#BookReview ~ Shadow's Protection by Chelle Bliss (Hurricane Heat, Book 1) ~ #MCRomance #Romance #OneYearAnniversary

Shadow's Protection by Chelle Bliss

One Year Anniversary!

 

About the Book:

ASIN: ‎ B0F4QXCN1F
Publisher: ‎ Bliss Ink
Publication date: ‎ September 2, 2025
Print length: ‎ 302 pages

Purchase from Amazon

Add to Goodreads

About the Book:

Shadow isn’t the type to mingle with people outside his world unless they owe him or the club something. But when his eyes land on a beautiful woman in need of a place to stay, he offers her shelter from the coming storm without a second thought.

Violet James needs a fresh start. She’s planned every detail—new job, new house, new city. But the one thing she didn’t expect was a hurricane to throw a wrench into everything. Stranded in a new city with no open hotel rooms for miles, she’s intrigued when a handsome biker offers her a safe place to stay.

Shadow never expected the woman to come with baggage in the form of an obsessive ex-boyfriend who will stop at nothing to get her back, including showing up at his club’s compound.
What starts off as a little fun to pass the time as a hurricane decimates the area around them turns into something deeper than either of them could’ve imagined. And Shadow will do anything to keep Violet safe, even if that means risking his life to save hers.

My Review:

Shadow’s Protection is the first book in the Hurricane Heat MC series and what a fantastic start to a new series. I’m a huge fan of MC romance and Shadow’s Protection checked all the boxes. Broody hero. Strong heroine. Crazy ex. Full protection. I loved Shadow and Violet. I was pulled into their story and captivated by their personalities, drama, romance, and complications. Their chemistry sizzles, the passion is raw, and emotions permeate the pages. I couldn’t put this story down. Perfectly composed, paced, and written, Shadow’s Protection will pull you in and keep you engaged.

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My Rating:

Review previously posted on Sapphyria's Books.

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If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.

Thank you for supporting Sapphyria’s Books.

Book Review: Unraveled (Elemental Assassin, Book 15) by Jennifer Estep ~ #UF Urban Fantasy ~ #TenYearAnniversary #PublishedForADecade

Unraveled

Elemental Assassin, Book 15

Jennifer Estep

Ten Year Anniversary!

Book Details:

Print Length: 400 pages

Publisher: Pocket Books

Publication Date: August 30, 2016

ASIN: B017I22DZC

Purchase from Amazon 

Add to Goodreads

About the Book:

What could go wrong when you’re trying to unravel a decades-old conspiracy?

As the current queen of the Ashland underworld, you would think that I, Gin Blanco, would know all about some secret society controlling things from behind the scenes. I might be the Spider, the city’s most fearsome assassin, but all my Ice and Stone elemental magic hasn’t done me a lick of good in learning more about “the Circle”. Despite my continued investigations, the trail’s gone as cold as the coming winter.

So when Finnegan Lane, my foster brother, gets word of a surprising inheritance, we figure why not skip town for someplace less dangerous for a few days? That place: Bullet Pointe, a fancy hotel resort complex plus Old West theme park that Finn now owns lock, stock, and barrel. At first, all the struttin’ cowboys and sassy saloon girls are just hokey fun. But add in some shady coincidences and Circle assassins lurking all around, and vacationing becomes wilder—and deadlier—than any of us expected.

Good thing this assassin brought plenty of knives to the gunfight …

My Review:

Unravled, book 15, is another fantastic installment of the Elemental Assassin series. The entire series has pulled me in and kept me engaged from the very beginning. These are the types of books that have me longing for the next one. They are written with vivid descriptions and genuine feelings, allowing the reader to become totally immersed in this world.

Gin, Finn, Owen, and Bria are headed out of town to Bullet Pointe, a Wild West theme park. After the fallout of book 14, Bitter Bite, Finn learns he inherited the theme park from his mother. The last time Gin took a vacation was several books ago and she's highly due for another one. Gin really should know better - nothing good ever comes out of going on vacation. When Circle assassins appear throughout the park Gin knows that Bullet Pointe isn't all fun and games.

