Contemporary Romance – Page 11

If For Any Reason

Emily Ackerman has traveled the world, her constant compass and companion a book of letters her mother left for her when she died. With no father in the picture, her mom’s advice has been her only true north. But when professional failure leads Emily back to Nantucket to renovate and sell the family cottage she inherited, she wonders if her mom left advice to cover this . . . especially when her grandmother arrives to “supervise.” And especially when her heart becomes entangled with Hollis McGuire, the boy next door-turned-baseball star who’s back on the island after a career-ending injury.

As sparks fly between her and Hollis, Emily is drawn to island life, even as she uncovers shocking secrets about the tragic accident that led to her mother’s death. With her world turned upside down, Emily must choose between allowing the voices from her past to guide her future or forging her own path forward.

My Review:

Woohoo! A Second Chance Summer Romance set on Nantucket Island! Love the contrast of carefree beachy vibes as background to the emotionally packed love story! And mercy, but Walsh wrung every last bit of emotion out of me by the end.

So, high drama, including a family scandal with Emily in the middle of it all. Oh, yeah, and her teenage crush is living next door. Who just happens to be an ex baseball star sidelined by a permanent injury. And he has his own personal issues he’s dealing with. So, pile on some more drama. This book was intense! But I loved the way Walsh lets her characters work through it all. Very realistic — and so emotional! My heart is still tender from all the pummelling!

And there’s even a bit of a dual timeline to the story. In the form of letters from Emily’s deceased mother as well as some ‘real time’ scenes from the past. Which include another love story! The way the author blends those two timelines and slowly builds towards the emotional climax — well, wowzers! Kept me completely immersed until everything finally got sorted.

A slow burn second chance romance with so much heart and hope!

Every Day is Christmas + Giveaway

INDIE!

Civil Engineer Landon Michaels’ grandmother’s memory is fading. All she wants for Christmas is a unique black angel ornament. The problem is it’s March. Will Granny Lonna know when it’s Christmas, or will she recognize her family by December?

Gina Christmas and her family of accountants founded Every Day is Christmas to bless youths living in a children’s home. It’s not an ordinary charity. The children help fund the charity by creating artwork for sale. Their specialties are black angels, ornaments, and sculptures.

When Landon crosses paths with Gina, she joins his mission to find the perfect black angel ornament that will bring joy to his grandmother.

My Review:

What a scrumptious Christmas love story with lots of scope for all kinds of emotional undertones.

First we’ve got the poignancy of Landon’s grandmother’s fading memory and the seemingly impossible quest she sends Landon on. Then there’s his lively ‘all in your business’ family who make things even more interesting. Not to be outdone by Gina’s determined (aka pushy) sister. Plus, poor Gina is in a constant state of fatigue due to difficult work circumstances and that makes her a titch grumpy. So, to say their meet-cute was ‘cute’ would be a lie …but that made it so much fun!

So, not quite an enemies to more trope, but definitely a strong dislike to more. Both make assumptions about the other which need to be ironed out and they are at opposite sides of a critical issue which seems to be a huge stumbling block. Argh — I simultaneously wanted to hug these two and thwack their heads together in hopes of shaking some sense into them. But, oh my, when Landon makes his move…be still my heart! Sizzles and sparks, pass me some mistletoe!

I so appreciated Landon and Gina’s eight month journey to their happily every after. The romance never felt rushed even though this novel is on the shorter side. Landon’s wooing and Gina’s capitulating was paced to sweet perfection. And I loved the focus on faith in both their lives and their relationship.

I listened to the audible edition of ‘Every Day is Christmas’ (such a clever title tie in!). Susan Spain’s narration was excellent and made the story that much more memorable for me.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

US – available in print or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada – available in print or ebook or audible (if available) — winner’s choice

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of the Every Day is Christmas, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday October 26 2024.

The Christmas Singing + Giveaway

Random Retro Re-Read

After Gideon coldly broke her heart, can the warmth of the season revive Mattie’s hopes?

Mattie thought her childhood sweetheart adored her until he abruptly ended their engagement on Christmas Eve.

Three years later, will learning the truth behind his rejection restore her Christmas joy – or open the door to even deeper heartbreak?

Spend Christmas with the Amish in this story of love, romance, heartache, and restoration.

Experience the holidays with the Plain folk and discover the power of second chances in this touching story from the author of the New York Times bestseller, The Bridge of Peace .

