The Gift: Home for Christmas / All I Want for Christmas

Book Description

From the incomparable master of romance Nora Roberts comes two tales of holiday love, available for the first time in over a decade.

Home for Christmas
After years of world travel, prizewinning reporter Jason Law returned home to New Hampshire. He had carried the memories of Faith Kirkpatrick, the girl he left behind, for ten years -- now he was determined to win back her love. But she was a woman with responsibilities, and he was nothing but a wandering nomad. All they could have was this one Christmas together. Could Faith summon the courage to give Jason a once-in-a-lifetime holiday gift?

All I Want for Christmas
Identical twin boys Zeke and Zach wanted only one gift from Santa: a new mom! And when they first meet their music teacher at school, they could hardly believe their luck -- Miss Davis was a mom made-to-order. But convincing their dad was a lot harder than they thought. Mac Taylor wasn't willing to risk his heart, but when Nell brought love and laughter into all their lives, his heart began to thaw like a spring snow. Will the boys get their Christmas present after all?

Customer Reviews:

The Gift.......2006-12-29

You know how you go into a thrift shop and see a decent-looking book with a shiny cover, by an author who is apparantly best-selling and famous... you are likely to buy it for 50 cents, just to see what all the fuss is about.

I read this for the holidays, since it is about this time of year and I wouldn't feel right reading about Christmas any other time of the year. But I wish I would have never picked this up at the thrift shop. Both the stories were surprisingly similar. Two people see each other, feel desire, then something happens that makes one of them mad, and then they make up and they get engaged.

It's all so sappy and romantic and it's been done many times before. But this book was the reason that I picked up a good mystery, instead of suffering through another romance.

Magical holiday stories.......2005-07-04

It seemed odd reading Christmas stories so far out of season, but this book tempered the July heat as it warmed my heart! If you are looking for long involved stories with a lot of drama and action, then this isn't the book for you. At under 100 pages each, the two wonderful stories in this collection are sweetly romantic; the type of feel-good, magical short stories similiar to those featured in the December issue of woman's magazines such as Good Housekeeping or Redbook. The solid and likable characters are very realisically presented and the dialogue between them flows naturally. The children have prominent roles and are charming in a precocious and mischievious sort of way. The attention to detail, especially in describing the both the wintery New England and the autumnal rural Maryland settings, pulls the reader into these small communities. It's amazing how Nora Roberts can make such an impact on such few pages!!

Nora, what's happened???.......2005-03-23

I only read the first story in this book. I was so dissapointed that I took it back to the library. Faith is nothing but a selfish woman who uses time old excuses. She kept her daughter from Jason for the stupidest reasons that you will only find in a romance novel. Jason shouldn't have left in the first place, but he did, and all Faith had to do was tell him as soon as she could. That would be the RIGHT thing to do. Jason wasn't any better though. He shouldn't have been so angry that Faith had gotten married. He left all of a sudden and didn't call or write till six months later. I always like the characters and writing of Nora, however this was such a short story that it left a lot to be desired. Nora should have not made her characters so cliched. Hopefully Midnight Bayou will be better, I got that from the library also today also. If not, then I'm giving up Nora for good.

Good Holiday Book.......2005-01-20

"The Gift" is a novel made up of two stories. The first, "Home for Christmas" is about a man, Jason, going back home to the small town he left years ago. He goes back to found Faith, his high school sweetheart he left behind to make a life for himself. He wants to take her away with him, but he discovers she has established a life for herself and her daughter in her town. So he tries to fit into her new life, but she has some trouble accepting him back in her life. The second story is titled ""All I want For Christmas". It's about two twin boys who want nothing for Christmas except a new mom, a love for their dad. So, Santa sends them their wish, in the form of a new teacher. The only problem is, their dad doesn't seem to notice Miss Davis, and they think their Christmas wish won't come true.
I chose this book because the holiday season was beginning and I was in the mood for nothing but Christmas romance novels. I was very happy with my decision. This is the perfect book to read if you just want to enjoy a fun story and a happy ending. The stories are well written and make you feel for the characters as if they were your friends. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and recommend it for anyone who wants a smile on their face.

Short and Sweet.......2005-01-06

While I am a huge fan of NR, these 2 books lack the strength of her latest books. These 2 stories were short...so short in fact, one can read them in a 2-hour sitting!

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Oh yummy
A sweet, hot Christmas book.
Warm your christmas with this passionate anthology
ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS Anthology Lori Foster, et al
For Anthology Lovers

All I Want For Christmas
Lori Foster , Dee Holmes , Kinley MacGregor , and Eileen Wilks
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0312976801

Book Description

'Tis the season-for passion....The holidays have never been hotter, as four of todays' finest romance authors hang up the mistletoe and bring unwitting couples together in the most deliciously sinful ways! So sit back and unwrap four fabulously sexy stories-- each guaranteed to give you all you want for Christmas....and more.Lori Foster has two co-workers plan a Christmas party side-by-side-and discover a love worth celebrating....Dee Holmes reunites former lovers, who are forced to spend the holidays together-- and find that their old flames still burn white-hot....Kinley MacGregor goes to the Old West, where an outlaw returns to the woman he loved and left behind-- and finds the best holiday surprise of his life....Eileen Wilks heats up Regency England, as a young lady plans to lose her innocence to a charming rogue-- but doesn't expect a night of passion to so thoroughly connect their souls....

Customer Reviews:

Oh yummy.......2007-01-10

Twas the night before Christmas..... And oh what yummy goodness there is given to us all women for the holidays....

A sweet, hot Christmas book........2003-12-29

- "The Proper Lover" by Eileen Wilks
Set in Regency England. Emily, a young lady plans to lose her innocence to James, a charming rogue, so that she doesn't have to marry against her will, but she doesn't expect a night of passion to so thoroughly connect their souls...

- "Santa Wears Spurs" by Kinley MacGregor
Set in the Old West. An outlaw returns to the woman he loved and left behind because he wanted to protect her from his own brother, and finds the best christmas surprise of his life...

- "Christmas Bonus" by Lori Foster
(My favourite!!!) Erin Bragg had been in love with Maggie Carmichael for years. He had been waiting for her to grow up before making a move, but she was his boss now and if he asked her to marry him some might assume he was only doing it to get the company.

- "A Night with Emily" by Dee Holmes
Johnny and Emily were forced to spend Christmas together and they found out that their old flames still burn white-hot...

Warm your christmas with this passionate anthology.......2001-09-19

ALL I WANT FOR X'MAS promises to be a deliciously scandalous read besides the prurient book cover with four authors to scorch you up with their novellas in this sizzling anthology. Christmas Bonus by Lori Foster wastes no time in subtleties to unite Maggie and Eric, who are co-workers and in secret passion for one another. The romp is outrageously prurient yet tender when they confess their love for each other especially when Maggie is discovered to be an erotica writer. Eileen Wilks crafts the story of Emily fleeing from her Aunt who had plans to marry her off to an undesirable match and her predicaments compels her to surrender herself to the dissolute rake, James Drake - Baron Redding. The humour twisted in the story especially when the overly amorous Lady Debenheim offers herself to James makes the sexually charged story scintillating. Kinley MacGregor fuels the sensuality with outlaw Michael O'Conell returning to his wife, Catherine but his declaration of love is obliterated by the cruel fate of his criminal brother engaging him for a crime spree. Love however surmounts the barrier to grant him a requisition of his lovely wife and daughter. The last story by Dee Holmes finishes with Johnny and Emily facing up to the truth that their love may not be extinguished after all - the bitterness learns to give way to their love. All I want for X'mas is an anthology pumped with unabashed sexuality - if you like the story zinged with flames and passion. A crackling Christmas will be gauranteed along with the gratifying satisfaction from the lovely stories in the anthology.

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS Anthology Lori Foster, et al.......2000-11-18

This is the perfect gift for a romance lover who likes a sensuous romance. It gives you a taste of different time periods and the writing is very fresh and the stories will put a smile on your face. These gals know how to turn up the heat!

THE PROPER LOVER by Eileen Wilks

The setting is Sussex, Englnad: l807, and the tale is utterly delightful. Emily Smythe wants to experience sexual love and be ruined. She's tired of her life with her aunt and uncle who don't really want her around and constantly criticize her. Then everything changes when she meets James Edward Charles Drake, Baron Redding, the second son of the Earl of Mere in the woods while she's gather Christmas greens. James is a rake and takes the liberty of kissing his woodland sprite and Emily is in a spin afterward and decides he is the man she wants to take her virginity. What a hoot!

Emily sets out late at night to walk the mile to where James is staying with the outrageous Lord and Lady Debenham in order to seduce him so she won't have to marry the suitors her uncle has picked out for her. All I can say is James meets a woman who is dangerous to this rakedom! This story will have you smiling your face off. There are some memorable scenes! I had a coughing fit laughing.

SANTA WEARS SPURS by Kinley MacGregor

I fell in love with this tale of the Old West. Outlaw Michael O'Connell fell in love with a wonderful girl and then left her. Now five years later he is unknowingly headed back to her as he returns money stolen from an orphanage. The man is handsome as sin and Catherine has never been able to forget him and if she ever sees him again she's going to kill him. What a way to go! No more hints for you. You're going to love this one!

CHRISTMAS BONUS by Lori Foster

Maggie Carmichael and friend and co-worker, sexy hunk, Eric Braggs are thrown together planning the office Christmas Party. Eric had been entranced by Maggie the first time he saw her at seventeen and he's biding his time until she grows up. Now five years later, she's graduated from college and stepped from boss's daughter to boss after her father's death. Eric had been her father's friend and right-hand man.

Unbeknownst to Eric, Maggie's had a crush on him since the moment she met him too so now that's she's all grown up she sets out to seduce this sexy as sin man and claim him for her own. Deliciously sexy and lots of fun!

A NIGHT WITH EMILY by Dee Holmes

When Emily Madden said she'd house sit for her friend she never dreamed her ex-lover, Johnny Cross, would be coming home. He's back and mad as the devil. Something's happened and Emily wants to know what has him so disturbed. Johnny was the one who left her to get out of their small town and his father for a partnership in a construction company. But apparently the flames of love are still there for Johnny and Emily as they almost go up in smoke in this tale of lost and found love.

Every story is wonderful in this delightful anthology. More of the same please ladies!

For Anthology Lovers.......2000-11-12

All I Want for Christmas is a melange of Christmas stories, contemporary and historical. Lori Foster gets first billing (or is it just alphabetical?) with Dee Holmes, Kinley MacGregor, and Eileen Wilks, rounding out the slate of excellent authors. All of the stories were charming, especially MacGregor's Santa Wears Spurs. This story of a man who is determined to set things right and who rediscovers in the process the woman he has always loved, is heartwarming and poignant, and my favorite of the four. In Eileen Wilks' regency story, The Proper Lover, it's amazing what a kiss can do when a young, innocent woman decides what she needs for Christmas is a rake. Dee Holmes brings a reunion story to the mix, when she forces two people who were once in love to spend the holidays together. And Lori Foster's Christmas Bonus showcases her hot as fireworks writing style. Reunion stories are among my favorites, so I was hooked by MacGregor and Holmes. Wilks' regency was charming. But Foster's heroine was a bit too young for the hero, although those who like her sizzlers won't be disappointed. Still, the best thing about the holidays is tasting all the different goodies, and All I Want for Christmas has something for everyone who loves short stories.

Spanish All Talk Basic Language Course (4 Hour/4 Cds): Learn to Understand and Speak Spanish with Linguaphone Language Programs (All Talk) (All Talk)

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Spanish All Talk Basic Language Course (4 Hour/4 Cds): Learn to Understand and Speak Spanish with Linguaphone Language Programs (All Talk) (All Talk)
Linguaphone
Manufacturer: Linguaphone
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

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Spanish for Dummies

ASIN: 0747309515

Product Description

On-the-go Instrction Because your time is valuable... All Audio All on the go! Beginning level instruction is presented in an all-audio format on 4 digitally-recorded CDs. You have the opportunity to learn on the go, taking advantage of time normally wasted. Study in your car, while exercising, doing yard work anywhere you can safely listen to a CD player. No accompanying books are needed to help you complete the lesson activities. Why can t learning be fun? It can! Linguaphone has chosen to present the allTalk series in an entertaining, soap-opera format. No dry old teacher with a monotone voice putting you to sleep, you follow the adventures of a visitor to a Spanish-speaking country as she interacts with individuals in a variety of interesting situations, learning the language and beginning to understand the culture. Actually learn the language Tired of spending money on language courses that don t work? Did you ever think the problem could be with the course and not you? With Linguaphone s unique learning sequence: Listen, Understand, Speak, you will find yourself actually using the language in no time at all! You are presented with a unit of the language, it is then broken down and explained to you, then you put it back together with greater understanding than just repeating what you may not have understood in the first place. . . . and learn it well! The all Talk methodology not only teaches well, but will have you speaking and understanding basic spoken Spanish in no time at all. Other popular all-audio courses require four times the cds, four times the money and four times the time to do what Linguaphone s allTalk Basic does with 4-one hour CDs.

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That's Not All I Want for Christmas
Lynn Hodges
Manufacturer: Cook Communications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0781440785

Book Description

A timely story for the holiday season! Ashton is a little girl who starts writing her Christmas list. It begins with noble wishes for the poor - but it ends with a long, greedy list of perosnal wants. Once she gets her material wishes met on Christmas Day, she flaunts them. She also refuses to let her friend Debbie even tough them. Debbie had received few gifts, but hers were hand-made and heartfelt. Ashton comes to learn a let from Debbie's values, and makes a heart change for the good. This seasonal story has a great year-'round message - and wonderful illustrations!

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All I Want for Christmas
Denise A. Agnew
Manufacturer: Treble Heart Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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philosophy hope in a jar daily moisturizer

ASIN: 0971188297
Release Date: 2001-11-15

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All I Want for Christmas (Hardcover)

Manufacturer: St. Martins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0739413422

Product Description

Four bright stars of romance take on the Christmas theme - adding plenty of spice! in this sexy anthology. If you like your romance hot, consider this their gift to you!

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What a great Christmas book!
Jump start into the spirit of Christmas
Heartwarming story for the holiday season
It's a Wonderful Life meets A Christmas Carol
It's a Wonderful Life meets A Christmas Carol

All I Want for Christmas
Sheila Rabe
Manufacturer: Jove
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Be My Valentine

ASIN: 0515129259
Release Date: 2000-10-03

Book Description

Luke Potter vows to put an end to Susan Carpenter's gaudy Christmas display. But before his case gets to court, he gets to know the surprisingly charismatic woman he's up against. And suddenly the season seems much more joyful....

Customer Reviews:

What a great Christmas book!.......2005-10-20

From the back cover:

Adorned with twinkling lights and plastic reindeer, glowing with good old-fashioned Christmas cheer, and swarming with eager merrymakers, Susan Carpenter's house is truly a sight to behold--but one that Angel Fall's resident Scrooge absolutely lothes.

Luke Potter can't stand carols, crowds, or any kind of commotion--and he's determined to put a stop to Suzi Christmas's holiday hoopla. But before his case gets to court, he gets to know the surprisingly charismatic woman he's up against. Suddenly the season seems much more joyful--but Luke's reasons for rejoicing are about to run out because he's met her under false pretenses...pretending his name is Nicolas Claus. But when Suzi learns that Nick is really Luke, will she still love him?

And my review:

Wow! This was the first book I read by Sheila Rabe, but it certainly won't be my last. I borrowed it from the library and devoured it in a day. I just couldn't put it down. (I read about 200 novels a year, so a book has to be really good for me not to be able to put it down!) As soon as I finished reading it, I ordered it off Amazon. I just had to have my own copy, because I've already re-read it, and will probably read it every year.

I thought I would hate Luke, but I didn't. He grew and changed until you loved and understood him. Even the fact that he was lying to Suzi for most of the book couldn't make you hate him, because the author showed you how much it tore him up inside to do it. You could see that underneath all the crust, he was a good person. And Suzi--she was awesome!

There was no actual sex in this book, but it was sensual, which was the perfect balance for me. Also, there were two other romance subplots going on, which were also well written, but didn't detract from the main storyline at all. And there was also humor woven in there. There were many laugh-out-loud moments. Romance, drama, laughter and Christmas. What more could you ask for?

And this was one of the few Christmas romances where the Christmas part was an integral part of the story, not something that felt tacked on afterwards.

A definate keeper. I don't give out many five-star ratings. A book really has to earn one, but this one did! I can't wait to read more stuff from this author.

Jump start into the spirit of Christmas.......2000-12-08

Jump start into the spirit of Christmas with this witty, fun, cleaver tale. Ms. Rabe has provided me with a delightfully entertaining book, that kept the candle burning long past midnight. Truly a feel-good read, which would make a great Christmas time movie or play.

Heartwarming story for the holiday season.......2000-11-22

This romance is a bit of a cross between a modern day It's a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Carol and How The Grinch Stole Christmas. Susan Carpenter, widow and mother, teaches a modern-day Grinch Scrooge, Luke Potter, the true meaning of love and the spirit of Christmas.

Sweet romance, a couple of kisses. Good to put in someone's stocking this year.

It's a Wonderful Life meets A Christmas Carol.......2000-11-08

What a wonderful book Sheila Rabe has written! I read her Regencies years ago, and while they were good, I think she's truly found her niche with this warm, funny story. The clash between Luke, who hates Christmas, and Suzy, who loves it, kept me reading well past my bedtime. I'll probably re-read it before Christmas, just for the smile.

It's a Wonderful Life meets A Christmas Carol.......2000-11-08

All I Want For Christmas (Harlequin Temptation, No 567)

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The Book Was Good!

All I Want For Christmas (Harlequin Temptation, No 567)
Gina Wilkins
Manufacturer: harlequin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0373256671

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The Book Was Good!.......2001-12-24

This book was good it's about two orphans, Pip and his sister Kelsey and their Christmas wish is to have a Mom and Dad and they have selected a lady named Ryan Clark who owns a Doll shop and a guy named Max Monroe and they set about in trying to make their wish come true.

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Boy Meets Boy X 4...
Making Our Gay Spirits Bright
"If You Believe"
Great light reading by four of the best in gay fiction

All I Want For Christmas
Jon Jeffrey , Chris Kenry , William Mann , and Ben Tyler
Manufacturer: Kensington
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0758203101

Book Description

Put another log on the fire and snuggle up under the mistletoe with these delightful holiday novellas from Jon Jeffrey, Chris Kenry, William J. Mann, and Ben Tyler. From six-pack abs to extra-large love, a reason to believe or chance to get holidazed, these boys of the season aren't afraid to ask Santa to bring them everything they want for Christmas…and then some…

He'll Be Mine By Christmas Morning by Jon Jeffrey As the acid-tongued editor of the wildly popular gay men's magazine, BFM, Carson St. John is used to telling everyone what's hot and what's not…and what's turning up the heat for him is one Callum Fox. Bagging the sexy British brainiac will take all of Carson's wiles, especially since he's not the only man pursuing this wily fox. Now, as the holidays dazzle and sizzle—from a hilarious Blue Lagoon bash to a secluded Barbados getaway—Carson's on a wild quest to get his man any way he can…

An Extra-Large Christmas by Chris Kenry Ho, ho, ho—the joke's on Frank Malloy this Christmas. The handsome, famous photographer is known for his iconic photos of gorgeous, naked men changing tires, water-skiing, and generally acting manly. What no one knows is that Frank's real obsession involves chubby men—especially Al, the barrel-chested delivery man who's been dropping off all his Christmas goodies this year. With everyone from his co-workers to a very persistent Czechoslovakian porn star out to uncover Frank's secret, he's got one chance to find out for himself if good things also come in very large packages…

If You Believe by William J. Mann James, Christopher, Bernard, and Michael. Through lovers and cat-fights, holidays and bad fashion choices, it's always been the close-knit foursome. But lately, Michael can't help wondering if they've traded in their crazy blood families for an equally dysfunctional gay family, one that's fraying more at every dinner and party they give. And when Christopher introduces his new lover, Bud, Michael knows what's been missing in his own life, and that a bumpy Christmas Eve could end everything he's built…or finally bring him what he's always wanted…

Naughty Or Nice by Ben Tyler It ain't easy being the son of gay cultural icon Polly Pepper, but somebody's gotta do it, and that unfortunate somebody is Tim. Blond, dimpled and adorable, Tim's convinced that guys are more interested in meeting his self-absorbed, Bob Mackie-clad mother than in discovering his own talents—until he meets handsome Evan. Tim is instantly smitten, but there's just one little problem. Is Evan a Polly-fanatic like all of Tim's other boyfriends? Or is there a surprise package under all that wrapping…one that just might be the answer to all of Tim's Christmas wishes?

Customer Reviews:

Boy Meets Boy X 4..........2007-04-29

There is an old saying, "In the spring, a young man's fancy turns to love." However, a young man does not only fall in love in springtime and sometimes he falls in love with another man. This anthology of four short stories chronicles the lives of gay men who only want Santa to leave them one present under the tree: someone to love forever.

1.) He'll Be Mine By Christmas Morning / Jon Jeffrey

Carson St. John seemingly has it all. He is the editor of a successful gay men's magazine and a popular television personality. Added to that, he has good looks, great clothes, and money to burn. Unfortunately, Carson is feeling burned out by his career path and he is tired of lunchtime quickies with the latest married man due jour. He is also very full of himself. A twist of fate gives Carson an opportunity for an exciting new career and a real relationship with a great guy. However, can Carson overcome his self-centered ways before he loses everything he had ever dreamed was possible?

2.) An Extra Large Christmas / Chris Kenry

What do you do when everyone in your life expects you to lust after Brad Pitt but you secretly lust after John Goodman? Frank Malloy makes a very successful living photographing naked studs for coffee-table books. However, what he really wants to do is photograph the splendor of Italy...Yet he is too afraid to change. He would also love to go to Italy with someone special...Yet he is too afraid of people finding out that he does not fantasize about guys with six-pack abs...He fantasizes about guys with beer guts.

The best part of Frank's day is when Al, the hefty local delivery driver stops by to drop off the packages that Frank orders on a daily basis just to see him. A friendship turns to love for the two of them but Frank, fearing a tarnishing of his public image wants to keep his relationship a secret. Will Frank have the courage to be his own man or lose the love of his life?

3.) If You Believe / William J. Mann

James, Christopher, and Michael have been like three peas in a pod since elementary school. This Christmas however, Michael is feeling pretty jealous of his best friends. He already feels awkward around them because he is not as smart as James is, or as handsome as Christopher. To top it off, they have boyfriends to spend the holiday with and Michael does not (even if James' boyfriend is a jerk and Christopher's boyfriend is almost 40). With average looks, in a dead end job, and no boyfriend in sight, Michael begins to wonder if he will ever find someone to love. On Christmas Eve, Michael learns not to judge a book by its cover (and to care about himself) when he finds out that his soul mate might just be...Christopher's boyfriend, Bud.

4.) Naughty Or Nice / Ben Tyler

Tim Pepper has a life that most gay men would kill to have. The son of Hollywood legend Polly Pepper (think Carol Burnett), Tim has a relatively cushy job as his mother's social secretary & party planner (even if it does mean dealing with his mother's histrionics, 24/7). With good looks, charm, and more money than God to boot, you would think guys would be clamoring to get into Tim's pants. They are...but it is usually so they can get Polly's autograph. When Tim meets a florist named Evan, he decides that in order to know if Evan really cares for him, Tim cannot tell him his real identity. Will Tim find true love or will his paranoia cause him to be lonely on Christmas morning?

I really did not like Jeffrey's story. To me, Carson started out a conceited jerk and ended a conceited jerk even though we were supposed to believe he was a "changed man," now that he had found true love. It was one of those situations where I am sitting there thinking, "I give it six months, tops." Carson did not deserve as good a guy as he got. There were parts of the story that I enjoyed, however. Any of the scenes, which involved Carson's blasé assistant or his best friend, were fantastic. I found these characters to be very engaging and interesting. I would definitely read a novel with either or both of them as the main character.

What I enjoyed the most about Kenry's story was the fact that Al was not the "typical" picture of what is considered handsome. I think it gives hope to all of us guys who probably will not make the cover of GQ. I think there was a strong theme in the story of having the courage and the maturity to not care what other people might think and do in your heart what you know is right.

I thought Mann's story was the best written out of the four stories. I thought he wrote with real grace and he was very adept at conveying his character's emotions to the reader. There were themes all over this story such as love, death, loneliness, fear, loss, new beginnings. I felt as if I was traveling the journey with his characters and when the story ended, I wanted more. In this story more than any other, I was dying to know, "What happens next?" However, this story was like life. Everything is not always wrapped up so neatly.

Tyler's story was the most fun. Personally, I thought the secondary characters of Tim's mother and her confidante/maid, stole the show. Both of them made me laugh out loud and it was just fun to wonder what outrageous thing was going to come out of their mouths next.

If someone is offended by coarse language, this probably is not the book for him/her (The opening conversation in the first story takes place after oral sex). However, this book is much more about the lives of the characters, than sex. If you are looking for a fun, entertaining read with some alternative romance during any holiday season, pick this book up!

Making Our Gay Spirits Bright.......2007-01-09

I was determined to find some gay Christmas stories this year and happily came upon "All I Want For Christmas," four short stories written by some of today's best authors of the genre. The winner here was "An Extra Large Christmas" by Chris Kenry. It was a totally heart-warming piece, I especially liked it as it just wasn't typical. I don't want to spoil the story for you, but I love that Kenry had a hunky guy falling for someone (the UPS man) who did not exactly fit the gay stereotype. Michael Mann who is among my favorite authors offers a very appealing story here with "If You Believe." The other two stories were enjoyable but not as outstanding as the two I have already mentioned. A great book to cuddle up with in front of the fire, I highly recommend it!
Guy De Rosa
Los Angeles, California

"If You Believe".......2003-12-08

"All I Want For Christmas" is not as strong as "Summer Share". However I am rating it 5 stars because of "If You Believe" by Mann, which is one of his best efforts to date. Mann is one of my favorite writers and "If You Believe" is a treasure. Hauntingly beautiful, it is written with a poignancy and honesty which just tugs at my heart. Yes Mann, I wish I have my own merman too. "An Extra Large Christmas" is fun and Kenry does not disappoint. I was least impressed with Jeffrey's and Tyler's efforts as I never like stories with "Hollywood" influence. Yet "All I Want For Christmas" still shines because of one gem, "If You Believe"

Great light reading by four of the best in gay fiction.......2003-10-10

This was an easy selection for me, since it features short stories by four of my favorite authors of light/comic gay fiction. The four stories (averaging about 75 pages each) are set during the holiday season, in accordance with the title.

In the opener, Jon ("Boyfriend Material") Jeffrey features his character Carson St. John, who is the wickedly-biting editor of a gay mens magazine. Carson is offered a better job on a famous men's magazine, with the added bonus that he'll be working with a charming, very handsome (and single) Brit who expressed an interest in him. Loaded with catty criticism of the NYC "A list" gay community.

Chris ("Can't Buy Me Love", "Uncle Max") Kenry has a cute story with an interesting twist: Frank Malloy is a well-known photographer, best known for his "coffee table" books of male nudes, primarily young smooth twinks, surfers, etc. He is regularly approached by cute young men looking to model for him, but the irony is that Frank is only attracted to chubby men ... like the UPS man Al, who Frank keeps coming to his door daily by ordering things through mail order he really doesn't want or need. Frank also meets up with a Czech former porn star, who wants to be Frank's apprentice, but Al thinks Frank is having an affair with.

My favorite of the four is by William J ("The Men From The Boys", "Where The Boys Are") Mann, who explores the emotional dynamics between four diverse gay 20-something men who have been friends since their early teens. At the age when they start to favor "settling down", they struggle with relationships as well as each other's perceptions of their chosen boyfriends.

Last but not least, Ben ("Gay Blades", "Hunk House", "Tricks of the Trade") Tyler brings us a fun look at the home of an aging, overbearing rich Hollywood icon, Polly Pepper, and her gay son, Tim, who functions more like her personal assistant. Tim realizes Mom holds the pursestrings, and is generally happy with his status as "Polly Pepper's gay son", except that he resents that any guys he meets seem to be more excited about having access to Polly than to him.

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All I Want for Christmas
Iwan Roberts , and Karen Buchanan
Manufacturer: Vision Sports Publishing Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0954642821

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