Book Review: Peter Cratchit's Christmas Carol by Drew Marvin Frayne

Peter Cratchit, a young lad preparing to make his way in the world, is the eldest son of Scrooge’s lowly clerk Bob Cratchit. Peter flourishes under the tutelage of his “Uncle” Scrooge and seeks to make his mark as a man of business, like his uncle before him.

One Christmas Eve, as Scrooge lays dying, Peter embarks on a risky ocean voyage that he believes will secure the future for his family. Onboard, Peter finds love, happiness, and success, only to lose it all by the voyage’s end.

Returning to London, Peter shuns his family and instead finds himself living on the streets, haunted by his failures and his dead lover, selling his body just to survive while he waits for the winter cold to claim him once and for all. But winter snows also mean Christmas is coming, and for the Cratchit family, Christmas is a time of miracles. Can a visit from three familiar spirits change Peter’s life again? Is there one more miracle in store for the lost son of one of Dickens’ most enduring families? 

I thought this was a delightful and fresh take on the classic Charles Dickens story, A Christmas Carol. I enjoyed reading a continuation of the story from Peter's point of view and how he navigates through life and love. If you're looking for a quick and interesting Christmas read, this is the one for you!

I received a copy of this book from the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design and voluntarily provided my honest review. 

 

~ M

Book Review: All or Nothing by Riina Y.T.

When shy sociology student Remington Belotti finds himself stuck on campus two days before Christmas, the handsome and untouchable Carter McCormack unexpectedly offers him a ride home. Having secretly longed for Carter’s attention for over a year, his sudden interest, along with the kind gesture, gives Remmy hope that his attraction might be returned, after all.

On their way to Remy’s hometown, they encounter bad weather and are overtaken by an unforgiving blizzard, leaving them stranded along the highway. The sparks of attraction fly in the safety of Carter’s car, where they share heartfelt confessions along with body heat and gummy bears. When they check into a motel for the night, their electrifying bond deepens, and their shared time might just bring Remmy and Carter the Christmas surprise they could only have dreamed of.

This is a sweet, feel-good story about two guys who have been crushing on each other for a long time and finally get to confess their feelings when they travel together and are eventually stuck with one another during a snow storm. I really enjoyed the likeable characters and seeing their relationship develop. If you're in the mood for a quick, heartwarming read, this is the book for you!

I received a copy of this book from the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design and voluntarily provided my honest review.

~ M

Book Review: Puzzle Me This by Eli Easton

Luke Shumaker begins receiving cryptic messages in the local newspaper's daily crossword puzzle that seem eerily aimed at him. Alex Shaw, a crossword puzzle writer, has had a crush on the game designer, and fellow neighbor, for a while and figures the messages would be an interesting and different way to get his attention. When the men finally meet, there is instant chemistry, but there is also one glaring obstacle: Alex is confined to a wheelchair. 

I thought this story was sweet and relatively uncomplicated. The chemistry between the MCs was great and I really enjoyed their humorous banter. I did feel that the requisite conflict/misunderstanding was little cliche, but the author didn't drag it out forever. Unfortunately, the ending came rather abruptly and left me wanting more to help tie things up completely.

Like many of Andrew Grey's books, I appreciated that Eli Easton incorporated towns and locations with which I'm familiar in rural Pennsylvania. It's always nice to read about these places in fiction and know that I can relate in some fashion.

~ M

Book Review: Chef vs. Chef by MJ O'Shea

Bobby Diaz has worked his whole life to get where he is – running a restaurant with his two closest friends, no boss, and generally content. When his best friend Baldwin gets the gig of a lifetime, he asks Bobby to take over the restaurant while he’s gone. He’ll miss his friend, but he’s excited to put himself to the test. He can’t believe he’s getting the chance to finally run his own kitchen.

Cal Mayer is thirty and starting over. His last relationship was a failure. His job went down the drain. So when his cousin Pete, a.k.a Baldwin Powell celebrity chef, offers him a gig in his restaurant, he can’t help but to jump at the offer to reinvent himself.

Bobby and Cal don’t exactly hit it off—to put it lightly. Bobby resents getting Cal dumped in his lap. Cal doesn’t appreciate Bobby’s frosty attitude. They’re stuck together day and night, and their chemistry is undeniable… but will it be sweet summer love or a case of too many chefs in the kitchen?

I enjoyed this latest effort by MJ O’Shea. Anything with chefs, especially chefs who fall in love, is right up my alley. All of the main characters were quite likable for the most part. Bobby was particularly prickly when Cal arrived, but I understood why. My only issue with the story was the inevitable conflict between the main couple. I felt it was a little forced and it’s resolution very rushed. The side characters, Murph and Baldwin/Pete, were great and I will definitely read the first book in the series to learn more about them and their sweet relationship. All in all, this was a good read, even though some of the characters frustrated me at times. lol

3.5 stars

I received a copy of this book from the author via Signal Boost Promotions and voluntarily provided my honest review.

~ M

Book Review & Blog Tour: The Color of Summer by Anna Martin

Tattoo artist Max Marshall races into his hometown of Sweetwater, West Virginia—and is promptly pulled over for speeding. Max’s luck isn’t all bad, though, because he recognizes the deputy, Tyler Reed, Max’s childhood best friend’s older brother.

Reconnecting with Tyler helps Max settle back in, and it also leads to attraction. But when he tries to explore that connection at the grand opening of his tattoo studio—by kissing Tyler—awkwardness ensues. Max wants more, but has he misread Tyler’s signals?

As a single father raising a six-year-old daughter, Tyler doesn’t have much time to date. He’s ignored his attraction to men for years, but he can’t stop thinking about the kiss he shared with Max. If he can handle the complications of dating in a small town and the possible consequences to his career, this romance could blossom with all the colors of summer.

This book was nice. I wasn't wowed, but I didn't dislike it. The main characters are pretty likable, but I didn't really feel much of a connection between the two of them in this slow burn romance. All in all, this is a pleasant book. It's not my favorite from Anna Martin, but I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.

I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily provided my honest review.

~ M

Book Review: Indulge Me (Kitchen Gods #4) by Beth Bolden

Throughout the restaurant industry, Chef Bastian Aquino is a notorious control freak. For two very long years, Kian Reynolds has worked for Bastian as his special assistant, doing whatever he and his restaurant needs. The toughest part isn’t even all the impossible tasks he expects Kian to complete flawlessly—it’s the hopeless, endless love he feels for his older boss.

Falling for someone so far above him might be agonizing, but at least his feelings aren’t unrequited. Bastian fell in love right alongside him, but at the very beginning, they made the choice to abstain for logical, smart, professional reasons.

But love isn’t logical, it isn’t smart, and it definitely isn’t professional. It defies containment, even by Bastian. While he watches Bastian struggle with their attraction, Kian finally comes to the conclusion that he’s done.

He’s done standing off the side, done not getting any of the credit, done letting Bastian define the boundaries of their relationship. Most of all, he’s done waiting.

This is a great slow burn romance! I haven't read the previous books, but I was immediately drawn into Kian and Bastian's lives. They are two complex characters that I truly enjoyed getting to know. I think I'll add the previous books in the series to my TBR to get a better sense of the MCs as well the universe that Beth Bolden has created. Check it out!

I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily provided my honest review.

~ M

Book Review: A Forever Kind of Love by L.A. Bryce

You never forget your first love ... especially when they cause you pain. Chase thought he was doing the right thing when he left Liam years earlier, but when he finds out he was wrong, it might be too late. The trust they once shared may be past the point of repair.

The Forever Kind of Love is a story of second chances that asks the question -- is a good reason enough to wash away the years of hurt it caused? Chase comes home from the military ready to start his life with Liam. But he discovers Liam’s life has already started without him. Is there a place for him in it? Is the possibility of more pain worth the risk for Liam?

If that isn’t hard enough, they only have the week Chase is on leave to come to terms with their future. Can they find forever in seven days?

I enjoyed this short story about second chances at love. The main characters are both likeable, but at times they were a little frustrating because I wanted to shake both of them, hoping they'd gain a little sense. My heart went out to Chase and Liam and the pain they experienced, but I also felt a sense of hope. This is a really sweet story that you can enjoy over your lunch break or a soothing drink at your favorite coffee shop.

I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily provided my honest review.

~ M

Book Review: Under the Felt Mistletoe by Nell Iris

The most wonderful time of the year is about to get even better. 

On a cold, rainy December morning, Finn’s beloved Grampa, his best friend and rock, makes a friend outside their home who he invites in for coffee. The last thing Finn expects is Nelson, a man with a painful past, who is beautiful and generous and turns Finn’s knees into jelly. 

What starts out as a chance to get out of the rain, soon becomes more as Nelson helps Finn get ready for the Christmas market. They bond over coffee and fabric and Mariah Carey. Can handmade Christmas ornaments and an understanding heart give Nelson the love he’s been denied?

I really enjoyed this quick story about two men finding love at Christmastime. The characters are all very likable and the story as a whole will warm your hearT and bring a smile to your face! If you're in the mood for a fast and uncomplicated holiday read, this is the book for you!

I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily provided my honest review.

~ M

Book Review: Sugar Cookies and Mistletoe by Kay Doherty

Preston believed he would never find his mate. When he finally does, he’s in for a surprise. His mate, Dylan, is a rare omega wolf-shifter, but he’s still a child himself. Due to the unusual circumstances, the families agree to keep Preston and Dylan separated, only allowing monitored emails to be exchanged between them. Six years later, Dylan returns to the wolf-shifter town of Barton, and Preston. With Christmas just around the corner, it’s the perfect time for Dylan to meet the Callahan Pack, reunite with his mate, and figure out exactly what his omega status means for his future with Preston.

I don't read shifter books very often, but the synopsis of this book caught my attention. I was intrigued by a wolf-shifter finding his mate, but having to wait because that person is still a child. I ended up really liking this novella. Preston and Dylan are very likable characters and I rooted for their happiness. Due to the short length of the book, we, unfortunately, are pushed through the mates' years of separation. I would have loved to have seen what both Dylan and Preston had to endure during the six years that they were apart. We receive little clues after they're reunited, but it would have been great to actually see those moments fleshed out in detail. All in all, this is a sweet, quick read that will bring a smile to your face.

I received a copy of this book from the author, via IndiGo Marketing & Design, and voluntarily provided my honest review.

Buy Links

Ninestar Press | Amazon

~ M

Book Review: Blind Date by Kay Doherty

Dekker Callan is content with his life though he knows something is missing. Wanting the kind of love his friends share with their partners, Dekker is talked into taking part in a modeling and dating show as part of a fundraiser. He immediately falls in love with the anonymous, sexy voice on the other side of the wall, but fate has a surprise in store–his mystery man isn’t single.

Slade Gannon wasn’t supposed to take part in the dating show. That spot was for his roommate, Phil, who becomes ill and asks Slade to take his place. Slade has just recently gone through a breakup with his cheating boyfriend, George. Shocked and pleased when he wins the interest of handsome Dekker Callan, before he can go on the obligatory blind date, his ex asks for a second chance. Believing Dekker can’t possibly be as good on the inside as he looks on the outside, Slade agrees.

Dekker and Slade hit it off immediately, drawn to each other despite Slade being involved with someone else. They finally get their opportunity to be together when Slade finds out his boyfriend is still cheating, but just as they seem to discover the happiness they’ve been waiting for, George throws them one last hurdle—and this one may prove to be insurmountable.

This was an interesting read for me. Dekker is a very likable character, but the underlying storyline and what happens between the two MCs left a somewhat bad taste in my mouth. Had Slade not already been in a relationship, everything would have been cool, but the George situation, even though he wasn't the best guy in the world, made it difficult for me to root for the MCs.

I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily provided my honest review.

~ M

Book Review: Us Again by Nell Iris

When Alex gets a call in the middle of the night telling him his ex-boyfriend is in the hospital, he only hesitates for a second before rushing to Sammy’s side. But the Sammy in the hospital bed is fragile and not the same man who told Alex to leave seven months ago.

Alex wants to help Sammy get better and is desperate to find out what went wrong between them. Maybe he’ll even get a second chance with the man he hasn’t been able to get over.

But will Sammy let Alex back into his life?

This is a very emotional and visceral short story. We are immediately thrown into the turmoil that Alex and Sammy are experiencing after their sudden break up and Sammy's admittance into the hospital. My heart broke for Alex as he tried to be there for his former love, even when he was unsure about the entire situation. The reason for the break up didn't quite measure up to the build up in my opinion, but I commend Nell Iris for writing such a heart wrenching story in under 10,000 words.

I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily provided my honest review.

~ M

Book Review: Falling Into Love by Kris T. Bethke and Nell Iris

Liam O’Donoughue is happy with his life. He runs V Wilderness Adventures with his best friends, his chosen brothers, and gets to spend his days hiking in the gorgeous Adirondacks. What’s not to love? But when he meets Austin on a hike, he thinks he’s found something he didn’t even know was missing.

Austin Jock is content with his work as a radiology tech and playing bass in a cover band. Someday he wants to find his forever person but doesn’t believe in romantic fireworks and isn’t sure it’ll ever happen. Then Liam comes crashing into his life, igniting sparks. Huge, life-altering sparks.

The connection between the two men is instant, and things move fast. But Austin isn’t sure what to do with everything he’s feeling inside. Can Liam convince him falling in love is the easiest thing in the world?

This is a pretty cut and dry, yet pleasant story. It has plenty of fluffy moments, the angst is low and the characters are likable. If you're looking for an easy and quick read about two men falling in love, this is the book for you!

  I received a copy of this book from the authors and voluntarily provided my honest review.

Buy Links
Amazon

~ M

Book Review: In Vino Veritas by Sydney Blackburn

Anthony Beretta inherited the family winery at the tender age of twenty-four. It’s a struggle to keep it up, but he loves it and is determined to make it work even if it kills him. That is, if a motorcyclist doesn’t kill him first. He initially judges the man, attractive as he may be, on the basis of his appearance and apparently limited vocabulary. He soon discovers he’s wrong, but by then Oscar Kennett has already judged Anthony on his appearance.

Oscar thinks Tony Beretta is uptight and snobbish, and Tony’s speech for the charity they’re working on together reinforces that, even when he finds out Tony did it just to push his buttons. His adorable curls and sexy glasses might not be enough to change his mind, but maybe there’s more to Tony than meets the eye.

This is a no-fuss, no muss book with likable characters and low angst. Of course, the characters do have their moments when they let their feelings, rather than logic, overtake them, but all in all, it was very pleasant and enjoyable; a great summer read!

3.5 stars 

I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily provided my honest review.

~ M

Book Review and GIVEAWAY: Shoes & Ties/Lumber & Law/Forever & Always by Jena Wade

Shoes & Ties
This is a pleasant opposites attract story. It's relatively uncomplicated and a very easy read. I really liked Ashten and his family, but it took a while to warm up to Trent. He seemed a little over-the-top with his judgments, but some of the reasoning behind that is eventually revealed. If you're in the mood for a sweet story with little angst, this is the book for you!

                                                                      3.5 stars

Lumber & Law
In this sequel to Shoes & Ties, we now focus on Ashten's twin brother, Jesse. I really liked Jesse and thought he was a fun character. I felt a little bad for him because everyone seemed to think that he didn't take anything seriously, but I saw him as a successful architect who was excellent at his job, handled the family business very well and was motivated and committed to running marathons on a regular basis. Sure, he sometimes spoke before he thought and cracked jokes, but I didn't see the "class clown" image other characters described. Much like the last book, Troy took a while to warm up to, and his insistence in staying the closet didn't exactly make me like him any faster. However, he and Jesse did have a sweet relationship that was interesting to see develop.

3.5 stars 

Forever & Always
This final sequel consists of a true moment in time, maybe a few days. In this short story, I was very surprised by Ashten's attitude. He was so understanding and patient in Shoes & Ties, but in Lumber & Law his judgemental attitude seemed to sprout, and I was actually alarmed by some of the things he said and the way he reacted to situations in this book. It's as if he and Trent switched places: Trent was much more patient and accepting while Ashten became judgemental and acerbic.

All in all, I enjoyed getting to know the characters in this series. In terms of the writing, the books flowed very well and kept a good pace throughout.

~ M

Book Review: A Love to Remember by Sarah Hadley Brook

Graham Hayes decided long ago he’d never be in a relationship. It was better to stay single than to fall in love only to be left alone, which he was certain would happen to him. He’d seen Alzheimer’s ravage his family members all his life, leaving their loved ones to deal with the fallout. Some of them stayed, but some didn’t. Graham isn’t going to risk it.

When he hires nurse Sam Morgan to take care of his dad during the day, his pledge to stay single is put to the test. He soon finds it difficult to maintain a professional distance.

Graham’s guarded his heart for so long, but his resolve is crumbling. Will he be able to conquer his fear to give himself a chance at love? Can he trust Sam to stick around for better or worse?

This is a sweet story that brought a smile to my face. It's relatively uncomplicated and very easy on the angst. I enjoyed watching the relationship between Sam and Graham grow from a one-off at the club to something really special. There were times that I wanted to shake Graham because he allowed fear to dictate too much of his life, but Sam was always there as the voice of reason. All in all, this is a nice read.

3.5 stars

I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily provided my honest review.

~ M

Book Review: Corked by Brigham Vaughn

Sean Powell is having a terrible day. When he walks into Bistro Argent, ready to unwind over a glass of wine with the sommelier, he’s stunned to discover his friend has been replaced by a hot young guy with big ideas. Lucas Spencer is determined to liven up the staid and stodgy wine list, but his brash approach alienates the wine distributor during their first meeting.

There’s no avoiding each other though and the more they butt heads, the hotter the tension between them gets. As they work together and their relationship progresses, they have to figure out how to blend their professional frustration and personal attraction without risking their careers.

Lucas is eleven years younger than Sean, and despite their sizzling chemistry and compatibility, Sean can’t quite believe the feelings are mutual. A wine tasting trip to Traverse City, Michigan threatens their fledgling relationship. Sean’s insecurities rise to the surface as Lucas’s fears of losing Sean lead to jealousy.

Does the relationship have legs or will they find out it’s corked?

I liked this book. It effectively mixes romance, angst, tension and above all, food and wine! Lucas is a very likable and sweet character; however, Sean took a long time to warm up to. He is very judgemental at the beginning of the book, almost to the point of overkill. Demons from Sean's past have left scars and causes him to overthink and think the worst of people who don't really deserve it. The progression of Lucas and Sean's relationship was nice to witness, but sometimes I felt like they were connected on just a physical level and not so much on an emotional level. The writing flowed nicely and set a good pace for the story to unfold.

All in all, this was an enjoyable read that I would recommend to others.

I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily provided my honest review.

~ M

Book Review: Promise Me We'll Be Okay by Nell Iris

What do you do when your past comes knocking?

Six hundred and ninety-five days. That's how long it's been since Jude's fiancé broke off their engagement. With the help of his brother and his all-encompassing love for music, Jude glued the broken pieces of his heart back together, but when his ex shows up on his doorstep late one evening, Jude fears it will fall apart again.

Two years ago, Vincent made a terrible mistake. He left the love of his life for stupid, ill-advised reasons. It took a traumatic event to bring what was truly important in his life into focus. Older and wiser, he's now ready to do whatever it takes to win Jude back.

Their chemistry is as explosive as ever, but will they be able to work through the real issues? Can trust once broken be rebuilt?

This is a sweet, pretty uncomplicated read. All of the characters are likable and I enjoyed watching this small slice of their lives. Although I was happy with the overall direction Jude and Vincent's relationship took, it felt like it wrapped up a little too neatly and easily. To be honest, I expected more of a fight, but all in all, it was a pleasant second-chance-at-love story. The side character, Benji, really stole the show and I would love to see him get his own book one day.

3.5 stars

I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily provided my honest review.

~ M

Sentinel (Theosophi Book #1) by T.A. Creech

A fireball burning up the sky leads farmer Jason Thomas to the strangest thing he's ever found in his pumpkin patch. A man with wings. And no, he doesn't think it's an angel, no matter what his brothers say.

Taking the stranger into his home is hard. Keeping his heart from the stranger's hands? Harder. But everything in him calls to this being and Jason is so damned tired of only having his brothers at his back.

Castiel has no idea what this angel thing is, but the evil that knocked him out of the sky did him a favor. He’d heard the tales of his kin and their missions on Earth with envy and now he has the chance to experience it himself. Better yet, his mate takes him home. One small problem. Castiel has a duty and needs to find a way back. Of course it isn’t going to be that easy.

This is a very pleasant, sweet and funny story about an angel who falls to earth and also falls in love with the man who takes him in. Even though I enjoyed Jason and Castiel's relationship, it seemed to progress pretty fast. Granted, there were time jumps, but I sometimes I felt like I was missing out on parts of their developing relationship. My absolute favorite part of the story occurred between Castiel and a group of trick or treaters. It was really endearing.

Sentinel is not a standalone book, so you will have to read the next two in the series to get the full story. All in all, this is a nice, quick read.

Buy Link
Amazon

~ M

Book Review: Seth and Casey by R.J. Scott

Seth Wild lost everything. After a building collapsed on him while fighting a fire, his job is now in jeopardy. Not only does he have to deal with the physical ramifications of the accident, but also the mental. To top it all off, his anger and frustration caused him to push away the man he loves, Casey McGuire.

While on a field trip, an epic snowstorm blows into the area and traps Casey and his students on a bus. Even though they aren't on the best terms, Casey doesn't know who else to turn to but Seth.

I really enjoyed this short story. It was filled with plenty of angst, tension and excitement. Despite being separated, Seth and Casey were able to put their differences aside, most of the time, in order to deal with the deadly and very scary storm and try their best to keep the students safe. Communication, the lack thereof or the way it is delivered seems to be the running theme throughout the piece. So often I wished Seth and Casey could be more open to each other, but past hurts and the serious situation they were in made it difficult.

I don't want to give away too much of the story, but I definitely recommend this quick read.

I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily provided my honest review.

Buy Link

Amazon

~ M

Dream: A Skins Novel by Garrett Leigh

I can’t sleep…

When unrequited love leaves Dylan Hart sleepless and nursing his wounds, instinct draws him to the one place he's found mindless respite in the past—Lovato’s. It’s a place for every fantasy — for crazy-hot encounters — where a night of insane NSA sex brings relief to Dylan’s fragile feelings.

It should be a perfect escape, and for one magical night it seems that way, but then worlds collide, and reality bites when his hookup desperately needs a friend. Surely Dylan can’t trust his instincts when friendship has bruised his heart so badly before?

It’s burying me alive…

The deck is stacked against former ballet dancer Angelo Giordano ever finding real love. At least visiting Lovato’s offers respite from a life defined by illness; a glimmer of light in the dull grey of his so-called life without dance. But then he encounters Dylan — a glorious ray of the brightest sunshine — who makes his heart pound once more with purpose.

Angelo’s mind is blown by this man, but the disease that ended his career won’t let him bask in new love. He’s drowning, and Dylan can’t save him while insecurities swamp them both. The only way to make it means confronting their demons.

If Dylan can turn his back on the past, and Angelo can face his uncertain future, maybe they can chase their dreams together.

This was a really interesting read. It is hot, there's no doubt about it. The first chapter alone will have you reaching for a bucket of ice. However, it's the deeper issues that really captured my attention. I liked the way that chronic illness was portrayed very realistically. You feel sympathy for the character, but at the same time, he doesn't come off as a cliché. If you're in the mood for a captivating and steamy story with a lot of heart, Dream is the one for you!

I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily provided my honest review.

Buy Link
Amazon

~ M