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By Firelight

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Maybe it’s the mistletoe—or maybe there’s something magical in the air this Christmas. USA Today bestselling author Janice Maynard delivers the perfect gift with these two romantic, heartwarming stories...

By Firelight
There’s nothing like nearly freezing to death on the Appalachian Trail to make a woman want to live a little. And when Madison Tierney stumbles upon Grant Monroe’s mountain cabin during a blizzard, she’s gripped by something more than gratitude. Soon, the glow of firelight sparks hot, sweet kisses…and the start of a Christmas adventure she’ll never forget.

Hot Arctic Nights
In North Pole, Alaska, Christmas spirit is everywhere—except in Hallie Prentiss’s heart. At least her two-week stint managing the Dancing Elves B&B will pay the bills. Then she gets a look at long-term guest Daniel Reynolds. Whether dressed as Santa or (even better) wearing next to nothing, the man is gorgeous, charming, and sexy as hell. Workaholic Hallie is tempted to take a walk on the naughty side for once. But when she does, will she ever want to leave?

Previously published as By Firelight in A Very Merry Christmas and Hot Arctic Nights in Wicked Wonderland.

200 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 11, 2016

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About the author

Janice Maynard

558 books432 followers
Janice Maynard came to the writing life early! When her third grade short story, “The Princess and the Robbers”, won a red ribbon in a school arts fair, Janice was hooked. She followed up that early success with a more commercial piece in the sixth grade… “Why My Mom Loves To Drink Coke”. No advance for that one, but she won a six-pack of Coke… remember those great little bottles?

In junior high Janice began circulating her work to a wider audience. A dozen or so notebook pages stapled together made the rounds in some particularly boring classes, with the riveting tales carefully hidden behind textbooks.

High school meant the big time… editor of the school newspaper, the Maroon and White. Janice used her insightful editorials to delve into such meaty subjects as “locker room odor” and “why we need two-ply tissue in the student bathrooms”.

College brought lots of writing, but very little of it creative… four years later, Janice stepped into the adult world as a fully certified elementary teacher.

Despite motherhood, full-time employment, and keeping up with an “always into something” husband, Janice never lost her love of writing or the desire to be published. In 1996 she realized her long-time dream when Kensington Publishing bought her first book, Sweetheart. That exciting moment was followed by the sales of two more books in the Precious Gem line.

In the fall of 2002, Janice left the classroom to pursue writing full-time.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for Claire.
2,325 reviews740 followers
October 11, 2016
3 - In snow and ice and cold I came to you... Stars.

If you are looking for a book that you can pick up and put down over the Christmas period, that isn’t too heavy on drama and full of Seasonal-Insta-Love, then By Firelight may just fit the bill.

"You’re here. I’m here. We can’t leave. Why not enjoy it."

The author offers up two novellas, that I believe were originally released in separate anthologies, which are connected by the Christmas theme. I have to admit that I liked the first Novella By Firelight a lot more than I did the second book, but both were pretty out there in regards to the speed in which both couples fall for each other. But hey! Its Christmas, so I suppose anything can happen.

The snow storm bought him an unexpected Christmas gift, and he was prepared to unwrap it a bit at a time.

I struggled to believe the ages these characters were given for a lot of their stories, as they either veered off in to stilted and blunt conversation at points making them seem older, to then acting out like teenagers, but these are quick reads so getting any real depth to any of them isn’t really on the cards.

"I’m glad I found you."

Enjoyable enough reads, but they didn’t really light a fire under me to want to see what else the author has on offer on this occasion.

ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
Profile Image for Ami.
6,342 reviews484 followers
October 31, 2016
By Firelight: 1.5 stars



Stupid, STUPID romance. HMPH.

Hot Arctic Nights: 2.5 stars

This was slightly better but still not good. The heroine arrived in Alaska, for a job, and she didn't even research the place?! Seriously, she came to me as incompetent!! It was getting better as the story went, at least there was some relationship development, although everything was also rushed. But then again, this was a novella, so I kinda expected that. Oh, except when





The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
Profile Image for Terri.
732 reviews21 followers
September 26, 2016
Review also found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.  The expected publication date is October 11th, 2016.

