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Regency Love & Laughter Series #1
Crossed in Love: Regency Love and Laughter #1
Get lost in timeless Regency love stories from NYT bestseller Patricia Rice. In this collection of novellas, Rice takes her readers on a journey through time, searching for romance in the most unlikely places. Prepare to be swept away as a ghost leads a lonely gentleman into the arms of a lady who steals his forgotten heart in "Deceiving Appearances." Continue to revel in the merriment while a bit of Valentine magic changes the hardened heart of a woman spurned by a rake in "Fathers and Daughters." Romance will continue to spark in "Lady Invisible" when a hoyden lady and a military man find solace and love in an unconventional way. And finally, see how true love blossoms amidst the anguish of rejection in “The Borrowed Groom.” Buy now and let these stories of love, heartache, and redemption reveal the most basic truth of love comes at the most unexpected times. Regency Love and Laughter Crossed in Love Mad Maria’s Daughter Artful Deceptions All A Woman Wants
255 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 12, 2017
394 people are currently reading
230 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Rice
153 books514 followersWith several million books in print and New York Times and USA Today's bestseller lists under her belt, former CPA Patricia Rice writes emotionally-charged contemporary and historical romances which have won numerous awards, including the RT Book Reviews Reviewers Choice and Career Achievement Awards.
Her books have also been honored as Romance Writers of America RITA® finalists in the historical, regency and contemporary categories.
A firm believer in happily-ever-after for good reason, Patricia Rice is married to her high school sweetheart and has two children. A native of Kentucky and New York, a past resident of North Carolina and Missouri, she currently resides in Southern California, and now does accounting only for herself.
She also writes under the pen name Jamie Quaid
Her books have also been honored as Romance Writers of America RITA® finalists in the historical, regency and contemporary categories.
A firm believer in happily-ever-after for good reason, Patricia Rice is married to her high school sweetheart and has two children. A native of Kentucky and New York, a past resident of North Carolina and Missouri, she currently resides in Southern California, and now does accounting only for herself.
She also writes under the pen name Jamie Quaid
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
November 1, 2019
This collection of novellas was great. Every one of the stories was engaging with more than enough story to make them feel complete. Each of the stories was a four or five star read for me. Romance, adventure and humour made this whole book a great read.
October 27, 2023
I enjoyed this collection. It was fun to get a few novellas taking place at different times of the year. The ghost story was a bit hard to follow and the fathers and daughters story was the longest but I found the heroine inconsistent and unforgiving which kept me from loving it. The lady invisible story was fun but so short, I wanted more. The Borrowed Groom was my favorite and I wished that one could’ve been longer to explore all the plot threads more deeply. I loved the believability of the hero’s transformation to be a better person and the heroine who worked for her independence despite her disability. It had a lot going on and I wanted more.
September 20, 2017
I believe the novellas were compiled from works the author has done over the years and I can see that. They were good in parts, but aren't the better crafted story that she writes now.
September 16, 2019
Traditional Regencies, First Rate Writing, Highly Recommend
I read a couple of these novellas years ago when they came out in anthologies and I still have my paperback copies because I thoroughly enjoyed them and wanted them on my keeper shelf. The rest were new to me but I loved them as much as I did the ones I already have.
Patricia Rice writes extremely well and readers won’t be disappointed by mistakes and poorly edited writing.
In addition, she is masterful at depicting the appearances of both her characters and her settings in very few words.
Where she truly excels, though, is in creating engaging and memorable characters. Readers are privy to the thoughts and motivations of her heroes and heroines. These characters may have flaws and doubts, but they have overcome hardships and emerged with their values and compassion intact. The reader can’t help but care about them and want them to have their happily ever after. Luckily, these are romance stories, so the reader can breathe easily.
The plotting is also excellent and easily holds the reader’s attention. The plots of these stories tug at the heartstrings but also elicit smiles. The heroes and heroines have obstacles to overcome before they find their happiness, but they work at fighting for the love they desire and deserve.
The stories in this book are traditional regencies. That means that the reader will not find jarring anachronisms and will actually feel as if immersed in the time period, rather than reading a ‘regency’ romance that reads more like a contemporary romance. That also means no bad language and intimacy that stops at the bedroom door. I have no problem with graphic sex scenes and I thoroughly enjoy them in the appropriate genres, including historical romances. Same with profanity; I don’t care how many ‘F’ bombs and other potty words are used, even in historical romances. However, regency romances are sacrosanct in my opinion. My first exposure to the regency romance genre was Georgette Heyer when I was a young teen, back when dinosaurs roamed the earth. Anyone familiar with Georgette Heyer knows exactly what I mean. Since that first exposure to a regency period setting, I was a purist when it came to following the conventions of that sub genre.
In conclusion, if a reader is looking for an excellent regency romance, look no further. I don’t think he or she will be disappointed. The only caveat is that these are novellas and a short story. Ms. Rice makes it look easy to satisfy the reader with well developed stories in very few words, but readers who dislike the shorter format should probably avoid this book. That reader would be missing out on some excellent storytelling, but not everyone likes the same thing.
Otherwise, give this book a chance if you like traditional regencies. Ms. Rice’s full length regencies and the other genres in which she writes are also first rate. If you aren’t familiar with Ms. Rice’s writing, you are in for a treat.
I read a couple of these novellas years ago when they came out in anthologies and I still have my paperback copies because I thoroughly enjoyed them and wanted them on my keeper shelf. The rest were new to me but I loved them as much as I did the ones I already have.
Patricia Rice writes extremely well and readers won’t be disappointed by mistakes and poorly edited writing.
In addition, she is masterful at depicting the appearances of both her characters and her settings in very few words.
Where she truly excels, though, is in creating engaging and memorable characters. Readers are privy to the thoughts and motivations of her heroes and heroines. These characters may have flaws and doubts, but they have overcome hardships and emerged with their values and compassion intact. The reader can’t help but care about them and want them to have their happily ever after. Luckily, these are romance stories, so the reader can breathe easily.
The plotting is also excellent and easily holds the reader’s attention. The plots of these stories tug at the heartstrings but also elicit smiles. The heroes and heroines have obstacles to overcome before they find their happiness, but they work at fighting for the love they desire and deserve.
The stories in this book are traditional regencies. That means that the reader will not find jarring anachronisms and will actually feel as if immersed in the time period, rather than reading a ‘regency’ romance that reads more like a contemporary romance. That also means no bad language and intimacy that stops at the bedroom door. I have no problem with graphic sex scenes and I thoroughly enjoy them in the appropriate genres, including historical romances. Same with profanity; I don’t care how many ‘F’ bombs and other potty words are used, even in historical romances. However, regency romances are sacrosanct in my opinion. My first exposure to the regency romance genre was Georgette Heyer when I was a young teen, back when dinosaurs roamed the earth. Anyone familiar with Georgette Heyer knows exactly what I mean. Since that first exposure to a regency period setting, I was a purist when it came to following the conventions of that sub genre.
In conclusion, if a reader is looking for an excellent regency romance, look no further. I don’t think he or she will be disappointed. The only caveat is that these are novellas and a short story. Ms. Rice makes it look easy to satisfy the reader with well developed stories in very few words, but readers who dislike the shorter format should probably avoid this book. That reader would be missing out on some excellent storytelling, but not everyone likes the same thing.
Otherwise, give this book a chance if you like traditional regencies. Ms. Rice’s full length regencies and the other genres in which she writes are also first rate. If you aren’t familiar with Ms. Rice’s writing, you are in for a treat.
September 18, 2020
This is a collection of Patricia Rice's short stories/novellas, both new and previously published. I'd read previously two of these. She's a versatile writer and these stories give her an opportunity to shine.
DECEIVING APPEARANCES -- 4 stars
The only thing wrong with this story was the magic and ghosts. Otherwise, I loved it. A work of art leads a young man, Peter Denning, fresh from the sea and adventures that brought him wealth, to seek out the house and the woman in the painting.
FATHERS AND DAUGHTERS -- 5 stars
This is another charmer of a very different variety. The story opens when Jack Chatham, penniless, and with countless gaming vouchers floating about, tries to convince wealthy Mr. Thorogood to let him marry Thorogood's eldest daughter. He has a plan to live frugally and pay off his debts in time. The father refuses (and shows that he now owns all of Jack's old gaming debts) but agrees to loan Jack some money to try to recoup his losses if Jack will break it off with Carolyn. He reluctantly does and Carolyn is devastated.
After five years, Jack returns. Carolyn is nearing an engagement (but is not betrothed yet). Jack pays off his vouchers, loan, and interest to Mr. Thorogood. But Carolyn has changed into a cool, brittle, closed person who refuses to meet with Jack again. This is a real page-turner.
LADY INVISIBLE -- 5 stars
A hoydenish baron's daughter (Harriett) is just what Major Lucas Sumner needs with his wild child of a daughter. He doesn't know what to do with Verity because she doesn't take commands well or stand at attention (at all). However, Lucas' wooing leaves much to be desired and Harriet isn't wild about trading one argumentative man (the baron) for a military stick-in-the-mud.
THE BORROWED GROOM -- 5 stars
Crippled Melanie goes to the wedding of her sister, Jane, but said sister doesn't arrive. Melanie has been cosseted by her family in the country and she decides to offer for the groom left standing at the altar. Damien Langland, Earl of Reister, is desperate for money. Both sisters have money but he feels terrible about taking advantage of an innocent like Melanie. He knows Jane is a user, like himself. Melanie wants to go to London and see the sights and forget that she is lame. Damien really grows on the reader. This is a charming story about the growth of character.
DECEIVING APPEARANCES -- 4 stars
The only thing wrong with this story was the magic and ghosts. Otherwise, I loved it. A work of art leads a young man, Peter Denning, fresh from the sea and adventures that brought him wealth, to seek out the house and the woman in the painting.
FATHERS AND DAUGHTERS -- 5 stars
This is another charmer of a very different variety. The story opens when Jack Chatham, penniless, and with countless gaming vouchers floating about, tries to convince wealthy Mr. Thorogood to let him marry Thorogood's eldest daughter. He has a plan to live frugally and pay off his debts in time. The father refuses (and shows that he now owns all of Jack's old gaming debts) but agrees to loan Jack some money to try to recoup his losses if Jack will break it off with Carolyn. He reluctantly does and Carolyn is devastated.
After five years, Jack returns. Carolyn is nearing an engagement (but is not betrothed yet). Jack pays off his vouchers, loan, and interest to Mr. Thorogood. But Carolyn has changed into a cool, brittle, closed person who refuses to meet with Jack again. This is a real page-turner.
LADY INVISIBLE -- 5 stars
A hoydenish baron's daughter (Harriett) is just what Major Lucas Sumner needs with his wild child of a daughter. He doesn't know what to do with Verity because she doesn't take commands well or stand at attention (at all). However, Lucas' wooing leaves much to be desired and Harriet isn't wild about trading one argumentative man (the baron) for a military stick-in-the-mud.
THE BORROWED GROOM -- 5 stars
Crippled Melanie goes to the wedding of her sister, Jane, but said sister doesn't arrive. Melanie has been cosseted by her family in the country and she decides to offer for the groom left standing at the altar. Damien Langland, Earl of Reister, is desperate for money. Both sisters have money but he feels terrible about taking advantage of an innocent like Melanie. He knows Jane is a user, like himself. Melanie wants to go to London and see the sights and forget that she is lame. Damien really grows on the reader. This is a charming story about the growth of character.
January 18, 2018
Loved these four short stories.
Deceiving Appearances - a quick interesting read and a ghost who knows what she wants for the house that she loved and her family who live there.
Father's and Daughters - Jack made a mistake and had a nasty wakeup to his own character, resulting in him loosing the one he loved. Five years on he comes back to draw a line under his old character and try to win his love back before they married someone else. This is a tug at your heart story and wonderfully written.
Lady Invisible - a very short read but packs everything in there for you and makes you feel good inside. Sometimes you have to look deep inside a person to know them and find that they really are meant for you.
Borrowed Groom - he needs to marry for money and he's up front about it, he even tell her how he's going to seduce her into marriage! But what happens if he develops feelings for her? If she finds out his secret? Can he really have everything? Personally I would have like this to have been a little bit longer so we can see what happened after.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
Deceiving Appearances - a quick interesting read and a ghost who knows what she wants for the house that she loved and her family who live there.
Father's and Daughters - Jack made a mistake and had a nasty wakeup to his own character, resulting in him loosing the one he loved. Five years on he comes back to draw a line under his old character and try to win his love back before they married someone else. This is a tug at your heart story and wonderfully written.
Lady Invisible - a very short read but packs everything in there for you and makes you feel good inside. Sometimes you have to look deep inside a person to know them and find that they really are meant for you.
Borrowed Groom - he needs to marry for money and he's up front about it, he even tell her how he's going to seduce her into marriage! But what happens if he develops feelings for her? If she finds out his secret? Can he really have everything? Personally I would have like this to have been a little bit longer so we can see what happened after.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
September 16, 2019
A nice collection of four totally unrelated stories. These are older works of Patricia Rice. Some more light-hearted than others.
Receiving Appearances
A bit of paranormal tossed in as a ghost helps bring together Miss Cecily and Mr Peter Denning. A twist on the often used situation of a carriage accident victim being nursed to health in a lonely country cottage.
Father's and Daughters
A second chance story of a love match being prevented by a protective father. Returning to England five years later, Jack is surprised to find his love has not yet married.
Lady Invisible - my favorite, the most humorous of the four thanks to the adorable Verity.
Widower Major has returned from war to his home village and is in need of a wife to help him raise his untamed daughter Verity. The first meeting with the bold squire's daughter Elizabeth is discouraging. But soon he realizes the prefect match for both him and his daughter.
The Borrowed Groom
To get her sister's jilted -and penniless - intended safely from the church, sheltered Melanie suggests pretending they married.
Receiving Appearances
A bit of paranormal tossed in as a ghost helps bring together Miss Cecily and Mr Peter Denning. A twist on the often used situation of a carriage accident victim being nursed to health in a lonely country cottage.
Father's and Daughters
A second chance story of a love match being prevented by a protective father. Returning to England five years later, Jack is surprised to find his love has not yet married.
Lady Invisible - my favorite, the most humorous of the four thanks to the adorable Verity.
Widower Major has returned from war to his home village and is in need of a wife to help him raise his untamed daughter Verity. The first meeting with the bold squire's daughter Elizabeth is discouraging. But soon he realizes the prefect match for both him and his daughter.
The Borrowed Groom
To get her sister's jilted -and penniless - intended safely from the church, sheltered Melanie suggests pretending they married.
January 21, 2018
This is amazing, I loved all of the stories. The storylines are captivating, sweet and romantic and the characters are likable, endearing and charming. I could read 100 more stories just like these. They completely draw you in so that you become emotionally invested in the characters. The men in these stories are especially hard to resist. Put this at the top of your TBR list.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Hidden Gems. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Hidden Gems. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
September 29, 2019
Delightful
These three novellas are lovely. One, which first appeared in my favorite collection of romantic novellas, is one of my all-time favorites as it features two people in difficult situations who not only help each other grow emotionally, but do a lot of that hard work by themselves. A perfectly wonderful little anthology.
These three novellas are lovely. One, which first appeared in my favorite collection of romantic novellas, is one of my all-time favorites as it features two people in difficult situations who not only help each other grow emotionally, but do a lot of that hard work by themselves. A perfectly wonderful little anthology.
September 29, 2019
Enjoyed
An excellent collection ottoman novellas The stories were diverse and we'll written. It was a delight to have a pick up book available for that spare reading time and you could get a complete story Longer than a short story and shorter than an involved novel it filled the bill for a quiet yet complete setting.
An excellent collection ottoman novellas The stories were diverse and we'll written. It was a delight to have a pick up book available for that spare reading time and you could get a complete story Longer than a short story and shorter than an involved novel it filled the bill for a quiet yet complete setting.
September 29, 2019
A delightful anthology
Nice little novellas with interesting story lines and characters. I enjoyed all, disappointed there wasn't more when each story ended because they were so much fun. But, it was an anthology, so another awaited immediately. A good read. Highly recommended for clean romance lovers.
Nice little novellas with interesting story lines and characters. I enjoyed all, disappointed there wasn't more when each story ended because they were so much fun. But, it was an anthology, so another awaited immediately. A good read. Highly recommended for clean romance lovers.
May 26, 2020
Still Smiling...!
Four wonderful novella length stories, each one bringing a warm feeling of love and the hope of love, of the need for family regardless of the good or bad personalities and for the rekindling of belief of inherent good in our fellow man or woman.
Each one gave me such a lovely warm feeling, kept me smiling and I love them all.
Four wonderful novella length stories, each one bringing a warm feeling of love and the hope of love, of the need for family regardless of the good or bad personalities and for the rekindling of belief of inherent good in our fellow man or woman.
Each one gave me such a lovely warm feeling, kept me smiling and I love them all.
April 12, 2024
Stories of love
Well each story is different and tells about 3 different situations of life.
1. A Ghost brings two together for love.
2. A spurned rake returns for the woman he loves.
3. A Father returns from war and his daughter is wild, so he needs a wife to help tame her.
4. Damien was left at the alter by Jane, so her sister Melanie steps in, and they pretend marriage.
Well each story is different and tells about 3 different situations of life.
1. A Ghost brings two together for love.
2. A spurned rake returns for the woman he loves.
3. A Father returns from war and his daughter is wild, so he needs a wife to help tame her.
4. Damien was left at the alter by Jane, so her sister Melanie steps in, and they pretend marriage.
September 25, 2019
Nice read
I enjoyed these stories as they were short yet the stories were not without leaving out any details that would make them incomplete. All sweet romances with a happy ever after
I enjoyed these stories as they were short yet the stories were not without leaving out any details that would make them incomplete. All sweet romances with a happy ever after
September 29, 2019
Splendid little love stories that whet your appetite to read more, and wish they were longer. Each was charming in its own way without seeming to follow the other story line. A very pleasant two hour read for me.
October 7, 2019
Beautiful writing!
With a great sense of humor and drama. I don't usually read romance novels, finding them trite. But, THESE are delightful and written with good rhythm. I highly recommend reading Ms. Rice's works!
With a great sense of humor and drama. I don't usually read romance novels, finding them trite. But, THESE are delightful and written with good rhythm. I highly recommend reading Ms. Rice's works!
October 7, 2019
CIL
The stories were short and I would have loved to read an entire novel from any of the four stories presented. Just as I was getting into a story, it would end. Short but entirely entertaining, all of them. Thank you.
The stories were short and I would have loved to read an entire novel from any of the four stories presented. Just as I was getting into a story, it would end. Short but entirely entertaining, all of them. Thank you.
October 11, 2019
DNF
I read the first novella in this collection but it was very slow until right at the end and then it just ended. The first few paragraphs into the second story were not even enough to keep going. Life is too short to waste time on mediocre reading.
I read the first novella in this collection but it was very slow until right at the end and then it just ended. The first few paragraphs into the second story were not even enough to keep going. Life is too short to waste time on mediocre reading.
November 26, 2019
4 lovely novellas from the '90's. Each of them with a sweet heroine and a surprising hero. I read a lot of Patricia Rice, and I probably read these when they first came out, but I enjoyed reading them again.
Read
December 18, 2019Always a treat
Me Rice has always been one of my favorites. Not only does she write a riveting take of historical romance, there is humor,believable characters & magic for a desert at times
Me Rice has always been one of my favorites. Not only does she write a riveting take of historical romance, there is humor,believable characters & magic for a desert at times
February 17, 2020
DNF. I can’t bring myself to finish it. Not the worst free book; the writing is good for a freebie! I just am not interested about any of the characters and don’t care about any plot points. Not my cup of tea.
December 20, 2017
This was a compliation of novellas. I actually enjoyed this. The stories were interesting and fun quick reads.
PS. Sorry for the short and sweet reviews but I have over thirty I need to do today.
PS. Sorry for the short and sweet reviews but I have over thirty I need to do today.
January 29, 2018
I received an advance reviewer copy of this book and loved every moment of it. Touching and wonderful, each story tugged at the heart strings and have the perfect hea!
August 23, 2018
A delightful collection of novellas. Some are amusing, some poignant, but all are interesting and worth the time spent enjoying them.
Read
September 16, 2019Delightful!
Loved the stories of romance and the various ways the couples finally arrived at an everlasting love that transcends time.
Loved the stories of romance and the various ways the couples finally arrived at an everlasting love that transcends time.
September 24, 2019
Lovely
I love Regencies and I love Patricia Ruce. There’s nothing not to love in this charming anthology. Except maybe the inescapable craving for more of the same.
I love Regencies and I love Patricia Ruce. There’s nothing not to love in this charming anthology. Except maybe the inescapable craving for more of the same.
September 27, 2019
Crossedbin Love By Patricia Rice
Four stars, all four books were different and very good.. She made her women strong and independent.. Very good endings
Four stars, all four books were different and very good.. She made her women strong and independent.. Very good endings
September 29, 2019
Good
This is series of short stories that each are all about during in to the society that was the one of this time in
This is series of short stories that each are all about during in to the society that was the one of this time in
September 30, 2019
Lovely novellas
Good characterization, seemed appropriate for the time period, interesting characters with flaws, and well edited. I liked all the stories.
Good characterization, seemed appropriate for the time period, interesting characters with flaws, and well edited. I liked all the stories.
October 4, 2019
two delightful short stories proving that love will conquer doubt - and done without page after page of sex.Really enjoyed this reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews