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Southern Secrets #1
Blame It On Christmas
USA TODAY
bestselling author
All she wants for Christmas…
is to make him beg!
After he broke her heart, Mazie Tarleton is definitely immune to the charms of J.B. Vaughan. Now she has him right where she wants him and it’s payback time—until a moment of white-hot desire takes them both by surprise! Suddenly, revenge is getting complicated. Maybe she can just say yes to a holiday fling…or is she already in way too deep?
All she wants for Christmas…
is to make him beg!
After he broke her heart, Mazie Tarleton is definitely immune to the charms of J.B. Vaughan. Now she has him right where she wants him and it’s payback time—until a moment of white-hot desire takes them both by surprise! Suddenly, revenge is getting complicated. Maybe she can just say yes to a holiday fling…or is she already in way too deep?
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2018
34 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
Janice Maynard
546 books431 followersJanice Maynard came to the writing life early! When her third grade short story, “The Princess and the Robbers”, won a red ribbon in a school arts fair, Janice was hooked. She followed up that early success with a more commercial piece in the sixth grade… “Why My Mom Loves To Drink Coke”. No advance for that one, but she won a six-pack of Coke… remember those great little bottles?
In junior high Janice began circulating her work to a wider audience. A dozen or so notebook pages stapled together made the rounds in some particularly boring classes, with the riveting tales carefully hidden behind textbooks.
High school meant the big time… editor of the school newspaper, the Maroon and White. Janice used her insightful editorials to delve into such meaty subjects as “locker room odor” and “why we need two-ply tissue in the student bathrooms”.
College brought lots of writing, but very little of it creative… four years later, Janice stepped into the adult world as a fully certified elementary teacher.
Despite motherhood, full-time employment, and keeping up with an “always into something” husband, Janice never lost her love of writing or the desire to be published. In 1996 she realized her long-time dream when Kensington Publishing bought her first book, Sweetheart. That exciting moment was followed by the sales of two more books in the Precious Gem line.
In the fall of 2002, Janice left the classroom to pursue writing full-time.
In junior high Janice began circulating her work to a wider audience. A dozen or so notebook pages stapled together made the rounds in some particularly boring classes, with the riveting tales carefully hidden behind textbooks.
High school meant the big time… editor of the school newspaper, the Maroon and White. Janice used her insightful editorials to delve into such meaty subjects as “locker room odor” and “why we need two-ply tissue in the student bathrooms”.
College brought lots of writing, but very little of it creative… four years later, Janice stepped into the adult world as a fully certified elementary teacher.
Despite motherhood, full-time employment, and keeping up with an “always into something” husband, Janice never lost her love of writing or the desire to be published. In 1996 she realized her long-time dream when Kensington Publishing bought her first book, Sweetheart. That exciting moment was followed by the sales of two more books in the Precious Gem line.
In the fall of 2002, Janice left the classroom to pursue writing full-time.
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March 2, 2019
She did as he requested, and then stood aside while he brought the large Fraser fir into the house. Immediately, the foyer filled with the fragrance of the outdoors. Crisp, clean. If they invented a name for this particular scent, Mazie would call it mountain morning. pg. 175
PREMISE
Mazie is a rich, white, stunningly beautiful Southern woman who owns a jewelry store. She doesn't really have to work. She is angry at J.B. because J.B. turned her down for a formal when she was 16. Yeah. 15ish years ago, this man refused to take her to a dance, and she has never forgiven him.
Now he wants to buy her property, is giving her AMAZING property in exchange, but she is refusing because she is childish and petulant.
J.B. is a billionaire. *Carmen spits on the ground* He's a rich, white, stunningly handsome Southern billionaire who just... I don't know... is a broker or something. ??? Some rich businessman job. Land baron?
He didn't take Mazie to the formal because her brother threatened to neuter him if he did. But I mean, in reality, who the fuck cares? Who is over here nursing snubs from HIGH SCHOOL for gosh sakes?!
ANALYSIS
POINT ONE: What I said earlier. Am I supposed to relate to a heroine who has avoided a man assiduously for FIFTEEN YEARS because he didn't take her to a high school dance?!?! Some people have ACTUAL PROBLEMS. FOR FUCK'S SAKE.
POINT TWO: This book is very much a Richie McRicherson fantasy. It is for readers to indulge in fantasies of being rich for the cheap cheap price of $5.25. J.B. takes her ring shopping. He shuts down the whole jewelry store. He buys her a huge, yellow diamond. J.B. takes her out to dinner at a super-fancy restaurant where women have to wear gowns and men have to wear tuxedos. They eat super-fancy foods. They ballroom dance in between courses. J.B. takes her to a Christmas tree lot and buys her an 8-foot fir. Then he takes her to the store and allows her to buy all the handblown ornaments she wants.
This is fine. There's nothing wrong with indulging in Richie McRicherson fantasies if that is what makes you happy. As for me, rich people disgust me. Reading about two extremely rich people buying shit makes me the opposite of happy. Maynard isn't even offering the "rich boyfriend" fantasy. Instead, BOTH MCs are hugely rich. It's not like Mazie couldn't buy herself these things if she wanted to. So there's not even that point. She's not even a little waitress or retail-worker who is being swept off her feet by a billionaire. SHE is a millionaire or maybe billionaire herself! o.O
So. Yeah. If you love dreaming about being extremely rich, or fantasizing about buying only the best, this might get you going. As for me, no.
POINT THREE: When J.B. lies to his mom and tells her that Mazie is engaged to him. WHY. This is the kind of cockamamie shit always pulled in romance novels for no reason. Now they have a fake engagement to uphold. It's ludicrous.
POINT THREE b: Other ludicrous plot points include classic misunderstandings like "Why did you betray me?" when really there was no betrayal and the time-honored "I heard you saying something vague on the phone, assumed you were talking about me, and jumped to conclusions and took grave actions based on this." Veteran romance readers will be rolling their eyes.
How much of this novel could be cut down by the MCs simply having an honest conversation with each other? A lot.
POINT FOUR: HOW'S THE SEX, CARMEN?
It's horrible. Really, I'm not feeling Maynard's sex-writing. Let's take a look.
His smile widened. "You CRAVE me, darlin'? Well, I must be doing SOMETHING right."
"Does your ego ever take a rest?" She caressed his chin, smiling faintly.
He ignored her gibe. "Get undressed before someone like your brother decides to interrupt us."
Mazie wriggled away from him long enough to dispense with her pants and socks. J.B. did the same. He leaned forward to grab his wallet and extract a condom. His hands were shaking.
She curled her arms around him from behind and rested her cheek on his back. "We're probably going to regret this."
"Yeah. Maybe." He pulled her in front of him, standing her on her feet and kissing her cute, tiny belly button. Gooseflesh rose on her pale skin. "You have no idea how much I want you."
"That might be the sleep deprivation talking."
He slid her bikini underwear down her legs and sighed. "Nope. It's you, Mazie Jane." He parted her damp folds with his thumbs and caressed her intimately. Her whimper of pleasure hardened his erection a millimeter more, if that was possible.
In another situation, he would have taken his time with her. He might have paused to savor the smorgasbord of delights. But he'd only been half kidding about Jonathan. Given the situation at the hospital, someone could call at any moment. He dared not turn off his phone.
"We should hurry," she panted, perhaps reading his mind. "I'm ready for you. More than ready." She played with the shell of his ear, leaning down to whisper naughty suggestions.
J.B. cursed. He shed his boxers with more speed than finesse and sheathed his sex. Mazie was still wearing her bra. It was too late to do anything about it.
It was too late to do anything about it?!!?!?
He had to have her in the next thirty seconds, or he was going to die.
Moving to the edge of the sofa, he gripped her wrist. "Come here, sweet thing. Let me love you." He took her by the waist and helped her straddle his lap, her long, smooth legs spread on either side of his hips.
Mazie took over before he could do more than groan and bury his face in her chest. She sank down onto him, taking him inside her, joining their bodies with the sweet wild slide of passion.
His vision went dark. Everything inside him focused on the sensation of Mazie's tight, hot sex accepting him. Sweat broke out on his brow. "Slower," he begged. He was close to embarrassing both of them.
Mazie combed his hair with both hands, massaging his scalp, toying with his ears. "What if I like it fast and hard?"
Are you fucking kidding me with this shit.
He gripped her soft butt so tightly it might leave bruises. "Bad girl." He thrust upward, filling her, claiming her.
Mazie laughed. The soft, husky chuckle drove him mad. Suddenly, he was sorry he had chosen this position. It was too passive. He was in a volatile mood. Lack of sleep blurred the edges of his control.
"Put your legs around my waist." He stood abruptly. Mazie was a tall woman, but he was extremely motivated. He eased past the coffee table and tumbled them both to the carpet, their bodies still joined.
Mazie smiled up at him, her eyelids half closed, her breath coming in short pants. "Who knew you were so strong? I'm impressed Mr. Vaughan."
His chest heaved. "You make me nuts. Why is that, do you think?"
"Mutual antipathy?"
He pumped his hips.
Her eyelashes fluttered shut. She arched her back, gasping.
"Look at me, Mazie. I want to see your eyes when you come."
She obeyed. Her amber-gold gaze locked on to his. He felt naked suddenly, raw and exposed. Those eyes saw everything.
Mazie wet her lips with the tip of her tongue. She reached up and traced his features with her thumbs. "I won't break, J.B. Give it all to me."
The sexual challenge dissolved the last of his rapidly winnowing willpower. With a groan of helpless inevitability, he pounded into her, thrusting again and again until his world went black, and his entire body spasmed in hot, desperate pleasure.
Dimly, her heard Mazie's cry of release and felt the flutters of her sex on his shaft as she came.
When it was over, they lay in a tangle of arms and legs and fractured breathing. Mazie was still wearing her bra. J.B. couldn't feel his legs. Her body was soft and warm beneath his. He never wanted to move, though that wasn't a viable choice under the circumstances.
After several long moments of silence, he rolled to his back and cleared his throat. "I don't know what to say. I'd offer to fix you bacon and eggs, but that seems a paltry thank-you for what just happened." pg. 122
MAIN PROBLEMS I HAVE WITH THIS:
1.) And most importantly, this idea where a man is like, "Usually I would be really awesome in bed! I'm great at foreplay! But you just turn me on SO MUCH that I can't be bothered with foreplay! Consider it a compliment!"
And then the woman is like, "Oh, stud, I never understood all the fuss about foreplay! Who needs anything except for your cock jackhammering me?! That's the best."
UGH. It's straight out of a male-directed porno. Well, no, it's straight out of a female-directed porno aiming for a male audience. What is it with this shit?! How has the patriarchy sold women on this shit?
It would be laughable if it weren't so sad. :(
2.) Calling her a "bad girl" in bed. I mean, what the fuck. Gross.
As you can see, there are about ten more problems, but I don't have time to address them all. Feel free to do so in the comments if you wish.
In case you think J.B. magically improves in the second sex scene - he doesn't. OK. I'm not going to go into detail because this review is already long.
POINT FIVE: Slightly annoying things.
Mazie allows J.B. to take her to a very fancy restaurant, and then she GIVES UP HER DESSERT.
Fortunately for her emotional equilibrium, he didn't try to feed her any more dessert. She ate another couple of bites and left it to him to finish. The man was tall and athletic. He could afford the calories. pg. 93
*Carmen is shaking her head* Don't let him eat your caramel-laced bread pudding with whipped cream!! ARE YOU CRAZY!?!?!?!?
He randomly says this to her on page 29:
His smile slipped. The blue irises went from calm to stormy. "A thank you might be nice. You weren't spanked enough as a kid, were you? Spoiled only daughter..."
Creepville. o.O This is the only time he says something like this. I have no idea. Perhaps Maynard was toying with creating a more disgusting hero, but then changed her mind?
Gone was the good-natured, sophisticated businessman. The wealthy entrepreneur.
In his place was a primal male with flushed cheekbones, glittering sapphire eyes, and a big body that radiated warmth and raw masculinity. pg. 89
This kind of writing was making me roll my eyes.
This is what his own mother has to say about our hero:
"He has multiple women in his life, but to him they're as interchangeable as a pair of socks." pg. 139
UGH.
He has outlandish thoughts like,
Why did women always want to strangle a man with emotion and romance? This was physical. Nothing more. Mazie had to know that. pg. 147
Listen, fucker. You are driving this whole thing. YOU. She would have been happy to avoid you for the rest of her life. Please buy a clue.
"What do you think?" He reached across the small space between them and caressed her cheek with the pad of his thumb. "I think you've been a very good girl this year. Santa wants you to have all the trimmings." pg. 170
ICK. If this is what you think is sexy-talk, I'd rather you just keep your fucking mouth shut.
We see this again in bed, where he tells her:
"You're prickly and unpredictable. I've had easier women, that's for sure." pg.182
Would you say this, in the middle of sex, to a woman?!? You wouldn't?!!? Congratulations. You have at least half of a brain. This brainless idiot is talking about other women while fucking her. o.O What a MORON.
TL;DR - Although the book is problematic, as seen in the points I've outlined here, it actually wasn't bad for a Harlequin Desire which - let me tell you - can be VERY bad. It's a line I tend to avoid, and with good reason. I may point out some troublesome issues here, but trust me, this could have been a lot worse. Instead of flirting with J.B. being a huge unfeeling creep, he could have actually BEEN a huge unfeeling creep. I am lucky. Mazie is actually good at standing up to him, and he is (relatively) good at taking 'no' for an answer. Trust me, things could have been a lot worse.
I'm unable to take the sex seriously - you can see how it is written - but at least I didn't have to suffer through any blowjob scenes. That's a relief.
Overall, I would say this is good for a Harlequin Desire. Not my cup of tea, but if you have to read this line you could do a lot worse than this novel. Trust me, I have. o.O
Making a book about extremely wealthy, beautiful people makes me automatically bored right off the bat. I'm not interested in the rich and their made-up problems. That's Maynard's first problem. Her second is the fact that I find her writing pretty laughable. Not horrible and unreadable, but not something that is what I would consider 'good.' Her idea of what is 'sexy' is not the same as my idea of 'sexy,' let's just put it that way. While she sidesteps J.B. being a complete creep, I wasn't crazy about either of these MCs.
ROMANCE CATEGORIES:
Contemporary Romance
Enemies to Lovers - Kind of? More like Friends-to-Enemies-to-Lovers
Holiday/Christmas Romance - Very Christmasy. If you like Christmasy Romances, this is very heavy on Christmas.
Millionaire/Billionaire Romance - They are either both billionaires, or he is a billionaire and she is a millionaire.
Non-Virgin Heroine - J.B. is the third man Mazie's slept with.
He's a Rich Businessman. I don't know. Broker? Land Baron? She Owns a Jewelry Store.
NAMES IN THIS BOOK
PREMISE
Mazie is a rich, white, stunningly beautiful Southern woman who owns a jewelry store. She doesn't really have to work. She is angry at J.B. because J.B. turned her down for a formal when she was 16. Yeah. 15ish years ago, this man refused to take her to a dance, and she has never forgiven him.
Now he wants to buy her property, is giving her AMAZING property in exchange, but she is refusing because she is childish and petulant.
J.B. is a billionaire. *Carmen spits on the ground* He's a rich, white, stunningly handsome Southern billionaire who just... I don't know... is a broker or something. ??? Some rich businessman job. Land baron?
He didn't take Mazie to the formal because her brother threatened to neuter him if he did. But I mean, in reality, who the fuck cares? Who is over here nursing snubs from HIGH SCHOOL for gosh sakes?!
ANALYSIS
POINT ONE: What I said earlier. Am I supposed to relate to a heroine who has avoided a man assiduously for FIFTEEN YEARS because he didn't take her to a high school dance?!?! Some people have ACTUAL PROBLEMS. FOR FUCK'S SAKE.
POINT TWO: This book is very much a Richie McRicherson fantasy. It is for readers to indulge in fantasies of being rich for the cheap cheap price of $5.25. J.B. takes her ring shopping. He shuts down the whole jewelry store. He buys her a huge, yellow diamond. J.B. takes her out to dinner at a super-fancy restaurant where women have to wear gowns and men have to wear tuxedos. They eat super-fancy foods. They ballroom dance in between courses. J.B. takes her to a Christmas tree lot and buys her an 8-foot fir. Then he takes her to the store and allows her to buy all the handblown ornaments she wants.
This is fine. There's nothing wrong with indulging in Richie McRicherson fantasies if that is what makes you happy. As for me, rich people disgust me. Reading about two extremely rich people buying shit makes me the opposite of happy. Maynard isn't even offering the "rich boyfriend" fantasy. Instead, BOTH MCs are hugely rich. It's not like Mazie couldn't buy herself these things if she wanted to. So there's not even that point. She's not even a little waitress or retail-worker who is being swept off her feet by a billionaire. SHE is a millionaire or maybe billionaire herself! o.O
So. Yeah. If you love dreaming about being extremely rich, or fantasizing about buying only the best, this might get you going. As for me, no.
POINT THREE: When J.B. lies to his mom and tells her that Mazie is engaged to him. WHY. This is the kind of cockamamie shit always pulled in romance novels for no reason. Now they have a fake engagement to uphold. It's ludicrous.
POINT THREE b: Other ludicrous plot points include classic misunderstandings like "Why did you betray me?" when really there was no betrayal and the time-honored "I heard you saying something vague on the phone, assumed you were talking about me, and jumped to conclusions and took grave actions based on this." Veteran romance readers will be rolling their eyes.
How much of this novel could be cut down by the MCs simply having an honest conversation with each other? A lot.
POINT FOUR: HOW'S THE SEX, CARMEN?
It's horrible. Really, I'm not feeling Maynard's sex-writing. Let's take a look.
His smile widened. "You CRAVE me, darlin'? Well, I must be doing SOMETHING right."
"Does your ego ever take a rest?" She caressed his chin, smiling faintly.
He ignored her gibe. "Get undressed before someone like your brother decides to interrupt us."
Mazie wriggled away from him long enough to dispense with her pants and socks. J.B. did the same. He leaned forward to grab his wallet and extract a condom. His hands were shaking.
She curled her arms around him from behind and rested her cheek on his back. "We're probably going to regret this."
"Yeah. Maybe." He pulled her in front of him, standing her on her feet and kissing her cute, tiny belly button. Gooseflesh rose on her pale skin. "You have no idea how much I want you."
"That might be the sleep deprivation talking."
He slid her bikini underwear down her legs and sighed. "Nope. It's you, Mazie Jane." He parted her damp folds with his thumbs and caressed her intimately. Her whimper of pleasure hardened his erection a millimeter more, if that was possible.
In another situation, he would have taken his time with her. He might have paused to savor the smorgasbord of delights. But he'd only been half kidding about Jonathan. Given the situation at the hospital, someone could call at any moment. He dared not turn off his phone.
"We should hurry," she panted, perhaps reading his mind. "I'm ready for you. More than ready." She played with the shell of his ear, leaning down to whisper naughty suggestions.
J.B. cursed. He shed his boxers with more speed than finesse and sheathed his sex. Mazie was still wearing her bra. It was too late to do anything about it.
It was too late to do anything about it?!!?!?
He had to have her in the next thirty seconds, or he was going to die.
Moving to the edge of the sofa, he gripped her wrist. "Come here, sweet thing. Let me love you." He took her by the waist and helped her straddle his lap, her long, smooth legs spread on either side of his hips.
Mazie took over before he could do more than groan and bury his face in her chest. She sank down onto him, taking him inside her, joining their bodies with the sweet wild slide of passion.
His vision went dark. Everything inside him focused on the sensation of Mazie's tight, hot sex accepting him. Sweat broke out on his brow. "Slower," he begged. He was close to embarrassing both of them.
Mazie combed his hair with both hands, massaging his scalp, toying with his ears. "What if I like it fast and hard?"
Are you fucking kidding me with this shit.
He gripped her soft butt so tightly it might leave bruises. "Bad girl." He thrust upward, filling her, claiming her.
Mazie laughed. The soft, husky chuckle drove him mad. Suddenly, he was sorry he had chosen this position. It was too passive. He was in a volatile mood. Lack of sleep blurred the edges of his control.
"Put your legs around my waist." He stood abruptly. Mazie was a tall woman, but he was extremely motivated. He eased past the coffee table and tumbled them both to the carpet, their bodies still joined.
Mazie smiled up at him, her eyelids half closed, her breath coming in short pants. "Who knew you were so strong? I'm impressed Mr. Vaughan."
His chest heaved. "You make me nuts. Why is that, do you think?"
"Mutual antipathy?"
He pumped his hips.
Her eyelashes fluttered shut. She arched her back, gasping.
"Look at me, Mazie. I want to see your eyes when you come."
She obeyed. Her amber-gold gaze locked on to his. He felt naked suddenly, raw and exposed. Those eyes saw everything.
Mazie wet her lips with the tip of her tongue. She reached up and traced his features with her thumbs. "I won't break, J.B. Give it all to me."
The sexual challenge dissolved the last of his rapidly winnowing willpower. With a groan of helpless inevitability, he pounded into her, thrusting again and again until his world went black, and his entire body spasmed in hot, desperate pleasure.
Dimly, her heard Mazie's cry of release and felt the flutters of her sex on his shaft as she came.
When it was over, they lay in a tangle of arms and legs and fractured breathing. Mazie was still wearing her bra. J.B. couldn't feel his legs. Her body was soft and warm beneath his. He never wanted to move, though that wasn't a viable choice under the circumstances.
After several long moments of silence, he rolled to his back and cleared his throat. "I don't know what to say. I'd offer to fix you bacon and eggs, but that seems a paltry thank-you for what just happened." pg. 122
MAIN PROBLEMS I HAVE WITH THIS:
1.) And most importantly, this idea where a man is like, "Usually I would be really awesome in bed! I'm great at foreplay! But you just turn me on SO MUCH that I can't be bothered with foreplay! Consider it a compliment!"
And then the woman is like, "Oh, stud, I never understood all the fuss about foreplay! Who needs anything except for your cock jackhammering me?! That's the best."
UGH. It's straight out of a male-directed porno. Well, no, it's straight out of a female-directed porno aiming for a male audience. What is it with this shit?! How has the patriarchy sold women on this shit?
It would be laughable if it weren't so sad. :(
2.) Calling her a "bad girl" in bed. I mean, what the fuck. Gross.
As you can see, there are about ten more problems, but I don't have time to address them all. Feel free to do so in the comments if you wish.
In case you think J.B. magically improves in the second sex scene - he doesn't. OK. I'm not going to go into detail because this review is already long.
POINT FIVE: Slightly annoying things.
Mazie allows J.B. to take her to a very fancy restaurant, and then she GIVES UP HER DESSERT.
Fortunately for her emotional equilibrium, he didn't try to feed her any more dessert. She ate another couple of bites and left it to him to finish. The man was tall and athletic. He could afford the calories. pg. 93
*Carmen is shaking her head* Don't let him eat your caramel-laced bread pudding with whipped cream!! ARE YOU CRAZY!?!?!?!?
He randomly says this to her on page 29:
His smile slipped. The blue irises went from calm to stormy. "A thank you might be nice. You weren't spanked enough as a kid, were you? Spoiled only daughter..."
Creepville. o.O This is the only time he says something like this. I have no idea. Perhaps Maynard was toying with creating a more disgusting hero, but then changed her mind?
Gone was the good-natured, sophisticated businessman. The wealthy entrepreneur.
In his place was a primal male with flushed cheekbones, glittering sapphire eyes, and a big body that radiated warmth and raw masculinity. pg. 89
This kind of writing was making me roll my eyes.
This is what his own mother has to say about our hero:
"He has multiple women in his life, but to him they're as interchangeable as a pair of socks." pg. 139
UGH.
He has outlandish thoughts like,
Why did women always want to strangle a man with emotion and romance? This was physical. Nothing more. Mazie had to know that. pg. 147
Listen, fucker. You are driving this whole thing. YOU. She would have been happy to avoid you for the rest of her life. Please buy a clue.
"What do you think?" He reached across the small space between them and caressed her cheek with the pad of his thumb. "I think you've been a very good girl this year. Santa wants you to have all the trimmings." pg. 170
ICK. If this is what you think is sexy-talk, I'd rather you just keep your fucking mouth shut.
We see this again in bed, where he tells her:
"You're prickly and unpredictable. I've had easier women, that's for sure." pg.182
Would you say this, in the middle of sex, to a woman?!? You wouldn't?!!? Congratulations. You have at least half of a brain. This brainless idiot is talking about other women while fucking her. o.O What a MORON.
TL;DR - Although the book is problematic, as seen in the points I've outlined here, it actually wasn't bad for a Harlequin Desire which - let me tell you - can be VERY bad. It's a line I tend to avoid, and with good reason. I may point out some troublesome issues here, but trust me, this could have been a lot worse. Instead of flirting with J.B. being a huge unfeeling creep, he could have actually BEEN a huge unfeeling creep. I am lucky. Mazie is actually good at standing up to him, and he is (relatively) good at taking 'no' for an answer. Trust me, things could have been a lot worse.
I'm unable to take the sex seriously - you can see how it is written - but at least I didn't have to suffer through any blowjob scenes. That's a relief.
Overall, I would say this is good for a Harlequin Desire. Not my cup of tea, but if you have to read this line you could do a lot worse than this novel. Trust me, I have. o.O
Making a book about extremely wealthy, beautiful people makes me automatically bored right off the bat. I'm not interested in the rich and their made-up problems. That's Maynard's first problem. Her second is the fact that I find her writing pretty laughable. Not horrible and unreadable, but not something that is what I would consider 'good.' Her idea of what is 'sexy' is not the same as my idea of 'sexy,' let's just put it that way. While she sidesteps J.B. being a complete creep, I wasn't crazy about either of these MCs.
ROMANCE CATEGORIES:
Contemporary Romance
Enemies to Lovers - Kind of? More like Friends-to-Enemies-to-Lovers
Holiday/Christmas Romance - Very Christmasy. If you like Christmasy Romances, this is very heavy on Christmas.
Millionaire/Billionaire Romance - They are either both billionaires, or he is a billionaire and she is a millionaire.
Non-Virgin Heroine - J.B. is the third man Mazie's slept with.
He's a Rich Businessman. I don't know. Broker? Land Baron? She Owns a Jewelry Store.
NAMES IN THIS BOOK
December 12, 2018
This was a good friends to enemies to lovers story. Mazie has known JB for most of her life. He is her brother's best friend, and as a teen, she had a huge crush on him. When she was sixteen, she asked him to be her date for the spring formal. He turned her down, the rejection breaking her heart, and starting years of an unspoken feud. Mazie perfected the ability to avoid him, no easy feat as he was still her brother's best friend. Then her chance finally came to get back at him. JB is a developer and has plans to renovate the block where Mazie has her jewelry store. She was the lone holdout, preventing him from starting his project. She had every intention of selling to him; she just wanted to make him suffer for as long as possible.
I had to laugh when JB showed up at the store right after one of Mazie's conversations with the real estate agent. It had all the fun of "He's right behind me, isn't he?" The sparks definitely flew between them. I felt a bit sorry for him, as he really is a true Southern gentleman at heart. He has felt bad for years about the way he turned down Mazie's invitation. He'd been young and not yet skilled in graceful rejections. He was also attracted to her even then, but he knew she was too young for him. Plus there was the whole best-friend's-little-sister thing going on, and Jonathan's threats if he were to meddle with his sister. He wanted to apologize ever since, but he had never been able to. Now, perhaps, he'll have a chance to make things right. I loved how he challenged her to get her to see the property with him. Neither one expected to get locked up in the old bank vault there, or the passion that exploded between them. Only the untimely arrival of Mazie's brother prevented them from taking that passion all the way. One thing it did do was push them into seeing each other again.
JB and Mazie were in the midst of a date that sizzled with sparks when he got word that his mom had a heart attack. Desperate to give her a reason to fight, JB blurted out that he and Mazie were engaged, creating all kinds of complications. Mazie was caught between a rock and a hard place when Jane proved to be more intuitive that she expected, and Mazie was committed to playing the loving fiancée. It isn't long before the sparks burn out of control and JB and Mazie can't keep their hands off each other. The connection between them continued to grow. Mazie quickly realized that her heart was in jeopardy once again, but couldn't walk away. JB's feelings for her grow also, but he is extremely wary. He'd been badly burned by a former relationship and he was reluctant to trust another woman. Be that as it may, there were some really sweet scenes between them. I loved his whole idea of giving Mazie the kind of Christmas that she'd dreamed of.
I ached for them both as misunderstandings and the insecurities from their pasts combined to rip them apart. I especially wanted to shake JB for his needlessly harsh and cruel comments to Mazie. I felt that he deserved every minute of the misery he felt until the truth came out. I loved his big moment at the end as he exposed his vulnerabilities and bared his heart to Mazie. Though she could have made him grovel a little more, I loved seeing Mazie get her heart's desire.
I am intrigued by the glimpses of Mazie's brother Jonathan. I love his friendship with JB, his love for his sister, and the love and respect he has for his father. The epilogue that is obviously a lead-in to the next book has me worried about him, and I can't wait to read his story. I am also curious about their brother Hartley and what drove him away from his family.
I had to laugh when JB showed up at the store right after one of Mazie's conversations with the real estate agent. It had all the fun of "He's right behind me, isn't he?" The sparks definitely flew between them. I felt a bit sorry for him, as he really is a true Southern gentleman at heart. He has felt bad for years about the way he turned down Mazie's invitation. He'd been young and not yet skilled in graceful rejections. He was also attracted to her even then, but he knew she was too young for him. Plus there was the whole best-friend's-little-sister thing going on, and Jonathan's threats if he were to meddle with his sister. He wanted to apologize ever since, but he had never been able to. Now, perhaps, he'll have a chance to make things right. I loved how he challenged her to get her to see the property with him. Neither one expected to get locked up in the old bank vault there, or the passion that exploded between them. Only the untimely arrival of Mazie's brother prevented them from taking that passion all the way. One thing it did do was push them into seeing each other again.
JB and Mazie were in the midst of a date that sizzled with sparks when he got word that his mom had a heart attack. Desperate to give her a reason to fight, JB blurted out that he and Mazie were engaged, creating all kinds of complications. Mazie was caught between a rock and a hard place when Jane proved to be more intuitive that she expected, and Mazie was committed to playing the loving fiancée. It isn't long before the sparks burn out of control and JB and Mazie can't keep their hands off each other. The connection between them continued to grow. Mazie quickly realized that her heart was in jeopardy once again, but couldn't walk away. JB's feelings for her grow also, but he is extremely wary. He'd been badly burned by a former relationship and he was reluctant to trust another woman. Be that as it may, there were some really sweet scenes between them. I loved his whole idea of giving Mazie the kind of Christmas that she'd dreamed of.
I ached for them both as misunderstandings and the insecurities from their pasts combined to rip them apart. I especially wanted to shake JB for his needlessly harsh and cruel comments to Mazie. I felt that he deserved every minute of the misery he felt until the truth came out. I loved his big moment at the end as he exposed his vulnerabilities and bared his heart to Mazie. Though she could have made him grovel a little more, I loved seeing Mazie get her heart's desire.
I am intrigued by the glimpses of Mazie's brother Jonathan. I love his friendship with JB, his love for his sister, and the love and respect he has for his father. The epilogue that is obviously a lead-in to the next book has me worried about him, and I can't wait to read his story. I am also curious about their brother Hartley and what drove him away from his family.
Read
December 1, 2018Miniseries: Southern Secrets
November 9, 2018
Blame it on Christmas is the first book in Janice Maynard’s Southern Secrets series.
Mazie Tarleton has loved Jackson Beauregard (J.B.) Vaughan for years. When he refuses to attend her high school spring formal, insults her and walks away, the feud begins. Fast forward…Now J.B is seeking Mazie’s help. He’s a real estate developer and wants her jewelry store to add to his redevelopment project.
Instead of harassing her through his realtor to sell the property, he takes matters into his own hands. J.B visits Mazie and offers another property in exchange for the one he wants. While touring the proposed property, an event occurs that changes both of their lives.
When J.B.’s mother suffers a heart attack, everything gets more complicated. Will their relationship go from one filled with revenge to one of happiness? Will she believe him when he puts his heart on the line?
It’s always fun to read a book about childhood crushes and missed opportunities. Blame it on Christmas is a quick read that I read in one sitting. I absolutely loved it and highly recommend it. I’d like to disclose that I received an advance copy that I voluntarily chose to read. This is my honest review.
Mazie Tarleton has loved Jackson Beauregard (J.B.) Vaughan for years. When he refuses to attend her high school spring formal, insults her and walks away, the feud begins. Fast forward…Now J.B is seeking Mazie’s help. He’s a real estate developer and wants her jewelry store to add to his redevelopment project.
Instead of harassing her through his realtor to sell the property, he takes matters into his own hands. J.B visits Mazie and offers another property in exchange for the one he wants. While touring the proposed property, an event occurs that changes both of their lives.
When J.B.’s mother suffers a heart attack, everything gets more complicated. Will their relationship go from one filled with revenge to one of happiness? Will she believe him when he puts his heart on the line?
It’s always fun to read a book about childhood crushes and missed opportunities. Blame it on Christmas is a quick read that I read in one sitting. I absolutely loved it and highly recommend it. I’d like to disclose that I received an advance copy that I voluntarily chose to read. This is my honest review.
November 11, 2018
2 Excellent new releases well worth a read.
November 10, 2018
I was over the moon to receive an advanced copy of this in exchange for my honest review ! No problems here with that ! I could hardly put this down at times ! JB broke Mazies heart many years ago as teen & she’s not forgotten . She’ll hold out on a property exchange sale deal as long as she can
To teach him a lesson . An interesting event happens literally at the beginning of the book that forces JB and Mazie into close proximity which leads things to heat up QUICK in this story ! Who knew we can still read about explosive passionate scenes 30+ pages into one of these small HQ books.Let me elaborate further about how frequently these two choose to get Real close throughout this emotionally charged Southern Secrets series! The typical family drama always adds to the on going plot just to spice things up a bit ! Everyone needs to read this book during the holiday season !! There’s an abundance of fabulous romantic moments to give you all the feel goods that leave lasting impressions about the characters. !
To teach him a lesson . An interesting event happens literally at the beginning of the book that forces JB and Mazie into close proximity which leads things to heat up QUICK in this story ! Who knew we can still read about explosive passionate scenes 30+ pages into one of these small HQ books.Let me elaborate further about how frequently these two choose to get Real close throughout this emotionally charged Southern Secrets series! The typical family drama always adds to the on going plot just to spice things up a bit ! Everyone needs to read this book during the holiday season !! There’s an abundance of fabulous romantic moments to give you all the feel goods that leave lasting impressions about the characters. !
December 5, 2018
4 1/2 STARS!
A really fun holiday read! A sexy twist on a former friends/enemies to lovers story line brings Janice Maynard's Southern Secrets miniseries to life! The characters are attention grabbing, successful business people and the past they share makes for built-in groundwork leading into her resentment towards him from the start. I look forward to getting her brother's story soon!
Mazie Tarleton has never forgiven family friend J.B. Vaughan for breaking her teenage heart years ago, so now when he wants something from her for a change, she's having a lot of fun stringing him along and refusing to give it to him.
J.B. actually liked Mazie a lot back then, but she was young and he knew it wasn't a good time or place to act on their attraction ... now however, now would be a good time! Spending time with her to get her to consider his business offer should be trivial, but every moment in her presence results in stronger feelings. When all is said and done, will they be able to walk away from each other?
A really fun holiday read! A sexy twist on a former friends/enemies to lovers story line brings Janice Maynard's Southern Secrets miniseries to life! The characters are attention grabbing, successful business people and the past they share makes for built-in groundwork leading into her resentment towards him from the start. I look forward to getting her brother's story soon!
Mazie Tarleton has never forgiven family friend J.B. Vaughan for breaking her teenage heart years ago, so now when he wants something from her for a change, she's having a lot of fun stringing him along and refusing to give it to him.
J.B. actually liked Mazie a lot back then, but she was young and he knew it wasn't a good time or place to act on their attraction ... now however, now would be a good time! Spending time with her to get her to consider his business offer should be trivial, but every moment in her presence results in stronger feelings. When all is said and done, will they be able to walk away from each other?
November 18, 2018
“Blame it on Christmas” by Janice Maynard begins her Southern Secrets series with Harlequin Desire.
Mazie Tarleton has been in love with J.B. Vaughan since she was sixteen, but when he humiliated her, her love turned to hate. Now, J.B. wants the building her business is located in, so she vows to not let him have it.
J.B. has a reason for not being with Mazie when they were teens. His recent business proposition gives him a chance to make up for that mistake. When his mother becomes ill, he has the opportunity to make it up to Mazie even more.
A fake engagement brings J.B. and Mazie together, but it’s Christmas that leads them to a happily-ever-after.
“Blame it on Christmas” has a serious undertone with the storyline of Mazie’s mother, but it also has the spirit and hope of the holiday season.
Mazie Tarleton has been in love with J.B. Vaughan since she was sixteen, but when he humiliated her, her love turned to hate. Now, J.B. wants the building her business is located in, so she vows to not let him have it.
J.B. has a reason for not being with Mazie when they were teens. His recent business proposition gives him a chance to make up for that mistake. When his mother becomes ill, he has the opportunity to make it up to Mazie even more.
A fake engagement brings J.B. and Mazie together, but it’s Christmas that leads them to a happily-ever-after.
“Blame it on Christmas” has a serious undertone with the storyline of Mazie’s mother, but it also has the spirit and hope of the holiday season.
November 18, 2018
Blame It On Christmas is the first book in the Southern Secrets series. We meet two of Charleston’s oldest families! Mazie Tarleton and JB Vaughan have been at odds since JB turned down Mazie when she asked him to a dance when they were teenagers. She was crushed and has done a great job of avoiding JB even though he is her brother’s best friend! Fast forward and JB now a big time developer needs the building that Mazie has her Jewelry store. JB is working on a plan to get the building and make Mazie at the same time. JB’s mom has a sudden heart attack and gets the bright idea of telling his mom that he is engaged! Maizie goes along with the deception but finds it hard to hide her true feelings. They each discover that they still have deep feelings it’s great to watch their relationship develop! Can’t wait for Maize’s brother’s story!
December 6, 2018
Three things you can always count on when reading a Janice Maynard book is: 1) Realistic and believable characters. 2) Sweet and Sizzling Heat and 3) A HEA.
This start of the new series Southern Secrets doesn't disappoint. I was hooked from the first page. This story combines three of my favorite troupes. Second chance romance,falling for your best friends little sister and enemies to lovers. That is a lot of pressure to put on a book and she nailed it.
Mazie has known JB since they were children and she used to love him then one night when they were teenagers he turned that love into hate. Now JB wants the property that Mazie's store resides on and she isn't going to give in to him so easy. When a tight situation turns their sparks to an explosion can either of their hearts survive the fall out it.
I can not wait for the next book in this series. May can not get here quick enough.
This start of the new series Southern Secrets doesn't disappoint. I was hooked from the first page. This story combines three of my favorite troupes. Second chance romance,falling for your best friends little sister and enemies to lovers. That is a lot of pressure to put on a book and she nailed it.
Mazie has known JB since they were children and she used to love him then one night when they were teenagers he turned that love into hate. Now JB wants the property that Mazie's store resides on and she isn't going to give in to him so easy. When a tight situation turns their sparks to an explosion can either of their hearts survive the fall out it.
I can not wait for the next book in this series. May can not get here quick enough.
February 1, 2023
All she wants for Christmas...
is to make him beg!
After he broke her heart, Mazie Tarleton is definitely immune to the charms of J.B. Vaughan. Now she has him right where she wants him and it's payback time--until a moment of white-hot desire takes them both by surprise! Suddenly, revenge is getting complicated. Maybe she can just say yes to a holiday fling...or is she already in way too deep?
I have to admit to a weakness for holiday romance and who can resist a story of a teenager in love and then grows up and still is in love with the same guy but neither knows quite how to deal with it! It doesn't help that there are multiple mental health issues in both families as well as medical issues with parents and that the siblings know each other-- romance doomed from the start--- right? I admit this was a guilty pleasure and if you get the chance join the club!
is to make him beg!
After he broke her heart, Mazie Tarleton is definitely immune to the charms of J.B. Vaughan. Now she has him right where she wants him and it's payback time--until a moment of white-hot desire takes them both by surprise! Suddenly, revenge is getting complicated. Maybe she can just say yes to a holiday fling...or is she already in way too deep?
I have to admit to a weakness for holiday romance and who can resist a story of a teenager in love and then grows up and still is in love with the same guy but neither knows quite how to deal with it! It doesn't help that there are multiple mental health issues in both families as well as medical issues with parents and that the siblings know each other-- romance doomed from the start--- right? I admit this was a guilty pleasure and if you get the chance join the club!
November 9, 2025
Personnages :
- Mazie Tarleton : Possède le magasin All that Glitters, personnage principal. Elle est amoureuse de JB.
- Jonathan Tarleton : Frère de Mazie et meilleur ami de JB.
- Hartley Tarleton : Frère de Mazie, il a disparu mais on ne saura pas pourquoi et où dans ce tome. Possiblement dans un tome second.
- Gérald Tarleton : Père de Mazie, Hartley et Jonathan.
- Jackson Beauregard Vaughan : Personnage masculin principal, il veut acheter le bâtiment dans lequel se trouve le magasin de Mazie pour pouvoir le rénover et mettre en place son projet. Il avait refusé de sortir avec Mazie quand ils étaient jeunes après que Jonathan son meilleur ami lui avait deconseille.
- Leila Vaughan : Soeur de JB
- Alana Vaughan : Soeur de JB
- Jane Vaughan : Mère de JB, elle fera une crise cardiaque et poussera Mazie et JB ensemble.
- Mazie Tarleton : Possède le magasin All that Glitters, personnage principal. Elle est amoureuse de JB.
- Jonathan Tarleton : Frère de Mazie et meilleur ami de JB.
- Hartley Tarleton : Frère de Mazie, il a disparu mais on ne saura pas pourquoi et où dans ce tome. Possiblement dans un tome second.
- Gérald Tarleton : Père de Mazie, Hartley et Jonathan.
- Jackson Beauregard Vaughan : Personnage masculin principal, il veut acheter le bâtiment dans lequel se trouve le magasin de Mazie pour pouvoir le rénover et mettre en place son projet. Il avait refusé de sortir avec Mazie quand ils étaient jeunes après que Jonathan son meilleur ami lui avait deconseille.
- Leila Vaughan : Soeur de JB
- Alana Vaughan : Soeur de JB
- Jane Vaughan : Mère de JB, elle fera une crise cardiaque et poussera Mazie et JB ensemble.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2018
This book had me hooked before I finished the first chapter. Saying "NO" is how it all starts out for one person due to be heartbroken at the young age of sixteen. When ones heart is involved things can change and very quickly. Admitting what your heart wants is another though. When that happens their could be fireworks or disappointment.
This book was not one I could put aside for I really needed to know how it would all come together, if at all.
You will not be disappointed with this great read and I cannot wait to read the next in the series. Janice Maynard did not disappoint me at all. Get your copy while you can!
This book was not one I could put aside for I really needed to know how it would all come together, if at all.
You will not be disappointed with this great read and I cannot wait to read the next in the series. Janice Maynard did not disappoint me at all. Get your copy while you can!
February 18, 2019
Blame It On Christmas is the first book that I have read by Janice Maynard but I will definitely be reading more. This is a story of friends to enemies to lovers and is also a beware how you treat someone because they may hold something you need in the future. Mazie's teenage heart was broken when she asked J.B. to a dance and he cruelly rejected her. He now wants to buy the building her business is in and she is making him pay. They are drawn together when an unexpected trauma happens in J.B.'s family. What starts as a ruse soon becomes real but past hurts must be healed first.
November 29, 2018
Blame it On Christmas by Janice Maynard is a must read second chance romance. I absolutely adored Mazie and J.B. they were meant to be. This couple has fought their feelings so long they have no idea they have been in love since they were teenagers. I guess this is what a frenemy relationship looks like.
J.B. may think he did them both a favor by turning Mazie down years ago but all he really done was keep them apart for a decade and make both of their lives harder.
J.B. may think he did them both a favor by turning Mazie down years ago but all he really done was keep them apart for a decade and make both of their lives harder.
December 14, 2018
The perfect Christmas romance! Mazie and J.B., long time family friends, shine in this enemies to lovers romance (with a second chance romance twist). Although Mazie doesn’t want to sell her jewelry business’ space to J.B., he puts up a fight that results in them locked in a confined space together. The entire book is sweet, and family-centric, and holiday-inspired. Read this one, you won’t regret it!
November 19, 2018
This book was good. At times throughout the book I lost interest a little bit but overall a good book. Looking forward to reading more books in this series.
September 15, 2019
JUST LOVE THIS SERIES....
October 15, 2022
Mazie and J B can't be together without a fire burning inside, but they can't be together either! An interesting story of love and romance
January 5, 2026
Good romance. Predictable and some spice. Ok. Written by Janice Maynard 😊
December 4, 2018
Blame it on Christmas is a cute, quick read, with themes most can identify with 1st crush, 1st heartbreak, 1st humiliation in love
Mazie Tarleton has loved J.B. Vaughan for years. When he refuses to attend her school dance, he hurts her and walks away. Unbeknownst to her, he’s doing what he thought was the honorable thing, the irrational pettiness begins. Years later, he’s a real estate developer and needs Mazie’s store to complete a real estate project. She decides to hold out to teach him a lesson. J.B takes Mazie another store he’d like to exchange for her store and they get stuck in the safe together. She comforts him because he has claustrophobia. His mom gets sick and is hospitalized, he arrives from dinner with Mazie and tells his mom their engaged to aid in her recovery and give her something to live for.
Mazie Tarleton has loved J.B. Vaughan for years. When he refuses to attend her school dance, he hurts her and walks away. Unbeknownst to her, he’s doing what he thought was the honorable thing, the irrational pettiness begins. Years later, he’s a real estate developer and needs Mazie’s store to complete a real estate project. She decides to hold out to teach him a lesson. J.B takes Mazie another store he’d like to exchange for her store and they get stuck in the safe together. She comforts him because he has claustrophobia. His mom gets sick and is hospitalized, he arrives from dinner with Mazie and tells his mom their engaged to aid in her recovery and give her something to live for.
April 23, 2020
Oh, whew! Thank you so much, Janice. I thought all my good DESIRES OG Authors died and went to Heaven on me.
This went back to the old school days. We actually had a great background story as to why our female MC, Mazie, wanted revenge on our male MC, J.B., so badly. My heart went out to her, in all seriousness.
What I didn't like was that J.B. kept instigating himself back into Maisie's life as if shit hadn't gone down between them years ago and HER heart hadn't been smashed to pieces. He works in real estate and wants to purchase this old building she has a business inside of. She's refusing to sell just on the fact that she still has a broken heart and can't forget that she dislikes him...or does she?
This was a nice, yet complicated Enemies-to-Lovers/fake relationship story forming around Christmas. We eventually have a moment where she cannot trust that HE has actually become serious about feelings or that he's genuine in turning their fakeness into truth. And it all goes back to when he flat-out rejected her when they were teenagers in high school.
As I said, I had a couple of issues I wished weren't here but overall I was glad to finally have a story that grew from a genuine Enemies-to-Lovers and gave enough time for them both to waver in their emotions where it wasn't too Instant but had shifted over time...and into a fake relationship.
There are two other books in this series, so I'm off to locate them, if possible.
This went back to the old school days. We actually had a great background story as to why our female MC, Mazie, wanted revenge on our male MC, J.B., so badly. My heart went out to her, in all seriousness.
What I didn't like was that J.B. kept instigating himself back into Maisie's life as if shit hadn't gone down between them years ago and HER heart hadn't been smashed to pieces. He works in real estate and wants to purchase this old building she has a business inside of. She's refusing to sell just on the fact that she still has a broken heart and can't forget that she dislikes him...or does she?
This was a nice, yet complicated Enemies-to-Lovers/fake relationship story forming around Christmas. We eventually have a moment where she cannot trust that HE has actually become serious about feelings or that he's genuine in turning their fakeness into truth. And it all goes back to when he flat-out rejected her when they were teenagers in high school.
As I said, I had a couple of issues I wished weren't here but overall I was glad to finally have a story that grew from a genuine Enemies-to-Lovers and gave enough time for them both to waver in their emotions where it wasn't too Instant but had shifted over time...and into a fake relationship.
There are two other books in this series, so I'm off to locate them, if possible.
November 26, 2018
Very good Christmas read. Mazie wants to make J.B. pay for hurting her when she was a teenager asking him to school dance and he broke her heart. He wants her property for a development he has going and she is bound and determined not to let him have it even if it is in need of major repairs.
He decides to try to convince her and they end up locked in bank vault and all bets are off. they go out on date and he gets news of his Mother's heart attack and rush to hospital. Wanting to give his Mom something to live for, he tells her that he and Mazie are engaged.
Mom is smarter than he thinks and turns table on him and they actually end up finding that they are in love.
I think I would have made him grovel a little more.
Look forward to Johnthan's story just hope it is not as sad as it sounds.
He decides to try to convince her and they end up locked in bank vault and all bets are off. they go out on date and he gets news of his Mother's heart attack and rush to hospital. Wanting to give his Mom something to live for, he tells her that he and Mazie are engaged.
Mom is smarter than he thinks and turns table on him and they actually end up finding that they are in love.
I think I would have made him grovel a little more.
Look forward to Johnthan's story just hope it is not as sad as it sounds.
Read
December 2, 2018Blame It On Christmas is the first book in Janice Maynard's new Southern Secrets series. We are introduced to the Tarleton and Vaughan families of Charleston. Mazie Tarleton has loved Jackson Beauregard (J.B.) Vaughan since they were teenagers. But, J.B. broke Mazie's heart and she has not forgiven him. Now that he needs something important from her, he will do anything to get her attention. Mazie is not so easily won over. When an unexpected incident throws them together, they discover their need for each other. Then a family emergency has J.B. telling lies and Mazie goes along with him. Since it's Christmas, J.B. only wants good things for Mazie but his foolish stubbornness may just ruin that idea. Will it be a Christmas to remember for them or one that they just soon forget?
I did receive an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
I did receive an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
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