The Paradise Problem (audio)

 

Anna Green thought she was marrying Liam “West” Weston for access to subsidized family housing while at UCLA. She also thought she’d signed divorce papers when the graduation caps were tossed, and they both went on their merry ways.

Three years later, Anna is a starving artist living paycheck to paycheck while West is a Stanford professor. He may be one of four heirs to the Weston Foods conglomerate, but he has little interest in working for the heartless corporation his family built from the ground up. He is interested, however, in his one-hundred-million-dollar inheritance. There’s just one catch.

Due to an antiquated clause in his grandfather’s will, Liam won’t see a penny until he’s been happily married for five years. Just when Liam thinks he’s in the home stretch, pressure mounts from his family to see this mysterious spouse, and he has no choice but to turn to the one person he’s afraid to introduce to his one-percenter parents—his unpolished, not-so-ex-wife.

But in the presence of his family, Liam’s fears quickly shift from whether the feisty, foul-mouthed, paint-splattered Anna can play the part to whether the toxic world of wealth will corrupt someone as pure of heart as his surprisingly grounded and loyal wife. Liam will have to ask himself if the price tag on his flimsy cover story is worth losing true love that sprouted from a lie

Anna and Liam married in college for the student housing. When Liam, who she knew as West, shows up at her door she is shocked to learn they are still married and he needs her help to retain control of his billion dollar trust.  The plan is to show up together at a family wedding an convince all they have been happily married for almost 5 years.  Free spirit Anna is willing especially since she needs the money for her father's treatments.  The wedding is being held on a private island and as they get to know each other an attraction builds, but the family drama threatens Liam's trust as well as their budding romance.  An enjoyable listen narrated by Patti Murin and John Root filled with plenty of laugh out-loud moments.

 *Thanks to Simon & Schuster Audio for this review copy*

The Christmas Wishing Tree + Giveaway

Sometimes life’s most magical journeys bring you back to where it all began…From USA Today bestselling author Emily March comes The Christmas Wishing Tree, an enchanting account of the magic and miracle of Christmas.

A man who loves adventure and the open sea, Devin Murphy returns for a short Christmas trip to his small hometown of Eternity Springs. Immersed in the joy and magic of the holiday season all around him, he doesn’t hesitate to play along when a young boy phones Santa to ask for a very special wish. Devin never guesses that a wrong number has the potential to make everything in his life so right.

Jenna Stockton adopted Reilly when he needed a mother and she intends to keep him safe. A small town across the country called Eternity Springs seems like a good place to hide from their past without any complications —until sexy Santa himself discovers her secrets. When Devin proposes a daring plan to face down the danger together and defeat it once and for all, she is tempted. Maybe Devin really is capable of making wishes come true? Perhaps in a Christmas wish they’ll both find the miracle they’ve been looking for all along…

A delightful Christmas novel in the New York Times bestselling Eternity Springs series.

Ten year old Reilly's calls Santa to ask for a daddy.  Devin answers the call on his borrowed phone and plays along. Reilly's mom Jean is a busy doctor with no idea these calls are happening.  When Reilly and Jean visit Eternity Springs they discover the magic of this enchanting town. A wonderful small town story of finding new beginnings where they are least expected.  Great choice for seasonal reading. 

Emily March is the New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today bestselling author of over thirty novels, including the critically acclaimed Eternity Springs series. Publishers Weekly calls March a "master of delightful banter," and her heartwarming, emotionally charged stories have been named to Best of the Year lists by Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, and Romance Writers of America. A graduate of Texas A&M University, Emily is an avid fan of Aggie sports and her recipe for jalapeño relish has made her a tailgating legend.

Emily's Website
Facebook

Thanks to the publisher (St. Martin's Press) one finished mass market copy of THE CHRISTMAS WISHING TREE is available to one (US only) commenter. A random winner will be drawn October 5th. Do you like to read seasonal stories?

Always Red Spotlight + Giveaway

The highly anticipated and epic conclusion to the Chasing Red duology

"Red," Caleb whispered. "Do you know how I felt when you left me?"

I looked into his eyes. The emotion I saw in them, the intensity, and the tenderness filled up my throat.

"I felt ruined. Because, Red, every time you break me apart, you put me back together. And I always come out better than before."

"So," he cupped my face, stroking my cheek with his thumb. "Ruin me."

Always Red picked up right where Chasing Red left off with Red/Veronica realizing she made a huge mistake and doing what it takes to make it right with plenty of drama some of which bordered on obsessive/possessive.  Even though the conclusion was what I expected it was a bit of a train wreck getting there - some of which was a bit over the top.

Excerpt

Chasing Red Duology:

Chasing Red (Book 1)

Always Red (Book 2)

Sourcebooks is generously giving away a print copy of the first book Chasing Red to one US reader.  Please enter to win by commenting and one random winner will be chosen on November 24th.  

The book will be shipped from the publisher shortly after the winner is chosen.

Perfect Gravity Spotlight + Giveaway

Second in a snarky, sexy sci-fi romance series with the perfect balance of humor, heart, and heat.

Kellen Hockley usually keeps quiet about his past, but once upon a time he loved a girl named Angela. He hasn't seen her in a decade, but now he has to break the news to her that his team of rogue treasure hunters accidentally killed her husband. He's had better days...

It's not the news that's delivered to Angela Neko that breaks her apart—it's the rumbly, Texas drawl delivering it. She can't believe she's hearing Kellen's voice again. But there's no time for distractions. When Angela's own life is threatened, yielding up all of her lies and secrets, she and Kellen must figure out how to reverse the geopolitical firestorm she lit to save the world, to save Kellen's cat...and just maybe to save each other.

VIVIEN JACKSON is still waiting for her Hogwarts letter. In the meantime, she writes, mostly fantastical or futuristic or kissing-related stories. When she isn’t writing, she’s performing a sacred duty nurturing the next generation of Whovian Browncoat Sindarin Jedi gamers, and their little dogs too. With her similarly geeky partner, she lives in Austin, Texas, and watches a lot of football.

Action-packed, page turner that has Angela questioning everything she has worked for since she was a young woman. She sacrificed so much for a government that she believed in that has seemingly betrayed her. With Kellen's help she will get to the truth.  It is easy to get immersed in the post apocalyptic world and get behind Angela and Kellen.  The secondary characters add so much to the story. Hope there is a follow-up to this book.

Excerpt

Rafflecopter Giveaway Enter to win a copy of Wanted and Wired, the first book in Vivien Jackson’s Wanted and Wired series!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Title: Perfect Gravity
Author: Vivien Jackson
Series: Wanted and Wired,
#2ISBN: 9781492648192
Pub Date: November 7, 2017

Dating You, Hating You (audio)

Despite the odds against them from an embarrassing meet-awkward at a mutual friend’s Halloween party, Carter and Evie immediately hit it off. Even the realization that they’re both high-powered agents at competing firms in Hollywood isn’t enough to squash the fire.

But when their two agencies merge—causing the pair to vie for the same position—all bets are off. What could have been a beautiful, blossoming romance turns into an all-out war of sabotage. Carter and Evie are both thirtysomething professionals—so why can’t they act like it?

Can Carter stop trying to please everyone and see how their mutual boss is really playing the game? Can Evie put aside her competitive nature long enough to figure out what she really wants in life? Can their actor clients just be something close to human? Whether these two Hollywood love-hatebirds get the storybook Hollywood ending or just a dramedy of epic proportions, readers will get to enjoy Christina Lauren’s heartfelt, raucous, and hilarious romance style at its finest.

Not one of my favorites by this writing duo, but it was an enjoyable listen narrated by Shayna Thibodeaux and Deacon Lee.  There was quite a few laugh out loud moments and the hated boss climax was a bit of a let down.

*Thanks to Simon and Schuster Audio for this review copy*

Tycoon (audio)

He wasn’t always this rich. This hot. This difficult.
Aaric Christos was a guy who protected me. Wanted me. Maybe even loved me.
That man is gone.
In his place is the most powerful real estate tycoon in the city.
He’s a cold, ruthless, aggressive businessman.
The only one who can save me and my startup from ruin.
It takes every ounce of courage to put my pride aside and ask for his help.
I didn’t expect him to offer it easily.
And he doesn’t.
Instead, he vets me harder than he’s vetted anyone.
Don’t invest in what you don’t know, he says.
He’s assessing every piece of me, to the point I’ve never felt so bare.
I yearn for the boy I once knew, whose touch once craved me.
Putting it all on the line will be worth it, I tell myself.
Until I realize—too late—that some risks are not worth taking.

I stumbled across Katy Evans while looking for an audio to listen to at night. Since I enjoyed the previous two audios, and this one was narrated by Sebastian York and Elizabeth Louise (both favorites) it was a no-brainer for me. I am a sucker for second chance love stories. Aaric and Bryn knew each other as young adults, but she was a bit afraid and didn't take a chance on him. Years later she needed his help to get her business started. She is determined to make a success of her business and tries her best not to allow Aaric to distract her. It is a losing battle. A quick, enjoyable listen narrated by two seasoned romance pros. The emotions are spot on, never overdone or syrupy. Secondary characters Jensen and Sara added to the story and I hope will get their own stories soon.

Thanks to Simon and Schuster Audio for this review copy

Lost Rider (audio)

Maverick Austin Davis is forced to return home after a ten-year career as a rodeo star. After one too many head injuries, he’s off the circuit and in the horse farming business, something he’s never taken much of a shine to, but now that it’s his late father’s legacy, familial duty calls. How will Maverick find his way after the only dream he ever had for himself is over?

Enter Leighton Elizabeth James, an ugly duckling turned beauty from Maverick’s childhood—his younger sister’s best friend, to be exact, and someone whose heart he stomped all over when she confessed her crush to him ten years back. Now Leighton is back in Maverick’s life, no longer the insecure, love-stricken teen—and Maverick can’t help but take notice. Sparks fly between them, but will Leighton be able to open her heart to the one man who broke it all those years ago?

Elisabeth Louise and Jason Carpenter narrated Leighton and Maverick's second chance love story exceptionally well. Mavericks need to deal with a very painful past that his family and friends have no idea how bad it really got. Leighton also has hurts that make her hesitant to give Maverick a second chance.. As he works to prove to Leighton that he is back and all in she slowly lets down her defenses and falls in love all over again. Their story is extremely emotional and well written. Looking forward to Quinn and Clay's stories.

*Thanks to Simon and Schuster Audio for this review copy*

Happy Birthday to my son James!

Seven Minutes In Heaven (audio)

All of Eugenia Snowe’s problems start when Edward Reeve, an arrogant bastard son of an earl, bursts into her registry office. He wants a governess and he wants her. She gives him the governess he demands, but she refuses to give herself.

No question that Eugenia enjoys crossing wits with the brilliant inventor, but she will never tarnish her reputation with an affaire, particularly with a man who doesn’t realize she’s a lady!

She holds her ground…until he kidnaps her.

Ward will stop at nothing to convince Eugenia that they’re meant to be together. He promises her heaven.

She gives him seven minutes.

We met Eugenia and Ward when they were children in earlier books,they were fun, loveable characters. As adults they are even more loveable, quirky and . Ward is in desperate need of a governess that will stay and help him with his young siblings that recently became orphans. Their Grandmother is filing a petition to have them removed from his care because the kids are behaving strangely in her opinion. He is a successful inventor, but doesn't know how to help them through this grief. When his second governess leaves he demands that Eugenia provide him with another governess. She refuses and he practically kidnaps her to get her to come and meet his siblings to determine the best kind of governess for them. Eugenia has always had great success with her governess placements and is sure that Ward is at fault. She agrees to meet the children. Lizzie and Otis had an unusual upbringing, and Eugenia can relate as she had the same. She encourages them to be themselves and Ward is not happy as he wants them to conform to society rules as he believes that is how he will get permanent custody of the kids. Eugenia has been a widow of seven years and is ready for a change. Ward is attracted to her, but thinks that because of her upbringing she will not be the right kind of wife for him. His reaction was disappointing and I wasn't sure if he deserved Eugenia. Susan Duerden, as usual, does a fantastic job narrating the hilarity, banter and emotion of the characters. 

*Thanks to HarperCollins for this review copy*

Any Time, Any Place (audio)

At fifteen-years-old, Raven Bella Stratton’s father was killed in a horrible car crash. The bigger shock was the discovery of a woman with him—Diana Pierce—and their two fully packed suitcases with airline tickets to Paris. Devastated by her father’s betrayal, Raven went to live with her aunt, never truly overcoming the traumatic event. When she discovers that the mysterious woman had a family with a husband and three boys, Raven vows to leave the memory of her father behind.

Until Dalton Pierce visits one night and suddenly her past challenges her future...

Leaving his life in California behind to run Pierce Construction with his two older brothers, Dalton Pierce has enjoyed returning home and studying his passion of woodworking. But when he visits the local bar with his brothers one evening, he’s immediately drawn to the smart-mouthed, badass, sexy bartender who sets his body on fire.

Unfortunately, she doesn’t seem as intrigued by him, and his multiple advances are met with rejection. When he offers to restore the bar back to its original glory, he begins to work with her on a daily basis, and falls harder. His plan of seduction slowly weaves a web around them both, until they are caught up in the spell. But Dalton doesn’t know the secret that can either destroy them both...or finally mend two broken hearts

This second installment in the Billionaire Brother's series is Dalton's story. The brothers had to run their family business together for a year in order to keep it.  They did just that and have been successful. Raven owns and operates My Place a local bar that will soon be featured in a local magazine.  Dalton begins work on restoring the bar and figuring out why Raven wants nothing to do with him. Raven knows who Dalton is and holds it against him. Dalton, who doesn't know, can't figure out what is holding her back when they have great chemistry.  What happened to their parents years ago has left them both broken.  Can they leave behind the fallout that their parent's choices caused or will it keep them apart?  Madeline Maby and Sebastian York did a great job narrating each of their characters with humor and emotion. Tristan's story is next.

*Thanks to Simon and Schuster Audio for this review copy*

The Mistletoe Inn (audio)

At thirty-two Kimberly Rossi, a finance officer at a Lexus car dealership, has had her heart broken more times than she wants to remember. With two failed engagements, a divorce and again alone with no prospects, she hardly seems the type to dream of being a published romance author. Dreading another holiday alone, she signs up for The Mistletoe Retreat, a nine-day writing retreat in Burlington, VT. Deep inside Kimberly knows she’s at a junction in her life and it’s time to either fulfill her dream or let it go. The other reason she decides to attend the conference is because famed romance writer, H.T. Cowell, once the bestselling romance writer in America, and the author whose books instilled in her the desire to be a writer, will be speaking in public for the first time in more than a decade.

In one of her breakout sessions Kimberly meets another aspiring writer, and one of the few men at the conference, Zeke, an intelligent man with a wry wit who seems as interested in Kimberly as he is in the retreat. As Kimberly begins to open up to him about her stories and dreams, she inadvertently reveals her own troubled past. As Zeke helps her to discover why her books fail to live up to their potential she begins to wonder if he’s really talking more about her life than her literature. But as she grows closer to him, she realizes that Zeke has his own darkness, a past he’s unwilling to talk about.

I chose this audio based on the  narrator alone as I have not read this author. I am so glad I did or I would have missed this gem of a story. Kim is one of the unluckiest in love people ever!  As her story is told you will realize why. She really wants to publish her "perfect" romance, and figures this conference is her last chance.  She befriends two people at the conference, Samantha and Zeke, both fellow writers. She opens up to Zeke, but not totally and you figure out the secret he is keeping (at least I did). Zeke offers to read her book and give her an honest critique. When it is not what she wants to hear she bails and returns home which is the best thing she could have done as this is where the real healing begins. Great story with wounded characters that give love a chance. Madeline Maby always delivers a pitch perfect read no matter the plot or characters. A story that can be read/listened to anytime of the year. 

*Thanks to Lauren and Simon and Schuster Audio for this review copy*

Always A Cowboy by Linda Lael Miller (#2)

Audio Cover

Drake Carson is the quintessential cowboy. In charge of the family ranch, he knows the realities of this life, its pleasures and heartbreaks. Lately, managing the wild stallions on his property is wearing him down. When an interfering so-called expert arrives and starts offering her opinion, Drake is wary, but he can't deny the longing - and the challenge - she stirs in him.

Luce Hale is researching how wild horses interact with ranch animals - and with ranchers. The Carson matriarch invites her to stay with the family, which guarantees frequent encounters with Drake, her ruggedly handsome and decidedly unwelcoming son. Luce and Drake are at odds from the very beginning, especially when it comes to the rogue stallion who's stealing the ranch mares. But when Drake believes Luce is in danger, that changes everything - for both of them.

This is book two in the series that stands alone well. Romance, wild horses, family, secondary characters all contribute to a great story in this small town. Drake and Luce's relationship doesn't over take the scenery and emotion of the story. 

Narrator Jack Garrett nailed Drake's sense of humor and love for his family's ranch. Luce's love for the outdoors and determination to be independent and finish her degree shines through as well. As always the author adds animals that become beloved characters. Looking forward to Mace's story in Forever A Hero.

Audio (7 CDs)
Product Number: C02847
Released: Aug 30, 2016
ISBN: #9781470384050
Narrator/s: Jack Garrett
Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
Listening Length: 8 hours and 58 minutes

Print Cover

The Carsons of Mustang Creek
Once A Rancher
Always A Cowboy
Forever A Hero

Thanks to Becky and Recorded Books for this review copy.

Maid Under the Mistletoe + Recipe

‘Tis the season for a sexy holiday!

Single mom Joy Curran needs this temporary holiday housekeeping job working for a reclusive billionaire. But her sexy, aloof boss pulls at Joy's heartstrings—and her long-denied desires—in unexpected ways… Sam Henry never got over the loss of his wife and son, and he's shut himself off from happiness, love—and the holidays. But Joy and her sweet daughter bring laughter into his life. And living with his new maid ignites a passion he can't ignore. After one glorious night in Joy's arms, will this beauty be the Christmas miracle that changes the beast forever?

MAUREEN CHILD is the author of more than 130 romance novels and novellas that routinely appear on bestseller lists and have won numerous awards, including the National Reader's Choice Award. A seven-time nominee for the prestigious RITA award from Romance Writers of America, one of her books was made into a CBS-TV movie called The Soul Collector. Maureen recently moved from California to the mountains of Utah and is trying to get used to snow.

Loved how little Molly melts Sam's frozen heart. I found myself laughing out loud a few times while enjoying this book. If you are looking for a quick, sweet Christmas story, this fits the bill perfectly.  The recipe Maureen shares is one of my favorites for the holiday season. 

Bon Appétit and a Book:

A delicious recipe to enjoy alongside the book 

   

SNOWBALL COOKIES

·         1 cup butter

·         1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

·         1/4 teaspoon salt

·         1 teaspoon vanilla extract

·         2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

·         1 cup chopped pecans

·         1/3 cup confectioners' sugar for dusting, or as needed

·         1/4 cup finely crushed peppermint candy canes (optional)

·   

Directions

1.      Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

2.      Cream the butter with 1/2 cup of the confectioners' sugar and the vanilla. Mix in the flour, pecans, and salt. Roll about 1 tablespoon or so of dough into balls and place on an ungreased cookie sheet.

3.      Bake in preheated oven until bottoms are golden, about 15 minutes. Do not allow these cookies to get too brown: it's better to under cook them than to overcook them. While cookies are still hot, roll them in confectioners' sugar. Once they have cooled, roll them in confectioners' sugar once more.

MAID UNDER THE MISTLETOE

by Maureen Child

Harlequin Desire; December 6, 2016

$5.25 U.S.; 224 Pages

ISBN-978-0-373-73500-6

Do you have a favorite holiday recipe that you make year after year?








*Thanks to Tracy, Meryl Moss Media, Harlequin for this review copy*

Greek's Christmas Bride + Author's Write Space

‘Tis the season for a Sexy Holiday!

Coldly ruthless and deeply cynical, Apollo Metraxis has made a career of bachelorhood. But when the inheritance of his father’s estate is conditional on a marriage and a child, he is forced to do the unthinkable!

Unpolished Pixie Robinson is the world’s worst choice of a wife for Apollo. Yet her family’s mounting debts leave her defenseless and therefore uniquely suitable. But when the wedding night exposes Pixie’s untouched vulnerability, striking a chord in the dark reaches of his heart, Apollo is forced to think again.

And that’s before he discovers that she’s carrying not one but two Metraxis heirs!

LYNNE GRAHAM is a popular Northern Irish author of more than 60 romance novels, published by Mills & Boon since 1987. Graham met her husband when she was 14, but before marrying she completed a degree at Edinburgh University. Lynne and her husband have five children, one natural and four adopted, two from Sri Lanka and two from Guatemala.

Apollo and Pixie really don't like each other but love their friends. When Apollo comes up with a plan to keep his inheritance Pixie comes to mind.  Pixie has her reasons for going along with the plan.  Their relationship starts out as expected but doesn't go as either of them planned. Can they overcome their pasts to find a life together? An enjoyable, sweet Christmas story.

Lynne Graham's Writer's Space:
I do all my writing in my library – it’s perfect for me, because I’m a total bookworm! I find it really inspiring being surrounded by books that I love, along with my personal trinkets, the flower-lights over my mantelpiece, and the gorgeous garden view from my window. It truly feels like my own little world I can escape to!

THE GREEK’S CHRISTMAS BRIDE
by Lynne Graham

Harlequin Presents; November 22, 2016

$4.99 U.S.; 224 Pages
ISBN-978-0-373-134885

*Thanks to Tracy, Meryl Moss Media, Harlequin for this review copy*

A Bravo For Christmas + Recipe

‘Tis the season for a sexy holiday!

When Darius Bravo wants something—he usually gets it. And the powerhouse CEO has wanted Ava Malloy since he was a Justice Creek High senior. Darius is already adored by one Malloy: Ava's spirited daughter. Helping Sylvie and her local Blueberry troop build dollhouses for needy kids is a worthy cause that's bringing him closer to the widowed single mom. Imagine his surprise when the usually unapproachable Ava starts flirting and making her romantic intentions crystal clear!

With one condition.  A holiday fling with the man Ava has always found irresistibly attractive is a thrilling way to ring in the New Year. She can't promise Darius the future—one devastating heartbreak in a lifetime is enough. But Ava underestimates his staying power. And what about her own secret heart's desire? A Bravo under the mistletoe and in her arms forever!

CHRISTINE RIMMER is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who has written more than 100 contemporary romances for Harlequin Books. A reader favorite, Rimmer has won Romantic Times Book Review's Reviewer's Choice Award for best Silhouette Special Edition. She has been nominated seven times for the Romance Writers of America's prestigious RITA award and five times for Romantic Times Series Storyteller of the Year. 

This was a delightful Christmas read. Ava and Darius have known each other since high school. Due to Ava's upbringing she set early goals for what she wanted out of life, so she steered clear of popular, handsome Darius.  Now years later in her loneliness, she makes a deal with Darius for a fling. Darius accepts her terms to begin with and sets out to win her heart.  Despite this being a 6th book in a series, I was able to follow along and fall in love with these characters. 

Bon Appétit and a Book: A delicious recipe to enjoy alongside the book 

CHICKEN SOUP FOR CHRISTMAS

There’s nothing like a bowl of chicken soup on a cold winter’s day.  Enjoy it in front of the tree, or by a cozy fire.  Add a great Christmas romance—I recommend my December release, A BRAVO FOR CHRISTMAS--and there’s nothing better. I love this chicken soup recipe.  It essentially takes two days because you have to make the broth first and then cool it to skim off the fat.  But it really is a simple process.  And it is soooo good.    --Christine Rimmer ,  


                                                

2 Tbsp olive oil

2 medium onions, chopped                   

4 medium carrots sliced into quarter-inch rounds               

3 celery stalks, CUT into quarter-inch slices

1 (5 ½ to 7-pound) chicken

2 quarts chicken broth

Up to 1 quart cold water

1 bay leaf

4 sprigs fresh thyme or ½ tsp dried thyme

5 sprigs fresh parsley

Salt and pepper to taste

2 cups egg noodles

Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Cut the chicken into 8 pieces. (Yes, you can buy an already cut-up chicken.  Just be sure it still has bones and skin and don’t cut off any extra fat.  The fat adds flavor and then you skim it away later.)  And of course, always be careful to wash hands, cutting tools and surfaces thoroughly after handling poultry.

Heat the oil over medium heat in a stockpot.  Add onions, carrots and celery.  Cook, stirring often, until soft, approximately 10 minutes.

Add the chicken pieces to the sautéed veggies and pour in the broth.  Add enough cold water to cover veggies and chicken by about 2 inches.  Bring to a boil over high heat and skim off the foam that rises to the surface.  Add the parsley, thyme and bay leaf (You will remove these later, so if you tie them together or bag them in culinary cheesecloth, removal is easier).

Reduce heat to low and simmer until the chicken is very tender, about 2 hours.  (I put the lid on for this.  My mother always simmered the soup uncovered.  Your choice).

Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside until cool enough to handle.  Remove and discard parsley, bay leaf and thyme.  Degrease the soup.  (If you don’t mind skimming it hot, that’s fine—or if you have one of those fat-separating cups, even better.  I like to chill the broth and the chicken overnight and then put the broth in the freezer for a few hours the next morning.  The fat is thick and floating by then and easy to spoon off.)

Discard the chicken skin and bones and cut the meat into bite-sized pieces.  Add the noodles and cook according to instructions on the noodle package (3-10 minutes).  Stir the chicken back into the soup, add salt and pepper to taste, serve hot.

The soup will be good refrigerated for four days or so.  You can freeze it for up to three months.  Makes 12-15 servings.

A BRAVO FOR CHRISTMAS

by Christine Rimmer

Harlequin Special Edition; November 22, 2016
$5.50 U.S.; 224 Pages
ISBN-978-0-373-65095-8

*Thanks to Tracey at Meryl Moss Media for this review copy*

The Bachelor Auction Release Day Blitz + Giveaway

Cinderella never had to deal with this crap.

Jane isn't entirely sure that Cinderella got such a raw deal. Sure, she had a rough start, but didn't she eventually land a prince and a happily-ever-after? Meanwhile, Jane is busy waiting on her demanding, entitled sisters, running her cleaning business, and . . . yep, not a prince in sight. Until a party and a broken shoe incident leave Jane wondering if princes---or at least, a certain deliciously hunky billionaire---maybe do exist.

Except Brock Wellington isn't anyone's dream guy. Hell, a prince would never agree to be auctioned off in marriage to the highest bidder. Or act like an arrogant jerk---even if it was just a façade. Now, as Brock is waiting for the auction chopping block, he figures it's karmic retribution that he's tempted by a sexy, sassy woman he can't have. But while they can't have a fairy-tale ending, maybe they can indulge in a little bit of fantasy . . .


 My thoughts:

There is a story behind Brock continuing to let his Grandfather manipulate him. Jane also has a reason for allowing her sisters to completely walk all over her. Those two backstories give quite a bit of heart to the story, while Brock and Jane's chemistry light up the pages. Their time at the ranch/farm is hilariously fun and the majority of the story.  I loved Brock's brothers and can't wait for their stories. Not sure if the sisters can be redeemed, but anything is possible. I will definitely read the next book in this series. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 
 Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she's not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor. She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband, adorable son, and two snoring boxers! She loves to hear from readers!

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Series Page on Goodreads

Forever Website

Title: The Bachelor Auction
Author: Rachel Van Dyken
Series: The Bachelors of Arizona #1
On Sale: October 4, 2016
Publisher: Forever
Formats: eBook
Price: $4.99 USD (eBook)
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*Thanks to Forever Hachette for this review copy*