Newly inherited Lord Paxton is forced to spend Christmas at his family's old hunting lodge with the woman to whom his father left the house.
Sweet story with a little heat. Mary is a widow with a young son who is ill. Her previous employer left her one of his homes when he died. Though happy to get her son Stevie out of the city, she is dismayed that she is depriving Lord Paxton's son of his favorite home. Devastated by the loss of his father, David is hurt and angry that Darnley was given to some unknown woman. Sure that some gold-digger got her hooks into his father, David is determined to fight the will. A letter from his father instructs David to spend Christmas at Darnley. David quickly falls under Mary and Stevie's spell. I liked seeing David's natural kindness and honor emerge as he spent time with them. There are also sparks of attraction that grow between them, as well as unexpected feelings. A misunderstanding creates a small bump in their relationship, but it is easily resolved. I liked the ending and the surprise they received.
Silver Bells (A Distinguished Rogues Novella) - Heather Boyd
Sweet story with a little heat. Mary is a widow with a young son who is ill. Her previous employer left her one of his homes when he died. Though happy to get her son Stevie out of the city, she is dismayed that she is depriving Lord Paxton's son of his favorite home. Devastated by the loss of his father, David is hurt and angry that Darnley was given to some unknown woman. Sure that some gold-digger got her hooks into his father, David is determined to fight the will. A letter from his father instructs David to spend Christmas at Darnley. David quickly falls under Mary and Stevie's spell. I liked seeing David's natural kindness and honor emerge as he spent time with them. There are also sparks of attraction that grow between them, as well as unexpected feelings. A misunderstanding creates a small bump in their relationship, but it is easily resolved. I liked the ending and the surprise they received.
Silver Bells (A Distinguished Rogues Novella) - Heather Boyd
On the run from a man determined to take her child, Ruby seeks refuge at her uncle's estate, only to go from one intolerable situation into another. Should she trust her own flesh and blood? Or rely on someone else, someone from her past, to keep her son safe?
Ruby is a widow with a young son. When her father-in-law plans to marry her to an awful man and take her son away from her, she takes Pip and flees to her uncle's estate in England. Lord Vynes is a bitter, manipulative man who only agrees to help if Ruby marries the man he chooses. Hector, an old acquaintance from her childhood, is there also, expecting to visit with his sister and her husband for Christmas. Hector is a confirmed bachelor with a rakish reputation but finds himself intrigued by Ruby and her son. I loved seeing how easy Hector bonded with Pip and the protectiveness he showed to both of them. I liked how Hector took charge of the threat against Pip. His confrontation with Lord Vynes was fantastic. I had to laugh at the unexpected twist it exposed. The epilogue was great.
Convincing the Countess - Alina K. Field
Ruby is a widow with a young son. When her father-in-law plans to marry her to an awful man and take her son away from her, she takes Pip and flees to her uncle's estate in England. Lord Vynes is a bitter, manipulative man who only agrees to help if Ruby marries the man he chooses. Hector, an old acquaintance from her childhood, is there also, expecting to visit with his sister and her husband for Christmas. Hector is a confirmed bachelor with a rakish reputation but finds himself intrigued by Ruby and her son. I loved seeing how easy Hector bonded with Pip and the protectiveness he showed to both of them. I liked how Hector took charge of the threat against Pip. His confrontation with Lord Vynes was fantastic. I had to laugh at the unexpected twist it exposed. The epilogue was great.
Convincing the Countess - Alina K. Field
When a business-minded aristocrat encounters a fetching widow he met years earlier as the bride of a ne'er-do-well earl, temptation steers him along a track that may derail all his plans. Can he convince her to set a course for her future that includes him?
Sophie is a widow with two sons. She goes looking for her sons' guardian, who has not lived up to his responsibilities. While Fitz does everything he can to avoid her, his brother George is drawn to her and her plight. I liked Sophie, who is intelligent, lovely, and determined. She arrived with a plan, and nothing is going to stop her, even George. George remembers Sophie from years earlier and is even more impressed by her now. Aware of his brother's failings, he is determined to help her. I liked seeing them spend time together where their similarities drew them closer together. Some sparks flared between them, though Sophie has no intention of getting involved with another man. Things take a complicated turn when George discovers that Sophie has something he needs. I loved his honesty in revealing that need so that she doesn't doubt his feelings for her. Sophie's reaction was priceless, and I laughed at how she teased him.
Rescued By A Rake - Wendy Vella
Sophie is a widow with two sons. She goes looking for her sons' guardian, who has not lived up to his responsibilities. While Fitz does everything he can to avoid her, his brother George is drawn to her and her plight. I liked Sophie, who is intelligent, lovely, and determined. She arrived with a plan, and nothing is going to stop her, even George. George remembers Sophie from years earlier and is even more impressed by her now. Aware of his brother's failings, he is determined to help her. I liked seeing them spend time together where their similarities drew them closer together. Some sparks flared between them, though Sophie has no intention of getting involved with another man. Things take a complicated turn when George discovers that Sophie has something he needs. I loved his honesty in revealing that need so that she doesn't doubt his feelings for her. Sophie's reaction was priceless, and I laughed at how she teased him.
Rescued By A Rake - Wendy Vella
Miss Ivy Redfern's life is thrown into turmoil when her brother disappears five days before Christmas. Desperate for help she turns to the devilishly charming Mr. Haddon. He agrees but it comes with a price – her heart!
When Ivy's brother Jackson goes missing, she tries everything to find him. Ivy is headstrong and determined, and a bit naïve about some of the dangers of the world. One night she approaches her brother's old school friend Rory and asks for his help. I enjoyed this part, as Ivy's recitation of what she has done horrifies Rory and brings out a protective side he didn't know he had. Rory is familiar with Ivy's nature thanks to hearing Jackson talk about her and is somewhat prepared to deal with her actions. As they work together to find Jackson, they grow closer, and sparks of attraction build. Danger comes calling as Jackson's rescue exposes unexpected evil. The final confrontation was intense, and I loved how Ivy's feelings for Rory brought out unsuspected fierceness. I enjoyed the ending and seeing how two very different people found their way to each other.
Unwise but not Dishonorable - Barbara Monajem
When Ivy's brother Jackson goes missing, she tries everything to find him. Ivy is headstrong and determined, and a bit naïve about some of the dangers of the world. One night she approaches her brother's old school friend Rory and asks for his help. I enjoyed this part, as Ivy's recitation of what she has done horrifies Rory and brings out a protective side he didn't know he had. Rory is familiar with Ivy's nature thanks to hearing Jackson talk about her and is somewhat prepared to deal with her actions. As they work together to find Jackson, they grow closer, and sparks of attraction build. Danger comes calling as Jackson's rescue exposes unexpected evil. The final confrontation was intense, and I loved how Ivy's feelings for Rory brought out unsuspected fierceness. I enjoyed the ending and seeing how two very different people found their way to each other.
Unwise but not Dishonorable - Barbara Monajem
A spymaster's beautiful daughter crashes a Christmas house party to steal back a precious medallion, but finds that one of her father's men is already there on a secret mission. Can they work together to unmask a traitor despite the distraction of falling in love?
Dorothea is the daughter of a spymaster and determined to save her brother, who lost a family heirloom gambling, from their father's anger. Complicating her plan is her mother's intention to marry her, by fair means or foul, to any titled gentleman she can snare. Dorothea arranges for the family carriage to break down in front of the estate of the man who won the medallion in hopes of stealing it back. She is dismayed to find Cecil, one of her father's operatives, already there with his own plans.
I liked Dorothea. She is a young woman with definite ideas and beliefs and has no problem sharing them. She is frequently at odds with her mother, a horrible woman who doesn't care about Dorothea's happiness. I also liked Cecil, an honorable man who has carried a torch for Dorothea since he's known her. When he discovers that she is there for the same reason he is, they join forces. Dorothea is also attracted to Cecil, and I thoroughly enjoyed their interactions. However, Cecil is hiding a secret that could change the way she looks at him. I had to laugh at her response when he revealed it.
There is lots of skulking in corners and hiding in closets as Cecil and Dorothea work to find the medallion and unmask a traitor. There was a twist involving the medallion itself that complicated matters. There were several possible suspects, and I enjoyed seeing how each one reacted. The final confrontation was a bit of a nail-biter, and I loved the resolution.
Meet Me at the Mistletoe (The Matchmaking Earl #4) - Donna Cummings
Dorothea is the daughter of a spymaster and determined to save her brother, who lost a family heirloom gambling, from their father's anger. Complicating her plan is her mother's intention to marry her, by fair means or foul, to any titled gentleman she can snare. Dorothea arranges for the family carriage to break down in front of the estate of the man who won the medallion in hopes of stealing it back. She is dismayed to find Cecil, one of her father's operatives, already there with his own plans.
I liked Dorothea. She is a young woman with definite ideas and beliefs and has no problem sharing them. She is frequently at odds with her mother, a horrible woman who doesn't care about Dorothea's happiness. I also liked Cecil, an honorable man who has carried a torch for Dorothea since he's known her. When he discovers that she is there for the same reason he is, they join forces. Dorothea is also attracted to Cecil, and I thoroughly enjoyed their interactions. However, Cecil is hiding a secret that could change the way she looks at him. I had to laugh at her response when he revealed it.
There is lots of skulking in corners and hiding in closets as Cecil and Dorothea work to find the medallion and unmask a traitor. There was a twist involving the medallion itself that complicated matters. There were several possible suspects, and I enjoyed seeing how each one reacted. The final confrontation was a bit of a nail-biter, and I loved the resolution.
Meet Me at the Mistletoe (The Matchmaking Earl #4) - Donna Cummings
Desmond Mayfield enlists the Matchmaking Earl to find his perfect match, hoping for a love like his parents' legendary romance. He meets an enchanting temptress, but she is only amenable to a brief affair, unwilling to risk another loveless union. Can mistletoe—and the kisses they inspire—convince her their passion will last through every season?
Lovely bit of reversed roles. Desmond is tired of the rakish life and is ready to find a lasting love like his parents'. He asks his friend Martin, aka the Matchmaking Earl, to help him find the perfect match. He meets Lorelei, an enchanting widow who believes that love does not last. She is happy to enter into a holiday affair, but not anything more.
I loved watching Desmond's campaign to show Lorelei the possibilities. Their attraction is undeniable, but it is her heart he wants to win. There are fantastic scenes of the two of them together, playing with her niece and nephew, decorating for the holidays, and just being together. Lorelei knows that she is falling for Desmond but fears risking her heart only to have him walk away. I loved the advice he received from his father and ached for him as he let her go, hoping she would return. It took some straight talk from her sister to make Lorelei see what she was doing. Her next step was well played, and the epilogue was great.
While You Were Roguish (An Everly Manor Happily Ever After) - Samantha Grace
Lovely bit of reversed roles. Desmond is tired of the rakish life and is ready to find a lasting love like his parents'. He asks his friend Martin, aka the Matchmaking Earl, to help him find the perfect match. He meets Lorelei, an enchanting widow who believes that love does not last. She is happy to enter into a holiday affair, but not anything more.
I loved watching Desmond's campaign to show Lorelei the possibilities. Their attraction is undeniable, but it is her heart he wants to win. There are fantastic scenes of the two of them together, playing with her niece and nephew, decorating for the holidays, and just being together. Lorelei knows that she is falling for Desmond but fears risking her heart only to have him walk away. I loved the advice he received from his father and ached for him as he let her go, hoping she would return. It took some straight talk from her sister to make Lorelei see what she was doing. Her next step was well played, and the epilogue was great.
While You Were Roguish (An Everly Manor Happily Ever After) - Samantha Grace
When a roguish neighbor breaks into her cousin's house seeking shelter from a winter storm, Bess decides to teach him a lesson. Instead, the wild and reckless Lord Julius reignites a fiery passion in her that almost led to her ruin years ago—and threatens to consume her now.
Fun story. Julius is drunk when a thunder snowstorm causes his horse to dump him in a creek. Soaked and freezing, Julius breaks into the nearest house, attempting to get warm. The resulting scene is hilarious as Bess deals with the charming rogue and later tries to teach him a lesson. The sparks between them are immediate and strong. Julius is unexpectedly intrigued by Bess and wants to know her better. Bess has an affinity for rogues but has been burned before and is determined to resist. Julius invites Bess and her family to his family's home for the holiday, where he proceeds to crumble the walls around her heart. Lots of Christmas spirit and fun gave them ample opportunity to get to know each other, and the sparks between them to build. There was a surprise twist at the end, but it all worked out.
Wedded to the Welsh Baron (A London Lords Novella) - Sasha Cottman
Fun story. Julius is drunk when a thunder snowstorm causes his horse to dump him in a creek. Soaked and freezing, Julius breaks into the nearest house, attempting to get warm. The resulting scene is hilarious as Bess deals with the charming rogue and later tries to teach him a lesson. The sparks between them are immediate and strong. Julius is unexpectedly intrigued by Bess and wants to know her better. Bess has an affinity for rogues but has been burned before and is determined to resist. Julius invites Bess and her family to his family's home for the holiday, where he proceeds to crumble the walls around her heart. Lots of Christmas spirit and fun gave them ample opportunity to get to know each other, and the sparks between them to build. There was a surprise twist at the end, but it all worked out.
Wedded to the Welsh Baron (A London Lords Novella) - Sasha Cottman
With little more than a ruined castle in Wales to his name, the last thing, Welsh baron, Rhys Morgan wants is to inherit a rundown English estate. With no money and no prospects, Wister York's greatest fear is that when Lord Carno arrives at Kington House, he will throw her out.
Good story of two lonely people who find love with each other. Rhys has one rundown castle in Wales and recently inherited an equally troubled estate in England. He is suspicious of why the estate is in such bad shape, especially when he finds that a woman is the estate manager. He suspects an improper relationship between her and the previous owner and plans to give her the boot as soon as he arrives. Wister originally came to Kington as a companion to the lady of the house but was unable to leave after her death, thanks to Lord Kington's machinations. She fears losing her place when the new owner arrives.
I liked the first meeting between Rhys and Wister. Rhys is quite awkward in social situations, especially with women. He doesn't make a good first impression on Wister, and she doesn't take his words kindly. I liked watching her stand up to him, then walk away. Fortunately, Rhys comes to his senses and mends fences with Wister. It was great to see them work together on identifying problems on the estate. I liked Rhys's growing respect for her and her abilities. There were also sparks of attraction that flew between them from the start, and those developed into stronger feelings. Thanks to Rhys's difficulties putting his thoughts into words, he creates a rather significant misunderstanding between them. I enjoyed seeing him make it right in a very unusual way. I also liked that Wister stood up for herself and her needs.
Once Upon a Kiss Gone Horribly Wrong (A Once Upon a Kiss Series Prequel) - Bree Wolf
Good story of two lonely people who find love with each other. Rhys has one rundown castle in Wales and recently inherited an equally troubled estate in England. He is suspicious of why the estate is in such bad shape, especially when he finds that a woman is the estate manager. He suspects an improper relationship between her and the previous owner and plans to give her the boot as soon as he arrives. Wister originally came to Kington as a companion to the lady of the house but was unable to leave after her death, thanks to Lord Kington's machinations. She fears losing her place when the new owner arrives.
I liked the first meeting between Rhys and Wister. Rhys is quite awkward in social situations, especially with women. He doesn't make a good first impression on Wister, and she doesn't take his words kindly. I liked watching her stand up to him, then walk away. Fortunately, Rhys comes to his senses and mends fences with Wister. It was great to see them work together on identifying problems on the estate. I liked Rhys's growing respect for her and her abilities. There were also sparks of attraction that flew between them from the start, and those developed into stronger feelings. Thanks to Rhys's difficulties putting his thoughts into words, he creates a rather significant misunderstanding between them. I enjoyed seeing him make it right in a very unusual way. I also liked that Wister stood up for herself and her needs.
Once Upon a Kiss Gone Horribly Wrong (A Once Upon a Kiss Series Prequel) - Bree Wolf
Always has Anne looked at her childhood friend Tobias Hawke with love in her heart. Only now, she no longer sees Little Toby when those chocolate-brown eyes meet hers and she cannot help but wonder, what if he kissed her?
Fun friends to lovers story. Toby and Anne have been best friends since they were children, but lately, something has changed. Each of them looks at the other differently but are too afraid of ruining their friendship to do anything about it. Fortunately for both, they have others who are more than willing to help Toby and Anne see the truth. Toby's older brother, Phineas, is full of advice on what Toby should do and has no trouble teasing and tormenting Toby to see things his way. Toby is reluctant to push the matter, but another man has his eye on Anne, and jealousy is a mighty motivator. Anne's cousins, Leonora and Louisa, also know that Anne feels more than friendship with Toby. Louisa is especially determined to see Anne get the man that will make her happy. She gets a little carried away and sets Anne and Toby up with a mistletoe kiss that turns out to be a disaster.
I ached for both Toby and Anne after that kiss because each of them misunderstood the other's reaction. Fortunately, when they meet the next morning, Toby does a much better job demonstrating his feelings. There are still some obstacles to overcome, not the least of which is that rather persistent suitor. Louisa redeems herself with some well-timed rescues, enabling Toby and Anne to finally add being in love to the love they already felt for each other.
There were also some intriguing fireworks between Louisa and Phineas, whose antagonism appears to cover up some very different feelings.
A Rogue and Some Mistletoe (The Rogue Chronicles #5) - Lana Williams
Fun friends to lovers story. Toby and Anne have been best friends since they were children, but lately, something has changed. Each of them looks at the other differently but are too afraid of ruining their friendship to do anything about it. Fortunately for both, they have others who are more than willing to help Toby and Anne see the truth. Toby's older brother, Phineas, is full of advice on what Toby should do and has no trouble teasing and tormenting Toby to see things his way. Toby is reluctant to push the matter, but another man has his eye on Anne, and jealousy is a mighty motivator. Anne's cousins, Leonora and Louisa, also know that Anne feels more than friendship with Toby. Louisa is especially determined to see Anne get the man that will make her happy. She gets a little carried away and sets Anne and Toby up with a mistletoe kiss that turns out to be a disaster.
I ached for both Toby and Anne after that kiss because each of them misunderstood the other's reaction. Fortunately, when they meet the next morning, Toby does a much better job demonstrating his feelings. There are still some obstacles to overcome, not the least of which is that rather persistent suitor. Louisa redeems herself with some well-timed rescues, enabling Toby and Anne to finally add being in love to the love they already felt for each other.
There were also some intriguing fireworks between Louisa and Phineas, whose antagonism appears to cover up some very different feelings.
A Rogue and Some Mistletoe (The Rogue Chronicles #5) - Lana Williams
A lady fearful of risking her heart meets a handsome rogue who tempts her to find the courage to love with the help of mistletoe and the magic of Christmas.
Fun story. Lucy is invited to spend Christmas with her cousin. After losing her parents when she was sixteen, Lucy has spent the years caring for her elderly aunt. Though looking forward to the festivities, Lucy is not looking forward to helping her cousin decide which man to marry. Emma comes across as spoiled and selfish, especially when dealing with others at the house party. Lucy, on the other hand, has an innate kindness and ability to make people feel comfortable.
One of the men vying for Emma's hand is Hugh. He needs to marry a wealthy woman to carry out his plans to breed horses, and Emma is suitable. But when he arrives at Waverly, he meets Lucy and is unexpectedly drawn to her. I loved how he saw the differences between her and Emma and knew which one appealed to his heart. There were some sweet scenes of them together as they got to know each other. Sparks flew between them, aided by some judiciously placed mistletoe. But Lucy is wary of giving her heart, afraid of the pain of loss. I ached for them both when Lucy's fears caused her to push him away. Hugh received some well-placed advice that gave him a different way of looking at Lucy's actions. At the same time, Lucy's life took a surprising direction. The ending was great as Hugh decides to fight for what he wants and gets help from an unexpected source.
The Duke's Christmas List - Bronwen Evans
Fun story. Lucy is invited to spend Christmas with her cousin. After losing her parents when she was sixteen, Lucy has spent the years caring for her elderly aunt. Though looking forward to the festivities, Lucy is not looking forward to helping her cousin decide which man to marry. Emma comes across as spoiled and selfish, especially when dealing with others at the house party. Lucy, on the other hand, has an innate kindness and ability to make people feel comfortable.
One of the men vying for Emma's hand is Hugh. He needs to marry a wealthy woman to carry out his plans to breed horses, and Emma is suitable. But when he arrives at Waverly, he meets Lucy and is unexpectedly drawn to her. I loved how he saw the differences between her and Emma and knew which one appealed to his heart. There were some sweet scenes of them together as they got to know each other. Sparks flew between them, aided by some judiciously placed mistletoe. But Lucy is wary of giving her heart, afraid of the pain of loss. I ached for them both when Lucy's fears caused her to push him away. Hugh received some well-placed advice that gave him a different way of looking at Lucy's actions. At the same time, Lucy's life took a surprising direction. The ending was great as Hugh decides to fight for what he wants and gets help from an unexpected source.
The Duke's Christmas List - Bronwen Evans
Ignored all season, Lady Harriet Rondell is affronted by Charles Spencer, the Duke of Bladestow's sudden Christmas visit proffering marriage. Armed with a copy of Blade's disgustingly traditional list of requirements he is looking for in his wife, Harriet sets about convincing him she is not—and never will be—his Christmas bride.
Terrific finale to the anthology. Harriet has been in love with her brother's friend for years, and at the beginning of the Season, it looks like he may return her interest. But for the rest of their time in London, Blade completely ignores her. His Christmastime arrival at her family home and his intention of proposing marriage both hurts and angers her. Her fury knows no bounds when she stumbles on a list of his requirements for his bride.
Blade wants Harriet as his wife. He would have courted her during the Season, but a favor for the Prince of Wales prevented it. He arrived at her home ready to propose, only to discover that no one told her of his interest in her. Harriet sets him straight, letting him know in no uncertain terms that she will only marry him if he loves her. Blade had been burned in the past and had closed his heart to love. I liked the effect her words had on him and his determination to make things right.
But Fate wasn't going to make things easy for them. A disgruntled suitor has plans of his own and won't be denied. I was impressed by Harriet's presence of mind and what she did to help herself. Blade's arrival left no doubt in Harriet's mind about his feelings. His expression of those feelings was intense and clearly showed how he had changed. There was a fun resolution to the story of his list.
Terrific finale to the anthology. Harriet has been in love with her brother's friend for years, and at the beginning of the Season, it looks like he may return her interest. But for the rest of their time in London, Blade completely ignores her. His Christmastime arrival at her family home and his intention of proposing marriage both hurts and angers her. Her fury knows no bounds when she stumbles on a list of his requirements for his bride.
Blade wants Harriet as his wife. He would have courted her during the Season, but a favor for the Prince of Wales prevented it. He arrived at her home ready to propose, only to discover that no one told her of his interest in her. Harriet sets him straight, letting him know in no uncertain terms that she will only marry him if he loves her. Blade had been burned in the past and had closed his heart to love. I liked the effect her words had on him and his determination to make things right.
But Fate wasn't going to make things easy for them. A disgruntled suitor has plans of his own and won't be denied. I was impressed by Harriet's presence of mind and what she did to help herself. Blade's arrival left no doubt in Harriet's mind about his feelings. His expression of those feelings was intense and clearly showed how he had changed. There was a fun resolution to the story of his list.
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