By
NY Times & USA Today Bestselling Author
Lexi Post

He’s the right man at the wrong time
with an unwanted Christmas proposal.

As if cocktail waitress and horse trainer Lynzie Mullins didn’t have enough problems, she discovers she’s pregnant just as her high school crush rides back into town in time for Christmas. He’s a constant reminder of the happily ever after she’d always dreamed of instead of the mess she’s in now.

Cowboy veteran Ryan Crawford reluctantly returns to Lucasville to help his grandfather sell his place. The town has changed and so has Lynzie—from an awkward teenager to an attractive young woman with a caring heart.

Despite his best efforts, Lynzie is not interested in leaving Lucasville, so Ryan offers her what she wants—his heart. Unfortunately, that proves not to be enough. Now he has a decision to make. Give up his dream farm or his dream girl.

As this book opens Lynzie finds out she’s pregnant, the father Andrew, is someone she just passes time with, not someone she would want to marry. Her bestfriend Coco is with her and convinces her to wait until seeing a doctor before saying anything to anyone.

From Coco she also learns that her high school crush, Ryan Crawford, is back in town. This information comes just before he shows up on her doorstep. Ryan has changed a lot since his mother moved with him to Florida. He’s definitely not a kid anymore and he served his country honorably until he was injured and discharged. The unannounced visit, while a surprise also proves to Lynzie she’s still more than a little in love with him. The short visit ends with Ryan asking her to lunch the next day and her accepting.

Now that lunch has a couple of twists as they catch up, one of which is Andrew stopping at their table. Something that annoys Ryan and Lynzie both.

This is a favorite scene.

Ryan looked toward the corner and his brow furrowed. “Ex-boyfriend.”

She chuckled. “Not exactly that, either. We go out sometimes.” And stay in sometimes. “As you can see, it is nothing serious.”

“He’s not good enough for you.”

Her heart lurched at his words. She hadn’t heard a sincere compliment like that in years, at least not from a man. “Thank you, but I think I’m the one who’s not quite good enough, or should I say of the proper class.”

Ryan studied her before he spoke and when he did, it was as if he chose his words carefully. “A man is more than his ability to provide financially. The value of man is based on character.” He nodded toward the corner. “He lacks character.”

Something in Ryan’s tone had her believing he’d learned that in the Army. She shrugged. She didn’t want to talk about Andrew. “How’s your mom? Last time I saw her, her eyes were red from crying and she was packing boxes.”

“That’s right.” He gave her a lopsided grin. “Luckily, she stopped crying soon after that and got angry instead. She divorced my dad. He couldn’t seem to remember he was married when around other women.”

“Oh, I thought it was just the one woman.”

“No. I can’t say my dad was as great as yours.” He grimaced. “We moved in with my mother’s parents who owned a horse farm in Florida. It’s a beautiful spread. But when Mom remarried, my grandparents sold it. I was in the Army at the time, so I never had a chance to buy it.”

Energy surged through her as she realized he must still love horses. Maybe she could work for him. “Were you thinking of buying Gramps’ farm?”

In less than a second, he burst her dreams when he shook his head.

“No. I already bought one in Florida.” He smirked. “There’s no horses or staff there yet, but at least I own it.”

She squashed her disappointment, something she did on a daily basis, and focused on him. “Are you going to breed horses? Or were you thinking of training them?”

“Neither.”

She chuckled. “Are you just going to put them out to pasture?”

Ryan’s eyes lit up. “Not that either. I’m going to start a Veteran’s therapy program.”

She’d never heard of such a thing. Then again, her dad was a policeman and was killed in the line of fire. No one she knew had served in the military and been overseas. “I’m not sure I understand. Does that mean you will use the farm like a summer camp, only with psychologists and physical therapists?”

“No, not exactly. It’s more like a dude ranch. We will be using the horses for therapy and the quiet of the farm will help those with PTSD feel more comfortable. However, not every man or woman who comes back from combat has PTSD. There’s about twenty percent who truly have it, but if you take into account the depression, guilt, anxiety, sleep disorders and readjustment to civilian life, there are a ton of ways my horses will be able to help.”

She smiled, loving his enthusiasm. “Your horses? I thought you said you don’t own any.”

He nodded. “I don’t, but that’s where Gramps comes in. He offered me twenty-five percent of the final take on selling his farm if I’d help him sell it.”

“Oh wow. That should be substantial, especially if you sell to a horse breeder or even a developer.”

His smile was wide. “That’s my hope. I would like to start with five horses and a couple staff. Believe it or not I already have two friends who are helping just to have lodging. They are on disability pay and just want a safe, quiet place to hang their hat, so to speak. But while they both know their way around an M4, they don’t have much horse experience.”

Ryan’s excitement was catchy. “Are your friends veterans too?”

“Yes, Jesse and Cooper. They are at the farm right now. I’d trust them with my life.” He chuckled. “Actually, I had to a few times.”

She couldn’t imagine what it had been like for him. His upbeat excitement to help his fellow comrades was such a breath of fresh air. “How did you come up with this idea? Or was it that you wanted to help your friends using what you know?”

He shook his head. “I’d like to take credit for that, but I can’t. I actually was told about a place that exists like this in Virginia and I went there myself. I admit, it wasn’t for research.” He lowered his voice and leaned forward, his smile gone. “I went because I needed help with my leg, but it was really an escape from having to fully readjust to civilian life again.” He sat back. “I didn’t have many expectations, but by time I was done, I knew what I wanted to do with my life savings.”

Her heart swelled with pride in him at the same time she felt inferior. His sense of purpose, his caring, his life experience showed her exactly how small her own world had been.

Luckily, the waitress came by with their lunch and he started asking her about Lucasville. She was far more comfortable talking about a place she knew backwards and forwards.

By time they finished their meal, she was in complete awe of him.

After he paid, he walked with her outside. “I better get over to the garage. Antony wants me to do a couple hours work today. He still doesn’t trust me. I never expected that.”

She put her hand on his arm. “It’s not his fault. All of us who have been here while Lucasville suddenly exploded have been burned a time or two. But to be fair, others have done very well like Renee Reese. Just give him a little time.”

He looked at her. “What about you? Do you need time to trust me?”

She smiled. “No. You are still the boy I liked in high school, just better.”

His grin was back. “That’s good enough for me. So would you like to come over this weekend and give me a few pointers on Midnight and Toby?”

“I can come by Sunday. I don’t work Sunday night.”

“Perfect. You can stay for dinner.”

What was she doing? “Sounds good.”

“It will be. I’m cooking. You don’t want to eat anything Gramps cooks. I found that out the hard way.”

She rarely ran into Ryan’s grandfather, but she’d heard he was forgetting things. “You know how to cook?”

He shrugged. “I’ve picked up a couple tips here and there. My specialty is smoked ribs. Do you like those?”

Oh, God could the man get any better? “I love smoked ribs.”

“How about twelve hundred hours? I’d like your opinion on a few things, but I know you work late.”

Her opinion? She ignored his use of military time. “Noon is fine.”

He gazed into her eyes, a smile still on his face. “I’m really glad I came back here.”

Before she could react to the thrill that buzzed through her chest, Ryan cupped her neck and kissed her.

The second his lips touched hers, her whole body came alive. At first the kiss was just a brush of a touch, but as he lifted away, he hesitated then came back and really kissed her, his tongue seeking entrance to her mouth, which she allowed.

As teenagers, they had been awkward at best in their kissing, but Ryan knew what he was about now as he commandeered her mouth with his tongue. She moaned as she kissed him back, loving his new taste.

“Excuse me.”

At the sound of the strange voice, she pulled away and looked at the person who wanted to go into the restaurant. She didn’t recognize the man, but still her cheeks heated.

“I’m sorry.” Ryan spoke to the man then stepped away from the doorway, taking her with him, his hand at the small of her back, possessive.

Once they had walked a few steps away, he turned and faced her. “I know I should apologize for kissing you on the sidewalk in front of everyone, but I can’t because I’m not sorry. I hope you’re not offended.”

She shook her head, not quite able to form words yet.

“Good.” He looked at his watch. “I better get going. See you Sunday?”

She nodded.
Post, Lexi. When Love Chimes (Broken Valor Book 1). Kindle Locations (283-345). Lexi Post. Kindle Edition.

With Ryan working part-time to finance repairs at his grandfather’s farm prior to sale, he makes time to see more of Lynzie. Even finding out she’s pregnant won’t deter him from wanting more with her.

Andrew proves he’s even more of a jerk after finding out about the baby, giving Lynzie several options. None of which include marriage.

The friendship between Lynzie and Coco is one of laughter and love. Their shopping trip had me giggling as they looked for gowns to wear on New Year’s Eve.

Love, laughter and tears surround the characters as Lynzie finds love with Ryan.

I confess I’ve never read the Dicken’s story this tale was based on, I do know I will be reading it now.

5 Contented Purrs for Lexi!

Lexi Post

Lexi Post is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of erotic romance. She spent years in higher education taking and teaching courses about the classical literature she loved. From Edgar Allan Poe’s short story “The Masque of the Red Death” to Tolstoy’s War and Peace, she’s read, studied, and taught wonderful classics.

But Lexi’s first love is romance novels. In an effort to marry her two first loves, she started writing erotic romance inspired by the classics and found she loved it. From hot paranormals to sizzling cowboys to hunks from out of this world, Lexi provides an erotic experience with a “whole lotta story.”

Lexi is living her own happily ever after with her husband and her cat in Florida. She makes her own ice cream every weekend, loves bright colors, and you will never see her without a hat.

By
USA Today Bestselling Author
Lexi Post

Riley O’Hare just takes it one day at a time, the horses at Last Chance giving more meaning to her life than anything since she returned from the Middle East with no injuries…at least to her body. Alone in the world, she’s now part of a bigger unit again, and she’s not too sure that’s a good thing.

He’s the new driver for delivering the rescue horses to Last Chance Ranch. There’s a lot more to him than just being a polite cowboy. He used to be a Hot Shot, one of the firefighters who fought wildfires, and there is a very good reason why he isn’t anymore.

Can two people, wounded by their past occupations, rescue each other, or will their scars run too deep?

Riley O’Hare is the only full time hand at the Last Chance Ranch. She really likes working alone, prefers it actually. Now while she likes working for Cole he’s been so busy as Chief of the fire department that he’s been forgetting to pass on messages regarding the ranch. One of the things he didn’t pass on to Riley was the arrival of a rescue, another that it would be a new driver.

Garrett is a former firefighter, and needing something to do, accepted Cole’s offer to transport rescues to the Ranch. When he pulls up with the horse trailer, Riley is trying to get Cyclone to calm down. The Clydesdale is hyperactive if he doesn’t get work to do every couple of days. Of course seeing Riley in a position that with any other horse would be a major problem, he jumped in to save her.

This is a favorite scene.

Looking over her shoulder, she scanned the area in front of the house. Only her pick-up truck sat there of the more than four that usually graced the yard. In her peripheral vision, she noticed dust on the dirt road to the ranch, but didn’t have time to focus.

It better be Cole. He was supposed to take Cyclone to the abandoned copper mine to pull out some fallen timbers. She’d flatly refused to go anywhere near the decrepit mine, so he’d agreed to do it. It was the perfect chore for Cyclone. If the big horse wasn’t given work to do at least every third day, he started breaking things. And she was the one who had to fix them.

Jumping onto the lower rail of the fencing, she waved her arm. “Cyclone! Come here, boy!” She just needed to break up his windup. From what she’d learned, he’d been well-named. The running in circles behavior was the precursor to major damage.

She tried again. “Cyclone!” Putting two fingers to her mouth, she let out a shrill whistle.

The Clydesdale slowed, bouncing his head once and looking at her.

“Come here, boy. I’ve got work for you.”

As if he knew she lied, he started to pick up the pace.

“Well, crap.” Jumping off the rail, she made a beeline beeline for the barn. There had to be something in there for Cyclone to pull. Rounding the corner of the open barn doors, she grinned. “Perfect.” Jumping onto the four-wheeler, she turned the key they always left in it and drove out of the barn and straight for the corral.

A truck with a horse trailer pulled to a stop in front of the house. Hoping Manuel could handle the new horse and whatever its issues were until she could get Cyclone settled, she stopped the ATV and jumped off.

Unfortunately, Cyclone had stopped, too.

“No, Cyclone!” She brought her fingers to her lips once again, but she was too late. The big horse’s back legs lifted and he smashed the top rail of the corral. Wood flew everywhere, and she ducked. Then before the horse could gear-up for another kick, she climbed up on the fence post closest to him and jumped.

Grasping his mane, she cooed as he walked sideways. “Come on boy, I’ve got some work for—”

A strong arm grabbed her around the waist from behind and pulled her off to the side.

Not expecting that, she lost her grip on Cyclone and her full weight fell onto the person beneath her. They both went toppling to the ground inside the enclosure.

She rolled out of his grasp and jumped to her feet, more worried about the horse than the stranger lying on the ground inside the corral. Spotting Cyclone starting his circle run again, she brushed off her jeans before glaring at the cowboy now rising to his feet. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

Striding past him, she climbed over the corral fence and hopped back on the four-wheeler.

“What am I doing? I’m saving your neck.”

She barely spared him a glance as he picked up his cowboy hat and ran for the fence himself as Cyclone headed directly for him.

“If you want to help go get the collar harness hanging on the hook inside the barn while I keep him from jumping the fence.”

Not caring if the dark-haired stranger bothered to listen to her or not, she turned the machine on and drove it parallel to the broken fence to fill the gap. The last thing she needed was a runaway Cyclone.

Not sure what the horse would do next, she jumped off and watched as he approached. He trotted by as if the four-wheeler was another part of the corral.

Figuring she had about thirty seconds before Cyclone came around again, she turned her attention to the cowboy who approached, harness in hand. She pointed to the horse trailer. “Is the horse in there okay for a few more minutes?”

