Susan's Review of A Dash of Christmas by Samantha Chase

With a dash of Christmas magic...


Two people who have spent most of their lives being rivals... Learn a little something about following their hearts...

Carter Montgomery broke the family mold when he went to culinary school. Now a successful restauranteur, he's at a crossroads: should he continue on his successful path or look for a new challenge? What he needs is time alone to think things through. But his matchmaking family has other ideas...

Emery Monaghan's no-good fiancé has embroiled her in scandal and she needs a way out. When mentor Eliza Montgomery offers her a refuge, she's relieved―until she realizes that the deal means rubbing elbows with Eliza's son Carter―Emery's childhood nemesis


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A Dash of Christmas is Carter Montgomery and Emery Monaghan’s enemies to friends to lovers story! Loved the characters backstory-they were childhood rivals-and how Eliza Montgomery’s holiday cookbook project brought them together.

Emery learns that her politician boyfriend has been cheating on her. To add to her humiliation, he has been accused of inappropriate sexual behavior. By employing this current events storyline, the author makes Emery a relatable heroine. Everyone understands being disappointed by friend or lover but, Emery has been embarrassed beyond belief. Eliza Montgomery offers Emery the perfect place to regroup and hide out from the media; her family’s condo in New York City and enlists her help in a charity project.

Eliza knows that her son Carter,who is helping her with the cookbook, is scheduled to stay at the condo. Eliza makes sure Carter and Emery are at the condo at the same time—she’s learned a lot about matchmaking from her sister- in -law! Sparks fly when the couple realizes they are both working on the same project!

I loved the dynamic between Carter and Emery—they are total opposites and their conversations are fabulous. Samantha Chase is an excellent storyteller—Emery and Carter’s story draws the reader in from the first chapter. Loved that famous chef Carter was appalled that Emery’s breakfast choice was chocolate pop tarts—I could imagine his expression- and that Emery nudged him by saying that grape jelly was her favorite fruit. Carter loved creating his fancy ingredient meals from scratch while Emery had no problem eating frozen pizza!

As Carter and Emery spend time together working on the cookbook-their mutual attraction sizzles and it’s such fun to have them fall in love while arguing about gouda, pop tarts and kettle corn! Their visons of a holiday meal are totally opposite; Carter wanted to create a fancy over the top meal while Emery wanted to eat a traditional turkey dinner with stuffing and mashed potatoes and a few cookies for dessert. Loved that Carter got Emery to try different foods and that Emery’s idea of simple, comfort foods resonated and inspired Carter.

A Dash of Christmas brings the west coast Montgomerys to New York for a mock Christmas dinner comprised of recipes from the cookbook. Loved that Emery spent time with Meghan, Summer, Gabriella and Maylene. Carter and Emery’s story has all the feels—it’s a heartwarming celebration of family, food and love. I am sad that my favorite series has ended and loved that Ms. Chase gave the Montgomery family a perfect Christmas card ending!

Thank you Samantha for writing a fabulous series! I loved William Montgomery and his charming, over the top, matchmaking schemes, adored Gina and Mac, related to Summer, Maylene and Ethan’s romance and cheered for Zach to recover and realize that Gabriella was his perfect match! Megan and Alex’s story will always be special to me—it’s my comfort read. This series is a fan favorite because everyone needs a little magic in their life!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the Author

Susan's Review of Snowfall on Cedar Trail by Annie Rains

From a USA Today bestselling author comes a heartwarming holiday romance between the a small-town florist and the handsome chief of police.

Last Christmas was tough for Halona Locklear and her seven-year-old son Theo, who hasn't spoken a word since his father's death. This year, Halona wants nothing more than to give him a good holiday and to hear his sweet voice again. Enrolling him in the Mentor Match program might help, but when Theo gets matched with Sweetwater Springs Chief of Police, Alex Baker, Halona realizes that the handsome hero might know secrets about her past that she is determined to keep buried.
Chief of Police, Alex Baker, re-opens his father's hit-and-run cold case every December, hoping to finally solve it. This year, his plate is full with being a Mentor Match to a young seven-year-old boy as well. His biggest obstacle, however, is fighting his attraction to the boy's mother, Halona. As Alex gets close to solving his father's cold case, he learns that those closest to him may be in danger -- including Halona. Alex has already lost one of the most important people in his life; he isn't about to lose her too, even if it means walking away to keep her safe.
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Annie Rains writes a heartwarming story for police chief Alex Baker and single mom Halona Locklear. Snowfall on Cedar Trial is a captivating friends to lovers romance which takes place during the holiday season.

