*** 3.5/5 Stars ***
Unsure romance makes for some good holiday stories! This anthology is comprised of three full novels by three different authors. What I personally love about anthologies is the vast array of author talent and story content. Each of the stories, of course, tied into a Christmas theme. The heroine and heroes of each three stories had their baggage, hesitance, and downright lusty story lines. A fun read to get some romance with the holiday spirit.
Here is a low down review of each story:
1. A Tuscan Christmas by Susanne Bellamy: Of the three, this was my favorite. A dark elevator leads to a steamy moment between Verity and her boss Marco. Marco has been pining after Verity and now the family business looks up, up, up... he is shoved into an "up" (mwaha) position to pursue his sweet interest. To add on, the reader should keep their eyes peeled for the voyeur giraffe!
2 A Tropical Christmas by Nicole Flockton: Erika's long term boyfriend has flown the coop and she decides to keep their vacation plans on a tropical resort. Zero in on the sexy, totally jerkish Brandt and her holiday gets a whole lot more interesting. A back and forth of "like you and like you not" plays out in the story, an in a helicopter, until the couple gets their acts together. The banter was fun and there are a lot of smexy scenes for the most lusty readers.
3. A Perfect Christmas by Dilys J. Carnie: Of the three, this book took me a while to get through. It's not a bad story, but a bit guessable. It's still sweet and the HEA one should have during the holidays. Callum and Skye had a young romance that was thwarted by Skye's mother. Rescued by Callum from a sprained ankle and broken down car, Callum and Skye end up rehashing their past romance.
Dilys J. Carnie:
I'm just an everyday kinda girl I have lived on the Island of Anglesey in North Wales for thirty nine years. I have two grown up children Emma is a teacher and Christopher is involved in the family commercial business. I have three sisters; two of them live close by as does my mum.
I live to write, it's what makes me...me!
Susanne Bellamy:
Susanne Bellamy lives in Australia, on the edge of bushland. She loves to write and to travel, and combining her two passions is the best of all worlds. Travel, whether at 'home' or abroad, inspires her heroes and heroines and the settings of her novels. A writer of contemporary romances, Susanne's work finalled in the RWA Emerald Award.
She has celebrated New Year in Nepal and trekked in Vietnam, lived briefly in a Parisian studio and led a school group on an educational tour of West Coast America. She has lived 'out west' in Australia but now lives within striking distance of Australia's beautiful beaches.
Nicole Flockton:
On my very first school report my teacher said 'Nicole likes to tell her own stories'.
It wasn't until after the birth of my daughter and after having fun on the community board of eharlequin.com that I finally decided to take the plunge and write a book.
I joined the fabulous Romance Writers of Australia and eventually linked up with a great group of girls and we formed "WINKGirls" an invaluable critique group.
The stories I write are contemporary romances with either a medical setting or in the boardrooms of high powered business. I enjoy taking two characters and creating unique situations for them.
Apart from writing I'm busy looking after my very own hero - my wonderfully supportive husband, and my two fabulous kids. I also enjoy watching any and all sports and, of course, reading.
