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Wild Wicked Highlanders #3.5
Kissing Under the Mistletoe
In Suzanne Enoch’s Great Scot, Jane Bansil knows she will never have a fairy-tale life. But even at three-and-thirty, well past marriageable age, she has to admit that the architect the MacTaggerts have hired could turn even a confirmed spinster’s head. In Amelia Grey’s Christmas at Dewberry Hollow, Isabelle Reed has no plans to ever fall in love―and certainly not with Gate, a man who doesn’t live in Dewberry Hollow. She will fulfill her duty and help him keep his promise to have his ill grandfather back in London in time for Christmas dinner. But the last thing she wants is for Gate to take her heart with him when he goes. In Anna Bennett’s My Mistletoe Beau, Miss Eva Tiding is determined to cheer her widowed father with the perfect Christmas gift―even if it means breaking into the home of the rakish earl who swindled Papa out of his pocket watch and pretending to date him for the Christmas season.
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First published September 28, 2021
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About the author
Suzanne Enoch
101 books2,629 followersSuzanne was born in Southern California sometime in the latter half of the 20th century. In the way that some people are born knowing they want to be astronauts or cellists, Suzanne always knew she wanted to be a writer. Early dreams of becoming a zoologist and writing true stories about her adventures in Africa were crushed, however, after she viewed a television special about the world’s most poisonous snakes; she did NOT want to write about how she’d been bitten and lost a limb to a cobra. Thankfully at the same time the movie “Star Wars” premiered, and she realized that she could make up adventures and write about them, and not be eaten by deadly predators while doing research.
She dabbled in romantic fantasy writing for a year or two after graduating with a degree in English from the University of California, Irvine, until her affection for traditional Regency romances led her to write one for fun. After several encouraging rejections from publishers, she snared the interest of the world’s best and most patient literary agent, who advised her to revise the manuscript. This ultimately led to the publication of her first book, The Black Duke’s Prize, from Avon Books in the Spring of 1995. A second Regency, Angel’s Devil, followed that Fall.
When Avon folded its traditional Regency line, Suzanne was encouraged to try her hand at historical romance. As she remained keenly interested in England’s Regency period, she decided to attempt another manuscript set in that time. Lady Rogue hit the shelves in March of 1997. She wrote a total of 29 books for Avon, including two anthologies and a five-part contemporary series which received a pair of starred reviews from Publishers Weekly. One of those books, Twice the Temptation, was named one of the five best romances of the year by PW in 2007.
In 2002 her well-known love of all things “Star Wars” led to an invitation to appear on the E! channel in the television special “Star Wars: The Force Is Back”, where she discussed the romance in the movie series and ended up with more air time than George Lucas.
In 2010 Suzanne left Avon Books for St. Martin’s Press, where she continues to pen historical romance novels. Her 31st book, Taming an Impossible Rogue, is set to arrive in March 2012.
Suzanne is known for her humorous characters, sexy bad boys, and whip-sharp, witty dialogue. She currently resides in Placentia, California with several hundred guppies and various other tropical fish, and handful of very loud, spinach-loving finches. And her collection of action figures and statues from “Star Wars”, “Lord of the Rings”, “X-Men”, and “Pirates of the Caribbean”. Everybody needs some inspiration, after all.
www.facebook.com/SuzanneEnoch
She dabbled in romantic fantasy writing for a year or two after graduating with a degree in English from the University of California, Irvine, until her affection for traditional Regency romances led her to write one for fun. After several encouraging rejections from publishers, she snared the interest of the world’s best and most patient literary agent, who advised her to revise the manuscript. This ultimately led to the publication of her first book, The Black Duke’s Prize, from Avon Books in the Spring of 1995. A second Regency, Angel’s Devil, followed that Fall.
When Avon folded its traditional Regency line, Suzanne was encouraged to try her hand at historical romance. As she remained keenly interested in England’s Regency period, she decided to attempt another manuscript set in that time. Lady Rogue hit the shelves in March of 1997. She wrote a total of 29 books for Avon, including two anthologies and a five-part contemporary series which received a pair of starred reviews from Publishers Weekly. One of those books, Twice the Temptation, was named one of the five best romances of the year by PW in 2007.
In 2002 her well-known love of all things “Star Wars” led to an invitation to appear on the E! channel in the television special “Star Wars: The Force Is Back”, where she discussed the romance in the movie series and ended up with more air time than George Lucas.
In 2010 Suzanne left Avon Books for St. Martin’s Press, where she continues to pen historical romance novels. Her 31st book, Taming an Impossible Rogue, is set to arrive in March 2012.
Suzanne is known for her humorous characters, sexy bad boys, and whip-sharp, witty dialogue. She currently resides in Placentia, California with several hundred guppies and various other tropical fish, and handful of very loud, spinach-loving finches. And her collection of action figures and statues from “Star Wars”, “Lord of the Rings”, “X-Men”, and “Pirates of the Caribbean”. Everybody needs some inspiration, after all.
www.facebook.com/SuzanneEnoch
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December 27, 2021
Kissing Under the Mistletoe by Suzanne Enoch, Amelia Grey, and Anna Bennett
Give this anthology a try if you are in the mood for
- Some novella length holiday themed stories
- Average steam – each story has one full scene, except the Anna Bennett has two
- Sweetness and humor mixed together
TL;DR I know I can be long winded – if you don’t want to read all this I enjoyed the Suzanne Enoch but it’s best in order, I thought the Amelia Grey was just all right, but I really, really REALLY loved the Anna Bennett – so so much. It’s the most perfect novella I’ve read in a long time, if not ever. You should at least read that short review, found at the end.
Great Scot by Suzanne Enoch (Book was 1%-29%)
Overall: 4.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖 Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋 Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡ Romance: 💞💞💞 Sensuality: 💋💋💋 Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑 Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥 Humor: Yes
Should I read in order?
This novella is book 3.5 in the Wild Wicked Highlanders series. I have read books 2 and 3, but I believe this heroine’s story begins in book 1. I haven’t read it to say how much of Jane’s character is on page or developed, but I did feel like I was missing a touch of back story without having read it. Overall this is okay as a stand alone, if you go in knowing you’ll be meeting an entire family of characters that have been developed over the course of the three prior books. You’ll get much more enjoyment reading that whole series first though!
Basic plot
Jane is traveling with the MacTaggerts and debating where the rest of her life should take her. While celebrating Christmastime in Scotland with the family, she meets a widower architect Brennan.
My thoughts:
This was a pleasant read! Having read books 2 and 3 in the series, it was nice seeing those characters again celebrating the holidays. I found Jane and Brennan to be a lovely couple, a bit unique in that they are quiet people and want to just enjoy nights indoors together. Jane is very introverted and prefers spending time quietly, especially with a book. Brennan has been widowed for 7 years, but the townsfolk still treat him gently as though he’s just lost his wife. He is ready to move on and have someone to share life with. I was left believing these two are perfect for each other, and I’m also curious about Jane’s story and would like to go back and read book 1! This couple is a touch ‘older’ with the heroine being 33, hero is an architect, who begins thinking of designing a library for the sweet heroine almost immediately upon meeting her.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Christmas at Dewberry Hollow by Amelia Grey (Book was 30% - 63%)
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖 Feels: 🦋🦋 Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡ Romance: 💞💞 Sensuality: 💋💋 Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑 Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥 Humor: Yes
Should I read in order?
I’m thinking this one is not a part of a series? If it is, it would make a great stand alone novella – the focus is soley on the main couple.
Basic plot
Isabelle runs the inn of Dewberry Hollow with her mother. Her mother has long chided her about hunting, shooting guns, and being more ‘ladylike’. Gate is a man that doesn’t mind any of those characteristics when he comes to visit the inn for Christmas with his grandfather, the duke. The duke has come in search of the lovers heart he carved on a tree there decades ago with his wife, now passed.
My thoughts:
This one was all right. I did like the plot of finding a long lost lover’s heart of his grandfather. That was very sweet. But I think here it was the hero just didn’t do it for me. He pursued the heroine, acknowledges she would be put in an awkward position with him, but continues to pressure because in his case he’s offering no promises. So he came off as a bit of a jerk in that he is okay with ruining the heroine, as long as she knows she’s going to be ruined. There was a bit of instalust here – they were drawn to each other but didn’t know why. Still, I enjoyed a lot of Grey’s writing and I just adore her kisses. Love them so so much. But when it comes to the sex she definitely loses almost all explicitness and it’s flowery prose. This works for many, so that is fine, I think it was just after the kisses build up and how wonderful they were I was expecting more details? Overall a cute story though, even if I had bit of character disconnect.
Content warnings
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes – remember the percentages are for each consecutive story – I was too lazy to do the math, but this story’s percentage in the book is 30% - 63%
My Mistletoe Beau by Anna Bennett (Book is from 64% -
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖 Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋 Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡ Romance: 💞💞💞 Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋 Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑 Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥 Humor: Yes!
Should I read in order?
Again, not sure if this is a part of a series. I think we might have a brief appearance of the the hero of an upcoming book for her (the hero’s friend in this book) in her Rogues to Lovers series. But it was totally fine as a stand alone novella.
Basic plot
Jack Hardwick (Earl of Frostbough) is getting his revenge on Eva Tiding’s father. His most recently success, was winning a sentimental pocket watch during a game of cards. Eva decides to break into his home to steal it back as a Christmas present to her father.
My thoughts:
Gosh I just LOVED this story. So, so much. I think it’s quite hard to pull off a novella that feels complete, full, and a believable romance. And this was it for me. I just adored it from the very beginning when Eva is breaking into Jack’s home. The tension builds, the characters came to life – it was wonderful.
This story had so much heart and humor. I was reading this while trying to walk on the treadmill and I was giggling so much falling off was a real threat. The tension is built over time and with all my favorite type of scenes – the slow build of wanting with little barely there touches. One of the first interactions between our hero and heroine is where the hero basically performs a strip tease to call the heroine’s bluff and get to leave – while she’s sings badly tuned Christmas carols. It’s just perfect.
It has a lot of my favorite things in romance – a dark and misunderstood hero. A hero that wants revenge but sees the error of this ways and repents to the heroine. A fake relationship. A spunky older lady that the hero has a soft spot for (his grandmother). Sex that is a perfect mix of feelings and emotions and what body parts are going where explicitness. I just really, really loved this novella. And I have only read one other Anna Bennett, and I quite loved that one too. So obviously I need to go stalk her book list. Right now! :P The only way this book could have been better for me is if it was a full novel and I got more Eva and Jack time.
Content warnings
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes – this book is from 64% - 99%)
Give this anthology a try if you are in the mood for
- Some novella length holiday themed stories
- Average steam – each story has one full scene, except the Anna Bennett has two
- Sweetness and humor mixed together
TL;DR I know I can be long winded – if you don’t want to read all this I enjoyed the Suzanne Enoch but it’s best in order, I thought the Amelia Grey was just all right, but I really, really REALLY loved the Anna Bennett – so so much. It’s the most perfect novella I’ve read in a long time, if not ever. You should at least read that short review, found at the end.
Great Scot by Suzanne Enoch (Book was 1%-29%)
Overall: 4.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖 Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋 Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡ Romance: 💞💞💞 Sensuality: 💋💋💋 Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑 Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥 Humor: Yes
Should I read in order?
This novella is book 3.5 in the Wild Wicked Highlanders series. I have read books 2 and 3, but I believe this heroine’s story begins in book 1. I haven’t read it to say how much of Jane’s character is on page or developed, but I did feel like I was missing a touch of back story without having read it. Overall this is okay as a stand alone, if you go in knowing you’ll be meeting an entire family of characters that have been developed over the course of the three prior books. You’ll get much more enjoyment reading that whole series first though!
Basic plot
Jane is traveling with the MacTaggerts and debating where the rest of her life should take her. While celebrating Christmastime in Scotland with the family, she meets a widower architect Brennan.
My thoughts:
This was a pleasant read! Having read books 2 and 3 in the series, it was nice seeing those characters again celebrating the holidays. I found Jane and Brennan to be a lovely couple, a bit unique in that they are quiet people and want to just enjoy nights indoors together. Jane is very introverted and prefers spending time quietly, especially with a book. Brennan has been widowed for 7 years, but the townsfolk still treat him gently as though he’s just lost his wife. He is ready to move on and have someone to share life with. I was left believing these two are perfect for each other, and I’m also curious about Jane’s story and would like to go back and read book 1! This couple is a touch ‘older’ with the heroine being 33, hero is an architect, who begins thinking of designing a library for the sweet heroine almost immediately upon meeting her.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Christmas at Dewberry Hollow by Amelia Grey (Book was 30% - 63%)
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖 Feels: 🦋🦋 Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡ Romance: 💞💞 Sensuality: 💋💋 Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑 Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥 Humor: Yes
Should I read in order?
