Review: A WARRIOR FOR CHRISTMAS by Donna Grant

 

A WARRIOR FOR CHRISTMAS is a collection of short stories told from the couples of the DARK SWORD/DARK WARRIORS series’ POV, during the preparations for the Winter Solstice. I like how we, the readers, got to reacquaint with our favorite, beloved characters again.

Truthfully, I have not read all the books and novellas in the two series. So, there are a few couples, and situations, I am unfamiliar with.

I like how each couple assimilates. They know peace is elusive and temporary, so they prepare for a possible threat in their own ways. It is also fun to see how each couple prepares for the holiday season.

Each short story is followed by a holiday recipe. There were some that sounded delicious, but nothing my family would like.

A WARRIOR FOR CHRISTMAS is a quick, holiday-themed read.

REVIEW: Sabrina Jeffries' WHAT HAPPENS IN THE BALLROOM

 

Rating: 4.5

Nathaniel Stanton, the Earl of Foxstead, is a war hero. He has never forgotten his deceased friend’s wife. Nathaniel decides to hire Eliza and her sisters to help his ward find a suitable suitor. He harbors a shocking secret that could destroy both Eliza and his ward. Attraction blooms between them, and Nathaniel finds that he cannot keep his hands off Eliza. However, the truth threatens to destroy their budding relationship. Can Nathaniel convince Eliza to forgive him? And at what cost?

Eliza Pierce is a widow. She co-owns a successful party planner business with her sisters. Her late husband’s friend approaches Eliza to help his ward debut in high society. She suspects Nathaniel is keeping something from her but reluctantly agrees. Eliza cannot ignore her growing attraction to the rapscallion earl. She soon learns the devastating truth about his ward and her young son. Can Eliza forgive Nathaniel for all his secrets and lies? Or will her late husband’s treachery destroy any possibility of a future?

Nathaniel is such a sweetheart! He has this mischievous and infectious charm that makes him hard to resist. I like how Nathaniel’s stint in the army changed him for the better. It opened his awareness to a lot of injustices in the world. Plus, it helped him give up his rakehell ways. What I adore the most about Nathaniel is his thoughtfulness towards Eliza. He has always liked and admired her. However, Nathaniel kept a respectful distance from her to keep from betraying his friend. Plus, he tried to keep from causing her more pain with the truth about her late husband.

Eliza is such an amazing woman! She, along with her sisters, has managed to overcome many obstacles. I understand Eliza’s distrust with men. Her father and late husband really did a number on her mentally and emotionally. The two men tried to dictate her life without any regards of her feelings. What I admire the most about Eliza is how she proves that she does not need a man to succeed. Elegant Occasions’ success is proof of that, especially during the rigid strictures women faced in that era.

WHAT HAPPENS IN THE BALLROOM is the second book in Sabrina Jeffries’ historical romance series, DESIGNING DEBUTANTES. The story can easily stand alone. However, I suggest reading the prior book first. It explains the three sisters’ background and why they started their business.

Review: Alexandra Ivy's Desperate Acts

 

Rating: 4.5
Review courtesy of Romance Junkies

Kaden Vaughn is a former Hollywood stunt driver. He believes the skeletal remains found in Pike, Wisconsin, belong to his brother’s fiancé. Kaden intends to solve the woman’s mysterious disappearance for his deceased brother. However, the authorities’ methods in handling the case seem shady and dubious. Kaden’s only ally is the owner of the local grocery store. Someone does not want them poking their nose into the case and tries to scare them off. Can Kaden protect Lia from the true murderer? What terrible secrets will they dredge up? And at what cost?

Lia Porter runs and operates her family-owned grocery store. When a body is discovered near town, she recalls an incident she had witnessed fifteen years ago. Lia disagrees with the authorities’ conclusion on the case. The only person who shares her suspicions is the ruggedly handsome stranger from Hollywood. She and Kaden start their own investigation, only to learn more than what they bargained for. Someone in Pike wants to keep their secrets hidden, and they are willing to kill to keep them. Will Lia become another unfortunate victim? Will she and Kaden solve the fifteen-year-old case?

Kaden is such a positive inspiration. He came from a rough upbringing with an alcoholic father. Kaden wisely escaped that lifestyle and found his path in life. I admire Kaden’s determination to honor his brother’s memory by solving the case that destroyed him. He may not have liked his brother’s fiancé, but he set aside his differences to investigate her strange disappearance. What I like the most about Kaden is his protectiveness towards Lia. He knows their investigation is dangerous, and he did not want to jeopardize her safety or livelihood.

It took me a while to warm up to Lia. She came off too serious and strait-laced for my tastes. However, my opinion changed as the story progressed. Kaden’s presence allowed Lia to tap into her hidden adventurous side. I understand Lia’s dislike of how others viewed her. She grows tired of being labeled as a dependable, by-the-book killjoy, who refuses to take risks. What I admire the most about Lia is her reasons for keeping her family-owned grocery store open. It is more for the residents than profit.

DESPERATE ACTS is the fourth book in Alexandra Ivy’s romantic suspense series, PIKE, WISCONSIN. This is my first foray into the author’s romantic suspense books. I am more familiar with her paranormal romances. The story can stand alone. The only commonality each book in the series shares is the setting: a small town called Pike in Wisconsin. I like how the story focuses more on Kaden and Lia’s amateurish investigation than their romance. The romance element is there, but it is subtle.

DESPERATE ACTS is a gripping tale of two strangers partnering up to solve a cold case. I plan on checking out the other books in this series. I cannot wait to learn what other dark and dangerous secrets Pike, Wisconsin has.