Gideon Beiler has loved Mattie Eash since they were children. But when faced with unexpected circumstances, he makes up an excuse to end their engagement. He doesn’t want to lie to her, but he believes that telling Mattie the truth will be more hurtful.

Brokenhearted, Mattie moves from Apple Ridge, Pennsylvania to Ohio, where she pursues her longtime dream of becoming a cake decorator. She finds a new beau—a man offering the secure relationship Gideon has denied her.

When Mattie is forced to return to Apple Ridge, she and Gideon must confront the suffering created by his dishonesty – and address the powerful emotions that continue to bind the two childhood friends.

My Review:

published in 2011

This slim little book packs a wallop and proves that Cindy Woodsmall can do concise without losing out on the depth and detail she is known for. Mattie is such a fun character — and very different from your typical Amish heroine. Love her dreaminess, her klutziness, the way she can turn disaster into something fun and light-hearted. Except for her broken engagement that is. She knows how to harbour a grudge and I honestly can’t blame her since she thinks one thing while the reality is far different.

I spent my time being alternately irritated and enamoured with Gideon. Honestly –he’s…he’s…just like a man!!!! Thinks like a man, acts like a man and believe me that isn’t always a good thing! So there’s fireworks at times, angst a plenty, but Woodsmall weaves it all together with some wonderfully heart-warming, light-hearted moments as well. A great combination for a Christmas read — though there’s not a lot of Christmas in the read. LOL. It’s not as seasonal as I thought it would be, but that didn’t detract from the story at all. In fact it makes it more universally appealing. Definitely not a book that has to be read only at Christmas.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read hardcover copy and is available to any reader, any where — so, yay, another International Giveaway!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Christmas Singing, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday October 26 2024.

Specter in the Glass House + Giveaway

In 1921, Marian Arnold, the heiress to a brewing baron’s empire, seeks solace in the glass butterfly house on her family’s Wisconsin estate as Prohibition and the deaths of her parents cast a long shadow over her shrinking world. When Marian’s sanctuary is invaded by nightmarish visions, she grapples with the line between hallucinations of things to come and malevolent forces at play in the present. With dead butterflies as the killer’s ominous signature, murders unfold at a steady pace. Marian, fearful she might be next, enlists the help of her childhood friend Felix, a war veteran with his own haunted past.

In the present day, researcher Remy Shaw becomes entangled in an elderly biographer’s quest to uncover the truth behind Marian Arnold’s mysterious life and the unsolved murders linked to an infamous serial killer. Joined by Marian’s great-great-grandson, can Remy expose the evil that lurks beneath broken wings? Or will the dark legacy surrounding the manor and its glass house destroy yet another generation?Renowned as a “trailblazer extraordinaire” (Booklist) of inspirational dual-time suspense, award-winning author Jaime Jo Wright weaves a haunting tale of mystery, legacy, and the relentless pursuit of truth across two distinct eras.

My Review:

Thoroughly Gothic and more than a little eerie. And I feel like that is practically all I can safely say about this book without giving away any spoilers.

Wright excels at this type of dual timeline mystery which includes stunning complexities in both character and plot. Our heroines, Marian in 1921 and Remy in present day, are faced with similar dilemmas yet both have very unique stories to tell.

Past and present are cleverly woven together with impeccable pacing. I hung on every word. I don’t know how the author manages to keep all the details straight! And the way she builds the suspense as well as the creep factor is phenomenal! (You might need some comfort chocolate and a security teddy to make your way safely through to the end.)

So, definitely an unputdownable read. The kind that keeps you scrambling for logical explanations in the midst of so many impossibilities. A spectacularly stunning read!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

US – available in print or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada – available in print or ebook or audible (if available) — winner’s choice

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of the Specters in the Glass House, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday October 26 2024.

Guarded by the Hero

Random Retro Read

His job is to protect her, not to fall in love with her.

Heath Mitchell learned his security skills during his time in the US Marine Corps. After spending his first few years in the civilian world as the head of security for the Freedom Ridge Resort, he’s ready to branch out and help form a security firm. Things are just getting off the ground when he meets his sister’s friend. When a hit and run breaks into their meeting, she becomes his first client instead of his girlfriend.

Claire Odom has grown accustomed to a quiet life in the small town of Freedom. The perils of her past seem long gone until they resurface when she meets Heath. Determined to protect her, he becomes her full-time bodyguard. His good looks and the security he brings make it hard for her to remember he’s only there because she hired him.

Heath and Claire grow closer as they fight to outrun their unknown enemies. Loyalties are broken, and unlikely alliances are formed as the quiet town of Freedom bands together to protect their friends this Christmas season. But is their new found love just a reaction to the fear or was it always meant to be?

Return to Freedom, Colorado and enjoy the faith, friendships, and forever-afters of the Heroes of Freedom Ridge in this Christian Christmas romance.

My Review:

published in 2021

Sigh. Yes, this is me swooning over another bodyguard romance. I do so love a damsel in distress kind of read, especially set during the holidays. Yes, I know that sounds strange…kinda creepy really, but there you have it. So this one ticked all the boxes for me.

‘Guarded by the Hero’ is the seventh book in the multi-authored ‘Heroes of Freedom Ridge’ series but it reads fine as a standalone. All the books do — they share the same town and a host of secondary characters. And some of those characters get their chance to shine in their own books. It’s fun to see some of that overlap, but it’s not necessary to fully enjoy each story. I’ve only read 4 out of 18 (!)

I found Claire really relatable — she has suffered a traumatic past (and I love the way the author gradually lets her readers into exactly what happened!) She’s a contradictory mix of fear and grit, which made for an emotional read. She’s a survivor trying her best to overcome her past until it feels like her past is about to catch up with her.

Enter Heath — ex-Marine, a skilled bodyguard starting up his own security firm. He also happens to be Claire’s best friend’s brother. And Heath’s sister isn’t afraid to try her hand at a little holiday matchmaking, especially since it’s looking like Claire could use a security detail!

This is mostly a contemporary romance but there is a hint of suspense thrown in. The threat is real, and Heath and his team are on the case which keeps our hero and heroine in close proximity at all times. Which, of course, leads to romance. Happy sigh! Along with some lovely festive touches. And a surprising twist at the end which left me with a bit of reader whiplash! All in all, a delightful holiday romance.

Rainbow’s End

Can a reclusive artist help a man who’s lost and adrift find his way home?

Broken, empty, and alone after a cross-country search for answers, Keith Michaels takes refuge with reclusive artist Jill Whelan after a sudden squall strands him on Orcas Island. But while she offers him a place to wait out the storm, she wants nothing more to do with the stranger who’s invaded her turf. Yet Keith finds unexpected solace on her isolated property, and his one-night stay turns into an extended visit after he agrees to take on a project that is near and dear to her heart.When a little boy in need enters their world, Jill and Keith join forces to help him. And along the way, might they also reconnect with life—and find healing, hope, and love at Rainbow’s End?

In this RITA award finalist novel, bestselling author Irene Hannon pens an unforgettable story that tugs at the heartstrings and demonstrates the power of love to transform lives.

My Review:

Perfect for fans of the author’s ‘Hope Harbor’ series.

‘Rainbow’s End’ was originally published in 2007 but the author has recently re-issued this timeless love story. Perfect timing for me since I missed it the first time round. And I was thrilled to find a copy on audible narrated by the amazing Therese Plummer. Sheer bibliophile bliss!

And what a story! The inspirational theme of defeating darkness with “grace and grit” infuses hope into every scene, including those fraught with despair and fear. Hannon tackles some tough topics as she takes her characters on a path toward healing…and the kind of happily ever after they thought they could never have.

Beautifully written. The kind of storytelling that makes both characters and setting come alive in a memorable way. And I got all kinds of ‘Hope Harbor’ vibes — in fact, this book made me homesick for that fictional place! I can’t help thinking that ‘Rainbow’s End’ might have been the spark way back when that grew into the phenomenal HH series. It’s definitely just as satisfying. Now I’m eager to explore more of the author’s Encore editions — and happily they are also all available on audible.

A Not So Holiday Paradise + Giveaway

Things you bring on a desert island…

1) Sunscreen, obviously. Because these Irish freckles of mine will burn, baby, burn, and lobster red is not a great color on me.
2) An extra dose of my seizure meds, just in case.
3) A backpack full of snacks, including but not limited to a canteen of Dr. Pepper, a box of mini Christmas cookies, and granola bars—the gross crumbly kind, not the chocolate chip kind, because I’m trying to be healthy.
4) Sunglasses, so that when I inevitably wind up staring at my brother’s best friend—who I haven’t seen in years—no one will be able to tell. I’ve been in love with him forever, but it would never work out; he lives on a literal island, while I’m still in grad school. It can’t hurt to look, though, right?
5) Also bug spray.

My packing list is all well and good for a quick port excursion as part of my family’s Christmas cruise. But when the cruise ship leaves me behind, with only the contents of my bag and my brother’s best friend to keep me company? Well, I’ve got problems—especially since I’m going to run out of medicine soon. And I don’t think they make sunscreen strong enough to block the sparks that are growing between Beckett and me…

My Review:

This was my second Gracie Ruth Mitchell book and I’ve just finished another one because…new favourite author alert! Scrambling now to read through her back list. Love her unique brand of humour and the way she delivers believable characters with realistic backstories and then plops them into the middle of comedic mayhem. So. Much. Fun.

So we have Molly heading out on a Christmas cruise with her family and they meet up with her brother’s best friend who is working in the Virgin Islands. Of course, things go awry and Molly finds herself stranded with Beckett…in paradise. Eeeeeppp!!! But there are complications — of course!

Molly has had a secret crush on Beckett forever. He’s never seen her as anything but his best friend’s kid sister. Until she steps off the ship and rocks his carefully curated world. She’s not ‘Baby O’Malley’ any more but he doesn’t do relationships and her brother has warned him off so…

Eeeeppp — major grumpy/sunshine trope with a whole lot of heart. Loved Molly’s POV — all sass and snark punctuated with poignant introspection. And Beckett is the classic introverted grump. Talk about clashing personalities! But Molly is up to the challenge of getting Beckett to crack a smile now and again. The banter is priceless and I love the way the romantic tension slowly builds as the story progresses. Toe-curling perfection.

I really appreciate the epilepsy representation in this story. Molly’s overall attitude and the way she views herself, especially regarding how her condition could affect a potential relationship with Beckett, was so raw and real and emotional. The author really put her heart into developing Molly’s character and it shows. Brilliantly done.

And look no further then Beckett for book boyfriend material…even if his attention is given grudgingly at first. There’s no denying the sizzling attraction he feels for Molly, though he gives it an epic try! Which leads to some great comedic moments. But, oh my…when he gets all intensely tender and protective…be still my heart. Thud!

I listened to the audio edition of ‘A Not-So Holiday Paradise’ and thoroughly enjoyed the performances of Rylee Kuberra and John Rogers. They nailed Molly and Beckett’s personalities and increased my appreciation for these characters and their story. Highly recommend the audio edition of this book.

My thanks to the Dreamscape Select and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY

ebook copy available to anyone with a US Kindle account (.com)

Canadians will have a choice of receiving an Amazon.ca gift card towards the purchase of an ebook OR an audible copy. Winner’s Choice.

If you would like a chance to win an ecopy of A Not-So Holiday Paradise, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday October 12 2024.

Meddling With Mistletoe + Giveaway

Whitney Garrett is preparing to enter culinary school in the spring, but first she has to sell enough homemade pies at the local Christmas markets to pay her tuition. When her oven breaks, Whitney asks Marie Sloan, proprietor of the Red Door Inn, if she can use the inn’s kitchen to keep up with her orders. Marie agrees, with a catch: Whitney has to watch the three Sloan children and cook breakfasts for the Red Door in return.

The inn is busy with holiday guests–including Aretha Franklin Sloan’s perpetually single nephew Daniel and Ruby, a businesswoman in town to purchase Aretha’s antiques store. Intent on making a Christmas match for the two, Aretha enlists Whitney’s help in her schemes. But the deeper Whitney gets, the more she realizes that Ruby is definitely not the right woman for Daniel–and the more she thinks that she just might be his perfect match.

Cuddle up for some warm holiday cheer as New York Times bestselling author Liz Johnson explores the unforeseen consequences of meddling with mistletoe when love is on the line.

My Review:

All kinds of bibliophile deliciousness here…and not just because of the copious amount of pie baking going on! We have a grumpy/sunshine trope played out to perfection. The most adorable trio of children to lighten things up (and convey some pointed truths when necessary.) A chance to revisit the most wonderful real-life, fictional place in the world! And the love triangle hinted at in the synopsis isn’t really a love triangle — woohoo!

So fun to meet up with some fave characters from the Prince Edward Island Dreams series — but you totally don’t have to have read any of the other books in order to enjoy this Christmasy gem.

Septuagenarian Aretha Franklin ( no relation) is back sticking her oar in and messing with the course of true love. She’s found the ‘perfect’ match for her nephew and is counting on some Christmas magic and mistletoe to force the reluctant Daniel into the arms of…the totally wrong woman. Everyone knows it, especially Whitney who is inexplicably falling for the reticent grump herself.

A lovely blend of comedy and drama mixed together with some charming holiday traditions at the Red Door Inn. Deeeeeelighful!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

US – available in print or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada – available in print or ebook or audible (if available) — winner’s choice

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of the Meddling with Mistletoe, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday October 12 2024.

Rescued by the Hero + Giveaway

Random Retro Read

The hardest part about this fake relationship is hiding it from her brother. Especially when it doesn’t feel fake.

Joanna Drake can’t wait to escape to Freedom Ridge for the holidays. She needs to put hundreds of miles between her and her creepy coworker who won’t seem to take no for an answer. When she runs into her brother’s best friend at the ski resort, every relationship gets complicated.

Aiden Clark is shocked to find out that his best friend brought his little sister along on vacation, especially when he finds himself interested in getting to know her. When she asks him to play along as her boyfriend to ward off an unwanted pursuer, he wholeheartedly agrees despite his friend’s warnings to stay away from her.

Between hiding their fake relationship from her brother and flaunting it in front of her pursuer, Aiden and Joanna find themselves wishing the relationship was as real as it seems under the mistletoe. When their ruse is exposed and Joanna is in danger, Aiden will have to put it all on the line to bring her home.

Visit Freedom, Colorado and enjoy the faith, friendships, and forever-afters of the Heroes of Freedom Ridge in this Christian Christmas romance.

My Review:

published in 2020

A holiday romance with a side of suspense.

Is it weird that I admit to loving a good Christmas stalking story? I don’t think my festive reading can be complete without one and, while this is definitely more contemporary romance than romantic suspense, there’s enough of a stalkerish vibe to keep me happy. 🙂

And who doesn’t love a fake dating story? Especially when it turns all too real? This one is a bit of an insta-love romance, but realistically written so I think even readers who aren’t fans of this trope will enjoy Aiden and Joanna’s story.

Love all the holiday touches as well. What a great time of year to introduce the town of Redemption Ridge to readers! ‘Rescued by the Hero’ is the first book in the ‘Heroes of Redemption Ridge’ multi-authored series.

A winning combination of faith, romance and a hint of suspense.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

US – available in print or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada – available in print or ebook or audible (if available) — winner’s choice

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of the Rescued by the Hero, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday October 5 2024.

A K-9 Christmas Reunion + Giveaway

Can one special dog make this a Christmas to remember?

Struggling to manage his father’s dementia while raising two young sons, widower Nathan Crenshaw is desperate for help. That is, until his dad’s new service dog arrives with an unexpected guest—trainer Gemma Spencer, the woman who broke his heart fifteen years ago. Now Nathan must spend the holidays working alongside his first love and ignoring their rocky history. But when Gemma steps up for his family after a near tragedy, old feelings start to resurface. With their future uncertain, can matchmaking relatives and a K-9 turn the New Year into their second chance?

My Review:

Phew! What a heart-wrenching read! Carter has captured all the emotional nuances that rise to the surface after a dementia diagnosis. The Crenshaw family dynamics are shifting and neither Nathan, his young sons, or his ailing father are prepared for the changes ahead.

Until Gemma arrives with Rascal, a very special service dog. Trouble is Nathan and Gemma have a history; a first love gone awry when Gemma broke his heart and he’s not keen on having her stay around for the two weeks it will take to acclimate his dad with his new service dog. But if he doesn’t accept her help they’ll go back on the waiting list and by the time his dad’s name comes up again it will be too late. What’s an overworked, super stressed and grieving single dad to do? Put up with the close proximity of his first love for the sake of not only his father, but his whole family.

So — sqquueallll — Second Chance Romance with a Single Dad, two of my favourite tropes! Made all the better because we’re back in Truelove where the civic hobby is matchmaking. So, yes, parts of this novel are hard to read between the dementia diagnosis and the tough back stories of both our hero and heroine BUT the author has also infused their romance with laughter and hope as they create some precious Christmas memories.

A heartwarming inspirational holiday romance.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

US – available in print or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada – available in print or ebook or audible (if available) — winner’s choice

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of the A K-9 Christmas Reunion, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday October 5 2024.