Where's My Hero? (The Gamblers of Craven's, #2.5; Brotherhood - MacAllister's, #4.5; Splendid, #3.5) in Fans of Eloisa James & Julia Quinn

May 27, 2020 Jan rated it liked it

The three novellas in this collection deal with young women engaged to the wrong men. The collection is uneven, and my favorite is the Quinn. A likable, entertaining collection; recommended.

Kleypas: Against the Odds. Dr. Jake Linley has a secret fascination for mathematician and debutante Miss Lydia Craven. He is particularly dismayed by her engagement to the mild, nice, bloodless Robert, Lord Wray, who Jake knows is all wrong for her.

MacGregor (Sherrilyn Kenyon): Midsummer Knight. Simon of Ra ...more

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Apr 05, 2013 Judy rated it liked it

Shelves: historical-romance, short-stories

Three authors return to characters who were secondary characters in previous work(s)and give them the starring role.

The first 2 novellas by Lisa Kleypas and Kinley MacGregor were fine but didn't mean much to me because I hadn't read the prior work by each author.

The novella by Julia Quinn is the one I was interested in since I just read 2 of the books in which hero Ned Blydon appears. Ned's story here, A Tale of Two Sisters, was a satisfying resolution in typical Quinn style. 4 stars for her ent ...more

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Aug 13, 2011 Dawn rated it really liked it

Shelves: quinn-julia, kleypas-lisa, macgregor-kinley, challenge

I had intended to review each story separately, but I have a hard time remembering the details of each one.

The first one is the Lisa Kleypas Against the Odds. Apparently the heroine is the daughter of a couple from one of her earlier books. I've read it, but don't remember the details of it either. I liked this short story. Lydia is betrothed to a sensible man. He is titled and wealthy and, therefore, doesn't need her money. She is very intelligent and loves mathematics. Her betrothed will toler I had intended to review each story separately, but I have a hard time remembering the details of each one.

The first one is the Lisa Kleypas Against the Odds. Apparently the heroine is the daughter of a couple from one of her earlier books. I've read it, but don't remember the details of it either. I liked this short story. Lydia is betrothed to a sensible man. He is titled and wealthy and, therefore, doesn't need her money. She is very intelligent and loves mathematics. Her betrothed will tolerate her work, for which she is gratelful. But her mother is concerned that her marriage will be a loveless one. She wants the same passion-filled marriage for her daughter that she has had. She knows Dr. Linley has been interested in Lydia and suspects that Lydia feels the same way. In truth, Dr. Linley has loved Lydia for many years but knows she is above him. Lydia knows that she responds to his touch but thinks it is just desire. When the opportunity presents itself, her mother locks them both in the cellar the night before her wedding. Of course, it works and they have their HEA. Sweet!

The second story is Kinley MacGregor's Midsummer's Knight. Simon is a knight-errant to Stryder, who is champion of the show circuit. They had been in prison together during war and, along with a few others, travel the circuit helping others heal themselves from the effects of war. Stryder has vowed never to marry. Simon has been secretly writing to Kenna who is the sister of one of their colleagues who has died. He signs his letters 'S' so she thinks it is from Stryder. Simon knows she is the only woman he will ever love. He pours out his heart and soul to her in the letters. She does likewise. So when they return home, she believes herself engaged to Stryder. Once the charade is uncovered, they both realize they can never marry. She is cousin to the King of Scotland and expected to marry well. The rest of the story is about the machinations involved in resolving this dilemma. They have their HEA and it is very cleverly plotted. I enjoyed the sincerity of their feelings and their willingness to make sacrifices for love and duty.

Julia Quinn's A Tale of Two Sisters was also a fun, delightful read. At the heart is the romance between Ned and Charlotte. Ned begins the story betrothed to Charlotte's sister. This is an arranged marriage for economy only. Ned is titled and wealthy, but wants a parcel of land that belongs to Charlotte's family. So, in exchange for this dowry, he agrees to provide for the family and give the other sisters seasons in London. Lydia, Charlotte's sister, has other ideas, though. Charlotte and Ned meet up early during a wedding party. They both feel an attraction, but totally deny it, of course. It becomes stronger as the story unfolds, of course. It's fun watching how they get out of Ned and Lydia's marriage and manage to have their HEA.

All three stories are wonderful quick reads. ...more

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Sep 11, 2011 Christy rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 1-own-it-book, autobuy-author

Eh, not great, not terrible. No mention in the Kleypas story of how her jilted fiancé reacted to being dumped at the last minute. I had a hard time getting past that. Seemed awfully heartless. LK should have at least given us a couple lines indicating that he took it ok.

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