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booksnakeaaron's review
1.0
ugh, hello to the worst book of 2021.
I have a huge range of negative thoughts on this book, so lets start with the positive
1) The story by Theodora Taylor- sweet, fun and smutty with an interesting storyline
The negative
1) during this collection there was MULTIPLE occasions of sexual harassment, sexual assault and no consent. I did not find this hot. (There is a difference between consensual non consent but a lot of the time it was simply no consent). In one story the male character literally says " I don’t need your consent to have you, to have what I want…", LITERALLY no thanks. I found a lot of these scenes uncomfortable to read.
2) multiple stories had sexist elements to them- one time the male literally goes 'seeing you think is hot, seeing you use your brain is hot' hmmm okay then.
3) this was marketed as Christmas smut and yet I literally got no Christmas vibes. I expected cosy love by the fire, sucking on candy canes and climbing on Santas chimney. What I got was a random Christmas party and poorly written smut
4) poorly written smut- now as this was a short story collection of purely smut and romance I did not expect every story to be stunning but I literally got so bored of the same phrases being repeated and repeated.
5) the formatting and order of the stories- this is just a personal one for me but towards the end of the collection there was about 3/4 mafia/gang stories each with the same kind of storyline and it just annoyed me
6) there was not of representation ( one of the characters hinted to be bi/pan from one sentence)- there were a couple characters of colour and thats about it. for a 600 page collection you would expect there to be some types of representation, ex: disability, lgbt....
Overall I just did not enjoy this story and would honestly binge read some boyxboy (or any stories ) on Wattpad.
I have a huge range of negative thoughts on this book, so lets start with the positive
1) The story by Theodora Taylor- sweet, fun and smutty with an interesting storyline
The negative
1) during this collection there was MULTIPLE occasions of sexual harassment, sexual assault and no consent. I did not find this hot. (There is a difference between consensual non consent but a lot of the time it was simply no consent). In one story the male character literally says " I don’t need your consent to have you, to have what I want…", LITERALLY no thanks. I found a lot of these scenes uncomfortable to read.
2) multiple stories had sexist elements to them- one time the male literally goes 'seeing you think is hot, seeing you use your brain is hot' hmmm okay then.
3) this was marketed as Christmas smut and yet I literally got no Christmas vibes. I expected cosy love by the fire, sucking on candy canes and climbing on Santas chimney. What I got was a random Christmas party and poorly written smut
4) poorly written smut- now as this was a short story collection of purely smut and romance I did not expect every story to be stunning but I literally got so bored of the same phrases being repeated and repeated.
5) the formatting and order of the stories- this is just a personal one for me but towards the end of the collection there was about 3/4 mafia/gang stories each with the same kind of storyline and it just annoyed me
6) there was not of representation ( one of the characters hinted to be bi/pan from one sentence)- there were a couple characters of colour and thats about it. for a 600 page collection you would expect there to be some types of representation, ex: disability, lgbt....
Overall I just did not enjoy this story and would honestly binge read some boyxboy (or any stories ) on Wattpad.
thebookishgirlreviews's review
5.0
I have a thing for anthologies right now and u grabbed this one because of Sam Mariano specifically but saw so many amazing authors included and none of them disappointed! Well done!
melluuvsbooks's review
5.0
Well, I don’t know what else is in this anthology since I was just here to read Sam Mariano’s holiday grocery list….
Anywho, Sam’s contribution, Wrapped in Red, was fantastic. Carter and Zoe and Caleb make cameos.
Actual footage of me when Sam just gives a fleeting description of Carter mfing Mahoney clenching Zoe’s waist:
No chill.
None.
Bottom Line? Classic Mariano. Cute sexy story with an aggressive, calm cool and collected, possessive, manipulative H and a sweet h. And Carter. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Anywho, Sam’s contribution, Wrapped in Red, was fantastic. Carter and Zoe and Caleb make cameos.
Actual footage of me when Sam just gives a fleeting description of Carter mfing Mahoney clenching Zoe’s waist:
No chill.
None.
Bottom Line? Classic Mariano. Cute sexy story with an aggressive, calm cool and collected, possessive, manipulative H and a sweet h. And Carter. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
booze_boobs_books's review
5.0
Loved this!! The way the stories connected without actually connecting added an extra bit of fun to this steamy read
lizs_book_nook's review
5.0
A great anthology with an array of stories from wonderfully talented authors!
kathrinreads's review
5.0
Review of Baby, It's cold outside by Giana Darling.
I really loved this short story and it was so great to see Elena and Dante again. Also I liked the inside of Tiernan's family and his motifs with Bianca's mother.
I really loved this short story and it was so great to see Elena and Dante again. Also I liked the inside of Tiernan's family and his motifs with Bianca's mother.
bookishlins's review
4.0
Previous to reading this, I have only read books from Katee Robert, So I'm very excited to read all of these! I already love the fact that each story is a song title, making it look like a music album!!
Enter the world of dark mansions and mysterious heroes. The notorious Morelli family hosts their annual Christmas ball. And you are invited to experience the sensual feast.
Hallelujah by Skye Warrenpg 4-33
Eva Morelli & Finn Hughes-
- I personally loved Finn's nonchalant, flirtation yet protective manner. Especially with Eva taking so much shit in her life, they would make a fun couple to read about in the future!
I can’t have Eva Morelli, but I can protect her from afar.
O Come All Ye Faithful by Amelia Wildepg 34-74
Haley Constantine & Leo Morelli-
- I NEED MORE OF THEM! Haley is a very timid person because she wasn't brought up with much, and Leo loves to remind her that she's his from the little touches to fucking her silly, all while keeping his own control! They were very intriguing to read about and I need more background and future about them!
Baby, It’s Cold Outside by Giana Darlingpg 75-104
Dante & Elena- Strong woman and Deadly man combo- perfectly sexy!
“Touch my husband again and you won’t need a lawyer, you’ll need a coroner,”
Dante was the epitome of "I hate everyone in the world, except my woman!"
“If you wanted the world, Elena, I would find a way to give it to you. There is nothing more important to me than your happiness. Yours and Rora’s.”
>>> And Baby, It's HAWT outside!!!!!
This Christmas by Theodora Taylor pg 105-163
Cute concept, but didn't do much for me...
Josh Grant received Christmas letters from a secret admirer for 12 years, through deployments, law school, and senate elections. Neisha has loved him since high school, writing him letters of love, congrats and motivation, but this Christmas she decided she need to finally move on! That is until they come face to face and the secret burns between them!
Wrapped in Red by Sam Marianopg 164-228
Blahhhhh....
O Holy Night by Pam Godwinpg 229-283
Santa Baby by Claire Contreraspg 284-316
Last Christmas by Katee Robertpg 317-337
Little Drummer Boy by M. O’Keefepg 338-365
It Came Upon a Midnight Clear by Jenika Snowpg 366-400
Carol of the Bells by Maria Luispg 401-445
Silent Night by Sienna Snowpg 446-476
Away in a Manger by Jade Westpg 477-497
All I Want for Christmas Is You by M. Robinsonpg 498-508
Silver Bells by Alta Hensleypg 509-538
Enter the world of dark mansions and mysterious heroes. The notorious Morelli family hosts their annual Christmas ball. And you are invited to experience the sensual feast.
Hallelujah by Skye Warrenpg 4-33
Eva Morelli & Finn Hughes-
Spoiler
Eva, being the dutiful daughter, starts this short by helping in the kitchen to fix the mini mince pies. Finn comes in and flirts with her and helps her, shortly after they both go on their way. Later Finn walks in on Eva's father gripping her wrists and coming off abusive, Finn punches him. After Bryant (dear old dad) leaves, Finn and Eva share a heated kiss. Before leaving the party Leo (brother) tells Finn to stay away from Eva, on the way out Finn threatens Bryant with money and power to keep his abusive hands off his daughter!!- I personally loved Finn's nonchalant, flirtation yet protective manner. Especially with Eva taking so much shit in her life, they would make a fun couple to read about in the future!
I can’t have Eva Morelli, but I can protect her from afar.
O Come All Ye Faithful by Amelia Wildepg 34-74
Haley Constantine & Leo Morelli-
Spoiler
They start with Haley getting ready for the gala and feeling very self-conscious but Leo comes in and reminds her that she is his and that she's beautiful! On the way to the party, she rides him in the back seat and we see a very dominant side is Leo.“And who gets to love you and fuck you and own you for the rest of time?”
“You do.”
“Anyone else?”
“No,” I whisper. “Only you.”
“Then believe me when I say that nothing is too much for you. No gown or necklace or ring around your finger will ever be enough.”
- I NEED MORE OF THEM! Haley is a very timid person because she wasn't brought up with much, and Leo loves to remind her that she's his from the little touches to fucking her silly, all while keeping his own control! They were very intriguing to read about and I need more background and future about them!
Baby, It’s Cold Outside by Giana Darlingpg 75-104
Dante & Elena- Strong woman and Deadly man combo- perfectly sexy!
Spoiler
Elena is a strong fierce woman that I wouldn't think about fucking with! and she wasnt a fan of meeting Tiernan.....“Touch my husband again and you won’t need a lawyer, you’ll need a coroner,”
Dante was the epitome of "I hate everyone in the world, except my woman!"
“If you wanted the world, Elena, I would find a way to give it to you. There is nothing more important to me than your happiness. Yours and Rora’s.”
>>> And Baby, It's HAWT outside!!!!!
This Christmas by Theodora Taylor pg 105-163
Cute concept, but didn't do much for me...
Josh Grant received Christmas letters from a secret admirer for 12 years, through deployments, law school, and senate elections. Neisha has loved him since high school, writing him letters of love, congrats and motivation, but this Christmas she decided she need to finally move on! That is until they come face to face and the secret burns between them!
Wrapped in Red by Sam Marianopg 164-228
Blahhhhh....
Spoiler
unfortunately this one was not my favorite . We start with Georgia in the office wrapping presents for her boss's children, when we meet her boss leave them very fun work relationship however because he's married they've never taken it to a different level. However he's very drunk in his office and sexually assaulted her. The next day she finds out that his wife actually left him and if she had known this she would have gone through with sleeping with him the night before. The next time he invites her 2 Bishop Landing party however she can't go because she already has a date to The Nutcracker that night . He then finds out all the information about her date in order to sabotage it .O Holy Night by Pam Godwinpg 229-283
Santa Baby by Claire Contreraspg 284-316
Last Christmas by Katee Robertpg 317-337
Little Drummer Boy by M. O’Keefepg 338-365
It Came Upon a Midnight Clear by Jenika Snowpg 366-400
Carol of the Bells by Maria Luispg 401-445
Silent Night by Sienna Snowpg 446-476
Away in a Manger by Jade Westpg 477-497
All I Want for Christmas Is You by M. Robinsonpg 498-508
Silver Bells by Alta Hensleypg 509-538
misskrose's review
adventurous
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Violence
mells_view's review
5.0
I’ve only read Sam Mariano’s story so far. It was quick, steamy, and entertaining.
I’m giving this 5 stars because it was FREE, and I don’t think it’s ever going to cost so I don’t think there’s anything wrong with giving it a 5 based on one short story
I’m giving this 5 stars because it was FREE, and I don’t think it’s ever going to cost so I don’t think there’s anything wrong with giving it a 5 based on one short story