The thought of Robert Breton's touch fills Anne Clairemont with a delicious, scandalous heat—but her family's happiness depends on her going through with her planned marriage to his wealthy, cold business partner.

Then Robert gives her a searing kiss beneath the mistletoe that changes everything. Soon he's showing Anne the intimate pleasures they could share, determined to fan the flame of their desire and convince her to call off her engagement.
But can she disappoint her parents to be with Robert, or will she break her own heart first?

------------------------

This short and sweet romance is the sequel to Christine Merrill's A Regency Christmas Carol. I've never read the first book and this one still made perfect sense so I don't suppose you need to read them in order.

Having said that, it is obvious that Anne and Robert's story had to fit around things that occurred in the other story - things that didn't really make sense if you hadn't read it beforehand. I also get the impression that these two characters, or at the very least Anne, weren't painted in a flattering light in the first book which meant that some character traits were attempted to be explained away in this one. It made for some disjointed reading at times.

I also wasn't overly fond of Robert if I'm honest. He was a little bit harsh and unfeeling of Anne and even towards the very end he expected the worst of her. I also felt that he took advantage of Anne's innocence which made the sex scenes a little flat for me.

This was a short story that was a quick and ultimately satisfying read. I didn't feel much emotional attachment to the characters but the story is worth a read at the price. 3 stars.

------------------------

52 pages

Click to see other books by Christine Merrill

He's Got The Sizzle

When it comes to competitive cooking, Max Lunden is no stranger to winning...though he's never been great at working with a team. A master chef - and major hunk - he's travelled the world, picking up new cooking techniques as well as beautiful women. But when the prodigal chef returns home to his family's Greenwich Village restaurant, he discovers one too many cooks in the kitchen - and she's every bit as passionate as he is...

She's Got The Fire

Juliet Cavanaugh used to have a crush on Max when she was just a teenager, hanging out at Lunden & Sons Tavern, hoping to catch a glimpse of the owner's oldest, and hottest, son. Now a chef herself - competing in the biggest culinary contest in the country - Juliet will be cooking side by side with the one man she's always admired...and desired. But despite their simmering attraction, Juliet is determined to keep her cool - no matter how hot it gets...

------------------------

Too hot to handle? More like too boring to read. I started reading this book and after three nights of reading before bed I realised I hadn't moved past page 45. It really should tell you something when sleep sounds like more fun than continuing a book. To put it bluntly - I was bored.

The characters were one dimensional, boring and yet still managed to irritate and annoy me. Well, to be fair, Juliet was so bland that I barely even remembered her from one page to the next. I know this is down to personal preference of what you like in a hero but I just couldn't like Max either, I'm afraid. He was cocky, smarmy and far too self absorbed for my tastes.

I've never really watched any of those American chef competitions like the one described in this book but if I had liked the other elements then I'm sure that wouldn't have mattered one jot. I just couldn't get into the competition and the passion and excitement was missing. The author just didn't sell it to me, I'm afraid.

I know I've been pretty harsh about this book but that's simply because the writing style, story and characters just really weren't to my taste. I will now put the other side of the argument forward and say that I have read of many, many people who not only liked but adored this book and all the things that I wasn't keen on. I really do hope that you like it if you've bought it but unfortunately I just can't bring myself to recommend it. Not my cup of tea. 1 star.

------------------------

352 pages

Click to see other books by Louisa Edwards

Plus-sized and practical Jillian Marks is the responsible one in her family. She got all the common sense and her little sister Sabrina got all the skinny genes. When Sabrina plans a custom kinky kidnapping as a Christmas present for herself, Jillian tries to talk her out of it but her ditzy sister won’t listen. Muscular and intense Kyle Stephens is a Dom who is looking for a permanent sub—a curvy woman who can submit in the bedroom but still think for herself. He takes Sabrina’s file but mistakenly ’naps the wrong sister, grabbing Jillian instead of Sabrina. Now Jillian is bound and gagged in a dungeon, learning to submit to the man of her dreams who has her kidnapped for Christmas.

------------------------

I liked the idea of this kinky Christmas tale despite being not particularly into BDSM and I'm glad to say that I actually really enjoyed it.

Despite having a slightly odd premise the author did a fantastic job of never making what was going on seem seedy or disturbing. Similarly, the fact that Jillian was essentially kept against her will was handled well and her change of heart and subsequent submission felt believable and erotic.

Jillian and Kyle were both likeable characters and I thought the pair had fantastic chemistry and were clearly made for each other. This was a fantasy erotic tale so we do have lots of sex and naughty words which may not be to everyone's taste but there's nothing particularly risqué, just a little kinky. Similarly there was some anal play but not too much of it so it's easily skipped over if, like me, that's not your thing.

This is essentially a short story that doesn't take too long to finish. I really liked the author's writing style and for being an erotic tale about domination and submission I found the story surprisingly cute and sweet! Jillian's realisation of herself as well as finding a man to accept her the way she is was fun to read. Overall if you're looking for a hot and sexy Christmas tale then you can't go wrong with this one.

------------------------

119 pages

Click to see other books by Evangeline Anderson

The FBI wants her cooperation

As the daughter of a billionaire and the owner of the city s top wine store, Jordan Rhodes is invited to the most exclusive parties in Chicago. But there s only one party the FBI wants to crash: the charity fund-raiser of a famous restaurateur, who also happens to launder money for the mob. In exchange for her brother s release from prison, Jordan is going to be there with a date supplied by the Bureau.

Agent McCall just wants her.

As the top undercover agent in Chicago, Nick McCall has one rule: never get personal. This date with Jordan Rhodes is merely an assignment one they re both determined to pull off even if they can t be together for five minutes before the sarcasm and sparks begin to fly. But when Nick s investigation is compromised, he and Jordan have no choice but to pretend they're a couple, and what starts out as a simple assignment begins to feel a lot like something more 

------------------------

This is another winner from Julie James and it is chock full of her trademark wit, humour and smart and sharp banter. It stands completely alone but we did get little cameo appearances from Cameron and Jack from her previous book, Something about You.

My favourite thing about Julie James' writing is always the way that her main characters spark off each other. Despite this being a constant in her books the plot and characters are always so fresh and new and a joy to read from start to finish.

Jordan was a great character - strong and confident yet still likeable and relatable. But it was Nick who stole the show and my heart. I just love brooding, dark and mysterious men who fall hook, line and sinker for the girl of their dreams. Nick and Jordan together had great chemistry and some sexy scenes that greatly complemented the story.

I was also very happy to hear that Julie James' next book (About That Night) will be Jordan's brother, Kyle's story.

The more I read of Julie James the more I love her writing style and her stories. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking out for a sexy, sassy romantic story. 5 stars.

------------------------

304 pages

FBI/US Attorney Series:

Click to see other books by Julie James

Fate has thrown two sworn enemies...

Of all the hotel rooms rented by all the adulterous politicians in Chicago, female Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron Lynde had to choose the one next to 1308, where some hot-and-heavy lovemaking ends with a death. And of all the FBI agents in Illinois, it had to be Special Agent Jack Pallas who gets assigned to this high-profile homicide. The same Jack Pallas who still blames Cameron for a botched crackdown three years ago - and for nearly ruining his career...

...into each other's arms

Work with Cameron Lynde? Are they kidding? Maybe, Jack thinks, this is some kind of welcome-back prank after his stint away from Chicago. But it's no joke; the pair is going to have to put their rocky past behind them and focus on the case at hand. That is, if they can cut back on the razor-sharp jibes - and smother the flame of their sizzling-hot sexual tension.

------------------------

This is another great contemporary romance that I couldn't put down from start to finish. I loved the sassy, intelligent characters and the great chemistry between the pair. Cameron was a strong woman but far from a stereotype and someone I admired, rooted for and wanted to be! Jack was the perfect foil for Cameron as well as being a first class hero. Glowering, broody and a man's man - he is the kind of guy any woman would wish for.

The story was interesting, exciting and didn't rely on the obvious conflicts or dramas to move the story on. While involving a little bit of suspense over the killer, the book wasn't in the least bit scary and I'm a complete wuss when it comes to things like this! This is definitely the kind of story that you just have to keep reading and that you really invest in both the characters and the book as a whole.

Julie James is truly becoming one of my favourite contemporary authors. Her characters are smart and witty with great chemistry and banter and the story has the right balance of romance and action/suspense. Furthermore she always leaves me wanting more and with that happy glow when I'm finished a book. Now a definite auto buy for me and something I'd recommend for everyone especially fans of Susan Andersen. 5 stars.

------------------------

323 pages

FBI/US Attorney Series:

Click to see other books by Julie James

Six years ago, Ross Mitchell and Lucy Fleming shared a hot holiday weekend in Manhattan, back when he was just a hard-bodied guy in a tool belt and she was an impulsive photography student.

Fast-forward a few Decembers: Ross and Lucy meet again, by chance, at his office Christmas party. And when they find themselves alone and snowed in after hours, it's not long before they're making their own body heat--again. Only this time, the sex is better than ever!

But is it just another holiday romp between the sheets? Or will Lucy and Ross finally get to keep what they really want this year--each other!

------------------------

I love Leslie Kelly and so was really looking forward to this book, especially as I love a good Christmas romance. Perhaps that's partly the reason that I was quite underwhelmed with this book.

Don't get me wrong, the writing was good (as always), the characters were both likeable and relatable and the plot wasn't terrible. It's just that the story seemed to lack any sparkle. The story is told both in the present day and in flashbacks to six years ago when Lucy and Ross first got together. I found this made the story a little slow going and I found myself continually wanting to get back to the modern day chapters so I could see how the pair were getting along now and not back then.

Lucy was also fairly peeved at Ross which led to a lot of the conflict for whether or not they would be able to make things work. However, when it got to the reason that the pair split up in the first place I couldn't believe it. Sure, it was a legitimate reason for breaking up but certainly not for being mad at someone - I just didn't get it.

Overall, a little lacklustre and good for a quick read on a cold night but nothing overly special I'm sorry to say. 3 stars.

------------------------

224 pages

Click to see other books by Leslie Kelly

Breaking rules and breaking hearts

Free-spirited Chloe lives life on the edge. Unlike her soon-to-be married sisters, she isn't ready to settle into a quiet life running their family's newly renovated inn. But soon her love of trouble--and trouble with love-draws the attention of the very stern, very sexy sheriff who'd like nothing better than to tame her wild ways. 

Suddenly Chloe can't take a misstep without the sheriff hot on her heels. His rugged swagger and his enigmatic smile are enough to make a girl beg to be handcuffed. For the first time, instead of avoiding the law, Chloe dreams of surrender. Can this rebel find a way to keep the peace with the straitlaced sheriff? Or will Chloe's colorful past keep her from a love that lasts . . . and the safe haven she truly wants in a town called Lucky Harbor?

------------------------

This is the third in Shalvis' Lucky Harbour series. I've noticed that there will be other books set in Lucky Harbour in the future but this one seems to conclude the stories of the three out of town half sisters. The previous books are Simply Irresistible and The Sweetest Thing. Although it's probably not a necessity, I would suggest that you don't read this book if you haven't read the first two in the series.

Over the course of the first two books I've been waiting for Sawyer and Chloe to get their own book and get together. I love a couple who are antagonistic towards each other in the beginning and this pair certainly were that. I think what happened for me with this book is that we had so much back story about them fighting and being at each other's throats that when it came to their story we were already half way through the beginnings of their relationship. Perhaps that took the sparkle out of it but something was definitely lacking.

I liked Chloe better than I thought I would based on the first two books and she really grew into a character I liked and could route for. Sawyer was a great brooding hero although I think I would have liked him to open up a little more to Chloe. He had a difficult relationship with his dad which gave him depth although what happened to Sawyer's brothers (mentioned very briefly in the first two books) is beyond me!

Giving this book a rating was a little bit of a dilemma for me because while I liked it and it was readable - nothing much happened! I erred on the side of generosity as I like the Lucky Harbour series as a whole although it's probably a low 4 stars and definitely not the best of the series.

------------------------

381 pages

Lucky Harbor series:

           

 

           

           

  

Click to see other books by Jill Shalvis

WHEN IT COMES TO THE LAWS OF ATTRACTION…

Payton Kendall and J.D. Jameson are lawyers who know the meaning of objection. A feminist to the bone, Payton has fought hard to succeed in a profession dominated by men. Born wealthy, privileged, and cocky, J.D. has fought hard to ignore her. Face to face, they’re perfectly civil. They have to be. For eight years they’ve kept a safe distance and tolerated each other as co-workers for one reason only: to make partner at the firm.

…THERE ARE NO RULES.

But all bets are off when they’re asked to join forces on a major case. At first apprehensive, they begin to appreciate each other’s dedication to the law—and the sparks between them quickly turn into attraction. But the increasingly hot connection doesn’t last long when they discover that only one of them will be named partner. Now it’s an all out war. And the battle between the sexes is bound to make these lawyers hot under the collar…

------------------------

I have to go right in and express how much I enjoyed this book. I had read (and adored) James' previous book, Just the Sexiest Man Alive, so decided to get her next and now have decided to read every book she's ever written!

There were many reasons for my love of this book. I do enjoy couples that bicker and argue before they realise they're perfect for each other and James' is the master of this type of relationship. Payton is a strong woman but one that you can both relate to and also admire and root for while J.D. is a confident, sexy man who, underneath it all, is vulnerable and in need of the love of a good woman. Together the pair had near palpable chemistry and I loved them separately and as a couple.

The story was interesting and really amusing at points. I could barely put the book down and finished it really quickly as the pages kept on turning. The ending was satisfying and the whole book left me with that upbeat, happy feeling that only the best books can give you.

Overall this was a smart, sexy and funny contemporary romance with great characters and a really enjoyable story. I would highly recommend it and hope that you like it as much as I did. 5 stars.

------------------------

291 pages

Click to see other books by Julie James

The Thanksgiving Fix by Vicki Lewis Thompson
Finding Mr. Right is the furthest thing from Beth Davis's mind when the Reno professor takes Thanksgiving break at a colleague's Lake Tahoe cabin. Until Coinneach McFarland arrives to fix a suspicious leak. It looks like somebody's playing matchmaker for two people sworn to stay single. But as things heat up, Beth is astonished to find she has discovered her soul mate just as she'd given up looking.



The Christmas Set-Up by Jill Shalvis
Competing architects Zoe and Jason have two weeks to come up with the design to win a coveted new project. But when a snowstorm strands them together at a secluded cabin, Zoe sees her chance to show Jason how she really feels. With romance blooming under the mistletoe, can she get the gorgeous Scrooge into the true Christmas spirit?

 
The New Year's Deal by Julie Kenner
Five years ago, Cleo Daire and Josh Goodson said goodbye and went their separate ways. But first they made a promise to reunite. Now the ex-lovers are spending New Year's Eve in a romantic cabin, where passion takes them by surprise and long-wished-for dreams can sometimes come true.

------------------------

This anthology pulls together three festive stories that all focus around one particular cabin that's known to bring luck in love for all those who stay there. Perfect for warming up the cold winter evenings.



The Thanksgiving Fix by Vicki Lewis Thompson
This was a sweet story that worked even with the short time frame of the couple. I liked the setting that was built up in the story and as short stories goes I really enjoyed the story and the romance.

--

The Christmas Set-Up by Jill Shalvis
I love a story of a couple that hide desire behind bickering and this one was great. It was funny, sweet and I very much enjoyed it. Would say that this was the best story of the three.

--
 
The New Year's Deal by Julie Kenner
This was only so-so for me. I easily read it through but didn't really care for either Josh or Cleo. Josh was a little too spineless when standing up for what he wanted and Cleo seemed a little fickle and lacking emotion. It just didn't really do it for me, unfortunately.

--
 
Overall, this was a fairly enjoyable anthology. It wasn't overly festive or filled with holiday cheer but you did get the sense of a nice cosy cottage on a dark winter night and that was enough to make my reading experience an enjoyable one. 4 stars. 

------------------------

381 pages

It never should've happened: club owner Jonah Stone was the best friend of Cilla Michaels's boss. But one look into his stormy gray eyes and the security specialist was all-in: a mind-blowing one-night fling in his sumptuous suite. No talking. No strings...

No such luck.

Because it turns out that Cilla's not the only one who's developed a taste for forbidden fruit. When Jonah starts receiving threats from a vengeful ghost of Christmas past, he hires Cilla on as a bodyguard...and makes no secret about how close he wants her to be. Of course, that makes him more forbidden than ever.

Still, a girl can only resist so much....

------------------------

I don't really know how to begin when describing this book because it was a bit hit and miss for me. The premise was fine and I was looking forward to some Christmassy cheer in amongst all the cloak and dagger stuff that was going on. That was somewhat lacking which is always a little annoying when they try to sell these books as being at least a little festive.

Putting that aside, it was fairly obvious from early on that the romance between Jonah and Cilla was going to take a back seat to the "mystery". That was a little disappointing in itself as I always expect Blaze books to be sexy and romantic but ultimately with heroines that you aspire to be like. As a result I didn't feel the romance between the pair had much emotion or depth.

Add to that, both Cilla and Jonah annoyed me for different reasons. Jonah because he kept referring to Cilla and Priscilla (her full name) as if they were two people. And Cilla because she got so wrapped up in Jonah she was useless when attempts were made on his life. Fine for any other occupation except bodyguard!

The story itself also ebbed and flowed. At times I was a little bored and then it picked up and I really wanted to keep reading. It wasn't truly terrible but not one I can really recommend. The writing was okay but all in all I can only give it 3 stars.

------------------------

224 pages

Click to see other books by Cara Summers