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Spencer-Nyle Co #Includes Bluebird Winter
Under the Mistletoe: Bluebird Winter / Naughty or Nice?
BLUEBIRD WINTER by New York Times bestselling author Linda Howard
Kathleen Fields had to reach the clinic, but a Christmas blizzard left her stranded, ready to give birth. Then Derek Taliferro arrived with his doctor's skill and caring heart. Together they brought Kathleen's child into the world and discovered love, the greatest gift of all.
NAUGHTY OR NICE? by bestselling author Stephanie Bond
Eric Quinn Stanton has never let pleasure interfere with business--until now. His practice is to arrive early and incognito at a job, to see firsthand what's working... and what's not. But he can't seem to see past Cindy's beautiful green eyes or her other generous assets. And he can't stop himself from testing the general manager's skills--on the job and in the bedroom. But what will she think when she learns his true identity?
Kathleen Fields had to reach the clinic, but a Christmas blizzard left her stranded, ready to give birth. Then Derek Taliferro arrived with his doctor's skill and caring heart. Together they brought Kathleen's child into the world and discovered love, the greatest gift of all.
NAUGHTY OR NICE? by bestselling author Stephanie Bond
Eric Quinn Stanton has never let pleasure interfere with business--until now. His practice is to arrive early and incognito at a job, to see firsthand what's working... and what's not. But he can't seem to see past Cindy's beautiful green eyes or her other generous assets. And he can't stop himself from testing the general manager's skills--on the job and in the bedroom. But what will she think when she learns his true identity?
336 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2008
5 people are currently reading
439 people want to read
About the author
Linda Howard
223 books7,180 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Linda S. Howington is an American best-selling romance author writing under the pseudonym Linda Howard. After 21 years of penning stories for her own enjoyment, she submitted a novel for publication which was very successful. Her first work was published by Silhouette in 1982. She is a charter member of Romance Writers of America and in 2005 Howard was awarded their Career Achievement Award.
Linda Howard lives in Gadsden, Alabama with her husband, Gary F. Howington, and two golden retrievers. She has three grown stepchildren and three grandchildren.
Linda S. Howington is an American best-selling romance author writing under the pseudonym Linda Howard. After 21 years of penning stories for her own enjoyment, she submitted a novel for publication which was very successful. Her first work was published by Silhouette in 1982. She is a charter member of Romance Writers of America and in 2005 Howard was awarded their Career Achievement Award.
Linda Howard lives in Gadsden, Alabama with her husband, Gary F. Howington, and two golden retrievers. She has three grown stepchildren and three grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
December 8, 2008
If you are in the mood for a feel-good Christmas romance, then this anthology is the book to read this holiday season ...
BLUEBIRD WINTER: (Linda Howard)
Stuck at home alone during a Christmas Day blizzard, pregnant Kathleen Fields goes into labor one month too early. Terrified, she attempts to drive herself to the hospital, but manages to run her old pick-up truck into a ditch.
Enter Derek Taliferro - a medical doctor who (conveniently) specializes in neonatal care. Derek nearly misses Kathleen's truck while driving through the blinding white mess, but pulls his vehicle over to check things out. He carries the pregnant woman, locked in the grip of a painful contraction, (note my sarcastic tone!) to his Jeep Cherokee. Tells her "It's all right, sweetheart ..." Drives her back to her home. Delivers her baby. They fall magically in love and have their HEA. All in 101 pages. A heart-shaped locket and bluebird music box do add a sweet element to this short story, but it is still missing something and fails miserably.
Linda Howard is one of my favorite authors; however, I am not crazy about her anthologies. Give her a full-size novel and this author can do brilliant and wonderful things with it. But this storyline has been done before. And it wasn't believable - not even for romanceland. Based on this story alone I would give the book 2-3 stars, but I am giving it 5 stars because of Stephanie Bond's contribution ...
NAUGHTY OR NICE?: (Bond)
I am slowly working my way through Stephanie Bond's popular mystery series (a/k/a Body Movers), but I have yet to read one of her contemporary romances or HQ Blaze's. This romantic comedy gave me a good case of the giggles and left me looking up Bond's website so I could check out her backlist. Her writing is clever and funny and she is talented at putting a spin on the old cliche's that we are accustomed to in romance.
Cindy Warren is the goofy, but organized General Manager of the Chandelier Hotel in San Francisco. Eric Quinn Stanton - retained by the corporation who owns the hotel to evaluate Miss Warren and her staff - shows up at the Chandelier Hotel a week prior to Christmas and is working undercover. Cindy assumes Eric is in the sex toy biz and is staying at the hotel to attend a sex toy convention. Chaos and mayhem ensue and Miss Warren finds herself stuck in the most bizarre circumstances.
There are several hilarious stories of hairstyling jobs gone horribly bad, decorating nightmares with the hotel's Christmas tree, a missing pair of silk PJ's, the larger-than-life gay sidekick, and a small mystery involving a vintage chandelier. And then there is the sex. Raunchy but totally funny sex. (Remember that Cindy thinks Eric is in the sex toys biz? Naturally tries to impress him.) There is one particular scene that takes place on the rooftop of the hotel with a spotlight and a team of policeman ready to assist a suicidal jumper. That one had me laughing out loud and my hubby staring at me like I had finally lost my mind!
As I mentioned earlier, Cindy was slightly goofy. But she is also smart and has very good intentions. She could easily be someone that I would want to become friends with. Her character reminded me very much of Annabelle in SEP's MATCH ME IF YOU CAN.
Eric was a little bit too much of a cliche', but I still found myself liking him in spite of it. The end of the story was also another old cliche', but again, I liked it. Why? Because the author did not have Eric popping out an engagement ring 5 days after he met and fell in love with Cindy. Bond gave this short story the appropriate and believable ending that it needed.
