A Puppy for Christmas by Carole Mortimer, Myrna Mackenzie, and Nikki Logan
Released: October 1, 2013
Contemporary Romance
Harlequin

Reviewed by May

I couldn’t believe that stories with puppies and romance and Christmas had all been combined into one anthology. Happy? Oh yes, it made me very giddy. Overall this is a strong set of stories. While I did not read one, the other two are strong enough for me personally that I still recommend this. In fact, what had me on edge about the first story will probably not bother many readers.

On the Secretary’s Christmas List by Carole Mortimer

Bree is the assistant/secretary for her boss Jerome Jackson Beaumont a wildly talented and highly sought after photographer. Throw in some Christmas spirit, a new puppy, and a son (Beaumont’s) and you can practically see the romance in the air.

I did not read past chapter 2 of this story. There were a load of exclamation marks and it was making me nuts that this heroine was either thinking or talking in such a way constantly. The story was also very clearly wrapped around the son, which was not something I anticipating enjoying. Rather than grade it harshly or spend time on something I wasn’t enjoying I simply didn’t read it.

Grade: DNF

The Soldier, The Puppy, and Me by Myrna Mackenzie

This was my favorite of the three stories. Trey McFadden is the small town boy who made it big, though his life and upbringing isn’t quite the picturesque scene that most people seem to think. One person who does know the truth is the especially cheerful Ella Delancey. The mayor’s assistant who is always trying to make things better for everyone around her.

There is something about a Grinch and someone full of holiday spirit being paired together that I just adore! In this story what really worked for me is that they have a history – they’ve not been close as adults but they did grow up next door to one another and there is tension there. I also really appreciated that while it seems at first glance that Trey is the one in need of “fixing”, there is plenty that he contributes and brings to the table that helps Ella. It was a very equal relationship and I loved every page. The matchmaking little puppy Fizz was a sweet addition to the story as well- this had everything I want from a holiday novella.

Grade: A

The Patter of Paws at Christmas by Nikki Logan

Gabe and Ingrid shared a hot night together, but then he took the job she had wanted and miscommunications abounded as each felt the other one had rejected them in some way. Now the pair (who both work at the same zoo) avoid each other as best they can and try not to talk about that night – or what might have been. Ah, but now it’s Christmas week and the pair are both assigned to closely watch an African dog and her puppies so that the first chance possible they can vaccinate and evaluate the pups. What will happen when they have to share close quarters nearly 24/7?

So this one had no Christmas spirit whatsoever. They’re at the zoo, neither wants to go home and both are avoiding family drama, there is no sense of the season. The other issue is the fact that I couldn’t quite visualize all of this behind the scenes zoo observing rooms and how it all attached to the exhibit where the dogs were. Those problems aside though – this was a great story.

Over the course of the week we see Gabe and Ingrid open up to each other, get to know each other, and make a real connection that would have otherwise been lost. The zoo setting, and the wild dogs in particular was a fun setting for this second chance at romance.

Grade: B

Overall if you like holiday romance and you like animals to have roles in those stories – I’d definitely recommend checking out this book. My overall grade for this collection of stories: B.

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