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Marriage & Mayhem! #3
Cross Country Christmas
The best gifts in life are surprises…
Surprise! Thanks to a blizzard named Blitzen, Christie McQuade can’t make it home for Christmas. Stranded in an airport, things look bleak…until she runs into delicious Deputy Damian Reade, who along with his four-year-old son, Eli, is likewise wondering how to salvage his holidays.
A ’57 Chevy Bel Air christened “Vixen” is their last hope. Christie’s not always the trusting type…but after a background check through her investigative brother clears Damian – and after all, how can a man who’s so patient and loving with his son be dangerous? – she joins them on a Cross Country Christmas adventure filled with fun and surprises…not the least of which is the powerful chemistry between Damian and Christie.
Chemistry is one thing. Heart-tugging is another. And damned if both father and son aren’t soon tugging on Christie’s previously-broken heart-strings.
A child’s unshakeable faith in Santa, his seemingly impossible Christmas wishes of the Jolly Old Man, and a whole lot of holiday magic may lead Damian and Christie to the biggest surprise of all…love.
Although the first two books in this series are Romantic Suspense, this special Christmas novel does not contain suspense. You do not need to read the first two books in order to fully enjoy this story, as it stands alone. However readers of "Laws of Attraction" and "Big Bad Wolfe" will love revisiting their favorite characters and celebrating with them during the holidays.
Surprise! Thanks to a blizzard named Blitzen, Christie McQuade can’t make it home for Christmas. Stranded in an airport, things look bleak…until she runs into delicious Deputy Damian Reade, who along with his four-year-old son, Eli, is likewise wondering how to salvage his holidays.
A ’57 Chevy Bel Air christened “Vixen” is their last hope. Christie’s not always the trusting type…but after a background check through her investigative brother clears Damian – and after all, how can a man who’s so patient and loving with his son be dangerous? – she joins them on a Cross Country Christmas adventure filled with fun and surprises…not the least of which is the powerful chemistry between Damian and Christie.
Chemistry is one thing. Heart-tugging is another. And damned if both father and son aren’t soon tugging on Christie’s previously-broken heart-strings.
A child’s unshakeable faith in Santa, his seemingly impossible Christmas wishes of the Jolly Old Man, and a whole lot of holiday magic may lead Damian and Christie to the biggest surprise of all…love.
Although the first two books in this series are Romantic Suspense, this special Christmas novel does not contain suspense. You do not need to read the first two books in order to fully enjoy this story, as it stands alone. However readers of "Laws of Attraction" and "Big Bad Wolfe" will love revisiting their favorite characters and celebrating with them during the holidays.
203 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2014
About the author
Diana Duncan
23 books90 followersWhen her dreams of becoming a ballerina were quashed by early-onset klutziness, Diana Duncan took up the safer vocation of writing. Her first thrilling masterpiece—written in orange crayon—was titled “Perky the Kitten,” and became an instant bestseller with her grandparents.
Her childhood growing up as a military brat gave her ability to leap into a conversation with anyone, anywhere, anytime…and she always discovers a new friend in the process. This gift of gab perfectly equipped her for a career that involves making stuff up.
Di is famous for using seven words when one will do. She wields smart-assery like a samurai sword, and will be the first to volunteer in a catastrophe. Of course, she was probably the one who caused the catastrophe.
She’s fiercely loyal to her friends and family…but in the event of the upcoming zombie apocalypse, she won’t hesitate to use them as human shields.
She loves her job as an author, and claims writing is the most fun she’s ever had while wearing her sock monkey pajamas. She also enjoys gardening, cooking, and adopting abandoned curbside furniture to refurbish into treasures.
Di loves to hear from her readers. Write to her at writedianaduncan@msn.com Join her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/dianaduncan1 and feel free to stop by and ogle her kilted hunks on her website http://www.dianaduncan.com
Her childhood growing up as a military brat gave her ability to leap into a conversation with anyone, anywhere, anytime…and she always discovers a new friend in the process. This gift of gab perfectly equipped her for a career that involves making stuff up.
Di is famous for using seven words when one will do. She wields smart-assery like a samurai sword, and will be the first to volunteer in a catastrophe. Of course, she was probably the one who caused the catastrophe.
She’s fiercely loyal to her friends and family…but in the event of the upcoming zombie apocalypse, she won’t hesitate to use them as human shields.
She loves her job as an author, and claims writing is the most fun she’s ever had while wearing her sock monkey pajamas. She also enjoys gardening, cooking, and adopting abandoned curbside furniture to refurbish into treasures.
Di loves to hear from her readers. Write to her at writedianaduncan@msn.com Join her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/dianaduncan1 and feel free to stop by and ogle her kilted hunks on her website http://www.dianaduncan.com
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 8, 2017
I love books that reaffirm the love between two people and the joy of family
A happy read about love and believing that good things can and do happen. Diana Duncan takes you into her world. A great place to be.
A happy read about love and believing that good things can and do happen. Diana Duncan takes you into her world. A great place to be.
February 4, 2020
I read this book at least once a year since its publication. I love everything about it, the characters, the journey, the car. Diana doesn't hit a single bad note in this book.
December 2, 2014
Kitty‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
5 STARS
I could not put this book down – Thanksgiving Dinner be damned! And, I was warned that it would be “sweet and sexy” and WOW was it ever. Sweet, sexy, laugh-out-loud funny, cute, adorable … there aren’t enough words to describe how wonderful this Christmas story was. And, for once, I didn’t fall in love with the tall, dark and handsome leading man … my heart belongs to Eli, the short, dark, handsome little boy. He was spectacular and stole my heart.
The fun starts on Page 1 of “Cross Country Christmas”. Airports, canceled flights, mistaken identity and a cute little boy who hates slimy eggs … an aggravated female and a take-your-breath away man – what a way to start and you know that this is going to be a wild ride. From breakfast to a wild run across the airport, Damian, Christie and Eli make the most of what could possibly be the worst Christmas they could imagine. But, a jolly old elf named Santa Claus has Eli’s hopes up and Damian cursing the “real” Santa with the promises that were made to him. As for Christie, she just thinks they are both adorable.
As every possible disaster happens, Damian and Christie realize just how wonderful the other is. As they realize that they are falling in love, the obstacles of a mixed-relationship come to the forefront. Damian is the bigger man and doles out some sage advice which has a lot of people thinking and realizing that other people’s opinions really don’t matter …. it’s what’s in your heart.
Yes, several things happen throughout the trip that bring Damian and Christie closer but, it was all the underlying messages that really made this book. The fun message was YOU GOTTA BELIEVE …. maybe there really is a Santa that can make miracles happen. The serious message that really hit home in this day and age was – small people/small minds, prejudice and hatred. And, being the bigger person is the only way to deal with things … violence begets violence.
Yes, there were eye-opening passages and some fun passages but, as I said, Eli made this book the wonderful read that it was. He showed us the true meaning of the season (with a little help from Daddy), filled our hearts with love and laughter. I couldn’t wait to see if all his Christmas wishes came true and just how Santa was going to make some of those miracles happen. I would be totally remiss if I didn’t comment on “The Blues Brothers” quotes throughout the book. Eli just rocked it as he pulled out his sunglasses and started singing.
So, I can’t say enough good about “Cross Country Christmas”. To me, five stars aren’t enough for this story. It actually brought me the Christmas Spirit. It made me want to believe in Santa and the miracles that could happen during this wonderful time of the year. It made me want to go out and make snow angels in my backyard. It made me want to hug my children and look forward to a holiday that really wasn’t going to be so happy and joyous as it was in the past.
If you need a little push towards Christmas, if you need a great pick-me-up read, please get Cross Country Christmas. I promise that you won’t be disappointed, that you’ll love this story, that you will laugh and smile.
5 STARS
I could not put this book down – Thanksgiving Dinner be damned! And, I was warned that it would be “sweet and sexy” and WOW was it ever. Sweet, sexy, laugh-out-loud funny, cute, adorable … there aren’t enough words to describe how wonderful this Christmas story was. And, for once, I didn’t fall in love with the tall, dark and handsome leading man … my heart belongs to Eli, the short, dark, handsome little boy. He was spectacular and stole my heart.
The fun starts on Page 1 of “Cross Country Christmas”. Airports, canceled flights, mistaken identity and a cute little boy who hates slimy eggs … an aggravated female and a take-your-breath away man – what a way to start and you know that this is going to be a wild ride. From breakfast to a wild run across the airport, Damian, Christie and Eli make the most of what could possibly be the worst Christmas they could imagine. But, a jolly old elf named Santa Claus has Eli’s hopes up and Damian cursing the “real” Santa with the promises that were made to him. As for Christie, she just thinks they are both adorable.
As every possible disaster happens, Damian and Christie realize just how wonderful the other is. As they realize that they are falling in love, the obstacles of a mixed-relationship come to the forefront. Damian is the bigger man and doles out some sage advice which has a lot of people thinking and realizing that other people’s opinions really don’t matter …. it’s what’s in your heart.
Yes, several things happen throughout the trip that bring Damian and Christie closer but, it was all the underlying messages that really made this book. The fun message was YOU GOTTA BELIEVE …. maybe there really is a Santa that can make miracles happen. The serious message that really hit home in this day and age was – small people/small minds, prejudice and hatred. And, being the bigger person is the only way to deal with things … violence begets violence.
Yes, there were eye-opening passages and some fun passages but, as I said, Eli made this book the wonderful read that it was. He showed us the true meaning of the season (with a little help from Daddy), filled our hearts with love and laughter. I couldn’t wait to see if all his Christmas wishes came true and just how Santa was going to make some of those miracles happen. I would be totally remiss if I didn’t comment on “The Blues Brothers” quotes throughout the book. Eli just rocked it as he pulled out his sunglasses and started singing.
So, I can’t say enough good about “Cross Country Christmas”. To me, five stars aren’t enough for this story. It actually brought me the Christmas Spirit. It made me want to believe in Santa and the miracles that could happen during this wonderful time of the year. It made me want to go out and make snow angels in my backyard. It made me want to hug my children and look forward to a holiday that really wasn’t going to be so happy and joyous as it was in the past.
If you need a little push towards Christmas, if you need a great pick-me-up read, please get Cross Country Christmas. I promise that you won’t be disappointed, that you’ll love this story, that you will laugh and smile.
December 17, 2014
I love holiday-themed romances and enjoy reading new-to-me author. This book was a perfect pairing of both. It was a very sweet and humorous holiday romance that introduced me to a new author. Cross Country Christmas was very well-written and contained a wonderful undercurrent of holiday cheer. The couple, Damien and Christie were just adorable together. But individually they were completely likeable and you just wanted to see them happy together. The cool thing about this story was that it was an interracial romance. But i didn't know it was an interracial romance. Yes, yes...I know you can see that on the cover but I was reading the story blurb more so than cover shopping. Duncan handled the interracial "issue" (I hate saying issue like it's a problem because it isn't so I used the quotations) really well. So well that when it came up, I was like, "What? Wait? Damien's black?" *LOL* Up to that point it had completely escaped me because I was totally drawn into the story by Damien, Christie, and Damien's sweetheart of a son, Eli. The story is also just very heartwarming as well. In their cross-country journey, the trio help a young struggling family back on their feet, help a family keep their home, and help a young man acknowledge his love. *Whew* Lots going on there but it was well-done that it didn't seem like TOO much for the story. All along the journey little Eli's Christmas wishes seem to just fall into his culminating at the end of the story with a pony...and a mommy!
If you're in the market for a holiday romance, I definitely recommend Cross Country Christmas to you. A few hours, a few laughs, and a wonderful amount of good will will set you up nicely as we go into the holiday season.
If you're in the market for a holiday romance, I definitely recommend Cross Country Christmas to you. A few hours, a few laughs, and a wonderful amount of good will will set you up nicely as we go into the holiday season.
January 3, 2015
Last night, I met my word count goal—something I haven’t done in months—and decided to reward myself with two chapters of a Christmas romance (better late than never). I chose Cross Country Christmas by Diana Duncan.
So, last night as I lay shivering under the duvet (it was a cold one), I started her steamy romance novel with the intention of reading two chapters. Just two…
I fell asleep just after 3am. I had read the book cover to virtual cover.
All I can say is, it was well worth the lost sleep. What a ride! More often than I can remember, I laughed. A few times, I cried. It’s one of those feel-good Christmas-y books with a helluva lot of sexual tension and more than one happily ever after. Oh, and a black and white cat.
So if you are missing Christmas, or just want a great read that will keep you turning the pages all night long, check out Diana Duncan’s Cross Country Christmas. Treat yourself!
So, last night as I lay shivering under the duvet (it was a cold one), I started her steamy romance novel with the intention of reading two chapters. Just two…
I fell asleep just after 3am. I had read the book cover to virtual cover.
All I can say is, it was well worth the lost sleep. What a ride! More often than I can remember, I laughed. A few times, I cried. It’s one of those feel-good Christmas-y books with a helluva lot of sexual tension and more than one happily ever after. Oh, and a black and white cat.
So if you are missing Christmas, or just want a great read that will keep you turning the pages all night long, check out Diana Duncan’s Cross Country Christmas. Treat yourself!
November 19, 2014
What a wonderful feel good, funny Christmas story just in time to get you in the mood for the holidays. This story is about the magic of Christmas. Two strangers stranded in an airport decide to go on a journey via car along with the young son of the hero. The things they encounter in their long journey from Colorado to Washington state was very heartwarming and showed that there are good people out there, some down on their luck and just needing a break and others willing to open their homes and hearts to them and in exchange their lives are touched also. I laughed for much of this book and enjoyed every word I read. If you’re ready to kick off the holiday season with a great romance full of tears and laughter this is the book you should start with.
November 24, 2016
A Christmas blizzard that cancels all flights out of Denver throws stranded travelers Christie and Damian together on a journey that does more than just take them to their respective holiday destinations. Ride along with them to see what situations they encounter and to see how they react to each one.
The language is sometimes spicy and the growing relationship as sensual as the hot and sexy Damian. It tastefully faces what, for some, may be uncomfortable relationships. However, open your mind and pick up this book. It is a perfect read for a cold (or even a not so cold) winter night. Curl up in a cozy corner and absorb yourself in this beautiful story that keeps you turning the pages.
Note: This book is part of a series, but can easily be read as a standalone novel.
The language is sometimes spicy and the growing relationship as sensual as the hot and sexy Damian. It tastefully faces what, for some, may be uncomfortable relationships. However, open your mind and pick up this book. It is a perfect read for a cold (or even a not so cold) winter night. Curl up in a cozy corner and absorb yourself in this beautiful story that keeps you turning the pages.
Note: This book is part of a series, but can easily be read as a standalone novel.
December 1, 2019
I loved this book so much I read it twice over the holiday season! A fantastic story that for me shares the true meaning of the holiday season!
This story has all the ingredients for a fabulous Christmas romance; a smoking hot hero, his cute kid, a kick ass heroine, obstacles, family and adventure!
A favorite that I read every season!
This story has all the ingredients for a fabulous Christmas romance; a smoking hot hero, his cute kid, a kick ass heroine, obstacles, family and adventure!
A favorite that I read every season!
December 5, 2014
What a great story! If you're looking for a great book to boost your spirits and believe in the magic of Christmas, this is the book to read. It had laughter, sadness, love and more laughter! This is a stand-alone read, but it was great catching up with characters from the other 2 books.
December 3, 2016
Santa Magic
I love Diana Duncan's books. Well written, true to life, and in this case, Christmas Magical. A well blended story of two people who meet and fall in love, survive blizzards, bigotry, and cookie making. A touch of humor and drama complete the tale.
I love Diana Duncan's books. Well written, true to life, and in this case, Christmas Magical. A well blended story of two people who meet and fall in love, survive blizzards, bigotry, and cookie making. A touch of humor and drama complete the tale.
January 9, 2017
Such a sweet Christmas story. Fate and Santa intervene in the lives of these three people. The people they meet and lives they change on their trip home for Christmas. A true story of love has to boundaries.
December 7, 2014
Loved it! Laughed and cried!
December 6, 2014
Cutest Christmas romance novel of the season! Mayhem, magic, romance, family, disasters, and fun! You will love this!
December 30, 2014
What a great Christmas book, loved catching up with the other couples from previous books
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews