Review of About that Kiss

Brief Summary Courtesy of Avon

   

When love drives you crazy . . .

When sexy Joe Malone never calls after their explosive kiss, Kylie shoves him out of her mind. Until she needs a favor, and it’s a doozy. Something precious to her has been stolen and there’s only one person with unique finder-and-fixer skills that can help—Joe. It means swallowing her pride and somehow trying to avoid the temptation to throttle him—or seduce him.

the best thing to do . . .

No, Joe didn’t call after the kiss. He’s the fun time guy, not the forever guy. And Kylie, after all she’s been through, deserves a good man who will stay. But everything about Kylie makes it damned hard to focus, and though his brain knows what he has to do, his heart isn’t getting the memo.

… is enjoy the ride.

As Kylie and Joe go on the scavenger hunt of their lives, they discover surprising things about each other. Now, the best way for them to get over “that kiss” might just be to replace it with a hundred more.

My Review:

  

I received an ARC of this book from the author and publisher in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. I am a huge fan of Jill Shalvis and her books so when I got the opportunity to read the newest book in her Heartbreaker Bay series, About that Kiss, I jumped at the chance. Just like her previous books Jill does a great job of mixing in humor, mystery, romance and friendship all into one book.

In addition to a great storyline Jill also provided you with well developed characters, Kylie and Joe. You really felt like you knew their past and how they came to be who they are today.

I really felt a connection with the storyline in this book of Jill's. I think she did a good job of really developing their relationship. Having it grow from nothing to something. She also made it realistic that things don't always go as planned in relationships and sometimes it is hard for people to open up in the beginning no matter how well they know the person.

Can't wait to read more in this series and it is always fun to try and figure out who the next couple is going to be in her books. I recommend this book to readers who love romance, mystery and humor. With this book you hit gold.

Review of Maybe this Christmas

Brief Summary Courtesy of Forever Publishing

All wrapped up . . . 

One more game. That's all that stands between NHL star Asher Westmore and a major career milestone. But then his brother bashes him against the hockey boards, sidelining him for months. Over Christmas holidays, no less. If staying off the ice doesn't drive him crazy, staying with his family will. The only bright spot amidst the mistletoe and twinkle lights: His best friend, Emma, is a physical therapist. And working out with her improves his body and his spirit.

One last time. Emma Callaway was in trouble the minute she and Asher added benefits to their friendship. How is she supposed to resist a funny, caring guy who makes her toes curl? Her heart was safe while he lived in a different state. Now that he's back home recuperating, though, it's only a matter of time before she blurts out her feelings. Emma's only hope is that with a little holiday magic, she'll get the best Christmas gift of all.



My Review 

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley and Forever Publishing in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. I am sucker for romances and books about sports so when I was grazing through Netgalley looking for future books and christmas books to come out I found "Maybe this Christmas" by Jennifer Snow. From the cover to the synopsis both items grabbed my attention right away. Who doesn't like reading about a hot hockey player? 

So when I first starting reading the book I have to admit that  I wasn't sure that I was going to be a fan as it kind of sounded cheesy and unrealistic... However, once I got a couple chapters in I really saw the development of the characters and the storyline grow. It wasn't just a friends with benefits story but more about finding out what matters most to you in your life and who you surround yourself with.

I think Jennifer did a great job of developing the characters and the storyline. I think that a little more could have been done with the supporting characters but that might just have to do with me having not read the first two books in this series. 

Although this wasn't my favorite holiday read of this season I do think it was well written and very easy to read and follow. 

If you are looking for a book to read during your christmas break or during these cold snaps that our country is seeming to have this book is a great fit! 

Review of Becoming Bella

Brief Summary Courtesy of Zebra

This Christmas, a good reputation can really get in a girl’s way . . .

As long as she can remember, Bella Erikson’s been the unofficial sweetheart of Ghost Falls, Utah. And ever since Nate Evans dipped her braids in purple paint in the first grade, he’s been her dream guy. Not that she minds the attention, but sometimes she wishes people saw more in her than just the girl who still has a crush on Sheriff Evans. She has a life after all, a new bridal shop to run, and more mature relationships to pursue . . .

Nate knows he’s not good enough for sweet Bella. But he’s pretty sure the new guy sending her heart emojis and giant bouquets isn’t either. And when Bella’s suitor turns stalker, protecting Bella isn’t just Nate’s instinct—it’s his duty. Crammed together for safety and really talking for the first time in years, Bella and Nate can’t fight the moment their chemistry turns into pyrotechnics. Whether it will burn them out or light up the sky, only time will tell . . .

My Review

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley and Zebra in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. This is the first book that I have read of Sarah Heggers and the first that I have read in her Ghost Falls series. What first attracted me to reading this book was the cover. After the cover I really liked the synopsis as the storyline had more than just your typical childhood crush story. 

The author, Sarah did a great job setting the scene of the book from Bella's house to her store. You really felt like you could visually see all the different scenes in the book by her imagery in her writing. In addition to the setting of the story I think that the way she developed the story line between the two main characters was great. She did it slowly and honestly which is not always what you read in other books. The characters were also well developed too. She gave you enough background to understand them but not too much where it bored you. I also liked that she gave you great supporting characters that really added to the story. 

In addition to the storyline, characters and romance in the book I also like how she incorporated the thriller aspect of it with the online dating gone bad. It added an edge to the book that wouldn't have been in there with out it and it really made me want to keep reading to find out what happened. 


One of my favorite quotes in the book was when Bella was talking to her neighbor Liz about men and relationships. "None of us are perfect. Nobody can love perfectly. In the end, its always going to be a leap of faith" 

All in all this was a great book. I am interested in reading more from this author and more in the series. I recommend this book to readers who like the romance but also a little bit of thriller (not the super scary though).

Review of Merry and Bright

Brief Summary courtesy of Ballantine Books

Merry Knight is pretty busy these days. She’s taking care of her family, baking cookies, decorating for the holidays, and hoping to stay out of the crosshairs of her stressed and by-the-book boss at the consulting firm where she temps. Her own social life is the last thing she has in mind, much less a man. Without her knowledge, Merry’s well-meaning mom and brother create an online dating profile for her—minus her photo—and the matches start rolling in. Initially, Merry is incredulous, but she reluctantly decides to give it a whirl.

Soon Merry finds herself chatting with a charming stranger, a man with similar interests and an unmistakably kind soul. Their online exchanges become the brightest part of her day. But meeting face-to-face is altogether different, and her special friend is the last person Merry expects—or desires. Still, sometimes hearts can see what our eyes cannot. In this satisfying seasonal tale, unanticipated love is only a click away.

My Review:

I received an ARC of Merry and Bright in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. Best selling author Debbie Macomber pulled out another great Christmas read this holiday season. She did a great job of creating well developed main characters with great supporting characters as well. It was nice to see how she also developed the relationship between Merry and Jay from the start of the book to the very end. I also enjoyed seeing the relationships that Merry had with her brother and parents. It is always nice to read about a supportive family.

In addition to the well developed characters I really enjoyed Debbie's well written story. It was sweet, with not a lot of drama but just enough to keep it interesting. I also liked how she incorporated a little humor into the story as well when it came to Merry and Jay's relationship growing online through the dating website. Lastly, I enjoyed reading how Jay's feelings developed for the two versions of "Merry". It really showed in the end it matters what a person is like on the inside rather than what a person looks like on the outside when finding true love.

If you want a quick, easy read that has romance, christmas and a few laughs than this is the right book for you.

Can't wait to see what she has up her sleeve for the next holiday season.