I have previously read and reviewed all of the books in this box set. Each one is a standalone, set during the Christmas season:
Don't Open Til Christmas: I thoroughly enjoyed this delightfully quirky romance, in spite of the underlying tension and suspense. The dialogue is witty and entertaining as Detective Mark Santori seeks to unravel a case that is plaguing the department. Literally bumping into Noelle, the sparks fly between Mark and the social worker. However, when he meets Noelle at her workplace after the gang of rogue Santas has hit the safe house for children she is sheltering, he will do what it takes to find the criminals. The plot is steamy and romantic as Mark and his colleagues investigate the crimes, little realizing that Noelle holds the key to solving the mystery. The novel closes on a happy note despite some disappointments along the way.
It Happened One Christmas: In this enjoyable and witty second-chance romance, all roads lead back to Ross. The alternating chapters tell the story of both past and present, the one leading to disappointment and the other to the fulfillment of dreams. Ross once came to Lucy's rescue when she needed it most, and showed her that joy could be found at Christmas. Six years later, when Lucy comes face to face with Ross in a different place but on the same date, she steps back fearful of being hurt again. Nevertheless, fate steps in, and Ross and Lucy are forced to spend time together. The spark that brought them together in the first place is easily fanned into an inferno, but it takes courage on both their parts to set the past aside and find a future. I enjoyed this novel, the characters, and the chemistry between them.
Make Me Over: Ruing the day she made a deathbed promise to her father that she would wipe off the grease and get herself an education, Tori is less than happy when her father makes a full recovery and holds her to her vow. Entering the makeover contest that would pay out a million dollars, almost enough to get her brother out of the mess he has made for himself, Tori enrolls in the reality show. Her initial meeting with Professor Drew Bennett takes her by surprise and when it would seem that he is similarly smitten, Tori knows she has choices to make before things get out of hand. Drew's interest is drawn immediately upon seeing Lori as she is very different from all the other girls, but unbeknown to him, he is the prize. The romance that develops between Drew and Lori is beautiful in its rawness, and I loved the main characters in this book. However, having a pathological fear of manipulation, I was unable to fully invest myself in this novel. I could only applaud Tori for the choices she made and Drew for choosing to follow his heart.
Do You Want What I Want? : Shock turns to lust when Lulu discovers that the boy she tormented in her childhood has become a gorgeous hunk. That he obviously returns her interest makes her think that he remembers her. However, it quickly becomes apparent that Charles does not recognize her, and rather than spoil the electricity between them, Lulu chooses to avoid giving away her identity. The truth eventually comes out, but not without fireworks and a price to be paid. Unfortunately, their formative years get in the way, and Lulu cannot believe that they could possibly have a future together until it is almost too late. Fortunately, this standalone novel comes to a successful conclusion, and Charles and Luly find the missing link in their lives.
I'll Be Home for Christmas: Short, emotional, and romantic, this novella is both steamy and emotive as two lovers connect once again. Discovering that all flights have been canceled due to a blizzard, the only other option is to rent a vehicle and drive through the night. Finding that Rafe has indeed taken the last SUV available, Ellie accepts his offer to accompany him home to Chicago. Hours on the road give them time to sort out the misunderstandings between them and discover that the initial spark between them is as strong and powerful as 7 years before. With the goodwill of strangers along the route, Rafe and Ellie bridge the gap that has kept them apart and Christmas takes on a new and joyful meaning for the pair.
Each holiday romance is a standalone and comes to a happy conclusion. I received a copy of this box set as a gift through BookSprout and this is my honest and voluntary review.