Yuletide Enchantment by Cindy Spencer Pape

Yuletide Enchantment: 1 (Holiday Hearts)
By: Cindy Spencer Pape
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Published: December 9, 2009
Genre: Contemporary, Historical, Erotic Romance, Fantasy, Holiday, Inspirational, Mystery
Content: M/F, Oral Sex, Toys
Length: Short Story
Heat Level: Scorching
Reviewer: Suki
Date: June 20, 2015

 

The company Christmas party goes awry in an erotic way when quiet accountant Shelby Carter is magically whisked into a miniature Victorian village with the boss's gorgeous son, Noel Holiday.

Noel has always honored the policy against fraternization, but when he's trapped for several days with sweet, sexy Shelby, he decides it's time to start breaking the rules. While exploring the enchanted surroundings, they delve into their deepest fantasies, even acting out scenes from a collection of erotic Victorian postcards. After all, what's Christmas without a little magic and a whole lot of sexy fun?

Though Shelby's crazy about Noel, she's sure he'll forget all about her once their interlude is over. But Noel has fallen head over snow boots in love with Shelby. Now he just has to convince her that holiday wishes can come true, and his devotion will last beyond their Yuletide Enchantment.

Yes I am reading a Christmas book in June.  Perhaps I am hoping for some of that snow we got this winter to cool things off a bit. This book is not going to cool anything off. In fact I think it rose the temperature a degree or two. 

Noel Holiday (HERO) works for the family greeting card company as a designer and is asked to check out the new Christmas display to see what is missing from it. When he gets there what he finds is Shelby Carter from accounting who is intent on the village. When they touch hands and the village at the same time they find themselves transported to the Victorian village or at least the house.  Complete with Victorian clothing and condoms. 

Once they discover there is no real way to escape they decide to make the best of it and let their attraction for each other takeover. But will it last when they are returned to reality?

I really enjoyed this book. And when you read any Ellora’s Cave book you know you are going to get sex scenes that are hot and detailed. I personally would have liked more about when they got back to reality, it seemed rushed. A couple more pages might have done the trick. But the book was very well written and edited and I fell in love with the Characters.

If you are looking for something to heat things up, this will do it.

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Red Hot & Boom! by Various Authors

Red Hot & Boom! (A Sizzling Hot Collection of Stories)
By: Randi Alexander, Rene Folsom, Sable Hunter & Ryan O’Leary, Graylin Rane, Cassandra Carr, Michel Prince, Christin Lovell, Desiree Holt, Mari Carr and Alexandra O’Hurley
Published: June 6, 2015
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, Holiday
Content: M/F, M/F/M, Spanking, Anal Play, Anal Sex, Oral Sex
Length: Mulitple Short Stories
Heat Level: Scorching
Reviewer: Marchelle
Date: June 5, 2015

 

The Red Hot Authors present Red Hot & BOOM! A Sizzling Hot Collection of Stories.
Celebrate Independence Day with Ten Books from Authors who will Heat Your Summer Nights:

ALL HAT NO CATTLE by Randi Alexander

Deep in cowboy country for a rodeo, Harper Johansen is looking for a cowboy of her own, but roughneck Shaw Donahue needs to convince her to value a man for more than his cattle. 

FOR LIBERTY by Rene Folsom

While deployed, his mission classified, the heartfelt letters Maximus writes are the only bits of communication Liberty receives while he is away. His letters are a constant reminder of why he chooses to fight: For Liberty. 

COME WITH ME by Sable Hunter

Lacy has never experienced the big ‘O’. This July 4th will have more explosions than fireworks in the sky. Jake will prove to Lacy he can be all she needs – in bed and out.

WHITE CHOCOLATE CHERRY by Graylin Rane

When a widowed news reporter receives notice she’ll receive a Candy Man, she’s nervous. Can she open her heart and her home to another man?

SCORIN’ ON THE FOURTH OF JULY by Cassandra Carr 

When professional hockey player Mikael meets USA Olympic goaltender Terri, both her beauty and skill attract him. But Terri might have to leave town to keep playing and their blossoming love put on ice.

ONE LAST RODEO by Michel Prince

Mistakes happen when we’re young, now this rodeo pickup man will have one chance to fix it with his ex. She ran to the city to make it big on the news, but he’ll bring this country girl home.

STARS AND SPARKS by Christin Lovell

One curvy journalist. One ex-marine. Two people attempting to find their new place in this world, but, sometimes, it’s not about finding a place; it’s about finding a person. And there’s nothing but stars and sparks between these two.
FIRECRACKER! by Desiree Holt – She's hot as a pistol in the rodeo ring, leaving the competition n ashes. But can this firecracker bring the same explosive emotion to a night with two hot, hot, hot men?

SPARKS FLY by Mari Carr 

I Do is the easy part. Happily ever after? Not so much. Over the Fourth of July weekend, Evan vows he'll reignite his wife, Annie's passion with his own brand of fireworks.

RETURN TO HER by Alexandra O’Hurley

Writhing passion quickly turns into more when friends become lovers. Their surrender comes days before an ill-timed deployment, where the two are quickly ripped apart. Will fate prevent this soldier from returning to her?

Let me start by saying I am not typically a fan of short stories. I am a fast reader and I prefer longer stories in novel form that I can savor for as long as possible. That being said, these are some of the most amazing short stories I have ever read. I enjoyed this book from start to finish and then went back and started it again. “Red Hot & Boom” indeed!

All of the stories have a Fourth of July/Independence Day theme (hence the title). That is pretty much where the similarities end. They are all unique stories, with their own plots and true to life characters. Out of the ten stories featured, it would be extremely difficult to choose a favorite. It really depends what kind of mood you are in. If you want a sexy threesome, Desiree Holt’s "Firecracker!" is definitely the way to go. If you want an inspiring story about a couple reigniting their fire, Mari Carr practically burns the place down in "Sparks Fly". That is one hot story! And if you want a sweet and sexy love story with a HEA, "Come With Me", by Sable Hunter & Ryan O’Leary is just what you are looking for. There is something for everyone here. This is a phenomenal collection by some very talented writers who have made me a fan of short stories again.

So why only 4.5 hearts out of 5? Well, the reason for that is, out of the 10 stories in the book, I felt that one or two were not quite complete for me. They felt rushed. The stories weren’t as well developed as the others and the endings were quite abrupt. They were good stories and kept me entertained. But they were only good where the others were excellent. Still, I’ve read the book twice already and I can definitely see myself picking it up to read again in the future.

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Burning for Nero by Cerise DeLand

Burning for Nero (SEALs Going Hot #2)
By: Cerise DeLand
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc.
Published: June 10, 2014
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, Holiday
Content: M/F, Oral Sex
Length: Novella
Heat Level: Scorching
Reviewer: Toni
Date: December 11, 2014

 

On leave due to an injury, Navy SEAL Tony Nero heads home for a little R&R and some Fourth of July fun. When his buddy’s widow Cass Phillips picks him up at the air station, Tony figures he’s in for a sexually frustrating few days. He’s had the hots for the blonde siren for years, but his best friend won her heart first. Even though Ray’s been gone more than a year, Tony bets Cass isn’t interested in any man. Not him. And especially not another SEAL.

Cass has a bone to pick with longtime friend, Tony. After her husband died, he was the closest thing her little boy had to a father figure. His visits stopped abruptly and her son doesn't understand why. Neither does she. She's also unable to quench her growing need for the tough and tender man. She's already loved and lost one SEAL, but that doesn't stop her from burning for Nero.

Burning for Nero could almost be called a story about second chances, but Tony and Cass never had their first go around. Tony’s best friend Ray won the prize years ago. Does Tony take his chance now or let her go for good?

Tony is returning home for the Fourth of July holiday. He is coming home for some R&R after his recent injury and a hellish year. He lost his best friend, Ray, and had to also give up Ray’s wife, Cassie. After his death, he was getting way too attached to somebody who would never be his. If he can get through this break, maybe he is really over her…who is he kidding?

Cass is finally ready to move on. She lost her husband, but still has their little boy. She thought she had their friend Tony, but he left her too. It’s time for her to leave her husband’s family home and make a name for herself, but before she can start her new life, she must confront the man who stole her heart and then broke it, Tony Nero.

From the moment Cass surprises Tony by picking him up; she has shocked him and kept him second guessing himself. But his Navy SEAL training is going to persevere. He has her in his sights and he always hits his mark. Cass will be his…forever.

First off, Cass had just the right amount of sass. I loved that she was coming out of her shell and didn’t take any crap from Tony. She was a strong, resilient woman who had been short changed early in life. While Tony tried to be honorable, he deserves to win the girl after being in the shadows for years and loving her the whole time. Burning for Nero is such a sweet heart grabbing story.

Ms. DeLand did a brilliant job walking us through their story. You were able to see the whole picture; the past, present and future. Simply amazing that she wrote such a well-rounded story in about 100 pages. It’s such a rarity that you feel completely satisfied when you read a novella. Ms. DeLand is consistent with her ability to write completely fulfilling stories with sexy elements and delicious heroes. She is simply an amazing author and a talented artisan.

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Gold, Frankincense, and Murder by Barbara Early

Title: Gold, Frankincense, and Murder

Author: Barbara Early

Publisher: White Rose Publishing

Publication Date: 12-01-2011

ISBN: 978-1-61116-123-6

Genre: Christian Romance, Mystery, Holiday

Length: 93 pages

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Heat Level: Sweet

Reviewer: TJ

Date: January 15, 2012

High school geometry teacher, Donna Russell likes her life well-ordered and logical, even if it is a tad solitary at times. But when a charming co-worker at the local food bank disappears just before Christmas, Donna is left with more questions than solutions.

After the missing man’s neighbor, muscle-bound EMT Sam Holton, volunteers as Donna's crime-fighting sidekick, sparks fly between them. Donna wonders if Sam can be trusted, or if he's trying to throw an unknown into her calculations—and her life.

And when police recover a body from the icy Niagara River, Donna is faced with the most frustrating equation of all: can murder plus mayhem ever equal romance?

Gold, Frankincense, and Murder is a sweet, short, sleuthy story. While I would have preferred a little romance to go with this holiday treat, I enjoyed the tone and pace of this story. Donna is not your typical romance heroine and it was rather refreshing to see the world through her eyes.

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Wanted: Boyfriend for Christmas by Kimberlee R. Mendoza

Title: Wanted: Boyfriend for Christmas

Author: Kimberlee R Mendoza

Publisher: White Rose Publishing

Publication Date: Nov 2008

ISBN: B002TG4M70

Genre: inspirational holiday romance

Length: novel

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Heat Level: Sweet

Other: n/a

Reviewer: Brecken Stevens

Date: January 13, 2012

Heather and Daniel have been friends for college, but nothing more. Heather decides to take her dating life in hand and submits a personal ad, hoping to find Mr. Right, or at least Mr. Take Home to Mom’s. Daniel thinks he’s in love, but when he proposes to his girlfriend, he is shot down, shattering his dreams. He agrees to help Heather with her family, but as ‘pretending’ hits a little close to truth, both will have to decide if they’re ready to look for something more than friendship.

Wanted: A Boyfriend for Christmas, I love the title and the personal ad element had some cute and telling moments for Heather. I felt like I’ve read this storyline a few times. I adore stories where love was there the whole time, but it was spoon-fed in this one. Still, a very sweet read with a light Christian aspect. A nice, feel-good story for the holidays. 

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Sweet Magik (Klaus Brothers Series, #2) by Penny Watson

Title: Sweet Magik (Klaus Brothers Series, #2)

Author: Penny Watson

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Publication Date: 11-04-2011

ISBN: 1-60154-921-0

Genre: Holiday, Paranormal

Length: 302 pages

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Heat Level: Spicy

Reviewer: TJ

Date: December 22, 2011

Oskar Klaus' job is killing him. Not even his favorite hobbies (extreme snowboarding and browsing old bookstores) are enough to snap him out of his funk. It's not easy living in the shadow of four successful older brothers and a father named Santa. Little does he know that a kiss on New Year's Eve is about to turn his life upside-down.

Kiana Grant's Manhattan life is a world away from her childhood in Oahu. She traded sunsets and surfing for a respectable career in library science, but Oskar Klaus is a temptation that's hard to resist. Before she knows it, she's in the midst of an outrageous adventure in the North
Pole, dealing with mischievous elves, wicked demons, and a devastating attraction to Santa's youngest son.

There's just one problem...a bitter elf hell-bent on revenge threatens the future of everyone in the North Pole, even Santa himself... 

I can honestly say that I have been holding my breath waiting for this story to come out. I absolutely loved the first Klaus brother book and could not wait to read more. Thank goodness my very high expectations were met with this adventure. Penny Watson has a charming style I just can’t get enough of. Oskar is a bad boy who loves books so that makes him perfect in my eyes. Kiana is a likable heroine who I found easy to relate to. Watching the youngest Klaus hottie land his happily-ever-after was fantastic. I enjoyed witnessing Oskar and Kiana figure out their feelings for one another. The inclusion of some black magic and many laugh out loud moments makes this a lovely holiday fairy tale. I absolutely love the world Ms. Watson has created, in fact I wish I could move there myself. I hate the snow but I would be so willing to bear it for a chance to live in this magical place and meet the fabulous Klaus family. I cannot wait to see what the other brothers get up to. I look forward to making reading this and the first book a new holiday tradition. All I need is a big cup of hot chocolate and a copy of the Klaus brothers’ romances and my holiday is complete.

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He Came Upon a Midnight Clear by Desiree Holt

Title: He Came Upon a Midnight Clear

Author: Desiree Holt

Publisher: Decadent Publishing

Publication Date: 6 Dec 2011

ISBN: 978-1-61333-039-5

Genre: Holiday Romance

Length: 35 pages

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Heat Level: Sensual

Reviewer: Jo Pfander

Date: 11-14-2011

Colt Alvarez needed to be engaged by New Year’s Day or he’d lose his uncle’s ranch. He contacted Madame Evangeline’s 1Night Stand matchmaking service in hopes of meeting the bride requirement. Enter Libby Morris.

Libby was the chubby kid turned gorgeous babe. Her reason for contacting Madame Evangeline was to be with someone who didn’t know who she had been. Enter the wait for their mysterious dates.

Who they were didn’t seem to matter anymore, Cody and Libby could only think of each other. A letter is handed to Cody changes everything.

For those of you looking for short romantic holiday reads this season I suggest you check out He Came Upon a Midnight Clear. It hits the right spot with romance and holiday magic that only comes but once a year. Desiree Holt’s characters come across as real and relatable. Add a sprinkle of Christmas matchmaking and you have a read that you don’t want to put down. I know I couldn’t.

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A Trick of Frost by RaeLynn Blue and Drea Riley

Title:    A Trick of Frost

Author:    RaeLynn Blue and Dréa Riley

Publisher:    Whispers Publishing

Publication Date:    12/9/10

ISBN:     831210201001

Genre  Interracial Romance

Length:   48 pages

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Heat Level:    Sizzling

Reviewer:  Suki

Date:   June 4, 2011

Two days before Christmas with her ex-husband, Rick, harassing her parents, Jaycee Froste needs a gift to lift her spirits. She stops in at her favorite restaurant, and it brings more than a hot meal. Jaycee finds herself seated across from one of the most annoying and handsome men she's ever met. She would even consider letting him taste her stew, if he hadn't stolen her reservation. With the holidays upon her, Jaycee decides the thing she needs to lift her spirits is J.C., a man who offers her so much more than she ever could have hoped.

A Trick of Frost is a fast moving enjoyable read, I immediately liked and felt for Jaycee (female). That being said I was disappointed by her and her behavior when a reservation screw up causes her to have to share a table. It took a bit longer for me to warm back up to her. I understand she was feeling like this JC had stolen her table, but I didn’t understand the downright hostility.  But as I said I did warm back up to her as the ice around her melted.

On the other hand, though presumptuous wouldn’t begin to describe JC (male), he was a gentleman to the end. And with each thing thrown in his way he proved himself as a hero. I cheered at the end when JC confronts Jaycee’s Ex Husband Rick.

This is a short story so you expect the pace to be fast and the declarations to take more then a few hours, but the writing and story were good enough that this reviewer could forgive the speed at which they moved.  The descriptions especially as Jaycee entered the restaurant took me into the moment--I knew exactly those smells and that feeling. The authors did a wonderful job taking me into their world. If you like your women strong and your men just as strong, you won’t be sorry with this one.

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Santa, Cutie

Title: Santa, Cutie

Author: Cerise DeLand

Publisher: Decadent Publishing

Publication Date: 6 Dec 2011

ISBN: 978-1-61333-128-6

Genre: Holiday 1Night Stand Romance

Length: 41 pages

Buy Link:   Decadentpublishing.com

Author Website

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Heat Level: sensual

Other:  oral play

Reviewer: Jo Pfander

Date: 11-16-2011

Susanna Corrigan wanted a man with no ties, no promises and no complications when she signed up for a 1Night Stand. Black hair and cobolt eyes, she’d found a companion. No what? She still hadn’t met her mystery date. Conflict. Love verses career. Who was she kidding?

Gil Santana was looking for a woman who wasn’t the Hollywood actress type. Susanna was it and the letter from Madame Eve confirmed it. She was perfect…until Hollywood reared its head. Could he love her even though she wanted fame?

If you’re looking for a short read while baking those goddies for the holidays I’d recommend you give Santa Cutie a try. It hits the right spot when mixing Christmas magic with the romance of the season. Ceris DeLand did a great job of making her hero and heroine real and believable. A dreamy romance with a twist of realism which I enjoy. Pick it up and check for yourself, I’m sure you will agree.

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Eighth Night by Sandra Sookoo

Title: Eighth Night

Author: Sandra Sookoo

Publisher: Liquid Silver Publishing

Publication Date: 2010

ISBN: 978-1-59578-768-2

Genre: holiday romance

Length: novella

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Heat Level: sensual

Other: n/a

Reviewer: Brecken Stevens

Date: October 12, 2011

Eli loves his big, Jewish family, but he needs breathing room. Maybe he’s taken too much in recent years, but after years of being smothered, the break has been a relief. Rachel is unhappy with life as a whole, and adding Christmas gives her something to truly focus her discontent on. When Eli invites Rachel into his world of Jewish tradition and family, he thinks he’s being nice to a girl down on her luck, never imagining how well Rachel will fit in, let alone how much he’ll enjoy her company. The two have a lot of differences and Rachel has a lot of baggage. To make a Hanukkah to remember, they’ll have to decide if they want to celebrate together. 

I enjoy Sandra Sookoo’s stories. They’re uplifting and sexy and let love grow. I like the Hanukkah theme and learning a little about the Jewish faith. Rachel’s attitude was such a downer. With so many aspects of faith playing here, I never felt like she got the real meaning of Christmas from a true Christian sense—but then, maybe she didn’t have to. I also felt like there were a lot of stereotypes in the Jewish family, though I enjoyed Eli’s mother and sister very much. Eighth Night is a good holiday story if a reader is looking for something a little different.

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Tail On the Moon by Sandra Sookoo

Title: Tail On the Moon

Author: Sandra Sookoo

Publisher: Lyrical Press

Publication Date: October 17, 2011

ISBN: N/A

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Holiday

Length: 52 pages

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Heat Level: Sweet

Reviewer: TJ

Date: October 7, 2011

Finding herself is harder than she expected.

Rosemary Nickles is stressed out. She has no knack for magic, and lives in Crystal Falls, where that just won't do. It's not easy being a plain old human in a town full of magic makers, especially when her sister is incredibly talented in the paranormal department.

Part-time firefighter, full-time hottie Luke Nolin harbors a secret.

Every month he turns furry and howls at the full moon. Even living and working in Crystal Falls, he's not comfortable being a werewolf. Years earlier he nearly killed someone, so devotes his energy to hiding his inner lycanthrope.

If Luke can learn to embrace his true self, then Rosemary might just discover there is more to her than even she knows about. Their path to true love isn't easy—the town is a mess, the resident witch and order-keeper is gone, and a gang of thugs has taken over Halloween. But
this is Crystal Falls, where through acceptance and love anything is possible...just remember to watch out for things that go bump in the night.

Tail On the Moon is another fantastic paranormal gift from Sandra Sookoo. With her usual style and charm we witness Rosemary’s search for her own magic while Luke tries to protect her from everyone including himself. How can you not go week in the knees for a dark and furry guy with a heart of gold and strong protective instincts? Rosemary is such a determined woman and while my heart ached for her genuine distress over her lack of supernatural skill she did make me giggle out loud a few times. Crystal Falls is such a fabulous place that I want to pack up and move there myself, wonder what kind of mysterious hottie I could end up with? The combination of humor, sarcasm and sexual tension make this one a definite keeper and proves why this author has a spot on my to-read list.

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Cowboys for Christmas by Destiny Blaine

Title: Cowboys for Christmas

Author: Destiny Blaine

Publisher: Aspen Mountain Press

Publication Date: 2010

ISBN: 978-1-60168-383-0

Genre: holiday ménage romance

Length: 85

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Heat Level: erotic

Other: oral, anal, ménage

Reviewer: Brecken Stevens

Date: July 14, 2011, 2011

 Bad weather lead Quinn and Brandon to Julie’ door. Like a page out of one of the romance novels she writes, the two sexy cowboys heat things up despite the power outage. With the help of the two men who don’t stay strangers long, Julie learns old secrets and learns enough about herself to contemplate making her own happily ever after.

Cowboys for Christmas hits all the notes for a wonderful winter story. Quinn and Brandon are different, yet compatible and interesting. Julie is the sort of self reliant yet thoughtful woman that I enjoy reading about because from the start, I wanted her to be happy. A steamy feel-good read for those looking for a holiday ménage story.

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The Positions of Love Book 11: The Arc by J.M. Snyder

Title:  The Positions of Love Book 11: The Arc

Author:  J. M. Snyder

Publisher:  JMS Books

Publication Date:  2008

ISBN:  978-1-61152-083-5

Genre:  Contemporary Erotica Gay Fantasy

Length:  20 pages

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Heat Level: Spicy

Other: Gay sex

Reviewer:  S. K. Fero

Date:  6-12-11

This is another story in The Positions of Love Book series, following the lives of Matt and Vic. I have read most of these stories by now and enjoyed them all. It has been like getting to know friends, learning a little more about these men with each story.

In this story, the two lovers attend a Halloween costume party. Vic has a surprise for Matt that I won’t tell you about. You need to read the story yourself.

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