Tag: Adult (Page 26 of 51)

BOOK REVIEW: Wake My Heart (Jasper Falls #1) by Lydia Michaels

January 17, 2023 / Jen / 4 Comments

Wake My Heart (Jasper Falls #1)
by Lydia Michaels
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
From bestselling and award winning author, Lydia Michaels, comes a small town romance readers will want to visit again and again!

Ryan Clooney moves to the outskirts of his small town and the last thing he expects to find is love, but once he meets Maggie, the beautiful, young widow next door, his plans change.

Maggie O’Malley is not looking for romance. Since losing her husband, she has withdrawn from small-town life and prefers to be left alone. But her new neighbor doesn’t seem to understand personal privacy, and the more he intrudes on her solitary world, the less control she has over her heart.

Determined to charm Maggie, Ryan pulls out all the stops. But once real emotion gets involved, things go too far and Maggie has a difficult decision to make.

Review:

Wake My Heart was an emotional tale of loss, hope, friendship and love. This adult romance was an emotional powerhouse set in a heartwarming small town setting. This was my first book by Lydia Michaels, and once I finished that last page I went and added her other books to my tbr! She’s an author who I’m looking forward to reading more of in the future!

Everyone was so concerned about her progress and closure, as if it were that easy.
Didn’t they know her heart had been ripped to shreds? Sometimes things were too messy to simply close.

Maggie O’Malley had lost her husband in a car accident two years ago. And was still drowning in her grief. She visited his grave-site every morning, tried her best to push those she loved away, and was struggling to survive each day that she was still alive. The sorrow that seeped out of her was so intense and I kept my fingers crossed she would get some counseling or help. Because she desperately needed it. So when she met her new neighbor, Ryan Clooney, she was cold and short with him. He was just trying to help her, but she wanted no part of it. Yet there was something special about Ryan, and his arrival marked the beginning of Maggie’s life starting to change.

“But I’m not. When Nash died, I died with him.”
“That’s not true.”
“You don’t know me enough to argue otherwise.”
She was right, but Nash was dead and she was very much still alive.

Maggie was such a multi-faceted character. Her depression was consuming. Her life choices made me want to shake her throughout this story. Yet even though I struggled with her a lot, I loved Maggie. I wanted her to find happiness. I wanted her to be able to live again. Because she definitely wasn’t living. And I hoped Ryan would be the goodness that she needed to make her see that she desperately needed to make changes in her life. I was grateful that she had a kind boss and a loving sister who tried again and again to connect with her. So when Maggie started to make a few decisions that were for the better, I was cheering her on every step of the way!

“Where did you come from?” she whispered, her thoughts jumbled and lost somewhere between her memories and reality, between here and outer space.
“I just got here.” His stare held hers like a hug, warming her from the inside out.

I absolutely loved Ryan! He was my favorite character. He was helpful, sexy, kind *his offer to walk with her, cries* and I loved his huge family. But that man had no game when he ran into Maggie at her job lol! He made me smile, laugh and fall so hard for him. He tried countless times with Maggie, whether it was to help or be friendly, even though she would shut him down so many times. Thankfully he was persistent and had a kind heart. So he didn’t give up easily. So when he got Maggie to have fun or even smile, I felt Ryan’s joy flying from the pages!

“…. Not all emotions hurt, Maggie.”

The beginning of this story started out a little slow as we got to know both Maggie and Ryan, along with their town and families. And getting that solid foundation, wow, that led to an extremely powerful effect. It felt like we knew them and their world inside and out. That they were a part of us. So their emotions bled through the pages with an intensity that was consuming. As the story progressed and Maggie and Ryan had friendly moments together, oh my heart it was breathtaking and emotional. I still felt like they were walking on eggshells. But it was all part of the process. There was still so much healing that had to take place. And I hoped Ryan would continue to have all the patience in the world for Maggie, because she needed it!