Even after 15 novels in this series, Jennifer Estep knows how to keep the stories engaging and interesting. I've been a fan of the entire series. I've rated all of the books 4 or 5 stars. They are written with vivid descriptions and genuine feelings, allowing the reader to become totally immersed in this world. The world building continues and we learn a bit more about Gin's mother.

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My Rating:

Review previously posted on Sapphyria's Books but has been updated.

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Thank you for supporting Sapphyria’s Books.

#BookReview: Sweet Wine by Danica Winters ~ Contemporary Romance @DanicaWinters #ShortStory

Book Information:

Title:  Sweet Wine

Author:  Danica Winters

Print Length: 34 pages

Publication Date: June 30, 2017

ASIN: B071HY4JLP

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Add to Goodreads

About the Book:

If klutzy had a name it would be Annabelle Everett. What can go wrong, will... Especially when it comes to falling in love. 

In this short story, you will find yourself laughing out loud as you live through a day in Annabelle's shoes... Fancy pants ones to be exact. When she meets the oh-so-sexy wine merchant, Jim Sharp, she pulls out her finest moves and almost her hip. Through laughter and just a bit of teasing, they learn that they may have far more in common than either had assumed, and no matter what kind of luck a girl has, she always has what it takes to find the man of her dreams.

My Review:

Sometimes you find love in the strangest of places and in the most awkward of situations.  That is basically the story of Annabelle and Jim.  Annabelle owns a bookstore in a small Montana town.  She wants a little change of pace so she drives 50 miles away to join a wine club.  She meets Jim, the owner of the wine store.  After a series of unfortunate events, Annabelle sneaks out of the wine club meeting not expecting to see or hear from Jim again.  After he shows up at her book store, a sweet romance blossoms.

Sweet Wine is a contemporary romance short story that will leave you smiling.   I was completed engaged by the story. The characters are realistic, believable, and quirky.  The story is sweet and the chemistry between Annabelle and Jim pops off the page from the moment they meet.  Love at first sight completely works in Sweet Wine. 

I love the writing style of Danica Winters and am a longtime fan.  I highly recommend all of her work.  She writes wonderful paranormal series' , romantic suspense novels, and so much more.  Her ventures into several book genres works great for those of us who prefer an eclectic array of books to choose from.  

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My Rating:

Review previously posted on Sapphyria's Books but has been updated in the current post.

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If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.

Thank you for supporting Reviews by Saph.

#BookReview ~ All You Need is Love by Meg Macy ~ #Polyamory #LGBTQA+ #Romance

 

All You Need is Love

by Meg Macy

Book Details:

ASIN: ‎ B0F924KF64

Publisher: ‎ Grainger Press

Publication Date: ‎ June 1, 2025

Print Length: ‎ 362 pages

Amazon

Goodreads

About the Book:

Longtime friends Jack Riley and Juliette (aka Jules) Baxter are now partners in a new breakfast café, but they are surprised to be confronted by a wave of homophobia in a town known for its inclusive and diverse LGBTQA+ community. Their romantic lives are just as uncertain. Jack, a gay former actor and fashion model, has failed at committed relationships due to his unsavory past – until he meets Reese Baxter, his partner’s handsome, closeted cousin. Jules juggles several polyamorous relationships due to major trust issues, until she’s drawn to an intriguing artist. However his jealousy of her bestie Jack is getting out of hand. Is the vandalism against their café from conservative hate groups, or is it a focused personal attack?

My Review:

All You Need is Love is the first book in the new Love is Love LGBTQA+ series. This story is complex, deeply emotional, and eye-opening. I learned a lot about gender identity and expression, different lifestyles, and relationships.

The author wove together a story filled with realism that features the wonderful and not so wonderful parts of relationships. This story includes the unfairness, unjust actions, and bigotry against those in the LGBTQA+ community. The author doesn’t skirt around those injustices and handles them with professionalism, care, and sensitivity.

Jules, Jack, and Reese have different facets to their sexuality and pasts. Jules is polyamorous due to broken relationships in the past. Jack is out and proud, but has a past filled with devastation that he’s still trying to work through. Reese is securely in the closet with extremely conservative, religious parents.

I loved getting to know Jules, Jack, Reese, and all the rest of the characters in this brilliantly written, wholly engaging story.

