This is an excellent collection of Christmas romances with a nice variety in it. Alexa Verde does an excellent job with the romance between Riley and JThis is an excellent collection of Christmas romances with a nice variety in it. Alexa Verde does an excellent job with the romance between Riley and Jenna in Show Me My Brother's Best Friend. It would have been a great book with just that, Ms. Verde makes it even better with the intriguing plot twists and the suspense. One of my favorite parts of the romance is the sleigh ride with the surprise destination planned by Riley. Back to the suspense part, I did not see the plot twists coming. They are perfect! I enjoyed reading Show Me a Family for Christmas. I really liked the main characters, Conner and Gwendolyn. It's refreshing to read a book in which the spouse had truly loved the partner that passed away and grieved that loss. Conner has chosen his path in life to honor his deceased wife, and Gwendolyn has chosen hers to honor her father.; but neither of them are happy. Daisy, Conner's daughter, and Danica, one of Gwendolyn's charges, are two of the cutest little matchmakers ever! They were both delightful! Conner and Gwendolyn get their HEA with some help. I also liked the suspense angle of the book. Who's stalking Gwendolyn as she seeks to solve her father's death? Seaside Cowboy's Christmas Wish checks all my favorite boxes: clean romance, mystery, suspense, relatable and well-developed characters, faith, and a plot with some twists. Author Alexa Verde has created a place that I'd love to visit in Port Sunshine, a small town on the coast. The Seaside Cowboys series is based around a close-knit family of brothers. Laredo and Diana make a great couple, and they do get their HEA although the road there is a bit bumpy. I love the struggles that the Christian characters go through, which aren't all neatly wrapped up but acknowledge that there will continue to be issues. How refreshing! I did not know who the villain was, but it made perfect sense. The Season of Love took my emotions on a whirlwind ride--angry, hopeful, humored, and joy-filled. Petr and Lacy-Jane start out as enemies, which makes for a very bad work environment considering they're both chefs in the same kitchen. Petr is a meat and carbs kind of guy, and Lacy-Jane is all about healthy eating. The attraction between them sizzles in this clean romance. The reader is treated to a great introduction to Lacy-Jane's sister Melinda. (I won't say anymore about that because I don't want to spoil it for you.) Petr's brother Andry owns the restaurant and is Melinda's fiance. All four of these characters are truly likable. Petr's and Lacy-Jane's faith flows naturally through the book although they definitely don't have it altogether at the beginning of the book. There's a fantastic HEA! Alexa Verde will have you gripping your e-reader tightly as you read about Elizabeth and her stalker. She goes to her hometown to spend Christmas with her siblings and their families. The first person she runs into is Matthew, the boy who broke her heart a decade ago.. Elizabeth and Matthew are well-developed characters, and I enjoyed getting both of their viewpoints and reading about their faith. The romance is touching. While there are regrets about the past, there is also the knowledge that everything has a season. The plot is compelling. I didn't guess who the stalker was although there were clues. There's a hold-your-breath kind of climax. The HEA is fabulous! In Noelle on the Run, Noelle is planning on spending the holidays with her uncle and his family at Christmas Tyme. They are called away suddenly while Noelle is on her way there. Her uncle suggests she seek help from Juan for the danger that is following her. Both Noelle and Juan need to recover after romantic losses. If you like suspense and mystery with a Christian romance, you'll love this book by Alexa Verde. I definitely did not pick out the killer. With Danger Under the Mistletoe, Alexa Verde continues the exciting series, Secrets of Rios Azules. The plot had twists and turns with a major twist towards the end. The mystery of the villain and his reasons remained a mystery to me until it played out. Rachel and Sebastian are likable and sympathetic characters as they had both lost loved ones very suddenly. Grandma, Sebastian's grandmother, is who we all need for a neighbor or a relative. She provides that warm, loving welcoming place that Rachel desires. I enjoyed reading about how Rachel's and Sebastian's faiths grow in the story. They do get their HEA. In Season of Miracles, Arturo and Lana's romance is just perfect enjoyment to read. They're great characters, likable and well-developed. I love Mr. Grumpiest, a.k.a. Grandpa de la Vega. Lana is his home health nurse. There are some great humorous lines in the book. Here's one of my favorites--she was about as happy to meet him as a mouse would be on the way to the cat's stomach. There are some definite bumps on the way to the HEA, but it's absolutely worth the trip! Season of Hope is a wonderful clean romance that is an absolute delight to read. Alexa Verde develops her characters until they become people you know and love. The plot has some twists. I love the way that faith is woven so naturally in the book. There's a great HEA and epilogue. If you're looking for a book with all the "feels," No Mistletoe Kiss for a Cowboy is for you. I was happy to go back to Cowboy Crossing with the Irish cowboy brothers. Sean is the last of the brothers to be single. His protective instinct goes into high gear when he finds Courtney beaten and unconscious. Unfortunately, due to her past she is determined to be independent. I enjoyed the strong family bond shared by the McNeill family and how the sisters-in-law reached out to include Courtney. I loved reading about the faith of the family and reading about Courtney's faith journey. The plot has twists and turns that I didn't see coming. How can two broken people help each other heal? Feeling like a mistake and like a failure isn't the usual start to a romance, but Alexa Verde proves that it can be done and done very well. I enjoyed Don't Leave Me with its complex characters, their faith (or lack thereof for awhile), the mystery of Micah, the forgiveness shown, and a wonderful HEA. If you enjoy flawed characters overcoming their problems in a clean romance, you'll love Don't Leave Me. I highly recommend Twelve Romances of Christmas. After reading you'll feel like the Grinch when he heart grew 3 sizes! I was given a complimentary copy of the collection, but I own many of the individual stories and am sharing my opinion of this fantastic Christmas romance collection....more
This is one of the very best Christmas anthologies that I've had the pleasure of reading. Each story has at least one character dealing with a problemThis is one of the very best Christmas anthologies that I've had the pleasure of reading. Each story has at least one character dealing with a problem that has wearied them. The authors have different writing styles and have written unique plots so the collection is varied, but every story is so good! They made me feel with the characters, and they made me think. The stories show the faithfulness of God and the joy to be found through Him. I received a complimentary copy and am sharing my opinion of this collection of well-written and uplifting stories....more
I loved the main characters in Show Me a Mistaken Identity, as well as, Roberto's very large and close extended family. Cat and Roberto both carry a lI loved the main characters in Show Me a Mistaken Identity, as well as, Roberto's very large and close extended family. Cat and Roberto both carry a lot of baggage from events in their past, but both are living in an admirable manner. Roberto's daughter Gianna is one of the cutest little matchmakers that you'll ever meet. With her, a cousin or two, the adults in the family, and God; Roberto and Cat get their HEA. I enjoyed catching up on the characters in earlier Cowboy Crossing Romance books; but don't worry, this is a stand-alone story. The plot has some unexpected twists and moves along at a good pace. I didn't have the villain picked out. Ms. Verde writes in an easy-to-read style and her dialogue flows smoothly. She handles domestic abuse situations well. She is frank about the effects of the abuse without being too graphic with its description. I highly recommend this if you read clean/wholesome, inspirational, or cowboy romances and to those readers that like a little suspense in their romance. I received a complimentary copy and have shared my opinion of this well-written, heart-warming romance. What to do when one marries the wrong twin, especially if he turns out to be nicer than his brother and has an adorable son? Aurora and Carter can just get an annulment, right? Families can make for unexpected hindrances. Let Alexa Verde take you into the welcoming world of Aurora's very large extended family and show you what family should feel like. Enjoy the road to romance with Aurora and Carter, even though it has some twists along the way, all the way to an HEA. I recommend this book to clean/wholesome romance readers, to inspirational romance readers, and to lovers of all things western. I received a complimentary copy and am sharing my opinion of this well-written romance. Show Me a Reunion deals with themes of forgiveness and reconciliation. The characters are well-fleshed out. The reader has no problem knowing what makes them react the way that they do. I love the big Italian family that Giovanni has and how they are always there for each other. Alexa Verde deals with the dark parts of the book very well. Meredith and Giovanni eventually handle all that's happened in their pasts. I enjoyed the mystery and suspense elements of the book, but it is mainly a wonderful second-chance romance. I recommend this book to readers of clean romance, cowboy romance, Christian romance, and second-chance romances and to readers who like a little suspense and mystery mixed in. I received a complimentary copy and am sharing my opinion of this well-written book. Show Me a Family Saga is a well-written romance about the matriarch of the family. She is astonished that she is attracted to a man that's fifteen years younger. And, even more so that he seems attracted to her. They're both grandparents that adore their grandchildren. The romance is sweet, and then the plot takes a sudden dive into suspense. I enjoyed seeing the whole family immediately respond to the crisis. There is an HEA for the couple. I would recommend this book to readers of clean romance, readers of Christian romance, readers that like a little suspense with the romance, and to lovers of all things cowboy. Show Me a Fake Engagement is a touching love story between rockstar Ari and his childhood friend Tessa, and their love for foster teen Ollie. Author Alexa Verde takes you into the mind of her characters so that you can feel their emotions, and this is a book with all the "feels." The book deals with forgiving oneself and others, with truly being involved in helping others, and with faith. There is one of the sweetest HEAs ever and a wonderful epilogue! I would definitely read more from this author and highly recommend this book. I received a complimentary copy and am sharing my opinion of this well-written addition to the Cowboy Crossing Romance series....more
Christmas Dreams and Santa Schemes is such a touching, sweet romance. I love how the "bad boy" has matured into this incredibly dependable and loving Christmas Dreams and Santa Schemes is such a touching, sweet romance. I love how the "bad boy" has matured into this incredibly dependable and loving man. Sarah and Ryan make a great couple and share some snow-melting kisses. Her sons add a touch of mischief and a lot of cuteness to the story, but also some realism in having a 3 yr. old and a 5 yr. old. The characters are well-developed, and the book moves at a good pace. The setting is a small town along the shores of Lake Michigan. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this well-written book and plan to read more of Barbara Lohr's stories. Her Christmas Wish is the perfect Christmas romance. The main characters in this second-chance romance are very likeable. There is a good bit of humor from Josie's attempts to get Malcolm to notice her as a woman, not just his jogging buddy. There is a fabulous Happily Ever After for this couple. I love the small town setting so much that I'd love to visit it, especially during the holidays. Author Barbara Lohr writes in a manner that is easy to read and enjoy. I enjoyed reading Christmas with Dr. Darling. Victoria had been spoiled rotten by her parents. She is learning to make her own way in the world and through the course of the book becomes a very likable character. She's never unlikable in this book, but her character grows and develops to become someone that you'd enjoy having for a good friend. Dr. Darling, yes, that's his real name, and the book makes fun of it; is a great, well-developed character with a dislike for rich girls. Victoria's big change influences not only her family, but also her customers, and makes for a great Christmas story! I would recommend this to readers of clean/wholesome romance and to lovers of all things Christmas. I received complimentary copies of these individual stories that are in the set and am sharing my opinion of them....more
I read and enjoyed every single one of these books. If you're looking for heart-warming romance with faith, Love, London is the set for you. I own somI read and enjoyed every single one of these books. If you're looking for heart-warming romance with faith, Love, London is the set for you. I own some of the individual books and others I read from a complimentary copy of the set. Rereading was like visiting with a favorite friend and reading the new-to- me ones was an absolute delight. I would definitely read more from author Autumn Macarthur and feel very comfortable recommending this set to family and friends....more
A Thrill in the Air is filled with good short stories, and there are some absolute gems among them. I love stories of reconciliation and second chanceA Thrill in the Air is filled with good short stories, and there are some absolute gems among them. I love stories of reconciliation and second chances, so those especially appealed to me. And, I did not remain dry-eyed through several of the stories. I found favorite authors in the anthology, as well as, new-to-me authors. If you like Christmas stories, but are looking for meaning instead of fluff, A Mosaic Christmas Anthology is for you. I received a complimentary copy and am sharing my opinion of these well-written short stories....more
I've only been able to read two of these stories so far. Tina Dee's A Fake Cowboy Husband for Christmas. What could possibly go wrong while pretendingI've only been able to read two of these stories so far. Tina Dee's A Fake Cowboy Husband for Christmas. What could possibly go wrong while pretending to be a serious couple to bring comfort and assurance to elderly relatives? Cal, Essie's fake boyfriend is the best that she's ever had. And Cal can't believe what idiots Essie's former boyfriends must have been to have let her go. Oh, and there's a puppy in the story too! I love the way that Tina Dee develops her characters and shows their faith journeys. I would definitely read more from this author. Finding You Under the Mistletoe is author Juliette Duncan's contribution to the collection. Samuel and Charlotte both lost their spouses and now are best friends. Samuel's invitation to spend Christmas with him at a friend's home in the Highlands causes both Samuel and Charlotte to rethink their feelings. The Christmas activities the characters engage had me ready to get the Christmas decorations out, but it's only the first part of October. The couples from both stories get a wonderful HEA. I have read stories from several of the other authors who have books in the collection and look forward to reading their contributions. I received a complimentary copy and am sharing my opinion of this fabulous collection of Christmas stories....more
No Second Chance for a Cowboy--A bad break-up, amnesia, mystery, suspense, and a second chance at love--author Alexa Verde mixes all of it together toNo Second Chance for a Cowboy--A bad break-up, amnesia, mystery, suspense, and a second chance at love--author Alexa Verde mixes all of it together to give her readers a well-written romantic suspense book. Madeline always looks perfect, but that perfection comes at a high price and is used to cover up deep hurt. Getting amnesia from her head injury was the best way to let her true self shine and leads to a lot of interesting reactions from those who knew her best as an Ice Princess. Brandon was gutted when she broke up with him the first time. Will he set himself up for it to happen again? I love the family that Madeline and her foster sisters made for themselves and the closeness of Brandon's family.
Show Me a Reunion deals with themes of forgiveness and reconciliation. The characters are well-fleshed out. The reader has no problem knowing what makes them react the way that they do. I love the big Italian family that Giovanni has and how they are always there for each other. Alexa Verde deals with the dark parts of the book very well. Meredith and Giovanni eventually handle all that's happened in their pasts. I enjoyed the mystery and suspense elements of the book, but it is mainly a wonderful second-chance romance.
Show Me a Second Chance is a well-written, emotion-filled romance. Mac and Kimberly are very likable characters that go through some tough times facing the reality of who they are and what needs to change to get to a point where they can be together. Mac's daughter Danica is a hoot! For example, she managed to glue a woman that Mac had dated who was babysitting her to a chair. I love Mac's loyal and supportive family and Kimberly's aunt and uncle. We all need someone in our corner. The plot has some suspense and mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Hold Me is a well-written, emotion-tugging romance that displays the power of God if we will but trust Him. Aileen and Ronan are likable characters that are easy to empathize with. Jonah, Aileen's teenage son, adds humor and tenderness to the story. I loved the HEA! It's perfect for this couple.
Colt is a well-written book has it all--mystery, suspense, romance, a billionaire, and cute twins! Alexa Verde and Autumn MacArthur put them all together to give their readers an excellent and entertaining story. There are issues of trust and forgiveness. Through the well-developed characters, the reader sees good and bad ways to deal with those issues. There is a great HEA.
Whisper of Danger has wonderful characters in Lydia and Aiden that make their story one that's easy for a reader to invest not just their time, but also their emotions in. I have loved reading about the Danger Girls and the family that they made for themselves. The suspense is nail-biting. This plot has enough twists and turns to make you dizzy, so hold on tight for the thrilling ride that Alexa Verde has for you.
In this modern version of Cinderella, Allie lives in the tiny guesthouse behind her former home and works many cleaning jobs to pay for her education. Rodrigo, whom she had loved as a teen was now a CEO. Both characters are very likable, and I definitely wanted their HEA to work out. (It does.) The only complaint I had about Allie was how very naïve she was concerning her stepmother. Allie seems like a very intelligent woman other than that. Not Your Cinderella Type is a good read, especially if you're feeling a bit nostalgic or just want to see the underdog come out on top.
Alexa Verde will have you gripping your e-reader tightly as you read about Elizabeth and her stalker. She goes to her hometown to spend Christmas with her siblings and their families. The first person she runs into is Matthew, the boy who broke her heart a decade ago.. Elizabeth and Matthew are well-developed characters, and I enjoyed getting both of their viewpoints and reading about their faith. The romance is touching. While there are regrets about the past, there is also the knowledge that everything has a season. The plot is compelling. I didn't guess who the stalker was although there were clues. There's a hold-your-breath kind of climax. The HEA is fabulous!
I highly recommend this box set as I have read all but one of the individual stories and loved them. I have bought some, borrowed some through KU, and have received some as complimentary copies. ...more
I enjoyed all four books in the set, Through Every Danger. One was by a favorite author and others by new-to-me authors. I would happily read more booI enjoyed all four books in the set, Through Every Danger. One was by a favorite author and others by new-to-me authors. I would happily read more books by any of the four. I found all the main characters to be likeable, which is a must for me to really relish a book. The plots all have those twists and turns that we suspense readers love. The romances have well-deserved HEAs. The authors weave faith into their books in a way that just flows with the story. I highly recommend this set of exciting and suspenseful books to readers of clean romance and of Christian romance and to readers of romantic suspense. I think that you will find all four to be a thrill to read. I received a complimentary copy and am sharing my opinion of these well-written books....more
Love Faith & Tender Kisses is filled with interesting clean romances. If possible, I'd give it 4.5 stars. There were a couple of the stories that I haLove Faith & Tender Kisses is filled with interesting clean romances. If possible, I'd give it 4.5 stars. There were a couple of the stories that I had read before, but thoroughly enjoyed re-reading. Two of the authors are favorites of mine, and I found new authors to enjoy. There is a lot of good reading for not much money in this collection. I would recommend it to readers of clean/wholesome romances and to readers of Christian romances. I received a complimentary copy and am sharing my opinion of this fantastic collection....more
So far I've only read Broken Noel out of The Heart of Christmas. I loved it, but it's not an easy read on the emotions. The book starts out with the fSo far I've only read Broken Noel out of The Heart of Christmas. I loved it, but it's not an easy read on the emotions. The book starts out with the funeral service of Thomas's beloved wife and Noelle's mother, Lacy. Their emotions throughout the book are not white-washed, but real and raw, as are Thomas's questions for God. I enjoyed reading how Thomas's sister, his pastor, and even his hurting daughter helped him come to understand how something could be both broken and beautiful. I've read several books by Brenda S. Anderson and have enjoyed them all. I received a complimentary copy of this excellent story, but I've pre-ordered the collection so that I have a chance to enjoy all the stories....more
With Danger Under the Mistletoe, Alexa Verde continues the exciting series, Secrets of Rios Azules. The plot had twists and turns with a major twist tWith Danger Under the Mistletoe, Alexa Verde continues the exciting series, Secrets of Rios Azules. The plot had twists and turns with a major twist towards the end. The mystery of the villain and his reasons remained a mystery to me until it played out. Rachel and Sebastian are likable and sympathetic characters as they had both lost loved ones very suddenly. Grandma, Sebastian's grandmother, is who we all need for a neighbor or a relative. She provides that warm, loving welcoming place that Rachel desires. I enjoyed reading about how Rachel's and Sebastian's faiths grow in the story. They do get their HEA. I recommend this book to clean romantic suspense readers and to Christian romantic suspense readers. I received a complimentary copy and am sharing my opinion of this well-written book....more
I totally enjoyed reading One Vow for September, a work-place romance. The main characters are great, a little snarky to start with and then exchanginI totally enjoyed reading One Vow for September, a work-place romance. The main characters are great, a little snarky to start with and then exchanging enjoyable banter once they get to know one another a little better. Their faith helps develop the characters, giving them more depth. They get in a lot of humorous situations as they work together impersonating a married couple renewing their vows. There's a wonderful HEA for this couple. I would highly recommend this story to romantic comedy readers, clean/wholesome romance readers, and to Christian romance readers. I hope to read more from Liwen Y. Ho. I Take You by Marion Ueckermann has themes of love, forgiveness, and reconciliation. The main characters, Kaia and Leo, have been friends for sixteen years, have planned on their future being together, are faithful to each other, and have been careful to honor God in their relationship. The proposal scene is fantastic! The deep hurt that Kaia experiences is from a family member and is very hard to forgive. I really enjoyed reading this book and think it's a great story for this collection. I received complimentary copies of both of these stories and have bought the collection so that I can enjoy all of them!...more
Convincing Derrick is clean romantic suspense at its finest. Derrick and Kiki are likable and honorable characters. Derrick rescues and rehabilitates Convincing Derrick is clean romantic suspense at its finest. Derrick and Kiki are likable and honorable characters. Derrick rescues and rehabilitates abused horses when he's not off on a job for Stryker Security Force. Derrick and Kiki's faith is just a natural part of the story that Sara Blackard handles extremely well. The plot has twists and turns that will keep you turning pages late into the night. (Ask me how I know!) I would highly recommend this suspense-filled book. I received a complimentary copy. This review is entirely my own opinion of this well-written and exciting book....more
Season of Romance is one of those books that grips you and won't let go until that HEA.. Melinda, a paramedic with Type 1 diabetes, is a neighbor to aSeason of Romance is one of those books that grips you and won't let go until that HEA.. Melinda, a paramedic with Type 1 diabetes, is a neighbor to a boy Ilya with the same condition. When the boy's father dies, Ilya's uncle Andrey comes to care for him and expects to stay about a month to let him grieve in a familiar place before taking him to Houston where Andrey runs the business started by his parents. Melinda and Andrey are easy to like, and I quickly was hoping that their romance would work out. I want to know how Melinda smells like cocoa. What a great scent for a perfume! There is tension created in the story by Andrey's ex girlfriend, his parents, living with diabetes, and trying to raise a heart-broken boy. The Season of Love took my emotions on a whirlwind ride--angry, hopeful, humored, and joy-filled. Petr and Lacy-Jane start out as enemies, which makes for a very bad work environment considering they're both chefs in the same kitchen. Petr is a meat and carbs kind of guy, and Lacy-Jane is all about healthy eating. The attraction between them sizzles in this clean romance. The reader is treated to a great introduction to Lacy-Jane's sister Melinda. (I won't say anymore about that because I don't want to spoil it for you.) Petr's brother Andry owns the restaurant and is Melinda's fiance. All four of these characters are truly likable. Petr's and Lacy-Jane's faith flows naturally through the book although they definitely don't have it altogether at the beginning of the book. There's a fantastic HEA! Season of Amor is humorous, touching, romantic, and suspenseful; and every one of those is done well. Sylvia and Ray are likable characters that need to make some changes in their lives. I enjoyed reading about how they helped each other to do so. I did not figure out the villain and was surprised by who it turned out to be. I definitely wanted an HEA for Sylvia and Ray and was not disappointed. In Season of Affection, Alexa Verde will have you gripping your e-reader tightly as you read about Elizabeth and her stalker. She goes to her hometown to spend Christmas with her siblings and their families. The first person she runs into is Matthew, the boy who broke her heart a decade ago.. Elizabeth and Matthew are well-developed characters, and I enjoyed getting both of their viewpoints and reading about their faith. The romance is touching. While there are regrets about the past, there is also the knowledge that everything has a season. The plot is compelling. I didn't guess who the stalker was although there were clues. There's a hold-your-breath kind of climax. The HEA is fabulous! I highly recommend this set! I got my copy through KU....more
Season of Hope is a wonderful clean romance that is an absolute delight to read. Alexa Verde develops her characters until they become people you knowSeason of Hope is a wonderful clean romance that is an absolute delight to read. Alexa Verde develops her characters until they become people you know and love. The plot has some twists. I love the way that faith is woven so naturally in the book. There's a great HEA and epilogue. I strongly encourage clean/wholesome romance readers and Christian romance readers, plus those of you who love holiday romances to read this heart-warming story....more
As a general rule, I don't care for short stories; however these are the short stories that break that rule all to pieces. I loved every single one frAs a general rule, I don't care for short stories; however these are the short stories that break that rule all to pieces. I loved every single one from the first through the last in the collection. They are filled with grace, redemption, reconciliation, and forgiveness. There's even a little romance sprinkled in. They are all well-written with great characters. I will admit to getting a little teary-eyed in some, but it was because of the tender feelings that they evoked, not sadness. I highly recommend this whole collection. I received a complimentary copy, but I pre-ordered one too. I chose to write a review and share my opinion of this outstanding collection of short stories....more