KISSING SANTA CLAUS

Author: Donna Kaufmann, Jill Shalvis, Helenkay Dimon ISBN: 9780758238849 10/2009 ANTHOLOGY Publisher: KENSINGTON

Three hottie humbugs find holiday magic where they least expect it... 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…

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Who doesn’t love a Christmas anthology—especially when it’s written by three very talented authors? I’m no exception; I curled up with KISSING SANTA CLAUS, a cup of cocoa and a plate of cookies. I enjoyed every moment of the experience, and have to admit I read until the last page was turned, the cocoa was gone, and the plate empty!

Donna Kauffman’s Lock, Stock, and Jingle Bells starts this anthology off perfectly. Holly is completely shocked when she’s handed the keys to the family business on Thanksgiving. It doesn’t matter that it’s part of the past she’s tried to flee, or that Santa Clauses give her the creeps. With determination, she lets herself be pulled into the scheme her parents have set up, and finds herself face to face with the face from her past that has never left her mind! Very entertaining, and with enough fun moments to keep the momentum going, this is a sweet story.

Bah, Handsome! by Jill Shalvis reminded me why I love this author’s work. Her razor-sharp sense of humor and realistic characters bring her stories fully to life. I laughed out loud as I read about Hope, her bed-and-breakfast, rotten ex-boyfriend and unwelcome houseguest. I hate to admit it, being that he’s part of the “bad guy” battalion, but I loved Danny from the moment I saw him shivering on Hope’s doorstep. Excellent tale, one that brings the reminder that there’s a silver lining to even the gloomiest cloud.

Helen Kay Dimon’s It’s Hotter at Christmas rounds out this anthology in a very satisfying manner! Hot and steamy, it kept my attention long after the last cookie was eaten. Ted is forced to question Marissa about her string of unfortunate incidents after she wrangles with airport security, so their early moments together are funny but hardly romantic. This, however, changes pretty quickly. Stuck in paradise with a man who makes her blood boil, Marissa is offered a job and the chance to stay near Ted. I held my breath, wondering how these two unlikely lovers would end up. I won’t give anything away, but I will say that this story left me with a smile on my face!

KISSING SANTA CLAUS is a real Christmas treat. I loved it, and I believe others will too!

Kay James