A Rancher’s Woman by E. Ayers

A Rancher’s Woman by E. Ayers

Creed’s Crossing Historical
Sequel to A Christmas Far From Home

Publisher: E. Ayers (December 2013)

226 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $3.99)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Pink Heart

Looking to escape an abusive marriage, Malene jumps at the chance to leave home with her sister and the man her sister is planning to marry. Along the way, Malene meets a Native American man named Many Feathers who from the beginning is determined to court and marry her, but Malene has a lot of growing up to do and needs time to change her ideals before she can accept what her heart knew from the first moment she met Many Feathers. I loved this story! Parts of it are sad, other parts are frustrating, and it doesn't sugar-coat the hardships facing a Native American man in that time period, or the difficulties of a Native American man living as man and wife with a white woman, but I loved Many Feathers and his determination to succeed, his freedom from society's unnecessary restrictions, and his ability to show Malene happiness and gift her with a bit of her own freedom from proprieties. In a stiff and formal world, Many Feathers was like a breath of fresh air, and by the end Malene was a strong woman who was worthy of him. Great Read! This book is a sequel to A Christmas Far From Home, a short story that was included in the Sweetwater Springs Christmas collection.

Sweetwater Springs Christmas by Debra Holland and Friends

Sweetwater Springs Christmas by Debra Holland and Friends

The Montana Sky Series, Book 4.5

Publisher: Debra Holland (November 2013)

462 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $4.99)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Pink Heart

This is a collection of 13 short stories set in the Montana Sky Series's Sweetwater Springs around Christmas time, three of which are written by the series's author Debra Holland and the other ten stories are authored by various other romance authors. Most of the stories in this collection are romance stories but a couple are not. My favorites are A Family for Ike (about an orphaned boy finding a home with a kindred spirit) and A Christmas Far From Home (about a young couple meeting after years of correspondence and which has a sequel about the woman's sister in A Rancher's Woman by E. Ayers). Many of the tales are interwoven with details from the others, so by the end it all comes together in the last story of the collection with a wonderful finish. For fans of Paty Jager's Halsey Brothers series, her contribution A Christmas to Remember includes an appearance from Zeke and Maeve Halsey. Great holiday collection and I look forward to the next book in this series!

Painted Montana Sky by Debra Holland

Painted Montana Sky by Debra Holland

The Montana Sky Series, Book 3.5

Publisher: Debra Holland (December 2013)

124 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $1.99)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Pink Heart

After a riding accident that left her with a limp, Lily hopes to support herself with her paintings and sets out for Montana with her beloved dog to paint some flora and fauna to contribute to a book that has been commissioned. Tyler's been turned off to women in general ever since his wife left him and his young son for another man, but when he saves Lily's dog from drowning he can't help but be drawn to the young woman. Sweet novella with Tyler learning to take down his protective wall and trust again and Lily learning to hope, with glimpses of many of the wonderful characters from previous books in the series. The next book in this series is Sweetwater Springs Christmas.

Montana Sky Christmas by Debra Holland

Montana Sky Christmas by Debra Holland

The Montana Sky Series, Book 3.25

Publisher: Debra Holland (December 2013)

187 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $2.99)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: White Heart

If you have read the first three books in the Montana Sky series and liked the characters they introduced you to along the way, you will love this holiday-themed collection of short stories! Though I don't think you would necessarily have to have read the previous books in the series, I do think many of these stories would be more enjoyable with that background knowledge. The collection includes a few romance stories, including one for shy Pepe of the livery, as well as a few adorable holiday tales that don't include a romance, all giving little updates on the characters we've come to know throughout the series so far. The next book in this series is the novella Painted Montana Sky.

Stormy Montana Sky by Debra Holland

Stormy Montana Sky by Debra Holland

The Montana Sky Series, Book 3

Publisher: Montlake Romance (September 2013)

334 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $3.99)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Pink Heart

Lovesick over an unrequited love, Harriet ran headlong out into the wilderness and found herself alone, injured and far from town, but Ant happened by just when she needed a knight in shining armor, and though he only meant to assist her and go on his way, he ended up pulling her into his life and his problems. Though I wasn't overly impressed with Harriet's completely unencouraged overt fawning over Nick Sanders in previous books in this series, she always seemed a decent enough lady otherwise and I was glad to see her finally put her crush behind her here and move on to a man who actually wanted her affections. Ant was an interesting character, though not without his own problems and baggage, and it was interesting to see the way he and Harriet helped each other to put the past behind and start to look to the future. The next book in this series is Montana Sky Christmas.

Starry Montana Sky by Debra Holland

Starry Montana Sky by Debra Holland

The Montana Sky Series, Book 2

Publisher: Montlake Romance (August 2012)

341 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $2.99)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Pink Heart

Inheriting her uncle's Montana ranch is just the thing Samantha needed to be able to escape the oppressive presence of her father-in-law, and as if the move and taking on a ranch aren't challenging enough in itself, Samantha finds herself offering a home to three young orphans that no one else is willing to take a chance on, raising them with her own boy. Wyatt, though reluctant at first, is quickly drawn into Samantha's plight offering neighborly assistance, as he tries to work out his sudden reluctance to court the other woman he'd had his eye on. Samantha had a bit of naive optimism that I admired, always seeming to trust that everything would work out in the end. Each of the three boys she took in were so different and I hope to see more of them as the series progresses. Though Wyatt's protectiveness of his daughter tripped him up a time or two, in the end he was great about standing up for Samantha, even in the face of so much opposition in town. Great story! The next story in this series is Stormy Montana Sky.

