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Perfect Fit #1.5
On the Naughty List: A Christmas Anthology
Love.
Sex.
And all the best gifts worth giving... * On the Naughty List is a collection of holiday stories from some of today's brightest stars* Lori Foster
Christmas Bonus
The workplace is heating up for the holidays when two colleagues who are planning a Christmas party side-by-side end up making love their main order of business.
Carly Phillips
Naughty Under the Mistletoe
A no-nonsense lawyer intent on seducing her boss ends up having a scandalous-and utterly magical-moment with his twin instead. Beth Ciotta
Some Kind of Wonderful
Two old friends-who seem to have little left in common-are home for the holidays. But when they end up stranded together during a blizzard, they know just how to keep each other warm. . . Sugar Jamison
Have Yourself a Curvy Little Christmas
Dina Gregory returns to New York for the holidays. Her To locate her young son's father. Her His HOT brother.
Sex.
And all the best gifts worth giving... * On the Naughty List is a collection of holiday stories from some of today's brightest stars* Lori Foster
Christmas Bonus
The workplace is heating up for the holidays when two colleagues who are planning a Christmas party side-by-side end up making love their main order of business.
Carly Phillips
Naughty Under the Mistletoe
A no-nonsense lawyer intent on seducing her boss ends up having a scandalous-and utterly magical-moment with his twin instead. Beth Ciotta
Some Kind of Wonderful
Two old friends-who seem to have little left in common-are home for the holidays. But when they end up stranded together during a blizzard, they know just how to keep each other warm. . . Sugar Jamison
Have Yourself a Curvy Little Christmas
Dina Gregory returns to New York for the holidays. Her To locate her young son's father. Her His HOT brother.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 14, 2014
112 people are currently reading
758 people want to read
About the author
Lori Foster
416 books11.7k followersSince first publishing in January 1996, Lori Foster has become a USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly and New York Times bestselling author. Lori has published through a variety of houses, including Kensington, St. Martin’s, Harlequin, Silhouette, Samhain, and Berkley/Jove. She is currently published with HQN.
Lori hosts a very special annual “Reader & Author” event in West Chester, Ohio. Proceeds from the event have benefited many worthy causes, including the Hamilton County YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter, the Animal Adoption Foundation, The Conductive Learning Center for children with spina bifida and cerebral palsy, and The One Way Farm, Children’s Home.
Each year Lori donates all proceeds from one book to charity. You can see the benefit romance books here: http://lorifoster.com/benefit-books/
Career Highlights
•In 2001, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Series Romantic Fantasy.
•In 2002, Lori’s book Too Much Temptation was the top-selling romance title for Amazon books.
•In 2003, Say No To Joe was the second “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for Waldenbooks.
•In 2004, Lori Foster was a clue in the New York Times crossword puzzle.
•In 2004, The Secret Life of Bryan was the “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for the BGI group.
•In 2005, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Contemporary Romance.
•In 2006, Jude’s Law was the “Bestselling Romantic Comedy” romance title for the BGI group.
•In 2007, Lori launched a new “urban fantasy” series under the name L.L. Foster. See more on her “dark side” at www.llfoster.com.
•In 2007, Causing Havoc was among Amazon’s Top Ten Editor’s picks in Romance.
•In 2008, Hard to Handle made #2 on The New York Times.
•In 2009, Servant: The Acceptance was Amazon’s #1 Editors’ Pick in Romance.
•In 2010, Lori was a clue in the USA Today Quick Cross puzzle.
Lori hosts a very special annual “Reader & Author” event in West Chester, Ohio. Proceeds from the event have benefited many worthy causes, including the Hamilton County YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter, the Animal Adoption Foundation, The Conductive Learning Center for children with spina bifida and cerebral palsy, and The One Way Farm, Children’s Home.
Each year Lori donates all proceeds from one book to charity. You can see the benefit romance books here: http://lorifoster.com/benefit-books/
Career Highlights
•In 2001, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Series Romantic Fantasy.
•In 2002, Lori’s book Too Much Temptation was the top-selling romance title for Amazon books.
•In 2003, Say No To Joe was the second “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for Waldenbooks.
•In 2004, Lori Foster was a clue in the New York Times crossword puzzle.
•In 2004, The Secret Life of Bryan was the “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for the BGI group.
•In 2005, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Contemporary Romance.
•In 2006, Jude’s Law was the “Bestselling Romantic Comedy” romance title for the BGI group.
•In 2007, Lori launched a new “urban fantasy” series under the name L.L. Foster. See more on her “dark side” at www.llfoster.com.
•In 2007, Causing Havoc was among Amazon’s Top Ten Editor’s picks in Romance.
•In 2008, Hard to Handle made #2 on The New York Times.
•In 2009, Servant: The Acceptance was Amazon’s #1 Editors’ Pick in Romance.
•In 2010, Lori was a clue in the USA Today Quick Cross puzzle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
December 16, 2017
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.
This was a nice enough read. I have had a review copy of this book for a couple of years but somehow missed reading it and it ended up buried on my Kindle. I decided to dust off as I was trying to get into the holiday spirit this year. I don't know that it had any impact on my readiness for the holiday but I did find the book to be an okay read. I enjoyed all four of the stories pretty equally with nothing really standing out.
Christmas Bonus by Lori Foster
I am not always a fan of office romances but I thought this one worked. The couple in the story have known each other for a long time. They really did seem to work well together and I liked the chemistry between them.
Naughty Under the Mistletoe by Carly Philips
This one starts off at an office holiday party. Intending to finally make a move on her boss, the main character ends up kissing his twin instead. The couple has a lot of chemistry. I liked the twist on the office romance since she worked for his family but not him directly.
Have Yourself a Curvy Little Christmas by Sugar Jamison
This was another story featuring brothers. Dina decides to reach out to her baby's father but finds his older brother instead. This was a fun opposites attract kind of story and I liked how the baby, Dash, played an important role in it.
Some Kind of Wonderful by Beth Ciotta
This was a fun friends to lovers story. The couple has known each other for years but they haven't seen each other lately. They find themselves stranded in a cabin and realize that they both might feel more for each other than they realized.
I thought that this was a worthwhile anthology. I would give each of the individual stories 3 stars and really liked how different they were. I had fun sampling the writing of a few new to me authors and would definitely try their work again in the future.
I received an advance reader copy of this book from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley.
Initial Thoughts
This was okay. Nothing terrible but nothing great either. All four of the stories were pretty equal for me with none of them really standing out too much.
This was a nice enough read. I have had a review copy of this book for a couple of years but somehow missed reading it and it ended up buried on my Kindle. I decided to dust off as I was trying to get into the holiday spirit this year. I don't know that it had any impact on my readiness for the holiday but I did find the book to be an okay read. I enjoyed all four of the stories pretty equally with nothing really standing out.
Christmas Bonus by Lori Foster
I am not always a fan of office romances but I thought this one worked. The couple in the story have known each other for a long time. They really did seem to work well together and I liked the chemistry between them.
Naughty Under the Mistletoe by Carly Philips
This one starts off at an office holiday party. Intending to finally make a move on her boss, the main character ends up kissing his twin instead. The couple has a lot of chemistry. I liked the twist on the office romance since she worked for his family but not him directly.
Have Yourself a Curvy Little Christmas by Sugar Jamison
This was another story featuring brothers. Dina decides to reach out to her baby's father but finds his older brother instead. This was a fun opposites attract kind of story and I liked how the baby, Dash, played an important role in it.
Some Kind of Wonderful by Beth Ciotta
This was a fun friends to lovers story. The couple has known each other for years but they haven't seen each other lately. They find themselves stranded in a cabin and realize that they both might feel more for each other than they realized.
I thought that this was a worthwhile anthology. I would give each of the individual stories 3 stars and really liked how different they were. I had fun sampling the writing of a few new to me authors and would definitely try their work again in the future.
I received an advance reader copy of this book from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley.
Initial Thoughts
This was okay. Nothing terrible but nothing great either. All four of the stories were pretty equal for me with none of them really standing out too much.
December 2, 2015
Reviewed as part of a Christmas Post at Totallybooked
We love Christmas, it’s our favourite time of year so what better way to start getting excited – Ladies and Gents the holidays are coming – than with some sweet, fun and flirty Christmas romance?! This four short story anthology just hit that Christmassy spot. It was quite the mix of saucy and sweet – flirty and smoochy – mistletoe snogging.
We enjoyed all the stories to varying degrees but have to say the last one was our favourite. It was so bloody swoony, funny, old fashioned and – heart in puddle on floor – romantic type story. We actually would have LOVED for “Have Yourself a Curvy Little Christmas” by Sugar Jamison to be a full length novel as we were HOOKED on this one and fell completely in love with the characters and their individual stories. It would also make a GREAT Christmas movie! Proper romantic!!!! We could re-read this one already!
Honestly, every year we make sure to read something Christmassy to get us ready for what is without question a romantic, sentimental and nostalgic time of year and this year’s choice had us smiling, laughing and my pulse racing. As far as short Christmas novella’s go we know we’re getting insta love and cheesy lines but you know what…who cares when it makes you happy and ready for a season of joy and happiness?! It’s as infectious as Ho Ho Ho…….and being Naughty can sure be real Nice!!!
♥ ♥ ♥
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December 2, 2015
REVIEWED WITH OTHER CHRISTMAS STORIES ON: TotallyBooked http://wp.me/p2WbFf-7ei
We love Christmas, it’s our favourite time of year so what better way to start getting excited – Ladies and Gents the holidays are coming – than with some sweet, fun and flirty Christmas romance?! This four short story anthology just hit that Christmassy spot. It was quite the mix of saucy and sweet – flirty and smoochy – mistletoe snogging.
We enjoyed all the stories to varying degrees but have to say the last one was our favourite. It was so bloody swoony, funny, old fashioned and – heart in puddle on floor – romantic type story. We actually would have LOVED for “Have Yourself a Curvy Little Christmas” by Sugar Jamison to be a full length novel as we were HOOKED on this one and fell completely in love with the characters and their individual stories. It would also make a GREAT Christmas movie! Proper romantic!!!! We could re-read this one already!
Honestly, every year we make sure to read something Christmassy to get us ready for what is without question a romantic, sentimental and nostalgic time of year and this year’s choice had us smiling, laughing and my pulse racing. As far as short Christmas novella’s go we know we’re getting insta love and cheesy lines but you know what…who cares when it makes you happy and ready for a season of joy and happiness?! It’s as infectious as Ho Ho Ho…….and being Naughty can sure be real Nice!!!
♥ ♥ ♥
Come say hi and follow us at:
✦ TotallybookedBlog
✦ TB on Facebook
✦ TB on Twitter
✦ TB on Pinterest
June 28, 2015
Never before have I read 4 novellas that were all so fast paced and easy to fall into in the same anthology. Each of these novellas is a brilliant read on its own, but together they are a fantastic novel. Each is a hot and sassy Christmas story that will have your imagination going wild and your pulse hopping throughout. Each author spins their own tale in their own well put together, intriguing voice, but together this was an anthology that I couldn’t put down.
The authors make sure that readers get to know the characters quite well in each story. None of the main couples were under (or over) developed for the roles that they played in their respective stories. I appreciated the diversity of individuals that we get to know and how well they meshed together.
This one will definitely put you in the holiday spirit 4 times over! It’s perfect for those who want a quick read, as each part can be read individually, or for those who want to jump right in.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
The authors make sure that readers get to know the characters quite well in each story. None of the main couples were under (or over) developed for the roles that they played in their respective stories. I appreciated the diversity of individuals that we get to know and how well they meshed together.
