Tour Review - - Keeping Score

Keeping Score

by Brittany Kelley

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: August 25, 2026

Reviewed by Santa

Michelle Oxford lives and breathes soccer. After an injury that ended her dreams of going pro, she snagged the next best thing: a position as the director of operations for the LA Aces. And even if it’s not quite what she imagined it would be, it’s still better than cutting out soccer altogether.

The only problem? Carefree, wonder boy goalie, Tristan Gold.

Tristan has wanted more than just friendship with Michelle since the moment he laid eyes on her, but nothing would kill her career faster. When she loses a bet, the team gleefully insists she has to take lessons on “being chill” from Tristan himself.

They couldn’t be more different, but Tristan’s always met her perfectionist tendencies with good-natured goofiness, so she reluctantly agrees. The more time she spends with him, the more she likes what she sees . . . and Michelle starts to think that with him by her side, she could do just about anything—even saying goodbye to the future she thought she always wanted.

Santa Says:

Keeping Score by Brittany Kelley was a delightful read for me. It is the second book in a series that centers around a professional soccer team called the LA Aces. I am fast becoming a fan of sports romances. This book was a solid five stars for me. It features a whole cast of characters who work within the LA Aces both on the pitch and in the back offices, as well.

That is where we meet Michelle Oxford, Operations Manager for the LA Aces. She came to them when after a career ending injury in college benched her dreams of being a soccer star in her own right. But she’s smart, talented and more than up to the task. That’s a good thing because her baptism by fire would have  knocked down anyone else. The old owners of the team were shrouded in scandal. The new owner was exacting in what he wanted for the team. Employees were jumping ship in epic numbers. Everything fell to Michelle to not only keep things going but to implement new procedures. She took to sleeping on the couch in the office and was very close to existing on a caffeine only diet. The sour cherry on top was the vultures of the press who were ravenous for one more scandal or for one more brick to be pulled out before the whole organization would tumble.

Tristian Gold was the team’s goalie. He is tall, blond haired and criminally good looking. He was a man well liked both on the pitch and off. He had an easy going manner about him that somehow rubbed off on everyone around him. He cared about his team. He cared about their image in the eye of the public. But what he most cared about was Michelle. He fell in love with her at first sight but never pursued it or admitted it out loud. He kept his distance as a professional.

That all changed when he and Maddie, who worked with the PR department, convinced a normally business-only Michelle to come out for drinks with the team. Something she never did and wasn’t even aware happened on a regular basis. Everyone was there including people from the back office. The night turns out to be a rousing success when Michelle pitched the idea to have the team out in public interacting with charitable events. This led to a good natured shuffleboard bet that pitted Michelle and Tristan against one another. If Michelle lost at shuffleboard Michelle would have to take lessons from Tristian on how to “chill out” a little bit.

Perfect! I love close proximity tropes! As Tristian and Michelle spend more and more time together, Tristian struggles with not letting what he feels for Michelle be known. He doesn’t want to cross any lines but, beneath his bravado, he doesn’t feel worthy of her. This insecurity stems from negative messages from, of all people, his mother. Michelle also struggles, at first, to control her own attraction to him. I had a huge grin on my face when they finally do come together. Just a wonderful HEA for these two.

As always with books that I love - run, don’t walk, to get your hands on this book! The interactions are wonderful. The dialog and banter are equally as terrific! Enjoy! Now I have to go and grab the first book!

Review - - The Cloak and Dagger Club

The Cloak and Dagger Club

by Jackie McMahon

A Cloak and Dagger Club Mystery - Book 1

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: July 14, 2026

Reviewed by Santa

London, 1930. Lucy Hubbard is on the cusp of achieving her dreams. With her first mystery novel debuting with strong sales and glowing reviews, she's been invited by Horace Hazelmoor, the king of crime fiction, to join his elite group of writers—the Cloak and Dagger Club.

Thrilled at the opportunity, Lucy finds herself swept up into Horace's glamorous world at the Ritz hotel. She's even willing to put up with the inconvenient presence of her former fiancé, Frank Murray, the club's rising star who is on track to eclipse Horace as Britain's most popular crime writer.

But when Horace is found with a knife in his back, Frank is the police's prime suspect. Despite their complicated history, Lucy knows he's not capable of murder. With suspects galore and the danger rising, these two mystery writers must race to solve the crime—and fight their lingering feelings for each other—before the murderer strikes again.

Santa Says:

The Cloak and Dagger Club by Jackie McMahon is a murder mystery that takes place in 1930s London. The book's title intrigued me but the story itself drew me in.  There is an interesting cast of characters who are popular mystery writers of their time all with secrets and intrigues of their own. Horace Hazelmoor, the club’s founder, is the keeper of those secrets and intrigues which he enjoys dangling over them all. Horace craves the spotlight the success of his books brings him but when someone’s light starts to overshadow his there is hell to pay.

The latest interlopers are his mentee Frank Murray whose books are starting to gain ground on his. Lucy Hubbard, a debut novelist, has written her own sleuth who is popular with both readers and critics alike. This is not to be supported! Even juicier in Horace’s eyes is the fact that Frank and Lucy share a past. They were set to wed a few years ago when it all crumbled to dust. They had not seen each other at all in the past three years.

Horace invites Lucy to join the club’s Saturday meeting at London’s Ritz. This is a surprise that wreaks havoc on Frank and Lucy’s life in more ways than one. On the way into the room, Horace provokes Frank and they have an argument. Once in the room, Horace relishes his hold over everyone and becomes increasingly drunk and belligerent. He provokes a usually quiet member of the club to punch him in the face knocking him to the floor. The meeting ends in chaos and the men get Horace back to his room to sleep it all off.

Horace does not sleep it off as he is found dead the next morning. Each of the members are called back to the hotel for questioning and it becomes clear that Frank is a prime suspect based on his loud exchange witnessed by several people in the hotel. Lucy and Frank band together to puzzle out why Frank went to the head of the queue and who the real culprit or culprits are who were responsible for Horace's death.

Throughout their investigation we get a better understanding of the other members and their secrets. Frank and Lucy work through their own demons, pasts and the secrets they bear. It turns out they grew up together and their love story started when they were teens.

I have to say I really enjoyed this book. I usually don’t read traditional mysteries or early 20th century settings. I am delighted to say I may very well be a convert!  I struggled writing this review because I didn’t want to give too much away and spoil the book for anyone!

The story was so well thought out and the characters were well rounded by the end. The ending also offered a glimpse of how this club grows and moves on while still holding a bit of intrigue. Grab a copy of this book. You will not be disappointed.

Review - - Wild Goose Chase

Wild Goose Chase

by Sarah Adler

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: July 28, 2026

Reviewed by Santa

Antique store owner Callahan Leitner has an illegal taxidermy goose in his living room.

Why? It’s…complicated.

But it may end his career unless he finds a legitimate way to dispose of the bird ASAP. Except, there’s an unexpected wrench in his plans—the frustrating, effervescent Annie O’Neill.

Annie is happy to fill in for her uncle at his antique store; it’s the perfect opportunity to gain more experience before opening a shop of her own, plus she'll finally meet his handsome young business partner. Unfortunately, Cal is nothing like the charming man she expected. She’s tempted to take his apparent dislike personally, until she stumbles upon the source of his moodiness: the contraband waterfowl hidden upstairs.

When the goose goes missing, both of their professional reputations are on the line. As Cal and Annie attempt to track down the bird before it can be traced back to the store, their tentative alliance turns into something much deeper. Will the hunt for their felonious fowl lead to true love, or end in ruin?

Santa Says:

Wild Goose Chase by Sarah Adler is a five star read for me. Callahan Leitner is stuck. He has his dream job as partner of Virtu Antiques and Collectables but his girlfriend of fifteen years broke up with him a couple of years ago and quickly met and married someone else! His partnership came as a gift from his friend and mentor Graham after he passed away at the same time. He tried to move on with his love life with disastrous results and he misses Graham everyday and hopes he honors his legacy.

Enter Annie O’Neill who arrives at Virtu like a whirlwind. She is the niece of his other partner, Howard, who is off on his whirlwind marriage and honeymoon in Italy. She is eager to learn everything she can about a brick and mortar storefront as she hopes to open one day. And Cal doesn’t quite know what to make of her. She repurposes antiques and sells them on the internet! The horror!

Oh, and then there’s the taxidermied goose that Cal promised his ex he’d look into finding more about, at great personal risk to his and the store’s reputation. Fun fact it is illegal to kill and taxidermy geese based on a law from 1918. Cal’s task is to find out if the goose predates the law or not and to then donate it. So now Cal has to juggle running the store, finding out about the goose and keeping Annie from finding out about it. 

Good luck with that because Annie has a way of getting under Cal’s skin and making him feel things long dormant in him. That all changes when the goose goes missing under Annie’s watch. And so begins the wild goose chase as they follow its whereabouts throughout the city of Baltimore, introducing them to an insane cast of characters and placing them in close proximity to one another time and time again. Which leads them to uncover their true feelings for one another. Not an easy task for two wounded souls.

Ms. Adler weaves throughout Cal and Annie’s story the origin story of the goose which introduces us to Ona and John just after the turn of the 20th century. John is a newspaper editor and illustrator. Ona is an ornithologist and they start a correspondence based on an unusual bird he has seen and captured on paper. She goes down to see him to see if she can see the bird for herself and earn the respect of her peers in discovering a new bird. It turns out to be a ruse but they, too, discover their feelings for one another. Ora is furious with him but eventually forgives him as they then discover this unusual goose! The rest, as they say, is history and brings Cal and Annie’s goose’s journey full circle.

This book kept me turning page after page following these four main characters’ stories. It was hilarious and touching and a little heartbreaking but the HEAs were well worth the wait! I highly recommend picking this one up. And I will be reading her other works, both past and future. Enjoy!

Review - - The Final Score

The Final Score

by Lana Ferguson

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: July 7, 2026

Reviewed by: Santa

 

Jack Baker is on top of the world now that he’s back on the rink where he belongs. But the high comes crashing down when he reinjures his arm immediately following his return to the ice, and this time, he might never be able to play again. After a lifetime as the strong, happy hockey guy whose sister needed him, Jack is left questioning everything he knows about himself.

Abigail Thompson feels like she’s hit rock bottom. It’s only been a few months since the massive scandal that finally severed the cord between her and her narcissistic father. And now, in her last weeks of grad school, she’s been kicked out of her building with very short notice. The last thing she wants to do is ask her half-brother for help after what she’s put him through, but it’s looking like his best friend’s spare room might be her only choice.

Jack is flighty, flirty, and a little full of himself—all the things Abby’s learned to avoid in men. However, spending every day together breaks the ice between them, and she starts to realize that Jack might not be who he seems. It’s possible that maybe, just maybe, he might be struggling as much as she is. Soon, confiding in each other leads to falling into bed, and this fling will either play with their hearts—or score them the ultimate goal of love.

Santa Says:

I really enjoyed The Final Score by Lana Ferguson. It is a real feel good story about two people who could not be more different from each other. This novel centers around two people at odds with each other and themselves. Jack is a super star hockey player who is brash and cocky. Abby's life has been nothing but chaotic between her manipulative father and the bursting pipes in her apartment.

Jack exudes self-confidence. To him, hockey is life. His world is defined by two things, love for his sister and the game. He takes both very seriously. However, an injury to his arm changes everything. It requires surgery and time away from the game. Impossible. They are close to winning the playoffs. Next stop is the Stanley Cup. Taking time off is out of the question. He’s tough. He can work through it. He wouldn’t want to disappoint the fans, especially the female ones. And without hockey, well, he’d rather not think about that at all.

Abby just wanted to be left alone as she navigated work, her work in graduate school and her new found half brother whose life her father threw her into. Her poor excuse for a father would not leave her alone. She wanted nothing to do with the man who thought that through her he could gain access to the lucrative Druids hockey team which his ex-wife happens to own! Add to this mess the fact that she must move out of her apartment while her landlord was fixing the water damage in her apartment. She didn’t want to impose on her newly married brother and his wife who also happens to be Jack’s sister. They are disgustingly happily married with a penchant for strong PDAs!

Jack, who continues to ignore the injury to his arm, invites Abby to use his spare bedroom for as long as she needs. Abby has more than enough on her plate! She has enough armor around her to ignore the cocky man! She reluctantly agrees to stay at Jack’s place. What is the worst that could happen? Plenty of close proximity lends itself to this slow burn romance where armor and a lot more falls away as two people in pain learn to lean on each other.  Delicious especially as he falls first and Jack discovers there is a lot more to life than just hockey and Abby finds strength and confidence.

Add this book to your TBR list and be prepared to add Lana Ferguson to your favorite rom com authors. I give it five out of five stars. Enjoy!

Review - - Janae Sanders' Second Time Around

Janae Sanders' Second Time Around

by LaQuette

Savvy, Sexy, & Single Club - Book 2

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Release Date: January 6, 2026

Reviewed by Santa

A single mom gets a second chance at love with her high school sweetheart.

Wary of love after divorce, Janae Sanders focuses on the best things in her life: her son James and her besties in the Savvy, Sexy, and Single Club. As for romance? Not today, Satan. That is, until high school heartthrob Adam Henderson crashes back into her life at their 20-year reunion. Sparks fly, but just when Janae considers dating again, the new superintendent of James’ school district slashes his beloved arts program. Instead of getting her groove back, Janae gets her protest on.

Returning home after twenty years, Adam jumps at the chance to reacquaint himself with Janae, the one who got away. But he’s nearly reached his limit, juggling a meddling father, school politics, and―unbeknownst to him―Janae’s ire. If he can’t get the head of the PTA off his back after cutting programs that were costing the district money, his debut role as superintendent and his love life hang in the balance.

When a school board meeting is called and they both realize they’ve been dating the enemy, Janae gives Adam two choices: restore the program or lose her. Adam proposes a third option: one weekend at his cabin to talk it all out―funding the arts, and old feelings too. When her girls cheer her on, Janae must decide if she’s willing to risk it all. Armed with sass, sarcasm, and a suitcase full of emotional baggage, Janae and Adam discover that sometimes love shows up in the most infuriating and unexpectedly sexy ways.

Santa Says:

I have to say that I loved Janae Sanders’ Second Time Around by LaQuette. I happily give it five stars. I had never read any books by the author LaQuette but I will be glamming her back list with pleasure. In fact, this book is the second in this series which means that when I read the first book, I get to reintroduce myself to the members of the Savvy, Single and Sexy Club. That’s the name of the club Janae and her fellow divorcees Vanessa and Cree formed following their divorces. Janae, for one, was most certainly not in the market for love or marriage. Her own toxic marriage and divorce put a moratorium on that aspect of her life. Her laser focus is on her career as a nurse anesthetist and on supporting her son’s own career aspirations. 

That focus is knocked on its side when her high school crush saunters back into her life. Adam Henderson looked as fine at forty-three as he did as the school’s star basketball player back at Monroe Hills High School. He went on to be an NCAA and NBA super star. He left that behind to pursue a career in education. That turned out to be his true calling. It was also one of the reasons for his move back to his hometown. Adam was also pleased to see Janae again. It turns out he also had a crush on Janae in high school. 

It seems that at every turn there are challenges for Adam and Janae to face as a couple and individually. Just as Janae’s resistance to any kind of relationship starts to soften she comes to learn that Adam is the new interim district superintendent she, as PTA president, is set about to go to battle with over slashes to the arts programs in the district. These programs are vital to her own son’s dreams of a career in dance and fashion design. You don’t poke a mama bear! Interfering and judgemental parents are not conducive to romance either.  

Adam and Janae face each obstacle with a dogged determination to explore their mutual attraction and buried feelings. They do hit a brick wall as emotions get the better of them and they are forced to look within themselves. Adam, to his credit, knows he was in the wrong. And, with the help of his friends, grovels in a hilarious way. Chef’s kiss! His gesture makes Janae realize that she needs to work on her tendency to run away from acknowledging her own faults. This type of growth leads to a wonderful HEA. 

I am going to say that as a contemporary romance the author, LaQuette, could have framed it as a happily ever after for now. However, I think this is a true love story more than a let’s see where this romance goes. LaQuette’s storytelling reaches into very telling parts of each character’s make up and personalities. This creates well rounded, though flawed, characters. I enjoyed that depth of storytelling. I look forward to her next book in the series. Please go and get your copy of this gem today. You will not be disappointed!

 

Tour Review & Giveaway - - The Marriage Narrative

The Marriage Narrative

by Claire Kann

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: November 11, 2025

Reviewed by Santa

Zinnia is an ambitious, successful businesswoman who is not about to wait around for her One True Love. She turns her dating profile into a marriage-merger proposal: a few strategic meetings, move in together, get married—all within thirty days. Her friends think it will never work… until she meets Jordan, a near-perfect applicant with a big secret.

Jordan’s family has spent the last decade starring in a massively popular reality show about their lives. He has finally agreed to join the cast, but production wants him to marry an actress (his ex) in a romantic storyline to boost viewership.

Convinced Zinnia is perfect for the role instead, Jordan proposes a mutually beneficial marriage agreement: she gets her business partner husband, and he gets to help his family on his terms. Together they face strict schedules, wild plot twists, and behind-the-scenes hostilities, all while acting like besotted newlyweds—an intense performance that evolves into a relationship they never expected.

As the line between reality and show blurs, Zinnia and Jordan must choose between a clean contract or a beautifully messy love story.

Santa Says:

The Marriage Narrative by Claire Kann is an intense ride about two people who strike a bargain. The bargain? Pretend to be engaged on a reality tv show set. What can go wrong and what, in the end, can go incredibly right? I give this book four out of five stars!

Our heroine, Zianna, an artist and successful businesswomen. She runs with her roommates and best friends out of their apartment. She wants more than anything to feel connected to someone. Dating apps have not been successful and she feels love is just out of her reach. She decides instead to create an online business proposition which allows for a partnership without the messiness of love involved. They would meet, get to know one another and marry after one month. Pretty straight forward - right? She creates a whole presentation for her friends who feel she has lost her mind! They reluctantly agree to go along with the hairbrained scheme but only if they can help her vet potential candidates.

Zianna meets with a host of men who do not quite measure up. Her friends think she’s given up on her plans when she decides to meet with Jason, a successful coffee shop/bookstore owner. He ticks all the right boxes until he presents his own seemingly impossible idea. Jason’s family is on a hit reality tv show which they want him to be on and sort of join the family business by coming back to marry his ex who is also a famous actress. He never wanted to be a part of the show and definitely not to marry his ex-girlfriend. He proposes that Zianna come on as his fake fiance and they would indeed marry at the end of the season.

Zianna thinks he’s made the whole thing up! Whose family is featured on a hit reality tv show. She thinks he’s scamming her but he shows her footage of the show. She reluctantly agrees to going on set and living on the property with him. Immediate sparks fly as Zianna finds that everyone from the show runner to his mother and sister really wanted him to marry his ex. They don’t buy their whirlwind romance. Tensions are high but they are able to navigate choppy waters and avoid curveballs on set and out in the real world. Their bungalow becomes their sanctuary.

Despite all this their hea is secured. Close proximity can really move things along in the right direction. He falls first which is also a favorite trope of mine. Claire Kann makes the storyline and these two characters really believable. I enjoyed this book and will look out for more from her in the future.

Readers, do you enjoy the marriage of convenience trope?

Do you watch Reality TV? What are some of your favorite shows?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, November 13 will receive a print copy of The Marriage Narrative.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Review & Giveaway - - Pickle Perfect

Pickle Perfect

by Ilana Long

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: October 28, 2025

Reviewed by Santa

Lulu Gardner only takes predictable shots. After faulting on tennis stardom at eighteen, Lulu, now a thirtysomething single parent, is in control of her game. But when an unanticipated blunder threatens her teaching job, Lulu’s stable, well-planned—okay, boring—world spins out. And somehow, her godparents convince her to join them for a “de-stressing” destination pickleball vacation in Costa Rica. Maybe an all-inclusive picklecation is just the pick-me-up she needs to loosen her grip.

Or it would have been if she wasn’t backhanded by the sight of her high school fling Tyler Demming on the beachside courts. Fresh off the pickleball pro tour, the reigning bad boy of paddle sports is as studly and snarky as ever. Even though his public image took a hit with a ballsy publicity stunt, Tyler seems to be the big shot he’s always been.

But Lulu’s had years to steel herself against his rugged good looks and hypnotic charm. Despite the changes she sees in Tyler since their teenage days, Lulu will have no problem keeping her head in the game and her heart on the sidelines. Or so she tells herself….

Santa Says:

Pickle Perfect by Ilana Long is a heart warming book about second chances. A 4 star read for me. It’s a bonus that it takes place in beautiful Costa Rica. The main characters Lulu and Tyler were high school sweethearts, best friends and teammates on their school’s tennis team. However, young love can be fragile. Tragedy follows and defines them, especially Lulu, whose parents are killed by a drunk driver while they were out frantically looking for Lulu. Amidst her pain Tyler seemingly abandoned her in her grief. She felt immense guilt over her parents’ deaths and Tyler’s abandonment would go on to shape her.

Life did take Tyler and Lulu in different directions. Lulu was taken in by her godparents, Aunt Laverne and Uncle Rooster, who anchored her. She became a teacher which helped pay her bills especially when she became pregnant and her partner abandoned her. Again, her godparents took her in again and became instant grandparents to her daughter Zoe.

Tyler became a successful tennis player until an unfortunate series of events dimmed his light. Tyler bounces back and lands on his feet in the world of competitive pickleball. He became an instant sensation here, too. Of course, he did.

Lulu’s life also took an unexpected turn when an email that was critical about her students was mistakenly sent out. Her school strongly suggested she step back for an undetermined period of time. She was at a loss once again but her godparents once again pulled her back from the edge of the cliff. Her godfather’s love of pickleball earned him a trip to Costa Rica for a tournament. They convince Lulu and her daughter to join them at minimal cost to her. I mean where better to ponder your future than on a tropical island.

In a cruel twist of fate Tyler is also part of the tournament. Uncle Rooster teaches Lulu the basics of pickleball when they arrive. Suddenly, she is swept up into touring the island with the official team. This guarantees close proximity to Tyler and all those memories and feelings come to the forefront for Lulu. Tyler hopes that they can also become closer. 

Ilana Long writes a beautiful love story of young love reborn. Do they resolve all their issues? Their happily ever after sparks a renewed drive in Lulu in figuring out what she wants to do in her life. Their love is like those Chinese bowls with veins of gold that not only repair it but makes them stronger. Bonus points for Tyler showing up. Extra points for Lulu’s growth. Extra credit for Zoe getting a happier mom, for Tyler kneeling down to her level and opening his heart to her, too. Pick up Pickle Perfect! You won’t be disappointed.

Fun fact: My youngest was in Costa Rica at the same time that I was reading the book! I am pretty sure she visited some of the places written in the book! Alas, she was not in a pickleball tournament. A case of art imitating life.

~~~~~~~~~

Do you play pickle ball?

Do you enjoy books that take characters to faraway places?

Have you ever visited Costa Rica?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, October 31 will receive a print copy of Pickle Perfect.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Review - - My Favorite Holidate

My Favorite Holidate

by Lauren Blakely

Publisher: Atria Books

Release Date: October 7, 2025

Reviewed by Santa

“Wanted: hot billionaire to pose as my Christmas boyfriend. Must be willing to make my cheating ex jealous by kissing me under the mistletoe at holiday parties. Bonus if you make him cry.”

To Fable’s surprise, her billionaire boss, Wilder Blaine, is more than willing to take on the challenge of playing her holiday boyfriend. The sexy single dad desperately needs a plus one for a Christmas Eve wedding, where he’s the best man and she’s the maid of honor. With her ex also in the wedding party, the two team up as a pair of insta-lovebirds for the holiday season. Their partnership includes participating in the annual week-long Christmas competition leading up to the snowy destination wedding.

What starts as late nights crafting the best popcorn balls for the contest soon turns into a passionate night together, where the sparks between them are impossible to ignore. But when the holidays end, can their winter wonderland romance turn into something real back at the office? Or are they destined to go the way of a Christmas tree on New Year’s Day?

Santa Says:

Is it ever too early to read a holiday romance? In a word - NO! In fact, now is the perfect time of the year. The air is crisper. Halloween decorations have been out in the stores. Christmas ones can’t be too far behind. My Favorite Holidate by Lauren Blakley ticks all those boxes and a few others. Fake dating. Close proximity. Family fun in the Rockies with a little winter games competition. I could go on and on. Did I mention the precocious kid and the eccentric Auntie? A five star Christmas gift tied in a big red bow.

Our heroine Fable finds herself in need of a plus one for her sister’s magical Christmas Eve wedding. Her most recent boyfriend, Brady, cheated on her at a Thanksgiving dinner with the caterer! A real classy guy! But he is also going to be at the wedding because he is Leo’s cousin. Talk about awkward.

Her sister Charlotte and her fiance Leo are tying the knot with family and at Leo’s best friend’s cabins in the Rockies. Leo’s best friend and best man, Wilder, has a yearly holiday in the mountains. Wilder also happens to be Fable’s boss. Fable runs the merchandising department for Wilder’s professional football team. Fable loves a little bling and copious amounts of glitter - like a t-shirt cannon’s worth.

Wilder and Fable decide to pretend to be lovers. They need everyone, especially Brady, to believe they are a real couple. But the snow angels work their magic on the pair who were already attracted to one another. They just never acted on it because they never wanted the other person to feel awkward. A beautiful winter wonderland and close proximity from sharing one of the “cabins” work their magic, too. 

Their romance was supposed to end right after the holidays but their make believe romance quickly turns into the real thing! This book was a pleasure to read and so much fun! I was smiling from beginning to end! I highly recommend you pick up this holiday romance. You will not be disappointed!

Review - - Look Before You Leap

Look Before You Leap

by Virginia Heath

Miss Prentice's Protegees - Book 2

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Release Date: June 24, 2025

Reviewed by Santa

Nine years ago, Lord Guy Harrowby, Viscount Wennington, was publicly humiliated by a failed and reckless romantic gesture. Despite this, his mother clings to the promise he made her then: that she would have a house full of grandchildren by his thirtieth birthday. Still single, embittered, and swiftly approaching thirty, Guy's work is his life. In desperation, his mother blindsides Guy with a weeklong house party at his estate filled with annoying debutantes, all competing to be his wife.

After failing as a governess, Lottie Travers is struggling as a lady’s companion. Raised in an all-male household, she’s developed habits that get her dismissed. Even after years of Miss Prentice’s teachings of how to be a lady, she climbs trees better than she embroiders and can’t resist riding horses astride, in breeches. But with the family farm in trouble, and her father now in dire need of her wages, she’s determined to conquer her wildness once and for all.

Even with his home full of eligible women, there is only one who catches Guy’s eye—though he tries to deny it. For Lottie, succeeding in her new role proves difficult when the Wennington estate is filled with horses, and a spark ignites between her and the grumpy lord. Will they remain stuck in their ways, or learn that they may just be the perfect match?

Santa Says:

Look Before You Leap by Virginia Heath instantly became one of my favorite books of 2025. I’ve never read a Virginia Heath book that I didn’t like and this is a five star keeper. The dialog is witty and the banter sublime. This is a master class in writing with main characters who could not be more different in temperament and attitude.

Lottie Travers is a failed governess and, as a last resort, agrees to be a companion to a very exacting woman. She knows she can be successful if she curbs her hoyden ways like sneaking out to the stables in old boots and breeches riding through the park at breakneck speeds careening into some daft though handsome man. Her sunny disposition gives her the confidence to face any circumstance.

She must also mind her tongue and remember all the things she learned at the finishing school her father sent her to. Miss Prentice’s School For Young Ladies prided itself on getting young ladies ready for employment in the best households. She crosses her fingers and promises not to engage in any rough riding as a new companion to Lady Frinton. They set off to the wilds of Scotland when they learn that the grand dame is needed in Kent to help put together her nephew’s 30th birthday party.

Lord Guy Harrowby was in a reach to get home to his estate in Kent. He wasn’t in a rush to be hassled by his mother to have a big bash for his 30th birthday in order to secure a wife. His mother was desperate for grandchildren and for her son to shed his curmudgeon armor and return to his joyful self again. Guy is hesitant especially after embarrassing himself publicly following a disastrous proposal. He convinces his mother to make it a small gathering. Unbeknownst to him she enlists the help of her half-sister who comes to Kent with her new companion.

Not only must he contend with his Aunt, a house full of debutants and guests but the companion is none other than the tornado who knocked him on his arse in Hyde Park. Lottie is none too pleased to see him either but she needs this job in order to send money to her father’s struggling farm. They face off time and time again but under their hostility is a simmering attraction that they fight against. His grumpiness is no match for her sunshine.

This slow burn romance is a delight to watch unfold. There are delightful discoveries to be had. I could not put this book down and finished it in one day. I cannot wait for the next heroine from Miss Prescott’s School to get an equally satisfying HEA!