Holiday Games (Play by Play, #6.5) by Jaci Burton
Romance Contemporary
Ebook, 147 pages
November 19, 2013
Penguin

Reviewed by Tori

Favorite Quote: “Your erection is poking my head.”

The infectious Riley family is back and in high spirits in this bright and cheery Christmas novella-Holiday Games. Jenna Riley and Ty Anderson are getting ready to tie the knot while Mick and Tara Riley try to deal with the fact their oldest son is growing into a man. The focus of the story though is on Liz and Gavin Riley. Liz and Gavin’s very steamy and rocky romance can be read in Changing The Game. Liz and Gavin’s life is perfect, now. Their love for one another grows daily but Liz is ready for a baby and is disheartened that she hasn’t gotten pregnant as of yet. Liz decides that all she and Gavin needs is a bit more practice and formulates a plan of action. Soon Gavin finds himself being used and abused at all times of the day…and loving every minute of it.

Holiday Games is a cheery sexy holiday novella that divulges into the different times in a couple’s life. Marriage, starting a family, and watching your children grow up. Lots of love, laughter, and sexy hijinks made this a cute and steamy read guaranteed to fill you with holiday cheer.  My only qualm is in the beginning, there is an awkwardness to the women. There was a lot of  affirmative aspirations as they reaffirmed with one another how fabulous they all were. It was a little offsetting. It evened out quickly and the snarky women I had grown to enjoy were back.

RATING: B

Goodreads I Amazon I Barnes & Noble

Drago’s Takes A Holiday (Elder Races, #6.5) by Thea Harrison
PNR
Ebook,
November 28, 2013
Berkely

Reviewed by Tori

Favorite Quote: “You sure you weren’t too clever for him? Don’t get me wrong, I know he’s bright […] but he is still just a man.”

Dragos Cuelebre desperately needs a vacation.  After losing two of his staff to love, he has been working non stop. His mate decides to take matters into her own hands by leaving clues to a treasure hunt and soon he, Pia, and the peanut are heading towards the Bermuda Triangle for sun, sand, and treasure hunting. But nothing is ever easy for the King of the Wyrs. Between the peanut’s rapidly expanding powers and certain people who don’t want the treasure found…this vacation is turning into more work than imagined.

I adore Thea Harrison’s Elder Races series, especially when she devotes the storyline to Dragos Cuelebre. Drago’s Takes A Holiday is a fun filled sexy adventure with lots of passion, action, and humor as Dragos and the family try to catch some downtime after an exhausting year. I adore that Liam (the peanut) is an active participant in the story. Readers have waited a long time to see Drago’s interact with his son and the wait has been worth it. Some steamy sexy times, pirate sightings, and clues to series direction make this a must read addition to the series.

RATING: B+

Goodreads I Kindle l Nook

Heart’s A Mess by Kylie Scott
Romance Contemporary
E book, 61 pages
October 16, 2013
Ellora’s Cave

Reviewed by Tori

Favorite Quote: I’ve got all these ideas for new initiatives in staff discipline. You over my knee, it’ll be brilliant.”

Violet’s lifestyle changes did not include sleeping with her new boss. She’s even more embarrassed to find out he remembers nothing about that night. But, mistakes happen and as long as they continue forward on in a professional manner, nothing has to change.

Alex’s love life has been null since his divorce. When he awakes to find evidence he has broken his dry spell, he’s determined to find out with whom, and beg for a more memorable rematch. He’s positive he and the beautiful Violet can come to some sort of amicable arrangement that won’t affect them work wise. He just needs to convince her.

Heart’s A Mess is a sexy romantic niblet about about a one night stand that has the potential to become much more if the parties involved are willing to take a chance. Well rounded characters, humorous dialogue, and a fast paced storyline made this short but robust story a treat to read. I hope Ms. Scott continues the storyline and we get Alex’s brothers stories.

RATING: B+

Goodreads I Amazon I Sony I Kobo