Made the Grade: Tiny Treats 2: A St. Patrick's Day Collection by 21 Various Romance Authors | #BookReview

Format Jess Read This Novel In: Kindle Edition
File Size: 1693 KB | Print Length: 139 pages
Publication Date: March 1, 2015
Publisher: Self-Published | ASIN: B00U5GIL3W | Language: English
Main Genre(s): Contemporary Romance, Holiday Romance, Fiction Anthologies
Jess Obtained This Book Through: Amazon

"Tiny Treats 2: A St. Patrick's Day Collection" by Heather McGovern, Maureen Hardegree, Joan Kayse, D. B. Sieders, Jenna Bennett, Lindsey Brookes, Sophia Henry, Sydney Carroll, Lori Waters, Natalie J. Damschroder, Anna Sugden, Janice Lynn, Nancy Northcott, Monica McCabe, Jody Wallace, Tanya Michaels, Jeanne Adams, Sally Kilpatrick, Nicki Salcedo, Michelle Monkou, & Trish Milburn

Author's Book Description : "Tiny Treats 2: A St. Patrick’s Day Collection" is a multi-author collection of micro stories, tales that can be read in their entirety in only a handful of minutes. The stories in this anthology are set during St. Patrick’s Day in the world of each author’s respective books.

The collection includes:
"Love and Corned Beef" by Heather McGovern
"Haint and Begorrah" by Maureen Hardegree
"The High King’s Cauldron" by Joan Kayse
"Probability of Love" by D. B. Sieders
"Getting Lucky" by Jenna Bennett
"Her Pot of Gold" by Lindsey Brookes
"To Love a Leprechaun" by Sophia Henry
"Springs Love" by Sydney Carroll
"Pinch for Good Luck" by Lori Waters
"Lucky Enough" by Natalie J. Damschroder
"A Perfect Lucky Charm" by Anna Sugden
"His Good Luck Charm" by Janice Lynn
"Green Beer" by Nancy Northcott
"Blueberry Delight" by Monica McCabe
"Date at McCabe’s" by Jody Wallace
"Lucky in Love" by Tanya Michaels
"One Magic Kiss" by Jeanne Adams
"Green Beer and Shenanigans" by Sally Kilpatrick
"The Ides" by Nicki Salcedo
"A Gift from County Cork" by Michelle Monkou
"Lucky Day" by Trish Milburn

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** This site is a participant in various affiliate advertising programs through Amazon.com, Rakuten Marketing, Commission Junction, IndieBound, Smashwords, Book Depository, and more that are designed to provide a means for Jess to earn minimal advertising fees by showcasing the areas you can purchase the corresponding products that Jess discusses within her blog posts. Basically Jess earns from qualifying purchases.
More specifically Jess partners those websites' programs and you should be aware that they may collect personal information when you interact with their sites. The collection and use of this information is subject to their own privacy policies.
You can check out Rakuten Marketing's privacy policy here: https://rakutenmarketing.com/legal-notices/services-privacy-policy/ **

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My Book Review : For this full book I give it 3.4 out of 5 stars, each story was charming in its own way. I enjoyed the glimpses that we got of all the characters ... just some stories I wish were fleshed out a little more than others. Overall, I definitely recommend this anthology to any romance reader, especially for those who want to get into the "St. Patrick's Day spirit."


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Made the Grade: Cowboys Online Series, Book 1 | #BookReview @janspringer

Format Jess Read This Novel In: Kindle Edition
File Size: 1610 KB | Print Length: 208 pages
Publication Date: November 4, 2014
Publisher: Spunky Girl Publishing / Self-Published
ASIN: B00OC79J3Q | Language: English
Main Genre(s): Erotic Romance, Ménage Romance, Contemporary Romance, Holiday Romance
Jess Obtained This Book Through: Amazon

"Cowboys for Christmas: Moose Ranch" [Cowboys Online Series, Book 1] by Jan Springer

Author's Book Description : Book 1 of 5
Jennifer Jane Watson has spent the past ten Christmases in a maximum security prison. The last thing she expects is to get early parole along with a job on a secluded Canadian cattle ranch serving Christmas holiday dinners to three of the sexiest cowboys she's ever met!

Rafe, Brady and Dan thought they were getting a male ex-con to help out around their secluded ranch. The last thing they expect is an attractive and very appealing woman fresh out of prison. In the snowbound wilds of Northern Ontario, female companionship is rare. It's a good thing the three men like to share...

They're dominating, sexy-as-sin and they fill JJ with the hottest ménage fantasies she's ever had. Suddenly she's craving Cowboys for Christmas and wishing for something she knows she can never have...a happily ever after.

