Series: Hunk for the Holidays #3
Release Date: September 29, 2015
Good things come in sexy packages...
Jacqueline Maguire has a problem tying the knot. After fleeing the altar (again), the runaway bride drives off with no particular destination in mind. Which is how Jac finds herself stranded in a snowstorm with a hot, hard-bodied stranger who treats her to the naughtiest night of her life... but come morning, he's long gone.
Contractor Patrick McPherson is deeply committed to his bachelor lifestyle. No strings, no rings. As the Christmas season approaches, however, Patrick still can't quite forget his curvalicious one-night stand. Then Jac shows up unexpectedly, and all holiday hell breaks loose. Because this year, Patrick is getting the biggest Christmas surprise of his life...
Vampire (or not), a mysterious hobo and mysterious accidents mix with family and love during the holidays…
Two things caught my attention at first, the eye-catching cover and the author. I’ve read, and loved, many of her cowboys and couldn’t wait to dive into this holiday story.
On the surface, Jac Maguire seems to be all about the money. Running away from wedding number two, which would have assured her future, she finds herself at the mercy of the weather and a handsome stranger.
Patrick McPherson, enjoying his peace and quiet, is bowled over by his unexpected guest. Is she just another “fix up” arranged by his great aunt Wheezie? Despite suspicions on both sides—where did those fangs come from—they quickly come together in a definitely un-stranger-like way. Thus begins an unlikely non-courtship as the two, surrounded by family and friends, work to find out what their relationship really is all about.
I enjoyed this story, though for different reasons than I initially thought. I warmed up to Jac eventually. On the surface, she came across as superficial and materialistic. She made herself more at home in Paddy’s place than I felt comfortable with (when you read it, you will know what I mean). My opinion changed though after slowly finding out more about her need for money and why it was so important to her.
Paddy was easier to like with his upfront style and easy-going nature. His burst of the romantic was a very nice touch, and the kilt didn’t hurt either! Aunt Wheezie was a hit for me as her need to see her family settled and her own vulnerability, and crankiness, was beyond endearing. Throw in a mysterious Santa-like hobo and I was hooked!
~ Review by Diane
It's the holiday season! Add in a dash of crazy relatives, a meddling, matchmaking aunt, and a New Year's Eve deadline, plus the fact that Jacqueline "Jac" Mcguire is a runner, and you have the promise of a fun story.
Jac's running out on her second wedding. Through a crazy set of circumstances, Jac ends up running into Patrick McPherson and ends up having the night of her life.
Patrick is happy with his lot in life. He's living a bachelor life, loves his job with the family business and doesn't feel the need to have a permanent woman in his life when there are so many to choose from...until Jac crashes into his life. One night isn't enough—but after a night fueled with passion, Jac is gone when he comes back from a quick trip to the store.
Fast forward on month later, Jac is back and she's not alone... So what happens now? Will Jac and Patrick reignite the flame or are they destined to burn out with when the truth comes out?
Oh, how I wanted to love this book! The premise of their story hooked me in, but unfortunately it fell very flat for me. I adored Patrick and his family, especially his cray Aunt Wheezy. Patrick seemed genuine and real, but most importantly, he was likeable from the start.
Jac, though… Wow, I struggled to get into the story because I really didn't like her character—especially in scenes with Gerald. She came across as spoiled, phony and flighty. This book had so much potential, but it just didn't quite work for me.
~ Review by Missy
Katie Lane is the USA Today bestselling author of the Deep in the Heart of Texas and Hunk for the Holiday series. Katie lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and when she isn't writing, enjoys reading, going to the gym, golfing, traveling, or just snuggling next to her high school sweetheart and cairn terrier Roo.
