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A review by lenoreo
Christmas in the City by Sierra Simone, Melanie Harlow, Penny Reid, Kennedy Ryan, Penelope Ward, Corinne Michaels, Elle Kennedy, Sarina Bowen, Helena Hunting, L.H. Cosway, Vi Keeland, L.J. Shen
4.0
https://celebrityreaders.com/2021/11/21/christmas-in-the-city-by-various-authors/
OVERALL: 4 stars — Huh, this was actually a really solid anthology. Pretty great Christmas vibes (some more than others), solid romances, lots of variety. Obviously I enjoyed some more than others, but there wasn’t one I didn’t connect with at least a little, which is kind of rare for anthologies!
JUST THE TIP by L.J. Shen & Helena Hunting
3.5 stars — This one started off pretty solidly, and there were definitely some great moments with some good steam…but then the weirdness took over, and I just couldn’t vibe anymore. Basically, if you’ve read Ms. Hunting’s Pucked book, and all that beaver stuff was too much for you, it was a bit like that. I mean, it even pervaded the steamy scenes, which…well, didn’t work for me. But if you enjoy that kind of crazy, then no worries! Horace’s POV was originally much better (less crazy), but even that devolved by the end…and thus if this were a normal book, I’d round down.
BABY IT’S COLD OUTSIDE by Corinne Michaels & Melanie Harlow
4 stars — Solid, fun, romantic and sexy. I’ve not read either of these authors (though god knows I probably own books by them), but this was nice and light (which isn’t always Ms. Michaels brand from what I understand). No angst, just romance. The names amused me too (Harlow and Michael): I see what you did there.
KISSMAS IN NEW YORK by Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward
4 stars — Solid Christmas novella romance. Had some good chemistry between the characters, they were both pretty likeable, it was just solid. I’m not sure I was in the mood for these kind of characters at the moment, so that’s probably why not higher.
THE CHRISTMAS CROWN by Sierra Simone & Kennedy Ryan
4.5 stars — Woooo…*wipes forehead* Damn that was hot. Definitely the steamiest of the 6, and chemistry out the wazoo! Great writing that had me highlighting, as I seem to do with all of Ms. Ryan’s work (haven’t read enough of Ms. Simone’s). I liked that it felt complete, but I really want them to give me the promised next chapter for Grim and Lani. Too bad COVID might have derailed that plan, since I can’t find it.
SONGBIRD by Penny Reid & L.H. Cosway
4.5 stars — These two were adorable. Honestly I’m mostly bummed that it felt like a prequel, but I don’t know to *what*. Because I would read Ophelia and Broderick’s full length story in a heartbeat. It had humour, heart, and great chemistry (though only kissing). I guess if this is really all I’m ever going to get from these two, then it’s more like 3.5 stars. I’m rating based on potential, but I really need someone to tell me there will be more.
EPIC by Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy
5 stars — I mean, really, it’s Wesmie…you just can’t go wrong. I smiled and laughed in so many moments (many times courtesy of Blakey), and I loved the concept of Jamie being at a career crossroads. A perfect bonus novella of our favourite boys. Basically, it was epic.
OVERALL: 4 stars — Huh, this was actually a really solid anthology. Pretty great Christmas vibes (some more than others), solid romances, lots of variety. Obviously I enjoyed some more than others, but there wasn’t one I didn’t connect with at least a little, which is kind of rare for anthologies!
JUST THE TIP by L.J. Shen & Helena Hunting
3.5 stars — This one started off pretty solidly, and there were definitely some great moments with some good steam…but then the weirdness took over, and I just couldn’t vibe anymore. Basically, if you’ve read Ms. Hunting’s Pucked book, and all that beaver stuff was too much for you, it was a bit like that. I mean, it even pervaded the steamy scenes, which…well, didn’t work for me. But if you enjoy that kind of crazy, then no worries! Horace’s POV was originally much better (less crazy), but even that devolved by the end…and thus if this were a normal book, I’d round down.
BABY IT’S COLD OUTSIDE by Corinne Michaels & Melanie Harlow
4 stars — Solid, fun, romantic and sexy. I’ve not read either of these authors (though god knows I probably own books by them), but this was nice and light (which isn’t always Ms. Michaels brand from what I understand). No angst, just romance. The names amused me too (Harlow and Michael): I see what you did there.
KISSMAS IN NEW YORK by Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward
4 stars — Solid Christmas novella romance. Had some good chemistry between the characters, they were both pretty likeable, it was just solid. I’m not sure I was in the mood for these kind of characters at the moment, so that’s probably why not higher.
THE CHRISTMAS CROWN by Sierra Simone & Kennedy Ryan
4.5 stars — Woooo…*wipes forehead* Damn that was hot. Definitely the steamiest of the 6, and chemistry out the wazoo! Great writing that had me highlighting, as I seem to do with all of Ms. Ryan’s work (haven’t read enough of Ms. Simone’s). I liked that it felt complete, but I really want them to give me the promised next chapter for Grim and Lani. Too bad COVID might have derailed that plan, since I can’t find it.
SONGBIRD by Penny Reid & L.H. Cosway
4.5 stars — These two were adorable. Honestly I’m mostly bummed that it felt like a prequel, but I don’t know to *what*. Because I would read Ophelia and Broderick’s full length story in a heartbeat. It had humour, heart, and great chemistry (though only kissing). I guess if this is really all I’m ever going to get from these two, then it’s more like 3.5 stars. I’m rating based on potential, but I really need someone to tell me there will be more.
EPIC by Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy
5 stars — I mean, really, it’s Wesmie…you just can’t go wrong. I smiled and laughed in so many moments (many times courtesy of Blakey), and I loved the concept of Jamie being at a career crossroads. A perfect bonus novella of our favourite boys. Basically, it was epic.