Holiday Secrets by Jill Sorenson

After witnessing her husband’s murder eighteen months ago, Leah is in hiding and has no plans to celebrate Christmas. Though she tries to resist, her handsome new neighbor awakens long-buried feelings of attraction…and brings a killer to her door.

Kidnapped at Christmas by Jennifer Morey

Chloe is a struggling artist and thoroughly bored with her life—until a rugged FBI agent pulls her into a fast-paced adventure…and a sizzling love affair! The only damper on their mistletoe madness is a vengeful mobster who won’t stop until they are both silenced…forever.
*Blurb from Goodreads*

Review – Risky Christmas by Jill Sorenson and Jennifer Morey is a post from: The Book Pushers | Book Reviews | Book Chatter

Transformed – Anne Calhoun
E: Well I got some of my questions from TRANSFIXED answered and I still want more!  I highly recommend that you start with the Agony half because her two stories flow one into the other.  It was great seeing another facet of the two main characters. A

MinnChica: I was a little confused by this story, because I started with this side of the anthology, and this should definitely be read AFTER Transfixed.  However, once I read the other Calhoun story and thought back to this one, it made so much more sense and I liked it more. Calhoun has a great voice and does a wonderful job with both the BDSM aspects and the more sweet romance.  B-

Has: This was definitely one of the strongest story/stories in the anthology and I am glad there was a followup with the perspective of the hero and different POV. This sequel was much softer and sweeter in tone but no less challenging than the first story in Transfixed and I love the role reversal and ditto on reading both together that starts off with Transfixed. While the hero was challenged and being dominanted in the first story – in Transformed the characters develop emotionally and I love the depth that was explored in this installment and how the hero helps to challenge the heroine who manages to let go emotionally instead of physically. A

Rescue Me – Meljean Brook
E: WOW, Such a strong female character with a great twist that is such a spoiler! A

MinnChica: I loved this novella. The heroine was so strong and driven to save herself from being kidnapped. I loved the way she dealt with getting out and how she used her desire to see and tell her long time best friend she loved him to get out alive. It was sweet and sexy and just such a great story. A

Has: I.LOVE.THIS.STORY. This has to be my favourite out of all the stories in the anthology, dark, tense, sexy and hawt. I loved how resourceful and smart the heroine was to get out of her predicament from being abducted by a serial killer and I especially loved the element of her fantasies about the hero helping her to get past her discomfort, it really ties in with the theme but it was wonderfully romantic and sexy. I just wished this story was longer. A+

The Wooden Pony – Soshanna Evers
E: This one was beyond my reading experience.  It was well written but very uncomfortable for me to read. D

MinnChica: I actually liked this one, but it was very heavy on some BDSM aspects that might not be for everyone. I’ve read other stories by Evers, and I think she does a wonderful job of mixing harder BDSM play with the emotional entanglements that goes along with it. But it’s not for the faint of heart. B+

Has: I enjoyed this story even though it harder elements of BDSM, although the sex was hawt and intense, the emotional elements didn’t work as well. C+

Kiss of Life – Lily Daniels
E: I think I missed the intent of this one.  I understand wanting revenge and seizing life after you have survived something horrible but those two parts didn’t meld for me. D-

MinnChica: I liked the Titanic aspect of this story, but other than that, the rest was lost on me as well. I find that when revenge and anger and hatred gets mixed in with my BDSM, it tends to train wreck for me. I don’t like when characters come from a dark place like that, and it didn’t work for me. D

Has: I loved this one, because the setting especially the Titanic element and the time period stood out for me. I also thought the romance was good, and the love scenes worked especially the one in the car. There was a lot of depth and plot and I thought the characterisation was well rounded . I thought it was unusual and wished there was more stories like this with this setting. B+

Silverhouse – Sarabeth Scott
E: The secret language of lovers, I really enjoyed what Ms Scott revealed at the end about their relationship. B

MinnChica: For me, I like the punishment aspect of this one. I thought it was sexy and fun and sweet and had a bunch of the great aspects of BDSM that I liked. I thought that it was actually one story that fit really well with the short length. B

Has: I really liked this one too, the sexual battle of wills between the hero and heroine and how that fits in with the BDSM theme really worked. The ending was perfect and I also didn’t feel that there was anything missing with the story. B

Bruised Ego – Christine D’Abo
E: Different take on how important it can be to know that you aren’t the only person who feels a certain way that doesn’t appear to be society’s accepted norm. B-

MinnChica: There were some aspects I did and didn’t like about this. As a psychology major, I’m not a fan of any mental health professional getting involved their patients. However, it was soon evident that our heroine was not a regular therapist, but part of the story had already been a little tainted for me. C-

Has: This was a very unusual story and I am not sure on how to take it with the theme of it. Although the sex scenes was hot and intense, I just felt  the set-up missed the mark for me and I totally agree about the therapist thing – Although I am glad how the ending played out but it didn’t fully work for me. C

On My Skin – DL Galace
E: Very vivid description of what I have heard getting a tattoo is like for some people.  I didn’t quite buy into the characters’ motivations though.  I think this would have benefitted from a longer wordcount. C-

MinnChica: This story didn’t really do anything for me. Other than the heroine wanting a tattoo, I couldn’t understand why these two were together. But, having multiple tattoos, I can also see the pleasure in that pain. =) But as the story itself, it didn’t really do much for me. D

Has: I thought this story worked on a lot of levels, and I love the theme of tattoos and how it linked with the main theme and sexuality. I thought it was sexy and sweet but I also wished the story was longer because it felt that the plot, and characterisation just got going for me. C+

Just Say Yes – HelenKay Dimon
E: Enjoyable short story that included some rather neat twists that I wish more authors would use when it came to common tropes. B

MinnChica: I liked this story. It was a great little look into what happens when a boss steps out of line with her employee. I thought it was great that both the heroine and the hero were ready to accept the consequences of their actions, especially when our hero was willing to make a major change in life for his heroine. B+

Has: This was a great short and I liked how the relationship developed between the hero and heroine and the dynamics of being a boss and employee. It was also interesting to note that the heroine was the one in charge although I wished there was more emphasis on the hero, Colin. But I liked how the story played out and its conclusion. I really liked how realistic things turned out. B

 
Into The Red – Cameron Belle
E: Fascinating world-building, like a futuristic Rome complete with gladiators.  Ms Belle made me wish the two main characters could have a longer HFN (Happy For Now). B-

MinnChica: This was an interesting one, with a really unique world that I would have liked to see more of. I thought the two heroes were an unlikely pair, but worked together. Where one was soft the other was hard and rough. I would like to see more in this world, especially in a longer format. C+

Has: This was one of the highlights for me in the anthology I think the setting and the premise was fantastic and I really liked how both heroes interacted with each other. I wished it was much longer. This was a short but sexually intense story with real depth and I will definitely look out for more of Belle’s books/stories. B+

Overtaken – Sara Thorn
E: I felt like there was a very complex back-story with the two characters that could have sucked me into the story, but without that… C-

MinnChica: This is going to sound horrible, but I don’t remember not liking this, but at the same time it didn’t stand out to me at all either. After a few days now, I hate to say that I don’t even remember much about this short.  D

Has: I also didn’t like this story as much for similar reasons. I did like the setting and I get the reluctance by the hero, but I couldn’t connect with the characters and although the sex scenes was hot, it just didn’t have much depth. C-

OVERALL ANTHOLOGY:

E: I wasn’t quite sure what to think when I agreed to participate in this review.  I have enjoyed reading some BDSM in the past but lately I have felt rather burnt out with the sameness “Me dom, me in club, me see woman, me know woman is perfect sub, me dom woman sub, we HEA.”  I also enjoy reading the information posted on DA so I was curious to see what Ms Litte would pull together in this anthology.  I also thought it fascinating that she decided to go with two sides of the same coin.  Overall I found with any anthology some stories resonated with me and others didn’t.  I was pleased to find at least two new-to-me authors that I plan on reading more of their works.  I also found some stories that I wished had been expanded into novellas or even novels.  I am going to give this a C overall I think.

MinnChica: I was really looking forward to this anthology because I’ve been a big fan of BDSM romance stories for awhile now. And while there were some stories that I really enjoyed and will probably re-read again and again…. most of them were either so-so or really fell short for me. I don’t know if I had my expectations too high or what, but I have to say that overall, the anthology was a solid C for me.

Has: I am not usually a big fan of BDSM/S&M stories or themes  or anthologies for that matter because they tend to be too short for my tastes. But after reading  this anthology, I am definitely more open to the sub-genre now. I have also discovered some interesting and new authors who I will definitely check out, but in conclusion, this is an anthology which I will think will challenge some perspectives and expectations. There was a couple of stories that didn’t work for me, in conclusion, I enjoyed most of the stories despite some which I wished was much longer. I give this anthology a C+

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Review – Agony/Ecstasy Anthology – Part 2 is a post from: The Book Pushers | Book Reviews | Book Chatter

When Jane Litte first asked Has if she wanted to review the new Agony/Ecstasy anthology, Has knew right away she wanted to read it, and asked myself and E to join in. This anthology is divided into two halves: the agony and ecstasy of pain, dominance, submission and love. This morning we will be reviewing the first half, otherwise known as the Agony half of the anthology. (We recommend you start reading these stories first, as one author has tie ins to both halves.) Later today we will be back with the second half and stories from the Ecstasy part.

Transfixed – Anne Calhoun
E: Ms Calhoun provided exquisite detail that doesn’t just focus on the physical but draws the reader into the story.  I wanted to know the why behind the characters’ motivation.  I loved how neither one really fit into the common stereotypes of leather, whips, and chins.  I also really enjoyed how it was private not in a “club” with observers. B+

MinnChica: For a FemDom story, I actually really liked this one. I thought it was so much fun and sexy. It was obvious there was a connection between them, and when the story continued on the second half, it was that much more. This story definitely needs to be read before the Ecstasy half. (I made the mistake of reading this 2nd, and I was SUPER lost in the other story….)

Has: I agree that reading the Ecstasy  part of the story first  wouldn’t have made much sense, or made a better impact with reading that first. The set up incorporated S&M themes but did it in a fantastic and unexpected way and I really liked how Calhoun presented the twist on the dominant heroine as a 50s housewife. I also loved the emotional cracking of the heroine at the end when the hero challenges her. B+

Siren – Jean Johnson
E: Wanted to see more world building.  I was more intrigued by the culture then the relationship between the two main characters.  I did find it fascinating that the Seer’s connection with her Goddess was via pleasure rather then drugs/pain etc.  I also don’t necessarily agree with her reasons for punishing him but that could be because of the limited backstory demanded by the short wordcount. C

MinnChica: I didn’t feel super strongly about this story one way or the other. I’ve never enjoyed FemDom books for some reason, so that aspect of the story turned me off a bit, but the world-building was interesting and I think the author has a great voice and the capability to write a good full-length novel in this world.  D-

Has: I wished there was more worldbuilding too with this story. I did like the setting and the relationship between the hero and heroine was complex but for me the dominant and pain theme didn’t really work for me. I just didn’t get her reasons for punishing him and that had to be expanded. But I agree about the voice of the author which was engaging but the sex scene felt too awkward and just didn’t gel well with the tone. C-

Caged – J. K. Coi
E: Very interesting twist on the need for pain that I was not expecting.  Unless something changes drastically this relationship is only going to make things worse on both individuals involving physical and mental/emotional pain.  I actually didn’t like the heroine. D-

MinnChica: I actually thought this story had some potential, but didn’t think there was enough time to really develop everything. I thought the storyline with the paranormal aspects were interesting, especially with the werewolf change and all the grief that came along with it. I do wish that we would have been given a chance to see where the characters were going in the future though, the novella definitely left me wanting more (well, happy more!)  C

Has: I really liked this story and I wished it was much longer, because the angst and the pain and how that played out with the relationship between the hero and heroine was great. But I hoped the ending was more hopeful or there is potential for more because I think this might be a gem of a story if it was expanded upon. B+

Each Step Sublime – Bettie Sharpe
E: A very very wicked twist on The Little Mermaid, not Disney’s sweetness and light version but the much darker Hans Christian Anderson version.  I really enjoyed the way she ended the fable. B-

MinnChica: Ugg, I am not a fan of taking my happy and favorite childhood movie and turning it into a little bit of an F-ed up BDSM erotica. I finished the story, but scowled and rolled my eyes the whole way through.  F

Has: I thought it was dreamy and romantic but the romance wasn’t as strong as the tone and setting of the story which was due to the story length. But I love the fairytale aspect but heroine falling for the Prince who just seemed too distant didn’t work for me. She was going to have to pay a major sacrifice and there was no real reason on why she was in love with him and the ending felt too rushed but overall I did enjoy the retelling. C+

Safeword – Delphine Dryden
E: WOW this was really good.  Talk about taking everyone dream of that one person who you wish was into you and your kinks and making it a reality.  I really enjoyed their journey short as it was and the inclusion of bits of humor.  Ms Dryden made them seem real.  BTW I want a novel *grin*. A

MinnChica: I really liked this story. I’m a huge fan of the friends to lovers stories, and especially when those friends realize that their kinks work together. I will definitely be looking for more books by Dryden, because I thought she had a wonderful voice and a great story to tell.  B+

Has: I really liked this one too, although I wasn’t too sure of the beginning but as the story progressed, I really got engaged with it. I really liked how the theme was explored and it was definitely exciting and fun as well as very sexy and I am not a huge fan of S&M stories. So its a solid B+

Stitch and Bitch – A. L. Simonds
E: Rather diverse characters that I think actually need to talk more.  I liked how knitting drew them together and became the center-point of their relationship.  I think this would have been better as a longer length story. C

MinnChica: I wasn’t a huge fan of this story as well. I didn’t connect with either of the characters, and never really felt drawn into the story. I did like the knitting aspects though, really just added to my desire to go out and learn to knit.  D

Has: I have mixed feelings on this one. I really liked the setting and the knitting aspects too,  but the romance felt a bit off and disconnected because I found Priya too stand-offish with Luisa and the reasons behind it didn’t gel well with me. Although I liked how different the story was different and Luisa the skate-boarding girlfriend was fun!  But it has definitely made me more open to FF romance which I haven’t really had read before. C-

Bachelorette Party – Jessica Clare
E: I was really worried that this one was going to push one of my “chuck the book across the room buttons” but I am glad I kept reading because Ms Clare made it all come out alright in the end. C+

MinnChica: I was a little worried about this one, but holy hell I ended up loving it. In the hands of any other author, I think it could have been awful and really disheartening. However, I thought that the novella was both sexy and romantic and sweet and totally hawt.  A-

Has: LOL I had the same fear at the beginning too, but then I sussed halfway through it that it wouldn’t be the case. I really loved this story and it is one of my favourites in the anthology. It was definitely sexy and fun and I will certainly check out more of Jessica Clare’s stuff in the future.

Wicked Wedding Night – Margaret Rowe
E: Ok I want a novel! I love how Ms Rowe was able to take some familiar tropes and spin them on their heads in such a short story. B+

MinnChica: I loved this as well, which surprised me a little because I’m not usually a fan of historical erotica. However, this one just really worked for me. Both the hero and the heroine were such great and well developed characters. I think the short length took a little away from the story though, this could have been so much more with a little extra word count.  B+

Has: I wasn’t too keen with the beginning of the story but if it was longer I think that would have helped to expand the story as well as establishing. It reminded me a bit of Anne Stuart’s historicals but as the story went on, I really liked the melancholic tone but the changes and acceptance that the heroine faced was too swift but again that is due to the short length. I liked the voice of the author too and despite the short length – the emotions between hero and heroine packs a punch. B

Shameless – Edie Harris
E: Interesting lesson the hero passed onto the heroine at the end of this story, probably the only thing I liked about this one.  The entire story struck me as a moment in time that at least one character would remember but it would remain disconnected with both before and after.  C-

MinnChica: This is an example of one historical erotica that just didn’t work for me. I thought the heroine was flighty and a little annoying. I didn’t really find the story all that sexy either. Like E, I felt like a complete outsider to the story, and I can’t really say that I cared one way or the other.  D-

Has: I really liked this, I didn’t read as a romance as such but an interlude which was something the heroine needed to get out of her situation. I felt the interaction she had with the hero was very cathartic – and I was taken aback how the story unfolded. I love the emotional intensity that was presented and I think it linked perfected with the overall theme of the anthology. B

Taken – Rebecca Lange
E: Flashback to the old western romances involving a woman and her captor.  It was like the author unromantized that entire subgenre. D-

MinnChica: I tried to get into this story, but I only made it through about 5 or 6 pages before I just stopped and moved on. It didn’t hold my interest at all.  DNF

Has: Yep, it felt like the old skool, and I couldn’t engage with the story at all or with the characters.

Wetwire – Sunny Moraine
E: Exploring the mysteries of how our brains process nerve stimulation and what happens if the interpretation is switched around.  Makes me glad I don’t live in an entirely jacked-in world. C-

MinnChica: I also hate to say that I gave up on this story as well. I was more confused than anything, and there wasn’t anything in the first few pages that really called for me to keep trying to chug through. DNF

Has: I really liked the setting, and premise of the story but the characters and plot, it just didn’t work. I need some element of romance and the main characters were selfish and I couldn’t connect with them. It felt really cold and unemotional and that made the sex unsexy and cold too. If there was stronger element of romance it may have worked for me better as a story. D+

Be sure to check back later today for Part 2 of the review!

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Review – Agony/Ecstasy Anthology – Part 1 is a post from: The Book Pushers | Book Reviews | Book Chatter

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like…Love!
A man gives the gift of trust and receives a second chance at love in return. A woman helps to heal the wounded heart of a soldier. A couple finds that true love knows no distance. And a young widow learns that there can be two great loves in a lifetime. Love, romance and passion come together in this collection of four seasonal shorts.
*Blurb from Goodreads*

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Review – Holiday Kisses Anthology is a post from: The Book Pushers | Book Reviews | Book Chatter

#1 New York Times bestselling author Lora Leigh headlines an all-new paranormal romance anthology that turns up the holiday heat.
#1 New York Times bestselling author Lora Leigh features the Breeds in her story. New York Times bestselling author Virginia Kantra brings a haunting tale of a fallen angel. USA Today bestselling author Eileen Wilks returns to the shapeshifing Lupi for another magical tale. National bestselling author Kimberly Frost introduces a new paronormal world of muses and vampires.
* Blurb from Goodreads *

Review – Tied with a Bow Anthology is a post from: The Book Pushers | Book Reviews | Book Chatter

Honor, duty, courage, passion . . . the men of the Navy SEALs are a special breed of hero, and in these novellas by eighteen top romance authors the SEALs are celebrated not only as symbols of devoted service to their country but as the kind of men every woman wants to love. They’ll rescue a damsel in distress and her lap dog, too. They’ll battle hometown dramas and international bad guys. When it comes to giving away their hearts, they’ll risk everything.

All proceeds from sales of SEAL of My Dreams go to the Veterans Research Corporation, a non-profit fundraiser for veterans’ medical research.

Between them, the authors of SEAL of My Dreams have won dozens of writing awards including multiple RITAs from Romance Writers of America. Their nearly 600 published novels have sold at least 35 million copies worldwide. The SEAL of My Dreams roster includes many of the best-known authors in modern romance fiction. In addition, many have strong family connections to the servicemen and women of our nation’s military, and many specialize in novels featuring heroes and heroines from all branches of service.
*Blurb from Goodreads*

Review Part 2 – SEAL of my Dreams Anthology is a post from: The Book Pushers | Book Reviews | Book Chatter

Honor, duty, courage, passion . . . the men of the Navy SEALs are a special breed of hero, and in these novellas by eighteen top romance authors the SEALs are celebrated not only as symbols of devoted service to their country but as the kind of men every woman wants to love. They’ll rescue a damsel in distress and her lap dog, too. They’ll battle hometown dramas and international bad guys. When it comes to giving away their hearts, they’ll risk everything.

All proceeds from sales of SEAL of My Dreams go to the Veterans Research Corporation, a non-profit fundraiser for veterans’ medical research.

Between them, the authors of SEAL of My Dreams have won dozens of writing awards including multiple RITAs from Romance Writers of America. Their nearly 600 published novels have sold at least 35 million copies worldwide. The SEAL of My Dreams roster includes many of the best-known authors in modern romance fiction. In addition, many have strong family connections to the servicemen and women of our nation’s military, and many specialize in novels featuring heroes and heroines from all branches of service.
*Blurb from Goodreads*

Everyone here knows what a sucker I am for a great romantic suspense book, especially if the hero is a sexy military man in uniform!  When I saw the details for the SEAL of my Dreams anthology, I couldn’t wait to dive right in. Before going through the first few stories, I want to take the time to tell you all a little about this anthology.

First, all the proceeds from sales of this book will go to the Veterans Research Corporation, a nonprofit that raises money for veterans medical research. In addition to the authors donating their sales, the copyediting was donated, the licensing fee was discounted and the wonderful cover art was donated as well. Speaking of the cover, the picture used is of an actual SEAL, preparing for a night mission in Iraq. I think it is an incredible picture and design.

This anthology has 18 stories of men who have dedicated their lives to the service of our country. They are all SEALs, and romantics at heart. This is Part 1 of my review, and will over the first 8 stories in the anthology.

Coming Home by Jami Alden
Alden is a new-to-me author. This story features Nick, on leave to attend his mothers funeral. There he runs into his long time sweetheart and ex-fiance, the woman of his dreams and the one who couldn’t handle his decision to become a SEAL. As they spend some time together, they each realize how much the other has changed and get a second chance at love. I enjoyed this one. After all, who doesn’t love second-chance romances? B

Baby, I’m Back by Stephanie Bond
Bond is also an author I’ve never read before, although I plan to pick up a book or two by her. Barry lost a leg and so many of his friends in the service. He is back in his hometown for a short-time, but when he meets a girl he made fun of in school, he is smitten. Lora is a physical therapist, and ends up working with Barry to get more mobility back and along the way helps to heal his heart. I love when the ugly ducking becomes the swan, and Lora ends up being beautiful both in and out. A

SEALed Fates by Kylie Brant
Brant was yet another author I’d never read or heard of before. This story featured another wounded warrior. Cort is home licking his wounds when he stumbles on childhood friend Emma. Right away Cort can tell that Emma is preparing for a siege, and he knows he is just the man to protect her. Through the insanity of a possible threat, they become closer than ever before. Although I wasn’t a huge fan of the suspense part of the plot, the romance and chemistry between Emma and Cort was wonderful! B-

Going Dark by HelenKay Dimon
I have a Dimon book sitting on my TBR bookshelf, and OMG I’m not sure why I haven’t read it yet! LOVED this story. Nate is in the thick of things in a rescue operation when he finds the woman who strung him along for a week, then stole his heart. Carly is sure that her brother has been kidnapped and will do anything for Nate’s help. The two set off to search for her brother, and find out that their week together meant more than either expected. Love this author’s voice and storytelling. I will definitely be getting more of her stuff! A+

SEALed with a Kiss by Cindy Gerard
I absolutely love the Black Ops Inc books, so when I saw we got a chance for a sneak peak at Luke and Val’s honeymoon… *melt* The two are on a deserted island relaxing and playing. When Luke makes a bad judgement call and gets stuck in the water while the tide is rising, Val will have to face her fears to save her new husband’s life. This was a short and sweet story and I absolutely loved this little snippet!! A+

Panama Jack by Tara Janzen
Janzen was another newbie author (I’m starting to see a pattern. There will be a lot of romantic suspense reading in my future…). Lanni is in Panama on a CIA op and needs the protection of a SEAL. Jack fits the bill, and so much more. When her op goes sideways, Jack covers her six and does what he does best — saves her life. While the action was wonderful in this one, I had a hard time buying into the romance. C

Wrapped and SEALed by Leslie Kelly
I’ve read and enjoyed Kelly in the past, and although this story wasn’t my favorite of hers, I still really enjoyed it. Tanner is home for the holidays, planning to announce that he is going to be getting out for good. He has been looking for Jessica, the one woman who he can’t stop thinking about. Jess is working with vets in a nursing home, and when she sits on Santa’s lap and finds Tanner, she is floored. After one date they were hooked, even though a disaster ripped them apart before even learning each other’s full names. Now back together, neither one is willing to let that happen again. B-

So far I am really enjoying this anthology. I’ve read some great shot stories that have warmed my heart and brought tears to me eyes. I’ve discovered a ton of new authors I can’t wait to read more from. I’m looking forward to the next half with stories form Roxanne St. Claire, Stephanie Tyler and Jo Leigh, as well as quite a few more new-to-me authors.

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Review Part 1 – SEAL of my Dreams Anthology is a post from: The Book Pushers | Book Reviews | Book Chatter

Three heartwarming holiday stories
to prove that love is the greatest gift of all

Kissing Santa Claus by Jill Shalvis
NASCAR driver Logan Perrish returns to Lucky Harbor, Washington, with love in his heart and a ring in his pocket. But can Sandy Jansen forget the past and give him a second chance? Or will Logan be spending another Christmas alone?

I’ll Be Home for Christmas by Hope Ramsay
After ignoring the advice of Miz Miriam Randall, local matchmaker, Annie Roberts expects another hum drum holiday in Last Chance, South Carolina. But when a stray cat arrives in the arms of Army sergeant Matt Jasper, a calico named Holly just may be the best matchmaker of all.

O Little Town of Bramble by Katie Lane
All Ethan Miller wants for Christmas is to celebrate in Bramble, Texas, with family and friends. But when his childhood neighbor, Samantha Henderson, comes home for the holiday, Ethan realizes that the girl-next-door could be the girl of his dreams.

*Blurb from Goodreads*

I’m a big fan of the Lucky Harbor Series by Jill Shalvis, so when I saw this anthology with a Christmas story I was sold! Let me start by just saying that although this ebook has 140 pages, it was more like 90 pages devoted to the actual stories of the anthology. The remainder of the ebook is dedicated to sneak peaks at other works by these authors.

I had been hoping that Shalvis would write a story about Logan, the NASCAR driver and Tara’s ex-husband, and I was super happy about and with his story. Logan left Lucky Harbor after a hot affair with the sexy Sandy. But after being without her for the season he knew he wouldn’t be able to let he go once again. But will Logan be too late to win her heart?

I adored this story. I loved Logan and couldn’t wait to see him get his much deserved HEA. One of the things that Logan did to steal my heart was bend-over backward to take care of Sandy. He dressed as Santa for her, filled her collection jars and only wanted to make her every dream come true. I love when a man goes above and beyond to win his leading lady, and Logan was more than happy to do so! I also loved that Sandy wasn’t disillusioned to his lifestyle. Although I did at times think she was a little harsh, I could see where she was coming from. The proposal scene was WONDERFUL and I absolutely loved it!
I give Kissing Santa Clause an A

Hope Ramsey’s story was very short, and if there was any story here I would have liked to have more of, this would have been it. Annie is alone for her first Christmas, and looking to break some of her stuffy mother’s traditions. When a former soldier and friend to her high school sweetheart shows up with a cuddly cat and no where to go Annie takes him in. And with Matt and the kitty underfoot, she might find the best Christmas miracle in her own home.

I loved both Annie and Matt, they were both lonely and a little lost in life. They were both looking for the same thing, and wanted nothing more than to be a part of a family. While I felt as if they feel in love way too quickly, I could also see why they were so perfect for each other. The small story line surrounding Matt bringing back a Christmas gift for his best friend’s grandmother was heartbreaking and had me in tears. Very sweet but VERY short story.
I give I’ll Be Home For Christmas a B+

Katie Lane visited the town of Bramble during their Christmas time, in which the town was desperately trying to put on the very best live nativity scene. Sam is back from vet school, and wants nothing more than her long time bestie Ethan to notice her as a woman. Little does Sam know, Ethan has been in love with her for as long as he can remember. With the help of a meddling sister, rain storm and pet pig, these two might just find their happily ever after.

While I thought parts of this story were super funny and cute, I didn’t connect to it very well. I was a little disappointed by that, because I absolutely love friends to lovers stories. Only this time I didn’t get a good feel of them being great friends before hand, and they agreed to wait awhile for becoming lovers, so I felt a little let down on all parts. For me, this was the weakest story of the three, and it didn’t hold my attention nearly as well as the others.
I give O Little Town of Bramble a C-

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Review – Small Town Christmas Anthology is a post from: The Book Pushers | Book Reviews | Book Chatter

Four ultra-sexy stories by four great authors, with one theme.

Who’s undercover?
Shane Madison – Dead sexy private eye posing as a Strippendale’s dancer
Tucker Lamb – Smooth as butter former conman posing as nerdy professor
Saffron Burton – Sensual food critic posing as just another customer
Katrina Killian – Brazenly sexual cop posing as a gang member
*Blurb from Goodreads*

Conquered by Cari Quinn – Serial monogamist, Emma Donegan, has never had a one night stand. But when she sees the sexy cop-stripper at a friend’s bachelorette party, she resolves to make her most risque fantasies come true.

Playing the part of a stripper is way out of private detective Shane Madison’s comfort zone, but the future of his business hangs on this one case. Too bad the incriminating evidence leads right to the irresistible brunette who keeps slipping tens into his g-string. He can’t let her distract him. Who knew it would be so hard…
*Blurb from goodreads*

Conned by Chloe Cole – Human sexuality Professor Cricket Malloy likes bad boys, but when buttoned-up Science Professor Tucker Lamb needs help with an experiment on aphrodisiacs, she goes the extra mile to help him out. After all, he’s harmless…

Tucker Lamb was born into a life of a grifter. He’s always prided himself on his fast fingers and quicksilver tongue. Ever since being placed in the witness protection program, he’s been on the up and up, but something about Cricket Malloy makes him ache to see if his tongue is as fast as it used to be.
*Blurb from Goodreads*

Consumed by Dee Carney- It’s no surprise Chef August Jaeger’s rivals would do anything to discover the secrets of his signature dishes. When the curvaceous woman of his dreams shows up out of the blue, he grows suspicious. Fortunately, the best way to get to the truth is by offering a private dining experience that would teach her a passionate lesson she won’t soon forget.

Food journalist Saffron Burton has a job to do: find out what August is serving for Restaurant Week or lose her job. But with every course that passes her lips-and every minute in his presence-she’s finding what she really wants isn’t listed on any menu…
*Blurb from Goodreads*

Convicted by Dee Tenorio – Crusty sheriff Cade Evigan doesn’t date convicts, not even ones as irresistible as Katrina “K.K.” Killian. The woman may have gotten under his skin-and once, on the hood of his car-but the sultry biker had criminal written all over her. He has to stay away.

When the crap hits the fan and the case she’s been working on for two years cracks wide open, Katrina heads straight to the hills to protect the one man she cares about. But some temptations are impossible to resist and she knows if she stays with Cade for the night, odds are her cover isn’t the only thing getting blown…
*Blurb from Goodreads*

Short Reviews – Undercover Lovers Anthology is a post from: The Book Pushers | Book Reviews | Book Chatter

Publisher: Harlequin Anthology

Publish Date: 10/26/10

How I got this book: NetGalley

These are New Year’s resolutions worth keeping!

Take a risk.
At the inaugural New Year’s Eve party at Jack’s Bar, two lonely revelers decide the best balm for their broken hearts might just be each other.

Find the perfect work-life balance.
When a flinty lawyer with a bad-boy addiction meets the quintessential nice guy, sparks fly that consume their expectations of life and love.

Get those finances in order.
Working over the holidays on a messy bank takeover is made worse for two federal specialists by an ill-advised kiss that will never happen again…right?

*Blurb from Goodreads*

This great little anthology featured three wonderful stories about kissing at Midnight on New Years Eve!!

Robyn Carr starts us off with one of her Virgin River Series shorts, MIDNIGHT CONFESSIONS. This features Sunny and Drew, the only singles at the town’s first ever New Year’s Eve party. When Drew sees Sunny, he is instantly attracted to her, and can’t wait to find out more of what makes her tick. But Sunny is coming off a really bad break-up, and doesn’t want to take another chance at love.

Drew whittles down her defenses, and the two end up spending the evening getting to know each other better. Although scared sh*tless, the two realize that although their past relationships might have been nothing short of disastrous, they just might be able to make it work together.

This was my first read by Robyn Carr, and I have to say I am totally hooked! My aunt suggested her, and actually gave me a bunch of her books. I can’t wait for a free weekend when I can sit down and just hammer through them!  Her characters were fabulous, down to earth, and wonderfully thoughtful. The short was super sweet, and I can’t help but hope we can see more of sunny and Drew in the future!

Jean Brashear took over with MIDNIGHT SURRENDER, with her story about Jordan and Will. Jordan is a super successful lawyer, who is just a little (read, A LOT) emotionally unavailable. Her stressful past has made her weary of men, and she has become dubbed the “Maneater” by many. The total opposite, Will is a laid back Irish man, looking to find that one special woman who can complete him in every possible way.

Even thought he knows he shouldn’t, Will falls hard for Jordan and pursues her relentlessly. He manages to charm her into an actual relationship, and although they don’t realize they like each other at times, end up falling helplessly in love. I really enjoyed that Will and Jordan were so completely different, and that Will was so persistent in his campaign to win Jordan’s heart.

I really enjoyed seeing them both come to terms with the fact that their ideal spouse may not be what they actually need or want to make life full of love and laughter. I enjoyed this one, and can’t wait to see if I can find more reads from Brashear.

Victoria Dahl rounded out the anthology with MIDNIGHT ASSIGNMENT, her short about Noah and Elise, a couple of FDIC agents with a steamy and tumultuous history. Noah and Elise shared one earth shattering kiss long ago, but it never went further than that. When Noah got a job Elise wanted, the two became nemeses.

When they get stuck working on a huge project together over the Holiday Season, they let a few shots of Tequila get the best of them, and both act on the zings of chemistry they still feel between them. With the stress of the assignment, and fears of what exactly they are to each other, they dance around their relationship until they finally realize just what they mean, and have always meant, to each other.

While I liked this story, it wasn’t my favorite. At times I just want to shake some fictional characters and ask them why the hell they can’t act like adults! Miscommunication and misunderstandings that could have been worked out with a simple conversation kept these two apart, and while I can understand how scary it can be to take a leap of faith, I just want to scream at them to both buck up!

All in all, I give Midnight Kiss and A-

Review – Midnight Kiss Anthology is a post from: The Book Pushers | Book Reviews | Book Chatter