All's Fair in Love and Christmas ~ Review

All's Fair in Love and Christmas

By Sarah Monzon

Mackenzie Graham loves her job; she's good at it. Until she has to make a presentation or talk face-to-face with anyone. And now she's up for a promotion that will demand just that. What's worse she's competing against her secret crush.

Jeremy Fletcher has a plan and everything is on track. He's up for promotion at work and he knows his work speaks for itself. And he knows he can get the right Christmas cheer to help him make it a sure thing. There's just one little problem now that he's getting to Mackenzie, he's beginning to realize she's so much more than who she presents to the world.

All's Fair in Love and Christmas is a fun read. Can you ever have too much Christmas?  Mackenzie and Jeremy and their coworkers are about to find out. And there may be a few Christmas cheer fails along the way. This is a contemporary read that focuses on family and allowing life to happen in unexpected ways.  This cute read finds Mackenzie and Jeremy having to rethink just what they expect from life and realizing that sometimes control needs to be relinquished. This is mostly a light read but there are some serious moments that help one understand what shaped these characters into the people they are. This was an easy and for me a quick weekend read,

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Every December two things are guaranteed for graphic designer Mackenzie Graham--Christmas celebrations and the annual promotion at her workplace. Those two things are by no means mutually exclusive. In fact, the better an employee is at harnessing the Christmas spirit, the more likely they'll win the new job. With her social anxiety, Mackenzie never thought she'd be a contender in her company's holiday competition, so how exactly has she found herself dueling her workplace crush with wrapping paper tubes and using tinsel as her weapon of choice for a much-needed raise?

Jeremy Fletcher's life is meticulously planned out, including how to win this year's promotion at work. Not only will the new position fulfill some of his career goals, but the raise will help him as a single guardian to his twin niece and nephew. Jeremy has barely noticed Mackenzie Graham around the office, but now that she's his rival, he can't stop thinking about her. Her quirkiness intrigues him, and he's afraid that if he can't get his head on straight, the job isn't the only thing he'll end up losing to Mackenzie.

'Tis the season for romance, faith, and humor--all wrapped up in this enchanting holiday rom-com from award-winning author Sarah Monzon.

To Spark a Match ~ Review

To Spark a Match

The Matchmakers 

By Jen Turano

Miss Adelaide Duvee is a social disaster waiting to happen at almost every engagement she takes part in. And after five seasons of such incidents, she's doomed to not only spinsterhood but banishment from society. It's not her fault she had wardrobe malfunction, who knew bustles could be so dangerous. And swans, let's just not go there. And her unmentionables, well let's just say they set societies' tongues a wagging.

After Adelaide literally stumbles into Gideon Abbott's investigation, he feels a need to help her out. After all her distraction helped him to be unnoticed while putting her on the edge Society was threatening to shove her over. It's an obligation, it has nothing whatso ever to do with that little spark he felt while she figured out basically everything he was doing in mere minutes, nor that she had noticed him. Nope not at all.

This was a fun read. And it had lines that quite literally made me laugh out loud. I love the undercurrent of mystery and danger that grows as the story progresses. I love how Adelaide is walking mess and not some perfect Society piece with men falling at her feet. Well, they are falling but not from admiration exactly, more like from fear and self-preservation, at least before Gideon gets involved.

This is a Historical Rom-Com that will leave you with a feel-good mindset. This is the second book of The Matchmakers series but it easily can be read as a standalone title. Make room on your TBR List for this clean read. Or add it to your Wish List as it would a perfect gift to give or receive. So stake out your favorite reading corner and make plans for you and the book.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations, but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.                                                          

 QUICK FACTS

 Title: To Spark a Match
 Series: The Matchmakers (Book 2)
 Author: Jen Turano
 Genre: Historical Romance, Gilded Age Fiction, Inspirational Fiction
 Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (November 14, 2023)
 Length: (368) pages
 Format: Trade Paperback, eBook, and Audiobook
 ISBN: 978-0764240218‎
 Tour Dates: November 13 – 21, 2023

BOOK DESCRIPTION

After five unsuccessful Seasons on the marriage mart, Miss Adelaide Duveen has
resigned herself to the notion that she's destined to remain a spinster forever--a rather
dismal prospect, but one that will allow her to concentrate on her darling cats and
books. However, when she inadvertently stumbles upon Mr. Gideon Abbott engaged in
a clandestine activity during a dinner party, Adelaide finds herself thrust into a world of

intrigue that resembles the plots in the spy novels she devours.

Former intelligence agent Gideon Abbott feels responsible for Adelaide after society
threatens to banish her because of the distraction she caused to save his investigation.
Hoping to return the favor, he turns to a good friend--and one of high society's leaders--
to take Adelaide in hand and turn her fashionable. When danger surrounds them and
Adelaide finds herself a target of the criminals in Gideon's case, the spark of love
between them threatens to be quenched for good--along with their lives.

PRAISE FOR TO SPARK A MATCH

 “Turano charms with her offbeat characters, and she has a knack for funny, flirty
dialogue…fans will find this irresistible.”— Publisher’s Weekly

 “Turano delivers a rousing second installment in her the Matchmakers historical
inspirational romance series set in New York's Gilded Age. This is a delightful
novel about individuality and unexpected love that balances humorous hijinks
and the intrigue of criminal activity within the rare book world. It shimmers with
spunk and stars a most admirable leading lady whose unapologetic acceptance
of herself is what refreshingly captivates her hero's heart."— Booklist

 “This book is full of ups and downs, twists and turns, hilarious encounters, slow
burn romance, bookish characters, cats and a dash of mystery! I highly
recommend it, friends!”— Tasha, Clean Read Book Club

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON | BARNES and NOBLE | PUBLISHER | BOOKSHOP | BOOKBUB |

GOODREADS

AUTHOR BIO:

Named one of the funniest voices in inspirational romance by Booklist, Jen Turano is a USA Today bestselling author known for penning quirky historical romances set in the Gilded Age. Her books have earned Publishers Weekly and Booklist starred reviews,
top picks from RT Book Reviews, and praise from Library Journal. She's been a finalist twice for the RT Reviewers' Choice Awards and had two of her books listed in the top 100 romances of the past decade from Booklist. She and her family live outside of
Denver, Colorado.

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | X (FORMERLY TWITTER) | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS

The Nice Guy ~ Review

The Nice Guy

It's Amor #1

By Abi Sabina

Ivan and Madison seem to hit it off at a quick meeting at the local coffee shop in Sunshine Falls, at least before duty calls and Ivan leaves to meet with a patient. But then they discover that they are the new partners of Healing Hands, Sunshine Falls's only veterinarian clinic. And like that, any possible relationship is over before it has a chance to develop because workplace romances never work out. And Madison knows this from personal experience.

But with two very different viewpoints, there are sure to be clashes. Now they just need to learn to play nice together as they navigate this sudden change. Ivan has always called Sunshine Falls home, while Madison is used to big city ways.       

What follows is a cute read as two people from different backgrounds come together to save what has been entrusted to them. Small-town vet care offers its own unique challenges, some of which may cause you to raise an eyebrow or roll your eyes. Overall this was a sweet read that was a perfect escape for an afternoon/evening book-cation. Ivan and Madison are cute together. And then Ivan's mother! Let's just say she is the epic small-town caring busybody who loves to wag her tongue with gossip, especially if she thinks there is a hint of romance involving her son. Oh, yeah, that type of mother!               

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.         

P.S. I don't work in a vet clinic, so I can't attest to the authenticity of the practices as they are portrayed.                                                                                                            

About the Book:

Here’s my advice: 

Never fall for your boss when he is a walking red flag.

After finding out that my boyfriend cheated on me, I packed my bags and moved to Sunshine Falls.

My uncle's ready to retire, and he has always dreamed of me taking over his partnership at the animal clinic in town.

My surprise comes when he introduces me to my new partner, and it’s the cute guy I was talking to at the coffee shop.

It’s okay, though. I’m not looking for a relationship. My priorities are my career and starting over.

Ivan and I clash at every turn, and our transition is anything but smooth. Throw in the exotic animals that keep showing up, and I think we’re doomed.

The one thing we can agree on is to make my uncle proud.

When Ivan starts to open up to me, it's difficult to ignore my feelings. Throw in turtle-shelled glasses, and I’m putty.

I’m tempted to break my rule, but I know the consequences that come with dating a co-worker, and I won’t go through that again.

Available at Amazon

Meet Again ~ Review

Meet Again

By Abi Sabina

Four years ago, the plans they had been making came to a sudden halt. He left everything they had behind before they had a chance to make a future together. But now he is back in town, and she has to work with him to create a special day for their soon-to-be-married best friends. 

When Hudson Remington set aside what he wanted to follow his parents scripted plans for his life, he lost the only woman he ever loved. Lex never was good enough for his parents, and he managed to let them come between them, but now he's back, and he'll do anything for s second chance with her. 

But Lex isn't sure she wants to take a second chance at a twice-broken heart, especially if he will return to New York and walk out of her life again.

Meet Again is a book of second chances, and not all second chances are of the romantic kind. Everyone knows Lex and Hudson are perfect for each other. But getting there will be the problem when hearts are on the line. Can they get past everything that has pushed them apart to get to their happily-ever-after? Or are they fated for another heartbreak?

This is a sweet, clean read that finds everyone rooting for true love to have its day. Now the unhappy-no-longer-a-couple just has to give love a chance. Easier said than done, and Lex isn't planning on talking anytime soon.

If you are looking for an easy-to-read romance that will fit into your purse and fill those free minutes you may have during the upcoming summer holiday, this is the one that you'll want with you. Sweet but not sweet tea sweet, with a touch of comedy (there is an incident with pie), and clean reading - this one has everything you need to enjoy it, and it will be a guilt-free pleasure.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Release Date: May 5, 2022
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Clean

About the Book:

I should've known I couldn't avoid seeing Hudson Remington again for the rest of my life, especially when we share best friends who are getting married.

Does that mean I'm prepared to run into him? Nope. Not one bit. I am less prepared when my best friend requests he and I plan a joint bachelor party. Of course, I'd be stuck with the man who broke my heart. Why would the universe stop at a simple encounter?

It would be a piece of cake if Hudson returned to New York and stopped taking over the streets of our hometown. Instead, he decides it's time for a walk down memory lane.

I refuse to get caught up in everything that is Hudson. From his tailored suits to his dazzling smile and coffee delivery, the man yells trouble for my heart. A second chance is not part of my plans, but it seems said heart has other ideas. I don't think I'll recover from another Hudson-heartbreak.

Only $0.99 (Also available in Kindle Unlimited) https://amzn.to/3GcvY60

Tacos for Two ~ Review

Tacos for Two

By Betsy St. Amant

Rory Perez has a problem - she's taken over her late aunt's food truck and she couldn't cook the Mexican fare that Salsa Street is known for to provide her livelihood. Hence her problem - thankfully none of the regulars know that and she has handy help in Grady, who does all of the cooking that is edible. 

Jude Strong has a problem equal to Rory's - he is about to be trapped in the quagmire of his family's law firm, at least if he passes his bar exam. But law just isn't something Jude is passionate about. Rather his heart longs to call a kitchen home. But before he can make a life change and get cut out of Daddy's will and possibly the family forever Jude needs a plan in place. And what could be better than getting actual cooking experience and lessons from his favorite food truck vendor? 

Well, you can imagine how that goes with Rory giving cooking lessons - the blind leading the blind - not quite since Jude actually does know his way around a kitchen. But you now have the perfect setup for a RomCom movie as these two are anonymous dating app texting pals, yeah that is a thing in this book. (Might be something to check out if it actually worked but I'm skeptical.) Anyhow if you combined a Hallmark movie with Ratatouille (yes, the cooking rat cartoon) you just might get Tacos for Two. Overall this is a cute uncomplicated read that is just pure escape reading to get you out of your ordinary. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I give my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Rory Perez, a food truck owner who can't cook, is struggling to keep the business she inherited from her aunt out of the red--and an upcoming contest during Modest's annual food truck festival seems the best way to do it. The prize money could finally give her a solid financial footing and keep her cousin with special needs paid up at her beloved assisted living home. Then maybe Rory will have enough time to meet the man she's been talking to via an anonymous online dating site.

Jude Strong is tired of being a puppet at his manipulative father's law firm, and the food truck festival seems like the perfect opportunity to dive into his passion for cooking and finally call his life his own. But if he loses the contest, he's back at the law firm for good. Failure is not an option.

Complications arise when Rory's chef gets mono and she realizes she has to cook after all. Then Jude discovers that his stiffest competition is the same woman he's been falling for online the past month.

Will these unlikely chefs sacrifice it all for the sake of love? Or will there only ever be tacos for one?

The Cul-de-Sac War ~ Review

 The Cul-de-Sac War

 By Melissa Ferguson

Sometimes Love and Hate share a backyard

Bree Leake's first introduction to Chip McBride is when he comes to her "rescue" when her costume for A Midsummer Night's Dream has a wee problem. They just seem to click. But then life gets in the way and it is all-out war as Bree tries to force Chip to move out of the house he's just bought - the house next door to the one that belonged to her Nana. 

It's not that there is anything wrong with Chip, other than the fact that he has a monster killer dog that has taken an obsessive liking to Bree. Bree can't see how being tackled and drooled all over is proof of like and she is not putting up with it.

This is one Cute Meet doomed 30 seconds after it began. Or is it? As the neighborly pranks escalate Bree and Chip find themselves caught up in something neither expected.

With her job on the line, Bree is going all out to get a role in the upcoming production at The Barter. The very theater that Chip is hoping to win the reconstruction contract for. But to get his foot in the door means that Chip needs Bree's inside scope on how to get a foot up on the competition - competition that includes his father and older brothers. 

The Cul-de-Sac War is a change of pace read for me. This is a contemporary read with a rom-com thread running throughout. Chip and Bree are both carrying the pain of family loss and the need to prove themselves. After a first meeting that offers the potential for something more, everything between them swiftly goes downhill faster than a downhill skier chasing a world record. But their neighborhood war is soon the fodder of neighborly gossip. If you are looking for a fun and diverting story that will take you out of your day-to-day, look no further. This is my first time reading Melissa Ferguson and after this delightfully amusing read, I'm sure it will not be my last.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

All's fair in love and prank wars. 

Melissa Ferguson's new novel proves that good fences make good neighbors--and that sometimes love and hate share a backyard.

 

Bree Leake doesn't want to be tied down. She's had more jobs than she can count--and the next stop on her journey is The Barter, the nation's oldest live performance theater in Abingdon, Virginia. But just when it's time to move on again, Bree's parents make her an offer; hold steady in Abingdon for one full year, and they will give her the one thing she's always wanted--her grandmother's house. Her dreams are coming true . . . until life at the theater throws her some curveballs.

And then there's her new neighbor. Chip McBride.