REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: WELCOME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS by ANNIE RAINS

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Welcome Home for Christmas
A Hero's Welcome #4

By: Annie Rains

Releasing November 8, 2016
Loveswept

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In Welcome Home for Christmas (A Hero's Welcome #4) by Annie Rains, Allison Carmichael is in desperate need of a man to help get her family off her back about her being single. So, what better way for that to happen than for her to buy one of the military men up for auction for charity and ask him to pretend to be her boyfriend. Will she and Sargeant Troy Matthews be able to convince her mother they're in a relationship?

Sargeant Troy Matthews isn't looking forward to Christmas this year, not after what happened with his brother last year. However, when Allison buys his services during a charity auction, he agrees to becoming her temporary boyfriend. However, the more time they spend together, the closer they grow. Can Troy convince Allison that he no longer wants to be her temporary partner and instead wants forever?

I have absolutely loved every single book of this series, which can each be read as a stand-alone, but this one is the best of Ms. Rains A Hero's Welcome series so far. Right from the beginning, this story had me hooked with the excitement Troy's job brings him during the festive season. The season brings out the crazies, but at least the chance to help orphaned kids by doing the auction proves he's not turned into a Grinch when it comes to Christmas. However, it was the moment that Allison and Troy met that I loved. Would he win her over with his charm?

Both the main characters were highly entertaining, and I loved that we got to revisit with characters from the previous books. Allison's friends want her to find the happiness that they've found and I liked how they teased her about Troy and encouraged the relationship because there's so much chemistry between the pair, which eventually spills over onto the pages with lots of heat and passion. 

Allison is strong and brave in asking Troy to be in a fake relationship with her. It's not something she'd normally do, but if she didn't ask him, then she'd be relegated to having to listen to her family grill her on why she isn't dating. She's also very kind and caring, and I loved how she helped orphaned kids celebrate Christmas. They needed someone to show them the magic of Christmas. However, there was one thing that frustrated me about the heroine. She needed to stick up to her mom when it came to her dating. That it's her choice who she dates and when. While Troy, he's hard-working, protective and I liked that he went above and beyond his duties as a military officer. Also, I liked how good Allison was for him in making him realize that Christmas is about miracles and family. Then there's the way he's kind and caring in what he does to help Allison deliver a Christmas for some orphaned kids that they'll never forget.

Overall, Ms. Rains has penned a really good novel that I enjoyed from start to finish because of the wonderful characters, fast-paced plot and the way this story ended. What Troy did to win Allison back proves how much he loves her and that she's shown him how good Christmas can be. That it's a time of celebration and family. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up nicely because of what Troy and Allison did to make a little girl's Christmas very special. I would recommend Welcome Home for Christmas by Annie Rains, if you enjoy Christmas themed books or stories encompassing military heroes.

OVERALL RATING:

 

 

BLURB:

The bestselling Hero’s Welcomes series continues with a juicy Christmas romance set in Seaside, North Carolina, where a bustling military base keeps this small town stocked with dedicated, lovable heroes.

Three-hundred-and-sixty-four days a year, Allison Carmichael doesn’t mind being single. It sure beats dating another loser, and it keeps her heart safe. Then there’s that three-hundred-and-sixty-fifth day: Christmas Eve, the traditional time her entire family gathers together—and gangs up on her, demanding to know when she’s going to get married. This year, she swears, is going be different. And that’s why, at a charity auction she’s throwing on-base, she buys herself a man.​

Sergeant Troy Matthews insists that he’s not for sale. His time is, though, and he’s happy to donate it. Happier still when he learns the identity of the winning bidder: the redhead with the killer good looks and smart mouth who runs the veteran’s center. Allison needs Troy’s help to fool her family into believing they’re an item, and he’s all too happy to indulge her. But by the time Christmas Eve rolls around, their little charade is working a little too well . . . because Troy’s falling head over heels.

 

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“So there’s one thing I now know about you. You’re a good liar.” Allison folded her arms at her chest.

“Good, maybe. But I value honesty. Sometimes lying to someone is for their own good, though. A little white lie never really hurt anyone. Here’s one for you,” he leaned in closer and lowered his voice, “I have absolutely no interest in dating you, either.”

Her cheeks flushed.

“And I don’t think you’re the most beautiful woman in this room, and the thought of taking you out does not appeal to me whatsoever.” He shook his head. “Nope, not one little bit.”

She smiled. “Now I know two things about you. You lie well and you’re a smooth talker. So, do you agree to my proposal?”

Troy could just say yes, but he was enjoying engaging her in a conversation. “You know, when I was kid, Christmas was always magical. I’d sit with the toy catalog and create this huge, mile-long list of the things I wanted. I never got so excited about a pencil and paper.”

“Did you get everything on the list?” she asked.

“Usually.”

“So your family had money?”

He nodded. His family practically owned the town he’d grown up in. He didn’t know what it felt like to want for something until his cousin Dale had died in 9-11, the deciding factor in him joining the military. “I figure the more money raised for those kids, the better their Christmas will be.”

“That’s my goal. I want this to be the best Christmas Mercy’s kids have ever had.”

“So, if I have to take you out . . .” He trailed off, smiling at her.

“We’re just going to talk. Have a meal or something together. No kissing, no handholding.”

Troy held up his hands. “I’m an honorable guy. I don’t force myself on women. Truth is, I usually have to fight them off.” He winked again.

“And you can’t act like that when you meet my mother.”

“Like what?” he asked.

“All flirty and charming. She’ll never believe that I’d fall for someone like that.”

He tried not to take offense because no matter what she was saying, she was attracted to him. He could see it in her dilated pupils and the way her chest rose just slightly under her racing pulse. “No? What kind of guy exactly would you fall for?”

Allison looked around the room. There was still a nice-sized crowd laughing and mingling. Christmas music filled the merry air. “I wouldn’t fall for any kind of guy right now. That’s why I’m pretending with you.”

 

 

 

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USA Today Bestselling Author, Annie Rains, is a contemporary romance author who writes small town love stories set in fictional towns on the coast of North Carolina. Raised in one of America’s largest military communities, Annie often features heroes who fight for their countries, while also fighting for a place to call home and a good woman to love. When Annie isn’t writing, she’s spending time with her husband and 3 children, or reading a book by one of her favorite authors.

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