Anna MarklandReseñas

A Duke in Winter
A Historical Romance Collection

Ten novella length historical romances by ten authors gives the reader the chance to read authors already or yet to be read for the first time. With half of the stories read so far, I eagerly look forward to reading the rest after I post this review.

As with any collection of stories, some will appeal more than others and yet at least one or more will no doubt be just what you needed to read in that moment that you sit down to do so. You can see how others live, what motivates them, how your life differs from theirs, try on a character or two to see if any are ones you could play the part of, and perhaps meet an author that will see you looking for their work again.

Emily Royal’s THE TAMING OF THE DUKE has a side bet instigated that sees a fake courting become real but not without a bit of drama. A spinster will meet her match and so will the duke that begins a fake courtship with her.

Anna St. Claire’s’ ONCE UPON A WINTER’S TALE is a bit darker tale of a love left behind with fear the motivating force but driven also by the desire of one man for an heir.

Sandra sookoo’s MUCH ADO ABOUT A STORME sees the matriarch of the Storme family, now widowed, finding a second chance at love.

Elizabeth Keysian’s THE TEMPESTUOUS DUKE is almost Gothic in feel with a young woman washed ashore after a capsizing faced with two brothers that are at odds with one another due to what happened in the past. A Talking parrot, wonderful canine, and a mystery to solve are only part of the story.

Caroline Warfield’s THE SIXTH HENRY might have been my favorite with a bit of a Capulet’s and Montagues feuding families feel to it but…this couple lands in a better situation than poor Romeo and Juliet. This story made me think about how difficult it would be to step into the shoes of a Duke without having training to do so.

Did I enjoy the stories I read – yes
Will I read the authors again in the future – yes

Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4 – 5 stars½

I really like holiday anthologies, so when I had the opportunity to read this one free through NetGalley I was quite pleased. **These are my *uninfluenced* personal thoughts and opinions nonetheless.**

Each story was inspired by a Christmas tale (A Christmas Carol, Die Hard, It's a Wonderful Life, etc.) which I thought was a fun notion. Some are very apparent which story inspired it, and others were unrecognizable to me. Which was totally fine. This is a very long review, but with over 20 stories, there's a lot to talk about. Other reviews list plot summaries, so I'm just going to share my opinions of their quality and my enjoyment from them.

*Side note* Often holiday novellas pick up the thread of a side character in a series, and that can be an additional fun thing about them, but I hadn't read *any* of these series before, and ended up feeling kinda out of the loop with several of them. Bunches of characters and events were referenced, like they carried some significance that I should recognize and take joy in, but none of them actually did, because I wasn't already familiar with their prior context. Some stories seemed like they were trying to name drop every previously introduced character in the series, and that might be fun for the people who've already read their stories, to see them all gathered together, but they were just long lists of names and relationships to me. It felt like a missed opportunity really. The fans who have already read an author's entire series would likely seek out their holiday addition anyway, so it seems like the best advantage of an anthologie would be to get your work in front of *new* readers who might then seek out more of your work and become new fans. I'm not at all opposed to reading a short story about characters whom others already know and I don't, but the actual *appeal* of the story shouldn't rely very heavily on that prior familiarity.

My star rating is generally
⭐️ - a story that had quite a bit that I disliked, and I looked forward to it being over.
⭐️⭐️ - a weak story or a 'fine' one with some significant flaws, but otherwise ok rather than dire.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - an enjoyable but ultimately sort of average story.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - an overall well crafted story that held my interest and I'm pleased to have read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - a great story that engaged and entertained me, and I'll likely seek out more like it.

I'll also note that short stories take a slightly different skill set than full length novels, so just because a short story might be a dud, it doesn't mean that the rest of that author's work will be.

Kathryn Le Veque - 'Twas the Executioner Knight Before Christmas
There was some sweetness to the little interactions of this family, but overall it felt quite shallow. Plus I didn't care for the "lesson learned". It felt oversimplified to the point of feeling a bit insulting and solidly sexist. The father tells his young daughters stories with violence in them because it entertains them and it's what he knows (apparently having been an executioner previously). Fine. Including one where the three wise men were sent not to bring gifts, but to assassinate baby Jesus, but were ultimately defeated by angels. Fine. Then he dreams that his daughters have become child assassins who defeat multiple family friends when they stand in the way of their infant target, (potentially the christ child I suppose). He amends his ways upon waking by correcting the previous version of the tale and never telling them any violent stories ever again. _ (It seems like they could have just as easily been on the side of the angels (who had been cast as just protectors and were the winners of the fight after all) and in that case it wouldn't have been all that horrifying after all). But maybe he wants to shield his children so that they might have a more peaceful life? No. It specifically mentions that he tells all his future *sons* those stories, and somehow they avoid becoming baby-killing child assassins! and instead all grow up to be famed and noble knights! *side eye* Not impressed at all, ⭐️.

Caroline Lee - The Laird's Yulebringer
This one especially seemed like a third of the story was taken up by listing a whole family tree of relationships, plus acquaintances. Another rather large chunk was filled with his inner musings on 'will he or won't he' find any future happiness after a recent loss. (spoiler!, lol, he will!). And then he was so ridiculously slow to catch onto the foretold signs, that I just couldn't even. ⭐️.

Chasity Bowlin - Making Spirits Bright
I like that these two are older, everyone deserves a couple shots at a happily ever after. Even besides the ghost though (which is a large part), this didn't feel very believable, (not everyone cares about that though). There just wasn't much else that grabbed me. The love came out of nowhere, and the heroine was a bit daft. ⭐️.

Hildie McQueen - The Haunted Scot
This was a second-chance story about a couple who had already been married for several years, which I like, those stories aren't told as often. And I liked it even better that their relationship had just worn thin over time, rather than crashed over some huge rift-causing event. That feels very believable. The author also did a good job of helping me to feel like all the characters' lives had already been going on and I was just dropping in at this point. The world felt lived in and bigger than this one little part. Characters who likely star in the other books in the series cameoed, but contributed to the story beyond their mere presence. I wasn't wowed, but I would consider reading more from this series. ⭐️⭐️⭐️.

Maggi Andersen - Never Keep a Secret at Christmas
This felt very simplistic, and seemed like it was missing some of the details that might keep it from seeming so 'cookie cutter'. Insta-love, which can work sometimes, but was just 'okay' here. ⭐️⭐️.

Mary Lancaster - Her Star from the East
This one was simple but had some nice moments, an interracial/interfaith couple, and some cuteness. ⭐️⭐️⭐️.

Meara Platt - The Remembrance of Love
This was sweet and cheering. I liked the sympathetic backstory of the hero, and the irrepressible warm-heartedness of the young heroine. I think they were fairly believable in their responses, and well suited to each other. The side characters were personable as well (excluding the baddies of course). ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.

Violetta Rand - How to get an Earl for Christmas
I didn't hate this, there just wasn't much for me to work with. It felt fairytale-like, in sort of an unappealing way. She didn't end up being a secret princess, but it was kinda in that realm. No struggle, no growth, hardly even any getting to know the characters or watching them fall in love! So you're just left with a small bit of fluff. Almost like what you might come up with to amuse a little girl wanting a bedtime story. I kind of wanted to give this two stars because there wasn't anything I really hated- but there wasn't really anything I particularly liked either. So on some sort of scale ranging from -5 to 5, this just remained at 0. Ultimately ⭐️.

Alexa Aston - Yuletide at Gillingham
This one was different because it follows a married couple already in love, and jumps forward in time many years as well. Some of the dialogue was a little staid, but there were some sweet moments. ⭐️⭐️⭐️.

Anna Markland - A Thrill of Hope
This had some nice aspects and details that I found interesting, but also had a corny quality that kept me from really enjoying it. A couple things felt like too modern of notions as well, which is a little annoying, but overall I'm fairly forgiving of that. ⭐️⭐️⭐️.

Anna St. Claire - A Gift for Agatha
This one is pretty closely based on A Christmas Carol, which is a favorite of mine. But this version was a disappointment to me. A good chunk of the plot was already inherited from Dickens, so I would expect the other aspects of the story to show a little more effort perhaps, but they felt a bit lacking. In fact, a lot of it could have been edited out entirely and it would have hardly changed the outcome. Multiple times something was explained to the reader in the thoughts of one character and then that character would turn around and explain the exact same thing to another character. So those parts were not only superfluous, but redundant. The hero wasn't all that fleshed out, and I didn't care very much for the heroine. And the romance seemed rushed and almost like an afterthought. ⭐️.

Aubrey Wynne - The Heart is Never Silent
This was written pretty well and was enjoyable. It has quite a bit of lingo from the time, which can be an interesting addition, but it didn't quite come off naturally. It felt like they were included just because they could be, rather than because they fit well, and it reminded me of an older person trying to toss around slang in front of young folks. It's not *wrong*... but it can distract from the message. ⭐️⭐️⭐️.

Charlotte Wren - Of Christmas Past
This is a spin on It's a Wonderful Life, which is another favorite Christmas tale (with a bit of The Prodigal Son thrown in). And it was well done as a holiday historical, and even made me tear up a little. One thing it didn't have much of though was romance. The parents of the protagonist I suppose? There really isn't much time spent on their relationship though, so that was a little bit disappointing. I didn't like the young man all that much, but I was still pleased when things got better for him. And I would consider reading more by this author. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.

Elizabeth Ellen Carter - Tidings of Comfort
This was a sweet little story, with likable characters. Though again, not very much romance at all. It had warm feelings though and felt Christmasy. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.

Elizabeth Johns - A Christmas Miracle
This was a lovely little second chance romance, with likable, well developed characters and a world that felt lived in. Romance, Christmas, warm feelings, nice side characters, good all around. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.

Elizabeth Keysian - Her Christmas White Knight
This one was an English Elizabethan tale, which is a different time and place than the HR I usually read. There were some highly unlikely, though I suppose not *impossible* reactions of a goose in the story. lol. (This could just be the most tolerant, trusting goose in the world, but- those are not the words I typically think of when I think of geese! =D) But overall there were lots of historic, realistic details which I quite enjoy. It inspired me to look up some things and I learned about them. And I liked the second chance romance and the cast of characters. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.

Emily E K Murdoch - Always the Mistletoe
This was pretty good. It pulled off the passion in a few kisses more successfully than many short stories. I know clergy with carnal thoughts really grabs some people. And I liked all the characters well enough. ⭐️⭐️⭐️.

Emily Royal - A Libertine's Christmas Miracle
This seemed like it would be a particularly nice addition to its series, seeing three young married couples gathering together at Christmas. It did a nice job of introducing them in case you weren't already familiar with their series (I wasn't), but focused primarily on one of the couples, (which allowed a story to develop rather than just constantly be flitting from couple to couple never really getting anywhere with any of them). It was also nice to see a happy marriage, and that the drama came from outside the relationship for a change. It hinted at their backstories rather than entirely summarizing them, and it actually made me a little curious how each couple met and fell in love. So while this short story was somewhere between 'fine' and 'good' for me, it did keep my interest and even intrigued me. So, all told, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.

Lynne Connolly - Past, Present, Future
This felt extra believable to me, despite the class difference. The world felt lived-in as well, and I liked both leads quite a bit. I would consider reading more from this series. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.

Maeve Greyson - A Yuletide Yearning
This was another take on A Christmas Carol. A Pirate version. I think it was going for humor, but it just felt kind of silly. I didn't really like the hero that much, and I hardly got to know the heroine at all. Disappointed. ⭐️.

Whitney Blake - A Strange Christmas Game
This seemed to have a couple gaps that weren't entirely explained, but otherwise it was fine. It wasn't really a winner for me, but the writing seemed pretty good, so I would consider reading something else from this author. ⭐️⭐️⭐️.

It was a mixed bag really, but honestly most anthologies are to some extent. This collection has a higher than average percentage of stories with ghosts and magical dreams and things. It's not necessarily where my mind goes when I think of Christmas, but I suppose it brings a whimsical quality to the holiday spirit. And, there is definitely precedence for Christmas magic, fate, angels, etc. Also it seemed to have more stories with sudden love at first sight / whirlwind romances than most short story collections. It is just hard to build a believable, meaningful romance that starts from square one, in so very few pages. The second chance ones are able to come in already part way there to an extent. So on average I thought the ones without the ghosts, etc. and 'blink and they're suddenly deeply in love' tended to be a little stronger, but that's partly just personal preference.

This was an excellent collection of short(er) Gothic love tales. Each one was about eight chapters, longer than a short story, but shorter than a typical novella. Many featured ghosts, but other supernatural creatures made appearances as well. My top five favorites were:

The Others of Ochil, by Mary Lancaster

Into the Night, by Chasity Bowlin

The Haunted Hart, by Emily Royal

The Dauntless Boy, by Whitney Blake

Moonstone Landing, by Meara Platt


Other stand-outs for me:

Percy’s Perdition, by Aubrey Wynne

Grey Lady of the Manor, by Elizabeth Keysian

Rohaise the Red of Delgatie Castle, by Heather McCollum

White Lady Lost, by Maggi Andersen

The Bridge to Love, by Alexa Aston

Haunted Knight, by Elizabeth Johns

Blind Faith, by Anna Markland

Once Upon a Haunted Heart, by Anna St. Clair

Cute, sweet, funny, and/or moving…there is something in this huge book for every romance fan, I’m sure :).

I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an advance reader copy of this story.

An interesting anthology of spooky stories by 20 authors. Each story is about the length of a novella. A few are new plots and many are a take on old stories like Edgar Allen Poe or even Cinderella. It took me quite some time to make it through the entire book. As usual there are some stories I didn't care for and some that worth the read.

Upon A Midnight Dreary: A Halloween Anthology

The perfect way to read favorite historical romance authors and meet new ones. I have seen many of these names in the past but realized, while looking through the list of authors, that I have only read a few of these authors’ work. I have read four of the twenty stories and each one was interesting and well written. I am looking forward to reading one or two per night until Halloween.

The stories span the centuries, are wonderfully told, had paranormal disturbances of the nice and not so nice ghost type, and all that I read made me want to read more.

Rohaise the Red of Delgatie Castle by Heather McCollum was scary for more than one reason. Glad I didn’t read IT before I went to sleep because that ghost was a nightmare in the making though the romance between Abigail and Kerrick was a delight!

Nevernmore by Kathryn Le Veque was first up in the anthology but second that I read. The evil abbess was someone I really didn’t like but I was thrilled with the romance between the night and his lady.

Blind Faith by Anna Markland was a sweet story with a ghostly presence that encouraged the blind soldier and the new housekeeper that came to his home. Liked this story quite a bit though not necessarily as scary as some of the others.

Into the Night by Chastity Bowlin had a mail order marriage with the couple meeting at an Inn only to have a rather horror filled night to contend with. This one was scary but in a different way that the first two.

I am eager to read the other books in this anthology and have told my sister that we might need it for our ereaders so we can revisit the stories again…or at least I can. Maybe I should have my daughter buy them for me as a Christmas gift? Hm…

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by the authors in this anthology? Definitely

Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for the ARC – this is my honest review.

5 Stars

Halloween Treat!

A feast of gothic type historical tales with a romantic twist by a host of our favorite authors. From Medieval times to Regency. All centered around British tales from places where the paranormal is no surprise. Here’s a few I enjoyed.

“Nevermore” by Kathryn Le Veque. This is a medieval romance. The scene is near Whitby Abbey in 1295. A religious order ruled by an intractable, brutally righteous Mother Abbess.
Atreus de Norville a young knight has fallen in love with Mariana Prendwick de Allerston daughter of a noble house, banished to the Abbey for her involvement with a servant. Knight and postulant have met and fallen in love. But at the Abbey, Mariana is threatened, punished and abused by the Abbess to drive the demons of wildness out of her. Will Mariana and Artreus’ love survive?
“Into the night” by Chasity Bowlin
This set the hairs standing straight up on the back of my neck. A young woman and her intended (and how that came to pass is fascinating!) find themselves in an inn with a malevolent spirit.
“The Others of Ochil” by Mary Lancaster
A young woman who can talk to ghosts helps a Scottish Earl.
Moonstone Landing by Meara Platt
Love across the divide. Gorgeously gentle.

For those who wish to explore the divide when the veil is thin, it’s well worth the read!

A Dragonblade ARC via NetGalley

It is a well written book but i did find it a little confusing at times, who was in what position, etc.
The characters are well developed and the author help you sympathize that the hero and heroine are or could be on opposite sides of political efforts.

Twelve Days of Christmas in a Highlander's Arms: a Yuletide collection of Medieval historical romances by various, very talented storytellers.

