How the Grinch Stole Christmas - Dr. Seuss (Random House - Oct 1957)

Get in on the Christmas cheer with Dr. Seuss’s iconic holiday classic starring the Grinch and Cindy-Lou Who—guaranteed to grow your heart three sizes!

Every Who down in Who-ville liked Christmas a lot...but the Grinch, who lived just north of Who-ville, did NOT!

Not since “’Twas the night before Christmas” has the beginning of a Christmas tale been so instantly recognizable. From the Grinch and his dog, Max, to Cindy-Lou and all the residents of Who-ville, this heartwarming story about the effects of the Christmas spirit will warm even the coldest and smallest of hearts. Like mistletoe, candy canes, and caroling, the Grinch is a mainstay of the holidays, and his story is perfect for readers young and old.

 

I love this classic Christmas tale of a bitter, lonely creature who ultimately comes to understand the True spirit of Christmas. I remember the book and the cartoon from my childhood, when watching it and A Charlie Brown Christmas kicked off the Christmas season.
 
The Seussian poetry, with its cadence and uniquely descriptive words, narrates the Grinch's transformation from bitter to exuberant. His glee at stealing all the trappings of the holiday turns to confusion when he witnesses their pared-down celebration.
 
And he puzzled three hours, till his puzzler was sore.
Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before!
"Maybe Christmas," he thought, "doesn't come from a store."
"Maybe Christmas… perhaps… means a little bit more!"
 
My favorite character in the story isn't the Grinch, nor is it Cindy-Lou. I adore Max, the Grinch's dog. His devotion to the Grinch, despite the grouchiness, is sweet. The expressions on his face as the Grinch makes his plans show his dedication, but also his skepticism about the success of the endeavor. I love the ending and seeing him enjoy the feast too.
 
I love the animated version of the story and still watch it all these years later. I've never been able to get into the Jim Carey version.
 

Big Sky Slayer - Juno Rushdan (HI #2321 - Nov 2025)

Series: Ironside Protection Services (Book 1)
 
Can he protect a cop
willing to risk her life against a killer?
 
When the bullets start flying, Winter Stratton's only mission is to apprehend the rampaging shooter before more people die. When it's over, the woman who gave up a big-city badge to protect her Montana town now owes her life to investigating attorney Chance Reyes. Fighting their attraction while trying to take down a sniper tests them both to their limits. But with the trail going cold and too many suspects, Winter and Chance are up against a killer who now has them in the crosshairs.

This book started with a bang, literally, and didn't let up until the last page. In addition to the intensity of the suspense, the chemistry between the two main characters, Winter and Chance, is undeniable.
 
Winter is a recent arrival in Montana, moving there from Texas to be closer to her two sisters. Prior military, and then a big-city cop, she now works for the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation. She's just met with Chance, part of the Ironside Protection Service, when a shooter takes aim at people on the street. Winter's immediate instincts are to locate and stop the shooter, while Chance is close on her heels, trying to protect her.
 
Small-town politics and jurisdictional jealousy lead to them working together to identify and apprehend the shooter. The fast-paced action and twists in the investigation kept me glued to the pages. The more they uncover, the more complicated the mystery becomes. It isn't long before Winter and Chance discover that they are targets, too. Attacks on them ramp up the intensity as they close in on the sniper. The final confrontation was a nail-biter, though the outcome was never truly in question.
 
I enjoyed watching the development of Winter and Chance's relationship. Chance has a reputation as a serial dater, rarely spending more than a short time in a relationship. He isn't afraid of commitment; he's looking for the right person and doesn't believe in giving false hope. When he met Winter, something about her made him think she was it. The problem is convincing her that he is serious. Winter hasn't had good luck in relationships, so she is wary of Chance. She has trouble taking him seriously when he flirts with her. But the more time they spend together, the more she realizes that there is more behind the flirty façade. The sparks of attraction grow stronger, and Winter must decide if she's willing to trust Chance with her heart. I loved the ending, especially seeing how each character faced their vulnerabilities and looked to the future together.
 
I liked the secondary characters. We see a little more of Logan and Winter's sister, Summer, from the previous book. I loved the family barbecue scene with them. Winter's other sister, Autumn, plays a significant role in this book, offering a little more insight into her character. I hope to see her get a story of her own. I also liked getting to know some of Chance's IPS coworkers. I'm looking forward to seeing more of them in the following books.

 

Duty Devoted - Dominic Pierce (Calamitte Jane Pub - July 2025)

Series: Citadel Solutions (Book 2)
 
She saves lives with steady hands. He takes them with deadly precision.
 
In the war-torn jungles of Corazón, Dr. Lauren Valentino runs a field hospital under siege—treating the wounded, protecting the innocent, and risking everything to hold the line. Knowing the danger is getting critical, Lauren's family sends Citadel Solutions security expert Logan Kane to get her out.
 
One doctor should be no problem for a battle-hardened Marine who specializes in impossible missions—even when the mission doesn't want to be rescued and a hurricane is closing in.
 
They clash instantly.
The heat between them? Instant too.
 
When communication is cut off and killers close in, Lauren and Logan are forced into the jungle. The storm's not the only thing hunting them. Survival means moving fast and finding some way of trusting each other.
 
In a world where death is always only one step behind, love might be the risk that breaks them both.
 
Or saves them.
 
Terrific second book in this series. The action and tension started on the first page and kept me turning the pages to the end. From the action to the setting, the descriptions are so vivid I felt almost as if I were there. Dual first-person POV from Lauren and Logan gives insight into their actions and feelings.
 
Doctor Lauren Valentino works for a medical outreach program, currently in the jungle of Corazón. She is highly skilled, works exceptionally well under the most challenging circumstances, and cares deeply for her patients. The story opened with an example of the conditions she works under, and I couldn't help but root for a successful outcome. We also learn that political unrest and expanding cartel activities are making conditions more dangerous. Lauren's wealthy parents pester her frequently to return to Chicago, where she "belongs."
 
Former Marine Logan is the second-in-command at Citadel Solutions. He is professional, protective, and experienced. When Lauren's parents hire Citadel Solutions to extract Lauren and her team from danger, he prepares for the worst.
 
When Logan and his team arrive, disguised as a weather research team, Lauren immediately takes exception to the plan. Logan wants to leave within a week, while she insists it will take at least a month to safeguard her patients. Matters become complicated when the cartel leader's son becomes obsessed with Lauren. She thinks politely telling him "not interested" will be the end of it, while Logan sees the danger. When the cartel leader gets involved, Lauren finally realizes the peril of her situation. Their departure suddenly becomes critical.
 
I was glued to the pages as Logan and Lauren fight for their lives. Lauren's refusal to desert a patient in need leaves her and Logan on their own to escape the cartel. Not only must they evade those out to stop them, they must also fight Mother Nature, as a hurricane makes landfall. They must learn to trust each other if they are going to escape. I enjoyed watching their connection grow as they relied on each other. I loved seeing how Logan appreciated Lauren's strength and resilience, which only added to his attraction for her. Lauren's understanding of Logan's PTSD is something he doesn't expect.
 
Just when I thought everything would work out for them, Logan allows his fears to push Lauren away. I ached for Lauren because it brought back her insecurities. Each runs from the memories of what they had as they try to convince themselves that the other is better off without them. I loved seeing Logan's friends attempt to get through to him. However, it is an unexpected twist that reveals to each of them what they almost threw away. The conclusion was an intense, nail-biting event. The teamwork was outstanding, and I loved Lauren's actions. The two epilogues were fantastic, especially seeing what is in store for their future.
 
The secondary characters were terrific. I loved the chance to get to know the team members, Tyler and Jace. Their respect for each other is evident in every interaction, while light-hearted teasing does a great job of breaking the tension. My favorite was young Elena, one of the villagers. Her presence of mind and determination to help Lauren were incredible.

 
 
 
 
 
 

Duty Unbound - Dominic Pierce (Calamitte Jane Pub - June 2025)

Series: Citadel Solutions (Book 1)
 
Duty was supposed to be simple -- until she walked into his mission.
 
Ethan Cross doesn't get emotionally involved. As the head of Citadel Solutions, he handles high-stakes security with military precision and zero distractions. Protecting international pop star Nova Rivers from a dangerous stalker? Just another job.
 
Until he meets her sister.
 
Melanie Rivers is the quiet force behind Nova's chaotic empire -- efficient, invisible, and utterly selfless. She's spent her life in the shadows, sacrificing her dreams to hold her family together.
 
But Ethan notices what no one else does -- the way she shoulders everyone's burdens without complaint, the quiet fire burning beneath her calm exterior. She's not the client. She's not part of the mission. Yet the longer he's near her, the harder it gets to remember the lines he swore he'd never cross.
 
But in an industry full of secrets, danger lurks closer than anyone suspects. And one wrong move could cost them everything.
 
He was hired to keep one woman safe… but the one he can't stop thinking about might be the one who brings him to his knees.
 
When two of my favorite romantic suspense authors recommend a brand-new author, it is definitely motivation to try them. I was not disappointed, as this book reminded me of Janie Crouch's Linear Tactical books and Josie Jade's Resting Warrior Ranch series. The characters were complex, and the action scenes kept me glued to the pages.
 
Ethan is the founder and head of Citadel Solutions, the elite security firm he started after he left the military. He has a reputation for being cool under fire and impossible to distract. If he's haunted by the things he experienced, well, staying busy keeps the ghosts at bay. Being hired to protect pop star and diva Nova Rivers is just another day at the office.
 
Nova's sister, Mel, has devoted her life to making Nova's dreams come true. She's quiet, blends into the background, and puts everyone else's needs before her own.
 
Ethan's first meeting with Nova and Mel doesn't go well. Nova laughs off the idea of a dangerous stalker, resists any notion of restricting her activities, and generally behaves like a spoiled brat. Mel's business-focused attitude rubs Ethan the wrong way because she reminds him of his ex-fiancée. He turns down the job initially, but reconsiders when the stalker strikes again.
 
The mix of suspense and romance was very well done. Ethan and his team settle in to protect Nova and Mel while investigating the stalking situation. As he spends more time with them, Ethan begins to see them differently. He is drawn unwillingly to Mel, seeing past her professional façade to her warm, caring nature. Mel doesn't know what to think about Ethan. He's the first person to see her, from her growing exhaustion and burnout to the dreams of home and family portrayed in her paintings. At the same time, Mel sees past Ethan's control to the memories that haunt him. I liked seeing how happy he was when he was with her.
 
The suspense builds as they prepare for Nova's multi-city tour. Each city brings new challenges and escalating threats. Each one added more intensity to the team's determination to identify and stop whoever is behind them. Just as I thought I had it figured out, an unexpected twist threw my theory out the window. The final confrontation was a nail-biter and kept me glued to the pages to the end.
 
Once the danger is past, Ethan and Mel will have to decide if their burgeoning relationship has a future. I liked their honesty with each other and seeing how they worked things out. The epilogue was terrific and I can't wait to see them in future books.

The Lyon Loves Last - Charlie Lane (Dragonblade - Aug 2025)

Series: Lyon's Den (Book 88)
 
What's dangerous, necessary, and arranged at the Lyon's Den? A marriage of convenience between childhood friends.
 
Felix Canterbury, Viscount Foxton will never return to his childhood home. Nothing but nightmares there. He's happy to gamble the house away to win a bride at the Lyon's Den. Especially since his beloved grandfather is demanding he marry… and soon. Felix never expects the prize bride to be his childhood friend, the woman he deliberately enraged.
 
Miss Caroline Maxwell needs a house for the women's refuge she's building. Even if it means landing a husband along with it. She doesn't need love, after all. She already gave her heart away to Felix, who promptly dropped it. With the Widow of Whitehall's help, she snags a husband and a house with ease.
 
The house is perfect.
The husband—and arrogant and all too virile Felix—not so much.
 
They agree to a marriage in name only, but when circumstances trap them in the house he hates, desire tests their resolve.
 
Unless Caroline can help Felix overcome his childhood ghosts, fear will shape their futures instead of love.
 
Good second-chance romance. Caroline and Felix were friends and neighbors as teenagers until Felix cruelly stomped on her growing feelings for him. They haven't seen each other since then. Neither has married.
 
Raised by a progressive father and taught to stand up for what is right, Caroline plans to open a refuge for abused women. She needs a house to carry out her plan, and finds that being a woman alone is an obstacle. She went to Mrs. Dove-Lyon with her plan - find her a husband who has a house to spare and doesn't care if they live apart.
 
Felix likes his life in London, where he's happiest engaging in risky behavior. Haunted by a childhood tragedy, he never intends to return to the house where he grew up. He doesn't want to marry, but his grandfather insists it is time. Rather than take the traditional Marriage Mart route, Felix joins one of the bride contests at the Lyon's Den.
 
This contest was one of the Black Widow's more unusual competitions. Instead of physical prowess or gambler's luck, these contestants had to answer riddles. The contest itself was interesting as Caroline disguised herself as a man to run it herself. Her dismay at Felix's participation was evident, as was his when he realized it was her. Neither is happy with the outcome, but a Lyon's Den contract is unbreakable.
 
Neither expects nor welcomes the attraction that sparks between them. After avoiding a post-wedding kiss, they part ways as agreed. Caroline starts her shelter project while Felix continues his life in London. But Felix's grandfather isn't satisfied, and guilt-trips Felix into checking on Caroline. Felix is horrified to discover that she is alone at the house with just a maid and that the building is in far worse condition than he thought.
 
I enjoyed watching the development of Felix and Caroline's relationship. Felix wants to protect her, but the memories, nightmares, and guilty feelings have such a hold on him that it is difficult for him to function. I ached for Felix and the pain he couldn't escape. Caroline focuses on her plan and dreams of sharing it with him. There are clashes and confessions, and a growing respect for each other. Underneath it all, the sparks of attraction intensify, leading to unplanned intimacy and deepening connection. But can they overcome the obstacle of Felix's trauma and make a happy life together?
 
Unexpected danger brought Felix's fears to life, but also opened his eyes to why he pursued those risks. I liked seeing him put those fears to rest and open his heart entirely. The epilogue was great. I especially enjoyed seeing Caroline's exuberance over her new plan. 

Meet Me in the Orchard - Carolyn Brown (Sourcebooks - Aug 2025)

Series: The Paradise (Book 1)
 
Two and a half months have passed since Brodie Carter showed up in Spanish Fort, Texas to meet the father who never knew he even existed. Well, family is family, and Brodie is welcomed in (once everyone gets over their shock). Getting to know his seven half sisters and all their spouses has not been an easy job. Add to that Audrey Ross, the obnoxious, sassy, overbearing woman who owns the orchard next to his. Between Audrey haggling Brodie to buy his property and his matchmaking Great Aunt Bernie setting him up on flop dates, nothing seems to be going right.
 
And then a tornado demolishes the house Brodie and his brothers live in and everything they own. At least the orchard and farm are left untouched. Luckily, his new family offers up rooms to Brodie and his brothers while they work to rebuild. They move into the former brothel known as the Paradise, and try to get on with their lives.
 
Audrey claims the storm is an omen that Brodie should sell, but that's the last thing he's going to do. No one boils his blood like she does, and Aunt Bernie can see it. Can Brodie and Audrey stop arguing over their properties long enough to realize the spark that's growing between them?
 
Fun enemies-to-lovers, family-centric romance. In the previous series (which I haven't read yet), Brodie came to Spanish Fort to find his biological father. Once Joe Clay and his family got over the shock, they embraced Brodie and his two brothers. Brodie bought an organic orchard that was once part of a feuding family's land. He's determined to make a go of the orchard, but matters are complicated by the woman who owns the land next door, and a tornado that levels his house. His family invites Brodie, Knox, and Tripp to move into their home until they rebuild.
 
Audrey wants that land back in the family. The backstory of how it came to be split was a vital part of the story. She constantly harasses Brodie about selling to her. Audrey's great aunt Hettie lives with her and hates Brodie's family with every fiber of her being. She pushes Audrey even harder to get the land back.
 
Audrey and Brodie's encounters are antagonistic from the start. She pressures him to sell to her, telling him he'll never succeed, and mocks his organic principles. But underneath the antagonism are sparks of attraction that neither wants to acknowledge - until they can no longer resist. Their interactions are particularly enjoyable, especially in scenes like Brodie's blind date and the encounter with the stray pot-bellied pig. Their antagonism diminishes as they get to know each other, and friendship grows, with stronger feelings not far behind. I appreciated how they took their time getting to know each other, ensuring their feelings were genuine rather than reactionary.
 
Their lives and relationship become complicated by their families. Brodie's Aunt Bernie is an unrepentant matchmaker, determined to find him a wife - anyone except her nemesis's niece, Audrey. Audrey's Aunt Hettie is even more vocal about her disgust for Aunt Bernie, who used to own a bar, and whose family owns the house that used to be a high-end bordello a hundred years ago. I enjoyed watching Audrey and Brodie navigate the obstacles and find their path to happiness. There are twists involving Hettie and Bernie that caught me by surprise and added both tension and hilarity to the story. I liked the ending and look forward to seeing more of Brodie and Audrey in future books.
 
Though I haven't read the previous series, Sisters of the Paradise, I never felt lost. References to the past usually came with enough explanation to understand the connection. I thoroughly enjoyed the family relationships on Brodie's side of the family. I liked how the sisters and their husbands jumped in to help when the tornado leveled Brodie's house, including assisting with the rebuilding. Aunt Bernie was a hoot with her matchmaking attempts, and her feud with Hettie provided some wild scenes. I liked Brodie's brothers. The relationships among the three brothers were close, giving support, teasing, and the occasional kick in the pants. I loved how they were just as welcomed into the family as Brodie, even though they are not blood-related. I look forward to Tripp and Knox's stories.
 
For Audrey, the family mainly includes just her and Aunt Hettie. There is a cousin that Audrey has little contact with because of the family feud. Audrey promised her uncle she'd care for Hettie after his death, but it isn't always easy. Hettie isn't just contrary; she can be downright mean, which frequently frustrates Audrey. I liked seeing Audrey stand up to her in the end, but I didn't like Hettie's reaction or her actions. That's one character I wouldn't mind never seeing again. 

 
 
 
 
 

He Falls First - Jill Shalvis (Sourcebooks - Aug 2025)

Series: Colburn Brothers (Book 1)
 
No one is going to convince her to fall in love again...
 
Penny Rose has learned her lesson and now she's paying the price. That's why she's sharing a dilapidated house in a tiny California town with her feisty grandmother and tween brother living off the leftovers from her catering job. It's a far cry from her dream life. But who needs dreams… or love… or sex when there's amateur plumbing projects to tackle and breakfast casseroles to bake?
 
One thing's for sure, she's never falling in love again. Not even with the sexy, snarky contractor who keeps testing the walls she's built.
 
Ryder Colburn has his hands full running the family business and caring for the ailing father who's a virtual stranger from the cold, heavy-handed man he used to be. He's got zero free time for hobbies or women. Or so he thinks until one walks into his life… and the path of an oncoming car.
 
Ryder doesn't mind playing the hero for the skittish, independent woman. Maybe it's the secrets in her eyes or the scar on her chin. Whatever the reason, he's compelled to get closer.
 
This is the first book in a new Jill Shalvis series, and it completely lived up to my memories of previous series by this author. The characters were realistic with believable faults and fears, making it easy to root for their happiness.
 
Penny recently returned to her small hometown to help her grandmother and twelve-year-old brother, Wyatt. Though her dream is to own her own café, she needs an income that will pay the bills. She applies her stellar chef skills to her work for Hungry Bee Catering, providing meals for local businesses. Her return came with a promise to herself - no more relationships. The last one left her with a scar on her chin and a deeper one on her heart.
 
Ryder is the oldest of the four siblings and the one who has taken care of everyone onto his shoulders. On top of his successful building restoration business, with multiple projects and one hundred employees, he is always there for his family. He watches out for his widowed sister and is an awesome uncle to his three-year-old twin niece and nephew. He cares for his formerly abusive father, whose personality underwent a 180-degree change after a stroke. Ryder is also still grieving the loss of his best friend and business partner, and blames himself for Auggie's death. He has no time or desire for a relationship, until he's bowled over by the lovely caterer he saved from being run over in front of his business.
 
Ryder was smitten from the first, though it took him a little while to realize the depth of his feelings for Penny. Penny was attracted from the start, but determined to keep her "no men" promise to herself. However, it wasn't easy to keep him at arm's length while he helped renovate her grandmother's kitchen. Their banter was fun and had me laughing out loud frequently. Ryder recognized his feelings pretty quickly, but also knew that he had to earn Penny's trust before anything could happen. I loved his sensitivity to her fears and how he let her set the pace. He never pushed, but he never gave up on her. One of my favorite things about this couple is that they talked to each other openly and honestly. The ending was sweet and emotional. I look forward to seeing more of them in subsequent books.
 
The secondary characters were well done. Ryder's brothers were great with the way they poked at each other while also being there when needed. Their sister, Kiera, intrigues me. Her grief for her late husband is always there while she raises their twins. I could feel her struggle as she kept her business going despite her grief. Her relationships with her employees seem to be a little rocky at times because of her swinging emotions. I loved the twins. Their love for their uncles was adorable, and they brightened any scene they were in. I especially enjoyed Kiera's description of them as "feral wolf cubs".
 
Hank Colburn was the surprise. The story opened with a scene when the siblings were kids, dealing with Hank's abusive actions. But in the current day, Hank is a non-verbal stroke survivor whose personality has completely changed. He is always happy and shows no signs of his earlier abusive actions. This messes with Ryder and the others, who have trouble reconciling their memories of him with the way he is now. It will be interesting to see how these relationships progress in later books.
 
Penny's grandmother is a hoot. She's feisty and independent and cares deeply about her family. She is also a bit of a matchmaker and wants to find Penny someone to love. It was fun to see her push Penny and Ryder together. Wyatt was a typical twelve-year-old boy, seemingly oblivious to the world around him when caught up in his own activities. His relationship with Penny is a mix of pesky younger brother, protective brother, and mother/son. I loved the boost in his confidence when he started working with Ryder on the kitchen renovation. There are hints about their mother, especially when it came to Penny's childhood, but not much detail. Knowing more might have given a little more insight into some of Penny's issues.
 
I'm looking forward to the next book, which is Caleb's story.