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The Billionaire's Club: Texas Heartthrobs #1
It Must Be Christmas: Three Holiday Stories
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, when love is in the cold and frosty air—and desire reaches the boiling point. . .
Hot Toy From New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Crusie comes a hilarious, sexy story about a determined shopper who grabs the last action figure off the shelf, only to find herself plunged into the arms of a sexy secret agent. Mayhem under the mistletoe ensues. Business as usual this Christmas season…right?
Christmas with the Billionaire Rancher Nate wants to stay away from all the women who want his money in Mandy Baxter’s story set deep in the heart of Texas. But when gorgeous do-gooder Chloe Benson comes knocking at his door—in search of funds for her charity—Nate can’t ignore the passion he feels for her. Maybe love is priceless after all?
Christmas at Seashell Cottage ’Tis the season in Jewell Cove when local doctor Charlie Yang finds her quiet, steady life disrupted by both an abandoned baby in the nativity manger and ex-SEAL Dave Ricker. Are these turn of events too good to be true? Or is Christmas working its magic—for real— Donna Alward’s heartwarming holiday story?
Hot Toy From New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Crusie comes a hilarious, sexy story about a determined shopper who grabs the last action figure off the shelf, only to find herself plunged into the arms of a sexy secret agent. Mayhem under the mistletoe ensues. Business as usual this Christmas season…right?
Christmas with the Billionaire Rancher Nate wants to stay away from all the women who want his money in Mandy Baxter’s story set deep in the heart of Texas. But when gorgeous do-gooder Chloe Benson comes knocking at his door—in search of funds for her charity—Nate can’t ignore the passion he feels for her. Maybe love is priceless after all?
Christmas at Seashell Cottage ’Tis the season in Jewell Cove when local doctor Charlie Yang finds her quiet, steady life disrupted by both an abandoned baby in the nativity manger and ex-SEAL Dave Ricker. Are these turn of events too good to be true? Or is Christmas working its magic—for real— Donna Alward’s heartwarming holiday story?
385 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 4, 2016
58 people are currently reading
1620 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Crusie
80 books7,831 followersJennifer Crusie is the New York Times, USA Today, and Publisher's Weekly bestselling author of twenty-three novels, one book of literary criticism, miscellaneous articles, essays, novellas, and short stories, and the editor of three essay anthologies.
She was born in Wapakoneta, a small town in Ohio, and then went on to live in a succession of other small towns in Ohio and New Jersey until her last move to a small town in Pennsylvania. This may have had an impact on her work.
She has a BS in Art Education, an MA in literature, an MFA in fiction, and was ABD on her PhD when she started reading romances as part of her research into the differences between the ways men and women tell stories. Writing a romance sounded like more fun than writing a dissertation, so she switched to fiction and never looked back. Her collaborations with Bob Mayer have pretty much proved everything she was going to say in her dissertation anyway, so really, no need to finish that.
For more information, see JenniferCrusie.com and her blog, Argh Ink.
She was born in Wapakoneta, a small town in Ohio, and then went on to live in a succession of other small towns in Ohio and New Jersey until her last move to a small town in Pennsylvania. This may have had an impact on her work.
She has a BS in Art Education, an MA in literature, an MFA in fiction, and was ABD on her PhD when she started reading romances as part of her research into the differences between the ways men and women tell stories. Writing a romance sounded like more fun than writing a dissertation, so she switched to fiction and never looked back. Her collaborations with Bob Mayer have pretty much proved everything she was going to say in her dissertation anyway, so really, no need to finish that.
For more information, see JenniferCrusie.com and her blog, Argh Ink.
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September 30, 2016
RATING 4.5 STARS
It Must Be Christmas: Three Holiday Stories is an anthology of stories by Jennifer Crusie, Donna Alward and Mandy Baxter. These are three very different stories, ranging from hilarious and crazy to sweet to sexy that are sure to put you in the holiday mood. I received this book in exchange for an honest review from St. Martin’s Press.
Hot Toy by Jennifer Crusie
It’s Christmas Eve and Trudy Maxwell is in the toy store in a last ditch effort to get her five year old nephew the Major MacGuffin doll he wants for Christmas. It HAS to be the brand new Major MacGuffin doll that spits toxic waste.
It’s here that Trudy runs in to Nolan Mitchell, a man that she went on three dates with and really liked. She thought it might be the start of something good but then he never called. Now he’s here and won’t leave her alone.
This starts a night of crazy mayhem and a Christmas that Trudy will never forget. She finds herself thrust right in to the middle of a spy thriller, complete with double agents, hidden information, and yes, even guns. You are kept guessing who is the bad guy and who is the good guy. Are any of them really who they say they are?
I loved this one. It kept me smiling and on the edge of my seat.
Christmas at Seashell Cottage by Donna Alward
Dr. Charlie Yang has moved to Jewell Cove, Maine to try to find happiness. Growing up she was forced to live a certain way. Now she just wants to belong. It’s almost Christmas and Charlie finds herself face to face with the man she has been ogling for several weeks now from afar. A shocking surprise brings Charlie and Dave, together but each has serious issues stemming from past experiences.
This was a sweet Christmas story about two people looking for something missing from their lives but each of them has trouble opening their heart for fear of being hurt. As they deal with the situation they found themselves thrust into, they try to find a way to also be together. It’s been a slow process but in her time of need, Charlie finally realizes that she’s not as alone as she thought in Jewel Cove when the townspeople reach out to help her.
"Sometimes the best things happened when you least expected them."
Christmas With the Billionaire Rancher by Mandy Baxter
Nate Christensen and his three brothers’ father had money, lots and lots of money and power. But he believed his sons needed to make their own way. So he gave them nothing to help them along as they grew up. He was a powerful man and ran his Petroleum empire right up until he dropped dead of a heart attack. Now his sons are told that he has left his entire fortune to them. What he wouldn’t share with them in life, he gave to them in death. Nate, though, has nothing but anger and resentment towards his father. He is now an ex-Navy Seal and didn’t even let his father know he was back from having served. Now that his father is gone, he wants nothing to do with the money that scarred him throughout his life.
Chloe Benson needs money and lots of it. She runs a foundation that provides sports and equipment to underprivileged kids. If it weren’t for her, these kids would be on the streets. But her funding has run out. If she doesn’t find a new source of support by Christmas Eve, her doors will close. She had every intention of asking Nate for a chunk of the inheritance he just received. But one word, one touch from him, and all thoughts of her intentions were out the door. All she could think of was him.
“Chloe had never been the sort of woman to get weak in the knees over a good looking guy, but holy crap. She wobbled on her stilettos as if the shock of his gorgeousness had temporarily disrupted her motor skills.”
Nate had so much anger, resentment and pain built up inside. He used sex to quiet his mind. But there was something about Chloe. He didn’t think one night was going to be enough.
“In letting Chloe distract him from his past, Nate feared that he was developing a far more debilitating addiction. Because after tonight, he didn’t think he’d be able to let her go.”
These two together set the pages on fire. They were that hot together. They equaled each other in their passion. Chloe knows she can never ask Nate for the money for the foundation now. It would look like she was using him for his money. Will she have to choose, let the foundation go in order to hang on to the possibility of something with Nate?
“I didn’t like watching you walk away from me, Chloe.”
Nate’s biggest fear is that Chloe might just be into him for his money. Can he trust her? Is it possible that happiness might finally be within his grasp?
I enjoyed all three of these stories, each unique in their own way, each appealing to something different. I hope you'll give them a try.
It Must Be Christmas: Three Holiday Stories is an anthology of stories by Jennifer Crusie, Donna Alward and Mandy Baxter. These are three very different stories, ranging from hilarious and crazy to sweet to sexy that are sure to put you in the holiday mood. I received this book in exchange for an honest review from St. Martin’s Press.
Hot Toy by Jennifer Crusie
It’s Christmas Eve and Trudy Maxwell is in the toy store in a last ditch effort to get her five year old nephew the Major MacGuffin doll he wants for Christmas. It HAS to be the brand new Major MacGuffin doll that spits toxic waste.
It’s here that Trudy runs in to Nolan Mitchell, a man that she went on three dates with and really liked. She thought it might be the start of something good but then he never called. Now he’s here and won’t leave her alone.
This starts a night of crazy mayhem and a Christmas that Trudy will never forget. She finds herself thrust right in to the middle of a spy thriller, complete with double agents, hidden information, and yes, even guns. You are kept guessing who is the bad guy and who is the good guy. Are any of them really who they say they are?
I loved this one. It kept me smiling and on the edge of my seat.
Christmas at Seashell Cottage by Donna Alward
Dr. Charlie Yang has moved to Jewell Cove, Maine to try to find happiness. Growing up she was forced to live a certain way. Now she just wants to belong. It’s almost Christmas and Charlie finds herself face to face with the man she has been ogling for several weeks now from afar. A shocking surprise brings Charlie and Dave, together but each has serious issues stemming from past experiences.
This was a sweet Christmas story about two people looking for something missing from their lives but each of them has trouble opening their heart for fear of being hurt. As they deal with the situation they found themselves thrust into, they try to find a way to also be together. It’s been a slow process but in her time of need, Charlie finally realizes that she’s not as alone as she thought in Jewel Cove when the townspeople reach out to help her.
"Sometimes the best things happened when you least expected them."
Christmas With the Billionaire Rancher by Mandy Baxter
Nate Christensen and his three brothers’ father had money, lots and lots of money and power. But he believed his sons needed to make their own way. So he gave them nothing to help them along as they grew up. He was a powerful man and ran his Petroleum empire right up until he dropped dead of a heart attack. Now his sons are told that he has left his entire fortune to them. What he wouldn’t share with them in life, he gave to them in death. Nate, though, has nothing but anger and resentment towards his father. He is now an ex-Navy Seal and didn’t even let his father know he was back from having served. Now that his father is gone, he wants nothing to do with the money that scarred him throughout his life.
Chloe Benson needs money and lots of it. She runs a foundation that provides sports and equipment to underprivileged kids. If it weren’t for her, these kids would be on the streets. But her funding has run out. If she doesn’t find a new source of support by Christmas Eve, her doors will close. She had every intention of asking Nate for a chunk of the inheritance he just received. But one word, one touch from him, and all thoughts of her intentions were out the door. All she could think of was him.
“Chloe had never been the sort of woman to get weak in the knees over a good looking guy, but holy crap. She wobbled on her stilettos as if the shock of his gorgeousness had temporarily disrupted her motor skills.”
Nate had so much anger, resentment and pain built up inside. He used sex to quiet his mind. But there was something about Chloe. He didn’t think one night was going to be enough.
“In letting Chloe distract him from his past, Nate feared that he was developing a far more debilitating addiction. Because after tonight, he didn’t think he’d be able to let her go.”
These two together set the pages on fire. They were that hot together. They equaled each other in their passion. Chloe knows she can never ask Nate for the money for the foundation now. It would look like she was using him for his money. Will she have to choose, let the foundation go in order to hang on to the possibility of something with Nate?
“I didn’t like watching you walk away from me, Chloe.”
Nate’s biggest fear is that Chloe might just be into him for his money. Can he trust her? Is it possible that happiness might finally be within his grasp?
I enjoyed all three of these stories, each unique in their own way, each appealing to something different. I hope you'll give them a try.
October 6, 2016
It Must Be Christmas: Three Holiday Stories by Jennifer Crusie, Donna Alward, and Mandy Baxter is a 2016 St. Martin’s Press publication.
This collection of holiday tales is an eclectic mix of contemporary short stories with something for nearly every taste.
The anthology starts off with ‘Hot Toy’ by Jennifer Crusie.
Despite that suggestive title, this story is cute and funny, with just a dash of emotion.
Trudy Maxwell needs a toy for her nephew. Not just any toy, of course, but the hottest toy of the holiday season, but she’s not having much luck. In one of the biggest toy stores, she winds up becoming inadvertently involved in a covert operation with a guy who had once disappointed her, but there may be more to him than she originally thought.
I had read this story as a stand alone last year, but it was so short and easy to read, I didn’t mind giving it a second look.
This story is a madcap adventure, and is a little bit silly, but it was cute and fun.
3 stars
The second book in the trifecta is a heartwarming story by Donna Alward – ‘Christmas at Seashell Cottage'.
This story centers around Charlie Yang, a doctor whose life is built around her career. Although she’s lonely, she has no plans to get involved with anyone, especially on a temporary basis.
But, then she meets Dave Ricker, an ex-SEAL, who is new to the area, at the local Christmas tree lighting. But, both their lives are disrupted when someone abandons an infant the nativity scene manger.
I loved the story about the baby and Charlie is an amazing example, as helps people so selflessly.
Dave, on the other hand, gave me some big problems. I felt like I needed to pull him aside and issue a stern warning not to hurt Charlie or I would have to kick his butt.
But, of course the magic of the holiday season brings about a wonderful and heartfelt happily ever after for one and all.
This was the strongest story is the group, in my opinion and gets a 4 star rating.
The third and final story, is ‘Christmas with the Billionaire Rancher by Mandy Baxter.
This story is for those who like a little bit of extra steam with their holiday romances.
When Nate’s father dies, he becomes the executor of the will and a billionaire, something he’s not really all that thrilled over. Of course he becomes very popular with money seeking gold diggers, and Chloe Baxter definitely wants his money…
But not for the reason you might think.
Chloe needs money for her charity and with Nate’s huge windfall, he’s seems like the best bet for a charitable donation.
Naturally, the couple finds money is not the only thing their relationship is built on.
Nate and Chloe go back and forth, as Nate struggles with a past betrayal which causes him to make a few mistakes, but between the charity work and Chloe’s patience, Nate makes some serious progress.
I love stories set in Texas, so I was happy to see this one included in the collection. I was a little concerned with Chloe’s motives and how far she was willing to go, had me wondering, but the chemistry is sizzling hot right from the start with no build up required.
This is a nice mixed bag of holiday themed short stories with steamy passion, touching drama, and a few laughs, to balance everything out. So, no matter what mood you are in, one of these stories will have just what you are looking for.
The anthology as a whole is 3.5 stars, rounded to 4
This collection of holiday tales is an eclectic mix of contemporary short stories with something for nearly every taste.
The anthology starts off with ‘Hot Toy’ by Jennifer Crusie.
Despite that suggestive title, this story is cute and funny, with just a dash of emotion.
Trudy Maxwell needs a toy for her nephew. Not just any toy, of course, but the hottest toy of the holiday season, but she’s not having much luck. In one of the biggest toy stores, she winds up becoming inadvertently involved in a covert operation with a guy who had once disappointed her, but there may be more to him than she originally thought.
I had read this story as a stand alone last year, but it was so short and easy to read, I didn’t mind giving it a second look.
This story is a madcap adventure, and is a little bit silly, but it was cute and fun.
3 stars
The second book in the trifecta is a heartwarming story by Donna Alward – ‘Christmas at Seashell Cottage'.
This story centers around Charlie Yang, a doctor whose life is built around her career. Although she’s lonely, she has no plans to get involved with anyone, especially on a temporary basis.
But, then she meets Dave Ricker, an ex-SEAL, who is new to the area, at the local Christmas tree lighting. But, both their lives are disrupted when someone abandons an infant the nativity scene manger.
I loved the story about the baby and Charlie is an amazing example, as helps people so selflessly.
Dave, on the other hand, gave me some big problems. I felt like I needed to pull him aside and issue a stern warning not to hurt Charlie or I would have to kick his butt.
But, of course the magic of the holiday season brings about a wonderful and heartfelt happily ever after for one and all.
This was the strongest story is the group, in my opinion and gets a 4 star rating.
The third and final story, is ‘Christmas with the Billionaire Rancher by Mandy Baxter.
This story is for those who like a little bit of extra steam with their holiday romances.
When Nate’s father dies, he becomes the executor of the will and a billionaire, something he’s not really all that thrilled over. Of course he becomes very popular with money seeking gold diggers, and Chloe Baxter definitely wants his money…
But not for the reason you might think.
Chloe needs money for her charity and with Nate’s huge windfall, he’s seems like the best bet for a charitable donation.
Naturally, the couple finds money is not the only thing their relationship is built on.
Nate and Chloe go back and forth, as Nate struggles with a past betrayal which causes him to make a few mistakes, but between the charity work and Chloe’s patience, Nate makes some serious progress.
I love stories set in Texas, so I was happy to see this one included in the collection. I was a little concerned with Chloe’s motives and how far she was willing to go, had me wondering, but the chemistry is sizzling hot right from the start with no build up required.
This is a nice mixed bag of holiday themed short stories with steamy passion, touching drama, and a few laughs, to balance everything out. So, no matter what mood you are in, one of these stories will have just what you are looking for.
The anthology as a whole is 3.5 stars, rounded to 4
April 21, 2021
Both of my stars belong to the first story by Jennifer Cruise, the other two were really boring. I didn't laugh nor did found the romance mesmerizing.
June 2, 2021
Just ok. Not my favourite Jennifer Crusie, the second story is a bit saccharine and the third is great smut but I found the central relationship a bit toxic.
October 5, 2016
I don't know about you but I love Christmas stories. From now till the end of the year is my favorite time. I mean, who doesn't like watching kids trick-or-treat? Or how about stuffing your face with all the wonderful Thanksgiving food? Let's not forget about Christmas with all the twinkling lights and cookie baking.
Or gifts...shhhh!
I even don't mind the snow, when it happens on Christmas eve and stops on the day after Christmas. This is my fantasy I can have it snow when I want it.
Back to Christmas, oh...did I mention my love of Christmas movies too? LOVE THEM!!!! If you haven't yet read It Must be Christmas you really should. It's very good. I enjoyed all three stories. Here's a little bit about each of them.
Hot Toy by Jennifer Crusie I've read before but because I enjoy Christmas stories so I read it again. Its very fast paced and at times it drew a chuckle from me. It kind of reminded me of the movie Jingle All the Way. It's not my favorite of the three stories but I still really liked it.
Christmas at Seashell Cottage by Donna Alward, I must admit I've never read Alward before but after reading this I will be trying her. This story is very sweet and heartwarming. I liked the whole idea of it and found it to be well written.
Christmas With the Billionaire Rancher by Mandy Baxter, who wouldn't want to spend time with a billionaire? Add a rancher to the mix and you've got one hot story. I liked both Nate & Chloe. Nate has a few things he really needs to work through and does with the help of Chloe.
Do yourself a favor and add It Must be Christmas to you list of books to read this holiday.
Reviewed for Romancing the Readers Blog:
http://romancingthereaders.blogspot.c...
Romancing the Readers Facebook Page:
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ARC received for a honest review
Or gifts...shhhh!
I even don't mind the snow, when it happens on Christmas eve and stops on the day after Christmas. This is my fantasy I can have it snow when I want it.
Back to Christmas, oh...did I mention my love of Christmas movies too? LOVE THEM!!!! If you haven't yet read It Must be Christmas you really should. It's very good. I enjoyed all three stories. Here's a little bit about each of them.
Hot Toy by Jennifer Crusie I've read before but because I enjoy Christmas stories so I read it again. Its very fast paced and at times it drew a chuckle from me. It kind of reminded me of the movie Jingle All the Way. It's not my favorite of the three stories but I still really liked it.
Christmas at Seashell Cottage by Donna Alward, I must admit I've never read Alward before but after reading this I will be trying her. This story is very sweet and heartwarming. I liked the whole idea of it and found it to be well written.
Christmas With the Billionaire Rancher by Mandy Baxter, who wouldn't want to spend time with a billionaire? Add a rancher to the mix and you've got one hot story. I liked both Nate & Chloe. Nate has a few things he really needs to work through and does with the help of Chloe.
Do yourself a favor and add It Must be Christmas to you list of books to read this holiday.
Reviewed for Romancing the Readers Blog:
http://romancingthereaders.blogspot.c...
Romancing the Readers Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/RomancingThe...
ARC received for a honest review
October 5, 2016
Hot Toy
I had the best time reading this romantic comedy novella. The laughs started almost immediately and played out like a holiday family movie. All that can go wrong does, but it also goes very right.
While last minute insanity shopping for the most popular toy of the season for her nephew, Trudy gets caught up in a battle between government agents. The dialogue is truly great. The cast is made up of an ex, cougar bait, a drunken sister and other crazies. The one goal in Trudy's mind is to get that toy no matter what.
This is a great light read for getting into the Christmas spirit while tickling your funny bone. It left me with a good feeling.
Christmas at Seashell Cottage
This story is about two people who didn't really know what they were missing until they found each other. Actually, both felt that something was lacking in their lives, but they weren't sure how to find what they needed. It's a serious storyline that deals with everyday difficulties in life and love.
Charlie is a doctor who moved to Jewell Cove to get away from the city. She still doesn't quite feel like a local though. Dave is an ex SEAL who is also new to town. They go through some grown up problems and have a realistic romance.
Christmas at Seashell Cottage is for those looking for a small town Christmas read with some depth, some ups and downs and a happy ending.
Christmas With the Billionaire Rancher
Nate's father hasn't treated him well. Now, after his father's death, Nate inherits most of his father's wealth. He can't think of a worse fate than having to schmooze with the rich or entertain the social climbers.
Chloe isn't one of the usual golddiggers. Yes, she first approaches him for money for her charity, but all intentions are soon thrown out the window. These two go at it hot and heavy right away, sending Christmas with the Billionaire Rancher into the naughty holiday reads category.
Things get turned around and misunderstandings happen, but love and great sex help to mend the hurts. The overall theme of family is quite strong also. And what a family with all those hot brothers! I recommend this to someone looking for some sexy fun.
October 3, 2016
This is an anthology of three previously released novels/novellas all themed around Christmas.
HOT TOY by Jennifer Crusie
The story is cute and sweet. There is only the beginning of a romance since the story is so short, but it is a nice Christmas treat. Trudy Maxwell, college librarian, is on the hunt for the hot Christmas toy for her nephew when she encounters Nolan Mitchell. Trudy had thought that Nolan was "the One" until after three dates, he didn't call her again. Now Nolan wants another chance, but Trudy doesn't want to risk herself again. This is a cute and sweet Christmas romance with some twists. When the story started, I didn't expect where the story would go, but it kept the plot interesting. The romance was cute and funny as Nolan followed Trudy around trying to convince her to give him another chance. The weakness was that the story was so short that there wasn't much to the characters and the plot dominated. Rating: 3.5 Stars
CHRISTMAS AT SEASHELL COTTAGE by Donna Alward
Dr. Charlie Yang gets some surprises for Christmas. First, the man who she has been watching from afar ends up at the same church as her preparing for the Christmas season. Charlie has been attracted to the ex-SEAL Dave Ricker but it is easier to imagine at a distance than risk her heart with a man who seems her opposite. Second, Charlie and Dave find an infant left in the manger and Charlie finds herself unable to turn away from the little Christmas miracle. The story had such promise. There were several stories that could have been explored: uptight doctor versus free thinking man, second families, the found baby. Unfortunately, I don't think that any of these stories were truly explored. Instead, I kept waiting for something to happen in the book. I don't mind slow, thoughtful stories, but I want some payoff. The first half of the book was Charlie saying this guy can't be right for me; the second half was Dave saying, I don't think want the same things. I never really got any connection with these characters; I never truly felt that we explored the characters emotional foibles. I just ended up with a "eh" feeling at the end. Rating: 2 stars.
CHRISTMAS WITH THE BILLIONAIRE RANCHER by Mandy Baxter
Nate Christensen has an inheritance from a father he could barely stand. He doesn't want the inheritance or all that goes with it. Chloe Benson comes to the memorial intending to ask for money for her charity. Instead, she ends up hooking up with Nate. This is a sexy, sexy book. I loved how the two first have an instantaneous attraction that moves to emotional connection and love. For such a short length, this story has energy with characters that I really connected with. I ended up just wanting to read more about these two. It is a tricky proposition to make sex so central to the beginning of a relationship and yet allow the characters to develop an emotional connection that feels deep and real. Baxter walks that line very well. I liked this book so much that I ended up buying to stories of Nate's brothers as well. Rating: 4 stars.This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com
HOT TOY by Jennifer Crusie
The story is cute and sweet. There is only the beginning of a romance since the story is so short, but it is a nice Christmas treat. Trudy Maxwell, college librarian, is on the hunt for the hot Christmas toy for her nephew when she encounters Nolan Mitchell. Trudy had thought that Nolan was "the One" until after three dates, he didn't call her again. Now Nolan wants another chance, but Trudy doesn't want to risk herself again. This is a cute and sweet Christmas romance with some twists. When the story started, I didn't expect where the story would go, but it kept the plot interesting. The romance was cute and funny as Nolan followed Trudy around trying to convince her to give him another chance. The weakness was that the story was so short that there wasn't much to the characters and the plot dominated. Rating: 3.5 Stars
CHRISTMAS AT SEASHELL COTTAGE by Donna Alward
Dr. Charlie Yang gets some surprises for Christmas. First, the man who she has been watching from afar ends up at the same church as her preparing for the Christmas season. Charlie has been attracted to the ex-SEAL Dave Ricker but it is easier to imagine at a distance than risk her heart with a man who seems her opposite. Second, Charlie and Dave find an infant left in the manger and Charlie finds herself unable to turn away from the little Christmas miracle. The story had such promise. There were several stories that could have been explored: uptight doctor versus free thinking man, second families, the found baby. Unfortunately, I don't think that any of these stories were truly explored. Instead, I kept waiting for something to happen in the book. I don't mind slow, thoughtful stories, but I want some payoff. The first half of the book was Charlie saying this guy can't be right for me; the second half was Dave saying, I don't think want the same things. I never really got any connection with these characters; I never truly felt that we explored the characters emotional foibles. I just ended up with a "eh" feeling at the end. Rating: 2 stars.
CHRISTMAS WITH THE BILLIONAIRE RANCHER by Mandy Baxter
Nate Christensen has an inheritance from a father he could barely stand. He doesn't want the inheritance or all that goes with it. Chloe Benson comes to the memorial intending to ask for money for her charity. Instead, she ends up hooking up with Nate. This is a sexy, sexy book. I loved how the two first have an instantaneous attraction that moves to emotional connection and love. For such a short length, this story has energy with characters that I really connected with. I ended up just wanting to read more about these two. It is a tricky proposition to make sex so central to the beginning of a relationship and yet allow the characters to develop an emotional connection that feels deep and real. Baxter walks that line very well. I liked this book so much that I ended up buying to stories of Nate's brothers as well. Rating: 4 stars.This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com
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October 31, 2020I read the Jennifer Crusie novella.
November 4, 2016
3.75 stars.
this book is a nice mixture of three romance stories that are based during christmas time.
They are cheesy and cute and short and basically everything one can love about a typical holiday story.
I have had read "Hot Toy" by Cruise before reading this book so i already knew that i enjoyed that story, and i still found it cute and entertaining during the re-read. Its mostly very silly and very overdone but i do love that its the crazy aunt that has the problems with the gifts and i do love the idea of one of those over done christmas stories that you read and then look at your own christmas chaos and can say "at least my christmas doesn't involve that!". I always enjoy Cruise's writing and her specific kind of humour and that she has this way of making her characters snarky and sarcastic but not mean.
Its a cute story and its defiantly worth a read if you want something funny and overdone christmas-y.
The story that really stood out to me and i loved was "Christmas at Seashell Cottage" by Cove.
Her writing was beautiful, her characters wonderfully fleshed out -especailly for such a short story!- i got a real feel for the town the story took place in, the characters and what they were going through. I loved that the story wasn't just a romance book and that the sex wasn't the main thing of this story, but a different event was what the story was based around. I also loved that the two characters didn't meet and fell in into bed, but it took a bit any romance to happen.
I will defiantly see if i can find something else by this author and can't wait to read and hear more from her! Defiantly recommend this specific story!
And now to the last story....
"Christmas with the Billionaire Rancher" by Baxter.... that story didn't really work for me. It is very insta-lovey for me. The two main character have sex basically three seconds after meeting -and i am not even kidding! And then the typical drama ensues that always happens in that kind of story line where the characters get mad at each other because - surprise surprise!- they didn't know anything about each other before hand and so when they learn about each other something doesn't sit well with either or both of them so drama ensues.
As you can clearly hear from my tone of writing i wasn't the biggest fan of this. But that is because of personal reasons. I don't enjoy stories where the characters see each other and fall into.... - put appropriate word here (for this story "Bed" would be the one).
I don't mind a fast building romance or even if characters have sex very fast in a story. Especially in short story you don't have 150 pages to build up a relationship if you don't even have 150 pages total! So i get the fast part. But can i at least get a real introduction before the guy says he wants to see "the girls pussy"?
As i said, personal preference but since its my review i get to rant a little about the stuff i didn't love in this particular story.
BUT if you are are someone that loves the fast and hard romance stories? I am sure you will enjoy this.
All in all this book is nicely done.
It has a very nice mixture of stories: A funny one, a cutesy one and a sex/porn-y one. So basically every type of romance lover covered!
I would defiantly recommend it for any romance holiday book lover, even if i personally enjoyed "just" two of the stories. Just for those two i think it is worth reading this book for.
And who knows? Maybe you will love the story i didn't enjoy the best? You never know until you try, right?
*Thanks to NetGalley, St. martin's Press and the authors for providing me with the e-arc of this book in exchange for a honest review*
this book is a nice mixture of three romance stories that are based during christmas time.
They are cheesy and cute and short and basically everything one can love about a typical holiday story.
I have had read "Hot Toy" by Cruise before reading this book so i already knew that i enjoyed that story, and i still found it cute and entertaining during the re-read. Its mostly very silly and very overdone but i do love that its the crazy aunt that has the problems with the gifts and i do love the idea of one of those over done christmas stories that you read and then look at your own christmas chaos and can say "at least my christmas doesn't involve that!". I always enjoy Cruise's writing and her specific kind of humour and that she has this way of making her characters snarky and sarcastic but not mean.
Its a cute story and its defiantly worth a read if you want something funny and overdone christmas-y.
The story that really stood out to me and i loved was "Christmas at Seashell Cottage" by Cove.
Her writing was beautiful, her characters wonderfully fleshed out -especailly for such a short story!- i got a real feel for the town the story took place in, the characters and what they were going through. I loved that the story wasn't just a romance book and that the sex wasn't the main thing of this story, but a different event was what the story was based around. I also loved that the two characters didn't meet and fell in into bed, but it took a bit any romance to happen.
I will defiantly see if i can find something else by this author and can't wait to read and hear more from her! Defiantly recommend this specific story!
And now to the last story....
"Christmas with the Billionaire Rancher" by Baxter.... that story didn't really work for me. It is very insta-lovey for me. The two main character have sex basically three seconds after meeting -and i am not even kidding! And then the typical drama ensues that always happens in that kind of story line where the characters get mad at each other because - surprise surprise!- they didn't know anything about each other before hand and so when they learn about each other something doesn't sit well with either or both of them so drama ensues.
As you can clearly hear from my tone of writing i wasn't the biggest fan of this. But that is because of personal reasons. I don't enjoy stories where the characters see each other and fall into.... - put appropriate word here (for this story "Bed" would be the one).
I don't mind a fast building romance or even if characters have sex very fast in a story. Especially in short story you don't have 150 pages to build up a relationship if you don't even have 150 pages total! So i get the fast part. But can i at least get a real introduction before the guy says he wants to see "the girls pussy"?
As i said, personal preference but since its my review i get to rant a little about the stuff i didn't love in this particular story.
BUT if you are are someone that loves the fast and hard romance stories? I am sure you will enjoy this.
All in all this book is nicely done.
It has a very nice mixture of stories: A funny one, a cutesy one and a sex/porn-y one. So basically every type of romance lover covered!
I would defiantly recommend it for any romance holiday book lover, even if i personally enjoyed "just" two of the stories. Just for those two i think it is worth reading this book for.
And who knows? Maybe you will love the story i didn't enjoy the best? You never know until you try, right?
*Thanks to NetGalley, St. martin's Press and the authors for providing me with the e-arc of this book in exchange for a honest review*
December 19, 2017
It is not simply the fact that I'm Jewish that made me dislike this collection of 3 stories - I love Jennifer Crusie, and this is probably her worst story. But all 3 authors manage to depict women who are simultaneously strong-appearing and ultimately have no backbone at all. They are the worst models for single women, and the whole idea that Christmas is a good backdrop for a romantic novel is not just a-little-bit-overdone-in-a-sweet-way-like-candy-canes, it's a lame formula.
You can't un-read them, so my advice is to just skip them, especially if you are actually single, or if you're a heterosexual female currently in a relationship with an actual male, who may not live up to the standards set in here - MILITARY MEN who are a bundle of raw emotions that render them helpless and desperate to get approval from the badass women who they need to rescue because even though each of them is supposed to be badass, they would fall apart without the help of the former-or current-military, god-like single men who just happen to show up in front of them when they weren't even conscious they were looking.
Is it the holidays that turn grown men into fluff-heads? Is it the military? Is it their stern, unloving fathers or former vicious fiancees? Rest assured it is nothing that can't be fixed tidily in the same time you'd open the little windows on your Advent Calendar - and you've bought a dozen of them because you are the kind of woman who comes prepared to love all your nephews & nieces, all of *his*, too, AND all the kids in the foster program you volunteer for. If you are not that kind of woman, you can read all about her here.
I think you get the picture. (...which is that someone gave me caffeine this morning, when I distinctly asked for decaf...)
You can't un-read them, so my advice is to just skip them, especially if you are actually single, or if you're a heterosexual female currently in a relationship with an actual male, who may not live up to the standards set in here - MILITARY MEN who are a bundle of raw emotions that render them helpless and desperate to get approval from the badass women who they need to rescue because even though each of them is supposed to be badass, they would fall apart without the help of the former-or current-military, god-like single men who just happen to show up in front of them when they weren't even conscious they were looking.
Is it the holidays that turn grown men into fluff-heads? Is it the military? Is it their stern, unloving fathers or former vicious fiancees? Rest assured it is nothing that can't be fixed tidily in the same time you'd open the little windows on your Advent Calendar - and you've bought a dozen of them because you are the kind of woman who comes prepared to love all your nephews & nieces, all of *his*, too, AND all the kids in the foster program you volunteer for. If you are not that kind of woman, you can read all about her here.
I think you get the picture. (...which is that someone gave me caffeine this morning, when I distinctly asked for decaf...)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2016
Whether it is a sweet and crazy story about a determined Aunt who will go to any lengths to make her nephew happy, even if it means she is embroiled in a conspiracy with a sexy agent, a heartfelt tale of a lonely Doctor who desperately wants to let go of her ordered, controlled life and take a chance on love, or a seriously sexy story of finding lust and love in the most unexpected of places, then IT MUST BE CHRISTMAS is the perfect collection for you. Each story is wonderfully unique and quirky, with the magic of Christmas connecting them together, but I must choose Christmas with the Billionaire Rancher as my favourite - there was just something extra special about Nate and Chloe's story. With plenty of laughter, soul-searching, and steamy encounters, IT MUST BE CHRISTMAS by Jennifer Crusie, Donna Alward and Mandy Baxter, is packed with holiday magic and a must-read this festive season.
*Book received from Netgalley.com
*Book received from Netgalley.com
November 8, 2016
Jennifer Crusie Hot Toy
Trudy is on a mission to find a toy soldier for her nephew and will stop at nothing to get it. After hitting up store after store she bumps into Nolan, a guy she dated that disappeared with out a word but now for some reason can't seem to stay away.
What starts as a mission to save her nephews Christmas turns into a mission to save the world and possibly find a little romance. Can Nolan convince Trudy to give him a second chance or will Trudy refuse to be fooled again? Read and find out!
This book was filled with laughs, romance and moments where poor Trudy had a string of bad luck that would rival my craziest of nights. I don't know where Jennifer Cruise got the inspiration for this Christmas romance but she did a great job creating this book.
This is book is short, funny, sweet and well worth your time. Great job Jennifer Cruise this is a great example of bringing the fun back to romance!
Trudy is on a mission to find a toy soldier for her nephew and will stop at nothing to get it. After hitting up store after store she bumps into Nolan, a guy she dated that disappeared with out a word but now for some reason can't seem to stay away.
What starts as a mission to save her nephews Christmas turns into a mission to save the world and possibly find a little romance. Can Nolan convince Trudy to give him a second chance or will Trudy refuse to be fooled again? Read and find out!
This book was filled with laughs, romance and moments where poor Trudy had a string of bad luck that would rival my craziest of nights. I don't know where Jennifer Cruise got the inspiration for this Christmas romance but she did a great job creating this book.
This is book is short, funny, sweet and well worth your time. Great job Jennifer Cruise this is a great example of bringing the fun back to romance!
November 10, 2016
Hot Toy by Jennifer Crusie
Jennifer Crusie is one of my favorite authors, but this short is from 2006 is NOT a good representation of her writing skills. None of the characters are likeable, most of them spend the entire story bickering with each other, and the story itself felt like a chore to read.
Christmas At Seashell Cottage by Donna Alward
Typical romance ~ they meet, both fall head over heels for each other, but find cliche reasons to avoid each other and convince themselves it won't work. But, of course, love conquers all and they finally decide to give it a chance. Yawn.
Christmas With The Billionaire Rancher by Mandy Baxter
Typical romance with explicit sex scenes.
Jennifer Crusie is one of my favorite authors, but this short is from 2006 is NOT a good representation of her writing skills. None of the characters are likeable, most of them spend the entire story bickering with each other, and the story itself felt like a chore to read.
Christmas At Seashell Cottage by Donna Alward
Typical romance ~ they meet, both fall head over heels for each other, but find cliche reasons to avoid each other and convince themselves it won't work. But, of course, love conquers all and they finally decide to give it a chance. Yawn.
Christmas With The Billionaire Rancher by Mandy Baxter
Typical romance with explicit sex scenes.
December 20, 2016
I won a copy of This Must Be Christmas via a Goodreads giveaway. It includes three short novellas by authors Jennifer Crusie, Donna Alward, and Mandy Baxter. Two of the stories were pure romance, and the final story included some spice. All three stories were light-hearted romps that romance readers would enjoy to put them in the holiday spirit. Unfortunately, I realized that, for me, pure romance simply isn't my cup of tea.
October 4, 2016
Three short stories that are love stories set around the Christmas holiday. Three three authors are all well know for their great characters and beautiful settings. From a secret agent, a lonely doctor and a grumpy SEAL these stories are all perfect reads for the holiday season. They are short enough to let you finish in one sitting and long enough to develop an enjoyable romance.
October 16, 2016
If you are a holiday romance lover these three heart warming stories all with different styles will warm your soul from the inside out.
Read More. . . http://www.romanceswithalittlekick.co...
Read More. . . http://www.romanceswithalittlekick.co...
December 1, 2016
I really enjoyed Jennifer Cruisie's story, funny and quick moving. Many Baxter's story was nice and sweet, but I couldn't get into the last story. Overall, three stars. For more romance reviews, check out my website: https://katherinasbooks.wordpress.com
January 1, 2017
Read this for the tongue-in-cheek Crusie short. Only take in the other two stories if you're actively looking for seasonal schmaltz.
October 4, 2016
Hot Toy
Trudy Maxwell is a woman who has been wronged by several men along the way and disappointed by even more. Most of all her father. She doesn’t let it keep her down she keeps on going. This librarian is not your simple minded manner gal. No she is bubbly and outspoken.
That is exactly why Nolan Mitchell had asked her out. But when he had taken her on a grand total of three dates she was soft spoken and quiet. Nothing like at work. Where he is a Chinese Literature Professor. So, by the third he just never called after that.
On Christmas eve she bumps into him while shopping for her nephew Leroy. You see her sister, Courtney, is going through divorce since her ex-husband ran off with the nanny. Which is really not surprising since he originally ran off with Courtney being he was originally Trudy’s boyfriend. Well, before he left he promised him Santa would bring him the hot toy, Major Mac Gruffin. So, Aunt Trudy’s the one out looking for it since Leroy just mentioned it.
So there in the store with her is Nolan. She is not happy. He wants to let bygones be bygones. She says NOT. He says he’s sorry he never called but could she blame him because she was nothing like herself on the dates. Which really pissed her off and she wanted to blow but they were in public. She said well he took her to two faculty functions that behavior matters she should know her father is a professor so she was trying to help his career. The last date if he could recall she said is that awful Chinese foreign film he took her to. Which by the way was a total downer which he would not know about since he had gotten a call soon after it started and left to take it. Leaving her with a theater of weeping depressed people. So, no she didn’t want to be friends.
Then this this turns into a whole cat and mouse game of chase with a third party that just never fit right for me. I just never got totally engaged with the story. It was cute though just not engaging for me. I give this 3 stars.
Christmas at Seashell Cottage
What a fun story. This couple had you from the beginning. Their chemistry is fun, sassy, and serious all rolled up into one.
This is about Dr. Charlie Yang. Who has been lusting over a guy on the docks during her lunch hours. After a year of living in Jewel Cove, Maine, she decides it’s time to start becoming an active part of the community. Until now only a select few would dare address her as Charlie.
So she signed up to help with the Christmas festivities. Her job was setting up the statues and hay for the manger and untangling the lights. She was pretty well set but the lights were giving her trouble and she just couldn’t put the baby Jesus on the hard hay with no cover on it. So, until she could find something she had him in a box and was talking to him since there was no one else and it had been a while.
She started telling him about the injustice of having to work out in the freezing cold and then about her fantasy boyfriend that she sees at lunch. Then she tells him that he works on the docks and that he has to be new to town since he has not shown up as one of her patients. Which works for dating purposes.
When someone with a deep smooth voice asks her who she is talking to? Scaring the heck out of her. When she turns she doesn’t even realize that picked up the baby doll and secured it like a football. When she turns around…her lustful dream man had come to life. Dave Ricker as he introduced himself. Ex-Navy SEAL. Who now works on the docks on boats. He is even bigger and sexier in person so it throws Charlie. So much it throws her off her game and makes her speechless. Not to mention she is not sure she knows if he heard what she told the doll so she is heating up from the inside out.
He finds out she’s the doc all the guys on the dock call “pit bull.” They say she is all business. She seems shy and soft spoken to him. He can’t get over how beautiful she is and how tiny and petite. She lets him know about a tree lighting the next night they kind of make plans to both be there. After the lighting they decide to go to the bar with friends for drinks. As they are walking past the church with the manger Dave sees something out of corner of his eye. He walks to the manger and finds a baby and walks back to Charlie on the sidewalk and says, “We have a problem.” She goes into “pit bull” mode. Which turns him on. It shows her confidence, concern, giftedness, and love for children.
See how they resolve the issue with the abandon baby. Will this make or break a new relationship? What secret will be revealed to Charlie on this night that Dave hadn’t told? You will get totally invested with this couple and the community as I did I am sure. You won’t want to see how they work through it all. I give this 5 stars.
Christmas with the Billionaire Rancher
I had read this before in a review and had given it 5 stars.
http://www.1rad-readerreviews.com/201...
Overall I give this 5 stars. Provided by netgalley.com. Follow us at:
www.1rad-readerreviews.com.
Trudy Maxwell is a woman who has been wronged by several men along the way and disappointed by even more. Most of all her father. She doesn’t let it keep her down she keeps on going. This librarian is not your simple minded manner gal. No she is bubbly and outspoken.
That is exactly why Nolan Mitchell had asked her out. But when he had taken her on a grand total of three dates she was soft spoken and quiet. Nothing like at work. Where he is a Chinese Literature Professor. So, by the third he just never called after that.
On Christmas eve she bumps into him while shopping for her nephew Leroy. You see her sister, Courtney, is going through divorce since her ex-husband ran off with the nanny. Which is really not surprising since he originally ran off with Courtney being he was originally Trudy’s boyfriend. Well, before he left he promised him Santa would bring him the hot toy, Major Mac Gruffin. So, Aunt Trudy’s the one out looking for it since Leroy just mentioned it.
So there in the store with her is Nolan. She is not happy. He wants to let bygones be bygones. She says NOT. He says he’s sorry he never called but could she blame him because she was nothing like herself on the dates. Which really pissed her off and she wanted to blow but they were in public. She said well he took her to two faculty functions that behavior matters she should know her father is a professor so she was trying to help his career. The last date if he could recall she said is that awful Chinese foreign film he took her to. Which by the way was a total downer which he would not know about since he had gotten a call soon after it started and left to take it. Leaving her with a theater of weeping depressed people. So, no she didn’t want to be friends.
Then this this turns into a whole cat and mouse game of chase with a third party that just never fit right for me. I just never got totally engaged with the story. It was cute though just not engaging for me. I give this 3 stars.
Christmas at Seashell Cottage
What a fun story. This couple had you from the beginning. Their chemistry is fun, sassy, and serious all rolled up into one.
This is about Dr. Charlie Yang. Who has been lusting over a guy on the docks during her lunch hours. After a year of living in Jewel Cove, Maine, she decides it’s time to start becoming an active part of the community. Until now only a select few would dare address her as Charlie.
So she signed up to help with the Christmas festivities. Her job was setting up the statues and hay for the manger and untangling the lights. She was pretty well set but the lights were giving her trouble and she just couldn’t put the baby Jesus on the hard hay with no cover on it. So, until she could find something she had him in a box and was talking to him since there was no one else and it had been a while.
She started telling him about the injustice of having to work out in the freezing cold and then about her fantasy boyfriend that she sees at lunch. Then she tells him that he works on the docks and that he has to be new to town since he has not shown up as one of her patients. Which works for dating purposes.
When someone with a deep smooth voice asks her who she is talking to? Scaring the heck out of her. When she turns she doesn’t even realize that picked up the baby doll and secured it like a football. When she turns around…her lustful dream man had come to life. Dave Ricker as he introduced himself. Ex-Navy SEAL. Who now works on the docks on boats. He is even bigger and sexier in person so it throws Charlie. So much it throws her off her game and makes her speechless. Not to mention she is not sure she knows if he heard what she told the doll so she is heating up from the inside out.
He finds out she’s the doc all the guys on the dock call “pit bull.” They say she is all business. She seems shy and soft spoken to him. He can’t get over how beautiful she is and how tiny and petite. She lets him know about a tree lighting the next night they kind of make plans to both be there. After the lighting they decide to go to the bar with friends for drinks. As they are walking past the church with the manger Dave sees something out of corner of his eye. He walks to the manger and finds a baby and walks back to Charlie on the sidewalk and says, “We have a problem.” She goes into “pit bull” mode. Which turns him on. It shows her confidence, concern, giftedness, and love for children.
See how they resolve the issue with the abandon baby. Will this make or break a new relationship? What secret will be revealed to Charlie on this night that Dave hadn’t told? You will get totally invested with this couple and the community as I did I am sure. You won’t want to see how they work through it all. I give this 5 stars.
Christmas with the Billionaire Rancher
I had read this before in a review and had given it 5 stars.
http://www.1rad-readerreviews.com/201...
Overall I give this 5 stars. Provided by netgalley.com. Follow us at:
www.1rad-readerreviews.com.
December 13, 2016
ARC REVIEW
It Must Be Christmas is three stories that range from tame to hot! Jennifer Crusie bring Hot Toy, one I had the pleasure to read last year and loved. Donna Alward introduces me to Jewell Cove and Christmas at Seashell Cottage and finally another book I enjoyed last year Mandy Baxter's Christmas with the Billionaire Rancher.
Hot Toy: Jennifer Crusie
This is a short and fun Christmas short story that at first starts off like Jingle all the Way, but quickly turns into something so much more. Trudy is trying to be the best aunt ever and make sure her nephew gets the toy he wants for Christmas. Only the action figure he wants is impossible to find, and the one she does find throws her into a big mess with spies and lies and gun fights. Now this is a fluff piece, but man do I love a good piece of fluff every now and then. It is more of a comedy with a budding romance then a Christmas Romance but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
Christmas at Seashell Cottage: Donna Alward
A first for me and I adored it. It was a semi sweet semi hot romance between the town's new doctor, Charlie Yang and former NAVY SEAL, Dave Ricker, who's trying to find a place for himself in civilian life and his daughter's life. They are brought together when a newborn baby is left in the manger at the church's nativity scene. Charlie unwilling to let the baby go into foster care at Christmas decides to take the responsibility until CPS can organize a proper place. Charlie is longing for a place to belong she feels that after a lifetime of emotionally distant parents that she'll never find someone or fit in in the small town. Dave is just trying to find a place in his daughter's life without interfering with his ex's new husband and their life. Dave has never had an emotional attachment to anyone and doesn't realize that he is in love with the beautiful and caring doctor. A really good short romance and I enjoyed this so much.
Christmas with the Billionaire Rancher: Mandy Baxter
This was a cute romance, naughty, but it really tugged at my heartstrings. I'm always glad when the contents of the book aren't as cliche as the title of the book. Nate is a reluctant billionaire, and kind of insecure because of how his father treated him he left home and vowed never to have anything to do with his father, his money or his company ever again but the will his father left left him the majority of everything he didn't want. Chloe is a strong woman but a bleeding heart. Chloe was just initially going to hit up Nate for a donation for her charity if she doesn't get the money she needs by the end of the year she loses everything, but after one night with him she was in love and their was no way she was going to ask him for the money now. Nate hates gold diggers just as much as he hates his father's money, but time with Chloe has him rethinking everything. Nate's insecurities just might get in the way of his HEA with Chloe.
It Must Be Christmas is three stories that range from tame to hot! Jennifer Crusie bring Hot Toy, one I had the pleasure to read last year and loved. Donna Alward introduces me to Jewell Cove and Christmas at Seashell Cottage and finally another book I enjoyed last year Mandy Baxter's Christmas with the Billionaire Rancher.
Hot Toy: Jennifer Crusie
This is a short and fun Christmas short story that at first starts off like Jingle all the Way, but quickly turns into something so much more. Trudy is trying to be the best aunt ever and make sure her nephew gets the toy he wants for Christmas. Only the action figure he wants is impossible to find, and the one she does find throws her into a big mess with spies and lies and gun fights. Now this is a fluff piece, but man do I love a good piece of fluff every now and then. It is more of a comedy with a budding romance then a Christmas Romance but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
Christmas at Seashell Cottage: Donna Alward
A first for me and I adored it. It was a semi sweet semi hot romance between the town's new doctor, Charlie Yang and former NAVY SEAL, Dave Ricker, who's trying to find a place for himself in civilian life and his daughter's life. They are brought together when a newborn baby is left in the manger at the church's nativity scene. Charlie unwilling to let the baby go into foster care at Christmas decides to take the responsibility until CPS can organize a proper place. Charlie is longing for a place to belong she feels that after a lifetime of emotionally distant parents that she'll never find someone or fit in in the small town. Dave is just trying to find a place in his daughter's life without interfering with his ex's new husband and their life. Dave has never had an emotional attachment to anyone and doesn't realize that he is in love with the beautiful and caring doctor. A really good short romance and I enjoyed this so much.
Christmas with the Billionaire Rancher: Mandy Baxter
This was a cute romance, naughty, but it really tugged at my heartstrings. I'm always glad when the contents of the book aren't as cliche as the title of the book. Nate is a reluctant billionaire, and kind of insecure because of how his father treated him he left home and vowed never to have anything to do with his father, his money or his company ever again but the will his father left left him the majority of everything he didn't want. Chloe is a strong woman but a bleeding heart. Chloe was just initially going to hit up Nate for a donation for her charity if she doesn't get the money she needs by the end of the year she loses everything, but after one night with him she was in love and their was no way she was going to ask him for the money now. Nate hates gold diggers just as much as he hates his father's money, but time with Chloe has him rethinking everything. Nate's insecurities just might get in the way of his HEA with Chloe.
December 19, 2017
Cute, fun, and sexy short stories! Perfect for the Christmas season! I really enjoyed all three stories! I'd say each story is a 4 star read, but I added a star because I love Christmas romances! It's great to have these stories together! Here's my review for each story.
Hot Toy by Jennifer Crusie -
This was cute and fun, and I loved that there was humor through out the whole thing. I loved Trudy's attitude, and how determined she was to get that toy for her nephew, no matter what she had to go through. The scenario was a bit out there, I don't really see that scenario happening, but hey, it was still lots of fun. There's not really too much romance in this; really only a couple kisses, but I still enjoyed the chemistry and banter between Trudy and Nolan. I also enjoyed Trudy's relationship with her sister; they have some fun conversations. I definitely wanted a bit more in the end, but this was a great read for me. Finished it in no time at all! I originally read this story in a different Christmas collection, so just a notice that this isn't a new story for this Christmas set. All in all, fun to read for the season. Entertaining Christmas read!
Christmas at Seashell Cottage by Donna Alward -
This one is cute, and the romance is sweet. I don't love the scenario with the baby, but I still enjoyed the story. The heroine, Charlie, is a bit reserved, and has a crush on the new guy in town, Dave. Charlie connects with Dave while volunteering at church, and they begin to grow closer, but when they find an abandoned baby in the manger in place of Jesus, things get a little hectic. Charlie and Dave are a cute couple, and I enjoyed reading about their relationship progressing.
Christmas with the Billionaire Bachelor by Mandy Baxter -
This one was the steamiest! Lots of sexy times, and sizzle. While the other 2 stories were on the more wholesome side, this one definitely goes the other direction. The connection between Chloe and Nate is great, and I liked the premise of this story. Nate's rich dad has died, and Nate has inherited lots of money. Nate and his dad didn't get along very well, since his dad sucked, so he doesn't want the money. Chloe needs money to keep her charity for young street kids open, so she plans to ask Nate, but once she meets him the connection between the two can't be denied. They get hot and heavy really fast, but they have some issues they need to work through. I liked Nate’s gruffness, and Chloe and him have some sweet moments. Entertaining read.
Hot Toy by Jennifer Crusie -
This was cute and fun, and I loved that there was humor through out the whole thing. I loved Trudy's attitude, and how determined she was to get that toy for her nephew, no matter what she had to go through. The scenario was a bit out there, I don't really see that scenario happening, but hey, it was still lots of fun. There's not really too much romance in this; really only a couple kisses, but I still enjoyed the chemistry and banter between Trudy and Nolan. I also enjoyed Trudy's relationship with her sister; they have some fun conversations. I definitely wanted a bit more in the end, but this was a great read for me. Finished it in no time at all! I originally read this story in a different Christmas collection, so just a notice that this isn't a new story for this Christmas set. All in all, fun to read for the season. Entertaining Christmas read!
Christmas at Seashell Cottage by Donna Alward -
This one is cute, and the romance is sweet. I don't love the scenario with the baby, but I still enjoyed the story. The heroine, Charlie, is a bit reserved, and has a crush on the new guy in town, Dave. Charlie connects with Dave while volunteering at church, and they begin to grow closer, but when they find an abandoned baby in the manger in place of Jesus, things get a little hectic. Charlie and Dave are a cute couple, and I enjoyed reading about their relationship progressing.
Christmas with the Billionaire Bachelor by Mandy Baxter -
This one was the steamiest! Lots of sexy times, and sizzle. While the other 2 stories were on the more wholesome side, this one definitely goes the other direction. The connection between Chloe and Nate is great, and I liked the premise of this story. Nate's rich dad has died, and Nate has inherited lots of money. Nate and his dad didn't get along very well, since his dad sucked, so he doesn't want the money. Chloe needs money to keep her charity for young street kids open, so she plans to ask Nate, but once she meets him the connection between the two can't be denied. They get hot and heavy really fast, but they have some issues they need to work through. I liked Nate’s gruffness, and Chloe and him have some sweet moments. Entertaining read.
November 20, 2017
Thanks to NetGalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a great collection of three holiday stories:
- Hot Toy by Jennifer Crusie is a hilarious story about Trudy, trying to find a very popular Christmas toy on Christmas Eve that is all sold out. She gets involved in more and more ridiculous situations involving thieves, spies, and secret agents.
- Christmas at Seashell Cottage by Donna Alward is a romantic holiday romance with sweet moments between a lonely man and woman. Charlie is a doctor trying to build a relationship slowly and carefully, but Dave is more of a wing-it kind of guy. When they find an abandoned baby, they team up to care for it.
- Christmas with the Billionaire Rancher by Mandy Baxter is much more romance than anything much to do with Christmas. Chloe is the head of a non-profit sports foundation for children that is in dire need of money. And Nate just inherited a lot of it.
It was fascinating to see so clearly that each author has her own unique style. They are all so different from each other. Crusie's style is to create entertaining and light-hearted characters, with great senses of humor and witty banter. Alward tends to write a much more romantic and sweeter story. And Baxter can definitely create a hot and steamy romance. Relaxing, pleasant, fun, sweet, romantic, steamy. These are all words I'd use to describe this collection of holiday stories. They each were long enough to be able to build a solid plot and well-built characters. But they weren't so long that I lost interest. Well done and really set the stage for the upcoming holiday season.
This is a great collection of three holiday stories:
- Hot Toy by Jennifer Crusie is a hilarious story about Trudy, trying to find a very popular Christmas toy on Christmas Eve that is all sold out. She gets involved in more and more ridiculous situations involving thieves, spies, and secret agents.
- Christmas at Seashell Cottage by Donna Alward is a romantic holiday romance with sweet moments between a lonely man and woman. Charlie is a doctor trying to build a relationship slowly and carefully, but Dave is more of a wing-it kind of guy. When they find an abandoned baby, they team up to care for it.
- Christmas with the Billionaire Rancher by Mandy Baxter is much more romance than anything much to do with Christmas. Chloe is the head of a non-profit sports foundation for children that is in dire need of money. And Nate just inherited a lot of it.
It was fascinating to see so clearly that each author has her own unique style. They are all so different from each other. Crusie's style is to create entertaining and light-hearted characters, with great senses of humor and witty banter. Alward tends to write a much more romantic and sweeter story. And Baxter can definitely create a hot and steamy romance. Relaxing, pleasant, fun, sweet, romantic, steamy. These are all words I'd use to describe this collection of holiday stories. They each were long enough to be able to build a solid plot and well-built characters. But they weren't so long that I lost interest. Well done and really set the stage for the upcoming holiday season.
November 22, 2017
Received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
Hot Toy by Jennifer Crusie - Well that was all kinds of adorable! I could relate to Trudy (toy hunting, not getting involved with whatever sort of mess she found herself in) and I really was rooting for her success. This little holiday novella had a little of everything, heart, humor, suspense. It was so wonderful and made me remember why I've always loved all of Crusie's books. Well done!
Christmas with the Billionaire Rancher by Mandy Baxter - Probably more like 3.5 stars, but I enjoyed this. It was short and sweet, although Baxter took Nate and Chloe to sexy-time right away, which I wasn't ready for. I liked these brothers...clearly they have each other's backs, even though they're so different. I guess that's what happens when your father is a first class dirtbag. Good read by Baxter, although I would have expected a little bit more Christmas feel for the title.
Christmas at Seashell Cottage by Donna Alward - This one was just plain heartwarming. Charlie, the new doctor in town, and Dave, a temporary stop-in are thrown together when they find a baby in a manger (a real one, not your typical baby Jesus). The sparks start flying and it isn't long before the two of them and the baby become this kind of adorable unit. This is one I wish we got a little more of, so that we knew more about Charlie and Dave's lives and what made them who they are.
Overall, a fun Christmas set!
Hot Toy by Jennifer Crusie - Well that was all kinds of adorable! I could relate to Trudy (toy hunting, not getting involved with whatever sort of mess she found herself in) and I really was rooting for her success. This little holiday novella had a little of everything, heart, humor, suspense. It was so wonderful and made me remember why I've always loved all of Crusie's books. Well done!
Christmas with the Billionaire Rancher by Mandy Baxter - Probably more like 3.5 stars, but I enjoyed this. It was short and sweet, although Baxter took Nate and Chloe to sexy-time right away, which I wasn't ready for. I liked these brothers...clearly they have each other's backs, even though they're so different. I guess that's what happens when your father is a first class dirtbag. Good read by Baxter, although I would have expected a little bit more Christmas feel for the title.
Christmas at Seashell Cottage by Donna Alward - This one was just plain heartwarming. Charlie, the new doctor in town, and Dave, a temporary stop-in are thrown together when they find a baby in a manger (a real one, not your typical baby Jesus). The sparks start flying and it isn't long before the two of them and the baby become this kind of adorable unit. This is one I wish we got a little more of, so that we knew more about Charlie and Dave's lives and what made them who they are.
Overall, a fun Christmas set!
Read
December 14, 2022It's getting to feel a lot like Christmas, so I figured it was time to pull this off my TBR bookcase. Three stories/novellas, and it's thanks to Jennifer Crusie that I snapped this up when I saw it on bookmooch. I hope Crusie is all right - it feels like a very long time since she has published a novel, and I was a huge fan. It seems to me that at this stage I've read almost everything she has written, give or take a story in an anthology or two. So I send my best wishes for excellent health and inspiration, with the hope that she is comfortable with writing another of her amazing books, some of which I have reread a few times.
Meanwhile, here we have a rather crazy story of Christmas Eve hysteria and a last minute search for the toy the kid has to have... with a wild dose of CIA maybes, spies (maybe), thugs and other unexpected characters.
The other two stories veered from sweet romance with a baby in a manger, and steamy stuff... I think I almost preferred the last one which was by Mandy Baxter. Her main character was strong and determined, and the chemistry between the main characters was impressive.
An entertaining holiday read.
Meanwhile, here we have a rather crazy story of Christmas Eve hysteria and a last minute search for the toy the kid has to have... with a wild dose of CIA maybes, spies (maybe), thugs and other unexpected characters.
The other two stories veered from sweet romance with a baby in a manger, and steamy stuff... I think I almost preferred the last one which was by Mandy Baxter. Her main character was strong and determined, and the chemistry between the main characters was impressive.
An entertaining holiday read.
December 29, 2021
I picked up this book at the library because I wanted light reading for the holidays and because I loved author Jennifer Crusie's book Agnes and the Hitman. Unfortunately, all 3 of these stories were disappointing.
HOT TOY by Jennifer Crusie
Silly story about a sought-after Christmas story combined with a CIA plot.
CHRISTMAS AT SEASHELL COTTAGE by Donna Alward
A predictable tale involving the trope of an actual baby left in a manager and a couple who keeps pushing each other away - but of course winds up together at the end.
(I don't think the term "seashell" was ever used to refer to the cottage where the main character lives, nor was this cottage a central scene of the story.)
CHRISTMAS WITH THE BILLIONAIRE RANCHER
Another silly title for a story that reads like a very cheesy porno script (which is too bad, because the underlying plot is somewhat interesting, if predictable).
HOT TOY by Jennifer Crusie
Silly story about a sought-after Christmas story combined with a CIA plot.
CHRISTMAS AT SEASHELL COTTAGE by Donna Alward
A predictable tale involving the trope of an actual baby left in a manager and a couple who keeps pushing each other away - but of course winds up together at the end.
(I don't think the term "seashell" was ever used to refer to the cottage where the main character lives, nor was this cottage a central scene of the story.)
CHRISTMAS WITH THE BILLIONAIRE RANCHER
Another silly title for a story that reads like a very cheesy porno script (which is too bad, because the underlying plot is somewhat interesting, if predictable).
December 18, 2020
Could not decide between 2 or 3, 2 stars it is!
I feel bad bashing a Christmas book but the first story “Hot Toy” is really bad. Fortunately it was only 81 pages. I was tempted to DNF this book but I have never DNF a Christmas book before.
Since the remaining 2 authors are new to me, I wanted to give them a chance. I feel sad for not liking a Christmas book but these short stories are not for me. I just feel that they are lacking in the warmth or something, can’t put my finger on it. The second story was ok, a little sweet but Dave irritated me and the third though redeemed itself at the end, was really meh. I didn’t like the characters at all.
Don’t bother to pick this book for Christmas, it’s not worth it.
I feel bad bashing a Christmas book but the first story “Hot Toy” is really bad. Fortunately it was only 81 pages. I was tempted to DNF this book but I have never DNF a Christmas book before.
Since the remaining 2 authors are new to me, I wanted to give them a chance. I feel sad for not liking a Christmas book but these short stories are not for me. I just feel that they are lacking in the warmth or something, can’t put my finger on it. The second story was ok, a little sweet but Dave irritated me and the third though redeemed itself at the end, was really meh. I didn’t like the characters at all.
Don’t bother to pick this book for Christmas, it’s not worth it.
December 18, 2018
😳😳😳 Wow, talk about steamy! Those last 2 stories had me a blushing! I enjoyed all 3 stories, but especially the second one. I felt a kindred spirit with Charlie. Feeling the your parents don't understand you or what you want in life, and being a loner that avoids interaction between the townspeople and specifically her patients. I would have liked to see her telling her parents about her life and standing up for herself regarding her life and about how their treatment of her in childhood has affected her life in all aspects. Would love to read more about afterwards, for all really.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2016
This book actually contains 3 novellas. The first by Jennifer Crusie is a little frenetic (a lot happens all in a couple of hours on Christmas Eve), the second is a feel-good holiday romance, the third did not seem to belong with the other two because it was pretty hard core with too much gratuitous use of the F-word and sex right after the two main characters meet. This dragged the book down for me.
December 14, 2016
This was a perfect book to read before the holidays. Each of the three stories were long enough for me to get attached to the characters and yet short enough to read within a day or two. Having a collection of holiday related stories also helped put me in a good mood and I loved that the stories had warm and fuzzy, happy endings. I'd definitely recommend this book if your looking for something light, fluffy, and quick to read!
January 4, 2020
"For this full book I give it 3.25 out of 5 stars! Though I couldn't get into all of the novels that were included in this anthology, what..."
Read more of this review and my individual reviews for each included novella here: https://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2019/12/made-grade-it-must-be-christmas-three.html
Read more of this review and my individual reviews for each included novella here: https://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2019/12/made-grade-it-must-be-christmas-three.html
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