Holiday Hotties Series by L.B. Dunbar

I hate Christmas. I don’t know who thought every female must love shopping, wrapping, baking and hosting but I missed the memo. On top of that, I manage an upscale department store. Sprinkle in the fact I’ll be turning forty during this holiday season, and my life is a Christmas cookie recipe gone wrong. And every year I become a little more Scrooge-ish. But the spirit of the most wonderful time of the year seems to have a plan for me and my midlife-crisis attitude... moreI hate Christmas. I don’t know who thought every female must love shopping, wrapping, baking and hosting but I missed the memo. On top of that, I manage an upscale department store. Sprinkle in the fact I’ll be turning forty during this holiday season, and my life is a Christmas cookie recipe gone wrong. And every year I become a little more Scrooge-ish. But the spirit of the most wonderful time of the year seems to have a plan for me and my midlife-crisis attitude. First, my past returns when I attend a high school reunion happy hour and run into that boy—the one I had a summer fling before I left for college, then promptly ghosted me. The torture continues because that boy is now a man, worldly and wise and sexier than I remember. And he invites me to attend a holiday work party with him. That’s where I learn this forty, fine, former NFL quarterback, now fireman has a new role: single father to the sweetest little girl, putting me at risk of falling for both of them. However, I have my reasons not to believe in love and the happiest time of the year. And the first twenty-five days of December tests all my strength. Just what the Dickens is happening? Charles himself might approve of this plot. Even I’m a little curious to see how it all plays out. + + +. With the past behind her and the future uncertain, can Eva Nazar accept that the present is a gift and love is the greatest treasure we receive even if it isn’t always wrapped in pretty paper with a perfect bow on top? less

With the name Holliday, you’d think I’d be all about the Christmas season. Most years, I am, but this one not so much. Between my ex being a real Scrooge-in-the-backside, re-entering the workforce, wrangling my two children, and evading my eight-year-old’s questions about Santa’s existence, I’m struggling to believe in the magic myself. Enter Nick, my next-door neighbor. My very hot, single, fireman neighbor... moreWith the name Holliday, you’d think I’d be all about the Christmas season. Most years, I am, but this one not so much. Between my ex being a real Scrooge-in-the-backside, re-entering the workforce, wrangling my two children, and evading my eight-year-old’s questions about Santa’s existence, I’m struggling to believe in the magic myself. Enter Nick, my next-door neighbor. My very hot, single, fireman neighbor. He’s full of the seasonal spirit from hanging my outdoor Christmas lights to playing Santa for the local church breakfast. Funny thing about Nick, he kind of resembles the man in red, in a younger, sexier, silver fox way, complete with snow in his beard but rather tight abs suggesting cookies are not part of his diet when they are a staple of mine. Anywho, he’s sweet in a rugged sense, and if he were the man making a list and checking it twice, I’d like to be in his naughty column. Because something tells me being a little naughty-ish with Nick from next door might bring me tidings of comfort and restore my joy in this season. When he discovers I have a seasonal list myself, he’s determined to help me accomplish all the to-dos, only falling in love with my next-door neighbor wasn’t one of them. + + +. From L. B. Dunbar comes another SHE-grump Christmas tale of holiday shenanigans and jingling bells with a sunshine silver fox fireman. less

Let’s start here. The twelve days of Christmas are actually after the holiday. And my dad, being the great guy he is, and the battalion chief of the fire department, signs up one of his rebellious firefighters for a retreat because of his bad behavior. The guy is a total grouch. But when he misses the bus for the adult redemption camp, Dad sticks the guy with me for twelve days. Alone... moreLet’s start here. The twelve days of Christmas are actually after the holiday. And my dad, being the great guy he is, and the battalion chief of the fire department, signs up one of his rebellious firefighters for a retreat because of his bad behavior. The guy is a total grouch. But when he misses the bus for the adult redemption camp, Dad sticks the guy with me for twelve days. Alone. So, on the dozen days some mysterious true love—which I have yet to experience—should be bringing me gifts, like French hens and golden rings, I’m in charge of this firebird on our pear farm. Being the city man he is, he doesn’t have a clue how to can fruit, mend fences, or milk cows. But he knows how to kiss . . . Not that we should be doing such a thing. Only his silver beard is sexy, and his crooked smile kind of sweet. He has this alpha energy vibrating around his well-honed body but underneath the grumpy exterior is a man lonely for something more in his life, like me. And instead of gifting each other random birds, leaping lords and piping pipers, the gift we give one another is time . . . and our bodies. But what about our hearts? Maybe true love will strike after all. A lot can happen in twelve days. + + +. In a new tradition from L. B. Dunbar comes another holiday hottie certain to heat up your holidays. less

As the CEO of a major department store, I know firsthand that Christmas joy can be bought and sold just like anything else. That's right. When it comes to the most wonderful time of the year, I’m a grinch in a penthouse. But when a gorgeous, red-headed firefighter saves me from a heart attack with a kiss and a whispered plea, even I can’t begrudge her a simple favor - be her date at her younger brother’s holiday wedding. Turns out, there’s nothing simple about it... moreAs the CEO of a major department store, I know firsthand that Christmas joy can be bought and sold just like anything else. That's right. When it comes to the most wonderful time of the year, I’m a grinch in a penthouse. But when a gorgeous, red-headed firefighter saves me from a heart attack with a kiss and a whispered plea, even I can’t begrudge her a simple favor - be her date at her younger brother’s holiday wedding. Turns out, there’s nothing simple about it. Suddenly, I’m ice skating on frozen ponds, baking cookies with her family, kissing under mistletoes, and finding a little fa-la-la in the season. I don’t even recognize myself. Because she’s like the spirit of Christmas present, haunting my thoughts, sparking something in my cold heart, and making me crave things past-me would never have considered asking the big man in red for - a future. Once upon a time, a scrooge like me vowed to transform. The only thing he didn’t get in the end was the girl. I’m determined that won’t happen to me. It’s either give up my selfish ways or lose the love of a truly elf-ish woman. + + +L. B. Dunbar continues the seasonal tradition with another holiday hottie coming your way, only this time, HE needs the saving, and SHE's with the fire department. less