Mini reviews: Stranded with a Hero, In the Clear (Winter Rescue) by Tamara Morgan

Getting snowed in never felt so good as boundaries are crossed, opposites attract, and friends discovering more promise a Christmas no one will ever forget.

Loving Mindy by Karen Erickson
Mindy can’t believe she's stuck with her ex–best friend—and the man whose heart she broke years ago—for the holidays, though the tension between them is more than enough to keep them warm. Josh Powers never forgot Mindy, but he can’t risk his heart a second time.

White-Hot Holiday by Coleen Kwan
Naomi’s sworn off men like Aaron—rich, cocky, and dismissive of holiday traditions. Aaron decided to spend Christmas in sunny Australia to avoid snowy New York, not to fall for the woman his best friend warned him away from. But when a volcano grounds him, Aaron and Naomi's relationship becomes eruptive.

An Officer and a Rebel by Cindi Madsen
The last person police officer Nate Walsh expected to discover in a snowstorm is his brother's ex and former town rebel, Kelsey Cooper. She’s his complete opposite and totally off-limits, but as they wait out the storm together, all he can think is how he wishes she'd stay forever.

Saving the Sheriff by Roxanne Snopek
Frankie Sylva was determined to free the reindeer cruelly held for a holiday roadshow, even if it meant risking her own life. Deputy Sheriff Red LeClair set out to save a stranger in a snowstorm, never expecting he’d be the one to be rescued. ~ Goodreads | Amazon

Source: Provided by Entangled Bliss Publishing for my honest review

My thoughts: Anthologies have come a long way from the days of minimal backstory and character development and those annoying ambiguous endings.

I've been enjoying them a lot lately. Especially as a quick palate cleanser reads. Stranded with a Hero was perfect for that.

I was surprised at how quickly I fell right into their stories, as if I already knew and loved the characters. Other than Cindi Madsen, I haven't read anything by any of these authors previously. I  totally bought into the couples HEA's (all of the stories had an epilogue which helped with that)

The guys were all adorable, NICE and super sexy - the heroines smart, feisty and complex considering these were novella length stories.

I enjoyed them all but Loving Mindy and An Officer and a Rebel were my favorites. Those two couples knew each other already so that really added to my belief in the relationship.

Stranded with a Hero would make a perfect weekend read to get you ready for the holiday season!

I told this story on Twitter but for those of you who missed it - my hubby asked me what I was reading and I told him the title. He made a face and asked - Why would you be stranded if you're with a super hero? LOL

******


Fletcher Owens is full of secrets.

Few people know he spends his nights volunteering for a Search and Rescue team, saving lives while risking his own. Even fewer know he’s in love with his best friend’s sister. And since he’s not willing to give up their friendship for a chance at something more, that’s exactly how things will stay.

Lexie Sinclair has nothing to hide.

The zany daughter, the wacky sister, the quirky fundraiser for a children’s charity — Lexie couldn’t hide her true self even if she wanted to. So when her brother’s best friend is revealed to be a local hero, she’s determined to stand up and prove she’s ready to be more than just friends. Novella – 96 pages ~ Goodreads | Author | Amazon

Source: E-arc provided by the author for my honest review

My thoughts: Very sweet friends to lovers story, as well as opposites attract. Lexie comes on really strong in her pursuit of Fletcher & “the truth”, yet her bubbly, honest personality is the perfect counterpart to his so it works. The poor guy is just keeping everything bundled up inside. Even his feelings for Lexie, who he’s always loved, but was afraid of it ruining his friendship with Lexie and her brother if he went for it.

There’s a lot of flirting but also a deepening of their friendship which I loved. When they finally get down to business it’s all rather abrupt and I was like WHOA Fletcher! I didn’t see that coming. For such a passive guy he can get pretty take charge in the bedroom (or I should say shower)! I wish this aspect was a little more even. It seemed like quietly brewing sexual tension then all of a sudden all out sexy times but very minor complaint.

They have a great friendship and are super supportive of each other which I loved. Lexie pushes Fletcher to go after the things he wants in life while he accepts Lexie as she is. Seeing traits that other people think of as flighty as her strengths. They're a great couple.

The only thing I would have liked developed more (but hey – this is a novella) is Lexie’s and her brother Sean’s relationship. He has obvious issues but despite being Lexie’s twin, He treats her like crap and I wanted to know why. Maybe he has his own novella coming up that would explain things. I hope so because I sort of wanted to punch him. lol

So if you’re looking for a few quick, romantic reads – pour a cup of hot cocoa and give these Stranded with a Hero and In the Clear a try!