E-Arc: Christmas in Aspen by Anita Hughes

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher: St. Martin’s Press and author for letting me read this for an honest review!

Author: Anita Hughes
Date: October 24, 2024
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Pages: 304
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Summary:
Editor Caroline Holt is on her way to her late mother’s upstate cabin in Hudson to spend the holidays. She was supposed to be in London, having a holiday romance. But this Christmas, she isn’t in the mood to get her heart broken again. Caroline loves being an editor, but in the last year burnout has taken over. She has been mourning her mother, and she is looking to get that spark back.

In the cabin, Caroline finds a letter addressed to her mother. It’s in a red envelope, and the return address is Santa’s Little Red mailbox, in Aspen, Colorado. The letter is from a man declaring his love for her mother. He’ll be waiting for her in front of the Little Red Mailbox at three pm on New Year’s Eve.

Unable to ignore her curiosity, Caroline takes the next flight to Aspen to meet her mother’s mysterious lover, but things start getting complicated when she meets another man in town. The more they run into each other, the more she is drawn to him. And when Caroline finds out the truth about the person her mother had loved, she unravels secrets of her own past.

By the end of Christmas week, Caroline gets a chance to rewrite her own destiny by confronting her fears of loving again and possibly leaving behind what she thought was a perfect life.

Review:
A holiday, adventurous, heartwarming story! Gosh I loved how this story took me down a path of coping, love, life, a bit of mystery and the magic of Aspen. I will say there a quite a few things happening in this story: Caroline and her coping skills along with falling in love, Caroline’ s sister and love, their mother mysterious love and so much more. I really enjoyed this story.

I could keep up with the pace of the book, the characters and even the timeline! The story kept me intrigued the entire time. I wanted to know what was going to happen! The magical Aspen sounds good to be true. I wish I could go visit there. I could not stop reading this story either. I think it took me about two and half days to read it. It just kept me intrigued!

This is a great holiday story to be read when it comes out in October 2024! Pick it up and you will not regret it!

Update in the land of reading

Time for updates in the land of my reading!

Currently reading… I can’t put it down! 

Also started a few pages in this beauty! I love the cover.

Review coming soon of the witch and the vampire! I really enjoyed this gem!

What’s next after these..I have no idea yet. I should try to tackle my to read pile first before even attempting checking library books out or buying books, right? 

Hope everyone is doing well with their reading! 

Books I have already read

Here are some books that I have read and enjoyed them all. I just haven’t been reviewing as much as I used to due to dealing with a thing called life.

One is contemporary friendship and romance and dealing with real life, another is historical fiction romance with banter between the two main characters and the last one is starting over again in a small town with a hot rock n roll singer.

What can I say about all these books?

I loved each story. The adventure, the romance, the real grit of life that these characters have live in.

Hope you go pick one out and read!

Author: Alexa Martin
Pages: 336
Publisher: Berkley
Date: November 8, 2022
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Love isn’t always by the book in this charming romantic comedy about a bookseller discovering how to be the main character in her story.

As a self-proclaimed book hater and a firm believer that the movie is always better, Drew Young didn’t anticipate inheriting her grandma’s bookstore, the Book Nook. She’s in way over her head even before the shop’s resident book club, comprising seven of the naughtiest old ladies ever, begin to do what they do best—meddle.

Bestselling author Jasper Williams is a hopeless romantic. When he meets Drew at his Book Nook signing event, he becomes determined to show her the beauty of reading. He curates a book bucket list in exchange for her help exploring the local Denver scene for his current manuscript. From going river rafting to trying local restaurants, Drew begins to connect with Jasper in a way she only thought happened in fiction.
 
When messy family ties jeopardize the future of the Book Nook, Drew is caught between a bookshelf and a hard place. She’s reminded that real life isn’t always big dreams and sweeping romance. But Jasper is the plot twist she never saw coming and he’s writing a happily ever after just for them.

Author: Julia London
Pages: March 3, 2022
Publisher: HQN
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When Crown Princess Justine of Wesloria is sent to England to learn the ropes of royalty, she falls under the tutelage of none other than Queen Victoria herself. Justine’s also in the market for a proper husband—one fit to marry the future queen of Wesloria.

Because he knows simply everyone, William, Lord Douglas (the notoriously rakish heir to the Duke of Hamilton seat in Scotland, and decidedly not husband material), is on hand as an escort of sorts. William has been recruited to keep an eye on the royal matchmaker for the Weslorian prime minister, tasked to ensure the princess is matched with a man of quality…and one who will be sympathetic to the prime minister’s views.

As William and Justine are forced to scrutinize an endless parade of England’s best bachelors, they become friends. But when the crowd of potential grooms is steadily culled, what if William is the last bachelor standing?

Author: Kylie Scott
Pages: 246
Publisher: herself
Date: April 7, 2022
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What chance does a small-town girl have with a world-famous rock star?

Two years after his wife’s death, rock star Garrett Hayes hasn’t moved on. But he has moved out of L.A. Where better to escape his past than a small town in the northern California mountains? If only he could get the townsfolk of Wildwood to leave him the hell alone.

Ani Bennet returned to her hometown for some much-needed serenity. The last thing she needs is a grumpy, too hot for his own good, rich and famous rock star living next door—and rent-free in her brain.

She set her fangirl tendencies aside and deleted his photo from her cell when they became neighbors. But when Garrett asks for help, she can’t say no. The problem is, spending time together is making those fangirl feelings resurface—and bringing them to a whole new level.

What chance does a small-town girl have with world-famous rock star? It’s time for Ani to set her fears aside and find out.

Books that I have read

This is a quick update of books that I have read of 2022.

So I picked this Katee Robert’s books to see what the talk was all about. Vampires after all..you know? I have to check it out….. Well…whoah…the entire book took me off guard! It has a lot of spice in it. I’m not talking about cooking spice. The other kind of spicy side of adult things. I thought the characters were all interesting. The storyline itself kept my attention also. This is not my usual jam but I thought it was good.

Author: Katee Robert
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Date: September 6, 2022
Pages: 496
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All Mina ever wanted was to escape her father’s control. Half human, half vampire, she lived eternally torn between two worlds, never fully experiencing the pleasures of either―until her father chose her as the pawn in his latest political move, gifting her to the darkly powerful and dangerously seductive Malachi Zion.

Malachi is not a vampire to be trifled with. He rules with an iron fist and has a reputation for the darkest of sins. But the longer Mina spends with him, the more she realizes he’s not the monster she first thought―and as fear bleeds into lust, then trust, then something more, Malachi opens Mina up to a world she never knew could be hers for the taking: including the love of Malachi’s two closest friends and companions.

Now surrounded by all three men, the center of their shockingly seductive world, Mina may finally have the power to face down her father and take back the life―and crown―that by all rights should be hers.

Now Black Sun, I picked up because of Maude’s reading book group was talking about it. I gave it go. This was a whole new world for me. Adventure, friendships, romance and so on. It felt like epic fantasy. It took me a bit longer to read it. There was so much new worlds and languages and culture in this book. It was really really cool. Check it out!

Author: Rebecca Roanhorse
Publisher: Gallery / Saga Press
Date: June 29, 2021
Pages: 496
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In the holy city of Tova, the winter solstice is usually a time for celebration and renewal, but this year it coincides with a solar eclipse, a rare celestial even proscribed by the Sun Priest as an unbalancing of the world.

Meanwhile, a ship launches from a distant city bound for Tova and set to arrive on the solstice. The captain of the ship, Xiala, is a disgraced Teek whose song can calm the waters around her as easily as it can warp a man’s mind. Her ship carries one passenger. Described as harmless, the passenger, Serapio is a young man, blind, scarred, and cloaked in destiny. As Xiala well knows, when a man is described as harmless, he usually ends up being a villain.

Of course I had to read this. I finally picked it up and read it within a day. It was really good. I enjoyed the fact a vampire likes to play golf. The connection between Valerian and Natalie is really good. Relaxing and causal and fun and a bit of adventure! And vampires…of course!

Author: Lynsay Sands
Publisher: Avon
Date: September 27, 2022
Pages: 400
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Immortal Enforcer Valerian just wants to relax. His last assignment had been more grueling than he’d care to admit, and golf has always helped him unwind. If golf course owner Natalie thinks it’s a little odd for him to tee off at sunset every evening, she’s keeping it to herself. The single mom is sexy as hell, and her little daughter Mia only adds to his delight. He knows Natalie is wary of a relationship of any kind…what will she think when she discovers he’s an Immortal? His best course of action is to woo her the old-fashioned way.

But the course of true love never did run smooth—especially for a vampire and a mortal. And when danger stalks Natalie, Valerian realizes he’s playing a game of life and death and if he loses this round, he risks losing her forever.

Update Time

I am around..just been in a slump lately and life and the world has gotten to me. I have managed to read two books. and will post a review of them this weekend. Then currently reading two other books.

More to come soon.

Review coming soon of:

Currently Reading:

Reading update

Okay update!!!
Anyone else read these yet?

I just finished “The Crown of Gilded Bones” – The review is up with the other two books in the series. I am loving this story of Poppy and Casteel!

Currently reading now is:

Summary:
Sixteen-year-old Elva has a secret. She has visions and strange powers that she will do anything to hide. She knows the warnings about what happens to witches in their small village of Hanau. She’s heard the terrible things people say about the Witch of the North Woods, and the malicious hunts that follow…

When Elva accidentally witnesses a devastating vision of the future, she decides she has to do everything she can to prevent it. Tapping into her powers for the first time, Elva discovers a magical mirror and its owner―none other than the Witch of the North Woods herself. As Elva learns more about her burgeoning magic, and the lines between hero and villain start to blur, she must find a way to right past wrongs before it’s too late.

After Broken Wish will be:

Summary:
Caledon Holt is the kingdom’s deadliest weapon. No one alive can best him in speed, strength, or brains, which is why he’s the Hearthstone Guild’s most dangerous member. Cal is also the Queen’s Assassin, bound to her by magic and unable to leave her service until the task she’s set for him is fulfilled.

Shadow of the Honey Glade has been training all her life to join the Guild, hoping that one day she’ll become an assassin as feared and revered as Cal. But Shadow’s mother and aunts expect her to serve the crown as a lady of the Renovian Court.

When a surprise attack brings Shadow and Cal together, they’re forced to team up as assassin and apprentice. Even though Shadow’s life belongs to the court and Cal’s belongs to the queen, they cannot deny their attraction to each other. But now, with war on the horizon and true love at risk, Shadow and Cal will uncover a shocking web of lies that will change their paths forever.

Review: A Lady’s Formula for Love

• Publisher : Berkley
• Publication date : February 9, 2021
• Author: Elizabeth Everett

Summary:

What is a Victorian lady’s formula for love? Mix one brilliant noblewoman and her enigmatic protection officer. Add in a measure of danger and attraction. Heat over the warmth of humor and friendship, and the result is more than simple chemistry–it’s elemental.

Lady Violet is keeping secrets. First, she founded a clandestine sanctuary for England’s most brilliant female scientists. Second, she is using her genius on a confidential mission for the Crown. But the biggest secret of all? Her feelings for protection officer Arthur Kneland.

Solitary and reserved, Arthur learned the hard way to put duty first. But the more time he spends in the company of Violet and the eccentric club members, the more his best intentions go up in flames. Literally.

When a shadowy threat infiltrates Violet’s laboratories, endangering her life and her work, scientist and bodyguard will find all their theories put to the test–and learn that the most important discoveries are those of the heart.

My Review:

This book was cute! It was almost like “The Bodyguard” meets back in time era of Jane Austen with scientists. It was really fun to read. I really like Violet’s thoughts regarding to work and then when Arthur joined in as a bodyguard. Such thoughts! There was some sweet and swoony moments! This book should be made into a movie. I would totally watch it.

All the characters in this book are working their way to survive and to overcome obstacles. (Considering the fact the type of era is like 19th century.) It’s filled with danger, every day moments , friendships, relationships and just down to earth vibe as well. Plus romance! I did like Arthur’s broodiness. Just something about that! I also liked the fact Arthur was aware of Violet.

I do admit the beginning of the book was a little tough for me to get into but once I kept going I managed to enjoy the book more. I did like Arthur’s broodiness. Just something about that!

Give the book a shot to see if you like it. It was just a nice book to escape away into a new world.

Update in the world of reading

Currently Reading

Finished reading:

Want to read next

I preordered this book and it did not arrive on time.
The book is suppose to be coming this week — Can’t wait!
(I think everyone is experiencing delays in getting things)

I need to go find this book ASAP!
I have read the previous books and I must find out what happens next.
Plus the author is awesome

Have you read any of these?

Will you read any of these?

What do you think of my selections?

Notice my theme here??

Update Reading

Fall is coming….
The leaves are starting to change colors here.
Anyone else seeing that?

My reading has been up and down lately due to life! I have been getting some E-Arc’s on Netgalley and trying to keep up with that along with the library books that I have checked out. Plus my brain is thinking of one gazillion things….anyone else have this problem?

Perhaps I need to set up a schedule…hrmms…but sometimes doing that life throws you curveballs. I guess I’ll do the best I can. So here is the update of my world of reading.

Finished this E-Arc book….
I posted a review on it earlier. Go look.

Currently Reading….E-Arc Book
So far so good..
I am enjoying this but I need time to sit down to read.

Library books on my table eyeing me to read me at the same time!

WWW Wednesday

WWW Wednesday is hosted by Sam @ Taking On A World of Words, and to take part, all you need to do is answer three questions:

What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?

CURRENTLY READING

Soooooo excited for both of these!!

FINISH READING

Review coming soon!

WHAT TO READ NEXT….

Sitting on my coffee table….