Happily Ever After Thursday - Week 2

We are so excited for our first annual 

Have Yourself a Very Swoony Christmas event,

hosted by KJ's Book Nook, Bookworm Nation, and Katie's Clean Book Collection.

Many book characters seem to become a part of our lives.

Sometimes we really want to get to know them better

and enjoy their romance for just a little bit longer.

Each Thursday, we will be spotlighting 

one of our swoony Christmas couples.

This week, we'll be getting to know

Charlee & Ryan 

from More Trouble in Loveland by Jennifer Peel.

1. What do you like to do on a romantic date?

We love to head up to one of our favorite Italian restaurants in Estes Park to have dinner and then walk the Riverwalk.

2. What do you like most about each other?

Our fierce loyalty and how we support each other’s goals and dreams.

3. What is your favorite way to spend time together?

Hanging out with our son, shooting hoops, or cuddling on the couch together watching a movie. And of course, jumping on the trampoline.

4. What are three things on your bucket list?

Run the Boston Marathon (that’s more Ryan, but since I love him so much, I’ll play along or basically die with him doing it.)

Attend the NBA Championship Series games.

Go to Northern Wales and bounce on the world’s largest underground trampoline.

5. What is “your song”? 

Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran (It was the first song we ever danced to.)

6. What is the craziest date you’ve been on?

For Ryan’s 34th birthday I made him a scavenger hunt complete with a map and clues leading to his buried birthday present. My favorite part of the night was watching him sing karaoke to My Girl to get one of his clues.

7. What is your favorite holiday tradition?

Sleeping under the Christmas Tree. No children allowed.

8. How would you describe each other to someone else in three words?

Ryan would describe Charlee as annoyingly-charming, spontaneous, beautiful-heart.

Charlee would describe Ryan as all-mine, the-best-of-the-best, thoughtful.

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Swoon Worthy Spotlights #11

Welcome to Swoon Worthy Spotlights hosted by Bookworm Nation, Katie's Clean Book Collection and KJ's Book Nook! Once a month we will feature 1-3 of our favorite books that we have read during the month. We will share the cover(s), our review(s) and a link to each other's post so you can check out which books we have all chosen!

I had such a hard time trying to pick my favorites! I read so many this month that I absolutely LOVED! Be warned... I have more than 3 choices... ;) Hehe.

For this month's Swoon Worthy Spotlights I am going to choose...

Stone Silence by Taylor Dean

The Lumberjack's Yuletide Bride by Kimberly Krey

More Trouble in Loveland by Jennifer Peel

A Christmas Kiss by Susan Hatler

Mistletoe Wedding by Melissa McClone

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And don't for get to check Kathy's post here and Katie's post here!

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Do you have a blog and want to join us for Swoon Worthy Spotlights? Then grab the picture and post with us! We will be posting on the last day of each month. Make sure you share your link with us so we can check out your favorite authors as well!

Happy reading my fellow bookworms!

Whispering Wednesday - Week 2

We are so excited for our first annual 

Have Yourself a Very Swoony Christmas event,

hosted by KJ's Book Nook, Bookworm Nation, and Katie's Clean Book Collection.

We're so excited about Whispering Wednesday!

Each Wednesday, we will be having a different author

answering some of our burning questions.

Next up, we have one of our favorite swoony clean authors,

Jennifer Peel!

Let's get to know her a little bit better: 

1. What gives you inspiration for your characters and story lines? 

Life experiences, stories on the news, my children and husband, friends, people watching, my dreams.

2. Which are your top five favorite kissing scenes from your books?

Meg and Zander’s first kiss in Statistically Improbable.

Sam and Paige’s first kiss on the beach in Paige’s Turn.

Cole and Jillian’s first kiss as strangers on a plane in the Pianos and Promises series.

Charlee and Ryan’s first kiss after the One Republic concert in Trouble in Loveland.

Cheyenne and Aidan’s first kiss in Cheyenne. There is something about two people hating each other, but they really don’t and the fireworks that happen when they kiss.

