One of the Top Holiday Picks on Kindle Book Review!

 

 

ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS COOKIE made the Kindle Book Review list for this week of top holiday picks! Hoping this puts a few more eyes on the book!

I've had to lean into my day job lately, and haven't done a good job of hunting down reviewers or spreading the word, but I love this story and hope readers will as well.

Check out the Kindle Book Review here - https://www.thekindlebookreview.net/

And grab your Kindle copy of my book here - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BDQ5G552

Happy Holiday Reading to all!

N.N.Light's Book Heaven Christmas and Holiday Book Festival!

 

Calling all holiday-themed readers! We’re celebrating Christmas and the holidays all month long at N. N. Light’s Book Heaven’s Christmas and Holiday Book Festival. 30 holiday-themed books featured plus a chance to win a $75 Amazon gift card.

 

I’m thrilled to be a part of this event. My book, ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS COOKIE  is featured today! Each author shares a family holiday tradition, including me. You won’t want to miss it.

 

Find all the holiday book picks - and your chance to win $75 gift card - here: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/christmas-holiday-festival

 Matt Jamieson is done with casual hookups, but his playboy reputation isn’t easy to shake off. Volunteering with his niece’s scout troop is the ticket to showing everyone he’s ready to settle down, but the fiery redhead who pushes all his buttons is an obstacle he didn’t anticipate.

Chelsea Greene never meant to move back to Cape Cod. Thanks to grad school loans and a mountain of debt from her cheating ex, she’s once again sleeping in her childhood bed. But when the holidays and the annual open house competition roll around, her mom asks for a favor she can’t refuse.

All Chelsea needs to do is go on a date with the obnoxious guy from the craft fair to get the cookie recipe her mother needs. But when one date turns into two, and then three… can they still blame it on the Snickerdoodles? Or is there a pinch of holiday magic in that secret recipe?

Grab your copy on AMAZON

 

Looking for a Holiday Read to Escape? Try my new Cape Cod romance!

 

With Thanksgiving in the rearview mirror, the Christmas season kicks into full gear... or maybe you need a breather after yesterday's festivities. Can I suggest taking a small break and treating yourself to a quick holiday read? Available on AMAZON

The first few reviews made me smile ~ 5 stars and kind words ~ and then I woke up this morning to a 1-star rating with no written review yet. Not sure why the reader didn't like my story, or hated it enough to leave a 1-star review. My guess is that they didn't expect it to have explicit sex. They were looking for a sweet romance.

This isn't really a sweet romance. 

The character do have sex. You know, as adults tend to do after a few dates.

The definition of "sweet" when you're talking romance books is that there is nothing explicit. Everything stays behind firmly closed doors, even in the minds of the characters. Maybe kissing is involved, but even that is chaste and you don't discuss anything going on below the belly button.

On the other hand, this isn't "erotica", which is explicit descriptions of sex for the sake of sex, and may include bondage, S&M, and all those 50 Shades scenarios.

There is a definite relationship that develops between the characters in this story, and leads to a happily ever after. On a heat scale, I'd say this would only rate 3 flames, as it's more focused on the story arc than the bedroom antics.

So if that's not your cup of cocoa, please don't buy my book. 

If you like your holiday romance with a little heat, then give this a try.

Grab it on AMAZON

Release Day for ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS COOKIE

 

It never gets old - being able to say 

"I have a new book coming out today!"

Excited for this release and this story - hope that readers find it just as enjoyable! to celebrate, I'm joining N.N.Light's 4th annual SNUGGLE UP readathon today too! Check it out for an exclusive excerpt from my book, and a bit of a chat. Visit the site here: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/snuggle-up-with-these-books

The event goes all month long and features some great books to snuggle up with as the temperatures begin to dip... and there's a big Giveaway too for $75 Amazon gift card! Rafflecopter runs through the end of November.You must have an active Amazon US or Amazon Canada account to be eligible to win. Open internationally. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Christmas is Coming! PreOrder Available NOW!

 

Not to rush the holidays, but December is right around the corner. I may not like seeing the chocolate Santas on the shelf next to the Halloween candy, but it seems it's time to start planning ahead...

I'm so excited about this new Christmas story! Set on Cape Cod in December, this is the story of two locals -- a guy who might be ready to settle down, and a girl who's itching to shake the sand out of her shoes. Sparks fly when they meet at the Holiday Stroll in Harwichport, and the chemistry continues to simmer through several other Cape Cod holiday events...

 Here's the back of book blurb:

Matt Jamieson is done with casual hookups, but his playboy reputation isn’t easy to shake off. Volunteering with his niece’s scout troop is the ticket to showing everyone he’s ready to settle down, but the fiery redhead who pushes all his buttons is an obstacle he didn’t anticipate.

Chelsea Greene never meant to move back to Cape Cod. Thanks to grad school loans and a mountain of debt from her cheating ex, she’s once again sleeping in her childhood bed. But when the holidays and the annual open house competition roll around, her mom asks for a favor she can’t refuse.

All Chelsea needs to do is go on a date with the obnoxious guy from the craft fair to get the cookie recipe her mother needs. But when one date turns into two, and then three… can they still blame it on the Snickerdoodles? Or is there a pinch of holiday magic in that secret recipe?

The thing I love most about this story is the real holiday events that Matt and Chelsea take part in throughout the book. Cape Cod has so many great holiday events throughout December, including a holiday stroll in every town on the Cape. There are so many more fun things to do for the holidays, but I had to pick and choose a few of my favorites. Having been a Scout mom and stood behind that craft table at the church for too many years, it made sense to start the story there, lol.

If you're ready to start getting into the Christmas spirit, click over to AMAZON and preorder this book for yourself so it drops onto your Kindle on November 15 (which is a perfectly acceptable, post-Halloween date to start reading Christmas stories!) There will be a paperback version coming in November as well, just the right size for a stocking stuffer or to send in the mail to a friend.

IN the meantime.... happy (holiday) reading to all!

Monday Book Review: Wrapped Up in You by Claire Marti

 

About the Book:

When cocky financial genius Rafael Cruz is forced to partner with his snarky office rival Phoebe Hollingsworth to land a prestigious new client, nothing goes as planned.

At work, they ignore each other, but at the Jingle Ball, their unexpected chemistry changes the game.

Will their secret holiday hook-up ruin the deal or is it the start of a deeper connection?

 

My TAKE:

Claire Marti writes with humor and heart, with believable characters and fun twists to her plot lines. I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this full-length story, part of her Pacific Vista Ranch series that I've read and reviewed. With every story, I find myself drawn further into the California coastal worlds she creates, wishing I could live there.

The first three books of the series focus on the three sisters whose family owns the Pacific Vista Ranch. This story features the brother of one of the previous heroes, who we met in Marti's wonderful second chance romance The Very Thought of You. At the time, I'd hoped for hunky older brother Rafe Cruz to get a book of his own - and here it is. (insert happy dance!)

Rafe and Phoebe are coworkers at the same financial firm, both Harvard-educated and at the top of their game. Each thinks they’ll be the one to take over the firm when the CEO retires. And they hate each other. I have to admit, enemies to lovers has never been one of my favorite romance tropes because the antagonism often feels forced or ginned up, but I totally found myself believing these characters and situations and loved every minute of it.

When Rafe and Phoebe are sent to represent the company together to woo new clients at the annual Jingle Ball fundraiser, their boss makes a clear statement. Get along or else. The pair are both professionals and grit their teeth, agreeing to work together for one night. Over wine before and during the event, they actually get to know each other and misconceptions each held are torn down. Sparks fly as things between them heat.... and keep heating. I don't want to give any of the good parts away, but rest assured Marti adds plenty of steam and spice to heat up this holiday tale.

Thoroughly enjoyed this read, and totally recommend. It works as a standalone read, but my enjoyment was totally enhanced by the fact that I'd previously met the secondary characters in the first three stories. Love this whole series and totally recommend! 5 well-Deserved Stars!

 Grab a copy on AMAZON

 

Monday Book Review: Mistletoe, Mobsters & Mozzarella by Peggy Jaeger

About the Book:

Finding a body in the freezer of the family deli isn’t the way Madonna San Valentino planned to start her day.

Adding insult to injury, the investigating detective is the one guy she’s never been able to forget. After seven minutes of heaven in the back seat of his car when they were teenagers, Tony Roma skipped town without so much as a thanks for the memory.

Just when Madonna thinks the present situation can’t get any worse, Tony is ordered to go undercover at the deli to ferret out a killer. Forced to work together, she vows to keep their relationship cool and professional. But with the sexy, longing looks he tosses her at every turn, Madonna’s resolve is weakening.

With Christmas drawing closer and Tony’s investigation taking an unexpected turn, Madonna is at her wit’s end. Can she really be falling for him again? And will he wind up leaving her broken hearted and alone like the last time?

 

MY TAKE:

I know, I know, it's a bit too early for Christmas stories - my own personal rule is to keep the holidays in order, so Christmas stuff shouldn't ever come before Thanksgiving, including Christmas-themed romance. 

I made an exception.

This was a little bit of a departure for the author, with a dead body in the first chapter heightening the suspense factor, but she handled it with her usual wit and finesse. Or rather, her characters handled it. Ms. Jaeger has given us a few books starring the San Valentino family, a large but close-knit Italian famiglia in New York City who may or may not have shadowy whispers of mob connections. With this book, those whispers aren't necessarily confirmed, but the connection lines are penciled in a bit darker.

Donna and her father work at the family deli. She's the oldest and the only one of the siblings who does, although no one really defines what any of the other brothers do for a living, except the youngest who's in college. It's not like they couldn't use the help at the busy deli, but Donna's first person viewpoint tells us there is no hope that any of her lazy brothers would ever step up to join this family business. 

With the busy Christmas season approaching the last thing she needs is to find her delivery guy stuffed into the walk-in freezer. Make that second to last. The Absolute last thing she needs is for her high school crush - the one who left without saying goodbye - to be the detective in charge of solving the mystery and finding the killer. Tony Roma is tall, dark, and handsome, and doesn't seem to remember the kisses they shared long ago. Donna working together with the hot hunk of detective leaves no doubt that a fuse has been set and something is going to explode.

