Lynne J. (Doughgirl) reviewed It Must Have Been the Mistletoe...: When She Was Naughty... / Cole for Christmas / A Babe in Toyland (Harlequin Blaze, No 579) on + 138 more book reviews
Really enjoyed this anthology about three sisters from a musical family finding love at Christmastime. This is the kind of anthology I like, where all of the stories are tied together in some way. This anthology managed that well, with both a prologue and epilogue that put the ribbon on this Christmas anthology.
Heather B. (habrewer) reviewed It Must Have Been the Mistletoe...: When She Was Naughty... / Cole for Christmas / A Babe in Toyland (Harlequin Blaze, No 579) on + 43 more book reviews
It Must Have Been the Mistletoe by Kate Hoffman, Rhonda Nelson & Tawny Weber
* I received this ARC free from the author in exchange for an honest review*
When She Was Naughty by Kate Hoffman is set in the mountains during winter when the weather and conditions are unpredictable. Alison Cole has grown up around music and has made it her lifes work. Her focus is on mountain music and its roots. She uncovers some recordings of an early folk singer and sets out to interview her; little did she know that trip would change her life.
Dr. Drew Phillips was born and raised in the mountains. He moved away and worked in the Emergency Room of a big hospital for awhile but felt he was needed at home so he returned to his heritage. He looks after his aunt and is concerned that Alison wants to exploit her.
When a terrible storm hits, Alison is stranded on the mountain and agrees to stay with Drew for the night. The cabin in the storm provides the perfect setting for the romance that occurs. The chemistry between Alison and Drew is obvious from the beginning, even though they both try and deny it.
The story provides the reader with enough history for them to understand the situation but did not overpower them with the past. Its a story not just about love but what you would be willing to sacrifice or give up for the one you love. Overall I liked this story a lot.
Cole for Christmas by Rhonda Nelson is Laylas story. She is the shy one in a family full of musicians. She loves to play her music, as long as its on her terms. She grew up traveling all over the country and all she wants now is to settle down with a place of her own. The request to play a few live concerts would pay off her land but is it worth it to have to battle her stage fright.
Bryant Bishop is the head of security on the tour and he has wanted Layla as long as he can remember but she doesnt want anything to do with him, or so he thinks. Bryant is concerned with Laylas stage fright and comes up with a unique way to deal with it.
The sparks fly between these two but Layla is looking for someone that is grounded and loves the land as much as she does. Shes given up hope of ever finding that special someone but the more time she spends with Bryant the closer to her dream she gets.
This story moved at a much faster pace than the first one in the book because the foundation has already been laid. It was a fun story and I loved seeing Layla grow into herself and her abilities. Her Christmas present to Bryant was one of the best parts of the book.
A Babe in Toyland by Tawny Weber is a modern day version of the Hatfields and McCoys. Rita Mae Cole thinks shes a failure because she has jumped from one job to another. She wants to get her parents something special for Christmas and is afraid shes not going to be able to afford it.
Rita Mae has to ride home with Tyler Ramsey, he cost her to lose her job and ride in one night. Her roommate sends her off with a parting gift to make some extra money along the way. Tyler is intrigued with her box of goodies but also a little shocked that she is able to draw a crowd no matter what town they are in. He is fighting his feelings for Rita because she broke his little brothers heart. He doesnt want to do anything to hurt him further.
During the long ride home, it becomes harder and harder for them to fight the desire running between them. The sexual tension is at an all time high and when they get stranded by the new, it combusts. They are drawn to one another but there is so much history between their families that they dont think it would/could ever work between them.
This story is about overcoming obstacles in your path, forgetting the past and learning to live your life not the life of your family. Tylers gift at the end is very special and heartfelt. I really loved this story (it was my favorite) and enjoyed the softness mixed in with humor.
Overall I give It Must Have Been the Mistletoe 4 Flaming Hearts.
* I received this ARC free from the author in exchange for an honest review*
When She Was Naughty by Kate Hoffman is set in the mountains during winter when the weather and conditions are unpredictable. Alison Cole has grown up around music and has made it her lifes work. Her focus is on mountain music and its roots. She uncovers some recordings of an early folk singer and sets out to interview her; little did she know that trip would change her life.
Dr. Drew Phillips was born and raised in the mountains. He moved away and worked in the Emergency Room of a big hospital for awhile but felt he was needed at home so he returned to his heritage. He looks after his aunt and is concerned that Alison wants to exploit her.
When a terrible storm hits, Alison is stranded on the mountain and agrees to stay with Drew for the night. The cabin in the storm provides the perfect setting for the romance that occurs. The chemistry between Alison and Drew is obvious from the beginning, even though they both try and deny it.
The story provides the reader with enough history for them to understand the situation but did not overpower them with the past. Its a story not just about love but what you would be willing to sacrifice or give up for the one you love. Overall I liked this story a lot.
Cole for Christmas by Rhonda Nelson is Laylas story. She is the shy one in a family full of musicians. She loves to play her music, as long as its on her terms. She grew up traveling all over the country and all she wants now is to settle down with a place of her own. The request to play a few live concerts would pay off her land but is it worth it to have to battle her stage fright.
Bryant Bishop is the head of security on the tour and he has wanted Layla as long as he can remember but she doesnt want anything to do with him, or so he thinks. Bryant is concerned with Laylas stage fright and comes up with a unique way to deal with it.
The sparks fly between these two but Layla is looking for someone that is grounded and loves the land as much as she does. Shes given up hope of ever finding that special someone but the more time she spends with Bryant the closer to her dream she gets.
This story moved at a much faster pace than the first one in the book because the foundation has already been laid. It was a fun story and I loved seeing Layla grow into herself and her abilities. Her Christmas present to Bryant was one of the best parts of the book.
A Babe in Toyland by Tawny Weber is a modern day version of the Hatfields and McCoys. Rita Mae Cole thinks shes a failure because she has jumped from one job to another. She wants to get her parents something special for Christmas and is afraid shes not going to be able to afford it.
Rita Mae has to ride home with Tyler Ramsey, he cost her to lose her job and ride in one night. Her roommate sends her off with a parting gift to make some extra money along the way. Tyler is intrigued with her box of goodies but also a little shocked that she is able to draw a crowd no matter what town they are in. He is fighting his feelings for Rita because she broke his little brothers heart. He doesnt want to do anything to hurt him further.
During the long ride home, it becomes harder and harder for them to fight the desire running between them. The sexual tension is at an all time high and when they get stranded by the new, it combusts. They are drawn to one another but there is so much history between their families that they dont think it would/could ever work between them.
This story is about overcoming obstacles in your path, forgetting the past and learning to live your life not the life of your family. Tylers gift at the end is very special and heartfelt. I really loved this story (it was my favorite) and enjoyed the softness mixed in with humor.
Overall I give It Must Have Been the Mistletoe 4 Flaming Hearts.
