Love and Mistletoe by Zara Keane

Sharon MacCarthy has a tiny, okay maybe a somewhat big crush on Brian Glenn; only one problem he's a Garda, which is Irish for police officer. As the towns resident bad girl, whose been arrested a time or two by the cute Garda, she thinks she doesn't stand a chance; her only hope is to move out of her vile father's, finish her degree, and move out of her small town.

Garda Brian Glenn wants a promotion; he wants to move up the ranks and the only way to do that is to get a degree, so that's exactly what he does. Being so close to finishing, he doesn't need the distraction that is his favorite bad girl.

When they end up in the same class and to add fuel to their fire, they have to work on a project very closely together, they start to see each other in a different light, without the labels of Garda and Bad Girl.

The story was a fun light-hearted read with entertaining characters. I especially loved the epilogue, where we get to see what became of them down the line. Despite being named "Love and Mistletoe" the whole story begins before the holidays, so it's not centered around Christmas. I was really glad I read this book and can't wait to read other books written by Ms. Keane.

Rating 5 out of 5

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A Viennese Christmas by Lynn Crain

UN interpreter Amanda Kranz is spending the holidays on her own in Vienna, Austria; on a shopping trip she meets Henry Jager another UN worker who is out and about.

Their story is a love at first sight romance and its so sweet and entertaining. Everything is going so well for Amanda and Henry, until pow, Henry's ex-fiancé shows up, wanting to pick up where they left off. That right there was the craziest twist, as I was reading that I was like "lady are your for FN real"; read the book and you too will agree.

The characters were enjoyable; Amanda is a bit shy, has some confidence issues, but when you read her story, you understand how her personality was affected. Henry is like the super nice, boy next door type who for some reason got engaged to a crazy B. I would have reacted the book a little higher except I felt that if it had been a bit longer, with a bit more detail on how they both deal with their families. Overall, the story was still nice and enjoyable, it's a short read, about an hour long; but still fun.

Rating 3.5 out of 5

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At His Service: Part 2 by Suzanne Rock

The story continues and as Karin continues to try and avoid Leo and the bloodhounds that are the paparazzi. Leo is still trying to figure out how to hang on to Karin, save his empire and stave off a mysterious blackmailer (don't sweat we will learn many specifics in the next two parts). 

In this part we also learn more about Leo's business rival, be sure to make note of the name because this guy will play pop up a few more times in the next two parts and with any luck, we will get a full book for him sooner or later. 

This part was good and it answered some questions from the first part; Wes, Karin's friend is still my top supporting character. The story again keeps you running for the next part and hoping that this Cinderella gets her Prince Charming.

Rating 5 out of 5
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At His Service: Part 1 by Suzanne Rock

This is part one of the story that follows Karin Norell a housekeeping manager at The Palazzo a hotel owned by Leo Perconti.

In part one, we have the two meeting; Karin being an overworked employee and Leo being a super stressed out control freak. After an encounter, Leo decides he wants to pursue Karin and Karin decides she wants to run.

The cliff hanger in this part will have you running to the next part, I read all four parts in 2 days. The story starts off really engaging, for its genre it really delivers. The supporting characters are also very entertaining, they add an extra bit of humor to the story. 

Rating 5 out of 5
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Can't Walk Away (River Bend #3) by Molly McLain

Although this is book three of the "River Bend" series, but can be read as stand alone.

This story follows Ally Barrett and Mark Dunn as they try to navigate their romance into a happily ever after.

Mark is the Sheriff in town, he lives and breathes for his job, while relegating very little time to his "not girlfriend" girlfriend. 

Ally is done waiting for Mark to decide she means something to him and after he doesn't call or anything for almost a month she decides to make him jealous, yeah, like that never fails.

When Mark finally decides to pull his head out of his ass, there is an unplanned pregnancy to deal with; which means all his gestures fall a bit short when trying to show Ally he really does love her.

Eventually Mark is able to prove that despite his idiotic moves, he really does care and he does want a happily ever after.

The story was sweet and entertaining, the characters were engaging and realistic. There were a few supporting characters that I would love to see get their own full story so maybe in the future.

Rating 5 out of 5
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Judge Dredd: Anderson, Psi-Division by Carl Critchlow

In this side story of the Judge Dredd universe, we follow Judge Anderson of the Psi-Division as she tries to take down the boogeyman for all the criminals in Mega City. Using her psychic powers she goes out and kicks some serious real and psychic ass. 

I loved that the story was beginning and end, no cliffhanger, no waiting for the next volume; however, what I did not like was that we get all this hinting at who her parents were and what might have happened to them, but no answer. 

Overall, it was really good, the art was great; I love that post-apocalyptic earth looks very wild west mixed with grimy earth. The book ain't that long and there is a lot of internal dialogue, so if you hate books where the lead character has internal monologues you might not like this.

Rating 4 out of 5
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Christmas Hearts (Hearts #6.5) by Sabrina Lacey

Brendan and Annie are happily celebrating their first Christmas together and awaiting the arrival of their son. Unfortunately friends from the past are about to make an appearance and things will go from great to oh shit.

Now Brendan is hoping for a miracle and Annie is hoping for a hero.

This is an additional mini-chapter to the Hearts series; it's a very nice wrap up, we get to see what became of certain characters from the past books and that despite all the ups and downs they still get their happily ever after.

Rating 5 out of 5
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DC Entertainment Essential Graphic Novels and Chronology 2015 by DC Entetainment

This is basically a catalog with a list of all the must haves; it also gives you a timeline so you can follow the story and know if you're missing any volumes here or there.

I love these because it's a nifty checklist and not only that you get to see about other series you've not check out before.

Rating 5 out of 5
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X-Files: Year Zero by Vic Malhotra

This was one hell of a good book; if you're a fan of the X-Files, you'll love this one. This book takes you back to the 1940's, to the very first case; the one that led to the creation of the X-Files.

Mulder and Scully are investigating a series of mysterious deaths, along the way they receive cryptic clues sent by a Mr. Zero; and that there has Mulder seeing the similarities and possible connection to the very first case.

The book was awesome, out of all the characters, my favorite was Miss Ohio, the very first employee, to receive the clues. Damn 1940's, sexist FBI that didn't allow women agents; either way, agent or no agent, she was awesome.

There is a lot of dialogue, so if you don't like to read, this probably won't be to your liking, but other than that, very good.

Rating 5 out of 5
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The Joker's Dozen by Laurie S. Sutton

This is a great children's book; the book follows the Caped Crusader as he tries to take down the Joker and keep Gotham safe.

The book is targeted to children about 7 or 8 years old; who are barely learning to read chapter books. The story is easy to follow and even gives children the option of picking their own ending. It's a fun adventure for young readers as they explore lengthier reads. 

Of course anyone really can read this book, however, older readers might not like the book as they will find it too simple. So, keep in mind this is a child's book and have fun.

Rating 5 out of 5
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Playing Santa (Summer Beach Vets) by H.Y. Hanna

This book is part of the Summer Beach Vets series and this one is more of a holiday read. This book follows Holly Scott and Dr. Nick Forrester.

Holly is in Australia house sitting, when she finds a box of puppies that she takes to the vets; and who happens to be the vet that day? Well Nick is manning the fort and like other books in the series, it's attraction at first sight.

Nick is only working as a part-time vet, now that he has to man his family's company. Imagine Nick's surprise when his temporary neighbor is Holly; after a run-in here and there, these two develop a friendship that turns into love. These two do get a little help from a puppy that knows just how to play Santa.

The story is sweet and entertaining, like the other books it can be read as a stand alone; however, we do see a few cameos from previous characters. I didn't like this one as much as the first two books, but it was still a very fun light-weight read.

Rating 4 out of 5
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Big Nate's Greatest Hits by Lincoln Peirce

Nate Wright the 11 year old middle-schooler is back in this wonderfully hilarious collection of cartoons.

This collections follows young Nate as he navigates the difficulties of middle school, summer school, sports and young love.

Sometimes, okay maybe almost all the time a bit narcissistic, he manages to bring us laughter and joy.

The book is targeted for children, but if you are a lover of Calvin and Hobbes you will definitely get a kick or two out of this young character and his friends.

Rating 5 out of 5
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Age of Darkness Volume 4 by Joe Brusha, Ralph Tedesco, Patrick Shand

I absolutely love this series, the action is awesome and what I love the most is that girls can kick some serious ass. However, I will say the outfits still look so uncomfortable for some hand to hand fighting.

Overall, the story is good, I feel kind of bad say that I'm secretly rooting for the Dark Queen. Not because I root for the bad guys or anything, but come on, she has got some wicked power and the way she takes control wow. Still, we know the good girls (not guys, because come on, this series is all about the girls) will totally take her down.

The art is great, this one is totally worth the read. I originally got an ARC from Netgalley, but after the file wouldn't open, I just went and bought the novel when it came out, after all it's a must have.

Rating 5 out of 5
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Dracula (Dover Graphic Novel Classics) by John Green (Adapted by), Bram Stoker

Dover's adaptation of the classic novel Dracula is an entertaining child-friendly graphic novel. The story is shortened to a length of about 50 pages.

In this book, we follow the unholy abomination that is the undead Count Dracula as he goes about wreaking havoc and sucking blood. The story isn't too graphic at all, so it's child friendly.

Personally I felt the story could have been better, I felt that a lot was cut out from the story so some places seemed a bit non-sequential. I've read a few of Dover Classics Graphic Novels and I found this one wasn't as strong.

Overall, it was descent, especially since the target audience is children; so I say read.

Rating 3 out of 5
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Going to the Chapel by Rita Herron

Izzy Sassafras has left her husband and taken all she could, only problem is, her husband is a criminal set on finding her.

Enter Private Detective Levi Fox, who gets hired to find her. All he has to do is find the runaway wife and earned some cold hard cash; only problem is that between him conducting is own investigation and playing an undercover groom, he fall for her.

Izzy has run home to Matrimony, Georgia and is looking to mend all her broken fences and start over with a new business.

Trying to make a new go at it as a wedding shop owner means she can't fall for her very first client. 

The entire story almost takes place during one week, normally I would not have an issue with that because it's like a love at first sight; but for some reason, I didn't feel that the characters really connected, especially with everything else that was going on a sub-story. Either way, there were a quite a few scenes that make me laugh and smile, so it was a good story.

Rating 3 out of 5

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Lusted (Lusted Series, #1) by Pia Sparks

Viola player and child prodigy Kylie Morris has basically had a nervous breakdown and after spending years being basically the perfect child, she has left music and has now found a job as an assistant at a adult entertainment company.

Benjamin Price is the guy that pulled himself up from nothing and now owns Lust Media; despite have become extremely wealthy, like millionaire wealthy, he still strives for more, like billionaire status. He doesn't do relationships and he especially doesn't do employees; for Kylie he will break all his rules.

The story is a 50 Shades type buy with its own unique twist and turns that leave the reader wanting more, a lot more. 

The main characters were good, Benjamin clearly has chip on his shoulder, but he's an entertaining alpha-male. Kylie on the other hand, will have you screaming "what is wrong with you?"; if you're doctor prescribes you meds for some psycological issues, you take them. Furthermore, she is often to neurotic and overly caught up in her head; which is okay, because we get background into why she is the way she is.

The supporting characters were amazing; the guys in the pit were like your classic computer, stoner nerds, that always have something very hilariously dumb, yet not so dumb to say. Of all the supporting characters my favorite was by far Mistress Alexis, she's a transgender that has been friends with Benjamin since they were kids and she was known as Alex. In every scene that she appears in, she basically steals the show, or the pages I should say.

Ms. Sparks has more in store for this series and I for one can't wait; especially after that ending, talk about a tease. The story was fun and entertaining, it might not be everyones cup of tea, but I found it enjoyable, so I will praise this book. 

Rating 4 out of 5
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Angel in Armani (New York Saints #2) by Melanie Scott

Book two in the New York Saints Series follows Doctor Lucas Angelo; one of the three friends that banned together to buy a struggling baseball team, the New York Saints.

Lucas Angelo is terrified of flying, but with his demanding career, this doctor has to get over his fear; of all the pilots he's had chauffeur him, Sara Charles is his favorite, she's quiet and doesn't try to impress him with any fancy air tricks.

Sara Charles wants one thing only, to save her father's company, so noticing how hot or not a client is a big no; she's there to fly and nothing else.

When a freak storm leaves these two temporarily stranded they decide to temporarily act on their mutual attraction. From there the story takes flight.

The story was descent, Sara often got on my nerves with how she was so hot and cold with Angelo, however, she's forgiven because when you look at it from her perspective, realistically how often does the Cinderella end up with Prince Charming. Angelo was was a good character in how he constantly goes for what he wants and works at it. My only problem with this story really was the ending; it felt so rushed, like the author had no idea how to end the story she just went "what the hell, here's the end."

Rating 4 out of 5
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Wild Nights (Justiss Alliance #3) by Tina Wainscott

The Justiss Alliance is back and in this latest installment, perpetual bachelor and kick-ass hero, Saxby Cole gets sent to a paradise island, Decadence, with some very dark secrets.

Jennessy Shaw has just dumped her no-good cheating boyfriend and has gone ahead on her island vacation. Little does she know she will end up becoming almost a victim and getting rescued by the undercover hero.

Like, the previous stories, we follow a former NAVY Seal as he infiltrates very dangerous criminals and rescues his damsel in distress, while also shutting down some very bad guys. The story is action packed and will have you flipping the pages like there is no tomorrow. It's a definite must read; I can't wait for the next installment in the series, Ms. Wainscott really knows how to keep her readers engaged; her books are like a 50 Shades meets James Bond.

Rating 4 out of 5
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Mastering The Marquess (Bound and Determined #1) by Lavinia Kent

This is one of those classical romance novels that takes place in the time of horse drawn carriages. The story was entertaining and really delivers for its genre as one of those historical romance novels.

Louisa was married to her childhood sweetheart, but due to some war injuries certain marital duties where never performed. After his death she decides she want to remarry, but doesn't want anyone thinking less of him; to solve her dilemma she ventures to the brothel of Madame Rouge, who agrees to help her.

Louisa disguised as Grace has a liaison with Charles (real name Geoffrey) and from there goes on her way. Eventually Louisa does remarry and she marries Geoffrey, neither one knowing they've already met.

The story was amusing, especially with how long it takes them to figure out who the other is; we get a lot of drama and a somewhat very disturbing villain. My only problem with these historical romances is the whole double standard on what is okay for a woman to do and what is okay for a man to do. Overall, I say it was a descent read and I would be interested in seeing what else this author has to offer.

Rating 4 out of 5
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Don't Deny Me, Part Three (Don't Deny Me #3) by Megan Hart

The third and final part of the story picks up after part one; after being apart for 10 years Mick and Alice have reunited and now Mick is asking for a second change. 

In this part we finally figure out their ages; they're in their early 30's (because that was really killing us), so 10 years ago they were in their early 20's, just out of college.

Mick tries to pick things up from where they left off 10 years ago and eventually starts doing the same things that eventually led to the end of their relationship; however, he also tries really hard in his own weird way to show her he really cares. Alice this time around is more guarded around him, which also makes moving forward for them a little difficult. The best part of this book is when Mick's mom tries to tell him that he needs to actually say "I love you" that women aren't mind readers. Her story was really nice and it was so funny how Mick was like completely blanking out as she spoke. Overall, the entire story was really entertaining and you really do hope that the second time around things work out.

Rating 4 out of 5
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Corto Maltese: Under the Sign of Capricorn by Hugo Pratt

The infamous Captain Corto Maltese finally comes to the English audience; created in 1967 by Italian comic book artist Hugo Pratt, Corto Maltese has enjoyed fame throughout Europe for decades. Hugo Pratt's stories of the sailor have been translated to various languages and now English.

In this book we see Corto Maltese adventures in the Caribbean and South America as he searches for treasure; meets new friends and some old ones.

The entire book is in black and white and is a composite of various short adventures for this Captain. Overall, I say the book was really good and I can understand why Pratt's maritime stories have remained popular into this day and age. They have the ocean, Pirates, treasure, and voodoo; who wouldn't be captivated by such stories?

Rating 5 out of 5

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Don't Deny Me, Part Two (Don't Deny Me #2) by Megan Hart

In part one we see Alice and Mick being reunited after 10 years; in part two we get to see what happened 10 years ago.

Alice and Mick meet and for a while they have a wonderful relationship; like in the first part of the story we see love letters both sent and unsent. As the second part of the story progresses we see how the relationship deteriorated and what a jerk Mick was. I'm not gonna say that Mick was the only one in the wrong, because despite his taking Alice for granted, she never spoke up. By the time Alice actually speaks up, the entire relationship has gone down in flames.

This part of the story was good because it gives us more context and fill in the blanks from part one. Part two does not pick up right after part one like you would expect so you will need to run over to part three as soon as you are done with this one.

Rating 3.5 out of 5

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Secret Santo by Carla Caruso

Holly Plume is a book blogger that uses the name Sultry Scarlet; after having blasted the worst book she has ever read written by someone she is certain is a man trying to impersonate a woman. After venting to cyberspace, she's off to a Christmas party, where she hopes to meet her literary idol AJ Ruffo; all she has to do is figure out who he is. 

Santo Randolfi uses the name AJ Ruffo to publish his best-sellers; to his surprise and delight he happens to stumble upon Sultry Scarlet. Now all he has to do is get her to notice him for him and not his writing genius. Who cares if he has to tell a little white lie?

This was a super mini short read; the whole story takes place in the space of like 24 hours. The story was amusing, however, I felt like I was reading the first two chapters of a book. I think, the author should consider expanding their story, or maybe another mini story featuring the two. I'm giving it 3 stars because I liked the premise and I got a few good laughs.

Rating 3 out of 5

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Don't Deny Me, Part One (Don't Deny Me #1) by Megan Hart

This is part one in a three part novella, all three parts are relatively short and focus on different parts of the of the relationship.

In part one we meet Alice Clark and Mick McManus former sweethearts that ended things very badly. They've not seen each other in ten years and have reunited at a friend's house for a celebration; while they are there they get very reacquainted.

This part of the story is relatively slow and the way both characters act is sometimes irritating. Mick is such a jerk and Alice, she simply welcomes him back into her life. Throughout the whole book I kept trying to estimate their ages, to try and make sense of them. From what I gather, they are either late 30's or early 40's. The ending was good in part one, it makes you want to immediately grab the next one and see what comes next.

Rating 3 out of 5

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Goodness and Light (Christmas in New York #4) by Patty Blount

Thirteen years ago a young Elena Larsen met a boy she believed an angel who saved her from herself and gave a snowflake. 

Lucas "Luke" Adair spends his time helping those in need; after he himself was saved by someone who saw the good in him.

Elena and Luke both lost their mother during the 9/11 attacks, while Elena has become consumed by sorrow, Luke has been trying to help those in need. A chance encounter between them has them wondering about the other, but when Kara sends her baby sister to take her place at the center she volunteers at, guess who Elena finds running the place.

Elena and Luke begin to spend a lot of time together and as their feelings grow, they realize that if they are able to overcome their issues they will have a future together.

You might be wondering about the boy she believed an angel, if you guessed it was Luke, then you were right. The story was sweet and moving; at times I hated Elena because Luke was such a great guy. I mean he was really great, like Prince Charming great and Elena kept pushing him away; as you read the story you come to realize what is burdening Elena and why she is the way she is. The story is really emotional, especially because there is a lot of portrayal as to how these two dealt with losing their mothers in a horrific even, but also it portrays how people were able to come together and help each other.

Rating 4 out of 5
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Christmas in New York Series
This Christmas (Christmas in New York #1) by Jeannie Moon
All I Want for Christmas (Christmas in New York #2) by Jennifer Gracen
A Light in the Window (Christmas in New York #3) by Jolyse Barnett
Goodness and Light (Christmas in New York #4) by Patty Blount

A Light in the Window (Christmas in New York #3) by Jolyse Barnett

In book three of the series, we follow Jade Engel and Benjamin "Benji/Ben" Stephens; two childhood friends that were torn apart by the ravages of high school. 

Jade and Benji used to be inseparable, until high school pressures and mean kids tore them apart; eventually Jade left town and hasn't seen Ben in forever. A chance encounter has these two rekindling their friendship and eventually starting a romantic relationship.

Ben is great, he's a really good guy; Jade I'm like eh, she spends too much time pushing Ben away. In the end though, they fix their issues (mostly on Jade's side) and they get a really happy ending.

Rating 4 out of 5
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Christmas in New York Series
This Christmas (Christmas in New York #1) by Jeannie Moon
All I Want for Christmas (Christmas in New York #2) by Jennifer Gracen
A Light in the Window (Christmas in New York #3) by Jolyse Barnett
Goodness and Light (Christmas in New York #4) by Patty Blount

All I Want for Christmas (Christmas in New York #2) by Jennifer Gracen

In book two of the Christmas in New York Series we follow Cassandra "Cass" Baines and Sean McKinnon.

Some seven years ago, Sean McKinnon broke Cassandra Baines' heart. Since then she focused all of her energy into her studies and her professional career, becoming one of the youngest English Literature assistant professors at NYU.

Sean McKinnon broke up with Cass thinking he was doing her a favor; he believed he would only hold her back. He always felt breaking up with her was the most horrible event in his life; but always thought it was for the best. Now a bartender / bar owner, he spends his time just going through life.

Of all the bars in New York city Cass, just happens to walk into Sean's bar when out with her friend Bree (read book one); Sean can't believe his eyes when he see's Bree approach his bar and right behind her is Cass.

Sean sets out to woo Cass and show her this time he wants a forever. He wants to show her that this time no doubts will tear them apart.

The story is enjoyable and Sean is such a good guy. Granted his own self doubts about not being good enough for girl like Cass led to him screwing up the first time. So far the series has been really good, I can't wait to see what comes in the next two books.

Rating 4 out of 5
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Christmas in New York Series
This Christmas (Christmas in New York #1) by Jeannie Moon
All I Want for Christmas (Christmas in New York #2) by Jennifer Gracen
A Light in the Window (Christmas in New York #3) by Jolyse Barnett
Goodness and Light (Christmas in New York #4) by Patty Blount

This Christmas (Christmas in New York #1) by Jeannie Moon

This is one of those Christmas Miracles / Second Chance Romances type story. Ten years ago Sabrina "Bree" Gervais fell in love with Jake Killen, but a lie tore them apart and forced Jake to choose between love and doing the honorable thing.

Now, Bree leads a happy and content life with her daughter, Charlotte "Charlie" Gervais. Jake has no idea that when he walked out on Bree, he not only walked out on her, but on his unborn daughter. A fateful encounter will have him seeking a second chance and a better life.

The story was a sweet, lightweight, romance that center around the Christmas time and a happily ever-after. This story is book one in the Christmas in New York Series; which follows four life-long friends as they find true love or second chance loves in the most magical time of the year.

Rating 4 out of 5
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Christmas in New York Series
This Christmas (Christmas in New York #1) by Jeannie Moon
All I Want for Christmas (Christmas in New York #2) by Jennifer Gracen
A Light in the Window (Christmas in New York #3) by Jolyse Barnett
Goodness and Light (Christmas in New York #4) by Patty Blount