Ice Cold Kisses: A Holiday Anthology

by Brooke Montgomery, Lex Martin, Lucia Franco

’Tis the season to stay warm this holiday season with ten new original stories from your favorite authors!

Authors include:
Brooke Montgomery
Lex Martin
Echo Grayce
Dakota Willink
Nicole French
A.K. Evans
Piper Rayne
Patricia D. Eddy
L.K. Shaw

*Available for a limited time only*

Genres: Novella, Christmas, Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Anthologies, Second Chance

656 pages, Paperback

Published November 16, 2023

About the author

Brooke has been writing romance since 2013 under the USA Today Bestselling author retired pen names: Brooke Cumberland and Kennedy Fox, and now: Brooke Montgomery and Brooke Fox. She loves writing small town romance with big families and happily ever afters! She lives in the frozen tundra of Packer Nation with her husband, teenager daughter and pack of dogs. Brooke's addicted to caffeine, cold winter nights, and afternoon naps. She found her passion for telling stories during winter break one year in grad school—and she hasn’t stopped since.

Find Brooke Montgomery:
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Website: www.brookewritesromance.com
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Reader Group: https://bit.ly/3HDsQSP
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/brookemontg...
Amazon: https://geni.us/BM_Amazon
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/brook...

Reviews

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to put this on my all-time-favorite shelf because I absolutely adored Naughty Hearts by AK Evans and I really enjoyed 3 of the other short stories. Is it worth the read? It certainly was for me, because it was free via the authors for a limited time (I'm part of Ms. Franco's newsletter.) The paperback book is a little expensive... but I will probably purchase it just so I can have a physical copy of the story I mentioned above. :o) I didn't tag all the tropes for this anthology as some of them could be considered spoilers. I hope you enjoy this anthology as much as I did!
 
Wish With Me by Brooke Montgomery- 2 stars. Trey & Haylln. A second-chance, time-jump, billionaire FMC, cowboy MMC. Boring and I didn't believe their love after the separation. Too short for this author to convince me. I believe this is somehow connected to her Sugarland series, which I wanted to read Here With Me as it was recommended by Jenn at The Book Refuge.

The Girlfriend Games by Lex Martin- 4 stars. Ryan & Jenna. College kids who go from a dislike to love, origins of a rock star romance, hero falls first, fake gf/bf, angst, and complete with a great plot, emotion, and sex ratio. Nothing crazy or over the top, just the right amount of smut- 3.5 bedroom spice stars.

Irresistible Strangers by Lucia Franco- 4.5 stars. Leo & Trista. I wish I could give this a full five stars, but even if, through their marathon one-night stand they started to feel more... the couple goes back to their normal lives. It sounds like this could be the start of something new for Ms. Franco? And I sincerely hope so. This was scorching!!

Unwrapped Hearts by Echo Grayce- DNF. Maisy & Cain. Oh, boy. This is definitely part of a series, although I have no idea which one or what it's called. After 10 (kindle) pages I just didn't care and the couple hadn't even been on page together yet (and I say yet because it's a short story.) I had NO freaking idea what was going on. And beat on the track? Cain is a cop and I don't know what Maisy does... but maybe they race cars for fun? Confused and I didn't care enough to continue especially since the couple is already together. I'm sure this also suffered from following Ms. Franco's short story.

Yuletide Temptations by Dakota Willink- Bryan & Laura. As far as I could tell this is a second-chance romance. Not sure what else, it was a little boring for me so I skimmed it, hence no rating.

It's Cold Outside by Nicole French- Xavier & Francesca. 4.5 stars. This is a one-night stand, insta-love, one-shot novella. I LOVED this! In fact, I loved it so much that I will be reading the ending of their story in First Comes Love. Very hot and I loved these two characters instantly! I will absolutely look up more by this new to me author.

Naughty Heart by A.K. Evans- Malcolm & Evelyn. 5 stars. This was perfect!! Authors, please note that this is how a novella, complete with HEA (and an Epilogue!!) should be done. This is a co-worker, boss-employee, poor FMC/rich MMC romance, MMC high stakes, MMC becomes better romance. I just adored this novella! I loved both Malcolm and Evelyn! Their interactions/romance felt real and believable. This story was perfectly paced, the high-tension/little angst part felt just right, but didn't last too long. MMC is lives a life of privilege and his parents give him one last chance to change his ways to show he's someone who will take over the company. Scrambling, the FMC literally falls into the MMC's lap (so cute!) and he asks her to come in for an interview. She becomes his personal assistant and it's a good thing for him because she's super smart and has wonderful ideas. One love scene and it was hot! I'd give it 3 stars on the bedroom spice scale.

Mister December by Piper Rayne- Sam & Hannah. No rating. I read a few pages, and this is NOT the author's fault at all... but the main characters are a firefighter and nurse, respectively. And that's what my parents were... and I just couldn't mentally get passed that. I know firefighters and nurses are a somewhat common pairing, but I just couldn't. This is a MMC helps the FMC, then they unintentionally see each other again and he asks her out. They go out and MMC tells FMC how he feels because he doesn't want to play games. This is where I stopped reading. I'm guessing this is a low to no angst story and with my mental block I had issue with just didn't want to read on top of that. However, I have no doubt that many will love this cute couple and story.

A Lone Star Family Christmas by Patricia D. Eddy- Connor & Isabel. Starts a week before Thanksgiving with an established couple Connor and Isabel, with their daughter, Veronica (who from what I can tell is either a teenager or a young 20-something.) Veronica is with a friend and calls her father, FBI Agent Connor, for help. I'm also not rating this one. I didn't read it, wasn't interested in reading an established couple who I've never read before.

Meant to Be by L.K. Shaw- Carrick & Nora. Sounds like this might be a part of the Dublin King's series? Looks like this story is where Carrick and Nora, along with their children "finally" get their HEA. Again, not rating this one as I have no desire to read an established couple that I've never read about, but I'm sure fans of this series will love it.

[Marissa Kogut · Rating 5 out of 5]

I only read wish With Me by brooke montgomery, but that's not on here by itself! loved it ❤️

[Chloe Downie · Rating 4 out of 5]

DISCLAIMER - REVIEWS BELOW FOR INDIVIDUAL BOOKS

Wish with me - Brooke Montgomery
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️& 3🌶️🌶️🌶️. This was a good, spicy short read. It has a second chance romance vibe, when our MCs reunite after their break up 8 years ago. A lot has changed for them, accept their attraction and love for each other. It follows a realistic storyline for how short it was, since Hallyn and Trey already had the relationship. I loved the reason for the title… wish with me! Very clever and I liked how it made it feel familiar despite the short read. I really enjoyed it and I will probably revisit sugarland creek at some point from Brooke Montgomery.

The girlfriend games - Lex Martin

Irresistible Strangers - Lucia Franco

Unwrapped hearts - Echo Grayce
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️& 2.5🌶️🌶️🌶️. Aww this was so cute. I love the little funny supernatural elements that Echo Grayce adds to her books. This was my second read from her. I will deffo read false start, as it links to this story and I’m keen to get to know the characters more. Seems like their backstory is super emotional and hard hitting so I can see why it recommends to read first.

Yuletide Temptations- Dakota Willink
3⭐️⭐️⭐️& 1.5🌶️. This was a sweet short read but for me, the ending in particular was a little too short. I think an epilogue to see where our characters end up would be sweet, as we never really found out for sure where our characters relationship goes. I liked the Christmas tree lighting up for the donations that was a super cool idea for a Christmas charity gala. Overall I enjoyed it but I wasn’t amazed with the story, others have been better with a similar word count.

It’s cold outside - Nicole French

Naughty Heart - A.K. Evan’s

Mister December - Piper Rayne
3.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️&0🌶️. This was a cute story about what is essentially a meeting between a fire fighter and a nurse and the story of their first date. They are immediately attracted to each other, and there is obvious chemistry. Hannah helps out on his calendar photo shoot 😏 🔥 and he asks her out. I really wish we got more chapters, or are they in another book because I really need more of these two!

A lone star Christmas - Patricia D. Eddy
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️&0🌶️. Aww I really enjoyed this. It had found family, action make and cute family thanksgiving/Christmas dynamics. The gifts they got each other were adorable. And im very jealous of Vi’s present 🎁😩. I’m intrigued to follow th se characters so I will definitely read away from the keyboard and gone rogue series from Pat at some stage. Looking forward to meeting her next year!

Meant to be - L.K. Shaw
2⭐️⭐️ & 1.5🌶️. Honestly, without reading the Dublin kings I was a little lost with this one. There were so many characters to try and place in my head and I’m not a huge fan of older age romances. Apart from their wedding being Christmas in theme, this book really didn’t have anything in it in the spirit of the holiday. So unless I’m missing a point, that’s why it’s a low score for me. Why is it in a holiday anthology?

[Barbara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Most of the stories in this were a fun read.................BUT one story............well, here, read my review:

Irresistible Strangers-Lucia Franco
Spoiler alerts ***
The very end of this story changed the entire way I looked at this story.

This just became the most troubling story I have ever read.

You immediately know that Trista is most likely in her mid-twenties, but Leo, the guy who is trying to lure her into a one-night-stand, doesn’t answer when she asks his age. (Red flag immediately)
Trista’s ex shows up and immediately Leo wants to show off and one-up him. So immature, but again, we don’t know his age.
Trista & Leo definitely got drunk, and definitely smoked too many cigarettes, which also put me off to the characters. Then Leo entices Trista back to his hotel (don’t forget, she’s royally drunk on Tequella shots) and then…

This is where, if you don’t like spoilers, you should stop reading now.

After an amazing night of unbelievable sex (with and without protection), Leo finally tells her his age. He’s 33 years OLDER than her.

She should have been made aware of his age before agreeing to go back to his hotel. That’s perverted, and he's old enough to be her father.
Lucia Franco should be ashamed of herself. Without the info to make an informed decision, it’s kind of uninformed/consensual?/rape, especially the part where he said he was out of condoms and wouldn’t pull out before his orgasm. Since this was a one-night stand, if she got pregnant, she’d be on her own, 'cus as far as I can tell, they never saw each other again.

[Stella Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Leaning in again, I pour eight years of heartache into one more kiss, hoping she feels the longing and love I still have for her. Even though I want to be angry at her—hate her even for abandoning me the way she did—my heart can’t forget what we had." - Trey

Tropes:
❄️ Second chance
❄️ Eight years later
❄️ Novella
❄️ Found family
❄️ Trey and Hallyn
❄️ Set during Christmas
❄️ High school sweethearts

Rating:
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ /5
🌶️ 🌶️ /5

*Possible spoilers ahead*

This was a super cute and fast-paced novella that I ate up! It's under 100 pages and even though it is super short I felt like I wasn't missing anything.

Trey and Hallyn had been together since high school but one night Trey went to her house to propose to her once he got there he saw that she was engaged to another man. 8 years later, Hallyn shows up to his work, and is ready to explain what happened.

Hallyn is able to explain everything to Trey and even though they have been apart for 8 years, it feels like no time has passed between them and they don't want to be apart any longer.

"Wish With Me" is available to read now. And I can't wait to finish the Sugarland Creek series!

"...I came here for you and for us to get a second chance. My feelings for you have never changed.”
“F***, Hallyn. I’ve been in love with you since I was fifteen.”

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review and rating is specifically for Mister December by Piper Rayne

If you’ve read You Can’t Kiss the Nanny, Brady Banks, then you know exactly who Hannah is. Mr. Sam Allen, however, is someone new I didn’t mind meeting! He’s quick to come to Hannah’s aid during a catastrophe, and then because Hannah will do anything for her best friend, they cross paths again during a photoshoot. For half naked firemen of course. They’ve got an instant connection that I definitely enjoyed! She wanted to thank him for helping her, he just wanted to spend time with her. Everyone wins here! Because Sam is so open with his feelings, it gives Hannah the safe space to be the same with hers, and I loved it!

My Favorite Quotes:
• “You’re a dangerous woman to be around.”
• “You keep looking at me like that and I’m liable to toss this food overboard and devour you.”

[Kaelea Babner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wish With Me - Brooke Montgomery

This was a holiday novella about Trey, one of the ranch hands in the Sugarland Creek series. It’s a second chance romance and so sweet.

Im always a sucker for a book centered around Sugarland Creek. I can’t get enough of the Hollis family and the ranch hands that we learn to love throughout the series!