Alex Baker has been attracted to his best friend’s sister for ages. He makes excuses to run into her at the local coffee spot or at her florist shop. Alex has been preoccupied with solving his father’s murder—it haunts him during this time of the year. He’s a complex character-he’s kind to his friends, looks in on the elderly, and takes time to visit friends in the hospital. I wondered why he couldn’t take a leap of faith and ask Halona out. Alex takes his job seriously and does what he thinks is right. He sees situations in black and white—no grey—and this plays a huge part of the storyline.

Halona Locklear is a single mom who works full time at her florist shop. Ms. Rains was spot on describing Halona’s work- home life balance and as a full time working mom-I could relate to her. Halona’s concern for her son Theo set the tone for the novel. Her complicated relationship with her ex-husband plus her son’s inability to communicate verbally since his death added to the depth of the storyline.

Alex joins the Mentor Match community service project to spiff up his image and is thrilled to have been paired with Halona’s son Theo. I liked that Alex and Theo got along so well; Alex truly enjoyed their time together, Theo had a friend and a role model and Alex and Halona were able to spend time together.

Annie Rains blends friendships, family and work issues, a strong sense of community values and adds a bit of mystery in this novel. I liked that Alex and Halona shared a past and they had a HUGE misunderstanding to work through. This plot choice intrigued me; I loved reading how the characters reacted to the challenges they faced during their journey. Loved that the relationship took time to grow—it was perfectly paced.

I adored catching up with Kaitlyn, Mitch, Josie, and Tuck and meeting Brenna, Grandmother Baker and the adorable Mr. Chew. I am enjoying this series so much-each book has great characters, relatable situations and a small town values. The conclusion is perfect for this couple—hard won but, very rewarding! I can't wait for the next book in the series!!!!

Are you looking for an amazing friends to lovers Christmas romance? Snowfall on Cedar Trail has all the feels—it’s a captivating, feel good novel that will definitely get you in the holiday spirit! Grab a mug of hot chocolate, your favorite corgi to snuggle with and settle in for a fabulous read!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the author.

Susan's Review of Bayside Romance by Melissa Foster

After spending a year working in California, screenwriter Harper Garner has returned to Cape Cod. Harper needs to get back on track; emotionally, romantically and professionally. Her self-confidence is at a low point-her dating radar wasn’t working in LA , her cable series was cancelled and she can’t bring herself to tell her family that her cross country move was a HUGE mistake.

Harper meets her friends at a bonfire and comes face to face with Gavin Wheeler; her best friend’s business partner. Harper and Gavin had an intense one night stand at a music festival before she left for California.

Melissa Foster write a fabulous love story for this couple. I loved that Harper and Gavin had a connection-their past could have been awkward but the author chose to focus on the positives. As Harper was telling her friends about her life in LA, Gavin felt that something was not quite right with Harper. I liked that he acknowledged their connection first, reached out to her and listened to her story without judgement.

I adored Gavin – he’s sweet, kind and is willing to put Harper’s needs first. He’s an interior designer who excels at creating beautiful homes for his clients- but he’s forgotten to make his house his home. I loved that he was neat and organized and was so surprised to discover that when Harper was writing--her cottage was littered with paper. Harper thrived in chaos—Gavin needs organization. Loved that Gavin gave Harper space and that he understood that she needed to regain her self-confidence.

Melissa Foster serves up a fun, flirty, sexy twist second chance romance in Bayside Romance. Loved the sexual chemistry between Harper and Gavin—it’s intense, emotional and very real. The couple learned to listen, trust and love each other during the novel. Gavin and Harper’s relationship is tested when a secret is accidentally revealed towards the end of the novel. Melissa Foster doesn’t make it easy for this couple—their story is comprised of several life lessons—as they figure out how to move forward together.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman
ARC provided by the author

Read the first chapter of Bayside Romance-CLICK HERE!!

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and new adult romance with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented–perfect beach reads for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy reading about wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines.