M.C. CernyRecensioni

I was so excited to get to read this book because Damien was such a great side character in the first book who had me laughing so hard. He was the fun friend/cousin, the guy that most people look at as a terrible screw up, and one that just absolutely loved to rile Kristen up. I found myself becoming protective of him especially against Kristen because in book one we do find out that yea she’s been mad at him for a while but we don’t know why until this story and the reason kind of made me mad at her especially since she won’t let him explain himself and it’s just overlooked. Their banter and constant fighting was fun to watch but Kristen was holding that grudge for so long she didn't realize she was stringing poor Damien around while bashing him to everyone and anyone that would listen. I was happy Taylor helped her realize she was being absurd and needed to let him go if she can’t ever forgive him., I think that was part of her wake up call. Other than Kristen being wishy washy and at times she had me wishing Damien would just walk away because he deserves better, I did enjoy this read and can't wait to read Whit's story.

I was super excited to get to read Whit and Lia’s story because I thought the idea of him rescuing her and an age gap was super cute. Whit is a forest ranger and is sent out to find a missing college student that wondered off. He is a super alpha, hot, stubborn man but his attraction to Lia is undeniable and he refuses to let this go. Lia is a college student only 8 years younger than Whit, she is smart, talented, stubborn, and tired of being under the microscope of her mother, so she is all about her independence. I loved that Whit knew exactly what he wanted but at times would struggle with the age difference from time to time, although I didn’t find it to be a big deal because Lia was an old soul and wise for her age. Lia did struggle with the young adult issues we all suffered from and that is what do we want to do with our lives and finding ourselves. After a scare with Whit, Lia finally realizes she doesn’t want to give up what they have, and I adored how supportive Whit was of Lia and helping her follow her dreams. I can’t wait for more of the gang.

Hunter and Taylor have been friends for years and while they both had harbored crushes on the other one, they spent years denying their attractions and running away from each other. Until one day Taylor comes back home because her father isn’t doing too well, and she decides she is going to flip a house much to Hunter’s dismay. I loved the writing style because we got both sides of their stories and we got to go back to their time in high school and growing up together. There were a lot of times I was laughing so hard because the author wrote some great scenes especially with the owl and the haunted toilet ghosts. IT was a cute read and it made me fall hard for Hunter, but I was beyond excited about getting more of Damien in the next book.

A very cute and fun collection of Christmas Romances.

The Gingerbread Showdown by Piper Rayne:
Sophie is having a bad day by not getting the job she wants to report on, so she sees this hot surfer dude that she thinks is a bum and takes him home. They have a night of amazing steamy moments but the next day it’s over and done, both move on. Sophie automatically assumes because of Trent’s looks and laidback attitude that he does nothing all day and has no responsibilities, yet the next day on the job she is shocked by what she finds out. She thinks she doesn’t do relationships but she is just jaded because of her parents divorce. Can her and Trent make things work or are they too different for anything to happen further between them?

Sweet Girl by MC Cerny:
Remi is a disaster in the kitchen and the only person who is worse than her is her friend Winnie. Remi’s husband adores her but would love to not die by food poisoning so he and his friend Chase decide to enroll their girls into a cooking class to help them out little do they know it will also be a disaster. Evan finds out their cooking instructor is a hot guy that gets a little too handsy, so he enrolls to “support his wife” but he loses his cool and gets them both kicked out. Can they save Remi’s cooking nonskills or will takeout be an everyday occurrence in their home? A very cute read with all the characters from the love by design series.

Tis The Season To Be Jelly by Kyra Fox
Such a cute story of a office place romance. Eloise has had a crush on Declan since the first time she set her eyes on him and when she finally gets the courage to ask him out he becomes head of a major project and she is now working under him so any chances the have for anything is out the door. Declan knows his boundaries and takes them seriously but the more time he works close with Eloise he gets to know the real her and is falling so hard for her. They fight their attraction for so long until it implodes. Can they make things workout in their favor or is the office romance doomed to fail? This was cute and fun to read.

Baker’s Dozen by Kyra Fox:
Nova is leaving her old life behind and going to start over little does she know she is going to end up falling in love with a sweet family and the town. Scott is a single father that owns and operates his bakery, and he hires Nova because her aunt sings her praises, and her aunt helps him so much with his kids. Scott is an amazing man that is raising his kids, providing for them, and loves them deeply. Nova instantly falls in love with his kids and they all love her right back but can Scott and Nova let go of past hurts to move forward or will they let this attraction go because they are both scared? Super sweet kids, side characters, and Scott was amazing!!

Muchas Smoochas by Halo Roberts:
Freya is going through a tough time and doesn’t think love is in the cards for her anymore. She owns a bridal boutique, but her own marriage was destroyed a few months ago by her cheating ex. She is getting a new neighbor beside her business; a brewery and the owner happens to be someone from her past. Enrique is back to a place he never thought he would be back and the first thing that happens is he runs into the girl who stole his heart many years ago. Freya is sad about her marriage but is even more upset by the boy that broke her heart years ago so now she is having to cope with all of this at once. Can she forgive Ricky for breaking her heart in the past and learn to move forward after the sadness from her ex goes away? Or will she find it hard to forgive even Ricky and let him slip by again? A very cute read about second chances and learning to love again.

Nog and Never by Melissa Williams:
Belinda is teaching a cooking class and the night is a disaster but even with the class being a mess she is stuck in a snow storm with only one person there to pick her up, the guy she doesn’t want around. Her brother’s best friend, the guy who broke her heart, is back in town. She isn’t sure how she feels about him being back in her life and they way he just walked away after she confessed her feelings shattered her heart. Luke works for a security team and a year ago he made the biggest mistake of his life but letting the one girl he wants go because of a secret case, now he is back looking to win Bee back but he will have his work cutout for him.

Hunter and Taylor have been friends for years and while they both had harbored crushes on the other one, they spent years denying their attractions and running away from each other. Until one day Taylor comes back home because her father isn’t doing too well, and she decides she is going to flip a house much to Hunter’s dismay. I loved the writing style because we got both sides of their stories and we got to go back to their time in high school and growing up together. There were a lot of times I was laughing so hard because the author wrote some great scenes especially with the owl and the haunted toilet ghosts. IT was a cute read and it made me fall hard for Hunter, but I was beyond excited about getting more of Damien in the next book.

I'm a little late to the release party on this book but I am still super happy to say I picked up a holiday read in time for the holidays. Seriously, it's like a curse for me. I always get them in July or August.

So, Christmas treats! This is an anthology/collection of Christmas tales from many authors. I came for Melissa Williams (one of my recent fave romantic comedy writers, like OMG) but I stayed for all the wonderful treats packed in this story (enjoy the pun, folks).

1. The Gingerbread Showdown by Piper Rayne
I read this story as I just put on gingerbread scented hand cream, isn't it ironic? To start off, A GINGERBREAD RECIPE YES. Then, this super, duper cute fall hard and fast kind of love story? I'm digging it. The writing is also super easy and flows nicely. I might have to pick up some more books by Piper Rayne soon! 4 out of 5 stars!

2. Sweet Girl by M.C. Cerny
What an adorably funny story with an even better synopsis (die from her cooking... geez, I was smirking and giggling). This story had me feeling like there was maybe a story out there already with more information on the couple though. Regardless, it was very nice! 3 out of 5 stars.

3. 'Tis The Season to be Jelly by Kyra Fox
Okay, the title alone is fabulous. I found this one to be more romantic and whimsical to me, for unknown reasons. I just really vibed with Kyra's writing and found myself drifting away into the story. I really loved Eloise and Declan, and I think Kyra might just be another author I'm going to have to check out. 4 out of 5 stars.

4. Baker's Dozen by Kali Brixton
Another hidden gem! Scott and Nova are a romantic couple with some dust under the rug or skeletons in the closet. These two are so sweet for each other and will warm your heart with how much they care. 4 out of 5 stars.

5. Deck... the Balls by DL Gallie
What is it with these amusing names? I'm really enjoying the giggles I can have out of the titles. Also, a synopsis designed like a recipe? Even cooler! Add in all the comedy in this love story, yep. I love it! Jesse and Reese deserve their own series. 4 out of 5 stars!

6. Muchas Smoochas by Halo Roberts
Are you looking for a second chance romance? GET READY TO RUMBLE with Muchas Smoochas. You can tell Enrique and Freya are meant to be. The writing style alone will make you sigh happily and enjoy the ride. This is just what I was needing! 5 out of 5 stars.

7. Nog or Never by Melissa Williams
This is what I came to the anthology collection for. I love me some Melissa Williams and I was totally pumped to grab this story! Of course it's at the end because I really want to read it. That's how anthologies go! Best friend's little sister trope? I AM IN. I AM SOLD. LETS GO.

So my highlights of this story: Icing bags as dicks, continuation of Bake Rattle and Roll, good ole Canadian setting, brother's best friend trope (yessssss), reuniting with an old flame (yesssss), Belinda and Luke being adorable together, and a sugary sweet ending. What more can a girl ask for? 5 out of 5 stars!

Other notes:

I still find it super cool when I get an electronic copy and it has links I can click to go right to a story. I'm not sure if every copy is like this, but mine was super cool! I'm like a child on Christmas clicking and getting sent right to the story I want! It's a goofy thing to be excited about, but hey. It counts.

And all the recipes! Yesssss!

So, I came for Melissa and I left with so many adorable stories and amazing recipes. I have to say, this is one fantastic book. Give it a read if you're still seeking some Christmas and Holiday Spirit!

Four out of five stars!

I received a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.

Review of eBook

Hunter Hart is in the principal’s office, called on the carpet for fighting with another student. He’s attracted to a classmate [and roughed up the guy who spoke disrespectfully about her]. After some back and forth, the principal and Hunter’s Uncle Henry come to a decision that his punishment will be two weeks working on a Habitat for Humanity project . . . and Taylor Jane Bryant is in charge of the senior project. They’re going to fix the stairs with a handicap-accessible ramp for the family’s wheelchair-using nine-year-old.

As they work on the project, Hunter discovers that the plans are off; if they follow the plans, the ramp won’t support the wheelchair. Is this the end of their project? And what of his attraction to Taylor Jane?

This story, a prequel to the author’s “Love By Design” series, is told alternately from two points of view: both Taylor Jane and Hunter. The unfolding story provides a significant amount of backstory for Hunter . . . what happened in the past, how he came to live with his aunt and uncle. Weaving its story of attraction around the construction project, it’s a charming look at first love, at a high school romance destined to become so much more.

There are a few surprises in this short story; because of what’s happened in the past, Hunter’s self-esteem is non-existent: he’s certain he’s not good enough for the lovely Taylor Jane, but they both find themselves drawn to each other. Filled with charm, the beginning of their story holds the exciting promise of so much more to come.

An excerpt from “Unlovely Things” follows the story.

Highly recommended.

Review of eBook

He was the star quarterback with a shot at the National Football League, but a career-ending injury turned Chase Calloway from a jock to a veterinarian. Not that he minded the switch . . . .

Winnie Grey, exiled from the city to New Paltz, finds herself dog-sitting three unruly pets while her aunt and uncle travel. When Pumpkin needs acupuncture, she heads for the vet’s office, only to faint dead away at the sight of the needles.

Ever the gentleman, Chase catches Winnie before she hits the floor; now will the two find themselves seeking a happily ever after together?

This story, part of the author’s Love By Design series, works as a stand-alone; its focus is the developing relationship between Chase and Winnie. The characters are believable, the situation realistic. However, the story is not particularly deep and does not delve into all aspects of the growing relationship. Winnie changes as the story unfolds, but readers are not privy to the process of her growing out of her self-absorption. Nevertheless, the story is enjoyable and readers are apt to find themselves rooting for Chase and Winnie.

This charming story offers readers a plethora of laugh-out-loud moments, sexy romantic interludes, and the support of good friends. It’s a sweet story sure to please readers who enjoy romantic comedy.

Recommended.

I received a free copy of this book from the author.

Hollywood is a place like no other, rife with glitz, glamor, paparazzi, and egos. Action film star Elliot Marlowe needs a personal assistant . . . Thea Renner, evicted from her apartment [again], needs a job. Although she has no references or experience for the job, she applies . . . and Elliot hires her.

When Elliot’s girlfriend, pop star sensation Allison Andy, breaks up with him, he needs a date for an awards program; Thea agrees to accompany him. And things heat up from there . . . .

This romantic novella takes two seemingly complete opposites . . . a down-on-her-luck, feisty woman and a have-everything, heartthrob actor . . . and offers up a somewhat predictable [though both steamy and naughty] romance with just a couple of disconnects. Throughout most of the story, Thea is a strong, feisty, take-no-nonsense woman, confident in her future as a screenwriter, so her complete turnabout at the end of the story begs for an explanation.

Some minor editing issues . . . missing or jumbled words in sentences, a few grammatical errors . . . may bring readers up short; however, the story is clever and cute and enjoyable, marred only by the annoying overuse of an unnecessary and particularly offensive expletive that lowers the rating for the story.

Not my favorite! It was really hard to like the main character and the dialogue was tedious. I finished it but not sure I would have if I hadn't been gifted a copy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Holy hell

This book. I'm gobsmacked. I had no idea going into this what it would entail. I thought I knew from the blurb but I was wrong on so many levels. The twists, the secrets, the intricate plan to make this novel. Mind blown.

I can't say much without giving away the story. What I can say is that anyone who reads this story had better be prepared because this is a mind screw of epic proportions. EPIC. PROPORTIONS. I still have questions that need answered so this was not a full five star read but I will round up because sweet lord do I love when a book takes me on a journey.

I hope this author writes more books like this because it was amazing. I would love it if she wrote a book for Spencer and Bayleigh. Pretty please. I need to know what happened and the why.