Berkley Bookmas: The Wedding Date + a Giveaway!

I am so excited to participate in Berkley Bookmas and I'm hosting an excerpt from Jasmine Guillory's The Wedding Date today! Y'all know how much I love this book and how much I've been singing its praises (& it's not even out yet!!), so obviously I jumped on the opportunity to promote this book with the help of one of my favorite publishing teams, Berkley Romance.

Berkley Bookmas is chock full of exclusive content from authors like exclusive excerpts, deleted scenes, author recipes and more! Check out the calendar of events below:

Here's a sneak peek at a scene from the book, one that I really loved! How much are you going to want to read this story just from this??!

THE WEDDING DATE by Jasmine Guillory
Berkley Bookmas Excerpt

(At the rehearsal dinner)

Boy, was it nice when this guy touched her. The hand-holding was particularly great. She felt like she was back in high school, except instead of the nerdy girl that everyone liked in that generic way, she was the girl holding hands with the hot guy at the party. She’d always wondered how that had felt.

News flash: it felt awesome.

She fought back her smile before she remembered that she was supposed to be besotted with Drew, so she let it beam as they walked through the party and up to the bar.

“Full bar, thank God. What’s your drink of choice?” He gestured to the bottles of alcohol along the bar with a flourish.
“Tonight? Let’s start with a gin martini, please.”

Drew handed over her drink and clinked it with his bourbon. They each took long sips of their drinks without breaking eye contact. Alexa glanced at an empty table in the corner and rose her eyebrows to Drew; he nodded and took her arm to steer her over there. As Drew set his glass down, a tall blond guy came over and slapped him on the back before he turned to Alexa.

“So this is Alexa? So glad you’re here with Drew for the wedding,” he said, holding out his hand for her to shake.
Drew put his hand on the small of her back.

“Alexa, I’d like to introduce you to Josh Rogers, the groom. Josh, my girlfriend, Alexa Monroe,” Drew said, his hand stroking the small of her back in a way that made her whole body tingle. Or maybe that was the gin hitting her bloodstream. She ignored whatever it was and smiled at Josh as she shook his hand.

“A pleasure to meet you, Josh. Congratulations on the wedding! I’m honored to be here.”

A strawberry blonde with soft curls and a knee-length white eyelet dress walked up to them. Alexa had pegged her as the bride as soon as she’d walked into the room—who else would wear white to a rehearsal dinner? At her approach, Alexa moved closer to Drew. He picked up his drink and sipped it, but she knew he noticed, too, because he slid his arm around her waist. Damn, there was that tingle again.

“Drew, is this Alexa? Alexa, I’m Molly. It’s so nice to meet you.”

Molly gave her a huge smile that felt genuine, and not for the first time, Alexa wondered what the whole story was between the Molly and Drew breakup. Did Josh and Molly feel guilty for what they’d done to Drew? Did they ask him to be in the wedding to assuage their guilt?

She wasn’t going to get an answer to that question right now (if ever), so her job was just to stand here next to Drew and turn on the charm. Luckily, she worked in politics; charm was her middle name.

Alexa increased the wattage of her smile by at least fifty percent.

“Molly, thank you so much for having me. Everything is lovely. What a wonderful choice for a rehearsal dinner. I can only imagine that the wedding will be just as beautiful.”

Drew’s thumb traced circles around her hip as she and Molly exchanged bright pleasantries about the wedding, the perfect weather in the Bay Area this time of year, and Josh and Molly’s upcoming honeymoon in Hawaii. Between the sensuous feel of his touch and her now-finished martini, she was almost distracted enough not to wonder if he could detect the Spanx underneath her dress. Almost.

After a few minutes, Molly glanced to the corner of the room and sighed.

“My mom is signaling me; I think I have to go talk to one of my aunts. I hope to get to talk to you more later, Alexa. And you, too, Drew. Oh, and don’t forget! The hashtag is #jollymosh.” Molly smiled and glided away.

Here's your chance to win this amazing sweepstakes from Berkley Romance, featuring a one $100 Visa gift card, and a book/galley/bound manuscript by each of the authors participating.

CLICK HERE TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY!!

For tomorrow’s fun, head to one of the following blogs:

· Babs Book Bistro

· Dirty Girl Romance

· A Southern Girl’s Bookshelf

· Harlequin Junkie

· Book Binge

· Undeniably Book Nerdy

· The Blogger Girls

· Adria’s Musings and Reviews

Too Soon For Holiday Reading?

I love a good holiday romance, whether that be YA or of the Adult variety. However, I'm not much of a fluff girl (sorry Hallmark Holiday Viewers, that's a bit too much cheese for me!). I still yearn for substance in my reading, even if the theme is set around the holidays time. I've recently read two, one YA and the other Adult Romance, that I felt really hit all the right notes for me. Below are mini reviews of each and links to add them to your TBR for this holiday season!

Together at Midnight by Jennifer Castle
To be published: January 2, 2018
About the book: Combining the emotional deftness of Sarah Dessen with the magical spark of New York City in wintertime, this affecting novel will inspire readers to pay closer attention to the world around them.

What does it really mean to be kind . . . and why does it sometimes feel like the hardest thing in the world to do? High school senior Kendall, who just returned from a life-changing semester in Europe, and Max, who is drifting his way through a gap year before college, struggle with these questions when they witness a tragic accident in New York City during the holiday season. Racked with guilt, the two accept a dare to perform random acts of kindness to strangers. The challenge pulls these two teens, who have a history together from back home, closer and closer as they explore a vibrant city filled with other people’s stories and secrets.

Kendall and Max can’t deny their growing bond, even though they both have other romantic entanglements and uncertain futures. As the clock counts down on New Year’s Eve, will they find themselves together at midnight?

Jennifer Castle’s latest novel is a romantic, thought-provoking tale of human connection and how we find—and make—our place in the world. [goodreads]

This young adult novel is written by one of my favorite YA writers, Jennifer Castle -- who I feel deserves way more attention! Each of her stories pull at my heart strings, while delivering a very fulfilled reading experience. This particular story is set in New York City, just after Christmas and before New Year's Eve. I love the time frame of the novel and how we're almost racing against the clock, alongside the characters, to accomplish their random acts of kindness before the year is up.

Kendall and Max are both equally developed characters, with rich voices, demanding to be heard in their own unique way. They're both very different, yet their uncertain paths is the bond that unexpectedly ties them together. I was mesmerized by the city during the holiday season, but it was the true depth of the story that really sucked me in. It's the kind of novel you find yourself rooting for the characters, hoping they'll find their way to happiness, even if the path gets messy along the way.

An Ex for Christmas by Lauren Layne
To be published: November 7, 2017
About the book: She’s making a list—and checking it twice. But is there a nice guy among all her naughty exes? The New York Times bestselling author of Blurred Lines returns with a charming friends-to-lovers rom-com.

When a psychic tells spunky, superstitious Kelly Byrne that she’s already met her true love, she becomes obsessed with the idea of tracking him down before Christmas. Kelly immediately writes up an “Ex List” and starts contacting old boyfriends to figure out which one is the one. When her college sweetheart rolls into town, Kelly convinces herself that they’re meant to be. The trouble is, sparks are flying with someone she’s never given a chance: her best friend, Mark.

Mark Blakely has watched the guys on Kelly’s list break her heart, and he’s not looking forward to watching them do it all over again. Mark’s always been there for her, but the timing’s never worked out for their relationship to be something more. Now, just as Mark is ready to move on, the sexual tension between them is suddenly off the charts. With Christmas morning around the corner, he just hopes Kelly will wake up and realize that everything she wants has been right in front of her all along. [goodreads]

Oh how I really, really enjoyed this one! Lauren Layne is slowly becoming a favorite adult romance writer. Each of her stories end up surprising me, even though they shouldn't, with how cleverly written they are. On the surface this story has all the fixings for a fluffy holiday romance, but once I started reading I soon discovered a highly emotional investment. 

Kelly is spending Christmas at home in her small town alone and she seems perfectly fine with that. Until a random stranger scares the you know what out of her by predicting she's already found her one true love & that they'll connect by Christmas. This sends Kelly on a hunt through her recent ex's list. As she marks each guy off, her best friend of ten years sits patiently (yet a bit brooding and irritatingly) by. You know where I'm going with this right? Yeah, the storyline is predictable, but I still had a lot of fun reading it.

The sexual tension in this novel was scorching! The friendly banter between Kelly and Mark was sweet, yet sexy. The odes to some of my favorite holiday movies such as Love Actually was a nice touch. But it was the emotional attachment I felt in the end that really took me by surprise. I hadn't realized just how invested I had become in Kelly's happiness. Her joyous spirit during the Holidays is infectious and you can't help but be rooting for her to find her happily ever after. Though it took her a little bit longer to recognize it, it was still a sweet surrender when she finally does.

Are you reading any Holiday novels yet? If so, tell me about them! 

Hello Fall! What Are You Reading?

The summer flew by in a blink of an eye, but then it became the "never ending summer" around here with Hurricane Harvey and the delayed start of school. Now I can hardly believe it's already October! As much as I love summer (let's be real, I'll always be a summer girl!), Fall is a close runner-up for fave seasons. I love baking with seasonal delights such as apples, cinnamon, and pumpkin. There's something so toasty about curling up on the couch with a warm cup of flavored coffee and a good book. And I'll be honest, we give a big sigh of relief for cooler temps around here (those 100 degree days can take a toll on you).

So this got me thinking... time to hibernate and get some reading done! But what's coming out soon?! I thought I'd compile a list of YA books publishing this fall that I am most looking forward to reading. Hopefully this post puts some new ones on your radar, too. Let me know what you're planning to read this fall!

There's Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins
Published: September 26, 2017
About the book: Scream meets YA in this hotly-anticipated new novel from the bestselling author of Anna and the French Kiss.

One-by-one, the students of Osborne High are dying in a series of gruesome murders, each with increasing and grotesque flair. As the terror grows closer and the hunt intensifies for the killer, the dark secrets among them must finally be confronted.

International bestselling author Stephanie Perkins returns with a fresh take on the classic teen slasher story that’s fun, quick-witted, and completely impossible to put down. [goodreads]

Far from the Tree by Robin Benway
Published: October 3, 2017
About the book: A contemporary novel about three adopted siblings who find each other at just the right moment.

Being the middle child has its ups and downs.

But for Grace, an only child who was adopted at birth, discovering that she is a middle child is a different ride altogether. After putting her own baby up for adoption, she goes looking for her biological family, including—

Maya, her loudmouthed younger bio sister, who has a lot to say about their newfound family ties. Having grown up the snarky brunette in a house full of chipper redheads, she’s quick to search for traces of herself among these not-quite-strangers. And when her adopted family’s long-buried problems begin to explode to the surface, Maya can’t help but wonder where exactly it is that she belongs.

And Joaquin, their stoic older bio brother, who has no interest in bonding over their shared biological mother. After seventeen years in the foster care system, he’s learned that there are no heroes, and secrets and fears are best kept close to the vest, where they can’t hurt anyone but him. [goodreads]

Calling My Name by Liara Tamani
Published: October 24, 2017
About the book: Taja Brown lives with her parents and older brother and younger sister, in Houston, Texas. Taja has always known what the expectations of her conservative and tightly-knit African American family are—do well in school, go to church every Sunday, no intimacy before marriage. But Taja is trying to keep up with friends as they get their first kisses, first boyfriends, first everythings. And she’s tired of cheering for her athletic younger sister and an older brother who has more freedom just because he’s a boy. Taja dreams of going to college and forging her own relationship with the world and with God, but when she falls in love for the first time, those dreams are suddenly in danger of evaporating. [goodreads]

Now Is Everything by Amy Giles
Published: November 7, 2017
About the book: Now Is Everything is a stirring debut novel told in alternating THEN and NOW chapters, perfect for Sarah Dessen and Jennifer Niven fans, about what one girl is willing to do to protect her past, present, and future.

The McCauleys look perfect on the outside. But nothing is ever as it seems, and this family is hiding a dark secret.

Hadley McCauley will do anything to keep her sister safe from their father. But when Hadley’s forbidden relationship with Charlie Simmons deepens, the violence at home escalates, culminating in an explosive accident that will leave everyone changed.

When Hadley attempts to take her own life at the hospital post-accident, her friends, doctors, family, and the investigator on the case want to know why. Only Hadley knows what really happened that day, and she’s not talking. [goodreads]

The Chaos of Standing Still by Jessica Brody
Published: November 28, 2017
About the book: Over the course of one chaotic night stranded at the Denver airport, Ryn confronts her shattered past thanks to the charm of romance, the uniqueness of strangers, and the magic of ordinary places in this stunning novel from the author of Boys of Summer.

Ryn has one unread text message on her phone. And it’s been there for almost a year.

She hasn’t tried to read it. She can’t. She won’t. Because that one message is the last thing her best friend ever said to her before she died.

But as Ryn finds herself trapped in the Denver International Airport on New Year’s Eve thanks to a never-ending blizzard on the one-year anniversary of her best friend’s death, fate literally runs into her.

And his name is Xander.

When the two accidentally swap phones, Ryn and Xander are thrust into the chaos of an unforgettable all-night adventure, filled with charming and mysterious strangers, a secret New Year’s Eve bash, and a possible Illuminati conspiracy hidden within the Denver airport. But as the bizarre night continues, all Ryn can think about is that one unread text message. It follows her wherever she goes, because Ryn can’t get her brialliantly wild and free-spirited best friend out of her head.

Ryn can’t move on.

But tonight, for the first time ever, she’s trying. And maybe that’s a start.

As moving as it is funny, The Chaos of Standing Still is a heartwarming story about the earth-shattering challenges life throws at us—and the unexpected strangers who help us along the way. [goodreads]

I'm always looking for more Adult & New Adult books as well. Do you know any publishing this Fall that you're excited to read? 

Please let me know in the comments.

A Holiday Romance Novella: Season of Second Chances by Brighton Walsh

Season of Second Chances by Brighton Walsh
Published: December 5, 2013 by Carina Press
Source: Purchased ebook

When a storm strands Claire Hanlin in Chicago on Christmas Eve, the last person she expects to come to her rescue is Logan Dawes, the man she almost married two years ago. The chemistry between them is dangerously potent, but with nowhere else to go, Claire accepts Logan's offer to stay with him for the night.

Back in the home they shared, surrounded by reminders of Logan and his young daughter, Claire begins to realize how much she misses the family she almost had. After a few cups of Christmas cheer, she falls right back into her ex's arms-even though she knows it means setting herself up for heartbreak all over again.

The magic of the season has thrown him together with the woman he's never stopped loving, and Logan's not about to pass up this gift. He's not the workaholic he was two years ago-his family comes first. Now all he has to do is prove it to Claire, before the snow stops and she flies out of his life for good. [goodreads]

There's something so inviting about reading a holiday romance that centers around two characters who share a heated past.  Claire and Logan were on the path to marriage, or what should have been their happily ever after.  But when Logan began to put his work before Claire the tension in their relationship started to divide the two of them.  This story begins a few years later, after Claire made the hardest decision to call off the engagement and leave Logan behind.  She's stranded in the Chicago airport during a winter storm on Christmas Eve, and with all the hotels booked up, her only option is standing right in front of her: Logan.

The awkwardness of the situation felt very real from the beginning.  What should have been two adults sharing a space for the night quickly turns into an evening of heated passion that refuses to burn out, no matter how much time they've spent a part.  Immediately Claire's heart is on her sleeve, remembering how good and how right it felt to be with Logan.  She begins to see the changes he's made since their departure though.  It's very obvious in the relationship he has with his daughter.  Since the snow storm keeps Claire grounded in Chicago for longer than just a night, she's placed back into Logan's world, seeing his life as it is today.

What should have just been a night of forgotten passion lingers into the daylight hours where both characters are forced to see the truth of what's never left between them.  Even though this story was short in length, it still packed a powerful, emotional punch.  As the reader, I felt invested in their story and compelled to see it through to the end.  Spend a Christmas in Chicago with these two characters who may seem broken, but when put back together complete a picture vibrant with so many shades of color and romance.

A Holiday Romance Novella: Room at the Inn by Ruthie Knox

Room at the Inn by Ruthie Knox
Published: November 4, 2013 by Loveswept
Source: Purchased ebook

Sometimes first loves burn bright, then flicker out. But in this heartwarming eBook novella from RITA finalist and USA Today bestselling author Ruthie Knox, it’s never too late for a second chance at true love.

Ambitious and driven, Carson Vance couldn’t wait to escape the small town where he was born. But now that Carson is back to spend Christmas with his ailing father, he must face all the people of Potter Falls he’s left behind. Topping that list is Julie Long, who’s sacrificed so much for Carson’s family, and whose heart he broke once upon a time. Now the proprietor of the local inn, Julie has blossomed from a shy schoolgirl into a successful, seductive, independent woman—everything that Carson’s looking for in a relationship. But despite several steamy encounters under the mistletoe, Julie refuses to believe in happily ever after. Now Carson must convince Julie that he’s back for good—and that he wants her in his life for all the holidays to come. [goodreads]

If a book is written by Ruthie Knox, I will read it.  This woman's writing has won me over time and time again with her adult contemporary romances.  And she's done it again, but this time with a short and sweet holiday romance!  If you've been in a bit of a reading slump, like I have been, then I highly recommend grabbing a few holiday romance novellas to pull you out of it.  Begin with this one and you can thank me later!

This holiday story will warm your heart while providing a delicious dose of romance backed by a solid, fulfilling story line.  Carson fled from small town Potter Falls, leaving behind his ill mother and head-butting father.  He also left behind his college friend, Julie, that he's shared a lot more than just study notes in their past.  For Carson he's always felt the need to prove himself, and getting out of Potter Falls was the first step.  However, when Julie calls Carson home to take care of his widowed father, he can't resist her plea... or much else.

The attraction between Carson and Julie has not died out over the years.  In fact, once they are reunited the flame flickers to life again, threatening to burn the whole town down in its path.  As Julie maintains the local Inn at Potter Falls, and Carson takes up residency in one of her vacant rooms, the temptation to pick up where things left off overwhelms the both of them.  What begins as just a physical need demanding to be met, spirals out into an emotional attraction neither saw coming.

For a romance novella, this particular story supplied just the right amount of depth to propel the story along.  Each scene flowed effortlessly into the next, avoiding obvious plot jumps.  My only critique is that I wish Carson and Julie's story would have been longer.  I could have stayed in Potter Falls, at the Inn, welcoming the warm glow of a small town Christmas for many more pages.  These characters felt authentic and fleshed out, something I definitely admire in Ruthie Knox's ability while crafting a solid, quick read.

If you're looking for a quick, one-sitting type read to get you in the spirit of the holidays I definitely recommend picking up Room at the Inn. 

Waiting On: My True Love Gave to Me

My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday Stories by Stephanie Perkins + various authors
To be published: October 14, 2014 by St. Martin's Press

If you love holiday stories, holiday movies, made-for-TV-holiday specials, holiday episodes of your favorite sitcoms and, especially, if you love holiday anthologies, you’re going to fall in love with MY TRUE LOVE GAVE TO ME: TWELVE HOLIDAY STORIES by twelve bestselling young adult writers, edited by international bestselling author Stephanie Perkins. [goodreads]

This past weekend I had the pleasure of seeing the amazing Stephanie Perkins at a local author event.  She was talking all things ISLA AND THE HAPPILY EVER AFTER, of course, but she also discussed this upcoming anthology she worked on.  I had heard about it before, but after listening to her discuss the process of putting it together, and touching on some of the stories inside, it immediately went on my auto-buy list!  I love holiday stories and desperately want more in the YA genre!  I am so excited for this upcoming release!!!

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Three's Company at GReads! [Christmas in July Edition]

Since I began this book blog I've always enjoyed participating in Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It's something I'll continue to do, but I wanted a separate place to feature the Adult books I am anxious to read in the coming months as well.  I will be featuring this post in a format of threes, mixing it up each time. I look forward to sharing some Adult books I am eager to read and hope to put them on your radar as well.

Even though the temps are reaching 100 degrees here, I still wanted to feature some upcoming Holiday books. Now, I realize two of these books mention nothing about Christmas in their summary, but the covers give off a look that says: Read me by the fire with a hot cup of cocoa!  Do they not?!

3 "Holiday" Adult Books to Add to Your Goodreads List:

In Your Dreams by Kristan Higgins
To be published: September 30, 2014 by Harlequin
add to goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Emmaline Neal needs a date. Just a date—someone to help her get through her ex-fiancé's wedding without losing her mind. But pickings are slim in Manningsport, New York, population 715. In fact, there's really only one option: local heartthrob Jack Holland. Everyone loves Jack, and he won't get the wrong idea…. After all, Jack Holland would never actually be interested in a woman like Em. Especially not with his beautiful ex-wife creeping around, angling to reunite ever since he rescued a group of teens and became a local hero.

But when the wedding festivities take an unexpectedly passionate turn, Em figures it was just one crazy night. Jack is too gorgeous, too popular, to ever end up with her. So why is she the one he can talk to about his deep, dark feelings? If Em is going to get her dream man, she'll have to start by believing in him… [goodreads]

One in a Million by Jill Shalvis
To be published: October 14, 2014 by Grand Central Publishing
add to goodreads | Books-A-Million | B&N

As the brains behind wedding site TyingTheKnot.com, Callie sees it all: from the ring to the dress, the smiles . . . to the tears. It's that last part that keeps her single and not looking. Getting left at the altar will do that to a girl. But when Callie returns to her old hometown, she finds that her sweet high school crush is sexier than ever. And he makes it hard to remember why she's sworn off love . . .

Tanner is a deep-sea diver with a wild, adrenaline-junkie past—and now his teenage son is back in his life. How can Tanner be a role model when he's still paying for his own mistakes? It's hard enough that gorgeous Callie has appeared in town like a beautiful dream, challenging his best-laid plans to keep his heart on lockdown. Though there's something about being around her again that makes him feel like he can be the man she—and his son—deserve. Little Lucky Harbor holds their past; can it hold a beautiful new future? [goodreads]

Baby, It's Cold Outside by Jennifer Probst + more
To be published: October 28, 2014 by Pocket Books
add to goodreads | Amazon | B&N

New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling indie authors Jennifer Probst, Emma Chase, Kristen Proby, Melody Anne, and debut author Kate Meader come together to write a sizzling romance anthology.

Outside it may be frosty, so turn the heat way up with these stories of desire!

Can a determined woman executive and a playboy billionaire survive being stranded together in a snowstorm? Jennifer Probst depicts an encounter almost too hot to handle...

Drew and Kate play an encore to Tangled in this sexy take on a "Christmas Carol" by Emma Chase. When a Christmas Eve argument condemns Drew to a troubled night, three dream women teach him that no gift could be more tantalizing than Kate...

With Kristen Proby, ski slopes are quite delightful. Grace Douglas is sure she'll never learn to ski, but instructor Jacob Baxter could teach her lessons of a different kind...

Can a southern California transplant survive Montana's deep snows? Melody Anne, author of the bestselling Andersons series, melts the icy drifts completely away with the heat between sexy Hawk Winchester and brand-new teacher Natalie Duncan...

What could be hotter than a firefighter? Kate Meader shows how, as Brett Farraday and heiress-turned-tattoo-artist Lucy Cochrane discover, nothing ignites holiday flames like rekindling a lost love... [goodreads]

As always, let me know if any of these books have been added to your TBR list!  I'm constantly building mine, so feel free to share more upcoming "Holiday" Adult books in the comments below.

Stuff Your Stocking With... Sweet Treats + a GIVEAWAY!

With Christmas just a few weeks away I am teaming up with Jen from Pop! Goes the Reader to bring you some fab holiday gift giving ideas for your favorite reader.  Visit our blogs every Thursday this month as we feature some stocking stuffer ideas paired with books that we feel should be on anyone's Christmas Wish List.  I love this time of year, and I especially love gift giving.  I hope our posts give you some ideas on what to give others, and maybe even add to your very own Christmas Wish List (feel free to link your loved ones to our posts, hehe).

Who doesn't love sweet treats?! I know I do!  For this week's STUFF YOUR STOCKING I've gathered some gift ideas for those who have a sweet tooth.  You don't have to know how to bake in order to use any of these items, but they sure do make cute stocking stuffers.  I particularly like the gingerbread men measuring spoons.  How cute are those?!  And you can never go wrong with a Dessert of the Day recipe cookbook. Mmm.

Sweet Treats by greadsbooks

Pier 1 Imports green apron / Meri Meri paper cupcake liner / Pier 1 Imports cookie scoop / Pier 1 Imports kitchen gadgets tool / Wilton cookie cutter / Crate & Barrel Red Velvet Cake & Cupcake Mix / Crate & Barrel Dark Chocolate Cake & Cupcake Mix / Williams-Sonoma Dessert of The Day Cookbook

And what goes great with a sweet treat? Something to read, of course!  I've got a few book suggestions below that would be great gift items paired with any of the sweet treats mentioned above.

SWEETHEARTS by Sara Zarr | goodreads | Amazon | B&N

THE SWEETEST THING by Jill Shalvis | goodreads | Amazon | B&N

THE CHOCOLATE THIEF by Laura Florand | goodreads | Amazon | B&N

BITTERSWEET by Sarah Ockler | goodreads | Amazon | B&N

THE SWEETEST THING by Christina Mandelski | goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Both Jen and I will be selecting 2 books that we will be featuring all month long to give away to 1 winner, each.  This giveaway is open to our international friends, just make sure Book Depository ships to you!  We'll announce the winners after Christmas, at the close of our feature.  Best of luck! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Holiday Sparks by Shannon Stacey

Holiday Sparks by Shannon Stacey
Published: December 6, 2010 by Carina Press
Source: Purchased from B&N

House-sitting for her parents seemed like a good idea, until the microwave blew up and the lights went out.

Now Chloe Burke thinks upgrading the electrical system of her childhood home while they are away would make the perfect Christmas gift. Fortunately, there's an electrician in town who can get the job done by the holidays.

Scott Quinn has wanted to get his hands on the Burkes' wiring for almost as long as he's wanted to get his hands on their daughter. Chloe didn't notice Scott back in high school, but she's noticing him now, and soon they're indulging in a little festive fun: no strings, no expectations. After all, Chloe plans to get out of this goldfish bowl of a town and back to her real life in Boston by New Year's.

But Chloe and Scott discover they enjoy each other's company just as much out of bed. Could their holiday fling turn out to be the real thing? [goodreads]

I have to make a confession... There's something about these adult holiday romances that I just love so much!  Especially ones written by Shannon Stacey.  She knows how to craft the story in just a limited number of pages, but still bring forth all the drama and romance needed to satisfy the reader.  Holiday Sparks did just that and then some.  I must make another confession by saying I think this particular story has been my favorite to read this season so far.

Chloe has left the big city, visiting her childhood home for Christmas, while house sitting for her parents since they are away on vacation.  She's got three weeks before they arrive home Christmas Eve and discovers that her parent's old house is one short fuze away from burning to the ground.  As a Christmas gift to them, she decides to enlist the help of sexy electrician Scott, to rewire the house.  But the surprise is on her when she opens the door and realizes Scott is someone from her past who is very much grown up, and very much earth shatteringly handsome.

As these two reminisce over high school days and catch one another up on their lives now, their sexual attraction ignites and Scott quickly realizes there's more than just the wires in this old house that he would like to get his hands on.  Both of them know that once Christmas passes Chloe will return to her life in the city of Boston and Scott will go back to his small town life as the electrician.  So why not delve into a holiday romance for the time being?  With the motto of living in the moment, these two give in to their desires and spend the next few weeks in the company of each other's bed.

I really enjoyed the pacing of this novel.  It never felt like it was on fast forward, missing any key points, attempting to find the finish line.  The story lingered in just the right moments, giving the reader enough satisfaction to be engrossed with the story and these two loveable characters.  Chloe and Scott possessed a quality that had you rooting for them.  Even though their relationship was meant to be temporary, you knew this was the beginning of something so much more.

Yet again Shannon Stacey has wowed me with another holiday romance.  I just can't get enough of these and this story in particular really grabbed my full attention.  I highly recommend picking this one up because I know for me, it will be a favorite I'll come back to each holiday season.

Stuff Your Stocking With... Things To Keep You Warm + a GIVEAWAY!

With Christmas just a few weeks away I am teaming up with Jen from Pop! Goes the Reader to bring you some fab holiday gift giving ideas for your favorite reader.  Visit our blogs every Thursday this month as we feature some stocking stuffer ideas paired with books that we feel should be on anyone's Christmas Wish List.  I love this time of year, and I especially love gift giving.  I hope our posts give you some ideas on what to give others, and maybe even add to your very own Christmas Wish List (feel free to link your loved ones to our posts, hehe).

For this week's STUFF YOUR STOCKING, I decided to go with the theme "To Keep You Warm".  Even though we don't get a true winter down here in Texas, we have our occasional chilly days, and that calls for a comfy scarf or cute beanie.  I gathered up a few items that I would love to see in my stocking, so I'm betting someone you may need a gift for would like them as well.  Also, you can never go wrong with a Starbucks gift card as a stocking stuffer!

To Keep You Warm by greadsbooks

Old Navy black shawl / Crochet beanie / Old Navy fleece glove / Gap glove / Banana Republic Alpine Cable Beanie - Red / Gap Cable Beanie - heather gray / Gap Intarsia Anchor Beanie - marine blue

I've also got some steamy Adult Romance suggestions to keep you warm, too.  Pairing one of these books with an item above would be an excellent gift to keep any reader warm this Holiday season!

Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean | goodreads | amazon | B&N

Mine Till Midnight by Lisa Kleypas | goodreads | amazon | B&N

About Last Night by Ruthie Knox | goodreads | amazon | B&N

Sugar Daddy by Lisa Kleypas | goodreads | amazon | B&N

On Dublin Street by Samantha Young | goodreads | amazon | B&N

Both Jen and I will be selecting 2 books that we will be featuring all month long to give away to 1 winner, each.  This giveaway is open to our international friends, just make sure Book Depository ships to you!  We'll announce the winners after Christmas, at the close of our feature.  Best of luck! 

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