‘Twas A Rogue Before Christmas

BOOK 1 – THE GIFT-WRAPPED WIDOW by Lynn Winchester:
A very quick story of love at first sight. It was too simple and too starry-eyed for me. The characters were ok. I do want to point out that Marcus finally had the backbone to stand up to his late wife’s family. Man, were they seriously taking advantage of him. I liked the fact that Gianna had a beautiful name and soul. She treated her staff as family. Overall, this story has room to grow.

BOOK 2 – A WALLFLOWER’S CHRISTMAS KISS by Dawn Brower:
I have always loved this story. This is the second time reading and it is as swoon worthy as the first time. From the time they were children, Juliette and Greyson were two peas in a pod. They already knew they did not want to live without the other. But Greyson’s father did not see it that way and they were separated for fifteen years when Juliette’s evil stepmother had her betrothed to a sadistic man Lord Payne. She had extracted a promise from Greyson when they were children that if she ever needed him that he would be there for her no matter what. Well now was the time and she was coming to him to fulfill his promise. I wish this story was longer but it is satisfying as it is. I just wish to know how the future turned out for the both of them. An excellent read. I highly recommend it.

BOOK 3 – BEDDED UNDER THE CHRISTMASTIDE MOON by Christina McKnight:
A gentle bittersweet romance enduring five years of estrangement only to find if rescue was not possible then to let go was the only answer. Melloria/Mellie and Brigham had a lot to sort out. Each of them blamed themselves for the state of their marriage. It wasn’t until Christmastide eve that all was revealed and it was the beginning of their healing and a new future for both of them. A very romantic bittersweet romance. A good read.

BOOK 4 – LADY HOLLY’S JOLLY CHRISTMAS by Nadine Millard:
Love was one of the few things too powerful for anyone or anything to manipulate. ’Twas A Rogue Before Christmas (Kindle Locations 5072-5073). Kindle Edition.
Romance, Romance and more Reluctant Romance. Angela, a very old woman with a dour face always scowling attended a house party at Holly’s home where no one knew who invited her. Holly did not turn her away and let her stay as a guest. Little did she know Angela’s true intentions. Evan avoided anything to do with Christmas as it was a reminder of a painful time in his life. He attended only because he did not want to be alone. Holly after five years was still grieving her mother’s passing. Christmastide was her favorite time of year where the two of them would joyfully decorate, bake and do all the fun things a child would want. Now all she wanted was to forget the season ever existed. That was until Evan came into her life. When Even first laid eyes on Holly he was stunned beyond believe. After everything he had been through was there still hope for love and happiness? I loved Angela’s character so much what a darling scowling secretly smiling old woman who was intent on matchmaking Holly and Evan. She was blunt and direct. She did not mince words which made me smile and laugh. I really enjoyed reading this and highly recommend it.

BOOK 5 – CHRISTMAS IN THE DUKE’S EMBRACE by Amanda Mariel:
A swift and clean romance. A young lady disgraced, rejected by the baby’s father, distained by her father, banished and disowned. On her way to her stern wickedly pious aunt she was waylaid by highwaymen. She escaped.
She was exhausted walking in the snow and collapsed. Then Evan Lockheart, Duke of Rowey came apon her and rescued her. From the moment he set eyes on her he knew she was special to him. He had suffered greatly over that several years and did not look forward to Christmas. But getting to know Lady Marina Ellis was his saving grace and hers too. He offered his protection in a way that touched her heart. First Evan wanted the name of the blackguard that took advantage of her to call him out. But Marina knew it would do no good. Then Evan wanted to shame her father for his treatment of his daughter and swore one day he would get his comeuppance. A lovely story with a happily ever after.

BOOK 6 – A SPRIG OF MISTLETOE by Katherine Bone:
Catherine/Kitty and Bart/George had known about each other for many years but never met until Kitty went to London for charity work with her brother. Bart was a great friend of Kitty’s brother Ambrose going back to their years at Eton. Kitty was very animated and excited about the Christmas season but for some reason Bart was a “Scrooge” “Bah humbug”. She could tell there was pain associated with the season. The good new was that they were attracted to each other. Kitty had never met a man who saw her as an equal and welcomed her opinions. Bart respected Kitty very much. For many years Bart had turned down Ambrose’s invitations to visit during Christmas. But now that he met Kitty he could not stay away. However, his mind was clouded with the past that was so painful he could not stand the happiness of those around him celebrating Christmas. Luckily Kitty and Bart had much in common especially their philanthropic work. She was able to get through to him to share his pain. When he did, he expected her to reject him but she did not. She understood where he was coming from and shared his sadness. It was the last defense Bart had and now he completely belonged to Kitty and she to him. A lovely story. Worth reading.

BOOK 7 – SILVER BELLS AND MISTLETOE by Anna St.Claire:
A very endearing and sweet story. Childhood friends Susan and Greyson were very close until he had to go to school. They had not seen each other in years. But Susan’s life was in turmoil. Her father has betrothed her to an Earl and she automatically jumps to the conclusion that this Earl is uncouth, paunchy and has bad breath. She is furious with her father. When reunited with Greyson her heart beats for him and she can only dream of this becoming more than friendship. But then she remembers she is already betrothed. Does she have a Christmas surprise waiting for her? A very gentle read. Slightly humors and spiritual.

BOOK 8 – HIS HEART FOR CHRISTMAS by Aileen Fish:
I felt the story was too simple, no drama or excitement. Also, Helena was annoying at times. She questioned everything Duncan said and did as if it was unbelievable. I give Duncan a lot of credit for being as understanding and patient as he was. Although it ended happily for both it really did not move me in anyway.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

A wonderful collection of seasonal story’s

This is a wonderful collection of seasonal short story’s, from some awesome authors. The story’s are a mix of steamy and clean plots, with brilliantly portrayed characters. this is a great collection that is suitable for all those who love sweet historical romances.

I thought this whole set of Christmas themed selections was absolutely delightful! I found a few from favorite authors as well as a couple of authors that I was unfamiliar with and read for the first time.

1.) The Gift-Wrapped Widow by Lynn Winchester
What a beautiful story this was! It was incredibely warm and so very moving!
I loved it!! It is one of the favorites for me from this collection!

2.) How to Kiss a Debutante by Dawn Brower
This is one of my all-time favorite authors and she has once again brought us a
touching Christmas story. It was wonderful to get to see Aletha find a man that
loved her for herself as a whole, which included her mind and her opinions too.
Wonderfully written!

3.) The Season of Lady Chastity by Christina McKnight
Chastity has lived in the shadow of her beautiful sister for so long and as much as
she loves her sister, she longs to be seen for herself too. A family secret leads
her to her true love during the Christmas season. It was so wonderful to see her
get a man that truly valued her and looked beyond the physical to the true beauty
she really was inside and out!

4.) Lady Holly’s Jolly Christmas by Nadine Millard
This author was new to me and while I did enjoy this story, I have to admit to being
a bit on the fence as to whether I actually liked the h, Holly very much. I am not
going to give out any spoilers and will simply let others form their own opinions. I
did like the H, Lord Stockton a lot and felt he showed an incredible amount of
patience with Holly. The ending was very well done.

5.) Christmas in the Duke’s Embrace by Amanda Mariel
This one was another favorite one of mine from this collection! So incredibley
sad to begin with and very touching to see how life can bring such great sorrow
to two separate individuals and then turn around to bring them the greatest joy in
finding and learning to love and trust someone once again!
Absolutely wonderful story!!

6.) A Sprig of Mistletoe by Katherine Bone
Another new author for me so I have nothing to use as a basis to help formulate
an opinion as to her style of writing. I liked Bart, the H a great deal and could
easily understand his feelings of doubt of himself as a worthy person and applaud
his ability to excel after his experiences as a child. The author did a great job
bringing the reality of what life was like for those who found themselves in dire
straits during that era. Unfortunately, my feelings about Lady Catherine (Kitty)
were not as well defined. I thought that she came across as too perfect. Is it
possible for someone to be too nice and sweet? I wanted her to have a flaw or
two just so I could then like her depite it. But, as she was written, her only flaw
was being an absolute model of charitable goodness to everyone she
encountered. No one is that good. Overall, it was a good story but it just left me
feeling a little off. I still do not know why.

7.) Silver Bells and Mistletoe by Anna St.Claire
I thought this was a cute, fun story! A true example of being mindful of how the
best plans can go sideways so easily! I will not say anything more other than that
the reader will find themselves smiling and empathizing with both Grayson and
Susan by the end! I have only recently discovered this author and I enjoy her
writing quite a bit!

8.) His Heart for Christmas by Aileen Fish
Helena and Duncan are so very, very different at the begining of this story Helena
is using everything she knows of past Christmas tradition to bring some joy back
into the season for her, the first year after the tragic death of her fiance. Duncan,
on the other hand, thinks all the Christmas hoopla and tradition is not necessary
and he could care less for any of it. It was so good to see how these two unlikely
individuals came to the realization that they were the perfect complements for
each other and were able to bring out the best in themselves and get the greatest
gift of all that Christmas, which was love for each other and a future together!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
them

A standout collection

Of Christmas time novellas.
I found I thoroughly enjoyed Christina McKnights contribution of friends who married for convenience than spent the next five years only seeing each other at Christmas.

But there are favorite authors like Dawn Brower, Amanda Mariel and Katherine Bone and some new to me names as well. Christmas and a side of steam.
Recommend.
Purchased.

I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review….

The Gift Wrapped Widow by Lynn Winchester

Two lonely souls looking for true love, this is Marcus and Gianna’s story. From the first time they meet, their hearts know instantly that they belong together. “Is that possible? To know someone without knowing someone?” Yes it is possible and you can’t help but feel your heart fill with love for them. Both having had unhappy marriages, they truly deserve to find happiness with each other. A beautifully written story.

A Wallflowers Christmas Kiss by Dawn Brower

Juliette and Grayson were best friends as youngsters but haven’t seen each other in 15 years. When Juliette finds herself on the brink of an arranged marriage, she turns to Grayson for help. Feelings and emotions take over and both soon realize they’ve never stopped loving each other….first as children and now as adults. A well written delightful story that will make you smile. I must also add that I loved the meaning of the knots at their wedding

Bedded Under the Christmastide Moon by Christina McKnight

Imagine getting wedded and then only seeing each other once a year, at Christmastide! Such is Mellie and Brigham’s life. After 5 years of this, Mellie is determined that this year will be different, she plans on seducing her husband. Brigham has been in love with her all these years and yet hasn’t told her, believing she deserves someone better than him. With the help of the Christmastide moon, they finally declare their love. A sweet story filled with emotions that burst forth through the pages.

Lady Holly’s Jolly Christmas by Nadine Millard

A lovely heartfelt story that I thoroughly enjoyed. Holly use to love Christmas but ever since her mother passed away, she can find no joy in the season any more. When her Grandmama insists of having a ball in honour of Holly’s 21st birthday, she’s surprised to see Evan whom she had briefly met once before while he was betrothed. Not only has he gotten more handsome, he’s now free and seems to only have eyes for Holly and vows to woo her with the help of the mysterious Angela. As he helps her rekindle her love of the holidays, so does their love grow.

Christmas in the Duke’s Embrace by Amanda Mariel

If ever two people needed each other, it’s Marina and Evan. She is pregnant and alone and he is thinking himself cursed because everyone he loves seem to die. When he discovers her unconscious in a snowbank near his home, he takes her in and vows to do everything he can to protect her, even marry her. This is a story of love at first sight, of forgiveness and hope and to a future they both deserve.

A Sprig of Mistletoe by Katherine Bone

“Then we must shine a light so bright that it can never be extinguished.” Kitty and Bart are from two different worlds but they have one thing in common….wanting to help the poor and underprivileged. This story went straight to my heart. As an added bonus, it takes place at the time when Charles Dicken’s “A Christmas Carol” has just been published and it has a prominent place in the story. Bart needs to believe in the magic of Christmas again and Kitty is just the person to do so. A very heartfelt and beautifully written story.

Silver Bells and Mistletoe by Anna St. Claire

Susan is livid at her father for arranging a marriage for her without her consent. Meanwhile, her old friend, Grayson, is back in town and little does Susan know that HE’S her betrothed!! He decides not to tell her and instead wants to woo her before he proposes. Amidst all of that, it is found out that her little brother is being poisoned and the hunt is on for who the culprit is! An enjoyable story that kept my interest

His Heart for Christmas by Aileen Fish

Christmas traditions mean so much to Helena and she’s determined that her friend Duncan will participate in them, much to his chagrin. Now out of mourning after the death of her fiancé, Duncan is determined to see Helena dance and have fun again, it truly is his greatest wish. Theirs is such a lovely story, from friendship to love and a HEA.

What a nice collection of holiday romances. They are all good stories with wonderful characters. The collection includes nine Regency romantic stories centered around Christmas. Each story brings something a little different. They are all nicely developed and captivating reads.

This book was written by many authors some I already follow and some it was the first time I read from them . I loved reading it and will definitely recommend this book and try to follow the other authors but Amanda Mariel was one of the best as always.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Really enjoyed each exciting adventure in this highly entertaining box set. They are filled with witty and engaging charters, heart racing twists, emotionally thrilling turns and undeniable passion. Great reading.