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Christmas Alpha

Christmas Alpha
(Alpha #1)
by Carole Mortimer

This is a new to me author who I would like to read more of in the future. This is a book with Christmas in the title that has little to nothing to do with the holiday. The story and dialogue go back and forth between the main characters giving you a look at both. The characters are a little vague none the less because there is no real development to start with. I was lost for the first half of things but knew it would be something simple and a bit mundane because that is how it was set up, not that it was a bad thing.

Things start out pretty strange with Finn Devlin telling the girl who comes to his door to get undressed and on the bed. Eva Shaw has come to the house to deliver a package and finds herself being told to get naked before the door is open good, not your typical request. But with a major storm brewing and no way to leave, she may have to deal with the situation the best way she can.

I ended up liking this and the characters even if they fell in love a bit fast for my taste. There were some hot moments and some emotional moments. Even if its not a real Christmas story it kind of fits the season.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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Bah, Humbug!

Bah, Humbug!
(Christmas Street #1)
by Heather Horrocks

This is an author I have never read before but I really enjoyed this and plan on reading more of these stories in the future. The characters were all likeable and easy to relate to. There was a lightness and sweetness to the story that made it feel like the holiday and not just a title.

Lexi Anderson and her children move onto Christmas Street and they fit right in. Lexi has been touted as the next Martha Stewart and has the television show to prove it. Kyle Miller is an author of a successful series of books who unfortunately finds himself with writers block. When he destroys the snowman of the people next door, thinking it is for him, he finds himself getting in deeper than e expected with his new neighbors.

I just found this to be a quick, fun read that had me from the first page. I could not put it down until I finished!

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“The grieving has been going on long enough, Kyle. It’s been twenty-two years. It’s time we get over it. Alyssa would like this to be a healing Christmas for our family. Mama would want it.” If there was anything Kyle didn’t want to do this year, it was deal with that particular hurt. “I’m going to hang up now.” “Okay. Hey, I’ll see you next spring at one of your book signings. It might come as a surprise to you to know that some people don’t care about books, and not everybody in the world cares that you’re a bestselling author. And maybe one day you’ll learn that there’s more to life than deadlines. Like family.” Kyle fought back his irritation. “I bet the next person I speak to knows my name.” “That’s really nice. Too bad so few of your family can remember it.” A click told Kyle that Keefe had gotten the last word in their conversation.

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Shameless

Shameless
(St. Martin Family Saga: Whiskey Cove #2)
by Gina Watson

This second book in the life of the St. Martin family saga definitely pulled me in from the very beginning. This time we are getting to know the second youngest of the brothers Corrigan. The characters were very well realized and made you feel a part of what was going on. There was that bit of insta-love but it was glossed over a little bit as serious lust. The point of view went back and forth so that you got a perfect feeling for what was happening with everyone who mattered most to the story. Everything jells and flows effortlessly from beginning to end with one or two grammatical errors that do not take anything away.

Corrigan ‘Cory’ St. Martin has returned to Whiskey Cove and opened a veterinary clinic after finishing school. He is a man who does not believe in marriage, children, or commitment of any type but does believe in bedding every woman who comes his way, though only once. Cory has some issues he needs to work on though if you asked him he would not see it.

Brook Walker does greyhound rescues and works part-time for Cory’s brother Logan at The Good Doctor brewery. Brook ends up in the clinic because her dog, Randy, needs to be euthanized and her regular vet is closed. Cory offers to do the job in a way she can be with her beloved dog at the end and even gives her a burial plot she can visit instead of the standard cremation. This is the beginning of something neither expected.

This was a sweet, very hot love story. The St. Martin boys are gorgeous, sexy, and a little damaged. But when you get them they are loving, loyal, faithful, and hotter than lava. This is a wonderful series of novella length stories. I recommend them for anyone who wants a little turn-on with their romance.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Brook couldn’t believe the selflessness of this man. She’d walked into the first clinic she came to after discovering her vet’s office was closed. She’d heard Cory was a womanizer and in general a pig toward women, had in fact witnessed his poor behavior on two separate occasions herself. So his sensitivity with her didn’t add up. He seemed to genuinely care about her and her dog.

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Old Blood

old blood

Old Blood (Experiment in Terror #5.5)

This is not a stand alone novella, if you have not read books 1-5 do not start here.

The story of Creepy Clown Lady, Pippa, is not a completely happy one. She starts her tale when she was a little girl right up to her death and beyond. You find out why she approached Perry the way that she did and why. What her relationship was with Dex and how she knew about him. You also get an insight into Ingrid, Perry’s mother, who watches her daughter with worry and fear.

I felt so much for her while at the same time wondering how she could make some of the decisions that she did. This short tale allows us to see how the previous novels come together. Pippa has been a prominent character throughout and we find out why she has made it her mission to bring Dex and Perry together, maybe to find the happiness she never did.

A good fast read that will make you feel for this lonely woman who only wanted to be loved.

 

 

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

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The Benson

the benson

The Benson (Experiment in Terror #2.5)

A nice interlude to whet the appetite for another rousing adventure. Perry’s abilities are growing as she actively works the ghost hunting angle. She wanted to be able to help the people or ghosts and she has.

What else can I say. If you have never read any other of the Experiment in Terror novels this can give you an idea of what is in store. Then go back to the first and really enjoy it. This is a fantastic series!

 My rating: 5 of 5 stars
“Nothing like a hot woman to make two chubby girls feel like they’re having a bonding moment.”
Karina Halle, The Benson