Review: Snowbound with a Billionaire by Jules Bennett

Title:  Snowbound with a Billionaire Author: Jules Bennett Publisher/Publication Date: Harlequin, February 4, 2014 Format/Source: Paperback, Author Genre: Contemporary Romance Amazon     Barnes & Noble     Kobo  Book Summary from Goodreads One blizzard plus two ex-lovers equals one passionate reunion in this Billionaires and Babies novel! For years, billionaire producer Max Ford believed Raine Monroe had betrayed him. Now that he's back in his hometown, he wants answers. But his ex plans to keep her mouth shut and her heart far away from temptation…until a snowstorm strands them—with her baby—in her cozy farmhouse. Soon Raine is falling faster than the snow outside….  But she has to put a stop to it before a fling with Hollywood's hottest bachelor jeopardizes her chances of officially adopting her daughter—before saying goodbye again becomes impossible…before dark secrets from their past finally come to light….  Review  Looking for a great snowy/rainy day read?   Then you should check out Snowbound with a Billionaire.  It's a heartwarming second chance romance in which the hero and heroine had so many forces working against them the first time around. I just love the balance of forces that were eventually in play, and I must say, it was just priceless how the farm animals helped Max stumble in the appropriate direction. The characters and situations were well-developed. Max was caring, giving, and great with Raine's baby. Raine was stubborn, strong, and independent. I was intrigued by their story as Max pursued Raine, while she pushed him away.  I also liked the fact that the characters weren't described as being perfect. Well, maybe Max was depicted as a handsome producer, but Raine was simply a take me as I am or not at all type of heroine with her hair out of place and all; yet, Max was attracted to her anyway. If you're a fan of second chance romances, you won't want to miss Raine's story as she's snowbound with a billionaire.  Rating 4/5 I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Dr. Daddy's Perfect Christmas by Jules Bennett

Title:  Dr. Daddy's Perfect Christmas (The St. John's of Stonerock)
Author:  Jules Bennett
Publisher/Publication Date: Harlequin, October 21, 2014
Format/Source: Paperback, Author
Genre:  Contemporary Romance

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Book Summary

Mistletoe Baby

Pregnant...and widowed. It wasn't quite how Nora Parker had planned to be ringing in the holidays this year. Though she was excited to meet her new baby, the last thing she'd expected was the return of Dr. Eli St. John—the man who'd broken her heart years ago. Now he was back, filling in at his father's practice. He definitely wouldn't be staying in town. And she definitely shouldn't be looking forward to seeing him again!

Eli had left his small town for bigger adventures, assuming Nora would always be waiting. Now she was his best friend's widow, expecting a baby Eli wished was theirs. With the holidays approaching and his time in town dwindling, did he dare make one last effort to claim the Christmas gift he should have accepted years ago?

My Thoughts

I have read several books by Jules Bennett and have enjoyed all of them, so I was excited to have the chance to review Dr. Daddy’s Perfect Christmas, book one of The St. Johns of Stonerock series. Once again, Bennett does not disappoint with Eli and Nora’s compelling, second chance romance story. She did an excellent job of bringing well-developed, small-town characters into existence.

I enjoyed the depiction of the characters. Eli and Nora are reunited early on and had a flood of reemerging feelings—but not so quick—they proceeded with caution as they tested the waters to determine the right course of action. Eli and Nora’s history with one another and their backstories with accounts of betrayal and hurt supported their hesitation to trust and move forward. In addition, all of the characters had a purpose and were skillfully integrated into the story; even though one character in particular was most memorable for the laughable moments she brought to the table—a patient of Eli’s father, the pole dancer.  

I loved the complexity of the characters’ situations. Take Nora for example, she’s recently widowed and pregnant and had a rather full plate from the start. Yet, things weren’t perfect for her just because Eli showed up on the scene. She still experienced a succession of hardships. I liked the fact that Nora’s struggles provided an opportunity for the hero to show his true colors and brought to light Nora’s bond with other characters. 

Along with the believable storyline and characters, I loved the passion in Bennett’s writing that emanated from the page of Dr. Daddy’s Perfect Christmas and simply can’t wait for the next installment of The St. Johns of Stonerock series. 

Rating 4.5/5

***I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.***

**A Gems for Jules Street Team Member**

Review: The Beautiful Ashes by Jeaniene Frost

Title:  The Beautiful Ashes

Author:  Jeaniene Frost

Publisher/Publication Date:  Harlequin, August 26, 2014

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Format/Source: Paperback, Publisher

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Book Summary

In a world of shadows, anything is possible. Except escaping your fate.

Ever since she was a child, Ivy has been gripped by visions of strange realms just beyond her own. But when her sister goes missing, Ivy discovers the truth is far worse—her hallucinations are real, and her sister is trapped in a parallel realm. And the one person who believes her is the dangerously attractive guy who's bound by an ancient legacy to betray her.

Adrian might have turned his back on those who raised him, but that doesn't mean he can change his fate…no matter how strong a pull he feels toward Ivy. Together they search for the powerful relic that can save her sister, but Adrian knows what Ivy doesn't: that every step brings Ivy closer to the truth about her own destiny, and a war that could doom the world. Sooner or later, it will be Ivy on one side and Adrian on the other. And nothing but ashes in between…

My Thoughts

The Beautiful Ashes by Jeaniene Frost has a dark tone. The story consisted of the common theme of a heroine—in this case Ivy—who was an integral part of the conflict and initially she didn't know why. So the journey is not only a search for her sister and the relic, it’s also a search for answers. It was difficult to understand Adrian. He was protective of Ivy, but he’s so overcome by darkness that he had difficulty imagining that he had power over his own life. I felt that the beginning was okay and would have rated it as average. But there were a couple of random scenes that seemed out of place and took away from my overall enjoyment of the story. So although I finished the book, I would not recommend it.

Rating 1/5

I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.