Review - - Once Upon a Christmas Kiss

Once Upon a Christmas Kiss: Cozy Christmas Collection

Cherry Creek Holiday Romance Anthology

by Ciara Knight, Brenda Lowder, Susan Carlisle, 

Terra Weiss, Susan Sands, Christy Hayes

Publisher: Self Published

Release Date: October 3, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

You're cordially invited to the charming town of Cherry Creek, Tennessee, where the legendary book—Once Upon a Christmas Kiss—promises true love to the one who possesses it during the holiday season.

Don’t miss this collection of unique, romantic novellas by six different authors about women who’ve been given the gift of romance. Featuring all your favorite tropes, such as: small town, Second-chance at love, emotionally scarred, opposites attract, friends-to-lovers, secrets, cute meet-cute, blind-to-love, enemies-to-lovers, and of course, a lot of classic Christmas charm.

Who knows, you might be the next to find Once Upon a Christmas Kiss in your stocking.

Included in this collection:

Once Upon a Christmas Reunion by Ciara Knight
Broken hearts reunite for a second chance at love on Christmas night.

Once Upon a Christmas Treasure By Brenda Lowder
When Amelia enlists former best friend Oliver to help her hunt for a legendary book for her sister, she doesn’t know finding the treasure might mean losing her heart.

Once Upon a Christmas Promise By Susan Carlisle
Two emotionally scarred hearts mend through the promise of love.

Once Upon a Christmas Secret By Terra Weiss
To uncover the deepest secret of her late best friend, Dawson must volunteer for the holidays with her nemesis, Sawyer, and do good for the community... and maybe her heart too.

Once Upon a Christmas Wish By Susan Sands
Star-crossed lovers reunite with the help of a little Christmas magic.

Once Upon a Christmas Party By Christy Hayes
Two young millennials find love with the help of a Christmas legend, meddling grandparents, and a well-placed sprig of mistletoe.

PJ's Thoughts:

I'm a big fan of holiday romance collections. It's the time of year when my to-do list becomes a bit (okay, very) chaotic. I'm always looking for a good happily ever after to soothe my soul but carving out the time to read a full-length book isn't always possible. Short stories and novellas are the perfect solution: delicious bites of romantic journeys to love without a full day's commitment. Yes, please!

Another benefit to a holiday collection is the opportunity it affords to discover new - or new to me - authors. In fact, some of my favorite authors over the years were first discovered in an anthology I bought because of a different author. It's happened again with Once Upon a Christmas Kiss. I had previously read only two of the contributing authors in this collection but after reading all of the stories, I now have new backlists to explore and future books (hopefully some set in Cherry Creek) to enjoy.

If you enjoy charming small-towns, a variety of tropes, humor, hope, sweet romance, a festive holiday spirit, and feel-good happy endings, give yourself an early gift and pick up a copy of Once Upon a Christmas Kiss. It's currently available to preorder in e-book format for only $0.99. 

Review - - A Chance Inheritance

A Chance Inheritance

by Carolyn Brown

Publisher: Sourcebooks

Release Date: January 10, 2023 (reprint anthology)

Reviewed by Hellie

 

Upon inheriting their sassy grandmother's home and family bait shop, cousins Lanie, Jodi, and Becky Cornell return to Catfish, Texas, looking for a fresh start. Turns out living as roommates in Granny Lizzie's tiny two-bedroom house and running the Catfish Fisherman's Hut isn't at all like the idyllic summers they spent as children on the banks of the Red River. The days are long and hot, the tourists demanding and rude. And then there's Chris Adams, a local river guide who seems to have eyes only for Becky.

But Lizzie's death has set in motion a chain of events that will cause a new generation of Cornell women to come together. And thanks to this chance inheritance, the Cornell cousins discover that sometimes an ending is really a new beginning .

Hellie’s Heeds 

Carolyn Brown is a very reliable read if you are in the market for sweet, romantic, and small town, and the stories featured here definitely fit her trademark storytelling. When I originally read the back blurb for this book, I thought the entire book was about Lanie, Jodi, and Becki–and admittedly I was quite invested in the trio when I started–but I soon realized (yes, I’m one of those who occasionally skips ahead to see what might be happening), this was actually a novella. And this book was a series of three novellas. A little more research had me realizing this book is a reprint, and while I, a book hoarding dragon, enjoy my books, I do get a little put out when I end up buying a duplicate book I didn’t mean to, especially for an author I was anticipating as a new read. I think Sourcebooks should have made it a bit clearer in the blurb and such that this was a reprint anthology.  

The first novella, in the complicated nature novellas are, is short and only lightly conflicted. When you only have a hundred pages, there aren’t massive dark secrets and dark moments. I enjoyed the story, especially the cousins, and the romance between the eldest cousin and a childhood crush was very cute, though perhaps I did have to suspend belief a little for myself because as a romance hero–his career is a professional fishing guide?–he isn’t exactly Mr. Darcy. I fully admit this probably says much more about me who does not find fishing particularly alluring in reality or fantasy, especially since catfish seems to be the main target, and have you ever smelled the bait for that? You never forget it. I think my real disappointment is that I wanted to know more about the other two cousins, or even have romances for them, and maybe I’ll go in search to see if Ms. Brown wrote novellas featuring them.  

The second novella is another of Ms. Brown, written in first person, and featuring entirely different characters. The story is much more complex and dark, full of secrets and problems and an absent father. The heroine is plucky and has a sister who is hilarious and just the kind of older sister you imagine: bossy and “I know best.” The hero–while not a fishing guide (plus)--is an assclown. Now Mr. Darcy is definitely an assclown, so this should not have bothered me, but this guy did. And again, since this is a novella, his evolution from asshole to Prince Charming left me a bit disbelieving, though as a Pisces, I do like to hold a grudge so again, this may just be me.  

The third novella is Sharon Sala’s…and I believe in Ms. Sala’s fashion, it does not lack in drama, conflict, or black moments. In fact, it starts with a jilted bride (heroine) and then turns into a school shooter situation and ends with an optimistic new start in a new school system. (I only share the main beats here because if you’re like me, I was rather triggered by a short story of a school shooting as part of an anthology of sweet contemporary Western romances.) 

In summary, my recommendation for the stories is a bit mixed. If you’re in the mood for very lightly conflicted romance and you don’t want to commit to a 300 page book, this book may be much more your preferred read. The first two stories were definitely quick reads and enjoyable. The third one feels a bit odd man out compared to the other two, but Ms. Sala is a very good writer and if you enjoy her stories, I imagine you will enjoy this too. If, like me, you’d rather not go fishing on a romantic date and you prefer the gentleman status of Mr. Darcy to the self-employed fishing guide as a hero, this might not be your book.

                                                               

 

Spotlight & Giveaway - - Sunflower Season

UPDATE #2: YAY! A new Amazon link has been activated. If you pre-ordered from Amazon, unfortunately that order was cancelled. Please order a new copy to download from one of these links:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3aFLuM0

Universal link:

https://books2read.com/Sunflower-Season-For-Ukraine

Here's the most recent letter from the authors of the Sunflower Season anthology:

Dear Lovely Readers,

We have to apologize to you for the delay in the Amazon release of Sunflower Season. Unfortunately, our preorders at the vender were canceled. The fabulous news is that we have a new Amazon and universal link to share with you!

As authors, we are committed to raising as much money as possible for this charity. If you purchased your copy through Amazon, you were not charged for that canceled pre-order, and so we humbly ask if you would consider ordering the book again.

We’re so sorry to create additional work for you, but we want to make sure we do our part for the people suffering in Ukraine. Thank you so much for your understanding and your efforts. Being part of this reader/writer community is such a gift. For those of you who ordered from other vendors, your copy should be available now. Thank you again for your continued support.

All the best,

Writers of Sunflower Season

UPDATE: If you pre-ordered Sunflower Season from Amazon, you have probably noticed it has not downloaded to your Kindle. That's because Amazon made an error and cancelled the pre-orders. Thousands of them. More than $20,000 that would have gone to humanitarian relief in Ukraine. As of today (6/7/22), there is no link on Amazon to order this book (though it is available at other online retailers). The authors who spent six months working on this collection are heartbroken over the lost money for Ukraine and hopeful that readers who lost their Amazon pre-orders will buy the book again once it becomes available. I'll let you know as soon as I hear about a new link. 

Sunflower Season is upon us! Back in April I told you about an upcoming historical romance anthology to raise funds for humanitarian relief in Ukraine. If you haven't already pre-ordered this collection written by more than 70 authors, tomorrow is the day you can purchase it for immediate download to your e-reading device. It's only $7.99 for more than 70 stories and all money earned will go to critically necessary agencies. 

All monies earned from the sale of this collection will be split between:  

 

1. Sunflower Peace https://www.sunflowerofpeace.com provides medical and humanitarian aid to assist the paramedics and doctors in the areas affected by the violence in Ukraine. 

2. CARE: Immediate aid, including food, water, hygiene kits, support services, and direct cash assistance, prioritizing women and girls, families, and the elderly.

Only $7.99 for more than 70 stories is a small price to pay to make a huge difference in the lives of people in desperate need. Click here for e-book purchase links. 

I've already pre-ordered my copy. And to help move things along, I'll also be giving away two e-book copies. Check the end of the post for details.   

Sunflower Season

A Historical Romance Anthology for Ukraine

Release Date: June 7, 2022

SUNFLOWER SEASON is a charity collection featuring stories (some never-been-published and some old favorites) by over 70 -- that's right -- SEVENTY of your favorite Historical Romance authors. ALL royalties will be donated to humanitarian relief in Ukraine. This set will be released on June 7, 2022 and will only be available for a limited time. Preorder now and enjoy a summer of historical romance!

Featuring novellas, stories and novels by Sabrina Jeffries, Christi Caldwell, Amalie Howard, Virginia Heath, Caroline Lee, Golden Angel, Mimi Mathews, Nicole Locke, Natasha Blackthorne, Royaline Sing, Lenora Bell, Sabrina Jeffries, Amy Quinton, Janna MacGregor, Annabelle Anders, Rachel Ann Smith, Eva Devon, Sandra Sookoo, Tabetha Waite, Diana Bold, Sadie Bosque, Cheryl Bolen, Erica Monroe, Kate Bateman, Cara Maxwell, Tracy Sumner, Jenna Jaxon, Jane Charles, Eliza Knight, Mariah Stone, Robyn DeHart, Wendy LaCapra, Hildie McQueen, Madeline Martin, Amy Rose Bennett, Ava Bond, Kristin Vayden, Piper Huguley, Fenna Edgewood, Kathryn Le Veque, Caroline Linden, Nancy Yeager, Dawn Brower, Celeste Barclay, Lauren Royal, Michele Pollock Dalton, Glynnis Campbell, Rose Pearson, Erica Ridley, Sydney Jane Baily, Deb Marlowe, Rebecca Paula, Amanda Mariel, Christine Sterling, Ava Stone, Lauren Smith, Sawyer Quinn, Caroline Warfield, Jessica A Clements, Jude Knight, Anna St. Claire, Tamara Gill, Gina Conkle, Charlie Lane, Terri Brisbin, Bronwen Evans, Emmanuelle de Maupassant, Merry Farmer, Tammy Andresen, Cecelia Mecca, Meredith Bond, Christine Donovan, Lana Williams, Carrie Lomax, Eve Pendle, Bethany Bennett, Bianca Blythe, Maggie Dallen, Samara Parish, Anna Campbell and more????

Again, ALL proceeds will be donated to Ukrainian relief efforts. We are not affiliated with any charities but are only doing what we can to provide help for the innocent people who've lost so much as a result of this senseless tragedy.

~~~~~~~~

I love sunflowers. They're such sturdy, happy flowers, standing strong in the face of adversity. A field of sunflowers never fails to lift my spirits. Tell me about your favorite flowers and what makes them so. 

Two randomly chosen people who post a comment before 11:00 PM, June 7 will each receive a Kindle copy of Sunflower Season from Amazon US. 

*Must be 18

*Void where prohibited

Spotlight and Giveaway: What a Day!

What a Day!

Short Stories by Southern Authors

Publisher: Heart of Dixie Fiction Writers

Release Date: April 5, 2022

Southern hospitality is alive and well. In this anthology you may find a little old, a little new, and perhaps some mysterious doings. How about a ghost — or was it a ghost pepper? Was that a witch, a sprite, an elf, or a seer? You may be looking for a beautiful garden, a mint julep, or a jazz festival. Come on down! Bless your heart, you may never want to leave. 

What A Day! is a collection of stories about special, memorable days in the lives of an eclectic, quirky mix of characters. You'll enjoy fantasy, romance, historical, and more by best-selling authors like Linda Howard and Linda Winstead Jones as well as newer authors, none of which you'll want to miss! Come laugh, cry, gasp, and smile your way through these fun, light-hearted, suspenseful, and intriguing stories.

PJ's Thoughts:

You all know how much I enjoy the opportunity to sample new authors' stories. It's why there are so many anthologies tucked into the folders on my Kindle. The newest one is the brain child of the Heart of Dixie Fiction Writers, a group of Southern writers who are bringing the fun to this new collection of short stories. Each contribution is a quick, but satisfying, story that introduces readers to that author's writing style; a chance to take their characters for a test drive (so to speak) before buying their full-length books. Some of these authors' works are already familiar to me but others are new discoveries. I've already begun checking out backlists and making purchase lists. ;-)

Included in the What a Day! collection are the following authors and stories:

Mystic Matchmaker by Linda Winstead Jones

A Harvest Moon to Remember by Crystal R. Lee

Red Clay Blues by Tom Winstead

Poppet by Leslie Scott

The Perfect Birthday Gift by Betty Bolté

Friday at Maple Hill by Bonnie Gardner

Kidnapped for a Day by Carla Swafford

Remy's Reunion by CS Ward

Reviewing the Situation by Marilyn Baxter

Founders Day Surprise by Jannette Spann

Beer and Caviar by Linda Howard

Who's the last author you discovered through an anthology or short story collection? 

Are you familiar with any of the authors listed above? If so, do you have a favorite of their books or one you would recommend to other readers?

One person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, April 9 will receive an e-book copy of the What a Day! collection. 

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

*Void where prohibited

Spotlight on Sunflower Season: A Charitable Collection of Historical Romances

I'm delighted to shine The Romance Dish spotlight on a very worthwhile endeavor today. Over 70 historical romance authors (yes, you read that right...SEVENTY) have joined forces to create a collection of stories for humanitarian relief in Ukraine. This is a project I hope we will all get behind.

 

The anthology is currently available for pre-order (click here for pre-order links). 

All monies earned will be split between:   

1. Sunflower Peace https://www.sunflowerofpeace.com provides medical and humanitarian aid to assist the paramedics and doctors in the areas affected by the violence in Ukraine. 

2. CARE: Immediate aid, including food, water, hygiene kits, support services, and direct cash assistance, prioritizing women and girls, families, and the elderly.

Only $7.99 for more than 70 stories is a small price to pay to make a huge difference in the lives of people in desperate need. 

Sunflower Season

A Historical Romance Anthology for Ukraine

Release Date: June 7, 2022

SUNFLOWER SEASON is a charity collection featuring stories (some never-been-published and some old favorites) by over 70 -- that's right -- SEVENTY of your favorite Historical Romance authors. ALL royalties will be donated to humanitarian relief in Ukraine. This set will be released on June 7, 2022 and will only be available for a limited time. Preorder now and enjoy a summer of historical romance!

Featuring novellas, stories and novels by Sabrina Jeffries, Christi Caldwell, Amalie Howard, Virginia Heath, Caroline Lee, Golden Angel, Mimi Mathews, Nicole Locke, Natasha Blackthorne, Royaline Sing, Lenora Bell, Sabrina Jeffries, Amy Quinton, Janna MacGregor, Annabelle Anders, Rachel Ann Smith, Eva Devon, Sandra Sookoo, Tabetha Waite, Diana Bold, Sadie Bosque, Cheryl Bolen, Erica Monroe, Kate Bateman, Cara Maxwell, Tracy Sumner, Jenna Jaxon, Jane Charles, Eliza Knight, Mariah Stone, Robyn DeHart, Wendy LaCapra, Hildie McQueen, Madeline Martin, Amy Rose Bennett, Ava Bond, Kristin Vayden, Piper Huguley, Fenna Edgewood, Kathryn Le Veque, Caroline Linden, Nancy Yeager, Dawn Brower, Celeste Barclay, Lauren Royal, Michele Pollock Dalton, Glynnis Campbell, Rose Pearson, Erica Ridley, Sydney Jane Baily, Deb Marlowe, Rebecca Paula, Amanda Mariel, Christine Sterling, Ava Stone, Lauren Smith, Sawyer Quinn, Caroline Warfield, Jessica A Clements, Jude Knight, Anna St. Claire, Tamara Gill, Gina Conkle, Charlie Lane, Terri Brisbin, Bronwen Evans, Emmanuelle de Maupassant, Merry Farmer, Tammy Andresen, Cecelia Mecca, Meredith Bond, Christine Donovan, Lana Williams, Carrie Lomax, Eve Pendle, Bethany Bennett, Bianca Blythe, Maggie Dallen, Samara Parish, Anna Campbell and more????

Again, ALL proceeds will be donated to Ukrainian relief efforts. We are not affiliated with any charities but are only doing what we can to provide help for the innocent people who've lost so much as a result of this senseless tragedy.

Tour Review - - Sweet Home Cowboy

Sweet Home Cowboy

by Maisey Yates, Nicole Helm, Jackie Ashenden, & Caitlin Crews

Publisher: HQN

Release Date: March 29, 2022

Reviewed by PJ

The Hathaway sisters might have grown up apart, but when they agree to move to Jasper Creek, Oregon, to revitalize their grandfather’s farm, it seems a straightforward decision. Until they meet their neighborhood cowboys…

Sweet-natured Teddy has never met a man worth taking a risk on, until now. Tomboy Joey has more affinity with farm equipment than men, until a brooding cowboy changes her mind. Prickly baker Georgie can’t resist the temptation of the most forbidden cowboy of all, and sparks fly between ceramicist Elliot and the grumpy single-dad rancher next door.

The sisters’ feelings are anything but simple, but with the love and support of each other, they discover that a cowboy might be the sweetest thing of all about coming home.

PJ's Thoughts: 

I enjoy anthologies, I enjoy western romance, and it's always fun to discover new-to-me authors. This book had my name all over it!

I'm a fan of Maisey Yates and expected an emotional read from her but had no idea what to expect from the three other authors. What I discovered was humor, heart, and well-developed, intriguing characters who engaged both my interest and my emotions. 

The first thing to pull me into the story was the bond among the four half-sisters, all the same age, all with the same father who abandoned them before birth, all raised individually by their respective mothers. The women may have only known one another since the age of thirteen (they are now twenty-five), but their love for one another is strong. I enjoyed the unique quirks (house chickens, anyone?) and talents each brought to the farm, how different they were in many ways while being identical in their determination to not only bring the farm back to life but to also cultivate a new life together, strengthening their sisterhood in the process.

The romances are instant attraction but not without problems as each sister travels a sometimes rocky road to love. My favorite story was Elliot by Caitlin Crews but all four were enjoyable and left me wanting to read more stories by these four talented authors. The sweet and sentimental epilogue ties them all together with both chuckles and tears (happy ones). 

I recommend adding this anthology to your list of books for spring or summer reading. 

Review - - Big Duke Energy

Big Duke Energy

by Kerrigan Byrne, Christi Caldwell, Amalie Howard, Janna MacGregor, and Stacy Reid

Seasons of Sin Anthology Collection - Book 1

Publisher: Oliver Heber Books

Release Date: March 29, 2022

Reviewed by PJ

 

THE EARL ON THE TRAIN by Kerrigan Byrne Sebastian Moncrieff is a villain, a traitor, and a pirate, who has recently inherited an Earldom he never wanted. As a man who’s committed every sin imaginable, he knows his only chance at redemption is the one woman who ever reached through to his soul of ice. He’s kidnapped Veronica Latimer once before, and was enchanted by everything about her... This time, when he takes her, he’ll have to admit that she’s kept his heart captive since the moment they met. But can he convince her to forgive his past in order to claim a future?

LOVED AND FOUND: Christi Caldwell Lieutenant Thaddeus Phippen has lived a lifetime away from the only love he ever knew, a powerful duke's daughter. He's now returned from fighting Boney's forces, ready to put aside tragic battlefield remembrances and the memory of past heartbreak of love lost. Or that was the plan...until Thaddeus finds himself face-to-face with the one woman he soon finds he can't ever forget... Is the divide between former lovers too great to forge a future together...or can they at last have a love to last a lifetime?

THE WOLF OF WESTMORE by Amalie Howard Lord Wulfric Bane, the Duke of Westmore knows that blood is thicker than water, that duty is more important than personal desire, and that some things, like falling in love, are never meant to be. Cossetted and coddled Lady Jocelyn Capehart has been bred to be the perfect lady. On the outside, she is demure, sweet, and biddable, but on the inside, a vixen longs to break free of her cage. A chance meeting at a sultry club leads to one sinfully explosive night that neither of them can forget.

PUT UP YOUR DUKES by Janna MacGregor Martin "Duke" Richmond bows to no one, including any duke who protests what he publishes in his sensational gossip rag, The Midnight Cryer. However, he is occasionally open to negotiation when it comes to special requests from his wife. Estranged from her husband for five years because of the incendiary gossip he prints, Amelia Richmond finds escape from her lonely existence by volunteering at a foundling home, helping society's most powerful people avoid her husband's rancor gossip, and sleeping with her husband every Wednesday. Not an entirely unwelcome chore. When Martin goes on a rampage against one of the most powerful dukes in the British Isles, Amelia must use her wit and best persuasive techniques to rein him in. When her chance for a happy marriage appears within reach, Amelia finds herself falling for him once again, which is bad...very bad.

DUKE OF EVERY SIN by Stacy Reid Ethan Benedict, Duke of Bainbridge, has been an object of fear, fascination, and salacious gossip for years. To many, his reputation would make him an unlikely savior of a baby left on his doorstep. But Ethan saw the child as perhaps a pathway to redemption. What he did not anticipate was for his jaded heart to soften toward the mysterious young woman who infiltrates his household and secretly cares for the child.

PJ's Thoughts:

I'm a fan of anthologies. They offer readers a wonderful opportunity to read a shorter story from a favorite author, frequently featuring a secondary character from an existing series, while at the same time discovering new author voices without having to commit to a full-length book. Some of my current auto-buy authors have been discovered as part of an anthology I bought because of someone else's story. You really never know what gems await.

Big Duke Energy features five authors. Three are authors whose books I never miss, one is a well-known author I have yet to read, and the final author, Stacy Reid is one with whom I was not familiar.

I've read the stories by Caldwell, Howard, and MacGregor which are each attached to a series I've read, or am currently reading. I'll be reading the other two soon.

In Put Up Your Dukes, MacGregor explores a controversial - somewhat villainous - character from her Cavensham Heiresses series. Martin Richmond has stirred scandal for some of my favorite heroes and heroines without a hint of remorse. I enjoyed the layers MacGregor unveiled in his story, the hidden humanity, and the reformation of his character. The way it played out over the course of the story - with steps forward and back - brought realism to his journey and gave me the authenticity I needed to buy into his "new and improved" character. And I loved his wife!

If you're looking for extra spice with your romance, Amalie Howard's The Wolf of Westmore is a good choice. I adored these two! There's wonderful chemistry between the leads, great banter, and a history that adds layers of complications to their journey. I loved Jocelyn and how she took charge of her future. I was cheering her on so loud. This story is great on its own but if you've read The Beast of Beswick and/or The Rakehell of Roth you'll certainly enjoy catching up with some of the main characters from those books. 

Christi Caldwell is known for writing stories with deep emotional impact and that holds true with this story of second-chance romance. I love friends-to-lovers and this couple brings an additional layer of complexity with a friends-to-lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers dynamic. I was pulled in from the first action-packed scenes and kept eagerly turning pages until the end. This one features brief appearances by characters from Caldwell's It Happened One Winter from her Scandalous Affairs series but you do not have to have read that book to fully enjoy this story.

I'll be back to update the review once I've read the remaining two stories in this anthology but based on the three I have already read, I can enthusiastically recommend it to all of you who love historical romance. 

 

Review & Giveaway - - Holiday Ever After

Holiday Ever After: An Anthology

One Snowy Night, Holiday Wishes, & Mistletoe in Paradise

by Jill Shalvis

Publisher: Avon

Release Date: October 26, 2021

Reviewed by PJ

Three fan-favorite Jill Shalvis novellas are together for the first time in this holiday anthology!

One Snowy Night

It’s Christmas Eve and Rory Andrews is desperate to get home to her family. Problem is, her only ride to Lake Tahoe comes in the form of the annoyingly handsome Max Stranton, her long-time crush, and his big, goofy, lovable dog. A long road trip in a massive blizzard might be just what they need to face their past…and one steamy, snowy night is all it takes to bring Max and Rory together at last.

Holiday Wishes

When Sean O’Riley shows up for his older brother’s bachelor weekend, the last person he expects to see is Lotti Hartford, the woman he lost his virginity to a decade ago. As the weekend continues, Sean realizes he wants to leave his hook-up life behind, but can he convince Lotti to open her heart to him again?

Mistletoe in Paradise

Years after their secret fling ended, Hannah isn’t eager to see James during their families’ annual joint holiday-themed yacht adventure. But when they’re the only people who show up, James and Hannah are stuck together on the high seas for days. As the former lovers try to make the best of the Christmas snafu, they soon realize the best things in life can’t be planned, and sometimes love is sweeter the second time around. 

PJ's Thoughts:

Perfect for the busy holiday weeks when we're looking for a romantic escape but don't have a lot of time, Holiday Ever After combines three previously published novellas by Jill Shalvis. Each of the stories is connected to a Shalvis series but is suitable for both fans and new readers alike, although I do believe reading the earlier books in the Heartbreaker Bay series before reading One Snowy Night and Holiday Wishes will add an extra layer of enjoyment to the novellas. Mistletoe in Paradise is probably the novella that stands best on its own. It's a second-chance romance set aboard a yacht in the Caribbean, a place I frequently fantasize about during the cold months of winter. 

All three stories are filled with the banter, emotion, and happy endings that I look forward to whenever I pick up a Jill Shalvis story. My favorite character from the anthology is Carl, Max's "huge, eternally hungry, adorable Doberman" in One Snowy Night. I adored him. My favorite story is Holiday Wishes. I love a stranded by a storm trope and this one is especially fun. And last, but not least, my favorite location is - no surprise - the balmy, beautiful Caribbean where childhood friends Hannah and James realize that sometimes, life does give you second chances. I enthusiastically recommend readers give Holiday Ever After by Jill Shalvis a chance this holiday season. 

Do you gravitate toward novellas during the busy holiday season?

Have you read any recently that you would recommend?

One person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, November 4 will receive a print copy of Holiday Ever After.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

*Void where prohibited

Review - - Romancing the Holidays, Vol. 2

Romancing the Holidays, Vol. 2

by 14 authors from First Coast Romance Writers

Publisher: First Coast Romance Writers

Release Date: September 22, 2021

Reviewed by PJ

Looking for a Happily Ever After? How about fourteen of them?! Romancing the Holidays, Volume 2 is a collection of romantic short stories all with the happy ending you crave. Genres include: contemporary, historical, paranormal, romantic suspense and young adult.

And what better time to find romance than during the holidays? Escape into these Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Three Kings Day and Valentine’s Day adventures, and swoon anew with each couple as they fall in love.

Proceeds from this anthology benefit First Coast Romance Writers, a non-profit chapter of Romance Writers of America that helps writers hone their craft and expand their knowledge of the publishing industry.

PJ's Thoughts:

This collection of holiday short stories has something for everyone. Whether your reading choice is contemporary, historical, paranormal, romantic suspense, new adult, or something else, chances are good you'll find a story to enjoy. And, you just might discover a new author to binge or possibly a new sub-genre you've yet to try.

Paranormal is usually not my first choice when selecting a book but Melody Johnson's Halloween romance, "Fated by Fire," drew me in and held me captive. I will definitely be reading more of this author!

Abigail Sharpe is an author whose contemporary romcoms I have enjoyed. In "New Year's Ex-Pectations," she takes takes readers to a Wyoming dude ranch for a heart-tugging, low-heat, second-chance romance that packs a lot of emotion into a short story.

Laura Salas brings a Latin flair to the collection with her friends-to-lovers romance, "Love on Calle Ocho." I enjoyed the Cuban traditions, and festivities surrounding the celebration of Three Kings Day on Calle Ocho, in Miami's Little Havana. I really enjoyed Maddie and Carlos and their three day getaway to Calle Ocho that changed everything. 

These are just a few of the entertaining romance "appetizers" to be found in this collection, each one perfect for a quick, uplifting romance boost during the busyness of the holiday season. 

 

Review & Giveaway - - Mistletoe Christmas

Mistletoe Christmas

An Anthology by Eloisa James, Christi Caldwell,

Janna MacGregor, and Erica Ridley

Publisher: Avon

Release Date: September 28, 2021

Reviewed by PJ 

 

The Duke of Greystoke’s Christmas Revelry is famous throughout the British Isles for its plays, dancing, magical grotto… not to mention scandals leading to the marriage licenses he hands out like confetti.

But not everyone welcomes a visit from Cupid.

Lady Cressida, the duke’s daughter, is too busy managing the entertainments—and besides, her own father has called her dowdy. Her cousin, Lady Isabelle Wilkshire, is directing Cinderella and has no interest in marriage. Lady Caroline Whitmore is already (unhappily) married; the fact that she and her estranged husband have to pretend to be together just makes her dread the party all the more.  But not as much as Miss Louisa Harcourt, whose mother bluntly tells her that this is her last chance to escape the horrors of being an old maid.

A house party so large that mothers lose track of their charges leads to a delightful, seductive quartet of stories that you will savor for the Season!

PJ's Thoughts:

This Christmas anthology sparkles with witty dialogue, poignant emotion, steamy interludes, and happy endings. The four stories, featuring characters all in attendance at the Revelry, interweave with one another while each standing on its own. They all pulled me in, kept me entertained, and gave me four happily-ever-after endings brimming with good feelings and holiday cheer. 

"A Mistletoe Kiss" by Eloisa James

The anthology leads off with a strong story about a young woman whose father (the duke) has turned her into little better than a slave to fuel his societal ambitions and the rich, handsome, and charming man next door whose eyes are suddenly opened to her well-hidden value. Their story is filled with witty banter, humor, a truly good hero (so much fun watching him fall hard and have to work hard for his happy ending), and one of my all-time favorite James heroines. I adored Cressie. Watching her blossom, recognize her worth, and claim her happiness was everything I could have wanted. 

"Wishing Under the Mistletoe" by Christi Caldwell

This second-chance romance showcases the depth of Caldwell's writing skills. I love second chances and Isabelle and Cyrus surely deserved one. I respected Isabelle for following her own path and demanding that she be valued, even at the expense of her own happiness. My heart ached for Cyrus and his misplaced priorities. Their second chance brought growth, tenderness, forgiveness, understanding, a reawakening of love, and a truly splendid grand gesture. As usual, with a Christi Caldwell story, there were heartfelt sighs and happy tears.

"Compromise Under the Mistletoe" by Janna MacGregor

Marriage in trouble is the focus of MacGregor's novella and it's a trope she uses a deft hand to explore in this tale of love, yearning, and miscommunication. I enjoyed the layers of emotion in this tale, the individual growth of both Caroline and Stephen, the flickers of desire still simmering between them that were allowed to slowly but surely grow as they worked through the issues separating them, and the developing understanding and compromise that allowed them to once again claim happiness as a couple.

 

"Mischief and Mistletoe" by Erica Ridley

Ridley's writing chops shine in this fourth novella. If I hadn't read her yet, this novella would have had me seeking out her back list immediately. I adored Isabella and Ewan. They were so perfect for one another. I didn't love what Ewan was doing but I understood his reasons...and his ultimate mea culpa and grand gesture were definitely sigh-worthy. Watching Isabella come into her own was an absolute delight. These two took me on a ride filled with sighs, tears, laughter, and happy endings. 

Have you read the Mistletoe Christmas anthology yet?

Have you read all four authors?

Do you have any Christmas novellas or anthologies to recommend?

Mistletoe Christmas

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Eloisa James, a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, wrote her first novel after graduating from Harvard, but alas, it was rejected by every possible publisher. After she got an MPhil from Oxford, a PhD from Yale, and a job as a Shakespeare professor, she tried again, with much greater success. In 2013 she won a Rita Award for Best Romance Novella. She teaches Shakespeare in the English department at Fordham University in New York. She is the mother of two children and, in a particularly delicious irony for a romance writer, is married to a genuine Italian knight.

Janna MacGregor was born and raised in the bootheel of Missouri. She is the author of The Bad Luck Bride. She credits her darling mom for introducing her to the happily-ever-after world of romance novels. Janna writes stories where compelling and powerful heroines meet and fall in love with their equally matched heroes. She is the mother of triplets and lives in Kansas City with her very own dashing rogue, and two smug, but not surprisingly, perfect pugs. She loves to hear from readers.

Christi Caldwell is the USA Today bestselling author of more than ten series, including Lost Lords of London, Sinful Brides, The Wicked Wallflowers, and Heart of a Duke. She blames novelist Judith McNaught for luring her into the world of historical romance. When Christi was at the University of Connecticut, she began writing her own tales of love–ones where even the most perfect heroes and heroines had imperfections. She learned to enjoy torturing her couples before they earned their well-deserved happily ever after. Christi lives in Southern Connecticut, where she spends her time writing, chasing after her son, and taking care of her twin princesses-in-training. Fans who want to keep up with the latest news and information can sign up for her newsletter at www.ChristiCaldwell.com.

Erica Ridley is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over thirty historical romance novels. Her popular series include the Dukes of War, Rogues to Riches, and Magic and Mayhem.