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December 23, 2013

Book Review: A Family for Christmas by Mona Ingram

Author: Mona Ingram
Published September 19th 2012
Unlucky in love, Maddie LaRocque moves to Calgary at the urging of her former college roommate. Maddie's luck goes from bad to worse when she's laid off from her job two months before Christmas. Undeterred, she sets up a gift wrapping business in the lobby of the Drummond Building in downtown Calgary where she meets Annie, a ten-year-old who has recently lost her parents.

When Maddie falls into the arms of the building's maintenance man it looks as though her luck is changing, but she soon learns that Brent isn't who she thought he was.
Maddie's roommate Lily hasn't fared too well in the romance department either, having been used for her beauty and Asian heritage by a man in Calgary.

The moment Chase Drummond spots Lily, he's stunned by her beauty, but Lily resists his advances, unwilling to have her heart broken by the most eligible bachelor in town.

Will a young orphan girl be able to convince the two women that love is the best gift of all this Christmas?
A Family for Christmas has two romances in one. Maddie was fired but she's happy with the decision and starts a gift wrapping business, where she met Chase Drummond and his niece Annie. They turn into friends and when Chase spots Lily, Maddie's roommate, it's love at first sight. I was kind of confused, but it wasn't long until Maddie is also falling in love but with Chase's brother, Brent. There was lots of confusions and no-communication issues, a mean fiance, and ice skating; but after all they managed to have their HEA ending. Annie, the ten-year-old, was a cute addition to this story and the main piece for all of them to meet. It was a enjoyable read, but I think each couple needed their own book to explore more the characters and their issues.

BTW, ice skating sounds fun!!


More about this book at Goodreads, Amazon.

December 22, 2013

Book Review: Unexpected Gifts by Elena Aitken

Unexpected Gifts by Elena Aitken
Series: Castle Mountain Lodge #1
Author: Elena Aitken
Published November 11th 2011 by Ink Blot Communications
Christmas represents everything Andi Williams is supposed to have, and doesn't. Running away to a remote mountain lodge in the Canadian Rockies, sounds like the perfect way to escape, until a mix-up finds her sharing a villa with sexy, rough around the edges, Colin Hartford.

Colin's determination to enjoy the holiday he’s missed for the last five years, sweeps Andi into a season of joy that she’s not sure she’s ready for. Can Andi open herself up to everything the holidays have to offer...including love?
Unexpected Gifts is the short story of Andi, who is trying to run away from Christmas and her past, and Colin, who wants the typical Christmas. By chance they end up sharing a room at the Castle Mountain Lodge, and it was a matter of time until they were together enjoying the holidays.

It was a cute story, but I wasn't expecting Andi's past with her ex to be so sad. I thought it was going to be just a fun and sweet romance, but it was a bit more serious. Also, I got exasperated when her ex showed up and Andi's reaction, but after all Andi and Colin, who was a great guy, had their happy ending.


More about this book at Goodeads, Amazon.

December 20, 2013

Book Review: Naughty or Nice by Kari Lee Harmon

Naughty or Nice by Kari Lee Harmon
Author: Kari Lee Harmon
Published October 31st 2012 by The Story Vault
Age: Adult
Being nice is safe, and being naughty is overrated, but getting McScroogy to find the joy in Christmas is beginning to sound oh so merry.
Samantha Darling, Boston advertising executive, has spent her life making a list and checking it twice, but she’s through being nice. All being nice got her was a broken heart when her fiancĂ© cheated on her last Christmas Eve, ruining her favorite holiday, and then ran off with the small town boutique owner. After one too many All Powerful Peppermintinis, Samantha decides to give naughty a try. She breaks into the shop in Redemption Massachusetts and puts her spin on the Christmas display in the front window.
Only, the window doesn’t belong to Stowe’s Boutiques, it belongs to Snow’s Antiques, and Nathan Snow is none too pleased. This was his year to win the Best Christmas Window display contest against his rival, but Samantha ruined it. While he might not like Christmas, he knows winning this contest will bring in business. He makes Samantha a deal. Create a winning display by Christmas Eve, and he won’t press charges.
Samantha has no choice but to agree and has learned her lesson, but finds a bonus in her punishment. The challenge of getting the scrooge to find the joy in Christmas. Except losing her heart wasn’t part of the deal.
I laughed a lot with this book. Samantha is a good girl, but after to many drinks she decides to by a little naughty and do something bad to her ex fiance. Of course, nothing goods happens from that and she ends up spending Christmas with Nathan Snow, a very famous millionaire who seems to hate the holidays and is going to make her pay.

It was a fun short story, in a few days the characters fell in love and tried not to hurt each other, failed, but got their happy ending. The ending felt a little bit rushed, but it fulfilled my expectations. I couldn't stop laughing when Samantha was drunk and re-decorating Nathan's shop, so I recommend Naughty or Nice if you want to read a fun holiday romance!


More about this book at Goodreads, Amazon.

December 18, 2013

Blog Tour: Kirby Puckernut and the Christmas Surprise #Giveaway

Kirby Tour

Hi! Thanks for joining me at the blog tour of Kirby Puckernut and the Christmas Surprise, a book that sounds too cute and perfect for this season!! Don't forget to check out the Tour Schedule and enter the two giveaways bellow! :)

kirby puckernut
Kirby Puckernut and the Christmas Surprise by Alicia Richardson

Kirby Puckernut is Santa’s cleverest little elf. While dreaming up marvelous toys for good girls and boys, Kirby has his best idea yet – a real elf in every home, all through the holidays, spreading Christmas Magic Santa finds the perfect family and allows Kirby to serve as the test elf for the first momentous visit. Fun and adventure are at every turn, but not everything goes as planned…
Will Kirby’s idea be a success.

Peek Inside!



Kirby Book

Watch the Book Trailer



About the Author


AliciaAuthor Alicia Richardson has created a new Christmas classic with her children’s book, Kirby Puckernut and the Christmas Surprise.

Alicia Richardson resides in Salt Lake City, Utah, with her husband and four children. She has always had a flair for storytelling, and has given life to a special little elf named Kirby Puckernut.



Tour Giveaways, good luck!!

Giveaway#1
Kirby Elf

5 winners will each recieve a copy of Kirby Puckernut and the Christmas Suprise + Kirby Elf. Open to US Only. Ends 12/31/13


Giveaway #2

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash. Ends 12/31/13. Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

December 16, 2013

Book Review: Perfect by Autumn Jordon

Title: Perfect
Author: Autumn Jordon
Published November 7th 2012 by Nobal Oak Publications
Dylan Kincaid totally screwed up Thanksgiving and now he’s faced with Christmas. Thrown into the frightening role of both mother and father while his brother and sister-in-law are off serving their country, all Dylan wants is to make Christmas perfect for his two nieces. But time is running out.

Down on her luck Charleston, S.C. restaurateur, Darcy Witherspoon is licking a wounded ego when she arrives in Black Moose, VT and meets the handsome Maple tree farmer. Wanting a happy holiday herself, she teams up with Dylan to make a perfect Christmas.

Neither is interested in a holiday affair, but the magic of Christmas has something more everlasting in store for the couple. An absolutely perfect love!
Charleston lost her restaurant but getting to know Dylan might change the holidays for her. Her restaurant was her baby, and now her future is unsure and it really isn't the time to fall in love. Dylan is taking care of his nieces while their parents are off serving their country, but he has no idea of what he is doing and is perfectly aware a distraction like Charleston isn't welcome right now, but their attraction was immediate and after all, he wants the perfect Christmas for his nieces.

Although the romance started very quick, I thought Dylan and Charleston were credible characters and I liked their chemistry. I wanted a little bit more about Charleston's past and her friendship with Tom, but it wasn't a long story. The 'girls' were cute and the book got the feeling of Christmas! Lights, tree, gifts and even the family hehe. It's heart warming and I think it's great to read for the holidays!


More about this book at Goodreads, Amazon.

December 15, 2013

Book Review: Home for Christmas by Patricia Kay

Author: Patricia Kay
Published December 12th 2012 by Patricia Kay
Age: Adult
Quinn Riordan hasn't been home for Christmas in more than ten years -- ten long years since she's seen her family and Chagrin Falls, the town where she grew up. It's been that long since the sister she once adored had stolen the man Quinn loved. But when Quinn's beloved Aunt Fiona has a bad fall and breaks her leg, Quinn can't stay away any longer. In order to help her aunt, she has to go home and face her past. But along with her past, the trip home brings her an even more difficult challenge in the form of her aunt's boarder, Peter Kimball.

Peter has been curious about Fiona's niece ever since he first saw her framed photo in Fiona's living room. He hasn't been able to understand how someone Fiona speaks of so glowingly could so selfishly stay away for so long. He's prepared to dislike Quinn and is stunned to very quickly realize he doesn't. On the contrary, he's attracted to Quinn and wants nothing more than to get to know her better. But Quinn isn't the only one who has been running from her past. Peter has avoided confronting his demons by staying away from the place where he lost everything he held most dear.

Can these two troubled people overcome the problems that have haunted them for so long? Will they be brave enough to forget and forgive and move forward into a future that promises to be filled with more happiness and love than they ever imagined? In the capable hands of best-selling author Patricia Kay, this heartwarming story will be the perfect accompaniment to your own holiday season.
Quinn is returning home after being more than ten years away. She isn't prepared to confront her sister, but her aunt broke her leg and she is going to take care of her. I'd say by the cover that it's a cute and a fun book, but it's actually very charged with family issues. Quinn can't forgive her sister, her sister isn't nice to be around, and Peter is always judging her. Peter also have a dark and sad past, so they had to forgive and move on before loving each other. There was a moment it turned too slow for me, and then I felt the ending was a bit rushed but at last they got their happily ever after. If you are looking for a serious holiday romance, Home for Christmas is for you.


More about this book at Goodreads, Amazon.

December 14, 2013

I'm Going on an Adventure!

I'm going on an adventure!

That's right! Vacations! Yay!

My annual vacations actually started Dec 6, free for one month :D I'm super happy because that gave me time to be with my family before 'going on an adventure'!. I'm going to spend 15 days traveling, first to Orlando, FL, then to a cruise around the Bahamas, and then back to Orlando, FL! lol

I'm super happy because that also mean spending some time buying books at the biggest libraries (at least bigger than here hehe). But it will probably mean I'm not going to be around here.... I'm leaving a couple of scheduled posts so don't worry!

Have a wonderful Christmas / Holidays! See you soon!

December 13, 2013

Blog Tour: A Christmas Fling: A Magical Tale of Romance and Adventure by Beth Barany

You know I love reading Christmas romance, and A Christmas Fling sounds too good to miss it! Right now it's free for Kindle, so Get it here!

Beth Barany writes magical tales of romance and adventure to transport readers to new worlds where anything is possible.

Print Length: 112 pages
Publisher: Firewolf Books (December 9, 2013)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00H8GPVKS
Genre: Romance
Format: Digital
What if falling in love put the life you cherished in jeopardy?

Dahlia, a Santa’s Elf, has 21 days left before Christmas to create the best toy in the world without using magic or revealing her true identity. Stuck on how to complete the prototype, and working as a temp in San Francisco’s financial district with no time for love, will her innocent Christmas fling get her unstuck, or will she turn her back on her beloved career for her heart?

Liam, an up-and-coming financial analyst, swore off women after getting dumped by the love of his life. He just found out his ex is going to the company Christmas party with his rival Michael Hendricks. Up for promotion against Hendricks, Liam has to win the favor of his boss. His best bet is to invite the vivacious secretary Dahlia to the party. Will Dahlia be a welcome distraction, or will she turn his life upside down?

A Christmas Fling: A Magical Tale of Romance and Adventure has received 5-stars from Amazon readers.

“A Christmas Fling is a fantastic tale of love coming at the most inopportune time...If you want a story filled with Christmas cheer and a warm, tender romance, this is the story for you.” C.A. Malone


About the Author


Based in Oakland, California, Beth Barany has been making up fantasy and adventure stories all her life. It only took her thirty years to actually start writing them down, then grit and determination to whip them into shape. She writes magical tales of romance and adventure to transport readers to new worlds where anything is possible.
In her off hours, Beth enjoys capoeira, travelling, and watching movies with her husband, bestselling author Ezra Barany, and playing their two cats, Kitty and Leo. 

December 10, 2013

Hot Holiday Giveaway Hop


Happy Holidays!! There is no better way to celebrate this time of year than to heat it up with hot hero hunks ;) Meet Ethan (Ruined) and Evan (Wanted) — these are two hot, to-die-for hunks that you’ll definitely want to get to know — both of their books release January 7, 2014. More details here: RUINED; WANTED.

Enter the giveaway below! Ends 12/20.

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Visit all of the participating sites to increase your chances to win — good luck!

December 8, 2013

December Kindle Fire HDX Giveaway!

December Kindle Fire

Win a Kindle Fire HDX, Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash ($229 value)

This is a joint AUTHOR & BLOGGER GIVEAWAY EVENT!

Bloggers & Authors have joined together and each chipped in a little money towards a Kindle Fire HDX 7".

