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THE BOOK A READER'S OPINION Silver Bells is a sweet and heartwarming holiday story of romance and hope. Joel Carpenter is a prickly writer who prefers to be left alone. He might be tough to like at first, but his reasons are understandable. Christy Taylor is a loving mother who struggles to care of her diabetic daughter. She's also a helpful neighbor to the kind woman who lives next door. Of course she doesn't know that her sweet neighbor has another connection to her. This novella is sweet, if not a little sappy at times, and the author created some nice conflict and attraction between Joel and Christy from their first meeting. For a light and enjoyable holiday read, readers are sure to appreciate Silver Bells . Star Rating: 3 1/2 Stars | Content Rating : 2 Hearts | Reviewed by : Kaylie Morgan BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM BOOK SYNOPSIS He doesn't believe in love, so why can't he forget her? Mystery writer, Joel Carpenter, has no time for romance. He has a deadline to meet, and too many skeletons in his closet to trust the slightly spinny artist renting his house. Christy Taylor has her hands full dealing with an ailing business and a diabetic daughter, she doesn't need the temptation that is her landlord, Joel Carpenter. Can a Christmas wish bring two stubborn souls together and give a little girl the gift she wants most? Format Read : E-Book | Source: Provided by the author or publisher. VIEW FTC DISCLAIMER REGARDING BOOK REVIEWS Receive our weekly roundup of posts, reviews, interviews, and special deals directly in your inbox. Delivered once a week—no spam . #AReadersOpinion #ChristmasBook #ContemporaryRomance

THE BOOK Druid's Brooch Series, Book 2 A READER'S OPINION Legacy of Truth offers beautiful scenery and captivating characters. I read this book right after book one, and I have to admit that I found the first one a little more engaging in some places but I think that had more to do with the depth of history in Legacy of Hunger . In this second volume, the magic and folktales of old Ireland feel like a natural part of the story and the author's vivid detail helped the setting and time period come alive. Esme's flaws and pure "humanness" make her likeable and I enjoyed her touching friendship with Aisling. I wanted Esme to have a happy ending and fulfilling life. Her choices in love left me wondering but then she didn't have the easiest childhood and had to grow up too quickly. Her journey of discovery and her struggles are real and poignant. I like how the brooch is woven into Esme's quest and I want to know more! This book is the second in the series, but I think it could be read as a stand-alone. Legacy of Truth is for readers who like historical fiction with a touch of magic to awaken the imagination. Star Rating : 4 Stars | Content Rating : 5 Hearts | Reviewed by : Kaylie Morgan BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM BOOK SYNOPSIS Set in late 18th century Ireland, Esme must grow up quickly in small, isolated northwestern town. Her parents are leaving for America, abandoning her and her sister to fend for themselves. As she struggles to find her place, she finds it difficult to keep hold of what's left that's precious to her. Once married and in a new town, Esme's only friend, Aisling, helps her through difficult times, as her Traveler husband stays away longer and longer plying his trade. While Esme has had some comfort in her small family, she must now find comfort on her own, as her treacherous sister tries stealing the family heirloom to sell, a brooch reputed to have mystical powers, which had been left to her by her grandfather. Esme must learn to cope with her dwindling family and growing despair in order to keep the brooch safe. Print Length: 358 pages Publisher: Tirgearr Publishing Publication Date: July 6, 2016 Format Read: E-Book | Source: Provided by the author or publisher. VIEW FTC DISCLAIMER REGARDING BOOK REVIEWS Receive our weekly roundup of posts, reviews, interviews, and special deals directly in your inbox. Delivered once a week—no spam . #AReadersOpinion #HistoricalFiction

THE BOOK Druid's Brooch Series, Book 1 A READER'S OPINION Compelling storytelling and fascinating history. Legacy of Hunger is not all what I expected and instead took me on a journey into mid-1800s Ireland with more history than fantasy. Valentia is on a quest and travels to her family's homeland of Ireland to retrieve and perhaps discover family. She is a strong woman who has to overcome a lot on her journeys, but she is up to the task! Aside from a few phrases that had me searching to see if they existed in the 1840s, it was obvious the author did her research. The history brought the story to life for me and is what kept me reading much of the way. It could have easily been more of a historical romance but this book really reads like historical fiction with just a touch of romance and fantasy. I was most pulled in by the characters. When the action slowed down their stories kept me interested and caring about their lives. The writing could be more intriguing and polished in some places, but this first book in the series makes me hope for good things from this author. Star Rating : 3 1/2 Stars | Content Rating : 1 Heart | Reviewed by : Kaylie Morgan BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM BOOK SYNOPSIS Ireland is no promised land in 1846. It is wracked by a crippling potato blight, and people are dying. But Valentia McDowell doesn’t know that. From her father’s prosperous farm in Ohio, young Valentia is haunted by tales of an abandoned family and a lost heirloom. She travels to her grandmother’s homeland with her brother, Conor, and two servants, to find both. Her delight in the exciting journey on one of the first steam ships to cross the Atlantic is shattered by a horrible tragedy. What she encounters upon her arrival in Ireland is both more and less than she had hoped. Valentia finds both enemies and allies, amid horrors and delights, and a small bit of magic. She finds a richer heritage than she had ever imagined, but it comes with a price. When she finally reaches her goal, a terrible price is demanded. She must pay or forfeit, and both decisions have strong consequences for her and her friends. Print Length: 288 pages Publisher: Tirgearr Publishing Publication Date: October 21, 2015 Format Read: E-Book | Source: Provided by the author or publisher. VIEW FTC DISCLAIMER REGARDING BOOK REVIEWS Receive our weekly roundup of posts, reviews, interviews, and special deals directly in your inbox. Delivered once a week—no spam . #AReadersOpinion #HistoricalFiction

A READER'S OPINION A Magical Highland Solstice delivers a lot of romance and Yuletide magic! Eve Brannigan and Laird Cormac Murray have no idea what's about to hit them as the holiday season approaches. Both are in need of love and a touch of magic. I enjoyed disappearing into Mary Morgan's world of the Fae and magic set in the Highlands. I had not read anything by the author before and I liked how she crossed from present-day to the 13th century. The transition felt almost natural. I did find it odd and difficult to believe that Eve adapted so easily without more fight or questions. I like steamy romance but the intimate scene here contrasted too much with the story for my tastes and it didn't add anything to the story, but that is just my thought. I liked most, the handsome Highlander, Cormac, as well as Eve's present-day neighbor, and the Fae. The author delights us with a cast of entertaining characters, steamy romance, and tempting treats. A Magical Highland Solstice is sure to be enjoyed by anyone who likes a touch of magic with their holiday romance. Star Rating: 3 1/2 Stars | Content Rating : 5 Hearts | Reviewed by : Kaylie Morgan BOOK SYNOPSIS Laird Cormac Murray has witnessed how love destroyed his own father after the death of his mother, and he vows to never take a wife. Yet, when he comes upon a bewildered lass traveling alone, he finds his heart will no longer listen to his mind. In the end, Cormac risks everything to claim the love of a woman not of his time. Eve Brannigan loves helping others and baking. After winning a contest, she is stunned to learn that the Clan Murray has requested her assistance to cater to their guests during the holiday season. When a lost path in Scotland leads her to a handsome but gruff Highlander, Eve fights the temptation to allow love to enter her heart for the first time. Can the Fae and the magic of the Yule season bring together two souls who have forsaken love? Or will tragedies from the past separate the lovers forever? Print Length: 145 pages Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc Publication Date: December 2, 2016 Format Read : E-Book | Source: Provided by the author or publisher. #AReadersOpinion #HighlandRomance #MedievalRomance

Congratulations to Janice Godin, author of Then She Danced , winner of the November 2016 Readers' Choice Cover Contest. Head on over to check out the cover finalists for December . Voting opens 12.01.16! #CoverContestWinner

THE BOOK Protectors of the Crown, Book 2 A READER'S OPINION A real page turner of a Highland romance! Lovers of Highland adventures will be very pleased with April Holthaus's second story, Heart of the Highlands: The Wolf . This novel is so captivating that it will grab you from the very first page and will keep you enthralled until the very end! This story is a perfect Scottish historical romance to devour! The Protectors of the Crown was a secret society of men who swore their life and allegiance to King James. Rylan was one of these men, along with Leland and Ian. Their mission was to capture anyone who held a criminal activity against the crown. This time, it's Rylan's own story with a young woman named Fallon and her son Braeden. Rylan is a man on the run! In order to start a new life, he has to face his past. However, he's still running from the English troops, and evidently becomes an outlaw. He needs a secure hiding place, and fast! Then enters Fallon to give Rylan shelter and heal him of his bruises. But as they spend time together and share their secrets, a beautiful and trusting relationship will start. Sparks flare all over and ignite a beautiful passion. But soon, danger will lurk around them! Will Rylan be healed in time to protect them? Just follow Rylan and Fallon's perilous journey of twists and turns! The Wolf is action packed and filled with adventure. This is a fast-paced and a well-written Scottish romance! I highly recommend The Wolf ! I'm looking forward to Ms. Holthaus's third story about Lelan MacKenna, known as the Dragon. Star Rating : 5 Stars | Content Rating : 4 1/2 Hearts | Reviewed by : Nicole Laverdure BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM BOOK SYNOPSIS Rylan has spent most of his life keeping his identity a secret, even from those he loves. But in order to secure his future, he has to face his past. On the run as an outlaw, trying to clear his name, Rylan comes across a woman who he discovers has dark secrets of her own. Living a simple life with her young son, nothing seemed as if it could go wrong, until a Highland drifter shows up on her doorstep. Dragging her into his world of chaos and deception, Fallon finds herself at a crossroads that may impact both of their lives. As secrets become exposed, will Fallon choose the right path to change her life, and will it be enough to save Rylan from the noose? Publisher: Grey Eagle Publishing, LLC Publication Date: January 8, 2017 Format Read: E-Book | Source: Provided by the author or publisher. VIEW FTC DISCLAIMER REGARDING BOOK REVIEWS Receive our weekly roundup of posts, reviews, interviews, and special deals directly in your inbox. Delivered once a week—no spam . #AReadersOpinion #HighlandRomance

THE BOOK A Regency Novella A READER'S OPINION Sweet and romantic! A Wallflower’s Christmas Kiss by Dawn Brower is a charming novella! Will Juliette's dream to marry during Christmas time come true? When she was nine years old, Juliette had decided to marry her childhood friend Grayson some day. But when he moved away to further his education, she lost touch with him and her heart broke. Will time heal her heart? Can she forget him? Now at 25, her father is forcing her to marry a mean viscount who she doesn't even love. Will her childhood sweetheart come to her rescue? Is Grayson her last hope? Will destiny reunite those two once again? However, the duke isn't the marrying sort! Will Juliette be able to capture his heart forever? Will he be able to resist her charm? Is love in the air during Christmas? This short novella is so romantic! The teasing between Juliette and Grayson made me giggle! Star Rating : 4 1/2 Stars | Content Rating : 4 1/2 Hearts | Reviewed by : Nicole Laverdure BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM BOOK SYNOPSIS Have you ever dreamed of a Christmas wedding? Spinsterhood has never looked so good, but unfortunately even that won’t save Lady Juliette Brooks. Her father’s arranged a betrothal for her to a brute of a man. She has one choice left—force the Duke of Kissinger to honor a long ago promise to save her. Grayson Abbot, the Duke of Kissinger, does not want to marry Lady Juliette. He doesn’t want to marry anyone. But he did make her a promise, and he doesn’t go back on his word… So he reluctantly agrees to run away with her. They set off on an adventure during the Christmastide season. As they race to Scotland they experience delays, cold weather, and a friendship they’d almost forgotten about. Will Juliette finally find out what it’s like to be kissed, and in return, win the duke’s heart? Print Length: 110 pages Publisher: Monarchal Glenn Press Publication Date: December 5, 2016 Format Read: E-Book | Source: Provided by the author or publisher. VIEW FTC DISCLAIMER REGARDING BOOK REVIEWS Receive our weekly roundup of posts, reviews, interviews, and special deals directly in your inbox. Delivered once a week—no spam . #AReadersOpinion #ChristmasRomance #412Stars #ReviewersTopPick

THE BOOK A READER'S OPINION Good read! I love reading most romances, and I don’t often read one set in New Orleans/Egypt. Eye of the Pharaoh written by Nancy Fraser, is a fun adventure! If you love the Indiana Jones adventures then you’ll love it. It’s also a time-travel romance set between the present day and early twentieth century, with two charming characters: Teri, a publicist, and Joshua, an archaeologist and author of a famous mystery book. When they first meet, Josh is very intrigued by Teri! She is asked to help Josh with the publicity surrounding his non-fiction book. But, they end up in Egypt and embark on a journey of danger and mystery, and all because of a cursed jewel. Will they find the clue of the enigma and solve the mystery that they were searching for? Will they be able to come back to present day? Star Rating : 4 Stars | Content Rating : 5 Hearts | Reviewed by : Nicole Laverdure BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM BOOK SYNOPSIS Publicist Teri Hunter has her hands full promoting Professor Joshua Cain and his new non-fiction book, The Pharaoh’s Mummy. She’s not even sure it’s possible to turn this absent-minded, modern-day, Indiana Jones into a best-selling author. Dr. Cain’s PhDs in archaeology and art history have prepared him for almost anything on the lecture circuit and among ancient ruins. He’s just not sure about a book tour...or the sexy publicist sent to monitor his every professional move. When an odd request falls into their laps while in New Orleans, Josh and Teri find themselves transported to 1920’s Egypt where they must resolve an ancient curse in order to be sent home. Will the dangers facing them hinder their success and threaten their very lives? Or will help from an ancient guardian keep them on-track and safe? Print Length: 214 pages Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing Publication Date: October 19, 2016 Format Read: E-Book | Source: Provided by the author or publisher. VIEW FTC DISCLAIMER REGARDING BOOK REVIEWS Receive our weekly roundup of posts, reviews, interviews, and special deals directly in your inbox. Delivered once a week—no spam . #AReadersOpinion #TimeTravelRomance

THE BOOK A READER'S OPINION Secret Suffragette meets sexy Highlander James Mackintosh, one of ten children, is done with watching his brothers falling in love. The happiness all of them have found is what has eluded him, and what he covets in secret is a woman to love him unconditionally, and a family. Year after year, the young debutantes keep on getting younger and younger. The decision made, he heads to the Americas and perhaps his luck will change. Primrose Eames is a widow after 10 years of marriage. Prove to a husband that she's not an empty-headed female is the last thing she needs and she has no desire to subject herself to a dominating man. Primrose is not what she seems and she has a secret—one that she guards carefully—until she meets James. Everything about him should have her running in the other direction, but she's drawn to him like a moth to fire. James is intrigued with Mrs. Eames and he sees a passionate woman behind the uptight picture she portrays. He wants to unravel every layer that hides the woman, and he has decided to make her his own! Will outside forces keep them apart? Or will someone close to them create a misunderstanding that has an impact on their blossoming love? What a great story of a friendship turned into a strong mutual respect for each other. Allowing the equality of the person and not the gender, allows a love to bloom that will last forever. Angeline Fortin really captivates the reader, drawing them into the lives of her characters until every emotion is felt. Star Rating: 4 1/2 Stars | Content Rating : 4 1/2 Hearts | Reviewed by : Maria Rose Dariotis BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM BOOK SYNOPSIS The halls of Glen Cairn Manor churned with so much love and wedded bliss of late the sight had become downright sickening. James MacKintosh couldn’t understand how his brothers had managed to fall love-struck one after another. Not when they all knew as well as he how such an emotion could send a man from heaven straight to the bowels of hell. But, damned if they didn’t somehow make it all look so bloody appealing. New York suffragette Primrose Eames had more than enough men trying to control her already. There was no chance she’d relent and marry again, despite her brothers’ dogged “encouragement” on the matter. More than anything, she wanted independence and the freedom to live life on her own terms. A husband would only serve to snatch that dream away from her forever. What Prim needed was a decoy and James MacKintosh was just the man for the job. Having failed in his search for the perfect woman to wed, James was happy to help Prim with a false courtship, but only because it served his purposes to avoid the matchmakers as well. However, James soon discovers that even a fictitious courtship with a woman set on never remarrying has its own challenges. For Prim, the courtship begins to feel all too real. James is too charming, too engaging and so supportive of her cause. It doesn’t take long before she realizes there is a certain freedom to be found in marriage the right sort of man. If the right sort of man were interested in marriage, that is. It’s only when betrayal and despair leave them both longing for more in their lives that they realize the importance of a love worth having, and a question worth asking. Series: Questions for a Highlander, Book 6 Print Length: 251 pages Publisher: My Personal Bubble LLC Publication Date: August 31, 2016 Format Read : E-Book | Source: Provided by the author or publisher. VIEW FTC DISCLAIMER REGARDING BOOK REVIEWS Receive our weekly roundup of posts, reviews, interviews, and special deals directly in your inbox. Delivered once a week—no spam . #AReadersOpinion #HistoricalRomance #HighlandRomance #412Stars #ReviewersTopPick

Please join us in welcoming author Brooke May to Books & Benches for a Q&A. Brooke visits us from the beautiful Wyoming where she writes about sexy cowboys and recently ventured into edgier contemporary romance. " My Cowboy is a sweet, quick read that will have you laughing and crying from start to finish." — Amazon Reviewer MY COWBOY Emma & Cade Q&A WITH BROOKE MAY Please tell us a little something about your newest release. My newest book comes out December 13th. It is something different from what I’ve written to date. It isn’t a cowboy romance. I was sick a couple of years ago and while in the hospital I dreamed about a book where I would build up this epic love only to have something equally epic rip it apart. It is the first part of the story. I love this book so very much. I stepped out of my comfort zone of what I know and tried something different, and I’m addicted to doing different things now. It is set in Boston and goes through a few short months where my heroine, K.C., finds, falls in love with, and ends up broken by Chamberlain, a fighter who has had a rough life. This book gives me so many warm fuzzy feelings that I really have a hard time putting all the emotions and feelings into actual words. I hope others love it as much as I do. I plan to release part two on my birthday this coming year. What story are you working on next, and what inspired it? The newest story I’m working on is the first in a new series of stand-alone books. I spent the summer writing a three part series from a male’s POV and now I’m back to writing a duel perspective book. It is a military romance set in a town I made up in Montana. It is a really healing story I’m slowly finding is going to be very emotional both to write and to read. Inspiration came to me when I was just daydreaming about new book ideas. I’ve wanted to do military books and this one sort of fell together for me. Do you remember the moment when you first considered yourself a writer? I do. I always wanted to write and have my stories out there for others to enjoy. For a long time, I wrote fan fiction that people can still access. But it hit me I could actually make my dreams come true and publish something when I was on maternity leave with my youngest, and putting laundry away in my son’s bedroom. There on the wall above his dresser was a poem I wrote in high school (a talent that since has left me) and I thought, "Hey, I could make something more from that." And I did. That’s how I crafted My Cowboy . Do you share any personality traits with Emma? Each of my main characters have various traits from my personality. In My Cowboy , Emma’s stubborn attitude is just like mine. Maddi in Faith in My Cowboy has my strength and faith. Libby in Loved by My Cowboy has my spunk and perseverance. And my newest main character, K.C., has the way I love. What is your favorite non-writing pastime? Anything to do with my beloved Bighorn Mountains. I love being up there fishing, hunting, hiking, four-wheeling, camping, taking pictures or just taking a drive. I grew up on those mountains and to me they are my true home. I got up there to recharge my batteries and just reconnect with nature and where I feel closest to God. THE BOOK Growing up in Northeastern Wyoming, Emma Price has always known that the ranching way of life is never easy. After losing her dad, her brother's illness and now the risk of losing everything that means something to her, Emma is in for a fight. What started off as a routine day of checking on her horses, turned her world upside down with the arrival of an old crush. Cade Masters spent the last ten years running. After a great tragedy struck unexpectedly he hit the road thinking no one cared. Now he is back and wanting the life he use to have on the Price Ranch. How will Emma handled her life now that Cade is back in it and wanting to pick up where he left off? Will Emma forgive him and allow him into her heart again or will she push him away? Life can change at the drop of a hat and the unexpected always takes you by surprise. Buy at Amazon | Add to Goodreads More Purchase Options Heat Level: 5 MEET THE AUTHOR Born and raised in Northern Wyoming. Brooke spent a great deal of her childhood and even well into her adulthood, in her imagination and creating different stories. A busy mother of two growing boys and a wife, she spends a great deal of time outdoors and in her beloved Bighorn Mountains. She usually has a notebook, sketch pad, and camera close by her side at all times, never knowing when inspiration will hit. Visit Brooke at her website and on Facebook . This author is scheduled to appear at Wild Deadwood Reads in June 2017 Time to rope in some new reads at June's Wild Deadwood Reads! This multi-genre, multi-author event features a book signing and a roundup of extra, optional events that include a PBR Rodeo, and 1880s Train Ride, a visit to Mount Rushmore, two Ghost Tours, a Saloon Crawl, and more! To learn more and register to attend this amazing event, visit the Wild Deadwood Reads website . Be sure to stop by and say "howdy" to all the registered authors and readers in the WDR Facebook group . #WildDeadwoodReads #AuthorInterview #ContemporaryRomance

THE COLLECTION A READER'S OPINION The Salt Hendon Collection by Lucinda Brant consists of two novels and a novella. This was a nice introduction for me into this author's work since I hadn't read her books before. I also don't believe I've read Georgian romance before so it was a nice change. There are all kinds of wonderful characters; some are fascinating and likeable while others are intriguing and evil. I thought the well-blended variety made for very interesting stories. The author has a nice writing style A lot happens in this collection--too much for one review without giving away important plot points. I enjoyed both novels, but Salt Bride pulled me into the story and held me more than Salt Redux , though both were enjoyable. I liked spending more time with the characters I came to like in the first book, and I would definitely recommend starting with book one. Salt Angel is a little gem of a novella and a nice addition to the collection. There's a lot going on, so pay attention and you'll enjoy the romance and adventure. This collection by a gifted writer is sure to delight fans of historical romance. Star Rating: 4 Stars | Content Rating : 4 1/2 Hearts | Reviewed by : Kaylie Morgan BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM Salt Bride - 4 1/2 stars | Salt Redux - 4 stars | Salt Angel - 4 stars BOOK SYNOPSIS This special edition boxed set brings together two of Lucinda Brant's best-loved books, Salt Bride and its sequel Salt Redux , and includes a bonus novella. The Earl of Salt Hendon and Jane Despard marry for reasons that are hardly romantic. But will they find love as a revenge plot threatens to tear them apart? Format Read : E-Book | Source: Provided by the author or publisher. VIEW FTC DISCLAIMER REGARDING BOOK REVIEWS Receive our weekly roundup of posts, reviews, interviews, and special deals directly in your inbox. Delivered once a week—no spam . #AReadersOpinion #HistoricalRomance #GeorgianRomance

When the storm of the century hits on Christmas Eve, snow isn’t the only thing that’s in the air. Close to Perfect A Montana Men Novella by Jennifer Ryan At sixteen, Abigail had every reason to walk away from Dex and only one reason to save him from being arrested. But when she decided to put love first, her parents couldn’t understand and sent her away from them, and Dex. Ten years later, Dex finally gets the chance to thank her for the sacrifice she made for him, but instead, he gets the surprise of his life. Now he has to put everything on the line to save her and prove his love. No storm will keep him from Abby--or their daughter--now that has them again. Snowed in at Copper Ridge A Copper Ridge Novella by Maisey Yates Mia Landry has always had it bad for Devlin Grayson. The brooding cowboy has frequently featured in her most heated fantasies. The problem? He’s too old for her, way more experienced and…also happens to be her best friend’s older brother. But when she decides to join the Grayons for a family Christmas at Copper Ridge Lodge, Mia and Devlin find themselves snowed in. Devlin has always wanted Mia, but a rough guy like him would never be right for a woman like her. But, when they find themselves alone and isolated during the storm Mia tells him what she really wants for Christmas is to lose her virginity…with him. Devlin can’t resist Mia’s request. Will one night of passion melt away after the storm? Or will a little Christmas magic lead them to love? Hot Winter s Night A Brightwater Novella by Lia Riley When the "Blizzard of the Century" strikes while Marigold Flint works late in her flower shop, this Type-A workaholic has more to worry about than finishing up her backlog of seasonal centerpiece orders. The power is out and she has no heat, no food, and no one to keep her warm beneath the two-dozen mistletoe hanging around the shop. Great. Then Brightwater's most eligible bachelor, Deputy Sheriff, Kit Kane, shows up to the rescue-her first love (aka the jerk who broke her heart when he secretly enlisted in the Marines, shipping off without a word of explanation). When they find themselves stranded at the Kane's Hidden Rock ranch, they discover the other Kane men have started a bet on the town newspaper blog over how long the sworn enemies can last in close quarters without killing each other, and decide two can play at that game. They place a bet as a false identity, determined to fake a relationship through the holidays, then split the jackpot. But all bets are off as they realize what they really want for Christmas is a second chance. Amazon | B & N | Google Play | iTunes | Kobo Print Length: 384 Pgs. | Heat Level: 3 | Publisher: Avon Impulse | Release Date: Nov. 15, 2016 ENJOY AN EXCERPT From Jennifer Ryan's Close to Perfect Ten years ago… Then he met someone...different. Interesting. Nice. Abigail Swain was barely sixteen and in the senior class. She was that smart. Really smart. Paired together for a science class project, he’d gotten to know her and wondered why he’d never really noticed her. Small town, small school, still, she kept under the radar. Her parents believed school was more important than friends. Instead of spending her free time playing sports or hanging out at the diner downtown with other girls, she spent every spare minute at church or studying. Abigail might come off weird and brainy, but really she was shy...quiet. And genuinely nice. A perfect target for Laurie, who made it known she didn’t like him spending time with Abigail, even for a class project. Five days into working with Abigail something inside him shifted while she explained the intricacies of photosynthesis right off the top of her head. The way her eyes lit up. She planted her chin in her palm and looked right at him. Open and filled with kindness, she did something to his insides. He moved without thinking about it, leaned across the coffee table in his living room, and tentatively pressed his lips to hers in a soft kiss. He didn’t know why he had to do it until their lips touched and the wonder and softening in her eyes undid him. To his surprise, she kissed him back, and if he hadn’t been sitting on the floor already, he’d have hit his knees. That kiss changed everything and put a lot of things into perspective. Like he’d rather be with someone he liked and enjoyed spending time with. He and Laurie had more fights than good times and it wore thin. Quick. Despite Laurie’s many protests, he ended things with her with a promise that he wouldn’t back out of taking her to the dance so she wouldn’t be humiliated and have to go alone. From that moment on, he secretly spent more and more time with Abigail, though they kept their relationship hidden. Something about the way her overprotective father hovered nearby when they worked on their project at her house warned him that she’d get into deep trouble if her parents knew about them. Abby never said so, but he got the sense she feared her own dad. As the mayor of their town, he had a reputation for advocating strict morals. A lot of people outside their church congregation found him judgmental. Including Dex. He might not be valedictorian material, but he made better than good grades, was the best pitcher and hitter Crystal Creek High ever had, and he planned to take his team to the championships this spring. He had baseball and college to look forward to over the next couple of years and still Mayor Swain looked at him like he was nothing but a thing. His dad sat beside him, ready to do battle, and nudged him with an elbow in his side. “Laurie’s here. She probably told her father the two of you were at the dance all night, and you couldn’t have stolen that car.” The hope in his father’s voice destroyed Dex. I am so screwed. Laurie walked right past him, smiling that sweet smile he and the other guys she’d caught in her web knew hid her devious side. She was out for blood. Since her dad was the sheriff, he had a feeling she was going to get it. Every last drop she thought she deserved because he’d had the audacity to dump her and ruined her plan to get back together at the dance. The sheriff waved them into his office. “Let’s go, Dex. You’ve got some explaining to do.” Amazon | B & N | Google Play | iTunes | Kobo TOUR GIVEAWAY Enter below to win a print edition of Snowbound at Christmas MEET THE AUTHORS JENNIFER RYAN is the New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of The Hunted Series and The McBrides Series . She writes romantic suspense and contemporary small-town romances featuring strong men and equally resilient women. Her stories are filled with love, family, friendship, and the happily-ever-after we all hope to find. Jennifer lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and three children. When she isn’t writing a book, she’s reading one. Her obsession with both is often revealed in the state of her home and in how late dinner is to the table. When she finally leaves those fictional worlds, you’ll find her in the garden, playing in the dirt and daydreaming about people who live only in her head, until she puts them on paper. Visit her at www.jennifer-ryan.com . New York Times and USA Today bestselling author MAISEY YATES lives in rural Oregon with her three children and her husband, whose chiseled jaw and arresting features continue to make her swoon. She feels the epic trek she takes several times a day from her office to her coffee maker is a true example of her pioneer spirit. Maisey divides her writing time between dark, passionate category romances set just about everywhere on earth and light sexy contemporary romances set practically in her back yard. She believes that she clearly has the best job in the world. Visit her at www.maiseyyates.com . After studying at the University of Montana-Missoula, LIA RILEY scoured the world armed only with a backpack, overconfidence and a terrible sense of direction. She counts shooting vodka with a Ukranian mechanic in Antarctica, sipping yerba mate with gauchos in Chile and swilling fourex with stationhands in Outback Australia among her accomplishments. Visit her at www.liariley.com. This feature is part of a virtual book tour coordinated by Tasty Book Tours . See the full tour schedule . #GuestAuthor #ChristmasBook #BlogTour #ExcerptPost