Review & Giveaway - - Christmas Wishes of Love

Christmas Wishes of Love

by Julie Johnstone

Publisher: Darbyshire Publishing, LLC

Release Date: December 1, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

Her first mistake was not killing the brute when she met him. Her second was falling in love with him.

Highlander Rory Matheson knows what he wants—a biddable wife. So when an edict from the king demands Rory choose a bride by Winter Solstice from the twin daughters of his clan’s greatest enemies—The MacLeods, he knows the moment he meets the sharp-tongued, headstrong Lillith that he’ll definitely not be picking her. Not only is she far from the docile wife he craves for peace, she’s unpredictable and dangerous—she put an arrow in his shoulder! Yet, he cannot keep away from the oddly enticing lass who stirs his desire. She’s brave and cunning, and she challenges him at every turn. And as the king’s deadline draws near, Rory comes to realize that he no longer wishes to win his battle of wills with Lillith—he’s determined to claim her heart.

Lillith MacLeod wants to be a warrior, not a wife. She’s seen the havoc love creates, and she’ll pass—thank you very much. She’s determined to defy both king and clan rather than become the bride of Rory bloody Matheson, so she hatches a scheme to drive Rory away and leave her clan blame-free. But she soon finds herself entangled in fiery exchanges with the irritatingly handsome Scot that spark her interest, kisses that ignite her desire, and a competition that reveals an honorable, caring side of the Hammer of the Highlands that she never expected. As tensions rise between the women and men of her clan over the edict and the king’s deadline looms, her family’s future—and her own—hangs in the balance, and she must decide: is love her greatest enemy or is it herself?

PJ's Thoughts:

Whether  you're already a fan of Julie Johnstone's Highlander Vows - Entangled Hearts series or new to these books, Christmas Wishes of Love is a story that should be on your holiday reading list.

This new novella highlights all the reasons why Johnstone is one of my favorite authors writing romance in the Medieval era. The setting, language, and characters all feel authentic to place and time. The family dynamics are an absolute delight. The characters are well developed, eliciting a range of emotions that made me smile, laugh, shed a tear or two, and cheer well-deserved happy endings. 

The banter between Rory and Lillith is terrific, as are the chemistry and deepening feelings. I love a romance where both parties are against the match then slowly, over time, come to realize there really couldn't be anyone else for them but the one they were against. I adored Rory's wooing of Lillith, the care he used as well as his emotional support.  especially appreciated his respect and support of her wishes for her life. I also enjoyed Lillith's evolution from fear of opening her heart to acceptance and celebration of a deep, abiding love. She touched my heart and was easy to cheer for. Also, the advice from older generations to both Lillith and Rory was a delight. So much fun to see Iain and Marion (When a Laird Loves a Lady - Book 1) as grandparents! 

While I love and recommend all of the books in this series, Christmas Wishes of Love can easily be enjoyed as a standalone story. Don't hesitate to make this heart-tugging novella your first visit to Julie Johnstone's unforgettable Highlanders. 

Have you read Julie Johnstone yet?

Do you enjoy Medieval romances?

What do you think about next generation stories?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, December 6 will receive a signed print copy of Highland Hope (the story of Royce and Eve, Lillith's widowed father and stepmother) by Julie Johnstone.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

 

Review - - Don't You Forget About Me

Don't You Forget About Me

by Shana Galen

Publisher: Shana Galen

Release Date: July 15, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

 

 

A woman who’s forgotten who she is…

When Marjorie regains consciousness in a cold, sea-drenched cave with no memory of who she is or how she got there, panic sets in. She barely escapes the rising water and stumbles onto a beach—deserted except for one man who calls out to her. He says he’s her husband. That her name is Marjorie. That they’re honeymooning in Cornwall.

At first, she has no reason to doubt the handsome stranger. In fact, she’s thrilled to be married to a man she desires and who seems kind and caring. But as the days unfold, cracks in his story begin to show and Marjorie fears her husband may not be at all who he claims. In fact, she suspects he is her enemy and a traitor to England.

A man who desperately needs her to remember.

The last thing Simon Burrows expected was for Marjorie to go missing. When he finds her wet and shivering on the beach at dawn, she remembers absolutely nothing—not who she is, not who he is, and, most importantly, not the vital information only she possesses.

Simon hopes her memory will come back to her with a bit of rest and care, but as the hours and days tick by, he’s running out of time. Added to his dilemma, Marjorie seems to want him as much as he’s always wanted her. It hasn’t been easy keeping his hands to himself. And when she reaches for him with raw passion, he finds himself caught between duty and desire. Because if Marjorie ever remembers the truth, he may lose the one woman he's never stopped wanting…forever.

PJ's Thoughts:

I would never wish amnesia on someone in real life but in fiction? Yes, please! I love the idea of fictional characters having a blank slate upon which to build, a fresh perspective that allows them to view people and circumstances through a new lens. That's exactly what happens in Shana Galen's new novella, Don't You Forget About Me.

Galen pulled me into this story from the initial scenes and held my attention right up until the end. It's a journey brimming with mystery, chemistry, lively banter, and an unexpected opportunity to start over. 

If you enjoy historical romance with a gothic vibe, a colleagues-to-lovers romance, suspense, and emotional depth, all leading to a heart-tugging HEA, I enthusiastically recommend Don't You Forget About Me. It's a quick read (novella) with the emotional punch and satisfaction of a full-length book - something Shana Galen does very well. 

Review - - Small Town Hero

Small Town Hero

by Linda Lael Miller and Maisey Yates

Publisher: Kensington

Release Date: June 24, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

The towns may be small, but the hearts of the cowboy heroes in this duo of romantic novellas are as outsized as the rugged land that surrounds them . . .

ONE LONESOME COWBOY
by Linda Lael Miller
When a family crisis brings web designer and part-time house flipper Susannah Holiday to Arizona to care for her young niece, she’s soon juggling work, childcare—and her growing feelings for local paramedic and horse whisperer Ian McKenzie. They have more in common than meets the eye—including being cautious when it comes to love. But when a disturbing revelation from Susannah’s past surfaces, Ian is there to comfort her, and they both find their longing hearts opening to a better future—together . . .

COWBOY, TAKE ME AWAY
by Maisey Yates
After Birdie Lennox, daughter of a notorious cattle rustler, gets caught stealing a horse off Gunnar Parsons’ land, she ends up bunking in his barn to work off her debt—plus her daddy’s. But Birdie hardly has patience for Gunnar’s moralizing. The man inherited his ranch and has always hated her family. Still, it beats prison. Maybe. What neither anticipates is discovering they have more in common than they dreamed possible. Even more unexpected is the spark between them—and the love it might ignite . . .

PJ's Thoughts:

Fans of Linda Lael Miller and Maisey Yates should enjoy diving into new stories by these well-known western romance authors. For readers new to one or both, these quick reads are a great way to sample what both Miller and Yates have to offer. 

In "One Lonesome Cowboy," Miller explores love, family, community, trauma, and healing with a dash of mystery in a slow-burn romance that's both charming and heart-tugging. The characters drew me into their lives almost immediately and had me rooting for their happy endings.

Maisey Yates is known for her emotionally rich stories, often featuring characters with harsh or traumatic life experiences. "Cowboy, Take Me Away" features Birdie Lennox who may be one of the most wounded characters she's featured though she hides it well under a brash exterior. I really enjoyed watching Birdie and Gunnar slowly break down walls and open hearts in this enemies-to-lovers story of healing, redemption, community, and a hard-won happy ending. 

If you're looking for a quick, satisfying western romance with relatable characters, strong community, family dynamics, and heartfelt happy endings, add this duology to your summer reading list. 

Review - - The Two of Us

The Two of Us

by Lori Foster and Maisey Yates

Publisher: Kensington

Release Date: March 25, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

 

The Odd Couple * LORI FOSTER
Ford Caruso agrees to an unusual favor—playing the part of new boyfriend for his adamantly single, irresistibly sexy neighbor Skye Fairchild, whose clueless ex refuses to accept his fate. But as Skye starts dropping by to use Ford’s pool, and even plan dates, the charade begins to feel satisfyingly real, complete with choosing rescue dogs together—a giant mutt and a fierce little chihuahua who adore each other. From one odd couple to another, some things are destined . . .

Force of Nature * MAISEY YATES
Rescuing animals is in Lydia Clay’s blood, so when a mournful old cattle dog named Hank shows up at the shelter, she knows exactly where to take him: to cattle rancher Remington Lane, her brother’s hot, and usually grumpy, best friend. Hank belonged to Remy’s estranged father, which is one strike against him, but when Lydia offers to help the man ease into dog ownership, he can’t say no. And as he and Lydia work together, it looks like an old dog can actually teach this brooding cattleman some heart-warming new tricks . . .

PJ's Thoughts:

Put a dog on the cover of a book and it's the first one I pick up. Put two rescue dogs on the cover and I'm moving it to the top of my tbr. Pair it with two long-time favorite authors and I'm all in. In The Two of Us, Lori Foster and Maisey Yates bring readers two heartwarming contemporary romance stories of couples finding their way to one another, aided by the unconditional love of dogs. 

"The Odd Couple" by Foster features one of my favorite tropes: fake dating between a relationship-averse man and a woman who has been given good reason not to trust men. I really enjoyed these two and the issues they both needed to work through. There's a terrific friend group (Foster does those so well), some complicated family dynamics, a big ole mutt who looks scary but has a marshmallow heart (and stole mine), and a happy ending for both two and four-legged characters. Plus, I hope, the potential for a future story between Skye's twin sister and Ford's best friend.

When I'm looking for emotional depth, complicated family relationships, and hard-won happy endings, Maisey Yates is an author to whom I frequently turn. In "Force of Nature," Yates brings all of those facets to the page along with another favorite trope: best friend's little sister. Add in the fact that Remy's abusive family had him living with Lydia's family through high school and you have a now-grown man who has two reasons to keep his hands off the woman who is capturing more of his heart each day. Lydia and Remy absolutely stole my heart. I love how he embraces her individuality and loves her for it, not in spite of it. I love how she refuses to give up on him, how insistent she is on showing him - by bringing Hank into his life - the road to healing. These characters - and their journey - are so well developed. I was completely invested in them and their road to a happy ending. Also, the scene between Remy and Lydia's mother near the end of the book had me sobbing...in a good way. 

If you're looking for heartwarming stories of love, healing, friendship, family, and the unconditional love of a rescue dog in your life, grab a copy of The Two of Us. It has my enthusiastic recommendation. 

Review - - A Georgia Christmas

A Georgia Christmas

by Susan Sands

Publisher: Tule Publishing

Release Date: February 20, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

Christmas in Moonshine, Georgia is salon owner Merilee Bell’s favorite season. She might still be single in her mid- thirties, but she’s finally content, proud of her business and herself as she’s made strides to make peace with her past. And then just at closing time, a tall, dark and handsome new deputy enters her shop, and everything seems poised to change.

Weeks before Christmas, Georgia Bureau of Investigation agent, Randy Slade arrives in Moonshine posing as Moonshine’s newest deputy for an undercover sting to catch a group of high-tech property thieves. Only the sheriff is aware of his true identity, but from the moment he meets Merilee, who trades a haircut for free parking, he’s smitten by her smile and warm, friendly manner. Unfortunately, she also has a rental property perfectly suited for his undercover operation.

Randy doesn’t want to lie, but he has a duty to keep citizens safe, including Merilee. Can he do his job and still celebrate a small town southern Christmas, and maybe more with his dream girl?

PJ's Thoughts:

Looking for something to read this weekend? If you enjoy small-town contemporary romance with a strong sense of community, well-developed characters, a bit of suspense, complicated family dynamics, a realistic redemption arc and a happily ever after, I recommend A Georgia Christmas by Susan Sands. It's a quick read with characters who were easy to root for and a charming town I'm eager to revisit.

This novella follows Her Missing Pieces, book one in Sands' Moonshine series (read my review here) but can be fully enjoyed as a standalone. However, if you prefer reading a series in order, I also highly recommend Her Missing Pieces, a full-length novel that kept me glued to the pages from start to finish.

Review - - Gossip Game

Gossip Game

by Tracy Solheim

Baltimore Blaze Football Romance - Book 5

Publisher: Sun Home Productions

Release Date: August 15, 2024

Reviewed by PJ

Heiress Charlotte Davis has pulled some impulsive stunts in her twenty-seven years. Ranking right up at the top? “Buying” at auction the quarterback of her brother’s precious football team, the Baltimore Blaze. In her defense, the event was for charity. Besides, she owed the guy one. He’d rescued her from a situation even more dire years before—right before he broke her heart.

After a dismal season, Noah Hudson’s reputation with the fans and the media is circling the drain. Getting “bought” by a notorious tabloid princess wasn’t exactly the shot in the arm he was hoping for. Especially since the same woman badly bruised his ego when she ghosted him years ago.

But when the two share a mocking kiss in front of the cameras, a feeding frenzy is ignited among football’s talking heads. Suddenly, the Blaze are winning games and women around the world are all over social media cheering them on. So what if it’s a bunch of Charlotte’s faithful fans buying up Noah’s jersey? If their influence keeps him as the team’s starter, he can work with that.

When a vindictive sports reporter begins to spread malicious gossip about Noah and Charlotte, however, the two are forced to face their past mistakes and, just maybe, build a future together.

This second chance novella can be read as a standalone. It takes readers back to Baltimore where they’ll reconnect with their favorite Blaze players and their families.

PJ's Thoughts:

Second-Chance romance is one of my favorite tropes and in the hands of Tracy Solheim, this new novella shines. A good deed brought Noah and Charlotte together years earlier, instant attraction sealed the deal, and a quiet night of talking revealed the hidden depths few others took the time to notice. But misunderstandings (on both sides) sent them in different directions. Now reunited, a new misunderstanding (on the part of the public) has them dealing with feelings that neither of them wants. Or do they? 

Filled with snappy banter, sizzling attraction, and emotional depth, these characters pulled me into their story within the first few pages and kept me eagerly reading until the end. Fans of Solheim's Baltimore Blaze Football Romance series will no doubt enjoy revisiting favorite characters from that series while readers new to these stories can absolutely jump into Gossip Game without missing a beat.

Gossip Game is a quick, satisfying, heart-tugging romance that reminded me of why I enjoy this author's writing so much. For a sports fan (like me), it's a terrific lead-in to my favorite season of the year: football! For those non-sports-fan readers, it's a great second-chance romance that just might introduce you to a new favorite author and romance genre.

Review - - Sanctuary

Sanctuary

by Ilona Andrews

Roman's Chronicles - Book 1

Publisher: NYLA

Release Date: July 30, 2024

Reviewed by PJ

It’s not easy serving Chernobog, the God of Destruction, Darkness and Death…especially during the holidays; and especially when you’re out of eggnog and one of your pesky, freeloading mythic creatures has eaten your last cookie.

Roman would like nothing more than to be left alone, but when a wounded boy stumbles into his yard and begs for sanctuary, Roman takes him in. Now elite mercenaries are camped out on his property, combat mages are dousing the house with fire, and strange priests are unleashing arcane magic. They thought Roman was easy pickings, just a hermit in the woods, but they chose the wrong dark priest to annoy. For while Roman might be patient, he is the Black Volhv, filled with the love of his terrible god. For his adversaries, it's a fight to the death, but for him, it's just another day in the neighborhood.

PJ's Thoughts:

I'm always excited for something new from Ilona Andrews. This husband and wife writing team never fail to plunge me into their magical worlds and hold me captive for the duration. 

Sanctuary, Andrews' newest novella, launches Roman's Chronicles with a story that I gobbled up in one delicious bite. If you've read the Kate Daniels World books you'll have already met Roman, priest of a dark god. If not, Sanctuary is a wonderful introduction to this complex character and his story. I loved everything about it from snappy dialog to laugh-out-loud humor to mind-bending magic, to (reluctantly) endearing moments to action-packed battles to edgy attraction (can't wait for more of that) to self-forgiveness and finally moving forward. And Roman's merry band of magical creatures? Pure gold. 

Whether you're already an Ilona Andrews fan, a fan of urban fantasy or magic, or just looking for a quick, entertaining, and satisfying story that may be a bit outside your comfort reading box, I highly recommend Sanctuary. I'm already stalking the author's social media for hints on when book two of Roman's Chronicles will be ready. 

Review - - Christmas Beach Wedding

Christmas Beach Wedding

by Lori Wilde and Susan Sands

Publisher: Epiphany Orchards Press

Release Date: October 30, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

 

The Christmas magic of the season sparks hope for lost love in this heartwarming holiday tale.

It's been twenty-five long years since Jane Lafitte's heart was broken by her college sweetheart Trevor Gardner. She never imagined she'd see him again—until their adult children announce their own Christmas engagement!

Thrown together amidst cozy holiday celebrations in Christmas Beach, Louisiana, the old flames can't deny the warm embers that still smolder between them. But with painful memories and practical concerns conspiring against them, can Jane and Trevor set aside the past and rekindle their romance in time for the holidays?

PJ's Thoughts:

This may be a novella (133 pages) but it packs the emotional satisfaction of a much longer story. It's humorous, charming, and heart-tugging with the depth that accompanies an unexpected second chance romance twenty-five years after a heartbreaking split. Even though the story length is short, the authors take the time to properly address what happened in the past and give this couple the necessary time to make their reunion journey realistic and relatable. I loved watching them navigate forgiveness, healing, and falling in love a second time, all while also navigating a potentially awkward family situation that affects them both. 

Characters, primary and secondary, are well developed and integral to the story. Settings (both New Orleans and the beach) are vividly depicted, creating an atmosphere that's as important to the overall story as the individual characters. And Henry, the hero's dog, manages to steal not only every scene in which he appears but everyone's hearts as well, including mine. 

This quick read is a great choice for a heartwarming romance fix during the busy holidays ahead. I may even read it again. (I'm kidding. I pre-ordered a copy of my own because I will definitely read it again). 

 

Review - - Nice Earls Do

Nice Earls Do

by Susanna Craig

Goode's Guide to Misconduct - Prequel Novella

Publisher: Zebra

Release Date: December 27, 2022

Reviewed by PJ

 

 

To readers of her popular book Mrs. Goode’s Guide to Homekeeping, “Mrs. Goode” is an expert in all domestic matters. Household management, home décor, entertainment . . . there is nothing about which she lacks an opinion. Who better to assist the Earl of Stalbridge, newly appointed guardian to his niece and nephew, in turning his house into a home?
 
The widowed Lady Manwaring is the farthest thing from a domestic doyenne, so when asked to pose as Mrs. Goode on behalf of the book’s true author, she warily agrees. On arrival, she’s surprised to discover that Lord Stalbridge is actually her childhood friend, Kit Killigrew. Tabetha might be an imposter, but her attraction to Kit is all too real . . .
 
After years separated from the woman of his dreams, Kit’s eager to do more than play house. Will Tabetha’s big reveal ruin everything, or lay the foundation for true love?

PJ's Thoughts:

This introduction to Susanna Craig's new series may be a quick read (92 pages) but it brings all the emotional feels I expect from a full-length novel. There's a second-chance romance for Beth (the widowed Lady Manwaring) and Kit (Lord Stalbridge), new - and unexpected - professional opportunities for Beth and her stepson, Oliver, and a newly-formed family with two orphaned children. All things that pique my interest and touch my heart. 

It takes skill to pull a reader in and then give them a full reading experience in only 92 pages. It's a skill that Craig has in spades. I really cared about these characters, and not only the two leads. I loved that Kit and Beth had life experience to bring to their adult second-chance romance and I loved that even with those twenty years apart, the yearning in Kit's heart had never lessened. I could feel each of his emotions with a visceral intensity. Oliver's secrets and family history about broke my heart but his relationship with Beth, and her steadfast support of him filled my heart. Kit's response to the unveiling of those secrets made me love him even more. And then there are the children, who arrive near the end of the story. Even with scant page time, Craig gives readers a clear picture of these two that stole my heart. 

I won't give away any spoilers about what's to come for these - and more - characters. I'll only say that my interest has been captured and I have already pre-ordered the first full-length book in the series, The Lady Knows Best (April 25, 2023). The books will feature new heroes and heroines but I do hope we'll be treated to occasional glimpses of Kit, Beth, Oliver, and the children. I feel like they've become my friends and I am very much invested in their futures.