CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS by Susan Wiggs

June 29, 2018

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The Lakeshore Chronicles, Book 10

This is such a long series that it warranted not one, but two Christmas books. I love me a good Christmas romance so I was delighted. And lest you think I’m just some kind of Susan Wiggs/Christmas story nut, I’ll have you know that this book has 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon! So at least I’m in good company.

This is Logan O’Donnell’s story, and I was surprised and happy to learn more about him than just what we’ve learned through Daisy’s eyes. He becomes a fully realized character here who deserves his own happily ever after. If you haven’t read the entire series (you really should!) Wiggs provides enough details here to make the story compelling without leaving more familiar readers impatient, a fine balance that she has achieved throughout this series.

Darcy Fitzgerald has had a very rough year. She’s divorced and missing her step-children and she’s bound and determined to protect her heart from ever experiencing that kind of pain again. Until she meets Logan.

Logan has planned a special Christmas for his son, and his whole family comes to Avalon to help them celebrate. There is a lovely subplot involving a couple of children that Logan helps out that really added to the whole miracle of Christmas theme.

Darcy’s hiding out in Avalon because her cheating ex has a brother who is married to her sister – complicated, of course, but why not. So she is trying to avoid her family this year. Logan and Darcy are meant for each other, but they both have so much baggage and obstacles to overcome to get there. I loved reading their story.

Divorce is a major theme in this book, how it affects everyone from the adults to the children. As a child of divorce, I appreciated that it wasn’t just glossed over and I could certainly relate. Once again Wiggs delivers an engaging romance with the added bonus of the spirit of Christmas. I loved it.

6/18 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS by Susan Wiggs. MIRA; Original edition (October 28, 2014). ISBN 978-0778316671. 384p.

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THE HIGHLAND DUKE by Amy Jarecki

June 28, 2018

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Lords of the Highlands, Book 1

RT Reviewers’ Choice Award winner!

From the publisher:

She’ll put her life on the line for him . . . 
When Akira Ayres finds the brawny Scot with a musket ball in his thigh, the healer has no qualms about doing whatever it takes to save his life. Even if it means fleeing with him across the Highlands to tend to his wounds while English redcoats are closing in. Though Akira is as fierce and brave as any of her clansmen, even she’s intimidated by the fearsome, brutally handsome Highlander who refuses to reveal his name.

Yet she can never learn his true identity.
Geordie knows if Akira ever discovers he’s the Duke of Gordon, both her life and his will be forfeit in a heartbeat. The only way to keep the lass safe is to ensure she’s by his side day and night. But the longer he’s with her, the harder it becomes to think of letting her go. Despite all their differences, despite the danger-he will face death itself to make her his . . .

This author was new to me so I had no real expectations other that hoping it would  tide me over until the Droughtlander ends (until Gabaldon writes the next book and/or the Starz TV series returns!)

The fact that the hero Geordie is a Highlander being chased by the English Redcoats and the heroine Akira is a healer was enough to fill the void. This book takes place in the early part of the 18th century so that was interesting as I’m not as familiar with that time period. Akira is dirt poor and has Gypsy blood at a time when Gypsies were being driven out of Scotland, at least the criminal elements. So that is two strikes against her as Geordie is a Duke and a Laird, and as such is expected to make a proper match.

Being on the run together brings them very close, and there is real chemistry here. Jarecki is a good storyteller, the pacing was good, the characters believable and the story made sense. Sometimes that’s all you need. This was a very enjoyable read and I learned a few things so I’m happy.

6/18 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

THE HIGHLAND DUKE by Amy Jarecki. Avon (May 29, 2018). ISBN 978-0062848802. 304p.

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THE PERFECT COUPLE by Elin Hilderbrand

June 25, 2018

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I look forward to spending time on Nantucket every summer; in Elin Hilderbrand’s books, that is. They are the perfect escape, and with this latest novel, she’s really upped her game and the suspense.

“The Perfect Couple” are Celeste and Benji, and this wedding is going to be the highlight of the social season. Benji’s mom has hired the premier wedding planner, venue, etc. while Celeste and her family are just along for the ride. Except on the morning of the wedding, Celeste finds her best and only friend, Merritt, her maid of honor, washed up on the beach, dead.

Celeste is a zoologist who is loves her work to the exclusion of much of a social life. We learn about her courtship with Benji as the story moves back and forth between the morning of the wedding and everything that led up to it. And to add a little spice to the story, Celeste and Benji’s best friend have some strong feelings for one another which complicates things even more.

Was Merritt murdered or was it an accident? Nearly everyone is a suspect, and police chief Ed Kapenash (from The Castaways) is going to have to figure that out.

This is the quintessential beach read; a beautiful summer setting on Nantucket, a complicated romance and a possible murder. Secrets unfurl, lies are covered up and ultimately revealed, and the pages just fly by. Hilderbrand stretched into something new with spectacular results in this completely enthralling and entertaining read. Don’t miss it.

6/18 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

THE PERFECT COUPLE by Elin Hilderbrand. St. Martin’s Paperbacks (May 29, 2018). ISBN 978-1250102539. 352p.

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IT’S ALL ABOUT THE DUKE by Amelia Grey

June 24, 2018

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The Rakes of St. James, Book 3

This was my first book by this author. It was a bit slow and convoluted at times, but maybe that’s because I hadn’t read the first two.

The Duke of Rathburne was quite the hellion as a young man. He, along with his best friends, inadvertently ruined the reputations of a dozen young girls during their first season by playing a practical joke on them. As he is now in his early thirties, he realizes the error of his ways so when his late father’s closest friend asks a favor of him, he impulsively agrees.

Miss Marlena Fast was orphaned at a young age and her guardian has been very distant, to say the least. He is actually quite ill, so he asks the Duke of Rathburne to assume her guardianship. Marlena is horrified – unbeknownst to everyone, she is the Honora Truth, author of the most scandalous gossip sheet and her favorite target is none other than that very same Duke.

Determined to marry her off, the Duke sets about arranging a wardrobe and social life for Marlena, but she is resistant. The Duke quickly realizes that he is resistant too, he falls for her rather quickly but of course there are obstacles to overcome before their happy ending.

Not my favorite, but not a bad read. If you’ve read the first two books in this trilogy, you’ll undoubtedly want to read this one as it is the conclusion. On the other hand, I don’t feel the need to go back and read the first two books that I missed.

6/18 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE DUKE by Amelia Grey. St. Martin’s Paperbacks (May 29, 2018). ISBN 978-1250102539. 352p.

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WICKED AND THE WALLFLOWER by Sarah MacLean

June 21, 2018

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The Bareknuckle Bastards, Book 1

From the publisher:

When Wicked Comes Calling . . .

When a mysterious stranger finds his way into her bedchamber and offers his help in landing a duke, Lady Felicity Faircloth agrees—on one condition. She’s seen enough of the world to believe in passion, and won’t accept a marriage without it.

The Wallflower Makes a Dangerous Bargain . . .

Bastard son of a duke and king of London’s dark streets, Devil has spent a lifetime wielding power and seizing opportunity, and the spinster wallflower is everything he needs to exact a revenge years in the making. All he must do is turn the plain little mouse into an irresistible temptress, set his trap, and destroy his enemy.

For the Promise of Passion . . .

But there’s nothing plain about Felicity Faircloth, who quickly decides she’d rather have Devil than another. Soon, Devil’s carefully laid plans are in chaos and he must choose between everything he’s ever wanted . . . and the only thing he’s ever desired.

That’s a good synopsis but I have to add that it is the characters that really take this historical romance to a higher level. The Devil is smart and ruthless and never thought he would succumb to a woman’s charms. Felicity is smart and beautiful, but has low self esteem and thinks herself plain.

It is more than the Duke’s good looks that draw her to him, it is the element of danger. I guess bad boys have always been popular, even in merry old Regency England. A bad boy with a heart, of course, steals Felicity’s heart despite his denials.

One of the best things about reading historical romances is the opportunity to learn about life in those times. MacLean offered up fascinating history of locks and the ice business that really held me enthralled. There is a lot of intense drama and a bit of steamy sex, and all in all this was a good start to a new series. I’m looking forward to more.

6/18 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

WICKED AND THE WALLFLOWER by Sarah MacLean. Avon (June 19, 2018). ISBN 978-0062842640. 368p.

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THE LITTLE BROOKLYN BAKERY by Julie Caplin

June 18, 2018

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Romantic Escapes, Book 2

This British import is a delightful read set in the hipster haven, Brooklyn.

Sophie Bennings had the worst possible breakup after a two year relationship when she found out her boyfriend was married. Luckily, she is offered a last minute job exchange to America and she jumps on it, escaping as quickly as she can. Sophie is a food writer, and her magazine and their American counterpart want to switch things up for a six month period, so off she goes.

The apartment she is provided with is above a delicious bakery, and the owner’s cousin, Todd, is her gorgeous co-worker. Todd is the perfect antidote to Sophie’s messy love life, but everyone warns her off him, he is a notorious player. But he’s also kind and considerate and Sophie & Todd become friends….and then more. But the relationship is doomed to fail as Todd has some serious commitment issues, and Sophie’s work visa has an expiration date.

These characters are terrific, Brooklyn becomes another character as well, and this was just a delicious read.

6/18 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

THE LITTLE BROOKLYN BAKERY by Julie Caplin. HarperImpulse (May 25, 2018). ASIN: B077CYJ3QM.  272p. (e-book only)

 

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RETURN TO WILLOW LAKE by Susan Wiggs

June 17, 2018

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The Lakeshore Chronicles, Book 9

I love visiting the tiny hamlet of Avalon on the shores of Willow Lake, and even though this is the ninth book in the series, Wiggs keeps on proving what a terrific writer she is.

This story centers around Sonnet, the former mayor’s kid who is now a young adult and is still struggling with her career choices, her difficult relationship with her father, and life in general. She returns to Camp Kioga for her step-sister Daisy’s wedding but when she sees her former best friend, Zach Algers all grown up, it’s like a punch to the gut.

Growing up as the bi-racial daughter of a single mother was not always easy for Sonnet. But Zach, whose mother died, was also being raised by a single parent and that shared experience brought them close together. But Zach had moved on after his father was convicted of embezzling money from the town coffers. He doesn’t want to return to town but he can’t say no to Daisy.

Then Sonnet finds out her mother has cancer, and is pregnant, and her priorities become crystal clear. She moves home to Willow Lake to help take care of her mother and in the process, does some real soul searching and grows up in the process.

One thing leads to another and Sonnet and Zach find each other again, this time as adults with all that implies. They fall in love, but there are some real hurdles to get over before they can find their happy ending.

Another terrific story in a wonderful series.

6/18 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

RETURN TO WILLOW LAKE by Susan Wiggs. MIRA; Original edition (February 26, 2013). ISBN 978-0778314998. 384p.

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MARRYING DAISY BELLAMY by Susan Wiggs

June 15, 2018

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The Lakeshore Chronicles, Book 8

I think this was the most anticipated book in the series. A couple of books ago was a sort of cliffhanger featuring Daisy, and I know I was delighted to finally get to her story.

Daisy Bellamy and Julian Gastineaux met as teens at summer camp and they became best friends. They were from different worlds; Daisy, heir to the Bellamy fortune and founding family of the summer camp, and Julian, a scholarship kid.

Nonetheless, they stay best friends, keeping in touch over the years. Julian figures out the only way he’ll be able to afford college is through the armed services. He excels, as he does with everything, by working his butt off, and this time his reward is being sent to Columbia with an elite group of soldiers. Unfortunately, they are all killed.

Daisy is devastated, but eventually realizes that life must go on. She is still young, and a strong single mother to her son. His father, Logan, was a one night stand. But surprisingly, Logan is trying to be a good father and he decides the best course of action would be to marry his child’s mother. Talk about your rebound decisions, but Daisy does marry Logan and while they get along, there is no real connection between them other than their child. But they are both determined to make the marriage work. Until Julian returns.

This was a very difficult read at times, extremely emotional and gut wrenching, but ultimately love does conquer all. I think this is one of my favorite books of the series, mostly because I was so invested in these characters through the previous books and I wanted them to find their happy ending. I loved it.

6/18 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

MARRYING DAISY BELLAMY by Susan Wiggs. MIRA; Original edition (July 28, 2015). ISBN 978-0778317715. 432p.

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THE SUMMER HIDEAWAY by Susan Wiggs

June 13, 2018

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The Lakeshore Chronicles, Book 7

I haven’t forgotten about this series, just put the reviews on the back burner for a bit. But it’s time to catch up with some of my favorite characters in my favorite make believe setting, the beautiful Willow Lake in the glorious Catskill Mountains.

In case I haven’t mentioned this before, these books can all stand alone so can be read in any order. I started with a later book but then went back and read the rest in order. Either way, they are wonderful.

This story revolves around George Bellamy, who is dying of cancer. He has a couple of regrets as he reaches the end of his life – that his grandson hasn’t married yet, and that he is still estranged from his brother after 55 years. Determined to go out in his own way, George starts interviewing palliative care nurses and finds the perfect match for both him, and he hopes for his grandson.

George hires Claire, and she has her own mysterious past. She is happy to go along with whatever George wants, and when she meets Ross, his grandson, sparks fly. But Ross is suspicious of the nurse, and wonders if she is after his money somehow.

Claire helps George fulfill all his last wishes, and this is a lovely story about the end of life as well as the beginnings of a great romance. A few of the regular characters in the series make brief appearances as well. This was another wonderful read in a terrific series.

6/18 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

THE SUMMER HIDEAWAY by Susan Wiggs. MIRA; Original edition (March 25, 2014). ISBN 978-0778317005. 432p.

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THE FIRST TIME AT FIRELIGHT FALLS by Julie Anne Long

June 9, 2018

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Hellcat Canyon Novel, Book 4

Gabe, like most elementary school principals, is an ex-Navy Seal. Ha! I wish, I’d love kids to feel that safe in school. But in this fictional tale, he really is, and he really loves kids. He is also very lonely, and fills his days and nights with meetings, coaching, and volunteering all over town. He’s also really hot with a body that draws every female eye in town. It’s not surprising that every mom in the school finds a reason to stop by his office, but he only has eyes for Eden, a single mom with an amazing kid.

There is a strong attraction there but Eden has been so busy being a single mom that she hasn’t allowed herself to get involved with anyone. But Gabe is really hard to dismiss. He’s not pushy, he just keeps showing up and they talk – really talk – about anything and everything and slowly get to know one another. Eventually, they realize it is time to move the relationship to the next level.

Eden has a secret that she has been keeping since her daughter’s conception – no one, including her family, knows who the baby daddy is. Eden knows and she’s not ready to tell anyone, that is until he shows up in town, meets his daughter by accident and realizes rather quickly that she must be his – she’s the spitting image of his mother.  This throws a complication into the whole Gabe/Eden dynamic that neither of them saw coming.

This was a really fun read with great characters and a bit of steamy sex now and then. I  also really enjoyed the humor and all the obstacles in the way of the happily ever after.

I haven’t read the other books in the series but I know that Hot in Hellcat Canyon was a finalist for the Romance Writers of America 2017 Contemporary Romance award. (I just reserved it at my library.) And I wouldn’t be surprised if this new one landed on that list as well.

6/18 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

THE FIRST TIME AT FIRELIGHT FALLS by Julie Anne Long. Avon (May 29, 2018). ISBN 978-0062672902.  384p.

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