This time, I have The Naughty List (Brava, bought), with holiday stories from Cynthia Eden, Donna Kauffman and Susan Fox, aka Susan Lyons. Kauffman leads things off with 'Naughty But Nice', and Griffin Gallagher about to turn things upside down for bake shop owner Melody Duncastle, who may just return the favor, only in a much better way than the businessman ever expected when he came to the small town to make giant changes. 'All I Want for Christmas' from Eden has toy inventor Christie Tate suffering through the annual company Christmas party when she winds up in Santa's lap. Santa just happens to be her brother's best friend, cop Jonas Kirk, who's wanted Christie for years. And it looks like he's going to finally get his wish, at least temporarily. He may even get forever, but first he has to find out who's trying to hurt her. Fox's 'Tattoos and Mistletoe' has Charlie Coltrane returning to her late aunt's small B&B for the renovations before she can sell the place and return to Canada to open her own tattoo shop. LJ is doing the renovations, and he's been waiting a long time to see Charlie again. But will she stay this time? I didn't love the Kauffman, but she's been hit or miss for me for a long time now. Griffin and Melody are okay, but neither made me fall in love. The Eden is smokin' hot, and Jonas is irresistible. If you pay attention, you'll know who the villain is, but who cares when the romance is this hot? Fox's story is steamy, but a little lacking in believable emotion. Charlie carries a big chip on her shoulder about her treatment in the small town years ago, and it takes her far too long to get over it. LJ is much more patient than Charlie deserves. For the Eden alone, I'm giving this one four of Cupid's five arrows. If you want some quick, light reading, or just a taste of holiday romance, grab this one.
Until next time, happy reading!
