Book Review ~ A Father for Christmas (A Holiday Romance) by Rachelle Ayala

A Father for Christmas

(A Holiday Romance)

by Rachelle Ayala

Single mother Kelly Kennedy can't afford lavish gifts for her four-year-old daughter, Bree. Homeless veteran Tyler Manning doesn't believe he deserves a Merry Christmas.

When Bree asks Santa for a father and picks Tyler, both Tyler and Kelly vow to keep Bree from being hurt while fighting their feelings for each other.

Tyler struggles with frightening flashbacks that scare Kelly. Meanwhile, Kelly's criminal past threatens her chance for happiness. Tyler and Kelly must believe in the power of love to give Bree her best Christmas ever.

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All four-year old Bree wants for Christmas is a Papa.  Conceived by artificial insemination, she has never questioned the lack of not having a father until she starts noticing other children having dads.  Of course for a four-year old, asking Santa for a father under the Christmas tree shouldn't be a problem, right? 

Bree's mom, Kelly use to have it all.  A high paying, lucrative job on Wall Street and the ability to live a life of not wanting for anything.  Then one day and one bad insider trade later, she ended up losing it all.  Kelly is a great mom and does what she can to provide for her daughter.  When she and Bree are at the mall getting Bree's picture taken with Santa, her heart breaks when she hears Bree's request of the ultimate Christmas present - a father.  That one thing that has never been part of  Kelly's plan.

But the funny thing about fate is that it will come knocking on the door whether you think you are ready or not.  That day at the mall, Bree gets separated from Kelly.  Entering the scene is one Tyler Manning.  Tyler finds Bree wandering around the mall and looks after her until Mall Security locates them.  Kelly is livid thinking Tyler was trying to lure Bree to go somewhere with him.  Tyler is a little rough looking that day because you see, Tyler is homeless.  But being homeless is his choice.  He is a war vet and donates all of his benefit money to an organization that helps out Afghanistan children.  Tyler has a huge heart, but PTSD makes his life difficult at times because  images from the war overtake him without warning.  Anyway, running into Tyler by the mall Christmas Tree has Bree convince that Tyler is her new papa.  This kid is so cute!

But this story is not about Bree - no, she is just icing on the cake.  This is Kelly and Tyler's story and boy what a story it is.  Despite the bumpy start to their relationship and many setbacks, the love between Kelly and Tyler grows and it is beautiful.

A Father for Christmas is truly a wonderful, heart-warming story that will fill your heart with joy as you journey with Tyler and Kelly down their road to true love.

This story deals with real life issues and the characters are relatable.  The author really does draw you into the story with her eloquent and descriptive writing.  You just can't help but imagine yourself right smack in the story as it unfolds.

Although this is the perfect story to get you in the holiday spirit, it can be enjoyed anytime throughout the year and just reading it will lift your spirits.  I highly recommend this sweet romantic story!

5 stars

Rachelle Ayala is the author of dramatic fiction crossing genres and boundaries featuring strong but flawed characters. She writes emotionally challenging stories and is not afraid of controversial topics. However, she is an optimist and laces her stories with romance and hope.

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Book Review ~ Christmas Stray (Sweet Holiday Romance) by Rachelle Ayala

Christmas Stray

(Sweet Holiday Romance)

by Rachelle Ayala

Juliette Martin does not ever want to celebrate Christmas again, not when it means reliving the last one after her six-year-old son, Jeremiah, passed away on Christmas Eve.

She and husband, Gabe, find themselves snowed in at a mountain cabin with a pair of strays. Juliette desperately needs a miracle to save her marriage and restore her faith in God.

Can a stray dog and an orphan boy help her believe in the magic of Christmas and the power of love? 

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Gabe and Juliette's marriage is rocky after the untimely death of their young son, Jeremiah.  Trying to save their marriage, they go to a remote cabin to spend Christmas and hope to rekindle their love for one another.  Juliette, however does not want to celebrate Christmas or have anything to do with the holiday as Jeremiah had passed away the day before Christmas the prior year.  Losing all hope in her marriage and missing Jeremiah terribly, two unlikely characters show up on a cold snowy day and show Juliette that there is hope in her life without Jeremiah, and even though he is gone from her life, he will always be in her heart.

So, I admit it.  I totally judge a book by its cover, so when I came across the book Christmas Stray, I could not resist.  I had to read this story.  I mean look at that cover.  How can anyone resist those cute puppy eyes?  I know I couldn't!  But what about the story inside that cover?  Did it stack up and meet my high expectations?  Yep.  Indeed it did.  Matter of fact, this story exceeded my expectations.  This is a heart-warming story that will tug the strings of even the coldest heart and bring a smile upon your face throughout.  The whole story flowed so smoothly and was extremely well-written.  I fell in love with Patrick and Puppy and the outcome was wonderful.   This was a really fast read but was one that I wanted to go on forever just because it was so inspiring.  Even though it is a holiday romance, it is one that can be appreciated and enjoyed anytime throughout the year. 

5 stars

Rachelle Ayala is the author of dramatic fiction crossing genres and boundaries featuring strong but flawed characters. She writes emotionally challenging stories and is not afraid of controversial topics. However, she is an optimist and laces her stories with romance and hope.

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Book Review ~ How to Bake the Perfect Christmas Cake (Home for the Holidays - Book 2) by Gina Henning

How to Bake the Perfect Christmas Cake

(Home for the Holidays - Book 2)

by Gina Henning

Don't miss the brilliant second book in the 'Home for the Holidays' series from Gina Henning.

A DELICIOUS CAKE. A GUY WHO IS LATE. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL.

After the best Thanksgiving of her life, Lauren Hauser can't wait to see Jack-the-pecan-hoarder so they can finally be in the same place at the same time. Long distance really doesn't work when you're head over heels!

But when Jack doesn't turn up at the airport Lauren is left wondering if their relationship is really as great as she thought? Sure Jack's kisses were delicious and when he looked at her, her knees felt weak, but what did they really know about each other?

A big Hauser family Christmas is just what is needed for this situation. Not only will her mom be decking the halls with boughs of monstrous-Christmas-decorations, but Lauren is baking a Christmas cake to once again claim dessert queen of the family! Will Jack fit in with the Hauser clan? Or will Lauren have to face the music...and accept that not every holiday romance was made for a happily ever after...

The HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS series:

Book 1 - How to Bake the Perfect Pecan Pie

Book 2 - How to Bake the Perfect Christmas Cake

Book 3 - Coming just in time for the 4th of July!

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How to Bake the Perfect Christmas Cake is such a heartwarming story that was a delight to read!  I fell in love with Lauren and Jack in How to Bake the Perfect Pecan Pie and was really excited to continue their story with them that is set around Christmas time.  As Lauren and Jack continue their new relationship, they have several challenges ahead of them – but love will always find a way as they say!

The whole Hauser family is so much fun with their quirky traditions and the reader can’t help but giggle at some of the antics that happen during the story.

Jack’s Twelve Days of Christmas gifts were charming and very creative.  All men should take note of this as I believe it would score major points with the women in their lives!

Aunt Minnie really stole my heart and with her newly acquired cat, George, made me giggle throughout the story.

There were a few editing errors and at times I felt the author was trying to meet a certain word count because of unnecessary descriptions, but overall these issues did not take from the adorable story.

How to Bake the Perfect Christmas Cake is the perfect book to get you in the holiday spirit and one that I would highly recommend to anyone looking to read an adorable holiday romance.

4.5 stars

Gina Henning currently resides where bluebonnets line the highways in the spring, but she prefers the rock flower anemone from under the sea. Above the ocean’s surface Gina likes to dance with her three boys and travel to exotic places like the grocery store with her husband. Her pooch Schatzi is a mix between German Shepherd and possibly pig. One of Gina’s favorite pastimes is running. She recently completed her one-and-done marathon. At the end of the day her glass of wine is always half-full.

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Book Review & Blog Tour ~ The Naughty List by L.A. Kelley

The Naughty List

by L.A. Kelley

Paperback: 370 pages

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc. (Black Rose) (October 25, 2013)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1628300248

ISBN-13: 978-1628300246

Product Dimensions: 5 x 0.8 x 8 inches

Synopsis

Not your mama’s yuletide tale unless she drank too much egg nog or was born with a cheeky sense of humor.

Murder, mystical artifacts, an invisible demon with anger management issues, and an overbearing cupid—not what Rosalie Thatcher wished for on her Christmas list.

The holidays had always been a magical time for Rosalie, but not this year. Stephanie, her new manager at Penrose’s Department Store, is determined to make this season the most profitable in the store’s history, even if it sucks the life out of every employee. Introducing arbitrary rules and stealing the affections of Anthony, the cute temp Santa, were bad enough, but forcing Rosalie into the stupid elf hat was the worst. The worst, that is, until she meets a real E.L.F. (Elemental Life Form) named David and gets lassoed into a desperate hunt for the stolen Naughty and Nice List. Rosalie and David must dodge a murderous invisible demon and recover the missing artifact before hellhounds track them down. The couple race against time for without the magical guidance of the Naughty and Nice List, the world will tumble toward eternal chaos.

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My Thoughts

When the Naughty or Nice book is stolen, it is up to David, an E.L.F. (Elemental Life Form) to find it and the thief before chaos begins in the world.  When he discovers that it has been hidden in Primrose’s Department Store that is where the real fun and excitement begins.

Primrose’s is the type of department store that you would expect to find in a small town.  It has been established forever and the employees’ generally love to work there and the customers always seem to get in a good mood upon entering.  But, that all changes when the Naughty List is stolen.  Attitudes change for the worse and Primrose’s becomes the place you just don’t want to be near.  Bah Humbug!  Will David be able to find the Naughty List before it’s too late? Well, you will have to read the book to find out!

In between the mystery and mayhem, this is also a love story.  David and Rosalie are the cutest couple!  But since David is an E.L.F. and Rosalie is human, the Integral Council sends a cupid to ensure that all guidelines are met.  This was by far my favorite part of the story and Natalie, the cupid, my favorite character.

The Naughty List was so much fun to read!  It is the perfect story to get you in the holiday spirit.  With a great cast of lovable, quirky characters, made this book absolutely impossible to put down! Ms. Kelley has taken a traditional Santa story and put an entirely different twist to the jolly old man – and I liked it!  The romance is sweet, and the action is abundant throughout.  If you are looking to get in the holiday spirit, or just need to read an uplifting, feel-good story, then I would highly recommend The Naughty List!

4 stars

Excerpt

David had enough time left to make one quick circuit of the first floor before staff trickled in. He worked from the front of Penrose’s to the back corner, ending up at Customer Service. For an instant, his spirits rose. A large box stashed underneath the counter wasn’t there the last time he checked. He ripped off the top, pawing through the contents. Fingering the garish green material, David didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. The oversize ears stuck out like a genetic experiment gone horribly wrong. The lining felt like steel wool. Had the holiday spirit been reduced to this?

A wave of despair enveloped him. “I’m so sorry, Rosalie.”

On impulse, David reached into his pocket. He pulled out a gold-wrapped chocolate bar saved for later, swiped from a stash hidden in the store manager’s office. David scribbled on a sticky pad and pressed the note to the wrapper. He slipped the candy under the counter just before a sudden murmur of voices broke the silence. The staff had arrived. He ducked behind a rack of clothing in the back as a girl walked up to the counter, an elf hat tucked under her arm.

“Ears, Rosalie.”

She halted in mid-stride. A sharply dressed twentysomething in a skin tight pencil skirt swooped down on her. To get a better view, David carefully eased back the clothes hanging in front of his face. He saw Rosalie’s fingers clenched around the hat. He chuckled to himself. She’s pissed, but hides her aggravation well.Sadhri would definitely approve of her self-control.

“Stephanie,” Rosalie stated calmly, “the hats are extremely uncomfortable. Everyone hates them.”

“Nonsense, they’re fine.”

“If you simply try one on you’ll see—”

“I don’t have to. I know they’re fine. The hats put people in the holiday spirit and cheerful people spend more money.” Stephanie examined her perfect French manicure. “So close to Christmas is an awful time to be out of work.” Rosalie jammed the hat on her head without another word. “Excellent,” cooed Stephanie. “Keep that attitude up and your name will stop

appearing on the Motivation Memo.” Without another word, she flounced off.

David knew he should dash-away. Every moment in the open was risky, but he couldn’t take his eyes off Rosalie in the idiotic hat. What would she do?

The young woman leaned against the counter glaring after Stephanie. She bobbled her head back and forth and spouted in a falsetto sing-song:

“I’m a special elf from Penrose’s

I wear the special hat

You are not a special elf

You’re a dirty rat

You don’t belong at Penrose’s

You don’t know how to play

Wiggle your tight ass out of here

Damn you, go away.”

David snorted. Rosalie stiffened and turned around.

“Who’s there?” she called nervously. 

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About the Author

L. A. Kelley is married with three children and lives in Florida where the heat and humidity have driven everyone slightly mad. She writers fantasies with adventure, romance, humor, and a touch of sass. She never cleans under her sofa. In her spare time she reports Big Foot sightings to the Florida Department of Fish and Wildlife. They are heartily sick of hearing from her.

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Release Day Launch & Giveaway ~ THE HAZARDS OF MISTLETOE by Alyssa Rose Ivy

We are feeling the holiday spirit with the release day launch of Alyssa Rose Ivy's THE HAZARDS OF MISTLETOE! THE HAZARDS OF MISTLETOE is a contemporary romance novella and is a part of Alyssa Rose Ivy’s Hazards Series. It's available everywhere now!

    

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One snowy Christmas Eve, one mistletoe kiss, one friendship changed forever.

Don’t underestimate the power of mistletoe. It looks innocent enough, but a single branch has the potential to change your life. One mistletoe kiss led to the most embarrassing night of my life, but thankfully by the next Christmas I ended up exactly where I was supposed to be.   

“Ice skating and hot cocoa? What are you buttering me up for?” I sat down on the bench and unlaced my skates. The snow was falling a little bit heavier, but the flakes were still light and more pleasant than a nuisance.

“I’m just enjoying an evening with a beautiful woman. I do have a romantic side you know.”

“Romantic?” What was Glen playing at? I’d had a crush on him for years, but things had stayed completely platonic. We were good friends who saw each other once a year, and teased each other through text messages and late night phone calls. That was it.

He didn’t hear me. He was already in line to return our skates. I waited for him to return with my boots, and not for the first time I was glad I’d worn wool socks. It was cold during the day, but the nights were absolutely freezing.

“Here you go, my lady.” He bent down and proceeded to put my foot into my boot.

I pulled away from him. “Knock it off. What’s gotten into you tonight?” As charming as Glen was being something seemed off with him. I wondered if maybe I wasn’t the only one who was upset.

He proceeded to move on to my next boot. “It’s Christmas Eve. Aren’t you Miss Holiday Spirit?”

“Usually.”

“Exactly.” He put on his shoes and tugged on my hand to pull me to standing. “Let’s get those hot chocolates.”

The line at the café on the other side of the rink was nearly out the door, but I was enjoying Glen’s company so much I didn’t mind.

He insisted on buying my hot cocoa for me, and considering he’d already paid for my skate rental, I was starting to feel uncomfortable. Glen had all the money he could ever need, but I wasn’t used to guys buying me anything. My dating experience wasn’t extensive, and it involved boys who were all about going dutch. “I really don’t mind paying.”

“Yeah, but I want to pay. Stop arguing and enjoy yourself.” He lightly bumped his shoulder into mine.

“Well, thanks.”

We walked around the village sipping our hot chocolate and not saying much. After a while we took a seat on a bench. It was underneath a tree, and the pine needles blocked some of the falling snow. I closed my eyes and listened to the chatter of people walking by mixed with the low hum of holiday music.

“You guys need to kiss.”

I opened my eyes and saw a girl staring at us. “You’re sitting under mistletoe. That’s the rules. You’re under mistletoe, you kiss.”

I looked up. Sure enough there was mistletoe hanging over us from the tree. It wasn’t real, it was just the decorative stuff they used, but it had the same unmistakable appearance.

Glen put an arm around me. “I think she’s right, Savy.”

I turned to glare at him. “Don’t even start.”

“Why not? Scared to kiss me?” he teased.

Yes. I was scared. Terrified. This was Glen. Kissing him wasn’t something I was prepared to do casually while sitting on a bench in the snow with a bunch of onlookers. Of course I couldn’t tell him that though. “Why would I be scared?”

“I don’t know. Just checking.” He got a twinkle in his eye. That twinkle should have given me all the warning I needed, but it didn’t. I was wholly unprepared when his lips made contact with mine. They were warm and soft, and they moved perfectly against mine. I kissed him back, desperately wanting to know what his mouth tasted like, and if his tongue felt half as good as his lips. 

Alyssa Rose Ivy is a New Adult and Young Adult author who loves to weave stories with romance and a southern setting. Although raised in the New York area, she fell in love with the South after moving to New Orleans for college. After years as a perpetual student, she turned back to her creative side and decided to write. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and two young children, and she can usually be found with a cup of coffee in her hand.

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