Wild Montana Sky by Debra Holland

Wild Montana Sky by Debra Holland

The Montana Sky Series, Book 1

Publisher: Montlake Romance (August 2012)

333 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $2.99)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Pink Heart

When Elizabeth receives word of her brother's unexpected marriage and imminent arrival with new wife in tow, she finds herself displaced and her whole world is turned upside down, while the cold reception from her new sister-in-law doesn't help matters, so an invitation to visit her friend in Montana comes just at the right time and affords her a change of scenery to sort herself out. I didn't like Elizabeth much at first, she seemed spoiled, stuffy and overly attached to societal rules and etiquette, but her time in the west loosened her up a bit, along with the gentle nudging influence of her friend Pamela and ranch hand, Nick. I loved Nick's constant supportive presence lingering patiently while Elizabeth slowly came to grips with the fact that she can't make another man into what her dead fiancé had been to her and she must face moving on. Great story and I look forward to continuing with the rest of the series. The next book in this series is, Starry Montana Sky.

Adversaries’ Pain by Ann Grech

Adversaries’ Pain by Ann Grech

The Adversaries Series, Book 2

Publisher: Ann Grech (December 2013)

376 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $3.49)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

After Emma's horrific attack, she deals with the continuing threat of her attacker being still at large, while she tries to work on her commitment issues and enjoy what little time she and Nicholas can piece together around their jobs. This book more than the last, I felt a little frustrated by Emma's stubborn resistance to commitment or taking steps to move forward, and her almost desperate need to cling to her independence, but there were some great touching moments here and there, and lots of steamy action, especially during their elaborate holiday vacation as they explore Nicholas's dominant side a bit more. I can't wait for the exciting conclusion to Emma and Nicholas's story in part 3, Adversaries' Love, and hope to see it out soon!

Heather by Caroline Fyffe

Heather by Caroline Fyffe

Mail-Order Brides of the West, Book 3

The McCutcheon Family Series, Book 4

Publisher: Caroline Fyffe (December 2013)

233 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $2.99)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: White Heart

Heather hopes to relieve her large, impoverished family of an extra mouth to feed by offering herself as a mail-order bride, despite a lack of genuine interest in actually getting married, that is until she is given Hayden's name and matched with him, warming to the idea only to arrive and find he had not written the letter requesting a bride and has no intention of marrying. Entertaining tale of two people who need a little help recognizing their own feelings and acting on them. I enjoyed the way the whole town was involved in trying to get these two together. It is such a quaint, homey little town with interesting people, and I look forward to reading more stories about them.

Adversaries’ Lust by Ann Grech

Adversaries’ Lust by Ann Grech

The Adversaries Series, Book 1

Publisher: Ann Grech (November 2013)

327 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $4.99)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Emma and Nick meet on opposite sides of a legal proceeding and a strong mutual attraction leads to a magical weekend romance followed by a long distance relationship that successfully puts many regular relationships to shame in its depth, intimacy and romantic nature, but multiple outside forces work against them as they pursue their relationship. The prologue, though initially a little confusing, I've decided is a little taste of what you can look forward to at the end of the trilogy, before you go back and start at the beginning of Nick and Emma's story in Chapter 1. I loved this story! Nick and Emma do so many inventive things to keep in touch while they are apart, and both characters were very easy to like, even through the moody ups and downs of a typical relationship. This story ended on a bit of a cliffhanger, so I'm anxiously awaiting the next two installments in Nick and Emma's story, Adversaries' Pain and Adversaries' Love! I hope to see them out soon!

Number 121 by Powerone

Number 121 by Powerone

Publisher: Sizzler Editions (December 2013)

194 pages, eBook (provided by Author for review)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Sandi had always been focused on her career and the position of power it afforded her, that is until it was taken from her and an amble supply of free-time allowed her to reflect on her lack of a personal life. With a little encouragement from her sister, Sandi set out to try something new in an effort to bring a little more balance to her life, and found that training as a submissive may be just what she needed to find a bit more fulfillment for herself. Great story about self-discovery and reinventing oneself into a more authentic, if less societally acceptable, version of oneself, and finding someone compatible to share your life with. This includes elements of exhibitionism and voyeurism.

A Christmas to Remember by Jill Shalvis, Kristen Ashley, Hope Ramsay, Molly Cannon and Marilyn Pappano

A Christmas to Remember by Jill Shalvis, Kristen Ashley, Hope Ramsay, Molly Cannon and Marilyn Pappano

Publisher: Forever Yours (December 2013)

224 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $1.99)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Dream a Little Dream by Jill Shalvis

Lucky Harbor Series, Book 8.5

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Melissa had always been commitment shy, but she regrets running away from her chance with the man of her dreams and she doesn’t know how to fix it, until Ian rescues her from a house fire and she realizes how important it is not to let second chances pass her by. Sweet holiday reunion of two people who had been pining for each other and regretting their breakup from six months before.

Every Year by Kristen Ashley

Chaos Series, Book 2.5

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Shy and his brother, Landon, had missed out on many happy Christmases when they were young, due to their parents early death, but now that Shy and his brother have been welcomed into Tabby’s family, the whole Allen family is determined to make this a great Christmas for both Cage brothers, and hopefully sooth a bit of the hurt from their past. Nice little peek at Tack and his family as they go about their holiday celebration on Christmas Day, full of little traditions that mean so much.

Silent Night by Hope Ramsay

Last Chance Series, Book 6.5

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: White Heart

Maryanne was a single-mother who had fallen on very hard times, so she took a wild chance and set out with her three-month-old son and all her meager belongings, to look up a female cousin she hadn’t seen since she was six. After his divorce, Daniel was left to spend Christmas alone drowning his sorrows in his childhood home, that he was planning to sell, so when he got back from getting groceries he was surprised to find Maryanne and her baby holed up in his barn. Cute contemporary rendition of the christmas story from the Bible, mixed with some Christmas miracles and hope for a fresh start at making their dreams come true for two people who could really use a change for the better.

Have Yourself a Messy Little Christmas by Molly Cannon

Everson, TX Series, Book 3.5

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Focused on his work, the last thing Lincoln expected to find on his doorstep was a cheerful, holiday-decked woman sent by his mother to organize his disorder in preparation for their Christmas visit. After some initial resistance Lincoln and Dinah start to enjoy each other’s company during her visits, though both fight the idea of it leading to anything more. Nice story about opposites attracting, but I thought the sex scene came totally out of the blue, seemed out of context with the rest of the story in its intensity and, in all honesty, I could have done without it (kissing could have replaced it more than amply).

A Family for Christmas by Marilyn Pappano

The Tallgrass Series, Book 1.5

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Ilena’s been keeping herself busy with her infant son and civic activities, since her husband was killed the year before in the war overseas, but the new doctor in town, Jared, has her considering a return to the dating scene, if only they didn’t come from two entirely different worlds. Cute story about a young widow taking a chance and getting back in the game, all the while helping Jared to carve out a life of his own that feels more welcoming then the east coast society life he grew up with. I kind of felt that they glossed over what could potentially be legitimate roadblocks to having a serious relationship, but then again this was a short story.

Branded by Étaín by Jianne Carlo

Branded by Étaín by Jianne Carlo

The Beasts of Bärvik Series, Book 1

Publisher: Taliesin Publishing (December 2013)

122 pages, eBook (provided by the Author)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Determined to have Étaín, as well as the lands her family controls, Brand sets out to win her affections, but is not above invading the lands by force if she does not choose him willingly. Brand and Étaín were great together, each with their own intricate set of paranormal gifts to make things interesting. Étaín was the perfect mix of strength and innocence, and despite the horrors in her past, she had a certain unsullied freshness that was endearing. Brand's careful courtship of her was lovely and his ability to adapt his plans along the way played well with his honest approach to things, making him an easy character to like. I look forward to learning more about Brand's brothers, Nikolas and Taske, as well as Étaín's sisters, Alana and Keara, in further stories from this series!

Super Nova by Jayne Rylon

Super Nova by Jayne Rylon

Hot Rods, Book 3

Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd.(December 2013)

167 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $3.44)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Kaige (Super Nova) was glad to pitch in with the business management end of things, giving Eli (Cobra) more time with his partners as they plan their wedding, and it allowed Kaige an opportunity to flesh out some business ideas he'd had, so the news that Eli had hired a consultant without his input came like a slap to the face, until he met Nola in person. With the Hot Rods finally becoming more comfortable about exploring the possibilities within their group, Kaige is confused about how to fit his feelings for Nola into the mix. Nola's open-minded nature made the whirlwind romance more believable and her calm, controlled manner made her a good match for Kaige and his raging emotions. I can't wait for Roman and Carver's story! I look forward to reading the next book in this series, Rebel on the Run, about Bryce, due out April 2014.

Love to Bear by A. T. Mitchell

Love to Bear by A. T. Mitchell

Publisher: Red Ice Press (November 2013)

135 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $2.99)

Book Rating: 3 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Wandering in the woods with a broken heart, Sam comes upon a huge bear that appears to change into a man before her eyes, then she passes out. When she wakes she finds that Don truly is a bear shifter and has smuggled her back to his cabin despite his clan's strict isolationist policies. I have enjoyed other stories by this author and was excited to see a shifter romance, but I felt this story was a little heavy on the sex scenes. There were a few plot difficulties that bothered me (the heroine drinking to the point of getting a hangover the next morning just after finding out she's pregnant; and given Don's medical/scientific ignorance due to the clan's isolation and his declaration that he never uses them, his assurances about not needing a condom seemed fairly weak). If you are looking for a quick erotic read with a shifter twist, this may be right up your alley, but I got a bit too caught up in the details.