“I have this fear that you’ll erase him.”
“What?”
Her brow pinched with regret. “The more time we spend together, the less I think of him.”
“Maggie, you can’t put that on me.”
“I know. But it’s what’s happening. I like this. But I feel like I’m losing pieces of myself the more we do this.”

This book was rounded out with so many fabulous side characters. Ryan’s family and extended family was humongous! And I realized that a lot of his relatives were in a completed series, The McCullough Mountain Series! So of course I went and added that first book, Almost Priest, to my tbr! Those people were heartwarming, boisterous, hilarious and I loved how much they loved each other but were also completely in each other’s business ha! That’s a series I’m looking to dive into!

When she pulled away, she looked up at him and whispered, “If you keep rescuing me like this, I’m going to forget how to save myself.”
“Who said you have to do it alone?”

Wake My Heart was filled with being brave, making amends, fresh starts, jealousy, friendship and love, this book was so fabulous! I loved the emotional side and it was impossible not to shed tears. I loved the laughter the large family brought. And I adored the small town this story was set in. I picked this book up because Lydia Michaels will be attending Apolllycon this year and I’m so happy I did. I can’t wait to meet her in person and read so many more of her books!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

BOOK REVIEW: The Unhoneymooners (Unhoneymooners #1) by Christina Lauren

January 16, 2023 / Jen / 6 Comments

The Unhoneymooners (Unhoneymooners #1)
by Christina Lauren
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Olive Torres is used to being the unlucky twin: from inexplicable mishaps to a recent layoff, her life seems to be almost comically jinxed. By contrast, her sister Ami is an eternal champion...she even managed to finance her entire wedding by winning a slew of contests. Unfortunately for Olive, the only thing worse than constant bad luck is having to spend the wedding day with the best man (and her nemesis), Ethan Thomas.

Olive braces herself for wedding hell, determined to put on a brave face, but when the entire wedding party gets food poisoning, the only people who aren’t affected are Olive and Ethan. Suddenly there’s a free honeymoon up for grabs, and Olive will be damned if Ethan gets to enjoy paradise solo.

Agreeing to a temporary truce, the pair head for Maui. After all, ten days of bliss is worth having to assume the role of loving newlyweds, right? But the weird thing is...Olive doesn’t mind playing pretend. In fact, the more she pretends to be the luckiest woman alive, the more it feels like she might be.

Review:

The Unhoneymooners was a fun enemy to lovers that was so easy to binge. It was laugh worthy, smile worthy and the majority of the story took place in a beautiful tropical destination. This book would make the perfect beach read!

Ethan slides his gaze to me, clearly unconvinced. “I’m not going to kiss you again, just in case that’s what you were thinking this would lead to.”
Whowhatnow? The jackass. Gaping at him, I whisper-hiss, “I would honestly rather lick the bottom of my shoe than have your mouth on mine again.”

Olive constantly believed she had bad luck. Yet all of that changed on her twin’s wedding day. Olive and her nemesis, who was her future brother-in-law’s brother, were the only ones who weren’t violently ill from the wedding buffet. With an all-expense paid vacation to Maui, Ethan and Olive found themselves jetting off on their sibling’s honeymoon. Together.

“Look.” I nod to the horizon. “We aren’t lost at sea.”
He lets out a quiet “Wow.” And there, for a single breath, we give in to a really lovely moment of enjoying something together. Until Ethan decides to ruin it: “I hope you don’t drown out there.”
I smile down at him. “If I do, the husband is always a suspect.”

I have to talk about Ethan, because I was obsessed with him! Yes even Olive could acknowledge he was gorgeous. But there had always been this hate vibe going on between the two of them. It started from the first moment they met. Yet from the moment he pretended they were married on their vacation and kissed her forehead…. swoon. So when extenuating circumstances led them to continue the charade, I loved every minute of it. Pretending that they didn’t hate each other?! Yes please! Olive herself couldn’t even stop from swooning when Ethan turned on the charm. And in those moments, my heart was so happy when they would click at times. Especially since we would get to see how well he paid attention to her. But behind closed doors….ohhhh their bickering was addictive! They could be so hilarious without even trying!

