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12 Rogues of Christmas
A baker's dozen of sumptuous historical romance novellas to celebrate the season, playing on the concept of the 12 Days of Christmas.
Married By Christmas - bonus novella from Isabella Hargreaves
Pressured to marry Mr Wrong, can she wed Mr Right by Christmas?
A Partridge and His Family Tree - Joanne Austen Brown
Dianna Partridge’s put-down of him would not dissuade Jason Baird. His mother was right. He still had deep feelings for her and wanted to make things right between them.
Two Tempted Loves - Ebony McKenna writing as Ebony Oaten
A newly-minted marquis meets an heiress on a mission
Three French Men - Ava January
Three ladies need to rid themselves of the men they find living in their house. Or will they find a way to keep them in instead?
Four Calling Cards - Susanne Bellamy
Her fiancé is missing and his best friend takes his place. What can possibly go wrong?
Five Gold Flings - Beverley Oakley
Wicked and lively Fanny and Antoinette Brightwell have made spectacular marriages. Now, it’s their children’s turn to play matchmaker...
Six Belles Need Saving - Janis Linford
A reluctant debutante and a viscount on the brink of ruin, tangle at a Christmas school of manners.
Seven Lords Proposing - Erin Grace
Amateur botanist Charlotte Grey has long declared she should never wed. When six eligible gentlemen offer for Miss Grey’s hand at a party, she sets them impossible tasks.
Eight Spinsters Singing - Catherine Bilson
An heiress fleeing an unwanted marriage must place her trust in an American ship captain.
Nine Years A'Yearning - Alison Stuart
A wounded soldier and a lonely girl find love at Christmas time, but the fortunes of war will tear them apart.
Ten Shipwrecked Books - Renée Dahlia
Lord Rupert Stanmore was banished to the continent for a grand tour after being caught kissing his best friend, Lord Benburgh. Two years later and life back in England has caught up to him.
Eleven Christmas Pipers - Pamela Hart
A Widow who'll never love a soldier again. Especially one who plays the bagpipes!
Twelve Drummers Coming - Heidi Wessman Kneale
Maude regarded her teacup. So that was Uncle Nate's eldest son? She'd heard much about him, of his grand career as a soldier. Funny that nobody mentioned he was only a drummer.
Married By Christmas - bonus novella from Isabella Hargreaves
Pressured to marry Mr Wrong, can she wed Mr Right by Christmas?
A Partridge and His Family Tree - Joanne Austen Brown
Dianna Partridge’s put-down of him would not dissuade Jason Baird. His mother was right. He still had deep feelings for her and wanted to make things right between them.
Two Tempted Loves - Ebony McKenna writing as Ebony Oaten
A newly-minted marquis meets an heiress on a mission
Three French Men - Ava January
Three ladies need to rid themselves of the men they find living in their house. Or will they find a way to keep them in instead?
Four Calling Cards - Susanne Bellamy
Her fiancé is missing and his best friend takes his place. What can possibly go wrong?
Five Gold Flings - Beverley Oakley
Wicked and lively Fanny and Antoinette Brightwell have made spectacular marriages. Now, it’s their children’s turn to play matchmaker...
Six Belles Need Saving - Janis Linford
A reluctant debutante and a viscount on the brink of ruin, tangle at a Christmas school of manners.
Seven Lords Proposing - Erin Grace
Amateur botanist Charlotte Grey has long declared she should never wed. When six eligible gentlemen offer for Miss Grey’s hand at a party, she sets them impossible tasks.
Eight Spinsters Singing - Catherine Bilson
An heiress fleeing an unwanted marriage must place her trust in an American ship captain.
Nine Years A'Yearning - Alison Stuart
A wounded soldier and a lonely girl find love at Christmas time, but the fortunes of war will tear them apart.
Ten Shipwrecked Books - Renée Dahlia
Lord Rupert Stanmore was banished to the continent for a grand tour after being caught kissing his best friend, Lord Benburgh. Two years later and life back in England has caught up to him.
Eleven Christmas Pipers - Pamela Hart
A Widow who'll never love a soldier again. Especially one who plays the bagpipes!
Twelve Drummers Coming - Heidi Wessman Kneale
Maude regarded her teacup. So that was Uncle Nate's eldest son? She'd heard much about him, of his grand career as a soldier. Funny that nobody mentioned he was only a drummer.
1117 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 20, 2020
528 people are currently reading
232 people want to read
About the author
Ebony McKenna
69 books95 followersEbony McKenna writes YA romance as Ebony McKenna
She writes Regency Romance as Ebony Oaten
She writes Regency Romance as Ebony Oaten
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
September 30, 2020
Nine Years A'Yearning
Nineteen-year-old Hannah Linton watched as the two ships – one French, one English – fought it out off the coastline of England. She felt for the French ship and the men on board, as it foundered under fire, but the next morning, an exhausted and badly injured Frenchman was in the cave below her home. Hannah and her mother cared for Lieutenant Fabian Brassard as his injuries healed but his capture and Lord Simon Maxwell’s subsequent punishment to those he considered traitors was hard for Hannah to bear. Would Hannah ever see Fabian again?
Nine Years A’Yearning by Aussie author Alison Stuart is the 9th novella in the 12 Rogues of Christmas anthology which is “a baker's dozen of sumptuous historical romance novellas to celebrate the season, playing on the concept of the 12 Days of Christmas.” This novella took me back to the author’s historical novels set in England (which this one is) that I love. I thoroughly enjoyed this short historical romance filled with well-written characters, by Ms Stuart and recommend it highly.
Eleven Christmas Pipers
Elizabeth MacDonald and her seven-year-old son Robin lived quietly after the death of her husband and Robin’s father, Lachie, at Waterloo. She was estate manager for her brother Henry and while life looked peaceful and certain, the thought of remarrying had never entered her mind. The grief still overtook her at times and Elizabeth was determined Robin would never be a soldier; never join the Scots Greys. She couldn’t bear to lose another loved one. When Elizabeth saw Lachie’s best friend, Gavan Sunderland, all the memories came rushing back. Gavan and Lachie had been part of the happiness of her life as she and Robin followed the drum. What now would be Elizabeth’s future?
Eleven Christmas Pipers is the 11th novella of the 12 Rogues of Christmas by Aussie author Pamela Hart and I really enjoyed it. I love listening to the bagpipes and found the inclusion of them in this novella a perfect musical accompaniment. Thoroughly entertaining, I have no hesitation in recommending Eleven Christmas Pipers.
With thanks to author Pamela Hart for my digital ARC of the 12 Rogues of Christmas to read in exchange for an honest review. And although I’ve only read these two, I will return to the others as soon as I can.
Nineteen-year-old Hannah Linton watched as the two ships – one French, one English – fought it out off the coastline of England. She felt for the French ship and the men on board, as it foundered under fire, but the next morning, an exhausted and badly injured Frenchman was in the cave below her home. Hannah and her mother cared for Lieutenant Fabian Brassard as his injuries healed but his capture and Lord Simon Maxwell’s subsequent punishment to those he considered traitors was hard for Hannah to bear. Would Hannah ever see Fabian again?
Nine Years A’Yearning by Aussie author Alison Stuart is the 9th novella in the 12 Rogues of Christmas anthology which is “a baker's dozen of sumptuous historical romance novellas to celebrate the season, playing on the concept of the 12 Days of Christmas.” This novella took me back to the author’s historical novels set in England (which this one is) that I love. I thoroughly enjoyed this short historical romance filled with well-written characters, by Ms Stuart and recommend it highly.
Eleven Christmas Pipers
Elizabeth MacDonald and her seven-year-old son Robin lived quietly after the death of her husband and Robin’s father, Lachie, at Waterloo. She was estate manager for her brother Henry and while life looked peaceful and certain, the thought of remarrying had never entered her mind. The grief still overtook her at times and Elizabeth was determined Robin would never be a soldier; never join the Scots Greys. She couldn’t bear to lose another loved one. When Elizabeth saw Lachie’s best friend, Gavan Sunderland, all the memories came rushing back. Gavan and Lachie had been part of the happiness of her life as she and Robin followed the drum. What now would be Elizabeth’s future?
Eleven Christmas Pipers is the 11th novella of the 12 Rogues of Christmas by Aussie author Pamela Hart and I really enjoyed it. I love listening to the bagpipes and found the inclusion of them in this novella a perfect musical accompaniment. Thoroughly entertaining, I have no hesitation in recommending Eleven Christmas Pipers.
With thanks to author Pamela Hart for my digital ARC of the 12 Rogues of Christmas to read in exchange for an honest review. And although I’ve only read these two, I will return to the others as soon as I can.
August 20, 2020
Married by Christmas
A sweet tale of a young girl who has been guided by her guardians since her father’s death. Unfortunately, most of them do not have her welfare at heart. Lauren decides to take matters into her own hands. Lauren has someone she loves but will she have the courage to tell him and what will be his reaction? This was an entertaining read with a satisfying ending. An epilogue would have been a good extra.
Two Tempted Lovers
The Marquis of Hadlow needs to find a wife, hence the reason for the house party. However, he wants a wife who isn’t just interested in his title. To this end he changes places with the butler. Amelia tends to be outspoken and says what she thinks. She is also from trade and knows little how she should behave in polite society, and has a very pushy mother. Amelia does find herself attracted to the butler but her mother wouldn’t allow that. How will Amelia feel when she discovers the deception? An engaging story.
Three French Men
Mary and her sisters have escaped from their controlling uncle and arrived at Mary’s town house, only to discover that it is occupied by three French brothers. There follows an account where they get to know each other and discover who is behind the confusion. The men have their own secret and may not be able to help the sisters. An enjoyable story.
Four Calling Cards
I really enjoyed this story. This involves Lady Clementine and the love of her life, Will and also his friend, Rufus. Although Will is a successful businessman, he has enlisted to help in the war effort. Will is on the verge of proposing to Clem when he suddenly disappears and no one knows where he is. Clem is under pressure, from her parents, to marry. Luckily, Rufus, an earl, steps in to help but Clem still loves Will. Will has a series of adventures and hopes to find Clem waiting for him. This was an entertaining read with some dangerous moments for Will.
I’ve enjoyed all the stories in this set, so far, and look forward to reading the rest of the book. They have different settings and not all have noble connections. There are a number of authors who are new to me and I will be looking to read more of their books. This set is very good value.
A sweet tale of a young girl who has been guided by her guardians since her father’s death. Unfortunately, most of them do not have her welfare at heart. Lauren decides to take matters into her own hands. Lauren has someone she loves but will she have the courage to tell him and what will be his reaction? This was an entertaining read with a satisfying ending. An epilogue would have been a good extra.
Two Tempted Lovers
The Marquis of Hadlow needs to find a wife, hence the reason for the house party. However, he wants a wife who isn’t just interested in his title. To this end he changes places with the butler. Amelia tends to be outspoken and says what she thinks. She is also from trade and knows little how she should behave in polite society, and has a very pushy mother. Amelia does find herself attracted to the butler but her mother wouldn’t allow that. How will Amelia feel when she discovers the deception? An engaging story.
Three French Men
Mary and her sisters have escaped from their controlling uncle and arrived at Mary’s town house, only to discover that it is occupied by three French brothers. There follows an account where they get to know each other and discover who is behind the confusion. The men have their own secret and may not be able to help the sisters. An enjoyable story.
Four Calling Cards
I really enjoyed this story. This involves Lady Clementine and the love of her life, Will and also his friend, Rufus. Although Will is a successful businessman, he has enlisted to help in the war effort. Will is on the verge of proposing to Clem when he suddenly disappears and no one knows where he is. Clem is under pressure, from her parents, to marry. Luckily, Rufus, an earl, steps in to help but Clem still loves Will. Will has a series of adventures and hopes to find Clem waiting for him. This was an entertaining read with some dangerous moments for Will.
I’ve enjoyed all the stories in this set, so far, and look forward to reading the rest of the book. They have different settings and not all have noble connections. There are a number of authors who are new to me and I will be looking to read more of their books. This set is very good value.
August 20, 2020
This is a set of 10 historical Christmas romances. The characters are well written and the storylines have drama conflict suspense and Passion. A great set of holiday romances
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 20, 2020
Great Christmas reads.
New authors for me and was not disappointed.
Each one was good.
Will definitely be reading more from these authors.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
New authors for me and was not disappointed.
Each one was good.
Will definitely be reading more from these authors.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 22, 2020
I have read almost half of the anthology and it really has me highly entertained with the interesting stories it contains. Amusing and romantic narrations and descriptions with strong and decided Misses intended to do the right thing, protective males, one or another villain looking to take advantage of a situation and the occasional skirmish to put things in their place. Each one is different and with exception of two authors the others are all new to me. Interesting and entertaining all in one place. I am enjoying each one.
Married by Christmas by Isabella Hargreaves
A damsel in distress who knew what she wanted to have her HEA and age had not room there. Romance and adventure
A Partridge in his Family Tree by Joanne Austen Brown
A strong woman who valued her independence and knew how to protect herself, indeed. Suspense, romance, a villain, some violence
Two Tempted Loves by Ebony Oaten
Distracted but not misguided a Miss got more than she expected. Amusing scenes, deceit and romance
Three French Men by Ava January
Three wronged girls found their knights in armors. Intriguing characters, amusing scenes, romance and villains
Four Calling Cards by Susanne Bellamy.
Miss Clementine was fearing to lose her dearest, but she found a helping friend. Mystery, suspense, intrigue and romance
Married by Christmas by Isabella Hargreaves
A damsel in distress who knew what she wanted to have her HEA and age had not room there. Romance and adventure
A Partridge in his Family Tree by Joanne Austen Brown
A strong woman who valued her independence and knew how to protect herself, indeed. Suspense, romance, a villain, some violence
Two Tempted Loves by Ebony Oaten
Distracted but not misguided a Miss got more than she expected. Amusing scenes, deceit and romance
Three French Men by Ava January
Three wronged girls found their knights in armors. Intriguing characters, amusing scenes, romance and villains
Four Calling Cards by Susanne Bellamy.
Miss Clementine was fearing to lose her dearest, but she found a helping friend. Mystery, suspense, intrigue and romance
August 18, 2020
A cosy collection of Christmas novellas, each set in the Regency era. Well researched and well written, the stories each have romance and intrigue, and they each are well versed in the tropes of the genre. Some are stronger than others, but all of the inclusions are enjoyable.
My personal favourite is "Four Calling Cards" by Susanne Bellamy, as the story keeps you guessing until the end. I liked all the characters, and thought it had good humour too!
My personal favourite is "Four Calling Cards" by Susanne Bellamy, as the story keeps you guessing until the end. I liked all the characters, and thought it had good humour too!
August 21, 2020
This collection of 13(!) stories is really good value. Each is between 10-14 chapters long and can be read separately. Each uses a play on the song - 12 days Of Christmas and it really tickled me to see how creative the authors got with their titles!
With so many stories, there’s bound to be ones that appeal to you more than the others but actually, I was pleased with the quality of the writing in all even though I skimmed a couple.
My favourites were Ava January’s and Erin Grace’s stories. I’m a sucker for a poor wretch pining for his friend as was the case in Erin Grace’s and Ava January surprised and delighted me with some laugh out loud moments. I loved the three hulking brothers! The premise was a little more unusual than the regular ‘lady meets a lord’ that the regency romances rend to favour.
All in all a great book!
With so many stories, there’s bound to be ones that appeal to you more than the others but actually, I was pleased with the quality of the writing in all even though I skimmed a couple.
My favourites were Ava January’s and Erin Grace’s stories. I’m a sucker for a poor wretch pining for his friend as was the case in Erin Grace’s and Ava January surprised and delighted me with some laugh out loud moments. I loved the three hulking brothers! The premise was a little more unusual than the regular ‘lady meets a lord’ that the regency romances rend to favour.
All in all a great book!
August 28, 2020
Rogues and Christmas are two of my favorite Regency romance topics. I had high expectations when I saw the title and was not the least bit disappointed by the very last page. Each story is entertaining filled with unexpected romances proving opposites do attract, rogues that really do want to settle down despite what they tell their family and friends, and debutantes wanting to marry for love, not just who her father thinks is the right choice. I enjoyed ever story which provided many happily ever after moments.
August 20, 2020
Celebrate Christmas with this collection.
A gentleman leaves his lady hanging; unwanted marriage, spinsters, rakes, and so much more await you in this collection. I will be honest it was a little early for me to be reading holiday tales but I could not pass this one up when I saw it on Booksprout. It has some of my favorite authors and a few I have not read so really it was a must-have. I loved the ending in Married By Christmas by Isabella Hargreaves and Three French Men by Ebony Oaten was a cute one neither of these authors I have read before. Four Calling Cards by Ms. Bellamy was a great read as were the books by Pamela Hart, Renee Dahlia, Alison Stuart, Catherine Bilson, Erin Grace, Jamis Linford, Joanne Austen Brown, Beverly Oakley, and Heidi Wessman Kneale. You will not go wrong by getting this collection just think for the 12 days of Christmas you have 12 gifts just for yourself. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
A gentleman leaves his lady hanging; unwanted marriage, spinsters, rakes, and so much more await you in this collection. I will be honest it was a little early for me to be reading holiday tales but I could not pass this one up when I saw it on Booksprout. It has some of my favorite authors and a few I have not read so really it was a must-have. I loved the ending in Married By Christmas by Isabella Hargreaves and Three French Men by Ebony Oaten was a cute one neither of these authors I have read before. Four Calling Cards by Ms. Bellamy was a great read as were the books by Pamela Hart, Renee Dahlia, Alison Stuart, Catherine Bilson, Erin Grace, Jamis Linford, Joanne Austen Brown, Beverly Oakley, and Heidi Wessman Kneale. You will not go wrong by getting this collection just think for the 12 days of Christmas you have 12 gifts just for yourself. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
August 21, 2020
every book in this set is geared towards the Christmas Holiday! You will find yourself dragged through time and enjoying the heck out of the holiday never to see it the same! Every story will put in the time of regency and have wanting to share the holidays with all of these characters. I enjoyed this set and I know you will to!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 29, 2020
An amazing set of Regency tales to sit back and devour! This is a collection of delightful holiday romances playing on the 12 days of Christmas. All written by a group of very talented authors. Some new, and some I have read before. Each story was unique and fun with great characters and strong and captivating storylines. I am glad I picked this set up because I know have so many new authors to follow! Each one did a fantastic job with providing vivid descriptions and interesting plots. I had to pace myself as I wanted to read them all at once! This is the perfect entertainment for a rainy day and a cup of tea and a nice, comfortable sofa. This is truly a gem of a collection and if you love Regency romances, you definitely will want to add this to your collection!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 2, 2020
I enjoyed this collection of holiday reads. The collection includes twelve historical romances that are each novella length. I enjoyed all of the stories and was happy to read some by new authors. I really like the characters and their stories are each nicely developed and well written. They hold a wide range of emotions from entertaining to suspense and everything in between. I enjoyed all of them.
January 20, 2021
I could not put it down! It was a delightful combination of characters, plots, stories, settings, and HEA. Wonderful collection done with just the right amount of humor, spice, love, and honesty.
August 28, 2020
Regency Christmas stories from the authors "Down Under." Most of the stories I truly loved, but there were a few I didn't enjoy. My favorite author in this collection is Susanne Bellamy, and her story is wonderful! I definitely recommend giving this box set a try.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 26, 2020
I really enjoyed this set of stories. This is my favorite time of year so I was immediately drawn in. The stories held my interest and I enjoyed the characters. I would recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 22, 2020
This was a varied collection of steamy holiday historical romances. Some of the stories I really enjoyed and others I struggled to finish shaking my head at the characters and skimming through to the end. There were May December romances, childhood crushes, spies, hidden identities, three brothers falling for three sisters, second chances at love, love at a house party, secret admirers, escaping from a forced betrothal, several widows, a bagpipe player, a bisexual character, and military heroes. I liked the stories in the middle the best although I did like the first one Married By Christmas with Lauren running from her reprobate of a suitor and her nasty greedy guardians. I loved Seven Lords Proposing where botany enthusiast Charlotte receives secret gifts from her suitors only to discover that her heart really wants the one she previously rejected. In Six Belles Need Saving, Lord Stynes is tasked with finding horse mad Kitty a husband or he will lose his estate to her uncle. He drank and gambled, so I didn’t like him at first. But he comes to Kitty and her impish kitten Ash’s rescue and puts her first despite what’s at risk. In Eight Ships A’Sailing, Ava was brave to run from her selfish greedy father and dastardly suitor to set sail for a new life. Captain Hale took her under his protection from the start and was quite the dashing hero.
August 21, 2020
Humorous, witty, romantic. A marquis trades places with his butler to avoid scheming marriage minded mothers, 3 sisters escape their uncle only to find out their home is occupied by 3 large Frenchman who are in the smuggling trade, and a war hero returns home after two years hoping the love of his life has waited for him and not been forced by her parents to wed another. These are just a few of the delightful books in this anthology. Christmas is the time of hop and miracles and it just might be true for these twelve couples. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 22, 2020
I loved this collection of Christmas novellas patterned along the themes of the 12 days of Christmas. Nobles, rogues, debutantes, balls, and Christmas cheer. A variety of authors and tropes, different characters, settings and circumstances, there is surely something here for anyone who loves Regency romance. This is a great set of warm, enjoyable stories for a winter's night and included several new-to-me authors. I definitely found a few new authors I want to read more from.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 22, 2020
12 Rogues of Christmas contains a baker's dozen of wonderful Regency romances for a terrific binge-read of short stores. There are many different themes within the covers of this book, something to please everyone. I found these stories to be a delightful collection that I have placed on my TBR-again pile.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 20, 2020
I received a free copy of this box set via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story lines caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the characters.
The story lines caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the characters.
August 22, 2020
What a lovely pre-Christmas gift this was. Some stories made me laugh, some brought a tear to my eye, but every single one had me rooting for the hero and heroine to be able to overcome the obstacles to their HEA's. A truly splendid collection.
August 28, 2020
The twelve days of Christmas in a novella collection.
I recommend this historical collection that takes the lyrics to new heights. The themed novellas are lovely and there’s a story for everyone ones taste.
Recommend.
I recommend this historical collection that takes the lyrics to new heights. The themed novellas are lovely and there’s a story for everyone ones taste.
Recommend.
September 3, 2020
Make that 13 lively and spicy historical Christmas tales! Filled with widows, adorable children, failed debutantes, ships captains, botanists and drum majors, to name a few characters. Some flee actual people while others flee unhappy memories and marriage. Enjoyable reading!
October 21, 2020
This collection of short stories is well worth to read. Out of the thirteen stories I only found two that were not quite to my liking. This is not really your run of the mill Regency romances and some very interesting scenarios are covered and most of the heroines are "mature" women.
November 3, 2020
12 books of pleasure
There books will take you away from the uncertainty of today enjoy them in a warm cozy room with crumpets and tea
There books will take you away from the uncertainty of today enjoy them in a warm cozy room with crumpets and tea
August 24, 2020
Fun Set of Christmas-Themed Regency Stories
I have a soft spot for Christmas romances in general, and put them in my favorite fictional time period, Regency, and I feel happy just starting to read the booklet alone as I dive into the stories! This book is a collection of 13 novellas—the authors kindly give us a baker's dozen. Most of the authors are from south of the equator, and I had only read two previously (Isabella Hargreaves and Catherine Bilson). If you read a lot of Regency as I do, you will see familiar tropes and characters here: lords, ladies, military men, rakes, rogues (despite the title, not all the heroes are!), spies, widows, second chances at love, age-gap romance, guardian issues, forced betrothals, long carriage rides for escape, reputation ruin, suspense, and so much more. Every story, too, is redolent of the Christmas season, which adds so much fun. Some novellas are more serious while others have a fair amount of humor. Because these are novellas, we don't get quite the character growth and intricate plots that we typically see in novels, but all things considered, this is a wonderful collection of Regency Christmas novellas. Some stories are stronger than others, as is typical in multi-author collections, but with so many stories, if one does not appeal, it is either over very quickly or you can easily skip to the next one. I've enjoyed all to a certain extent, but I am such a sucker for a historical Christmas story! I love that this book has the theme of the great Christmas carol classic The 12 Days of Christmas. In fact, one author came up with the idea for it and talked with other writers about how they could make a collection of holiday romance stories based around it. This makes for some great puns in the titles, like Three French Men instead of three French hens! If you enjoy historical holiday romance as I do, you may very well enjoy the majority of the stories in this collection as I did.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
I have a soft spot for Christmas romances in general, and put them in my favorite fictional time period, Regency, and I feel happy just starting to read the booklet alone as I dive into the stories! This book is a collection of 13 novellas—the authors kindly give us a baker's dozen. Most of the authors are from south of the equator, and I had only read two previously (Isabella Hargreaves and Catherine Bilson). If you read a lot of Regency as I do, you will see familiar tropes and characters here: lords, ladies, military men, rakes, rogues (despite the title, not all the heroes are!), spies, widows, second chances at love, age-gap romance, guardian issues, forced betrothals, long carriage rides for escape, reputation ruin, suspense, and so much more. Every story, too, is redolent of the Christmas season, which adds so much fun. Some novellas are more serious while others have a fair amount of humor. Because these are novellas, we don't get quite the character growth and intricate plots that we typically see in novels, but all things considered, this is a wonderful collection of Regency Christmas novellas. Some stories are stronger than others, as is typical in multi-author collections, but with so many stories, if one does not appeal, it is either over very quickly or you can easily skip to the next one. I've enjoyed all to a certain extent, but I am such a sucker for a historical Christmas story! I love that this book has the theme of the great Christmas carol classic The 12 Days of Christmas. In fact, one author came up with the idea for it and talked with other writers about how they could make a collection of holiday romance stories based around it. This makes for some great puns in the titles, like Three French Men instead of three French hens! If you enjoy historical holiday romance as I do, you may very well enjoy the majority of the stories in this collection as I did.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
August 24, 2020
Love the play on the twelve days of Christmas! Twelve wonderful stories with witty and entertaining characters. Each book is entertaining and fun to read. Good holiday reads!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 12, 2021
The Last Shall Be First.
Eleven of the stories were very good and very enjoyable reading. One I whizzed by considering it not to my fancy to read. Some had more sexual innuendo than I like but all had interesting plot and story line. I liked the last story best.
Eleven of the stories were very good and very enjoyable reading. One I whizzed by considering it not to my fancy to read. Some had more sexual innuendo than I like but all had interesting plot and story line. I liked the last story best.
read-e-books
August 24, 2020They say "Christmas in July", this is Christmas in August for me!
February 1, 2022
4.5* liked all the stories but loved some of them more
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