I must admit I was slightly confused regarding this book at first.  When I initially requested it from Netgalley, it gave no indication that it was not one but two books.  Perhaps I didn't look closely enough as it is clear on Goodreads.

Sometimes I feel like a scrooge (Christmas themed stories here) when I am not fussy on a book.  That is the case with this one.  I feel like it is not necessarily the writing, Maynard's style was fine, but the formula of these stories. This may be exactly what others are looking for however I was looking for more depth.

Essentially there was no plot.  These stories seemed to have only one goal and that was the sex and the plot took a back burner.  When the entire story revolves around when the characters are going to stop taking samples of each other sexually and finally do the deed, I get bored very quickly.  As mentioned previously, I am sure there are plenty who love this formula as this is a highly popular genre.  While I am not opposed to the bedroom scenes in my book, I want there to be more to the story.  Give me some depth and heaven forbid, don't be talking about the L word when the characters are complete strangers.  I do not buy in to that philosophy.

While I would not be recommending this stories, I remind everyone that it simply is not my cup of tea.  If you want to read about lust and sexual exploration without substance (an is a sort read), then this could be what you are looking for.
Profile Image for Jessi.
5,798 reviews21 followers
September 22, 2016
By Firelight
Grant Monroe is enjoying being by himself in his mountain cabin when, during a heavy snow storm, there's a sudden thunk at the door. And then Madison Tierney stumbles in. She was hiking the Appalachian Trail, got ditched by her two friends, then got lost, and only barely made it to Grant's cabin. Now the two are trapped together in a cabin.
This story has my least favorite trope of "we don't need condoms I'm on birth control" and was also just a bit too insta-lurv-twee for my tastes.

Two and a half stars

Hot Arctic Nights
Hallie lost her mother in January and he job the Monday after Thanksgiving. She's not really in a holiday frame of mind so she agrees to fly up to Alaska and fill in for her friend's parents for two weeks at their B&B. She doesn't expect to find semi-permanent guest, Daniel.
When they meet, Hallie is about to fall over exhausted from travel and Daniel is dressed as Santa. She takes him to the school and learns that he works for the navy as civilian law enforcement.
Hallie then discovers that she has a family of fifteen that she's going to be expected to host, including cooking for them. Of course, as this is a holiday story, she is immediately enveloped into their warm bosom. Or something. Daniel helps her as often as he can and, as the two grow closer, Hallie starts to reclaim some of her holiday spirit. And she also starts to realize that maybe, as people kept telling her in the beginning of the book, Alaska is a place that she can fall in love with. Especially if she has a special someone to share it with.
Good use of condoms in this story.
Three stars
Profile Image for Jo Reads Romance.
945 reviews65 followers
January 6, 2021


Sweet, slow Christmas stories

As everyone knows, I can’t resist a Christmas romance - add in some chocolate and you have a trifecta of awesomeness that means I’m in heaven.

The first thing I noticed about this book is that the cover is just amazing. It’s got a sparkly tree, Christmas lights, a fire and a snog between a hot man and a girl with good hair. Love it.

And then we have the stories, both by Janice Maynard


By Firelight

There’s nothing like nearly freezing to death on the Appalachian Trail to make a woman want to live a little. And when Madison Tierney stumbles upon Grant Monroe’s mountain cabin during a blizzard, she’s gripped by something more than gratitude. Soon, the glow of firelight sparks hot, sweet kisses…and the start of a Christmas adventure she’ll never forget.


If I’m honest, it took me a good long while to wade through this story. I could get behind the premise and who doesn’t like the fantasy of being stranded in a log cabin in a blizzard with a hunky man? It just didn’t ever feel quite right.

Maddy has had a near-death experience and I could kind of understand why she would want to jump straight into sex with Grant. Yet…it felt creepy somehow. Maddy felt too innocent (although she would change to sexually aggressive at certain moments) and Grant was too keen to say he knew how she ticked.

It wasn’t offensive - although the end was a bit daft - but it wasn’t my cup of tea.

---

Hot Arctic Nights

In North Pole, Alaska, Christmas spirit is everywhere—except in Hallie Prentiss’s heart. At least her
two-week stint managing the Dancing Elves B&B will pay the bills. Then she gets a look at long-term guest Daniel Reynolds. Whether dressed as Santa or (even better) wearing next to nothing, the man is gorgeous, charming, and sexy as hell. Workaholic Hallie is tempted to take a walk on the naughty side for once. But when she does, will she ever want to leave?


Another cute premise and, for me, a better story than the first. It was more drawn out and I felt Hallie was a more relatable character although she did have some unnecessary back story that felt out of place in a short story.

The relationship between Hallie and Daniel built slowly after a quick attraction and I believed in their budding feelings for each other.

Unfortunately, like the first story, the ending was rushed and a happily ever after came about quite suddenly. There was a sweetness to it but little believability.

---

For me, both stories were sweet, festive and a slow burn. There wasn’t a lot of depth to either but an awful lot of conversation. I think I would have preferred the stories to be half the length they are but a bit more punchy. For me, I’m giving 3 stars.


By Firelight was previously published in A Very Merry Christmas and Hot Arctic Nights in Wicked Wonderland.


Profile Image for ErinMickC.
275 reviews6 followers
July 25, 2017
By Firelight
The first novella in this book, By Firelight, is the story of Grant and Maddy. Set in a secluded cabin in the woods, Grant finds Maddy on his doorstep half dead in the middle of a snowstorm. He rescues her and they spend the next three days ramping up the sexual tension and getting to know each other. This novella seemed a bit naughtier than other Maynard things I’ve read and I have to say, I liked it :)

Hot Arctic Nights
Maynard’s second novella of this book, Hot Arctic Nights, is pretty much the perfect Christmas story. Hallie’s life is in shambles so she takes on a job watching over the Dancing Elves B&B for a few weeks while the owners visit their daughter (Hallie’s friend). As soon as Hallie arrives at the B&B in North Pole, Alaska she finds one super sexy, long-term guest, Daniel. Sigh. The scene is officially set for these two to have a sweet, romantic Christmas together. Of course, nothing ever goes as planned but somehow, someway these two make time for each other in the chaos of the holidays. You don’t often find a novella that does the “my life is a disaster so I’m going to run away and begin again somewhere else” scenario well. Hot Arctic Nights nails it though. I felt Hallie’s desperation and her willingness to try something new just to get out of her routine. Hallie wasn’t looking for a lifeline, but Daniel certainly provided one.
Profile Image for Book Lover.
552 reviews43 followers
October 14, 2016
BY FIRELIGHT:

I realize this is supposed to be a short, insta-love story, but it just felt clunky. I don’t think it flowed well even for a short story.

Grant Monroe has retreated to his cabin to think about what he wants to do next in his life. Does he continue painting or return to his previous life in finances?

Madison Tierney is doing research for her next book and dealing with the divorce of her parents when she veers off the path in a snow storm and ends up on Grant’s doorstep.

I just couldn’t connect, forced my self to finish.

HOT ARCTIC NIGHTS:

While this one was better than the first, it still fell a little short for me.

Hallie Prentiss has suffered the loss of her mom and her job within a few months of each other. She has no family left and no job prospects. She agrees to run her best friend’s parents B & B for a couple weeks so they can spend time with their daughter.

Daniel Reynolds works at the local military base and is a renter at the B & B.

Instant attraction for both. He helps her around the B & B and tries to give her some fun in her life.

I was given an ARC by NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review.
Profile Image for Donna.
514 reviews1 follower
October 4, 2016
Grant Monroe is alone in his cabin just as a huge winter storm begins. He hears something outside and then a knock on his door. When the door opens, a half-frozen woman, Maddy, tumbles in. Grant helps Maddy warm up and because of the storm, she is allowed to stay. Grant and Maddy begin a relationship that goes on beyond the storm. The story was okay but I felt like it was not really a solid story line. It was just a story of two people meeting and having sex. I guess if that's all you want, it's fine but I really expected something more interesting. There is a second story, Hot Arctic Nights. I really enjoyed this story much more than the first. The story was realistic and sweet, though predictable! It was a fast read with engaging characters. I would recommend this story to all contemporary romance lovers.

By Firelight by Janice Maynard will be available October 11, 2016 by Lyrical Shine, an imprint of Kensington Publishing Corp. An egalley of this book was made available by the publisher in exchange for a honest review.

Profile Image for Sarah.
1,117 reviews8 followers
October 5, 2016
Grant went to his cabin to get away and think. When Madison falls literally on his door steps. They set to make the most of the situation since they are snowed in and no where to go.
Hallie has had a rough year and just lost her job she's off to North Pole Alaska the last place wants to be but its for two weeks and its not like she's staying. Daniel is working in North Pole and loves what he does when Hallie takes one the B and B he sets out to get her to stay.
Being the fact this book contained 2 stories in one I felt like each story lacked something. I would say that it would have been better if the author would have taken one story and went with it and add more to the heart of the story. Neither story lacks sexual tension or sexual attraction. The story just really seem to lack something. I felt like HOT ARCTIC NIGHTS had a little more heart to it and I would loved to have seen more of the story continue. I would say that the fact this has adult scenes this may not be the book for everyone.
Profile Image for Marsha Keeper Bookshelf.
4,290 reviews90 followers
October 11, 2016
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf

Both By Firelight and Hot Arctic Nights were good stories. Novella in length, instant love or instant lust aside, the stories were entertaining. I will point out that both have been published before in two separate Christmas anthologies… so it’s possible that you’ve read these before.

The cover description gives the basics of each story, so I don’t need to go into them more. With novellas it’s too easy to say too much in a review.

I enjoyed them for exactly what they are, short, sexy stories set around Christmas time when anything can (and usually does) happen to the heart.

If you’re looking for short stories with a bit of sizzle and a lot of Christmas love, then this book combo is exactly what the elves ordered for you. By Firelight received a 3 star rating from me which equals “it’s a good book”.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
Profile Image for Jodi Cain.
1,174 reviews10 followers
October 18, 2016
Grant & Maddy are thrown together by an unusual circumstance. They both make the best of it. I love their sexual banter, and their chemistry. It was hard to believe neither of them had ever been in love. Fate is a strange thing, but I believe that is what brought them together. The scenes in this book are HOT, and leave nothing out. The ending had me crying and laughing and the same time.

Hot Artic night Review

Hallie goes to Alaska for a job for two weeks at a B & B. Daniel is a semi-permanent resident at B & B. Even though the way they met was not ideal, it still was no less romantic. They definitely had chemistry, but that was not all.They talked to each, and went out a few times to get to know each other better. When than both finally gave into the urges, let me say it was HOT. The ending was one of happiness & love between two people. The way I see it two people don't have to know each other months/years to know they found the one. It you are looking for a story about love and romance then you need to one click today,
Profile Image for Christine Galletly.
1,125 reviews5 followers
October 9, 2016
This book is made up of two different books published under the one title. For me both books had good stories that kept my attention throughput, they were very enjoyable reads and were quite short in length. Would definitely recommend these.
140 reviews
September 27, 2016
ARC provided in exchange for review.

The first novella in the book was the worst. I understand they have to be short but wow, that was was instant everything, sex, love, proposal, all in 3 days. The second book was a little better though it was instant lust at least the story took place over 2 weeks.
Profile Image for Kristy.
1,618 reviews17 followers
October 7, 2016
Yeah, these were not my favorite Janice Maynard books. There were written well, as always, but the storylines fell flat for me. I'm not opposed to quick romances, but I just didn't feel these ones were pulled off very well. These were re-issues, so I'm guessing Ms. Maynard has developed her style better now.
Profile Image for Crystal.
Author 75 books427 followers
October 25, 2016
Two good, sexy novellas centered around Christmas. I really enjoyed them!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews