ABSOMOOSELY IN LOVE by Jacqueline Winters

Title:  ABSOMOOSELY IN LOVE
Series:  Sunset Ridge #7
Author:  Jacqueline Winters
Publisher:  Jacqueline Winters
Publish Date:   11.12.2021
Category /Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Recommended for:  18+ due to sexual content
Grammar/editing:  A – near perfect
Received from:  Jacqueline Winters (as an ARC gifted copy)
Goodreads link: Absomoosely in Love
Date completed: 11.16.2021
 
Description from the publisher:
When he agreed to help fulfill a late friend’s final wish, he never expected to find the one thing he swore he could live without: true love.

Cody Evans has a life that works for him. Every fall, he closes up his kayak shop in Sunset Ridge, Alaska and heads across the world to wherever the stunt work takes him. By design, his lifestyle doesn’t allow for serious relationships or romantic entanglements. His family isn’t thrilled that his newest filming job will take him away for three whole years, but they’ve accepted it.

Days before Cody is scheduled to get on a plane, a woman shows up in town to deliver a special letter to him.

Jenna Kingsley has spent most of her life trying to please the older sister who raised her after their mother passed. But after years of falling short, she’s fed up. When Grandpa’s will requests that she hand deliver a letter to a man who lives in Alaska, Jenna doesn’t think twice about loading up her dog and all her belongings.

She heads north, without plans to ever come back.

Little does she realize that in the letter was an Alaskan bucket list. She must complete all the items with a man she’s never met in order to receive the keys to Grandpa’s cabin—the very ticket to freedom she’s been seeking.

Cody doesn’t have time for sightseeing, but he’d never forgive himself if he refused his late friend’s final favor. Even if it means spending time with a woman who intrigues and challenges him in ways he never expected.

He could very easily fall in love, if only he believed in such things.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ABSOMOOSELY IN LOVE is the seventh book in the Sunset Ridge series.  Each story in this series will stand on its own, but for maximum enjoyment I recommend reading them all. 
 
I love this forced-proximity slow romance.  Well, not so slow.  It’s really just a few days, but they are packed with a lot of bucket-list items that provide Cody and Jenna with the time to grow together as most would in a longer timeframe.  It doesn’t feel rushed except that Cody has that deadline for his flight.
 
A special addition was Ed the moose also finally has a lady moose!  His presence in these stories is always a great giggle and I love the ingenious ways that the author brings this wild animal in as a match-maker.  Keep on Yenta-Ed!
 
Note:  While I received this book as a gifted ARC via Booksprout, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
 
Sunset Ridge Series:
1.      Moose Be Love
2.      My Favorite Moosetake
3.      Anonymoosely Yours 
4.      Love & Moosechief
5.      Under the Mooseltoe
6.      Moosely Over You 
7.      Absomoosely in Love
8.      Perfectly Moosematched
Also from Jacqueline Winters:
·         Hooked on You
Christmas in Snowy Falls Series:
1.      Pawsitively in Love Again at Christmas
2.      Pawsitively Home for Christmas
3.      Pawsitively Yours for Christmas
Starlight Cowboys Series:
1.      Cowboys & Starlight
2.      Cowboys & Firelight
3.      Cowboys & Sunrises
4.      Cowboys & Moonlight
5.      Cowboys & Mistletoe
Willow Creek Series:
1.      Sweetly Scandalous
2.      Secretly Scandalous
3.      Simply Scandalous
 

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MY FAKE CHRISTMAS FIANCE by Julie Kriss

Title:  MY FAKE CHRISTMAS FIANCE
Series:  Kane Christmas #1
Author:  Julie Kriss
Publisher:  Julie Kriss
Publish Date: 10.22.2021
Category /Genre:  Holiday Romance, Comedy
Recommended for:  18+ due to sexual content
Grammar/editing:  A – near perfect
Received from:  Amazon purchase
Goodreads:  My Fake Christmas Fiancé
Completed:  11.07.2021
 
Description from the publisher:
Dear Wesley Kane,

We are not getting married. I know we had to get engaged as part of our companies’ merger plans, but a fake engagement is all I’ll agree to. For business purposes. We are never, ever getting married.

We have nothing in common. I’m the nerdy do-gooder girl with glasses and you’re the playboy with a new woman on his arm every week. I’m not your type, and you’re not mine.

Okay, so you’re incredibly gorgeous. And funny. And you keep giving me That Look. And you’ve ditched all your other girlfriends for me. And I’ve seen you in nothing but your boxer shorts, and I’m still thinking about it. Because…wow.

We have to be married by midnight Christmas Eve, and the deadline is getting closer. It doesn’t matter if you might be my dream guy. It doesn’t matter if I’m falling for you—it’s just a business deal.

We are never, ever—

Oh God, I just kissed you again.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

MY FAKE FIANCE is the first book in the Kane Christmas multi-author series.  Each story in the series is happening in the same overlapping time, so they can be read in any order.
 
I understand Penny. In so many ways she is me! Nervous, people-pleaser, she is so strong, but tries to hide her own wants and needs if she believes they will contradict another's.

Wes is also people-pleasing. A gentleman on a mission to please his family, his workers, but most importantly to always give Penny what SHE wants and needs.

I loved this fake fiancé romance. The true legality of such a clause being in a merger is far-fetched. Also, it bothered me that Kane Co was the underdog in this merger, but they got some very large concessions as part of the deal. ...including keeping their CEO. My recommendation is to suspend that part of your logical mind and just embrace the warm, fuzzy holiday romance.
 
Kane Christmas Series:
1. My Fake Christmas Fiancé (Julie Kriss)
2. Santa Baby Maybe (S. Doyle)
3. How My Brother’s Best Friend Stole Christmas (Molly O’Keefe)
 
Also from Julie Kriss:

• The Bastard (King Family #3)

• Heartbreaker (Cocky Hero #47)

• Jingle Bell Beard (Kringle Family Christmas #3)

Bad Billionaire Series:
1.      Bad Billionaire
2.     Dirty Sweet Wild
3.     Rich Dirty Dangerous
4.    Back in Black
Eden Hills Series:
1.      How to Date Your Brother’s Best Friend
2.     How to Date a Guy You Hate
Filthy Rich Series:
1.      Filthy Rich
2.     Sexy As Sin
3.     Dirty Talk
4.    Wicked Dangerous
5.     Cold Dark Heart
Forbidden Series:
1.      Forbidden
2.     The Player
Mason Brothers Series:
1.      Spite Club
2.     Crashed
Riggs Brothers Series:
1.      Drive Me Wild
2.     Take Me Down
3.     Work Me Up
4.    Make Me Beg
 

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GHOST OF MARLOWE HOUSE by Bobbi Holmes

Title: GHOST OF MARLOWE HOUSE
Series:  Haunting Danielle #1
Author:  Bobbi Holmes
Publisher:  Robeth Publishing LLC
Publish Date:   08.30.2014
Category /Genre: Holiday Romance
Recommended for: 18+
Grammar/editing: A - near perfect
Received from: Amazon purchase
Goodreads: The Ghost of Marlowe House
Completed:  11.02.2021
 
Description from the publisher:
When Danielle Boatman inherits Marlow House, she dreams of turning it into a seaside bed and breakfast. Since she’s never visited the property, Danielle’s not sure what awaits her in Oregon. She certainly doesn’t expect to find one of the house’s previous owners still in residence. After all, the man has been dead for almost ninety years—shouldn’t he have moved on by now?

Charming Walt Marlow convinces Danielle the only way he can move on is if she solves the mystery of his death. Danielle soon discovers her real problems may come from the living—those who have their sights on Marlow House’s other secrets.
~~~~~~

THE GHOST OF MARLOWE HOUSE is the first book in the Haunting Danielle series.  Though I expect each cozy mystery will stand on its own, this is the book that establishes the main characters of the series, and I would strongly recommend reading it before any others.
 
There was an old TV show called THE GHOST AND MRS. MUIR.  It only ran for two seasons (50 episodes).  I loved that show when I was a young girl.  There was something so romantic about the ghost of a young and handsome man who was irrefutably enchanted by the young widow who had rented his old sea-side home.
 
Danielle Boatman and Walt Marlowe remind me Mrs. Lucy Muir and Captain Daniel Gregg.  Only Danielle can see and talk to Walt.  Walt seems to be smitten, but he finds the modern woman to be quite different from what was considered normal in his day – brash, outrageous, out-spoken, and oddly dressed.  Danielle sees a handsome man and he turns out to be a different kind of spirit form those she has talked to before.  They quickly become friends.
 
I found the story to be heart-warming and sweet over all.
 
 
Haunting Danielle Series:
1.    The Ghost of Marlow House
2.    The Ghost Who Loved Diamonds
3.    The Ghost Who Wasn’t
4.    The Ghost Who Wanted Revenge
5.    The Ghost of Halloween Past
6.    The Ghost Who Came for Christmas
7.    The Ghost of Valentine Past
8.    The Ghost from the Sea
9.    The Ghost and the Mystery Writer
10.  The Ghost and the Muse
11.   The Ghost Who Stayed Home
12.   The Ghost and the Leprechaun
13.   The Ghost Who Lied
14.   The Ghost and the Bride
15.   The Ghost and Little Marie
16.   The Ghost and the Doppelganger
17.   The Ghost of Second Chances
18.  The Ghost Who Dream Hopped
19.  The Ghost of Christmas Secrets
20. The Ghost Who Was Says I Do
21.  The Ghost and the Baby
22. The Ghost and the Halloween Haunt
23. The Ghost and the Christmas Spirit
24. The Ghost and the Silver Scream
25. The Ghost of a Memory
26. The Ghost and the Witches’ Coven
27. The Ghost and the Mountain Man
28. The Ghost and the Birthday Boy
29. The Ghost and the Church Lady (releases 01.27.2022)
Also from Bobbi Holmes:
·        American Bondage
·        Havasu Palms: A Hostile Takeover
·        Motherhood
·        The Story of the Christmas Village
 

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DATING AN ELF by Abbey MacMunn

Title:  DATING AN ELF
Series:  Love Bites #6
Author:  Abbey MacMunn
Publisher:  Tirgearr Publishing
Publish Date:   11.09.2021
Category /Genre:  Holiday Romance; Paranormal Romance
Recommended for:  18+ due to sexual content
Grammar/editing:  A – near perfect
Received from:  Abbey MacMunn
Goodreads link: Dating an Elf
Date completed: 11.02.2021
 
Description from the publisher:
Paige Alston wants it all: love, marriage, more kids, and a happily ever after. Trouble is, her biological clock is ticking, she’s a single mum to twins, and she has a temper that flies faster than Santa's reindeer on Christmas Eve. It’s going to take someone pretty special, and brave enough, to take her on.

Enter naked polar bear shifter, Ben.

After his fiancée cheated on him, Esben (Ben) Johansen swore off women for good. Until a sassy, curvy elf catches him shifting in Santa’s grotto that is.

With a friend intent on driving a wedge between them, and a series of unfortunate events, is Fate trying to force them apart, or guide them towards their destiny? 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

DATING AN ELF is the seventh book in the Love Bites series.  Each story will stand on its own, but read them all for maximum enjoyment.  The unifying factor in these stories is that the characters have joined a dating website for paranormals only.
 
Cheaters cause long-lasting feelings of mistrust.  That’s why it’s so hard for both Paige and Ben to let down their guard and accept the gift that has been presented to them.  However, when fate - plus meddling friends and relatives – lead you to your other half, it is inevitable.  That is what I love about Christmas romances and fated romance stories.  That is what is truly wonderful about this laugh-out-loud festive holiday story.
 
Note:  While I received this book as a gifted ARC, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
 
Love Bites Series:
            0.5 Flirting with a Fae
1.      Dating a Vampire
2.      Dating a Werewolf  
3.      Dating a Dragon  
4.      Dating an Angel
5.      Dating a Mermaid  
6.      Dating an Elf 
7.      Dating a She-Wolf (coming soon)
Also from Abbey MacMunn:
·         Between the Lines
·         First Bite
·         One Night in Kuala Lumpur
·         Touched
·         What If…?
Chloe and Hannah’s Magical Adventures Series:
1.      The Enchanted Bridesmaid Dress
The Evoxian Legacies Series:
1.      Violet Souls
2.      Violet Spirit
 

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CRITTER CALAMITY by Angela Pepper

Title:  CRITTER CALAMITY
Series:  Wisteria Witches #12.5
Author:  Angela Pepper
Narrator:  Tiffany Williams
Length:   1 hour 42 minutes
Audible Release Date:  12.14.2021
Publisher:  Angela Pepper Publishing
Publish Date:   10.12.2021
Category /Genre:  Paranormal Cozy Mystery
Recommended for:  14+ due to vocabulary
Listenability:  OK  or  NSFW
Received from:  Angela Pepper (as an Audible gifted copy)
Goodreads link: Critter Calamity
Date completed: 11.01.2021
 
Description from the publisher:
This story fits between Books 12 and 13, but can also be enjoyed by listeners who are not already familiar with the series!
 
Someone is trying to ruin Christmas. Two of the town’s annual traditions have gone sideways so far. Now it’s starting to get personal for Zara Riddle, a witch who’s just trying to enjoy the season with her family. 
 
In a small town full of supernaturals, it’s going to be tricky to figure out who or what has been causing such a calamity. 
 
Zara has a list of suspects in mind, and the one at the top of the list happens to live under her own roof. 
 
Can the Riddle family’s first Christmas in Wisteria be saved? 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Critter Calamity is a short story and may be listened to as a stand-alone. The events in the story take place on Christmas, between Wisteria Witches Mysteries Books 12 and 13.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CRITTER CALAMITY is the thirteenth book in the Wisteria Witches series.  This is a paranormal mystery short story with magic and supernatural creatures in a quaint small town.
 
This is a perfect Christmas gift to those of us who are long-time readers of the Wisteria Witches series.  However, it can also be a great introduction for new readers – just know that you will have spoilers before you go back and read the previous hijinks.
 
Of the critters that inhabit Zara’s home, my favorite has to be Boa (the cat).  Now, every time I want to make lunch, I find myself imitating Tiffany William’s voice as Boa.  “Haaam.”
 
I love the Wisteria Witches series.  This story is no exception – plenty of snark, family, sweetness, funny, and a dose of mystery in a clean read.  This time we get to enjoy a bit of Christmas. 
 
Narration:  Tiffany Williams is always wonderful, and she is THE voice for these beloved characters.
 
Note:  While I received this book as a gifted audiobook copy, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
 
Wisteria Witches Series:
1.      Wisteria Witches
2.      Wicked Wisteria
3.      Wisteria Wonders
4.      Watchful Wisteria
5.      Wisteria Wyverns
6.      Wolves of Wisteria (City Hall #1)
7.      Wisteria Wrinkle (City Hall #2)
8.      Wardens of Wisteria (Daybreak #1)
9.      Wisteria Warned (Daybreak #2)
10.  Wishful Wisteria (Daybreak #3)
11.  Wisteria Woven (Daybreak #4)
12.  Winter in Wisteria 
12.5 Critter Calamity
Also from Angela Pepper:
·         Funny Ladies
·         The Mystery of Broken Shell Island & Other Fantasy Tales
Diamond Files Mysteries:
1.      Girl in the Shadows
Eli Carter and the Ghost Hackers Series:
1.      The Cat Who Went Bump in the Night
2.      The Ghost Who Wasn’t There
3.      The Dog Who Barked Fire
Restless Spirits Series:
1.      Interview with a Ghost
2.      Date with a Ghost
3.      Dancing with a Ghost
Stormy Day Mysteries:
1.      Death of a Dapper Snowman
2.      Death of a Crafty Knitter
3.      Death of a Batty Genius
4.      Death of a Modern King
5.      Death of a Double Dipper
Baker Street Neighborhood Romances (written as Angie Pepper):
1.      Romancing the Flower Shop Girl
2.      Romancing the Complicated Girl 
3.      Honey, We Missed Our Honeymoon
4.      Dating the Funny Waitress
5.      Boyfriend Wanted, Must Love Dancing
6.      Handful of Peaches (Peaches Monroe’s Diary #1)
7.      Whole Lotta Peaches (Peaches Monroe’s Diary #2)
8.      Everything Is Peaches (Peaches Monroe’s Diary #3)
 

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