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My Rating:

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If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.

Thank you for supporting Sapphyria’s Books.

#BookReview ~ Ghosts of Sleepy Hollow: Haunts of the Headless Horseman Haunted America by Sam Baltrusis ~ @SamBaltrusis ~ #HeadlessHorseman #Halloween #Ghosts #Hauntings

Ghosts of Sleepy Hollow: 

Haunts of the Headless Horseman

Haunted America

Sam Baltrusis

Genre: Ghosts & Hauntings

Publisher: History Press

Date of Publication: September 23, 2024

ISBN: 978-146715802

Number of pages: 144

Word Count: 32,500

About the Book:

Nestled on the banks of the Hudson River, Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown are steeped in history and ghost lore. Famous for Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” the storied Westchester region also has a dark history of witches, spies, and pirates. 

Rumors of Headless Horseman sightings surge during spooky season while visitors flock to the Valley’s haunted hot spots like the Old Dutch Church and the famed writer’s Sunnyside home. 

Join author and journalist Sam Baltrusis on a bone-chilling journey through the streets of Sleepy Hollow as he breathes new life into the legendary village’s long-departed souls.

My Review:

Ghosts of Sleepy Hollow is such an interesting book filled with history and legend. I've always loved everything Sleepy Hollow. One day I'll make it to the real Sleepy Hollow but until then, this book took me on an amazing trip. I enjoyed the history, the town in the present, and the paranormal elements. 

The book has so much information and I devoured everything. I love that Sleepy Hollow Cemetery was used in two Dark Shadows movies. Jonathan Frid's Barnabas Collins is my favorite iteration of that character. Ben Cross's run as Barnabas is my second favorite and I'm still bummed there was only one season. 

I love to read about ghosts, hauntings, and paranormal activity. This book fulfills that love and is about a legend I've also enjoyed and in a location that intrigues me. The author does a wonderful job creating the perfect atmosphere for the reader while taking them on a historical and paranormal journey. 

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Review previously posted on Sapphyria's Books.

My Rating:

Purchase Link:

Amazon

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If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.

Thank you for supporting Reviews by Saph.

#BookReview ~ Against All Odds Anthology (Far, Far Away Vol. 3) @MirrorWorldPub #Fantasy #SciFi #Romance #Escapism

About Against All Odds:

Love wins against the odds, in tumultuous times, unlikely circumstances, and dangerous places...

Volume three of our Far, Far Away series brings seven authors together to put a spotlight on stories of marginalized love.

Step across the galaxy to a world where love defies gender, race, and the outbreak of war. Fight for love of all kinds when the well-being of family and friends are threatened by magic power-tools. Witness an unlikely and dangerous affair between a god and his human handler. Then learn the meaning of self-love through the lived experience of a sentient Sapphire.

Through these powerful, unique tales, love is revealed to be the ultimate risk, it gives you purpose when the world turns dark and strange, and it proves time and again that it crosses all barriers, whether they are those of culture, time, distance, or strife. In this collection, love really does conquer all.

Stories in the Anthology:

“Worldsteppers” by Jane Lupino

“Do It Yourself” by Titania Blesh

“The Pomegranate Question” by Mason Michalak

 “The Value of a Sapphire” by Andrea Barton

“Chasing Llyranite” by Shannon Nell

“vAMP” by Taylor Calder

“White Snake, Jade Terrapin” by Pat Woods

My Review of the Anthology:

Against All Odds is a fantastic collection of love stories that face obstacles, challenges, and danger. Love that is unconventional, unusual, and nontraditional. Each story is unique, engaging, and original. I was immersed in each author's world, enjoying the characters and their tales of love.

Each of the seven stories is five-star read. Grab your copy today and escape into the realm of love Against All Odds.

