Saturday, November 07, 2009

HOLIDAY READING - lots of choices!

Do you like holiday reads? I do, but only before the holidays. Some readers enjoy them year-round, but not me. My mom loves Christmas movies and watches them over and over, all year long. Same thing - I only want them before Christmas. I haven't read any holiday romance yet this year, but have a short list of books I'm anxious to get my hands on. I'm going to list them here, with a little blurb for each.
Here goes (in no particular order):

TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT (mass market re-release - I've read this one, but it's too good to go without mention!)

Donna Kauffman - UNLEASHED
When Emma Lafferty is hired by a billionaire CEO to watch his pets over the holidays, she expects to enjoy a quiet Christmas in opulent surroundings. What she doesn’t expect is to spend the week trapped in the mansion with the CEO’s sexy great-nephew—and heir—whose motives are as shady as his desire is crystal clear….
Jill Shalvis - FINDING MR. RIGHT
Brilliant chemist Maggie Bell has a knack for choosing Mr. Wrong, and with yet another lonely Christmas looming, she decides it’s time to alter the equation—and seek out someone who seems totally wrong for her. Enter Jacob Wahler, the rough and rippling contractor who’s about as far from Maggie type as he could get. But suddenly what’s wrong for Maggie seems oh-so-right….
HelenKay Dimon - CAN YOU HAND ME THE TAPE?
Natalie Pritchard is desperate. It’s a week before Christmas and she’s lost the naughty tape she made for her now-ex-boyfriend. She’s so desperate, in fact, that she’ll turn to her nemesis Spencer Donovan for help. The sexy criminal defense attorney would be only too happy to assist—but can Emma afford his price?


KISSING SANTA CLAUS
Donna Kauffman LOCK, STOCK AND JINGLE BELLS
Holly hates the yuletide season more than ever since she inherited her mother’s Christmas novelty store, but her childhood pal Sean’s determined to warm her up—to Christmas and to him. When they uncover a diary concealing secrets involving both their families, this could be the Christmas that changes their lives forever…
Jill Shalvis BAH HANDSOME!
Behind on her bills, B&B owner Hope receives an unlikely guest—stranded solicitor Danny, who’s been threatening to put her out of business. Hope’s staff sees more fire than fight in the sparks that fly as they try and bring Hope and Danny together, but only a Christmas miracle can help these unlikely lovers see the light…
HelenKay Dimon IT'S HOTTER AT CHRISTMAS
Hawaii’s no paradise for Marissa, who, thanks to a series of unfortunate events, can’t seem to get away from the sand to enjoy her Christmas East Coast style—with plenty of snow and slush. But tall, dark, and serious police officer Ted’s about to give this bad Santa in heels a Mele Kalikimaka she’ll never forget…

SANTA BABY, a Blaze by Lisa Renee Jones (don't you love the cover?)
When bookstore owner Caron Avery dresses up as Marilyn Monroe for a charity ball, she decides that for once in her life she’ll let her inhibitions go. Before she knows it Caron is living a night of fantasy with sexy millionaire Baxter Remington in hot pursuit.
And what a night it is. Sizzling, red-hot and sensual, Baxter can’t believe he’s fallen under the adorable blonde’s…er…brunette’s spell. But with the scandal going on in his life, he knows he should let her go before she gets caught up in it, too. Then again—maybe one more night (or eight!) of mind-blowing passion will help them both forget!
It’s that time of year when nights are longer, passions run hotter, and for three sisters, naughty wishes come true…

WRAPPED IN SEDUCTION - anthology with stories by Cathryn Fox, Lisa Renee Jones and Jodi Copeland (again, gorgeous cover)
Three sisters. Three wishes. And one hot Christmas in this sizzling collection of novellas from today’s most popular erotic authors…
Holly’s come home for the holidays, ready to enjoy a few cozy weeks of small-town life. But a fling with a local stranger heats up the nights. When she discovers the stranger’s secret ties to her own family, he ends up “Wrapped in Holly”.
The one man Rachel wants is strictly off limits, so she agrees to keep her distance—until he dresses up as old St. Nick and stirs a playful fantasy in Rachel. Maybe it’s the black leather boots. Or the soft fur and red velvet. Whatever it is, she’s “Hot for Santa”.
A broken engagement has left Tori feeling the Christmas blues when she returns to her welcoming family for the holiday. There’s no better way to chase those blues away than with an old flame who sparks a new passion and leaves Tori feeling “Mistletoe Bliss”.

I hope you'll share your thoughts on holiday reading - especially your recommended reads!
Looking forward to your suggestions!
Laurie

4 comments:

Lisa F. said...

I've read Wrapped in Seduction and thought the authors did a wonderful job of tying the stories together. I really enjoyed all three stories. I'm looking forward to getting Santa Baby too. Can you imagine having a waist that small?

Barbara said...

Hi Laurie-

I have read the first twn anthologies you mention and enjoyed all the stories in them. Will have to be on the lookout for Santa Baby when it is released. Wrapped In Seduction sounds good too.

I like Debbie MacComber's Christmas stories generally and have read The Perfect Christmas her new one for this year. I was a bit dissapointed in it though. It was a sweet story but just seemed a bit too short for the hardcover price.

She has a story that they are making into a hallmark special Mrs Miracle. She did this one a few years ago when she took a break from (Shirley,Goodness and Mercy) the christmas books featuring the well meaning if not somewhat inept angels...love the Christmas stories that feature them.

Anyway Mrs Miracle is a nanny who comes and is a magical sort that helps a family through the Christmas holidays. The hallmark special is going to star Doris Roberts as Mrs. Miracle and will be shown at the beginning of December not sure of the date. I highly reccomend the book. I believe they are going to reprint it to coinside with the movie release.

I have a couple of other BRAVA Christmas anthologies that I pull out and read every year featuring Lori Foster and others.

I am like you, usually only read Christmas stories close to the holiday...started a bit early this year.

My favorite holiday movies are The Charlie Brown Christmas, It's A Wonderful Life, Miracle On 34th Street and A Christmas Carol. Although I usually end up watching most of them at least once every holiday season.

Judy F said...

I liked THe Perfect Christmas by Debbie Macomber. Her books are the first thing i like to buy for the Holidays. I bought Kat Martin's Christmas book, haven't read it yet. I do enjoy the Brava christmas books.

joyh82 said...

I just picked up "Kissing Santa"
from the library.