Mini Review: Under Wraps by Brynn North

Under Wraps by Brynn North

Published: November 9, 2019

Format: free Kindle read

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis

Luci is a serial dater, always on the lookout for Mr. Right. Heck, even Mr. Right Now would do, but even he seems to be missing in action. She's definitely not feeling the Christmas spirit, so when her boss dumps the major task of organizing the entire company's Christmas event on her lap to get the promotion she's been desperate for, she's more than annoyed.

Alex is struggling with the holiday season too, but for an entirely different reason. Not only was he recently dumped by his longtime girlfriend, but he had to let a suave doctor move into his spare room. If having a new roommate wasn’t annoying enough, Luci takes on look at this guy and swoons. Can’t Luci see that Sebastian is just another player who will just break her heart? She deserves better than that!

Luci struggles to pull off the double duty of capturing this new man's attention and creating the ultimate Christmas event to wow both her company and Sebastian. Will Luci be able to pull off both? Should she try to pull off both, or was Alex right all along?

This Christmas novella will have you laughing as you relate to the character's struggles at the holiday season. 

My Thoughts

This is a short and sweet read about Alex and Luci who are friends but once Alex breaks up with his girlfriend he finds himself caring a little too much about Luci’s personal life. While Luci hasn’t had the best of luck when it comes to men she thinks Alex’s new roommate might change all that.

I really liked the characters and the storyline while nothing new was cute and who doesn’t like the potential best friends turn lovers story? The author makes it easy to root for these two to get together, their chemistry is amazing and they are simply great and funny characters. If you want something light and easy this is definitely a read worth the time.

Mini Review: Last Christmas by Marisa Mackle

Last Christmas by Marisa Mackle

Published: April 24, 2013

Format: via Kindle

Rating: 3/5

Synopsis

A group of strangers are thrown together unexpectedly at Christmas and spend the holiday together at a tiny guesthouse in the middle of the woods. A fun thought-provoking festive story with a hint of romance.

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed this short holiday read about a group of strangers who individuals stories all seem to intertwine at the end. Each of these people ends up wanting to enjoy the holidays even if at the beginning they didn’t think they would. What I found so magical was that all these lonely souls came together to celebrate the holidays, and that's what Christmas is all about. This is a very short read but one that gives you a great story in a limited time. This is recommended for anyone who wants a holiday read in a short time.

Holiday Review: Some Kind of Christmas by Jody Holford

Some Kind of Christmas by Jody Holford

Published: November 6, 2017

Format: free Kindle read

Ratings: 3.5/5

Synopsis

Knowing she has to spend Christmas alone, Ellie Wexly tries to make the most of her holidays. When a kitchen mishap brings her past, literally, barging through her door, her plans change. Cooper Walsh didn't realize what he wanted for Christmas until he answered a routine fire call. Now, he knows exactly what he wants: Ellie. This Christmas and every one after.

My Thoughts

In this short Christmas romance, Ellie thinks her day has started off as bad as it could but by the end, she will have everything she has been wishing for. Ellie accidentally has a kitchen disaster and when a hot firefighter comes to her rescue little does she know that her past has come back to haunt her. Ellie knows this guy he is her brothers best friend growing up and her crush back in the day. They soon spend the day together and as time passes both realize that they have fallen for each other. She’s been hurt and wants to take her time and he simply wants her and just wants to make this Christmas her best yet. I really enjoyed this little gem I found it cute and romantic and I didn’t even mind the insta-love factor that was going on. I found Cooper respectful of Ellie and their past together and the fact that he wanted to make her Christmas special since she was by herself gave him big points in my book. This was definitely a good read.

Holiday Review: Four Days of Christmas by Emma St. Clair

Four Days of Christmas by Emma St. Clair

Published: December 7, 2017

Format: free Kindle read

Rating: 3/5

Synopsis

You can't really know someone in four days...can you?

Natalie isn't looking for romance after getting out of a long-term relationship with the guy she thought was The One. But when she takes a job as an elf in the mall's Santa's Workshop Photo Place over college break, sparks fly...with more than one man.

There's Alex, the handsome photographer with a secret, and then Santa himself, the mystery man behind the costume who keeps her laughing. Will she know either guy well enough to choose by their last day of work on Christmas Eve? Or will a shocking discovery about Santa's Workshop make her walk away from both?

My Thoughts

Four Days of Christmas was a middle of the road read for me. The plot was okay nothing special and some of the romance was a little forced for me. There were two guys and I liked her chemistry with one guy more than the other but I felt like they forced one more than the other. While there were some parts I didn’t gel with, overall it was a nice holiday read. The romance was interesting and the banter was fun, it's a short read that doesn't take up too much time.

Day 11 of 12 Days of Christmas: I'm Scheming of a White Christmas by Kate O'Keeffe

I’m Scheming of a White Christmas by Kate O’Keeffe

Published: January 30, 2017

Publisher: Wild Lime Books

Format: free Kindle read

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis

Tilly Grayson is finally back in the city she loves, New York. She's exactly where she wants to be and is loving every moment as a personal shopper at the prestigious Marlowe Department Store. That is until Brady McKinnon walks in one cold December day. Brady may have been Tilly's high school crush, but he publicly humiliated her back in the day. Something she's never been able to forget. So, when the perfect opportunity presents itself - a Christmas party at a chic New York apartment - it could be time to get her revenge... But has Brady changed? And will Tilly realize it before it’s too late?

My Thoughts

In I’m Scheming of a White Christmas we meet Tilly who one day at work meets up with her old high school crush who of course has no idea who she is. They talk and he invites her to a Christmas party. With the help of her friend, she decides its time to pay him back for being very mean to her in high school. What happens at the party is funny but as we learn who we were in high school isn’t really who we are now.

This book is about sweet revenge but its also about learning how we grow as a person as we get older. We can't just assume that the person who was mean in high school is the same person today and hopefully they realize how wrong they were back then. This is a cute and funny read one that is definitely worth the read.

Day 6 of 12 Days of Christmas: The Reading Group by Della Parker

The Reading Group: December by Della Parker

Published: December 1, 2016

Publisher: Quercus

Format: free Kindle read

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis

Meet the Reading Group: six women in the seaside village of Little Sanderton come together every month to share their love of reading. No topic is off-limits: books, family, love, and loss . . . and don't forget the glass of red! Grace knows that the holiday season is going to be different this year. No turkey, no tinsel, no gorgeously wrapped gifts under the tree . . . how on earth is she going to break it to her little boys that Christmas is effectively canceled? And can she bear to tell anyone her embarrassing secret? Enter the Reading Group: Grace's life might have turned upside down but there's no problem they can't solve.

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed this short story about a group of friends who initially came together for their love but books but soon realize that this group was much more than that. This story is about friendship and their support of one another and that it can pull them through anything that life throws at them.

Day 5 of 12 Days of Christmas: Under the Mistletoe by J. Parker

Under The Mistletoe by J. Parker

Published: December 23, 2016

Published: HHH Books

Format: free Kindle read

Rating: 2/5

Synopsis

It's Christmas Eve, and Grace still hasn't seen a present under the Christmas tree from her husband. When Todd announces there is no present coming, she feels snubbed, not realizing that he's got a different surprise planned. But is his gift what she really wants? Or even what she needs?

My Thoughts

This is a very short read around 20 pages or so but what I didn’t like about this story was Grace the main character. I felt like she wasn’t very nice to her husband and I just didn’t like her overall attitude. My dislike for her ruined the story for me.

Day 4 of 12 Days of Christmas: Married by Midnight by Talli Roland

Married by Midnight by Talli Roland

Published: November 14, 2014

Publisher: Notting Hill Press

Format: free Kindle read

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis

Christmas is coming . . . and so is the biggest day of Kate’s life.

While choosing a vintage dress for her Christmas Eve wedding, Kate finds a cryptic note pinned to the inside of a 1930s gown. As doubts about her own ceremony loom, Kate is determined to track down the dress’ owner and determine what became of her – and the marriage.

Will Kate find the answers she’s seeking to propel her down the aisle, or will her discovery prompt her to call off the wedding for good?

My Thoughts

This was such an amazing read! In Married by Midnight we met Kate who is getting married on Christmas but no one besides her mother believes this is the man for her. On the hunt for her wedding dress, she fits a vintage dress and a note stuck inside it. This becomes her mission days before her wedding to find the owner in hopes she can convince everyone, maybe even herself, that this was an omen that she is meant to marry her guy.

We go along for the ride in Kate's search for the owner but when she finally does get a lead she may have gotten more than what she bargained for. In her quest, she finds out more about herself than she ever expected and maybe just maybe she finally stands up for what she wants for once and not just settle for what others think is best for her.

I loved this tale of finding yourself and most importantly in romance. While I enjoyed Kate’s tale what I really got invested in was the storyline of the owner of the dress. Her tale of love and reuniting with her past was downright teary-eyed! Talk about the feels! It gives you hope that love never ends and there is such a thing as second chances.

Mini Review: Clementine by Amanda Linsmeier

Clementine by Amanda Linsmeier

Published: November 16, 2016

Publisher: Emerald Lily Publishing

Format: Free Kindle read

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis

In this short story, Clementine makes an unfortunate discovery and takes the ultimate sweet revenge on the one who betrayed her.

My Thoughts

At a mere 19 pages, Clementine was an enjoyable read. It's about Clementine and how she finds out a secret her boyfriend has been hiding and how she gets her revenge. I found this read funny and entertaining. I didn’t expect much for such a short read but I was completely happy for what its worth.

Mini Review: Autumn at Apple Hill by Angie Ellington

Autumn at Apple Hill by Angie Ellington

Published: June 7, 2017

Format: free Kindle read

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis

Elise Jacobs is ready for a change. Recently divorced, she relocates to her hometown of Landover, Maine to operate a bed and breakfast she inherited from her grandmother. After growing up with the fondest memories of her childhood being spent there, she relishes the chance for a fresh start and an opportunity to revive the inn. As summer gives way to Autumn, the inn is returning to its’ grandeur. A handsome guest sets out to challenge Elise at every turn. She knows the type...or does she? Join Elise in finding a renewed zest for life, friendship, and possibly...even...love.

My Thoughts

Autumn at Apple Hill is an enjoyable read about Elise who in an effort to get over her divorce decides to move back to her hometown and take over her late grandmother's inn. The inn means the world to her not only because it belonged to her grandparents but also because she has such fond memories of her childhood there.

With the return of fall, she throws all her efforts into making the inn what it once was and wanting others to realize how amazing it is as well. All until a mysterious man comes to the inn and soon turns her world upside down. Elise didn’t expect to fall for someone right now when her main focus is the inn but life’s unexpected pleasures don’t necessarily have a timetable.

I really did enjoy this read it was cute, funny and an easy read, who doesn’t like a nice cozy story this time of year? So if you're looking for something with a little romance I highly recommend this read for you.

Mini Review: Any Other Way by Michelle Ziegler

Any Other Way by Michelle Ziegler

Published: August 31, 2014

Publisher: Smashwords

Format: free Kindle read

Rating: 3/5

Synopsis

Everyone wants to be someone’s first choice. Rebecca is no exception. She’s been in love with Tyler forever, but he’s one of her best friends. She knows you never cross the friendship line; not if you want to stay that way. Too bad for meddlesome friends. Now, she’s stuck on a camping trip with a bunch of couples, and Tyler. Will Rebecca be able to bury her feelings and stay friends with Tyler, or will she sabotage everything including the Labor Day weekend?

My Thoughts

Rebecca and Tyler are two friends who clearly like each other but due to some misunderstandings don’t want to cross the friendship line. I’ve seen this story line play out before and honestly I’ve seen it better. There was just something about this read that simply didn’t click for me. Maybe it was the characters or something but I just felt it was an okay read, nothing else.

Mini Review: I'll Be Waiting by Michelle Ziegler

I’ll Be Waiting by Michelle Ziegler

Published: September 19, 2016

Publisher: Roane Publishing

Format: Free Kindle read

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis

Angela has pined away for Nick since they were kids, but he’s off limits. She’s supposed to plan a going away party with his sister, but Angela’s spending more time daydreaming than planning. Every glance from him drives her closer to throw caution to the wind and has Angela wondering if he might feel the same way. Nick has devoted his life to the military and is heading out on one more deployment. The party his sister and her best friend throw him is another excuse to spend his last few hours with the woman he can’t get out of his head. Nick chases off the competition but might have overstepped this time. Will one last parting gift be enough to keep her thinking of him until he returns?

My Thoughts

Angela and Nick have always had a thing for each other but never actually got together because of his sister and not wanting to ruin her friendship with Angela. However just before he is headed out on deployment he decides after seeing Angela with someone else he finally decides to tell her how exactly he feels no matter what. Will Angela and Nick finally come together or will his absence be too much for her? I thought this short story was cute and fun and the sparks between these two were electric. I liked the short story and it gives us a full romantic read without the feeling of being rushed. Definitely a cute quick read for anyone.

