Their little charade is working a little too well . . . because Troy’s falling head over heels.
WELCOME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
A Hero's Welcome #4
Annie Rains
Releasing Nov 8th, 2016
The bestselling Hero’s Welcomes series
continues with a juicy Christmas romance set in Seaside, North Carolina, where
a bustling military base keeps this small town stocked with dedicated, lovable
heroes.
Three-hundred-and-sixty-four
days a year, Allison Carmichael doesn’t mind being single. It sure beats dating
another loser, and it keeps her heart safe. Then there’s that
three-hundred-and-sixty-fifth day: Christmas Eve, the traditional time her
entire family gathers together—and gangs up on her, demanding to know when
she’s going to get married. This year, she swears, is going be different. And
that’s why, at a charity auction she’s throwing on-base, she buys herself a
man.
Sergeant
Troy Matthews insists that he’s not for sale. His time is, though, and he’s happy
to donate it. Happier still when he learns the identity of the winning bidder:
the redhead with the killer good looks and smart mouth who runs the veteran’s
center. Allison needs Troy’s help to fool her family into believing they’re an
item, and he’s all too happy to indulge her. But by the time Christmas Eve
rolls around, their little charade is working a little too well . . . because
Troy’s falling head over heels.
USA Today Bestselling Author, Annie Rains, is a
contemporary romance author who writes small town love stories set in fictional
towns on the coast of North Carolina. Raised in one of America’s largest
military communities, Annie often features heroes who fight for their
countries, while also fighting for a place to call home and a good woman to
love. When Annie isn’t writing, she’s spending time with her husband and 3
children, or reading a book by one of her favorite authors.
Welcome Home for Christmas is an appealing opposites -attract story with charming characters set in near a military base in North Carolina. I appreciated how the romance between Allison Carmichael and Troy Matthews developed as the couple dated; the romance was not rushed and this aspect made the couple’s journey more genuine to me. Annie Rains’ use of dialogue is fabulous! Through the honest and sometimes emotional conversations between the characters the reader knew that Allison and Troy were attracted to each other. I enjoyed reading and anticipating when the two of them would realize that their relationship was changing from friends to lovers.
The author does a fabulous job of weaving the true spirit of Christmas in the novel. Allison’s hope is for the orphan’s to have their Christmas wishes fulfilled. She is a character who keeps Christmas in her heart all year long. The novel has a few unexpected plot twists, the ending for all of the characters was perfect. And the epilogue was AWESOME!
If you enjoy holiday novels by authors Debbie Mason and Sherryl Woods—pick up this book—you will love it!
Reviewed by Susan Gorman
ARC provided by the Publisher
"So there’s one thing I now know about you. You’re a good liar.” Allison folded her arms at her chest.
“Good, maybe. But I value honesty. Sometimes lying to someone is for their own good, though. A little white lie never really hurt anyone. Here’s one for you,” he leaned in closer and lowered his voice, “I have absolutely no interest in dating you, either.” Her cheeks flushed. “And I don’t think you’re the most beautiful woman in this room, and the thought of taking you out does not appeal to me whatsoever.” He shook his head. “Nope, not one little bit.”
She smiled. “Now I know two things about you. You lie well and you’re a smooth talker. So, do you agree to my proposal?”
Troy could just say yes, but he was enjoying engaging her in a conversation. “You know, when I was kid, Christmas was always magical. I’d sit with the toy catalog and create this huge, mile-long list of the things I wanted. I never got so excited about a pencil and paper.” “Did you get everything on the list?” she asked. “Usually.” “So your family had money?” He nodded. His family practically owned the town he’d grown up in. He didn’t know what it felt like to want for something until his cousin Dale had died in 9-11, the deciding factor in him joining the military.
“I figure the more money raised for those kids, the better their Christmas will be.” “That’s my goal. I want this to be the best Christmas Mercy’s kids have ever had.” “So, if I have to take you out . . .” He trailed off, smiling at her. “We’re just going to talk. Have a meal or something together. No kissing, no handholding.” Troy held up his hands. “I’m an honorable guy. I don’t force myself on women. Truth is, I usually have to fight them off.” He winked again.
“And you can’t act like that when you meet my mother.” “Like what?” he asked. “All flirty and charming. She’ll never believe that I’d fall for someone like that.” He tried not to take offense because no matter what she was saying, she was attracted to him. He could see it in her dilated pupils and the way her chest rose just slightly under her racing pulse. “No? What kind of guy exactly would you fall for?” Allison looked around the room. There was still a nice-sized crowd laughing and mingling. Christmas music filled the merry air. “I wouldn’t fall for any kind of guy right now. That’s why I’m pretending with you.”
