P.J. Mellor, Melissa MacNeal and Valerie Martinez Naughty, Naughty

Naughty, Naughty

P.J. Mellor, Melissa MacNeal and Valerie Martinez

Kensington Aphrodisia, Oct 2007, $13.95

ISBN: 9780758220257

"Hot for Christmas" by P.J. Mellor. In Flintlock, Texas Chris MacNeal hates the holidays so she has strong reasons to detest newcomer Allison Conroe who just opened up a Christmas boutique. Instead of bah humbug however, Chris wants Allison wrapped in sexy packaging that he plans to slowly open on bow at a time.

"Cabin Fever" by Melissa MacNeal. In Wyoming, Norah Dalton is broken due to Alex disappearing with their inventory. Now stuck in a ditch in the countryside as a blizzard hits, her lover Leon Scurtz calls her; she is abrupt with him before hanging up her cell. Norah reaches a cabin where Danny Black is drinking whiskey to forget his financial problems caused by his family. When he sees the angel needing help, he comes to her rescue. Isolated, this depressed pair finds solace in each other's arms.

"Triple Xmas" by Valerie Martinez. In Kristmastown, Deb knows she and Ranger Rick will marry one day, but before they do she wants her deepest fantasy fulfilled. Deb' Christmas wish is a m nage de trois with Rick and the "Brawny Man"; Rick detests the idea for several reasons, but also wants to fulfill his beloved's desires.

Although erotic novellas with obviously the love scenes important elements, these three tales are much more. Each of the couples has major issues to contend with so much so that love-making in a variety of ways is a welcome diversion, but love is not. Sub-genre fans will enjoy this anthology though not as heated as some of Aphrodisia's other collections.

Harriet Klausner