3. What has been your favorite book to write?

This is a tough one. It would be a toss-up between More Trouble in Loveland, Trouble in Loveland, and Statistically Improbable.

4. Which of your heroes and heroines would you most like to meet in person?

All of them! But some of my top ones would be Ryan and Charlee, Meg and Zander, and Beck and Call.

5. What three words would you use to describe your books? 

Character-driven, emotional, real-romance.

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Tradition Tuesday - Week 2

We are so excited for our first annual

Have Yourself a Very Swoony Christmas event,

hosted by KJ's Book Nook, Bookworm Nation, and Katie's Clean Book Collection.

Traditions are what really make the holidays memorable!

Each Tuesday we will be posting about some of our

favorite Christmas traditions.

KJ will be posting about one of her family's

favorite traditions for Week 2.

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We used to have a lot of traditions growing up. But over the years, with my siblings getting married, having kids of their own and moving out of state, the majority of those traditions have fallen to the wayside.

But there is one tradition that I refuse to stop and that is Christmas breakfast! Whether it's just my dad and I or a few of my siblings and their families, I will ALWAYS have Christmas breakfast! Depending on who's here will determine the menu. Sometimes it's just eggs, bacon, hashbrowns and a big glass of milk (or in my case a Pepsi!). But other times it's eggs, bacon, sausage, hashbrowns, pancakes, toast, biscuits and gravy, orange juice, milk.. you name it and we probably have it! It's the BEST!

Over the last few years I have taken over the majority of the cooking and I love it! I've inherited my dad and grandpa's breakfast making genes! And if you ask me it's one of the greatest things I could have inherited from them! 😊

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Sweet Morsels Monday - Week 2

We are so excited for our first annual 

Have Yourself a Very Swoony Christmas event,

hosted by KJ's Book Nook, Bookworm Nation, and Katie's Clean Book Collection.

Welcome to Sweet Morsels Monday!

Mondays can be rough, but nothing can make it better than something sweet.

Each Monday, we'll be sharing a Christmas treat recipe.

Aren't Christmas treats the best?!

For the second week,

KJ will be sharing one of the newest additions to her Christmas treats.

**I am a HUGE peanut cluster fan and a HUGE Rocky Road ice cream fan! So imagine my surprise when I discovered a Rocky Road Peanut Clusters! I just HAD to try them! So I went out the very next day and got all the ingredients. One word... AMAZING! Not only are the super yummy but they are super easy! I hope you guys love them!**

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Rocky Road Peanut Clusters

Ingredients:

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup butterscotch chips

1 tbsp vegetable oil OR shortening

1½ cups roasted, lightly salted peanuts

1½ cups miniature marshmallows

Instructions:

1. Line a large baking sheet with waxed paper.

2. Melt chocolate chips, butterscotch chips and vegetable oil together in a large microwave-safe container. I used a Pyrex glass bowl.

3. Heat on high for 30 seconds, stir, repeat, until chips are melted and smooth.

4. Quickly stir in the peanuts and marshmallows.

5. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the waxed paper. You can make them as large or as small as you like.

6. Let set up in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before packing. Store leftovers (ha!) in an airtight container.

Don't these look and sound amazing?! Let me know what you think if you try them!

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More Trouble in Loveland BLOG TOUR

Another Timeless Single Romance! Join Jennifer Peel for MORE TROUBLE IN LOVELAND.

Charlee Jensen-Carter has been looking forward to her first Christmas with her new husband, Ryan, and her adorable stepson for weeks. Not only is her dad tying the knot, but she’s looking forward to two weeks of no exes, no drama, and especially no trouble. At least that’s what she thinks.

First, she gets talked into wearing red hooker heels again. Next, she finds herself trying to save her dad’s wedding. And if that isn’t bad enough, more than one ex shows up, and she's suddenly in the middle of more trouble than she ever bargained for.

Will she ever find the right moment to give Ryan the best Christmas present ever? Or will her Christmas hopes and dreams die a fiery death in this comical holiday tale?

Release Date: November 28th

Add it on Goodreads!
Buy it on Amazon!

Other Timeless Romance Singles:

From Cairo, With Love by Nancy Campbell Allen
Sophia's Leap-Year Courtship by Kristin Holt
Starting Over at Steeple Ridge by Liz Isaacson
The Matchmaking Game by Donna Hatch
The Heart Only Grows by Michele Paige Holmes

Connect with Jennifer Peel:

Website: http://www.jenniferpeel.com/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/jpeel_author
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenniferpeelauthor/

Tour schedule:

Nov. 27 - Heidi Reads / KJ’s Book Nook
Nov. 28 - Wishful Endings / Joy in the Moments / Empower Moms
Nov. 29 - Getting Your Read On / Bubble Bath Books
Nov. 30 - Why Not! Because I Said So / My Book a Day / Bookworm Lisa
Dec. 1 - Katie’s Clean Book Collection

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Mistletoe Wedding by Melissa McClone

Synopsis:

Event planner at the Bar V5 Dude Ranch, Meg Redstone is dreaming of a white Christmas with twinkling lights, sparkly decorations and strategically placed mistletoe. She loves making dreams come true for others, whether planning a holiday wedding or giving her young daughter the best Christmas ever.

Ranch foreman Tyler Murphy loves the holidays, but his newest employee has taken over his barn with her over-the-top decorations. He admires Meg’s desire to give her daughter the perfect Christmas while planning a winter wonderland wedding, but he wants to show her that a Montana Christmas is more than glitter and lights.

After raising his younger sister, an instant family is not on Ty's Christmas wish list. But he finds himself falling hard for the single mom and her little girl. Meg, however, is not interested in a romance with a cowboy like Ty, or any man. Getting her under the mistletoe is going to take a Christmas miracle . . . or a little help from Santa.

My Review: 4.5 Stars

At the young age of 18, Ty lost both of his parents in an accident and became the legal guardian to his little sister, Rachel. Yes he had to give up so much to take care of and raise her, but he wouldn't change it for the world. However, he does feel that he has already done the parent thing and is not interested in doing it again. Sure he wants to get married... someday. But whoever he marries needs to be on the same page as he is... no kids. 

Enter in Bar V5 Ranch's newest employee, Meg, and her adorable daughter, Brooklyn. Being a single parent was never in Meg's plans. But the moment her husband finds out she's pregnant he files for divorce and gives up all parental rights to their daughter. Brooklyn is Meg's life now. She will do anything and everything for her daughter. Sure she would like to date again and maybe even marry... someday. But right now she refuses to do anything that would break her daughter's heart. 

From the moment Ty walks in to see his barn chock-full of Christmas decorations and a sleeping Brooklyn curled up in his office, something in him slowly starts to soften. The same thing starts to happen to Meg when she sees how sweet Ty is with her daughter. 

But nothing can happen between them. Friends. They can only be friends. Who cares that the kisses they share are the best either of them have ever had. Something more just isn't written in the stars for either of them. 

Or is it? 

Never underestimate the Christmas magic at Bar V5 Ranch. What's meant to be, will be. And no matter how hard they fight against it or how much they try to talk themselves out of it, a happily ever after IS written in the stars for them. All they have to do is open their hearts and believe. 

This series is so much fun! I'm glad I decided to add it to my Christmas Swoon Fest list! Each book has just the right amount of romance, swooning and Christmas! It's definitely helping me get in the Christmas spirit! :) 

I am so glad that I decided to take a chance on Ms. McClone. Her books are the perfect getaway! I can't wait to read more by her! 

I know I say this a lot but I am seriously in love with this casting! *dreamy sigh*

Content: Mild swearing. Mild innuendo.

How to Kiss a Billionaire by Cami Checketts

Synopsis:

Miriam Salisbury escapes to Oregon to avoid a boyfriend who won't take no for an answer, killing her beloved cat to prove it. When her father sends Clay Browning to protect her, she's certain he's lost his mind. As far as she's concerned Clay's experience is limited to posing for the camera, charming women, and making fun of her. He's been teasing her since they were children and she's never gotten over the way he threw crawdads at her at church picnics.

Clay retired from the military and entered the world of private security. When he gets the call to protect Miriam he's excited to be around his lifelong crush. As expected, he teases her nonstop and the only thing he takes seriously is her security. He knows she'd never give him a chance and he can't help but give her a hard time.

After Miriam is dumped in the freezing ocean on a crabbing expedition and Clay saves her from drowning and freezing to death, she takes a second look at her hired gun. But opening up to him is more terrifying than facing her stalker.

As events escalate to a frenzied climax, Miriam and Clay must put aside past grudges in the hope of finding a lasting love for their future.

My Review: 4 Stars

Miriam has finally decided to break it off with her on again off again boyfriend of several years. But when the notes start coming and her beloved cat is murdered, she starts fearing for her loved ones. If he's willing to kill her cat, what else is he capable of? She has no choice but to run away and hope that he'll slip up, get caught and finally be brought to justice. Until then, she will just have to live in fear and pray that he doesn't find her.  

Clay has been in love with Miriam since he was 12 years old. When her father calls him to let him know that she is missing and he MUST find her, Clay drops everything to locate her. He's had a hard time over the years reconciling that she's the only woman who has never wanted him. But as much as he's tried to get over her, he just can't. There's just something about Miriam. He will always love her and will always want to protect her. 

Clay has tracked Miriam to the town of Coos Bay, Oregon. When he knocks on the door and she doesn't answer, Clay takes it upon himself to break in... freaking the crap out of Miriam! And some things will never change. From the first moment they see each other in the cabin, Clay teases her relentlessly and Miriam is still as feisty and sassy as ever. 

The more time they spend together, the more they realize their old feelings have never really gone away. But both of them have insecurities about things that have happened in the past. Will the old fears and past hurts stop them from moving forward? Or can they finally put the past behind them and start fresh? Are they meant to be alone for the rest of their lives? Or will they finally be able to get their happily ever after?

I am loving reading all these swoony Christmas books! They are all so much fun! I really enjoyed Miriam and Clay! They were so much fun! Between the bantering back and forth and those swoony kisses it turned my quiet Saturday into a fun getaway! 

I can always count on Ms. Checketts to give me a break from reality! All it takes is for me to start reading one of her books and the world just disappears. 

And of course we just can't forget my casting! What do you think?

Have Yourself a Very Swoony Christmas -- Reviews!

We hope you have been enjoying our Have Yourself a Very Swoony Christmas hosted by KJ's Book Nook, Bookworm Nation, and Katie's Clean Book Collection!

Every Saturday we will be posting links to all the fabulous reviews from the Swoony Christmas reads you send us as well as the new Rafflecopter.

We really do hope you are having as much fun as we are! Life can get pretty crazy this time of year and it's always good to escape reality for a little while. What better way than reading swoony Christmas books and entering to win prizes?! 😉

So... without further adieu... here are the reviews we received this week! 

Marrying Miss Kringle: Lux by Lucy McConnell: 

Brianne

The Christmas Groom by Taylor Hart: 

Brianne

A Lawman for Christmas by Karen Kirst

Heidi

How to Kiss a Billionaire by Cami Checketts: 

Kathy

Honeymoon for One in Christmas Falls by Jennifer Peel:

Kathy

Hot Cocoa Wars by Christene Houston:

Kathy

The Christmas Boyfriend by Taylor Hart:

Kathy

The Lumberjack's Yuletide Bride by Kimberly Krey:

Kathy

KJ

A Christmas Kiss by Susan Hatler: 

KJ

Home For Christmas by Melissa McClone: 

KJ

The Bookworm and the Beast by Charlee James: 

KJ

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One Enchanted Christmas by Melissa Tagg

Synopsis:

Last December, mystery author Maren Grant had the most perfect night of her life. On a glimmering winter evening, she got to watch the photo shoot for her very first book and ended up on a magical date with the cover model himself—Colin Renwycke.

Fast forward one year. This December, with a looming deadline, restless spirit and her creative spark long since gone, Maren is desperate to get unstuck. And she can’t get Colin out of her head…or his year-old open invitation to spend a couple weeks writing at his family’s farm.

Drew Renwycke never planned to come home and take over the Renwycke family farm. But he’s spent too many years watching his siblings unravel, including his brother, Colin, after one terrible family mistake. If moving to Maple Valley, Iowa, renovating an old farmhouse and switching careers is what it takes to put the Renwycke family back together, he’ll do it.

But his simple plan upends when a scrappy author lands on his doorstep. And she just might be the key to coaxing his brother home. But what if he wants her all to himself? Drew will have to choose between his Christmas wish and the enchantment of a holiday romance that just might be the happy ending they all long for.

My Review: 4.5 Stars

December 2017:

I am SO glad I added this onto my Christmas Swoon Fest list! It's still super cute and I still love it! I have a feeling this series is going to be a must read every year!

January 2016:

Maren is in a rut. With a deadline for her second booking looming in the not so distant future, she is desperate to find her inspiration anywhere she can. With thoughts of: "Is she a one book wonder?" "Was the first book just a fluke?", she decides to take Colin up on his year old open invitation and heads to his family farm in Maple Valley, IA to see if she can find her creative spark again.

Drew has given up everything to head back to Maple Valley, IA to see if he can finally fix what had been broken. One past mistake has left his family in shambles and he is determined to be the glue that puts them back together. He will do anything and everything he can to make this happen, including sacrificing his own happiness, to give his family back theirs. Little did he know that fate had something else in store for him. 

Both Maren and Drew embark on a journey of self discovery, friendship and love. They both had different ideas for where their futures would lead but were far from disappointed when things ended up better than what they had imagined. I really enjoyed seeing these two together. Whether they were making wishes in the bell tower or talking in the workshop or enjoying a sleigh ride into town... *dreamy sigh* I definitely wanted more of Maren and Drew!

I have to tell you that I absolutely adored this book! I think one of my favorite parts was the narration of the author in different sections of the book. It's like she knew the questions I was going to have at that particular time and was telling me... I know what you're thinking.. I'm right there with you... trust me... I know what I'm doing... ;) Super cute! 

I also loved the setting of this book! I think small towns are one of my favorite settings of books. So much happens in a small town and you just gotta love it! I can't wait to visit Maple Valley, IA again! I am hoping more than one person there will get a HEA! ;) 

I am so glad one of my good friends suggested I read this book. It was the perfect way to spend my Sunday! This is my very first book by Melissa Tagg and I am definitely looking forward to more books by her! Any author that can grab me from the very beginning of the book is definitely a keeper in my opinion! :) 

And of course I just can't forget my casting choice! This was another fun one for me to cast... ;) 

Festivity Friday - Week 1

We are so excited for our first annual 

Have Yourself a Very Swoony Christmas event,

hosted by KJ's Book Nook, Bookworm Nation, and Katie's Clean Book Collection.

Festivity Friday is our fabulous cap of the week!

Each Friday, we will be posting the winners of 

our giveaways. Be sure to stop by all week long

for fun posts and chances to win,

and be sure to check back on Fridays to see if you're a winner!

And the winners are...

Christmas Treat Pack -- Lynette D.

One ebook of Cookie Girl Christmas and A Cliché Christmas -- Audrey S.

$5 Amazon Gift Card -- Linda H.

Kimberly Krey ebook -- Alisa B.

**Winners will be contacted by email**

Happily Ever After Thursday - Week 1

We are so excited for our first annual 

Have Yourself a Very Swoony Christmas event,

hosted by KJ's Book Nook, Bookworm Nation, and Katie's Clean Book Collection.

Many book characters seem to become a part of our lives.

Sometimes we really want to get to know them better

and enjoy their romance for just a little bit longer.

Each Thursday, we will be spotlighting 

one of our swoony Christmas couples.

This week, we'll be getting to know

Maddie & Bear 

from The Lumberjack's Yuletide Bride by Kimberly Krey.

1. What do you like to do on a romantic date?

Bear: Anything that involves the outdoors, pretty much. Especially when it's cold out and Maddie has to cuddle up to me.

Maddie: I love the outdoors too, but I'm equally fond of a cozy night with a warm fire and good food.

2. What do you like most about each other?

Bear: I love that Maddie is genuine. She isn't trying to be someone she's not for the sake of impressing people. She's beautiful, fun-loving, and she'll make an incredible mother one day. 

Maddie: Bear has these contrasting parts that make him fascinating. Apart from being handsome and witty, he's strong, physically and mentally. Contrasting that is the fact that he’s also gentle and loving. And while he has a business to run, Bear makes time for the important people in his life. Mainly his mother, sister, and me.

3. What is your favorite way to spend time together?

\

Bear: Do you really want me to answer that?

Maddie: (*smacks Bear on the arm) I love going logging with him. Going to football games at Cobble Creek High. And shopping along Main Street when it’s lit up at night.

4. What are three things on your bucket list?

Bear: To take Maddie to Germany one day.

Maddie: Yeah, we want to go to Germany. We’ve talked about going on an Alaskan Cruise, we’d love that. And I don’t know if this really belongs on a bucket list, but we’d both like to see our moms get remarried, and see our sisters end up with great guys too.

Bear: Definitely.

5. What is “your song”? 

Bear: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Maddie: Yeah, that’s it for sure.

6. What is the craziest date you’ve been on?

Bear: Should we count the one where we were Chefs for the day?

Maddie: That was definitely different. Oh, how about the one where we went sledding on a double date with Kate and Cam, and then Willy showed up with his date and tried racing you down the hill!

Bear: That’s the craziest one for sure, since poor Willy’s boots fell off and his date had to carry them down the hill for him.

7. What is your favorite holiday tradition?

Bear: Going out and picking that choice Christmas tree.

Maddie: Definitely. And getting the holiday brownies at Tops Bakery.

8. How would you describe each other to someone else in three words?

Bear: Maddie is bright, beautiful, and selfless.

Maddie: Bear is passionate, caring, and courageous. And handsome, can’t forget that one.

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The Lumberjack's Yuletide Bride by Kimberly Krey

Synopsis:

Maddie Collins, first grade teacher at Cobble Creek Elementary, is not a man-hater. Sure, her absent father gave men a bad name, and her mother always warned her that high hopes were dangerous things, but Maddie still hopes to find a man who’ll return the love she has to offer. When lumberjack, Bear Schaefer takes an interest in her, Maddie allows her hopes to soar above the tree tops.

Bear Schaefer, aka poster boy for Big Daddy Mills, has been dying to get back to Cobble Creek. As part owner and operator of an environmentally proactive logging company, he has a list of things vying for his attention. But none are quite so alluring as the lovely Maddie Collins. Date after date their connection grows deeper while the sparks grow hotter. Yet just as things become serious between them, a vengeful woman from Bear’s past threatens to tear them apart. With Maddie’s hopes for love so high, and Bear’s love so deep, a fall would be more devastating than a forest fire.

My Review: 5 Stars

Growing up, Maddie Collins didn't have the best example when it came to love and happily ever afters. Between her father leaving when she was a teenager and her mother turning into a full blown man hater because of it, it's a miracle that she even has dreams of falling in love. But Maddie has a lot of love to offer someone and she knows that there is someone special out there for her. 

So imagine her surprise when she hears that her childhood crush, Bear Schaefer, is finally moving back home to Cobble Creek... and will be doing an assembly at her school. Maddie has thought of their almost kiss over the years. Oh what she wouldn't give for Bear to notice her! She'll have to step up her game if she's going to even try to have a chance with him! 

But Maddie's fears are unfounded. The moment Bear lays eyes on her in the faculty lounge, he's hooked. There's always been a chemistry between the two of them, but the timing has never been right. Things are going to be different this time around. There isn't anything or anyone holding Bear back. He will do everything in his power to make Maddie his. 

From the moment these two come back into each other's lives, they are inseparable. The more time they spend together, the more they realize that they are meant to be. They can definitely see a happily ever after in their very near future. 

But when a vengeful woman from Bear's past rears her ugly head, Bear will need to do everything in his power to keep Maddie in his life. He has been waiting for her for too long to let her slip away now. All I have to say is never underestimate a man in love. You will lose every time!

Oh. My. Gosh! You guys! I absolutely adored The Lumberjack's Yuletide Bride! Maddie and Bear are perfect for each other! And the last couple of chapters! *dreamy sigh* Loved it! I do have to admit that I was getting extremely irritated with real life! Because of it. it took WAY too long for me to read this! But it didn't stop me from loving it! It's super cute and definitely swoony! *dreamy sigh*

This is my 3rd book by Kimberly Krey and I have been asking myself WHY HAVEN'T I READ MORE BY HER?! I see a lot of her books being added to my TBR list! 

And let's not forget my casting! I absolutely LOVE these two for Maddie and Bear! *dreamy sigh*

Whispering Wednesday - Week 1

We are so excited for our first annual 

Have Yourself a Very Swoony Christmas event,

hosted by KJ's Book Nook, Bookworm Nation, and Katie's Clean Book Collection.

We're so excited about Whispering Wednesday!

Each Wednesday, we will be having a different author

answering some of our burning questions.

First up, we have one of our favorite steamy clean authors,

Kimberly Krey!

Let's get to know her a little bit better: 

1. What gives you inspiration for your characters and story lines? 

I have the habit of paying attention to people and what sets them apart. I get inspired by so many things. Driving by a quaint little business and imagining how it started and when. An adorable house – just the sight of one usually inspires me. I want to write about the person who lives there and takes such good care of the herb garden stacked in the windows, or the well-trimmed hedges out front. But every so often, the ideas seem to uncover seeds that have been planted someplace – maybe in my heart or mind, maybe just out in the universe—whatever it is, I feel inspired to the point that I have to pursue the character who’s come to me, and discover the story I’m meant to share. It’s a truly humbling and fascinating process, and I love it! 

2. Which are your top five favorite kissing scenes from your books?

From my books? Ah! I could list a few from Marcia Lynn McClure on the spot, but my own?

Let’s see… How about the PANTRY KISS from Cassie’s Cowboy Crave. I like when Shane takes Cassie into the pantry to get some privacy after being challenged by his nephew to kiss like the other couples do. So that’s one. I’ll call the next one the MUD PIT KISS from Reese’s Cowboy Kiss. When Reese and Blake are drawing mud pictures on one another’s back and then guessing what the other has drawn. One declares their love this way, and a steamy kiss follows. Next would be the CARPENTER KISS from Rough Edges. Braden, our carpenter, has a nightmare where Allie reunites with her ex-husband. After a near all-night ride out on the land, Braden is sleep-deprived, frightened of losing her, and desperate to make Allie his. So when she walks into the wood shop that morning, Braden takes her into a quiet nook intending to do just that. Of course he comes to his senses, but not before a very steamy kiss is exchanged. And then we have the SLEEPING KISS from Ranch Hand for Auction. Meg is into Jake, she can’t deny it. And after a whole lot of flirting and making eyes and getting to know one another, the two order takeout and watch movies one night. Yet as the credits run, Meg realizes that Jake has dozed off. And as she catches sight of Jake’s flawless face and inviting lips, Meg can’t stop herself from giving them one small kiss. And then another. And soon Jake is kissing her back. Last I’ll say the MISTLETOE KISS from Getting Micah Under the Mistletoe. The lovely Quinn has been in love with her guy friend, Micah, for a long time. And when the opportunity to kiss him beneath the mistletoe comes, the kiss is more than she ever dreamt of, causing her hopes for a relationship to soar. 

3. What has been your favorite book to write?

I think it’s a tie between Fresh Starts and Sheriff’s Bride. Hiding out on a gorgeous apple orchard with a buff, gorgeous-in-an-entirely-different-way bodyguard? That was such a fun scenario! Of course the stalker added an interesting aspect as well. And with the Sheriff’s Bride, I loved discovering the charming town of Cobble Creek, and all of the possibilities there. Plus Trent is one of my favorite, most admirable characters, and discovering his story was interesting and inspiring. 

4. Which of your heroes and heroines would you most like to meet in person?

I think maybe Jade and Gavin. I like how flawed they are, and how open they are about their flaws. There’s something refreshing about them.

5. What three words would you use to describe your books? 

I hope they are heart-warming, hope-lending, & romantic.

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A Christmas Kiss by Susan Hatler

Synopsis:

Harper Avery is a jaded divorce attorney who loves helping her clients move on to better things. After all, they’ve struggled enough being in an unhappy marriage. When one client’s soon-to-be ex-husband suddenly says he wants a second chance with his wife, Harper’s dubious, certain that her client is just going to get hurt again.

Despite his career as a divorce attorney, Gabriel Hart still believes that love can work miracles. Sure, there are no guarantees, but he totally supports his client’s efforts to reconcile with his wife—even if it means Gabriel has to go head-to-head with Harper to keep her from ruining the couple’s chances.

With the holidays approaching, husband and wife set out to see if they can work through their issues, while Harper decides to spend the long Christmas weekend at her friend’s cabin in Lake Tahoe. Only when she gets there, someone is already occupying her last-minute rental—Gabriel Hart. Both refuse to give up their holiday retreat. Will their adversarial working relationship make for a stressful weekend? Or will the magic of Christmas sprinkle them with a love that can beat the odds?

My Review: 4 Stars

Jaded divorce attorney, Harper, does not believe in love or happily ever afters. There's a reason for the wall she's built around her heart. In her experience, love always ends in hurt. It should be no surprise that she is pro divorce. Why be married and miserable? So when her client's soon to be ex decides he still loves her and wants another chance, Harper will fight with everything she has to make sure that doesn't happen.  

Despite being a divorce attorney, Gabriel believes in love, second chances and happily ever afters. He doesn't see the harm in giving his client and his wife another chance to talk and work things out. No one is perfect and you don't always get things right the first time around. He will do everything he can to make sure his client has every opportunity to work things out with his wife. 

Harper cannot stand Gabriel. Who does he think he is? A second chance is not what their clients need! They need to sign those divorce papers ASAP so they can both move on with their lives. But when her client goes against her wishes, Harper decides she needs a change of scenery. She needs to get away from it all and recharge.

So when her old college friend reaches out letting her know her cabin is available for Christmas, Harper jumps at the chance to get away from the city. But she's not the only one the cabin was offered to. Enter Gabriel. This just can't be happening. Now what is she going to do?!

Neither Harper nor Gabriel are willing to leave the cabin. They will just need to make the best of it. Harper will have to do her best to stay as far away from Gabriel as possible. But when the magic of Christmas fills the air, Harper feels herself softening towards Gabriel. 

Will her client's circumstances remind her why she's stayed away from relationships all these years? Or can the magic of Christmas and Gabriel change her mind on love, second chances and happily ever afters? 

*dreamy sigh*

I really need to get caught up on my Susan Hatler books! This is the first book I have read in the Kissed by the Bay series and I'm excited to read the rest of them! Ms. Hatler is a genius when it comes to swoony books! I have loved every one of hers that I have read! 

And these two.. *dreamy sigh* I think I love them! 

Tradition Tuesday - Week 1

We are so excited for our first annual

Have Yourself a Very Swoony Christmas event,

hosted by KJ's Book Nook, Bookworm Nation, and Katie's Clean Book Collection.

Traditions are what really make the holidays memorable!

Each Tuesday we will be posting about some of our

favorite Christmas traditions.

Katie will be posting about one of her family's

favorite traditions for Week 1.

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I don't watch a lot of TV because I'd rather be reading, but one of my

favorite Christmas traditions is watching Christmas movies and TV shows.

Every few days, we sit down as a family, grab some popcorn and treats,

and watch some of our favorite shows by the twinkling lights of the tree.

Our Top Ten family favorites are:

Elf

The Polar Express

White Christmas

A Christmas Carol

A Charlie Brown Christmas

It's a Wonderful Life

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Home Alone

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Frosty the Snowman

Of course, I also LOVE many Hallmark Christmas movies as well,

but my husband and kids aren't really into those. 😊

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