Romancing Christmas: 10 Love Stories To Spice Up The Holidays

Do you like your Christmas naughty or nice? From talking cats to hairless dogs, dashing doctors to scarred veterans, this boxed set from 10 of today's hottest romance authors will warm your heart even on the coldest night! 

Broken Protocols 3.5 by Dale Mayer, USA Today Bestselling Author

Dani and Charmin, her talking cat, were brought 200 years into the future to a world without Christmas. Nostalgic for holiday cheer, Dani yearns to celebrate, and Levi, her hunky future lover is just the guy to make it happen. How can he create Christmas in a world that no longer knows what a holiday is?

Shades of Holly by H. D. Thomson 

Murder with Mistletoe.

Enter Zach Howard, a man who's finally managed to get his life on track this holiday season, until that is, he comes across a pair of otherworldly sunglasses. They reveal scenes of a terrifying future. Holly, the one woman he's never stopped loving, is in danger of a psychopath. Zach's determined to fight for Holly, even at the risk of his own life. Do Christmas miracles and angels still exist?

Season For Love by Chantel Rhondeau

The specter of death tempered by beautiful miracles is all in a day's work for head nurse Tess Riggs and pediatric specialist Dr. Dash Brisson. But discovering Christmas is the season for love could be their biggest challenge yet.

Christmas Hope (2013 Golden Heart finalist) by Leslie Lynch 

Sam Bledsoe can barely keep food on the table, as well as his badly scarred face away from curious eyes. Free spirit Becca Sweet is pregnant--and down on her luck. With Christmas and a storm on the way, living in her car is no longer an option. Sam comes to Becca's rescue, but will hope lead to love, the most precious Christmas gift of all?

A Christmas Miracle (a 2014 Carolyn Reader's Choice winner) by Sandy Loyd

Megan Jenkins isn't looking forward to Christmas, a holiday that reminds her of what she had and lost, a husband who died right after Christmas, leaving her with a fatherless son to raise. On Christmas Eve, Megan experiences her own Christmas Miracle as she learns the true meaning of giving with the help of Kevin Murdock, a long-time friend who's always been there for her.

The Salty Carmel Christmas by Barbara Lohr

Nothing ever changes for Rachel Morgan in Paris, Indiana. But when she returns home for Christmas, a kiss from a soft-spoken guy with killer blue eyes makes her take a second look. Sometimes life can be like a salty Christmas carmel--sweet but with a tang you remember. Sometimes the boy you leave behind is the man you want forever.

Heating Up the Holidays by Marcia James

When Chris Spencer returns home with his daughter, he's not looking for a second chance with his first love. And the last thing Nicky Paxton needs at Christmas time is her high school heart-breaker. But thanks to a hairless dog and a lonely child, they might get their Christmas desires.

Insanity Claus by Carolyn Hughey

A widow of two years, Mallory Gardner is struggling to keep her business alive and her dysfunctional family together. Having two daughters, one who blames Mallory for her father's death is enough to test anyone's sanity. But when Arden J. Miller waltzes into town, he has other ideas--like capturing Mallory's heart. Will the holiday spirit sweep Mallory away and solve the unsolvable?

A Family for Christmas by Tallulah Grace

Erin Matthews returns home to find closure, but she soon discovers truths that change her life forever. Luke Simmons never expected to meet a woman who sparks fire in his soul, even as his heart is breaking. Together, they find healing, and the true spirit of Christmas, in the love of a patchwork family.

A Father for Christmas by Rachelle Ayala

Single mother Kelly Kennedy can't afford lavish gifts for her four-year-old daughter, Bree. Homeless veteran Tyler Manning doesn't believe he deserves a Merry Christmas. When Bree asks Santa for a father and picks Tyler, both Tyler and Kelly must believe in the power of love to give Bree her best Christmas ever.

MY OPINION

Over all the stories are good. They have a really good holiday vibe that we all look for around this time of year.
This is the kind of box set that you just settle down with a BIG cup of hot chocolate and enjoy.

Now, honestly these stories are not without faults. There are detail issues that annoyed me, but I'm a picky reader, so they might not bother some. I have issues with keeping in line on your story telling. All details should be on spot. If you say someone is one age then they should be doing or saying stuff related to that age. Same goes with back tracking, don't say someone is one age, then change it. Annoying!!!  I did say I'm a picky reader...Straight up!!!

So, lets change to some good parts... ROMANCE!!!

Yes this book had it. It was sweet and YES...even sometime VERY UNBELIEVABLE, but it was there.

This is a holiday book it's supposed to make you feel all giddy inside. Make you wonder if maybe things could happen.

Honestly, this is a book that's totally up to you if you want to read. As some of the 10 stories were right on and then the others I won't comment.

  

Vampire Addiction: The Vampires of Athens, Book One Cover Revealed with $50 Rafflecopter Giveaway!

When seventeen-year-old Gertrude Morgan from New York City is sent to study abroad in Athens, she unearths unfathomable secrets and unwittingly becomes a catalyst to a vampire uprising led by Dionysus, against the gods of Mount Olympus.

Seventeen-year-old Gertrude Morgan, the only child of one of the wealthiest couples in America, is shipped away from her home in New York City to the American school in Athens against her will. Her parents just want to get rid of her, and she knows it. Although she has no friends (her private schoolmates all seem fake), she sees no point in making any new ones on her trip, since she'll only be visiting for one school year. Despite her efforts to remain aloof and in the world of her books, she falls in love with her boisterous and affectionate host family, as they do her. 

But the city of Athens has secrets. 

Her host family calls them "tramps." In Greek, they are called vrykolakas, or "vryks," which sometimes gets translated to "freaks." They are the vampires of Athens, created centuries ago by the Maenads. They live in caves beneath the acropolis without economic resources and according to rules imposed on them by the Olympians. First and foremost, they are forbidden from turning humans into vampires. The human will not turn unless all of the blood is drained, so a vampire is allowed to drink up to one pint per month from a willing mortal. Some mortals are willing because a vampire bite will infect the body for six hours, and during that time, the mortal has the powers of the vampire: flight, invisibility, strength, speed, x-ray vision, and mind control. Such great power can become irresistible, though dangerous and addicting to mortals... 

As Gertie uncovers the unfathomable secrets of this ancient city, she is drawn to the beauty and deep thoughts of a boy she first met on the bus into Athens--Jeno. Her host family and another boy she later learns is a demigod warn her to stay away from him, but her curiosity gets the best of her and she unwittingly becomes a catalyst in an uprising led by Dionysus, the god of wine and lord of the vampires.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I write fiction for teens and adults and teach writing and literature at a university in San Antonio, where I live with my husband, three kids, and two dogs. I'm also an avid reader. I've always said I never want to give up reading for writing or vice versa. I want to do both. My favorite authors are J.K. Rowling, Tracy Chevalier, Ann Patchett, Suzanne Collins, Barbara Kingsolver, Cassandra Clare, and Stephanie Meyer. I have too many to name, but those are a handful of them.

I love to interact with readers and have recently added features to my website at http://www.evapohler.com with this in mind. If you email me your art and/or stories based on The Gatekeeper's Saga, or on Greek mythology in general, I will post them on my website for others to enjoy. You will also fins a short video on the Olympians and a fun Jeopardy Game to test your knowledge. If you enjoy quizzes, you can download a free app to test your knowledge of The Gatekeeper's Saga.

Thanks for taking the time to read about me and my writing!

Amazon   Website   Facebook   Twitter   Pinterest   LinkedIn

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If you subscribe to The Pohler Express: The Official Newsletter for Eva Pohler Books, you will receive a coupon code for a FREE copy. The newsletter will go out on Christmas Eve, so be sure to get your coupon code and order your free book between then and New Year's Day, the day the book releases. The link to subscribe is in the rafflecopter giveaway below and is worth five entries! The winner of the $50 Amazon gift card will be announced at the Facebook Cover Reveal Party on Thursday, December 11th. Join the party here!

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Disfigured Love By Georgia Le Carre ~Release & Giveaway~

Disfigured Love

AN EROTIC ROMANCE

(18+ due to mature themes and sexual content)

Blurb/Synopsis:

Once unmasked, can beauty love the beast?

My name is Lena Seagull. I should still be in school, hanging out with friends, meeting boys, falling in love—just like you. But on my eighteenth birthday my father sold me. Now, those are yesterday’s dreams.

My home is a remote castle. And the man who owns me? I have never seen him.

Guy Hawk keeps his face hidden under a mask. At first, I knew only fear, but now his voice and touch make me unashamedly want him. Each night, his hired help blindfolds me, and takes me to his room. He whispers that I am beautiful and we have sex. It is wild and exciting, but when I awaken he is always gone. 

He and his castle hold dark secrets that I must unravel, but what he fears most—being unmasked—is my deepest desire.

Will either of us survive the consequences of my desire? 

Disfigured Love is a full-length standalone novel.

BUY YOUR COPY NOW

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Author Bio

Georgia Le Carre lives in England, in an old 19th century romantic cottage surrounded by a magical garden filled with fruit and walnut trees. 

When she is not feeding words into her laptop, she is either curled up in bed with a box of chocolates and a good read, or lost in a long walk in the woods. Especially on moonlit nights.  And often with the man of her dreams.

Links

Facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/georgia.lecarre

Twitter -  https://twitter.com/GeorgiaLeCarre

Goodreads : https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22850722-masquerade

Email Add:  georgialecarre@gmail.com

GIVEAWAY

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Possession By Annie Oldham

Young Adult Paranormal

Date Published: October 31, 2014

   

Constance Jerome wants nothing more than to make it through her senior year of high school without being noticed. But when her mother drops the world's biggest bombshell, flying under the radar just isn't in the cards. It turns out Constance is a necromancer—one of the few who can travel the realms of the dead.

Apparently it runs in the family. And now there's a threat coming: another necromancer with plans to disturb the living and the dead, and Constance and her mother are the only ones who can stop him. If only they knew who he was. Or what exactly he was up to. A quiet senior year isn't an option, and Constance must race to stop a high school apocalypse before the balance between the living and the dead is overturned.

About the Author

Annie Oldham

Annie adores writing and reading YA novels. She grew up with an insatiable desire to read and then came the insatiable desire to write. Annie has been blessed to have both of those in her life.

Away from her writing, Annie is the mother of the most adorable girls in the world, has the best husband in the world, and lives in the hottest place in the world (not really, but Phoenix sure feels like it). She loves to cook, sing, and play the piano.

Website: http://www.annieoldham.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/annieoldhambooks

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/annie_oldham

Blog: http://www.annieoldham.com/index.html

Guest POST

Writing Clean

 So if you have read any of my other novels, you'll notice a trend. No, not that there's fantasy or dystopian settings or anything like that. (Yes, those are there; and no, I don't have plans to write anything realistic any time soon!) The trend is this: I write “clean” fiction. As in, no bad language and no sex.

I'm a mother, and so I'm sensitive to things like that. No, my girls won't be reading YA fiction any time soon, though my seven-year-old is a book worm (yes, I'm very proud she takes after me!) and it's a struggle to keep her book box stocked. But when my children are teenagers, and they are reading these kinds of books, I know I would rather have them read something clean.

Many of my other mother friends have the same dilemma—they'd like something for their teenagers to read that they don't have to worry about as being inappropriate. Sure, there are kids who talk like that, but not all of them do, and not all of them want to read it. Sure, kids that age have sex, but many of them don't, and many of them don't want to read about it.

My books are about normal teenagers (well, you know, as normal as you can be when facing a dystopian corrupt government or finding out you're a necromancer) and they go about their daily lives and face the challenges that are thrown their way with aplomb. And no swearing and no it's-the-end-of-the-world risque activities. It's amazing how it's kind of a novel (hehe, pun intended) concept.

All I want is to write something that I'll be proud to have my girls read when they're older; all I want is to write something that if a parent asks me, “Is it okay for my twelve year old to read this?” I can say without hesitation, “Yes!” Our kids deserve to be treated with respect, and this is one way to do it.

Immortality Stolen by Shannon Bell ~Review and Giveaway~

Dylan is still the mortal one and now she is on her way to Paris to deal with Olivier as well as zombies that are out on the streets. She is away from Nico as she learns what it means to be a truthseeker. Olivier is happy to share his knowledge with her, though that’s not the only thing he wants to share.

Can she make it back into Nico’s arms with her dignity intact? Can she handle the stress of being the mortal one and help lay the zombies to rest?

My Opinion

 **I have to say straight up I don't like ZOMBIES, but I dealt with them only because I love these Vampires!!!**

I love where this book picks up. Since it's the second in the series (still can be read as a stand alone), we get caught up on on what really happened when Henri was murdered in Paris!
It takes a whole heck of a lot to kill a hot vamp, but it appears that Oliver really didn't do it.

Oliver, for those of you that read the first book is the crazy Paris vamp that wants Dylan for his own and still wants her in this book. Yes, even after reading this book I have mixed feelings for Oliver, I still think something is evil about that vamp. I'd still take him to my bed, but I wouldn't trust him!!!!! Any vamp wanting more power than what he's got has to have something going on. OMG!!!! I almost forgot the way he became a vamp!!! WTH!!! That alone says something isn't quite right with his way of thinking. Though, I will give him credit when it comes to Dylan, if something is wrong with her, he's there for her.

It might just be me, but Dylan got on my nerves in parts of this book! I swear she was really acting like a two year old in some parts.  I swear she was down right a brat at some points.Some of those things were important and Nico should have been told, you are his wife after all. Act like it already!

I wish there was more Nico in this book. Yeah I know...I love my hot vamps just as much as the next girl. Really Dylan was totally playing jet setter in this book. She toured more with Oliver than Nico and I swear I missed him so much!! I was actually quite surprised that she was allowed so much time apart.

Over all the story on a whole rocked it! Oliver's greed got his butt in trouble (Zombies roaming Paris...BAD) and he had to crawl to Costin and Nico for help....PRICELESS!!! Then the battle over Dylan between Nico and Oliver....LOVE it.
I honestly can't wait to see what happens in the next book !!!

About the Author!!

Shannon Bell, a freelance writer in Riverview, Florida. Don’t let the location fool you –She's written for clients all over the world. She is married and has a daughter that keeps her laughing or pulling her hair out, depending on her mood.

She has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida in English with a concentration in Creative Writing. She is also a member of the Florida Writer’s Association, where she serves on the marketing committee.

She attends a variety of different writer’s conferences throughout the state annually, where she hones her writing and editing skills.  Writing is her life, her passion and her hobby. To say the least, she loves to write. When she is not writing, she  usually has a camera or book in her hand. That, or she's out with the fam!

Connect with Shannon

Website    Twitter   Facebook

Giveaway

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StyleWriter 4 Review

StyleWriter is the best editing and proofreading software on the market. Designed by professional proofreaders, editors and experts in plain English, StyleWriter brings together the techniques used by the best writers to help you write in a clear, concise and readable style. All other proofreading and editing software aids are usually just overpriced spelling and grammar checkers and little more than what you already have in Microsoft Word.

StyleWriter’s different. It shows 

you how to work like a professional 

editor. StyleWriter will show you 

how to simplify, cut and rewrite.

It shows you how to run the 

editor’s pen through your draft to 

produce a shorter, clearer and more 

readable style.

My Opinion

I thought this would be the prefect thing to review on my blog. As I review lots of books, I figured why not an editing program. 

As a writer myself I was surprised at how "wordy" this program loved to call me. Then again I like to run my mouth in real life, why the heck not in my writing. Though I will say it also like to tell me to use glue words or suggest taking out words. Sometimes I would and sometimes I just look at the screen like it was a two headed monster. It really all depended on my mood. I really love the face that it did get really big errors. Ones I must have been sleeping through or just forgot my coffee was really empty and I was just writing out my rear.

I totally enjoyed working with this program.

I honestly think some of the authors that can't afford a great editor could use this before making the mistake of publishing a book with horrid errors.

Yes, that does happen, I actually just read a book that had the word "AND" seven times in one sentence!!!!

This program would have totally caught that in a heartbeat!!!!

Here's what one of my reviews looked like...It was 45% wordy!!!!

I recommend everyone to go and give them a try....In fact Stylerwriter is offering everyone on a free 14 day trail........So there's no excuse for not checking them out!!!

Download them here!!!!

www.editorsoftware.com/stylewriter

 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

A Spellbinding Christmas by Chelsea O'Neal

~*Cover Reveal and Release Day*~

A Spellbinding Christmas

by Chelsea O'Neal

Release date November 7, 2014

~*Blurb*~

Can Trinity control her power?

Trinity is headed home to celebrate Christmas with her Gran. She hasn't been back in nearly ten years staying away from the man she has longed for since she was young.  The man who has starred in every one of her fantasies, her Gran's next door neighbor, Travis. As her emotions run high, her inherent magic is let loose.

Can Travis let Trinity in?

Travis never noticed Trinity, but has grown close to her grandmother after the loss of his parents and his uncle. When Trinity comes swirling into the house an attraction flares in him but he fears loosing anyone else in his life.

The more time spent together the attraction grows, so does a new found realization that Trinity has a magic that has captured his heart.

Will this spellbinding Christmas be merry?

*This will be the first Novella in the Scott's Kinfolk Saga, once all four stories are written, they will be available in an omnibus together. *

Purchase Links:
Amazon
Smashwords

About the Author:

Chelsea O’Neal lives in her fantasy world where people can fly, vampires could be real, money is never an issue, and the romantic meeting of your true love is a normal happening.  When not relaxing in Chelsea-ville, she enjoys talking with animals that talk back and taking long walks with her Prince Charming…

Actually Chelsea lives in the United States in Nebraska, where she was born and raised, with her black lab Daisey, who hasn’t spoken actual words, but she is pretty sure Daisey understands her. She is yet to meet her Prince Charming, though she is quite sure he is out there.  Chelsea enjoys working in a library as well as a cosmetologist. She is an avid reader and writing has always been her passion. Chelsea has written two other full length novels and she is working on her next book now.

~*Giveaway*~

Chelsea is giving away 2 ecopies of 

A Spellbinding Christmas

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C.M. Dahl - Hunting Desire ~Review & Giveaway~

Paranormal Romance

Date Published: October 23, 2014

   

Gavin Kincaid and the other Guardians have protected the Shattered City for centuries. But now he faces the one threat even his werewolf strength can't overcome alone: demons are attacking the city from within. His superior calls in elite Hell Hunter Nerine.

Gavin doesn't want outside help. But to his shock, he discovers he wants the beautiful tracker like no other woman he's ever met.

Nerine carries a secret that might just kill her. To protect it, she keeps everyone at arm's length, but her desire for Gavin may make that impossible.

Together, they fight the demons determined to destroy the Shattered City and seize the powerful, mysterious artifacts it holds, until a hidden enemy strikes. Now Nerine must face the demons within her to save Gavin, the city...and the world.

Buy Your Copy

My Opinion

I actually was taken aback by this story. I didn't really plan for what I was reading. I knew I was going to be reading about another shifter couple per se, but never would I thought of this.

Gavin being such a proud werewolf he thinks he’s got everything planned to the “t” in his mind of how life is going to work for him. So, when Demon Hunter Nerine walks in and destroys that way of thinking it’s a bit hard for him (in more ways than one *WINK*).

Nerine is everything Gavin HATES, a demon. He just doesn't know it and so reading how he falls head over tail for her is such a wonderful story. I’m beyond words. At times I do kinda feel bad for the mutt, I mean Nerine could have told him, but she had to protect herself. She was there doing her job after all.

I loved how the story of betrayal by one of their own guardians and the fact that hate reared its evil head played such an interesting place in this story. Yet, in the end they way everyone partner together, AWESOME! 

Our wonderful author gave way for more stories to take place in the realm of Shattered City. Which is great because I can’t wait to see what they do with all the sprouting Vampires!!! 

About our Author

C.M. Dahl has been writing romances since she was eight years old and wrote the story of forbidden love between a stuffed crocodile and a plastic doll in pink magic marker. The crocodile helped the doll cross a dangerous puddle in the backyard and earned the doll's respect. They fell in love after fighting off a legion of green army men.

Her storytelling and her writing tools have grown more sophisticated over the years, but her love for romance has only deepened. She loves writing strong, capable men and women, who have a burning hot attraction between them, learn to respect each other, and fall in love, all while fighting evil and saving the world, of course!

Currently, C.M. writes paranormal romances in the Shattered City series, including Hunting Desire (October 2014), Demon's Dance (November 2014), and Ian & Lilith's story (December 2014). Visit C.M. at her website, www.cmdahl.com, and sign-up for her mailing list to be the first to hear about her new releases here: www.cmdahl.com/mailing-list-sign-up/.

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