Ari Thatcher

I loved all the stories in this anthology! There was a great range of steam from sweet kisses to steamy encounters! I was able to read books from authors I have not had the chance to read yet and have added them to my Goodreads list.

Devil at the Gates was one of my favorites! The anguish, the mystery and the passion was just on point! They were both tortured people who desperately wanted to love and be loved! And I couldn’t be happier for them that they found each other!

I also really liked show more Scandal in the Snow! I think it is hard to make the romantic feelings real in a novella, so it is genius to start with the relationship with some history, so you don’t have to start from scratch! I loved the banter and the enemies to lovers trope! Very well written and cute story!

Miss Pageants Christmas Proposal was a unique story and I loved it! The ‘Big Lie Trope’ isn’t one I’ve see a lot in historical romances and this was really well done! Emary didn’t come off as a brat but someone who truly wanted his affections and thankfully, Donovan didn’t competent blame her for their weird start to their relationship. There was just enough angst to keep you on the edge of your seat but not enough to be frustrating!

I always love Tracy Sumner and Tempting the Scoundrel was a great read! Christian's obsession with Raine was so so sweet (not creepy at all) and because she was weary of him at first, it made it all the more sweet and real feeling! show less

This Anthology starts strong with a series of well written novels concentrating on romance. It was edited well by interspersing the weaker novels in the middle. A fantastic choice was made to end strong with the novel that used the Cancer Relay for Life as the centerpiece for a new romantic beginning for a character widowed by cancer. One of the best selected and edited anthologies that I have read in a number of years!!!

Cora Rules by Mel Curtis

This third book in the Hollywood Rules Series show more and focus on the Cora Rules character. This book provides the story of Jack and Vivian from another perspective that is not told in previous books. While the other books provide the ending, this book gives the details in the context of learning about Cora. It is a fast paced, high charged, emotional book. All the emotions are well written into the context of a journey into the past that turns into a discovery of what is needed for developing a wholeness for a healthy productive relationship and life. The trueness of the characters shine in this insightful book. I would highly recommend it.

Surrender to Love by Raine English

A suspenseful mystery with the right amount of intrigue, rivalry, and love interest. It starts out slow and builds fast with the characters developing relationships both good and bad quickly. A heartwarming story that shows how the challenges of aging can be solved with the care and concern of family. Not the usual coming of age relationship story. Loved the premise.

The Merry-Go-Round by Donna Fasano

This story had a complexity that had the reader turning the page wondering what was next. At first, it appeared to be the typical divorced woman plot but the interaction with the other characters brought unique twists. While I honestly did not like that the husband was a weak character. It does take all types in the world and not every book needs to show a positive traits in the main character. It just doesn't happen often and does add to the uniqueness of the book. From my perspective, this book shows the type of man to avoid. Stay far away from this man. I strongly recommend this book as an exercise in demonstrating a co-dependent relationships.

Twist of Fate by Patti Forsythe

This story was a great coming of age story. It explored the what if factor and showed how mistakes in teenage years can build character while really turning out for the best. A second chance at love for the major characters also provided insight into cultural differences. Life balance brings us challenges and this book offers the reader an excellent, well-written, romantic escape into the lives of the characters. Great book!!

Her French Count by Mona Risk
At the beginning, a strong start brings the reader into the story by narrowing the focus to trying to discover who is not just a doctoral student. It seems like everyone in the story has an agenda. Remarkably well played with the characters providing twists and turns in the plot. The author has a main character who grabs the reader's attention and sympathy from the beginning without an overdrawn finish despite a wrap up that is typical romance. Highly suspenseful and entertaining.

Love Me Forever by Ari Thatcher

This book provides a glimpse into a second chance at love. The author hits the usual high notes by plotting a reconnection with a former flame but then adds depth with the search for independence by the main character. It is a good storyline that embraces the ability of women to reconnect with themselves after divorce.

Playing the Rookie by Rachelle Ayala

A lighthearted, spoofy romance brings attention to the existence of cultural differences that still exist. This author shows how arranged marriages can be harmful if not taken seriously by both individuals. The main characters fall in love but run into challenges due to lack of truthfulness. An intriguing look into the Korean culture of marriage and society that had me visualizing the antics of the characters. Loved the story!!

Duke of Devonwood by Carly Carson

This story, while an excellent romance between two characters, had such confusion between time periods. It could not decide whether to be a regency or contemporary romance. There were elements from the Regency period when hand sewing was the norm and servants did certain things. There were plot elements that were not fully developed such as the bet at the beginning of the story. In all, while the premise was good, the book needed further refining and editing.

True North by Kelly Collins
An engaging novel that looks at family dynamics. This love-at-first-sight storyline takes us through the challenges of developing a relationship despite baggage. Truly, a well-balanced and insightful second chance. Loved it!!

Fashion Victim by Suz deMello

Loved this fast paced mystery that layered intrigue and romance to a suspenseful conclusion. The reader was kept engaged through the twists and turns of the romantic journey that brought the main characters together. I highly recommend this well written glimpse into the fashion world.

Season Unforgettable by Keta Diablo

This novel is a myriad of expectations and understandings. It allows the reader to think about how our upbringings shape a person but, also, how a person can overcome an upbringing to become better than the parent. I liked seeing the developing storyline and the challenges of life with unethical individuals. Loved the story and highly recommend it!!

Most Likely to Turn up the Heat by Cheryl Harper

A look at life and why it is hard for some people to form relationships. Lively, vivacious characters connect the reader to the dialog in the novel making it more real. I really appreciated the topic of how disconnect from a sense of community limits the ability to trust in relationship. Loved the happiness in the ending.

My Favorite What If by Lyssa Layne

It is a book that has a second chance at love from many perspectives. The plot is multi-layered and each twist just adds to the heightened suspense. Finding out at almost the end of the book to what happened to the one of the main characters is a gripping aha moment. A masterful story that I would highly recommend.

Relay for Love by Susan Ann Wall

This book speaks to and from the heart. The author shows how the grieving process influences aspects of developing new relationships. A theme in the book is that the presence of loved ones plays an active role in new relationships. As someone with a cancer diagnosis whose numbers are good, this story was an inspiration. The relay for life solidarity cheered me and encouraged me since there is no cure for my cancer. Additionally, my husband died last year of a rare cancer that was metastatic when it was discovered. It is hoped that this well written novel of happiness, growth, and strength in togetherness will continue to raise awareness. I highly recommend this book!! show less

Rayne spent summers of her youth at her Grandpa Joe's hunting lodge when she met the Whitmore brothers Caleb, Nick, and Dalton. She decides after a bad break up to turn Grandpa Joe's run-down lodge into a resort. Rayne wrecks her car on her move to Silver Bear Mountain. A wolf attacks and bites Rayne while she is looking for help after the accident. Rayne escapes the wolf only after another wolf appears and a fight ensues. She makes her way to an isolated house and finds a key to let herself show more in. Rayne attempts to clean herself off and tend her wound when the owner of the house returns. Rayne realizes Nick and his brothers live in the house and the fantasies she had as a teenager rush back.

As the shifters in charge, the Whitmore brothers must stop Rayne from opening a resort. The other shifters on the mountain do not want strangers near their land. They have declared they will kill to protect it. Caleb, Nick, and Dalton are hoping Rayne will rethink the resort or she will sell the land to them.

The brothers share everything, including their women. They know Rayne possessing a dormant shifter gene that can awaken by bite or sex is a slim one, so they try to resist their attraction. For their pack to remain shifters, they cannot mate with a human. Their shifter gene will breed out if they do. What they don't count on is how hard they fall for Rayne.

Rayne and Nick had decent chemistry and acted on it quickly. When Rayne began to consider multiple partners she did not suffer a lot of inner torment about it being wrong. It gets on my nerves when women in books judge themselves in ménage situations. I appreciate that was not the case here. The frequent sexual encounters were pretty steamy.

Rayne showed signs of some anxiety. Her rubbing her arm to stop the desire to crawl out of her skin or itching from the inside out soon seemed like subtle hints toward a shifter transformation. I enjoyed the narrator's approach to this scenario. It caused little twinges of tension waiting to see if, how and when she might turn.

The plot itself did not hold a ton of depth. It was mainly an anthology of sexual fantasies. It did not bother me too much until the end. One of the brothers decided to leave the pack for fear of his jealousy tearing them apart. It felt sudden. Until that point, Rayne and the brothers interacted fine. Lacking an emotional tie to them, it just made me roll my eyes.

The flow of some of the sex scenes was problematic. For example, a character would be lying on top of another and suddenly would be beside them doing something different with no segue. This issue happened often enough I started backtracking to find where I misunderstood. Feeling like I missed something became annoying.

Overall this book was decent. Not the best I have read but not the worst either. It would be good for someone looking for a tantalizing paranormal romance.

All my opinions are my own and may not match that of others. I encourage all readers to come to their own conclusions. I voluntarily received an ARC copy of this book through NetGalley. show less

Wicked Christmas Nights

Don’t miss the chance to read historical holiday romances by eight different authors. I wanted to read the one by Tracy Sumner, as she is a favorite, and in so doing read new-to-me authors I would gladly read again.

AN IMPERFECT INTRODUCTION by Alyssa Drake
With rumors of ghosts, a dowry and possible future lost, Wilhelmina should not be kissing a young man under the Christmas tree without even knowing his name but that is just the beginning of this unusual show more romance.

EARL OF EDGEMERE by Amanda Mariel
Carstine’s visit to England for a coming out sponsored by her mother’s friend sees her missing Scotland but also making a friend and meeting more than one potential suitor…which one will she end up with?

THE DUKE’S SCANDALOUS CHRISTMAS WISH by Ari Thatcher
Filled with holiday traditions and family fun, will Milly come out of mourning her fiancé to find love with a Duke and if so, just how will stirring Christmas pudding play into the matter?

SMITTEN WITH MY CHRISTMAS MINX by Dawn Brower
Mistaking the duke’s daughter for a maid and the repercussions of his behavior could lead to happiness together or a quick parting for Adeline and Zachariah.

DEVIL AT THE GATES by Lauren Smith
This came in as my second most favorite with its Gothic dark foreboding feel, wonderful characters in Redmond and Harriet, Devil the dog, the ghosts most helpful, and the ogre of a stepfather Harriet ran from. Would definitely read this author’s work again.

SCANDAL IN THE SNOW by Nadine Millard
Neighbors that grew up more enemies than friends begin to see one another in a new light this holiday season. Will Olivia and Alex find their happily ever after after all?

MISS PAGEANT’S CHRISTMAS PROPOSAL by Tabetha Waite
It took me a bit of time to warm up to spoiled diamond of the first water Emary as she tried to snare the Duke of Winwood but as the story progressed, I began to warm to her. And Donovan, for a man at first unimpressed, fell smitten rather quickly.

TEMPTING THE SCOUNDREL by Tracy Sumner
Loved this the second time around just as much as the firs time I read it. A watchmaker and a maid who find true love together after a young man saw and fell in love one night never knowing he would see his dream woman again years later.

Did I enjoy this anthology? Yes
Would I read more by these authors? Yes

Thank you to BookSirens for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars show less