Book Review: "Saint Nick" by Bradley Wright

Rom-Com Experiment #4

Not exactly a Rom-Com, although Brooke Sanders does add some spice at the end of the novel. Not your conventional Santa story either. A tabloid headline might read: ”Santa’s Secrets Exposed.” Nick Campos, Army Ranger, makes a strange replacement santa - reminiscent of the character Scott Calvin in the movie “The Santa Clause.” But that is where the similarities end. An Army Ranger, FBI, CIA, terrorists, traitors, a cloaking device and the All Seeing Eye, ummm where is Santa in all this? Can an Army Ranger use Santa’s “powers” for the good of the world and NOT just to deliver gifts once a year? Nice spin on the whole Christmas theme of hope. Ho ho ho! (but say it like the character John McLean in the Christmas movie “Die Hard.”

Book Review: "Holiday Fling" by Nicole R. Locker

Rom-Com Experiment #4

What could be better than Christmas in New York City? When Millie and Seamus first met, I was a little put-off by the forward nature of some of Seamus’ comments. “...sheet grippin’ and fallin’ apart beneath me.” (36) and this was before they’d even been on a date. Nicole R. Locker pushed the storyline to get to the “happily-ever-after-ending” in her 176 page novel. Playful at times, a good supporting cast, light-hearted; perfect for a snowy afternoon on the couch.

Book Review: "Let It Snow" by Nancy Thayer

Rom-Com Experiment #3

Now, this is more my speed. I don’t consider myself a prude, but I do like a good make-out session, followed by a “closed-door-session.” Nancy Thayer leads her reader to the bedroom door and leaves the rest to our imagination. Thank you! Nantucket in winter, a toy store, a curmudgeon, and a romance; what more could you ask for? Perhaps a precocious nine year old to keep the storyline moving? This novel is perfect for a cold winter’s day snuggled under a comforter, with a cup of cocoa, and a cat curled up at your feet. I already have another of Thayer’s Nantucket novels queued and ready to read.

Book Review: "A Cowboy Under the Mistletoe" by Jessica Clare

Rom-Com Experiment #2.

This is more what I was expecting from a Romantic Comedy (rom-com). Although I may have missed the “com” part. Jessica Clare does a good job of putting her reader in Painted Barrel, Wyoming...the ranches, the small town vibe, the snow, the stinky cattle. Sage Cooper, self proclaimed man-repellent, and Jason Clements, Navy vet with PTSD, are a perfect match. I’m a sucker for some steamy romance and a happily-ever-after ending, and I wasn’t disappointed. I didn’t realize until after I finished this book, that it is number three in a series of four. The fourth installment of the series comes out next summer, I might just need to follow up on the goings on in Painted Barrel.

Book Review: "Taste Her Christmas Cookies" by Alina Jacobs

Ok. If you’re going to write a romantic comedy (rom-com) perhaps you should warn your reader that the sex is more like soft porn. I mean, turn on the A/C and grab a glass of ice water…

Alina Jacobs Christmas rom-com starts out full of sexual innuendo, but the relationship between Holly and Owen could cause the baker’s cookies to catch fire. Throw in a Christmas dessert bake-off, an evil step-sister, a Husky named Rudolph, and you’ve got a rom-com worth reading on a snowy afternoon. This supporting cast allows the reader to follow the action outside of Owen’s penthouse bedroom. There are other books in this series with Holly and Owen - I’ll wait for summer when I have a reason to crank up the A/C.