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Duke the Halls
From six beloved writers—Jennifer Ashley, Anna Bradley, Grace Burrowes, Kerrigan Byrne, Christi Caldwell and Tanya Anne Crosby—come six Christmas stories that will warm up your holiday, and put a twinkle in your eyes.
A First-Footer for Lady Jane by Jennifer Ashley
When Grandfather MacDonald predicts Lady Jane will marry this year’s First-Footer–the first guest into the house on Hogmanay—she dismisses the notion. Her childhood sweetheart is fighting on the Peninsula, and she can’t imagine marrying anyone but the staid Major Barnett. But when the clock strikes midnight, and Hogmanay begins, a knock at the front door changes Jane’s life forever.
Then in a Twinkling by Anna Bradley
An escapade, a caper, an outrageous Christmas courtship…Oliver Angel will do whatever it takes to win the heart of his chosen lady. The first time he met Dinah Bishop she turned her pistol on him, but instead of his head, Dinah’s ball struck the softest part of his heart. Oliver is determined to make Dinah his own, but there’s one small problem… Dinah Bishop doesn’t believe in love.
Making Merry by Kerrigan Byrne
Sprightly Victorian spinster, Vanessa Latimer, is stranded for the holidays in the Scottish Highlands by a relentless winter blizzard. She takes refuge at a centuries-old inn where the only available room is haunted by the ghost of a warrior who fell at Culloden Moor. One who refuses to give up his side of the bed.
The Art of Kissing Beneath the Mistletoe by Tanya Anne Crosby
Alexandra Grace Huntington once believed in fairy tales. She oohed and ahed over gowns from Courtauld’s, never wore black lest in mourning, always minded her social graces, and never, ever indulged her inner bluestocking. Now her world has come crashing down and she’s alone for the holidays—no siblings, no parents, no friends, and not one shred of pride remaining. When she’s unexpectedly invited to celebrate one last holiday with her dearest friend, she can’t accept quickly enough… only how did one comport oneself after one’s father has attempted to ruin the one man she's loved all her life?
A Marquess for Christmas by Christi Caldwell
Lady Patrina Tidemore gave up on the ridiculous notion of true love after having her heart shattered and her trust destroyed by a black-hearted cad. Used as a pawn in a game of revenge against her brother, Patrina returns to London from a failed elopement with a tattered reputation. The last thing she's interested in is falling in love. But it is Christmas, and after a chance encounter with a vexing, but entrancing widower in Hyde Park, Patrina begins to think anything is possible.
The Marquess of Mistletoe by Grace Burrowes
He left her standing in the cold... She sent him off to war.
Leo Drake was all set to share his future with the lady of his dreams, when he was told Marielle had changed her mind. Bewildered and heartbroken, he joined the army and sailed for Spain. It's ten years later, and fate has thrown Leo and Marielle together on Christmas night. Will they say farewell for all time, or let the magic of the holidays rejoin their hearts?
This is a limited-time, special box set. All these novellas were previously published, but never together in a box set. Enjoy!
A First-Footer for Lady Jane by Jennifer Ashley
When Grandfather MacDonald predicts Lady Jane will marry this year’s First-Footer–the first guest into the house on Hogmanay—she dismisses the notion. Her childhood sweetheart is fighting on the Peninsula, and she can’t imagine marrying anyone but the staid Major Barnett. But when the clock strikes midnight, and Hogmanay begins, a knock at the front door changes Jane’s life forever.
Then in a Twinkling by Anna Bradley
An escapade, a caper, an outrageous Christmas courtship…Oliver Angel will do whatever it takes to win the heart of his chosen lady. The first time he met Dinah Bishop she turned her pistol on him, but instead of his head, Dinah’s ball struck the softest part of his heart. Oliver is determined to make Dinah his own, but there’s one small problem… Dinah Bishop doesn’t believe in love.
Making Merry by Kerrigan Byrne
Sprightly Victorian spinster, Vanessa Latimer, is stranded for the holidays in the Scottish Highlands by a relentless winter blizzard. She takes refuge at a centuries-old inn where the only available room is haunted by the ghost of a warrior who fell at Culloden Moor. One who refuses to give up his side of the bed.
The Art of Kissing Beneath the Mistletoe by Tanya Anne Crosby
Alexandra Grace Huntington once believed in fairy tales. She oohed and ahed over gowns from Courtauld’s, never wore black lest in mourning, always minded her social graces, and never, ever indulged her inner bluestocking. Now her world has come crashing down and she’s alone for the holidays—no siblings, no parents, no friends, and not one shred of pride remaining. When she’s unexpectedly invited to celebrate one last holiday with her dearest friend, she can’t accept quickly enough… only how did one comport oneself after one’s father has attempted to ruin the one man she's loved all her life?
A Marquess for Christmas by Christi Caldwell
Lady Patrina Tidemore gave up on the ridiculous notion of true love after having her heart shattered and her trust destroyed by a black-hearted cad. Used as a pawn in a game of revenge against her brother, Patrina returns to London from a failed elopement with a tattered reputation. The last thing she's interested in is falling in love. But it is Christmas, and after a chance encounter with a vexing, but entrancing widower in Hyde Park, Patrina begins to think anything is possible.
The Marquess of Mistletoe by Grace Burrowes
He left her standing in the cold... She sent him off to war.
Leo Drake was all set to share his future with the lady of his dreams, when he was told Marielle had changed her mind. Bewildered and heartbroken, he joined the army and sailed for Spain. It's ten years later, and fate has thrown Leo and Marielle together on Christmas night. Will they say farewell for all time, or let the magic of the holidays rejoin their hearts?
This is a limited-time, special box set. All these novellas were previously published, but never together in a box set. Enjoy!
595 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 30, 2021
68 people are currently reading
216 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Ashley
210 books7,329 followersNY Times Bestselling author Jennifer Ashley writes historical, contemporary, and paranormal romance, historical mysteries, and urban fantasy as Jennifer Ashley, Allyson James, and Ashley Gardner.
Jennifer's novels have been translated into many different languages, and earned starred reviews from Booklist and Publisher's Weekly. More about her books at http://www.jenniferashley.com and http://gardnermysteries.com.
Jennifer's novels have been translated into many different languages, and earned starred reviews from Booklist and Publisher's Weekly. More about her books at http://www.jenniferashley.com and http://gardnermysteries.com.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 23, 2021
Anna Bradley's story is the best of the bunch. Byrne's had been previously published under another title, but I enjoyed it the first time I read it. The rest are rather forgettable.
December 27, 2021
adored each story. my favorite might be then in a twinkling by anna bradley and i’ve read christi caldwell’s a marquess for christmas before!
December 10, 2021
A First-Footer for Lady Jane by Jennifer Ashley - 3 stars
December 14, 2021
The blurb does states these have all been previously published. Beware before you spend $4..99 you don't already own these. Some with more Christmas Spirit than others - also, not a DUKE insight - lol.
1. A FIRST-FOOTER FOR LADY JANE by Jennifer Ashley - 5 STARS
Enjoyed the wisdom of the Grandfather and how he knew what was best for her granddaughter. He gave her the courage to follow a different path. Plus he was involved in a twist at the end that tickled me.
This is a clean story with only a few kisses. Great main and secondary character's, you will feel who is right for the h, HEA and clean.
2. THEN IN A TWINKLING by Anna Bradley - 3.25 STARS
This was part of a bundle called YULETIDE HAPPENING EVERY AFTER.
I thought the hero was amazing! Such a kind and caring man. I couldn't understand the h's reluctance in not wanting the H, there is no reason that was mentioned. She had trust issues but it wasn't explained what in her background caused it. If you feel like your missing that part, hard to feel a connection
There is lovemaking, outside of marriage heat level 2 out of 5. Romance to me was one sided - on our H's part for sure. I did enjoy the H's thoughtful Christmas gifts for his family. Some funny moments with the H trying to get the h to fall in love with him.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, small tad of spice. A few editing problems, like wrong name used, but just had to reread to make sure a few times. There is an epilogue 4 months in the future and they are still at his brother's since Christmas, why? Plus they have been going to his brother's for Christmas but when they leave it's December 27th.
Can't improve on the blurb, so not attempting.
3. THE MARQUESS OF MISTLETOE by Grace Burrowes 5 STARS
Old friends get a chance at love after 10 years apart. Talk about lies, the h's father told lies to the H/h. What I appreciated in this story is when they ran into each other after years apart, they got right to the chase. They each demanded to know why they did what they did. It's discovered then and there that another wanted them apart. Always makes me sad that they lost those years.
My only regret, I wanted a tiny epilogue stating if they had children and if their friends got together. I enjoyed the banter between the H and his valet/friend.
Bedroom door almost completely shut. Only a little foreplay explained - heat level 1 out of 5.
No cheating, cute twist, romance rekindled and almost clean.
4. MAKING MERRY by Kerrigan Byrne - 4 STARS
This was also part of a multi-author bundle called A VERY HIGHLAND HOLIDAY- so previously published!
This story uses the Lord’s name in vain several times and crude words. It always bothers me, but especially in a holiday book.
This story is tied into THE EARL OF WINTER and set about 150 years after the ending of Kathryn Le Veque's book. Is a stand alone.
It was a unique story concept and held my interest. The H is a ghost but not the haunting, scare you to death type. The h isn’t afraid and they form an attachment. There is lovemaking outside of marriage - heat level 4+ out of 5.
This needed an epilogue because when the H comes to form as partly himself, they have no time together but maybe an hour. I wanted to know what life was for them.
No cheating, HEA, little romance and spice. I can't improve on the blurb just letting you know what you might discover.
5. A MARQUESS FOR CHRISTMAS by Christi Caldwell - 3.25 STARS
This is is book 5 of the series and I felt I was missing parts of the story. I wish stories like this were not part of a bundle because you are not given enough info on backstory.
The h makes a mistake and takes off with the first man who paid her attention. They eloped and that is all we know. Nothing about how they or whom called off the marriage. She is ruined because she ran away with a man. How far did they get? Who talked about her eloping and ruined her reputation?
The H is the father to two children and his wife is now deceased after running away with her lover. That seems more tragic than the h's story. Society doesn't know about his wife's cheating so he isn't talked about. Just since her dying he has become cold.
I did enjoy some of the banter between the H/h. Little on romance, clean story with only kisses and mentioning of touching her on top. Enjoyed the little girl in this story - she lightened it up.
We are given a short epilogue with not important information. I wanted to know how it went with the H's sister and the h after they married. Did Society shun them after they married? Lord's name used in vain once I believe. No cheating and HEA.
6. THE ART OF KISSING BENEATH THE MISTLETOE by Tanya Anne Crosby - 3.25 STARS
Much sadness and contempt in this story. Another story I felt I was missing something. So many character's that have had their stories told in other books that it didn't flow for me.
Wrong names used was also confusing. I did like the beginning when they were teenager's and discovering their feeling's for each other. Then BAM, the h's father does some awful things (only explained briefly in this story) and the h loses touch with those she grew up with. Only spirit of Christmas was a lot of talk about Mistletoe.
Little on romance, we do get an extended epilogue which you DO NOT have to download separately - oh how I dislike that. Little on romance, HEA and a small tad of spice - heat level 1.5 out of 5. I've enjoyed many other stories by this author, but this one had too many holes, unless you've read the series. (ljb)
1. A FIRST-FOOTER FOR LADY JANE by Jennifer Ashley - 5 STARS
Enjoyed the wisdom of the Grandfather and how he knew what was best for her granddaughter. He gave her the courage to follow a different path. Plus he was involved in a twist at the end that tickled me.
This is a clean story with only a few kisses. Great main and secondary character's, you will feel who is right for the h, HEA and clean.
2. THEN IN A TWINKLING by Anna Bradley - 3.25 STARS
This was part of a bundle called YULETIDE HAPPENING EVERY AFTER.
I thought the hero was amazing! Such a kind and caring man. I couldn't understand the h's reluctance in not wanting the H, there is no reason that was mentioned. She had trust issues but it wasn't explained what in her background caused it. If you feel like your missing that part, hard to feel a connection
There is lovemaking, outside of marriage heat level 2 out of 5. Romance to me was one sided - on our H's part for sure. I did enjoy the H's thoughtful Christmas gifts for his family. Some funny moments with the H trying to get the h to fall in love with him.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, small tad of spice. A few editing problems, like wrong name used, but just had to reread to make sure a few times. There is an epilogue 4 months in the future and they are still at his brother's since Christmas, why? Plus they have been going to his brother's for Christmas but when they leave it's December 27th.
Can't improve on the blurb, so not attempting.
3. THE MARQUESS OF MISTLETOE by Grace Burrowes 5 STARS
Old friends get a chance at love after 10 years apart. Talk about lies, the h's father told lies to the H/h. What I appreciated in this story is when they ran into each other after years apart, they got right to the chase. They each demanded to know why they did what they did. It's discovered then and there that another wanted them apart. Always makes me sad that they lost those years.
My only regret, I wanted a tiny epilogue stating if they had children and if their friends got together. I enjoyed the banter between the H and his valet/friend.
Bedroom door almost completely shut. Only a little foreplay explained - heat level 1 out of 5.
No cheating, cute twist, romance rekindled and almost clean.
4. MAKING MERRY by Kerrigan Byrne - 4 STARS
This was also part of a multi-author bundle called A VERY HIGHLAND HOLIDAY- so previously published!
This story uses the Lord’s name in vain several times and crude words. It always bothers me, but especially in a holiday book.
This story is tied into THE EARL OF WINTER and set about 150 years after the ending of Kathryn Le Veque's book. Is a stand alone.
It was a unique story concept and held my interest. The H is a ghost but not the haunting, scare you to death type. The h isn’t afraid and they form an attachment. There is lovemaking outside of marriage - heat level 4+ out of 5.
This needed an epilogue because when the H comes to form as partly himself, they have no time together but maybe an hour. I wanted to know what life was for them.
No cheating, HEA, little romance and spice. I can't improve on the blurb just letting you know what you might discover.
5. A MARQUESS FOR CHRISTMAS by Christi Caldwell - 3.25 STARS
This is is book 5 of the series and I felt I was missing parts of the story. I wish stories like this were not part of a bundle because you are not given enough info on backstory.
The h makes a mistake and takes off with the first man who paid her attention. They eloped and that is all we know. Nothing about how they or whom called off the marriage. She is ruined because she ran away with a man. How far did they get? Who talked about her eloping and ruined her reputation?
The H is the father to two children and his wife is now deceased after running away with her lover. That seems more tragic than the h's story. Society doesn't know about his wife's cheating so he isn't talked about. Just since her dying he has become cold.
I did enjoy some of the banter between the H/h. Little on romance, clean story with only kisses and mentioning of touching her on top. Enjoyed the little girl in this story - she lightened it up.
We are given a short epilogue with not important information. I wanted to know how it went with the H's sister and the h after they married. Did Society shun them after they married? Lord's name used in vain once I believe. No cheating and HEA.
6. THE ART OF KISSING BENEATH THE MISTLETOE by Tanya Anne Crosby - 3.25 STARS
Much sadness and contempt in this story. Another story I felt I was missing something. So many character's that have had their stories told in other books that it didn't flow for me.
Wrong names used was also confusing. I did like the beginning when they were teenager's and discovering their feeling's for each other. Then BAM, the h's father does some awful things (only explained briefly in this story) and the h loses touch with those she grew up with. Only spirit of Christmas was a lot of talk about Mistletoe.
Little on romance, we do get an extended epilogue which you DO NOT have to download separately - oh how I dislike that. Little on romance, HEA and a small tad of spice - heat level 1.5 out of 5. I've enjoyed many other stories by this author, but this one had too many holes, unless you've read the series. (ljb)
December 13, 2021
The First-Footer by Jennifer Ashley is a jolly story. She was set up by her Grandfather who knew her better than she knew herself. She tried to resist but she gave in to love. 4*
Then In a Twinkling by Anna Bradley I remember as being good but can't remember anything else. 3*
Making Merry by Kerrigan Byrne pulled me in and thrashed my heart. It's a ghost story and a well written one at that. Ms. Byrne did readers a favor by developing the relationship so well that I forgot I was reading a novella. Bravo! 5*
The Art of Kissing Under the mistletoe by Tanya Anne Crosby seemed a bit long winded. Good characters. I would have liked it more, I think, had I read the other stories in the series. The beginning was delicious. 3*
A Marquess for Christmas by Christi Caldwell was a DNF. The heroine is TSTL. She has been shamed by a failed elopement and is in exile in the country. What does she do? She engages in a clandestine affair with a marquess. Enough said.
The Marquess of Mistletoe by Grace Burrowes broke my heart. Lying, status seeking parents derail true love. Luckily Ms. Burrowes can fix derailment in a short time (novella) and satisfactorily. 5*
Even with my one DNF, this was a worthwhile anthology I know I'll read again.
Then In a Twinkling by Anna Bradley I remember as being good but can't remember anything else. 3*
Making Merry by Kerrigan Byrne pulled me in and thrashed my heart. It's a ghost story and a well written one at that. Ms. Byrne did readers a favor by developing the relationship so well that I forgot I was reading a novella. Bravo! 5*
The Art of Kissing Under the mistletoe by Tanya Anne Crosby seemed a bit long winded. Good characters. I would have liked it more, I think, had I read the other stories in the series. The beginning was delicious. 3*
A Marquess for Christmas by Christi Caldwell was a DNF. The heroine is TSTL. She has been shamed by a failed elopement and is in exile in the country. What does she do? She engages in a clandestine affair with a marquess. Enough said.
The Marquess of Mistletoe by Grace Burrowes broke my heart. Lying, status seeking parents derail true love. Luckily Ms. Burrowes can fix derailment in a short time (novella) and satisfactorily. 5*
Even with my one DNF, this was a worthwhile anthology I know I'll read again.
November 30, 2021
Christmas is coming and so are the wonderful stories compiled by several amazing authors!
There is nothing better to get you in the mood to celebrate when there is romance and
happy endings! These are some previously released tales but all together they bring
hours of reading enjoyment!
A Marquess for Christmas
Christi Caldwell
Fabulous second chance romance for our heroine, who has been ruined by running off with a cad, thinking they would be married, but instead he is only seeking revenge on her her family.
In her loneliness she goes to the park to be away from the gossip mongers. Our hero, a widower, is there with his two unruly children, who engage her with snowballs.
It all goes from there with the hero, bitter and not looking for romance due to his deceased spouse's perfidy and she knows her scandal might hurt his standings, but sometimes you just cannot help love popping up! Great story as always by this author!
his unruly children,
There is nothing better to get you in the mood to celebrate when there is romance and
happy endings! These are some previously released tales but all together they bring
hours of reading enjoyment!
A Marquess for Christmas
Christi Caldwell
Fabulous second chance romance for our heroine, who has been ruined by running off with a cad, thinking they would be married, but instead he is only seeking revenge on her her family.
In her loneliness she goes to the park to be away from the gossip mongers. Our hero, a widower, is there with his two unruly children, who engage her with snowballs.
It all goes from there with the hero, bitter and not looking for romance due to his deceased spouse's perfidy and she knows her scandal might hurt his standings, but sometimes you just cannot help love popping up! Great story as always by this author!
his unruly children,
December 28, 2021
Duke The Halls is an anthology book containing six stories by six authors
A FIRST FOOTER FOR LADY JANE by Jennifer Ashley
THEN IN A TWINKLING by Anna Bradley
THE MARQUESS OF MISTLETOE by Grace Burrowes
MAKING MERRY by Kerrigan Byrne
A MARQUESS FOR CHRISTMAS by Christi Caldwell
THE ART OF KISSING BENEATH THE MISTLETO By Tanya Anne Crosby
Duke The Hall is a fun read book full of Christmas romances, sassy banters, and wit.
A FIRST FOOTER FOR LADY JANE by Jennifer Ashley
THEN IN A TWINKLING by Anna Bradley
THE MARQUESS OF MISTLETOE by Grace Burrowes
MAKING MERRY by Kerrigan Byrne
A MARQUESS FOR CHRISTMAS by Christi Caldwell
THE ART OF KISSING BENEATH THE MISTLETO By Tanya Anne Crosby
Duke The Hall is a fun read book full of Christmas romances, sassy banters, and wit.
April 2, 2024
The First-Footer for Lady Jane; Making Merry - short and very sweet 5/5
The Art of Kissing Beneath the Mistletoe - prominently includes very many characters from, I assume, the author's other works. The romance works though 4/5
Then in a Twinkling; A Marquess for Christmas - by the end, I wished these two were shorter 3/5
The Marquess of Mistletoe - I liked the premise, but not the execution DNF
The Art of Kissing Beneath the Mistletoe - prominently includes very many characters from, I assume, the author's other works. The romance works though 4/5
Then in a Twinkling; A Marquess for Christmas - by the end, I wished these two were shorter 3/5
The Marquess of Mistletoe - I liked the premise, but not the execution DNF
December 28, 2021
A great book!
I enjoyed reading this book by multiple authors, each story had you falling in love. They were all heartwarming and made me a little emotional. I highly recommend this book! 👍👍👍👍❤❤❤❤
I enjoyed reading this book by multiple authors, each story had you falling in love. They were all heartwarming and made me a little emotional. I highly recommend this book! 👍👍👍👍❤❤❤❤
December 30, 2021
A sweet Christmas read
These short stories continue the true meaning of the holiday with HEA stories of love and good will. I will continue to follow these authors and their wonderfully crafted worlds.
These short stories continue the true meaning of the holiday with HEA stories of love and good will. I will continue to follow these authors and their wonderfully crafted worlds.
January 29, 2022
Although I generally enjoy the works of these authors, I felt that most of these stories were cast offs and rather joyless. I prefer anthologies that have some interconnectedness between the stories.
December 5, 2022
A delightful collection of stories
This is a delightfully compiled collection of stories from some amazing authors. Some of the stories are a bit steamy while others are a bit spicy. All the stories are on a theme, and are full of brilliantly crafted characters.
This is a delightfully compiled collection of stories from some amazing authors. Some of the stories are a bit steamy while others are a bit spicy. All the stories are on a theme, and are full of brilliantly crafted characters.
May 24, 2024
Perfect for when you're feeling a little festive, this collection will certainly keep you warm at night. Kerrigan Byrne's Making Merry was my favourite of the bunch with a great premise, smoking 🔥 chemistry between the MC's and a surprise twist at the end.
December 4, 2021
Good
I enjoyed reading most of the stories. A couple I just couldn't get in to. But overall, was a very good rwad
I enjoyed reading most of the stories. A couple I just couldn't get in to. But overall, was a very good rwad
December 13, 2021
Excellent
Some of these authors are favorites of mine, and some were unknown to me. I’m thrilled to have found some new favorites. Highly recommended.
Some of these authors are favorites of mine, and some were unknown to me. I’m thrilled to have found some new favorites. Highly recommended.
December 22, 2021
Great set to start the Christmas reading, some for everyone. I liked some of the stories better them others
but all were worth the read. Great way to find new authors.
but all were worth the read. Great way to find new authors.
December 24, 2021
Excellent
Six stories and each with a slightly different twist, every thing from ghost to galas. Some gentleman looking for a wife and some stumbling across one.
Six stories and each with a slightly different twist, every thing from ghost to galas. Some gentleman looking for a wife and some stumbling across one.
December 28, 2021
Oh, yes. Some new stories - some repeats from previous Christmas anthologies. So disappointing.
December 30, 2021
Duke the Halls
Great collection of stories. Gave it a 5 star as it kept me engaged. Good mix of authors and their writing style. I would definitely recommend this book.
Great collection of stories. Gave it a 5 star as it kept me engaged. Good mix of authors and their writing style. I would definitely recommend this book.
May 21, 2022
The first four stories were good, but the last two didn't work for me for various reasons. Fairly solid collection, though.
November 7, 2022
like many anthologies of this type, there were stories i liked, a couple i loved and one i Did Not, thank you. So, 3 stars it is.
November 25, 2022
This was a great book by awesome authors.
January 15, 2023
Stories in this anthology were enjoyable, humorous and very entertaining. Highly recommend this book.
December 12, 2021
Collection of unlinked Christmas stories. Enjoyed them all. Couple a definite 5* read one or two not quite. Would give it 4.7* if I could
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews