How the Dukes Stole Christmas: A Holiday Romance Anthology

OVERALL: 3.5 stars — Solid anthology, but since I’m not much of a historical romance reader, I kind of didn’t give that last book a chance because I ran out of steam, you know? Also, the narrator was solid. I’d listened to another book by Ms. Eyre and wasn’t as impressed, but maybe I need to listen to her with a British/Scottish/etc accent? MEET ME IN MAYFAIR by Tessa Dare 4 stars — Exactly what I expect from Ms. Dare: a sassy, strong, outspoken heroine; a strange courting situation; a gruff and grumpy hero. I mean, not all her characters are like that, but I do enjoy the stories with the ones who are. I enjoyed the weird way they got to know one another — the building fascination. Even the miscommunication wasn’t horrible, and it made for a very satisfying ending. THE DUKE OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT by Sarah MacLean 3 stars — Honestly, there was a lot I liked about this book…but it was so long and drawn out! It would have been a 4 star book for sure if the author’d condensed at least a third. I was considering DNFing actually — it was just the same back and forth, and apparently I wasn’t in the mood for it. Which is too bad, b/c I genuinely liked Eben and Jacq, and really enjoyed their connection and love for one another, and even the struggle of what kept them apart. But wow, I was done by the midway point. HEIRESS ALONE by Sophie Jordan 4 stars — Oh yeah, this is just the kind of story line that sucks me in. I mean, yeah…Annis was so my kind of girl. I appreciated her quiet spunk, her curiosity, just all of that. I was a bit frustrated on her getting hung up on the biscuits, but ah well. And Calder was a pretty adorable grumpy Duke. I don’t know, it was just fun. CHRISTMAS IN CENTRAL PARK by Joanna Shupe DNF somewhere in the middle of chapter 2 — Honestly, I didn’t give this one much of a chance. I think I ran out of steam, and I just wasn’t that captured by the plot of this one, so I gave up way early.

A wonderful collection of Christmas stories by four of the best authors of historical romance! What more could you ask for? With some magical shortbread the enchantment is amazing! Meet Me in Mayfair by Tessa Dare Louisa is feeling distraught because her home is about to be sold. Attending a ball she meets James, the Duke of Thorndale who owns her home. But he does not know who she is, so she sets her plan in action to entice him and convince him not to sell the house! Loved both of these characters and their attraction came off the pages. I could only smile as I turned the last page! The Duke of Christmas Present by Sarah MacLean A second chance romance, with the road to the HEA long. Eben had loved Jaqueline (Jack) forever it seemed, at least since they were young. But he had become a ruthless, rich man who remembered only one perfect holiday years ago. He wants to drink himself into forgetting the best Christmas from his past with Jack. She had been gone 12 years and on her return, she is determined to help him. A play on A Christmas Carol with memories of past, present and what the future could be. Loved this tale! Heiress Alone by Sophie Jordan Forgotten by her big family at their Scottish estate, Annis is stranded due to the snowstorm. Yes, they left her own her own with just two servants in the house! Worried about the outlaws who have been robbing homes and terrorizing everyone, she is surprised when her elusive neighbor, the Duke comes to take the servants to his home and ends up with her too! Oh yes, the chemistry between the two was strong and it was a fun and entertaining story! Christmas in Central Park by Joanna Shupe I really enjoy Joanna Shupe's stories set in America during the gilded age and this was no exception. Adored socialite advice columnist Mrs Walker, who is suppose to be married, is really Miss Rose Walker, who is anything but domestic. But when her boss, Duke Havermeyer needs her to host an important Christmas dinner to help him keep his position with the board, all her his lies have to come out! But trying to fight the attraction to each other may be more than she can manage! A fun, spirited tale that will put you in the holiday spirit!! As you can see I truly enjoyed each of these stories and they just made my heart smile!