Dreaming of a Bright Christmas and A Chef’s Kiss
Harlequin’s Bestselling Author Collection
A satisfying, romantic story from Harlequin’s Bestselling Author Collection (Sept 2024)
Dreaming of a Bright Christmas by #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr
Mike Cavanaugh is a firefighter—he rescues people. Inviting them home isn’t usually part of the job description. But when he pulls Christine Palmer out of her burning house, something about the gutsy single mom makes him want to protect her, to make her life a little better. Only, somehow Chris and her family end up giving Mike’s life new meaning, and he is happier than he’s been in years. Chris wants to get back on her own two feet—sooner rather than later. When she no longer needs Mike’s support, will she be ready to risk her heart with him?
STORY INCLUDED IN THIS VOLUME
A Chef’s Kiss by Nina Crespo
After their ill-fated fling quashed her dreams, small-town chef Philippa Gayle’s onetime rival-turned-lover Dominic Crawford upended her life. But when Philippa’s forced together with the celebrity cook on a project that could change her life, there’s no denying that the flames that were lit years ago were only banked, not extinguished. Can Philippa trust Dominic enough to let him in…or are they just cooking up another heartbreak?
Dreaming of a Bright Christmas previously published as Informed Risk
More books by Nina Crespo
Small Town Secrets Series
*Each book in the series is standalone.
A Chef’s Kiss, Book 1 (2022 RSJ Emma Award Winner)
The Designer’s Secret, Book 2 (2023 RSJ Emma Award / 2023 DWRI Romance Book Award, 1st Place)
Second Take at Love, Book 3
Want more small town romance? Read the Tillbridge Stables series.
*Each book in the series is standalone.
The Cowboy’s Claim, Book 1 (*2021 Booksellers’ Best Award Winner)
Her Sweet Temptation, Book 2
The Cowgirl’s Surprise Match, Book 3
Excerpt - A CHEF'S KISS
“How does it look out there?”
The resonant tone of Dominic’s voice coming from behind her ignited a frisson of awareness that moved up Philippa’s spine and tingled across her nape.
“It’s a full house.” She calmed an unsteady breath and faced him.
Up close, he looked even better than he had in the lobby. But hints of fatigue were in his eyes. Last week, he’d flown in after working at his restaurant the night before. Had he done the same this weekend? She hadn’t taken his present work schedule into consideration when she’d asked him to do the demo.
“Thank you…”
“I’m sorry…”
They both spoke at the same time.
Dominic gestured for her to speak first.
“I appreciate you adding this to your full schedule. And for making sure my staff have front-row seats. If they weren’t already fans of chef extraordinaire, Dominic Crawford, they are now.”
He grimaced. “Chef extraordinaire?”
She’d meant to tease him, but from his slight wince, her attempt had fallen flat. “That didn’t come out right. I didn’t mean it in a bad way.” Philippa held up the paper in her hand. “I was just referring to the intro Amber gave me.”
“I should have guessed.” He smiled, but as he glanced at the paper a shadow of discomfort moved across his face. “You don’t have to say all that. Owner of Frost & Flame is fine.”
“And have Amber come after me? No, thank you.”
Dominic huffed a low chuckle. “Yeah, she’s insistent.” He took a step forward and the subtle notes of his cologne wafted into the space between them. “About the changes with the demo. I—”
The door opened behind Philippa, pitching her forward, and her hand with the paper landed on his solid chest.
Dominic took hold of her arms. “You okay?”
As she looked into his eyes, familiarity washed over her. The automatic desire to lean into him almost overwhelmed her.
Amber peeked past the door. “Chef Gayle, good. You’re right where you’re supposed to be.”
Copyright © Nina Crespo. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce, distribute, or transmit in any form or by any means.
Available from all major retailers. Grab your digital or print copy today!
A Chef's Kiss Favorite Recipe List
(A Chef’s Kiss)
“The characters were genuine, the small-town setting charming, and the restaurant, cooking, and food-focused plotlines interesting and very entertaining.”
“A Chef’s Kiss is an enjoyable second-chance contemporary romance sure to bring a smile to readers’ faces. Delicious, delightful and sprinkled with plenty of warmth and heart…”
“A Chef’s Kiss is a beautifully written, second chance romance, it’s sweet, heartbreaking, heartwarming, and emotional, which leads to an all consuming story I didn’t want to end.”
“A Chef’s Kiss sprinkles a spoonful of sugar into a flavorful look at heartache. The end result is a delicious tale of deep emotions and heartwarming romance.”