At his nod, she waved toward the ATV. “Good. Do you think you can hook that up to the ATV?”

His brow furrowed. “I just saw you drive it. Why would you need to tow it?”

Cyclone was coming around again. Either she needed to get back on his back or let him out. Otherwise, there’d be two fence rails to repair. “Just tell me, can you do it?” Irritation colored her tone, but she didn’t have time for pleasantries. Where the hell was Manny anyway?

The cowboy threw her a scowl before moving to the ATV.

She climbed on the fence. Maybe if she could interrupt the big horse’s stride, it might take him a bit to build up steam again. Jumping to the ground, she ran out in front of him, waving her arms. “Whoa, Cyclone!”

The Clydesdale swerved in midstride, cutting short his circle.

Just great. Turning back to the cowboy, she found him staring at her his eyes appearing almost silver. For shit’s sake. “Is it hooked?”

“Are you trying to get yourself killed?” He dropped the harness and stalked to the fence.

She met him there. “No, I’m trying to keep this big boy from destroying the corral.” She climbed over the fence and picked up the harness then dropped it on the handle bars of the machine. “Open the gate.” She didn’t wait to see if he would help. She just put the ATV in gear.

Come on, Cyclone, skip the break in the fence and get to work.

The cowboy opened the gate, so she drove the machine into the corral. Turning off the engine, she jumped to the ground and rattled the harness just as Cyclone approached the opening with the broken rail.

His ears perked up as he slowed, coming to a stop next to her. “Good boy. You ready to work?”

The Clydesdale’s big brown eyes followed her as she started to lift the heavy harness onto him. When the weight was lessened, she nodded to the cowboy who lifted the other half onto the big brute. Once she had Cyclone hitched, she strode to the ATV and sat in the seat, hoping the harness would hold. Leaving the engine off, she shifted the machine into neutral. “Okay, Cyclone. Let’s bring this baby to Cole’s house.” Clicking her tongue, she grabbed the handles wrapped in reins and the horse started to walk.

When the horse exited the corral, towing the ATV with her on it, she finally gave the cowboy her attention as he closed the gate behind her. Nice ass, not uncommon among the cowboys she’d worked with. He was clean shaven, broad at the shoulders and slender at the hips. He wore a long sleeve shirt, which she’d find stifling in the dry heat, though many landscapers did that. She assumed it was to avoid burning from the brutal Arizona sun.

He came up next to her as Cyclone plodded along. “So, what’s this? Some kind of therapy?”

His eyes were actually a blue-grey and at the moment filled with curiosity as opposed to censure, which is what she would have expected from a stranger watching her over the last twenty minutes. Now that she had a good look at him, he reminded her of some of her military buddies before they’d all headed to the Middle East and changed. He had less swagger than the typical cowboy and a more commanding presence, but he was just as handsome as the rest at Last Chance. What was it, a prerequisite to work there?

She forced her attention back to his question. “Not exactly therapy. Cyclone likes to work, which means he likes to pull heavy objects. If he’s left to his own devices for more than three days, he lives up to his name.” She hooked her thumb over her shoulder. “And I’m the one left with the repairs.”

He glanced back toward the broken fence of the corral before facing forward again. “Cole told me when he offered me the job that there would be some odd personalities.” He chuckled. “I thought he meant the ranch hands.”

She smothered a smirk. There were definitely some interesting human personalities on Last Chance, but the horses beat them out.
Post, Lexi. Riley’s Rescue (Last Chance Book 6) (pp. 7-10). Lexi Post. Kindle Edition.

Now along with a horse, a new driver and the trip to the mine with Cyclone, there are other things Cole is forgetting to do. His responsibilities as Fire Chief takes priority and so much time.

As is it turns out everyone is leaving the area for the weekend leaving Riley alone to run everything. The last thing she expects is for Whisper to drop off a dog. She and Trent are heading for Las Vegas and found him abandoned on the side of the road. Dr. Jenna is also away for the weekend and she didn’t want the dog caged after being left like that.

It’s this dog that starts a series of events that will not only trigger memories for her but also bring her and Garrett closer than she ever thought possible.

Plenty of hold your breath moments along with tears, laughter and sizzle.

5 Contented Purrs for Lexi!

Lexi Post

Lexi Post is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of erotic romance. She spent years in higher education taking and teaching courses about the classical literature she loved. From Edgar Allan Poe’s short story “The Masque of the Red Death” to Tolstoy’s War and Peace, she’s read, studied, and taught wonderful classics.

But Lexi’s first love is romance novels. In an effort to marry her two first loves, she started writing erotic romance inspired by the classics and found she loved it. From hot paranormals to sizzling cowboys to hunks from out of this world, Lexi provides an erotic experience with a “whole lotta story.”

Lexi is living her own happily ever after with her husband and her cat in Florida. She makes her own ice cream every weekend, loves bright colors, and you will never see her without a hat.

By
NY Times & USA Today Bestselling Author
Lexi Post

To reach her heart,
he must face a spirit,
an angel…and himself.

The spirit of Cameron Douglas has totally screwed-up…again. Now, he has to fix his mess in one night with the help of his best friend and somehow encourage his widow to move on.

Holly Douglas is anguished that this is the last Christmas she’ll be visited by her late husband, Cameron. For three years he’s sent her the spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, and they’ve helped her cope with her loss. But now all that ends, and she doesn’t understand why her late husband must push her away.

Ethan Stewart has been in love with Holly since Cameron’s death, but she isolated herself from everyone, including him. Then something changed, and he was welcomed back as her friend. But he wants more— to love her openly, and most of all to make her happy again. Though he loved his best friend like a brother and will do anything for Holly, as he’s pulled into the spirit world, he discovers not all is as it seems. If he doesn’t figure it out soon, none of them will have a Merry Christmas…ever.

After reading ‘Temptations of Christmas Future’ I was concerned that in spite of everything, Cameron had still messed up. He wants to have eternity with his wife, but she has to accept that she has another soulmate out there and they have to connect so they can all be together. Somehow he has to make this right, he just doesn’t know how.

Holly has done what she needed and yet she’s sad that this would be the last Christmas she gets to see Cameron. She and Ethan have become much closer this past year, but he loves her and she just wants to be friends.

Ethan gets a visit from Cameron, to say he’s surprised is an understatement. What Cameron is asking of him really isn’t a hardship since he loves Holly, but he’s not entirely sure the methods put forth will work.

Mac, the cat plays a big part in this book as well.

This is a favorite scene and a tad longer than I usually use, but I wanted to include both Mac and Ethan.

Tears she hadn’t shed in almost a year gathered, making her kitchen blurry. Wiping her eyes to clear them, she pulled air into her lungs. No, she wouldn’t be alone. She’d have Brooke, and Brody and Sarah…and Ethan. At the thought of the man she’d come to lean on in the past year, she balked. Whenever she was around him, she felt happy and guilty, comfortable and uncomfortable. It was too confusing. Instead, she focused on Mac, picking him up despite his weight.

“You’re just going to have to stay alive forever. Okay?”

Mac wriggled to be put down, his claws snagging in her green turtleneck.

“Okay, okay. I just wanted you to know I love you.” Kissing the protesting cat on the head, she let him go. He immediately sat and proceeded to wash his face as if her kiss had cooties or something.

Throwing her arms up, she moved to the cabinets and pulled out a big mug. Tonight definitely called for a large cup of tea. She had to tackle her emotions and her living room and bring them into some semblance of normality.

The kettle whistled, so she poured the hot water into her mug with the “Christmas Tea” in the strainer. The scent of orange and clove reminded her of Cam’s cologne. He always smelled like Christmas to her. Taking a deep breath of the hot tea, she frowned. There was another scent in there that reminded her of something. Was that ginger, maybe? She hadn’t noticed it before, but she’d been late in breaking out her Christmas tea as well this year. What was wrong with her?

Again, she looked at the fridge. She really didn’t want anything in there. Maybe what she needed was some Christmas music. Oh, and Christmas cookies. Setting her tea on the counter, she opened the cabinet next to the fridge and pulled out the tin of homemade Christmas cookies Mrs. Bell had dropped off just a few days ago. Opening it up, she sighed.

“Now that’s what I call Christmas.” Stuffing one into her mouth, she bit half and held the rest between her lips as she picked up the tin and her tea and strolled back to her wrecked living room. She’d just reached her comfy chair when the bell rang.

She glanced at the clock. It was only half past six. It felt like nine to her. She set her tea on the small table next to her chair and grabbed the cookie from her mouth. “Coming.”

Quickly, she stuffed the rest of the cookie back in and chewed as she approached the front door. Swallowing, she turned the knob, but the door remained closed. Real smart, Holly. Unlocking the deadbolt, she pulled again to reveal a bundled-up Ethan on her doorstep.

“Ethan. Oh no, did I forget I was supposed to be somewhere?” She racked her brain trying to think of what it could be.

He laughed, his green eyes sparkling in the reflection of her living room light. His hair, wavy now that he’d let it grow a little longer, was sprinkled with a few snowflakes and his teeth gleamed. “No, I thought since you’ve been working such long hours that a fresh mincemeat pie might be just what you need as you decorate your tree. You did say you were hoping to do that tonight, correct?”

She lifted her brows. “Did I?” She probably had, but she was flustered. To have Ethan in her home seemed more intimate than she was ready for. They always met at public places or at his parents’ house in town. He was far too handsome, bearing an uncanny resemblance to Michelangelo’s statue of David. He was also kind and good looking and considerate and muscular and tall and…she swallowed, uncomfortable with her thoughts. She shook her head to clear it.

“Aye, you did. But you also said that your tree was broken, so I brought you a new one.”

She tensed. Why did everyone want her to have a new tree? “I’m not really interested in one of those new automatic trees. I prefer to put some work into my décor.” Though to look at her house right now, no one would believe her.

He frowned, shaking his head. “I hope not. I didn’t take you for the automatic-tree type, though that was what was recommended to me.”

She relaxed a bit at that. “Good, then what kind of tree did you get?” She was a bit curious now. As nice as Ethan was, he was still a man, and she doubted he had any more taste than Cam. Cam would have bought an automatic tree and a pink or blue one at that.

Ethan handed her the hot pie, and she balanced it on her tin of cookies as he disappeared for a moment.

“Better back up.”

Uh-oh. Reluctantly, she stepped back. She really needed to tell him to keep the tree. It wasn’t right. Yes, that was the right thing to do. Opening her mouth, her protest died as the scent of spruce wafted in with the cold outside air. He’d brought her a live tree?

She took ten steps back, her memories of New Hampshire and Christmas with her family flooding her as Ethan wrestled what looked like a ten-foot Christmas tree into her house.

Closing the door, he pushed the tree to lean against the entrance and looked up at the cathedral ceiling of her home. “I should have purchased the fifteen-foot size. You still have plenty of ceiling height.”

She stared in awe at the beautiful tree filling her living room with its Christmas scent. She plopped her butt on the arm of Cam’s chair, her knees too weak to hold her, her heart filled with the warmth the spruce aroma gave her.

Ethan turned to look at her, his ready smile dimming as he caught her gaze.“You don’t like it. I can return and buy the large one. It’d been so long since I’d been in here, I couldn’t remember exactly how tall your ceilings were.”

Though he’d obviously not meant it as a slap in the face, the sting of his statement brought her to her feet. It was true. She hadn’t had anyone into her shrine to Cam in four years. What good were all those Christmas spirits Cam sent her if she still kept him alive in their home and refused to share. No wonder others had moved on with their lives.

Ethan’s brow lowered in concern. “Or is it because it’s real? They have some very true-to-life looking artificial trees at the hardware store. I think they’re still open.” He looked at his watch.

She rested her hand on his arm to get his attention. “No, not at all. It’s just so perfect, I was stunned.”

“You were?”

She swallowed down the sudden lump in her throat at his thoughtfulness.

“Yes. I grew up with live spruce trees for Christmas. It reminds me of home.” She gave him a small smile, her family suddenly feeling so close. “And that’s a good thing.”

His brow finally eased, and he relaxed before his eye caught the state of her living room. “Bloody hell, were you burglarized? We need to call the police.”

She snorted. “Hardly.” She squinted at her traitorous cat, who had hopped down from his chair and was rubbing against Ethan’s legs. She removed her hand from Ethan’s tan wool coat and pointed. “That’s the culprit. He tore this place apart while I was at work then got stuck in a box. Served him right.”

“Mac did all this?” Ethan bent over and picked up Mac the Destroyer. “Hey lad, you look like you’ve put on a little weight since I last saw you.”

Just as guilt centered in her gut, Mac pushed his head against Ethan’s chin. She’d forgotten how much Ethan adored Mac. “Well, he’s spoiled and I don’t have a lot of time to play with him. I tried putting him on a leash, but he just fell over and didn’t move as if I’d killed him or something.”

Ethan’s quiet laugh drifted through the room before he set the feline down. “I’m thinking someone needs a few cat toys for Christmas.”

She scowled. “Only good cats get presents.”

“And fat ones.” He pointed to her hands. “Did you already eat? I see a Mrs. Bell cookie tin there.”

She’d completely forgotten she’d planned to have cookies for dinner. Ethan didn’t say anything, but she was pretty sure she’d gained a few pounds in the past year. Now, with the scent of nutmeg and beef tickling her nose, she found the willpower to wait on the cookies. “Yes, I felt I deserved a treat after walking into this mess.”

“I understand.” He looked over the living room. “Would you like help cleaning it up? Then I could set up the tree for you. It will probably take two people.”

Well, crap. She wasn’t being very hospitable. She was sorely out of practice. “That would be great. Have you eaten yet? Are you hungry?”

Ethan unbuttoned his coat and shrugged it off his broad shoulders. He seemed bigger in her house. He turned and hung his garment on the coatrack in the corner next to the door. “I didn’t realize I hadn’t eaten until I put that in my rented van. Now my stomach is yelling at me.”

Thankful to have something to do, she lifted the cookie tin and pie in her hands. “Then let me get this dished out so we can eat before tackling this mess.” She beat a hasty retreat into the kitchen. He’d even rented a van to bring her the tree. Holy crap.

She set down the cookie tin and pie. Her kitchen was a small room, cozy. The little two-person table in it had been perfect for her and Cam. At the thought of Ethan sitting there with her, she moved to the cabinet and pulled out a tray. They could eat in the disaster zone.
Post, Lexi. One of a Kind Christmas (A Scottish Christmas Carol Book 4) (pp. 22-27). Lexi Post. Kindle Edition.

As Ethan makes a bit more progress with Holly, Christmas Eve arrives and with it Cameron, there are no other spirits this year.

With Ethan and Holly in tow, Cameron makes the effort to correct the mistakes he made.

I loved the way this plays out, many revelations and we do learn more about Mac.

A wonderful Christmas tale, with laughter, love, tears and so much more!

5 Contented Purrs for Lexi!

Lexi Post

Lexi Post is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of erotic romance. She spent years in higher education taking and teaching courses about the classical literature she loved. From Edgar Allan Poe’s short story “The Masque of the Red Death” to Tolstoy’s War and Peace, she’s read, studied, and taught wonderful classics.

But Lexi’s first love is romance novels. In an effort to marry her two first loves, she started writing erotic romance inspired by the classics and found she loved it. From hot paranormals to sizzling cowboys to hunks from out of this world, Lexi provides an erotic experience with a “whole lotta story.”

Lexi is living her own happily ever after with her husband and her cat in Florida. She makes her own ice cream every weekend, loves bright colors, and you will never see her without a hat.

By
NY Times & USA Today Bestselling Author
Lexi Post

He set out to prove the future
was far worse than she imagined.
Now he wished it wasn’t.

Thanks to his shock tactics and pessimistic attitude, Scottish spirit guide Malcolm MacLachlan’s job is on the line. What else did they expect from a former Glasgow Watchman? For his final assignment, he chooses his partner based on the probability of success, and Joy Collingwood is the very best. That he can prove to her the future isn’t all puppies and marshmallows is an added bonus.

Joy is thrilled to help Malcolm, but their different methods threaten the success of their collaboration. If they can’t find some common ground, they’ll fail. What she doesn’t expect is that their common ground will be her bed and her deepest secret will be revealed.

Yet her secrets are nothing compared to Malcolm’s and their revelation could jeopardize everything…including her heart.

Once again Cameron has selected spirits to visit his wife on Christmas Eve. Well he chose Malcolm and had him select who to work with. That he picked Joy was a surprise to Cameron since they are so very different.

Malcolm is all about the ‘Scrooge’ type spirit of the future and Joy tends toward the more pleasant aspects.

Cameron’s wife Holly has become used to these visits as Cam has recruited her to help the spirits involved. This time was no different.

I think I’ve failed to mention Mac, their cat. For some reason when Cam visits to prepare Holly for the spirits, the cat can see him and he can actually pet the cat. That shouldn’t be possible, and that’s something that Joy and Malcolm find puzzling from the start.

This is a favorite scene.

She grinned. “Don’t tell me you’re going to play the role of Scrooge’s Spirit of Christmas Future. Don’t you think that’s a bit over dramatic? Not to mention far too English for a Scotsman?”

He turned toward her. “I was simply acknowledging your observation on my timeliness.”

She chuckled. “Now you really sound like an Englishman.”

At his scowl, she turned away, biting her cheek to keep from laughing.

The clock began to strike the ninth hour.

“Shall we?” She looked back at him. Hooking her arm within his, she pulled him forward even as his eyes widened. She was too excited to meet Holly face to face to care what he thought.

As they stopped in front of their assignment, two things struck her one after the other. The first was that the little design in Holly’s snowflake pin was a fairy and beautifully etched.

The second thing was that while Holly was still asleep, the large gray cat sat on its own chair staring at them.

Malcolm leaned in. “That cat shouldn’t be able to see us.”

She nodded, just as surprised as him.

When the grandfather clock stopped chiming, they both stared as the gray cat walked onto the arm of his chair, jumped across the short distant to the other chair where Holly slept and pounced into her lap, effectively waking her up.

“What? Really Mac?” She grabbed him up and as she lifted him onto the arm of her chair, she noticed them. “Oh, hi.” Her gaze flitted to the clock before coming back to them. “Sorry. I never seem to be able to stay awake for Christmas Eve visitors. You must be Malcolm and Joy.”

Joy smiled. “That’s quite all right. You’ve had a long day, I’m sure.”

“What a beautiful dress. I could never wear something like that.” Holly sat straighter as she looked down. “Oh and I love your boots. I need to find a pair of those.”

“Thank you.” Cameron’s wife was a delight. She seemed very comfortable with them.

Holly turned to Malcolm. “Malcolm, if we’re going to fly away together, you must show me your face. The hood thing is all fine for drama, but we’re on the same team here.”

Joy pursed her lips to keep from smiling.

Malcolm acquiesced to Holly’s request and dropped his hood back, revealing his scruffy chin in profile. Joy’s body took notice, and she suddenly wished he’d pull it up again. The man was walking sensuality, at least to her.

“Holy crap!” Holly faced her. “Did you know he was this hot?”

Luckily, Malcolm saved her from having to answer that. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Holly. Are you ready for your journey to begin?”

Holly continued to stare at Malcolm.

Joy cleared her throat. “Holly. Holly?”

Finally, Holly turned toward her. “Yes?”

“Malcolm asked if you’re ready to begin your journey?”

Holly looked back at Malcolm then returned her gaze to her. “Absolutely.” She rose from the chair.

“Wonderful.” Joy waited as Holly’s gaze flitted back toward Malcolm before finally returning to her. She didn’t really blame her. His dark good looks took some getting used to. “This visit is a little different because we’re the Spirits of Christmas Future, which means that you’ll see things no one else will know for years.”

“And I must promise to not reveal anything I see, right?”

Malcolm nodded. “Aye. If you don’t think you can keep these secrets, we’ll have to skip the visit.”

Holly scowled at him and crossed her arms. “Excuse me. I didn’t reveal a single thing I learned from Coco and Ian’s visit. I’m sure I can keep secret whatever you choose to show me.”

“You must be sure.”

Holly gave an exasperated sigh. “I promise.”

The cat took that moment to meow loudly. Holly turned back. “What, Mac? You have plenty of food and your litter box is clean. What else could you want? I’ll only be gone minutes your time, if that.”

Joy watched in fascination as the cat seemed to accept Holly’s answer and proceeded to jump onto the seat of the chair Holly had just vacated and lay down. “Really, Mac?” Holly turned to face them. “He demanded that he take my chair over there, forcing me to use Cam’s. Now suddenly, he wants Cam’s chair back?”

Joy shook her head. “Usually animals can’t see us. He’s a very special cat.”

“Believe me, I know. Even Cam doesn’t know why he can pet Mac.”

Joy froze. That was impossible. She glanced over at Malcolm, who was looking at her as well. Somehow, she knew he agreed that something was afoot. They’d have to talk about it on their first break.
Post, Lexi. Temptations of Christmas Future (A Scottish Christmas Carol Book 3) (pp. 39-42). Lexi Post. Kindle Edition.

Now the visits they have in store for Holly cause the spirits taking frequent breaks in disagreement. They also have them finding out things about each other, including the fact that Joy has dreams of Malcolm.

While they do manage to get their point across to Holly they also succeed in forming a relationship.

Very emotional for Holly as she realizes what she’s done so far really isn’t enough. For the spirits, well they are amusing, sometimes irritating and definitely sizzling.

Oh and we still don’t know what’s up with Mac the cat…sigh.

5 Contented Purrs for Lexi!

Lexi Post

Lexi Post is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of erotic romance. She spent years in higher education taking and teaching courses about the classical literature she loved. From Edgar Allan Poe’s short story “The Masque of the Red Death” to Tolstoy’s War and Peace, she’s read, studied, and taught wonderful classics.

But Lexi’s first love is romance novels. In an effort to marry her two first loves, she started writing erotic romance inspired by the classics and found she loved it. From hot paranormals to sizzling cowboys to hunks from out of this world, Lexi provides an erotic experience with a “whole lotta story.”

Lexi is living her own happily ever after with her husband and her cat in Florida. She makes her own ice cream every weekend, loves bright colors, and you will never see her without a hat.

By
NY times & USA Today Bestselling Author
Lexi Post

Sometimes not knowing is better…
for everyone.

Spirit of Christmas Present, Kentucky born Coco Baker, has just been given the assignment of her career, but she must partner with a Scottish upper class snob, who thinks he knows what’s best for their living client. Despite him, she’s determined to do well on this case and find out what the arrogant man is hiding.

Ian Fergusson has carefully cultivated a standoffish presence in the afterlife, letting no one get close for fear of them discovering his greatest failing in life. When he’s required to work with the vivacious Coco, both his desire and his fear escalate.

Unfortunately, Coco won’t leave well enough alone and to protect her, Ian finds himself forced to face his past and risk his heart and soul…again.

Cameron has once again assigned spirits to visit with his wife on Christmas eve. This time the Spirits of the Present. While he is certain Holly has learned from the spirits of Christmas Past, she still hasn’t progressed as much as she should have.

Ian and Coco have very different approaches to showing clients the present, so much so that Coco finds herself growling at Ian’s one word answers, which most of the time is no.

This is a favorite scene.

Coco clamped her mouth shut to keep her growl of irritation from emerging. She’d known this assignment with Ian would be a pain in the neck, but it hadn’t even begun yet and she was ready to strangle him.

Maybe she should focus on the assignment and mull over why Ian was assigned only children’s cases later. “So you aren’t going to change?”

He floated in front of her, again just slightly higher with his arms crossed over his chest. “No.”

If she wasn’t so fed up with him, she’d be admiring the way his biceps stretched the sleeves of his shirt to the max, but she was too irritated to truly appreciate his physique at the moment. “Then I suggest we discuss our plan. I’ve watched Holly, as did you and I think we should visit Brody, Sophia, Luca, and Mr. Branson’s homes.”

“No.”

She stared at him, her mouth open because she was pissed off now. Throwing up her hands, she floated out of the shop and straight to Cameron Douglas’ office.

She popped up through the floor only to see she’d interrupted him in a meeting with Joy, a spirit guide she admired greatly and tried to emulate, but her own temper was so hard to control. “I’m sorry. I’ll come back later.” She would just move through time.

Cameron nodded and she quickly adjusted her entrance to later. This time when she popped up from the floor, there was no one there but him.

He sat at the edge of his desk. “What do you need, Coco?”

She solidified and flopped into the closest chair. “He’s impossible.”

Cameron nodded. “I know, but I need him on this case. He’s the only one who can complete the job, and it’s as important to him as it is to me, though he doesn’t know it yet.”

“Then why do you need me?” So her voice sounded a little whiney. She was entitled after dealing with that arrogant asshole.

“Because he won’t succeed without you.”

“What?”

Cameron stood and put his hands on her shoulders. “I’m sorry I have to make you work with him. If I thought anyone else could handle him, I’d let you off the hook, but the fact is, you’re the best spirit guide for the job. You won’t let him walk all over you, but you’ll listen to reason when he’s reasonable.”

She stared at her boss. Her heart jumped for joy because he recognized her abilities, but part of her was skeptical. “Why do I think you’re just saying that to get your way?”

Cameron laughed, his brown hair falling onto his forehead again. “Ach, busted. Yes, I was laying it on a little thick, but it’s still true. This is my wife, Coco. I need you to help her.”

Her heart froze at the look of desperation that flashed in Cameron’s hazel eyes, making them almost as gray as Ian’s. “Only for you. But I reserve the right to come back here and vent.”

Cameron stepped back, his face relaxing at her acceptance. “Anytime.”
Post, Lexi. Desires of Christmas Present (A Scottish Christmas Carol Book 2) (pp. 23-24). Lexi Post. Kindle Edition.

Now Coco also has another talent, she can see soulmates and what she finds with Holly is very interesting.

Much of this tale isn’t so much about Holly but the spirits themselves. They too come to some revelations that surprise them.

Plenty of heat between the spirits and lots of things that have Holly recognizing things she hasn’t yet done to help her move on.

I am thoroughly enjoying these spirited (pun intended) romps through Christmas visits.

5 Contented Purrs for Lexi!

Lexi Post

Lexi Post is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of erotic romance. She spent years in higher education taking and teaching courses about the classical literature she loved. From Edgar Allan Poe’s short story “The Masque of the Red Death” to Tolstoy’s War and Peace, she’s read, studied, and taught wonderful classics.

But Lexi’s first love is romance novels. In an effort to marry her two first loves, she started writing erotic romance inspired by the classics and found she loved it. From hot paranormals to sizzling cowboys to hunks from out of this world, Lexi provides an erotic experience with a “whole lotta story.”

Lexi is living her own happily ever after with her husband and her cat in Florida. She makes her own ice cream every weekend, loves bright colors, and you will never see her without a hat.

By
NY Times & USA Today Bestselling Author
Lexi Post

When present day American social worker, Jessica Thomas, is assigned her first case as a spirit guide, she’s excited to serve as the Spirit of Christmas Past for her client and prove she knows her profession well. Unfortunately, her mentor, the very hot, very single, and very Scottish Duncan Montgomerie has little faith in her ability and plans to catch her when she falls. As far as she’s concerned, he’s going to be waiting a very long time.

Bachelor, Duncan Montgomerie, hails from late 18th century Scotland where he enjoyed life to its fullest, something he continues in death. Having been dead a while, he is well equipped to handle the afterlife where time doesn’t exist and phasing is the norm. What has him stymied is his connection to the uptight Jessica and the strange feelings he’s experiencing being around her, even though she refuses to listen to his advice. Duncan needs to figure out what it all means and fast because the rules change after death and the path Jessica is headed down could cost her her soul.

A twist on Dicken’s A Christmas Carol this series is set in Scotland and of course the Spirit Dimension.

Jessica and Duncan are Spirit Guides assigned to help their boss Cameron’s wife Holly remember the happier times before he died. She needs to begin to move on. But there is also another side to this as Cameron asks his wife help the two spirits.

This is a favorite scene.

At her husband’s voice, Holly stilled, swallowing the hiccup that threatened to interrupt the silence.

“I can’t stand to see you so sad.”

She turned her head toward the Christmas tree and blinked. Cameron Douglas stood in front of it in his blue- green-and-white kilt with love shinning in his eyes.

“Cam?” Her heart leapt with joy and she flew from the chair to hug him and found herself in the Christmas tree instead, a glass angel ornament digging into her cheek. Righting herself, she disengaged her hair from a reindeer before turning around, sure she would see an empty room…but it wasn’t.

Cameron Douglas stood in front of his chair in the Douglas kilt, forest-green sleeveless t-shirt and black army boots, his sandy-brown hair falling just below his ears and a sad smile on his face. Holly crossed her arms to hide the erratic beat of her heart as a shiver raced up her spine. Fear and happiness fought inside her. “What are you doing here?”

Cam brushed his hair from his forehead, a sure sign he was out of his element, whatever that element was. “I need your help, Holly.”

She shook her head, still trying to believe she spoke to her dead husband, emphasis on dead. “I’m dreaming.” She pinched herself. “Ow.”

“No, you’re not. I know this is a shock.”

She raised an eyebrow. “You think?”

He grinned. “Ach, but a pleasant one, I hope.”

She relaxed a little at his smile. It was so him. “How come I can see you? You’re supposed to be dead.”

He grimaced. “I am. I’m sorry. I was stupid. We should have had our whole lives to grow old together.”

“You’ve got that right. But how can you be here? You look like you did when you were alive except…” Her fall into the Christmas tree had her pausing. “Except you aren’t solid. It’s not fair, you look solid and you smell so good.” Her eyes started to water again.

“Ah, please don’t cry, hen. I only came because I thought you might be strong enough to handle it. If I’m just making you cry, I’ll leave.”

Fear raced from her brain to every tiny blood vessel. “No! No, I’m okay. I cry whether you’re here or not and I’d much rather be able to see you.” She tried to smile, but her lips barely moved upward.

“That’s my girl. I knew I could count on you.”

She uncrossed her arms and wiped her face on the sleeve of her sweater. Just then Mac jumped down from the chair and started to rub against Cam’s legs for attention. “Hey, how come he can touch you?”

Cam’s eyes widened before his grin returned. “I have no idea.” He bent and gave the demanding feline a scratch behind his ears, starting the purr machine up full blast.

She rolled her eyes. “Really?”

He straightened and shrugged. “I’ll have to figure that out later. I’ve come to ask for your help with a spirit who kind of works for me.”

She raised her eyebrow again. “Works for you? I thought heaven was all pleasure and no work.”

Cam looked away. “It’s complicated. Suffice it to say, I’m trying to help other spirits right now and this one is a sad case.”

She folded her arms across her chest again, trying to pretend she wasn’t talking to Cam’s spirit. “Why?”

He floated to the fireplace, reminding her of his spirit state and completely ruining her self-imposed pretend session that he was real.

“She has many deep regrets.”

Well, she could certainly relate to that. There had been so many things she and Cam had planned to do but put off because they were trying to make the shop a success or because they wanted to be in a financially good spot first, like having a baby. Her eyes started to water again.

“Holly? Are you sure you don’t want me to leave?” He’d floated closer to her. So close, she could see the different colors in his hazel eyes.

She couldn’t resist and lifted her hand to touch his face. As her fingers glided through air, his eyes revealed his own anguish.

“I miss you, love.”

She gazed at him, her throat closing off any possibility of speech.

He finally looked away. “Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea.” He turned back to the fireplace, tension in his frame revealing as much as his eyes. He was in pain too.

Knowing he hurt as much from their separation as she did eased her heart in a strange way, but it also confirmed for her that she’d still do anything for him. Desperate to help, she moved to stand next to him. “What can I do?”
Post, Lexi. Pleasures of Christmas Past (A Scottish Christmas Carol Book 1) . Lexi Post. Kindle Locations (296-330}. Kindle Edition.

Duncan is starting to fade and his only hope is Jessica. However this is Jessica’s first case and Duncan is her mentor, if only she had paid more attention in his classes.

However Jessica starts making a critical mistake of getting too close to Holly and the consequences of that are something Duncan can’t allow to happen. Not with the way he feels about her.

A delightful twist on the Spirit of Christmas Past, with fun, smiles, tears and quite a bit of sizzle.

5 Contented Purrs for Lexi!

Lexi Post

Lexi Post is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of erotic romance. She spent years in higher education taking and teaching courses about the classical literature she loved. From Edgar Allan Poe’s short story “The Masque of the Red Death” to Tolstoy’s War and Peace, she’s read, studied, and taught wonderful classics.

But Lexi’s first love is romance novels. In an effort to marry her two first loves, she started writing erotic romance inspired by the classics and found she loved it. From hot paranormals to sizzling cowboys to hunks from out of this world, Lexi provides an erotic experience with a “whole lotta story.”

Lexi is living her own happily ever after with her husband and her cat in Florida. She makes her own ice cream every weekend, loves bright colors, and you will never see her without a hat.

By
NY Times & USA Today Bestselling Author
Lexi Post

He must choose between a second chance with the woman he loves or revealing the truth and breaking her heart.

Cowboy and former detective Vince Gallagher never thought he’d have a second chance to convince Rachel Henderson they were meant to be together, nor did he think he’d want to. Now, after seven years, thanks to his old police academy friend, Vince is knee deep in numbers and computers, determined to save Rachel’s ranch and his own heart.

Rachel hadn’t expected to see Vince again…ever. In fact, she planned on it. Saying goodbye to him had been the hardest thing she’d ever done, but she couldn’t handle her sister, the ranch, and his job as an undercover detective all at the same time. Now she’s with him every day and buried feelings just won’t go away.

The closer Vince gets to solving the mystery of the missing money, the more convinced he becomes that Rachel is the one for him. But when prize animals start disappearing, he has to choose between revealing the culprit and keeping the woman he’s always loved from harm. He just can’t catch a break.

Originally in Kindle Worlds, this book is back and still a favorite! Lexi’s Poker Flats series is a favorite of mine and it’s fun to see these characters away from the Nudist Resort Ranch.

In this book we meet Rachel Henderson, she is a woman who has always risen to the occasion and done what she needs to keep her family’s ranch going. It hasn’t been easy but now things have gone terribly awry and she needs help. She just didn’t realize that when she called her friend Hunter McKade he would bring someone from her past in to help as well.

Vance Gallagher came when Hunter called him to help with a ranch’s sudden financial problem. He just didn’t know the ranch in question was Rachel’s. He’d loved her and she broke his heart, but he knew he’d do everything in his power to help her.

As Vance investigates he also has to come to grips with the fact he still loves Rachel and surprisingly enough she still loves him. A favorite scene is a the end of the day when her foreman had called out and she works the ranch in his place.

This is the beginning of a new start for them one where they communicate with each other. Unfortunately it also answers questions that Vance needed to validate his suspicions on who is playing with the ranch’s finances.

Many twists and turns bring us to the end of this intriguing tale. Complete with a renewed romance and plenty of hot bedroom time.

5 Contented Purrs for Lexi!

Lexi Post

Lexi Post is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of erotic romance. She spent years in higher education taking and teaching courses about the classical literature she loved. From Edgar Allan Poe’s short story “The Masque of the Red Death” to Tolstoy’s War and Peace, she’s read, studied, and taught wonderful classics.

But Lexi’s first love is romance novels. In an effort to marry her two first loves, she started writing erotic romance inspired by the classics and found she loved it. From hot paranormals to sizzling cowboys to hunks from out of this world, Lexi provides an erotic experience with a “whole lotta story.”

Lexi is living her own happily ever after with her husband and her cat in Florida. She makes her own ice cream every weekend, loves bright colors, and you will never see her without a hat.

By
NY Times and USA Today Bestselling Author
Lexi Post

Wade Johnson wants to make their wedding perfect for his bride-to-be. The problem is, “perfect” doesn’t exist at Poker Flat.

Kendra Lowe, former professional poker player and current sole owner of Poker Flat Nudist Resort, is more than ready to marry her almost perfect cowboy, but when her mother arrives a week early, she’s unprepared for the emotions and baggage that come with her—from her blunt ways, to old memories, to her soon-to-be ex.

Wade has finally convinced his fiancé to tie the knot. Unfortunately, there are more knots that need to be untied first. Luckily, the misfit band of employees at Poker Flat are determined to help him get her to the altar…one way or another.

Gun-shy after her first beautiful wedding ended in a demoralizing marriage and harsh divorce, Kendra’s hoping this one is anything but perfect. As hard as it is for her to accept, some things are simply out of her control. It becomes very clear that this wedding will depend more on her family, friends, and if love truly can conquer all. If it does, it’s even stronger than she is.

I’ve been waiting for this wedding for a long time and I am so excited it’s finally here. Although there are some interesting snags as the day approaches.

The first one, Kendra’s Mom shows up lock, stock and barrel a week early for the wedding, expecting to move in. She truly has no filter and is hilarious even though Kendra doesn’t always think so.

With no available casitas they temporarily put her up in the stable manager’s office.

This is a favorite scene when Kendra’s Mom arrives in the middle of the night.

“You’re gonna bring my sweeties and the rest of my bags now, right?”

Mac shook her head. “Not until Kendra tells us where you’re staying. Like I said, the resort is full.” Mac moved her gaze to her. “Right, boss?”

She nodded. “We are, but I’m sure mom is tired, so we can put her in Jorge’s office for tonight. In the morning, Lacey can work her magic I’m sure.”

“Office? What? You expect me to sleep on a desk or something?” Her mother frowned, clearly expecting the worse. “Why can’t I stay with you?”

“I’m afraid all I have is a small couch and Jorge’s office has a big comfy one. Wade has already gone over there and made it up for you.”

Her mother crossed her arms over her ample bosom. “The groom. I want to meet this man. I didn’t inspect your last fiancé before that marriage and look how that worked out.”

Her chest squeezed at the reminder of what an idiot she’d been. “Very true. I’m sure Wade will answer any questions you have tomorrow. I think we should get you settled in.”

“To an office. Nice way to treat your mother.”

Kendra ignored her mother’s mumbled words. She had no doubt her mom would be thrilled with the accommodations once she saw them. “Mac, why didn’t you just bring her bags down on the cart?” She’d noticed there was only one bag on the back.

Mac glanced at her mother. “Because we’re going to need the wagon to get them all down here.”

“What?” She looked at her mom. “What did you bring? The kitchen sink?”

Her mother’s lips formed a slow, smug smile. “I would have if I could have cut the pipes.”

Airlines charged per bag. Her mother didn’t have that kind of money. In fact, she couldn’t have received the airline ticket yet, since it had just been mailed two days ago.

“Mom, how did you get here?” Even if she took the bus, a cab ride to Poker Flat would have been over a hundred dollars from the Phoenix station.

Her mother shrugged. “I drove.”

She widened her eyes. “Drove? You and Fred bought a second car?” Could the man who produced her have gotten his act together after all these years?

Her mother laughed. “Not even close. I took the car, everything I could fit in it and all the money in our account. I’ve left your father. I’m going to live here while the divorce goes through. Aren’t you happy?”

In complete shock, it took her a moment to notice the vibration in her back pocket. Turning away from her mother’s triumphant smile, she answered the phone.

“Yes?” Her voice came out in a whisper.

“Kendra, what’s wrong?” Wade’s voice on the other end had her heart clicking into a more normal rhythm. Only he had the sixth sense when it came to her emotions.

Taking a few steps away from her mom, she kept her voice low. “Mom just informed me she’s divorcing Fred and plans to live here until it goes through.”

Wade’s low whistle on the other end reassured her he understood exactly how impossible the situation was. “That’s a big pile of shit to deal with at this early hour in the morning. Just bring her over here, and we’ll hash it all out later.”

“Right.”

“That’s awfully rude.” Her mother’s voice carried as it always did. “It’s the middle of the fucking night and she has to take a phone call? I thought this was a nudie resort. Why do you have sweats on?”

Mac’s low tones floated over. “Because staff are not allowed to go nude while working.”

“That seems weird. You’d think everyone would be nude here.”

Kendra took a deep breath. “We’ll be right there.” Ending the call, she spun around and strode toward her mom. “Okay, let’s get you to bed.”
Post, Lexi. Wedding at Poker Flat (Poker Flat Series Book 5) (Kindle Locations 108-139). Lexi Post. Kindle Edition.

Now Jorge gets a big surprise in the morning and he does do a bit of flirting, which we all know is gonna backfire on him.

Then Wade’s folks decide to make the trip a bit early, their arrival had me laughing out loud.

There is plenty of fun, laughs, a bit of drama and lots of love and sizzle in this book. I can’t wait to see what Lexi will have in store for Poker Flat next.

5 Contented Purrs for Lexi!

Lexi Post

Lexi Post is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of erotic romance. She spent years in higher education taking and teaching courses about the classical literature she loved. From Edgar Allan Poe’s short story “The Masque of the Red Death” to Tolstoy’s War and Peace, she’s read, studied, and taught wonderful classics.

But Lexi’s first love is romance novels. In an effort to marry her two first loves, she started writing erotic romance inspired by the classics and found she loved it. From hot paranormals to sizzling cowboys to hunks from out of this world, Lexi provides an erotic experience with a “whole lotta story.”

Lexi is living her own happily ever after with her husband and her cat in Florida. She makes her own ice cream every weekend, loves bright colors, and you will never see her without a hat.