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Regency Bachelors #0.5
Gift-Wrapped Governesses
Christmas at Blackhaven Castle by Sophia James
In disguise, penniless Lady Seraphina Moreton seeks sanctuary at the Duke of Blackhaven's castle just days before Christmas. Trey swore never again to be beguiled by a beautiful face, but as governess Seraphina gets close to his unruly, motherless children, he wants the festive joy she brings to stay well beyond Christmas Day....
Governess to Christmas Bride by Annie Burrows
Lord Chepstow hasn't seen Honeysuckle Miller since she was a plain, awkward schoolgirl. Now she's not so plain and is looking after the host's children at a lavish Christmas house party. And the last thing Lord Chepstow expected to want on his Christmas list is the prim governess!
Duchess by Christmas by Marguerite Kaye
Masquerading as a governess to help the brooding Duke of Blairmore find a wife is not how Regan Stuart expected to spend Christmas! Then he steals an unexpected kiss, endangering Regan's heart...unless Gabriel can see beyond her dowdy costume and realize she's his perfect Christmas bride!
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First published October 18, 2011
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About the author
Sophia James
175 books126 followersGeorgette Heyer novels formed Sophia James' reading tastes as a teenager, but her writing life only started when she was given a pile of Mills & Boons to read after she had had her wisdom teeth extracted! Filled with strong painkillers, she imagined that she could pen one, too. Many drafts later, Sophia thinks she has the perfect job writing for Harlequin Historical, as well as taking art tours to Europe with her husband, who is a painter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
December 13, 2015
Three stories in one book. I wasn't really crazy about the three of them.
"Christmas at Blackhaven Castle"--3 stars--probably the best of the three. But it was just okay. Nothing for me to get excited about, but it wasn't completely lacking, either.
"Governess to Christmas Bride"--1 star--Honeysuckle Miller is basically a school teacher and Lord Chestow arrives to insult her and lecture her on how to discipline children. As a former school teacher, myself, I was appalled by this male character telling a school teacher on how to discipline boys by using corporal punishment, and then she had the nerve to feel chastised by this man who had no experience in the classroom himself. (Kind of like legislators who have no teaching experience but make laws regarding teacher--rather irks me). Then this Lord Chestow starts quoting Bible verses as the authority in corporal punishment. I was appalled by this author's ideas. And then Miss Miller is suddenly "attracted" to him soon after he mocks and lectures her. I would have been livid by his disrespect. Not only this, but soon after he has the gall to disrespect her in this manner, he reduces her character even further by viewing her as a mere sex object. The author writes, "If he stood here staring at her bottom for very much longer, he would be saluting her with something more tangible than an imaginary sword," soon after he lectured her about corporal punishment being the correct way to handle boys.
Throughout the rest of the story, Lord Chestow continues to act like an arrogant, immature jerk and only out for himself. He continues to tease and mock Miss Miller. He is not the type of man I would personally ever want as a suitor.
"Duchess by Christmas"--2 stars--The male character in this story is just as bad as the one in "Governess to Christmas Bride." Regan arrives at the home of childhood friend Duke of Blairmore with her 3 half-siblings for the Christmas holiday. But he has decided that, in order to impress 3 potential bride choices for himself, he wants Regan to act in the role of governess to her 3 siblings. His mother, who always has had a horrible attitude towards Regan, also treats Regan with disdain and disrespect. Gabriel (the Duke of Blairmore) never takes Regan's feelings into account. He is another arrogant jerk who is only concerned with himself and his future prospects, never about what Regan wants.
"Christmas at Blackhaven Castle"--3 stars--probably the best of the three. But it was just okay. Nothing for me to get excited about, but it wasn't completely lacking, either.
"Governess to Christmas Bride"--1 star--Honeysuckle Miller is basically a school teacher and Lord Chestow arrives to insult her and lecture her on how to discipline children. As a former school teacher, myself, I was appalled by this male character telling a school teacher on how to discipline boys by using corporal punishment, and then she had the nerve to feel chastised by this man who had no experience in the classroom himself. (Kind of like legislators who have no teaching experience but make laws regarding teacher--rather irks me). Then this Lord Chestow starts quoting Bible verses as the authority in corporal punishment. I was appalled by this author's ideas. And then Miss Miller is suddenly "attracted" to him soon after he mocks and lectures her. I would have been livid by his disrespect. Not only this, but soon after he has the gall to disrespect her in this manner, he reduces her character even further by viewing her as a mere sex object. The author writes, "If he stood here staring at her bottom for very much longer, he would be saluting her with something more tangible than an imaginary sword," soon after he lectured her about corporal punishment being the correct way to handle boys.
Throughout the rest of the story, Lord Chestow continues to act like an arrogant, immature jerk and only out for himself. He continues to tease and mock Miss Miller. He is not the type of man I would personally ever want as a suitor.
"Duchess by Christmas"--2 stars--The male character in this story is just as bad as the one in "Governess to Christmas Bride." Regan arrives at the home of childhood friend Duke of Blairmore with her 3 half-siblings for the Christmas holiday. But he has decided that, in order to impress 3 potential bride choices for himself, he wants Regan to act in the role of governess to her 3 siblings. His mother, who always has had a horrible attitude towards Regan, also treats Regan with disdain and disrespect. Gabriel (the Duke of Blairmore) never takes Regan's feelings into account. He is another arrogant jerk who is only concerned with himself and his future prospects, never about what Regan wants.
December 10, 2021
Review is for the first story, "Christmas at Blackhaven Castle" by Sophia James.
I actually really enjoyed the story and it kept my interest. I loved that there was NOT insta-love or lust. I loved that any secrets or misunderstandings were cleared up right away. I was disappointed that in one paragraph they started to make out, but the next paragraph was them tired and sweaty from consummating their relationship. All characters were likeable and easy to root for. But... there were a few weird aspects to the story that made me go Hmmmm.
Oddball thing #1. I could not figure out the age difference between our hero and heroine. Normally an older hero does not bother me at all in historical romances, as it was customary back then. But! Follow me on this one. Our heroine Seraphina had a mother that was the belle of the ball during her come out season back in the day. The hero's deceased wife was friends with the heroine's mother during their come out season. I am assuming that our heroine is give or take 20 yrs old right now. Her mother then would be roughly 40 yrs old at this point. That would make the hero's deceased wife to be also 40 yrs old. So the hero is also 40 yrs old? (And yes, our heroine Seraphina was really worried if this hero had been lovers with her mom at some point in the past. That's just Ew!) Ok but next confusing thing in the timeline. The hero and his deceased wife had 3 kids that all seemed to be under 10 yrs old. How? How are these kids not about the same age as our heroine, in their late teens or 20 yrs old? If the kids are only 10 yrs old, then the hero and his deceased wife (and the heroine's mother) would be in their early 30's. How could the heroine's mom be in her 30's if the heroine is in her early 20's??? So none of that added up at all.
Oddball thing #2. Our heroine was hired on to be the governess. She was the sixth governess to be hired, alluding that the kids were little monsters and the other governesses quit? Also mentioned that the house was haunted (and that might be a reason why so many quit?) But once our heroine was hired, the three kids were shown as nothing more than angels and the house being haunted was never mentioned again. So I never understand why so many governesses had been hired/quit.
So for me, several loose ends that needed to be clarified better.
I actually really enjoyed the story and it kept my interest. I loved that there was NOT insta-love or lust. I loved that any secrets or misunderstandings were cleared up right away. I was disappointed that in one paragraph they started to make out, but the next paragraph was them tired and sweaty from consummating their relationship. All characters were likeable and easy to root for. But... there were a few weird aspects to the story that made me go Hmmmm.
Oddball thing #1. I could not figure out the age difference between our hero and heroine. Normally an older hero does not bother me at all in historical romances, as it was customary back then. But! Follow me on this one. Our heroine Seraphina had a mother that was the belle of the ball during her come out season back in the day. The hero's deceased wife was friends with the heroine's mother during their come out season. I am assuming that our heroine is give or take 20 yrs old right now. Her mother then would be roughly 40 yrs old at this point. That would make the hero's deceased wife to be also 40 yrs old. So the hero is also 40 yrs old? (And yes, our heroine Seraphina was really worried if this hero had been lovers with her mom at some point in the past. That's just Ew!) Ok but next confusing thing in the timeline. The hero and his deceased wife had 3 kids that all seemed to be under 10 yrs old. How? How are these kids not about the same age as our heroine, in their late teens or 20 yrs old? If the kids are only 10 yrs old, then the hero and his deceased wife (and the heroine's mother) would be in their early 30's. How could the heroine's mom be in her 30's if the heroine is in her early 20's??? So none of that added up at all.
Oddball thing #2. Our heroine was hired on to be the governess. She was the sixth governess to be hired, alluding that the kids were little monsters and the other governesses quit? Also mentioned that the house was haunted (and that might be a reason why so many quit?) But once our heroine was hired, the three kids were shown as nothing more than angels and the house being haunted was never mentioned again. So I never understand why so many governesses had been hired/quit.
So for me, several loose ends that needed to be clarified better.
December 16, 2018
Dukes. Governesses. Ladies in disguises as governesses. Ladies asked to pretend to be governesses.
These are the characters in the three Christmas novellas contained in "Gift-Wrapped Governess." In each case, the women have been known to the dukes since childhood ... so the seeming insta-love isn't as bizarre as it might initially appear.
Here's the thing; these books always have the anticipated happy ending. You know what you're getting, regardless of the lack of historicity. They're good fun and light reading. Take them for that alone.
These are the characters in the three Christmas novellas contained in "Gift-Wrapped Governess." In each case, the women have been known to the dukes since childhood ... so the seeming insta-love isn't as bizarre as it might initially appear.
Here's the thing; these books always have the anticipated happy ending. You know what you're getting, regardless of the lack of historicity. They're good fun and light reading. Take them for that alone.
Currently reading
June 25, 2025Sophia James
as inconsistências históricas
o duque... DUQUE... permaneceu casado pelos filhos, pq a esposa "ameaçava tirá-los dele"
ah, me poupe. Hoje em dia ja seria difícil, imagine no sec XIX, uma mulher desafiar um homem rico e poderoso pela guarda dos filhos, ainda mais os filhos homens
as inconsistências históricas
o duque... DUQUE... permaneceu casado pelos filhos, pq a esposa "ameaçava tirá-los dele"
ah, me poupe. Hoje em dia ja seria difícil, imagine no sec XIX, uma mulher desafiar um homem rico e poderoso pela guarda dos filhos, ainda mais os filhos homens
November 29, 2019
Gift-Wrapped Governesses contains three long short-stories all with a Christmas and Regency romantic theme.
These are easy reads and would make an ideal seasonal gift for fans of the genre.
These are easy reads and would make an ideal seasonal gift for fans of the genre.
January 20, 2025
I was given a copy of this book on condition that I write an honest review.
This book is a set of three Christmas novellas, themed to the heroines being Governesses in each story.
Story 1: Christmas at Blackhaven Castle by Sophia James
The first story was a bit hit and miss for me, I found a lot of the detail didn’t feel correct, and this made the characters also jar for me.
I probably liked the pasts of the hero and heroine and the fact that they healed them together more than anything else. Lady Seraphina Moreton is trying to escape her past as much as the Duke of Blackhaven in which it is his house that she finds solace as a governess to his children.
Story 2: Governess to Christmas Bride by Annie Burrows
This was a slight improvement for me in terms of writing, but I didn’t feel that the love story was believable between the hero and heroine. I also didn’t like the hero – he seemed to me to be particularly uncaring of the consequences of what his actions brought about, especially as the person he supposedly loved could easily lose her job because of it.
Heroine Honeysuckle Miller has known the hero Lord Chepstow since childhood and she is the friend of his sister. He also seems to fall in love with her infeasibly quickly, even for a novella!
Story 3: Duchess by Christmas by Marguerite Kaye
This is the best of the three stories I think, and they increase in quality as you read them. Although there are lots of things I questioned in this story, it does reach a satisfying and sweet conclusion.
The heroine is Regan Stuart, who returns to her childhood home posing as a governess to help the hero, another Duke, Gabriel to choose a bride in order to have somewhere for her and her brothers and sisters to stay.
I did enjoy the rags to riches experience of Regan, and Gabriel was a fine tortured hero, but I did not enjoy the secondary characters so much and the story was wrapped up (if you pardon the pun) rather too easily for me.
A mostly enjoyable anthology, especially useful if you are busy over the Christmas period and can only read in small chunks as it is a light read.
I also read A Sinful Regency Christmas at the same time as this one, and if I had to choose only one of them, I would recommend reading A Sinful Regency Christmas as the stories are better in that book.
This book is a set of three Christmas novellas, themed to the heroines being Governesses in each story.
Story 1: Christmas at Blackhaven Castle by Sophia James
The first story was a bit hit and miss for me, I found a lot of the detail didn’t feel correct, and this made the characters also jar for me.
I probably liked the pasts of the hero and heroine and the fact that they healed them together more than anything else. Lady Seraphina Moreton is trying to escape her past as much as the Duke of Blackhaven in which it is his house that she finds solace as a governess to his children.
Story 2: Governess to Christmas Bride by Annie Burrows
This was a slight improvement for me in terms of writing, but I didn’t feel that the love story was believable between the hero and heroine. I also didn’t like the hero – he seemed to me to be particularly uncaring of the consequences of what his actions brought about, especially as the person he supposedly loved could easily lose her job because of it.
Heroine Honeysuckle Miller has known the hero Lord Chepstow since childhood and she is the friend of his sister. He also seems to fall in love with her infeasibly quickly, even for a novella!
Story 3: Duchess by Christmas by Marguerite Kaye
This is the best of the three stories I think, and they increase in quality as you read them. Although there are lots of things I questioned in this story, it does reach a satisfying and sweet conclusion.
The heroine is Regan Stuart, who returns to her childhood home posing as a governess to help the hero, another Duke, Gabriel to choose a bride in order to have somewhere for her and her brothers and sisters to stay.
I did enjoy the rags to riches experience of Regan, and Gabriel was a fine tortured hero, but I did not enjoy the secondary characters so much and the story was wrapped up (if you pardon the pun) rather too easily for me.
A mostly enjoyable anthology, especially useful if you are busy over the Christmas period and can only read in small chunks as it is a light read.
I also read A Sinful Regency Christmas at the same time as this one, and if I had to choose only one of them, I would recommend reading A Sinful Regency Christmas as the stories are better in that book.
February 13, 2015
Good stories. In the first, I liked the way that Trey immediately saw that Seraphina was in need of his help. It didn't take him long to fall for her. In the second, I wasn't very impressed with Lord Chepstow. He was too heedless of how his actions affected others, though he was getting better by the end of the story. In the third, the Duke was pretty cold-blooded in the way he was searching for a bride. I did like the way that he treated the children, and that he soon saw that he wouldn't be happy with anyone except Regan.
July 22, 2017
This was an average collection of short stories about governesses falling in love during Christmas. I found this to a large uninspiring collection, and all of the stories had some pretty flaws in them.
Christmas at Blackhaven Castle by Sophia James - 2 stars
Lady Seraphina Moreton is on the run and disguises herself as a governess. Right before Christmas, she is hired by the Duke of Blackhaven to act as governess for his three sons. Blackhaven is a widower of some years, and his wife cheated on him repeatedly. His sons, particularly his middle child, have some issues relating to their mother's death, and have scared away all their previous governesses. Blackhaven isn't sure Seraphina is up to the job but has no other choice. However, he quickly realizes that his governess isn't all that she seems, and over the course of Christmas, Seraphina helps the duke's heal and falls in love with the man.
So this was an ok story, but I had a couple of big issues with it. One of my big issues is with Blackhaven's wife. Seraphina's problems are all resolved off screen with just a quick mention in the epilogue, so I wish there had been more resolution on that front. I also felt that Terence's problems were solved too quickly. He hasn't spoken in years, and then Seraphina shows up, and he's speaking again immediately. I know it was a novella, so there's not a lot of page space, but I think James just had too much going on in this story. The actual relationship between Seraphina and Blackhaven was sweet, but I had so many other issues that I can't rate this higher.
Governess to Christmas Bride by Annie Burrows - 3 stars
Lord Chepstow is on the run from marriage. His friend, Lord Havelock, has recently decided he needs to get married, and Chepstow wants none of that, so he leaves town to partake in a Christmas house party. The governess of his host's children happens to be his sister's old friend, Honeysuckle Miller. Despite not actually liking her, Chepstow decides to check in on her, and over the course of the party, the two of them realize that more than simple hatred lies between them.
