Unwrapping a Guest Review by Connie Fischer of INVITATION TO A CORNISH CHRISTMAS by Marguerite Kaye and Bronwyn Scott

Greetings my darling readers, I know I’ve been remiss in providing you reviews of good reads this past year and I apologize. Life has a hold on me which does not allow me much reading time. I have tried to make up for that by publishing my own good reads for you and I hope you’ve given them a try. So to make up for my neglect, I will be offering up guest reviews for you enjoy. I hope to be back reviewing for you soon but in the meantime, I hope you’ll enjoy my dear friend, Connie Fischer’s reviews to guide you to good reads. Enjoy and Happy Reading!

I present to you a guest review of INVITATION TO A CORNISH CHRISTMAS by Marguerite Kaye and Bronwyn Scott, published October 1, 2019.

Blurb for INVITATION TO A CORNISH CHRISTMAS:

Welcome to a Regency Christmas…

…in these two festive short stories!

Captain Treeve Penhaligon must return to Cornwall when he inherits his family’s grand estate. But could his meeting with Emily Faulkner on the wild beaches be even more life changing? Find out in Marguerite Kaye’s The Captain’s Christmas Proposal. Then, discover what happens when Treeve invites composer Cador Kitto to complete the celebrations, and Cade clashes with local girl Rosenwyn Treleven in Unwrapping His Festive Temptation by Bronwyn Scott…

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Connie’s Review:

The Captain’s Christmas Proposal by Marguerite Kaye

Porth Karrek, Cornwall - November 1822

Emily Faulkner, 32, lives in a rented cottage on the estates of Karrek House located near the cliffs overlooking the Cornish sea. She earns her living as a silversmith.

One day, Emily meets a man on the usually deserted beach who introduces himself as Captain Treeve Penhaligon, 36. She realizes he is the brother of a local man who had been lost at sea. Now, he has inherited the Karrek estates. They enjoy a walk along the beach and a nice chat.

Treeve has spent his life in the navy and knows that the locals are wondering what changes he may make. However, he tells Emily that he plans to leave things as they are and will return to sea sometime later. But she reminds him that he should marry and provide an heir. The more they talk, the closer they feel to one another.

Emily has come to Cornwall to escape London and Andrew Mcfarlane who had betrayed her callously and broke her heart. She needed to get away.

The annual Christmas celebration is coming up and the townspeople except Treeve to do all of the social functions that have always been a tradition.

As Treeve and Emily enjoy their walks and their conversations, they realize they are falling in love. But Emily’s shocking confession may end their relationship. Is there any way for them to be together?

This is a sweet story that introduces the reader to Cornwall, its topography, people, names, food, and customs. I congratulate Marguerite Kaye for her obvious in-depth research in writing this novel.

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Unwrapping His Festive Temptation by Bronwyn Scott

Porth Karrek, Cornwall - December 1822

Cador (Cade) Kitto is back in Porth Karrek, but he truly would be happier elsewhere. He has been invited by Captain Penhaligon to compose a Christmas Eve cantata, even though he does not like Christmas.

Rosewyn Treleven is taken with Cade’s looks, but knows to keep her distance. Her father has invited him to Sunday dinner along with several wealthy and titled men of the area. With six daughters to marry off, he hopes to find someone eligible for them. But Cade does not have the funds to support a wife.

As Cade and Rosewyn chat and both show their piano talents, she can’t help but be irritated by him. She had been hurt by a man in London and now she is leery of men.

Rosewyn calls upon Cade to offer her help with his cantata which he accepts. He has been unsure of what he wants to create. They spend some time on the beach talking and observing the townfolk and soon he realizes exactly what the cantata should be - something to emulate the town and the coast itself. Spending time together and confiding their pasts with one another sparks an attraction. Having grown up in Porth Karrek and raised by a heavy-handed, God-fearing father, he is sure he does not want to stay. But Rosewyn sees how his talents could help the community. If only she could persuade him to stay.

This is a very good story that delves into the pain and loss that some children experience and how it affects their lives. I really understood Cade’s feelings about Christmas as I also sat at the death bed of my mother at Christmas. It’s scarring and can take years to overcome. Well done, Bronwyn Scott. Your sensitivity and understanding of Cade is amazing.

Copy provided by the authors in exchange for a fair and honest review.

INVITATION TO A CORNISH CHRISTMAS by Marguerite Kaye and Bronwyn Scott, Harlequin Historical, available now in ebook and print at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobobooks. 

