Romance Book Review: Charlotte Stein's Waiting in Vain

Author: Charlotte Stein

ISBN: 978-0-85715-006-6

Genre: Erotic Romance/ Holiday Romance

Publisher: Total E Bound

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Nancy is in for a little surprise when she attends Christmas at her brother's in-laws. She's been to Christmas here before and always feels alone, but this year it appears that one of her sister-in-laws brothers is about to make her Christmas bright. 

There is still a little time left in the holiday season to get find some festive season with this novella .Written in the first person, this short holiday romance features a quiet young woman and a gorgeous man who is dying to share how he feels as loudly as possible. 

Description:

His desires aren't going to wait for her any longer...
When Nancy is invited to her sister-in-law's Christmas get-together so that she won't be alone over the holidays, she doesn't have the heart to refuse. They've been nothing but fun in the past, after all.

But Nancy isn't counting on just how much fun it's going to be this year. Sexy, sultry Mick Hennessey is on the prowl, and he isn't about to stop at a sly hand on her thigh under the dining room table. He wants to see how far he can push her, even if it means risking her heart on top of her most secret desires.

Romance Book Review: Catrina Calloway's Eight Erotic Nights

Author: Catrina Calloway

Series Connection: A Red Garters, Snow and Mistletoe Tale]

ISBN: not available

Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, Anthology, Holiday collection

Publisher: Resplendence Publishing

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About to take one of her grandmother's treasured bowls to an antique dealer so she can help feed the homeless, Laney gets hit on the head and falls unconscious in the snow. Walking along the street Josh and his business partner and best friend Zach come across Laney. Laney just happens to be the girl both Josh and Zach were in love with in high school. 

A snow storm keeps Laney, Zach and Josh together for eight nights leaving the three to get better acquainted again, but once the weather clears Laney must get back to her life and she isn't sure that can include Josh and Zach.

Okay, there are so many things I can say about this book. I picked it up several years ago and couldn't remember ever reading it. I found it still for sale on the Resplendence site and had a hard time finding any holiday themed books this year, so I thought I'd take a look at some of the older books.  This book has a Hanukkah theme to it, but honestly that is just slipped in there to give it the theme. It could take place anytime during the winter. 

The story has all the elements of a good story. A girl who needs to be rescued, two hot guys interested in saving her and more. Laney's not perfect, she a little overweight and when she first met Zach and Josh in high school she couldn't believe they were into her. She's still a little worried about that now. So far so good, but truly the writing doesn't flow smoothly and the love scenes are not very well done. It could definitely do with a good editor.

So I guess now I understand why I didn't remember it back then. This isn't to say you shouldn't look up other Catrina Calloway books. I've found a few she's done a much better job on since she wrote this one. 

Description:  

The holiday season is a time for joy, but Laney Taylor couldn’t be more depressed.  She’s selling the last piece of her grandmother’s exquisite antique china to feed the hordes of ‘new’ homeless living in their cars in an abandoned parking lot on the outskirts of town.  But on the way to the shop, an accident lands her in the hospital—and into the arms of the two hot, hunky Samaritans who saved her life.

Josh Goldman and Zach Brenner share a successful construction business, and a secret longing.  They can’t believe their good fortune when they save Laney Taylor from a freezing to death.  Both men have desired Laney since high school, and made a pact that if they ever had the chance to have a relationship with the sexy, full-figured woman of their dreams, they wouldn’t mind sharing. 

When a winter storm gives Josh and Zach an opportunity to share the pleasures of the ‘festival of lights’ with Laney, and a chance to fulfill their long-held erotic fantasies, they can hardly believe the good fortune the Hanukkah holiday has brought them. While fate and circumstance may require their eventual separation, all three are determined that they will not waste a moment of their…

Eight erotic nights.

WARNING: Explicit Content. You must be at least 18 years of age to purchase this title.

Hallmark movie featuring Lisa Kleypas' Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor is called Christmas with Holly

Hallmark Hall of Fame's Christmas with Holly resonates with romance and humor.
The newest Hallmark Hall of Fame production, Christmas with Holly which premiered Dec. 9 on ABC, is playing encore presentations on the Hallmark Channel. Based on Lisa Kleypas' Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor. Christmas with Holly resonates with romance and humor.

Maggie Conway has had it with big-city living, especially after being left at the altar. She moves to the small town of Friday Harbor in Washington State, finally realizing her dream of opening a toy store—and meets Mark Nagle, the proprietor of the local coffee shop. It's not quite love at first sight, but almost!

Mark's number one priority, though, is his six-year-old niece, Holly, whose single mom has recently passed away and left him as her guardian. He's moved in with his two brothers to help him raise Holly. He's also involved romantically with Shelby—a relationship that's going nowhere. Maggie and her toy store prove to be the magical key to opening Holly's heart after her loss.

As you can guess, these complicated lives intertwine. 

Christmas with Holly stars Sean Faris, Eloise Mumford, Daniel Eric Gold, Dana Watkins, Catherine Bèrubè, Alex Paxton-Beesley and Lucy & Josie Gallina as Holly.

Romance Book Review: Sondrae Bennett's Covert Desires

Author: Sondrae Bennett

Series: Alpine Wolf Shifters

ISBN: 9781616504281

Genre: Paranormal/ Shifters/ Werewolves

Publisher: Lyrical Press

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Wolf shifter Danny is tasked with making sure a certain pretty FBI agent doesn't find out about his kind. The only problem is once he meets FBI agent Amber, he realizes she's his mate and now he must decide how to tell Amber what he is and who she is to him.

Amber on her first undercover case after one that went really wrong, however he boss insists that this is a simple recon mission. There have been violent riots in this small town and it is her job to make sure that there isn't a national threat. 

Then Amber meets Danny. He's such a sweet person and she knows she's on assignment but it is hard to resist the man when he is being so persistent. 

This is the fifth installment to the Alpine Wolf Series. It is nice addition to the existing series, but it can be read alone. 

Description:

Will desire be enough once all their secrets are revealed?

Still recovering from a traumatic assignment, Amber is wary of the man who shows up at her door with a plate of cookies and a welcoming smile. Instinct warns her he’s not all he seems. Then again, neither is she. Since she was sent to root out the secrets of the town and its people, she might as well accept his invitation to dinner. But when things start to heat up between them, will her loyalty lie with her job, or the man trying to win her heart?

Danny knows Amber is an FBI agent. Tasked by his brothers and the shifter council to keep her from discovering too much, he sets out to seduce her, a perfect cover to keep an eye on her and make sure she doesn’t learn about his pack or their society. He hadn’t counted on a blazing attraction at first sight, though. His wolf knows Amber is his mate, and he’ll do anything to keep her safe and happy. But how can he reveal everything he is, and everything he’s been keeping from her, without losing her forever?

CONTENT WARNING: This book contains explicit sex.

Romance Book Review: Lynn Cahoon's A Member of the Council

Author: Lynn Calhoon

ISBN:9781616504373

Genre: Witches & Warlocks/ Romance

Publisher: Lyrical Press

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Fantastic world building makes up this novel, which I hope will become a new series. 

Parris has always know she was different. She could do a little magic, but never really knew where that ability came from. She leads a quiet life running a bar and playing on a dart league. 

Doing a favor for his secretary and filling in at a dart league game, Ty meets Parris and knows exactly what she is. He is instantly attracted to her, however he knows he must do the right thing and turn her into the Council. After getting to know her for just a short time, Ty isn't sure what to make of this woman, he is quickly falling for. 

This intro to the world of witches is well written with likable characters. It will be interesting to see where the author takes the story.

Description:

A rogue hunter, a clueless witch and a mission to save an unknowing world.

Parris McCall, owner of the dive bar, The Alibi, has finally constructed a life where her little quirks don’t show or matter to anyone. As for her grandmother’s warnings that she’s different, well, she’ll cross that bridge if she comes to it.

But when Ty walks into her bar, both lives are instantly changed.

Ty Wallace loves his life. How could he not? He’s a powerful human lawyer by day and the Magic Council’s rogue witch hunter by night. But after he agrees to substitute on his secretary’s dart team, all hell breaks loose. Now Ty has to help Parris admit who she is before her long-lost relatives kill her.

Romance Book Review: Sidda Lee Tate's The First Night

Author: Sidda Lee Tate
Series Connection: The Night Series

Genre: Erotic Contemporary Romance
ISBN: 9781937325466

Publisher: Beachwalk Press
Publication Date: December 17, 2012

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Kayla didn't have time for a relationship. Between work and nigh school she was too tired for anything else. Deciding she needed a some kind of social life she agrees to meet a friend after work at a local bar. That is where she meets bartender Gannon.

Gannon is excited the minute he see Kayla walk up to his bar. He moved back to his home town for a chance with her and here it is. But can he get himself together enough to take the first step away from just a sexual relationship? And even if he does can Kayla handle that right now?

We'll written, first story to a new series. I liked Gannon's strong alpha male type, with a few issues to work out from his past.

Description:

Can the last place she needs to be become the first night of her forever?

She planned to meet her coworkers for drinks and be home in a few hours. Getting drunk and staying out all night was not an option. Not for Kayla Dobbs. Going to a bar was already pushing her limits. Between her full-time job and night classes, there was no time to spare for a social life, and certainly no time for a relationship. But when she meets Gannon, the sexy bartender whose hypnotic eyes seem to follow her every move, she wishes things could be different.

Although Kayla doesn't recognize him, Gannon knows exactly who she is—she was the one girl in high school he'd always wanted but had been afraid to pursue. He's changed a lot since high school though, and maybe now he has a chance at making that dream come true.

As she breaks free from her self-induced lifestyle of studying and work, Kayla realizes that no matter how concrete her life plan is, sometimes it only takes one night, one person, to alter it forever.

Content Warning: contains descriptive sex and strong language

Romance Book Review: W. Lynn Chantale's Mistletoe Blues

Author: W. Lynn Chantale

ISBN: Not Assigned

Genre: Contemporary Romance/ Holiday Romance

Publisher: Whisper Publishing

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Three months ago Meredith thought the love of her life, Jackson, left her high and dry without explanation. Now she isn't sure if she wants to forgive him.  

When Jackson comes back from a music tour, he can't understand what happened between the Meredith and him. He didn't understand why she hasn't returned his calls, but he wants to get past that and get back to where they were together.

Very, very quick holiday romance featuring Christmas nuptials. Would have liked to see the story more drawn out, but a good start.

Description:

Jackson Holt wants to surprise his girlfriend, Meredith with the wedding of her dreams, but a jealous co-worker is bent on keeping the lovebirds apart.

Meredith Baxter is overjoyed at the prospect of a Christmas Eve wedding. When the groom goes missing just moments before the ceremony, she’s left to wonder if it’s a case of cold feet or something much more sinister.

Romance Book Review: Anthology Men of Danger

Authors: Lora Leigh, Red Garnier, Alexis Grant, Lorie O'Clare

Anthology

ISBN-13: 978-0312576363

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks

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I picked up this book because Lora Leigh and Lorie O'Clare was offering a quick read story, so as far as I was concerned I got my money's worth with just those two stories. The other stories were just okay, but I thought they needed to go on a little longer to get the full effect out of them. 

Each story feature a bit of mystery and suspense with a love match romance. 

Description:

LORA LEIGH

“Hannah’s Luck”

When burglars try to break into her home, kindergarten teacher Hannah Brookes is lucky to have Sheriff Rick Grayson on her side. Especially when their mutual attraction leads to distraction…

RED GARNIER

“Reckless”

Police detective Zach Rivers isn’t the only man in Phoenix who’s obsessed with the beautiful Paige Avery—but he’s definitely the sexiest and, quite possibly, the most dangerous…

ALEXIS GRANT

“Tempt Me”

R&B star Anita has beauty, talent, fame—and her very own stalker—which is why she needs a professional bodyguard. But can she resist mixing business with pleasure when the hired muscle is to die for?

LORIE O’CLARE

“Love Me ’til Death”

Homicide detective Ashley Jones hates working with the FBI. But Chase Reed is one special agent whose rule-breaking methods, razor-sharp mind, and rock-hard body make for one killer combination…

Debbie Macomber's December Newsletter on Video

Keep watching it plays three months worth of newsletters.

New video from GA Hauser on the Capitol Games the movie

G.A. Hauser's Upcoming Movie Premier

Look for G.A. Hauser's new movie Capital Games to be released soon! You can learn more about the movie at: www.capitalgamesthemovie.com.

Read the book

Author: GA Hauser
ISBN: 978-1449593018
Genre: Contemporary Gay Romance
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

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Description:

Take two ambitious men, one top LA advertising firm, add a competition for the same high ranking job and you have the potential for an explosion. Instantly the competing men detest each other on sight. 

Handsome, clean-cut Steve Miller quit the LAPD to work in the calm environment of a business office. What he didn't realize was that the advertising industry was just as cut-throat as the mean streets of the City of Angels. When an exotic British newcomer is hired on, Steve knows this man is out for blood. 

Mark Richfield, the glamorous new kid in the office, soon wins favor with the big boss and co-workers causing Steve to cringe in jealousy. After a crazy night in the Santa Fe desert when a team building exercise on a business retreat goes wrong, the two men share a night of passion that neither can forget.

Wrongly assuming Mark is gay, Steve is devastated to learn that he is planning to be married in a month's time. Meanwhile, Mark's life falls into a complete shambles as the wedding machine barrels full steam ahead and he no longer loves his increasingly demanding fiancée. Torn between passionate love and passionate hatred, Steve and Mark endure agonizing decisions that will affect their lives forever.

New Pamela Parmer Feral Warriors Coming Soon

Author: Pamela Palmer

Series Connection: A Feral Warriors Novel

ISBN: 978-0062107510

Genre: Paranormal

Publisher: Avon Books

Publication Date: December 26, 2012

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Description:

The newest member of the elite Feral Warriors brotherhood, Fox is eager to prove himself on the frontlines of battle against the Daemons. When paired with the legendary Ilina warrior, Melisande, he expects the fierce beauty to quickly fall under the spell of his quite considerable charm. Instead, he finds himself spellbound by a woman who's his match in every way.

Beneath Melisande's brittle exterior lies centuries of pain and a violent hatred of all shape-shifters--a hatred that slowly crumbles after they're caught in a deadly and cunning Mage trap and she glimpses a surprising depth in her far-too-seductive partner. Their survival demands unconditional trust--and their salvation surrender to a wild, untamed love.

Click here for information on other Feral Warriors Novels

See the Feral Warriors reading order

Romance Book Review: Jacky Russell's A Pack of Two

Author: Jacky Russell

ISBN: 9781616504236

Genre: Paranormal/ Shifter/ Romantic Suspense

Publisher: Lyrical Press

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Breanna is a one of a kind earth witch in a world where witches aren't too popular and many times killed on site. Lucky for Breanna she's won the respect of a group of werewolves and a few vampires in the Bravo Unit. On a scouting mission, Breanna comes upon a wolf being attacked by black magic creatures. 

When Lucas opens his eyes the first thing he sees is an angel. The two have an instant attraction. the only problem is werewolves and witch don't match and worst of all a werewolf alpha cannot mate with a witch. 

Lucas has a bit of his own problems. His father wants him to be involved with a pack Lucas feels no connection with. The year before his brother who was to be alpha disappeared and feared dead. That leaves Lucas to take his place. Lucas isn't interested in being the pack alpha. He doesn't even like being around other werewolves. 

Can two misfits find their way together against all odds?

Wonderful characterization and world building in this novel length book. Lucas is a strong hero with lots of insecurity issues that work right along with Breanna's tough warrior persona.

Description: 

A WITCH AND A WEREWOLF. A PACK OF TWO.

Master Sergeant Breanna Welker loves hockey games, cheesy fries, and being second in command of the U.S. Army's Bravo Company. The fact that her commanding officer is a vampire and most of her fellow soldiers are werewolves doesn't slow her down a bit. Her colorful vocabulary and uncompromising loyalty have endeared her to her unit, who don't give a damn she's a shape-shifting witch. 

Lucas Benelli can't boast the same loyalty from the people close to him. His father is the Alpha of the largest known werewolf pack in the world--a pack Lucas is expected to be the leader of. But Lucas has spent most of his life avoiding contact with his father's pack and they don't seem to like him much either. 

Together, they forge a connection not even Lucas's dysfunctional pack or Breanna's meddling unit can break--and come face-to-face with the hardest choice either of them has ever had to make. 

CONTENT WARNING: Includes a horde of evil witches, and one deliciously wicked witch with Mother Nature at her beck and call. 

Romance Book Review: Aliyah Burke's Holiday Liaison

Author: Aliyah Burke
ISBN: N/A
Genre: Interracial/ Erotic Romance
Publisher: Whispers Publishing

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Sage decides to do something different this year and attend a singles ski weekend for Christmas. She leaves a little early to spend some time skiing and meets Conall.

Conall and his friends are off for a couple of weeks on the slopes and hope to meet some pretty women along the way. The minute Conall steps out of the car and sees Sage he knows she's the one he wants to spend his vacation with. 

Sexy, sweet romance, featuring a good cast of characters. A little slow moving at times, but a nice romantic holiday read.

Description: 

A Christmas getaway may be just the thing to fulfill your greatest desires.

Conall Lennox is trying something new this holiday, a single's gathering at a resort in Colorado. The woman he meets there is a breath of fresh air for him. It doesn't take long and he's envisioning a lot longer than the short time they have together.

Sage Addison comes to the Village Resort to avoid the stress of Christmas with her nagging family. Still, meeting tall, dark, and handsome makes her think of spending more than just Christmas with him.

After their time together is over will Conall and Sage learn that not all liaisons are meant to be brief but can be the beginning of something new, something wonderful? Miracles can and do happen in Wonderland.