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Burnside #2.5
Heating Up the Holidays 3-Story Bundle
This edition is out of print.
As leftover turkey and stuffing give way to stockings and little black dresses, this tantalizingly sexy eBook bundle offers up holiday-themed novellas from a trio of beloved romance authors. Lisa Renee Jones gives a dedicated reporter and a powerful businessman a chance to count their Thanksgiving blessings in Play with Me; Mary Ann Rivers presents Snowfall, the story of a woman who confronts a life-changing event—hopefully with a special man by her side—just in time for Christmas; and in Serena Bell’s After Midnight, an explosive New Year’s kiss leaves two strangers wondering whether they’ll ever see each other again.
PLAY WITH ME by Lisa Renee Jones
Kali Miller has spent three years reporting fluff stories, waiting for the article that will launch her career to new heights. When she suddenly finds herself forced to take a job as an executive secretary at a Vegas casino, Kali meets the subject of what will surely be a shocking exposé: her boss, Damion Ward, the arrogant and undeniably sexy CEO. But after Damion invites her to help him plan a Thanksgiving charity event, Kali begins to see another side of the man. And when she surrenders to the exhilarating tension simmering between them, Kali hopes her story will have a happy ending.
SNOWFALL by Mary Ann Rivers
Jenny Wright can’t get enough of her erotic conversations with someone she knows only as “C.” Flirting online helps Jenny temporarily escape confronting the changes to her life as she slowly loses her vision. Jenny’s occupational therapist, Evan Carlisle-Ford, is helping her prepare for the challenges ahead, but the forthright, trustworthy man can no longer ignore his growing attraction to his fiercely intelligent client. Now Jenny must choose between the safe, anonymous “C”—or the flesh-and-blood Evan, whose heated kisses can melt snow faster than it can fall.
AFTER MIDNIGHT by Serena Bell
The clock is ticking down to midnight on New Year’s Eve, and all Nora Hart and Miles Shephard can think about is kissing each other—even though they met just minutes before. Then, as fast as Miles enters Nora’s life, he’s gone . . . and she never even gets the name of the man she thinks might just be “the one.” One year later, Nora and Miles are reunited. The chemistry between them is just as strong as they remember. But Miles broke her heart once before—and this time around, Nora’s not sure whether she can give love a second chance.
As leftover turkey and stuffing give way to stockings and little black dresses, this tantalizingly sexy eBook bundle offers up holiday-themed novellas from a trio of beloved romance authors. Lisa Renee Jones gives a dedicated reporter and a powerful businessman a chance to count their Thanksgiving blessings in Play with Me; Mary Ann Rivers presents Snowfall, the story of a woman who confronts a life-changing event—hopefully with a special man by her side—just in time for Christmas; and in Serena Bell’s After Midnight, an explosive New Year’s kiss leaves two strangers wondering whether they’ll ever see each other again.
PLAY WITH ME by Lisa Renee Jones
Kali Miller has spent three years reporting fluff stories, waiting for the article that will launch her career to new heights. When she suddenly finds herself forced to take a job as an executive secretary at a Vegas casino, Kali meets the subject of what will surely be a shocking exposé: her boss, Damion Ward, the arrogant and undeniably sexy CEO. But after Damion invites her to help him plan a Thanksgiving charity event, Kali begins to see another side of the man. And when she surrenders to the exhilarating tension simmering between them, Kali hopes her story will have a happy ending.
SNOWFALL by Mary Ann Rivers
Jenny Wright can’t get enough of her erotic conversations with someone she knows only as “C.” Flirting online helps Jenny temporarily escape confronting the changes to her life as she slowly loses her vision. Jenny’s occupational therapist, Evan Carlisle-Ford, is helping her prepare for the challenges ahead, but the forthright, trustworthy man can no longer ignore his growing attraction to his fiercely intelligent client. Now Jenny must choose between the safe, anonymous “C”—or the flesh-and-blood Evan, whose heated kisses can melt snow faster than it can fall.
AFTER MIDNIGHT by Serena Bell
The clock is ticking down to midnight on New Year’s Eve, and all Nora Hart and Miles Shephard can think about is kissing each other—even though they met just minutes before. Then, as fast as Miles enters Nora’s life, he’s gone . . . and she never even gets the name of the man she thinks might just be “the one.” One year later, Nora and Miles are reunited. The chemistry between them is just as strong as they remember. But Miles broke her heart once before—and this time around, Nora’s not sure whether she can give love a second chance.
378 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 28, 2013
13 people are currently reading
1318 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Renee Jones
373 books14.6k followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones is the author of the highly acclaimed INSIDE OUT series. Suzanne Todd (producer of Alice in Wonderland) on the INSIDE OUT series: Lisa has created a beautiful, complicated, and sensual world that is filled with intrigue and suspense. Sara’s character is strong, flawed, complex, and sexy - a modern girl we all can identify with.
In addition to the success of Lisa's INSIDE OUT series, she has published many successful titles. The TALL, DARK AND DEADLY series and THE SECRET LIFE OF AMY BENSEN series, both spent several months on a combination of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling lists. Lisa is presently working on a dark, edgy new series, Dirty Money, for St. Martin's Press.
Prior to publishing Lisa owned multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by the Dallas Women's Magazine. In 1998 Lisa was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine.
Lisa loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her at www.lisareneejones.com and she is active on Twitter and Facebook daily.
In addition to the success of Lisa's INSIDE OUT series, she has published many successful titles. The TALL, DARK AND DEADLY series and THE SECRET LIFE OF AMY BENSEN series, both spent several months on a combination of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling lists. Lisa is presently working on a dark, edgy new series, Dirty Money, for St. Martin's Press.
Prior to publishing Lisa owned multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by the Dallas Women's Magazine. In 1998 Lisa was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine.
Lisa loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her at www.lisareneejones.com and she is active on Twitter and Facebook daily.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
December 18, 2013
Play With Me by Lisa Renee Jones
I DNF’d this story. Hero is this cold businessman. Heroine is hired as his assistant. I did not like at all. I wish this story wasn’t the first in the anthology. Oh well.
Snowfall by Mary Ann Rivers.
Blurb: Jenny Wright can’t get enough of her erotic conversations with someone she knows only as “C.” Flirting online helps Jenny temporarily escape confronting the changes to her life as she slowly loses her vision. Jenny’s occupational therapist, Evan Carlisle-Ford, is helping her prepare for the challenges ahead, but the forthright, trustworthy man can no longer ignore his growing attraction to his fiercely intelligent client. Now Jenny must choose between the safe, anonymous “C”—or the flesh-and-blood Evan, whose heated kisses can melt snow faster than it can fall.
This story blew me away. Mary Ann Rivers’ voice – the way she writes her words make me sit and flail in my char. After reading and loving The Story Guy earlier this year, I was so anxious to see what she could do next. And again – here I am totally blown away.
Jenny is suffering from an inherited eye disease, which makes her slowly lose her peripheral vision, along with her night vision and maybe even more as the disease progresses. Jenny is very smart, working as a microbiologist at a lab for a university. She hates what is happening to her vision. And so when she meets with her occupational therapist, she acts out. She refuses to do treatment, she screams and yells. To her, Evan represents her future failure and that scares her tremendously. Except – something happens between her and Evan. And by “something happens” I mean Mary Ann Rivers writes this amazing, brilliant slow build of a romance that I literally could not stop reading and is the farthest thing from just a ‘something.’ . Evan is this sexy therapist who is patient and kind and has long sexy arms who wants Jenny to accept his treatment but you can tell he also wants to give her a dirty kiss but he is so professional that this weighs on him and makes his eyebrows frown.
Look – Mary Ann Rivers writes these extremely smart, mature, professional protagonists and then mixes in these dirty, sexy moments. The whole package just makes me scream in delight.
Oh – and Jenny also has this anonymous online relationship with a man that she knows lives in her town and works near her that has an impact on the story as well. It’s just all so darn romantic and well done. Buy the anthology for this story alone.
Rating: A
After Midnight by Serena Bell
Blurb: The clock is ticking down to midnight on New Year’s Eve, and all Nora Hart and Miles Shephard can think about is kissing each other—even though they met just minutes before. Then, as fast as Miles enters Nora’s life, he’s gone . . . and she never even gets the name of the man she thinks might just be “the one.” One year later, Nora and Miles are reunited. The chemistry between them is just as strong as they remember. But Miles broke her heart once before—and this time around, Nora’s not sure whether she can give love a second chance.
I really enjoyed this novella as well. Nora and Miles have some wicked chemistry when they first meet at the New Years Eve party. A year later when they are reconnected over the phone, they get to know one another. (sexy phone times too.) I enjoyed Nora so much – she takes that chance in flying out to see Miles once they established a phone relationship and pushes their relationship along. Miles is down in the dumps as he faces embezzlement charges (he is innocent but his company is set on putting the blame on him). He is weighed down by this shame and can’t seem to move on with his life. Nora is full of life and energy and works through her own trust issues to be there for Miles. Well done.
Rating: B
I DNF’d this story. Hero is this cold businessman. Heroine is hired as his assistant. I did not like at all. I wish this story wasn’t the first in the anthology. Oh well.
Snowfall by Mary Ann Rivers.
Blurb: Jenny Wright can’t get enough of her erotic conversations with someone she knows only as “C.” Flirting online helps Jenny temporarily escape confronting the changes to her life as she slowly loses her vision. Jenny’s occupational therapist, Evan Carlisle-Ford, is helping her prepare for the challenges ahead, but the forthright, trustworthy man can no longer ignore his growing attraction to his fiercely intelligent client. Now Jenny must choose between the safe, anonymous “C”—or the flesh-and-blood Evan, whose heated kisses can melt snow faster than it can fall.
This story blew me away. Mary Ann Rivers’ voice – the way she writes her words make me sit and flail in my char. After reading and loving The Story Guy earlier this year, I was so anxious to see what she could do next. And again – here I am totally blown away.
Jenny is suffering from an inherited eye disease, which makes her slowly lose her peripheral vision, along with her night vision and maybe even more as the disease progresses. Jenny is very smart, working as a microbiologist at a lab for a university. She hates what is happening to her vision. And so when she meets with her occupational therapist, she acts out. She refuses to do treatment, she screams and yells. To her, Evan represents her future failure and that scares her tremendously. Except – something happens between her and Evan. And by “something happens” I mean Mary Ann Rivers writes this amazing, brilliant slow build of a romance that I literally could not stop reading and is the farthest thing from just a ‘something.’ . Evan is this sexy therapist who is patient and kind and has long sexy arms who wants Jenny to accept his treatment but you can tell he also wants to give her a dirty kiss but he is so professional that this weighs on him and makes his eyebrows frown.
Look – Mary Ann Rivers writes these extremely smart, mature, professional protagonists and then mixes in these dirty, sexy moments. The whole package just makes me scream in delight.
Oh – and Jenny also has this anonymous online relationship with a man that she knows lives in her town and works near her that has an impact on the story as well. It’s just all so darn romantic and well done. Buy the anthology for this story alone.
Rating: A
After Midnight by Serena Bell
Blurb: The clock is ticking down to midnight on New Year’s Eve, and all Nora Hart and Miles Shephard can think about is kissing each other—even though they met just minutes before. Then, as fast as Miles enters Nora’s life, he’s gone . . . and she never even gets the name of the man she thinks might just be “the one.” One year later, Nora and Miles are reunited. The chemistry between them is just as strong as they remember. But Miles broke her heart once before—and this time around, Nora’s not sure whether she can give love a second chance.
I really enjoyed this novella as well. Nora and Miles have some wicked chemistry when they first meet at the New Years Eve party. A year later when they are reconnected over the phone, they get to know one another. (sexy phone times too.) I enjoyed Nora so much – she takes that chance in flying out to see Miles once they established a phone relationship and pushes their relationship along. Miles is down in the dumps as he faces embezzlement charges (he is innocent but his company is set on putting the blame on him). He is weighed down by this shame and can’t seem to move on with his life. Nora is full of life and energy and works through her own trust issues to be there for Miles. Well done.
Rating: B
December 15, 2013
4 Steamy Holiday Stars!!!
(ARC Provided by Netgalley)
Heating Up The Holidays was my first experience with a holiday themed book.
At first I was a little wary.
I didn't think there was anything sexy about CHRISTMAS...I was proven WRONG!!
The stories happen during the holiday season but don't really focus on it.
It's all about the couples and how they end up with each other, with a bunch of smoking hot sex scenes!!
I think I may have to read more holiday themed books!!!
These stories were HOT!!
Thoroughly enjoyable!
Each story better than the previous one.
I've never read any of the books by these authors and to be honest, I've only heard of Lisa Renee Jones, but now having read this book, I want to read ALL of their books.
The first story is "Play With Me" by Lisa Renee Jones.
Kali Miller is our heroine and Damian Ward is our sexy male lead.
Kali has just moved to Las Vegas and is starting her new job as Damian Ward's executive assistant.
He is the CEO to a casino corporation.
Kali was a reporter in her hometown in Texas.
She loses her job and in a need to be free of her loveless father and ex boyfriend, she decides to make a fresh start in Vegas.
The moment Kali and Damion meet, they're instantly attracted to each other!!
These two are HOT together.
They had a few panty soaking scenes!!
My only issue was Damion being compared to Robert Downey Jr.
That guy is not the least bit attractive to me.
The Second story is "Snowfall" by Mary Ann Rivers
Jenny Wright is the heroine.
A microbiologist from Seattle, who moves to Ohio for a job on the a Research Faculty at Lakefield State University.
It is nearing Christmas and she receives a card in the mail that was meant for the previous tenant.
She writes up her own card as well for the tenant and asks the landlord if he could send them to the previous tenant.
Jenny soon receives a postcard from him.
These two start a cyber friendship that soon gets filled with some HOT, cyber sex!
Jenny uses the name "Lincoln" and the ex tenant goes by "C".
He's the only friend she has in Ohio.
And the story starts to get sad.
Jenny is losing her sight.
She has a disorder called "retinitis pigmentosa".
Her peripheral vision is diminishing, and soon she may lose her sight completely.
The only happiness she has is the cyber relationship with "C"
That's until Evan Carlisle, her OT, enters her life.
He's trying to help her prepare for a life of possible blindness and how to manage it.
He's super gorgeous and Jenny finds herself attracted to him.
It's clear these two share a mutual attraction for each other and before anything can start between them, Evan asks for a replacement OT for Jenny.
The kissing scenes are pretty damn hot between these two and don't get me started on sex in the Van!!!
Jenny starts to feel bad about "C"
But she's in for a big surprise where Evan is concerned.
I really liked this story and plan on checking out other books by this author!!
The last story "After Midnight" by Serena Bell, I think is my favorite.
Another author I've not heard of but am looking forward to reading her other works.
It's New Years Eve and Miles Shepard is at a huge party in some penthouse in Boston.
His friend, Owen, received the invite via Facebook.
Miles has been going through tough times back home in Cleveland.
He's been accused of embezzlement by the non-profit organization that he ran and his fiancé dumped him because of it.
All he wants to do is leave the party, but he stays so that his friend can pick up chicks.
He soon changes his mind about the party when he locks eyes with Nora Hart.
She's gorgeous and it seems as though she's extremely attracted to him as well.
Nora does come up to talk to him and they're pretty much flirting right off the bat.
They dance and kiss each other at midnight.
Then Miles gets into a fight with a guy trying to kiss Nora and he ends up having to run out of there, never having gotten Nora's name or number.
She tries to find out over Twitter and Facebook if anyone knew him but with no luck.
A YEAR GOES BY and she gets a tweet from Owen.
So this is how Miles and Nora reconnect.
They're still very unattached and extremely attracted to each other.
They carry on their long distance relationship through long phone calls and SUPER HOT phone sex!
Till Nora hops on a plane from Boston to Ohio to see Miles.
They don't waste anytime making up for all the sex they haven't had!!
Make sure you have plenty of clean panties....you're gonna need them!!
But, there's a little misunderstanding that splits the couple apart.
Don't worry...they will work it out.
Loved the ending!!
I would have loved a full length novel on these two!!
I loved their story!!!
(ARC Provided by Netgalley)
Heating Up The Holidays was my first experience with a holiday themed book.
At first I was a little wary.
I didn't think there was anything sexy about CHRISTMAS...I was proven WRONG!!
The stories happen during the holiday season but don't really focus on it.
It's all about the couples and how they end up with each other, with a bunch of smoking hot sex scenes!!
I think I may have to read more holiday themed books!!!
These stories were HOT!!
Thoroughly enjoyable!
Each story better than the previous one.
I've never read any of the books by these authors and to be honest, I've only heard of Lisa Renee Jones, but now having read this book, I want to read ALL of their books.
The first story is "Play With Me" by Lisa Renee Jones.
Kali Miller is our heroine and Damian Ward is our sexy male lead.
Kali has just moved to Las Vegas and is starting her new job as Damian Ward's executive assistant.
He is the CEO to a casino corporation.
Kali was a reporter in her hometown in Texas.
She loses her job and in a need to be free of her loveless father and ex boyfriend, she decides to make a fresh start in Vegas.
The moment Kali and Damion meet, they're instantly attracted to each other!!
These two are HOT together.
They had a few panty soaking scenes!!
My only issue was Damion being compared to Robert Downey Jr.
That guy is not the least bit attractive to me.
The Second story is "Snowfall" by Mary Ann Rivers
Jenny Wright is the heroine.
A microbiologist from Seattle, who moves to Ohio for a job on the a Research Faculty at Lakefield State University.
It is nearing Christmas and she receives a card in the mail that was meant for the previous tenant.
She writes up her own card as well for the tenant and asks the landlord if he could send them to the previous tenant.
Jenny soon receives a postcard from him.
These two start a cyber friendship that soon gets filled with some HOT, cyber sex!
Jenny uses the name "Lincoln" and the ex tenant goes by "C".
He's the only friend she has in Ohio.
And the story starts to get sad.
Jenny is losing her sight.
She has a disorder called "retinitis pigmentosa".
Her peripheral vision is diminishing, and soon she may lose her sight completely.
The only happiness she has is the cyber relationship with "C"
That's until Evan Carlisle, her OT, enters her life.
He's trying to help her prepare for a life of possible blindness and how to manage it.
He's super gorgeous and Jenny finds herself attracted to him.
It's clear these two share a mutual attraction for each other and before anything can start between them, Evan asks for a replacement OT for Jenny.
The kissing scenes are pretty damn hot between these two and don't get me started on sex in the Van!!!
Jenny starts to feel bad about "C"
But she's in for a big surprise where Evan is concerned.
I really liked this story and plan on checking out other books by this author!!
The last story "After Midnight" by Serena Bell, I think is my favorite.
Another author I've not heard of but am looking forward to reading her other works.
It's New Years Eve and Miles Shepard is at a huge party in some penthouse in Boston.
His friend, Owen, received the invite via Facebook.
Miles has been going through tough times back home in Cleveland.
He's been accused of embezzlement by the non-profit organization that he ran and his fiancé dumped him because of it.
All he wants to do is leave the party, but he stays so that his friend can pick up chicks.
He soon changes his mind about the party when he locks eyes with Nora Hart.
She's gorgeous and it seems as though she's extremely attracted to him as well.
Nora does come up to talk to him and they're pretty much flirting right off the bat.
They dance and kiss each other at midnight.
Then Miles gets into a fight with a guy trying to kiss Nora and he ends up having to run out of there, never having gotten Nora's name or number.
She tries to find out over Twitter and Facebook if anyone knew him but with no luck.
A YEAR GOES BY and she gets a tweet from Owen.
So this is how Miles and Nora reconnect.
They're still very unattached and extremely attracted to each other.
They carry on their long distance relationship through long phone calls and SUPER HOT phone sex!
Till Nora hops on a plane from Boston to Ohio to see Miles.
They don't waste anytime making up for all the sex they haven't had!!
Make sure you have plenty of clean panties....you're gonna need them!!
But, there's a little misunderstanding that splits the couple apart.
Don't worry...they will work it out.
Loved the ending!!
I would have loved a full length novel on these two!!
I loved their story!!!
October 5, 2013
Bundle up to read!! Preferably with a hot cup of cocoa ;) I think in my last review I mentioned my growing love for Loveswept. Well… it just grew a little more.
Play With Me – Lisa Renée Jones
This is my introduction to Lisa Renée Jones’ writing. And I loved it!
Kali was betrayed by her father and her fiancé and decided to start fresh in Sin City. At the temp agency she is assigned to be a high profile hotel and casino chain CEO’s assistant.
Damion is a young rising star who’s managing 3 hotels in Vegas. He’s gorgeous, intimidating and demanding, and is completely smitten with Kali upon meeting her. Amidst a security issue at the firm, they get to know each other professionally and intimately, and yes – it’s steamy. Very.
I liked Kali’s attitude towards starting fresh. She isn’t hindered by the past and when facing a problem, she solves it, shakes herself up and looks forward. She also believes in herself and her professional capabilities and won’t back down when faced with a challenge from Damion.
I’ll admit, I don’t believe this situation can happen in real life, but as far as stretching reality, LRJ did a great job with two strong MCs and several appealing supporting characters. I really liked Terrance, too. He deserves a spinoff. js
My rating:
Snowfall – Mary Ann Rivers
I cannot begin to express how much I love Mary Ann Rivers’ writing. When you’re hit with a story that is so unique in its concept AND its writing – bells sound.
The protagonist is a PhD microbiologist who absolutely loves the very basics of science. I have a science degree in biotechnology myself, so I’m familiar with the terms and that raw passion for all things nerdy. This might be why or part of why I felt so emotionally attached to this story, but either way, Jenny made me feel everything I’m sure Mary Ann Rivers was aiming for. Jenny Write is diagnosed with a healthy problem that gradually handicaps her and with the help of her occupational therapist is slowly and after much resistance, starts to make progress, adapt and adjust to everyday life again. She is also developing an online relationship with the previous tenant to occupy her current apartment.
Rivers uses clever analogies. I’m positive some if not most are intentional, but I have the feeling that when she writes, her whole being is immersed in the subject matter, in the world she’s creating, that some analogies just flow into the story.
Snowfall being the 2nd story I’ve read of Mary Ann’s (The Story Guy was the first and is a must read!), I almost expect her next book to be heartbreaking and hopeful. Snowfall made me tear up a lot, it’s made me giggle and swoon and feel so sad for Jenny. Addressing this difficult, possibly not so uncommon yet unexplored and undereducated publicly, in a form of a romance is amazing. And as I’ve stated before, it’s amazingly written.
At this point I have yet to read Serena Bell’s novella in this bundle, but if only for Rivers’ novella – this bundle needs to be bought and read.
My rating:
After Midnight – Serena Bell
OMG. My love for Serena Bell only grows from story to story of hers I’m reading.
Who doesn’t have a love/hate relationship with NYE? I sure do. And when something life changing (personally and not for the better) happens shortly before? Yuck.
That’s what happened to Miles and Nora. Each of them suffered a sort of betrayal and each of them chose to deal with it completely differently. In a chance meeting they hit it off. For 15 minutes. And then…
Nora and Miles both go through a growing process as characters, through dealing with their own personal challenge, and while it takes a long time, it’s genuine and real.
Bell’s writing is so relaxed and real, and I love the emotions she manages to carry forward through the characters.
