jjares reviewed Under the Mistletoe (A Timeless Romance Anthology) (Volume 14) on + 3266 more book reviews
Only after purchasing this book did I learn that this was a contemporary anthology. That is not my favorite, but I thought I was okay because three great authors were enclosed: Annette Lyon, Sarah M Eden, and Heather B Moore. Another plus is the fact that these are first-time publications of these short stories.
FORGOTTEN KISSES (Cindy Roland Anderson) -- 3 stars
Talk about a shallow plot! The scene is Hollywood, and costume designer Madison Taylor has a new male lead to dress because the last one was caught in a compromising situation. Of course, it turns out to be her old love interest of two years ago. When he lends Madison one of his cars, the scales come from her eyes, and she realizes Caleb is not her philandering father. Right.
THE LAST CHRISTMAS ( Annette Lyon) -- 2 stars
This one was even worse; Annette Lyon writes about divorce during Christmas. Say it isn't so, Annette! Unbelievable.
TRUTH OR DARE (Julie Bellon) -- 5 stars
Jonah Harrison is home for Christmas after a year's recovery from a lost foot as a war veteran. Accepting his plight is especially hard for this former track star. During a blizzard, Cami Jackson arrives at his door, looking for her dog. They were once great friends, and Jonah soon realizes all is not well with Cami.
This Christmas story will stay with me for a long time.
HOLIDAY BUCKET LIST (Sarah M. Eden) -- G
This story did not speak to me at all.
CHRISTMAS EVERY DAY (Heather B. Moore) -- VG
Monica is buying her boss's business, and telling her boyfriend creates havoc. He's controlling and downgrades Monica at every turn. This story was engaging, but I had a problem with Monica quickly switching from one boyfriend to the next. Fortunately, the author left it open-ended, with no expressed HEA.
FIRST (AND LAST) CHRISTMAS DATE (Jennifer Griffith) -- 1 star
Let me get this straight, Juliet accepted a second date from Tag McClintock after a span of ten years (with no communication in between). The first date was in high school. Sure, I'd sit around for ten years for another date. What a stupid premise for a story. Then Tag blows a gasket because someone likes Juliet's voice and wants to hire her. This story was just plain stupid.
FORGOTTEN KISSES (Cindy Roland Anderson) -- 3 stars
Talk about a shallow plot! The scene is Hollywood, and costume designer Madison Taylor has a new male lead to dress because the last one was caught in a compromising situation. Of course, it turns out to be her old love interest of two years ago. When he lends Madison one of his cars, the scales come from her eyes, and she realizes Caleb is not her philandering father. Right.
THE LAST CHRISTMAS ( Annette Lyon) -- 2 stars
This one was even worse; Annette Lyon writes about divorce during Christmas. Say it isn't so, Annette! Unbelievable.
TRUTH OR DARE (Julie Bellon) -- 5 stars
Jonah Harrison is home for Christmas after a year's recovery from a lost foot as a war veteran. Accepting his plight is especially hard for this former track star. During a blizzard, Cami Jackson arrives at his door, looking for her dog. They were once great friends, and Jonah soon realizes all is not well with Cami.
This Christmas story will stay with me for a long time.
HOLIDAY BUCKET LIST (Sarah M. Eden) -- G
This story did not speak to me at all.
CHRISTMAS EVERY DAY (Heather B. Moore) -- VG
Monica is buying her boss's business, and telling her boyfriend creates havoc. He's controlling and downgrades Monica at every turn. This story was engaging, but I had a problem with Monica quickly switching from one boyfriend to the next. Fortunately, the author left it open-ended, with no expressed HEA.
FIRST (AND LAST) CHRISTMAS DATE (Jennifer Griffith) -- 1 star
Let me get this straight, Juliet accepted a second date from Tag McClintock after a span of ten years (with no communication in between). The first date was in high school. Sure, I'd sit around for ten years for another date. What a stupid premise for a story. Then Tag blows a gasket because someone likes Juliet's voice and wants to hire her. This story was just plain stupid.
