25 Days of Christmas: A Holiday Romance Anthology In the run up to Christmas instead of opening your advent calendar each day, why not read a short holiday themed romance? 25 short stories from a variety of romance authors, all set on making your holiday season sassy, sweet and saucy.
Authors Involved: Hanleigh Bradley Anna Edwards Serena Kearney Aleisha Maree Sydney Aaliyah S.M. Stryker Ines Vieira Adam Walker Rae B. Lake Sheritta Bitikofer Sarah Stein Gloria Herrmann Meg Anne Amy Allen Toni Charles Cathy Johns Janet Mota Jeannette Keats Debbie Fair M. Kristine B.A. Strobel Nickii Fowler Kim Deister
Hanleigh is a USA Today Bestselling Author and is about as English as it's possible to be, without actually being English.
She first fell in love with books as a child reading Dr Seuss, but moved onto romance when she first read Pride and Prejudice at the age of twelve. She wishes she could live inside the world inside her mind, but since that isn't possible she puts pen to paper and shares that world with her readers instead.
Ines Vieira. Make a note of this name, as you will be seeing it a lot in the future under the title Bestsellers. I love this wonderful lady and cannot praise her work enough. Ines’ debut novel, When Life Gets in the Way was an amazing read, and I was completely shocked that this book was her first. Ines is a natural, a born storyteller that has you captivated from beginning to end, and Tyler’s Ranch was no different.
I was incredibly lucky to receive an advanced copy of the novella Tyler's Ranch, which features in the 25 Days of Christmas Anthology. I am literally chomping at the bit for more to come. Tyler’s Ranch speaks to me more than any book ever has, it was a read I so desperately needed. I see myself in Kate and can fully relate to her, as I too suffer with social anxiety.
Ines wrote these characters in such a way that I could clearly see them in my mind’s eye. I could see their surroundings and felt as if I was there with them, and I did not want to let them go.
Tyler’s Ranch had everything I didn’t know I needed. The book had me laughing out loud, which caused me to get funny looks from my husband; who was sitting right next to me. It filled me with all the feels that I crave whilst reading. There was angst thrown in a too, and anyone who knows me by now, knows that I need angst like I need oxygen. Tyler’s Ranch had it all, and it finally lifted me from one almighty book funk that I had been left in from a previous book.
The novella is just one of twenty-five Christmas short stories in the 25 Days of Christmas anthology, coming in November. If Tyler’s Ranch is anything to go by, then this boxset is not to be missed.
** Provided on behalf of the author for an honest review ** ** Review by Kylie from Bloggers From Down Under **
Tyler Ranch by Ines Vieira (Part Of 25 Days of Christmas: An Author Friends With Benefits Anthology)
When Kate walks through the doors of Tyler Ranch, she knows she is so out of her comfort zone. Not only is the house spectacular, but the scenery takes her breath away....... and not just the view from her bedroom window.
Boone is the older brother of Belle, Kate’s college roommate, and now owner of Tyler Ranch, since the Christmas Eve accident that took their parents lives years before.
Known to be brash and to the point, one glance at Kate and he knows he’s done for.
“ ‘Wait for me Irish’. I offer him the only answer I can give him. I nod silently because if I tell him what my mind conjured up in response to his request, then maybe I might be even nuttier than the rest of the world thinks I am. What my lips yearn to tell him was that I’ve been waiting for him my entire life. What’s five more minutes?” A beautifully written novella that has excellence written all over it.
It will surely make you believe two things..... love at first sight and miracles really do happen.
Eagerly anticipating reading more of the Tyler Ranch series.
5 stars
A Bleak December by Hanleigh Bradley
* a short story featured in 25 Days of Christmas : An Authors Friends with Benefits Anthology*
There’s only one thing Ella wants for Christmas, but unfortunately she knows there’s no hope. The doctors attending to her mum have even told her to start making final arrangements. The only bright light during this dark time is her little brother, Thomas, and her incredibly gorgeous boss, Tristan.
Tristan has just about heard every excuse in existence when it comes to Ella and her reasons for continually being late to work.
When he finally finds out the true reason for Ella’s tardiness, he steps into her life like the spot was perfectly made for him.
A delightful quick read that will have you believing that Christmas miracles sometimes do come true.
I am leaving this review for Controlling Expectations by Anna Edwards.
It follows the story of Alexia Davies, a Domme/submissive and Marco Russo, a soldier for the Chicago mafia as they try to figure out what they really want from their life instead of following the expectations of others.
Alexia, is taking a break from Christmas party planning when she is taken captive by Marco and used as leverage against her father, the Senator until he honors his side of a deal - if he doesn't honor it then he will be responsible for anything that happens to his daughter.
There is an attraction between Alexia and Marco. There is something about the way Marco speaks to Alexia that gets her all tongue tied and no woman has ever affected Marco the way Alexia has in the short amount of time they have been together.
Will Marco be able to go through with the job he has been given? Can Alexia escape before its too late? Or will the feelings they are developing for each other get them both killed?
I love the connection that these two characters have and how quick the feelings between them develop. It was perfectly timed for a short story.
Controlling Expectations gives you a look into the world of Control. It's a fast paced story of love and loyalty to those that you care about the most. Anything can happen when you take control.
I was lucky enough to read an ARC of 'For the Love of St Nick' by Amy Allen, a contributor to this anthology. A lovely seasonal story from an unusual perspective, 'planning & behind the scenes' if you will, but one which captures the essence of Christmas. The perfect stocking filler...some sugar, some spice & the list is checked at least twice. Can't wait to read the rest of the anthology.
I have finished reading one of the stories in this fabulous collection. I can't wait to read the others. I read For the Love of St. Nick by Amy Allen. This is a fantastic story. The characters are so compelling and their story will capture your heart. I did not want to put it down until I finished the entire story. Time disappears as you read, you will feel as if you are there with them. A definite read! One click today. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review after reader an advance reader copy of the book.
This review is for For the Love of St. Nick by Amy Allen, one of the stories in this long-anticipated, sexy Christmas anthology. I love Nick and Brandi's story. They're getting ready for the Holidays, but as usual, nothing goes quite as planned. This shifter story was fun and steamy, with plenty of love and Holiday cheer! There are characters from other books by Ms. Allen, and it was fun seeing them make an appearance. Perfect quick read for this time of year, and I look forward to reading the rest of this collection!
I have only read For the Love of St. Nick by Amy Allen so far. This story takes us on the mystical journey of Nick and Brandi as they prepare for Christmas. It shows the true love between them and the love they have for their family and gets you into the mood for Christmas. I loved the creativity of the story and I look forward to seeing what the author comes up with next.
I am so happy I got to read For The Love Of St Nick by Amy Allen it was an awesome story that hooked me from start to finish I love Christmas and it so lovely that Christmas books are coming out now I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this story.can I just say how much I also enjoyed the rest of these stories Hanleigh Bradley story A Bleak December I cried it was told so beautifully I felt I was in the story with them wish I could give more stars.
I had the absolute pleasure of reading For the Love of St. Nick by Amy Allen, and I freaking LOVED IT. I have to say, I was insanely surprised with where everything was going. Definitely a great story!
I need to get hold of this entire anthology. I know it'll be great! 😁
I voluntarily reviewed For the Love of St. Nick by Amy Allen. Has a great christmas story line with Nick, Brandi and her Kids. Its a short but sweet book and can't wait for the rest of the book to come out.
A Christmas instalust treat...this addition to the 25 Days of Christmas anthology focuses on Alexia a domme in a BDSM club who is feeling unfulfilled with her life until her past brings her kicking and screaming into the brutal world of Marco Russo...
Told from the main characters points of view I loved the interactions between Alexia and Marco; theirs is a battle of wills ... a fight for domination and submission...and even though their story is brief their characters have great depth and are believable....both have suffered under the weight of family expectation and their struggles feel very real...
...this is an erotic, hot and spicy seasonal love story about two lost individuals who discover an irresistible connection in the unlikeliest of situations ....I received an advanced copy of this novella from the author
I read the perfect holiday anthology this short story had everything in it. It had romance a little sadness but most of all the main character Blake is planning a trip and right before he leaves his mom says something to him and when he gets to his destination he runs into a girl named zoey! Will this girl bring him out of this funk he is experiencing.
This is a review for Camouflage Christmas by Kim Deister.
What a perfect Chistmas story! Addi (a soldier) and Logan (an actor) meet on a flight that must have been fated becasue who would have thought that they would ever meet. This is a story of listening to your instincts and heart. I loved the characters and the storyline. Christmas is always a special time for me as I got engaged on Christmas Day as well.
If you love the control series you will love this short story. I loved alexia from the moment I started reading. I couldn’t put it down. And what a bonus that characters from the other books pop up in this story too. I loved alexia and Marco and really hoping we will hear from them again. 5 * from me
Camouflage Christmas - Kim deister
This is the first book I’ve read by Kim and wow I was hooked from the first page. I couldn’t put it down. I loved addison and Logan and there story. I’m just really hoping Kim will make this into a full length book because I would love to read more of there story 5 * from me
Accidental Christmas - aleisha maree
I loved this short story. Layton and Ella were both heartbroken and found each other. What an amazing love story. I’m just hoping that aleisha decides to write some more on these two because I didn’t feel it was enough, I need more of Layton and Ella. 5* from me
I read Camouflage Christmas by Kim Deister in this anthology. It was absolutely a fantastic novella that kept me glued to it from start to finish. Addison Wood is spunky, sassy and tired of being treated poorly from boyfriends. Her boyfriend and fellow soldier, Chase, decided to write her a Dear Addison letter dumping her for her best friend and mailed it a few days before he left the base they were stationed at. She signed on to stay a little longer on her deployment thinking she didn't want to go back home and see the two people who stabbed her in the back. She had a lot of leave built up and planned a month long vacation away from everything. Most of that time would be spent in New York City. Her family even planned on joining her for a bit of the trip to celebrate Christmas. On her flight back to the states, she was bumped up to first class by an anonymous benefactor. As she sits in the luxurious part of the plane, she sees that her seatmate is none other than Logan Winters, a star from her favorite show. As they get to know one another, she feels so comfortable and at ease with him. They get along so well, they exchange numbers to meet up in NYC. They have a chemistry that is strong and have a ton of fun together. Logan fits right in with her crazy family. Both have scars and are unsure about where they will end up. He's a famous star and she's in the military. Their lives are so different, can they have a relationship beyond friendship? Wonderful story of friendship, family, love, and starting over again. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this story.
Amount of sex 2 / 5 How explicit 2.5 / 5 Story 4.5 / 5 Overall: 4.5 / 5
25 Days of Christmas is an Author Friends with Benefits Anthology, containing twenty-five short stories. Each story is designed to be read daily as you countdown to the holiday.
Wishing on Falling Stars is a sweet novella written by author S.M. Stryker. It tells the story of Willow, a pregnant woman who is having problems in her marriage. Her husband James has not been treating her well so, she decides to take some time away. She meets up with her parents camping at the places she went as a child. She has not been camping for roughly ten years with her childhood friend Will. What happens when Will shows up at the campsite? Will Willow return to her husband or decided to move forward.
Controlling Expectations is ‘A Control Series’ short story from author Anna Edwards. You do not need to have read the books in the series to follow along with this steamy novella. In this story, Alexia is the manager of a Las Vegas BDSM club. Her father is a US Senator and disagrees with her lifestyle. As a result, Alexia left home and they haven’t spoken in years. When she steps outside to get some air before the club’s Christmas party, the last thing she expects is being kidnapped by her father’s enemies.
A great collection of nontraditional Christmas stories which range from sweet to naughty!
I was lucky enough to be given the chance to review Cathy Johns' Perfect Holiday. This was short, sweet and very spicy. Two people off for a weeks holiday in Zanzibar, just prior to Christmas. Both wanting to forget about their normal life and have some fun. Instead what they find is totally unexpected. Blake Grayson, has come away to do some thinking, but in the back of his mind a little voice is constantly reminding him - there is someone out there for you . Zoey Thomas has gone to enjoy herself for a week with her two best friends, but ends up enjoying herself more than she ever thought. A beautiful little tale about two people finding happiness without even looking for it. Wonderful little read. Look forward to reading the full anthology.
I read Camouflage Christmas By Kim Deister. This was such a sweet story of unexpected love. Two lost souls meet on a plane trip back to ‘the states’. Both tired of bad relationships try to become friends until that moment when it clicks for them both. There were angsty moments throughout to keep it from being too sweet. That’s life ;-) Recommended read for everyone
25 Days of Christmas: An Author Friends With Benefits Anthology
This book offers 25 different short stories by 25 different authors and this book has something for everyone that is looking for a little escape leading up to Christmas!
All of these stories have great character and storyline development which hooked me right in from the very beginning which totally kept me captivated as I turned each page! I can't really pick a favorite story, they all were really great short stories!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
25 Days of Christmas is a wonderful collection of holiday themed short stories. Offering enjoyable and entertaining reads to warm your heart and make you smile. Packed with sweetness, humor, charm and romance this collection is a great little gift to give yourself. I am posting a honest review after reading an ARC copy of this book.
Im reviewing the short story Controlling Expectations by Anna Edwards
*Spoiler FREE*
Short but packed with action, heat and a hot little love between Alexia and Marco that will leave you with a pounding heart and damp panties. It had a great pace a few surprising twists and was a great little instalment in the Control Series. We see plenty of familiar faces and new ones too. Festive with loads of family drama. What else could happen at Christmas?
For the love of st. nick by Amy Allen. Is the perfect Christmas story to cuddle up in front of the chimney with a cup of hot chocolate. From the first page, you feel like, if you were walking next to the characters. The plot is well-descriptive. I recommend you to read this story. You would love it. Deserve more than five stars. I can't wait to read the rest of the collection. I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book.
Who hasn't heard of that old saying that there are plenty of fish in the sea or been told if you wait long enough the right person will come along. Well for Blake and Zoey the wait was obviously worth it. A Perfect Holiday by Cathy Johns is a short and sweet story that will just warm your heart and reinforce that there is someone out there for us all. However, being a short story there wasn't a lot of room but I still would have liked a bit more emotional depth to the characters so that I could have bonded with them more.
The Perfect Holiday was a short but it has enough sweetness to keep you intrigued. This book is just in time for the Holidays. You never know when faith will interfere in your life and for Blake and Zoey it was during their vacation. I'm happy that Blake was able to find his HEA.
This is the first time I have had the pleasure of reading a reviewing an anthology collection before, and if I can ever find one with a similar group of authors it will not be my last. The entire anthology is filled with stories that take place either on or around Christmas, but they could not be any more different from one another! From movie stars to combat veterans this anthology has it all! A for sure must read for the holidays.
*** I received a number of Arcs from the authors free of charge. ***
25 Days of Christmas is a collections of sweet and spicy novellas by amazing romance authors. I have read Controlling Expectations by Anna Edwards.
Controlling Expectations is an erotic, beautiful love story about Marco and Alexia, two individuals who wanted control but not in the same way. I loved that a few characters from the Control Series are in this book too. This is a well written Christmas Novella by Anna Edwards and she does not disappoint. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.