Bitter and Sweet. Dark, nutty or plain.

If Christmas under the hot Australian sun isn’t twisted enough, these stories turn it up a notch or ten.

• Christmas Bonanza – it takes beauty, brains and brawn to win The Christmas Bonanza – the most anticipated reality show on TV. But Edina Montrose wants to win. No matter the cost. But all is not what it seems.

• Remains of Christmas – having spent all her life in the military, all Penelope Cradock knows is how to be a soldier. Never married, lost her unit and her family in the war. And while the Empire conquered her people, Christmas conquered the Empire.

• Christmas Kisses – Ava Gibson, slightly stressed event manager, organising the Goldings Investment Bank annual Christmas dinner. Ryan Griffith, high flyer, confirmed bachelor, and Christmas Sceptic. Knocking heads together. Literally.

• Christmas Conflagration – Matilda May McDonald, so-called crazy-cat-lady, owner of four dogs, trapped by her past. Perhaps this Christmas offers more than salvation.

• Christmas Business – Vada Paloma was busy working undercover. So deep undercover she can’t find her way back. Could Christmas be the key to unlocking her present?

This collection is like a box of Christmas chocolates, there’s something for everyone!