I enjoyed the part 1 of this series more than the second part. I really enjoy Ashley King’s story, The Bite Before Christmas. Many of the stories in this book were part of a series. Although they could be enjoyed as stand alone stories, they seemed rather complex and I felt like I couldn’t fully understand and appreciate the characters because I hadn’t read the series. Love all the recipes! ( )

Magic Beneath the Mistletoe, Volume 2, is the second of a pair of paranormal romance short story collections for charity. “100% of the proceeds from the anthology will go to Girls Write Now, an organization dedicated to breaking down barriers of gender, race, age and poverty to mentor the next generation of writers and leaders who are impacting businesses, shaping culture and creating change.” These two anthologies are a good introduction to some of the City Owl and Mystic Owl authors. Some of the stories are snippets from on-going series, others are introductions to new series or stand-alone stories. Most of the stories have a Christmas or Solstice theme. A couple are just winter based. “The Purrfect Winter Revel Date” by Jess K. Hardy is a humorous science fiction romance story which is the introduction to a new series. “Find of a LIfetime” by Lizzy Gayle is part of her Djinn series. “A Siren’s Christmas Wish” is an episode involving some characters from Luna Joy’s World of the Legacies Series. “Heating Up the Skies” by Wren Michaels is the introduction to another new series. I had some concerns about this story. Her story takes place in a small town on Vancouver Island which can be reached in the winter by bush plane, which the heroine boarded at Vancouver International Airport. This is not really a thing. Vancouver Island has very little snow, and most communities would be reachable by float plane or boat if they are not on the main highways. Also, the hero is from the Nuu chah nulth nation and I worry about the author straying into cultural misappropriation.

I liked the touch of having holiday recipes after every story. I decided to read this book, in spite of the cover, because I have read other books by City Owl authors, particularly Luna Joy, and because I enjoy Christmas anthologies. This anthology is a good introduction to some of the authors from City Owl and Mystic Owl Press. Some explicit sexual content in a few of the stories. ( )

Great short stories of romance and sex mixed with fantasy of all sorts. A few of the stories I found hard to follow at the beginning but they all keep your interest and you want to get to the end. A hard book to put down. These stories can be read by both male and female without any problem. I received a free copy of this book through Library Thing. ( )

A nice collection of short stories that are quick and easy to read. Perfect lengths to read a story before bed or if you have a little break! At the end of each story a recipe for treat or cocktail is included. I think that is really fun and unique! Perfect for the Holidays! The stories all seem to be connected to an already published series, but they can all be read as a standalone. It is good to preview an authors writing style and characters before trying the series! I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy. ( )

celebrity is throwing and they need to get the jump on other companies to sign him to a contract. Since childhood, Elora was told that she was good for nothing and she's determined to prove her parents wrong! The next book is Zimm and Zaida short story, both are immortal and Zaida is an assassin for the queen, but the queen asked Zimm to do her a favor. Without telling Zaida, he went on a fool's mission that may get him hurt. Next is Lennox and Brennan, who is a prince. He stood at the gate of the castle and Lennox assumed that he was a guard! His mother sneered down at her as she was soaked from walking in the forest, and she holds her own magic. Last is Vanessa, a centuries old Vampire and Serena, a young woman with the freshness of wonder. She is forced to marry George a man she didn't love and he is just as controlling as men in this century. Vanessa is awed by the frolicking Serena who is dancing in the snow and catching snowflakes. ( )