A reprinted collection (2007) of novellas from four Paranormal Romance authors, celebrating the magic of Christmas.
**Melting Frosty - Maggie Shayne
12 years ago Matthew lost his father, and he's never enjoyed Christmas since. 12 years ago Holly lost her entire family, and has been trying to enjoy life ever since. Christmas is an extra special time for her, full of hope and memories, so when Matthew's life bumps into hers, she knows she must teach him to enjoy himself and Christmas again. With help from optimism, snow and one very special hat.
Saccharine sweet, Holly is over the top cheerful (and oddly pushy), while Matt should just stay out in the snow. A short story that felt too forced in order to meet the requirements. Too corny for me - 2 stars.
**Charlotte's Web - Erin McCarthy
Will and Charlotte have been best friends for years, both secretly in love with the other, but not daring to do anything about it. Until Charlotte's latent witchcraft powers and her empathetic sister Bree decide to take matters into their own hands.
This is a story of contrasts - at times Charlotte and Will are entirely too sweet, then they get together and the tone completely changes. Talk about a merry Christmas! In all, cute - 3.5 stars.
**Beat of Temptation - Nalini Singh
The healer of the DarkRiver leopard changer pack, Tammy has been in love with Nate for years. Which is handy, since he's her mate. However, because their bond kicked in when Tammy was just fifteen, Nate will do anything to give her time and space. With ten years between them, Nate is determined not to repeat the mistakes of his parents, who married too young. And if that includes keeping his hands off Tammy until she's ready, so be it. But Tammy has had enough of waiting. Now nineteen, she's all grown up and wants to claim her mate - no matter what he has in mind.
A prequel to Singh's `Psy/Changeling' series, it quickly delves into changer life, full of the details and characters Singh has created. The struggles of both Tammy and Nate are wonderfully done, building towards a satisfying conclusion. Good stuff, though the Psy plot seems a little superfluous - 4.5 stars
**Gifts of the Magi - Jean Johnson
In snowy late December three travellers end up at a quiet country inn, whose young owners face financial difficulties. But Christmas is a time of miracles, and the Bethel Inn is about to experience several.
A sweet tale of the magic of love, friendship and lending a helping hand, with a sprinkling of religious tolerance - 4 stars
****
Focusing more towards sweet romanticism than the paranormal, this anthology will warm the heart over the cold winter nights.