Unwrapping a Guest Review by Connie Fischer of the anthology, SEDUCTION ON A SNOWY NIGHT, featuring stories by Madeline Hunter, Sabrina Jeffries, and Mary Jo Putney

Greetings my darling readers, I know I’ve been remiss in providing you reviews of good reads this past year and I apologize. Life has a hold on me which does not allow me much reading time. I have tried to make up for that by publishing my own good reads for you and I hope you’ve given them a try. So to make up for my neglect, I will be offering up guest reviews for you enjoy. I hope to be back reviewing for you soon but in the meantime, I hope you’ll enjoy my dear friend, Connie Fischer’s reviews to guide you to good reads. Enjoy and Happy Reading!

I present to you a guest review of SEDUCTION ON A SNOWY NIGHT, an anthology featuring stories by Madeline Hunter, Sabrina Jeffries, and Mary Jo Putney, published September 24, 2019.

Blurbs for SEDUCTION ON A SNOWY NIGHT:

This winter, steal away with the reigning queens of Regency Romance...plus one or two dukes, one heiress, and one headstrong beauty—to a surprise snow storm, the comfort of a blazing fire, and the heat of a lover's kisses...

A CHRISTMAS ABDUCTION by Madeline Hunter

Caroline Dunham has a bone to pick with notorious rake Baron Thornhill—and a creative plan to insure his undivided attention. Yet once in close quarters, she finds herself beholden to their smoldering connection.

A PERFECT MATCH by Sabrina Jeffries

Whisked away from a wintry ball by a commanding colonel, Cassandra Isles struggles with her feelings for Lord Heywood. For he is a man sworn to marry only for money—and Cass is an heiress who will accept nothing less than love.

ONE WICKED WINTER’S NIGHT by Mary Jo Putney

Dressed as a veiled princess, Lady Diana Lawrence is shocked to discover that the mysterious corsair who tempts her away from the costume ball is the duke she once loved and lost. Now ensconced with Castleton at a remote lodge, will she surrender to the passion still burning hotly between them?

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Connie’s Review:

“A Christmas Abduction” by Madeline Hunter

Adam Prescott, Baron Thornhill, 27, is riding atop a stagecoach heading to his cousin’s home for a week. While waiting at a coaching inn for a change of horses, he is abducted at gunpoint by a woman named Caroline (Dunham) and a man named Jason. They take him to a nice home that he recognizes as Crestview Park. The place is a struggling horse farm. Caroline accuses Adam of seducing and impregnating her sister which he vehemently denies. When her sister arrives she admits that she lied and the father is a married man.

Adam is impressed with how hard Caroline is working to keep the horse farm going and steps in to help. Spending time together, of course, sparks an attraction. Can there be a future for them?

I just didn’t care for this story. For Adam to allow himself to remain “captive” by this group made no sense at all. I’m sure he felt sorry for her but I can’t see him dropping his plans and hanging around.


“A Perfect Match” by Sabrina Jeffries

Yorkshire - December 1808

Welbourne Manor is the venue for a Christmas ball. Miss Cassandra (Cass) Isles, 22, is attending the ball and is sweltering with the number of people. She needs some fresh air. However, she tries to make sure that Captain Lionel Malet is not trying to find her cousin, Katherine (Kitty) Nickman, 18. As the youngest son of a viscount, Malet should be a catch, but he has repulsed Cass. In addition, Kitty has a very nice dowry that he would like to get his hands on. Both Kitty and Cass are heiresses.

While taking some air on the terrace and looking for Kitty, Cass encounters a man who introduces himself as Colonel Lord Heywood Wolfe who is bringing a message from Kitty’s brother, Douglas. It appears that Captain Malet truly is after marrying Kitty and plans to abduct her and take her to Gretna Green. So, Lord Heywood rescues both Cass and Kitty by taking them in his carriage and explains that he is saving Kitty from Malet. Haywood is in need of marrying an heiress himself. Even though he is more physically drawn to Cass, he knows he must marry an heiress which Cass says she is not. He takes them to the home of his mother where they are preparing for Christmas and he finds himself falling in love with Cass. Will they be able to find a future together?

This is a pretty good story. Cass loves Kitty, is very protective of her, and does not want someone to take advantage of her. She does feel something for Heywood but is still afraid that someone may take advantage of her. I liked his family and the way they all welcomed the two young ladies into their homes and their lives.

“Winter Night” by Mary Jo Putney

Bombay India - Summer 1816

Lady Diana Lawrence, is enjoying the cool of early morning. Today, she is missing her England she left 7 years ago. She has just received a letter from her niece, Lady Aurora (Rory) Lawrence Vance. Rory has married a man who had spent years at sea and is now settling on an estate in England. Rory’s letter to her aunt Diana has asked her to return to England and live with her. She is expecting and wants to name the baby after her. Diana can sell her books of travel she has written over the years.

London - December 1816

Back in London, Diana is happy to be with Rory and her family. Diana is only 30-years-old. They are discussing hosting a masked ball for Christmas.

Anthony Raines, the fifth Duke of Castleton, has declared that he has no interest in attending the masked ball. However, his sisters, Julia and Athena, convince him to go. That night, Diana and Rory do a special Indian dance that the attendees love. Afterward, Anthony asks Diana to dance and when they remove their masks, they recognize one another. They had had a flirtation before and when he proposed, Diana fled to India. She was 5 years older than he was and he was not of legal age. His father threatened her if she stayed. Now, the family is urging him to court her. Is there a future for them after all these years?

This is a good story that I certainly enjoyed. I didn’t mention the part about the interesting cats. This was a big draw as I love cats!

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

SEDUCTION ON A SNOWY NIGHT, an anthology by Madeline Hunter, Sabrina Jeffries, and Mary Jo Putney, Kensington Books, available now in ebook, print, and audio at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobobooks. 

Unwrapping a Guest Review by Connie Fischer of the Regency Christmas Collection, ALL HEARTS COME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS, featuring stories by Sarah M. Eden, Anita Stansfield, Esther Hatch, and Joanna Barker

Greetings my darling readers, I know I’ve been remiss in providing you reviews of good reads this past year and I apologize. Life has a hold on me which does not allow me much reading time. I have tried to make up for that in publishing my own good reads for you and I hope you’ve given them a try. So to make up for my neglect, I will be offering up guest reviews for you enjoy. I hope to be back reviewing for you soon but in the meantime, I hope you’ll enjoy my dear friend, Connie Fischer’s reviews to guide you to good reads. Enjoy and Happy Reading!

I present to you a guest review of ALL HEARTS COME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS, a Regency Christmas Collection featuring stories by Sarah M. Eden, Anita Stansfield, Esther Hatch, and Joanna Barker, published September 1, 2019.

Blurbs for ALL HEARTS COME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS:

Christmas at Falstone Castle by Sarah M. Eden

The Dowager Duchess of Kielder eagerly anticipates spending Christmas with her son and his family. Though their relationship has been strained, the duchess is determined to heal the chasm. Even with the help of the widowed local vicar, her plan will take a Christmas miracle. But during this magical season, anything is possible . . . even two second chances for love.

The Heart of Christmas by Anita Stansfield

When a chance meeting brings together a gentle seamstress and a widowed banker, each lonely soul finds a first hint of hope. As their lives become entwined, it will take Christmas spirit to guide a broken family to love and healing.

’Tis the Season to Be Daring by Esther Hatch

Elizabeth Davenport has had quite enough of the London Season. Determined to evade a parade of unsuitable suitors, she seeks help from the one gentleman who has no regard for Society’s rules. All of Society knows Lord Hawthorne is not interested in marriage, yet he cannot deny Miss Davenport’s unique charm. And as the Christmas season works its magic, their charade begins to feel less like playacting and more like love.

The Christmas Dress by Joanna Barker

Seamstress Nell Addington is thrilled when her childhood friend Jacob Hammond commissions a dress for his sister. But when Nell realizes her feelings for Jacob run far deeper than friendship, an unexpected snowstorm—and some holiday cheer—may convince them both that love is worth fighting for.

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Connie’s Review:

Christmas at Falstone Castle - Sarah M. Eden

Falstone Castle, Northumberland - 1785

Adam Boyce was just 7-years-old when his father died and he became the Duke of Kielder. His mother had been around most of his life and is packing to leave again. He had loved his father and they had been close. Adam is conscious of some scars on his face, but is assured by his nurse that he is not ugly.

Newcastle - 1816

Harriet Boyce, the dowager Duchess of Kielder, is thinking over her life. When she married her husband, it had been an arranged match. It has now been 30 years since she left Falstone Castle and her son, Adam. She regrets not seeing him since then. Adam is married and the father of 3-year-old, Oliver. Adam’s wife is Persephone and they are expecting another baby soon. Harriet wants to be there with them and show Adam the love she has not given him before. Adam is known to be gruff and has a temper, but his wife is kind and well liked.

