Chasing Christmas Eve (Heartbreaker Bay #4) by Jill Shalvis: Blog Tour Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

Blurb:

Meet cute...

Run for the hills—temporarily. That’s Colbie Albright’s plan when she flees New York for San Francisco. Wrangling her crazy family by day and writing a bestselling YA fantasy series by night has taken its toll. In short, Colbie’s so over it that she’s under it. She’s also under the waters of a historic San Francisco fountain within an hour of arrival. Fortunately, the guy who fishes Colbie out has her looking forward to Christmas among strangers. But she’s pretty sure Spencer Baldwin won’t be a stranger for long.

Make merry...

Spence’s commitment to hiding from the Ghosts of Relationships Past means he doesn’t have to worry about the powerful—okay, crazy hot—chemistry he’s got with Colbie. Just because she can laugh at anything, especially herself... just because she’s gorgeous and a great listener…just because she “gets” Spence immediately doesn’t mean he won’t be able to let Colbie go. Does it?

…and hope for a miracle.

Now the clock’s ticking for Colbie and Spence: Two weeks to cut loose. Two weeks to fall hard. Two weeks to figure out how to make this Christmas last a lifetime.

Click to Buy the Heartbreaker Bay Series on Amazon:

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Excerpt:

Spence drew in a deep, shuddering breath that wasn’t much steadier than hers and pulled off his now crooked glasses. “Hang on a second.” He tossed them aside. “I need to check on something.”

“What?” she asked warily.

Once again he slowly drew her in, his eyes heated and focused on hers, infusing her with some of his calm. “I want to see if this is how it’s going to be.”

“How what’s going to be?” she whispered.

“This.”

His kiss started out just as slow and thoughtful as the first, all careful control. But when his tongue touched hers, control flew straight out the window.

 

About the Author:

New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis lives in a small town in the Sierras full of quirky characters. Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is, um, mostly coincidental. Look for Jill's bestselling, award-winning books wherever romances are sold and visit her website for a complete book list and daily blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.

Social Media Links:

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Review by Yvette:

'Tis not exactly the season for all things Christmas but I will gladly get into the spirit a few months ahead of schedule if it means getting a holiday romance from Jill Shalvis. With Chasing Christmas Eve, the author returns to her deliciously addictive Heartbreaker Bay Series with our resident nerdy billionaire’s story. The self-proclaimed workaholic meets his match in a charmingly quirky bestselling author who turns his world upside down. Sparks fly and hilarity ensues as we count down to a Christmas filled with romance, good friends, and laughter.

Cow Hollow’s legendary fountain has been responsible for the romances of several of the Heartbreaker Bay crew and it’s back at work to bring together another prospective couple. After a serendipitous run-in with an overzealous dog bring together Colbie Albright and Spencer Baldwin, the two become fast friends, yet the undeniable attraction between them makes things a bit more interesting… With an attraction that’s apparent from their first meeting, and a banter that’s both effortless and flirtatious, you know it’s a matter of when, not if, their fun and casual friendship turns into something more.

There's a magnetic draw between Colbie and Spencer – an effervescent energy that's addictive and engaging and kept me riveted to every sentence of every page. Colbie’s easygoing and imaginative persona along with her unfiltered, substitute-curse-word-filled ramblings is the perfect complement to Spencer’s more reserved intensity. I loved getting to know these characters individually, but together, they bring out a playfulness and vulnerability in each other that I found to be emotionally compelling. Theirs is a whirlwind romance that felt like a slow burn, meaning they didn't immediately rip each other's clothes off upon meeting...which I thought showed considerable self-restraint on both their parts. Because: sexual tension. Lots of it. Colbie and Spencer connected on every level and their connection only grew stronger with each chapter.

Packed with humor, romance, and a cast of characters that is both lovable and endearing, Chasing Christmas Eve is a hopelessly romantic, entertaining story. If you're in the mood for something lighthearted, sexy, and just plain fun, Chasing Christmas Eve is a must-read.

*complimentary copy provided by publisher for an honest review

Rating: 5 Stars

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Second Chance Girl (Happily Inc. #2) by Susan Mallery: Blog Tour Excerpt & Giveaway

Blurb:

From the #1 NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author Susan Mallery, read the second irresistible installment in the Happily Inc series!

Mathias Mitchell’s easy smile hides a world of hurt. After the worst kind of family betrayal, he moves to Happily Inc., California—the wedding destination town supplies a steady stream of bridesmaids, perfect for his “no promises, no pain” lifestyle. Yet he can’t stop watching for his beautiful, elusive neighbor on the animal preserve behind their homes.

Gamekeeper Carol Lund knows she’s not special enough to attract an alpha male like Mathias, so his offer to help her adopt a herd for her lonely giraffe is surprising—and his determined seduction, even more so. But just as she finally welcomes him into her bed, his careless actions crush her heart. Will she give him a second chance to prove she’ll always come first in his heart?

Don’t miss You Say It First, the first book in the Happily Inc series.
 

Click to Buy the Happily Inc. Series on Amazon:

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About the Author:

#1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery writes heartwarming and humorous novels about the relationships that define women's lives—family, friendship, romance. She's best known for putting nuanced characters into emotionally complex, real-life situations with twists that surprise readers to laughter. Because Susan is passionate about animal welfare, pets play a big role in her books. Beloved by millions of readers worldwide, her books have been translated into 28 languages.

Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Visit her online at SusanMallery.com.

 
Social Media Links:

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Excerpt:

Carol couldn’t remember how the standing date with her friends had begun. Perhaps it had existed before she and Violet had moved to Happily Inc and they’d simply been invited to join in. Regardless, it was one of her favorite times—enjoying a couple of hours with the women in her life.

The hosting duties rotated and whoever served as host chose either lunch or dinner and provided the entrée and drinks. Everyone else brought something and a good time was had by all.

If the weather cooperated, Carol always picked lunch when it was her turn. Her friends joined her out by the largest grove of trees on the faux savanna. Her father and uncle set out a big table and chairs for them. Carol had a camp stove where she heated the chicken she’d cooked that morning and would warm the tortillas. The other ingredients for the taco bar were ready in plastic containers and she’d made a sparkling pink non-alcoholic punch to add a festive touch.

“Hi!” Silver Tesdal called as she walked along the path. The tall, leggy platinum blonde carried a shopping bag in one hand. “I always feel as if I need a passport when I come here. I love it!”

They hugged, then Silver set down her bag. “I have the strangest dessert ever, but I think it’s a real find. We’ll have to see.”

Carol eyed the plain white bag. “Now I’m curious.”

“As you should be.”

Before Carol could ask more, the other women arrived. Her sister Violet, Natalie Kaleta from the gallery, Pallas Saunders who owned Weddings Out of the Box, and Wynne Beauchene, owner of the town’s graphic design and print store.

Violet, who knew about the tacos, had brought chips, dip and guacamole. The other women contributed a green salad and cookies. Carol reached for the champagne glasses she’d carted along, then nodded at Pallas who was doing her best not to grin too broadly.

“Show them,” Carol told her friend.

Pallas laughed, then held out her left hand. A diamond solitaire sparkled on her ring finger.

Violet, Silver and Wynn shrieked, then lunged for their friend and started a group hug. Carol was waved in and they all hung on in celebration.

“How long?” Violet demanded when they’d released each other. “When did he propose?”

“Saturday at the Under the Sea wedding.”

Silver looked from the pink, bubbly drink to Carol. “You knew.”

Carol raised a shoulder. “I helped Nick pick out the ring. He had it narrowed down to three and texted me pictures from the jewelry store.” She’d been surprised Nick would ask her opinion but then had guessed he’d asked Mathias to name a woman who could be trusted not to spill the secret.

She smiled at Pallas. “So if you don’t like it, it’s my fault.”

Pallas clutched her left hand to her chest. “What’s not to like? It’s beautiful.”

Carol passed out the drinks and they all toasted their friend, then sat down to lunch. She quickly heated tortillas for everyone and they served themselves from the taco bar and salad, then took their seats.

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