Sugarplum Way
Harmony Harbor, Book #4
By Debbie Mason
ISBN: 9781538744154
Author’s Website: authordebbiemason(.)com/index(.)html
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
Summary
Romance writer Julia Landon knows how to write a happily-ever- after. Creating one for herself is a whole different story. But after a surprising– and surprisingly passionate– kiss under the mistletoe at Harmony Harbor’s holiday party last year, Julia thought she might have finally found her very own chance at true love. Until she learns her Mr. Tall, Dark, and Broodingly Handsome has sworn off relationships. Well, if she can’t have him in real life, Julia knows just how to get the next best thing….
Aidan’s only priority is to be the best single dad ever. And this year, he plans to make the holidays magical for his little girl, Ella Rose. But visions of stolen kisses under the mistletoe keep dancing in his head, and when he finds out Julia has written him into her latest novel, he can’t help imagining the possibilities of a future together. Little does he know, though, Julia has been keeping a secret that threatens all their dreams. Luckily, ‘tis the season for a little Christmas magic.
Review
Debbie Mason’s Sugarplum Way does not disappoint. I have read two other books in this series (and will go back and pick up the ones I am missing) and have just started reading Debbie Mason’s Christmas, Colorado series…that is how much I like this author’s writing! If you like romance, like to laugh and be swept away for a few hours, then this is the series for you.
The story begins with Julia Landon working on her book (she is a writer as well as the owner of Books and Beans – her bookstore). Right off the bat, I found Julia a bit quirky. After all, who has 48 timers in a collection? However, Julia’s timers have apparently “saved her butt in the past”. Julia is up against a 24- hour deadline, that has been put off once before. I was intrigued:
Back in June, she’d published the first book in the Warrior trilogy, Warrior’s Kiss, on her own. It had taken off almost immediately, exceeding her wildest expectations. Reader support had been phenomenal, and the extra money had come in the nick of time. Sales were down at her bookstore-Books and Beans-and fulfilling her vow to her late fiancé Josh Winters was costly.”
So what was this vow all about? It turns out to be interesting (no…I cannot spoil it for you) and a definite reason that kept me reading so diligently.
Oh…and let us not forget the funny scenes which kept me chuckling for quite a while. Those were certainly in abundance. One such scene is when Aidan comes to find out why yet again the fire alarm went off (FYI…you will learn that the alarm is wired directly to the fire station – her father’s doing by the way). In this scene, Julia’s less than stellar housekeeping skills comes to light….after all…she has a deadline, so who cares about putting her “stuff” away? Once Aiden determined the source that triggered the fire alarm, he is wandering around Julia’s apartment and opens her bedroom door.
“Sugarplum, my bedroom didn’t look this bad when I was a kid.”
She scooted past him to scoop up her bras and panties and any other embarrassing items that were lying on the floor…and on the bed…and on her dresser. And half sticking out of her nightstand drawer! As breezily as she could, she moved to the front of the nightstand in hopes of blocking his view. “It’s a little smoky in here. Maybe you should open that window too?” She smiled. He sighed.
As soon as his back was turned, she thigh-checked the nightstand drawer closed. Only it didn’t close. Instead it acted like a rocket launcher, and her fluorescent pink vibrator sailed through the air to land with a splash in the goldfish bowl sitting on the bench at the end of her bed.
The ensuing banter back and forth was definitely funny, I could not help but laugh and laugh.
The story unfolds and then continues to unfold. There are many layers and each layer is more interesting. Besides being a romance, it is also a bit of a mystery. It took quite a while before I was able to figure out her vow to her late fiancé. It involved many people, both alive and ghostly. I must say, the antics of the ghosts was also chuckle worthy.
I found the progression of the relationship between Aiden and Julia very well paced. Julia seemed to always be cognizant that Aiden was a dad first, a trait I appreciate. I also was quite impressed with how many things Julia was juggling at one time. I got exhausted just thinking about all that she did…run a bookstore, popular author and head of Harmony Harbor’s Christmas committee in addition to ensuring the Gallagher family happiness (though they don’t know this – it is part of her vow to her late fiancé).
I would also like to point out, the cover for Sugarplum Way is just adorable. While all of her covers are attention grabbing this one is by far my favorite.
I have now read a handful of books by Debbie Mason and I must say that I am impressed as to how her books seems to take me away and engulf me in the reading experience one hundred percent. I love that! I will continue my journey through the books in this series which I have not read and I highly recommend the entire series for your reading pleasure.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
