Book review: Rescuing Christmas (Anthology) with Vicki Lewis Thompson, Catherine Mann, Kathie DeNoski

Holiday Haven by Vicki Lewis Thompson All Ben Rhodes wants for Christmas is to be left alone. And yet, in a fit of Christmas-cheer-induced insanity, he agrees to help beautiful shelter director Tansy Dexter find homes for all her rambunctious animals. Little does he know that the one truly in need of a loving home this season …is him.

Home for Christmas by Catherine Mann

Information from Ms Mann's newsletter: For those of you who enjoyed my Wingmen Warrior series, this story features Zach Dawson's daughter Shelby, all grown up and ready for her own happily ever after with a flyboy!

Shelby Conrad has had more than her fair share of silent nights. But even though her husband, Tech Sergeant Alex Conrad, is coming home in time for Christmas, Shelby isn't sure he's in time to save their marriage. Can a road trip to deliver three shelter dogs to their new homes teach the couple that the most precious gift of all is hope?

A Puppy for Will by Kathie DeNosky

Will Parker hasn't exactly had all his hopes and dreams met, but work has filled the gaps in his life. Or so he thinks…until an energetic and large Saint Bernard foster puppy and Will's cute neighbor Macie Fairbanks introduce him to the best thing about Christmas and life—unconditional love.

This anthology revolves around a no kill shelter run by Tansy Dexter from the first novella in this book. The characters then are loosely woven together because of that. There's nothing over the top in this book like you might find in some Christmas anthology books.  I really enjoyed all three of these and let loose a giggle or two as well. Tansy is a sweetheart from Holiday Haven and she runs the shelter. She gets some help from  Ben Rhodes no matter how much he wants to resist her he can't. Then in Home for Christmas Shelby and Alex are one step away from divorce although neither really wants that they can't figure out how to communicate their needs to each other. Shelby hopes a road trip to deliver adopted dogs will help with that. Lastly Will Parker's takes in a puppy St Benard for the holidays to help out the shelter even though now days he fancies himself a loner and work a holic. Two bad his new sexy neighbor doesn't know that. For a nice easy enjoyable read this is a great holiday anthology to start with. 4 out of 5 stars for Rescuing Christmas!

Find out more here:
Catherine Mann www.catherinemann.com
Vicki Lewis Thompson www.vickilewisthompson.com
Kathie DeNosky www.kathiedenosky.com

Merry Christmas! Gift giving with Award Winning author Dana Marton! 100 ebooks up for grabs!

After a near-death experience, artist Ashley Price is compelled to paint visions of the dead, and fears she's gone crazy. Then she paints a man buried alive and, recognizing the surroundings, she rushes to save him.

Instead of being grateful to her for rescuing him, Detective Jack Sullivan accuses her of being in league with a serial killer. He swears he will put her behind bars. Except, the more time he spends with her, the more he falls under her spell. Can he trust her, or is he walking into another deadly trap?



Did you know that Carly Rae Jepsen fans herself with one of Dana Marton's books in her famous Call Me Maybe music video? My friend, Dana has been writing award-winning romantic suspense for the past 10 years and is gifting 100 Kindle copies of her latest book, DEATHSCAPE, a #1 amazon romantic suspense bestseller right here. To claim your book, email her at danamarton at yahoo dot com. The first 100 people who respond will be gifted with a copy of the ebook via Amazon, so pls use the email that's associated with your amazon account. She would love to add you to her mailing list. She only sends an update about four times a year when she has a new book out. You can, of course, click unsubscribe with the very first issue.

Find out more about Dana Marton and her books on her website here www.danamarton.com

Find her on Facebook here www.facebook.com/DanaMarton
Find her on twitter here twitter.com/danamarton

I would love for you to follow Modokker Book picks as well. Scroll down to the bottom left of this page to follow this blog. To follow me on twitter click here twitter.com/Modokker





Dana Marton is an amazon bestselling author of over 30 romantic suspense novels. She's a Rita Award finalist and the recipient of the Daphne du MaurierAward of Excellence.

Book Review: Romancing the Holiday(Anthology) HelenKay Dimon, Jaci Burton, Christi Barth

We wish you a merry Christmas…and a happily ever after!

A memorable three-night stand gets rekindled in a cabin in West Virginia. An office romance is sparked by an impulsive holiday kiss. And two best friends scout locations for a marriage proposal and discover that they make a perfect match. 'Tis the season for laughter, love and a lifetime of happiness.

Edited by Angela James this anthology includes: 

We'll Be Home for Christmas by HelenKay Dimon
The Best Thing by Jaci Burton
Ask Her at Christmas by Christi Barth

We'll Be Home for Christmas by HelenKay Dimon( Holloway book3)

No man likes having his bedroom skills described as forgettable, but that's just what Lila Payne does when she runs into Spencer Thomas again. When she discovers that he'd lied about his name during their brief three-day romp a few months before, she's so angry that she pretends she doesn't remember him.

Spence regrets his deception, but not as much as he regrets that their time together didn't last longer. When she shows up in his town, looking to revitalize her uncle's mountain resort, Spence is determined to help. Maybe rescuing Lila from a hopeless renovation project will get him in her good graces—and back in her bed.

Lila has no interest in being rescued, and Spence is insulted by her stubborn rebuffs and her "faulty" memory. But when rehab work turns into an after-hours meeting, the two of them are in for a night that just might prove unforgettable

I am starting to love HelenKay Dimon work. I have been able to read a handful of her books so far and have yet to be disappointed. This is the 3rd novella in a series and oh so yummy good. Spence doesn't take relationships seriously but he isn't used to being the one walked away from and told sex with him was no big deal. When he meets Lila Payne at a hotel and they hit it off in bed for three days both think they'll never see each other again but both also regret that they won't a little too. Turns out never isn't that long when Lila shows up in Spence's work world and she finds out he's not who he said he was. Hurt she lashes out at him with words. For some reason he can't let it go once she accepts his apology. He wants to help her and perhaps finally find that he DOES so relationships. Loved this one. Definitely 5 out of 5 stars for me. Read as a stand alone or better yet buy the whole series. 

The Best Thing by Jaci Burton( Kent Brothers book 3)

Tori Lewis had a perfect working relationship with Brody Kent, until a year ago, when a flaming hot kiss changed everything between them. With passion dancing a wicked tease around them, they have to decide which direction their relationship is going. But Tori doesn't want to risk losing her job and the only family she knows, while Brody wants to shake things up and make Tori his. Can he convince her he's worth the plunge into the unknown?

Another great continuing series. You can also read this one alone or buy the entire series so far. This is a quick read you can enjoy snuggled up on your couch for the evening. Tori and Brody work together with the other Kent brothers in their construction business. Last Christmas Brody surprised Tori when he hauled off and gave her a scorching kiss. He doesn't know that Tori has had a crush on him forever and is probably in love with him. Tori also has no family to speak of and the Kent family pretty much took her in when she came to work for them and she doesn't want to lose that so she has been avoiding Brody ever since. Plus he has a playboy love em and leave em reputation around town. No heartbreak for her. Brody  has his work cut out for him if he wants to capture her heart. Think he can manage it without screwing it up at least once or twice? Ah the fun is reading and finding out. A must read! I very much enjoyed this one too. 5 out of 5 stars for The Best Thing!

Ask Her at Christmas by Christi Barth

Caitlin McIntyre’s heart stops when her best friend drops to one knee and proposes. Kyle Lockhart never once hinted over the years that he has any idea she’s in love with him. Not wanting to jeopardize their friendship, she’s never let it slip. Good thing, too, since it turns out he’s only practicing—he’s about to propose to someone else.

A business merger might not be the most romantic reason to propose to a woman he barely knows, but Kyle’s determined to win the respect of the dying father who’s never seen him as quite good enough. Kyle’s always depended on Caitlin’s friendship, while trying to ignore the physical response she arouses. So he turns to her when it comes time to craft his proposal, not realizing his decision will affect their relationship, forever.

This Christmas, Kyle and Caitlin get one last chance to admit their feelings for each other, and find a mutual happily ever after, before he commits his life to another woman and Caitlin leaves town and him…for good.

This is a new to me author so i didn't know what to expect. Caitlin is best friends with Kyle and both are in love with each other but neither one knows it. When Kyle proposes Caitlin is stunned and then knocked back when she finds out he's only practicing so he can ask another woman. This one didn't really work for me. The characters are all kind of shallow and/or mean. It wasn't very uplifting  or fun for a holiday book. I did like the ending where Kyle finally got a clue and also a backbone. I would still give this author another chance. This was only a novella which isn't enough to judge if you like a author or not. Unfortunately this one is only 2 out 5 stars for me. 

Overall Romancing the Holiday anthology as a whole is a solid 4 out of 5 stars. Definitely worth picking up and reading. HelenKay Dimon and Jaci Burton's novella's are totally worth it.

Find out more about the authors on their website's.
www.helenkaydimon.com
www.jaciburton.com
www.christibarth.com

Book Review: Under The Mistletoe (Lucky Harbor novella) by Jill Shalvis

Just One More Kiss

There’s no place like home for the holidays. And the Lucky Harbor Bed & Breakfast is bursting with festive lights and good cheer. But for Mia, Christmas is turning out to be anything other than merry and bright. Her recent break-up with her boyfriend Nick has made her return bittersweet. But then a surprise arrives, when Nick follows her to town bearing gifts–and asking for forgiveness.

Nick grew up without a family of his own so he’s overwhelmed by the love that Mia receives from all her relatives, gathered together to celebrate the season. Under their watchful eyes, Nick finds earning back her trust the hardest thing he’s ever had to do. If he succeeds, he will receive the greatest gift of all, Mia’s love for a lifetime.

If you have been reading Jill Shalvis Lucky Harbor series i have a treat is store for you! Jill has written a short novella about Mia, Ford and Tara's daughter (The Sweetest Thing). I believe the timeline is 5 years since she found Tara and Ford. She's living in NYC and going to college. Right before Christmas she breaks up with her boyfriend Nick when he refuses rather coldly not to come with her to Lucky Harbor for Christmas. Nursing her broken heart she goes back to Lucky Harbor for Chloe and Sawyers wedding by herself. Nick while also adopted like Mia never had a family life like Mia growing up. He was never adopted. He's scared to death of what Mia has because he never had it and had to rely on himself. Less than a hour after refusing with no explanation why he wouldn't go with her to Lucky Harbor he sees the error of his ways. Unfortunately in the morning when he goes to tell her how sorry he is she's already gone. He follows his heart to Lucky Harbor to try and win her back. This was such a sweet story to show whatever happened to Mia. Carlos makes an appearance too. You can find out what happened with them as well. Love when you get a chance to see what happens to secondary characters. This did not disappoint. 5 out 5 stars for Under The Mistletoe by Jill Shalvis.

Find out more and read a excerpt on Jill Shalvis website here www.jillshalvis.com

If you haven't read Jill Shalvis Luck Harbor series you can check that out on her website as well. You don't want to miss the awesome series.

Book review: Hunk for the Holidays by Katie Lane

Hunk for the Holidays

As vice president of her family’s construction company, Cassie McPherson always puts business before pleasure. That might explain why she doesn’t have a date for the company Christmas party. But it doesn’t quite explain why she’s crazy enough to hire an escort for the event or—crazier still—why she’s dying to unwrap him like a present . . .

With whiskey-colored eyes and a killer smile, James is one gorgeous hunk who really knows how to fill out a tuxedo. He charms everyone—including Cassie. And when the night ends, the party doesn’t stop. As Cassie falls, literally, into his bed, James falls head over heels in love. Now he has to figure out a way to tell her the truth: he’s not an escort. He’s her family’s fiercest business rival. But all he wants for Christmas is her . . .

This is actually my first Katie Lane book. The blurb sounded fun and i have heard good things about Katie Lane books so i was excited to read this.The McPherson's have a big construction company in which all the family work. Cassie is the Vice President but really a glorified account by her own words. It's not what she wants to do but as the only girl in the family her overprotective dad wants her in a safe place so she's stuck. James Sutton is the the McPherson's biggest rival right now so he's basically public enemy number one where they are concerned. Cassie is a workaholic and doesn't even really want to take time off for the company Christmas party which means she has no time for dating either. Usually she hires a escort to go to social events. This way she doesn't have to show up alone and well meaning family and friends can't try to set her up with a really great guy that they know. This time though it's James who shows up at her door. Cassie's dad is the one who invites him to the office and then they are supposed to do to the company Christmas party.His chance to size him up. He can't make it though. Unfortunately Cassie doesn't know this nor does she know what James looks like. She mistakes him for her escort and he doesn't correct her and this is where the fun begins. This was a really fun book. There are a lot of really great funny lines that will make you laugh out loud. Both James and Cassie have relationship hang ups but fall for each other anyway. The book was a little long for me though at 352 pages. Here and there it drags just a little bit. I loved all the characters though. Cassie and her brothers are fun even though sometimes Cassie seems a bit clueless. James is great though. I liked him the best. Nice romance that just happens to be at Christmas time. 4 out of 5 Modokker Book Pick stars for Hunk for the Holiday's by Katie Lane.


Find out more about Katie Lane, this book and her other work here on her website www.katielanebooks.com

Book review: An Outlaw's Christmas (McKettricks) By Linda Lael Miller

Available Now!
With his wild heart, Sawyer McKettrick isn’t ready to settle down on the Triple M family ranch in Arizona. So he heads to Blue River, Texas, to seek a job as marshal. But in a blinding snowstorm he’s injured—and collapses into the arms of a prim and proper lady in calico.

The shirtless, bandaged stranger recuperating in teacher Piper St. James’s room behind the schoolhouse says he’s a McKettrick, but he looks like an outlaw. As they wait out the storm, the handsome loner has Piper remembering long-ago dreams of marriage and motherhood. But for how long is Sawyer willing to call Blue River home?

As the gray skies clear, Piper’s one holiday wish just might bring two lonely hearts together forever.

I'm a big fan of Linda Lael Miller's McKettrick series. The original books are probably still my favorites. This one is more in that time frame than her latest books in the series. Set in in 1915 the main two McKettricks in this book are Sawyer McKettrick and Clay McKettrick(A Lawman's Christmas) sons of Jeb and Kade McKettrick from the original books in this series. It was fun to go back and kind of visit those books. There are some surprise appearances at the end of the book that i was so happy to see. 

Poor Piper like all books set in what i call way back when she as a school teacher was compromised by doing a good deed and saving Sawyer's life. If she was a man i wouldn't have mattered but back then apparently if you stayed in the same house ( even if it's a school house) with a man who wasn't your husband you were a fallen woman. Never mind the man was half dead from a gun shot wound and had no idea what was going on for hours. Piper had been a orphan and raised with her cousin Dara who was married to Clay McKettrick and convinced Piper to move out to where they lived in Blue River Texas. She took on the job of school teacher but had decided to save her every penny and move back where she came from. All that ends when she finds Sawyer in the snow and drags him in the school house in a blinding snowstorm. Her reputation is ruined the minute she does this but she could not possibly leave him there to die. Sawyer was a body guard of shorts and got tangled up with his boss's wife.  He left before things got complicated but the his boss wants him dead. That's why he finds himself shot 5 minutes after getting into town.Which perpetuates the idea he might be a outlaw to Piper when she find him and he's also carrying a gun. I enjoyed this book. You have some danger from the shooter but you have your romance between Sawyer and Piper as they get to know each other. Piper struggles to find herself and her purpose and her place as a married woman. Loved the characters and like i said the surprise at the end. Well worth reading if you love a good western romance but more so if your a fan of the original books in the McKettricks series. 4 out of 5 Modokker Book Picks for An Outlaw's Christmas by Linda Lael Miller.

Find out more about Linda Lael Miller here on her website www.lindalaelmiller.com

Hot Cover Monday! A Low Down Dirty Shane (Misfits and Mayhem series book 1) by Sierra Dean

A Low Down Dirty Shane
Coming December 25, 2012

Thick-skinned vampire assassin meets smart-mouthed druid archer. Run, Cupid, run.

Shane Hewitt has been many things—failed husband, supernatural punching bag, and now a bitch to the vampire council of New York City. He thought killing rogue vampires was the hardest thing he’d ever do. Until a hot redhead smashes into him, shouts orders and announces she’s saving his life.

The sole female warrior in a family of druids, Siobhan O’Malley knows how to take care of herself and protect the big city from beasties who breach gateways from the fae realm. The last thing she needs is a misguided, leather-clad hottie’s help to get the job done.

Except maybe he’s exactly what she needs. Siobhan is expected to be a willing, virginal sacrifice on her twenty-fifth birthday. Sex with Shane to stay alive? If he can pull his foot out of his mouth long enough and stop driving her crazy, no problem.

Now if only the bad guys would leave them alone long enough to get the deed done.

Warning: Contains a wee red-headed archer with deadly aim; a leather-jacket-wearing vampire hunter with a habit for saying all the wrong things; and a life-saving ritual that will leave them both panting.

Find out more about the fabulous Sierra Dean on her website here www.sierradean.com

Kissing Kris Kringle Winner!! Is it you??

Just in time for Christmas we have a winner of the Kissing Kris Kringle giveaway.

The winner is  user ID lgm52!! Congrats! I've just sent you a email.

If you like the sounds and looks of this book you can buy ot for only 99 cents! Available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Buy links below and you can also gift these to others from both websites.

Amazon for Kindle

Barnes and Noble for Nook

Book review: A Vampire for Christmas by Michele Hauf, Alexis Morgan, Laurie London,Caridad Piñeiro

A Vampire for Christmas:
Available now from Harlequin, Amazon, Barnes and Noble

 Enchanted by Blood
Monsters Don't Do Christmas
When Herald Angels Sing
All I Want For Christmas


All they want for Christmas is you…


It's the time of year for twinkling lights on trees and kisses under the mistletoe. Yet the passing of another year means nothing to the stunning immortals who lurk in the shadows of the new-fallen snow.

And they don't care if you've been naughty or nice.

Let four fanged lovers open your eyes to a passion you never dared to imagine. After all, there's no place like home for the holidays—and these dazzling vampires can't wait for an invitation.

I've never read a anthology Christmas paranormal book before. This was new for me and i enjoyed trying it out. There are four stories by four great authors but it was kind of hit or miss for me. The first one Enchanted by Blood by Laurie London was pretty good. I like the idea of the vampire that's a corporate guy and a man in charge. Poor guy had to give up his true love for duty or so he thought. A chance run in with her a year later and he's in the soup all over again but this time he doesn't want to let her go. Give it a A! The 2nd one is Monsters Don't do Christmas by Michele Hauf was OK but not my favorite. The guy Daniel was a big shot before a late night attack left him a vampire and then he started feeling sorry for himself. He was a good guy but he was slightly wimpy in my mind. Olivia was just not that believable to me. I know it's fiction but her character didn't work for me. The story was enjoyable but not my favorite. I'll give is a C. The 3rd is When Herald Angels sing by Caridad Pineiro.  This one was good but probably could have been a whole lot better as a full story instead of a novella. It could use a lot more details and well time. Everything happens quickly. Reminded me of the movie A Christmas Carol. Kind of the same concept but with vampires. The guy Damien has had a hard life and lives his life rough but the Archangel Raphael thinks he could be redeemed and enlists Angelina as his guardian angel to help him find the error of his ways. Turns out they both needed to learn a lesson. Good read. I'll give it a B. The last one was my favorite. All i want for Christmas by Alexis Morgan. Might be my love of Alpha males but i loved the characters in this one. Eaghan is a hotter than hell vampire cop. He's trying to bust some vamps who are being bad and has to use the diner owned by Della as cover. Problem is they are attracted to each other and Della is human. She doesn't know about vampires or werewolves and fae. She's going to find out because they are all around her. This one would be awesome as a full book. By far my favorite. I'd give it a A! The book as a whole was enjoyable and of the four authors i have only read  one before so it was a intro to the other authors writing as well which is always a neat side effect to anthology books. I give A Vampire for Christmas 3 and 1/2 Modokker Book Pick stars.

Find out more about the authors at the links below.
www.michelehauf.com
www.caridadpineiro.com
www.laurielondonbooks.com
www.alexismorgan.com

Book review: An Angel for Christmas by author Heather Graham

review by Sarah




Christmas has never brought out the best in the MacDougal family. Still, year after year, they gather together in the Blue Ridge Mountains to try to make the season merry and bright. But this year is an especially strained one, between Shayne’s impending divorce, Morwenna’s slavish devotion to work and Bobbie’s reluctance to face what life has to offer. They’ve never felt less like a family. Then, in the midst of a snowy sibling shouting match, a mysterious stranger appears. He could be a criminal, a madman – or something far more unexpected. Despite their fears and the growing danger in the dark woods around them, the MacDougals take a leap of faith. But when another stranger arrives on the mountainside, they don’t know which of them to believe. One of these men can’t be trusted. And one is about to bring Christmas into their hearts.




Review: If An Angel for Christmas were dessert, it would be the literary equivalent of rainbow sherbet - sweet and light, universally liked and lacking anything heavy. It is a traditional, heartwarming story of a family gathering for Christmas, dealing with disappointments and failures, but still brought together by tradition and love. It takes the arrival of Gabe, an injured state trooper hunting an escaped prisoner, to shake up their routine and help them realize how lucky they are to have each other. His quiet presence at their home acts like a mirror held up to each MacDougal, helping each to realize who they really are, and what they want in this life. There are lots of sweet, mysterious moments. I especially liked that the mother, with her quiet faith and belief in the goodness of others, is the only adult who does not undergo a transition or have an epiphany. She is a calm, steadying presence, just as she has been all their lives.


Readers looking for romance will find very little of it here. Rather, this is an inspirational tale combining the magic of the Christmas holiday with a good angel versus evil angel theme, a family rediscovering their bonds of love, and gentle, anecdotal meditations on faith. This is perfect for a quiet afternoon of holiday warmth and fuzziness.
4 out of 5 Modokker Book Pick Stars

For more information about Heather Graham and her books, visit her website at www.heathergraham.com.