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Christmas in the City
Fourteen newly written stories by fifteen Authors in the City authors. This anthology will benefit a children's hospital in the Florida area where the 2016 Authors in the City book signing will be held. Authors in the City is hosted by Stephanie's Book Reports.Waiting for Midnight - Samantha ChaseWhite Christmas - AJ HarmonHoliday With Holli - S.M. DonaldsonOne Hot Christmas - A.D. JusticeNick - AM MaddenComing Home - Taryn PlendiTangled in Tinsel - Mariah DietzStay Awhile - Gia RileyWhite Midnight - Shari J. RyanA Holiday Discovery - Ellie KeysChristmas Letters - Christina BenjaminAll I Want for Christmas - Misha ElliottRepairing Christmas - Sidonia RoseFinding Christmas - Elizabeth Hayes & Ashlee Taylor
845 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 2, 2015
19 people are currently reading
806 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Chase
142 books2,355 followersSamantha Chase is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller of contemporary romance that’s hotter than sweet, sweeter than hot. She released her debut novel in 2011 and currently has more than seventy titles under her belt – including THE CHRISTMAS COTTAGE which was a Hallmark Christmas movie in 2017! She’s a Disney enthusiast who still happily listens to 80’s rock. When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading romances, playing way too many games of Solitaire on Facebook, wearing a tiara while playing with her sassy pug Maylene…oh, and spending time with her husband of 30 years and their two sons in Wake Forest, North Carolina.
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October 28, 2015
Fifteen different authors, same season but totally different stories. Although they all focused on LOVE each had a different story to tell. Each was special in their own way. Love can come into your life even if you are never looking for it. You can think that once it was lost it will never be found. But if it was meant to be love will find a way. Add the miracle of THE CHRISTMAS season and you have 15 amazing stories.
October 29, 2015
*I was given a copy of this anthology as a gift from Stephanie's Book Reports in exchange for an honest review.
5 stars for Christmas in the City! This is a collection of 14 never been read stories by some of today's best selling authors. All proceeds from this anthology will go to a children's hospital in the greater Orlando area.
One Hot Christmas by AD Justice
This enjoyable short read is about the famous rock band, Jagger York. In this story, we read about the sweet love that exists between Jagger and Mali as well as the struggling romance between Dane and Cass. The bands antics are hilarious, and my favorite scene involves some nudity and freezing temperatures! :)
White Midnight by Shari J Ryan
Christmas for Finnley is not a joyous occasion anymore. When she is stranded in the middle of a blizzard in her college town of New Hampshire, she meets the ruggedly handsome, Bex. This impromptu meeting might just be the best Christmas gift they could each ever receive.
Christmas Letters by Christina Benjamin
Poor Rae has been raised in foster homes, so she has never really acknowledged the holiday season. When she starts receiving anonymous letters, she thinks someone is just playing a bad joke on her. However, this mysterious sender knows intimate details about her life. Will these cryptic clues lead her to heartbreak, or could this be the answer to her Christmas wish?
Finding Christmas by Elizabeth Hayes and Ashlee Taylor
This short novella is hilarious! It is about a group of friends who love playing practical jokes on one another. This is a very lighthearted read that will leave you feeling uplifted. What a super funny take on a Christmas story!
Tangled in Tinsel by Mariah Dietz
Piper is heading to her hometown for Christmas. When she arrives at the airport, she learns that all flights have been cancelled due to inclement weather. What is the one thing she hates more than traveling and snow? Carter O'Brien. While she thinks fate has intervened to play a cruel joke on her, she may soon see the situation as more of a gift and less of a burden.
Holiday with Holli by SM Donaldson
Zack has been Holli's nemesis for years. Now that she is back home from college for Christmas, they each begin to see each other in a different light. Will they be able to melt the ice that has always existed between them?
Stay Awhile by Gia Riley
Megan is married to her high school sweetheart, and they share a beautiful little girl named Laney. When a tragic accident occurs, secrets are revealed that will forever change Megan's life. While at the hospital with her daughter, Megan is reintroduced to Garrett Kristoff. Garrett is a successful surgeon who seems to have it all, but looks can be deceiving. Will this Christmas provide a much needed miracle for them all?
A Holiday Discovery by Ellie Keys
Maria is a reporter in New York. When she is given the opportunity to take a vacation with her friends to Switzerland, she jumps at the chance. While there, she meets Corbin, and they spend some quality time together. When she is given some information that has the power to finally help her land a first page story, she must decide if she can live with the damage that this confidential information will create in the lives of others.
Coming Home by Taryn Plendi
After finding her husband of 9 months cheating on her, Ella has finally had enough. She packs her bags and returns to Iowa. One night while she is out dancing with her friend, Natalie, Ella meets Matteo. Even thought it is brutally cold, when Ella and Matteo get together, the sparks fly! Sometimes it takes returning home to discover just where you are meant to be.
All I Want for Christmas by Misha Elliott
After losing her parents, Christmas has never been the same for Adrianna. For years, she has thrown herself into her work. After winning a contest at work, Adrianna finds herself headed to the Caribbean with her brother and best friend. She plans to get some much needed R&R. What she doesn't expect is the appearance of Eric Wayne. Eric has been her brother's best friend for years, and the boy she has had a crush on for what seems life forever. Now that they are both adults, their mutual attraction is obvious. Will Eric make the holidays a more joyous occasion for Adrianna?
Repairing Christmas by Sidonia Rose
Miranda has always loved spending Christmas with her family, but things are going to be different this year. She is planning to spend the holiday with her boyfriend's family. When he dumps her, her family has already made other plans. Because she doesn't want to ruin their plans, she decides to spend Christmas alone in her dorm room. When she unexpectedly meets the handsome and sexy, Glenn, she begins to think that this may just turn out to be one of her most memorable Christmases yet!
Waiting For Midnight by Samantha Chase
Maddie and her friend, Kiera, have spent the last several New Years Eves alone, and Kiera has come up with a plan for this year to end differently. However, agreeing to Kiera's plan is the last thing that Maddie intends to do.
For the past year, Maddie has been crushing on her sexy neighbor, Noah. She just knows that they are meant for one another. Does Noah feel the same way, or is Maddie destined to spend another New Years Eve alone?
White Christmas by AJ Harmon
Lisa was adopted as an infant, and she in now a very happy 14 year old. When her teacher assigns her class a project concerning her ancestry, Lisa decides that it is time for her to meet her biological parents. After meeting each parent separately, Lisa invites them both to a Halloween party. April and Erik have not seen each other for 12 years, and the way the relationship ended has left Erik with a lot of anger and resentment. When they are reunited, how will they react?
Nick by AM Madden
Nick and Angela met in Chicago. He was on assignment, and she was visiting family. When they first caught sight of each other, they shared an immediate attraction. The plan was to experience one night together, but what was supposed to be a one night stand turned into so much more.
**Overall review**
Wow! This is the mother of all anthologies. From secret crushes to second chances, each story is very well written and quite enjoyable. If you are looking for a unique Christmas read, you will be pleased to discover that this anthology is full of them. On top of that, you will be helping out sick children with your purchase, and who doesn't want to do that? This would also make a perfect gift for everyone on your Christmas list, or you could just gift it to yourself! Congrats to Stephanie from Stephanie's Book Reports as well as all of the very talented authors who worked tirelessly to bring this anthology to fruition.
5 stars for Christmas in the City! This is a collection of 14 never been read stories by some of today's best selling authors. All proceeds from this anthology will go to a children's hospital in the greater Orlando area.
One Hot Christmas by AD Justice
This enjoyable short read is about the famous rock band, Jagger York. In this story, we read about the sweet love that exists between Jagger and Mali as well as the struggling romance between Dane and Cass. The bands antics are hilarious, and my favorite scene involves some nudity and freezing temperatures! :)
White Midnight by Shari J Ryan
Christmas for Finnley is not a joyous occasion anymore. When she is stranded in the middle of a blizzard in her college town of New Hampshire, she meets the ruggedly handsome, Bex. This impromptu meeting might just be the best Christmas gift they could each ever receive.
Christmas Letters by Christina Benjamin
Poor Rae has been raised in foster homes, so she has never really acknowledged the holiday season. When she starts receiving anonymous letters, she thinks someone is just playing a bad joke on her. However, this mysterious sender knows intimate details about her life. Will these cryptic clues lead her to heartbreak, or could this be the answer to her Christmas wish?
Finding Christmas by Elizabeth Hayes and Ashlee Taylor
This short novella is hilarious! It is about a group of friends who love playing practical jokes on one another. This is a very lighthearted read that will leave you feeling uplifted. What a super funny take on a Christmas story!
Tangled in Tinsel by Mariah Dietz
Piper is heading to her hometown for Christmas. When she arrives at the airport, she learns that all flights have been cancelled due to inclement weather. What is the one thing she hates more than traveling and snow? Carter O'Brien. While she thinks fate has intervened to play a cruel joke on her, she may soon see the situation as more of a gift and less of a burden.
Holiday with Holli by SM Donaldson
Zack has been Holli's nemesis for years. Now that she is back home from college for Christmas, they each begin to see each other in a different light. Will they be able to melt the ice that has always existed between them?
Stay Awhile by Gia Riley
Megan is married to her high school sweetheart, and they share a beautiful little girl named Laney. When a tragic accident occurs, secrets are revealed that will forever change Megan's life. While at the hospital with her daughter, Megan is reintroduced to Garrett Kristoff. Garrett is a successful surgeon who seems to have it all, but looks can be deceiving. Will this Christmas provide a much needed miracle for them all?
A Holiday Discovery by Ellie Keys
Maria is a reporter in New York. When she is given the opportunity to take a vacation with her friends to Switzerland, she jumps at the chance. While there, she meets Corbin, and they spend some quality time together. When she is given some information that has the power to finally help her land a first page story, she must decide if she can live with the damage that this confidential information will create in the lives of others.
Coming Home by Taryn Plendi
After finding her husband of 9 months cheating on her, Ella has finally had enough. She packs her bags and returns to Iowa. One night while she is out dancing with her friend, Natalie, Ella meets Matteo. Even thought it is brutally cold, when Ella and Matteo get together, the sparks fly! Sometimes it takes returning home to discover just where you are meant to be.
All I Want for Christmas by Misha Elliott
After losing her parents, Christmas has never been the same for Adrianna. For years, she has thrown herself into her work. After winning a contest at work, Adrianna finds herself headed to the Caribbean with her brother and best friend. She plans to get some much needed R&R. What she doesn't expect is the appearance of Eric Wayne. Eric has been her brother's best friend for years, and the boy she has had a crush on for what seems life forever. Now that they are both adults, their mutual attraction is obvious. Will Eric make the holidays a more joyous occasion for Adrianna?
Repairing Christmas by Sidonia Rose
Miranda has always loved spending Christmas with her family, but things are going to be different this year. She is planning to spend the holiday with her boyfriend's family. When he dumps her, her family has already made other plans. Because she doesn't want to ruin their plans, she decides to spend Christmas alone in her dorm room. When she unexpectedly meets the handsome and sexy, Glenn, she begins to think that this may just turn out to be one of her most memorable Christmases yet!
Waiting For Midnight by Samantha Chase
Maddie and her friend, Kiera, have spent the last several New Years Eves alone, and Kiera has come up with a plan for this year to end differently. However, agreeing to Kiera's plan is the last thing that Maddie intends to do.
For the past year, Maddie has been crushing on her sexy neighbor, Noah. She just knows that they are meant for one another. Does Noah feel the same way, or is Maddie destined to spend another New Years Eve alone?
White Christmas by AJ Harmon
Lisa was adopted as an infant, and she in now a very happy 14 year old. When her teacher assigns her class a project concerning her ancestry, Lisa decides that it is time for her to meet her biological parents. After meeting each parent separately, Lisa invites them both to a Halloween party. April and Erik have not seen each other for 12 years, and the way the relationship ended has left Erik with a lot of anger and resentment. When they are reunited, how will they react?
Nick by AM Madden
Nick and Angela met in Chicago. He was on assignment, and she was visiting family. When they first caught sight of each other, they shared an immediate attraction. The plan was to experience one night together, but what was supposed to be a one night stand turned into so much more.
**Overall review**
Wow! This is the mother of all anthologies. From secret crushes to second chances, each story is very well written and quite enjoyable. If you are looking for a unique Christmas read, you will be pleased to discover that this anthology is full of them. On top of that, you will be helping out sick children with your purchase, and who doesn't want to do that? This would also make a perfect gift for everyone on your Christmas list, or you could just gift it to yourself! Congrats to Stephanie from Stephanie's Book Reports as well as all of the very talented authors who worked tirelessly to bring this anthology to fruition.
October 27, 2015
This anthology is a gift. If you love Christmas stories, this is for you! If you don't love Christmas stories (like me), this book is still for you. Several great authors come together to give you a range of short stories that will keep you engaged throughout. Bonus on this is that with some great reading material your purchase also helps kids in need. Very Awesome!
November 1, 2015
These novella's really put me a Christmas mood this week.
Each short story has a Christmas theme about love but with a bit of a spin. I have read some of the authors work before but I was also new to some of the authors. I'm not going to review each story but I can tell you that I loved each of them. There was stories of enemies to lovers (SM Donaldson), a rocker star story (AD Justice) and plenty of holiday romances ( secret crushes and second chances) . Each story is unique in their own way. Some were very emotional and some were hilarious and very funny. I would also hope that some authors give us more of the characters in the books as I felt there was still more to learn. I am going to stalking each of their Facebook pages to find out.
This anthology has something for everyone and I really enjoyed it. I would highly recommend reading this one and what's more the money goes to a great cause.
* I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Each short story has a Christmas theme about love but with a bit of a spin. I have read some of the authors work before but I was also new to some of the authors. I'm not going to review each story but I can tell you that I loved each of them. There was stories of enemies to lovers (SM Donaldson), a rocker star story (AD Justice) and plenty of holiday romances ( secret crushes and second chances) . Each story is unique in their own way. Some were very emotional and some were hilarious and very funny. I would also hope that some authors give us more of the characters in the books as I felt there was still more to learn. I am going to stalking each of their Facebook pages to find out.
This anthology has something for everyone and I really enjoyed it. I would highly recommend reading this one and what's more the money goes to a great cause.
* I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
October 26, 2015
**Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
Overall, a lovely collection of stories. Some I loved more than others. My favourites were:
Holiday With Holli – SM Donaldson
An enemies-to-lovers tale. Zack was a bit of a bully to Holli when they were in high school. Now, years later, Holli is home from college for the holidays. However, as with many past Christmases, Holli is not spending it with her parents as they have gone off to spend Christmas elsewhere. She takes up an invitation from an old school acquaintance to go a local bar, and proceeds to cast off her shy shell and good girl façade with a few drinks and a round of karaoke! Zack now runs the family garage with his dad, who’s gone out of town for Christmas, too. He’s hugely attracted to Holli, who has blossomed while she’s been away. He follows her home after the night at the bar, as weather conditions have deteriorated, and finds her in her car, on the side of the road, concussed with a small head wound. He stays the night with her to make sure that she’s OK and, the next morning, they part after a hot kiss. I loved the chemistry between Zack and Holli, the development in their relationship, and the personal changes Holli goes through, as well as the discovery of a few secrets that she uncovers, which leads her to making some life decisions.
Coming Home – Taryn Plendl
Ella is back in her small but growing hometown after being away for a few years. She met and married a doctor out of college but the marriage didn’t last long after she found him cheating on her. A few years after the divorce, her husband is moving on with a new marriage, which spurs Ella to move back home to regroup, when she realises that her life hasn’t really moved on. On her first night home, she meets the gorgeous Matteo in a local nightclub. Matteo is drawn to Ella from the first moment he sees her. Ella casts caution to the wind and gives in to her desires by going home with Matteo, but slips out in the early hours before he awakes. By chance, Matteo spots her the next day and asks her to dinner. And, so their relationship begins. I thought this was a romantic and passionate story. I loved the instant chemistry between them and Matteo’s POV in the story.
Christmas Letters – Christina Benjamin
Sweet and clever story about Rae, a lifer in the foster system, who begins to receive a letter a day on the lead up to Christmas. She and her friend, Tyra, think they’re from Alex – their friend and love of Rae’s life who was placed with a family a year ago, and they hadn't heard from him since. The letters are unsigned but it is very clear that the sender knows Rae intimately. We follow Rae, who is filled with doubts, sadness and some anger, as she follows the trail of clues laid out in the letters. A beautiful and thoughtful story.
Overall, a lovely collection of stories. Some I loved more than others. My favourites were:
Holiday With Holli – SM Donaldson
An enemies-to-lovers tale. Zack was a bit of a bully to Holli when they were in high school. Now, years later, Holli is home from college for the holidays. However, as with many past Christmases, Holli is not spending it with her parents as they have gone off to spend Christmas elsewhere. She takes up an invitation from an old school acquaintance to go a local bar, and proceeds to cast off her shy shell and good girl façade with a few drinks and a round of karaoke! Zack now runs the family garage with his dad, who’s gone out of town for Christmas, too. He’s hugely attracted to Holli, who has blossomed while she’s been away. He follows her home after the night at the bar, as weather conditions have deteriorated, and finds her in her car, on the side of the road, concussed with a small head wound. He stays the night with her to make sure that she’s OK and, the next morning, they part after a hot kiss. I loved the chemistry between Zack and Holli, the development in their relationship, and the personal changes Holli goes through, as well as the discovery of a few secrets that she uncovers, which leads her to making some life decisions.
Coming Home – Taryn Plendl
Ella is back in her small but growing hometown after being away for a few years. She met and married a doctor out of college but the marriage didn’t last long after she found him cheating on her. A few years after the divorce, her husband is moving on with a new marriage, which spurs Ella to move back home to regroup, when she realises that her life hasn’t really moved on. On her first night home, she meets the gorgeous Matteo in a local nightclub. Matteo is drawn to Ella from the first moment he sees her. Ella casts caution to the wind and gives in to her desires by going home with Matteo, but slips out in the early hours before he awakes. By chance, Matteo spots her the next day and asks her to dinner. And, so their relationship begins. I thought this was a romantic and passionate story. I loved the instant chemistry between them and Matteo’s POV in the story.
Christmas Letters – Christina Benjamin
Sweet and clever story about Rae, a lifer in the foster system, who begins to receive a letter a day on the lead up to Christmas. She and her friend, Tyra, think they’re from Alex – their friend and love of Rae’s life who was placed with a family a year ago, and they hadn't heard from him since. The letters are unsigned but it is very clear that the sender knows Rae intimately. We follow Rae, who is filled with doubts, sadness and some anger, as she follows the trail of clues laid out in the letters. A beautiful and thoughtful story.
October 29, 2015
I was given a copy of this book for an honest review..
Christmas in the City was a book filled with novellas of couples at christmas time, what better time of year is there. Each novella is by a different author, each book is unique in its own way and each will capture your heart and remind you what a loving time the holidays are.
Some of the novellas in this book are a little racier than others, and some are just truly romantic. The other amazing thing about a few of the novellas in this book is that the authors are going to be writing full lenght novels about the characters (AM Madden cannot wait for Nicks story to come alive).
The best part about this anthoogy is that all profits made from this book are going to benefit a childrens hospital in the Florida area, which makes this book so special. A huge thank you to the authors that took the time to write each and every one of the wonderful stories in this book.
Christmas in the City was a book filled with novellas of couples at christmas time, what better time of year is there. Each novella is by a different author, each book is unique in its own way and each will capture your heart and remind you what a loving time the holidays are.
Some of the novellas in this book are a little racier than others, and some are just truly romantic. The other amazing thing about a few of the novellas in this book is that the authors are going to be writing full lenght novels about the characters (AM Madden cannot wait for Nicks story to come alive).
The best part about this anthoogy is that all profits made from this book are going to benefit a childrens hospital in the Florida area, which makes this book so special. A huge thank you to the authors that took the time to write each and every one of the wonderful stories in this book.
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November 2, 2015Amazon US: http://bit.ly/CITC-US
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December 15, 2018
My favorites stories were:
Waiting for Midnight-Samantha Chase
White Christmas- AJ Harmon
Tangled in Tinsel- Mariah Deitz
Stay Awhile- Gia Riley
Waiting for Midnight-Samantha Chase
White Christmas- AJ Harmon
Tangled in Tinsel- Mariah Deitz
Stay Awhile- Gia Riley
November 27, 2015
In Waiting for Midnight
We have Maddie and Noah one who has never really had a Christmas because of no family and the other who has quit celebrating Christmas because of family issues. Will these two be able to bring the life back into Chriatmas and one finally has someone to kiss at Midnight on New Years?
White Christmas
This novella is about Lisa who was adopted and set out to find out who he biological parents are. Lisa find April and Erik? Will Lisa be able to get them back together after so many years apart?
Holliday With Holli
Repairing Christmas
Well in Repairing Christmas it was a great little story of how a Miranda finds love when it is least expected. Glenn who is constantly being setup by his mom has she hit the jackpot with Miranda. This is a short about how you find love when it is least expected and how everything always happens for a reason.
We have Maddie and Noah one who has never really had a Christmas because of no family and the other who has quit celebrating Christmas because of family issues. Will these two be able to bring the life back into Chriatmas and one finally has someone to kiss at Midnight on New Years?
White Christmas
This novella is about Lisa who was adopted and set out to find out who he biological parents are. Lisa find April and Erik? Will Lisa be able to get them back together after so many years apart?
Holliday With Holli
Repairing Christmas
Well in Repairing Christmas it was a great little story of how a Miranda finds love when it is least expected. Glenn who is constantly being setup by his mom has she hit the jackpot with Miranda. This is a short about how you find love when it is least expected and how everything always happens for a reason.
November 11, 2015
I received this book in exchange for an honest review
My review is for Nick by AM Madden
I absolutely loved reading this story. Once I started reading I couldn't put my kindle down. Nick and Angela has this connection that I can't wait to see where it goes. I loved all the characters, Jase and Eve were hilarious and I can't wait to read of Nick & Angela
One Hot Christmas by AD Justice
I love reading more of Jagger and Mali and al the guys. The pranks they pull I was laughing to whole time. I love how Jagger and Mali are solid unit and hoping there will be more stories to come
My review is for Nick by AM Madden
I absolutely loved reading this story. Once I started reading I couldn't put my kindle down. Nick and Angela has this connection that I can't wait to see where it goes. I loved all the characters, Jase and Eve were hilarious and I can't wait to read of Nick & Angela
One Hot Christmas by AD Justice
I love reading more of Jagger and Mali and al the guys. The pranks they pull I was laughing to whole time. I love how Jagger and Mali are solid unit and hoping there will be more stories to come
October 25, 2015
Christmas in the City is a labor of love. It celebrates many types. From secret crushes to matchmaking children. From second chances to new found romances. From the sexy and sweet to heartbreaking. There is something for every reader. This anthology has it all. For me it was hard to pick one story because so many great authors were involved. I would describe Christmas in the City as a smorgasbord for the senses. With all the variety, who needs to chose. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 28, 2015
Miranda thinks that after a breakup that she will have to spend the holidays alone....which she doesn't mind since she will be with family a few days after but when she has car trouble while looking at holiday lights....could a tow truck driver be the answers to her prayers ??
Glenn just wants to get through the holidays without answering another question about his future ... After graduating Penn State and moving home Miranda might just be the distraction he needs.....
This was a cute short story that you don't want to miss !!
Glenn just wants to get through the holidays without answering another question about his future ... After graduating Penn State and moving home Miranda might just be the distraction he needs.....
This was a cute short story that you don't want to miss !!
October 20, 2016
Five Star Review
I received a copy of this anthology in exchange for an honest review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
Christmas In The City is a fifteen author, fourteen brand new stories anthology benefiting a children's hospital in the Orlando area with the proceeds from the book. I'm so honored I got to read an arc of his amazing anthology and fell in love with so many things about all of it. It takes a pretty special group of people to donate all their time effort and talents to benefit sick children. I firmly believe with all my heart that this is one of the best anthologies out there today and I hope a lot of people open their hearts and give this book a chance for the children.
Waiting For Midnight by Samantha Chase
Maddie and Kiera are best friends. Kiera has a plan for them not to be alone with no one to kiss on New Years Eve. Maddie has this huge crush on her neighbor Noah who is a loner. After an accident can Maddie open Noah's heart to love?
I loved this story. I actually cried when I finished it. CrtcThere is no way it can't suck you in and hold your attention. Let's face it though who doesn't love a hot guy whose a little hard to get to open up.
White Christmas by AJ Harmon
Lisa has always known she was adopted. Upon receiving an assignment to do a family tree in school she decides it's time to look for her birth parents along with the help of her Mom and Dad. Could it be possible the two people who brought life to Lisa could still fourteen years later still have feelings for each other?
This is such a touching story of love, loss, redemption and second chances. It's got all those good feels that every reader loves in a great story.
Holiday With Holli by S.M. Donaldson
Zack has always given Holli a hard time. He's the popular jock and she was the new rich girl who was shy and misunderstood. Now home for the first time from college in a while can Zack and Holli see the real sides of each other.
I really loved this story. I'm a sucker for a misunderstood heroine who just proves everyone wrong. During that process though she teaches the bullies there is more to her than they ever thought. The story has a second chance romance feel to it too.
One Hot Christmas by A.D. Justice
Jagger is a rock star who tours with his band and the love of his life Mali. Dane is a band member and was dating Jagger's sister Cass. Should they have broken up or are they meant to be together? Can Jagger and Mali keep together their prefect romance while on the road?
This story is hilarious. I loved the banter between the guys. The practical jokes about get out of control and there might be some nudity and very cold weather. It's a journey of laughter and love you won't want to miss.
Nick by AM Madden
Nick is currently a bartender at The Dump. A dive bar in Chicago. Angela is staying with her cousin and is a quiet shy girl. The first time Nick sees Angela he is interested. Angela though has a bucket list with a one night stand on the top of the list. Can he bring her out of her shell? Are they hiding secrets? Will these two find their way to more than one night?