I was so excited we finally got to read about Trey. The story was short but so beautiful. A story about love, heartbreak and rekindling an old flame, I ATE THIS UP!

If you’re a sucker for a short holiday novella that melts your heart, this one will do that. I read this in one sitting and just giggled the entire time. There isn’t a character in this series that I don’t love, and the fact that you get the chaos and fun of the Hollis family throughout is just icing on the cake!!

[Beeg Panda]

“Wish With Me
Brooke Montgomery


The Girlfriend Games
Lex Martin


Irresistible Strangers
Lucia Franco


Unwrapped Hearts
Echo Grayce


Yuletide Temptations
Dakota Willink


It’s Cold Outside
Nicole French


Naughty Heart
A.K. Evans


Mister December
Piper Rayne


A Lone Star Family Christmas
Patricia D. Eddy


Meant to Be
L.K. Shaw”

[Lourdes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mr. December by Piper Rayne
If you are a Piper Rayne follower, you know Hannah shares a child with one of the favorite heroes of the past year, Brady Banks and us fans have been dying for her to find her person. I loved reading about her doing just that and for him to be a hot fireman is always a bonus especially in the hands of my favorite ladies.

Irresistible Strangers by Lucia Franco
This, unfortunately, was not my style. I had never read anything by Ms. Franco before and having 5/9 chapters on a short story devoted to sex is definitely not my jam.

Wish With Me by Brooke Montgomery
Second chance romance with a dash of spice is something I always like and I found this one to be a nice novella.

Yuletide Temptations by Dakota Willing
This one turned out to be my favorite of the authors new to me in this anthology. Another second chance with a nice backstory and what felt a bit of a cliffhanger which I truly enjoyed.

A Lone Star Family Christmas by Patricia D. Eddy
A novella with the characters of Rogue Survivor that is intriguing enough to make want to read the book which I always consider a good one. Short, sweet and to the point makes it right up my alley.

Meant to be by LK Shaw
This novella seems to be the conclusion of a saga where the older characters finally get their HEA. A huge family that was a tad hard to keep up with, but a cute read nonetheless.

[Lilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I only read Wish With Me*

⭐️4.5
💙Novella
🐴Ranch
💙Second-chance
🐴Christmas

I love love love when side characters get their own happy endings! I totally meant to read this during Christmas…but here we are.

I love the Sugarland Creek series so much, and I get so happy seeing what the side characters get up to. Ruby’s story is my favorite spin-off, but this was so cute I couldn’t help but kick my feet and love every second of it.

The only reason I docked it .5 stars is because some of it felt like I was being Told things instead of shown, and I hate that. I know it’s a novella though, so we don’t get to see everything. I still loved it!!

[Denise H · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grabbed this for LK Shaw's short story - Meant to Be, but I am sure I will dive into the other stories soon to see if I can find some more new authors to read.

Meant to Be -
Carrick Donnelly and Nora Martin finally get their happy ending after 30 years surrounded by their children and grandchildren. The wedding preparation and ceremony are full of activity, family, and humor followed by a pinch of spice after the “I Do’s”. I love the Dublin King series and this short story is a wonderful addition.

[Fierce Heroine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Grabbed this because of Brooke Montgomery and it was okay. The only one that stood out to me was Lex Martin, and strangely I wanted to DNF it but glad I stuck with it. It was new adult angsty.
Wasn’t a fan of the rest. Either they were too short or no chemistry or didn’t feel like standalone but extended epilogue of author’s finished books. Probably why I’m not a big fan of novella anthologies. I’d love for authors to write new/fresh stories and not make these novellas a bait to buy their books.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I only read two of these novellas, but I loved them.

The Girlfriend Games by Lex Martin - This was so fun! Fake dating, college shenanigans, hate to love. It was a complete romance. I love how it's a pre-My Dearest Clementine novella. I couldn't get enough of it.

Mister December by Piper Rayne - The meet cute in this one was great and I loved the story. I kind of wish it was a full-length novel because I wanted more of the story, but I guess I will have to settle for going back to read Brady's book.

[Wendy Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say I really enjoyed these stories, each was romantic and interesting. Some more intense or suspenseful than others but all gripped and held me. Usually I get frustrated with anthologies because the snippets you get just don't hold me enough but this surprised me in a good way. A great mix of genres as well and wonderful characters, some older and some younger couples, also some single parent. More than worth the 5 stars I was happy to give it. Well written, not rushed or cropped so much you feel cheated, fabulous flow throughout. Loved it and ideal for a Christmas read.

[Randi Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating is for Wish With Me by Brooke Montgomery only!

I’m addicted to everything Sugarland Creek and that means I care as much for the stories of the ranch hands as I do for the fam! I laughed and cried, in the same page often, throughout this novella. As a half of a high school sweetheart couple that has been through it - I LOVE this second chance, reunion (double entendre (; ), pick up right where you left off love story. I will be so sad when I have to leave Sugarland Creek so I’m cherishing every morsel Brooke shares!

[Serena Dale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wish With Me by Brooke Montgomery 4.25⭐️
(Didn't read any of the other stories)

Great little second chance novella. Was great to be back at Sugarland Creek Ranch, even for a brief visit.

Trey and Hallyn were great. I wish we could of had them as a full book in the series but I did really enjoy this novella.

I love Hallyn wanted to prove to herself and get everything sorted before she faced Trey again. It shows the strength of her character. There is no mistaking the chemistry these two had, from childhood sweethearts to strangers to lovers they have done the full circle. They were definitely meant to be together.

[gabby · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Tell me what you want.”
“You. Always. Forever.”

Hallyn and Trey. A novella about two high school sweethearts that broke up and haven’t had contact in eight years, until she shows up to explain why they broke up.

This is a very quick read and I enjoyed seeing characters from the other books!

✨READ IF YOU LIKE✨:
- dual POV
- second chance romance
- found family
- high school sweethearts
- ranch hand x fashion designer

cw: death of loved one, mention of miscarriage

[Joy Whiteside · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wish With Me-Brooke Montgomery
This story was an amazing read. It will capture your attention from the moment you start and not let you go until you have finished the last page. It moves along at a great pace, has amazing characters that you will love and a story that will not disappoint. This is a must read, you will not be disappointed.

[Linda Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is for Meant to Be by L.K. Shaw

Carrick Donnelly and Nora Martin finally get their HEA. It has taken 30 years, but their love never diminished for each other. I was hoping and waiting for this to happen and am thrilled that it did. I loved that they got wed at Christmas and all of their children were by their side. A lovely festive novella read for the upcoming holidays.

[Sarah DeLong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delicious and did I say delicious already? This anthology was filled with delightful stories full of relatable characters and the heat....whew! My kindle was on fire! These stories varied in tropes but all had Christmas in common. I loved reading this anthology. It was the perfect reading escape.

[Josephine · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun collaboration! I read Wish For Me by Brooke Montgomery and how I love all Sugarland Creek crumbs! This novella was a sweet second chance romance between high school sweethearts who spent eight years separated but reunite around the holidays with the love they share reigniting quickly! Hopefully I can read a few more of these novellas this festive season!

[thespicybooknerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Lone Star Christmas by Patricia D Eddy

This is a sweet holiday update on Connor, Isabel, and Veronica from the Gone Rogue series as they celebrate their first Thanksgiving and Christmas as a family.

[Amanda Davanzati · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Review for Wish With Me by Brooke Montgomery*

I love this world Brooke Montgomery created! The guys are so sweet, caring, and ridiculously attractive. While the girls are wholesome and ones you root for. This was an adorable and spicy read that was perfect during this cold weather time!

[_bookishmegan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wish With Me by Brooke Montgomery ❄️

3.5 ★’s

A short, fast-paced second chance romance. Sprinkled with Christmassy vibes and a pinch of spice. Perfect if you’re looking for something that’s under 100 pages and easily bingeable in one sitting!

[Kate R · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read The Girlfriend Games. Just okay. Didn't really love the sudden change in the characters personalities but it's a quick, entertaining read.

[Elizabeth Noteboom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jumped around reading some of my favorite authors which i really enjoyed!

[Katarzyna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Girlfriend Games - Lex Martin

[Nancy Quintero · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some stories are a hit others are a miss but overall great short stories!

[Bani Dheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, quick and easy read. Read it in just a few hours. Cute romance but unrealistic. Nice to dream though.

[Drea · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF 🙁