"CJ Hunt delivers everything I love in small town romance—sexy heroes, sparky heroines and a warm, vibrant community you want to settle into." ~Dani Collins, USA Today Bestselling Author
GINGER LEWIS knows from personal experience that the world is full of bad and dangerous people. She’s been lucky enough to escape her rough past and cherishes her stable work family and lovable bulldog, Max. And she knows better than to try to rescue a stranger in a snowstorm. Especially one with a chiselled jaw, perfect stubble, and 1001 secrets behind those icy blue eyes.
ELI MURPHY, on the run and temporarily homeless, should be glad to spend the holidays stuck in the woods with no cell reception and no one who knows him. The isolation will allow him to regroup and plan his next move. But between the festive atmosphere, cozy cabin, and tempting fake girlfriend, Eli finds himself fantasizing about a future he doesn’t deserve. As the Reindeer Games draw to a close, he will have to come to terms with his mistakes or risk losing Ginger—and the chance to make a real home in Rivers End.
Welcome to Rivers End, where you can forget your troubles—for a little while…
While all the Rivers End stories can be read as standalones, you may want to read each mini-series in order to preserve any plot surprises and get the full picture of how the characters lives weave together! This is the suggested reading order:
The MacAllisters of Rivers End #1 - Silver Bells (Isaac + Jenna, Beginnings) available for FREE! #2 - Tipsy (Shannon + Lucas) #3 - Reindeer Games (Ginger + Eli) #4 - Wedding Bells (Isaac + Jenna, Happily Ever After)
Join the Rivers End Bookclub and get free, exclusive Rivers End romances, gossip and VIP bonus goodies: visit www.RiversEndBookclub.com for instant access.
Hey neighbour! I’m a lifelong fan of stories where everyone gets their happily-ever-after and have been a voracious reader of everything romance since I was tall enough to reach my mom’s bookshelf. I write small town romance with plenty of heart, humour and a dash of heat. Sometimes with a dash of magic, mystery or suspense.
C. J. Hunt has written a series of books set in Rivers End. Although there are different names for each series, the characters are shared throughout the stories. Most of the characters do not share today's typical stupid formula of not communicating when there's trouble or imagined trouble; instead are likable and realistic. All the books are well written, fast paced, interesting and have humor. Some of the books are clean; some have cursing or vulgar language; and/ have sex. Personally, I don't think the sex and vulgar language actually fit in with the sweetness and love that these romances share. I think the sexual tension is more important than what technique so-and-so used; plus written sex is boring. These are quickly read books and are perfect for a couple hours of relaxation.
The MacAllisters Series: Silver Bells #1 - Heartwarming and fun, and a magical Christmas time frame. A well written, funny, interesting small town romance. There's plenty of sexual tension, but the story is clean and fast paced. The characters are interesting, realistic and didn't do stupid dialog or actions. This should be an entertaining small town series. 4*
Tipsy #2 - Picks up the same week as Silver Bells ends, on New Year's eve. Well written and interesting with humor and set at a fast pace, along with likable characters. I didn't care that there was a lack of communication instead of a different form of creating a problem between the main characters. I didn't care for the sex and bad language and think clean works better for this story. That aside I like the story and with the addition of Oona, how The MacAllisters is connected to A Touch of Magic. 4*
Reindeer Games #3 - This cover is too cute.This book starts on Christmas day, where Silver Bells ended. Well written and interesting with the truth about a bad brother from another book. The pace is fast and the characters are believable and there's a dark side to some of them. I didn't care for the vulgar language, but the storylines are good. 4*
Wedding Bells #4 - This book picks up in May and adds to the story of the main characters from Silver Bells. Well written, likable characters and a fast pace make this a quick read. There's a little bit of suspense concerning one character, but it adds to the other storylines. I didn't care for the vulgar language; find it out of place. 4*
The Witches of River Bend Series: Merry #1 - We're still in Rivers End, but now there's a touch of magic in this story. This is a well written, funny and heartwarming romance set in a small town. The characters were interesting and had realistic dialog. The cousins are a lot of fun and give good gifts. I didn't care for the infrequent vulgar language, that started with mild cussing; it felt out of place in this type of story. Same with the explicit sex; it was awkward and boring, as is all written sex to me, boorrring. Sexual tension is so much more interesting. I did enjoy the magical potion and think it was a good mix of romance with witches. Since this is my third book by this author and first of the "touch of magic", I hope there's more. 4*
Oona #2 - Another well written romance concerning a witch, with a bakery, and an architect. Interesting and fast pace with likable characters, and lots of happenings. 4*
Ginger Lewis faces a dilemma when she finds a man stranded by the side of the road in the middle of a snowstorm. He’s wearing a funny hat and a smile she can’t deny. With her trusty bulldog Max at her side, she lets the guy into her truck, not realizing her life is about to change. The stranger, Eli, is in need of temporary shelter and Ginger can offer that. Also, there’s no way for Eli to get back down to civilization, so he’s stuck with Ginger and her co-workers as they embark on a tradition of games leading to the ultimate prize for ten thousand dollars split between the couple who win. Five thousand dollars would go a long way to help Eli as he deals with his problems.
