His Miracle Baby is a great romantic suspense by Karen Sandler.  Ms. Sandler has provided readers with a well-written book loaded with fantastic characters.  Logan wanted to fulfill his late wife's dream of having children.  Shani is Logan's wife's best friend and she has no love for Logan.  Shani and Logan's story is packed with drama, humor, action and spice.  I enjoyed reading His Miracle Baby and would happily read more from Karen Sandler in the future.  This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.  

I read a print copy of this book.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Christmas Ghosts - I know, Grim, I know.  But there is a really good Chanukah story (as well as a couple other non-Christmas stories).

Goodreads has a list of books of 26 that include - the ones above.  You can find the list Here

There is a multi-cultural list Here

Esther list ; Here

GR also has several kid Chanukah book lists.

Like spies but are looking for something a little different? Try this Paranomral and Science Fiction Romance novels with espinoge! 

My lists are never in any particular order! Enjoy!

1. Past Redemption by Savannah Russe

Scandal, secrets, seduction - it's all in the family. If you passed Daphne Urban on the streets of New York, you'd see a sleek young brunette dressed to kill. You'd never know she was a vampire. But the government knows. Their ultimatum is to spy for the United States, or be terminated. And after all these centures, Daphne is not ready to call it quits...The word is out on Susto. It's a new recreational drug that intensifies sex, it's spreading like wildfire - and it's lethal. Team Darkwing's mission is to track the drug back to its origin. Immersing themselves in New York City's nightlife, they soon discover ties between Susto's billions in revenue and the country's most powerful political dynasty. To infiltrate the family, Daphne flirts with its weakest link, handsome party boy St Julien Fitzmaurice, whom she'd love to casually sink her teech into. But even as their dalliance leads her deeper into the case, Daphne can't stop thinking about Darius, the darkly sexy human she claimed with a passionite bite. He's the bad boy she knows she should - she must - forget, because if she doesn't, she'll be risking not only the mission, but her own heart...

2. Eternity by Karen Sandler

In the year 2098, humanity has pushed beyond Earth into the solar system and unlocked the secrets of life with genetic engineering. But despite the lifesaving cures and physical improvements wrought by the mastery over human DNA, some consider the tinkering with genes an abomination. 

Bold and reckless shuttle pilot Krys Krysynowski has thrown her lot in with SEIS vocal opponents of genetic experimentation. But when SEIS sends her to the asteroid-based laboratory of Ian Llewellyn, her intense attraction for the lone wolf geneticist shakes her to the core. Her mission is to secretly sabotage Ian's latest project, but his dedication to his work, his singleminded drive to conquer human illness, turns Krys's entire belief system upside down. Ian touches her heart as no other man has. 

But there is something very different about Ian, something both wonderful and frightening. And when Krys finds herself falling in love with him, she realizes that it is exactly that secret that will keep them apart. Unless she is willing to risk a rite of passage with two possible outcomes eternal love... or certain death.

3. Archangel's Storm by Nalini Singh

With wings of midnight and an affinity for shadows, Jason courts darkness. But now, with the Archangel Neha’s consort lying murdered in the jewel-studded palace that was his prison and her rage threatening cataclysmic devastation, Jason steps into the light, knowing he must unearth the murderer before it is too late. 

Earning Neha’s trust comes at a price—Jason must tie himself to her bloodline through the Princess Mahiya, a woman with secrets so dangerous, she trusts no one. Least of all an enemy spymaster. 

With only their relentless hunt for a violent, intelligent killer to unite them, Jason and Mahiya embark on a quest that leads to a centuries-old nightmare… and to the dark storm of an unexpected passion that threatens to drench them both in blood.

4. Stolen Earth by Loribelle Hunt

Britt Anderson is retired. Secretive and fiercely independent, she journeys to Delroi to spend time with her two oldest friends. She doesn’t expect to be dragged back into the spy business when she gets there. But the lure is impossible to fight for a not so reformed adrenalin junkie. Danger. Conspiracy. What’s not to love? 

Unfortunately, there’s always a price and it presents itself as the darkly dangerous Barak Trace. She can’t deny the attraction, but has enough sense to steer clear of the possessive glint in his gaze. Until he somehow manages to merge his psychic abilities with hers. When he’s captured by rebel forces, she has no choice but to go after him. The question is will she be able to free himself once he’s rescued? And will she even want?

5. Spy's Honor by Amy Raby

Rhianne, mind mage and Imperial Princess of Kjall, cannot openly challenge the emperor. Instead she acts in secret to aid the victims of his worst excesses. But now the emperor plans to wed her to the cruel Augustan, the man leading Kjall’s attack against the nation of Mosar. Soon she will be torn from her supporters and shipped overseas, where she can help no one.

Mosari crown prince Janto is desperate to save his country from invasion. When one of his most trusted spies disappears while gathering intelligence at the Kjallan palace, Janto takes his place and continues searching for information that could save his people. But falling for the Imperial Princess was not part of his plan. Nor was having his true identity revealed...

Now Rhianne must make a choice—follow the path of tradition or the one of the heart, even if it means betraying her own race.

6. Touch of Steel by Kate Cross

Reeling from her brother’s death, beautiful American spy Claire Brooks has vowed revenge on the member of The Company who she believes to be responsible: Stanton Howard. But when she chases the man to London, Claire is captured by the Wardens of the Realm and placed in the custody of the Earl of Wolfred, the dashing Alistair Payne.  

Seeing the prospect of retribution slipping away, Claire convinces Alistair that she has defected and will help him take down The Company. As they travel via steam liner, Claire and Alistair must pretend to be engaged. Claire can’t deny the growing attraction she feels for her pretend husband, but when Howard is finally within her reach, she will have to decide whether her true loyalties lie with The Company or with her heart…

7. Hyde and Seek by Viola Grace

Working in the Resistance, Amly Hyde has specialised in hiding other talents from notice. Now, she has been spotted, and she is hiding in plain sight until she just can’t hide anymore. 

Rescued from a capture event, Amly is swept off her feet and through the floor, leaving Resicor in a way she had never really considered. Alive with her feet on the deck plates had never seemed like an option. She is destined for the Citadel and her companion is going to make sure she arrives safe and sound. 

Walking Shadow has known his match was on Resicor, and the moment he saw her, he was sure that she was the one. The blue hair was a giveaway, but her strong-minded fixation on survival was a bit of a turn-on. He has time to convince her they are meant to be together but patience has never been one of his virtues.

8. Howl at the Moon by Christine Warren

oah Baker never wanted to betray The Others. But if his military commanders want him to covertly investigate a Lupine scientist―whose extraordinary research on sensory perception in werewolves could be used to develop werewolf-sharp senses in human soldiers―Noah must oblige. Even if it means deceiving the woman he desires the most.

Samantha Carstairs is the personal assistant to the Alpha of the Silverback Clan, and as best friend to the Lupine community's most brilliant scientist, she is privy to its most dangerous secret. Noah knows that Sam will never leak the scientific research…so he must find another way to get it, while keeping Sam close. But someone else is after Sam's secret. Who is the other spy infiltrating The Others? If their genetic secrets get into the wrong hands, all hell could break loose. Now Noah's true loyalty is put to the test as he fights to protect The Others―and his beloved Sam―and find the imposter…before it's too late.

9. Gossamer Wing by Delphine Dryden

After losing her husband to a rogue French agent, Charlotte Moncrieffe wants to make her mark in international espionage. And what could be better for recovering secret long-lost documents from the Palais Garnier than her stealth dirigible, Gossamer Wing? Her spymaster father has one condition: He won’t send her to Paris without an ironclad cover.
 
Dexter Hardison prefers inventing to politics, but his title as Makesmith Baron and his formidable skills make him an ideal husband-imposter for Charlotte. And the unorthodox undercover arrangement would help him in his own field of discovery.
 
But from Charlotte and Dexter’s marriage of convenience comes a distraction—a passion that complicates an increasingly dangerous mission. For Charlotte, however, the thought of losing Dexter also opens her heart to a thrilling new future of love and adventure.

10. Seth by Eve Langlais

His mission: Blend in with the humans. Save the cyborgs. And seduce the only woman he ever loved, without getting killed.

Cybernetic spy models are different from other humans turned machine. For one thing, they never completely lost touch with their humanity, or their memories. But retaining their identity doesn't mean the military didn't mess with their lives. Seth lost the woman he loved because of their web of lies. When the chance arises to make things right, he relies on his superior intellect--and irresistible charm--to prove his innocence, and make Anastasia his again.

Anastasia might possess upgraded parts and programming, but the scientists never could cure her of her biggest weakness, jealousy. The volatile emotion made her walk away from love once. Can she overcome it and recognize the truth? Or will she continue to let the military manipulate her emotional strings?

Got more? Gimme! 

Vote for the best of the best on my Goodreads lists: Paranormal Spy Romance 

So, another week, another NetGalley haul.  I'm still polishing off some of the reads that I started this week and I'm hoping they'll be ones I finish and post reviews for in the coming days, but I did get a decent sized haul this week to showcase (and I'm actually quite happy with all of the selections for intrigue.   Here are ten of them: seven new, three older galleys I've had for a little while.

"Hold Me Close" by Megan Hart

Publisher: Harlequin Mira

Release Date: 11/24/2015

Rose's Read Date: Week of 10/5/2015

Because it's Megan Hart.  What other reason do you need? ;)

On a serious note (as you'll read for one of my other picks in this list), I'm usually anticipating whatever Megan Hart has to write when she has a new book coming. Unfortunately, I'm massively behind in reading her new(er) releases.  I've gotten galleys for them, even subsequently bought them, I just haven't had the chance to read them yet.  This one has me curious for the subject matter (two people in recovery for a harrowing event that happened to them as children), but I'm also nervous because...of the subject matter.  It could get ugly for events.

"Named of the Dragon" by Susanna Kearsley

Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark

Release Date: 10/6/2015

Rose's Read Date: Week of 10/12

I need to break my long streak of not reading Susanna Kearsley.  Seriously, I do.  What little I've read from her I've loved her writing, I just haven't had the time.  Argh.   Curious to see how a woman in Wales grieving the death of her child and plagued by nightmares turns out to lead to an other world.  If it deals with dreams and has an element of darkness and societies of the past - I'm there.

"No Interest in Love" by Cassie Mae

Publisher: Random House - Loveswept

Release Date: 12/22/2015

Rose's Read Date: Week of 11/2/2015

I was really taken by the first book I read from Cassie Mae, so I think reading another book by her in more recent terms is a given for my curious mind (as well as intrigue).  I like the fact this is centered on two rising actors, though the premise is familiar for a romantic read.

"Little Girl Gone" by Alexandra Burt

Publisher: HarperCollins UK/Avon

Release Date: 9/24/2015

Rose's Read Date: Week of 9/21/2015

This is releasing next week, so I'll add it to the list.  In sum, I'm weary of comparisons ("Gone Girl" meets "Girl on the Train" does not bode well for hyped up comparison), but when a woman's missing her baby and wakes with no memory of events, that could go into some interesting directions.  If Sophie Hannah could do it, why not Burt?  We'll see.

"Sentencing Sapphire" by Mia Thompson

Publisher: Diversion Books

Release Date: 10/6/2015

Rose's Reading Date: TBD

I remember reading the first book in this series and liking it, though with caveats. (Probably the first mystery in the New Adult category that I read.)  I also have the galley to the second book in this series.  Until I read that one, this gets put on hold.  But I might be able to read the second book before the release date, so it might be coming soon.  We'll see.

"Courted" by Jennifer Chance (Book 1 of Gowns and Crowns)

Publisher: Barclay Publicity

Release Date: 10/6/2015

Rose's Read Date: Week of 9/28/2015

So, New Adult novel with a young woman taking a vacation in Europe and falling for royalty (with both of them having respective issues they're trying to get away from - her college, him newfound responsibilities in his position).  I mean, it's different - to give credit where credit's due. I don't think I've read about any royal families in New Adult to date, but there's the lingering issue of the tragic past looming over this one...I'm hoping it's more on the comedic/lighthearted side though.  Goodness knows New Adult could be infused with more comedic/light offerings (and the lack of even theme diversity is an issue that keeps popping its head up from time to time).

"Boundary Lines" by Melissa F. Olson (Boundary Magic Book #2)

Publisher: Skyscape/47North

Release Date: 10/13/2015

Rose's Read Date: TBD

I requested this one because I bought the first book in this series via Amazon as a part of one of the book programs they have under Amazon Prime.  (Was $1.99, I think?)  I like the premise, I'm definitely interested in reading the first two books, just not sure when that will be quite yet.

"Lovely Wild" by Megan Hart

Publisher: Harlequin Mira

Release Date: 11/25/2014

Rose's Read Date: Week of 9/21/2015

This was released almost a year ago, and I started reading it but never finished it.  This saddens me because 1.) I was really, really, really interested in the premise (and look at that cover!  I think that's one of my favorite Hart covers since "Naked", at least when it was published under Harlequin's "Spice" line).  2.)  I really liked what I read, but found myself swamped/distracted/tempted with other reads.  I found myself reading bits of it while commuting to work. At the very least, several people had told me they loved the cover and "Ooh, who is that author and should I read it?"  So I ended up making recs. (Sad part is, they've finished reading it before me and liked it.  Time to play catch-up, Rose.)

"Tankborn" by Karen Sandler (Tankborn #1)

Publisher: Tu Books

Release Date: 10/1/2011

Rose's Read Date: Soon

I'm pretty sure this is one of the first galleys I got under NetGalley, and I haven't touched it yet because it's the first part of a series that I'm seeking to marathon (I have the second book as a galley as well, planning on purchasing the third book to complete the set).  I know I'm in for a ride, and I'm eagerly anticipating it.  (I'm kicking myself for not having read it sooner.)

"The Summer My Life Began" by Shannon Greenland

Publisher: Penguin Publishing

Release Date: 5/10/2012

Rose's Read Date: Soon

I'm reading this shortly after I finish with my current reading stack.  Yet another galley I've had for quite a few years, and I just never touched it.  I love coming of age summer stories, and I think that was the reason I initially requested this book.

Until next week's entry,

~Rose

It was the first night of Chanukah last evening. Here is the the prayer my family gives each night:

We light these candles to celebrate the triumph of hope over fear, light over darkness, and the powerless of the powerful.

Wishing you and yours love and light.

Here are some wonderful Chanukah Romances (my lists are never in any particular order.)

1. Lighting the Flames by Sarah Wendell

Genevieve and Jeremy have known each other since they were seven, and have been summertime best friends at Camp Meira, a Jewish overnight camp in the mountains. As campers, and then as staff, their friendship was a constant, something neither wanted to change, no matter how tempting those changes might be.

Then, last year, with little warning, Jeremy left camp early. After that summer, Gen left the country on a graduate fellowship.

Now, a little over a year since they were last at Meira, Gen and Jeremy are back together to help run a special Winter Camp during Hanukkah. Any water under the bridge is frozen this time of year, and with so much left unspoken and unexplained, this week may be their chance to rekindle their friendship, or turn it into something new.

2. HEARTS OF HANUKKAH by Eve Paludan

When ninety-one-year-old Moshe asks his adult grandson, Benjamin, for a complicated mitzvah, it throws the family's Hanukkah plans for a loop. Moshe's secret, long-lost wartime sweetheart has found him through the Internet! Now she wants to see him again, as soon as possible. Benjamin's wife isn't happy that his grandfather can't wait until after Hanukkah, but time is of the essence, after all, he isn't getting any younger either.

When Benjamin and his grandfather set out on a road trip in a blizzard to reunite Moshe with his long-lost Sarah, the miles turn into an odyssey of truth, love, hope, forgiveness, pain, and joy. Moshe has chosen Benjamin for this mitzvah (good deed or favor) for a very special reason. He's an author, and Moshe wants him to write the love story of himself and Sarah, so he can read it to her when they reunite. But is Benjamin really up to the task?

It will be a true labor of love to write the harrowing story of this beloved couple who was torn apart by a horrific war and separated for more than seven decades. And Benjamin must also get Moshe to Sarah before it is too late. No one in the family will ever be the same again, from the oldest to the youngest.

3.  Lights, Latkes, and Love by Peggy Bird

Ah, the holidays. David Shay can't get enough of the December festivities. He especially enjoys sharing his love of the season with the underprivileged children at his non-profit organization SafePlace for Children and Parents. Hannah Jenkins, on the other hand, turns into a jaded Scrooge every year on Black Friday. As manager of a large retail store, she's seen firsthand how the rampant commercialism of the holiday can bring out the worst in people.

When David's organization is the charity Hannah's boss picks for their annual donation, it falls on her to organize a huge holiday party, whether she likes it or not.

Can a nice Jewish boy—with the help of some Christmas lights, a little girl, and a latke party—teach Hannah the true meaning of the season and guarantee them both a New Year's Eve kiss to remember?

4. Sweet and Sour by Astrid Amara

Miles thought he and Itai would make a great team, despite the infidelities haunting their past. After all, Itai is smoking hot, they're both driven entrepreneurs, and they love each other. What else did a person need? Well, a lot more, apparently, because not only are they no longer passionate, they don't even share the same passions. Like people, affections change, but Miles wonders if a relationship this broken is truly worth repairing.

Itai's business launch with his ex-boyfriend isn't helping. And Miles himself has a new business to grow over a busy few weeks where Thanksgiving and Hanukkah collide to form either the best holiday season ever, or a kosher caterer's worst nightmare. But help comes in the unexpected, ruggedly handsome form of Detective Dominic Delbene, a pickle aficionado with his own ghosts, who stakes out the deli to capture a dangerous drug dealer.

As Hanukkah's eight days and Miles and Itai's relationship comes to an end, Miles discovers that Nic is not only good with pickling; he's good at everything.

5. A Candle for a Marine by Heather Long

Tormented by the question of 'what if...'

Home for Hanukkah, Sergeant Isaac Janko has never forgotten the baby his girlfriend gave up for adoption years ago. But he didn’t realize how angry he still was....

More than time separates them....

A chance meeting at Temple brings Zehava Elbaz face-to-face with the first and only man she's ever loved. She sees a deep and hidden pain in him, one she blames herself for...

An invitation to Hanukkah brings them together....

The two must confront their pain and loss. They have only eight days to face their past, and win each other's trust, but it is a time for healing, reconciliation and miracles….

6. Newly Fallen by Megan Hart

Faced with spending her first Hanukkah alone, Lilly Gold wishes for a miracle that would change her life just a little bit. Then her prayers are answered--in a big way--when the most perfect naked man appears in her yard during a blizzard.

Zachariah tells Lilly he's been sent to be--and do¬--anything she wants. And for eight passionate days, trapped together by the snow, he does just that, giving Lilly all the pleasure she could have hoped for. But when their holiday is over, only another miracle can keep their affair from ending, too...

7. Sweet Light by Judith Arnold

They went down on an icy mountain. It was a miracle they survived.

For Alana Halpern, flying Judd Singer was supposed to be a quick favor, and then home for Hanukkah. But when her plane went down in New Hampshire, it became a journey of survival.

Was it all an illusion--the makeshift cabin, the woodpile, the oil lamp that never burned out? When Judd laid his ice-blue eyes on her, passion flared, and Alana knew this was real.

She never expected to spend Hanukkah snowbound with a man she barely knew, a man who could ignite her with just a gaze. But as the wind howled outside, inside they created a heat all their own.

The fight for survival became a flight from desire. And Alana hoped for one more miracle--to resist a forbidden attraction.

8. A Very Scandalous Holiday by Nancy Fraser, Crista McHugh, Sophia Garrett, and Amber Lin