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American Heroes: The Firefighters #4
Better Naughty Than Nice: No Mistletoe Required\Her Secret Santa\Snug in His Bed
Meet St. Nick's delightfully devilish brother, Damon Claus. He's about to prove to three unsuspecting couples that being naughty is much, much nicer...
No Mistletoe Required by Vicki Lewis Thompson
With Damon's sneaky help, Hayden Manchester and Riley Kinnard rekindle a long-running, very creative rivalry...that leaves them fighting over who's on top!
Her Secret Santa by Jill Shalvis
Workaholic Ally Dauer runs the local toy drive. Only when she discovers some very adult toys, firefighter Eddie Weston convinces her that the best gifts are meant to be shared....
Snug in His Bed by Rhonda Nelson
Viv Foster hates Christmas. Hank Bailey owns a Christmas tree farm. What could they possibly have in common? Sizzling sexual chemistry and, thanks to Damon, the opportunity to act on it. After all, it's the season of miracles...
No Mistletoe Required by Vicki Lewis Thompson
With Damon's sneaky help, Hayden Manchester and Riley Kinnard rekindle a long-running, very creative rivalry...that leaves them fighting over who's on top!
Her Secret Santa by Jill Shalvis
Workaholic Ally Dauer runs the local toy drive. Only when she discovers some very adult toys, firefighter Eddie Weston convinces her that the best gifts are meant to be shared....
Snug in His Bed by Rhonda Nelson
Viv Foster hates Christmas. Hank Bailey owns a Christmas tree farm. What could they possibly have in common? Sizzling sexual chemistry and, thanks to Damon, the opportunity to act on it. After all, it's the season of miracles...
217 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
7 people are currently reading
533 people want to read
About the author
Vicki Lewis Thompson
498 books1,538 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestseller Vicki Lewis Thompson believes love makes the world go around and laughter makes the trip worth taking. The recipient of RWA’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award and the author of more than ninety books, Vicki pioneered a new kind of romance hero with Nerd in Shining Armor. Following the success of her nerd stories, Vicki launched a boisterous paranormal series featuring a matchmaking witch and wizard, an ADD dragon named George, and a black cat inspired by her own precocious feline, Eve.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 19, 2009
Three cute Christmas themed stories with varying degrees of heat--perfect for busy pre-holiday days when time for reading (and the ability to concentrate on) more involved stories is limited.
The three stories in this anthology all have a running theme--Santa Claus's younger brother Damon Claus (who is a manipulative, mischievous "bad-boy" resentful of the holiday and all the joy big brother Santa brings) is involved in some naughty way in each of the stories, throwing the couples together, hoping to cause trouble but ultimately being responsible for their HEAs. It's kind of a unique concept, and it's good for a few laughs and gives each story a light-hearted feel.
In No Mistletoe Required by Vicki Lewis Thompson, Hollywood set designer Hayden Manchester and Chicago architect Riley Kinnard are reunited when the former childhood friends-to-sweethearts are both back in their Tucson, Arizona neighborhood at Christmastime. Hayden now lives in the family's old home, commuting when needed to various work locales, and Riley's back in town interviewing for a local job and staying in his vacationing parent's house (across the street from Hayden). Hayden and Riley, who haven't seen each other in ten years following a bad break-up due to a misunderstanding that snowballed, are still attracted to each other, and with the help and goading of a mysterious "exterior holiday decorator", the attraction takes on a competitive twist when each decide to outdo the other with their holiday decorations. The competition rekindles their once flaming bright passion, and the two stubborn lovers are left wondering if maybe they were too hasty in breaking up 10 years ago.
This story was cute, quick, and a bit sexy, but then it got a bit silly as their decorating competition intensified, and it sort of fell apart for me. Still, not a bad read at all. 3 1/2 stars
Her Secret Santa by Jill Shalvis, featuring uptight workaholic arson investigator Ally Dauer and sexy firefighter Eddie Weston, was probably my favorite story, and it packed the most heat. Ally and Eddie, who had a previous two date relationship fizzle when Ally thought Eddie wasn't interested when he never called her again (after a hot kiss), and Eddie thought Ally didn't want to be pursued when she sort of gave him the brush off (she was interested--just cautious) find themselves working together on the local holiday toy drive. Things really heat up when someone (Damon?) includes some very adult toys in the boxes of toys that Eddie brings to Ally's office...
