Dreaming of a White Wolf Christmas by Terry Spear

Book Description:

May all your Christmas wolves be bright…

Romance writer Candice Mayfair never missed a deadline in her life—until the playful bite of a werewolf puppy accidentally turns her into an Arctic wolf shifter. Talk about a life-changing event! Candice is at the end of her rope with the unpredictable shifting, a strong desire to howl, and the need to vacuum constantly to keep the shedding fur under control.

Enter werewolf private investigator Owen Nottingham. Owen has a new mission: convince the pretty she-wolf she needs to join his pack in time for Christmas…and be his mate. It’s the only way he can think of to keep her safe…

My Thoughts:
This was one that I really enjoyed.  I love shifter romances in general but I had already read a bit about some of these wolves so it was neat meeting up with them again.  Owen's firm is hired to search for a missing niece.  Candice is the niece but because of an encounter with a nippy shifter wolf cub, she left her life behind and moved to seclusion.  Their meeting and then her meeting of the pack was good.  I really like those little pups the artic wolves have.  Too cute.
I hated that Candice had to miss so much of what had been her life.  It was so sad that because of what happened she missed when her parents needed her.  I wasn't sure I was going to like her uncle and then that whole thing just cracked me up!  The author did a great job of adding characters you meet in her previous books and then just the situations the characters are put in.  So great!  I hope to read more about Owen's packmates in the near future cause I want some happily ever afters for them.
It was a 4/5 for me.  I do so enjoy these books!

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Crowned by Christina Bauer

Book Description

At last, Elea has found the love of her life. Unfortunately, the evil Tsar Viktor is about to unleash an army of twisted mages bent on killing everyone Elea cares about… including the man who’s stolen her heart.

So what’s a powerful witch to do? Why, organize a league of magical warriors, of course!

Elea recruits and trains a fighting force to take down the Tsar. That’s challenge enough, but on the eve of battle, Elea realizes that her true enemies may be far more powerful than even Viktor: The deities Oni and Yuri could be out to destroy her as well. With major battles brewing on two fronts, Elea’s not sure that she’ll win, but with true love to inspire her, she’s certainly ready to fight.

My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this series.  Elea has been my favorite from the start.  She is so strong and determined, not to mention she has a good heart.  She wants to help people.  Not just HER people but everyone.  She is more than willing to kill but only for the greater good or if being attacked.
Rowan is just hot.  I loved how the book started but then it just broke my heart!  I loved/hated it.  I was really glad to see more of Rowan's little brother, he is a favorite of mine.  The story was really good and there was action.  I loved how the author ended everything and answered a lot of questions I had.  That being said, I'm sad that the series is over.
It was a 4/5 for me.  A really strong ending to a beloved series.  This one will be a series I go back and reread.

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Cowboy Christmas Guardian by Dana Mentink

About the Book:

Name of book: Cowboy Christmas Guardian

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Isnpy Romance Suspense

Someone is dead set on stopping Shelby Arroyo from doing her job: assessing mineral rights in a mine in gold country. But after rancher Barrett Thorn rescues her from an attack, the handsome widowed cowboy seems to feel responsible for her. That is, until he discovers she’s from the family that he’ll never forgive for his wife’s death. As the threats against Shelby escalate, cowboy honor and an unexpected attraction keep Barrett by her side, even at his own risk. And since Shelby won’t back down, Barrett must protect the brave, loyal woman he has no business falling for…a woman someone wants to kill by Christmas.

My Thoughts:
This was a good one.  Shelby is a strong determined lady who has a knack for getting herself into trouble.  Barrett is a hurting, strong cowboy who can't resist helping a lady in need.  The family issues are a barrier for their relationship and Barrett's grief as well.  I loved how close he and his family were.  They aren't perfect any of them, but they would do absolutely anything for each other and that, to me, is what family is.
I figured out a big part of the mystery before it was revealed but that didn't stop me from enjoying the story.  There was still the anticipation of the characters finding out!  I do want to read more about Barrett's family.  His mother seems like a lady I would love to hang out with and get some cooking lessons from!
It was a 5/5 for me.  I just love a good story!

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

About the Author:

Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is a national bestselling author of over thirty-five titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming and Harvest House. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, Yogi, Boo Boo, a nutty terrier, a chubby box turtle and a feisty parakeet.

Guest Post from Dana Mentink

Howdy, readers! I am thrilled to be bringing you this four book Gold Country Cowboys series that takes place in an area near and dear to my heart! My family and I have enjoyed many adventures in this amazing area, from exploring gold mines, to climbing through caverns, and soaking in the incredible history. As a matter of fact, we recently enjoyed a train trip on the historic V and T Railroad which took us past abandoned mines and even some active ones where people are engaged in modern day treasure hunting. California’s Gold Country is a fascinating place filled with secret treasures. I hope you will enjoy some wild adventures with four cowboy brothers who have some secrets of their own. God bless you all!

Blog Stops

Cordially Barbara, November 16

Genesis 5020, November 16

Have A Wonderful Day, November 17

A Greater Yes, November 17

To Everything A Season, November 17

ASC Book Reviews, November 18

Splashes of Joy, November 18

History, Mystery & Faith, November 19

Red Headed Book Lady, November 19

Remembrancy, November 19

Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner, November 20

Autism mom, November 20

Singing Librarian Books, November 21

Janices book reviews, November 21

Moments Dipped in Ink, November 22

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 22

New Horizon Reviews, November 23

Christian Author, J.E. Grace, November 23

Pause for Tales, November 24

Ashley’s Bookshelf, November 24

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 25

Cafinated Reads, November 25

Blogging With Carol, November 26

Daysong Reflections, November 26

Carpe Diem, November 27

Karen Sue Hadley, November 27

Babs Book Bistro, November 28

Bibliophile Reviews, November 28

Raining Butterfly Kisses, November 29

The Power of Words, November 29

Giveaway

In honor of her tour, Dana is giving away a copy of Cowboy Christmas Guardian in print or ebook, a horse scarf and a $25 Amazon gift card! Click the link below to enter! https://promosimple.com/ps/c0d3

Pretend You're Safe by Alexandra Ivy

Book Description

HE SEES YOU
First came the floods. Then came the bodies. The victims—strangled, then buried along the shores of the Mississippi—have finally been unearthed, years after they disappeared. He remembers every satisfying kill . . . each woman’s terror and agony. But there’s only one he truly wanted. And fate has brought her within reach again . . .

HE KNOWS YOU
Jaci Patterson was sixteen when she found the first golden locket on her porch. Inside were a few strands of hair wrapped around a scrap of bloodstained ribbon. Though the “gifts” kept arriving, no one believed her hunch that a serial killer was at work. Now Jaci has returned home . . . and the nightmare is starting once more.

AND HE’LL NEVER LET YOU GO
Back then, Rylan Cooper was an arrogant deputy sheriff convinced that Jaci was just an attention—seeking teen. It was a fatal mistake. There’s a murderer in their midst, someone determined to settle old scores and keep playing a twisted game. And it won’t end until Jaci is his forever . . .

“Alexandra Ivy gives readers a nice balance of romance and suspense in her fast-paced, well-plotted novel.” —Kat Martin, New York Times bestselling author

My Thoughts:

Oh my goodness this was a good one.  I thought I had it figured out and then changed my mind probably 20 times throughout.  Jaci came home to her small town and is doing good with her little business and enjoying life.  That is until a body is found after the river flooded.  That brings back memories of her teens and the stalker that she had.
Her family is a mess.  The only ones who cared about her have passed away and now she is on her own.  Rylan is just home to help out his dad and then he is back to California.  He is pulled into the situation with Jaci because of his father and then because of his feelings for her.  There are a lot of small town dynamics.  The fear was palpable, and I wasn't sure who to trust!  The writer did a great job with this one.  Had me on my toes and guessing throughout (not to mention the romance was pretty good too! :) ).
It was a 5/5 for me.  Completely enjoyed start to finish.  Hoping there is going to be another!

Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Christmas in Icicle Falls by Sheila Roberts

Book Description:
Join USA TODAY bestselling author Sheila Roberts this Christmas as she returns for the final installment in her treasured Icicle Falls series When Muriel Sterling released her new book, A Guide to Happy Holidays, she felt like the queen of Christmas. She's thrilled when the new tree she ordered online arrives and is eager to show it off--until she gets it out of the box and realizes it's a mangy dud. But rather than give up on the ugly tree, Muriel decides to make a project out of it. As she pretties up her tree, she realizes there's a lesson to be learned: everything and everyone has potential. Maybe even her old friend Arnie, who's loved her for years. Except, she's not the only one seeing Arnie's potential... Meanwhile, Muriel's ugly-tree project has also inspired her friends. Sienna Moreno is trying to bring out the best in the grouchy man next door, who hates noise, hates kids and hates his new neighbors. And while Olivia Claussen would love to send her obnoxious new daughter-in-law packing, she's adjusting her attitude and trying to discover what her son sees in the girl. If these women can learn to see the beauty in the "ugly trees" in their lives, perhaps this might turn out to be the happiest holiday yet.

My Thoughts:
This is the last book in the series and I know I've read at least 1-2 others, that being said, you can read this one on it's own and really enjoy it.  I really liked all the characters throughout the book, even the grouchy neighbor!  There is a lesson to be learned by the book, and understanding, forgiveness, differences, family.  This book is packed with holiday spirit and real people.
I know these characters aren't really real, but they are flawed, quirky people that I think I would enjoy knowing in reality.  Sienna's love for her son and moving to help him and her to have a new start, but then having the grouchy man next door.  The author and her beau, there are just so many little stories mixed in to the overall story that you will enjoy everyone.
It was a 4/5 for me.  I plan to go back and read the series in order so I can catch all the little interactions that you miss not having read the series!
Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book (via PUYB).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Christmas Amnesia by Laura Scott

Book Description:

MISTLETOE MEMORY LOSS 

Assaulted a week before a high-profile drug trafficking trial, assistant district attorney Madison Callahan narrowly escapes death…but suffers amnesia. Now, when she can't recall the identity of her attacker, everyone is suspect—except the handsome policeman who saved her. Officer Noah Sinclair will do anything to bring the mob-connected drug trafficker to justice, including providing personal protection to Madison—the sister of the partner he nearly got killed. But helping her regain her memory may end their unlikely alliance because once she remembers him, Noah might be the last man she'll want to rely on. As the trial looms and with the assailant dead set on ensuring that Madison doesn't survive to see Christmas, it'll take everything Noah's got to keep Madison alive.

Look for 6 new titles from Love Inspired Suspense every month!

Love Inspired Suspense: Suspenseful romances… strong heroes and heroines facing challenges to their faith… and to their lives.

My Thoughts:
I really liked this one.  ADA Madison Callahan is a strong woman.  I liked that even after everything she went through, she wasn't weak and submissive.  At the start, once she is attacked and loses her memory, I was heartbroken for her.  When Noah came in to take her statement and recognized her, I was hoping there would be a spark and instant memory return.  The guilt Noah feels for his past tugged at my heart.
I loved the Callahan family.  They are so close and strong.  I had read the other books in this series so it was good to catch up with some and see where life had taken them.  The part that I probably loved the most was even with no memory, Madison had an instinct to pray.  There were times throughout that I so bad wanted to yell at them to change a decision they were making but overall, it was a good book.
It was a 4/5.  I enjoyed the story.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book (via netgalley).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Christmas On The Run by Shirlee McCoy

Book Description:

"DO WHAT WE TELL YOU OR YOUR SON WILL DISAPPEAR…" 

Master gemstone cutter Carly Rose Kelley will do anything to keep her son safe…but with blackmailers insisting she forge priceless antique stones, she needs help. With Christmas days away, the desperate widow has only one hope—the brother-in-law she never met. Hostage rescue specialist Dallas Morgan never knew about his nephew or his estranged late brother's wife. Now their lives are in his hands. But the sweet child and vulnerable woman remind Dallas of the family he once had and lost. And he can't afford distraction. Now that they're trapped in the sights of ruthless blackmailers, nowhere is safe…but Dallas won't let anyone stand in the way of him saving Carly and her little boy.

Look for 6 new titles from Love Inspired Suspense every month!

Love Inspired Suspense: Suspenseful romances… strong heroes and heroines facing challenges to their faith… and to their lives.

My Thoughts:
There is nothing like family to bring trouble to your door.  Dallas didn't even know his late brother had a kid.  When Carly drops that bombshell on him, there are also bullets flying and he has trouble believing it.  Carly's frantic worrying about her son.  Whoever has been threatening her to get her to do the work is after them.
I loved that this book didn't slow down.  The characters were great.  Carly is a wonderful mom and wishes Dallas was more like her late husband so she wouldn't like him.  That part was both sad and funny.  I didn't like the best friend/roommates fiance at all.  The best friend though, we could all use one like her.  She was tough but so kind at the same time.  Dallas played the knight in shining armor well and I liked his team!
It was a 5/5 for me.  I want to read more in this series!

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book (via netgalley).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

The Bachelor Missions by Jes Drew

About the Book:

Name of book: The Bachelor Missions

Author: Jes Drew

Genre: Christian speculative spy fiction

Release Date: February 18, 2017

The good-guys, the bad-guys, and the wild card- it’s the ultimate game of cloak and dagger…

Kristian Clark, private eye, thought his days as a special agent were behind him, but when he’s drafted into action, he finds himself reunited with his old team- and painful memories of why they broke up in the first place. But as he plunges into mission after mission- from a ‘holy heist’ to babysitting a young hacker to going undercover in a cult- Kristian find that everything he tried to leave behind is coming back to haunt him with a vengeance, and then some. First there’s the mysterious woman who knows more about Kristian- and his past- than makes sense while using science fiction weapons that don’t make sense period. Then there are the shady powers-that-be who are responsible for drafting him back into this world to satisfy their own nefarious agendas. It’s all Kristian can do to keep from being pulled into their games as he tries to figure out who to trust and what to fight for, even as the trap put in place to destroy him is set with a ticking clock.

When did espionage get so complicated?

 Click here to purchase your copy!

My Thoughts:

This is absolutely an original book.  I've gotta admit it isn't what I was expecting but it was pretty good.  Kristian is a character that I liked.  He isn't what you would expect from a PI.  I guess the best word is quirky? Absolutely not average!  The book is a good mix that appealed to me.  It had humor (loved the 'dry' humor), scifi, romance, suspense, and more.  I got a little lost in the story, but overall I enjoyed it.  

Kristian is a guy I would like to sit and have a conversation with, he is just that intriguing.  The bad people are bad, but are they good? and are the good guys really good or are they bad? Those were the questions I kept asking myself.  The action kept me going and I really liked the message that was crafted into the story.

It was a 4/5.  I can't wait to see what comes next.  

Than you to Celebrate Lit for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

About the Author:

Jes Drew lives with her mom, dad, younger sister (the illustrious Nicki Chapelway), four younger brothers (yes, four), and two dogs. She is the author of both the Ninja and Hunter trilogy and the Howling Twenty trilogy. Besides writing, she enjoys reading, daydreaming, and her day job. There is also a possibility that she may or may not be a secret agent, but that’s classified. Still, you can contact her at http://pausefortales.blogspot.com/

Guest Post from Jes Drew

I began writing at a very young age. I don’t think I even started school yet when I came out with my first children’s titles. The Swan Princess and Flamingo Queen was followed by a sequel The Duck Prince and Unicorn King (because I thought it was unfair that only the mom and sister had to go through transformations), and Julian and Juliette had many reprints- all carefully printed and illustrated by myself before moving to their final destination: safekeeping in my mom’s possession.

Years later, I resumed my writing craft near the end of elementary school with two series of chapter books I wrote and then read aloud to my family. However, it was not until I watched Marvel’s Avengers that I found my true muse (Captain America, obviously). The story was so enthralling, I could do nothing but pick up the pen and compose my first published trilogy: The Ninja and Hunter Series published when I was sixteen. This was followed by the tree books of The Howling Twenties two years later.

But, no longer a ‘young adult’ I’ve moved on beyond that genre to the next age group: New Adult. That genre infamously known for its many vices and sins. However, we as Christians are called to “Take every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5b), and a genre targeted toward twenty-somethings should be no exception.

So this is my first release in the New Adult genre. Kristian Clark might be a secret-agent-turned-private-investigator-turned-secret-agent again, but he still deals with the same problems all twenty-somethings face: adapting to a career, longing for a soul mate, and searching for deeper meaning in all the noise. With a little intrigue and cool gadgets on the side because, well, he is a secret-agent-turned-private-investigator-turned-secret-agent after all.

Blog Stops

Bibliophile Reviews, November 2

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 2

A Baker’s Perspective, November 3

Bigreadersite, November 3

Fiction Aficionado, November 4

History, Mystery & Faith, November 5

Aryn the Libraryan, November 6

Reflections From My Bookshelf, November 7

Blogging With Carol, November 8

Multifarious, November 9

Carpe Diem, November 10

A Reader’s Brain, November 11

Karen Sue Hadley, November 11

Neverending Stories, November 12

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 12

margaretkazmierczak, November 13

Mary Hake, November 13

Daysong Reflections, November 14

Ashley’s Bookshelf, November 15

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jes is giving away a

Grand Prize of the Howling Twenties trilogy, signed, and a fifteen dollar Amazon gift card

and a
1st Place Prize of The Time I Saved the Day, also signed, and a ten dollar Amazon gift card!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c31a

Red's Tangled Tale Release

Official Release! Hear the story of Red and her adventure to help Captain Hook in this Audible version of "Red's Tangled Tale."

“Red wasn't your average girl. Discover the real story of Little Red Riding Hood." ~ Red's Tangled Tale

 

Everyone knows the story of Little Red Riding Hood. Well, at least they think they do. History would have many believe Red was a naïve little girl who brought treats to her grandmother in the dark of the forest. History had it wrong.

After the curse of the wolves came to Timbergard, Red’s father was the only soul brave enough to enter Blakx Forest. However, when the wolves claimed his life, his young daughter took up his bow and began hunting the beasts to fill her need for revenge.

When Captain Hook shows up in the village in search of the rare burning ash that lies on the far borders of the cursed forest, Red agrees to help get him safely through the dangerous land.

The trek through the forest becomes precarious when the group is cornered by a pack of wolves. Red is forced to make a decision that will alter the lives of everyone, including individuals she has yet to meet.

"I loved this book just as much as the first. I can’t wait for the 3rd book took come out. I love how the author uses a different light on fairy tales that we all grow up with in a different way.~ Kaci

"Oh what an enjoyable clean teen read! I loved this authors version of little red riding hood! I really enjoyed all the fairytale characters who made an appearance in this story! I'm always excited to learn where the titles comes from in each story and this one did not disappoint! Suzanna Lynn put a unique twist on this story and I had fun reading it!" ~ Ashley C.

"Red's tale rejoins us with old friends and introduces us to new while setting up many more stories to come complete with a glimpse at yet another antagonist.
The book is a quick read, perfect for a lazy day, and brings the nostalgia of childhood to us with unique twists. Fans of re-imagined fairy tales spun together (such as The Lunar Chronicles) will enjoy The Untold Stories immensely.~ Fiction Floozy

Amazon (eBook on sale for only $0.99!)

Audible

The official teaser trailer for "Red's Tangled Tale"

 

Exclusive Audible Audio sample for the audio version of "Red's Tangled Tale"

 

  

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