Get out the fan because AM Madden brings the heat to this story. It's a great love story about two lonely people trying to find there place in life. He has a secret and she is in need of some wild oats sowing. This story is fun and sexy and I loved every second of it. I can not wait till the full Novel coming in 2016.
Coming Home by Taryn Plendl
Ella married and followed her medical intern boyfriend Branson to Arizona from a small town in Iowa. Six months later she's divorced but she has stayed in Arizona working her butt off. Now she's going home to figure her life out. Reunited with her best friend who insists the time has come to get over Branson they head to a bar and straight into Matteo and a one night stand. Will that be enough for Matteo, or does he have his sights set on Ella?
This is my favorite story. I swore I wasn't going to pick a favorite but this one stuck with me. I'm a sucker for a hot land developer and a girl whose not afraid to get what she wants. Their chemistry is off the charts HOT. I was so sad to see this story end. If I knew Taryn Plendl I swear I would beg her for more Matteo and Ella.
Tangled In Tinsel by Mariah Dietz
Piper is heading home for Christmas. Once at the airport though a huge storm comes along and cancels all the flights. Stuck and alone she starts figuring out how to survive if disaster strikes. She however runs into Carter. Carter O'Brien the one person on earth she hates more than snow and Christmas. How will she ever get through this?
This is a cute story. A second chance romance since they have known each other in the past. Carter is Pipers brothers best friend. These to have some serious issues between them. This is their journey to repairing all that and possibly happily ever after.
Stay Awhile by Gia Riley
Megan has just found out her husband has been cheating on her. To add insult to injury she learns her husband was drinking and driving and had an accident with their daughter Laney in the car. Now at children's hospital with serious leg injuries Laney is going to have to have surgery. Megan fortunately knows the Doctor. Garrett had a huge crush in Megan in high school and she tortured him daily. With so much on the line and secrets being kept can Garrett be there for Megan and Laney and get them through to brighter days?
This is an awesome story about a mothers love and the lengths she goes to for her child. It's a second chance possibly for Garrett to be with the woman he's dreamed about since high school. Garrett is an amazing character you'll fall in love with too. He's sweet, charming, protective, and loves the kids he works with daily. He's beyond swoon worthy.
White Midnight by Shari J Ryan
Finnley is alone at her college because she has no family to go home to for Christmas Break. An impending blizzard sends her to the little connivence store a block from school. Expecting Max she meets instead his son Bex. Will Finnley be able to survive this blizzard all alone in a dorm room or will she accept the help that Bex is offering.
This story is about two very guilt ridden people trying their best to make it through each and every day. Both carry a different guilt over very similar life events. Finnley (I just love that name) is one tough nut to crack. She's angry and closed off and Bex is her perfect match because he's exactly the same. Can they drop their guilt and see what's right in front of their faces....you have to read and see.
A Holiday Discovery by Elle Keys
Maria is not going home for the holidays. She just can't deal with her parents and their hate for each other. An amazing opportunity to go to Switzerland lands at her feet and she decides to go. Will this be the vacation she wants or will unexpected events turn the trip into a chance to advance her career and hurt people, or will a certain guy named Corbin steal her heart?
This story brings the heat. The scenes in the coat closet and elevator about melted my kindle. Sit back and relax because this story is one you don't want to miss. I loved it.
Christmas Letters by Christina Benjamin
Rae has never experienced a real family due to being in the juvenal system. Together Rae Alex and Tyra have made their own little family. Alex though a year ago was fostered out and shattered Rae's heart. He promised to never leave Rae and Tyra. Suddenly letters just start showing up for Rae with a Twelve Days Of Christmas theme and a memory included with the letter. Is this Alex coming back for her since he is now eighteen? Come on this journey and find out.
This has to be one of the most unique stories I've ever read. I loved everything about it. The mystery of the letters. The reliving of memories shared between Rae, Alex and Tyra. The thrill of the not knowing till the journey's end. I devoured every word of this one.
All I Want For Christmas by Misha Elliott
Adrianna and Kellan lost their parents in a private plane crash. They inherited a house in the Bahamas that Adrianna can not bring herself to go back to until her boss forces her to take time off and get away. Together with her best friend, brother, and his guest they head out. Upon arrival at the airport Adrianna is shocked to see Eric her brothers best friend and the bane of her existence there to pick them up. He rejected her one night long ago when she kisses him as a teen. Now all grown up can they resist each other.
This is a great friends to lovers story or maybe a second chance romance. Adrianna can't stand Eric but at the same time can't keep her eyes off him and vice versa. Will these two work through all the years of hurt and find their way to each other? I'd love to tell you but I'm not going to. Read it and find out. You won't regret it.
Repairing Christmas by Sidonia Rose
Miranda is a college student whose not going home for Christmas. Her parents have gone on a anniversary cruise and she and her boyfriend have broken up along with their Christmas plans. One night while riding to look at Christmas lights her car breaks down and she is rescued by the parents of Glenn. With their instant attraction will this turn out to be the best Christmas ever for both of them.
I really liked this story. It's so cute and I loved the attraction between Miranda and Glenn. She's just as awkward at times as I know we all have been around boys and I found it quiet entertaining.
Finding Christmas by Elizabeth Hayes and Ashlee Taylor
I'm not quiet sure how to describe this story except to say it's about a family who loves to pull pranks on each other. There's pride, sibling rivalry, hot husbands, pregnancy hormones, kids parents and possibly the kitchen sink thrown into this story. I found myself laughing out loud one minute and my heart melting the next. It's a sort of life, love, laughter,and family story and we all know how crazy family can be.
This entire anthology is amazing It will keep you entertained for hours and I love that there is such a wide variety of stories included but all sticking to the Christmas theme. Congratulations to Stephanie, Authors In The City, hosted by Stephanie's Book Reports, and all the authors on such an amazing project. Get your one click fingers ready and get this amazing anthology all while helping to support a very worthy cause.
I received a copy of this anthology in exchange for an honest review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
Christmas In The City is a fifteen author, fourteen brand new stories anthology benefiting a children's hospital in the Orlando area with the proceeds from the book. I'm so honored I got to read an arc of his amazing anthology and fell in love with so many things about all of it. It takes a pretty special group of people to donate all their time effort and talents to benefit sick children. I firmly believe with all my heart that this is one of the best anthologies out there today and I hope a lot of people open their hearts and give this book a chance for the children.
Waiting For Midnight by Samantha Chase
Maddie and Kiera are best friends. Kiera has a plan for them not to be alone with no one to kiss on New Years Eve. Maddie has this huge crush on her neighbor Noah who is a loner. After an accident can Maddie open Noah's heart to love?
I loved this story. I actually cried when I finished it. CrtcThere is no way it can't suck you in and hold your attention. Let's face it though who doesn't love a hot guy whose a little hard to get to open up.
White Christmas by AJ Harmon
Lisa has always known she was adopted. Upon receiving an assignment to do a family tree in school she decides it's time to look for her birth parents along with the help of her Mom and Dad. Could it be possible the two people who brought life to Lisa could still fourteen years later still have feelings for each other?
This is such a touching story of love, loss, redemption and second chances. It's got all those good feels that every reader loves in a great story.
Holiday With Holli by S.M. Donaldson
Zack has always given Holli a hard time. He's the popular jock and she was the new rich girl who was shy and misunderstood. Now home for the first time from college in a while can Zack and Holli see the real sides of each other.
I really loved this story. I'm a sucker for a misunderstood heroine who just proves everyone wrong. During that process though she teaches the bullies there is more to her than they ever thought. The story has a second chance romance feel to it too.
One Hot Christmas by A.D. Justice
Jagger is a rock star who tours with his band and the love of his life Mali. Dane is a band member and was dating Jagger's sister Cass. Should they have broken up or are they meant to be together? Can Jagger and Mali keep together their prefect romance while on the road?
This story is hilarious. I loved the banter between the guys. The practical jokes about get out of control and there might be some nudity and very cold weather. It's a journey of laughter and love you won't want to miss.
Nick by AM Madden
Nick is currently a bartender at The Dump. A dive bar in Chicago. Angela is staying with her cousin and is a quiet shy girl. The first time Nick sees Angela he is interested. Angela though has a bucket list with a one night stand on the top of the list. Can he bring her out of her shell? Are they hiding secrets? Will these two find their way to more than one night?
Get out the fan because AM Madden brings the heat to this story. It's a great love story about two lonely people trying to find there place in life. He has a secret and she is in need of some wild oats sowing. This story is fun and sexy and I loved every second of it. I can not wait till the full Novel coming in 2016.
Coming Home by Taryn Plendl
Ella married and followed her medical intern boyfriend Branson to Arizona from a small town in Iowa. Six months later she's divorced but she has stayed in Arizona working her butt off. Now she's going home to figure her life out. Reunited with her best friend who insists the time has come to get over Branson they head to a bar and straight into Matteo and a one night stand. Will that be enough for Matteo, or does he have his sights set on Ella?
This is my favorite story. I swore I wasn't going to pick a favorite but this one stuck with me. I'm a sucker for a hot land developer and a girl whose not afraid to get what she wants. Their chemistry is off the charts HOT. I was so sad to see this story end. If I knew Taryn Plendl I swear I would beg her for more Matteo and Ella.
Tangled In Tinsel by Mariah Dietz
Piper is heading home for Christmas. Once at the airport though a huge storm comes along and cancels all the flights. Stuck and alone she starts figuring out how to survive if disaster strikes. She however runs into Carter. Carter O'Brien the one person on earth she hates more than snow and Christmas. How will she ever get through this?
This is a cute story. A second chance romance since they have known each other in the past. Carter is Pipers brothers best friend. These to have some serious issues between them. This is their journey to repairing all that and possibly happily ever after.
Stay Awhile by Gia Riley
Megan has just found out her husband has been cheating on her. To add insult to injury she learns her husband was drinking and driving and had an accident with their daughter Laney in the car. Now at children's hospital with serious leg injuries Laney is going to have to have surgery. Megan fortunately knows the Doctor. Garrett had a huge crush in Megan in high school and she tortured him daily. With so much on the line and secrets being kept can Garrett be there for Megan and Laney and get them through to brighter days?
This is an awesome story about a mothers love and the lengths she goes to for her child. It's a second chance possibly for Garrett to be with the woman he's dreamed about since high school. Garrett is an amazing character you'll fall in love with too. He's sweet, charming, protective, and loves the kids he works with daily. He's beyond swoon worthy.
White Midnight by Shari J Ryan
Finnley is alone at her college because she has no family to go home to for Christmas Break. An impending blizzard sends her to the little connivence store a block from school. Expecting Max she meets instead his son Bex. Will Finnley be able to survive this blizzard all alone in a dorm room or will she accept the help that Bex is offering.
This story is about two very guilt ridden people trying their best to make it through each and every day. Both carry a different guilt over very similar life events. Finnley (I just love that name) is one tough nut to crack. She's angry and closed off and Bex is her perfect match because he's exactly the same. Can they drop their guilt and see what's right in front of their faces....you have to read and see.
A Holiday Discovery by Elle Keys
Maria is not going home for the holidays. She just can't deal with her parents and their hate for each other. An amazing opportunity to go to Switzerland lands at her feet and she decides to go. Will this be the vacation she wants or will unexpected events turn the trip into a chance to advance her career and hurt people, or will a certain guy named Corbin steal her heart?
This story brings the heat. The scenes in the coat closet and elevator about melted my kindle. Sit back and relax because this story is one you don't want to miss. I loved it.
Christmas Letters by Christina Benjamin
Rae has never experienced a real family due to being in the juvenal system. Together Rae Alex and Tyra have made their own little family. Alex though a year ago was fostered out and shattered Rae's heart. He promised to never leave Rae and Tyra. Suddenly letters just start showing up for Rae with a Twelve Days Of Christmas theme and a memory included with the letter. Is this Alex coming back for her since he is now eighteen? Come on this journey and find out.
This has to be one of the most unique stories I've ever read. I loved everything about it. The mystery of the letters. The reliving of memories shared between Rae, Alex and Tyra. The thrill of the not knowing till the journey's end. I devoured every word of this one.
All I Want For Christmas by Misha Elliott
Adrianna and Kellan lost their parents in a private plane crash. They inherited a house in the Bahamas that Adrianna can not bring herself to go back to until her boss forces her to take time off and get away. Together with her best friend, brother, and his guest they head out. Upon arrival at the airport Adrianna is shocked to see Eric her brothers best friend and the bane of her existence there to pick them up. He rejected her one night long ago when she kisses him as a teen. Now all grown up can they resist each other.
This is a great friends to lovers story or maybe a second chance romance. Adrianna can't stand Eric but at the same time can't keep her eyes off him and vice versa. Will these two work through all the years of hurt and find their way to each other? I'd love to tell you but I'm not going to. Read it and find out. You won't regret it.
Repairing Christmas by Sidonia Rose
Miranda is a college student whose not going home for Christmas. Her parents have gone on a anniversary cruise and she and her boyfriend have broken up along with their Christmas plans. One night while riding to look at Christmas lights her car breaks down and she is rescued by the parents of Glenn. With their instant attraction will this turn out to be the best Christmas ever for both of them.
I really liked this story. It's so cute and I loved the attraction between Miranda and Glenn. She's just as awkward at times as I know we all have been around boys and I found it quiet entertaining.
Finding Christmas by Elizabeth Hayes and Ashlee Taylor
I'm not quiet sure how to describe this story except to say it's about a family who loves to pull pranks on each other. There's pride, sibling rivalry, hot husbands, pregnancy hormones, kids parents and possibly the kitchen sink thrown into this story. I found myself laughing out loud one minute and my heart melting the next. It's a sort of life, love, laughter,and family story and we all know how crazy family can be.
This entire anthology is amazing It will keep you entertained for hours and I love that there is such a wide variety of stories included but all sticking to the Christmas theme. Congratulations to Stephanie, Authors In The City, hosted by Stephanie's Book Reports, and all the authors on such an amazing project. Get your one click fingers ready and get this amazing anthology all while helping to support a very worthy cause.
November 1, 2015
Received a ARC for an honest review.
Fifteen talented authors coming together for a worthy cause. If you love Christmas and the magic that comes with it, you will love each one of these stories. Each story is different but the theme is the same LOVE. Like the song says: it's the most wonderful time of the year.
I highly recommend this book by these amazing authors. These stories will warm your heart.
Fifteen talented authors coming together for a worthy cause. If you love Christmas and the magic that comes with it, you will love each one of these stories. Each story is different but the theme is the same LOVE. Like the song says: it's the most wonderful time of the year.
I highly recommend this book by these amazing authors. These stories will warm your heart.
November 8, 2015
**Stay Awhile by Gia Riley.**
This is such a sweet "second chance" love story. I fell in love with Garrett. What a sweet, caring man. No wonder he became a doctor. I was cheering for him the whole time.
Gia writes so well that I could picture the scenes in my mind as well as the characters. She broke my heart when you find out what happened to such a sweet little girl.
This is such a sweet "second chance" love story. I fell in love with Garrett. What a sweet, caring man. No wonder he became a doctor. I was cheering for him the whole time.
Gia writes so well that I could picture the scenes in my mind as well as the characters. She broke my heart when you find out what happened to such a sweet little girl.
November 2, 2015
This book was amazing. Each story was well written and lets you wanting more. It has loss, love, heartbreak and happily ever after. It's also for a good cause. You will find some amazing authors you already know and meet knew ones that you will love. A must read in my opinion.
November 2, 2015
Review: Christmas in the City by Samantha Chase
(An anthology including works by Samantha Chase, AJ Harmon, S.M. Donaldson, A.D. Justice, A.M. Madden, Taryn Plendl, Mariah Dietz, Gia Riley, Shari J. Ryan, Ellie Keys, Christina Benjamin, Misha Elliott, Sidonia Rose, Elizabeth Hayes, and Ashley Taylor – written as a fund-raiser with sales from this book being donated to a Children’s Miracle Network / Arnold Palmer Children’s Hospital in Florida!
4 stars
1. Waiting for Midnight by Samantha Chase
Maddie, a lovely woman who writes educational financial articles by day and volunteers in the evening, lives next to a hunky guy named Noah. He was in the military and did three tours in Afghanistan. He’s a loner and she’s just alone; although, she’s got one heck of a crush on this gorgeous, built neighbor. He doesn’t think he deserves a woman; he feels he’s just too dark and withdrawn from society to allow a woman into his life. And yet, when she literally falls into Noah (as in off a ladder), fate steps in.
I enjoyed this novella. I loved Maddie and really felt for her. She’s got a great best friend yet no family (although her best friend does tend to bring her home for holidays). But this year, things had changed as her neighbor becomes more than just a neighbor. I felt that this was a cute story and very heart-warming, but there were times when I felt it was a bit sad and I wasn’t expecting this within this novella. It did, however, fit well into a Christmas anthology and by the end of this story, I was enjoying the Christmas spirit that prevailed within their hearts and brought about their HEA!
2. White Christmas by AJ Harmon
This was an adorable novella where an adopted and very well adjusted (and lovely) teen-aged girl seeks out her birth parents after a high-school writing assignment makes her begin to wonder about her own roots. When she asks her parents about her birth parents, all they know is that they were very young when she was born. With the help and support of her lovely parents, she seeks out her birth-parents who absolutely give their consent for her to contact them – they gave her up because they loved her and knew they were not prepared to parent at their age. What follows is their birth-daughter not only forging a friendship with each of them (or, as she begins to consider her birth mother, a big sister figure), but also finds her scheming to try to get these two high-school sweethearts back together again – although not so they could all be a family. She has an awesome family. She simply sees the love they still hold for each other and wants them each to be happy.
We all know we never truly get over our first love. It scorches our hearts and even though not many of us remain with them for life, a little part of our hearts will always have their name on it. This is, of course, the same with this couple. This couple, however, has never gotten over each other and have never found love – no one measures up in either of their eyes because they are constantly looking for someone as good for them as their first love had been. But they were torn apart years ago. Is it possible to rekindle a love that never died? Apparently, when you have a fairy god-daughter, dreams can come true! I really loved this little novella. It felt like the magic of Christmas was working its way up to granting this couple’s biggest wish – finding their true love, all over again!
3. Holiday with Holli (A Richter’s Crossing Seasons of Change Novella) by S.M. Donaldson
This is an adorable story about a guy and a girl who have known each other from high school (she’s in her last semester of college and he co-owns a specialty auto repair (for imports) with his dad in her hometown. When Holli comes home for Christmas, she’s aware she will be all alone – her parents are skiing but she just feels like she wants to be at home. She’s not particularly close with her parents anyway; her mom seems to do everything in her power to degrade this girl and even so, Holli’s terrific. She was close with her recently-passed grandmother for her entire life; and this is where Holli learned the importance of family and was truly loved. And it’s clearly been enough because although she’s still young, she’s clearly got a pretty good head on her shoulders and was highly likable.
Zack is the guy who co-owns the shop with his dad. He teased Holli back in high school thinking she was cold and unapproachable. He always thought she was beautiful and kinda resented the fact that she didn’t have anything to do with a lot of the other kids. But when Holli’s car tangles with a deer, he’s the one to help her out and by doing so, discovers maybe he’s been wrong about her for all these years. What follows is an adorable story of self-discovery and finding soul mates when and where you least expect them!
4. One Hot Christmas by A.D. Justice
This is a bit of a rock ‘n roll love story but it focuses on not one, but two couples in a lot of ways. They band is out on tour and the lead singer, Jagger is miserable out on the road without his lady-love Mali. She had been touring with the band as their official photographer but her dad was ill and she had to go home for a while. It was refreshing to see a couple, especially a rock ‘n roll couple, be so in love from the get-go and completely devoted to each other.
But her best friend is Jagger’s sister and she’s been dating Dane, another guy in the band for as long as Mali has been with Jagger. But when they were leaving for the tour, Cass broke up with him thinking there’s no way she could possibly complete for his attention when he’s surrounded by groupies. But Dane is determined to make her eat her words; he hasn’t partaken in any groupies’ offers while out on the road and Mali and Jagger begin to realize neither of them is happy without each other and scheme to make them (Dane and Cass) see the light and realize they belong together. The antics of this band (whom are all great friends from way back) was pretty funny. A bit tame for rock ‘n rollers but sweet none the less.
5. Nick by AM Madden
Hmm, Nick. Hot and smart and not who he says he is, but that’s okay. He’s one of the good guys. I have to say this novella has been my favorite so far in this anthology. Nick is a bartender at a bar in Chicago and is also the resident dart-champion. When he sees a beautiful woman on her way out of the bar one night, he notices. And when she comes back the next night, he notices that too. She’s there with her cousin and his best friend immediately latches on to her cousin and the two of them have an instant “thing.” Although Angela is happy for her cousin, who’s not exactly shy when it comes to men, she’s a bit more reserved. She’s a woman who’s actually gun-shy when it comes to men and doesn’t want to get involved with anybody; she knows she’s moving away soon. But her cousin has been helping her work on her bucket list – a bucket list that includes a one-night-stand; which she’s never experienced. When Nick’s best friend and her cousin pull out all the stops to try to get Nick and Angela together, Nick is happy about it, Angela isn’t so much.
But there’s an off-the-hook chemistry between these two and if their fingers happen to touch, there’s a spark they both feel. Angela clearly has a crush on Nick too; but she’s not ready to do anything about it. But a midnight kiss on New Year’s Eve changes things for them both; they can no longer deny their overwhelming attraction to one another and end up satisfying her desire for a one-night-stand – or is it? Or maybe it’s more! Very cool story with great characters!
6. Coming Home by Taryn Plendl
Now this one was oh so very sweet! I liked it very much too. There’s a woman (Ella) who’s had a rough few years; she’d gotten married impetuously to a guy who cheated on her repeatedly and when she caught him after only nine months of marriage, and she was gone!! She’s a nurse and worked a lot of overtime and on-call hours just to keep her mind off her troubles but has decided to come “home” to Iowa in the dead of winter in her small-town home-town. Her best friend is there as is her father, and frankly, he’s not a very nice guy. She can do nothing right in his eyes and the minute he sees her, he begins to point out what she likely did wrong to not stay married. He’s some piece of work. She’s not completely committed to staying, her dad being there holds no appeal and her mother passed away when she was twelve.
But her best friend is truly what a best friend should be. She gets Ella out of the house; first for shopping to stock up on a winter wardrobe (she’s been living in Arizona) and her friend talks her into buying a sexy LBD for an evening out clubbing. Ella didn’t even know her home-town had clubs; it’s grown up a lot in the past few years. And when they hit the town and then the dance floor, suddenly she feels warm hands on her hips and finds herself dancing with a gorgeous guy, Mateo. She’s determined to just “let go” and let her hair down and when he asks her if she “wants to get out of here,” she readily agrees. And what follows…well, let’s just say it was a very good way to enjoy her evening. She wants a one-night-stand – but he doesn’t. He senses she’s meant to be more than that and doesn’t let her skittishness get in his way. I absolutely adored this cute, sweet tale of running away from the wrong and falling into the arms of the oh-so-right!
7. Tangled in Tinsel by Mariah Dietz
This story was absolutely delightful and felt like the true spirit of Christmas was alive and well within this story. Carter and Piper used to be best friends. Their families are best friends. And then one year, their friendship became more. They spent some time together and made out and even a bit more, but never consummated their relationship. Carter put a stop to it and Piper felt rejected and has felt hurt and angry for several years; she felt humiliated that he had rejected her.
But he didn’t. Not really. He wanted to let them grow up a little more. Discover themselves. But he never really thought they wouldn’t find their way back to one another, and he was right. One fateful night, they both happen to be in an airport that got snowed in and he bullies her into having lunch with him. And then takes her bag so she’ll stay with him. And then pulls out his own little Christmas miracle. I loved this story. It felt like Christmas magic happened and I got a glimpse of it as it unfolded! Lovely!!!
8. Stay Awhile by Gia Riley
This story made me mad in a lot of ways; Meg’s has been cheated on, lied to, and risked losing the daughter she adores due to her husband’s stupidity – he drove their daughter drunk and didn’t even buckle her in and of course, they crashed. When she heard her husband was at one hospital, but her daughter was at the other, she went to Children’s Hospital to be with her daughter. Good choice. But then it was an easy one; especially that she’d just confirmed her husband had been cheating on her.
But enter Garrett – orthopedic surgeon extraordinaire! He’s loved Megs since high school and when he knows her daughter is the one being brought in in critical condition, he’s determined to fix the little girls broken legs and also determined to fix Meg’s heart while he’s at it. I loved how this man (Garrett) was the man we all wish for…loving, loyal, smart, sexy, and anything else good all wrapped up in one gorgeous packet – and hand delivered, just in time for Christmas!
9. White Midnight by Shari J. Ryan
This one tugged at my heart-strings and also reminded me of the concept of when something’s meant to be, it’s meant to be and happens. When we are supposed to meet the right someone, we do. This is one of those meant to be stories – but it didn’t start out that way! These two, both Bex and Finley are stuck in a blizzard right before Christmas in her college town up in New Hampshire that also happens to be his home town. He’s home for a sad reason, she stayed in town in the dorms for her own sad reason. And when the blizzard hits, they found they needed to turn to each other (although they were strangers before that day) in order to survive.
This story is about loss and about healing after that loss. It’s about sharing that loss and pain with another person and in doing so, diluting that pain because once you’ve shared it with someone else, you don’t have to carry it all alone any more and it feels lighter. It’s about letting the healing begin. It’s about finding yourself feeling really alive for the first time in years and to look over and see a person beside you that makes you feel like smiling. Yeah, it’s like that. And although there were parts of this story that were kinda sad, it was also hopeful. And I liked it a lot.
11. Christmas Letters by Christina Benjamin
This was a completely delightful little story about two star-crossed young lovers who were torn apart by the foster-care system in New York City. It’s a story about Alex and Rae and her best friend Tyra with whom they all make up a “Three Musketeers” type of group. Alex and Rae were in love but when the system takes Alex away from them, Tyra is what keeps Rae from losing her mind with worry and heartache about losing Alex with no clue about where he was and why he’d left. Rae had kissed him goodnight one night and the next day he was just gone.
Just when she was about to give up hope (although she claimed to have already done so but does the heart ever really give up on true love?), she begins to receive mysterious letters from an anonymous writer giving her clues as to whom they are from (and who else could it be but Alex; the letters’ author clearly has knowledge of “them” included in the text that no one else would know). Each of these letters included 12 days of Christmas clues included within them, the last of the letters lead her on a hunt for what she hopes is her missing true love, his clues paving the way. I loved this story! I loved how it felt honest and like true love just simply doesn’t die and that hopes and dreams are often worth holding onto. The characters were young but I liked them a lot! Bravo, Ms. Benjamin! Oh, and just for the record, the Partridge Family lyrics were a stroke of genius!
12. All I Want for Christmas by Misha Elliott
This is a cute but sometimes sad story about Adrianna and Eric. They’ve known each other for their entire lives; he’s her brother’s best friend. She’s had a crush on him for as long as she can remember but when he spurned her attentions years ago, her crush changed and she began avoiding him instead. But then there was a tragedy in their lives and it sent everyone reeling and changed them all forever.
But now, years later, an opportunity arises neither of them could have planned for and they are once again thrown together and this time, they are adults with adult feelings and more importantly, adult emotions and life-experience. This changes the game entirely and might even give them what they desire the most! I really enjoyed this story. The ending was a bit abrupt but then the story had resolved so it’s not like it leaves you hanging. Very fun story about childhood dreams becoming a real possibility once they grow up. Cool story!
13. Repairing Christmas by Sidonia Rose
This is a pretty delightful story about being in the right place at the right time. Glenn has recently graduated from college and is living at home and working for his dad in his dad’s auto garage. He’s not sure he wants to do this forever but he’s happy with it for now. Miranda is a college student who didn’t go home for Christmas this year – she was home for Thanksgiving and had made a deal to go home to her boyfriend’s family’s house for Christmas – but then they broke up. Instead of getting into that whole mess with her family, she just decides to stay at school and make the best of it. As she drives around looking at the Christmas lights for fun, her car breaks down and forces her to pull over to the side of the road. A couple come along and help her; they turn out to be Glenn’s parents who own the shop auto-shop. They call Glenn and ask him to bring the tow truck as his mom becomes acquainted with Miranda. And then, plays matchmaker for her son because she feels Miranda is just what has been missing from Glenn’s life. And for once, he’s glad she interfered. He likes Miranda too!
I thought this was a pretty charming story. It ended in such a way that I wouldn’t be surprised if the author takes these characters and segues them into their own book. It was a bit abrupt as it ended; the reader is left on the hook a bit but we just have to “assume” things are going to go well from that point on (hence why she could grow this into its own book). Cute story though.
14. Finding Christmas by Elizabeth Hayes & Ashlee Taylor
This novella is a bit unusual in that it’s mischief and high jinx with their (this author team’s) characters from the book Finding Salvation (The Finding Series, #1). If you have not yet read that book, I would highly suggest you do so before you read this novella. Although it was entertaining, I have not read Finding Salvation and found myself wondering what all the practical jokes occurring with the characters and interaction with the couples within this novella were about. It was cute but baffling to me.
If you haven’t read it, and don’t read it before you read this anthology, I would suspect you will find it similar in both amusement as well as confusion too. It seemed fun, but I’m not altogether sure what I think since I was reading it blind (compared to those who would “get it” from that previous read). I highly recommend you read Finding Salvation first!
So, longest review, ever (at least to date) but then there were quite a lot of novellas within this book. Would I recommend it? Yes, absolutely I would; there are a lot of really cute stories within it and a lot of them made me smile. There were a few that weren’t my favorites, of course, but others stood out as really very interesting and delightful. Besides, this book is a fund-raiser for a Children’s Hospital so not only do you get to enjoy some fun Christmas stories, you get to help children in need too. What could be better?
There were a few typos in this book that weren’t over the top problematic – it was easy to tell what the author within those novellas meant and read on. But there are just a few. Considering this undertaking, I think it’s remarkable that this many pages were ultimately pretty free from goofs.
I’d like to thank this group of authors for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review. It pointed me in the direction stoking up my Christmas spirit; albeit a bit early - but it’s a good thing nonetheless.
(An anthology including works by Samantha Chase, AJ Harmon, S.M. Donaldson, A.D. Justice, A.M. Madden, Taryn Plendl, Mariah Dietz, Gia Riley, Shari J. Ryan, Ellie Keys, Christina Benjamin, Misha Elliott, Sidonia Rose, Elizabeth Hayes, and Ashley Taylor – written as a fund-raiser with sales from this book being donated to a Children’s Miracle Network / Arnold Palmer Children’s Hospital in Florida!
4 stars
1. Waiting for Midnight by Samantha Chase
Maddie, a lovely woman who writes educational financial articles by day and volunteers in the evening, lives next to a hunky guy named Noah. He was in the military and did three tours in Afghanistan. He’s a loner and she’s just alone; although, she’s got one heck of a crush on this gorgeous, built neighbor. He doesn’t think he deserves a woman; he feels he’s just too dark and withdrawn from society to allow a woman into his life. And yet, when she literally falls into Noah (as in off a ladder), fate steps in.
I enjoyed this novella. I loved Maddie and really felt for her. She’s got a great best friend yet no family (although her best friend does tend to bring her home for holidays). But this year, things had changed as her neighbor becomes more than just a neighbor. I felt that this was a cute story and very heart-warming, but there were times when I felt it was a bit sad and I wasn’t expecting this within this novella. It did, however, fit well into a Christmas anthology and by the end of this story, I was enjoying the Christmas spirit that prevailed within their hearts and brought about their HEA!
2. White Christmas by AJ Harmon
This was an adorable novella where an adopted and very well adjusted (and lovely) teen-aged girl seeks out her birth parents after a high-school writing assignment makes her begin to wonder about her own roots. When she asks her parents about her birth parents, all they know is that they were very young when she was born. With the help and support of her lovely parents, she seeks out her birth-parents who absolutely give their consent for her to contact them – they gave her up because they loved her and knew they were not prepared to parent at their age. What follows is their birth-daughter not only forging a friendship with each of them (or, as she begins to consider her birth mother, a big sister figure), but also finds her scheming to try to get these two high-school sweethearts back together again – although not so they could all be a family. She has an awesome family. She simply sees the love they still hold for each other and wants them each to be happy.
We all know we never truly get over our first love. It scorches our hearts and even though not many of us remain with them for life, a little part of our hearts will always have their name on it. This is, of course, the same with this couple. This couple, however, has never gotten over each other and have never found love – no one measures up in either of their eyes because they are constantly looking for someone as good for them as their first love had been. But they were torn apart years ago. Is it possible to rekindle a love that never died? Apparently, when you have a fairy god-daughter, dreams can come true! I really loved this little novella. It felt like the magic of Christmas was working its way up to granting this couple’s biggest wish – finding their true love, all over again!
3. Holiday with Holli (A Richter’s Crossing Seasons of Change Novella) by S.M. Donaldson
This is an adorable story about a guy and a girl who have known each other from high school (she’s in her last semester of college and he co-owns a specialty auto repair (for imports) with his dad in her hometown. When Holli comes home for Christmas, she’s aware she will be all alone – her parents are skiing but she just feels like she wants to be at home. She’s not particularly close with her parents anyway; her mom seems to do everything in her power to degrade this girl and even so, Holli’s terrific. She was close with her recently-passed grandmother for her entire life; and this is where Holli learned the importance of family and was truly loved. And it’s clearly been enough because although she’s still young, she’s clearly got a pretty good head on her shoulders and was highly likable.
Zack is the guy who co-owns the shop with his dad. He teased Holli back in high school thinking she was cold and unapproachable. He always thought she was beautiful and kinda resented the fact that she didn’t have anything to do with a lot of the other kids. But when Holli’s car tangles with a deer, he’s the one to help her out and by doing so, discovers maybe he’s been wrong about her for all these years. What follows is an adorable story of self-discovery and finding soul mates when and where you least expect them!
4. One Hot Christmas by A.D. Justice
This is a bit of a rock ‘n roll love story but it focuses on not one, but two couples in a lot of ways. They band is out on tour and the lead singer, Jagger is miserable out on the road without his lady-love Mali. She had been touring with the band as their official photographer but her dad was ill and she had to go home for a while. It was refreshing to see a couple, especially a rock ‘n roll couple, be so in love from the get-go and completely devoted to each other.
But her best friend is Jagger’s sister and she’s been dating Dane, another guy in the band for as long as Mali has been with Jagger. But when they were leaving for the tour, Cass broke up with him thinking there’s no way she could possibly complete for his attention when he’s surrounded by groupies. But Dane is determined to make her eat her words; he hasn’t partaken in any groupies’ offers while out on the road and Mali and Jagger begin to realize neither of them is happy without each other and scheme to make them (Dane and Cass) see the light and realize they belong together. The antics of this band (whom are all great friends from way back) was pretty funny. A bit tame for rock ‘n rollers but sweet none the less.
5. Nick by AM Madden
Hmm, Nick. Hot and smart and not who he says he is, but that’s okay. He’s one of the good guys. I have to say this novella has been my favorite so far in this anthology. Nick is a bartender at a bar in Chicago and is also the resident dart-champion. When he sees a beautiful woman on her way out of the bar one night, he notices. And when she comes back the next night, he notices that too. She’s there with her cousin and his best friend immediately latches on to her cousin and the two of them have an instant “thing.” Although Angela is happy for her cousin, who’s not exactly shy when it comes to men, she’s a bit more reserved. She’s a woman who’s actually gun-shy when it comes to men and doesn’t want to get involved with anybody; she knows she’s moving away soon. But her cousin has been helping her work on her bucket list – a bucket list that includes a one-night-stand; which she’s never experienced. When Nick’s best friend and her cousin pull out all the stops to try to get Nick and Angela together, Nick is happy about it, Angela isn’t so much.
But there’s an off-the-hook chemistry between these two and if their fingers happen to touch, there’s a spark they both feel. Angela clearly has a crush on Nick too; but she’s not ready to do anything about it. But a midnight kiss on New Year’s Eve changes things for them both; they can no longer deny their overwhelming attraction to one another and end up satisfying her desire for a one-night-stand – or is it? Or maybe it’s more! Very cool story with great characters!
6. Coming Home by Taryn Plendl
Now this one was oh so very sweet! I liked it very much too. There’s a woman (Ella) who’s had a rough few years; she’d gotten married impetuously to a guy who cheated on her repeatedly and when she caught him after only nine months of marriage, and she was gone!! She’s a nurse and worked a lot of overtime and on-call hours just to keep her mind off her troubles but has decided to come “home” to Iowa in the dead of winter in her small-town home-town. Her best friend is there as is her father, and frankly, he’s not a very nice guy. She can do nothing right in his eyes and the minute he sees her, he begins to point out what she likely did wrong to not stay married. He’s some piece of work. She’s not completely committed to staying, her dad being there holds no appeal and her mother passed away when she was twelve.
But her best friend is truly what a best friend should be. She gets Ella out of the house; first for shopping to stock up on a winter wardrobe (she’s been living in Arizona) and her friend talks her into buying a sexy LBD for an evening out clubbing. Ella didn’t even know her home-town had clubs; it’s grown up a lot in the past few years. And when they hit the town and then the dance floor, suddenly she feels warm hands on her hips and finds herself dancing with a gorgeous guy, Mateo. She’s determined to just “let go” and let her hair down and when he asks her if she “wants to get out of here,” she readily agrees. And what follows…well, let’s just say it was a very good way to enjoy her evening. She wants a one-night-stand – but he doesn’t. He senses she’s meant to be more than that and doesn’t let her skittishness get in his way. I absolutely adored this cute, sweet tale of running away from the wrong and falling into the arms of the oh-so-right!
7. Tangled in Tinsel by Mariah Dietz
This story was absolutely delightful and felt like the true spirit of Christmas was alive and well within this story. Carter and Piper used to be best friends. Their families are best friends. And then one year, their friendship became more. They spent some time together and made out and even a bit more, but never consummated their relationship. Carter put a stop to it and Piper felt rejected and has felt hurt and angry for several years; she felt humiliated that he had rejected her.
But he didn’t. Not really. He wanted to let them grow up a little more. Discover themselves. But he never really thought they wouldn’t find their way back to one another, and he was right. One fateful night, they both happen to be in an airport that got snowed in and he bullies her into having lunch with him. And then takes her bag so she’ll stay with him. And then pulls out his own little Christmas miracle. I loved this story. It felt like Christmas magic happened and I got a glimpse of it as it unfolded! Lovely!!!
8. Stay Awhile by Gia Riley
This story made me mad in a lot of ways; Meg’s has been cheated on, lied to, and risked losing the daughter she adores due to her husband’s stupidity – he drove their daughter drunk and didn’t even buckle her in and of course, they crashed. When she heard her husband was at one hospital, but her daughter was at the other, she went to Children’s Hospital to be with her daughter. Good choice. But then it was an easy one; especially that she’d just confirmed her husband had been cheating on her.
But enter Garrett – orthopedic surgeon extraordinaire! He’s loved Megs since high school and when he knows her daughter is the one being brought in in critical condition, he’s determined to fix the little girls broken legs and also determined to fix Meg’s heart while he’s at it. I loved how this man (Garrett) was the man we all wish for…loving, loyal, smart, sexy, and anything else good all wrapped up in one gorgeous packet – and hand delivered, just in time for Christmas!
9. White Midnight by Shari J. Ryan
This one tugged at my heart-strings and also reminded me of the concept of when something’s meant to be, it’s meant to be and happens. When we are supposed to meet the right someone, we do. This is one of those meant to be stories – but it didn’t start out that way! These two, both Bex and Finley are stuck in a blizzard right before Christmas in her college town up in New Hampshire that also happens to be his home town. He’s home for a sad reason, she stayed in town in the dorms for her own sad reason. And when the blizzard hits, they found they needed to turn to each other (although they were strangers before that day) in order to survive.
This story is about loss and about healing after that loss. It’s about sharing that loss and pain with another person and in doing so, diluting that pain because once you’ve shared it with someone else, you don’t have to carry it all alone any more and it feels lighter. It’s about letting the healing begin. It’s about finding yourself feeling really alive for the first time in years and to look over and see a person beside you that makes you feel like smiling. Yeah, it’s like that. And although there were parts of this story that were kinda sad, it was also hopeful. And I liked it a lot.
11. Christmas Letters by Christina Benjamin
This was a completely delightful little story about two star-crossed young lovers who were torn apart by the foster-care system in New York City. It’s a story about Alex and Rae and her best friend Tyra with whom they all make up a “Three Musketeers” type of group. Alex and Rae were in love but when the system takes Alex away from them, Tyra is what keeps Rae from losing her mind with worry and heartache about losing Alex with no clue about where he was and why he’d left. Rae had kissed him goodnight one night and the next day he was just gone.
Just when she was about to give up hope (although she claimed to have already done so but does the heart ever really give up on true love?), she begins to receive mysterious letters from an anonymous writer giving her clues as to whom they are from (and who else could it be but Alex; the letters’ author clearly has knowledge of “them” included in the text that no one else would know). Each of these letters included 12 days of Christmas clues included within them, the last of the letters lead her on a hunt for what she hopes is her missing true love, his clues paving the way. I loved this story! I loved how it felt honest and like true love just simply doesn’t die and that hopes and dreams are often worth holding onto. The characters were young but I liked them a lot! Bravo, Ms. Benjamin! Oh, and just for the record, the Partridge Family lyrics were a stroke of genius!
12. All I Want for Christmas by Misha Elliott
This is a cute but sometimes sad story about Adrianna and Eric. They’ve known each other for their entire lives; he’s her brother’s best friend. She’s had a crush on him for as long as she can remember but when he spurned her attentions years ago, her crush changed and she began avoiding him instead. But then there was a tragedy in their lives and it sent everyone reeling and changed them all forever.
But now, years later, an opportunity arises neither of them could have planned for and they are once again thrown together and this time, they are adults with adult feelings and more importantly, adult emotions and life-experience. This changes the game entirely and might even give them what they desire the most! I really enjoyed this story. The ending was a bit abrupt but then the story had resolved so it’s not like it leaves you hanging. Very fun story about childhood dreams becoming a real possibility once they grow up. Cool story!
13. Repairing Christmas by Sidonia Rose
This is a pretty delightful story about being in the right place at the right time. Glenn has recently graduated from college and is living at home and working for his dad in his dad’s auto garage. He’s not sure he wants to do this forever but he’s happy with it for now. Miranda is a college student who didn’t go home for Christmas this year – she was home for Thanksgiving and had made a deal to go home to her boyfriend’s family’s house for Christmas – but then they broke up. Instead of getting into that whole mess with her family, she just decides to stay at school and make the best of it. As she drives around looking at the Christmas lights for fun, her car breaks down and forces her to pull over to the side of the road. A couple come along and help her; they turn out to be Glenn’s parents who own the shop auto-shop. They call Glenn and ask him to bring the tow truck as his mom becomes acquainted with Miranda. And then, plays matchmaker for her son because she feels Miranda is just what has been missing from Glenn’s life. And for once, he’s glad she interfered. He likes Miranda too!
I thought this was a pretty charming story. It ended in such a way that I wouldn’t be surprised if the author takes these characters and segues them into their own book. It was a bit abrupt as it ended; the reader is left on the hook a bit but we just have to “assume” things are going to go well from that point on (hence why she could grow this into its own book). Cute story though.
14. Finding Christmas by Elizabeth Hayes & Ashlee Taylor
This novella is a bit unusual in that it’s mischief and high jinx with their (this author team’s) characters from the book Finding Salvation (The Finding Series, #1). If you have not yet read that book, I would highly suggest you do so before you read this novella. Although it was entertaining, I have not read Finding Salvation and found myself wondering what all the practical jokes occurring with the characters and interaction with the couples within this novella were about. It was cute but baffling to me.
If you haven’t read it, and don’t read it before you read this anthology, I would suspect you will find it similar in both amusement as well as confusion too. It seemed fun, but I’m not altogether sure what I think since I was reading it blind (compared to those who would “get it” from that previous read). I highly recommend you read Finding Salvation first!
So, longest review, ever (at least to date) but then there were quite a lot of novellas within this book. Would I recommend it? Yes, absolutely I would; there are a lot of really cute stories within it and a lot of them made me smile. There were a few that weren’t my favorites, of course, but others stood out as really very interesting and delightful. Besides, this book is a fund-raiser for a Children’s Hospital so not only do you get to enjoy some fun Christmas stories, you get to help children in need too. What could be better?
There were a few typos in this book that weren’t over the top problematic – it was easy to tell what the author within those novellas meant and read on. But there are just a few. Considering this undertaking, I think it’s remarkable that this many pages were ultimately pretty free from goofs.
I’d like to thank this group of authors for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review. It pointed me in the direction stoking up my Christmas spirit; albeit a bit early - but it’s a good thing nonetheless.
March 3, 2024
2024... Paperback read (all stories read now) and if review is in 2024 I'll put that first... Any further thoughts on the original reviews will be at the end.
*** 2016 review - Gifted in exchange for my free and honest review***
Star Rating will likely change slightly but it gets a 4 star from me as the first 2 stories - a great start to get you into the Holiday spirit. (Overall it stays a 4 star book)
So...CHRISTMAS!!!! My Favourite time of the year - so I didn't turn down the offer of a copy of this anthology to review, but being I am swamped with a TBR pile with deadlines I will update this review as I read each story.
I am "treating myself" with a story after each book review.
With short stories I hate if the review gives you the story so these reviews are going to be as spoiler free as possible, so you can discover each story as you read it... almost like unwrapping your pressies on Christmas Day.
So here I begin...
1st Review: WAITING FOR MIDNIGHT BY SAMANTHA CHASE
This is the first story I have read by Ms Chase, Samantha Chase New York Times and USA Today Bestseller/contemporary romance writer.
I was engaged straight away with her characters Maddie and Kiera who are best friends, who are fed up of being alone for the holiday seasons.
Kiera has a plan to get them dates by New Year, but Maddie has a secret crush on her neigbour Noah, an ex Marine, strong moody silent type ( A romance readers perfect #BookBoyfriend) So the story develops nicely and when Noah gets injured helping change a bulb outside Maddies door, this gives her the chance to get to know him... OK thats enough about the plot, here is my thoughts:
I really loved this sweet romance and of course a HEA. The writing style is smooth and flows nicely giving you a perfectly short story that leaves you with an "Aaahhh Factor" and has got me in the Holiday Spirit already.
I look forward to unwrapping my next Christmas Treat after my next book.
2nd Review: WHITE CHRISTMAS BY AJ HARMON
Story No 2 is a sweet tale of second chance love and the Daughter they had when they were 16 being the one that brings them back together.
AJ Harmon is an Australian Author, she has a nice easy writing style that you quickly get immersed in. I enjoyed this sweet tale of teenage love ripped apart by parental pressure.
Story No 3: Holiday With Holli By S.M. Donaldson
So I was a bit disappointed in the 3rd story, you can read my review on the GR link for the novella edition the author has published, it gets 2.75 stars from me. read the full review here https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Next Review is
Story No 8 By Gia Riley. 5 stars - Loved it.
I have started reading this already, from the first 5% I have high hopes, Megan's daughter Laney is in hospital after a bad accident and Dr Kristoff is the doctor (Megan went to school with him) and the banter between them has me laughing already, even though Laney is hurt. This story was a great "Holiday Read" - I love the Christmas Movies where the spirit of Christmas brings people together, and this book had that magic touch too.
One hot Christmas . A.D. Justice
Well to be honest I didn't see what this has to do with Christmas, having only the final chapter set at that period, but as it stands it's your average rockstar book but this one has a steady girlfriend, so there's no angsty love triangle for a change, just a. Bunch of boys who are on tour, a girlfriend who after being away with her sick parent comes and meets them for the rest of the tour, they set up one of their band members up trying to get the girlfriend back... And it ends in a HEA
it was an ok read, but nothing that stood out to make me want to know more about the characters.
2024 REVIEW (I never did get to finish the rest 🧐)
No.5 Nick by AM Madden
A nice Christmas story that was entertaining and romantic.
No.6 Coming Home Taryn Plendl
After a failed marriage Ella goes home to pick her wounds, but with a father who's a typical narcissistic douche bag (critical, condescending and never around) a chance meeting with Matteo where the attraction is mutual, ends with Ella giving these feelings a chance, but it's not all plane sailing, and Matteo has to earn Ella's trust.
I did like this one, 4 star's
No.7 Tangled in Tinsel Mariah Deitz
4 stars, a second chance romance. Childhood sweethearts that broke up but didn't ever forget are trapped in an airport
They have to confront their differences, and see if they can create a future together.
A nice romantic heartwarming story.
No.9 white midnight Shari J Ryan 5 STAR'S
Shari knows how to write, I was totally hooked into the story.
I felt Fins sadness, even before knowing why.
Bex, he's got his own demons, but is still compassionate, and caring. I did love how Shari brought both the characters to a brighter future, healed their pain , oh yeah this is the only story that made me cry.
No10. A holiday discovery Ellie Key's 2.5 star's
A story of a reporter with friends in high places.
This is a hot insta heat story... set in a Swiss ski resort. I didn't quite get the abrupt plot twist concerning the mother of the main male character.
No.11 Christmas letters Christina Benjamin 5 star's
What a surprise storyline, original and heartwarming. I think this was my favourite of all.
The life of foster kids was written nicely, Showing how disconnected the system can be in giving a nurturing environment.
The suspense of the letters keeps you turning the page's.
No.12 All U want for Christmas Misha Elliott 4 Stars
This was a well-balanced holiday romance. Adriana has had a traumatic loss of her parents, she's a workaholic but has been forced to take a break, so she decides it's time to go home to Bermuda ( ok she's also Rich) she invites her brother, and her friend. Her brother asks if it's ok to Bring someone too... Adriana think's it's his latest fling... but it's his old friend and her childhood crush... Eric broke her heart, but both are still attracted to each other..
No.13 Repairing Christmas Sidonia Rose
3 stars
Cute, it has some promise but it got too serious to fast, the story started well and it was going great but then it ends abruptly with basically a paragraph with no real substance to back it up
No.14 Finding Christmas Elizabeth Hayes and Ashlee Taylor.
This was a story about characters from some other book series, but overall it's an ok standalone story that has a few funny scenes of siblings pranking each other.
Some of it left me wondering what the dynamic between the characters was, but overall it's a funny story.
.
*** 2016 review - Gifted in exchange for my free and honest review***
Star Rating will likely change slightly but it gets a 4 star from me as the first 2 stories - a great start to get you into the Holiday spirit. (Overall it stays a 4 star book)
So...CHRISTMAS!!!! My Favourite time of the year - so I didn't turn down the offer of a copy of this anthology to review, but being I am swamped with a TBR pile with deadlines I will update this review as I read each story.
I am "treating myself" with a story after each book review.
With short stories I hate if the review gives you the story so these reviews are going to be as spoiler free as possible, so you can discover each story as you read it... almost like unwrapping your pressies on Christmas Day.
So here I begin...
1st Review: WAITING FOR MIDNIGHT BY SAMANTHA CHASE
This is the first story I have read by Ms Chase, Samantha Chase New York Times and USA Today Bestseller/contemporary romance writer.
I was engaged straight away with her characters Maddie and Kiera who are best friends, who are fed up of being alone for the holiday seasons.
Kiera has a plan to get them dates by New Year, but Maddie has a secret crush on her neigbour Noah, an ex Marine, strong moody silent type ( A romance readers perfect #BookBoyfriend) So the story develops nicely and when Noah gets injured helping change a bulb outside Maddies door, this gives her the chance to get to know him... OK thats enough about the plot, here is my thoughts:
I really loved this sweet romance and of course a HEA. The writing style is smooth and flows nicely giving you a perfectly short story that leaves you with an "Aaahhh Factor" and has got me in the Holiday Spirit already.
I look forward to unwrapping my next Christmas Treat after my next book.
2nd Review: WHITE CHRISTMAS BY AJ HARMON
Story No 2 is a sweet tale of second chance love and the Daughter they had when they were 16 being the one that brings them back together.
AJ Harmon is an Australian Author, she has a nice easy writing style that you quickly get immersed in. I enjoyed this sweet tale of teenage love ripped apart by parental pressure.
Story No 3: Holiday With Holli By S.M. Donaldson
So I was a bit disappointed in the 3rd story, you can read my review on the GR link for the novella edition the author has published, it gets 2.75 stars from me. read the full review here https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Next Review is
Story No 8 By Gia Riley. 5 stars - Loved it.
I have started reading this already, from the first 5% I have high hopes, Megan's daughter Laney is in hospital after a bad accident and Dr Kristoff is the doctor (Megan went to school with him) and the banter between them has me laughing already, even though Laney is hurt. This story was a great "Holiday Read" - I love the Christmas Movies where the spirit of Christmas brings people together, and this book had that magic touch too.
One hot Christmas . A.D. Justice
Well to be honest I didn't see what this has to do with Christmas, having only the final chapter set at that period, but as it stands it's your average rockstar book but this one has a steady girlfriend, so there's no angsty love triangle for a change, just a. Bunch of boys who are on tour, a girlfriend who after being away with her sick parent comes and meets them for the rest of the tour, they set up one of their band members up trying to get the girlfriend back... And it ends in a HEA
it was an ok read, but nothing that stood out to make me want to know more about the characters.
2024 REVIEW (I never did get to finish the rest 🧐)
No.5 Nick by AM Madden
A nice Christmas story that was entertaining and romantic.
No.6 Coming Home Taryn Plendl
After a failed marriage Ella goes home to pick her wounds, but with a father who's a typical narcissistic douche bag (critical, condescending and never around) a chance meeting with Matteo where the attraction is mutual, ends with Ella giving these feelings a chance, but it's not all plane sailing, and Matteo has to earn Ella's trust.
I did like this one, 4 star's
No.7 Tangled in Tinsel Mariah Deitz
4 stars, a second chance romance. Childhood sweethearts that broke up but didn't ever forget are trapped in an airport
They have to confront their differences, and see if they can create a future together.
A nice romantic heartwarming story.
No.9 white midnight Shari J Ryan 5 STAR'S
Shari knows how to write, I was totally hooked into the story.
I felt Fins sadness, even before knowing why.
Bex, he's got his own demons, but is still compassionate, and caring. I did love how Shari brought both the characters to a brighter future, healed their pain , oh yeah this is the only story that made me cry.
No10. A holiday discovery Ellie Key's 2.5 star's
A story of a reporter with friends in high places.
This is a hot insta heat story... set in a Swiss ski resort. I didn't quite get the abrupt plot twist concerning the mother of the main male character.
No.11 Christmas letters Christina Benjamin 5 star's
What a surprise storyline, original and heartwarming. I think this was my favourite of all.
The life of foster kids was written nicely, Showing how disconnected the system can be in giving a nurturing environment.
The suspense of the letters keeps you turning the page's.
No.12 All U want for Christmas Misha Elliott 4 Stars
This was a well-balanced holiday romance. Adriana has had a traumatic loss of her parents, she's a workaholic but has been forced to take a break, so she decides it's time to go home to Bermuda ( ok she's also Rich) she invites her brother, and her friend. Her brother asks if it's ok to Bring someone too... Adriana think's it's his latest fling... but it's his old friend and her childhood crush... Eric broke her heart, but both are still attracted to each other..
No.13 Repairing Christmas Sidonia Rose
3 stars
Cute, it has some promise but it got too serious to fast, the story started well and it was going great but then it ends abruptly with basically a paragraph with no real substance to back it up
No.14 Finding Christmas Elizabeth Hayes and Ashlee Taylor.
This was a story about characters from some other book series, but overall it's an ok standalone story that has a few funny scenes of siblings pranking each other.
Some of it left me wondering what the dynamic between the characters was, but overall it's a funny story.
.
November 17, 2015
Repairing Christmas by Sidonia Rose
**ARC received in Exchange for an Honest Review**
Miranda aka Randi has just gotten her heart broken, is spending Christmas alone, and her car breaks down. Now anyone can tell you that when I care breaks down in a book (movie or TV show) it can either go bad…like The Walking Dead bad or good like magnetic electric love sparks good. Sparks…you like that double innuendo don’t cha ;-)
Well let’s be glad that her car broke down and she was helped by the cutest couple and their son…cues Glenn. Take a meddling mother (not as bad as Beverly Goldberg), a holiday party, and some pretty darn good looking young adult and a lot of things are being repaired this Christmas…and I not just talking about the spark plugs. ;-)
I love this short story which isn’t a Hallmark Channel Christmas Miracle story but more of a hot cocoa and you never know what you’re going to get story. I’m going to read it again…closer to Christmas and hope that when I slip on ice there’s a hot gentlemen with manners that will help me up and purchase me a cup of salted caramel hot cocoa. ;-)
I can't wait to read the other stories in this book.
**ARC received in Exchange for an Honest Review**
Miranda aka Randi has just gotten her heart broken, is spending Christmas alone, and her car breaks down. Now anyone can tell you that when I care breaks down in a book (movie or TV show) it can either go bad…like The Walking Dead bad or good like magnetic electric love sparks good. Sparks…you like that double innuendo don’t cha ;-)
Well let’s be glad that her car broke down and she was helped by the cutest couple and their son…cues Glenn. Take a meddling mother (not as bad as Beverly Goldberg), a holiday party, and some pretty darn good looking young adult and a lot of things are being repaired this Christmas…and I not just talking about the spark plugs. ;-)
I love this short story which isn’t a Hallmark Channel Christmas Miracle story but more of a hot cocoa and you never know what you’re going to get story. I’m going to read it again…closer to Christmas and hope that when I slip on ice there’s a hot gentlemen with manners that will help me up and purchase me a cup of salted caramel hot cocoa. ;-)
I can't wait to read the other stories in this book.
November 2, 2015
I had the pleasure of reading STAY AWHILE by GIA RILEY. This short story is so exceptional that I really want and truly hope that the author writes a full book with more of Megan, Laney and Garrett's story.
The short story begins with Megan, who is married to her high school sweetheart, being shocked and heart broken over tragedy. Her husband is not such a sweetheart and the secrets he keeps are enough to tear her and their daughter, Laney, lives apart.
When tragedy strikes and Laney needs surgery Megan runs into Garrett Kristoff, her high school friend. Now he is the surgeon that is going to perform critical surgery on Laney. Garrett has always secretly loved Megan and hates to see her in so much pain. Let's just say if you ever watched Grey's Anatomy he is the perfect blend of Mc Steamy and Mc Dreamy. Swoon
Will Garrett be the Christmas miracle Megan and Laney need when their lives have been turned upside down?
The short story begins with Megan, who is married to her high school sweetheart, being shocked and heart broken over tragedy. Her husband is not such a sweetheart and the secrets he keeps are enough to tear her and their daughter, Laney, lives apart.
When tragedy strikes and Laney needs surgery Megan runs into Garrett Kristoff, her high school friend. Now he is the surgeon that is going to perform critical surgery on Laney. Garrett has always secretly loved Megan and hates to see her in so much pain. Let's just say if you ever watched Grey's Anatomy he is the perfect blend of Mc Steamy and Mc Dreamy. Swoon
Will Garrett be the Christmas miracle Megan and Laney need when their lives have been turned upside down?
November 2, 2015
I got the honor of reading Repairing Christmas for a honest review so with no spoilers here goes. This is not my first time to read S. Rose she has always had wonderful stories and once again this was not disappionting. Miranda has stayed at college during Chritmas and trying to make her own traditions leds her down a road to an unexpected present. Short but oh so sweet. This whole book is to raise money for a children's hospit and that alone is best reason to get. Several authors took time out of their crazy schedules to give a story to help kids. I have not finished the entire book yet but the ones I have and been wonderful. Chritmas and love go hand and hand. Get this anthology and show love to a child in need.
November 3, 2015
I received an ARC for an honest review. Christmas in the City has fourteen Christmas Novellas with FIFTEEN talented authors. Each story resolves the festive holiday season. But the main subject of each story is LOVE. And becoming a fixture in someone's life. And a few of the stories had me laughing hard. I absolutely loved reading this box set. Definitely will get you excited for Christmas Holiday. Highly recommend this set. And with a major plus, all these authors are benefiting a great cause.
November 2, 2015
Christmas in the City is fifteen amazing authors with fourteen awesome novellas. This box set is perfect for The Christmas season. It is all about love stories, but one is different from the last. I would recommend this to anyone looking for Christmas magic and helping kids.
I was given an ARC of this collection, for my honest review.
I was given an ARC of this collection, for my honest review.
December 13, 2017
🎄 Waiting for Midnight - Samantha Chase ★★★★
Maddie se arriesga con su vecino Noah, como es navidad... todo puede pasar. Una historia un poco cliché pero muy romántica en un sentido muy simplista y algo seguro de disfrutar.
✓ White Christmas - AJ Harmon ★★★★
Una historia de un reencuentro romántico luego de 14 años de ser padres y de haber dado en adopción a su hija.
Erik y April, con la ayuda de su hija Lisa con quien se reencuentran muchos años después descubren que los años y los desencuentros no han disminuido el años que sienten el uno por el otro y la navidad es el marco perfecto para celebrarlo.
✓ Holiday With Holli - S.M. Donaldson ★★
Holli viaja a casa de sus padres para las fiestas, usualmente lo evita pero esta navidad siente la necesidad de volver a casa; a pesar de que su madre organiza un viaje y sus padres no van a estar.
Zack también estará solo, su padre viaja a ver un amigo. Así que lógicamente Zack y Holli terminan pasando las fiestas juntos. Lo cual es irónico considerando que en la secundaria se odiaban.
No me convenció mucho esta historia. Zack bullied Holli durante toda la secundaria, la excusa es que la amaba pero bueh. Y la madre de Holli realmente no merece perdón; pero así y todo, todos terminan felices.
✓ One Hot Christmas - A.D. Justice ★
Ni siquiera el hecho que hubiera una banda de rock salvo la historia. No me gustó para nada y nada que llamara la atención... totalmente olvidable!!
✓ Nick - AM Madden ★★
Flojito... deja muchas cosas y en realidad es una narración erótica del primer encuentro entre Nick y Angela. Teniendo en cuenta la profesión de Nick y el pasado de Angela podría haber sido una historia corta mucho más rica.
Supongo que la idea es atraer para leer el libro completo de ambos personajes pero en mi caso no funcionó, a pesar de que la sinopsis de Glass Ceilings es bastante atrapante.
✓ Coming Home - Taryn Plendi ★★★
Insta-love o mejor dicho lust. Pero con un bonito desarrollo para la corta historia con romance, un trama bastante bien desarrollada y personajes que uno quiere y de los que se enamora. Matteo es un hombre bastante agradable y básicamente el cliché de toda novela romántica pero muy dulce y tierno. Gabriella es la que verdaderamente encuentra su hogar, junto a Matt pero lo más importante es que es encuentra a sí misma.
✓ Tangled in Tinsel - Mariah Dietz ★★★★
Una historia romántica centrada en una aeropuerto!!!
Piper y Carter tratan de volver a casa para navidad en medio de una tormenta de nieve que lleva a cancelar todos los vuelos; ambos tiene un pasado y una historia romántica desde niños. El clima, el aeropuerto y la época navideña les da oportunidad de decir todas las cosas que ambos llevan años ignorando.
Muy linda historia!! A Piper la hubiera golpeado numerosas veces pero Carter es una amor!!
✓ Stay Awhile - Gia Riley ★★★★
Megan está pasando el peor momento de su vida; su hija está en el hospital y su esposo en la cárcel. La persona que aparece para operar a su hija es el Dr Kristoff... aunque para Megan siempre va a ser Garett; el chico que la torturaba en la secundaria.
A medida que Megan descubre la verdad de matrimonio y comienza a ver quien es la persona en la cual sí puede confiar lega navidad y la oportunidad perfecta de tomar nuevas decisiones.
🎄 White Midnight - Shari J. Ryan ★★★★★
La mejor historia hasta ahora sin lugar a dudas!!!!!
Finnley se encuentra sola en el campus universitario durante navidad y una tormrnta que la lleva a buscar provisiones y a envontrarse con el apuesto Bex.
Estan ellos dos solos durante la tormenta, con unos cuantos altibajos que los lleva a darse cuenta de que en realidad tienen mucho en común y que al abrirse y confiar en alguien permite sanar las heridas y disfrutar de lo que el futuro depara.