This story was actually the reason why I picked up this anthology because I liked Havelock's story. I liked this one better than the first story in this anthology. Enemies to lovers is always a fun trope, and this was a well written example of it, and I liked the sexual tension between the two of them. However, Chepstow wasn't redeemed enough for me. His big flaw, as pointed out to him repeatedly by Honeysuckle, is that he doesn't stop and think about other people. He just does things without worrying how they impact other people, and I don't think that that flaw was ever really fixed. Yes, he was there for Honeysuckle, but I'm not sure his bigger problem of thinking only about himself was ever really fixed, nor can be. He's a bit too dickish for me.
Christmas at Blackhaven Castle by Sophia James - 2 stars
Lady Seraphina Moreton is on the run and disguises herself as a governess. Right before Christmas, she is hired by the Duke of Blackhaven to act as governess for his three sons. Blackhaven is a widower of some years, and his wife cheated on him repeatedly. His sons, particularly his middle child, have some issues relating to their mother's death, and have scared away all their previous governesses. Blackhaven isn't sure Seraphina is up to the job but has no other choice. However, he quickly realizes that his governess isn't all that she seems, and over the course of Christmas, Seraphina helps the duke's heal and falls in love with the man.
So this was an ok story, but I had a couple of big issues with it. One of my big issues is with Blackhaven's wife. Seraphina's problems are all resolved off screen with just a quick mention in the epilogue, so I wish there had been more resolution on that front. I also felt that Terence's problems were solved too quickly. He hasn't spoken in years, and then Seraphina shows up, and he's speaking again immediately. I know it was a novella, so there's not a lot of page space, but I think James just had too much going on in this story. The actual relationship between Seraphina and Blackhaven was sweet, but I had so many other issues that I can't rate this higher.
Governess to Christmas Bride by Annie Burrows - 3 stars
Lord Chepstow is on the run from marriage. His friend, Lord Havelock, has recently decided he needs to get married, and Chepstow wants none of that, so he leaves town to partake in a Christmas house party. The governess of his host's children happens to be his sister's old friend, Honeysuckle Miller. Despite not actually liking her, Chepstow decides to check in on her, and over the course of the party, the two of them realize that more than simple hatred lies between them.
This story was actually the reason why I picked up this anthology because I liked Havelock's story. I liked this one better than the first story in this anthology. Enemies to lovers is always a fun trope, and this was a well written example of it, and I liked the sexual tension between the two of them. However, Chepstow wasn't redeemed enough for me. His big flaw, as pointed out to him repeatedly by Honeysuckle, is that he doesn't stop and think about other people. He just does things without worrying how they impact other people, and I don't think that that flaw was ever really fixed. Yes, he was there for Honeysuckle, but I'm not sure his bigger problem of thinking only about himself was ever really fixed, nor can be. He's a bit too dickish for me.
December 25, 2019
Christmas at Blackhaven Castle - Sophia James - ⭐
Lawd, but this story was terrible. Not only was it shallow and silly, but what, exactly, was the point of setting it in the 1810s? If you're not going to play within the societal bounds of your chosen time period, then why choose it at all?
That was bad enough, but this story contained a lot of my squicks, including a major power imbalance and a creepy age difference. The heroine spends half the story thinking that the hero was once her mother's lover, and the other half wanting him to be her lover. Ugh, gross! That, plus the employer/employee power differential, was too much. Do not want!
Governess to Christmas Bride - Annie Burrows - ⭐⭐⭐
Ms. Burrows is one of my auto-read authors, and for the most part, I really enjoyed this story. The hero and heroine had known each other since they were children (the heroine is the hero's sister's BFF), though they hadn't always gotten along. The heroine is very prickly (for good reason, mind), and for some reason, this time, the hero is turned on by it instead of off. He takes advantage of her position as the household governess and with his kisses his compromises her reputation, managing to get her thrown out into a storm before Christmas. He runs off gallantly after her, but he doesn't really take 'no' or any of her protestations seriously, which was my major problem with this story. I don't like a hero who takes 'no' to mean 'yes', even when he has the best of intentions towards his heroine. She is her own person, after all, and deserves to have a say in her future. I think the truncated nature of the novella hurts this story, because everything happens so fast that it's hard to feel the love that both main characters proclaim.
Duchess by Christmas - Marguerite Kaye - ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The best of the bunch by a far margin, though not without some niggles. The heroine and the hero are childhood friends who grew up together; heroine as the steward's daughter, hero as the heir to a ducal estate. When her father died, her family moved away, and the pair lost touch. 12 years later, the hero contacts the heroine and asks for her help to select an appropriate bride, one who will be a good mother to his future children. His own childhood was abject misery and he's determined that his children when have more than he did. The heroine, with her 3 half-siblings, present the perfect ready-made 'family' of distant cousins on which to try out the potential brides. Meanwhile, the hero and the heroine are reconnecting and remembering their childhood friendship, along with a very adult attraction that has now sprung up between them, and each agonize over their attraction, given that he is supposed to be choosing a different bride.
This story definitely had the most developed characters (both main and supporting cast), and it was the most entertaining to read. The children were adorable; the potential brides each had distinct personalities and weren't all horrible harpies to the children (or the heroine, who was posing as her siblings' governess). I like it when characters have some depth and shades of gray to them.
The ending is predictable, but sweet. I thought the sex scene was extraneous and actually spoiled the romance with lust, and made it seem like they had to marry, even though that's not how it played out in the end. I'm glad there was not Grand Romantic Gesture, though the dialogue during the marriage proposal scene was a bit OTT.
Either way, it was a very pleasant way to spend Christmas afternoon, and I'm always happy to add another story by Ms. Kaye to my 'read' pile!
Lawd, but this story was terrible. Not only was it shallow and silly, but what, exactly, was the point of setting it in the 1810s? If you're not going to play within the societal bounds of your chosen time period, then why choose it at all?
That was bad enough, but this story contained a lot of my squicks, including a major power imbalance and a creepy age difference. The heroine spends half the story thinking that the hero was once her mother's lover, and the other half wanting him to be her lover. Ugh, gross! That, plus the employer/employee power differential, was too much. Do not want!
Governess to Christmas Bride - Annie Burrows - ⭐⭐⭐
Ms. Burrows is one of my auto-read authors, and for the most part, I really enjoyed this story. The hero and heroine had known each other since they were children (the heroine is the hero's sister's BFF), though they hadn't always gotten along. The heroine is very prickly (for good reason, mind), and for some reason, this time, the hero is turned on by it instead of off. He takes advantage of her position as the household governess and with his kisses his compromises her reputation, managing to get her thrown out into a storm before Christmas. He runs off gallantly after her, but he doesn't really take 'no' or any of her protestations seriously, which was my major problem with this story. I don't like a hero who takes 'no' to mean 'yes', even when he has the best of intentions towards his heroine. She is her own person, after all, and deserves to have a say in her future. I think the truncated nature of the novella hurts this story, because everything happens so fast that it's hard to feel the love that both main characters proclaim.
Duchess by Christmas - Marguerite Kaye - ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The best of the bunch by a far margin, though not without some niggles. The heroine and the hero are childhood friends who grew up together; heroine as the steward's daughter, hero as the heir to a ducal estate. When her father died, her family moved away, and the pair lost touch. 12 years later, the hero contacts the heroine and asks for her help to select an appropriate bride, one who will be a good mother to his future children. His own childhood was abject misery and he's determined that his children when have more than he did. The heroine, with her 3 half-siblings, present the perfect ready-made 'family' of distant cousins on which to try out the potential brides. Meanwhile, the hero and the heroine are reconnecting and remembering their childhood friendship, along with a very adult attraction that has now sprung up between them, and each agonize over their attraction, given that he is supposed to be choosing a different bride.
This story definitely had the most developed characters (both main and supporting cast), and it was the most entertaining to read. The children were adorable; the potential brides each had distinct personalities and weren't all horrible harpies to the children (or the heroine, who was posing as her siblings' governess). I like it when characters have some depth and shades of gray to them.
The ending is predictable, but sweet. I thought the sex scene was extraneous and actually spoiled the romance with lust, and made it seem like they had to marry, even though that's not how it played out in the end. I'm glad there was not Grand Romantic Gesture, though the dialogue during the marriage proposal scene was a bit OTT.
Either way, it was a very pleasant way to spend Christmas afternoon, and I'm always happy to add another story by Ms. Kaye to my 'read' pile!
June 15, 2023
Three stories, probably a 3.5 if we're doing "average" but I greatly enjoyed 2 of the 3, so a 4 it is.
"Christmas at Blackhaven Castle" by Sophia James - 2 Stars
-- This one felt very jumpy and abrupt. Secret identity but not really. Mystery but not really. Everything resolved fast because it's a novella!
"Governess to Christmas Bride" by Annie Burrows - 5 Stars
-- I acquired the book to read this one, as there is an HQ manga adaption of it that I loved. The adaption and this story greatly differ and I wound up liking this even more than the comic. The hero is a true cad, but that's what I really liked about it and our heroine does a bit of the shy thing but she really does not back down from him. There is a lot of sly deviousness which made me smile.
"Duchess by Christmas" by Marguerite Kaye - 4 Stars
-- Boy and girl separated reunite, enjoyable short story that focuses on the couple only in its scant page count. If it were longer there would have been much more outside drama, which I honestly also would have enjoyed because I do love a struggle. Hero is a bit of a jerk but gets better.
"Christmas at Blackhaven Castle" by Sophia James - 2 Stars
-- This one felt very jumpy and abrupt. Secret identity but not really. Mystery but not really. Everything resolved fast because it's a novella!
"Governess to Christmas Bride" by Annie Burrows - 5 Stars
-- I acquired the book to read this one, as there is an HQ manga adaption of it that I loved. The adaption and this story greatly differ and I wound up liking this even more than the comic. The hero is a true cad, but that's what I really liked about it and our heroine does a bit of the shy thing but she really does not back down from him. There is a lot of sly deviousness which made me smile.
"Duchess by Christmas" by Marguerite Kaye - 4 Stars
-- Boy and girl separated reunite, enjoyable short story that focuses on the couple only in its scant page count. If it were longer there would have been much more outside drama, which I honestly also would have enjoyed because I do love a struggle. Hero is a bit of a jerk but gets better.
September 22, 2017
I found this set of novellas while I was looking for #2 in a series of books by Annie Burrows. The novella Governess to Christmas bride tells the story of Lord Chepstow who played a role in the beginning of the first book in the series- Lord Harclock's list. The thought of a helping his friend find a wife sends him fleeing to the country and of course he finds his own love. Well written and a cute story. Really want the protagonist to get her come uppance though! That probably would have been a longer book.
The Annie Burrows series I mentioned is 1- Lord Harclock's list 2- Governess to Christmas bride 3- The debutantes daring proposal .
Pleasantly surprised with the Duchess by Christmas. Good character depth and felt really drawn to both the hero and heroine.
Christmas at Blackhaven was very sweet. Very feel good. both heroine and hero had gone through struggles.
The Annie Burrows series I mentioned is 1- Lord Harclock's list 2- Governess to Christmas bride 3- The debutantes daring proposal .
Pleasantly surprised with the Duchess by Christmas. Good character depth and felt really drawn to both the hero and heroine.
Christmas at Blackhaven was very sweet. Very feel good. both heroine and hero had gone through struggles.
May 3, 2017
Enjoyable fluff to get romance readers in the mood for Christmas. I don't have much else to say besides "I enjoyed it"—some of the thoughts/themes were interesting, but when 3 stories share the space one novel would normally take up there's not all that much room for surprises. That's part of the charm though: simple plots that would be stretched thin in a longer book, but that were enjoyable in shorter stories.
December 29, 2025
A rather good collection of seasonal stories
And I loved the middle story in particular. Lord Havelock's adventures are a favourite of mine and to find one of his erstwhile companions in this collection, in a story by Annie Borrows, was a real treat. Three good stories full of the joys of Christmas and Yule.
And I loved the middle story in particular. Lord Havelock's adventures are a favourite of mine and to find one of his erstwhile companions in this collection, in a story by Annie Borrows, was a real treat. Three good stories full of the joys of Christmas and Yule.
Want to read
May 30, 2020Governess to Christmas Bride - Forgettable, although it is hard to set up HEA in a short story. I liked how the characters of both hero and heroine are improved by the other. Was a bit surprised by use of the L-word, as I had actually quite enjoyed that they were acting on the potential for love.
July 26, 2018
Ridiculous instant love short stories but great fun.
August 22, 2018
Enjoyable read upon a theme, leaving you wanting more.
February 24, 2021
Sweet stories.
October 17, 2024
Three novellas and none of them was special.
October 3, 2025
DNF - 40%
Bland, insta-love, cardboard characters with no substance
Bland, insta-love, cardboard characters with no substance
December 14, 2025
Some stories were good and some were 1 star so settled for 3 stars.
November 28, 2017
Christmas at Blackhaven Castle By, Sophia James - 5 Stars
I really enjoyed this story and loved all the characters. The Duke of Blackhaven's sons David, Terence, and Gareth were all really sweet and I loved seeing the relationships between them and both Seraphina as well as their father. I loved seeing how they all came together and became a family while getting ready for Christmas and thought this was a really sweet story and I enjoyed the epilogue at the end as well.
Governess to Christmas Bride By, Annie Burrows - 5 Stars
Connected to Lord Havelock's List
This story was a lot of fun with great characters and I enjoyed seeing how Lord Chepstow and Honeysuckle Miller's perceptions of one another change as they actually start to get to know each other on a more personal level. It was also entertaining to watch as Lord Chepstow started to fall in love with Honeysuckle and then convince her he is sincere about his pursuit of her. I really enjoyed reading this story although it would have been nice if it had an epilogue at the end. I look forward to reading more by this author, especially the connected story Lord Havelock's List.
Duchess by Christmas by Marguerite Kaye - 5 Stars
I really enjoyed this story and think it may have been my favorite in this anthology but it is hard to say for sure since they were all really fun. This is the first story I have read by Marguerite Kaye and I really enjoyed her writing and all the characters in this story were interesting and fun to get to know. I loved seeing how Gabriel learned to interact with Regan's siblings Portia, Land, and Jack as well as seeing how him and Regan got along as well. I also enjoyed seeing how the three Ladies he was trying to pick between as possible future wives (Lady Olivia, Lady Sarah, and Lady Lucinda) interacted with him as well as with the children. I especially liked Lady Lucinda and am glad she wasn't disappointed with how things worked out. I look forward to reading more by Marguerite Kaye in the future.
I really enjoyed this story and loved all the characters. The Duke of Blackhaven's sons David, Terence, and Gareth were all really sweet and I loved seeing the relationships between them and both Seraphina as well as their father. I loved seeing how they all came together and became a family while getting ready for Christmas and thought this was a really sweet story and I enjoyed the epilogue at the end as well.
Governess to Christmas Bride By, Annie Burrows - 5 Stars
Connected to Lord Havelock's List
This story was a lot of fun with great characters and I enjoyed seeing how Lord Chepstow and Honeysuckle Miller's perceptions of one another change as they actually start to get to know each other on a more personal level. It was also entertaining to watch as Lord Chepstow started to fall in love with Honeysuckle and then convince her he is sincere about his pursuit of her. I really enjoyed reading this story although it would have been nice if it had an epilogue at the end. I look forward to reading more by this author, especially the connected story Lord Havelock's List.
Duchess by Christmas by Marguerite Kaye - 5 Stars
I really enjoyed this story and think it may have been my favorite in this anthology but it is hard to say for sure since they were all really fun. This is the first story I have read by Marguerite Kaye and I really enjoyed her writing and all the characters in this story were interesting and fun to get to know. I loved seeing how Gabriel learned to interact with Regan's siblings Portia, Land, and Jack as well as seeing how him and Regan got along as well. I also enjoyed seeing how the three Ladies he was trying to pick between as possible future wives (Lady Olivia, Lady Sarah, and Lady Lucinda) interacted with him as well as with the children. I especially liked Lady Lucinda and am glad she wasn't disappointed with how things worked out. I look forward to reading more by Marguerite Kaye in the future.
September 27, 2015
Christmas at Blackhaven Castle – Sophia James – 3/5 – Seraphina is trying to escape some awful incident in London and takes a position as a governess (in disguise) at Castle Blackhaven. Trey, the Lord of Blackhaven, sees through her act in a heartbeat and actually recognizes her within a day (having known her mother). He allows her to stay and she brings all kinds of corny Christmas joy to the family (I refer mostly to the spontaneous snowball fight). She also miraculously brings the children to life and her dog is the reason the middle one can suddenly speak. Trey soon realizes that he is falling in love and he wants to marry Seraphina. This had quite a few corny moments in it that kind of made me roll my eyes, like when Trey’s sister suggests she’ll look the other way so they can have sex (get to know each other better) or when Seraphina actually asks Trey if he had been her mother’s lover (how old are these people?). It was a very cliché story, but still kind of enjoyable. I liked it, even as I recognized how silly some things were.
Governess to Christmas Bride – Annie Burrows – 3/5 – Lord Chepstow is visiting friends for Christmas and knows that his sister’s friend is a governess there and he stops by to see her. They fight and argue constantly, neither really having a good opinion of the other, but their eyes begin opening. Lord Chepstow (who we find out at the very end is named Martin…) starts out pretty stern and argumentative, even though he’s supposedly very adventurous and lives life to the fullest. Then, after the two characters share a very passionate kiss, he almost becomes comical, as he aggressively pursues her and talks to himself. It was actually somewhat strange. His actions get her dismissed and he has a very difficult time convincing her to marry him. This was just an okay story. I wasn’t too fond of the characters, though I didn’t necessarily dislike them.
Duchess by Christmas – Marguerite Kaye – 4/5 – The best of the three stories iMHO. Regan and Gabriel, now a Duke, were childhood playmates. After a five year separation, Gabriel invites Regan and her half-siblings to his estate, not to renew an acquaintance, but to have them pose as distant relatives, and her as a governess in order to help him choose a bride. But in all of this, Regan forces Gabriel to answer questions about whether he’s considered his own happiness and the possibility of love. It’s always good to see a story where the children are not obnoxious and actually serve a purpose to the story. At first I wasn’t sure I liked Gabriel because of his callousness, but he did learn and begin to understand what Regan kept trying to tell him, but he never really apologized for trying to use her for his own ends. Also, things got a little bit corny when he realized he was in love and I had visions of him skipping through fields of flowers or something. This was a really good story though, with enough angst and emotion to interest me.
Governess to Christmas Bride – Annie Burrows – 3/5 – Lord Chepstow is visiting friends for Christmas and knows that his sister’s friend is a governess there and he stops by to see her. They fight and argue constantly, neither really having a good opinion of the other, but their eyes begin opening. Lord Chepstow (who we find out at the very end is named Martin…) starts out pretty stern and argumentative, even though he’s supposedly very adventurous and lives life to the fullest. Then, after the two characters share a very passionate kiss, he almost becomes comical, as he aggressively pursues her and talks to himself. It was actually somewhat strange. His actions get her dismissed and he has a very difficult time convincing her to marry him. This was just an okay story. I wasn’t too fond of the characters, though I didn’t necessarily dislike them.
Duchess by Christmas – Marguerite Kaye – 4/5 – The best of the three stories iMHO. Regan and Gabriel, now a Duke, were childhood playmates. After a five year separation, Gabriel invites Regan and her half-siblings to his estate, not to renew an acquaintance, but to have them pose as distant relatives, and her as a governess in order to help him choose a bride. But in all of this, Regan forces Gabriel to answer questions about whether he’s considered his own happiness and the possibility of love. It’s always good to see a story where the children are not obnoxious and actually serve a purpose to the story. At first I wasn’t sure I liked Gabriel because of his callousness, but he did learn and begin to understand what Regan kept trying to tell him, but he never really apologized for trying to use her for his own ends. Also, things got a little bit corny when he realized he was in love and I had visions of him skipping through fields of flowers or something. This was a really good story though, with enough angst and emotion to interest me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2015
Three holiday stories about people finding the Christmas spirit and some good loving in Historical English high society.
Story #1 "Christmas at Blackhaven Castle" by Sophia James
Lady Seraphina Moreton seeks sanctuary at the Duke of Blackhaven's castle just days before Christmas. Trey Duke of Blackhaven is a kind but damaged man who was maimed in the last war so his face has been disfigured on one side, but his heart has been broken by his light skirted late wife. Saraphina is a sweet naive twenty year old, who is running from a bad situation which all comes out remarkably fast but that is unsurprising because Trey is one smart Duke. 2 stars that I read in the tub it was so short, but sweet.
Story #2 "Governess to Christmas Bride" by Annie Burrows
This starts out with a mean putdown to Miss Honeysuckle Miller, the governess from some young debutant that is following around Lord Chepstow. Miss Honeysuckle was in the midst of playing with the children so she wasn't looking her best, so it was so unfair and just plain mean because she can not say anything because she is the hired help. The lavish Christmas house party is going on as the prefect place for Honeysuckle to catch her best friend's older brother Martin (Lord Chepstow) who she has been in love with since she was a little girl. This has only a kiss so it is rated 'G' although there is a funny metaphor that he was 'all grown up' again as she glances at this trouser's buttons. 2 stars for a well written story about a deserving Cinderella finding her prince (or viscount in this case).
Story #3 "Duchess by Christmas" by Marguerite Kaye
Childhood friends that become lovers then get engaged to be married is the plot of this sweet romance story. The young Duke of Blairmore has a plan to get his childhood best friend, Miss Regan Stuart to help him pick out his future wife. Gabriel knows that he must secure an heir and so he must have a proper wife to make this new family so he has picked out three eligible heiress of good birth to choose from during the Christmas holiday. Regan agrees reluctantly to help him with this stupid plan. But all it does is throw the two of them together and the usual follows as they fall in love with their old deep friendship as a foundation. Gabriel makes Regan pose as a governess to her half siblings in front of the three ladies to watch how they treat the 'help' and his 'wards' as a test to how they will be mothers and lady of the manor. 2 stars.
288 pages
2 stars
Story #1 "Christmas at Blackhaven Castle" by Sophia James
Lady Seraphina Moreton seeks sanctuary at the Duke of Blackhaven's castle just days before Christmas. Trey Duke of Blackhaven is a kind but damaged man who was maimed in the last war so his face has been disfigured on one side, but his heart has been broken by his light skirted late wife. Saraphina is a sweet naive twenty year old, who is running from a bad situation which all comes out remarkably fast but that is unsurprising because Trey is one smart Duke. 2 stars that I read in the tub it was so short, but sweet.
Story #2 "Governess to Christmas Bride" by Annie Burrows
This starts out with a mean putdown to Miss Honeysuckle Miller, the governess from some young debutant that is following around Lord Chepstow. Miss Honeysuckle was in the midst of playing with the children so she wasn't looking her best, so it was so unfair and just plain mean because she can not say anything because she is the hired help. The lavish Christmas house party is going on as the prefect place for Honeysuckle to catch her best friend's older brother Martin (Lord Chepstow) who she has been in love with since she was a little girl. This has only a kiss so it is rated 'G' although there is a funny metaphor that he was 'all grown up' again as she glances at this trouser's buttons. 2 stars for a well written story about a deserving Cinderella finding her prince (or viscount in this case).
Story #3 "Duchess by Christmas" by Marguerite Kaye
Childhood friends that become lovers then get engaged to be married is the plot of this sweet romance story. The young Duke of Blairmore has a plan to get his childhood best friend, Miss Regan Stuart to help him pick out his future wife. Gabriel knows that he must secure an heir and so he must have a proper wife to make this new family so he has picked out three eligible heiress of good birth to choose from during the Christmas holiday. Regan agrees reluctantly to help him with this stupid plan. But all it does is throw the two of them together and the usual follows as they fall in love with their old deep friendship as a foundation. Gabriel makes Regan pose as a governess to her half siblings in front of the three ladies to watch how they treat the 'help' and his 'wards' as a test to how they will be mothers and lady of the manor. 2 stars.
288 pages
2 stars
November 30, 2015
Christmas at Blackhaven Castle - Sophia James
A HEA for two lonely people. An excellent story of heart-warming love. Very enjoyable read. My definite fave of the book.
4*
Governess to Christmas Bride - Annie Burrows
I love Christmas house party stories. Guest, Lord Chepstow, falls for the governess of host's children. Lord Chepstow seems a bit scatty at times, but all comes out right in the end. Another enjoyable read.
4*
Duchess By Christmas - Marguerite Kaye
It takes Gabriel quite a time to realise Regan is for him. I found this story a little frustrating until the HEA at the end.
3.5*
Overall about 3.80* (rounded up to 4*)
A HEA for two lonely people. An excellent story of heart-warming love. Very enjoyable read. My definite fave of the book.
4*
Governess to Christmas Bride - Annie Burrows
I love Christmas house party stories. Guest, Lord Chepstow, falls for the governess of host's children. Lord Chepstow seems a bit scatty at times, but all comes out right in the end. Another enjoyable read.
4*
Duchess By Christmas - Marguerite Kaye
It takes Gabriel quite a time to realise Regan is for him. I found this story a little frustrating until the HEA at the end.
3.5*
Overall about 3.80* (rounded up to 4*)
December 31, 2011
I was happy to win this book through the Goodreads giveaways. I needed a light diversion at this busy time of year.
A nice light holiday read. This is a collection of three short stories all about 100 pages long that are set long long ago in the days of lords and dukes and horse drawn carriages.
The first two stories were immediately engaging, but I was not as fond of the third, Duchess by Christmas. But all move quickly and lightly and are a good escape during the hustle and bustle of the presnet holiday season.
A nice light holiday read. This is a collection of three short stories all about 100 pages long that are set long long ago in the days of lords and dukes and horse drawn carriages.
The first two stories were immediately engaging, but I was not as fond of the third, Duchess by Christmas. But all move quickly and lightly and are a good escape during the hustle and bustle of the presnet holiday season.
July 29, 2015
Over all every good book. Sophia James Christmas at Blackhaven Castle was very entertaining. The first chapter sets it off with Seraphine's dog running scared and doing what's scared little doggies dog. Making people happy. One way to a child's heart. Annie Burrows Governess to Christmas Bride made you want to do some slaping of a certain person or two. But all comes right in the end. Marguerite Kaye's Duchess by Christmas has you wishing she could of put Gabriel in his place more often. Loved the book thank you
April 4, 2018
First story was 4/5 stars - fluffy, with a tad of insta-love, but overall the Christmas fluff made up for everything else.
Second story was 0/5 stars - i DNF at 50%, and I loathed both main characters equally. They were both just horrid.
Third story was 4/5 stars - didn't like it as much as the first, but heaps better than the second.
This being a collection of short Christmas stories they do tend to feel a bit more rushed - given the format that's to be expected.
Second story was 0/5 stars - i DNF at 50%, and I loathed both main characters equally. They were both just horrid.
Third story was 4/5 stars - didn't like it as much as the first, but heaps better than the second.
This being a collection of short Christmas stories they do tend to feel a bit more rushed - given the format that's to be expected.
July 21, 2012
This was my very first time reading a romance novel and I have to say that it was an enlightening read and I enjoyed this novel very much. I also want to thank Goodreads for giving me the opportunity to win this novel for being a Goodreads winner in a giveaway. It was a wonderful read and I am thankful that I was lucky enough to win it.
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