See you under the mistletoe!
936179
One of the things I love about anthologies is discovering new authors. All of these authors were new to me and it was a delight to read their voices and then rush to see if they have a backlist.
The Duke and Duchess Trap by Valerie Bowman is a regency adaption from the movie The Parent Trap. The Duke and Duchess of Hollingsworth were married young and then separated, each taking one of their twin daughters. Twelve years later they're reunited after the two girls meet at school. The romance was stalled for a bit as the story had to focus on the two girls meeting and exchanging places, but I loved reading about the Duke and Duchess changed and grew over the years.
Sophie and the Duke by Tiffany Clare has some hints from Cinderella. In order to obtain his inheritance and save his estate, Adrian Trenton, the Duke of Helmsworth, is holding a masked ball to find a bride. At the party he meets Sophie Kinsley, an old childhood friend he hasn't seen in fifteen years. Sophie and her cousin are at the party to have some fun and avoid the watchful eye of Sophies stepmother. There were so many opportunities to increase the conflict between Sophie and Adrian by either using Sophies stepmother or Adrians uncle, but these minor characters weren't used to their full potential leaving the story flat without any conflict.
The Dukes Christmas Wish by Vivienne Lorret was my favorite in the entire anthology! Who doesnt love a hero that cynically believes a partner can be found through a scientific formula?! The Duke of Vale desperately wants to be accepted into society by proving his Marriage Formula works and that means inviting a house full of potential brides to his estate. Ivy Sutherland is firmly on the shelf, but believes that her friend Lilah would make the perfect wife for the Duke.
Lorret masterfully builds the sexual tension in each scene and creates (what Sandra Brown refers as) a hyperawareness between the hero and heroine. The plot and dialogue were original and fun and I definitely checked on her backlist, buying several of her books, based on the talent I read in her novella. Bravo, Ms. Lorret!
One Magic Season by Ashlyn Macnamara is a second chance at love story. Lady Patience assists an old romantic interest in a snow storm. It seems Duke of Kingsbury and she fell in love in their youth, but because of family pressures, they both married other people. I did love how these two characters faced their pasts and each others weaknesses in order to be together.
1375653
This is the perfect little story to read when you need a break from the bustle of the holidays. Holly, a single mom, is rescued by her boss on a cold night when everything goes wrong for her. Declan, the boss, has been lonely and wondered how he could have missed this beautiful woman at work for two years. He pursues, she runs, but hey, it's Christmas. It has to work out. This is a cute and well-written story. Treat yourself!
3239089
It will take a Christmas miracle for two very different souls to find each other in this perfectly festive fairy tale of New York!
Hopeless romantic Eva Jordan loves everything about Christmas. She might be spending the holidays alone this year, but when she's given an opportunity to house-sit a spectacular penthouse on Fifth Avenue, she leaps at the chance. What better place to celebrate than in snow-kissed Manhattan? What she didn't expect was to find the penthouse still occupied by its gorgeous - and mysterious - owner.
Best-selling crime writer Lucas Blade is having the nightmare before Christmas. With a deadline and the anniversary of his wife's death looming, he's isolated himself in his penthouse with only his grief for company. He wants no interruptions, no decorations, and he certainly doesn't appreciate being distracted by his beautiful, bubbly new housekeeper. But when the blizzard of the century leaves Eva snowbound in his apartment, Lucas starts to open up to the magic she brings. This Christmas, is Lucas finally ready to trust that happily ever afters do exist?

I really enjoyed this one, I love the characters, love how it all turn out, I'm looking forward to the next in this series, I highly recommend reading them.
4051556
This was such a nice book to read to get me excited about the holiday season! I won this book from GOODREADS a couple of months ago but wanted to save it for closer to Christmas. I am so glad I did! This tells the story of how Santa Claus came to be who he is. I loved how the story was told, and immediately passed the book along so others could enjoy this wonderful holiday story! It was a very quick read and so very magical! I only hope there will be another book like this...perhaps primarily about Mrs. Claus?
4046614
I love it.  it is wrapped and ready to go under the Christmas Tree!!  Thank you.
4529274
I enjoyed this book so much. I have enjoyed all of the books by this author but this one may have been a favorite with the Christmas scenery and her beautifully painted word pictures. I cant wait for the next books in the series!
1325205
This is a great read during the holidays ... get cozy under a blanket by the fire and enjoy ... looking forward to checking out other books in this series.
4530806
Wonderful Tad Carpenter illustrations as always! The story is cute and very different from other Christmas tales! Love the originality and new twist on a holiday classic.
1665063
Whats a girl to do when the entire house seems to be conspiring against her, pushing her into the arms of an old flame? Millie ends up at her friend Aprils family for Christmas where Dave, her former flame and Aprils brother, is also staying. The mistletoe is strategically placed and everywhere she turns, Dave is right on her heals. Will Millie finally give in to her true feelings? Dave is persistent and does everything he can to convince Millie to forgive him. This is fun and sexy, a perfect escape.
4315896
Miss Kane's Christmas is an uplifting, cute story!  This is a perfect way to start the holiday season by curling up by a cozy fire and letting Ms. Mickelson help find your Christmas spirit.  I loved this book and just purchased another! I highly recommend reading this magical tale.  I think it would make a fantastic Christmas movie too!
893790
A great Christmas romance!  I loved the characters, the story, and the touch of humor!  Put this on your list for next Christmas!
3631570
What a delightful story! Jessica Gray has gifted us with a beautiful short story of love and kindness...and a true miracle of Christmas. This book deserve to be on your short list of MUST Reads this holiday season.
1507527
Adorable, heart warming, quick read that is perfect for the holidays!
1478632
To say I enjoyed this book would be an understement!  It's a great short easy read. Don't be fooled by the title it's not really a Christmas book. It can be read anytime.
1198300
This is the best short story ever! About a young couple that each sacrifices what they treasure most in order to give a gift to each other, this romantic Christmas tale will bring a smile on the reader's lips. A must-read! <3
4241001
Lisa Dickenson is one of those authors, who just scream YES! To me, so when Mistletoe on 34th Street came out, I bought it immediately and got really excited to read the story.

It follows Olivia, she prefers to spend Christmas alone and never actually experienced the traditional Christmas. Now one of her sisters lives in Miami, her other sister travels a lot and her parents are going away for Christmas.

A work trip takes her and her colleagues to New York and when a big snow storm hits the UK they cant get home. They are stuck, but there are worse places to be stuck at right?! Time to explore Christmassy New York.

Her friend Jon is determined to give her the best time in New York. Olivia is really torn, because she just doesnt know what she actually feels for Jon and also wants to experience other things. During these moments I didn't like her so much, but I still really loved her as a character, because she is strong and funny.

I really liked Jon and everything he did in this story. All the other work colleagues had their little story to tell as well and I think they were a great and diverse group of people, it gives the book a lot of different and exciting moments.

New York during the Christmas time must be so gorgeous, Lisas writing just captures it beautifully.

This is a wonderfully festive Christmas read full of love, friendship and family.
2619638
A lovely little tale from Liv Rancourt.  If you are looking for a quick little read and want something Christmasy, here you go. Mackie is stuck in her hometown, she is an actress with no where to work so she gives it her all and becomes Santa in the local mall.  During work one day she sees her college boyfriend Joe - Joe left town heading for Hollywood 8 years ago.  Every year since he left he has sent her roses for her birthday.  She hopes he doesn't recognize her as Santa.

Will he recognize Mackie?  Does he still love her?  Can they recapture what Joe let go of?

The only reason I didn't give The Santa Drag 5 stars is the abrupt ending.  I just felt like there was more to tell.  Ms. Rancourt spins a lovely tale.  I fully intend to read more from her.