Holiday Hideout by Various Authors

Story: 9.5
Presentation: 9
Total: 18.5
Publisher: Harlequin
Contemporary
To Purchase

Blurb: The Thanksgiving Fix by Vicki Lewis Thompson

Finding Mr. Right is the furthest thing from Beth Davis's mind when the Reno professor takes Thanksgiving break at a colleague's Lake Tahoe cabin. Until Coinneach McFarland arrives to fix a suspicious leak. It looks like somebody's playing matchmaker for two people sworn to stay single. But as things heat up, Beth is astonished to find she has discovered her soul mate just as she'd given up looking.

The Christmas Set-Up by Jill Shalvis

Competing architects Zoe and Jason have two weeks to come up with the design to win a coveted new project. But when a snowstorm strands them together at a secluded cabin, Zoe sees her chance to show Jason how she really feels. With romance blooming under the mistletoe, can she get the gorgeous Scrooge into the true Christmas spirit?

The New Year's Deal by Julie Kenner

Five years ago, Cleo Daire and Josh Goodson said goodbye and went their separate ways. But first they made a promise to reunite. Now the ex-lovers are spending New Year's Eve in a romantic cabin, where passion takes them by surprise and long-wished-for dreams can sometimes come true.

Review: I always look forward to these holiday anthologies that Harlequin puts out. Not only are they fast and fun, but the authors rock :) This collection is no exception.

All three of these tales were wonderful and I am thrilled to death to have them all in one handy dandy set. Three holidays all in one? What could be better than that? Nothing except stories that will rock you socks off like these did mine :)

SNAPS to these ladies on jobs well done :) You put the merry in my holiday with your tasty treats :)

The Sweet Life: Diabetes Without Boundaries! by Sam Talbot

Story: 9
Presentation: 9
Total: 18
Publisher: Rodale
Cookbook
To Purchase

Blurb: Sam Talbot is a professional chef, restaurateur, surfer, painter, philanthropist, and, since the age of 12, type 1 diabetic. Yet he has not let the disease stop him from living a rich life packed with energy, adventure, and achievement—culinary and otherwise. In his first, much-anticipated book, he recounts how diabetes has affected but not compromised his life or career, and he shares his own tips—alongside those from other famous diabetics like Halle Berry, Larry King, and Tommy Lee—on how to handle everything from work and hobbies to relationships and travel with discipline and enthusiasm. To round out this advice, he offers bits of foodie wisdom and 75 innovative recipes for fresh, all-natural dishes anybody, diabetic or not, can prepare and enjoy.

Heartfelt, entertaining, and backed by real-life experience and solid medical expertise, The Sweet Life will give readers hope, inspiration, and the proof they need to realize that life with diabetes isn’t about diabetes: It’s about living.

Review: An inspiring story paired with chic eats to share with the diabetic in your life. While many of these culinary creations sound like fine dining at it's best, be prepared to see ingredients that you might not be able to find at your local shop all store :)

Not like any other diabetic cook book that I have read, the story was as captivating as the meals. Worth the read and maybe you'll find a treat or two that will tempt you to try :) I found several even though I am not a diabetic....but I have members of my family who are :) Thank you to Rodale and Sam Talbot for bringing this to those of us who can learn from books like yours :)

The Sherrif's Daughter by Kay Stockham

Story: 9
Presentation: 9
Total: 18
Publisher: Harlequin
Contemporary
To Purchase

Blurb: They must obey the laws…of attraction!
Deputy Liam McKenna is dreading the next two weeks. His assignment: watching over the sheriff's daughter, Carly Taggert. Liam has known Carly—and her knack for getting into trouble—since high school. With her kind heart and optimistic nature, she never intends that trouble, but it sure is attracted to her. He expects to be kept on his toes.

What he doesn't expect is protecting her from himself.

