Monday, December 30, 2013

REVIEW: Building A Christmas by Patricia Bond

Blurb: Colonel Nathaniel Walker has been ravaged by the Civil War nearly as much as his country has. Now he seeks the sanctuary of home, hoping to find solace from the dreams that haunt him most nights. Instead, he finds an orphanage for war orphans has sprung up next door.  Now, his guilt has faces – fourteen of them.  And the woman who cares for them.  Melanie Treymont exhibits more courage under fire than any soldier he’s ever seen. Is she the one who can help him rebuild his life and finally put his demons to rest?
Melanie Treymont hopes to make amends for her dead husband’s actions by taking responsibility for fourteen war orphans. But facing eviction, she may have to give up her plans of building a life for them. Help comes from an unexpected source, as her neighbor, Colonel Nathaniel Walker, steps up to the challenge, despite fighting his own inner battles.
These two tortured souls unite for the children, working to build a life for them as well as themselves.  They start by “Building a Christmas.”


Excerpt: Chapter 1

The bodies flew past his head. Parts of organs lay strewn at his feet. The moans of the dying filled the air. An odd foot got up and walked past him, seeking its owner.

Colonel Nathaniel Walker awoke shaking, bathed in a fine, cold sweat.
If anyone had asked him, he would not have said he was an evil man, a bad man, or even an uncaring man. Yet he’d sent countless men, some so young they were nearly boys, to their deaths. Been responsible for even more.
It was what war did to you. It changed your very being.
Your soul.
Nathaniel wasn’t sure he had a soul anymore. What Antietam hadn’t taken of it, Gettysburg had. What he wanted to know was why God, in His perversity, had insisted on keeping him alive. He should have sent him to hell.
Maybe he already was there. Maybe this was a special kind of hell. One designed to torment him and only him.
He got up from his bed, shuffled to the window, looked out at the field behind the roadhouse. Twenty-eight years sat upon his shoulders with the weight of eighty-eight. Tomorrow, he would complete his journey and he would be home.
Home.
Why? He was useless now. Unable to think clearly. Unable to work. Unable to feel. Unable to do anything but see those whom he’d killed in one way or another. By bullet, bayonet, or order.
He splashed water long gone cold on his face, washing away the sweat and tears. The sun would come up soon. He could see the pink tinge on the edge of the sky.
Red sky at morning, sailor take warning. He wondered what kind of storm the day would bring, but decided it didn’t matter. It couldn’t possibly match the storm in his head.
He wouldn’t go back to bed. He would not sleep, wished he didn’t ever have to sleep again. If he didn’t sleep, he couldn’t dream. He put on his socks, ignoring the holes in them, and his boots, ignoring the holes in those, too, and, wrapping the thin blanket around his cold shoulders, sat in the chair and stared at the coming dawn.
And just sat.
***
Melanie Treymont rolled over, pulling the blanket up higher. It didn’t help. She was still freezing. Grumbling, she rubbed her feet together in a vain attempt to warm them. You’d think the landlord could have given her enough coal to last the night. It was the end of November, for God’s sake. Didn’t the man know it was cold outside? And inside.
Dawn was fighting its way past the horizon when she finally gave up the battle and rose to dress. At least her gown and boots would warm her a bit.
Downstairs, the roadhouse slowly came to life, the sounds of wood being brought in, the smell of cooking fires being lit drifting up to her room. Clanging pots told her cooks were beginning to make food, and . . . coffee? Oh God, was that coffee? Closing her eyes, she sighed and smiled in anticipation of a cup of blessedly hot coffee.
She stuffed her nightgown into her satchel and waited for what she hoped was a decent interval, then carried her bag down to the roadhouse’s main room. With any luck, she would have enough time to eat a breakfast and buy a cold lunch packet to eat on the road before having to board the coach. And drink a cup of coffee.
It would seem the other travelers spending the night at the roadhouse had the same idea she did. There was only one seat left in the main room. A lone man sat at a small table, the chair opposite him empty. Tall and taciturn, with dark hair curling over his collar, she assumed the Union soldier was returning home. He had shared the coach with her yesterday, spending the whole of the trip silently looking out the window with eyes, she’d wager, not registering anything he saw. She knew he wasn’t blind because he’d saluted her as though she were a general when he held the door for her. But he never uttered a word the entire day. His uniform’s worn green jacket seemed to provide scant protection from the weather and aside from his rifle, he carried only a small knapsack.
She caught his eye and smiled a greeting. He looked at her blankly before staring down into his cup of coffee. A bowl of porridge sat before him, seemingly untouched.
Undaunted, Melanie approached the table.
“May I join you?” she asked, smiling.
He looked up at her with a blank expression, as though she were speaking a foreign language he didn’t understand. She wondered for a moment if he was deaf, perhaps from standing too near cannon.
Finally, he shrugged. “Suit yourself,” he said, and cast his storm-cloud grey eyes down again at his untouched porridge.
Not the reception she’d hoped for, but then again, she was the intruder here. She murmured a thank you. “Where are you going to?” she asked, hoping to break the awkward silence.
He gave a huge sigh, looked up at her with something akin to scorn. “Pittsburgh.”
“So am I. We shall be traveling companions again, it seems.”
His level gaze bored into her.
“How is the porridge?”
He stared in silence again, then shoved the bowl to her. “Here. Have it.”
“Oh, but I couldn’t take your breakfast,” Melanie protested. “I was just wondering if I should order it.”
“Nothing else to order,” came the terse reply. “Eat it or go hungry.”
“You needn’t be rude about it,” she bristled.
He shrugged again, pulled the bowl back in front of him, picked up the spoon, then set it down again.
The owner’s wife came up to her and Melanie ordered her own porridge and coffee, then sat back and looked around the filled main room. “It seems the landlord does a brisk business, does it not?”
He raised his gaze to her. “Look, if you don’t mind, I’d just as soon eat in quiet.”
Well. That put it bluntly. Her brows raised. “Then why don’t you?” she asked.
His own brow furrowed in question.
“Eat,” she said. “You say you want to eat in quiet, but you’ve yet to touch your food.”
“Are you my mother?”
“Do you need one?” she shot back.
The faintest ghost of a smile flitted across his face, before he turned dour again. “If I eat, will you be quiet?”
“Eat, and we’ll see,” she answered in her best schoolmistress voice.
He picked up the spoon and took a mouthful, pulled a face that made her burst out laughing. “It’s not funny,” he snarled.
“Oh, but it is. You look just like one of the babies the first time they try porridge,” she said, trying in vain to curb her laughter.
“I’ll wager theirs isn’t cold.”
“Sometimes,” she admitted.
“You’re not being quiet.”
“You’re not eating.”
He made a rude noise, drank some coffee, and stood. “Enjoy your breakfast, madam.” He dropped a coin on the table, grabbed his knapsack and rifle from under his chair, spun about, and practically stomped out of the room.
“Well,” Melanie said to herself. “That set me in my place.” She
dug into her own porridge and made a face she imagined was quite similar to his. It ought to be. Her food was cold as well.


Erin's Review: Building A Christmas is everything a Christmas story should be. It's a tale of starting over, forgiveness and redemption. I adored both the main characters, Melanie and Nathaniel. Both have their own demons they are struggling with and both want to make things right, but just don't seem to know how.
 Nathaniel is finally coming home after the Battle of Gettysburg. He has seen the worst that man can do to one another and wrestles every day with the knowledge that he was a part of it. All he ever wanted to do was make his father proud and he isn't sure he achieved that goal. He's afraid people will think ill of him for the orders he had to give, for the blood that was shed, for the lives lost.
 Melanie is starting over with a gaggle of war orphans she is determined to keep together. These precious children look up to her and she will do anything and everything in her power to give them a roof over their head and food intheir bellies. And most importantly, a loving place to call home.
 When Melanie and Nathaniel meet, suffice to say it was not love at first sight. Then they find out they are neighbors, much to Nathaniel's chagrin. When he finds the children of the orphanage Melanie runs have been helping his father, he is a bit taken aback. He is seeing a side to his father he hasn't seen in ages, and it is teaching the children a bit of work ethic.
 The scene stealer by far is little Jeb. He is a character! Your heart aches for what he witnessed and rejoices in the end when his world is set right. I loved that little guy!
 There is a lot of story packed in to this short story but it is  well told,  with well developed characters and a story that captures your soul.  A must read holiday romance that is sure to become one of your favorites. I know it is mine.

Sunday, December 29, 2013

REVIEW: Bells Will Be Ringing Anthology by Monica Tillery, Diana Jean, Carolyn Carey and Angelita Gill

Bells Will Be Ringing

by Monica Tillery, Diana Jean, Carolynn Carey, Angelita Gill

‘Tis the season…to fall in love! In this quartet of holiday tales, mistletoe magic sweeps from a Philadelphia candy company to the ballrooms of Regency England, across the shores of a Hawaiian island to a snowstruck cabin in Colorado.

HER SECRET SANTA by Monica Tillery
Neighbors and co-workers at Morgan Confectioners, Rebecca Sinclair and Ben Redding have been best friends since grad school. When their feelings turn more than friendly, will they be able to get past their fear of ruining their friendship? A holiday gift exchange might just bring the best present of all—Christmas love.

MERRY’S WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS GIFT by Carolynn Carey
The winter holidays used to be Miss Merry Damonson’s favorite time of year. Until her almost-fiancĂ© Edward Everton abandoned her two days before Christmas. Now he’s returned to their country village, but is it too late to reignite old flames? A holiday ball might just offer these unlucky lovers a second chance.

HIS HAWAIIAN CHRISTMAS by Diana Jean
Humbug in Hawaii? When Clara O’Fallen gets a promotion to paradise, she can’t help feeling homesick for her Wisconsin winters, complete with real snow, family traditions, and Christmas festivities. But smiling surfer Kai Schmitt might just show this scrooge how to hang loose and catch the spirit of the season—the aloha spirit!

GAVIN FEVER by Angelita Gill
A sudden snowstorm unexpectedly strands Julia Winthrop with her ex, reality TV star Gavin Beckett, at a cozy mountain cabin for the holidays. Trapped till the weather lets up, their attraction resurfaces. It’s not long before they realize their fling might’ve been the real thing, and this surprise reunion might just be a Christmas miracle.


Sarah's Review
Thanks to Monica Tillery for reaching out and asking if we would review this anthology.  I, of course, jumped on it because I love Christmas stories and I love anthologies. 

These four short stories are such great Christmas romances and they were such an enjoyable read for me.  I love that there was a historical story included in it as well.  I normally have a favorite in an anthology, but not this time.  I enjoyed each story but in different ways.  

If you want lighthearted romances, then this anthology is a good one to read.  They are all short stories, so it won't take long to read it.  

Saturday, December 28, 2013

PROMO: Collar Me Pink by Rachel Firasek

Blurb: Allison McAnders never imagined her boss would open her mail, and Graham Taiden never thought he’d have a submissive’s collar on his desk, but when the delivery man leaves, they’re both left with a fight between pleasure, pain, and their careers. Choices blend, passions ignite, and only love will guide them down the right path.
 





 Excerpt: The delivery driver unloaded the packages next to Allison McAnders' desk.She scanned the stack of cardboard boxes and bit back a squeal of excitement. It had finally arrived. 
 She scooted closer to the small pile and ran a finger across her parcel. "Thanks John. I hope you have a good morning." And tonight, she'd have the perfect ending to this perfect day. "Do I need to sign?" 
 The driver finished checking off his list, held the clipboard steady for her to initial, and then tucked it beneath his arm. He leaned against one of the dolly's metal handles and popped a knee forward, thudding the side of her desk and sending her pens rolling across the top. 
 "Hey, Allison, when are you going to finally give in and give me a chance to sweep you off your feet?" 
 She faked an itch on her nose and smothered a nervous giggle. It wasn't that John wasn't a nice looking guy, and he did have great legs from hours of hauling boxes, but she'd been holding out for something more. Allison wanted the kind of man that could make her toes curl with just a look. She wanted someone that had his shit together, someone that wouldn't ask for a date, but would command one from her. And unfortunately, John wouldn't, and didn't measure up. 
 "Uh...Well, you see-"
"Ms. McAnders ?"
 Saved. 
 Her boss's whiskey-smooth voice filtered through her phone's intercom speaker. Her nipples hardened just from hearing him say her name. The twin peaks pressed against her lace bra, chafing when she shifted closer to the phone. And Delivery-John's eyes drifted across her fitted white blouse. 
 "I have to go." She crossed her arms over her chest and turned half away from him, hiding her lady bits from his view. "I'm sorry. We'll talk some other time. "
 John nodded and smirked before walking away. The jerk could have at least made his perusal a little less obvious. Now, if Graham needed her, she'd be sporting a dark flush. Her fair skin kept the pink tint ready and waiting for any unsuspecting event. 
 "Ms. McAnders? Are you there?"
 She smashed her intercom button and leaned forward. "Yes, Mr. Taiden, How may I help you?"
"Have the deliveries arrived?" 
 With a sigh, she plopped into her rolling chair before her legs folded beneath her. She'd never been able to shake this reaction to that voice. The steel beneath his words held her completely enthralled, blanking her mind, and fading out the world. 
"Ms. McAnders?Are you there?" 
 "Yes, sir. The delivery driver just left."
 "Bring them with you when you come for our meeting at ten." 
Oh how she'd love to come in his office. On his desk. In his chair. She'd wrap her hands in his wavy hair and squeeze her thighs against his lean hips. She'd been dreaming about her boss since her first week on the job, and at some point in the last seven months, she'd fallen for him. 



Buy Links:
Amazon Kindle 
 Barnes & Nobel



 
 
      

Friday, December 27, 2013

REVIEW: All Said and Undone by Angelita Gill

All Said and Undone
 By: Angelita Gill

Blurb

Craving deeper intimacy....
Makeup artist Grace Crandall assumes her marriage is a breath away from a quiet death. An unwelcome circumstance forces her estranged husband Jack to move back in the house. Even though his hypnotic eyes and seductive hands beg her to come to him, it's not enough. She needs more.

Jack Crandall's pride is paramount and no one knows that more than he does. He craves to return to his wife's heart, and bed, again, but the divide seems impossible to bridge. And with Grace's strict no-seduction rule, he'll have to show her in another way that his love runs deeper than sex, deeper than pride, deeper than either of them know.

 
Excerpt

She only needed a couple of minutes before she faced him. Because at some point, she would have to. That was the only reason he was here: to confront her. The familiar, crippling pain seeped into her blood, but she kept her head high, her back erect. No one need know, especially Jack, how seeing him always undid her.


A moment later, a shadow was on her table, at her back. Before she could turn around, her husband was leaning over her shoulder, his mouth close to her ear. “Hello, Grace.”


She closed her eyes briefly, suppressing the need to quiver. “Jack.”


His virile, acutely familiar scent seeped into her personal space, that cleanly masculine organic soap he used interlaced with hot, healthy, confident male. She inhaled as if annoyed, breathing him in, memories flashing in the back of her mind like a rapid slide show. Her head buzzed, her limbs trembled. An instant hot mess.


Reaching for a fork, he proceeded to slice off a bite of cake, eat it, and then toss the utensil on the table. “We need to talk. Now.” He grabbed her hand and pulled her out of the chair, taking her to the dance floor.


Erin's Review
  Grace and Jack have a problem....neither one of them really want the upcoming divorce that seems imminent. Yet neither one wants to give in.  Grace loves her husband but doesn't feel that they are connected anymore. They both live seemingly separate lives during the week and on the weekends, cocoon themselves in a bubble that no one else is invited in to. At first it works, but after a while, Grace needs more. She needs her husband.
 Jack works hard at his job. He has worked his way up to make something of himself, but by doing so, he takes his marriage for granted and thinks that what he's doing is the right thing.
 A chance encounter a party has Grace doing something she knows will shock Jack, telling him she's selling her boat. The boat that was a gift from Jack, a boat that they spent time on exploring the seas and each other. Jack knows what that boat means to Grace. Jack also knows that if she's selling it, it must mean it's over, he's just not ready to let go.
 Both want to get away for a night after the incident at the party so Grace and Jack both arrive at their cabin. After an awkward night, Grace leaves. She is afraid she will violate her own rule of not making love to her husband. Coming home to a burglary wasn't what she had planned and it leads Jack back to her. Her knight in shining armor. Ground rules are set and she is as determined to keep them as Jack is to break them.
 Over the course of a few weeks, they discover each other again. They expand their bubble and begin to enter in to each others worlds. Jack tries to prove to Grace that without her, his life is meaningless. Work is just that, work. She is his world, not the office. 
 This is a story filled with struggle, hard choices, stubborn pride and most importantly hope. Hope that love can triumph and be resilient through anything.

Thursday, December 26, 2013

REVIEW: A Christmas Proposal by Sherri Hayes



Blurb:

Matthew Andersen knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Cali Stanton. Since she came into his life just five months ago, his world had completely changed for the better. With everything in their lives finally coming together, he was determined to make their first Christmas a memorable one.

Adri's Review:


This is such a sweet, romantic Christmas short story… My only recommendation is that before you read this (even though it can stand alone) is to read Hidden Threat… But that’s only because you will get to know the characters better.

Mathew knows he wants to spend the rest of his life with Cali, but with her busy schedule as a doctor in a busy Chicago Hospital he doesn’t know if he will get the chance to ask. So he plans to propose to her on Christmas, the one day he knows for sure that she will be able to spend the whole day with him… Christmas. Cali knows she loves Mathew and wants to spend the rest of her life with him, so when he asks her to be his wife, she doesn’t hesitate in her answer.

This is a quick read with some sweet holiday cheer.   

Happy Reading… Adri

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Merry Christmas from Sarah Says......Read Romance!!

Merry Christmas to all our followers. 

As a Christian, this is one of my most holy of days.  If you are not a Christian, may you have a great holiday, no matter what you celebrate.

For me, I will be with my best friend, her hubby, and my son.  We will engorge ourselves with ham, yams, and deviled eggs.   We will sing Happy Birthday to Jesus and have a cake to go with it.  On Christmas eve, we had our first annual Scrabble tournament.  Today, we will open gifts.  My bestie's hubby will take over the TV with his Christmas gifts.  Bestie will find something to occupy her while he is watching his gifts.  As for me, I will put my iPod on, grab my Kindle and read.

Thank you for following and giving this blog a shot.

Love,
Sarah



Merry Christmas!! 
Merry Christmas to all of our followers!
No matter what your faith, no matter how you celebrate I hope you are surrounded by those that you hold dear and that today finds you blessed in every way possible! 

 For me and my family, we will be having pj and movie day, after the kids get us up at 6 am. Ham will go in the oven and I'll spend the morning trying to keep the kids from eating too much candy and cookies before dinner. My hubby and I will be functioning on 2.5 hours of sleep because we waited until Christmas Eve to wrap presents for 5 kids, so, yes, I asked for an iv infusion of coffee for Christmas. It's a must this year. And throughout the madness and the endless piles of wrapping paper and whining because we forgot batteries..AGAIN, we will remind our kids what the Christmas season is truly about, the birth of our Lord. And remind them that this time of year we focus on family, peace, understanding and compassion. 

 I hope Santa gave you everything you wanted under the tree and you were on the naughty list again this year. Thanks for reading our blog and we look forward to another fabulous year with you in 2014!
Love, 
Erin 





To all of you who follow us and celebrate this day… MERRY CHRISTMAS.


I hope that Santa left you everything you could wish under the tree… As for me and my family we are probably at this point going crazy with the kids gifts. But with everything that is going on in each of our homes, my one greatest joys on this day is that we get to spend it with our loved ones.


Christmas Eve was spent drinking and partying with our friends and then coming home to put the kids presents under the tree. I overfilled on pork, black beans and rice. My kids being the only kids in our group of friends at the moment, took over their living room and ran around driving us all crazy. But in all everyone had an amazing time.

But with this day it marks us down to only a few days left in this year. One that has been filled so much great things. Getting a chance to be a part of this blog, being introduced to a full array of authors that I wouldn’t have found otherwise and getting to work with two fantastic women. Has been a great joy.

I look forward to reading and meeting many new stories and characters in the new year, and getting to bring them to all of you.
May 2014 be filled with love, lust, and friendship….

Love 
Adri                                   


Tuesday, December 24, 2013

REVIEW: I'll Be Mated For Christmas by Rebecca Royce

Blurb:

Bethany Johnson grew up one of the only humans in a pack of werewolves. She didn’t have an easy time and her self-confidence was almost non-existent. Finally, after some serious psychotherapy and the help of weight-loss surgery, she is feeling like the Bethany she has always wanted to be. But now she has to say goodbye to the werewolves in her life. Out with the old and in with the new this year…

Luke Denarius is the new Alpha of the Delta pack. He’s never met Bethany but the second he scents her he knows she is his. No way is she going off to Italy for adventure and hot sex with other men.

With the help of Madame Eve these two will find that a mating is in the works for Christmas.


Excerpt:

Bethany didn’t want to imagine what she looked like right at that second. She didn’t like flying and she particularly didn’t like doing it in a bush plane, even a private one with a very nice pilot. She smoothed down her hair and tried to smile at the receptionist who signed her in. To her left, she saw a man sporting a beard talking on the phone in a private office. She wondered if that was Nick Castillo, who ran the Castillo Lodge in Castle, Alaska.


Madame Eve had been downright mysterious when she’d e-mailed, telling her to get some warm clothes together and something nice to wear to a gala because she had to leave immediately for the Castillo Lodge. She didn’t have any other plans, having quit her job, so it wasn’t a problem. But still. It had been a little odd. Did Madame Eve handle all of her client’s dates that abruptly?


“You’re all set, Ms. Johnson.” The receptionist smiled at her and held out a key. “Down the hall is the elevator. Take it to the second floor. Mr. Denarius is already here.


“He is?” She tried to swallow away the nervous lump in her throat.


“Yes, ma’am. He arrived quite early this morning.”


“I see.” She hoped the receptionist didn’t notice her sweaty hands as she took the key. She had been counting on being there first. It would have given her some time to relax, take a bath, and make herself look somewhat presentable before she had to face her date.


As if in a daze, She walked toward the elevator. What had her so spooked? This was exactly what she wanted. One night with a stranger who could fulfill all of her yearnings. She’d get it out of her system and then she’d go on to Italy the confident, capable woman she knew she could be.


Lucian Denarius constituted a means to an end. Maybe he’d be a nice guy who she could see again someday if the situation presented itself. She shivered at the name. Madame Eve hadn’t sent his picture in the e-mail, but the name alone inspired all sorts of ridiculous fantasies for her. He sounded mysterious.


Author Bio
As a teenager, Rebecca would hide in her room to read her favorite romance novels when she was supposed to be doing her homework. She hopes, these days, that her parents think it was worth it.

She is the mother of three adorable boys and she is fortunate to be married to her best friend. They live in northern New Jersey and try not to freeze too badly during the winter months.
She is in love with science fiction, fantasy, and the paranormal and try to use all of these elements in her writing. She’s been told she’s a little bloodthirsty so she hopes that when you read her work you'll enjoy the action packed ride that always ends in romance. She love to write series because she loves to see characters develop over time and it always makes her happy to see her favorite characters make guest appearances in other books.

In her world anything is possible, anything can happen, and you should suspect that it w

 

Erin's Review 

 Bethany is a strong woman who is about to take the ultimate leap and say goodbye to everything she has ever known. She feels it's the only way to begin anew and to be honest, who has time for werewolves in their life? Certainly not Bethany. But one last fling thanks to Madame Eve is just what she needs to send her off .

 From the moment Luke walked in to Bethany's family's home, he was overpowered by her scent. He had to have her and there was nothing that was going to stand in his way. She was his mate....for life. She just didn't know it yet. But can Luke get her to understand that running sometimes isn't the answer and she has family, and a mate, for as long as she'll have them?

 Madame Eve is up to her old tricks again and this time, she must help Luke try to stop Bethany from leaving. The thought of her with another man sends Luke in to a frenzy and he is determined to make that one night count and does he ever. 

 The two have an unforgettable night and Luke's proposal is the icing on the cake. But can it work? Is she ready to be "mated" for life? The choice is still hers, she can walk away. She can have her independence, her freedom. Or does the longing for family win out and the chance to have a man love her unconditionally draw her back in to the fold. Sometime starting over brings you right back home.....right where you belong, in the arms of those that love you. 

A beautiful story of starting over, struggling self image and learning to accept that people will love you for you, no matter what's on the outside. Great story to start out the New Year !

Monday, December 23, 2013

REVIEW: The Little Drummer Boy by Sydney Logan


Blurb:

It’s Christmas Eve, and Justin Banks is on the hunt for a last-minute gift for his wife, Megan. With the help of a homeless man and the beat of a drum, Justin stumbles upon the one thing Megan has always wanted. The one thing money can’t buy.

It's amazing what we can hear if we just take a moment and really listen.

Excerpt:

Rum pum pum pum.

It’s faint, but it’s thereA quiet, rhythmic beat that blends into the night. How this old man heard the sound is beyond me.

“You hear it, don’t you?”
With a nod, I look around, hoping to find the source of the sound. The man points toward the coffee shop’s covered alleyway.

“Back there,” he says.

The carolers begin their rendition of “O Holy Night,” and once again, I hear the “rum pum pum pum” coming from the darkness.

Intrigued, I step away from the old man and walk slowly toward the alley. Each step brings me closer to the beat, until finally, I see a little boy, nestled in the corner. His only light comes from a lantern, and a snare drum rests in his lap. The drum is scarred and the strap is frayed, but it’s obviously his most prized possession.

Probably his only possession.
Does he live here? In this filthy alley? And where are his parents? 
 
His clothes are dirty and ragged, and the faded blue jacket he wears is about three sizes too big.

“Shall I play for you?” he whispers.



Adri’s Review:

This is a different type of love story. It encompasses the meaning of Christmas so sweetly.