Whew, this couple had tons of chemistry, and when things heated up between them they heated up! Cute, sexy read, with a believable HFN ending. 4 1/2 stars
Snug In His Bed was a cute, often funny read about a Christmas hating woman (Viv Foster) and a hunky Christmas tree farmer (Hank Bailey) longing for a woman with similar hopes and dreams as him. Web-designer Viv, who is working part time for the holidays at the mall as one of Santa's elves (hoping to save enough money for a long planned trip to London), is sentenced to community service when she is charged with assaulting Santa (Damon?) (he groped her). And the community service is to take place at Hank Bailey's cozy Christmas tree farm. When these two lay eyes on each other, it's instant attraction. But will Hank, whose whole career centers around Christmas, and Viv, who has some bad Christmas memories from her childhood, be able to overcome her aversion to the holiday and have a future together?
Very cute, nice characters all around, with a little bit of heat, and a sweet HEA. 4 stars.
If you're looking for some light holiday reading that won't take up too much time (3 1/2 hours) and will leave you with a smile on your face (Damon Claus is rather funny), give Better Naughty Than Nice a shot. 4 stars
The three stories in this anthology all have a running theme--Santa Claus's younger brother Damon Claus (who is a manipulative, mischievous "bad-boy" resentful of the holiday and all the joy big brother Santa brings) is involved in some naughty way in each of the stories, throwing the couples together, hoping to cause trouble but ultimately being responsible for their HEAs. It's kind of a unique concept, and it's good for a few laughs and gives each story a light-hearted feel.
In No Mistletoe Required by Vicki Lewis Thompson, Hollywood set designer Hayden Manchester and Chicago architect Riley Kinnard are reunited when the former childhood friends-to-sweethearts are both back in their Tucson, Arizona neighborhood at Christmastime. Hayden now lives in the family's old home, commuting when needed to various work locales, and Riley's back in town interviewing for a local job and staying in his vacationing parent's house (across the street from Hayden). Hayden and Riley, who haven't seen each other in ten years following a bad break-up due to a misunderstanding that snowballed, are still attracted to each other, and with the help and goading of a mysterious "exterior holiday decorator", the attraction takes on a competitive twist when each decide to outdo the other with their holiday decorations. The competition rekindles their once flaming bright passion, and the two stubborn lovers are left wondering if maybe they were too hasty in breaking up 10 years ago.
This story was cute, quick, and a bit sexy, but then it got a bit silly as their decorating competition intensified, and it sort of fell apart for me. Still, not a bad read at all. 3 1/2 stars
Her Secret Santa by Jill Shalvis, featuring uptight workaholic arson investigator Ally Dauer and sexy firefighter Eddie Weston, was probably my favorite story, and it packed the most heat. Ally and Eddie, who had a previous two date relationship fizzle when Ally thought Eddie wasn't interested when he never called her again (after a hot kiss), and Eddie thought Ally didn't want to be pursued when she sort of gave him the brush off (she was interested--just cautious) find themselves working together on the local holiday toy drive. Things really heat up when someone (Damon?) includes some very adult toys in the boxes of toys that Eddie brings to Ally's office...
Whew, this couple had tons of chemistry, and when things heated up between them they heated up! Cute, sexy read, with a believable HFN ending. 4 1/2 stars
Snug In His Bed was a cute, often funny read about a Christmas hating woman (Viv Foster) and a hunky Christmas tree farmer (Hank Bailey) longing for a woman with similar hopes and dreams as him. Web-designer Viv, who is working part time for the holidays at the mall as one of Santa's elves (hoping to save enough money for a long planned trip to London), is sentenced to community service when she is charged with assaulting Santa (Damon?) (he groped her). And the community service is to take place at Hank Bailey's cozy Christmas tree farm. When these two lay eyes on each other, it's instant attraction. But will Hank, whose whole career centers around Christmas, and Viv, who has some bad Christmas memories from her childhood, be able to overcome her aversion to the holiday and have a future together?
Very cute, nice characters all around, with a little bit of heat, and a sweet HEA. 4 stars.
If you're looking for some light holiday reading that won't take up too much time (3 1/2 hours) and will leave you with a smile on your face (Damon Claus is rather funny), give Better Naughty Than Nice a shot. 4 stars
November 11, 2009
This was a quickie, light-weight Christmas-themed anthology with three hot little stories. Santa's younger brother, Damon Claus, is fed up with the whole Christmas cheer and decides to imbue the season to be jolly with a little naughtiness…His (un)fortunate victims are former high-school sweethearts that rekindle their flame thanks to some healthy Christmas decorations competition, an arson investigator and a firefighter joining forces to find the secret admirer that is sending her sex toys and porn flicks wrapped in naked Santa paper, and a woman who hates Christmas doing "time" at a tree farm for slugging a mall Santa for copping a feel that falls for the Christmas-loving tree farm owner.
What all three stories had in common was an emotionally scarred/insecure/challenged heroine finding the right guy that made the transition from skittish to totally, head-over-heels, starry-eyed in love.
Since everything happens in a span of a few days (if not hours), execution and style is everything to make is believable (and likable). Unfortunately the first two stories lacked in said execution – the second even more than the first. The real gem in this anthology was Rhonda Nelson's contribution with the Santa slugging woman finding her appreciation for Christmas, an addition to her family, and love on a tree farm.
Cute, quick, sweet and hot.
P.S. I wished one of the stories was about Damon Claus, Santa’s naughty little brother, but alas my wish didn’t come true. I would’ve loved to see him squirm receiving some of his own medicine.
What all three stories had in common was an emotionally scarred/insecure/challenged heroine finding the right guy that made the transition from skittish to totally, head-over-heels, starry-eyed in love.
Since everything happens in a span of a few days (if not hours), execution and style is everything to make is believable (and likable). Unfortunately the first two stories lacked in said execution – the second even more than the first. The real gem in this anthology was Rhonda Nelson's contribution with the Santa slugging woman finding her appreciation for Christmas, an addition to her family, and love on a tree farm.
Cute, quick, sweet and hot.
P.S. I wished one of the stories was about Damon Claus, Santa’s naughty little brother, but alas my wish didn’t come true. I would’ve loved to see him squirm receiving some of his own medicine.
January 10, 2021
Slightly Sizzling Christmas Romance
4 stars
Blaze brings together its annual collection of short stories to keep you heated during the cold nights through the Christmas season. In this selection, Damon Claus, Santa's naughty brother, decides to help some people have the ultimate naughty Christmas treats.
NO MISTLETOE REQUIRED - Vicki Lewis Thompson
Ten years ago Riley Kincaid broke Hayden Manchester's heart but a little Christmas competition could be just the thing needed to get this pair back on track and enjoying every second under the mistletoe.
This was a fun, hot romance with a likeable couple that were likeable and relatable.
HER SECRET SANTA - Jill Shalvis
Ally Dauer is in charge of this year's toy drive but to her mortification, someone keeps sending her adult toys. Firefighter Eddie Weston is out to convince Ally that maybe the best gifts can be shared this Christmas.
I really enjoyed this story and especially Ally. It was sweet, hot and enjoyable all round.
SNUG IN HIS BED - Rhonda Nelson
Viv Foster hates Christmas. Hank Bailey owns a Christmas tree farm. When they're forced into each other's company they realise it's more than sizzling chemistry they have in common.
This story was a little slow with little excitement. It was fine and easy to read but nothing special.
Overall this was a nice anthology and one that is worth a read over the Christmas holidays. The stories were all linked by Damon Claus, a storyline that lacked any real direction or purpose but it's still a fun collection if you love Christmas and like your romance with a bit of heat. 4 stars.
December 27, 2021
I grabbed this book mainly for the Vicki Lewis Thompson story (No Mistletoe Required). It was pretty tame for VLT's standards, but so-so. The second story was much the same. My favorite was the third story. A nice quick read for the holidays, but not worth a second read.
May 26, 2017
HBZ #507 = 3.5 stars
This is an anthology containing:
No Mistletoe Required by Vicki Lewis Thompson
Her Secret Santa by Jill Shalvis
Snug in his Bed by Rhonda Nelson
This is an anthology containing:
No Mistletoe Required by Vicki Lewis Thompson
Her Secret Santa by Jill Shalvis
Snug in his Bed by Rhonda Nelson
March 5, 2014
Drei Kurzgeschichten und in allen drei treibt Damon Claus, der böse kleine Bruder von Santa Claus sein Unwesen. Er hasst die Weihnachtszeit und hat von jeder Rivalitätskämpfe mit seinem Bruder ausgetragen. Hier fängt alles mit einer Liste an..
Im ersten Band geht es um Hayden und Riley, die in der Highschool ein Paar waren aber durch eine intrigante Mitschülerin ihre Beziehung auf dem Abschlussball beendet haben. Nun sind beide wieder in ihrem Heimatstädtchen gelandet und halten die alte Tradition aufrecht: Ihre Familien, die auch noch Nachbarn sind, haben von jeher einen Wettkampf um die tollsten Weihnachtsdekorationen an Haus und Garten ausgetragen und jetzt führen beide, angestachelt durch Damon Claus, den Wettkampf fort und bald schon erliegen beide der alten Anziehungskraft..
Im zweiten Teil geht es um die Brandermittlerin Ally und den Feuerwehrmann Eddie, die schon lange heimlich ineinander verliebt sind. Doch nach zwei Dates herrscht Funkstille und nun sorgt die alljährliche Spendensammlung der Feuerwachen und Damon Claus dafür, dass die beiden sich wieder näher kommen. Daher findet Ally in jedem Spendenkarton den Eddie bringt ein Geschenk für sich. Da Eddie seine Unschuld beteuert, machen sie sich gemeinsam auf die Suche nach dem Schenker und schon bald sprühen zwischen den beiden die Funken..
Der dritte Teil handelt von Viv, die Weihnachten mit schlechten Kindheitserinnerungen verbindet und die Feiertage hasst. Als sie im Kaufhaus von einem frechen Weihnachtsmann alias Damon Claus begrapscht wird, verpasst sie ihm eine und landet wegen tätlichen Angriffs vor Gericht. Dank Damon Claus wird sie zu gemeinnütziger Arbeit im Famlienbetrieb einer Weihnachtsbaumplantage verdonnert und dank dem sexy Besitzer Hank Bailey kommt auch bei ihr Weihnachtsstimmung auf und die beiden verlieben sich. Hank bemüht sich mit allen Mitteln, die bösen Geister der vergangenen Weihnacht zu vertreiben..
Ich war auf der Suche nach weihnachtlicher Lektüre und bin dank des süßen Covers auf dieses Buch gestoßen. Drei kurzweilige Geschichten mit einem frechen Damon Claus und drei liebenswerten Pärchen waren schnell gelesen und haben auch Spaß gemacht. Leichte Lektüre ohne große tiefgründige Handlung. Das Buch versetzt einen kurzfristig in vorweihnachtliche Stimmung, ist aber eher oberflächliche Unterhaltung. Ich hatte schon bessere Weihnachtsbücher und würde bei einem Preis von 9 Euro eher zu einem anderen Buch raten.
Nett aber nichts besonderes. Wer es nicht liest hat auch nichts verpasst.
Im ersten Band geht es um Hayden und Riley, die in der Highschool ein Paar waren aber durch eine intrigante Mitschülerin ihre Beziehung auf dem Abschlussball beendet haben. Nun sind beide wieder in ihrem Heimatstädtchen gelandet und halten die alte Tradition aufrecht: Ihre Familien, die auch noch Nachbarn sind, haben von jeher einen Wettkampf um die tollsten Weihnachtsdekorationen an Haus und Garten ausgetragen und jetzt führen beide, angestachelt durch Damon Claus, den Wettkampf fort und bald schon erliegen beide der alten Anziehungskraft..
Im zweiten Teil geht es um die Brandermittlerin Ally und den Feuerwehrmann Eddie, die schon lange heimlich ineinander verliebt sind. Doch nach zwei Dates herrscht Funkstille und nun sorgt die alljährliche Spendensammlung der Feuerwachen und Damon Claus dafür, dass die beiden sich wieder näher kommen. Daher findet Ally in jedem Spendenkarton den Eddie bringt ein Geschenk für sich. Da Eddie seine Unschuld beteuert, machen sie sich gemeinsam auf die Suche nach dem Schenker und schon bald sprühen zwischen den beiden die Funken..
Der dritte Teil handelt von Viv, die Weihnachten mit schlechten Kindheitserinnerungen verbindet und die Feiertage hasst. Als sie im Kaufhaus von einem frechen Weihnachtsmann alias Damon Claus begrapscht wird, verpasst sie ihm eine und landet wegen tätlichen Angriffs vor Gericht. Dank Damon Claus wird sie zu gemeinnütziger Arbeit im Famlienbetrieb einer Weihnachtsbaumplantage verdonnert und dank dem sexy Besitzer Hank Bailey kommt auch bei ihr Weihnachtsstimmung auf und die beiden verlieben sich. Hank bemüht sich mit allen Mitteln, die bösen Geister der vergangenen Weihnacht zu vertreiben..
Ich war auf der Suche nach weihnachtlicher Lektüre und bin dank des süßen Covers auf dieses Buch gestoßen. Drei kurzweilige Geschichten mit einem frechen Damon Claus und drei liebenswerten Pärchen waren schnell gelesen und haben auch Spaß gemacht. Leichte Lektüre ohne große tiefgründige Handlung. Das Buch versetzt einen kurzfristig in vorweihnachtliche Stimmung, ist aber eher oberflächliche Unterhaltung. Ich hatte schon bessere Weihnachtsbücher und würde bei einem Preis von 9 Euro eher zu einem anderen Buch raten.
Nett aber nichts besonderes. Wer es nicht liest hat auch nichts verpasst.
December 4, 2013
Das Buch beinhaltet 3 Geschichten, die alle damit zusammenhängen, dass Damon Claus, der Bruder des Weihnachtsmannes, Weihnachten nicht so gern mag und Unruhe stiften will bzw. seinem Bruder nicht helfen will.
1)Süßer als ein Zimtstern - VICKI LEWIS THOMPSON (1,5 Sterne)
--> Damon sorgt dafür, dass Hayden und Riley den vormals Nachbarschaftskampf um die bessere Weihnachtsgartenbeleuchtung ihrer Familien wieder aufleben lassen. Den Handlungsaufbau fand ich wirklich gut, aber leider wurde dann alles doch etwas zu schnell für meinen Geschmack.
2)Eine sexy Bescherung - JILL SHALVIS (2.5 Sterne)
--> gefiel mir ein wenig besser als Geschichte eins. Ally erhält von Eddie Spielzeugkisten die er in verschiedenen Feuerwehrwachen einsammelt für einen wohltätigen Zweck. Doch immer wieder befindet sich darunter ein pikantes Geschenk für Ally persönlich. Ist das Geschenk von Eddie oder doch von wem anderen?
3)Tannenduft und heiße Küsse - RHONDA NELSON (2 Sterne)
-> Viv wird verurteilt auf Hanks Tannenbaumplantage für eine Woche gemeinnützige Arbeit zu leisten. Vom ersten MOment an funkt es zwischen ihr und Hank, aber es könnte vielleicht ein wenig problematisch sein, denn Viv meidet alles was mit WEihnachten zu tun hat seit Jahren.
Der Anfang war ein bißchen holprig, aber wurde dann ein wenig besser. Okay für zwischendurch.
Fazit: Wirklich nur etwas für zwischendurch. Bin froh, dass ich das Buch gebraucht erstanden habe sonst hätt ich mich geärgert, wenn ich den vollen Preis dafür bezahlt hätte.
1)Süßer als ein Zimtstern - VICKI LEWIS THOMPSON (1,5 Sterne)
--> Damon sorgt dafür, dass Hayden und Riley den vormals Nachbarschaftskampf um die bessere Weihnachtsgartenbeleuchtung ihrer Familien wieder aufleben lassen. Den Handlungsaufbau fand ich wirklich gut, aber leider wurde dann alles doch etwas zu schnell für meinen Geschmack.
2)Eine sexy Bescherung - JILL SHALVIS (2.5 Sterne)
--> gefiel mir ein wenig besser als Geschichte eins. Ally erhält von Eddie Spielzeugkisten die er in verschiedenen Feuerwehrwachen einsammelt für einen wohltätigen Zweck. Doch immer wieder befindet sich darunter ein pikantes Geschenk für Ally persönlich. Ist das Geschenk von Eddie oder doch von wem anderen?
3)Tannenduft und heiße Küsse - RHONDA NELSON (2 Sterne)
-> Viv wird verurteilt auf Hanks Tannenbaumplantage für eine Woche gemeinnützige Arbeit zu leisten. Vom ersten MOment an funkt es zwischen ihr und Hank, aber es könnte vielleicht ein wenig problematisch sein, denn Viv meidet alles was mit WEihnachten zu tun hat seit Jahren.
Der Anfang war ein bißchen holprig, aber wurde dann ein wenig besser. Okay für zwischendurch.
Fazit: Wirklich nur etwas für zwischendurch. Bin froh, dass ich das Buch gebraucht erstanden habe sonst hätt ich mich geärgert, wenn ich den vollen Preis dafür bezahlt hätte.
July 29, 2012
No Mistletoe Required - great read. So cute, introduced us to the character of Damon Clause (hysterical, btw).
Her Secret Santa - okay read. Not one of my faves from Shalvis...and I am a huge fan of hers. It was a little boring for me, sadly.
Snug in His Bed - really liked this story. Quick, fun read. It wrapped up Damon Clause and his antics throughout all three stories. Overall, book was a fun read.
Her Secret Santa - okay read. Not one of my faves from Shalvis...and I am a huge fan of hers. It was a little boring for me, sadly.
Snug in His Bed - really liked this story. Quick, fun read. It wrapped up Damon Clause and his antics throughout all three stories. Overall, book was a fun read.
August 17, 2011
A fairly good book, this would get a 2.5 rating from me. I guess they aren't meant to be very inspiring, but I did enjoy the premise of Santa's naughty younger brother getting people together over the holidays.
December 29, 2015
I hated this Damon Claus character. That got rid of at least one star from this book. There was so much potential in this concept and it was all wasted on creepiness. The Vicki Lewis Thompson story was underwhelming, but I did enjoy the next two and will look up these authors.
December 8, 2009
Fun Christmas Hotness! Great quick read.
December 28, 2009
I LOVED THIS BOOK! Damon so has Christmas spirit!
August 7, 2010
Three fun Christmas short stories with a common character called Damon Claus who is not so nice brother of Santa ... all enjoyable but none exceptional so 3.5* rating
August 17, 2010
This book was okay not one of my favorites by far. I typically hold Thompson to a higher standard of writing.
Want to read
December 31, 2011Tis the season right?!?! ;)
Want to read
January 13, 2012First story.
November 10, 2013
No Mistletoe Required: 2 1/2 Stars
Her Secret Santa: 2 Stars
Snug In His Bed: 2 1/2 Stars
Her Secret Santa: 2 Stars
Snug In His Bed: 2 1/2 Stars
Read
August 24, 2014I don't know how people can stop reading to update this
January 1, 2015
A fun set of short stories. Liked the Damon Claus character.
March 27, 2015
Only for Jill Shalvis' part
Super fast (little character development), and I was kind of confused by the Damon Claus thing (though I only read Jill Shalvis' novella, so that's somewhat my fault).
Super fast (little character development), and I was kind of confused by the Damon Claus thing (though I only read Jill Shalvis' novella, so that's somewhat my fault).
December 31, 2022
Great holiday read
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews