A Christmas Promise by Mary Balogh

A love that cannot be bought or sold proves to be the greatest gift of all, in this heartwarming classic that demonstrates once again why New York Times bestselling author Mary Balogh is among the most celebrated authors of historical romance.

Weddings are supposed to be joyous occasions—especially when a couple seems as well matched as Randolph Pierce, Earl of Falloden, and his bride-to-be, Eleanor Transome. Ellie brings to the marriage a vast dowry, while Falloden, though distant, is handsome, tremendously desirable, and possessed of a title most young ladies can only dream of sharing.

Yet Ellie is not most young ladies. She knows that she must honor her dear father’s dying wish for her to wed the proud earl, but she dreads a lifetime in a union without love—and how can Falloden claim to love her when he married her only for her fortune? As Christmas descends upon the Falloden manor, the warmth of the season may yet melt away the trappings of duty and wealth, leaving behind only a man and a woman destined for each other’s arms

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 This book would have been perfect if not for a couple of things that bothered me very much. I didn't like that Ellie was so cold every time Randolph was around it didn't make a whole lot of sense to me. When her father dies which is a very emotional scene but Ellie was just a cold statue no emotion at all. It was no wonder that Randolph didn't like her for awhile she showed no hint that she had feelings and wasn't a robot. I had to warm up to Ellie as did Randolph had to. I liked Randolph but he did one thing I didn't like at all and he never apologized for his actions on their wedding night he took Ellie very rough with no thought that she was a virgin. He didn't try to make sure she was prepared or give her time to adjust nor did he try to please her and all because she wasn't showing emotion. I really don't think that was the way to get her to open up to you all it did was make her not trust him even more. This isn't the first book I would recommend of Mary Balogh but it is a good read and gets better once Ellie drops the ice princess act.

An O'Brien Family Christmas (Chesapeake Shores #8) by Sherryl Woods

Dating Matthew O’Brien-a playboy and a younger man-cost Laila Riley her career and her parents’ respect. A high price, even for love-and when Laila decides it was just a fling, she breaks it off, despite Matthew’s objections.

It’s a great time to get away from it all, but Laila has reservations about joining the O’Briens for a Dublin holiday. Matthew’s bound to be there, and she’s far from immune. What if she can’t resist temptation?

Meanwhile, the O’Briens are in an uproar over matriarch Nell’s unexpected romance with an old flame. Will she follow her heart despite the risks? And will Laila discover that some risks are actually once-in-a-lifetime opportunities?

 I guess I should start by saying I have never read a book in this series or by this author. I will go back and read the others because I very much enjoyed this one. I think because I didn't read the others that's why I was confused about some details in the story. First it's mentioned on the back of the book there is a age gap but they never tell you how old each person is so it's hard for me to think of Laila as being older when I have no clue as to her age or his, second I felt kind of throw in the middle of their love story. I think it would have helped if I had read the others in the series this is one book that I would recommend you need to read the others. I really enjoyed reading this book and also loved the other story of Nell and want to know how that will end. I would say read the others than pick this one up very good story.

The Perfect Christmasby Debbie Macomber

For Cassie Beaumont, it’s meeting her perfect match. Cassie, at thirty-three, wants a husband and kids, and so far, nothing’s worked. Not blind dates, not the Internet and certainly not leaving love to chance.

What’s left? A professional matchmaker. He’s Simon Dodson, and he’s very choosy about the clients he takes on. Cassie finds Simon a difficult, acerbic know-it-all, and she’s astonished when he accepts her as a client.

Claiming he has her perfect mate in mind, Simon assigns her three tasks to complete before she meets him. Three tasks that are all about Christmas: being a charity bell ringer, dressing up as Santa’s elf at a children’s party and preparing a traditional turkey dinner for her neighbors (whom she happens to dislike). Despite a number of comical mishaps, Cassie does it all—and she’s finally ready to meet her match.
But just like the perfect Christmas gift, he turns out to be a wonderful surprise!

What would the holidays be without a Christmas story from Debbie Macomber?

 Debbie Macomber is good to read when you want to read what I call light romance. Perfect Christmas was a good book not a great one but it was worth reading. What I really liked about this book was reading about the three task she was given to do. I think it was the best part of the book it's where Cassie's personality came out the most. I would have liked to read more about Cassie and Simon falling for each other and there was a sub story involving Cassie's best friend and brother I would have liked to read a whole book about. There was just something missing from this book to make it great but I'm not sure what. I enjoyed it and liked Simon and Cassie both very much. It was a good little Christmas story. This is not the first book I would recommend but I would recommend it.

Checkmate (Mates #2) by Annmarie McKenna

What's an alpha shape-shifting wolf to do when the woman pre-destined to be his mate no longer trusts men? After returning home from an eight-month security job, Eli Graham is ready to claim his best friend's little sister as his mate. He'd put it off for years, thinking he was doing the right thing by waiting. Instead of the stubborn, independent, carefree girl he left behind, Eli finds a shell of the woman he once knew. Having lived through a near fatal attack, Nikki Taylor has hidden herself away from the world. Now the time has come to face head-on the one man who could devastate her completely, Eli Graham. She's loved him forever, craves him, body, heart and soul, but he's never treated her as anything but a little sister. When Nikki witnesses a murder, she has no choice but to rely on Eli's expertise. While guarding her from the man bent on wiping out a witness, Eli shows Nikki that he'll not only protect her body, but he'll show her just what it means to be a wolf's mate. Warning, this title contains the following: hot, explicit sex, graphic violence and language, and is not for the faint of heart!



 

I had never heard of this author until I saw this book in a used book store and picked it up. I'm glad I got this book BUT some things are a little misleading from what the back cover says. Nikki is scared of the world but she is never scared of Eli not even for a second and he's a security expert but all he does is hide her at his ranch there's not a moment when Eli is doing anything to find out who is after Nikki. Nikki trust Eli from the moment she sees him when she wakes up in the hospital so he never has to worry about earning her trust. I liked the book but looking back I didn't feel like I got to know any of the characters in the book. You never get to meet the rest of the pack which was kind of disappointing. I found the ending very predictable you have the cops saying they got the killer and Eli went along with it when his gut was saying it was wrong. Then she leaves and puts herself in the killers hands because of some very stupid ideas to catch the killer and Eli once again goes along with it. He was supposed to be a security expert and goes along with a plan that really wasn't a plan at all. If you don't take this book to serious and don't mind alpha males and their female mate just being stupid at times you will be ok with this book. The up side is the book has smoking hot sex scenes.

A Texas Christmas by Jodi Thomas, Linda L. Broday, Phyllis Miranda, Dewanna Pace

In the Texas Panhandle, the winters are long, the storms fierce--and the Yuletide nights are sizzling. New York Times bestselling author Jodi Thomas along with Linda Broday, Phyliss Miranda and DeWanna Pace, bring you one tempting holiday delight. . .

On the eve before Christmas a blizzard arrived, transforming a small Texas town into a night to remember. Four ladies desperately in need of saving, four hard-ridin' cowboys who aim to please. . . When a lone farmer strides to a pretty store owner's rescue, their deepest wishes just might come true. . . A brave heiress can't believe a rugged angel is riding out of the night to save her and her fellow train passengers--until she gets him under the mistletoe. . . A quiet loner wants to help a stranded widow have a holiday to remember. . . And a female saloon owner tired of being scorned by respectable folk gets some very naughty help from a handsome greenhorn. . .

First time reading these authors and I have to say I simply loved this book. All the stories take place in one Texas town during a few days time. I think the message for this book was not to judge someone based on what others say. All the characters were more than what others said about them or what they appeared to be. I wish these stories were longer because I didn't want the story to end. My favorite story was the first one by Jodi Thomas. This is a short review because I loved it and think everyone should read it. If you like cowboys and strong Texas women you should get this book.

Wanted by Her Lost Love (Pregnancy & Passion #2) by Maya Banks

Despite his fiancée's chilling betrayal, developer Ryan Beardsley provided for Kelly Christian when he sent her packing. So he's livid to find her working in a dingy Houston diner, desperate and pregnant. Regardless of whether the baby is his—or his brother's—Ryan demands that Kelly return to New York with him. Now. For the baby's sake. Or maybe because the woman's as irresistible as ever…

Wanted by her Lost Love is a short book but definitely worth getting it. Kelly is very mad and has every right to be she was betrayed by the man that was supposed to love her and be on her side. Ryan also thinks he was betrayed and is angry when he sees Kelly. I could totally understand why Ryan was mad and he thought he had a really good reason to be. I enjoyed reading the journey Ryan and Kelly were on trying to work out their past so they could have a future! This was a truly touching story and I'll be looking for the first in the series to read !! Also very steamy scenes Maya Banks is known for it's a must have !!

Bring Me Home for Christmas (Virgin River #16) by Robyn Carr

This year, Becca Timm knows the number one item on her Christmas wish list—getting over Denny Cutler. Three years ago, Denny broke her heart before heading off to war. It's time she got over her silly high-school relationship and moved on.

So she takes matters into her own hands and heads up to Virgin River, the rugged little mountain town that Denny calls home, as an uninvited guest on her brother's men-only hunting weekend. But when an accident turns her impromptu visit into an extended stay, Becca finds herself stranded in Virgin River. With Denny. In very close quarters.

As the power of Christmas envelops the little town, Becca discovers that the boy she once loved has become a strong and confident man. And the most delicious Christmas present she can imagine.

I just love this cover if it was a poster I would buy it I want it so much !! It's just beautiful and love the colors ! This is the first time reading this author and her books. I really enjoyed this book and the little town. I thought Denny was great and loved him and Becca together. I got annoyed with Becca a couple of times she would refer to her and Denny has being kids when they were together. They were not kids for goodness sake they were teenagers yes but it's not like they were twelve or something other than that I have nothing negative to say. Living in this town would be hard but it would be worth it to feel so needed and accepted. I liked how they worked out their past to forge a future together. This was a great book and really like it but I don't see myself reading the others in the series. I would still recommend this book and to anyone it has a great story that felt new not something I've read several times by different authors.

A Wallflower Christmas (Wallflowers #5) by Lisa Kleypas (Goodreads Author)

The Wallflowers are four young ladies in London who banded together in their wild and wickedly wonderful searches for true love. Now happily married, they join together once again to help one of the world’s most notorious rogues realize that happiness might be right under the mistletoe.…

 It’s Christmastime in London and Rafe Bowman has arrived from America for his arranged meeting with Natalie Blandford, the very proper and beautiful daughter of Lady and Lord Blandford. His chiseled good looks and imposing physique are sure to impress the lady in waiting and, if it weren’t for his shocking American ways and wild reputation, her hand would already be guaranteed. Before the courtship can begin, Rafe realizes he must learn the rules of London society. But when four former Wallflowers try their hand at matchmaking, no one knows what will happen. And winning a bride turns out to be more complicated than Rafe Bowman anticipated, especially for a man accustomed to getting anything he wants. However, Christmas works in the most unexpected ways, changing a cynic to a romantic and inspiring passion in the most timid of hearts. 

I have to start by saying that I love this book cover ! My first time reading any book in this series. This is a book that if you have not read the others in the Wallflower series you can still read and enjoy as the book goes on it explains the others stories so I understand everything. I loved Rafe Bowman and just love reading about a rake that changes for the love of a woman. Rafe is everything a rake should be which makes Hannah not like him instantly. Hannah was a joy to read and loved her interaction with Rafe. Natalie the woman Rafe's father wants him to marry I found I didn't like her all that much. Natalie is described as beautiful and perfect but I thought she was spoiled and very mean when she didn't get her way. I really enjoyed this book and the characters in it. I will definitely be getting the first four books in the series. I love reading books in the victorian era ! If you like reading about rakes and the woman the can't help but falling in love with them then you have to pick up this book.

Dead Reckoning (Sookie Stackhouse #11) by Charlaine Harris

With her knack for being in trouble's way, Sookie witnesses the firebombing of Merlotte's, the bar where she works. Since Sam Merlotte is now known to be two-natured, suspicion falls immediately on the anti-shifters in the area. Sookie suspects otherwise, but her attention is divided when she realizes that her lover Eric Northman and his "child" Pam are plotting to kill the vampire who is now their master. Gradually, Sookie is drawn into the plot-which is much more complicated than she knows...

Eric and Sookie are dealing with the fallout of the new master that's trying to do everything he can to destroy all Eric holds dear. There are some very touching scenes with Pam and someone very special to her. Sookie is also trying to figure out who firebombed Merlotte's and a old emeny comes back for the last time. Eric is keeping a secret from Sookie which causes him and Pam to fight both in the kitchen and with words. Eric's maker does his best to make the last thing he said to Sookie come true. Amelia and Claude made some choices that have a negative reaction with Sookie. Claude has something planned for Sookie dealing with her fairy heritage and is being very secretive. Sookie also finds a letter and a gift from her grandmother in a hidden desk. Sookie makes a hasty decicion that might or might not be the right choice. Eric and Sookie get closer as there pulled apart. I think this was the most emotionally book of the series so far. There are only two more books left in the series and I can't wait to find out how it will end. Will Sookie get her hea with Eric ? I think is the biggest question there is.

Dead in the Family (Sookie Stackhouse #10) by Charlaine Harris

After enduring torture and the loss of loved ones during the brief but deadly Faery War, Sookie Stackhouse is hurt and she's angry. Just about the only bright spot in her life is the love she thinks she feels for vampire Eric Northman. But he's under scrutiny by the new Vampire King because of their relationship. And as the political implications of the Shifters coming out are beginning to be felt, Sookie's connection to the Shreveport pack draws her into the debate. Worst of all, though the door to Faery has been closed, there are still some Fae on the human side-and one of them is angry at Sookie. Very, very angry...

The end of Dead and Gone we still had questions left unanswered the first being where was Eric while Sookie was being tortured and why didn't he come to her rescue. Also I was left wondering how Sookie would go on and how would this change her future and her personality. The first couple of questions were answered quickly and it was a very touching moment that left me in tears. Sookie is once agian pulled into the shifters problems and got a dead body buried on her land for the help. Bill has a very touching moment with Caroline Bellefleur. Then there's answers to some questions about Dermont Brigant Sookies great uncle. Eric's maker comes back in this book and brings a piece of Russian history with him. Sookie takes a bit to recover and by the end of the book she's closer to being her old self but I don't think she'll really ever be the same. Sookie is finding out she's capable of things that in book one she wouldn't have done or gone along with. I love this series and thought this book was another great addition.

Dead and Gone (Sookie Stackhouse #9) by Charlaine Harris

Except for Sookie Stackhouse, folks in Bon Temps, Louisiana, know little about vamps-and nothing about weres.

Until now. The weres and shifters have finally decided to reveal their existence to the ordinary world. At first all goes well. Then the mutilated body of a were-panther is found near the bar where Sookie works-and she feels compelled to discover who, human or otherwise, did it.

But there's a far greater danger threatening Bon Temps. A race of unhuman beings-older, more powerful, and more secretive than vampires or werewolves-is preparing for war. And Sookie finds herself an all-too human pawn in their battle.

 Sookie having already faced so much in the past books has even more dangerous events happen in Dead and Gone. The weres and shifters come out to the world and then there's a murder of someone Sookie knows. There's also the revelation of a powerful relative and the discover that Sookies family is far different then she could have guessed. The murder and other events bring Jason and Sookie a bit closer where she is actually talking to her bother. Not such a surprise Sookie is in the middle of another war. Sookie has grown from the first book to this one and calls in a couple of favors when she realizes she's in way over her head. There's also the ever developing relationship of Eric and Sookie which takes a steamy turn. A friend on the outs takes action to commit a deadly betrayal. This book has Sookie more emotionally drained then ever before. We see the deaths of a couple of truly great characters that had me misty eyed. Bill takes steps that had me remembering why I liked him several books back. I think this was definitely one of the more sad books of the series. There's a surprise marriage of sorts. Dead and Gone was packed with action, supense, emotion, a marriage, and deaths of great characters. This is a life changing book for our girl cause at the end of this book Sookie won't ever be who she was before agian.

From Dead to Worse (Sookie Stackhouse #8) by Charlaine Harris

After the natural disaster of Hurricane Katrina, and the manmade horror of the explosion at the vampire summit, Sookie Stackhouse is safe but dazed, yearning for things to get back to normal. But her boyfriend Quinn is among the missing. And things are changing, whether the weres and vamps in her corner of Louisiana like it or not. In the ensuing battles, Sookie faces danger, death…and once more, betrayal by someone she loves. And when the fur has finished flying and the cold blood ceases flowing, her world will be forever altered.

 Poor Sookie has to deal with another missing boyfriend in this book but this time she just waits for him. Sookie by the end of the book ends the relationship with Quinn partly because of his actions or lack their of action. Some may feel Sookie was being selfish but I don't so she was never gonna be first with him...hell she wasn't second or even third in his life. I think Quinn is a good guy but needs to work somethings out in his life. Sookie is once again has to help with the were-wolves problems and Alicde finally is the packmaster of the weres. I lost a lot respect for Jason in this book. I liked Niall and interested to see where that goes. Pam is very funny in part of this book and just love her. Theirs also trouble for Eric and a take over to survive. Eric finally remembers his time with Sookie. I thought Hunter was just to cute for words and hope he's in more of the future books. I thought this was another great book in the series and really enjoyed it.

All Together Dead (Sookie Stackhouse #7) by Charlaine Harris

In All Together Dead, Sookie is trying to put past failed relationships behind her and has a new man in her life: the handsome and mysterious shapeshifter Quinn. But in the wake of the devastation from Hurricane Katrina, and with the entire Louisiana supernatural community still reeling, Sookie is summoned by Sophie-Anne Leclerq (the Queen of Louisiana) to accompany her to a historic regional vampire summit. However, the conference -- where entire power bases could be gained or lost -- is filled with friction and ill will; and when delegates are found brutally murdered, Sookie finds herself in the middle of a conspiracy-ridden power play where the unlikeliest of suspects could be a cold-blooded killer.

This was another book full of action and drama. Sookie is now very deep into vampire politics at this point in the series. Queen Sophie-Ann Leclerq has to go on trail for the epic failure that was her marriage in the last book. Eric and Sookie's relationship takes a very serious turn in this book. Sookie is with Quinn and while I like him I think she is moving to fast with him but only time will tell. Bill is around but to much has happened and I'm so over him. Sookie is trying to uncover a deadly plot and at times part of the plot was so easy to guess it was hard to understand how Sookie didn't see it sooner. Jason gets married and time will tell if that was a mistake or not. Only time will tell how the events of this book change the vampire world. All and all another great book in the series !!

Definitely Dead (Sookie Stackhouse #6) by Charlaine Harris

Spiked with a frothy fusion of romance, mystery, and fantasy, this bestselling series sends the supernaturally gifted cocktail waitress Sookie Stackhouse to New Orleans, where she has to deal with the legacy of one of her own family and a host of potentially dangerous characters.

 This book is full of secrets revealed ! Quinn is in this book but he's more of a sub plot which was kind of disappointing. I didn't think I could be more upset with Bill....I was so wrong! It's another book filled out action and danger (as always). I like the potential of Quinn and he's very hot guess will have to see where it goes. I like Sophie Ann the Queen of Louisiana and Amelia a witch, Mr. Cataliades is intresting, and Diantha. Another good book in the series and so many question still to be answered.

Dead as a Doornail (Sookie Stackhouse #5) by Charlaine Harris

When she is not waitressing or preoccupied with her own amorous adventures, telepath Sookie Stackhouse is tracking down a serial killer of shapeshifters. Her sleuthing is partly altruistic, but she's also trying to save her were-panther brother, Jason, who has become the chief suspect in the crime. A three-ring circus of sexy supernaturalism.

 The question of Jason being a were-panther or not is answered right away.....yes he is and Eric doesn't have a clue what happened with Sookie when he lost his memory. Eric is shocked when Sookie has to tell him in return for a favor. This book was filled with action. Alcide lost all my interest and respect in this book by the end of the book I was so over him. Alcide tricks Sookie when he could of just asked her and then does it again. When she helps him and it goes bad anyway he's a jerk when she did as he asked and tried to help. We meet Patrick Furnan (were-wolf) who I can't hep but wonder what kind of problems he will cause in the future. Sookie has a couple of different men interested in her ( Eric & Quinn) and I wonder how that will work out. Dead as a Doornail was action packed (which I like) but there was something kind of lacking in this book that the others had. Several questions answered from the last book and even more rise in this one. I'm serioulsy addicted to this series !!!!!!!