December eBook: 5 Magnificent Reads for Your Digital Library
December’s roundup of eBooks that are perfect for a mesmerizing winter reading experience. These will keep you entertained for days on end this season.
Jameson by Rae B. Lake
Jameson Nothing matters. Nothing but my brothers and my club. Those are the only two things in my life I give a damn about. My ex made sure I’d never trust another woman and Celine is no exception. Problem is... she doesn’t trust me either. After being taken, groomed, and forced to be Thomas’ newest plaything I can understand why. I saw her strength on the edge of a river, hands cuffed, in a ripped dress, as she fought for her life, and she hasn’t stopped fighting since. My president has given the order to protect her until we get the threat under control, but that means I have to let Celine into the darkest parts of me. What I wasn’t expecting was for her to make herself at home, and now I can’t let her go.
In Her Father's Shadow by Quinn Avery
Sienna Rivers’s aspirations for a normal childhood came crashing down the night they discovered her father was a serial killer. Once her mother’s illusion of a perfect family is destroyed, Sienna is sent to live with the only other “family” she knows. After a lifetime of living with her mother’s perfection and rules, Sienna (now going by “Rowan”) struggles to find a new kind of normal in the tranquil seaside town of Blue Bay. Nightmares, paranoia, guilt, and a mistrust in men weigh her down as she navigates her way into adulthood, forging important friendships that will shape who she becomes. Once she takes the first leap toward her dream career, she’ll unknowingly seal a fate that will circle back to her father’s transgressions. When she finally allows herself to form the most important relationship of her life with a man who earns her trust, however, a new level of terror will arise…
The Bareback Cowboy by Melanie Munton
He might be one of the best riders in the world, but she’ll give him the buck of his life. WOULD YOU RATHER… Go through your entire life without ever falling in love? OR… Have a rough-and-tumble cowboy stomp all over your heart with his sharpened spurs before riding off into the sunset like John f***ing Wayne? Yeah, that happened. And frankly, I knew better. All cowboys are trouble. I’ve grown up around them my entire life, so I know how they operate. I’ve broken some of the toughest horses in the business. But for some reason, I found this thoroughbred impossible to resist. A lot of good it did me too. Nothing but tears and comfort eating in the aftermath. Suddenly, after a year away with no phone calls or texts to show for it, he’s back. He thinks we can pick up where we left off. But I’ve got news for him: His eight seconds with me are already up. Little do I know, there’s a reason why he’s come back. And it’s the absolute last thing I expect.
Merry & Bright by Ainsley St Claire
Christmas looks bleak until my fake boyfriend comes to my rescue, but now I'm at risk of really falling for him. Grace: I work two jobs and barely make ends meet. San Francisco is expensive, but I do what I love. My father demands that I move home to Houston. But this French accented God steps in and tells one simple lie that turns my world upside down. "She's my girlfriend and we're in love." Vincent: I've never liked bullies. This sweet southern delight's father will not hear no. I can't let him force her to move. She's far too interesting. What starts as my protective nature, quickly evolves into more. I quickly realize all I want for Christmas is my Southern Belle.
How To Rope A Valiant Cowboy by Anya Summers
Retired Navy Seal Duncan has a stellar set up. After years of covert operations dodging bullets, he’s living the high life, teaching tourists basic outdoor survival skills at Silver Springs Ranch. The only thing he is evading these days are the countless women trying to trap him into a relationship. He enjoys women and their company immensely, but the institute of marriage and committed relationships are not for him. And yet the newest maid, Eve, leaves him stymied. She’s heart-stoppingly gorgeous, one of the worst maids he has ever encountered, and is holding on to dark secrets—ones that engage his every need to protect and shield her from whatever darkness eats at her. She’s a total thorn in his side, turning him inside out and tying him up in knots with unquenchable desire. Due to the severity of his fascination, he cuts a wide berth around her, figuring it’s best to stay as far away from her as possible… Until she comes to him one night and begs him to teach her self-defense. Duncan discovers he can’t contain his need any longer, not when she is looking to him for guidance—and like his every fantasy come to life. He yearns to have her on her knees, begging for his dominance. And when she becomes a target, he will do whatever it takes to save her.
5-Ingredient Peppermint Bark
This layered peppermint bark is a delectable blend of semisweet chocolate, white chocolate, and peppermint. Semisweet, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate can be used.
Prep: 20 mins Cook: 10 mins Additional: 2 hrs Total: 2 hrs 30 mins Servings: 20 Yield: 1 1/4 pounds
Ingredients
8 ounces high-quality semisweet chocolate, broken into pieces 2 teaspoons canola oil, divided ½ teaspoon peppermint extract, divided 8 ounces high-quality white chocolate, broken into pieces 25 peppermint candies, crushed
Directions
Step 1 - Lightly grease a 9x9 inch pan and line with waxed paper, smoothing out wrinkles; set aside. Step 2 - Place the semisweet chocolate and 1 teaspoon of the canola oil in the top of a double boiler over just barely simmering water, stirring frequently and scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula to avoid scorching. When the chocolate is melted, stir in 1/4 teaspoon of the peppermint extract. Step 3 - Pour the melted chocolate into the prepared pan, and spread evenly over the bottom of the pan. Sprinkle half of the crushed peppermints over the chocolate layer. Refrigerate until completely hardened, about 1 hour. Step 4 - Place the white chocolate and the remaining 1 teaspoon canola oil in the top of a double boiler over just barely simmering water, stirring frequently and scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula to avoid scorching. When the chocolate is melted, stir in the remaining 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract. Step 5 - Pour the white chocolate directly over the semisweet chocolate layer; spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining crushed candy over the top and gently press in. Refrigerate until completely hardened. Remove from pan; break into small pieces to serve. Nutrition Facts Per Serving: 190 calories; protein 1.5g; carbohydrates 30.3g; fat 7.7g; cholesterol 2.4mg; sodium 17.2mg.