Christmas Pets and Kisses: 16 Sweet Christmas Romances

Helen Scott Taylor · Mona Risk · Melinda Curtis · Alicia Street · Nikki Lynn Barrett · Rachelle Ayala · Nancy Radke · J.L. Campbell · Mary Leo · Jade Kerrion · Chantel Rhondeau · P.C. Zick · Michele Shriver · Aubrey Wynne · Sharon Coady · Annamaria Bazzi

Oct 2015 · Prairie Rapids Press

About this ebook

SIXTEEN ALL-NEW, NEVER-BEFORE-PUBLISHED SWEET (PG-rated) CHRISTMAS ROMANCES
Ring in the Christmas cheer with sixteen all-new sweet and heart-warming romances from New York Times, USA Today and National bestselling authors. Don’t miss out on this romantic collection of Christmas tails…uh, tales as adorable pets with fins, paws, feathers, and hooves bring holiday magic with the gift of true love.
Golden Christmas - Helen Scott TaylorEvery Christmas Vicky hides so she doesn't have to celebrate the date she lost her husband and son. She doesn't want to see anyone but when she finds a dog's lost ball she meets Jon, a wounded ex-soldier who's struggling with his own problems. This brave man touches Vicky's shattered heart and makes her realize she can't hide forever. With his support, can she find the strength to love again? Two Loves for Christmas - Mona RiskTabloid pictures of charming laywer, Josh Dutton, threaten his father's senatorial campaign. The family decides he needs a sweet 'temporary fiancée' to repair the damage. With only her German shepherd for friend, Emma struggles with problems. Attraction sizzles between Josh and Emma but no one mentions the 'fake fiancée' detail. When the truth surfaces will Josh be able to prove that his kisses were not part of a charade? Dog-Gone Christmas - Melinda CurtisWidow Marnie Haywood wants Christmas hosting her in-laws to go smoothly. And it would - if her handsome neighbor and his friendly St. Bernard would stop coming over, mooching food, and stealing kisses.His Christmas Promise - Alicia StreetA stray dog with a penchant for giving warm and fuzzy love finds refuge with an ex-Army helicopter pilot and helps restore his bedridden grandmother's will to live. It seems like a Christmas miracle until the bachelor war vet discovers the mutt belongs to a little girl who wants him back--and a single mom who makes him rethink his freewheeling ways and maybe even believe in love.We Wish You A Ferret Christmas - Nikki Lynn BarrettWidower Lance Rossiter wants nothing to do with the pet ferret who caused his daughter to be hit by a car. Widow Cara McLean is shocked by the ferret her son finds and wants to keep. When Lance and Cara meet, sparks fly and love suddenly seems possible. Can a lost and found ferret bring two fractured families together?Christmas Lovebirds - Rachelle AyalaMelisa Hart has a soft spot for her brother Connor's ex-best buddy, Rob Reed, who slept with Connor's girlfriend. When her pet lovebird is mixed up with Rob's, Melisa discovers he's always cared about her. Can two little lovebirds and Christmas cheer open Melisa's heart to giving Rob another chance?Christmas on Cougar Mountain - Nancy RadkeHard-working Zoey is dedicated to helping children learn, and has built her business to the neglect of having a family. When she rescues a dog on the freeway, she discovers that the escape artist brings a family with him, including a boy she would like to help, and as love grows, a man she would like to keep. But will Kellen ever trust her to help his son, much less give her his heart?The Vet's Christmas Pet - J.L. CampbellThe last thing Toni wants for Christmas is more responsibility, but her daughter has other ideas. A near accident not only brings them a dog in need of a home, but Matthias Laing, who Toni would prefer to keep in the past.Tails, Time, and St. Nick - Mary LeoKris Timemaker has inherited a magical clock. Using the clock's magic for anyone other than St. Nick on Christmas Eve has some grave consequences, but when his daughter's beloved Westie goes missing, and his estranged wife asks for his help, Kris has no choice but to take a chance with time and try to win back his family in the process.Graced - Jade KerrionConnor Bradley doesn't have time for distractions, not while juggling single parenthood and his clinic on five hours of sleep a night. He most certainly doesn't have time for Noelle, the high school flirt, who is prettier and more irresistible than he remembers. When Noelle's father's heart attack derails Connor's plans for his first Christmas without his wife, Noelle wants to save the day for his adorable children, but can she also find her way into Connor's guarded heart?Unexpected Gift - Chantel RhondeauAspiring decorator Cali Johnson moves to New York City--lonely, afraid, and far from home during the holidays. When she finds a lost cat in her apartment building, she strikes up an odd friendship with his reclusive owner, Marcus Ritz. If only she knew what he was hiding.Minty's Kiss - P.C. ZickWhen newly divorced Molly retreats to a family cabin with Gracie, her ten-year-old daughter, she's surprised to find her childhood crush, Nick, still living in the area. Can a small kitty named Minty help Gracie accept the love developing between Nick and Molly in time for her first Christmas in the mountains of North Carolina?The Christmas Wish - Michele ShriverAshley McLaughlin is struggling to move on from her husband's infidelity. Brennan wants to make amends for his transgression. Their young daughter, Hayley, has only one wish for Christmas- for her family to be together again. When Hayley suffers a head injury after a fall from her horse, will it help her get her wish? Or do the wounds from Brennan's betrayal run too deep for Ashley to forgive?Dante's Gift - Aubrey WynneSeventy years ago, a collie mix brings two hearts together in war torn Italy. Will their story help their grandson find his own Christmas love?Mavy's Christmas Miracle - Sharon CoadyAnne Hurd returns to the Pocono's to help her elderly grandfather. Six years earlier Kyle Shafer disappeared from her life. She rescues a kitten, takes her to a vet who turns out to be Kyle. Kyle can't believe Anne walked back into his life. Will he scare her away, or will she give him another chance? Kyle decides to take a chance and try for the love he gave up on.The Impossible Rescue - Annamaria BazziChristmas is no joy for Julia who's gambling husband comes around only to ask for money. When a handsome stranger and his cute Pomeranian puppy moves in next door, Julia feels guilty for their mutual attraction. Michael's not the rescuing type, but when he spies Julia's husband haranguing her for holiday cash, anger flares and he is determined to rescue Julia from another miserable Christmas.

