit, secrets, and hope, each story is a sweet romance with a promise to keep you turning pages into the night. We hope you enjoy this book and the kisses between the lines.

The Kiss Thief by Rachelle J. Christensen
As the head librarian of the Echo Ridge Library, Britta Klein thrives on order and categorization. Unfortunately, the old church-turned-library is in desperate need of a renovation. The Harvest Hurrah fundraiser seems to be the answer, but plans keep going awry. With help from Milo Geissler, accomplished musician, piano tuner, and kiss thief, each catastrophe is narrowly avoided. When Milo goes to great lengths to help Britta find a key classic book, she begins to wonder if there is more to life than books and order. Can she allow this man who speaks the language of music to tune her heart to a new song?

The Lion, The Witch, & The Library by Lucy McConnell
Jennifer Solomon's birthday wish is for the one thing she's been too shy to go after: Kirke Staples, Echo Ridge’s resident playwright, an avid mountain biker, and her best friend. Friend, as in don’t kiss, don’t covet, and don’t under any circumstances fall in love with the man. But it’s too late—she’s already fallen in love. Hoping for a birthday kiss that will change everything, she arranges an "accidental" meeting with the handsomest man on the library board. Her carefully laid plans are thrown off track when the beautiful Bay Barington sweeps into town and casts a spell over Kirke. In her efforts to win Kirke’s heart, Jennifer is forced to take a look at her inner self and decide what type of woman she wants to be, a lion or witch.

The Last of the Gentlemen by Cami Checketts
Despite the hardships she’s faced, Emma Turner, is determined to make a good life for her three children. Working nights and struggling through life doesn’t leave much time for romance, which is just fine as far as Emma is concerned. But when her son's good-looking lacrosse coach takes an interest in her children, Emma has to fight off the smolder in her stomach and banish her daydreams. This school-girl crush needs to end before she embarrasses her son and herself. If only she could tell that to her heart.


Much Ado About a Kiss by Heather Tullis
Fay’s life is just fine, thank you. Running the café she’d practically been raised in: Check. Her artwork in a gallery: Check. Volunteering on the library board: Check. The one thing she doesn’t need right now is a guy in her life—especially her brother’s irritating best friend from high school, so when the two men announce that they are moving home to start a ski and mountain bike shop in town, she isn’t pleased. If only she could completely forget that one kiss she and Austin shared in high school. Why does he have to upset her just-fine world? Not this time. Not if she can help it. But can she?

Pride & Persuasion by Connie E. Sokol
Lindy Marchant has left heartbreak and downtown L.A. to help her cousin kickstart an antique shop in sleepy Echo Ridge. That is, until she's roped into the library fundraiser to become an assistant for Armand D. Beaumont, the French bestselling detective writer. The two have met before, and Lindy hasn't forgotten the disastrous outcome. Now Armand's celebrity quirks threaten to upset her life yet again.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

Some of my favorite authors are filling the pages of this book!  What a fun trip back to Echo Ridge, New York to meet new characters and see some from the previous books.  This is the second book in this series, but it can be read independently.

I love anthologies like this.  They give you a common theme between the novellas but the variety of different authors and writing styles.  I love how the authors of this anthology include characters from each other's novellas in their books.  It ties the stories together and gives everything a real feeling of community.  The book/library fundraising theme for this anthology was so fun.  I could easily picture the library, events and characters in all these stories which was fantastic.

So, it's love from me for this book!  I'm looking forward to the next book and what these authors come up with next!

Content:  Clean

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

Hawaiian Masquerade (Destination Billionaire Romance) by Rachelle J. Christensen

Lexi closed her eyes. The waves rolled in slowly, rhythmically, with a dependability that would never be doubted. Shawn had been her rock and they’d worked together with a rhythm that had kept their jobs and life in sync. Before Derek, she might’ve entertained a future with Shawn … but the dark-haired man with a camera bag slung over his shoulder had changed everything. 

When Lexi Burke escaped the remnants of a cold winter in Chicago for the beaches of Kauai, it wasn’t a random vacation. She left the hectic pace of Burke Enterprises behind with enough money to retire at age thirty-two, intent on settling into the idyllic existence of island life. Until she met local photographer Derek Mitchell—a talented man with a grudge against rich tourists.

From art night to snorkeling lessons, hiking, and chopping coconuts, Lexi can’t talk herself out of spending time with the handsome, hardworking man who knows the value of every dollar. She also can’t find a way to tell him the truth about herself. But then Derek is selected to help in a benefit at a masquerade ball as one of the eligible bachelors up for auction. Lexi must decide whether to wear a mask or unveil her true self and risk losing Derek’s trust and a chance at love.

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

I have been loving these Destination Billionaire Romance books.  They are a quick romantic escape and in this case, it's a quick romantic escape to Kauai!  It made me almost desperate to be basking in the beautiful beaches and lush landscapes there.  Hawaii makes for the perfect romantic set up-  especially for an artist and a photographer!

Lexi and Derek are a fun pair.  I loved that the billionaire in this case was Lexi.  Even with all that money, she was down to earth and so conscientious of those around her.  Her desire to become a part of Kauai and the people there made her so endearing as a character.

Derek, who's life experiences have left him a bit jaded about people with money, is the perfect person to sit opposite of Lexi, the billionaire.  I really liked Derek and how he wanted to share his best with Lexi.

I kind of wish that there would have been some kind of suspense to draw this book out a bit more.  Rachelle is sort of a name for me in the romantic suspense genre and I love her books.  I really liked this one too, I just saw the potential of it becoming a bit more suspenseful but it didn't.  

As I said, this was a fun, diverting escape.  I enjoyed my time with Lexi, Derek and the supporting cast in Kauai!

Content:  Clean

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

The Soldier's Bride by Rachelle J. Christensen

As WWII ration cards and battle scars become commonplace across America, it seems to Evelyn that even love is rationed out. When she finds a message from her late husband tucked inside a music box, Jim’s words have the power to change her life: Don't die with me.

Words written out of love, long-lost but never forgotten.

Grief stricken, Evelyn is unsure of how to honor his request, but she finds the courage to keep on living. Jim’s note urges her to give the music box away to unlock the secret within, and although it breaks her heart again, Evelyn trades the music box for a cradle to hold her infant son. Thus begins the decades-long journey of the music box, mending broken hearts, reuniting lost loves, and giving people the courage to heal themselves along the way. This romance crosses battlefields and time as the music box touches the lives of two soldiers, a broken father, a crippled child, a struggling farmer, and a woman once called the soldier's bride.

 * Amazon * Goodreads * 

I wasn't exactly sure what to expect going into this book.  It didn't sound like the typical romance and I wondered if this was multiple stories put together in one book.  I guess that was the surprise for me because this book was several stories woven together but always with the same few key characters in the mix.

This book was full of love and struggle and forgiveness and healing.  The characters all go through heartache and growth.  The struggle felt real.  I loved the miracle and magic of the music box and how it tied every story together.

This is what I would term a "feel good" book.  It kind of reminded me of a Hallmark Movie. 

Content:  An almost rape scene

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

Proposals and Poison (Wedding Planner Mysteries #3) by Rachelle J. Christensen

Love can be a very dangerous thing.
At least it seems that way to Adri Pyper, the premier wedding planner in Sun Valley, Idaho. When one of her clients dies mysteriously, Adri takes the advice of the local detective and swears she will stay out of the investigation . . . this time. Luke Stetson's involvement in the case, along with the possibility of a kiss between the two, should be enough incentive to keep Adri out of trouble. But when a dog-themed wedding is almost ruined by a suspect, Adri and her assistant, Lorea, are thrust into private eye mode. When poison enters the picture, even a reluctant sleuth can’t steer clear of danger.

* Amazon * Goodreads *

This is the third book in this Wedding Planner series featuring Adri Pyper.  If you love cozy mysteries, you will love this one.  Well, the whole series, really.  This series reminds me of the culinary cozy mystery series by Josi Kilpack starring Sadie Hoffmiller.  Instead of recipes for food (although there are some of those too), this one provides ideas for weddings and other helpful crafty ideas.

It's true.  Adri cannot keep herself away from trouble.  She finds it.  It finds her.  Murders surround this girl.  I think she is a dangerous friend to have.  Adri is a nice girl though and you cannot help but like her.  It's easy to find connections to her.  Well, aside from the whole murders thing.  That is one thing I cannot connect to.

There is a very slow moving romance in this series.  Very slow moving.  Definitely not the focal point but instead gently woven in everything else going on.  There are always a lot of characters in these books but I never feel overwhelmed by them.  The author does a good job of bringing them in naturally and allowing me to get a clear picture of who they are.

I think Rachelle Christensen is a fantastic writer.  This isn't my favorite genre- the cozy mystery series- and I have enjoyed other books by Rachelle better, but it was still good. 

Christmas Kisses: An Echo Ridge Anthology + $200 Giveaway!!

Christmas Kisses is a collection from five bestselling and award-winning authors.
Set in the snowy town of Echo Ridge in upstate New York, these inspirational romances are sure to delight while you sip cocoa by the fire and listen to Christmas carols.

The Candy Counter Heiress by Lucy McConnell Amazon bestselling & award-winning author

Someday Reese Gates will own The Candy Counter at Kenworth's; but someday can't come fast enough when the manager threatens to bring in a national candy provider. Reese secretly takes matters into her own hands hoping to save her parents from additional worry and prove herself capable of running the company. Her deception deepens as she ropes computer guru Andy Edwards into helping her expand the business.  Reese wanted to shake things up, but she wasn't planning on her heart getting caught in the mix by Andy's stolen kisses. If she can hold it together until after Christmas, then she can reveal her successful online company and her feelings for Andy. Unfortunately for Reese, even the best laid plans can melt like chocolate.
https://lucymcconnell.wordpress.com/ * https://www.facebook.com/ChristinaDymock?fref=ts

Christmas Makeover by Cami Checketts Amazon bestselling author
Chelsea Jamison has been infatuated with Drew Stirling longer than she's loved playing basketball, high-top sneakers, and the Knicks. Unfortunately, all Drew sees is the kid who kicked his trash in the high school free throw contest and not the girl whose heart breaks into a fast dribble when he's near.
Drew makes an unexpected visit home to Echo Ridge and their friendship picks up where they left off as they scheme to make a teenaged boy's Christmas dreams come true. When Chelsea realizes she's fallen for her best friend, she wonders if there is any hope of a relationship with Drew or if she's stuck in buddy-status for life.
www.camichecketts.com * https://www.facebook.com/CamiCheckettsAuthor

Soda Fountain Christmas by Connie E. Sokol Amazon bestselling author
Keira Kenworth has one focus this holiday season: save her father's old-time department store from bankruptcy. She is not focused on Tayton Wells, the tall, dark, and genius marketing guru from downtown New York, hired to make it happen. He is as doubtful that her nostalgic connect-the-town ideas will succeed as she is about his numbers-first plan. However, it's not just their different approaches that cause sparks to fly. Working together on a fast deadline to save the store before Christmas, the unspoken connection between them grows. But will the tough decisions they face drive them back to their separate worlds, or will they lead to the beginning of love?
www.conniesokol.com * https://www.facebook.com/8basics?_rdr=p

Hope for Christmas by Rachelle J. Christensen Amazon bestselling & award-winning author
Anika Fletcher hates Christmas--its promises of good tidings and hope for the future are as tinseled as the ornaments on Kenworth's Hope Tree. Despite her feelings, Anika wants to maintain her daughter's faith in the magic of the season and gladly accepts a second job working with the handsome Carlos Rodriguez to restore Kenworth's old fashioned soda fountain. Carlos is no stranger to hard times and slowly shares his life of light and joy with Anika as they work together. Just as her fragile soul begins to feel hope again, an ill-timed act of charity changes everything. Anika isn't sure who she can trust or if hope is worth nurturing--especially at Christmas when it's easy to enjoy a kiss and believe love can last longer than the season.
www.facebook.com/rachellechristensenauthor * http://rachellechristensen.com/

One Winter Night by Heather Tullis Amazon bestselling author
Jonah Owens thought moving to Echo Ridge to open his art gallery would solve all of his problems. The need to sell his grandma's house adds an unexpected complication. It would be easier if his neighbor didn't have all those farm animals.
Kaya Feidler's family has owned their land for nearly a hundred years--long before the neighbors were there. There's no way she's giving up the animal therapy business she's been struggling to make profitable. She gets a temp job helping Jonah in the gallery. Spending time together is a recipe for romance, but can they overcome their own hangups to be more than friends?
http://heathertullis.com/ * https://www.facebook.com/HeatherTullisBooks

***$.99 November 3 - 7***

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Ooh, this was such a fun getaway to Echo Ridge and Kenworth's Department Store.  I love how each of these novellas revolve around the same place but with different people.  It really felt like I was getting to know everyone.  It was also fun to see the characters cross paths in each story.  It was like making friends with people and still seeing them around.  I love that!

Each novella had it's own flavor because each was written by a different author.  These are some of my favorite authors and it was just like, well, Christmas having stories from all of them together in one place.

Each of these novellas will bring the warmth of Christmas and the flutterings of new love.  They are clean and so sweet.  Just perfect for this time of year!  I loved them.  And seriously?  For just a dollar you can read them all.  You just cannot beat that price.  Awesome!!!

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Veils and Vengeance (Wedding Planner Mysteries Book 2) by Rachelle J. Christensen

When wedding planner, Adrielle Pyper, goes to Hawaii to orchestrate a destination wedding, she isn't prepared for what she finds.

After the trauma of her previous event, the beautiful isle of Kauai is the perfect place for Adri to unwind and do what she does best – plan. She even lets herself indulge in the attention of the groom’s handsome brother. But just when everything seems to be perfect, an afternoon snorkeling trip turns to murder when Adri discovers the body of a young woman.

Shaken, but unable to let it go, Adri’s sleuthing leads her into more danger than she could imagine. When a number of “accidents” threaten her own life, it soon becomes apparent that someone will do anything to keep Adri from interfering with their vengeance.

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

This is the second book in the Wedding Planner Mystery series by Rachelle Christensen and it releases today!  If you haven't read the first book, Diamond Rings are Deadly Things, you might want to before picking up this book.  While I believe this book could stand alone, you would really get a better feel for it if you have read the first book.  The backstory that is a huge part of understanding Adri, is explained in depth there.

This is a fun, cozy mystery set in Hawaii.  You just can't go wrong with a Hawaiian setting.  It made me long to be there.  And I will be soon.  I just hope my trip is nothing like Adri's.  I really don't want to find a body while snorkeling!!!!

Adri is a great balance of strong and vulnerable.  She is good at standing up for herself which I really like.  The romance in this book is light- slow growing and very spread out.  The focus is more on the mystery part of the book.

I really enjoyed this book.  It kept me interested and focused which is always a good thing.  This is a fun series and I'll be looking forward to the next installment.  Oh, and it's squeaky clean!  Yay!