'Discover an embroidered partridge fuelling revenge, two turtle doves sealing an ill-fated match, a feathery Yuletide tale, the betrothal of a reluctant songbird, five golden rings forged in forbidden love, a pet goose who represents a second chance, a swan taking flight, a dairymaid with murder on her mind, nine ladies dancing in the moonlight, a duty-bound laird and a wayward lady, a beautiful piper, and a ghostly drummer playing matchmaker."

A complication of fabulous storytelling, using the theme
"12 days of Christmas " song. WOW! What awesome stories told through the voices of various talented author. A sweet, witty, sometimes dangerous, stories. Medieval Scottish Romance fans, are sure to delight in reading these amazing stories! All of these stories are novellas, easy to read, steady paced and romances that will warm your heart with all the Yuletide magic...

****

My thoughts.....

Brenna's Yuletide Song - by Cathy MacRae is a short read,and written with as complete Scottish Romance.
Fun, hilarious at times, a bit of danger, lots of twists and beautifully written. A heartwarming, tale of love set against a Medieval Scottish background. With, intrigue, adventure and a bit of yuletide magic. An absolute delight to read!

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Loving Her Highland Enemy - by Samantha Holt is a delightful story. Enemy- to- lovers tale with an obsession for revenge, depicted in this passion filled tale. Enjoyable and satisfying read.

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Highland Dove - by Elizabeth Rose is yet an another Yuletide magic tale of an imprisoned Scott, due to betrayal. Can he escape the English prison, to find his everlasting love.

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The Kitchen Maid’s Tale - by Hildie McQueen is a wonderful tale of a maids' embarrassing tale, riding in the back of a cart, in a cage with, what else, three chickens, how much more mortifying, could things yet. Fabulous tale....

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Ringing in Yule - by Sky Purington Is a tale of a forbidden love. Can Tessa and Tavish find their HEA before it's too late. An exciting, enjoyable read.

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Highlander's Christmas - by Mariah Stone is an exciting tale of a goose, a secret child, and HEA, if they don't get killed first. A second chance romance that brings Yuletide magic.

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Highland Swan - by Anna Markland is an intriguing tale of a doctor, Dr. Pendray, who must choose between saving his patients' life, which could cost him the woman he loves. A holiday tale. Enjoyable and satisfying read!

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The Lady's Guide to a Highlander's Heart - by Emmanuelle de Maupassant is an interesting tale of revenge, and Yuletide magic. Well done!

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The Laird's Midnight Dancer - by Ashe Barker is a tale of Yuletide magic involving a bewitching dancer, moonlight and a sacred stone circle. What an exciting tale!

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An Angel at the Highland Court - by Celeste Barclay is a steamy, exciting Christmas tale of innocence, experience, and mistakes. Can fire and ice find each other and their HEA? Great read!

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The Piper - by Lily Baldwin is a tale of a tragic past, a wounded Laird and a beautiful piper, whose music soothes the battle- weary laird. Will they find their forever HEA, and mend their tragic past to find a future at Yuletide.

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Scot Under the Mistletoe by Caroline Lee is a hilarious romp during Yuletide, to find a second-chance romance. A ghostly drummer, whose not a ghost. A mysterious little plant, and a chance at a HEA. Well written and well excuted. Steady paced. A heartwarming story!

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WOW! Complete stories featuring, the 12 days of Christmas theme. Each story is written by a talented author, in their own writing style. An absolute delight to read! Pick up a copy of this endearing, Yuletide collection of Medieval historical romances set against a Scottish background, you will be delighted you did.

Rating: 5
Heat rating: Sweet to mild
Reviewer: AprilR

**** SPOILER ALERT ****
To quote The History Guy from YouTube "Don't all great stories involve pirates?". Well these sixteen intrepid authors think so..
The editor of this anthology is to be commended for their expertise in "herding the cats...err, authors" in getting this volume put together.
Every one of the authors did a fantastic job of crafting each of their worlds and developing their characters. I've shared a thought or two about each entry below. I recommend this book highly.

In "The Captive Vixen" Farmer draws the reader in quickly with a twist. The pirate is a gentleman.
I look forward to reading more of the author's work.

In "The Lady And The Privateer" Bennett superbly balances action, and exposition while weaving a sea story combining pirates, romance and scientific research. I'd like to explore more of Bennett's writing.

In "The Stormswept Stowaway", St. Clair shows that pirates aren't what popular media has taught us that they are.

"Ths Bruce's Angel"... Lee gives us an interesting twist. A lady pirate.

"Marooned" Markland pens a lovely tale of redemption.

In "The Pleasure Of A Pirate" Sande brings back two characters from "Epiphany Of An Explorer". The H.M.S. Molly and Blake Russell, now her captain. Yes, I said two characters and one of them is a ship, as the various iterations of "Star Trek" TV series have shown, a ship can be just as much a character as a human.

In "The Lady's Guide To Escaping Cannibals" De Maupassant wrote an astounding story, with hints of "Indiana Jones". I truly hope the author will consider expanding it into a full length novel.

With "Falcon" Barker has the bones of a good story.

With "The Dark Heart Of The Sea" Barclay delivers a fine sea yarn.

In "Jilted And Kilted" Pride gifts us with a bonnie wee tale.

In "Runaway Duke" Cinders shares a very nice story, I read it twice.

In "Rescued By Passion" Purinton gifts us a story with plenty of twists and turns.

In "An Imperfect Scoundrel" Drake delivers a very twist filled tale. I did NOT see the twist at the end coming.

In "The Spinster's Guide To Piracy And Plunder" Williams shares a great story with a fleet of lady pirates who'd druther be privateers.

In "Pirate's Treasure" Stone tells, very well, a time travelling pirate romance

In "Shieldmaiden" Leigh shows an interesting character trajectory for Mercia/Gunhildr, the titular shieldmaiden of the story.

In the interest of transparency: I was given a review copy of this book and I am voluntarily sharing this review.
It is my own honest opinion.

Vengeance by Anna Markland (The Montbryce Legacy Anniversary Edition), while part of this series, it can be read as a stand alone.
Emotional, intense, poignant tale with danger, love and romance. This is Ronan MacLachlainn, an Irishman and Rhoni de Montbryce who seemss to be a spoiled, rich Anglo-Norman noblewoman, but she is so much more. Their story is filled with strength,
determination, challenges, hope and adventure.
Beautifully and masterfully written with intrigue, and romance. A few twists and turns, honor, integrity and a compelling storyline, will captivate and keep you engrossed in this compelling Historical Romance. A wonderful and beautiful Irish tale. Highly recommended for fans of Historical Romance, powerful characters, intriguing storylines and poignant romance.

Fast paced, well written with well developed characters and an intriguing storyline.
I enjoyed watching these characters grow and find their HEA. Danger, passion, romance, intrigue and suspense bring readers to a satisfying and enjoyable read. Can't wait to read the other two Montbryce siblings stories.
A must read!!

Shona and Ewan, each from clans who’ve been feuding for hundreds of years have met their match. They must marry to mend the animosity between the clans, a bridge to peace.
Luckily, so thinks Ewan, he must only hand-fast the woman for one year and one day and his commitment is over. Who wants to marry the enemy, anyway? Shona isn’t willing to contemplate such a union. She’d just be spoiled goods after all is said and done. Neither want to do their duty.

No one from the MacKinloch clan wants to accompany Ewan to clan MacCarron. The only two who will, are Fynn Macintyre, who is minus one hand, and David, a stammering young man. Lest you forget, men are not, necessarily, what their appearances lead you to expect. Fynn and David are no exception. They lend a lot to the story.

Ewan and Shona come up with a plan. Shona will have her Aunt Jeannie (almost the same age) impersonate her, hoping her lazy-eye (the only flaw she has) will put off her suitor. Ewan decides to have his clansman, older and with a stump on his arm, impersonate him—uh, hoping the same as Shona.

Author Markland’s scene building is marvelous. She keeps me laughing through about half of the book with the silliness of the whole situation. You see, Ewan, is drawn to Shona, who is impersonating her aunt. He wishes life were not so cruel. Mayhap, she could be his leman? Ha!

Shona isn’t at all interested in Fynn, Ewan’s clansman, impersonating Ewan, of course. She’s drawn to the real Ewan. She’s thinking it might be nice to sample the stud before she has to hand-fast with her intended.
The story, at least this part, is hysterically funny. Ewan and Shona are so evenly matched and really perfect for each other. The “Fates had persevered to bring two reluctant soul mates together.”
Something bad has to happen, right? It does! Jeannie’s first husband, Ailig, banned from the MacCarrons’ land has a mission to accomplish. He wants the land and keep for himself. He will attempt anything and with his brother’s access to the keep, he could get away with murder. Shona explains it this way to Ewan.

“Ailig was a snake lying hidden in the grass, waiting to strike. The news ye were coming might have prompted him to act against Kendric sooner, but it’s evident he and his brother have been plotting to usurp the lairdship for a long while. They murdered my father before our betrothal was settled.”

The story turns from silly to horrifying. Ewan, Fynn and David take up the task to scour the keep and eliminate danger. A mangy dog and child do their best to help them.

It was a pleasure reading about Ewan, his growth in filling the shoes of a laird. Fynn, not only is loyal to Ewan, but a big asset in protecting the MacCarron clan. I loved how David became a man to respect and the comradeship which grew between Fynn and him, where none existed before.

An easy-read with plenty of page-turning action, and scenes where I felt the fear pump off the page, made this sweet, sexy, humorous romance the perfect read. Make sure to check out the ‘Historical Footnote’ section found at the end of the story. I suggest you read it first.

The Taking of Ireland by Anna Markland is a great Irish Fantasy Romance.
This is the story of Aislinn, a sorceress, prophecess and a seer, of the Clan Tuatha and bond servant to the High King of Inisfail, Moqorr. A very beautiful lady, under an evil King's spell or is she truly under his spell? Sibrán, the Prince of Galicia, from Coruna, is on a journey to the Fort of Kings, seeking revenge for the death of his uncle and crew, by the High King of Inisfail's hand.

Well written, with enticing characters and a unique storyline set against a Medevial Ireland background. While, at first it took me a bit to adjust to the names, which didn't take me long, it was a captivating tale of good vs evil, myths, legends, magic, the otherworld, ancient Ireland, destiny, passion, vengeance, and love. Will Sibrán and Aislinn be able to defeat Moqorr and find their HEA, save the people of the Fort of Kings or lose all to their fate?
A powerful and captivating look into the Ancient World of Ireland, their fascinating myths and legends and the struggles faced even in ancient times. I enjoyed the H/H, their passion for people, and their desire to find an answer to their delimmas.
Anna Markland has once again proven herself a masterful storyteller and she never disappoints her readers with her power to intrigue and captivate her readers. I enjoyed "The Taking of Ireland" and look forward to the next adventure. A great read for fans of Irish legends, myths, magic and the promise of life and love. Another enjoyable read by Anna Markland! I strongly recommend reading "The Taking of Ireland".

Rating: 4
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR

A beautifully written tale of ole days long since passed. This historical romance with some action, some adventure, some folktales, some magic, a bit of supernatural activity, and a hit at romance. This was a journey and tale of a slave bound by ownership and a prince bound to revenge. Neither expecting to find a life beyond their current directives. Myth, magic, duty, perils, adventure, mistrust, deceit, twist here and a few turns there. This drew you in for sure. If you are into historical romances with some of this and some of that you will find a read in this one. The Taking of Ireland turned in to more than I was hoping and allowing my expectation to grow along the read. I found characters to relate to and some that I could understand their side of things. Open your mind and allow adventure of times gone by to come in and invade your senses.

I've only read Close to Santa's Heart - Suzanne Ferrell's contribution to this boxset. If your a fan of her Westen series you'll love this sweet Christmas romance that features gentle giant Deputy Cleetus Junkins and the woman's he has had a crush on for years.

As the blurb for the boxset doesnt tell you about each story I'm going to put those below. Lots of these stories are Victorian or from the regency time period.

Tartan Bows & Mistletoe by Sandy Blair -

Close to Santa's Heart by Suzanne Ferrell - As Westen’s resident Santa, Deputy Cleetus Junkins brings the magic of Christmas to his beloved home town each year. He oversees lighting the tree in the square and raising the huge mistletoe kissing bough in the gazebo. At the parties he visits with children and the elderly. Amid all this joy even Santa can be lonely. Or he used to be. This year, Cleetus has a helper. Sylvie Gillis came to Westen for a fresh start only to have her heart immediately melted by a shy gentle giant of a deputy. Her childhood was short on happiness but playing elf to Cleetus’ Santa makes her want to believe in Christmas miracles. As Cleetus and Sylvie help bring Christmas joy to the citizens of Westen, the holiday magic weaves its way into their hearts. Will the reason Sylvie left home come between them or can she stay Close To Santa’s Heart?

Upon A Midnight Dream by Kathryn Le Veque - A weary knight returning from King Richard’s crusade, Sir Rennington of Ashbourne comes back to England only to realize he is essentially homeless. His father has died and his elder brother has inherited everything. Unwanted, and nearly destitute, Ren finds his way to Derby Cathedral on a snowy December night to sleep and figure out what he is going to do with his life. As he dozes beneath the boughs of mistletoe, hung for the Christmastide season, he hears the chatter of two women as they plot against their eldest sister. A woman, they say, who lost her betrothed on Richard’s crusade and who has vowed never to wed. Unfortunately, their wealthy father has declared that the eldest daughter, his heiress, must marry before the younger daughters can entertain suits of their own, so the two sisters hatch a scheme to force their sister to dream of the man she is to marry. They pluck berries from the Christmas boughs hung around the cathedral with the sole purpose of sneaking them beneath their eldest sister’s pillow so she will dream of her love. As Ren hears the plot, he hatches one of his own… he will go to the eldest sister and coerce the woman into marrying him. No longer will he be homeless; he will marry a woman of wealth and assume her money. It seems like an excellent scheme but the moment he arrives at Thulston Manor, he realizes he may have gotten himself into a situation that will come back to haunt him. The heiress is not at all as he expected. And so begins the unconventional romance of Sir Rennington of Ashbourne and Lady Holly St. Maur.

Mistletoe and the Major by Anna Campbell - The Major is home from the wars at last…
Edmund Black, Major Lord Canforth, has devoted eight tumultuous years to fighting Napoleon. Finally Europe is at peace, and he can retire to his estates and the lovely wife he hasn’t seen since their brief, unhappy honeymoon. The innocent girl he loved from the first moment he saw her, but who shied away from him on their wedding night. The beautiful woman who greets him at Otway Hall on Christmas Eve is no longer the sweet ingénue he remembers. This new and exciting version of his beloved countess is strong, outspoken, and independent, and she’s willing to stand up for what she wants. The question is—does she want the husband who returns to her arms more as a stranger than a spouse? Now the real battle begins. Felicity, Lady Canforth, has had eight long years to regret that she sent her husband from a cold marriage bed to face brutal combat, danger and hardship. The only child of elderly parents, Felicity came to marriage innocent and ignorant, and unable to conceal her shock at the sensual power of the earl’s caresses. Before she found the nerve to offer Canforth a more generous welcome, he was called away to war. The Major left behind a countess who was a bride, not a wife; a woman unsure of her husband’s feelings, and too timid to confess how fervently she desires the man she wed. Fate has granted an older, wiser Felicity a second chance to win her husband’s heart. Now nothing is going to stop her from claiming victory over the famous war hero. This Christmas, she’ll deploy every ounce of courage, purpose and passion to seize the life and love she’s longed for ever since Canforth left to serve his country. Whatever it costs, whatever it takes, she’ll lure the dashing Major back into her bed, where she means to show him he’s the only man she wants as her lover—and her love. After years of yearning and separation, will a Christmas miracle heal the wounds of the past and offer the earl and his bride a future bright with love?

Hunt for Christmas by Tina deSalvo - Traditions, mistletoe kisses and second chances…
The Cajun Christmas on the Bayou Celebration is an annual event in the remote town of Fa La, Louisiana, nicknamed – Fa La La. It has supported generations of the families who live in the tiny, isolated bayou community. This year may be the last. Thanks to Hunter James who bought the neighboring island, they can no longer use his land for a major part of the celebration. The island is his home where he expects to find much needed peace and quiet. He doesn’t want Christmas lights, music and revelers on his land no matter what Fa La La’s beautiful advocate, Dr. Camille Comeaux, says as she tries to change his mind…and changes his heart. Will Camille fight to steal Hunter’s peace so her family can have theirs?

Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me by Barbara Devlin - A once great love..
Sold into marriage at sixteen, widowed at nineteen, and mired in a scandal of her own making at twenty-two, Lady Moreton has fallen on hard times. Alone, shunned by society, and on the verge of homelessness, she desperately searches for salvation. When Almira receives an intriguing invitation to join one of England’s most respected families for Christmas, she clings to hope, to the possibility of rescue, and packs her best gowns. Two broken hearts... Heir to a tarnished title, Lord Nicholas Sheldon seeks to right the wrongs of his past, after his father is found floating in the Thames, and his younger brother faces trial for kidnapping a high-ranking member of the peerage. In exchange for evidence in support of the Crown’s charges, Nicholas wants only one thing: the beautiful woman who stole his heart, so long ago. Pinning his hopes on a kiss beneath the kissing bough, he enlists the aid of his onetime enemies, journeys to Portsea Island, and risks everything for a chance at happiness.

An Irish Gift by Joan Kayse - Leithprachaun warrior Killian revels in the joy, love, laughter and good craic of life. After all, that’s the treasure he’s been given to protect, the one ingrained within his very soul. But centuries ago, a vengeful Banshee queen cursed his clan and stole all of the vital essences that bind the mortal and Fae worlds. Killian is a warrior, and maintains a façade of good nature and enthusiasm while he battles increasing despair that threatens his soul. He needs an anchor and finds it in an unlikely place. Kathryn Smithfield is just the type of female Killian could see himself bonding with. Kind, gracious, full of spirit…and mortal. A flaw easy to overlook but he’s not so certain he can ignore the attraction she displays to his best friend, Colin Earl of Keshlea. A simple matter to persuade Kathryn of his superior attributes but Killian’s plans are derailed by an attack from dark forces intent on destroying both worlds. With help from his Leithprachaun clan, the enemy is defeated and he turns his attention back to the woman who holds his heart in her hands. But Leithprachaun’s are not the lucky sort. A seer reveals that the key to Killian recovering his treasure lies with the choice Kathryn makes under the Kissing Bough. As the clock strikes midnight, will Killian find the salvation he craves? Only time will tell.

One Knight's Kiss by Catherine Kean - Days before Christmas, Lady Honoria Whitford buys a book at the market to add to her prized collection. Lord Tristan de Champagne, her brother’s best friend who will be spending the holidays with them, is Intrigued by her love of romantic tales but resents how enchanting he finds her, for he’s vowed never to risk his heart again. As Christmas mischief under the Kissing Bough unfolds, so does the secret of the book—one destined to bring great peril but also ever-after love.

Unkissable Knight by Anna Markland - Dervenn de Roure is a hero of the Battle of Hastings, the same conflict that left Victorine de Toeni orphaned and facing poverty. She must marry to survive. Dervenn’s scarred face bears testimony to his sacrifice, but the haughty Victorine cannot overlook the fact he is a Breton, not a Norman. It might take the scheming of an unlikely matchmaker like William the Conqueror to make her see Dervenn is the man she needs.

Christina, A Bride for Christmas by Hildie McQueen

If You Loved Me by Meara Pratt - Adelaide Farthingale’s journey from York to London as Christmas approaches takes an unexpectedly romantic turn when Desmond Cameron, the Marquis of Blackfell rescues her from an overturned carriage. The problem is, she’s on her way to London to meet her intended husband and can’t possibly fall in love with Desmond… can she? Adelaide keeps tucking that darn kissing bough under her pillow in the hope of dreaming of the man she’s supposed to marry, but Desmond keeps popping up in her dreams. Desmond Cameron is in no hurry to marry and he certainly has no intention of marrying Adelaide Farthingale, for as a marquis he can aim far higher than the daughter of a merchant. But Adelaide, neglected by her father and raised in isolation in a lonely abbey north of York, simply tugs at his heart. She’s as hopeful as Desmond is cynical, and so eager to gain her father’s approval, that she’s about to sacrifice her happiness by marrying his business partner. But after a kiss under the mistletoe, Desmond knows Adelaide is the Christmas miracle he’s been yearning for.

Destiny’s Kiss by Elizabeth Rose - Lady Annalyse Granville is the cursed second-born twin, feared by all and said to have been spawned by the devil. Hidden away in an abbey most her life, she now returns to her father’s castle at the request of her very pregnant sister who happens to be the king’s mistress. Things change in Annalyse’s life quickly as soon as one of her father’s guests, a Scot named Ross from Clan Douglas, traps her under the kissing bough – and she receives her first kiss.

Her Vampire Protector by Jordon K. Rose

Dancing Under the Mistletoe by Lana Williams

A Yule to Remember by Jeanne Adams - Welcome to the witchiest town in the world––Haven Harbor, Massachusetts! It’s the merriest of holidays and Yule and Christmas celebrations bring out the mischief and mistletoe. Caught under the kissing bough, Annie Boylston and Reyn Shapleigh are elected the King and Queen of the Yule Ball, and must spend the week in revelry and celebration. Unfortunately, someone in town isn’t so happy about the holidays. An arsonist is trying to disrupt the joyful season, bringing fire and destruction to Haven Harbor. As the fire chief, Reyn is on the front line, using every bit of his training and magick to find the firebug. Annie’s cooking store is one of the arsonist’s targets, as are other thriving businesses in town. As the fire of attraction grows between Reyn and Annie, the arsonist gets bolder. In a race to stop the fires, Reyn and Annie find one another in this hot mistletoe tale!

I wanted to get this review out after just reading one of the 14 novellas. This really is a nice Christmas read including authors I’ve read and others I haven’t. It’s a pleasure to get a bundle like this, all new novellas for $0.99 -- 1,460 pages of entertainment.

I read Kathryn Le Veque’s story first.

During this time of year in 1194, life isn’t easy for those who have not. The story begins with a knight huddled in the corner of Derby’s Cathedral, exhausted. His name, Sir Rennington of Ashbourne. We learn the importance of mistletoe and its berries from two sisters who are desperate to have their sister married off. Their father says they must wait until Holly marries.

Excerpt:
“Look at this!” the woman whispered. “Will this work?”

The other woman nodded. “It has berries on it, she said. “It is not too big. It should work very well, indeed.”

...The first woman nodded. “Then we will put the sprig beneath her pillow so that she will dream of her husband,” she said, making clear the plan. “Once she dreams of him, it will make her more open to the idea of marriage. Of course, she will want to marry if she dreams of her future husband.”

The second woman shook her head. “Or she will dream of her dead love and it will ruin everything,” she said, annoyed. “It is his ghost that stands between her and marrying another. Holly has everything; she is Father’s heiress and she shall inherit his estate when he dies. Father is having a big feast tomorrow in celebration of her day of birth and everyone in the county will be there. She will have men admiring her and people bestowing great presents upon her. How on earth can she be so unhappy with her life?”

******
The knight still hidden in the shadows feels here is an opportunity for him. The following day at the gathering he would trap an heiress. I didn’t much like this knight. After all where was his honor, yet when he met Holly is was very kind with her.

In getting to know her, he sees she is quite the catch. She has an internal beauty and purity of soul. Will this knight’s honor ever kick in? Holly is attracted to the knight as well. Are we headed toward a catastrophic marriage? Or will fate step in, directing events?

I enjoyed the story, the unusual beginning with a knight definitely not up to Le Veque standards. Would he be able to redeem himself?

I love having an opportunity to partake in a smorgasbord. Who doesn’t?

Smorgasbords at weddings are simply divine to eat. You’re able to savor delicacies you seldom have a chance to eat; or delicacies you’ve never tried before, and now will love eating more of any chance you get. But along with them comes the, heaven forbid, dreaded weight gain.

Those of us who are aficionadas of the romance genres love to devour anything and everything thing written by our favorite authors. However, at the same time we’re hesitant at times in buying something written by someone we haven’t read before. This is not because the stories aren’t well written; it’s usually because we might not like that particular author’s style of writing.

This is why I love jumping at an opportunity to read a smorgasbord of multi-genre romance novellas and novelettes written by some of the bestselling authors here in the US and internationally. I love being able to see how these various authors deal with a specific theme, as is the case here. The theme in this LIMITED EDITION, which is a get it while you can situation, is the Kissing Bough, otherwise known as the mistletoe.

What’s more fun than kissing someone under under the mistletoe. It’s kissing them under their nose.[LOL]

But seriously, how many women who haven’t found their HEA yet, each year are looking forward to this holiday season so they can grab their desired hunk and kiss him under the mistletoe, even it means having a friend nearby with a sprig of this mythical bough dangling on a string attached to a stick.

In each of the 15 wonderful stories contained in this collection, the female protagonist is counting on her kissing her guy under the mistletoe before the last berry has been removed. Will each of these women obtain what she desires, or will she be disappointed only to wait until next year for her next opportunity to have the HEA she desires?

With the low price for this collection, how can you go wrong in downloading a copy? This is why I’m not hesitating in giving this collection the 5 STARS it so richly deserves.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this from the Goodreads First Reads program.

Synopsis: This is the second instalment of the historical romance series The Montbryce Legacy, set in the Borderlands of England and Scotland during the 11th Century. Caedmon Woolgar, a warrior caught up in the struggles between the Normans to the South and the Scots in the North must decide where he loyalties lie and when he meets Agneta Kirkthwaite. As his feelings for her grow, he discovers that his knowledge of historical events aren't based on fact which serves to put both their futures in jeopardy.

I really wanted to like this book; it's set in a part of the world with which I am not only familiar but for which I have an affinity. It's a period that is little represented and a location that is rarely used in historical romances; therefore, is ripe for picking. The premise of the story intrigued me and appealed to my knowledge of the politics of the time, but it unfortunately fell short. Less so the story than the way it was told.

I often find that historical romances could be a little shorter, but in this case, I found myself wanting more. More conversation between the protagonist and his lover, his mother and his mates. I wanted more description, more tension, more humour, more, more, more...of just about everything. I found the conversations between the characters stilted and they tended to repeat precisely what was forewarned in the narrative. Then when I got to the scene where Caedmon goes 'fishing' I asked myself, "Why couldn't the rest of the book be like this one"? It had detail, flowing conversation, tension and feeling. It was the flow found in this scene that was lacking in the others. I also found that the best insight into the protagonist's mind was found is in his diary writing when fighting in the Crusades.

Knowing that the author is able to write this way made me wonder if the whole thing wasn't just a bit rushed. I really feel that more of what is found in those two elements would have taken the story to a completely different level.Clearly, the bones are there. The structure is pretty much there too, but the execution was a bit lacking for me. I think it could be a fairly brilliant novel if it was twice as long. More development of the characters and less stilted conversations with a better sense of location and the fundamental push and pull of relationships would do wonders for this story.

While I found Caedmon, his mother, Agneta and some of the characters believable even though we don't get a full picture, I could not say the same of Ram and his immediate family. I just don't see how they all basically accepted Earth-shattering news as if it were asking for the peas to be sent across the table. At one point one of the sons mentions that the situation had him upset, but again, we never ever saw it.

As noted above, I was intrigued by the premise of the larger story of the series, but I get the impression by reading the blurbs about the other books that what occurs in this novel will have little impact on future instalments.