Ratings and reviews

These are some stories in the boxset that I have read. 1) Dante's Gift by Aubrey Wynne This is my first book by Aubrey Wynne and I really enjoyed it. This is a sweet story which comprises of two pairs of lovers and I love how Aubrey brings us back to the time during the World War 2 where the young Italian Antonia falls in love with an American soldier i.e. Dom's grandfather. And I really love how Dante, the collie brought the pair of lovers together. And not forgetting the story of Dom and Katie. This is a really beautiful love story that will touch everyone's heart and brings tears to your eyes. 2) Christmas Lovebirds by Rachelle Ayala This is the second book of Rachelle Ayala that I have read and I enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed the first one. Both are about pets but in Christmas Lovebirds, the pets featured is not the usual cat or dog but a pair of lovebirds. I have never read any stories featuring lovebirds and I thought it was pretty unique. The lovebirds made the story really interesting especially when they were caught "doing it" on video. As with most Christmas stories, this is a story about finding love, second chances and forgiveness. It is a really sweet love story and definitely worth reading. 3) Golden Christmas by Helen Scott Taylor I absolutely love this story. It is a really sweet story about second chances and it will touch your heart as it touched mine. There are so many stories out there where the heroes and heroines are all perfect. What I love about Golden Christmas is that even an "imperfect" hero can find forever happiness too. And anyone who love dogs would fall in love with Honey, the Golden Retriever service dog and the other golden retrievers featured in the story. Be prepared for tears when reading this. 4) Two Loves for Christmas by Mona Risk This is not only a story featuring romance, but it has a touch of suspense too. Romance, suspense, danger and a German Shepherd - definitely a great combination. If you like some suspense in your romance, you'll love this as much as I did. 5) Dog-gone Christmas by Melinda Curtis This is a story full of humor. I couldn't stop laughing at the Saint Bernard who talked to Marnie and her mother-in-law but the others couldn't seem to hear. His conversations with Marnie left me laughing all the way. Not only is this a funny story, it has an underlying meaning of learning to forgive. Great story. 6) Christmas on Cougar Mountain by Nancy Radke This is one of my most favorite stories in the boxset. I always love stories that have more than just romance and humor. Christmas on Cougar is not only romantic and funny, it brings awareness to an issue that despite being very common, is still unknown to many - dyslexia. I love how Nancy wrote the issue into the book but still making the whole story interesting and romantic. 7) Graced by Jade Kerrion Connor is a widower with 2 girls that he can't handle, especially his elder daughter. They have a goldfish that keeps dying and Connor has to replace it every time so that his daughter doesn't find out. The reason why the goldfish keeps dying is revealed at a later part and it was a really sad reason. I could really feel the agony of Connor and really felt so sad for him. Noelle, Connor's childhood crush, steps in and she starts getting attached. But Noelle has a secret and she doesn't know if Connor can accept it. This is sort of a second chance story and i really enjoyed it. 8) Unexpected Gift by Chantel Rhondeau The heroine Cali befriends a recluse after she saves his cat. Somehow, she is drawn to him and keeps trying to befriend him. There is a reason he is a recluse but he is just not sharing. They start falling for each other as they continue their friendship through telephone and video calls. I'm not so sure about this story. I did enjoy reading it but I'm just wondering if it is really possible to fall in love and really know a person just through telephone and video calls. Somehow it just seems pretty unrealistic and rushed.

I got to read several ARCs of this set and I can assure you it's chockful of cute and sweet stories with puppies, kittens, and more. Not only that, it's from NY Times, USA Today bestsellers as well as award winning authors. The stories are fresh and not cliched, and each brings a huge dose of emotions and happy, joyful ending. An Unexpected Gift by Chantel Rhondeau is a truly beautiful and moving love story. You'd never expect it from the grimy surroundings and the gruffness of the hero. I couldn't stop turning the pages to see why he was acting that way despite being loving and tender to his cat. Mavy's Christmas Miracle by Sharon Coady is another story with a stray kitten who helps a bring together a new family. It's warm and touching, and shows how sometimes, you never know is someone's watching over you--in little ways and small packages. An Impossible Rescue by Annamaria Bazzi is an uplifting story of how a good friendship and budding love can strengthen you, despite all the burdens you're under. Even when you think happiness is impossible. It's definitely a sweet story brought about by a Pomeranian puppy and a handsome neighbor who moves in next door. These are just a few samples of the books in this set. It's a bargain and no brainer at 99c. So, if you love animals and sweet (clean and wholesome) Christmas stories, you'll enjoy Christmas Pets and Kisses.

I was able to read "GOLDEN CHRISTMAS" and what a delightful book it was! As others have said, it really tugs at the heartstrings, especially over the holidays! Vicky had her world turned upside down when she lost her husband and son 4 years ago in an accident. She doesn't think anything will ever be the same again and she's closed herself off from everything, even her parents. It's just too painful....especially over the holidays, so she rents a cottage far from her parents during Christmas. She meets a blind man and his dog, Jonathan & Honey, who quickly bridge the walls of her heart. Jonathan was blinded by an IED in combat and is trying to come to terms with his new life. His dog brings Vicky and him together one day. It's such a sweet book and will have you reading it quickly, just like I did! I couldn't put it down! I loved the epilogue! I also read "CHRISTMAS WISH". Another delightful story, this time with a horse as the pet! Estranged spouses, Brennen and Ashley, come together when their daughter, Hayley, goes to the ER at Christmas time because she is thrown from her horse, Thunder. Brennen has had to move out of the house because he had one moment of weakness with another woman and Ashley is having a hard time forgiving him. However, Hayley has a Christmas wish that her parents will get back together. When Brennen moves back in to help Hayley recover from her concussion, will he be able to show Ashley that she's the only woman for him? A very sweet holiday story on forgiveness and family! "MINTY'S KISS" really tugged at my heartstrings because it started with Molly as a young girl trying to deal with her parents' divorce in a cabin in the mountains when she gets a kitten to comfort her and she has a crush on a local boy named Nick. Then it moves on to that same cabin where she brings her young daughter, Gracie, when SHE'S divorced and that same cat dies suddenly but another kitten "magically" appears the same day to comfort Gracie! Nick comes over to welcome them back and Molly feels that same "attraction" still there - so does Nick. The Christmas holiday magic takes over! HIS CHRISTMAS PROMISE was fantastic! I really liked this story! Veronica - or Ronni - has sworn off men due to her super jerk ex-husband but she can't help enjoy the time she spends with helicopter pilot, Justin, who takes her to her physical therapist appts.! He's very handsome and interesting! But, he's a player and she's not getting involved with someone like that! Besides, she has a darling daughter, Daphne, and several rescue animals to keep her busy. However, when Daphne visits her father and gets in an accident, which leads to losing her dog and Justin finds the dog, which leads to Ronni and Daphne living on Justin's property and sharing the dog with Justin's grandma......things just happen!!!! Such a sweet story

About the author

 NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Helen Scott Taylor lives in South West England near Plymouth in Devon between the windswept expanse of Dartmoor and the rocky Atlantic coast. As well as her wonderful, long-suffering husband, she shares her home with a Westie who digs up the garden searching for voles, and an elderly cat who adores treats.

NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Mona Risk lives in Florida and writes contemporary romance, medical romance, and romantic suspense, simmering with emotion and sprinkled with a good dose of humor. Her novels are set in the fascinating places she visited--or in Florida, her paradise on Earth. 

USA Today bestselling author Melinda Curtis writes the Harmony Valley series of sweet and emotional romances for Harlequin Heartwarming, and the indie pubbed Bridesmaid series.

USA Today bestselling author Alicia Street is a Daphne du Maurier award-winner. She writes both sweet and steamier romances and sometimes collaborates with her husband, Roy. She spent many years as a dancer, choreographer, and teacher and is a compulsive reader of every genre. Alicia grew up with dogs and cats and could not imagine living without furry pals.

USA Today bestselling author Nikki Lynn Barrett I'm an avid lover of books. I've been writing as far back as I can remember, completing my first "book" by fifth grade in one of those one subject spiral notebooks. I have a passion for music, photography, jewelry and all things creative. I live in Arizona with my husband and son, but dream of being somewhere much colder and stormier.

Bestselling author Rachelle Ayala I love the magic of the Christmas season filled with family and the spirit of giving and helping others. From romantic suspense to sweet contemporaries, I write from my heart and love to include children and pets in my stories. My stories range from steamy to sweet, so be sure to check the reader's guide at my website.

Bestselling author Nancy Radke started out writing full-length, modern romance and suspense stories, switched to novella length for her western series, The Traherns, and now writes both, usually two or three books at the same time. A former special education teacher, her education background shows when she includes history, or in this case, reading problems, in her books. Her books are G-rated, no sex, no swearing.

J.L. Campbell is an award-winning, Jamaican author who writes romantic suspense, women's fiction, new and young adult novels. She has written thirteen books, three novellas and two short story collections. Campbell is a certified editor, who also writes non-fiction.

USA TODAY bestselling author Mary Leo grew up in a complicated Italian family on Chicago’s Southside where she developed the art of storytelling. She writes with ironic humor, a bit of whimsy, some serious drama, and has a longstanding love affair with the American cowboy.

Jade Kerrion writes her award-winning science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary novels at 3:00 a.m. when her husband and three sons are asleep. She aspires to make her readers as sleep-deprived as she is. Her alphabetical Life Shocks Romances series anchors around unlikely romances you will root for and happy endings you can believe in. 

Bestselling author Chantel Rhondeau once thought a great mystery or fantasy book with strong romantic themes was the highest level of reading bliss. After reading her first romantic suspense novel, she never looked back. She lives in the western United States, and when she's not writing she loves playing cards with her family, bowling on leagues, and snuggling with her lazy kitties.

P.C. Zick describes herself as "a storyteller no matter what I write." And she writes in a variety of genres, including romance, contemporary fiction, and nonfiction. Her female characters are strong and sexy and her male heroes are easy to love. She's won various awards for her essays, columns, editorials, articles, and fiction. When she’s not at the computer, she’s boating, kayaking, golfing, and just generally enjoying life with her husband—a lost love from her youth who resurfaced six years ago. Talk about a romantic story!

Michele Shriver writes women’s fiction and contemporary romance. Her books feature flawed-but-likeable characters in real-life settings. She’s not afraid to break the rules, but never stops believing in happily ever after. Michele counts among her favorite things a good glass of wine, a hockey game, and a sweet and sexy book boyfriend, not necessarily in that order. 

Award-winning author Aubrey Wynne resides in the Midwest with her husband, dogs, horses, mule and barn cats. She is an elementary teacher by trade, champion of children and animals by conscience, and author by night. Obsessions include history, travel, trail riding and all things Christmas. Her debut story, Merry Christmas, Henry, received Best Short Romance in the Preditors & Editors Reader’s Choice of 2013.

Sharon Coady lives in Florida with her husband, three of their daughters and five of their eleven grandchildren. She wrote two books before discovering romance novels. When not working as a nurse for the Veterans Administration or writing she enjoys spending time with her family and riding behind her husband on their Harley.

Although born in the United States, author Annamaria Bazzi spent a great deal of her childhood in Sicily, Italy, in a town called Sciacca. Italian was the language spoken at home. Therefore, she had no problems when she found herself growing up in a strange country. Annamaria lives in Richmond Virginia with her small family where she now dedicates a good part of her day writing.