Christmas is in the air, and best selling author Sydney Logan is gifting readers with a short story collection, just in time for the holidays. Once Upon a December features Sydney’s latest story, “What Child Is This,” along with her previously published holiday stories in one complete collection. Available for the first time in both paperback and ebook, these heartwarming and romantic tales are sure to bring you joy this holiday season.

What Child Is This?

Estranged from his family and the love of his life, Thomas Fisher finds himself stranded in an airport on Christmas Eve. Imagine his surprise when a young boy takes him by the hand and shows him the way home.

Mistletoe Magic

Melanie Taylor is on a mission to find the perfect Christmas gift for her husband. Something special. Something expensive. Something that will save her marriage. Can a chance encounter on an elevator make her Christmas wish come true?

The Little Drummer Boy

It’s Christmas Eve, and Justin Banks is on the hunt for a last-minute gift for his wife, Megan. With the help of a homeless man and the beat of a drum, Justin stumbles upon the one thing Megan has always wanted. The one thing money can’t buy. It's amazing what we can hear if we just take a moment and really listen. 

ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS by Sydney Logan
*was generously given a copy in exchange for an honest review…..thank you

ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS by Sydney Logan is a collection of 3 short stories that are sure to put anyone in the holiday spirit. I cannot gush enough about all three stories. Each one was just as good as the last and I loved them each for different reasons. Sydney Logan’s writing is extraordinary and her stories are beautiful, with meaning and true holiday spirit. At this time of year, anything is possible and love comes in all sizes, shapes and packages. I strongly suggest this beautiful holiday collection to anyone wanting a little Christmas spirit.

ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS receives 5 out of 5 Platypires!!

Texas Hugs and Happy Reading!!!

Amazon best selling author Sydney Logan holds a Master's degree in Elementary Education. She is the author of three novels - Lessons Learned, Mountain Charm, and Soldier On. Sydney has also penned several short stories and is a contributor to Chicken Soup for the Soul.

A native of East Tennessee, Sydney enjoys playing piano and relaxing on her porch with her wonderful husband and their very spoiled cat.

Website: http://www.sydneylogan.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/@SydneyALogan

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SydneyLoganAuthor

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5787300.Sydney_Logan

My resurrection, they call it.

They have no bloody idea.

Shipwrecked and lost, left for dead,

Abandoned by my own family.

Drugged and addicted.

My wife saved me, brought me home.

I didn’t even know I had a wife—can I trust her?

I know I want her.

Desperately.

We are two of a kind—the manipulated, the tossed off, the rejected.

Bitter disappointments, painful secrets, age-old jealousies are my new shipwreck,

and my wife my new opium.

Is satisfaction to be found in revenge or revenge in satisfaction?

One thing I do know, without each other we’re both doomed.

 
Wolfsgate

A sensual 18th century tale of deception, revenge, and the hunger for love and absolution.

WOLFSGATE by Cat Porter
*was generously given a copy in exchange for an honest review… THANK YOU

WOLFSGATE by Cat Porter is a standalone, gut wrenching, and an amazingly wonderful historical romantic fiction novel that I STRONGLY suggest to be added to everyone’s MUST READ list.  I had the good fortune to stumble across this amazing new author when I read her debut novel, LOCK &KEY, which was a MC novel with a twist. I loved it so much and gushed about it for weeks, so when I saw that her next novel was about to be released, I did not even look to see what it was about and just signed up. I was a little worried when I first read the blurb because I normally can never get into historical fiction. I always wind up hating the hero because they are usually full of themselves and the heroine usually whines and has no backbone. NOT THE CASE WITH WOLFSGATE.

I so loved this book. From the first, I was intrigued with why Brandon was in the situation he was in and then Justine was so strong and determined. So many wrongs were done to each of them and I wanted redemption for them both. Somehow, these two miraculous characters find love and each other. I was surprised how much I rooted for both of these two to be together and find who did the wrongs and why.  I was captivated with the story and who was the villain. WOLFSGATE is full of twists and the chemistry between Justine and Brandon is exciting.

I loved WOLFSGATE and it was most definitely a home run for me. I plan on reading anything Cat Porter produces and cannot wait for more from her. Her writing is flawless and is a true artist with her words.

WOLFSGATE receives 5 out of 5 Platypires!!!

Texas Hugs and Happy Reading!!!

Platypire Review by Mel
Hollywood on Tap by Avery Flynn

*was generously given a copy in exchange for an honest review…..Thank you

HOLLYWOOD ON TAP by Avery Flynn is the second book in the Sweet Salvation Brewery Series. It can be read as a standalone but I think, like I do in most series novels, that it is best to read the first one first so the crossover in characters and themes are not missed. Flynn did a great job in explaining anything I missed in the previous book but I just think I would have enjoyed it a little more if I knew more back history.

 

So, HOLLYWOOD ON TAP focus is on the second triplet, Natalie. She is now part owner of her Uncle’s brewery and because of her organizational skills, cardigan button up sweaters, her bossiness, and smart mouth, is the perfect fit to get things back on track. Sean is the brewery’s manager and does not exactly like Natalie. This is a story of total opposites and the only thing they have in common is that they are both hard headed. There is a twist in the plot that forces these two to work together for a common goal.

I have to say that I like the banter between Natalie and Sean and found their heated relationship hilarious at times. Great, quick read with a Happy Ever After ending with a little who-done-it mystery.  HOLLYWOOD ON TAP is well written and written in a 3rd person point of view. I enjoyed it and would recommend it as a fun read.

HOLLYWOOD ON TAP receives 4 out of 5 Platypires.
Texas Hugs and Happy Reading!!!                

Will his call of duty break both their hearts?

Losing her father in Desert Storm has left Stephanie James with a bitter soul when it comes to the military. As a college senior juggling a full course load, Steph's only goal is to graduate with honors at the end of the semester. She’s focused, determined, and a firm believer in all work and no play. Then she meets Brandon Walker at a New Year’s Eve costume party. Despite his disguise, Steph finds herself attracted to the camouflaged soldier who curls her toes with a scorching midnight kiss.

Brandon is an engineering major and ROTC student from the hills of Kentucky. Growing up as the son of a major general has given Brandon firsthand knowledge of the struggles military families sometimes face. Now that his father’s memory is fading, Brandon is even more determined to make his dad proud and graduate as an officer in the United States Army. Then he meets Stephanie, and suddenly, his focus is less on his military service and more on the pretty brunette who has stolen his heart. When he becomes aware of Steph’s resentment toward the military, he worries their relationship is doomed.

Steph unexpectedly finds herself in need of a roommate. Brandon volunteers, thinking it’s the perfect opportunity to show her the real Brandon, before he’s forced to admit the truth about his four-year obligation to the army. Afraid that living together will be a distraction to graduating on time, Steph establishes house rules—rules they both find difficult to obey.

When faced with the realization that she's fallen in love with a soldier, can Steph’s wounds from the past be healed with love in her present . . . and in her future?

Platypire Reviews by Mel

Solider On by Sydney Logan
*was generously given this book in exchange for a honest review….Thank you

SOLIDER ON by Sydney Logan is a sweet, coming into one’s self, stand alone, happy ever after, love story. I cannot begin to tell you how much I loved this story. What a great read!!! I mean it. It is not something I would normally pick up because it almost borderlines on YA but I loved it none the less.

SOLIDER ON is the story of Steph and Brandon.  Steph hates everything to do with the military and Brandon is in the ROTC program, about to graduate and has already signed up for 4 years. Problem!!!

It is a love story that evolves through friendship and love. Steph has her demons but as she faces them and becomes the person she is meant to be her fears disappear and she finds out what is truly important. Brandon is a NICE, respectable, deceit guy.  I loved them both. It was a little strange, but I keep thinking, “Man, I hope my daughter finds a guy like this.” That is the best compliment I could give an author.

SOLIDER ON is a love story and goes back to old school values. Brandon treats Steph how a lady should be treated and takes care of his family. Again, I loved it. The best part on the whole story for me was the love of the 80s that Steph and Brandon have.  There are many great movie references and who cannot love a guy that loves The Princess Bride and wears an Inigo Montoya shirt.

SOLIDER ON receives 5 out of 5 Platypires!!!

Texas Hugs and Happy Reading!!!

Rellik by Teresa Mummert

*one-clicked through Amazon

RELLIK is a standalone novel by the talented Teresa Mummert. When I first saw the blurb of Rellik, I had to have it so I went and one clicked it immediately. I have read several of Teresa Mummert’s books before and I have always enjoyed them and I would read her again. Her story lines are always amazing.

I want to say right up front that I loved the general idea of the story and I loved Ella and Rellik, aka Ryder. What keeps me from giving RELLIK a higher rating are a couple of things. The editing is horrible. So many mistakes and they really took away from the story. It is not just misspelled words but wrong words completely and wrong names being used when the character was not even in the room and then they would walk in.  Also, there are parts of the story that are almost missing. At one point I made sure that I did not accidentally skip a chapter.  I think I caught on who the Dream Catcher Killer was but I was confused and even did a little of a reread to see if I missed something. I didn’t.  I was so sad. I just wanted to scream. Where are her Beta readers and why did someone not catch these things?

You have no idea how much I wanted to LOVE this book. I still want to love it.  I want to know all things about Ryder and Ella but so many questions are left unanswered.  I would love to see RELLIK pulled, redone and then rereleased. I would read it again because I feel that the story is there and I think it could be amazing.



RELLIK receives 3 out of 5 Platypires!!!
Texas Hugs and Happy Reading!!!

Long Hard Ride by Lorelei James
*was generously given a copy in exchange for an honest review

LONG HARD RIDE by Lorelei James is the first book in the Rough Riders Series and let me just say that if you are looking for a Hotter than hot Cowboy with lots of extras, this is the one I would recommend.  Channing Kincaid is one lucky girl. Not one, but at times 3 hot cowboys and she play giddy up cowgirl.

Long Hard Ride is filled with sexy time and I mean a lot of sexy time. It is total erotica. I loved it but be warned it is not a plot driven, get all deep with emotion, kind of book. It is a fast read and Lorelei James’ writing is so good that it reads effortlessly. A love story does emerge between Channing and Colby but, wow, is there a lot of loving.



I loved that Channing was sassy and Colby was all alpha male. Trevor and Edgard, of course, played a huge role in bringing these two together and they were so much fun to get to know. I am looking forward to reading more from Lorelei James about both Trevor and Edgard. This series is totally fun.

Long Hard Ride receives 4 out of 5 Platypires!!!

Texas Hugs and Happy Reading!!!

Poppy by Savannah Stewart
*was generously provided a copy of POPPY in exchange for a honest review

Poppy by Savannah Stewart is the 3rd book in the Behind the Words series and although it is a stand alone, I would recommend reading ARIANNA and JAYDE first so you understand all the little details.

I have always liked Poppy. I thought she was the one girl in the group of friends that really knew what she wanted, and even though she loves her friends, was not scared to go after what she wanted. Poppy is a smart, determined, and a girly girl.  Riley, and the feelings Poppy has for him is really her only distraction. But what is a great love story without a distraction?

Riley is a beautiful distraction, and I liked him from the very beginning. The attraction between Riley and Poppy is unbelievably hot. The one thing that is a consistent hurdle for Riley and Poppy is Alexis; I hated her. I just kept doing horrible things in my head to that woman, but it was fun to hate her. Poppy  just cannot seem to deny the attraction she has for Riley, and it was at times heart breaking to watch her try.

Arianna, Brayden, Jayde, Nate and Cash make appearances, and it is nice to get Poppy and Riley’s point of views about the in and outs of what was going on in their stories. I loved having all the details filled in. I felt like it made all the questions that I had go away, and I felt complete.



POPPY is a character driven, well written, HEA with no cliff hangers. Past story lines combined with new details and childhood histories make the story complete. I would strongly recommend POPPY and the rest of the series.

POPPY by Savannah Stewart receives 4 out of 5 Platypires.
Texas Hugs and Happy Reading!!!