Month: November 2025

I really like this author which was one reason I was excited to read this novel. The other reason was that it is set in North Carolina. Even though this book is the second in a series, it reads like a stand-alone novel. This story revolves around Kaiah Ross and Reid Turner. I thought that the way they met was so cute and their interactions were so well-written. I also really enjoyed reading the parts between Kaiah and Reid’s daughter, Piper. His daughter’s energy reminded me of my daughter. There are also so many amazing secondary characters in this book. I would love it if the author wrote more with the characters. I highly recommend this novel!

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. The opinions in this review are my own.

I have read several books by this author and have loved all of them. This book drew me first with the beautiful cover, then with the main character of Molly. She was mentioned in another book in this series so I was waiting for her to be the main character. She is the owner of a café-bookstore. I was also drawn to this novel because I love the name of the town the story is set in. There were so many amazing aspects to this novel and I cannot wait until the next Serenity Peak book. I highly recommend it.

I received a complimentary copy from the author. The opinions in this review are my own.

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Mistletoe and Malice by Lori DeJong, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Mistletoe and Malice
Series: Guarded Hearts Series #1
Author: Lori DeJong
Publisher: Scrivenings Press
Release Date: October 21, 2025
Genre: Romantic Suspense

He’s sworn to protect her life … but guarding his heart may be his biggest challenge.

After barely escaping an attempted abduction, Houston attorney Riley Hudson is forced to accept her wealthy father’s demand for private security. The last thing she wants is a bodyguard—especially one as maddeningly arrogant, bossy … and handsome as Colton Blankenship. Yet as the threat against her escalates, she begins to rely not only on his skills, but his steadfast presence.

Colton isn’t thrilled about giving up his hard-earned holiday vacation to protect a spoiled heiress. But he soon learns Riley is nothing like he expected. Fierce, independent, and unwavering in her faith, she’s everything he thought he’d left behind after tragedy shattered his own beliefs. As the unknown threat circles closer, the tension between them ignites into something deeper … and far more perilous.

When a second attempt on Riley’s life nearly succeeds, Colton faces a terrifying truth. Protecting her means risking more than just his life. Haunted by a past he can’t outrun, and a faith he’s all but lost, he must decide if he can trust God again … before he loses Riley—and his heart—for good.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub

About the Author

Lori DeJong is a contemporary Christian romance author who enjoys penning stories full of grace and the redemptive power of God’s love that inspire others to hope regardless of circumstance, find joy in the moment, and grow in their faith. She resides in Georgetown, Texas, with her husband and two fur-babies, with a daughter and son-in-love in DFW. Lori’s debut novel, Love’s True Calling, was the 2022 winner of the ACFW Genesis Award for Romance, a double finalist in the 2024 Selah Awards, and was named the 2023 Scrivenings Press Contemporary Book of the Year. Love’s True Home, Book 2 of the True Calling Series, was a 2025 Selah finalist. Love’s True Measure released in June. Lori’s Christmas novella, Jingle Bell Matchmakers, a part of A Match Made at Christmas novella collection, was named a 2025 ACFW Carol Award finalist.

Connect with Lori by visiting loridejongwrites.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card, a signed copy of Mistletoe and Malice, and a signed copy of A Match Made at Christmas novella collection (released in Oct 2024)!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 3, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 10, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

 

This is a brand new author for me. This book had me on the edge of my seat from the very beginning. Although, I guessed correctly who the real criminal was at the very beginning of the book I did not know the complete reason why until almost the end of the book. I found myself laughing out loud when Colton became surprised at just how full of genuine activities Riley had on her daily schedule because he thought she was a stuck up heiress. I really liked every character in this novel expect of course the bad guy. While he was well written, I do not think anyone ever really likes the bad guy in books. I cannot wait until the next book in this series. I highly recommend this book!

I received a complimentary copy from the author. The opinions in this review are my own.

I am a big fan of Heidi Main. I also have enjoyed several of the books in this series of K-9 Companions. This novel centers around Owen McCaw and Brenna Park. They dated in high school but they have not seen each other for ten years. They both have emotional baggage which they did not have when they were together before. I really enjoyed seeing their relationship evolve throughout the book. I also really enjoyed reading about the relationship between Owen and his family. This story was even better because it contained a cute baby as well as an adorable sounding service dog. This plot revolved around forgiveness, healing from emotional trauma, and second chances. I highly recommend it.

I received a complimentary copy from the author. The opinions in this review are my own.