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The Perfect Gift
Christmas is a special time. A time of good will and cheer and...gifts. But what is The Perfect Gift? Finding or rediscovering love? Forgiveness? A new beginning?
Beloved mate to two wolves, Heather lived an idyllic life until hunters destroyed their peaceful existence. Her mates believe she betrayed them. When the truth is revealed, can they find forgiveness and ask Heather to "Love Me, Still"?
This Christmas Sophia leaves everything familiar behind, but love finds her anyway. Even on a cruise ship far from home, she discovers with love, she is still "Home for Christmas."
Four years ago, Lori and Dean lost so much that it drove them apart. Can they find it in their hearts to forgive each other, and themselves? Will they have a "Second Chance Christmas"?
Scott already knows what he wants for Christmas and its Tara, a woman seeking refuge from an ex. Now he just has to convince her to "Look What Santa Brought."
Him. Amara is cursed by Saint Nicholas, protector of children. She must answer a simple question to be free, but cannot do it on her own. Will handsome doctor, Nick, and his young daughter help Amara find her "Miracle at Midnight"?
291 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2007
3 people are currently reading
564 people want to read
About the author
Maya Banks
249 books21.6k followersMaya Banks is the #1 New York Times, #1 USA Today and international bestselling author of over 50 novels. A wife and mother of three, she lives in Texas.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 17, 2008
I basically read this book for Scott's story. He is Brianna's Blind and Half-Deaf brother in Blackmailed by Annmarie McKenna. I am glad I read this book. It is probably one of the more "tamer" samhain books I have ever read. I would NOT catagory this as erotica. A few of the stories barely have any sexual contact at all...BUT this is a VERY romantic book, and I enjoyed the message of hope that each story seemed to give.
I liked all of the stories in this book. Some better than others, but all were at least 3 stars.
Look what Santa Brought by Annmarie McKenna
This is Scott's story from Blackmailed. It's been ten years since Brianna entered a relationship with Cole and Tyler. Scott is a very successful businessman. Not allowing his physical challenges stop him from getting what he wants- he is both smart and sexy. Unfortunately, he has been in love with his sisters best friend-Tara forever. When he discovers that Tara needs his help with a stalker-ex-boyfriend he immediately does what he can to help her...and to finally let her know how he really feels. What he doesn't know is Tara has secretly been in love with him forever, but doesn't really think she is good enough for him
I wish Scott's story would have been a full-length novel. It was good, but I felt cheated by the shortness (is that a word?) of it. We also re-visit Brianna and Tyler from Blackmailed. Once again I wonder why she and Tyler didn't marry because Cole isn't around much...did anyone else feel that way???
Home for Christmas by Kate Davies
This is a best friends turns lovers romance. Sophia and Ethan have been through everything together. Both surviving the grief of Sophia's husband and Ethan's business partners death..they have become very attached to one another. There relationship has developed into stronger feelings for one another than both are afraid to admit to one another. When Sophia decides she needs a new traditon on Christmas and goes on a Christmas Cruise...Ethan decides to make his move and have this be the best Christmas ever.
I really liked this story. Both characters were interesting and I found myself really rooting for Sophia and Ethan to come together.
Love Me, Still by Maya Banks
This was the most difficult story for me to read. The basis of it is forgiveness...and well I really don't know if I would have been as forgiving as the heroine was to her mates.
Heather has been very happy living in the pack with her two werewolf mates Cael and Riyu. The pack has accepted her as one of them even though she is human. When Heather, her friend Niko and her mate's father Magus is attacked by hunters. She is raped and beaten viciously. Magnus mortally injured misinterpreted the situtation and blamed Heather for the attack. When he reaches the pack he informs Cael and Riyu of her betrayal.
Niko in the meantime rescues Heather and takes her almost to the village their pack lives in. Unable to take her all the way or he will lose the scent of the hunters and not take any revenge he leaves her within walking distance on her own. When Heather approaches Cael and Riyu they immediately shun her and refuse to listen to her, or take note of the MANY injuries she is suffering. They kick her out and leave her to die in the snowfall.
When Niko returns and sees what they have done to Heather he informs them of the truth, and they set out to save her.
I don't think I would have gone back with Cael and Riyu...I would have picked Niko and said the hell with the rest...but since I didn't write the story...lol
Second Chance Christmas by MacKenzie McKade
This is a very good story about second chances. It was also the most sensual story of the book. Like Scott's story I wish this would have been a full-length novel...but I wasn't invited to the meeting they had to make these decisions...darn it!
Lori and Dean were childhood sweethearts. Four years ago a series of misunderstandings have drove them apart. When they run into one another at the local bar, sparks fly. Will they be able to communicate and find there way back to one another??
I really enjoyed this story. I thought that Dean was a very sexy, interesing hero...and well matched with Lori. Is there a story that MacKenzie has written that I didnt' like? She is another must read author by me, and she doesn't disappoint with this short story either.
I liked all of the stories in this book. Some better than others, but all were at least 3 stars.
Look what Santa Brought by Annmarie McKenna
This is Scott's story from Blackmailed. It's been ten years since Brianna entered a relationship with Cole and Tyler. Scott is a very successful businessman. Not allowing his physical challenges stop him from getting what he wants- he is both smart and sexy. Unfortunately, he has been in love with his sisters best friend-Tara forever. When he discovers that Tara needs his help with a stalker-ex-boyfriend he immediately does what he can to help her...and to finally let her know how he really feels. What he doesn't know is Tara has secretly been in love with him forever, but doesn't really think she is good enough for him
I wish Scott's story would have been a full-length novel. It was good, but I felt cheated by the shortness (is that a word?) of it. We also re-visit Brianna and Tyler from Blackmailed. Once again I wonder why she and Tyler didn't marry because Cole isn't around much...did anyone else feel that way???
Home for Christmas by Kate Davies
This is a best friends turns lovers romance. Sophia and Ethan have been through everything together. Both surviving the grief of Sophia's husband and Ethan's business partners death..they have become very attached to one another. There relationship has developed into stronger feelings for one another than both are afraid to admit to one another. When Sophia decides she needs a new traditon on Christmas and goes on a Christmas Cruise...Ethan decides to make his move and have this be the best Christmas ever.
I really liked this story. Both characters were interesting and I found myself really rooting for Sophia and Ethan to come together.
Love Me, Still by Maya Banks
This was the most difficult story for me to read. The basis of it is forgiveness...and well I really don't know if I would have been as forgiving as the heroine was to her mates.
Heather has been very happy living in the pack with her two werewolf mates Cael and Riyu. The pack has accepted her as one of them even though she is human. When Heather, her friend Niko and her mate's father Magus is attacked by hunters. She is raped and beaten viciously. Magnus mortally injured misinterpreted the situtation and blamed Heather for the attack. When he reaches the pack he informs Cael and Riyu of her betrayal.
Niko in the meantime rescues Heather and takes her almost to the village their pack lives in. Unable to take her all the way or he will lose the scent of the hunters and not take any revenge he leaves her within walking distance on her own. When Heather approaches Cael and Riyu they immediately shun her and refuse to listen to her, or take note of the MANY injuries she is suffering. They kick her out and leave her to die in the snowfall.
When Niko returns and sees what they have done to Heather he informs them of the truth, and they set out to save her.
I don't think I would have gone back with Cael and Riyu...I would have picked Niko and said the hell with the rest...but since I didn't write the story...lol
Second Chance Christmas by MacKenzie McKade
This is a very good story about second chances. It was also the most sensual story of the book. Like Scott's story I wish this would have been a full-length novel...but I wasn't invited to the meeting they had to make these decisions...darn it!
Lori and Dean were childhood sweethearts. Four years ago a series of misunderstandings have drove them apart. When they run into one another at the local bar, sparks fly. Will they be able to communicate and find there way back to one another??
I really enjoyed this story. I thought that Dean was a very sexy, interesing hero...and well matched with Lori. Is there a story that MacKenzie has written that I didnt' like? She is another must read author by me, and she doesn't disappoint with this short story either.
September 13, 2010
From 4 to 2 stars for five romance stories happening at Christmas time.
4 stars for LOOK WHAT SANTA BROUGHT by Annmarie McKenna.
Very nice romance. Very sensual. I like her style of writing about a guy who is focused on only one woman, and he’s got to have her, and he treasures her. This is a sequel to Blackmailed, but the stories don’t need to be read together. In Blackmailed Brianna becomes the mate of Cole and Tyler. Scot is Brianna’s blind brother who lives with them. In this story, Tara has just broken up with an abusive boyfriend Eric who still wants her and tries to hurt her. Tara needs to find an apartment, and Scot invites her to live with him temporarily.
Story length: 56 pages. Sexual language: strong. Number of sex scenes: one. Setting: current day St. Louis, Missouri. Copyright: 2007. Genre: contemporary romance.
Other Books:
For a list of my reviews of other Annmarie McKenna books, see my 5 star review of "Finding Strength" posted on 7/12/08.
3.5 stars for HOME FOR CHRISTMAS by Kate Davies.
Nice, romantic lovers story. Very pleasant ending. Wonderful guy Ethan. Dan was husband to Sophie and business partner with Ethan. Dan died two years earlier. Sophie began working at the company with Ethan. Ethan has been attracted to Sophie but remained a platonic friend due to her mourning. Sophie decides to go on a Christmas cruise alone. Ethan discovers this as she is leaving for the airport. He hurriedly arranges to get on the same cruise. They become romantic and intimate for the first time on the cruise.
Story length: 48 pages. Sexual language: strong. Number of sex scenes: two. Setting: current day U.S. and Caribbean cruise ship. Copyright: 2007. Genre: contemporary romance.
Other Books:
To date, I’ve read one other book by Kate Davies. I gave 3 stars to the anthology “Lessons Learned” copyright 2008, posted 4/18/09. The anthology includes two stories titled “Lessons in Love” and “Lessons Learned.”
3 stars for MIRACLE AT MIDNIGHT by Stacia Wolf.
In 1507, a heartless countess Amara imprisons a poor man for stealing food for his children. She plans to sell his children into slavery for his punishment. Saint Nicholas, the protector of children, turns her into a statue saying that once every fifty years she will come alive for two days and must answer the question what is the true meaning of love. She has ten tries. If she fails, she will remain a statue forever. The story shifts to current day New York City, the day before Christmas. Six-year-old Samantha is visiting her divorced father. Samantha sees the statue turn into a human and convinces her father to help. They spend the two days together. Amara feels love for them and they love her back. There is a happy ending that brings some tears with it. This story reminds me of the Scrooge-type Christmas story about the heartless finding their heart.
Story length: 56 pages. Sexual language: none. Number of sex scenes: none. Setting: 1507 France and current day New York City. Copyright: 2007. Genre: fantasy romance.
3 stars for SECOND CHANCE CHRISTMAS by Mackenzie McKade.
Nice romance about a reunion of separated lovers. Lori and Dean were in love. They have a miscommunication which is not my favorite reason for separating, but I accepted it for this story. She leaves town for four years. When she returns for Christmas with her family, they see each other at a night club and are drawn to each other. They have hurried sex in the parking lot and then go to his home. By the next morning, they have cleared up the misunderstanding.
Story length: 45 pages. Sexual language: strong. Number of sex scenes: five. Setting: current day Safford, Arizona. Copyright: 2007. Genre: contemporary romance.
2 stars for LOVE ME STILL by Maya Banks.
Ok. It is more about grief and healing than romance. It is about loss, separation and eventual forgiveness. Heather is a human who is the mate of two shape-shifting wolf/men, Cael and Riyu. Heather is traveling with their father Magnus and a fellow pack member Niko. Three hunters attack them and shoot darts into Magnus and Niko. In his drug confused state, Magnus thinks Heather betrayed them. Magnus escapes, returns home and tells Cael and others that Heather betrayed them. Magnus then dies. In truth, Heather fought the hunters and saved Niko’s life. She is wounded and near death when Cael and Riyu find her. They hate her for her betrayal and leave her to die. Another man finds her in the woods and takes care of her while she heals. Niko eventually returns and tells the pack the truth about Heather. They now want her back and the question is will she forgive them and return.
Story length: 58 pages. Sexual language: none. Number of sex scenes: none. Setting: unsure time in a wooded area. Copyright: 2007. Genre: paranormal romance.
Other Books:
To date, I’ve read one other book by Maya Banks. My 3.5 star review of “Colters’ Woman” Copyright 2006 was posted 12/24/08.
4 stars for LOOK WHAT SANTA BROUGHT by Annmarie McKenna.
Very nice romance. Very sensual. I like her style of writing about a guy who is focused on only one woman, and he’s got to have her, and he treasures her. This is a sequel to Blackmailed, but the stories don’t need to be read together. In Blackmailed Brianna becomes the mate of Cole and Tyler. Scot is Brianna’s blind brother who lives with them. In this story, Tara has just broken up with an abusive boyfriend Eric who still wants her and tries to hurt her. Tara needs to find an apartment, and Scot invites her to live with him temporarily.
Story length: 56 pages. Sexual language: strong. Number of sex scenes: one. Setting: current day St. Louis, Missouri. Copyright: 2007. Genre: contemporary romance.
Other Books:
For a list of my reviews of other Annmarie McKenna books, see my 5 star review of "Finding Strength" posted on 7/12/08.
3.5 stars for HOME FOR CHRISTMAS by Kate Davies.
Nice, romantic lovers story. Very pleasant ending. Wonderful guy Ethan. Dan was husband to Sophie and business partner with Ethan. Dan died two years earlier. Sophie began working at the company with Ethan. Ethan has been attracted to Sophie but remained a platonic friend due to her mourning. Sophie decides to go on a Christmas cruise alone. Ethan discovers this as she is leaving for the airport. He hurriedly arranges to get on the same cruise. They become romantic and intimate for the first time on the cruise.
Story length: 48 pages. Sexual language: strong. Number of sex scenes: two. Setting: current day U.S. and Caribbean cruise ship. Copyright: 2007. Genre: contemporary romance.
Other Books:
To date, I’ve read one other book by Kate Davies. I gave 3 stars to the anthology “Lessons Learned” copyright 2008, posted 4/18/09. The anthology includes two stories titled “Lessons in Love” and “Lessons Learned.”
3 stars for MIRACLE AT MIDNIGHT by Stacia Wolf.
In 1507, a heartless countess Amara imprisons a poor man for stealing food for his children. She plans to sell his children into slavery for his punishment. Saint Nicholas, the protector of children, turns her into a statue saying that once every fifty years she will come alive for two days and must answer the question what is the true meaning of love. She has ten tries. If she fails, she will remain a statue forever. The story shifts to current day New York City, the day before Christmas. Six-year-old Samantha is visiting her divorced father. Samantha sees the statue turn into a human and convinces her father to help. They spend the two days together. Amara feels love for them and they love her back. There is a happy ending that brings some tears with it. This story reminds me of the Scrooge-type Christmas story about the heartless finding their heart.
Story length: 56 pages. Sexual language: none. Number of sex scenes: none. Setting: 1507 France and current day New York City. Copyright: 2007. Genre: fantasy romance.
3 stars for SECOND CHANCE CHRISTMAS by Mackenzie McKade.
Nice romance about a reunion of separated lovers. Lori and Dean were in love. They have a miscommunication which is not my favorite reason for separating, but I accepted it for this story. She leaves town for four years. When she returns for Christmas with her family, they see each other at a night club and are drawn to each other. They have hurried sex in the parking lot and then go to his home. By the next morning, they have cleared up the misunderstanding.
Story length: 45 pages. Sexual language: strong. Number of sex scenes: five. Setting: current day Safford, Arizona. Copyright: 2007. Genre: contemporary romance.
2 stars for LOVE ME STILL by Maya Banks.
Ok. It is more about grief and healing than romance. It is about loss, separation and eventual forgiveness. Heather is a human who is the mate of two shape-shifting wolf/men, Cael and Riyu. Heather is traveling with their father Magnus and a fellow pack member Niko. Three hunters attack them and shoot darts into Magnus and Niko. In his drug confused state, Magnus thinks Heather betrayed them. Magnus escapes, returns home and tells Cael and others that Heather betrayed them. Magnus then dies. In truth, Heather fought the hunters and saved Niko’s life. She is wounded and near death when Cael and Riyu find her. They hate her for her betrayal and leave her to die. Another man finds her in the woods and takes care of her while she heals. Niko eventually returns and tells the pack the truth about Heather. They now want her back and the question is will she forgive them and return.
Story length: 58 pages. Sexual language: none. Number of sex scenes: none. Setting: unsure time in a wooded area. Copyright: 2007. Genre: paranormal romance.
Other Books:
To date, I’ve read one other book by Maya Banks. My 3.5 star review of “Colters’ Woman” Copyright 2006 was posted 12/24/08.
September 9, 2010
"Maya Banks Love Me, Still" and "Annmarie McKenna Look What Santa Brought" - these are the only 2 stories I have read from this anthology as I bought them as ebooks.
The Maya Banks story is one that touched my heart and I reread it often.
Looking at the Annamarie McKenna story, I will have to reread it again soon and I have it in my folder as a book that I really liked.
I rated a 5 star based on the Maya Bank and Annamarie McKenna contributions only.
"Kate Davies Home for Christmas" - I just bought this one and so I have not read it yet.
I have not purchased Stacia Wolf Miracle at Midnight.
I also have not purchased "Mackenzie McKade Second Chance Christmas" that one will be bought soon.
The Maya Banks story is one that touched my heart and I reread it often.
Looking at the Annamarie McKenna story, I will have to reread it again soon and I have it in my folder as a book that I really liked.
I rated a 5 star based on the Maya Bank and Annamarie McKenna contributions only.
"Kate Davies Home for Christmas" - I just bought this one and so I have not read it yet.
I have not purchased Stacia Wolf Miracle at Midnight.
I also have not purchased "Mackenzie McKade Second Chance Christmas" that one will be bought soon.
November 17, 2012
Selections of short stories. I seem to have forgotten to review this when I first read it.
"Love Me, Still" by Maya Banks, Interesting, short and sweet. Turned 180 from what I was expecting in a good way.
"Home for Christmas" by Kate Davies was just so, so. Not bad, but just not that interesting.
"Look What Santa Brought" by Annmarie McKenna is very enjoyable with good characters and wonderful visualization. I got totally wrapped up in the characters and story, hard to do in a short.
"Miracle at Midnight" by Stacia Wolf was good. A bit predictable, but the writing was lovley and I liked the characters.
"Second Chance Christmas" by Makenzie McKade didn't get me interested. Not sure why, just meh on the characters.
"Love Me, Still" by Maya Banks, Interesting, short and sweet. Turned 180 from what I was expecting in a good way.
"Home for Christmas" by Kate Davies was just so, so. Not bad, but just not that interesting.
"Look What Santa Brought" by Annmarie McKenna is very enjoyable with good characters and wonderful visualization. I got totally wrapped up in the characters and story, hard to do in a short.
"Miracle at Midnight" by Stacia Wolf was good. A bit predictable, but the writing was lovley and I liked the characters.
"Second Chance Christmas" by Makenzie McKade didn't get me interested. Not sure why, just meh on the characters.
January 24, 2009
FYI - there's a sequel to Blackmailed in this anthology [or it is available as a stand-alone in ebook form:]
It's about Scottie [younger brother of Blackmailed heroine:] all grown up... Great story but I didn't care for the other two.
It's about Scottie [younger brother of Blackmailed heroine:] all grown up... Great story but I didn't care for the other two.
February 25, 2008
This anthology contains some very good stories. And if you've read Annmarie McKenna's Blackmailed, you won't want to miss "Look What Santa Brought." This is Scotty Wyatt's story.
December 9, 2009
Surprisingly touching and melancholic story. Very sensual and sad at times.
December 19, 2011
I really liked all the stories in this book. The 1st 3 were nice and more romantic whereas the last one was more saucy. A very easy read between books.
May 4, 2012
My Favorite was Love Me Still by Maya Banks.
Read
November 20, 2008The Perfect Gift by Annmarie McKenna (2007)
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews