I realize I'm not all that good at judging short stories because I tend to compare the character development to a full-length novel. Obviously, it's very difficult to develop characters or situations in any depth in so much less space. So while rating the stories in this anthology, I've tried to keep the short form of the work in mind.Ho, Humbug, Ho by Kate Angell3 starsDecent story and likable characters. I've enjoyed Angell's Richmond Rogue books, but I don't consider this in that category. The story was cute, the character development rather shallow, but not bad for the space. But this wasn't a baseball story. I liked the changes that happened to Alex over the course of the story. I took some "points" off because the author didn't make me believe his turn-around at the end. Just another page so he could explain himself better...Naughty or Nice by Sandra Hill2*Not even a very cute, sweet hero could save this over-the-top, unbelievable story. It was just too silly for me, and absolutely nothing was explained. What about the Piggly-Jiggly? That was armed robbery for goodness sake, and NO ONE is going to laugh that off. What about Julio and his thievery? I can suspend disbelief, but this was ridiculous. The story gets two stars because I loved Luke and his love-at-first-sight enthusiasm.Christmas Unplugged by Joy Nash4*Definitely the best of the trio, this is a warm story with well-written characters and a little angst. Taking the short form into consideration, the author does a good job with the characters and avoids going over-the-top with her plot or descriptions. I would have liked a little more tension in the resolution, but that's a common problem in romance of any length. As with Ho, Humbug, Ho, the story needed just another page for the main characters to talk honestly about the situation and make the reader feel they really understood each other. 2* - "Ho, Humbug, Ho" by Kate Angell (Richmond Rogues series #5) – mix of corny and boring with a bit of witty4* - "Naughty or Nice" by Sandra Hill– This is silly story. All pop culture references are outdated (reprint from 1996), but still very funny 3* -“Christmas Unplugged" by Joy Nash - Average looking h vs. very handsome H plus annoying sister. It was not very convincing or funny love story
What do You think about Santa, Honey (2009)?
This was a kindle freebie and I was in the mood for some holiday quickies:)
—couchmotorist
Love rereading this, especially the Sandra Hill story! :)
—NICOLE