Oh, also – and this was verified with Serena Bell herself – Miles and Nora are pure coincidence that’s completely unrelated to NBC’s Revolution. She doesn’t even watch it. LOL
My rating:
Thank you Loveswept and NetGalley for providing this early copy in exchange for an honest review.
The review is also available on The Book Hammock
Play With Me – Lisa Renée Jones
This is my introduction to Lisa Renée Jones’ writing. And I loved it!
Kali was betrayed by her father and her fiancé and decided to start fresh in Sin City. At the temp agency she is assigned to be a high profile hotel and casino chain CEO’s assistant.
Damion is a young rising star who’s managing 3 hotels in Vegas. He’s gorgeous, intimidating and demanding, and is completely smitten with Kali upon meeting her. Amidst a security issue at the firm, they get to know each other professionally and intimately, and yes – it’s steamy. Very.
I liked Kali’s attitude towards starting fresh. She isn’t hindered by the past and when facing a problem, she solves it, shakes herself up and looks forward. She also believes in herself and her professional capabilities and won’t back down when faced with a challenge from Damion.
I’ll admit, I don’t believe this situation can happen in real life, but as far as stretching reality, LRJ did a great job with two strong MCs and several appealing supporting characters. I really liked Terrance, too. He deserves a spinoff. js
My rating:
Snowfall – Mary Ann Rivers
I cannot begin to express how much I love Mary Ann Rivers’ writing. When you’re hit with a story that is so unique in its concept AND its writing – bells sound.
The protagonist is a PhD microbiologist who absolutely loves the very basics of science. I have a science degree in biotechnology myself, so I’m familiar with the terms and that raw passion for all things nerdy. This might be why or part of why I felt so emotionally attached to this story, but either way, Jenny made me feel everything I’m sure Mary Ann Rivers was aiming for. Jenny Write is diagnosed with a healthy problem that gradually handicaps her and with the help of her occupational therapist is slowly and after much resistance, starts to make progress, adapt and adjust to everyday life again. She is also developing an online relationship with the previous tenant to occupy her current apartment.
Rivers uses clever analogies. I’m positive some if not most are intentional, but I have the feeling that when she writes, her whole being is immersed in the subject matter, in the world she’s creating, that some analogies just flow into the story.
Snowfall being the 2nd story I’ve read of Mary Ann’s (The Story Guy was the first and is a must read!), I almost expect her next book to be heartbreaking and hopeful. Snowfall made me tear up a lot, it’s made me giggle and swoon and feel so sad for Jenny. Addressing this difficult, possibly not so uncommon yet unexplored and undereducated publicly, in a form of a romance is amazing. And as I’ve stated before, it’s amazingly written.
At this point I have yet to read Serena Bell’s novella in this bundle, but if only for Rivers’ novella – this bundle needs to be bought and read.
My rating:
After Midnight – Serena Bell
OMG. My love for Serena Bell only grows from story to story of hers I’m reading.
Who doesn’t have a love/hate relationship with NYE? I sure do. And when something life changing (personally and not for the better) happens shortly before? Yuck.
That’s what happened to Miles and Nora. Each of them suffered a sort of betrayal and each of them chose to deal with it completely differently. In a chance meeting they hit it off. For 15 minutes. And then…
Nora and Miles both go through a growing process as characters, through dealing with their own personal challenge, and while it takes a long time, it’s genuine and real.
Bell’s writing is so relaxed and real, and I love the emotions she manages to carry forward through the characters.
Oh, also – and this was verified with Serena Bell herself – Miles and Nora are pure coincidence that’s completely unrelated to NBC’s Revolution. She doesn’t even watch it. LOL
My rating:
Thank you Loveswept and NetGalley for providing this early copy in exchange for an honest review.
The review is also available on The Book Hammock
December 8, 2015
Originally reviewed here @ Angieville
Last year I read my very first ever Christmas novellas and shocked myself at how much I enjoyed them. I mean I read a few duds, sure, but I read some real gems as well. And so a couple of weeks ago I found myself eagerly looking forward to rereading a couple of my favorites this holiday season as well as hopefully discovering a few new ones. Happily, the very first new one I read proved to be a home run. I kind of knew it would be, given how much I loved Mary Ann Rivers' debut novella The Story Guy earlier this year. When I heard her next book was a Christmas novella in the HEATING UP THE HOLIDAYS anthology, I snatched it up the day it released and snuggled up with my Nook for a little pre-holiday reading. I hadn't read any works by the other two authors in the collection (I actually still haven't read their contributions, though I plan on it at some point), but I can tell you the ebook bundle is utterly worth it for Rivers' story alone.
Jenny Wright was diagnosed right at the most inopportune of times--right after she uprooted her life entirely, moved halfway across the country, and started a new job in a new place. And even after being diagnosed with a rare degenerative eye disease, she chose to stay in her new life. Even though her mother begged her to come back home where she could look after her. Even though her colleagues walked a little more cautiously around her. And even as the days grew shorter and the darkness crept in. The one bright point in those days is the time after she gets home from work and settles in on the couch with her computer. That's when she gets to chat with C. Though they've never actually met, he used to live in the house she currently rents. And when she forwarded a piece of mail on to him, they struck up an online relationship. C is a macro photographer. Most days the two of them talk about his pictures, her thoughts, anything they like. Though their interactions grow more intimate, Jenny knows she can't handle more. She has enough on her plate navigating her work, her occupational therapy, and just getting through each day intact. When her worlds collide, she is wholly unprepared for the fallout.
Yes. I just knew Ms. Rivers would bring her words. And how beautifully they were voiced through Jenny. I really loved her, you guys. My throat constricted on her behalf from moment to moment. And though I cannot fathom the terror she lived with each day, I know enough of fear to swallow hard at every one of her ruminations on the encroaching darkness. What I love most about Mary Ann Rivers' stories is how with one hand she keeps a ruthless stranglehold on false hope, and with the other she offers the most delicate of joys. I feel both rational and enchanted when I read them. Her writing does not require that I sacrifice either. And so I love it. Which is good, because she brings the sadness and no mistake. Because Jenny's condition is not sugar coated, I worried about getting my hopes up for her future, in general terms as well as with the man in her life. I worried a lot for a single novella. But I loved every page. And there were (as there should be) lovely startling flares of humor as well.
I loved him in the same way Jenny did. Uncertainly. Desperately. In awkward pieces and with a number of reservations. Neither of them faced easy choices and the untenable nature of their situation gave me pause more than once. But as the snow fell, how my love grew. When I think about reading SNOWFALL, I picture it in soft black and white with the occasional flash of color in the threads of his plaid shirt, in the string of Christmas lights hung with the fierceness of hope for light in the coming year.
Last year I read my very first ever Christmas novellas and shocked myself at how much I enjoyed them. I mean I read a few duds, sure, but I read some real gems as well. And so a couple of weeks ago I found myself eagerly looking forward to rereading a couple of my favorites this holiday season as well as hopefully discovering a few new ones. Happily, the very first new one I read proved to be a home run. I kind of knew it would be, given how much I loved Mary Ann Rivers' debut novella The Story Guy earlier this year. When I heard her next book was a Christmas novella in the HEATING UP THE HOLIDAYS anthology, I snatched it up the day it released and snuggled up with my Nook for a little pre-holiday reading. I hadn't read any works by the other two authors in the collection (I actually still haven't read their contributions, though I plan on it at some point), but I can tell you the ebook bundle is utterly worth it for Rivers' story alone.
Jenny Wright was diagnosed right at the most inopportune of times--right after she uprooted her life entirely, moved halfway across the country, and started a new job in a new place. And even after being diagnosed with a rare degenerative eye disease, she chose to stay in her new life. Even though her mother begged her to come back home where she could look after her. Even though her colleagues walked a little more cautiously around her. And even as the days grew shorter and the darkness crept in. The one bright point in those days is the time after she gets home from work and settles in on the couch with her computer. That's when she gets to chat with C. Though they've never actually met, he used to live in the house she currently rents. And when she forwarded a piece of mail on to him, they struck up an online relationship. C is a macro photographer. Most days the two of them talk about his pictures, her thoughts, anything they like. Though their interactions grow more intimate, Jenny knows she can't handle more. She has enough on her plate navigating her work, her occupational therapy, and just getting through each day intact. When her worlds collide, she is wholly unprepared for the fallout.
I think my best bet is to keep still and let the snow fall, let the days get long again, the light return its hours to me, a few more chances a day to figure out what it is I can comfortably keep in front of me and see.
For me, there isn't some miracle cure, this is my life, or my disease will progress and my life will change focus again, and I'll have another new life.
I need C to stay right where he is now because for now, I don't know enough to move from where I am.
My hypothesis is that the light will come back, both outside and inside me.
I'm afraid and angry, but the light is a theory I want to prove.
Until then, I just have to keep the experiment going with as many controls as possible.
One bus, back and forth.
One store.
One man, his words under glass.
Yes. I just knew Ms. Rivers would bring her words. And how beautifully they were voiced through Jenny. I really loved her, you guys. My throat constricted on her behalf from moment to moment. And though I cannot fathom the terror she lived with each day, I know enough of fear to swallow hard at every one of her ruminations on the encroaching darkness. What I love most about Mary Ann Rivers' stories is how with one hand she keeps a ruthless stranglehold on false hope, and with the other she offers the most delicate of joys. I feel both rational and enchanted when I read them. Her writing does not require that I sacrifice either. And so I love it. Which is good, because she brings the sadness and no mistake. Because Jenny's condition is not sugar coated, I worried about getting my hopes up for her future, in general terms as well as with the man in her life. I worried a lot for a single novella. But I loved every page. And there were (as there should be) lovely startling flares of humor as well.
I wonder if he practices making awkward and nerdy look sort of cool. Like he fills his house with furniture that is the wrong scale for his tall body and buys plaid shirts in bulk and tells his barber to leave crazy, too-long pieces of hair mixed in with the regularly cut hair so everything always looks messy.
Then he runs his hands through his hair and puts on his plaid shirts and uses mirrors to watch himself sit in uncomfortable furniture until comfortable furniture looks like it's the one with the problem.
I loved him in the same way Jenny did. Uncertainly. Desperately. In awkward pieces and with a number of reservations. Neither of them faced easy choices and the untenable nature of their situation gave me pause more than once. But as the snow fell, how my love grew. When I think about reading SNOWFALL, I picture it in soft black and white with the occasional flash of color in the threads of his plaid shirt, in the string of Christmas lights hung with the fierceness of hope for light in the coming year.
November 3, 2013
Play With Me - Lisa Renee Jones: 5 stars
I loved Play With Me! Kali is a strong, intelligent, and determined. She moves to Las Vegas to start over and winds up working for CEO Damion Ward. Damion is sexy, commanding, and confident. Kali is immediately attracted to Damion but tries to keep the relationship professional. As a reporter, Kali is interested in why Damion's previous personal assistant was fired and notices some strange behavior after starting her job. There's some mystery about Kali's past and the happenings at Damion's company. This was an engaging and complete story. If anything, I wish this was a full length book. I would have loved more to their story!
Snowfall - Mary Ann Rivers: 4 stars
It took me awhile to really get into this story, but I really enjoyed it once I did. Jenny Wright is a scientist who is dealing with all of the changes in her life due to her diagnosis and lack of peripheral vision. I loved that Jenny is a heroine with a medical problem. As sight is very important to the job she loves, Jenny struggles with adjusting. She finds comfort in an online relationship with C. I loved Jenny and C's interactions, but I also loved the tension between Jenny and her occupational therapist, Evan! I really enjoyed how Jenny evolved and the ending.
After Midnight - Serena Bell: 4 stars
This was an interesting story of two newly single strangers meeting at a New Year's Eve party and then having their moment interrupted. Nora is an intelligent woman who no longer trusts her own instincts. Miles is reeling from a broken engagement and doesn't feel like he has anything to offer in a relationship. They have instant chemistry and neither can't forget that moment. After they find each other again, they get to know each other and that chemistry is as strong as ever.
Overall, I enjoyed this anthology and would recommend if you like contemporary romance.
*I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I loved Play With Me! Kali is a strong, intelligent, and determined. She moves to Las Vegas to start over and winds up working for CEO Damion Ward. Damion is sexy, commanding, and confident. Kali is immediately attracted to Damion but tries to keep the relationship professional. As a reporter, Kali is interested in why Damion's previous personal assistant was fired and notices some strange behavior after starting her job. There's some mystery about Kali's past and the happenings at Damion's company. This was an engaging and complete story. If anything, I wish this was a full length book. I would have loved more to their story!
Snowfall - Mary Ann Rivers: 4 stars
It took me awhile to really get into this story, but I really enjoyed it once I did. Jenny Wright is a scientist who is dealing with all of the changes in her life due to her diagnosis and lack of peripheral vision. I loved that Jenny is a heroine with a medical problem. As sight is very important to the job she loves, Jenny struggles with adjusting. She finds comfort in an online relationship with C. I loved Jenny and C's interactions, but I also loved the tension between Jenny and her occupational therapist, Evan! I really enjoyed how Jenny evolved and the ending.
After Midnight - Serena Bell: 4 stars
This was an interesting story of two newly single strangers meeting at a New Year's Eve party and then having their moment interrupted. Nora is an intelligent woman who no longer trusts her own instincts. Miles is reeling from a broken engagement and doesn't feel like he has anything to offer in a relationship. They have instant chemistry and neither can't forget that moment. After they find each other again, they get to know each other and that chemistry is as strong as ever.
Overall, I enjoyed this anthology and would recommend if you like contemporary romance.
*I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
November 5, 2013
Overall Rating: 3.6 out of 5 stars
I rated each novella individually and then averaged them out to get the overall rating.
Play With Me by Lisa Renee Jones - 4 stars
I really liked this story. There was a nice introduction and I got a good since of who the characters were. Kali and Damion have a major attraction to one another and great chemistry – I thought they were a good match. I like that Kali was strong and didn't put up with a bunch of crap. Damion is so sweet and carrying. I thought everything unfolded nicely. There was just the right mix of intrigue, heat and drama. I love how everything played out, really nice ending.
Snow Fall by Mary Ann Rivers - 2 stars
I’m torn about this one. Overall I thought it was a decent story but it was just okay for me, I never really connected with it. There was a decent mix of sweetness and emotion. I did think the main characters had an interesting first meeting and I liked the who is C? aspect. I thought the first half was slow and I considered not finishing but was curious enough that I read on. I liked the overall conclusion but it was still kind of sad. This was a nice, hope filled story with some sexy times mixed in but it just wasn’t for me.
After Midnight by Serena Bell - 5 stars
I loved this story! I thought Nora and Miles were great characters and had an awesome first meeting. They had serious chemistry and there were lots of hot moments. I liked their conversations and thought this was an fun, lighthearted read with the perfect mix of drama added in. I thought everything unfolded nicely, there was a great pace, and the ending was perfect. I couldn’t this one down! Totally captivating and sexy story that had me smiling!
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I rated each novella individually and then averaged them out to get the overall rating.
Play With Me by Lisa Renee Jones - 4 stars
I really liked this story. There was a nice introduction and I got a good since of who the characters were. Kali and Damion have a major attraction to one another and great chemistry – I thought they were a good match. I like that Kali was strong and didn't put up with a bunch of crap. Damion is so sweet and carrying. I thought everything unfolded nicely. There was just the right mix of intrigue, heat and drama. I love how everything played out, really nice ending.
Snow Fall by Mary Ann Rivers - 2 stars
I’m torn about this one. Overall I thought it was a decent story but it was just okay for me, I never really connected with it. There was a decent mix of sweetness and emotion. I did think the main characters had an interesting first meeting and I liked the who is C? aspect. I thought the first half was slow and I considered not finishing but was curious enough that I read on. I liked the overall conclusion but it was still kind of sad. This was a nice, hope filled story with some sexy times mixed in but it just wasn’t for me.
After Midnight by Serena Bell - 5 stars
I loved this story! I thought Nora and Miles were great characters and had an awesome first meeting. They had serious chemistry and there were lots of hot moments. I liked their conversations and thought this was an fun, lighthearted read with the perfect mix of drama added in. I thought everything unfolded nicely, there was a great pace, and the ending was perfect. I couldn’t this one down! Totally captivating and sexy story that had me smiling!
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 6, 2013
It's very hard to write something for this book because of the huge differences in how I feel for each story. The first, Play with Me by Lisa Renee Jones, I loved! The interaction and play between Damion and Kali was fun as well as sexy. It was nice to have a strong female character who could hold her own with an exciting Alpha male. They both had issues that they dealt with but it was nice that they were dealt with and they moved on to more exciting things! I would give it a 5 star rating without hesitation. The second, Snowfall by Mary Ann Rivers, I did not like at all. This story alone is what brought my rating down to a 3. It felt disjointed and was difficult to read. I felt the characters, could understand their struggles but it was very blah. I think what dragged it down was all the technical writing. It felt more like a manual during some points than it did a romance. The romance was there in the end but it was hard to get to that end. The third story, After Midnight by Serena Bell, was really good. I would have given it a 4. I enjoyed the characters and the serendipity of the whole experience. I loved the growth of both of the characters. They met in a chance encounter at a very dark time in both of their lives and it took them finding each other before they were realized they needed to move on so that they could be complete. I really enjoyed watching them go from two damaged people to two healing people.
October 29, 2013
These were three great short stories with a Christmas theme. Each had its own unique relationship theme but they were all three deeper in depth than most novellas I have read as well as some novels. I liked the fact that they weren't fluff, but each one dealt with a specific issue in a relationship. Personally, I thought the middle story by Mary Ann Rivers was the most interesting and the least predictable of the three. She dealt with an unusual "romance" topic and for that the entire story intrigued me. It was very loosely a holiday theme, but thinking of what the holidays are supposed to be about, it made this book seem important.
I rally did enjoy each and every story on its own and glad to see some novellas with some depth to them. None of these stories seemed like a "cookie cutter" romance and for that I am very grateful.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and give an honest review.
I rally did enjoy each and every story on its own and glad to see some novellas with some depth to them. None of these stories seemed like a "cookie cutter" romance and for that I am very grateful.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and give an honest review.
December 21, 2013
4 stars
This was a lovely holiday read, every story was different and enjoyable.
3.5 stars for PLAY WITH ME by Lisa Renee Jones
This story was a good read, just wished it was a little longer as I felt it was a little rushed.
4 stars for SNOWFALL by Mary Ann Rivers.
This was such an emotional read, I really enjoyed it.
Mary Ann Rivers is an amazing writer, looking forward to reading more from her in the future.
4 stars for AFTER MIDNIGHT by Serena Bell.
I really enjoyed this story, both Nora and Miles are likeable and they have amazing chemistry. I really enjoy Serena Bells writing, she manages to give her reader enough detail to be left satisfied :)
Thank you Netgalley and Random House Loveswept for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This was a lovely holiday read, every story was different and enjoyable.
3.5 stars for PLAY WITH ME by Lisa Renee Jones
This story was a good read, just wished it was a little longer as I felt it was a little rushed.
4 stars for SNOWFALL by Mary Ann Rivers.
This was such an emotional read, I really enjoyed it.
Mary Ann Rivers is an amazing writer, looking forward to reading more from her in the future.
4 stars for AFTER MIDNIGHT by Serena Bell.
I really enjoyed this story, both Nora and Miles are likeable and they have amazing chemistry. I really enjoy Serena Bells writing, she manages to give her reader enough detail to be left satisfied :)
Thank you Netgalley and Random House Loveswept for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
December 18, 2013
I only read Mary Ann Rivers' Snowfall from this group of three, and it was quite good. I found the narrator's struggle (she's losing her field of vision) very authentic feeling and she was also very intelligent in an authentic way as well. I kind of wish she'd figured out the twist when I did (rather than near the end of the story) because I would have liked more page-time of she and the guy (don't want to say who it is because of spoilers) to work out their conflict, etc. But, really, Mary Ann is a good writer and I really enjoyed her contribution to this anthology.
I'll probably give Serena Bell's story a try at some point when I want a quick read, as I've heard good things about her. I read a couple of pages of the first novella and hated the trope intensely.
I'll probably give Serena Bell's story a try at some point when I want a quick read, as I've heard good things about her. I read a couple of pages of the first novella and hated the trope intensely.
April 26, 2014
I really enjoyed the first book. Finally a strong CEO who is not afraid to make his office romance known! It was a breath of fresh air. I think it could have been a bit longer adding more of a mystery suspense side to the security threats. I did not care for book 2 - I felt it was a tad wordie and the characters did not do it for me. They were not written to connect. Book 3 - Serena Bell has done it again. It was fun and a great story. The chemistry between Miles and Nora was HOT!
February 9, 2014
I completely forgot I had this on my Kindle until I went to buy it and realized I already had. Needless to say, Mary Ann Rivers never disappoints. You'd think that her full-length novel would satiate me, but it had quite the opposite effect, forcing me to reach out and grab this other novella of hers. A perfect, quick read, especially with snow on the ground and an impending storm ahead.
October 6, 2013
This book was Great! Three short love stories. I loved how each one was a different holiday and a different kind of "love". Lisa Renee Jones is my absolute favorite author though...I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars!
November 16, 2014
I need to write an epic review but in the meantime I can say this READ SNOWFALL SNOWFALL SNOWFALL!!! Like now!
December 9, 2014
Buddy read with Ange
I've been devouring Christmas anthologies in the run up to the holidays so I was really looking forward to starting this one. Heating up the Holidays includes three stories all set around Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Years Eve which makes it perfect for this time of year. These novellas are all quite steamy so if you're looking for a naughty Christmas treat then I'm sure you'll enjoy this one.
Play With Me by Lisa Renee Jones - 3 stars
Kali has spent years following her dream to become a reporter, now she has moved across the country to take the next step in her career but the job she was supposed to start never materialises. She finds herself forced to take on the role of secretary to casino CEO Damion to make ends meet. It may not be the job she wanted but she is determined to do it to the best of her ability, she just needs to avoid acting on her attraction to her new boss.
Play With Me was my least favourite story in the anthology but even saying that it was still an enjoyable read. I think I would have preferred it if had been longer so Kali and Damion had been able to spend more time getting to know each other before jumping into bed together though. They have fantastic chemistry but I found it completely unbelievable that Kali would act on her attraction so quickly after the way Damion had treated her over one particular incident. Things did slow down a little between them after that though which made me enjoy the story more. My other disappointment was the lack of a holiday feel to the story, Thanksgiving is mentioned in passing but other than that this could have been set at any time of the year.
Snowfall by Mary Ann Rivers - 4 stars
Jenny is going through a tough time, she moved away from home to start her dream job but she misses her family and friends, especially now that she has been diagnosed with a condition that means she is slowly losing her sight. Her deteriorating vision makes her nervous about going out and meeting new people but she has been chatting online with a guy called C who could possibly be becoming more than just a friend. The only person she can let her guard down around and share her fears and anger over her problems is her occupational therapist Evan. It is his job to help her finding ways of coping as her eyesight fades away but there is an intense connection between them that she is scared to pursue further. Jenny must make a choice between the two men in her life but which one should she pick?
Snowfall was the first story I've read by Mary Ann Rivers but if all of her books are as intense and hard hitting as this one then it won't be the last. I tend to expect Christmas stories to be fairly light and fluffy so I was surprised at how emotional this one was but I don't mean that as a negative. The author does a fantastic job of capturing how Jenny is feeling, she is scared, angry and hurting and she takes those negative emotions out on Evan because she doesn't want to worry her friends and family who live so far away. For a woman who is used to being independent she finds it really hard to think about what her loss of vision could take away from her but Evan works hard to prove that although things may change she can still live a happy and fulfilling life. This could have turned into quite a depressing story but it wasn't at all, yes there were darker moments but there was also plenty of humour to lighten things up. We are treated to some great cybersex scenes between Jenny & C but you also have the fabulous chemistry between her and Evan to look forward to. I think Jenny and Evan's first kiss was one of the best I've ever read about!
After Midnight by Serena Bell - 4.5 stars
When Nora and Miles meet at a New Years Eve party the last thing either of them is looking for is a relationship but they can't deny the chemistry between them and share an incredible kiss to celebrate the arrival of the new year. They don't keep in contact, in fact they never even found out each others names, but neither of them is able to forget their encounter. Nearly a year later they find each other again and the connection they feel is just as intense. Issues from both of their pasts make it hard for them to trust but sometimes love is worth taking a risk for.
After Midnight was without a doubt my favourite story in the anthology, it has all the feel good holiday magic I want at this time of year and I loved both of the main characters. Nora is so open and honest, she sees the good in people and in spite of the way her ex treated her she isn't afraid to go after what she wants. Miles used to be a happy go lucky kind of guy but with a huge problem hanging over his head he has become insular and closed off from those around him. He finds it much harder to put his past behind him but it was great to see him working through his issues. Things move quite quickly between the couple but because of the way the story is written it never felt like things were happening too fast. I didn't have any problems believing the way they were feeling and I loved the intensity of their interactions. It doesn't hurt that the story contains some of the hottest phone sex you'll ever come across and things get even better when they're finally in the same room together! I'm very much looking forward to reading more from Serena Bell in the future and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that she is going to write a spin off story about Miles's friend Owen.
I've been devouring Christmas anthologies in the run up to the holidays so I was really looking forward to starting this one. Heating up the Holidays includes three stories all set around Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Years Eve which makes it perfect for this time of year. These novellas are all quite steamy so if you're looking for a naughty Christmas treat then I'm sure you'll enjoy this one.
Play With Me by Lisa Renee Jones - 3 stars
Kali has spent years following her dream to become a reporter, now she has moved across the country to take the next step in her career but the job she was supposed to start never materialises. She finds herself forced to take on the role of secretary to casino CEO Damion to make ends meet. It may not be the job she wanted but she is determined to do it to the best of her ability, she just needs to avoid acting on her attraction to her new boss.
Play With Me was my least favourite story in the anthology but even saying that it was still an enjoyable read. I think I would have preferred it if had been longer so Kali and Damion had been able to spend more time getting to know each other before jumping into bed together though. They have fantastic chemistry but I found it completely unbelievable that Kali would act on her attraction so quickly after the way Damion had treated her over one particular incident. Things did slow down a little between them after that though which made me enjoy the story more. My other disappointment was the lack of a holiday feel to the story, Thanksgiving is mentioned in passing but other than that this could have been set at any time of the year.
Snowfall by Mary Ann Rivers - 4 stars
Jenny is going through a tough time, she moved away from home to start her dream job but she misses her family and friends, especially now that she has been diagnosed with a condition that means she is slowly losing her sight. Her deteriorating vision makes her nervous about going out and meeting new people but she has been chatting online with a guy called C who could possibly be becoming more than just a friend. The only person she can let her guard down around and share her fears and anger over her problems is her occupational therapist Evan. It is his job to help her finding ways of coping as her eyesight fades away but there is an intense connection between them that she is scared to pursue further. Jenny must make a choice between the two men in her life but which one should she pick?
Snowfall was the first story I've read by Mary Ann Rivers but if all of her books are as intense and hard hitting as this one then it won't be the last. I tend to expect Christmas stories to be fairly light and fluffy so I was surprised at how emotional this one was but I don't mean that as a negative. The author does a fantastic job of capturing how Jenny is feeling, she is scared, angry and hurting and she takes those negative emotions out on Evan because she doesn't want to worry her friends and family who live so far away. For a woman who is used to being independent she finds it really hard to think about what her loss of vision could take away from her but Evan works hard to prove that although things may change she can still live a happy and fulfilling life. This could have turned into quite a depressing story but it wasn't at all, yes there were darker moments but there was also plenty of humour to lighten things up. We are treated to some great cybersex scenes between Jenny & C but you also have the fabulous chemistry between her and Evan to look forward to. I think Jenny and Evan's first kiss was one of the best I've ever read about!
After Midnight by Serena Bell - 4.5 stars
When Nora and Miles meet at a New Years Eve party the last thing either of them is looking for is a relationship but they can't deny the chemistry between them and share an incredible kiss to celebrate the arrival of the new year. They don't keep in contact, in fact they never even found out each others names, but neither of them is able to forget their encounter. Nearly a year later they find each other again and the connection they feel is just as intense. Issues from both of their pasts make it hard for them to trust but sometimes love is worth taking a risk for.
After Midnight was without a doubt my favourite story in the anthology, it has all the feel good holiday magic I want at this time of year and I loved both of the main characters. Nora is so open and honest, she sees the good in people and in spite of the way her ex treated her she isn't afraid to go after what she wants. Miles used to be a happy go lucky kind of guy but with a huge problem hanging over his head he has become insular and closed off from those around him. He finds it much harder to put his past behind him but it was great to see him working through his issues. Things move quite quickly between the couple but because of the way the story is written it never felt like things were happening too fast. I didn't have any problems believing the way they were feeling and I loved the intensity of their interactions. It doesn't hurt that the story contains some of the hottest phone sex you'll ever come across and things get even better when they're finally in the same room together! I'm very much looking forward to reading more from Serena Bell in the future and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that she is going to write a spin off story about Miles's friend Owen.
November 5, 2013
Whenever I purchase any anthology, I assume there will most likely be a mix of varying quality books. Some may be very good and others only average. I’m happy to report that all three books in the Heating Up The Holidays 3-Story Bundle were great reads. All were well written, had plenty of steam, and showcased three great authors. While the title calls this a “Holiday” bundle, all of the books would be appropriate to read at any time of the year. I don’t consider any of these novellas as primarily holiday stories.
Play With Me by Lisa Renee Jones
“I’m inside you, he repeats.
“I know,” I pant. “Believe me, I know.”
He frames my face, forcing my gaze to his. “Say it.”
“You’re inside me.”
“Where I plan to stay.”
Lisa Renee Jones is an author that is a “sure thing” for me. Whether I’m reading some of her older books or her newer releases, I know I can expect solid writing and a steamy romance and this novella didn’t disappoint. Play With Me is the type of romance I tend to gravitate to. Sexy, rich businessman, used to getting what he wants begins working with his new very smart, very capable and beautiful assistant…Cliché? Yes! Enjoyable? Totally! Play with Me was short and steamy, a 4 star read.
SNOWFALL by Mary Ann Rivers
I have to be honest, I would have picked this bundle up regardless of the other books because I’m a Lisa Renee Jones fan. I likely would have gotten this book and let it linger on my kindle along with the other countless books I am trying to get to. The fact that Mary Ann Rivers was a participating author shot this straight to my “MUST READ AS SOON AS I DOWNLOAD” list. That is not an exaggeration. I read The Story Guy a few weeks ago and fell in love with this author’s writing style. The Story Guy actually is one of my top reads for 2013! I was more than excited to see that Snowfall was included with this bundle. I was curious to see if this second book by Mary Ann Rivers would be as good as I remembered The Story Guy being. Would I feel that magic again? Yes, Yes, Yes!
I don’t want to give too much away regarding the actual storyline. I will say it’s smart, tender, and the author does a wonderful job of letting the chemistry between the two characters build and develop. I’ve read over 600 books in the last two years and only two first kisses stand out as totally memorable. I’ve just added one more!
I feel his grunt in my mouth, and fuck, fuck, he rakes his hand into my hair all the way and he pulls it, hard. I think he’s fisting it, and he sucks in my lip and bites it while he pulls, greedy for me, hot for me, and I feel another sound in his throat, so low I can’t hear it, and every time he comes for my mouth between breaths he gets me where he wants me by that fist in my hair, the sting washing tight, icy-hot goose bumps over my spine, into the crease of my ass, my God, and then pulsing with dark, dark pins and needles all through the slick swollen mess of myself, my clit.
Whoa! That kiss happens while the two main characters are sitting at a table in a restaurant. The make-out scene that happens in the car later, totally hot. Oh yeah, there’s also the computer instant message sexting thing that happens earlier in the book as well….yep, totally Hot!
I simply adore this author. I loved this novella and can’t to read more from Mary Ann Rivers!
AFTER MIDNIGHT by Serena Bell
I wasn’t familiar with Serena Bell, the author of the third book until reading After Midnight. I couldn’t help but wonder as I started this third novella if this would be the weak link of the bundle, the one story that was just average. Nope, it was all good! I really liked the characters in this story. Nora is confident, smart, and sexy. She’s also a lot a fun and somewhat crazy, but in the best way. Unfortunately, this is a combo that I don’t run into in a lot of the romances I have read. I also liked Miles. After being accused of a white color crime at his workplace, he lets the accusations basically devastate his life. The story reminded me of the immense power that we give others to shape who we are and how we feel about ourselves. It also reminded me that we can control how we let others people’s actions affect us. That sounds pretty heavy and the stories actually not. I think I was just affected by the feelings of guilt and embarrassment Miles experiences even though he hasn’t done anything wrong. I loved the following line:
If you listen to the wrong voices, it can be very hard to hear your own.
The story has plenty of steam including a pretty sexy session of phone sex. Score! I was impressed with Serena Bell's writing and definitely plan on checking out what else she has available.
Overall impressions: I loved this compilation and recommend it to all lovers of the romance genre. I feel like I got a little bit of everything and all of it was well written. Definitely a 4+ STAR book overall.
Copy provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
January 5, 2014
As the title says, three story bundle.
First story: PLAY WITH ME by Lisa Renee Jones. Two stars.
Been there, read that, got the t-shirt years ago. Plucky down-on-her-luck heroine (PDOHLH) magically manages to land a job with hot hunky billionaire businessman (HHBB) despite having no relevant experience. PDOHLH insta-solves mega crisis that is crippling HHBB's corporate empire. PDOHLH and HHBB then have inappropriate sex (or at least, inappropriate according to every HR training seminar I've attended). It's HAWT but hey, he's her boss and sleeping with one's secretary is rather, well, frowned upon by society. HHBB gives PDOHLH a posh new job better suited to her abilities, but she insists on staying on as his assistant because...reasons, I guess. Like it's easier to boink in the boss's office without being interrupted by the secretary when you're the secretary. PDOHLH still manages to do the job she turned down, however, so don't you worry. Because that's how PDOHLH rolls.
At least the author was smart enough to gloss over the thinly manufactured black moment, courtesy of PDOHLH being inexplicably and utterly stupid, as the thinly manufactured opportunity for drama that is was.
As for holidays, I think they mentioned Thanksgiving? And made a vague reference to still being together at Christmas. But calling this a holiday themed story is a loooooooooooooooooooooooong stretch.
Thank the Kindle for the next story, which made up for all the deficiencies in PLAY WITH ME and then some.
SNOWFALL by Mary Ann Rivers. Five stars and extra heaping helping of silver, glittery star-shaped Christmas decorations. Maybe even the Star of Bethlehem for good measure.
This was unlike any other romance novella I've read before. OK, maybe it bore a slight resemblace to THE STORY GUY, also by Ms. Rivers, in that it shared the previous novella's gorgeous, lush language and wholly real, wholly dimensional characters. And made me cry. Ahem.
I'm not going to ruin SNOWFALL by writing a description. Just go and read it. Yes, you can see the big reveal a mile away, but even though I thought I knew where Ms. Rivers was going, she still managed to keep me guessing and wondering how the characters would resolve their relationship(s). Really, really, evocative, wonderful writing that is at once thoughtful, insightful, sad, funny, optimistic yet tinged by jaded realism - I loved it.
As for the holidays, the story is set during the Christmas season, with all its contradictory joys and sorrows. The holiday informs and permeates the story but the day itself is rather incidental. Really nicely done, Ms. Rivers. Bravissima.
AFTER MIDNIGHT by Serena Bell. Four-ish stars. Really more like three and three quarters. But let's round up.
Nora and Miles meet at a New Year's Eve party and share a mind-blowing, senses-awakening, one true love kinda kiss. But they are separated before they can even exchange names. A few months later, thanks to the magic of social media, they hook up again. But Miles has A Big Dark Secret (thankfully, quickly confessed) and Nora has Trust Issues Due to Her Asshole Ex. Despite the explosive sex, they part.
And then it's New Year's Eve again and guess what...
A perfectly fine story that breaks zero new ground and is paper thin when it comes to plot. But Ms. Bell's voice saves this from being the same old, same old. Her characters are engaging, the dialogue witty, and the descriptions fresh and fun to read. A nice way to while away an hour or so reading, even if it has the staying power of cotton candy.
The holiday is obviously New Year's Eve, and the story would have to find another way for the characters to swap spit and discover the love of their life without the New Year's Eve kiss at midnight tradition, so, yeah, it's pretty important. Also, Ms. Bell perfectly describes the ambivalence of the newly single on New Year's Eve, and how everyone scrambles to position themselves for the best kissing partner possible as the clock counts down.
So to sum up: Skip PLAY WITH ME, read AFTER MIDNIGHT if you need to kill some time, and turn off the phone, put the closed sign on the door, and savor SNOWFALL.
Four stars for collection as a whole.
First story: PLAY WITH ME by Lisa Renee Jones. Two stars.
Been there, read that, got the t-shirt years ago. Plucky down-on-her-luck heroine (PDOHLH) magically manages to land a job with hot hunky billionaire businessman (HHBB) despite having no relevant experience. PDOHLH insta-solves mega crisis that is crippling HHBB's corporate empire. PDOHLH and HHBB then have inappropriate sex (or at least, inappropriate according to every HR training seminar I've attended). It's HAWT but hey, he's her boss and sleeping with one's secretary is rather, well, frowned upon by society. HHBB gives PDOHLH a posh new job better suited to her abilities, but she insists on staying on as his assistant because...reasons, I guess. Like it's easier to boink in the boss's office without being interrupted by the secretary when you're the secretary. PDOHLH still manages to do the job she turned down, however, so don't you worry. Because that's how PDOHLH rolls.
At least the author was smart enough to gloss over the thinly manufactured black moment, courtesy of PDOHLH being inexplicably and utterly stupid, as the thinly manufactured opportunity for drama that is was.
As for holidays, I think they mentioned Thanksgiving? And made a vague reference to still being together at Christmas. But calling this a holiday themed story is a loooooooooooooooooooooooong stretch.
Thank the Kindle for the next story, which made up for all the deficiencies in PLAY WITH ME and then some.
SNOWFALL by Mary Ann Rivers. Five stars and extra heaping helping of silver, glittery star-shaped Christmas decorations. Maybe even the Star of Bethlehem for good measure.
This was unlike any other romance novella I've read before. OK, maybe it bore a slight resemblace to THE STORY GUY, also by Ms. Rivers, in that it shared the previous novella's gorgeous, lush language and wholly real, wholly dimensional characters. And made me cry. Ahem.
I'm not going to ruin SNOWFALL by writing a description. Just go and read it. Yes, you can see the big reveal a mile away, but even though I thought I knew where Ms. Rivers was going, she still managed to keep me guessing and wondering how the characters would resolve their relationship(s). Really, really, evocative, wonderful writing that is at once thoughtful, insightful, sad, funny, optimistic yet tinged by jaded realism - I loved it.
As for the holidays, the story is set during the Christmas season, with all its contradictory joys and sorrows. The holiday informs and permeates the story but the day itself is rather incidental. Really nicely done, Ms. Rivers. Bravissima.
AFTER MIDNIGHT by Serena Bell. Four-ish stars. Really more like three and three quarters. But let's round up.
Nora and Miles meet at a New Year's Eve party and share a mind-blowing, senses-awakening, one true love kinda kiss. But they are separated before they can even exchange names. A few months later, thanks to the magic of social media, they hook up again. But Miles has A Big Dark Secret (thankfully, quickly confessed) and Nora has Trust Issues Due to Her Asshole Ex. Despite the explosive sex, they part.
And then it's New Year's Eve again and guess what...
A perfectly fine story that breaks zero new ground and is paper thin when it comes to plot. But Ms. Bell's voice saves this from being the same old, same old. Her characters are engaging, the dialogue witty, and the descriptions fresh and fun to read. A nice way to while away an hour or so reading, even if it has the staying power of cotton candy.
The holiday is obviously New Year's Eve, and the story would have to find another way for the characters to swap spit and discover the love of their life without the New Year's Eve kiss at midnight tradition, so, yeah, it's pretty important. Also, Ms. Bell perfectly describes the ambivalence of the newly single on New Year's Eve, and how everyone scrambles to position themselves for the best kissing partner possible as the clock counts down.
So to sum up: Skip PLAY WITH ME, read AFTER MIDNIGHT if you need to kill some time, and turn off the phone, put the closed sign on the door, and savor SNOWFALL.
Four stars for collection as a whole.
October 24, 2013
ARC courtesy of Netgalley and Loveswept
Three very different short stories revolving around a different holiday. Three tales about finding love when you least expect it, where you least expect it, when everything else in life is not going according to plan.
Play with Me by Lisa Renee Jones: (4.5) This is the first story I have read by Jones and I liked it. I'm not used to her writing style or voice so it took me a little while to get into the story, but once I did, it was very enjoyable. I didn't connect as deeply with the characters as I would have liked. It's difficult to tell so much and develop such a connection when a story has a finite number of pages and words to get it done. I wanted to dig deeper into the characters and develop a real connection so that I was invested in their pasts and what their future would be together. I did like Kali and Damion together though. The connection was obvious and the passion clearly flared hot between them! I'd say they both had something to be thankful for at Thanksgiving!
Snowfall by Mary Ann Rivers: (5) Breathaking. Wow. Mary Ann Rivers has blown me away once again. This is such a beautiful, powerful story. There is so much depth, strength, emotions and passion in this novella. It is easily one of the best things I have read this year. The characters were so rich, so real. You could feel the connection and struggles both Jenny and Evan had. The undeniable draw between them. Jenny's pain and fear were so tangible you could feel it yourself. Evan's battle between doing what is right and doing what he desires, doing what is best for Jenny... stunning. This story broke my heart and then pieced it back together and tied it up with a giant, beautiful bow. Rivers has this very distinct, amazing voice in her writing. It is unique and inspiring. Her stories are touching in so many different ways. They are honest and raw. I cannot wait for others to read this one and experience the rush of emotion it commands.
After Midnight by Serena Bell: (5) I adore Serena Bell. Her writing is quickly becoming some of my favorite things to read. After Midnight just tugged at all of my gushy spots and made me want to curl up with it and sip hot cocoa. I LOVE Nora. She is life full force. She has this joie de vivre that makes everything around her sparkle and shine. Her trust in the world, in herself was broken before, but she doesn't let it beat her down. Miles is very broody and understandably so when we meet him at first, but it quickly becomes obvious that there is so much more to him. I would keep Miles by my side at all times, because YUM! Nora and Miles meet on New Year's Eve and all they can think about is that glorious kiss at midnight. The sparks fly and they fly fast and burn bright, but then they are separated in a rush. Fast forward to one year later and they are still on one another's mind. The reunion seems unlikely to happen considering the circumstances, but life works in funny ways. The connection is still there, still strong, still hard to explain...but the best things in life defy explanation. I love the way Miles and Nora need each other, the passion that explodes between them, the love that blossoms and flowers so strong. It warmed my heart and made me swoon! This will be a go-to holiday story for me!
All in all a wonderful little collection of holiday tales and I am thrilled I had the chance to read it early!
Three very different short stories revolving around a different holiday. Three tales about finding love when you least expect it, where you least expect it, when everything else in life is not going according to plan.
Play with Me by Lisa Renee Jones: (4.5) This is the first story I have read by Jones and I liked it. I'm not used to her writing style or voice so it took me a little while to get into the story, but once I did, it was very enjoyable. I didn't connect as deeply with the characters as I would have liked. It's difficult to tell so much and develop such a connection when a story has a finite number of pages and words to get it done. I wanted to dig deeper into the characters and develop a real connection so that I was invested in their pasts and what their future would be together. I did like Kali and Damion together though. The connection was obvious and the passion clearly flared hot between them! I'd say they both had something to be thankful for at Thanksgiving!
Snowfall by Mary Ann Rivers: (5) Breathaking. Wow. Mary Ann Rivers has blown me away once again. This is such a beautiful, powerful story. There is so much depth, strength, emotions and passion in this novella. It is easily one of the best things I have read this year. The characters were so rich, so real. You could feel the connection and struggles both Jenny and Evan had. The undeniable draw between them. Jenny's pain and fear were so tangible you could feel it yourself. Evan's battle between doing what is right and doing what he desires, doing what is best for Jenny... stunning. This story broke my heart and then pieced it back together and tied it up with a giant, beautiful bow. Rivers has this very distinct, amazing voice in her writing. It is unique and inspiring. Her stories are touching in so many different ways. They are honest and raw. I cannot wait for others to read this one and experience the rush of emotion it commands.
After Midnight by Serena Bell: (5) I adore Serena Bell. Her writing is quickly becoming some of my favorite things to read. After Midnight just tugged at all of my gushy spots and made me want to curl up with it and sip hot cocoa. I LOVE Nora. She is life full force. She has this joie de vivre that makes everything around her sparkle and shine. Her trust in the world, in herself was broken before, but she doesn't let it beat her down. Miles is very broody and understandably so when we meet him at first, but it quickly becomes obvious that there is so much more to him. I would keep Miles by my side at all times, because YUM! Nora and Miles meet on New Year's Eve and all they can think about is that glorious kiss at midnight. The sparks fly and they fly fast and burn bright, but then they are separated in a rush. Fast forward to one year later and they are still on one another's mind. The reunion seems unlikely to happen considering the circumstances, but life works in funny ways. The connection is still there, still strong, still hard to explain...but the best things in life defy explanation. I love the way Miles and Nora need each other, the passion that explodes between them, the love that blossoms and flowers so strong. It warmed my heart and made me swoon! This will be a go-to holiday story for me!
All in all a wonderful little collection of holiday tales and I am thrilled I had the chance to read it early!
November 23, 2013
Heating up the Holidays 3 story bundle is a Loveswept publication released in October 2013.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Well, it's that time of year when we start breaking out the holiday stories. Many of the Christmas themed novels we read border on the syrupy sweet. There is no better time of year for heartwarming tales of romance. But...... Sometimes the holidays need a little spice. If spice is what you are in the mood for, then you should like this one. Three contemporary holiday themed romances.
The first story in the book is "Play with Me" by Lisa Renee Jones.
Kali has career and family issues bad enough to leave Texas for Vegas. Her new job working for the CEO of a large casino operation has her working up close and personal with Damion Ward, a man known for chewing people up and spitting them out. But when Kali shows no fear towards him, he is instantly at attention. But, trouble lurks when a security breach is discovered.
The second story is "Snowfall" by Mary Ann Rivers.
This is the story of Jenny, a brainy young woman that never wanted anything but to be a microbiologist. No problems with achieving that goal, but Jenny has been diagnosed with an eye disease that will cause her to eventually lose her sight.
Meanwhile, Jenny has begun chatting with the person that lived in her apartment before she did. The catch is that they have never met. Casual conversations soon turn into hot internet sex.
But, Jenny is also trying to prepare herself for the day when she will no longer be able to see. She begins seeing a therapist that helps her with exercises so she will be able to function as normally as possible. But, there is also an attraction between herself and her therapist. This is a Christmas themed romance, that's hot by also sweet.
The Third story is "After Midnight" by Serena Bell. This is story of Miles, a man going through an incredibly difficult phase in his life. He is attending a New Years Eve party with his best friend Owen, who insisted he attend. Miles meets Nora at the party and the two of them connect, but Miles is in no place at that time to really act on his attraction, although he wants to. But, before he can grab a New Years kiss from her, the two of them are separated and never even knew each other's names. Will they ever be able to find each other again?
This one was also sweet and spicy. A great story to start off the New Year with.
All three stories were good in this bundle. The second and third were the best, with the second story being my favorite.
Overall this one gets an A.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Well, it's that time of year when we start breaking out the holiday stories. Many of the Christmas themed novels we read border on the syrupy sweet. There is no better time of year for heartwarming tales of romance. But...... Sometimes the holidays need a little spice. If spice is what you are in the mood for, then you should like this one. Three contemporary holiday themed romances.
The first story in the book is "Play with Me" by Lisa Renee Jones.
Kali has career and family issues bad enough to leave Texas for Vegas. Her new job working for the CEO of a large casino operation has her working up close and personal with Damion Ward, a man known for chewing people up and spitting them out. But when Kali shows no fear towards him, he is instantly at attention. But, trouble lurks when a security breach is discovered.
The second story is "Snowfall" by Mary Ann Rivers.
This is the story of Jenny, a brainy young woman that never wanted anything but to be a microbiologist. No problems with achieving that goal, but Jenny has been diagnosed with an eye disease that will cause her to eventually lose her sight.
Meanwhile, Jenny has begun chatting with the person that lived in her apartment before she did. The catch is that they have never met. Casual conversations soon turn into hot internet sex.
But, Jenny is also trying to prepare herself for the day when she will no longer be able to see. She begins seeing a therapist that helps her with exercises so she will be able to function as normally as possible. But, there is also an attraction between herself and her therapist. This is a Christmas themed romance, that's hot by also sweet.
The Third story is "After Midnight" by Serena Bell. This is story of Miles, a man going through an incredibly difficult phase in his life. He is attending a New Years Eve party with his best friend Owen, who insisted he attend. Miles meets Nora at the party and the two of them connect, but Miles is in no place at that time to really act on his attraction, although he wants to. But, before he can grab a New Years kiss from her, the two of them are separated and never even knew each other's names. Will they ever be able to find each other again?
This one was also sweet and spicy. A great story to start off the New Year with.
All three stories were good in this bundle. The second and third were the best, with the second story being my favorite.
Overall this one gets an A.
January 12, 2014
This was a nice little holiday read with three very different stories.
2 1/2 Stars for Play With Me by Lisa Renee Jones
This story was the cliched story about a boss falling in love with his assistant. I found the story to be extremely rushed and the circumstances were just really predictable and almost felt like fan fiction for the way the plot moved. You know, down on her luck woman gets a job with the very difficult to work for hunky boss and they both have crazy chemistry right off the bat. This makes hunky boss suddenly very protective and crazy. The professional implications of this affair is not even handled, which pisses me off a bit. So what if we can both get sued and fired... lets keep seeing each other. Yeah... been there, read that. All in all, just average for me.
4 1/2 stars for Snowfall by Mary Ann Rivers
Just like Mary Ann's previous Novella, The Story Guy, I absolutely loved this story. The story does follow a similar plot device as the Story Guy, and while you could see where the story was going, I still enjoyed it immensely. Jenny is slowly loosing her eye sight and has been having erotic online chats with a stranger she only knows as 'C'. After her last Doctor's appointment she is told to try working with a therapist to help her deal with her approaching blindness. Through the push and pull of not wanting to accept her disability, nor the man who's making her fight to deal with it, they find love.
I don't want to give too much away, but I really enjoyed this story and the lovely prose that only Mary Ann Rivers can provide.
4 stars - After Midnight by Serena Bell
This story took a long time for me to get in to, but once I did I really enjoyed it.
This is a Meet on New Year's Eve sort of story - a little bit like cinderella, Nora and Miles have an instant connection as a friend of a friend's party. The only problem is that Miles has to make a quick exit to avoid an altercation with a man much bigger than he was.
The pair each seem to think they'll never see each other again, especially since Miles lives in Ohio and when he left the party they hadn't exchanged names. With the help of their friends, Nora finds Miles and calls him up a year later. They exchange calls and enjoy each other just as much as they had when they first met. When they finally do come together, it really helped the story move along.
Out of the three stories in this book, skip the first and check out the last two. You won't be sorry.
2 1/2 Stars for Play With Me by Lisa Renee Jones
This story was the cliched story about a boss falling in love with his assistant. I found the story to be extremely rushed and the circumstances were just really predictable and almost felt like fan fiction for the way the plot moved. You know, down on her luck woman gets a job with the very difficult to work for hunky boss and they both have crazy chemistry right off the bat. This makes hunky boss suddenly very protective and crazy. The professional implications of this affair is not even handled, which pisses me off a bit. So what if we can both get sued and fired... lets keep seeing each other. Yeah... been there, read that. All in all, just average for me.
4 1/2 stars for Snowfall by Mary Ann Rivers
Just like Mary Ann's previous Novella, The Story Guy, I absolutely loved this story. The story does follow a similar plot device as the Story Guy, and while you could see where the story was going, I still enjoyed it immensely. Jenny is slowly loosing her eye sight and has been having erotic online chats with a stranger she only knows as 'C'. After her last Doctor's appointment she is told to try working with a therapist to help her deal with her approaching blindness. Through the push and pull of not wanting to accept her disability, nor the man who's making her fight to deal with it, they find love.
I don't want to give too much away, but I really enjoyed this story and the lovely prose that only Mary Ann Rivers can provide.
4 stars - After Midnight by Serena Bell
This story took a long time for me to get in to, but once I did I really enjoyed it.
This is a Meet on New Year's Eve sort of story - a little bit like cinderella, Nora and Miles have an instant connection as a friend of a friend's party. The only problem is that Miles has to make a quick exit to avoid an altercation with a man much bigger than he was.
The pair each seem to think they'll never see each other again, especially since Miles lives in Ohio and when he left the party they hadn't exchanged names. With the help of their friends, Nora finds Miles and calls him up a year later. They exchange calls and enjoy each other just as much as they had when they first met. When they finally do come together, it really helped the story move along.
Out of the three stories in this book, skip the first and check out the last two. You won't be sorry.
November 3, 2013
My Review:
4.5 Star Review - Heating up the Holidays
I recommend this book.
I enjoyed this book. This book includes laughs, passion, betrayal and sexy lovers.
PLAY WITH ME
Kali Miller came to town to take a job as a reporter. But the job was eliminated before she started. She goes to a temp agency and takes a job as an executive secretary. While awaiting an appointment she hears about a firing of an employee that makes her believe that Damion is a horrible boss. She decides she will write a story and expose him for the bad guy that he is. Only problem is he’s not bad. The person who got fired was.
There are points of this story when you think Kali is going to totally smack Damion and you will want to too. They have some much chemistry between them it will light up a room. As always Lisa delivers another winner even if it’s short!!
SNOWFALL
Jenny Wright moved into an apartment near her work. A card was delivered for the previous tenant that she forwarded to the tenant. She received a card back from him. They (her and “C”) have been getting to know each other online ever since. They have just not met in person as she thinks they should not. Evan and her work together for her PT sessions but the attraction between them is strong. After sending a pic to “C” and having him send back pics but not of his face she is disappointed and wonders if she is wasting her time with him. Does she have to choose between them or will they make the choice for her.
Jenny is a sweet person who is having some issues. “C” is nice but he is online so can she really believe anything he tells her? Evan is a sweetheart and learns to roll with her smackdowns.
AFTER MIDNIGHT
Nora Hart came to the Party so she could let loose after a broken relationship. While at the party she meets a sad eyed man. She never gets his name. After talking to everyone and posting information on social media with no luck she moves on. Almost a year later someone contacts her and tells her he knows who the guy was. After talking to the guy and going on a date she likes him even more. Miles tells Nora a secret that could tear them apart but sill he end up pushing her away before the secret does?
Nora was funny and straight forward. Miles tended to be closemouthed and shy. They worked together well and had wonderful chemistry.
All in all I loved all three stories you should pick your copy up today!!!
4.5 Star Review - Heating up the Holidays
I recommend this book.
I enjoyed this book. This book includes laughs, passion, betrayal and sexy lovers.
PLAY WITH ME
Kali Miller came to town to take a job as a reporter. But the job was eliminated before she started. She goes to a temp agency and takes a job as an executive secretary. While awaiting an appointment she hears about a firing of an employee that makes her believe that Damion is a horrible boss. She decides she will write a story and expose him for the bad guy that he is. Only problem is he’s not bad. The person who got fired was.
There are points of this story when you think Kali is going to totally smack Damion and you will want to too. They have some much chemistry between them it will light up a room. As always Lisa delivers another winner even if it’s short!!
SNOWFALL
Jenny Wright moved into an apartment near her work. A card was delivered for the previous tenant that she forwarded to the tenant. She received a card back from him. They (her and “C”) have been getting to know each other online ever since. They have just not met in person as she thinks they should not. Evan and her work together for her PT sessions but the attraction between them is strong. After sending a pic to “C” and having him send back pics but not of his face she is disappointed and wonders if she is wasting her time with him. Does she have to choose between them or will they make the choice for her.
Jenny is a sweet person who is having some issues. “C” is nice but he is online so can she really believe anything he tells her? Evan is a sweetheart and learns to roll with her smackdowns.
AFTER MIDNIGHT
Nora Hart came to the Party so she could let loose after a broken relationship. While at the party she meets a sad eyed man. She never gets his name. After talking to everyone and posting information on social media with no luck she moves on. Almost a year later someone contacts her and tells her he knows who the guy was. After talking to the guy and going on a date she likes him even more. Miles tells Nora a secret that could tear them apart but sill he end up pushing her away before the secret does?
Nora was funny and straight forward. Miles tended to be closemouthed and shy. They worked together well and had wonderful chemistry.
All in all I loved all three stories you should pick your copy up today!!!
January 3, 2014
This was a lovely Christmas gift to myself. I bought it mainly because I wanted to read more from Mary Ann Rivers, whose Story Guy (her debut novel) just blew me away. So this was like having a smorgasbord of stories with a holiday element and heat that does not come from the fireplace. :-)
I enjoyed Ms. Jones' story, the first of the trio. The holiday element was kind of thin, there because the main character Kali is charged with planning a Thanksgiving event for her rich and powerful new boss. I'll be honest this story needed to be much bigger. It felt like the plot needed more time to develop but was condensed to be a novella. Because of this, some of the events felt forced and the romance was a bit too quick for me. But it was well written and I feel like I want to read more from her, maybe a novel this time though. :-)
Mary Ann has done it again with her section. This is a little piece of brilliance, painful and true. She really has a facility with characterization. They are never exactly who you think they are and revealed in a very natural way, layer by layer. I loved the two story lines she developed, with an online relationship and the real life friendship/professional relationship that becomes so much more. Really, really well done.
Serena Bell's contribution was a lovely surprise as well. I hadn't read anything from her before and now I'm sure that I will. This was a New Year's tale. Two strangers meet and sparks fly. Then circumstances drive them apart without either having the others contact information. The timeline made this story totally believable, moving from one New Year's to the next. Both characters have been hurt and struggle with trust and this nearly completely derails them (does in fact for a bit). I won't reveal anything else, just to say the end was quite satisfying.
Strongly encourage you to read these stories. They have it all: romance, great characters, plots that grab you, and yes, some very real sizzle.
I enjoyed Ms. Jones' story, the first of the trio. The holiday element was kind of thin, there because the main character Kali is charged with planning a Thanksgiving event for her rich and powerful new boss. I'll be honest this story needed to be much bigger. It felt like the plot needed more time to develop but was condensed to be a novella. Because of this, some of the events felt forced and the romance was a bit too quick for me. But it was well written and I feel like I want to read more from her, maybe a novel this time though. :-)
Mary Ann has done it again with her section. This is a little piece of brilliance, painful and true. She really has a facility with characterization. They are never exactly who you think they are and revealed in a very natural way, layer by layer. I loved the two story lines she developed, with an online relationship and the real life friendship/professional relationship that becomes so much more. Really, really well done.
Serena Bell's contribution was a lovely surprise as well. I hadn't read anything from her before and now I'm sure that I will. This was a New Year's tale. Two strangers meet and sparks fly. Then circumstances drive them apart without either having the others contact information. The timeline made this story totally believable, moving from one New Year's to the next. Both characters have been hurt and struggle with trust and this nearly completely derails them (does in fact for a bit). I won't reveal anything else, just to say the end was quite satisfying.
Strongly encourage you to read these stories. They have it all: romance, great characters, plots that grab you, and yes, some very real sizzle.
November 16, 2017
3.5
*Book source ~ NetGalley
Three contemporary romances revolving around the late year holidays. One each for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve.
PLAY WITH ME by Lisa Renee Jones ~ 3 bites and a nibble
Kali Miller ends up in Vegas starting her life over. But before she can begin, the job that she was heading towards disappears. So she ends up as an executive secretary to Damion Ward, CEO of a Vegas casino. Sparks fly from the getgo, but are either in a place to act on them?
Decently written, it feels a bit shortchanged due to the brevity of the story. The characters are well-rounded even if I didn’t care for Damion all that much. Excellent sexual tension that finally explodes.
SNOWFALL by Mary Ann Rivers ~ 3 bites
Jenny Wright is a scientist slowly losing her vision. She spends her evenings chatting online with a stranger known only to her as “C” and the rest of her non-work time resisting Evan’s, her therapist, efforts to help her as she slowly withdraws from life.
The writing style is strange to me, but the plot is a good one. Jenny’s mom is awesome and who wouldn’t love Evan? C is a mystery, but a thrilling one. All-in-all a decent read.
AFTER MIDNIGHT by Serena Bell ~ 4 bites
Nora Hart and Miles Shepherd meet at a New Year’s Eve party where neither know the actual tenant of the apartment. After some flirting, sexy dancing, and sharing a breathtaking midnight kiss, they are separated before they learn each other’s names. With Nora a Boston local and Miles living in Cleveland, what are the chances these two will find each other again?
This is my favorite of the three stories. It’s got a decent plot and wonderful characters. Plus lots of heat and humor, too. A great read.
*Book source ~ NetGalley
Three contemporary romances revolving around the late year holidays. One each for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve.
PLAY WITH ME by Lisa Renee Jones ~ 3 bites and a nibble
Kali Miller ends up in Vegas starting her life over. But before she can begin, the job that she was heading towards disappears. So she ends up as an executive secretary to Damion Ward, CEO of a Vegas casino. Sparks fly from the getgo, but are either in a place to act on them?
Decently written, it feels a bit shortchanged due to the brevity of the story. The characters are well-rounded even if I didn’t care for Damion all that much. Excellent sexual tension that finally explodes.
SNOWFALL by Mary Ann Rivers ~ 3 bites
Jenny Wright is a scientist slowly losing her vision. She spends her evenings chatting online with a stranger known only to her as “C” and the rest of her non-work time resisting Evan’s, her therapist, efforts to help her as she slowly withdraws from life.
The writing style is strange to me, but the plot is a good one. Jenny’s mom is awesome and who wouldn’t love Evan? C is a mystery, but a thrilling one. All-in-all a decent read.
AFTER MIDNIGHT by Serena Bell ~ 4 bites
Nora Hart and Miles Shepherd meet at a New Year’s Eve party where neither know the actual tenant of the apartment. After some flirting, sexy dancing, and sharing a breathtaking midnight kiss, they are separated before they learn each other’s names. With Nora a Boston local and Miles living in Cleveland, what are the chances these two will find each other again?
This is my favorite of the three stories. It’s got a decent plot and wonderful characters. Plus lots of heat and humor, too. A great read.
November 14, 2013
Very different stories overall. Even when they were about romance, the three stories ‘felt’ very unique and not just the same story retold.
PLAY WITH ME by Lisa Renee Jones
I really liked Kali and Damion and their chemistry. The only thing is that I felt the ending was a bit too rushed. I would’ve loved to have seen some closure in some situations, like Kali’s story with her Dad; and more on Damion’s past.
Still, overall, I enjoyed this short.
SNOWFALL by Mary Ann Rivers
What can I say about this story? Like Ms. Rivers’ short ‘The Story Guy’, this one didn’t feel like a novella at all. It was beautiful and sad and so touching, I teared up at some sections. Some parts really touched close to home, so maybe that was part of it.
Still, a beautiful, beautiful short.
AFTER MIDNIGHT by Serena Bell
This one was a lovely story on how much trust is such an important part of our lives, and not just with our friends and family, but with everyone around us. I felt conflicted in a few parts, but it was handled well in the end.
I liked this one very much.
PLAY WITH ME by Lisa Renee Jones
I really liked Kali and Damion and their chemistry. The only thing is that I felt the ending was a bit too rushed. I would’ve loved to have seen some closure in some situations, like Kali’s story with her Dad; and more on Damion’s past.
Still, overall, I enjoyed this short.
SNOWFALL by Mary Ann Rivers
What can I say about this story? Like Ms. Rivers’ short ‘The Story Guy’, this one didn’t feel like a novella at all. It was beautiful and sad and so touching, I teared up at some sections. Some parts really touched close to home, so maybe that was part of it.
Still, a beautiful, beautiful short.
AFTER MIDNIGHT by Serena Bell
This one was a lovely story on how much trust is such an important part of our lives, and not just with our friends and family, but with everyone around us. I felt conflicted in a few parts, but it was handled well in the end.
I liked this one very much.
November 29, 2013
4 Stars.
Heating up the Holidays, is the best kind of Christmas selection box in my opinion, naughty, decadent and 100% fat free!
I enjoyed play With Me by Lisa Renee Jones, Kali and Damion’s story had a little intrigue and suspense, and their sexy times were pretty hot.
We are then given a real treat with Snowfall by Mary Ann Rivers, where you are given Jenny and Evans story, and if you only read one book from this selection then make it Snowfall. I have to say I was blown away by Mary Ann’s writing when I read her first release The Story Guy earlier on this year, and Snowfall was just as good, she has a unique writing style, and always give an unusual twist to a beautiful love story, the below is taken from Snowfall, and it’s poignancy in the context of Jenny’s story bought a tear to my eye.
When do we ever get what we want?
Maybe we do if we are willing to lose everything………..
Reading After Midnight by Serena Bell reminded me just how much I loved her previous book Yours to Keep, again we get a hot short read focusing on Miles and Nora. Both have been hurt and are fighting their way back to happiness on New Year’s Eve…
All in all this is a great selection of seasonal stories, well worth a read over the Thanksgiving, Christmas, new year Holidays.
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
Heating up the Holidays, is the best kind of Christmas selection box in my opinion, naughty, decadent and 100% fat free!
I enjoyed play With Me by Lisa Renee Jones, Kali and Damion’s story had a little intrigue and suspense, and their sexy times were pretty hot.
We are then given a real treat with Snowfall by Mary Ann Rivers, where you are given Jenny and Evans story, and if you only read one book from this selection then make it Snowfall. I have to say I was blown away by Mary Ann’s writing when I read her first release The Story Guy earlier on this year, and Snowfall was just as good, she has a unique writing style, and always give an unusual twist to a beautiful love story, the below is taken from Snowfall, and it’s poignancy in the context of Jenny’s story bought a tear to my eye.
When do we ever get what we want?
Maybe we do if we are willing to lose everything………..
Reading After Midnight by Serena Bell reminded me just how much I loved her previous book Yours to Keep, again we get a hot short read focusing on Miles and Nora. Both have been hurt and are fighting their way back to happiness on New Year’s Eve…
All in all this is a great selection of seasonal stories, well worth a read over the Thanksgiving, Christmas, new year Holidays.
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
January 17, 2014
Jones's "Thanksgiving" story is eminently skippable. 2
Rivers' debut novella, The Story Guy, was the recipient of much attention early this year. But I enjoyed her Christmas story, Snowfall, the middle offering in the Heating up the Holidays collection, even more. The story of a scientist struggling to adjust to a life-changing medical diagnosis while simultaneously trying to choose between the steamy phone-sex guy who allows her to forget about her physical problems or the quirky physical therapist who urges her to confront them head-on features the same luscious prose and emotionally-charged romance of The Story Guy. Disability here is not portrayed at one remove, but as front and center as a complex woman works to negotiate her own changing identity and its implications for her romantic life. 4
Bell's New Year's story starts off without much to make me stand up and take notice. But after we get the meet cute out of the way, the story that follows proves well worth the read. 3.5
Rivers' debut novella, The Story Guy, was the recipient of much attention early this year. But I enjoyed her Christmas story, Snowfall, the middle offering in the Heating up the Holidays collection, even more. The story of a scientist struggling to adjust to a life-changing medical diagnosis while simultaneously trying to choose between the steamy phone-sex guy who allows her to forget about her physical problems or the quirky physical therapist who urges her to confront them head-on features the same luscious prose and emotionally-charged romance of The Story Guy. Disability here is not portrayed at one remove, but as front and center as a complex woman works to negotiate her own changing identity and its implications for her romantic life. 4
Bell's New Year's story starts off without much to make me stand up and take notice. But after we get the meet cute out of the way, the story that follows proves well worth the read. 3.5
October 7, 2014
Play with me which was an ARC for Lisa Renee Jones
Kali who leaves home after losing everything
Damion Ward someone who is mysterious and wants Kali ..
the question is will their passions ignite or fizzle out .... and will Kali's past come back to bite her on the butt ..
and who is trying to steal from Damion's business and is it a close friend or a employee who sees dollar signs .. and can they save the casino or will it fall .. find this and more out play with me is coming out on it's own or buy this book and get three books or buy play with me alone and get swept away between these two intense people and see where it takes them ... and buy more from Lisa Renee Jones ..
Kali who leaves home after losing everything
Damion Ward someone who is mysterious and wants Kali ..
the question is will their passions ignite or fizzle out .... and will Kali's past come back to bite her on the butt ..
and who is trying to steal from Damion's business and is it a close friend or a employee who sees dollar signs .. and can they save the casino or will it fall .. find this and more out play with me is coming out on it's own or buy this book and get three books or buy play with me alone and get swept away between these two intense people and see where it takes them ... and buy more from Lisa Renee Jones ..
October 11, 2013
This compilation of holiday romance stories contains three unique novellas by three talented authors. All three were steamy, sexy, and well written. A great start to heating up the holidays. Of the three, After Midnight was my fave.
* I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
* I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 6, 2013
very good stories...enjoyed them all..of course Lisa Renee Jones never let's me down when I read her work.
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