“I can hear you thinking about that one word and reading more into it than I intended. You look great.” Once inside, he presses the button for the lobby and adds, “You always do.”
These three final words bound around my cranium before they absorb. I always look great? To who? Ethan?

I loved watching Olive go from hating Ethan to second guessing him, when they got along. Their relationship progressed in a way that left the reader more than invested and having to know what happened next. We got this story in just Olive’s voice and I loved watching her change from the beginning of the story to the end. She always seemed to think the worst of everything and I loved how distance from her life, the vacation and even Ethan allowed her to grow and made me so proud of her! Olive had a lot of obstacles on her way to happiness, but I loved how she became her biggest champion and her large family always had her back every step of the way.

Squinting, he says, “You’re a real seductress.”
“I hear that a lot.”
He coughs, and I swear I see Ethan Thomas battling a genuine smile.
And I get it. As much as I hate him… I think I’m starting to like us.

With paintball fights, sexy massages, boat trips, and the beautiful scenery, The Unhoneymooners was a blast and absolutely hilarious! Between their charade, banter and deals made, I constantly found myself laughing every few pages. It was a book that will put a smile on your face, while also having deeper, emotional moments too. But the emotional side of it, ugh it wrecked me. So while this was easily five stars for the majority of the book, I struggled deeply with the conflict. It’s a personal preference and I have an extremely hard time when it happens within books. So hence the four star rating. But I loved the ending! With a grand gesture and an epilogue that gave us a look into the future, this book ended wonderfully.

Ethan and I are starting to build more of these good moments than bad; it sends the balance swinging into an unfamiliar direction.
And I think I really like it.
Which makes me incredibly uneasy.
“I still hate you,” I tell him, pushing a dark curl of hair off his forehead.
He nods. “I know you do.”

BOOK REVIEW: False Start & You Had Your Chance, Lee Burrows (Kingsman Football Stars #0.5 & #1) by Piper Rayne

December 27, 2022 / Jen / 6 Comments

BOOK REVIEW: False Start & You Had Your Chance, Lee Burrows (Kingsman Football Stars #0.5 & #1) by Piper Rayne False Start (Kingsman Football Stars #0.5)
by Piper Rayne
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
The start of Lee Burrows and I was a college girl’s biggest fantasy.

Campus’ most popular guy, the starting quarterback, the same guy I’ve crushed on forever, notices me—the quiet introvert.

Although, he never would’ve noticed me if he didn’t need my help passing our biology class. I didn’t think I had a chance with him until he started flirting with me and asking me questions like, “Who was the guy you were talking to?” and “Do you have a boyfriend?”

It took a few tutoring sessions before we ditched the library to “study” at Lee’s apartment.

It was a fantasy come true until I found out the truth and vowed that Lee Burrows would never get another chance with me again.

NOTE: This the prequel to the Kingsmen Football Starts series. You do not have to read it to enjoy, You Had Your Chance, Lee Burrows.

Review:

False Start was a wonderful introduction to the characters from You Had Your Chance Lee Burrows! This was their backstory and it showed how something that started beautiful went all kinds of wrong. Shayna was to help tutor Lee, so he wouldn’t get kicked off their college’s football team. During those moments together, they clicked. And saw so much more in the other. Watching their friendship form was smile inducing. And when it turned to more, my heart raced. It felt like first love and meant to be. Until it wasn’t. So while that ending left us grasping for more, I definitely recommend reading False Start before jumping into You Had Your Chance Lee Burrows! Their backstory added so much depth and emotions to their story. And then when we jumped eight years into the future in You Had Your Chance Lee Burrows, awww it made it that much more fun!

“Sometimes once something is broken, you can’t fix it. Even if you glue all the pieces together, it’ll never be the same as it once was.” She inhales deeply, and tears gather again in her eyes. “You’re not the person I thought you were, Lee. I’ll never look at you the same way.”

