What do you think?
Rate this book
Twelve Lords for Yuletide
From sweet kisses under the mistletoe to passionate encounters at holiday house parties, secret identities to second chances, find your Christmas cheer in these twelve different historical romance tales from bestselling and award-winning authors! The lord you've been looking for might be just a story away...
ONCE UPON A MIDNIGHT CLEAR(**medium) - Ava Stone
Only a duke will do for Lady Ivy Dallimore. If her unhappily married sisters have taught her anything, it’s that love is fleeting but a title lasts forever, which is all well and good in theory until she finds herself falling for the scandalous third son of a marquess who is bound and determined to make his fortune in trade!
THE VISCOUNT’S TEMPTING MINX (*mild) - Erica Ridley
He's an unbendable lord. She's an unstoppable force. When these two clash, their winter nights will never be the same!
THE CHRISTMAS CONQUEST (***hot) - Claire Delacroix
Love was not part of the plan when this marriage was arranged… Can a matchmaking courtesan in disguise save this match before the new year dawns?
LADY, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE (*mild) - Deb Marlowe
Neither Lord Ellesworth nor Miss Glenna Bolton have much Christmas spirit this year. Neither have much desire to travel during the season, either, but a Star in the East, an abandoned child and a quest for holiday cheer might just convince these two that love is the best gift of the Season.
A WINTER WISH (*mild) - Nadine Millard
Mariah Bolton is as headstrong as she is clever, as strong-willed as she is beautiful. She enjoys her life and, apart from a rather snobbish mama, she is happy with her lot. Imagine her consternation then when her world is turned upside down by the brooding and aloof Mr. Brandon Haverton!
LYING BENEATH THE MISTLETOE (***hot) - Sadie Bosque
Matilda needs a miracle. She left Henry, her first and only love, over a decade ago. Now she’s back and determined to piece his heart back together. But she only has one night to do it.
A VERY MERRY VISCOUNT (*mild) - Jane Charles
The thought of spending Christmas at Danby Castle with her matchmaking great-uncle fills Lady Tabitha Storm’s heart with dread, until she spies the handsome horseman from Hyde Park. Would Andrew Delaney, Viscount Straffan, receive more this holiday than he ever dreamed, or would his Irish heritage stand in his way?
THE LADY’S GUIDE TO A HIGHLANDER’S HEART (***hot) - Emmanuelle de Maupassant
Meet a young bride in disguise and a battle-hardened Highland warrior in this passionate 'enemies to lovers' medieval romance.
MASKED LOVE (*mild) - Nicole Zoltack
An evening of enchantment has a maid wishing a lord might look past his station this Christmas season.
THE MISTLETOE TEMPTATION (***hot) - Eve Pendle
She deliberately steps on his toes to avoid marriage and he retaliates by proposing a fake engagement. A Regency enemies to friends to lovers romance, with a touch of brother’s best friend, and a whole lot of banter and steamy scenes.
A SNOWLIT CHRISTMAS KISS (**medium) - Larissa Lyons
When a mischievous feline nudges two lonely souls together on a wretched, snowy night, a few Christmas kisses might be all they need. But he’s engaged, and she’s decided to never marry, so in the morning they go their separate ways, leaving pieces of their hearts behind...until a Twelfth Night Ball brings misunderstandings to light and merry tidings to one and all.
A DUKE FOR MIDWINTER (*mild) - Anthea Lawson
After a gentleman rescues her from a winter storm, Miss Selene Banning finds herself snowbound with Sir Jared Kendrick, who is not precisely who he claims to be…
ONCE UPON A MIDNIGHT CLEAR(**medium) - Ava Stone
Only a duke will do for Lady Ivy Dallimore. If her unhappily married sisters have taught her anything, it’s that love is fleeting but a title lasts forever, which is all well and good in theory until she finds herself falling for the scandalous third son of a marquess who is bound and determined to make his fortune in trade!
THE VISCOUNT’S TEMPTING MINX (*mild) - Erica Ridley
He's an unbendable lord. She's an unstoppable force. When these two clash, their winter nights will never be the same!
THE CHRISTMAS CONQUEST (***hot) - Claire Delacroix
Love was not part of the plan when this marriage was arranged… Can a matchmaking courtesan in disguise save this match before the new year dawns?
LADY, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE (*mild) - Deb Marlowe
Neither Lord Ellesworth nor Miss Glenna Bolton have much Christmas spirit this year. Neither have much desire to travel during the season, either, but a Star in the East, an abandoned child and a quest for holiday cheer might just convince these two that love is the best gift of the Season.
A WINTER WISH (*mild) - Nadine Millard
Mariah Bolton is as headstrong as she is clever, as strong-willed as she is beautiful. She enjoys her life and, apart from a rather snobbish mama, she is happy with her lot. Imagine her consternation then when her world is turned upside down by the brooding and aloof Mr. Brandon Haverton!
LYING BENEATH THE MISTLETOE (***hot) - Sadie Bosque
Matilda needs a miracle. She left Henry, her first and only love, over a decade ago. Now she’s back and determined to piece his heart back together. But she only has one night to do it.
A VERY MERRY VISCOUNT (*mild) - Jane Charles
The thought of spending Christmas at Danby Castle with her matchmaking great-uncle fills Lady Tabitha Storm’s heart with dread, until she spies the handsome horseman from Hyde Park. Would Andrew Delaney, Viscount Straffan, receive more this holiday than he ever dreamed, or would his Irish heritage stand in his way?
THE LADY’S GUIDE TO A HIGHLANDER’S HEART (***hot) - Emmanuelle de Maupassant
Meet a young bride in disguise and a battle-hardened Highland warrior in this passionate 'enemies to lovers' medieval romance.
MASKED LOVE (*mild) - Nicole Zoltack
An evening of enchantment has a maid wishing a lord might look past his station this Christmas season.
THE MISTLETOE TEMPTATION (***hot) - Eve Pendle
She deliberately steps on his toes to avoid marriage and he retaliates by proposing a fake engagement. A Regency enemies to friends to lovers romance, with a touch of brother’s best friend, and a whole lot of banter and steamy scenes.
A SNOWLIT CHRISTMAS KISS (**medium) - Larissa Lyons
When a mischievous feline nudges two lonely souls together on a wretched, snowy night, a few Christmas kisses might be all they need. But he’s engaged, and she’s decided to never marry, so in the morning they go their separate ways, leaving pieces of their hearts behind...until a Twelfth Night Ball brings misunderstandings to light and merry tidings to one and all.
A DUKE FOR MIDWINTER (*mild) - Anthea Lawson
After a gentleman rescues her from a winter storm, Miss Selene Banning finds herself snowbound with Sir Jared Kendrick, who is not precisely who he claims to be…
1233 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 25, 2022
131 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Deb Marlowe
87 books426 followersUSA Today Bestseller Deb Marlowe loves History, England and Men in Boots. Clearly she was destined to write Historical Romance and Mystery.
A Golden Heart winner and Rita Finalist, Deb grew up in Pennsylvania with her nose in a book. Luckily, she'd read enough romances to recognize the true modern hero she met at a college Halloween party—even though he wore a tuxedo T-shirt instead of breeches and tall boots.
A proud geek, history buff and story addict, she loves to talk with readers and to create historical recipes in her modern kitchen. Check it out at Deb Marlowe's Historical Kitchen on her website.
A Golden Heart winner and Rita Finalist, Deb grew up in Pennsylvania with her nose in a book. Luckily, she'd read enough romances to recognize the true modern hero she met at a college Halloween party—even though he wore a tuxedo T-shirt instead of breeches and tall boots.
A proud geek, history buff and story addict, she loves to talk with readers and to create historical recipes in her modern kitchen. Check it out at Deb Marlowe's Historical Kitchen on her website.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
November 7, 2022
This is a fun collection of novellas with Christmas themes. A couple of them I had previously read, but they were worth a re-read. Be aware that the novellas overall contain low amounts of spice and high amounts of humor, with Emmanuelle de Maupassant's possibly being the funniest and steamiest. But I also really liked Anthea Lawson's novella, even though it was a bit lower key and had low steam levels. She's an underrated writer in the HR genre and did a nice job with developing the MC's here.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary review. Opinions are my own.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary review. Opinions are my own.
November 24, 2023
This was an OK set of historical romance novellas. As is typical for a set like this, some were better than others. May overall rating for the set was 3.5 stars, rounded down to 3 stars.
Once Upon a Midnight Clear, 3 stars: This story was OK, but I wasn't crazy about the couple. The H was a womanizer, and the h was a spoiled snob. Clean story, only kisses.
The Viscount's Tempting Minx, 3.5 stars: OK story, but couple were both so rigid, especially the h. H was also a bit of a womanizer. Clean story, only kisses.
The Christmas Conquest, 4 stars: One of the better stories in the anthology; likable couple, sex within marriage, but not really explicit.
Lady, It's Cold Outside, 3.5 stars: Sweet story, with a likable couple; they fell in instalove, but their issues were resolved a little too easily to be believable. Clean story, only kisses.
A Winter Wish, 3 stars: OK story, but H/h were hard to like at first. She was always jumping to conclusions (usually incorrect ones), and he was just kind of grumpy. But they both get better by the end. Clean story, only kisses.
Lying Beneath the Mistletoe, 3 stars: Really just a short story of a 2nd chance romance; Needed more backstory on the couple. Contains sex, but not really explicit.
A Very Merry Viscount, 4 stars: Sweet story, with a likable couple; I've read stories by this author before, and they often contain the Duke of Danby and his matchmaking schemes -- his antics are always fun, even if they are incredibly unbelievable. Clean story, only kisses.
The Lady's Guide to a Highlander's Heart, 2.5 stars: This was my least favorite of all the stories in the anthology. It was just really hard for me to like the H, when he was fine with making the h his mistress. I get that it was common in that time period (12th century, Scottish Highlands), but I still didn't like it. There was also hints of a great deal of violence (though it was not explicitly described), but that is also typical of stories from this time period. This story does contain sex scenes -- they were not really dirty, but were pretty descriptive.
Masked Love, 3 stars: OK story, with a likable couple, but problems that would have prevented their relationship were far too easily resolved. In reality, a couple like this would rarely have been able to be together.
The Mistletoe Temptation, 3 stars: Couple was OK, but I didn't like that they kept deceiving each other. Their big fight at the end was all because of their constant deceptions, and could have been avoided if they had just been honest with each other. Story does contain sex outside of marriage, which is pretty descriptive.
A Snowlit Christmas Kiss, 3.5 stars: Cute story of a couple who meet under unusual circumstances, not realizing they are actually betrothed to each other (arranged by their parents). They both do/say some dumb things, and almost mess up a great pairing, but the story is still sweet. Mostly clean, but does contain talk of sex and heavy petting.
A Duke for Midwinter, 4.5 stars: My favorite of all the stories in the anthology. Likable couple; h felt inferior to her beautiful sister, and thought no man as handsome as the H would be interested in her. The H was wonderful, and was just so good to her, and didn't mind that she wasn't considered incredibly beautiful -- because she was beautiful to him. Clean story, only kisses.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
Once Upon a Midnight Clear, 3 stars: This story was OK, but I wasn't crazy about the couple. The H was a womanizer, and the h was a spoiled snob. Clean story, only kisses.
The Viscount's Tempting Minx, 3.5 stars: OK story, but couple were both so rigid, especially the h. H was also a bit of a womanizer. Clean story, only kisses.
The Christmas Conquest, 4 stars: One of the better stories in the anthology; likable couple, sex within marriage, but not really explicit.
Lady, It's Cold Outside, 3.5 stars: Sweet story, with a likable couple; they fell in instalove, but their issues were resolved a little too easily to be believable. Clean story, only kisses.
A Winter Wish, 3 stars: OK story, but H/h were hard to like at first. She was always jumping to conclusions (usually incorrect ones), and he was just kind of grumpy. But they both get better by the end. Clean story, only kisses.
Lying Beneath the Mistletoe, 3 stars: Really just a short story of a 2nd chance romance; Needed more backstory on the couple. Contains sex, but not really explicit.
A Very Merry Viscount, 4 stars: Sweet story, with a likable couple; I've read stories by this author before, and they often contain the Duke of Danby and his matchmaking schemes -- his antics are always fun, even if they are incredibly unbelievable. Clean story, only kisses.
The Lady's Guide to a Highlander's Heart, 2.5 stars: This was my least favorite of all the stories in the anthology. It was just really hard for me to like the H, when he was fine with making the h his mistress. I get that it was common in that time period (12th century, Scottish Highlands), but I still didn't like it. There was also hints of a great deal of violence (though it was not explicitly described), but that is also typical of stories from this time period. This story does contain sex scenes -- they were not really dirty, but were pretty descriptive.
Masked Love, 3 stars: OK story, with a likable couple, but problems that would have prevented their relationship were far too easily resolved. In reality, a couple like this would rarely have been able to be together.
The Mistletoe Temptation, 3 stars: Couple was OK, but I didn't like that they kept deceiving each other. Their big fight at the end was all because of their constant deceptions, and could have been avoided if they had just been honest with each other. Story does contain sex outside of marriage, which is pretty descriptive.
A Snowlit Christmas Kiss, 3.5 stars: Cute story of a couple who meet under unusual circumstances, not realizing they are actually betrothed to each other (arranged by their parents). They both do/say some dumb things, and almost mess up a great pairing, but the story is still sweet. Mostly clean, but does contain talk of sex and heavy petting.
A Duke for Midwinter, 4.5 stars: My favorite of all the stories in the anthology. Likable couple; h felt inferior to her beautiful sister, and thought no man as handsome as the H would be interested in her. The H was wonderful, and was just so good to her, and didn't mind that she wasn't considered incredibly beautiful -- because she was beautiful to him. Clean story, only kisses.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
November 11, 2022
This anthology caught my attention with its lot of interesting and entertaining stories and authors that were new for me. Of all the content I had only read one story before, so it was a good surprise to find so many about one of the genres that I like the most and in one place. I like to savor these pleasant readings that lighten my spirits and make me smile. Liked the characters, the drama, the amusing situations, the romance and even some were spicy.
The lady’s Guide to a Highlander’s Heart-Emmanuelle De Maupassant
Flora had accepted her father's will but with deep regret. She was only a piece in a game of power, loyalty and often, betrayal. With her luck tied to an alliance, suddenly everything fell apart, loss and pain blinded her and with suspicions and desire for revenge and retribution she made impulsive decisions and risked everything. Impressive young Flora's determination to carry out her mission. I liked Ragnall's character with enough strength to overcome his difficult upbringing and the rumors that accompanied it, lead her people wisely, and know how to treat a woman. What a man! An interesting and intense story with action, a lot of suspense, adventure, intense emotions, drama, intrigue, betrayal, some amusing scenes, violence, romance, and heated passion.
Once Upon a Midnight Clear-Ava Stone
Lord Michael Beck knew that as a third son of a Duke he wasn't going to have anything if he didn't work it out himself. For Lady Ivy Dallimore, giving in to the desires of the heart was not something she was going to do. She had learned from the experiences of her sisters and Lord Michael Beck was a no, no and no. But fate and the ghosts seemed to have an opinion on the matter. This is the first story I've read in this series, and I found Ivy's interaction with the ghosts and how Michael handles his finances quite entertaining. Funny scenes, some suspense, camaraderie, and romance
The Viscount's Tempting Minx by Erica Ridley
It seemed that Lady Amelia was a woman prepared for anything but falling in love. It amused me a lot as this woman had a plan A, B, and C for everything! In truth, the Viscount had no chance of getting away with it despite being a man prepared for action. I found it interesting how Benedict sees things from another perspective. I enjoyed this story with a lot of wit that kept me waiting to see what was next.
The Christmas Conquest - Claire Delacroix
A marriage of convenience about to go undertakes a turn and it seems that for the better. Funny how much the women in this story had to do to get results. Despite his reputation, Rhys had a lot to learn. That manual is in a hurry to be distributed! I liked a lot Esmeralda Bellantyne's character. I'm so curious about her, laughed a lot visualizing her and now I want more about her.
The lady’s Guide to a Highlander’s Heart-Emmanuelle De Maupassant
Flora had accepted her father's will but with deep regret. She was only a piece in a game of power, loyalty and often, betrayal. With her luck tied to an alliance, suddenly everything fell apart, loss and pain blinded her and with suspicions and desire for revenge and retribution she made impulsive decisions and risked everything. Impressive young Flora's determination to carry out her mission. I liked Ragnall's character with enough strength to overcome his difficult upbringing and the rumors that accompanied it, lead her people wisely, and know how to treat a woman. What a man! An interesting and intense story with action, a lot of suspense, adventure, intense emotions, drama, intrigue, betrayal, some amusing scenes, violence, romance, and heated passion.
Once Upon a Midnight Clear-Ava Stone
Lord Michael Beck knew that as a third son of a Duke he wasn't going to have anything if he didn't work it out himself. For Lady Ivy Dallimore, giving in to the desires of the heart was not something she was going to do. She had learned from the experiences of her sisters and Lord Michael Beck was a no, no and no. But fate and the ghosts seemed to have an opinion on the matter. This is the first story I've read in this series, and I found Ivy's interaction with the ghosts and how Michael handles his finances quite entertaining. Funny scenes, some suspense, camaraderie, and romance
The Viscount's Tempting Minx by Erica Ridley
It seemed that Lady Amelia was a woman prepared for anything but falling in love. It amused me a lot as this woman had a plan A, B, and C for everything! In truth, the Viscount had no chance of getting away with it despite being a man prepared for action. I found it interesting how Benedict sees things from another perspective. I enjoyed this story with a lot of wit that kept me waiting to see what was next.
The Christmas Conquest - Claire Delacroix
A marriage of convenience about to go undertakes a turn and it seems that for the better. Funny how much the women in this story had to do to get results. Despite his reputation, Rhys had a lot to learn. That manual is in a hurry to be distributed! I liked a lot Esmeralda Bellantyne's character. I'm so curious about her, laughed a lot visualizing her and now I want more about her.
February 12, 2024
*Other stories rated on their own listing.*
A Winter Wish by Nadine Millard, 3⭐️, read Feb 8
Lying Beneath the Mistletoe by Sadie Bosque, 3⭐️, read Feb 8
A Winter Wish by Nadine Millard, 3⭐️, read Feb 8
Lying Beneath the Mistletoe by Sadie Bosque, 3⭐️, read Feb 8
October 27, 2022
This is This is a great group of stories. I have read a few of them before and was fun to reread them. I also found a couple new authors to try. My favorites were, Erica Ridley and Jane Charles stories. I recommend this anthology to anyone who likes Christmas stories.
I received this ARC copy and am leaving my review voluntarily.
I received this ARC copy and am leaving my review voluntarily.
December 2, 2023
All anthologies have selections that represent both good and less good selections. In my opinion, the best of this collection include: “A Winter Wish” by Nadine Millard and “A Duke for Midwinter” by Anthea Lawson. The least good include: “The Christmas Conquest” by Claire Delacroix and “A Snowlit Christmas Kiss” by Larissa Lyons. The rest quite frankly are adequate.
October 5, 2024
I have mixed feelings about book collections like this one. On the one hand, they take so long to read that I become impatient to move on to something else. On the other, they contain so many stories and take so long to read that you really get a lot of bang for your buck. Almost every story in this collection is a 5-star read. In fact, every story would have earned five stars from me, if not for the absolutely abysmal editing for one.
Once Upon a Midnight Clear - Ava Stone
5 stars
This is a fun enemies-to-lovers romance—one in which neither actually hates the other but pretends they do. It involves a haunted castle and a group of gypsies (who offer fortune-telling, ghost repellants, and other remedies for illnesses) one of which has married Michael’s sister, making them all family, and Ivy, a snooty woman who decided long ago that Michael was below her consideration as a suitor because he has neither a title nor money. Naturally, love don’t care ‘bout dat.
The Viscount’s Tempting Minx - Erica Ridley
5 stars
I always love Erica Ridley’s stories so I knew I’d love this one. This has an unusual plot in that neither protagonist is looking for marriage to the other, yet they fall in love. It’s amusing because they are so alike—controlling and managing everything. Lady Amelia Pembroke decides she must marry so that her brother will feel free to do the same. She decides the best way to do that is to make a list based on Debrett’s and attend the annual ball held by Benedict St. John, Viscount Sheffield. When she finds out he’s not holding \the annual ball because his ballroom burned, she decides she will organize the party for him at another location. The more we learn about Amelia, the more realize, she knows exactly where she wants to hold the party, but she needs Benedict to feel like it was his idea. Benedict likes to be in control, and initially, he resists Amelia’s attempts to take over. She is very persistent and as they spend more time together, he realizes there’s little point in resisting. And of course, they each develop strong feelings for each other.
The Christmas Conquest - Claire Delacroix
5 stars
Rhys Bettencourt promised his father that he wouldn’t marry for love because the family curse dictated that wives who were loved would die in childbirth. So he settles for an arranged marriage to Catherine Carruthers, and when he realizes he’s falling in love with his wife, he does everything he can do to avoid impregnating her. She thinks he doesn’t care for her and confides in a friend who enlists the help of her husband’s former mistress, Esmeralda (who is now her friend) to give Catherine advice on seducing her husband. Meanwhile, Catherine has decided she will move back home to live with her parents. When Rhys finds out, he realizes he must convince her to stay, but as long as he holds back and refuses to ‘do the deed’ he won’t be able to keep her. It’s a great story with a bit of a teaser involving Esmerald who I expect to be featured in a future book.
Lady, It’s Cold Outside - Deb Marlowe
5 stars
Miss Glenna Bolton and Alexander Murray, Baronet Ellesworth meet on the road when the bridge they need to cross gets washed out and they’re forced to stay at the same inn. He is immediately intrigued by her. They ‘adopt’ a young boy abandoned at the inn and bring him with them on the way to Glenna’s grandfather’s house. Grandpa isn’t sure Alex is good enough for Glenna, who he barely knows, but eventually relents. Meanwhile, the identity of the young boy, ‘Dowd’ is revealed.
A Winter Wish - Nadine Millard
5 stars
The editing was so bad, I was tempted to give this book less stars, but the truth is, even with sub-par editing, I loved the characters and it was still a great story. Mariah is hired to go through the library at a house recently purchased by a wealthy man, before his arrival. When they meet, there is an immediate attraction and Mariah finds herself unable to resist when she’s in his presence. One of my favorite lines from this book: “Mariah thought that if she could talk him into being sensible about whatever this was between them, then at least one of them would be. Because she certainly wasn’t going to be.” The theme of the story is one of letting go of the guilt for past actions that impede our ability to enjoy today. Mariah was exactly the kind of character I most like, as when she observes that Brandon looked like “the pirate captain she’d once read about in a book she’d sworn up and down she hadn’t read when questioned by Mama. But she had read it. And she’d enjoyed it immensely.” Just as I enjoyed this immensely.
Lying Beneath the Mistletoe - Sadie Bosque
5 stars
There was something very sad and pathetic about the characters in this story and the circumstances of their lives. Both are working, struggling to survive in a cold, hard world, and missing one another. They parted under unfortunate circumstances and Matilda wants nothing more than to find Henry. He thinks she rejected him, but he finds out she had little choice in the matter. It’s a second-chance love story and it’s sweet.
A Very Merry Viscount - Jane Charles
3 stars
I might have given this book five stars, but the editing was atrocious. I expect a few errors in an ARC, but this book seemed to have never been proofread. There were missing words, misplaced punctuation, and sometimes, the wrong words. This sentence floored me: Danby "... simply manipulated people about as one would chest pieces, and it galled him to know end." Another time, worry married her brow instead of marred her brow. Tabitha "glanced aback(!) at the stables." But this was probably the best: "The astonishment on her face was calcification that she had no idea how he felt." To be honest, I laughed out loud at that one. The editing was so bad, I have no interest in reading anything else from this author. And that's particularly sad because I thought it was a great story (even if Andrew was a bit overly fatalistic).
The Lady’s Guide to a Highlander’s Heart - Emmanuelle de Maupassant
5 stars
This is a truly unusual story that takes place in 1166. MalcoIm Dalreagh, laird of Castle Durannoch breaks a betrothal between his daughter, Flora, and stepson Calder to form an alliance with Ragnall, laird of Balmore. When Flora finds her father dead on the night of the hand-fasting, she immediately suspects Ragnall and flees the castle. Years pass and she harbors the desire to exact revenge on Ragnall. Finally, she is given the chance to do so. Meanwhile, Ragnall has not married anyone else and still has fantasies that involve Flora, even though he thinks she might have killed her own father and perished after fleeing the castle. It’s not an auspicious beginning to a healthy relationship. There is much distrust and lots of tension that builds to what is eventually an HEA, though not without suffering first. I enjoyed this so much, I plan to sign up for this author's email list.
Masked Love - Nicole Zoltack
4 stars
This is a clever story about a man and woman promised to one another at birth who have fallen in love with other people. There seems to be no way out of it and the tension is masterfully conveyed. Even knowing there is a happy ending, you'll still feel nervous for them.
The Mistletoe Temptation - Eve Pendle
5 stars
This book has wonderful, quirky characters—Gina and Emmett. Her clever ruses to resist her mother's attempts to marry her are very amusing. Emmett sees right through the facade and is determined to make her fall in love with him because, for him, it's love at first sight. I love when Gina realizes how much she loves Emmett after all: “It had crept up on her, this love for him. It was as transparent as a spider’s web, and just as sticky. Because it wasn’t a brash love that announced itself, she hadn’t seen it until she was thoroughly caught.”
A Snowlit Christmas Kiss - Larissa Lyons
4 stars
This is a good story about a wounded soldier, Edward, and a spinster, Anne who was betrothed to his older brother, until he died. There's also some mysterious creature—sounds like a shifter—who's apparently a matchmaker. Descriptions were vague and, I assume, intended to provide clues and interest in future books. Meh. The writing is unusual. I enjoyed the story, but the way the words were woven together to tell this story was a bit confusing. Sometimes it was hard to determine who was talking. Sentence construction was odd— like reading a poem engineered to adhere to a particular rhythm—and trying to interpret what it means, feeling as if changing the order of words—or really, adding more words—would vastly improve the reading experience. The connectors seemed to be missing. I’m giving the book four stars because I think it’s well-told, but the supernatural creature is never really explained and the sentence structure needs some work. Otherwise, I’d give it five.
A Duke for Midwinter - Anthea Sharp
4 stars
Not an outstanding story, but it was enjoyable. Selena does not have very high self-esteem whenever she compares herself to her younger sister, Eliana. A stranger, Jared rescues her and her maid from an overturned carriage in a snowstorm, which becomes a blizzard. Stuck at the same inn waiting out the story, they grow close and Selena develops feelings for him but doesn’t feel he could ever love her. Meanwhile, he is unwilling to give up his bachelorhood, and they part. Selena and Eliana have a conversation that made me laugh because it was so silly. They were discussing what kind of gift NOT to get for a man who doesn’t care about appearances. Selena suggests a diamond-studded snuff box or a peacock-feather coat. Eliana suggests a jade chamberpot. And Selena finishes with “A life-sized marzipan coach.”
Naturally, he comes for her not long after, but because she sees herself as inferior to her sister, she is convinced he actually wants her instead. Because she loves her sister, she does her best to be happy for her, dreading the moment Jared will ask Eliana to marry him. I found that action to be sweet and began to like Selena even more than I already did. It’s a feel-good ending, not just a HEA, because not only does Selena win the love of Jared, but she also learns to value herself.
Once Upon a Midnight Clear - Ava Stone
5 stars
This is a fun enemies-to-lovers romance—one in which neither actually hates the other but pretends they do. It involves a haunted castle and a group of gypsies (who offer fortune-telling, ghost repellants, and other remedies for illnesses) one of which has married Michael’s sister, making them all family, and Ivy, a snooty woman who decided long ago that Michael was below her consideration as a suitor because he has neither a title nor money. Naturally, love don’t care ‘bout dat.
The Viscount’s Tempting Minx - Erica Ridley
5 stars
I always love Erica Ridley’s stories so I knew I’d love this one. This has an unusual plot in that neither protagonist is looking for marriage to the other, yet they fall in love. It’s amusing because they are so alike—controlling and managing everything. Lady Amelia Pembroke decides she must marry so that her brother will feel free to do the same. She decides the best way to do that is to make a list based on Debrett’s and attend the annual ball held by Benedict St. John, Viscount Sheffield. When she finds out he’s not holding \the annual ball because his ballroom burned, she decides she will organize the party for him at another location. The more we learn about Amelia, the more realize, she knows exactly where she wants to hold the party, but she needs Benedict to feel like it was his idea. Benedict likes to be in control, and initially, he resists Amelia’s attempts to take over. She is very persistent and as they spend more time together, he realizes there’s little point in resisting. And of course, they each develop strong feelings for each other.
The Christmas Conquest - Claire Delacroix
5 stars
Rhys Bettencourt promised his father that he wouldn’t marry for love because the family curse dictated that wives who were loved would die in childbirth. So he settles for an arranged marriage to Catherine Carruthers, and when he realizes he’s falling in love with his wife, he does everything he can do to avoid impregnating her. She thinks he doesn’t care for her and confides in a friend who enlists the help of her husband’s former mistress, Esmeralda (who is now her friend) to give Catherine advice on seducing her husband. Meanwhile, Catherine has decided she will move back home to live with her parents. When Rhys finds out, he realizes he must convince her to stay, but as long as he holds back and refuses to ‘do the deed’ he won’t be able to keep her. It’s a great story with a bit of a teaser involving Esmerald who I expect to be featured in a future book.
Lady, It’s Cold Outside - Deb Marlowe
5 stars
Miss Glenna Bolton and Alexander Murray, Baronet Ellesworth meet on the road when the bridge they need to cross gets washed out and they’re forced to stay at the same inn. He is immediately intrigued by her. They ‘adopt’ a young boy abandoned at the inn and bring him with them on the way to Glenna’s grandfather’s house. Grandpa isn’t sure Alex is good enough for Glenna, who he barely knows, but eventually relents. Meanwhile, the identity of the young boy, ‘Dowd’ is revealed.
A Winter Wish - Nadine Millard
5 stars
The editing was so bad, I was tempted to give this book less stars, but the truth is, even with sub-par editing, I loved the characters and it was still a great story. Mariah is hired to go through the library at a house recently purchased by a wealthy man, before his arrival. When they meet, there is an immediate attraction and Mariah finds herself unable to resist when she’s in his presence. One of my favorite lines from this book: “Mariah thought that if she could talk him into being sensible about whatever this was between them, then at least one of them would be. Because she certainly wasn’t going to be.” The theme of the story is one of letting go of the guilt for past actions that impede our ability to enjoy today. Mariah was exactly the kind of character I most like, as when she observes that Brandon looked like “the pirate captain she’d once read about in a book she’d sworn up and down she hadn’t read when questioned by Mama. But she had read it. And she’d enjoyed it immensely.” Just as I enjoyed this immensely.
Lying Beneath the Mistletoe - Sadie Bosque
5 stars
There was something very sad and pathetic about the characters in this story and the circumstances of their lives. Both are working, struggling to survive in a cold, hard world, and missing one another. They parted under unfortunate circumstances and Matilda wants nothing more than to find Henry. He thinks she rejected him, but he finds out she had little choice in the matter. It’s a second-chance love story and it’s sweet.
A Very Merry Viscount - Jane Charles
3 stars
I might have given this book five stars, but the editing was atrocious. I expect a few errors in an ARC, but this book seemed to have never been proofread. There were missing words, misplaced punctuation, and sometimes, the wrong words. This sentence floored me: Danby "... simply manipulated people about as one would chest pieces, and it galled him to know end." Another time, worry married her brow instead of marred her brow. Tabitha "glanced aback(!) at the stables." But this was probably the best: "The astonishment on her face was calcification that she had no idea how he felt." To be honest, I laughed out loud at that one. The editing was so bad, I have no interest in reading anything else from this author. And that's particularly sad because I thought it was a great story (even if Andrew was a bit overly fatalistic).
The Lady’s Guide to a Highlander’s Heart - Emmanuelle de Maupassant
5 stars
This is a truly unusual story that takes place in 1166. MalcoIm Dalreagh, laird of Castle Durannoch breaks a betrothal between his daughter, Flora, and stepson Calder to form an alliance with Ragnall, laird of Balmore. When Flora finds her father dead on the night of the hand-fasting, she immediately suspects Ragnall and flees the castle. Years pass and she harbors the desire to exact revenge on Ragnall. Finally, she is given the chance to do so. Meanwhile, Ragnall has not married anyone else and still has fantasies that involve Flora, even though he thinks she might have killed her own father and perished after fleeing the castle. It’s not an auspicious beginning to a healthy relationship. There is much distrust and lots of tension that builds to what is eventually an HEA, though not without suffering first. I enjoyed this so much, I plan to sign up for this author's email list.
Masked Love - Nicole Zoltack
4 stars
This is a clever story about a man and woman promised to one another at birth who have fallen in love with other people. There seems to be no way out of it and the tension is masterfully conveyed. Even knowing there is a happy ending, you'll still feel nervous for them.
The Mistletoe Temptation - Eve Pendle
5 stars
This book has wonderful, quirky characters—Gina and Emmett. Her clever ruses to resist her mother's attempts to marry her are very amusing. Emmett sees right through the facade and is determined to make her fall in love with him because, for him, it's love at first sight. I love when Gina realizes how much she loves Emmett after all: “It had crept up on her, this love for him. It was as transparent as a spider’s web, and just as sticky. Because it wasn’t a brash love that announced itself, she hadn’t seen it until she was thoroughly caught.”
A Snowlit Christmas Kiss - Larissa Lyons
4 stars
This is a good story about a wounded soldier, Edward, and a spinster, Anne who was betrothed to his older brother, until he died. There's also some mysterious creature—sounds like a shifter—who's apparently a matchmaker. Descriptions were vague and, I assume, intended to provide clues and interest in future books. Meh. The writing is unusual. I enjoyed the story, but the way the words were woven together to tell this story was a bit confusing. Sometimes it was hard to determine who was talking. Sentence construction was odd— like reading a poem engineered to adhere to a particular rhythm—and trying to interpret what it means, feeling as if changing the order of words—or really, adding more words—would vastly improve the reading experience. The connectors seemed to be missing. I’m giving the book four stars because I think it’s well-told, but the supernatural creature is never really explained and the sentence structure needs some work. Otherwise, I’d give it five.
A Duke for Midwinter - Anthea Sharp
4 stars
Not an outstanding story, but it was enjoyable. Selena does not have very high self-esteem whenever she compares herself to her younger sister, Eliana. A stranger, Jared rescues her and her maid from an overturned carriage in a snowstorm, which becomes a blizzard. Stuck at the same inn waiting out the story, they grow close and Selena develops feelings for him but doesn’t feel he could ever love her. Meanwhile, he is unwilling to give up his bachelorhood, and they part. Selena and Eliana have a conversation that made me laugh because it was so silly. They were discussing what kind of gift NOT to get for a man who doesn’t care about appearances. Selena suggests a diamond-studded snuff box or a peacock-feather coat. Eliana suggests a jade chamberpot. And Selena finishes with “A life-sized marzipan coach.”
Naturally, he comes for her not long after, but because she sees herself as inferior to her sister, she is convinced he actually wants her instead. Because she loves her sister, she does her best to be happy for her, dreading the moment Jared will ask Eliana to marry him. I found that action to be sweet and began to like Selena even more than I already did. It’s a feel-good ending, not just a HEA, because not only does Selena win the love of Jared, but she also learns to value herself.
February 14, 2024
In this set I liked 6 out of 12 books 📚. LADY 👩, IT'S COLD 🥶 OUTSIDE: This is the 1st book I read by Deb Marlowe. I liked this book's storyline. I liked Glenna's character. I liked Alex's character. I liked the ending. A WINTER ❄️☃️ WISH: This is the 4th book I read by Nadine Millard. I liked book's storyline. I liked Mariah's character. I liked Brandon's character. I liked the ending. A VERY MERRY VISCOUNT: This is the 1st book I read by Jane Charles. This book's storyline was okay. I liked Tabitha's character. I liked Andrew's character. I liked the ending. THE LADY'S 👩 GUIDE TO A HIGHLANDER'S HEART 💙: This is the 3rd book I read by Emmanuelle De Maupassant. This book's storyline was interesting. I liked Lady 👩 Flora's character. I felt sorry for Lady 👩 Flora. I didn't like Ragnall's character. The ending was okay. THE MISTLETOE TEMPTATION: This is the 2nd book I read by Eve Pendle. This book's storyline was okay. Gina's character was okay. Emmett’s character was okay. I liked the ending. A DUKE FOR MIDWINTER ❄️☃️: This is the 1st book I read by Anthea Sharp. I liked this book's storyline. I liked Selene's character. I liked Jared's character. I liked the ending. I'm happy 😊 this set introduced me to Ava Stone 💎, Claire Delacroix, Deb Marlowe, Sadie Bosque, Jane Charles, Nicole Zoltack, Larissa Lyons 🦁, & Anthea Sharp.
November 22, 2023
The first short story was on the edge of porno! I was disgusted--I did not need to know all the details of how "the body juices from their sexual acts the night before was pooled on her legs and private are so she needed to clean up to get out of bed"! THE PLOT was weak and without all the EXPLICIT sex acts and comments on the hero's Condition of his "appendage", there would not be enought words to be a full story.
Then two of the stories were almost exactly the same plot! Then one of them had a wildcat who could for "Human form" but it took great effort! ??
All together I'd say that there were about 3 stories worth the money.
IF you don't mind explicit sexual details and don't mind stories with not much plot---this is a good book.
Then two of the stories were almost exactly the same plot! Then one of them had a wildcat who could for "Human form" but it took great effort! ??
All together I'd say that there were about 3 stories worth the money.
IF you don't mind explicit sexual details and don't mind stories with not much plot---this is a good book.
December 8, 2022
Wow, what a wonderful set of Christmas stories. This would be the perfect gift for just about any
reader of Regency Romance. There is something for everyone. Most are sweet with kisses, some steamy, all full of romance, great couples, love and Christmas magic too.
My favorites were A SNOWLIT CHRISTMAS KISS (**medium) - Larissa Lyons and
THE MISTLETOE TEMPTATION (***hot) - Eve Pendle
This is a collection not to be missed, I had read some of the stories already, but was great to revisit some old friends too. Am sure you will find some favorites here too.
I received and ARC from the author and wish to thank her, this is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.
reader of Regency Romance. There is something for everyone. Most are sweet with kisses, some steamy, all full of romance, great couples, love and Christmas magic too.
My favorites were A SNOWLIT CHRISTMAS KISS (**medium) - Larissa Lyons and
THE MISTLETOE TEMPTATION (***hot) - Eve Pendle
This is a collection not to be missed, I had read some of the stories already, but was great to revisit some old friends too. Am sure you will find some favorites here too.
I received and ARC from the author and wish to thank her, this is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.
November 30, 2022
This a fun holiday boxed set. All of the stories are holiday themed, set at different times and placed and with different heat leaves – so there is something for everyone. The thing I love most about anthologies and boxed sets is that you have the chance to try out new authors and return to beloved ones. That’s what this read was for me. The books have interesting stories and characters and I enjoyed going along for the ride with each couple.
November 16, 2022
Lying beneath the mistletoe by Sadie Bosque
Matilda has married against her heart in a bid to protect her sister. Despite loving Henry, she has told him that she could not marry beneath her.
Now that she is a widow, she is trying to find Henry although she is certain he hates her. She still carries with her a small sprig of mistletoe under which they had kissed years ago.
Forced to seek shelter in a snowstorm, Henry comes to Matilda’s door.
Despite his loathing, they live a night of intense passion after which Matilda disappears.
Has he lost her again?
Matilda has married against her heart in a bid to protect her sister. Despite loving Henry, she has told him that she could not marry beneath her.
Now that she is a widow, she is trying to find Henry although she is certain he hates her. She still carries with her a small sprig of mistletoe under which they had kissed years ago.
Forced to seek shelter in a snowstorm, Henry comes to Matilda’s door.
Despite his loathing, they live a night of intense passion after which Matilda disappears.
Has he lost her again?
January 17, 2023
I really enjoyed reading every one of the stories in this anthology. Each one of them was to me a five star read. If you enjoy Christmas time stories, I think you would enjoy this anthology.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 16, 2023
fun frolic through holiday romance
Fun holiday anthology from a great group of authors. Stories are different but all HEA. Some unexpected twists and turns keep you reading.great way to peak into one of each author’s series.
Fun holiday anthology from a great group of authors. Stories are different but all HEA. Some unexpected twists and turns keep you reading.great way to peak into one of each author’s series.
December 30, 2023
For the most part, this was a lovely historical romance holiday anthology. The stories ranged from sweet to mildly spicy. I enjoyed most of them, though a couple fell flat for me. Still, it is an enjoyable collection overall.
November 14, 2023
There's a racial slur repeated multiple times in the first chapter. This book was published in 2022. Hard pass.
November 27, 2023
lovely
Almost every story is a gem, from the Claire Delacroix conniving, to the shapeshifters to the final sweet romance. A great Christmas anthology
Almost every story is a gem, from the Claire Delacroix conniving, to the shapeshifters to the final sweet romance. A great Christmas anthology
December 22, 2023
Nice Holiday series.
Sweet stories, some better than others. My favorite was A Ladies Guide to a Highlander Heart. Nice Well written books.
Sweet stories, some better than others. My favorite was A Ladies Guide to a Highlander Heart. Nice Well written books.
January 16, 2024
Sweet Holiday reads!
A wonderful collection of stories, a great combination of sweet and steamy. I loved them all! Very much recommended any time of the yesr!
A wonderful collection of stories, a great combination of sweet and steamy. I loved them all! Very much recommended any time of the yesr!
December 27, 2022
Very nice Regency Yuletide collection
This book was a very nice Regency Yuletide collection. I liked the stories very much. All different types of Regency romance stories with great characters. I definitely recommend this collection!
This book was a very nice Regency Yuletide collection. I liked the stories very much. All different types of Regency romance stories with great characters. I definitely recommend this collection!
November 11, 2022
This book was an anthology of stories I have already read and stories that are new to me. Erica Ridley’s The Viscount’s Tempting Minx and Emmanuelle de Maupassant’s The Lady’s Guide to a Highlander’s Heart were both worth reading again, but I also enjoyed reading Sadie Bosque’s Lying Beneath the Mistletoe and Nadine Millard’s A Winter Wish as well as the other stories for the first time.
I received a free copy of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received a free copy of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
November 13, 2022
A Mix of Previously Published and New Stories 4.5*
Once Upon a Midnight Clear 5* by Ava Stone - Thought this was a cute story. A third son determined to make his fortune even if that means going into ‘trade’, a spoilt and snobbish heiress, ghostly goings on and attempted murder. Loved it!
The Viscount’s Tempting Minx 5* by Erica Ridley - A hilarious novella with an ultra managing lady and a devil-may-care viscount.
The Christmas Conquest 5* by Claire Delacroix - Can a sterile marriage be saved with a courtesan’s advice, or will the new year see this couple part for ever? Due to past family tragedies, for every one step forward gained in the couple’s intimacy, this was followed by two steps back. Note: the matchmaking courtesan was a hoot.
Lady, It’s Cold Outside 5* by Deb Marlowe - Two strangers have an instant attraction when their journeys are delayed by a flooded bridge and they have to take refuge in an inn. Add in a young boy with a love of Christmas, some villains and one determined lady who knows what she wants, and you have all the ingredients for a delightful story.
A Winter Wish 3.5* by Nadine Millard - Mariah Bolton is outspoken, bossy, quick to anger and has a heart of gold. She is just the woman to bring Brendon Haverton out of the depths of depression, through shouting matches and kisses. Shame about the editing issues.
Lying Beneath the Mistletoe 4* by Sadie Bosque - Can Matilda find Henry and persuade him to give her a second chance? She lied and hurt him before, Will she tell him the truth now, or lie to him again?
A Very Merry Viscount 4.5* by Jane Charles - This was a very enjoyable story featuring as it did a young lady with a fear to be overcome and an Irish nobleman which made a nice change from the normal Regency romance. I was surprised though at the numerous typos as this was released a couple of years ago - perhaps not the most up to date version was uploaded to the Anthology?
The Lady’s Guide to a Highlander’s Heart 5* by Emmanuelle de Maupassant - Young Flora Dalreagh is an obedient daughter and handfasts with the hardened warrior chosen by her father, though dark tales of his past make her fear him. When hours later she finds her beloved father brutally slain, she flees for her life. Two years later she infiltrates her husband’s castle bound on vengeance, only to find herself conflicted.
Masked Love 3* by Nicole Zoltack - Struggled with this story, there was no explanation as to why Isabelle’s speech didn’t mark her as a servant and the ending was inaccurate as Adrian could not have been disinherited without an Act of Parliament. He would have inherited his father’s title and his debts!
The Mistletoe Temptation 5* by Eve Pendle - A fab story. A young woman with attitude and a cunning plan for her freedom and a man who fall for her on sight and takes steps to disrupt her life. In many ways he is helpful, he has certainly got her mother off her back but as the time draws nearer for their fake engagement to end, Gina’s feelings have a sea-change. However Gina has lied to him about one aspect of her life, not knowing how much Everett has set store by it.
A Snowlit Christmas Kiss 4* by Larissa Lyons - Two strangers forge a connection not knowing that their fates are already entwined. However their unexpected reunion is not without hiccups and Edward must fight to obtain his heart’s desire.
A Duke for Midwinter 5* by Anthea Lawson
Selene feels herself in the shadow of her glittering sister, particularly after a broken engagement ruins her reputation. Travelling to London to be with her family for Christmas a stranger comes to her aid after a carriage accident. Falling for the gentleman she is bereft at his departure. Unfortunately when she meets him again, it appears he has his heart set on another lady.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from one of the authors. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Once Upon a Midnight Clear 5* by Ava Stone - Thought this was a cute story. A third son determined to make his fortune even if that means going into ‘trade’, a spoilt and snobbish heiress, ghostly goings on and attempted murder. Loved it!
The Viscount’s Tempting Minx 5* by Erica Ridley - A hilarious novella with an ultra managing lady and a devil-may-care viscount.
The Christmas Conquest 5* by Claire Delacroix - Can a sterile marriage be saved with a courtesan’s advice, or will the new year see this couple part for ever? Due to past family tragedies, for every one step forward gained in the couple’s intimacy, this was followed by two steps back. Note: the matchmaking courtesan was a hoot.
Lady, It’s Cold Outside 5* by Deb Marlowe - Two strangers have an instant attraction when their journeys are delayed by a flooded bridge and they have to take refuge in an inn. Add in a young boy with a love of Christmas, some villains and one determined lady who knows what she wants, and you have all the ingredients for a delightful story.
