Book Review for MY GIFT IS YOU by Rachel Lacey

SOMETIMES THE BEST GIFTS CAN’T BE WRAPPED

All Mandy Carson wants for Christmas is a distraction…and maybe a date to her friend’s New Year’s Eve wedding. Ghosts from the past always loom larger this time of year, and Mandy’s having a hard time faking her usual fun-loving demeanor. But when her much-needed distraction arrives in the form of the man who rocked her world the long-ago night of their junior prom, she’s forced to confront the painful scars that caused her to bolt back in high school.

Wildlife rescuer Calvin Rocha always regretted letting Mandy slip out of his life, so when fate brings them together on a snowy mountain road with an injured hawk on Christmas Eve, he’s determined to make the most of this second chance. He agrees to be her wedding date, hoping the romantic weekend will bring them back together. And as the clock counts down to midnight, Cal and Mandy might just discover that the best gift they’ll receive this season is each other.


This novella closes out my Risking It All series. It crosses over into my new Almost Royal series, because much of it takes place at a wedding held at the castle introduced in If the Shoe Fits. But you definitely don't need to have read that book to enjoy My Gift is You! Like all my books, it stands alone.

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A passion filled Christmas novella that gives a second chance at finding a soul mate for high school acquaintances who shared a moment after the prom back in the old days.
With the limited length of a novella, a romance story often can go two ways: either focus on the emotional side of developing a relationship or for the physical passion burning between the hero and the heroine in the story. With Mandy Carson and Calvin Rocha, the heat is high, the need is urgent, and the ardent love scenes fill the pages. 
Calvin had a huge crush on Mandy in high school and will do everything in his power to take this second chance to built a relationship with Mandy. 
Mandy is a troubled woman, with family issues that burden her mind, making her doubt her self-worth, and acting it out promiscuously. She is taken by Calvin and the familiarity, safety, comfort, and companionship he brings to the table, along with hot and heavy moments in between them. 
The story has its sweet moments as it smoothly flows off the pages and entertains. It is great escapism and touches the holiday theme from the point of a single person in mids of all the coupled up friends. The love scenes are tastefully written, and Calvin's job gives the tale an intriguing touch. 
A good romance novella to escape the possible holiday stress with
~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side

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Rachel Lacey is a contemporary romance author and semi-reformed travel junkie.
She's been climbed by a monkey on a mountain in Japan, gone scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef, and camped out overnight in New York City for a chance to be an extra in a movie.
These days, the majority of her adventures take place on the pages of the books she writes. She lives in warm and sunny North Carolina with her husband, son, and a variety of rescue pets.

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