Review : Christmas Cottage Getaway

Christmas Cottage Getaway by Tara Taylor Quinn

Cottages on Ocean Breeze #3

Goodreads: Click

Pages: 272 

Expected publication November 25, 2025

Christmas, canines and courtship… 

Dale Wilson’s life hasn’t been “good” since his beloved wife died—at least until Millie Monroe moves to Ocean Breeze. Dale and his dog Juice can’t help but be drawn to the pediatric nurse. A widow herself, Millie understands not wanting romance. Finding unexpected common ground has given them both a friendship they’ve craved. Plus, their respective pups have become friends, too! But Dale has a secret—he’s bestselling author WG Gunder. Not something he readily wants to admit to the woman in his heart…and his bed. Perhaps the Christmas spirit can teach him that sometimes happily-ever-after is disguised as a new beginning… 

Millie is still dealing with the loss of her husband and feeling lost in her life right now until she can get things settled she's living at Ocean Breeze. She never expected to make a friend out of the neighbor Dale and his dog juice but as a fellow widower they both seem to mesh well and helping heal one another.

This was a slow burn type of book, very uplifting and healing when it came to the characters. There is clearly an attraction but both are not in the space to want any type of relationship other then friendship and I loved seeing that slow place of them healing one another with each conversation.This take place during the holiday season and I recommend you seasonal readers to check this book out. The one thing I will say was that this was a bit too slow of a pace for me when it came to reading and almost felt like it was dragging but in another way I can understand why I mean this wasn't one of those instant love kinda books that I'm used to and they are working through their grief so I get it. Overall this was a pretty good book I really enjoyed it. 

Hustled

Hustled by Roya Carmen

Publication date: November 20th 2025
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Sports

Fun and Games.
An indecent proposal.
And a whole lot of heartbreak.

Pro billiards player Caine Hall is hot as hell. When he walks into the pool hall I co-own with my husband Reeves, I nearly fall all over myself. Over a few playful games, we get to know each other. He’s smooth and sly, and Reeves instantly hates his guts. He’d kick him out if Mr. Hall didn’t just happen to be our landlord.

He says he wants to help us, and we’re all ears. But when he makes us an outrageous proposal, we can’t believe the gall of the man. Caine wants to spend time with me. It’s innocent enough, albeit very weird. We’re desperate because we’re behind on our rent, so eventually, after much pondering, we reluctantly accept.

Caine treats me like a princess and shows me a whole new world. He takes things slow, just like he does at the pool table. Yet… he scares me — he’s intense and obsessive. And as he abuses his power, his demands and proposals intensify.

Reeves and I are falling apart. We keep telling ourselves we’ll say no next time, but Caine has got us both under his spell, efficiently manipulating us both in very different ways.

I’m anxious about my marriage and my unpredictable, hot-tempered husband. Yet I can’t stop thinking about Caine. He’s in my head. He’s under my skin. Reeves and I have agreed that this is simply a financial arrangement, something we’re doing for our livelihood.

So why have I let Caine hustle his way into my heart?

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Hustled is a STANDALONE story. It will be part of a series of 3 standalone books – related but separate stories.

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EXCERPT:

“I officially rescind any future proposals. There will be no money. You’re absolutely right. You’re not a whore, and I’ve been completely out of line. You may go now.”

My jaw drops to the floor. Who does this guy think he is? “I may go now?”

“Yes, please go. ” He pulls away, and I ache for him. The sudden absence of his warmth leaves me hollow inside, like someone has scooped out my insides with a cold spoon.

My body betrays me completely—my skin prickles with goosebumps, my breath catches in my throat, and there’s this terrible, painful emptiness that only he can fill. I lean forward slightly, instinctively chasing his touch before I catch myself.

The space between us feels charged with electricity, crackling with unspoken need. A hint of his cologne—that tangy, distinct scent—still lingers in my nostrils, teasing me, reminding me of how close he was just seconds ago. My fingers twitch at my sides, wanting to reach out, to pull him back against me.

I hate the power he has over me. I hate how my body responds to his without my permission, like it belongs to him instead of me. But I can’t deny the physical ache that spreads through me, radiating from my core outward, making me feel both weak and desperately alive at the same time.

I shove him hard.

He recovers quickly. “Do I need to call security? ”

I watch him as he walks away from me. I’ve really done it this time. What must the man think of me? He reaches into his desk. For a chequebook? For a security button?

I huff. I hate him so much, I can’t stand it. “And another thing, Mister. You’re not as perfect as you think. One of your ears sticks out more than the other… it makes you look goofy.”

His gaze reaches mine, and that maddening smile curves his lips again. “Is that so? I never realized. Thank you so much for bringing that to my attention, Jenna.”

Just as he’s about to take a seat at his desk, he changes his mind and stands. “Let me show you out,” he says cooly, and every syllable grates me — how dare he be so calm and collected, when I just want to rip his head off.

But when we get to the door, he presses me against it, his body claiming mine—and I lose complete control.

I’m his. All his.

His hands find the hem of my skirt, rough and demanding as he hikes it up. My back presses against the cold door, a stark contrast to the heat of his body pinning me there. I gasp as his fingers trail up my thighs, leaving fire in their wake.

“Tell me to stop,” he whispers, his breath hot against my neck. “Tell me you don’t want this.”

But I can’t. The words won’t come. All I can manage is a desperate whimper as his hands climb higher, stroking the sensitive skin of my inner thighs. My head falls back against the door with a soft thud.

“Caine,” I breathe, my voice barely recognizable to my own ears.

Author Bio:

Mom, writer, bookworm, comic artist, and hopeless romantic.

Author of The Ground Rules trilogy, the One Week series, the Riverstones series, the Orchard Heights series, and the You collection.

ALL my books are standalone reads with the exception of The Ground Rules Book 2 and 3. Although the books are standalone reads, when reading a complete series, it is best to do so in chronological order to avoid spoilers. And if you're a comics fan, check out my comic book: A Romantic Life. :)

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Review : Big Sky Safe House

Big Sky Safe House by Juno Rushdan 

Goodreads: Click

Pages: 224 

Expected publication November 25, 2025 

Can he stop the killer

who has found her again?

The only woman to escape the notorious Yuletide slayer, Nora Santana wants to stop running and put down roots in this tight-knit Montana town. But a chilling holiday message from her Secret Santa tells Nora her carefully constructed cover has been blown. Out of options, she must rely on Ironside Protection investigator Bo Lennox to keep her alive. With the fatalities rising, Bo and Nora confront their taboo attraction as they unearth long-buried secrets…and a killer who’s closer than they could ever imagine…

Nora has been on the run hoping to finally make a home for herself but it seems like a Yuletide Slayer of her past is still hunting her down. Thankfully Bo from Ironside protection is there by her side to watch out for her and hopefully finally catch this killer. Clearly this killer isn't done and willing to take down more of those that are close to Nora to lure her out.

This was such a great mix of mystery and suspense and it's takes place during the holidays which is also what would make this a great mix to be on my holiday TBR list. If you're like me who has holiday TBR list you're going to want to put this one on. I love the suspense of it all wondering when the person would strike next. You can't help but wonder why this killer has it out for this girl and after finding out about everything I am pretty satisfied. Then there's the romance between the two main characters and the connection is undeniable and you can't help but root for them. They were moments that did pop up throughout the book I will say it wasn't too much because hello there is a killer coming I didn't want it to be too distracting from the whole point of the reason they are with each other so there is a right amount of romance through there that doesn't overpower what is going on. Overall highly recommend really enjoyed it.

Review : Abducted in the Woods

Abducted in the Woods by Kerry Johnson 

Forest Ranger Rescuers #2

Goodreads: Click

Pages: 208 

Expected publication November 25, 2025

Pursued by criminals—

with a child’s life on the line.

Just when Sarah Brindley believes she and her son, Liam, are safe from the men who murdered her husband, they are attacked—and Liam is taken. Her only hope is to team up with her brother-in-law, forest ranger Tucker Brindley, to uncover who is targeting her family. When they discover her late husband’s ties to an underground medical black-market ring, it’s clear the trail of danger runs deeper than they realized. With assaults on them ramping up, they must race against the clock to recover young Liam…before they become the next victims.

After finding out someone at murdered her husband Sarah goes on the run with her son Liam when he is taken. Thankfully her brother-in-law Tucker is there to help out to keep her safe and to find his nephew as they dive deeper into what is going on. Now they're finding out her late husband job has a darker secret going on and she may have stumbled across it and clearly she needs to be silenced.

From the moment this book started there was just so much going on and I was enjoying the ride. This book was very heavily with Christian faith and prayers throughout so if you enjoy that in your books you'll like this one. There was a bit of a romance between Tucker and Sarah but it was very clean and it wasn't really heavily a part of the story so if you like your mystery suspense books that aren't heavy with the romance you might like this one. I enjoyed getting to know more of what was going on with each reveal when it came to figure out what was going on and how to get the child back and safely. Overall really good book really enjoyed it.

Review : The Christmas Playbook

The Christmas Playbook by Lisa Carter

Genre: Christmas

Goodreads: Click

Pages:  208 

Expected publication November 25, 2025

When the goal is love

it’s time to break the rules…

When her football coach father has a sudden heart attack, Maddie Lovett finds help from an unlikely her high school crush, Tanner Price. Back in town to care for his mother, former star athlete Tanner agrees to step in temporarily. As he leads the team to the state championships, Maddie’s support helps him see her as more than just the coach’s daughter. But when a family crisis occurs, Tanner knows his time in Truelove is limited. With his Christmas departure quickly approaching, can Maddie convince him to stay...for more than just football?

From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

Maddie is the football coach daughter and when he had a heart attack thankfully Tanner Price was back in town to fill in while he keeps an eye on his mother.

This book is definitely for you if you're into cheesy Hallmark movies which I will say I am into. The whole story is predictable but still enjoyable in the ways that it remain to be unique. I like the characters and seeing the ups and downs and what was going on in the lives of the characters. There was a deadline going on so choice is really did have to be made and it was interesting how things turned out. It was a clean romance so I appreciate that. And if you're looking for a book holiday season to check out definitely put this one on your list.

Color of Fire

Color of Fire by Gina Giordano

(Strange Eden Trilogy, #3)
Publication date: November 20th 2025
Genres: Adult, Historical

“And I thought you were my savior in my darkest hour. How very wrong I was.”

1794: Devastated by the violent disappearance of her husband, Charles Sharpe, Eliza struggles to save Pleasant Hall from the hands of crooked creditors and the governor’s greed. In the aftermath of the attack, her husband’s enemies have branded him a traitor and declare him dead.

But an unlikely source carries knowledge that he still lives, and he alone knows who has taken Charles. Eliza’s desperation drives her to form an alliance with the king of the underworld himself: Captain Hiram Bruin, a notorious man who is more pirate than privateer.

Eliza’s death has been ordered by Lord Dunmore, and Bruin himself tasked with the deed. But Hiram Bruin has never been a man to follow orders. He offers her passage on his ship, the Fortuyne, and his personal protection. In her hour of distress, Eliza accepts—for she has no other choice.

Bruin takes Eliza on a wild and dangerous voyage from the island of New Providence to the wild and untamed Saba, and finally to England, where her journey started three years ago.

Eliza endures her new sinister reality, one where death creeps ever closer, and quickly learns that the only monsters at sea are men. Ensnared by the salt air and damning secrets, one thing is startlingly clear: Bruin wants to take everything she holds dear. For the roots of revenge lie deep…

Will Eliza be able to save the life of her husband before it’s too late? What price is she willing to pay for his freedom? And can she escape this unimaginable nightmare, fueled by a man of unspeakable cruelty?

Color of Fire is the dark, thrilling conclusion to Gina Giordano’s sweeping historical epic, the Strange Eden Trilogy.

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SNEAK PEEK:

“I hope you never forget for one moment that the only reason you are alive right now is because of me,” Bruin said, the venom unmistakable in his voice. “Your every breath is a gift—from me.” He mocked her shallow breaths, then pushed into her again. “You should be thanking me.”

Author Bio:

Gina Giordano always had an insatiable curiosity and a penchant for history. Born in New York City, she is a writer, artist, and a conjurer of the past. She holds a BA in history and a master’s degree in historical fiction from New York University, and has traveled to over fifty-five countries across the globe. When she is not climbing ancient ruins or exploring forgotten palaces, she enjoys swimming with sharks in remote pristine waters. Her debut novel, STRANGE EDEN, was longlisted for the 2023 Bath Novel Award.

To sign up for exciting news and to find out more about the author follow her on Instagram @ginagiordanobooks.

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Review : Missing at Christmas

Missing at Christmas by Deena Alexander 

Genre: Christian 

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Pages: 205

Published: October 28, 2025

A dangerous family legacy.

A race to save a baby in jeopardy.

When journalist Lexi McKenna receives a desperate call for help, she rushes to her sister’s home, only to find her sister dead and one of her twin nieces missing. With her past mafia ties resurfacing, Lexi must go on the run with agent Noah Thompson to protect herself from her father’s enemies. Although Lexi is the daughter of the mob boss who murdered Noah’s brother, Noah will do anything to take down her family—even work with her. As danger looms from all sides, they must find the abducted baby and dismantle a criminal empire before Lexi and her nieces end up as collateral damage.

From Love Inspired Courage. Danger. Faith.

Lexi received a surprise call from her sister needing help when the line goes dead and one of her nieces are missing. Knowing this has ties with her father and his business she is now on the run but also trying to find her missing niece with agent Noah Thompson. Noah already had his eye on the mob boss and those of close relation to who took the life of his brother so was surprised when he came across one of  their daughters and seeing the other one on the run. Now not only will he want to take down the mob boss but also keep the daughter protected and find the missing niece.

There was just so much going on with this book from the beginning and it really did keep me hooked. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters and following along what was going on there was just so much to keep track of. I like the connection that was brewing between the two I mean know I must have felt really conflicted knowing that Lexi is the daughter of the mob boss who killed his brother so there must be some kind of reservations there in getting close. Over all I was a fun ride I really enjoyed it and seeing how it concluded in the end.