The Good Groom by Taylor Hart

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Synopsis:

Dax Brady, quarterback for the Texas Titans, only wants to be left alone after losing the championship game to go on his annual fishing trip. He doesn't want to attend a Bachelor Auction, he doesn't want to deal with his family issues, and he really doesn't want to be forced into working with some woman who clearly doesn't know how to help him.

Sky Brooks only came back to Dallas to collect the money her father left for her after he passed a year ago. Too bad the man in charge of the trust won't let her have it--unless she agreed to take on one last patient--Dax Brady. Pfft! What is she supposed to do with a cocky football player who keeps telling her to take her he doesn't need help?

When Dax and Sky end up in Puerto Rico doing 'untraditional' therapy in the form of building houses for Hurricane victims, Dax is surprised that Sky isn't like any other woman he's ever known. When finds himself pouring out his heart to her, he's even more surprised, when she shares some of her own secrets. 

When the past comes back to haunt them, they are left with a choice--give up on forgiveness or let love conquer all.

Review:

You get pulled right into this sweet romance from the first meeting in the office. Dax is the quarterback of the Texas Titans who has a lot going on in his life and to stay the quarterback the coach would like him to see a therapist. Sky is the therapist that is given the job to try and help Dax. It is pretty hopeless and Dax doesn't want her trying her "voodoo" on him so instead of giving up Sky takes him to Puerto Rico to help rebuild after the hurricane. They end up being exactly what the other needs to help them though their life trials. I love each of these characters and their strong personalities. The chemistry between the two was so strong that even though they were not going to cave you could feel how caring each of them were. Dax comes from a family with lots of brothers and he is a twin. I love reading stories about twins since I have twin boys and I hope my boys never go through a situation like Dax and his twin because it will make my momma heart sad. I loved this story of forgiveness and healing and being there for your family and those around you. 

Stars: 4.5

Let's Begin Again by Heather B. Moore

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Synopsis:

When Maurie Ledbetter moves back to her hometown to open her dream shop, she calls a local construction crew for help. Former teenage crush Grant Shelton shows up on her front porch, answering the call for the construction job. Seeing Grant again brings back Maurie's memories of her troubled childhood, and she doesn't know if spending time around Grant is the best way to move on. But when she discovers Grant has gone through difficulties of his own, Maurie realizes that he might be the key to her own healing.

Review:

Maurie came back to Pine Valley to start over after a rough childhood growing up in this small town. She was taken away by bad choices made by her mother and was raised in foster care. She came back stronger and ready to take on the world. I love her strength and her willingness to face her past so she can make the best life for her. Grant is a single dad living life by not getting attached to anyone. When Grant shows up on Maurie's door step to look at her home for renovations all the memories come back and little did they know their life was going to be forever changed. This was such a sweet story about overcoming trials, being you and love. I love the theme that everyone has trials and has gone through hard things and that doesn't have to define you. This was very well written and you feel like these people could be your friends in your everyday life. Their chemistry was amazing and all those sweet kisses make you smile. I love these books and how they are their own stories but the characters make appearances throughout the series. Pine Valley is such a cute small town that I wish it was a tv show! I sure hope there are more Pine Valley Novels to come.

Stars: 5

Under the Mistletoe- Timeless Romance Anthology

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From the publisher of the USA TODAY bestselling Timeless Romance Anthology Series. Six contemporary novellas, all adding sweet romance to the Christmas season.

Forgotten Kisses by Cindy Roland Anderson
The Last Christmas by Annette Lyon
Truth or Dare by Julie Coulter Bellon
Holiday Bucket List by Sarah M. Eden
Christmas Every Day by Heather B. Moore
First and Last Christmas Date by Jennifer Griffith

Review:

This was an engaging, relatable and heartwarming Christmas book. I enjoyed each of the novella's. They were all very different but full of love and the magic of the holiday season. The stories were well written and enjoyed the storylines.

Forgotten Kisses is about a costume designer who's ex-boyfriend gets cast in the show she is working on. It's a great second chances book centered on always being honest with each other. I loved this novella! I'm always impressed with Cindy's books and want to read more. 5

The Last Christmas is about a couple on the verge of divorce and hiding it until Christmas is over. I enjoyed this book and the main lessoned learned is communication is key and especially in a marriage. I enjoyed how it was written and I'm glad they took a second chance on love. 4.5

Truth or Dare is a novella about life's challenges and that if you let people into your lives they can help you have hope and happiness. Jonah is a war veteran that lost his leg and is struggling and when a blizzard hit he was stranded with his long time friend Cami. He hasn't seen Cami for a long time and he wasn't the nicest at first but as they spent time together and opened up magic happened. I enjoyed this book and how they were able to help each other. 4.5

Holiday Bucket List is about two long time neighbor friends and the memories they make at Christmas time. It is Celeste's first time being alone for Christmas and Mike helps her not feel lonely by creating silly bucket lists for them to achieve. Their friendship is very strong but at this special time of year they realize how much they would love more than just friendship. After seven years the sparks fly and it could be the end of their being alone. 4.5

Christmas Everyday is a sweet Christmas novella full of forgiveness, hope and the magic of the Christmas season. Monica is excited to buy the Christmas store where she works but her boyfriend is not happy about it. Eww I am not a fan of Monica's boyfriend... what a jerk! Jaxon comes to town to repair his relationship with his parents and before he makes it home helps a girl from her rude boyfriend. I loved his caring nature and his willingness to help and give Monica hope. This was a sweet story and I enjoyed the relationship they begin to develop. 5

First and Last Christmas Date is a funny Christmas novella about two friends who went on a terrible first date and then didn't go out again for ten years! And once again their date was quite the adventure but oh boy did the sparks fly. There were so many mishaps that occurred on their date that you found yourself hoping things get worked out quick. It was a fun quick read. 4

Stars: 4.5

Kiss Me At Midnight by Lucinda Whitney

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Synopsis:

When Filipe Romano arrives at the SoliMar beach resort, his newest acquisition, he plans to complete renovations quickly before moving on to his next property. But a stumbling block arises when he discovers Celeste, the sister of his deceased best friend, is an employee at the resort's aquarium, which he intends to sell. To complicate matters more, he has unresolved feelings for Celeste and blames himself for the accident that killed her brother.
Celeste Ferreira, a stressed single mom, needs a miracle. Without any means to start over,  she clings to the job she loves as aquarist at the SoliMar Aquarium. After she discovers the new owner is Filipe, an old family friend, their history makes it hard for Celeste to trust him, especially with her position in peril. Though closing down the aquarium makes good financial sense, Filipe finds himself reluctant to disappoint Celeste and decides to help her with the repairs for the upcoming inspection. But is working side by side enough to forget the past and build a new future, or is the pain between them too deep to move on?

Review:

I love the Romano Family and all their stories so this one was no exception! I loved this story of second chance love for Filipe Romano and didn't want to put it down. Filipe is getting ready to open his beach resort and wants to finalize the selling of the aquarium when... there she was Celeste the girl he walked away from years ago. Celeste and Filipe run into each other occasionally and easily fell back into a friendship thanks to her son Lucas. Filipe is just what Lucas needs and I love their connection. The relationship that develops was a connection that was lost many years ago but the love never was. Oooo lala there were some butterflies in your stomach kisses. This was such a sweet story of hope, forgiveness and love. I loved the book and I loved how it ended!

Stars: 5

Risking It All by Cami Checketts

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Synopsis:

Bridger Hawk has been in love with Avalyn Shaman since childhood. He knows he'll never be worthy of her charitable heart so he throws himself into a life-threatening extreme sports career. When they reconnect at his brother's wedding, he can't resist kissing her at every opportunity. She demands he stay away from her and her heart. After multiple rejections, he gathers what's left of his pride and leaves. Avalyn has always loved Bridger but he shredded her heart in high school and she knows given a chance, he'll do it again. When she's kidnapped and forced to be the pawn and prize in dangerous events that risk her life and her virtue, Bridger is forced to compete in the deranged challenges and is the only hope she has a survive. Can Bridger win and prove to her that his love isn't just a show for his fans? Bridger knows he has to save Avalyn at all costs... even if it means he can't have her. 

Review:

Whoa!!! Talk about an intense book! Hawk brother Bridger finally gets his own book and man was it full of CRAZY adventure! Avalyn has always loved Bridger Hawk from a far knowing he would never choose her knowing his womanizing past. Little does Avalyn know he has always loved her too! A so called "friend" of Bridger kidnaps he and Avalyn and forces them to take part in some life-threatening crazy challenges. Wow these extreme challenges are wild and had me scared for them too! This book was filled with suspense and swoony clean romance and had me hooked to the very end. And speaking of the end...not what I was expecting! It was very well written and I loved the characters. Definitely a great read!

Stars: 4.5

The Echo Ridge Romance Collection by Rachelle J. Christensen

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Synopsis:

Come back to Echo Ridge and delight in 4 contemporary romances! Each heartwarming, inspirational story is set in beautiful upstate New York. This box set includes bonus epilogues and a sneak peak of Rachelle's new book! Savor a recipe with each of the stories and come back for more.

Review:

I love that these books are all together now. They were all released in the Echo Ridge Anthologies but having all of Rachelle's Echo Ridge books in one place is so great. These were all very different but all take place in the same small town so it brings them all together. They were all quick sweet and very well written. For my more detailed review of each book click on the links below.
Hope For Christmas
Coming Home To Love
The Princess Bride of Riodan
The Kiss Thief

Stars: 4.5

First & Last Christmas Date by Jennifer Griffith

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Synopsis:

Juliet's life is in a holding pattern of dating wrong guy after wrong guy. When childhood friend Taggart messages to ask for a second date-after a ten-year wait-she gets a holiday shakeup.

Their first Christmas date a decade ago was an unmitigated disaster, ending with Pepto-Bismol and the police. They both probably needed the full ten years to recover. 

Now that he's back in touch, Juliet must decide whether she will say yes. If this is just a one-time thing, she risks carrying a torch for him for another decade.

Juliet is desperate for a second chance with Taggart, the one who got away.

Review:

This is a funny Christmas novella about two friends who went on a terrible first date and then didn't go out again for ten years! And once again their date was quite the adventure but oh boy did the sparks fly. There were so many mishaps that occurred on their date that you found yourself hoping things get worked out quick because it was a bit much. It was a quick read and they finally got their happily ever after so that was good! I liked it but wasn't crazy about it.

Stars: 3.5

Goodbye 2018... Hello 2019!

I can't believe it's a New Year and I'm excited for what 2019 has in store for me and my little family! I had a fun year reading so many sweet and clean romances and look forward to all the new books coming out this year. To start the new year out right Storytellers in Zion is holding a reading challenge where you can read and review books and the best part WIN BOOKS. I already won a book and it's only the 4th of the month! YAHOO! Go check out the challenge and enjoy reading!Polar Bear Plunge Challenge