The Magical Christmas Cat

Christmas is a time of magic and joy and four spectacular authors have a special treat for readers this year with THE MAGICAL CHRISTMAS CAT. Nalini Singh kicks off this anthology with "Stroke of Enticement". Zach Quinn, a DarkRiver soldier, is instantly attracted to Annie Kildaire. Annie is used to working with changelings in her role as teacher, but how will she handle Zach's determined pursuit of her? Nalini Singh is without a doubt one of the best paranormal romance writers in print today. Her Psy-Changeling series is a deeply emotional, multilayered world and "Stroke of Enticement" offers up a tiny taste of it. Nalini Singh not only writes a beautifully moving romance with Annie and Zach's story, but she also tackles the tough issue of prejudice. Ms. Singh's sensitivity at addressing prejudice is to be commended, particularly as she weaves it into the storyline smoothly and effectively. Nalini Singh is one of my favorite authors and "Stroke of Enticement" is another stellar example of why her books are must-reads! Erin McCarthy's "Christmas Bree" is connected to her story in AN ENCHANTED SEASON. Bree Murphy is horrified when her sister predicts that her true love will arrive wearing a pink shirt. There's just no way such a man would appeal to Bree! And then Ian Carrington shows up at her door.... Bree is the sister I wanted to read about after finishing "Charlotte's Web", so I am glad to see she has her own story. Erin McCarthy does not disappoint as the repartee between these two diametrically different characters is nothing short of hilarious! However, I have to say that Akasha the cat steals the show. In fact, there is one scene involving Ian, Bree, and Akasha that still makes me laugh out loud! Kudos to Erin McCarthy for infusing humor into a sexy paranormal story. It all starts with a Secret Santa gift in "Sweet Dreams" by Linda Winstead Jones. Ruby Kincaid receives a cat figurine from a mysterious secret admirer. Little does she realize the danger she is in from dark supernatural forces. Zane Benedict knows about the menacing evil that now hopes to prey on Ruby, but is there any way to save her? "Sweet Dreams" is the surprise hit of THE MAGICAL CHRISTMAS CAT. I have read and enjoyed other stories by Linda Winstead Jones but "Sweet Dreams" is exactly what I hope to see more of in paranormal romances. The depth and complexity of the threat stalking Ruby is well explained and the eerie atmosphere created by Linda Winstead Jones only serves to enhance this. "Sweet Dreams" offers a complexity not often found in short stories and is a true gem, even in an anthology as good as THE MAGICAL CHRISTMAS CAT. Lora Leigh concludes this anthology with "Christmas Heat". Haley McQuire doesn't like parties and this one has turned into a sheer disaster. She witnesses a meeting in which the very safety of the Breeds is at stake and she turns to enforcer Noble Chavin for help. Can Noble keep her safe, even as the mating heat turn

I have read a couple of the books in this anthology but Lora Leigh's breed series is worth the price of admission. Although this short story was about a less known breed it had all the fun and excitement of her other books. Nalini Singh's short story about the world of the Psy was very interesting and I will definitely check out the other books in the series.

Overall, was an excellent book - 4.5/5. As others have mentioned, Jones' "Sweet Dreams" was probably the weakest, both in heat level, and that it felt a little out of place. While I was glad to see a non-20-something, body-to-die for heroine, it just felt a bit out of synch with the rest. As an avid reader of Leigh's "Breeds" series, I enjoyed her story a lot. I've now been introduced to (yet) another interesting series w/ Singh's Psy/Changlings. And the other story, "Christmas Bree" was nice - particularly as I am Wiccan myself, as is much of my family. In these post-"Charmed" days, a story that is a happy medium between the reality of Wicca and fantasy-Witches was good. My only complaint is that the connection was a bit rushed; to be expected in an anthology, but this story was the only 1 of the 4 that I felt it. Overall, an enjoyable read & worth my time & money.

"Stroke of Enticement" by Nalini Singh Having watched her mother's heart being broken continuously by her emotionally distant father, Annie Kildaire has convinced herself that long-term romantic relationships are not for her. All that changes when Zach Quinn walks into her classroom and promptly turns her world upside down. The sexy leopard changeling seems determined to wreak havoc on her senses, and Annie isn't so sure that's a bad thing. The minute he sees his nephew's human teacher, Zach knows Annie is destined to be his mate. Both leopard and man are drawn to her beauty, strength, and intelligence. All he wants to do is claim Annie as his own. But Zach knows that to win over his cautious mate he'll have to entice her to trust him, and he'll use every sensual trick up his sleeve to do so. Just when you think the Nalini Singh can't get any better, she serves up another amazing tale. "Stroke of Enticement" is a captivating story that grabbed me from the very first page and didn't let go. Zach is the kind of hero I love to read and dream about - devastatingly handsome, charming, intelligent, protective, and slightly mischievous. He's possessive of Annie, not in a controlling way, but in such a way that made me sigh and wonder where I could find a hero like him. As for Annie, I utterly adored her. A childhood accident has left her with a slight physical handicap, but she never lets it stop her. She's strong in both body and mind. As she falls in love with Zach, I found she was strong of heart as well. Separately, they were endearing, but as a couple they wholly complimented one another. Their romance was the perfect combination of passion, tenderness, excitement, and fun. "Stroke of Enticement" is part of Ms. Singh's Psy-Changeling series, but can be read as a stand-alone. Fans of the series will delight in this sensational addition to an already incredible series, and newcomers to the Psy-Changeling world will surely be racing to the nearest bookstore to gather up the rest of the series. "Christmas Bree" by Erin McCarthy The second of three magical sisters, Bree Murphy believes in many things paranormal. But when her younger sister predicts that a businessman in a pink shirt will ring her doorbell Bree declares it impossible - she does not go for the corporate type. Yet sure enough, lawyer Ian Carrington shows up on her doorstep almost immediately. Ian met Bree about a year ago, and for nearly as long, both of them have been having the same erotic dream over and over. Neither wants to be attracted to the other. But when Bree's cat turns up with a piece of mistletoe the Murphy sisters enchanted a year ago, fate seems determined to see these two unlikely lovers get together. Can a Chicago lawyer and a small-town witch make it last? Or will uncertainty and a lack of trust ruin their relationship before it has a chance to truly start? "Christmas Bree" is the classic case of opposites attracting, only to find out they'