The Naughty List [Mass Market Paperback]

The Naughty List by Donna Kauffman, Cynthia Eden, and Susan Fox
Contemporary Seasonal Anthology- Oct 1st, 2010
4 ½ stars

The Naughty List includes 1 fun, light-hearted read and 2 surprisingly thoughtful and warm stories just in time for Christmas.

Cynthia Eden writes a lively and sexy story which immediately put me in the Christmas spirit. This story was so enjoyable I couldn't believe how fast I finished it! In this story the 'nerdy' toy inventor named Christie is tired of playing it safe and when she finds that her brother's best friend, a super hunky cop is playing Santa she asks him for a special 'present'. Jonas can believe his ears or his luck! He has always been attracted to Christie he immediately wants to help her have a god time. So much that he forgets to play Santa and frantically runs right after her! This story also had a clever mystery which made it all the more interesting and hilarious! 4 1/2 stars

In Susan Fox's story she brings together 2 people who have grown and changed. One was a geek that became a stud and the other a rebel who now has her own successful business. They met on one fateful night when they were teenagers and neither forgot the other but the bad girl, Charlie left. But now she is back to fix the B&B she inherited from her aunt and leave. Only she finds a very sexy construction worker is the 'nerd' she once knew. He is determined to make the repairs longer just to get to know her again. This was a good story because the author really takes the time to explore each characters' insecurities and the reader really can see how the 2 of them complement each other and find finally find a sense of `home' in each others arms. If you love romances about 2nd chances you will enjoy this story. 4 1/2

This is the first story by Donna Kauffman I've read. It is a sweet story set in a small town. The author also takes the time to explore each of the characters but it is mainly about the hero. He has had a rough life and his only focus is on business and the bottom line. When he unexpectedly finds and begins to care for the town baker everything he has built his life on changes. Can he let go or will he stay? This was heartwarming story about changing and realizing what is really important in life. 3 1/2 - 4 stars

All these stories will be sure to get you in the Christmas spirit I think I liked Cynthia Eden's the best because it was the most lighthearted. But anyone of these is sure to be satisfying read for someone looking to get into the cheerful holiday mood.

Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club

NAUGHTY BUT NICE by Donna Kauffman
Irish businessman Griffin is determined to transform Hamilton from a small close-knit community to a global commodity. His plan would revive the town and bring in much needed revenue. However, not everyone shares his enthusiasm. Melody owns the town bakery and she isn't interested in changing anything about her life or the town. Griffin and Melody may have differing views on the future of Hamilton, but that doesn't stop them from caving into the passion broiling between them.

Donna Kauffman kicks off THE NAUGHTY LIST anthology with an utterly charming story that will drive home the power of love versus adversity. I got a kick out of the sparks flying between Griffin and Melody and love how they're able to express their feelings regarding the town and the reasons behind their points of view. Besides all that you get to revisit HAMILTON and the people who make it so special. Look for other HAMILTON stories, pick up copies of these anthologies:
KISSING SANTA CLAUS - `LOCK, STOCK & JINGLE BELLS'
TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT - ` UNLEASHED'

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS by Cynthia Eden
Toy creator Christie Crenshaw's ego has taken a blow since her ex-boyfriend has already moved on - and more than likely cheated on her before their split. Christmas is quickly approaching and she's been a very good girl this year but what she wants won't fit in a stocking - a red hot scorching fling ... no strings attached. Given the opportunity she even perches on Santa's lap and whispers her request to him. Police officer Jonas (AKA Santa Stud) has wanted Christie for years and he's definitely more than willing to deliver her gift personally.

Cynthia Eden makes brainy women downright sexy. I adored Christie's spunky attitude and how she refuses to back down from what she wants. Jonas is really very sweet and loveable - as well as undeniably sexy. This story has the perfect blend of humor, suspense, scorching sex and Christmas cheer.

TATTOOS AND MISTLETOE by Susan Fox
Charlie's whole reason for returning to her hometown is to fix up her aunt's B&B so that she can sell it and open her own tattoo parlor in Toronto. What she doesn't anticipate is to have to contend with major renovations and LJ who has fond memories of Charlie's younger days. Charlie doesn't view her artistic endeavors in town as vandalism, it was creative expression - but some people never forget ... or forgive. Can Charlie find a way to resolve her feelings about the town and people she left behind? LJ certainly hopes so...

Susan Lyons will have you smiling and remembering those `growing pains' with only a twinge of embarrassment as you delve into TATTOOS AND MISTLETOE. I love how Charlie forges her own path and doesn't kowtow to other peoples ideals. LJ won me over when he chose to overlook Charlie's snarky attitude and love her despite his parents' opinions about her. This story shows readers that there's real beauty in simply being yourself - without any pretense.

THE NAUGHTY LIST may be marketed as a Christmas book but in actuality it's a perfect `feel good' book for any time of year. Each author's voice resonates through their individual story while sticking with the naughty theme which makes this a wonderful read. Looking for a bad boy out to change the world? What about a good girl brainiac who's only Christmas wish is to be very bad? And of course, even tattooed artists with an axe to grind enjoy a little mistletoe and merry making. Take a break from the hussle and bustle of the holiday season and rather than worrying about being nice so that Santa leaves those gifts you desire, imagine how much more fun you'd have if you're on THE NAUGHTY LIST.

Chrissy Dionne (courtesy of Romance Junkies)

I picked this book for the short story by Donna Kauffman. And was not disappointed.

I have read her previous Short stories W/ Jill Shalvis & HelenKay Dimon

Which lead me to reading her other novels. I love her writing.

Each book had a portion of a the story... You would have no problem reading them in any order. They are wonderful stories all on their own. But, the end result is this one where the long lost heir to Lionel Hamilton's s fortune has come to take his place. You do get a background into the other characters that you were introduced to in their own stories. (previous books Too all a good night "Trevor's story" & Kissing Santa Clause "Sean's Story" ), I actually read "Sean's story" 1st & enjoyed it so much I picked up Too all a good night. 5 Stars!

I had never read anything by Cynthia Eden... But WOW!

Great Short Story! I really, really enjoyed her writing. Her characters... the plot... the romance...
5 Stars!

I will be buying her other novels. If they were anything like this story she has a new reader in me.

The third story By Susan Fox, I liked & enjoyed... not as much as the previous two. But, it was a nice ending to the book.

3.5-4 Stars.

All & all you will not regret getting this book. I DIDN'T!