No one is more surprised by the intense passion between them than Liam. Still, nothing can ever happen. She's the boss's daughter and Liam's responsibility. He needs to be professional. At all times. Too bad Carly isn't about to make it easy for him.
Review: HOLY MOLY!!! Rock on with this one :) Even though it was a super romance, the story grabbed me and before I knew it....was over :( The good news? It was an awesome few hours :)

Snappy and spicy, with characters that pop, Ms Stockham has done a great job...one that I won't soon forget :) You can rest assured that I will be keeping my eyes peeled for more from her in the future.

Treasured Amish & Mennonite Recipes by Mennonite Central Committee and Alan Giagnocavo

Story: 10
Presentation: 10
Total: 20
Publisher: Fox Chapel Publishing
Cookbook
To Purchase

Blurb: Filled with 627 of the best recipes gathered from Amish and Mennonite cooks from across the United States and Canada, Treasured Amish & Mennonite Recipes will have you preparing delicious, down-to-earth dishes your family will request again and again.

In this newly revised edition that includes 50 new recipes, you'll find an endless array of appetizers, soups, salads, main dishes, casseroles, breads, and desserts that are easy to make and require only the simplest and freshest of ingredients.

In fact, everything you need is probably already in the pantry, growing in the backyard, or easily purchased at the local market. One taste and you'll see why these recipes have been bringing families and communities together at the table for generations.

Review: Yes, I am one of those women who actually READ a cookbook :) Strange? Perhaps but let me tell you that I find them very interesting. Not only do I get to discover a ton of yummy sounding foods, but I even get to learn about different combinations and ways of cooking.

I was super excited to get the chance to read and review this one. There is nothing that I love better than going through my grannie's recipe box in search of treasured favorites. This book was filled with down home favorites that I will be tackling in my own kitchen to serve with love to my family and friends.

The Mighty Quinns: Riley by Kate Hoffmann

Story: 9
Presentation: 10
Total: 19
Publisher: Harlequin
Contemporary Erotic
To Purchase

Blurb: Research librarian Nan Galvin's days were fairly ordinary…until she came across a box of letters. They were glimpses into the life of the mother she hardly knew—which made her question everything she knew about herself. Now, Nan desperately needs the truth. And so she travels to Ireland, with its rolling green hills…and drop-dead gorgeous Irishmen!

Songwriter Riley Quinn isn't looking for The One. After all, a musician isn't meant to settle down. Of course, that was before he met the American girl who makes his blood burn like fire. He can't get enough of her. She's his muse, his lover, his woman.

And in a few days, she'll be going home…
Review: As a lifetime Harlequin reader, I know what to expect when I pick one up. Upon occasion, I end up grabbing one that just blows me away....this was one of them :)

A story that not only pulled me in, but left me weak in the knees :) But of course, that is what Blaze is famous for :) Ms Hoffman has done a wonderful job in not only creating characters and a tale that kept my attention and caused me to huff when interrupted, but gave me such vivid images that I "felt" as if I was right there with them.

I say SNAPS to Ms Hoffman  on a great job :)

A Perfect Match by Kelli A Wilkins

Story: 8
Presentation: 8
Total: 16
Publisher: Amber Quill
Contemporary Romance
To Purchase

Blurb: Disgruntled with her job as the office gopher for a national sports magazine, Danni Stone impersonates a reporter to prove herself to her boss. Her assignment? Spend thirty days on the road with Vinnie Valentine, a sexy professional wrestler.

Life isn’t going well for the Heavyweight Champ. Vinnie is struggling with a manipulative boss, prepping for the most important match of his career, and feuding with his arch-enemy, Thorn. The last thing he needs is a nosy reporter following him around—even if she is hot.

 

Thrown together with Vinnie in close quarters, Danni can’t help falling for him. Their mutual attraction grows, and Danni gives in to the lustful feelings she’s repressed for years. As their relationship deepens, she finds herself drawn into Vinnie’s world and becomes a key player in his title bout. But before Danni can tell Vinnie that she isn’t the reporter she claims to be, he discovers her deception.

 

Danni’s lie threatens to destroy everything between them. Is their fragile, newfound love destined to fail, or are Danni and Vinnie a perfect match?

 Review: Over all I liked the story as I am a huge wresteling fan :) There were times that I felt the hieght difference between the H/h wasn't accurate but hey, it really didn't detract from the story :) The emotion was real and easy to "feel" The story was one that was easy to follow and as it stands I enjoyed it from start to finish :)

Indiscretions by Madelynne Ellis

Story: 10
Presentation: 10
Total: 20
Publisher: Ai Press
Historical Erotic Menage
To Purchase

Blurb: Eighteen months into a delicate ménage à trois relationship, Lucerne, Viscount Marlinscar is feeling the strain. He’s engaged in a constant tug o’ war as both his lovers compete to win his affections. Only, Lucerne’s not so eager to choose. Matter of fact, he’s beginning to wonder if he’s not the one that’s being left out, considering the effort Vaughan and Bella pour into tormenting one another.

When the three lovers attend a society music recital, jealousy again rears its head, which convinces Lucerne that it’s time to take matters into his own hands. The decision doesn’t go down at all well, particularly with Vaughan, who shows his displeasure by dishing out erotic punishments to both Lucerne and Bella. However, the tug o’war isn’t over until there’s a winner, that is, unless the lovers can put aside their differences and decide that all three can have the passion and satisfaction they derive only from each other, no matter which one of them is in the middle!

Review: Indiscretions is one of the prequels to Phantasmorgia, which was published a few years ago. I read the latter because I love Regency historicals and erotica. Combine the two and I’m in love. However, I couldn’t bring myself to care about any of the characters. That’s certainly NOT the case with Indiscretions. I wish it had been released first, then I might have felt different about Phantasmorgia.

Ms. Ellis does an excellent job of showing the conflict each individual in this volatile menage. She explains Vaughn’s unwillingness to relinquish control, Lucerne’s need for escape from the middle and Bella’s reluctance to accept her feelings for Vaughn. I found myself rooting for the three to find happiness together.

And, let’s not forget the steamy sex! Wow!

Love Revisited: Scott and Delia from Rein Me In by Amber Skyze

Story: 7.5
Presentation: 8.5
Total: 16
Publisher: Noble Romance Publishing
Contemporary Erotic
To Purchase

Blurb: When the cat’s away, the mice will play!

Scott is out of town on a business trip and his wife, Delia is up to her same old habits.
She’s out spending a fortune on clothes, shoes, and accessories. Retail therapy is her
answer to loneliness.

Scott returns home early from his trip and surprises Delia at her favorite lingerie store.
He’s going to show her what happens when she goes over budget.

There’s nothing a good ole spanking can’t cure!

Review: What woman doesn’t like a good shopping spree? But, I found the heroine’s justification to be a little whiney. Ignoring that, I thoroughly enjoyed fantasizing about being on the same shopping spree. And, when dear, old hubby showed up to catch her out in her lie and deliver just punishment--well, I was certainly squirming in my seat! Hot! Hot! Hot!

Home for Christmas by Merzi Ross

Story: 7.5
Presentation: 8.5
Total: 16
Publisher: Noble Romance Publishing
Contemporary Erotica
To Purchase

Blurb: When long-absent friend and company VP, Andrew Hayward, shows up at the company Christmas party looking his usual, debonair self, both Sara Kingston and her husband, Michael, can't help but notice. Of course, Sara understands her attraction—or so she thinks—but aren't Michael and Drew simply best friends?

And where have the two men disappeared to while the party's winding to a close?

When she discovers them, will she be able to accept the present Michael and Drew have planned?
Review: Overall, an enjoyable read. I’m a fan of menages done well and this one is nicely done. I would have liked more on the relationship between Michael and Andrew--not only their past, but I would have liked to see more physical interaction between them given their shared past. However, for readers who like menages to be all about the woman, this one delivers.

Save the Date by Jenny B. Jones

Story: 9
Presentation: 9
Total: 18
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Contermporary Inspirational
To Purchase

Blurb: When funding for Lucy's non-profit job is pulled, she is determined to find out why. Enter Alex Sinclair Enterprises--the primary donor to Lucy's non-profit organizaiton.

Both Lucy and Alex have something the other desperately wants.

Alex has it all...except for the votes he needs to win his bid for Congress. Despite their mutual dislike, Alex makes Lucy a proposition: pose as his fiancée in return for the money she desperately needs. Bound to a man who isn't quite what he seems, Lucy finds her heart--and her future--on the line.

Review: An amazing tale that struck all the right chords :) I enjoy a well written inspy and let me tell you that this was one that I enjoyed until the very last word was read.

I am a sucker for marriages of convenience but when the story and characters can take that plot to a whole new level it just makes me thrilled :) Overall this was a fantastic story that you can bet I will be telling friends about and keeping on my shelf to re-read for years to come.

SNAPS Ms Jones on a superb job.

Fortune's Son by Emery Lee

Story: 9.5
Presentation: 9.5
Total; 19
Publisher: SourceBooks
Historical
To Purchase

Blurb: She is the ultimate gamble …

Beautiful young widow Susannah, Lady Messingham, refuses to belong to any man again. Until she inadvertently draws handsome Lord Philip Drake into an exhilarating game of terrifying stakes and unimaginable rewards ...

And he’ll risk everything on a toss of the dice …

Philip is a seasoned gambler who knows all the tricks and isn't afraid to use them. He'd do anything for Susannah, including sacrificing his honor and his freedom ...

Review: ROCK ON!!!! WOW. Okay, so I am having a bit of trouble finding the right words to tell you how much I enjoyed this one :)

Amazing story and charaters all tied up in a breathtaking story that knocked my socks off. Fast paced and entertaining, this story will be with me for a long time to come :) Stand back ladies....I think I just found a new must read author :)

Fires Of Winter by Roberta Gellis

Story: 9
Presentation: 9
Total: 18
Publisher: SourceBooks
Historical
To Purchase

Blurb: A sparkling prize of war

The beautiful, cherished daughter of Scottish nobility, Melusine of Ulle had all the privileges of rank. But her family and her life were destroyed by the ravages of war. And her noble name made her a threat to the new king ...

A loyal vassal’s reward

A bastard son of an English lord, Bruno of Jernaeve was born with nothing. But through loyalty, cleverness, and brute strength, he carved out a spot at the right hand of the king. And to remain in favor he would do anything, even accept the hand of his enemy ...

They have nothing in common and every reason to hate each other, but even in the coldest of winters one spark can ignite a fire too hot to tame.

Review: Really a firey tale that is crafted in such a way I was sucked in, whirled about and left wanting so much more.

Exciting and riviting, there is no doubt in my mind why Ms Gellis is a best selling author. Her work truely does speak for its self. Her tales are filled with romance and inspiration that will touch you in a way that only a gifted storyteller can. Bravo!!

Debbie Macomber's Christmas Cookbook by Debbie Macomber

Story: 10
Presentation: 8.5
Total: 18.5
Publisher: Harlequin
Cookbook
To Purchase

Blurb: We call her the "Official Storyteller of Christmas"—but Debbie Macomber is more than that. She's someone who loves the holiday and all its traditions. Now she shares more than one hundred of her favorite recipes to help you enjoy this most joyous of seasons. You'll also find easy-to-follow instructions for crafts, decorations and gift wrapping—everything you need to create a beautiful and festive holiday.

Review: I LOVE Debbie Macomber! Always have :) And this festive collection is just hwat I needed.

Not only are there some realy yummy sounding recipes , nifty craft ideas and home decorations that will bring the holiday season to life in your home, but there are amazing little peeks into her life and why Christmas is such a big part of her life.
I know you are wondering why the presentation score is low and that only comes because the Kindle verson that I have has an issue with some words and formatting. That aside I fell in love with this book and plan on using it for many years to come :)

Thank you Ms Macomber for sharing this with us :)

The Perfect Scandal by Delilah Marvelle

Story: 8.5
Presentation: 9
Total: 17.5
Publisher: Harlequin
Historical
To Purchase

Blurb: If there is anything Tristan Adam Hargrove, fourth Marquis of Moreland, has learned to avoid, it's scandal. For the dark and dashing lord is not only an honorable gentleman who would never seduce a woman for his own gain, he is also the author of How to Avoid a Scandal, the infamous red book that has swept like wildfire through the better part of London society.

When a raven-haired beauty arrives as his new neighbor, he knows better than to succumb to the desire he feels. He knows little about her—only that she is high born, a protégé of the Crown and completely unsuitable for the base passions he hides from the world. If only he had never glimpsed the vulnerable beauty one fateful night. If only her lips were not so ravishingly red. If only it were not already too late to save her and himself from the untamed passion he is about to unleash in the name of love.

Review: It is unique to find a story with a heroine who has bodily imperfections...and I have to say that when I come across them I tend to enjoy them very much. This story was another in the short line of tales that I can add to that list :)

Emotions so strong for love and country that sometimes I wasn't sure which they would choose. Ms Marvelle did a great job in whipping up two characters that were so complex, with so many different layers that it left me with a true feeling that they were real.

When you couple characters like that with a story that is this dynamic, you really come out with a winner :)

Hot Zone by Catherine Mann

Story: 9
Presentation: 9
Total: 18
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Contemporary Action
To Purchase

Blurb: HE'LL TAKE ANY MISSION, THE RISKIER THE BETTER...
The haunted eyes of pararescueman Hugh Franco should have been her first clue that deep pain roiled beneath the surface. But if Amelia couldn't see the damage, how could she be expected to know he'd break her heart?

SHE'LL PROVE TO BE HIS BIGGEST RISK YET...
Amelia Bailey's not the kind of girl who usually needs rescuing...but there are anything but usual circumstances.

Review: There is no doubt that this story was action packed!

A connection that begins in the ruble strewn aftereffects of an earthquake turns into so much more. With characters that just jump off the pages and pull you in, action that will keep you on your toes and emotion that could bring you to tears.

Ms Mann has done a fantastic ob in turning a life altering situation into something that was well worth the read. Amazing!.

To Sin with Scandal by Tamara Gill

Story: 9
Presentation: 9
Total: 18
Publisher: Noble Romance Publishing
Historical Erotica
To Purchase

Blurb: One night of passion with the notorious rake, Lord Scandal. Every need satisfied, nothing expected in return. All Lady Miranda Fitsimmon has to do is keep her rendezvous with the man secret from the ton and her heart inured to the memory of their past.

Lord Scandal, otherwise known as Lord Sedley, no longer desires such meaningless liaisons in the ton. His taste for bed sport has changed. He only desires one woman to warm his sheets. And when the woman he thought never to see grace his home walks into his library and expects all her desires to be sated, his resolve to redeem himself is tested.

Can one night of sin give them both what they crave the most? Or will past wounds be too deep to forgive and forget?

Review: I was worried the story wouldn’t live up to the promise of the title, but I’m happy to say Ms. Gill delivered. I’m fond of this plot--woman seeking notorious rake to satisfy long-repressed desires. Who doesn’t love a naughty rake? The only thing better than a naughty rake is a naughty, reformed rake.

My only problem isn’t really a problem. I wish the story were longer. It could have easily turned into a longer story, but since it is a Naughty Nibble, I can’t say I didn’t know what I was getting. Can’t wait to read another of Ms. Gill’s offerings.