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Regency in Color
A MASTERPIECE OF REGENCY ROMANCE STORYTELLING...
It is the social season of 1817 and London is brimming with scandal.
From a beautiful heiress moonlighting as a tavern songstress, to society's misfit and a sinfully sexy Duke striking an unlikely alliance.
Welcome to an enchanting collection of Regency Romance novellas featuring a diverse cast of heroes and heroines of color. We promise these stories won't be ones you soon forget!
Welcome to Regency in Color, a diverse collection of five Regency Romance novellas featuring remarkable heroes and heroines of color whose stories will enchant you...
Designing His Duchess
By Gabrielle Carr
“Never try to emulate them. Their friendship is as false as their words are flattering. They call you the OBA (ordinary ball companion).”
Lady Juliana Drake swallowed the cruel truth in the Duke of Hersthire’s words. She was the misfit of Society. But not for long. With fierce determination and a plan — of sorts — she intends to shed the horrid moniker, and she’ll use the Duke to do it. Surely, the devilish rake had taken off enough fashionable dresses to know how to help her pick one out.
All she has to do is keep from undressing him first…
The Allure of a Reformed Rogue
By Hildie McQueen
She’s as determined to pursue him as he’s determined to keep his distance.
After a heartbreaking debacle, Thomas Sullivan decides to give up his roguish ways and become celibate. A test comes sooner than later upon meeting the lady of the house’s companion, Mary.
Mary Asher is not sure why the handsome new driver tries to avoid her at all costs, when he obviously finds her attractive. She decides to find creative ways to get time alone with him.
One Night Only
By Elise Marion
Thalia Ramsey has resigned herself to a quiet life running a respectable book shop in London’s West End. Nothing exciting ever happens in her world…until Stephen Dryden, His Grace the Duke of Westerfield, begins patronizing her establishment. Her girlish infatuation is completely ridiculous, and nothing will ever come of it. Yet, a heart’s hope is not so easily broken, especially when a chance encounter during a Vauxhall Gardens masquerade brings Thalia face-to-face with the duke.
A night of passionate romance is more than she could have hoped for, but once the night is over, will there be a chance for more?
The Nightingale and the Lark
By Jessica Cale
After years of failed auditions, rum heiress Andromeda Archambault gives it one last try at The Crow’s Nest in Shoreditch against her better judgment. She may be a lady, but to director Frank Creighton, she’s the Queen of Night, and she’s perfect for a starring role in his theatre and his life. But Andie isn’t who she says she is, and neither is Frank. Will their Phantasmagoria be a success, or will the skeletons in their closets close the show before it begins?
It is the social season of 1817 and London is brimming with scandal.
From a beautiful heiress moonlighting as a tavern songstress, to society's misfit and a sinfully sexy Duke striking an unlikely alliance.
Welcome to an enchanting collection of Regency Romance novellas featuring a diverse cast of heroes and heroines of color. We promise these stories won't be ones you soon forget!
Welcome to Regency in Color, a diverse collection of five Regency Romance novellas featuring remarkable heroes and heroines of color whose stories will enchant you...
Designing His Duchess
By Gabrielle Carr
“Never try to emulate them. Their friendship is as false as their words are flattering. They call you the OBA (ordinary ball companion).”
Lady Juliana Drake swallowed the cruel truth in the Duke of Hersthire’s words. She was the misfit of Society. But not for long. With fierce determination and a plan — of sorts — she intends to shed the horrid moniker, and she’ll use the Duke to do it. Surely, the devilish rake had taken off enough fashionable dresses to know how to help her pick one out.
All she has to do is keep from undressing him first…
The Allure of a Reformed Rogue
By Hildie McQueen
She’s as determined to pursue him as he’s determined to keep his distance.
After a heartbreaking debacle, Thomas Sullivan decides to give up his roguish ways and become celibate. A test comes sooner than later upon meeting the lady of the house’s companion, Mary.
Mary Asher is not sure why the handsome new driver tries to avoid her at all costs, when he obviously finds her attractive. She decides to find creative ways to get time alone with him.
One Night Only
By Elise Marion
Thalia Ramsey has resigned herself to a quiet life running a respectable book shop in London’s West End. Nothing exciting ever happens in her world…until Stephen Dryden, His Grace the Duke of Westerfield, begins patronizing her establishment. Her girlish infatuation is completely ridiculous, and nothing will ever come of it. Yet, a heart’s hope is not so easily broken, especially when a chance encounter during a Vauxhall Gardens masquerade brings Thalia face-to-face with the duke.
A night of passionate romance is more than she could have hoped for, but once the night is over, will there be a chance for more?
The Nightingale and the Lark
By Jessica Cale
After years of failed auditions, rum heiress Andromeda Archambault gives it one last try at The Crow’s Nest in Shoreditch against her better judgment. She may be a lady, but to director Frank Creighton, she’s the Queen of Night, and she’s perfect for a starring role in his theatre and his life. But Andie isn’t who she says she is, and neither is Frank. Will their Phantasmagoria be a success, or will the skeletons in their closets close the show before it begins?
341 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 6, 2021
I'd like to think the late Eva Rutland - a pioneering Black author who wrote Regencies for Harlequin back in the late 80's/early 90's would have loved this anthology, especially because it highlighted Black people who did live in this time period (regardless of the whitewash) and were actual CITIZENS of the Crown, not slaves. Back then when she was writing Harlequin was a much different and far less diverse entity. They've gotten much better thankfully, but that's been due to readers and authors demanding more representation.
The COVER!!! I totally swooned over the cover. Black women in elegant frocks will send me every time.
One thing I definitely appreciated in this anthology was the heroines weren't all light-skinned progeny of an English parent and an African/Island parent. There were actually dark-skinned heroines in frocks and in glasses. Also there was a refreshing mix of characters. There's a Regency In Color 2 coming out and I'm excited to see more of these stories.
Designing his Duchess - Gabrielle Carr
Hero: Standard nice guy Duke looking for love
Heroine: Jamaican/British
3 Stars - short, sweetly spicy, a little lacking in characterization but would make a great full-length novel.
The Allure of a Reformed Rake - Hildie McQueen
Hero: Irish
Heroine: Jamaican/British
3 Stars - felt rushed with some spelling hiccups. The weakest of the entries and part of a series. However would be great as a full-length novel.
One Night Only - Elise Marion
Hero: dashing Indian/British duke
Heroine: Black and British
5 Stars - while Elise Marion is the queen of historical fantasy, she doesn't disappoint here and brought her A-game to the Regency Era, and I'd love a full-length novel.
Jessica Cale - The Nightingale and The Lark
Hero: actor/theater owner and "disreputable" son of nobility.
Heroine: Black, from the French aristocracy with a passion for music.
5 Stars - BIG kudos to author Jessica Cale (new to me) for historical references to General Dumas (The Black Count and father of Alexandre Dumas), the anti-slaver West Africa Squadron and the Chevalier St. George - all famous Black figures.
While all four stories would definitely make great full novels, it's the last two - by Marion and Cale respectively - that I'd really love to see happen.
The COVER!!! I totally swooned over the cover. Black women in elegant frocks will send me every time.
One thing I definitely appreciated in this anthology was the heroines weren't all light-skinned progeny of an English parent and an African/Island parent. There were actually dark-skinned heroines in frocks and in glasses. Also there was a refreshing mix of characters. There's a Regency In Color 2 coming out and I'm excited to see more of these stories.
Designing his Duchess - Gabrielle Carr
Hero: Standard nice guy Duke looking for love
Heroine: Jamaican/British
3 Stars - short, sweetly spicy, a little lacking in characterization but would make a great full-length novel.
The Allure of a Reformed Rake - Hildie McQueen
Hero: Irish
Heroine: Jamaican/British
3 Stars - felt rushed with some spelling hiccups. The weakest of the entries and part of a series. However would be great as a full-length novel.
One Night Only - Elise Marion
Hero: dashing Indian/British duke
Heroine: Black and British
5 Stars - while Elise Marion is the queen of historical fantasy, she doesn't disappoint here and brought her A-game to the Regency Era, and I'd love a full-length novel.
Jessica Cale - The Nightingale and The Lark
Hero: actor/theater owner and "disreputable" son of nobility.
Heroine: Black, from the French aristocracy with a passion for music.
5 Stars - BIG kudos to author Jessica Cale (new to me) for historical references to General Dumas (The Black Count and father of Alexandre Dumas), the anti-slaver West Africa Squadron and the Chevalier St. George - all famous Black figures.
While all four stories would definitely make great full novels, it's the last two - by Marion and Cale respectively - that I'd really love to see happen.
January 25, 2021
Pretty good
The first story is missing the crucial chapters that would be the happy ending. Weird. (Edit: I had to sync and resync the book, then the missing chapter appeared)
The stories are fun and thought-provoking. They needed a stricter proofreader, though.
The first story is missing the crucial chapters that would be the happy ending. Weird. (Edit: I had to sync and resync the book, then the missing chapter appeared)
The stories are fun and thought-provoking. They needed a stricter proofreader, though.
February 14, 2021
this is a review of Hildie's story, The Allure of a Reformed Rake - I found Mary's story at the end of The Seduction of Mr. Yarnsby. This is a delightful, sweet story. Mary, who is a companion to Vivian, has crush on Thomas, who drives the carriage. Aloof, he seems to not be interested in Mary, but that is not true. Thomas fled Ireland thinking he caused a woman's death. When Thomas is brutally beaten, Mary helps in his recovery. Both finally admit to feelings. There is courting and then a beautiful wedding, and the sweetest happy ever after.
Read
February 17, 2021typos / word choices pulled me out of the stories. (Indigent =/= indignant)
April 29, 2022
I read most of these stories already as they were individually released.
Loved them
Loved them
June 4, 2021
This is a collection of interracial historical romance novels set in Regency England. The stories are short since the entire collection of four stories comprises less than 300 ebook pages. The relationship builds with each story was quick. All were HEA. I enjoyed this collection; however, I would have liked there to be more in-depth conflict. Interracial Regency romance is a new subgenre for me and the majority of the stories I have read are short and slightly underwhelming. I would like these stories to be on the same level as the regular Regency romance novels I read.
Designing His Duchess (Gabrielle Carr): Julianna is the daughter of a Caribbean woman and a peer that feel in love. However, they died and left her in the care of her aunt and uncle. She, at age 29, is given a deadline to find a husband or her uncle will find a husband for her. Julianna’s heart belongs to one man, the Duke of Hersthire. The Duke regrets the way he ended his friendship and love affair with Julianna. His grief over the end of their relationship coupled with the untimely deaths of his older brother and father has left him empty and using drink and gambling to ease the pain. However, after he continually witnesses how society ladies misuse Julianna, he decides it his duty (atonement) to assist Julianna in obtaining a marriage that is befitting her status. How hard can it be to coach your ex-love how to be the perfect wife for another man?
The Allure of a Reformed Rake (Hildie McQueen): Mary is the new staff and the lady’s companion when her Lady marries. Thomas, also fairly new to the household staff, is the driver. He has decided to take a vow of celibacy after a tragedy. In fact, he is thinking of joining the priesthood. However, that was all before he met Mary. Mary is determined to melt the hard exterior that Thomas constantly shows when he is around her. Thomas is determined to resist Mary’s charms and move forward with being a priest. Yet is it natural for a man of the cloth to have such unholy thoughts about another member of staff? Why did God have to make Mary so tempting? Who will win this showdown?
One Night Only (Elise Marion): Thalia is the female owner of a bookstore that Stephen, a duke, patrons regularly. Although Thalia finds the duke overly attractive, she knows her status in life would not attract him. She is happy she is able to own a bookstore and make enough money to support her family. Stephen knows it is time for him to find a duchess and start his family. However, the young ladies of the Ton are not intellectually his equal. There is only one female that keeps him on his toes. Stephen invites Thalia to come to the masquerade ball at Vauxhall to see the sights. She offers him one night, but he wants more than that.
The Nightingale and the Lark (Jessica Cale): Andromeda is part of the wealthiest Black French family in Regency England. Her family spirits and chocolates are the talk of the Ton. Yet she wants to make it in the theatre world on her own merits. Franz is hiding a secret as well. When their secrets are revealed and their worlds collide, will everyone survive the explosion?
Designing His Duchess (Gabrielle Carr): Julianna is the daughter of a Caribbean woman and a peer that feel in love. However, they died and left her in the care of her aunt and uncle. She, at age 29, is given a deadline to find a husband or her uncle will find a husband for her. Julianna’s heart belongs to one man, the Duke of Hersthire. The Duke regrets the way he ended his friendship and love affair with Julianna. His grief over the end of their relationship coupled with the untimely deaths of his older brother and father has left him empty and using drink and gambling to ease the pain. However, after he continually witnesses how society ladies misuse Julianna, he decides it his duty (atonement) to assist Julianna in obtaining a marriage that is befitting her status. How hard can it be to coach your ex-love how to be the perfect wife for another man?
The Allure of a Reformed Rake (Hildie McQueen): Mary is the new staff and the lady’s companion when her Lady marries. Thomas, also fairly new to the household staff, is the driver. He has decided to take a vow of celibacy after a tragedy. In fact, he is thinking of joining the priesthood. However, that was all before he met Mary. Mary is determined to melt the hard exterior that Thomas constantly shows when he is around her. Thomas is determined to resist Mary’s charms and move forward with being a priest. Yet is it natural for a man of the cloth to have such unholy thoughts about another member of staff? Why did God have to make Mary so tempting? Who will win this showdown?
One Night Only (Elise Marion): Thalia is the female owner of a bookstore that Stephen, a duke, patrons regularly. Although Thalia finds the duke overly attractive, she knows her status in life would not attract him. She is happy she is able to own a bookstore and make enough money to support her family. Stephen knows it is time for him to find a duchess and start his family. However, the young ladies of the Ton are not intellectually his equal. There is only one female that keeps him on his toes. Stephen invites Thalia to come to the masquerade ball at Vauxhall to see the sights. She offers him one night, but he wants more than that.
The Nightingale and the Lark (Jessica Cale): Andromeda is part of the wealthiest Black French family in Regency England. Her family spirits and chocolates are the talk of the Ton. Yet she wants to make it in the theatre world on her own merits. Franz is hiding a secret as well. When their secrets are revealed and their worlds collide, will everyone survive the explosion?
August 28, 2021
Would have been five stars if not for the first two stories. I far preferred the latter two by Elise Marion and Jessica Cale respectively. Those stories were leagues ahead of the former in terms of characterisation, plot and grammar. I adored the leads and felt the chemistry of the respective pairs through the page. Expansions into full length novels would be appreciated!
One thing I can say for the first two stories is that they do normalise dark-skinned biracial women, which I appreciated (while the women in the latter two are black, of African and West Indian descent respectively). However I dislike the trope utilised in Designing His Duchess which is second chance; I don’t feel it helped at all with my getting to know the characters and their connection when everything was looked at in a retrospective lens. There was a lot of telling and not nearly enough showing. A common occurrence with that trope but I suppose it’s a matter of personal preference (the story didn’t match the synopsis either so I was expecting something quite different). And then the second story also started in media res when the leads are already acquainted. Their characterisation was so flat for me that I DNF’d. In both stories the grammatical and spelling mistakes took me out while reading as I was autocorrecting them in my head. Quite frustrating.
But I’d love for someone to adapt One Night Only and The Nightingale and the Lark to the screen, as either a tv series or a film. I wish producers would look to adapt books that were already diverse rather than just racebending as they saw fit.
I’m not sure who I’d like to play Stephen (who is the one male lead of colour, a biracial man of Indian and English descent) or Frank but my two fan casts for Thalia and Andie are as follows:
Thalia — Ebonee Noel
Andie — Naomie Harris
(Hard to find good pictures of her as Elizabeth Lavenza in Frankenstein so here’s a general headshot—one that has her looking remarkably like Pippa Bennet-Warner. I now want to see them play sisters in a film.)
One thing I can say for the first two stories is that they do normalise dark-skinned biracial women, which I appreciated (while the women in the latter two are black, of African and West Indian descent respectively). However I dislike the trope utilised in Designing His Duchess which is second chance; I don’t feel it helped at all with my getting to know the characters and their connection when everything was looked at in a retrospective lens. There was a lot of telling and not nearly enough showing. A common occurrence with that trope but I suppose it’s a matter of personal preference (the story didn’t match the synopsis either so I was expecting something quite different). And then the second story also started in media res when the leads are already acquainted. Their characterisation was so flat for me that I DNF’d. In both stories the grammatical and spelling mistakes took me out while reading as I was autocorrecting them in my head. Quite frustrating.
But I’d love for someone to adapt One Night Only and The Nightingale and the Lark to the screen, as either a tv series or a film. I wish producers would look to adapt books that were already diverse rather than just racebending as they saw fit.
I’m not sure who I’d like to play Stephen (who is the one male lead of colour, a biracial man of Indian and English descent) or Frank but my two fan casts for Thalia and Andie are as follows:
Thalia — Ebonee Noel
Andie — Naomie Harris
(Hard to find good pictures of her as Elizabeth Lavenza in Frankenstein so here’s a general headshot—one that has her looking remarkably like Pippa Bennet-Warner. I now want to see them play sisters in a film.)
February 22, 2026
Overall rating 3.5 stars
Story one: Designing his Duchess by Gabrielle Carr 3 stars
I thought this story was fine. The writing was fine, the plot was fine, the characters were fine, and the romance was fine. I enjoyed this first story well enough but it didn't really do anything for me.
Story two: The Allure of a Reformed Rouge by Hilde McQueen 2 stars
I did NOT like this story which sucked because I was really looking forward to a regency romance focusing on two characters from the working class. Unfortunately the pacing of this story was way off. The characters went from barely talking to being in love to being married really fast to the point that I didn't feel connected to the story or characters at all because it simply moved too fast. Additionally, there were so many supporting characters that detracted from the already minimal romance. I just did not have a good time with this story.
Story three: One Night Only by Elise Marion 4 stars
This was the story I picked this collection up for so I am so glad it ended up really working for me! Thalia, the main character is so strong and well developed and even though this is a very short short story, her romance with the Duke was so well done and fleshed out. I loved her as a business woman running her family's bookshop but also her as an older sister trying to protect her sister and as a love interest trying to protect her heart from the man she doesn't think she can have. This story does fall pretty heavily into the miscommunication trop but because it is so short, it is resolved fairly quickly and by the man groveling which I always love. I will definitely be reading more from Elise Marion.
Story four: The Nightingale and the Lark by Jessica Cale 4 stars
My surprise favorite of this collection! Andie being a singer and looking for work outside of the typical duties of a woman of her station and being supported by her family in that endeavor was wonderful to read. I loved her connection to the love interest, and while he is quite a bit older which made me feel a little icky at times, she was always the one to initiate any romantic encounters which helped. I also loved the love interests' daughter and the little family they became.
As a whole, I had a great time with this short story collection and found two new romance authors that I am very interested in reading more from!
Story one: Designing his Duchess by Gabrielle Carr 3 stars
I thought this story was fine. The writing was fine, the plot was fine, the characters were fine, and the romance was fine. I enjoyed this first story well enough but it didn't really do anything for me.
Story two: The Allure of a Reformed Rouge by Hilde McQueen 2 stars
I did NOT like this story which sucked because I was really looking forward to a regency romance focusing on two characters from the working class. Unfortunately the pacing of this story was way off. The characters went from barely talking to being in love to being married really fast to the point that I didn't feel connected to the story or characters at all because it simply moved too fast. Additionally, there were so many supporting characters that detracted from the already minimal romance. I just did not have a good time with this story.
Story three: One Night Only by Elise Marion 4 stars
This was the story I picked this collection up for so I am so glad it ended up really working for me! Thalia, the main character is so strong and well developed and even though this is a very short short story, her romance with the Duke was so well done and fleshed out. I loved her as a business woman running her family's bookshop but also her as an older sister trying to protect her sister and as a love interest trying to protect her heart from the man she doesn't think she can have. This story does fall pretty heavily into the miscommunication trop but because it is so short, it is resolved fairly quickly and by the man groveling which I always love. I will definitely be reading more from Elise Marion.
Story four: The Nightingale and the Lark by Jessica Cale 4 stars
My surprise favorite of this collection! Andie being a singer and looking for work outside of the typical duties of a woman of her station and being supported by her family in that endeavor was wonderful to read. I loved her connection to the love interest, and while he is quite a bit older which made me feel a little icky at times, she was always the one to initiate any romantic encounters which helped. I also loved the love interests' daughter and the little family they became.
As a whole, I had a great time with this short story collection and found two new romance authors that I am very interested in reading more from!
January 24, 2021
I started reading Regency Romances more than fifty years ago. My favorite author was the queen of the genre, Georgette Heyer. I love the romance and the exaggerated mannerisms of this superficial, genteel society. The only thing lacking in those stories was that none of the characters looked like me. Subsequently, I was so excited to see this first volume of Regency in Color. The characters range in scope from the higher echelons of the aristocracy to a lady’s companion and her coachman love. Each story is complete with well developed conflict and sweet resolutions. My favorite in the compilation was One Night Only by Elise Marion. I enjoyed the emotionality and sweetness of their discovery of love. The last story was my least favorite. I am glad that it was not first. All in all, the stories were true to the genre (not sure about the last entry) while containing a bit of heat certainly not found in the stories I started reading so long ago. I look forward to reading volume 2 soon!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 10, 2021
I just flat out loved these stories. As always some were better than others. But I did what Elise Marion has trained me to do ... just like Pavlov's dog I went straight to the back of the book to her story, and wow! That story was worth reading the entire anthology, THEN I read the rest of them and realized what a wonderful bargain this book was. These authors, combined, are powerful women writing about people of color in Regency England. My opinion is, knowing how much has been researched by these authors, that this was as true to life as you can get. None of us lived back then, but there were persons of color who ran their own businesses as well as working for others. They weren't lords or dukes, but they were valuable member of the society in London at the time.
I was thrilled to read these stories and I have to say that, despite my heading the read Ms. Marion's story first, I enjoyed every one of these and highly recommend that you buy this and read it. Interesting tales with interesting viewpoints.
I was thrilled to read these stories and I have to say that, despite my heading the read Ms. Marion's story first, I enjoyed every one of these and highly recommend that you buy this and read it. Interesting tales with interesting viewpoints.
January 31, 2021
What a beautiful collection of stories! It was so refreshing to see woman of color residing and taking part in all aspects of Regency life. The stories did wonderful job of portraying how strong these women were, no matter and sometimes despite what situation they are in.
I am familiar with the work of one of the author's in this group but the rest are new to me. I am glad I picked this one up because I know have new authors to follow! Each one did a fantastic job with providing vivid descriptions and interesting plots. The storylines were all artfully crafted with well defined characters and kept me hooked until I finished. I had to pace myself as I wanted to read all in one sitting! This is truly a gem of a collection and if you love Regency romances, you definitely will want to add this to your collection!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I am familiar with the work of one of the author's in this group but the rest are new to me. I am glad I picked this one up because I know have new authors to follow! Each one did a fantastic job with providing vivid descriptions and interesting plots. The storylines were all artfully crafted with well defined characters and kept me hooked until I finished. I had to pace myself as I wanted to read all in one sitting! This is truly a gem of a collection and if you love Regency romances, you definitely will want to add this to your collection!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 26, 2021
This is a collection of stories that were easy to read, heartwarming and sweet. It's nice to imagine a regency world where women of color reside in all areas of life from aristocrat to lady in waiting to shop owner. It was even good to have a character believe that she would not be acceptable to marry because of her color. Knowing how her father's family had felt about her mother made her cautious and ready for the hurt of being considered not good enough. I noticed that Vauxhall Gardens is mentioned as a link, used more than one time in some form or another. Each story is different and since this is collection 1 I am looking forward to the next collection.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 2, 2021
MIXED REVIEWS, 2 5 STARS & 1 2 STARS & 1 3 STARS
There are 4 Novellas in this collection 1, and the common element that distinguishes the collection is women of color to some degree through generations.
5 STARS for the 1st & last Novellas, I have to admit I did love the last one the best because it made me feel extremely happy & good. Next, the 2nd Novella earned only 2 STARS because it didn't have a really good flow for the storyline. I felt in reading it more rhythm was needed it seemed weighed down & confusing a little; but a good story. Then, the 3rd one 3 STARS was a great storyline with good characters but this one again maybe some editing to let the words flow smoother would get the stars up, it would with me.
Recommend
There are 4 Novellas in this collection 1, and the common element that distinguishes the collection is women of color to some degree through generations.
5 STARS for the 1st & last Novellas, I have to admit I did love the last one the best because it made me feel extremely happy & good. Next, the 2nd Novella earned only 2 STARS because it didn't have a really good flow for the storyline. I felt in reading it more rhythm was needed it seemed weighed down & confusing a little; but a good story. Then, the 3rd one 3 STARS was a great storyline with good characters but this one again maybe some editing to let the words flow smoother would get the stars up, it would with me.
Recommend
January 27, 2021
This was a steamy Regency collection of four stories about strong heroines and the men who fall in love with them. There were dukes, lords, ladies, shopkeepers, and servants. The subject of race and prejudices about it was addressed, but in a way to show how strong the women were. Most of the woman wondered if they were good enough because of the color of their skin even Mary who was raised a lady and falls for a coachman. The couples have their share of funny moments, misunderstandings, fights, and passionate encounters.
January 28, 2021
This is a collection of four wonderful regency. They are not your typical regency. It seems that the characters are not your run of the mill regency. Each story was very entertaining and it was well written. The characters were interesting. My favorite was One night only, where could one night lead to more and I just really liked the way the story played out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 25, 2021
Varied mix of romances for ladies of color
A collection of interesting romances. I was drawn to the fact that the heroines were all ladies of color in a time that emancipation was a novel idea and there were varied levels of acceptance in society for them. The stories were varied, some better written than others, but all by talented authors.
A collection of interesting romances. I was drawn to the fact that the heroines were all ladies of color in a time that emancipation was a novel idea and there were varied levels of acceptance in society for them. The stories were varied, some better written than others, but all by talented authors.
February 24, 2021
Color of love
As a woman of color I was not sure what to expect? Each story was intriguing, humorous and insightful! Three cheers for the strong heroes who dared to love women outside their race! Five cheers for the bold women who loved fearlessly and dived into love! I can't wait for the next volume! These authors wrote with research and heart for the time period!
As a woman of color I was not sure what to expect? Each story was intriguing, humorous and insightful! Three cheers for the strong heroes who dared to love women outside their race! Five cheers for the bold women who loved fearlessly and dived into love! I can't wait for the next volume! These authors wrote with research and heart for the time period!
January 21, 2021
Beautiful stories
This is four exceptional books, all very different from the others, but all overcoming difficulties to have their happy ever after! Especially liked the twist of the last as they were pretending to be one thing while wishing for something else!
This is four exceptional books, all very different from the others, but all overcoming difficulties to have their happy ever after! Especially liked the twist of the last as they were pretending to be one thing while wishing for something else!
January 25, 2021
I enjoyed this set of stories from new-to-me authors. The set is unique in its starring of ladies of color in the main heroine roles. The stories are varied and delightfully entertaining. Kudos!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 26, 2021
Four well written stories by four great Authors, a set I enjoyed reading. I have read other books by most of these Authors, Gabrielle Carr is a new Author to me and it looks like this is her debut story. A set that is well worth reading.
January 26, 2021
I absolutely adored these short stories. Showing people of color in regency novels is rare but these are very well written. I found myself wanting full length novels for each! This is a must read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 28, 2021
Good stories, need editing
I enjoyed the stories and themes but the spelling/grammar mistakes were a little too obvious. This is a collection of 4 novellas. The first two need more polishing than the other two.
I enjoyed the stories and themes but the spelling/grammar mistakes were a little too obvious. This is a collection of 4 novellas. The first two need more polishing than the other two.
January 18, 2021
Not a masterpiece but something clumsy and incomplete.
January 19, 2021
All Are Fabulous
These stories are delightful. They are each in its one way.
Melding people in the only way people should be melded is a fantasy but not an impossibility.
Bravo!!!
These stories are delightful. They are each in its one way.
Melding people in the only way people should be melded is a fantasy but not an impossibility.
Bravo!!!
February 1, 2021
A night at Vauxhall
The stories in this collection include Vauxhall, some are AT The pleasure garden. All of stories are entertaining. They have a happy ending.
The stories in this collection include Vauxhall, some are AT The pleasure garden. All of stories are entertaining. They have a happy ending.
February 17, 2021
I read the print version.
An anthology of four Regency Era romances, featuring mixed race or black characters.
An anthology of four Regency Era romances, featuring mixed race or black characters.
May 17, 2021
cute, basic, a bit awkward
May 28, 2021
In this collection, the best story is One Night Only by Elise Marion. I love the romance between biracial Duke of Westerfield and Thalia.
July 5, 2021
Regency in Color
Loved them all. I can't wait to read about in the next collection. Amazing stories of love with women of color.
Loved them all. I can't wait to read about in the next collection. Amazing stories of love with women of color.
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December 5, 2024This was a really fun collection of steamy Regencies and it introduced me to some new authors! The length of these stories was perfect, just the right length to curl up with and enjoy in an afternoon. I loved the uniqueness of the stories in this anthology, each of them was a nice twist on the “classic” regency romance. If you want a mix of fun, steamy short stories to read through, this is a fantastic collection!
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