Review – Holiday Kisses Anthology

Publisher: Carina Press
Publish Date: December 5th
How I got this book: NetGalley

 

This Time Next Year by Alison Kent
Brenna is headed to her grandmother’s house for Christmas before taking off for Africa for a year to work as a nurse. When she crashes in a snow drift, the sexy and reclusive Dillon rides up and saves the day. Will Brenna be able to get to her Grandmother’s in time for Christmas, and once she and Dillon spend more time together, will they be able to say goodbye?

This was probably my least favorite book in the series. For me it started off really slow and took awhile to gain my attention. I had a hard time connecting with Brenna and Dillon both. I was glad with the way that the story ended though, with Brenna refusing to give up her dream, but still coming back to the life she knows she wants.
I give This Time Next Year a C

 

A Rare Gift by Jaci Burton
Wyatt is still a little bitter about his divorce, and the last thing he wants to do is work on a project for his ex-wife’s sister. Calliope has always had a crush on Wyatt, and despite the fact that he was married to her sister, she still wants him more than anything. As they get closer and closer, things look bright for their future, but will their history be too much to overcome?

I was so excited for this story, mainly because it’s a continuation from the last anthology, and I loved the characters. I so wanted Wyatt’s story after last year’s anthology, and LOVED this story. Wyatt is still bitter and heart-broken and doesn’t know how to move on. Calliope is just so loving and caring and sweet to everyone she meets. They both know that they have a real potential for the future, but Wyatt’s refusal to deal with his ex hurts Calliope. I have to say though, I was so glad the two were able to work it out and Wyatt was able to get through that anger and move forward with life.
I give A Rare Gift an A

 

It’s Not Christmas Without You by HelenKay Dimon
The love of Austin’s life has left for a job in the city, and he will stop at nothing to win her back and bring her home. Setting up his Christmas tree lot across from her apartment, Carrie will have to walk past every day and see him. Carrie loves Austin, but his refusal to accept her dream job is what causes her to leave. But seeing him everyday reminds her of just how wonderful they are together.

I love second chance stories, and I have to admit that Dimon had me in tears with this short! Austin was such a great character: a completely oblivious male who takes awhile to catch on. But I loved that once he did really get with the program, he was willing to do anything and everything for Carrie. There was a hilarious scene in the middle when Austin sets Carrie up on a date, and then tags along that had me in stitches! This was a great novella!!
I give It’s Not Christmas Without You an A

 

Mistletoe and Margaritas by Shannon Stacey
Claire is still recovering from the death of her husband, and relies so much on her best friend Justin. She knows that she is ready to start moving on again, but for some reason Justin seems to be the object of her new affections. Justin has loved Claire since the day he met her, but when she married his best friend she became off limits. Now that Claire is ready to move on with her life, will Justin get past her being his best friends’ widow and be the man for her?

This story had me in tears as well. It was an incredible friends to lovers stories that dealt with some agonizing feelings of guilt, on both Claire and Justin’s part. There were some wonderful sexy scenes, and I loved how Claire and Justin both got their blessings from Claire’s mother-in-law. If you’re going to get this one, make sure you have both a fan and some tissues handy!
I give Mistletoe and Margaritas an A

 

Barnes & Noble |

This Time Next Year: Barnes & Noble |

A Rare Gift: Barnes & Noble |

It’s Not Christmas Without You: Barnes & Noble |

Mistletoe and Margaritas:  Barnes & Noble |