I was excited to read HOLIDAY KISSES as it contains a quartet of holiday stories from authors I have added to my must-read list over the last year or so. I am happy to report I was not disappointed. The stories are alternately tender, sweet, sexy, and funny. If these authors are new to you, or you are a fan looking for a quick read, give this anthology a try.

In the heartwarming This Time Next Year, Brenna Keating finds herself snowed in with Dr. Dillon Craig after he rescues her after a car accident on her way to her Grandmother's house. Brenna is struggling with her disappointment in missing the last Christmas with her Grandmother before Brenna heads to Africa for a year. As the attraction between them grows, Brenna wonders about what she'll be missing if she leaves Dillon.

A Rare Gift was my favorite story. Calliope hires her sister's ex-husband Wyatt to build an addition to her daycare. She has had a crush on him for years and plans to take advantage of the opportunity offered by working together. Wyatt is still hurting from the end of his marriage and isn't looking for love, especially not with his ex-sister-in-law. I loved Calliope's confidence and willingness to put it all out there for Wyatt. She didn't hesitate to challenge him.

I thought It's Not Christmas Without You was the funniest story. Austin has set-up his Christmas tree lot in Washington DC to try to win back his love, Carrie, who left their small town for her dream job at a large museum. He's sure he can talk her into coming home. She loves him but can't give up her dream. Austin's optimism and the stunts he pulled to try to win Carrie back made me chuckle.

Mistletoe and Margaritas is a tender story about friendship turning into love. Justin has loved Claire for years, even as she married his best friend. Justin has been Claire's friend even as she grieved the loss of her husband. Can their friendship survive when attraction takes hold?