The Holiduel by Hailey Gardiner

 

Synopsis:

When my pastry school rival, Finn Calloway, suddenly reappears back in the Nashville food scene, all of my plans are thrown off. Turns out we’re both stuck working out of the same commercial prep kitchen during the holidays. To top it off, Finn’s Canadian crepe truck is getting booked at events left and right, stealing my thunder and my gigs.

The coals of our competition start to burn again, made red hot by my resentment over the fact that he kissed me five years ago and then ditched town. Never making the effort to talk to me again.

But the more time I spend around Finn, the more I begin to see a different side of him. I’m tempted to set aside our rivalry and give him a second chance. Which I definitely can’t do. Because even though it might land me a permanent spot on Santa’s naughty list, I’d rather be a winner than a forgiver.

My Review: 5 Stars

Y'all. I can't believe these words are about to come out of my mouth for this second chance, slow burn romance. Are you ready?! 

Oh holy cuteness Batman! I absolutely adored this book! I was sucked in from the very beginning and refused to put the book down until the very end! It was the perfect break from reality!

Ava and Finn have a bit of history together. It all started back in culinary school and ended with a kiss on graduation that rivaled any kiss either of them had ever had. And then nothing. For five years. Five very long years where Ava definitely did not hold a grudge against Finn. Nope. Not. At. All. And she definitely doesn't have any issues whatsoever with Finn coming back to town and stealing the holiday gig she really wanted. None. What. So. Ever. Well. Maybe just a teeny tiny bit. 

Y'all. Bring on the all the sass and witty banter. I couldn't get enough of Ava and Finn. There was chemistry aplenty between these two whether they wanted to admit it or not. I loved watching them work out their past and get their HEA. It was full of laughs and all the dreamy sighs. Gah! I love these two!

A bit of advice for readers. Do not read this book if you're hungry or if you currently have a sweet tooth. All the yummy goodness mentioned in this book will drive you crazy! I may or may not want to try some of the deliciousness that Ava and Finn made. 

It's no secret that I am not a fan of slow burn romances. This book was so well written that I didn't even realize it was one until closer to the end. Any author who can get me to read a slow burn without knowing it's a slow burn definitely deserves all the stars. 

This was my first book by Ms. Gardiner and it definitely will not be my last. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series. 

And of course my review wouldn't be complete without my casting. I'm loving these two! What do you think?!

Battleshipped by Savannah Scott

 

Synopsis:

I am not in love with my ex-boyfriend ... I'm not.

You know those stories where high school sweethearts reunite to find their happily-ever-after bliss together?

Well, that won't be me.

Sure, my ex-boyfriend, Rob, has the smolder down to a science, which makes sense, because to him, everything is science. He's a famous YouTuber, making a living using that beautiful brain of his.

He's destined for greatness ... which means he'll leave ... again.
And this time, I won't be falling for him.

The battle is on. Rob thinks he'll win me back, but I'm fighting him with all I've got.

My heart is locked up tight, behind an obstacle course with every booby trap imaginable ....
Wouldn't you know it? Rob happens to be an expert at finding his way around locks and obstacles. Just my luck.

My Review: 4 Stars

Raise your hand if you're a sucker for second chance romance. I don't know about you but, for me, there's just something about seeing the hero and heroine, who clearly still love each other, work out their differences and realize what's been missing in their lives since they said goodbye.

The road back to each other is never easy, just ask Laura and Rob. It takes time, patience, understanding, and love. And maybe swoony kisses thrown into the mix couldn't hurt. Before the book ends they'll have you believing that love is taking that second chance, that home is not a place but a person, and even though the journey can be scary and uncertain at times, it's well worth it when they finally get their HEA.

I do have to say that I really didn't feel the enemy to lovers vibe in this book. Maybe I missed it since I skipped over the first book in the series? It was a slow burn romance and y'all know how I feel about those. 🙈 But me missing that vibe didn't stop me from enjoying Laura and Rob's journey. It had all the feels that I've come to love in second chance romances.

I am really enjoying this series. Bordeaux (pronounced Bored-Ox) is quickly becoming one of my favorite places to visit, but fictional small towns usually are. Aiden's book is up next and I cannot wait to dive in! Thank goodness I have leftovers planned for dinner. Otherwise, I wouldn't be eating tonight! 😂

Ms. Scott is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. I keep asking myself why in the world I waited so long to give her books a try. They are definitely swoony and full of kisses, both of which I love! I cannot wait to see what she she has planned for us next!

As for my casting, I pretty much saw these two from the very beginning. I love them! What do you think?

The Contract by Jess Mastorakos

 

Synopsis:

It started as a marriage of convenience, then turned out to be anything but.

Zoe Katsaros is one of my best friends. She's also a fellow Marine who has my respect as well as my admiration after what we went through on deployment together.

The one thing I never thought she'd have? My last name.

But my family will lose everything if I don’t find a way to pull in some extra money, and her dad is trying to push her into an old-school arranged marriage with a guy she doesn't even like, let alone love.

Thanks to dual-military benefits and my willingness to embrace her Greek family's traditions, a contract marriage between friends might be the perfect way to solve both of our problems.

But married life might not be all its cracked up to be, even when it's with your best friend. We come from different worlds and even though that's never mattered before ... it matters now.

She can teach me to Greek dance and how to pronounce the names of their favorite foods, but how can I be the husband her family wants me to be when my own family has only shown me what not to do?

One thing's for sure: being married to Zoe might have started as a means to an end, but I'll stop at nothing to make it so much more.

My Review: 5 Stars

Book Hangover: A condition in which attachment to a book or series that has ended causes the reader traumatic emotional distress. It usually lasts for one to two weeks, or until a new book of higher-than-average quality enters the reader's life.

Y'all. This is me right now. I'm in emotional distress. It looks like my reading slump I've been in for the last few months is going to be just a little longer. But this book is absolutely worth it! 

I knew from the very beginning that Zoe and Chase were going to be favorites of mine. There's just something about these two that draws you to them. I loved that they were best friends and would do anything the could to help each other out. Little did they know that said help would end up changing their lives forever. I thoroughly enjoyed their journey and did not want it to end! And it would be remiss of my not to mention their first kiss. Holy wowzers! Now THAT was a first kiss! The chemistry between these two were off the charts! Zoe and Chase had me feeling all the feels for them. Their story couldn't have been more perfect! 

As usual, I loved catching up with old friends and seeing where they are in their journey. It's one of the reasons I love series like this! I never want to say goodbye to my favorite couples. I also loved getting to know Zoe's family. They were such an amazing addition to the story. Just like Zoe and Chase, you can't help but love them! They may be loud but they love hard. And once you're in, you're in... which is just what Chase needed in his life. 

I am definitely looking forward to getting my hands on Nate's book. Y'all. He seems like the ultimate grumpy Gus! I have a feeling he's going to fight hard against what Fate has in store for him and Nikki. Knowing Ms. Mastorakos' style? I am going to love every minute of it! I cannot wait to dive into their journey! 

As for my casting. Y'all. I. Am. In. Love! What do you think?

More Than a Pretty Face by Remi Carrington

 

Synopsis:

The one who got away was here all along

When I’m abandoned at a party and find myself in a vulnerable situation, a stranger rescues me. I want to thank him, but I have no memory of his face, only a text telling my housemate that he’s a cowboy with a pretty face. That’s not a lot to go on.

I’ve build him up as a fantasy in my head, but when a flirtatious ranch hand makes his interest clear, I have to choose between clinging to a memory, one that’s fuzzy at best, and embracing the present.

A real-life cowboy is better than a dream. Right? What if I’m wrong about that?

My Review: 5 Stars

Have you ever picked up a book, started reading it, and instantly knew you were going to have the hardest time putting it down? That was me with this book and y'all, let me tell you, it was amazing!

I quickly fell in love with all things Jasmine and Tyler. It wasn't hard to root for these two. They both had a fun, easy going vibe that made it easy to relate to them. Watching their attraction turn into friendship and then into love melted my heart. Add to that some sizzling chemistry and these two were absolutely perfect for each other. I couldn't help but let out all kinds of dreamy sighs.

I am loving all of these interconnected series. It brings that small town vibe I've come to crave in books. It's make my heart smile to see old friends and meet new ones. And speaking of old friends... I am dying to get my hands on Kent and Poppy's book! Y'all. I have a feeling that theirs is going to an all time favorite of mine. But then again, how can it not be when you have little Mason thrown into the mix. I seriously love that kid!

Now is the time I have to keep reminding myself that writing takes time because all I really want to do is reach out to Ms. Carrington on a daily basis and ask... is it done yet?! There's a reason she's one of my favorites. I cannot wait to see what she has planned for us next!

As for my casting.... *dreamy sigh* I am loving these two! What do you think?

The Vampire's Fake Fiancée by Kristen Painter

 

Synopsis:

Sebastian Ellingham isn’t known for being a happy vampire. And when his long estranged wife comes to town expecting to pick up where they left off, things take a sharp turn toward cranky. Sure he’s been protecting her for centuries, but her assumption that he’s still available (he is) rankles.

His answer is to hire a woman to play his fiancée. The lucky victim is Tessa Blythe, sister of one of the town’s deputies, librarian in need of a job and, oh yes, reluctant Valkyrie. Playing along with Sebastian is all about the end game for her, the position of Dean of Library Studies at the local private academy.

When unexpected sparks fly between them, they agree to mutually deny the attraction. Fate, however, has other plans…

My Review: 5 Stars

Y'all. I lied. Sebastian and Tessa are my new favorites in this series. Tall, dark, handsome, and broody? Ummm... yes please! 

I have been intrigued with Sebastian from the very beginning. There's just something about him that pulls you in and makes you want to be the one who understands him. After hearing how horrible (understatement of the century) his estranged wife is, I knew it was going to take someone pretty amazing to bring love and happiness into his life. 

And Tessa was just that. She's a Valkyrie and has been hiding her powers since an unfortunate accident happened when she was a teenager. Being a Valkyrie, she's able to sense people's intentions and whether they are lying or not. Because of this, she was able to see past Sebastian's grumpy gruffness to his heart and see not only who he really is under that tough exterior, but what he really needs in his life.

Tessa and Sebastian didn't know it at the time their "arrangement" began, but they're the best thing that's happened to each other. I loved watching them push each other to see past the heartache and the pain and realize just how truly strong and amazing they really are. Fate knew what she was doing when she brought these two together. 

This is a phenomenal addition to the Nocturne Falls series. I swear, the more I read, the better the books get. Series like this make my heart smile! I cannot wait to dive into Roxy and Alex's book next. 

Ms. Painter is doing an excellent job of sucking me in to her world. I cannot tell you how happy I am that I finally gave her books a try. They're just what the doctor ordered!

Y'all. I may or may not be a bit bias, but I am loving these two! What do you think?!

Content: PG, mild language, innuendo, swoony kisses.

The Bridesmaid by Jess Mastorakos

 

Synopsis:

I’ve heard she’s always a bridesmaid and never a bride. But I’d make her mine, if she’d let me.

Three years ago, I left South Carolina and the woman I loved without looking back. Okay, that’s a lie. I’ve spent a fair amount of time imagining myself lounging under that Spanish moss with her.

Back then, we didn’t have a care in the world. It was simple. Easy. Right. In fact, I’d been about to propose. But then I found out I had a kid I didn’t know about. And just like that, everything changed.

Now, as a single dad, I’m back in town with one thing on my mind: Make it right with Layla, or go down trying.

My Review: 5 Stars

Oh my heart! Y'all! I can't even with this book right now! I absolutely adored it! There's just something about a small town, second chance, single parent romance that has me letting out all the little dreamy sighs. If you ask me, this book is absolute perfection!

Layla's heart was crushed into a million pieces the day Zac broke up with her and then disappeared without a trace. Left to wonder what in the world just happened, Layla finds herself desperate to get over Zac. She has spent the last 3 years going on endless dates, but forgetting him and moving on is proving to be impossible.

The heart wants, what the heart wants and Zac's wants Layla. He knows that he screwed up big time by leaving with no explanation but Fate has offered him a second chance with Layla. Giving up is not an option. They were meant to be together and he's going to do everything in his power to make that happen.

I knew the moment I started this book that I was going to have the hardest time putting it down. I found myself sneaking in reading whenever I could, staying up way past my bedtime, and waking up even earlier to see these two finally get their HEA. 

These two love fiercely and are not afraid to express their feelings, whether good or bad. Gah! I seriously love Layla and Zac! And I can't forget little Grayson! He's the cutest kid ever! I loved the relationship he had with his dad and Layla. So. Sweet!

I think this is now my new favorite book in this series. As soon as I finished it, I wanted to read it all over again. I really didn't want this book to end! I can't wait to see more of these three in Lindy and Beau's book. Y'all. I have a feeling we're going to be in for a wild ride when it comes to those two! Eeeeeeek!

Ms. Mastorakos has done it again! She never ceases to amaze me. I am in awe of her talent. She has a way of capturing the reader and not letting them go until the very end. There's a reason why she's one of my favorite authors. I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next!

And of course, we can't forget my casting. I know I say this a lot but, I am seriously in love with these two! What do you think?

Never Marry a Marquess by Regina Scott

Synopsis: 

Shy Ivy Bateman has always felt more comfortable behind the scenes than front and center. She is happiest caring for her family and baking sweet treats. She certainly never expected the wealthy Marquess of Kendall to propose marriage, especially a marriage of convenience. It seems his baby daughter needs a mother, and Ivy cannot deny the attraction of the role, or the attraction she feels for the handsome marquess.

Kendall had asked Miss Thorn of the Fortune Employment Agency to find him a particular sort of lady. His heart went to the grave with his first wife. Now, all he cares about is ensuring his frail daughter doesn’t follow it. Installing Ivy Bateman as his next marchioness will not disrupt his life or make him question his love for his dead wife. But as he comes to appreciate Ivy’s sweet nature, he begins to wonder about their future. When an old enemy strikes at Miss Thorn and all her ladies, a grieving lord and a shy lady must work together to save the day. In doing so, they might just discover that love, and a good cinnamon bun, can heal all wounds.

My Review: 4.5 Stars

*Note to self* Do NOT read the last book in the series first. You might get confused. But did that stop me from reading? Nope! I started it last night and finished it this morning. But in my defense, I was in the mood for a regency marriage of convenience romance. Add a single parent into the mix, and I am hooked! There was no turning back for this Book Dragon.

From the moment Ivy was first introduced, I found myself rooting for her. She had the kindest heart and the sweetest disposition. There's no doubt that she's shy but she's very passionate and protective when it comes to the people she loves. I loved how she took charge the moment she was introduced to Lady Sophia. She was just who that sweet baby needed. 

I really enjoyed watching the relationship between Ivy and Kendall develop. I knew he was a goner from the very beginning. You can't help but fall in love with Ivy. I also enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Kendall and Sophia. Watching him take an active roll in his daughter's life was very endearing. And watching them become a family was icing on the cake. I love HEA's! 

I will definitely be checking out the other books in this series. I'm more than intrigued to read the other characters stories. Part of me wishes I would have started from the beginning but this book just called to me and I couldn't say no!

I have read a few of Ms. Scott's older books and I'm looking forward to checking out her newer ones. It's going to be fun to catch up on her books!

As for my casting, I'm not going to lie, this one was kind of hard to find. But I love them. What do you think?

Inspired by Mindy by Remi Carrington

Synopsis:

My landlord is the hot Cowboy Chef. But I don’t care what he’s cooking up because I’m not interested.

Mindy
Jeffrey Carpenter might make other women swoon with a wink and a smile, but not me. I set boundaries from our very first meeting. He’s nicer than I expected, but heartaches after forty hurt worse, and I’m not going to risk opening my heart to a man with his reputation.

Renting his guest house makes things interesting and not just because I have a view of his pool where he swims almost every morning. Even in December.

When I try to prove how uninterested I am, I end up putting my foot in my mouth.
I’m pretty sure he hates me now.

Jeffrey
Shaking my bad boy image hasn’t been easy, but a man has to grow up sometime. And while I’ve earned many of the snide comments ladies have lobbed at me, insults about my cooking are undeserved.

Mindy can have her opinions, but they won’t change the way I do things.

Avoiding each other when possible, we settle in as frenemies, and all is well until we’re trapped together. Then things really get complicated.

Now more than my reputation as a chef is on the line.

My Review: 5 Stars

Y'all. I have been dying for this book to be released! Had it not been a work night, I would've started it the moment it hit my Kindle and stayed up all night reading it. But alas, I had to be responsible and get some sleep. 😂

Jeffrey has intrigued me from the moment he was introduced in the series. I knew there was more to him than meets the eye. I also knew that it would have to be someone pretty amazing to capture his heart.

Enter Mindy. Y'all. The moment these two met, I knew Jeffrey was going to have to work for his HEA... and I was not disappointed! Mindy not only challenged him, but she inspired him and made him want to not only do better, but be better.

I loved watching these two go from "enemies", to friends, to something more. Their path to HEA was beautiful and I couldn't keep that goofy grin off my face. These two are amazing! And definitely one of my favorite couples in this series. They're absolutely perfect for each other.

While I loved seeing and catching up with old friends, I loved meeting new ones! Stephanie is seriously the best! I cannot wait to get my hands on hers and Blake's story! 😍

As stated in other reviews of Ms. Carrington's books, the bonus epilogues are my absolute favorite! I think it should be a thing for all authors.. 😉 But I digress. Out of all the bonus epilogues in this series, I think this one is my absolute favorite! I've been dying for this to happen! 💗

If you guys haven't read any of Ms. Carrington's books, then you are seriously missing out! I can always count on her to make me bust out laughing, let out all the little dreamy sighs, and wanting to spend the day reading rather than adulting. Her books are the perfect breaks from reality.

As for my casting... *dreamy sigh*. I absolutely adore these two! What do you think?

 

Red Arrows by Laura Burton and Jessie Cal

 

Synopsis:

Welcome to the Chanted Forest, where fairytales are real...but not as you know them.

Haunted by the memory of her hands covered in her grandmother's blood, Red Ryding Hood cannot stop thinking about revenge.

When her cousin, Robin Hood, and his band of misfits go on a quest to rescue Princess Marian from The Wolf, Red grasps the opportunity to tag along.

Except rescuing the Princess will be their mission, not hers.

Red's arrows are being sharpened for a completely different target.

Ever since he was banned from his wolf pack, Will Scarlet has buried the truth about what he is from everyone he loves. Wolf attacks have ravaged Sherwood Forest and to his best friend, Robin Hood, wolves are the number one enemy.

Red is the only girl Will has ever loved, and he has vowed to protect her, whatever the cost.

If she ever finds out the truth, he will surely lose her forever.

But when their mission takes an unexpected turn, Will must confront his past and rise against his own kind to protect Red. But will Red return the favor when she finds out his secret?

My Review: 5 Stars

Holy crow! Y'all! What is going on here?! Once again I'm at a loss as to what to say for my review. I really do NOT want to give anything away! Just know that I'm hooked on this series and there is no going back now! I'm really going to be sad when I catch up on all the released books.

I'm not going to lie... Red and Will are my favorite! I absolutely adore these two! Maybe it's because of their forbidden love for each other or maybe it's their sizzling chemistry or their loyalty to their group or their protective nature for all those they care about or maybe all of the above and more! Whatever it is, I could NOT put their book down! I may or may not have wanted to call in sick to work just so I could keep reading. 😂 Shhhh... don't tell my boss! 😉 But don't worry... I adulted and went to work. 😝

I am loving this series! It has me feeling all the feels, keeps me on my toes, and on the edge of my seat. I love that I have no clue about what's going to happen next. A few of my bookish friends have received messages like... 

"If what just happened really happened, I'm going to hurt somebody!" and "I'm not happy about this! Ugh!" and "READ THE BOOK!!! I NEED SOMEONE TO EXPERIENCE THIS WITH ME!!!" and "What the crap is happening?!?! Holy freaking twists and turns Batman! This is crazy! I'm so confused!" 🤪🤣

Yes... I know I sound like a crazy person but y'all! I blame Ms. Burton and Ms. Cal. If their writing didn't kidnap me and hold me hostage in the Chanted Forest, then I would probably sound cool, calm, and collected. Oh who am I kidding?! I'm always like this when it comes to books I love! 🤣 Now. If you'll excuse me, I hear Beastly Secrets calling my name. I cannot wait to hear Belle's story!

But before I go... I just have to share my casting. Y'all. I. Am. In. Love! What do you think?!

The Valentine Inn by Jennifer Peel

 

Synopsis:

I, Charlotte Valentine, am mostly of sound mind. Typically, I make really good choices. I mean I went to college, never did drugs . . . I even brush and floss every day. That’s not to say I don’t make poor decisions—believe me, I do. They always seem to involve men—everything from gluing my eye shut (don’t ask) to falling in love with my boss. Did I mention he was famous? Oh, Drake Foster, you beautiful creature, you. My sister told me not to accept the position as his personal assistant. Apparently, she thinks it’s emotionally unhealthy for me to work for the object of my desire. What does she know? 

Well, she knew enough to tell me not to go on a little jaunt with him through a blizzard. She was definitely against us sharing the only room left at the coziest inn ever. And what happened after that she was adamant should have never happened. But, hey, it all worked out. I got the inn and the cutest kid ever. Unfortunately, Drake has no idea about either one—he really should answer his phone more—until, that is, he decides to take a trip down memory lane and shows up at my beloved inn. Let’s just say he’s surprised. But he’s not the only one. Who knew our connection would be just as strong as it always was and that all this time, I’ve haunted him as much as he’s haunted me? But this time, will love come to stay, or is it checking out for good? 

My Review: 5+ Stars!

Y'all. Where in the world do I even begin to tell you how much I absolutely love this book?! If I'm being honest, love is an understatement! What's bigger than love? Because whatever it is, that's what I feel for this book! 

You know when people ask you who your favorite fictional couple is and you freak out because there are just SO many of them? I mean, how can you pick just one?! It's not possible! Well. If you were to ask me that right now, hands down, it would be Charlotte and Drake! These two are fantastic!

Charlotte is beautiful, feisty, sassy, sarcastic, fun, loyal, loves fiercely, is not afraid to be real, and is the best friend, sister and mom. Drake is gorgeous, debonair, broody, lost, doesn't do feelings, hates to be humanized, and, even though he'd never admit it, has an amazing heart and has so much love to give. 

The journey of Charlotte and Drake was so real, so raw, so heart achingly beautiful. You can't help but cheer them on while watching them figure out how to wade through the rough waters of life. Life threw them some curveballs and there were things that could've torn them apart but their love for each other held them together and made them stronger. I read a quote recently that fits Charlotte and Drake perfectly. "If two hearts are meant to be together, no matter how long it takes, how far they go, how tough it seems, fate will always bring them back together."

I would be remiss to leave out little Jameson. Y'all. I loved this kid! He's the best! I found myself busting out laughing time and again with his antics. You can't help but fall in love with this little guy. He's absolutely perfect and just who Drake needs to snap him out of his broodiness. The bond between this father and son was a special one.

Y'all. Clear your schedules and prepare yourself for the ultimate book hangover! Once you pick this book up, you are not going to want to put it down! And the moment you finish it, you may or may not want to start it all over again. This book has all the feels and will have you swooning like there's no tomorrow!

I am still in awe of Ms. Peel's talent. I've said this before and I'll say it again. Every time I think I've found my new favorite book of hers, she turns to her next couple and says: "Hold my Dr. Pepper. I'm about to prove her wrong... again!" This book is a perfect example of why she is and always will be one of my favorite authors. I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us next! 

As for my casting... *dreamy sigh* Y'all! I. Am. In. Love! What do you think?!

Second Chances on Sugarplum Lane by Makenna Holiday

 

Synopsis:

My name is Melinda Cole. At barely 30 years old, I’m a top executive at a major corporation. But I’m falling apart and all I want for Christmas is a hug from my mom and dad.

After avoiding charming, holiday-obsessed Stardust Falls for eight years, I’m going home for a surprise visit.

The surprise is on me. My parents aren’t waiting with open arms and comforting embraces. They’re not even in town. Instead, Jay Austin is staying in my childhood home.

Jay Austin, who is a big part of the reason I haven’t been back in almost a decade. Jay Austin, who was my best friend before he became the man who broke my heart. Jay Austin, who is the one here now, when I need someone to listen and a shoulder to cry on. Jay Austin, who is leaving me with so many unanswered questions.

Why is he living in my parents' garage apartment? Why did he dump me for no reason back then? Why is he so good at taking care of me now? Can I ever trust him again? Should I?

Our first attempt at being more than friends was a disaster.

Is there such a thing as a second chance at happily ever after?

My Review: 4 Stars

For those that don't know, I'm a sucker for a good second chance romance. Add in the small town setting and this girl is in heaven! 

Lindy left Stardust Falls 8 years ago after Jay broke her heart into a million pieces. She had zero intentions of ever going back. But when life in the big city became too overwhelming, all she wanted was a hug and direction from her parents. Maybe spending Christmas at home this year won't be so bad? 

Never in a million years would she have imagined walking into her childhood home to see Jay standing in her kitchen... shirtless. Oh! And her parents left the state for Christmas. Surprise! 😳😂

Y'all. This was such a fun book. I really enjoyed watching Lindy and Jay work through their past and their present to get their HEA. I absolutely loved Jay! He was seriously the best! I totally want glow in the dark stars on my ceiling now... and a huge bean bag chair! 😉

I swear the more small town romances I read, the more I want to move to one. The setting was absolutely perfect. I found myself wanting to eat at The Pumpkin Patch and participate in the Snowman Smash. I loved meeting some of the townsfolk and feeling that sense of belonging. I'm really looking forward to Piper and Liam's story. 😍

Y'all. This is my first book by Makenna Holiday and it definitely won't be my last! I've already one-clicked this entire series! I love that each book is set around a holiday. I can't wait to dive back in!

As for my casting... y'all. I seriously love these two! What do you think?

2022 Genre/Trope Reading Challenge

Happy New Year my fellow Book Dragons! Welcome to my 3rd Annual Genre/Trope Reading Challenge! 

1. Secret Baby: The Valentine Inn by Jennifer Peel
2. RomCom: The Holiduel by Hailey Gardiner
3. Small Town: The Vampire's Fake Fiancée by Kristen Painter
4. Contemporary: Battleshipped by Savannah Scott
5. Marriage of Convenience: The Contract by Jess Mastorakos
6. Suspense: Collateral Damage by Rebecca Deel
7. Food Fiction: Inspired by Mindy by Remi Carrington
8. Regency: Never Marry a Marquess by Regina Scott
9. Single Parent: The Bridesmaid by Jess Mastorakos
10. Fantasy/Urban Fantasy: Red Arrows by Linda Burton and Jessie Cal
11. Second Chance: Second Chances on Sugarplum Lane by Makenna Holiday
12. Western/Cowboy: More Than a Pretty Face by Remi Carrington

If you're a fan of any or all of these genre/tropes, feel free to join me! If you do a blog post, make sure you share the link in the comments so I can add it to my post.

2022 Genre/Trope Challenge Participants:

Happy reading my fellow Book Dragons!