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The Brides of Bath #6.5
Christmas Kisses: A Regency Holiday Romance Anthology
Heat up the holiday with ten dreamy regency rogues! Winter is a time of magic, promise, and unexpected romance. Anything could happen...and it all begins with Christmas Kisses.
The Wallflower’s Christmas Wish (Brides of Bath) by Cheryl Bolen: While painting the portrait of Sir Elvin Steffington, Bath’s most eligible bachelor, the exceedingly plain spinster Diana Furness develops a strong friendship with her subject. Could this be more than friendship? Could he ever be attracted to one as inconsequential as she?
A Kiss From a Captain (An Everly Manor Happily Ever After) by Samantha Grace: Captain Gabriel Brazier defied doctors’ predictions and learned to walk again after losing his leg in war. But the damning voice whispering no woman will find him desirable again is hard to ignore, especially when he arrives at Everly Manor to compete for the charming Lady Laurel’s heart.
A Rogue’s Christmas Kiss (The Rogue Chronicles) by Lana Williams: Mary is shaken by a letter requesting she return home for Christmas. But her world is truly upended when she reunites with a former love for the long journey. Arthur has no desire to rekindle their relationship after Mary broke his heart, but a snowstorm and some passionate kisses just might reignite their love.
’Twas the Rogue Before Christmas (The Honorable Rogues®) by Collette Cameron: Eager to leave England, American, Jason Steele can’t forget the beautiful noblewoman he saved from a foiled robbery. Determined to behave properly, Lenora Audsley can’t stop thinking about the rogue who rescued her. Can the magic of the holiday season unite these lovers who are forbidden to see each other?
Bound to the Belgian Count (London Lords) by Sasha Cottman: Abandoned bride, Lily is determined to seek an annulment. But when her absent husband Count Maximilian de Viron suddenly appears in court, the judge decides on a unique compromise. Between now and Christmas Eve, the couple must live together, share meals, and talk.
Embracing the Scandal by Barbara Monajem: Harriet is banished for her naughty behavior, and when Jonathan asks for her hand, he is told she is dead. When they meet again, can they overcome the lies and sins of the past to fall in love once again?
A Viscount for Christmas by Suzanna Medeiros: Viscount Thornton returns home for his mother's annual Christmas party to find a beautiful woman sleeping in his bed. Neither he nor Celia are happy when her mother demands they wed. Can they escape marriage or will they both get the Christmas gift they didn’t know they wanted?
The Impetuous Heiress (The Upstart Christmas Brides) by Alina K. Field: Before dashing Lord Loughton can make amends with his neglected fiancée, the lady’s meddling cousin delivers her to his doorstep. He soon realizes more is amiss than his carelessness. Can he uncover her secrets and win her back before he loses her altogether?
A Duchess for Christmas (Forgotten Heiress) by Alanna Lucas: Grace Banks is looking forward to her first Christmas at the Home for Desolate Ladies, but Edward, Duke of Tavistock, is set upon ruining it, and the secrets keeping them apart leave little hope for reconciliation. Can the spirit of Christmas heal two wounded hearts?
Let it Snow by Heather Boyd: When the worst scoundrel in her acquaintance rescues Yvette from a winter storm, she fears a holiday spent dodging his attempts at seduction. But more than one yuletide surprise awaits as she discovers Luc is a man of surprising patience, and passion for just one woman…Yvette herself.
The Wallflower’s Christmas Wish (Brides of Bath) by Cheryl Bolen: While painting the portrait of Sir Elvin Steffington, Bath’s most eligible bachelor, the exceedingly plain spinster Diana Furness develops a strong friendship with her subject. Could this be more than friendship? Could he ever be attracted to one as inconsequential as she?
A Kiss From a Captain (An Everly Manor Happily Ever After) by Samantha Grace: Captain Gabriel Brazier defied doctors’ predictions and learned to walk again after losing his leg in war. But the damning voice whispering no woman will find him desirable again is hard to ignore, especially when he arrives at Everly Manor to compete for the charming Lady Laurel’s heart.
A Rogue’s Christmas Kiss (The Rogue Chronicles) by Lana Williams: Mary is shaken by a letter requesting she return home for Christmas. But her world is truly upended when she reunites with a former love for the long journey. Arthur has no desire to rekindle their relationship after Mary broke his heart, but a snowstorm and some passionate kisses just might reignite their love.
’Twas the Rogue Before Christmas (The Honorable Rogues®) by Collette Cameron: Eager to leave England, American, Jason Steele can’t forget the beautiful noblewoman he saved from a foiled robbery. Determined to behave properly, Lenora Audsley can’t stop thinking about the rogue who rescued her. Can the magic of the holiday season unite these lovers who are forbidden to see each other?
Bound to the Belgian Count (London Lords) by Sasha Cottman: Abandoned bride, Lily is determined to seek an annulment. But when her absent husband Count Maximilian de Viron suddenly appears in court, the judge decides on a unique compromise. Between now and Christmas Eve, the couple must live together, share meals, and talk.
Embracing the Scandal by Barbara Monajem: Harriet is banished for her naughty behavior, and when Jonathan asks for her hand, he is told she is dead. When they meet again, can they overcome the lies and sins of the past to fall in love once again?
A Viscount for Christmas by Suzanna Medeiros: Viscount Thornton returns home for his mother's annual Christmas party to find a beautiful woman sleeping in his bed. Neither he nor Celia are happy when her mother demands they wed. Can they escape marriage or will they both get the Christmas gift they didn’t know they wanted?
The Impetuous Heiress (The Upstart Christmas Brides) by Alina K. Field: Before dashing Lord Loughton can make amends with his neglected fiancée, the lady’s meddling cousin delivers her to his doorstep. He soon realizes more is amiss than his carelessness. Can he uncover her secrets and win her back before he loses her altogether?
A Duchess for Christmas (Forgotten Heiress) by Alanna Lucas: Grace Banks is looking forward to her first Christmas at the Home for Desolate Ladies, but Edward, Duke of Tavistock, is set upon ruining it, and the secrets keeping them apart leave little hope for reconciliation. Can the spirit of Christmas heal two wounded hearts?
Let it Snow by Heather Boyd: When the worst scoundrel in her acquaintance rescues Yvette from a winter storm, she fears a holiday spent dodging his attempts at seduction. But more than one yuletide surprise awaits as she discovers Luc is a man of surprising patience, and passion for just one woman…Yvette herself.
1039 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 12, 2021
74 people are currently reading
421 people want to read
About the author
Cheryl Bolen
80 books1,670 followersSince being named Notable New Author for 1997, Cheryl Bolen has published more than 35 books with Kensington/Zebra, Harlequin, Love Inspired Historical, Montlake, and independently. She has broken into the top 5 on the New York Times and hit the USA Today bestseller list. Her 2005 One Golden Ring won Best Historical, Holt Medallion, and her 2011 My Lord Wicked was awarded Best Historical in the International Digital Awards, the same year her Christmas novella was chosen as Best Novella. Her books have been finalists for other awards, including the Daphne du Maurier, and have been translated into eight languages. She’s also been the number 1 bestselling historical romance author in Germany.
She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and English from the University of Texas and a master's degree from the University of Houston. Her favorite pursuits are reading diaries of dead English women, traveling to England, and watching the Texas Longhorns play football and basketball. She and her recently retired professor husband are the parents of two sons. One is an attorney, the other a journalist.
Website: www.CherylBolen.com
Blog: www.cherylsregencyramblings.wordpress.co
Facebook: http://fbl.ink/Facebook
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
October 11, 2021
Wow! This is a collection of ten well written, clever, captivating stories. They vary from chance encounters to second chances. You will find wonderful characters ranging from virgin to villian….all of whom will capture your attention and engage your emotions. Having these ten tales together in a collection gives you an assortment from which to choose, as well as introducing you to new authors. A perfect addition to your romance library!
The Wallflower’s Christmas Wish (Brides of Bath Novella) - Cheryl Bolen
In this Cinderella story, our heroine is an artist and our prince a baron. Elvin has decided that he wants a wife. All of his friends are married, his sisters have moved away, his twin brother has a wife and a two year old son….and now Elvin wants a family of his own. When his sister asks for a portrait of him for Christmas, he discovers that a woman he just met is an artist. While her stepmother is pushing her two daughters at him, Diana demurely captures his attention and his heart. The author paints her characters with a fine stroke, giving us a quick, yet intimate picture. This is such sweet story!
A Kiss From A Captain (An Everly Manor Happily Ever After Book 3) - Samantha Grace
So good! Gabriel returned from the war minus part of one leg. His best friend married Laurel’s twin sister, thus putting them in close proximity of each other. Both of them had feelings for the other but were not able or willing to do something about it…..until competition and a riddle set things in motion. It is amazing what a motivator jealousy can be. This is quick, wonderful and delightfully satisfying.
A Rogue’s Christmas Wish (The Honorable Rogues Book 9) - Lana Williams
They broke each other’s heart eight years ago. Mary had sent Arthur on his way to London without her, as she feared she would hold him back. When he unexpectedly stumbled across her while on business, Arthur discovered he still had feelings for her. Once again, Mary, who had suffered unspeakable horrors after arriving in London, sent him away, knowing that she was unworthy of him. A shared trip to their home town for Christmas gave them a chance to put things in perspective. This is an emotional piece. Both Arthur and Mary must forgive themselves and let go of the past in order to gain a future together. It is not a light read, but one with depth and a very satisfying outcome. Well done!
‘Twas the Rogue Before Christmas - Collette Cameron
Oh this is so good! We have a hunky sea captain, an overprotective brother, a recently found illegitimate half-sister, a newly liberated grandmother and two profoundly brazen footpads who set the ball in motion. Jason met Lenora when she came to the rescue of his grandmother who was being set upon by thieves. Forbidden by her brother to call upon her, Jason and Lenora arranged for clandestine meetings. There are significant obstacles in their way, and sometimes, if you love someone you need to let them go…or not. It really is so much fun to read about a self-confirmed bachelor, a rogue even, who finds himself hopelessly in love and doesn’t know what to do about it. This story is salted with jabs at men and women on the marriage prowl, adding another layer of entertainment to the tale. Oh, and there is a twist towards the end that I didn’t see coming.
Bound to the Belgian Count - Sasha Cottman
After courting for a short time Max and Lily married. When his uncle arrived from Belgium, he vehemently opposed the marriage. Max disappeared for nine months only to arrive back England intime tostop the ruling on an annulment. The pain, both physical and emotional is evident and well portrayed. The characters are great. The uncle is odious; Lily’s father is a strong protector; the Chancellor is wise; Lily is loving and kind; and Max is a gentle man who has had very poor luck. Loved it!
Embracing Scandal - Barbara Monajem
Well, this is certainly different! Harriet’s stepfather was a fire and brimstone vicar who banished her from his home. When Jonathan came to ask for her hand in marriage, he was told she was dead. Almost two years later, fate brings the two of them together. This is a wild romp with a quirky family, and lots of lies and scandal. The ending is quite satisfying, as the villians get their just desserts and Harriet and Jonathan get what they always wanted.
A Viscount for Christmas - Suzanna Medeiros
Delightful! When Isaac and Celia found themselves in a compromising position, a betrothal was declared. Celia had adored Isaac for years, as he was the older brother of two of her dear friends. However, she was unwilling to trap him in a marriage he did not want. As they spent more time together, he wasn’t so sure he wanted out. This is a sweet story set at a Christmas house party. There is just enough conflict to keep you on edge, but watching the relationship develop between Isaac and Celia is endearing, enterttaining and satisfying.
The Impetuous Heiress (The Upstart Christmas Brides Book 3) - Aline K Field
This story goes back and forth between December and the previous September. It took a little bit to get used to, but after that it flowed quite nicely. Mel and Fitz got engaged in September after meeting at a house party. Fitz got called home due to his father’s illness and Mel began to wonder if he was jilting her. Mel ended up at Fitz’s home with the intention of breaking off the engagement….but a whole lot happened in a very short time. This story has so much family trama and drama. There’s lots of emotion, intense characters and intricately woven threads that culminate in a happy ending. I found this to be original and enjoyable.
A Duchess for Christmas (Forgotten Heiress Book 2) - Alanna Lucus
Wonderful! Grace and Edward had loved each other since they were young. When his cousin died, Edward became a duke and duty separated them. The next thing he knew, she had married someone else. Now three years later, he wants answers. This is a beautiful second chance story. It centers around family (both good and bad), love and forgiveness. Emotions run high and the characters are compelling and believable. They easily draw you into their lives, loves and fears. A perfect story for a cold winter’s night.
Let It Snow - Heather Boyd
It’s so delicious when a rogue finds his one true love…..especially if he has to work for it! Yvette tried so hard to be proper, but scoundrels flocked to her; and being one himself, her brother was an unattentive chaperone, leaving her to fend for herslf. Luc, her brother’s best friend was the biggest scoundrel of all, and he seemed to always be exactly where she was…of course that may have been due to the fact that his cousin Charlotte was her best friend. Add a licentious house party, unwanted advances, a blinding snowstorm, a broken carriage wheel, a bribed carriage driver, an unexpected rescue and a scheming grandmother, and you have a story that is interesting, adorable and most entertaining.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The Wallflower’s Christmas Wish (Brides of Bath Novella) - Cheryl Bolen
In this Cinderella story, our heroine is an artist and our prince a baron. Elvin has decided that he wants a wife. All of his friends are married, his sisters have moved away, his twin brother has a wife and a two year old son….and now Elvin wants a family of his own. When his sister asks for a portrait of him for Christmas, he discovers that a woman he just met is an artist. While her stepmother is pushing her two daughters at him, Diana demurely captures his attention and his heart. The author paints her characters with a fine stroke, giving us a quick, yet intimate picture. This is such sweet story!
A Kiss From A Captain (An Everly Manor Happily Ever After Book 3) - Samantha Grace
So good! Gabriel returned from the war minus part of one leg. His best friend married Laurel’s twin sister, thus putting them in close proximity of each other. Both of them had feelings for the other but were not able or willing to do something about it…..until competition and a riddle set things in motion. It is amazing what a motivator jealousy can be. This is quick, wonderful and delightfully satisfying.
A Rogue’s Christmas Wish (The Honorable Rogues Book 9) - Lana Williams
They broke each other’s heart eight years ago. Mary had sent Arthur on his way to London without her, as she feared she would hold him back. When he unexpectedly stumbled across her while on business, Arthur discovered he still had feelings for her. Once again, Mary, who had suffered unspeakable horrors after arriving in London, sent him away, knowing that she was unworthy of him. A shared trip to their home town for Christmas gave them a chance to put things in perspective. This is an emotional piece. Both Arthur and Mary must forgive themselves and let go of the past in order to gain a future together. It is not a light read, but one with depth and a very satisfying outcome. Well done!
‘Twas the Rogue Before Christmas - Collette Cameron
Oh this is so good! We have a hunky sea captain, an overprotective brother, a recently found illegitimate half-sister, a newly liberated grandmother and two profoundly brazen footpads who set the ball in motion. Jason met Lenora when she came to the rescue of his grandmother who was being set upon by thieves. Forbidden by her brother to call upon her, Jason and Lenora arranged for clandestine meetings. There are significant obstacles in their way, and sometimes, if you love someone you need to let them go…or not. It really is so much fun to read about a self-confirmed bachelor, a rogue even, who finds himself hopelessly in love and doesn’t know what to do about it. This story is salted with jabs at men and women on the marriage prowl, adding another layer of entertainment to the tale. Oh, and there is a twist towards the end that I didn’t see coming.
Bound to the Belgian Count - Sasha Cottman
After courting for a short time Max and Lily married. When his uncle arrived from Belgium, he vehemently opposed the marriage. Max disappeared for nine months only to arrive back England intime tostop the ruling on an annulment. The pain, both physical and emotional is evident and well portrayed. The characters are great. The uncle is odious; Lily’s father is a strong protector; the Chancellor is wise; Lily is loving and kind; and Max is a gentle man who has had very poor luck. Loved it!
Embracing Scandal - Barbara Monajem
Well, this is certainly different! Harriet’s stepfather was a fire and brimstone vicar who banished her from his home. When Jonathan came to ask for her hand in marriage, he was told she was dead. Almost two years later, fate brings the two of them together. This is a wild romp with a quirky family, and lots of lies and scandal. The ending is quite satisfying, as the villians get their just desserts and Harriet and Jonathan get what they always wanted.
A Viscount for Christmas - Suzanna Medeiros
Delightful! When Isaac and Celia found themselves in a compromising position, a betrothal was declared. Celia had adored Isaac for years, as he was the older brother of two of her dear friends. However, she was unwilling to trap him in a marriage he did not want. As they spent more time together, he wasn’t so sure he wanted out. This is a sweet story set at a Christmas house party. There is just enough conflict to keep you on edge, but watching the relationship develop between Isaac and Celia is endearing, enterttaining and satisfying.
The Impetuous Heiress (The Upstart Christmas Brides Book 3) - Aline K Field
This story goes back and forth between December and the previous September. It took a little bit to get used to, but after that it flowed quite nicely. Mel and Fitz got engaged in September after meeting at a house party. Fitz got called home due to his father’s illness and Mel began to wonder if he was jilting her. Mel ended up at Fitz’s home with the intention of breaking off the engagement….but a whole lot happened in a very short time. This story has so much family trama and drama. There’s lots of emotion, intense characters and intricately woven threads that culminate in a happy ending. I found this to be original and enjoyable.
A Duchess for Christmas (Forgotten Heiress Book 2) - Alanna Lucus
Wonderful! Grace and Edward had loved each other since they were young. When his cousin died, Edward became a duke and duty separated them. The next thing he knew, she had married someone else. Now three years later, he wants answers. This is a beautiful second chance story. It centers around family (both good and bad), love and forgiveness. Emotions run high and the characters are compelling and believable. They easily draw you into their lives, loves and fears. A perfect story for a cold winter’s night.
Let It Snow - Heather Boyd
It’s so delicious when a rogue finds his one true love…..especially if he has to work for it! Yvette tried so hard to be proper, but scoundrels flocked to her; and being one himself, her brother was an unattentive chaperone, leaving her to fend for herslf. Luc, her brother’s best friend was the biggest scoundrel of all, and he seemed to always be exactly where she was…of course that may have been due to the fact that his cousin Charlotte was her best friend. Add a licentious house party, unwanted advances, a blinding snowstorm, a broken carriage wheel, a bribed carriage driver, an unexpected rescue and a scheming grandmother, and you have a story that is interesting, adorable and most entertaining.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 23, 2022
***Caution: a country girl came to London ***
in Story #3 & disreputable men tricked her into
a job where men bid for her innocence.
This was an anthology by 10 authors, some stories
had kisses only, some had more. Gave this nearly 3
stars. My fav. stories included:
-Story #1. Horse-mad baronet, Elvin, was lonely, & had
mostly married friends. Diana, was treated as a servant
(like Cinderella) around her stepmother w/ 2 dtrs. Elvin
paid the h to paint his portrait, intended as a gift.
-Story #4. Lenora defended a classy older lady (the hero's
grandma) from footpads. Very tall (American) sea captain,
Jason, helped too, & once all felt safe, Jason took charge of
Grandma & Lenora & arranged transport & medical care.
-Story #7. Celia's mom placed her in a compromising
position @ a Christmas house party. Sweet yet reasonable
Celia confronted her mom, & later admitted her love for
Isaac.
-Story #8. Fitz and Mary "anticipated their vows" & later
out-smarted her bossy mother. Married mom flirted w/ Fitz.
October 8, 2021
10 wonderful short Christmas standalone romances to love
THE WALLFLOWER’S CHRISTMAS WISH ~ A Brides of Bath Novella ~
Miss Diana Furness, a spinster at 24 is ignored and treated like a servent by her stepmother and two stepsisters. A Cinderella type situation but instead of a prince, she falls for Sir Elvin Steffington, who is looking for a wife. Elvin doesn’t consider Diana since she doesn’t meet the physical image Elvin has; however as they spend more time together, the attraction grows. I enjoyed this story but would have loved to have seen a certain someone get their comeuppance.
A Kiss From a Captain (An Everly Manor Happily Ever After)
Captain Gabriel Brazier is attracted to Lady Laurel; however, he is plagued with doubts that she could possibly attracted to a man who is missing a leg. Laurel is very attracted but thinks she has no chance with Gabe since she once overheard him say that he would not marry. The problem with eavesdropping is that you do not get the full story. This story keeps the reader entertained with a mystery and riddles.
A Rogue’s Christmas Kiss (The Rogue Chronicles)
This is a second chance romance between Mary and Arthur when they meet as adults in London years after parting ways from their small country village. Both have grown and experienced things that they would rather not have. When they meet by chance, they realize that they never stopped caring for each other and the more time that they spend together, the more they want. In this case, the piece holding them apart is a horrible event that has Mary locked in its grip; lucky for her that Arthur is more mature and stubborn than the lad she once knew.
’TWAS THE ROGUE BEFORE CHRISTMAS ~ The Rogue Chronicles ~
Lenora Audsley and Captain Jason Steele met when Lenora jumped into a fray to help Jason;s grandmother. The two find that they have an instant connection; however, Jason isn’t sure if he is ready to settle down and Lenora’s mother and brother are not ready to have her married off. Lenora and Jason find ways to meet up for awhile. This is a feel good HEA Christmas story.
BOUND TO THE BELGIAN COUNT ~ A London Lords Novella ~
Lily married Maximilian de Viron after knowing each other for a couple of weeks and they both thought it would all be ok; however, Max’s uncle, the current Count de Viron was less than impressed. He had plans for his heir and they didn’t included him marrying a foreigner. This led to a confrontation and then Max disappearing for 9 months without a word, which left Lily to assume that he abandoned her for his uncle. When Lily petitions the court for an annulment, Max suddenly reappears and puts the process on hold. Thankfully this is a short story, so that the reader isn’t kept in suspense for too long as to why things unfolded as they did and of course there is the eternal hope of a Christmas miracle.
EMBRACING SCANDAL ~ A Perilous Secrets Novella ~
Harriet Bentworth and Jonathan Beaumont were childhood friends who drifted apart after a misunderstanding perpetuated by Harriet’s step-father. Thankfully fate steps in and reunites the two; however, the story remains interesting as there are a few kinks to be worked out. Harriet finds herself aligned with a rather unconventional family which makes for an interesting story.
A VISCOUNT FOR CHRISTMAS
Viscount Isaac Thornton and Celia Rowland have known each other for years but now that Celia is all grown up, Isaac realizes that she is more than just his sisters friend. Celia thought she was over her girlish infatuation with Isaac, but now realizes that she isn’t. I like the way this story plays out and how the characters react to the situations that they encounter.
THE IMPETUOUS HEIRESS ~ The Upstart Christmas Brides, Book 3
Fitzhenry Lovelace and Mary Elizabeth Parker (Mel) met at a party and fell in love; however it wasn’t smooth sailing after they became engaged. Mel felt abandoned and told Fitz that their betrothal was off; however, Fitz had other plans. I like the story but I don’t like how it flipped back and forth between the past and present — this is fine in a movie, but not my preferred method of learning about the past in a book.
A DUCHESS FOR CHRISTMAS ~ Forgotten Heiress, Book 2 ~
Grace Banks and Edward, now the Duke of Tavistock were in love a few years ago; however events transpired that caused them to part. Grace married a man she did not love and who was not a good person and Edward was led to believe it was a love match. Move forward in time to them meeting up again and you get the bonus of two Christmas romances in this short story.
LET IT SNOW
I don’t think that I have ever read anything by Heather Boyd that I didn’t enjoy, and this story is certainly no exception. Yvette Valiant was so desperate to be different from the scandalous members of her family that she wasn’t willing to give a scoundrel a break. Through coincidence and persistance, Luc Ayles worked on getting Yvette to see him as more than just someone with a rakish past. Yvette did not have much support from her brother and her parents were definitely not good role models when it came to relationships; therefore, Luc was a confusing puzzle for her. I really enjoyed the interactions between the characters in this story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
THE WALLFLOWER’S CHRISTMAS WISH ~ A Brides of Bath Novella ~
Miss Diana Furness, a spinster at 24 is ignored and treated like a servent by her stepmother and two stepsisters. A Cinderella type situation but instead of a prince, she falls for Sir Elvin Steffington, who is looking for a wife. Elvin doesn’t consider Diana since she doesn’t meet the physical image Elvin has; however as they spend more time together, the attraction grows. I enjoyed this story but would have loved to have seen a certain someone get their comeuppance.
A Kiss From a Captain (An Everly Manor Happily Ever After)
Captain Gabriel Brazier is attracted to Lady Laurel; however, he is plagued with doubts that she could possibly attracted to a man who is missing a leg. Laurel is very attracted but thinks she has no chance with Gabe since she once overheard him say that he would not marry. The problem with eavesdropping is that you do not get the full story. This story keeps the reader entertained with a mystery and riddles.
A Rogue’s Christmas Kiss (The Rogue Chronicles)
This is a second chance romance between Mary and Arthur when they meet as adults in London years after parting ways from their small country village. Both have grown and experienced things that they would rather not have. When they meet by chance, they realize that they never stopped caring for each other and the more time that they spend together, the more they want. In this case, the piece holding them apart is a horrible event that has Mary locked in its grip; lucky for her that Arthur is more mature and stubborn than the lad she once knew.
’TWAS THE ROGUE BEFORE CHRISTMAS ~ The Rogue Chronicles ~
Lenora Audsley and Captain Jason Steele met when Lenora jumped into a fray to help Jason;s grandmother. The two find that they have an instant connection; however, Jason isn’t sure if he is ready to settle down and Lenora’s mother and brother are not ready to have her married off. Lenora and Jason find ways to meet up for awhile. This is a feel good HEA Christmas story.
BOUND TO THE BELGIAN COUNT ~ A London Lords Novella ~
Lily married Maximilian de Viron after knowing each other for a couple of weeks and they both thought it would all be ok; however, Max’s uncle, the current Count de Viron was less than impressed. He had plans for his heir and they didn’t included him marrying a foreigner. This led to a confrontation and then Max disappearing for 9 months without a word, which left Lily to assume that he abandoned her for his uncle. When Lily petitions the court for an annulment, Max suddenly reappears and puts the process on hold. Thankfully this is a short story, so that the reader isn’t kept in suspense for too long as to why things unfolded as they did and of course there is the eternal hope of a Christmas miracle.
EMBRACING SCANDAL ~ A Perilous Secrets Novella ~
Harriet Bentworth and Jonathan Beaumont were childhood friends who drifted apart after a misunderstanding perpetuated by Harriet’s step-father. Thankfully fate steps in and reunites the two; however, the story remains interesting as there are a few kinks to be worked out. Harriet finds herself aligned with a rather unconventional family which makes for an interesting story.
A VISCOUNT FOR CHRISTMAS
Viscount Isaac Thornton and Celia Rowland have known each other for years but now that Celia is all grown up, Isaac realizes that she is more than just his sisters friend. Celia thought she was over her girlish infatuation with Isaac, but now realizes that she isn’t. I like the way this story plays out and how the characters react to the situations that they encounter.
THE IMPETUOUS HEIRESS ~ The Upstart Christmas Brides, Book 3
Fitzhenry Lovelace and Mary Elizabeth Parker (Mel) met at a party and fell in love; however it wasn’t smooth sailing after they became engaged. Mel felt abandoned and told Fitz that their betrothal was off; however, Fitz had other plans. I like the story but I don’t like how it flipped back and forth between the past and present — this is fine in a movie, but not my preferred method of learning about the past in a book.
A DUCHESS FOR CHRISTMAS ~ Forgotten Heiress, Book 2 ~
Grace Banks and Edward, now the Duke of Tavistock were in love a few years ago; however events transpired that caused them to part. Grace married a man she did not love and who was not a good person and Edward was led to believe it was a love match. Move forward in time to them meeting up again and you get the bonus of two Christmas romances in this short story.
LET IT SNOW
I don’t think that I have ever read anything by Heather Boyd that I didn’t enjoy, and this story is certainly no exception. Yvette Valiant was so desperate to be different from the scandalous members of her family that she wasn’t willing to give a scoundrel a break. Through coincidence and persistance, Luc Ayles worked on getting Yvette to see him as more than just someone with a rakish past. Yvette did not have much support from her brother and her parents were definitely not good role models when it came to relationships; therefore, Luc was a confusing puzzle for her. I really enjoyed the interactions between the characters in this story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 25, 2021
I love the holiday collections that start coming out this time of year and this group of authors are some of the best!
Twas the Rogue Before Christmas by Collette Cameron
If you have read anything by this fabulous author, you know you are in for an entertaining story with some quirky characters, amusing verbs and usually an animal or two! Our heroine, Lenora, finds herself defending a grandmother from thieves, who were trying to take her purse. In steps her grandson, american Sea Captain, Jason, who rescues them both. A spark seems to ignite between them but he is anxious to get back to his ship and adventures, while Lenora is more cautious. Can these two find love and a way to be together? Fabulous!
Bound to the Belgian Court by Sasha Cottman
A heartbreaking story of a couple who find romance quickly and marry. Mysteriously, he soon seems to abandon her and disappears. Hurt, angry and bewildered she wants to have the marriage annulled, but unexpectedly finds her lost husband, a broken man, with bewilderment. Can they find their way back to each other and have the truth revealed while staying ahead of a villian? Great story that kept me turning the pages to see what would happen!
The Wallflower's Christmas Wish by Cheryl Bolen
The story of Diana, who has not been treated well by her stepmother, and feels she is growing into a spinster. She has a true talent with her sketching and finds herself approached by a gentleman, to have his portrait done. As they spend time together, a strong attraction grows and if they can divert her stepmother, love might just be in bloom! Delightful.
A Duchess for Christmas by Alanna Lucas
Second chance romances are one of my favorite and Edward and Grace are reunited again after many years. Having loved each other since childhood, then torn apart by terrible events, can these two find that love again and have a future? A truly story of the heart that makes you believe in love!
A Kiss from A Captain by Samantha Grace
Be still my heart! Oh how I love the wounded hero who desperately needs someone to love him, scars and all. But of course he keeps women at bay, feeling he does not deserve anyone. But there is such a lady who has held him in affection for a long time and is determined to show he is worthy,
Sigh worthy, the road to romance is delightful and wonderful!
More to come...
Twas the Rogue Before Christmas by Collette Cameron
If you have read anything by this fabulous author, you know you are in for an entertaining story with some quirky characters, amusing verbs and usually an animal or two! Our heroine, Lenora, finds herself defending a grandmother from thieves, who were trying to take her purse. In steps her grandson, american Sea Captain, Jason, who rescues them both. A spark seems to ignite between them but he is anxious to get back to his ship and adventures, while Lenora is more cautious. Can these two find love and a way to be together? Fabulous!
Bound to the Belgian Court by Sasha Cottman
A heartbreaking story of a couple who find romance quickly and marry. Mysteriously, he soon seems to abandon her and disappears. Hurt, angry and bewildered she wants to have the marriage annulled, but unexpectedly finds her lost husband, a broken man, with bewilderment. Can they find their way back to each other and have the truth revealed while staying ahead of a villian? Great story that kept me turning the pages to see what would happen!
The Wallflower's Christmas Wish by Cheryl Bolen
The story of Diana, who has not been treated well by her stepmother, and feels she is growing into a spinster. She has a true talent with her sketching and finds herself approached by a gentleman, to have his portrait done. As they spend time together, a strong attraction grows and if they can divert her stepmother, love might just be in bloom! Delightful.
A Duchess for Christmas by Alanna Lucas
Second chance romances are one of my favorite and Edward and Grace are reunited again after many years. Having loved each other since childhood, then torn apart by terrible events, can these two find that love again and have a future? A truly story of the heart that makes you believe in love!
A Kiss from A Captain by Samantha Grace
Be still my heart! Oh how I love the wounded hero who desperately needs someone to love him, scars and all. But of course he keeps women at bay, feeling he does not deserve anyone. But there is such a lady who has held him in affection for a long time and is determined to show he is worthy,
Sigh worthy, the road to romance is delightful and wonderful!
More to come...
October 20, 2021
3.6 average rating of all 10 stories
The Wallflower’s Christmas Wish (Brides of Bath) by Cheryl Bolen - Cinderella inspired, cute but the writing style didn't click with me. I didn't like how they spoke about the appearance of other women for no real good reason. 3 stars
A Kiss From a Captain (An Everly Manor Happily Ever After) by Samantha Grace - Quite enjoyed this one! Thought the scavenger hunt was super fun! 4 stars
A Rogue’s Christmas Kiss (The Rogue Chronicles) by Lana Williams - Fairly cute second change romance overall, but I didn't like the "I was raped but sleeping with you will heal me" thing. 3 stars
’Twas the Rogue Before Christmas (The Honorable Rogues®) by Collette Cameron - I loved the meet cute in this one and I'm a sucker for a sea captain hero. 4 stars
Bound to the Belgian Count (London Lords) by Sasha Cottman - Cute, but lacked a lot of necessary tension. 3 stars
Embracing the Scandal by Barbara Monajem - A solid entry, gave me more Christmas spirit than a lot of the others which I really liked, 4 stars
A Viscount for Christmas by Suzanna Medeiros - My second favorite in the collection. This one worked well as a novella length story as it wasn't rushed like some of the others ended up being. And it was very Christmasy! 4 stars
The Impetuous Heiress (The Upstart Christmas Brides) by Alina K. Field - Not a fan of how the pregnancy storyline played into this one. And found the story to have too much conflict and not enough romance. 3 stars
A Duchess for Christmas (Forgotten Heiress) by Alanna Lucas - This was a much better version of a pregnancy story line in a romance. Very cute and Christmasy. 4 stars
Let it Snow by Heather Boyd - My favorite in the collection. This was the most well written in the collection and another set up that worked really well as a novella. 4 stars
The Wallflower’s Christmas Wish (Brides of Bath) by Cheryl Bolen - Cinderella inspired, cute but the writing style didn't click with me. I didn't like how they spoke about the appearance of other women for no real good reason. 3 stars
A Kiss From a Captain (An Everly Manor Happily Ever After) by Samantha Grace - Quite enjoyed this one! Thought the scavenger hunt was super fun! 4 stars
A Rogue’s Christmas Kiss (The Rogue Chronicles) by Lana Williams - Fairly cute second change romance overall, but I didn't like the "I was raped but sleeping with you will heal me" thing. 3 stars
’Twas the Rogue Before Christmas (The Honorable Rogues®) by Collette Cameron - I loved the meet cute in this one and I'm a sucker for a sea captain hero. 4 stars
Bound to the Belgian Count (London Lords) by Sasha Cottman - Cute, but lacked a lot of necessary tension. 3 stars
Embracing the Scandal by Barbara Monajem - A solid entry, gave me more Christmas spirit than a lot of the others which I really liked, 4 stars
A Viscount for Christmas by Suzanna Medeiros - My second favorite in the collection. This one worked well as a novella length story as it wasn't rushed like some of the others ended up being. And it was very Christmasy! 4 stars
The Impetuous Heiress (The Upstart Christmas Brides) by Alina K. Field - Not a fan of how the pregnancy storyline played into this one. And found the story to have too much conflict and not enough romance. 3 stars
A Duchess for Christmas (Forgotten Heiress) by Alanna Lucas - This was a much better version of a pregnancy story line in a romance. Very cute and Christmasy. 4 stars
Let it Snow by Heather Boyd - My favorite in the collection. This was the most well written in the collection and another set up that worked really well as a novella. 4 stars
September 27, 2021
I realize it is hard to go into character and plot depth in short stories. I gave this book a 4 star overall even though most of the stories received a 3 star review.
A Wallflower’s Christmas Wish by Cheryl Bolen 4 stars This is a Cinderella story about Diana (whose stepmother treats like a slave) who is a talented painter. She comes across Elvin who is looking to have his portrait done. Their relationship flourishes when they spend time together.
A Kiss From A Captain by Samantha Grace -3 ½ stars
An injured soldier, Gabe, hopes he is enough for the woman he admires, Laurel. As he helps her solve the mystery of whom is sending her letters of admiration, they grow close.
A Rogue’s Christmas Wish by Lana Williams- 4 stars
A seamstress with a secret past, Mary, finds love again when she accidentally encounters her old friend Arthur.
'Twas the Rogue Before Christmas by Collette Cameron 3 ½ stars
Sea Captain Jason falls for Lenora when he comes upon her defending his grandmother from ruffians. Can she love a sea captain who will be gone from her for long periods of time?
Bound By The Belgian Count by Sasha Cottman 3 stars
Abandoned by her husband a week after their wedding, Lily finally decides to file for a divorce. Max arrives at court to contest the divorce and the judge decrees they must spend time with each other. Will that be enough to repair their marriage?
Embracing Scandal by Barbara Monajem- 3 stars
Harriet poses nude for an artist in order to get enough money to run away from her overzealous vicar stepfather. When the artist skips town, her stepfather throws her out and declares her dead. Harriet goes to work as a teacher and later as a governess. She meets her old beau who believed her to be dead. They renew their feelings for each other.
A Viscount For Christmas by Suzanna Medeiros -3 stars
A mistake causes Issac to be caught in a compromising situation with Celia. Celia has always loved him, but does not want to force him to marry. They must come to grips in regard to their betrothal.
The Impetuous Heiress by Anna K. Field- 3 stars
Fitz becomes engaged to Mel then rushes home because his father is ill. Not having heard from Fitz, Mel decides to confront him. He has much to make up for.
A Duchess For Christmas by Alanna Lucas- 3 stars
When Edward goes searching for his missing niece, he encounters Grace, the woman of his past that got away. They discover the misunderstandings that kept them apart and rekindle their friendship.
Let It Snow by Heather Boyd -3 ½ stars
Yvette is forced to flee a scandalous house party. When her coach becomes stuck, she is saved by Luc, a man she knows to be a rouge. Spending time with Luc, she realizes he is not as terrible as she thought.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for my honest review.
A Wallflower’s Christmas Wish by Cheryl Bolen 4 stars This is a Cinderella story about Diana (whose stepmother treats like a slave) who is a talented painter. She comes across Elvin who is looking to have his portrait done. Their relationship flourishes when they spend time together.
A Kiss From A Captain by Samantha Grace -3 ½ stars
An injured soldier, Gabe, hopes he is enough for the woman he admires, Laurel. As he helps her solve the mystery of whom is sending her letters of admiration, they grow close.
A Rogue’s Christmas Wish by Lana Williams- 4 stars
A seamstress with a secret past, Mary, finds love again when she accidentally encounters her old friend Arthur.
'Twas the Rogue Before Christmas by Collette Cameron 3 ½ stars
Sea Captain Jason falls for Lenora when he comes upon her defending his grandmother from ruffians. Can she love a sea captain who will be gone from her for long periods of time?
Bound By The Belgian Count by Sasha Cottman 3 stars
Abandoned by her husband a week after their wedding, Lily finally decides to file for a divorce. Max arrives at court to contest the divorce and the judge decrees they must spend time with each other. Will that be enough to repair their marriage?
Embracing Scandal by Barbara Monajem- 3 stars
Harriet poses nude for an artist in order to get enough money to run away from her overzealous vicar stepfather. When the artist skips town, her stepfather throws her out and declares her dead. Harriet goes to work as a teacher and later as a governess. She meets her old beau who believed her to be dead. They renew their feelings for each other.
A Viscount For Christmas by Suzanna Medeiros -3 stars
A mistake causes Issac to be caught in a compromising situation with Celia. Celia has always loved him, but does not want to force him to marry. They must come to grips in regard to their betrothal.
The Impetuous Heiress by Anna K. Field- 3 stars
Fitz becomes engaged to Mel then rushes home because his father is ill. Not having heard from Fitz, Mel decides to confront him. He has much to make up for.
A Duchess For Christmas by Alanna Lucas- 3 stars
When Edward goes searching for his missing niece, he encounters Grace, the woman of his past that got away. They discover the misunderstandings that kept them apart and rekindle their friendship.
Let It Snow by Heather Boyd -3 ½ stars
Yvette is forced to flee a scandalous house party. When her coach becomes stuck, she is saved by Luc, a man she knows to be a rouge. Spending time with Luc, she realizes he is not as terrible as she thought.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for my honest review.
January 15, 2022
Christmas Kisses is a regency romance anthology edited by Cheryl Bolen and featuring a host of authors from within the genre. I like reading these books at Christmas for a number of reasons. The first is that they are simply easy to read over such a busy month. The second is that I like the opportunity to test out some new authors which I haven't read from, or perhaps even know about. As with all short story anthologies, it is always going to be a mixed bag. The stories all manage to complement one another, and stay true to the theme of the anthology, without feeling too repetitive. That is always important in an anthology, especially one like this where you may argue that the scope is more limited due to the nature of it. To be fair to this one, I didn't read any absolutely terrible stories. The first 60% of the book was very average, but pleasant enough to read. I enjoyed the final 40% of the book a lot more, and those stories got four stars. My favourite story is probably the final one, which leaves the anthology in a favourable position in my mind. That said, the anthology, as a whole, levels out at a three-star read overall.
October 8, 2021
Bound to the Belgian Count – Sasha Cottman
Love second chance stories. This one has an unusual twist in that Max has a secret of why he left. I was sad about what happened but very happy at how everything turned out. Not to mention the ingenuity of measuring tables and chairs….A great story to show you the love that comes during the holidays.
A Viscount for Christmas - Suzanna Medeiros
This is a sweet story with no angst and a nice read for the holiday season. It is the old “accidentally caught” trope but very innocent. As Thornton and Celia start their “betrothal” they find that they are suited (Celia has been in love with Thornton for years). Cute.
Let it Snow – Heather Boyd
Heather brings a story of seduction, not with words or brashness but with actions. I love that Luc is in love with Yvette and doesn’t want to force her into anything. It is stated that he is a scoundrel but he did not very scoundrelish (word?). He was a great person who only needed time to win over Yvette. Loved it. I wonder if there will be a story for Rhys and Caroline. There is a story waiting to be told.
I received a complimentary copy from Booksprout.
Love second chance stories. This one has an unusual twist in that Max has a secret of why he left. I was sad about what happened but very happy at how everything turned out. Not to mention the ingenuity of measuring tables and chairs….A great story to show you the love that comes during the holidays.
A Viscount for Christmas - Suzanna Medeiros
This is a sweet story with no angst and a nice read for the holiday season. It is the old “accidentally caught” trope but very innocent. As Thornton and Celia start their “betrothal” they find that they are suited (Celia has been in love with Thornton for years). Cute.
Let it Snow – Heather Boyd
Heather brings a story of seduction, not with words or brashness but with actions. I love that Luc is in love with Yvette and doesn’t want to force her into anything. It is stated that he is a scoundrel but he did not very scoundrelish (word?). He was a great person who only needed time to win over Yvette. Loved it. I wonder if there will be a story for Rhys and Caroline. There is a story waiting to be told.
I received a complimentary copy from Booksprout.
January 1, 2022
A Wallflower, a spinster, an abandoned bride, an endearing rogue, and second chance romances are some of the plots that make up these ten wonderfully entertaining romances that start with a kiss at Christmas time. What could be better? Not much beats this engaging collection of stories from some of my favourite authors in this historical romance genre. If I had to pick two favourites from this anthology, I would have to chose Alanna Lucas’s second chance romance “A Duchess for Christmas” and “The Wallflower’s Christmas Wish” by Cheryl Bolen but I found that none of these tales disappointed. If you want to while away the day in a most entertaining fashion, check out these stories and be prepared to laugh, cry and smile.
October 4, 2021
I would have read more but I seemed to have read some of them before.
A Wallflower's Christmas: This one is new to me. It was very good.
Twas The Rogue Before Christmas: I think I have read this book before. It was so familiar to me.
Let It Snow: Again I think I have read this book before.
A Viscount For Christmas: This book was very good. It was new to me.
A Duchess For Christmas: This book was very good. The plot was of a lost love and a pregnant girl who was lost.
A Wallflower's Christmas: This one is new to me. It was very good.
Twas The Rogue Before Christmas: I think I have read this book before. It was so familiar to me.
Let It Snow: Again I think I have read this book before.
A Viscount For Christmas: This book was very good. It was new to me.
A Duchess For Christmas: This book was very good. The plot was of a lost love and a pregnant girl who was lost.
December 9, 2021
This is a great collection of Holiday stories and is perfect for some light reading during your holiday reprieve. A wonderful selection of authors who help to spread the romance during the holidays. Overall very enjoyable!
October 23, 2021
This is a collection of ten stories by ten authors, all different but with Christmas as a central theme. Some authors I've read and some were new to me. I enjoyed the stories in varying degrees and wrote reviews for each one.
There's something for everyone in this. We have mixed classes, commoners, second chance at love, a disabled hero, and always the happily ever after.
Great read!
*I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily left a review.
~~~
The Wallflower’s Christmas Wish
by Cheryl Bolen
FIVE STARS
What a great story. It loosely follows Cinderella with the stepmother who was discreetly wicked and the two stepsisters, who weren’t comely yet their mother put them ahead of Diana who was plain and stuck to books and art.
Diana is a wallflower who is considered on-the-shelf since she’s had several seasons and hasn’t snagged a husband. She dresses in hand-me-downs from her stepsisters, probably hasn’t had anything new since her father died ten years ago, and is more of a servant than a member of the family.
When she’s dragged to a social event, she tries to stay in the shadows. It’s not like anybody was going to ask her to dance or anything. It was humiliating and she wanted to avoid that. But she catches the eye of Elvin Steffington, much to the chagrin of her stepmother and her ugly stepsisters.
Elvin is on a quest to get a wife. All of his friends are now married and busy with their wives and he’s bored. He had requirements that he presented to his twin brother, Melvin, that were almost humorous. He had to rethink all of that when he met Diana.
This is a short read, but really packs a punch. I loved the dynamics between Elvin and Diana and it was wonderful to feel them falling in love.
By the way, why don’t we say “Happy Christmas” anymore? Merry Christmas is all good, of course, but I like the way Happy Christmas sounds. It was sweet to see that in this story.
A Kiss from a Captain
An Everly Manor Happily Ever After, Book 3
by Samantha Grace
FIVE STARS
Anything and everything is possible with love.
How I loved this novella. It has everything that makes a good romance. Laurel is a strong yet sensitive heroine who doesn’t always follow the rules and has a tendency to think outside the box. Gabriel is our hero. He’s a war veteran who had part of leg amputated. He’s smart, has a job as an illustrator, and thinks that no woman will ever have him, feels undesirable, and wants no pity. He’s a high achiever despite his infirmity, but spends a lot of time in pain.
Throw in some riddles that were actually fun to try to figure out, a touch of mystery, some steam, and a fantastic ending and you have this five star read.
A Rogue’s Christmas Kiss
~The Rogue Chronicles~
by Lana Williams
FOUR STARS
I enjoyed this story very much. It’s a second chance at love trope between Mary, who works at a dress shop, and Arthur, who is a solicitor. Both are commoners who grew up in the same village, fell in love there, and parted ways. Arthur went to London. Mary stayed behind for awhile then ended up in London, too.
Mary makes a decent wage for her work and sends most of her money back home to help out with the expenses while her father is laid up with a broken leg. So, when she gets a letter from her sister telling her that their mother is ill, she needs to get home, but doesn’t have the money to do it.
Years have gone by, but when Arthur comes into the dress shop to close an account for a client, Mary knows it’s him and he recognizes her, too. It was a bittersweet reunion since he still had some hard feelings toward her for breaking up with him and she had regrets for doing it. They hid their feelings well, until they decided to take a trip together back to their village.
Mary has a bit of a past she wants to keep buried. Arthur doesn’t push for a lot of information and turns over the reins of the relationship to her. I loved them as individuals and I loved them together. I so wanted them to get their happily ever after and the author did not disappoint.
The reason I gave the story four stars was because I never got a good look at the characters. I know Arthur had green eyes and was bigger than most other men, but other than that, I can’t visualize much with him. As for Mary, I got nothing on her at all. I do like character descriptions in the books I read and the occasional reminder of hair color, eye color, etc throughout the story is helpful to me. I also didn’t see where Arthur was a rogue.
Overall, it’s a great read.
‘Twas the Rogue before Christmas
~The Honorable Rogues~
by Collette Cameron
FIVE STARS
I remember Lenora from the book The Earl of Keyworth (Seductive Scoundrels #12; Wicked Earls Club) also by Collette Cameron. It was Landry’s life mission to find his sister and it took him eight years to get the job done. In my review of The Earl of Keyworth, I wanted more in the lines of Landry and Lenora meeting and establishing a relationship. Well, here it is and it’s two years past their first meeting. Not a problem.
Lenora, her mother, and her sister-in-law are on a shopping trip when a couple of miscreants try to rob an elderly woman. Everybody stood by and did nothing to help her, but stood around gawking at the melee—sort of like some people do with cell phones these days. Lenora wasn’t going to stand by and let the woman beat them down with her parasol. No, she jumped in there and defended the woman and ended up getting injured herself.
Enter Captain Jason Steele, an American. The little old lady is his grandmother. He’d been too far away to come to her aid, so was doubly grateful to Lenora for helping her.
There was an instant connection between Jason and Lenora and it was wonderful to see them explore its depths and fall in love, despite impossible odds and how protective Landry was of his little sister.
I loved everything about this story. I loved the Lenora and Jason. It was awesome to see Landry and Celestia again and to know that Landry and Lenora have a great relationship. And even though he had just a couple of mentions, it was great to see Samson, too. He’s Landry’s Newfoundland dog.
This story worked on every level. I enjoyed it so much.
*This is a spinoff of The Earl of Keyworth, but it isn’t necessary to read that book to enjoy this one.
Bound to the Belgian Count
~A London Lords Novella~
by Sasha Cottman
FIVE STARS
This gave a whole new meaning to the Twelve Days of Christmas. Lily and Max knew each other for just a short amount of time before marrying. A week after the nuptials, he disappeared. Lily thought he’d gone back to Belgium with his uncle and had essentially dumped her. After nine months of writing to him, him never responding or trying to contact her, she decided to file for an annulment and move on with her life, no matter how much she still loved him. It was over.
Not so fast, says our hero Max. He made a surprise visit to the annulment hearing and let’s just say he had some unexpected issues. But that didn’t deter him from still being in love. When the judge told them they had to spend the next twelve days under the same roof, sharing meals, and talking, it was his chance to win her back.
This was an incredible book with angst, feels, steam, and such a beautiful love story. It had it all and earned an easy, easy five stars.
Embracing Scandal
~A Perilous Secrets Novella~
by Barbara Monajem
FOUR STARS
This wasn’t my favorite story, but I still liked it. Harriet goes against the grains, does what she wants, and is always in trouble with her stepfather, who eventually bans her and even exiles her. He never wants to see her again and makes that decision for her mother, too.
Harriet reinvents herself, gives herself a new name and background and gets a job as a teacher in a girls school where she rubs the head mistress wrong there, too. She is friends with one of the students who begs her mother to hire Mrs. Steeples (Harriet) as a governess.
Frances Templestone saved this story, as far as I’m concerned. She is definitely a woman of the world, makes her own money, has left her husband, and makes no apologies for anything she does. She hires Harriet at the request of her daughter, but treats her more like family than a governess, which Harriet finds unusual, but is all about it.
Jonathan is the love interest. He’s known Harriet since they were children and is in love with her. What makes him different is he’s a clergyman, even if he doesn’t have a church. However, that isn’t to say he’s not a man with manly urges and desires. He is the third son of an earl and joining the church was expected of him.
I liked the characters in the story and I wanted to Harriet and Jonathan to get their happily ever after, but a couple of things didn’t work for me. It didn’t play a huge part of the story, but since it was mentioned I think it should’ve been expounded on some. Harriet and Frances both see ghosts and talk with them and take their guidance into consideration. I thought Sir Orville’s night with the ghosts needed more detail rather than just the morning after. I guess I didn’t like the ghost element is what I’m saying. I thought the details were too sketchy and weren’t essential to the story.
I gave it four stars because there were no character descriptions. There was a mention that Harriet had blonde hair and that was it. There were vague descriptions of Frances’ father and what Sir Orville was wearing when he arrived at the house. There were other characters that played big parts in the story and I didn’t get to see them. Sorry. I know it’s not important to some people, but I want to see what characters look like when I’m reading. I think you can get away with vague character descriptions in some genres, but romance isn’t one of them. There’s too much riding on the mutual attraction factor.
Overall, this isn’t a bad story. I did like it. I just didn’t love it.
A Viscount for Christmas
by Suzanna Medeiros
FOUR STARS
Thornton is reluctant to go to his mother’s annual house party at Christmas. She’s been pushing him to get married and he wants nothing to do with it right now. When he arrives, it’s late, everyone is in bed and he’s ready to find his own bed, despite the butler telling him Thornton’s mother wanted to talk to him. Thornton said it could wait until morning and continued on his way.
He didn’t light any lamps or candles and merely went about getting undressed and crawling into his bed. What he wasn’t expecting was to find a woman already there and not just any woman; it was Celia, childhood friend to his sisters. She’s all grown up now, but yep, it’s her.
When Celia screamed with surprise and fear, she brought the entire household into Thornton’s room and her mother demanded a betrothal.
Thornton and Celia agree to a forced betrothal and, after a short time, start seeing each other in a different light. They’d always liked each other and had gotten along, but this was different.
This story has some good moments to it. I liked the characters, the steam, and the way the story played out. I liked it. I just didn’t love it.
The Impetuous Heiress
~The Upstart Christmas Brides, Book 3~
by Alina K Field
FIVE STARS
I don’t want to say too much about this story because it would be easy to throw spoilers into it and I don’t want to ruin it for everybody else. However, I will go into it a bit.
Mary Elizabeth Parker or Mel as her close friends and family call her, is incredibly sharp with not just numbers, but with investments and banking. She’s not a suffragette (I’m not a fan of those stories at.all), but she is independent and is content to live on her own and take care of her widowed cousin, Hermoine.
But Fitz has other ideas. He’s the eldest of ten children, his father has recently passed leaving him as Baron, and he’s also a widower with a young girl of his own. He’s dashing, handsome, smart, and…overwhelmed. But that didn’t stop him from falling in love with Mel and she with him.
I loved this story. I liked how the chapters went from the current setting back to September (read the book and find out why that’s relevant). I liked all of the characters and how they interacted and the story itself was solid. It’s got some angst, feels, steam, and a fantastic ending that had me cheering for Fitz and Mel.
A Duchess for Christmas
~Forgotten Heiress, Book 2~
by Alanna Lucas
“…Who are we to dictate what the heart wants?” ~Edward, Duke of Tavistock
FIVE STARS
Such insightful words from a man who has been through so much. His cousin died, leaving him a duke, his father died, leaving him bereft, and the only woman he’d ever loved married another man, leaving him single and alone. He already had enough on his plate when his aunt comes to him and says her daughter has run away and has been gone for two months. Edward was dealt one bad hand right after another, the poor guy.
While he’s on a quest to find his cousin, he gets a lead that she may be living in the Home for Desolate Ladies and under the care of Grace Banks, the woman he’d fallen in love with and who had married the other man. She’s now widowed and man, does she have some baggage and some good friends who have her back.
This book packed a punch. There was a bit of a side story with Winifred and Phelps, but it didn’t upstage the real story of Edward and Grace. There were some class mismatches (nobility/commoner), some sadness, some happiness, steam, and a true love story. I always want the characters to get a happily ever after, but never like I wanted one for Edward and Grace. It warmed my heart.
Bravo!
Let it Snow
by Heather Boyd
FIVE STARS
Yvette Valiant is at a house party and being pursued by a scoundrel right under her brother’s nose. Her brother is supposed to be her chaperone, but he’s so fixated on the other women, he doesn’t see other men leering at her and even one of them make a pass at her. She took care of it herself, but Luc Ayers, her brother’s best friend saw the whole thing. Being a scoundrel himself, he doesn’t humiliate her over it or try to force a marriage between her and her pursuer. Why would he? He wants her for himself.
Luc really was a rake. He was good looking, debonair, slick, and suave but it was all a façade. Deep down, he’s caring, family-oriented, and willing and able to keep it to one woman, love her, and marry her. But not just any woman. He’s got his sights set on Yvette.
It was sweet to watch Luc try to win Yvette’s favor and affections, especially since she’s sworn off scoundrels and he is the very definition of one. He changed his ways and really made a go of it. She’s surprised by it all and sees him for the man he really is. Add love and steam to this and you’ve got a solid five star read.
There's something for everyone in this. We have mixed classes, commoners, second chance at love, a disabled hero, and always the happily ever after.
Great read!
*I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily left a review.
~~~
The Wallflower’s Christmas Wish
by Cheryl Bolen
FIVE STARS
What a great story. It loosely follows Cinderella with the stepmother who was discreetly wicked and the two stepsisters, who weren’t comely yet their mother put them ahead of Diana who was plain and stuck to books and art.
Diana is a wallflower who is considered on-the-shelf since she’s had several seasons and hasn’t snagged a husband. She dresses in hand-me-downs from her stepsisters, probably hasn’t had anything new since her father died ten years ago, and is more of a servant than a member of the family.
When she’s dragged to a social event, she tries to stay in the shadows. It’s not like anybody was going to ask her to dance or anything. It was humiliating and she wanted to avoid that. But she catches the eye of Elvin Steffington, much to the chagrin of her stepmother and her ugly stepsisters.
Elvin is on a quest to get a wife. All of his friends are now married and busy with their wives and he’s bored. He had requirements that he presented to his twin brother, Melvin, that were almost humorous. He had to rethink all of that when he met Diana.
This is a short read, but really packs a punch. I loved the dynamics between Elvin and Diana and it was wonderful to feel them falling in love.
By the way, why don’t we say “Happy Christmas” anymore? Merry Christmas is all good, of course, but I like the way Happy Christmas sounds. It was sweet to see that in this story.
A Kiss from a Captain
An Everly Manor Happily Ever After, Book 3
by Samantha Grace
FIVE STARS
Anything and everything is possible with love.
How I loved this novella. It has everything that makes a good romance. Laurel is a strong yet sensitive heroine who doesn’t always follow the rules and has a tendency to think outside the box. Gabriel is our hero. He’s a war veteran who had part of leg amputated. He’s smart, has a job as an illustrator, and thinks that no woman will ever have him, feels undesirable, and wants no pity. He’s a high achiever despite his infirmity, but spends a lot of time in pain.
Throw in some riddles that were actually fun to try to figure out, a touch of mystery, some steam, and a fantastic ending and you have this five star read.
A Rogue’s Christmas Kiss
~The Rogue Chronicles~
by Lana Williams
FOUR STARS
I enjoyed this story very much. It’s a second chance at love trope between Mary, who works at a dress shop, and Arthur, who is a solicitor. Both are commoners who grew up in the same village, fell in love there, and parted ways. Arthur went to London. Mary stayed behind for awhile then ended up in London, too.
Mary makes a decent wage for her work and sends most of her money back home to help out with the expenses while her father is laid up with a broken leg. So, when she gets a letter from her sister telling her that their mother is ill, she needs to get home, but doesn’t have the money to do it.
Years have gone by, but when Arthur comes into the dress shop to close an account for a client, Mary knows it’s him and he recognizes her, too. It was a bittersweet reunion since he still had some hard feelings toward her for breaking up with him and she had regrets for doing it. They hid their feelings well, until they decided to take a trip together back to their village.
Mary has a bit of a past she wants to keep buried. Arthur doesn’t push for a lot of information and turns over the reins of the relationship to her. I loved them as individuals and I loved them together. I so wanted them to get their happily ever after and the author did not disappoint.
The reason I gave the story four stars was because I never got a good look at the characters. I know Arthur had green eyes and was bigger than most other men, but other than that, I can’t visualize much with him. As for Mary, I got nothing on her at all. I do like character descriptions in the books I read and the occasional reminder of hair color, eye color, etc throughout the story is helpful to me. I also didn’t see where Arthur was a rogue.
Overall, it’s a great read.
‘Twas the Rogue before Christmas
~The Honorable Rogues~
by Collette Cameron
FIVE STARS
I remember Lenora from the book The Earl of Keyworth (Seductive Scoundrels #12; Wicked Earls Club) also by Collette Cameron. It was Landry’s life mission to find his sister and it took him eight years to get the job done. In my review of The Earl of Keyworth, I wanted more in the lines of Landry and Lenora meeting and establishing a relationship. Well, here it is and it’s two years past their first meeting. Not a problem.
Lenora, her mother, and her sister-in-law are on a shopping trip when a couple of miscreants try to rob an elderly woman. Everybody stood by and did nothing to help her, but stood around gawking at the melee—sort of like some people do with cell phones these days. Lenora wasn’t going to stand by and let the woman beat them down with her parasol. No, she jumped in there and defended the woman and ended up getting injured herself.
Enter Captain Jason Steele, an American. The little old lady is his grandmother. He’d been too far away to come to her aid, so was doubly grateful to Lenora for helping her.
There was an instant connection between Jason and Lenora and it was wonderful to see them explore its depths and fall in love, despite impossible odds and how protective Landry was of his little sister.
I loved everything about this story. I loved the Lenora and Jason. It was awesome to see Landry and Celestia again and to know that Landry and Lenora have a great relationship. And even though he had just a couple of mentions, it was great to see Samson, too. He’s Landry’s Newfoundland dog.
This story worked on every level. I enjoyed it so much.
*This is a spinoff of The Earl of Keyworth, but it isn’t necessary to read that book to enjoy this one.
Bound to the Belgian Count
~A London Lords Novella~
by Sasha Cottman
FIVE STARS
This gave a whole new meaning to the Twelve Days of Christmas. Lily and Max knew each other for just a short amount of time before marrying. A week after the nuptials, he disappeared. Lily thought he’d gone back to Belgium with his uncle and had essentially dumped her. After nine months of writing to him, him never responding or trying to contact her, she decided to file for an annulment and move on with her life, no matter how much she still loved him. It was over.
Not so fast, says our hero Max. He made a surprise visit to the annulment hearing and let’s just say he had some unexpected issues. But that didn’t deter him from still being in love. When the judge told them they had to spend the next twelve days under the same roof, sharing meals, and talking, it was his chance to win her back.
This was an incredible book with angst, feels, steam, and such a beautiful love story. It had it all and earned an easy, easy five stars.
Embracing Scandal
~A Perilous Secrets Novella~
by Barbara Monajem
FOUR STARS
This wasn’t my favorite story, but I still liked it. Harriet goes against the grains, does what she wants, and is always in trouble with her stepfather, who eventually bans her and even exiles her. He never wants to see her again and makes that decision for her mother, too.
Harriet reinvents herself, gives herself a new name and background and gets a job as a teacher in a girls school where she rubs the head mistress wrong there, too. She is friends with one of the students who begs her mother to hire Mrs. Steeples (Harriet) as a governess.
Frances Templestone saved this story, as far as I’m concerned. She is definitely a woman of the world, makes her own money, has left her husband, and makes no apologies for anything she does. She hires Harriet at the request of her daughter, but treats her more like family than a governess, which Harriet finds unusual, but is all about it.
Jonathan is the love interest. He’s known Harriet since they were children and is in love with her. What makes him different is he’s a clergyman, even if he doesn’t have a church. However, that isn’t to say he’s not a man with manly urges and desires. He is the third son of an earl and joining the church was expected of him.
I liked the characters in the story and I wanted to Harriet and Jonathan to get their happily ever after, but a couple of things didn’t work for me. It didn’t play a huge part of the story, but since it was mentioned I think it should’ve been expounded on some. Harriet and Frances both see ghosts and talk with them and take their guidance into consideration. I thought Sir Orville’s night with the ghosts needed more detail rather than just the morning after. I guess I didn’t like the ghost element is what I’m saying. I thought the details were too sketchy and weren’t essential to the story.
I gave it four stars because there were no character descriptions. There was a mention that Harriet had blonde hair and that was it. There were vague descriptions of Frances’ father and what Sir Orville was wearing when he arrived at the house. There were other characters that played big parts in the story and I didn’t get to see them. Sorry. I know it’s not important to some people, but I want to see what characters look like when I’m reading. I think you can get away with vague character descriptions in some genres, but romance isn’t one of them. There’s too much riding on the mutual attraction factor.
Overall, this isn’t a bad story. I did like it. I just didn’t love it.
A Viscount for Christmas
by Suzanna Medeiros
FOUR STARS
Thornton is reluctant to go to his mother’s annual house party at Christmas. She’s been pushing him to get married and he wants nothing to do with it right now. When he arrives, it’s late, everyone is in bed and he’s ready to find his own bed, despite the butler telling him Thornton’s mother wanted to talk to him. Thornton said it could wait until morning and continued on his way.
He didn’t light any lamps or candles and merely went about getting undressed and crawling into his bed. What he wasn’t expecting was to find a woman already there and not just any woman; it was Celia, childhood friend to his sisters. She’s all grown up now, but yep, it’s her.
When Celia screamed with surprise and fear, she brought the entire household into Thornton’s room and her mother demanded a betrothal.
Thornton and Celia agree to a forced betrothal and, after a short time, start seeing each other in a different light. They’d always liked each other and had gotten along, but this was different.
This story has some good moments to it. I liked the characters, the steam, and the way the story played out. I liked it. I just didn’t love it.
The Impetuous Heiress
~The Upstart Christmas Brides, Book 3~
by Alina K Field
FIVE STARS
I don’t want to say too much about this story because it would be easy to throw spoilers into it and I don’t want to ruin it for everybody else. However, I will go into it a bit.
Mary Elizabeth Parker or Mel as her close friends and family call her, is incredibly sharp with not just numbers, but with investments and banking. She’s not a suffragette (I’m not a fan of those stories at.all), but she is independent and is content to live on her own and take care of her widowed cousin, Hermoine.
But Fitz has other ideas. He’s the eldest of ten children, his father has recently passed leaving him as Baron, and he’s also a widower with a young girl of his own. He’s dashing, handsome, smart, and…overwhelmed. But that didn’t stop him from falling in love with Mel and she with him.
I loved this story. I liked how the chapters went from the current setting back to September (read the book and find out why that’s relevant). I liked all of the characters and how they interacted and the story itself was solid. It’s got some angst, feels, steam, and a fantastic ending that had me cheering for Fitz and Mel.
A Duchess for Christmas
~Forgotten Heiress, Book 2~
by Alanna Lucas
“…Who are we to dictate what the heart wants?” ~Edward, Duke of Tavistock
FIVE STARS
Such insightful words from a man who has been through so much. His cousin died, leaving him a duke, his father died, leaving him bereft, and the only woman he’d ever loved married another man, leaving him single and alone. He already had enough on his plate when his aunt comes to him and says her daughter has run away and has been gone for two months. Edward was dealt one bad hand right after another, the poor guy.
While he’s on a quest to find his cousin, he gets a lead that she may be living in the Home for Desolate Ladies and under the care of Grace Banks, the woman he’d fallen in love with and who had married the other man. She’s now widowed and man, does she have some baggage and some good friends who have her back.
This book packed a punch. There was a bit of a side story with Winifred and Phelps, but it didn’t upstage the real story of Edward and Grace. There were some class mismatches (nobility/commoner), some sadness, some happiness, steam, and a true love story. I always want the characters to get a happily ever after, but never like I wanted one for Edward and Grace. It warmed my heart.
Bravo!
Let it Snow
by Heather Boyd
FIVE STARS
Yvette Valiant is at a house party and being pursued by a scoundrel right under her brother’s nose. Her brother is supposed to be her chaperone, but he’s so fixated on the other women, he doesn’t see other men leering at her and even one of them make a pass at her. She took care of it herself, but Luc Ayers, her brother’s best friend saw the whole thing. Being a scoundrel himself, he doesn’t humiliate her over it or try to force a marriage between her and her pursuer. Why would he? He wants her for himself.
Luc really was a rake. He was good looking, debonair, slick, and suave but it was all a façade. Deep down, he’s caring, family-oriented, and willing and able to keep it to one woman, love her, and marry her. But not just any woman. He’s got his sights set on Yvette.
It was sweet to watch Luc try to win Yvette’s favor and affections, especially since she’s sworn off scoundrels and he is the very definition of one. He changed his ways and really made a go of it. She’s surprised by it all and sees him for the man he really is. Add love and steam to this and you’ve got a solid five star read.
September 28, 2021
'TWAS THE ROGUE BEFORE CHRISTMAS by Collette Cameron - I enjoyed this short read very much & it even got me in the holiday mood in July, when I read it. Two lovers who met when the hero saved the lady from a robbery are forbidden to see each other - but Christmas always brings magic, can it bring these two together? An entertaining read with humor, romance, some tender & emotional moments that brought a few tears to my eyes but this is a romance so Jason & Lenora will get their magical HEA. I loved all the people from past books being invited to tea - it was so much fun! I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.
October 1, 2021
I really enjoyed getting to explore the work of authors unfamiliar to me with this book. There are ten short stories in this collection and they are quite varied, despite having a Christmas / Winter regency theme. I liked the fact that there were a lot of ordinary heros and heroines, not just the gentry / aristocracy which is the norm for this genre. Some stories were better than others but all are well worth a read.
October 26, 2021
4.25 Stars
Loved the author's included a blurb before their stories!
1. THE WALLFLOWER'S CHRISTMAS WISH - 4 STARS
Both H/h we likable character's. This is a different twist on Cinderella story. The h is a talented painter, but doesn't realize her worth until the H commissions her to paint him. Of course, you have the self absorbed stepmother only interested in her own two daughter's.
Even though the h brought much to how the H saw himself, and he gave her confidence in her craft, I just didn't believe them as a couple.
Clean story - only a few kisses. Other than the H commissioning the h to paint him as a gift for Christmas, no really Christmas theme.
No cheating, HEA, liked the uniqueness of the Cinderella story.
2. A KISS FROM THE CAPITAN by Samantha Grace - 5 STARS
Great family story with not only family but friends. I enjoyed the mystery of the riddles and I didn't get any correct - lol. The couple both wanted the other, but didn't think they were worthy. The H lost part of his leg fighting in the war and a doctor told him no women would ever want to be his wife.
Lovemaking, within marriage - heat level 2 out of 5 if that. I found their story romantic and their love for each other came through.
No cheating, HEA, small tad of spice and an epilogue 7 months in the future which was ideal. Not much of Christmas except bringing in the Yule Log and some Mistletoe.
3. A ROGUE'S CHRISTMAS KISS by Lana Williams - 5 STARS
Oh what a story our h has to tell. She loved a neighbor but knew he was destined for more than what their little town has to offer. She breaks it off with him. He of course, think she doesn't care for him and leaves. She leaves home to travel to London to be able to send money home to her family. Her good intentions come with a steep price.
The H becomes very successful and takes on some people being a solicitor. There paths cross and our h is fearful he will discover what tragedy happened to her.
This is a story of second chances. Her secret is exposed but the H realizes what happened to her wasn't her fault. Oh, I that warmed my heart that he was forgiving.
This has more on Christmas - where they both venture to their old home town and bring gifts for their families. The feeling of giving and the season is felt.
Lovemaking outside of marriage, heat level 3 out of 5. I felt a connection to them is it was filled with love. No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romantic and a small tad of spice.
4. TWAS THE ROGUE BEFORE CHRISTMAS by Collette Cameron - 4 STARS
Our couple are not together much but they somehow made a sweet couple. I had a hard time figuring out the family tree of the h. I had to reread passages several times.
A few kisses and one talk of pressing her against him, but that was it. No cheating, HEA, liked the epilogue 7 months in the future. Little on Christmas.
5. BOUND TO THE BELGIAN COUNT by Sasha Cottman - 5 STARS
Unique story which I found heartbreaking but full of potential for second chances. The story line didn't go where I thought it would. I figured out what happened to the H but I was so wrong!
This had some Christmas themes but mostly was the H/h trying to reconnect after tragedy separates them for 9 months.
No cheating, romantic, journey to their HEA and second chance was special and unique. A small tad of spice - heat level 3 out of 5 if that. Sweet epilogue 1 year in the future. One odd thing was the H referred to her father as Mister Saxby.
6. EMBRACING THE SCANDAL by Barbara Monajem - 3.5 STARS
The h started out being very naïve - aka - dumb. Hard to embrace someone you don't respect. She decides to pose nude - really in this time period she believed the artist was going to just keep it for himself?
The H has loved the h for a long time but is told she is dead. They run into each other and I didn't feel a connection to them. Ghosts plat a small part in this story. I wanted to be part of the last ghost part with a villain - but all off page.
This is a clean story - only a few innocent kisses. No cheating, HEA, little on romance because they fell in love years prior to the start of the story. Some Christmas talk to gifts and greenery.
7. A VISCOUNT FOR CHRISTMAS by Suzanna Medeiros - 5 STARS
I dislike discerptions in a story but it wasn't brought about by the H/h, The h's mother was the true villain with all her scheming. As the saying goes all's well that ends well.
The h had feelings for the H for awhile but thought she outgrew them. The H only saw the h as being too young when she would hang around his sister's. The honor the H had for everyone came through in spades. He finally noticed that the h wasn't a young girl anymore.
I enjoyed their honest dialogue and actions. Everyone who deserved to be put in their place were - yea!! Loved the journey to HEA. No cheating, romance and a tad of spice outside of marriage. Described only once and heat level 2.5 out of 5.
8. THE IMPETUOUS HEIRESS by Aline k. Fields - 3 STARS
Parts I enjoyed and parts not. It took me forever to feel a connection to this story because how it was written. The story starts out in Dec 1821. This couple meet in Sept 1821 and had sex. The story jumps back and forth from Dec 1821 then back to Sept 1821 and so on. The start of their romance wasn't explained til 1/2 way into the story. It was very hard to form a feeling for them when they were trying to avoid each other.
The H has avoided all his responsibilities. You are not aware why he is like this until well into the story. The h hasn't had an easy life either.
There is lovemaking outside of marriage - heat level 2 out of 5. Another story where Christmas is on the back burner. No cheating, HEA, little on romance and some steam. I did enjoy the epilogue 1 year in the future. The ending is what raised my rating.
9. A DUCHESS FOR CHRISTMAS by Alanna Lucas - 4.5 STARS
Such an enjoyable story. Oh how things can go wrong when people don’t communicate. This has two stories within and both satisfying. One is with the H’s young cousin and then other is with our H/h. Both have HEA both very bumpy roads to reach it.
Lovemaking described once and bedroom door almost completely shut. This was 5 stars except I became aggravated with the h because she didn’t tell the H her whole truth. Her reason was lame because he kept telling her he didn’t care what the Ton felt but she still held her secrets close.
What a horrible time to be a women in this time period. Your life wasn’t your own and friends/family were fleeting.
Great main and secondary character’s. No cheating, romantic, small tad of spice, nice epilogue 1 year in the future which tidy everything up in a beautiful Christmas bow. More on Christmas theme in this one.
10. LET IT SNOW by Heather Boyd -4.5 STARS
This had more feeling of Christmas and family.
Our H is a Scoundrel and the h wants noth8ng to do with him because of this. She is trying to remain a lady and change the perception that Society has of her family.
The h’s brother is her chaperone and is doing an awful job of it. When the h decides to leave this awful house party she leaves with her maid only. The brother hasn’t tried to protect her because he is off satisfying his own urges. This is where I had a problem with the story. When the brother finally tracks her down he finds out she is with his friend and his grandmother. The brother goes ballistic! Why? He hasn’t cared what happened to her all season. This didn’t ring true for me.
I loved the H’s grandmother -she added humor and spoke her mind.
Lovemaking outside of marriage -heat level 3 out of 5 and described once outside and once within very briefly.
No cheating, HEA, some romance and a tad of spice. Epilogue 2 weeks in the future. (ljb)
Loved the author's included a blurb before their stories!
1. THE WALLFLOWER'S CHRISTMAS WISH - 4 STARS
Both H/h we likable character's. This is a different twist on Cinderella story. The h is a talented painter, but doesn't realize her worth until the H commissions her to paint him. Of course, you have the self absorbed stepmother only interested in her own two daughter's.
Even though the h brought much to how the H saw himself, and he gave her confidence in her craft, I just didn't believe them as a couple.
Clean story - only a few kisses. Other than the H commissioning the h to paint him as a gift for Christmas, no really Christmas theme.
No cheating, HEA, liked the uniqueness of the Cinderella story.
2. A KISS FROM THE CAPITAN by Samantha Grace - 5 STARS
Great family story with not only family but friends. I enjoyed the mystery of the riddles and I didn't get any correct - lol. The couple both wanted the other, but didn't think they were worthy. The H lost part of his leg fighting in the war and a doctor told him no women would ever want to be his wife.
Lovemaking, within marriage - heat level 2 out of 5 if that. I found their story romantic and their love for each other came through.
No cheating, HEA, small tad of spice and an epilogue 7 months in the future which was ideal. Not much of Christmas except bringing in the Yule Log and some Mistletoe.
3. A ROGUE'S CHRISTMAS KISS by Lana Williams - 5 STARS
Oh what a story our h has to tell. She loved a neighbor but knew he was destined for more than what their little town has to offer. She breaks it off with him. He of course, think she doesn't care for him and leaves. She leaves home to travel to London to be able to send money home to her family. Her good intentions come with a steep price.
The H becomes very successful and takes on some people being a solicitor. There paths cross and our h is fearful he will discover what tragedy happened to her.
This is a story of second chances. Her secret is exposed but the H realizes what happened to her wasn't her fault. Oh, I that warmed my heart that he was forgiving.
This has more on Christmas - where they both venture to their old home town and bring gifts for their families. The feeling of giving and the season is felt.
Lovemaking outside of marriage, heat level 3 out of 5. I felt a connection to them is it was filled with love. No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romantic and a small tad of spice.
4. TWAS THE ROGUE BEFORE CHRISTMAS by Collette Cameron - 4 STARS
Our couple are not together much but they somehow made a sweet couple. I had a hard time figuring out the family tree of the h. I had to reread passages several times.
A few kisses and one talk of pressing her against him, but that was it. No cheating, HEA, liked the epilogue 7 months in the future. Little on Christmas.
5. BOUND TO THE BELGIAN COUNT by Sasha Cottman - 5 STARS
Unique story which I found heartbreaking but full of potential for second chances. The story line didn't go where I thought it would. I figured out what happened to the H but I was so wrong!
This had some Christmas themes but mostly was the H/h trying to reconnect after tragedy separates them for 9 months.
No cheating, romantic, journey to their HEA and second chance was special and unique. A small tad of spice - heat level 3 out of 5 if that. Sweet epilogue 1 year in the future. One odd thing was the H referred to her father as Mister Saxby.
6. EMBRACING THE SCANDAL by Barbara Monajem - 3.5 STARS
The h started out being very naïve - aka - dumb. Hard to embrace someone you don't respect. She decides to pose nude - really in this time period she believed the artist was going to just keep it for himself?
The H has loved the h for a long time but is told she is dead. They run into each other and I didn't feel a connection to them. Ghosts plat a small part in this story. I wanted to be part of the last ghost part with a villain - but all off page.
This is a clean story - only a few innocent kisses. No cheating, HEA, little on romance because they fell in love years prior to the start of the story. Some Christmas talk to gifts and greenery.
7. A VISCOUNT FOR CHRISTMAS by Suzanna Medeiros - 5 STARS
I dislike discerptions in a story but it wasn't brought about by the H/h, The h's mother was the true villain with all her scheming. As the saying goes all's well that ends well.
The h had feelings for the H for awhile but thought she outgrew them. The H only saw the h as being too young when she would hang around his sister's. The honor the H had for everyone came through in spades. He finally noticed that the h wasn't a young girl anymore.
I enjoyed their honest dialogue and actions. Everyone who deserved to be put in their place were - yea!! Loved the journey to HEA. No cheating, romance and a tad of spice outside of marriage. Described only once and heat level 2.5 out of 5.
8. THE IMPETUOUS HEIRESS by Aline k. Fields - 3 STARS
Parts I enjoyed and parts not. It took me forever to feel a connection to this story because how it was written. The story starts out in Dec 1821. This couple meet in Sept 1821 and had sex. The story jumps back and forth from Dec 1821 then back to Sept 1821 and so on. The start of their romance wasn't explained til 1/2 way into the story. It was very hard to form a feeling for them when they were trying to avoid each other.
The H has avoided all his responsibilities. You are not aware why he is like this until well into the story. The h hasn't had an easy life either.
There is lovemaking outside of marriage - heat level 2 out of 5. Another story where Christmas is on the back burner. No cheating, HEA, little on romance and some steam. I did enjoy the epilogue 1 year in the future. The ending is what raised my rating.
9. A DUCHESS FOR CHRISTMAS by Alanna Lucas - 4.5 STARS
Such an enjoyable story. Oh how things can go wrong when people don’t communicate. This has two stories within and both satisfying. One is with the H’s young cousin and then other is with our H/h. Both have HEA both very bumpy roads to reach it.
Lovemaking described once and bedroom door almost completely shut. This was 5 stars except I became aggravated with the h because she didn’t tell the H her whole truth. Her reason was lame because he kept telling her he didn’t care what the Ton felt but she still held her secrets close.
What a horrible time to be a women in this time period. Your life wasn’t your own and friends/family were fleeting.
Great main and secondary character’s. No cheating, romantic, small tad of spice, nice epilogue 1 year in the future which tidy everything up in a beautiful Christmas bow. More on Christmas theme in this one.
10. LET IT SNOW by Heather Boyd -4.5 STARS
This had more feeling of Christmas and family.
Our H is a Scoundrel and the h wants noth8ng to do with him because of this. She is trying to remain a lady and change the perception that Society has of her family.
The h’s brother is her chaperone and is doing an awful job of it. When the h decides to leave this awful house party she leaves with her maid only. The brother hasn’t tried to protect her because he is off satisfying his own urges. This is where I had a problem with the story. When the brother finally tracks her down he finds out she is with his friend and his grandmother. The brother goes ballistic! Why? He hasn’t cared what happened to her all season. This didn’t ring true for me.
I loved the H’s grandmother -she added humor and spoke her mind.
Lovemaking outside of marriage -heat level 3 out of 5 and described once outside and once within very briefly.
No cheating, HEA, some romance and a tad of spice. Epilogue 2 weeks in the future. (ljb)
April 12, 2022
An overall nice collection of stories, though nothing overwhelming. I've read several works of all of these authors. Their contributions to this anthology reflect their individual writing styles I've read in the past, some back to their old, good strength. My rating (4* I really liked it) reflects only the first 6 listed here.
A Wallflower’s Christmas Wish by Cheryl Bolen
I liked that the hero quickly realizes Diana is in a Cinderella-like situation, and promptly outwits her stepmother.
A Kiss From A Captain by Samantha Grace
Rather typical with injured veteran, but a very nice story.
Embracing Scandal by Barbara Monajem
Very good, lighthearted with an entertaining family on the edges. A 2nd chance story of sorts, although Harriet never knew she had a first chance.
A Viscount For Christmas by Suzanna Medeiros
A compromising situation story which I enjoyed reading.
The Impetuous Heiress by Anna K. Field
Ms Field is back to her old strength. This is one of my favorites of this collection.
Let It Snow by Heather Boyd
A bit of a turn of the caught-in-a snowstorm line with an all-knowing grandmother as witness. Charming Miss Yvette it could be called.
Bound By The Belgian Count by Sasha Cottman
Her husband has been missing for months, arrives greatly changed and limping with a cane and she doesn't demand to be told his story right away?
A Duchess For Christmas by Alanna Lucas; 2 stars
I found Grace to be tedious, refusing to speak to Edward after exclaiming he knew nothing of what she suffered. Eye-roll. Skim.
I read an ARC provided via Booksprout; the thoughts expressed are my own.
A Wallflower’s Christmas Wish by Cheryl Bolen
I liked that the hero quickly realizes Diana is in a Cinderella-like situation, and promptly outwits her stepmother.
A Kiss From A Captain by Samantha Grace
Rather typical with injured veteran, but a very nice story.
Embracing Scandal by Barbara Monajem
Very good, lighthearted with an entertaining family on the edges. A 2nd chance story of sorts, although Harriet never knew she had a first chance.
A Viscount For Christmas by Suzanna Medeiros
A compromising situation story which I enjoyed reading.
The Impetuous Heiress by Anna K. Field
Ms Field is back to her old strength. This is one of my favorites of this collection.
Let It Snow by Heather Boyd
A bit of a turn of the caught-in-a snowstorm line with an all-knowing grandmother as witness. Charming Miss Yvette it could be called.
Bound By The Belgian Count by Sasha Cottman
Her husband has been missing for months, arrives greatly changed and limping with a cane and she doesn't demand to be told his story right away?
A Duchess For Christmas by Alanna Lucas; 2 stars
I found Grace to be tedious, refusing to speak to Edward after exclaiming he knew nothing of what she suffered. Eye-roll. Skim.
I read an ARC provided via Booksprout; the thoughts expressed are my own.
October 10, 2021
🎄 Christmas Kisses 🎄
A Regency Holiday Romance Anthology
Release Date 10/12/2021
Publisher Heather Boyd
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MTT1PG8/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
Heat up the holiday with ten dreamy regency rogues! Winter is a time of magic, promise, and unexpected romance. Anything could happen...and it all begins with Christmas Kisses.
𝘼𝙣𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙜𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖 𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙚 𝙜𝙞𝙛𝙩, 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚.
𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙛𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙡𝙤𝙖𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙩𝙨. 𝙄 𝙝𝙤𝙥𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙨 𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙖 𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙠𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙛𝙪𝙡𝙡 𝙤𝙛 𝙛𝙪𝙣.
4.5 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙨
𝘼 𝙆𝙞𝙨𝙨 𝙁𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙖 𝘾𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙣 (An Everly Manor Happily Ever After) by Samantha Grace: Captain Gabriel Brazier defied doctors’ predictions and learned to walk again after losing his leg in war. But the damning voice whispering no woman will find him desirable again is hard to ignore, especially when he arrives at Everly Manor to compete for the charming Lady Laurel’s heart.
𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬
Will he be able to let his fears and doubts rest…
What a lovely read this novella is, Gabriel is torn between his wants, winning Laurel’s heart and the fear that pledge his thoughts. The scars he bears run deeper than the physical, he might have found a new purpose in life than soldiering but he does not feel whole so worthy of a woman’s love.
Laurel has admired Gabriel for some times, and she is aware of his wounds, but she does not know how to move forward as he keeps her at bay. How to seduce a man who seems to not be willing.
The riddles and anonymous letters mystery were fun, and the perfect excuse to bring them closer.
A sweet and cheerful read.
𝑆𝑡𝑒𝑎𝑚 onscreen lovemaking scenes
5 stars
’𝙏𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙍𝙤𝙜𝙪𝙚 𝘽𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝘾𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙢𝙖𝙨 (The Honorable Rogues®) by Collette Cameron: Eager to leave England, American, Jason Steele can’t forget the beautiful noblewoman he saved from a foiled robbery. Determined to behave properly, Lenora Audsley can’t stop thinking about the rogue who rescued her. Can the magic of the holiday season unite these lovers who are forbidden to see each other?
𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬
Will love alters the course of their life …
Lenora was introduced in her brother’s romance, the illegitimate fruit of their mother’s affair. so only after two years being reunited with the only family she has, she is not ready to leave him.
Jason has the sea in his blood and he envisages it as his destiny, believing to be married to the oceans of the earth.
But a chance encounter with a feisty Miss shaken his certainties. Worse, as they are from two different continents, how can they make things work between their birth places and a satisfying live hood. A conundrum which might tear them apart.
A sweet romance impeded by the love for their kin.
𝑆𝑡𝑒𝑎𝑚 : sweet lovemaking scene.
4.5 stars
𝘽𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘽𝙚𝙡𝙜𝙞𝙖𝙣 𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩 (London Lords) by Sasha Cottman: Abandoned bride, Lily is determined to seek an annulment. But when her absent husband Count Maximilian de Viron suddenly appears in court, the judge decides on a unique compromise. Between now and Christmas Eve, the couple must live together, share meals, and talk.
𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬
Is the love still there …
What a lovely second chance the author offers us here. While when so well and fast during their swirling romance, nothing prepared them for the aftermath of the wedding reality when people come between them.
So here they are two persons who fell in love in a matter of days to have to piece together the part of their broken marriage. A kind of wooing after the ceremony.
Lily has been left alone and shamed for giving her heart to fast while Max returns a changed man, he is no more the easy going charming young man, in his place stands a damaged one who wants a second chance with his wife.
While it could have been an angst filled tale, it is more a story of understanding, acceptance and love worth the pain. Those two are sweet together, and perfect one another.
𝑆𝑡𝑒𝑎𝑚 : onscreen lovemaking scenes
5 stars
𝙇𝙚𝙩 𝙞𝙩 𝙎𝙣𝙤𝙬 by Heather Boyd: When the worst scoundrel in her acquaintance rescues Yvette from a winter storm, she fears a holiday spent dodging his attempts at seduction. But more than one yuletide surprise awaits as she discovers Luc is a man of surprising patience, and passion for just one woman…Yvette herself.
𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬
Will she let her prejudices deprive her of true love …
Yvette thanks to her family’s knack for wrecking scandal, has to learn to defend herself and her virtue when her chaperone of a brother is just an incompetent one doubled with a rake. So fled she does when she has enough of fending every profligate’s attempt of ruining her.
So when the scoundrel who rescued her proves to not be so much the rogue she believed him to be. She is in to seduce said rake, as he seems to have don his gentleman suit. She thought Luc like the other men, but he reached her heart by turning out to be so caring and considerate.
In fact, he appears to be the perfect personification of reformed rakes make the best husbands.
𝑆𝑡𝑒𝑎𝑚 : onscreen lovemaking scene
4.5 stars
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A Regency Holiday Romance Anthology
Release Date 10/12/2021
Publisher Heather Boyd
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MTT1PG8/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
Heat up the holiday with ten dreamy regency rogues! Winter is a time of magic, promise, and unexpected romance. Anything could happen...and it all begins with Christmas Kisses.
𝘼𝙣𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙜𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖 𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙚 𝙜𝙞𝙛𝙩, 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚.
𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙛𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙡𝙤𝙖𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙩𝙨. 𝙄 𝙝𝙤𝙥𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙨 𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙖 𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙠𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙛𝙪𝙡𝙡 𝙤𝙛 𝙛𝙪𝙣.
4.5 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙨
𝘼 𝙆𝙞𝙨𝙨 𝙁𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙖 𝘾𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙣 (An Everly Manor Happily Ever After) by Samantha Grace: Captain Gabriel Brazier defied doctors’ predictions and learned to walk again after losing his leg in war. But the damning voice whispering no woman will find him desirable again is hard to ignore, especially when he arrives at Everly Manor to compete for the charming Lady Laurel’s heart.
𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬
Will he be able to let his fears and doubts rest…
What a lovely read this novella is, Gabriel is torn between his wants, winning Laurel’s heart and the fear that pledge his thoughts. The scars he bears run deeper than the physical, he might have found a new purpose in life than soldiering but he does not feel whole so worthy of a woman’s love.
Laurel has admired Gabriel for some times, and she is aware of his wounds, but she does not know how to move forward as he keeps her at bay. How to seduce a man who seems to not be willing.
The riddles and anonymous letters mystery were fun, and the perfect excuse to bring them closer.
A sweet and cheerful read.
𝑆𝑡𝑒𝑎𝑚 onscreen lovemaking scenes
5 stars
’𝙏𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙍𝙤𝙜𝙪𝙚 𝘽𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝘾𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙢𝙖𝙨 (The Honorable Rogues®) by Collette Cameron: Eager to leave England, American, Jason Steele can’t forget the beautiful noblewoman he saved from a foiled robbery. Determined to behave properly, Lenora Audsley can’t stop thinking about the rogue who rescued her. Can the magic of the holiday season unite these lovers who are forbidden to see each other?
𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬
Will love alters the course of their life …
Lenora was introduced in her brother’s romance, the illegitimate fruit of their mother’s affair. so only after two years being reunited with the only family she has, she is not ready to leave him.
Jason has the sea in his blood and he envisages it as his destiny, believing to be married to the oceans of the earth.
But a chance encounter with a feisty Miss shaken his certainties. Worse, as they are from two different continents, how can they make things work between their birth places and a satisfying live hood. A conundrum which might tear them apart.
A sweet romance impeded by the love for their kin.
𝑆𝑡𝑒𝑎𝑚 : sweet lovemaking scene.
4.5 stars
𝘽𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘽𝙚𝙡𝙜𝙞𝙖𝙣 𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩 (London Lords) by Sasha Cottman: Abandoned bride, Lily is determined to seek an annulment. But when her absent husband Count Maximilian de Viron suddenly appears in court, the judge decides on a unique compromise. Between now and Christmas Eve, the couple must live together, share meals, and talk.
𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬
Is the love still there …
What a lovely second chance the author offers us here. While when so well and fast during their swirling romance, nothing prepared them for the aftermath of the wedding reality when people come between them.
So here they are two persons who fell in love in a matter of days to have to piece together the part of their broken marriage. A kind of wooing after the ceremony.
Lily has been left alone and shamed for giving her heart to fast while Max returns a changed man, he is no more the easy going charming young man, in his place stands a damaged one who wants a second chance with his wife.
While it could have been an angst filled tale, it is more a story of understanding, acceptance and love worth the pain. Those two are sweet together, and perfect one another.
𝑆𝑡𝑒𝑎𝑚 : onscreen lovemaking scenes
5 stars
𝙇𝙚𝙩 𝙞𝙩 𝙎𝙣𝙤𝙬 by Heather Boyd: When the worst scoundrel in her acquaintance rescues Yvette from a winter storm, she fears a holiday spent dodging his attempts at seduction. But more than one yuletide surprise awaits as she discovers Luc is a man of surprising patience, and passion for just one woman…Yvette herself.
𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬
Will she let her prejudices deprive her of true love …
Yvette thanks to her family’s knack for wrecking scandal, has to learn to defend herself and her virtue when her chaperone of a brother is just an incompetent one doubled with a rake. So fled she does when she has enough of fending every profligate’s attempt of ruining her.
So when the scoundrel who rescued her proves to not be so much the rogue she believed him to be. She is in to seduce said rake, as he seems to have don his gentleman suit. She thought Luc like the other men, but he reached her heart by turning out to be so caring and considerate.
In fact, he appears to be the perfect personification of reformed rakes make the best husbands.
𝑆𝑡𝑒𝑎𝑚 : onscreen lovemaking scene
4.5 stars
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October 28, 2021
An enjoyable regency holiday romance anthology with ten entertaining stories by ten truly awesome authors.
The Wallflower’s Christmas Wish by Cheryl Bolen
Diana is treated like a servant by her stepmother and stepsisters since her father died. The one joy in her life is painting, and she is quite good. When Elvin’s sister asks for a portrait of him for Christmas, he remembers a young woman he met while she was painting in the park. While Diana paints the portrait, her stepmother constantly attempts to turn Elvin’s attention to her daughters. It doesn’t work. He only has eyes for Diana. This is a lovely Cinderella story with a fantastic surprise at the end.
A Kiss From a Captain by Samantha Grace
Captain Gabriel Brazier lost part of his leg in the war, but has fought back and learn to walk again (even ride a horse again). He and Laurel are attracted to each other, but he doesn’t think he is worthy of her love because of his injury and scars. Laurel doesn’t let his scars affect the way she feels for him, but doesn’t know how to break through his defenses. It seems they are at an impasse. Riddles and working together to solve a mystery of anonymous letters from an admirer found in her bedchamber begin to break down the barrier between them. There is a little twist concerning the letters that might lead to more than one HEA.
A Rogue’s Christmas Wish by Lana Williams
Believing he could succeed better without her, Mary sent Arthur off to London without her. She later came to London for employment to help her family. Her life in London was filled with abuse, fear, and shame. Requests from their families to come for Christmastide results in a shared ride to their hometown. This time together gives them the opportunity they need to talk, put the past behind them, forgive each other and themselves, and plan for the future. This is a very emotional story with a well-deserved happy ending.
‘Twas the Rogue Before Christmas by Collette Cameron
Lenora Audsley is usually content not to be the center of attention, but when she sees two thugs attacking two elderly women, she rushes in to help them. Jason Steele is an American Sea Captain, torn between his return to the sea and his visit with his maternal grandmother. As soon as he sees his grandmother and her maid being attacked, he runs to their rescue. He is taken by surprise to find his grandmother and a young woman attacking the attackers. Well, it is love at first sight for the Jason and Lenora. There are some problems, however. Her brother is determined they will not see each other. His love of the sea and America (his home) and her desire to live in London is another issue. Compromise is a wonderful idea. Will they be able to find an agreeable one? It is Christmastide, and wishes have been known to come true. A delightful story with great characters.
Bound to the Belgian Count by Sasha Cottman
After a brief courtship, Max and Lily married and were quite happy until his uncle arrived. He adamantly opposed their marriage. The night he arrived, Max disappeared, for nine months. Lily is shocked when a badly injured Max appears just in time to contest her request for an annulment. The judge decides to delay his decision to give them a chance to perhaps work things out. Will they be able to sort out all that happened and start again? This one is quite emotional. I love Max and Lily. They are loving, kind, and caring. They truly deserve a Christmas miracle.
Embracing Scandal by Barbara Monajem
Harriet’s viciously stern stepfather banishes her from her home for something he deems immoral. When Jonathan comes to ask for her hand in marriage, the vicious vicar tells him she is dead. Two years fate brings them back together. This is a lovely second chance story. There is a wonderful HEA, and a fitting comeuppance for the villains.
A Viscount for Christmas by Suzanna Medeiros
Celia has known and loved Isaac from afar for years. He is friends with his younger sisters.
While attending a house party, they are discovered in a compromising position and, of course, betrothed. Celia has no desire to trap Isaac into marriage, so they need a plan. However, as they spend time together, they find that they might not want a way out. This is a delightful holiday story with a sweet happy ending.
The Impetuous Heiress by Alina K Field
Fitz and Mel met at a fall house party. They fell in love and became engaged. Fitz was called home because his father was very ill. After a while, Mel decided he might be jilting her, and for several very good reasons, she traveled to his home, intending to break their engagement. Fitz had been neglectful of her, but he had a lot on his mind which he had not explained to Mel. He doesn’t want to break the engagement, but it might not be easy to convince Mel. An emotional story with interesting characters and a holiday happy ending.
A Duchess for Christmas by Alanna Lucas
This one touches and warms your heart. Deeply in love, but separated by his duties when Edward unexpectedly becomes a duke. Due to her circumstances and a misunderstanding, Grace marries someone else. Three years later Edward, looking for his runaway cousin, finds her managing the Home for Desolate Ladies. They find they still have strong feelings for each other, but Grace has secrets that may very well keep them apart. Edward isn’t giving up easy. This is a wonderful and emotional second chance story. The characters are complex and interesting. Christmas is the best time of the year for miracles, and this one will result in more than one happy ending.
Let It Snow by Heather Boyd
He is her brother’s best friend and a consummate rake. Luc ha actually changed his ways, but she doesn’t know it. At a rather unsavory house party he is keeping an eye on Yvette because her brother is not a very good chaperone. She decides she has had enough of scoundrels and decides to leave. Fortunately, Luc follows her. When her carriage breaks down, he takes her to his grandmother’s house. Maybe he will have an opportunity to prove himself and woo her while they are stranded by the snowstorm. I like this story. It is fun and the characters are likeable.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
The Wallflower’s Christmas Wish by Cheryl Bolen
Diana is treated like a servant by her stepmother and stepsisters since her father died. The one joy in her life is painting, and she is quite good. When Elvin’s sister asks for a portrait of him for Christmas, he remembers a young woman he met while she was painting in the park. While Diana paints the portrait, her stepmother constantly attempts to turn Elvin’s attention to her daughters. It doesn’t work. He only has eyes for Diana. This is a lovely Cinderella story with a fantastic surprise at the end.
A Kiss From a Captain by Samantha Grace
Captain Gabriel Brazier lost part of his leg in the war, but has fought back and learn to walk again (even ride a horse again). He and Laurel are attracted to each other, but he doesn’t think he is worthy of her love because of his injury and scars. Laurel doesn’t let his scars affect the way she feels for him, but doesn’t know how to break through his defenses. It seems they are at an impasse. Riddles and working together to solve a mystery of anonymous letters from an admirer found in her bedchamber begin to break down the barrier between them. There is a little twist concerning the letters that might lead to more than one HEA.
A Rogue’s Christmas Wish by Lana Williams
Believing he could succeed better without her, Mary sent Arthur off to London without her. She later came to London for employment to help her family. Her life in London was filled with abuse, fear, and shame. Requests from their families to come for Christmastide results in a shared ride to their hometown. This time together gives them the opportunity they need to talk, put the past behind them, forgive each other and themselves, and plan for the future. This is a very emotional story with a well-deserved happy ending.
‘Twas the Rogue Before Christmas by Collette Cameron
Lenora Audsley is usually content not to be the center of attention, but when she sees two thugs attacking two elderly women, she rushes in to help them. Jason Steele is an American Sea Captain, torn between his return to the sea and his visit with his maternal grandmother. As soon as he sees his grandmother and her maid being attacked, he runs to their rescue. He is taken by surprise to find his grandmother and a young woman attacking the attackers. Well, it is love at first sight for the Jason and Lenora. There are some problems, however. Her brother is determined they will not see each other. His love of the sea and America (his home) and her desire to live in London is another issue. Compromise is a wonderful idea. Will they be able to find an agreeable one? It is Christmastide, and wishes have been known to come true. A delightful story with great characters.
Bound to the Belgian Count by Sasha Cottman
After a brief courtship, Max and Lily married and were quite happy until his uncle arrived. He adamantly opposed their marriage. The night he arrived, Max disappeared, for nine months. Lily is shocked when a badly injured Max appears just in time to contest her request for an annulment. The judge decides to delay his decision to give them a chance to perhaps work things out. Will they be able to sort out all that happened and start again? This one is quite emotional. I love Max and Lily. They are loving, kind, and caring. They truly deserve a Christmas miracle.
Embracing Scandal by Barbara Monajem
Harriet’s viciously stern stepfather banishes her from her home for something he deems immoral. When Jonathan comes to ask for her hand in marriage, the vicious vicar tells him she is dead. Two years fate brings them back together. This is a lovely second chance story. There is a wonderful HEA, and a fitting comeuppance for the villains.
A Viscount for Christmas by Suzanna Medeiros
Celia has known and loved Isaac from afar for years. He is friends with his younger sisters.
While attending a house party, they are discovered in a compromising position and, of course, betrothed. Celia has no desire to trap Isaac into marriage, so they need a plan. However, as they spend time together, they find that they might not want a way out. This is a delightful holiday story with a sweet happy ending.
The Impetuous Heiress by Alina K Field
Fitz and Mel met at a fall house party. They fell in love and became engaged. Fitz was called home because his father was very ill. After a while, Mel decided he might be jilting her, and for several very good reasons, she traveled to his home, intending to break their engagement. Fitz had been neglectful of her, but he had a lot on his mind which he had not explained to Mel. He doesn’t want to break the engagement, but it might not be easy to convince Mel. An emotional story with interesting characters and a holiday happy ending.
A Duchess for Christmas by Alanna Lucas
This one touches and warms your heart. Deeply in love, but separated by his duties when Edward unexpectedly becomes a duke. Due to her circumstances and a misunderstanding, Grace marries someone else. Three years later Edward, looking for his runaway cousin, finds her managing the Home for Desolate Ladies. They find they still have strong feelings for each other, but Grace has secrets that may very well keep them apart. Edward isn’t giving up easy. This is a wonderful and emotional second chance story. The characters are complex and interesting. Christmas is the best time of the year for miracles, and this one will result in more than one happy ending.
Let It Snow by Heather Boyd
He is her brother’s best friend and a consummate rake. Luc ha actually changed his ways, but she doesn’t know it. At a rather unsavory house party he is keeping an eye on Yvette because her brother is not a very good chaperone. She decides she has had enough of scoundrels and decides to leave. Fortunately, Luc follows her. When her carriage breaks down, he takes her to his grandmother’s house. Maybe he will have an opportunity to prove himself and woo her while they are stranded by the snowstorm. I like this story. It is fun and the characters are likeable.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
October 11, 2021
Like little gifts to be unwrapped
This anthology combines novellas from 10 different authors into one appealing and heartwarming package. Some of them are part of ongoing series with characters from previous stories making an appearance, others are completely stand-alone. Each is just short - or long - enough for a quick read between shopping or getting things ready for Christmas - or anytime of the year really! The novellas are each unique and reflect the different writing styles, so even though the theme of Christmas is the same, it doesn't get boring or repetitive. I will just review 3 of the stories to give you an idea and leave the rest for you to unwrap!
The Wallflower’s Christmas Wish (Brides Of Bath) by Cheryl Bolen
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What I liked about this story is that neither the hero nor the heroine are perfect. He has problems reading and doubts his intelligence, she is not a breathtaking beauty but a kind and generous person. Add in the wicked stepmother and you have a heartwarming story with hints of cinderella.
A Viscount For Christmas by Suzanna Medeiros
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A rather unique story in that Celia is set up to be compromised by her own mother which Thornton's mother tries to prevent. But her plans go awry and lead to a forced engagement between Thornton and Celia. Over the course of the house party however, they figure out their feelings for each other and end up with a well-deserved HEA.
Let It Snow by Heather Boyd
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Because of family history, Yvette hates scoundrels and is out of patience with her own brother and his rakish ways. When she decides to leave a house party by herself, she jumps straight from the frying pan into the fire. Fortunately, she is saved by none other than Luc, the charming scoundrel who has pursued her for the past year. Only, he turns out the be a thoroughly good and nice person - and completely unwilling to compromise her in any way. It is a very nice turn-about when Yvette realises that she misses the scoundrel in him - as long he is just her scoundrel, of course! This novella has a bit more steam than the first two I've reviewed here which has earned it the extra star. Let It Snow was a perfect way to end a delightful Christmas collection!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This anthology combines novellas from 10 different authors into one appealing and heartwarming package. Some of them are part of ongoing series with characters from previous stories making an appearance, others are completely stand-alone. Each is just short - or long - enough for a quick read between shopping or getting things ready for Christmas - or anytime of the year really! The novellas are each unique and reflect the different writing styles, so even though the theme of Christmas is the same, it doesn't get boring or repetitive. I will just review 3 of the stories to give you an idea and leave the rest for you to unwrap!
The Wallflower’s Christmas Wish (Brides Of Bath) by Cheryl Bolen
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What I liked about this story is that neither the hero nor the heroine are perfect. He has problems reading and doubts his intelligence, she is not a breathtaking beauty but a kind and generous person. Add in the wicked stepmother and you have a heartwarming story with hints of cinderella.
A Viscount For Christmas by Suzanna Medeiros
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A rather unique story in that Celia is set up to be compromised by her own mother which Thornton's mother tries to prevent. But her plans go awry and lead to a forced engagement between Thornton and Celia. Over the course of the house party however, they figure out their feelings for each other and end up with a well-deserved HEA.
Let It Snow by Heather Boyd
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Because of family history, Yvette hates scoundrels and is out of patience with her own brother and his rakish ways. When she decides to leave a house party by herself, she jumps straight from the frying pan into the fire. Fortunately, she is saved by none other than Luc, the charming scoundrel who has pursued her for the past year. Only, he turns out the be a thoroughly good and nice person - and completely unwilling to compromise her in any way. It is a very nice turn-about when Yvette realises that she misses the scoundrel in him - as long he is just her scoundrel, of course! This novella has a bit more steam than the first two I've reviewed here which has earned it the extra star. Let It Snow was a perfect way to end a delightful Christmas collection!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 14, 2021
Scoundrels 🐺🍆⛲In Love 💘
ADULT and CLEAN Historical Recency Christmas Romances 💕and Adventure ANTHOLOGY📚. Short stories and Novellas by various Historical Romance Authors!
***************
"Let It Snow ❄" by Heather Boyd📚
Prim and Proper Yvette💃💋 finds herself at a winter house party with her older brother Rhys🐺🍆⛲, and his best friend Luc Ayles.🐺🍆⛲ Both men are scoundrels!
Luc 🐺🍆⛲is a confirmed rake but he's ready to give it up for Yvette since she came out . Tall, handsome and blonde, Luc 🐺🍆⛲has had his share of lovely ladies, but he wants to settle down with Yvette💃💋. She only sees his reputation as a rake, though. Luc🐺🍆⛲ knows he has a lot of work to do in order to win her heart!💘
*******************
"The Wallflower's Christmas Wish" by Cheryl Bolen
Diana Furness💃💋 is becoming a spinster, but not by choice. Her step mother only promotes her own two daughters, leaving Diana💃💋 to wear handmedowns or stay at home. She is no raving beauty but not plain like her step sisters. Her favorite thing is to sketch, and she is an amazing art talent,🎨 as yet undiscovered.
Sir Elvin Steffington🐺🍆⛲, is a rakish rogue and the last of his friends to be married. He is the most eligible bachelor in Bath. He is also an identical twin.
His sister wants his portrait for a Christmas gift 🎁, but he cannot find an available artist so late in the season. When he meets Diana 💃💋at the park, sketching him on his horse 🐎, he persuades her to paint him, even though she has never used oil paints before.
Spending time with Diana while he sits for his portrait gives Elvin🐺🍆⛲ an excuse to get to know her much better. Despite her step mother's interference, and continual attempts to promote her own daughters, Elvin🐺🍆⛲ sees only Diana💃💋. Oh, true Love 💘 wins!
ARC Provided by Booksprout 🌱
I also got this ebook from Amazon 📚 for 99¢.
These are just two examples of the TEN wonderful historical romances by Eleven different authors, set at Christmas🎄🎁 time in this short story anthology. Here are Hours and hours of reading and dreaming pleasure!
These are not full length novels, so don't expect in Depth character development!
ADULT and CLEAN Historical Recency Christmas Romances 💕and Adventure ANTHOLOGY📚. Short stories and Novellas by various Historical Romance Authors!
***************
"Let It Snow ❄" by Heather Boyd📚
Prim and Proper Yvette💃💋 finds herself at a winter house party with her older brother Rhys🐺🍆⛲, and his best friend Luc Ayles.🐺🍆⛲ Both men are scoundrels!
Luc 🐺🍆⛲is a confirmed rake but he's ready to give it up for Yvette since she came out . Tall, handsome and blonde, Luc 🐺🍆⛲has had his share of lovely ladies, but he wants to settle down with Yvette💃💋. She only sees his reputation as a rake, though. Luc🐺🍆⛲ knows he has a lot of work to do in order to win her heart!💘
*******************
"The Wallflower's Christmas Wish" by Cheryl Bolen
Diana Furness💃💋 is becoming a spinster, but not by choice. Her step mother only promotes her own two daughters, leaving Diana💃💋 to wear handmedowns or stay at home. She is no raving beauty but not plain like her step sisters. Her favorite thing is to sketch, and she is an amazing art talent,🎨 as yet undiscovered.
Sir Elvin Steffington🐺🍆⛲, is a rakish rogue and the last of his friends to be married. He is the most eligible bachelor in Bath. He is also an identical twin.
His sister wants his portrait for a Christmas gift 🎁, but he cannot find an available artist so late in the season. When he meets Diana 💃💋at the park, sketching him on his horse 🐎, he persuades her to paint him, even though she has never used oil paints before.
Spending time with Diana while he sits for his portrait gives Elvin🐺🍆⛲ an excuse to get to know her much better. Despite her step mother's interference, and continual attempts to promote her own daughters, Elvin🐺🍆⛲ sees only Diana💃💋. Oh, true Love 💘 wins!
ARC Provided by Booksprout 🌱
I also got this ebook from Amazon 📚 for 99¢.
These are just two examples of the TEN wonderful historical romances by Eleven different authors, set at Christmas🎄🎁 time in this short story anthology. Here are Hours and hours of reading and dreaming pleasure!
These are not full length novels, so don't expect in Depth character development!
July 18, 2023
This Anthology was Absolutely Wonderful.
THE WALLFLOWER’S CHRISTMAS WISH
By Cheryl Bole
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Wonderful, Delightful, & Clean & Romantic Book.
Elaine & Diana were wonderful characters.
Elaine made up his mind & decided he wanted a wife after seeing all his friends & family members all had married & happy.
Diana felt all she needed was sketching & painting. With a horrible Step mother & 2 horrid step sisters. She felt no better than a servant in their home.
I really enjoy reading Cheryl Bolen's books & look forward to reading the next book in this series.
A Kiss From A Captain
By Samantha Grace
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Wonderful, Delightful & Romantic Story.
Gabriel & Laurel were wonderful characters as was the Story.
A Rogue's Christmas Kiss by Lana William
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author & Mary Alice's Characters were absolutely Wonderful as well as the Story.
Twas The Rogue Before Christmas by Collette Cameron
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wonderful, Delightful & Romantic Clean Story
I really enjoyed this Book.
Collette Cameron has a way to entice & make you fall in love with the characters of her books.
I am looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this Series.
Bound To The Belgian Count
By Sasha Cottman
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
An Absolutely Wonderful, Delightful & Romantic Novella.
Embracing Scandal by
Barbara Monajem
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Wonderful, Entertaining & Romantic Novella.
A Viscount for Christmas
By Suzanna Medeiros
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Delightful & Romantic Novella.
Isaac & Celia were wonderful & Delightful characters.
The Impetuous Heiress
By Alina K Field
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Wonderful & Delightful Novella
Fitzhenry & Mary Elizabeth (Mel) were wonderful characters.
A Duchess for Christmas
By Alanna Lucas
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Wonderful, Delightful & Romantic Novella.
Edward & Grace were adorable characters.
The Story was just Delightful.
Let it Snow
By Heather Boyd
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Wonderful, Delightful, Entertaining & Romantic Novella.
I enjoyed reading this Novella.
Luc & Yvette were wonderful characters.
THE WALLFLOWER’S CHRISTMAS WISH
By Cheryl Bole
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Wonderful, Delightful, & Clean & Romantic Book.
Elaine & Diana were wonderful characters.
Elaine made up his mind & decided he wanted a wife after seeing all his friends & family members all had married & happy.
Diana felt all she needed was sketching & painting. With a horrible Step mother & 2 horrid step sisters. She felt no better than a servant in their home.
I really enjoy reading Cheryl Bolen's books & look forward to reading the next book in this series.
A Kiss From A Captain
By Samantha Grace
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Wonderful, Delightful & Romantic Story.
Gabriel & Laurel were wonderful characters as was the Story.
A Rogue's Christmas Kiss by Lana William
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author & Mary Alice's Characters were absolutely Wonderful as well as the Story.
Twas The Rogue Before Christmas by Collette Cameron
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wonderful, Delightful & Romantic Clean Story
I really enjoyed this Book.
Collette Cameron has a way to entice & make you fall in love with the characters of her books.
I am looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this Series.
Bound To The Belgian Count
By Sasha Cottman
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
An Absolutely Wonderful, Delightful & Romantic Novella.
Embracing Scandal by
Barbara Monajem
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Wonderful, Entertaining & Romantic Novella.
A Viscount for Christmas
By Suzanna Medeiros
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Delightful & Romantic Novella.
Isaac & Celia were wonderful & Delightful characters.
The Impetuous Heiress
By Alina K Field
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Wonderful & Delightful Novella
Fitzhenry & Mary Elizabeth (Mel) were wonderful characters.
A Duchess for Christmas
By Alanna Lucas
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Wonderful, Delightful & Romantic Novella.
Edward & Grace were adorable characters.
The Story was just Delightful.
Let it Snow
By Heather Boyd
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Wonderful, Delightful, Entertaining & Romantic Novella.
I enjoyed reading this Novella.
Luc & Yvette were wonderful characters.
November 28, 2021
Christmas Kisses: A Regency Holiday Romance Anthology It’s such a wonderful collection of stories by excellent historical romance authors.
’Twas the Rogue Before Christmas (The Honorable Rogues®) by Collette Cameron: Jason Steele, an American sea captain longing for the sea is in London to visit his grandmother. He just can’t forget the beautiful noblewoman he saved from a foiled robbery. When Lenora Audsley saw thieves attacking two elderly women, One who just happen to be Jason’s grandmother, she jumped in to help only to be saved by the handsome sea captain. It was love at first sight for Jason in Lenora And anyone who has read Collette Cameron knows you’re in for a magical read. She has such a delightful way with words which brings sighs of the delight and often giggles too. This is such a beautiful romance and the author’s prose is whimsical and exquisite as always.
The Wallflower’s Christmas Wish (Brides of Bath) by Cheryl Bolen:
This is a sweet Cinderella story. Diana a wallflower and considered on the shelf has a love for painting. Sir Elvin Steffington’s sister wants a portrait of him for Christmas and remembering the young woman he saw painting in the park he commissioned Diana to paint his portrait. While doing so these to get to know one another and their friendship blossoms. Sir Elvin wants a wife and family. Theses two are perfect for one another and it’s such a sweet and delightful story.
A Kiss From a Captain (An Everly Manor Happily Ever After) by Samantha Grace:
Captain Gabriel Brazier after losing a leg to the war, learned to walk again despite doctors predictions but he thinks no woman would ever desire him. Arriving at Everly Manor to compete for the charming Lady Laurel’s heart the two get to know one another. Laurel fell for him a long time ago but must break through his defenses. This is such a heartwarming, sweet love story. It’s my first Samantha Grace story and I will definitely be reading more for work.
’Twas the Rogue Before Christmas (The Honorable Rogues®) by Collette Cameron: Jason Steele, an American sea captain longing for the sea is in London to visit his grandmother. He just can’t forget the beautiful noblewoman he saved from a foiled robbery. When Lenora Audsley saw thieves attacking two elderly women, One who just happen to be Jason’s grandmother, she jumped in to help only to be saved by the handsome sea captain. It was love at first sight for Jason in Lenora And anyone who has read Collette Cameron knows you’re in for a magical read. She has such a delightful way with words which brings sighs of the delight and often giggles too. This is such a beautiful romance and the author’s prose is whimsical and exquisite as always.
The Wallflower’s Christmas Wish (Brides of Bath) by Cheryl Bolen:
This is a sweet Cinderella story. Diana a wallflower and considered on the shelf has a love for painting. Sir Elvin Steffington’s sister wants a portrait of him for Christmas and remembering the young woman he saw painting in the park he commissioned Diana to paint his portrait. While doing so these to get to know one another and their friendship blossoms. Sir Elvin wants a wife and family. Theses two are perfect for one another and it’s such a sweet and delightful story.
A Kiss From a Captain (An Everly Manor Happily Ever After) by Samantha Grace:
Captain Gabriel Brazier after losing a leg to the war, learned to walk again despite doctors predictions but he thinks no woman would ever desire him. Arriving at Everly Manor to compete for the charming Lady Laurel’s heart the two get to know one another. Laurel fell for him a long time ago but must break through his defenses. This is such a heartwarming, sweet love story. It’s my first Samantha Grace story and I will definitely be reading more for work.
October 11, 2021
The Wallflower’s Christmas Wish (Brides of Bath) by Cheryl Bolen
A Kiss From a Captain (An Everly Manor Happily Ever After) by Samantha Grace
A Rogue’s Christmas Kiss (The Rogue Chronicles) by Lana Williams
’Twas the Rogue Before Christmas (The Honorable Rogues) by Collette Cameron 5 Stars
Lenora Audsley is content to stay in the background until she sees two elderly women being attacked & robbed in a London street, she doesn’t think but acts & throws herself into the fray to help. Captain Jason Steele longs to be back at sea but he’s also loving getting to know his maternal grandmother. When two robbers attempt to steal her reticule he rushes to help but is amazed to see a young lady aiding the two older ladies. There’s an immediate connection between Jason & Lenora but a stern half brother & the call of the sea may separate them. A wonderful short story with brilliant characters & a delightful love at first sight romance. An added bonus is that we catch up with characters from earlier books
Bound to the Belgian Count (London Lords) by Sasha Cottman
Embracing the Scandal by Barbara Monajem
A Viscount for Christmas by Suzanna Medeiros
The Impetuous Heiress (The Upstart Christmas Brides) by Alina K. Field
A Duchess for Christmas (Forgotten Heiress) by Alanna Lucas
Let it Snow by Heather Boyd 5 Stars
When the worst scoundrel in her acquaintance rescues Yvette from a winter storm, she fears a holiday spent dodging his attempts at seduction. But more than one yuletide surprise awaits as she discovers Luc is a man of surprising patience, and passion for just one woman…Yvette herself. I loved the chemistry between Luc & Yvette & how he had to work to woo her
Ten short stories some of them linked to series but all of them easily read on their own. These are ideal for curling up when there’s a couple of hours to spare
A Kiss From a Captain (An Everly Manor Happily Ever After) by Samantha Grace
A Rogue’s Christmas Kiss (The Rogue Chronicles) by Lana Williams
’Twas the Rogue Before Christmas (The Honorable Rogues) by Collette Cameron 5 Stars
Lenora Audsley is content to stay in the background until she sees two elderly women being attacked & robbed in a London street, she doesn’t think but acts & throws herself into the fray to help. Captain Jason Steele longs to be back at sea but he’s also loving getting to know his maternal grandmother. When two robbers attempt to steal her reticule he rushes to help but is amazed to see a young lady aiding the two older ladies. There’s an immediate connection between Jason & Lenora but a stern half brother & the call of the sea may separate them. A wonderful short story with brilliant characters & a delightful love at first sight romance. An added bonus is that we catch up with characters from earlier books
Bound to the Belgian Count (London Lords) by Sasha Cottman
Embracing the Scandal by Barbara Monajem
A Viscount for Christmas by Suzanna Medeiros
The Impetuous Heiress (The Upstart Christmas Brides) by Alina K. Field
A Duchess for Christmas (Forgotten Heiress) by Alanna Lucas
Let it Snow by Heather Boyd 5 Stars
When the worst scoundrel in her acquaintance rescues Yvette from a winter storm, she fears a holiday spent dodging his attempts at seduction. But more than one yuletide surprise awaits as she discovers Luc is a man of surprising patience, and passion for just one woman…Yvette herself. I loved the chemistry between Luc & Yvette & how he had to work to woo her
Ten short stories some of them linked to series but all of them easily read on their own. These are ideal for curling up when there’s a couple of hours to spare
October 12, 2021
A beautiful group of Christmas romances.
You will really get your money worth in this awesome collection. It is a bit early for me to start reading Christmas stories but when I saw this one I could not pass up the arc it has some of my favorite authors and even a few I have not read. This book was super fun to spend time with. I really did not have a favorite I loved all the stories but the book was offered by Heather Boyd so that is the one I will center on.
A reformed scoundrel is the best!
Yvette and the scoundrel Luc Ayles find themselves unexpectedly together. On a snow night, a messed up coach, and her brother's friend coming to her rescue what a setup for our tale. This sweet tale has them finding just the most perfect Christmas present every. I liked the characters Yvette does not realize yet what a gem Luc is but you find that out in the first chapter when her is taking care of his cousin. It was a quick read that will put a smile on your face in fact all the pieces in this collection will delight you. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
You will really get your money worth in this awesome collection. It is a bit early for me to start reading Christmas stories but when I saw this one I could not pass up the arc it has some of my favorite authors and even a few I have not read. This book was super fun to spend time with. I really did not have a favorite I loved all the stories but the book was offered by Heather Boyd so that is the one I will center on.
A reformed scoundrel is the best!
Yvette and the scoundrel Luc Ayles find themselves unexpectedly together. On a snow night, a messed up coach, and her brother's friend coming to her rescue what a setup for our tale. This sweet tale has them finding just the most perfect Christmas present every. I liked the characters Yvette does not realize yet what a gem Luc is but you find that out in the first chapter when her is taking care of his cousin. It was a quick read that will put a smile on your face in fact all the pieces in this collection will delight you. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
October 18, 2021
Something for everyone
There is something for everyone with the wide variety of stories in this book. It starts with a Cinderella theme story by Cheryl Bolen. Samantha Grace has Gabriel, a war veteran, charm and win Laurel with riddles. Mary and Arthur meet in London by fate for a second chance for happiness from Lana Williams. Collette Cameron charms us with her story about Jason and Lenora, forbidden to see her but cannot stay away. Add a fun and feisty Grandma and its a winner. Sasha Cottman has us hoping for Lily and Max to find happiness after so much tragedy and betrayal. Embracing our inner self helps Harriet and Jonathon find happiness in a family full of scandal. Suzanna Mederios has us thinking being forced into marriage is not all bad especially when its a friend from your childhood. Mel and Fritz are lucky to have conniving relatives in the story by Alina K. Field. Grace and Edward find that rumors and misunderstanding tore them apart but they still can have a future in the tale by Alanna Lucas. Heather Boyd finishes the book with a snow storm forcing Luc to rescue Yvette who isn't happy about being rescued by a scoundrel, but is he really?
There is something for everyone with the wide variety of stories in this book. It starts with a Cinderella theme story by Cheryl Bolen. Samantha Grace has Gabriel, a war veteran, charm and win Laurel with riddles. Mary and Arthur meet in London by fate for a second chance for happiness from Lana Williams. Collette Cameron charms us with her story about Jason and Lenora, forbidden to see her but cannot stay away. Add a fun and feisty Grandma and its a winner. Sasha Cottman has us hoping for Lily and Max to find happiness after so much tragedy and betrayal. Embracing our inner self helps Harriet and Jonathon find happiness in a family full of scandal. Suzanna Mederios has us thinking being forced into marriage is not all bad especially when its a friend from your childhood. Mel and Fritz are lucky to have conniving relatives in the story by Alina K. Field. Grace and Edward find that rumors and misunderstanding tore them apart but they still can have a future in the tale by Alanna Lucas. Heather Boyd finishes the book with a snow storm forcing Luc to rescue Yvette who isn't happy about being rescued by a scoundrel, but is he really?
October 9, 2021
I enjoyed this anthology very much. It has the Christmas spirt that we all look for in this kind of books.
Some of these stories were really engaging and others not so much. My favorite ones were:
1) The Wallflower’s Christmas Wish by Cheryl Bolen: The characters are interesting and well developed. The story is sweet and romantic.
2)Bound to the Belgian Count by Sasha Cottman: This story broke my heart! All the suffering! I couldn´t put it down. It’s really good. This is a new author for me, one I’m going to check out!
3) A Viscount for Christmas by Suzanna Medeiros: This one is my favorite! It´s romantic, entertaining, sexy and sweet. Viscount Thornton is everything that’s right in this world and Celia was my favorite female character in all the stories.
If you are looking for an easy to read anthology that is all about love, Christmas, kisses and rakes, do yourself a favor and go for this one!
I think this is a great way to meet a lot of new authors.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Some of these stories were really engaging and others not so much. My favorite ones were:
1) The Wallflower’s Christmas Wish by Cheryl Bolen: The characters are interesting and well developed. The story is sweet and romantic.
2)Bound to the Belgian Count by Sasha Cottman: This story broke my heart! All the suffering! I couldn´t put it down. It’s really good. This is a new author for me, one I’m going to check out!
3) A Viscount for Christmas by Suzanna Medeiros: This one is my favorite! It´s romantic, entertaining, sexy and sweet. Viscount Thornton is everything that’s right in this world and Celia was my favorite female character in all the stories.
If you are looking for an easy to read anthology that is all about love, Christmas, kisses and rakes, do yourself a favor and go for this one!
I think this is a great way to meet a lot of new authors.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 13, 2021
A nice collection of holiday-themed romances. All are novella length.
All these authors were new to me so it was a treat to get to read some new stories. While I did not finish the entire book before the book was published and my review sent, the stories I did read were very well done and I skimmed through the rest. Each story does have a short synopsis beforehand.
The only critique I have is that a few of the stories do seem a bit choppy and move along at a very fast pace due to being short. But that is also due to having so many different writing styles and authors. The storylines are all so well done, I would have loved to have these full-length novels to really flesh out the characters and extend their storylines.
The romance scenes are not explicit and range from passionate kisses to bedding with more left to the reader's imagination.
Overall I would recommend this for anyone who is a fan of historical romance, likes collections, likes short novella-length stories.
I received an advanced copy in exchange for my review
All these authors were new to me so it was a treat to get to read some new stories. While I did not finish the entire book before the book was published and my review sent, the stories I did read were very well done and I skimmed through the rest. Each story does have a short synopsis beforehand.
The only critique I have is that a few of the stories do seem a bit choppy and move along at a very fast pace due to being short. But that is also due to having so many different writing styles and authors. The storylines are all so well done, I would have loved to have these full-length novels to really flesh out the characters and extend their storylines.
The romance scenes are not explicit and range from passionate kisses to bedding with more left to the reader's imagination.
Overall I would recommend this for anyone who is a fan of historical romance, likes collections, likes short novella-length stories.
I received an advanced copy in exchange for my review
October 16, 2021
WONDERFUL !!!!! Christmas Kisses: A Regency Holiday Romance Anthology is just the thing to put you in the holiday spirit. This is such an amazing group of authors. So far the only story I have read was ’Twas the Rouge Before Christmas by Collette Cameron and I just can’t wait to read the other if they are anything like Collette’s story. I just loved the beginning of this story and I have to say it really cracked me up until someone got hurt. You will understand when you read the story. Collette has a true talent for writing such creative regency and highlander stories and she never disappoint. This story has a strong women, a captain who just want to be back at sea, a very feisty grandmother who likes to scheme, a robbery, jumping into the fight, rescue, injury, being bossy, giving up a dream and falling in love. I am highly recommending you read this book and story. It really is wonderful.
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
October 10, 2021
I'm not sure where to start. I have enjoyed many of theses authors book previously. They did not disappoint in these stories either. I'm not going to go through each of the stories, because they are short stories and giving away more that what is already in the description would give too much away. However, out of the 10 stories I really enjoyed 8 of them. The other 2 were not bad, but just not really for me. All of them are the perfect length to read one right before bed, or when you have an hour or two and want to get in a full story. If you like Historical Romance books this is a wonderful set of novellas.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 14, 2021
This is a collection of 10 books by different authors, which I always enjoy, because some authors I have read and some I have not, so it gives me a chance to find new authors. All of these short stories are Christmas related stories, which also put me in the spirit of Christmas. At this time, I did not read all the stories, but I will as soon as I can. One of the books I read is from an author I enjoy, Collette Cameron ‘Twas the Rogue Before Christmas. This story was nice for me to read because I have read about Lenora in a previous story. I enjoyed Lenora and Jason and the spark they have with each other. Lenora was a spunky lady, and I enjoyed her brother and his wife.
I received an ARC of this book and am giving my honest opinion.
I received an ARC of this book and am giving my honest opinion.
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