I can't get into much more without giving away plot points, and it's a whole lot more fun to unravel the mystery - both the dead body and what's up with Tony -  alongside Donna and her crazy family.

Peggy Jaeger writes with such heart and feeling, pulling the reader right into the story and taking us for a rollercoaster of a ride. She continues with the strong themes that run through so many of her stories - the importance of family, trust, and forgiveness. It's such fun to revisit with these characters for the holidays again (A Kiss Under the Christmas Lights is one of my favorite holiday feel-good romances, also by Peggy Jaeger) If you're looking for a fun read to kick off your holiday book spree, give this one a shot. You won't be disappointed. 5 sparkling stars for this Christmas romance!

Grab your copy on AMAZON

Monday Book Review: Jingle Balls, an anthology by various authors for Testicular Cancer Awareness

 

About the Book:

Jingle those balls for a great cause and get a head start on the holiday spirit with this spicy collection of romantic comedy stories. Twenty of today’s most entertaining rom-com authors have teamed up to go #Nuts4Books to benefit the Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation.

Curve Ball by Aidy Award
I Told You So by Serena Bell
Sleigh My Name by Kilby Blades
A Blue Balled Holiday by Dylann Crush
Jingle Ball Bender by Sophia Henry
Ball Sacked by Christina Hovland
Coldcocked by Saint Nick by Melonie Johnson
Under the Mistletoe by Tawdra Kandle
Decidedly for Christmas by Stina Lindenblatt
Licking His Candy Cane by Elizabeth Lynx
Wrapped Up With You by Claire Marti
One Jingle or Two by MK Meredith
Rockin’ Around the Jingle Balls Ball by Susannah Nix
Lick My Snowballs by Tracey Pedersen
Deck the Halls With Balls by Marika Ray
Not So Silent Night by Piper Rayne
Out of the Eggnog by Arell Rivers
Mistletoe Hearts by Brenda St. John Brown
Scoring a Holiday Match by Delancey Stewart
Nuts About You by Sylvie Stewart

 

My Take:

Irreverent, Outrageous, Over-the-top Fun – all for a Good Cause

Jingle Balls is an anthology of Christmas stories with a common theme and for a common cause: raising money for the Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation. The theme the stories share is that there is a holiday fancy-dress ball that’s a fundraiser for testicular cancer – the Jingle Balls Ball. Except, it’s not just one party in one place that each author’s characters are attending. These parties are all over the U.S. and all have their authors little twist to them, running the gamut from a black tie fundraiser at a country club to a male auction at a swingers club, and everything in between. The titles of the stories are a suggestive hoot – Licking his Candy Cane? Jingle Ball Bender? Ball Sacked? Clever and funny and oh-so-hot, like much of the writing.

I read them all – some a bit longer, some a little too short leaving you wanting more. Most of the authors involved characters from a series in progress, giving you back story or secondary characters from another story getting the spotlight. Going into this, I only recognized two of the author names, but now I’ve added several more to my list that I need to check out.

My favorite story is from Claire Marti, the reason I bought the anthology in the first place. I love the Southern California settings of her Pacific Vista Ranch series and heard she was giving one of her minor characters a shot at love – I needed to read it!

Rafe and Phoebe are coworkers at the same financial firm, both Harvard-educated and at the top of their game. Each thinks they’ll be the one to take over the firm when the CEO retires. And they hate each other. Phoebe was a year behind Rafe at school, and worshipped the playboy from afar but he never noticed the mousy student she was. When she started at the same firm, Rafe thought she was one of the stuck up East Coast girls who wouldn’t give him the time of day outside the bedroom. When they are both sent to represent the company and woo new clients at the annual Jingle Ball fundraiser, they agree to work together for one night. Over wine, misconceptions each held are torn down and sparks fly as things between them heat. I’m hoping the author turns this into a longer novel because as satisfying as the happy-for-now ending was, I would love to read more of Rafe and Phoebe’s story!

Great stories, lots of laughs, not for the easily offended, as there are a lot of f-bombs and there’s an awful lot of sex in closets and other public spaces! But it’s all for a great cause and all in good holiday fun!

 

Grab your copy on AMAZON today!

Holiday Book Festival at NN Light all month! 63 books, 45 authors and Giveaways!

Calling all holiday-themed readers! We’re celebrating Christmas and the holidays all month long at N. N. Light’s Book Heaven’s Christmas and Holiday Book Festival. 63 holiday-themed books, 45 different authors, plus a chance to win Amazon and B&N GIftcards!

  

I’m thrilled to be a part of this event. BRENDAN'S CHRISTMAS SURPRISE will be featured TODAY. Each author shares a family holiday tradition, including me. Pop over and see what I'm talking about - and check out some of the other author's traditions as well.

Here's the link:

https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/christmas-holiday-festival

Enter to win ~ the contest is open through the end of December.

a Rafflecopter giveaway