Review & Giveaway - - Technically Yours

Technically Yours

by Denise Williams

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: December 5, 2023

Reviewed by Santa

Eight years ago, he fell in love with a stranger he couldn’t have—today, she’s back in his life and the sparks between them threaten to set her career on fire.

Pearl Harris has learned the hard way to be careful in work and in love. She has the chance to make lasting change at OurCode—a nonprofit aimed at inspiring high schoolers to code—but a recent scandal puts its reputation at risk. Further complicating things, Pearl didn't expect the one man she never stopped thinking about to join as the newest member of her board of directors.
 
Cord Matthews fell for Pearl when they met in an elevator eight years ago. She’s just his type: smart, capable, and makes him laugh, but when she broke his heart, he decided love wasn't for him. When they reconnect after years with no contact, Cord is tempted to consider breaking his ban on serious relationships. But going public with a romance between them might derail Pearl’s career and the progress she’s made at OurCode.
 
While Pearl and Cord are both hesitant to trust their feelings and take a risk, it soon becomes impossible to keep ignoring the electricity between them. Cord is a skilled programmer, but a workplace romance might spell disaster for both of them--and love isn’t easily debugged.

Santa Says:

Technically Yours by Denise Williams is a five star book that put a smile on my face from page one. We meet our lead characters at the end of their relationship. Pearl leaves Cord in an effort to shield her heart. Cord is devastated and, in turn, closes off his heart. Fast forward a number of years and we find that neither has truly moved on. Even at this early stage of the book I found myself hurting for them both. 

But fate has other plans for them and places them once again in each other’s spheres. Cord and Pearl both come from the world of technology. Cord owns his own company that created a successful app. Pearl works for an organization that brings young people into the world of code writing giving them opportunities to learn how to code. They're mentored by a professional in the field giving them an entry to the world of computer science. When the director of the organization is caught up in a scandal involving a board member Pearl is asked to be an interim director and Cord is asked to step in as a board member and youth mentor. 

Second chance romance. Check.

Close proximity. Check.

Only one tent. Check. 

As you can imagine, and try as they like, Cord and Pearl are still potently attracted to one another. They are to act as professionals. How hard could it be to keep their hearts and hands away from each other? No matter that Pearl’s sister’s kid who is staying with Pearl ended up paired with Cord. Pearl’s sisters are no help. And their sisterly banter was one of my favorite parts of the book, too. 

Denise Williams is a new author to me but I can already tell that I will be glomming her backlist and looking forward to any new books that would be coming out. For me, Technically Yours was a delight to read. It was filled with all the twists and turns of a well written romance with a warming happily ever after. 

~~~~~~~~~

Thanks, Santa! This one sounds like a fun read. 

Readers, Berkley has graciously provided us with a print copy of Technically Yours for today's giveaway. So tell me...

Are you a techie? 

What's the last book you read with twists and turns that kept you eagerly flipping pages?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, December 13 will receive the print copy of Technically Yours.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Review - - It HAD to Be a Duke

It HAD to Be a Duke

by Vivienne Lorret

The Liars' Club - Book 1

Publisher: Avon

Release Date: November 28,  2023

Reviewed by Santa

Verity Hartley always tells the truth. Well, mostly. However, when her snooty neighbor returns to their small hamlet to brag about having a grand Season, a plethora of ballgowns, and so many suitors that she cannot possibly decide which one to marry, Verity tells a lie. She claims to be betrothed. To a duke. Who happens to be her family’s sworn enemy. But what are the odds that he would ever learn of this one, little, harmless falsehood?

Magnus Warring, the Duke of Longhurst, is on the precipice of marrying an heiress to save his estate from financial ruin. At least, he was. Until he hears an unbelievable rumor that he is already betrothed. To the daughter of a liar, cheat, and swindler! Needing to protect his reputation, he hunts down the culprit. And when he finds the untamed beguiler, she has the audacity to ask him to lie for her. To pretend to be her fiancé!

One week, that’s all Verity needs. Then Magnus can return to his life. But nothing is ever that simple. Sometimes it doesn’t take that long to fall in love, even with the enemy.

Santa Says:

It HAD to Be a Duke by Vivienne Lorret is the first book of her newest series The Liars' Club. I am a huge fan of Ms. Lorret’s books and this one did not disappoint. The banter between the two main characters was spot on. The funny moments were hilarious. The tender moments were sublime. It was a real page turner for me because I couldn’t wait to see how Verity and Marcus, her duke finally got out of their own way and into each other’s hearts. At times it felt like the odds were stacked against them.

It all started with a little white lie that Verity Hartley told her obnoxious nemesis that snowballed into a fake betrothal with a duke. And not just any duke but the son of a man her father used to call a friend. And Marcus Warring, Duke of Longhurst wasn’t having any of it. He could not see himself leg shackled to a plain miss who was the daughter and sister of the very men who brought his family to the brink of bankruptcy. Verity and Marcus decide a fake engagement would fool his family and the ton long enough for Marcus to cry off and save face and Verity’s reputation. 

Fake engagements are one of my favorite romance tropes. I love seeing how each character develops in the relationship. Verity and Marcus do not disappoint in this. As stubborn and determined as the duke is, he can not help but fall in love with Verity who is all that is good no matter what scrapes she finds herself in. And Verity, a confirmed spinster, fairly blossoms right before his eyes even as she does not see herself as someone to take note of.

And the story is carried forward with some real characters in Verity’s eccentric, beautiful and talented sisters, a thespian father and an intrepid brother. Marcus’ own grandmother and sister add to the mix. His mother proves to be a tough nut to crack. Throw in the real villains of the story from a surprising quarter and you can see how I couldn’t put this book down.

I advise you, readers, to run to your nearest bookstore or e-reader and grab this gem! I am already looking forward to the next one in this series! Enjoy!

Review & Giveaway - - A Christmas to Remember

A Christmas to Remember

by Beverly Jenkins

A Blessings Novel

Publisher: Avon

Release Date: October 24, 2023

Reviewed by Santa

Ever since Bernadine Brown bought the town of Henry Adams, her relationship with diner owner Malachi “Mal” July has had its share of ups and downs. But now they’re finally ready to say “I do.”

Or are they? As wedding preparations go into full swing, and families both local and extended begin to gather for the festivities, that long awaited walk down the aisle hits a speed bump that may derail everything.

But Mal and Bernadine’s relationship isn’t the only one being tested.

Preston Mays aka Brain, loves his girlfriend as much as he does physics but when she decides being a couple is no longer a good thing, his heart is broken. Will connecting with his bio dad’s family ease his pain?

Reverend Paula Grant has been patiently waiting for God to send her someone to share her life. When the town’s charming new chef arrives in town, she wonders if he could be the one.

And then there’s former mayor Riley Curry who throws a parade with his hog Cletus! There’s always a lot going on in Henry Adams, and this will be a Christmas to remember.

Santa Says:

There is one word that encompasses A Christmas To Remember by Beverly Jenkins and that word is JOY. It’s not just because Christmas is in its title. It is because, as we once again drive into Henry Adams, Kansas, we are welcomed into a town where everyone is important to the very fabric of this town. It is a warm hug and cup of cocoa from the first page to the last.

A Christmas to Remember is the eleventh book in Ms. Jenkins' Blessings series. This book focuses on the impending nuptials of town benefactress Bernadine Brown and native son Mal July. These two have had some trials but are stronger and more in love than ever. They plan to share the rest of their lives and even though set in their own ways they are willing to create their own lives. It is great fun to see friends and neighbors far and wide coming together on Christmas Day to celebrate this couple.  See? Joy!

Young love and new love also have their stories here. Preston and Leah must work through their issues as they prepare to graduate and start their young adult journeys. Will they remain a couple or suffer heartache? Get ready to cheer for these two extraordinary young people. 

Even Reverend Paula Grant must allow herself some joy in this season. She selflessly looks out for her congregants without filling her own well. It takes the arrival of a handsome, caring newcomer Thornton Webb to perhaps start to let her guard down. Thornton has decided to make a fresh start and make Henry Adams his new home. He will be owning and operating his own restaurant. Here, too, joy is on the menu.

Treat yourself to this five star book. I highly recommend this series and, really, anything Beverly Jenkins puts her name to. A Christmas To Remember is one to be treasured. Grab yourself some joy!

~~~~~~~~

Thank you, Santa! I'm a huge fan of Beverly Jenkins and eager to read this newest tale from Henry Adams.

Readers, have you read any books by Beverly Jenkins yet?

What brings you joy this time of year?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, November 1 will receive a hardcover copy of A Christmas to Remember.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Thank you to Avon Books for the giveaway!

Review - - Sister of the Bride

Sister of the Bride

by Lauren Morrill

Publisher: Yellow House Media

Release Date: September 12, 2023

Reviewed by Santa

A romcom retake on Father of the Bride about letting go, falling in love, and a whole lot of lasagna

For someone who doesn’t do well with change, Pippin Marino sure is dealing with a lot of it. First her twin sister returns from Europe with a fiancé and a plea for Pippin to plan the wedding. Then her mom announces plans to sell the 100 year old family restaurant that Pippin has been running since her father died.

But at least there’s one good development in Pippin’s life. After eight years on the west coast, her best friend Toby Sullivan surprises her by moving back to Boston. Having him back is the one bright spot amidst her summer of panic, especially when he offers to help her plan the wedding.

But then one kiss changes everything.

And Pippin Marino does not do well with change.

Sister of the Bride is a steamy, slow-burn friends-to-lovers romcom with wedding planning, pasta, a Grey's Anatomy-loving Nonna, and a guaranteed HEA.

Santa Says:

Sister of the Bride by Lauren Morrill is a five star read that is not to be missed. This is her debut foray into rom coms for adults. She is a successful YA author. Given how good this book was, I am sure I will be reading her other books, as well. 

Pippin Marino likes things just the way they are, thank you very much. It turns out the universe has other ideas for her. It’s one thing to have her twin away in Europe but now she’s engaged to be married and has asked Pippin to plan their wedding. No problem since she is running their family’s restaurant. At least that is a constant until her mother announces that she is going to sell it. It is a legacy that Pippin has been struggling to maintain in her father’s memory but her father never intended for her to feel tied to it. Now Pippin is adrift in so many ways with the future seeming so uncertain. 

The only silver lining for her is that her best friend Toby has moved back to Boston to pursue his medical career. Pippin is ecstatic to have Toby back into her life. He has even agreed to help her plan the wedding. But Toby’s feelings for Pippin go beyond the bff stage and have for many years. Pippin is unaware that his feelings run deeper and they share a kiss that changes everything! There’s that word again - change. 

Pippin has a lot on her plate. Will she be able to come to terms with the sale of her beloved family’s business? Has she always had stronger feelings for her bff? Pippin learns that change is not a four letter word when you learn to open up to the people in your life who will always be there through it all. Maybe change is not such a bad thing after all. 

I really enjoyed this book! I found it funny and poignant. The characters were lively and the dialog on point! I think you will enjoy it, too!

Review - - Play for Me

Play for Me

by Libby Hubscher

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: June 20, 2023

Reviewed by Santa

When her new job takes her to a New England boarding school, she’s surprised to find her roommates are all men – including a very handsome one who plays by his own rules. 

Sophie Doyle has her dream job as the head athletic trainer for her favorite baseball team (go Red Sox!), a handsome boyfriend, and easy access to the finest cannoli in Boston. When she loses all three and the World Series to boot, she’s forced to apply for the open trainer position at an arts-focused boarding school in New Hampshire. The only available room is a glorified closet in an apartment with three guys: Jonas Voss, the aloof and attractive orchestra teacher, and his two rambunctious roommates.

Sophie knows that training a bunch of privileged high school kids whose idea of a play is A Chorus Line instead of a walk-off homer is going to be a big change from the pro athletes she’s used to. She wasn’t expecting that these students would have big-time talent and even bigger-time problems. Sophie has troubles of her own—Jonas is a full-fledged grump who clearly doesn’t want her near him or the precious piano he never plays.

With sunny optimism, Sophie sets out to win over Jonas and help the kids she’s growing attached to. But when her relationship with Jonas moves to the major leagues and plans change at the end of the season, they have to choose whether they are playing for keeps.

Santa Says:

Play for Me by Libby Hubscher is a homerun book for me! I enthusiastically give it five stars! 

Sophia Doyler had it all! A dream job as head trainer for the Red Sox, a dreamy, highly successful boyfriend and an endless supply of cannolis from her favorite bakery. But when she makes the call to keep a key player off the field and the Sox lose the series everything goes up in smoke. She is fired from her job, her boyfriend kicks her to the curb and, worst of all, her cannoli connection closes its doors to her. Ever the optimist, Sophia has no choice but to regroup. 

Thankfully her movie star friend pulls a few strings and gets her a job as head coach and teacher at her alma mater in New Hampshire. A school known more for their plays on the stage not on the field. She shares a cozy quad with three other male teachers. She hits it off with two of them but Jonas, the school’s orchestra teacher, and her get off on the wrong foot especially after she discovers his star violinist has a natural pitching arm. Can she convince Jonas to trust her instinct about the teen and that she will work closely with him to hone his pitching skills without jeopardizing his musical aspirations? 

They never seem to find the right footing but their close proximity and Sophia’s dogged determination to spread her own brand of sunshine works to turn Jonas’ frequent frowns upside down. This is a slow burn rom com with some tender moments. Both Jonas and Sophia grow as people and watching them fall in love is as satisfying as the decadent cream filling and crispy crunch of a cannoli.

Review & Giveaway - - The Duke Gets Desperate

The Duke Gets Desperate

by Diana Quincy

Sirens in Silk - Book 1

Publisher: Avon

Release Date: September 26, 2023

Reviewed by Santa

Anthony Cary, Duke of Strickland, inherits his spendthrift father’s title and can finally restore the family castle to its former glory. But at the reading of the will, Strick is stunned to learn that his father has secretly disentailed him, leaving the family manor—home to twelve generations of dukes—to Strick’s American stepmother. Everyone knows Strick detests the dowager duchess, and when she dies mysteriously, damning rumors start to surface. 

When Raya Darwish unexpectedly inherits her glamorous late cousin’s castle in the English countryside, she clashes with the charismatic young duke who insists the castle is rightfully his. The estate is practically bankrupt, so she must find a way to work with the duke in order to save both of their futures.

The two cannot stand each other, but mutual disdain soon gives way to desire. When questions arise about how her cousin died, Raya cannot help wondering if Strick’s sudden unbridled passion for her is part of a scheme to get his castle back...  

Santa Says:

I am a huge Diana Quincy fan and have enjoyed every book I have read. The Duke Gets Desperate has quickly become a favorite read of 2023 for me. You can’t help but fall for Anthony Cary, Duke of Strickland. A duke in love with his lands, tenants and with his beloved castle. There is just one problem - the castle isn’t really his. Upon his death, his father gave it to his American wife. Adding insult to injury his step mother left it to another American cousin. Sorely lacking in funds, he is desperate to set things to rights. Once this American interloper arrives, he will move heaven and earth to gain back the castle.

While Anthony does expect to meet another brash American heiress, he is stunned to face a formidable foe. Raya Darwish is a beautiful Arab-American woman who does not understand why her cousin would have left her a run down and crumbling castle. What could she have been thinking? Having helped run her family’s business in Boston, Raya begins to see how she can make the castle into a showpiece that she can turn around, sell and leave England. Not on Anthony’s watch! They clash over each proposal, both passionate about their goals. That passion and their conflicts are what drive this romance forward. Yet all around them are mysteries surrounding her cousin’s death and the theft of ancient artifacts found on the grounds. Delicious intrigue, indeed.

I highly recommend this five star read. Diana Quincy writes beautiful dialog and wonderful imagery. I enjoy her books from a historical perspective as I learn about the lives and history of Arabians during Victorian times both in America and England. So run, don't walk to your nearest bookstore or let your fingers do the waking and order your copy today! Enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~

PJ, here. I hope you enjoyed Santa's review of Diana Quincy's The Duke Gets Desperate. If I hadn't already read it, I'd be hightailing it to my favorite book buying site to download a copy. Like Santa, I adored Anthony and Raya. I'm already excited to discover what book two in this new series will bring.

Have you read Diana Quincy yet?

Do you enjoy multi-cultural historical romances?

What do you think of romances set during Victorian times rather than the Regency?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, September 27 will receive a print copy of The Duke Gets Desperate.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Review - - Back to the 80s

Back to the 80s

by S.E. Reichert and Kerrie Flanagan

Publisher: 5 Prince Publishing

Release Date: August 1, 2023

Reviewed by Santa

The 80s were the best decade and Blaine Reynolds is prepared to risk everything, including her heart, to prove it.

Blaine Reynolds is the owner of, “Back to the 80s” a novelty shop that her deceased mother passed on to her. Eric Morales is a developer who intends to destroy it to build a new brewery. In a desperate attempt to save what she holds most dear, she makes a bet with Eric that she just needs 30 days to prove to him why the 80s were totally rad and that her store is worth saving. He agrees with no intention of losing. As the month goes on, Blaine immerses Eric into a world of Cabbage Patch dolls, classic video games and neon. But the two soon realize there may be more at stake than either of them originally thought. Can they win the bet and still not lose their hearts to each other?

Santa says:

Back To The 80s by S. E. Reichert and Kerrie Flanagan was a blast from the past. It had me humming all my favorite songs and looking for my beloved leg warmers. But more than that this five star read brought together a quirky heroine and a delicious cinnamon roll of a hero. The heroine, Blaine Reynolds runs her mother’s novelty shop, Back To The 80s. Her connection to the shop is an emotional one for herself and for her fellow shop owners in an aging mall. Our hero, Eric Morales, represents a construction giant run by his family. Their goal is to raze the mall and replace it with an upscale brewery. 

For Eric this is a chance to prove himself to his father and sister and earn him a seat at the table. To them it’s business first with family running a very close second. Eric is ambitious but he finds his own personal views to be not so cut throat. Blaine just wants to continue to pay homage to her mother and the ‘80s. Neither she nor her fellow shop owners can afford the higher rents of newer locations. She doesn’t see the online markets as a niche for herself either. 

When Eric and Blaine first meet sparks fly and not the romantic ones but Blaine has a proposition for Eric. She bets him that she can make him fall in love with the 80s in thirty days or she will concede to the march of time. Eric becomes enchanted with the 80s and Blaine but not necessarily in that order. I really had fun with them both as they fell in love. 

They come against a pretty big road block towards the end and it’s up to Eric to make it up to Blaine. I love a plan when it all comes together! A bit of groveling doesn’t hurt either! Make sure you make room on your bookshelf for Back To The 80s next to your flux capacitor. This writing team is one to watch out for!

 

Review & Giveaway - - Not That Duke

Not That Duke

by Eloisa James

Publisher: Avon

Release Date: July 25, 2023

Reviewed by Santa

Bespeckled and freckled, Lady Stella Corsham at least has a dowry that has attracted a crowd of fortune-hunting suitors—which definitely doesn’t include the sinfully handsome Silvester Parnell, Duke of Huntington, who laughingly calls her “Specs” as he chases after elegant rivals.

And then—

The worst happens. Marriage.

To the duke. To a man marrying her for all the wrong reasons.

How can Silvester possibly convince Stella that he’s fallen in love with the quirky woman he married?

Santa says:

I’m back with an exciting review of Eloisa James’ latest book, Not That Duke. This five star read was a triumph! I fell in love with Silvester and Stella from the very first pages. It's a slow burn romance of friends to lovers. But that trope over simplifies how these two people fall in love - and kind of out of love - on Stella’s part while our hero is in hot pursuit of this year’s original, Lady Yasmin who we met in the previous book in this series, The Reluctant Countess. 

Silvester believes in love and fancies himself in love with Lady Yasmin. He decides to court her. It’s what any steadfast Duke would do. She’s a safe bet. Not one to call attention to herself in Silvester’s eyes, her beauty speaks for itself. And that should be enough, right? 

Stella for all her intellect and forthright opinions struggles to not knock over everything in sight. In her eyes, she is the exact opposite of Yasmin. She’s ‘sturdy’ and freckled. She sees Silvester and Yasmin as a golden couple. 

Stella is a not too reluctant wallflower. It’s safe there against the wall. No chance of knocking into someone, spilling something or trodding on anyone’s feet on the dance floor. But when disaster strikes Silvester is right there ready to help her along. 

However, his teasing and alleged barbs - fed to her by a particularly vicious cat of the ton, Lady Lydia - hurt Stella as she has been half in love with him for quite some time. She tries to hate him and rebuffs his attempts at befriending her but they reach a tentative friendship over their daily games of chess. 

Over time, Silvester’s feelings change. He finds himself lustfully attracted to Stella. He is desperate to have her in his life and in his bed. And not necessarily in that order. He proposes to Stella in the most unromantic way. Stella wants someone to be in love with her and she feels that Silvester is still in love with Yasmin.

They marry much to Stella's chagrin. But as time goes by Silvester realizes that he was only in love with the idea of Yasmin who turns out to be in love with his best friend, Giles.

Can Silvester convince Stella that he really does love her? It takes the concerted efforts of Silvester’s unconventional mother, the dowager duchess, and Stella’s aunt, with just a bit of groveling at the end. 

Once again, it’s time to run and devour another Eloisa James novel. I guarantee you will be as delighted as I was. Be prepared to laugh out loud, to sigh with joy and you may even shed a tear or two!

PJ here. I hope you enjoy this book as much as Santa and I did. It really is a treasure.

What's the last book that made you shed a tear, sigh with joy, and laugh out loud?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, July 29 will receive a print copy of Not That Duke.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Review - - Happy Place

Happy Place

by Emily Henry

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: April 25, 2023

Reviewed by Santa

Harriet and Wyn have been the perfect couple since they met in college—they go together like salt and pepper, honey and tea, lobster and rolls. Except, now—for reasons they’re still not discussing—they don’t.
 
They broke up five months ago. And still haven’t told their best friends.
 
Which is how they find themselves sharing a bedroom at the Maine cottage that has been their friend group’s yearly getaway for the last decade. Their annual respite from the world, where for one vibrant, blissful week they leave behind their daily lives; have copious amounts of cheese, wine, and seafood; and soak up the salty coastal air with the people who understand them most.
 
Only this year, Harriet and Wyn are lying through their teeth while trying not to notice how desperately they still want each other. Because the cottage is for sale and this is the last week they’ll all have together in this place. They can’t stand to break their friends’ hearts, and so they’ll play their parts. Harriet will be the driven surgical resident who never starts a fight, and Wyn will be the laid-back charmer who never lets the cracks show. It’s a flawless plan (if you look at it from a great distance and through a pair of sunscreen-smeared sunglasses). After years of being in love, how hard can it be to fake it for one week…in front of those who know you best?

Santa Says: 

Emily Henry has written another five star book. Happy Place is about second chances and found families, salty sea air and lobster rolls, firepits and being wrapped in warmth of life-long friendships. We all have our happy places. A favorite vacation spot. The friends who, no matter the situation, make everything all better. 

Harriet and her college roommates have always gone to Maine every year; hence, the salty sea air and lobster rolls. It’s also where she met the love of her life, Wyn. At least, he was up until 5 months ago but we’ll get back to that shortly. This found family sustains Harriet. They all feel the bond to one another.  

And sometimes things change in life and now the house they stay at for their week away will soon be gone. How will Harriet and Wyn break it to everyone that they are no longer together? They were THE couple, ten years together and engaged for years to boot. They decide to keep it from their friends as long as possible but they’ll be sharing a room and, yes, there is only one bed. So close proximity and true love have other plans for them. 

Being at their happy place works to bring Harriet and Wyn to be more open and honest with one another and themselves. This is something their perfect relationship lost over time. Emily Henry’s chapters go back and forth in Harriet and Wyn’s life so that the readers get a vivid picture of the trajectory of their lives. 

Do not think that Harriet and Wyn magically come together at their happy place. Emily Henry makes her characters and readers work. I honestly thought that an HEA or an HEAFRN wasn’t in the cards for them. It was heart wrenching in some spots.  

Complex and relatable people inhabit Emily Henry’s books. That relatability speaks to me as a reader. I feel like I know these characters outside of her books. This is my second book by this author. I am fast becoming a fan. I have some catching up to do. I look forward to reading more of her books.