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I am Lover of romance, who indulges in the romantic adventures of literature

My name is Renee, and I am the host of this site. I am a 34 year old woman, on the prowl for her mate, searching out the best of books, exploring the wilds of the imagination and delving into the heart of a beautiful love story.

 

Book Review-What Happens Under The Mistletoe

by | Jan 30, 2016 | Book Reviews | 5 comments

Book Review-What Happens Under The MistletoeWhat Happens Under the Mistletoe by Sabrina Jeffries, Karen Hawkins, Candace Camp, Meredith Duran
Published by Pocket Books on October 27th 2015
Genres: Historical Romance, Regency Era, Holiday Romance
Pages: 400
Format: Paperback
Source: Library
ISBN: 1476786089
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four-stars

New York Times bestselling authors Sabrina Jeffries, Karen Hawkins, and Candace Camp, and USA TODAY bestselling author Meredith Duran come together for a sizzling historical romance holiday anthology.
Stunned by the heat of an unexpected kiss on a cold winter’s eve, two strangers from vastly different worlds turn hotheaded principles into burning passion in Sabrina Jeffries’s delightful yuletide story, "The Heiress and the Hothead".
In the snowy Scottish countryside, Karen Hawkins’s rakish duke has an unforgettable holiday encounter in "Twelve Kisses" when the alluring lady he surprises under the mistletoe is not who he expected, but a long-lost love with a score to settle.
In "By Any Other Name", Edinburgh is aglitter for Christmastime as Candace Camp sends a curious gentleman in hot pursuit of an intriguing lady in disguise—one who refuses to reveal her true identity, though she fears he has already stolen her heart with his kiss.
In "Sweet Ruin", will the festive spirit of the season sweep Meredith Duran’s feisty heroine beneath the mistletoe—and back into the arms of the dashing rogue whose carelessness soiled her reputation and sent her into exile in London?
In this all-new story collection sparkling with sexy charm and heartwarming wit, four beloved bestselling authors reveal the mix-ups and make-ups, the missed chances and golden opportunities that come but once a year.

My Review

Oh boy….why on earth did it take me so long to get this anthology read??!!! Dang was this good, probably one of the best HR anthologies I have read in a long time. Now this anthology, also has four of my favorites when reading regency in historical romance.

In The Heiress and the Hothead by Sabrina Jeffries, we get a look into some characters we saw in the first book of her latest series “Sinful Suitors”. Our hero Stephen, is a younger son and wanted to do something meaningful with his life. He writtes articles against the use of children in factories. His childhood friend was killed in a factory and ever since he has wanted to show how distateful and the crimes that are committed. Our heroine is the owner of a mill factory in America and doesn’t take too kindly to some of his articles. Amanda isn’t like some of the other owners, and she is willing to prove it. Now these two don’t care for each other at first. But man their bantering was lively and energetic. I loved the set up of the story. Stephen shows Amanda some people to prove to her what is really happening. Their chemistry is fabulous….the story sweet, short and utterly charming. This novella made me very excited to read the upcoming book in the series Study of Seduction.

I look to people like you. You’re the ones who give me hope. 

 

In Twelve Kisses to Midnight we have a second chance romance here. Karen Hawkins did such a fabulous job with this story. We have a story of two people who once loved each other, but were seperated through various circumstances. In this story our heroine, Kenna is a widow, and her father is trying to arrange another marriage for her which is the last thing that she wants to have. She meets up with Marcus at a Christmas country house party. Kenna desires something more with Marcus, but Marcus is bitter over the past. When she goes alone in the woods to meet up with her father, Marcus follows her and they end up stuck in a cottage during a storm. Marcus and Kenna rekindle a past love. I really had a jolly good time with this story from beginning to end. It was fabulous to get to know these two more, and we see more of the “Grand Duchess” and Nik too!! She is such a riot and really added great humor to the story. The romance was fun and sexy.

Arguments, difficult times, interference from your father or the world in general—none of it will matter. If I have a question, I’ll come to you. If I need an opinion, I’ll come to you. If I need a woman’s touch or a friend to listen, I come to you. Because you are my soul, my heartbeat, my breath. Without you, there is no reason to live. 

In By Any Other Name  we have Rylla who is trying to find her missing brother. So she sneaks out dressed as a man and is saved by Gregory. Gregory doesn’t understand his attraction to a man in a gambling hell until he learns that the ‘man’ is a woman. He is intrigued and mystified by Rylla. Oh I love this trope so much. When the heroine is dressed as a boy is always entertaining and Candace Camp takes this story to another level. Despite it being a novella, I had so much fun with this story. We see the instant chemistry, but we also see the emotion in their relationship that is vibrant and stronger than ever. I loved seeing them work together in an effort to locate her brother. And we also get a short side love connection between Rylla’s and Gregory’s friends which was so cute to see.

 

In Sweetest Regret  we have another second chance romance. Both were misunderstandings on both parties and not trusting or being honest with each other. This was probably the most heartfelt out of all the books in this anthology. The emotion that was portrayed was so real and bold and I just wanted more of this couple. Both in the beginning, are angry at each other due to lies told to them. Now they are forced to work together, but this is when they learn the truth. And oh boy, this is when they come up fighting for their love. I love a strong couple that will do anything to defend what they have together. It was quite moving at times, and I admired their strength and fortitude especially in the end there!! Well Done Duran! I definitely need to read more of her.

 

Overall a fantastically written anthology that had the charm of the Christmas holiday spirit, witty comebacks, and romances to sweep you off your feet!! ROMANTIC IN EVERY WAY!

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5 Comments

  1. Quinn's Book Nook

    I’m SOOOO glad you loved this anthology! I don’t read a ton of anthologies. If I do I usually just read one or two stories from it.

    Reply
  2. Carole's Random Life

    I do like the sound of this anthology. I love second chance romances and am excited to see that two of the stories in this book fall into that category. Great review!

    Reply
  3. Lexxie

    I’ve only read Jeffries’ story in this anthology so far, Renee, and I enjoyed being back in the universe she’s created with this series as well:) I’m glad the other novellas were good, too! I need to pick this back up.

    Reply
  4. Blodeuedd

    So long until xmas

    Reply
  5. Anna@herding cats&burning soup

    It was one of the more solid anthos I’ve read I think. I’m pretty excited about the next from Jeffries too. Man she’s good 😀

    Reply

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