Jingle Bell Rock (Dean Brothers) [Mass Market Paperback]

First up is the ubiquitous Lori Foster. I'm not a big fan of her full-length novels, but I've enjoyed several of her short stories, this one is no exception. It's the story of neighbors who become friends all the while becoming more and more attracted to one another. And when Booker's girlfriend essentially dumps him by hitting on his brother, he's now free to pursue his long suppressed attraction to Frannie. Cute and sweet. 4 stars

Janelle Denison's entry brings to mind Cinderella or Pretty Woman (without the hooker). Elementary school teacher Faith decides to come on to pediatric surgeon (and reputed playboy) Matthew and suggests a steamy one-night stand. Matthew has pursued her for months without success, but now he'll take full advantage of her request. She's been burned by his type before - a rich professional from a socially prominent family - so she's got her eyes wide open this time. But can Matthew convince her that he's not like her ex and that he wants more than just one night? He sure convinced me! 4 stars

Susan Donovan's contribution is by far the most inventive of the bunch. At first I was a bit uneasy until it occurred to me what was probably going on (I won't spoil it by telling!). Poor Valerie is stood up on Christmas Eve, in her sexy new dress and shoes, the dinner she prepared getting cold - along with herself! Her furnace has gone on the fritz and she's just waiting for the furnace repairman. What a pathetic way to spend Christmas Eve! But when repairman Earl shows up, her self-pity is put on ice while the heat definitely turns up! Funny, sexy with a twist! 4 ½ stars

Donna Kauffman and Alison Kent both do the high school sweethearts who reunite after ten years very differently. Ms Kauffman's story is more emotional and sweet but a little too angst-filled. Suzanna is filled with guilt and remorse for dumping Jace just months after graduation after promising to stay close. When they meet again, will Jace still care? This story suffered from a little too much history and background and not enough of the here and now, though the heat and longing between the couple was palpable. 3 ½ stars

I did not care for Ms Kent's story. I found this couple lacking any real emotional connection (especially her) and I found their sexual relationship on the coarse side. Blue was sexy, stoic and likable (if a little bitter) and deserved better than the selfish Jessie. Her whole reason for coming back is based on sex and how it's only ever been good with Blue. I didn't feel much love, affection or mutual respect between these two characters. I'd never read anything by this author before nor will this story induce me to do so. 2 ½ stars

Nancy Warren's story of office co-workers who constantly butt heads and who wind up Secret Santa partners was really fun, sexy and enjoyable. I was deliciously impressed with Tara's creative boldness when she dares nemesis Daniel (whom she overheard saying she needed to "get laid") to be the man for the job! Some really steamy love scenes and hot chemistry. Ms Warren is a new author for me and a pleasant discovery. 4 ½ *'s.

Lori Fosters story "He Sees You When You're Sleeping" is a fun story about two neighbors that feel something for each other but one is involved in a relationship. Or is he? What happens when a Christmas wish comes true and your neighbor and friend becomes a lot more? This was one of my favorites in this book!

Janelle Denison's story "All She Wants for Christmas" was my favorite in this collection. Matthew Carlton has it all, money, looks, and he's a sucessful pediatrician. What he can't find is love. What happens when the one person he desires finally whispers a naughty request in Santa's ear (Matthew)? Perhaps Christmas wishes are fulfilled all over!

Susan Donovan's "Turning Up the Heat" is a fun story and I can't tell you much about it without giving away the ending. Suffice to say that Christmas Eve is not going to be as lonely as Valerie think's it's going to be.

Donna Kauffman's "Baby, It's Cold Outside" reunites childhood sweethearts and gives these two people a chance to "fix" what went wrong the first time. This time love might actually win!

Alison Kent's "A Blue Christmas" is another story that reunites a man with the one person he thought he had a chance with. This is Blue's chance to show Jessie what she missed the first time around!

Nancy Warren's story "The Nutcracker Sweet" brings together two co-workers together that on the outside appear to hate each other. When a "naughty" comment is overheard by Tara she reacts in a totally different way then you would think she would. Instead of getting mad, she gets even...and by doing so gets a little more then she thought she ever would!

These were fun stories, and again were real short. As a result character development might not be what you expect or seen from these authors past titles which have been longer. Still...they managed to add a little "spice" to this Christmas season.

"He Sees You when You're Sleeping" by Lori Foster brings together best friends. ... With an outrageously amusing ending, "He Sees You when You're Sleeping" nicely showcases Foster's gift for combining humor and sensuality.

"All She Wants for Christmas" by Janelle Denison combines a Christmas wish with daring ... A sexy, gentle tale of wishes coming true, Denison turns up the heat with flair!

"Turning Up the Heat" by Susan Donovan ... displays a dazzling gift for adding zest to the holidays!

"Baby, It's Cold Outside" by Donna Kauffman reunites high school sweethearts. ... Kauffman pens an endearing tale of passion and second chances.

"A Blue Christmas" by Alison Kent also reunites high school sweethearts, though under different circumstances. ... A tale rich with emotional complexity, "A Blue Christmas" reveals an unexpected edge.

"The Nutcracker Sweet" by Nancy Warren brings a whole new level of passion to a difficult office relationship. ... Warren proves that her talent with much longer works certainly extends to the short story genre!