Sin in a Stetson…

For most women, going to a friend's bachelorette party in Vegas is the ultimate gals' weekend. Jessica Gainey is not most women. An introverted worrywart, Sunset Strip is not her idea of a good time. But, it's rodeo weekend, and the town is crawling with seriously hot cowboys…none more wickedly sexy than Aaron Weathers.

He's Texas. She's New York. Still, Jessica can't stop fantasizing about that ripped cowboy bod. So for one weekend, she throws caution to the wind to be a wild and daring version of herself before returning to a life where men can't be trusted and love is a four-letter word. Except that in Vegas, even the greatest odds can have unbelievable—and thoroughly satisfying—payouts!

------------------------

This is the first book by Ali Olson and, I believe, her debut for the Blaze line.

The story is a little bit of a twist on the usual Vegas storyline which is really down to the characters. We’ve got Aaron - the cowboy in town for the rodeo, and Jessica - an introvert who is like a fish out of water in the sin city.

Our heroine is a well written and well rounded character. Before I started reading I was intrigued how she was going to be portrayed. Was it really possible to write about an introverted worrywart without making her sound like a moany bore? Yes, as it turns out. I liked the way that Olson handled Jessica’s character and made her true to herself without making her into a caricature. As a card carrying introvert - I approve! Not your usual Blaze heroine but fun to read about every now and then.

It was Aaron that I had more of a problem with. He comes to the rodeo every year to enjoy the rodeo and engage in casual sex with women. It seemed like one woman was more prominent in his liaisons but it did appear that he was something of a cad. Sure, it happens, but I’m not really keen on men (or women) who are supposed to be the hero of the novel being so free with their, well, affections or sleeping around. But if that wasn’t bad enough - when Aaron and Jessica meet for the second time, Aaron is staring at the boobs of two women who are helping him stand. Fear not though - he’s only looking at them and wondering what Jessica’s boobs look like. Right then.

Oh, he’s not that bad but as a result of my slight indifference to him, the book felt a little tepid. The sex scenes were fun and the interactions between Aaron and Jessica were likeable but the book never really kicked into high gear to make me love it. The additional extra of Jessica’s father’s illness, and eventual demise, was tacked on at the end just to tie up loose ends and remove the  barrier to the happily ever after. Or at least that’s what it felt like. It seemed a strange angle to take in a Blaze novel.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read and I liked Olson’s writing style. It’s not a book to write home about and not one that I would pick up and read again, but if it’s sitting on your shelf or in your kindle then it’s worth a couple of hours of your time. 3 stars.

------------------------

224 pages

Click to see other books by Ali Olson

Miss Glenna Bolton is not having a Happy Christmas. She’s lost her grandfather and the bookshop they ran together. If not for the invitation from the Duke of Danby, she would have no place to go.

No Christmas festivities for Baron Ellesworth this year. His newly inherited estate is in bad shape—and so is his bank account. He’ll spend the holiday travelling to do a bit of business with Lord Danby, in hopes of bringing Christmas to Elleshaven next year.

Travelling during the holiday season doesn’t sound romantic, but a star in the East, an abandoned child and a quest for holiday cheer might just convince these two that love is the best gift of the Season.

------------------------

This is a novella associated with Marlowe’s Half Moon House series. The series is linked by the owner of Half Moon House - a former courtesan who helps young women in dire straits. The owner appears briefly in this novella but having never read any other Half Moon House stories myself, I’m happy that this one stands alone quite nicely.

The story itself is quite a simple tale of finding love in the most unexpected places and at the most inconvenient times. Both Glenna and Alex are likeable characters and their romance is as sweet and adorable as could possibly be.

The romance novels that I tend to read normally have a little more passion and a lot more sex and sensuality. This has quite a different tone. It’s very chaste and, well, cute as a button. With that said, it’s still really easy to believe in the love of the main characters and wish them well on the way to their happy ending.

The Christmas theme works really well and the descriptions are very believable. I could really go for some gingerbread and snow right now!

Overall, this is a quick read (68 pages) and one that is sweet, cute and just an enjoyable romance all round. 4 stars.

------------------------

68 pages

* I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. *

The Half Moon House Series:

       

      

Click to see other books by Deb Marlowe

The first wedding night that Lady Juliana St. Albans spent with the dark and daring Rhys Vaughan was intoxicating, the heady culmination of her new husband’s driving hunger and her own awakened sensuality. When he mysteriously disappeared the next morning, she waited for him in hope and desperation. And when he was finally proclaimed dead in a shipwreck, she bitterly mourned the loss of her love.

The second wedding night that Juliana spent with Rhys Vaughan was six years later, after he returned to claim her just as she was about to wed another. This Rhys was different—bolder, harder, and convinced that she’d betrayed him. Only their blazing passion remains from their years apart. But is it enough to light their way through the maze of mystery, menace, and mistrust—to the love they once shared and would have to find again?

------------------------

This is one of Sabrina Jeffries earlier works - first published in 1995, I think, and written under the name Deborah Martin. It’s been given a look over, a polish up and has been re-released.

One of the joys (of many) of this book is the sheer depth of the characters. It’s not unusual for the main characters, and even some of the secondary characters, to be multi-layered and have a realism that you can identify with. What’s more unusual is when the ‘baddies’ have that same layering. Darcy is our antagonist in this tale but he’s also got redeeming qualities, shows true feelings and made the reasons for his actions understandable if not above reproach. Sure he was selfish but he was written so well that I did feel pity for him at times.

Julianne and Rhys themselves were such well-rounded characters, too, and painfully perfect for each other, even if, at times, neither could see it (or would admit to it). I can definitely understand the conflict within the story - the betrayals done and those thought to be done. It really was a tangled weave and fascinating to see how the characters reacted and made the way to the perfect ending.

The Welsh setting was also done really well and while it was a key component to the story, it never overshadowed and remained interesting throughout. It would be interesting to hear what any Welsh readers thought, though.

Deborah Martin books tend to be a little darker and less humorous than Sabrina Jeffries’ later works. Having said that, I didn’t feel this one as dark and atmospheric as others and as it focussed primarily on the relationship between characters rather than the backdrop of political machinations, it retained a nice, light, readable feel.

I absolutely devoured this book and found myself wanting to tell people about the outcome when I was finished. It’s got it all - exemplary writing, superb plotting and a love story that will make any romance lover’s heart sing. Definitely recommended. 5 stars.

------------------------

400 pages

Welsh series:

   

Click to see other books by Sabrina Jeffries

A hot shade of lipstick calls for a hot, sexy guy.

Makeup artist Chloe Masterson has a look for every occasion. Flying home for your sister's wedding and family torture? Easy. Bring out the sarcastic wit and black eyeliner. Bonus - the look catches the eye of the corporate hottie sitting beside her on the plane. Turns out Ben has the exact same last name, and everyone assumes they're married.

When they get stuck in a hotel room together, Chloe decides to accept the gift the Fates have bestowed upon her. (Tip: a bold lip colour does wonders for seduction.) But as their lies begin to snowball, Chloe and Ben find it harder and harder to distinguish between what's real and what's all just smoky eyes and mirrors.

------------------------

You know what to expect when you pick up a Harlequin Blaze - hot, sexy scenarios with hot, sexy characters and a sprinkling of romance thrown in for good measure. A perfect, escapist read with the necessary happily ever after.

What this book added as a little extra was some humour. I have to admit that when Chloe and Ben, our two main characters, first met and the humorous banter started to flow - I wasn’t sure how it could transcend into the hot and sexy I was looking for. But there were still some funny moments and exchanges in the book. They felt real and made the characters easy to root for.

Chloe and Ben are two very different characters. Chloe is your ‘black sheep’ and likes to keep things a little different from the norm. She’s also a make-up artist who works for a store in the mall. Completely opposite to corporate, suit-and-tie Ben. He’s all about getting the best job, the corner office and all the trappings that come with being the best. They wouldn’t normally be two people you would put together but it really works. I think that’s probably because the author doesn’t write either of them as cliches. They are not the stereotypical wild child and corporate suit but are written as normal people with hang-ups and the same every-day confusions as the rest of us.

I had to drop a star because of my earlier concern. I just didn’t feel the same magic and zip from the sex scenes as I would have liked. I don’t think that was anything to do with the characters themselves but I just felt something was missing. Dare I say I wanted it to be a bit more explicit. I wanted passion and fire when what was there was just sweetly sexy.

I really liked this book. It’s just what you need to while away a couple of hours. It’s fun, a different premise on the ‘fake husband/wife’ storyline, and the writing was really, rather good. I’ll be looking out for other books by Taryn Leigh Taylor and would recommend this book to those who enjoy Blaze romances.

------------------------

224 pages

Click to see other books by Taryn Leigh Taylor

Kristen Collins is cursed. It’s the only explanation for this recent run of catastrophes. She’s lost her brand-new car and a winning lottery ticket, and her ex-boyfriend just drove off with all her possessions. She’s even lost the empty office that’s been her lunchtime sanctuary. Plus, the new hire who’s taken it over is precisely the kind of impending heartache she knows to avoid, from his intense gaze to that irresistible crooked smile.

Developer Aiden Scott plans to stay at the Denver architecture firm just long enough to prime it for takeover. A job like his can’t get personal. Yet from the moment he collides with Kristen, he’s smitten. He wants to save the stunning interior designer from every crazy scenario she winds up in. But who’s going to save him when his business agenda shatters Kristen’s trust?

Turns out, love’s a lot like luck. You don’t know just how good you have it until you stand to lose it all.

------------------------

This is the first book I’ve read by Jill Sanders and the first in a new two-part series called The Lucky series.

The first thing I noticed about this book was that the writing style sucked you right in from the get-go. It was light, funny and written in such a way that you were immediately interested and you found yourself reading more and more each time.

Our heroine, Kristen, is flighty, free-spirited and, well, hugely unlucky in love. With other writers, it would be easy to dislike or at least be completely annoyed by Kristen and her attitude. But with Ms. Sanders, the character came across as someone who threw herself wholeheartedly into every situation including love. It was hard not to root for her. I was a little disappointed when, about a third of the way into the book, we were told that Kristen was only 23. I wish that we weren’t told how old characters are supposed to be as I prefer to assume that they are around my age!

Aiden, too, is a really good character and was the perfect foil for Kristen. I liked the way their relationship developed and how you could really see how perfect they were for each other.

If I had one complaint it would be that in the middle, the pace of the story slowed and there were several mundane interactions that probably could have been cut to keep the story moving along as it did at the start and end of the book.

Having said that, I would still recommend this book to those looking for a good, fun and light read. It’s got good characters, fun interactions and is well-written. I’m already looking forward to Amy’s story in Sweet Resolve. 3 stars for this book.

------------------------

194 pages


* I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. *

The Lucky Series in order:

 

Click to see other books by Jill Sanders

The first in Sarah MacLean's sensational new Scandal & Scoundrels series . . . all the fun and guilty pleasure of celebrity gossip, with a Regency twist!

Lady Sophie's Society Splash!
When Sophie, the least interesting of the Talbot sisters, lands her philandering brother-in-law backside-first in a goldfish pond, she shocks society and finds herself the target of very public aristocratic scorn, leaving her no choice but to flee, vowing to start a new life far from London . Unfortunately, the carriage in which she stows away isn't saving her from ruin . . . it's filled with it.

Rogue's Reign of Ravishment!
Kingscote, "King," the Marquess of Eversley, has never met a woman he couldn't charm, which results in a reputation far worse than the truth, a general sense that he's more pretty face than proper gentleman, and an irate summons home to the Scottish border. When King discovers stowaway Sophie, however, the journey becomes anything but boring! 

War? Or More?
He thinks she's trying to trick him into marriage. She wouldn't have him if he were the last man on earth. But carriages bring close quarters, dark secrets, and unbearable temptation, making opposites altogether too attractive . . .

------------------------

I am a fan of Sarah McLean's having especially enjoyed her first novel ('Nine Rules to Break...') and her most recent Rules of Scoundrels series. This is the start of a new series called Scandal & Scoundrels and it definitely looked like a similar kind of book to her previous offerings and one that I would very much enjoy.

I was a wee bit worried that I'd made a bit of a mistake, though, when I first started to read. It was a bit wordy - and flowery with it - and I'm definitely not a fan of cutesy little tropes liked 'The Soiled S's' or the 'Dangerous Daughters'. *Rolls eyes.*

But the pace was fast and the writing soon levelled out as the story took over. I really enjoyed Sophie - an honest person who knows what she wants and is prepared to get it - even knowing that it's against society (and her family's) wishes. She was fun, believable and I was really rooting for her almost as soon as she was introduced. She was a little innocent and naive but I liked that about her.

It took me longer to warm up to King, however. Sure, he was a realistic character but I still wanted to give him a slap at times for being needlessly rude, especially to Sophie. He did get better (and nicer) but I couldn't help but be a little turned off by his attitude that it was okay to be mean to someone until you know them and like them. I did think the reasons for his altruistic ruination of women across London was a bit far fetched - as was his all consuming adoration for his first love, which after 15 years, he managed to get over in the space of about 30 seconds.

But anyway, Sophie and King turned out to be a really good couple. I like a bit of arguing and sparring in my love stories and the fact that they were on an adventure together that neither of them had any real interest in being on, definitely produced some tension. The adventure was fun and amusing as King tried to keep Sophie from getting into scrape after scrape - usually caused (or at least not helped) by him. The book wasn't overly sexy but there was just enough smooching and good times to keep me happy.

I would assume that the remainder of the series will be focusing on the remaining Talbot sisters although none of them seemed like very good heroine material from the snippets of them from this book. In fact, the whole Talbot family were very forced and one dimensional. I wonder why Sophie even liked them let alone how on earth she came to have her character and morals when coming from, and growing up beside, such a seemingly vapid and insipid bunch of people.

It's been a few weeks since I read the book and while I did enjoy it, it hasn't overly stuck in my head. I'm giving it 4 stars because it did hold my attention while I read it and I was happy for King and Sophie by the end of the book. If I'm honest, I'm not sure if I'll pick up the next book in the series - 'A Scot in the Dark'. It will all depend on whether the author will find it necessary to write 'inna verra stewpit and nun too relistic Scottish accent, ye ken?' (Free trips to Scotland if anyone wants to find out how we actually talk and that we actually have differing accents depending on where in the country you're from! And breathe...) and which sister the story is about. For the time being, this story gets 4 stars from me.

------------------------

432 pages

And now, time for another rant...

Have a quick look at these:

Now, I may be in the minority, but I've always been a fan of the 'traditional' romance book cover. Bodice Rippers Anonymous! It's sexy, seductive and just screams "I'm reading romance". Perhaps that's why the publishers decided to change the cover of this book (and many others) for the British audience. Perhaps we're too tame and demure for low bodices, hunky men and torrid embraces. Oooh, Matron!

Well, (and I mean no offence to the very talented British cover artist) I just don't like it. It looks like a whole other genre of book. One a lot more sedate and demure than its contents - a book my grandmother might pick up to read. She'd sure get a fright if she did and got to the sexy bits!

I so disliked the British cover that I decided to buy the book in from America.

And lo and behold - it was a third the price from America than it is from the UK. So not only do they dull over the cover but they hike up the price.

I don't have the money that I used to and everyone's being a bit more careful with their pennies these days. I can tell you it's hell when you're a book addict like me and want to get your favourite authors in paperback. But who in their right mind would spend £9 for a book when they could get the same book (with a more appropriate cover) for £3?

Okay, that's my rant about the book covers over. Don't worry - I'm not letting it influence the rating of the book. I just needed to get that off my chest as I'm a bit weird and have been holding that in for a while!

Click to see other books by Sarah MacLean

When Edwin Barlow, the Earl of Blakeborough, agrees to help his best friend's impetuous ward, Lady Clarissa Lindsey, in her time of need, he knows he's in for trouble. He's been hunting for someone to wed, and she'll just get in the way. Although captivated by the whip-smart, free-spirited beauty, he fears she'd be all wrong as a wife...if she would even take such a gruff cynic for her husband. Too bad he wants nothing more than to have her for his own.

Clarissa has no intention of marrying anyone - not Edwin, whom she's sure would be an overbearing husband, and certainly not the powerful French diplomat stalking her. But when matters escalate with the diplomat, she chooses Edwin's gallant offer of a marriage between friends in hopes that it will deter her stalker. She expects nothing more than an amiable union, but their increasingly tempestuous kisses prove more than she bargained for. When her stalker's vow to expose the lovers' deepest secrets threatens to destroy their blossoming attraction, will their tenuous bond withstand public ruin, or will Edwin lose all that's important to him to protect his bride?

------------------------

I am a huge fan of Sabrina Jeffries - I don’t think there’s been one story of hers that I haven’t read and enjoyed. Oh, let's be truthful - I have a proper author girl-crush on her! Despite having all of her books to choose from, this book will definitely stay in my mind as one of her best to date.

This is the second book in the Sinful Suitors series (after Yvette and Jeremy’s story in "The Art of Sinning"). We were first introduced to Edwin, Clarissa and their basic character traits in that book. For fans of Jeffries’, Edwin is also known as he was the former fiancé of Jane from "If The Viscount Falls" (Duke’s Men Book 4). Having said all that, there is absolutely no need to have read any of the preceding books before reading this one. Everything will make sense and I promise you won’t miss out on any pertinent details.

There’s nothing sexier in my book than a gruff, grumpy man who secretly has a heart of gold and an all consuming love and lust for his lady. Edwin actually went one better by having a sharp sense of humour to boot, which only Clarissa was able to bring out in him. Clarissa herself was sharp, smart and had layers enough to make her a very interesting and likeable character. Her past troubles made her vulnerable and I felt were dealt with realistically. It really made me feel for her.

Together, Edwin and Clarissa had such a palpable chemistry that it was so much fun to read. Clarissa seemed to excel at poking the grumpy bear that was Edwin and he just didn’t know how to deal with her. Except for kissing her, of course!

Overall, this is a witty, fun and sensual novel that will delight fans of a good historical romance. The characters are interesting, sexy and a pairing you can’t help but fall in love with. Sabrina Jeffries has really nailed this story. I can’t recommend this book more. A definite 5 stars.

(As an aside - does anyone else think that the hero on this cover looks like Leonard from The Big Bang Theory?)

------------------------

368 pages

 

* I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.


Sinful Suitors series in order:

    

Sabrina Jeffries Amazon Page

Click to see other books by Sabrina Jeffries

A snowstorm hath no fury like a spinster scorned!

Miss Elinora Browning grew up yearning for the handsome, intelligent lord-next-door...but he left England without a word of farewell. One night, inspired by a bit too much sherry, Nora poured out her heartbreak on paper. Lord Dashwood Missed Out was a love letter to every young lady who'd been overlooked by gentlemen--and an instant bestseller. Now she's on her way to speak in Spindle Cove when snowy weather delays her coach. She's forced to wait out the storm with the worst possible companion: Lord Dashwood himself.

And he finally seems to have noticed her.

George Travers, Lord Dashwood, has traveled the globe as a cartographer. He returned to England with the goal of marrying and creating an heir-only to find his reputation shredded by an audacious, vexingly attractive bluestocking and her poison pen. Lord Dashwood Missed Out, his arse. Since Nora Browning seems to believe he overlooked the passion of a lifetime, Dash challenges her to prove it.

She has one night.

------------------------

I think I own most of the books in Dare’s Spindle Cove series but as yet have only read one or two. As this is a novella and would be quite a quick read, I decided not to wait until I’d read the books in the right order but instead jump right into this one.

The premise is fun and something a wee bit different from normal while still sticking to a familiar pattern of young love turning into something real.

Miss Elinora Browning - Nora - is a great character. She’s feisty and fierce while still being true to her bluestocking roots. She felt true to the time period and I could relate to her meaning that I was rooting for her happy ever after.

Interspersed in the book are chapters that bring you to Spindle Cove and those waiting out the snow storm to hear Nora speak of her famous - or infamous - pamphlet. These are the parts that give you a glimpse of the characters of the previous books in the Spindle Cove series, especially Griff and Pauline from Any Duchess Will Do and the heroes from the previous novels. As I said, I’ve not read all the books but these snippets and the banter between the gents has really made me want to pull the Spindle Cove books out and get to reading. Genuinely funny with ease and interesting banter between these characters.

This is the same with Dare’s writing throughout this story. It’s smart, funny and really flows. It’s an easy read and that, in part, is down to the way in which you’re drawn into the story.

So, why didn’t I rate this book higher? Well, I blame George Travers, Lord Dashwood aka Dash. I just couldn’t take to him. Now, I could totally understand his anger at the pamphlet that Nora wrote - she wasn’t exactly subtle about who she was talking about. I could accept if he hadn’t found her attractive when they were younger and hadn’t contemplated marriage. I could even accept that it was definitely a good thing that the pair hadn’t married all those years ago. What I couldn’t accept was his attitude and his manner with Nora. He was rude, condescending (and not in that ‘he’s arrogant but he really cares’ kind of way that I can totally get behind) and his goads and taunts felt borderline mean. Oh, he did get better towards the end of the book and I believed in their intimacy and their happily ever after - I just couldn’t really forgive him for his attitude when he and Nora first reconnected. I do like to hold a grudge!

A fun book with lots going on, an unusual premise and a witty and clever writing style - this is one I would recommend if you want to complete your Spindle Cove collection or introduce yourself to Tessa Dare’s writing. Shame that it couldn’t have been a wee bit better - I blame George!

------------------------

144 pages

Spindle Cove series in order:

Click to see other books by Tessa Dare

Stunned by the heat of an unexpected kiss on a cold winter's eve, two strangers from vastly different worlds turn hotheaded principles into burning passion in Sabrina Jeffries's delightful yuletide story, "The Heiress and the Hothead."

In the snowy Scottish countryside, Karen Hawkins's rakish duke has an unforgettable holiday encounter in "Twelve Kisses" when the alluring lady he surprises under the mistletoe is not who he expected, but a long-lost love with a score to settle.

In "By Any Other Name," Edinburgh is aglitter for Christmastime as Candace Camp sends a curious gentleman in hot pursuit of an intriguing lady in disguise--one who refuses to reveal her true identity, though she fears he has already stolen her heart with his kiss.

In "Sweet Ruin," will the festive spirit of the season sweep Meredith Duran's feisty heroine beneath the mistletoe--and back into the arms of the dashing rogue whose carelessness soiled her reputation and sent her into exile in London?

In this all-new story collection sparkling with sexy charm and heartwarming wit, four beloved bestselling authors reveal the mix-ups and make-ups, the missed chances and golden opportunities that come but once a year.

------------------------

The Heiress and the Hothead - Sabrina Jeffries - 5 stars

Stunned by the heat of an unexpected kiss on a cold winter’s eve, two strangers from vastly different worlds turn hotheaded principles into burning passion.

Sabrina Jeffries is one of my favourite authors and this story doesn’t disappoint. It’s part of the Sinful Suitors series but stands nicely on its own. As usual, lively characters, strong emotion and an unusual premise give this tale something more than most. Stephen and Amanda were made to work hard to win their happily ever after but it was worth it.

—

Twelve Kisses to Midnight - Karen Hawkins - 1 star

In the snowy Scottish countryside a rakish duke has an unforgettable holiday encounter when the alluring lady her surprises under the mistletoe is not who he expected, but a long-lost love with a score to settle.

Hoots mon! Och, aye, if you’re looking for a cringeworthy attempt at a Scottish romance then dinnae look any further than this book. Ye hear me, aye? Life is far too short to force yourself to read such embarrassing tripe.

—

By Any Other Name - Candace Camp - 4 stars

Edinburgh is aglitter for Christmastime as a curious gentleman is in hot pursuit of an intriguing lady in disguise - one who refuses to reveal her true identity, but fears he has already stole her heart with his kisses.

Aaargh - this story was as cute as a button! Both Gregory and Rylla were fun, well-rounded characters and their romance was so sweet. This felt different from other ‘girl dresses as boy’ stories and Edinburgh felt authentic. The story was let down slightly by a few too many Americanisms but still a good read all round.

—

Sweetest Regret - Meredith Duran - 5 stars

Will the festive spirit of the season sweep feisty Georgiana beneath the mistletoe and back into the arms of dashing rogue, Lucas, who broke her heart two years ago?

I love a second chance at love story and I love a story where the hero and heroine are initially at odds. This had both. Packed with a great blend of fun, emotion and sweetness - Georgie and Lucas really stood out for me. Loved it.

—

Three great stories make this Christmas anthology a keeper. A definite read for those cosy nights in the run up to Christmas. 4 stars.

------------------------

400 pages

Snow is on the ground and Christmas lights twinkle in the German Christmas market. The warm, spiced wine is just right, but there's still one key ingredient missing from her romantic dream. Will Mia's Christmas turn out to be sugar and spice and all things nice - or a deflated soufflé of loneliness and regret without the man of her dreams? 

Christmas Cravings is a festive romance standalone episode from the Greedily Yours series.

About the series: Mia Maxwell loves food. She loves it so much that she's made it her career. She owns a food PR business that fills her days, and by night she's a food blogger with a burgeoning audience. With her 'Culinary Confessions of a Greedy Girl', Mia takes the reader on a delicious journey, searching for top dishes and the perfect man. 

------------------------

This Christmas novella is part of the Greedily Yours series - a serial novel that’s available in 8 parts all focussing on Mia, a food blogger on the search for good food and the perfect man. Despite being part of a series, this little Christmas tale is a standalone story so you don’t need to have read the novels to understand and enjoy this book.

I really liked the writing style of the author. I’m not normally a fan of chick lit but this one really drew me in and made me keep coming back just wanting to read a little more each time. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I’m definitely going to check out the Greedily Yours series and any other books by the author.

Although the story wasn’t overly romantic - more sweet than anything - I was still really rooting for Tom and Mia. They were both very real characters and it was hard not to like both of them but Mia especially.

I was quite surprised that the main conflict was resolved well before the end of the story. Not that it matters but it kind of made the book one of two distinct halves.

In a series called ‘Greedily Yours’, obviously the food is a key feature of the book. And boy-oh-boy, if you’re not hungry when you start reading the book then you will be by the time you’re finished. Every sight, smell and taste sensation is described in delicious detail, in a way that makes it seem real - but unfortunately not real enough! There are also a few recipes included at the end of the story which is a definite bonus.

This is a quick (98 pages), cute and Christmassy story that is perfect for a lazy afternoon when it’s raining (or snowing?) outside. I would definitely recommend this tasty little story for anyone who enjoys food, Christmas and romance.

------------------------

 98 pages

Click to see other books by Emma Hamilton