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My Rating:

Follow the Tour:

https://saphsbooks.blogspot.com/2025/05/book-tour-schedule-against-all-odds.html

Release Date:

May 19, 2025

Publisher Links:

Website

http://www.mirrorworldpublishing.com/

Blog

http://www.mirrorworldpublishing.wordpress.com

Twitter/X

http://www.twitter.com/mirrorworldpub

Goodreads

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/28439132-mirror-world

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-d6tf8fpn4_mjraKjM-hUQ

Purchase Links:

Ebook

Paperback

Amazon

#BookReview ~ Avery Flynn is taking us #BackToThe80s with Airhead ~ #TheHartigans #RomCom #GenX

About the Book:

The night in 1982 that changed everything…

There is no way I can resist avenging my sister's broken heart by filling her cheating boyfriend's bitchin' DeLorean with extra buttered movie popcorn, a half-melted Snickers, and the contents of one shaken can of Tab.

There's only one six-foot-six-inch problem. It's not The Creep's car. It's Frank "The Airhead" Hartigan’s. Now he wants me to drive him to Harbor City to make up for trashing his ride.

On the outside, I'm all gag me with a spoon, but on the inside? Yeah, not so much. The truth is I haven't stopped thinking about him since that night at Marino's Bar when he rocked my world to the max—something that can't happen again.

Frank Hartigan isn't a guy you fall for if you want to keep your heart in one piece. Waterbury is littered with the broken hearts of the women who forgot that, and I am not about to join their ranks.

Fine. I'll drive him around town, but that's it.

No kisses.

No getting hot and bothered.

No toe-curling anything.

And no matter what happens tonight, my heart—and my panties—will for sure remain untouched.

My Review:

 Airhead is such a phenomenal story. I had an absolute blast reliving my middle school and high school years through this book. Born in the 70s, raised in the 80s, and graduating high school in the 90s, I'm familiar with everything Avery threaded through the pages of Airhead. The slang, the style, the popular brands, the music, the movies, you name it and Avery unlocks it from the recesses of your minds.

I was excited to read Frank and Katie's origin story. Resistant throughout the beginning of the book I kept telling her (in my head, of course) that Me Thinks Katie Doth Protest Too Much. Turns out, I was right, she does. She also goes through the story convincing herself (not very well, I might add) that Frank isn't the right guy for her. But, your heart wants what your heart wants and sometimes it overrides the ridiculousness of the sensible part of your body - the brain. 

I love Katie and Frank - and not just because of this book. I've loved them throughout The Hartigan's series. This book though, makes me love them even more. 

Airhead is a cute and fun romcom. The book is perfectly paced and well-written with wonderful character development and a familiar setting. I devoured Airhead. In fact, I devour everything written by Avery Flynn. She is a wonderful storyteller with unique characters, themes, and settings. Her stories pull you in and keep you thoroughly engaged and entertained. I enjoyed going back to the 80s.

Oh, and by the way, I still have and use my original Caboodle from 1987. It was a Christmas present to me and it still has the original purple gift ribbon tied to the handle. I love my Caboodle and will seriously cry when/if it falls apart. #GenX

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My Rating:

Book Details:

Title: Airhead

Author: Avery Flynn

Cover Artist: Olivia Girgis (https://www.oliviagirgis.com/)

Tagline: A Hartigans Totally '80s Hot RomCom

Tropes and Genres: Firefighter Hero, Cocky Flirt, Sexy Shenanigans, Sassy Heroine, Family Meddling, Anything For You, She's The One Who Got Away, He Falls First, She's Off Limits

ISBN: 978-0-9985320-2-8

ASIN: B0DWTR243Q

Purchase Links:

Avery's Website: https://averyflynn.com/books/airhead/

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3QkUV5a

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/airhead-avery-flynn/1146979121?ean=2940184685014

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/airhead-5

Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/airhead/id6741836204

Fable: https://fable.co/book/x-9780998532028

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/227905862-airhead

 

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If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.
Thank you for supporting Sapphyria’s Books.

#BookReview ~ Princess Sophie and the Christmas Elixir by Mike Martin ~ #ChildrensBook #Christmas

Princess Sophie and the Christmas Elixir is the story of a young girl who loves Christmas. When she sees that the people of Melodica are losing their Christmas spirit, she sets out to help them rekindle their magic...

Book Details:

Title: Princess Sophie and the Christmas Elixir

Author: Mike Martin

Publication Date: October 15, 2024

Pages: 24

Genre: Mezzo Publications

About the Book:

Princess Sophie and the Magic Elixir is the story of a young girl who loves Christmas. When she sees that the people of Melodica are losing their Christmas spirit, she sets out to help them rekindle their magic. At the end she finds that all we really need is to believe in the power of love.

My Review:

Princess Sophie and the Christmas Elixir is a fully illustrated children's book. This is a wonderful holiday story fit for everyone, children and adults alike. The illustrations are cute and vibrant. The message portrayed is one of love and rekindling the Christmas spirit of the residents of an entire town. 

This is a quick read and perfect for a bedtime story. Of course, Princess Sophie and the Christmas Elixir can be read anytime - including outside the holiday season. While the setting is Christmastime, the message is about hope and love, and how one person can lift the spirits of many - a perfect message for anytime of the year. 

Please understand that I read holiday themed books at all time so the year, whether they coincide with the actual holiday time period, or not. Sometimes it's not so much the holiday that captures my attention, it's the message, theme, or synopsis of the book. Uplifting stories should be read whenever the mood strikes, and not just during the holidays. Princess Sophie and the Christmas Elixir is a beautifully written children's story that shouldn't be stuffed on a shelf 11 months of the year. Sophie needs to be out delivering her message all year long.

I was provided a copy of this book.

My Rating:

Princess Sophie and the Magic Elixir is available at Amazon.

More Children's Books by Mike Martin:

Amazon

Amazon

Visit the Author:

X ➜ https://www.x.com/mike54martin

Facebook ➜ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552604938333

Goodreads ➜ https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/220363612-princess-sophie-and-the-christmas-elixir

Originally review for Pump Up Your Book.

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#Review ~ Deadly to the Core (A Cider House Mystery) by Joyce Tremel ~ #CozyMysteryReview #CozyMystery

Deadly to the Core (A Cider House Mystery) by Joyce Tremel

Cozy Mystery

1st in Series

Setting - Pennsylvania

Crooked Lane Books (January 16, 2024)

Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 250 pages

ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1639105433

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1639105434

Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0C2P4QB9T

 

Perfect for fans of Amanda Flower and Julie Anne Lindsey, when Kate Mulligan inherits her great uncle’s fruit orchard, she quickly realizes that apples aren’t the only thing that can have rotten cores.

After losing her husband in a terrible car crash, thirty-five-year-old Kate is left to pick up the pieces of her life alone. Although she has physically recovered, she worries her spirit never will. But when she learns that she has inherited a fruit orchard in a small town just outside Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, from her great uncle Stan, she takes this as an opportunity ripe for the picking. Kate knew immediately what to do with it: open a cider house. Her hopeful plans fall far from the tree when she finds the body of the orchard manager, Carl Randolph, leaving her to figure out who is at the core of this murder.

She had been in correspondence with Carl, who had agreed with her brilliant idea of opening a cider house. But not everyone is so quick to buy what she was selling—Uncle Stan’s lawyer, Robert Larabee, paints a less rosy financial outlook of the orchard’s past, present, and future.

Kate discovers that Carl had large, unexplained deposits to his bank account and it becomes clear that either he was blackmailing someone, or someone was paying him to keep quiet. Meanwhile, Kate and her neighbors receive offers to buy their property from a mysterious buyer. And there’s more than meets the eye with the neighboring orchard owner, Daniel Martinez, although Kate can’t quite put her finger on if it’s sweet or sour.

Will she be able to pick out the bad apple among the bunch before it’s too late?

My Review:

Deadly to the Core is the first book in the Cider House Mystery series.

Kate Mulligan is back in Orchardville, PA after inheriting an orchard from her late great uncle Stan. Having lost her husband previously, this change comes at a time when Kate is ready to get out of Dodge and start a new chapter in her life. The pain of loss is still at the surface but a new venture running an orchard and cider house will keep her busy, both mind and body. Things really heat up in the orchard when Kate finds the body of her orchard manager, Carl, dead in his cottage.

I really enjoyed Deadly to the Core. I was able to sympathize and empathize with Kate as she navigated the start of this new life with the pain of past events. She's a strong character and the author created and developed her well. I enjoyed the descriptive content and world building. The book begins a little slowly as the author builds up the story, at first books in a series tend to do, but really takes off after the death of Carl.

I'm excited to see where the author takes Kate next.

I was provided a copy of this book.

My Rating:

Visit Joyce Tremel:

Website www.joycetremel.com

Facebook www.facebook.com/JoyceTremel

X/Twitter www.twitter.com/JoyceTremel

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13746162.Joyce_Tremel

Purchase Link:

Amazon

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#BookReview ~ Inherited Holiday by M. Robinson ~ #mrobinson #nowavailable #nowlive #newrelease #grumpysunshine #smalltown #holidayromance #newbookalert

Inherited Holiday

M. Robinson

Release Date: November 21

About the Book:

Bah freaking humbug.

I hate Christmas—always have, always will. From the gaudy trees to the over-the-top decorations and the traditions everyone clings to like they’re sacred.

Particularly my family.

They own Mistletoe Town—a Hallmark movie come to life and a place most people only dream about. Thanks to an unexpected inheritance from my great-grandfather, it’s my personal nightmare.

I’m stuck running this Christmas-obsessed town with an avalanche of memories I’ve spent thirteen years trying to forget.

But it’s not just the town I abandoned… it’s her.

And no matter how much I play the Scrooge, I’m about to find out some ghosts from the past can’t be ignored—or outrun.

Especially now that she’s my sweet new employee, baking spirits merry and bright.

If I want to stay off the naughty list, I have to learn how to play nice.

And let go of the past.

My Review:

Inherited Holiday is a steamy, second chance, holiday romance.

Noelle Woods moved to Mistletoe Town when she was fourteen. Her very first friend was Nicholas Saint Clair, grandson of the town's owner. They were best friends, right up until he left Mistletoe Town and didn't look back. Now that his grandfather has willed Mistletoe Town to him, Nicholas returns to take over running a town that lives for the very holiday he hates - Christmas.

The first thing Nicholas wants to do when he returns is rekindle his friendship with Noelle. However, Noelle is resistant. He hurt her when he left and didn't keep in touch. I love their second chance at love, which they both are in but deny it through much of the story. 

Noelle and Nicholas are wonderful characters. I love their banter, flirting, and ever so electric interactions. Their chemistry is off the charts and so evident from the first second of their reconnection. The author created a magical setting, likable characters, and a plot that pulls the reader in and keeps them engaged. This book is a unique spin on Christmas.

I was provided a copy of this book.

My Rating:

Grab Your Copy:

Amazon

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#BookReview ~ Once Upon A Christmas Tree by Lulu Moore ~ #HolidayRomance #VacationRomance #OppositesAttract

A swoony, one night stand, holiday, vacation romance by bestselling author, Lulu Moore

About the Book:

Alexander, Lord Burlington, hates the holidays.

But duty calls. This year he's willing to set his feelings aside for the sake of his eldest brother who's just been left at the altar - sending shockwaves through British high society - as they escape London for the snow capped mountains of Aspen.

However, it soon becomes obvious that Colorado in December wasn't the best place to go for someone who usually out-grinches The Grinch.

Haven Wylder has spent the last four years paying off debts her parents left when they died. Between working on her ranch, or in her Christmas store and taking on every other job she can, there's been no time for fun. But if there's one thing guaranteed to put a smile on her face it's the holidays and the annual gingerbread decorating competition.

What she wasn't expecting was the tall, handsome stranger with the accent to die for who, *gasp*, hates Christmas.

It doesn't take long for Haven to start changing Alex's mind. It has nothing to do with her berry red lips and glossy caramel curls tumbling down her back or her big doe eyes as green as the Christmas trees she’s selling. Or the way she fills out her jeans.

None at all.

Alexander will never not despise Christmas, but a fling with Haven Wylder might be just the thing to make it a little more bearable. That is... if he can leave her and their unforgettable connection behind.

My Review:

Once Upon a Christmas Tree is written with a few different, perfectly matched tropes. My favorite is the opposites attract trope. I love them all - Holiday Romance, Vacation Romance, ONS (one-night stand) but these two main characters are polar opposites when it comes to...

...Christmas.

Alexander is one of four Lord Burlingtons from across the pond, who are in Aspen, Colorado. They came to America as the support system for their oldest brother, the Duke of Burlington, after his wedding is called off. Christmas is Alex's most hated holiday. Leaving home and traveling over 4,000 miles away seems like a good idea at first. Alex won't have to spend the holidays at home dredging up old memories. He wasn't expecting to walk straight into Christmas town.

Haven loves Christmas. She grew up with parents who loved Christmas so much they built their own Christmas tree farm and Christmas store. Her parents might be gone now but she's been maintaining and building their legacy. Catching up on a mountain of bills and keeping the farm and store running have left her with very little time to have fun. Until Alexander wanders into the bar where she's working.

Haven and Alex hit it off from their very first interaction. Drawn like moths to flames, they seek each other other whenever in the same location. Their chemistry is palpable, their thoughts, and eventual actions, are steamy, and they can't stay away, which sucks because they only have a week to explore one another. And that's exactly what they do. I hope we get more of Haven and Alexander in this series because I'm not finished with them.

The supporting characters (I'm looking at you Saylor, Miles, and Hendricks) are fantastic. I love all of them. Lando is cool too but just coming off of a cancelled wedding does not a fun character make him. He is, however, written wonderfully as a man who is broken inside, and has every right to be.

I've never read anything by Lulu Moore until now and I can't believe it's taken me this long. I love the author's writing style. This story is well-written, has spectacular character development, and enjoyable world-building. I felt like I was right in Aspen with them. The book is fast-paced, enjoyable, and engaging. I was was pulled right into the book by the synopsis and the author's storytelling.

I can't wait for the rest of this series to kick-off!

I was provided a copy of this book.

My Rating:

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Z3dlwk

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/4euT1Jt

Connect with Lulu:

Website: https://lulumoorebooks.com

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Halloween With A Vampire (Holiday Romance, Book 1) by Jennifer Snyder ~ #Review #Shifters #Paranormal #PNR #BookLover #BookBlogger #Books #Bookworm #Read

Book Details:

ASIN: ‎ B0BHR8JZFZ
Publication Date: ‎ October 8, 2022
Print Length: ‎ 91 pages

Amazon
Goodreads

About the Book:

He's a vampire haunted by his past. She's a cursed black cat shifter. This Halloween, will love finally set these two tortured souls free from the shadows of their past?

Joe Evensen has never been a fan of Halloween. However, as the owner of Last Drop bar, each year he hosts a Halloween Bash for Crescent Creek. It's a business decision, but it also serves as a distraction from the ghosts of his past who torment him while the veil between the living and the dead is thin. Joe doesn't expect this Halloween to be any different, but it is.

Ivy Pendle has been cursed since her eighteenth birthday. She's spent years only allowed to walk in her human form on Halloween in search of her mate and never finding him. Doubting she ever will, she decides to spend her last Halloween allotted as a human enjoying herself instead of stressing about being stuck in her shifter form forever.

When the two meet by chance, there's a spark of something between them. But is it simply a case of misery loving company, or something more?

Halloween With A Vampire is a standalone Halloween story set in the larger Paranormals of Crescent Creek world.

My Review:

Halloween with a Vampire is a sweet shifter/vampire romance. Ivy Pendle is a cursed kitty. This is her last Halloween to find her fated mate before she's destined to roam the earth solely in her black cat form. Resigned to her fate, instead of going home to see her parents one last time, or even truly search for her mate, Ivy stays in Crescent Creek and finds herself in the Last Drop Bar owned by Joe Evensen.

Joe is being haunted by the sins of his past - literally. Figuring this Halloween will be the same as all of the previous ones, he prepares to wallow in grief and misery. Fortunately his Halloween Bash should distract him, if for only a little while. When a stranger shows up in his bar, and the torments from his past lessen, he realizes who and what she is, but not why she's there. 

Ivy and Joe are fantastic characters. I loved them each individually but even more so when that spark hits. They had chemistry from the get go. I was impressed by the spectacular development of such a short story. The reader is given enough information about each character, allowing us to watch them grow just a little bit throughout the book. I loved the world-building and vivid descriptions. 

I love the originality of the story. The curse placed upon Ivy is different (to me, anyway). I enjoyed how the author spun her story.

My Rating: