Warming Up The Holidays With Books!

I know, you're probably wondering why the heck this post is showing up here on The Lemonade Stand... but over the past couple years, some of you may have noticed my focus moving away from fanfiction and into the realm of books... that's not to say I don't still read fanfiction, it's just that with the start of my book review blog, my time to read fanfiction and honestly my interest started to wane a bit.  

But that has opened the door to finding many authors and books that I have come to really enjoy.  And my hope is that I can share some of that excitement with you guys out there looking to include some books in your reading! 

So... all that said, on occasion you will now find some reviews and recommendations here for books... not just from me, but I'm kicking things off.    
Let's be honest, if you're reading fanfiction, you're not against reading books in the 'adult' genre.  But even those of you who also like the YA stuff like me will find a few suggestions!  And I thought a great way to start this feature would be to jump into the holiday genre because once the end of November rolls around, I like to dive into the holiday themed books!  Sometimes it's easy to find them, and sometimes... not so much!  But I started a list early this year of books that fall into the Christmas/New Years Theme that I'm always looking for and I thought I'd share them with you!  Some of them I've read, but others I plan to try and get to this winter!! I hope you'll join me in reading some of them!  If I've read them, there is a link to my review included.  If I've missed something you think should be on this list, please let me know in the comments! I love having a stock of books to read for special occasions! 

Once upon a time, Christmas was Kayla Green's favorite time of year. Now all the workaholic wants for Christmas is for it to be over—as fast as possible! So when duty calls her to snowy Vermont to close a deal with a new client, Kayla is grateful for an excuse to avoid the holidays for another year. 

Jackson O'Neil left a thriving business behind to return home and salvage his family's resort—it's in his blood, and he can't let it fail. Now that he's got marketing whiz Kayla Green working with him to put Snow Crystal on the map, success is on the horizon. The fact they strike enough sparks off each other to power all the Christmas lights in Vermont is just an added bonus. 

Kayla might be an expert at her job, but she's out of her depth with Jackson—he makes her crave the happy-ever-after she once dreamed of, and it's terrifying. As the snowflakes continue to swirl, will the woman who doesn't believe in the magic of Christmas finally fall under its spell?

READ MY REVIEW

When It's Right by Jeanette Grey - Cosmo and I read this in early November and we both loved loved loved it.  It's a novella so it won't take you days to read it but we love Grey's wonderfully realistic and passionate characters! Pick this one up on today!  

"He's the last resolution she intends to break. "

Still licking his wounds after a messy breakup, Nate is at loose ends for New Year's Eve and itching for a wild and crazy adventure to jolt him out of his rut. Now if he could only convince his best friend, Cassie, to break away for an impromptu road trip to Times Square.

Fun as it sounds, Cassie is reluctant to accept Nate's invitation. Little does he know, she's made resolutions of her own-resolutions about finally getting over her long-standing crush on him. Telling herself this trip will be the perfect "last hurrah," she packs her bag.

The trip is a fiasco from the outset. A car that won't start, a freak storm that strands them on the side of the road, and a long drive with too much time for true confessions. Cassie's rocks Nate to the core, leaving him wondering if the best thing that ever happened to him has been right in front of him all along.

Warning: Contains two best friends, a secret crush, and a road trip that leads to tow trucks, unexpected hotel-room sharing, epiphanies, sex, and more.

READ OUR REVIEWS

Room at the Inn by Ruthie Knox - This is another Novella, but it's from Ruthie Knox so you have to know it's amazing! I read this one last year and it's a must read for the holiday season! 

Ambitious and driven, Carson Vance couldn’t wait to escape the small town where he was born. But now that Carson is back to spend Christmas with his ailing father, he must face all the people of Potter Falls he’s left behind. Topping that list is Julie Long, who’s sacrificed so much for Carson’s family, and whose heart he broke once upon a time. Now the proprietor of the local inn, Julie has blossomed from a shy schoolgirl into a successful, seductive, independent woman—everything that Carson’s looking for in a relationship. But despite several steamy encounters under the mistletoe, Julie refuses to believe in happily ever after. Now Carson must convince Julie that he’s back for good—and that he wants her in his life for all the holidays to come.

READ MY REVIEW

Snowbound with  the CEO by Shannon Stacey - I haven't read this one yet, but I am hoping to this month!  I know some people don't like the millionaire trope, but I don't mind it, and you can't go wrong with Shannon Stacey - I can't wait to pick this one up! 

Adrian Blackstone built a million-dollar business with hard work and determination—and by remaining professional at all times. Denying his longtime attraction to his beautiful executive assistant hasn't been easy but it's necessary. She's indispensable, and he can't stand the thought of losing her if things didn't work out.

For more than a year, Rachel Carter has been quietly dreaming of all the ways she'll never seduce her sexy, buttoned-up boss. She's worked too hard to get where she is to cross that line, no matter how badly she'd like to act on her fantasies. But then a wicked snowstorm leaves them stranded in a romantic winter wonderland…

What begins as a single kiss and a few bad Santa jokes turns into a weekend full of breathless passion and hopes for something more. But with Monday comes a return to their complicated reality—and Adrian must prove that promises made are promises kept, especially at Christmastime.

Under the Mistletoe by Jill Shalvis - Um... Jill Shalvis and Lucky Harbor.  That is all.  Kidding - lol but seriously if you haven't read ANY of the Lucky Harbor books go now.  This is a novella and a quick & lovely read!  

JUST ONE MORE KISS

There's no place like home for the holidays. And the Lucky Harbor Bed & Breakfast is bursting with festive lights and good cheer. But for Mia, Christmas is turning out to be anything other than merry and bright. Her recent break-up with her boyfriend Nick has made her return bittersweet. But then a surprise arrives, when Nick follows her to town bearing gifts-and asking for forgiveness.

Nick grew up without a family of his own so he's overwhelmed by the love that Mia receives from all her relatives, gathered together to celebrate the season. Under their watchful eyes, Nick finds earning back her trust the hardest thing he's ever had to do. If he succeeds, he will receive the greatest gift of all, Mia's love for a lifetime.

READ MY REVIEW

For the rest of the list head on over to Fiction Fare!! 

Plus we have special month long giveaways going on right now to celebrate the holidays!! Come check them out! 

There you have it... some of my list of Holiday reads for the month of December! (for the full list remember to head to Fic Fare!)  What will you be reading? Did I miss something that needs to be on my list for next year?  Do you like the idea of highlighting books here on The Lemonade Stand? Let us know in the comments!!