Midnight Fantasies by Various

Fairly sub-standard romance anthology
2 Stars

Mystery Lover - Vicki Lewis Thompson
When an unexpected storm hits, rancher Jonas takes shelter in a nearby cave. But he’s not alone and soon finds himself seduced by a mystery lady who refuses to tell him her identity. It’s the best sex of his life so it’s a shame he doesn’t know who it’s with - or does he?

This story was okay but really nothing special. I couldn’t take to B.J. (or her eye-rolly name) as she was just too much of a wimp. Jonas, however, was much worse. He was very proud of his sleeping around and I just had no idea why anyone would want to be with him. Not the best basis for a romance, unfortunately.


After Hours - Stephanie Bond
Michael Pierce has always seen costume shop owner, Rebecca, as a quiet wallflower. But all that changes when he goes over after hours and sees her dressing up as a sexy vampire. Suddenly he wants to know her a whole lot better...

I couldn’t really take to this story, either. Both Michael and Rebecca were just weeks out of very serious relationships and from the get go you could hardly expect either to be in a place to start looking for love again. I also didn’t particularly like the thought that Michael only started to like Rebecca once he’d realised she wasn’t mousy in the looks department.


Show and Tell - Kimberly Raye
When bad boy Dallas Jericho finds a piece of paper left over from a lingerie party that details someone’s fantasy with him, he’s intrigued. But when he finds out he’s been starring in good girl Laney Merriweather’s dreams he just has to show her what she’s been missing.

I liked this story of two people who were at odds with each other but secretly desired each other. It was cute and I especially like bad boy Dallas. As the story went on, however, Laney started to grate on me. She went on and on about keeping her reputation that in the end I wondered if Dallas (another daft name, in my opinion) didn’t deserve someone better.


Overall this wasn’t the best anthology that I have read. None of the stories grabbed my attention and I just couldn’t like a lot of the characters which is key in a romance. I’ll give the book 2 stars because I at least finished it but I didn’t like it and I really can’t recommend it, I’m afraid.

Holiday Hideout by Various

A good set of cosy winter romances
4 Stars

This anthology pulls together three festive stories that all focus around one particular cabin that’s known to bring luck in love for all those who stay there. Perfect for warming up the cold winter evenings.



The Thanksgiving Fix by Vicki Lewis Thompson
Love is the last thing on Beth Davis’ mind when she takes a Thanksgiving break at a friend’s cabin to avoid being set up by her family. That’s until Coinneach “Mac” McFarland comes to fix a suspicious leak in the cabin and she discovers the best things are found when you’re not even looking.

This was a sweet story that worked even with the short time frame of the couple. I liked the setting that was built up in the story and as short stories goes I really enjoyed the story and the romance.


The Christmas Set-Up by Jill Shalvis
Competing architects Zoe and Jason have two weeks to come up with a design to win a coveted project in their architect firm. But when a snowstorm traps the pair in a remote cabin their real desires come to the fore. Will it be a merry Christmas for the pair?

I love a story of a couple that hide desire behind bickering and this one was great. It was funny, sweet and I very much enjoyed it. Would say that this was the best story of the three.


The New Year’s Deal by Julie Kenner
Five years ago Cleo and Josh split up but promised to meet up again for New Year’s Eve in a remote, romantic cabin. Their lives might have changed but the spark of desire is still there and they might just be able to make it work this time.

This was only so-so for me. I easily read it through but didn’t really care for either Josh or Cleo. Josh was a little too spineless when standing up for what he wanted and Cleo seemed a little fickle and lacking emotion. It just didn’t really do it for me, unfortunately.


Overall, this was a fairly enjoyable anthology. It wasn’t overly festive or filled with holiday cheer but you did get the sense of a nice cosy cottage on a dark winter night and that was enough to make my reading experience an enjoyable one. 4 stars.

Merry Christmas, Baby! by Various

Uninspiring Christmas collection
3 stars

Harlequin Blaze always bring out an anthology near to Christmas and this year’s offering has stories from Vicki Lewis Thompson, Jennifer LaBrecque and Rhonda Nelson.


It’s Christmas, Cowboy! by Vicki Lewis Thompson
Lacey Evans expected to spend the holidays holed up in a remote cabin with her fiancé. As it turns out, it’s unexpected blast from the past ranch hand, Tucker Rankin, that’s keeping her warm by the fire this Christmas.

This was a nice tale that definitely felt the most festive of the three stories. Having said that, Lacey seemed slightly fickle in her affections and Tucker wasn’t exactly the ambitious or hard-working type that I would prefer to swoon over. Still a sweet enough tale.



Northern Fantasy by Jennifer LaBrecque
Stockbroker Jared Martin is in Good Riddance, Alaska for his best friend’s wedding when he meets tempting Theodora “Teddy” Monroe. Teddy dreams of life in the big city while all Jared wants is to find a quiet town to call his own. But neither can deny that they each want the other – but for how long?

This story forms part of LaBrecque’s Alaskan Heat series and while other characters appear it does stand alone just fine. I didn’t really get why you would write a series about a small town when all the characters hate it and want to leave. Couple that with the fact that neither Jared nor Teddy were particularly interesting and I didn’t much care for this story. The fact that all the heroines in these stories also appear to have unusual names that shorten into men’s names was the final irritation for me.



He’ll Be Home For Christmas by Rhonda Nelson
Soldier Silas Davenport has decided to come home to surprise his parents for Christmas. But it’s him that gets a surprise when rather than his parents he finds lovely Delphie Moreau at his house and she’s one gift he can’t wait to unwrap.

This was a pleasant enough story even if it was fairly forgettable. I liked Delphie and could empathise with her and Silas was likeable too. It was realistic which is fine but in a Christmas anthology I was looking for something a little more ‘happily ever after’ or even a little cheesy.


All in all this was an average anthology that didn’t really delight and just didn’t feel festive enough or put me in the Christmas mood. Not bad but really not great. 3 stars.

Nerds Like It Hot by Vicki Lewis Thompson

Likeable but far-fetched romance

3 stars

Make-up artist Gillian McCormick’s life just took a turn for the worse when she was the only witness to a mafia murder. Hiding out on a cruise for nerdy singletons sounds like the perfect place to hide, especially since she’s donned a blonde bombshell disguise that’s worlds away from her usual self.

P.I. and bodyguard, Lex Manchester, isn’t too keen on a singles nerd cruise but he is keen on Gillian and the sparks that are flying between the pair. His first mission is to protect Gillian at all costs and it’s only right that he stay very close to her at all times even if that means never letting her go.

This is another of Vicki Lewis Thompson’s Nerd Series although each book stands entirely alone. Having said that, despite this being billed as one of the series and set on a Nerd cruise – neither the hero or heroine were actual nerds or even particularly geeky which made it different from the other books.

This book was entertaining and if you can put aside the sheer implausibility of the plot then it’s an enjoyable read. However, I didn’t think that any of the characters acted the way they should have if they had really been in the situations they found themselves in and the unlikeliness of this started to grate on me after a while.

Both Gillian and Lex were enjoyable characters but there wasn’t really any romance between the pair. I believed in their relationship well enough but didn’t really feel the passion or love that they supposedly had for each other. There was a large cast of supporting characters and while I liked them too, some of them were really only fillers and had little point to the actual storyline.

All in all, this was an fantastical and amusing read but not one of the better Nerd books. 3 stars but still worth a read if it’s sitting on your book shelf.

My Nerdy Valentine by Vicki Lewis Thompson

Fun and entertaining romp

4 Stars

Aspiring psychologist Amanda Rykowsky is focussed on getting her degree and with studying, her internship and her bartending job – she’s got little time for anything else. Men included. But that’s not to say she’s very flattered when she receives an anonymous Valentine… until the messages start getting a little personal and sinister.

Stockbroker and resident nerd William Sloan swears he has nothing to do with the dodgy cards and suspects there’s something a little funny going on. There’s something about the gorgeous Amanda that brings out William’s inner he-man and make him insist on acting as a decoy boyfriend.

A fake relationship with some very real lust – it’s only a matter of time before someone gives into temptation. But with Amanda determined to focus on studying, William has to first dispatch her stalker and then claim her heart.

Oh I love a good nerd and the way Vicki Lewis Thompson writes them makes them so sexy! This is part of her ongoing Nerd series but non of the books are connected so stand completely alone.

Amanda was a lovely heroine as she was determined, realistic but couldn’t help but fall for the charms of the lovely Will. Will himself is the kind of man that any woman would want – very smart, adorably cute but still ridiculously sexy and manly underneath his suit and hat with earflaps! Together the pair have a lot of heat especially since Amanda works with Dr Gloria – the craziest sex therapist in the world.

This is the kind of book you have to suspend reality a little to enjoy. The stalker threat isn’t very pleasant but it’s in keeping with the story and not at all scary – just a little creepy. Plus it gives Will a chance to be all manly which is what any nerd needs. I could have done with a quick epilogue to tie things up at the end but was still satisfied by the happily ever after!

If you want a fun, entertaining romantic romp then you can’t go wrong with this book. 4 stars.

Better Naughty Than Nice

Slightly sizzling Christmas romance

4 stars

Blaze brings together it’s annual collection of short stories to keep you heated during the cold nights through the Christmas season. In this selection, Damon Claus, Santa’s naughty brother, decides to help some people have the ultimate naughty Christmas treats.

NO MISTLETOE REQUIRED – Vicki Lewis Thompson

Ten years ago Riley Kincaid broke Hayden Manchester’s heart but a little Christmas competition could be just the thing needed to get this pair back on track and enjoying every second under the mistletoe.

This was a fun, hot romance with a likeable couple that were likeable and relatable.

HER SECRET SANTA – Jill Shalvis

Ally Dauer is in charge of this year’s toy drive but to her mortification, someone keeps sending her adult toys. Firefighter Eddie Weston is out to convince Ally that maybe the best gifts can be shared this Christmas.

I really enjoyed this story and especially Ally. It was sweet, hot and enjoyable all round.

SNUG IN HIS BED – Rhonda Nelson

Viv Foster hates Christmas. Hank Bailey owns a Christmas tree farm. When they’re forced into each other’s company they realise it’s more than sizzling chemistry they have in common.

This story was a little slow with little excitement. It was fine but nothing special.

Overall this was a nice anthology and one that is worth a read over the Christmas holidays. The stories were all linked by Damon Claus, a storyline that lacked any real direction or purpose but it’s still a fun collection if you love Christmas and like your romance with a bit of heat. 4 stars.

'Tis the Season by Vicki Lewis Thompson

Sweet, old fashioned Christmas romance

4 Stars

Anna Tilford has just bought the perfect rural retreat – a lovely old farmhouse in a small Connecticut town. Using it as a weekend retreat she is delighted by the place as it gives her a peaceful place to get away from her high pressured job as a New York interior designer.

But her peace looks like it’s going to be shattered when her gorgeous neighbour and Christmas tree farmer, Sam Garrison, wins a competition to have one of his trees as the centrepiece for the White House.

The rugged, outdoorsman is delighted by Anna’s move to the area and is even more thrilled when she agrees to help him decorate each and every room in his house for the cameras – starting with the bedroom!

This was a short and sweet festive tale with opposites attracting in city girl, Anna, and outdoorsy, country boy, Sam. Both characters were relatable, fun and had some lovely teasing banter. Unlike other of Vicki Lewis Thompson’s books, this one was not heavy on the sex and raunchiness. There was sex but it was more of a sweet, slow-burning kind of chemistry between Anna and Sam.

The Christmas theme ran throughout but was subtle enough to make you think of a good, old-fashioned and rustic Christmas time. The snowy, small town was perfect and made me want to visit.

My only problem was that I felt the ending (despite being the traditional happily ever after) could have been written a little better so as to wrap up all the loose ends.

Having said that, it’s still a fun, festive and really enjoyable, quick read for the dark cold nights in the run up to Christmas. 4 stars.

My Secret Admirer

Disappointing Valentine’s Anthology

2 stars

Dangerous Lover – Anne Stuart

When Emma O’Bannion decides to cheer up Luc, Dubois, her mysterious French neighbour, with a little Valentine’s Day surprise – she doesn’t realise that it will put her into such hot water that her heart may never beat normally again.

I’ll have to admit that I don’t think I’ve ever read a story as bad as this one. Emma has 2 boyfriends (don’t get me started!), a great job and a lovely flat and yet she moans all the time. Luc is depicted as a long haired, skulking Frenchman that dresses all in black (complete with bomber jacket) and breaks into the heroine’s flat to go through her underwear – certainly not anyone I would fantasise about! And after Emma is attacked, threatened with death, drugged, kidnapped, tied to a bed in a rundown farmhouse – the first thing she thinks is that Luc (who did all these things to her) could do with a shave which would make him even more attractive! Absolute rubbish – words cannot express how bad this story was.

Once Upon A Mattress – Vicki Lewis Thompson

Amelia Townsend’s Bedroom Fantasies shop is a tremendous hit – even if her love life is at a major low. But being the boss isn’t all it’s cracked up to be as she can’t be seen to favour any of the employees – but especially not delicious Will Murdoch – a man that makes her go weak at the knees. And now, just before Valentine’s Day he shows her some attention… and asks her for her advice on how to pursue another woman!

A very cute story from Vicki Lewis Thompson about two people who feel they are all wrong for each other but can’t help want what they shouldn’t have. Will and Amelia are both lovely characters and the chemistry is sparkling. A very sweet and enjoyable tale.

Special Deliveries – Marisa Carroll

Nine year old Dani Jenson and her little sister think that new girl in town, Christy would make the perfect Valentine for their Dad, Del. So they set about trying to get the pair together by sending Christy some secret admirer notes. Christy and Dell were once the love of each other’s life until one fateful Valentine’s Day ten years ago cahgned everything. But now Christy is back in town and she’s getting some rather odd love notes – but rather than sending her into Del’s arms, it sends her running to the police!

This was an okay story – not very exciting but not very offensive either. The main characters were real enough but lacked any depth or chemistry which made their romantic reunion quite unrealistic and abrupt. Readable and sweet but nothing special – you could afford to miss this story.

Overall, I have to say that I really can’t recommend this anthology. I enjoyed Vicki Lewis Thompson’s story and the third story was fine but not worth shelling out for. And the Anne Stuart story was just so bad that it really drags down the whole book. There are plenty of other excellent anthologies out there so if you’re looking for fun, quick romantic reads then you are sure to find something else more suitable. Only 2 stars.

Santa in a Stetson by Vicki Lewis Thompson

Sweet Christmas romance

5 Stars

Jo Cassidy was trying to get over a faithless ex when sexy cowboy Russ Gibson walked into her life and took her mind right off anything but him. After a hot night he’d loved every inch of her – and then walked out.

Determined not to let the same thing happen again, Jo slipped a ring on her finger and invented a husband so the next time Russ came by she would be unavailable.

But then Russ turned up on Christmas Eve needing help and Jo’s resolve melted. But there was now one problem – no matter how much Jo insisted, Russ still believed she was someone else’s wife.

This book is another winner from Vicki Lewis Thompson and it really manages to capture the Christmas spirit that many other festive books fail to deliver.

Jo is a nice ordinary girl who is trying to make her own way, while Russ is the ever delicious tortured hero with a heart of gold. The pair are an excellent couple and their interactions both sexy and sweet. You also totally believed in their love despite such a short time passing.

And I absolutely adored the Christmas theme of the book. It gives you that warm festive glow as you read about how Russ and Jo help the people of the town by delivering Christmas gifts.

This is definitely a book to read on a long dark night as you snuggle up in front of a roaring fire. Highly recommended.

Operation Gigolo by Vicki Lewis Thompson

Funny, fast-paced romance

5 stars

To stop her parents from filing for divorce - Lynn decides to get them together by giving them a common goal. And that goal is to split Lynn up from her hell-raising new boyfriend. But now she just needs to find someone to play the part.

Fellow lawyer Tony Russo is much more GQ then Hell's Angels and he's reluctant to help Lynn in his schemes. But after his transformation he looks like just the kind of tattooed, leather wearing bad boy that Lynn's parents will unite to remove from her life.

But with his irresistible new look and devastating kisses, Lynn keeps forgetting that it's all just an act...

Vicki Lewis Thompson has once again delivered a funny and fresh romance that doesn't disappoint. Both Lynn and Tony are really enjoyable characters and I enjoyed Tony's portrayal of the bad boy and the fact that he was honest about his feelings from the start. And Lynn's parents were hilarious, even managing to upstage the main couple on occasion. The book isn't filled with sex and concentrates much more on the fun and romance then many other books by Vicki Lewis Thompson. However, it's still a fun, enjoyable, page-turner of a book that I'm sure that you will enjoy.

Reading Between the Lines

Two excellent, fun short stories

5 stars

Mr Valentine - Vicki Lewis Thompson

Nobody knows that hot romance author Candy Valentine is really the rugged, masculine Jack Killigan - even his publisher. So when `Candy' is needed to promote the book, Jack convinces his best friend Krysta to pretend to be her for the week. Krysta has never seen Jack as anything more than a friend but after reading his book - she has to wonder whether Jack can make love as well as he writes it?

Vicki Lewis Thompson's story is very good (even if it did really remind me of the film Paperback Hero with Hugh Jackman!). Both Jack and Krysta are fun, interesting characters and they are well suited despite all their differences. The story is cute if slightly unbelievable but it's nice to suspend reality and just enjoy.

Thrill Me - Leslie Kelly

Sophie Winchester is an all-American, normal small town girl - except when she's writing best selling gruesome horror novels as R.F. Colt. No-one knows of Sophie's double life and that's the way she likes it. So when notes for her latest novel land on the desk of the new, very sexy police chief Daniel Fletcher he's convinced that someone is out to murder her. She really should tell Daniel that she isn't in any danger but it's so much more fun having Daniel protect her - day and night.

I am a huge fan of Leslie Kelly's and Thrill Me was just as good as some of her longer novels. Sophie is an excellent character - stifled by her small town reputation while also using it as a shield. Daniel is the big city cop who has just moved to the small town and he's just delicious. I loved both of them. The story is funny, fast paced and very sexy.

One of the good things about this book is that it only contains two stories so each is a decent enough length so you don't feel cheated or rushed.

If you like fun, interesting contemporary romance then this book is definitely for you. It is by far one of the better short story books out there and one I would highly recommend.

After Hours by Vicki Lewis Thompson

Hot and sexy Blaze romance
5 stars

Eileen Connolly is a sensible, level-headed lawyer who is nearly ready to settle down with her sensible, yet quite dull boyfriend. But recently she's had the most reckless craving for sex with a complete stranger. She promises herself just one night of passion and then she'll be ready to begin her new respectable, predictable life.

When Shane Nichols shows up at Eileen's office after hours to fix the phones, he looks good enough to eat - and good enough to be the one night fantasy guy that Eileen has promised herself. But suddenly one night doesn't seem nearly long enough to satisfy all Eileen's desires and fantasies...


This book is another winner for Vicki Lewis Thompson and it really lives up to the Blaze motto of being a scorching hot sexy read.

Eileen is a strong, driven character yet has enough insecurities and fears to make her believable and likeable. Shane is your typical hero - strong, sexy and absolutely delicious. What sets him apart from other heroes is that he has no problem admitting his feelings, at least to himself, which is quite refreshing.

The story is fairly uncomplicated yet the author didn't use predictable plot lines or conflict which she could have done. It is essentially a fun, light story.

And the book didn't disappoint with the sex scenes either. The book focuses on the fantasies of Eileen and Shane as they explore them with each other. These fantasies aren't particularly kinky but they were wonderfully hot. And there were plenty of them for such a short book. The chemistry jumps off the pages making everything come alive. Definitely one of the hottest Blaze books I've read in a while.

If you're a fan of Blaze romances, a fan of Vicki Lewis Thompson or just on the look out for a steamy read to pass a couple of hours - you really can't go wrong with this book. Highly recommended.

Gone With the Nerd by Vicki Lewis Thompson

Fantastic, fun romance
5 stars

I am currently reading my way through all Vicki Lewis Thompson’s Nerd books and this one, like all the rest so far, has definitely made me into a girl who loves nerds!

This book is about Zoe Tarleton - a movie star who is ready to gain some respect in the industry by taking on a new challenge - the role of a nerdy, plain character in a new film. And to get some input for this role she asks her very nerdy lawyer Flynn Granger to coach her at a hideaway cabin in California’s Bigfoot Country. Add in some Bigfoot sightings, killer bees, strange locals, jealous lovers and threats to Zoe’s life and you have the beginning of the adventure neither Zoe nor Flynn will forget in a hurry. And the fact that Zoe is starting to fall for her nerd makes everything so much more confusing - and interesting.

This is such a fun story that you really get caught up in all the excitement. Zoe is not the stereotypical starlet that you might expect, but she does need a few lessons on how to be uncool which makes her endearing and someone you can admire. Flynn on the other hand is a typical nerd - but with a killer body, a heart of gold and a delicious alpha-male streak. He’ll make everyone want to go out and snag their own nerd! The pair work well together and the chemistry they have really jumps off the pages.

The plot always keeps moving and there are enough twists to keep you guessing and enough sexual tension to keep you reading right the way through to the end. The Nerd books are not a series so you don’t have to have read any of the other books to get this one but I’m sure that you’ll want to read the rest when you’ve finished Gone With The Nerd.

Recommended for those who like their romances with a lot of fun and a tiny touch of mystery.