Spotlight: The Nightmare Before Kissmas

Just in time for Halloween, The Nightmare Before Kissmas by Sara Raasch is now available! Melissa has this in her five-book pile and is excited to read it soon, especially since she loves LGBTQ+ rom coms. Read below to see what it's all about!

Red, White & Royal Blue meets The Nightmare Before Christmas in a sexy, quirky romcom where the golden-hearted Prince of Christmas falls for the totally off-limits Prince of Halloween.

Nicholas “Coal” Claus used to love Christmas. Until his father, the reigning Santa, turned the holiday into a PR façade. Coal will do anything to escape the spectacle, including getting tangled in a drunken, supremely hot make-out session with a beautiful man behind a seedy bar one night.

But the heir to Christmas is soon commanded to do his duty: he will marry his best friend, Iris, the Easter Princess and his brother’s not-so-secret crush. A situation that has disaster written all over it.

Things go from bad to worse when a rival arrives to challenge Coal for the princess’s hand…and Coal comes face-to-face with his mysterious behind-the-bar hottie: Hex, the Prince of Halloween.

It’s a fake competition between two holiday princes who can’t keep their hands off each other over a marriage of convenience that no one wants. And it all leads to one of the sweetest, sexiest, messiest, most delightfully unforgettable love stories of the year.

"Candy cane-coated catnip...Rollicking, imaginative, and sweetly steamy." 
~ Timothy Janovsky, author of You're a Mean One, Matthew Prince

Photo by Lorel Marshall

Sara Raasch grew up among the cornfields of Ohio and currently lives in the historical corridor of southeastern Virginia. She is the New York Times bestselling author of seven books for young adults. In her debut adult novel, Raasch offers readers all the joy, irreverent wit, and crackling sexiness of your favorite sweet-as-a candy-cane holiday romp. 

Visit Sara online:

Website * Instagram * TikTok

Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following us.

Listen to this book on Speechify!

Book Review: Not Yours to Keep

By Sara Steven

Billie Campbell, a Massachusetts adoption specialist grappling with fertility issues, dreams of adopting a baby, but not just any baby—her pregnant client’s baby. While her longing threatens to send her down a dark path, her husband, Tyler, is keeping he’s full of doubts about becoming a father, and he’s also trying to figure out who is sending him upsetting anonymous texts and photos. On the other side of town, Anne, a woman scarred by childhood abuse, obsesses with a second chance at becoming a family with the two people she regrets ever having let go the baby she gave up for adoption twenty years ago and the man of her dreams.

Their lives become entangled when the client’s newborn is abducted, and Billie becomes a prime suspect.

Amid the chaos unleashed by the abduction, Tyler uncovers a link between the person tormenting him and the abduction—but now Billie has disappeared too. The race to find both her and the baby is on; but will they find them before it’s too late? (Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads)

Not Yours to Keep contained a lot of little shocks and twists and turns that continually kept me on my toes. The story begins with Anne and her reflections, then Billie and a welcome surprise, which later turns into devastation, and Tyler, who wants to be a support for Billie, but he is dealing with his own hidden secret. The way the three characters are so intricately connected was a joy to experience, but it was also a chilling revelation. 

Billie has wanted nothing more than to be a parent. It’s a major reason she wanted to work with families who want that same thing, and with her own fertility issues, it brings that eventuality even more into the forefront. The longing she has for her client’s baby goes deeper than just a fleeting connection, feeling as if she’s known her client from somewhere before. Anne also becomes obsessed with Billie’s client, and Billie, too. There are moments that felt very Single White Female–with Anne replicating the way Billie dresses and wears her hair, all in an effort to attract Tyler’s attention. She wants to recall the past in a way that will bring it to life in the present, but there’s just one problem: Tyler has no idea who Anne is. 

The more Tyler keeps things from Billie, the more she spirals. And the more unsolicited texts and messages Tyler receives, he wants to protect Billie from the drama of it, even though he’s feeling more and more incapable of dealing with it all. As the chapters progress, the reader gets the feeling that the stakes are rising higher and higher, not knowing what will happen next. Is Billie safe? Is Tyler? And what does the dated baby photo that Tyler received have to do with any of them?

When it all comes crashing down, I didn’t know what would happen next, or how the characters would handle all of the revelations. It felt very much like watching a Dateline episode, where you just can’t believe something like that could ever happen in real life, but the truth is, it very well could, and that is the most terrifying aspect of it all. I felt emotional towards the end of the characters’ stories, particularly after the eventual fallout, when everyone is working towards coming back to some sort of normalcy. At the heart of everyone’s motivating factor, despite it all, is love, and that was a beautiful thing indeed. I enjoyed the suspense within Not Yours to Keep, making this a well-deserved five-star read.  

Thanks to BookSparks for the book in exchange for an honest review.

Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following us.

Listen to this book on Speechify!

Lynda Cohen Loigman has us under her spell...plus a book giveaway

Today we welcome Lynda Cohen Loigman back to CLC to celebrate the publication of her latest novel, The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern. Melissa loved this novel and gave it five stars! Check out her review. We had a fun time chatting with Lynda and we hope you'll enjoy reading about how she came up with the ideas for her novel. Lynda has one copy, along with a really cool necklace, for a lucky reader!

Fun side note: Yesterday was Lynda's birthday, so she has a lot to celebrate this week! 🎂

Lynda Cohen Loigman graduated from Harvard College and Columbia Law School. Her debut novel, The Two-Family House, was a USA Today bestseller and a nominee for the Goodreads 2016 Choice Awards in Historical Fiction. Her second novel, The Wartime Sisters, was selected as a Woman's World Book Club pick and a Best Book of 2019 by Real Simple Magazine. 

Her most recent book, The Matchmaker’s Gift, was named a Best New Book by People Magazine and a Best Book of Fall by the New York Post, Parade Magazine, Buzzfeed, and GoodMorningAmerica.com. The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern is her fourth novel.

Visit Lynda online:
Website * Facebook * Instagram * X

Synopsis:

On the cusp of turning eighty, newly retired pharmacist Augusta Stern is adrift. When she relocates to Rallentando Springs—an active senior community in southern Florida—she unexpectedly crosses paths with Irving Rivkin, the delivery boy from her father’s old pharmacy—and the man who broke her heart sixty years earlier.

As a teenager growing up in 1920’s Brooklyn, Augusta’s role model was her father, Solomon Stern, the trusted owner of the local pharmacy and the neighborhood expert on every ailment. But when Augusta’s mother dies and Great Aunt Esther moves in, Augusta can’t help but be drawn to Esther’s curious methods. As a healer herself, Esther offers Solomon’s customers her own advice—unconventional remedies ranging from homemade chicken soup to a mysterious array of powders and potions.

As Augusta prepares for pharmacy college, she is torn between loyalty to her father and fascination with her great aunt, all while navigating a budding but complicated relationship with Irving. Desperate for clarity, she impulsively uses Esther’s most potent elixir with disastrous consequences. Disillusioned and alone, Augusta vows to reject Esther’s enchantments forever.

Sixty years later, confronted with Irving, Augusta is still haunted by the mistakes of her past. What happened all those years ago and how did her plan go so spectacularly wrong? Did Irving ever truly love her or was he simply playing a part? And can Augusta reclaim the magic of her youth before it’s too late? (Courtesy of Amazon.)

"With the language of elixirs and potions at its center, Loigman brings us the sort of novel we need today, one full of hope, delight, and magic." 
―Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times bestselling author of The Secret Book of Flora Lea

"Utterly charming and delightfully heartwarming, The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern will cast a spell on you from the very first page." 

―Allison Winn Scotch, bestselling author of The Rewind

"Loigman's latest is a perfect gem! The unforgettable characters in this delightful, beautifully written novel discover that it's never too late to right wrongs, to make a fresh start, and to fall in love all over again. A truly charming, meaningful, and, above all, uplifting story." 

―Amy Poeppel, author of The Sweet Spot

If you could tell the debut novelist version of yourself one thing, what would it be?
Write down all of your story ideas in one place! I have them everywhere—in my phone, on scraps of paper, stuck in drawers. It’s a terrible habit I can’t seem to break and I wish I had started out in a more organized way!

How much research did you have to do in order to write The Love Elixir...?
The research for this book spanned many different topics. In order to understand the role of a neighborhood pharmacist, I started with the book Corner Druggist written by Robert B. Nixon, Jr. in 1941 about his father’s career. I read several other personal accounts of druggists working in this role from the early 1900’s to the 1950’s. I also spoke with several working pharmacists, including the father of my local pharmacist, who was born in 1937 and worked at a drugstore in Brooklyn as a teenager. I also read early editions of American Druggist magazine to learn about all of the products Stern’s Pharmacy might have carried on its shelves. 

To amplify the details of living in Brownsville, I read several books about the neighborhood in the 1920’s and beyond. I also read about Jewish gangsters during Prohibition. I found a 1922 article from Saturday Evening Post called “Inside the Bootleg,” which was helpful in understanding how a bootlegger might start his or her business.

Finally, in order to bring Esther’s role as a healer to life, I did a great deal of research on Jewish mysticism, folklore, and herbalism. 

Which authors have inspired you?
Edith Wharton brings emotional depth to her characters in the most astounding way. I love everything that Alice Hoffman writes. Recently, I have found Gabrielle Zevin and Leigh Bardugo to be great sources of inspiration as well. I loved both of their new books.

What is the last movie you saw that you would recommend?
I saw Wicked Little Letters at my local theater, and it was terrific! Highly recommend!

If we were to visit you right now, what are some places you would take us to see?
I would take you to my two local bookstores—Scattered Books in Chappaqua and the Village Bookstore in Pleasantville. Then I’d probably take you for omelets at Le Jardin du Roi (a little café we all usually just call “The French Place”) and we’d eat outside if the weather was nice. Of course, you’d also meet my dog, Winston.

If your life was a TV series, which celebrity would you want to narrate it?
This is such a great question. Maybe Kristin Wiig. At least then it would be funny!

Thanks to Lynda for chatting with us and for sharing her book with our readers.

The necklace

How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway ends October 13th at midnight EST.

Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following us.

Listen to this book on Speechify!

Book Review: You Had Me at Château

By Sara Steven

After her editor tells her she needs to "up the spice" in her books (literally Amber's worst nightmare...), she is at a crossroads with what to do with her career.

When the opportunity arises to go on a writer's retreat at an exclusive château in the beautiful French Alps, Amber reluctantly agrees, hoping a change of scenery will help with inspiration.

But while she tries and fails to spice up her writing - with the unhelpful guidance of the eccentric romance writers at the château - she meets two leading men who cause her own real-life romantic comedy to unfold… (Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads.)

Portia does a great job of creating the perfect love triangle scenarios within her stories, and You Had Me at Château showcased that beautifully. Amber is a sweet protagonist who is trying to find her footing when it comes to “spicing” up the books she wants to create–a directive from her editor. Her editor decides it would be in Amber’s best interest to take part in a writer’s retreat in the French Alps, shacking up with other eccentric female writers who have been deemed successful when it comes to writing spicy scenarios, but Amber gets a lot more than she bargained for when it comes to the potential love interest department: Caleb and Henri.

Caleb is a celebrity in his own right; he’s an influencer who got his start on reality tv, with the whole world checking in on what he’s doing as quickly as he can post content. I thought Caleb was an interesting character and provided a lot of opportunities for Amber to see that preconceived notions are just that–not to mention how much of an influence he later becomes to her, and for her writing. Henri is the caretaker of the château, becoming a means in which the other writers work on various scenarios in an effort to “woo” Henri, which I thought was pretty funny, considering some of the lengths they go to, to make that happen. But Henri seems drawn to Amber, much to the chagrin of everyone else, and Amber really basks in the attention. She’s not used to that. 

The scenes and conversations with Caleb were pretty priceless–they both came up with various slang terms for sexual innuendos and phrases, and none of it felt sexy which made it all the more fun. It felt very true to the characterization of both characters, because trying to create stories with that kind of content is far outside of Amber’s comfort zone, and I got the impression that Caleb is a lot more down to earth than what is seen on social media. Henri was the classic heartthrob love interest, who seems to always find Amber in some of her most compromising positions and likes her even more for it. It was hard to decide at first who might be the best choice for Amber–but only at first. 

Ultimately, Amber wants to write her books the way SHE wants to write them, and I appreciated seeing the strength of conviction she gets when it comes to creating her own life, without allowing others to dictate that for her. It was entertaining to see how she’d get herself out of the love interest triangle, but even more entertaining to see how she finds her way back to what makes her the most passionate when she writes. You Had Me at Château was a really engaging experience!

Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for the book in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase Links:
Amazon US * Amazon UK * Apple * Barnes & Noble

Portia MacIntosh is the bestselling author of over 20 romantic comedy novels. From disastrous dates to destination weddings, Portia’s romcoms are the perfect way to escape from day to day life, visiting sunny beaches in the summer and snowy villages at Christmas time. Whether it’s southern Italy or the Yorkshire coast, Portia’s stories are the holiday you’re craving, conveniently packed in between the pages.

Visit Portia online:
Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram

Sign up for Portia's newsletter.

Visit all the stops on Portia's blog tour:

Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following us.

Listen to this book on Speechify!

Book Review: The Off-Limits Rule

By Melissa Smoot

Lucy Marshall has hit rock bottom. After failing to succeed as a single mom in Atlanta, she’s back home and moving in with her older brother, Drew. Reconnecting with her support system is the right thing to do, but Lucy can’t help but feel like a failure. Her four-year-old son deserves the world, and all she can give him is a spare bedroom. But Drew is the sweetest uncle, and some quality time might be exactly what they both need to start fresh. That is until she meets Cooper, her brother’s incredibly hot best friend.

When Drew senses something between the two of them, he puts his foot down on any shenanigans. According to him, Cooper is everything Lucy should stay away from: flirtatious, adventurous, and especially noncommittal. But Lucy has been getting the opposite impression so far; Cooper is a genuinely great guy, and she’s starting to catch real feelings.

Her whole life, Lucy has tried to do everything right, and look where that’s gotten her—so what if she were to try something wrong? (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

I loved this story. It was like watching reruns of my favorite comfort shows. The relationship between the main character, Lucy, and her family was so endearing. I enjoyed how her parents and older brother were truly there for her and her four-year-old son, Levi. I can identify with leaving home to see what is out there in the world, only to return and realize how much I missed and needed my family.

When Lucy meets her brother’s friend, Cooper, she never expects to feel anything other than contempt for him. The author wrote Cooper’s character so perfectly and it was impossible not to fall for him with every page turn. The story gives all the typical, and much needed, roadblocks to make us wait with bated breath to see how things will end up. I really enjoy Adams’ writing and this is a wonderfully romantic and warm story that will make you laugh out loud.

Thanks to Random House for the book in exchange for an honest review. 

Purchase The Off-Limits Rule here. 

There's a giveaway at Goodreads through October 30th! (US only.)

More by Sarah Adams:
When in Rome
The Rule Book
The Match

Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following us.

Listen to this book on Speechify!

Book Review: The Life Makeover Club

By Melissa Amster

The lives of three very different women are about to change in fun and surprising ways when they join an exclusive coaching program: THE LIFE MAKEOVER CLUB. But transforming their lives and achieving their goals will prove much more complicated than they thought...

Glamour girl Miranda has a ticking biological clock due to a medical issue and is on a deadline to meet her ideal man and have a family before it becomes impossible. Can the club help her through the maze of disaster dates and boost her self worth to find the love she seeks?

Fitness fanatic Gina is trapped in a toxic marriage and unfulfilling job, desperate for freedom to follow her dreams and live the life she deserves. Can reaching out for help through the club give her the confidence and strategies to leave her old life behind and start anew?

And frazzled young mother Cara is searching for purpose beyond motherhood, keen to discover her own identity after a whirlwind romance and three children. With her time and energy limited, will she find calm in the chaos and a way to bring her creative dreams to fruition?

Life Coach to the Stars Liz Ashford is determined to help them succeed. Through her one-of-a-kind club and its monthly meetings, over the course of one year these new friends will discover secrets and strategies, deal with life-changing challenges, and be encouraged to step outside their comfort zones to create the lives they’ve dreamed of. (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

I have always enjoyed Juliet Madison's novels, so I was thrilled over the chance to read The Life Makeover Club and started devouring it not too long after I received a copy. This was a novel Juliet wrote when she was just starting out and is finally publishing it now. I am so glad she put it out into the world, as it is a great story and all the characters are sympathetic and relatable, even when I had nothing in common with some of them. I just cared so much about them and couldn't wait to read more whenever I had a chance!

There were times I would email Juliet because something in the story struck a chord with me or because I got so angry about one of the situations and was so worried for the character involved. I don't want to say too much more as to not spoil anything. I just really liked this novel overall and encourage you to read it. Especially if you feel like you are in a rut and need a little kick to get going again, even if it's with a small change in your life.

One part of the story reminded me of this post I wrote a long time ago. Even though my kids are teenagers now, I still wouldn't mind having this experience! 

A while back, Sara and I wrote about mental health and this novel made me want to share the post again, as this story addresses the topic a lot. 

This delightful and inspiring novel is available tomorrow, so be sure to add it to your autumn (or spring, in Australia) TBR!

(Trigger warnings at the bottom of this post.)

Movie casting suggestions:

Gina: Andrea Demetriades
Cara: Samara Weaving
Miranda: Katie Stevens
Pete: Nathan Parsons
Marvin: Daniel Webber
Liz: Miranda Otto

Sue (Miranda's mom): Gia Carides

Thanks to Juliet Madison for the book in exchange for an honest review.

More by Juliet Madison:

Fast Forward

Haunted Ever After

The January Wish (Tarrin's Bay series)

Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following us.

Listen to this book on Speechify!

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

TW: emotional abuse, miscarriage, death of parent

Kicking off a new month (and year) with Barbara Rachel...plus a book giveaway

Introduction by Melissa Amster

We are excited to have Barbara Rachel at CLC today! I know Barbara in person because we live somewhat nearby each other and her family visits my neighborhood a lot during the Jewish holidays. Our kids even became friends after they met at camp. We also discovered we have a lot of common interests, especially with our love of books and musical theater. I'm excited to read her debut novel, Alarm Fatigue, and hope to get a chance to pick it up soon. Barbara has THREE copies for some lucky readers!

Barbara Rachel is the pen name for Barbara Chalom (pronounced Shalom), a native Washingtonian who lives in suburban Maryland with her husband, children, and a dog named Biscuit (as in the cookie, not the breakfast side).

When not agonizing over writing, Barbara may be found working overnight at a local hospital, hiking with her dog, chasing after her children, combing through family genealogy records, or hiding out at home—lost in a cozy romance book or movie.

Visit Barbara on Facebook and Instagram.

Synopsis:
Rachel Lazarus is perfectly content with her life as it is.

She lives for her family, her best friend, and her two cats. Admittedly, she does not lead an exciting life, but it is a good life, firmly grounded by her faith. Rachel is a survivor – of loss, of trauma – so everyone should cut her some slack and leave her alone. Of course, her world has become rather small – she works the night shift and spends much of her free time in her safe place at home, watching her stories. Life is just how she wants it—safe and quiet. That is until the women in her life decide she needs to get out more.

Agreeing to go out on three dates sounded simple enough, but Rachel's life is soon turned upside down as she's swept into a whirlwind of feelings and insecurities, revealing layers within her she'd long since forgotten. Rachel's journey isn't just about dating again; it's about rediscovering herself, sometimes facing the trauma of the past, and reigniting a passion for life she thought she had lost. 

Alarm Fatigue invites you to a story of second chances, where sorrow and joy combine to awaken a closed heart.

Will love be the ultimate cure for Rachel Lazarus, or is facing the world outside her comfort zone a door she simply cannot walk through? (Courtesy of Amazon.)

In one sentence, what was the road to publishing like for you? 

The road to publishing Alarm Fatigue was an incredible learning experience, and I mean that in every sense of the word. 

How is Rachel similar to or different from you? 

The most distinguishing difference between Rachel and myself is that she has experienced more trauma and loss than I have. I have had brushes with trauma compared to Rachel's history. She subsequently compartmentalizes her past in a way that I am not sure I am capable of--I'm a bit more of a heart-on-my-sleeve type of person. I do identify with her pull towards introversion and feeling frustrated when the people in my life don't recognize my need to isolate on occasion. I also love a happy ending and adore rewatching cozy romance movies/rereading cozy romance books, so she and I are the same that way.

If Alarm Fatigue were made into a movie, who would you cast in the leading roles?  
What an idea, this as a movie -- Rachelle Lefevre as Rachel Lazarus, Melanie Laurent as Amalie; and for Dr. Mark Levy: Adam Brody; not quite a leading role but I imagined Michael Vartan as Seth Aaronson. 

What is the last book you read that you would recommend? 
May I pick two? -- it is a tie between All the Seas of the World by Guy Gavriel Kay, it is transcendent. In the romance category it would be Life's Too Short by Abby Jimenez -- I loved it.  

What is your favorite autumn activity? 
Again it is a tie. I love rewatching Practical Magic with a slice of pumpkin bread and a pumpkin spice latte. As far as something more outdoorsy -- I love hiking year round but really I do enjoy the cooler weather. It feels less like a work out and infinitely more satisfying. 

If your life was a TV series, which celebrity would you want to narrate it?   
Olivia Colman, hands down. She, like me, is accidentally hilarious and I adore her voice. 

Thanks to Barbara for visiting with us and for sharing her book with our readers.

How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway ends October 6th at midnight EST.

Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following us.

Listen to this book on Speechify!