Mini Review: When We Fell In Love by Eileen Cruz Coleman

When We Fell in Love by Eileen Cruz Coleman

Published: June 15, 2017

Format: free Kindle read

Rating: 3/5

Synopsis

Katie and Ben fell hopelessly in love when they were only nineteen and quickly settled into the idyllic life in the small coastal town of Solomons Island. Ten years later, their perfect life of morning talks on the porch and sunset strolls by the bay starts to unravel when a secret Katie buried long ago resurfaces and threatens to tear her and Ben apart. Now, Katie must decide whether to tell Ben the truth about her past and risk losing the man she loves, or to bury her secret again and risk losing both their lives.

My Thoughts

When We Fell in Love is the story of Ben and Katie and how they fell in love. I thought it was a cute read seeing how they met and how they got together but there seems to be something and someone dark from Katie’s past that has come back and is determined to get her back. I did like this short story but when it came to Katie’s past it just felt rushed all of a sudden. I wanted more of an insight into that but it was rushed towards the ending and I kind of felt cheated. Overall it was an okay read that kind of left me hanging.

Mini Review: The Beach House by Lisa Herrington

The Beach House by Lisa Herrington

Published: July 17, 2016

Publisher: West Street Publishing

Format: free Kindle read

Rating: 3/5

Synopsis

A place to mend your heart.  The beach house has been in the Craig family for generations along with their secret lemon cookie recipe. Caroline returns for her son’s birthday because this is the place for family fun, laughter, and memories. When tragedy envelops the family, it will take more than sunlit days at the beach to set things right. Caroline’s son, Christopher, has a secret with the power to heal her heart, but it will take someone outside of the Craig family to pull them all together and fill the beach house with love, laughter and the scent of lemon cookies once more.

My Thoughts

I thought The Beach House was a sweet short story of mending after a loss. After the loss of her son, Caroline didn’t think she could move on, but she did it for Christopher who was always about family and love. The only thing that can bring her alive again is her granddaughter, Christopher’s daughter in her she sees him and that makes life worth living. This read shows how while a loss is hard life does move on and it’s the small treasures that make it less hard.

Mini Review: Love Takes the Cake by Krista Ames

Love Takes the Cake by Krista Ames

Published: September 19, 2016

Publisher: Roane Publishing

Format: free Kindle read

Rating: 3/5

Synopsis

Bad breakups are never a good thing. Even if love is involved. Josh McIntyre has been avoiding his ex-girlfriend Annie for quite some time now. He’d left her, and their relationship on a sour note. Now thanks to their close friends and a wedding, he won’t be able to avoid her anymore because he was assigned a job by the groom. Annie Grimes owns the hometown bakery, Annie’s Place and she’s tasked with making the cake for her friend’s wedding. When she agrees, she decides to concoct a plan to get Josh’s attention. Will she get more than she’s bargained for and open old wounds by trying to trick her ex or does he really still love her?

My Thoughts

Love Takes the Cake is a cute romantic read about realizing what you had after its gone. Josh and Annie had a bad break up but when mutual friends are getting married, Annie hates to admit that she still has feelings for him. But does Josh? There are mixed signals and finally, everything comes to light. While I gave this 3 stars I did like it, I just thought it was an okay read, nothing I haven’t read before. It’s a very short read so if you want something light and fun this is perfect. 

Mini Review: Fireworks by Lindsey Gray

Fireworks by Lindsey Gray

Published: June 20, 2013

Publisher: Enchanted Publications

Format: Free Kindle read

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis

Sophie McKibbin finds herself back in Sam Crawford’s life after ten years. Unfortunately, Sam is dating Lola, Sophie’s high school nemesis. Lola dumps Sam the day before he was supposed to introduce his mystery girlfriend to his family over the Fourth of July holiday. With the looming fear of disappointing his mother once again and his long held feelings for Sophie, he asks her to take Lola’s place. With family feuds, an old flame, and feelings that have been locked away for a decade, there is bound to be some fireworks.

My Thoughts

I love this tale of long lost love and how no matter how long love can endure. Sophie was Sam’s sister best friend growing up and there was always something between them but Sam’s mother had her plans for Sam and nothing nor no one was going to derail that. So ten years later Sam is working at a hospital and meets Sophie who is a nurse and let's just say the sparks are still there. Although Sam has a girlfriend he can't deny that Sophie is the one who has always had his heart. So when his girlfriend breaks up with him before he can introduce her to his family he asks Sophie to “pretend” to be his girlfriend. Once home either can deny that they can't pretend anymore and need to declare they love for one other and tell their families the truth.

I was so pleasantly surprised by this read, seeing how it’s less than 100 pages you are given a full fledged read that has everything you would want. There are great characters and a romantic storyline that makes you root for these two, plus the ending is just so fitting. If you want a good quick quality read this makes for the perfect summer read.

Review: He Found Me by Whitney Barbetti

He Found Me by Whitney Barbetti

Published: May 17, 2014

Format: free Kindle read

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis

When I was seventeen, I disappeared. I walked out the door of my apartment with a backpack and never looked back. I left the life of Cora Mitchell behind, seeking freedom from my real-life nightmare.

But my freedom came with a cost. I lived a fictitious life for the next six years, never letting anyone close enough to see underneath the façade that was Andra Walker.

I was content with my simple little life.

Until I met Julian.

And the moment I started allowing myself to open up, allowing someone to see through the superficial, was the very same moment the Monster from my past would return to find me.

My Thoughts

In He Found Me we met Cora who has been suffering in the hands of someone we only know as “monster”. One night after years of abuse she decides to run away with some help from her mother’s friend. She goes into hiding and soon resurfaces as Andra in Colorado working at a ranch. Due to all that has happened to her, she doesn’t let people in and her love life is nonexistent.

Everything changes one day when a mysterious writer named Julian soon breaks down her walls and melts her heart like no one has ever before. However, as soon as this happens her life is thrown for a loop as she soon discovers “the monster” is back and is looking for her. She is forced to drop everything and go back into hiding losing the one person she has allowed herself to truly love in years.

I found this read pleasant and I loved the banter and chemistry between Julian and Andra. I love that they are playful and don’t take each other too seriously. The romance is hot and you see that Julian truly loves her. However, that said I personally still find him “too good to be true” I hope I’m wrong about this but time will tell. This is a two book series and I can’t wait to see how this all plays out.

Mini Review: All Summer on a Date by Geralyn Corcillo

All Summer on a Date by Geralyn Corcillo

Published: September 2012

Format: Kindle free read

Rating: 3/5

Synopsis

It's New Year's Eve...and reformed iconoclast Summer Hodiak has succeeded in turning her life around. And to prove it, she's landed an absolute dream date. The gorgeous Kyle Hunter has it all: impressive career, much-used gym membership, and most of all, class. But when an unexpected dilemma slams into their exquisite evening, not even the perfect guy can keep Summer from following her nature. What she decides to do and how her date turns out, not to mention how she handles the dog and the IT guy, well...it's all Summer.

My Thoughts

I was looking through my Kindle and realized I have all these short reads that have been sitting there since I’ve gotten my Kindle years ago. I always pick up these free reads saying I will read them one day and never do so I thought I would read one.

This read was a cute short fun read that is all about finding love when and where you least expect it. Summer has this idea guy in mind when Kyle asks her out she thinks he might just fit the bill. However she slowly sees he isn’t want she really wants and when Jeff the IT guy from work comes to her rescue one night she finally sees him in a new light and discovers she might have way more in common with him than Kyle. This is one read that makes a great rom com and it’s the right kind of read anyone would want when they want to read something light yet fun.

Mini Review: The Perfect Wave by Lauren Scott

The Perfect Wave by Lauren Scott

Published: May 25, 2015

Format: free Kindle read

Rating: 2/5

Synopsis

Follow along as Ginger she discovers a whole new world she has never seen or felt before. Just when Ginger needed it the most, Tanner walked into her life and did not get scared away by her snippy attitude or her tomboyish hobby. This surfing, beer-pouring girl met the love of her life by pouring him a beer. Who would have thought?

My Thoughts

Okay so this is a very short read 29 pages but I just couldn’t buy into the story. It just felt too rushed and I didn’t believe in the romance. Sorry.

Mini Review: Cat and Jemima J by Jane Green

Cat and Jemima J by Jane Green

Published: May 5, 2015

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press

Format: via free Kindle read

Rating: 5/5

Synopsis

From New York Times bestselling author Jane Green comes an original short story featuring Jemima, the main character from Green's beloved novel Jemima J, and Cat, the main character from her upcoming novel Summer Secrets.

My Thoughts

This is a very short story featuring Jemima J and introducing Cat a character in Jane Green’s newest novel Summer Secrets. I love that we see a glimpse of Cat’s life before all the changes in her life and how she met Jemima J. I like how we see how they met but doesn’t give too much away when it comes to Cat’s character in Summer Secrets.