CHRISTMAS ARC REVIEW Snowbound at Christmas by Debbie Mason

Christmas Colorado #5, Originally published in 2015 this reissue has a nice new cover. This is a great series from Debbie Mason, I've only read 3 out of the 7, not including the novellas, but each book I've read is so great. I love her writing, Christmas, Colorado seems so real in my head with all it's quirky residents and idyllic scenery.

Cat O'Connor loves her hometown she loves her family's ranch especially the people who go out of their way to help and then there is her sister Chloe, pampered and protected since she was an unhealthy baby who grew up into an entitled and selfish actress for a daytime soap. Cat became a police officer until she fell for the wrong man and it ruined her career. Needing to get out of Colorado she moves to LA to work as her sister's.... well everything. After some time Cat realized she was ready to go back home she already told Chloe she was leaving when an "accident" happened. Cat knew one thing for sure it was no accident someone just tried to kill her sister and she wasn't going to leave her sister alone until she found out who.

Grayson Alexander was on a well deserved vacation when his cousin recruited him for a job working undercover on a daytime soap to find out who is trying to kill the lead actress. Unfortunately his grandmother got kicked out of another nursing home and he was stuck with her posing as his manager; a great actress back in her day she fit right in with everyone. Gray himself posing as Lord Harry Halstead a new leading man, opposite Chloe. First off he assumes Cat is the primary suspect until he meets them and after talking to the crew his suspect list grows pushing Cat farther down the list. The more time he spends with them the more he likes Cat but Chloe is under the delusion that Lord Harry and her are a couple. Things don't any easier when they move the shooting to their hometown it just gives the would be killer more opportunity to go after Chloe.       

This is my favorite so far. Overall it was a great read it had several laugh out loud moments and the characters were so amusing. It was fun seeing the process of how Cat and Gray finally got together. Chloe, loved to hate her I so wanted to smack her upside the head. Ty is hysterical along with some of the other Christmas, Colorado residents. Such a fun Christmas Rom-Com I recommend to my book loving friends.

ARC REVIEW My Pen is Huge by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff

My Pen Is Huge

The OHellNo Series Book #5

From New York Times Bestseller Mimi Jean Pamfiloff, Comes a Saucy Minx of a Book, MY PEN IS HUGE. (OHellNo #5 - Standalone.)

Dear Mr. Merrick,

I quit.

And since you’re obsessed with your stupid pen collection, I thought it appropriate to take the big one you love so much and write my resignation letter. Kiss your pen goodbye, big man!

Because when I agreed to work for you—a hotshot journalist I’ve admired for years—no one told me that you had a secret life and that you’d bug my apartment, have someone killed, and make the moves on me just to test whether I’m serious about this job.

I mean, come on! What kind of boss does that? Yes, you’re ten degrees hotter than the sun, and you melt panties everywhere you go, but this “little intern” is done with your games.

From this day forward, consider me your mortal enemy, your biggest threat. Maybe your pen is huge, but my determination is bigger. See you on the battlefield, Mr. Big Pen.

Your ex-admirer,

Gisselle Walters

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Oh Boy! This book. Where to begin? If you have read Battle of the Bulge the you should be familiar with these characters, this book starts before battle of the Bugle and continues past the end of it. So we do get mentions of past characters and an appearance by Abi but this is still completely a stand alone.

They say never meet your heroes, Gisselle get the once in a lifetime opportunity to work for a journalist she admires greatly but once she meets him all the mystique about him gets overshadowed by his chauvinism. Not lasting one day Gisselle discovers he's not who he seems but that doesn't stop her from pursuing her dreams, stealing his stories, and lusting after the man. But when push comes to shove she gives as good as she gets.

Leland Merrick is more than he seems. A sharp dressed man, determined to get his story go anywhere and knows all the right people to get it done. But one woman and his determination for the story gets sidetracked to protecting her from things she doesn't realize she's getting into. Even if she doesn't see it and thinks he's purposefully trying to derail her from her goal, well he is but for her own safety.