Roswell Duncan is the vicar of Falstone parish. The vicar is surprised to learn that the Dowager is coming for Christmas. It has been a long time since he has seen her. The Duchess invites the vicar to stay at the castle for Christmas as he is a calming influence on Adam who is also known as the Dangerous Duke.

After she arrives at Falstone, Harriet decides to orchestrate a Christmas party for Persephone’s family. The party is a success and everyone is happy to be together. Harriet and the vicar have so much in common and an attraction sparks between them. When Persephone gives birth to a healthy baby girl on Christmas day, the family is so very happy. Could Harriet find a new love and new happiness with her son, Adam, his family, and the vicar?

I found this story to be heartbreaking, yet healing at the same time. The shame Harriet must feel for leaving her son all that time must be horrendous. She certainly has a lot of making up to do. Hopefully, she will find new happiness and forgiveness in her life. I really like Persephone because she has love and kindness in boundless amounts.

“The Heart at Christmas” - Anita Stansfield

London - 1820

Adelaide (Addie) Moore is hurrying to open the dressmakers shop where she works. Her employer, Miss Glade, has given her room and board in exchange for doing basic sewing for the woman.

A man walks in the shop asking her to sew a button on his coat. He introduces himself as Theodore (Theo) Hardwicke and he works at the local bank. Addie learns that he is a widower. As they chat, he offers her a job caring for his 9-year-old daughter, Becky, while keeping the house running. She will also be caring for his ailing aunt, Marla. She happily accepts the job and dives into running the house and catching up on some much-needed cleaning. She even enlists Becky’s help with setting the table and keeping her own room clean and neat.

But Addie sees that Theo, Becky, and Marla are all sad and she enlists Becky’s help again to find ways to make them all happy. When Theo’s wife died a few days after Becky’s birth just at Christmas, none of them have wanted to celebrate Christmas. So Addie finds ways to get them interested in doing so and they all find excitement in Christmas again. Will Addie and Theo find an attraction to one another and they all become a family?

A sweet Christmas story to show how while some people shun Christmas if it brings back memories, it can be overcome and joy can be returned to this special day.

“Tis the Season to be Daring” - Esther Hatch

London - 1814

Elizabeth Davenport, age 18, is being pressured to make a good impression on Lord Fagerlund who is said to be looking for a wife. Even though he is over age 40, he is a baron. With five daughters to marry off, her mother has become quite skilled in pinning down men to notice her daughters.

Unimpressed by Lord Fagerlund, Elizabeth manages to escape her mother’s hold and hurries to visit her friend, Fanny. There they discuss ways of getting out of the season. They also discuss Lord Hawthorne, an earl, who has a reputation for being a rake. Bravely, she marches to the man asking his help to be with her for a few days so that her mother will stop making her attend the balls. He agrees.

As they spend time together and he introduces her to his family, she realizes that he is the man she has waited for. They share a good sense of humor and before long, find themselves falling in love.

I liked this story and the characters of Elizabeth and Lord Hawthorne make the perfect couple.

“Christmas Dress” - Joanna Barker

Yorkshire - 1816

Nell Addington, age 23, working as a seamstress, is on her way to Oakhurst Park to meet with Mr. Jacob Hammond and his sister, Alice, age 17. Nell is the daughter of a vicar who passed away several years ago. Nell must work to help support her mother. Jacob’s father has recently passed away, thus necessitating his return from London. As the family is just out of mourning, Jacob wants Alice to have a whole new wardrobe. Having lost her mother early in life, Alice had lived with her cold and unloving father. Alice remembers Nell’s kindness to her when she was a child as she endeavored to put a smile on the young girl’s face.

Nell learns that Christmas has never been celebrated in the Hammond home due to her father’s tyranny. Now, Nell is encouraging her to change that. Nell suggests that Alice get a red silk gown for Christmas and Nell will happily make it for her. She agrees. Jacob is pleased that Nell and Alice have had such a nice meeting today.

When Nell comes to take more measurements, she gets caught in a snowstorm and must stay at Oakhurst Park for a couple of days for the roads to clear. There, they all get to know one another better. When Nell returns to work, her mean boss tells her to finish the dress quickly. Just as she is about to leave for Oakhurst to deliver the dress, she is delayed by a woman who has eyes for Jacob and Nell is unable to attend the Christmas Eve dinner as planned. Will there be a chance for Nell and Jacob to have a life together?

I loved this story and found it fun and thoughtful. Joanna Barker has quickly become a favorite author of mine.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

ALL HEARTS COME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS, a Regency Christmas Collection featuring stories by Sarah M. Eden, Anita Stansfield, Esther Hatch, and Joanna Barker, Covenant Communications, available now in ebook, print, and audio at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobobooks. 

Release Day Blitz for SEVEN NIGHTS OF SIN by Sabrina York with stories by Maggi Anderson, Lynne Connolly, Eliza Lloyd, Suzi Love, Hildie McQueen & Victoria Vane

SEVEN NIGHTS OF SIN

Seven Sensuous Stories by

Bestselling Historical Romance Authors

Sabrina York ~ Maggi Andersen

Lynne Connolly

Eliza Lloyd ~ Suzi Love

Hildie McQueen ~ Victoria Vane 

 One night, one tryst can change everything...

Seven Sensuous stories by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Sabrina York, with bestselling and award-winning authors

Maggi Andersen, Lynne Connolly, Eliza Lloyd, Suzi Love,

Hildie McQueen, and Victoria Vane.

Enter a world of passion and mystery where dashing heroes, and dauntless heroines come together in a scorching conflagration that will tip your world on its end.

Available now for only 99¢!

Amazon | iBooks | B&N | Kobo

LUSCIOUS by SABRINA YORK

When Deveny Hargrove rescues a waif in a rainstorm in the middle of nowhere, he has no idea that she represents his long-awaited chance at vengeance. When she offers him her virginity—in an attempt to escape an unwanted society marriage—he has to agree. To his surprise, very little of his motivation stems from punishing her brother.

The fact is, Matilda Paddington represents his chance at revenge...or redemption…but his choice could destroy them both.

ONE SCANDALOUS NIGHT by MAGGI ANDERSEN  

Can one night with a rake be enough for a lifetime?

Miss Bella Lacey desires to accomplish two things before settling into an unfulfilling marriage to the man her father has chosen. First, she intends to inveigle a goodly amount of money for her orphans from a man of means, and second, to have one night of passion to help her endure the dreary years ahead.

When Derrick, Lord Eaglestone, a wealthy viscount with a scandalous reputation, agrees to donate to Miss Lacey’s charity, he has only seduction in mind. Little does he suspect that Miss Lacey has already chosen him to debauch her before she weds another. The lady has virtually fallen into his lap, but much to his annoyance, he finds himself reluctant to oblige her.

THE DEVIL YOU KNOW by VICTORIA VANE  

When dealing with the Devil, it's easy to get burned…

Who can find a virtuous woman…

Beautiful, respectable, and dutiful, Lady Diana Palmerston-Wriothesley has long resigned herself to her twelve-year loveless and childless marriage to a feckless husband…until his gambling pushes them to the brink of financial ruin.

Sometimes the devil is disguised as a gentleman…

Viscount Ludovic, "The Devil” DeVere is accustomed to taking what he wants heedless of the cost, until he encounters a woman who won't be had at any price.

She found heaven in the devil’s arms... When Diana discovers a secret that shatters the carefully built façade concealing her private pain, she seeks aid and comfort from the most unlikely place…the devil's arms. But will a single night of heavenly passion damn them both forever?

UNDER A SILVER MOON by HILDIE MCQUEEN

The shadows of the past fall over Silver City, Idaho casting its darkness over a man and a woman attempting to start anew.

When US Marshal Lucas McKade and new deputy of Silver City decided to settle down, he didn't consider how his presence could bring complications to the townspeople of his new home. Against every instinct he seeks out apothecary owner Camille Johnston, a woman who calls to his basic nature to protect and to make his.

Camille Johnston knows that eventually the secrets of her past will come to haunt, yet she hopes to keep things hidden as long as possible and enjoy her lonely but peaceful existence in Silver City. The new deputy brings with him desires she'd thought firmly shut away. A relationship of any kind comes with very dangerous consequences.

A story of Lucas and Camille, who attempt to leave a past behind only to find true happiness, comes when they face it.

MY DEAR MR. FORRESTER by ELIZA LLOYD

He can't resist a woman in trouble. Will he ever learn?

Joshua Forrester is a man of the world, returning to London after receiving a wound in a Parisian duel. He's done it again - out to save all womankind. When will he ever learn not all women want to be saved? In London, he is reacquainted with a family friend and now widow, Char Dunlevee. He is charmed - and appalled. He knows her secret and is furious his friend, Char’s now dead husband, could have left her in such circumstances. He can save her, if she will only say yes to his proposal.

Char has other plans. Joshua would make a perfect husband—for one of her sisters. She doesn’t need to be saved. Seduced perhaps…? With one kiss, Char forgets her plans as she is drawn closer to the enigmatic and dear Mr. Forrester.

WHAT HE WANTS by LYNNE CONNOLLY

Love hides in unexpected places...

London businesswoman Annie Cathcart can’t bring herself to enter into another business arrangement masquerading as marriage. When her current landlord demands her hand in exchange for her continued use of the property, there is only one answer—she must find another house. Upon inquiring after a property owned by the dashing Earl of Carbrooke, the last thing she expects is an indecent proposal. Forced to choose, should she risk everything she’s worked so hard for and trust a man she hardly knows —or sink back into her lackluster life?

Upon unexpectedly inheriting the Earldom of Carbrooke, Gerald Dersingham fears his carefree days are behind him—until a sensuous widow inquires after his former residence. Unable to resist the temptation to have one last liaison before settling down with the lovely but boring Lady Elizabeth, he offers her one night of passion in return for the lease, little knowing how explosive and far reaching the consequences will be....

PLEASURE HOUSE BALL by SUZI LOVE

Love revealed at a courtesan’s ball.

Brenton, Lord Mallory, attends his first courtesan’s ball in ten years to appease his concerned friends, though he’d rather stay home and read to his motherless daughters. To protect his friend, Lady Lillian Armstrong, Brenton hides her in a wardrobe, but his resistance, and years of self-imposed celibacy, shatters when her soft curves press against him.

Though mortified that Brenton unmasked her at the scandalous ball, Lillian doesn’t regret their night together. But will the object of her girlish adoration still treat her as his best friend’s little sister, or will he now see her as a mature and willing woman?

 You are also cordially invited to join these fabulous

authors and their fans at

the Facebook Release Party on March 16^th!

Unwrapping a Review of ONCE UPON A TRUE LOVE'S KISS, an Anthology

ONCE UPON A TRUE LOVE’S KISS

An Anthology

by Julie Johnstone, Katherine Bone,

Collette Cameron, Jillian Chantal,

Samantha Grace, Alanna Lucas,

Lauren Smith, and Victoria Vane

Releasing January 4, 2016

A delightful limited edition anthology containing eight tantalizing kiss-and-tell stories…

Meet dashing, wildly charming rogues, spies, pirates, rakes and their extraordinary, intrepid heroines as they whisk you along on sweet to sizzling romantic romps in these wickedly entertaining historical romances.

AFTER FOREVER by Julie Johnstone

Widowed Lady Julianna Barrows never wants to fall in love again. But when the notorious former boxer Nash Overton hires her to transform him into a gentleman, Julianna quickly becomes the student, learning more about passion than she’s ever known, and more importantly, learning how to love again.

***This is a delightful story that definitely sets the tone for the anthology. Julianna grieves so greatly for her late husband that she becomes adamant about never falling in love again or entertaining the idea of remarriage but things change when she meets Nash who exudes a great capacity for love. His love for his daughter demonstrates his big heart. Julianna soon learns that love is possible even when the pain of a loss is as great as what she feels for her husband. Nash takes it slow, and eventually wins her heart.

Good characters, a well-developed story line, especially for a novella, and it felt complete. I really liked this one. I’ve found myself a new author I enjoy reading, and look forward to more of Julie Johnstone’s work.

THE PIRATE’S DUCHESS by Katherine Bone

Duty forces him to take on the pirate code, but honor brings him back.

Prudence, Duchess of Blackmoor, has one desire—to be happy again. After struggling to overcome the horrifying death of her husband, she accepts an earl’s offer of marriage, confident she’s taking a step in the right direction. But demons, refuse to die, and Prudence finds herself caught in an intricate web of deceit that threatens the very foundations of all she holds dear.

Tobias, the Duke of Blackmoor, crosses the line when an assassination attempt on him fails. To restore the reputations of friends under attack by the same villain, and ensure his wife’s safety, he stages his own death, becoming The Black Regent, a notorious pirate bent on brandishing justice, never thinking he’d survive. But to his amazement, he has, and now the darkest-kept secrets are not worth losing the duchess his wife has become.

***Katherine Bone is great at giving you the best in pirate stories. With her usual flair, Katherine gives us excitement, intrigue, and romance. Prudence is about to marry when Tobias, her late husband, suddenly returns interrupting the wedding. Having pretended to be dead for 2 years to keep his wife safe from the man who wanted him dead, he’s been sailing the high seas as a pirate. Whereas the premise of this novella was good, I think it would have played out better had it been given more time and length to make it reconcile better. It just seemed to be missing too much to make it work well.

HER SCANDALOUS WISH by Collette Cameron

A marriage offer obligated by duty . . . an acceptance compelled by desperation.

Philomena Pomfrett is resigned to spinsterhood, but to ease her dying brother’s fretting, she reluctantly agrees to attend a London Season with one purpose—to acquire a husband. Stumbling upon her hiding in a secluded garden arbor during a ball, Bradford, Viscount Kingsley doesn’t recognize his first love, yet something about the mysterious woman enthralls him, and he steals a passionate, moonlit kiss.

Caught in the act by Philomena’s brother, Bradford is issued an ultimatum—a duel or marry Philomena. He offers marriage, but even impoverished and with no other decent prospects, she rejects his half-hearted proposal until her brother collapses. Now, Philomena’s faced with marrying a man who deserted her once already.

***A second chance at love romance…believing his first love, Philomena died in a fire, Bradford prefers to stay away from England but must soon return after inheriting the Viscount title. Meanwhile, Philomena who didn’t die in the fire, which claimed her parents, believes Bradford left her because of her burn injuries. Not comfortable in social gatherings, she hides in the garden rather than partake in the ball she's attending. Not recognizing her, Bradford encounters her and the rest is the HEA when her brother discovers them kissing, although it doesn't go too smoothly.

I like the idea of this story but felt it was rushed. This is a case where a truly sweet romance novella needs to be extended into a full-length novel.

MILADY AND HER SPY by Jillian Chantel

A lady, a spy, a traitor… a battle of wills.

Raised in the country after her mother’s death with only the company of three unruly brothers, Lady Augusta Covington is more proficient at fencing, riding and playing cards than being prim and proper. Myles Cuthbert, a spy in His Majesty’s service on a mission to find and expose a traitor, crosses paths with Lady Augusta when she rides to the aid of her brother, believing him to be injured. With the assignment at risk, Cuthbert agrees to accept the assistance of the troublesome lady eager for intrigue.

As they move forward, his sense of obligation to her and the danger involved stir his soul.

***This is a good regency spy story. Augusta is rather a tomboy having grown up with three brothers. When she hears her brother may be in trouble, she rushes to the rescue and stumbles into a mission to catch a spy. Myles, her brother’s commander, isn’t too happy about Augusta’s involvement but has no choice but to allow her assistance. Yet another story with such great potential, which I would love to see fulfilling its complexities and allowing growth in the characters in a full-length novel.

KISSED BY A SCOTTISH ROGUE by Samantha Grace

His Mother Insists He Needs a Wife.

Fergus McTaggart, Aldmist Fell’s land steward, has no time for wife hunting. Any day his employer's sisters will be arriving at the Scottish castle for a long overdue reunion. Fergus is determined to make their stay memorable, but all anyone is likely to recall are the loud rows between him and his employer’s cheeky paid companion.

She Insists He Needs a Good Knock to the Head.

Edith Gallagher has been charged with watching over her employer’s youngest sister while the family winters in Scotland, but the stubborn land steward interferes at every turn. Eventually, she and the Scot call a truce for the sisters’ sakes only to discover their passionate battles are masking hidden desires.

***Fergus and Edith battle at every turn. As land steward, Fergus has no time for romance but when he meets Edith, sparks fly. Oh at first, it’s a battle of wills, arguments at every turn, and unruly confrontations but when they call a truce for the sake of the sisters, they come to think of each other in a way that neither expects. This one might be my favorite in the anthology. I enjoyed watching Fergus and Edith get to know each other, and fall in love. I’d very much love to read more from this series.

STOLEN KISSES FROM THE VISCOUNT by Alanna Lucas

Desperate times call for drastic measures as Miss Aveline Redgrave enters her third season. Fearful of fortune hunters, she attempts to stay clear of Lord Leybourne, a rogue who is not to be trusted. But his seductive smile and enticing kisses awaken a passion that threatens her common sense. No stranger to scandal, Leybourne is determined to save his family from ruin whatever the cost, even marrying an heiress he doesn’t love. But an unexpected desire and need to protect threatens his plans. Will past heartaches and a devastating wager destroy their future or will true love’s kiss triumph?

***Still unmarried as she faces her third season, Aveline fears the attentions of fortune hunters but knows she must marry or face her uncle choosing for her. She does her best to stay away from those least desirable as husbands, especially Lord Leybourne who needs desperately to marry an heiress if he is to save his family from ruin. When both make lists of suitable candidates, they soon discover they are probably best suited for each other. They set about trying to make things work despite interfering friends and gossiping ton. I liked this story, the characters were strong and the plot very plausible. I’d like to read more from Alanna. She’s a new author for me and I’m looking forward to reading more from her.

TEMPTED BY A ROGUE by Lauren Smith

Gemma never planned on falling in love with her childhood sweetheart’s best friend, Jasper, when he returns home, but she can’t resist the naval officer’s brooding charm.

Gemma plans to marry James, her childhood sweetheart. With every letter written between them while he's been off at sea, their love has grown. Now they will be reunited with his return to England. But the man whose words she'd fallen in love with isn’t James...

Jasper, a gentleman rogue of the first order, is trapped. Talked into a scheme by his friend, he pretended to be James for eleven years while writing to Gemma. He’s promised James he’d break it off. But when he returns home, his secret will come out – and he’ll lose the one woman he can’t live without.

***Sometimes, when I start reading a story I can sense right away that the plot is trying to be far more complicated than it needs to be. This is one of those. When it becomes obvious too fast that a simple conversation could sort out the trouble, it’s difficult for me to keep reading but I do, always in the hope that things will get more exciting.

James has been away at sea for eleven years, during which time he, and Gemma write to each other diligently every month, only…it isn’t James writing to Gemma but instead, Jasper, James’s best friend. Gemma plans to marry James as soon as he returns for she’s fallen even further in love with him through his letters. Jasper has come to love Gemma but now feels trapped because he can’t tell Gemma the truth. I can’t help but think when I read a story like this…the truth is the simplest solution and it will set you free. It was okay but it could’ve been much better with its Cyrano de Bergerac start.

THE REDEMPTION OF JULIAN PRICE by Victoria Vane

She gave him a chance to bury his past… but the price would be his heart…

Burdened by the past…Orphaned at a young age and left to run wild, at eighteen Julian Price joins the fight against Napoleon in the hope of attaining honor. Devastated when his best friend, Thomas, is killed in battle, Julian returns home burdened with guilt, only to find his wastrel uncle has squandered his inheritance.

Desperate to live her own life… Facing a future of drudgery caring for her aging mother and raising her brother’s children, Henrietta Houghton believes her chance at a real life died with Thomas, the only man who ever wanted her. But Henrietta is still full of dreams. When her wealthy aunt, offers her a gift of ten thousand pounds, Henrietta finally has the chance to choose her own destiny.

Everything has a price...With a fortune at her command, Henrietta offers Julian a marriage of convenience, unaware that she really offers Julian a means of salvation—not just his fortune, but his very soul.

***A longtime fan of Victoria Vane’s historical romances, this one was a good friends to lovers story but not necessarily her best. I’m so used to her rich characters that I felt Julian and Henrietta fell kind of flat. Perhaps if the story had been longer, their development could have been greater. It had its moments though, and Henrietta’s naughty aunt made it all worth reading.

Julian returns from war to discover his uncle has lost his fortune and he is destitute. He plans to sell everything in hopes of clearing his debt, and then return to Portugal to work as a mercenary since his only skill seems to be in killing. Henrietta feels lost. She’s unmarried whereas all her siblings are, but she has no desire to spend her life as an unpaid nanny to her nieces and nephews. When her scandalously naughty great aunt endows her with a large dowry, she decides she has the means to help her childhood friend, Julian and give herself the gift of relative freedom. She proposes to him and they plan a marriage of convenience…of course, we all know how that will go. This story truly had great potential and although I would love to have seen it expanded further, I enjoyed reading it.

This one is well worth the spending 99¢ on...I highly recommend it. 
Happy Reading Everyone!

ONCE UPON A TRUE LOVE’S KISS, an anthology, releasing January 4, 2016, available in ebook formats at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobobooks.

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