Tag Archives: Christmas

Baby, It’s Cold Outside by Donna Kauffman

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Image result for jingle bell rockbook cover

Title: Baby, It’s Cold Outside
Author: Donna Kauffman
Series: Men of Rogue’s Hollow #1
In: Jingle Bell Rock (Lori Foster, Janelle Denison, Susan Donovan, Donna Kauffman, Alison Kent & Nancy Warren)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 24th December 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Brava
Year: 2003
5th sentence, 74th page: They hadn’t pawed.

Synopsis

It’s been ten years since Suzanna York left Jace Morgan. Now, as fate reunites them during a holiday snowstorm, they’ll have plenty of time to discover that distance only sharpens certain hungers…

Thoughts

This is such a wonderfully cute and sweet reconciliation story. There’s a bit of a tragic backstory to Jace and Suzanna, but somehow there isn’t any kind of bittersweet feeling to this storyline. Which somewhat surprised me. After all, teenage sweethearts suddenly losing contact with each other, and not seeing each other for ten years? That kind of sucks. Actually, it really, seriously, and truly sucks if I’m being honest… so I was surprised that this was such a light-hearted and enjoyable story. Filled with that extra bit of lust.

I loved the premise of this story in that the four Morgan brothers are returning to their home and facing their demons. It’s the kind of introduction to a series that I generally lap up completely. So I can’t wait to not only add more of these stories to my shelves… but also I just loved this great introduction to a fun new world.

This story is kind of sweet, but mostly I just love that it’s got a lot of lust and forgiveness in it. I don’t know if I could be brave like Jace or Suzanna, and it’s such a hopeful story. one that warmed my Grinch-like heart at Christmas.

<- Turning Up the HeatExposed ->

Image source: Goodreads

First Light by Kimberly Frost

Book Review, , , , , ,
Overview
Tied With a Bow

Title: First Light
Author: Kimberly Frost
Series: Etherlin #0.5
In: Tied with a Bow (Lora Leigh, Virginia Kantra, Eileen Wilks & Kimberly Frost)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy, Vampires
Dates read: 24th December 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: “Kate, you’re trembling.”

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Synopsis

Kate has been dreaming about an angel since college. And now that he’s finally landed in her lap (almost literally), she’s just not quite sure what to do with him…

Thoughts

As a beginning of a new series that I’ve never heard of before, this novella completely rocks. It’s introduced me to a whole new world that is definitely getting added to my wish list. One that I was surprised by and intrigued by. After all, it’s the first series I’ve come across that features muses and vampires and angels in the same story. I found that completely perplexing, and wonderfully unexpected.

Kate is a wonderful lead in this story. Although, I can’t imagine pining after a dream man for as long as she does before their Meet Cute. Maybe I’m just not enough of the pining type… I’m not sure. However, even though she is completely swept away by him, Kate manages to maintain her independence and kick a fair amount of butt whilst doing it. She’s that wonderfully stubborn modern woman who is willing to give up everything and be vulnerable, but on her terms.

I imagine that it would be hard to write a likeable character who is from another time. What, with the whole sexism issue and everything. Yet, somehow Frost manages it. Don’t get me wrong, there are moments when you grit your teeth at his overbearing attitude, but, ultimately you get this sense of honour and love out of him that is a little redemptive. That, and the fact that he makes it clear that he is willing to try and improve.

I absolutely adored this novella. It’s most certainly one that I would like to read again. And a series that I can’t wait to sink my literary teeth into.

<- Upon a Midnight ClearHuman Error ->

Image source: Amazon

The Gift by Lynsay Sands

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
The Bite Before Christmas Large Print :HarperCollins Australia

Title: The Gift
Author: Lynsay Sands
Series: Argeneau #15.5
In: The Bite Before Christmas (Lynsay Sands & Jeaniene Frost)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Paranormal romance, Vampires
Dates read: 20th – 22nd December 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Avon
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: He’d worked with Mabel to try to find Elvi a mate, had planned and arranged local fairs with Elvi.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

In Lynsay Sands’ “The Gift,” Katricia Argeneau knows grey-eyed cop Teddy Brunswick is her life mate. She just needs to convince him they belong together, and being snowbound in a secluded cabin will make this a Christmas neither will forget.

Thoughts

There is something wonderfully and beautifully simplistic about Sands’ writing. It is cute and innocent, with just enough adult-powered lust to keep your fingers tingling and a happy little smile on your face. This novella was no different. And, although it took place at Christmas, it mostly just had a calm and easy, if not completely pleasurable feeling to the whole story. Ultimately, not such a Christmassy story, but a fun one all the same.

I really love the idea of life mates in the Argeneau series. I mean, the worst thing I can imagine about being immortal is the fact that you are stuck alone forever, or you have to basically serial date multiple times. Instead, there are these life mates who not only are the perfect match for you, but also the only ones you can’t read like a book. I mean, alongside being immortal, how much would it suck being able to read everyone’s mind?

The Gift is a wonderful novella set in a white Christmas. Whilst it didn’t have a seriously Christmassy theme to it, it was still a really wonderful and fun story to be reading during the silly season. One that I thoroughly enjoyed and would love to read again.

<- The Bite Before ChristmasHome for the Holidays ->

Image source: HarperCollins Australia

Snowed Under by Erin McCarthy

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
The Night Before Christmas by Lori Foster

Title: Snowed Under
Author: Erin McCarthy
In: The Night Before Christmas (Lori Foster, Erin McCarthy, Kathy Love, Jill Shalvis, Kylie Adams & Katherine Garbera)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 22nd December 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Brava
Year: 2005
5th sentence, 74th page: I mean, the whole building was glass.

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Synopsis

Justin Fairbanks has always been attracted to Claire Robbins. When she gets soaked by a snowplough and asks him to help remove her wet clothes, well, what sane man could possibly say no?

Thoughts

Everyone has a teenage crush that the sometimes wonder “what if?” And although mine chopped and changed a lot, I like the way that in this story, the couple have always been more than a little sweet on each other. But they’ve waited until they’re grown enough to actually enjoy their courtship. After all, what is okay as an adult, is kind of icky for a child…

This story was seriously fun from beginning to end. It was a little bit humorous, and a whole lot enjoyable. I also loved Claire’s go-get-them attitude. After all, she figures out exactly what she wants (Justin in her bed), and just goes for it. I have experience working around men who are kind of difficult and annoying to shift into the decisions that you want, so I completely adored Claire’s methodology.

Snowed Under is fun and very, very enjoyable. It’s a nice novella that makes you believe in true love and just generally enjoy the process of a romance developing. It’s incredibly cute, and most definitely a novella that I will read again.

<- White Knight ChristmasMs. Humbug ->

Image source: Goodreads

Turning Up the Heat by Susan Donovan

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for jingle bell rockbook cover

Title: Turning Up the Heat
Author: Susan Donovan
In: Jingle Bell Rock (Lori Foster, Janelle Denison, Susan Donovan, Donna Kauffman, Alison Kent & Nancy Warren)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 22nd December 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Brava
Year: 2003
5th sentence, 74th page: The walls were caving in.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

Being stood up on Christmas Eve is bad enough, but now Valerie’s furnace is broken, too. Good thing that sexy repairman is available to raise the temperature dramatically…

Thoughts

At first, it did take me a little bit to get into this story. Mostly because I didn’t quite understand how the couple in this could go from zero to lust in pretty much no time at all. Particularly when there is pretty much no talking, and very little emotional discussion throughout this story. And then, at the completion of this story, I understood why it goes that quickly, and it becomes a beautifully and wonderfully romantic tale.

I love that this story has a whole happily ever after / perfect couple feel to it at the end. Plus, there is a heck of a lot of lust throughout this story. I love how Donovan is able to make you feel a little naughty whilst reading this, whilst also being very vague. It just lends everything to the imagination, which makes it all that more enjoyable and happier.

I can’t really rant and rave about how much I enjoyed this story without giving away the twist at the end. So, suffice it to say, that this was a great and amazing novella. One that didn’t necessarily make me think all that much about Christmas. But did certainly make me think about what makes a perfect relationship.

<- All She Wants for ChristmasBaby, It’s Cold Outside ->

Image source: Goodreads

Upon a Midnight Clear by Virginia Kantra

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Tied With a Bow

Title: Upon a Midnight Clear
Author: Virginia Kantra
In: Tied with a Bow (Lora Leigh, Virginia Kantra, Eileen Wilks & Kimberly Frost)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Angels, Christmas, Historical romance, Paranormal romance
Dates read: 18th – 21st December 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Novella
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: Her face, her chest, her whole body burned with humiliation and frustrated desire.

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Synopsis

Aimee was 13 when her mother preyed to an angel to save her life. Now, an adult, that same angel may have returned to her life, as a man. One who very much wants to save her yet again.

Thoughts

Whilst I liked this novella, it most certainly wasn’t my favourite one. It took a little while to truly get into the storyline, and even the style of writing. I do enjoy Kantra’s works, and will buy more of this series, but I’m also not head over heels in love with her work like some of the other romance authors I have filling my shelves.

I like that the angel that saves the young girl is ultimately the angel that she chooses to spend the rest of her life with. There was something incredibly sweet about that whole fate feeling, and the idea that Amy had to grow up before she could fully be committed to her angel lover. There is also her cousin, who, although she’s kind of ignorant and a little selfish, most definitely loves Amy. It gives the whole story a festive feeling full of love and affection. Or at least, that’s how I read it.

This was a really lovely and wonderful Christmas story. It’s hopeful and full of love. With just the right amount of drama and mayhem thrown in to stop you from getting bored. One I’ll read again, but not as quickly as some other stories I’ve read.

<- Tied with a BowFirst Light ->

Image source: Amazon

All She Wants for Christmas by Janelle Denison

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Image result for jingle bell rockbook cover

Title: All She Wants for Christmas
Author: Janelle Denison
Series: Wilde #1.1
In: Jingle Bell Rock (Lori Foster, Janelle Denison, Susan Donovan, Donna Kauffman, Alison Kent & Nancy Warren)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 19th December 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Brava
Year: 2003
5th sentence, 74th page: “Is Tracy your only sibling?”

Synopsis

When sexy paediatrician Matthew Carlton plays Santa, pulling Faith Roberts on his lap, he has no idea what’s on her Christmas wish list…or how much he’ll enjoy fulfilling every bit of it…

Thoughts

I absolutely adored this novella. It was all about letting go and accepting your feelings. And lust. There was also lots and lots of lust. Which I feel like it kind of important in a contemporary romance story if I’m being honest.

I’ve never really thought of Santa as an attractive or sexy character. After all, he’s… well, Santa. But, in this story… he somehow gains a bit of sex appeal and gorgeousness that I just wasn’t expecting. I’m still not sure that I would proposition Santa like the lead woman in this story does, but I most certainly found the idea fun and entertaining.

All in all, I really, really enjoyed this novella. A bit like One Wilde Weekend, I found this fun, engaging and very, very cute. Also a little lustful and sinful. Which, honestly, is what I love in a good contemporary romance.

<- Wilde OneTurning Up the Heat ->

Image source: Goodreads

Twas the Nightshift Before Christmas by Adam Kay

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Twas the Nightshift Before Christmas by Adam Kay

Title: Twas the Nightshift Before Christmas
Author: Adam Kay
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Humour, Medical, Memoirs
Dates read: 17th December 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Picador
Year: 2019
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘As you know, this is standard policy’ is HR’s default line – as if being routinely malevolent is somehow better than dishing out acts of spite on an ad-hoc basis.

Synopsis

Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat… but 1.4 million NHS staff are heading off to work. In this perfect present for anyone who has ever set foot in a hospital, Adam Kay delves back into his diaries for a hilarious, horrifying and sometimes heartbreaking peek behind the blue curtain.

Twas the Night Before Christmas is a love letter to all those who spend their festive season on the front line, removing babies and baubles from the various places they get stuck, at the most wonderful time of the year.

Thoughts

This was most definitely the type of Christmas book that I needed this year – I haven’t really felt in the Christmas spirit and I liked that this one wasn’t all about joy and light. Don’t get me wrong, there is a lot of humour and spark to this novel that doesn’t make it glum and humbuggy. But it’s also a much more realistic, and less painful look into the Christmas season and what it really means…

I probably should have read This is Going to Hurt before Twas the Nightshift Before Christmas, but I am absolutely enamored with the tone and style of Kay’s writing. So, immediately after finishing this, I did actually pick up his first book. It’s hard to write about such a serious topic with a bit of lighthearted humour and tone. Particularly when you’re focusing in on the time of year when everyone else is busy trying to shove that good cheer down your throat…

If you’re not really in the Christmas spirit, or just want a good laugh. I can most definitely suggest this as a good, light read. Not only will it have you smiling and laughing, but it will also make you really appreciate the people who are on the front lines year-round. Those who put aside their own lives to the benefit of our own.

<- This is Going to HurtPirate Hunters ->

Image source: Goodreads

White Knight Christmas by Lori Foster

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
The Night Before Christmas by Lori Foster

Title: White Knight Christmas
Author: Lori Foster
In: The Night Before Christmas (Lori Foster, Erin McCarthy, Kathy Love, Jill Shalvis, Kylie Adams & Katherine Garbera)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 17th December 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Novella
Publisher: Brava
Year: 2005
5th sentence, 74th page: And Parker, being too tired and too horny to think straight, stared at her mouth and said, “Honey, right now, I’m about as far from soft as a man can get.”

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

Officer Parker Ross hates Christmas; Lily Donaldson lives for it. She’s determined to introduce him to the pleasures of the season, and he’s looking forward to being deliciously converted…

Thoughts

I’m not generally a huge fan of stories which feature that gooshy love at first sight kind of thing. Even though it’s something that I’ve experienced, I still struggle to really connect to it. I tend to prefer the stories which are friends to lovers or enemies to lovers, or some such. After all, these relationships are based upon a solid foundation. Yet, Foster is able to still have that kind of feeling in this story without frustrating me. Without making me feel like it’s a bit bleugh. White Knight Christmas may not specifically be a love at first sight kind of story, but it’s certainly got that hopeful feel to it.

I loved the whole trope of Grinch falls in love with woman who is completely what Christmas is all about. Giving, love and cheer. This year I’m probably more Grinch than anything, but this definitely made my cold little heart grow a few sizes when I read it. There is just something wonderfully joyful and festive about this kind of storyline. One that had me smiling long after I turned that final page.

White Knight Christmas is a very fun, light and easy read. It is a great way to get back into the Christmas spirit and highlights how love is a wonderful thing. I found it a little far fetched that love could make a cop forget all of his cynicism, but it was such a great idea. I would most definitely read this novella again next Christmas.

<- The Night Before ChristmasSnowed Under ->

Image source: Goodreads

He Sees You When You’re Sleeping by Lori Foster

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Image result for jingle bell rockbook cover

Title: He Sees You When You’re Sleeping
Author: Lori Foster
Series: Dean Brothers and Friends #1
In: Jingle Bell Rock (Lori Foster, Janelle Denison, Susan Donovan, Donna Kauffman, Alison Kent & Nancy Warren)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 17th December 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Brava
Year: 2003
5th sentence, 74th page: He could feel her hesitancy.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

What Booker Dean wants for Christmas isn’t under the tree, it’s right next door. Frances Kennedy is everything Booker desires…and the gift he has planned for her involves a lot of delicious unwrapping…

Thoughts

There is something about the Dean Brothers that is kind of fun. So having Booker fall in love with the girl next door (literally) and cementing the deal over Christmas… it made me weirdly happy and content. I’ve struggled to get into the Christmas spirit this year, and for some reason, this novella was absolutely perfect to hit that feeling.

One of my favourite romance tropes is the whole friends to lovers one. After all, the individual generally knows what they are getting themselves in for when they start to become involved with a friend. I know that I certainly did. I also love that this all happened at Christmas. Plus, there is the whole way in which Booker ends his last relationship, which just had me laughing out loud.

I absolutely adored this novella. It was fun, light and full of hope. Just what I needed to finish out this somewhat crappy year…

<- Jingle Bell RockAll She Wants for Christmas ->

Image source: Goodreads