Overall, yet another hysterical read from MJP. Seriously this series is great for putting a smile on my face even when feeling depressed. I loved Marrick even when he was an ass. Gisselle is such a character, she conniving... I mean, smart. Her naivety started off funny but gets a little annoying. I can only take so much kindergarten words for sex and body parts. It makes me every excited for the foul mouthed Rose whose book is next. I kinda also want to meet Gisselle's brother. As a lover of puns and innuendos this book gets even more bonus points.          

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About the Author

MIMI JEAN PAMFILOFF is a New York Times bestselling author who’s sold over one million books around the world. Although she obtained her MBA and worked for more than fifteen years in the corporate world, she believes that it’s never too late to come out of the romance closet and follow your dreams. Mimi lives with her Latin lover hubby, two pirates-in-training (their boys), and their three spunky dragons (really, just very tiny dogs with big attitudes) Snowy, Mini, and Mack, in the vampire-unfriendly state of Arizona. She hopes to make you laugh when you need it most and continues to pray daily that leather pants will make a big comeback for men.

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ARC REVIEW Love on Lexington Avenue by Lauren Layne

Central Park Pact #2, I'm happy we didn't have a very long wait for Claire's story. Claire, Aubrey, and Naomi all met when Claire's husband died, Aubrey's boyfriend died, and Naomi's lover died, unfortunately it was all the same man. Claire never knew he was cheating, she didn't find out until after he die. He never told Naomi he was married and he told Aubrey that they were in the process of a divorce. Claire felt betrayed in the worst way so scorned by her husband she said she would never marry again. A year after his death and her newfound friendship with Aubrey and Naomi, Claire is ready to start living her life again and kind of going through a midlife crisis, sort of. She realizes how boring her life was how everything is bland and she wants to change that she wants to be pink lemonade instead of vanilla.

Scott is the contractor Claire hires to do a complete reno of her brownstone, since it hadn't been updated since the seventies. Scott has long been jaded by the actions of his ex-fiancee and has had time to "get over it" he's also never in once place for too long always picking the international jobs. Claire's knows better than to start anything with him and not just because he's best friends with her best friend's boyfriend but he is definitely not her type, but then again.

Overall, another great story from Lauren Layne. Like so many of her other books this has great rom-com qualities, funny situations, quirky side characters, heated looks that lead to scenes that leave just enough to your imagination, and an absolutely adorable dog. I enjoyed the connection between Claire and Scott. I am also really looking forward to Aubrey and Clarke's book from the blurb it sounds like another winner.       

ARC REVIEW The Aussie Next Door by Stefanie London

Patterson's Bluff #1, I've never read Stefanie London before now and let me tell you it was like a change of scenery. Normally when there is an Aussie in books they move to the US in this it's flipped the American is the transplant. Told in alternating first person the narratives are clear, you definitely can tell who's narrating at the time. I love that she tackled the autism spectrum, Jace is a high functioning what use to be referred to as Asperger Syndrome. He likes his schedule but every now and then his mom will shake things up for him like at the beginning of the book where she volunteers him to dog sit two very different dogs, and aging GSD and a younger hyper Chihuahua. It's bad enough Jace's new tenant breaks his schedule as it is but now dogs.

Angie fell in love with Patterson's Bluff, she had been all around Australia and even though she loved the whole country Patterson's Bluff called out to her as home. Angie's Visa is expiring and it's too late to file for an extension she's desperate to stay, but no so desperate that she'd marry the smarmy lawyer, but it does give her an idea. Angie doesn't just want to get married she wants to fall in love and get married in three months.

Jace didn't realize how much he enjoyed having Angie in his life until he knew she was going to be leaving. Sure he knew he was attracted to her but after a disastrous engagement he was hesitant to feel any of those feelings again, but the thought of Angie falling in love with anyone but him sent nervous butterflies through his gut and upset him. Angie would have asked Jace first but when she previously asked about marriage he rejected the notion of marriage so emphatically she never even bothered to ask him, so he asks her. Jace offers a thirty day engagement and if they can work it out they will go through the marriage. But they have so much baggage and insecurities between the two of them and even though they were having fun at first it's only a matter of time before one of them snaps.

Overall, I really did enjoy this read. I loved Jace and his whole family. Angie and Jace balance each other out perfectly the sexual tension between them was well done and their romance was emotional and so funny at the same time. It was really nice for a change to have a book take place in Australia. The writing was fun and those dogs so freakin' cute. 

ARC REVIEW A Highlander Walks Into a Bar by Laura Trentham

Highland, Georgia #1, This book was so enjoyable! All the characters not just the main ones were memorable; I'm glad this is the start of a series I already can't wait to read everyone else's story. I love reading Laura Trentham she has a great narrative voice and is so funny, her romance slow burning building the sexual tension between them until they are combustible and with a heartfelt and sweet ending that leaves me wanting more. I fell in love with Highland, Georgia it sounds like a wonderful place to live; except the humidity would probably kill me in the summer.

Rose and Isabel Buchanan love their hometown. Rose married into one of the founding families and after her husband died she kept his spirit and his love for the town alive by continuing on with his favorite time of the year, the Highland Games. Izzy loves this place just as much as her mother and she has fully accepted that her life will always be in Highland. Izzy usually trusts her mother's judgement so it blindsides her  when Rose comes back from her Scotland trip with more than just a scarf and earrings as souvenirs. The man her mother brought home to help organize the games could be after their land or money, but her mother is infatuated it's up to Izzy to keep things in check.

Alasdair Blackmoor use to be close to his uncle, Gareth, but that was before his father died and the truth came out. Alasdair hasn't seen his uncle since he was eighteen so when his mother calls him and tells him he needs to go to America to bring home his uncle before the American woman swindles away his inheritance he goes to appease his mother. He never expected to find a home away from home, his uncle the happiest he's ever seen, and the feisty and beautiful Isabel. Everything smooths out for the most part Rose has Gareth and Alasdair has Izzy and they are happy and the preparations for the games are going well but Gareth and Alasdair are hiding something from the girls; a big secret that can ruin both their relationships.

Overall, such a joy to read. I laughed, I cried, I fell in love and with the epilogue teasing the next character's book I'm excited and can't wait for it.

ARC REVIEW Applied Electromagnetism by Susannah Nix

Chemistry Lessons #4, I love these nerdy/geeky rom-coms they are something I can relate to and because the characters are more relatable they are more life like for me and I get sucked up into the story and don't want to put it down and end up staying up way to late reading. It's an easy read and fun read, I fell in love with Olivia so was awesome. Olivia was applying for a leadership course and needed two recommendation, she thought to ask Adam he may keep himself apart from the other workers and is a bit of a mystery but he's well respected by the higher-ups. Unfortunately he says no and for what Olivia thinks is a stupid reason. Adam's refusal to write her a recommendation has Olivia going from secret crush to outright dislike to bad an emergency comes up and Olivia is stuck traveling with Adam.

The trip was doomed from the start it started with the plane, it first one had mechanical failure and was delayed their second flight took them to a different location but still within reasonable driving distance to their location. But on top of that there was a hurricane coming in and their flight got diverted to another airport entirely. Their rental car gets a flat in the middle of a storm, and even when they finally get there the hurricane keeps them from working and they are stuck in the same hotel room. The witty banter between Olivia and Adam is the best it's snarky and funny makes the whole book. It's told third person but mainly from over Olivia's shoulder you don't really get Adam's perspective until he reveals it to Olivia.

Overall, this was a wonderful and adorably fun romance with the right amount of heat. It can be read as a stand alone.   

RELEASE BLITZ Colel by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff

Colel, The Mistress of Bees

(Stand Alone)

Mimi Jean Pamfiloff

Book #5, the Immortal Matchmakers, Inc., Series

WARNING:

This book contains foul language, gratuitous sex against a truck, outrageously rude immortal warriors in leather pants, snow, pigheaded gods, a sexually frustrated goddess, a very hot and hunky florist guy with a bad attitude and a big secret, Brutus bubble baths, a sneaky invisible unicorn, unrequited love, bees, bees, and more bees, and chocolates.

Synopsis:

From New York Times Bestseller Mimi Jean Pamfiloff comes a Standalone, Romantic Comedy a la Paranormal.

SOMETIMES LOVE BITES AND SOMETIMES IT STINGS.

Colel, the Goddess of Bees, has been looking for Mr. Right for over seventy thousand years. So when she meets the hunky owner of a small-town flower shop and explodes with flutters and tingles, she’s almost certain that he’s the one.

Only two problems: her tiny black-and-yellow army suddenly won’t let her anywhere near him, and…is that a freaking epinephrine pen in the fridge? “Dear gods! He’s allergic to bees? Say it isn’t so.”

If simply dating the guy will kill him, how will she ever know for sure if he’s really the one?

Colel has a solution, but it’s drastic. Even for her. And what if he says no?

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Oh my flippin' Gods!! This book! Mimi has done it again taken us on a wild ride, between Colel and her crazy ninja assassin bees and Minky. Woooo this book is crazy good, emphasis on the crazy.

Colel has been the Mistress of the Bees since her creation 70-ish thousand years ago and after all that time she's lonely but looking for love when you wear a beehive for a hat isn't easy especially when your bees are very protective. Rys is the one human who has ever sparked a lustful emotion out of Colel but everytime she gets near him her bees freak out and considering the fact he's deathly allergic to bees has her all twisted inside. Meanwhile Zac is dealing with his own romance problems, Minky has gone off her rocker and Cimil well.... it's better if you just read it.

Overall these crazy gods and goddess make for some good laugh out loud fun reading. Mimi has a way with words especially when she's channeling Cimil. Told in third person mainly from over the shoulder of Colel and sometimes Rys and Zac. I love the direction Mimi is taking this, she keeps you guessing. This is a standalone Colel and Rys story begins and ends only Zac and Tula's ongoing tragedy is well.. ongoing, but there is a nice little tease as to what's going on next.    

About the Author

MIMI JEAN PAMFILOFF is a USA Today and New York Times bestselling romance author with over a million books sold worldwide. Although she obtained her MBA and worked for more than fifteen years in the corporate world, she believes that it’s never too late to come out of the romance closet and follow your dream. Mimi lives with her Latin Lover hubby, two pirates-in-training (their boys), and the rat terrier duo, Snowflake and Mini Me, in Arizona. She hopes to make you laugh when you need it most and continues to pray daily that leather pants will make a big comeback for men.

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Immortal Matchmakers, Inc. (Book #1)

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God of Wine (Book #3)

 

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BLOG TOUR Battle of the Bulge by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff

Battle of the Bulge

Mimi Jean Pamfiloff

Synopsis:

From New York Times Bestseller Mimi Jean Pamfiloff comes BATTLE OF THE BULGE, Book Four of the OHellNO Series. (A Standalone.)

“Chicks can’t be bodyguards. Especially hot chicks.”
MY NAME IS MITCH HOFER. I’m a world-famous swimmer from Australia, best known for three things: my gold medals, my looks, and filling out a swimsuit with my…eh-hem—bulky equipment. Let’s just say there’s a reason my nickname is “the Bulge.”
But beyond the fame, sponsors, and glory, there’s more to me than people know, including one hell of a mess I’ve gotten mixed up in. Life-or-death stuff, so bring in the professionals. Just don’t give me a chick bodyguard. Especially a young hot one who distracts me at every turn and hates my guts…

MY NAME IS ABI CARTER, and I hate Mitch Hofer. Yeah, he might be the sexiest champion swimmer in the world, but I’d give this guy a gold medal for being a first-class jerk.
Unfortunately, my boss has given me a choice—guard Mitch or get another job. And I really need the money. I can be professional, but if Mitch says “chicks can’t be bodyguards” one more time, I just might strangle him myself.
Still, something about the way Mitch keeps looking at me makes me think there’s more to his story. It’s almost as if he’s trying to drive me away. But why?

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Another outstanding book from MJP. We first met Abi and Mitch in the last book but this book can be read as a standalone. I would still recommend reading the previous three because they are just awesome. Mimi's New Adult-Sports-Romantic-Comedy blend is typical Mimi; humorous situations, dirty jokes, characters you want to throttle at times and always a romance that hits the spot.
Abi is smart and very loyal to those she loves so when her mom hits a rough patch and is on the verge of losing everything from her business to her home Abi steps up and takes a job with her best friend's fiance, Sam, as a bodyguard. After weeks of training hell Abi is ready for her first assignment, that is until she realizes she's protecting Mitch Hofer.
Mitch has his reasons, he comes off as a chauvinist and self centered but through the first person narration you find out he's a complex guy. There is somewhat of a method to his jerkish ways. But one thing for sure he can't have Abi guarding him, or be anywhere near him. He's too attracted to her, to worried that he will once again be the cause of some he cares about getting hurt especially after she's saved his life the first time.
Overall, it's a fun read. I read it in one sitting (took me about 3ish hours), my curse I inhale her books only to regret reading it too fast. It is alternating first person POV, more Abi than Mitch, but it isn't long before you realize Mitch is more what he seems.


     

About the Author

MIMI JEAN PAMFILOFF is a USA Today and New York Times bestselling romance author with over a million books sold worldwide. Although she obtained her MBA and worked for more than fifteen years in the corporate world, she believes that it’s never too late to come out of the romance closet and follow your dream. Mimi lives with her Latin Lover hubby, two pirates-in-training (their boys), and the rat terrier duo, Snowflake and Mini Me, in Arizona. She hopes to make you laugh when you need it most and continues to pray daily that leather pants will make a big comeback for men.

Sign up for Mimi’s mailing list for giveaways and new release news!

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Smart Tass (Book #1)

From New York Times Bestseller Mimi Jean Pamfiloff comes SMART TASS, a new Romantic Comedy.
He’s the hot quarterback all the girls want.
She’s the smart girl he loves to pick on.
And now that they’re all grown up, things are about to get geekin’ ugly…
My name is Tass. I’m smart, I’m driven, and I am determined not to let prankster Hunter Johnson continue raining on my parade. When we were little, he’d pull my hair and call me names. When we were teenagers, he’d throw food and tease me for being a flat-chested virgin.
But now that we’ve ended up at the same college, he’s out of his hot head if he thinks he can keep messing with my life. It’s like he’s fixated on me or something. Well, guess what, Mr. Amazefootball? I’m not that geeky little girl anymore and you do not screw with a smart woman.
So what’s my plan?
It’s definitely wild, and he’s about to find out…

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Oh Henry (Book #2)

From New York Times Bestseller, Mimi Jean Pamfiloff, Comes OH, HENRY, Book Two of the Ohellno Series. (Stand Alone Story w/ Teaser for Next Book.)
SHE’S GOT ME BY THE FOOTBALLS…
My name is Henry Walton, and though I’ve been called many things throughout my life—tree trunk, moose, walrus—I am now six foot five, solid muscle, and the hottest defensive end in the NFL college draft. This is the moment I’ve been waiting for: fame, women, and glory.
Just one problem: I’m suddenly in a bad slump. And it started the moment I got dumped by Elle, the nerdy goddess with thick glasses, a smokin’ hot body, and a genius IQ.
So what gives? We only dated for a few weeks, and it’s not like I’ve missed her. (Much.) Regardless, all the facts point to one conclusion. Elle is my lucky nerd-charm.
So call me superstitious, but I have to get her back before I lose everything. Even if she’s the last girl I should want and she now hates my guts.

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Digging A Hole (Book #3)

From New York Times Bestseller, Mimi Jean Pamfiloff, comes a new Romantic Comedy.
He’s the meanest boss ever.
She’s the sweet shy intern.
They’re about to wreck each other crazy.
My name is Sydney Lucas. I am smart, deathly shy, and one hundred percent determined to make my own way in the world. Which is why I jumped at the chance to intern for Mr. Nick Brooks despite his reputation. After ten failed interviews at other companies, he was the only one offering. Plus, everyone says he knows his stuff, and surely a man as stunningly handsome as him can’t be “the devil incarnate,” right? Wrong.
Oh…that man. That freakin’ man has got to go! I’ve been on the job one week, and he’s insulted my mother, wardrobe shamed me, and managed to make me cry. Twice. Underneath that stone-cold, beautiful face is the evilest human being ever.
But I’m not going to quit. Oh no. For once in my life, I’ve got to make a stand. Only, every time I open my mouth, I can’t quite seem to muster the courage. Perhaps my revenge needs to come in another form: destroying him quietly.
Because I’ve got a secret. I’m not really just an intern, and Sydney Lucas isn’t my real name.

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ARC REVIEW Crazy Stupid Love by Amanda Heger

 Let's Get Mythical #1, I was real excited to read this. With RT Books Review calling it "Percy Jackson for Romance Fans." I was expecting a slightly more Urban Fantasy-esk/Rom-Com rather than just a Rom-Com with Mythological tendencies. It was a nice read, the first half was a slow build up of the story, establishing characters, backstories, and setting up of the conflict. It also set up the romantic connection between Eliza and Jake.

Eliza and Jake have known each other since they were kids but as soon as they hit puberty they became aware of each other in terms of boy and girl. Eliza out of fear of rejection distanced herself from Jake and Jake not knowing what else to do let it happen. They went their separate ways until now. Eliza has always been a klutz, that wouldn't be a big deal if she wasn't a Descendant of Eros, as a cupid any minor injury she inflicts on someone causes a love charm. She gave up on being a good cupid early one especially when she failed spectacularly when trying to get her cupid license. But her father just had another major heart attack and her mother has been suspended and her brother has a conference he has to go to. That leaves Eliza to pick up the slack that means getting her provisional license and that means she needs a mentor, that's where Jake comes in.

Jake has always loved Eliza, his time in the Cupid Corp gave him time away from her to get his head on straight but as soon as he got back it was like he never went away. If only she hadn't accidentally hit him with an enchantment now Eliza is confused that Jake is only acting this way because of it or if he really likes her. If falling in love with your mentor isn't troubling enough Eliza's enchantments start to backfire and pretty soon it's not just her license on the line it's her parents reputation and worse case scenario all of mythical-kind.

Overall, it had a much better finish than a start. Things started to pick up at the halfway point it has a really good climatic finish and a fun epilogue. I am curious about where she's going to go with the next book, she put in lots of fun mythological creatures to pick from. (it will probably be Eliza's twin brother, Elijah)   

ARC REVIEW Once Upon A Duke by Erica Ridley

The 12 Dukes of Christmas #1, A brand new series by Erica Ridley this first story is a fun Regency era retelling of The Christmas Carol. It was a quick and fun read I enjoyed all the little similarities to Christmas Carol, stuff like a pygmy goat named Tiny Tim.

Benjamin Ward the Duke of Silkridge returns to the place he never wanted to come back to his grandfather's home, a small village up in the mountains called Cressmouth or as the local affectionately call it Christmas. His grandfather, Marlowe, was eccentric and much loved by everyone in town but to Benjamin he was cruel and hateful. Five years ago Benjamin's grandfather took something of his and than kicked him out of the town. It no longer mattered that Benjamin fell in love there he only cared about when he could get his family heirloom back.

Noelle Pratchett was abandoned as a baby left on a doorstep. Noelle thankful for the care she received from Mr. Marlowe and the entire town she makes herself indispensable by being at their service making sure the town runs smoothly. She took over for the clerk and now practically runs the town. Now that Mr. Marlowe is dead she was bequeathed enough money that she could do whatever she wanted but she loves her little town and wouldn't dream of leaving Christmas. Noelle never planned to fall in love with Benjamin but then he left without saying goodbye and suddenly every other man paled in comparison to him. Now he's back, an older colder version of himself but hour by hour she sees the man he once was but try as she may not to fall back in love because he still plans on leaving Christmas again never to return she still does. Noelle can only hope his love her her is greater than his hatred for his grandfather.

Overall, this was a great read. It's a fun historical romantic Christmas comedy. The characters were all delightful and quirky. Erica Ridley's writing is as always fantastic. I can't wait to met the other dukes.