With This Christmas Ring by Manda Collins

With This Chrismas Ring - 4 Stars

Synopsis

A wallflower determined to fulfill a dying promise, the rogue she jilted years ago, and an orphaned baby are all brought together amidst the magic of Christmas in this new novella from Manda Collins.
Miss Merry Parks makes a deathbed promise to a schoolfriend that her infant daughter will be taken to her absent father. There’s only one problem—to find the baby’s father, she’ll have to consult his cousin, Viscount Wrotham, the man she jilted five years ago. The man she couldn’t forget.
Alex Ponsonby, Viscount Wrotham, is stunned to find Merry Parks—looking more lovely than ever--on his doorstep with an infant in her arms. His shock soon turns to dismay when he learns his own cousin William is the man who abandoned his wife and child. As head of the family he’s duty bound to see right is done. But he can't let this opportunity pass. He’ll take Merry and the baby to his cousin, but he’ll woo her back in the process.

Merry agrees to travel with Alex and the baby to Wrotham Castle, where the entire Ponsonby family has gathered for Christmas, but her plans to see the baby settled then leave are ruined by a snowstorm. After five years apart, Alex and Merry will spend the week getting reacquainted. Perhaps it’s the spirit of the holiday, or the magic of the season, but there could be something else in the air this Yuletide…A Christmas Reunion.

Review

***ARC Review Received from St Martins Press & Netgalley***

Wow this made me cry right from the start. I loved this story and the plot was really good. Alex and Merry (good Xmas name), have a past. It's nice to see them trying to work out that past. A great historical romance that will get you in the mood for the holiday season.

Deck the Halls by Donna Alward

Deck the Halls by Donna Alward - 2.5 Stars

Synopsis

With shades of It’s a Wonderful Life, one man must face his past to find his future this Christmas.

In the last year, George's life has drastically changed. The formerly homeless veteran now has a job he likes, a family in the residents of Darling, VT, and for the first time in years, a home. But while his present is good, he's still haunted by the past, a past that appears shortly before Christmas when the older sister of his brother-in-arms hunts him down and finds him in Darling, working at the Ladybug Garden Center.

Amy’s looking for closure for her family after her brother's death in the Middle East, but the serious man she finds working in Vermont doesn’t resemble the soldier she remembers from years before. This man is hardened and yet somehow fragile, too, and in her desire to find out what really happened to her brother, she learns more about George than she ever expected.

With a little Christmas magic and the whole town supporting them, can these two bruised hearts make a future together?

Review

***ARC Received from St Martins Press & Netgalley***

This was a different read for me. I felt at times this book repeated itself. But overall I found this an okay quick read.

The Christmas Cowboy by Donna Grant

The Christmas Cowboy - 4 Stars


Synopsis

Tis the season for ex-Navy SEAL Clayton East to come home for the holidays―even if the mood at home is anything but festive. His father is ill. The East Ranch is in financial trouble. And now it’s on Clayton, the prodigal son, to make sure his family doesn’t lose everything.

Headstrong Abby Harper is like a mother to her younger brothers, who she’s helped raise since she was a teenager. Keeping them in line is no small task while she’s also working toward her college degree. And now that one of her brothers has been arrested for stealing cattle at the East Ranch, Abby is at her wit’s end. But there is a silver lining: Clayton East. He believes in second chances, and is willing to give one to her brother this Christmas. Letting beautiful Abby―and the inescapable longing in his heart―off the hook, however, is a whole ’nother story. Could it be that the woman of this local hero’s dreams has been back at home all along?

Review

***ARC Received by St Martins Press & Netgalley***

This was a cute contemporary read. I love both cowboys and seals so for me this was awesome. I loved the dynamic between Abby and Clayton. Would recommend to anyone looking for a good Christmas contemporary read.

The Highlander is All That by Sabrina York

The Highlander is all That - 4.5 Stars

Synopsis

Elizabeth St. Claire has always been hard to please. Dreaming solely of Highlander men her whole life, no prancing London Lord can stand a chance at winning her heart...

