I’ve heard a lot of buzz about Megan Hart but wavered about trying her books. After several months of seeing Dirty in the bookstore, I decided to give it a try. I’m immensely glad I did. Dirty: 5 out of 5.

I met him at the candy store. He turned and smiled at me and I was surprised enough to smile back. This was not a children’s candy store, mind you—this was the kind of place you went to buy expensive imported chocolate truffles for your boss’s wife because you felt guilty for having sex with him when you were both at a conference in Milwaukee. Hypothetically speaking, of course.

I’ve been hit on plenty of times, mostly by men with little finesse who thought what was between their legs made up for what they lacked between their ears. Sometimes I went home with them anyway, just because it felt good to want and be wanted, even if it was mostly fake.

The problem with wanting is that it’s like pouring water into a vase of stones. It fills you up before you know it, leaving no room for anything else. I don’t apologize for who I am or what I’ve done in—or out—of bed. I have my job, my house and my life, and for a long time I haven’t wanted anything else.

Until Dan. Until now.

Readers should be advised that this is erotica. Yes, there’s a romance here, but the sex is explicit. Don’t let this stop you from reading the book if it sounds interesting to you.

Based on some reviews I read, I wasn’t sure I’d like Elle. I did, though, very much. Yes, she’s flawed, but that’s what makes her so interesting to read about. She’s definitely a challenging character—and it’s easy to see that there is something under the surface that explains why she is wounded.

And Dan . . . oh wow. Dan. Again, not a perfect man, but he feels very real. I love how patient he is. And his declaration of love is one I’ll remember for years to come.

In fact, that’s what makes this book a keeper—I reread bits of it after I finished, and now, months after reading it, many parts of the story remain vivid in my mind.

If Dirty is any indication, Hart’s writing is sexy, emotional, and powerful. I’ll definitely read her other books.

Every December I look for a few good Christmastime romances. When I was out shopping last weekend, I snatched up one I thought I would like: Jennifer LaBrecque’s Yule Be Mine. Harlequin Blaze, guilty-pleasure plot—what’s not to like?

He’s one big no-no. But all she wants to do is scream, “Yes, yes, yes!” This is going to be a Christmas to remember for journalist Giselle Randolph! Especially when she meets her new photographer. Because she’ll be working—in very close quarters—with the man she’s lusted after for years. Sexy Sam McKendrick . . . her former brother-in-law!

Sam’s been in love with Giselle from the first moment he met her. Too bad he was married to her sister at the time. But he’s not married now . . . and he’s going to make sure Giselle knows how he feels. With a little help from a native shaman, he tunes in to her fantasies . . . and makes it a point to fulfill every one! But perfectly taboo sex always has a price. And fantasies can take a guy only so far . . .

With a premise I love and an author I like, you’d think I’d love Yule Be Mine. It was nice enough to keep me reading, but it’s not one of LaBrecque’s best: 3.5 out of 5.

I like both Sam and Giselle, but I wasn’t as invested in their story as I wanted to be. I think this is because the sexual attraction is there from the first—and they are already halfway in love with each other as the main action begins. For me, this removed some of the story’s punch.

But I enjoyed reading about Giselle and Sam’s Christmastime activities in the town. And LaBrecque’s skill with love scenes is excellent.

In short, Yule Be Mine is a charming holiday read even if it’s not one I will reread often.

The holidays are about traditions. I have many fond memories of the holiday traditions I had as I was growing up. Waking up ridiculously early because of the excitement. Christmas-morning pastries. Opening gifts one person and one present at a time, in a youngest to oldest rotation.

Now that I’m an adult some of the traditions have changed. I don’t wake up early any more. In fact, Christmas is a day to sleep in. But I still enjoy the pastries and gift-opening. As I child, I enjoyed opening my gifts; now I take more pleasure in seeing people open gifts from me.

During the past few years, I realized that I haven’t really developed new traditions. After all, as a single adult, there hasn’t been much need for anything new. Writing this blog entry, though, got me thinking. One tradition that fell by the wayside was Christmas stockings. Our family did them when I was very young, but we stopped when we started doing a big breakfast spread.

So this is my new holiday tradition: Christmas stockings. I bought one for myself and one for the other member of my household.

It’s amazing how one new tradition is increasing my excitement about Christmas.

It’s December already, and I don’t know where the time went. And geez, that’s a familiar refrain. What I do know is this.

• I got a dog. I’ve never owned any kind of pet besides a beta fish (many years ago), but I went to the Humane Society with a friend and came home with a dog—a Lhasa apso/poodle mix. He’s super cute, and we’ve already had vet adventures (including one surgery, but he’s healing nicely), and now he’s taking me on walks. Actually, that helps explain where the time went.
• I missed November’s TBR day. Well, it happens. So I’m out of the running for the gift certificate, but I’m still grateful for the challenge, because I have a ton of books TBR.
• I’ve been doing a fall clean-a-thon, and I’m actually making progress. Even with my books. I’ve been letting go of a bunch—I love Paperback Swap—and it’s been easier than I thought.
• I’m giving myself the right not to finish books that don’t keep my interest. Sounds stupid, but it’s true: I have a hard time setting aside books I’ve started but haven’t finished—even if I’m not enjoying it. I tried it last week, though, and felt just fine about letting some go.
• I’ve been doing some reading. One of these days I may blog about some of the books I’ve read.

Happy December, everyone!