Requested and downloaded this book back in 2013 with every intention of reading it but then it expired on my device before I had the chance. Have felt bad about that and as a result haven't wanted to leave a review but with more and more publishers relying on Feedback ratings I need to clear out some of these older titles in my queue.

Three and a half stars: A fun holiday anthology featuring second chance romances.

Anthologies can be hit or miss as sometimes you get a couple of good stories and then some not so fabulous ones. This is one anthology that featured four solid stories, full of romance and festive holiday cheer. My one hesitation with this anthology is that I wanted more holiday coziness and less sexy time. The first two are especially heavy on the sex scenes.

Here’s the rundown:
This Time Next Year by Alison Kent:
The story opens with Brenna on her way up the mountain to spend the Christmas week with her grandma, baking cookies, decorating and celebrating before she heads to Africa. Unfortunately, her plans are disrupted when she slides off the roadside in a snowstorm. Luckily, she is rescued in the nick of time by Dillon Craig. Dillon is a doctor and a veteran who is suffering from severe PTSD. He spends his days serving those on the mountain trying to forget. When he takes in Brenna, sparks fly and the chemistry between them is hot, but she is leaving.... This was a good romance, and I liked that it was about trust and helping one another. I was worried about how it would play out, but luckily, it ends well. My only hesitation with this one was that I wanted to know more about Dillon’s relationship with Brenna’s grandma. I also wished there was more time establishing a friendship. It felt like insta love. This one is also heavy on the sex scenes. Less sex, more focus on holiday and understanding one another. Three stars.

A Rare Gift by Jacy Burton:
This one opens up with Calliope hiring her former brother in law, Wyatt, to do some work at the daycare center that she runs. Wyatt does not want to take the job because he does not want to have anything to do with anything that involves his ex wife Cassie. Meanwhile, Calliope is trying to seduce Wyatt because she has had a crush on him since her sister brought him home when she was fifteen years old. I liked that the Calliope and Wyatt took their time to get to know one another before the relationship heats up. I especially liked the ending when Calliope forces Wyatt to make peace with his past. This one is also a little heavy on the sex. I also struggled with the Calliope wanting to be with the man who was once married to her sister. Three and a half stars.

It’s Not Christmas Without You by HelenKay Dimon:
This was my favorite of the bunch. The story features Austin trying to win back his longtime girlfriend Carrie. Carrie left Austin behind in West Virginia to pursue her dream job in Washington, D.C. Austin isn’t willing to give up so he decides to open a Christmas tree lot across from Carrie’s apartment. Carrie is determined to not give up on her dream job, and Austin is convinced she will come home with him. What follows is a hilarious dance between the two. The highlight of the of the story is the date that Carrie goes on with another man and Austin in tow. So funny. This one ends with a big happy, goofy ending. Fun. Four and a half stars.

Mistletoe and Margaritas by Shannon Stacey:
The final story is a bit more melancholy as it features a pair of friends struggling with the death of a husband and friend. Clair lost her husband two years ago in a car accident on icy roads. She would never have survived the last two years without her cat and her husband’s best friend, Justin. Justin has been in love with Clair since the first time he laid eyes on her, but he is afraid to tell her as he doesn’t want to dishonor his dead best friend. The two are aching for each other, but both are too afraid. After some soul searching, things work out. A nice ending to the book. Four stars.

All in all, Holiday Kisses is a fun collection of holiday stories. I enjoyed each story. The first two were a little heavy on the sex for a holiday book, in my opinion, but if you are wanting steamy romances with holiday cheer, this is a fun collection to pick up. I think it is worth reading for the It’s Not Christmas Without You. I thought that story was a lot of fun.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.

Christmas books, I love them. I try to read as many as I can each year, this one happens to be one of my all time favorites. One I will more than likely read a few times.

Sorry, could not get to reading this book on time - thank you for the opportunity to review!