SHAKESPEARE AND THE THREE KINGS by Victoria Alexander — After inheriting three unbearable dogs from his great aunt, Oliver Stanhope was relieved to find she'd made arrangements for a trainer. But when D. K. Lawrence appeared at his door, enormous Great Dane in tow, Oliver was in for the Christmas surprise -- and love -- of his life.

ATHENA'S CHRISTMAS TAIL by Nina Coombs

Mercy wanted her marriage with the Viscount Brockton to be a true match of the heart. But breaking through Robert's cold shell seemed truly impossible, until she found the magic of the holiday season -- with the help of Athena, her very determined dog.

AWAY IN A SHELTER by Annie Kimberlin

She was a dedicated volunteer, but Camille Campbell never wanted to get stranded at the animal shelter overnight on Christmas Eve. And she never wanted to be stuck with the infuriating Roger Matheson, the handsome helper whose very touch left the lovely lawyer starry-eyed.

MR. WRIGHT'S CHRISTMAS ANGEL by Miriam Raftery

When Dr. Joy Winters' daughter asked Santa Claus for a father for Christmas, Joy knew she was in trouble. Then a mysterious Kriss Kringle gave her two tickets to Alaska -- and a wondrous journey into the arms of handsome woodsman Nicholas Wright and his amazing dog.