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trudyd's review
5.0
I always find it difficult to review an anthology. After all with different authors and different stories it is difficult to like them all equally. Lets be honest if you like one story you have gotten your money's worth and it goes to a great cause. If you like a couple of stories it is a bargain. If you like most it is a steal. The only story I was interested in was Marrying Mr. English. I would have gladly paid more just for it. I love the Blueberry Lane series-the problems, the challenges, the love, the sense of family are the makings of an amazing addictive series. This story gave insight into Tom and Elenora's relationship. We know they love deep. We know they are devoted parents. But we didn't know there story until now. Making the anthology were the hockey stories. Chatherine Gayle adds to her Portland Storm series with a love story that left me sighing and cheering. If anyone deserves a Christmas Miracle it is the Portland Storm GM, Jim. He is always giving second chances all the while thinking he didn't deserve one. Jaci Davenport shares Blake and Sarah's reunion--the fears, the happiness and the resolution. Making the anthology were the new others that I was able to discover. Make your coffee at home and spend the dollar on a wonderful treat, a treat that will melt your heart.
jaimejustreadsromance's review
5.0
4.5 Stars
~ Catherine Gayle ~ Mistletoe Misconduct ~
I wouldn't normally pick up a story about a couple in their 50's but I really enjoyed this sweet second chance romance and probably need to rethink my stance on the mature romance thing. The writing was great and the story made me smile.
~ Jami Davenport ~ Hearts On Ice ~
This was a short, sweet and fun second chance sports romance. I definitely need to check out the rest of the series by this author.
~ Riley J. Ford ~ Romance. Avalanche. Love. ~
I didn't enjoy this one. It was a little heavy on the cheesy dramatics for me.
~ Krystal Shannan writing as Emma Roman ~ The Runaway Sleigh ~
This was a sweet second chance at love story with a return to the Christmas spirit theme. Yet another book about a more mature couple that I fell in love with. Definitely changing my opinion on this mature romance genre.
~ Allie K. Adams ~ Merry TREXmas ~
Hunter was definitely the highlight of this story. I enjoyed it but I had a hard time keeping all the characters straight.
~ Geri Foster ~ Holiday Mischief ~
In the beginning I almost skipped this story because I wasn't getting into it. Then Alex showed up and things got interesting. Now I feel the need to check out the rest of this Twisted Sisters series.
~ Tammy S. Falkner ~ Yes You ~
Reformed bad boy falls in love with rich, good girl. Yes please!!! I loved the writing in this story and I'm already adding this author's books to my TBR.
~ Tawdra Kandle ~ Underneath My Christmas Tree ~
This anthology is single-handedly doubling my TBR list. This story was so good and sweet but left me with so many questions. It's a good thing I'll get more of Trent and Elizabeth in January.
~ Chris Keniston ~ Love Walks In ~
I'm a little bit in love with this story. I loved Mike and Annette together but it was the relationship between Brian and Adam that really sealed the deal for me. I was really sad to see this story come to an end.
~ Katy Regnery ~ Marrying Mr. English ~
We finally get Eleanora and Tom's story and I just have to say, no wonder we've all fallen for the English brothers. Look at who they came from!
This story was sweet and fun and, honestly, not at all what I was expecting. Which only serves to make it that much more awesome.
Katy's storytelling ability never ceases to amaze me. She just keeps stepping up her game and I for one am thankful to have been around since the very beginning and plan on sticking around even longer.
~ Becca Boyd ~ As We Dream By The Fire ~
Did somebody say hot fireman? Yes please!!
~Jodi Vaughn ~ Christmas In Cloverton ~
You can't go wrong with a story about a girl and her lifelong crush being stranded and discovering that maybe the feelings were mutual the whole time. This story was sweet and funny. I just wish that I could have more of Eliza and Jake's story.
~ Catherine Gayle ~ Mistletoe Misconduct ~
I wouldn't normally pick up a story about a couple in their 50's but I really enjoyed this sweet second chance romance and probably need to rethink my stance on the mature romance thing. The writing was great and the story made me smile.
~ Jami Davenport ~ Hearts On Ice ~
This was a short, sweet and fun second chance sports romance. I definitely need to check out the rest of the series by this author.
~ Riley J. Ford ~ Romance. Avalanche. Love. ~
I didn't enjoy this one. It was a little heavy on the cheesy dramatics for me.
~ Krystal Shannan writing as Emma Roman ~ The Runaway Sleigh ~
This was a sweet second chance at love story with a return to the Christmas spirit theme. Yet another book about a more mature couple that I fell in love with. Definitely changing my opinion on this mature romance genre.
~ Allie K. Adams ~ Merry TREXmas ~
Hunter was definitely the highlight of this story. I enjoyed it but I had a hard time keeping all the characters straight.
~ Geri Foster ~ Holiday Mischief ~
In the beginning I almost skipped this story because I wasn't getting into it. Then Alex showed up and things got interesting. Now I feel the need to check out the rest of this Twisted Sisters series.
~ Tammy S. Falkner ~ Yes You ~
Reformed bad boy falls in love with rich, good girl. Yes please!!! I loved the writing in this story and I'm already adding this author's books to my TBR.
~ Tawdra Kandle ~ Underneath My Christmas Tree ~
This anthology is single-handedly doubling my TBR list. This story was so good and sweet but left me with so many questions. It's a good thing I'll get more of Trent and Elizabeth in January.
~ Chris Keniston ~ Love Walks In ~
I'm a little bit in love with this story. I loved Mike and Annette together but it was the relationship between Brian and Adam that really sealed the deal for me. I was really sad to see this story come to an end.
~ Katy Regnery ~ Marrying Mr. English ~
We finally get Eleanora and Tom's story and I just have to say, no wonder we've all fallen for the English brothers. Look at who they came from!
This story was sweet and fun and, honestly, not at all what I was expecting. Which only serves to make it that much more awesome.
Katy's storytelling ability never ceases to amaze me. She just keeps stepping up her game and I for one am thankful to have been around since the very beginning and plan on sticking around even longer.
~ Becca Boyd ~ As We Dream By The Fire ~
Did somebody say hot fireman? Yes please!!
~Jodi Vaughn ~ Christmas In Cloverton ~
You can't go wrong with a story about a girl and her lifelong crush being stranded and discovering that maybe the feelings were mutual the whole time. This story was sweet and funny. I just wish that I could have more of Eliza and Jake's story.
smbmar's review
5.0
Gets you into the holiday spirit!
Nothing says Christmas more than cold weather and Christmas romance novels! All of theses stories were great, but my reason for purchasing this was Catherine Gayle's Mistletoe Misconduct. I am a huge fan of her Portland Storm hockey series. Jim has been one of my favorite characters. He is always given the underdogs a chance to shine. Now, we get to read about Jim's chance for happiness. It is worth the price just for this novella!
Nothing says Christmas more than cold weather and Christmas romance novels! All of theses stories were great, but my reason for purchasing this was Catherine Gayle's Mistletoe Misconduct. I am a huge fan of her Portland Storm hockey series. Jim has been one of my favorite characters. He is always given the underdogs a chance to shine. Now, we get to read about Jim's chance for happiness. It is worth the price just for this novella!
lenoreo's review
3.0
https://celebrityreaders.com/2015/12/19/12-christmas-romances-to-melt-your-heart-by-various-authors/
3 stars overall -- I bought this anthology for one specific novella, but I wanted to read them all b/c I'm a holiday season reader! This was definitely a hit and miss set of novellas. I think there were a few that were really merely fan service, and so were not as enjoyable for someone who hadn't read the rest of the books in the series. And then there were some I just simply didn't enjoy. But I found a few gems that were sweet and perfectly Christmas-y, and I left the book I'd been waiting for til the last and it was a perfect ending. So here are my reviews for the individual stories:
Mistletoe Misconduct ~ Catherine Gayle
3 stars -- For a girl that hates cheating, reading about the aftermath of it happening was hard for me...I'm about as forgiving as Elaine originally was. So there was that. And apparently I'm also ageist b/c I found I wasn't as sucked in to the romance of this older couple. But maybe that wasn't age so much as the story was just meh for me? I don't know. It was nice, just not outstanding.
Hearts On Ice ~ Jami Davenport
3 stars -- I think I might have enjoyed this one more if I'd read the previous books featuring these 2 characters. Not that you had to to understand the books (there was sufficient background). I just didn't feel invested in the characters. But then again, that's hard to achieve with a short story anyways. Also, the one word steamy scenes (they made quick fun love; they made slow love) was kind of startling (disappointing -- I'd rather have fade to black). I wonder if it's always like that in her books.
Romance. Avalanche. Love. ~ Riley J. Ford
2 stars -- Uh no. Didn't enjoy the characters at all. I'm just not a forgiving kind of reader, and the hero's behavior in the relationship was just atrocious (well, maybe not quite that strong of a word, but I can't think of a better one). I was also not a fan of his recklessness. So when you don't like the characters, there's not much left, you know?
The Runaway Sleigh ~ Emma Roman
3.5 stars -- I was a little bit thrown by the heroine at first...that much anger and bah-humbug was kind of hard to fathom. But otherwise I thought the story was quite sweet, and for a short story it had some good things going for it. Peter was adorable.
Merry TREXmas ~ Allie K. Adams
2.5 stars -- first things first, for an anthology that's named 12 Christmas *Romances* to Melt Your Heart, I kind of expect a romance you know? And there definitely wasn't one in this short story. I think this one was geared towards readers of Ms. Adams series, b/c for the life of me I could not keep up with all the different characters, and even the shifting POVs.
Holiday Mischief ~ Geri Foster
2.5 stars -- Another book with multiple POVs that I didn't understand, and only a hint of romance near the end. I just didn't feel it that much. There was a lot going on, so the plot wasn't quite as clear. The "Father" was quite the jerk too.
Yes You ~ Tammy S. Falkner
3 stars -- Had some uber sweet moments, but then mixed in some volatile moments that I was less sure of. Everything happened kind of quick, but that's the nature of short stories...
Underneath My Christmas Tree ~ Tawdra Kandle
3 stars -- a bit of a different take on a romance, with the girl wanting the no strings sex and the guy holding out. I liked that even in a shorter story we could see the relationship sort of building over time. I wish we'd been told what happened in Trent's past that had him taking a break, but I guess that's why there's another story for them coming.
Love Walks In ~ Chris Keniston
4 stars -- OK, this one was just all sorts of sweetness and "awwwww" and laughing at the sassiness of Annette. Loved how Annette and Mike interacted with each other, and thought the glimpse into life with an autistic child was well done (not that I would know, but you know). Ended a bit abruptly though...or at least I wasn't expecting to turn the page and have it be done.
Marrying Mr. English ~ Katy Regnery
4.5 stars -- Oh yes!! This was the book I bought the anthology for in the first place, and Ms. Regnery didn't let me down. The chemistry between the characters was phenomenal -- gah, I wanted more! And Eleanora was delightfully sassy and strong willed. Even though it was a fast romance, it didn't feel that way b/c of all the time they spent together. I found myself laughing and sighing and all sorts of goodness. The great thing is that even though this is a 2-part story, this story ends off with a satisfying enough ending that you don't *need* to read the 2nd part...though if you're like me, you'll want more. I also LOVED the tiny bits of fan service with the hints of where the boys names came from. Can't wait to read part 2!
As We Dream By The Fire ~ Becca Boyd
4 stars -- sweet and slowburning!! At first I wasn't sure about Sadie, but I warmed up to her. She and Hudson had some great little bits of banter, and I could feel the feelings starting to develop. :)
Christmas In Cloverton ~ Jodi Vaughn
3...maybe 3.5 stars -- Cute characters, fun "pushed together" situation. It had all the makings of a Lenore book, but I just ended up losing it nearer to the end. Could be my attention just wandered for other reasons. Still, I did like it...
3 stars overall -- I bought this anthology for one specific novella, but I wanted to read them all b/c I'm a holiday season reader! This was definitely a hit and miss set of novellas. I think there were a few that were really merely fan service, and so were not as enjoyable for someone who hadn't read the rest of the books in the series. And then there were some I just simply didn't enjoy. But I found a few gems that were sweet and perfectly Christmas-y, and I left the book I'd been waiting for til the last and it was a perfect ending. So here are my reviews for the individual stories:
Mistletoe Misconduct ~ Catherine Gayle
3 stars -- For a girl that hates cheating, reading about the aftermath of it happening was hard for me...I'm about as forgiving as Elaine originally was. So there was that. And apparently I'm also ageist b/c I found I wasn't as sucked in to the romance of this older couple. But maybe that wasn't age so much as the story was just meh for me? I don't know. It was nice, just not outstanding.
Hearts On Ice ~ Jami Davenport
3 stars -- I think I might have enjoyed this one more if I'd read the previous books featuring these 2 characters. Not that you had to to understand the books (there was sufficient background). I just didn't feel invested in the characters. But then again, that's hard to achieve with a short story anyways. Also, the one word steamy scenes (they made quick fun love; they made slow love) was kind of startling (disappointing -- I'd rather have fade to black). I wonder if it's always like that in her books.
Romance. Avalanche. Love. ~ Riley J. Ford
2 stars -- Uh no. Didn't enjoy the characters at all. I'm just not a forgiving kind of reader, and the hero's behavior in the relationship was just atrocious (well, maybe not quite that strong of a word, but I can't think of a better one). I was also not a fan of his recklessness. So when you don't like the characters, there's not much left, you know?
The Runaway Sleigh ~ Emma Roman
3.5 stars -- I was a little bit thrown by the heroine at first...that much anger and bah-humbug was kind of hard to fathom. But otherwise I thought the story was quite sweet, and for a short story it had some good things going for it. Peter was adorable.
Merry TREXmas ~ Allie K. Adams
2.5 stars -- first things first, for an anthology that's named 12 Christmas *Romances* to Melt Your Heart, I kind of expect a romance you know? And there definitely wasn't one in this short story. I think this one was geared towards readers of Ms. Adams series, b/c for the life of me I could not keep up with all the different characters, and even the shifting POVs.
Holiday Mischief ~ Geri Foster
2.5 stars -- Another book with multiple POVs that I didn't understand, and only a hint of romance near the end. I just didn't feel it that much. There was a lot going on, so the plot wasn't quite as clear. The "Father" was quite the jerk too.
Yes You ~ Tammy S. Falkner
3 stars -- Had some uber sweet moments, but then mixed in some volatile moments that I was less sure of. Everything happened kind of quick, but that's the nature of short stories...
Underneath My Christmas Tree ~ Tawdra Kandle
3 stars -- a bit of a different take on a romance, with the girl wanting the no strings sex and the guy holding out. I liked that even in a shorter story we could see the relationship sort of building over time. I wish we'd been told what happened in Trent's past that had him taking a break, but I guess that's why there's another story for them coming.
Love Walks In ~ Chris Keniston
4 stars -- OK, this one was just all sorts of sweetness and "awwwww" and laughing at the sassiness of Annette. Loved how Annette and Mike interacted with each other, and thought the glimpse into life with an autistic child was well done (not that I would know, but you know). Ended a bit abruptly though...or at least I wasn't expecting to turn the page and have it be done.
Marrying Mr. English ~ Katy Regnery
4.5 stars -- Oh yes!! This was the book I bought the anthology for in the first place, and Ms. Regnery didn't let me down. The chemistry between the characters was phenomenal -- gah, I wanted more! And Eleanora was delightfully sassy and strong willed. Even though it was a fast romance, it didn't feel that way b/c of all the time they spent together. I found myself laughing and sighing and all sorts of goodness. The great thing is that even though this is a 2-part story, this story ends off with a satisfying enough ending that you don't *need* to read the 2nd part...though if you're like me, you'll want more. I also LOVED the tiny bits of fan service with the hints of where the boys names came from. Can't wait to read part 2!
As We Dream By The Fire ~ Becca Boyd
4 stars -- sweet and slowburning!! At first I wasn't sure about Sadie, but I warmed up to her. She and Hudson had some great little bits of banter, and I could feel the feelings starting to develop. :)
Christmas In Cloverton ~ Jodi Vaughn
3...maybe 3.5 stars -- Cute characters, fun "pushed together" situation. It had all the makings of a Lenore book, but I just ended up losing it nearer to the end. Could be my attention just wandered for other reasons. Still, I did like it...
nikkil521's review
5.0
I haven't had a chance to read every story in this anthology so this review will focus on Katy Regnery's "Marrying Mr. English"
This is only the 4th story by Katy Regnery that I have read and I just love each one. If you are familiar with the English brothers this is a no brainer for you. This story focuses on how Tom and Eleanora met, fell in love and got married. Seems simple right? Isn't that how it all is supposed to work.. Well...
I do not want to put in any spoilers but sometimes people take an unconventional road to true love. And this is true for Tom and Eleanora. Theirs is such a sweet love story. Full of a little Christmas hope and promise and wonder. I am an emotional reader. I love when an author can make me cry. Katy has the perfect talent for this, (not all tears are bad). This story does that in parts that are so simple, so poignant.
And the A-Ha moment in this book for me is priceless!! I am sure you all will feel the same way when you all get to that moment in the story.
I can't wait for everyone to fall in love with this couple, and hear all about the beginnings of the English Family. the way that I have!!
This is only the 4th story by Katy Regnery that I have read and I just love each one. If you are familiar with the English brothers this is a no brainer for you. This story focuses on how Tom and Eleanora met, fell in love and got married. Seems simple right? Isn't that how it all is supposed to work.. Well...
I do not want to put in any spoilers but sometimes people take an unconventional road to true love. And this is true for Tom and Eleanora. Theirs is such a sweet love story. Full of a little Christmas hope and promise and wonder. I am an emotional reader. I love when an author can make me cry. Katy has the perfect talent for this, (not all tears are bad). This story does that in parts that are so simple, so poignant.
And the A-Ha moment in this book for me is priceless!! I am sure you all will feel the same way when you all get to that moment in the story.
I can't wait for everyone to fall in love with this couple, and hear all about the beginnings of the English Family. the way that I have!!
jaimereadsromance's review
5.0
4.5 Stars
~ Catherine Gayle ~ Mistletoe Misconduct ~
I wouldn't normally pick up a story about a couple in their 50's but I really enjoyed this sweet second chance romance and probably need to rethink my stance on the mature romance thing. The writing was great and the story made me smile.
~ Jami Davenport ~ Hearts On Ice ~
This was a short, sweet and fun second chance sports romance. I definitely need to check out the rest of the series by this author.
~ Riley J. Ford ~ Romance. Avalanche. Love. ~
I didn't enjoy this one. It was a little heavy on the cheesy dramatics for me.
~ Krystal Shannan writing as Emma Roman ~ The Runaway Sleigh ~
This was a sweet second chance at love story with a return to the Christmas spirit theme. Yet another book about a more mature couple that I fell in love with. Definitely changing my opinion on this mature romance genre.
~ Allie K. Adams ~ Merry TREXmas ~
Hunter was definitely the highlight of this story. I enjoyed it but I had a hard time keeping all the characters straight.
~ Geri Foster ~ Holiday Mischief ~
In the beginning I almost skipped this story because I wasn't getting into it. Then Alex showed up and things got interesting. Now I feel the need to check out the rest of this Twisted Sisters series.
~ Tammy S. Falkner ~ Yes You ~
Reformed bad boy falls in love with rich, good girl. Yes please!!! I loved the writing in this story and I'm already adding this author's books to my TBR.
~ Tawdra Kandle ~ Underneath My Christmas Tree ~
This anthology is single-handedly doubling my TBR list. This story was so good and sweet but left me with so many questions. It's a good thing I'll get more of Trent and Elizabeth in January.
~ Chris Keniston ~ Love Walks In ~
I'm a little bit in love with this story. I loved Mike and Annette together but it was the relationship between Brian and Adam that really sealed the deal for me. I was really sad to see this story come to an end.
~ Katy Regnery ~ Marrying Mr. English ~
We finally get Eleanora and Tom's story and I just have to say, no wonder we've all fallen for the English brothers. Look at who they came from!
This story was sweet and fun and, honestly, not at all what I was expecting. Which only serves to make it that much more awesome.
Katy's storytelling ability never ceases to amaze me. She just keeps stepping up her game and I for one am thankful to have been around since the very beginning and plan on sticking around even longer.
~ Becca Boyd ~ As We Dream By The Fire ~
Did somebody say hot fireman? Yes please!!
~Jodi Vaughn ~ Christmas In Cloverton ~
You can't go wrong with a story about a girl and her lifelong crush being stranded and discovering that maybe the feelings were mutual the whole time. This story was sweet and funny. I just wish that I could have more of Eliza and Jake's story.
~ Catherine Gayle ~ Mistletoe Misconduct ~
I wouldn't normally pick up a story about a couple in their 50's but I really enjoyed this sweet second chance romance and probably need to rethink my stance on the mature romance thing. The writing was great and the story made me smile.
~ Jami Davenport ~ Hearts On Ice ~
This was a short, sweet and fun second chance sports romance. I definitely need to check out the rest of the series by this author.
~ Riley J. Ford ~ Romance. Avalanche. Love. ~
I didn't enjoy this one. It was a little heavy on the cheesy dramatics for me.
~ Krystal Shannan writing as Emma Roman ~ The Runaway Sleigh ~
This was a sweet second chance at love story with a return to the Christmas spirit theme. Yet another book about a more mature couple that I fell in love with. Definitely changing my opinion on this mature romance genre.
~ Allie K. Adams ~ Merry TREXmas ~
Hunter was definitely the highlight of this story. I enjoyed it but I had a hard time keeping all the characters straight.
~ Geri Foster ~ Holiday Mischief ~
In the beginning I almost skipped this story because I wasn't getting into it. Then Alex showed up and things got interesting. Now I feel the need to check out the rest of this Twisted Sisters series.
~ Tammy S. Falkner ~ Yes You ~
Reformed bad boy falls in love with rich, good girl. Yes please!!! I loved the writing in this story and I'm already adding this author's books to my TBR.
~ Tawdra Kandle ~ Underneath My Christmas Tree ~
This anthology is single-handedly doubling my TBR list. This story was so good and sweet but left me with so many questions. It's a good thing I'll get more of Trent and Elizabeth in January.
~ Chris Keniston ~ Love Walks In ~
I'm a little bit in love with this story. I loved Mike and Annette together but it was the relationship between Brian and Adam that really sealed the deal for me. I was really sad to see this story come to an end.
~ Katy Regnery ~ Marrying Mr. English ~
We finally get Eleanora and Tom's story and I just have to say, no wonder we've all fallen for the English brothers. Look at who they came from!
This story was sweet and fun and, honestly, not at all what I was expecting. Which only serves to make it that much more awesome.
Katy's storytelling ability never ceases to amaze me. She just keeps stepping up her game and I for one am thankful to have been around since the very beginning and plan on sticking around even longer.
~ Becca Boyd ~ As We Dream By The Fire ~
Did somebody say hot fireman? Yes please!!
~Jodi Vaughn ~ Christmas In Cloverton ~
You can't go wrong with a story about a girl and her lifelong crush being stranded and discovering that maybe the feelings were mutual the whole time. This story was sweet and funny. I just wish that I could have more of Eliza and Jake's story.
enniskelsey's review
5.0
I've read all of Katy Regency's Blueberry Lane series books and "Marrying Mr. English" was the icing on the cake! It was so nice to get some background information on Tom and Eleanora English. I cannot wait to read the second half of "Marrying Mr. English" when it comes out in December! You won't regret purchasing this anthology just to read "Marrying Mr. English", but to top it off you get 11 more stories to read!