Don't blink or you'll miss December!

Dec 04, 2025 12:01 pm

G'day, ,

It's that time of the year where we wake up one day and it's December 1st and the next minute, we're cooking turkey and wrapping last-minute gifts! No one really knows where December goes, but it disappears in the blink of an eye.

I watched my friends in the US celebrate Thanksgiving last week, and it got me thinking about all the things I'm thankful for this year (even though it's been a tough year!).

First and foremost, I'm thankful for my family. The way my husband and sons have rallied around me as I work through my new reality with my mum. They've picked up the slack around the house and given me their ear and their hugs whenever I've needed them, and I couldn't be more grateful.

Back in September, we thought we only had a few weeks left with Mum, but we're fortunate to still have her with us and finally settled in an aged care facility. The day we moved her in, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders knowing she was settled in a place that will look after her and ensure all of her needs are met with care.

I was having a discussion with my husband about 'last times' the other day. That we never know when something will happen for the 'last time'. The topic came about because I was thinking about the day the paramedics came to my parents' home to take Mum to emergency. We didn't know that would be the 'last time' she was in her own home. I felt sad that she won't ever go home again. It got me thinking that I should be more aware of and thankful for the little moments we all take for granted because we never know if it will be the 'last time'.

I'm also thankful for you and the romance reading/writing community. I've made some amazing friends with people I never would have met if I hadn't dared to put fingers to keys almost six years ago. That you made the choice to pick up even one of my books makes me feel blessed, and that you're still here with me ... well, words can't describe the feeling I have when I think about how fortunate I am.

And with that, I hope you have a wonderful holiday season and that you get to spend your time doing what you love with the people you love most in the world.

🎄 🎅 🎁 🎅 🎄

As this is my last email of the year, stay safe, happy reading, and I'll see you in 2026 with a new-look newsletter!

✨ 🎊 🥂 🎊 ✨

Each month throughout 2025, I'll be sharing a free

Cinnamon Roll Book Boyfriend for you to add to your collection!

This month's boyfriend is ...

Claim Him

Gosh! I had no idea how much I'd read during November until I was putting together my reading log graphic. It's no surprise really. Whenever I'm struggling, I hide in books. They're my escape from my reality when the real world becomes too much to deal with.

I read 'Claimed by Lucifer', a four-book series, to support Elizabeth Briggs, who has moved into hospice care as there's nothing more medicine can do for her. If you follow me on Facebook, you would have seen the post I shared about her struggle with cancer. IF you would like to support her, you can grab her books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Elizabeth-Briggs/author/B00KWR0P42

I reread one of my favourite authors, K.A. Tucker. It wasn't until I started reading the first book that I remembered I'd already read the series. I could have stopped as soon as I realised, but I love her work so much, I didn't mind doing a reread in this instance. Generally, I'm not a person who will reread a book because there are just too many books on my TBR to afford the time but I made an exception for this series. 🤣

Next up was a cute Christmas novella by Amber Warden. She's quickly becoming one of my favourite authors. If you're looking for a short, sweet Christmas read that features a cinnamon roll, this one is for you!

Then I went down a dark path with Ellie Sanders' Brethren series. I mean pitch black. Please read all the trigger warnings and take them seriously, because these books are no joke. I question their categorisation as romance because the Heroes were truly psychopaths, and the things they did to their partners were unhinged to the nth degree. Now and then I like to read some darker books, and I think these are probably the darkest I've ever read. I questioned myself for finishing them and wanting the next book in the series. But these books aren't for everyone!

I finished the month with Liz Tomforde's Windy City series. Contemporary romance featuring what I consider cinnamon roll book boyfriends. These guys ... ugh! So damn delicious and addictive. I have devoured this series and will probably look for more books by this author.

I hope you had an awesome reading month! If you have any recommendations for me, make sure you send them through!

Here's your reading log for December! I hope you fill it with all the amazing book boyfriends you can find.

I love to support other authors, so please click to learn more.

I've joined with a bunch of other authors to bring you a phenomenal collection of books to keep you busy over this holiday season.

You can check it out here and enter for your chance to WIN a brand new e-reader of your choice!

https://fictionatlas.com/romancefair

A holiday standalone short read novella in the Lone Mountain series with a guaranteed HEA, no cheating, and plenty of heat to warm up your winter nights. Perfect for readers who love their romance fast, hot, and unapologetically tropey.

Grab it here!

A lover who disappears. A best friend who takes his place. A girl who desperately loves them both.

Grab it here!

If you'd like somewhere to hang out and talk about my books, come and join my Facebook Group, Deb's Bibliomaniacs. Be sure to answer all the questions because I'd love to see you there. Just click on the image below. ⤵️

If you'd like to join a reader group that focuses solely on Cinnamon Roll Heroes, come and join Cinnamon Roll Book Boyfriends. Be sure to answer all the questions. Just click on the image below. ⤵️