GRR Reviews Christmas with the Captain by Holly Stevenson

Emmett has plenty of wealth, but it seems all women turned into golddiggers after meeting him, esp. his ex, who's model gorgeous but heart-less. When chance put him as just himself in front of caterer Grace (whose food is amazing), and she did not recognize him, he decided to take it a step further and claimed he's the yacht captain for the billionaire (instead of the billionaire himself). He really is a qualified captain (aka ship master), so it's not exactly a lie. And Grace, usually the shy sister, loved Emmett's attention, and his access to "modest" wealth and adventure, including the use of "his boss' sailboat". But coming off a bad relationship herself, she recoiled when Emmett's joke about being a playboy backfired. He finally smoothed that over for her to show at the Christmas party cruise where he planned to come clean when his vengeful ex derailed that too...

It's basically "undercover billionaire". The chef's situation could have been planted better, IMHO. 4/5

GRR Reviews Her Flyboy Billionaire Boss by Holly Stevenson

Kate enjoys being a flight attendant, but with her father recently suffered a stroke, not even her salary is enough to cover his long-term care and rehab. When Kate was suddenly offered a position as a corporate flight attendant, at THREE TIMES her current salary, she can't refuse. But one look at her boss, the company CEO Lincoln Pierce, and her heart goes pitter-patter. Linc was desperate when his existing attendant is retiring to hug her grandbabies. Kate would be a perfect replacement until he realized he wanted her... but Kate, desperate to hold on to the job, decided a romp with the boss is a VERY bad way to advance her career. Is it stormy skies ahead for this couple?

Not bad, good push-pull, and plenty of reluctance in the romance, with a bit of hot-and-cold, but reasonable. Having the prince as a complication leading to grand gesture was a good twist but he's introduced very late. The grand gesture, however, is right on the mark.

Category: Contemporary

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

NOTE: Tropes are now in the "Labels" below.

GRR Reviews Hope For Christmas by Holly Stevenson

Hope, a popular yoga instructor for MyHeartChannel, has a special engagement for a week in the resort at Pine Ridge Colorado, teaching lessons to live students instead of merely to a camera. Owen is an ex-marine who lost his best buddy to war and still suffers from PTSD. He would have never come until his mother dragged him there, hoping yoga would help him calm himself. When a creepy guy confronted Hope after a session, Owen stepped in as pretend boyfriend/bodyguard. But Owen was convinced he's broken, and not worthy of Hope. Yet Hope is drawn to the protective yet gentle Owen... But when circumstances seem to conspire against them... It will take a miracle, and some Hope... for this Christmas to go right.

The stalker situation is okay, though repeating the same gag (security showed up just late enough to apologize) is a bit "meh". It also seems they missed a charge... Assault with a deadly weapon. IMHO, the sudden on/off hot/cold by Owen could have been handled a little better, but I guess it was there to plant doubt in Hope's heart. But why does Hope seem to have low self-esteem for herself that she cannot trust Owen, and decided to treat Owen's attitude as a betrayal not merely once, but twice?

Category: Contemporary

Overall Rating: 4/5

NOTE: Tropes are now in the "Labels" below.