Snowy Night with a Stranger by Jane Feather, Sabrina Jeffries, Julia London

   Snowy Night with a Stranger is a compilation of 3 stories in one book.  I figured that since its Christmas time I should read something accordingly.  Well, my mistake.  Do yourself a favor and NEVER READ THIS BOOK!  Each story is just around 100 pages long, not enough to give the characters much depth and not enough to develop sincere relationships.  Its like they meet, the give in to lust and do the nasty and then get married.  End of story.  The best of the three was "When Sparks Fly" by Sabrina Jeffries.  And then the other two were tied in awfulness.

Book Blurb:
     A Holiday Gamble-  Edward Vasey, Viscount Allenton, is journeying precariously through a snowstorm when his coach is overtaken by highwaymen!  Robbed of his money, Ned takes refuge at Selby Hall, where a spirited beauty with a shocking secret may steal something more-- his heart.
    When Sparks Fly- When a coach accident strands heiress Elinor Bancroft at the home of the notorious Black Baron, she discovers the Christmas Day heartache that darkened his soul years ago-- and her generous heart brings a festive air to his home and reawakens his spirit to love.
    Snowy Night with a Highlander- Searching for her rakehell brother, an earl lying low in the wake of a scandalous affair, Fiona Haines is led by a rugged highlander who obscures his scarred face.  As they journey on, Fiona draws closer to her brave enigmatic protector== but will fury or passion ignite when he reveals his identity?

I've broken the ratings down and did one for each story.

Rachel's Rating: Whole Book: 13

A Holiday Gamble              When Sparks Fly              Snowy Night with a Highlander
Rachel's Rating: 11              Rachel's Rating: 15             Rachel's Rating: 12
Plot:  4                                  Plot: 5                                      Plot: 4
    Strong Beginning: 1            Strong Beginning: 2                   Strong Beginning: 1
    Keeps You Hooked: 2         Keeps You Hooked: 2                 Keeps You Hooked: 1
    Predictability: 1                   Predictability: 1                          Predictability: 2
Characters: 4                       Characters: 5                             Characters: 3
    Believability: 1                    Believability: 1                           Believability: 1
    Intriguing Leads: 2              Intriguing Leads: 2                     Intriguing Leads: 1
    Secondary Characters: 1      Secondary Characters: 2            Secondary Characters: 1
Steaminess: 3                        Steaminess: 5                            Steaminess: 5
    Mood: 1                                 Mood: 2                                     Mood: 2
    Hotness: 1                              Hotness: 2                                  Hotness: 2
    Number of Times: 1               Number of Times: 1                  Number of Times: 1

The Highlander's Touch by Karen Marie Moning

The Highlander's Touch by Karen Marie Moning will have you rooted in one spot from start to finish. Moning weaves a wonderful tale full of magic, fighting, well built Scotsmen and lusty moments. Be prepared with a beverage and snack of choice when you pick up this novel, because you won't be putting it down once you start!!

Book Blurb:
    When Lisa felt the earth move under her feet, the fiercely independent 21st-century woman never dreamed she was falling...into another century.  But the powerful, naked warrior who stood glaring down at her wass only too real... and too dangerously arousing.  Irresistibly handsome he might be, but Lisa had no intention of remaining in this savage land torn by treachery and war.  How could she know that her seductive captor had other plans for her... plans that would save her from a tragic fate?  Or that this man who had long agao forsaken love would defy time itself to claim her for his own...

Rachel's Rating: 22

Plot: 8
    Strong Beginning: 3
    Keeps You Hooked: 3
    Predictability: 2
Characters: 8
    Believability: 3
    Intriguing Leads: 3
    Secondary Characters: 2
Steaminess: 6
    Mood: 3
    Hotness: 2
    Number of Times: 1 

A Dangerous Love by Bertrice Small

A Dangerous Love is a novel full of history, this story follows the life of Adair as she is forced to flee the home she loves, grows up in the royal courts, returns to her home and then gets captured by Scottish raiders.  Her new life in Scotland is one of a servant to the laird of of Clait, Conal Bruce.  Follow her tale as she faces trials, overcomes hardships and discovers love.

Book Blurb:
"Adair Radcliffe was a king's brat; a bastard born to King Edward IV and Jane, the countess of Stanton. Orphaned by England's War of the Roses, and betrayed by her half-sister, Elizabeth of York, Adair is taken from her home in northern England during a border raid, and sold into servitude to Conal Bruce, the laird of Cleit. The laird seeks a housekeeper, and a bedmate -- but instead he finds that beneath the girl's dirty, disheveled appearance is a proud and spirited beauty who refuses to be tamed. It is she who will teach the stubborn Scot that love recognizes neither borders nor rank. And Adair will learn at long last that home is where her heart rests, and not in the past."


Rachel's Rating: 16

Plot: 5
    Strong Beginning: 2
    Keeps You Hooked: 1
    Predictability:   2
Characters: 5
     Believability: 1
     Intriguing Leads: 2
     Secondary Characters: 2
Steaminess: 6
      Mood: 2
      Hotness: 2
      Number of Times: 2