Bonus: Both authors have short letters to their readers at the end of their stories.
BLUEBIRD WINTER: (Linda Howard)
Stuck at home alone during a Christmas Day blizzard, pregnant Kathleen Fields goes into labor one month too early. Terrified, she attempts to drive herself to the hospital, but manages to run her old pick-up truck into a ditch.
Enter Derek Taliferro - a medical doctor who (conveniently) specializes in neonatal care. Derek nearly misses Kathleen's truck while driving through the blinding white mess, but pulls his vehicle over to check things out. He carries the pregnant woman, locked in the grip of a painful contraction, (note my sarcastic tone!) to his Jeep Cherokee. Tells her "It's all right, sweetheart ..." Drives her back to her home. Delivers her baby. They fall magically in love and have their HEA. All in 101 pages. A heart-shaped locket and bluebird music box do add a sweet element to this short story, but it is still missing something and fails miserably.
Linda Howard is one of my favorite authors; however, I am not crazy about her anthologies. Give her a full-size novel and this author can do brilliant and wonderful things with it. But this storyline has been done before. And it wasn't believable - not even for romanceland. Based on this story alone I would give the book 2-3 stars, but I am giving it 5 stars because of Stephanie Bond's contribution ...
NAUGHTY OR NICE?: (Bond)
I am slowly working my way through Stephanie Bond's popular mystery series (a/k/a Body Movers), but I have yet to read one of her contemporary romances or HQ Blaze's. This romantic comedy gave me a good case of the giggles and left me looking up Bond's website so I could check out her backlist. Her writing is clever and funny and she is talented at putting a spin on the old cliche's that we are accustomed to in romance.
Cindy Warren is the goofy, but organized General Manager of the Chandelier Hotel in San Francisco. Eric Quinn Stanton - retained by the corporation who owns the hotel to evaluate Miss Warren and her staff - shows up at the Chandelier Hotel a week prior to Christmas and is working undercover. Cindy assumes Eric is in the sex toy biz and is staying at the hotel to attend a sex toy convention. Chaos and mayhem ensue and Miss Warren finds herself stuck in the most bizarre circumstances.
There are several hilarious stories of hairstyling jobs gone horribly bad, decorating nightmares with the hotel's Christmas tree, a missing pair of silk PJ's, the larger-than-life gay sidekick, and a small mystery involving a vintage chandelier. And then there is the sex. Raunchy but totally funny sex. (Remember that Cindy thinks Eric is in the sex toys biz? Naturally tries to impress him.) There is one particular scene that takes place on the rooftop of the hotel with a spotlight and a team of policeman ready to assist a suicidal jumper. That one had me laughing out loud and my hubby staring at me like I had finally lost my mind!
As I mentioned earlier, Cindy was slightly goofy. But she is also smart and has very good intentions. She could easily be someone that I would want to become friends with. Her character reminded me very much of Annabelle in SEP's MATCH ME IF YOU CAN.
Eric was a little bit too much of a cliche', but I still found myself liking him in spite of it. The end of the story was also another old cliche', but again, I liked it. Why? Because the author did not have Eric popping out an engagement ring 5 days after he met and fell in love with Cindy. Bond gave this short story the appropriate and believable ending that it needed.
Bonus: Both authors have short letters to their readers at the end of their stories.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2017
The first story by Linda Howard was just plain crazy. I just could not wrap my brain around any of what was taking place in this story. The 2nd story by Stephanie Bond was somewhat better. I did get several chuckles out of it. The h drove me nuts. I know people can be clumsy but good grief! At least this story felt more like Christmas reading it.
January 5, 2013
There are two stories in this book-"Bluebird Winter" by Linda Howard and "Naughty or Nice" by Stephanie Bond
Bluebird Winter by Linda Howard
Kathleen Fields did not need anyone in her life except her unborn child. She had a rough childhood, raised by her grandparents, feeling unloved and unworthy. When her grandparents died they left their ranch to her and she worked it, as well as other jobs, to keep the bills paid. Her husband left when he learned she was pregnant. She had been a naive young woman, taken in by his attention and flattery; all that ended once he had the ring on her finger. Now here she was without a husband and her child on the way. It’s Christmas and a “freak” blizzard hits. Kathleen isn’t too worried; it’s only a little less than four weeks until the baby is due. Electricity and phone service are out. A few hours later pain grips her and radiates around her abdomen and her water breaks. Kathleen decides her only option is to try to drive to the clinic 20 miles away. She makes it to the truck and down the driveway and is on the main road when another contraction strikes and she inadvertently jerks the steering wheel and ends up in a ditch. Kathleen fears for the worst…after all who, besides her, would be dumb enough to try in drive in this weather.
Derek Talifero is on his way home from his mother and step-father’s house when he gets caught in a blizzard. He knew he should have left the night before, but he loved spending time with his mother and seeing her so happy, that he extended his trip. He is driving very cautiously since visibility is almost zero and he is hoping that he is on a road still. Then something off to the side catches his attention. He was just going to keep driving but, being a doctor, he had to make sure that it was nothing and then he could move on with a clear conscience. Derek is surprised when he finds that the pile of snow is a truck on its side with a very pregnant lady in it.
Thus begins the tale of Derek and Kathleen. One who always seems to zero in on what he wants and doesn't falter on his way there and the other who is leery of men and never really trusting of anyone or anything. They begin their journey together with the impending birth of Kathleen’s baby, where will the journey take them?
This was a very good story that I enjoyed.
Naughty or Nice by Stephanie Bond
This story is centered on a quirky hotel called the Chandelier House, so named for the beautiful, huge, chandelier in the central foyer/lobby. Cindy Warren, general manager of the hotel loved the oddities of the patrons of her hotel. She had spent some of her childhood years in the hotel, when her grandfather had owned/managed it. They had recently been bought by a large conglomerate that catered to the business class and they were sending in their contractor “hatchet” man to evaluate the hotel to see if it met the corporate standards. Cindy did not like, nor agree with a lot of the corporate mandates as she felt they did not fit in with the clientele of the Chandelier House. She had to find a way to make the unknown assessor realize the full potential of the hotel. Cindy garnered loyalty in all her employees and they all liked and respected her as well.
Eric Quinn Stanton liked to arrive at his jobs incognito for a few days prior to his team’s arrival so that he could see the real personnel in action before they realized who he was. A week or so before Christmas he arrived at Chandelier House and was making use of the hotels barber when the general manager, Cindy, walked in to get a haircut from the newly hired women’s stylist. She was determined to make a good impression on the independent corporate evaluator that was due to arrive within the week. So, Eric’s first glimpse of the general manager was to see her get her long straight hair cut off all for his sake, without her even realizing it. The end result was not less than stellar and not at all what Cindy had hoped for. Well, she had to make do with what she had.
Thank goodness for Manny Oliver, the hotels concierge, that Cindy had hired about a year ago. He was a marvel at his job plus a true friend to Cindy. Manny helped Cindy through a lot of crises, both personal and professional. Hopefully, between the two of them they could salvage her haircut. Cindy had to take care of the hotel lodgers and keep things running smoothly all while worrying about the hotel assessor coming and finding her hotel wanting.
This was a great story. I loved the oddball clients, the hotel mishaps and everything else going on in the story. We learn something about Eric Stanton’s background and Cindy Warren’s too and we meet a few of the hotel staff and clients that keep things interesting. Talk about a “comedy of errors” and “Murphy’s Law” I think Cindy Warren had more than her share throughout this story. I was cringing, laughing, crying and thoroughly enjoying this story.
Bluebird Winter by Linda Howard
Kathleen Fields did not need anyone in her life except her unborn child. She had a rough childhood, raised by her grandparents, feeling unloved and unworthy. When her grandparents died they left their ranch to her and she worked it, as well as other jobs, to keep the bills paid. Her husband left when he learned she was pregnant. She had been a naive young woman, taken in by his attention and flattery; all that ended once he had the ring on her finger. Now here she was without a husband and her child on the way. It’s Christmas and a “freak” blizzard hits. Kathleen isn’t too worried; it’s only a little less than four weeks until the baby is due. Electricity and phone service are out. A few hours later pain grips her and radiates around her abdomen and her water breaks. Kathleen decides her only option is to try to drive to the clinic 20 miles away. She makes it to the truck and down the driveway and is on the main road when another contraction strikes and she inadvertently jerks the steering wheel and ends up in a ditch. Kathleen fears for the worst…after all who, besides her, would be dumb enough to try in drive in this weather.
Derek Talifero is on his way home from his mother and step-father’s house when he gets caught in a blizzard. He knew he should have left the night before, but he loved spending time with his mother and seeing her so happy, that he extended his trip. He is driving very cautiously since visibility is almost zero and he is hoping that he is on a road still. Then something off to the side catches his attention. He was just going to keep driving but, being a doctor, he had to make sure that it was nothing and then he could move on with a clear conscience. Derek is surprised when he finds that the pile of snow is a truck on its side with a very pregnant lady in it.
Thus begins the tale of Derek and Kathleen. One who always seems to zero in on what he wants and doesn't falter on his way there and the other who is leery of men and never really trusting of anyone or anything. They begin their journey together with the impending birth of Kathleen’s baby, where will the journey take them?
This was a very good story that I enjoyed.
Naughty or Nice by Stephanie Bond
This story is centered on a quirky hotel called the Chandelier House, so named for the beautiful, huge, chandelier in the central foyer/lobby. Cindy Warren, general manager of the hotel loved the oddities of the patrons of her hotel. She had spent some of her childhood years in the hotel, when her grandfather had owned/managed it. They had recently been bought by a large conglomerate that catered to the business class and they were sending in their contractor “hatchet” man to evaluate the hotel to see if it met the corporate standards. Cindy did not like, nor agree with a lot of the corporate mandates as she felt they did not fit in with the clientele of the Chandelier House. She had to find a way to make the unknown assessor realize the full potential of the hotel. Cindy garnered loyalty in all her employees and they all liked and respected her as well.
Eric Quinn Stanton liked to arrive at his jobs incognito for a few days prior to his team’s arrival so that he could see the real personnel in action before they realized who he was. A week or so before Christmas he arrived at Chandelier House and was making use of the hotels barber when the general manager, Cindy, walked in to get a haircut from the newly hired women’s stylist. She was determined to make a good impression on the independent corporate evaluator that was due to arrive within the week. So, Eric’s first glimpse of the general manager was to see her get her long straight hair cut off all for his sake, without her even realizing it. The end result was not less than stellar and not at all what Cindy had hoped for. Well, she had to make do with what she had.
Thank goodness for Manny Oliver, the hotels concierge, that Cindy had hired about a year ago. He was a marvel at his job plus a true friend to Cindy. Manny helped Cindy through a lot of crises, both personal and professional. Hopefully, between the two of them they could salvage her haircut. Cindy had to take care of the hotel lodgers and keep things running smoothly all while worrying about the hotel assessor coming and finding her hotel wanting.
This was a great story. I loved the oddball clients, the hotel mishaps and everything else going on in the story. We learn something about Eric Stanton’s background and Cindy Warren’s too and we meet a few of the hotel staff and clients that keep things interesting. Talk about a “comedy of errors” and “Murphy’s Law” I think Cindy Warren had more than her share throughout this story. I was cringing, laughing, crying and thoroughly enjoying this story.
July 16, 2017
I only read Bluebird Winter, the final book in the Spencer-Nyle series by Linda Howard. This was Derek Taliferro's story, having finished college and medical school and practicing at a Dallas hospital. He's a neonatal specialist who, on his way home from visiting his mother for the Christmas holidays, comes upon Kathleen Fields stranded in her car during a blizzard and in the throes of premature labor. Derek delivers the baby at her home and, lovestruck with both Kathleen and the baby, takes them with him to Dallas.
This was a sweet, improbable story but a nice wrap-up to the series with one of my most favorite characters at the forefront. I don't believe in love at first sight romances so the premise was off for me. With that said, it was a quick, easy read I enjoyed.
This was a sweet, improbable story but a nice wrap-up to the series with one of my most favorite characters at the forefront. I don't believe in love at first sight romances so the premise was off for me. With that said, it was a quick, easy read I enjoyed.
December 21, 2014
This was a pretty good book. I liked both stories and enjoyed reading them. This is a lighter book a great for the holiday season. Something that would be great for relaxing and just for fun. There were emotions, a little steaminess, great characters and personalities, sweetness, hope, disasters ;), determination, courage, some touching scenes, some tough patches, and great HEAs. I liked both books and am glad they were a little different. The first was more of a softer more emotional kinda read and the second was more humorous but still just as good. I really enjoyed reading these and I might just try and read them again during the next holiday just for fun. Enjoy!
November 23, 2009
Pure fluff!! Extremely unrealistic... Made me queasy! Had to stop reading it as though I were having an allergic reaction to it!!
August 6, 2017
This book contains two stories. The first is Bluebird Winter by Linda Howard which is the third installment in the Spencer-Nyle Co. trilogy and the second is Naughty or Nice? by Stephanie Bond. Both were light, easy reads.
Bluebird Winter features Dr. Derek Taliferro who was a character in both of the other Spencer-Nyle books. Now he has grown up and become a neonatal specialist. It is Christmas and he is on his way home to Dallas in a snowstorm when he comes across Kathleen Fields stranded in a ditch. She is eleven months pregnant and in labor. They are near her home in the country and Derek takes her back there to deliver her baby and care for her until the storm breaks and they can make it to his hospital in Dallas where they can properly be cared for. Derek falls for Kathleen and her baby daughter and asks Kathleen to marry him. This happened so fast that I found it almost not believable.
Naughty or Nice? is a Christmas comedy romance. Eric Stanton has been sent incognito to San Francisco to evaluate the Chandelier House hotel as a guest. Cindy Warren is the general manager and she knows that the corporate headquarters is sending a team to scrutinize the operations of the facility, but doesn't recognize Eric Quinn as the corporate hatchet man. All sorts of embarrassing things happen to Cindy, but the attraction between her and Eric is pretty amazing. He is trying to maintain a professional distance because of the position he is in, but it becomes increasingly hard.
Bluebird Winter features Dr. Derek Taliferro who was a character in both of the other Spencer-Nyle books. Now he has grown up and become a neonatal specialist. It is Christmas and he is on his way home to Dallas in a snowstorm when he comes across Kathleen Fields stranded in a ditch. She is eleven months pregnant and in labor. They are near her home in the country and Derek takes her back there to deliver her baby and care for her until the storm breaks and they can make it to his hospital in Dallas where they can properly be cared for. Derek falls for Kathleen and her baby daughter and asks Kathleen to marry him. This happened so fast that I found it almost not believable.
Naughty or Nice? is a Christmas comedy romance. Eric Stanton has been sent incognito to San Francisco to evaluate the Chandelier House hotel as a guest. Cindy Warren is the general manager and she knows that the corporate headquarters is sending a team to scrutinize the operations of the facility, but doesn't recognize Eric Quinn as the corporate hatchet man. All sorts of embarrassing things happen to Cindy, but the attraction between her and Eric is pretty amazing. He is trying to maintain a professional distance because of the position he is in, but it becomes increasingly hard.
April 18, 2018
Actually more like 2.5 stars.
Book #1 "Bluebird Winter" by Linda Howard was very short, extremely sweet (particularly for an old one of hers), and completely improbable. (i.e. Insta-love as first eyes meet during her labor. Uh-huh....yep...sure...whatever...) It's very much a Cinderella-type wish-fulfillment fantasy as he saves her from every possible kind of problem and goes way overboard with it.
Book #2 "Naughty or Nice" by Stephanie Bond. Not quite so short. Has not aged well. Humorous in the Jennie Crusie mode but didn't work well for me as I found heroine to be quite silly, no matter how supposedly good-hearted. Both hero and heroine were incredibly unprofessional and that didn't work for me. I get that this is a romance, so we know there's going to be no repercussions for their unprofessionalism and that the HE will sweep it all under the carpet. But logical me just cringed throughout at their lack of emotional intelligence. Also, the weird kinky dated porno-tinged descriptory language was just really REALLY WEIRD. Too many instances to count, but here's one: Seriously!?! Is she a lizard? As far as I know of basic human anatomy, females do not have vents. At least not that I know of.
Book #1 "Bluebird Winter" by Linda Howard was very short, extremely sweet (particularly for an old one of hers), and completely improbable. (i.e. Insta-love as first eyes meet during her labor. Uh-huh....yep...sure...whatever...) It's very much a Cinderella-type wish-fulfillment fantasy as he saves her from every possible kind of problem and goes way overboard with it.
Book #2 "Naughty or Nice" by Stephanie Bond. Not quite so short. Has not aged well. Humorous in the Jennie Crusie mode but didn't work well for me as I found heroine to be quite silly, no matter how supposedly good-hearted. Both hero and heroine were incredibly unprofessional and that didn't work for me. I get that this is a romance, so we know there's going to be no repercussions for their unprofessionalism and that the HE will sweep it all under the carpet. But logical me just cringed throughout at their lack of emotional intelligence. Also, the weird kinky dated porno-tinged descriptory language was just really REALLY WEIRD. Too many instances to count, but here's one: Seriously!?! Is she a lizard? As far as I know of basic human anatomy, females do not have vents. At least not that I know of.
November 2, 2018
Two holiday romances. This was a fast easy read. The first, Bluebird Winter by Linda Howard, Kathleen is broke, alone, divorced, eight+ months pregnant, stuck in a snowstorm and in labor. Feeling she has no choice, but to get herself to the clinic to deliver her baby and promptly slides off the road. Luckily, neonatal doctor Derek, on his way home, finds Kathleen. He manages to get Kathleen back to her home to deliver her baby. He falls hard for her and her newborn and knowing her circumstances, he offers marriage and is accepted But, in the weeks that follow, the two will need to learn to navigate the intimacies of their relationship. The second, Naughty or Nice by Stephanie Bond, Cindy is the manager of a niche hotel, that was purchased by a hotel chain. The chain has expectations that the Chandelier House doesn't fit and they're sent a team to investigate. The team lead, Eric, has arrived early and meets Cindy. He's seriously attracted to her, but, taking action would be inappropriate. But, each and every time Cindy and Eric meet, what can go wrong, does. So, what does Eric and his team conclude? And is there a chance of a relationship between Cindy and Eric?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2021
This book contains Howard's novella Bluebird Winter and Bond's novel Naughty or Nice.
Howard's book is the third and last entry in her Spencer-Nyle Company series and it's similar to the second one: a young innocent woman is rescued by a macho man who thereafter makes all the decisions for her. Kathleen is a strong woman with no real backbone. She's been pushed around all her life so she lets Derek do the same, though he at least has her best interests at heart. Not my cup of tea at all.
Bond's book is hilarious as hotel manager Cindy finds herself in one mishap after another while she tries to prepare for an audit by the company that bought her hotel. A bit of skulduggery and an unexpected romance with a guest are the catalyst for the shenanigans that follow. That title rates 3 stars.
Howard's book is the third and last entry in her Spencer-Nyle Company series and it's similar to the second one: a young innocent woman is rescued by a macho man who thereafter makes all the decisions for her. Kathleen is a strong woman with no real backbone. She's been pushed around all her life so she lets Derek do the same, though he at least has her best interests at heart. Not my cup of tea at all.
Bond's book is hilarious as hotel manager Cindy finds herself in one mishap after another while she tries to prepare for an audit by the company that bought her hotel. A bit of skulduggery and an unexpected romance with a guest are the catalyst for the shenanigans that follow. That title rates 3 stars.
May 25, 2012
bluebell - separate book too
Bluebird Winter / Linda Howard
Kathleen Fields and Derek Taliferro –
Kathleen, tolerated by parents who really didn’t want a noisy child around, hard worker on their ranch, married the first guy to show interest – though he wanted the income of the ranch, not her – raping her after filing for divorce, leaving her pregnant.
Derek Taliferro – 3rd in the Spencer-Nyle series – with Max and Claire, and Rome and Sarah – he graduated college at 19, excelled at university, interned under the best neo-natal doctor, and has made a name for himself. Driving home from visiting his mom in a blizzard, he passes a truck on the side of the road – and finds Kathleen inside, in labor. And he’s captured from the first moment… he carries her to his car, returns to her ranch, with authority and gentleness delivers her baby who is early and underweight… and cares for them both.
Derek decides in that 24 hours he wants her for his own – the chemistry is there, he admires her courage, he loves her and fell just like his mother said he would. When he tells her he wants to take her to his hospital in Dallas, and she says she has no insurance so just leave her at a charity hospital – and he says his hospital would be okay, especially if she married him – and she asks why, and he says for Risa (the infant)… that someday he hoped she’d want to make love with him (not just sex) and she says yes…
And Derek takes control, and tries hard to anticipate and fill any desire she has, though she never asks for anything… And she wants to give something back to him. He is loving and moves in on her very deliberately – frequent kisses to get her used to him, climbing into bed naked so she would cuddle up to him and get used to that too.
And Sarah offers her a job in her craft store, where she can bring the baby and gain independence… and when her 6 weeks passes, and she’s cleared for sex, and is disappointed when he doesn’t ‘jump’ her – and when she makes a tentative touch, he asks her why and when she says she owes him so much, he gets angry – he wants her love, not gratitude… and she can’t sleep, so seeks him out on the couch, and apologizes for not being enough for him, and that she won’t let her loving him get in the way again…and Sarah counsels her the next day to tell him she loves him, because she knows he loves her too… and she goes home with hope, and he’s there, and he has set up a Christmas tree (in February) with presents – and feeds her, and holds her in front of the tree, and tells her he loves her (and it’s okay for her to tell him that too), and gives her wonderful gifts – including an inscribed locket and a music box with a bluebird painted on it and a poem of winter, and bluebirds, and love. Ahhhh
Naughty or Nice? / Stephanie Bond
Cindy Weston and Eric Quinn Stanton – Chandelier House, a quirky hotel that has a unique clientele and eccentric employees. Cindy is the general manager, and Eric is hired by corporate to evaluate its fit in the corporation. Eric shows up a week early, under Eric Quinn, to check things out discretely, and becomes fascinated by Cindy.
Cindy’s grandfather owned the hotel, and instead of letting go of the unique chandelier to the war effort, he made a large donation – but then had to sell the hotel, having used his reserved. The story was passed on to Cindy (along with earrings made from a central section of the chandelier).
And Cindy is having the week from hell (or humorous to the rest of us)…
Trying to show support to the hair salon, she goes 4 times – once for a hair cut (ends up with layers like Farrah Fawcet, but her straight hair won’t hold a curl), once for a perm (gets called to an emergency, the chemicals are on too long, and it’s too curly almost brillo paddy and bleached orange; next for hair color – it ends up purple… and finally the long time barber and friend cuts her hair so it’s perfect.
And she is particularly clumsy around Eric – going to his room when he asked for a smoking room (none available with a king size bed also) and then cutting herself with the clipboard – in his bathroom, looking for bandaids in his case (at his invitation), finding a dozen condom varieties, dropping his silk pj bottoms from the hook, and getting blood on them, then stuffing them under her jacket with the intention of replacing them… replacing them without realizing that they were monogrammed, so Eric figures out his originals were stolen, and they were a gift he didn’t particularly like… etc.
And he vaguely answers her questions about himself, and she fills in the blanks, thinking he is a sex toy salesman coming the next week for a convention – and when she tells him she knows who he is, he thinks she knows he’s the auditor – and he can’t turn her down when she invites him to sex (though he knows professionally he should) but he thinks she knows…
And then she finds out, and kicks him out, and figures out he didn’t purposely deceive her, and apologizes (and vice versa)… and his team shows up, and their evaluation is that all sections work well, but are quirky…
And they figure out that they love each other, and Eric realizes he is reluctant to risk … so he takes the leap, trading places on the plane with her coworker to go home with her for Christmas – and getting his father (whom he has strained relationship with) to agree to repair the chandelier (damaged by the Christmas tree) – and that though his report is that the hotel is not compatible with the corporate plan, but he plans to use his business contacts to put together to buyers that will keep the hotel’s uniqueness unique. ahhhh
Bluebird Winter / Linda Howard
Kathleen Fields and Derek Taliferro –
Kathleen, tolerated by parents who really didn’t want a noisy child around, hard worker on their ranch, married the first guy to show interest – though he wanted the income of the ranch, not her – raping her after filing for divorce, leaving her pregnant.
Derek Taliferro – 3rd in the Spencer-Nyle series – with Max and Claire, and Rome and Sarah – he graduated college at 19, excelled at university, interned under the best neo-natal doctor, and has made a name for himself. Driving home from visiting his mom in a blizzard, he passes a truck on the side of the road – and finds Kathleen inside, in labor. And he’s captured from the first moment… he carries her to his car, returns to her ranch, with authority and gentleness delivers her baby who is early and underweight… and cares for them both.
Derek decides in that 24 hours he wants her for his own – the chemistry is there, he admires her courage, he loves her and fell just like his mother said he would. When he tells her he wants to take her to his hospital in Dallas, and she says she has no insurance so just leave her at a charity hospital – and he says his hospital would be okay, especially if she married him – and she asks why, and he says for Risa (the infant)… that someday he hoped she’d want to make love with him (not just sex) and she says yes…
And Derek takes control, and tries hard to anticipate and fill any desire she has, though she never asks for anything… And she wants to give something back to him. He is loving and moves in on her very deliberately – frequent kisses to get her used to him, climbing into bed naked so she would cuddle up to him and get used to that too.
And Sarah offers her a job in her craft store, where she can bring the baby and gain independence… and when her 6 weeks passes, and she’s cleared for sex, and is disappointed when he doesn’t ‘jump’ her – and when she makes a tentative touch, he asks her why and when she says she owes him so much, he gets angry – he wants her love, not gratitude… and she can’t sleep, so seeks him out on the couch, and apologizes for not being enough for him, and that she won’t let her loving him get in the way again…and Sarah counsels her the next day to tell him she loves him, because she knows he loves her too… and she goes home with hope, and he’s there, and he has set up a Christmas tree (in February) with presents – and feeds her, and holds her in front of the tree, and tells her he loves her (and it’s okay for her to tell him that too), and gives her wonderful gifts – including an inscribed locket and a music box with a bluebird painted on it and a poem of winter, and bluebirds, and love. Ahhhh
Naughty or Nice? / Stephanie Bond
Cindy Weston and Eric Quinn Stanton – Chandelier House, a quirky hotel that has a unique clientele and eccentric employees. Cindy is the general manager, and Eric is hired by corporate to evaluate its fit in the corporation. Eric shows up a week early, under Eric Quinn, to check things out discretely, and becomes fascinated by Cindy.
Cindy’s grandfather owned the hotel, and instead of letting go of the unique chandelier to the war effort, he made a large donation – but then had to sell the hotel, having used his reserved. The story was passed on to Cindy (along with earrings made from a central section of the chandelier).
And Cindy is having the week from hell (or humorous to the rest of us)…
Trying to show support to the hair salon, she goes 4 times – once for a hair cut (ends up with layers like Farrah Fawcet, but her straight hair won’t hold a curl), once for a perm (gets called to an emergency, the chemicals are on too long, and it’s too curly almost brillo paddy and bleached orange; next for hair color – it ends up purple… and finally the long time barber and friend cuts her hair so it’s perfect.
And she is particularly clumsy around Eric – going to his room when he asked for a smoking room (none available with a king size bed also) and then cutting herself with the clipboard – in his bathroom, looking for bandaids in his case (at his invitation), finding a dozen condom varieties, dropping his silk pj bottoms from the hook, and getting blood on them, then stuffing them under her jacket with the intention of replacing them… replacing them without realizing that they were monogrammed, so Eric figures out his originals were stolen, and they were a gift he didn’t particularly like… etc.
And he vaguely answers her questions about himself, and she fills in the blanks, thinking he is a sex toy salesman coming the next week for a convention – and when she tells him she knows who he is, he thinks she knows he’s the auditor – and he can’t turn her down when she invites him to sex (though he knows professionally he should) but he thinks she knows…
And then she finds out, and kicks him out, and figures out he didn’t purposely deceive her, and apologizes (and vice versa)… and his team shows up, and their evaluation is that all sections work well, but are quirky…
And they figure out that they love each other, and Eric realizes he is reluctant to risk … so he takes the leap, trading places on the plane with her coworker to go home with her for Christmas – and getting his father (whom he has strained relationship with) to agree to repair the chandelier (damaged by the Christmas tree) – and that though his report is that the hotel is not compatible with the corporate plan, but he plans to use his business contacts to put together to buyers that will keep the hotel’s uniqueness unique. ahhhh
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2018
This is an anthology of 2 previously published stories (one of which was a short). The first was by Linda Howard, Bluebird Winter, and was previously in the Silhouette Christmas Stories 1987 anthology book. It was short and alone seemed like a 2.5 star story.
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The next contribution came from Stephanie Bond, Naughty or Nice?, and was a complete book reprint of a Harlequin Love & Laughter number 58. It was (of course) super humorous and I would give it a 3+ star rating.
.
The next contribution came from Stephanie Bond, Naughty or Nice?, and was a complete book reprint of a Harlequin Love & Laughter number 58. It was (of course) super humorous and I would give it a 3+ star rating.
August 9, 2017
Stephanie Bond is a humorous writer. Kept me in stitches in her style of writing.
December 6, 2019
bluebird winter-ridiculous plot even for a story written 33 yrs ago!
December 29, 2019
1 star for Linda Howard's novel (it was completely unrealistic and not enjoyable to read, which is unusual for a Linda Howard story)
5 stars for Stephanie Bond's novel... average= 3 stars
5 stars for Stephanie Bond's novel... average= 3 stars
December 31, 2023
I craved a book with Derek when we first met him. He did not disappoint.
February 2, 2024
I was kind of disappointed in this book because both stories just sort of end. It doesn't really feel like you get a good wrap up. Other than that they were decent stories
May 2, 2016
Two different stories: one creepy and one very funny!
1 - Bluebird Winter.
My least favorite of the two. When divorced Kathleen goes into early labor during a snow storm she takes a chance and makes an attempt to drive herself to a nearby clinic. She ends up sliding into a ditch. Derek, an obstetrician specializing in critically ill newborns, is driving by and finds Kathleen clenching her stomach in pain. Derek is a total stranger and prepares Kathleen for birth back at her home. I thought Derek had some bizarre thoughts while watching and waiting. After Kathleen gives birth he observes the love she has for her new baby and falls instantly in love with both of them. I felt Derek was creepy and too obsessed with the baby, as well as, Kathleen. I think his friends and co-workers redeemed him in the creepy category, but overall this story was just not believable for me and I did not feel any chemistry between the two, just awkwardness.
2- Naughty or Nice.
I loved this story. Cindy runs a beautiful hotel that caters to unusual clientele, such as, vampire conventions, adult toy conventions, and syfy conventions. Her problem is the hotel is run by a sophisticated money hungry corporation who is sending a consultant to evaluate the staff and the profitability of the hotel. The staff thinks they have it all figured out and believes a certain demanding guest must be the corporate spy. Handsome Eric, a "salesman" and hotel guest, experiences an instant attraction to Cindy. Cindy has an instant attraction to Eric even though she thinks his profession is unusual. Getting to the steamy romance that erupts between the two was full of amusing mishaps and hilarious misunderstandings that had me laughing and quickly turning the page to read more. Cindy needed everything to go right but everything goes wrong. Cindy falls in love with Eric, but finds out something about him that changes her mind and breaks her heart. Their romance stops abruptly (except for the one encounter on the roof, wink wink). But Eric, who also falls in love, will not let go and finds a way to confess his love and keep Cindy in his life. I loved the ending.
1 - Bluebird Winter.
My least favorite of the two. When divorced Kathleen goes into early labor during a snow storm she takes a chance and makes an attempt to drive herself to a nearby clinic. She ends up sliding into a ditch. Derek, an obstetrician specializing in critically ill newborns, is driving by and finds Kathleen clenching her stomach in pain. Derek is a total stranger and prepares Kathleen for birth back at her home. I thought Derek had some bizarre thoughts while watching and waiting. After Kathleen gives birth he observes the love she has for her new baby and falls instantly in love with both of them. I felt Derek was creepy and too obsessed with the baby, as well as, Kathleen. I think his friends and co-workers redeemed him in the creepy category, but overall this story was just not believable for me and I did not feel any chemistry between the two, just awkwardness.
2- Naughty or Nice.
I loved this story. Cindy runs a beautiful hotel that caters to unusual clientele, such as, vampire conventions, adult toy conventions, and syfy conventions. Her problem is the hotel is run by a sophisticated money hungry corporation who is sending a consultant to evaluate the staff and the profitability of the hotel. The staff thinks they have it all figured out and believes a certain demanding guest must be the corporate spy. Handsome Eric, a "salesman" and hotel guest, experiences an instant attraction to Cindy. Cindy has an instant attraction to Eric even though she thinks his profession is unusual. Getting to the steamy romance that erupts between the two was full of amusing mishaps and hilarious misunderstandings that had me laughing and quickly turning the page to read more. Cindy needed everything to go right but everything goes wrong. Cindy falls in love with Eric, but finds out something about him that changes her mind and breaks her heart. Their romance stops abruptly (except for the one encounter on the roof, wink wink). But Eric, who also falls in love, will not let go and finds a way to confess his love and keep Cindy in his life. I loved the ending.
April 24, 2015
The first story in this book was Bluebird Winter, by Linda Howard. Kathleen Fields is on her own since the divorce. She is pregnant. During a storm she starts having contractions. She still heads out to the hospital since she was by herself. She ends up in the ditch. Obstetrician Derek Taliferro finds her in the ditch. They go back to her house since it was the best decision. No power, just the fireplace. Derek delivers the baby. Low birth rate. Have to get the baby to a hospital. Derek falls for the mom and the baby. A interesting story.
Second story was Naughty Or Nice by Stephanie Bond. This was a funny story. Cindy Warren has a lot of issues with her hair, the blunt cut the color changes. She runs a hotel for different type people, like vampire conventions, adult toy conventions and other people like that. The head office wants to close the hotel. They feel it don't fit the people they want to gear toward. They send Eric Stanton undercover for a week to find out if they should keep or sell the hotel. Eric and Cindy end up together. He still gives a report to sell the hotel. What he plans to do is get some investors to back him in buying the hotel and have Cindy run it. A lot goes on to make this a must read.
Second story was Naughty Or Nice by Stephanie Bond. This was a funny story. Cindy Warren has a lot of issues with her hair, the blunt cut the color changes. She runs a hotel for different type people, like vampire conventions, adult toy conventions and other people like that. The head office wants to close the hotel. They feel it don't fit the people they want to gear toward. They send Eric Stanton undercover for a week to find out if they should keep or sell the hotel. Eric and Cindy end up together. He still gives a report to sell the hotel. What he plans to do is get some investors to back him in buying the hotel and have Cindy run it. A lot goes on to make this a must read.
October 26, 2008
OK so I decided to read this book as I thought it was a festive tug at your heart type book. To my surprise it was one of those loves stories...hmmm, not sure if "love stories" are the right words...lust stories? Anyhow there are two stories in the book. The first one was so unbelievable. I couldn't find it as romantic as the author had intended. The second one was more like the heroine in a Bridget Jones/Shopaholic type book. It was good and so much better than the first. Even if you know that all these things cannot happen to one person it has enough humor to keep you entertain for a bit.
November 19, 2008
This is a book that I definately judged by the cover! I had no clue that there was 2 books in 1 until I actually started the book (even though it's printed everywhere). I wish that there hadn't been 2 stories because when stories are good I want them to be longer. Since there were 2 books, the stories were way shorter than I like. Also, with the first book of the 2, I thought while the story was really cute and everything, it was HIGHLY unlikely.... but oh well. I still loved it!
December 11, 2010
Cute fluffy anthology. It had two stories, both about Christmas. The first was by Linda Howard, and if I had to rate this one, I would give it a 2. I disliked the guy in the story, he was beyond pushy. Just bothered me. The second story was by Stephanie Bond and I would rate her's a 4. Hence my overall 3 star rating :)
If you like sappy Christmas themed stories than you might enjoy this book. But I wouldn't suggest spending money on it.
If you like sappy Christmas themed stories than you might enjoy this book. But I wouldn't suggest spending money on it.
May 4, 2012
I LOVED the story Bluebird Winter by Linda Howard. It is such a sweet romantic story! I didn't know until later that Bluebird Winter is actually Book #3 of a series. The book was great as a stand-alone book though! One day I will read the 1st 2 books of the series.
Naughty or Nice by Stephanie Bond was slow and boring. I kept reading on and on, hoping to get to the exciting part...but it never happened.
Naughty or Nice by Stephanie Bond was slow and boring. I kept reading on and on, hoping to get to the exciting part...but it never happened.
January 7, 2013
Lesson learned, I should have listened to the comments made by readers on Amazon.com. The Linda Howard story - Bluebird Winter was ridiculous but I had to find out for myself. The other story in the book by Stephanie bond was kind of like a Three's a Comapny episode. If you can get past the silly things that happen to the main charcter, you can find the book a bit funny - but that's it. A good short read, I had a few chuckles.
August 5, 2016
Read for my "Reading Linda Howard's Backlist" Challenge.
After seeing Derek Taliferro as a young man in the first two Spencer-Nyle books, I looked forward to reading his love story, Bluebird Winter. Unfortunately, I think he got the short end of the stick in this novella. It was a short, overly sweet story and pretty unbelievable.
The second story in the book, Naughty or Nice, by Stephanie Bond was an absolute hoot. Funny, sexy, and happy endings for all.
After seeing Derek Taliferro as a young man in the first two Spencer-Nyle books, I looked forward to reading his love story, Bluebird Winter. Unfortunately, I think he got the short end of the stick in this novella. It was a short, overly sweet story and pretty unbelievable.
The second story in the book, Naughty or Nice, by Stephanie Bond was an absolute hoot. Funny, sexy, and happy endings for all.
April 20, 2009
Two simple, short-story style unrealistic romance tales. The first story was very imaginative. This book was marked as a hot item from the library. It has to have been marked thusly because it is a new book and considered hot by readers who enjoy Linda Howard. I did enjoy the sense of humor both authors employed.
Borrowed from library.
Borrowed from library.
October 24, 2011
Very pregnant and out of luck young woman is stranded in a ditch in a snowstorm; arrives the neo-natal specialist doctor to the rescue. He takes one look at the lady in distress and decides she is the one lady he has been waiting for his whole life. Happily ever after, with newborn darling girl embraced into his extended loving family. Miracles do happen...
December 16, 2012
This was a book that had two Christmas stories - a novella by Howard which I read before, maybe in an anthology? It was a quick read and heartwarming and I couldn't help but root for Kathleen and Derek to realize their love was mutual.
The story by Bond was a quirky romance and had a hoped for happily ever after that didn't look possible.
The story by Bond was a quirky romance and had a hoped for happily ever after that didn't look possible.
December 11, 2010
I loved this book... both stories were funny and a page turner. Especially I liked Stephanie Bonds book, I have laughed so hard that tears where running down my cheeks. Great sense of humor. If you wanna have a good laugh read the book.
December 4, 2008
Only read the first story, very predictable and far to sappy for me!
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