Bring the magic of Christmas into your home with these nine heart-warming books full of mistletoe, love, and holiday merriment.Maid Under the Mistletoe by Annabelle AndersEliza Drake is failing miserably at her duties as a lady’s maid. The Earl of Mapleton is failing miserably at wooing Eliza’s mistress. Perhaps they can fail together… aided by the magic of the season and some harmless … season and some harmless mistletoe.
A Gypsy’s Christmas Kiss by Dawn Brower
Fin and Lulia have a history. One that neither one has forgotten. When they meet again they are drawn together. After that chance meeting they share a magical kiss. Along the way they discover that sometimes the one thing a person needs isn’t what they would expect.
Mistletoe, Whisky, and a Rogue by Jane Charles
One gossiping parrot, a few sips of whisky, and mistletoe could seal one’s fate.
If Ethan Copeland had it his way, he’d be back in New Orleans and not stuck in England. However, one encounter with Miss Fanella Grant, a lass with a taste for whiskey and adventure, could change everything—especially when a parrot not only repeats what he hears, but also what he sees.
Silver Bells and Mistletoe by Anna St. Clair
Lady Susan Winslow wants love and a Christmastide wedding. But when her father betroths her to a stranger—she rebels.
Lord Grayson Harding signs a secret betrothal to his childhood love, before realizing first, he must woo her.
Lady Susan’s brother is being murdered. Will they save her brother but lose a chance at happiness?
Stealing a Rogue’s Kiss by Amanda Mariel
Determined not to grow old alone, Daphne takes fate into her own hands. Marcus made her a promise years ago, and she’s ready for him to make good on it. One passionate kiss. How could either of them have guessed where one stolen moment would lead?
Bedded under the Christmastide Moon by Christina McKnight
When two best friends agree to a marriage of convenience, neither admits they’ve always harbored a secret desire for the other–until one night under the Christmastide moon, when passion consumes them.
A Winter Wish-By Nadine Millard
Mariah and Brandon are forced to endure each other’s company when a snowstorm traps them in the same house.
They argue, they bang heads and they drive each other insane.
But something precious is blooming beneath the surface of all that ice. Something neither looks for but both need.
On a Midnight clear by Sandra SooKoo
Christmastide 1814 takes a fateful turn when Major Cecil Stapleton returns from hospital and finds his cottage in the country already occupied by the lover he left behind six years before. As shared memories collide with budding romance, he and Olivia will need to work through painful truths and personal expectations in order to grasp the love they both desperately need.
Miss pageant’s Christmas proposal by Tabetha Waite
Miss Emary Pageant can have any man in London, but the one she wants thinks she’s nothing but a simpering debutante. She has to gain his attention, so she approaches him with a wager…
Donovan Wainwright, Duke of Windwood, is a physically and emotionally battle-scared war hero. He knows his duty to his title like he knew his duty to his country, but that doesn’t mean he’s going to marry some vain, empty-headed woman.
It isn’t until Emary approaches him with a rather shocking proposal that he takes a closer look.
more
A box set with nine historical romances. Well written and with well described characters. They are all enjoyable to read and has chemistry and passion.
Lady It’s Cold Outside is an anthology of holiday romances by 9 of the most popular authors. Favorite on is by Annabelle Anders.
Maid Under The Mistletoe by Annabelle Anders
Maid Under the Mistletoe is a wonderful Regency romp. Eliza Drake is the vicar’s daughter turned maid who makes hilarious quips about her employer under her breath. I found myself laughing out loud throughout this story. Anthony Crespin, Earl of Mapleton must wed quickly and is about to propose to Miss Fairchild. But his head is turned by the beautiful and intelligent Eliza Drake – Miss Fairchild’s companion. Why would an Earl even look twice at a simple maid? I loved the story. I couldn’t put it down.
This will keep you warm.
An excellent historical novella collection perfect for reading by a fire over the holidays.
I particularly enjoyed Amanda
Mariel’s contribution.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a great collection of regency Christmas Romance with several well known and loved authors. Well written enjoyable reading with wonderful characters and just enough spice to keep things heated.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Maid Under the Mistletoe: As the daughter of a vicar, Eliza Drake is having a difficult time adjusting to being a lady’s maid, but since her father’s untimely death she has no other choice. Anthony, the Earl of Mapleton, is having just as much difficulty in his courtship of Eliza’s mistress, especially given his attraction to Eliza herself.
I was unsure about watching the hero actively court someone other than the heroine, but there were some lovely grand romantic gestures here and it was a sweet, enjoyable read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Maid Under the Mistletoe by Annabelle Anders…
Such a delightful story that takes place at Christmas time when miracles can and do happen:) I thoroughly enjoyed Eliza and Anthony’s story and as always, this author knows how to write ’em!!
Eliza, a vicar’s daughter, finds herself having to work as a lady’s maid and no matter how hard she tries to be a good one, she’s always finding herself in trouble. She’s in even bigger trouble when she meets Anthony, The Earl of Mapleton, who is there to propose to her mistress! It’s instant attraction between them but he really needs to marry a lady with a large dowry while she’s just a lady’s maid. When everything comes to a head, the magic of Christmas comes along to help them out!!
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This is a collection of 9 books by 9 different authors. Some of these authors I have read before, some it has been awhile since I have read them, and some are brand new authors to me. – This is the beauty of a collection of stories. At this time, I have only read 3 of the stories so I will review them.
Maid Under the Mistletoe by Annabelle Anders is about Anthony, who is an Earl and Eliza who is a maid. Anthony was courting a woman who Eliza was her Lady’s Maid. Eliza was a Vicar’s daughter but when her father died, she had to go out to service and became a Lady’s Maid. As soon as Anthony saw Eliza he was intrigued, and almost felt like she was not a servant. Annabelle Anders wrote a nice story with a Happily Ever After, and I really enjoyed it.
Stealing a Rogue’s Kiss by Amanda Mariel is such a sweet love story about Daphne and Marcus, it will have you smiling. I really like Marcus and how he accepted Daphne. I always enjoy reading Amanda Mariel stories.
Bedded Under the Christmastide Moon by Christina McKnight is a sad-serious story of Millie and Brigham who knew each other since they were little. They married so Millie and her sick mother would not be homeless. They never had a true marriage, but this Christmas season Millie wants to change this. I believe this is the first book I have read by Christina McKnight and I also enjoyed this story.
In ‘Lady it’s Cold Outside’ Nine talented authors have reunited to offer us their heartwarming and romantic stories, with a touch of Holiday, at their best! I can’t wait to read them all. For the moment, I have read Nadine Millard’s touching story ‘A Winter Wish’ and Amanda Mariel’s Stealing a Rogue’s Kiss.
Nadine Millard NEVER disappoints me! Romantic! Touching! 5 stars
Ms. Millard is one of my favorite authors! Her words flow on the pages. They either make me giggle or shed a tear. ‘A Winter Wish’ is a real page-turner! Her characters Mariah and Brandon are endearing! Mariah is sweet, bold and outspoken but soooo endearing! Brandon is a dark, tender and mysterious man! The heroine is a smart young woman who helps her father in his apothecary shop, so when someone asks her to check and catalogue all the books at Greywood Manor, before the new owners arrive, she is a willing participant. One of her dream is coming true, because she is passionate about books. On her first day at Greywood Manor, there is a case of mistaken identity. The scene is hilarious, I couldn’t stop giggling! As soon as Mariah meets Brandon, she is infatuated by him. An intense moment sends sparks everywhere! Oh my, what just happened? However, they also drove each other mad, but love is still in the air for Mariah and Brandon. Spending so much time together, Brandon will share his darkest secret with Mariah. She’ll love him more. Their new friendship will evolve to a loving relationship where their dreams will come true! I love the happy ending!
Stealing a Rogue’s Kiss by Amanda Mariel 4.5 stars
Sweet and romantic! Stealing a Rogue’s Kiss by Amanda Mariel is a charming novella! Will Daphne’s dream to marry come true during Christmas time ? When Daphne was young she already had decided to marry her childhood friend Marcus. The heroine will do anything to make of dream come true even if Marcus iss is stolen. This short novella is so romantic!
Lady It’s Cold Outside Anthology
Release date 11/18/2019
Publisher Brook Ridge Press
Maid Under the Mistletoe
Annabelle Anders
https://www.facebook.com/HappyWritingGirl/
Blurb :
Eliza Drake is failing miserably at her duties as a lady’s maid. The Earl of Mapleton is failing miserably at wooing Eliza’s mistress. Perhaps they can fail together… aided by the magic of the season and some harmless mistletoe.
My review :
Can an Earl in need of founds and Lady’s maid in need of work follow their heart…
Mrs Annabelle Anders has such a talent to describe the bottomless despair of the soul when people knows they are not at the right place with the right person at the right moment.
If the prologue was sweet and funny, as soon as the matter of the heart is engaged, it becomes a harrowing plea about impossible love because of society’s rank.
But it is also a magnificent supplication about the power of love and the strength it gives to those willing to surrender to it.
Definitely a must read.
5 stars
Mistletoe, Whisky, and a Rogue
Jane Charles
https://www.facebook.com/JaneCharlesAuthor/
Blurb :
One gossiping parrot, a few sips of whisky, and mistletoe could seal one’s fate.
If Ethan Copeland had it his way, he’d be back in New Orleans and not stuck in England. However, one encounter with Miss Fanella Grant, a lass with a taste for whiskey and adventure, could change everything—especially when a parrot not only repeats what he hears, but also what he sees.
My review :
RTC
A Winter Wish
Nadine Millard.
https://www.facebook.com/nadinemillardauthor/
Blurb:
Mariah and Brandon are forced to endure each other’s company when a snowstorm traps them in the same house.
They argue, they bang heads and they drive each other insane.
But something precious is blooming beneath the surface of all that ice. Something neither looks for but both need.
My review :
When lust moved to something deeper …
I confess I am not a fan of insta-lust stories, and here, it is how the main characters began their relationship, instantly drawn to one another.
At time, I wondered why were they so attracted to one another.
But slowly it morphed to a man having lost all hopes and dreams finding light in a woman he was persuaded was not for him.
When she has meet a man who challenge her intelligence and cleverness by also shaking her certitudes.
A sweet read about moving forward in the name of love.
4 stars.
Miss pageant’s Christmas proposal
Tabetha Waite.
https://www.facebook.com/TotallyTabetha/
Blurb :
Miss Emary Pageant can have any man in London, but the one she wants thinks she’s nothing but a simpering debutante. She has to gain his attention, so she approaches him with a wager…
Donovan Wainwright, Duke of Windwood, is a physically and emotionally battle-scared war hero. He knows his duty to his title like he knew his duty to his country, but that doesn’t mean he’s going to marry some vain, empty-headed woman.
It isn’t until Emary approaches him with a rather shocking proposal that he takes a closer look.
My review :
Can they have a future when their relationship is based on a deceit…
It is not often I do read a story with a heroine so determined at being a success in the marriage mart. She was painted as the usual nemesis of the poor awkward wallflower often set as the classic historical romance heroine.
At first I did not like her, not a true dislike but more like wondering what determined her up at being a heroine, she, such a scheming and conceited girl!
So full of herself that she imagines by her simple appearance, everyone will fan themselves over her presence.
So when her very first meeting with the so coveted Duke does not go as she anticipated, she requires to a quite outrageous ploy.
It is certain, she is not the most engaging heroine, which in fact made her more real, she is so imperfect, she is perfect. Like would be a young miss with a country upbringing losing her head in the twirling of the London’s pomp. For once, I read the story of a calculating Miss as everyone of her steps are figured out, and she is no monster just someone whom embraces society’s expectations and wants to do the best with them.
She is even blind to the idea of failure. Yet it is this same self-delusion that gives her the strength to believe she can actually achieve her goal.
The Duke is the classical wounded hero, persuaded he can’t be love for who he is. Why he dismissed Emary as a debutante of no interest, she is one among the plethora of misses seeking for his name.
Which is true, too.
Why I was quite astonished when he fell for her trick without a second thought, and soon became enraptured by her charms. I understand Emary’s plot but the duke to engage in it …
I would have liked to see them interacting more, to witness when their relationship switched to something other than a husband’s hunt.
3.75 stars
I was granted an advance copy, I also preordered my own.
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272830/photos/a.450536738868836/479289339326909?type=3&sfns=mo
I read Maid under the Mistletoe by Annabelle Anders
Eliza Drake’s father passed away earlier than predicted and so she is now relegated to being a servant. Eliza is outspoken, intelligent, beautiful, and clearly was not raised to be a servant. In her fourth position, due to her demeanor, she is the new maid to Lady Felicity. Lady Felicity is a snob and practically betrothed to Anthony Crespin, the Earl of Mapleton. He is in need of a wife who can fill his coffers. Because of recent fires in his village he has spent a lot of his money in order to rebuild the town and its businesses.
Anthony and Eliza have a bond from the beginning. He sees her for the woman she is and not the servant. I enjoyed this book. I thought it witty and romantic. It was also nice to see life from the servant’s point of view. I received an ARC of this book and chose to post a review.
Maid Under the Mistletoe by Annabelle Anders 5 stars
This is such a sweet and magical Christmas time story! These two were clearly meant to be together even though they come from very different backgrounds. Everyone can see what’s between them, but Christmas magic will make sure they are together.
Eliza is strong-willed and sharp-tongued and not meant to be a Lady’s maid. She has a way of knowing the perfect gifts for anyone and speaks her mind.
Anthony puts others first and that’s why he needs a wife with a dowry. He couldn’t stay away from Eliza no matter how hard he tried.
A Gypsy’s Christmas Kiss by Dawn Brower 4 stars
This one is kinda a whirlwind romance in a way. They met when she told him he would have to choose a path one day and neither one forgot that meeting. Then a surprising chance encounter reignites the spark between them and they quickly realize their love for each other. They come from different worlds in some ways, but they are meant to be with each other.
Lulia is a woman that had taken care of herself for years, but she does have a secret that will change how some see her. I loved her right away because of how she was with people and seemed to float between to worlds. She anchors Fin and helps him realize what path he should take.
Fin has avoided choosing his path for years and meeting Lulia again will force him to decide. He is an impulsive man at times, but that makes you love him because he doesn’t hide his feelings. I loved that nothing was going to stand in his way when it came to her.
Copy provided for an honest and voluntary review
I received an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
I LOVE Annabelle Anders, and as her book opened this collection, I was ecstatic! Her characters are always enjoyable, her plots witty and a bit quirky, and her dialogue is never trite.
That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed all of the other stories as well! Each story was an original…a parrot with a bad habit of repeating everything he hears; a wager against love; frenemies to lovers…the list goes on! Some of my favorite authors (Tabetha Waite, Nadine Miller) were included, as well as some I was not as familiar with. The joy of purchasing a collection like this is that you get to sample writers that you may not have met before, and then add them to your collection of favorites! A definite “want to read” for all lovers of historical romance!