Wanted: Mom for Christmas by Lee Kilraine
Cates Brothers 5.5

Second chance at love for an Olympic medalist and a small town cop that were once high school sweethearts – will they find a HEA – probably ;)

Nora Joy had a no good very bad day that continued downhill with one hit after another until she felt she had hit rock bottom – and then – a job in her old hometown appeared as if by magic. She grabbed the job with both hands and headed to Climax, North Carolina to become rent-a-mom to the children of Jackson “Hawk” Savage. Henry Lee “HL”, at eight, is active, fun loving and desires a mother for Christmas while his sister, ten year old Heather, is quiet and shy and just his opposite.

Nora is competitive by nature so being the best rent-a-mom she can be is her goal. Sparks definitely fly as chemistry that once existed is found to still thrive. The holiday spirit, family, competition, doing one’s best, communication, grief, magic and more are part and parcel in this delightful holiday romance.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Lyrical Shine for the ARC – This is my honest review.

3-4 Stars

I absolutely LOVED this story!! It's so sweet, fun, and perfect for the holiday season. It's wonderfully written and you will fall in love with these characters.

Nora Joy has had a rough time lately. First her Olympic dreams are on hold due to an injury she's not sure she can come back from. Then her boyfriend and her best friend and teammate betray her. The cherry on top of her craptastic life? Her manager/mother has gone through all the money she's gotten from various endorsements and she's not only broke but deeply in debt. Returning to her hometown and working as a Nanny seems like her easiest choice. That is until she meets the family she's working for. The kids seem nice enough and HL and Heather are as cute as can be. The dad - no way could this be her high school boyfriend Hawke Savage. Or could it?

Don't miss this one. I highly recommend it.

4.5 Star review of Wanted: Mom for Christmas (Cates Brothers #5.5) by Lee Kilraine
Lee Kilraine is a new author to me. Recently I have found myself gravitating to stories of single dads and when I saw the premise for this story I jumped at the chance to read.

Although not a particularly long story and part of a series, (I didn’t know that when I requested) I had no difficulty reading Wanted: Mom for Christmas.

Hawke Savage is a single dad of two, daughter Heather who is 10 and son Henry Lee (call me HL) who is 8. My heart just about broke for these children, probably as my father died when I was 9, I can empathise with the story line.

Essentially this is a second chance at love story for Hawke Savage and teenage girl-freight Nora Joy suddenly re appears in his life as a Rent-A-Mom.
I loved this heat warming and sensitive tale about a little boy who desperately wants a Mom for Christmas. I will admit at times I was moved to shed a few tears as this was an emotional read for me. Having said that, this was one of those books I didn't want to put down and I was annoyed when real life got in the way of finishing the book..
Hawke struggles, particularly with the fact that Heather is moving towards puberty and he feels like a failure as he tries to manoeuvre through such a challenging time in a young girls life, often feeling he has failed his children.
I loved the inter-action of Nora and Hawke and Nora and the children. The Savage family made me laugh and cry, the story line was moving and handled well and I so enjoyed this book that I am going to look into the other books in the series as soon as I can find some spare time.
I received a copy of this book through the publisher via Netgalley.

This is a fairly new author for me but I LOVED this story so much. Its a perfect holiday read and has a little santa magic in it. Hawke's wife died many years ago and all of sudden when he struck with the flu, the door rings and its Nora, his high school ex who has been hired as his rent a mom for his two kids.

Nora, has lost everything. Her manager/mother spent all her money, she has an injury and can't continue on her olympic dreams and her best friend stole her man. Thats when she gets a job offer from rent a a mom and she grabs it.

This book was sweet, romantic, things move very fast and it had a lot of warm family moments. I loved it very much and only wish it was longer, though it gives you a very full story.

5 STARS!!!
This was a sweet quick read story about a single father and the woman that once got away. It is set during Christmas which adds a special element to the story and got me in the mood for the holiday since I could actually picture them decorating the house, getting a new Christmas tree, etc. I thought the children being in the story helped tie the couple together. And I, of course, always love a good epilogue. Completely worth reading and learning more about Hawk and HL (since they were mentioned in previous books).

I had not read any books by this author, and was drawn to the title, so what better time to get started.
Well, I absolutely fell in love with the story, Nora, and the Savage family, Hawk, H.L. and Heather.
The story centers around Hawk Savage and Nora Joy. Hawk is a cop in the town Nora grew up in and also her first love. He is also a widower with two adorable kids. Nora, an Olympic medal winner, is struggling after a shoulder surgery that might affect her career, has dumbed her cheating boyfriend, and also found out her mother mismanaged her earnings. When an ad for a Rent A Mom appears, she decides to leave California and go to Climax, NC, the town she spent most of her youth in and where she fell in love for the first time.
Little did she know that she was going to meet once again, Hawk and his kids.
It’s a story about second chances, about the complexities of creating a family, about family values ,about the miracle of Christmas and last, but not least, about love and not giving up even when the going gets tough.
A heartwarming and touching story and one that allowed me to discover a very talented author.
I was gifted this copy by Netgalley and the publisher. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

You can tell the plot of this sweet Christmas story just from the title. It starts out with a common opening from romance novels when the heroine, professional beach volleyball player Nora loses her career, finds out her boyfriend is cheating on her with her supposed best friend, and loses all her money all in the same day. After this less than propitious start to her day, she eventually answers an ad to be a Rent-a-Mom to two children and their widower father who just happens to be her first boyfriend.

The kids are adorable and their father is is a hunky fireman. Everyone falls for everyone and it’s all quite sweet and lovely. If you’re in the mood for some Christmas romantic magic, this romance novel will fill the bill.

I was given a free ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is my first book by Lee Kilraine.

What I liked:
The writing style
The characters
The humor
Part of a series: Cates Brothers
Standalone
HEA

I look forward to reading more from this author.

Wanted: Mom For Christmas is book 5.5 in the Cates Brothers Series but it can be read as a standalone, how do I know this well Lee Kilraine is a new author to me and I really enjoyed this sweet Christmas story. I’m a sucker for Christmas stories and this one really touched my heart so much so I will be looking into the other books in the series, what’s not to love about second chance romance, a single dad and two adorable children. This story captivated me and I read it in one sitting, I loved the characters, I loved the story I loved how this author described what it must be like to lose your spouse and be bringing up two children alone, how protective you become but also the hurdles you face as a single dad of a young girl that’s growing up. Great holiday read

Christmas is coming to Climax, North Carolina—and it’s delivering an unexpected second chance right to Hawk Savage’s door…

For small-town cop and single dad Hawk Savage, Christmas tends to be more hassle and worry than mistletoe and magic. His daughter, Heather, is ten going on teenager, while his son, Henry Lee, has decided he needs a mommy, ASAP. HL’s constant matchmaking is enough to break a father’s heart, but Hawk has a more immediate problem. His high-school girlfriend, Nora Joy, just arrived on his doorstep, claiming to be his family’s new Rent-A-Mom. He sure didn’t hire her, but he can’t turn Nora’s admittedly shapely tush out on the street.

Sidelined by injury, Olympic medal-winning volleyball player Nora receives a mysterious Rent-A-Mom job offer just when her finances, and her spirits, are at an all-time low. True, she’s not much for cooking. Or housekeeping. Still, it’s hard to resist Hawk’s children…and Hawk himself has changed from the lanky teenager she once knew to a strong, steady, very tempting man.

Christmas in Climax is shaping up to be full of surprises. But the biggest one of all might be the happy-ever-after that a little boy’s Christmas wish can bring…

After Nora finds her boyfriend in bed with her best friend she heads to her mom’s home to talk things out. She doesn’t get a whole lot of sympathy and then finds out that her mother has not only spent all of Nora’s money but has put her in great debt as well. Nora’s not sure she’ll still be able to play volleyball for a living so sets out to find a job for herself. This proves harder than it looks. She finally gets an email from someone offering her a job as a Rent-A-Mom. Nora has no experience and her mother was a horrible role model so of course, she takes the jobs. Beggars can’t be choosers, right?

Nora heads from California to her hometown of Climax, North Carolina to meet the family she’s going to play mom to. There’s 7-year-old Henry Lee aka HL and 10-year-old Heather and then there’s their hot father, Hawk. Nora doesn’t really get a good look at Hawk because when she arrives at the house he’s sick with the flu. Nora nurses him back to health with the help of the kids and all is well until he is coherent. He realizes that the Rent-A-Mom is Nora, his girlfriend from 11th grade, and as hot as he thinks she is, he never ordered a Rent-A -Mom. Events play out so that Hawk and the kids end up inviting Nora to stay until Christmas and this gives them all a chance to get to know each other and worm into each other’s hearts.

This was a very cute novella. Nora and Hawk’s relationship from high school was sweet and their separation was sad. I was happy that they got another chance with each other in the end.

Heather and HL were adorable kids who had their own personalities. HL was outgoing and competitive and Heather was quiet and shy. The pair were so opposite but they got along well. Heather was a little leery at first with Nora, as she should be, but HL was all in. These kids were just wonderful and I loved reading about them breaking out of their previous lives and inviting Nora in.

This was a lovely Christmas story and a complete standalone in the series. I haven’t read any of the other books in the Cates Brothers series but didn’t feel like I was missing any information.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

This will post as a guest review on Book Binge.
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Nora is in need of a new life after her old one dumped her. Nora's boyfriend and best friend/teammate left together taking her mother/manager with them. All her money is gone and unless she makes some big changes, her hopes for her career are gone. An online job search finds her going back to her home town and reconnecting with a long lost love.

Hawk, Heather, and Henry Lee are making their single parent family work but something is definately missing. When a Rent-a-Mom shows up unexpectedly Hawk doesn't know who to blame or thank.

Perfect book capturing the spirit of the holidays. This is full of competition, laughter and hope.

The name of the town is actually distracting. Climax, North Carolina. I have not read the others in the series yet. This is 5.5 so I plan on going back to the beginning.

This is actually my very first read from this author and I AM NOT DISAPPOINTED!!! I'm actually questioning myself why I missed this. Because this is exactly what I needed after being burnt out reading dark books. Yep! A light but definitely sweet romance is what this book is.

You'll be sure to enjoy this book albeit a quick read because, boy, do you wish for it to be long. Or better yet a follow up book from this couple/family. A single dad raising his kids that is growing up quite fast thrown in an unexpected turn of events when her ex-girlfriend come a-knockin' on their door, literally, you sure to get swoon-y and all that jazz. Plus, it's Christmas time! A bonus for us all already hype up in the spirit of this season!

I definitely recommend this book to EVERONE. If you are in a book slump, or you're traumatized after reading dark books, get this one! you won't be disappointed!

This one is so sweet charming Christmas miracle story. It is also a second chance love story between single
father hawk and volleyball player in trouble Nora. They both need a miracle in their life and K.Kringel make it
possible. Both Nora and Hawk have great personality are loving and caring and easy to love. Nora truly is a
great person, not fake and is taking really seriosusly to be good step in mom which we see in her actions.
Hawk is also great parent but is struglin with teenagers problems and Nora come like a miricel and altough she has no clue how to raise a children she trust her guts and makes right decision, expect for cooking she is terible at cooking. Their chemistry is hot and sizzling. I enyoed reading this book.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for Netgelly

I just love this story about second changes. I love to read the story of Hawk ,Nora and the two children Heather and HL. My first time to read something from this author but no will for sure looking out for other books from her

'Wanted: Mom for Christmas' is a delightful and whimsical story of what makes a family whole. Nora experiences disappointments that magically lead her back to her hometown. There she reunites with her first love Hawk, who is a widower with two children. Except for the graphic sex (which I skipped over) the story is a holiday treat I highly recommend.

Wanted: Mom For Christmas (Cates Brothers #5.5)
Lee Kilraine
My Review: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Nora is losing her dream and instead of fighting it she is looking for a way out. Rent-a-mom is the job she takes and escapes her life.

Hawk tries to be the best father he can but a teenage daughter needs some female help. Luckily for him his ex-girlfriend is about to roll back into his life. These two need a little help in their lives

This is a Christmas story with lots of spirit and a sweet romance. It's about family and second chances.

It reminded me of a Hallmark Christmas movie.

4 Stars out of 5. Predictable but enjoyable.

*I received an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for a fair review. Thanks:)*


Ebook: Kindle £1.49

Expected publication: November 7th 2017 by Kensington's Lyrical Shine

Did I request this because the hero's name is Hawk Savage and it reminds me of my two favourite KA characters Hawk Delgado and Indy Savage? Yep.

Anyway, this is my first Lee Kilraine book, and it's a short and fast read. While I think the writing could be a little stronger, I really like Nora and the Savages, especially little Henry Lee Savage who is super adorable and a show-stealer. Hawk and Nora were high school lovers until Nora moved away and they lost contact. On the one hand, I enjoyed seeing them reconnecting and Nora bonding with Hawk's kids. On the other hand, I do feel that their relationship development is a bit rushed and Nora's unfortunate situation in the beginning of the story too contrived, but I understand the drawbacks of having to cram in everything in a novella-length story. The epilogue is a winner, though.

This book is a part of the Cates Brothers series (something I was only aware after I requested the book, LOL) but it reads just fine on its own.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book through NetGalley .This story was like a second chance at romance. Beautiful story about a current widowed single dad named Hawk. He has a pre-teen daughter named Heather and a young son named Henry Lee(HL). When HL asks repeatedly for a new Mom, Hawk feels a tug at his heart. Realizing that his children want a Mom makes him start to wonder if he can handle opening his heart again. When a holiday miracle happens and brings his first love to the door as a Rent A Mom he lets her help out with the children. Nora is an Olympic volleyball player who is down with an injury. She's suffered heartache in the form of a cheating ex boyfriend, a best friend/teammate that betrays her and a Mother who is less than stellar. Beautifully written romance with second chances, love, competition and miracles!

<P>Every year, despite my mostly grinchy attitude, I pick up a handful of Christmas books trying to find what seems to be a needle in a haystack. Unfortunately, <u>Wanted: A Mom for Christmas</u> by Lee Kilraine only served up more hay. The novel, in and of itself was ok, just WAY too sweet for my tastes (if a Hallmark movie and aspartame had a baby…). Maybe it’s because this is my first read by Ms. Kilraine. Maybe it’s because I unwittingly jumped into this series at book #5.5, and had no prior connection to the characters. Maybe it’s the handful of f-bombs, making me less likely to pass this on to the few people I’d normally give my saccharine recommendations. Perhaps, I really am too “bah-humbug.” </P>

<P>Whatever the case, this book gets 2.5 stars from me. The story has a decent pace. Editing warrants an A-. I don’t honestly see me passing this novel around. If anyone asks me directly, “it’s a Christmas book” will be my stock answer. It’s not the best one I’ve read (or even reviewed), but it’s not the worst one I’ve picked up. Sadly, that’s about all I have to say- which is mighty strange.</P>
<P>I received a copy of <u>Wanted: A Mom for Christmas</u> by Lee Kilraine from <i>Kensington Books</i> via <b>Netgalley</b> in exchange for an honest review. </P>

Loved this book. Found it very enjoyable from tart to finish. Wish it had been longer. All the main characters fit perfectly. It shows it's okay to be yourself and be loved.