Justin is a lawyer who wants to give his wife a special present for Christmas, but as a woman who isn’t really into materialist things he can’t seem to find the right gift for her. All that changes the moment that he hears the drumming of a little boy who is homeless and alone on Christmas Eve. Wanting to help such a sweet, scared lonely boy, he takes him home with him. This turns out to be the best gift he could ever give his wife. Megan is so surprised when her husband takes her to see the sweet homeless boy he came across. She wants nothing more than to give him the love and home he desperately needs and deserves.  

This is one of those stories that is quick to read but filled with so much good cheer and feeling.

I hope you take the time to run out and read buy this story… You won’t be sorry.

Happy Reading… Adri




Sunday, December 22, 2013

REVIEW: Two Dads for Christmas by Kate Richards



Blurb:
Lauren is in trouble. Only the adoption agency lady knows the heartbreaking decision she’s making. But every baby deserves a father and Lauren’s ex isn’t stepping up to the plate. Without a dad for her child, Lauren doesn’t feel she can give her baby what he or she deserves. When her mother sends her to the Castillo resort in Castle, Alaska to help with a holiday celebration, Lauren jumps at the chance to forget her worries.

Jorell’s career is soaring. In charge of development for the Castillo Resorts Caribbean region, the only thing on his mind is pursuing a vice presidency. Not romance. But a forced transfer to the frozen north throws him—and his prospects off-kilter.

Zachary lives near Castle, Alaska, but the fishing guide has had little success finding a social life and fears his interest in both men and women may be too wild for the wilderness.

Two men and one pregnant woman…in charge of the holiday activities at the Christmas Extravaganza at Castle Lodge. Friendship and intense attraction blooms between them. But Madame Eve has her work cut out for her…will Jorell and Zach provide enough reasons for Lauren to change her mind?


Genre: Contemporary romance, erotic, interracial/multicultural, holiday, GLBT, ménage

Heat level: 4
Word count – 13k

Cover art by Tibbs Designs


~Excerpt~
Lauren,

Your aunt and uncle love you very much and, as a special Christmas gift, they’ve allowed me to arrange a unique evening for you. Your date will meet you at the large cabin behind the lodge, for a night you will never forget.

Madame Eve

Perfect. Might as well get it over with—although it would have been simpler to give the guy the slip in the coffee shop or another public area. Kathryn and Nick met through Madame Eve and shared a world-class romance, even now that they were married and parents. Sweet looks, private jokes, stolen kisses…everything any girl could want. She stuffed the paper into her bodice with a sigh.
But she’d already set her course and, if it weren’t for her previous poor judgment and the fact that she’d already fallen hard for two men who had eyes only for each other, it could indeed be a night to remember. Instead, she cut through the gleaming kitchen, smiling at the late night staffers, and out the back door. A light beamed from the front window of the cabin where, according to Andie, she’d spent her first night with her true loves. For just a second an image flashed through her mind—of Jorell and Zach, their nude white and mocha bodies in a four-poster bed, arms outstretched to her in invitation.
But the single tear froze on her cheek along with her dreams as she plodded up the path to the cabin and lifted her hand to the door.
It jerked open, and she gasped. Christmas music poured out on a gust of warm, pine-scented air. A tall spruce decked for the holidays glittered in a corner. Low laughter from somewhere near the flickering flames of the fireplace did not come from the auburn-bearded man who greeted her in the open doorway. It came from Jorell.
And Zach’s hand was the one that tugged her inside, when her feet became one with the doorstep. Lauren’s heart thudded so loud in her ears, it drowned out the Carol of the Bells. Her hopes rose to the high rafters then crashed down when she realized….
“I’m so sorry to interrupt your evening. I must be at the wrong cabin.” And she’d be going back to her room after that, date be darned.



Author Bio:

Kate Richards lives with her wonderful husband and menagerie of adopted pets in sunny SoCal. She loves the beach, the High Sierra, where she has a very tiny cabin, and spending her days making sure all of her characters—eventually—get to have a happily ever after.

Adri’s Review:

First off WOW!!! This story is fantastic. The relationship that is forged by the Lauren, Zach and Jorell in such a short period of time is amazing.

It’s also wonderful to see some of our favorites back at the Castillo Resorts and what is going on in their lives. Getting a glimpse of old friends is always such a treat and with this one we get to see more than just one set of friends which was even more special.

It is such a pleasure to see how Madame Eve was able to gift these three with something so special. And for that gift to be able to do something even bigger in the end like help Lauren change mind about things in her life.

Since I don’t want to give too much away, I will end this review like this… It’s cold outside? Then, it is the best time to grab yourself a hot chocolate, a blanket and this steamy book and you will be warm in no time.

Happy Reading… Adri.

REVIEW: Madame Eve's Gift by Kate Richards

Blurb:

Christmas Eve is finally here and Nicholas Castillo’s staff has trimmed the trees and decked the halls for the Gala. All is in readiness and even Kathryn, the pilot who is responsible for ferrying in Madame’s Eve’s 1Night Stand guests to the remote hotel in Castle Alaska has hung up her wings for the holiday. Even better, she’s Nicholas’s date for the evening.
Because she lost a bet. But he’ll take a date with her any way he can get it because Nick has hopes that the Christmas spirit will help him to win over the woman he’s longed and lusted for since the first time her plane touched down outside his hotel. If only she didn’t think of him as a friend.

Kathryn wonders when Nick will take a hint. She’s even willing to put aside her comfy flying duds to don an elegant dress and stilettos for one night if it will make him notice that she’s a woman and hopefully attractive. But in the years they’ve known one another, she’s never had the nerve to tell him she’s interested, and why would a rich, handsome hotelier, a member of the Castillo family, be interested in a woman who rarely hangs around for more than a day or two before flying off to the wilds of Alaska’s interior. It will take a heaping dose of Christmas magic—or maybe Madame Eve’s own brand—to make this one work out!

 

Excerpt:

“You’re my date.”


“Only because I lost a bet.” She tossed her head and her long braid bobbed over her shoulder, with a jingle. A tiny bell on the hair tie at the bottom twinkled in the light. Looked like she did have a little Christmas spirit. He stored the knowledge away in case he could use it to his advantage. He only hoped he wouldn’t mistake a friendly gesture for an opening and ruin what they did have. “And I suppose it includes wearing that dress I spotted in the closet.”


“And the shoes.”


He stood back and watched as she left the room, her free stride making his heart lift. Beautiful, smart, and far too independent to want to settle down with a hotel manager, even if he was one of the very successful Castillos…a first cousin to Jackson and Jagger, raised in their home as a brother. His parents had insisted he have an American education and life, despite their own reluctance to leave Cuba. Funny he’d end up at the northernmost of the Castillo resorts—and every bit as much in love with its magnificent environs as his parents were with their island home.


But Kathryn was not impressed by status or money. She treated him as a friend and he tried hard to make that enough.


“Are you coming or what?” Her voice floated back to him and he shook himself and followed. No use fighting what couldn’t be changed; he would settle for watching his friend strut toward the elevator, her slim form and swaying hips making even her faded flying clothes sexy.


Did platonic buddies run their fingers through one another’s hair? Did they stroke long, silky waves back to press lips to the satin skin under their friend’s delicately curved ear? Will she wear her hair down tonight? His steps slowed as he came up behind her, hands clenched at his sides to keep from finding out what would happen if he grasped her waist and pulled her back against him.


Erin's Review:  I love this story about seemingly unrequited love. The sexual tension between Nick and Kathryn is so thick you can cut it with a knife. And of course, Madame Eve has her hand in this match up. This couple needs just a bit of a nudge...and a knock at the door at just the right time ;) Sometimes unrequited love isn't as unrequited as you think it is. Taking chances is what love's all about.
 A quick steamy read that will certainly heat things up on these long cold winter nights.






Saturday, December 21, 2013

REVIEW: Christmas Wishes by Danica Winters

Christmas Wishes 
Danica Winters
Published September 26, 2013
Available in Paperback November 1, 2013
Length: Short Story
Publisher: Books To Go Now
ASIN: B00FHBT8G4


Purchase Links: Amazon | Kobo | Barnes and Noble |
Goodreads
Christmas Wishes

Pages: 30
ISBN: 9781301706181
Tag Line: Is she ready to start living again?


Blurb: For most, Christmas is a time for family, love, life, dreams, and wishes—but not for Lee Llewellyn, a mother who has recently lost her son to an accident and her husband to the resentment it caused. In a chance encounter, she is given the gift of company on Christmas, but is she ready to move forward and start living again?  



Social Media Links:
Paranormal Romance Fans for Life Blog: http://paranormalromancefanforlife.blogspot.com/
ITunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/danica-winters/id528260445?mt=11

Sarah's Review:
Thank you to Danica Winters for asking me to read and review this story. This story is such a great story that is such a quick read. 

What happens when you feel you have no one left in your life and fate steps in?  Well, in this case a guardian angel or two.    This story is what happens. 

There is so much that I want to say, but considering it is only 30 pages, I would give the whole story away and not mean too.