Welcome to December! Here are some reviews that may help you choose a cozy love story set around Christmas holidays.

Invitation to a Cornish Christmas by by Marguerite Kaye and Bronwyn Scott

Overall Rating: 4 cups

Heat Level – 4

What’s better than a small Cornish town inhabited by a hot man? A small Cornish town inhabited by two hot men, at Christmastime.

Welcome to Harlequin’s quaintly sexy Invitation to a Cornish Christmas, a holiday double header that is both seasonal and sensual. In this collection, Marguerite Kaye and Bronwyn Scott lend their individually unique perspectives to Christmastime romance in the seaside town of Porth Karrek. Kaye’s “The Captain’s Christmas Proposal” and Scott’s “Unwrapping His Festive Temptation” have a gift to offer everyone – historical details for the ‘OG’ Regency readers, and modern philosophies for the sexy generation.

“The Captain’s Christmas Proposal”, by Marguerite Kaye, features two outcasts whose friendship blossoms into a red-hot poinsettia of passion. Captain Treeve Penhaligon has arrived in Porth Karrek as the unwanted inheritor of his brother’s estate. Emily Faulkner lives in a nearby cottage and is keeping her own scandalous secret. The two bond over beach walking and their mutual belief in sexual freedom for women – both of which I find puzzling, especially as I can’t imagine Regency couples walking barefoot in the sand on their first meeting. But there was sweetness, surprise, intercourse… And I learned quite a bit about Cornish Christmas traditions!

Next comes “Unwrapping His Festive Temptation”! (Quite undeniably the best title ever. I’m not sure how, but even this man’s temptation is festive.) Bronwyn Scott’s tale really packs a Christmas punch. Cade Kitto, composer and formerly forlorn child, is the perfect counterpart for the feisty yet tender Rosenwyn Trelevan. While the two comprise a Christmas cantata, their relationship follows our favorite romance rules: conflict at the onset, reluctant friendship, sudden and searing sensuality. It’s all there in the recipe, and Scott bakes till it’s done! Cade Kitto could make any woman feel warm and gooey inside, so warm and gooey that you can forgive the modernity of his relationship with the blush-free Rosenwyn. And let’s not forget the man’s devastating and, yes, festive back story. Because who doesn’t love a man with traumatizing Christmas memories?

While some details from this Christmas two-pack strike us as quite modern, we can safely say this: Invitation to a Cornish Christmas is cleverly devised, full of heat, and ready to impart a profound feeling of hope.

Patience for Christmas by Grace Burrowes

3.5 heat level

Someday, Dougal wanted her to look at him the way she regarded that last half crumpet.

A standalone Christmas novella that features a Scottish publisher named Dougal and his advice columnist named Patience. They are friends of the families MacHugh and Windham and frequent readers of Burrowes will delight in recognizing some secondary characters.

Patience and Dougal start off with a bit of a contentious relationship as they argue over which letters and what advice Patience should write and give for her column. As they bicker, the reader can feel the underlining tension and emotions bubbling under the surface. They are forced to spend more time together to produce special editions as Patience engages in a written word battle with a rival advice columnist Prof. Pennypacker. Surrounding all this lovely tension is a wonderful holiday feel, from snowflakes, to holiday treats, and the ever trouble making mistletoe.

For a shorter holiday read, the emotions never felt rushed but there was a lying-by-omission angst plot that felt a little rushed at the end. Secondary characters enriched the story while Patience and Dougal were whole characters that made me care about them individually, thus, investing me in their romance. Overall, this was a lovely holiday novella with snowy nights, heated discussions over such things as placements of commas, a tender heartfelt letter, and lurking mistletoe.

Review by Kimberly C. Was it your cup of tea? 4 (out of 5)

The Partridge and the Peartree (The Partridge Christmas Series Book 1) By Patricia Kiyono

Heat level- 1/Sweet

Phillip Peartree, Duke of Bartlett, dreamed of a peaceful life with a suitable mate until a hunting accident left him scarred and nearly deaf. Resigned to spending the rest of his days alone, Phillip has devoted himself to rebuilding his family estate. But a chance encounter with a lovely young woman in a dusty bookstore rekindles his almost-forgotten hopes and dreams.

Lady Amelia Partridge has no time for the frivolity of the London social scene. In addition to her work with the Ladies Literary Society, she has a mission — educating poor children in the city. She also has a secret life; one she fears might drive away the young duke who has become increasingly important to her.

From their first meeting until their last he is rescuing her from herself. They are a perfect match.

I loved this couple. This is a sweet historical with a happy ending. The heroine is loving, kind and a bit of a mess. He is damaged and thinks he will spend the rest of his life without a partner.

If you are looking for a quick read, with a satisfying story this is for you. If you love Kirsten Osbourne or Amelia Adams you will love Patricia’s books.

Review by Deborah L. Was it your cup of tea? 3.5 out of 5

Christmas Hope by Caroline Warfield

Heat level: 2

Lieutenant Harry Wheatly mourns when someone threw his grandmother’s Bible in the mud. As Harry is attempting to clean the Bible in the river, he ends up losing it watching as the book floats away. Luckily, Harry sees Rosemary Legrand, pick the Bible out of the rushes. When Harry finds Rosemary he asks for the return of his Bible. Rosemary tells Harry she will dry and clean the Bible keeping it safe for when he comes back for it. Harry promises to return despite learning that Rosemary is ostracized not only by her family but the entire village for saving a German soldier. As Harry gets to know Rosemary he can’t help his attraction to her. Harry makes no promises especially since war is all around them. This war destroys lives pulling Harry and Rosemary apart, testing everything they hold dear. Can Harry and Rosemary find the hope to see through the tragedy finding true everlasting love?

What a wonderfully written poignant romantic story told beautifully! Yes, at first the book moves a little slow but as it progresses it grows-including a horrific war, tragic losses, and pillaged places, eerie imaginary and great characterizations! The reader not only understands the bleakness but the desperation making it hard not to feel the many emotions as they go through it. Unfortunately, this isn’t a happy book considering the time period but within the sadness is hope and love that is able to break barriers even stopping a war. Harry the dashing handsome hero is truly a gentleman. Yes, he hides his feelings but after facing death it makes sense so it’s easy to forgive him. Rosemary the brave courageous heroine is one that is relate-able and likable. This is definitely a novel that historic fiction and romance lovers will enjoy!

Review by Roslynn E. Was it your cup of tea? 4.5 out of 5

The Unexpected Guest by Deborah Simmons

The Unexpected Guest by Deborah Simmons is the sweet and tender story of a man who thinks he's too old for love, and a fiercely independent woman who doesn't think she needs it at all. Happily for the reader, both are wrong.

Stranded during a snowstorm at Campion's castle gates, Lady Joy Warwick finds herself taken in and cared for by Fawke de Burgh, the earl of Campion. Though the older Campion is attracted to the youthful widow, he keeps his desires under tight control until he discovers the lady's reasons for her independent nature, then sets about to claim her for his own. For her part, the lady wants a night or two of love with the handsome earl, but nothing more - nothing permanent. She was unhappily wed once, and relishes the freedom her widowhood has brought her. But can she spend the night in Campion's arms and still find the heart to leave him?

The Unexpected Guest carries on the saga of the seven de Burgh brothers by shining the light of Christmas love on their wonderful father, Fawke. Fans of the series will enjoy this latest installment, which gives a worthy hero a lady of his own. While the focus is on the inner conflict both Fawke and Joy must face when fighting their attraction, further turmoil is thrown in by Campion's beautiful, arrogant son, Stephen, who is not used to women preferring another man to him, especially not his own father.

Deborah Simmons is a talented writer whose stories I always look forward to reading - and this one is no exception. The Unexpected Guest is at its heart, the simple story of two nice people falling in love at Christmastime. Mmmmm. What could be more romantic?

Review re-published from - “All About Romance”

Lost in Lavender (A Christmas Bouquet Book 1) By Patricia Kiyono

Heat Level; 1/Sweet

Selina Davison once enjoyed life as a countess, but when tragedy struck, she learned to take care of herself. Thanks to her skill creating hats adorned with realistic silk flowers, she’s built a successful business as a milliner. When a handsome gentleman stumbles into her shop asking for directions, she remembers and yearns for the joy of having someone to share life’s ups and downs.

As the second son of an earl, James Benton could enjoy his social privileges, but the concerns of the gentry hold no interest for him. He’s much happier to be outdoors, tending to his plants, which never judge him. His peerage connections help him secure the position as landscape architect for the winter garden in Highgate, but no one warned him of how complicated the personalities involved would make the job.

A sweet, light Regency romance.

I loved this story.

It is a sweet short Christmas read with delightful hero and heroine. They are both lost souls in search of meaning for their lives. They find their life’s work and love ever after.