BOOK REVIEW: False Start & You Had Your Chance, Lee Burrows (Kingsman Football Stars #0.5 & #1) by Piper Rayne You Had Your Chance, Lee Burrows (Kingsman Football Stars #1)
by Piper Rayne
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Lee f’ing Burrows
The Kingsmen’s star quarterback.
Legendary throwing arm.
Six-pack abs.
Kissable lips.

Oh, but don’t forget, he’s also a lying, heartless egomaniac who broke my heart in college.

It took me years to build myself back up after his deceit, and now I have the dream opportunity to prove myself working as a sports therapist for a professional team.

The hurdle? Or mountain to be more accurate…
The job is with the San Francisco Kingsmen.

Back when I was a naïve college girl, I felt lucky that he even noticed me. Now eight years later, he’d be lucky if I gave him the time of day.

Which I won’t. Not ever.

Some people don’t deserve a second chance and Lee Burrows is one of them.

Now if someone could only tell him that because he’s hell-bent on scoring the winning touchdown and won’t accept that it’s game over for us.

Review:

You Had Your Chance Lee Burrows was a charming and sexy romance that was so much fun! This is my third book from this writing duo and their romances are heartwarming and so easy to devour. With an epilogue that gave us a peak into a happily forever and who the next book would be about, this sports romance was just what I needed!

I realize I’ve been keeping him at arm’s length because deep down, Lee might just be the guy I fell in love with in college. He might be that good guy who did a very stupid thing. But how do I ever trust him with my heart again?

Lee Burrows was America’s top quarterback. And his ex Shayna ended up on his team as their sports therapist. I just have to say that if you haven’t read their backstory in False Start, I can’t recommend reading that novella enough! You don’t have to read it first, but watching them fall in love and then seeing what ultimately separated them was a fabulous introduction to these characters! Back together again eight years later, they were both attracted to each other. And I loved that Lee was jealous while Shayna tried her best guard her heart. He had broken it and we could feel her pain and struggle with being near him again. Yet, the chemistry was still strong between them all these years later!

He smiles. “We do make a good team.”
I should let that comment go, although I agree, so I bring my glass to my lips and sip. “That’s good wine.”

I adored Lee! I got that he did her wrong in the past. But he was young, made not the best decisions and should have just been honest with her. The man that Lee grew up to be was exactly what Shayna needed now. He was open and honest. And I loved how he told Shayna how he felt and what he wanted from her. He held nothing back and it was swoon worthy! So when he acted jealous or even a little bit territorial, it was impossible not to smile! It was the perfect mix of not being too much while also being just the right amount. I was cheering for them every step of the way!

Relying on this man for my happiness will only lead to heartbreak.
With that thought, I unwind my hands from his hair and push against his chest.

When a situation pushed them even closer together, it was impossible to ignore the chemistry between them! Or how well they worked together. So when that led to more, oh my goodness this book was extremely seductive and sexy! The struggle between Lee and Shayne was done so fabulously. There wasn’t a lot of angst and the way they communicated made my heart so happy. Rounding out this story were some wonderful friends you can’t help but love. I adored Shayna’s friend Bryce. I kept my fingers crossed that she wouldn’t do her wrong since she was a reporter. I loved how Bryce pulled Shayna out and about and always had her back! And I adored Lee’s friends too and I’m so excited that we will be getting some future books with them as the lead!

I pull back for a moment and look him square in the eyes. “This changes nothing.”
“I know.” Then his lips crash against mine again and his arm wraps around my waist, pulling me flush to his body.

You Had Your Chance Lee Burrows was a heartwarming second chance romance. Brimming with sports, friendship, struggles and healing, readers will fall hard for this book! The characters were flawed and relatable and the story-line was so easy to read in a few sittings! This story left my heart feeling happy and I’m so thankful I got to read Lee and Shanya’s story!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

BOOK REVIEW: The Plight Before Christmas by Kate Stewart

December 21, 2022 / Jen / 4 Comments

The Plight Before Christmas by Kate Stewart
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Clark Griswold was onto something, at least with his annual holiday meltdown.
And since the last three weeks of my life have been riddled with humbug—another breakup, a broken toe, an office promotion I deserved and didn’t get—I’m not at all in the mood to celebrate nor have the happ, happ, happiest Christmas EVER.

When Mom insisted that we all gather at my Grandparent’s ancient cabin for an old school family Christmas, I fully intended to get into the holiday spirit with the help of the three wise men, Johnnie Walker, Jack Daniels, and Jim Beam. But those boys did absolutely nothing to offset the shock or temper the sting of seeing my EX on our doorstep the first day of our holiday soiree.

Apparently, Santa missed the memo, and this elf is pissed.

Stuck for a week with the man who obliterated my heart nearly two decades ago, I did the only thing I could do and put on my game face, thankful for the home advantage.

I knew better than to drink that last cup of eggnog.

I knew better than to get tongue tangled beneath the mistletoe with the only man to ever break my heart.

I knew better than to sleep with Satan’s wingman on the eve of the Lord’s birthday.

I could blame the nog. I could blame the deceitful light blue eyes, thick, angelic hair, and panty evaporating smirk…but mostly, I blame Eli because he always knew exactly which of my buttons to push.

I foolishly thought a family Christmas filled with nostalgia was going to turn my inner Scrooge around, but this year’s festivities went up in flames. Leave it to the ghost of my Christmas past to be the one to light the match.

Fa la la la la, la FML.

The Plight Before Christmas is a full length, second chance, Christmas themed romance and most definitely on SANTA'S NAUGHTY LIST!

Review:

Fa la la la la, la FUCK MY LIFE.

The Plight Before Christmas was my favorite Christmas book of the year! It was heartwarming, hilarious, sexy and so much fun! If you’re looking for a book to bring you some Christmas cheer, while also causing a tear or few, you need this one in your life. The angst, relationships and story-line were beyond addictive and I couldn’t put this book down! This was my first story by Kate Stewart and I will be definitely checking out all of her backlist books!

Eli wasn’t the guy you were supposed to plan a future with. He was the guy to break your heart and break it in well. I didn’t realize it until it was too late.

At first, I wasn’t the hugest fan of Whitney. She came across as bitter and pessimistic in the very beginning. She didn’t hold back and let us know ALL of her thoughts! But the moment she interacted with her family, I saw that we met her on a truly horrific day. I started laughing in that second chapter and kept laughing till the end. Her family was absolutely hilarious and I fell in love with them and her the moment they started emailing each other about their Christmas vacation at the cabin. And when we met them?! I was obsessed. I loved how close Whitney was with all of her family! She fought with them, was brutally honest and loved them with her whole heart and soul. Whitney was such a good, kindhearted person. She even let her niece destroy her with makeup lol. And looking like that, was exactly how her ex Eli first saw her again. After all of these years.

For me, she was the one woman who never really left my thoughts. Over the years, some of the memories have faded. There’s been a lot of spacing between personal relationships, but Whitney? Unforgettable.

I had so many questions when it came to Eli. Whitney’s brother brought him along to spend the holidays with them, since he had no one. And I wanted to know everything! From how he could have been so cold in the past and walked away from her, to wondering if he knew that Whitney would be there. Because my gut was saying YES he did! So while I wanted to hate Eli, that’s not how it played out at all. I loved Eli. From the moment he interacted with Whitney’s nephew Peyton, I was a goner. Their mornings together were so adorable! But Whitney’s family firmly had her back. Serena, her sister, made it clear what she thought of Eli and even their mom slayed him with stating she knew who he was lol! Eli had an uphill battle, but he kept charging up that and winning hearts left and right. Much to Whitney’s dismay. I loved how he partook in all of their family actives and cared so deeply for the kids, sigh.

Echoes of my time with him remain in the room as I wrap my arms around myself, surrounded by nostalgia and the feel of the sweatshirt on my naked skin.

We got flashbacks to Eli and Whitney’s past and they were done so fabulously. With pieces here and there from how they met, fell in love, to what ultimately separated them made me even more invested. I loved those little glimpses of the past because they held so much emotion! And the chemistry they had back then was still going strong nowadays. Because the electricity between them oommmmmggggg. It was intense! And the more time they spent around each other, we saw moments that showed they still cared. Words, actions, you guys I was obsessed! They still knew the other person. But they both had walls that needed to be knocked down. And at times when they would let their guard down, it was everything!

The girl I fell in love with nearly two decades ago is standing right in front of me, gifting me with a rare glimpse of the part of her heart that’s remained untainted by life, time, by me. A part of her that rings hopeful. A heart that once belonged to me.

One of the things I didn’t expect was to be so invested in Whitney’s family. They were so deeply ingrained into this story. The family dynamics and relationships were done beautifully. And some of my favorite moments in this book were when they were sitting down and eating meals. They were intense, hilarious and beyond entertaining! But her siblings’ relationships were going through pivotal moments and I felt their joy and heartache too. I became just as invested in her siblings marriages as I was with Eli and Whitney. So it was impossible not to shed tears and hold out all of my hope that they would get their happily for evers too!

“You can pretend all you want that I haven’t been inside you, but I refuse to.”
She gapes at me, her eyes widening. “You did not just say that.”
“I did. Don’t you think we’re a bit old for games?”
“I’m not playing games, you ass. I just don’t see the point in talking about it. It’s a little late, Eli, don’t you think?”
“We’re still breathing, and our hearts are still beating. So, no, I don’t think it’s too late.”

As their lives unfolded, there was a deepness to this story I didn’t see coming. It explained so much and gutted me. But there were also so many moments of lightness and laughter. The spying had me screaming with laughter. The family secrets. The messing with one another. And the times that led to more were scorching hot! I shed so many tears. They were a mixture of happiness and sadness, and I loved how much this book made me feel. So if you’re looking for a romantic Christmas story that will keep a smile on your face and is filled with all the emotions, this is it! The epilogue gave us the most wonderful happily ever after! And I can’t wait to read the rest of Stewart’s books!

I’m standing here, seventeen years later, because I never forgot you—and in discovering you again—I want to know you, I want to kiss you.

PS The texting mishap, I still am laughing about that!

BOOK REVIEWS: The Naughty, The Nice and The Nanny l The Snowflake Inn l All My Christmases

December 19, 2022 / Jen / 4 Comments

The Naughty, The Nice and The Nanny (Holiday Brothers #1)
by Willa Nash
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
One week with one little girl—an angel, according to my staffing agency. Acting as the short-term nanny for a single dad should have been an easy way to make some extra cash. Until I show up for my first day and face off with a demon disguised as a seven-year-old girl wearing a red tutu and matching glitter slippers.

Oh, and her father? My temporary boss? Maddox Holiday. The same Maddox Holiday I crushed on in high school. The same Maddox Holiday who didn’t even know I existed. And the same Maddox Holiday who hasn’t set foot in Montana for years because he’s been too busy running his billionaire empire.

Enduring seven days is going to feel like scaling the Himalayas in six-inch heels. Toss in the Holiday family’s annual soiree, and Christmas Eve nightmares really do come true. But I can do anything for a week, especially for this paycheck, even if it means wrangling the naughty, impressing the nice, and playing the nanny.

Review:

Violet was a tutu-toting terrorist, but there was no way in hell a seven-year-old girl was going to best me.

The Naughty, The Nice and the Nanny was a heartfelt story of new beginnings, family and love. And while normally that’s something I would fall had for, unfortunately I wasn’t ever able to connect to any of the characters. I liked them all, including the little girl. I loved that we got to alternate between Natalie and Maddox and hear all of their thoughts. And the story unfolded in a way that felt like an adorable Hallmark movie, with a little bit of steam. But unfortunately, it just didn’t work for me. Everyone else seems to love this story, so I’m thinking it’s definitely me! Here’s hoping you love this one, if you pick it up!

Maybe this was fast. Maybe it was reckless and a little crazy. But there was something here. Something powerful and something worth holding on to.
Something to chase.

The Snowflake Inn by Samantha Chase
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
She’s looking for a home for the holidays.
He wants to be anywhere but home for the holidays.

After ten years of tragedy and disappointment, Grace thought she had finally found a place to call home when she walked through the doors of The Snowflake Inn. But all her hopes and dreams for a future and a forever-home are dashed the moment Riley walks through the doors of the Inn.

Riley never had any desire to return to The Snowflake Inn, never mind run the place, but when his world is turned upside down, he has no choice. It was always his family’s dream that he one day take over running the Inn, not his, and now he’s ready to cut his losses and leave as soon as he can. Or that was his plan before meeting Grace.

Grace and Riley’s plans couldn’t be more different, but neither one of them can deny the attraction they feel for the other. With a little help from the magic of the Christmas season, The Snowflake Inn may just be the place where both their dreams come true.

Review:

The Snowflake Inn was a heartwarming Christmas story! With characters with jaded pasts, a beautiful setting, and a story-line that you can easily read in one sitting, this book was a lot of fun. Riley and Grace were so easy to love, even when they both made mistakes. Riley was back home from being in the Marines after being injured. His mom, Corrrine, had a bed and breakfast and it wasn’t the best memories from his childhood. So with the full focus to get his mom to sell the inn, Grace was the hiccup he never saw coming. Grace became best friend’s with Riley’s mom and I adored their friendship. And with Grace now working for Riley’s mom, I loved how that didn’t change their friendship. Owning a bed and breakfast was Grace’s dream. So to say Riley and Grace butted heads is an understatement lol.

Riley knew Grace was beautiful. Hell, it was one of the reasons he kept following her. She intrigued him, and he couldn’t seem to help himself. But now, with her standing here in his arms? Everything about her called to him. So he did the only thing he could do.

He kissed her.

Riley could be so focused and dense at times. He thought what was best for others, was what he ultimately wanted. So I loved watching him grow and finding out how to accept what is and how to make others happy. He also showed us that he was kind and thoughtful. And while him and Grace were both attracted to each other, they didn’t get along at first. So it was great being able to alternate between the two of them. Grace had a lot of healing to do too and we got to watch that slowly happen within the pages. We were also given both of their backstories, and it added so much depth to Riley and Grace. With a wonderful happily for ever, this book was adorable and steamy too. I will definitely be checking out other books by Samantha Chase, since this was my first!

All My Christmases by AJ Alexander
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
I don’t do Christmas. I’d even go as far as to say I hate it.

But when my baby sister asks me to walk her down the aisle on Christmas Eve, I can’t say no. So, instead of soaking up the sun on a remote island, I’m freezing my ass off, surrounded by mountains of snow.

What I didn’t expect was for my baby sister's best friend to turn into a curvy snow bunny. She’s too young, too innocent, and too good for the likes of me.

But no matter how hard I try, Noelle Eden has thawed my ice cold heart.

I didn’t come here looking for love, but I plan to ensure that the rest of my Christmases from now until forever are with her.

Review:

All My Christmases was a sexy Christmas story that was a quick read! Lincoln was jaded from his past and was coming back home for his sister’s wedding. But he desperately wanted his sister’s best friend, Noelle, who was half his age. He had never made his wants known before, but from the moment he laid eyes on her again all bets were off. She was his. We got to the sexy scenes quickly and they were definitely spicy and kinky! If you adore dirty talk, Lincoln is your man! But with a few hiccups along the way, family showed how they can be your best friend. We were left with a wonderful happily ever after and a wonderful peek into the future!

“Why are you looking at me like I’m something to eat?”

“Because you are,” he groans before capturing my lips with his in a heated kiss and pushing my back into the wall, trapping me with his body.