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Cat O'Nine Tales

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CAT O'NINE TALES is a special anthology edition of nine delectable stories of romance and the kitty cats that play critical parts in helping their humans recognize that one special person they need in their life!

BAD CAT - MacGillivray tackles an archaic law from Destin, Florida stating, "Any dog or cat which attacks and bites a person, or another animal without provocation, shall be deemed a `bad dog or `bad cat' and the owner shall pay civil penalty of one hundred dollars".

By using that law as the basis of the first story in this wonderful anthology, MacGillivray uses a part Scottish wildcat, Auggie, to drive owner Katlyn's very sexy neighbor, Ian Giles out of his mind. Once Auggie brought over the fence to meet his sexy owner, then it's up to Katlyn to bring him to his knees. Or was it the other way around? Either way, the reader probably won't care because Auggie, the `bad cat' knew what he was doing! This was funny and very hot and steamy!


GETTING IT IN THE END - Romance writer Catlynne Falconer and her half Scottish wildcat Jack attend the Writers Renfaire in York, England. There they run into the one man Catlynne hates, book reviewer James Douglas Kinloch. He has trashed every one of Catlynne's romance books and despite their physical attraction she only wants to distance herself from him - but she never expected him to look like every gorgeous hero she'd ever dreamed of.

Obviously, MacGillivray's original cat character Jack is not going to let two people who should be together, let a difference of opinion ruin what he deems to be a match made in heaven. Jack the once finicky cat picks out James to join his family and James is more than willing to chase and win over the very sexy and highly desirable author he'd trashed. Passionate confrontations end up sexy and very steamy when Ms. MacGillivray let's her imagination and originality run loose.

DOUBLE, DOUBLE, TOIL AND TROUBLE -Setting her story in her beloved Scotland the two protagonists are Gillian Grant and Cian MacKinnon who are being observed by their centuries old forebears. Both are besotted with one another but stubborn pride rules Gillian and Cian needs to somehow break down her defenses in letting go of the age old feud.

MacGillivray sets a warm and poignant tale in this contemporary story complete with ghosts from the past, as well as one very fat cat called Basil. Her leads are very much attracted to one another but because of Cian inheriting the Castle Dunnascaul - which legend says was supposed to revert back to the Grants; Gillian, who inherited the caretakers cottage, was going to make Cian's life as miserable as possible in spite of the chemistry that flamed between them. The ghostly presence and observations of their grandparents belief leant a heartwarming touch to this romance.


RIDER IN THE STORM - Ciara MacIain had stopped living seven years ago when her beloved fiancé Derek had died in an automobile accident. On the anniversary of his death she found herself traveling down the same road at the same time of that long ago fateful night and like déjà vu spotted another red sports car plunged off the side of the road in the exact same spot.

This story had an almost mystic tone. The driver of the car was not Ciara's beloved Derek, but Roarke Fraser Devlin, a tall dark handsome man who Ciara sensed a peculiar familiarity about him. Earlier Ciara had made a wish on the `blue moon' and she thought that it inspired the feeling of recognition but could it have ignited her very soul? Would her heart recognize his? Awesome imagery, heart tugging intensity this was simply beautiful. Warning - have tissues nearby for this one!

DEVIL IN SPURS - The `Devil in Spurs' was the name given to a mysterious rogue highwayman, who by day was a foppish yet politically powerful nobleman, Desdein Deshaunt, the Marquis de Fournier. Unfortunately, Desdein's beloved brother had been mistakenly arrested as the `devil in spurs' by an enemy that had years ago shot and killed their father. Desdein had to devise a plan to save his brother and take revenge on his enemy. Specifically by kidnapping and holding his enemies daughter hostage... only his hostage would be the one to capture his heart.

In this dashing and emotional tale, the author depicts Lady Ashlyn Findlater perfectly as a forlorn young lady whose only experience of being loved was through the companionship of her beloved and aging cat Cyril. Ashlyn wasn't concerned for herself about being carried off by the highwayman but would fight to the death before leaving her cat behind. In using Ashlyn's vulnerability from being neglected by her father, the author made it easy for Desdein to feel protective towards her as the ice around his own heart began to melt. For it was Desdein's feeling of sympathy that allowed him to see into her heart. Even though he was masked Ashlyn recognized Desdein by his eyes. Her only concern was that if she were to die, or be ravished (which she was actually hoping for) that Cyril be taken care of. Delightfully sensual, and emotional are the first words that come to mind when describing this very special love story.

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS A HULAHOOP...AND A MOTHER -
Take one precocious five year old angel, a devastatingly handsome dad, a sexy ballet teacher, one fat cat, a pony, and a blizzard - tuck them away in a snug cabin in the country and you'll have all the ingredients needed to make one magical Christmas where everyone's wish comes true.

MacGillivray once again proves whether writing a long Medieval or Contemporary she is entirely up to the challenge of packing a wallop of entertainment into a short story! I had a smile on my face from beginning to end with this delightful tale. Who wouldn't want to be snowbound with a handsome guy with a sexy name like Keon Challenger. Keon's daughter Allison captured your heart immediately, and along with Leslie and her pets, you'll find yourself enchanted. Be they human or animal, MacGillivray continually creates characters that worm their way into the readers heart.

BLUE CHRISTMAS CAT -
After 15 years away Rhys St. John, who was Dara Seaforth's first and only love has come back home, wealthy and as handsome as ever. As she faces the prospect of Christmas alone she's particularly miserable since her beloved kitty Dexter had died. Rhys had come back to declare his love for Dara but if looks could kill, he'd be dead. Instead, he's out searching for his unruly cat Elvis who's run away in the midst of a snow storm. At least Rhys could track him by following Elvis' tracks... tracks that led straight to Dara's door.

This was really cute, with the author naming the cat Elvis and using the background lyrics from Elvis Presley's song "Blue Christmas" to give more substance to the story. Not that she needed it mind you with Rhys being a truly wonderful take charge kind of guy. After a fifteen year absence most could wonder why this guy could even `think' he had a shot with a woman he'd left behind, but the author tied it all up by having Dara a romance author herself. By reading all of her romance novels, Rhys knew he had a chance, because even he could see, that all her heroes were based on him. Along with the smug cat who just might have been a reincarnation of Dexter - well, you'll just have to read this and form your own opinion. I have mine but I'm not saying!


CHICKEN WHAT DU HELL - Remy (aka Royce Torqhill Remington Kinross, the 13th Marquis of Dunmoor and Seafeld) and his cat Bubba were not scoring points with the gifts Bubba was dropping off at their beautiful neighbor Catonia's house. Although Bubba, who kept bumping his head in adoration of Catonia's beautiful boob seemed to be getting a lot further along in the romance department than his master; Remy was bound and determined to change that right quick!

What a wonderful and amusing story. Next to RIDER IN THE STORM, I think this had to be one of my favorites. I absolutely adored Bubba the cat, whom Remy thought must have been a `rogue' in another life and been turned into a cat by a jealous witch - he seemed so human and was getting all those booby caresses! Remy when he turned on his Cajun accent was a sensual delight, with his wonderfully delicious `pick-up' lines. All the characters were well-developed and this short story simmered with sensuality.

A VERY SPECIAL MAN - Lately, Desdemona "Dezzy" Vashon has been having some very erotic and perfectly sultry dreams. The fact that she wakes up each morning with the blankets on the floor and rather exposed has her confiding in her cat Simon. What Dezzy has no way of knowing is that Simon is really a man, trapped inside a cat's body. Simon knows Dezzy is the only one who can break the curse - with just the right amount of persuasion!

Wrapping up this cleverly conceived and positively entertaining anthology of romances featuring some very special felines, award winning author Deborah MacGillivray manages to offer up a modicum of different genres where kitty cats are oftentimes the real heroes! One thing for sure, no matter how long or short the story, all ends will be tied up nicely while delivered in well-written sparkling prose, including humorous and titillating dialogs, and steamy sensual encounters. This would make the purrfect gift for the cat-lovers on your Christmas list.


