Christmas Getaway
Author(s): Anne Stuart, Tina Leonard, Marion Lennox
Copyright: 2008 (Harlequin); pgs. 282
Series: N/A
Sensuality: Subtle
The stories in this anthology are connected by a main plot. The only author I’ve read before was Anne Stuart. The blurbs on the back are misleading, to say the least.
The overarching plot which connects the story is roughly this: Crooked Boston cop Connor O’Bannion tries to set up fellow police officer, James Fitzpatrick (Claus and Effect) as a fall guy. But Fitz goes on the run and Connor is due in Dallas to marry Molly Broadbent (Candy Canes and Crossfire), the woman he’s been dating for several years and he has now decided he needs to marry if he wants to advance on the force. At the rehearsal dinner, it appears that Molly’s maid of honor, Jean Norville (Caught at Christmas), may have overheard him make some threats. Figuring his cover is blown, Connor fails to show up at his own wedding. He goes to ground for a few days and eventually ends up in Australia at Christmas, hoping to get his hands on the diamonds his cousin, Vincent Devlin, has hidden.
As for the individual stories…
“Claus and Effect” (Anne Stuart)
Dr. Elois “Ellie” Pollard is preparing for her own wedding when James Fitzpatrick kidnaps her at gunpoint, dressed as Santa. Fitz hopes that Ellie can help him clear his name. He observed Ellie at the funeral for Vincent Devlin’s wife, Erica and had wondered if she might know something, anything, that can point the finger at O’Bannion. Unfortunately, Ellie only knew Erica through the woman’s brother, Joe Cartland (Candy Canes and Crossfire), whom she spent time with in a foster home in Australia. Since Ellie doesn’t know anything, Fitz’s only other hope is his first partner, long retired. He may have collected enough dirt on O’Bannion to prove him untrustworthy. But now that Fitz has dragged her into this, Ellie’s in danger, too, and Ellie refuses to leave a patient (Fitz was wounded).
This story was fast paced and the characters were likable. Ellie comes up with a clever way of getting passed a stakeout. Enjoyable read.
“Caught at Christmas” (Tina Leonard)
As stated above, Jean Norville overhears something at the wedding rehearsal. The best man, Connor’s crony, tries to take out Jean. She’s whisked away by Molly’s brother, Sam, to his secluded ranch. Sam’s a former Texas Ranger and he’s tasked with keeping an eye on Jean until Connor is nabbed. Jean isn’t thrilled by this. She rather be home in Boston, surrounded by her Christmas-loving family. Sam, feeling bad — and not knowing how long she’ll have to stay with him — allows Jean to decorate his home and even bake Christmas cookies. Sam himself isn’t much into the holiday and his parent’s bitter marriage has had a profound effect on both Sam and Molly’s views on relationships. Jean’s efforts and her stories about her family finally make him realize what he’s missing. But Jean’s barely there a day when the cops inform them that Connor has left the state, so Jean can go home. Sam elects to drive, wanting to spend time with Jean. And though Connor has gone into hiding, it doesn’t mean the coast is clear.
Of the three stories, I liked this one the best. And I loved Sam. This one isn’t as fast paced as the first, but I thought it moved pretty briskly and I thought the ending was just right — not too sugary.
“Candy Canes and Crossfire” (Marion Lennox)
After the non-wedding, Joe Cartland takes his dead sister’s children back to Australia. But Joe doesn’t know a whole lot about them, since Erica spent most of her time in the United States. Joe’s relieved when Molly arrives unexpectedly. The children — Charlie, Lily, and Zoe — are very fond of Molly and perk up when they see her. But Molly came to the secluded Devlin estate to get away and be alone after being stood up by a man who is not only crooked, but may also be responsible for the deaths of Vincent and Erica. However, she relents and whips them all into the Christmas spirit. But their quiet little holiday is short-lived. Connor is still on the loose.
This one was a bit slower and I didn’t warm up to either lead.
Overall, I enjoyed the book.
Started: 8 December 2008
Finished: 28 December 2008
Rating:
Liked A Lot
The Mistletoe Wager
Author: Christine Merrill
Copyright: 2008 (Harlequin); pgs. 277
Series: Harlequin Historical # 925
Sensuality: Warm
This Christmas romance has two couples, Harry and Elise, the Earl and Countess of Anneslea. Harry and Elise are estranged at the start of the book, but are still very much in love with each other. The other couple is Nicholas Tremaine and Rosalind Morley, two people who haven’t seen each other in years and have every reason to hate each other. Nicholas is Elise’s ex-betrothed and Rosalind is Harry’s half-sister.
The book opens with Harry inviting Nicholas to his Christmas house party. Nicholas is a bit of a humbug about Christmas and initially refuses. Since Harry has an ulterior motive for wanting Tremaine to come, he makes a bet and proceeds to invite all within hearing to his house party. To ensure that Tremaine comes, he sweetens the bet by informing Tremaine that he will divorce Elise, if that’s what she desires.
Harry believes that the reason Elise has been unhappy is due to the fact that she has come to regret breaking her engagement to Tremaine and accepting Harry’s proposal. Harry had hoped that Elise would, over time, come to love him as much as he loves her. He wants her to be happy and if divorcing him will free her to go back to the man she still cares for, then Harry will do it. But not without trying to win her back first by reminding her of all the happy times they had at Christmas. Elise loves the holiday and brought her traditions with her from Germany. Tremaine’s distaste for the trappings of the season are well-known and Harry hopes to use that in his favor.
Once she learns of the bet and promise, Elise talks Tremaine into taking her with him. She’s curious to see who Harry will have standing in as hostess and is afraid that he may have taken a lover. Her argument with Harry revolves around the fact that Harry doesn’t talk to her — really talk to her. He doesn’t confide in her; she doesn’t know his mind. She never knows if he’s angry with her, or upset with the fact that, after five years of marriage, there is still no sign of a child. She even renews her close friendship with Tremaine in the hopes that he would be jealous and tell her that he doesn’t like her giving another man so much of her attention. He just smiles and calmly accepts it. Though Harry’s an affectionate husband — there has never been a lack of interest in their marriage bed — Elise still feels that Harry can’t possibly love her passionately because he didn’t stop her from leaving nor has he demanded that she return to their country home.
For his part, Tremaine doesn’t want to be in the middle of the Anneslea’s marital problems. Though he cares for her, Elise is just his friend, not his lover. Nick knows that the pair really love each other — even if they can’t see it. So, he grits his teeth and willingly plays the would-be-lover, hoping the charade will be short. However, he gets more than he bargains for when they arrive for the party.
Five years ago, Nicholas kissed a young woman he had just met at a Christmas ball. Her strict father demanded that he make an offer for her, but Nicholas was betrothed to Elise and refused. The kiss had been a spur of the moment thing under some mistletoe, as he truthfully told Elise when she learned of it, and he had no intentions of breaking off with her. However, Elise was hurt and angry, so she released him from the engagement. Labeled a rogue for such stupid mistake, Nick has lived his life as one, never settling down. He never knew the name of the young woman, and never saw her again until he arrived at Harry’s house party.
Rosalind has lived unhappily in the country since that incident. She’s turned down suitor after suitor, all who seemed to offer a life no different than the one she lives now. Though she spent only an hour or so in his company, Rosalind had fallen in love with Nicholas and she has never gotten over him. At first, they try to avoid each other, but Rosalind quickly realizes that Nick would make the perfect accomplice in her scheme to get Harry and Elise back together. As much as she loves her brother, and glad for the chance to get away from her father for a spell, Rosalind is not having a happy holiday season. Harry’s haphazard party planning and the servants’ loyalty to Elise have made things difficult for her. If she can successfully reconcile the couple, then hostess duties can be turned over to their rightful owner. Nick will go along with her plans, if it means he can return to London sooner rather than later. But no matter what she does, her efforts end in disaster, no thanks to the couple she is trying to reconcile.
I really enjoyed this book. It was quiet funny at times. The author balances the story between all four characters. Since in Harry and Elise’s problems lie in their inability to communicate without mistaking intent, it was good to have a second couple to read about because misunderstandings like that can make a book frustrating. Rosalind and Nicholas’ conversations are wittier and I liked couple a lot.
Started: 30 November 2008
Finished: 7 December 2008
Rating:
Liked A Lot
by misscz on December 7, 2008
in 4 Stars, Anthology, Christmas, Countdown Challenge, Demons, Lori Devoti, Merline Lovelace, Paranormal Romance, Silhouette Nocturne, Vampires
Holiday With A Vampire II
Author(s): Merline Lovelace; Lori Devoti
Copyright: 2008 (Harlequin); pgs. 273
Series: Silhouette Nocturne #54 – Christmas Anthology
Sensuality: Warm
This anthology features a story by one of my favorite Nocturne authors, Lori Devoti. In a departure from her other Nocturnes, this one is about a vampire, not shape-shifters. Though this is a Christmas anthology, the holiday has very little presence. If you’re looking for a book that’s doesn’t have all the trimmings (carols, gifts, decorating, etc.), then this book is a good choice.
“A Christmas Kiss” by Merline Lovelace
From the Back: Vampire Delilah Wentworth’s hunt for a dentist on Christmas Eve lands her in the arms of Sergeant Brett Cooper, a mortal who gave up on the Christmas spirit, and on love, years ago. Incapable of returning home by herself, Delilah needs Brett’s protection for the night — a night that leaves her aching for a forbidden mortal romance, and leaves Brett questioning whether he has truly given up on love after all.
I really liked Delilah. Born in 1888 to a career military officer, her only goals in life were to marry a dashing lieutenant and have lots of babies. She isn’t a sultry, bad girl vamp; she’s almost ordinary. Delilah only feeds on the willing and only takes what she needs — not a killer nor in the habit of creating more vampires. She’s also compassionate, going — with Brett –to the aid of a young, single mother with a case of food poisoning.
I wish the story had been longer. I thought Brett’s acceptance of Delilah was too quick. I also would have liked to have seen more of Delilah’s sire, Sebastian.
“The Vampire That Stole Christmas” by Lori Devoti
From the Back: On a mission for revenge against his adoptive family, vampire Drystan Hurst needs daemon Aimee Polk to help him put his plan into action. But Drystan doesn’t expect to fall in love with Aimee — especially when it means choosing between her affection and the ultimate family payback he has always dreamed of.
This is a story about two individuals — a vampire and a daemon — who must learn to accept themselves for who and what they are. Drystan has a lot of anger and resentment towards the Myhres. He’s bent on getting revenge and he sees his foster brother’s fiancée, Aimee, as the way to publicly humiliate them. Aimee, a daemon of light, has recently failed to save the life of her most recent charge. She’s decided that it’s best for her not to be one any longer, and will try to do good through Ben, who is politically ambitious. She senses the darkness in Drystan, and her first instinct is to absorb it, but she knows that won’t help him if he doesn’t take the first step.
This story was my favorite and I liked that both characters were supernatural. It made their acceptance of each other smoother. I also liked the twist on vampire mythology.
Started: 20 November 2008
Finished: 27 November 2008
Rating:
Liked A Lot
address
Snowbound
Author: Janice Kay Johnson
Copyright: 2007 (Harlequin); pgs. 276
Series: Harlequin SuperRomance # 1454
Sensuality: Warm
Who: Fiona MacPherson and John Fallon
Where: Cascade Mountains, Oregon
Teacher Fiona MacPherson and eight of her students are returning from an academic competition when they are stranded in the Cascade Mountains by a November snowstorm. The forecasters misjudged the speed of the storm, and Fiona had expected to be home long before it was supposed to start. Fortunately, one of the students recognizes a half-buried sign that marks the road leading to Thunder Mountain Lodge.
The lodge doesn’t have a phone or internet service, the shortwave radio hasn’t been repaired after having coffee spilled on it, and cell phone service in the area is terrible even when the weather is nice. Even so, Fiona is able to make contact with her principle. With no improvement in the weather forecasted for the near future, she and the students are stuck there until the snowplows come.
The innkeeper, John Fallon, isn’t exactly happy to see them. A wounded veteran who isn’t coping with his problems as well as he could be, John bought the lodge for the solitude and fresh air. Since coming back from the war, he doesn’t like being around large crowds. The lodge isn’t large and it isn’t always full of guests, which gives John the peace and solitude he craves. Fiona and her charges disrupt one of those periods of solitude.
John has nightmares and flashbacks of the attack that left him wounded and several other dead, including children. He refuses to talk about the incident and deal with his feelings of guilt. He’s avoided his parents and sisters, and he’s avoided all other emotional involvement. His responsibilities as an innkeeper keeps him busy and physically active, but it’s not enough. On one hand, John’s not addicted to medication or alcohol, or engaging in other self-destructive behavior; but on the other, he’s also not addressing the main issue.
The arrival of Fiona changes everything. Her caring, optimistic personality has John both attracted to, and frightened by, her. He finds himself falling for her, wanting her. John’s amazed to learn that Fiona’s attracted to him, too — but she won’t act on it because of the students. They share a passionate kiss in the laundry room that puts that restraint to the test, but the arrival of snowplows brings them back to reality. For the first time, John is not looking forward to being alone.
Using the computer at the library in the nearby town, John and Fiona keep in touch via email. He eventually asks her to come for Christmas, and she jumps at the chance. Even so, he’s still surprised to see her when she arrives. Fiona has come to find out if they have a future together, because she has fallen in love with him. But something that started out so promising, ends in disaster. John avoids telling her anything meaningful about himself, and won’t tell her about what happen in Iraq. He’s afraid to open up to her — he fears she’d be horrified and reject him. Fiona cares about him, but if he won’t admit to a problem, how can she help him?
I loved this book. It’s emotional, especially the last third of the book. I thought the story unfolded believably, and the characters were likable (the hero is a reader). The story isn’t holiday themed, despite the big red bow on the cover. The book also won the 2008 RITA for Best Contemporary Series Romance.
Started: 12 November 2008
Finished: 19 November 2008
Rating:
LOVED IT !!
Hallowe'en Husbands
Author(s): Lisa Plumley, Denise Lynn, Christine Merrill
Copyright: 2008 (Harlequin); pgs. 281
Series: Harlequin Historical #917 – Halloween Anthology
Sensuality: Varies
I picked up this book primarily for the Christine Merrill short story. I read The Inconvenient Duchess and liked it. I had not read anything by the other two contributors, so this was an opportunity to discover new authors.
“Marriage at Morrow Creek” by Lisa Plumley (Western)
From the Back: The only thing Rose Tillson ever wanted was a life of travel beneath the Western stars — and to marry secret sweetheart Will Gavigan! All Rose needs is a small dose of Hallow’en magic to make Will realize she’s the girl of his dreams.
I did not finish this story. Western-set historicals are not something I usually read, but I figured a short story would be something I could handle. I couldn’t get into the story. If the author writes contemporaries or set in other historical subgenres (Regency, Medieval, etc.), I would be interested in trying something else from her.
“Wedding at Warehaven” by Denise Lynn (Medieval)
From the Back: When Brigit of Warehaven casts a simple spell to reveal her true love’s identity, she never expects to wed him that same night! But until the mischievous trickeries of All Hallow’s Eve are over, Randall FitzHenry cannot truly claim his bride’s heart.
I liked this story very much. The ways of society in those days — when a king could order two strangers to wed regardless of their personal preferences — worked well in a short story and made the relationship believable. Brigit and Randall are likable characters. Brigit is very mature and tries to do right by her people in her father’s absence, and Randall respects that. Because of the loyalty between her and her people, Randall treads carefully in his dealings with both. Randall is a decent guy. He came to Warehaven, on the king’s orders, to seize control of the keep and get to the bottom of the rumors that certain pagan practices have been reinstated. He’s also a fair man. When Brigit’s brothers-in-law refuse to tell him where the lord disappeared to, Randall locks them up in their chambers — with their wives — instead of tossing them in a cell. He’s not interested in using violence, unless it becomes absolutely necessary, to get the answers he seeks. As he tells Brigit later, “I do not kill for the sake of killing. I do not murder innocent men.”
“Master of Penlowen” by Christine Merrill (Regency)
From the Back: Arabella Scott cannot decide whether she’s been saved or abducted when she is rescued from highwaymen by a darkly brooding stranger. In his eerily cold, dilapidated home, she has no choice but to trust her cavalry officer rescuer.
I really enjoyed this story. It was darker and creepier than the others. Lieutenant Richard Acherton, Arabella’s rescuer, is obsessed with solving the mystery — and finding the hidden treasure — of Penlowen, his ancestral home. The quest has driven the Achertons to insanity and suicide, and Richard is determined that the curse ends with him — he either solves it or dies trying, leaving no heir. He wants a home and a family, but without the treasure, he can’t afford to support a wife and children. Even driven as he is, Richard hasn’t failed to notice Arabella. He finds her to be quiet lovely and is impressed with the fact that she didn’t swoon or go into hysterics when confronted by highwaymen. For her part, Arabella is a little afraid of Richard — thinks he’s mad as a hatter, except she can’t deny what she experienced first-hand. Both of them are alone in the world, with little to look forward to — Richard, genteel poverty; Arabella, a paid companion with no life of her own. Success will mean they can have a life of their own choosing — Richard promises Arabella half of the treasure, if she will help him. And since this is a romance, you know they’re going to end up together anyway.
Started: 22 October 2008
Finished: 1 November 2008
Rating:
Enjoyed it!