The winner will have the option of receiving a 7" Kindle Fire HDX (US Only - $229 Value)

Or $229 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)

Or $229 in Paypal Cash (International)


December Kindle Fire Giveaway #2 Sponsors
  1. I Am A Reader, Not A Writer
  2. Feed Your Reader
  3. Darker Passions
  4. Author Talia Jager
  5. The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something Year Old Girl
  6. Kelly P's Blog
  7. Kelly's Lucky You
  8. LeahSay's Views
  9. Author Bella Street
  10. Author Bonnie Blythe
  11. Feed Your Fiction Addiction
  12. Blogging the Beloved
  13. Fae Books
  14. Author Kelli Beck
  15. Barb's Wire - eBooks & More
  16. MumbleBee Inc.
  17. MyLadyWeb: Women's History and Women Authors
  18. I Know That Book!
  19. NESSAROX
  20. The Reporter and the Girl
  21. My Story That I Like Best
  22. Jessica Loves Book
  23. Author Jennie Sherwin
  24. Candace's Book Blog
  25. Attack of the Books!
  26. Author Elizabeth Seckman
  27. Author Rosanne Rivers
  28. Author Carole Lanham
  29. Author Jennifer L. Weil
  30. The Real Bookshelves of Room 918
  31. Author David Pandolfe
  32. Author Georgina Young-Ellis
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  34. Author Derek Rempfer
  35. Book Crushin
  36. Laloba Press
  37. Author Louise Caiola
  38. Author Becky Monson
  39. Write Story Editing
  40. Bookworm Lisa
  41. Author John D. Mimms
  42. Author Heidi Garrett
  43. Stanley and Katrina Pet Authors
  44. Author Carol Davis Luce
  45. Author A. Wrighton
  46. The Late Bloomer's Book Blog
  47. Immortal Ink Publishing
  48. Circus of Lost Souls
  49. Author Inger Iversen
  50. Author Tracy Jorgensen
  51. Author Christy Hayes
  52. Author Lisa C. Temple
Sign up to sponsor the next Kindle Fire Giveaway: http://www.iamareader.com/category/kindle-giveaway-sign-ups

Giveaway Details

1 winner will receive their choice of an all new Kindle Fire 7" HDX (US Only - $229 value), $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 in Paypal Cash (International). There is a second separate giveaway for bloggers who post this giveaway on their blog. See details in the rafflecopter on how to enter to win the 2nd Kindle Fire HDX 7". Ends 1/1/14

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the participating authors & bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

Holiday #Readathon Progress


I haven't had as much free time as I thought I would since I'm officially on vacation, so I kept my word and stick to Holidays novellas and short stories. I just love this season!

  1. Unexpected Gifts (Castle Mountain Lodge #1) by Elena Aitken 
  2. A Lumberjacky Christmas by Penny Watson
  3. Lumberjack Epilogue: Christmas Edition (Lumberjack in Love #1.5) by Penny Watson
  4. Home for Christmas by Patricia Kay

Still need to read one more book to reach my goal, I'll try to pick one from my to be read shelf.....

December 7, 2013

December 6, 2013

Book Blitz + Giveaway: Dragon Craving by Livia Olteano


Hello guys!! I hope you enjoy this book blitz. I picked this book because it's about dragons, and you know I love dragons hehe. Keep reading and you will find a giveaway below :)


Series: Otherworlds Summons #2
Publication date: Late November 2013
Genres: New Adult, Paranormal Romance
The world holds few secrets for Oracle Elana Anderson, or as her fans know her, Ela Deville. Successful author of paranormal romance, Ela, has a secret: not all her paranormal characters are quite that fictional. She hardly expected she’d trigger a chain of events that might bring about the end of the world via a pesky dragon. Rendered blind to visions of him, Ela’s only way to save her world is to keep the dragon close…very close.
Obitus, the only awake dragon in the Otherworlds, is determined to get back the magic that was stolen from him and secure his position for a good thousand years. Becoming Akai’s new guardian after getting rid of the current one is the best way to it. But that means getting Ela on his side. He’ll bargain and maneuver his way there if he has to, but ends up tormented by the desire to have her for real.
In a game of deals, half-truths and irresistible cravings, does one heart have to break in order for the other to save the world?



Livia Olteano



Livia Olteano is a loud and proud coffee addict, lover of all things beautiful and incurable romantic.

She believes stories are the best kind of magic there is. And life would be horrible without magic. Her hobbies include losing herself in the minds and souls of characters, giving up countless nights of sleep to get to know said characters, and trying to introduce them to the world. Sometimes they appreciate her efforts. The process would probably go quicker if they'd bring her a cup of coffee now and then when stopping by. Characters--what can you do, right?

Stop by www.liviaolteano.com or the blog, http://blog.liviaolteano.com, for the latest news and rants of glory.



Giveaway!

1 winner will win one ebook copies of both books in this series (Gargoyle Addiction and Dragon Craving). Open International! Ends December 12, 2013.

December 5, 2013

Holiday #READATHON: Starting line!

The Fourth Annual Holiday READATHON is starting tomorrow :) Thanks to Liza @ WhoRuBlog for hosting! I'm super excited to participate but also because is the beginning of my one-month holiday vacations yay!

I'm planing to read 5 books. It's a lot for me since I haven't been reading a lot lately, but I'll stick to Christmas novellas and maybe pick one of the print books I have on my to-be-read shelf :/

As part of the readathon, I’m going to donate one cake or ‘pan de jamon’ per book read to the local old people’s home (not sure if it’s the right way to say it in English lol).

What do you think? You think I can make it? If you want to join us please sign up here!

December 4, 2013

Book Review: The Legend of Ranger: The Reindeer Who Couldn't Fly by Alan Salisbury

Author: Alan Salisbury
Published November 1st 2013 by Jabberwocky Books
In "The Legend of Ranger," Alan Salisbury's words and Roberta Baird's whimsical artwork create the magic of the Christmas season with the tale of a young reindeer named Ranger who has a big dream--to be part of the reindeer team that pulls Santa's big sleigh. Ranger searches all over Santaland for someone who can teach him the secret of flying, but everyone he asks, including the oldest and wisest elves, Mrs. Claus, and even his brother Rudolph, gives him the same advice: "The secret lies within." Determined to fulfill his dream, Ranger must figure out the secret for himself. An emergency trip to Krystalwite to help the sick reindeer at the North Pole offers Ranger the opportunity to play a part in saving Christmas and, along the way, learn what it is that lies within. "The Legend of Ranger" contains a heartening and inspirational message about the power of believing in yourself no matter what challenges lie ahead.
The Legend of Ranger is the story of Ranger, Rudolph's brother. He wants to fly and be part of the Santa's Christmas Team, but he doesn't know how to. He looks everywhere for the secret of flying but can't find it until his help is needed to save Christmas and he decides he is going to prove he's a good reindeer.

I loved Ranger, he was sweet and cute, worked hard and never gave up. He is an inspiration for anyone to never give up and believe in yourself! The illustrations were pretty (although I read it on my b&w kindle), the elves and reindeer looked so cute. It's a 50 pages book with chapter and a few pictures, great for kids who are starting to read chapter books, and also perfect to be read as a bed time story for Christmas!


Please consider The Legend of Ranger when buying presents for the little ones. The author, Alan Salisbury, has partnered up with The Antonia J. Giallourakis Endowed Fund in Art Therapy for Children with Cancer and is donating all proceeds to this charity.

More about this book at Goodreads, AmazonB&N.

December 3, 2013

Book Review: Pastels and Jingle Bells by Christine S. Feldman

Series: Heavenly Bites #1
Author: Christine S. Feldman
Published November 1st 2013
Trish Ackerly never expected to cross paths with Ian Rafferty again, but when she spots the former bully of her childhood years through her bakery window, she thinks she may just have been given the best Christmas gift ever: the opportunity to finally give Ian the comeuppance he deserves.

But clearly she does not have a knack for this whole revenge thing, because before she can make good on her plans, Trish gets inadvertently drawn into Ian’s life in an unexpected way that lets her see just how different the man is from the boy he used to be. In fact, much to her astonishment, she actually starts to like the guy.

A lot.

Trouble is, Ian doesn’t know who she really is, and explaining it to him is going to be a little difficult now—which is bad news, because Trish is starting to realize that all she really wants for Christmas this year…is Ian.
I loved this short novel! It's the story of Trish and Ian. Ian used to bully her in school but suddenly disappeared and now he's back. She is ready for revenge but wasn't expecting to find him as a sweet father who is dealing with his daughter's bullying. So by mistake she ends up hiding her identity and painting his windows for Christmas.

I liked Trish and Ian. Trish is a fun girl who was all about revenge until saw him with his daughter, it warms her heart and really she's not a bad person. Ian is actually a sweet guy and I liked his caring personality. It's a short novel so I wasn't expecting a slow romance, but I was surprised to get hooked so fast and being satisfied with the writing, realistic characters and their attraction. I totally recommend Pastels and Jingle Bells for a quick holiday reading, and I definitely want to read more of the Heavenly Bites series. It has a fun and happy feeling perfect for this season!


More about this book at Goodreads, Amazon.