"For this full book I give it 3.25 out of 5 stars! Though I couldn't get into all of the novels that were included in this anthology, what..."

Read more of this review and my individual reviews for each included novella here: https://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2019/12/made-grade-it-must-be-christm... ( )

It Must be Christmas is emotional smorgasbord of fun. Humour and drama with an air mystery makes for a warm winter read.

Hot Toys by Jennifer Crusie - Ms. Crusie turns a holiday shopping trip into an action packed, fantasy adventure in Hot Toys. Hilarious, thrill ride.


Christmas with the Billionaire Rancher by Mandy Baxter - Chloe and Nate found each other at the right time in their lives. When neither was looking they up and fell in love. Mandy Baxter takes her readers on a journey that is combustible. Her characters have personalities that range from volatile to moody yet can still entice the reader into a world of sensual pleasure. Christmas with the Billionaire Rancher deals with the important subject of PTSD in a way that is enlightening and encouraging.

Christmas at Seashell Cove by Donna Alward - Get ready to fall in love. Dr. Yang is about to come face to face with her future. Will she recognize it? Donna Alward knows the right buttons to push to bring on the waterworks and keep me coming back. ( )

This is a collection of three Christmas stories, two of which I found delightful.

Hot Toy by Jennifer Crusie has Trudy hunting down the year's hot Christmas toy for her nephew. His father promised him that Santa would get it for him, and then "forgot" when he took off with the nanny. Now Trudy is spending her Christmas eve tracking down the sold-out toy, while her sister is at home making gingerbread cookies and convincing little Leroy that Santa really will bring his toy.

When she finds the toy, she also stumbles into the arms of not one but two secret agents. Which one is the good guy? Is either? And will either one let her get this toy with the unexpected secret home to her nephew? It's a fun story, with a warm, funny, happy ending.

Christmas at Seashell Cottage, by Donna Alward, has Charlie Yang, who has essentially run away from her high-powered hospital career to be the second doctor in the local general practitioner's office in tiny Jewell Cove, becoming more drawn into the little community than she had planned. Handsome, former Navy SEAL Dave Ricker is a distraction, and it gets worse when they find an infant in the manger at the town's Nativity scene. She's Doomed, of course, in the delightful way any heroine in a Christmas romance is "doomed." She can just forget about that quiet, orderly, detached life. This was the one I enjoyed the most.

Christmas with the Billionaire by Mandy Baxter, has Chloe attending a society gathering to meet the one son of a recently deceased billionaire who might be ready to part with some of his newly-inherited wealth for the charity she runs. This one is not "sweet." I think the accepted terminology is "sensual," but in any case, too much, too explicit sex for my preferences. I will say, though, that if that's how your reading preferences go, the writing was good and the characters likable and interesting up to the point where I stopped reading.

Overall this is a nice little seasonal collection. Recommended, with appropriate caution to be aware of the content of Baxter's story, if that's not what you want to read.

I received a free electronic galley of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. ( )

I have to qualify that I just wasn't in the Christmas spirit this year so I may have a different opinion of these books next year with more Christmas cheer.

I really enjoyed Christmas at Seashell Cottage by Donna Alward. It was exactly what I hope for when I read a Christmas romance, Christmas events and romance without too much sex - it's more about the connection and the holiday that heat. The one thing I didn't like was the stereo-typical "good girl for the Asian parents so became a doctor). But that's a personal thing so others probably aren't bothered by that.

Hot Toy by Jennifer Crusie I had read in another holiday collection so have reviewed before. Its Ms. Crusie's usual fun and entertaining style that I love.

****SPOILER ALERT****
I felt the last story, Christmas with the Billionaire really had nothing to do with Christmas at all. It was just a very hot romance that happened to have a Christmas dinner at the end of the story. I need a little more Christmas in my Christmas stories, especially as this year I needed some Christmas Spirit. ( )

FGMAMTC Blog Review
Hot Toy
I had the best time reading this romantic comedy novella. The laughs started almost immediately and played out like a holiday family movie. All that can go wrong does, but it also goes very right.
While last minute insanity shopping for the most popular toy of the season for her nephew, Trudy gets caught up in a battle between government agents. The dialogue is truly great. The cast is made up of an ex, cougar bait, a drunken sister and other crazies. The one goal in Trudy's mind is to get that toy no matter what.
This is a great light read for getting into the Christmas spirit while tickling your funny bone. It left me with a good feeling.

Christmas at Seashell Cottage
This story is about two people who didn't really know what they were missing until they found each other. Actually, both felt that something was lacking in their lives, but they weren't sure how to find what they needed. It's a serious storyline that deals with everyday difficulties in life and love.
Charlie is a doctor who moved to Jewell Cove to get away from the city. She still doesn't quite feel like a local though. Dave is an ex SEAL who is also new to town. They go through some grown up problems and have a realistic romance.
Christmas at Seashell Cottage is for those looking for a small town Christmas read with some depth, some ups and downs and a happy ending.

Christmas With the Billionaire Rancher
Nate's father hasn't treated him well. Now, after his father's death, Nate inherits most of his father's wealth. He can't think of a worse fate than having to schmooze with the rich or entertain the social climbers.
Chloe isn't one of the usual golddiggers. Yes, she first approaches him for money for her charity, but all intentions are soon thrown out the window. These two go at it hot and heavy right away, sending Christmas with the Billionaire Rancher into the naughty holiday reads category.
Things get turned around and misunderstandings happen, but love and great sex help to mend the hurts. The overall theme of family is quite strong also. And what a family with all those hot brothers! I recommend this to someone looking for some sexy fun.


***Copy given in exchange for an honest review***

Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents

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