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From Manhattan with Love #3
Miracolo nella 5ª strada
Delle tre socie di Urban Genie, Eva Jordan è la più romantica e il Natale, con le sue luci e l'atmosfera magica è in assoluto il periodo dell'anno che preferisce. Certo, l'idea di passare le vacanze da sola non è il massimo, ma non ha intenzione di abbandonarsi all'autocommiserazione visto che ha la possibilità di trascorrere qualche giorno a lavorare in uno spettacolare attico nella 5a Strada: Manhattan è senz'altro il posto più bello per godersi lo spettacolo della città addobbata a festa, e una spruzzata di neve non farà che rendere più suggestivo il panorama.
Quando arriva, però, scopre che il lussuoso appartamento è ancora occupato dal suo affascinante e molto misterioso proprietario, Lucas Blade.
Quello che il celebre giallista sta vivendo, più che un miracolo di Natale è un incubo: con la consegna del nuovo romanzo minacciosamente vicina e l'anniversario della defunta moglie che incombe, si è tappato in casa, solo, in compagnia del proprio dolore. Non vuole interruzioni né decori natalizi, e soprattutto non ha intenzione di lasciarsi distrarre dall'intrusa che sostiene di essere stata mandata lì da sua nonna per addobbargli la casa.
Ma quando la nevicata assume proporzioni epiche ed Eva si ritrova bloccata nell'attico insieme a lui, Lucas a poco a poco si apre alla magia che quella donna bellissima ed effervescente ha portato con sé. E scopre di essere finalmente pronto a credere che a Natale tutto è possibile... anche trovare l'amore.
Quando arriva, però, scopre che il lussuoso appartamento è ancora occupato dal suo affascinante e molto misterioso proprietario, Lucas Blade.
Quello che il celebre giallista sta vivendo, più che un miracolo di Natale è un incubo: con la consegna del nuovo romanzo minacciosamente vicina e l'anniversario della defunta moglie che incombe, si è tappato in casa, solo, in compagnia del proprio dolore. Non vuole interruzioni né decori natalizi, e soprattutto non ha intenzione di lasciarsi distrarre dall'intrusa che sostiene di essere stata mandata lì da sua nonna per addobbargli la casa.
Ma quando la nevicata assume proporzioni epiche ed Eva si ritrova bloccata nell'attico insieme a lui, Lucas a poco a poco si apre alla magia che quella donna bellissima ed effervescente ha portato con sé. E scopre di essere finalmente pronto a credere che a Natale tutto è possibile... anche trovare l'amore.
317 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 20, 2016
647 people are currently reading
7953 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Morgan
697 books7,219 followersAbout Sarah
USA Today and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author Sarah Morgan writes romance and contemporary women's fiction and her trademark humour and warmth have gained her fans across the globe. Sarah lives near London, England, and when she isn't reading or writing she loves being outdoors.
Look out for Sarah's latest novel - All Together for Christmas (UK title)/ A Merry Little Lie (US/Canadian title)
Join Sarah on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSarahM...
Follow Sarah on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SarahMorgan_
Follow Sarah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahmorgan...
Website: www.sarahmorgan.com
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
USA Today and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author Sarah Morgan writes romance and contemporary women's fiction and her trademark humour and warmth have gained her fans across the globe. Sarah lives near London, England, and when she isn't reading or writing she loves being outdoors.
Look out for Sarah's latest novel - All Together for Christmas (UK title)/ A Merry Little Lie (US/Canadian title)
Join Sarah on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSarahM...
Follow Sarah on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SarahMorgan_
Follow Sarah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahmorgan...
Website: www.sarahmorgan.com
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,319 reviews
October 26, 2016
I wanted to start getting in the festive frame of mind, so chose to read this feel good holiday read. I have never read Sarah Morgan before but had been urged to so by some friends. This proved to be an effortless and well written novel. It is set in New York just before the Christmas season. Eva is slightly ditzy, open hearted, optimistic, kind and a superb cook. She is still grieving deeply for her beloved grandmother and is co-owner of Urban Genie, with Paige and Frankie. An existing client, Mitzi, asks Eva to prepare her grandson's apartment for Christmas whilst he is in Vermont. Lucas is a bestselling crime thriller writer of dark stories who has yet to recover from the death of his wife, Sallyanne. He is suffering from serious writers' block and is holed up in his apartment with every intention of missing the festive season and not in Vermont. He is cynical, pessimistic and has no faith whatsoever in love.
Lucas and Eva encounter each other in his apartment in dramatic fashion which leads to the appearance of the police. Despite not wanting Eva around, the snow blizzard is wreaking havoc in the city and Eva ends up staying. They are complete polar opposites that slowly get to know each other. There is no doubt that their relationship path is rocky. However, their sexual attraction is both strong and deep. There are definite elements of the Cinderella fairytale, but updated to a modern times New York setting. This is a great read for when you need a pick me up. It sweeps you into the story easily and it is a enjoyable experience. Thanks to Harlequin for an ARC.
Lucas and Eva encounter each other in his apartment in dramatic fashion which leads to the appearance of the police. Despite not wanting Eva around, the snow blizzard is wreaking havoc in the city and Eva ends up staying. They are complete polar opposites that slowly get to know each other. There is no doubt that their relationship path is rocky. However, their sexual attraction is both strong and deep. There are definite elements of the Cinderella fairytale, but updated to a modern times New York setting. This is a great read for when you need a pick me up. It sweeps you into the story easily and it is a enjoyable experience. Thanks to Harlequin for an ARC.
December 14, 2017
I really enjoyed this Christmas romance! Perfect setting...snowy NYC and two people who are opposites that attract. A very easy-read and feel good book with lots of Christmas magic all 'round! A wonderful romance to get you in the mood for Christmas.
December 28, 2021
Re-read 4/8/2020:
My current stress level has me re-reading from my favorites list. It's helping.
Re-read 12/8/2017:
I just love this audiobook experience! Great light romance set during the holidays ❤️
Re-read 12/25/2016:
Such a fun holiday romance I couldn't wait to reread. The audiobook narrator for the female lead character sounds exactly like Marilyn Monroe. It might be annoying to some but I loved it.
Original review 12/07/2016:
Hallmark needs to make an adult channel just for books like this! I want an adaptation so bad. Miracle on 5th Avenue is a great holiday-themed romance (with adult content) but it's definitely not all happy googly eyes. A damaged, grieving, angry man: a famous crime writer with writer's block who has met his worst nightmare...but also his muse. Hate and anger turns to lust and sexy times. If this type of Christmas book is up your ally, check it out!
My favorite quote:
“The news presents only the bad side of humanity, Mr. Blade, and it does it on a global scale. It doesn’t report the millions of small, unreported acts of kindness that take place on a daily basis in communities. People help old ladies across the street, they bring their neighbors tea when they’re sick. You don’t hear about it because good news isn’t entertainment, even though it’s those deeds that hold society together. Bad news is a commodity and the media trade in that.”
Sarah Morgan's From Manhattan with Love series includes the following installments as of December 2016. Miracle on 5th Avenue was the first book I have ever read from this series or the author and I enjoyed it as a standalone.
#0.5: Midnight at Tiffany's
#1: Sleepless in Manhattan
#2: Sunset in Central Park
#3: Miracle on 5th Avenue
#4: New York, Actually
#5: Meet Me in the Hamptons
#6: Moonlight over Manhattan
My current stress level has me re-reading from my favorites list. It's helping.
Re-read 12/8/2017:
I just love this audiobook experience! Great light romance set during the holidays ❤️
Re-read 12/25/2016:
Such a fun holiday romance I couldn't wait to reread. The audiobook narrator for the female lead character sounds exactly like Marilyn Monroe. It might be annoying to some but I loved it.
Original review 12/07/2016:
Hallmark needs to make an adult channel just for books like this! I want an adaptation so bad. Miracle on 5th Avenue is a great holiday-themed romance (with adult content) but it's definitely not all happy googly eyes. A damaged, grieving, angry man: a famous crime writer with writer's block who has met his worst nightmare...but also his muse. Hate and anger turns to lust and sexy times. If this type of Christmas book is up your ally, check it out!
My favorite quote:
“The news presents only the bad side of humanity, Mr. Blade, and it does it on a global scale. It doesn’t report the millions of small, unreported acts of kindness that take place on a daily basis in communities. People help old ladies across the street, they bring their neighbors tea when they’re sick. You don’t hear about it because good news isn’t entertainment, even though it’s those deeds that hold society together. Bad news is a commodity and the media trade in that.”
Sarah Morgan's From Manhattan with Love series includes the following installments as of December 2016. Miracle on 5th Avenue was the first book I have ever read from this series or the author and I enjoyed it as a standalone.
#0.5: Midnight at Tiffany's
#1: Sleepless in Manhattan
#2: Sunset in Central Park
#3: Miracle on 5th Avenue
#4: New York, Actually
#5: Meet Me in the Hamptons
#6: Moonlight over Manhattan
December 17, 2020
If you know me or follow my reviews for a while, you probably know, as all the birds on branches do too, that festive stories are my favorite ones.
