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Reindeer Games: A Holiday Romance Anthology
These are the games people play when they’re snowed in, caught in a storm, and stuck with the ones they can’t resist.
Nine best-selling and award-winning authors bring sexy stories to steam up your holiday nights.
In celebration of the holidays, a portion of proceeds will be donated to No Kid Hungry.
HIS FOR THE HOLIDAY by HelenKay Dimon
Jonah Stark’s crush on Cameron Meade, everyone’s favorite professor, lasted through graduate school. Years later and no longer a student, Jonah is back and still drawn to the mysterious recluse who lights up a classroom with his lectures. With the help of a meddling friend, a secluded cabin and some holiday cheer, these colleagues might finally make the move from hot for each other to can’t live without each other.
DYSFUNCTIONAL by Eve Dangerfield
Country club waitress Jessica’s track record is so bad she’s sworn off men for the foreseeable future. But a girl has needs and when a handsome customer asks her out, she informs him a pre-Christmas one night stand is as far as things can go. Of course, that was before Austin kissed her. That was before she realised he’s not like anyone who came before.
SAVED BY THE MOUNTAIN MAN by Adriana Anders
I pulled her out of a near-fatal car crash, brought her home, patched her up. Now we’re stuck together, snowed in for the holidays. And I never want her to leave.
SNOW ANGEL by Tamara Lush
Charlotte King has known Oliver Menendez since she was born. When she was was five, she kissed Oliver. When she was fifteen, Oliver kissed her. Now they're older and stuck in a Vermont ski cabin during Snowmageddon — and they do a whole lot more than kissing.
GRIEVANCES AND GLITTER by Kelly Maher
When a rock star and an attorney find themselves stuck in a cabin in the woods, the reluctantly reunited lovers aren’t sure if they should curse their matchmaking friends...or thank them
HAVE YOURSELF A BILLIONAIRE FOR CHRISTMAS by Tracey Livesay
Five nights… Four well-meaning friends… Three sexy challenges… Two strangers… Only one way for this to end…
ALL THEY WANT FOR CHRISTMAS by Andie J. Christopher
Twas the night before the night before Christmas, and Frankie's snowed in with her ex...and his new boyfriend. What could go wrong? Or right?
STUCK by Ainsley Booth
The hot guy in a suit across the aisle is trouble. He’s the cold-day-in-hell type Aibhlin knows all about. But when their train gets stuck on the tracks and day turns into a long, cold night, Sam’s devilish smile is hard to resist.
WAITING IN VAIN by Charlotte Stein
When Nancy is invited to spend Christmas with her sister-in-law’s family, she is pretty sure it’s gonna be wall to wall wholesome, polite party games and stuffing her face with mince pies. But then sexy, sultry Mick Hennessy turns up, and the sedate affair she was banking on takes a turn for the too hot to take...
Nine best-selling and award-winning authors bring sexy stories to steam up your holiday nights.
In celebration of the holidays, a portion of proceeds will be donated to No Kid Hungry.
HIS FOR THE HOLIDAY by HelenKay Dimon
Jonah Stark’s crush on Cameron Meade, everyone’s favorite professor, lasted through graduate school. Years later and no longer a student, Jonah is back and still drawn to the mysterious recluse who lights up a classroom with his lectures. With the help of a meddling friend, a secluded cabin and some holiday cheer, these colleagues might finally make the move from hot for each other to can’t live without each other.
DYSFUNCTIONAL by Eve Dangerfield
Country club waitress Jessica’s track record is so bad she’s sworn off men for the foreseeable future. But a girl has needs and when a handsome customer asks her out, she informs him a pre-Christmas one night stand is as far as things can go. Of course, that was before Austin kissed her. That was before she realised he’s not like anyone who came before.
SAVED BY THE MOUNTAIN MAN by Adriana Anders
I pulled her out of a near-fatal car crash, brought her home, patched her up. Now we’re stuck together, snowed in for the holidays. And I never want her to leave.
SNOW ANGEL by Tamara Lush
Charlotte King has known Oliver Menendez since she was born. When she was was five, she kissed Oliver. When she was fifteen, Oliver kissed her. Now they're older and stuck in a Vermont ski cabin during Snowmageddon — and they do a whole lot more than kissing.
GRIEVANCES AND GLITTER by Kelly Maher
When a rock star and an attorney find themselves stuck in a cabin in the woods, the reluctantly reunited lovers aren’t sure if they should curse their matchmaking friends...or thank them
HAVE YOURSELF A BILLIONAIRE FOR CHRISTMAS by Tracey Livesay
Five nights… Four well-meaning friends… Three sexy challenges… Two strangers… Only one way for this to end…
ALL THEY WANT FOR CHRISTMAS by Andie J. Christopher
Twas the night before the night before Christmas, and Frankie's snowed in with her ex...and his new boyfriend. What could go wrong? Or right?
STUCK by Ainsley Booth
The hot guy in a suit across the aisle is trouble. He’s the cold-day-in-hell type Aibhlin knows all about. But when their train gets stuck on the tracks and day turns into a long, cold night, Sam’s devilish smile is hard to resist.
WAITING IN VAIN by Charlotte Stein
When Nancy is invited to spend Christmas with her sister-in-law’s family, she is pretty sure it’s gonna be wall to wall wholesome, polite party games and stuffing her face with mince pies. But then sexy, sultry Mick Hennessy turns up, and the sedate affair she was banking on takes a turn for the too hot to take...
789 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2018
67 people are currently reading
464 people want to read
About the author
Adriana Anders
26 books1,038 followersAdriana Anders is author of the Survival Instincts, Love at Last, and Blank Canvas series. Her debut, Under Her Skin, was a Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2017 and double recipient of the HOLT Medallion award, and Loving the Secret Billionaire was a Romance Writers of America 2019 Rita® Award Finalist. Her books have been featured in Entertainment Weekly, Oprah Mag, Bustle, USA Today Happy Ever After, and Book Riot. Today, she resides with her husband and two small children on the coast of France, where she writes the gritty, emotional love stories of her heart.
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December 12, 20183/9
HAVE YOURSELF A BILLIONAIRE FOR CHRISTMAS Tracey Livesay ★★★1/2
Billionaire romances are so not my thing (I blame Fifty Shades), but I find Tracey Livesay's stories addicting. Sure enough, I very much enjoyed this hot little number.
Forced proximity FTW! After receiving negative PR, CEO Jackson retreats to a mountain cabin to lick his wounds. The cabin is already occupied by Rachel, the charity worker with whom he previously shared a heated evening. Flustered Jackson is an ass, and misunderstandings and miscommunication abound. Naturally, a blizzard ensues and ensures that they are stuck together for Christmas. But the storm gives them ample time to clear the air and create plenty of heat together.
Like Livesay's other stories, Have Yourself A Billionaire For Christmas perfectly balanced smart and sweet. It provided a charming glimpse into the beginning of a romance while also teasing the inevitable HEA.
HIS FOR THE HOLIDAY HelenKay Dimon ★★★1/2
HelenKay Dimon is one of my favorite romantic suspense authors, but I don't always enjoy contemporary romances lacking murder and mayhem. Want to guess what happened here? If you guessed that I enjoyed it, you guessed right! His For The Holiday was a funny, touching, and sexy read.
Grad student Jonah is hot for teacher Cam. The two men are thisclose to acting on their attraction when a misunderstanding occurs and Cam pushes Jonah an ocean away. Six years later, Jonah returns to the university to take a job and get his man.
Initially I was skeptical that both men felt so strongly after so many years. Yet ultimately Dimon sold their connection, the playful banter, how their differences complimented each other. Cam was prickly and frustrating, but I appreciated the portrayal of an introvert with anxiety wanting - even as he feared - a relationship with a sociable extrovert.
I'm not one to harp on editing issues, and I'm even less inclined to do so in a holiday anthology for charity, but the editing was quite poor in the latter half of the story. It was surprising because Dimon's work is ordinarily high quality and it frequently pulled me out of the story. Otherwise, the story was a sweet and recommended holiday treat.
ALL THEY WANT FOR CHRISTMAS Andie J. Christopher DNF
Welp, that was the world's fastest DNF.
Sorry, but I can't root for a character who yells, "Where's my fucking engagement ring?" at her partner in a restaurant. I don't enjoy when a character comes across as shallow, has cruel thoughts about her partner, and is only with that partner because she wants her ex to feel bad. Oh, and because she wants family members to stop judging her for having a career. What about judging her for being a jerk? I can appreciate an anti-heroine, but there was nothing to appreciate about Frankie.
I have never read a MMF ménage, as ménages in general aren't my thing, but the synopsis intrigued me. Sadly, I couldn't even make it to the ménage.
HAVE YOURSELF A BILLIONAIRE FOR CHRISTMAS Tracey Livesay ★★★1/2
Billionaire romances are so not my thing (I blame Fifty Shades), but I find Tracey Livesay's stories addicting. Sure enough, I very much enjoyed this hot little number.
Forced proximity FTW! After receiving negative PR, CEO Jackson retreats to a mountain cabin to lick his wounds. The cabin is already occupied by Rachel, the charity worker with whom he previously shared a heated evening. Flustered Jackson is an ass, and misunderstandings and miscommunication abound. Naturally, a blizzard ensues and ensures that they are stuck together for Christmas. But the storm gives them ample time to clear the air and create plenty of heat together.
Like Livesay's other stories, Have Yourself A Billionaire For Christmas perfectly balanced smart and sweet. It provided a charming glimpse into the beginning of a romance while also teasing the inevitable HEA.
HIS FOR THE HOLIDAY HelenKay Dimon ★★★1/2
HelenKay Dimon is one of my favorite romantic suspense authors, but I don't always enjoy contemporary romances lacking murder and mayhem. Want to guess what happened here? If you guessed that I enjoyed it, you guessed right! His For The Holiday was a funny, touching, and sexy read.
Grad student Jonah is hot for teacher Cam. The two men are thisclose to acting on their attraction when a misunderstanding occurs and Cam pushes Jonah an ocean away. Six years later, Jonah returns to the university to take a job and get his man.
Initially I was skeptical that both men felt so strongly after so many years. Yet ultimately Dimon sold their connection, the playful banter, how their differences complimented each other. Cam was prickly and frustrating, but I appreciated the portrayal of an introvert with anxiety wanting - even as he feared - a relationship with a sociable extrovert.
I'm not one to harp on editing issues, and I'm even less inclined to do so in a holiday anthology for charity, but the editing was quite poor in the latter half of the story. It was surprising because Dimon's work is ordinarily high quality and it frequently pulled me out of the story. Otherwise, the story was a sweet and recommended holiday treat.
ALL THEY WANT FOR CHRISTMAS Andie J. Christopher DNF
Welp, that was the world's fastest DNF.
Sorry, but I can't root for a character who yells, "Where's my fucking engagement ring?" at her partner in a restaurant. I don't enjoy when a character comes across as shallow, has cruel thoughts about her partner, and is only with that partner because she wants her ex to feel bad. Oh, and because she wants family members to stop judging her for having a career. What about judging her for being a jerk? I can appreciate an anti-heroine, but there was nothing to appreciate about Frankie.
I have never read a MMF ménage, as ménages in general aren't my thing, but the synopsis intrigued me. Sadly, I couldn't even make it to the ménage.
December 10, 2018
While I came for the story by Adriana Anders, I'm staying for this incredible mix of authors. Some that I'm already familiar with and others that I've been excited to discover.
Saved by the Mountain Man (5 STARS!)
by Adriana Anders
I have read every published book by Anders and not once have I been disappointed. She creates some of the best beta heroes and Micah has just become a new favorite. Micah is a scarred vet who has purposefully isolated himself from the general population. After rescuing Christa from a harrowing car accident, they are forced to spend the holiday in his secluded home while waiting out a snowstorm. Micah's characterization was perfect as his insular world is upended by a lively and thankful Christa. I was drawn into the intimate world of this couple while they navigated forced proximity and attraction. As I've come to expect by this author, the story and characters were written with emotional sensitivity while coinciding with a sweet, sexy, and fun romance.
Dysfunctional (4 Stars)
by Eve Dangerfield
This was a cute romantic novella about a jaded heroine bent on not trusting a new and interested hero who has her best interest at heart. I enjoyed the quick read. There were a few editing errors, but it didn't distract too much. I loved the final sweet and funny "dating do/don't list" shared by both Jessica and Austin. Definitely an "Aww" moment.
Saved by the Mountain Man (5 STARS!)
by Adriana Anders
I have read every published book by Anders and not once have I been disappointed. She creates some of the best beta heroes and Micah has just become a new favorite. Micah is a scarred vet who has purposefully isolated himself from the general population. After rescuing Christa from a harrowing car accident, they are forced to spend the holiday in his secluded home while waiting out a snowstorm. Micah's characterization was perfect as his insular world is upended by a lively and thankful Christa. I was drawn into the intimate world of this couple while they navigated forced proximity and attraction. As I've come to expect by this author, the story and characters were written with emotional sensitivity while coinciding with a sweet, sexy, and fun romance.
Dysfunctional (4 Stars)
by Eve Dangerfield
This was a cute romantic novella about a jaded heroine bent on not trusting a new and interested hero who has her best interest at heart. I enjoyed the quick read. There were a few editing errors, but it didn't distract too much. I loved the final sweet and funny "dating do/don't list" shared by both Jessica and Austin. Definitely an "Aww" moment.
November 14, 2018
This review is for Saved by the Mountain Man by Adriana Anders.
Three words: Micah freaking Graham! I have loved all of Ms. Anders' heroes, but I think I found a new favorite. A big, strong mountain of a man who literally pulls a woman from a falling vehicle, who climbs trees for a living, knows his way around a kitchen, and makes love like it's going out of style? Yes please.
Christa had NO idea who her rescuer was.... all she knew was that she was incredibly lucky that he came alone when he did. Being stranded on a mountain with a stranger in a snowstorm might be dangerous, but plunging to the bottom of a ravine in her car would most certainly be deadly. When it turns out that her hero is a gorgeous, thoughtful recluse who makes her want things she hadn't wanted in forever, Christa is hard pressed to ignore the attraction.
The chemistry between Micah and Christa was like a slow burn that wasn't exactly slow. The attraction between the two sizzled under the surface for a while before it exploded into incredibly hot, sexy scenes. I loved the way that Micah transformed into a bossy dominant male the minute he had his hands on Christa. And everything about Micah was so believable that I could honestly feel how much she wanted him.
The only thing I didn't absolultely love about this was Christa. I don't read romance for the heroines, so it didn't bother me overmuch, but I wanted to *feel* why Micah would fall for her, and aside from the convenience of having her stranded in his house, the only thing I could come up with was his seven year drought when it comes to women. I didn't get any sense of what it was about Christa herself that he fell for.
Once again this author has turned a unique situation and a spectacular hero into a romance I absolutely adored.
Three words: Micah freaking Graham! I have loved all of Ms. Anders' heroes, but I think I found a new favorite. A big, strong mountain of a man who literally pulls a woman from a falling vehicle, who climbs trees for a living, knows his way around a kitchen, and makes love like it's going out of style? Yes please.
Christa had NO idea who her rescuer was.... all she knew was that she was incredibly lucky that he came alone when he did. Being stranded on a mountain with a stranger in a snowstorm might be dangerous, but plunging to the bottom of a ravine in her car would most certainly be deadly. When it turns out that her hero is a gorgeous, thoughtful recluse who makes her want things she hadn't wanted in forever, Christa is hard pressed to ignore the attraction.
The chemistry between Micah and Christa was like a slow burn that wasn't exactly slow. The attraction between the two sizzled under the surface for a while before it exploded into incredibly hot, sexy scenes. I loved the way that Micah transformed into a bossy dominant male the minute he had his hands on Christa. And everything about Micah was so believable that I could honestly feel how much she wanted him.
The only thing I didn't absolultely love about this was Christa. I don't read romance for the heroines, so it didn't bother me overmuch, but I wanted to *feel* why Micah would fall for her, and aside from the convenience of having her stranded in his house, the only thing I could come up with was his seven year drought when it comes to women. I didn't get any sense of what it was about Christa herself that he fell for.
Once again this author has turned a unique situation and a spectacular hero into a romance I absolutely adored.
December 5, 2018
Finally! Steamy, sexy holiday romances that will flirt with your heart (and lower parts) but without any Christmas angels, ghosts, elves, or anything twee.
December 18, 2018
I love when I can find romance stories that embrace both the spirit of the holiday seasons along with a nice dose of raunchiness. This anthology features a wonderful selection of authors, some new to me and some well loved, all writing stories with characters who are "snowed-in" and fall in love.
My only mild grievance the utter lack of Reindeer names for characters. Missed opportunity, hah!
I especially enjoyed the following:
Eve Dangerfield's Dysfunctional, featuring a country club waitress having some sexy times with a customer after being locked into a meeting room.
ALL THEY WANT FOR CHRISTMAS by Andie J. Christopher. I loved this story of second-chances and expanding personal boundaries when three people come together to form the perfect relationship. So naughty!
STUCK by Ainsley Booth had a perfect surprise moment for me, and perfectly capture the "what-if" feeling of getting a second chance with someone who broke your heart.
My only mild grievance the utter lack of Reindeer names for characters. Missed opportunity, hah!
I especially enjoyed the following:
Eve Dangerfield's Dysfunctional, featuring a country club waitress having some sexy times with a customer after being locked into a meeting room.
ALL THEY WANT FOR CHRISTMAS by Andie J. Christopher. I loved this story of second-chances and expanding personal boundaries when three people come together to form the perfect relationship. So naughty!
STUCK by Ainsley Booth had a perfect surprise moment for me, and perfectly capture the "what-if" feeling of getting a second chance with someone who broke your heart.
December 19, 2018
TLDR; This is a super stand-out anthology and definitely more than worth the money!
His for the Holiday by Helenkay Dimon: A little bit meh for me. I found the story rushed, like Dimon took a novel and chopped out bare essentials to make a novella. I wasn't quite sure what
attracted the characters to one another to begin with--I didn't see them spend any time together honestly, and then suddenly there's a big, unexpected The second half is much stronger than the first, but it still didn't quite recover for me, especially considering it leads the anthology.
Dysfunctional by Eve Dangerfield: Cute, made me laugh out loud, especially the dedication. Dangerfield does a great job in such a short space, a satisfying novella is hard to pull off!! Go Eve!
Saved by the Mountain Man by Adriana Anders: Didn't love the hero, during his POV he kept thinking about how long he's gone without sex and intimacy but in generic terms and it felt kinda meh when the heroine was thinking very specifically about him. Another rush job perhaps? Also, he The ending was very romantic and I think this would have been excellent as a whole novel rather than a novella.
Snow Angel by Tamara Lush: Ah, the childhood friends trope, not a personal fav but well done here! I was a little nervous we were going to get a very tired trope but instead Also, I cackled out loud during the climax of the novella, I had such a great time, it was very funny. Lush also gave a nice touch of intricate family dynamics, flushing out the characters while still keeping the focus on their relationship. Another great novella! The hero has two siblings and I cannot wait to catch their books next!
Grievences and Glitter by Kelly Maher: Enjoyed this a lot! A rocker/mathematician (i love romance novels) and a successful lawyer, some family stress and hope.
Have Yourself a Billionaire for Christmas by Tracey Livesay: I was excited to see a biracial heroine even if it doesn't quite come up until the end, unfortunately I hated the hero. He was pretty believable but not romantic.
All They Want for Christmas by Andie J. Christopher: I love a well-done M/M/F ! This was definitely rushed but it had good enough bones that I was willing to overlook that, one of my favorites from the anthology!!
Stuck by Ainsley Booth: I'm not one for second chance romances (and tbh this anthology is big on that) but I loved this story! I just felt...great as it was ending, very warm and hopeful. I definitely will be seeking out more from this author.
Waiting in Vain by Charlotte Stein: Here's the thing, I definitely bought this anthology just for this story, but I am almost 100% positive it's a re-release, and I am equally sure I don't care! I am a Charlotte Stein stan and will be until the end of time, probably. God, I love her writing so much!! All the feelings you just feel so wrecked in the absolute best way. Loved it!
His for the Holiday by Helenkay Dimon: A little bit meh for me. I found the story rushed, like Dimon took a novel and chopped out bare essentials to make a novella. I wasn't quite sure what
attracted the characters to one another to begin with--I didn't see them spend any time together honestly, and then suddenly there's a big, unexpected The second half is much stronger than the first, but it still didn't quite recover for me, especially considering it leads the anthology.
Dysfunctional by Eve Dangerfield: Cute, made me laugh out loud, especially the dedication. Dangerfield does a great job in such a short space, a satisfying novella is hard to pull off!! Go Eve!
Saved by the Mountain Man by Adriana Anders: Didn't love the hero, during his POV he kept thinking about how long he's gone without sex and intimacy but in generic terms and it felt kinda meh when the heroine was thinking very specifically about him. Another rush job perhaps? Also, he The ending was very romantic and I think this would have been excellent as a whole novel rather than a novella.
Snow Angel by Tamara Lush: Ah, the childhood friends trope, not a personal fav but well done here! I was a little nervous we were going to get a very tired trope but instead Also, I cackled out loud during the climax of the novella, I had such a great time, it was very funny. Lush also gave a nice touch of intricate family dynamics, flushing out the characters while still keeping the focus on their relationship. Another great novella! The hero has two siblings and I cannot wait to catch their books next!
Grievences and Glitter by Kelly Maher: Enjoyed this a lot! A rocker/mathematician (i love romance novels) and a successful lawyer, some family stress and hope.
Have Yourself a Billionaire for Christmas by Tracey Livesay: I was excited to see a biracial heroine even if it doesn't quite come up until the end, unfortunately I hated the hero. He was pretty believable but not romantic.
All They Want for Christmas by Andie J. Christopher: I love a well-done M/M/F ! This was definitely rushed but it had good enough bones that I was willing to overlook that, one of my favorites from the anthology!!
Stuck by Ainsley Booth: I'm not one for second chance romances (and tbh this anthology is big on that) but I loved this story! I just felt...great as it was ending, very warm and hopeful. I definitely will be seeking out more from this author.
Waiting in Vain by Charlotte Stein: Here's the thing, I definitely bought this anthology just for this story, but I am almost 100% positive it's a re-release, and I am equally sure I don't care! I am a Charlotte Stein stan and will be until the end of time, probably. God, I love her writing so much!! All the feelings you just feel so wrecked in the absolute best way. Loved it!
December 15, 2018
4.5 stars.
I find it so hard to rate anthologies because of the varying quality of the stories, but this one is SOLID. And no surprise, given the line-up of authors. The stories by Adriana Anders, Ainsley Booth, and Andie J. Christopher were the real highlights for me, but all of them were really well-done.
I find it so hard to rate anthologies because of the varying quality of the stories, but this one is SOLID. And no surprise, given the line-up of authors. The stories by Adriana Anders, Ainsley Booth, and Andie J. Christopher were the real highlights for me, but all of them were really well-done.
December 14, 2018
This anthology had a few authors I love and some new ones for me. Four stories stood out that I really enjoyed. I absolutely adored Helen Kay Dimon's m/m His for the Holiday. Adriana Anders m/f Saved by the Mountain Man was a wonderful surprise. Christa and Micha's story was touching and sexy and I loved how layered the characters were. Tamara Lush's Snow Angel was THE perfect m/f friends to lovers story. I really want to read more about Oliver's family. I've never read Andie J. Christopher before, and I really enjoyed her m/f/m All They Want for Christmas, sexy with great characters. This is a super collection and I highly recommend it.
February 1, 2019
Delightful read
Wonderful compilation of short love stories by some fantastic authors ! Each story just perfect for a quick lunchtime read , sweet , sexy and a little bit naughty!
Wonderful compilation of short love stories by some fantastic authors ! Each story just perfect for a quick lunchtime read , sweet , sexy and a little bit naughty!
January 1, 2019
His for the Holiday by Helen Kay Dimon - 2 stars
Usually I love Dimon's writing, but something about this story just really did not work for me. It's a m/m romance though and I do appreciate that it was included.
Dysfunctional by Eve Dangerfield - 3 stars
I absolutely loved the snarky heroine, but I don't buy the HEA for this couple. I'm not totally sold that they'll have an HFN longer than a few weeks.
Saved by the Mountain Man by Adrianna Anders - 4 stars
The premise of this novella is wild (our hero saves her by pulling her out of her car that once she's out topples over the cliff!) but Anders writes it in a way that I was glued to my Kindle the entire time. Also, I really would like a full length Anders novel in my future.
Snow Angel by Tamara Lush - 4.5 stars
Oh my goodness, this reunited childhood friends turned lovers thing absolutely blew me away. It's quite sexy and the hero is a virgin who does not care at all that our heroine is very much not. It's the small things.
Grievances and Glitter by Kelly Maher - 5 stars
I loved this one. Tina and Jericho had an explosive one night stand about a year ago and now they're snowed in together. It's fantastic.
Have Yourself a Billionaire for Christmas by Tracey Livesay - 4.5 stars
While I wasn't sold on the hero, this novella says something about philanthropy and millennials that made me talk about it to an IRL friend, which I think says a lot. Livesay weaves in themes of social justice with ease and really left me cheering for these two characters.
All They Want for Christmas by Andie J. Christopher - 3 stars
In a full length novel, I think I would have loved this, but instead I felt like this polyamorous book really left me wondering if these three are really going to make it. I just wanted more. (It is super steamy and great though so maybe just go in expecting something a little different than me?)
Stuck by Ainsley Booth - 3 stars
I liked this one, but there was something about it that kept me from being totally on board and I can't say much without spoiling this one. It's a really fun reveal so I don't want to do that.
Waiting in Vain by Charlotte Stein - 4 stars
Hi, yes, a full length novel please? Written in classic Stein form, this short story follows a woman who is at her brother's in-law's for Christmas, again, because he is her only family. Well, one of the in-laws is finally making a move on our heroine and it is super sexy. I really enjoyed this one.
Usually I love Dimon's writing, but something about this story just really did not work for me. It's a m/m romance though and I do appreciate that it was included.
Dysfunctional by Eve Dangerfield - 3 stars
I absolutely loved the snarky heroine, but I don't buy the HEA for this couple. I'm not totally sold that they'll have an HFN longer than a few weeks.
Saved by the Mountain Man by Adrianna Anders - 4 stars
The premise of this novella is wild (our hero saves her by pulling her out of her car that once she's out topples over the cliff!) but Anders writes it in a way that I was glued to my Kindle the entire time. Also, I really would like a full length Anders novel in my future.
Snow Angel by Tamara Lush - 4.5 stars
Oh my goodness, this reunited childhood friends turned lovers thing absolutely blew me away. It's quite sexy and the hero is a virgin who does not care at all that our heroine is very much not. It's the small things.
Grievances and Glitter by Kelly Maher - 5 stars
I loved this one. Tina and Jericho had an explosive one night stand about a year ago and now they're snowed in together. It's fantastic.
Have Yourself a Billionaire for Christmas by Tracey Livesay - 4.5 stars
While I wasn't sold on the hero, this novella says something about philanthropy and millennials that made me talk about it to an IRL friend, which I think says a lot. Livesay weaves in themes of social justice with ease and really left me cheering for these two characters.
All They Want for Christmas by Andie J. Christopher - 3 stars
In a full length novel, I think I would have loved this, but instead I felt like this polyamorous book really left me wondering if these three are really going to make it. I just wanted more. (It is super steamy and great though so maybe just go in expecting something a little different than me?)
Stuck by Ainsley Booth - 3 stars
I liked this one, but there was something about it that kept me from being totally on board and I can't say much without spoiling this one. It's a really fun reveal so I don't want to do that.
Waiting in Vain by Charlotte Stein - 4 stars
Hi, yes, a full length novel please? Written in classic Stein form, this short story follows a woman who is at her brother's in-law's for Christmas, again, because he is her only family. Well, one of the in-laws is finally making a move on our heroine and it is super sexy. I really enjoyed this one.
December 1, 2018
This is officially my favorite romance collection. Each story was unique and had something that I loved about it. Each story was great! Sometimes with collections there are some stories that you aren't that into while others blow you away. Well with this collection I fell in love with each one totally. And I discovered some new authors that I am so excited to check out other books by. This collection had me laughing hysterically, falling love, swooning hard, blushing (talk about steamy scenes! and also feeling inspired.
Keeping in my mind that I loved each story I would have to say my favorite was Saved By The Mountain Man by Adriana Anders. This story had my favorite senario: sexy rugged man saves woman, trapped together in cabin due to weather and the attraction between them is undeniable. I couldn't get enough of this story! Micah is my new favorite book boyfriend. I will be honest I read this story twice. I couldn't get over his sweet heart, sex appeal and the way he made Christa feel so beautiful and loved when she had felt the opposite. That is the ultimate man in my opinion. They were just what each other needed. Love chance encounters.
If you love the snowed in scenario like I do also check out All They Want For Christmas by Andie J Christopher. It has all the steam and a unique scenario that I know I love as well.
But again each story has something special to offer and you will love them all. Read this collection. You will fall in love with each character. This is the perfect collection to be snowed in with. It will keep you warm all season long.
Keeping in my mind that I loved each story I would have to say my favorite was Saved By The Mountain Man by Adriana Anders. This story had my favorite senario: sexy rugged man saves woman, trapped together in cabin due to weather and the attraction between them is undeniable. I couldn't get enough of this story! Micah is my new favorite book boyfriend. I will be honest I read this story twice. I couldn't get over his sweet heart, sex appeal and the way he made Christa feel so beautiful and loved when she had felt the opposite. That is the ultimate man in my opinion. They were just what each other needed. Love chance encounters.
If you love the snowed in scenario like I do also check out All They Want For Christmas by Andie J Christopher. It has all the steam and a unique scenario that I know I love as well.
But again each story has something special to offer and you will love them all. Read this collection. You will fall in love with each character. This is the perfect collection to be snowed in with. It will keep you warm all season long.
December 20, 2018
A few of the stories in this collection elevate the whole anthology! My favorites are by Adriana Anders, Ainsley Booth, and Charlotte Stein.
Adriana Anders’s Saved By The Mountain Man is an absolute gem. All the heart-eyes for Micah! Her writing just plain does it for me, especially when it comes to burly mountain men. Ainsley Booth’s Stuck had an absolutely delicious twist I did not see coming and I ate up that story and would have read so much more about that couple. Finally, Charlotte Stein's Waiting In Vain was more proof of her genius. She does so much with so little, especially with her take on forced proximity.
These stories all pack a ton of heat. I still can’t decide which story was the hottest: Kelly Maher's Grievances And Glitter or Andie J. Christopher's All They Want For Christmas.
The other four stories were not for me for various reasons. But I'll be revisiting the rest next Christmas for sure!
Adriana Anders’s Saved By The Mountain Man is an absolute gem. All the heart-eyes for Micah! Her writing just plain does it for me, especially when it comes to burly mountain men. Ainsley Booth’s Stuck had an absolutely delicious twist I did not see coming and I ate up that story and would have read so much more about that couple. Finally, Charlotte Stein's Waiting In Vain was more proof of her genius. She does so much with so little, especially with her take on forced proximity.
These stories all pack a ton of heat. I still can’t decide which story was the hottest: Kelly Maher's Grievances And Glitter or Andie J. Christopher's All They Want For Christmas.
The other four stories were not for me for various reasons. But I'll be revisiting the rest next Christmas for sure!
December 28, 2018
A bit of a disappointment overall but I'm glad I read it since I got to try lots of authors I've been meaning to try. Charlotte Stein is the only one I've read before and no surprise there, I enjoyed her story (which has been published previously btw so no need to get the whole anthology for that). The other two I enjoyed were Eve Dangerfield and Ainsley Booth's stories and I've already added a couple of their books to my TBR. (Unfortunately Dangerfield's story has some major editing issues, I have no idea what went wrong there, and it's just her story, not the others.) Tamara Lush gets a shoutout for awesome sex positivity from both the mother (!) and the virgin hero (yup). The rest of the stories all fell somewhere between meh and ugh... So that's an average of approximately 2.5 stars.
Read
December 1, 2018I'm so excited to be part of this anthology! My book in this collection is a friends-to-lovers trope, and it's about the children of two couples I've written about in other novels (Tell Me a Story and Constant Craving). It's probably the funniest thing I've ever written, and I hope you enjoy!
on-the-back-burner
December 13, 2018Read:
"Have Yourself a Billionaire for Christmas" by Tracey Livesay (12/18) 3.5/5
"Have Yourself a Billionaire for Christmas" by Tracey Livesay (12/18) 3.5/5
December 16, 2018
a home run of holiday cheer and smexiness
December 18, 2018
What a fabulous collection of stories!! They are so varied and so good, it's a set you should be reading!!
April 17, 2019
Juicy and smart. Love the heat and dynamic between these two. Not your average romance, Anders characters are unique and intriguing.
December 9, 2018
For the most part this is an amazing set of Christmas holiday novellas, all with a HEA! A dud or two but mostly wonderful and well worth the price!! Don't miss STUCK by Zoe York! Best one in this set!!
HIS FOR THE HOLIDAY by Helenkay Dimon - A m/m relationship between a professor and a grad assistant seems doomed before it begins due to the personal history Professor Cameron Meade has lived with his whole life. Jonah Sparks is young and doesn't know how to handle Cam's rejection, but six years later a second chance has a more mature Jonah refusing to take no for an answer. Will Cam finally reach out for what he wants or let fear stand in his way?
DYSFUNCTIONAL by Eve Dangerfield - This book was only a 3 star read. The ridiculous amount of errors literally made it difficult to read. The premise is strange and the angst the writer tried to incorporate felt weird and contrived. I just didn't enjoy it.
SAVED BY THE MOUNTAIN MAN BY Adriana Anders - An opposits attract in all the best ways, dramatic, sweet and endearing novel. I loved it!
Christa isn't having a very good night. After being fooled by someone she should be able to trust, nearly dying trying to get away, and a snow storm that leaves her stranded, Christa can't see how her luck will possibly change. But after a weekend stranded in his cabin with mountain man Micah Graham it seems she may be wrong.
SNOW ANGEL by Tamara Lush - Full of humor and fun, Charlotte and Oliver's story is so sweet and sexy. Charlotte and Oliver have known each other their whole lives, since both sets of parents are best friends. When Charlotte's mom plans a Christmas getaway for them all in Vermont, a winter storm keeps everyone but Charlotte and Oliver from arriving at the huge cabin, allowing the two a chance to finally explore the feelings they've always had for each other.
GRIEVANCES AND GLITTER by Kelly Maher - A sweet second chances holiday book. A plan for a large group of friends to spend the weekend before Christmas together suddenly changes when a storm front keeps most of the group from being able to make the trip. Tina and Jericho hooked up last year at a similar gathering but Tina ghosting on Jericho left him confused and frustrated over the woman he had quickly developed feelings for. Imagine their surprise when it turns out they are the only ones able to get to the cabin before the storm arrives. With a second chance will the two be able to work through their differences and make a relationship work?
ALL THEY WANT FOR CHRISTMAS BY Andie J. Christopher - unexpectedly, this is a m/m/f novel that was at times so sad and thankfully ended with a hea. Francesca is excited as she has dinner with her boyfriend as she anticipates how he plans to propose. Her worse nightmare follows as he dumps her in public, and her ex and his companion are there to witness the whole thing. Just days before Christmas, Frankie had hoped to return home with a ring on her finger so her sick gram could die happy. Yet, confronting the man she'd been in love with, the one who broke her heart, while she is curiously attracted his friend Lucas, has Frankie intrigued. When Cary invites her back to his place she is under no misconception that this is just one night, since Cary made it perfectly clear a year ago that he doesn't do relationships. But the dynamics are changed considerably when Cary sets out to make her biggest menage fantasy come to life. And holy cow, does he ever! But just when the three are finding happiness beyond their wildest dreams one of them will destroy it all.
STUCK by Zoe York - OMG! What an incredibly sexy and sweet story. So funny with unexpected twists; it left me awe struck! Hazel and Sam strike up an interesting conversation on a train that will leave you curious and amazed. Where it ends is just wonderfully sweet and sexy. I wish I could give you more details but every little detail twists into a surprise I don't want to ruin. An absolute MUST READ!
HAVE YOURSELF A BILLIONAIRE FOR CHRISTMAS by Tracy Livesay - Jackson Randolph has arrived at his sister's large chalet in Jackson, Wyoming with his tail tucked between his legs after a very unattractive report hits the news wave about his company's miserly contributions to society. What he is shocked to find there is the woman he had a memorable moment with six months ago. Yet every attempt to contact her afterwards was met with a stone wall. However, Rachel Williams is expecting to spend the holiday alone at her boss's friends chalet and is met with the all-business, billionaire she didn't expect to ever see again. A serious lack of judgement on Jackson's part has both realizing life is far too short to not go after what you want. Well written with a perfect blend of sweet and sexy.
WAITING IN VAIN by Charlotte Stein - Nancy finds herself, once again, at her brother David's wife's family home for the holidays. Feeling like a pathetic outsider she is suddenly stunned and confused when Mick's teasing hand is inching its way up her thigh under the dinner table. Even crazier is the turn the weekend takes. Crazy, sexy, fun romp!
HIS FOR THE HOLIDAY by Helenkay Dimon - A m/m relationship between a professor and a grad assistant seems doomed before it begins due to the personal history Professor Cameron Meade has lived with his whole life. Jonah Sparks is young and doesn't know how to handle Cam's rejection, but six years later a second chance has a more mature Jonah refusing to take no for an answer. Will Cam finally reach out for what he wants or let fear stand in his way?
DYSFUNCTIONAL by Eve Dangerfield - This book was only a 3 star read. The ridiculous amount of errors literally made it difficult to read. The premise is strange and the angst the writer tried to incorporate felt weird and contrived. I just didn't enjoy it.
SAVED BY THE MOUNTAIN MAN BY Adriana Anders - An opposits attract in all the best ways, dramatic, sweet and endearing novel. I loved it!
Christa isn't having a very good night. After being fooled by someone she should be able to trust, nearly dying trying to get away, and a snow storm that leaves her stranded, Christa can't see how her luck will possibly change. But after a weekend stranded in his cabin with mountain man Micah Graham it seems she may be wrong.
SNOW ANGEL by Tamara Lush - Full of humor and fun, Charlotte and Oliver's story is so sweet and sexy. Charlotte and Oliver have known each other their whole lives, since both sets of parents are best friends. When Charlotte's mom plans a Christmas getaway for them all in Vermont, a winter storm keeps everyone but Charlotte and Oliver from arriving at the huge cabin, allowing the two a chance to finally explore the feelings they've always had for each other.
GRIEVANCES AND GLITTER by Kelly Maher - A sweet second chances holiday book. A plan for a large group of friends to spend the weekend before Christmas together suddenly changes when a storm front keeps most of the group from being able to make the trip. Tina and Jericho hooked up last year at a similar gathering but Tina ghosting on Jericho left him confused and frustrated over the woman he had quickly developed feelings for. Imagine their surprise when it turns out they are the only ones able to get to the cabin before the storm arrives. With a second chance will the two be able to work through their differences and make a relationship work?
ALL THEY WANT FOR CHRISTMAS BY Andie J. Christopher - unexpectedly, this is a m/m/f novel that was at times so sad and thankfully ended with a hea. Francesca is excited as she has dinner with her boyfriend as she anticipates how he plans to propose. Her worse nightmare follows as he dumps her in public, and her ex and his companion are there to witness the whole thing. Just days before Christmas, Frankie had hoped to return home with a ring on her finger so her sick gram could die happy. Yet, confronting the man she'd been in love with, the one who broke her heart, while she is curiously attracted his friend Lucas, has Frankie intrigued. When Cary invites her back to his place she is under no misconception that this is just one night, since Cary made it perfectly clear a year ago that he doesn't do relationships. But the dynamics are changed considerably when Cary sets out to make her biggest menage fantasy come to life. And holy cow, does he ever! But just when the three are finding happiness beyond their wildest dreams one of them will destroy it all.
STUCK by Zoe York - OMG! What an incredibly sexy and sweet story. So funny with unexpected twists; it left me awe struck! Hazel and Sam strike up an interesting conversation on a train that will leave you curious and amazed. Where it ends is just wonderfully sweet and sexy. I wish I could give you more details but every little detail twists into a surprise I don't want to ruin. An absolute MUST READ!
HAVE YOURSELF A BILLIONAIRE FOR CHRISTMAS by Tracy Livesay - Jackson Randolph has arrived at his sister's large chalet in Jackson, Wyoming with his tail tucked between his legs after a very unattractive report hits the news wave about his company's miserly contributions to society. What he is shocked to find there is the woman he had a memorable moment with six months ago. Yet every attempt to contact her afterwards was met with a stone wall. However, Rachel Williams is expecting to spend the holiday alone at her boss's friends chalet and is met with the all-business, billionaire she didn't expect to ever see again. A serious lack of judgement on Jackson's part has both realizing life is far too short to not go after what you want. Well written with a perfect blend of sweet and sexy.
WAITING IN VAIN by Charlotte Stein - Nancy finds herself, once again, at her brother David's wife's family home for the holidays. Feeling like a pathetic outsider she is suddenly stunned and confused when Mick's teasing hand is inching its way up her thigh under the dinner table. Even crazier is the turn the weekend takes. Crazy, sexy, fun romp!
April 24, 2019
OMG, the typos. There were so many (1-2) per page, that it almost made me throw the book down. Blatant typos, and grammar mistakes rip me out of the story. Having said that, the actual stories are so good.
His For The Holidays - HelenKay Dimon
A sweet m/m romance. It’s too torturous though. I get there was emotional trauma, but the timeline was ridiculous.
Dysfunctional - Eve Dangerfield m/f
Short & sweet. This is a gem of a story. Ms. Dangerfield’s writing and dialogue are always sharp.
Dysfunctional is doubly so. Very good.
Saved by the Mountain Man - Adriana Anders m/f
Really good. Excellent, In fact. It’s the popular trope of “lonely/loner mountain man with tragic backstory “ meets cute young thing, but the story is quickly elevated beyond the cliché. The connection and chemistry between the hero and heroine is so good.
Snow Angel - Tamara Lush m/f
Another really strong story. It’s a sort-of second chance romance. With the twist that he is a virgin and she is not. I loved that she is comfortable with her body and sex, and helps him learn how to please her. Though there is sex in the story, some is behind closed doors, and the tone is more sweet than sexy.
Grievances and Glitter - Kelly Maher
Pretty good, older hero and heroine.
Have Yourself a Billionaire for Christmas - Tracey Livesay
A bit clichéd, but sweet. Male tough-businessman-billionaire hero and female liberal-social-justice-crusader heroine. In a forced proximity, second chance, enemies to friends situation.
All They Want for Christmas - Andie J Christopher
A surprise ménage story - m/f/m and m/m. I was pleasantly surprised by this one.
Stuck - Ainsley Booth m/f
Really good. I love Ms. Booth’s writing. Partly because many of her stories, including this one, are set in Southern Ontario where I grew up and lived for most of my life. The love be story is divine, the sex is hot & kinky, the dialogue is snappy, and the feels are so good, so poignant.
Waiting in Vain - Charlotte Stein
Good. Full of signature Ms. Stein neuroses. I didn’t feel much of a connection between the hero and heroine.
His For The Holidays - HelenKay Dimon
A sweet m/m romance. It’s too torturous though. I get there was emotional trauma, but the timeline was ridiculous.
Dysfunctional - Eve Dangerfield m/f
Short & sweet. This is a gem of a story. Ms. Dangerfield’s writing and dialogue are always sharp.
Dysfunctional is doubly so. Very good.
Saved by the Mountain Man - Adriana Anders m/f
Really good. Excellent, In fact. It’s the popular trope of “lonely/loner mountain man with tragic backstory “ meets cute young thing, but the story is quickly elevated beyond the cliché. The connection and chemistry between the hero and heroine is so good.
Snow Angel - Tamara Lush m/f
Another really strong story. It’s a sort-of second chance romance. With the twist that he is a virgin and she is not. I loved that she is comfortable with her body and sex, and helps him learn how to please her. Though there is sex in the story, some is behind closed doors, and the tone is more sweet than sexy.
Grievances and Glitter - Kelly Maher
Pretty good, older hero and heroine.
Have Yourself a Billionaire for Christmas - Tracey Livesay
A bit clichéd, but sweet. Male tough-businessman-billionaire hero and female liberal-social-justice-crusader heroine. In a forced proximity, second chance, enemies to friends situation.
All They Want for Christmas - Andie J Christopher
A surprise ménage story - m/f/m and m/m. I was pleasantly surprised by this one.
Stuck - Ainsley Booth m/f
Really good. I love Ms. Booth’s writing. Partly because many of her stories, including this one, are set in Southern Ontario where I grew up and lived for most of my life. The love be story is divine, the sex is hot & kinky, the dialogue is snappy, and the feels are so good, so poignant.
Waiting in Vain - Charlotte Stein
Good. Full of signature Ms. Stein neuroses. I didn’t feel much of a connection between the hero and heroine.
December 19, 2018
His for the Holiday, HelenKay Dimon - cute, fairly fluffy read, though I found it hard to believe that a crush could withstand six years of separation.
Dysfunctional, Eve Dangerfield - I started this one and ended up skipping it due to editing errors and a general dislike for the characters and premise.
Saved by the Mountain Man, Adriana Anders -one of the highlights, and one of the few that built a new relationship, rather than relying on past connections. Plus, I do enjoy a grumpy, secretively sensitive, loner dude.
Snow Angel, Tamara Lush - sweet and slightly steamy NA romance in a ski chalet.
Grievances and Glitter, Kelly Maher - okay, not terribly memorable.
Have Yourself a Billionaire for Christmas, Tracey Livesay - the description and the actual plot do NOT match at all. Instead of a menage situation, a real estate mogul and a ... charity worker? I'm not clear on her actual job - who've had an almost one night stand get stranded in a mountain retreat together, sexytimes ensue.
All They Want For Christmas, Andie J. Christopher - here's your menage action! Plus a big helping of brooding and damaged men. The story ends before any real-world repercussions can be worked out (if they could be worked out, which I'm not sold on).
Stuck, Ainsley Booth - Tied for my favorite in the anthology. Believable romance, fun characters, and better writing.
Waiting in Vain, Charlotte Stein - ick, it started out with some super-sketchy behavior from the hero, which I personally wouldn't welcome even if I had been nursing a crush like the heroine. Second least favorite?
Dysfunctional, Eve Dangerfield - I started this one and ended up skipping it due to editing errors and a general dislike for the characters and premise.
Saved by the Mountain Man, Adriana Anders -one of the highlights, and one of the few that built a new relationship, rather than relying on past connections. Plus, I do enjoy a grumpy, secretively sensitive, loner dude.
Snow Angel, Tamara Lush - sweet and slightly steamy NA romance in a ski chalet.
Grievances and Glitter, Kelly Maher - okay, not terribly memorable.
Have Yourself a Billionaire for Christmas, Tracey Livesay - the description and the actual plot do NOT match at all. Instead of a menage situation, a real estate mogul and a ... charity worker? I'm not clear on her actual job - who've had an almost one night stand get stranded in a mountain retreat together, sexytimes ensue.
All They Want For Christmas, Andie J. Christopher - here's your menage action! Plus a big helping of brooding and damaged men. The story ends before any real-world repercussions can be worked out (if they could be worked out, which I'm not sold on).
Stuck, Ainsley Booth - Tied for my favorite in the anthology. Believable romance, fun characters, and better writing.
Waiting in Vain, Charlotte Stein - ick, it started out with some super-sketchy behavior from the hero, which I personally wouldn't welcome even if I had been nursing a crush like the heroine. Second least favorite?
November 28, 2018
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review of Ainsley Booth's story in the volume.
Wow. Just wow. Ainsley's writing goes from strength to strength and if this is the first in a series... SIGN. ME. UP.
Hazel is an erotic writer with a past. A past that includes a regret. A past that includes some mysteries. Even at the end of the book, I'm left with a feeling that there's more. Much more. I want more also.
The part of her past that is revealed involves Sam. Wow, that was a surprise I never saw coming. The story unfolds in this really interesting and unusual way, and it works well. You start reading one book and end with an entirely different one than you thought.
Sam's backstory is also complex. They are both real characters, ones who've done some of the emotional growth that we sometimes get in a story before this book starts. Instead, we get their reflections on that growth. Again, it makes the story unusual and in a good way... and it's what makes me think that this some of Ainsley's best writing ever. It's exciting to think about what is coming next since this is just the first in a series of books she's working on.
Let me add that this story also has the usual Ainsley features. It is hot, those characters really get together when they get together. There's something in her choice of words to describe how they interact which makes you feel the heat in play, the flirting, the push and pull of them together.
I've just finished it and I have so many questions. First though, I'm off to re-read it.
Wow. Just wow. Ainsley's writing goes from strength to strength and if this is the first in a series... SIGN. ME. UP.
Hazel is an erotic writer with a past. A past that includes a regret. A past that includes some mysteries. Even at the end of the book, I'm left with a feeling that there's more. Much more. I want more also.
The part of her past that is revealed involves Sam. Wow, that was a surprise I never saw coming. The story unfolds in this really interesting and unusual way, and it works well. You start reading one book and end with an entirely different one than you thought.
Sam's backstory is also complex. They are both real characters, ones who've done some of the emotional growth that we sometimes get in a story before this book starts. Instead, we get their reflections on that growth. Again, it makes the story unusual and in a good way... and it's what makes me think that this some of Ainsley's best writing ever. It's exciting to think about what is coming next since this is just the first in a series of books she's working on.
Let me add that this story also has the usual Ainsley features. It is hot, those characters really get together when they get together. There's something in her choice of words to describe how they interact which makes you feel the heat in play, the flirting, the push and pull of them together.
I've just finished it and I have so many questions. First though, I'm off to re-read it.
December 23, 2018
What a mixed bag. And oh, some atrocious orthographical and grammatical mistakes, signs of poor editing.
The award for the most moronic thing to say goes to the Charlotte character in Tamara Lush's Snow Angel:
"It's December 23rd, one the longest days of the year" (Pos 4551). No, it is not. The day is just as long as any other of the 365 days in the year. The daytime, OTOH, is one of the shortest, which makes the nighttime one of the longest (unless you're in the southern hemisphere, which this story is not set in).
My favorites:
Helenkay Dimon: His For The Holiday *****
Adriana Anders: Saved By The Mountain Man *****
Kelly Maher: Grievances And Glitter ***** (mature romance (35+ yo characters), with a successful professional heroine, who decides not to have kids = anti-stereotype romance = win)
Ainsley Booth: Stuck **** (liked this one more than I thought I would)
Tracy Livesay: Have Yourself a Billionaire For Christmas **** (a little bit too cliché but still good)
The meh:
Tamara Lush: Snow Angel *** (see above)
Eve Dangerfield: Dysfunctional *** (a Cinderella-story, just a bit too sweet and smooth, but I really like the writing)
The nope:
Charlotte Stein: Waiting In Vain /no stars/ (dubious consent, and I didn't see the romance between the characters; they meet once a year for 3 years, hardly speak a word to each other, and then bam? it has a old-school feeling to it, not really modern)
Andie J. Christopher: All They Want For Christmas /DNF/ this story has one of the most unlikeable, most despicable heroines I've ever encountered
The award for the most moronic thing to say goes to the Charlotte character in Tamara Lush's Snow Angel:
"It's December 23rd, one the longest days of the year" (Pos 4551). No, it is not. The day is just as long as any other of the 365 days in the year. The daytime, OTOH, is one of the shortest, which makes the nighttime one of the longest (unless you're in the southern hemisphere, which this story is not set in).
My favorites:
Helenkay Dimon: His For The Holiday *****
Adriana Anders: Saved By The Mountain Man *****
Kelly Maher: Grievances And Glitter ***** (mature romance (35+ yo characters), with a successful professional heroine, who decides not to have kids = anti-stereotype romance = win)
Ainsley Booth: Stuck **** (liked this one more than I thought I would)
Tracy Livesay: Have Yourself a Billionaire For Christmas **** (a little bit too cliché but still good)
The meh:
Tamara Lush: Snow Angel *** (see above)
Eve Dangerfield: Dysfunctional *** (a Cinderella-story, just a bit too sweet and smooth, but I really like the writing)
The nope:
Charlotte Stein: Waiting In Vain /no stars/ (dubious consent, and I didn't see the romance between the characters; they meet once a year for 3 years, hardly speak a word to each other, and then bam? it has a old-school feeling to it, not really modern)
Andie J. Christopher: All They Want For Christmas /DNF/ this story has one of the most unlikeable, most despicable heroines I've ever encountered
December 3, 2018
His for the Holiday by HelenKay Dimon
M/M romance
Jonah’s crush on his former professor steadily grew through grad school, morphing into a steady rhythm of feelings the very quiet professor returned. But one misunderstanding sets these two on separate paths. When the opportunity presents itself, will Cam give Jonah his Christmas miracle? I loved Jonah! He was bright, lively, and knew what he wanted. Cam was super reserved compared to Jonah, but was adorable in his befuddled attraction. Together, they were one sexy, hot mess of chemistry and feelings!
Saved by the Mountain Man by Adriana Anders
When her boss makes an unwelcome sexual pass, Christa flees into the night. Unfortunately for her, she hits black ice and runs off the road. Lucky for her, Micah hears and comes to her aid. Micah was a little broken, but his protective streak was a mile wide and hiding a huge heart of gold! Christa may have not been what this lonely mountain man was expecting, it Christmas miracles happen when least expected!
Stuck by Ainsley Booth
Hazel and Sam have a messed up history together and running into one another years later gives them an unexpected second chance to start over. This was sizzling, yet very sweet read! I loved the duality of storytelling with Hazel, but Sam...talk about owning one’s mistakes! I’m excited to see where this series goes next!
M/M romance
Jonah’s crush on his former professor steadily grew through grad school, morphing into a steady rhythm of feelings the very quiet professor returned. But one misunderstanding sets these two on separate paths. When the opportunity presents itself, will Cam give Jonah his Christmas miracle? I loved Jonah! He was bright, lively, and knew what he wanted. Cam was super reserved compared to Jonah, but was adorable in his befuddled attraction. Together, they were one sexy, hot mess of chemistry and feelings!
Saved by the Mountain Man by Adriana Anders
When her boss makes an unwelcome sexual pass, Christa flees into the night. Unfortunately for her, she hits black ice and runs off the road. Lucky for her, Micah hears and comes to her aid. Micah was a little broken, but his protective streak was a mile wide and hiding a huge heart of gold! Christa may have not been what this lonely mountain man was expecting, it Christmas miracles happen when least expected!
Stuck by Ainsley Booth
Hazel and Sam have a messed up history together and running into one another years later gives them an unexpected second chance to start over. This was sizzling, yet very sweet read! I loved the duality of storytelling with Hazel, but Sam...talk about owning one’s mistakes! I’m excited to see where this series goes next!
December 2, 2018
I purchased with the sole view of reading “Snow Angel by Tamara Lush”
Enter a Festive Season Holiday in a Vermont Ski Lodge where (Justine and Rafael’s (Constant Craving)Youngest Son) Oliver and (Caleb and Emma’s (Tell Me a Story) daughter) Charlotte become snowed in for 2-3 days siding up to Christmas.
Alone with unrequited feelings for the other since a kiss that was interrupted by Oliver’s Father many years before — opens the setting for more!!!
Truths spoken, feelings acknowledged, moments requited and left with the slow burn of the reader wanting more of their story lol 😂
Tamara this was amazingly written in true mesmerising form and I pray to the unmitigating gods that maybe just maybe Sharkie and Oliver speak to you on some level to tell their story in full bloom 🥰
Thankyou for the amazing promotion of Reindeer Games ♥️ I will get around to leaving more reviews as I read the other authors in this volume ♥️ but I bought this solely to experience Charlotte and Oliver’s coming together so to speak ♥️♥️
And hope beyond all hope that
There is a complete story in the works
For these two characters lol 😂
Enter a Festive Season Holiday in a Vermont Ski Lodge where (Justine and Rafael’s (Constant Craving)Youngest Son) Oliver and (Caleb and Emma’s (Tell Me a Story) daughter) Charlotte become snowed in for 2-3 days siding up to Christmas.
Alone with unrequited feelings for the other since a kiss that was interrupted by Oliver’s Father many years before — opens the setting for more!!!
Truths spoken, feelings acknowledged, moments requited and left with the slow burn of the reader wanting more of their story lol 😂
Tamara this was amazingly written in true mesmerising form and I pray to the unmitigating gods that maybe just maybe Sharkie and Oliver speak to you on some level to tell their story in full bloom 🥰
Thankyou for the amazing promotion of Reindeer Games ♥️ I will get around to leaving more reviews as I read the other authors in this volume ♥️ but I bought this solely to experience Charlotte and Oliver’s coming together so to speak ♥️♥️
And hope beyond all hope that
There is a complete story in the works
For these two characters lol 😂
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2019
Below was written while I was reading this. This one suffered the curse of me marking it "Currently Reading" in Goodreads. Without fail if I mark a book CR I never finish it. The problem could be that it's always anthologies that I get bored with after the first few stories, but let's just call it a curse. I'm marking this finished, but I did only read the first three. Started on a high and plummeted quickly. Got my money's worth with the first two though.
****Nice variety of erotic Christmas short stories all with a "snowed-in" (or in the Southern Hemisphere "locked-in") theme. (My Kobo edition has a different cover and some obvious editing issues, but I shall press on. I like this ornament cover better than the reindeer one, so I'm a little miffed.)
His for the Holiday by HelenKay Dimon
4/5
Second chance M/M story between an anxiety-plagued professor and a former grad student turned professor. Takes place over six years at a college in D.C. and a cabin in Maryland. Jonah is super patient with relationship-shy Cam so it's a slow burn for a novella, but hot once it gets there.
Dysfunctional by Eve Dangerfield
3.5/5
Insta-love M/F story between a down-on-her-luck Australian girl who has taken a vow of celibacy ("VoC" per Jessica) and a rich American (born in Melbourne raised in Georgia) who just bought into the country club she works at. Almost the polar opposite of the first story, these two were swapping more than spit within an hour ofmeeting being locked in the function room together. Great chemistry, great sex (oral on conference table because there's no condoms in the function room), and funny. Austin taking the place of the missing waitress was adorable, but his fascination with vibrators was hot.
Saved by the Mountain Man by Adriana Anders
2/5
Poor "fat" girl escapes lecherous boss and drives off a cliff, is rescued by surly, reclusive, arborist, disabled veteran. Lots of sex is had.
Snow Angel by Tamara Lush
TBR
Grievances and Glitter by Kelly Maher
TBR
All They Want for Christmas by Andie J Christopher
TBR
Stuck by Aisnley Booth
TBR
Have Yourself a Billionaire for Christmas by Tracey Livesay
TBR
Waiting in Vain by Charlotte Stein
TBR
****Nice variety of erotic Christmas short stories all with a "snowed-in" (or in the Southern Hemisphere "locked-in") theme. (My Kobo edition has a different cover and some obvious editing issues, but I shall press on. I like this ornament cover better than the reindeer one, so I'm a little miffed.)
His for the Holiday by HelenKay Dimon
4/5
Second chance M/M story between an anxiety-plagued professor and a former grad student turned professor. Takes place over six years at a college in D.C. and a cabin in Maryland. Jonah is super patient with relationship-shy Cam so it's a slow burn for a novella, but hot once it gets there.
Dysfunctional by Eve Dangerfield
3.5/5
Insta-love M/F story between a down-on-her-luck Australian girl who has taken a vow of celibacy ("VoC" per Jessica) and a rich American (born in Melbourne raised in Georgia) who just bought into the country club she works at. Almost the polar opposite of the first story, these two were swapping more than spit within an hour of
Saved by the Mountain Man by Adriana Anders
2/5
Poor "fat" girl escapes lecherous boss and drives off a cliff, is rescued by surly, reclusive, arborist, disabled veteran. Lots of sex is had.
Snow Angel by Tamara Lush
TBR
Grievances and Glitter by Kelly Maher
TBR
All They Want for Christmas by Andie J Christopher
TBR
Stuck by Aisnley Booth
TBR
Have Yourself a Billionaire for Christmas by Tracey Livesay
TBR
Waiting in Vain by Charlotte Stein
TBR
December 31, 2018
3-4 stars. This was a pretty good anthology! I enjoyed most of these stories and this book. A few stories, I skipped for various reasons.
Dysfunctional by Eve Dangerfield- 3.75-4 stars. This was cute, sweet and sexy. I wanted more!
Saved by the Mountain Man by Adriana Anders - 3.75 stars. Turned out to be pretty good. It was a little long and not insta-love like I was expecting. Entertaining and sexy.
Snow Angel by Tamara Lush - 3.5 stars. This was cute and sweet. I wanted an epilogue and even more. I liked it.
Greivances and Glitter by Kelly Maher - 3 stars. This wasn't my fave. There were some timeline issues, too much pushing away, too slow moving, and not a great story. I didn't feel any love or emotion.
Stuck by Ainsley Booth - 4 stars. This was really good. Definitely my fave. Good story and good writing. Sensual, romantic, and sexy with a dash of humor.
Waiting in Vain by Charlotte Stein - 3.25-3.5 stars. This was not a bad story. It was sweet and sexy, but was lacking in detail and depth.
Dysfunctional by Eve Dangerfield- 3.75-4 stars. This was cute, sweet and sexy. I wanted more!
Saved by the Mountain Man by Adriana Anders - 3.75 stars. Turned out to be pretty good. It was a little long and not insta-love like I was expecting. Entertaining and sexy.
Snow Angel by Tamara Lush - 3.5 stars. This was cute and sweet. I wanted an epilogue and even more. I liked it.
Greivances and Glitter by Kelly Maher - 3 stars. This wasn't my fave. There were some timeline issues, too much pushing away, too slow moving, and not a great story. I didn't feel any love or emotion.
Stuck by Ainsley Booth - 4 stars. This was really good. Definitely my fave. Good story and good writing. Sensual, romantic, and sexy with a dash of humor.
Waiting in Vain by Charlotte Stein - 3.25-3.5 stars. This was not a bad story. It was sweet and sexy, but was lacking in detail and depth.
December 22, 2018
Sometimes with these anthologies it can be a hit and miss. There can be some really good ones stories and others hat you skip through, not this one. I read and ENJOYED every single one. I have to say though that my favorite was Stuck by Ainsley Booth. From the first with the intro and that poem (so hot) I was hooked and needed to know who that poem was about and how / why it was written, it was definitely the hook that reeled me in. I loved the idea of a train meeting and then to find out, well, I can't say cause that would spoil it, but it was a great twist. Hazel and Sam are so open and honest, it was refreshing. Great chemistry.
January 2, 2019
A Great Holiday Read
A surprisingly good read! I use that description because while the majority of the authors included in this anthology are well-known, I myself have only read works by one. I found the Christmas stories included an odd mix of charming, quirky, sensual, funny, steamy and even a little poignant. Some featured lovers separated by time or circumstances, others newly matched pairs. The one dominate theme being Christmas as a time to right all wrongs. This is the perfect feel good novel for the holidays, or for any days when you need that pick me up or reason to smile. I am adding several new authors to my reading list after reading Reindeer Games....
A surprisingly good read! I use that description because while the majority of the authors included in this anthology are well-known, I myself have only read works by one. I found the Christmas stories included an odd mix of charming, quirky, sensual, funny, steamy and even a little poignant. Some featured lovers separated by time or circumstances, others newly matched pairs. The one dominate theme being Christmas as a time to right all wrongs. This is the perfect feel good novel for the holidays, or for any days when you need that pick me up or reason to smile. I am adding several new authors to my reading list after reading Reindeer Games....
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