This one will definitely put you in the holiday spirit 4 times over! It’s perfect for those who want a quick read, as each part can be read individually, or for those who want to jump right in.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
December 23, 2015
Well, I feel like I'm probably on the Naughty List just by reading this book! As with all anthologies, some stories were better than others. A couple of them are pretty high on the spice meter and a couple of them are tame in comparison but good, nonetheless. You have to expect insta-love in these short stories but it was the ones with a slower build that I enjoyed the most.
I can't decide whether I like Some Kind of Wonderful by Beth Ciotta or Have Yourself a Curvy Little Christmas by Sugar Jamison the best...but they were my favorites. Some Kind of Wonderful is a sort of modernized re-telling of A Christmas Carol, complete with ghostly visits. Have Yourself a Curvy Little Christmas is just a lovely little story involving a single mother and her ten-month-old baby boy, Dash, who finds himself a daddy just in time for Christmas.
I think this book would be a good addition to any romance lovers Christmas reads list. Recommended!
ARC provided through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
I can't decide whether I like Some Kind of Wonderful by Beth Ciotta or Have Yourself a Curvy Little Christmas by Sugar Jamison the best...but they were my favorites. Some Kind of Wonderful is a sort of modernized re-telling of A Christmas Carol, complete with ghostly visits. Have Yourself a Curvy Little Christmas is just a lovely little story involving a single mother and her ten-month-old baby boy, Dash, who finds himself a daddy just in time for Christmas.
I think this book would be a good addition to any romance lovers Christmas reads list. Recommended!
ARC provided through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
December 15, 2014
Anthologies are great for when you want a story but don't have the time or interest for something lengthy. They also let you try new-to-you authors. This anthology has one author I've read before (Foster), one I'd heard of before (Phillips) and two completely new to me authors.
Christmas Bonus by Lori Foster - I've had mixed results reading Foster in the past but this one I enjoyed. It could have been fleshed out more, a longer story would have been good, and it had some unlikely events. Still, it was cute and sweet and had some hot sex scenes. 3, maybe 3.5 stars
Naughty Under the Mistletoe by Carly Phillips - I have heard good things about Phillips but I was disappointed. Full of cliches and outdated stereotypes, such as women supposedly not being sports fans, I rolled my eyes quite a bit as I read. It had cute moments but everything happened too fast and more character development was needed. 2 stars
Some Kind of Wonderful by Beth Ciotta - This was a weird mix Cyrano de Bergerac and the ghosts from "A Christmas Carol". Ciotta did a decent job pulling off the de Bergerac aspect but the Christmas Carol part didn't work although the overall story was Christmasy. Despite that, the story, for the most part, managed to surprise me and was cute. 3 stars
Have Yourself A Curvy Little Christmas by Sugar Jamison -This had a strong historical romance vibe. The heroine, an unmarried poor mother, shows up on the doorstep of the baby's father's house. Instead she finds his brother. The whole set up and follow through was like a dozen Regencies I've read despite being a contemporary set in the US. Once I got past that, it was a pleasant story and gave off a strong Christmas vibe. 3 stars.
#HoHoHoRAT
Christmas Bonus by Lori Foster - I've had mixed results reading Foster in the past but this one I enjoyed. It could have been fleshed out more, a longer story would have been good, and it had some unlikely events. Still, it was cute and sweet and had some hot sex scenes. 3, maybe 3.5 stars
Naughty Under the Mistletoe by Carly Phillips - I have heard good things about Phillips but I was disappointed. Full of cliches and outdated stereotypes, such as women supposedly not being sports fans, I rolled my eyes quite a bit as I read. It had cute moments but everything happened too fast and more character development was needed. 2 stars
Some Kind of Wonderful by Beth Ciotta - This was a weird mix Cyrano de Bergerac and the ghosts from "A Christmas Carol". Ciotta did a decent job pulling off the de Bergerac aspect but the Christmas Carol part didn't work although the overall story was Christmasy. Despite that, the story, for the most part, managed to surprise me and was cute. 3 stars
Have Yourself A Curvy Little Christmas by Sugar Jamison -This had a strong historical romance vibe. The heroine, an unmarried poor mother, shows up on the doorstep of the baby's father's house. Instead she finds his brother. The whole set up and follow through was like a dozen Regencies I've read despite being a contemporary set in the US. Once I got past that, it was a pleasant story and gave off a strong Christmas vibe. 3 stars.
#HoHoHoRAT
December 17, 2015
Christmas Bonus - 2 stars
Naughty Under the Mistletoe - 2 stars
Some Kind of Wonderful - 3 stars
Have Yourself a Curvy Little Christmas - 4 stars
On the Naughty List is a seasonal mix with something for everyone.
Christmas Bonus is an office romance. They've loved each other for years. She's the boss's daughter and later the boss. He's the star employee. They're finally connected in a really creative way. If you're looking for some short and lusty, this is the story for you.
Naughty Under the Mistletoe is sort of an office romance too. She's the good girl who thinks her boss his hot and finally decides to go for it at the company Christmas party. It turns out to be his twin, and he's ready to take her up on the invitation. This short goes from sexy to love with a high heat factor.
Some Kind of Wonderful is about a wounded war vet and his female best friend from childhood. They both are home for the holidays in the town where they grew up together, but something is different. The air between them starts sparking. This is a fun modern spin on the classic A Christmas Carol. This story is more for those looking for Christmas magic than erotic scenes.
Have Yourself a Curvy Little Christmas is definitely the belle of ball in this anthology for me. I loved it. She's majorly entertaining and unable to stop saying all the things that pop into her head. She used to be wild and ended up pregnant by a rich playboy. He dropped her as soon as the news touched his ears. She's did the struggling single mom thing for several months and is finally going to insist the dead beat dad give her a little from his millions. She's in for a surprise when she finds his older brother instead. This story is sweet and saucy. It tickled me and kept me entertained the entire time.
***Copy given in exchange for an honest review***
Naughty Under the Mistletoe - 2 stars
Some Kind of Wonderful - 3 stars
Have Yourself a Curvy Little Christmas - 4 stars
On the Naughty List is a seasonal mix with something for everyone.
Christmas Bonus is an office romance. They've loved each other for years. She's the boss's daughter and later the boss. He's the star employee. They're finally connected in a really creative way. If you're looking for some short and lusty, this is the story for you.
Naughty Under the Mistletoe is sort of an office romance too. She's the good girl who thinks her boss his hot and finally decides to go for it at the company Christmas party. It turns out to be his twin, and he's ready to take her up on the invitation. This short goes from sexy to love with a high heat factor.
Some Kind of Wonderful is about a wounded war vet and his female best friend from childhood. They both are home for the holidays in the town where they grew up together, but something is different. The air between them starts sparking. This is a fun modern spin on the classic A Christmas Carol. This story is more for those looking for Christmas magic than erotic scenes.
Have Yourself a Curvy Little Christmas is definitely the belle of ball in this anthology for me. I loved it. She's majorly entertaining and unable to stop saying all the things that pop into her head. She used to be wild and ended up pregnant by a rich playboy. He dropped her as soon as the news touched his ears. She's did the struggling single mom thing for several months and is finally going to insist the dead beat dad give her a little from his millions. She's in for a surprise when she finds his older brother instead. This story is sweet and saucy. It tickled me and kept me entertained the entire time.
***Copy given in exchange for an honest review***
October 28, 2015
4.5 Stars
Christmas Bonus:
This book was super hot and somehow sweet at the same time. While I'm not usually a fan of the older guy/younger girl storylines, this one didn't skeeve me out as much as others do. It helps that Maggie doesn't act immature and that Eric acts more like her peer than her "daddy". I want more stories like this to get me through the holidays.
Naughty Under the Mistletoe:
This story was a little too insta-love for me but it's to be expected of a short story. It was a fun read anyways.
Some Kind of Wonderful:
Oh yes, I loved everything about this story. It was a closed-door romance but the story itself was so fantastic that the explicit sex wasn't necessary. If this is a glimpse at a series then I think I found a new author and a new series that I want to read. I love a good second chance romance. Add a sexy, broody former marine, a woman who bakes cupcakes for a living and a classic Christmas story twist and I'm all in.
Have Yourself a Curvy Little Christmas
This story was sweet and funny. A perfect holiday read.
I loved Dina's laid back, self-deprecating attitude and her determination to be the best mother and person she could be for her son.
Although Ben seemed stuffy and grumpy I could see early on that he had a fun-loving side that just needed to be brought out by the right person.
Though this novella is part of a series it can absolutely be read as a stand alone. I myself will be looking into reading the other books in this series because this one was so fun.
Christmas Bonus:
This book was super hot and somehow sweet at the same time. While I'm not usually a fan of the older guy/younger girl storylines, this one didn't skeeve me out as much as others do. It helps that Maggie doesn't act immature and that Eric acts more like her peer than her "daddy". I want more stories like this to get me through the holidays.
Naughty Under the Mistletoe:
This story was a little too insta-love for me but it's to be expected of a short story. It was a fun read anyways.
Some Kind of Wonderful:
Oh yes, I loved everything about this story. It was a closed-door romance but the story itself was so fantastic that the explicit sex wasn't necessary. If this is a glimpse at a series then I think I found a new author and a new series that I want to read. I love a good second chance romance. Add a sexy, broody former marine, a woman who bakes cupcakes for a living and a classic Christmas story twist and I'm all in.
Have Yourself a Curvy Little Christmas
This story was sweet and funny. A perfect holiday read.
I loved Dina's laid back, self-deprecating attitude and her determination to be the best mother and person she could be for her son.
Although Ben seemed stuffy and grumpy I could see early on that he had a fun-loving side that just needed to be brought out by the right person.
Though this novella is part of a series it can absolutely be read as a stand alone. I myself will be looking into reading the other books in this series because this one was so fun.
June 5, 2015
I love all these authors and these stories were fantastic! Sugar Jamison was the only new author to me when I read this Anthology and now I love her too! LOL
Beth Ciotta's story, Some Kind of Wonderful, we get not only a second chance romance but a military man as our hero! If that isn't Christmas goodness, I don't know what is!
Christmas Bonus by Lori Foster was fantabulously adorable. Loved it! There's really nothing Lori Foster ever writes that is not fantastic!
Naughty Under the Mistletoe by Carly Phillips was also very very cute and fun-loving! Loved it as I always love her novels!
Have Yourself a Curvy Little Christmas by Sugar Jamison was my first read by this author and I really enjoyed her style. Altho the story was short, I still got a good enough taste to put her on my future TBR list.
Overall, GREAT little package of cute Christmas stories. Perfect for getting you in the mood for the holidays!
ARC provided via NetGalley by St. Martin's Press for an honest review.
Beth Ciotta's story, Some Kind of Wonderful, we get not only a second chance romance but a military man as our hero! If that isn't Christmas goodness, I don't know what is!
Christmas Bonus by Lori Foster was fantabulously adorable. Loved it! There's really nothing Lori Foster ever writes that is not fantastic!
Naughty Under the Mistletoe by Carly Phillips was also very very cute and fun-loving! Loved it as I always love her novels!
Have Yourself a Curvy Little Christmas by Sugar Jamison was my first read by this author and I really enjoyed her style. Altho the story was short, I still got a good enough taste to put her on my future TBR list.
Overall, GREAT little package of cute Christmas stories. Perfect for getting you in the mood for the holidays!
ARC provided via NetGalley by St. Martin's Press for an honest review.
December 2, 2015
First of my festive reads for 2015!!!
Great compilation of sexy and fun-filled festive fun by four new to me authors. Each story was captivating and just what I needed in between longer, more gruelling reads!
So, if you're looking for a some holiday loving then this book is definitely one for you.
Happy holidays and keep loving the Naughty!!!
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December 9, 2015
This book is featured on One Book Two's Naughty or Nice? list. To view the entire list go to: https://onebooktwo.wordpress.com/2015...
On Nell’s Naughty List~ This a perfect read for variety….and when you don’t want to get up to change out a finished book for a new one. My favorite was Sugar Jamison’s book. I’m a sucker for that kind of story.
On Ruby’s Naughty List~ I will pick up anything written by Lori Foster which is what drew me to this anthology, and Lori did not disappoint. However my favorite story was Mistletoe Moment by Carley Phillips. Just enough naughty and nice to make it perfect.
Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
On Nell’s Naughty List~ This a perfect read for variety….and when you don’t want to get up to change out a finished book for a new one. My favorite was Sugar Jamison’s book. I’m a sucker for that kind of story.
On Ruby’s Naughty List~ I will pick up anything written by Lori Foster which is what drew me to this anthology, and Lori did not disappoint. However my favorite story was Mistletoe Moment by Carley Phillips. Just enough naughty and nice to make it perfect.
Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 3, 2015
This was a fun romantic holiday anthology. I found myself liking all the stories and could not pick a favorite. From long-time favorite authors to the newer author Sugar Jamison, I read and enjoyed one story a night right before Christmas. This was cute and sassy fun.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
December 29, 2015
Christmas Bonus by Lori Foster - 4
Naughty Under the Mistletoe by Carly Phillips - 3
Some Kind of Wonderful by Beth Ciotta - 2.5
Have Yourself a Curvy Little Christmas by Sugar Jamison - 4
Naughty Under the Mistletoe by Carly Phillips - 3
Some Kind of Wonderful by Beth Ciotta - 2.5
Have Yourself a Curvy Little Christmas by Sugar Jamison - 4
November 6, 2014
1st Story Christmas Bonus: By: Lori Foster
Eric Bragg worked for the owner of the company he currently works for Mr. Carmichael, who took him under his wing. When Mr. Carmichael ups and dies six months ago. This makes it not only difficult on how he should proceed, it very well will hurt his pride, and it could hurt his career after all this time. You see he has been in love with is friend, mentor and bosses daughter and wants to try and date his daughter.
You see the elderly Drake Carmichael had a daughter Maggie for the last five years has been coming to the company and working from the bottom of the wrung on up. Learning all she could about the business. She would come into Eric just about every day to talk to him about the different positions and then just shoot the breezes. They would hit on all kinds of different subjects nothing was off limits. The way Eric has been lusting for her is the way she has been lusting for him, but she knew he would never look twice at her even though they had become great friends who could talk for hours. Her dad even knew of her soft spot for him, but the 10 year difference he said would be a challenge, but promised not to tell him.
Yet, upon his death He left a letter concerning her and Eric. So, she had to make her move so she would. Or does Eric have something else in mind? I give this 5 stars. Erotica, humor, and love a nice mix.
2nd Story Naughty Under the Mistletoe: By: Carly Phillips
This was a case of mistaken identity. Not knowing it at the time Antonia (Toni) Larson makes plans to finally seduce her boss’s son Stephan Corbin. She had the hot’s for him but had the work ethics of no playing house where you work. But she was getting a transfer to a new office she would be leaving that office therefore Stephan would not really be a co-worker anymore.
Being that it was her Christmas party and Stephan’s father had been hospitalized Toni would be flying solo this year as Santa’s helper for the children that come from the homeless shelters. She talks them into this since she and her mom at different times in her life were in need of the shelters when she was growing up. Now she gives back by volunteering there when she can.
With her seduction plan well thought out in her head she goes into the room where the children will be coming into. When she sees Stephan come in looking sexy as hell. In a super casual clothing that she has never seen him in before. Before she can even think about it she take her chance. She pulls him behind the extra-large Christmas tree and kisses the socks off of him. When she pulls back she says something along the lines of, “You’re not him,” looking into his eyes deeply, “who are you anyway because…”
Max Corbin (Maxwell) is blown away by that kiss. He can tell she is too. Although they are both very stun by it. Max ask, “I’m not who?” She brushed the question off. And asked for his name. He tells her and he tells her he’s Stephan’s twin brother. By then she needs to get ready for the kids and he needs to get the 411 from Stephan on her.
I enjoyed this book a great deal. I did feel however that the story had a specialness to it that makes you feel good knowing there are still good guys out there. 4 stars only because it did seem rushed at the end.
3rd Book Some Kind of Wonderful: By: Beth Ciotta
I really enjoyed this story. It’s every girls dream that you grow up and accomplish your own personal dreams. Especially, when you start to question your personal relationship and you look back over your life by sitting looking at pictures. That is exactly what happens with Maya Templeton (29). She has a day of looking back when her on again off again relationship with Charlie, who is in real estate, is making her feel pressured to get married.
As she was looking through the pictures Giselle saw her (best friend), she sees a picture of her childhood friend Zachery Cole dressed as a soldier. She asks who he is and wants to know if she can send a letter of introduction so she can start writing to him. She does and then “G” as Maya calls her has a problem getting anything on paper and asks Maya for help. Next thing you know “G” is letting Maya read the responses from her long time BFF Zach. You see Zach was her next door neighbor who is now 30, and in the U.S. Marines.
Maya starts to see Zachary in a whole new light. You see “G” is not only just an adrenaline junkie, she’s exotic, curvaceous, and an actress. All guys know and love her. Yes, including Zach. Once he saw her picture he too fell under “G’s” spell just like she thought he would. The problem came in when “G” her business partner ask for even more help writing the letters to the point where she was all out writing them.
When they turned sexual on both their parts it started to feel weird but she continued them and one day all letters stopped. She just figured that he was on a mission, especially since she hadn’t heard from Uncle Dan and Aunt Helen (Zach’s Great Aunt and Uncle who raised him.” Then the holidays were coming she didn’t want to go with her parents and Aunt Helen called and asked that spend Christmas with them. She was so excited she loved Christmas in Sugar Creek. Aunt Helen and The Cupcake Club gave her, her love for baking and cooking. She owes her business Cupcakes to her.
Yet, she was worried then, “G” invited herself along. All the way down she could not shake off this feeling of something was not right. Her heart was heavy and the snow storm was not helping. The closer she got to Aunt Helens and Uncle Dan’s her nerves were on high alert.
This story is so good. Dealing with the feelings of BFF’s who have a deep and loving connection no matter where they are. You always want the best for them always. When it is one of the opposite sex like these two that is when it becomes extremely hard. You still want it even when it’s another woman. But, when you have developed feelings for your BFF you do that with a heavy heart and gritting your teeth. I give this story 5 stars.
4th Book Have Yourself A Curvy Little Christmas: By: Sugar Jamison
I had already read the full version of this story and have my original review and posted it last year if interested. I have to say I think I loved it all over again. Maybe even more. Dina Gregory used to be a dancer who gets involved with Virgil Rowe. Same old story she gets pregnant by this playboy billionaire she had been with for six months. Not that she loved him but she did have a great time with him. Virgil knew how to party. When she tells him he says, “To bad you had such a great shape too. Also, you are putting it up for adoption because you are a mess and can’t take care of yourself. So, now she has to prove him wrong.
After two years she is having trouble making ends meet. So, she decides to track down Virgil, eventually ending up at the family home. She asks for him, the staff explain to Ben Rowe, his brother, who’s asking for Virgil, with who. And he asks her up. When she goes up she’s expecting Virgil but it’s his evil brother, Ben. Neither of them like each other. Ben explains that Virgil died a year ago in a skiing accident. Ben can’t let her leave though because the baby she is holding, Dash, looks just like him, Ben his uncle. So, Ben knows she’s not lying about the baby being her brothers. He blurts out that he’ll marry her when she says she needs Virgil’s death certificate in order to leave and go back to California. They’re both shocked by his declaration but she asks until Christmas Eve to make her decision.
I know you will love this story, I sure did. I like that this street wise girl gives her security to this closed, cold hearted man. Giving back to him an open warm heart and her security and a home for her and her baby. I give this story 5 stars.
The overall book I give it 5 stars.
Provided by Net Galley. Follow us at: www.1rad-readerreviews.com
Eric Bragg worked for the owner of the company he currently works for Mr. Carmichael, who took him under his wing. When Mr. Carmichael ups and dies six months ago. This makes it not only difficult on how he should proceed, it very well will hurt his pride, and it could hurt his career after all this time. You see he has been in love with is friend, mentor and bosses daughter and wants to try and date his daughter.
You see the elderly Drake Carmichael had a daughter Maggie for the last five years has been coming to the company and working from the bottom of the wrung on up. Learning all she could about the business. She would come into Eric just about every day to talk to him about the different positions and then just shoot the breezes. They would hit on all kinds of different subjects nothing was off limits. The way Eric has been lusting for her is the way she has been lusting for him, but she knew he would never look twice at her even though they had become great friends who could talk for hours. Her dad even knew of her soft spot for him, but the 10 year difference he said would be a challenge, but promised not to tell him.
Yet, upon his death He left a letter concerning her and Eric. So, she had to make her move so she would. Or does Eric have something else in mind? I give this 5 stars. Erotica, humor, and love a nice mix.
2nd Story Naughty Under the Mistletoe: By: Carly Phillips
This was a case of mistaken identity. Not knowing it at the time Antonia (Toni) Larson makes plans to finally seduce her boss’s son Stephan Corbin. She had the hot’s for him but had the work ethics of no playing house where you work. But she was getting a transfer to a new office she would be leaving that office therefore Stephan would not really be a co-worker anymore.
Being that it was her Christmas party and Stephan’s father had been hospitalized Toni would be flying solo this year as Santa’s helper for the children that come from the homeless shelters. She talks them into this since she and her mom at different times in her life were in need of the shelters when she was growing up. Now she gives back by volunteering there when she can.
With her seduction plan well thought out in her head she goes into the room where the children will be coming into. When she sees Stephan come in looking sexy as hell. In a super casual clothing that she has never seen him in before. Before she can even think about it she take her chance. She pulls him behind the extra-large Christmas tree and kisses the socks off of him. When she pulls back she says something along the lines of, “You’re not him,” looking into his eyes deeply, “who are you anyway because…”
Max Corbin (Maxwell) is blown away by that kiss. He can tell she is too. Although they are both very stun by it. Max ask, “I’m not who?” She brushed the question off. And asked for his name. He tells her and he tells her he’s Stephan’s twin brother. By then she needs to get ready for the kids and he needs to get the 411 from Stephan on her.
I enjoyed this book a great deal. I did feel however that the story had a specialness to it that makes you feel good knowing there are still good guys out there. 4 stars only because it did seem rushed at the end.
3rd Book Some Kind of Wonderful: By: Beth Ciotta
I really enjoyed this story. It’s every girls dream that you grow up and accomplish your own personal dreams. Especially, when you start to question your personal relationship and you look back over your life by sitting looking at pictures. That is exactly what happens with Maya Templeton (29). She has a day of looking back when her on again off again relationship with Charlie, who is in real estate, is making her feel pressured to get married.
As she was looking through the pictures Giselle saw her (best friend), she sees a picture of her childhood friend Zachery Cole dressed as a soldier. She asks who he is and wants to know if she can send a letter of introduction so she can start writing to him. She does and then “G” as Maya calls her has a problem getting anything on paper and asks Maya for help. Next thing you know “G” is letting Maya read the responses from her long time BFF Zach. You see Zach was her next door neighbor who is now 30, and in the U.S. Marines.
Maya starts to see Zachary in a whole new light. You see “G” is not only just an adrenaline junkie, she’s exotic, curvaceous, and an actress. All guys know and love her. Yes, including Zach. Once he saw her picture he too fell under “G’s” spell just like she thought he would. The problem came in when “G” her business partner ask for even more help writing the letters to the point where she was all out writing them.
When they turned sexual on both their parts it started to feel weird but she continued them and one day all letters stopped. She just figured that he was on a mission, especially since she hadn’t heard from Uncle Dan and Aunt Helen (Zach’s Great Aunt and Uncle who raised him.” Then the holidays were coming she didn’t want to go with her parents and Aunt Helen called and asked that spend Christmas with them. She was so excited she loved Christmas in Sugar Creek. Aunt Helen and The Cupcake Club gave her, her love for baking and cooking. She owes her business Cupcakes to her.
Yet, she was worried then, “G” invited herself along. All the way down she could not shake off this feeling of something was not right. Her heart was heavy and the snow storm was not helping. The closer she got to Aunt Helens and Uncle Dan’s her nerves were on high alert.
This story is so good. Dealing with the feelings of BFF’s who have a deep and loving connection no matter where they are. You always want the best for them always. When it is one of the opposite sex like these two that is when it becomes extremely hard. You still want it even when it’s another woman. But, when you have developed feelings for your BFF you do that with a heavy heart and gritting your teeth. I give this story 5 stars.
4th Book Have Yourself A Curvy Little Christmas: By: Sugar Jamison
I had already read the full version of this story and have my original review and posted it last year if interested. I have to say I think I loved it all over again. Maybe even more. Dina Gregory used to be a dancer who gets involved with Virgil Rowe. Same old story she gets pregnant by this playboy billionaire she had been with for six months. Not that she loved him but she did have a great time with him. Virgil knew how to party. When she tells him he says, “To bad you had such a great shape too. Also, you are putting it up for adoption because you are a mess and can’t take care of yourself. So, now she has to prove him wrong.
After two years she is having trouble making ends meet. So, she decides to track down Virgil, eventually ending up at the family home. She asks for him, the staff explain to Ben Rowe, his brother, who’s asking for Virgil, with who. And he asks her up. When she goes up she’s expecting Virgil but it’s his evil brother, Ben. Neither of them like each other. Ben explains that Virgil died a year ago in a skiing accident. Ben can’t let her leave though because the baby she is holding, Dash, looks just like him, Ben his uncle. So, Ben knows she’s not lying about the baby being her brothers. He blurts out that he’ll marry her when she says she needs Virgil’s death certificate in order to leave and go back to California. They’re both shocked by his declaration but she asks until Christmas Eve to make her decision.
I know you will love this story, I sure did. I like that this street wise girl gives her security to this closed, cold hearted man. Giving back to him an open warm heart and her security and a home for her and her baby. I give this story 5 stars.
The overall book I give it 5 stars.
Provided by Net Galley. Follow us at: www.1rad-readerreviews.com
December 31, 2015
Originally published at The Book Pushers
On the Naughty List, containing Christmas stories by romance writers Lori Foster, Carly Phillips, Beth Ciotta and Sugar Jamison is a lovely collection of sweet little holiday sugarplums, with just the right amount of naughtiness to give the stories the perfect bite of holiday spice.
I picked this one up for the Lori Foster story, but enjoyed the Ciotta story as well. And discovered that I read and reviewed the Jamison story Have Yourself a Curvy Little Christmas: A Perfect Fit Holiday Novella, last year at Reading Reality. I loved it for its heart, and the utterly hilarious banter between the two adults in the story, who bond over a child they do, and don’t, share.
In my review last year, I gave Have Yourself a Curvy Little Christmas by Sugar Jamison a B+. I’ll stick with that rating.
In addition to the Jamison, I particularly enjoyed the Foster and Ciotta stories. The Phillips story had its moments but didn’t stand out compared to the others.
In Lori Foster’s Christmas Bonus, we have a story that twists the long-term crush grows up with falling for for the boss in a naughty little story about a young woman who has always loved her father’s sexy second in command, and a man who has always been much too fond of the boss’s young daughter.
Having a crush on a sophisticated older man is a stage that many girls go through, this reader included. But in this story, something that would have been oh so wrong when Eric and Maggie first met is oh so right a half-dozen or so years later. Only now it’s wrong in a different way. When they first met, Eric was 27 and Maggie was 17. Her dad knew she had a crush on his associate, but also knew that Eric would never do anything about it – even if he wanted to. Which he definitely did. Fast-forward a few years, and Maggie has graduated from college. Their ten-year age difference is much less of barrier, but there’s a new roadblock in place. Maggie’s father has died suddenly and Maggie has inherited the company. The young woman Eric fell for is now his boss. And Maggie is much, much too aware of just how many men have developed a sudden interest in her as a way to get a piece of her dad’s successful business. It’s up to Eric and Maggie to get to know each other as adults, and figure out how to navigate their way past her father’s hamfisted attempt at matchmaking from beyond the grave.
I enjoyed the story of the woman growing up and into the love of her teenage crush, and I really liked the way that Maggie’s secret identity as an erotic romance writer worked its way into the sexytimes and the story.
I give Christmas Bonus by Lori Foster an A-
Beth Ciotta’s contribution to this collection is Some Kind of Wonderful. And it was some kind of wonderful for this reader. Marine Sergeant Zach has invalided out of the service with a career ending injury. While he’s definitely on the mend, his limp may be a permanent reminder of the IED that ended his career and the life of his buddy and spotter. Zach has returned to his family, and his best friend Maya. Maya and Zach were always each other’s besties, but there was never a hint of anything more. This is not one of those stories where Maya has been pining forever and Zach hasn’t seen the light (or vice versa.) But it’s been awhile since they have been together, and while their friendship clicks back into place, there’s a new sexual chemistry that just wasn’t there before. A chemistry that Zach isn’t willing to explore. Not because he doesn’t care about Maya, but because he’s dealing with a load of survivor’s guilt and doesn’t think he deserves the happiness that his dead buddy will never have.
It takes a freak snowstorm, a night alone together in a remote cabin, and more than a touch of Christmas magic from Zach’s own versions of the ghosts of Christmas past for him to wake up and grab the happiness that is waiting for him in Christmas present.
I liked the way that the callout to Dickens’ Christmas Carol worked its magic in bringing this story to its happy ending. But then, I’ve always been a sucker for that one.
I give Some Kind of Wonderful by Beth Ciotta an A-
The final story in this collection is Naughty Under the Mistletoe by Carly Phillips. A young lawyer who has been all business all the time at her job decides to play sexy elf and seduce her rather buttoned up boss at Christmas. Just before she is scheduled to move to one of the firm’s new offices in a new position. In other words, she’s just been promoted and will be leaving town, so her last semi-official act will be to act what seems like fairly unprofessionally at the company Christmas party. That Toni’s attempt at naughtiness goes just a bit sideways, so that she finds herself seducing (and being seduced by) her boss’s much wilder twin brother was probably the saving of her career, as well as starting a relationship with someone who could help her be a little less buttoned up away from the office.
This one just didn’t work for me. Toni’s background as written in the story made it seem particularly unlikely that she would publicly go quite this far at the place she depends on for her livelihood. Transferring to another office does not transfer one away from some pretty malicious gossip. My problem with this story isn’t about who seduces whom, or even why, but that the person described in this story would not jeopardize her professional reputation this way. And again, unfortunate as it is, there is no way in the real world that this stunt would trash her professionally.
So while I liked the characters, the setup for this story trashed my willing suspension of disbelief. I give Naughty Under the Mistletoe by Carly Phillips a very disappointed D.
On the Naughty List, containing Christmas stories by romance writers Lori Foster, Carly Phillips, Beth Ciotta and Sugar Jamison is a lovely collection of sweet little holiday sugarplums, with just the right amount of naughtiness to give the stories the perfect bite of holiday spice.
I picked this one up for the Lori Foster story, but enjoyed the Ciotta story as well. And discovered that I read and reviewed the Jamison story Have Yourself a Curvy Little Christmas: A Perfect Fit Holiday Novella, last year at Reading Reality. I loved it for its heart, and the utterly hilarious banter between the two adults in the story, who bond over a child they do, and don’t, share.
In my review last year, I gave Have Yourself a Curvy Little Christmas by Sugar Jamison a B+. I’ll stick with that rating.
In addition to the Jamison, I particularly enjoyed the Foster and Ciotta stories. The Phillips story had its moments but didn’t stand out compared to the others.
In Lori Foster’s Christmas Bonus, we have a story that twists the long-term crush grows up with falling for for the boss in a naughty little story about a young woman who has always loved her father’s sexy second in command, and a man who has always been much too fond of the boss’s young daughter.
Having a crush on a sophisticated older man is a stage that many girls go through, this reader included. But in this story, something that would have been oh so wrong when Eric and Maggie first met is oh so right a half-dozen or so years later. Only now it’s wrong in a different way. When they first met, Eric was 27 and Maggie was 17. Her dad knew she had a crush on his associate, but also knew that Eric would never do anything about it – even if he wanted to. Which he definitely did. Fast-forward a few years, and Maggie has graduated from college. Their ten-year age difference is much less of barrier, but there’s a new roadblock in place. Maggie’s father has died suddenly and Maggie has inherited the company. The young woman Eric fell for is now his boss. And Maggie is much, much too aware of just how many men have developed a sudden interest in her as a way to get a piece of her dad’s successful business. It’s up to Eric and Maggie to get to know each other as adults, and figure out how to navigate their way past her father’s hamfisted attempt at matchmaking from beyond the grave.
I enjoyed the story of the woman growing up and into the love of her teenage crush, and I really liked the way that Maggie’s secret identity as an erotic romance writer worked its way into the sexytimes and the story.
I give Christmas Bonus by Lori Foster an A-
Beth Ciotta’s contribution to this collection is Some Kind of Wonderful. And it was some kind of wonderful for this reader. Marine Sergeant Zach has invalided out of the service with a career ending injury. While he’s definitely on the mend, his limp may be a permanent reminder of the IED that ended his career and the life of his buddy and spotter. Zach has returned to his family, and his best friend Maya. Maya and Zach were always each other’s besties, but there was never a hint of anything more. This is not one of those stories where Maya has been pining forever and Zach hasn’t seen the light (or vice versa.) But it’s been awhile since they have been together, and while their friendship clicks back into place, there’s a new sexual chemistry that just wasn’t there before. A chemistry that Zach isn’t willing to explore. Not because he doesn’t care about Maya, but because he’s dealing with a load of survivor’s guilt and doesn’t think he deserves the happiness that his dead buddy will never have.
It takes a freak snowstorm, a night alone together in a remote cabin, and more than a touch of Christmas magic from Zach’s own versions of the ghosts of Christmas past for him to wake up and grab the happiness that is waiting for him in Christmas present.
I liked the way that the callout to Dickens’ Christmas Carol worked its magic in bringing this story to its happy ending. But then, I’ve always been a sucker for that one.