A Winter Wish 3.5* by Nadine Millard - Mariah Bolton is outspoken, bossy, quick to anger and has a heart of gold. She is just the woman to bring Brendon Haverton out of the depths of depression, through shouting matches and kisses. Shame about the editing issues.
Lying Beneath the Mistletoe 4* by Sadie Bosque - Can Matilda find Henry and persuade him to give her a second chance? She lied and hurt him before, Will she tell him the truth now, or lie to him again?
A Very Merry Viscount 4.5* by Jane Charles - This was a very enjoyable story featuring as it did a young lady with a fear to be overcome and an Irish nobleman which made a nice change from the normal Regency romance. I was surprised though at the numerous typos as this was released a couple of years ago - perhaps not the most up to date version was uploaded to the Anthology?
The Lady’s Guide to a Highlander’s Heart 5* by Emmanuelle de Maupassant - Young Flora Dalreagh is an obedient daughter and handfasts with the hardened warrior chosen by her father, though dark tales of his past make her fear him. When hours later she finds her beloved father brutally slain, she flees for her life. Two years later she infiltrates her husband’s castle bound on vengeance, only to find herself conflicted.
Masked Love 3* by Nicole Zoltack - Struggled with this story, there was no explanation as to why Isabelle’s speech didn’t mark her as a servant and the ending was inaccurate as Adrian could not have been disinherited without an Act of Parliament. He would have inherited his father’s title and his debts!
The Mistletoe Temptation 5* by Eve Pendle - A fab story. A young woman with attitude and a cunning plan for her freedom and a man who fall for her on sight and takes steps to disrupt her life. In many ways he is helpful, he has certainly got her mother off her back but as the time draws nearer for their fake engagement to end, Gina’s feelings have a sea-change. However Gina has lied to him about one aspect of her life, not knowing how much Everett has set store by it.
A Snowlit Christmas Kiss 4* by Larissa Lyons - Two strangers forge a connection not knowing that their fates are already entwined. However their unexpected reunion is not without hiccups and Edward must fight to obtain his heart’s desire.
A Duke for Midwinter 5* by Anthea Lawson
Selene feels herself in the shadow of her glittering sister, particularly after a broken engagement ruins her reputation. Travelling to London to be with her family for Christmas a stranger comes to her aid after a carriage accident. Falling for the gentleman she is bereft at his departure. Unfortunately when she meets him again, it appears he has his heart set on another lady.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from one of the authors. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 27, 2022
From sweet kisses under the mistletoe to passionate encounters at holiday house parties, secret identities to second chances, find your Christmas cheer in these twelve different historical romance tales from bestselling and award-winning authors! The lord you've been looking for might be just a story away.
ONCE UPON A MIDNIGHT CLEAR (**medium) - Ava Stone
Only a duke will do for Lady Ivy Dallimore. If her unhappily married sisters have taught her anything, it’s that love is fleeting but a title lasts forever, which is all well and good in theory until she finds herself falling for the scandalous third son of a marquess who is bound and determined to make his fortune in trade!
THE VISCOUNT’S TEMPTING MINX (*mild) - Erica Ridley
He's an unbendable lord. She's an unstoppable force. When these two clash, their winter nights will never be the same!
THE CHRISTMAS CONQUEST (***hot) - Claire Delacroix
Love was not part of the plan when this marriage was arranged… Can a matchmaking courtesan in disguise save this match before the new year dawns?
LADY, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE (*mild) - Deb Marlowe
Neither Lord Ellesworth nor Miss Glenna Bolton have much Christmas spirit this year. Neither have much desire to travel during the season, either, but a Star in the East, an abandoned child and a quest for holiday cheer might just convince these two that love is the best gift of the Season.
A WINTER WISH (*mild) - Nadine Millard
Mariah Bolton is as headstrong as she is clever, as strong-willed as she is beautiful. She enjoys her life and, apart from a rather snobbish mama, she is happy with her lot. Imagine her consternation then when her world is turned upside down by the brooding and aloof Mr. Brandon Haverton!
LYING BENEATH THE MISTLETOE (***hot) - Sadie Bosque
Matilda needs a miracle. She left Henry, her first and only love, over a decade ago. Now she’s back and determined to piece his heart back together. But she only has one night to do it.
A VERY MERRY VISCOUNT (*mild) - Jane Charles
The thought of spending Christmas at Danby Castle with her matchmaking great-uncle fills Lady Tabitha Storm’s heart with dread, until she spies the handsome horseman from Hyde Park. Would Andrew Delaney, Viscount Straffan, receive more this holiday than he ever dreamed, or would his Irish heritage stand in his way?
THE LADY’S GUIDE TO A HIGHLANDER’S HEART (***hot) - Emmanuelle de Maupassant
Meet a young bride in disguise and a battle-hardened Highland warrior in this passionate 'enemies to lovers' medieval romance.
MASKED LOVE (*mild) - Nicole Zoltack
An evening of enchantment has a maid wishing a lord might look past his station this Christmas season.
THE MISTLETOE TEMPTATION (***hot) - Eve Pendle
She deliberately steps on his toes to avoid marriage and he retaliates by proposing a fake engagement. A Regency enemies to friends to lovers romance, with a touch of brother’s best friend, and a whole lot of banter and steamy scenes.
A SNOWLIT CHRISTMAS KISS (**medium) - Larissa Lyons
When a mischievous feline nudges two lonely souls together on a wretched, snowy night, a few Christmas kisses might be all they need. But he’s engaged, and she’s decided to never marry, so in the morning they go their separate ways, leaving pieces of their hearts behind...until a Twelfth Night Ball brings misunderstandings to light and merry tidings to one and all.
A DUKE FOR MIDWINTER (*mild) - Anthea Lawson
After a gentleman rescues her from a winter storm, Miss Selene Banning finds herself snowbound with Sir Jared Kendrick, who is not precisely who he claims to be…
Scoop up this great anthology for your Christmas delight.
This anthology is a very good one.
I received this book from the publisher. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
ONCE UPON A MIDNIGHT CLEAR (**medium) - Ava Stone
Only a duke will do for Lady Ivy Dallimore. If her unhappily married sisters have taught her anything, it’s that love is fleeting but a title lasts forever, which is all well and good in theory until she finds herself falling for the scandalous third son of a marquess who is bound and determined to make his fortune in trade!
THE VISCOUNT’S TEMPTING MINX (*mild) - Erica Ridley
He's an unbendable lord. She's an unstoppable force. When these two clash, their winter nights will never be the same!
THE CHRISTMAS CONQUEST (***hot) - Claire Delacroix
Love was not part of the plan when this marriage was arranged… Can a matchmaking courtesan in disguise save this match before the new year dawns?
LADY, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE (*mild) - Deb Marlowe
Neither Lord Ellesworth nor Miss Glenna Bolton have much Christmas spirit this year. Neither have much desire to travel during the season, either, but a Star in the East, an abandoned child and a quest for holiday cheer might just convince these two that love is the best gift of the Season.
A WINTER WISH (*mild) - Nadine Millard
Mariah Bolton is as headstrong as she is clever, as strong-willed as she is beautiful. She enjoys her life and, apart from a rather snobbish mama, she is happy with her lot. Imagine her consternation then when her world is turned upside down by the brooding and aloof Mr. Brandon Haverton!
LYING BENEATH THE MISTLETOE (***hot) - Sadie Bosque
Matilda needs a miracle. She left Henry, her first and only love, over a decade ago. Now she’s back and determined to piece his heart back together. But she only has one night to do it.
A VERY MERRY VISCOUNT (*mild) - Jane Charles
The thought of spending Christmas at Danby Castle with her matchmaking great-uncle fills Lady Tabitha Storm’s heart with dread, until she spies the handsome horseman from Hyde Park. Would Andrew Delaney, Viscount Straffan, receive more this holiday than he ever dreamed, or would his Irish heritage stand in his way?
THE LADY’S GUIDE TO A HIGHLANDER’S HEART (***hot) - Emmanuelle de Maupassant
Meet a young bride in disguise and a battle-hardened Highland warrior in this passionate 'enemies to lovers' medieval romance.
MASKED LOVE (*mild) - Nicole Zoltack
An evening of enchantment has a maid wishing a lord might look past his station this Christmas season.
THE MISTLETOE TEMPTATION (***hot) - Eve Pendle
She deliberately steps on his toes to avoid marriage and he retaliates by proposing a fake engagement. A Regency enemies to friends to lovers romance, with a touch of brother’s best friend, and a whole lot of banter and steamy scenes.
A SNOWLIT CHRISTMAS KISS (**medium) - Larissa Lyons
When a mischievous feline nudges two lonely souls together on a wretched, snowy night, a few Christmas kisses might be all they need. But he’s engaged, and she’s decided to never marry, so in the morning they go their separate ways, leaving pieces of their hearts behind...until a Twelfth Night Ball brings misunderstandings to light and merry tidings to one and all.
A DUKE FOR MIDWINTER (*mild) - Anthea Lawson
After a gentleman rescues her from a winter storm, Miss Selene Banning finds herself snowbound with Sir Jared Kendrick, who is not precisely who he claims to be…
Scoop up this great anthology for your Christmas delight.
This anthology is a very good one.
I received this book from the publisher. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
November 4, 2022
Twelve Lords for Yuletide is a thoroughly enjoyable anthology of Christmas stories. Please do be aware that some may have been published previously. I appreciate that the steam level is rated with a definition for the ranking system for the novellas included in the anthology. I tend to prefer the steamier reads. I’ve given my opinions of them below.
The Christmas Conquest by Claire Delacroix is a fun romantic comedic read. I wouldn’t personally classify it as steamy. Personally, I’d classify it more as medium. That being said, I’m definitely going to read Claire’s backlist and continue reading The Ladies’ Essential Guide to the Art of Seduction series! Rhys and Catherine captured my heart, and Esmeralda was a hoot! I can’t wait to read more of her escapades.
The Lady’s Guide to a Highlander’s Heart
The Lady’s Guide to a Highlander’s Heart by Emmanuelle de Maupassant introduces us to the Dalreagh family, Flora and Ragnall to be specific. Its timeframe is further back in history than I normally read, and I struggled a bit with some of the dialect used. I was able to understand it by using context clues.
As I got further into their story I was captivated. I love Flora’s spirit and determination, and I love Ragnall’s sense of fairness and honor. Calder is a snake in the grass. No, I take that back. Calling him a snake is too good for him. Maggie is the kind of loyal friend most would be lucky to find. I would have liked a little more about their HEA.
Lying Beneath the Mistletoe by Sadie Bosque
Lying Beneath the Mistletoe by Sadie Bosque left me wanting more of Henry and Matilda’s story. It’s a short but spicy and steamy story. Steamy and spicy stories are my preferred cup of tea, but I wanted more of their HEA.
The Mistletoe Temptation by Eve Pendle
The Mistletoe Temptation by Eve Pendle captivated me. I couldn’t put Emmett and Gina’s story down! Their witty banter reminded me of another of my favorite authors. Eve has been added to that list.
Emmett and Gina have amazing chemistry and are co-conspirators. They both have reasons for wanting others to think they’re off the marriage mart, but in the process they end up falling for each other. Their denial of how they’re feeling made for an entertaining and steamy read.
I received an ARC from one of the authors. The opinions expressed above are my own.
The Christmas Conquest by Claire Delacroix is a fun romantic comedic read. I wouldn’t personally classify it as steamy. Personally, I’d classify it more as medium. That being said, I’m definitely going to read Claire’s backlist and continue reading The Ladies’ Essential Guide to the Art of Seduction series! Rhys and Catherine captured my heart, and Esmeralda was a hoot! I can’t wait to read more of her escapades.
The Lady’s Guide to a Highlander’s Heart
The Lady’s Guide to a Highlander’s Heart by Emmanuelle de Maupassant introduces us to the Dalreagh family, Flora and Ragnall to be specific. Its timeframe is further back in history than I normally read, and I struggled a bit with some of the dialect used. I was able to understand it by using context clues.
As I got further into their story I was captivated. I love Flora’s spirit and determination, and I love Ragnall’s sense of fairness and honor. Calder is a snake in the grass. No, I take that back. Calling him a snake is too good for him. Maggie is the kind of loyal friend most would be lucky to find. I would have liked a little more about their HEA.
Lying Beneath the Mistletoe by Sadie Bosque
Lying Beneath the Mistletoe by Sadie Bosque left me wanting more of Henry and Matilda’s story. It’s a short but spicy and steamy story. Steamy and spicy stories are my preferred cup of tea, but I wanted more of their HEA.
The Mistletoe Temptation by Eve Pendle
The Mistletoe Temptation by Eve Pendle captivated me. I couldn’t put Emmett and Gina’s story down! Their witty banter reminded me of another of my favorite authors. Eve has been added to that list.
Emmett and Gina have amazing chemistry and are co-conspirators. They both have reasons for wanting others to think they’re off the marriage mart, but in the process they end up falling for each other. Their denial of how they’re feeling made for an entertaining and steamy read.
I received an ARC from one of the authors. The opinions expressed above are my own.
December 6, 2022
A great anthology with an average of 4.5 stars but I rounded it up to 5, because I've really enjoyed reading all these stories!
- Once Upon a Midnight Clear - Ava Stone:
4 stars ⭐️
Lovely story taking place in a haunted castle with “real” ghosts and an attempt to murder! Luckily Ivy and Michael got their HEA.
- The Viscount’s Tempting Minx - Erica Ridley:
5 stars ⭐️
I loved Amelia and Benedict they are so perfect together. They really found their match!
- The Christmas Conquest by Claire Delacroix:
5 stars ⭐️
About a strong, intelligent woman and the man who loves her.
Although the writing style isn’t really mine, the story absolutely is!
- Lady, it’s Cold Outside by Deb Marlowe:
5 stars ⭐️
Great story, great characters, with all the Christmas feels. I loved it!
“Yes it’s cold …. But it’s Christmas inside.”
- A Winter Wish by Nadine Millard:
4 stars ⭐️
Sweet Christmas story. Even the darkest heart can be enlightened. Brandon deserved his Mariah.
- Lying Beneath the Mistletoe by Sadie Bosque:
3 stars ⭐️
Not a bad story, but it just wasn’t for me.
- A Very Merry Viscount by Jane Charles:
5 stars ⭐️
I really loved this story about Tabitha and Andrew. My favourite of this anthology so far!
- The Lady’s Guide to a Highlander’s Heart by Emmanuelle de Maupassant:
5 stars ⭐️
I definitely liked this story about Lady Flora who believes that her betrothed Ragnall is the murderer of her father and flees with her maid. Two years later she returns as a maid and discovers the truth.
I’ve listened to the audiobook version before, but it was even better now I’ve read the story.
- Masked Love by Nicole Zoltack
3 stars ⭐️
A story about marrying the one you love instead of the one you're supposed to marry.
- The Mistletoe Temptation by Eve Pendle
5 stars ⭐️
The story of Gina and Emmett kept me smiling most of the time.
- A Snowlit Christmas Kiss by Larissa Lyons
5 stars ⭐️
Betrothed by your father to a woman you don’t know because your siblings are no longer there. A lord with imperfections and an unconventional Lady. An unusual story but I loved it!
- A Duke for Midwinter by Anthea Sharp
5 stars ⭐️
The last story in this anthology, but certainly not the least! It’s one of the best, actually. I absolutely loved it!
- Once Upon a Midnight Clear - Ava Stone:
4 stars ⭐️
Lovely story taking place in a haunted castle with “real” ghosts and an attempt to murder! Luckily Ivy and Michael got their HEA.
- The Viscount’s Tempting Minx - Erica Ridley:
5 stars ⭐️
I loved Amelia and Benedict they are so perfect together. They really found their match!
- The Christmas Conquest by Claire Delacroix:
5 stars ⭐️
About a strong, intelligent woman and the man who loves her.
Although the writing style isn’t really mine, the story absolutely is!
- Lady, it’s Cold Outside by Deb Marlowe:
5 stars ⭐️
Great story, great characters, with all the Christmas feels. I loved it!
“Yes it’s cold …. But it’s Christmas inside.”
- A Winter Wish by Nadine Millard:
4 stars ⭐️
Sweet Christmas story. Even the darkest heart can be enlightened. Brandon deserved his Mariah.
- Lying Beneath the Mistletoe by Sadie Bosque:
3 stars ⭐️
Not a bad story, but it just wasn’t for me.
- A Very Merry Viscount by Jane Charles:
5 stars ⭐️
I really loved this story about Tabitha and Andrew. My favourite of this anthology so far!
- The Lady’s Guide to a Highlander’s Heart by Emmanuelle de Maupassant:
5 stars ⭐️
I definitely liked this story about Lady Flora who believes that her betrothed Ragnall is the murderer of her father and flees with her maid. Two years later she returns as a maid and discovers the truth.
I’ve listened to the audiobook version before, but it was even better now I’ve read the story.
- Masked Love by Nicole Zoltack
3 stars ⭐️
A story about marrying the one you love instead of the one you're supposed to marry.
- The Mistletoe Temptation by Eve Pendle
5 stars ⭐️
The story of Gina and Emmett kept me smiling most of the time.
- A Snowlit Christmas Kiss by Larissa Lyons
5 stars ⭐️
Betrothed by your father to a woman you don’t know because your siblings are no longer there. A lord with imperfections and an unconventional Lady. An unusual story but I loved it!
- A Duke for Midwinter by Anthea Sharp
5 stars ⭐️
The last story in this anthology, but certainly not the least! It’s one of the best, actually. I absolutely loved it!
November 2, 2022
I received this anthology as I love Emmanuelle De Maupassant’s stories. This collection of short stories are quick and easy to read. They are all quite lovely and range from a bit spicy to tame.
I enjoyed them all and found a few new authors that I will now start reading their books.
Here are my thoughts on a few that I enjoyed.
Lady’s Guide To A Highlander’s Heart - Emmanuelle De Maupassant is an excellent read which I thoroughly enjoyed.
This book has it all from a hand fasting, death, fleeing for a better life, revenge, misunderstandings, betrayal, sexy bedroom scenes and an evil villain bent on abusing Flora physically.
Absolutely loved the characters in this short story.
Who doesn’t love a Highlander…
The Viscount’s Tempting Minx - Erica Ridley
Realising her older brother, the Duke of Ravenwood won’t look for a wife with his sister Amelia already running the household, She needs to find a husband quickly at The Sheffield’s 75th annual Christmas Eve ball. Disaster happens and the ball is cancelled.
Amelia takes it upon herself to make sure it will take place and informs Lord Sheffield that she will do all the work to make it happen.
This is a delightful, enjoyable short read that has plenty of banter between both characters as they spend time with each other, ultimately falling in love.
The Christmas Conquest - Claire Delacroix
An arranged marriage, a family curse, a husband trying to protect the wife he has fallen in love with and an older more experienced woman giving an unknown helping hand.
Really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more by Claire.
Lady It’s Cold Outside - Deb Marlowe
This story centres around an injured soldier, Alex who is trying to save his home and livelihood, Glenna a young woman who has lost everything and a little boy named Dowd who desperately wants a perfect Christmas.
Expensive books, Christmas wishes and lots of love make this an adorable short story.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed them all and found a few new authors that I will now start reading their books.
Here are my thoughts on a few that I enjoyed.
Lady’s Guide To A Highlander’s Heart - Emmanuelle De Maupassant is an excellent read which I thoroughly enjoyed.
This book has it all from a hand fasting, death, fleeing for a better life, revenge, misunderstandings, betrayal, sexy bedroom scenes and an evil villain bent on abusing Flora physically.
Absolutely loved the characters in this short story.
Who doesn’t love a Highlander…
The Viscount’s Tempting Minx - Erica Ridley
Realising her older brother, the Duke of Ravenwood won’t look for a wife with his sister Amelia already running the household, She needs to find a husband quickly at The Sheffield’s 75th annual Christmas Eve ball. Disaster happens and the ball is cancelled.
Amelia takes it upon herself to make sure it will take place and informs Lord Sheffield that she will do all the work to make it happen.
This is a delightful, enjoyable short read that has plenty of banter between both characters as they spend time with each other, ultimately falling in love.
The Christmas Conquest - Claire Delacroix
An arranged marriage, a family curse, a husband trying to protect the wife he has fallen in love with and an older more experienced woman giving an unknown helping hand.
Really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more by Claire.
Lady It’s Cold Outside - Deb Marlowe
This story centres around an injured soldier, Alex who is trying to save his home and livelihood, Glenna a young woman who has lost everything and a little boy named Dowd who desperately wants a perfect Christmas.
Expensive books, Christmas wishes and lots of love make this an adorable short story.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 4, 2022
I so love an anthology! Great authors, different voices, gorgeous writing, the freedom to read a novella between books and be satisfied with a wonderful HEA in a few pages.
This time I chose three writers that I knew and loved, but I want to read all twelve novellas.
Sadie Bosque is one of my favorite writers and her novella, Lying Beneath the Mistletoe, is a perfect little story of second chance. The characters are sweet and lovable and the Christmas atmosphere is subtle, but perfect. The hero is even a toymaker and guess what’s his boss’s name? I loved the writing and everything else in this enjoyable little gem!
Claire Delacroix’s novella, The Christmas Conquest, is linked to the one included in last year’s anthology, Twelve Lords for Christmas, A Most Inconvenient Earl. This time courtesan Esmeralda is roped in to help another young lady to win her husband’s affections. The husband is scared that his wife may succumb to a deadly curse, but the wife in question helps him to understand that life must be lived to the fullest, without any fear. The author writes beautifully and I found myself captivated by this short story. And the trope was marriage of convenience, my favorite ever!
Eve Pendle’s The Mistletoe Temptation is also loosely linked to Pendle’s one in the previous anthology. As always, I enjoyed the writing very, very much and I was captivated by the sweet and gorgeous hero who falls first and does everything he can to win Gina over, while always trying to respect her wishes and never pushing her. I really loved how reading this one made me feel!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This time I chose three writers that I knew and loved, but I want to read all twelve novellas.
Sadie Bosque is one of my favorite writers and her novella, Lying Beneath the Mistletoe, is a perfect little story of second chance. The characters are sweet and lovable and the Christmas atmosphere is subtle, but perfect. The hero is even a toymaker and guess what’s his boss’s name? I loved the writing and everything else in this enjoyable little gem!
Claire Delacroix’s novella, The Christmas Conquest, is linked to the one included in last year’s anthology, Twelve Lords for Christmas, A Most Inconvenient Earl. This time courtesan Esmeralda is roped in to help another young lady to win her husband’s affections. The husband is scared that his wife may succumb to a deadly curse, but the wife in question helps him to understand that life must be lived to the fullest, without any fear. The author writes beautifully and I found myself captivated by this short story. And the trope was marriage of convenience, my favorite ever!
Eve Pendle’s The Mistletoe Temptation is also loosely linked to Pendle’s one in the previous anthology. As always, I enjoyed the writing very, very much and I was captivated by the sweet and gorgeous hero who falls first and does everything he can to win Gina over, while always trying to respect her wishes and never pushing her. I really loved how reading this one made me feel!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 3, 2022
First off, I love a good anthology. Not only are you provided with a variety of stories, but you often get an introduction to new authors. This is a great collection of historical romances set during the Yuletide season. I was offered the opportunity to read the anthology for an honest review, so here I am!
I had already read one of the stories, but it was a fun re-visit of
Emmanuelle de Maupassant's "Lady's Guide to a Highlander's Heart". It's a quick and steamy read set in Scotland, with a feisty heroine and a strong, noble hero.
Oh, something that should be said about this collection is that they have kindly provided a steam gauge so that you can peruse the table of contents and choose your read based on how spicy you like your historical. One star is mild or sweet, up to three stars which is "get out your fan". I of course went right for the stoked fireplace end of the spectrum, and have read several of the stories, including "The Mistletoe Temptation" from Eve Pendle and "The Christmas Conquest" by Claire Delacroix. I have not read all of the stories yet, but the ones I have are all satisfying reads with an enjoyable HEA and provide links to more of the authors' works, in some cases epilogues or more stories in that world!
I highly recommend having a couple of anthologies on hand for quick reads, particularly during the holidays, when you can slip away with a hot mug of something and curl up with a happy story about love. If you're a historical romance reader, this series is for you.
I had already read one of the stories, but it was a fun re-visit of
Emmanuelle de Maupassant's "Lady's Guide to a Highlander's Heart". It's a quick and steamy read set in Scotland, with a feisty heroine and a strong, noble hero.
Oh, something that should be said about this collection is that they have kindly provided a steam gauge so that you can peruse the table of contents and choose your read based on how spicy you like your historical. One star is mild or sweet, up to three stars which is "get out your fan". I of course went right for the stoked fireplace end of the spectrum, and have read several of the stories, including "The Mistletoe Temptation" from Eve Pendle and "The Christmas Conquest" by Claire Delacroix. I have not read all of the stories yet, but the ones I have are all satisfying reads with an enjoyable HEA and provide links to more of the authors' works, in some cases epilogues or more stories in that world!
I highly recommend having a couple of anthologies on hand for quick reads, particularly during the holidays, when you can slip away with a hot mug of something and curl up with a happy story about love. If you're a historical romance reader, this series is for you.
October 31, 2022
What a great way to get into the Christmas mood. Twelve wonderful historical novellas set in the Yuletide, featuring lords and ladies in all kinds of romantic situation. And the books are rated in the beginning by spice level, from mild to hot. Of course I went right for the hot stories first, duh.
I especially loved A Lady's Guide to a Highlander's Heart by Emmanuelle de Maupassant. This is another tale full of excitement, romance and steamy scenes. Her tales are so well written that you feel like you are there in 1166 amidst all the intrigue, superstition, passion and drama of life in the highlands. The main characters generate lots of sparks! And this book is the origin of "The Lady's Guide" that features in many of her rollicking romances, including the latest excellent Halloween tale about tempting a Transylvanian Count, no less!
The Christmas Conquest by Claire Delacroix is another steamy story that is unique and great fun. In this Christmas tale a woman in a marriage of convenience learns lessons in how to seduce her own husband from an unlikely source while at a holiday house party.
And The Mistletoe Temptation by Eve Pendle features a fake engagement between a Regency couple who both work hard to avoid marriage and end up caught in their own trap. This story is a fun romp as well as a passionate story. I volunteered to read and review an early copy of this anthology and I am reading them all!
I especially loved A Lady's Guide to a Highlander's Heart by Emmanuelle de Maupassant. This is another tale full of excitement, romance and steamy scenes. Her tales are so well written that you feel like you are there in 1166 amidst all the intrigue, superstition, passion and drama of life in the highlands. The main characters generate lots of sparks! And this book is the origin of "The Lady's Guide" that features in many of her rollicking romances, including the latest excellent Halloween tale about tempting a Transylvanian Count, no less!
The Christmas Conquest by Claire Delacroix is another steamy story that is unique and great fun. In this Christmas tale a woman in a marriage of convenience learns lessons in how to seduce her own husband from an unlikely source while at a holiday house party.
And The Mistletoe Temptation by Eve Pendle features a fake engagement between a Regency couple who both work hard to avoid marriage and end up caught in their own trap. This story is a fun romp as well as a passionate story. I volunteered to read and review an early copy of this anthology and I am reading them all!
October 27, 2022
Twelve Lords for Yuletide is a collection of twelve historical romances which all take place around the Christmas season.
Many of the stories in this collection have been published as part of other collections or as individual novellas, but I enjoyed rereading them.
Stories in this collection range from sweet to spicy, and cover lots of popular tropes, so there is something here for everyone.
This anthology has stories from some of my favourite historical romance authors, as well as a few I haven’t previously read. All of the stories are enjoyable, and perfect for the holiday season.
Many of the stories in this collection have been published as part of other collections or as individual novellas, but I enjoyed rereading them.
Stories in this collection range from sweet to spicy, and cover lots of popular tropes, so there is something here for everyone.
This anthology has stories from some of my favourite historical romance authors, as well as a few I haven’t previously read. All of the stories are enjoyable, and perfect for the holiday season.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews