A Royal Christmas: Featuring Waiting for a Duke Like You and A Prince in Her Stocking

by Shana Galen

Two hot heroes to keep you warm on the long winter nights...

WAITING FOR A DUKE LIKE YOU

There’s no such thing as the perfect hero…

Nathan Cauley, Duke of Wyndover, is so handsome ladies swoon—but Nathan doesn’t want a fawning miss for his duchess. Then he stumbles upon a filthy young woman sleeping under a bridge, and his protective instincts are raised. When he recognizes her as the woman he loved years before, he’s determined to win back her heart.

Or is there?

Princess Vivienne is the last of the royal family of Glynaven. Vivienne is all alone and on the run when the Duke of Wyndover comes to her rescue. Vivienne barely remembers meeting him years before, and wonders if he is any more than a pretty face. But when the assassins return, Nathan might just prove to be the man Vivienne’s been waiting for.

A PRINCE IN HER STOCKING

When it’s cold outside…

Prince Lucien of Glynaven spends the cold winter days in a small bookshop, searching for a book that's the key to saving his life. When Lady Cassandra Ashbrooke comes in to shop, her lovely face is almost enough to make him give up his search. But when assassins track him, he must end the budding romance and abandon his last chance at ever reclaiming his identity.

A prince is just the man to make Christmas a little more cozy.

When the widowed Lady Cassandra catches a glimpse of an attractive man in her favorite bookshop, she decides to meet him, hoping to add a small spark of excitement into her dull life. Soon the prince’s kisses are more passionate than Cass can imagine. But with danger closing in on all sides, is it too late for a holiday miracle?

**These novellas were previously published in the anthologies DANCING IN THE DUKE'S ARMS and CHRISTMAS IN DUKE STREET.**

Genres: Historical Romance, Christmas, Romance, Novella, Regency, Holiday, Anthologies

177 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2016

About the author

Shana Galen is three-time Rita award nominee and the bestselling author of fast-paced, witty, and adventurous Regency romances. Kirkus says of her books, "The road to happily-ever-after is intense, conflicted, suspenseful and fun," and RT Bookreviews calls her books “lighthearted yet poignant, humorous yet touching." She taught English at the middle and high school level off and on for eleven years. Most of those years were spent working in Houston's inner city. Now she writes full time. She's happily married and has a daughter who is most definitely a romance heroine in the making.

Want to know more? Visit Shana's website at http://www.shanagalen.com and sign up to be notified when Shana has a new release http://bit.ly/ShanaGalenNews

Reviews

[Alex ☣ Deranged KittyCat ☣ · Rating 4 out of 5]

That was so, so good!



The two stories are related as each of them tells the story of a sister and a brother, both of royal descent and forced to leave their home country during a revolution. I will review each story separately.

Waiting for a Duke Like You - ★★★★★

This is by far my favorite story. You must understand that both of them are like fairy-tales, that far away from reality, but oh, do they make for a good escape.

Princess Vivienne of Glynaven is on the run from assassins after she escaped the revolutionists of her home country. Apparently this is the second time the monarchy is overthrown in the fictional European country of Glynaven. The first time, there were royal survivors who reclaimed the throne. Now, the people want to make sure there's no one left to make that claim.

On her way to London to appeal to the king, Vivienne stumbles upon Nathan Cauley, Duke of Wyndover (or he stumbles upon her when she's sleeping near a pond). Thing is, Nathan dear has been in love with the princess for 8 years now, and he's decided to do everything he can for her to love him back.

Of course, there are some adventures, kissing, sex and everything ends with the traditional and they lived happily ever after. What makes this story different from other HR, are the main characters: she is a fighter (a skilled archer actually), while he is a real gentleman (even if he has no problems bedding her before marriage). And, most importantly, they are extremely funny together.

"Did you think I would suggest we hire mercenaries and order the revolutionary leaders slaughtered?"
"It would be a nice gesture."

I love both Vivienne and Nathan. I would have loved a full-length novel with them as main characters.

A Prince in Her Stocking - ★★★☆☆

This one hit a little too close to home for my liking, as I'm a people-pleaser. So I could not help getting angry at the beginning of it.

Prince Lucien of Glynaven, Vivienne's brother, also escaped with his life. He's now searching for a book that belonged to his mother and was sold at an auction. This book is special because it has details to an account his mother opened for them in England. You see, she was French and never trusting of her adoptive country. So she made sure they could have enough money should things go bad.

During his search, Lucien meets the widowed Lady Cassandra. She is shy and subservient. Therefore, everybody around Cass treats her very badly (that aunt Effie almost had me dnf-ing this). But she finds her voice upon meeting Lucien. After a few adventures and a Christmas miracle, they get their happy ending, too. Now, don't go saying a spoiled things because all HRs end that way.

This is my first time with Shana Galen, and I'll be sure to check her other works.

[Annette · Rating 3 out of 5]

These are two short stories by Ms Galen.

There was a revolution in the country of Glynaven. Every member of the royal family were murdered. Or maybe not everyone.

In the first story, the Duke of Wyndover finds a filthy young woman, Vivienne, who is obviously in dire straits. He arranges for her to go home with him, get cleaned up and live safely.

In the second story, Lucien, is a man who claims to be a prince. He is searching through a bookstore trying to find paperwork that will prove his identity. He meets the widowed Lady Ashbrooke. She becomes enamored by this man.

Both Vivienne and Lucien are being pursued by assassins who not only want to kill them, but do not care if they murder others to get to them.

There is danger and adventure.

These are quick reads with an ongoing theme of overcoming all odds to end up with happiness.

I am a fan of Ms Galen, and I hate to say that these two stories were not some of my favorites by her.

But, these are entertaining stories and Ms Galen creates characters who are charming.

Quick reads for a cold winter's night or a sunny warm day, whichever you prefer.

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kobo+ Christmas Romance. December 2024. Tropes: Royalty, Regency Romance, Knight in Shining Armour, Love at First Sight, Romance Mystery,
MC's Book #1 Waiting for a Duke Like You: h Princess Vivienne Aubine Calanthe de Glynaven, only Royal(she thinks) left after her family was assinated in the Revolution. H.Nathan Cauley, Duke of Wyndover, protecter of Princess, met her in Glynaven and thought she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.
Book #2 A Prince in Her Stocking: h. Lady Cassandra (Cass) Ashbrooke,30, widowed 2 years ago, lives with husband's sister. H. Prince Lucien Charles Louis de Glynaven, 2nd survivor of the revolution and massacre of his family and staff of Glynhaven. Cass meet Lucien in a bookshop looking for a book his mother sent to England for him to find with papers and bank account info etc. Lucien was looking in the wrong bookshop for weeks until Cass and he discovered the other. Lucien lived on the streets and earned money tutoring students. Cass eventually invited him to her home suddenly gaining the courage to defy her sister in law. After going to the bank to retrieve his families inheritance, the bank manager sent them away, but sent a note the Duke of Wyndover and on Christmas Day Vivi and Lucien were reunited. Lucien retrieved all the money, jewels and family photos from the bank and proposed to Cass.
*****************************************************************************

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waiting For a Duke Like You: Usually the Duke is marrying beneath him, but in this one he has his heart set on a princess. The princess was running for her life from assassins and the duke had fallen in love with her years ago and never forgot her. Running for your life will certainly change a woman’s perspective, and even though Vivienne has never cared for men that are prettier than she is, and barely remembers the English duke, she accepts Nathan’s help. Now he has a chance to prove there’s more to him than a handsome face and win her heart. The thought of women swooning at the sight of the handsome duke gave me a giggle, and seeing this unusual heroine find just the right man for her was a treat. As usual, there was just the right amount of excitement, action and romance that I’ve come to expect in Shana Galen’s stories.

A Prince in her Stocking: The deluded man haunting the book store thinks he’s a prince. Lady Cassandra is fascinated by the handsome man and imagines how wonderful it would be if it were true. She befriends him, hoping to add a bit of excitement to her boring days of widowhood, under the dominating demands of her elderly sister-in-law. Of course, Prince Lucien of Glynaven has learned to keep his origins to himself, since he’s trying to escape the assassins that are out to finish the job, after he escaped the massacre of the entire royal family. It was fun to see Cass start being less of a meek, biddable mouse and start thinking for herself, and I could almost hear poor Lucien’s stomach rumbling as he debated whether to spend his few coins on food or a warm place to sleep. I was wondering how on earth they were going to solve the mystery of the missing documents Lucien searched for, and loved the way everything was wrapped up in the wonderful conclusion.

[Suzette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two perfect heroes to warm your heart. Who does not want to play the hero for a princess or have a prince be your hero. Both stories will warm your heart. Nathan and Vivienne had met years ago and now fate had brought them back together. Just when they both needed each other to love and protect from harm. Lucien is on a mission to save his life. Cassandra needs to put some joy back in her life. With danger lurking around the corner they have to decide if love is worth the risk. These are two great novellas and the book will make a wonderful Christmas gift.

[Gilgamesha · Rating 3 out of 5]

My review is Waiting for a Duke like You....I stopped reading Shana Galen because she was never able to convince me of the romance of her stories which happened yet again in this book. The duke is suppose to be in love with the princess from an earlier visit to her kingdom but...it isn't even explained how and why he fell in love with her besides the beautiful princess aspect. The romance just didn't work for me....and the story was cute and the happy ending almost convincing.

[Sheila Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

The two Novellas A Royal Christmas : Waiting for a Duke like You and a Prince


The novellas, even though they were Christmas stories, were full of intrigue and love. Vivienne and Lucienne were always royal. No matter how dirty they had become due to their circumstances they were prince and princess. Go a!long for the ride and find out what happens to this royal brother and sister who have to save their own lives as well as the people who they love.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

QUICK AND EASY

This. Took is made up of two short, sweet, and intertwined tales of not only happily ever after, but also, of HAPPILY EVER AFTER.
The characters are sweet, and play off each other nicely. The first book is, in my opinion, a bit stronger, but that may be because so much of the second can be predicted from the first. Both start slowly, move to fast, and then ease to a stop. I enjoyed them.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading both novellas that are about a missing princess in one and a prince both from the fictitious country of Glynaven. A revolution has occurred and two members of the royal family escaped separately with assassins tracking them. loved the characters and plots in both stories.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

These were really cute.
"A Prince in Her Stocking" was my fav simply because the h grew so much and I loved her as a character. Plus the H prince was adorable. More points for having a heroine (from the first story) who can shoot a bow and arrow!

[Sandra R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review for "A Prince in Her Stocking" - well written and interesting romance novella. Read as part of the set "Christmas in Duke Street"

[Vikki Vaught · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely stories with engaging characters and intriguing plots. I can always count on suspense, action and excitement with any of Shana Galen's fantastic romances. Happy reading!

[Dany · Rating 5 out of 5]

😍😍😍

[Aj · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two enjoyable short romances with strong heroes and heroines deserving of their happily ever afters.

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

WAITING FOR A DUKE LIKE YOU is one of Shana Galen’s most wonderful stories ever; what a delight! At the Dukeries, Vivienne is running for her life literally: assassins are pursuing her, and she is so hungry and tired she collapses. While on a scavenger hunt, Nathan, The Duke of Wyndover, stumbles upon her and gentleman that he is, he rescues her. He knows her but she doesn’t recognise him. Strange, that! Nathan is unbelievably gorgeous, unforgettable really to all but Vivienne, who doesn’t care for pretty men, however Nathan is much more than his pretty face, which is the least of his worries. This is Shana Galen at her very best! What a fabulous story, extensively researched, filled with political intrigue, action, and magnificent characters! I was enthralled from the very first lines. The romance is divine, the writing is exquisite, the chemistry between Vivienne and Nathan is palpable. WAITING FOR A DUKE LIKE YOU is sheer perfection!

In PRINCE IN HER STOCKING, Prince Lucien of Glynaven, now known as Mr. Glen is on the run. The Prince is now a destitute pauper, a victim of a revolution. While struggling to remain alive during a cold English winter, he is searching for the proof of his birth and reclaim his title. This so happens will be found in a bookstore, more precisely the one commonly known as the On the Shelf bookstore. While perusing, he comes across the loveliest woman he has ever seen, and he is immediately smitten. She is Lady Cassandra Ashbrooke, a widow, and he is delighted but taken aback that she wants to talk to him, even looking as miserable as he does, always hungry, with no place to live and no money. “Cass” lives with her tyrant of a sister-in-law, has always done what she was told; she has always been quiet, sweet and docile until events make her otherwise…With Shana Galen, you know you can expect romance plus action and adventure, and the author doesn’t fail us! Both Cass and Lucien are not your cookie-cutter romance protagonists, which makes the romance even more delightful – and real! I loved that the romance in A PRINCE IN HER STOCKING revolves around books, and a bookstore. There are surprises at every corner, fabulous plot twists, and terrific character development, especially when it comes to Cass. The writing flows beautifully, the chemistry between Cass and Lucien is palpable; what a wonderful story it is!

Shana Galen can do no wrong with these two exquisite novellas!


I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are two novellas about a missing princess and prince from the fictitious country of Glynaven. A revolution has occurred and two members of the royal family escaped with assassins tracking them. In Waiting for a Duke Like You, Princess Vivienne has been running and ends up with the Duke of Wyndover. With her expertise with the bow and arrow and his pistol, the assassins are taken care of. In A Prince in Her Stocking, Prince Lucien has been looking for a book in which his mother hid money and papers. In a bookshop, he meets Lady Cassandra Ashbrooke who helps in his search. But he feels the assassins are near and doesn’t want any harm to come to Cassandra. He must find the papers before they are lost forever.

Both stories are sweet love stories with strong characters. The Duke of Wyndover never forgot his attraction for the beautiful princess he met years earlier and Lady Cassandra Ashbrooke finally gets a little backbone and stands up to her bullying sister-in-law. Thank you, Shana for these stories.

[Louise Risser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed these stories.

I've always enjoyed Shana Galen's books and this ranks up there with her best. She wove these two nooks together seamlessly.