eARC Book review: Dachshund Through the Snow (The Dogmothers #2.5) by Roxanne St. Claire

Available Dec. 3rd 2019
eARC Provided by author.

Agnes Santorini, known as "Yiayia" to her Greek clan, only has one thing on her Christmas list -- a brown short-haired dachshund that matches the one she dreamed about, certain that pup can save her aging heart. When she learns that a local man has this very dog for adoption, she and her partner-in-crime, Gramma Finnie, leash up their current doxies and join forces with their great-granddaughter to get their paws on the pooch.

But things don't go quite as smoothly as expected. A quick walk through the town of Bitter Bark turns complicated when the dog's owner has a simple demand, which sets off a series of events that have two grannies and one girl dashing through the snow with two dogs in tow. As they meet every demand and overcome every obstacle, Yiayia shares the secret of her past...and reveals just why this is the canine angel she needs to save her.

But even if they manage to get the dog under their Christmas tree, that might not be where the little fellow belongs. And maybe, just maybe, Yiayia's heart can be healed by a completely different kind of love...the kind that only comes at Christmas.

Agnes Santorini and Grammie Finnie have become best friends since their families have merged. Agnes is on a mission to get a short hair dachshund. She's been waiting to find this particular dog and enlists Grammy Finnie and Pru to help her get it. While on this mission we get some of Agnes's backstory. Why she's the way she is. Pru has her own drama as well and then you toss in bits and pieces of the rest of the families and it's a fun and emotional read. If you're reading this series you won't want to miss this novella. If you haven't started now is as good a time as any.

Find out more about Roxanne St Claire and this series here www.roxannestclaire.com

eARC Book review: A Cowboy Like You (Heart of Texas #4) by Donna Grant

Available Nov 26th 2019
eARC Provided by publisher through Negalley

In the Heart of Texas, a heartthrob cowboy may get his second chance at love…

Danny Oldman, the handsome Lone Star sheriff, is still single. He tells himself, and anyone who asks, that he is married to his job―and what matters most is keeping the people of his beloved Texas hometown safe. The truth? Danny still hasn’t gotten over his high school crush. She moved away after graduation and took Danny’s heart with her.

Skylar Long never thought she would have to flee Houston and return home―where it all began for her. But that’s what happened after the man of her dreams turned out to be an actual nightmare. Now, Skylar is desperate to escape her obsessive boyfriend. Nothing shocks her more than seeing Danny again and realizing that their long-ago attraction is more powerful than ever. But can she and Danny find a way to fight against Skylar’s wealthy, powerful ex who is dead set on tearing them apart?

Danny Oldman had a crush on Skylar Long way back in high school. Contemplating where he is in his life one evening he didn't expect her to show up in his life and with a huge problem. Yet there she is parked in the car next to him and a guy smashing her window trying to get her. While i enjoyed the book overall the pacing was weird for me. It seemed to click along pretty quickly at times it seem to drag and there was a lot of inner dialogue that characters had going that went no where. I started skimming those parts. Next think you know there's this big climatic ending.  Skylar and Danny seemed to fall into a sexual relationship really quick for her literally just escaping a violent relationship. Not my favorite book in the series but still a enjoyable read.

Find out more about this series and Donna Grant here donnagrant.com

eARC Book review: Born to Be a Cowboy (Montana Strong #3) by R.C. Ryan

Available Nov. 26th 2019
eARC Provided by publisher through Netgalley

After running wild in his youth, Finn Monroe is now on the other side of the law as the local attorney. Between his practice and working at his family’s ranch, his days aren’t as exciting as they used to be–until Jessica Blair steps into his office. Gorgeous and determined, Jessie has a hunch her aunt is in trouble, and Finn is her last hope. As someone who relies on facts rather than feelings, Finn is skeptical. But it can’t hurt to do a little digging.

Jessie knows her aunt, and there is no way she would disappear on an “extended honeymoon” after hastily marrying a smooth-talking cowboy. Something is wrong, and Jessie is going to find out what. As soon as she and Finn start poking around, it becomes clear someone is willing to go to great lengths to keep them from the truth. But as the danger grows, so does their attraction. With both their lives on the line, Finn will discover just how far he’ll go to keep Jessie safe.

Finn Monroe is the youngest of three boys adopted by widowed rancher Mac Monroe. He was the wildest and angriest of the three. With patience Mac finally got through to him and now as a adult is a successful lawyer. Jessie Blair walks into his office and nothing will ever be the same. Jessie was raised by her aunt on a ranch. Now her aunt is supposedly suddenly married and can't be found. All roads have lead dead ends so she enlists Finn to help. The childhood tragedies of these two taught them to hold the family they have tight. Finn and his family step up to help Jessie in anyway they can . Finn tries to be a professional but the attraction between the two can't be denied. I loved these two. They gave me all the squishies.  A well written series that i enjoyed immensely.

Find out more about R.C. Ryan and this series here www.ryanlangan.com

eARc Book review: All Fired Up (Road to Love #3) by Lori Foster

Available November 19th 2019
eARC Provided by publisher through Netgalley

He’s tantalizing trouble she can’t resist…

Charlotte Parrish has always wanted a certain kind of man: someone responsible, settled, boring. Bad boys need not apply. But when her car leaves her stranded and a mysterious stranger with brooding eyes and a protective streak comes to her rescue, she can’t deny how drawn she is to him. In town searching for family he’s never met, Mitch is everything she never thought she wanted—and suddenly everything she craves.

Finding his half brothers after all these years is more than Mitch Crews has allowed himself to wish for. Finding love never even crossed his mind…until he meets Charlotte. She’s sweet, warmhearted, sexier than she knows—and too damn good for an ex-con like him. But when his past comes back to haunt him, putting Charlotte—and the family he’s come to care for—in danger, Mitch isn’t playing by the rules. He’s already surrendered his heart, but now he’ll risk his life.

Charlotte was adopted unofficially by the Crews family. Big brothers Brodie and Jack have always protected her while helping her thrive. She's never quite found the right guy for her until Mitch shows up. Mitch is the brother Brodie and Jack didn't know they had. When he shows up they pull him right into the family fold like he'd always been there. Mitch falls hard for Charlotte from the minute he sees her but with his crappy past he thinks he's got to protect her from that mess. Then the past rears it's ugly head and it's leave and protect his new family or stay and let them help and start a new life with them. Loved this one. The Crews family is strong and even though Mitch grew up without them he has the same value and morals. Charlotte sticks up for him and supports him whenever it's needed and Mitch struggles how to deal with all the love. Lori Foster makes you love this family..

Find out more about Lori Foster and this series www.lorifoster.com

eARC Book review: Tangled Up In Christmas (Texas Heat #2) by Lisa Renee Jones

Available Now!
eARC Provided by publisher through Netgalley

I might be a country girl from the same small town of Sweetwater, Texas, as horse wrangler Roarke Frost, the girl next door who knows him like few know him, but I didn't know enough to save my heart.

He's the reason why I left Sweetwater behind.

But now fate proves she loves a wicked twist and sends me back to Sweetwater to pull together a Christmas festival—and I run smack into the man again, quite literally. His body is pressed to mine, his hands on my arms, and I'm melting like chocolate in the sizzling Texas sunshine. And I run.

I know it’s not exactly respectable, but it works, just not for long. No matter how much I try to get tangled up in Christmas, I end up tangled up in Roarke instead—and the man has me feeling the heat of our attraction and the warmth of our past friendship. He feels like Mr. Right, but history says he’s Mr. Wrong.

But if he wants a second chance, Roarke Frost is going to have to work for it. He’ll need to prove to me that this holiday is a season of new beginnings, the kind that last forever. 

Roarke and Hannah used to be a item. Close as could be and even engaged. Someone conspired against them and tore them apart. Now Roarke has a chance to get Hannah back and he isn't going to waste it. Hannah still loves him but can she trust him. This is a classic second chance story. LOVED Roarke. He doesn't give up and Hannah tried to resist and protect her heart but she doesn't know that what she thinks happened way back when never did. Can Roarke convince her to let him back in? All these questions are answered. There's not much for angst in this book but it was still a enjoyable read. There's even a extra story at the end of this book to sweeten the goodness. 

Find out more about Lisa Renee Jones and this series here www.lisareneejones.com/books

eARC Book review: Three Dog Night (The Dogmothers #2) by Roxanne St. Claire

Available Nov. 8th 2019
eARC Provided by author

Alex Santorini puts his family first and foremost, and that's going to keep him behind the grill at the family restaurant for the rest of his life, especially if his Greek grandmother has anything to say about it. But when a local winery needs a chef to step in to cook for a celebrity wedding, Alex jumps at the opportunity to showcase his culinary skills...and a chance to get closer to the winery owner who has captivated - and refused - his attention.

Grace Donovan is in a bind and knows that the answer to all her problems is one sexy Greek chef who has everything she needs...and everything that scares the hell out of her. Raised in a series of ever-changing foster homes, Grace has spent her life using science and logic to surround herself with protective walls. With all his passion and intensity, Alex could burn those walls down and, like everyone else in her life, leave her broken and alone.

As Alex and Grace join forces to land the wedding of the year, they also launch a search for the mother of a three puppies abandoned at the winery...only to discover a shocking connection to Grace's own mother and her shadowy past. When the truth comes out, their romance faces its greatest test. Will Grace choose the family she's wanted her whole life...or the love she may never find again? 

Alex and John Santorini are identical twins. They may look the same but their personalities are very different.  Alex has dreamed of being a chef with his own place to work his culinary magic. Due to family loyalty he's stayed with the family delicatessen to honor his late father. Grace Donovan had a dream of finding her lost family. They gave her up and she needs to know why. Her other dream was owning a winery and when that chance came about she grabbed it. Now she's in a bind needing a chef and wouldn't you know it Alex is a chef. Perfect right?  Alex is attracted to Grace and has been trying everything he can to get her attention and strike up a conversation. It isn't until he starts helping her with her chef problem that they finally start to connect. Grace is a tough nut to crack but Alex has the confidence and drive to not only help her with her work problems but crack that barrier on her emotional problems. I loved Alex and Grace. They were a team. They worked great together and all of Alex's huge family was behind the pair adding to the fun in this story. 


Find out more about Roxanne St Claire and this series here www.roxannestclaire.com