… But perhaps a Scotsman can.

Elizabeth watches intrigued as the Highlander of her dreams, a Scotsman named Hamish Robb, arrives to oversee her season at the behest of her cousin, the Duke of Caithness. Elizabeth doesn’t hide her feelings for the striking Scot. But Hamish, determined to obey his order to protect the St. Claire sisters, steadfastly rejects her every seducing lure.

Believing that the debutante Elizabeth deserves a better, wealthier man, Hamish continues to turn away from her affection, even though he doesn’t exactly want to. Can this Highlander Scot resist the tempting seductress’ attempts to win his heart?

Review

***ARC Review Received from St Martins Press & Netgalley***

How much would you risk for the one you love? This is the question on the mind of Hamish. He wishes to marry Elizabeth, but he feels she needs to be with someone better than him. This made me love Hamish as all he wanted was to make her happy and secure. Elizabeth, on the other hand, has other ideas, she does not care whats best for her she wants her Scottish Highlander no matter what the consequences are. I loved this, it's everything I could want in a historical romance book. 

The Bride Who Got Lucky by Janna MacGregor

The Bride Who Got Lucky - 4 Stars

Synopsis

He would do anything to protect her. Even marry her…

The son of a cold-hearted duke, Nicholas St. Mauer isn’t one to involve himself in society…or open his own heart to anyone. But driven by honor, the reclusive Earl of Somerton feels obliged to keep a watchful eye on Lady Emma Cavensham. She possesses a penchant for passions unbecoming a woman that finds Nick in constant peril of losing his well-structured solitude. She even dared kiss Nick once―an utterly unladylike, and delightful, lapse…

Emma can’t deny the appeal of the earl’s attention, and occasional affection, but she has no need for a man. There are worse fates than spinsterhood, as Emma knows too well. She still mourns the loss of her dear friend Lena, and is determined to prove Lena’s husband responsible for her death before he lures another innocent woman into a brutal marriage. But as Emma pursues her prey, a compromising moment upends all her plans. Now, with gossip swirling and her reputation in tatters, Nick may be the only man brave enough to join in Emma’s cause. . .and fight for her heart.

Review 

*** ARC Received from St Martins Press & Netgalley***

The cute romance that starts of an almost love to hate. Emma wants to be a spinster and not be tied down by the ropes of an arranged marriage. When Emma needs someone in her dire moment of need its Nicholas that comes to her rescue. This is a great novel for anyone who loves a good historical romance novel with a determined heroine and a brooding hero.

The Scandalous Flirt by Olivia Drake

The Scandalous Flirt (Cinderella Sisterhood #6) - 4 Stars

Synopsis

Aurora Paxton was once the belle of the ball, the most sought-after debutante of the season―until a scandalous mistake ruined her. Shunned by her family, Rory was banished to the country to live in disgrace. Now she’s been summoned back to London by her stepmother, who is being blackmailed by the least likely person Rory can imagine: Lucas Vale, Marquess of Dashell.

Lucas is someone Rory’s known for years―a man as devastatingly handsome as he is coldly disapproving of her. What in the world could he want from her or her family? Rory intends to find out as soon as she comes face to face with her old foe. What she never expects, however, is that the icy aristocrat has a soft spot for her―and a secret plan to redeem her status. Could it be that Lucas has been in love with Rory all along. . .and has finally found a way to win her heart?

Review

***ARC Review Received from St Martins Press & Netgalley***

This was a fun fairytale retelling. For me, the only downfall was that the mains lead is Aurora or better known through the book as Rory. This put me off a little, but that is just personal taste. Despite this, this was enjoyable and I would recommend others. The book was quick, fun and romantic read and would be would be enjoyed by all those who love historical romance novels.

The Scot Beds his Wife by Kerrigan Byrne

The Scot Beds his Wife - 4 Stars

Synopsis

They’re rebels, scoundrels, and blackguards—dark, dashing men on the wrong side of the law. But for the women who love them, a hint of danger only makes the heart beat faster.

Gavin St. James, Earl of Thorne, is a notorious Highlander and an unrelenting Lothario who uses his slightly menacing charm to get what he wants—including too many women married to other men. But now, Gavin wants to put his shady past behind him...more or less. When a fiery lass who is the heiress to the land he wishes to possess drops into his lap, he sees a perfectly delicious opportunity...

A marriage most convenient

Samantha Masters has come back to Scotland, in a pair of trousers, and with a whole world of dangerous secrets from her time spent in the Wild West trailing behind her. Her only hope of protection is to marry—and to do so quickly. Gavin is only too willing to provide that service for someone he finds so disturbingly irresistible. But even as danger approaches, what begins as a scandalous proposition slowly turns into an all-consuming passion. And Gavin discovers that he will do whatever is necessary to keep the woman he has claimed as his own...

Review

***ARC Review Received from St Martins Press & Netgalley***

This was a fun book to read. I love highlanders and brooding highlander who know what they want. Gavin has always wanted Samantha and when she falls in to his lap he wants her. This was a fun book that fun to read. The two main characters are enjoyable to read about and their journey was exciting to follow. This author knows how to do historic romance well.

The Right Kind of Rogue by Valerie Bowman

The Right Kind of Rogue - 5 Stars

Synopsis
 
Viscount Hart Highgate has decided to put his rakish ways behind him and finally get married. He may adore a good brandy or a high-speed carriage race, but he takes his duties as heir to the earldom seriously. Now all he has to do is find the right kind of woman to be his bride―ideally, one who’s also well-connected and well-funded. . .

Meg Timmons has loved Hart, the brother of her best friend, ever since she was an awkward, blushing schoolgirl. If only she had a large dowry―or anything to her name at all. Instead, she’s from a family that’s been locked in a bitter feud with Hart’s for years. And now she’s approaching her third London season, Meg’s chances with him are slim to none. Unless a surprise encounter on a deep, dark night could be enough to spark a rebellious romance. . .for all time?

Review

***ARC received from St Martins Press & NetGalley***

This was a fun read that I could not put down. Meg and Hart are a great couple romantic couple. Meg has loved Hart for as long as she could remember. This story follows the romance that starts between friends to then to love. I have enjoyed all of Valerie Bowman's books that I have read so far.

Christmas in Kilts by Various

Christmas In Kilts - 4 Stars

Synopsis

Tis the season to fall in love! These five bestselling authors bring you great tiding of highlanders and romances this holiday season!

A HIGHLANDER'S HOPE by Terri Brisbin
A village harlot who would never dream she could have a different life meets a Highlander visitor for the holidays who brings with him an offer and hope!

LEFTOVER MISTLETOE by Lavinia Kent
What happens when a highlander finds himself stranded, maybe kidnapped, with an English lady around Christmas... maybe the mistletoe will help answer that question.

A SCOT FOR CHRISTMAS by Bronwen Evans
She's ready to embrace her life and future as a spinster, he's trying to have one last hurrah before he gives into his family's wishes and proposes marriage to his neighbor, but fate has other ideas when the lady and the Scot meet at a holiday house party in the wilds of Scotland.

SWEET HOME HIGHLAND CHRISTMAS by May McGoldrick
A chance encounter between a ship's captain and a desperate aunt trying to keep custody of her young niece leads to a little magic during the holidays.

A HIGHLAND CHRISTMAS WAGER by Lecia Cornwall
When a snowstorm forces a charming lass hiding a broken heart to take shelter in a castle with three fine Highland lairds just days before Christmas, there’s a game afoot—who will be the first to win a kiss and maybe her heart.

Review

Thank you to St Martins Press and Netgalley for supplying this book for review. Even though I was gifted this book all my opinions are my own. I loved these novellas. Highlanders Hope by Terri Brisbin was my favourite but that's not a surprise as i adore all her books. If you love hunky men in kilts all sprinkled with Christmas charm then give these stories a read.

Under the Lights (The Field Party #2) by Abbi Glines

Under the Lights (The Field Party #2) - 5 Stars

Synopsis

In the follow-up to Abbi Glines’s #1 New York Times bestseller Until Friday Night—three teens from a small southern town are stuck in a dramatic love triangle.

Willa can’t erase the bad decisions of her past that led her down the path she’s on now. But she can fight for forgiveness from her family. And she can protect herself by refusing to let anyone else get close to her.

High school quarterback and town golden boy Brady used to be the best of friends with Willa—she even had a crush on him when they were kids. But that’s all changed now: her life choices have made her a different person from the girl he used to know.

Gunner used to be friends with Willa and Brady, too. He too is larger than life and a high school football star—not to mention that his family basically owns the town of Lawton. He loves his life, and doesn’t care about anyone except himself. But Willa is the exception—and he understands the girl she’s become in a way no one else can.

As secrets come to light and hearts are broken, these former childhood friends must face the truth about growing up and falling in love…even if it means losing each other forever.

Review

This was touching and heartbreaking as the last. I loved Willa, Gunner and Brady. I'm not normally keen on love triangles but this was well done. I found this was just a fast-paced and emotional as the 1st one. These three seemed just as broken as West and Maggie from the 1st book. I cannot wait to read book 2.

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne - 4 Stars

Synopsis


NEMESIS (n)
1) An opponent or rival whom a person cannot best or overcome
2) A person's undoing
3) Joshua Templeman

Lucy Hutton has always been certain that the nice girl can get the corner office. She prides herself on being loved by everyone at work - except for imposing, impeccably attired Joshua Templeman.
Trapped in a shared office, they've become entrenched in an addictive game of one-upmanship. There's the Staring Game, The Mirror Game, The HR Game. Lucy can't let Joshua beat her at anything - especially when a huge promotion is on offer.
If Lucy wins, she'll be Joshua's boss. If she loses, she'll resign. So why is she questioning herself? Maybe she doesn't hate him. And just maybe, he doesn't hate her either. Or is this just another game . . . ?

Review

This was an interesting read. I enjoyed the dynamic between Josh & Lucy. This was a sweet hate to love story. This was a fun tale that i read in one sitting. I would highly recommend.

Until Friday Night (The Field Party Series #1) by Abbi Glines

Until Friday Night (The Field Series #1) - 5 Stars

Synopsis

To everyone who knows him, West Ashby has always been that guy: the cocky, popular, too-handsome-for-his-own-good football god. But on the inside he's grief-stricken - his father is dying and he hasn't told anyone because he can't face the truth.
Now, as his pain grows unbearable, West finally decides he needs to talk to someone about his dad. So in the dark shadows of a party, he tells the one girl who doesn't speak everything he can't tell anyone else. West expected to feel relief, a flood of emotions - but what he didn't expect was for Maggie Carleton to reply. For her to reveal a pain even deeper than his own. And, for them to form a connection so strong that he couldn't ever let her go.

Review

This book was just beautiful. I have not cried while reading a book in quite some time. This made laugh, cry, angry, cheer with joy and at one point ripped out my heart. This was my 1st by this author and it definitely won't be the last. Really recommend this book. West and Maggie are amazing and a great supporting characters that are with them on this journey.

Mafiosa (Blood for Blood #3) by Catherine Doyle

Mafiosa (Blood for Blood #3) - 5 Stars

Synopsis

A blood war rages on the streets of Chicago.

Protected by an infamous mafia family, Sophie is living a dangerous lie, pretending to lead a normal life. But the deceit can’t last for ever. Her heart belongs to a killer and Sophie’s the prime target of a rival clan. She’s determined to seek revenge on her mother’s murderers, but can she pay the price – can she be a mafiosa?

The third and final instalment in the explosive YA Blood for Blood series which started with Vendetta and Inferno.

Review

OMG I loved this book. This series has been amazing loved everything. Won't say much as it's the final one. But all I can say is go and read this series now. You will not regret it

Inferno (Blood for Blood #2) by Catherine Doyle

Inferno (Blood for Blood #2) - 5 Stars

Synopsis

Romeo and Juliet meets The Godfather in the second installment of Catherine Doyle's Blood for Blood series.

Sophie's life has been turned upside-down, and she's determined to set things right. But Nic, the Falcone brother who represents everything she's trying to forget, won't give up on their love - and it's Luca's knife she clutches for comfort. Soon another mafia clan spoils the fragile peace - and with her heart drawn in one direction and her blood in another, Sophie's in deeper than ever.

Review

This series just keeps getting better and better. Won't say to much as this is the 2nd book in the Blood for Blood Series. Loving the twists and turns cannot wait to read book 3. So I will start now 🤗

Vendetta Blood for Blood #1) by Catherine Doyle

Vendetta (Blood for Blood #1) - 4 Stars

Synopsis

When it comes to revenge, love is a dangerous complication.With a fierce rivalry raging between two warring families, falling in love is the deadliest thing Sophie could do. An epic debut set outside modern-day Chicago.

When five brothers move into the abandoned mansion in her neighbourhood, Sophie Gracewell's life changes forever. Irresistibly drawn to bad boy Nicoli, Sophie finds herself falling into a criminal underworld governed by powerful families. As the boys' dark secrets begin to come to light, Sophie is confronted with stinging truths about her own family, too. She must choose between two warring dynasties - the one she was born into, and the one she is falling in love with. When she does, blood will spill and hearts will break.

Review

This was such an interesting read. The story was full of twists and turns. So I got others shocked me. The story focuses on Persephone 'Sophie' Gracewell. She is a young girl about to turn 17yrs old and is the town outcast. This has been since her dad got sent to prison for murder 18mths prior to the story. Her life is going one way until the arrive of five brothers (who are extremely handsome and mysterious). I enjoyed this and can't wait to start book 2. 

Fallen Heir by Erin Watt

Fallen Heir - 4 Stars

Synopsis

These Royals will ruin you.

Easton Royal has it all: looks, money, intelligence. His goal in life is to have as much fun as possible. He never thinks about the consequences because he doesn’t have to.

Until Hartley Wright appears, shaking up his easy life. She’s the one girl who’s said no, despite being attracted to him. Easton can’t figure her out and that makes her all the more irresistible.

Hartley doesn’t want him. She says he needs to grow up.

She might be right.

Rivals. Rules. Regrets. For the first time in Easton’s life, wearing a Royal crown isn’t enough. He’s about to learn that the higher you start, the harder you fall.

Review

Took me a few days to gather my thoughts on this book. Ist of all, I love the Royals they are amazing. This one follows on from the events in the last book. So you do get to hear more about those loose ends from the last book.

The main focus here is Easton. Both Easton and Ella are going into their senior year. Ella has taken over as the head Royal at Aster Prep. Reed sadly is away at State College. You do get to hear from him but not much, the same as always from Gideon. Easton is the same drunk, gambling, and adorable Rouge. Ella and co try and keep Easton in check, but that is not going well. That is until Easton nearly gets himself and another in serious trouble. He also meets Hartley, she is the 1st girl apart from Ella to not fall for his charm. This makes Easton want her even more which makes her a challenge. Hartley is going through serious things at home, so she's not into the whole boyfriend option. So Easton offers her another option, friendship (not his style at all).

This was had the same Royal charm as the 1st 3 books and novella. The reason for the star loss is I miss the brooding some of the characters in this one. In this one we still have other trying to be top of Aster, more money than sense from all and more twists and turns. The ending has got me begging for more. January is a long time away, I need answers.