Review & Giveaway - - Housebroke

Housebroke

by Jaci Burton

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: December 12, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

After her ex took all their money and bailed, Hazel Bristow is left broke and homeless. A kind friend whose home is on the market lets Hazel and her foster dogs stay there until it sells. It’s the perfect setup, until her friend forgets to tell Hazel she’s sold the house.

Linc Kennedy is shocked to find Hazel and her pups squatting in the house he just bought, but after some negotiating—she offers to cook amazing meals for him in return for a paycheck—he agrees to let her remain while he’s renovating the place. Linc tells Hazel he’s an investor who renovates homes for fun—he just leaves out the part about being wealthy.

Hazel’s intrigued by Linc. He’s funny, sweet, ridiculously hot, and loves dogs almost as much as she does. But her track record with men? Not great. She worries her trust meter isn’t in working order.

Linc’s never met anyone like the quirky beauty who puts everyone’s needs—human and canine—before her own. He didn’t tell her about his wealth because he’s been burned by women who only wanted him for his money. But with Hazel, he’s never felt more like himself. Now he has to figure out how to tell her the truth without losing her. Because Linc realizes what he feels for her isn't puppy love—it's true love.

PJ's Thoughts:

This sweet and steamy story kept me happily entertained from beginning to end. Burton gave me a tale that had me laughing at some points, tearing up at others, and cheering on our lead couple while they worked through issues on their way to happy endings. The overall story had a fun, upbeat vibe without sacrificing depth of emotion.

Trust (or lack thereof) was a key component of this story. Both Linc and Hazel had good reason to hold trust in reserve. I appreciated the time the author gave them to work through issues, allowing their relationship to slowly develop. Hazel, in particular, needed that time. Joyful bedroom gymnastics were one thing but after her ex's betrayal, leaving her with nothing, including her self esteem, she needed that time to find her footing before being able to move forward. Yes, there were missteps along the way but I liked that they didn't go on for too long and that clear communication, understanding, and compromise (on both sides) were used to resolve them. The strong family dynamics - on both sides - added an additional layer to the story as well as to the growth of the characters. You can tell a lot about a man by the way he treats not only his mom but also yours. And then there were the dogs...

To say Hazel's foster dogs were important characters in this book would be a massive understatement. Not only did they provide important insight into both Hazel and Linc, they stole every scene they were in and pretty much the whole darn book. Hazel adored them. Linc adored them. I adored them! I loved how Burton made each of the five dogs a unique, fully-developed character in his/her own right. Their individual personalities, quirks, and actions were vividly depicted, bringing them to life on the page. I wanted to cuddle them, play with them, and adopt the whole bunch. 

Reading Housebroke was a fun way to spend an afternoon. I'm wondering if Jaci Burton plans to return to this locale for another book, say a story for Linc's younger brother? I'd be down for that!

Have you read Jaci Burton?

Do you enjoy dogs (or pets of any kind) in books?

Tell me about the furry creatures in your life.

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, December 15 will receive a print copy of Housebroke.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Review - - Art of the Chase

Art of the Chase

by Tracy Brogan

The Bostwicks of Trillium Bay

Publisher: Oliver Heber Books

Release Date: December 5, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

Above the glistening waters of Trillium Bay, the majestic Imperial Hotel awaits its first guests. It’s the summer of 1888, and names like Carnegie, Astor, Pullman, and Bostwick line the premier resort’s registry as society’s elite gather on its grandiose front porch to see – and be seen.

But Chase Bostwick isn’t interested in being seen. As the second son of a wealthy financier, he’s only interested in work – in Chicago – so being tasked by his father to chaperone his wearisome mother and boisterous little sister during their Michigan summer holiday is Chase’s personal purgatory masquerading as paradise – for never was a man more ill-suited to leisure.

Emerson McKenna isn’t interested in being seen, either – but she does want her artistic talents to be noticed. As the illegitimate daughter of a renown portraitist more infamous for his romantic dalliances than for his work, Emerson has schemed her way into a position at the hotel teaching doe-eyed debutantes to paint. She says her goal is to commission enough portraits from the resort’s wealthy patrons to finance her dreams of studying in Paris.

But Chase has his suspicions…

Thinking to ease his ennui, he sets about to unravel the mysteries of this enigmatic Miss and her tattered satchel full of secrets, but what he learns – from her questionable marital status right down to the potentially felonious embellishment of her artistic credentials – leaves him feeling captivated. And protective. When his misplaced chivalry sets in motion events which may do more harm than good, Chase and Emerson must work together to keep her safe – and in his arms.

PJ's Thoughts:

Tracy Brogan uses charm, laughter, heart-tugging emotion, and an immersive sense of place to bring the Gilded Age version of her popular Trillium Bay to life in Art of the Chase, book one of her new historical romance series: The Bostwicks of Trillium Bay. 

If you've ever visited Mackinac Island, stayed in the Grand Hotel, or viewed it in photos - or on the big screen in Somewhere in Time - you will no doubt recognize it's elegant influence on Trillium Bay's Imperial Hotel. Brogan brings every nook, cranny, sweeping lake-front lawn, and iconic front porch niche to life in her fictional version, evoking sweet memories for those of us who have visited the real thing and vivid mental paintings of how it - as well as her fictional version - might have been in years gone by. The hotel, like the island itself, is a nuanced character is its own right in this book, helping to offer insight into the lives and personalities of both hard-working staff and privileged guests. 

As for the actual characters, Brogan offers up a collection of diverse, well-developed individuals who open windows into the lives of the rich and famous of the time and those whose job it is to serve them. There's the snobbish society maven, who may or may not be more complex than she seems, a teen society miss with a kind heart and unexpected ambitions, a supercilious desk clerk, hyper social director, business-savvy hotel owner, awkward wallflowers, and more. But at the heart of the tale are Chase and Jo (Emerson), two characters from different social classes with more in common than one would imagine, an undeniable attraction, and future plans that do not include the other. I really enjoyed the deft touch Brogan used in bringing them to life, how she slowly unfurled their layers, allowing us into their thoughts and hearts as they, and their relationship, evolved; the light hand she used that celebrated the laughter and joy of falling in love while at the same time keeping the realities of their situation firmly in play. It's a delicate balance between the magic of a summer romance on the island and the reality of city life within an elite society that is likely to never accept the choice of Chase's heart.

Art of the Chase is a story that is charming, humorous, thought provoking, glittering, heart-tugging, and utterly romantic. I turned the final page with a smile on my face, a happy sigh in my heart, and eagerness for the next chapter of The Bostwicks of Trillium Bay. 

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

Winner - - The Cowboy Whisperer

 

The randomly chosen winner

of a print copy of

The Cowboy Whisperer by Sabrina Sol is:

Ina

Congratulations!

Please send your full name and mailing address to:

theromancedish (at) gmail (dot) com

Review & Giveaway - - Christmas with a Cowboy

Christmas with a Cowboy

by Pam Mantovani

Cowboys of Burton Springs - Book 7

Publisher: Bell Bridge Books

Release Date: November 17, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

 

What do you get for the girl who has everything? A cowboy, of course.

Avery McClain is looking forward to her first Christmas in Montana with her little girl. But as soon as she arrives, she's caught in an unexpected tug of war between two ranchers wanting to buy the land left to her by her favorite uncle. All she wants to do is make the holiday special for daughter. But instead, she's overwhelmed with attempts to pressure her into selling. And she's uncomfortably attracted to one of the men competing for her property.

Judson Ford wants Avery McClain's land to expand his horse breeding operation. He didn't anticipate his attraction to her, or his admiration for her courage. And her little girl is so damn cute! Before he knows it, he's been swept up in her Christmas spirit. Suddenly, Avery and her daughter are filling all the empty spaces in his life.

But then, Avery is offered a job opportunity that would mean she'd have to relocate. And Judson realizes that everything in him is pushing him to ask her to stay and make a life—a family—with him.

Unfortunately, someone else has other ideas.

PJ's Thoughts:

This was my first novel by Pam Mantovani. While I didn't feel lost by jumping in at book 7 (it really does stand well on its own), I'm also excited to go back to the beginning and read books 1-6. I want to get to know all of the couples who reside in this small Montana town. 

I enjoy a second chance story and Mantovani has brought readers a good one with Christmas with a Cowboy. I empathized with Avery, a newly-divorced single mom looking for a new beginning with her three-year-old daughter on the ranch left to her by her uncle. I was with her every step of the way as she worked to figure out the right place to move forward. I loved the warm, welcoming nature of the people in her new town and the friendships made along the way. Meeting the secondary characters who ease her way made me eager to read their stories too.

I really liked Judson's openness with Avery. I would have had a harder time with their budding relationship if he had kept his ambitions from her. Still, there were some potholes and misunderstandings along the way but the author didn't let them go on for too long. I especially loved the relationship that developed between "Udson" and Avery's daughter. That little girl is adorable, wonderfully developed, and an important part of the story. Judson's father adds an additional layer of emotion that provides insight into some of the emotional baggage Judson carries as well as offering heartwarming layers to his relationship with Avery and her daughter.

In addition to the heart-tugging romance, Mantovani also spins a suspenseful thread that adds another layer to the story, keeping me guessing as to the perpetrator and their motivation. I would have enjoyed a bit more development of that portion of the book but I'm a romantic suspense afficionado. Others may think it's just right.

