Wherever the Wind Takes Us by Kelly Harms

After 22 years of mostly unhappy marriage, Becca has had enough. She only stayed so long for the sake of their 21 year old daughter Liv. Her husband, Alistair Larkan, and his family firm defend the worst criminals and she's determined to live penniless rather than depend on his dirty money. The only thing she takes away from the divorce is his beloved sailboat Becky Ann.

When she stops in at the marina looking to sell she meets sexy, younger, and Irish Grant Murphy who convinces her to sell it herself and arrange transport to get the most money from the sale. Maine to Miami shouldn't be so hard right? Only problem...she can't sail. Liv agrees to help and they spend the first part of the journey terrified, seasick, and behind schedule. Liv calls Grant to take over and then ditches them, but the sailing for the rest of the trip is like night and day. He's a sailing instructor and makes everything they'd struggled with seem effortless, teaching her along the way to enjoy and fall in love with the sport... and him. But can she really drop everything for the impossible dreams he weaves for their future?

I love how Becca finds her true self out on the water, becoming a brave confident woman willing to take what she wants rather than settle for "crumbs". I hated how she kept justifying Liv's actions as being young, or a Larkan, or stuck between them in the divorce. Liv was a horrible, entitled, and selfish character that I couldn't stand and I was so glad she abandoned Becca with Grant.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Twenty- One Nights in Paris by Leonie Mack

Ren has been engaged to her childhood friend Charlie for awhile before he suddenly broke it off for another woman. A merger between their two companies had been planned after the wedding, so Charlie says he'll keep their split quiet for six months, but his jealous girlfriend leaks the news early. Ren was at the Ritz in Paris when the news hit and she's determined to take a break away from the fallout. Sacha literally ran into her when she needed him most. She offers him money to play her inappropriate boyfriend to shock her overbearing grandmother into giving her a few weeks away from the drama. Suddenly the romance of Paris makes their fake relationship feel all to real.

I've never been to Paris, but the descriptions of the city were wonderful and made me feel like I was experiencing it along with Ren. Sacha made such a sexy, confident, and informative tour guide. He's patient with her sheltered and naive approach to everything. She's an heiress, but I like that she didn't look down on him growing up in the poor district and fit in with his family better than her own. This was a cute story that gives you the spirit of Christmas and the sparkle of Paris.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.