Unwrapped is an anthology with contemporary Christmas stories by authors Erin McCarthy, Donna Kauffman and Kate Angell.
Blue Christmas by Erin McCarthy
In Blue Christmas, Erin McCarthy sets her story in Kentucky. While on her way to Florida and a Christmas cruise in the Caribbean, Blue Farrow hits a blizzard and another car while driving through a Kentucky highway. Luckily she collides with Christian Dawes, a hunky gentleman and a Santa in the making. They wind up spending an unforgettable night at the No Tell Motel unwrapping each other for Christmas.
I loved this novella by McCarthy. Blue is a bit of a Scrooge trying to get away from all the holiday craziness, but she can't resist the charming Christian. He's not just hunky, but a fun, funny and charming man who loves Christmas and is on his way home to see his family. This is a novella, but both Blue and Christian get to know each other as they spend a night they'll never forget and by the end the reader gets the sense that these two will be enjoying each other's company for a long time to come. A hot and wonderful Christmas novella.
Santa in a Kilt by Donna Kauffman
Donna Kauffman sets her Christmas novella in the isle of Kinloch, Scotland. Shay Callaghan has been in love with Kira McLeod for a long time, but he's not the type of man who can give a woman forever. Kira is the forever kind of woman. Kira has her eye on Shay and after her best friend's wedding decides that she's going to make a move. Soon the two are having a hot affair, but will Shay realize that he's also the forever kind?
I liked Santa in Kilt, although it seems to be part of a series with other characters making appearances and an impact in the story. Shay and Kira's relationship is quite sexy and the fact that they've known each other for a long time helps with the development. However, as I said above there is a sense that this story is part of a series and at times I felt a bit lost while reading it -- as if I were missing something. The Christmas holidays are depicted in a subtle and meaningful way.
Snow Angel by Kate Angell
Allie meets Aiden on the ski slopes during a Christmas vacation and the two of them have a hot and torrid Christmas Eve together. It's an unforgettable night for Aiden, but before morning comes Allie leaves without a trace. Three years later Allie walks into Dutton's department store on Christmas Eve to purchase gifts for her sisters while a blizzard is raging throughout Chicago and when power is lost she has to wait it out with none other than Aiden! She has a lot to explain and he has secrets to reveal.
Snow Angel is the most romantic of the three stories with a man who could not forget a woman he met three years before. I really like Aiden's yearning for Allie and the tribute to his feelings for her is quite beautiful. Allie is a bit tough at times, although she also comes through in the end. Snow Angel is an enjoyable read full of Christmas details.
Overall Unwrapped hits the spot if you're looking for sexy contemporary romance stories set during the holidays. All three stories are engaging with sexy couples, interesting circumstances and wonderful settings.
Category: Contemporary Romance - Holidays
Series: None
Publisher/Release Date: Brava/ October 1, 2011
Source: Kensington Publishing
Grade: B
This sounds entirely too cute! I need to read this, I'm just getting my xmas mood on and this definitely sounds good!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great Christmas anthology :) I'm really looking forward to it, because I'm a fan of Ms Angell :) Thanks for the review, Hils!
ReplyDeleteAlex this is really cute. I really loved the McCarthy novella (too cute for words!), but the whole anthology is good. :)
ReplyDeleteNath, I enjoyed the book as a whole. It's a solid anthology. My favorite was the McCarthy, but I think you'll enjoy the Angell. *g*
Hils, you're killing me with these holiday books. LOL Yet another one I want to read.
ReplyDeleteI better start reading from my holiday tbr pile Yes, I now have a special tbr pile just for the holidays. :)
LOL Leslie!! This is another one I enjoyed. It's only three, right? *g*
ReplyDeleteSeriously, I know what you mean. I'll be reading a few more in December myself.
Unwrapped is a mix of stories which are sweet and romantic. They left me wanting my own holiday romance. I really enjoyed reading this anthology and will be keeping it on my shelf.
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