What can I say besides 'I am Canadian' so when a book about hockey and my favorite holiday came on my radar I could say nothing more than 'please and thank you'.

I'd love to say that I read the entire anthology but that was not the case at this time...will I go back and read some if not all of the rest...hopefully at some point I'll find the time to do so but for now lets start with the stories that I read. In all there were 3.  Most of the stories in this anthology are m/f, however, there were 3 that are m/m and two of them are written by a V.L. Locey and R.J. Scott the authors of 'The Harrisburg Railers' a series that I have absolutely loved and the third story is by Susan Scott Shelley author of the 'Buffalo Bedlam' series. So my rating for this anthology is based strictly on these three stories and I will also include a brief review and an individual rating for each of these stories...

4 stars for 'A Star-Crossed Christmas' by V.L. Locey

This one is 'A Cayuga Cougars Holiday' short story and while I haven't read that series I really enjoyed this short holiday story and even though I haven't read this series I had no problem following this story as the characters from this story don't seem to have been central to any of the previous Cougar stories. 

Mitch was the  back-up goalie for the Cougars after August Miles gets called up to the pros and when he returns home for the holidays he sees the opportunity to re-connect with his best friend Shaun. Someone he shared a kiss with two years early...a kiss that left Mitch in emotional turmoil as he realized that he wasn't as straight as he thought himself to be and maybe it's time he and Shaun found out if a kiss was just a kiss.

This one is the quintessential friends to lovers story and was simply delightful. A feel good story filled with the magic of the holiday season and a grandmother with a quilt fabric store...I want Shaun's grandmother to adopt me...I won't even try to be subtle about that one. There's not a complicated or convoluted plot here and for anyone wanting to just read a sweet, feel-good holiday story about two friends finding love together this one's a good choice...definitely recommended.

4 stars for 'Dallas Christmas' by RJ Scott

Logan plays hockey for the Burlington Dragons...how can you not like that team name? I mean really, is that the best or what? Anyways back to Logan. It's been about a year since things ended between Logan and Archie brother of the Dragon's Team Captain because you know...you can't play hockey and be gay...a sad but true reality of our world and one that will hopefully disappear from the world of sports sooner rather than later.

It's a year later and Morgan finds himself spending the holidays in a rental house with 3 of his teammates when his past walks in looking every bit as hot as Morgan remembers him being. Archie's feelings for Morgan haven't changed. As Christmas approaches and the men do their dance around each other and everything that's between them. Morgan finds himself faced with feelings he doesn't know how to handle and decisions that he doesn't want to deal with but time waits for no man and Morgan has to figure out what he needs and what he can live without now and not when it's convenient for him.

Morgan for me was every young gay man who ever laced on a pair of skates wanting to make it in the NHL, wanting that symbol of success for themselves and knowing that to have one dream they needed to deny another...the dream of having that one person in your life who makes your world right and is there for you no matter what. 

Archie loves Morgan and he's willing to stand beside him, fight for what they can have if only Morgan will say those 3 precious little words that would let Archie know it's all going to be worth it.

I really liked these two and would thoroughly enjoy a longer story about them. One that gives us more of them as a couple dealing with living life on their own terms and not anyone else's...maybe Morgan could go to the Railers...it's just an idea ;)

3 stars for Susan Scott Shelley's 'Holding On Tight' a short story from 'The Buffalo Bedlam' series.

Ok first off I'm going to say I think a good portion of this is on me. 'Holding On Tight' is about Vince Forsberg and his boyfriend Joseph Parelli as they share their first Christmas together as partners.

This one was sweet and had some adorable moments and some holiday moments that I'm sure we can all relate to. Those disasters that try as we might seem to be unavoidable. Again I liked this pairing but I didn't share feel the same connection to them that I did with the couples in the first two stories and I think that's a little bit due to the fact that this is a new to me author...so, I wasn't as comfortable with their writing style as the other two authors...that's not me saying good or bad just not familiar but more importantly Vince and Joseph are the MCs from 'Skating On Chance' the 4th  book in 'The Buffalo Bedlam' series and I think had I read that book at least I would have found a stronger connection with these two MCs. So we're going to wrap this one up at 3 stars with strong potential to have been more. 

If you're looking for some short sexy holiday stories to read and especially if you're a fan of hockey, holidays and read both m/f and m/m this one's going to give you a lot of bang for your buck. While 2 of the 3 stories that I read were about characters from existing series they are written to work as standalone stories and while I may have wanted to read the previous story in one case the Christmas story worked on it's own and I had no confusion about characters or events in the Christmas story.

In summary based on the stories that I read if you're a fan of hockey and want some short, sexy reads that offer a chance to revisit some favorite authors and check out some new ones...this one might be just the give to give yourself and enjoy on a cold winter's night or two...maybe 3 because it comes in at 755 pages according to Amazon and 930 according to my e-reader...either way it's a lot of reading pleasure! Happy Holidays!

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A copy of 'Hockey Holidays' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

NOW LIVE!!!!!

This holiday season unwrap a brand-new collection of hockey romances that includes humor, drama, love, and - of course - hockey!

**100% of the proceeds from sales of this anthology will be donated to charity.**

ONLY #99cents for 18 novellas!

Amazon (kindle) ➜ https://amzn.to/2PfDNwC

iBooks ➜ https://apple.co/2z39PEX

B&N (Nook) ➜ http://bit.ly/2KCOWnI

Kobo ➜ http://bit.ly/2KwtHEb

Each book is EXCLUSIVE to the anthology and NEVER BEFORE PUBLISHED by USA Today, New York Times, and all your favorite bestselling hockey romance authors.

How We Fell in Love (Ice Cats) by Toni Aleo

He knew she was the one, she wasn't so sure, which is why Grace and James' love story is one for the ages.

A Second Shot by Shannon Stacey

She was the one who got away—the woman Erik Burke walked away from to focus on the game—but when their paths cross once again, all he wants for Christmas is the chance to take another shot at love.

A Wolfe Brothers Christmas (Game On in Seattle) by Jami Davenport

Spending their first Christmas together in years, the Wolfe brothers fumbling attempts to create good memories go awry.

Christmas Crosscheck (The Dallas Comets) by Jaymee Jacobs

Bryan's planning to propose to Georgiana on Christmas Eve, but will the chaos of their families’ first holiday together ruin their special moment?

The Final Slapshot by Jean C. Joachim

Harry "Deke" Edmonds hides his secret, hoping for a Christmas miracle. When confronted with the truth, will his heart-breaking decision cost him both Kitty and the Huskies?

Lucky Holiday (The Las Vegas Kingsnakes) by Jennifer Lazaris

Vegas forward Tyler Quinn made the biggest mistake of his life when he broke Ella’s heart, and he’ll need more than an ace up his sleeve to win her back in time for Christmas.

Dmitri's Christmas Angel (Las Vegas Sidewinders) by Kat Mizera

Two women. Two surprise pregnancies. Dmitri Papadakis is screwed.

His Christmas Cinderella (San Francisco Dragons) by Kate Willoughby

On his way to the team holiday party, Gideon Aguilar mistakes Bailey Peng for his Uber driver. After inviting her to join him, they make more than merry, but at the end of the evening, the sexiest, most captivating woman he’s ever met is nowhere to be found.

Red-Hot Trouble (Hot Ice) by Lily Harlem

Sophie Delaney never intended to walk into ‘that’ locker room, at ‘that’ moment, but she did, it happened, and now she’ll never be the same again.

Christmas Interference (The Baltimore Banners) by Lisa B. Kamps

Shane Masters no longer believes in second chances, happy-ever-afters…or love. Can the woman who knew him best thaw his heart with a little holiday magic before it's too late?

The Devoted Father and the Introvert (The New Hampshire Bears) by Mary Smith Elexis Dunaway loves Twitter and work. Dag Limon loves his twin boys and playing professional hockey. Soon their worlds will collide with one simple tweet.

Her Best Worst Boyfriend (Vancouver Vice Hockey) by Melanie Ting

This Christmas, Em Davis is bringing Mr. Wrong home to prove a point to her parents. He’s arrogant, conceited, and uneducated, and they’re going to hate him. But what if Ian Reid turns out to be Mr. Right?

Icing isn't Only for Cookies (The Renegades Series) by Melody Heck Gatto

Avery James wasn’t looking for love when tall, dark, and deliciously handsome hockey player Kyler Wilson walked into her bakery.

Dallas Christmas by RJ Scott

Logan knows lusting after his captain's brother can only lead to trouble. But when fate throws him and the temptation that is Archie together, it’s hard not to fall in love.

All I Want (San Francisco Strikers) by Stephanie Kay

When fate finally brings first loves Maggie and Alex back to the same city, will Maggie be brave enough to give the relationship she never forgot a second chance? Or will she put their love on ice?

Holding On Tight (Buffalo Bedlam) by Susan Scott Shelley

For Buffalo Bedlam defenseman Vince Forsberg and his boyfriend Joseph Parelli, the pressure to make their first Christmas together perfect leads to a lot of chaos, holiday mishaps, and some unexpected results.

A Star-Crossed Christmas (Cayuga Cougars) by V.L. Locey

Two years ago, Mitch shared an explosive kiss with his childhood friend, Olympic snowboarder, Shaun. Will Christmas be the time for the two men to untangle lust from love, and find a future together that works?

The Playboy (Redtails Hockey) by Stephanie Julian

Kyle is back in the minors to rehab his career but that's not all he's hoping to fix. He wants to get back the girl he left behind, but convincing Leah to take another chance on this former playboy will be harder than making it back to the NHL.

Hockey Holidays by Toni Aleo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This 18 book collection by some of the most amazing authors was such a treat to read! I loved the humor, heat, and you betcha - even the hockey that was represented in each story. I have 2 book reviews that I am sharing from this collection for you below.

A Second Shot by Shannon Stacey:

Heartwarming and truly charming, this short and sweet story has us on our toes as we read about a couple who should be together, but have been apart. Great read of sexy and fun.

A Wolfe Brothers Christmas by Jami Davenport:

Little bit of suspense mixed in with a sweet holiday story that brings a lot of sexy charm to the table. If you loved her men in their previous stories - you are going to be glad you grabbed this little bit of heaven. I do recommend that you read the Game On In Seattle series first, however, to avoid spoilers. Believe me this is worth it!

Each short story included gives a unique and truly hockey flavored look at romance. What I enjoyed most was that it gave me a chance to relax and enjoy love in my favorite sport.


***This ARC copy was given in exchange for an honest review only.

View all my reviews

I love hockey romances, so I couldn’t resist reading HOCKEY HOLIDAYS.  It includes stories by many of my favorite authors.  There are eighteen exclusive stories/authors included in this anthology. This is an amazing anthology.  I couldn’t think of a better read to get into the Christmas spirit.  I appreciate that 100% of its proceeds will be donated to charity. 

Stories listed in order of appearance:

A SECOND SHOT by Shannon Stacey is a heartwarming read.  Erik Burke of the Boston Marauders gets a second chance with veterinarian, Andrea Morgan, after he rescues a lost dog, bringing it to her clinic. Being an animal lover, I appreciated this story.  It was a heartfelt second chance romance.  This is the first story that I have read by Shannon Stacey. I enjoyed her writing style. 

CHRISTMAS CROSSCHECK by Jaymee Jacobs is a Dallas Comets novella.  This is an entertaining story about all the things that go wrong when defenseman Bryan Comstock attempts to propose to Georgiana Pierson on Christmas Eve.  My heart went out to the characters that both wanted to make their Christmas together special but faced one obstacle after another. 

A WOLFE BROTHERS CHRISTMAS by Jami Davenport is part of the Game On in Seattle series.  I love the Wolfe brothers.  In this story, they are spending their first Christmas together since they have been reunited playing different professional sports in Seattle.  I love that Jami Davenport tied this story in with book 2.5 in the series, LOVE AT FIRST SNOW.  That was a clever way to help heal the boys’ relationship. 

THE PLAYBOY by Stephanie Julian is a Redtails Hockey series novella.  In this story, Kyle Deangelo is hoping for a second chance with Leah Wilson after being moved back to the minors.  This is a sweet story that was an enjoyable read.

DMITRI'S CHRISTMAS ANGEL by Kat Mizera is a Las Vegas Sidewinders novella.  In this story, Dmitri Papadakis and Angelica Reardon have an unexpected pregnancy. Then Dmitri’s ex-girlfriend reveals that she is also pregnant.  I loved this story; it made me cry.

A STAR-CROSSED CHRISTMAS by V.L. Locey is a Cayuga Cougars novella.  In this story, childhood friends, goalie Mitch Adams and Olympic snowborder Shawn Sandbeck, discuss the kiss they had two years prior and reveal their feelings for each other.  This is a sweet story.  I appreciated the candid scene with Vic and Dan, and I love Mitch’s and Shawn’s mothers. 

RED-HOT TROUBLE BY LILY HARLEM is a spin-off of the Hot Ice Series.  Dr. Sophie Delaney treats Nathan Walker after an injury o the ice.  After her twin brother's warning, Sophie tries to stay away from Nathan, but he has other plans.  This story has interesting twists.

DALLAS CHRISTMAS by RJ Scott.  Logan Maxwell of the Burlington Dragons is trying to forget his relationship with the brother of his team captain, Archie Simard.  They end up spending Christmas in Dallas together along with some of his team mates who have no idea that he is gay.  This is a heartening and moving read.

ICING ISN'T ONLY FOR COOKIES BY MELODY HECK GATTO is a Renegades novella.  Avery James and Kyler Wilson are reunited a year after having a one-night stand that neither one of them forgot.  This is a delightful feel-good story that I enjoyed.  I love that Avery makes Christmas enjoyable for Kyler again.

FINAL SLAPSHOT by Jean C. Joachim.  Harry "Deke" Edmonds had possible career-ending injury and needs to make some difficult decisions.  This is a heart-wrenching story made more strenuous taking place during the holidays. 

CHRISTMAS INTERFERENCE by Lisa B. Kamps is a Baltimore Banners novella.  Shane Masters returned home and confronts a tragedy that happened five years ago.  I loved this story.  My heart went out to the characters in this story.

HOLDING ON TIGHT by Susan Scott Shelley is a Buffalo Bedlam novella.  Defenseman Vince Forsberg and Joseph Parelli undergo numerous burdens to make their first Christmas together perfect.  This was a skillfully written story with appealing outcomes.

HIS CHRISTMAS CINDERELLA by Kate Willoughby is a San Francisco Dragons novella.  Gideon Aguilar has just been traded to the Dragons and is on his way to the team at their Christmas party. He mistakes Bailey Peng for his Uber driver and asks her to be his date.  This is a fun story with a story book ending.  I love how Bailey helps Gideon with his anxiety.

ALL I WANT by Stephanie Kay is a San Francisco Strikers novella.  This is a second-chance romance for Alex Westbrook and Maggie. They grew up together in Chicago.  Now Alex was visiting the kids at the Children’s hospital in San Francisco where he runs into Maggie, who is a doctor there.  This is a heartwarming story that I adored.

LUCKY HOLIDAY by Jennifer Lazaris is a Las Vegas Kingsnakes novella.  Tyler Quinn regretted breaking his engagement to Ella Wilkinson two years ago.  Now he’s hoping for a second chance when he discovers that she relocated to Las Vegas, and that he is going to be working with her on a charity campaign.  This is a touching story unexpected twists.

HER BEST WORST BOYFRIEND by Melanie Ting.  Em Davis enlist the help of Ian Reid, a guy she cannot stand, to go home with her for the holidays hoping her parents will hate him.  As she gets to know him, she discovers maybe he’s not so bad after all.  This is a clever and entertaining story.  It is the perfect example of not judging a book by its cover.

THE DEVOTED FATHER AND THE INTROVERT by Mary Smith is a New Hampshire Bears novella.  Elexis Dunaway and Dag Limon meet through a tweet.  This is a supper cute story.  I love the characters.  I like how Elexis and Dag originally meet.

WHEN YOU'RE READY by Toni Aleo is an Assassins prequel novella.  It is the story of Grace Adler (the twin sister of Shea Adler from book one, TAKING SHOTS) and James Justice. I adored this novella.  Assassins fans will not want to miss this story. 

Hockey Holidays is the perfect book for Christmas.  It would make a great gift for anyone the loves hockey/sports romances. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

This 18 book collection by some of the most amazing authors was such a treat to read!  I loved the humor, heat, and you betcha - even the hockey that was represented in each story.  I have 2 book reviews that I am sharing from this collection for you below.

A Second Shot by Shannon Stacey:

Heartwarming and truly charming, this short and sweet story has us on our toes as we read about a couple who should be together, but have been apart.  Great read of sexy and fun. 

A Wolfe Brothers Christmas by Jami Davenport:

Little bit of suspense mixed in with a sweet holiday story that brings a lot of sexy charm to the table.  If you loved her men in their previous stories - you are going to be glad you grabbed this little bit of heaven.  I do recommend that you read the Game On In Seattle series first, however, to avoid spoilers.  Believe me this is worth it!  

Each short story included gives a unique and truly hockey flavored look at romance.  What I enjoyed most was that it gave me a chance to relax and enjoy love in my favorite sport.  I give this book a 4/5 Kitty's Paws UP!

***This ARC copy was given in exchange for an honest review only.

Hockey Holidays has a story for every time of the year. Whether catching up with old friends, falling in love for the first time, dreaming with a broken heart or getting the chance to finally get things right this anthology consists of tales that appeal to everyone. Kate Willoughby appeals to the romantic in us all with a modern day fairytale meant to run away with your heart. Kat Mizera and Jami Davenport remind us that family is the gift that keeps on giving with a few special surprises thrown in for good measure. Shelley, Kay, Scott, Locey, Julian and Jacobs prove that given time, life and love have a way of working themselves out. With eighteen stories, it's hard to pick a favorite, because they all take aim at the heart.