There’s just something magical about stories that talk about love during Christmas season.
Yet, for an avid reader (as I like to call myself) who’s in love with Christmas stories (especially festive chick lits), it is unforgivable not to read a queen of Christmas chick-lit: Sarah Morgan.
But here I am, writing my first ever review for one of her books (but it definitely won’t be the last, I assure you that!).
My very good friend Ananda from This Chick Reads told me I should try Sarah Morgan, because she is her favorite author, and since we have the similar taste in books, she knew I would like her writing.
As soon as I started reading Miracle on 5th Avenue, I understood why Ananda loves Morgan so much.
The writing style is astonishing and compelling that it easily makes the reader lose the sense of time.
Mark my words!
What will seem like just 20 minutes or reading will probably be 1 hour, because the story is so entertaining, you will not be able to let it go.
Everytime I picked up the book, I had a hard time to part my ways with it (but I had to because, you know, real life and stuff…).
The story follows Eva, a hopeless romantic who always looks at the bright side of life.
When she gets an opportunity to house-sit an apartment of a criminal writer, she can’t pass it.
Only the thing is, Lucas isn’t away from his home as she was told he would be, and we find it out in a pretty interesting and slightly humorous way.
Eva and Lucas couldn’t be more opposite, but yet, they are so right for each other.
In Miracle of 5th Avenue, we get to witness how attraction turns into love slowly but surely.
Incredible descriptions of New York during Christmas Time, loveable side characters you will probably fall in love with, and fairy tale vibes this story will give you are what highlights Miracle on 5th Avenue from other festive pieces of work.
I am so thankful I had an opportunity to read this book, and I am so grateful that Ananda recommended this author to me, because now I want more. I want to read as many books by Sarah Morgan as I can (read: all of them!!).
Note: I got this book via Netgalley for free, in an exchange for an honest review. Thank you Harlequin.
Read this and more reviews on my blog: http://bookdustmagic.com
There’s just something magical about stories that talk about love during Christmas season.
Yet, for an avid reader (as I like to call myself) who’s in love with Christmas stories (especially festive chick lits), it is unforgivable not to read a queen of Christmas chick-lit: Sarah Morgan.
But here I am, writing my first ever review for one of her books (but it definitely won’t be the last, I assure you that!).
My very good friend Ananda from This Chick Reads told me I should try Sarah Morgan, because she is her favorite author, and since we have the similar taste in books, she knew I would like her writing.
As soon as I started reading Miracle on 5th Avenue, I understood why Ananda loves Morgan so much.
The writing style is astonishing and compelling that it easily makes the reader lose the sense of time.
Mark my words!
What will seem like just 20 minutes or reading will probably be 1 hour, because the story is so entertaining, you will not be able to let it go.
Everytime I picked up the book, I had a hard time to part my ways with it (but I had to because, you know, real life and stuff…).
The story follows Eva, a hopeless romantic who always looks at the bright side of life.
When she gets an opportunity to house-sit an apartment of a criminal writer, she can’t pass it.
Only the thing is, Lucas isn’t away from his home as she was told he would be, and we find it out in a pretty interesting and slightly humorous way.
Eva and Lucas couldn’t be more opposite, but yet, they are so right for each other.
In Miracle of 5th Avenue, we get to witness how attraction turns into love slowly but surely.
Incredible descriptions of New York during Christmas Time, loveable side characters you will probably fall in love with, and fairy tale vibes this story will give you are what highlights Miracle on 5th Avenue from other festive pieces of work.
I am so thankful I had an opportunity to read this book, and I am so grateful that Ananda recommended this author to me, because now I want more. I want to read as many books by Sarah Morgan as I can (read: all of them!!).
Note: I got this book via Netgalley for free, in an exchange for an honest review. Thank you Harlequin.
Read this and more reviews on my blog: http://bookdustmagic.com
December 1, 2016
Miracle on 5th Avenue (From Manhattan with Love, #3) by Sarah Morgan is a 2016 HQN publication.
I loved having a difficult author as a main character and seeing love, the magic of the holiday season, along with friends and family, help his Grinch-like heart grow three full sizes for Eva. She deserves all the happily ever after endings Lucas can dream up for her.
I really, really enjoyed this story which brought out all the tender holiday ‘feels’ and put a big ‘Ho, Ho, Ho’ smile on my face.
If you love contemporary romance and Christmas stories, you do not want to pass this one up!
Merry Christmas!
This review is the copyrighted property of Night Owl Reviews. To read the entire review, click on this link: https://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Re...
I loved having a difficult author as a main character and seeing love, the magic of the holiday season, along with friends and family, help his Grinch-like heart grow three full sizes for Eva. She deserves all the happily ever after endings Lucas can dream up for her.
I really, really enjoyed this story which brought out all the tender holiday ‘feels’ and put a big ‘Ho, Ho, Ho’ smile on my face.
If you love contemporary romance and Christmas stories, you do not want to pass this one up!
Merry Christmas!
This review is the copyrighted property of Night Owl Reviews. To read the entire review, click on this link: https://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Re...
July 28, 2017
4 When It Comes To Love, Glass Half Full Stars
* * * * Congratulations - 2017 RITA WINNER!!!!-
Contemporary Romance: Long
All of us are different, that goes without saying...But when we learn to love and put ourselves out there...How we handle the ups and downs, the out right rejection from someone...That is when we learn the most about ourselves...How we handle the pain, the hurt to who we are or thought we were...how we work through all of those feelings will highlight our outlook on life...
Because if we close down; we draw that line in the sand and say never again... the pain was too much, then we have set course on a road without the hope of that special joy which wraps around your heart. It means no matter how settled and set in your life...that sharing and experiencing bliss with another, will not be part of your life ever again. It is seeing the glass half empty all the time.
You may drink because you are thirsty...but your look on it will always be half empty.
Now you could say, Wendy...maybe Half is just right...not empty or full... just right. And that could be the case...But in Miracle on 5th Avenue by Sarah Morgan, we have two fantastic characters who are more of the empty vs full philosophy. We met them in this From Manhattan With Love series. Any book or series based in Manhattan is almost an auto buy for me. This series, however, had extra "Special Sauce" as the writing and stories were just the right amount of NYC, interesting premise and heartwarming characters.
The glue holding all these books together is the friendship and bond between three women who have created the business, Urban Genies, out of a negative... being let go from an event planning company. Each of them had their special gift and Eva, our main focus in this book, is the chef and all around happiness dispenser.
Eva Jordan is someone you dream of having as a friend. She never whines, never has a pity party for herself and always is there for anyone who would need a hand. She learned all of this from her Gram who raised her. Her Gram was a force to be reckoned with...She gave Eva all the support and love a child would need, phrases to use to keep her focused on what was important in life... and a strong belief in herself. She was taught early to see the good in people, situations and to be willing to forge ahead... no matter what. She learned to cook by her Gram's side and to this day, cooking gives Eva the feeling of being close to her.
Gram passed away last year and Eva has been having difficulty with it. She misses her so much...she doesn't like to mope about and makes sure to keep busy. With the business going so well with her partners/friends, she has been slowly getting back into the swing of things.
One of her special clients is a Mitzy. She reminds Eva of her Gram and they have developed a special friendship. Mitzy started out needing someone to walk her dog when she wasn't up to it and Eva's company arranges things like that. Once Mitzy and Eva met, their friendship just took off with Eva coming by to have an afternoon chat or bring a muffin or two for the both of them. Mitzy grew very fond of Eva and saw what a wonderful person she was... but also saw how lonely, too. It reminded her of her grandson, Luke.
Now Lucas Blade would never be confused as someone who is all light and sparkles. He is a Bestselling Crime Writer who has had huge success in keeping legions of readers up at night, too afraid to turn off the lights. He is smart, able to do vast amounts of research in order to find out what the right way would be to end a character's life. All of this has paid off and his life seems to be rolling along perfectly.
However, that is not the case.
Lucas still has not gotten over the devastation of his wife's accidental death. They were married for years and in some cruel joke, she slipped on ice hitting her head while trying to catch a cab. They were everyone's happy couple and now Lucas, after three years of non-stop writing, promoting and traveling for his books, is in a terrible place...
He is stuck.
He hasn't written a thing; his agent and editor are hounding him for the first few chapters of his promised book...
Good Luck.
It doesn't help that it is holiday time and brings back all the memories of his wife. He also does not want to deal with his family or grandmother... for they worry about him. Lucas has promised his agent he will have the chapters to him in a week. He has told everyone he is going to his place in Vermont... to be alone and write.
Eva and her friends are working on a few projects; weddings, events and the regulars who keep them busy. Mitzy has hired Eva to do a special Christmas project for her. She wants her to go to Lucas' penthouse and decorate it for the season. She is to cook him dishes to have in the freezer. For when he returns from Vermont, he will be in full writing mode. Mitzy knows her grandson and she wants to give him a little cheer. She may also want to give him something more...
Eva is thrilled to have this assignment. It means she won't be in her apartment thinking about Gram...Instead she will be decorating a beautiful tree, making lots of delicious meals and keeping herself busy with posting her Cooking YouTube videos and blog. This is a perfect way to get through the season for her.
Eva meets the doorman of Lucas' building and immediately they bond. She is on the list and shows him her key for the penthouse explaining what she will be doing there while Lucas is gone. She asks to be notified if he should arrive so she has everything in place. When she enters Lucas' home...it seems so stark...almost as if no one lives there...all clean lines but feels cold. What is amazing is the view and Eva cannot stop looking at the ever-changing scene from the floor to ceiling windows showing all of Manhattan...
She stands there for so long...she doesn't realize it is getting dark and then she hears a noise...
It is coming from inside....that can't be, no one is supposed to be here...
Before she can get to her purse with her phone, a figure comes out from the blue and tackles her to the ground...This man has her in a hold and it turns out to be Lucas!
Doors fling open, Lucas accuses Eva of breaking into his penthouse and she is astounded by all of this...It seems Lucas is not in Vermont and doesn't want his grandmother to know so he is stuck with Eva completing her commission... because Eva refuses to lie to Mitzy...
This is terrible... Lucas cannot believe this is happening... this little Sally Sunshine knows his grandmother, refuses to leave and is threatening to tell her he is home and not in Vermont. As he listens to her chatter, he hears snippets of things about cooking and how she would never be anywhere she wasn't wanted ... He sees her manipulating her knives over the vegetables and before you know it, he has an idea...a thought... his serial killer is a perky beautiful woman who has been tricked by men...Yes, that is it... he rushes to get his thoughts down before he loses them...
This is our set up.
We have Lucas; dark... seeing the worst in everyone, never willing to believe there isn't an agenda, scheme, scam or reason hidden. He also does not believe in successful love... having lost his.
Match this with Eva; open hearted, non edited and always sees the good in people. She is a romance reader of the highest order and believes in HEA. She also is able to see more than Lucas shows her...and with the two of them under one roof... It shall be interesting to see what shakes out.
This was a read which warmed the heart. These two were prefect for each other... and Lucas never had a chance...It would be impossible not to love her.
Lucas was a tortured man... riddled with emotional pain... but once he saw what was right in front of him... and what he would miss if she wasn't... he realized how wonderful Love could be.
This series is a winner and I look forward to more coming this way.
Sleepless in Manhattan (From Manhattan With Love, #1)
Sunset in Central Park (From Manhattan With Love, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Miracle on 5th Avenue (From Manhattan with Love, #3)
A gifted copy was provided by Harlequin (US & Canada) via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * * Congratulations - 2017 RITA WINNER!!!!-
Contemporary Romance: Long
All of us are different, that goes without saying...But when we learn to love and put ourselves out there...How we handle the ups and downs, the out right rejection from someone...That is when we learn the most about ourselves...How we handle the pain, the hurt to who we are or thought we were...how we work through all of those feelings will highlight our outlook on life...
Because if we close down; we draw that line in the sand and say never again... the pain was too much, then we have set course on a road without the hope of that special joy which wraps around your heart. It means no matter how settled and set in your life...that sharing and experiencing bliss with another, will not be part of your life ever again. It is seeing the glass half empty all the time.
You may drink because you are thirsty...but your look on it will always be half empty.
Now you could say, Wendy...maybe Half is just right...not empty or full... just right. And that could be the case...But in Miracle on 5th Avenue by Sarah Morgan, we have two fantastic characters who are more of the empty vs full philosophy. We met them in this From Manhattan With Love series. Any book or series based in Manhattan is almost an auto buy for me. This series, however, had extra "Special Sauce" as the writing and stories were just the right amount of NYC, interesting premise and heartwarming characters.
The glue holding all these books together is the friendship and bond between three women who have created the business, Urban Genies, out of a negative... being let go from an event planning company. Each of them had their special gift and Eva, our main focus in this book, is the chef and all around happiness dispenser.
Eva Jordan is someone you dream of having as a friend. She never whines, never has a pity party for herself and always is there for anyone who would need a hand. She learned all of this from her Gram who raised her. Her Gram was a force to be reckoned with...She gave Eva all the support and love a child would need, phrases to use to keep her focused on what was important in life... and a strong belief in herself. She was taught early to see the good in people, situations and to be willing to forge ahead... no matter what. She learned to cook by her Gram's side and to this day, cooking gives Eva the feeling of being close to her.
Gram passed away last year and Eva has been having difficulty with it. She misses her so much...she doesn't like to mope about and makes sure to keep busy. With the business going so well with her partners/friends, she has been slowly getting back into the swing of things.
One of her special clients is a Mitzy. She reminds Eva of her Gram and they have developed a special friendship. Mitzy started out needing someone to walk her dog when she wasn't up to it and Eva's company arranges things like that. Once Mitzy and Eva met, their friendship just took off with Eva coming by to have an afternoon chat or bring a muffin or two for the both of them. Mitzy grew very fond of Eva and saw what a wonderful person she was... but also saw how lonely, too. It reminded her of her grandson, Luke.
Now Lucas Blade would never be confused as someone who is all light and sparkles. He is a Bestselling Crime Writer who has had huge success in keeping legions of readers up at night, too afraid to turn off the lights. He is smart, able to do vast amounts of research in order to find out what the right way would be to end a character's life. All of this has paid off and his life seems to be rolling along perfectly.
However, that is not the case.
Lucas still has not gotten over the devastation of his wife's accidental death. They were married for years and in some cruel joke, she slipped on ice hitting her head while trying to catch a cab. They were everyone's happy couple and now Lucas, after three years of non-stop writing, promoting and traveling for his books, is in a terrible place...
He is stuck.
He hasn't written a thing; his agent and editor are hounding him for the first few chapters of his promised book...
Good Luck.
It doesn't help that it is holiday time and brings back all the memories of his wife. He also does not want to deal with his family or grandmother... for they worry about him. Lucas has promised his agent he will have the chapters to him in a week. He has told everyone he is going to his place in Vermont... to be alone and write.
Eva and her friends are working on a few projects; weddings, events and the regulars who keep them busy. Mitzy has hired Eva to do a special Christmas project for her. She wants her to go to Lucas' penthouse and decorate it for the season. She is to cook him dishes to have in the freezer. For when he returns from Vermont, he will be in full writing mode. Mitzy knows her grandson and she wants to give him a little cheer. She may also want to give him something more...
Eva is thrilled to have this assignment. It means she won't be in her apartment thinking about Gram...Instead she will be decorating a beautiful tree, making lots of delicious meals and keeping herself busy with posting her Cooking YouTube videos and blog. This is a perfect way to get through the season for her.
Eva meets the doorman of Lucas' building and immediately they bond. She is on the list and shows him her key for the penthouse explaining what she will be doing there while Lucas is gone. She asks to be notified if he should arrive so she has everything in place. When she enters Lucas' home...it seems so stark...almost as if no one lives there...all clean lines but feels cold. What is amazing is the view and Eva cannot stop looking at the ever-changing scene from the floor to ceiling windows showing all of Manhattan...
She stands there for so long...she doesn't realize it is getting dark and then she hears a noise...
It is coming from inside....that can't be, no one is supposed to be here...
Before she can get to her purse with her phone, a figure comes out from the blue and tackles her to the ground...This man has her in a hold and it turns out to be Lucas!
Doors fling open, Lucas accuses Eva of breaking into his penthouse and she is astounded by all of this...It seems Lucas is not in Vermont and doesn't want his grandmother to know so he is stuck with Eva completing her commission... because Eva refuses to lie to Mitzy...
This is terrible... Lucas cannot believe this is happening... this little Sally Sunshine knows his grandmother, refuses to leave and is threatening to tell her he is home and not in Vermont. As he listens to her chatter, he hears snippets of things about cooking and how she would never be anywhere she wasn't wanted ... He sees her manipulating her knives over the vegetables and before you know it, he has an idea...a thought... his serial killer is a perky beautiful woman who has been tricked by men...Yes, that is it... he rushes to get his thoughts down before he loses them...
This is our set up.
We have Lucas; dark... seeing the worst in everyone, never willing to believe there isn't an agenda, scheme, scam or reason hidden. He also does not believe in successful love... having lost his.
Match this with Eva; open hearted, non edited and always sees the good in people. She is a romance reader of the highest order and believes in HEA. She also is able to see more than Lucas shows her...and with the two of them under one roof... It shall be interesting to see what shakes out.
This was a read which warmed the heart. These two were prefect for each other... and Lucas never had a chance...It would be impossible not to love her.
Lucas was a tortured man... riddled with emotional pain... but once he saw what was right in front of him... and what he would miss if she wasn't... he realized how wonderful Love could be.
This series is a winner and I look forward to more coming this way.
Sleepless in Manhattan (From Manhattan With Love, #1) Sunset in Central Park (From Manhattan With Love, #2)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Miracle on 5th Avenue (From Manhattan with Love, #3)A gifted copy was provided by Harlequin (US & Canada) via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
October 20, 2016
5 -
Be the sunshine.. Not the rain.
Stars!
We return for what I thought was the final time to Sarah Morgan’s; From Manhattan with Love Series, and Eva Jordan finally has her story told in Miracle on 5th Avenue, apparently (according to a trusted source) there are three more books coming next year, which I am 100% happy about.
We do finally get to meet the elusive Lucas Blade, someone the author has been tempting us with since the first book of the series.
He was troubled and complicated. Not a man she should be looking twice at.
There is just something about a Sarah Morgan book that takes me to my happy place. I can’t 100% put my finger on why, but it doesn’t hurt that her writing, characterisations and story-lines are always incomparable in quality and substance, so much so the familiarity of feeling I get when I pick up her books is almost like coming home.
"Everyone knows you never find love when you go looking for it. You have to wait for it to find you."
I have loved Eva through this series, happy-go-lucky and bubbly as a bottle of freshly opened Prosecco, she is the sort of woman you want to have in your corner, friends and family mean everything to her, so having lost the last of her family, Eva makes her own in the form of her friends; Paige and Frankie, and the business they run together Urban Genie.
"You want true love… and I’m not Prince Charming."
As I said Sarah, has teased readers with Lucas Blade for a while in that Eva helps his grandmother out on a regular basis, but it isn’t until this book that we actually get too met the elusive author himself, and I loved the fact that Ms. Morgan, pretty much made him the polar opposite of Eva in almost every aspect of his personality and beliefs. It made for some great banter, a few laughs and some off the charts chemistry between them. This is matchmaking 1:01 and Lucas’ grandmother is the professor at the helm of getting these two together.
"Is that my condom..?"
"No, but don’t worry, we’ll get to that one later."
The commitment-phobe and the romantic, as you would expect the sparks fly and lines of agreement become blurred very quickly, and you cannot help but fall in love with Eva and Lucas, as they are falling for each other in this story, and set around Christmas, what more can you ask for in a book!
"I’m not scared of feelings… That’s the difference between us. Feelings are part of life. Feelings are how we know we’re alive."
I loved this book, I have adored each and every story from this series, and i am glad that there are more to come, Sarah Morgan is an author that ticks every box for me when it comes to my romantic reading requirements, and I cannot wait to see what she has in store for her readers in 2017.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.
We return for what I thought was the final time to Sarah Morgan’s; From Manhattan with Love Series, and Eva Jordan finally has her story told in Miracle on 5th Avenue, apparently (according to a trusted source) there are three more books coming next year, which I am 100% happy about.
We do finally get to meet the elusive Lucas Blade, someone the author has been tempting us with since the first book of the series.
He was troubled and complicated. Not a man she should be looking twice at.
There is just something about a Sarah Morgan book that takes me to my happy place. I can’t 100% put my finger on why, but it doesn’t hurt that her writing, characterisations and story-lines are always incomparable in quality and substance, so much so the familiarity of feeling I get when I pick up her books is almost like coming home.
"Everyone knows you never find love when you go looking for it. You have to wait for it to find you."
I have loved Eva through this series, happy-go-lucky and bubbly as a bottle of freshly opened Prosecco, she is the sort of woman you want to have in your corner, friends and family mean everything to her, so having lost the last of her family, Eva makes her own in the form of her friends; Paige and Frankie, and the business they run together Urban Genie.
"You want true love… and I’m not Prince Charming."
As I said Sarah, has teased readers with Lucas Blade for a while in that Eva helps his grandmother out on a regular basis, but it isn’t until this book that we actually get too met the elusive author himself, and I loved the fact that Ms. Morgan, pretty much made him the polar opposite of Eva in almost every aspect of his personality and beliefs. It made for some great banter, a few laughs and some off the charts chemistry between them. This is matchmaking 1:01 and Lucas’ grandmother is the professor at the helm of getting these two together.
"Is that my condom..?"
"No, but don’t worry, we’ll get to that one later."
The commitment-phobe and the romantic, as you would expect the sparks fly and lines of agreement become blurred very quickly, and you cannot help but fall in love with Eva and Lucas, as they are falling for each other in this story, and set around Christmas, what more can you ask for in a book!
"I’m not scared of feelings… That’s the difference between us. Feelings are part of life. Feelings are how we know we’re alive."
I loved this book, I have adored each and every story from this series, and i am glad that there are more to come, Sarah Morgan is an author that ticks every box for me when it comes to my romantic reading requirements, and I cannot wait to see what she has in store for her readers in 2017.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.
April 18, 2020
I’ll have to start by thanking my friend Geri for introducing me to Sarah Morgan’s books!
I requested a review copy of Miracle on 5th Avenue after chatting with her about the contemporary romance authors we loved. And until this day, despite her 75 books published, I’m ashamed to say I had never heard of Sarah Morgan before. Maybe the fact that I started reading romance only 4 years ago has a play in this late discovery?
Miracle on 5th Avenue seduced me from the start with its blurb. The heroine sounded feisty and a bit crazy, the promise of a brooding recluse hero—a writer at that!—all wrapped up in Christmas spirit, I was so sold on that story I new it was going to be happy feels all the way!
What I didn’t know is that I would get addicted to Miss Morgan’s book to the point of binging on six ( soon 7 ) of them in a row. That’s right, I’m about to start my 7th novel from this author, that’s how good I think she is, or at least that’s how good her books make me feel.
“I haven’t finished building my snowman. And I never walk away from a man until I’ve finished with him.”
Let’s talk a little about the book, shall we?
Christmas On 5th Avenue is the third and last book in this “From Manhattan With Love” series, and obviously can be read as a standalone. I had no problem catching up on previously introduced characters in the series as the story is pretty centered about the heroine, Eva.
Each book is tells the story of one of three best friends, Paige, Frankie and Eva, all single and working together as event planners in New York.
Eva is this bubbly, lovable, bright and gorgeous woman but completely oblivious about her charms. She believes in fairy tales and happily ever after, but is contrastingly really down to earth and perceptive about life in general.
“Her eyes were kind, her mouth lush and perfectly curved. On the outside she was gentle and sweet. Inside she was solid steel. The contrast might have intrigued him, but right now all it did was aggravate.”
She has this adorable and hilarious way of shooting everything that comes to mind, creating the most awkward and funny moments. I guess she fits the ingenue type heroine perfectly, although I’m not fond of those usually, I was drawn to Eva and can say that I genuinely loved her.
“Had she lost someone and was intent on revenge? Or was she a psychopath with no conscience or emotion, someone incapable of empathy who used her looks as a trap?”
Eva is responsible of the catering side of the Urban Genie app, the event planning and concierge business she created with her 2 best friends Frankie and Paige. And it’s her latest assignment to housekeep and prepare the perfect Christmas in a gorgeous Manhattan penthouse while its owner is off to retreat in Vermont.
Yes, the owner, Lucas Blade—a renown and successful thriller writer is indeed on a retreat… in his own Manhattan penthouse. He told everyone, including his meddling grandmother—the one hiring Eva, that he was taking some time off away and alone.
His last book’s deadline is approaching but he’s suffering the worst writer’s block case ever. And it’s not as if this time of the year was the easiest to get through for him. He lost his wife three years ago in a tragic accident and has been leaving a recluse life ever since.
The meet-cute between the morose writer and the candid Eva? Priceless. I loved that scene and the setting of this story so much! I won’t be disclosing everything, but how the hero is going to get trapped in his own apartment with an unwanted guest? Priceless, I’m telling you!
Of course a little dance of ‘I want you but I don’t’ is going to happen and yes predictively, Eva is going to pull the broken man out of his cave, but all the little things leading to that were just a pleasure to read with a lot of laughter and a pent up sexual chemistry simmering.
“He wanted to deconstruct her so that he could decide which traits to give his character.”
I cannot tell you how much I loved that Eva and Lucas were so different. Him a brooding embittered mess of a guy, damaged and detached. Her, a sunny and candid young woman, a dreamer with a will of steel.
And thanks to Sarah Morgan brilliant dialogues and word play, the interaction between those two was extremely entertaining. The hero being a writer, Sarah Morgan regaled us with lots of references to his work, not only that, but the hate to love you trope worked in perfect harmony with their characters. I loved the building sexual tension resulting from that. It was just perfect.
“Just to be sure she got the message, he held both of her hands trapped in one of his as he worked his way down her body, intent on exploring every inch of her.
She decided he obviously knew a lot about torture.”
Banter, romance and steam made of my first Sarah Morgan’s book a success and all the glimpses in previously introduced characters made me one-click the first two book in this series.
(Seriously, the whole series just keeps getting better and better and all 3 books are fab! )
(Arc offered in exchange for an honest review)
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November 6, 2016
Sarah Morgan has become my go-to author when I want to read some heartfelt, feel-good romance with a bit of angst in them. The third book from her Manhattan with Love series continues with the story of three best friends who owns a concierge service in New York.
I've been waiting for Eva's story from the very beginning. I'm not usually a fan of, you know, perky cheerlead-y type heroines but Eva is an exception. I loved her warmth and optimism. And even though she was an eternal optimist, she doesn't have her head in the clouds. She's actually a very grounded character which I really responded to.
And then there's the hero Lucas, who is the brooding, silent type that is just delicious to read. It was so much fun watching Lucas trying to figure out Eva and vice versa. Their interaction, the banter and the chemistry was on point all throughout the book. Reading about their story and their HEA was a delight. I finished this book with a huge, goofy grin on my face.
ARC provided by the publisher for a review.
I've been waiting for Eva's story from the very beginning. I'm not usually a fan of, you know, perky cheerlead-y type heroines but Eva is an exception. I loved her warmth and optimism. And even though she was an eternal optimist, she doesn't have her head in the clouds. She's actually a very grounded character which I really responded to.
And then there's the hero Lucas, who is the brooding, silent type that is just delicious to read. It was so much fun watching Lucas trying to figure out Eva and vice versa. Their interaction, the banter and the chemistry was on point all throughout the book. Reading about their story and their HEA was a delight. I finished this book with a huge, goofy grin on my face.
ARC provided by the publisher for a review.
dnf
September 16, 2018DNF @58%
I'm sorry but I can't carry on anymore. The story is so boring and pushy heroine is never my thing.
So, there's that.
I'm sorry but I can't carry on anymore. The story is so boring and pushy heroine is never my thing.
So, there's that.
March 3, 2017
✱4 STARS!✱
☾After reading this book I have come to the conclusion that I want a puppy. Seriously how did Eva have the restraint to not adopt the puppy! Anyways, back to the book...this was so cute! It's not Christmas or even remotely winter anymore but I felt the xmas feels just as strong. This story was so incredibly unique, I have never read or heard about a book with the same premise - I love that!
☾Eva is an optimistic, a positive, happy, romantic, soul. I think we all have a friend who is like this, so think about that friend and then multiply their personality by 10 and now you have Eva. While she is positive and happy, she is also extremely lonely, with no family, and pouring all of her time into her business. When she gets a job to decorate a mystery writers' apartment, she can't pass up the opportunity to fill the empty apartment with Christmas decorations galore.
☾Lucas is a depressed, negative, mystery/murder writer. He lost his wife to an unfortunate winter & ice incident therefore he can't stand the holidays. When an unexpected guest shows up with decorations and food for days, all he wants is to go to his office and drown in a bottle of whiskey. Too bad, Lucas! Eva and her positive self isn't going to let that happen if her pancake breakfast can help it.
☾These two are essentially polar opposites but somehow find solace in one another during their rough times. They move on from what keeps them from being happy and find that happiness through each other. Their journey is definitely peculiar and weird and absolutely adorable! I'm sad this came out in November and I haven't found this gem until now, but it's better late than never!
☾After reading this book I have come to the conclusion that I want a puppy. Seriously how did Eva have the restraint to not adopt the puppy! Anyways, back to the book...this was so cute! It's not Christmas or even remotely winter anymore but I felt the xmas feels just as strong. This story was so incredibly unique, I have never read or heard about a book with the same premise - I love that!
☾Eva is an optimistic, a positive, happy, romantic, soul. I think we all have a friend who is like this, so think about that friend and then multiply their personality by 10 and now you have Eva. While she is positive and happy, she is also extremely lonely, with no family, and pouring all of her time into her business. When she gets a job to decorate a mystery writers' apartment, she can't pass up the opportunity to fill the empty apartment with Christmas decorations galore.
☾Lucas is a depressed, negative, mystery/murder writer. He lost his wife to an unfortunate winter & ice incident therefore he can't stand the holidays. When an unexpected guest shows up with decorations and food for days, all he wants is to go to his office and drown in a bottle of whiskey. Too bad, Lucas! Eva and her positive self isn't going to let that happen if her pancake breakfast can help it.
☾These two are essentially polar opposites but somehow find solace in one another during their rough times. They move on from what keeps them from being happy and find that happiness through each other. Their journey is definitely peculiar and weird and absolutely adorable! I'm sad this came out in November and I haven't found this gem until now, but it's better late than never!
November 11, 2018
Miracle On 5th Avenue es el tercer libro de la saga From Manhattan With Love escrita por Sarah Morgan y narra la historia de Eva y Lucas.
La historia de Eva era una que deseaba leer con muchas ganas, era un personaje especial y tenia curiosidad sobre como se desarrollaria su historia de amor.
Miracle On 5th Avenue es una novela romantica, dulce, agradable de leer y con mucho sentimiento, es la lectura ideal para todas aquellas personas que son romanticas empedernidas. Admito que en algunas ocasiones me parecio un poco demasiado empalagosa, pero hacia tanto tiempo que no leia una historia tan esperanzadora y con un mensaje tan positivo que fui capaz de pasar por alto ciertas partes con exceso de azucar xDD.
Actualmente no podria elegir solo una de las tres novelas que llevo leidas, las tres tienen aspectos en comun y otros muchos diferentes, pero lo que de verdad me hace imposible escoger, es que los tres libros me han gustado de diferente manera y me han transmitido diferentes emociones.
Esta lectura es lo que parece a simple vista : amena y sencilla que puede que en un principio menosprecies, pero te aseguro que te dejara muy satisfecha y con un buen sabor de boca, ademas trata temas muy delicados de una forma muy cuidada y esperanzadora.
En resumen, la historia de Lucas y Eva me gusto mucho, quizas hubiera preferido que el final no fuera tan precipitado y que la autora no diera un epilogo, pero en rasgos generales, fue un libro cautivador y adorable.
3.5 Estrellas!
September 3, 2019
Este tercer libro de la serie From Manhattan With Love narra la historia de Eva y Lucas y puede que sea el que más me ha gustado de una trilogía que pasará sin pena ni gloria por mi memoria. Las historias son amenas de leer en el momento, pero quizá demasiado dulces y buenistas para mi gusto. Me recuerdan a esas pelis románticas de Hallmark que tanto ponen en Nova.¿Dónde está la autora de Ripped, con la que tanto me reí?
January 8, 2022
Reread in 2020
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I had to laugh when I was rating this one. When in the world of romance and Christmas cheese, ratings are apparently relative.
Every year, because of my mom's tradition of watching corny Hallmark movies at Christmas time, I pick a few corny Christmas books to read. Well, I'm batting about 1/4 so far this year.
If this were any other book or genre, it would have gotten a much lower rating. But given the slew of low ratings I've given Christmas books this year (and one DNF), we finally have a winner. Yay!
Sarah Morgan is beginning to emerge on top as my favorite Christmas book author every year.
This particular story circled around the relationship of a horror writer grieving the loss of his wife, and a live-in assistant/housekeeper hired to help him over the holidays.
I'd rate this book an R for some swearing and adult themes including grief, a nod at suicide, and sexual scenes.
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I had to laugh when I was rating this one. When in the world of romance and Christmas cheese, ratings are apparently relative.
Every year, because of my mom's tradition of watching corny Hallmark movies at Christmas time, I pick a few corny Christmas books to read. Well, I'm batting about 1/4 so far this year.
If this were any other book or genre, it would have gotten a much lower rating. But given the slew of low ratings I've given Christmas books this year (and one DNF), we finally have a winner. Yay!
Sarah Morgan is beginning to emerge on top as my favorite Christmas book author every year.
This particular story circled around the relationship of a horror writer grieving the loss of his wife, and a live-in assistant/housekeeper hired to help him over the holidays.
I'd rate this book an R for some swearing and adult themes including grief, a nod at suicide, and sexual scenes.
October 12, 2016
4.5 stars.
Sarah Morgan is one of my finds of 2016 and I've absolutely devoured each book in her From Manhattan with Love series. From the setting to the couples, the romance to the humour, everything about these stories has worked for me; I love Sarah Morgan's writing style and I've beenimpatiently waiting for Eva and Lucas' story.
The phrase chalk and cheese was coined with Eva and Lucas in mind. From the moment they meet, the chemistry between them is evident, and it builds as the story progresses. I'm rather partial to a grumpy hero and Lucas ticked all my boxes; rude, irritable and a little intimidating, he is the exactly opposite to bubbly, perky, sweet Eva.
"Do you ever edit your thoughts before they come out of your mouth?"
The verbal sparring between Lucas and Eva was perfection. She has an outlook on life that is actually quite heartwarming, and rather than be blinded by her thoughts on true love she's simply positive and very perceptive. And it was this that made her completely endearing and I adored how she refused to let Lucas taint her with his jaded, yet completely understandable, opinions on love.
"Given how long it is since I had sex, my type should just be anyone with a penis and a pulse, right?"
No Sarah Morgan book would be complete with that moment where your heart hurts for the characters and, whilst this was the case and Miracle on 5th Avenue hugely satisfying, the ending felt a little too rushed to me and I thought it deserved that bit more considering Eva's story has been building up over the previous books in the series. However, when you take into consideration the fact that there were parts of the story that had me absolutely howling with laughter and I loved both these characters with all my heart, that can be forgive.
"You want me to write happy thrillers?”
“It could be a whole new genre. It might be a big hit."
I am so SO pleased that there is more to come from this series and I can't wait to see what treats Sarah has in store for us when they're released in 2017.
Copy received courtesy of Harlequin via NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion.
Sarah Morgan is one of my finds of 2016 and I've absolutely devoured each book in her From Manhattan with Love series. From the setting to the couples, the romance to the humour, everything about these stories has worked for me; I love Sarah Morgan's writing style and I've been
The phrase chalk and cheese was coined with Eva and Lucas in mind. From the moment they meet, the chemistry between them is evident, and it builds as the story progresses. I'm rather partial to a grumpy hero and Lucas ticked all my boxes; rude, irritable and a little intimidating, he is the exactly opposite to bubbly, perky, sweet Eva.
"Do you ever edit your thoughts before they come out of your mouth?"
The verbal sparring between Lucas and Eva was perfection. She has an outlook on life that is actually quite heartwarming, and rather than be blinded by her thoughts on true love she's simply positive and very perceptive. And it was this that made her completely endearing and I adored how she refused to let Lucas taint her with his jaded, yet completely understandable, opinions on love.
"Given how long it is since I had sex, my type should just be anyone with a penis and a pulse, right?"
No Sarah Morgan book would be complete with that moment where your heart hurts for the characters and, whilst this was the case and Miracle on 5th Avenue hugely satisfying, the ending felt a little too rushed to me and I thought it deserved that bit more considering Eva's story has been building up over the previous books in the series. However, when you take into consideration the fact that there were parts of the story that had me absolutely howling with laughter and I loved both these characters with all my heart, that can be forgive.
"You want me to write happy thrillers?”
“It could be a whole new genre. It might be a big hit."
I am so SO pleased that there is more to come from this series and I can't wait to see what treats Sarah has in store for us when they're released in 2017.
Copy received courtesy of Harlequin via NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion.
July 28, 2017
*2017 RITA Award winner in the Best Contemporary Romance: Long division! Congrats to Sarah Morgan and her editorial team!*
This holiday themed romance takes two opposites who’ve both suffered grief and loss, and gives them a Christmas to remember. Bestselling crime writer Lucas Blade lost his wife three years ago in a freak accident. Since then, he’s been somewhat of a recluse, and since the accident happened around Christmas, it’s an especially difficult time of year. To top it off, he’s got writer’s block. His agent and editor are expecting something miraculous and so far he’s only got a lump of coal to give them.
Eva Jordan’s event planning company, Urban Genies, gets a variety of requests, and this one from a favored older client is just what she needs to get her out of the doldrums of no longer having her beloved grandmother around. She’s been tasked with housesitting for the woman’s grandson and decorating up his penthouse suite for Christmas while he’s away in Vermont. She’s ready to cook up a storm of good meals and put in some holiday cheer when her Christmas plans get scrooged – Lucas is still in residence!
The last thing Lucas needs is a bustling, singing housekeeper creating delicious treats and spreading holiday cheer. He wants her gone. But a storm in the making has other plans for these two. The view from Lucas’s penthouse shows that a blizzard is in full swing and they might as well hunker down and make the best of things. And lo and behold – something about Eva makes Lucas’s brain snap back to attention. It’s not just that she’s a cheerful, attractive woman. She’s got something else that makes his writer’s muse sit up and take notice and before long, he’s writing up a storm while trying to ignore the rather obvious attraction that sparks between them. When that proves impossible, they quickly find that sharing each other’s beds leads to sharing some more emotional moments. But soon enough Christmas will be over, the snowstorm will abate, and they’ll go back to their lonely lives – unless they can admit that what’s happening between them is more than just a passing fancy.
What a delightful story! Though there are some heavier moments, with the grief experienced by Lucas over the loss of his wife (and more details about his marriage that emerge) and Eva’s struggles to put a happy face on losing her grandmother a year earlier, it makes for a bond between them that won’t be easily broken. They both know what it’s like to put on a face for others, and can see that they are kindred spirits. The chemistry between them might be unwanted at first, but it soon leads to some steamy scenes, and as neither have had a significant relationship in a while, it’s bound to deepen their feelings for each other.
I really enjoyed Lucas’s point of view and his creative process in writing about particularly bloody crimes. It was fun to have all that in the middle of a romance book and Eva’s reaction to his writing is pretty similar to what mine would have been! I loved how the city of New York features as the setting and the relationship that Eva has with her two co-workers Paige and Frankie shows the depth of their affection and friendship. (I also thought it was quite amusing that Frankie was a huge fan of Lucas’s books). The ending of the story was laugh out loud funny while being sweet and perfectly lovely. I highly recommend this romance, and I’m looking forward to catching up on the series!
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
This review appears as a blog post at Straight Shootin' Book Reviews: https://straightshootinbookreviews.co...
This holiday themed romance takes two opposites who’ve both suffered grief and loss, and gives them a Christmas to remember. Bestselling crime writer Lucas Blade lost his wife three years ago in a freak accident. Since then, he’s been somewhat of a recluse, and since the accident happened around Christmas, it’s an especially difficult time of year. To top it off, he’s got writer’s block. His agent and editor are expecting something miraculous and so far he’s only got a lump of coal to give them.
Eva Jordan’s event planning company, Urban Genies, gets a variety of requests, and this one from a favored older client is just what she needs to get her out of the doldrums of no longer having her beloved grandmother around. She’s been tasked with housesitting for the woman’s grandson and decorating up his penthouse suite for Christmas while he’s away in Vermont. She’s ready to cook up a storm of good meals and put in some holiday cheer when her Christmas plans get scrooged – Lucas is still in residence!
The last thing Lucas needs is a bustling, singing housekeeper creating delicious treats and spreading holiday cheer. He wants her gone. But a storm in the making has other plans for these two. The view from Lucas’s penthouse shows that a blizzard is in full swing and they might as well hunker down and make the best of things. And lo and behold – something about Eva makes Lucas’s brain snap back to attention. It’s not just that she’s a cheerful, attractive woman. She’s got something else that makes his writer’s muse sit up and take notice and before long, he’s writing up a storm while trying to ignore the rather obvious attraction that sparks between them. When that proves impossible, they quickly find that sharing each other’s beds leads to sharing some more emotional moments. But soon enough Christmas will be over, the snowstorm will abate, and they’ll go back to their lonely lives – unless they can admit that what’s happening between them is more than just a passing fancy.
What a delightful story! Though there are some heavier moments, with the grief experienced by Lucas over the loss of his wife (and more details about his marriage that emerge) and Eva’s struggles to put a happy face on losing her grandmother a year earlier, it makes for a bond between them that won’t be easily broken. They both know what it’s like to put on a face for others, and can see that they are kindred spirits. The chemistry between them might be unwanted at first, but it soon leads to some steamy scenes, and as neither have had a significant relationship in a while, it’s bound to deepen their feelings for each other.
I really enjoyed Lucas’s point of view and his creative process in writing about particularly bloody crimes. It was fun to have all that in the middle of a romance book and Eva’s reaction to his writing is pretty similar to what mine would have been! I loved how the city of New York features as the setting and the relationship that Eva has with her two co-workers Paige and Frankie shows the depth of their affection and friendship. (I also thought it was quite amusing that Frankie was a huge fan of Lucas’s books). The ending of the story was laugh out loud funny while being sweet and perfectly lovely. I highly recommend this romance, and I’m looking forward to catching up on the series!
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
This review appears as a blog post at Straight Shootin' Book Reviews: https://straightshootinbookreviews.co...
November 27, 2016
Another SEDUCTIVE and SCRUM-DELICIOUS romance from one of my all time fave authors, Sarah Morgan!
It is finally Eva's chance at having her happily ever after, and this story gets the sizzling, passionate juices flowing. Eva is helplessly adorable, humorous and stubborn. Lucas is the brooding type, intimidating, and red-hot sex on the proverbial stick. Their chemistry and the sexual tension which builds between them is pure yumminess!
You could categorize this book in the 'second chances' column, but it is sooooo much more. Eva is able to stir up feelings in Lucas he thought were long dead and buried. She aggravates the hell out of him, yet at the same time, drives him utterly mad with desire. The clashing of their fiery personalities kept me burning through the pages, and I could not get enough of their entertaining conversations. This is a sweet yet spicy read!
Busy building emotional barriers to shut himself off from the world, Lucas is not prepared for the Nor'easter winter storm of optimism and Christmas cheer, named Eva, to come barreling into his life and obliterate the walls suffocating him.
Here's a little about the H and h and the background of the story ......
Eva Jordan and her two best friends own an event and concierge business. She is the bubbly one, the optimist one, the romantic one of the bunch. Hired by the grandmother of a famous author, Eva is to decorate his apartment for Christmas as a surprise welcome home gift when he gets back from a writing retreat in Vermont.
Lucas Blade, a crime writer, who delves into all things grim and evil, has dark closets of his own he would like to stay locked and the key thrown away. He is a man still reeling from the loss of his wife who died during the Christmas holidays three years ago. Every day since has been a struggle. He lies to his family he is going to Vermont to work on his book, so he can be alone and avoid the constant speechs of "it is time to move on." His agent is hounding him about his next book due in four weeks, but he has yet to write a single word; his mind is totally void of ideas. He needs inspiration. He needs a miracle. While pacing the floors of his penthouse, he hears a key turning the lock, and in waltzes every man's fantasy. Inspiration, and possibly a miracle, just walked through his front door.
Although this is the third book of the series, it is definitely a stand alone. I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend ;)
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review*
It is finally Eva's chance at having her happily ever after, and this story gets the sizzling, passionate juices flowing. Eva is helplessly adorable, humorous and stubborn. Lucas is the brooding type, intimidating, and red-hot sex on the proverbial stick. Their chemistry and the sexual tension which builds between them is pure yumminess!
You could categorize this book in the 'second chances' column, but it is sooooo much more. Eva is able to stir up feelings in Lucas he thought were long dead and buried. She aggravates the hell out of him, yet at the same time, drives him utterly mad with desire. The clashing of their fiery personalities kept me burning through the pages, and I could not get enough of their entertaining conversations. This is a sweet yet spicy read!
Busy building emotional barriers to shut himself off from the world, Lucas is not prepared for the Nor'easter winter storm of optimism and Christmas cheer, named Eva, to come barreling into his life and obliterate the walls suffocating him.
Here's a little about the H and h and the background of the story ......
Eva Jordan and her two best friends own an event and concierge business. She is the bubbly one, the optimist one, the romantic one of the bunch. Hired by the grandmother of a famous author, Eva is to decorate his apartment for Christmas as a surprise welcome home gift when he gets back from a writing retreat in Vermont.
Lucas Blade, a crime writer, who delves into all things grim and evil, has dark closets of his own he would like to stay locked and the key thrown away. He is a man still reeling from the loss of his wife who died during the Christmas holidays three years ago. Every day since has been a struggle. He lies to his family he is going to Vermont to work on his book, so he can be alone and avoid the constant speechs of "it is time to move on." His agent is hounding him about his next book due in four weeks, but he has yet to write a single word; his mind is totally void of ideas. He needs inspiration. He needs a miracle. While pacing the floors of his penthouse, he hears a key turning the lock, and in waltzes every man's fantasy. Inspiration, and possibly a miracle, just walked through his front door.
Although this is the third book of the series, it is definitely a stand alone. I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend ;)
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review*
July 16, 2019
I’ve already read one book by Sarah Morgan, also a Christmas related romantic suspense, and I can for sure tell that I liked this one much more. This is definitely not a book I will remember after a month, but it is an enjoyable read.
I pretty like Lucas. I do read quite a lot crime stories, so a book about crime books writer is definitely something up to my alley. He is an interesting and complicated hero. I also like very much when a hero or heroine was once in a relationship that is generally considered to be perfect but in reality not so much. It always makes the whole situation more out of the ordinary. This is also the case here, the previous relationship has a great impact on Lucas.
I'm a little less impressed with Eva. Generally, I do not like such happy characters in my books. However, here a big plus, Eva did not really upset me. And it's rather a rarity when it comes to this type of heroine. I am pleasantly surprised. Still, she won’t become one of my favorite characters or even the one I will remember. It could be worse.
When it comes to the plot, it is not too exaggerated or truly outstanding. Generally, this is a very simple love story. Such to read quickly and without thinking. All in all a pretty good idea during Christmas. Of course, I read it in the middle of summer. I chose it as a travel book and it worked great while reading on the plane and at the airport, when I usually can not fully focus on an extensive and complex story.
It is also worth emphasizing that although the whole story is strongly rooted in the magic of Christmas and all its joys, it is not strident or annoying. For this reason, I recommend this book as a Christmas reading for those who are unable to endure the commercialization of holidays and the sweetened aura that often appears in the books published in this period.
To sum up, this is an uncomplicated and short read that you probably will not remember for years.
I pretty like Lucas. I do read quite a lot crime stories, so a book about crime books writer is definitely something up to my alley. He is an interesting and complicated hero. I also like very much when a hero or heroine was once in a relationship that is generally considered to be perfect but in reality not so much. It always makes the whole situation more out of the ordinary. This is also the case here, the previous relationship has a great impact on Lucas.
I'm a little less impressed with Eva. Generally, I do not like such happy characters in my books. However, here a big plus, Eva did not really upset me. And it's rather a rarity when it comes to this type of heroine. I am pleasantly surprised. Still, she won’t become one of my favorite characters or even the one I will remember. It could be worse.
When it comes to the plot, it is not too exaggerated or truly outstanding. Generally, this is a very simple love story. Such to read quickly and without thinking. All in all a pretty good idea during Christmas. Of course, I read it in the middle of summer. I chose it as a travel book and it worked great while reading on the plane and at the airport, when I usually can not fully focus on an extensive and complex story.
It is also worth emphasizing that although the whole story is strongly rooted in the magic of Christmas and all its joys, it is not strident or annoying. For this reason, I recommend this book as a Christmas reading for those who are unable to endure the commercialization of holidays and the sweetened aura that often appears in the books published in this period.
To sum up, this is an uncomplicated and short read that you probably will not remember for years.
February 5, 2025
"When something has happened to us, we don't have any trouble believing in it."
March 26, 2021
5 Snowy Stars
I loved this book so much!!!! It is my favourite now.
I'm just like Eva, so it was easy to conect with her...
And Lucas, I loved him too. He was a great surprise.
I'm glad we had more of Paige and Frankie too. This "family" stole my heart.
I loved this book so much!!!! It is my favourite now.
I'm just like Eva, so it was easy to conect with her...
And Lucas, I loved him too. He was a great surprise.
I'm glad we had more of Paige and Frankie too. This "family" stole my heart.
April 2, 2024
Lichterzauber in Manhattan:
Das Buch habe ich längere Zeit auf meinem Reader gehabt und gedacht, es wäre eine eher seichte und vor allem eher prüde Liebesgeschichte, doch da habe ich mich geirrt. Denn es fängt mit einer ziemlich witzigen Szene an und das Kennenlernen von der gutherzigen Eva und dem dunklen, unnahbaren Schriftsteller Lucas hat mich köstlich unterhalten. Dabei zeigt Eva einen witzigen Sarkasmus und auch Lucas punktet mit seinem attraktiven Äußeren und seiner grüblerischen Art. Wer von uns Frauen möchte nicht den nachdenklichen Schönling wieder frisches Leben einhauchen. So wie Lucas, der nach drei Jahren nicht über den Tod seiner Frau hinweggekomnen ist. Gerade recht für Eva, die sein in sich geehrtes Leben komplett durcheinander wirbelt und ihn somit raus aus seinem Schneckenhaus befördert.
Die Story und die Grundidee an sich waren nett und auch nachvollziehbar. Und auch die Charaktere konnten bei mir die meiste Zeit punkten. Nur nach einiger Zeit kam ich leider immer weniger mit der Hauptfigur Eva klar. Sie war mir zu lieblich, zu unschuldig und rosarot in ihren Ansichten zum leben, da es total unecht wirkte. Also ich zumindest kenne keine Person die so drauf ist. :D Daher ja, ich hatte meine Probleme mit Evas Art und es wurde im Verlauf nicht besser, wie sie Lucas viel zu vieles durchgehen ließ und ihm weiter nachgehimmelt ist. Aber gut, man muss ja nicht jede Person toll finden und daher eben trotz ansonsten guter Unterhaltung nur die 4 Punkte für das Buch.
Der Schreibstil war gut zu lesen, passte zum Genre und man flog nur so durch die Seiten. Hier merkt man einfach, dass die Autorin schon Erfahrung und einige Bücher veröffentlicht hat.
Das Ende war dann noch mal von einer rosafarbenen zuckrigen Kitschschichte überzogen, dass ich danach glaubte, nun an Diabetes zu leiden. Mir fast zu viel, da es nicht ganz zu Lucas gepasst hat, der für mich die größte Kehrtwende hingelegt hat. Eva bleib ja eigentlich im ganzen Buch gleich. Eine nette Geschichte.
Cover:
Das Cover ist mir etwas zu lieblich und man denkt dabei eher an einen kitschigen Frauenroman, der es auch ist, aber es ist auch witzig und geht genauso heiß her. ;)
All: Ein lustiges, teilweise kitschige Romancebuch, das durch seine Idee, Schreibstil und witzigen Momente punkten konnte, bei dem ich aber meine Probleme mit der Hauptfigur Eva hatte. Daher am besten selbst ausprobieren, ob es ein Buch für euch ist.
Das Buch habe ich längere Zeit auf meinem Reader gehabt und gedacht, es wäre eine eher seichte und vor allem eher prüde Liebesgeschichte, doch da habe ich mich geirrt. Denn es fängt mit einer ziemlich witzigen Szene an und das Kennenlernen von der gutherzigen Eva und dem dunklen, unnahbaren Schriftsteller Lucas hat mich köstlich unterhalten. Dabei zeigt Eva einen witzigen Sarkasmus und auch Lucas punktet mit seinem attraktiven Äußeren und seiner grüblerischen Art. Wer von uns Frauen möchte nicht den nachdenklichen Schönling wieder frisches Leben einhauchen. So wie Lucas, der nach drei Jahren nicht über den Tod seiner Frau hinweggekomnen ist. Gerade recht für Eva, die sein in sich geehrtes Leben komplett durcheinander wirbelt und ihn somit raus aus seinem Schneckenhaus befördert.
Die Story und die Grundidee an sich waren nett und auch nachvollziehbar. Und auch die Charaktere konnten bei mir die meiste Zeit punkten. Nur nach einiger Zeit kam ich leider immer weniger mit der Hauptfigur Eva klar. Sie war mir zu lieblich, zu unschuldig und rosarot in ihren Ansichten zum leben, da es total unecht wirkte. Also ich zumindest kenne keine Person die so drauf ist. :D Daher ja, ich hatte meine Probleme mit Evas Art und es wurde im Verlauf nicht besser, wie sie Lucas viel zu vieles durchgehen ließ und ihm weiter nachgehimmelt ist. Aber gut, man muss ja nicht jede Person toll finden und daher eben trotz ansonsten guter Unterhaltung nur die 4 Punkte für das Buch.
Der Schreibstil war gut zu lesen, passte zum Genre und man flog nur so durch die Seiten. Hier merkt man einfach, dass die Autorin schon Erfahrung und einige Bücher veröffentlicht hat.
Das Ende war dann noch mal von einer rosafarbenen zuckrigen Kitschschichte überzogen, dass ich danach glaubte, nun an Diabetes zu leiden. Mir fast zu viel, da es nicht ganz zu Lucas gepasst hat, der für mich die größte Kehrtwende hingelegt hat. Eva bleib ja eigentlich im ganzen Buch gleich. Eine nette Geschichte.
Cover:
Das Cover ist mir etwas zu lieblich und man denkt dabei eher an einen kitschigen Frauenroman, der es auch ist, aber es ist auch witzig und geht genauso heiß her. ;)
All: Ein lustiges, teilweise kitschige Romancebuch, das durch seine Idee, Schreibstil und witzigen Momente punkten konnte, bei dem ich aber meine Probleme mit der Hauptfigur Eva hatte. Daher am besten selbst ausprobieren, ob es ein Buch für euch ist.
December 9, 2016
2.5 stars.
I like chick lit but usually of the funny & fiesty variety. This one is a little bit too lovey and stupid for my taste but I can't deny I enjoyed it on the whole.
I admit I had to fast forward (audio version) a few sections that were making me heave but its a 'lovely' romance.
Seriously, I don't know why people have to make it so difficult for themselves (it's not real Lisa!) but that IS the point of the story and why we have to go around in circles of hopeless denial...sigh...I guess it would be a lame story without it **shakes head**
Eva is too perfect (in a classic 'what do men like' manual) and Lucas is a dick (but gorgeous apparently so that's fine because he is hurting man!).
Oh no I don't mean to sound like I'm taking the piss (I am) but secretly a part buried inside me liked this book (because I'm a hopeless female ha!).
There you go - it's a guilty pleasure even though some parts were distasteful to me I still wanted to follow it through to the obvious and beautiful end!
I like chick lit but usually of the funny & fiesty variety. This one is a little bit too lovey and stupid for my taste but I can't deny I enjoyed it on the whole.
I admit I had to fast forward (audio version) a few sections that were making me heave but its a 'lovely' romance.
Seriously, I don't know why people have to make it so difficult for themselves (it's not real Lisa!) but that IS the point of the story and why we have to go around in circles of hopeless denial...sigh...I guess it would be a lame story without it **shakes head**
Eva is too perfect (in a classic 'what do men like' manual) and Lucas is a dick (but gorgeous apparently so that's fine because he is hurting man!).
Oh no I don't mean to sound like I'm taking the piss (I am) but secretly a part buried inside me liked this book (because I'm a hopeless female ha!).
There you go - it's a guilty pleasure even though some parts were distasteful to me I still wanted to follow it through to the obvious and beautiful end!
November 16, 2018
Otro libro romántico y de esos con los que pasas un buen rato.
Me gustó mucho esta serie, estos personajes, sus historias y obviamente quiero seguir leyéndolos.
Me gustó mucho esta serie, estos personajes, sus historias y obviamente quiero seguir leyéndolos.
August 26, 2017
I loved the first half but the second half just went downhill for me.
December 13, 2017
Lettura romantica e natalizia, il migliore di questa serie!
Consigliato!
Consigliato!
September 23, 2021
It's second day of fall so it's time for Christmas book lmao. Anyway snowy NYC and opposites attract trope. A very feel-good book.
December 8, 2019
Good romantic holiday book. Can see this as a future Hallmark Christmas movie.
March 29, 2018
Inkvotary
Eva is hopeless romantic and sees the world always from the sunny side. She just can´t understand why someone wouldn´t like Christmas decoration or believe that there has to be something good in every person. With that attitude, she turns Lucas´ life completely upside down and gives him what he needs so desperately: a new thriller idea. Though she is not happy with his writing, she loves to help him and to do everything in her power to make his life colorful again. Until she finds out how he used her inspiration in his book.
The author´s writing style is lively, easy-going and with the special something. No matter if Eva is speaking in her soft way, or Frankie with her blunt style, you´ll never feel awkward while reading. It all fits together perfectly. And in combination with the delicious scenes and even more hilarious dialogues Miracle on 5th Avenue gives you a reading pleasure of its own kind. Sarah Morgan conjures up a world on paper in a way you don´t see it very often. There´s a magic in every sentence, an easiness that makes you want to keep reading this book until its finished.
I never saw Eva in the other books the way she turned out to be in this one. Sure, it was clear to me that she is absolutely romantic and that she lives on Planet Eva all the time, but what I saw of her in this novel surprised me.
That girl seriously believes every written word in a book is for real! Her questions proof that she lives in her very own world and that she can´t understand why Lucas does what he does best because of his way of thinking. I was amazed when she started trying to convince him to change his work or better said his characters. Either Eva got some nerves, or she is the most naïve woman I´ve ever came across in a novel. I was impressed and laughing out loud when I read that scene at the ball and saw how she treated that douche bag of a man and the next I see is that she wants to change Lucas into something I can´t even say.
The way how Sarah Morgan has created Eva and brought her to life in this series is amazing though. Caring, loving and always determined to show the world a face and behavior that isn´t the real Eva. Must be exhausting. And yet I loved every bit of her! Am I confusing now?
This series is for sure for all those who want to read about romance, lovely characters no matter if they are stubborn, heartbroken, tough or totally romantic and set in the real world but with some sugar coart on. To manage all that, without drowning in kitsch, that is Sarah Morgan in her books.
Eva is hopeless romantic and sees the world always from the sunny side. She just can´t understand why someone wouldn´t like Christmas decoration or believe that there has to be something good in every person. With that attitude, she turns Lucas´ life completely upside down and gives him what he needs so desperately: a new thriller idea. Though she is not happy with his writing, she loves to help him and to do everything in her power to make his life colorful again. Until she finds out how he used her inspiration in his book.
The author´s writing style is lively, easy-going and with the special something. No matter if Eva is speaking in her soft way, or Frankie with her blunt style, you´ll never feel awkward while reading. It all fits together perfectly. And in combination with the delicious scenes and even more hilarious dialogues Miracle on 5th Avenue gives you a reading pleasure of its own kind. Sarah Morgan conjures up a world on paper in a way you don´t see it very often. There´s a magic in every sentence, an easiness that makes you want to keep reading this book until its finished.
I never saw Eva in the other books the way she turned out to be in this one. Sure, it was clear to me that she is absolutely romantic and that she lives on Planet Eva all the time, but what I saw of her in this novel surprised me.
That girl seriously believes every written word in a book is for real! Her questions proof that she lives in her very own world and that she can´t understand why Lucas does what he does best because of his way of thinking. I was amazed when she started trying to convince him to change his work or better said his characters. Either Eva got some nerves, or she is the most naïve woman I´ve ever came across in a novel. I was impressed and laughing out loud when I read that scene at the ball and saw how she treated that douche bag of a man and the next I see is that she wants to change Lucas into something I can´t even say.
The way how Sarah Morgan has created Eva and brought her to life in this series is amazing though. Caring, loving and always determined to show the world a face and behavior that isn´t the real Eva. Must be exhausting. And yet I loved every bit of her! Am I confusing now?
This series is for sure for all those who want to read about romance, lovely characters no matter if they are stubborn, heartbroken, tough or totally romantic and set in the real world but with some sugar coart on. To manage all that, without drowning in kitsch, that is Sarah Morgan in her books.
August 19, 2019
Un descubrimiento esta autora, la tenia pendiente hace mil y la verdad es que me ha encantado, no tardare en leer mas de ella.
Algo simple al principio y un poco precipitado al final, hace que no llegue a mas nota pero la parte intermedia supera el 3.5 final que le he dado.
Algo simple al principio y un poco precipitado al final, hace que no llegue a mas nota pero la parte intermedia supera el 3.5 final que le he dado.
December 9, 2022
Il avait tout pour me plaire (j'adore le personnage d'Eva et ce qu'elle apportait dans les autres histoires, et le héros et un auteur, que demander de plus ???) pourtant, à ma plus grande déception, c'est le tome que j'ai le moins aimé dans la saga. ça reste mignon et addictif hein, mais j'ai eu plus de mal à accrocher aux personnages, à leurs histoires et j'ai trouvé que les longueurs se ressentaient beaucoup plus...
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