All in all, this was an enjoyable read that made me laugh, tear up a bit, cheer for the lead couple, lose my heart to a little girl, and sigh with delight. I'll be happily visiting the rest of the books in this series for more Montana happy endings. 

Have you read Pam Mantovani?

Do you enjoy a bit of suspense paired with contemporary romance?

What is it about Montana? I love romances set there. Do you?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, December 13 will receive a signed print copy of Christmas with a Cowboy. 

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

The germs won...

 

Hello, everyone!

I'm sorry to say the flu virus has found me.

 The positive news is I have good meds and hopefully will start feeling

better within a week. 

The bad news is one of the effects of this virus is a debilitating headache.

I haven't been able to read and am not sure when I will be able to. 

Fingers crossed it won't be long. 

The reviews I've already written will be posted as scheduled in Coming Attractions.

However, those books I had not finished reading when this 

virus struck will be delayed. I'm so sorry.

Winner - - Coming Attractions

 

The randomly chosen winner

of a package of books is:

Shari

Congratulations!

Please send your full name and mailing address to:

theromancedish (at) gmail (dot) com

Review & Giveaway - - The Cowboy Whisperer

The Cowboy Whisperer

by Sabrina Sol

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: November 28, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

 

When a champion equestrian butts heads with a sexy, brooding cowboy, the heat between them sizzles.

After her last disastrous competition went viral, Olympic hopeful Veronica del Valle spent three years healing – and hiding. Finally ready for another shot, Veronica agrees to train at an under-the-radar, family-run ranch in tiny Esperanza, California. The living accommodations? Sparse. High-end equestrian equipment? Zero. What Rancho Lindo does have is stable manager Tómas Ortega, a brooding, handsome cowboy who offers Veronica unsolicited advice during her training sessions. Advice that, infuriatingly, turns out to be right every time.

The only thing Tómas cares about are his horses and saving his family’s ranch—and not their new boarder, who makes it clear she’s not happy with his stables. So he’s shocked Veronica offers to pretend to be his girlfriend when Tomas’s ex comes back to town. All she wants in return is some after-hours training. He soon realizes Veronica is nothing like he imagined, and the harder he falls, the more he worries, because Veronica’s Olympic dreams will eventually take her away from Rancho Lindo – and from him.

PJ's Thoughts:

I do love me a cowboy. Make him a broody Mexican-American cowboy with strong family bonds, a special connection to horses, and a once broken, now wary heart and I am all in. Plus, bonus, he has brothers!

Sabrina Sol has created an enjoyable contemporary romance with two main characters who have both been hurt by love. I enjoyed their journey from adversaries to lovers, with a fake relationship that gradually grows into friendship, thrown into the mix. Veronica and Tómas each have flaws, familial complications, and emotional baggage that make them both realistic and relatable. Each has an emotional journey of growth to complete individually as well as part of a couple. Sol guides them through it with a deft hand. The banter between them is lively, as is the initial friction that morphs into an undeniable attraction. They're opposites in many ways but alike in others, sharing commonalities, such as their love of horses and of family. I could feel the feelings that slowly grow between them even when they are at odds. 

I really enjoyed the Mexican-American representation of both families in this book. Sol has included traditions, (drool-worthy) food, and Spanish language that give the characters and their storylines a rich cultural authenticity. It brought them to life for me, eliciting a deep appreciation for their history as well as their present-day lives. 

The Cowboy Whisperer is the second book in this series but stands well on its own. Even though the lead couple from book one, Second Chance at Rancho Lindo, feature prominently in this book I never felt lost or confused for not having read their story. However, once I met them I knew I'd be diving into their book too. I hope we'll continue to see the evolution of both couples' relationships as the series moves forward. 

Have you read books by Sabrina Sol?

Do you enjoy reading romances with strong cultural representation?

How do you feel about cowboys, whether present day or historical?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, December 7 will receive a print copy of The Cowboy Whisperer.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Thank you to Forever Romance for the generous donation of a print copy of The Cowboy Whisperer for today's giveaway. 

 

Coming Attractions - - December 2023

 

The last month of 2023 has arrived. Is it just me or did this year fly by in the blink of an eye? It needs to slow down so I can read all the wonderful books being published. And speaking of books, here's what's on the schedule for December. 

We launch the month on Friday, December 1 with a review of Balancing Act, book two in Emily March's heartwarming new Lake in the Clouds series. 

Saturday, December 2 brings a review of The Asheville Christmas Wedding, book three in the feel-good Carolina Christmas series co-written by Hope Holloway and Cecelia Scott.

Who wants a cowboy for Christmas? Join me Tuesday, December 5 when I share my thoughts about The Cowboy Whisperer by Sabrina Sol. I am all over this handsome, broody, Mexican-American cowboy...and he has brothers!

I'm going back in time on Thursday, December 7 with a review of Art of the Chase by Tracy Brogan. This Gilded Age historical takes readers back to Trillium Bay, site of Brogan's popular contemporary romance series. 

Santa returns on Monday, December 11 with a review of Technically Yours, a second-chance romcom by Denise Williams.

Stop by Saturday, December 9 for a review of Merry Christmas, Montana by Elsa Winckler. This was my first book by Winckler but it won't be my last. 

Join me on Friday, December 8 for a review and giveaway of Christmas with a Cowboy by Pam Mantovani. This is the seventh book in Mantovani's Burton Springs series but stands well on its own. Fair warning though: now that I've read it, I'll be getting books 1-6, pronto. 

Do you enjoy forced proximity romance with a couple surrounded by a love bundle of high-energy, adorable, rescue dogs? If so, you won't want to miss my review of Housebroke by Jaci Burton on Tuesday, December 12.

Wednesday, December 13 brings a review of Virginia Kantra's newest modern adaptation of a beloved classic. Join me when I share my thoughts about The Fairytale Life of Dorothy Gale.

Join me for another Coastal Magic Spotlight when I welcome Seressia Glass on Thursday, December 14. Glass's newest romcom, Game On, releases on December 12. 

Our second Coastal Magic Spotlight on Monday, December 18 features Jeanne Adams. Her newest story, "Intrigue in Althor", is a novella included in the new Mercedes Lackey anthology: Anything With Nothing. 

We're rounding out the month on Wednesday, December 27 with a review of You're the Duke That I Want by Lenora Bell. I'm loving these new historical romances by Bell that are inspired by popular movies. Anyone want to guess which movie inspired this book? 

What holidays will you be celebrating this month?

Do you have any special traditions that you're looking forward to?

Tell me about the books you'll be reading in December. Anything you're especially excited to dive into?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, December 5 will receive a package of books from my stash.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

 

Winner - - Highlanders Never Forget

 

The randomly chosen winner of

an e-book copy of 

Highlanders Never Forget by Julie Johnstone is:

Glenda

Congratulations!

Please send your email address to:

theromancedish (at) gmail (dot) com

Review - - The Asheville Christmas Wedding

The Asheville Christmas Wedding

by Hope Holloway and Cecelia Scott

Carolina Christmas - Book 3

Publisher: Hope Holloway and Cecelia Scott

Release Date: December 1, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

With a grand and glorious wedding planned for the end of the year, the family faces a new and daunting challenge and the possibility of losing their beloved cabin. Angie rallies everyone for her mission, but meets so many unexpected roadblocks.

As the holidays come to a close, each of the sisters stands at the precipice of a new life. Noelle has fallen in love, but the cost might be more than she’s willing to pay. Eve has an idea that is wild and wonderful, but she’s put her fate in the hands of a complete stranger. And Angie can’t start her new life without somewhere to live, so she is moving heaven and earth to find the proof they need to keep the cabin.

Can one Christmas in Asheville change everything? Join these strong, funny, and loving women as the holiday spirit lifts them as high as the Blue Ridge Mountains and promises a whole new life ahead.

PJ's Thoughts:

This is the heartwarming, uplifting series I needed this Christmas. As preparations continue for Aunt Bitsy's wedding in book three, The Asheville Christmas Wedding, the family is thrown into chaos by unexpected events. Futures are threatened, relationships are tested, and life-changing decisions loom. New beginnings await all three triplets...if they have the courage and the faith to take those first steps.

Holloway and Scott flawlessly guide their characters with love, compassion, and more than a little humor in this third book of their Carolina Christmas series. They have a way of drawing me into their world and into this family. I'm emotionally connected to the characters, absolutely certain they're all enjoying their lives, celebrating the love and strength of their family, their relationships, and the possibilities that await. No, I haven't lost touch with reality. Yes, I do know these are fictional characters but the layers, intricate details, and nuances these two authors bring to them, plus the challenges life places in their paths, make them seem very, very real.

The Asheville Christmas Wedding ties up many of the threads begun in book one while leaving the door open for future stories for these characters. I was so happy to read that the authors plan to continue the series with more stories for the Chambers sisters next fall. Book four, The Asheville Christmas Tradition is scheduled to be published November 1, 2024 and already available for preorder.

The Carolina Christmas series is one I strongly advise readers to read in order. The books are: The Asheville Christmas Cabin, The Asheville Christmas Gift, and The Asheville Christmas Wedding. Why not give yourself a gift and get all three, or download them from Kindle Unlimited if you're a KU subscriber. I'll just be over here on my sofa with a cup of hot cocoa reading them all over again.