I give Some Kind of Wonderful by Beth Ciotta an A-
The final story in this collection is Naughty Under the Mistletoe by Carly Phillips. A young lawyer who has been all business all the time at her job decides to play sexy elf and seduce her rather buttoned up boss at Christmas. Just before she is scheduled to move to one of the firm’s new offices in a new position. In other words, she’s just been promoted and will be leaving town, so her last semi-official act will be to act what seems like fairly unprofessionally at the company Christmas party. That Toni’s attempt at naughtiness goes just a bit sideways, so that she finds herself seducing (and being seduced by) her boss’s much wilder twin brother was probably the saving of her career, as well as starting a relationship with someone who could help her be a little less buttoned up away from the office.
This one just didn’t work for me. Toni’s background as written in the story made it seem particularly unlikely that she would publicly go quite this far at the place she depends on for her livelihood. Transferring to another office does not transfer one away from some pretty malicious gossip. My problem with this story isn’t about who seduces whom, or even why, but that the person described in this story would not jeopardize her professional reputation this way. And again, unfortunate as it is, there is no way in the real world that this stunt would trash her professionally.
So while I liked the characters, the setup for this story trashed my willing suspension of disbelief. I give Naughty Under the Mistletoe by Carly Phillips a very disappointed D.
October 12, 2017
it was time for me to get into the holiday spirit and read a little steamy Christmas. I enjoyed all 4 of these short stories. They were romantic, steamy, comical and full of holiday whimsy. The 4th in this book I liked the best.
January 4, 2018
On the Naughty List is loaded with sweet sexy short Christmas reads to heat up your holiday reading.
December 21, 2021
I enjoyed all these stories. They were a lot of fun.
January 12, 2016
I guess I'm going to start by discussing the stories individually because there is no way to classify the stories as a whole.
The story by Lori Foster was absolutely awesome! It was a great short story that made sense. Unlike most short stories you could actually believe that this story was possible in real life. Lori Foster's sort was easily the best one in the whole anthology.
The Carly Phillips short story was fine but completely unbelievable. The female lead makes a mistake in her seduction and instead gets the identical twin of her intended target. They meet at an evening Christmas party before admitting to each other the next morning that they love each other. There are some insta-love stories that can work but this definitely wasn't one of them. Also, a note is that this story does not apart to have ever been sent to an editor because there were so many errors that the story was hard to read at times and difficult to understand.
Beth Ciotta's story was very interesting. I found myself throughly enjoying the story and connecting with the characters. My problem with this story was that there was absolutely no physical intimacy between the main characters. It's like there is a whole chapter missing near the end of the story because that is how huge the disconnect between the two chapters is. And then the story almost immediately ends which had me looking around in confusion wondering what happened.
Now for the story by Sugar Jamison...I always find that I have a lot more to say about a horrific story and this one is no different. However, I could rant about this story and how offensive it is for days but I'm not. Instead I'll just be short and sweet which will be all the better to help me forget about it. First off, the female lead can best be described by the terms money-grubbing, whore, whiner, spoiled brat, and consummate party girl. She is everything you would expect to find in the villain of a story not the heroine. She isn't even a villain your could come to love because you just hate her so much. She intentionally gets herself knocked up with the intent of suing the father's (of the baby) family for money without intending to give the baby the father's last name or to let the rest of the family see the baby. She also is such a villain that she couldn't stand it when her sister's boyfriend didn't want to have sex with her so she tried to force herself on him and when he told everyone (after he ran away of course) she ran away. To top it off she then decided to drop off the face of the earth and let her family think she was dead just for spite and then through the whole story she blames her family for all of the problems she herself created. The male lead was okay although very underdeveloped. Also, the author didn't seem to ever have seen or learned anything about babies or children because the "baby" at times was more like a teenager than a baby ever could be. All in all, I don't know how this story ever got published it was just that bad.
The story by Lori Foster was absolutely awesome! It was a great short story that made sense. Unlike most short stories you could actually believe that this story was possible in real life. Lori Foster's sort was easily the best one in the whole anthology.
The Carly Phillips short story was fine but completely unbelievable. The female lead makes a mistake in her seduction and instead gets the identical twin of her intended target. They meet at an evening Christmas party before admitting to each other the next morning that they love each other. There are some insta-love stories that can work but this definitely wasn't one of them. Also, a note is that this story does not apart to have ever been sent to an editor because there were so many errors that the story was hard to read at times and difficult to understand.
Beth Ciotta's story was very interesting. I found myself throughly enjoying the story and connecting with the characters. My problem with this story was that there was absolutely no physical intimacy between the main characters. It's like there is a whole chapter missing near the end of the story because that is how huge the disconnect between the two chapters is. And then the story almost immediately ends which had me looking around in confusion wondering what happened.
Now for the story by Sugar Jamison...I always find that I have a lot more to say about a horrific story and this one is no different. However, I could rant about this story and how offensive it is for days but I'm not. Instead I'll just be short and sweet which will be all the better to help me forget about it. First off, the female lead can best be described by the terms money-grubbing, whore, whiner, spoiled brat, and consummate party girl. She is everything you would expect to find in the villain of a story not the heroine. She isn't even a villain your could come to love because you just hate her so much. She intentionally gets herself knocked up with the intent of suing the father's (of the baby) family for money without intending to give the baby the father's last name or to let the rest of the family see the baby. She also is such a villain that she couldn't stand it when her sister's boyfriend didn't want to have sex with her so she tried to force herself on him and when he told everyone (after he ran away of course) she ran away. To top it off she then decided to drop off the face of the earth and let her family think she was dead just for spite and then through the whole story she blames her family for all of the problems she herself created. The male lead was okay although very underdeveloped. Also, the author didn't seem to ever have seen or learned anything about babies or children because the "baby" at times was more like a teenager than a baby ever could be. All in all, I don't know how this story ever got published it was just that bad.
April 1, 2015
This collection of short Christmas novellas is sure to please with its combination of sweet and sexy stories with holiday spirit. The following is a short review of each of the four stories in the collection.
Christmas Bonus by Lori Foster
This short story showcases the sweet and sexy romance between Eric and Maggie, two people who have hidden their feelings from each other until an encounter under the mistletoe where they both now work lets them get close and personal. I loved the sexual tension and buildup in the story and while there were some steamy scenes there is also evidence of the deeper feelings underlying the attraction that give it a sweet touch.
Naughty Under the Mistletoe by Carly Phillips
When Antonia aka Toni sets out to seduce her soon to be ex-boss Stephan at the company Christmas party, little does she expect to find herself in the arms of his twin brother Max instead! I found this to be a delightful sexy story, with well developed characters that were interesting and believable. Though it starts with a sexual attraction, they are attuned to each other and share their deepest thoughts and feelings in short order, resulting in a holiday romance that is destined to last.
Some Kind of Wonderful by Beth Ciotta
This friends to lovers romance is the story of Maya and Zach, friends since children but separated for several years while Zach went off to war. Zach has now returned as an injured veteran. It's got a more serious vein to it than the other stories, dealing with some of the trauma that returning soldiers have but at the same time showing how important friends, family and love really are. I loved Maya's character - she's a bright, friendly, fun woman. I also really liked that Zach and Maya didn't beat around the bush for too long but were honest in admitting their attraction to each other as adults. There is a bit of Christmas whimsy in the story hearkening to Charles Dicken's A Christmas Carol that adds a cute touch.
Have Yourself a Curvy Little Christmas by Sugar Jamison
Bringing two lonely people together for Christmas, this story is the heartwarming tale of Ben and Dina. Showing up on Ben's doorstep with his 10 month old nephew, Ben finds himself inexplicably drawn to this woman and the child of his deceased brother. She brings life into his home and he finds himself falling for her, at the same time realizing it's time to put his past behind him. Dina carries a lot of troubled baggage from her past, but Ben sees beyond this to the warm woman that she is now. I found this to be a sweet tale of finding love in unexpected places and bringing forward the true meaning of Christmas.
Overall I quite enjoyed the variety of these stories and the Christmas theme that ties them all together. 4 stars!
Note: this collection was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
Christmas Bonus by Lori Foster
This short story showcases the sweet and sexy romance between Eric and Maggie, two people who have hidden their feelings from each other until an encounter under the mistletoe where they both now work lets them get close and personal. I loved the sexual tension and buildup in the story and while there were some steamy scenes there is also evidence of the deeper feelings underlying the attraction that give it a sweet touch.
Naughty Under the Mistletoe by Carly Phillips
When Antonia aka Toni sets out to seduce her soon to be ex-boss Stephan at the company Christmas party, little does she expect to find herself in the arms of his twin brother Max instead! I found this to be a delightful sexy story, with well developed characters that were interesting and believable. Though it starts with a sexual attraction, they are attuned to each other and share their deepest thoughts and feelings in short order, resulting in a holiday romance that is destined to last.
Some Kind of Wonderful by Beth Ciotta
This friends to lovers romance is the story of Maya and Zach, friends since children but separated for several years while Zach went off to war. Zach has now returned as an injured veteran. It's got a more serious vein to it than the other stories, dealing with some of the trauma that returning soldiers have but at the same time showing how important friends, family and love really are. I loved Maya's character - she's a bright, friendly, fun woman. I also really liked that Zach and Maya didn't beat around the bush for too long but were honest in admitting their attraction to each other as adults. There is a bit of Christmas whimsy in the story hearkening to Charles Dicken's A Christmas Carol that adds a cute touch.
Have Yourself a Curvy Little Christmas by Sugar Jamison
Bringing two lonely people together for Christmas, this story is the heartwarming tale of Ben and Dina. Showing up on Ben's doorstep with his 10 month old nephew, Ben finds himself inexplicably drawn to this woman and the child of his deceased brother. She brings life into his home and he finds himself falling for her, at the same time realizing it's time to put his past behind him. Dina carries a lot of troubled baggage from her past, but Ben sees beyond this to the warm woman that she is now. I found this to be a sweet tale of finding love in unexpected places and bringing forward the true meaning of Christmas.
Overall I quite enjoyed the variety of these stories and the Christmas theme that ties them all together. 4 stars!
Note: this collection was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
December 1, 2014
Christmas Bonus - Lori Foster - 2/5 stars
The tone of this story comes across as somewhat dated. Not sure specifically what it is, but maybe it's a combination of the writing style and the characterization. There's only a 10-year age difference between Eric and Maggie, but the way he talks to her makes the gap seem much larger. Also, the pacing is so fast--from zero to marriage proposal in hardly any time at all. It's a bit too fast for me. (After I finished the story, the copyright page told me that it was originally published in 2000. Makes sense.)
Naughty Under the Mistletoe - Carly Phillips - 2/5 stars
I liked the mistaken identity theme, but things move so quickly! It's definitely insta-love. I know this is a novella, but they fall so hard for each other before anything has really even happened yet. I just really didn't like the writing style of the love scenes. Personal preferences, I guess. But like Foster's writing, Phillips's seems dated. (Copyright page says this was originally published in 2001. Again, makes sense.)
Some Kind of Wonderful - Beth Ciotta - 3/5 stars
Maya has played matchmaker to her best friends, Zach and Giselle--only Zach doesn't know that Maya has also been playing Cyrano in the letters supposedly written by Giselle. Zach is a Marine who has unexpectedly returned to civilian life. My early guess proved to be right: Zach was injured in combat and that's why he was discharged from service.
I loved Maya and Zach's banter. The idea of them being best friends since childhood is convincing. I also loved the sweetness and newfound attraction between Maya and Zach after he returns and there's no chemistry between him and Giselle. Convenient but I'm still glad, of course.
So then there's all this amazing sexual tension between Maya and Zach, they get snowed in at a cabin, it's all super wonderful, and then FADE TO BLACK ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
The book also has unexpected paranormal elements, which I had mixed feelings about. I liked the wistful ending, but didn't really need the marriage proposal so quickly.
Have Yourself a Curvy Little Christmas - Sugar Jamison
Honestly, I skimmed this story. I didn't connect with the characters at all: a billionaire widower and a single mom, the father of whose child is the widower's now-deceased brother. Confused yet? And after not enjoying the other stories, I pretty much gave up at this point.
Overall, I just didn't enjoy this anthology. The story I liked the most is the Ciotta one, but the fade to black ruined it for me. Also, the random paranormal elements at the end seem really out of place. Even though I liked that story, it wasn't enough to make me enjoy the others more.
I wouldn't recommend this book, unfortunately.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my review.
The tone of this story comes across as somewhat dated. Not sure specifically what it is, but maybe it's a combination of the writing style and the characterization. There's only a 10-year age difference between Eric and Maggie, but the way he talks to her makes the gap seem much larger. Also, the pacing is so fast--from zero to marriage proposal in hardly any time at all. It's a bit too fast for me. (After I finished the story, the copyright page told me that it was originally published in 2000. Makes sense.)
Naughty Under the Mistletoe - Carly Phillips - 2/5 stars
I liked the mistaken identity theme, but things move so quickly! It's definitely insta-love. I know this is a novella, but they fall so hard for each other before anything has really even happened yet. I just really didn't like the writing style of the love scenes. Personal preferences, I guess. But like Foster's writing, Phillips's seems dated. (Copyright page says this was originally published in 2001. Again, makes sense.)
Some Kind of Wonderful - Beth Ciotta - 3/5 stars
Maya has played matchmaker to her best friends, Zach and Giselle--only Zach doesn't know that Maya has also been playing Cyrano in the letters supposedly written by Giselle. Zach is a Marine who has unexpectedly returned to civilian life. My early guess proved to be right: Zach was injured in combat and that's why he was discharged from service.
I loved Maya and Zach's banter. The idea of them being best friends since childhood is convincing. I also loved the sweetness and newfound attraction between Maya and Zach after he returns and there's no chemistry between him and Giselle. Convenient but I'm still glad, of course.
So then there's all this amazing sexual tension between Maya and Zach, they get snowed in at a cabin, it's all super wonderful, and then FADE TO BLACK ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
The book also has unexpected paranormal elements, which I had mixed feelings about. I liked the wistful ending, but didn't really need the marriage proposal so quickly.
Have Yourself a Curvy Little Christmas - Sugar Jamison
Honestly, I skimmed this story. I didn't connect with the characters at all: a billionaire widower and a single mom, the father of whose child is the widower's now-deceased brother. Confused yet? And after not enjoying the other stories, I pretty much gave up at this point.
Overall, I just didn't enjoy this anthology. The story I liked the most is the Ciotta one, but the fade to black ruined it for me. Also, the random paranormal elements at the end seem really out of place. Even though I liked that story, it wasn't enough to make me enjoy the others more.
I wouldn't recommend this book, unfortunately.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my review.
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February 7, 2016CHRISTMAS BONUS by Lori Foster
5 stars
Maggie's father passes away and leaves his company to her. She has been in love with Eric for years. Eric was her father's right hand man and he thought he'd be running the company. He has been having fantasies about Maggie for awhile but wanted to wait and let her get a little older because there is a ten year difference in their age. But when he finds a paper in the floor of her office, he can't believe it's part of a book. And the main hero is him. So he knows it's time to let her know his feelings.
Great little story. Hot sex.
____________________
NAUGHTY UNDER THE MISTLETOE by Carly Phillips
4.5 stars
Max is a private investigator but his father wants him to join his law firm. Toni is an attorney but is being transferred to another office. At the Christmas party she decides to be naughty for once and walks up and kisses Max under the mistletoe but quickly realizes she kissed the wrong brother. Max is Stephan's twin but she forgets about him real quick after that kiss with Max. They decide to go out for dinner and get to know each other better. Toni is looking for a one night stand but feels a connection to Max. And Max has never felt this way about a woman before.
Good story. I just think after one night together is a little to soon to say I love you. A misunderstanding that almost tears them apart, after one night together, and steamy sex.
____________________
SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL by Beth Ciotta
4 stars
This reminds you of the Christmas Story about Scrooge and seeing three ghosts.
Maya and her friend Giselle goes back to her hometown for Christmas. Zack is a former Marine who was hurt in a battle where he lost his friend too. Giselle and Zack exchanged emails and now they are going to meet in person. What Zack doesn't know is that Maya wrote most of the letters. Zack and Maya are taking a Christmas dinner to a recluse, when a winter storm hits. They make it to his cabin but he's not there, so they stay until the storm passes. Zack is visited by three ghost who tell him to go for it with Maya.
Short, sweet, and cupcakes.
____________________
HAVE YOURSELF A CURVY LITTLE CHRISTMAS by Sugar Jamison
5 stars
Dina shows up on Ben's doorstep with a baby. She is looking for the father who is his brother Virgil. But Virgil died in a skiing accident, so he invites her to stay for a little while.
Ben is a widower and is having a hard time letting his wife go. But it's been nine years and he thinks he's finally ready to move on. He asks Dina to marry him and gives her until Christmas to decide. She can't believe she's falling in love with him in just five days but she's still a little wary because she doesn't want to be second.
Great little story. With a handsome recluse and a hyper bbw, and a baby. Second chance love story.
*RECEIVED A COPY FROM NETGALLEY*
5 stars
Maggie's father passes away and leaves his company to her. She has been in love with Eric for years. Eric was her father's right hand man and he thought he'd be running the company. He has been having fantasies about Maggie for awhile but wanted to wait and let her get a little older because there is a ten year difference in their age. But when he finds a paper in the floor of her office, he can't believe it's part of a book. And the main hero is him. So he knows it's time to let her know his feelings.
Great little story. Hot sex.
____________________
NAUGHTY UNDER THE MISTLETOE by Carly Phillips
4.5 stars
Max is a private investigator but his father wants him to join his law firm. Toni is an attorney but is being transferred to another office. At the Christmas party she decides to be naughty for once and walks up and kisses Max under the mistletoe but quickly realizes she kissed the wrong brother. Max is Stephan's twin but she forgets about him real quick after that kiss with Max. They decide to go out for dinner and get to know each other better. Toni is looking for a one night stand but feels a connection to Max. And Max has never felt this way about a woman before.
Good story. I just think after one night together is a little to soon to say I love you. A misunderstanding that almost tears them apart, after one night together, and steamy sex.
____________________
SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL by Beth Ciotta
4 stars
This reminds you of the Christmas Story about Scrooge and seeing three ghosts.
Maya and her friend Giselle goes back to her hometown for Christmas. Zack is a former Marine who was hurt in a battle where he lost his friend too. Giselle and Zack exchanged emails and now they are going to meet in person. What Zack doesn't know is that Maya wrote most of the letters. Zack and Maya are taking a Christmas dinner to a recluse, when a winter storm hits. They make it to his cabin but he's not there, so they stay until the storm passes. Zack is visited by three ghost who tell him to go for it with Maya.
Short, sweet, and cupcakes.
____________________
HAVE YOURSELF A CURVY LITTLE CHRISTMAS by Sugar Jamison
5 stars
Dina shows up on Ben's doorstep with a baby. She is looking for the father who is his brother Virgil. But Virgil died in a skiing accident, so he invites her to stay for a little while.
Ben is a widower and is having a hard time letting his wife go. But it's been nine years and he thinks he's finally ready to move on. He asks Dina to marry him and gives her until Christmas to decide. She can't believe she's falling in love with him in just five days but she's still a little wary because she doesn't want to be second.
Great little story. With a handsome recluse and a hyper bbw, and a baby. Second chance love story.
*RECEIVED A COPY FROM NETGALLEY*
October 10, 2014
Christmas Bonus
Lori Foster
4.5*
I loved this fast past sexy Christmas romance and I do mean this is a very hot sexually charged short story. Eric Bragg has wanted Maggie Carmichael since she was seventeen years old. Eric was ten years her senior and knew he had to bid his time until she was older. Before he could make his move her father his boss died suddenly changing everything. Suddenly Maggie was his boss. Maggie has been in love with Eric since the first time she laid eyes in him but always got tongue tied when around him. The day her father died he was the only one she wanted to grieve with. The death of her father changed the way Eric treated her. Now she's come up with a way to change that. Will she get what she wants or just a memory to hold on to.
Naughty Under the Mistletoe
Carly Phillips
3.75*
Toni Larson has spent her life determined to live on her own and never to rely on a man. Max Corbin is determined to live his life as he sees fit and on his terms not his fathers. Mistaken identity throws these to people together for a night of passion but can they make that last a lifetime? This is my first Carly Phillips story and I truly enjoyed it. I'm looking forward to reading more of her books.
Some Kind of Wonderful
Beth Ciotta
3*
This was a cute short story with a "Christmas Carol" twist. Maya Templeton has gone back to her home town Sugar Creek to celebrate Christmas with old friends only to find out her oldest best friend was wounded in the war three months ago and never told her. Zach Cole ex-marine sharpshooter has come home to his aunt and uncles to heal from his injuries that took him out service and took the life of his friend Ben. Is there a Christmas miracle that will bring Zach out of his broodiness or is he stuck in the past.
Have Yourself A Curvy Little Christmas
Sugar Jamison
4*
This is the first book I've read by Sugar Jamison and I really enjoyed it. Dina Gregory lived her life to an excess until she became pregnant. The father Virgil Rowe turned his back on them and Dina was determined to become a better person for her child and her self. It's been hard and now she needs the help of the father to make sure her son Dash has a good life. She travels five days on a bus to his home to confront him only to find his brother Ben Rowe instead and that Virgil has died. Ben's wife died nine years ago and now that Virgil is gone he has no one and no reason to do anything other then work. Seeing Dash he knows he's a Rowe and he will do anything to keep him in his life including marrying Dina.
**I highly recommend this Christmas anthology. Each short story will leave you with a happy and contented holiday feeling.
Lori Foster
4.5*
I loved this fast past sexy Christmas romance and I do mean this is a very hot sexually charged short story. Eric Bragg has wanted Maggie Carmichael since she was seventeen years old. Eric was ten years her senior and knew he had to bid his time until she was older. Before he could make his move her father his boss died suddenly changing everything. Suddenly Maggie was his boss. Maggie has been in love with Eric since the first time she laid eyes in him but always got tongue tied when around him. The day her father died he was the only one she wanted to grieve with. The death of her father changed the way Eric treated her. Now she's come up with a way to change that. Will she get what she wants or just a memory to hold on to.
Naughty Under the Mistletoe
Carly Phillips
3.75*
Toni Larson has spent her life determined to live on her own and never to rely on a man. Max Corbin is determined to live his life as he sees fit and on his terms not his fathers. Mistaken identity throws these to people together for a night of passion but can they make that last a lifetime? This is my first Carly Phillips story and I truly enjoyed it. I'm looking forward to reading more of her books.
Some Kind of Wonderful
Beth Ciotta
3*
This was a cute short story with a "Christmas Carol" twist. Maya Templeton has gone back to her home town Sugar Creek to celebrate Christmas with old friends only to find out her oldest best friend was wounded in the war three months ago and never told her. Zach Cole ex-marine sharpshooter has come home to his aunt and uncles to heal from his injuries that took him out service and took the life of his friend Ben. Is there a Christmas miracle that will bring Zach out of his broodiness or is he stuck in the past.
Have Yourself A Curvy Little Christmas
Sugar Jamison
4*
This is the first book I've read by Sugar Jamison and I really enjoyed it. Dina Gregory lived her life to an excess until she became pregnant. The father Virgil Rowe turned his back on them and Dina was determined to become a better person for her child and her self. It's been hard and now she needs the help of the father to make sure her son Dash has a good life. She travels five days on a bus to his home to confront him only to find his brother Ben Rowe instead and that Virgil has died. Ben's wife died nine years ago and now that Virgil is gone he has no one and no reason to do anything other then work. Seeing Dash he knows he's a Rowe and he will do anything to keep him in his life including marrying Dina.
**I highly recommend this Christmas anthology. Each short story will leave you with a happy and contented holiday feeling.
May 23, 2015
Posted on What I'm Reading
Yes, we are slowly tackling things in my TBR. Yes, this is a Christmas story. Do I care that I'm five months too late? Nope. Anyway, here we go on my thoughts:
Christmas Bonus
Lori Foster
I liked this story. I thought it was cute, because we have Maggie and Eric both crushing on one another. However, it's a delicate situation. Maggie is the boss of Eric. Plus, Eric is about 10 years older than Maggie.
Christmas Bonus is a super quick read with misunderstanding and some hot moments. Honestly, the story made me smile, chuckle, blush, and made me feel ooey-goey. Nice start to the anthology.
Naughty Under the Mistletoe
Carly Phillips
All right, I liked Naughty Under the Mistletoe, but I think I would have loved the story to be a little longer. Carly could have done a longer version of mistaken brothers, but we have a quick little read. Basically, Toni has a crush on Stephan and plans to make a move on him since she was going to a different office. Yet she ends up with Max. Totally could have been longer. Hot quick read at a office Christmas party.
Some Kind of Wonderful
Beth Ciotta
All right Some Kind of Wonderful was kind of like A Christmas Story kind of story. However, Zach wasn't exactly like Scrooge, but he was an emotional Scrooge. He was afraid to move on, because he didn't feel like he deserved it. At the same time it was like Cyrano de Bergerac, where we have Maya writing emails to Zach under the guise of Giselle, because she doesn't know what to say to the guy. A lot of elements to this quick little read. However, they manage to work together. By the end of the story I was happy, and story seem just about right.
Have Yourself a Curvy Little Christmas
Sugar Jamison
Have Yourself a Curvy Little Christmas hands down my favorite in this anthology. To me this story felt like a complete story that was absolutely perfect. We have Dina who wants to give everything for her son, but realize she needs help from the father. So, she let down her pride to find him only to find out he is no longer with us. We have Ben the brother step up to plate. It's neat to watch the transformation that occurs with Ben. At the beginning of the story he's closed off emotionally and couldn't stand Dina. However, he gets to know her and finds she's appealing to him. I was laughing and crying throughout the story. Mainly, Dina always felt she was second when to came to being loved.
Overall, majority of the stories are great read. So, if you are in the mood for reading a Christmas read at this time of year. You might enjoy On the Naughty List.
Copy provided by St. Martin via NetGalley
Yes, we are slowly tackling things in my TBR. Yes, this is a Christmas story. Do I care that I'm five months too late? Nope. Anyway, here we go on my thoughts:
Christmas Bonus
Lori Foster
I liked this story. I thought it was cute, because we have Maggie and Eric both crushing on one another. However, it's a delicate situation. Maggie is the boss of Eric. Plus, Eric is about 10 years older than Maggie.
Christmas Bonus is a super quick read with misunderstanding and some hot moments. Honestly, the story made me smile, chuckle, blush, and made me feel ooey-goey. Nice start to the anthology.
Naughty Under the Mistletoe
Carly Phillips
All right, I liked Naughty Under the Mistletoe, but I think I would have loved the story to be a little longer. Carly could have done a longer version of mistaken brothers, but we have a quick little read. Basically, Toni has a crush on Stephan and plans to make a move on him since she was going to a different office. Yet she ends up with Max. Totally could have been longer. Hot quick read at a office Christmas party.
Some Kind of Wonderful
Beth Ciotta
All right Some Kind of Wonderful was kind of like A Christmas Story kind of story. However, Zach wasn't exactly like Scrooge, but he was an emotional Scrooge. He was afraid to move on, because he didn't feel like he deserved it. At the same time it was like Cyrano de Bergerac, where we have Maya writing emails to Zach under the guise of Giselle, because she doesn't know what to say to the guy. A lot of elements to this quick little read. However, they manage to work together. By the end of the story I was happy, and story seem just about right.
Have Yourself a Curvy Little Christmas
Sugar Jamison
Have Yourself a Curvy Little Christmas hands down my favorite in this anthology. To me this story felt like a complete story that was absolutely perfect. We have Dina who wants to give everything for her son, but realize she needs help from the father. So, she let down her pride to find him only to find out he is no longer with us. We have Ben the brother step up to plate. It's neat to watch the transformation that occurs with Ben. At the beginning of the story he's closed off emotionally and couldn't stand Dina. However, he gets to know her and finds she's appealing to him. I was laughing and crying throughout the story. Mainly, Dina always felt she was second when to came to being loved.
Overall, majority of the stories are great read. So, if you are in the mood for reading a Christmas read at this time of year. You might enjoy On the Naughty List.
Copy provided by St. Martin via NetGalley
October 17, 2014
3 1/2 sweet and cuddly stars! eGalley provided by NetGalley
Why did I want to read this book?
It’s that time of that year again when reading holiday stories can brighten up one’s day. I wanted to get started on the festivities so to speak. Plus, great authors.
What worked for me?
A collection of short but incredibly sweet holiday stories? Count me in. I really liked that even though these are short stories, I can still totally picture each character. All of them were drawn really well and the unique plots really offer diversified entertainment.
Carly Phillips’s Naughty under the Mistletoe and its case of mistaken identity was really fun to read. It drives home the lesson that not everyone is who they seem to be and that there’s great joy to be had deciding to commit to somebody.
Beth Ciotta’s Some Kind of Wonderful and its friends to lovers story was very heartwarming. I always enjoy reading stories about friends taking that leap for something more. You just know they’re in for a treat because friendship is an awesome foundation to a lasting relationship. Who couldn’t imagine marrying a person you also consider as a best friend right?
Sugar Jamison’s Have Yourself a Curvy Little Christmas was a little heartbreaking at times because of what the main characters have gone through in their lives. But at the same time, it was so satisfying to watch them find each other and fall in love. You know Christmas has truly come to them when they find and rediscover love and family in each other’s arms.
My favorite out of the four would have to be Lori Foster’s Christmas Bonus. I’m always a sucker from unrequited love especially when it turns out that it’s not unrequited at all. These two people who’ve been in love with each other for a long time has finally decided that enough waiting has been done and it’s time to grab the moment by its horns so to speak. Their story was so sweet and sexy.
What did not work for me?
There were a couple of plot points that I would have wished to have been explored more but given the length of each story, I also understood the limitations the authors must have had with each one. And these aren’t deal breakers so despite these, I still really enjoyed reading these four stories.
My over-all take on it?
A great holiday anthology to get you started on your holiday readings. Short but sweet, you can read one at a time or binge-read through the whole collection.
Why did I want to read this book?
It’s that time of that year again when reading holiday stories can brighten up one’s day. I wanted to get started on the festivities so to speak. Plus, great authors.
What worked for me?
A collection of short but incredibly sweet holiday stories? Count me in. I really liked that even though these are short stories, I can still totally picture each character. All of them were drawn really well and the unique plots really offer diversified entertainment.
Carly Phillips’s Naughty under the Mistletoe and its case of mistaken identity was really fun to read. It drives home the lesson that not everyone is who they seem to be and that there’s great joy to be had deciding to commit to somebody.
Beth Ciotta’s Some Kind of Wonderful and its friends to lovers story was very heartwarming. I always enjoy reading stories about friends taking that leap for something more. You just know they’re in for a treat because friendship is an awesome foundation to a lasting relationship. Who couldn’t imagine marrying a person you also consider as a best friend right?
Sugar Jamison’s Have Yourself a Curvy Little Christmas was a little heartbreaking at times because of what the main characters have gone through in their lives. But at the same time, it was so satisfying to watch them find each other and fall in love. You know Christmas has truly come to them when they find and rediscover love and family in each other’s arms.
My favorite out of the four would have to be Lori Foster’s Christmas Bonus. I’m always a sucker from unrequited love especially when it turns out that it’s not unrequited at all. These two people who’ve been in love with each other for a long time has finally decided that enough waiting has been done and it’s time to grab the moment by its horns so to speak. Their story was so sweet and sexy.
What did not work for me?
There were a couple of plot points that I would have wished to have been explored more but given the length of each story, I also understood the limitations the authors must have had with each one. And these aren’t deal breakers so despite these, I still really enjoyed reading these four stories.
My over-all take on it?
A great holiday anthology to get you started on your holiday readings. Short but sweet, you can read one at a time or binge-read through the whole collection.
October 25, 2014
More reviews at http://losttobooks.blogspot.com
This was a great Christmas collection. All of the novellas are easy, feel-good reads that keep a smile on your face and would be perfect for a winter read in front of the fireplace. I think the last two were my favourite, which surprised me after reading a few reviews and the, blurbs, but all in all, I'd definitely recommend this to anyone looking to stock up on Christmas reads for December.
Here's what I thought about the individual books:
Christmas Bonus - Lori Foster
This was a quick, fun, flirty read that had a bit of humour and a Christmassy feeling. I've read a few of Lori Foster's books and this novella was a sweet, feel good read that keeps a smile on your face. Whilst I would have loved for it to be longer, it was still an enjoyable read. The characters were likable and things moved along at a good pace.
4
Naught Under the Mistletoe by Carly Phillips
This was another quick, easy read that was a feel-good, Christmas story. I liked the overall concept and for a novella it was satisfying, however I felt that the characters declared their love too quickly. Still, it was a flirty read that makes you smile.
4
Some Kind of Wonderful - Beth Ciotta
I really liked this read. It had a bit more tension and wasn't as lighthearted as the previous novella. It also felt more like Christmas while reading it, and I thought the relationships within the family were great. I liked the progression as Maya worked her way into Zach's heart and how they came to realise what had happened with the letter. The only thing I wasn't keen on was the ending and Zach's dreams. It felt a little random to me. Anyway, still and other enjoyable read.
4
Have yourself a Curvy Christmas - Sugar Jamison
I didn't think I'd enjoy this read when I saw the title. However, it was surprisingly sweet and endearing. Although falling for your baby's farther's brother was a little weird to start with, you can't help but love Ben. He was kind, caring, and full of love. Of course he has his problems from the past but he was warm and welcoming instantly. As well as this it was clear to see Dina brought the best out in him. This read keeps a smile on your face and tugs at your heart. It's a feel good read and a perfect way to finish what has been an enjoyable collection.
4
This was a great Christmas collection. All of the novellas are easy, feel-good reads that keep a smile on your face and would be perfect for a winter read in front of the fireplace. I think the last two were my favourite, which surprised me after reading a few reviews and the, blurbs, but all in all, I'd definitely recommend this to anyone looking to stock up on Christmas reads for December.
Here's what I thought about the individual books:
Christmas Bonus - Lori Foster
This was a quick, fun, flirty read that had a bit of humour and a Christmassy feeling. I've read a few of Lori Foster's books and this novella was a sweet, feel good read that keeps a smile on your face. Whilst I would have loved for it to be longer, it was still an enjoyable read. The characters were likable and things moved along at a good pace.
4
Naught Under the Mistletoe by Carly Phillips
This was another quick, easy read that was a feel-good, Christmas story. I liked the overall concept and for a novella it was satisfying, however I felt that the characters declared their love too quickly. Still, it was a flirty read that makes you smile.
4
Some Kind of Wonderful - Beth Ciotta
I really liked this read. It had a bit more tension and wasn't as lighthearted as the previous novella. It also felt more like Christmas while reading it, and I thought the relationships within the family were great. I liked the progression as Maya worked her way into Zach's heart and how they came to realise what had happened with the letter. The only thing I wasn't keen on was the ending and Zach's dreams. It felt a little random to me. Anyway, still and other enjoyable read.
4
Have yourself a Curvy Christmas - Sugar Jamison
I didn't think I'd enjoy this read when I saw the title. However, it was surprisingly sweet and endearing. Although falling for your baby's farther's brother was a little weird to start with, you can't help but love Ben. He was kind, caring, and full of love. Of course he has his problems from the past but he was warm and welcoming instantly. As well as this it was clear to see Dina brought the best out in him. This read keeps a smile on your face and tugs at your heart. It's a feel good read and a perfect way to finish what has been an enjoyable collection.
4
October 2, 2014
Review will be posted at www.books-n-kisses.com .
NUMBER OF HEARTS: 4
REVIEW:
It is always hard to review novella’s without giving too much of the story away so below is a quick and dirty review for each.
Christmas Bonus: Characters: Eric Bragg & Maggie Carmichael
Eric has been interest in Maggie for years, except now she is his boss. Any hope of a relationship with her has gone out the window. Or has it?
Maggie needs Eric. She needs him to help her by being her date for the company Christmas party. It is the perfect plan to seduce the man she is in love with. But will Eric take the bait?
Eric & Maggie were great!!
Naughty Under the Mistletoe: Characters: Maxwell Cobin & Antonia Larson
A hot kiss under the mistletoe with the man of your dreams is the perfect way to start the holiday season. Only problem Toni just kissed the wrong man.
And Max thought going to his father’s company Christmas party was going to be boring.
Max & Toni were really fun to read.
Some Kind of Wonderful: Characters: Zachery Cole & Maya Templeton
This was a fun quick Cupcake Lover’s read. Maya & Zach have been friends for years. The best of friends, but never anything more. But when the holiday’s bring them back together fire works spark.
Since this is a novella I am not giving you more than that. But if you love Beth’s other Cupcake Lover’s stories you will enjoy Some Kind of Wonderful.
Have Yourself a Curvy Little Christmas: Characters: Ben Rowe & Dina Gregory
I think this was my favorite story of the four. I love Ben & Dina!
I just loved Ben. He is dark, stuffy and stubborn and in need of a lot of light and laughter in this life.
Dina is one tough cookie who has not lived the best life. But now that she has her son she wants to be better and that means facing the father of her son.
I for sure am going to pick up more of Sugar Jamison’s stories.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & St. Martins in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
NUMBER OF HEARTS: 4
REVIEW:
It is always hard to review novella’s without giving too much of the story away so below is a quick and dirty review for each.
Christmas Bonus: Characters: Eric Bragg & Maggie Carmichael
Eric has been interest in Maggie for years, except now she is his boss. Any hope of a relationship with her has gone out the window. Or has it?
Maggie needs Eric. She needs him to help her by being her date for the company Christmas party. It is the perfect plan to seduce the man she is in love with. But will Eric take the bait?
Eric & Maggie were great!!
Naughty Under the Mistletoe: Characters: Maxwell Cobin & Antonia Larson
A hot kiss under the mistletoe with the man of your dreams is the perfect way to start the holiday season. Only problem Toni just kissed the wrong man.
And Max thought going to his father’s company Christmas party was going to be boring.
Max & Toni were really fun to read.
Some Kind of Wonderful: Characters: Zachery Cole & Maya Templeton
This was a fun quick Cupcake Lover’s read. Maya & Zach have been friends for years. The best of friends, but never anything more. But when the holiday’s bring them back together fire works spark.
Since this is a novella I am not giving you more than that. But if you love Beth’s other Cupcake Lover’s stories you will enjoy Some Kind of Wonderful.
Have Yourself a Curvy Little Christmas: Characters: Ben Rowe & Dina Gregory
I think this was my favorite story of the four. I love Ben & Dina!
I just loved Ben. He is dark, stuffy and stubborn and in need of a lot of light and laughter in this life.
Dina is one tough cookie who has not lived the best life. But now that she has her son she wants to be better and that means facing the father of her son.
I for sure am going to pick up more of Sugar Jamison’s stories.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & St. Martins in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
October 15, 2014
Title: On The Naughty List
Series: N/A
Author: Lori Foster, Carly Phillips, Sugar Jamison, Beth Ciotta
Genre: Anthology
Blurb: The most wonderful time of the year is back with On The Naughty List, bringing perennial favorite holiday stories from Lori Foster and Carly Phillips, along with two Christmas stories that delighted readers a year ago. This sexy anthology will make you want to give your heart to Christmas again and again…
Lori Foster has two co-workers plan a Christmas party side-by-side-and discover a love worth celebrating in Christmas Bonus
Carly Phillips explores a "mistletoe moment" when a no-nonsense lawyer intent on seducing her boss meets his twin instead--and gives him a scintillating kiss that leaves him begging for more in Naughty Under the Mistletoe.
In Sugar Jamison’s Have Yourself a Curvy Little Christmas, former wild child Dina Gregory returns home to New York to find the father of her young son. Instead, she finds his stuffy older brother, Ben. Ben can’t help but admire her tenacity—and her bold beauty. Could it be that Dina has reignited his Christmas spirit?
Beth Ciotta brings two friends who, after years apart, together at home for the holidays. They don’t seem to have much in common anymore, but when the two get stranded together during a blizzard, they are forced to reexamine if they are better off as "just friends"? Or could it be that true love was there all along? in Some Kind of Wonderful.
Thoughts: This looked like a good Christmas anthology, and one that featured quite a few of my favorite authors. Usually with anthologies, I find myself liking one book out of however many are in it and find the rest...well, forgettable. This one was just a good, solid anthology all the way around. I liked them all of them pretty equally. I would rate them all around a B/B+.
Naughty Under the Mistletoe was probably my favorite, probably because I am partial to the 'mistaken twin' theme....;)
All in all, a solid Christmas anthology...perfect for this time of year!
Rate: B
Review by: Sarah
http://www.thebookreadinggals.com
Series: N/A
Author: Lori Foster, Carly Phillips, Sugar Jamison, Beth Ciotta
Genre: Anthology
Blurb: The most wonderful time of the year is back with On The Naughty List, bringing perennial favorite holiday stories from Lori Foster and Carly Phillips, along with two Christmas stories that delighted readers a year ago. This sexy anthology will make you want to give your heart to Christmas again and again…
Lori Foster has two co-workers plan a Christmas party side-by-side-and discover a love worth celebrating in Christmas Bonus
Carly Phillips explores a "mistletoe moment" when a no-nonsense lawyer intent on seducing her boss meets his twin instead--and gives him a scintillating kiss that leaves him begging for more in Naughty Under the Mistletoe.
In Sugar Jamison’s Have Yourself a Curvy Little Christmas, former wild child Dina Gregory returns home to New York to find the father of her young son. Instead, she finds his stuffy older brother, Ben. Ben can’t help but admire her tenacity—and her bold beauty. Could it be that Dina has reignited his Christmas spirit?
Beth Ciotta brings two friends who, after years apart, together at home for the holidays. They don’t seem to have much in common anymore, but when the two get stranded together during a blizzard, they are forced to reexamine if they are better off as "just friends"? Or could it be that true love was there all along? in Some Kind of Wonderful.
Thoughts: This looked like a good Christmas anthology, and one that featured quite a few of my favorite authors. Usually with anthologies, I find myself liking one book out of however many are in it and find the rest...well, forgettable. This one was just a good, solid anthology all the way around. I liked them all of them pretty equally. I would rate them all around a B/B+.
Naughty Under the Mistletoe was probably my favorite, probably because I am partial to the 'mistaken twin' theme....;)
All in all, a solid Christmas anthology...perfect for this time of year!
Rate: B
Review by: Sarah
http://www.thebookreadinggals.com
November 19, 2014
Christmas Bonus by Lori Foster
Eric wanted Maggie but when her father died and she became the boss, things got complicated. He didn't want it to seem like he only wanted her for the company. Maggie's deceased father had other plans for the man he knew his daughter was in love with.
It's wonderful when a father knows his daughter so well. Fantastic Christmas short by an amazing author.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Naughty Under the Mistletoe by Carly Phillips
Toni wanted to end the current year with a bang and start the new one off fresh. She was going to seduce Stephan, the owners son, but when she kissed him she found out that it was not him and that he has a twin. Max was...more, in ever way, than Stephan.
Sexy Christmas short by a fabulous author!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Some Kind of Wonderful by Beth Ciotta
Maya and Zach have been friends forever. He's home from the Marines, permanently, with an injury. Maya's on her way back to their home town to introduce him to her best friend. When she realizes she has feelings for him, will she regret the introduction?
I love Christmas stories and I love military romance. Put them together and I'm hooked! This is a very sweet short by an author that is new to me.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Have Yourself a Curvy Little Christmas by Sugar Jamison
Dina and her son Dash walked up to the door expecting to speak to Dash's father, only to find out he died. Now she's living with his billionaire brother and falling in love with him. Too bad he's still mourning his wife who died nine years ago. Will she be able to bring Ben out of the past and make a life with her and Dash?
A very sweet Christmas story centered around a baby, his mommy, and his uncle. I adore the hidden sexiness and surprising comments that Ben would make to Dina. Fantastic story!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This collection of Christmas shorts will bring out the spirit of the season in any reader.
Received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Eric wanted Maggie but when her father died and she became the boss, things got complicated. He didn't want it to seem like he only wanted her for the company. Maggie's deceased father had other plans for the man he knew his daughter was in love with.
It's wonderful when a father knows his daughter so well. Fantastic Christmas short by an amazing author.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Naughty Under the Mistletoe by Carly Phillips
Toni wanted to end the current year with a bang and start the new one off fresh. She was going to seduce Stephan, the owners son, but when she kissed him she found out that it was not him and that he has a twin. Max was...more, in ever way, than Stephan.
Sexy Christmas short by a fabulous author!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Some Kind of Wonderful by Beth Ciotta
Maya and Zach have been friends forever. He's home from the Marines, permanently, with an injury. Maya's on her way back to their home town to introduce him to her best friend. When she realizes she has feelings for him, will she regret the introduction?
I love Christmas stories and I love military romance. Put them together and I'm hooked! This is a very sweet short by an author that is new to me.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Have Yourself a Curvy Little Christmas by Sugar Jamison
Dina and her son Dash walked up to the door expecting to speak to Dash's father, only to find out he died. Now she's living with his billionaire brother and falling in love with him. Too bad he's still mourning his wife who died nine years ago. Will she be able to bring Ben out of the past and make a life with her and Dash?
A very sweet Christmas story centered around a baby, his mommy, and his uncle. I adore the hidden sexiness and surprising comments that Ben would make to Dina. Fantastic story!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This collection of Christmas shorts will bring out the spirit of the season in any reader.
Received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 21, 2017
Four stories by four different authors what more could a reader want. They were excellently wrote and I love how everyone did get a happy ending even thought it took the characters a while to get there.
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