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How the Dukes Stole Christmas
Christmas magic is in the air... From the ballrooms of London, to abandoned Scottish castles, to the snowy streets of Gilded Age New York, four bestselling authors whip up some unforgettable romance...with a little help from some enchanted shortbread.
"Meet Me in Mayfair" by Tessa Dare
Louisa Ward needs a Christmas miracle. Unless she catches a wealthy husband at the ball tonight, the horrid, heartless Duke of Thorndale will evict her family from their beloved Mayfair home. But when her friend begs to switch dance cards, Louisa finds herself waltzing with the enemy: the horrid, heartless--and unexpectedly handsome--Thorndale himself. Now the duke's holding her future in his hands...and he's not letting go.
"The Duke of Christmas Present" by Sarah MacLean
Rich and ruthless, Eben, Duke of Allryd, has no time for holidays. Holidays are for whimsy and charm--the only two things his money cannot buy. Lady Jacqueline Mosby is full of both, even now, twelve years after she left to see the world. When Jacqueline returns for a single Christmas, Eben can't resist the woman he never stopped loving...or the future that had once been in reach. It will take a miracle to convince her to stay...but if ever there were a time for miracles, it's Christmas...
"Heiress Alone" by Sophie Jordan
When Annis Bannister's family leaves her behind in the rush to escape an impending snowstorm, she finds herself stranded in the Highlands, left to fend off brigands terrorizing the countryside, robbing homes locked up for winter. Her only hope falls on her neighbor, a surly hermit duke who unravels her with a look, then a kiss ... until she fears the danger to her heart outweighs the danger of brigands and snowstorms.
"Christmas in Central Park" by Joanna Shupe
Women all over America devour Mrs. Walker's weekly column for recipes and advice. No one knows Rose, the column's author, can't even boil water. When the paper's owner, Duke Havemeyer, insists she host a Christmas party, Rose must scramble to find a husband, an empty mansion, and a cook. But Duke is not a man easily fooled and she fears her perfect plan is failing--especially when Duke's attentions make her feel anything but professional. To save her career will she give up her chance at love?
"Meet Me in Mayfair" by Tessa Dare
Louisa Ward needs a Christmas miracle. Unless she catches a wealthy husband at the ball tonight, the horrid, heartless Duke of Thorndale will evict her family from their beloved Mayfair home. But when her friend begs to switch dance cards, Louisa finds herself waltzing with the enemy: the horrid, heartless--and unexpectedly handsome--Thorndale himself. Now the duke's holding her future in his hands...and he's not letting go.
"The Duke of Christmas Present" by Sarah MacLean
Rich and ruthless, Eben, Duke of Allryd, has no time for holidays. Holidays are for whimsy and charm--the only two things his money cannot buy. Lady Jacqueline Mosby is full of both, even now, twelve years after she left to see the world. When Jacqueline returns for a single Christmas, Eben can't resist the woman he never stopped loving...or the future that had once been in reach. It will take a miracle to convince her to stay...but if ever there were a time for miracles, it's Christmas...
"Heiress Alone" by Sophie Jordan
When Annis Bannister's family leaves her behind in the rush to escape an impending snowstorm, she finds herself stranded in the Highlands, left to fend off brigands terrorizing the countryside, robbing homes locked up for winter. Her only hope falls on her neighbor, a surly hermit duke who unravels her with a look, then a kiss ... until she fears the danger to her heart outweighs the danger of brigands and snowstorms.
"Christmas in Central Park" by Joanna Shupe
Women all over America devour Mrs. Walker's weekly column for recipes and advice. No one knows Rose, the column's author, can't even boil water. When the paper's owner, Duke Havemeyer, insists she host a Christmas party, Rose must scramble to find a husband, an empty mansion, and a cook. But Duke is not a man easily fooled and she fears her perfect plan is failing--especially when Duke's attentions make her feel anything but professional. To save her career will she give up her chance at love?
477 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2018
1224 people are currently reading
6190 people want to read
About the author
Tessa Dare
51 books15.1k followersSign up for Tessa's newsletter and be the first to hear about new books and hot deals! http://tessadare.com/newsletter-signup/
Tessa Dare is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of fourteen historical romance novels and five novellas. Her books have won numerous accolades, including Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA® award (twice!) and the RT Book Reviews Seal of Excellence. Booklist magazine named her one of the “new stars of historical romance," and her books have been contracted for translation in more than a dozen languages.
A librarian by training and a booklover at heart, Tessa makes her home in Southern California, where she lives with her husband, their two children, and a trio of cosmic kitties.
Tessa Dare is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of fourteen historical romance novels and five novellas. Her books have won numerous accolades, including Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA® award (twice!) and the RT Book Reviews Seal of Excellence. Booklist magazine named her one of the “new stars of historical romance," and her books have been contracted for translation in more than a dozen languages.
A librarian by training and a booklover at heart, Tessa makes her home in Southern California, where she lives with her husband, their two children, and a trio of cosmic kitties.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,294 reviews
October 4, 2018
Three gorgeous novellas from three of my favorite writers...and a fourth from me!
Merry merry!
Merry merry!
November 30, 2021
this was such a fantastic anthology of Christmas historical romances
my favorite was the one by Sarah MacLean but I loved all of them!
my favorite was the one by Sarah MacLean but I loved all of them!
December 20, 2018
The main reason I got this book was “Meet Me in Mayfair" by Tessa Dare. And it was as good as I thought it would be.
Louisa meets at a ball the man who owns her family home.
Duke of Thorndale only wants to sell all his London properties and go back to Yorkshire. He hates London and he believes that all the Londoners lie all the time and they want to take advantage of him.
Louisa is desperate. Duke does not know who she is, but maybe she can enthral him
convince him not to sell her home, so that her family does not move in the middle of nowhere.
A night walk around frozen cold beautiful London will make Luisa and James fall in love. James is not that heartless and horrid apparently and Luisa decides that maybe moving to Isle of Jersey wouldn't be that bad. She likes James and she does not want to ask him anything in return.
My favourite part of the book is when James finally takes Luisa back to her home.
Louisa slipped her arms free of his coat and draped the garment over the the back of his chair, brushing his shoulder with her fingertips. Thank you for sharing your coat.
Holding his teacup in one hand, he used the other to pull out the chair next to his. Sit next to me.
She accepted with reluctance, edging her chair aside to create space between them. I don’t want to give my family ideas.
Beneath the table, he caught her chair leg with his boot, dragging her close. Let them have their ideas.
Her heart fluttered in her chest. They hadn’t exchanged a single word in the entire exchange. Not even so much as a glance. Yet as Louisa poured herself a cup of tea, he casually pushed the sugar in her direction, as though he’d been doing so every morning for years and years.
There is a misunderstanding towards the end. Duke learns who Luisa is and he thinks that she tried to tricked him, but this is another story with happy ending. So nothing to worry about.
The story is wonderfully romantic and sweet.
Well, there are 3 more stories in the book by authors that I haven't read before, but I believe I have reached my limit with Christmas romance for this year. Maybe I will try them next Christmas.
Louisa meets at a ball the man who owns her family home.
Duke of Thorndale only wants to sell all his London properties and go back to Yorkshire. He hates London and he believes that all the Londoners lie all the time and they want to take advantage of him.
Louisa is desperate. Duke does not know who she is, but maybe she can enthral him
convince him not to sell her home, so that her family does not move in the middle of nowhere.
A night walk around frozen cold beautiful London will make Luisa and James fall in love. James is not that heartless and horrid apparently and Luisa decides that maybe moving to Isle of Jersey wouldn't be that bad. She likes James and she does not want to ask him anything in return.
My favourite part of the book is when James finally takes Luisa back to her home.
Louisa slipped her arms free of his coat and draped the garment over the the back of his chair, brushing his shoulder with her fingertips. Thank you for sharing your coat.
Holding his teacup in one hand, he used the other to pull out the chair next to his. Sit next to me.
She accepted with reluctance, edging her chair aside to create space between them. I don’t want to give my family ideas.
Beneath the table, he caught her chair leg with his boot, dragging her close. Let them have their ideas.
Her heart fluttered in her chest. They hadn’t exchanged a single word in the entire exchange. Not even so much as a glance. Yet as Louisa poured herself a cup of tea, he casually pushed the sugar in her direction, as though he’d been doing so every morning for years and years.
There is a misunderstanding towards the end. Duke learns who Luisa is and he thinks that she tried to tricked him, but this is another story with happy ending. So nothing to worry about.
The story is wonderfully romantic and sweet.
Well, there are 3 more stories in the book by authors that I haven't read before, but I believe I have reached my limit with Christmas romance for this year. Maybe I will try them next Christmas.
November 10, 2020
Rated thusly for the utter tripe that is “Meet Me in Mayfair" by Tessa Dare. Why launch the book with this ridiculousness? Approaching men at balls with no introduction. Leaving an establishment in male company. Bare assed sex in a coach. Wandering about London at night on foot.
A grown man of that era not knowing a woman can’t go into gentlemen’s clubs.
An adult male willingly traipsing about Mayfair with a Virgin he picked up at a ball, on some stupid sightseeing tour. For hours. Until 5am. Why?
Him taking liquor from a club doorman and them doing shots in a doorway to “warm up”. What. The. Heck. Is. This.
Who approved it? Are editors a thing of the past?
It’s scandalous enough to remain on the dance floor after their dance (to begin with I don't get how she could, logistically speaking, 'take over' her friend's dance card). I mean yes her friend could hand it over to her but how were the men supposed to know to approach her as a substitute and not the actual person they requested a dance with?
I’m so so confused by every single thing that came after.
They’re having bloody snow games in a deserted park at night? Can a pseudo Jack the Ripper just end them already, cause I don’t know in what century a man would accompany a young woman to loiter in a deserted park and expect That to end well.
Do parent's not exist in this world? Societal norms? Logic? Should he not be returning her to her people?
In other news, the second story by Sarah Maclean wasn’t half bad. A solid 3.5 Stars.
And that’s as far as I got. Because I can only lay claim to a limited amount of patience
A grown man of that era not knowing a woman can’t go into gentlemen’s clubs.
An adult male willingly traipsing about Mayfair with a Virgin he picked up at a ball, on some stupid sightseeing tour. For hours. Until 5am. Why?
Him taking liquor from a club doorman and them doing shots in a doorway to “warm up”. What. The. Heck. Is. This.
Who approved it? Are editors a thing of the past?
It’s scandalous enough to remain on the dance floor after their dance (to begin with I don't get how she could, logistically speaking, 'take over' her friend's dance card). I mean yes her friend could hand it over to her but how were the men supposed to know to approach her as a substitute and not the actual person they requested a dance with?
I’m so so confused by every single thing that came after.
They’re having bloody snow games in a deserted park at night? Can a pseudo Jack the Ripper just end them already, cause I don’t know in what century a man would accompany a young woman to loiter in a deserted park and expect That to end well.
Do parent's not exist in this world? Societal norms? Logic? Should he not be returning her to her people?
In other news, the second story by Sarah Maclean wasn’t half bad. A solid 3.5 Stars.
And that’s as far as I got. Because I can only lay claim to a limited amount of patience
October 17, 2018
2.5 Stars, rounded up due primarily to my obsession for everything Tessa Dare writes :)
Argh, I hate being the lone grinch who's less than enamored with this anthology, but I just wasn't nearly as engaged and enchanted as I'd hoped. I tend to love novellas since I often lack the patience for the drawn out miscommunications and repetitiveness that longer romance novels bring us. Honestly, though, I found the last two of these four stories tedious even as novellas and can't imagine finishing them if they'd been full-length novels. Another thing I often appreciate about anthologies is how the separate stories are clearly or subtly connected. In this case, the only commonality is that each one mentioned shortbread, which...really?!
1. Tessa Dare's novella was written with her usual sparkly, breezy yet intelligent prose, featuring another one of her clever, inspiring heroines and another surly, initially rude yet ultimately decent hero. The ballroom scene between Louisa and James reminded me a lot of Darcy and Elizabeth's infamous first dance in Pride and Prejudice. The story was sweet and mildly humorous (albeit not as witty as most of her longer work) and had a few well-written lines that I highlighted on my Kindle, but even as a huge and probably biased Tessa Dare fan, I can't claim this was among her most memorable and impactful pieces of work. 4/5 stars
2. Objectively, Sarah Maclean's story was extremely well-written and had more depth, insight and substance than one can usually expect from a holiday novella. For whatever strange reason, though, I just didn't fully fall in love with her characters. This might be a story that improves with a second reading for me, because there really is a lot to love about it, especially for those who love second chance romances. 3.5/5
Warning: this is where I get more Grinch-y :)
3. I can't recall whether I've read Sophie Jordan before, but this definitely didn't inspire me to search for her other books. The premise was kind of a 19th century "Home Alone", only involving a sensible yet (of course) plucky heroine and a---you guessed it---grumpy duke and a nearly deserted Scottish castle. Cue highway men and mayhem. This was actually the story I'd been looking forward to most: I'm weirdly obsessed with stories set in castles, and I love the element of mystery/suspense/adventure that the addition of highway men promised to provide. The actual writing made it impossible for me to get into this story or its characters, though, and I had to force myself to finish. 2/5
4. Joanna Shupe - Points for a different setting (NYC) and an original, promising premise (would-be journalist who's famous for her cooking column despite not actually knowing how to cook.) Sadly, this was another story where the characters and writing style just fell completely flat for me, and as those of you patient to read my rambling reviews know, characterization and writing style are the primary reasons I love - or don't love - any given story. 2/5
Overall, these weren't BAD, but I found myself disappointed. I didn't close the book with that goofy smile that the better romances (especially the holiday-themed ones!) tend to provide.
As a minor pet peeve, I wonder why all four stories felt compelled to focus on dukes. The obsession with dukes in this genre is getting a little tiresome for me. It was monotonous enough when nearly every author decided to focus only on titled men (shout out to Theresa Romain and others for writing about - gasp - regular people and shedding some light on how other people lived during that era!). Lately, though, it feels like half the stories out there feature not just mere earls or lords or a marquess, but dukes, the very highest and rarest title. Because heaven forbid the hero not be the *very* richest and most powerful person in all of society...?! Sorry for the rant, but it's just something about the overall genre that's been irking me, and you guys are the only people I can vent to about this issue :)
Argh, I hate being the lone grinch who's less than enamored with this anthology, but I just wasn't nearly as engaged and enchanted as I'd hoped. I tend to love novellas since I often lack the patience for the drawn out miscommunications and repetitiveness that longer romance novels bring us. Honestly, though, I found the last two of these four stories tedious even as novellas and can't imagine finishing them if they'd been full-length novels. Another thing I often appreciate about anthologies is how the separate stories are clearly or subtly connected. In this case, the only commonality is that each one mentioned shortbread, which...really?!
1. Tessa Dare's novella was written with her usual sparkly, breezy yet intelligent prose, featuring another one of her clever, inspiring heroines and another surly, initially rude yet ultimately decent hero. The ballroom scene between Louisa and James reminded me a lot of Darcy and Elizabeth's infamous first dance in Pride and Prejudice. The story was sweet and mildly humorous (albeit not as witty as most of her longer work) and had a few well-written lines that I highlighted on my Kindle, but even as a huge and probably biased Tessa Dare fan, I can't claim this was among her most memorable and impactful pieces of work. 4/5 stars
2. Objectively, Sarah Maclean's story was extremely well-written and had more depth, insight and substance than one can usually expect from a holiday novella. For whatever strange reason, though, I just didn't fully fall in love with her characters. This might be a story that improves with a second reading for me, because there really is a lot to love about it, especially for those who love second chance romances. 3.5/5
Warning: this is where I get more Grinch-y :)
3. I can't recall whether I've read Sophie Jordan before, but this definitely didn't inspire me to search for her other books. The premise was kind of a 19th century "Home Alone", only involving a sensible yet (of course) plucky heroine and a---you guessed it---grumpy duke and a nearly deserted Scottish castle. Cue highway men and mayhem. This was actually the story I'd been looking forward to most: I'm weirdly obsessed with stories set in castles, and I love the element of mystery/suspense/adventure that the addition of highway men promised to provide. The actual writing made it impossible for me to get into this story or its characters, though, and I had to force myself to finish. 2/5
4. Joanna Shupe - Points for a different setting (NYC) and an original, promising premise (would-be journalist who's famous for her cooking column despite not actually knowing how to cook.) Sadly, this was another story where the characters and writing style just fell completely flat for me, and as those of you patient to read my rambling reviews know, characterization and writing style are the primary reasons I love - or don't love - any given story. 2/5
Overall, these weren't BAD, but I found myself disappointed. I didn't close the book with that goofy smile that the better romances (especially the holiday-themed ones!) tend to provide.
As a minor pet peeve, I wonder why all four stories felt compelled to focus on dukes. The obsession with dukes in this genre is getting a little tiresome for me. It was monotonous enough when nearly every author decided to focus only on titled men (shout out to Theresa Romain and others for writing about - gasp - regular people and shedding some light on how other people lived during that era!). Lately, though, it feels like half the stories out there feature not just mere earls or lords or a marquess, but dukes, the very highest and rarest title. Because heaven forbid the hero not be the *very* richest and most powerful person in all of society...?! Sorry for the rant, but it's just something about the overall genre that's been irking me, and you guys are the only people I can vent to about this issue :)
February 28, 2024
This was a delightful collection of four regency romance novellas, each with a Christmas theme.
In “Meet me at Mayfair” Louisa attends a ball hoping to catch a wealthy husband because her family is about to become homeless due to her father being unable to pay the debt that has suddenly come due on the house they live in. At the dance, she unfortunately catches the attention of the very Duke who is threatening to turn them out in the street. This was very cute, with a midnight walk, snowball fighting and Christmas caroling.
In “The Duke of Christmas Past” Evan and Jac were lovers when they were children, but a disagreement over a decade ago caused a split. Jac shows back up in Evan’s life, but with news that distresses him. All the stories feature magical shortbread that causes the person who eats it to fall in love, which was a fun addition.
In “Heiress Alone” Anise is left behind in the midst of a terrible snowstorm and is rescued by a reclusive Scottish duke from criminals threatening the countryside. This novella had lots of steamy scenes. Anise is planning to become a nun, but a night with the Duke changes her mind.
In “Christmas in Central Park” Rose is an advice columnist who gives household tips, but can’t even do the simplest cooking herself. When her boss requests a dinner party hosted by “Mrs. Walker” she has to find both a house to hold the party in and a fake husband. This one was funny.
In “Meet me at Mayfair” Louisa attends a ball hoping to catch a wealthy husband because her family is about to become homeless due to her father being unable to pay the debt that has suddenly come due on the house they live in. At the dance, she unfortunately catches the attention of the very Duke who is threatening to turn them out in the street. This was very cute, with a midnight walk, snowball fighting and Christmas caroling.
In “The Duke of Christmas Past” Evan and Jac were lovers when they were children, but a disagreement over a decade ago caused a split. Jac shows back up in Evan’s life, but with news that distresses him. All the stories feature magical shortbread that causes the person who eats it to fall in love, which was a fun addition.
In “Heiress Alone” Anise is left behind in the midst of a terrible snowstorm and is rescued by a reclusive Scottish duke from criminals threatening the countryside. This novella had lots of steamy scenes. Anise is planning to become a nun, but a night with the Duke changes her mind.
In “Christmas in Central Park” Rose is an advice columnist who gives household tips, but can’t even do the simplest cooking herself. When her boss requests a dinner party hosted by “Mrs. Walker” she has to find both a house to hold the party in and a fake husband. This one was funny.
December 27, 2020
So much enjoyment and happiness I got out of this. I was already familiar with Tessa Dare and Sara MacLean and I can’t wait now to read more from Sophie Jordan and Joanna Shupe.
February 5, 2020
"Meet Me in Mayfair" by Tessa Dare
3 stars
Adorable "love at first sight" story about a Duke and a poor girl with a family in need of rescue.
Total suspension of reality that reduced this from a 4 to a 3 star.
"The Duke of Christmas Present" by Sarah MacLean
2.0 stars
Didn't enjoy this one at all. Would have skipped it if it weren't an audio book. Didn't care for the hero.
"Heiress Alone" by Sophie Jordan
3.0 stars
Totally enjoyed this one! Dislike at first sight followed by Instalove and a serious case of Mega-Lust!! Again, there was a total suspension of reality that reduced the stars from a 4 to a 3.
This was an adult version of Home Alone and I loved it! Annis' family accidentally leaves her behind in the highlands and she is rescued by the man she hates most!
"Christmas in Central Park" by Joanna Shupe
3. stars
Loved the writing! Just hated that the hero was a manipulating hippocrite!
Thanks goodness he got some sound advice from a man he respected!
3 stars
Adorable "love at first sight" story about a Duke and a poor girl with a family in need of rescue.
Total suspension of reality that reduced this from a 4 to a 3 star.
"The Duke of Christmas Present" by Sarah MacLean
2.0 stars
Didn't enjoy this one at all. Would have skipped it if it weren't an audio book. Didn't care for the hero.
"Heiress Alone" by Sophie Jordan
3.0 stars
Totally enjoyed this one! Dislike at first sight followed by Instalove and a serious case of Mega-Lust!! Again, there was a total suspension of reality that reduced the stars from a 4 to a 3.
This was an adult version of Home Alone and I loved it! Annis' family accidentally leaves her behind in the highlands and she is rescued by the man she hates most!
"My name is Calder, and I don't care how many boys you've kissed, Annis," he declared. "Because I'm the first man."
"Christmas in Central Park" by Joanna Shupe
3. stars
Loved the writing! Just hated that the hero was a manipulating hippocrite!
Thanks goodness he got some sound advice from a man he respected!
December 27, 2022
How many Dukes even were there in Regency England?
3.5 stars total.
This is a Christmas anthology containing four short stories by well known historical romance authors. I am familiar with Tessa Dare and Sarah Maclean but haven’t read the other two. I rated each story individually and then gave an average rating for the entire book.
Meet Me In Mayfair - Tessa Dare - 5 ⭐️
Cute, sweet and fast paced, this was a good Christmas story. Tessa Dare writes strong heroines and I can forgive her anachronistic style because I’m used to it by now. Little to no steam, which is unusual for this author, I think Christmas means low detail sex in many circumstances. But the narration was well done and I enjoyed this short tale.
The Duke of Christmas Present - Sarah MacLean - 4 ⭐️
Another Christmas Carol retelling. I guess all Christmas anthologies are obligated to include at least one.
A second chance romance between childhood sweethearts. Eban (dumb name) inherited an impoverished dukedom and drove his fiancée away while working with Scroogelike dedication to bringing his estate out of poverty. She returns twelve (!!) years later and they are reunited. This was bittersweet as so many years were wasted for them to get back together. I never like second chance but I think that’s the only way to retell a Christmas Carol type story. This was very good and well written and had a hopeful ending. But I still hate second chance romances and I always will.
Heiress Alone - Sophie Jordan - 3 ⭐️
The FMCs name is Annis…. Whyyyyy?
So this one was a Home Alone retelling, that’s a first. It stayed pretty true to the movie’s basic premise, if Kevin McAllister was ‘not like other girls’. Annis *which I giggled at every time it was said* is left behind by accident by her family at their Scottish estate before a snow storm. She is then trapped there while brigands rob all the empty houses. Her neighbour, the Duke, comes to rescue her and bring her back to his estate, where they are pushed together by matchmaking servants. Not a complex plot, just your usual forced proximity with a grumpy hero. It was a decent short read but I rolled my eyes at all the stereotypical secondary female characters that were used as juxtaposition to the uniqueness of the heroine. Just gawd, can we please stop with this crap? Anyway not my fave of the reads but now onto the fourth and final.
Christmas in Central Park - Joanna Shupe - 2 ⭐️
This one is a man named Duke, not an actual duke, set in historical New York.
Rose writes an advice column in Duke’s newspaper. She assumes the name Mrs. Walker, a wealthy married woman when she is actually a maiden living in a boarding house.
He pursues her and has sex with her when he thinks she’s married to another man AND she works for him. Not my kind of hero.
The whole premise for this plot is distasteful and I can’t get into it. This isn’t a romantic Christmas story, this is an opportunistic hero with a skewed moral compass who acts like an ass and then blames the heroine for lying. Why does she like him? No thanks.
Overall this is a good Christmas read, I’d recommend bailing after the third story, the fourth leaves a bad taste.
3.5 stars total.
This is a Christmas anthology containing four short stories by well known historical romance authors. I am familiar with Tessa Dare and Sarah Maclean but haven’t read the other two. I rated each story individually and then gave an average rating for the entire book.
Meet Me In Mayfair - Tessa Dare - 5 ⭐️
Cute, sweet and fast paced, this was a good Christmas story. Tessa Dare writes strong heroines and I can forgive her anachronistic style because I’m used to it by now. Little to no steam, which is unusual for this author, I think Christmas means low detail sex in many circumstances. But the narration was well done and I enjoyed this short tale.
The Duke of Christmas Present - Sarah MacLean - 4 ⭐️
Another Christmas Carol retelling. I guess all Christmas anthologies are obligated to include at least one.
A second chance romance between childhood sweethearts. Eban (dumb name) inherited an impoverished dukedom and drove his fiancée away while working with Scroogelike dedication to bringing his estate out of poverty. She returns twelve (!!) years later and they are reunited. This was bittersweet as so many years were wasted for them to get back together. I never like second chance but I think that’s the only way to retell a Christmas Carol type story. This was very good and well written and had a hopeful ending. But I still hate second chance romances and I always will.
Heiress Alone - Sophie Jordan - 3 ⭐️
The FMCs name is Annis…. Whyyyyy?
So this one was a Home Alone retelling, that’s a first. It stayed pretty true to the movie’s basic premise, if Kevin McAllister was ‘not like other girls’. Annis *which I giggled at every time it was said* is left behind by accident by her family at their Scottish estate before a snow storm. She is then trapped there while brigands rob all the empty houses. Her neighbour, the Duke, comes to rescue her and bring her back to his estate, where they are pushed together by matchmaking servants. Not a complex plot, just your usual forced proximity with a grumpy hero. It was a decent short read but I rolled my eyes at all the stereotypical secondary female characters that were used as juxtaposition to the uniqueness of the heroine. Just gawd, can we please stop with this crap? Anyway not my fave of the reads but now onto the fourth and final.
Christmas in Central Park - Joanna Shupe - 2 ⭐️
This one is a man named Duke, not an actual duke, set in historical New York.
Rose writes an advice column in Duke’s newspaper. She assumes the name Mrs. Walker, a wealthy married woman when she is actually a maiden living in a boarding house.
He pursues her and has sex with her when he thinks she’s married to another man AND she works for him. Not my kind of hero.
The whole premise for this plot is distasteful and I can’t get into it. This isn’t a romantic Christmas story, this is an opportunistic hero with a skewed moral compass who acts like an ass and then blames the heroine for lying. Why does she like him? No thanks.
Overall this is a good Christmas read, I’d recommend bailing after the third story, the fourth leaves a bad taste.
November 19, 2018
Terribly, terribly anachronistic..
We have dukes triasping around London on foot with young girls past midnight.
And the who's who of society assembling into the kitchen(!!) to watch the hostess bake cookies at a dinner party.
And a duke getting buck naked and sharing body head to prevent the frozen heroine from hypothermia. All the while as his servants walk in on them , merrily without knocking.
These novellas were a series of jaw dropping WTF moments that made it really hard for me to "get into" the book and enjoy
That being said , while I go by chemistry and writing flair for judging enjoyment, Tessa Dare's contribution was the best of the lot.
We have dukes triasping around London on foot with young girls past midnight.
And the who's who of society assembling into the kitchen(!!) to watch the hostess bake cookies at a dinner party.
And a duke getting buck naked and sharing body head to prevent the frozen heroine from hypothermia. All the while as his servants walk in on them , merrily without knocking.
These novellas were a series of jaw dropping WTF moments that made it really hard for me to "get into" the book and enjoy
That being said , while I go by chemistry and writing flair for judging enjoyment, Tessa Dare's contribution was the best of the lot.
December 26, 2019
My favorites were surprisingly the ones not by my favorite authors! I loved Sophie Jordan's Scottish Duke romance and Joanna Shupe's Gilded Age romance (it was my first time reading JS too). This anthology is just perfect for anyone looking for Christmas romances – there are FOUR of them!
December 28, 2018
*rating only for Tessa Dare's story
December 30, 2021
Favorites:
Meet Me in Mayfair by Tessa Dare - 4 stars
Heiress Alone by Sophie Jordan - 4/4.5 stars
Average but still good:
Christmas in Central Park by Joanna Shupe - 3.75 stars
Okay:
The Duke of Christmas Present by Sarah MacLean - 3 stars
***I struggled with the male main character in this one. His victim mentality was annoying.***
Meet Me in Mayfair by Tessa Dare - 4 stars
Heiress Alone by Sophie Jordan - 4/4.5 stars
Average but still good:
Christmas in Central Park by Joanna Shupe - 3.75 stars
Okay:
The Duke of Christmas Present by Sarah MacLean - 3 stars
***I struggled with the male main character in this one. His victim mentality was annoying.***
December 13, 2021
4 short stories:
1. Meet Me In Mayfair by Tessa Dare ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Read Dec 7, 2021
Louisa needs a rich husband…..now!! Thanks to the Duke of Thorndale her family is about to be evicted from their Mayfair home. James, The Duke of Thorndale is in London to take care of business and part of that business is to sell off some properties. You can guess which house he is trying to sell. This sets up a little enemies to lovers type story. Except, James is not aware that Louisa is the family he is trying to evict.
I thought they had great chemistry. Some aspects of the story were utterly out of touch with this era. Quite a bit actually. But I was willing to overlook the implausible things and just enjoy James and Louisa. Good banter and I liked the characters. So for me, it was a cute story I enjoyed.
2. The Duke of Christmas Present by Sarah Maclean ⭐️⭐️.5. Read Dec 9,2021
Second Chance - separated for 12 years.
I didn’t like it as much as the first. I got frustrated with Eben and it all became quite repetitive. However, I will say part of my problem may be that I listened to it on audio. I don’t know why I don’t learn……audio just doesn’t work for me
3. Heiress Alone by Sophie Jordan ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Read Dec 11, 2021
Annis wakes up to find all of her family left Scotland and headed back to London…..without her.
With a band of brigands on the lose causing trouble, Calder insists Annis stay with him.
This is an insta love trope. I liked Annis and scottish Calder and thought they had good chemistry.
“My name is Calder, and I don’t care how many boys you’ve kissed, Annis,” he declared. “Because I’m the first man.”
4. Christmas in Central Park by Joanna Shupe ⭐️⭐️.5 Read Dec 12, 2021
Rose writes a weekly column that dispenses highly sought after advice and recipes. American women have been devouring Mrs Walker’s weekly column, but the problem is Rose is a fraud…..she’s not really married.
Duke is the paper’s new owner and he insists Rose host a Christmas party where she can show off her baking / hostess skills she always writes about. Rose has to not only find a house to hold the party, but also a fake husband. Duke eventually catches on to the ruse, which is a good thing because he’s highly attracted to Rose and dallying with married women isn’t his thing.
Rose and Duke were just ok for me. I didn’t really feel their chemistry. Probably the shortest of all the stories in the book. I did like the supporting characters.
1. Meet Me In Mayfair by Tessa Dare ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Read Dec 7, 2021
Louisa needs a rich husband…..now!! Thanks to the Duke of Thorndale her family is about to be evicted from their Mayfair home. James, The Duke of Thorndale is in London to take care of business and part of that business is to sell off some properties. You can guess which house he is trying to sell. This sets up a little enemies to lovers type story. Except, James is not aware that Louisa is the family he is trying to evict.
I thought they had great chemistry. Some aspects of the story were utterly out of touch with this era. Quite a bit actually. But I was willing to overlook the implausible things and just enjoy James and Louisa. Good banter and I liked the characters. So for me, it was a cute story I enjoyed.
2. The Duke of Christmas Present by Sarah Maclean ⭐️⭐️.5. Read Dec 9,2021
Second Chance - separated for 12 years.
I didn’t like it as much as the first. I got frustrated with Eben and it all became quite repetitive. However, I will say part of my problem may be that I listened to it on audio. I don’t know why I don’t learn……audio just doesn’t work for me
3. Heiress Alone by Sophie Jordan ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Read Dec 11, 2021
Annis wakes up to find all of her family left Scotland and headed back to London…..without her.
With a band of brigands on the lose causing trouble, Calder insists Annis stay with him.
This is an insta love trope. I liked Annis and scottish Calder and thought they had good chemistry.
“My name is Calder, and I don’t care how many boys you’ve kissed, Annis,” he declared. “Because I’m the first man.”
4. Christmas in Central Park by Joanna Shupe ⭐️⭐️.5 Read Dec 12, 2021
Rose writes a weekly column that dispenses highly sought after advice and recipes. American women have been devouring Mrs Walker’s weekly column, but the problem is Rose is a fraud…..she’s not really married.
Duke is the paper’s new owner and he insists Rose host a Christmas party where she can show off her baking / hostess skills she always writes about. Rose has to not only find a house to hold the party, but also a fake husband. Duke eventually catches on to the ruse, which is a good thing because he’s highly attracted to Rose and dallying with married women isn’t his thing.
Rose and Duke were just ok for me. I didn’t really feel their chemistry. Probably the shortest of all the stories in the book. I did like the supporting characters.
December 24, 2024
2024: Bittersweet to finally finish this collection this year by reading Shupe’s story, which honestly I spent mostly being stressed out by lol (which I know is on purpose! Being a woman in the Gilded Age was stressful!), but I somehow forgot, once again, about the shortbread!! What an absolutely delightful thread to tie these stories together. I will always treasure this holiday novella collection, and am excited to start a new one next year.
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Update 2023: Read Sophie Jordan’s story this year, which is a Regency take on Home Alone (in the Scottish Highlands), which is…a brilliant concept?? I loved it. Also really love the magical biscuit that weaves all the stories in this compilation together—frankly I was gobsmacked that Jordan even found a way in this story to get it transported to America for Joanna Shupe’s installment (which I will read next year and I can’t wait!)
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Update 2022: Have read Sarah MacLean’s story, which…I might go ahead & say is my favorite Christmas novella I’ve ever read. It’s incredible how much ANGST she’s able to pack into this novella (but not at all surprising, knowing MacLean’s talent & vibes). Being that it’s a take on A Christmas Carol, Christmas is also very central to the story (in a plot way, not a religious way), as is snow—perhaps the most romantic usage of snow I’ve ever read! Just loved it.
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2021: Bought this for myself as a lil’ treat & will make my way through what I can this holiday season & finish up the rest the next! Have so far finished Tessa Dare’s story, which I found delightful, even if the ending did feel rather rushed to me (but then again I know that’s simply what happens sometimes in the limited word count of a short story/novella).
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Update 2023: Read Sophie Jordan’s story this year, which is a Regency take on Home Alone (in the Scottish Highlands), which is…a brilliant concept?? I loved it. Also really love the magical biscuit that weaves all the stories in this compilation together—frankly I was gobsmacked that Jordan even found a way in this story to get it transported to America for Joanna Shupe’s installment (which I will read next year and I can’t wait!)
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Update 2022: Have read Sarah MacLean’s story, which…I might go ahead & say is my favorite Christmas novella I’ve ever read. It’s incredible how much ANGST she’s able to pack into this novella (but not at all surprising, knowing MacLean’s talent & vibes). Being that it’s a take on A Christmas Carol, Christmas is also very central to the story (in a plot way, not a religious way), as is snow—perhaps the most romantic usage of snow I’ve ever read! Just loved it.
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2021: Bought this for myself as a lil’ treat & will make my way through what I can this holiday season & finish up the rest the next! Have so far finished Tessa Dare’s story, which I found delightful, even if the ending did feel rather rushed to me (but then again I know that’s simply what happens sometimes in the limited word count of a short story/novella).
December 22, 2020
Meet Me in Mayfair-Tessa Dare: 4 stars
Really enjoyed this sweet Holiday Romance. The MC’s have so much chemistry and really liked that they had meaningful conversations. Tessa Dare is one of my favorite authors and this novella didn’t disappoint.
The Duke of Christmas Present- Sarah MacLean
Heiress Alone- Sophie Jordan
Christmas in Central Park- Joanna Shupe
Really enjoyed this sweet Holiday Romance. The MC’s have so much chemistry and really liked that they had meaningful conversations. Tessa Dare is one of my favorite authors and this novella didn’t disappoint.
The Duke of Christmas Present- Sarah MacLean
Heiress Alone- Sophie Jordan
Christmas in Central Park- Joanna Shupe
December 14, 2019
Delightful Christmas stories, each a different take on a classic Holiday story. Watch out for the secret Scottish shortbread, it is said that is can make a couple fall in love.
Meet Me in Mayfair - by Tessa Dare 5-Stars
This was a delightful story and I loved it. A take on "Little Women". The heroine, Lousia Ward, and her family are losing their home because the new Duke of Thornedale is calling in a debt her father thought had been forgiven by the old Duke who was a dear friend. Her only hope is to attract a rich husband at the Christmas Ball. Instead she comes face to face with the horrid Duke . . . and finds out that he isn't so horrid after all. By the end of the night she has a whole new perspective on her life and is more than a little in love with the Duke.
The Duke of Christmas Present by Sarah MacLean 3 1/2-Stars
This story is a take on Charles Dickens "A Christmas Carol" only this time our Scrooge is Eben, Duke of Allryd, and he is young, wealthy and very handsome. He inherited a Dukedom that was deep in debt and took his responsibility to make it profitable a little to far driving away the only woman he ever loved, Lady Jaqueline Mosby. After twelve years Jack is tired of waiting for Eban to be wealthy enough and come for her, so she shows up on a snowy Christmas Eve to show him what he has missed.
Heiress Alone by Sophie Jordan 5-Stars
This is a really cute take on "Home Alone" with a touch of "Sound of Music. Annis Bannister is the more serious of the six Bannister sisters and is often overlooked within her very boisterous family, but when they pack up and leave Scotland without her, well, that is just to much. With a massive snowstorm brewing and brigands terrorizing the countryside, her neighbor, a surly, reclusive Duke, Calder Sinclair, comes to rescue the caretakers of the estate and ends up with Annis too. Annis' only goal in life is peace and solitude so she plans to become a nun, but as Calder says "You were no made to become a nun."
Christmas in Central Park by Joanna Shupe 4-Stars
A scandal has consumed the newspaper and it's owner and publisher is caught in the backlash. Duke Havermyer needs to good will of his board of directors and decided that he needs Mrs. Walker, the paper's advice columnist, to host a dinner party to restore the boards confidence in him. He gives her no choice in the matter. Since Rose Walker is really a 21 year old, single, young woman who lives in a boarding house and not a married New York City society matron living in a mansion, she scrambles to pull together this Christmas dinner party and pulls it off quite well. Until she falls heed over heals for Duke.
Meet Me in Mayfair - by Tessa Dare 5-Stars
This was a delightful story and I loved it. A take on "Little Women". The heroine, Lousia Ward, and her family are losing their home because the new Duke of Thornedale is calling in a debt her father thought had been forgiven by the old Duke who was a dear friend. Her only hope is to attract a rich husband at the Christmas Ball. Instead she comes face to face with the horrid Duke . . . and finds out that he isn't so horrid after all. By the end of the night she has a whole new perspective on her life and is more than a little in love with the Duke.
The Duke of Christmas Present by Sarah MacLean 3 1/2-Stars
This story is a take on Charles Dickens "A Christmas Carol" only this time our Scrooge is Eben, Duke of Allryd, and he is young, wealthy and very handsome. He inherited a Dukedom that was deep in debt and took his responsibility to make it profitable a little to far driving away the only woman he ever loved, Lady Jaqueline Mosby. After twelve years Jack is tired of waiting for Eban to be wealthy enough and come for her, so she shows up on a snowy Christmas Eve to show him what he has missed.
Heiress Alone by Sophie Jordan 5-Stars
This is a really cute take on "Home Alone" with a touch of "Sound of Music. Annis Bannister is the more serious of the six Bannister sisters and is often overlooked within her very boisterous family, but when they pack up and leave Scotland without her, well, that is just to much. With a massive snowstorm brewing and brigands terrorizing the countryside, her neighbor, a surly, reclusive Duke, Calder Sinclair, comes to rescue the caretakers of the estate and ends up with Annis too. Annis' only goal in life is peace and solitude so she plans to become a nun, but as Calder says "You were no made to become a nun."
Christmas in Central Park by Joanna Shupe 4-Stars
A scandal has consumed the newspaper and it's owner and publisher is caught in the backlash. Duke Havermyer needs to good will of his board of directors and decided that he needs Mrs. Walker, the paper's advice columnist, to host a dinner party to restore the boards confidence in him. He gives her no choice in the matter. Since Rose Walker is really a 21 year old, single, young woman who lives in a boarding house and not a married New York City society matron living in a mansion, she scrambles to pull together this Christmas dinner party and pulls it off quite well. Until she falls heed over heals for Duke.
October 31, 2018
So, I got my Christmas spirit going a bit early this year with my reads. I do have to say that I did enjoy all but the last novella on the Dukes. It was a delightful read and I must say that Sarah MacLean's novel was the height of them all. Recommend this read and as a summation of them all, I am rating this as a 3.5 rounded to 4-Stars.
4-Stars
4-Stars
December 20, 2022
What a great group of authors! They are all so talented and they came together to bring us Christmas joy and smut!
I loved how each one of the stories had something to do with snow and shortbread even though in most of the stories the shortbread wasn’t tasty.
This was such a fun holiday read and I’m so glad I got to buddy read it with my friends!
I loved how each one of the stories had something to do with snow and shortbread even though in most of the stories the shortbread wasn’t tasty.
This was such a fun holiday read and I’m so glad I got to buddy read it with my friends!
December 6, 2021
I enjoyed tessa dares book - 3.5 stars
Skipped Sarah Maclean's because me and her don't mesh well and it was confusing
Sophie Jordan - 3 stars
Joanna shupe - unfortunately I don't like gilded ages so it's hard for me to finish it.
Skipped Sarah Maclean's because me and her don't mesh well and it was confusing
Sophie Jordan - 3 stars
Joanna shupe - unfortunately I don't like gilded ages so it's hard for me to finish it.
October 16, 2018
To be fair, I didn't read the whole thing. It's $5.99 and I have a high bar for $5.99. I can get very good books for a lot less, so unless this was a sure thing, I'm not spending the $$.
I read the sample. Which is like 7-8 chapters of Tessa Dare's story in the anthology. Since she's the author I like best in the group, if her story can't hook me, there's little hope for the rest of the book.
And unfortunately, it didn't hook me.
1. Most anthologies are too rushed. I like depth in a book, and these short stories don't let that happen. Rarely, anyway. For a sample, I'm already half way done with one story! That's how much depth I'm getting.
2. Maybe because it's too rushed, TD's story just didn't appeal that much. I don't really feel the chemistry between the H/h, the tension or anticipation. And I'm pretty sure I'm not going to get any hot love scenes in these short stories. Or if I do, they will be very brief.
So overall, it wasn't good enough for me to click buy, which means it's definitely not above 3 stars.
I read the sample. Which is like 7-8 chapters of Tessa Dare's story in the anthology. Since she's the author I like best in the group, if her story can't hook me, there's little hope for the rest of the book.
And unfortunately, it didn't hook me.
1. Most anthologies are too rushed. I like depth in a book, and these short stories don't let that happen. Rarely, anyway. For a sample, I'm already half way done with one story! That's how much depth I'm getting.
2. Maybe because it's too rushed, TD's story just didn't appeal that much. I don't really feel the chemistry between the H/h, the tension or anticipation. And I'm pretty sure I'm not going to get any hot love scenes in these short stories. Or if I do, they will be very brief.
So overall, it wasn't good enough for me to click buy, which means it's definitely not above 3 stars.
December 5, 2021
A cute anthology of historical holiday romances loosely inspired by Christmas movies! Overall I enjoyed this although there was one story I wasn't a huge fan of.
"Meet Me in Mayfair" by Tessa Dare is slightly inspired by Little Women, totally anachronistic, but still pretty fun if you just go with it.
"The Duke of Christimas Present" by Sarah Maclean is inspired by A Christmas Carol with a Scrooge-like hero having a second chance at the woman he's always loved. I liked this one.
"Heiress Alone" by Sophie Jordan is a fun take on Home Alone, and has the only one bed trope! Like all of these, you have to somewhat suspend disbelief, but it's fun.
"Christmas in Central Park" by Joanna Shupe was definitely my least favorite. I think it was inspired by A Miracle on 34'th street, but involves a boss/employee relationship and I REALLY disliked the hero.
That said, I think this is a cute collection if you're looking for quick holiday romance options!
"Meet Me in Mayfair" by Tessa Dare is slightly inspired by Little Women, totally anachronistic, but still pretty fun if you just go with it.
"The Duke of Christimas Present" by Sarah Maclean is inspired by A Christmas Carol with a Scrooge-like hero having a second chance at the woman he's always loved. I liked this one.
"Heiress Alone" by Sophie Jordan is a fun take on Home Alone, and has the only one bed trope! Like all of these, you have to somewhat suspend disbelief, but it's fun.
"Christmas in Central Park" by Joanna Shupe was definitely my least favorite. I think it was inspired by A Miracle on 34'th street, but involves a boss/employee relationship and I REALLY disliked the hero.
That said, I think this is a cute collection if you're looking for quick holiday romance options!
October 15, 2018
5 'The Shortbread Talisman' Stars<
What an absolutely and utterly BRILLIANT Christmasy HR anthology this book was!
From start to finish How The Dukes Stole was undoubtable perfection, with each of the four tales enchanting me to no end and making me crave even more of these enrapturing characters and their stories!
Complete and wholehearted holiday warm and fuzzy feelings that made me feel as though I was living the holidays right along with them! True Christmas in October feels that I recommend to every single HR lover out there! <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
Full review to follow....
ARC kindly provided by the authors for an honest review
What an absolutely and utterly BRILLIANT Christmasy HR anthology this book was!
From start to finish How The Dukes Stole was undoubtable perfection, with each of the four tales enchanting me to no end and making me crave even more of these enrapturing characters and their stories!
Complete and wholehearted holiday warm and fuzzy feelings that made me feel as though I was living the holidays right along with them! True Christmas in October feels that I recommend to every single HR lover out there! <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
Full review to follow....
ARC kindly provided by the authors for an honest review
January 3, 2023
Mis favoritos han sido los relatos de Tessa Dare y Joanna Shupe, los otros dos son muy mediocres
December 21, 2020
Meet me in Mayfair by Tessa Dare - 5 stars
definitely my favourite from the whole book :) but I expected nothing less, since Tessa Dare is one of my favourite authors :) her writing style is just… *sighs happily* it always works for me :) would I love to read more about this couple? absolutely :) but this adorable novella was enough to bring me joy :)
The duke of christmas present by Sarah MacLean - 2,5 stars
hands down my least favourite of the book… but to be honest, I expected it… don’t get me wrong, I love Sarah MacLean’s writing style, and it was really good here as well, it’s just that the second chance romance trope is one I tend to avoid in stories, cause I really don’t like it… purely because of personal preferences :) especially when it’s only a novella, I don’t think there is enough pages to build such a story well, and that was the case for me here… there just wasn’t enough time for me to buy into them getting back together so fast after such a long time apart… I loved seeing glimpses of their relationship before, but at the same time the switching back and forth between timelines threw off the pacing of the story… just not for me, and that’s ok :)
Heiress alone by Sophie Jordan - 4,5 stars
this was my second favourite story of the book :) written by a new to me author, I am now definitely planning on checking out her other stories ;) we have a heroine who loves books and a grumpy scot as the hero and I was sold :) yes, it once again took place over a very short amount of time and had some absolutely ridiculous things happening but I loved it all the same :) it was fun and sexy and gave me all the wintery vibes I wanted :)
Christmas in Central Park by Joanna Shupe - 4 stars
this was written by another new to me author who totally sold me on her other stories :) I enjoyed it more than I thought, and again, even though I would have loved to see more time pass for these two to form a relationship, it was a cute christmas-y story :) now I am definitely very curious to see what she can do with a full length book, cause it seems she writes heroines how I love them the most, smart and independent :)
XOXO
A
definitely my favourite from the whole book :) but I expected nothing less, since Tessa Dare is one of my favourite authors :) her writing style is just… *sighs happily* it always works for me :) would I love to read more about this couple? absolutely :) but this adorable novella was enough to bring me joy :)
The duke of christmas present by Sarah MacLean - 2,5 stars
hands down my least favourite of the book… but to be honest, I expected it… don’t get me wrong, I love Sarah MacLean’s writing style, and it was really good here as well, it’s just that the second chance romance trope is one I tend to avoid in stories, cause I really don’t like it… purely because of personal preferences :) especially when it’s only a novella, I don’t think there is enough pages to build such a story well, and that was the case for me here… there just wasn’t enough time for me to buy into them getting back together so fast after such a long time apart… I loved seeing glimpses of their relationship before, but at the same time the switching back and forth between timelines threw off the pacing of the story… just not for me, and that’s ok :)
Heiress alone by Sophie Jordan - 4,5 stars
this was my second favourite story of the book :) written by a new to me author, I am now definitely planning on checking out her other stories ;) we have a heroine who loves books and a grumpy scot as the hero and I was sold :) yes, it once again took place over a very short amount of time and had some absolutely ridiculous things happening but I loved it all the same :) it was fun and sexy and gave me all the wintery vibes I wanted :)
Christmas in Central Park by Joanna Shupe - 4 stars
this was written by another new to me author who totally sold me on her other stories :) I enjoyed it more than I thought, and again, even though I would have loved to see more time pass for these two to form a relationship, it was a cute christmas-y story :) now I am definitely very curious to see what she can do with a full length book, cause it seems she writes heroines how I love them the most, smart and independent :)
XOXO
A
December 26, 2019
Trigger warnings: death of a sibling (in the past), death of a parent (in the past), implied domestic violence towards a child.
26/12/2019
Does this feature a lot of instalove? Uh, yes. They're romance short stories, of course it does. Did I care? Fuck, no. This is pretty stinking cute and it was the perfect thing to read on Boxing Day when my brain was mush.
29/11/2018
So here's the deal: if you're looking for historical accuracy, you won't get it in any of these stories. Like, AT ALL. They're riddled with anachronisms and things that would literally never happen. So if you want a historical romance that contains anything even remotely resembling authenticity, you should probably just nope your way to the exit right now.
But. If you're looking for a Christmas-themed dose of cheesy romance? This is pretty stinking great.
Tessa Dare's story is ridiculous but delightful. Sarah McLean's was my favourite of the collection purely because it features a 32 year old heroine and a second chance romance. Sophie Jordan's was...slightly eye roll worthy but still fun. And while Joanna Shupe's was my least favourite, I really enjoyed seeing how she included a "Duke" in stark contrast to the other three authors.
Also, I loved the fact that all four stories featured terrible shortbread. In short: it was great.
26/12/2019
Does this feature a lot of instalove? Uh, yes. They're romance short stories, of course it does. Did I care? Fuck, no. This is pretty stinking cute and it was the perfect thing to read on Boxing Day when my brain was mush.
29/11/2018
So here's the deal: if you're looking for historical accuracy, you won't get it in any of these stories. Like, AT ALL. They're riddled with anachronisms and things that would literally never happen. So if you want a historical romance that contains anything even remotely resembling authenticity, you should probably just nope your way to the exit right now.
But. If you're looking for a Christmas-themed dose of cheesy romance? This is pretty stinking great.
Tessa Dare's story is ridiculous but delightful. Sarah McLean's was my favourite of the collection purely because it features a 32 year old heroine and a second chance romance. Sophie Jordan's was...slightly eye roll worthy but still fun. And while Joanna Shupe's was my least favourite, I really enjoyed seeing how she included a "Duke" in stark contrast to the other three authors.
Also, I loved the fact that all four stories featured terrible shortbread. In short: it was great.
February 7, 2019
"Meet Me in Mayfair" by Tessa Dare
★★★.5
"The Duke of Christmas Present" by Sarah MacLean
★★★★★
"Heiress Alone" by Sophie Jordan
★★★
would've enjoyed it more if i wasn't told that the main character wasn't like other women every two pages tbh
"Christmas in Central Park" by Joanna Shupe
★★★
★★★.5
"The Duke of Christmas Present" by Sarah MacLean
★★★★★
"Heiress Alone" by Sophie Jordan
★★★
would've enjoyed it more if i wasn't told that the main character wasn't like other women every two pages tbh
"Christmas in Central Park" by Joanna Shupe
★★★
December 29, 2019
This is a wonderful collection of four amazing historical romantic Christmas novellas. Each is well-written with likable, engaging characters and happily ever after endings. They each contain the thread of a shortbread recipe, which ties the stories together. I am looking forward to reading the other works of these four fabulous authors.
December 16, 2018
I love holiday novellas. I think they are the perfect way to get a quick jolt of that Christmas spirit. And I think this is a strong collection, overall. I can DEFINITELY see myself returning to this collection every year. A very fun read.
Meet Me In Mayfair - 3 stars
To be honest, I think this was the weakest one of the 4. But whatever, it's Tessa Dare. It's still cute. I just think that after the low moment, we needed to see more from the hero/ heroine and instead it just fast forwards to the resolution. Given that this is the shortest story, I'm not entirely sure why Dare couldn't have included a little bit more. Rushed ending.
The Duke of Christmas Present - 5 stars
OK, so obviously I am biased since I do a podcast with Sarah, but this was best story in the collection to me. It's highly structured with a back and forth between now and then, and it makes for a really pleasing story. Given that it's a Novella, I was thought there was some really wonderful character development of both Eben and Jack. Also, this book had really strong secondary characters, Jack's Aunt and Eben's business partner. Super great. Just what I want from a Christmas novella.
Heiress Alone - 5 stars
I loved this story, maybe because I've always loved Home Alone. I love that Annis is thrilled to be left alone and the whole way the story with the Sinclair evolves is pretty awesome. Very sexy and I was absolutely into it. Again, really strong secondary characters. Loved this story.
Christmas in Central Park - 5 stars
This book actually made me SO NERVOUS when I was reading it. Like, I was ACTIVELY ANXIOUS about how it was all going to turn out. I loved the heroine and her big group of friends who work together to basically make sure she can keep her job. This one gave me ALL THE FEELS.
Meet Me In Mayfair - 3 stars
To be honest, I think this was the weakest one of the 4. But whatever, it's Tessa Dare. It's still cute. I just think that after the low moment, we needed to see more from the hero/ heroine and instead it just fast forwards to the resolution. Given that this is the shortest story, I'm not entirely sure why Dare couldn't have included a little bit more. Rushed ending.
The Duke of Christmas Present - 5 stars
OK, so obviously I am biased since I do a podcast with Sarah, but this was best story in the collection to me. It's highly structured with a back and forth between now and then, and it makes for a really pleasing story. Given that it's a Novella, I was thought there was some really wonderful character development of both Eben and Jack. Also, this book had really strong secondary characters, Jack's Aunt and Eben's business partner. Super great. Just what I want from a Christmas novella.
Heiress Alone - 5 stars
I loved this story, maybe because I've always loved Home Alone. I love that Annis is thrilled to be left alone and the whole way the story with the Sinclair evolves is pretty awesome. Very sexy and I was absolutely into it. Again, really strong secondary characters. Loved this story.
Christmas in Central Park - 5 stars
This book actually made me SO NERVOUS when I was reading it. Like, I was ACTIVELY ANXIOUS about how it was all going to turn out. I loved the heroine and her big group of friends who work together to basically make sure she can keep her job. This one gave me ALL THE FEELS.
January 7, 2022
«How the Dukes Stole Christmas» ha sido mi romance de época de diciembre (intento leer uno al mes por lo menos) y era el ideal porque es una antología de relatos navideños. Lo que ha sido una grata sorpresa ha sido que los cuatro relatos son retellings de otras historias navideñas famosas. Dos de ellas me han resultado fáciles de identificar, las otras dos la verdad es que no las conocía, pero me parece un toque superguay. No os voy a decir nada por si queréis que sea una sorpresa de qué historia son retellings.
He disfrutado mucho de la lectura de este libro. Aunque en una antología siempre hay algún relato que se disfruta más que otros, en general puedo decir que todos me han gustado, aunque en uno de ellos la relación me ha parecido demasiado rápida. Que son relatos cortos y quizás es de esperar, pero en los otros tres me ha parecido todo más equilibrado. Si tuviera que elegir un favorito, creo que sería el de Sarah MacLean, que era la única autora a la que había leído previamente. Pero me ha gustado conocer la pluma de las demás autoras y ojalá tenga la oportunidad de leer más de ellas pronto.
He disfrutado mucho de la lectura de este libro. Aunque en una antología siempre hay algún relato que se disfruta más que otros, en general puedo decir que todos me han gustado, aunque en uno de ellos la relación me ha parecido demasiado rápida. Que son relatos cortos y quizás es de esperar, pero en los otros tres me ha parecido todo más equilibrado. Si tuviera que elegir un favorito, creo que sería el de Sarah MacLean, que era la única autora a la que había leído previamente. Pero me ha gustado conocer la pluma de las demás autoras y ojalá tenga la oportunidad de leer más de ellas pronto.
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