I’m thinking this one is not a part of a series? If it is, it would make a great stand alone novella – the focus is soley on the main couple.
Basic plot
Isabelle runs the inn of Dewberry Hollow with her mother. Her mother has long chided her about hunting, shooting guns, and being more ‘ladylike’. Gate is a man that doesn’t mind any of those characteristics when he comes to visit the inn for Christmas with his grandfather, the duke. The duke has come in search of the lovers heart he carved on a tree there decades ago with his wife, now passed.
My thoughts:
This one was all right. I did like the plot of finding a long lost lover’s heart of his grandfather. That was very sweet. But I think here it was the hero just didn’t do it for me. He pursued the heroine, acknowledges she would be put in an awkward position with him, but continues to pressure because in his case he’s offering no promises. So he came off as a bit of a jerk in that he is okay with ruining the heroine, as long as she knows she’s going to be ruined. There was a bit of instalust here – they were drawn to each other but didn’t know why. Still, I enjoyed a lot of Grey’s writing and I just adore her kisses. Love them so so much. But when it comes to the sex she definitely loses almost all explicitness and it’s flowery prose. This works for many, so that is fine, I think it was just after the kisses build up and how wonderful they were I was expecting more details? Overall a cute story though, even if I had bit of character disconnect.
Content warnings
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes – remember the percentages are for each consecutive story – I was too lazy to do the math, but this story’s percentage in the book is 30% - 63%
My Mistletoe Beau by Anna Bennett (Book is from 64% -
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖 Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋 Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡ Romance: 💞💞💞 Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋 Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑 Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥 Humor: Yes!
Should I read in order?
Again, not sure if this is a part of a series. I think we might have a brief appearance of the the hero of an upcoming book for her (the hero’s friend in this book) in her Rogues to Lovers series. But it was totally fine as a stand alone novella.
Basic plot
Jack Hardwick (Earl of Frostbough) is getting his revenge on Eva Tiding’s father. His most recently success, was winning a sentimental pocket watch during a game of cards. Eva decides to break into his home to steal it back as a Christmas present to her father.
My thoughts:
Gosh I just LOVED this story. So, so much. I think it’s quite hard to pull off a novella that feels complete, full, and a believable romance. And this was it for me. I just adored it from the very beginning when Eva is breaking into Jack’s home. The tension builds, the characters came to life – it was wonderful.
This story had so much heart and humor. I was reading this while trying to walk on the treadmill and I was giggling so much falling off was a real threat. The tension is built over time and with all my favorite type of scenes – the slow build of wanting with little barely there touches. One of the first interactions between our hero and heroine is where the hero basically performs a strip tease to call the heroine’s bluff and get to leave – while she’s sings badly tuned Christmas carols. It’s just perfect.
It has a lot of my favorite things in romance – a dark and misunderstood hero. A hero that wants revenge but sees the error of this ways and repents to the heroine. A fake relationship. A spunky older lady that the hero has a soft spot for (his grandmother). Sex that is a perfect mix of feelings and emotions and what body parts are going where explicitness. I just really, really loved this novella. And I have only read one other Anna Bennett, and I quite loved that one too. So obviously I need to go stalk her book list. Right now! :P The only way this book could have been better for me is if it was a full novel and I got more Eva and Jack time.
Content warnings
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes – this book is from 64% - 99%)
September 24, 2021
Kissing Under the Mistletoe includes three swoon-worthy novellas from three wonderful novelists – Suzanne Enoch, Amelia Grey, and Anna Bennet. All three stories are set during the holiday season and are filled with charm, wit, and lovely romances.
In Great Scot! by Suzanne Enoch, thirty-three-year-old Jane always feels like a third wheel and hasn’t quite found her place in the world. Taken in by the MacTaggerts, Jane meets their cousin Brennan and realizes that it might not be too late for love. Jane is a quiet introvert who prefers reading to socializing, and Brennan opens her eyes to the possibility of a future that doesn’t include spinsterhood. Brennan mourns the loss of his wife, but Jane makes him see that he could have a future with her. Jane and Brennan have a wonderful romance, and I like that they understood each other so well.
Since the novella is set in the Wild Wicked Highlanders series, the story includes many of the MacTaggert favorites, and I loved seeing how their stories continued. The beautiful backdrop of the Scottish Highlands, as well as the holiday spirit, contribute to the romantic tone of the story.
Amelia Grey’s Christmas at Dewberry Hollow begins as Isabelle, the daughter of an inn owner, accidentally shoots and wounds one of the Duke of Notsgrave’s guards. When she meets Gates, the Duke’s grandson, he is nothing like she imagined. As the couple tries to find an old tree engravement marked by the Duke years ago, their feelings for each other intensify.
I enjoyed the romance between Isabelle and Gates. They have instant attraction for each other, but Isabell fights her feelings. She loves her life and her home, and she works harder than most. She is very self-sufficient and independent, and she is very willing to speak her mind. I think that’s what draws Gates to her. He is so smitten with her from the start, but can he prove that they are meant to be together?
My Mistletoe Beau by Anna Bennett is a wonderful enemies-to-lovers romance that starts with an attempted robbery and ends, like the other stories, with a HEA. When Eva breaks into Jack’s home intent on stealing a watch that her father lost in a gamble, she never expected to be caught. Jack is intrigued by Eva and, instead of punishing her, convinces her to pretend they are engaged. This will ease some of the pressures on Jack, and in exchange, Jack will give Eva the watch.
Eva and Jack have amazing chemistry, and I really enjoyed their love story. Their banter is funny, smart, and filled with sexual tension, and it’s so obvious they have feelings for each other. The characters are dynamically developed, and I loved the secondary characters, especially Jack’s grandmother.
This is a wonderful trilogy of novellas that I think will appeal to readers who like historical romances with great characters and a ton of holiday spirit. Thanks so much to the authors, NetGalley, and St. Martin’s Press for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
In Great Scot! by Suzanne Enoch, thirty-three-year-old Jane always feels like a third wheel and hasn’t quite found her place in the world. Taken in by the MacTaggerts, Jane meets their cousin Brennan and realizes that it might not be too late for love. Jane is a quiet introvert who prefers reading to socializing, and Brennan opens her eyes to the possibility of a future that doesn’t include spinsterhood. Brennan mourns the loss of his wife, but Jane makes him see that he could have a future with her. Jane and Brennan have a wonderful romance, and I like that they understood each other so well.
Since the novella is set in the Wild Wicked Highlanders series, the story includes many of the MacTaggert favorites, and I loved seeing how their stories continued. The beautiful backdrop of the Scottish Highlands, as well as the holiday spirit, contribute to the romantic tone of the story.
Amelia Grey’s Christmas at Dewberry Hollow begins as Isabelle, the daughter of an inn owner, accidentally shoots and wounds one of the Duke of Notsgrave’s guards. When she meets Gates, the Duke’s grandson, he is nothing like she imagined. As the couple tries to find an old tree engravement marked by the Duke years ago, their feelings for each other intensify.
I enjoyed the romance between Isabelle and Gates. They have instant attraction for each other, but Isabell fights her feelings. She loves her life and her home, and she works harder than most. She is very self-sufficient and independent, and she is very willing to speak her mind. I think that’s what draws Gates to her. He is so smitten with her from the start, but can he prove that they are meant to be together?
My Mistletoe Beau by Anna Bennett is a wonderful enemies-to-lovers romance that starts with an attempted robbery and ends, like the other stories, with a HEA. When Eva breaks into Jack’s home intent on stealing a watch that her father lost in a gamble, she never expected to be caught. Jack is intrigued by Eva and, instead of punishing her, convinces her to pretend they are engaged. This will ease some of the pressures on Jack, and in exchange, Jack will give Eva the watch.
Eva and Jack have amazing chemistry, and I really enjoyed their love story. Their banter is funny, smart, and filled with sexual tension, and it’s so obvious they have feelings for each other. The characters are dynamically developed, and I loved the secondary characters, especially Jack’s grandmother.
This is a wonderful trilogy of novellas that I think will appeal to readers who like historical romances with great characters and a ton of holiday spirit. Thanks so much to the authors, NetGalley, and St. Martin’s Press for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
September 28, 2025
Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.
This is a collection of three novella length Historical-Romance stories by authors I have not read before. I enjoy the shorter format and these stories are just right for a quick trip into the Regency era Christmas scene.
GREAT SCOT by Suzanne Enoch: 4-Stars
Jane Bansil is a poor relation and at 33, she has decided that having a husband and family of her own is just not going to happen. She despises not being useful and living, basically, on charity. Jane is now in Scotland acting as companion to her cousin's mother-in-law. The McTaggerts are a wonderful family and their cousin, Brennan Andrews, is an architect who is designing a new home for one of his cousins. He takes one look at Jane and is ready to take another chance at love. But it may take some convincing for the shy, intelligent, spinster Jane to come around.
CHRISTMAS AT DEWBERRY HOLLOW by Amelia Grey: 4-Stars
Isabelle Reed and her mother own and run the Inn at Dewberry Hollow, a high end retreat a day's ride from London. When a duke and his grandson, Gate, arrive it means profit for the year. Gate is on a quest to aid his dying grandfather and nothing will keep him in Dewberry Hollow after it's completion, except for the beautiful and industrious Isabelle who has stolen his heart.
MY MISTLETOE BEAU by Anna Bennett: 4-Stars
Miss Eva Tiding has just one objective when she breaks into the bachelor apartments of the Earl of Frostbough. She intends to steal the pocket watch her father lost in a game to chance to the dastardly Earl. Being caught was not in her plan. Jack is intrigued by the young miss and since he is in need of a fiancee he quickly makes her a deal she can't refuse. Of course, this farce is only for the Christmas season, or so they thought.
This is a collection of three novella length Historical-Romance stories by authors I have not read before. I enjoy the shorter format and these stories are just right for a quick trip into the Regency era Christmas scene.
GREAT SCOT by Suzanne Enoch: 4-Stars
Jane Bansil is a poor relation and at 33, she has decided that having a husband and family of her own is just not going to happen. She despises not being useful and living, basically, on charity. Jane is now in Scotland acting as companion to her cousin's mother-in-law. The McTaggerts are a wonderful family and their cousin, Brennan Andrews, is an architect who is designing a new home for one of his cousins. He takes one look at Jane and is ready to take another chance at love. But it may take some convincing for the shy, intelligent, spinster Jane to come around.
CHRISTMAS AT DEWBERRY HOLLOW by Amelia Grey: 4-Stars
Isabelle Reed and her mother own and run the Inn at Dewberry Hollow, a high end retreat a day's ride from London. When a duke and his grandson, Gate, arrive it means profit for the year. Gate is on a quest to aid his dying grandfather and nothing will keep him in Dewberry Hollow after it's completion, except for the beautiful and industrious Isabelle who has stolen his heart.
MY MISTLETOE BEAU by Anna Bennett: 4-Stars
Miss Eva Tiding has just one objective when she breaks into the bachelor apartments of the Earl of Frostbough. She intends to steal the pocket watch her father lost in a game to chance to the dastardly Earl. Being caught was not in her plan. Jack is intrigued by the young miss and since he is in need of a fiancee he quickly makes her a deal she can't refuse. Of course, this farce is only for the Christmas season, or so they thought.
December 13, 2021
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Great Scot by Suzanne Enoch 3 stars
“Aye, here we are. A man with a ruined face who tries to imagine perfect buildings, and a lass who enjoys solitude and reading trying to keep track of a busy countess’s social schedule.”
This novella is set in Enoch's series Wild Wicked Highlanders, three highland brothers go to London and wind up finding wives. If you've read that series, you'll recognize Jane, the cousin and former companion to one of the new wives who ended up being thrown out by her aunt because Jane helped her cousin elope with one of the highlander brothers. Jane was welcomed in by the highlander's mother and works as her companion now, even though she's aware it's more of charity than actual necessity.
I felt this novella was the least rushed, in terms of storytelling and romance, but as this was set in an already established world and one I'm familiar with, the author could play off that established knowledge and reader developed feelings. Jane was a sweet character who at 33 years old felt on the shelf and lost a bit in where she belongs in the world. As the family is spending the holidays at Aldriss Park in Scotland, we get some great seasonal reading, chilly and snowy scenes and a highlander cousin for Jane.
Brennan Andrews is a cousin to the MacTaggert brothers, an architect, and a widower. He lost his wife seven years ago and in a town where everyone knew her, no one wants to insult her memory by developing a romance with him. Coll, the oldest MacTaggert, wants him to build a house for him and his new wife and while searching for papers in the library he meets Jane. They're both a little shy and bumbling, Jane is used to staying to the corners and with so many years removed from when he had to romance anyone, Brennan is out of practice and wary because of the patch he wears over one eye due to losing it in a riding accident. The location brings the snowy atmosphere and Jane and Brennan provide the gentle, loving feels.
Christmas at Dewberry Hollow by Amelia Grey 3 stars
Their breaths mingled in the freezing air. Their eyes searched.
Isabelle Reed's family has run the Inn ever since her Viscount ancestor decided to turn one of their home's into a profit inn. Her and her mother have been trying to keep it afloat since her father died and her mother's uncle passed away and the new viscount has cut their allowance. This Christmastime, they are having the Duke of Notsgrove stay and they hope the income of his stay will keep them afloat a little longer. Isabelle has lived her whole life in Dewberry Hollow and can't imagine living anywhere else. She teaches some classes to town's children in exchange for goods to help fill out their meager income. When Isabelle is out hunting, she accidentally shoots a man in the arm, she already feels awful but when she discovers it is the guard of the Duke of Notsgrove's grandson, she is scared she might have jeopardized the inn's income.
While not the heir, John Gatestone still has a close, loving relationship with his cantankerous duke grandfather. His grandfather has been failing lately and the family fears he won't have much longer to live. When his grandfather insists that he must visit the tree he carved his and his late wife's initials in before he dies, John volunteers to take him and promises the family he will have his grandfather back by Christmas dinner. When his guard gets grazed in the arm by a shot, John finds himself drawn to the shooter, Isabelle.
This was snowy and sweet novella that had some quick feeling falling in love. Isabelle has been burnt before by a man her mother loved and Isabelle dearly wanted as a stepfather who promised to return and never did. John has never felt the importance of marrying as he's not the heir. There wasn't too much angsty drama keeping these two apart, John comes up with a deal that he won't tell anyone Isabelle accidentally shot his guard if she helps him look for his grandfather's tree and that plot gives us some scenes of the two together and to help show the attraction between the two.
I thought their love felt quick and I'm not sure I completely bought into the ending in regards to John's decision to upend his life but, like I said, this had sweet vibe and definite winter seasonal atmosphere. It works as a middle story in the anthology to anchor it but also keep up the short burst of romance bargain.
My Mistletoe Beau by Anna Bennett 2.5 stars
Miss Eva Tiding’s hands were surprisingly steady, considering she was on the doorstep of London’s most disreputable rogue. And on the brink of committing a felony.
This one probably had the most story meat to it, Eva sets out to steal a watch that her late mother gave her father and he has now lost in a poker wager. Her father is despondent without it and I kept getting tripped up that he would wager the watch if it meant so much to him. Anyway, she breaks into the Earl of Frostbough's home to steal the watch back and gets caught by him. They do have some fun back and forth, not quite reaching the sizzle of heated by play but the Earl, Jack, says he will not give the watch back for any price. We get some backstory that Eva's late mother was actually to be engaged to Jack's father but she ended up eloping with Eva's eventual father. This left Jack's father hurt and angry and made growing up with him miserable for Jack. He blames Eva's father for this misery.
However, even with this lifetime grudge, Jack thinks of how he has lied to his grandmother that he is in a courtship with a lady, to get her not to worry about him but then she sends him a letter telling him she is going to visit so she can meet the lady. Jack proposes a deal with Eva, if she goes along with the ruse that she is the lady he is in a courtship with and attends three societal functions with him, he will give her the watch back. There's a striptease and then a kiss to see if they can pull off pretending to be courting and this all has Eva scared her heart could be at risk, so she lies to Jack that she could never pretend and refuses the deal. His feelings are hurt but when Eva learns her father is trying to set her up with a marquess, she decides to accept Jack's proposal to keep her own father off her back.
There was just too much in this story that felt off balance to me, the backstory, the setup between Eva and Jack, and Eva deciding that they would act broken up in public but be sleeping with each other behind closed doors later in the story. This was the steamiest of the three reads and while I initially enjoyed the back and forth between these two, it didn't sustain it's chemistry, coming off forced. Jack was pretty much all in and pining (I didn't witness any of the coldhearted/mean reputation he was supposedly known for) for Eva while she is a little more cold shoulder, to wanting him, and then thinking he was playing her for revenge against her father (it doesn't really make sense why she would suddenly think this).
This had more of the snowy atmosphere, a houseparty, and mistletoe to tie it into the holiday collection. While this had more meat to it's story, it felt off balance with it's components not always fitting together right for me.
Great Scot by Suzanne Enoch 3 stars
“Aye, here we are. A man with a ruined face who tries to imagine perfect buildings, and a lass who enjoys solitude and reading trying to keep track of a busy countess’s social schedule.”
This novella is set in Enoch's series Wild Wicked Highlanders, three highland brothers go to London and wind up finding wives. If you've read that series, you'll recognize Jane, the cousin and former companion to one of the new wives who ended up being thrown out by her aunt because Jane helped her cousin elope with one of the highlander brothers. Jane was welcomed in by the highlander's mother and works as her companion now, even though she's aware it's more of charity than actual necessity.
I felt this novella was the least rushed, in terms of storytelling and romance, but as this was set in an already established world and one I'm familiar with, the author could play off that established knowledge and reader developed feelings. Jane was a sweet character who at 33 years old felt on the shelf and lost a bit in where she belongs in the world. As the family is spending the holidays at Aldriss Park in Scotland, we get some great seasonal reading, chilly and snowy scenes and a highlander cousin for Jane.
Brennan Andrews is a cousin to the MacTaggert brothers, an architect, and a widower. He lost his wife seven years ago and in a town where everyone knew her, no one wants to insult her memory by developing a romance with him. Coll, the oldest MacTaggert, wants him to build a house for him and his new wife and while searching for papers in the library he meets Jane. They're both a little shy and bumbling, Jane is used to staying to the corners and with so many years removed from when he had to romance anyone, Brennan is out of practice and wary because of the patch he wears over one eye due to losing it in a riding accident. The location brings the snowy atmosphere and Jane and Brennan provide the gentle, loving feels.
Christmas at Dewberry Hollow by Amelia Grey 3 stars
Their breaths mingled in the freezing air. Their eyes searched.
Isabelle Reed's family has run the Inn ever since her Viscount ancestor decided to turn one of their home's into a profit inn. Her and her mother have been trying to keep it afloat since her father died and her mother's uncle passed away and the new viscount has cut their allowance. This Christmastime, they are having the Duke of Notsgrove stay and they hope the income of his stay will keep them afloat a little longer. Isabelle has lived her whole life in Dewberry Hollow and can't imagine living anywhere else. She teaches some classes to town's children in exchange for goods to help fill out their meager income. When Isabelle is out hunting, she accidentally shoots a man in the arm, she already feels awful but when she discovers it is the guard of the Duke of Notsgrove's grandson, she is scared she might have jeopardized the inn's income.
While not the heir, John Gatestone still has a close, loving relationship with his cantankerous duke grandfather. His grandfather has been failing lately and the family fears he won't have much longer to live. When his grandfather insists that he must visit the tree he carved his and his late wife's initials in before he dies, John volunteers to take him and promises the family he will have his grandfather back by Christmas dinner. When his guard gets grazed in the arm by a shot, John finds himself drawn to the shooter, Isabelle.
This was snowy and sweet novella that had some quick feeling falling in love. Isabelle has been burnt before by a man her mother loved and Isabelle dearly wanted as a stepfather who promised to return and never did. John has never felt the importance of marrying as he's not the heir. There wasn't too much angsty drama keeping these two apart, John comes up with a deal that he won't tell anyone Isabelle accidentally shot his guard if she helps him look for his grandfather's tree and that plot gives us some scenes of the two together and to help show the attraction between the two.
I thought their love felt quick and I'm not sure I completely bought into the ending in regards to John's decision to upend his life but, like I said, this had sweet vibe and definite winter seasonal atmosphere. It works as a middle story in the anthology to anchor it but also keep up the short burst of romance bargain.
My Mistletoe Beau by Anna Bennett 2.5 stars
Miss Eva Tiding’s hands were surprisingly steady, considering she was on the doorstep of London’s most disreputable rogue. And on the brink of committing a felony.
This one probably had the most story meat to it, Eva sets out to steal a watch that her late mother gave her father and he has now lost in a poker wager. Her father is despondent without it and I kept getting tripped up that he would wager the watch if it meant so much to him. Anyway, she breaks into the Earl of Frostbough's home to steal the watch back and gets caught by him. They do have some fun back and forth, not quite reaching the sizzle of heated by play but the Earl, Jack, says he will not give the watch back for any price. We get some backstory that Eva's late mother was actually to be engaged to Jack's father but she ended up eloping with Eva's eventual father. This left Jack's father hurt and angry and made growing up with him miserable for Jack. He blames Eva's father for this misery.
However, even with this lifetime grudge, Jack thinks of how he has lied to his grandmother that he is in a courtship with a lady, to get her not to worry about him but then she sends him a letter telling him she is going to visit so she can meet the lady. Jack proposes a deal with Eva, if she goes along with the ruse that she is the lady he is in a courtship with and attends three societal functions with him, he will give her the watch back. There's a striptease and then a kiss to see if they can pull off pretending to be courting and this all has Eva scared her heart could be at risk, so she lies to Jack that she could never pretend and refuses the deal. His feelings are hurt but when Eva learns her father is trying to set her up with a marquess, she decides to accept Jack's proposal to keep her own father off her back.
There was just too much in this story that felt off balance to me, the backstory, the setup between Eva and Jack, and Eva deciding that they would act broken up in public but be sleeping with each other behind closed doors later in the story. This was the steamiest of the three reads and while I initially enjoyed the back and forth between these two, it didn't sustain it's chemistry, coming off forced. Jack was pretty much all in and pining (I didn't witness any of the coldhearted/mean reputation he was supposedly known for) for Eva while she is a little more cold shoulder, to wanting him, and then thinking he was playing her for revenge against her father (it doesn't really make sense why she would suddenly think this).
This had more of the snowy atmosphere, a houseparty, and mistletoe to tie it into the holiday collection. While this had more meat to it's story, it felt off balance with it's components not always fitting together right for me.
August 4, 2021
Fun Anthology of 3 short stories for Christmas!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This book is the perfect choice when you don't have time for one full book. This is three novella-length short stories wrapped up in one.
I was so excited to open the book to find a sequel of sorts by Enoch. She is the author of the Scot stories I reviewed last year and just loved! These books were about brothers and their quest to find the wives they didn't know they were looking for. LOL.
In the story Great Scot, Enoch features one of the characters from this series and it is an awesome addition to this new release. We get glimpses of the other characters and get to know Jane better. Quick and easy insta-love feel that leaves you smiling!
Amelia Grey brings us a delightful story of a lady who makes an impression to some guests in a rather alarming manner that makes a big impression! A unique story with a happy ending.
A first-time story for me by Bennett who delivers a story with an often used trope but she brings it with great storytelling skills. Things are not always as they seem in this novella.
These authors bring together three stories that will get you in the holiday love mood and ready for the season of feel-good moments. With insta-love abounding, these short stories are just what we need for a relaxing release and our own happily ever after.
Kissing Under the Mistletoe has so much love packed in here! It is a fun and fabulous choice for your holiday booklist!
* copy received for review consideration
Full Review - https://amidlifewife.com/kissing-unde...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This book is the perfect choice when you don't have time for one full book. This is three novella-length short stories wrapped up in one.
I was so excited to open the book to find a sequel of sorts by Enoch. She is the author of the Scot stories I reviewed last year and just loved! These books were about brothers and their quest to find the wives they didn't know they were looking for. LOL.
In the story Great Scot, Enoch features one of the characters from this series and it is an awesome addition to this new release. We get glimpses of the other characters and get to know Jane better. Quick and easy insta-love feel that leaves you smiling!
Amelia Grey brings us a delightful story of a lady who makes an impression to some guests in a rather alarming manner that makes a big impression! A unique story with a happy ending.
A first-time story for me by Bennett who delivers a story with an often used trope but she brings it with great storytelling skills. Things are not always as they seem in this novella.
These authors bring together three stories that will get you in the holiday love mood and ready for the season of feel-good moments. With insta-love abounding, these short stories are just what we need for a relaxing release and our own happily ever after.
Kissing Under the Mistletoe has so much love packed in here! It is a fun and fabulous choice for your holiday booklist!
* copy received for review consideration
Full Review - https://amidlifewife.com/kissing-unde...
September 29, 2021
The Scottish Highlands, an inn on the outskirts of town, and a Christmas house party set the mood for three heartwarming holiday novellas: Great Scot! by Suzanne Enoch, Christmas at Dewberry Hollow by Amelia Grey, and My Mistletoe Beau by Anna Bennett.
My personal favorite was the last story, from Anna Bennett. From the first chapter, I couldn't put it down. It made me laugh and root for Jack and Eva! I wanted to keep reading but, at the same time, I didn't want it to end.
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
My personal favorite was the last story, from Anna Bennett. From the first chapter, I couldn't put it down. It made me laugh and root for Jack and Eva! I wanted to keep reading but, at the same time, I didn't want it to end.
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
September 30, 2021
Kissing Under the Mistletoe was a wonderful collection of holiday romances from three historical romance authors I've enjoyed in the past.
Overall average rating — 4 Stars
Great Scot by Suzanne Enoch — 3 Stars
Jane Bansil has accepted that at her age she is unlikely to ever fall in love or marry. But when she meets Brennan Andrew, the architect hired by her cousin's in-laws, she is instantly smitten. And when Brennan reveals his feelings for her, Jane realizes she may get the fairy-tale life she dreamed of after all. This story is set after the Wild Wicked Highlanders with the couples from that series featuring heavily. I enjoyed Jane and Brennan's romance and I liked how easily they fit with each other. The only thing I didn't really enjoy about this book was that Jane had a tendency to put herself down or believed everyone was only nice to her out of charity which got frustrating as time went on. But overall I still thought it was a cute romance and would recommend it for readers of the Wild Wicked Highlanders series.
Christmas At Dewberry Hollow by Amelia Grey — 4 Stars
Isabelle Reed is perfectly content to remain unmarried and help her mother run their inn. When John Gatestone, the grandson of a duke, arrives with his grandfather to search for something from his grandfather's youth, Isabelle finds herself drawn to the man. This was a really cute story and I loved the plot of Gate trying to locate the tree his grandfather carved a heart into with his wife when they were younger. Isabelle finds herself drawn into helping Gate as she likes to help the guests and I enjoyed their search for the tree. Their romance has a bit of a slower start as Isabelle has issues in her past with relationships but I liked seeing Gate slowly chip away at her walls. The chemistry between these two was great and overall I really enjoyed their romance.
My Mistletoe Beau by Anna Bennett — 5 Stars
Miss Eva Tiding is determined to retrieve her father's pocket watch even if it means breaking into the home of the Earl who swindled it from him. But when Jack Hardwick catches Eva in the act, she finds herself cutting a deal with the rake. Until Christmas Eve, Eva and Jack will pretend to be courting after which Eva will be given the watch. Fake dating is one of my all time favorite romance tropes and it is fantastically done in this story. The chemistry between Eva and Jack is amazing and the banter in their relationship is very well done. It doesn't take long for both of them to catch real feelings for each other although Eva is the more hesitant of the two to do anything about those feelings. I liked how Jack put himself out there and how the pair worked things out at the Christmas Eve ball. Overall I loved this story and it was definitely my favorite in the collection.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
Overall average rating — 4 Stars
Great Scot by Suzanne Enoch — 3 Stars
Jane Bansil has accepted that at her age she is unlikely to ever fall in love or marry. But when she meets Brennan Andrew, the architect hired by her cousin's in-laws, she is instantly smitten. And when Brennan reveals his feelings for her, Jane realizes she may get the fairy-tale life she dreamed of after all. This story is set after the Wild Wicked Highlanders with the couples from that series featuring heavily. I enjoyed Jane and Brennan's romance and I liked how easily they fit with each other. The only thing I didn't really enjoy about this book was that Jane had a tendency to put herself down or believed everyone was only nice to her out of charity which got frustrating as time went on. But overall I still thought it was a cute romance and would recommend it for readers of the Wild Wicked Highlanders series.
Christmas At Dewberry Hollow by Amelia Grey — 4 Stars
Isabelle Reed is perfectly content to remain unmarried and help her mother run their inn. When John Gatestone, the grandson of a duke, arrives with his grandfather to search for something from his grandfather's youth, Isabelle finds herself drawn to the man. This was a really cute story and I loved the plot of Gate trying to locate the tree his grandfather carved a heart into with his wife when they were younger. Isabelle finds herself drawn into helping Gate as she likes to help the guests and I enjoyed their search for the tree. Their romance has a bit of a slower start as Isabelle has issues in her past with relationships but I liked seeing Gate slowly chip away at her walls. The chemistry between these two was great and overall I really enjoyed their romance.
My Mistletoe Beau by Anna Bennett — 5 Stars
Miss Eva Tiding is determined to retrieve her father's pocket watch even if it means breaking into the home of the Earl who swindled it from him. But when Jack Hardwick catches Eva in the act, she finds herself cutting a deal with the rake. Until Christmas Eve, Eva and Jack will pretend to be courting after which Eva will be given the watch. Fake dating is one of my all time favorite romance tropes and it is fantastically done in this story. The chemistry between Eva and Jack is amazing and the banter in their relationship is very well done. It doesn't take long for both of them to catch real feelings for each other although Eva is the more hesitant of the two to do anything about those feelings. I liked how Jack put himself out there and how the pair worked things out at the Christmas Eve ball. Overall I loved this story and it was definitely my favorite in the collection.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
December 10, 2021
This was a hit-or-miss anthology for us. Here are our rankings for the 3 novellas:
Great Scot! - Suzanne Enoch: 4 stars. We enjoyed this low-key but sexy story between an "older" heroine (she's a 33-year-old spinster) and a Scottish architect. This follows Enoch's Wild Wicked Highlanders series and it was fun to get to know a Scotsman who isn't purposely being an OTT caricature of a highlander.
7-Word Summaries:
Laine: Poor relation gets Christmas HEA with Scotsman
Meg: 33-year drought ended by Christmas in Scotland.
Christmas at Dewberry Hollow - Amelia Grey: 2.5 stars. The setup had potential: Gate, a duke's grandson, accompanies his ducal grandfather to the rural village of Dewberry Hollow on a romantic quest. Isabelle, his romantic interest, is the granddaughter of a viscount who also helps run the inn where Gate and his grandfather are staying. Unfortunately the execution was a bit lackluster and left us wondering what their attraction was to each other, and how Isabelle's grandfather the viscount had anything to do with it.
My Mistletoe Beau - Anna Bennett: 3.5 stars. This is definitely the sexiest entry of the anthology! It starts when Eva breaks into Jack's bachelor apartments to steal back a watch that he won in a card game with Eva's father. Unfortunately for her, Jack catches her red-handed. It somehow ends up with his proposing a fake relationship to fool his grandmother... and we all know what happens with fake relationships!
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the book.
Great Scot! - Suzanne Enoch: 4 stars. We enjoyed this low-key but sexy story between an "older" heroine (she's a 33-year-old spinster) and a Scottish architect. This follows Enoch's Wild Wicked Highlanders series and it was fun to get to know a Scotsman who isn't purposely being an OTT caricature of a highlander.
7-Word Summaries:
Laine: Poor relation gets Christmas HEA with Scotsman
Meg: 33-year drought ended by Christmas in Scotland.
Christmas at Dewberry Hollow - Amelia Grey: 2.5 stars. The setup had potential: Gate, a duke's grandson, accompanies his ducal grandfather to the rural village of Dewberry Hollow on a romantic quest. Isabelle, his romantic interest, is the granddaughter of a viscount who also helps run the inn where Gate and his grandfather are staying. Unfortunately the execution was a bit lackluster and left us wondering what their attraction was to each other, and how Isabelle's grandfather the viscount had anything to do with it.
My Mistletoe Beau - Anna Bennett: 3.5 stars. This is definitely the sexiest entry of the anthology! It starts when Eva breaks into Jack's bachelor apartments to steal back a watch that he won in a card game with Eva's father. Unfortunately for her, Jack catches her red-handed. It somehow ends up with his proposing a fake relationship to fool his grandmother... and we all know what happens with fake relationships!
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the book.
September 29, 2021
Readers will cherish the time spent with the couples in this trio of atmospheric and steamy short romance stories. Enoch’s story is a breath of fresh air, a story about two quiet people normally overlooked in a romance story and their beautiful relationship. Grey’s hero’s evolution from a rich nobleman with no real purpose in life to a devoted man who is willing to sacrifice all for his beloved is sigh-worthy. But Bennett’s outing steals the show with a couple who goes from near-constant verbal sparring to a deep love bond in a believable and utterly ravishing way. I loved Jack so much! He was hunkalicious. My second favorite hero was Bennett. Yes Please! Fans of holiday romance will get three different but all enjoyable kinds of stories to enjoy in Kissing Under the Mistletoe.
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine. http://affairedecoeur.com
Arc provided for review from Netgalley courtesy of St. Martin's Paperbacks.
June 26, 2021
This is a delightful collection of three entertaining, well-written, steamy, holiday, historical romance novellas. Suzanne Enoch's entry is a heartwarming story of a shy, awkward spinster finding love with a quiet hero, and has a happily ever after ending. It is an excellent addition to Ms. Enoch's outstanding "Wild Wicked Highlanders" series, and can easily be read and enjoyed as a stand alone. The glimpses of characters and past events have piqued my interest in reading their stories in the other novels of this series.
Amelia Grey's entry has likable, engaging characters, a strong and capable female protagonist, a heartwarming romance, the sentimental quest to fulfill a promise, a special guest, the sadness of memory loss, Christmas magic, and a happily ever after ending.
Anna Bennett's novella is a tie-in to her "Rogues to Lovers" series and has wit, humor, wonderful characters, a beautiful setting, a heartwarming enemies to lovers romance, and a happily ever after ending. I am looking forward to reading the next entry in this series with great anticipation.
Net Galley kindly provided me with an ARC of this anthology, and this is my honest opinion.
Amelia Grey's entry has likable, engaging characters, a strong and capable female protagonist, a heartwarming romance, the sentimental quest to fulfill a promise, a special guest, the sadness of memory loss, Christmas magic, and a happily ever after ending.
Anna Bennett's novella is a tie-in to her "Rogues to Lovers" series and has wit, humor, wonderful characters, a beautiful setting, a heartwarming enemies to lovers romance, and a happily ever after ending. I am looking forward to reading the next entry in this series with great anticipation.
Net Galley kindly provided me with an ARC of this anthology, and this is my honest opinion.
July 2, 2021
First and foremost, I am a fan of all three authors of “Kissing Under the Mistletoe”. All three novellas in this book were delightful reads and will make for good reading in the upcoming holiday season.
Suzanne Enoch: “Great Scot!” we see the MacTaggert brothers reappearing along with new intro of Brennan Andrews, a cousin and skilled architect. It also re-introduces Jane Bansil who was rejected by her aunt for aiding her cousin’s elopement to one of the brothers. This novella felt just a bit rushed in the romance department but hey love at first sight is always a possibility when two are willing to take that chance.
Amelia Grey: “Christmas at Dewberry Hollow” we have Isabelle Reed who is resigned to spinsterhood and helping her mother run her inn as she has done over the years. After she shoots and injures a guard of long-standing Duke, in steps his grandson Gate and all of his mischief to gain the love of Isabelle. I love a witty story that has angst and romance intertwined. Isabelle and Gate are loveable characters who are full of trouble and fun.
Anna Bennett: “My Mistletoe Beau” stars Lady Eva Tiding as a thief who sneaks into The Earl of Frostbough’s home to steal back her father’s pocket watch. Unfortunately, she is caught in the act and is somewhat blackmailed into becoming his fiancé when his grandmother visits to keep her from meddling into his love life.
Novellas with handsome and virile men who are sexy and romantic and waiting to ring in the holiday season with smart and intelligent women who capture their hearts. Entertaining and fun reads that I recommend.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review. All opinions in this review are my own.
Suzanne Enoch: “Great Scot!” we see the MacTaggert brothers reappearing along with new intro of Brennan Andrews, a cousin and skilled architect. It also re-introduces Jane Bansil who was rejected by her aunt for aiding her cousin’s elopement to one of the brothers. This novella felt just a bit rushed in the romance department but hey love at first sight is always a possibility when two are willing to take that chance.
Amelia Grey: “Christmas at Dewberry Hollow” we have Isabelle Reed who is resigned to spinsterhood and helping her mother run her inn as she has done over the years. After she shoots and injures a guard of long-standing Duke, in steps his grandson Gate and all of his mischief to gain the love of Isabelle. I love a witty story that has angst and romance intertwined. Isabelle and Gate are loveable characters who are full of trouble and fun.
Anna Bennett: “My Mistletoe Beau” stars Lady Eva Tiding as a thief who sneaks into The Earl of Frostbough’s home to steal back her father’s pocket watch. Unfortunately, she is caught in the act and is somewhat blackmailed into becoming his fiancé when his grandmother visits to keep her from meddling into his love life.
Novellas with handsome and virile men who are sexy and romantic and waiting to ring in the holiday season with smart and intelligent women who capture their hearts. Entertaining and fun reads that I recommend.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review. All opinions in this review are my own.
July 4, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up for the entertaining beginning and the sheer hopeful joy that was the last story in this collection.
Great Scot by Suzanne Enoch ~ 3.5 stars
At first, I found this story a bit hard to get into, because everyone except the hero seems to be established characters from a series I haven't read, but once I stopped trying to figure out who was married or related to whom, I immensely enjoyed this sweet story about a charming widower and a woman who firmly believes she belongs in the background, a hired companion and nothing more. I really enjoyed watching these two getting to know each other! The insta love was strong here, but it fitted. My favorite part was the writing and setting, there's just something special and magical about Suzanne Enoch's tangible love for all things Scottish.
Christmas at Dewberry Hollow by Amelia Grey ~ 2 stars
This started off with the heroine shooting the hero's attendant and then yelling at him for daring to carry her gun so she won't hurt anyone (she somehow thought this was theft?), and I never really understood her. To be honest, I already forgot most about this one.
Except I did like the hero, he was sweet.
My mistletoe beau by Anna Bennett ~ 5 stars
Definitely my favorite story. These two enemies to fake courting couple to lovers were so adorable! Their bickering and teasing was fun, and seeing him finally letting someone in and risk his heart and be hopeful was just so incredibly sweet and heartwarming. A perfect Christmas story of love and forgiveness, moving on and risking everything.
*I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Great Scot by Suzanne Enoch ~ 3.5 stars
At first, I found this story a bit hard to get into, because everyone except the hero seems to be established characters from a series I haven't read, but once I stopped trying to figure out who was married or related to whom, I immensely enjoyed this sweet story about a charming widower and a woman who firmly believes she belongs in the background, a hired companion and nothing more. I really enjoyed watching these two getting to know each other! The insta love was strong here, but it fitted. My favorite part was the writing and setting, there's just something special and magical about Suzanne Enoch's tangible love for all things Scottish.
Christmas at Dewberry Hollow by Amelia Grey ~ 2 stars
This started off with the heroine shooting the hero's attendant and then yelling at him for daring to carry her gun so she won't hurt anyone (she somehow thought this was theft?), and I never really understood her. To be honest, I already forgot most about this one.
Except I did like the hero, he was sweet.
My mistletoe beau by Anna Bennett ~ 5 stars
Definitely my favorite story. These two enemies to fake courting couple to lovers were so adorable! Their bickering and teasing was fun, and seeing him finally letting someone in and risk his heart and be hopeful was just so incredibly sweet and heartwarming. A perfect Christmas story of love and forgiveness, moving on and risking everything.
*I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
September 28, 2021
As I sit and write this it's raining, dark and pretty miserable outside my window so reminds me that summer is gone and winter not far away so this collection of historical romance set at Christmas certainly fits the bill. Who doesn't enjoy a woman finding her feet and maybe also the man of her dreams ? All three of these stories feature a female who thinks she knows what she wants until life very happily throws her a surprise. If honest I have not read a lot by these authors and I'm guessing that at least one of these romances connects to a series but I found it easy to immerse myself in everything that was going on. Likeable characters, some steamy moments but most of all just engaging and entertaining to read.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
October 20, 2022
Great Scot by Suzanne Enoch
Jane Bansil has been reduced to the status of both poor relation and spinster. Though she knows she’s past marriageable age and the MacTaggert all love her, she wants to feel useful rather than a burden. She also can’t help but be attracted to the widowed MacTaggert cousin who is the architect on the family’s house.
This was a sweet love at first sight story, and I enjoyed it. Jane wanted to feel useful and have a purpose; scarred, widower Brennan wanted ease from his loneliness and these two came together in a charming way with the lovely backdrop of the Scottish Highlands at Christmas.
Christmas at Dewberry Hollow by Amelia Grey
Isabelle Reed is utterly devoted to the inn she helps her mother run and has a strict policy against fraternizing with the guests in any meaningful way. She’ll never marry since that would mean leaving the hollow and its people, and she certainly shouldn’t be entertaining Gate, a privileged duke’s grandson who is only in the village for a brief visit. Gate is leaving for London before Christmas and Isabelle refuses to lose her heart to him before he goes.
This was a lovely little story with another instantaneous attraction, but with a couple of obstacles keeping the MCs apart. Of course, these were easily remedied, though I must admit, the heroine’s protestations became a bit much at times and I found her a tad bit annoying. Thankfully, the hero was quite sweet, and her contrariness didn’t last long so this one still worked for me.
My Mistletoe Beau by Anna Bennett
Eva Tiding wants to boost her lonely father’s flagging spirits this Christmas by retrieving the beloved watch he lost in a card game. That means breaking into the home of Jack, a cold-hearted earl and leads to a fake engagement for the length of the holiday season.
I have to say, this one rather annoyed me. The hero started off cold but was of course just hiding hurt and loneliness, resulting in a surprising amount of character growth for a short novella. Unfortunately, I just found the heroine annoying, immature, judgmental, not to mention hypocritical and overly dramatic. She refused to reason and tried to shut the hero out for much of this short story and the resolution was very quick, leaving me to think she still didn’t really appreciate him or his pain even though he was trying to understand hers and overcome a long-held grudge for her. This one wasn’t my favorite.
Overall, this is a solidly enjoyable set of stories to put you in the Christmas spirit, with enough steam to warm you up and enough charm to keep you reading.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Jane Bansil has been reduced to the status of both poor relation and spinster. Though she knows she’s past marriageable age and the MacTaggert all love her, she wants to feel useful rather than a burden. She also can’t help but be attracted to the widowed MacTaggert cousin who is the architect on the family’s house.
This was a sweet love at first sight story, and I enjoyed it. Jane wanted to feel useful and have a purpose; scarred, widower Brennan wanted ease from his loneliness and these two came together in a charming way with the lovely backdrop of the Scottish Highlands at Christmas.
Christmas at Dewberry Hollow by Amelia Grey
Isabelle Reed is utterly devoted to the inn she helps her mother run and has a strict policy against fraternizing with the guests in any meaningful way. She’ll never marry since that would mean leaving the hollow and its people, and she certainly shouldn’t be entertaining Gate, a privileged duke’s grandson who is only in the village for a brief visit. Gate is leaving for London before Christmas and Isabelle refuses to lose her heart to him before he goes.
This was a lovely little story with another instantaneous attraction, but with a couple of obstacles keeping the MCs apart. Of course, these were easily remedied, though I must admit, the heroine’s protestations became a bit much at times and I found her a tad bit annoying. Thankfully, the hero was quite sweet, and her contrariness didn’t last long so this one still worked for me.
My Mistletoe Beau by Anna Bennett
Eva Tiding wants to boost her lonely father’s flagging spirits this Christmas by retrieving the beloved watch he lost in a card game. That means breaking into the home of Jack, a cold-hearted earl and leads to a fake engagement for the length of the holiday season.
I have to say, this one rather annoyed me. The hero started off cold but was of course just hiding hurt and loneliness, resulting in a surprising amount of character growth for a short novella. Unfortunately, I just found the heroine annoying, immature, judgmental, not to mention hypocritical and overly dramatic. She refused to reason and tried to shut the hero out for much of this short story and the resolution was very quick, leaving me to think she still didn’t really appreciate him or his pain even though he was trying to understand hers and overcome a long-held grudge for her. This one wasn’t my favorite.
Overall, this is a solidly enjoyable set of stories to put you in the Christmas spirit, with enough steam to warm you up and enough charm to keep you reading.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 18, 2021
In this fun, new Christmas anthology readers are treated to three wonderful new novellas by some of the brightest stars in the Historical Romance genre!
GREAT SCOT by Suzanne Enoch, 5 stars: Fans of the Wild Wicked Highlanders series will be thrilled to revisit the MacTaggerts! While visiting the highlands for the holidays, Lady Aldriss’ companion, Jane Bansil finds the love of her life in the MacTaggerts widower cousin Brennan Andrews. This was a sweet love story with just a dash of spice, lots of MacTaggerts, and ending with a HEA!
CHRISTMAS AT DEWBERRY HOLLOW by Amelia Grey, 4 stars: Isabelle Reed and John “Gate” Gatestone meet in the forest surrounding the Inn at Dewberry Hollow when Isabelle accidentally mistakes a member of his party for deer and shoot his guard. Thankfully, the man was only grazed and Isabelle treats his wound the best she can, causing Gate to assume she is a servant at the Inn. Gate is attracted, but won’t dally with maids, he sets his mind to his task – helping his grandfather, the Duke of Notsgrove, find a tree with the heart he carved for his wife many years ago. He is surprised and delighted to learn that Isabelle is not a servant, she is the owner’s daughter and the great-granddaughter of the Viscount Pailsworth. But Isabelle has been hurt before and refuses to let down her guard with Gate, luckily for her Gate isn’t willing to give up easily! This was a sweet story with warmish/vague love scenes and a HEA.
MY MISTLETOE BEAU by Anna Bennett, 4.5 stars: When her father loses the pocket watch her mother gifted him in a card game to Jack Hardwick, Earl of Frotstbrough, and heir to the Duke of Northcott and her letters to him go unanswered, Miss Eva Tiding breaks into the bachelor rooms to retrieve it, thinking she will sneak in, find it and escape unnoticed. But her plans are foiled by Jack and he proposes another way she can reclaim the watch – pretend to be the woman he is courting, a woman he made up to please his grandmother. At first, she refuses as she never plans to marry, but when her father suggests a match, she tells him she has already lost her heart to Jack. What starts as a ruse, quickly turns to more, but past hurts may prevent these two from ever finding their HEA. This was a delightful tale with a lot of witty banter and a dash of steam.
This was a great collection, each story is standalone, and the novellas are not connected, so it is a very quick and easy read. I thoroughly enjoyed each story and highly recommend the collection!
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
GREAT SCOT by Suzanne Enoch, 5 stars: Fans of the Wild Wicked Highlanders series will be thrilled to revisit the MacTaggerts! While visiting the highlands for the holidays, Lady Aldriss’ companion, Jane Bansil finds the love of her life in the MacTaggerts widower cousin Brennan Andrews. This was a sweet love story with just a dash of spice, lots of MacTaggerts, and ending with a HEA!
CHRISTMAS AT DEWBERRY HOLLOW by Amelia Grey, 4 stars: Isabelle Reed and John “Gate” Gatestone meet in the forest surrounding the Inn at Dewberry Hollow when Isabelle accidentally mistakes a member of his party for deer and shoot his guard. Thankfully, the man was only grazed and Isabelle treats his wound the best she can, causing Gate to assume she is a servant at the Inn. Gate is attracted, but won’t dally with maids, he sets his mind to his task – helping his grandfather, the Duke of Notsgrove, find a tree with the heart he carved for his wife many years ago. He is surprised and delighted to learn that Isabelle is not a servant, she is the owner’s daughter and the great-granddaughter of the Viscount Pailsworth. But Isabelle has been hurt before and refuses to let down her guard with Gate, luckily for her Gate isn’t willing to give up easily! This was a sweet story with warmish/vague love scenes and a HEA.
MY MISTLETOE BEAU by Anna Bennett, 4.5 stars: When her father loses the pocket watch her mother gifted him in a card game to Jack Hardwick, Earl of Frotstbrough, and heir to the Duke of Northcott and her letters to him go unanswered, Miss Eva Tiding breaks into the bachelor rooms to retrieve it, thinking she will sneak in, find it and escape unnoticed. But her plans are foiled by Jack and he proposes another way she can reclaim the watch – pretend to be the woman he is courting, a woman he made up to please his grandmother. At first, she refuses as she never plans to marry, but when her father suggests a match, she tells him she has already lost her heart to Jack. What starts as a ruse, quickly turns to more, but past hurts may prevent these two from ever finding their HEA. This was a delightful tale with a lot of witty banter and a dash of steam.
This was a great collection, each story is standalone, and the novellas are not connected, so it is a very quick and easy read. I thoroughly enjoyed each story and highly recommend the collection!
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
February 23, 2022
Picked this story up because I loved Suzanne Enoch's MacTaggerts and I was super excited to return to that world with a minor character from the first book, Jane Bansil. I tried the other two stories in this collection, but unfortunately, could not get excited about either of them. Luckily, Enoch delivered so I was still happy I picked this up. Hopefully she will publish that little novella separately in the future.
My review is only regarding Enoch's story as I could not finish and disliked the other two stories. Amelia Grey's writing style and characters just aren't my thing (upon this my third try) and Anna Bennett's story set-up just didn't grab me (the characters were a little too nasty to each other--its a matter of taste, I rarely like a ton of bickering in my stories).
In Enoch's tale, Jane Bansil is a true spinster, not your "I'm only 21 but I'm a wallflower and thus a spintster" heroine you sometimes see, but an honest-to-goodness, 33 year old, wear hair in a tight bun, never look at men, all hope of marriage is gone, kind of historical spinster....and it made her unexpected alliance with the quiet, unassuming architect so awesome. I loved this quieter romance, especially since it was set in the MacTaggert world of big personalities and active couples. It was cool to see the MacTaggerts from Jane's eyes and even more romantic to see the quiet, but fulfilling life that suddenly opened to her. I thought her introversion was well-depicted and I appreciated that she found a man who understood her and loved to read as much as she did. She loved her adoptive "family" of sorts, but never truly fit in until she met Brennan. It was a slow burn story with little angst or action, but it was a perfect break in the holiday season and a story I'll be revisiting.
My review is only regarding Enoch's story as I could not finish and disliked the other two stories. Amelia Grey's writing style and characters just aren't my thing (upon this my third try) and Anna Bennett's story set-up just didn't grab me (the characters were a little too nasty to each other--its a matter of taste, I rarely like a ton of bickering in my stories).
In Enoch's tale, Jane Bansil is a true spinster, not your "I'm only 21 but I'm a wallflower and thus a spintster" heroine you sometimes see, but an honest-to-goodness, 33 year old, wear hair in a tight bun, never look at men, all hope of marriage is gone, kind of historical spinster....and it made her unexpected alliance with the quiet, unassuming architect so awesome. I loved this quieter romance, especially since it was set in the MacTaggert world of big personalities and active couples. It was cool to see the MacTaggerts from Jane's eyes and even more romantic to see the quiet, but fulfilling life that suddenly opened to her. I thought her introversion was well-depicted and I appreciated that she found a man who understood her and loved to read as much as she did. She loved her adoptive "family" of sorts, but never truly fit in until she met Brennan. It was a slow burn story with little angst or action, but it was a perfect break in the holiday season and a story I'll be revisiting.
November 20, 2021
I honestly have nothing bad to say about this book. I loved every moment, the characters were amazing, the falling in love was spot on (even with them being short), and I even got teary eyed. I would definitely buy a copy of this because I could see myself wanting to reread it. I just loved this book, it’s as simple as that.
August 10, 2022
Christmas anthology & the first two had sex scenes.
1) Story #1 by Suzanne Enoch. 4 stars.
The MCs were both in their early 30s, she a lady's
companion & he an architect. She English and he
a Scotsman. They knew each other a short time,
but the love felt real.
2) Story #2 by Amelia Grey.3 stars.
The h and her mother ran a country inn & were low
on funds. An ailing duke and his grandson stayed at
the inn. The story seemed far-fetched, even though
it was cozy and had interesting characters.
3) Story #3 by Anna Bennett. No rating.
I felt it was a CR posing as a HR and could not even
finish chapter one. An absurd trope, IMO. The leads
were too modern in speech + behavior. The H (in his
abode) started to strip off his clothes in front of total
stranger h, to make her go away. Huh?
1) Story #1 by Suzanne Enoch. 4 stars.
The MCs were both in their early 30s, she a lady's
companion & he an architect. She English and he
a Scotsman. They knew each other a short time,
but the love felt real.
2) Story #2 by Amelia Grey.3 stars.
The h and her mother ran a country inn & were low
on funds. An ailing duke and his grandson stayed at
the inn. The story seemed far-fetched, even though
it was cozy and had interesting characters.
3) Story #3 by Anna Bennett. No rating.
I felt it was a CR posing as a HR and could not even
finish chapter one. An absurd trope, IMO. The leads
were too modern in speech + behavior. The H (in his
abode) started to strip off his clothes in front of total
stranger h, to make her go away. Huh?
June 20, 2021
Kissing Under the Mistletoe is a historical romance anthology with heartwarming and smutty stories.
I really enjoyed this anthology! Each story was unique but they all fit well together with the holiday theme. I connected with each couple from the stories, but I think the first one was my favorite. Jane is just such a sweet heroine, and Brennan really brought out the best in her.
Highly recommend for fans of historical romance!
I really enjoyed this anthology! Each story was unique but they all fit well together with the holiday theme. I connected with each couple from the stories, but I think the first one was my favorite. Jane is just such a sweet heroine, and Brennan really brought out the best in her.
Highly recommend for fans of historical romance!
October 1, 2021
Kissing Under the Mistletoe anthology is the perfect read to get you in the mood for the holiday season. Each author captures the holiday spirit in short novellas to bringing together smart, independent women with handsome and romantic men. I love these stories!
Great Scot! By Suzanne Enoch is the story of Brennan Andrews and Jane Bansil. Can two people be brave enough to go after love when it comes unexpectedly? Jane finds herself at a crossroads and must decide her future whether it be in service as a lady’s companion or risk her heart with a man she just met. I love stories where a look and a short acquaintance can turn into something more when the heart is intrigued. Jane and Brennan learn to leap and have faith in themselves.
Christmas at Dewberry Hollow by Amelia Grey is definitely a charming story in which a grandson is helping his grandfather look for a heart shape engravement in a tree from years ago as a dying wish. John Gatestone took the job to help his grandfather the duke but didn’t expect to find love with the innkeeper’s daughter. Isabelle Reed plans to live out her life as a spinster and help her mother run the inn rather than marry or fall in love. She’s seen what love did to her mother and doesn’t want the same result. Can she let herself hope for love with John? This was a very romantic story with a great big gesture at the end that absolutely melted my heart.
My Mistletoe Beau by Anna Bennett was a good enemies to lovers’ story in which two go from faking it to actually falling in love. Eva Tiding is trying to retrieve her father’s pocket watch from the Earl of Frostbough’s apartment when she is caught red handed breaking in. Jack, the Earl himself, strikes a deal with Eva for the watch and will return it to her if she pretends to be his fiancé to fool his grandmother. What did he say?! Yup, she must pretend to like him when all she really wants to do is put him in his place. It all seems impossible until they kiss and realize there is something strong between them and maybe it’s not so fake after all. Their bickering was witty and fun to read and you figure they’d make a happy couple. All they needed to do was forgive the past and move into the future with a clean slate.
Historical romances are such fun to read because they all go against convention to find that someone special to love. The beauty of an anthology you get a snippet of an author’s style and you just might find your next must-read author. What better way to do it especially during the holiday season.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
Great Scot! By Suzanne Enoch is the story of Brennan Andrews and Jane Bansil. Can two people be brave enough to go after love when it comes unexpectedly? Jane finds herself at a crossroads and must decide her future whether it be in service as a lady’s companion or risk her heart with a man she just met. I love stories where a look and a short acquaintance can turn into something more when the heart is intrigued. Jane and Brennan learn to leap and have faith in themselves.
Christmas at Dewberry Hollow by Amelia Grey is definitely a charming story in which a grandson is helping his grandfather look for a heart shape engravement in a tree from years ago as a dying wish. John Gatestone took the job to help his grandfather the duke but didn’t expect to find love with the innkeeper’s daughter. Isabelle Reed plans to live out her life as a spinster and help her mother run the inn rather than marry or fall in love. She’s seen what love did to her mother and doesn’t want the same result. Can she let herself hope for love with John? This was a very romantic story with a great big gesture at the end that absolutely melted my heart.
My Mistletoe Beau by Anna Bennett was a good enemies to lovers’ story in which two go from faking it to actually falling in love. Eva Tiding is trying to retrieve her father’s pocket watch from the Earl of Frostbough’s apartment when she is caught red handed breaking in. Jack, the Earl himself, strikes a deal with Eva for the watch and will return it to her if she pretends to be his fiancé to fool his grandmother. What did he say?! Yup, she must pretend to like him when all she really wants to do is put him in his place. It all seems impossible until they kiss and realize there is something strong between them and maybe it’s not so fake after all. Their bickering was witty and fun to read and you figure they’d make a happy couple. All they needed to do was forgive the past and move into the future with a clean slate.
Historical romances are such fun to read because they all go against convention to find that someone special to love. The beauty of an anthology you get a snippet of an author’s style and you just might find your next must-read author. What better way to do it especially during the holiday season.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
September 30, 2021
GREAT SCOT
Jane Bansil proved instrumental when it came to helping her cousin find her happily ever after. However, this is not something that she ever sees happening for herself. Taking employment as her aunt's companion seems to be the future that she will have. However, when she looks into the eyes of architect Brennan Andrews, she just might have her own chance at love. This lovely story proves that one is never too late for love and that second chances do indeed happen.
CHRISTMAS AT DEWBERRY HOLLOW
Isabelle Reed is a lady, and she enjoys working with her other at an Inn that hosts estimable guests. Isabelle finds contentment in her life, but that all changes when the grandson of a duke is one of the Inn's most recent guests. John Cabot Gagestone, referred to as Gate, finds Isabelle to be lovely and imagines that she just might be the woman for him. Having the example of the tender love of his grandparents leaves Gate wondering if Isabelle could be his. This second novella in this wonderful trilogy was quite a touching read.
MY MISTLETOE BEAU
Eva Tiding and Jack Hardwick are quite aware of a long-standing feud between their fathers. Jack has something that Eva wants, and she goes so far as to break into his home to acquire it. The two strike a deal that they will have a pretend courtship in order to please Jack's grandmother. This enjoyable novella does a fine job showing that pretend feelings could definitely lead to more.
Each novella in this trilogy proved heartwarming as true love shone through for three deserving couples. As these were historical romances, it was a nice layer to effective romances that were truly enjoyable.
Many thanks to St. Martin's Press and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Jane Bansil proved instrumental when it came to helping her cousin find her happily ever after. However, this is not something that she ever sees happening for herself. Taking employment as her aunt's companion seems to be the future that she will have. However, when she looks into the eyes of architect Brennan Andrews, she just might have her own chance at love. This lovely story proves that one is never too late for love and that second chances do indeed happen.
CHRISTMAS AT DEWBERRY HOLLOW
Isabelle Reed is a lady, and she enjoys working with her other at an Inn that hosts estimable guests. Isabelle finds contentment in her life, but that all changes when the grandson of a duke is one of the Inn's most recent guests. John Cabot Gagestone, referred to as Gate, finds Isabelle to be lovely and imagines that she just might be the woman for him. Having the example of the tender love of his grandparents leaves Gate wondering if Isabelle could be his. This second novella in this wonderful trilogy was quite a touching read.
MY MISTLETOE BEAU
Eva Tiding and Jack Hardwick are quite aware of a long-standing feud between their fathers. Jack has something that Eva wants, and she goes so far as to break into his home to acquire it. The two strike a deal that they will have a pretend courtship in order to please Jack's grandmother. This enjoyable novella does a fine job showing that pretend feelings could definitely lead to more.
Each novella in this trilogy proved heartwarming as true love shone through for three deserving couples. As these were historical romances, it was a nice layer to effective romances that were truly enjoyable.
Many thanks to St. Martin's Press and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
September 13, 2021
Reviewed for
Wit and Sin
“Great Scot!” (The Wild Wicked Highlanders, Book 3.5) by Suzanne Enoch
The MacTaggert family has returned home to Scotland for the holidays and Jane Bansil, cousin and former companion to the first MacTaggert bride, is along for the ride. Jane is at a crossroads in her life. She was tossed out of her family home for helping her cousin elope and the MacTaggerts have taken her in even though they don’t really need her services as a companion. Jane is over thirty and has never had a suitor so it surprises her when a handsome MacTaggert cousin, Brennan Andrews, takes her breath away. The one time Jane chose risk over safety it burned her, so should she really take a risk again and open her heart to the handsome Scottish architect?
“Great Scot!” sees a quiet, bookish spinster find love. Jane has been out of place among the boisterous MacTaggert family since taking shelter with them. There’s a melancholy about Jane that broke my heart and made her feel relatable. She doesn’t think fairytales are for people like her and she would rather curl up with a book than be social. I really wanted to see Jane find love and she does with a man who truly sees her. I loved that Brennan was instantly taken with Jane, that he didn’t want her to be anything other than who she was. He’s a widower who lives a quiet life and though he loves his cousins he’s definitely tamer than them. He and Jane fall in love so quickly that even for a Christmastime novella (which usually speeds things up) it felt a bit too rushed.
If you’re a fan of The Wild Wicked Highlanders you’ll delight in seeing Jane find her happily ever after. It was nice to revisit the MacTaggerts and see how they’re doing after they’re all wed. If you haven’t read the trilogy, you can jump in with “Great Scot!” but be warned that there are major spoilers for the full-length books. All in all, I found the love story to be rushed but sweet and I enjoy any time spent with Suzanne Enoch’s MacTaggert family.
“Christmas at Dewberry Hollow” by Amelia Grey
Isabelle Reed is quite happy running the Dewberry Hollow Inn with her mother and has no need to act like a highborn lady. She’d much rather focus on making the inn sustainable rather than find a husband. But sparks fly when a man on a mission crosses her path and sweeps her off her feet.
“Christmas at Dewberry Hollow” is a story of finding love when you aren’t expecting it. Isabelle is afraid to love because as a child her heart was broken by the man she thought would be her stepfather leaving. She’s put all her energy into making the family inn a success and sometimes clashes with her mother who wants her to be more ladylike. I enjoyed seeing Isabelle’s life at the inn and how she takes care of her guests. The romance, however, left me wanting a bit more.
Gate is the grandson of the Duke of Notsgrave. He’s wealthy but aimless as he’s not the heir. His grandfather is determined to find a particular tree he had carved his and his late wife’s initials in when staying at the Dewberry Hollow Inn years ago. Gate is equally determined to help him but finding a lone tree in a forest isn’t exactly easy. He needs Isabelle’s help and the two of them are instantly drawn to one another. Gate fits in at the inn and I can see why he and Isabelle would be a good match, but there’s something about Amelia Grey’s writing that never captured my attention. The story felt flat and the romance was not believable. The characters fell in love so fast I got whiplash and I just couldn’t find it in me to become invested in this tale.
“My Mistletoe Beau” by Anna Bennett
Eva Tiding is determined to recover her father’s pocket watch, even if she has to break into a rake’s dwelling to do so. Except when she’s caught by the scandalous Earl of Frostbough, he offers her an interesting proposition: pretend to be his fiancée in exchange for the watch. But what happens when a fake relationship starts to feel all-too-real?
“My Mistletoe Beau” was my favorite story of this anthology. Anna Bennett’s writing carried me away in this delightful Christmastime romance. Eva and Jack have instant chemistry and their banter made me grin. Jack wants to appease his grandmother by pretending to be ready to settle down and the would-be-thief in his bedroom is the perfect woman to pose as his fiancée. She wants the pocket watch and will do whatever it takes to get it back. It should be a simple arrangement, except as it turns out, Eva and Jack are truly perfect for one another. I loved watching their romance grow as Jack made peace with his ghosts and Eva decided to take a chance on love. Flirty and fun, filled with endearing characters and sprightly banter, “My Mistletoe Beau” is perfect for anyone looking for a charming and warm romance.
Kissing Under the Mistletoe is a bit of a mixed bag. I adored Anna Bennett’s installment and think this book is worth it just for Eva and Jack’s story. I liked Suzanne Enoch’s contribution, mostly because Jane’s quiet sadness and bookishness called to me. I haven’t read Amelia Grey’s writing before so I can’t say if this is her usual style but it simply wasn’t my cup of tea. If you enjoy fast-paced love stories with Christmas cheer, or if you’re a fan of any of these authors, there’s something for you to enjoy in this book.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
“Great Scot!” (The Wild Wicked Highlanders, Book 3.5) by Suzanne Enoch
The MacTaggert family has returned home to Scotland for the holidays and Jane Bansil, cousin and former companion to the first MacTaggert bride, is along for the ride. Jane is at a crossroads in her life. She was tossed out of her family home for helping her cousin elope and the MacTaggerts have taken her in even though they don’t really need her services as a companion. Jane is over thirty and has never had a suitor so it surprises her when a handsome MacTaggert cousin, Brennan Andrews, takes her breath away. The one time Jane chose risk over safety it burned her, so should she really take a risk again and open her heart to the handsome Scottish architect?
“Great Scot!” sees a quiet, bookish spinster find love. Jane has been out of place among the boisterous MacTaggert family since taking shelter with them. There’s a melancholy about Jane that broke my heart and made her feel relatable. She doesn’t think fairytales are for people like her and she would rather curl up with a book than be social. I really wanted to see Jane find love and she does with a man who truly sees her. I loved that Brennan was instantly taken with Jane, that he didn’t want her to be anything other than who she was. He’s a widower who lives a quiet life and though he loves his cousins he’s definitely tamer than them. He and Jane fall in love so quickly that even for a Christmastime novella (which usually speeds things up) it felt a bit too rushed.
If you’re a fan of The Wild Wicked Highlanders you’ll delight in seeing Jane find her happily ever after. It was nice to revisit the MacTaggerts and see how they’re doing after they’re all wed. If you haven’t read the trilogy, you can jump in with “Great Scot!” but be warned that there are major spoilers for the full-length books. All in all, I found the love story to be rushed but sweet and I enjoy any time spent with Suzanne Enoch’s MacTaggert family.
“Christmas at Dewberry Hollow” by Amelia Grey
Isabelle Reed is quite happy running the Dewberry Hollow Inn with her mother and has no need to act like a highborn lady. She’d much rather focus on making the inn sustainable rather than find a husband. But sparks fly when a man on a mission crosses her path and sweeps her off her feet.
“Christmas at Dewberry Hollow” is a story of finding love when you aren’t expecting it. Isabelle is afraid to love because as a child her heart was broken by the man she thought would be her stepfather leaving. She’s put all her energy into making the family inn a success and sometimes clashes with her mother who wants her to be more ladylike. I enjoyed seeing Isabelle’s life at the inn and how she takes care of her guests. The romance, however, left me wanting a bit more.
Gate is the grandson of the Duke of Notsgrave. He’s wealthy but aimless as he’s not the heir. His grandfather is determined to find a particular tree he had carved his and his late wife’s initials in when staying at the Dewberry Hollow Inn years ago. Gate is equally determined to help him but finding a lone tree in a forest isn’t exactly easy. He needs Isabelle’s help and the two of them are instantly drawn to one another. Gate fits in at the inn and I can see why he and Isabelle would be a good match, but there’s something about Amelia Grey’s writing that never captured my attention. The story felt flat and the romance was not believable. The characters fell in love so fast I got whiplash and I just couldn’t find it in me to become invested in this tale.
“My Mistletoe Beau” by Anna Bennett
Eva Tiding is determined to recover her father’s pocket watch, even if she has to break into a rake’s dwelling to do so. Except when she’s caught by the scandalous Earl of Frostbough, he offers her an interesting proposition: pretend to be his fiancée in exchange for the watch. But what happens when a fake relationship starts to feel all-too-real?
“My Mistletoe Beau” was my favorite story of this anthology. Anna Bennett’s writing carried me away in this delightful Christmastime romance. Eva and Jack have instant chemistry and their banter made me grin. Jack wants to appease his grandmother by pretending to be ready to settle down and the would-be-thief in his bedroom is the perfect woman to pose as his fiancée. She wants the pocket watch and will do whatever it takes to get it back. It should be a simple arrangement, except as it turns out, Eva and Jack are truly perfect for one another. I loved watching their romance grow as Jack made peace with his ghosts and Eva decided to take a chance on love. Flirty and fun, filled with endearing characters and sprightly banter, “My Mistletoe Beau” is perfect for anyone looking for a charming and warm romance.
Kissing Under the Mistletoe is a bit of a mixed bag. I adored Anna Bennett’s installment and think this book is worth it just for Eva and Jack’s story. I liked Suzanne Enoch’s contribution, mostly because Jane’s quiet sadness and bookishness called to me. I haven’t read Amelia Grey’s writing before so I can’t say if this is her usual style but it simply wasn’t my cup of tea. If you enjoy fast-paced love stories with Christmas cheer, or if you’re a fan of any of these authors, there’s something for you to enjoy in this book.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
August 9, 2021
Snowy, bantary goodness! This was such a fun collection of regency candy, I read it in the dead of summer, but it might be best enjoyed on a snowy afternoon. All three stories put a smile on my face! Recommend!
October 24, 2021
I really enjoyed this holiday anthology! My favorite was the story by Anna Bennet, but they were all delightful and the perfect length to read in one sitting. I love holiday anthologies and I'll probably read this one every winter.
October 1, 2021
Nice set of three lovely Christmas stories. Couldn't pick a favourite, liked all three. 4☆
December 23, 2021
A special thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review Kissing Under the Mistletoe.
I usually read Christmas books starting in early Fall when they get published until almost the end of January. They always lift my spirits and have been especially appreciated during the seasons of Covid.
Kissing Under the Mistletoe is an anthology of three Regency era novellas. Three stellar historical romance authors have written these charming Christmas tales. I am always impressed when an author is able to flesh out a complete story in shorter length works. All three of the authors of these novellas do a wonderful job.
In GREAT SCOTT by Suzanne Enoch, heroine Jane Bansil has become a ladies companion since she is thirty-three and well past being a candidate for marriage. She is spending Christmas with her cousin in a large manor home in Scotland with a good many of the MacTaggert clan. She is perusing the large library while she has some free time and is startled by Brennan Andrews who is around to help renovate the estate.
I enjoyed that Jane was not a young debutante, but interesting and mature in many ways. Brennan was a great hero. He has a Scottish brogue, which I have always loved. It also made me happy to see that Brennan was not the devilishly handsome type, but had wounds that didn't hold him back.
I hate to claim a favorite, but this novella was my favorite of the three. I have always been drawn to tales set in Scotland. Maybe it's in my DNA since 1/4 of my ancestry is from there.
CHRISTMAS AT DEWBERRY HOLLOW by Amelia Grey, has Isabelle Reed and her mother running an inn, although they are nobility. They work hard to keep their guests happy. Isabelle is not sure she can help Gate with fulfilling his wish to make his ill grandfather happy and get back to London in time for Christmas. Will giving Gate's grandfather happiness lead to sadness for Isabelle?
In MY MISTLETOE BEAU by Anna Bennett, we find Miss Eva Tiding doing some serious breaking and entering into the flat of the Earl of Frostbough. He has the reputation of being a true rake. Of course, she is caught. Instead of turning Eva over to the police, Jack, the earl, makes a deal with her. She wants the watch she claims her father was swindled out of in a card game. Jack needs a fake beau for the holiday season to get himself out of endless cajoling from his grandmother. They agree if they can pull off the scam and have an engagement announcement by Christmas Eve, then Eva can have the watch and they can both go on with their own lives. Will there be problems with the idea working too well?
St. Martin's Press has published a wide variety of books. I am particularly fond of their romances.
I usually read Christmas books starting in early Fall when they get published until almost the end of January. They always lift my spirits and have been especially appreciated during the seasons of Covid.
Kissing Under the Mistletoe is an anthology of three Regency era novellas. Three stellar historical romance authors have written these charming Christmas tales. I am always impressed when an author is able to flesh out a complete story in shorter length works. All three of the authors of these novellas do a wonderful job.
In GREAT SCOTT by Suzanne Enoch, heroine Jane Bansil has become a ladies companion since she is thirty-three and well past being a candidate for marriage. She is spending Christmas with her cousin in a large manor home in Scotland with a good many of the MacTaggert clan. She is perusing the large library while she has some free time and is startled by Brennan Andrews who is around to help renovate the estate.
I enjoyed that Jane was not a young debutante, but interesting and mature in many ways. Brennan was a great hero. He has a Scottish brogue, which I have always loved. It also made me happy to see that Brennan was not the devilishly handsome type, but had wounds that didn't hold him back.
I hate to claim a favorite, but this novella was my favorite of the three. I have always been drawn to tales set in Scotland. Maybe it's in my DNA since 1/4 of my ancestry is from there.
CHRISTMAS AT DEWBERRY HOLLOW by Amelia Grey, has Isabelle Reed and her mother running an inn, although they are nobility. They work hard to keep their guests happy. Isabelle is not sure she can help Gate with fulfilling his wish to make his ill grandfather happy and get back to London in time for Christmas. Will giving Gate's grandfather happiness lead to sadness for Isabelle?
In MY MISTLETOE BEAU by Anna Bennett, we find Miss Eva Tiding doing some serious breaking and entering into the flat of the Earl of Frostbough. He has the reputation of being a true rake. Of course, she is caught. Instead of turning Eva over to the police, Jack, the earl, makes a deal with her. She wants the watch she claims her father was swindled out of in a card game. Jack needs a fake beau for the holiday season to get himself out of endless cajoling from his grandmother. They agree if they can pull off the scam and have an engagement announcement by Christmas Eve, then Eva can have the watch and they can both go on with their own lives. Will there be problems with the idea working too well?
St. Martin's Press has published a wide variety of books. I am particularly fond of their romances.
September 22, 2021
Romance and Mistletoe________3.5
Three Christmas novellas, complete with Mistletoe, and romance.
Great Scott by Suzanne Enoch
I couldn’t help thinking of the line from the Abba song, “Take a chance on me…” throughout this read. Although it seems the early morning bagpipes should drive everything from one’s head, including mine.
Taking chances! That’s what’s asked here, for both Miss Jane Bansil and Brennan Andrews in this “last chance” romance. Widower, architect and cousin to the MacTaggerts, Brennan finds himself drawn to the quiet, yet intelligent and direct Jane. Jane who has hidden depths. Interesting and tight writing made this an enjoyable read, building on the Wild Wicked Highlander series. This was a five star read, my favorite of the collection!
Christmas at Dewberry Hollow by Amelia Grey
I’m not sure why this didn’t grab me. It had all the right ingredients. A very sure of himself Lord seeking to grant his grandfather’s dying wish. Simple? Not when, over the years, the forest has grown up around the object being sought, obliterating all evidence. Then there’s the feisty female lead, Isabelle Reed. The beginning was a masterful stroke. Unfortunately the rest of the story didn’t maintain the tension. I found Gate, the Duke of Notsgrove’s grandson a bit flat.
My Mistletoe Beau by Anna Bennett
When you decide to rob an Earl’s home be sure you know what you’re about. Miss Eva Tiding wants an object won at cards by Jack Hardwick, Earl of Frostbough. Jack needs a possible fiancé so as not to disappoint his grandmother. Amusing interactions lead to even more racey interludes but the question of anything more has huge hurdles. An enjoyable read!
A St. Martin's Press ARC via NetGalley
Three Christmas novellas, complete with Mistletoe, and romance.
Great Scott by Suzanne Enoch
I couldn’t help thinking of the line from the Abba song, “Take a chance on me…” throughout this read. Although it seems the early morning bagpipes should drive everything from one’s head, including mine.
Taking chances! That’s what’s asked here, for both Miss Jane Bansil and Brennan Andrews in this “last chance” romance. Widower, architect and cousin to the MacTaggerts, Brennan finds himself drawn to the quiet, yet intelligent and direct Jane. Jane who has hidden depths. Interesting and tight writing made this an enjoyable read, building on the Wild Wicked Highlander series. This was a five star read, my favorite of the collection!
Christmas at Dewberry Hollow by Amelia Grey
I’m not sure why this didn’t grab me. It had all the right ingredients. A very sure of himself Lord seeking to grant his grandfather’s dying wish. Simple? Not when, over the years, the forest has grown up around the object being sought, obliterating all evidence. Then there’s the feisty female lead, Isabelle Reed. The beginning was a masterful stroke. Unfortunately the rest of the story didn’t maintain the tension. I found Gate, the Duke of Notsgrove’s grandson a bit flat.
My Mistletoe Beau by Anna Bennett
When you decide to rob an Earl’s home be sure you know what you’re about. Miss Eva Tiding wants an object won at cards by Jack Hardwick, Earl of Frostbough. Jack needs a possible fiancé so as not to disappoint his grandmother. Amusing interactions lead to even more racey interludes but the question of anything more has huge hurdles. An enjoyable read!
A St. Martin's Press ARC via NetGalley
October 28, 2021
Bunches of Holiday Treats! Part IV
Yes! It’s that time of year when the book market is flooded with itsy-bitsy holiday stories. Why are we so happy when this happens? First of all, it seems as if we are reading more, but we are really not. But who cares!!!! Secondly, it’s a great way to find new authors! And, I’m happy to say, I found some authors I’m going to check into.
Let’s take a look at some of the holiday treats I have indulged in so far! By the way, short story=short review.
Now for the last anthology I’ve read this month. Kissing Under the Mistletoe. By golly! I found two new authors I’m going to check out. The other author is already an auto-buy.
Great Scot, by Suzanne Enoch. A Christmas with the MacTaggerts! I will be honest, the MacTaggerts have not been my favorite Enoch series. I’ve had a hard time with the mother, and I’ve found the sons to be rather infantile. But this time the focus of the story is on Jane, a spinster (aren’t they all). Jane was a secondary character from one of the previous stories. Her hero in this tale is Brennan, a cousin to the MacTaggerts. He also happens to be a widower. I loved this story. The romance in this tale was delightful. For once the MacTaggerts were charming, and the bagpipes were noisy. This short story was a truly lovely holiday tale.
A-
Christmas at Dewberry Hollow, by Amelia Grey. Another treat. An outspoken heroine, Isabelle, and a loyal hero, Gates. These two embark on a search for a tree which has sweet heart initials carved on it. It revolves around Gates grandfather’s desire to see the tree before he dies. This was a good story, and it made me feel good.
A
My Mistletoe Beau, by Anna Bennett. This story begins with Eva breaking into Jack’s house to steal back her father’s watch. A watch with sentimental feelings attached. There’s some great chemistry on display between this couple, and it was another feel-good story. I will definitely be looking into this author’s library.
A
Overall, Kissing Under the Mistletoe was my favorite of all the anthologies I’ve read to date. I enjoyed alllll three of the stories in this book. While some authors may look at short stories as a way to get a quick buck, they should remember that it is also a way to make a reader want to buy their full-length stories.
Looking forward to more anthologies.
Yes! It’s that time of year when the book market is flooded with itsy-bitsy holiday stories. Why are we so happy when this happens? First of all, it seems as if we are reading more, but we are really not. But who cares!!!! Secondly, it’s a great way to find new authors! And, I’m happy to say, I found some authors I’m going to check into.
Let’s take a look at some of the holiday treats I have indulged in so far! By the way, short story=short review.
Now for the last anthology I’ve read this month. Kissing Under the Mistletoe. By golly! I found two new authors I’m going to check out. The other author is already an auto-buy.
Great Scot, by Suzanne Enoch. A Christmas with the MacTaggerts! I will be honest, the MacTaggerts have not been my favorite Enoch series. I’ve had a hard time with the mother, and I’ve found the sons to be rather infantile. But this time the focus of the story is on Jane, a spinster (aren’t they all). Jane was a secondary character from one of the previous stories. Her hero in this tale is Brennan, a cousin to the MacTaggerts. He also happens to be a widower. I loved this story. The romance in this tale was delightful. For once the MacTaggerts were charming, and the bagpipes were noisy. This short story was a truly lovely holiday tale.
A-
Christmas at Dewberry Hollow, by Amelia Grey. Another treat. An outspoken heroine, Isabelle, and a loyal hero, Gates. These two embark on a search for a tree which has sweet heart initials carved on it. It revolves around Gates grandfather’s desire to see the tree before he dies. This was a good story, and it made me feel good.
A
My Mistletoe Beau, by Anna Bennett. This story begins with Eva breaking into Jack’s house to steal back her father’s watch. A watch with sentimental feelings attached. There’s some great chemistry on display between this couple, and it was another feel-good story. I will definitely be looking into this author’s library.
A
Overall, Kissing Under the Mistletoe was my favorite of all the anthologies I’ve read to date. I enjoyed alllll three of the stories in this book. While some authors may look at short stories as a way to get a quick buck, they should remember that it is also a way to make a reader want to buy their full-length stories.
Looking forward to more anthologies.
September 27, 2021
Kissing Under the Mistletoe contains a trio of Christmas-themed romances set in Scotland. The three novellas complemented each other with the perfect balance of steam based on your steaminess threshold.
The first novella, Great Scot! spinster Jane falls for a Scottish Architect. This was a tame and sedate romance for a tame and sedate couple. It was clear that this is a spin off of other romance books involving the MacTaggerts. Because I hadn’t read the series, I felt I missed some of the connections between the family members.
The second novella, Christmas at Dewberry Hollow, started out with a bang and grabbed my attention immediately. The heroine, Isabelle, the daughter of an inn owner, runs into Gates, a Duke’s grandson, after she accidentally shoots one of his guards. I enjoyed this livelier story with moderate steamy scenes.
The third novella was my favorite, My Mistletoe Beau. This story had the most dynamic hero and heroine, witty banter, enemies to lovers and fake dating tropes, and some scenes on the steamier side.
All in all, I believe this is the perfect book to get you in the mood for Christmas romances.
I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
The first novella, Great Scot! spinster Jane falls for a Scottish Architect. This was a tame and sedate romance for a tame and sedate couple. It was clear that this is a spin off of other romance books involving the MacTaggerts. Because I hadn’t read the series, I felt I missed some of the connections between the family members.
The second novella, Christmas at Dewberry Hollow, started out with a bang and grabbed my attention immediately. The heroine, Isabelle, the daughter of an inn owner, runs into Gates, a Duke’s grandson, after she accidentally shoots one of his guards. I enjoyed this livelier story with moderate steamy scenes.
The third novella was my favorite, My Mistletoe Beau. This story had the most dynamic hero and heroine, witty banter, enemies to lovers and fake dating tropes, and some scenes on the steamier side.
All in all, I believe this is the perfect book to get you in the mood for Christmas romances.
I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
March 11, 2022
Great Scott, by Suzanne Enoch. What a sweet and sentimental love story. I was truly pulled into the story just because the writer wrote a love story about and older couple who were instantly attracted to each other. Jane and Brendan’s courtship was one were any woman would love to be apart of. The story focused on a woman who took charge of her life and happiness. Jane reaching out to Brennan was the best part. Brennan did a wonderful job at not pushing Jane on her feelings and concentrated on making her happy and showing all the joy that’s around her.
Christmas at Dewberry Hallow, by Amelia Grey. This story started with a quick intense pace. Isabelle quickly meet and the love sparks begin. The story was very cute. I liked the happily ever after ending.
My Mistletoe Beau, by Anna Bennett. Uhhh yes. I loved the cute almost comical love story with Eva and Jack. I loved how the writer moved the story to were the readers knew ahead of time that the two would be together. The only part to that is the readers didn’t know ow Eva and Jack would get there. The dialogue among the characters was most interesting. I think that most of the entertainment came from Eva and Jack. The constant verbal sparring was humorous. The two moved through the story very comfortably. The pretend courtship was written very well. The book was easy to read. The characters themselves were fun to read.
Christmas at Dewberry Hallow, by Amelia Grey. This story started with a quick intense pace. Isabelle quickly meet and the love sparks begin. The story was very cute. I liked the happily ever after ending.
My Mistletoe Beau, by Anna Bennett. Uhhh yes. I loved the cute almost comical love story with Eva and Jack. I loved how the writer moved the story to were the readers knew ahead of time that the two would be together. The only part to that is the readers didn’t know ow Eva and Jack would get there. The dialogue among the characters was most interesting. I think that most of the entertainment came from Eva and Jack. The constant verbal sparring was humorous. The two moved through the story very comfortably. The pretend courtship was written very well. The book was easy to read. The characters themselves were fun to read.
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