CHRISTMAS ARC REVIEW Christmas in Harmony Harbor by Debbie Mason

Harmony Harbor #9, I love this book. It's the last book of the series, or at least it plays out like it is the last. It works as a standalone but there is quite a bit of back story along with the Gallaghers and Greystone Manor. I enjoyed the entire series this one made me bawl at the end. It really is the perfect ending heartwarming and just a little bittersweet.

Evangeline Christmas left her NYC psychiatric practice behind to run the all year round Christmas store, Holiday House, in Harmony Harbor. A store that has been in her family for about a century and now it's being threatened by international real estate developer, Caine Elliot. Holiday House is Evie's haven and she will do anything to save it even make a deal with the devil. The devil being Caine and the deal more like a bet. Evie has an Angel Tree where people put up wishes that aren't easily done. She bets Caine that he can't do three Angel Wishes before Christmas, if she wins Caine takes his development of Wicklow Tower somewhere else and if she loses then she leaves no arguing, no more protests and convinces the rest of the town too. Evie plans it to where it's very much like a Christmas Carol and these acts of kindness will turn Caine from Scrooge at the beginning of the book to Scrooge at the end of the book.     

It wouldn't be so hard if Evie and Caine weren't also fighting their attraction to each other. The first wish brings Caine into close proximity to Evie daily which allows the both of them to get to know each other better. The more they find out about each other the more they like each other until they both give in to the attraction and fall in love. Caine's Grandmother is not an easy woman and she is dead set on ruining the Gallaghers and if she has to scare away Evie to move things along she will.

Overall, this was a great story this is one of my favorites. What am I going to do without this series?

via GIPHY

ARC REVIEW Barefoot Beach by Debbie Mason

Harmony Harbor #8, As always the blurbs of these books only cover part of the story, and that's because there is always so much story. I have read all the previous books and I don't think this would be a good stand alone I think it could be done but because all the drama with the manor and the huge family it might lose some people. I can't get enough of it, I freakin' love this series so I would recommend reading all the books. It's a heartfelt small town romance with enough family drama to keep it interesting, especially in the last two books.

Theia Lawson has faced adversity in her life first from her uncle, the man who raised her, and her cousins then from the Navy and becoming a fighter pilot. Theia is no wilted flower she is as stubborn as she is competitive and no has ever challenged her or created such lust in her like Marco DiRossi. Marco isn't interested in a relationship right now  everytime he gets close to proposing he clams up, he freezes so maybe he's just not cut out for it. But when Daniel Gallagher has another near miss with death and calls in his daughters Marco knows the matchmaking grandmas are going to be bugging him. Theia's the pilot who flies in the sisters but thanks to one the twin terrors her plane gets set on fire and almost crashes. And then they meet. Theia doesn't like Marco at first, she attracted to him, but she doesn't like him. Marco is fascinated with the hardheaded Theia from the get go. After both his grandma and Kitty Gallagher try to set him up with two different women he realizes the key to being left alone is by pretending to be already dating someone, Theia. They soon realize they aren't pretending. But Theia has secrets, secrets that can ruin everything.

Overall, this is one of my favorites so far. I stayed up way too late reading this last night I could not put it down. I fell in love with Marco and Theia. With everything that was going on it pulls at your heartstrings and gives you a very satisfying ending.   

GREAT SUMMER READING with Debbie Mason and R.C. Ryan

Two of my favorite summer reads this year so far are Debbie Mason's Sandpiper Shore and R.C. Ryan's Cowboy on my Mind. What I mean of course they are summer books that are perfect for that beach read, sitting by the pool, or even just your favorite outdoor reading spot.

Harmony Harbor #6, I found the blurb on this one a little off, Jenna is a matchmaker, she owns a successful business with her stepmother until recently, she's engaged to the perfect guy until he walks in into her stepsisters dress shop and tells her the weddings off. The next thing Jenna knows she's jobless, broke, her stepsisters hate her and the only one really on her side, besides her best friend, is Logan Gallagher who has recently saved her from her ex and from herself more than once all in the span of a half a day. Protecting people is what Logan does, he's in the Secret Service, but when he meets Jenna her damsel in distress vibe is strong and he finds he can't help himself and keeps coming to her aid. After that horrible day they maintain a nice friendship. He even helps her get the job as a fill in wedding planner at Greystone Manor. But then Logan's job calls him away and then there's a car accident and when Logan comes back he not only can't remember the last few weeks of his life including everything that happened with Jenna he's engaged. To top it all off Jenna now has to plan Logan's wedding...to a princess.

Overall, I really enjoyed it. Jenna's poor life spirals out of control and nothing seems to be going right and just when she thinks things are finally going her way she gets thrown a curveball or two. This is a great Cinderella story, complete with mean stepsisters and a horrible stepmother and all Jenna ever wanted was for them to be a family. I loved the characters, especially Logan, the writing is so funny and heartwarming and with a little bit of intrigue to make it really interesting. I love Debbie Mason's Harmony Harbor series.

Montana Strong #1, This series starts off strong with a great introduction to characters. Montana rancher, Mac, a recent widower who not only lost his wife lost his son as well. With nothing else to live for he's on the verge of taking his own life when three young brothers who ran away from their individual foster homes break into his house in the middle of a blizzard. Seeing those boys so desperate to stay together and willing to work hard gives Mac a reason to keep going. Years later each of the three trouble makers has made something of themselves the eldest Ben is now helping out the Sheriff acting as a deputy at least temporarily until the sheriff can get back on his feet after an injury. Becca left Haller Creek the first chance she got and at first she never wanted to come back but after being gone for so long she realized how much she missed home. Becca is determined to keep her independence from her controlling and old fashioned parents and she wants to prove herself a good business woman to her Dad. Becca is not the only one back in Haller Creek, Will is back from seminary school and Becca's parents keep pushing to get her and Will to get into a relationship, but everytime her and Will are alone together someone takes a shot at them. Each shot is a miss so they are a crappy shot or they are just trying to scare them either way Ben is determined to protect Becca at all costs. Becca always had a crush on Ben, from the very first day and he's always protected her no matter what. Ben has always had a crush on Becca but was hesitant to act on it since her Dad hates Ben, but now Becca is a grown woman and she finally has the courage to act on her feelings and what she wants almost as much as she wants a successful business is Ben. It's not going to be an easy road to their HEA.

Overall, this was a great read. I love the relationship between Mac and the boys and how all three of the brothers are so different but their bond is strong and Becca fit in perfectly with their family dynamic. It was a nice tease for the other two brothers and I can't wait for their stories. Becca and Ben is a nice romance they are older and wiser and they are not going to let this second chance pass them by and dealing with Becca's dad is a handful but all in all I loved every aspect of this book.       

      

Forever Summer Reading Q & A with Debbie Mason

Summer Q&A with Debbie Mason

Favorite summer drink?

Debbie: It used to be a mojito with a sprig of basil instead of mint. But ever since I visited New Orleans with my daughter it’s been a Pimm’s Cup. (Pour 1 part Pimms in a tall glass with crushed ice, add 2 parts 7 up, ginger ale or carbonated lemonade, then toss in some cucumber slices, orange slices, lemon slices, sliced strawberry and a sprig of mint. Enjoy!)

Ideal summer vacation?

Debbie: A log cabin on a lake with the rest of the family in cabins close by.

Go-to summer clothing item?

Debbie: Maxi sundress.

If you were stuck on an island, what 3 items would you have to have?

Debbie: I’d put my hubby on the top of my list, but I don’t think he qualifies as an item.  So instead I’d bring a big knife, a big box of waterproof matches, and a really, really big box of books.

What character in your new novel would you like to hang out with this summer and why?

Debbie: I was going to say Logan Gallagher because not only is he a great guy and incredibly hot, he’s a secret service agent. But I’m married and he’s kind of taken, not to mention he’s too young for me. So I’ll go with wedding planner Jenna Bell.

Jenna might be younger than me, but I think we’d be great friends. We have quite a bit in common. We love books, a good Cinderella story, and we believe in soulmates and happily-ever-afters—well, Jenna believed in them until her fiancé and her stepmother . . . Oops, I have to stop there. No spoilers allowed. 

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Sandpiper Shore, book 6 in the Harmony Harbor series, by Debbie Mason will hit shelves on June 26, 2018.

Buy link: https://www.forever-romance.com/titles/debbie-mason/sandpiper-shore/9781538744215/

About Debbie Mason: Debbie Mason is the bestselling author of the Christmas, Colorado and Harmony, Harbor series. When she isn't writing or reading, Debbie enjoys spending time with her very own real-life hero, their three wonderful children and their son-in-law, and their two adorable grandbabies in Ottawa, Canada. For more on Debbie and her books, please visit www.debbiemason.com.

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#ForeverSummerReading Sweepstakes

ARC REVIEW Sugarplum Way by Debbie Mason

A little bit of Christmas Romance for your ever growing TBR list...

Yay! Harmony Harbor book four. Sugarplum Way centers around the adorable bookstore owner, Julia Landon and the gruff, newly divorced, single dad Aidan. I had to keep reminding myself Landon, not London wouldn't want to confuse the fictional romance author with the real life one. This was another fun and exciting story, though I do recommend reading the previous books, even though important things or kind of explained it can get a bit confusing especailly with the side story of Colleen the ghost and her book of secrets and since most of the book doesn't take place at the Inn she doesn't show up for a couple of chapters, and then there is the whole thing with Kitty and Jasper, no spoilers.

 So far all the Gallagher brothers have start off as jerks but worm their way into your heart. Aidan is no different he is so suspicious of Julia, he's been a cop long enough to know when someone is hiding something and Julia is definitely hiding something. Julia is hiding something several things in fact, one of them being that she writes romance and ever since the kiss she shared with Aidan last year under the mistletoe she hasn't been able to stop writing about him. Unintentionally she wrote Aidan as the hero of her story. Aidan is down right rude to her at the start of the book and as much as she doesn't want to admit and no matter how many times she tells herself he's a rude jerk she still uses him to fuel her fantasies.

 The other secret is one Julia is willing to take to the grave, it's the reason she's played the fairy godmother to the Gallagher Family making sure they get their HEA. Aidan doesn't want Julia meddling in his family especially his Dad's love life, but between trying to thwart her efforts and the family's machinations they end spending more and more time together until Aidan actually starts to enjoy her company. She even manages it to where he can see his daughter on a daily basis without his ex getting any ideas about a reconciliation. But that one secret Julia is hiding she can never tell to Aidan because then she would lose him forever. Jasper's hiding place for Colleen's book of secrets is compromised and the revealing of the secret is only a matter of time. The real question is can Aidan still love Julia after he finds out?

 Overall, loved it! Love the whole series. and there are at least two more on the way. Ella Rose, Aidan's daughter, is absolutely adorable and I really hope we see more of Julia's Dad and brothers, big ol' Texas boys. So much happens before and after the big secret reveal and it's funny, and heartbreaking and all very exciting. The whole series so far has been an emotional rollercoaster ride but one that you want to ride again and again.

ARC REVIEW Primrose Lane by Debbie Mason

Book three in Debbie Mason's Harmony Harbor series. Yet another fantastic emotional journey for two people clueless to the fact that they are perfect for each other. Olivia Davenport has left her old life behind, or at least tried. She is now living at Greystone Manor and is the events planner under the name Dana Templeton, her past life one is one she left in pain and didn't want to return to it no matter what until forces beyond her control bring her old life to her. Finn Gallagher is just home to recuperate after being shot while in Africa working with Doctors Without Borders, as a doctor Finn knows an addict when he sees one and he immediately becomes suspicious of Dana. She's obviously hiding from something and he won't stop until he finds out what.

Ever since Olivia buried her son and then her husband she has had problems sleeping and problems with anxiety, she took her prescriptions maybe a little more that recommended but Finn flat out telling her she was abusing it in front of an audience it embarrassed her. It isn't until Finn finds out who she is and what she went through that he realizes just how broken she thinks she is and he feels the need to fix it for her.

Olivia son was dying of cancer and everyone was making her feel guilty for trying everything to cure him. Olivia and her husband were separated, her husband was a doctor working in Africa had an affair and fathered another child shortly after their son died he on his way back to the states and his plane crashed. He died before Olivia could finalize the divorce. Olivia has been hiding from her past life hoping she could get past the pain and move on she thought she was finally doing it when her husband's lawyer calls her and informed her that she has gained custody of her husband's other child, and girl named George; her mother went missing and is presumed dead. After a near breakdown she admits everything to Finn who quickly jumps in to help out. Olivia doesn't want George but takes her in none the less, they drive each other crazy it seems that George listens to everyone but her it's only after they bond over the death of Olivia's son that they find some common ground and finally start to get along.

Finding peace with George isn't the only thing wreaking havoc in Olivia's life right now, after her husband's parents find out about George and know they can hurt Olivia with it they threaten to take George way from her. And there is still someone out to ruin Graystone Manor and this time Olivia gets caught in the crossfire. The romance between Finn and Olivia was a sweet one, he was a bit of an ass at the beginning but soon jumped in to help out. Understanding Olivia was just the start and once he realized he loved her all he had to do was convince her that nothing could come between them.

Overall, it was a eventful book so much happens it makes you laugh and cry and with a touch of suspense at the end this book really has it all, complete with a mischievous ghost and her cat.      

ARC REVIEW Starlight Bridge by Debbie Mason

A second chance for romance...

STARLIGHT BRIDGE

Harmony Harbor #2

Debbie Mason

Releasing Feb 28, 2017

Forever

A second chance for romance...

Hidden in Graystone Manor is a book containing all the dark secrets of Harmony Harbor, and Ava DiRossi is determined to find it. No one-especially not her ex-husband, Griffin Gallagher-can ever discover what really tore her life apart all those years ago. With Griffin back in town, it's more important than ever that she find the book before someone else does. Because her ex is still angry with her for leaving him. And he still has no idea Ava never stopped loving him...

Ava is no longer the vibrant, happy woman Griffin had once loved and married, and he would do anything to bring back the sparkle to her brilliant green eyes. But what's never changed are the sexy sparks of attraction between Ava and Griffin, and he won't give her up again without a fight. He knows there's the real possibility of a future together... if the truth doesn't burn the bridge between them forever.

Harmony Harbor book two, Starlight Bridge. I love a good second chance romance and this one was wonderful. Ava and Griffin never stopped loving each other but for reasons Ava never shared they divorced. The two characters, Ava and Griffin, were we written and very easy to connect with their chemistry was palpable. The love and loyalty to Griffin in the Gallagher family is obvious because of their dislike toward Ava after the divorce. As a whole this book has so much going on; Sophie, from Mistletoe Cottage book one of the series, is still trying to save Greystone Manor and make it successful and trying to convince Ava to take on the head chef's position. When Greystone Manor gets into a wedding show competition with a rival there is more at stake then just the competition.  

Ava quit school and moved back home to take care of her father who was in a bad crash and became paralyzed. Ava silently withdrew more and more into herself and became just a shadow of the person she once was. Griffin tried to move on even remarried and divorced again all the while convincing himself he hated Ava and trying to figure out what he did wrong to push her away. The only person Ava told the truth to was Colleen Gallagher, and when Colleen died and admitted to writing down all the secrets in her memoirs in her video will Ava knew she had to find that before anyone else to make sure her secret stayed a secret. Ava has successfully avoided Griffin for the better part of the decade but when he comes home to help with the renovations at the manor and is staying at the manor there is no avoiding him. Especially since a certain ghost and her cat keep trying to push them together. But with the Bridal show competition going one and someone trying hard to make sure they fail and to make things even worse for Ava, Griffin's second wife shows up unexpectedly and is determined to make Ava's life hell. 

Lexie, Griffin's other ex, blames everything on Ava. I hated Lexi for most of the book, understandably Lexi's dislike toward Ava was because she didn't know Ava and all she was the the "broken" Griffin she left behind but Lexi's dislike became childish after a while. Griffin and Ava are meant to be together and no matter of disgruntled ex-wives, belligerent french chefs, or suspicious butlers will stand in their way to be together again. But when the past rears it's ugly head it may be more than Ava can handle.

Overall, Great book. It was a great romance with some excitement, angst, and humor.

Griffin Gallagher gaped at his ex-wife standing fully clothed under the shower’s icy spray. Beneath a dripping wet gray sweater several sizes too big, her uniform clung to her birdlike frame, an ugly pair of shoes on her feet. Her long, jet-black hair plastered to her head, Ava stared at him through the water streaming down her pale, gaunt face.
Despite the changes to the woman he’d once loved more than life itself, he felt a familiar stirring, a familiar heat low in his belly. He was reacting to her as though nothing had changed. With her gaze riveted on the evidence of his body’s betrayal, embarrassment and anger coursed through him. 

“What the hell are you doing in here, Ava?” He shut off the water with such force that he nearly ripped the lever off the wall. 

Her impossibly green eyes jerked to his face, reminding him where they’d lingered only seconds before. Swearing under his breath, he covered himself with the shower curtain and then leaned to his right to grab two towels off the rack. He threw her one. She blinked and caught it before it hit her in the face. 

Reeling from the realization that he still wanted her, still felt something for her after all this time, he said through clenched teeth, “Get out. Now,” and wrapped the towel around his waist. 

“I...I’m sorry. I didn’t expect you so soon. I was…I was just cleaning the tiles.”
Everything about her was foreign to him—the meek, stammering voice; the way she stood with her shoulders bowed; the raw, chapped hands that trembled as she brought the towel to her face. She looked exhausted, and she was lying. 

He opened his mouth to ask her what was going on. Then quickly closed it before he uttered the questions that had been eating at him since he saw her at his great-grandmother’s funeral. Are you okay? What happened to you? What can I do to take the shadows from under your eyes? It was no longer his job, no longer his right.

He’d been there before, a long time ago. And all it had gotten him was a broken heart. It’d taken him years to recover. There’d been a time when he didn’t think he ever would. With Ava, he’d never again allow his heart to overrule his head.

Debbie Mason is the bestselling author of the Christmas, Colorado series and Harmony Harbor series. Her books have been praised for their "likable characters, clever dialogue and juicy plots" (RT Book Reviews). She also writes historical paranormals as Debbie Mazzuca. Her MacLeod series has received several nominations for best paranormal as well as a Holt Medallion Award of Merit. When she isn't writing or reading, Debbie enjoys spending time with her very own real-life hero, their three wonderful children, two adorable grandbabies, and a yappy Yorkie named Bella.

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