Romance

Shimmering with magic and myth, redolent of cinnamon and cloves, and steeped in nostalgia and charm, this year's crop of seasonal romances includes a dazzling assortment of single titles, anthologies, and series entries guaranteed to put readers in the holiday mood. Sassy or sedate, serious or silly, chastely sweet or over the-top, these books will sweep fans from cozy small-town or country settings to hard-edged new realities via touching family-centered tales, bone-chilling thrillers, richly detailed historicals, and enthralling paranormal fantasies, all with that holiday touch. Breathe deep—there's a touch of winter in the air. [See our roundup of general holiday fiction in LJ 10/1/09.—Ed.]

Love comes unexpectedly to three couples in this romantic holiday trilogy. A still-grieving widow is dragged off to St. Kitts by her well-meaning best friend for a Christmas getaway and finds love on the beach with a kindred soul in Amethyst's "From SKB with Love"; a couple from vastly different backgrounds eventually find common ground as they become involved in a local community center in Farrah Rochon's Kwanzaa-linked "No Ordinary Gift"; and matchmaking angels and the online world combine to bring a pair of coworkers together in time to ring in the New Year in Stefanie Worth's "HeavenSent.com." VERDICT Although the stories vary in quality, this sensual trio is diverse, modern, and romantic and recalls some of Arabesque's earlier traditional holiday anthologies.

Although the title of this anthology sounds terribly traditional, this diverse trio is anything but. From Emily Bryan's "My Lady Below Stairs," the story of a bastard servant girl called in to impersonate her missing aristocratic half-sister with results worthy of Shakespeare, to Ashley's "The Longest Night," in which a shapeshifting nobleman attempts to win the heart of the wary woman he loves while on the trail of a spy, to Alissa Johnson's "Traditions," the tale of an earl who sets out to woo one woman and falls for her intriguing companion instead, these light, entertaining romps are not typical holiday fare. VERDICT A unique anthology of Regency holiday novellas that are risqué and diverting, making for an intriguingly off-beat addition to the seasonal slate.

It has taken research scientist Kinley Ford over a year of surreptitious sleuthing to evade an unknown killer and track down her young son after the friend she left him with for safekeeping was murdered. She finally finds him just before Christmas in the care of security genius Jordan Taylor but realizes too late that she has been followed. Someone wants the information she supposedly has and will stop at nothing to get it. VERDICT Sharply drawn characters, gritty, aggressive action, and bone-melting sensuality combine in a riveting, tangled tale of callous greed and chilling violence that keeps readers on edge until the end. Although the focus is on the suspense, the seasonal elements add that welcome warmth. Fossen (She's Positive) is based in San Antonio and Jackson, MS.

Ever since she almost died—rejected by the afterlife, so to speak—vintage fashion store owner Nicki Styx has been able to see the dead. Generally they want her help, which usually lands Nicki and her understanding boyfriend, Dr. Joe Bascombe, in hot water. But Nicki has interfered once too often, and three vindictive spirits, the ancient, relentless Three Fates, are out to punish her. One of them, a seductive succubus, plans to ensnare Joe through mind-bending erotic dreams. VERDICT The fourth entry in Garey's award-winning Nicki Styx series, this sultry, upbeat urban fantasy puts a new twist on visitations by Christmas ghosts and is just the thing for readers who want their holiday fare with a darker edge. Garey (You're the One That I Haunt) won a RITA® Award for the series opener, Dead Girls Are Easy; she lives in Florida.

With her father convicted of embezzlement and the marriage proposal she'd counted on to save the family from ruin not forthcoming, Maggie Pierce is thrilled to leave New York for England to be with her best friend when she gives birth over the holidays. What she doesn't count on, however, is reconnecting with Lord Edward Hollings, the man who broke her heart the year before—and the man she still loves. Serious issues remain, and secrets must be revealed before this late Victorian reunion story, a spin-off of the author's Marry Christmas, finds its happy ending. VERDICT Gentle humor, witty banter, and attractive characters add to the appeal of this engaging holiday romance. Goodger lives in North Kingston, RI.

Whisked from the gallows in a bizarre flurry of rose petals just as he is being hanged as a traitor to the Crown during the American Revolution, Jake Mallory is stunned to find himself in the 21st century, being taken in by the woman who accidentally hit him with her car on an icy road and whose family lives in "his" house. Of course, artist Melody Tarleton thinks he's an actor who's lost his memory, but as the evidence mounts, she begins to wonder. VERDICT A creative blend of humor, witchcraft, science, and history, this delightfully offbeat yet sometimes unexpected story whips up its own brand of holiday magic, assuring that two happy couples will make it "home in [their] time for Christmas." Graham (Unhallowed Ground) lives in southern Florida.

Continuing the Brava tradition of sexy holiday anthologies, this trio of steamy stories takes readers from cozy wintry towns to lush tropical resorts, providing romance with all the sizzle fans have come to expect. Holly Berry Bennett reluctantly returns to Willow Creek when her parents leave her in charge of their Christmas store and finds love—and uncovers secrets—with an old school friend in Kauffman's "Lock, Stock, and Jingle Bells"; the owner of an endangered bed-and-breakfast is forced to give shelter to the gorgeous lawyer who's threatening to foreclose in Jill Shalvis's "Bah, Handsome"; and a woman with an unbelievable run of bad luck is stranded on Kauai, HI, during the holidays under the watchful eye of a determined cop in HelenKay Dimon's "It's Hotter at Christmas." VERDICT Unforeseen romance, a dash of mystery, and Brava's brand of hot sex add zing for fans who like their holiday reading on the lusty side.

Sent off to be a lady-in-waiting to Queen Elizabeth when her parents disapprove of a romantic relationship, unsophisticated Lady Rosamund Ramsay is a neophyte in negotiating the intricacies of court life. Arriving as the Christmas festivities are just beginning, Rosamund is soon caught up in a wager instigated by the queen herself but expanded upon by the magnetic Anton Gustavson: Rosamund must teach Anton to dance, and he will give her ice skating lessons. But nothing is as it seems at court, including Anton, and while attraction sizzles, danger grows, threatening not only Anton's mission but Rosamund's safety as well. VERDICT Making good use of historical characters and events (including the exceedingly cold winter of 1564, which resulted in a rare Frost Fair on the frozen Thames), McCabe spins a darkly compelling story of passion, greed, and political intrigue that brings the turbulent Elizabethan period to vivid, not always comfortable, life. RITA® Award winner McCabe (High Seas Stowaway) lives in Oklahoma. Note: The attractive cover is an example of the new designs for Harlequin's historical romances.

With her biological clock ticking and not a decent match in sight as the holidays near, Cassie Beaumont bites the bullet and consults professional matchmaker Simon Dodson. Surprised when the arch and highly selective Simon takes her on, Cassie agrees to accomplish a series of holiday-related tasks before she meets John, her perfect mate. The only problem is, in the meantime, she falls for the one man who's completely off limits. VERDICT Sweet, funny, and steeped in Christmas cheer, this title helps two picky people find "perfection" and recognize it when they do. Pour the cocoa and enjoy! Macomber (92 Pacific Boulevard) lives in Port Orchard, WA.

Five days before Christmas, with no place to go and a snowstorm threatening, schoolmarm Juliana Mitchell accepts widowed rancher Lincoln Creed's impulsive invitation to bring the four Native American children in her care to his ranch for a few days—and ends up staying for a lifetime. VERDICT Likable protagonists, a wealth of memorable secondary characters, and a predictable, heart-touching plot make this warm, family-centered, information-rich 1910 prequel to Miller's "Montana Creeds" trilogy a good choice for series fans and new readers as well. Miller (At Home in Stone Creek) lives in Spokane.

Three veteran writers put their individual touches on a delightful assortment of sweetly sensual Regency-set novellas that overflow with family, children (although no babies, despite the cover), and holiday appeal. A wounded soldier determined to walk again and a young woman who is convinced a riding accident has made her an invalid find love as they overcome guilt in Stone's "Scarlet Ribbons"; a war widow and a navy captain reconnect after years apart in Carla Kelly's "Christmas Promise," an infinitely touching, insightful, Cyrano-infused love story; and an aristocratic, marriage-averse estate executor gathers the heirs at the family manse and is surprised by love, the joy of the season, and a startling revelation in Gail Ranstrom's "A Little Christmas." VERDICT Three quite different but equally enticing romances recall the traditional Regencies, and, while a shade sexier, they should attract Regency fans across the board. Thoroughly delightful.

Three highly eligible NASCAR heroes find romance in unexpected places in this engaging trilogy of sweet, funny, Christmas-tinged novellas. Ten-year-old Darren writes an essay that miraculously reconnects his mom with her high school classmate, who is also his NASCAR hero, in Warren's endearing "All I Want for Christmas"; a mountain rescue expert hired to ensure the safety of a star race-car driver intent on facing his guilt and fears after a tragic climbing accident finds love into the bargain in Debra Webb's "Christmas Past" (linked to her "Colby Agency" series); and a championship Sprint Cup driver who donates his time anonymously as a holiday Santa is attracted to the single-mom "Mrs. Claus" in Gina Wilkins's "Secret Santa." VERDICT Although linked by the increasingly popular world of NASCAR, this timely trio of zero-to-60 holiday sparklers has more romance than racing detail and will be at home in most collections.

As she's both thrilled and terrified to be leading the annual town Christmas pageant, the last thing proper, by-the-book librarian Maureen Davenport needs is former child star/recovering alcoholic Eddie Haven appointed by the court as her codirector. But as the pageant comes together (with a little angelic help), so do other, more difficult aspects of their lives—in a most romantic way. The threat to close the library adds purpose to the plot, but it's the characters and their interactions that make this story sing. VERDICT Wiggs hits all the right notes in this delightful, sometimes funny, sometimes poignant Christmas treat, which will please "Lakeshore Chronicles" fans as well as garner new ones. Wiggs (Just Breathe) lives in the Seattle area.

Spurred into action by her father's command to mend her irresponsible ways and make a respectable match within a month, Lady Ivy Sinclair has little choice but to try to make her current flirt, the rather dull Lord Tinsdale, propose. But a new charmer has attracted Tinsdale's attention, and a suddenly desperate Ivy does the only thing she can—she buys some competition. Unbeknownst to her, the "actor" she has hired to portray the relatively unknown Marquess of Counterton is actually the marquess himself, who, fascinated by the boldly unconventional Ivy, plays along. VERDICT This funny, spicy, satisfying tale is another winner for Caskie (To Sin with a Stranger) and is the second title in her "Seven Deadly Sins" series, which stars the wild Sinclair siblings. Note: Envy is the featured sin, and well-chosen quotes (e.g., "Of the seven deadly sins, only envy is no fun at all."—Joseph Epstein) add to the fun.

Left in social limbo when her fiancé, Noel Nicholson, disappeared seven months ago, Pippa Carstairs enlists the aid of arrogant Maxwell Sutton, Lord Montrose, to get some answers. Initially annoyed by Montrose's dismissive attitude, Pippa soon suspects that he is anything but the dandified fribble he appears to be. Mentally brilliant and physically lethal, Max is secretly a reluctant spy for the Crown, and, in this particular instance, he smells a rat. A restless, magnetic hero, a smart, outspoken heroine, and a dotty grandmother join forces to find the elusive Noel—and some totally unexpected surprises. VERDICT With a nod to The Scarlet Pimpernel, Layton quickly lures readers with a mesmerizing mix of appealing, exceptionally well-delineated characters, witty, engaging dialog, sexual electricity, and a nonstop pace that keeps the pages turning until the end. Layton (A Bride for His Convenience), who died in June, was one of the most admired romance writers, particularly noted for her traditional Regencies and Regency-set historicals. Her death is a great loss to the genre.

Now 13 years after they were betrothed as children for financial and social reasons, Miss Persephone Goldwaite and Kendall Westmoreland, Viscount Westfield, are to wed. However, Penny doesn't want to give up her freedom by marrying a man she can't stand any more than West wants to be leg-shackled to her, but marry they must—and then the real fun begins. VERDICT Lively, witty, and entertaining, this delightful Regency-set historical from a beloved author of buoyant, well-written traditional Regencies is a rare treat, and fans will definitely be waiting. Metzger (The Wicked Ways of a True Hero) lives on Long Island, NY.

Sebastian Costas's yearlong hunt for the ex-cop who killed Sebastian's ex-wife and son and then faked his own death has led Sebastian to Sacramento, CA, and into the life of Jane Burke, a victim's advocate at The Last Stand charity who is looking for two missing sisters. Realizing they are after the same man, Jane and Sebastian set a trap for the killer, but what began as a one-way hunt has suddenly turned into a deadly game of cat and mouse. VERDICT Two emotionally damaged protagonists find much-needed healing and unexpected love in a chilling, sensual tale that features a host of skillfully developed characters and intricate, multilayered plotting. Sacramento-based Novak (The Perfect Liar) writes gripping romantic thrillers. This is the latest in her "Last Stand" series.

Romantically inclined floral designer Emmaline Grant has a successful career and a satisfactory social life—but, so far, the man of her dreams has yet to appear. She seriously doesn't expect it to be her longtime friend, architect Jack Cooke—until a chance kiss on the back stairs turns her comfortable world upside down. VERDICT Ardent, sexy, and romantic, this satisfying story overflows with friendship and laughter; a delightful second installment in Roberts's "Bride Quartet," continuing where Vision in White left off. The ever-popular and prolific Roberts lives in Keedysville, MD.

A Dallas-bred model and a rodeo cowboy from New Mexico have classic but serious issues to work out after their hasty marriage in a holiday-tinged rewrite of Dailey's Land of Enchantment, first published in 1976 as part of her Americana series. In recent years, Dailey has updated a number of titles in this series for the holiday market.

Raised by resentful relatives, orphaned Ellen Kellaway is thrilled when a distant kinsman invites her to the family estate in Cornwall, little realizing that deception and danger—as well as love—await her. This classic by the writer who sparked the Gothic craze with the publication of Mistress of Mellyn (1960) should be in most collections. Victoria Holt (d. 1993) is a pseudonym for Eleanor Buford Hibbert; she wrote historical fiction as Jean Plaidy and Philippa Carr.

Done with passion, Amber Langley agrees to a comfortable marriage of convenience to her calm, even-keeled boss and good friend, Cormick Grayson, only to discover that there's a lot more to Gray than meets the eye, and a platonic relationship is definitely not on his agenda. Witty, hilarious, racy, and well plotted, this is classic, rereadable Krentz; fans will rejoice that this 1986 Harlequin Temptation title is back in print and in hardcover.

Celebrating the tenth birthday of Kensington's Brava imprint, this supersteamy anthology (2000) includes a bawdy Georgian tale by Small, a late Victorian Monte Carlo sizzler by genre favorite Susan Johnson, a licentious tale of Regency vengeance by Thea Devine, and a hot tale with an exotic setting by Robin Schone.

Jane Aiken Hodge, a noted historical romance writer whose career spanned almost four decades, died in England on June 17 at the age of 91. Her mostly Regency and Gothic novels were popular with readers, as were her biographies of novelists Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer. She was the sister of author Joan Aiken and daughter of poet Conrad Aiken.