Marilyn Rondeau

Cat O' Nine Tales by Deborah MacGillivray is a compilation of romance, spice, a little naughty and a whole lot of nice. Couples that have loved and lost, still hurting from the past unable to let go, come face to face with their soul mate. With a little help of course; from their beloved kitties.

A fast paced novel that you will absolutely fall in love with. Each story is different and very enjoyable in its own way. Humor tends to hide in the best places, along with a good selection of music thrown in here or there. Whether it be healing from a broken heart from divorce, or the lost love in a car accident, or the loneliness of wanting something you can not have, it is within the pages of this book.

Each story was perfectly written. I can not pick out one story that was more special to me above the others. But I will lavish upon the one entitled, All I Want For Christmas Is A Hula-Hoop & A Mother. This story is so beautiful. Keon Challenger and his small daughter Allison were about to receive the best Christmas gift possible. A woman for Keon to love and a Mother for Allison. Allison sent her list in to Santa via e-mail asking for a pony, kitty, hula-hoop, and a mother. When Keon decides to stay and help Miz Leslie set up for the ballet recital, he is smitten with her in an instant. Allison wanted a Mommy more than anything and with the way he was feeling, she may very well get that wish. A game of hide the pickle will be just the ticket. (You have to read the story to get the meaning). Only 3 more things on little Allison's list, has she been a good enough girl this year?

Ms. MacGillivray always pens interesting tales that will warm your heart and make you cry at the same time. In her stories you truly believe love like the ones found within her characters and books can be real. Cat O' Nine Tales is beyond a magnificent read, it is a book that you can curl up with beside that special feline in your life and enjoy many times over. Deborah delivers a purrfectly written novel with just enough naughty Scots to make you wish for your own braw lad with a Scottish lilt to warm your bed. 5 Hearts

Well with each story you fall in love with this writer's wit and you can see how much she loves cats by the way she set up each story. a Great book for us Cat lovers a true keeper and I love the Last story the best A Very Special Man my sweet cat name Is Cait Sidhe So you can see after you read it why it's the best one to me. A winner of a book.

Who doesn't love kitties?

You'll laugh and cry, but mostly fall in love with nine yummy heroes in nine entertaining tales. Award-winning author Deborah Macgillivray has another winner with this book, and several stories in Cat have won awards or finaled.

I love Simon, the cat who . . . I don't think I'm gonna say. But I'd recommend him to anyone. :) His story is A Very Special Man. Then there's Elvis the Cat who connives to get his human, Rhys St. John, matched up good and proper in Blue Christmas Cat.

This is a high-quality trade paperback book with a beautiful cover, a perfect gift for any cat lover or romance reader.


reviewed by Jacquie Rogers
author of Down Home Ever Lovin' Mule Blues

I adore cats and adore Macgillivray's way of working them into her romance tales. This is a wonderful showcase for the multi-talented author, giving the reader nine stories from contemporary romances to a historical to paranormals. They are funny, emotional tales, and romance at its very best.

BAD CAT is one sexy, savvy tales of furball match maker, Auggie Moggie. This story shows what an author can really do with the short story medium. Katlyn and her half Scottish wildcat drive Iain St. Giles up the wall--and he loves every minute of it.

GETTING IT IN THE END - would make a full novel easily! Romance writer Catlynne Falconer and her half Scottish wildcat, Jack, are at a Authors' Renfaire in England. And who should they run into - literally - James Douglas Kinloch, the reviewer who has trashed every one of Catlynne's sexy romances. Only, he's so sexy that she almost forgets the stack of pans of her books. It's up to Jack to seem romance rules the day.

DOUBLE, DOUBLE, TOIL AND TROUBLE - Cian MacKinnon and Gillian Grant are caught in a struggle over Castle Dunnascual, a long standing feud that was to end with the death of Cian's grandfather, when Gillian inherited the castle. Cian received the castle instead and plans on turning it into a bed and breakfast - over Gillian's dead body! It's up to Gillian and her cat Basil to stop Cian's plans, anyway they can. Again, this would make a wonderful, charming, sexy novel.

RIDER IN THE STORM - is an emotional tale of love lost and love found, if one can only open their heart. Ciara MacIain loved her fiancé, Derek, who died seven years ago in a horrible automobile accident. Seven years later, nearly to the hour, she spots a red sports car off the side of the road in the spot where Derek died. The driver, Roarke Devlin, flags her down and begs a lift in the storm. Could the wish on a Blue Moon see Ciara able to love once again, or will the past forevermore claim her. This one really packs an emotional punch. The romance is conducted under the watchful and knowing Sinnjinn's eye.

DEVIL IN SPURS - as a lover of Regency romances, this one really hit target with me. A dangerous highwayman, out for vengeance, sees his brother mistakenly arrested for his sins. Desdein Deshaunt is determined to set his brother free, and kidnaps Lady Ashlyn Findlater - and her cat Cyril - to use as a pawn in the deadly game. Ashlyn is a vulnerable, yet silently strong character that won my heart. The very special story truly deserves to be a novel!

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS A HULA-HOOP...AND A MOTHER - precious Allison Challenger has her Christmas list made out. However, she figures Santa needs a helping hand. She wants a pony, a cat, a hula-hoop...and a mother. And she has set her big blue eyes on Leslie Seaforth, her ballet teacher. Leslie has a pony named Edward, a cat named Alvin and she is just perfect for her new mommy. Allison figures she only has to daddy's attention and nature will handle the rest.

BLUE CHRISTMAS CAT - is a sequel to ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS A HULA-HOOP...AND A MOTHER Rhys St. John has come back to the small Scottish village in hopes of starting anew. Dara Seaforth (Leslie's sister)
has always loved Rhys, but was forced to watch as he married and moved away. Stuck in her small cottage at Christmas, snowbound, and missing her cat Dexter who recently died, she is puzzled when she hears a cat calling to be let inside. Elvis, the British Blue cat, appears lost in the storm, but soon his owner shows up to claim him - Rhys. Elvis knows best where romance is concerned!

CHICKEN WHAT DU HELL - is a hoot of a romance. Remy (aka Royce Torqhill Remington Kinross, the 13th Marquis of Dunmoor and Seafeld) is hiding out for the world. Repairing his grandmother's home outside of New Orleans, he is tired of women after his titles and money. Why he is "Remy". Only Catonia, the sexy neighbor, has Remy and his cat Bubba in love. Bubba knows the recipe for love, and hope Remy and Catonia sound learn!!

The last tale A VERY SPECIAL MAN is a paranormal, and it's a very special tale, indeed. Desdemona "Dezzy" Vashon keeps waking up to highly charged sensual dreams of someone named Simon. Only Simon is the name of her cat! On Christmas Eve she makes a wish for a very special man to love her and boy does she get that!! Sizzling, sexy, funny, this one is a gem.

All these stories are so wonderful that each could easily be made into full novels. It's a showcase that demonstrates the range of this authors talent and just want can be done with the short story format. Cat lovers and romance lovers will adore this one. Purrrrrrrrrrfect gift for that cat fancier you know.

Bad Cat
Ian St. Giles went to his neighbor, Katlyn MacKenzie, to complain - again - about her cat's behavior. He ended up with a dinner date.

Getting It In The End
When James Kinlock, a book reviewer, was assigned to cover a week-long Historical Romance Writers Renaissance Faire, his first thought was that it was going to be the longest week of his life. That changes when he literally bumps into a goddess with a big cat. Too bad she despises him. Turns out the lovely author is one he enjoys giving horrible reviews about.

Double, Double, Toil & Trouble
The feud between the MacKinnon and Grant families has gone on for over a century. Tempers had started to cool until the rightful ownership of a five-hundred-year-old castle came into question. Gillian Grant's family was supposed to inherit the castle when Cian McKinnon's grandfather passed away. Instead, it went to Cian. Gillian's temper is as wild as her cat is fat and Cian loves the fact.

Rider In The Storm
Ciara MacIain's fiancé, Derek Adams, died exactly seven years ago due to a drunk driver. All this time Ciara has grieved. She finally decides it is time to let go of Derek. Very shortly afterward, Ciara stops to help Roarke Devlin, whose car had gotten stuck in the exact spot Derek had died. Ciara cannot help but think there is something special about Roarke. Her cat, Sinnjinn, agrees.

Devil In Spurs
Desdein Deshaunt played the part of the ton buffoon to hide his true identity. He was a horse breeder by day and a buffoon by night. He was also a highwayman on a mission to crush those responsible for his father's death.

All I Want For Christmas Is A Hula-Hoop ... And A Mother
Keon Challenger is firmly wrapped around his five-year-old daughter's little finger and he knows it. Little Allison did not simply write Santa a letter and send it out in the post; instead Allison sent Santa's letter via email. Sometimes his little girl is too intelligent and mature for her own good. Shortly before Christmas Eve, Keon drives Allison to her ballet class and meets the new teacher, Leslie Seaforth. Looks like Keon's daughter and Leslie's cat have the same Christmas present in mind this year.

Blue Christmas Cat
Dara Seaforth (sister to Leslie from the previous tale) has felt lonely since her cat, Dexter, passed away six weeks ago. How is Dana supposed to write a hot romance by deadline when her own life is so empty? Then Dara hears the mournful meowing outside, in the snowstorm, and rescues a freezing British Blue cat. The tag on the cat's collar gives the feline's name, Elvis. The cat's human companion, Rhys St.John, is someone Dara is already familiar with.

Chicken What DuHell (Or Bubba The Cat Plays Matchmaker)
Royce Torqhill Remington Kinross, the thirteenth Marquis of Dunmoor and Seafeld, was tired of gold digging women constantly hounding him. Now he goes by the name Remy Kinross, in New Orleans, and hides behind a Cajun accent. The only woman making him look twice lately is Catonia Flemyn. But every time she stops by it's because his cat, Bubba, has left another serpent gift for her. (BTW, Bubba is cousin to the cat of the first story.)

A Very Special Man
Desdemona "Dezzy" loves the huge cat, Simon, which had somehow found and adopted her. But she has no idea that Simon is not really a cat.

***** Nine short stories and novellas that will amuse everyone - whether they like cats or not. Historical Romances, Super Natural, Modern Contemporary...this book has a bit of everything. Enchanting tales for the most wicked, award-winning author today! Spellbinding! A treat for all! And a puurrr-fect way to spend any winter night. *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

Cat O'Nine Tales is an anthology of 9 stories and each of them includes a very special cat. Each story is unique and has it's own twist that will make your heart melt. Some of the stories have elements from other stories in the book or other stories by Deborah MacGillivray, but all the stories are stand alones. So, let me get you started by telling you a bit about each story.

The anthology starts out with BAD CAT. In Bad Cat we have Auggie Moggie the cat who is getting a bad reputation. Auggie's owner Katlyn has a sexy neighbor named Ian and Auggie has been being a nuisance. With a little help and some steak Auggie brings Kat and Ian together.

Next up is GETTING IT IN THE END. When James, a reviewer for Money & Trends magazine, meets a romance author he gave a bad review to they find love.

In DOUBLE, DOUBLE TOIL AND TROUBLE we have Cian and Gillian. They both inherit a portion of land from Cian's ancestor, but a long-time feud still has these two at each other's thoughts. Soon Cian and Gillian will find a reason to merge their lands all in the name of love.

RIDING THE STORM is about Ciara and how her beloved Derek Died, but she has not picked up her life after 7 years. On the 7th anniversary of Derek's death Ciara finds a release from the past and a reason to move on.

DEVIL IN SPURS takes us into the past. When Desdein, Marquis de Fourmier's brother is caught acting like a highwayman Desdein must save him. Desdein is the highwayman and when he holds up lady Ashlyn's couch he find out that spinsters need love too.

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS A HULA-HOOP AND A MOTHER stars Keon, Allison his daughter and Leslie. Leslie is Allison's new ballet teacher. In the end Keon, Allison and Leslie all get what they want for Christmas.

BLUE CHRISTMAS CAT is about Leslie, from the previous stories, sister Dara. After Leslie finds love Dara want's some too. When a blue cat comes a meowing on a snowy night love has a chance to blossom again. Fifteen years ago Rhys and Dara had something go, but Rhys made a stupid decision. Now it's his chance to give them the life they really wanted.

In CHICKEN WHAT DU HELL we have Bubba the cat playing matchmaker. Bubba has just put Royce, Marquise of Dunmoor and Seafeld in the hot seat. Royce has been through a divorce and is now hiding out from money grubbing women. Bubba has now picked up that one special woman to compliment Royce and she lives down the road. To get her attention Bubba puts snakes in her bed and she comes a flying down the road to let Royce know about it. The sparks are flying, but in the end love finds a way of making these three into a loving family.

The last story, A VERY SPECIAL MAN, is about Simon a man who has been a cat for 300 years. With the help of his loving owner, Desdemona, they are able to break the spell and find their love skin to skin.

I found each of these stories to be very entertaining. As I ended the last story I craved more and I'll be looking out for more short stories and novels by the ever entertaining Deborah MacGillivray. It's just impossible to read any of these stories without coming away feeling warm fuzziest and also getting a huge laugh and a smile on your face. If you are looking for a pick-me up get this book now, as it will have you laughing and smiling in minutes. Way to go Ms. MacGillivray with another special romance.

Special Note: Half of Ms. Macgillivray's royalties will be donated to Alley Cats - alleycats.org - helping homeless cats find homes.

Tammie King
© Night Owl Romance

NOR's Online Review at: [...]

A friend lent me this book for me to read on my plane trip back home. I write romance in my own freetime for fun (Fan Fiction) as a way to relax and pass the time so I pick up romance novels on rare occasions hoping that someday I'll find one that's actually decent compared to stories I read online. I like a bit of plot, a bit of character drive, a beat of realism.

Sadly, I did not get this from this book.

I kept through until midway through the book and I had to put it down because the writing was just terrible. I don't understand why it only has five star reviews. I could understand perhaps a three star but a five?

The characters didn't have depth, were poorly written and underdeveloped. Cats helping romance along should've warned me right from the start that this book wouldn't be an enjoyable read.

I mailed it back to my friend because I wanted room in my carry on for a decent read.

I do not recommend it. Sorry.

BAD CAT
Auggie, Katlyn's beloved cat, is no mere house cat. According to Katlyn's neighbor, Ian, the cat bears a striking resemblance to `Freddy Krueger in a fur coat.' Who could have guessed that all Auggie's bad behavior would result in bringing these neighbors together with such delightful results.

I had to chuckle throughout this story. It's so easy to envision this oversized cat terrorizing the neighborhood and Ian's frustration over the whole thing that it's just a riot.


GETTING IT IN THE END
James is less than enthusiastic about being assigned to cover a Writers' Renfaire by his editor-in-chief. Sure he writes a weekly column on books and even contributes reviews but no way is he ready for this event. He's mowed over by an enchanting woman and her very large cat. Since James has given all of her books scalding reviews, Catlynne wants nothing to do with him, unfortunately her traitorous one-eyed cat has other ideas.

This story captures your interest right from the beginning. Caitlynne's antagonism toward James and the fact that her cat chooses to side with him lends some real humor to the story.


DOUBLE, DOUBLE, TOIL AND TROUBLE
A centuries old feud has Cian and Gillian battling it out over the Castle Dunnascaul. When Cian's grandfather's will is read, Cian receives the castle and Gillian a thatched cottage. With the driveway directly to the castle in sorry condition, Cian's forced to use Gillian's driveway. The only party that seems unaffected by the goings on is Gillian's cat - who can't be bothered with human squabbles - or anything else for that matter.

I love stories where the main characters are squabbling and the sexual tension is blatantly obvious, throw in some humorous situations and a bit of mystery and you have a fabulous read.

RIDER IN THE STORM
It's been seven years since Ciara's fiancé Derek died in a car accident. It's time to go on with life but how does one truly let go of the love they shared. She's hit the point she doesn't care if she lives or dies but miracles happen and her's comes in the form of a stranger who reminds her so much of Derek - even Sinnjinn, Derek's cat, immediately takes to Roarke.

This story really struck a chord with me. Grief never goes away fully - you just learn to live with your losses but through these Ciara and Derek's story readers experience the joy and giving in both life - and death. Amazing story - I'd recommend the book for this one alone!


DEVIL IN SPURS
Desdein's pinning all his hopes for his brother's safe release from Newgate on one woman - Ashlyn Findlater. He uses his guise as a highwayman called the Devil in Spurs to kidnap her from her coach. He just hadn't counted on her refusing to leave her beloved cat behind or her wish upon a Blue Moon to be ravished - just once - before she's too old to enjoy it!

What a delightfully wickedly fun tale. Desdein tries so hard to come off as `evil incarnate' but he just can't pull it off and Ashlyn's only real fear is for her ancient cat.


ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IN A HULA-HOOP... AND A MOTHER
Keon Challenger's concentrated on raising his five year old daughter Allison alone since his wife death. He's an excellent father and takes an active interest in her life but fulfilling her Christmas wish list is going to be just a little bit difficult - especially since he isn't dating - where does one come up with a mother on short order anyway? Fortunately Allison's new ballet teacher, Miss Leslie, fits both their wish lists quite nicely.

This is a charming story that allows readers to experience the humor and wonder of raising a small child. This story is fun and lighthearted while still maintaining it's emotional appeal.


BLUE CHRISTMAS CAT
Dara Seaforth isn't relishing the thought of her first Christmas totally alone. Her beloved cat Dexter passed away only six weeks ago and she still misses him terribly. On a whim she sends a request to Dexter in kitty heaven to send her a kitty friend. She just hadn't actually expected one to show up - of course his owner, Rhys shows up soon afterwards. Maybe it won't be such a blue Christmas after all...

Dara and Rhys share a past, alibi a brief one, and the cats - both living and deceased - play a part in bringing them together again. I loved the dialogue in this story - very humorous.


CHICKEN WHAT DU HELL
Catonia Flemyn's new to the New Orleans area and already has an admirer or two. Unfortunately one of her admirers, Bubba, keeps leaving snakes for her to find - at least he kills them first. Bubba's owner, Royce, can't help but admire Bubba's tenacity. After all, he'd like to be rubbing up against Catonia himself. Catonia hates snakes and isn't at all pleased by Bubba's `gifts,' but she could use a little rubbing from Bubba's owner.

I love the use of the Cajun accent throughout this story and couldn't help but laugh at Bubba's antics. He's so well... male and almost seems human.


A VERY SPECIAL MAN
Dezzy leads a lonely life with the exception of her feline companion, Simon. He's by her side almost constantly and even shares her meals. While she dreams of somehow finding the perfect man to love, Simon's filled with thoughts of how to make her discover that he's all she'll ever need - if he could just remember how to undo the curse.

This is a wonderful laugh out loud story that will have readers eyeballing their house cats in a whole new light. This entire tale is told from Simon's point of view which adds a certain amount of charm.


Deborah MacGillivray's CAT O'NINE TALES brings our beloved fur babies to the forefront and gives readers a reason to smile through each of these nine stories. Each story is delightfully different and charming in its own right and displays Ms. MacGillivray's writing style perfectly. This is definitely a book you'll want to add to your keeper shelf.

Chrissy Dionne (courtesy of Romance Junkies)

The anthology, CAT O'NINE TALES by Deborah Macgillivray, is an awesome collection of stories where a quirky cat is woven into each one. I love the whole concept of the anthology, especially having my own fuzzy, black football-shaped cat full of mischief and mayhem.

Picking a favorite from this anthology is a tough one, but I would have to say that ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS A HULA-HOOP & A MOTHER ranked high on my list, followed by BAD CAT. And don't even ask me to pick my favorite kitty! I loved them all.

This anthology has it all--sexy men, strong women, and happily-ever-afters! Oh yeah, and how could I forget the ever present cats that add an element of humor and sometimes even helps to bring the unsuspecting couples together? I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to kick back and relax and read a well written story. If you only have a short period to indulge, no problem, you can be taken away and get that feel good ending in one short story. If one isn't enough, you have 8 more to lose yourself in. I guarantee there is something for everyone, ranging from sweet to steamy.