A do-gooder joins
forces with a reformed delinquent-turned-lawyer to run a Christmas tree stand
benefiting the children's hospital, but when the money goes missing, fingers
are pointed.
How
does a smart, easygoing serial monogamist tame a closet Bohemian?
Adam
Taylor believes selling his childhood home is the only way to put the
past...and the memories behind him. Then he meets Joy Pettigrew. The uptight
real estate broker isn't what she seems.
Freaky
and Joy Pettigrew no longer mix. She's a corporate girl now. She plans to make
the sale, get the commission, and never look back. He swears he wants to sell
his grandfather's house and move on. She knows he's lying to himself. He
insists she throw off the façade she's hiding behind. She knows she's lying to
herself. She also knows he's going back to Houston. Nothing
she does will change his mind...and even their shared passion won't convince
her to go with him. She's already home. After all, Christmas is just around the
corner and everyone knows you spend Christmas at home.
Author: Marcia James Book: Heating Up the Holidays Release Date: July 2012 Publisher: Marcia James ISBN: 978-0-9837033-2-7 Genre: Contemporary romance
novella Heat Level: R-rated Format:E-Book in Multiple
Formats Author Website: www.MarciaJames.net Facebook | Twitter
Nicky Paxton is up to her pointed elf ears in
work—filling in for a sick Santa’s helper, corralling kittens in a winter
wonderland and running her family’s department store. With only 14 shopping
days until Christmas, the last thing she needs is her high school
heart-breaker.
Lawyer Chris Spencer leaves the LA rat race to
raise his five-year-old daughter, Holly, in his sleepy Virginia hometown. He
wants Holly to have a wonderful Christmas. His carefully laid plans don’t
include a second chance with his first love.
When Holly asks the store Santa for a “fairy pony
puppy”, Chris enlists Nicky’s help to track down the elusive item. Despite
Nicky’s resolve not to re-gift her heart to Chris, their sexual attraction
could power the town’s holiday light display. With the help of mistletoe, a
hairless dog and a lonely child, Chris and Nicky just might get their Christmas
desires.
Hi. I'm Aithne Jarretta, your tweetin-fiend here at the MFRW Author blog (taking a brief break from Twitter) to share some tidbits about my newest story, KISSING SANTA. This tale blossoms in the heart of holiday spirit and love reunited. It's short, bittersweet and scrumptious.
Readers will find just a hint of paranormal (Santa Claus). Paranormal-lite is unusual for my stories due to my overindulgence in world building, but the reason is simple.
KISSING SANTA is inspired by several true events in my Christmases past.
You see, I grew up in one of those neighborhoods where Secret Santas roamed the streets on Christmas Eve and handed presents to children from bright red sleighs pulled by modern-day vans filled with Santa helpers and plenty of gifts. (whew! Breathe ... Aithne!)
Reminiscences run deep and tug at the heartstrings. Mix those two magical elements with my three favorite story essentials; bittersweet separation, love's reunion and happy endings.... What you have is a story born of romance.
The last Christmas I was gifted with the magical Secret Santa visitation N.E. Ohio experienced a major snowstorm. Wind-chill factor and huge (yet beautiful) snowflakes nearly stopped Santa.... But now I'm giving too much away.
I'd prefer to share this magical moment that Lily, the heroine of Kissing Santa, has with her young nephew, Sammy.
Excerpt:
Lily wondered at Sammy's odd behavior.
With an impish shrug Sammy faced the frosty window. Then he raised his right hand, placed it firmly on the glass and held it there for a long moment.
Watching him, Lily trembled from the cold. She crossed hands over her chest and rubbed sweater covered arms in an attempt to chase away the chill.Little Sammy had been just over two years old when she left. No wonder she didn’t understand him—she didn’t know him.
Small shoulders beneath a holiday inspired red flannel shirt shook with mirth. He winked and pulled his hand from the glass.
A perfect handprint presented itself—a clear window to the exterior world. He leaned forward and demonstrated that she should give it a try. “See? It's just right.”
Surprised at his simple action, gratitude pooled around her heart. The little gift mellowed her like the warm scent of spiced cider.
She laughed softly and leaned down. There it was—the record breaking snow squall. Large snowflakes whizzed by on the bone-chilling wind. Their size and multitude completely obscured the street out front.
“He’ll still get through,” Sammy said with all the confidence of youthful innocence. “He’s Santa Claus.”
* * * * * * * * * *
If you enjoy trailers, play Kissing Santa's video. Comments are always welcome.
Today, I live far away from snowstorms. But as mentioned above, Readers can find me primarily on Twitter. The pulse of the flowing contact stream is what makes Twitter my favorite online place. I respond to all @AithneJarretta mentions and would enjoy having you join our conversation.
Thank you for stopping by. Before you leave, why not check out some of the other postings here. MFRW has many fascinating contributors and I'm sure you'll find something that matches you perfectly.