Cowboys Online Series
Book 1 - Cowboys for Christmas
Book 2 - Cowboys In Her Pocket
Book 3 - Loving Her Cowboys
Book 4 - Cowboys In Her Heart
Book 5 - Always Her Cowboys

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** This site is a participant in various affiliate advertising programs through Amazon.com, Rakuten Marketing, Commission Junction, IndieBound, Smashwords, Book Depository, and more that are designed to provide a means for Jess to earn minimal advertising fees by showcasing the areas you can purchase the corresponding products that Jess discusses within her blog posts. Basically Jess earns from qualifying purchases.
More specifically Jess partners those websites' programs and you should be aware that they may collect personal information when you interact with their sites. The collection and use of this information is subject to their own privacy policies.
You can check out Rakuten Marketing's privacy policy here: https://rakutenmarketing.com/legal-notices/services-privacy-policy/ **

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My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars ... it is a sweet erotica about three men who live a solitary life in the Canadian wilderness who quickly find that their new housekeeper is the one woman who holds the key to their hearts.

Idolizing In: St. Caroline Series, Book 2 | #BookReview #JuliaGabriel

- This was an ARC Read -
Available Formats through Amazon: Kindle Edition, Audible Audiobook & Paperback | File Size: 2614 KB
Audible Audiobook (Unabridged) Listening Length: 8 hours 12 minutes
Paperback Print Length: 298 Pages
Publication Date: January 2, 2018 | Language: English
Publisher: Serif Books & Tantor Audio
ASIN: B078S2SRNR & B07PPWYG2R | ISBN-10: 1547270748
ISBN-13: 978-1547270743
Main Genre(s): Contemporary Romance, Secret Baby Romance & Family Fiction
Format Jess Read This Novel In: eBook - MOBI File
Jess Obtained This Book Through: The New England Chapter of Romance Writers of America’s New England Readers’ Choice Contest - Jess was a judge. / Prolific Works

"Hearts on Fire" [St. Caroline Series, Book 2] by Julia Gabriel

Author's Book Description : Becca Trevor’s life is falling apart. She’s lost her job, her boyfriend’s in jail, and her mother’s quilt shop has just caught fire — with her in it.

To make matters worse, town golden boy Jack Wolfe has returned — looking better than ever ... but can their budding relationship survive the secret Becca’s been keeping for years?

"Julia Gabriel does an amazing job with this devastatingly heartbreaking love story." — RT Book Reviews, Top Pick

Becca never intended to come back to pretty little St. Caroline, Maryland and her family's quilt shop. Growing up, she was the wild child ... and the black sheep of the family ... and the girl who couldn’t get anything right.

And she definitely never intended to see Jack Wolfe again. Those fifteen minutes she’d spent with him at a graduation party seven years ago? Unforgettable—for a whole lot of reasons.

Jack was the golden boy of St. Caroline. Smart, Ivy League-educated, law school-bound. He’s home from California for a family emergency, a situation that would not be improved by the news that he’s not the hotshot corporate attorney everyone thinks he is. If he can keep his real job a secret until the end of summer, he’ll still be golden and no one else will be the wiser.

But Becca has an even bigger secret of her own ... one that will change Jack's life forever ...

The St. Caroline Series
Come to the shores of the Chesapeake Bay and the 300-year-old town of St. Caroline, Maryland. Meet the Trevor family—Michelle, Dan, Becca, Charlotte, Natalie, Cassidy and Lauren—and their popular quilt shop, Quilt Therapy. Across town, the men of the Wolfe family have been the backbone of the St. Caroline fire department for generations—and Tim, Jack, Matt and Oliver are continuing the tradition.

The St. Caroline Series features emotional stories with relatable characters you'll fall in love with, true-to-life problems and triumphs, and sweetly sexy romance that leads to a happy ever after.

Book 1: Summer Again
Book 2: Hearts on Fire
Book 3: Two of Hearts
Book 4: This Reminds Me of Us

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** This site is a participant in various affiliate advertising programs through Amazon.com, Rakuten Marketing, Commission Junction, IndieBound, Smashwords, Book Depository, and more that are designed to provide a means for Jess to earn minimal advertising fees by showcasing the areas you can purchase the corresponding products that Jess discusses within her blog posts. Basically Jess earns from qualifying purchases.
More specifically Jess partners those websites' programs and you should be aware that they may collect personal information when you interact with their sites. The collection and use of this information is subject to their own privacy policies.
You can check out Rakuten Marketing's privacy policy here: https://rakutenmarketing.com/legal-notices/services-privacy-policy/ **

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My Book Review : 5 out of 5 stars!! For a majority of Becca's life she has felt like she has never fit in (though some of it was her own doing) but she tried to make good choices for those around her most of the time. It all led her to keeping a huge secret from her family seven years ago. Now with her life in turmoil again she goes home to make amends. Yet the one person her "big secret" is all about, Jack, sets her life for another curve ball. Could everything finally be turning around for the better now? Or will fate decide to take away all of their options and throw them for a loop too?

Bare with me as I try not to give too much away. But oh my word!! In this novel you deal with loss (in quite a few different forms) while watching the characters deal with continuing on with their lives as their "worlds" fall apart around them. I know that might sound a bit overly dramatic for a contemporary romance novel but it's what this novel portrays Becca and Jack going through.

This was a riveting tale that I could not put down.

Feasted On: Wild Lords and Innocent Ladies Series, Book 1 | #BookReview @laratemple1

- This was an ARC Read -
Available Formats through Amazon: Kindle Edition, Hardcover, Paperback & Mass Market Paperback
File Size: 2421 KB | Hardcover Print Length: 384 Pages
Paperback Print Length: 368 Pages
Mass Market Paperback Print Length: 288 Pages
Publication Date: November 1, 2017 | Language: English
Publisher: Harlequin : Historical
ASIN: B06Y5RPVJX | ISBN-10: 0263074641, 0263926141 & 0373299540
ISBN-13: 978-0263074642, 978-0263926149 & 978-0373299546
Main Genre(s): Historical Romance, Regency Romance
Format Jess Read This Novel In: eBook - MOBI File
Jess Obtained This Book Through: NetGalley

"Lord Hunter's Cinderella Heiress" [Wild Lords and Innocent Ladies Series, Book 1] by Lara Temple

Author's Book Description : Betrothed...to the wrong man!

Building a life away from her bullying family, schoolmistress Helen Tilney now needs to convince her childhood sweetheart she's a worthy bride. Standing in her way is Lord Hunter—the man Nell has just discovered she's betrothed to!

Hunter's offer of marriage to Nell came out of guilt, and now seems less than appealing! So when she asks for his help to win another man, he agrees. Until their lessons in flirtation inspire a raging desire that has Hunter longing to keep Nell for himself...

Book 1 in the Wild Lords and Innocent Ladies trilogy

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars! Four years ago, during difficult times in both their lives, Lord Hunter (Hunter/Gabe/Gabriel) decided to get into an agreement with Nell (Helen)’s father that stated that once she became 21 yrs old they would get married. Well it was an agreement that Hunter did in hopes of helping Nell’s life in the long-run, but it was also an agreement that Nell’s father never told her about until her 21st Birthday. Therefore, when Nell is informed about this change in her life she is not happy and finds a way to change her circumstances. Thankfully, Hunter agrees to the changes but everything comes at a price. Now they both have to decide what is most important to them and what are they are willing to sacrifice for their future “happiness.”

This was a VERY enticing tale about following your heart no matter the cost. In addition, I liked how Ms. Temple used various forms of PTSD with her characters and showing how they overcame those issues during that time-period (both good and bad ways).

Feasted On: The Holley Sisters of Thornthwaite Series, Book 1 | #BookReview @katehewitt1

- This was an ARC Read -
Available Formats through Amazon: Kindle Edition & Paperback
File Size: 3703 KB | Paperback Print Length: 180 Pages
Publication Date: October 12, 2017 | Language: English
Publisher: Tule Publishing
ASIN: B074199G9Z | ISBN-10: 1947636553 | ISBN-13: 978-1947636552
Main Genre(s): Holiday Romance, Contemporary Romance
Format Jess Read This Novel In: eBook - MOBI File
Jess Obtained This Book Through: NetGalley

"A Vicarage Christmas" [The Holley Sisters of Thornthwaite Series, Book 1] by Kate Hewitt

Author's Book Description : Welcome to Thornwaite, a quaint village tucked up in England’s beautiful but rainy Lake District… where homecomings happen and surprises are in store for the four Holley sisters...

Anna Holley, the third of four sisters, has always felt a little bit forgotten. A family tragedy when she was a child had her retreating deep into shyness, and social anxiety kept her on the fringes of the cozy chaos of the busy vicarage.

After several years away from home, Anna returns for Christmas... and an important announcement from her father. As much as she once loved the village, coming back is hard and puts Anna's social capabilities to the test.

Avoiding her sisters’ bossy questions, she heads out to the local pub one night, and meets a handsome stranger nursing a pint. Somehow, unburdened by expectations, Simon seems like the perfect person to spill all her secrets to—including a hopeless, long-held crush on her sister’s boyfriend. Confident she’ll never see him again, Anna returns home... only to discover the next day that Simon is actually her father’s new curate!

Anna is beyond mortified, but Simon won’t let her retreat into her usual shyness—and for once Anna is forced to confront the past, and all the fears and feelings she’d tried so long to hide. But with his own heartache that needs to heal, can Simon help Anna to make this the most magical Christmas either of them have known?

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars! Ever since a tragic accident took place when Anna was young, she has struggled with crippling anxiety and stuttering issues. So much so that she has tried her best, in various ways, to hide it from everyone, even though she hasn’t always been successful. She has stayed away from her close-knit hometown for the past three years because of her issues. However, at her parent’s request, she returns home for the Christmas holidays, and into a world of drama that begins the day she arrives home. That happens to also be the day that she meets Simon, a man who has just moved to her hometown, who she spills a majority of her secrets too. Yet, Simon doesn’t stay a stranger for long, which leads Anna into a future she had never dreamed for herself ... but is it the better path for her or will it come at another cost?

This novel was not what I was expecting.

Disappointmentville: Christmas Mountain Series, Book 1 | #BookReview #CiaraKnight

- This was an ARC Read -
Available Formats through Amazon: Kindle Edition & Paperback
File Size: 2627 KB | Paperback Print Length: 168 Pages
Publication Date: October 23, 2017 | Language: English
Publisher: Self-Published
ASIN: B076C8V8QK | ISBN-10: 1688285016 | ISBN-13: 978-1688285019
Main Genre(s): Holiday Romance, Contemporary Romance
Format Jess Read This Novel In: eBook - MOBI File
Jess Obtained This Book Through: NetGalley

"Homecoming for Christmas" [Christmas Mountain Series, Book 1] by Ciara Knight
(Originally published as "Homecoming in Christmas Falls" Book 1 of Return to Christmas Falls Series which is what it was called when this reviewer read it.)

Author's Book Description : Eight years after fleeing Christmas Mountain because of a high school prank gone wrong, Ashley Brooks receives a mysterious letter from her mentor asking her to come home. She arrives to face all she left behind—her family, her friends, and the rich boy she’d loved who would never date the girl from the wrong side of town.

Brent Donnelly, high school jock, brainiac, and dutiful son did everything right until the day Ashley returns to Christmas Mountain. With one look at the girl who got away he questions all his life choices, including following in his father’s footsteps in the family business.

Faced with a potentially devastating decline of tourism in their hometown, Brent and Ashley must work together to save the magic of their town, but when Ashley discovers he still has feelings for her best friend she must finally face the real reason she left Christmas Mountain—to try to heal her broken heart.

My Book Review : 2 out of 5 stars. The day of Ash’s (Ashley) high school graduation, she and her best group of friends pull a prank that lands them in jail. That incident changes her life drastically as she moves away from home without telling anyone, but her parents, the following morning and has stayed away from her hometown ever since. Now about eight years later, she returns home at the request of her high school mentor and in the process pick up the pieces of past relationships with friends and more. Yet, will she be able to reconcile with her friend and longtime crush, Brent, or will their insecurities and other people keep them apart for good?

I had been drawn into this novel’s book description from the beginning but what sealed me reading it was when I was looking for a novel to read for the 12 Days of Cozmas read-a-thon. And at first glance I thought this novel was perfect for me.

Disappointmentville: Pinecraft Homecomings Series, Book 1 | #BookReview #CherylWilliford

Format Jess Read This Novel In: Mass Market Paperback
Mass Market Paperback Print Length: 282 Pages
Publication Date: April 1, 2017 | ISBN-13: 978-0-373-89920-3 | Language: English
Publisher: Harlequin : Love Inspired
Genre: Amish Romance, Contemporary Romance, Christian Romance
Jess Obtained This Book Through: My Aunt Pam's Bookshelf located at my Parent's House

"Her Secret Amish Child" [Pinecraft Homecomings Series, Book 1] by Cheryl Williford

Author's Book Description : An Amish Second Chance

Newly widowed Lizbeth Mullet has a secret: she's never told anyone the true identity of her son's father. Not even now that she's come home to Pinecraft and the man in question is her new landlord. Fredrik Lapp may not know Benuel is his son, but the two soon form an unmistakable bond. And seeing Fredrik again stirs feelings Lizbeth had worked hard to bury. With Fredrick's affections resurfacing, too, the burden of Lizbeth's secret is only getting heavier. Revealing the truth could mean a lifetime of happiness together—or the loss of her second chance at forever.

My Book Review : 2 out of 5 stars. Lizbeth is an Amish widow who is escaping her life in Ohio and moving back to where she grew up in Pinecraft, Florida. While establishing herself back into the community she grew up her life takes a sudden twist when she learns that her feelings for Fredrik (her older brother’s best friend) is still there. But if they get to close her big secret will be exposed so would it all be worth the heartache?

This novel ... oh this novel ...

Made the Grade: It Must Be Christmas: Three Holiday Stories by Jennifer Crusie, Donna Alward, & Mandy Baxter | #BookReview @JennyCrusie @DonnaAlward @MandyJBaxter

- This was an ARC Read -
Available Formats through Amazon: Kindle Edition & Paperback
File Size: 903 KB | Mass Market Paperback Print Length: 384 Pages
Publication Date: October 4, 2016 | Language: English
Publisher: St. Martin's Press : Paperbacks
ASIN: B01CXON5TS | ISBN-10: 1250106370 | ISBN-13: 978-1250106377
Main Genre(s): Holiday Romance, Contemporary Romance, Romance Anthologies
Format Jess Read This Novel In: eBook - MOBI File
Jess Obtained This Book Through: NetGalley

"It Must Be Christmas: Three Holiday Stories" by Jennifer Crusie, Donna Alward, & Mandy Baxter

Author's Book Description : Previously published stories from New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Crusie, Mandy Baxter, and Donna Alward, these hot romantic stories share the spirit of love this season. It’s the most wonderful time of the year, when love is in the cold and frosty air―and desire reaches the boiling point...

Hot Toy
From New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Crusie comes a hilarious, sexy story about a determined shopper who grabs the last action figure off the shelf, only to find herself plunged into the arms of a sexy secret agent. Mayhem under the mistletoe ensues. Business as usual this Christmas season...right?

Christmas with the Billionaire Rancher
Nate wants to stay away from all the women who want his money in Mandy Baxter’s story set deep in the heart of Texas. But when gorgeous do-gooder Chloe Benson comes knocking at his door―in search of funds for her charity―Nate can’t ignore the passion he feels for her. Maybe love is priceless after all?

Christmas at Seashell Cottage
’Tis the season in Jewell Cove when local doctor Charlie Yang finds her quiet, steady life disrupted by both an abandoned baby in the nativity manger and ex-SEAL Dave Ricker. Are these turn of events too good to be true? Or is Christmas working its magic―for real?

My Book Review : For this full book I give it 3.25 out of 5 stars! Though I couldn't get into all of the novels that were included in this anthology, what I did read I enjoyed! All three are sweet contemporary small town romances that I recommend to those who are interested in that style of book genres.

Made the Grade: Jewell Cove Series, Book 1.5 | #BookReview @DonnaAlward

- This was an ARC Read / Jess read this novella within an anthology novel called "It Must Be Christmas: Three Holiday Stories." -
Available Formats through Amazon: Kindle Edition
File Size: 1740 KB | Print Length: 198 Pages
Publication Date: October 7, 2014 | Language: English
Publisher: St. Martin's Press : Paperbacks | ASIN: B00L73JQNQ
Main Genre(s): Holiday Romance, Contemporary Romance, Quick Read
Format Jess Read This Novel In: eBook - MOBI File
Jess Obtained This Book Through: NetGalley

"Christmas at Seashell Cottage" [Jewell Cove Series, Book 1.5] by Donna Alward

Author's Book Description : It's Christmas in Jewell Cove...

And local doctor Charlie Yang finds her quiet, steady life disrupted by both an abandoned baby in the nativity manger, and a real-life mystery man. Sure, she's always wanted a family of her own, but she didn't imagine it coming from a baby that wasn't hers and a man who was more interested in living day by day than making long-term plans.

Ex-SEAL Dave Ricker hadn't planned on making Jewell Cove his forever home, but the talented and　tender-hearted Charlie has him reconsidering his position on settling down. Can a beautiful woman, adorable baby and a small-town full of holiday spirit change his mind for good?

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars, brought together because of unforeseen circumstances Dave (David) and Charlie (Charlene) have an immediate connection but will it be able to grow into an everlasting relationship or just the "fling" that they agreed too?

This was a charming novel that hooked me from the time Charlie tried to "use baby Jesus" as a weapon. 😂

Made the Grade: Hot Toy by Jennifer Crusie | #BookReview @JennyCrusie

- This was an ARC Read / Jess read this novella within an anthology novel called "It Must Be Christmas: Three Holiday Stories." -
Available Formats through Amazon: Kindle Edition
File Size: 1130 KB | Print Length: 83 Pages
Publication Date: October 13, 2015 | Language: English
Publisher: St. Martin's Press : Paperbacks | ASIN: B012N98XPE
Main Genre(s): Holiday Romance, Contemporary Romance, Quick Read/Short Story
Format Jess Read This Novel In: eBook - MOBI File
Jess Obtained This Book Through: NetGalley

"Hot Toy" by Jennifer Crusie

Author's Book Description : Previously published in the anthology "Santa, Baby," "HOT TOY" is now available as a standalone e-story for the first time!

Mayhem ensues under the mistletoe as a determined shopper grabs the very last hot toy action figure off the shelf, only to find herself plunged into the middle of a real-life spy game and in the arms of a sexy secret agent...

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars! On Christmas Eve, Trudy is out at an older toy store in hopes of finding the “IT” toy for boys that year. But of course because of it BEING Christmas Eve she doesn’t find it. She only finds last year’s model, yet that throws her life into a chaos-filled adventure!

This novella was not what I was expecting, yet I enjoyed its action-packed plot and Trudy’s quick wit.

Made the Grade: The Kings Series, Book 1 | #BookReview @des_alena

- This was an ARC Read -
Available Formats through Amazon: Kindle Edition & Paperback
File Size: 12081 KB | Paperback Print Length: 408 Pages
Publication Date: July 20, 2017 | Language: English
Publisher: Inkitt
ASIN: B074D3H61Y | ISBN-10: 1548920177 | ISBN-13: 978-1548920173
Main Genre(s): Paranormal Romance, Shifter Romance, Werewolf Romance
Format Jess Read This Novel In: eBook - MOBI File
Jess Obtained This Book Through: NetGalley

"Mated To The Werewolf King" [The Kings Series, Book 1] by Alena Des

Author's Book Description : As war looms between the two species, the Demon Lord is determined to find Annabelle – little does she know, the truth behind his sinister actions is about to unravel.

When Annabelle discovers that she is not the true daughter of the Alpha in her pack, her world, as she knows it, comes crashing down and she finds herself running to hide from the tyrannical Demon Lord who is hell-bent on finding her.

Despite her objections, she is taken to the court of the Werewolf King. He’s arrogant, stubborn and discerning of her very being, but willing to defend her... for now.

Will the Werewolf King yield to the Demon Lord’s ultimatum and give her to the enemy or will she be the cause of a looming war between the two species?

More importantly, what does the Demon Lord want with Belle? She’s only a werewolf... isn’t she?

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars!! Close to Belle’s (Annabelle) eighteenth birthday, her life forever changes when she learns that everything she knew about herself is a lie. Raised within a werewolf pack, she is taken to the Werewolf King’s castle in hopes to protect her from an unknown source. However, that is just the beginning of the “crazy” that is about to enter her life. Will she be able to “roll with the punches” and make the best of the situations that are thrown her way or will she be “gobbled up and spit out” instead?

The Books I'm Thankful For (so far) in 2019

It is Thanksgiving Day (the USA version of it at least) today! The tradition on my blog is to post a list of ALL the books I've read thus far this year that I've given my highest ratings to (5 out of 5 stars) today, which means I'm VERY Thankful for finding/reading them! Be forewarned though ... like the past two years' lists ALL of the novels listed below do not have their official book reviews from me posted and promoted yet because life has been very busy. 🙂 But as I post more of my book reviews this list will be updated so stay tuned!

➡️ So what are you getting out of this blog post you say? Well ... you are getting a glimpse of what my 5 star reads have been in 2019 thus far (as even though their book reviews haven't been posted the first drafts of their reviews HAVE been written), some of my book reviews of these novels/novellas (if the FULL book reviews have officially been posted than they'll be linked), links for you to check out these novels/novellas for yourself on Amazon, AND for the SECOND year running I have a We Are Thankful For Books collab video (at the bottom of this post) for you. In the video you'll see 9 Booktubers (including myself) talk about the books they are thankful for reading this year. Enjoy! 📚🥧

Made the Grade: Fairytale Shifters by Alexa Riley | #BookReview @_AlexaRiley

At Time of Posting, This Anthology is NOT Available for Purchase through any outlet.
Format Jess Read This Novella In: Kindle Edition
Novella Length Per Goodreads: 407 Pages | Publication Date: September 23, 2017
Publisher: Self-Published | ASIN: B075WDMKNV | Language: English
Main Genre(s): Erotic Romance, Paranormal Romance, Shifter Romance, Fairytale Retelling
Jess Obtained This Book Through: Amazon

"Fairytale Shifters" [Gray Ridge Pack] by Alexa Riley

Author's Book Description : Welcome to the Fairytale Shifter series ... where growly alphas find their mates and heroines have babies galore! This bundle includes all of our shifter books with a BRAND NEW STORY in the back! Revisit your old favorites and discover our newest addition to the family.

My Book Review : For this full book I give it 3.6 out of 5 stars! I had heard a LOT about Alexa Riley, both good and bad, so when I read this anthology I picked it up because I wanted to read their work while knowing that I was getting everything that I wanted to read without the extras. Therefore, I was so happy that I enjoyed each novella as much as I did. Though not all of the novellas were complete winners I liked all the characters and enjoyed seeing the evolution this little town had in terms of everyone finding relationships. In addition, having all the novellas be fairytale retellings is what I was here for the most and kept me reading them all. If these novellas ever get released again I will say that I do recommend this series anthology and its novellas to those who are wanting paranormal erotic romance quick reads.

Feasted On: Fairytale Shifters Series, Book 5 | #BookReview @_AlexaRiley

- Jess read this novella within the author's anthology novel for the series called "Fairytale Shifters." -
At Time of Posting, This Novella is NOT Available for Purchase through any outlet.
Format Jess Read This Novella In: Kindle Edition
Novella Length Per Goodreads: 100 Pages
Publication Date: December 24, 2018
Publisher: Self-Published | ASIN: ??? | Language: English
Main Genre(s): Erotic Romance, Paranormal Romance, Shifter Romance, Fairytale Retelling
Jess Obtained This Book Through: Amazon

"The Three Bad Wolves" [Fairytale Shifters Series, Book 5] by Alexa Riley

Author's Book Description : Finn, Flint, and Forest have spent their lives looking for their mate. The three brothers have been through everything together, and seeing the rest of their family pair off has been hard to watch. But one day, deep in the woods, a small bunny crosses their path when the three of them are in wolf form. To their surprise, they finally find what they’ve been looking for, but it just so happens they all find it at once.

Luna Hare lost her family long ago, and she’s been traveling to different shifter villages, trying to find one that is the right fit. Secretly she’s been hoping to meet another bunny family and possibly find her mate. She never expected that when she’d come to Gray Ridge, she’d not only find a mate, she would find three. Three enormous wolves that look hungry, and not for food.

Warning: Bunnies like to make babies, so it’s a good thing she’s got three wolves lined up and waiting to take a turn.

My Book Review : 4.5 out of 5 stars! In the middle of a snowstorm, Luna finds that she's mated to not one, not two, but THREE wolf shifters. So, what a cute little bunny shifter to do but lead them on a merry chase. 😉

Feasted On: Fairytale Shifters Series, Book 4 | #BookReview @_AlexaRiley

- Jess read this novella within the author's anthology novel for the series called "Fairytale Shifters." -
At Time of Posting, This Novella is NOT Available for Purchase through any outlet.
Format Jess Read This Novella In: Kindle Edition
Novella Length Per Goodreads: 86 Pages
Publication Date: May 23, 2016
Publisher: Self-Published | ASIN: B01G3YGEWY | Language: English
Main Genre(s): Erotic Romance, Paranormal Romance, Shifter Romance, Fairytale Retelling
Jess Obtained This Book Through: Amazon

"Finding Snow" [Fairytale Shifters Series, Book 4] by Alexa Riley

Author's Book Description : Koda's found his sister, Winnie, and now he's made a life for himself in Gray Ridge, Colorado. As a bear shifter, he's naturally a loner, and with so few females around, he's resigned to never finding his mate. But when he stumbles upon a woman in the woods, his whole world changes.

Snow's been on the run and has made a makeshift family with a band of seven wanderers. While resting in the woods and waiting for them to come back, something big finds her.

When Koda and Snow collide, they realize their stories are woven together more tightly than they could have imagined. Will the truth break their mates bond? Or will it bind them closer together?

Warning: This fairy-tale shifter story is full of alpha sweetness with a side of growly bear. What's not to love?! If you love a classic story with a dirty twist, then get your click on!

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars! A sweet take on the Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs novel. Snow (Angie) is a human who has been living in the shifter world for as long as she can remember in one form or another, but most recently with her "adopted" wolf shifter brothers. Wanting some time away, she goes out to play in the snow and meets her mate, Koda. But Snow is keeping secrets and once they come out it could ruin the budding relationship that is growing between them. Will they be able to work it out?

Made the Grade: Fairytale Shifters Series, Book 3 | #BookReview @_AlexaRiley

- Jess read this novella within the author's anthology novel for the series called "Fairytale Shifters." -
At Time of Posting, This Novella is NOT Available for Purchase through any outlet.
Format Jess Read This Novella In: Kindle Edition
Novella Length Per Goodreads: 100 Pages
Publication Date: January 1, 2016
Publisher: Self-Published | ASIN: B01A3BH8V4 | Language: English
Main Genre(s): Erotic Romance, Paranormal Romance, Shifter Romance, Fairytale Retelling
Jess Obtained This Book Through: Amazon

"The Lost Slipper" [Fairytale Shifters Series, Book 3] by Alexa Riley

Author's Book Description : When the alpha falls... He falls hardest of all.

The first time Stone saw Winnie, she was alone in the woods with no memory of where she came from.

With one look, he knew something was different. When she finally came of age and her mating heat kicked in, he realized that she had always been the one.

Sent to live with a strange family, Winnie was forced to deal with the hateful treatment of her stepmother and stepsisters.

Mating the alpha changed that.

But when her past comes back to find her, will the heat last after the clock strikes midnight?

Warning: This shifter fairy tale is meant to be enjoyed by only those who love this kind of adorable stuff. Think you've got what it takes? Then come on in!

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars! For the past four years, Winnie has been living with the Gray Ridge pack without her memory. The only thing she knows is that she's a bear shifter and the pack's Alpha, Stone, is who she feels the safest with but he has kept her at arm’s length. Yet once Winnie comes of age, that all changes. But will Stone be too late to win Winnie's heart?

Made the Grade: Fairytale Shifters Series, Book 2 | #BookReview @_AlexaRiley

- Jess read this novella within the author's anthology novel for the series called "Fairytale Shifters." -
At Time of Posting, This Novella is NOT Available for Purchase through any outlet.
Format Jess Read This Novella In: Kindle Edition
Novella Length Per Goodreads: 119 Pages | Publication Date: November 23, 2015
Publisher: Self-Published | ASIN: B018GN3HU2 | Language: English
Main Genre(s): Erotic Romance, Paranormal Romance, Shifter Romance, Fairytale Retelling
Jess Obtained This Book Through: Amazon

"Beauty Sleeps" [Fairytale Shifters Series, Book 2] by Alexa Riley

Author's Book Description : Xavier has watched Gwen for years, sneaking outside her window just to watch her sleep. She calls to him in a way he doesn't understand.

After he loses his mom and his sister in a tragic accident, he disappears into the woods and lets his wolf take over.

Gwen has been waiting around for her knight in shining armor to show up, but years have passed since she reached her mating age, and he still hasn't come.

When Xavier makes his way back to Gray Ridge, one scent captivates him like no other...

He's on a mission. Claiming Gwen as his mate is all that matters, even if she doesn't remember him.

What he isn't prepared for is Alpha Stone keeping them apart.

:Warning: This fairy tale contains a hero in desperate need of his sleeping beauty, a heroine who wants to mate with her beast, and an alpha trying to keep it from happening. This is meant to be over-the-top, extra sweet, and lots of fun. Come roll around in it.

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars. When Gwen was a teenager, she had a crush on her "protector," Xavier (X). They were both fated mates but just didn't know it yet. However, when tragedy strikes it keeps them apart for many years. Will they be able to overcome everything that gets between them in hopes of creating a life together?

Made the Grade: Fairytale Shifters Series, Book 1 | #BookReview @_AlexaRiley

- Jess read this novella within the author's anthology novel for the series called "Fairytale Shifters." -
At Time of Posting, This Novella is NOT Available for Purchase through any outlet.
Format Jess Read This Novella In: Kindle Edition
File Size: 4615 KB | Novella Length Per Goodreads: 83 Pages
Publication Date: October 10, 2015
Publisher: Self-Published | ASIN: B016G5T1CA | Language: English
Main Genre(s): Erotic Romance, Paranormal Romance, Shifter Romance, Fairytale Retelling
Jess Obtained This Book Through: Amazon

"Riding Red" [Fairytale Shifters Series, Book 1] by Alexa Riley

Author's Book Description : Gray Ridge, Colorado is a quiet town, but this Halloween there's a mating moon, and the shifters' need to breed their fated mates runs strong.

Ruby is the proud owner of Red's Goodie Basket, and as the new girl in town, she's looking for business. But when the local sexy sheriff, Dominic Wolfe, keeps the customers away, she finds it's hard to stay mad when burning with desire.

Dominic is a shifter, and his wolf wants Ruby. Since the second he laid eyes on her, he's been fighting the need to mark her as his. But when the mating moon is full, he won't be able to control his wolf any longer.

Tricks and treats are the last things on his mind when the mating heat takes over, and his obsession is put to the test.

Warning: This story is a sexy twist on a classic fairy tale, complete with a red cape, a basket of goodies, and a hungry wolf. It's written to make you smile, turn you on, and help you celebrate Halloween!

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars! Ruby's trying to make a new start for herself so she buys a bakery in hopes to settle into her new town. The only problem is Dominic, the local sheriff, who keeps most of her customers away from the shop. If only she could find out why. But once the truth is out it'll change both their lives for good.

Alright. Let's just lay it all out there.