Me encantó!!!! Los personajes, la historia, las lecciones que ambos personajes aprenden. Bella de pricipio a fin!
✓ A Holiday Discovery - Ellie Keys ★
Un gran y profundo No!! Una historia rapida con muchos personajes que no suman y la verdad que unos protagonistas bastante insulsos.
✓ Christmas Letters - Christina Benjamin ★★★★
Totalmente novedosa y adorable; Rae y Alex son dos huérfanos que están en el sistema. Hace un año que están separados. Rae empieza a perder las esperanzas de volverlo a ver pero juesto antes de navidad comienzan a llegar cartas... Cartas con información y recuerdos que ambos han compartido. El deseo de navidad de Rae está a punto de cumplirse cuando llegue la última carta y el día de navidad.
✓ All I Want for Christmas - Misha Elliott ★★★
Adriana y Eric... una historia de una nueva oportunidad después de un malentendido en la juventud. Una navidad en la paya y en el calor. Me gustó porque es una navidad con calor bien típica del hemisferio sur. En teoría la historia es buena pero me quedé con ganas de más.
✓ Repairing Christmas - Sidonia Rose ★★★★
Me encantó está historia!!! La forma en que Miranda y Glenn se conocen y como la familia de él interviene en ello. Es una historia que promete; romántica, bonita, con muy lindos personajes.... me quedé con ganas de más y realmente daba para sguir todo un libro con ésta historia.
✓ Finding Christmas - Elizabeth Hayes & Ashlee Taylor ★
Flojita... muchos personajes y debo admitir que salteé varias paginas de esta historia.
Me encantan las historias navideñas y en especial libros como estos con muchas en ellos. Es una muy buena alternativa para leer mucho en un comprimido y conocer autores que uno no conoce.
November 2, 2015
Christmas in the City
An anthology including works by Samantha Chase, AJ Harmon, S.M. Donaldson, A.D. Justice, A.M. Madden, Taryn Plendl, Mariah Dietz, Gia Riley, Shari J. Ryan, Ellie Keys, Christina Benjamin, Misha Elliott, Sidonia Rose, Elizabeth Hayes, and Ashley Taylor. This was written as a fund-raiser with sales from this book being donated to a Children’s Miracle Network/Arnold Palmer Children’s Hospital in Florida!
~Waiting for Midnight~ Samantha Chase
Maddie’s loves the holidays and she is hoping that this is the year that she will finally have a date on New Years. She has a guy in mind,her sexy neighbor, but Noah is very private and sometimes standoffish. Will she finally find away to go from neighbor to more? Or will she end up dateless again?
~White Christmas ~AJ Harmon
Lisa, gets a school assignment to research her family history. Lisa is 14 and knows she is adopted, her parents have been open about that. After talking to them she decided that it’s time to meet her birth parents. Amazingly both April and Erik agree to meet her, after her first meeting with them she invites them both to her Halloween party. Seeing them both together she gets the idea, that she needs to try to get them back together. Will her plan work or was their failed relationship plagued with to much history to overcome?
~Holiday With Holli~S.M. Donaldson
Holli was always quiet and reserved at school, because of the high expectations her home life placed on her. When coming back home for Christmas she is trying to listen to friends and try something new. Driving home in icy conditions find her leaning on the boy that always teased her in high school. Will this icy weather help defrost the ice in their relationship or will they continue with the coldness towards each other?
One Hot Christmas -A.D. Justice
When Jagger York starts their tour, one of the stars does the long distance thing with his girl friend while another gets dumped.This story is about how they are both handling the rock start life with and without a relationship.
~Nick~AM Madden
By definition, a one-night stand is simply a sexual encounter lasting only a single night. Meaningless, mindless, detached fornication without an expectation of further relations. Each party then resumes their lives as if never having met the other.
But when working at the Dump, Nick met Angela and they seemed to have a spark that they had never felt with anyone else. So will this be the one night stand? or will this be the relationship that sticks?
Coming Home -Taryn Plendi
review to come
~Tangled in Tinsel~Mariah Dietz
Going home for Christmas can be as much fun as stressful. And this is very true this year when traveling home and the airport closes down due to weather. If things weren't bad enough Piper runs into her past. They shared a few stolen moments, but the pain he caused her when he ended things, created so much hatred towards him that it trumped all her other feelings.
Full of emotions and angst. Mariah keeps you guessing at what is next.
Stay Awhile -Gia Riley
review to come
White Midnight -Shari J. Ryan
review to come
A Holiday Discovery -Ellie Keys
review to come
Christmas Letters -Christina Benjamin
review to come
All I Want for Christmas -Misha Elliott
review to come
Repairing Christmas -Sidonia Rose
review to come
Finding Christmas -Elizabeth Hayes & Ashlee Taylor
review to come
An anthology including works by Samantha Chase, AJ Harmon, S.M. Donaldson, A.D. Justice, A.M. Madden, Taryn Plendl, Mariah Dietz, Gia Riley, Shari J. Ryan, Ellie Keys, Christina Benjamin, Misha Elliott, Sidonia Rose, Elizabeth Hayes, and Ashley Taylor. This was written as a fund-raiser with sales from this book being donated to a Children’s Miracle Network/Arnold Palmer Children’s Hospital in Florida!
~Waiting for Midnight~ Samantha Chase
Maddie’s loves the holidays and she is hoping that this is the year that she will finally have a date on New Years. She has a guy in mind,her sexy neighbor, but Noah is very private and sometimes standoffish. Will she finally find away to go from neighbor to more? Or will she end up dateless again?
~White Christmas ~AJ Harmon
Lisa, gets a school assignment to research her family history. Lisa is 14 and knows she is adopted, her parents have been open about that. After talking to them she decided that it’s time to meet her birth parents. Amazingly both April and Erik agree to meet her, after her first meeting with them she invites them both to her Halloween party. Seeing them both together she gets the idea, that she needs to try to get them back together. Will her plan work or was their failed relationship plagued with to much history to overcome?
~Holiday With Holli~S.M. Donaldson
Holli was always quiet and reserved at school, because of the high expectations her home life placed on her. When coming back home for Christmas she is trying to listen to friends and try something new. Driving home in icy conditions find her leaning on the boy that always teased her in high school. Will this icy weather help defrost the ice in their relationship or will they continue with the coldness towards each other?
One Hot Christmas -A.D. Justice
When Jagger York starts their tour, one of the stars does the long distance thing with his girl friend while another gets dumped.This story is about how they are both handling the rock start life with and without a relationship.
~Nick~AM Madden
By definition, a one-night stand is simply a sexual encounter lasting only a single night. Meaningless, mindless, detached fornication without an expectation of further relations. Each party then resumes their lives as if never having met the other.
But when working at the Dump, Nick met Angela and they seemed to have a spark that they had never felt with anyone else. So will this be the one night stand? or will this be the relationship that sticks?
Coming Home -Taryn Plendi
review to come
~Tangled in Tinsel~Mariah Dietz
Going home for Christmas can be as much fun as stressful. And this is very true this year when traveling home and the airport closes down due to weather. If things weren't bad enough Piper runs into her past. They shared a few stolen moments, but the pain he caused her when he ended things, created so much hatred towards him that it trumped all her other feelings.
Full of emotions and angst. Mariah keeps you guessing at what is next.
Stay Awhile -Gia Riley
review to come
White Midnight -Shari J. Ryan
review to come
A Holiday Discovery -Ellie Keys
review to come
Christmas Letters -Christina Benjamin
review to come
All I Want for Christmas -Misha Elliott
review to come
Repairing Christmas -Sidonia Rose
review to come
Finding Christmas -Elizabeth Hayes & Ashlee Taylor
review to come
November 2, 2015
Fifteen stories centered around Christmas time will surely make you feel the Holiday cheer. Every story is well written, making this anthology such an enjoyable read.
Each short story highlights love and the idea that we can find it where and when we least expect it or how working for it will bring you huge rewards. These authors give something for everyone; second chances, new loves, secret crushes and the gamut of feelings from sweet to sexy to heartbreaking and more.
Some of the ones I really enjoyed are:
Nick by AM Madden
The start of a new novel, we meet Nick and Angela. Their chemistry is instant and the cold Christmas air does nothing to cool the heat between these two. Their planned one-night stand turns out to be so much more, but will they take a chance and explore it? I can’t wait to read more about Nick and Angela, along with the hilarity brought about by Jase and Eve.
One Hot Christmas by AD Justice
Jagger York is on tour and the band members are in a heap of hilarious antics, trying to pass the time and play tricks on each other. Jagger and Mali continue with the sweetness of their relationship while Dane and Cass struggle to make theirs work.
Waiting for Midnight by Samantha Chase
Maddie has a crush on her neighbor Noah, but he keeps to himself and she has no hopes of ever getting anywhere with him. But one broken step ladder and a lightbulb in need of repair are the perfect excuse for their encounter. Things are not what they seem and they soon find that Christmas is a holiday for romance.
Christmas Letters by Christina Benjamin
Rae has spent her life in the foster system, never caring much for Christmas. When she starts receiving letters from an anonymous source, she thinks it’s a prank, until she realizes the sender knows intimate things about her. How will she react to this? Will she finally see Christmas differently?
Each short story highlights love and the idea that we can find it where and when we least expect it or how working for it will bring you huge rewards. These authors give something for everyone; second chances, new loves, secret crushes and the gamut of feelings from sweet to sexy to heartbreaking and more.
Some of the ones I really enjoyed are:
Nick by AM Madden
The start of a new novel, we meet Nick and Angela. Their chemistry is instant and the cold Christmas air does nothing to cool the heat between these two. Their planned one-night stand turns out to be so much more, but will they take a chance and explore it? I can’t wait to read more about Nick and Angela, along with the hilarity brought about by Jase and Eve.
One Hot Christmas by AD Justice
Jagger York is on tour and the band members are in a heap of hilarious antics, trying to pass the time and play tricks on each other. Jagger and Mali continue with the sweetness of their relationship while Dane and Cass struggle to make theirs work.
Waiting for Midnight by Samantha Chase
Maddie has a crush on her neighbor Noah, but he keeps to himself and she has no hopes of ever getting anywhere with him. But one broken step ladder and a lightbulb in need of repair are the perfect excuse for their encounter. Things are not what they seem and they soon find that Christmas is a holiday for romance.
Christmas Letters by Christina Benjamin
Rae has spent her life in the foster system, never caring much for Christmas. When she starts receiving letters from an anonymous source, she thinks it’s a prank, until she realizes the sender knows intimate things about her. How will she react to this? Will she finally see Christmas differently?
November 6, 2015
I had the pleasure of reading these wonderful Christmas Novella's and was introduced to some authors I haven't read before but what is great about this release is that the proceeds are being donated to the Children's Hospital in Florida.
Christmas in the City is filled with love and what better time is there, we'd all love our own magical Christmas. Each of these novella's is by a different author some characters you may have already met (Jagger York by A.D Justice) and some we get a glimpse of what is in store for us (Nick Farley by AM Madden), each book is different some are truly romantic, some have you laughing and others will have your heart racing but all are worth a read and by doing so we are all helping to support a great cause.
Please go get your copy xx
Christmas in the City is filled with love and what better time is there, we'd all love our own magical Christmas. Each of these novella's is by a different author some characters you may have already met (Jagger York by A.D Justice) and some we get a glimpse of what is in store for us (Nick Farley by AM Madden), each book is different some are truly romantic, some have you laughing and others will have your heart racing but all are worth a read and by doing so we are all helping to support a great cause.
Please go get your copy xx
November 3, 2015
I am giving this review on behalf of Kats Book Promotions/ Katsindiebookblog. I stayed up all night reading these novellas from all these great authors in the Indie World. Adding Christmas in the mix and you have one great anthology. Everything from second chances to HEA's, this book has it all. If you aren't in the Christmas mood yet, you surely will be after reading these. You have sexy to romance, high school crushes to rock stars. This book is seriously a one stop shop for all your reading needs. And if that's not enough instinctive to order this book, the proceeds for this book goes to a great charity in Florida to help out children. So let's get our romance reading on and help out children at the same time!
November 2, 2015
I had the opportunity to read Stay Awhile by Gia Riley. WOW I absolutely loved Megan and Garrett's story. From the first page Gia had me hooked. This is a story of tragedy, hope and second chances. When Megan's world flips upside down, and she can barely hold it together in walks Garrett. Oh my he had me swooning. Will Megan let him in and accept his help? You will have to read to find out. I adored these characters and pray Gia gives us more. I look forward to what comes next for them. This was a five star read for me and I highly recommend Christmas In The City.
November 4, 2015
Christmas in the City is festive anthology of Christmas Novellas that can't help but make you smile and feel jolly! All 15 authors brought remarkable spirit to their stories, and a personal favorite author of mine, Samantha Chase, gave me lots to glimmer and shimmer about in Waiting For Midnight! Lots of longing and emotions and Christmas trees and love fill these pages! Spend some time with this holiday cheer Christmas magic today!
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