Novella

where she encounters a man who leers at her. Next, he dispatches a thief by breaking his nose. Finally, that night, she discovers this same man–Guy Partridge–sitting on her window sill! Nevertheless, they talk late into the night, and then she sees him at a dinner party the following evening… If readers can set aside their concerns about the dangers this young woman faces, this novella moves at a good pace. Readers will wonder where her sense of self-preservation is though, as what would surely alarm most people to the point of screaming does not phase Isabella. Anyone with a daughter should be cringing by now and wondering how Guy learns which room is hers in a house large enough to host multiple families during Christmas… and the fact Isabella becomes intimate with him after knowing him for two days seems incongruent with the expected behavior of the early 1800s. Nevertheless, the story Hlows well and the tension keeps readers engaged. This is the Hinal story in this series that features 12 cousins from three related families, so readers of the previous books will want to know how the series concludes.

Carey Sullivan

Desert Destiny (The Wolves of Twin Moon Ranch Book 7)

Anna Lowe

romance, suspense, and fated mates that never misses a beat! Andie is independent and strong, with just the right amount of vulnerability. Roy’s retreat into his wolf form for so many years creates a hero Hinding his way back into the world and into readers’ hearts. Memorable secondary characters do more than populate scenes. This is a story that wrenches out emotions of guilt, loneliness, and powerlessness and transforms them into the triumph of trust, friendship, and love. “Desert Destiny” will have readers panting for the next entry!

Tricia Hill

PARANORMAL: On duty, OfHicer Andie Hale spends her days keeping the peace, while off duty she Hinds peace in the beauty of northern Arizona. Lately, she’s had the company of a wild wolf who seems to touch something deep inside her. Roy doesn’t know what draws him to the house and the woman, but he can’t seem to stay away. It doesn’t help that he has been in wolf form for so long that he isn’t sure he remembers how to be human. But when danger arrives practically on Andie’s doorstep, Roy doesn’t have a choice. Andie doesn’t know what to make of the mysterious stranger and her police instincts tell her to be wary. Except the more she watches him, the more she is certain he is a good man, a man who attracts her as no man ever has. As Andie and Roy give in to their passion, someone is determined to bring death and destruction. Is it a Skinwalker or something else? Destiny brought them together, but will they have an ever after?

“Desert Destiny” captivates from the Hirst page with an emotionally-charged tale of

D. V. Stone

HISTORICAL/PARANORMAL:

Zahra Corbyn, history professor and sea archeologist, has a virulent dislike of treasure hunters. Jack Alexander, treasure hunter, has been on a personal crusade to Hind the infamous sunken Sea Wraith. The two meet one moonlit night after a brutish lothario pushes Zahra into the ocean when she rejects his unwanted advances. Jack rescues her from drowning and Hinds himself distracted by his attraction to the prickly professor. Zahra, though thankful for her rescue, isn't grateful to Hind out Jack's a treasure hunter. As fate would have it, they must work together to locate and salvage the Sea Wraith. As their feelings grow stronger, danger rushes towards them. Will the curse of the sunken vessel drop anchor on their romance, or will they rescue themselves to sail away on high seas of love?

"Sea Hunter" is a fast and furious romance with a splash of magic! Readers will enjoy the story of two seafaring adventurers hunting for their heart's desire. Romantic chemistry is kept calmly Hloating in a low-tide pool. This tale plunges right into thrilling action from the Hirst page, and continues diving into danger as well as deep desires. Readers will feel the spray of ocean mists as they join the crew of underwater archeologists searching for artifacts and treasure. The despicable bad guys understand their assignment in predictable, despicable fashion, but readers will enjoy them just as whale…teeheehee well. Author

D. V. Stone manages to reel in readers hook, line, and sinker with this action-packed romance, a puff of magic, and great storytelling.

Tonya Mathenia

The Lady in the Moneylender’s Parlour (Allen Abbey Romances Book 2)

Rosanne E. Lortz being after a war. So, readers expecting a fun, humorous story won’t Hind it here. Though it would have been nice to have a bit more backstory for some of the characters, the tale manages to feel full and complete. William, despite his missing hand, manages to be a decent guy even with his shortcomings. The sensible, smart Margaret is way too good for William, so having them together feels like something of a stretch. Still, the book manages to be engaging and captivating, making for an interesting read!

Roslynn Ernst

HISTORICAL: Captain William Allen is back from the war and has lost not only his left hand and nearly everything else. William is starving, so he decides to go to the moneylenders. William meets Miss Margaret Blackburn there, and she also needs money. William can’t help asking Margaret what she was doing there. She tells him she needs to borrow money in order to publish her book yet fears there isn’t enough time, since her mother plans to leave London, taking Margaret with her. Desparate, Margaret asks William if he will pretend to be her suitor which would induce her mother to keep her in London. William agrees to the plan and unwittingly falls for Margaret. However, the road to true love has many obstacles and William will lose Margaret unless he can avoid his past.

This is a moving historical novella with an appealing story! Despite some moroseness and horrendous depictions of soldiers who lose limbs, readers are shown the survivors’ will to live. The book is deHinitely not a lighthearted Regency, especially

Deathbringer and Desire (Eternal Alliances)

A.N. Payton

URBAN FANTASY: Queen Belle has suffered at the hands of her father, but no more as she prepares his body for his funeral. She is to take the throne in his place with her new husband, King Alex, to rule the nation of vampires, witches, and humans. The Hirst of their duties as King and Queen is attending the funeral with all their subjects. She is summoned in the midst of it, as a theft of dangerous supplies from the Apothecary has been reported. Soon after, there is an attempt on their lives. Belle believes there is a plot to kill her husband and she will do anything to stop this from happening, including learning to defend herself. But her paranoia does not abate, and soon she starts to question everyone, including her own sanity. Will she be able to keep Alex safe?

This dark and mysterious thriller will keep the reader on their toes! The plot is complex, and is the prequel to ”HellHire and Honey”, giving the background to the war between vampires and witches. The tension between the species is still evident, regardless of the union in marriage and the reader is taken on this journey through Belle’s eyes to question if her fears are real or if they are hallucinations. And as such, there is less Hleshing out of other pivotal characters, and it is focused on her state of mind. Is Belle’s father reaching out from the dead? Has his abuse found a new medium? Who is his co-conspirator? It is a little too long and complex for a novella, however, it is action packed with many twists and turns to keep the story moving at a good pace that will keep the reader wanting more.

Rika Chandra

Four Calling Birds (The Twelve Days of Christmas Book 9)

Emily EK Murdoch

HISTORICAL: Lucy Fitzroy has four sisters, two of whom are married, and now her sister, Esther, is asking strange questions about kissing! Lucy cannot understand this nonsense. Percy is her best friend and partner in crime, who needs more? Four calling birds may have been the nickname given to her and three of her sisters by Percy, but it has turned into a unique call, just for the two of them. Now Percy is acting strange as well, and she’s Hinding it hard to understand what he’s trying to tell her. Added to this, Lucy is noticing things about Percy she hasn’t before, and her heart keeps racing every time he’s near. It’s close to Christmas and Lucy just wants to make sense of it all.

A sweet and easy read, this novella will make the reader smile. Lucy and Percy’s story bears a slight resemblance to Jo and Laurie from Little Women, as they are childhood friends whose love has grown over time. The warmth and love within Lucy’s family is also palpable, and the characters are well rounded. Lucy does come across a little immature, but that is par for the course as she struggles to unravel her feelings. The contrast of Lucy’s exuberance and Percy’s steadfast personality strikes a good balance for the couple. There is a secondary love story between Esther and a Duke, which is just touched upon, which leaves the reader curious to read more about their romantic development. This is a charming and delightful read, and not just for the holidays!

Rika Chandra

A Happy Christmas Ceilidh: The Shrouded Isle

Zoe Tasia

YOUNG ADULT/FANTASY: Becca is a widow and an American. Her boyfriend, Greg, is Scottish and a Keeper, who has a duty to protect people from the fae. Their Hirst Christmas together starts off with mischief when Greg is introduced to the American Elf on the Shelf tradition. Soon the Elf is being moved by someone other than the adults, and a snowman is also involved in some magic. Becca and Greg are each determined to give one another the perfect gift for Christmas. In order to afford the perfect gift, each must sacriHice their most treasured possession. With some magic and