Christmas Kisses: A Regency Holiday Romance Anthology

Loved the author's included a blurb before their stories!1. THE WALLFLOWER'S CHRISTMAS WISH - 4 STARSBoth H/h we likable character's. This is a different twist on Cinderella story. The h is a talented painter, but doesn't realize her worth until the H commissions her to paint him. Of course, you have the self absorbed stepmother only interested in her own two daughter's. Even though the h brought much to how the H saw himself, and he gave her confidence in her craft, I just didn't believe them as a couple.Clean story - only a few kisses. Other than the H commissioning the h to paint him as a gift for Christmas, no really Christmas theme.No cheating, HEA, liked the uniqueness of the Cinderella story.2. A KISS FROM THE CAPITAN by Samantha Grace - 5 STARSGreat family story with not only family but friends. I enjoyed the mystery of the riddles and I didn't get any correct - lol. The couple both wanted the other, but didn't think they were worthy. The H lost part of his leg fighting in the war and a doctor told him no women would ever want to be his wife.Lovemaking, within marriage - heat level 2 out of 5 if that. I found their story romantic and their love for each other came through.No cheating, HEA, small tad of spice and an epilogue 7 months in the future which was ideal. Not much of Christmas except bringing in the Yule Log and some Mistletoe.3. A ROGUE'S CHRISTMAS KISS by Lana Williams - 5 STARSOh what a story our h has to tell. She loved a neighbor but knew he was destined for more than what their little town has to offer. She breaks it off with him. He of course, think she doesn't care for him and leaves. She leaves home to travel to London to be able to send money home to her family. Her good intentions come with a steep price.The H becomes very successful and takes on some people being a solicitor. There paths cross and our h is fearful he will discover what tragedy happened to her.This is a story of second chances. Her secret is exposed but the H realizes what happened to her wasn't her fault. Oh, I that warmed my heart that he was forgiving.This has more on Christmas - where they both venture to their old home town and bring gifts for their families. The feeling of giving and the season is felt.Lovemaking outside of marriage, heat level 3 out of 5. I felt a connection to them is it was filled with love. No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romantic and a small tad of spice.4. TWAS THE ROGUE BEFORE CHRISTMAS by Collette Cameron - 4 STARSOur couple are not together much but they somehow made a sweet couple. I had a hard time figuring out the family tree of the h. I had to reread passages several times.A few kisses and one talk of pressing her against him, but that was it. No cheating, HEA, liked the epilogue 7 months in the future. Little on Christmas.5. BOUND TO THE BELGIAN COUNT by Sasha Cottman - 5 STARSUnique story which I found heartbreaking but full of potential for second chances. The story line didn't go where I thought it would. I figured out what happened to the H but I was so wrong!This had some Christmas themes but mostly was the H/h trying to reconnect after tragedy separates them for 9 months.No cheating, romantic, journey to their HEA and second chance was special and unique. A small tad of spice - heat level 3 out of 5 if that. Sweet epilogue 1 year in the future. One odd thing was the H referred to her father as Mister Saxby.6. EMBRACING THE SCANDAL by Barbara Monajem - 3.5 STARSThe h started out being very naïve - aka - dumb. Hard to embrace someone you don't respect. She decides to pose nude - really in this time period she believed the artist was going to just keep it for himself?The H has loved the h for a long time but is told she is dead. They run into each other and I didn't feel a connection to them. Ghosts plat a small part in this story. I wanted to be part of the last ghost part with a villain - but all off page.This is a clean story - only a few innocent kisses. No cheating, HEA, little on romance because they fell in love years prior to the start of the story. Some Christmas talk to gifts and greenery.7. A VISCOUNT FOR CHRISTMAS by Suzanna Medeiros - 5 STARSI dislike discerptions in a story but it wasn't brought about by the H/h, The h's mother was the true villain with all her scheming. As the saying goes all's well that ends well.The h had feelings for the H for awhile but thought she outgrew them. The H only saw the h as being too young when she would hang around his sister's. The honor the H had for everyone came through in spades. He finally noticed that the h wasn't a young girl anymore.I enjoyed their honest dialogue and actions. Everyone who deserved to be put in their place were - yea!! Loved the journey to HEA. No cheating, romance and a tad of spice outside of marriage. Described only once and heat level 2.5 out of 5.8. THE IMPETUOUS HEIRESS by Aline k. Fields - 3 STARSParts I enjoyed and parts not. It took me forever to feel a connection to this story because how it was written. The story starts out in Dec 1821. This couple meet in Sept 1821 and had sex. The story jumps back and forth from Dec 1821 then back to Sept 1821 and so on. The start of their romance wasn't explained til 1/2 way into the story. It was very hard to form a feeling for them when they were trying to avoid each other.The H has avoided all his responsibilities. You are not aware why he is like this until well into the story. The h hasn't had an easy life either.There is lovemaking outside of marriage - heat level 2 out of 5. Another story where Christmas is on the back burner. No cheating, HEA, little on romance and some steam. I did enjoy the epilogue 1 year in the future. The