We first saw Eli in the book Silver Bells, so he’s familiar – and not in a good way. He’s Jenna’s younger brother and he’s a screw-up. Or so we believe. He’s always hitting Jenna up for money, not really realizing the impact this has on his sister. Him ‘borrowing’ her car is undoubtedly the last straw.
What Eli discovers at the cabin is a group of people who are welcoming and willing to take him at face value – that he is, essentially, a good guy. Fake boyfriend is one of my favorite tropes and Ginger and Eli put up a good front, while Eli sleeps on the couch. His little adventure with Max shows he has a good heart. When real life intrudes, he admits he needs help. He respects Ginger too much to involve her. He doesn’t want her to know how much of a mess he’s made of his life. So he admits everything to Ginger’s boss, laying it on the line. Turns out the boss has some friends who are more than willing to step up and help.
Instead of facing Ginger, Eli runs again. He’s doing it to clean up the mess he’s made, but she’s hurt nonetheless. She doesn’t understand why he walked away. Having been through an abusive relationship, she instinctively knows Eli is no threat. So why did he leave?
This is a redemption story. How one man can face his demons and become a better person. Would he have turned his life around without meeting Ginger and her found family? Doubtful. Until Ginger, he’d only had Jenna and he’d used her over and over again, leaving her with no choice but to turn on him. Thanks to Ginger, even that relationship might get a second chance.
Sarah Grant is a different narrator from the other books in the series but since most of these characters have not previously appeared in Rivers End, it works. She does a great job and I enjoyed the performance. This was a great little book, especially good around the Christmas season and I’m glad I listened to it.
I've been following this series for a while now and if I'm not mistaken, I've read all of the books so far. Or at least I think I have. I'll have to check later *smiles*
He's running from his problems, creating bad blood with his sister and all because he tried to do the right thing and ended up being screwed... and because he's a fool for not telling the truth to the people that he really cared about, like his sister. He was the guy that didn't believe in hopes and dreams. Why bother when you knew you will end up disappointed in the end? The time he spends on Rivers End will open his eyes and make him take the path to become the better man.
She's living a good life now, after being able to recover from her own abusive past. It's been years since she was rescued from an abusive relationship and now she was happy living on her own, with her loyal companion, Max. That little dog was spoiled but it was also the one that helped her thru those rough times. Now she was wary of becoming involved in a relationship with anyone, but Eli... he was a challenge to her control.
Eli and Ginger come together during the holidays and changed each other in ways that were beautiful and funny to watch. What were you expecting when you include a cute little short dog like Max?
The plot was simple but relatable. I have to say that CJ Hunt has a great ability to write stories that touch people in sweet ways, at least she has done it with me. Also, it sometimes feels like you're watching a movie or reading someone's journal, especially with the holiday theme surrounding everything.
What I liked the most in this book was the fact that there was no easy way out for Eli's problems. He will have to work to solve them even though things ended on a happy note for him and Ginger. I don't see bad weather coming their way but I liked it because it felt realistic.
I would recommend this book and any book from this series so far. I think they are great companions, especially for a cozy night with a hot cup of cocoa and a good book, this one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I am so happy that Jenny's brother comes clean. Stealing his sister's car and just being an overall douche made me think he was just a shit stain of a brother who spoils Christmas in Silver Bells, BUT to my excitement lo and behold Reindeer Games is about his own romance with Ginger and he's changed for the better! We find out that he isn't just a compulsive gambler who hates his life, who gets himself involved in some shady business deal with the likes of Russo that he has to borrow and beg to pay the money he owes him. Only 20,000 in 5,000 installments with interest *coughs
No. I mean Eli Murphy is one heck of a lucky guy to have found the kind of people who would bail him out of the trouble he was in. He had Justin and Gareth and GND Security to thank for saving his sorry ass and catching the bad guys. I don't want to hear any more about Russo mmk?
Ginger has a lot of emotional baggage as well. She was left orphaned and abused by her foster father (I think) There isn't much background detail about it and I am glad because I don't want to hear about her abuse but she doesn't have much luck with the choices she makes in men. However, she seems to have a lot of good people around her, like Justin.
I was so excited when I heard about the Reindeer Games and that Eli + Ginger was a team. It didn't turn out the way I expected but the story was still HEA and that made me happy :) Thanks, CJ Hunt for spreading joy at Christmas.
Max, the adorable dog on the cover, steals the show in this book. Ginger and Eli are both folks who know all about bad family backgrounds, poor choices and hitting rock bottom. Ginger , with the help of the people in Rivers End, claws her way out of the pit. Eli, who is hard to like at first, is still at the bottom and still making bad decisions. When Ginger rescues Eli in a snowstorm and gives him a second chance and more, he starts to learn about the healing power of friends and small towns. Ginger's "work family" at the gaming company welcome Eli to their Christmas celebration and Reindeer Games. Eli thinks he is competing for the prize money, which he desperately needs The book is full of humor and there is an especially hilarious scene where Max the dog takes Eli on a wild chase on a frozen pond. The book is part of the series about Rivers End but stands alone. You will want to read all the books though and keep up with the wonderful characters. I volunteered to read and review an advanced copy.
Ginger works with her friends helping women and children get away abusive situations and she is running late for her holiday party for the week of Christmas till new years. Eli is running from the mob in his sister's stolen car and then he crashes the car and is freezing to death when ginger pulls up and offers him a ride and when she finds out he has nowhere to go she takes him to her party. They start to bond and form feelings and then he makes a comment about the money and she says he's just t Like Clint and walks away and then he goes to her boss Justin and tells him everything and he helps him and then gives him a job and ginger gives him a second chance. When Eli and Ginger are on a date the cops come and arrest him and his sister is leading the way but Ginger stays behind and talks to Jenna the sister and months later she finally talks to her brother and slowly start to trust each other again.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Both Eli and Ginger have had there fare share of trouble and bad childhoods its shaped them in different was Ginger has had some bad relationships and not willing to get disappointed again Eli has managed to hurt those closest to him and make bad personal decisions. Ginger helps other who have had similar troubles get a new lease on life and away from dangerous people. Eli has managed to make enemies of some very dangerous people all to help a friend out. Now hes on the run looking to start over. Ginger and Max the adorable Bulldog meet Eli when hes hit rock bottom hes taken his sister's car and disappointed his sister once again. Now hes out in the snow with nowhere to go. Ginger decides to help him out even though she dosen't know what secrets Eli is keeping. Ginger envies him to her company Christmas party. With a little romance a wet dog there will be a chance for a happy ending.
I really enjoyed this book by C. J. Hunt and look forward to reading others. I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
All though this book is part of the River's End it can be read as a total stand alone and you will have no trouble following it at all.
Ginger has had a bad life her family situation has never been good but with her friends at her gaming job and her work at a women's refuge she is finally finding her place in life. She totally believes in giving people new beginnings. Eli is just starting his transition to a better life he has got himself into major trouble by helping a friend. When Ginger finds Eli broken down at the side of the road literally freezing to death she not only rescues him but takes him with her to her works Christmas party there he is involved in Reindeer games and the rescue of Max the dog(the most hilarious Scene) things heat up between these two but before they can have a future he will also have to face his past and make peace with his sister luckily Ginger believes in second chances
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I absolutely LOVE all of C.J.Hunts books, she is brilliant! I’ve gotta say that I absolutely LOVE the cover of this book, AWE!!! I fell in love with Ginger’s character, she is such a sweet, caring and noble woman with a huge heart. I love that her boss watches over her and that all of Justin's employees are close. I was kinda skeptical about Eli at first with how he was with his sister, but the more I got to know Eli the more I loved him. He is such an amazing guy in this book and he definitely deserved a second chance. I loved to watch Eli grow from a lost soul to finding what he really wanted; and finding a place he belongs. This book is full of suspense, mystery, friendship and deceit. The chemistry between Eli and Ginger is sweet and adorable. I loved the banter between Max, Eli and Ginger. Their story will make you want to bash Eli and love him at the same time, and laugh so hard it hurts. It’s a great read!
It is Christmas. Eli Murphy has a streak of bad luck - and all because he wanted to help his neighbor. When he is asking his sister for help she refuses to help him out.To not make the situation worse for her he "borrows" her car, but in the mountains he loses track and crashes the car. Ginger, on her way to the company Christmas Vacation House, finds him and brings him along, as she cannot leave him behind in the snow. While playing games and competing against her colleagues they fall hard for each other. But Ginger holds back, as she knows he keeps a secret and Eli needs to clear the mess before he can really persue Ginger. Help comes unexpected and leads to the expected happy end. A fun Christmas story of second chances and redemption. A lovely read. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Now I better understand why the “evil brother” in the first book was a pretty nebulous evil. He needed to be redeemed in this one, so he couldn’t be full-out villain. Eli’s running from some bad decisions and his past as a screw-up isn’t doing him any favors. Ginger’s history means she’s more sensitive to bad decisions, it just doesn’t always mean that she makes better ones. I both loved and hated that this book wasn’t the same kind of giggle-fest as the previous books. It has a more serious tone – though it still has plenty of fun moments – which meant I was quickly invested in what was going on with these characters. But I was missing a little of the over-the-top silliness of the earlier stories. I still can’t wait to read more about the quirky inhabitants of Rivers End. I received a complimentary copy of this book through Hidden Gems Books.
REINDEER GAMES is a sweet romance with lots of heart. Both Eli and Ginger have lived through rough childhoods and hurt filled personal experiences. Their pasts have left them wary of getting emotionally involved with others. Eli is on the run after unknowingly getting involved with a dangerous group of people. While trying to find a way out if his situation, Eli has alienated his sister and is now on his own. A chance meeting with Ginger has Eli wanting to do better, be better so he and Ginger can have a shot at a future together. Read this well-written, quick and easy story to discover how this couple’s relationship evolves. Oh, and you might just fall in love with Ginger’s adorable bulldog Max!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Eli Isa mess no matter how he tries to do the right thing, it backfires and he ends up in trouble. This time it's big trouble and could bring trouble to his sister and her friends. So Eli does what his mother taught him and runs. Ginger her life has been a mess, but she has turned it around with the help of Anne and her boss Justin. She findy a car off the side of the road in the snow, but no one is there. She finds Eli standing in the road as she is driving, it's Christmas she can't leave him there he will freeze. What happens will make you laugh, cry and jump for joy several times over.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
a drooling bulldog may not be your idea of cupid, especially in a winter wonderland, but this sweetie does her own thing -until she takes a stroll into the lake to get Eli and Ginger together
turns out he does have a nose for trouble himself, but he really is trying to get himself together - and help a neighbor, when he lands himself in trouble paying a debt for that neighbor
can he still get the girl, the dog, a job, and maybe a bit of self respect back?
maybe with the help of a few new friends.
fun and challenges in romance and in life
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Eli has been a screw up most of his life and a big disappointment to his sister more times than he can count. He is now on the run from some bad guys he owes money to and his sister refuses to help so he heads to the mountains as a getaway until he can figure things out and that is where he meets Ginger and her dog Max. She tries to help him but she also knows he is hiding something from her and when things go crazy it is her boss who steps up to help him. Lots of complications and twist to this romance but well worth the read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
An enjoyable cute short story with small town healing powers, romance, healing, love, humor, and second chances. Ginger is recovering from being resued from an abusive relationship and now helping others due the same. Eli still running from mob in sister's stolen car is rescued and welcomed in the town and given a second chance and help working thru his past. Sparks are set on fire between these two as they change each other in ways that were beautiful and funny to watch. Lots of complications and twist to this romance on their way to redemption and a HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I absolutely love Max the adorable bulldog/cupid! Great writing, a sweet love story about two people in need of a second chance and an adorable bulldog make this a fun entertaining read. I must admit it has been a while since I read the first two books in the series so I reread them before starting Reindeer Games. Although each book can be read as a standalone if you want the full story about Rivers End I highly recommend you read Silver Bells(book 1) and Tipsy(book 2). I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Two slightly broken people just trying to make their lives better. Ginger has created a new life in Rivers End with her dog Max and the people who helped her through her tough times. Eli has a good heart but gets involved in situations way above his ability to cope. So much so that he damages his relationship with his sister. He portrays himself as mean and conscienceless, so that she can’t see how petrified he is.
The good people of Rivers End help bring about a satisfying conclusion to the story.
Eli Murphy can not get it together. He tries to help a friend but gets caught up in trouble. Ginger Lewis has overcome a rough past and believes in giving people a second chance. Can he make the most of it and can they make it work? I love this series, it is wonderfully written an has a great story line.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
She is now happy with her job and her bulldog. She has managed to get away from a bad start in her life. Life seems good for a change. He appears and he finds her house. Now he will have time to sort things out in his mind. Now he has to make a choice. Will he tell her everything? Will he stay? Follow their adventures
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Reindeer Games is a wonderful addition to the River's End series as well as being a stand-alone book. It is beautifully written with great characters and just the right combination of serious and and humour. The reindeer games themselves are simply brilliant. This is Ginger and Eli's story but Max is the star of the book for me. I definitely recommend this book, I loved it. I received an Advance Reader copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Welcome to Rivers End, where you can forget your troubles—for a little while… Can I please get more of this series? Because I think I'm obsessed by now. The H and h have had a rough childhood and upbringing which makes the building of their relationship that much sweeter
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Take an intriguing young woman. Add an adorable round, short legged bulldog. Throw in a fugitive from an underworld boss and you have the makings of an adventure/romance that will keep the pages turning to the end and your heartstrings humming long after.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
C.J. Hunt does it again! The interactions of Eli, Ginger, and if course Max are great. I love how the author keeps you wondering about Eli until almost the end....is he a dangerous jerk or is there a real teddy bear under that wall he's built around himself? My only complaint was I wanted more story, lol! Prepare to stay up late with this great read.
This was short and cute. Max the dog stole the book and was so adorable. Ginger and Eli connected quickly after she rescued him from the cold after he wrecked his sister's car. He was able to gain redemption and a second chance which was really nice. Reindeer Games they played was a cute idea and sounded fun. The romance I wish was a little more developed, but it was good for a holiday novella.
The season of Christmas is always a good time for second chances. This book is about making mistakes, correcting those mistakes and getting second chances. Don't we all deserve second chances once in a while? A touching story about what we all know as "life".
This is my honest and unbias opinion of the story. This is a wonderful story to read about a dog. I love reading about animals, I highly recommend this story to anyone who loves animals.