ending is what raised my rating.9. A DUCHESS FOR CHRISTMAS by Alanna Lucas - 4.5 STARSSuch an enjoyable story. Oh how things can go wrong when people don’t communicate. This has two stories within and both satisfying. One is with the H’s young cousin and then other is with our H/h. Both have HEA both very bumpy roads to reach it.Lovemaking described once and bedroom door almost completely shut. This was 5 stars except I became aggravated with the h because she didn’t tell the H her whole truth. Her reason was lame because he kept telling her he didn’t care what the Ton felt but she still held her secrets close.What a horrible time to be a women in this time period. Your life wasn’t your own and friends/family were fleeting.Great main and secondary character’s. No cheating, romantic, small tad of spice, nice epilogue 1 year in the future which tidy everything up in a beautiful Christmas bow. More on Christmas theme in this one.10. LET IT SNOW by Heather Boyd -4.5 STARSThis had more feeling of Christmas and family.Our H is a Scoundrel and the h wants noth8ng to do with him because of this. She is trying to remain a lady and change the perception that Society has of her family.The h’s brother is her chaperone and is doing an awful job of it. When the h decides to leave this awful house party she leaves with her maid only. The brother hasn’t tried to protect her because he is off satisfying his own urges. This is where I had a problem with the story. When the brother finally tracks her down he finds out she is with his friend and his grandmother. The brother goes ballistic! Why? He hasn’t cared what happened to her all season. This didn’t ring true for me.I loved the H’s grandmother -she added humor and spoke her mind.Lovemaking outside of marriage -heat level 3 out of 5 and described once outside and once within very briefly.No cheating, HEA, some romance and a tad of spice. Epilogue 2 weeks in the future. (ljb)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - OverallChristmas Kisses delivered a fantastic mix of holiday stories sure to warm your heart. Each novella was unique and contributed to an exciting read. Each story is reviewed separately below.The Wallflower’s Christmas Wish (Brides Of Bath) by Cheryl Bolen⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️This novella is a fresh take on a Cinderella story. The plain spinster Diana Furness finds herself painting Bath’s most eligible bachelor, Sir Elvin Steffington. This was my first adventure by Cheryl Bolen, and I fell in love with Elvin and Diana. The story was intricate and captivating. There was so much great content packed into a mighty yet short story. The couple’s burgeoning romance was heartwarming. This was a part of a series and I am going to add these books to my list! I would read this author again. A gem of a Christmas romance!A Kiss From A Captain (An Everly Manor Happily Ever After) by Samantha Grace⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️This author gets moved to the top of my TBR list! I was enchanted with this swoon-worthy read. Captain Gabriel Brazier and Lady Laurel as a couple are perfection. The storyline was oh-so-romantic; the couple's courtship was warm and lovely. I could not put this novella down; it captured my attention on page one. I am a sucker for a war hero needing the love of a strong woman, and this story is the epitome of that sentiment. A Kiss From A Captain is a fantastic Christmas journey with passion and heart. I enjoyed every moment of this eye-catching, heart-pounding read!A Rogue’s Christmas Kiss (The Rogue Chronicles) by Lana Williams⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Arthur and Mary have a turbulent past. Mary broke Arthur’s heart long ago. Now both have gone on with their lives. Arthur has become successful, and Mary is hiding a dark secret. Fate brings them together. The couple must overcome past tragedy and heartache to find the love they are both meant to share. I have read Lana Williams before, and I always enjoy her works. As usual, with this author, the plot is enjoyable, and I am always invested in the characters. This is an intricate, well-developed story for a short novella. I was captivated by this tale of redemption and second chances during the magical time of Christmas!‘Twas The Rogue Before Christmas (The Honorable Rogues) by Collette Cameron⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Jason Steele, an American shipping captain, is longing to leave England for adventure again. Jason’s plans get turned upside down when he rescues Lenora Audsley. Jason and Lenora are from different worlds. However, their passion burns bright in the face of adversity. I enjoyed this story; it is fundamentally about two people who do not belong. Jason is a free spirit, and Lenora is cautious but holds a spark of adventure. Together the couple is electric, and I enjoyed their road to a happily-ever-after. I have seen Collette Cameron’s books throughout the years but have never read one until now. I am glad this collection was an introduction. I would read this author again. The storyline was different and held a glimmer of excitement. This was an energetic Christmas journey!Bound To The Belgian Count (London Lords) by Sasha Cottman⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Count Maximilian de Viron and Lily have a whirlwind romance. Shortly after the wedding, Max disappears and abandons Lily, leaving her angry and alone. When Lily attempts to annul the marriage, she encounters the broken man who used to be her husband. The couple must live under the same roof, eat meals together, and talk to one another until Christmas to achieve the annulment. Max and Lily must navigate through misconception, misdirection, and devastation to rediscover the fervent love they have for one another. Max has the world on this shoulders, controlled by another who has his nefarious plans. These two star-crossed lovers shine brightly. The writing is superb, and the plot is different, and kept my interest well into the night. I am a super fan of Sasha Cottman, and this lovely little Christmas tale exceeded all my expectations!Embracing The Scandal by Barbara Monajem⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️This tale is full of brilliant storytelling and compelling characters. This one focuses on a scandal and how it shapes two young people’s lives. My favorite line is when a character advises to “embrace the scandal.” Harriet eventually owns her truth, and that makes her powerful. Jonathan is such an understanding, empathetic hero. The cantankerous and outrageous secondary characters make this novella shine. I have not read this author before, and I will definitely be reading her again. This is a character-driven plot that centers on an entertaining, intricate, romantic story. Written with love and care, Embracing The Scandal has wit, heart, and love. This is a Christmas story for all of us with less than perfect pasts, showing that the past doesn’t define us but rather what we choose to do with the future. All this knowledge is wrapped up prettily into a festive Christmas story sure to warm your heart.A Viscount For Christmas by Suzanna Medeiros⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️I found yet another pleasant surprise with this lovely novella by new to me author Suzanna Medeiros. I loved Suzanna’s writing style. She takes a forced engagement and makes it into an entertaining, passionate love story. Thornton and Celia are both well-developed, lovable characters. The plot is lovingly crafted, and the house party was the perfect backdrop. The couple’s Chemistry was ignited at their first unique encounter. A Viscount For Christmas is a romantic, clever, artistic read that is not to be missed!The Impetuous Heiress (The Upstart Christmas Brides) by Alina K. Field⭐️⭐️⭐️I had a difficult time warming to this story. Fitz was self-absorbed and off-putting. He was selfish and self-centered, thinking only of himself and neglecting those under his care. However, we come to understand the issues that contributed by the conclusion of the story. These issues were eye opening and helped me warm to Fitz. Mel was overly tolerant of Fitz. Both had secrets. Fitz’s redemption at the conclusion convinced me he had truly changed. Mel was presented as the victim, which she was. The plot and writing style was great; I was not overly fond of the personalities of the characters. Fortunately, there was a satisfying, hopeful, happy ending—a good Christmas story.A Duchess For Christmas (Forgotten Heiresses) by Alanna Lucas⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️This is a fantastic, romantic second-chance romance set at Christmas. Edward and Grace have been in love since childhood. Through a series of tragic events, the couple is torn apart. Years later, they find each other again. The couple must brave the heartache of the past to enjoy their bright future full of love. Edward and Grace were both relatable, lovable characters. There is a secondary storyline that parallels, and it enhances the plot ten-fold. Carefully and wonderfully written, this heart-warming, passionate romance warmed my heart. Alanna Lucas has weaved a truly mesmerizing tale of love’s healing gift.Let It Snow by Heather Boyd⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️This novella focuses on Luc, the worse kind of scoundrel and prim and proper Yvette. Through a series of calamitous circumstances, the couple has plenty of time to discover that these two opposites may be perfect for each other. For such a short story, Luc and Yvette were well-developed characters. Luc’s grandmother was a fantastic secondary character. This story had romance and heart. Luc has to put much effort into wooing Yvette; their bond grows slowly. However, the story was well-paced and entertaining. Let It Snow was a perfect way to end a delightful Christmas collection!In conclusion, the four-star reviews were the majority of the collection. However, the five-star reviews followed at a close second. I enjoyed every one of these novellas, some more than others. However, each distinctive plot contributed to an amazing, entertaining, and fascinating read. Christmas Kisses is an excellent example of what a good anthology should convey. This is a read you don’t want to miss. Great job to all the authors for creating riveting stories and unforgettable characters! I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book through Netgalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is a magnificently compiled collection of seasonal stories, some a bit steamier than others. I had read some of them previously, but enjoyed them more on second reading. All the stories are on a similar theme, and full of very interesting characters. A really entertaining collection.

Good value for money. I enjoyed the collection but especially the book by Sasha Guttman who I hadn't come across before as I found her novella original and different.

I enjoyed every story all very touching and well written especially at Christmas such a special time of year to fall in love

This is a fun group of stories for the festive season. All are HEAs but they vary in their heat level from cold to very warm. I've found at least one new author to read more from, so that alone makes it worth the price of admission.

This collection would not be bad, except for anachronisms, factual errors, typos and woeful editing. Cleaned up, they’d be a 4 star read.