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Mistletoe Christmas: An Anthology
From four beloved writers—Eloisa James, Christi Caldwell, Janna MacGregor, and Erica Ridley—comes a hilarious tale of a Christmas house party that serves up love and scandal in equal measure!
The Duke of Greystoke’s Christmas Revelry is famous throughout the British Isles for its plays, dancing, magical grotto… not to mention scandals leading to the marriage licenses he hands out like confetti.
But not everyone welcomes a visit from Cupid.
Lady Cressida, the duke’s daughter, is too busy managing the entertainments—and besides, her own father has called her dowdy. Her cousin, Lady Isabelle Wilkshire, is directing Cinderella and has no interest in marriage. Lady Caroline Whitmore is already (unhappily) married; the fact that she and her estranged husband have to pretend to be together just makes her dread the party all the more. But not as much as Miss Louisa Harcourt, whose mother bluntly tells her that this is her last chance to escape the horrors of being an old maid.
A house party so large, that mothers lose track of their charges, leads to a delightful, seductive quartet of stories that you will savor for the Season!
The Duke of Greystoke’s Christmas Revelry is famous throughout the British Isles for its plays, dancing, magical grotto… not to mention scandals leading to the marriage licenses he hands out like confetti.
But not everyone welcomes a visit from Cupid.
Lady Cressida, the duke’s daughter, is too busy managing the entertainments—and besides, her own father has called her dowdy. Her cousin, Lady Isabelle Wilkshire, is directing Cinderella and has no interest in marriage. Lady Caroline Whitmore is already (unhappily) married; the fact that she and her estranged husband have to pretend to be together just makes her dread the party all the more. But not as much as Miss Louisa Harcourt, whose mother bluntly tells her that this is her last chance to escape the horrors of being an old maid.
A house party so large, that mothers lose track of their charges, leads to a delightful, seductive quartet of stories that you will savor for the Season!
A mistletoe kiss / Eloisa James --
Wishing under the mistletoe / Christi Caldwell --
Compromise under the mistletoe / Janna MacGregor --
Mischief & mistletoe / Erica Ridley
465 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 28, 2021
About the author
Eloisa James
117 books9,270 followersNew York Times bestselling author Eloisa James writes historical romances for HarperCollins Publishers. Her novels have been published to great acclaim. A reviewer from USA Today wrote of Eloisa's very first book that she "found herself devouring the book like a dieter with a Hershey bar"; later People Magazine raved that "romance writing does not get much better than this." Her novels have repeatedly received starred reviews from Publishers' Weekly and Library Journal and regularly appear on the best-seller lists.
After graduating from Harvard University, Eloisa got an M.Phil. from Oxford University, a Ph.D. from Yale and eventually became a Shakespeare professor, publishing an academic book with Oxford University Press. Currently she is an associate professor and head of the Creative Writing program at Fordham University in New York City. Her "double life" is a source of fascination to the media and her readers. In her professorial guise, she's written a New York Times op-ed defending romance, as well as articles published everywhere from women's magazines such as More to writers' journals such as the Romance Writers' Report.
Eloisa...on her double life:
When I'm not writing novels, I'm a Shakespeare professor. It's rather like having two lives. The other day I bought a delicious pink suit to tape a television segment on romance; I'll never wear that suit to teach in, nor even to give a paper at the Shakespeare Association of America conference. It's like being Superman, with power suits for both lives. Yet the literature professor in me certainly plays into my romances. The Taming of the Duke (April 2006) has obvious Shakespearean resonances, as do many of my novels. I often weave early modern poetry into my work; the same novel might contain bits of Catullus, Shakespeare and anonymous bawdy ballads from the 16th century.
When I rip off my power suit, whether it's academic or romantic, underneath is the rather tired, chocolate-stained sweatshirt of a mom. Just as I use Shakespeare in my romances, I almost always employ my experiences as a mother. When I wrote about a miscarriage in Midnight Pleasures, I used my own fears of premature birth; when the little girl in Fool For Love threw up and threw up, I described my own daughter, who had that unsavory habit for well over her first year of life.
So I'm a writer, a professor, a mother - and a wife. My husband Alessandro is Italian, born in Florence. We spend the lazy summer months with his mother and sister in Italy. It always strikes me as a huge irony that as a romance writer I find myself married to a knight, a cavaliere, as you say in Italian.
One more thing...I'm a friend. I have girlfriends who are writers and girlfriends who are Shakespeare professors. And I have girlfriends who are romance readers. In fact, we have something of a community going on my website. Please stop by and join the conversation on my readers' pages.
After graduating from Harvard University, Eloisa got an M.Phil. from Oxford University, a Ph.D. from Yale and eventually became a Shakespeare professor, publishing an academic book with Oxford University Press. Currently she is an associate professor and head of the Creative Writing program at Fordham University in New York City. Her "double life" is a source of fascination to the media and her readers. In her professorial guise, she's written a New York Times op-ed defending romance, as well as articles published everywhere from women's magazines such as More to writers' journals such as the Romance Writers' Report.
Eloisa...on her double life:
When I'm not writing novels, I'm a Shakespeare professor. It's rather like having two lives. The other day I bought a delicious pink suit to tape a television segment on romance; I'll never wear that suit to teach in, nor even to give a paper at the Shakespeare Association of America conference. It's like being Superman, with power suits for both lives. Yet the literature professor in me certainly plays into my romances. The Taming of the Duke (April 2006) has obvious Shakespearean resonances, as do many of my novels. I often weave early modern poetry into my work; the same novel might contain bits of Catullus, Shakespeare and anonymous bawdy ballads from the 16th century.
When I rip off my power suit, whether it's academic or romantic, underneath is the rather tired, chocolate-stained sweatshirt of a mom. Just as I use Shakespeare in my romances, I almost always employ my experiences as a mother. When I wrote about a miscarriage in Midnight Pleasures, I used my own fears of premature birth; when the little girl in Fool For Love threw up and threw up, I described my own daughter, who had that unsavory habit for well over her first year of life.
So I'm a writer, a professor, a mother - and a wife. My husband Alessandro is Italian, born in Florence. We spend the lazy summer months with his mother and sister in Italy. It always strikes me as a huge irony that as a romance writer I find myself married to a knight, a cavaliere, as you say in Italian.
One more thing...I'm a friend. I have girlfriends who are writers and girlfriends who are Shakespeare professors. And I have girlfriends who are romance readers. In fact, we have something of a community going on my website. Please stop by and join the conversation on my readers' pages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 497 reviews
December 24, 2021
A really solid Christmas anthology with four good-to-great novellas! The collection includes an overarching setting - all of them take place at the Duke of Greystoke's Christmas Revelry, which seems to be a house party that sets the tone for Society for the year to come.
Eloisa James: 3.5 stars. James is a very good writer, and her clear, fun prose shines. The romance itself moves very quickly and includes some questionable choices - the hero shares a touching(?) story about how he met the heroine ... when she was 6 and he was 15. Not sure that was the foundation of a lasting love, especially since he doesn't seem to remember her now that they've both grown up.
20-Word Summaries:
Meg: You might not’ve been looking for a wife, but when your best friend suggests his plain cousin, you say “Sure!”
Laine: Reluctant party planner loses her dowry so her dad can throw posthumous parties. Luckily her cousin's BFF realizes she'll suit.
Christi Caldwell: 4 stars. This novella is a fun second-chance romance reminiscent of A Christmas Carol - but if Scrooge and Belle managed to reconcile after a decade apart. It's a sweet story that includes amateur theatricals, lots of late-night conversations, and a very sexy piano-top hookup.
Janna MacGregor: 3.5 stars. If you like marriage in crisis, this is the novella for you! Caroline left her husband one year ago because he just didn't appreciate her. She's only back now because she thinks that by convincing her family she and her husband have reconciled she will receive an inheritance earlier than usual. Her husband, of course, has been in love with her the whole time. The novella seems to point out the importance of knowing your partner's love language (The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts) and also includes a "snowed in with my husband" scene that was pretty perfect.
Erica Ridley: 4 stars. This novella focuses on a wallflower poet whose mother is determined to get her off the shelf. In her last moments as a free woman, she decides to approach another poet at the house party. But he's got secrets of his own - about his poetry but also about his connection with her. A+ grand gesture.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy.
Eloisa James: 3.5 stars. James is a very good writer, and her clear, fun prose shines. The romance itself moves very quickly and includes some questionable choices - the hero shares a touching(?) story about how he met the heroine ... when she was 6 and he was 15. Not sure that was the foundation of a lasting love, especially since he doesn't seem to remember her now that they've both grown up.
20-Word Summaries:
Meg: You might not’ve been looking for a wife, but when your best friend suggests his plain cousin, you say “Sure!”
Laine: Reluctant party planner loses her dowry so her dad can throw posthumous parties. Luckily her cousin's BFF realizes she'll suit.
Christi Caldwell: 4 stars. This novella is a fun second-chance romance reminiscent of A Christmas Carol - but if Scrooge and Belle managed to reconcile after a decade apart. It's a sweet story that includes amateur theatricals, lots of late-night conversations, and a very sexy piano-top hookup.
Janna MacGregor: 3.5 stars. If you like marriage in crisis, this is the novella for you! Caroline left her husband one year ago because he just didn't appreciate her. She's only back now because she thinks that by convincing her family she and her husband have reconciled she will receive an inheritance earlier than usual. Her husband, of course, has been in love with her the whole time. The novella seems to point out the importance of knowing your partner's love language (The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts) and also includes a "snowed in with my husband" scene that was pretty perfect.
Erica Ridley: 4 stars. This novella focuses on a wallflower poet whose mother is determined to get her off the shelf. In her last moments as a free woman, she decides to approach another poet at the house party. But he's got secrets of his own - about his poetry but also about his connection with her. A+ grand gesture.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy.
January 19, 2023
This is an entertaining, well-written, steamy collection of four intertwined historical romance Christmas novellas. They are all set at a house party during a Christmas Revelry. Ms. James' outstanding novella is written with her trademark humor and wit. Ms. MacGregor and Ms. Caldwell each contribute heartwarming second chance romances. Ms. Caldwell's romance focuses on a special play. Ms. MacGregor's entry features a portrait, a cow, and female empowerment. Ms. Ridley's novella contains poetry, publishing and a mother's love. Each novella has wonderful characters and ends happily.
September 23, 2021
Mistletoe Christmas was a delightful collection of holiday romances that all take place at the Duke of Greystone's Christmas Revelry, one of the most coveted events in British Society.
Overall average rating — 3.5 Stars
A Mistletoe Kiss by Eloisa James — 2 Stars
Lady Cressida, The Duke of Greystoke’s youngest daughter, has been secretly running the Duke's Christmas Revelry for the last fifteen years. With her father dying, Cressida has vowed this will be her last Revelry as she longs to start a family of her own. This story didn't really work for me as I didn't love any of the characters, Cressida was the only one I actually liked. She's intelligent, creative, and knows what she wants even if she thinks she can't have it until after her father passes away. Elias, her love interest, did not endear himself to me as he insults Cressida's looks the first time we meet him. The duke is the worst of them and insults Cressida at every turn. This story is full of men thinking they know what's best for Cressida which was incredibly frustrating. Overall A Mistletoe Kiss was not for me and the only story in the book I didn't enjoy.
Wishing Under the Mistletoe by Christi Caldwell — 4 Stars
Ten years ago Lady Isabelle Wilkshire was betrothed to the man she loved but when his business got in the way of their relationship, Isabelle ended things. Now, Isabelle is to direct the theatre production at her grandfather's famous Revelry, a dream since she was a child. When she unexpectedly runs into the man she walked away from a decade ago, all those old feelings come back. I really enjoy second chance romances and the one in this story is very well done. Both Isabelle and Cyrus realize they made mistakes ten years ago which led to the end of their relationship. Initially it seems like those same issues will get in the way again but I was happy to see the pair work through them. The chemistry between these two was fantastic and I loved the grand gesture at the end of the story. Overall Wishing Under the Mistletoe was an excellent read and I highly recommend it.
Compromise Under the Mistletoe by Janna MacGregor — 4.5 Stars
Lady Caroline Whitmore has been estranged from her husband for a year, but if she wants access to her trust fund then they need to play a happily married couple at this year's Revelry. But as she spends time with her husband and he attempts to win her back, old feelings begin to resurface. This is another second chance romance but this time it's between a couple that's already married. Caroline and Stephen have no issues in their relationship when it comes to the bedroom, but outside of it Caroline feels like she doesn't matter to her husband. I felt everything Caroline was asking for was perfectly reasonable and I liked that Stephen realized just how much he messed things up by not paying enough attention to Caroline. Overall Compromise Under the Mistletoe was a fantastic read and I highly recommend it.
Mischief & Mistletoe by Erica Ridley — 3.5 Stars
According to her mother, the upcoming Revelry is Miss Louisa Harcourt's last chance to find a suitor or become a spinster. But Louisa is more interested in writing her poetry than finding someone to marry. When Louisa meets a fellow poet at the Revelry, she has finally met someone who she thinks she could share the part of herself she keeps hidden. Louisa and Ewan have amazing chemistry and a lot in common compared with their peers. I really enjoyed their connection and did mostly like their relationship. The one issue I had is that Ewan hid some things about himself and I didn't like how long it took him to tell Louisa the truth. Overall Mischief & Mistletoe was a great read and I enjoyed it.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
Overall average rating — 3.5 Stars
A Mistletoe Kiss by Eloisa James — 2 Stars
Lady Cressida, The Duke of Greystoke’s youngest daughter, has been secretly running the Duke's Christmas Revelry for the last fifteen years. With her father dying, Cressida has vowed this will be her last Revelry as she longs to start a family of her own. This story didn't really work for me as I didn't love any of the characters, Cressida was the only one I actually liked. She's intelligent, creative, and knows what she wants even if she thinks she can't have it until after her father passes away. Elias, her love interest, did not endear himself to me as he insults Cressida's looks the first time we meet him. The duke is the worst of them and insults Cressida at every turn. This story is full of men thinking they know what's best for Cressida which was incredibly frustrating. Overall A Mistletoe Kiss was not for me and the only story in the book I didn't enjoy.
Wishing Under the Mistletoe by Christi Caldwell — 4 Stars
Ten years ago Lady Isabelle Wilkshire was betrothed to the man she loved but when his business got in the way of their relationship, Isabelle ended things. Now, Isabelle is to direct the theatre production at her grandfather's famous Revelry, a dream since she was a child. When she unexpectedly runs into the man she walked away from a decade ago, all those old feelings come back. I really enjoy second chance romances and the one in this story is very well done. Both Isabelle and Cyrus realize they made mistakes ten years ago which led to the end of their relationship. Initially it seems like those same issues will get in the way again but I was happy to see the pair work through them. The chemistry between these two was fantastic and I loved the grand gesture at the end of the story. Overall Wishing Under the Mistletoe was an excellent read and I highly recommend it.
Compromise Under the Mistletoe by Janna MacGregor — 4.5 Stars
Lady Caroline Whitmore has been estranged from her husband for a year, but if she wants access to her trust fund then they need to play a happily married couple at this year's Revelry. But as she spends time with her husband and he attempts to win her back, old feelings begin to resurface. This is another second chance romance but this time it's between a couple that's already married. Caroline and Stephen have no issues in their relationship when it comes to the bedroom, but outside of it Caroline feels like she doesn't matter to her husband. I felt everything Caroline was asking for was perfectly reasonable and I liked that Stephen realized just how much he messed things up by not paying enough attention to Caroline. Overall Compromise Under the Mistletoe was a fantastic read and I highly recommend it.
Mischief & Mistletoe by Erica Ridley — 3.5 Stars
According to her mother, the upcoming Revelry is Miss Louisa Harcourt's last chance to find a suitor or become a spinster. But Louisa is more interested in writing her poetry than finding someone to marry. When Louisa meets a fellow poet at the Revelry, she has finally met someone who she thinks she could share the part of herself she keeps hidden. Louisa and Ewan have amazing chemistry and a lot in common compared with their peers. I really enjoyed their connection and did mostly like their relationship. The one issue I had is that Ewan hid some things about himself and I didn't like how long it took him to tell Louisa the truth. Overall Mischief & Mistletoe was a great read and I enjoyed it.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
October 3, 2021
Mistletoe Christmas is an anthology consisting of four stories, all set in England, 1815, and evolving around the Duke of Greystoke's Annual Christmas Revelry, always the most sought after party invitation of the season. The stories are written by four different authors, Eloisa James, Christi Caldwell, Janna MacGregor, and Erica Ridley.
All four stories transport us to Regency England at Christmas time.
In A Mistletoe Kiss, by Eloisa James, the main character, Cressida, is the long-suffering victim of her abusive father, the Duke of Greystoke, who has used her for years to plan his famous Revelry. Cressida's growth as a person and evolving ability to see her true self and gain some confidence was well done. The romance with Elias was a little over the top as he suddenly and instantly fell in love with her although he'd known her for years. It was a touch unbelievable, but overall it was a very nice romance. 4 stars.
Wishing Under The Mistletoe by Christi Caldwell brings a little of "A Christmas Carol" vibe. Isabelle and Cyrus's relationship ended because he became completely wrapped up in the idea of amassing a fortune, supposedly for her. Ten years later, they meet again at the Revelry and sparks are still flying. This is the story of how an "Ebenezer Scrooge" type of character has a chance to get his lost love back. I found it a satisfying Christmas story. 5 stars.
Compromise Under the Mistletoe by Janna MacGregor is the story of a marriage torn apart. Caroline and Stephen are reunited at the Christmas Revelry. They have to pretend to be a happy couple for the Duke so Caroline can gain access to her trust fund. I found this to be a bit much. The reason for reuniting was to get money, and the reason they broke up in the first place was because Caroline wasn't getting enough attention. It all seemed simple and selfish, and not in any way based on a real marriage. 2.5 stars.
Mischief and Mistletoe by Erica Ridley is a well done story of Miss Louisa Harcourt, who is told by her mother that the Revelry is her last chance to find a husband. Determined to make her mother happy. Louisa entertains her less than ideal marriage candidates, although her real desire is to write and publish poetry. When she meets Ewan, a fellow poet, at the Revelry, she faces a choice between happiness and duty. I really enjoyed this one as it showcased a woman with interests and ambitions other than marriage. 5 stars.
Overall, this anthology earns four stars. It transports us to the Christmas season.
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via Netgalley. My review is voluntary.
All four stories transport us to Regency England at Christmas time.
In A Mistletoe Kiss, by Eloisa James, the main character, Cressida, is the long-suffering victim of her abusive father, the Duke of Greystoke, who has used her for years to plan his famous Revelry. Cressida's growth as a person and evolving ability to see her true self and gain some confidence was well done. The romance with Elias was a little over the top as he suddenly and instantly fell in love with her although he'd known her for years. It was a touch unbelievable, but overall it was a very nice romance. 4 stars.
Wishing Under The Mistletoe by Christi Caldwell brings a little of "A Christmas Carol" vibe. Isabelle and Cyrus's relationship ended because he became completely wrapped up in the idea of amassing a fortune, supposedly for her. Ten years later, they meet again at the Revelry and sparks are still flying. This is the story of how an "Ebenezer Scrooge" type of character has a chance to get his lost love back. I found it a satisfying Christmas story. 5 stars.
Compromise Under the Mistletoe by Janna MacGregor is the story of a marriage torn apart. Caroline and Stephen are reunited at the Christmas Revelry. They have to pretend to be a happy couple for the Duke so Caroline can gain access to her trust fund. I found this to be a bit much. The reason for reuniting was to get money, and the reason they broke up in the first place was because Caroline wasn't getting enough attention. It all seemed simple and selfish, and not in any way based on a real marriage. 2.5 stars.
Mischief and Mistletoe by Erica Ridley is a well done story of Miss Louisa Harcourt, who is told by her mother that the Revelry is her last chance to find a husband. Determined to make her mother happy. Louisa entertains her less than ideal marriage candidates, although her real desire is to write and publish poetry. When she meets Ewan, a fellow poet, at the Revelry, she faces a choice between happiness and duty. I really enjoyed this one as it showcased a woman with interests and ambitions other than marriage. 5 stars.
Overall, this anthology earns four stars. It transports us to the Christmas season.
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via Netgalley. My review is voluntary.
November 8, 2021
These four interlocking stories all take place during the same holiday revelry, in 1815, at the Duke of Greystone's palatial home. I got a little confused because I Googled him in case he was a character in one of these four romance writers' worlds but it's Tarzan? Bizarre.
One woman has been told she's unattractive her whole life and has accepted it (but maybe her father just wanted to control her?); one woman got tired of waiting for a fiance and ended an engagement, only to reconnect during the revelry; one woman rediscovers her husband of one year; one woman is 23 and destined to be an old maid forever.
Maybe it's the time period and I'm not used to it; maybe these characters have more fleshed out stories in other books, but for me, it's not enough for a man to want to kiss me for me to believe anything! These women jump to love/belief so quickly it's amazing it's not four stories of betrayal and cons. (I suppose we especially want to believe under the mistletoe...)
Thanks to the publisher for providing access to this title through Edelweiss. It came out in September and I'm late.
One woman has been told she's unattractive her whole life and has accepted it (but maybe her father just wanted to control her?); one woman got tired of waiting for a fiance and ended an engagement, only to reconnect during the revelry; one woman rediscovers her husband of one year; one woman is 23 and destined to be an old maid forever.
Maybe it's the time period and I'm not used to it; maybe these characters have more fleshed out stories in other books, but for me, it's not enough for a man to want to kiss me for me to believe anything! These women jump to love/belief so quickly it's amazing it's not four stories of betrayal and cons. (I suppose we especially want to believe under the mistletoe...)
Thanks to the publisher for providing access to this title through Edelweiss. It came out in September and I'm late.
October 5, 2021
This is an entertaining, well-written, steamy collection of four intertwined historical romance Christmas novellas. They are all set at a house party during a Christmas Revelry. Ms. James' outstanding novella is written with her trademark humor and wit. Ms. MacGregor and Ms. Caldwell each contribute heartwarming second chance romances. Ms. Caldwell's romance focuses on a special play. Ms. MacGregor's entry features a portrait, a cow, and female empowerment. Ms. Ridley's novella contains poetry, publishing and a mother's love. Each novella has wonderful characters and ends happily.
September 19, 2021
❄️ Mistletoe Christmas ❄️
An Anthology
✒️ Eloisa James, Christi Caldwell, Janna MacGregor, Erica Ridley
Release Date 09/28/2021
Publisher Avon
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08TWXX3NH/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
From four beloved writers—Eloisa James, Christi Caldwell, Janna MacGregor, and Erica Ridley—come four original stories that tell a hilarious tale of a Christmas house party that serves up love and scandal in equal measure!
The Duke of Greystoke’s Christmas Revelry is famous throughout the British Isles for its plays, dancing, magical grotto… not to mention scandals leading to the marriage licenses he hands out like confetti.
But not everyone welcomes a visit from Cupid.
Lady Cressida, the duke’s daughter, is too busy managing the entertainments—and besides, her own father has called her dowdy. Her cousin, Lady Isabelle Wilkshire, is directing Cinderella and has no interest in marriage. Lady Caroline Whitmore is already (unhappily) married; the fact that she and her estranged husband have to pretend to be together just makes her dread the party all the more. But not as much as Miss Louisa Harcourt, whose mother bluntly tells her that this is her last chance to escape the horrors of being an old maid.
A house party so large that mothers lose track of their charges leads to a delightful, seductive quartet of stories that you will savor for the Season!
𝗚𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
This awesome anthology brings into light with the well known Eloisa James and Janna MacGregor, the rising stars of the Historical Romance Christi Caldwell and Erica Ridley.
Each with their specific tone and various range explores an array of emotions with only one aim cheer our days with these feel good tales.
𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝘀
𝗔 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗼𝗲 𝗞𝗶𝘀𝘀 by Eloisa James
It has been a while since I have read this author, and once more a novella.
And like my two previous readings, she uses the tale length to go straight to the core of the story all the while giving enough background to her characters.
Here, Cressida is a kind of Cinderella, never seen nor heard but doing all the work to make her Duke of a sire annual Christmas revelry, the party of the year. As he lies on his dying bed, he announces her he has traded her dowry to his heir against the promise the revelry even after his demise. So her endless drudgery is to continue again and again.
The heir and his friend Elias are witness of the hurtful words and add their own after her flight.
In some way, this scene opens Elias’ eyes on Cressida’s existence and all she sacrificed in her father’s renown. The man who never had to fight to win a woman’s regard is dismissed at every turn. The hunt whets his appetite for something he did not expect.
I wondered rightly if the careless words said by Elias would come bite his rear, as at that time I was much upset in Cressida’s name for the overlooked women never seing because judged lacking.
In all, it is a sweet retelling with no other magic than the one of love in the eyes of the beholder to change the mouse in a princess.
4 stars
𝗪𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗼𝗲 by Christi Caldwell
I love this very prolific author, I have now read her for sometime and I am happy she is now recognized for the talent she has. Mrs Caldwell has such a brilliance to paint one’s many shades and her characters’ heart turmoils.
Here we have a Scrooge like hero under the name of Cyrus, former betrothed of a Duke granddaughter who let her slip through his fingers too busy building his fortune as he believed only wealth could made up for his lack of breeding.
Isabelle having lost the love of her life in his search for rich, followed her second call, theater. For now ten years, she has wrote under a male pen name and directed pieces. Allowing her love to remain only the recesses of her heart.
But as they are paired together to work alongside for her grandfather’s Christmas revelry, will past hurts, unsaid words and truth mend the bridge time has created. Their old friendship is still there, as their attraction but can more mature persona find a way out of their self inflicted pain…
Once again Mrs Caldwell gives us with a wondrous tale of past pains, second chance and love vanquishing all hurdles.
5 stars
𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗼𝗲 by Janna MacGregor
Stephen and Caroline let his duty to his estate dig a breach between them, so much she has come to believe he is indifferent to her. And for the lonely little girl who grew up with no one to share anything, being a wife only when night comes, it like going back to the aloneness of her childhood years. So if she must be put aside, be it her choice.
In Stephen’s mind there is no doubt about his love for his spouse but a marriage of convenience and no wooing comforted him in the idea what he shared with his wife was enough, what she might be seeking. Forgetting the basis of love, respect, partnership, they both let distance, misunderstandings and lack of talk come between them.
Mrs MacGregor offers us a tale of changing the past and healing their ailing marriage when time and distance did not douse their affection, maybe closeness and urgency can remedy to it and each makes see truly the other.
5 stars
𝗠𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗳 & 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗼𝗲 by Erica Ridley
Like Mrs Caldwell, here is another talented author I have read for years, Mrs Ridley has joined the ranks of the lucky and skilled authors to be mass-market published. A well deserved reward.
I laughed at Louisa’s prickling nose problem, yet with her Automaton Alternate I was wondering if the tale would lean more toward dramatic Pinocchio than funny Bewitched.
But here is a game of deception, two people hiding who they truly are and what they really want to fulfill others needs and expectations.
Louisa dreams of poetry but who would long for a woman who thinks and feels too much.
Ewan wants his own published newspaper instead he follows his grandfather’s lead to fill their coffers the fastest way he believes he is able.
By purporting to make true some others’ dreams instead of theirs, they both are living a lie, burying their living essence within themselves until there is nothing left of their life’s spark.
Yet will love be enough to break the chains and forgiven past choices.
5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes.
I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
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An Anthology
✒️ Eloisa James, Christi Caldwell, Janna MacGregor, Erica Ridley
Release Date 09/28/2021
Publisher Avon
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08TWXX3NH/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
From four beloved writers—Eloisa James, Christi Caldwell, Janna MacGregor, and Erica Ridley—come four original stories that tell a hilarious tale of a Christmas house party that serves up love and scandal in equal measure!
The Duke of Greystoke’s Christmas Revelry is famous throughout the British Isles for its plays, dancing, magical grotto… not to mention scandals leading to the marriage licenses he hands out like confetti.
But not everyone welcomes a visit from Cupid.
Lady Cressida, the duke’s daughter, is too busy managing the entertainments—and besides, her own father has called her dowdy. Her cousin, Lady Isabelle Wilkshire, is directing Cinderella and has no interest in marriage. Lady Caroline Whitmore is already (unhappily) married; the fact that she and her estranged husband have to pretend to be together just makes her dread the party all the more. But not as much as Miss Louisa Harcourt, whose mother bluntly tells her that this is her last chance to escape the horrors of being an old maid.
A house party so large that mothers lose track of their charges leads to a delightful, seductive quartet of stories that you will savor for the Season!
𝗚𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
This awesome anthology brings into light with the well known Eloisa James and Janna MacGregor, the rising stars of the Historical Romance Christi Caldwell and Erica Ridley.
Each with their specific tone and various range explores an array of emotions with only one aim cheer our days with these feel good tales.
𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝘀
𝗔 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗼𝗲 𝗞𝗶𝘀𝘀 by Eloisa James
It has been a while since I have read this author, and once more a novella.
And like my two previous readings, she uses the tale length to go straight to the core of the story all the while giving enough background to her characters.
Here, Cressida is a kind of Cinderella, never seen nor heard but doing all the work to make her Duke of a sire annual Christmas revelry, the party of the year. As he lies on his dying bed, he announces her he has traded her dowry to his heir against the promise the revelry even after his demise. So her endless drudgery is to continue again and again.
The heir and his friend Elias are witness of the hurtful words and add their own after her flight.
In some way, this scene opens Elias’ eyes on Cressida’s existence and all she sacrificed in her father’s renown. The man who never had to fight to win a woman’s regard is dismissed at every turn. The hunt whets his appetite for something he did not expect.
I wondered rightly if the careless words said by Elias would come bite his rear, as at that time I was much upset in Cressida’s name for the overlooked women never seing because judged lacking.
In all, it is a sweet retelling with no other magic than the one of love in the eyes of the beholder to change the mouse in a princess.
4 stars
𝗪𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗼𝗲 by Christi Caldwell
I love this very prolific author, I have now read her for sometime and I am happy she is now recognized for the talent she has. Mrs Caldwell has such a brilliance to paint one’s many shades and her characters’ heart turmoils.
Here we have a Scrooge like hero under the name of Cyrus, former betrothed of a Duke granddaughter who let her slip through his fingers too busy building his fortune as he believed only wealth could made up for his lack of breeding.
Isabelle having lost the love of her life in his search for rich, followed her second call, theater. For now ten years, she has wrote under a male pen name and directed pieces. Allowing her love to remain only the recesses of her heart.
But as they are paired together to work alongside for her grandfather’s Christmas revelry, will past hurts, unsaid words and truth mend the bridge time has created. Their old friendship is still there, as their attraction but can more mature persona find a way out of their self inflicted pain…
Once again Mrs Caldwell gives us with a wondrous tale of past pains, second chance and love vanquishing all hurdles.
5 stars
𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗼𝗲 by Janna MacGregor
Stephen and Caroline let his duty to his estate dig a breach between them, so much she has come to believe he is indifferent to her. And for the lonely little girl who grew up with no one to share anything, being a wife only when night comes, it like going back to the aloneness of her childhood years. So if she must be put aside, be it her choice.
In Stephen’s mind there is no doubt about his love for his spouse but a marriage of convenience and no wooing comforted him in the idea what he shared with his wife was enough, what she might be seeking. Forgetting the basis of love, respect, partnership, they both let distance, misunderstandings and lack of talk come between them.
Mrs MacGregor offers us a tale of changing the past and healing their ailing marriage when time and distance did not douse their affection, maybe closeness and urgency can remedy to it and each makes see truly the other.
5 stars
𝗠𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗳 & 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗼𝗲 by Erica Ridley
Like Mrs Caldwell, here is another talented author I have read for years, Mrs Ridley has joined the ranks of the lucky and skilled authors to be mass-market published. A well deserved reward.
I laughed at Louisa’s prickling nose problem, yet with her Automaton Alternate I was wondering if the tale would lean more toward dramatic Pinocchio than funny Bewitched.
But here is a game of deception, two people hiding who they truly are and what they really want to fulfill others needs and expectations.
Louisa dreams of poetry but who would long for a woman who thinks and feels too much.
Ewan wants his own published newspaper instead he follows his grandfather’s lead to fill their coffers the fastest way he believes he is able.
By purporting to make true some others’ dreams instead of theirs, they both are living a lie, burying their living essence within themselves until there is nothing left of their life’s spark.
Yet will love be enough to break the chains and forgiven past choices.
5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes.
I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
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December 14, 2021
"Mistletoe Christmas" is a Christmas anthology of four novellas all revolving around the Duke of Greystoke's Annual Christmas Revelry. The Revelry is the event of the Holiday Season. Anything can happen at a Holiday house party, and usually does! I'm just very sorry that two of the most wonderful supporting characters, Val and Mave, aren't elevated to main characters in any of the stories. These stories all seem to revolve around privileged women who are underappreciated by the males in their lives and the steps they take to remedy that situation.
A Mistletoe Kiss by Eloisa James: 5-Stars
Lady Cressida is the daughter of the Duke of Greystoke, who is dying. He believes that The Revelry is is only worthwhile legacy and is determined that it live on after he passes. Cressie is the secret to the party's success and has given her adult life to arranging it. The duke has taken advantage and make her to feel worthless as a possible wife to discourage her from possibly leaving him and The Revelry. When a childhood friend and neighbor, Lord Darcy de Royleston, Elias to his friends, takes a closer look at Cressie, he more than likes what he sees and pursues her with a single minded purpose. I really liked this story.
I loved Cressie and Elias and hated the nasty duke. It was wonderful to see Cressie blossom from an almost servant to a beautiful and lovely lady with just a few kind works and the love of a good man.
Wishing Under the Mistletoe by Christi Caldwell: 2-Stars
Lady Isabelle Wilkshire is the duke's granddaughter. She hasn't attended a Revelry in many years. She is an independent woman, but has been coerced into directing this year's stage production. Cinderella is the production chosen, but that holds little interest for Isabelle, until she decides to mix it up a bit. Her partner in the production is the man she tossed over 10 years ago, but has never gotten over. Mr. Cyrus Hill is the son of the stable master who has used his brains and talents to make lots of money, both for himself and his titled clients. His endless work and lack of attention to her is the reason Isabelle ended their betrothal. Now they are thrown together at the Revelry where anything can happen and often does.
Wasn't a fan of this one. It struck me as a tad overly emotional and I didn't care for Isabelle at all.
Compromise Under the Mistletoe by Janna MacGregor: 4-Stars
Caroline Whitmore left her husband a year ago at Christmas. "She would have lost her sense of worth if she'd stayed any longer." (Gag Me) This is not a good way to start a story, for me anyway. I'm not a fan of this trope. Poor Stephen didn't have a clue that pleasuring her in bed and providing for her wasn't enough, he needed to actively seek her opinions on his estate management too, without her telling him she wanted be be a partner in that area. They are at the Revelry to show the duke they are a happily married couple so he will release her trust. Caro doesn't know it, but Stephen plans on making that a reality.
This was an arranged marriage between two young adults who were compatible in bed, but didn't communicate their needs to each other. They worked it out with a compromise.
Mischief & Mistletoe by Erica Ridley: 4-Stars
Miss Lousia Harcourt has has a few seasons under her belt, but a viscous gossip and scandal rag has cost her any chance she had of making a good match. Her mother insists that the Revelry is her last chance. Lousia is resigned to doing her mothers bidding and is looks like there are two eminently eligible men interested in her. Trouble is - she isn't interested in them. A brooding poet has captured her interest, but unsuitable is just his first problem. It turns out that Ewan has some big secrets that could derail his plan for an HEA with Lousia.
If a woman shows she has a brain and can use it, she is unsuitable. If she finds someone to love her for that brain, society may not approve. Such was life in an Historical Romance.
A Mistletoe Kiss by Eloisa James: 5-Stars
Lady Cressida is the daughter of the Duke of Greystoke, who is dying. He believes that The Revelry is is only worthwhile legacy and is determined that it live on after he passes. Cressie is the secret to the party's success and has given her adult life to arranging it. The duke has taken advantage and make her to feel worthless as a possible wife to discourage her from possibly leaving him and The Revelry. When a childhood friend and neighbor, Lord Darcy de Royleston, Elias to his friends, takes a closer look at Cressie, he more than likes what he sees and pursues her with a single minded purpose. I really liked this story.
I loved Cressie and Elias and hated the nasty duke. It was wonderful to see Cressie blossom from an almost servant to a beautiful and lovely lady with just a few kind works and the love of a good man.
Wishing Under the Mistletoe by Christi Caldwell: 2-Stars
Lady Isabelle Wilkshire is the duke's granddaughter. She hasn't attended a Revelry in many years. She is an independent woman, but has been coerced into directing this year's stage production. Cinderella is the production chosen, but that holds little interest for Isabelle, until she decides to mix it up a bit. Her partner in the production is the man she tossed over 10 years ago, but has never gotten over. Mr. Cyrus Hill is the son of the stable master who has used his brains and talents to make lots of money, both for himself and his titled clients. His endless work and lack of attention to her is the reason Isabelle ended their betrothal. Now they are thrown together at the Revelry where anything can happen and often does.
Wasn't a fan of this one. It struck me as a tad overly emotional and I didn't care for Isabelle at all.
Compromise Under the Mistletoe by Janna MacGregor: 4-Stars
Caroline Whitmore left her husband a year ago at Christmas. "She would have lost her sense of worth if she'd stayed any longer." (Gag Me) This is not a good way to start a story, for me anyway. I'm not a fan of this trope. Poor Stephen didn't have a clue that pleasuring her in bed and providing for her wasn't enough, he needed to actively seek her opinions on his estate management too, without her telling him she wanted be be a partner in that area. They are at the Revelry to show the duke they are a happily married couple so he will release her trust. Caro doesn't know it, but Stephen plans on making that a reality.
This was an arranged marriage between two young adults who were compatible in bed, but didn't communicate their needs to each other. They worked it out with a compromise.
Mischief & Mistletoe by Erica Ridley: 4-Stars
Miss Lousia Harcourt has has a few seasons under her belt, but a viscous gossip and scandal rag has cost her any chance she had of making a good match. Her mother insists that the Revelry is her last chance. Lousia is resigned to doing her mothers bidding and is looks like there are two eminently eligible men interested in her. Trouble is - she isn't interested in them. A brooding poet has captured her interest, but unsuitable is just his first problem. It turns out that Ewan has some big secrets that could derail his plan for an HEA with Lousia.
If a woman shows she has a brain and can use it, she is unsuitable. If she finds someone to love her for that brain, society may not approve. Such was life in an Historical Romance.
August 25, 2021
A Mistletoe Kiss
I had a hard time with this one because I was SO MAD at Cressida’s father. Hid her away for years, put her down, took advantage of her, and then took credit for her brilliance! No wonder she doesn’t believe Elias in the beginning! He just happens to start wooing her, start seeing her as a person and a lady, after her cousin offers him money to marry her. Hmph, I’m outraged on her behalf. She is wonderful! Elias is used to the women of the world falling about his feet, but suddenly the one woman he wants to marry has no interest in him! It was fun watching him have to scramble and grow rather than just have the world handed to him because he’s handsome and rich!
4 stars
Wishing Under the Mistletoe
Ok Isabelle and Cyrus’ story is so freaking wonderful!! They were betrothed ten years ago but drifted apart while waiting to marry. Both of them were hurt and walked away from each other, never to see the other again….until now. Ten years means a lot of growing, but are they able to see past the hurt to begin again? I love Isabelle and how firm she was in not accepting less than she deserves, and for making a life for herself that was more than being a dukes granddaughter. Such a lovely story!
5 stars
Compromise Under the Mistletoe
Caroline and Stephen’s story was nice, though a bit frustrating. They spent so much time not communicating, and then not communicating effectively, I just wanted to scream. I liked that Caroline left to make a life for herself when she felt she wasn’t being appreciated, and I love that what she wanted to do was make a space to support other women. Still, overall frustrating and I can’t stand the Duke, I am disliking him more and more as this book progresses.
3 stars
Mischief and Mistletoe
I enjoyed Louisa’s story, even if I hated the secret that Ewan kept. Also, loathed how pushy her mother was, forceful about who she needed to marry and the means by which she should accomplish them. Louisa though, was a lovely person, shy but courageous, with a lovely soul. I did enjoy Ewan outside of the secret. He was thoughtful and giving and able to laugh at himself.
4 stars
I had a hard time with this one because I was SO MAD at Cressida’s father. Hid her away for years, put her down, took advantage of her, and then took credit for her brilliance! No wonder she doesn’t believe Elias in the beginning! He just happens to start wooing her, start seeing her as a person and a lady, after her cousin offers him money to marry her. Hmph, I’m outraged on her behalf. She is wonderful! Elias is used to the women of the world falling about his feet, but suddenly the one woman he wants to marry has no interest in him! It was fun watching him have to scramble and grow rather than just have the world handed to him because he’s handsome and rich!
4 stars
Wishing Under the Mistletoe
Ok Isabelle and Cyrus’ story is so freaking wonderful!! They were betrothed ten years ago but drifted apart while waiting to marry. Both of them were hurt and walked away from each other, never to see the other again….until now. Ten years means a lot of growing, but are they able to see past the hurt to begin again? I love Isabelle and how firm she was in not accepting less than she deserves, and for making a life for herself that was more than being a dukes granddaughter. Such a lovely story!
5 stars
Compromise Under the Mistletoe
Caroline and Stephen’s story was nice, though a bit frustrating. They spent so much time not communicating, and then not communicating effectively, I just wanted to scream. I liked that Caroline left to make a life for herself when she felt she wasn’t being appreciated, and I love that what she wanted to do was make a space to support other women. Still, overall frustrating and I can’t stand the Duke, I am disliking him more and more as this book progresses.
3 stars
Mischief and Mistletoe
I enjoyed Louisa’s story, even if I hated the secret that Ewan kept. Also, loathed how pushy her mother was, forceful about who she needed to marry and the means by which she should accomplish them. Louisa though, was a lovely person, shy but courageous, with a lovely soul. I did enjoy Ewan outside of the secret. He was thoughtful and giving and able to laugh at himself.
4 stars
January 5, 2022
This book is for you if… you enjoy ultra quick romances in the regency era.
⤐ Additionally.
I do not disagree with sex-positive narratives. In fact, I appreciate them. What I disagree with is fictional narratives about people who decide marriage is their deal after mere weeks of interaction. It just doesn't feel genuine to me.
I am aware that back then alliances had to be made quickly at times but if the rest of the narrative is already quite unlikely, I don't see why we could adjust the rest of the narrative accordingly to make them a bit more realistic. I'm sure even short stories allow for this sort of stuff.
I was annoyed with the book by the first story, continued to dislike it but decided to finish it anyway. Partly because in this day and age it seems one cannot express their dislike about a book without having absolutely dissected it. Else, the wrath of Goodreads users will come down upon you.
_____________________
3 STARS. Decent read that I have neither strongly positive nor negative feelings about. Some things irked me and thus it does not qualify as exceptional.
2 STARS. Definitely a disappointment. It might not even have been worth finishing for a variety of reasons.
December 27, 2021
I keep forgetting to review these novellas individually, and now it's been too long since I've finished them to remember many of the specifics.
From what I do remember, the Eloisa James novella was the only one I really enjoyed, but even that one was too short to accomplish what it really needed to accomplish. The others I found varying degrees of disappointing and/or not especially well developed. The Christmas-Carol-esque one just didn't do anything for me; the plot holes in the pretending-to-have-a-happy-marriage one were big enough to drive an entire damn train through; and the last one I don't remember much of at this point, but I remember being vaguely annoyed most of the time I read it. Also, for a series of novellas set at the same party, the through lines didn't feel especially consistent.
Anyway, yeah. This didn't end up being a great set of holiday novellas for me to read.
From what I do remember, the Eloisa James novella was the only one I really enjoyed, but even that one was too short to accomplish what it really needed to accomplish. The others I found varying degrees of disappointing and/or not especially well developed. The Christmas-Carol-esque one just didn't do anything for me; the plot holes in the pretending-to-have-a-happy-marriage one were big enough to drive an entire damn train through; and the last one I don't remember much of at this point, but I remember being vaguely annoyed most of the time I read it. Also, for a series of novellas set at the same party, the through lines didn't feel especially consistent.
Anyway, yeah. This didn't end up being a great set of holiday novellas for me to read.
December 25, 2022
My favorite was Mischief & Mistletoe by Erica Ridley ♥️🎄
March 3, 2022
A mistletoe kiss review - Eloisa James
This one was very rushed. They fell in love with each other way too fast. I felt most of the story was spent on the revelry’s planning. While I get that it is the Cressida’s job, I would have preferred to read less about it & more about her and the hero. The chemistry was nonexistent as there wasn’t any bantering.
While they did mention that they met years ago, it was when they were children and then they barely interacted as adults. There wasn’t any bonding ever after they interacted again. Therefore I found their romance unbelievable. I couldn’t like the hero or heroine either.
The only thing that saved this book from a 1 star rating from me was how the hero seemed to finally see in Cressida what other people couldn’t see. The true her, the one who can plan such a huge event like the revelry as well as her outer and inner beauty.
My rating: 2 stars out of 5 stars
Wishing under the mistletoe review - Christi Caldwell
I didn’t expect this to be a continuation of the previous story’s plot about the party. I was surprised.
This novella was much better mainly because there were actual scenes of Isabelle and Cyrus interacting as children, then them being an engaged couple as adults. Because these scenes were shown, I was able to believe in their romance and relationship building. Wanted to see more bantering between Cyrus and Isabelle though. The bantering and the amount of time they spent together didn’t feel enough. I didn’t really like them either.
My rating: 2.5 stars out of 5 stars
Compromise under the mistletoe review - Janna MacGregor
Now, this one was a surprise. I have read a few of this author’s books and I didn’t enjoy most of them. Hence, I did not have any expectations for her novella.
But it had me hooked on every word since the first chapter. That’s mainly because I really liked Caro and Stephen & their chemistry. They were both trying to mend the rift in their relationship and I always had a thing for stories with a married couple / convenient marriages.
I love the large amount of screen time Caro and Stephen had in this story because it allowed me to really believe they were in the process of mending their marriage. The way Stephen tried to woo his wife back was romantic. I also thought that he was very patient.
The main thing that divided the both of them in the first place was miscommunication. I normally dislike that in books, but I think the ‘miscommunication’ trope was well used in this novella. There was also the thoughts that ran through Stephen’s mind to show that he has come to his senses and he grew as a character — this was great, on the author’s part.
I wish there was more details on how they were married though, they mentioned that it was a convenient marriage but not much of the details were elaborated on.
I’ll definitely think about re-reading some of this author’s books, since I enjoyed this one very much.
My rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars
Mischief & Mistletoe - Erica Ridley
I did like the large amount of interaction and banter between Louisa and Ewan. It was not as good as Janna MacGregor’s novella, but close enough. They had time to bond and get to know each other better. It was heartwarming to see Louisa finally find someone with whom she can be herself with & with a similar hobby.
However, I did think Louisa forgave Ewan too quickly. I wanted to see her make him grovel and perhaps do a huge gesture for her to earn her forgiveness.
My rating: 3.5 stars out of 5 stars
After calculating, this book gets an average rating of 3 stars from me, because I did not like Eloisa James’ and Christi Caldwell’s stories, while I enjoyed Janna MacGregor’s & Erica Ridley’s.
This one was very rushed. They fell in love with each other way too fast. I felt most of the story was spent on the revelry’s planning. While I get that it is the Cressida’s job, I would have preferred to read less about it & more about her and the hero. The chemistry was nonexistent as there wasn’t any bantering.
While they did mention that they met years ago, it was when they were children and then they barely interacted as adults. There wasn’t any bonding ever after they interacted again. Therefore I found their romance unbelievable. I couldn’t like the hero or heroine either.
The only thing that saved this book from a 1 star rating from me was how the hero seemed to finally see in Cressida what other people couldn’t see. The true her, the one who can plan such a huge event like the revelry as well as her outer and inner beauty.
My rating: 2 stars out of 5 stars
Wishing under the mistletoe review - Christi Caldwell
I didn’t expect this to be a continuation of the previous story’s plot about the party. I was surprised.
This novella was much better mainly because there were actual scenes of Isabelle and Cyrus interacting as children, then them being an engaged couple as adults. Because these scenes were shown, I was able to believe in their romance and relationship building. Wanted to see more bantering between Cyrus and Isabelle though. The bantering and the amount of time they spent together didn’t feel enough. I didn’t really like them either.
My rating: 2.5 stars out of 5 stars
Compromise under the mistletoe review - Janna MacGregor
Now, this one was a surprise. I have read a few of this author’s books and I didn’t enjoy most of them. Hence, I did not have any expectations for her novella.
But it had me hooked on every word since the first chapter. That’s mainly because I really liked Caro and Stephen & their chemistry. They were both trying to mend the rift in their relationship and I always had a thing for stories with a married couple / convenient marriages.
I love the large amount of screen time Caro and Stephen had in this story because it allowed me to really believe they were in the process of mending their marriage. The way Stephen tried to woo his wife back was romantic. I also thought that he was very patient.
The main thing that divided the both of them in the first place was miscommunication. I normally dislike that in books, but I think the ‘miscommunication’ trope was well used in this novella. There was also the thoughts that ran through Stephen’s mind to show that he has come to his senses and he grew as a character — this was great, on the author’s part.
I wish there was more details on how they were married though, they mentioned that it was a convenient marriage but not much of the details were elaborated on.
I’ll definitely think about re-reading some of this author’s books, since I enjoyed this one very much.
My rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars
Mischief & Mistletoe - Erica Ridley
I did like the large amount of interaction and banter between Louisa and Ewan. It was not as good as Janna MacGregor’s novella, but close enough. They had time to bond and get to know each other better. It was heartwarming to see Louisa finally find someone with whom she can be herself with & with a similar hobby.
However, I did think Louisa forgave Ewan too quickly. I wanted to see her make him grovel and perhaps do a huge gesture for her to earn her forgiveness.
My rating: 3.5 stars out of 5 stars
After calculating, this book gets an average rating of 3 stars from me, because I did not like Eloisa James’ and Christi Caldwell’s stories, while I enjoyed Janna MacGregor’s & Erica Ridley’s.
October 6, 2021
The annual Christmas Revelry hosted by the Duke of Greystoke has become notorious throughout England for its creative entertainments, and even more so the scandals and hasty marriages that often result after the two-week-long house party. The true mastermind behind the Revelry is the duke’s daughter, Lady Cressida, who goes unnoticed by most and is relegated to the position of spinster by her own father, until her cousin’s friend begins to see her in a new light. Her cousin, Lady Isabelle, is more interested in finally directing the annual pantomime than in marriage, especially after the dissolution of her engagement to her beloved ten years ago. Lady Caroline Whitmore is less than happily married, but she and her estranged husband, Lord Stephen, must pretend all is well if she hopes to receive her inheritance. Perhaps no one dreads the festivities as much as Miss Louisa Harcourt, whose mother has decreed that she must marry before the end of the fortnight. Possibilities are endless with such a large house so full of mistletoe and charming activities.
A Mistletoe Kiss by Eloisa James: 4.5 stars
Lady Cressida has been overlooked for years because the Revelry’s execution and planning have consumed her life. Her father has claimed the Revelry and its influence as his legacy and has made sure Cressie has appeared as somewhat less than desirable to potential suitors, so she’d be forced to stay in his home and run it. When he gives her dowry estate to her cousin, that is the last straw. Fortunately, her cousin is somewhat of a matchmaker himself and quietly pushes his friend Elias, Lord Darcy de Royleston, into Cressie’s path. Elias almost immediately realizes there is much more to Cressie than anyone has noticed but getting her to believe in and return his regard is no easy feat.
This was a charming story as Cressie learned to see herself as more than the box her father had pushed her into and to have confidence in herself despite the hateful things he said to her. I loved how Elias was so doggedly determined to open Cressie’s eyes to his real feelings and that he stood up for her to others. This was probably my favorite story of the collection.
Wishing under the Mistletoe by Christi Caldwell: 4 stars
The fact that Cyrus Hill was merely the stablemaster’s son never mattered to Lady Isabelle. The two were always fast friends and she loved him with her whole heart, a sentiment he returned. But once the two became engaged, Cyrus became obsessed with his work and in an effort to amass great wealth and give Isabelle the life he felt she deserved. None of that mattered to Isabelle who grew tired of waiting for Cyrus’ attention and broke the engagement to pursue her passion for playwriting. Now, ten years later, the two are thrown together as partners in planning the Revelry’s annual pantomime. Much to their chagrin, the passion of old still exists between them, but they both know that’s not always enough.
This was a sweet second chance story and I loved that both Cyrus and Isabelle were mature and self-aware enough to realize and acknowledge the role they both played in the dissolution of their engagement. This made their reconciliation all the sweeter as they came to a new understanding and learned from their old mistakes. They were very endearing as a couple, and I was left believing their relationship would be a solid and lasting one.
Compromise under the Mistletoe by Janna MacGregor 3/5
Lady Caroline Whitmore has been living in London, estranged from her husband, Lord Stephen, for the past year. She is only meeting him now because they must put on a display indicative of matrimonial bliss if she hopes to receive her inheritance from her uncle, the duke. Stephen has missed his wife and is determined to find out where it all went wrong, but Caroline is wary of being hurt again so it will take some effort for these two to meet in the middle.
This one was probably my least favorite of the collection, but it was still a solid story. I think the steamy connection between Stephen and Caroline was handled well. The two had always been able to get along well in the bedroom but not outside so I was afraid they would fall into bed too quickly here. Fortunately, that didn’t happen, and we got to see them learn how to communicate in a mature and open way that I found satisfying. Caroline was frustrating for me as she had her guard up so high that Stephen’s efforts at fixing things and trying to talk to her were often shut down before he even got started. Luckily for her, he was very determined and eventually won her over with some middle ground and I was happy to see them both learn to give a little and understand one another more.
Mistletoe & Mischief by Erica Ridley 3/5
After a couple of failed seasons, shy heiress Louisa Harcourt is firmly on the shelf. Her mother has decreed that she must marry by the end of the party, but all Louisa wants is a quiet corner in which to write her poetry. When she meets brooding poet Ewan Reid, Louisa amends those desires to include holing up in a cozy writing retreat with him. But Ewan has a secret and when Louisa learns the truth, he’s sure she’ll want nothing more to do with him.
I didn’t love this story, but I still enjoyed it. I think Louisa’s mother and her ultimatums would’ve proven too much if this had been a full-length novel and her ridiculousness had been allowed to carry on for longer. As it was, having to contend with her in this short story was more than enough, especially when her resistance faded away so unbelievably quickly. I wasn’t the biggest fan of Louisa, who somehow felt a bit flat to me. Ewan had a bit more depth but his inner monologues about his situation with his grandfather and their business grew rather repetitive. I did like Ewan and Louisa as a couple however, and I’m glad their spat upon the revelation of Ewan’s secret didn’t last too long. Ewan also gets bonus points for a great public declaration.
Overall, this was an excellent collection with lots of stories that are perfect to curl up and spend a few hours of escape with.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A Mistletoe Kiss by Eloisa James: 4.5 stars
Lady Cressida has been overlooked for years because the Revelry’s execution and planning have consumed her life. Her father has claimed the Revelry and its influence as his legacy and has made sure Cressie has appeared as somewhat less than desirable to potential suitors, so she’d be forced to stay in his home and run it. When he gives her dowry estate to her cousin, that is the last straw. Fortunately, her cousin is somewhat of a matchmaker himself and quietly pushes his friend Elias, Lord Darcy de Royleston, into Cressie’s path. Elias almost immediately realizes there is much more to Cressie than anyone has noticed but getting her to believe in and return his regard is no easy feat.
This was a charming story as Cressie learned to see herself as more than the box her father had pushed her into and to have confidence in herself despite the hateful things he said to her. I loved how Elias was so doggedly determined to open Cressie’s eyes to his real feelings and that he stood up for her to others. This was probably my favorite story of the collection.
Wishing under the Mistletoe by Christi Caldwell: 4 stars
The fact that Cyrus Hill was merely the stablemaster’s son never mattered to Lady Isabelle. The two were always fast friends and she loved him with her whole heart, a sentiment he returned. But once the two became engaged, Cyrus became obsessed with his work and in an effort to amass great wealth and give Isabelle the life he felt she deserved. None of that mattered to Isabelle who grew tired of waiting for Cyrus’ attention and broke the engagement to pursue her passion for playwriting. Now, ten years later, the two are thrown together as partners in planning the Revelry’s annual pantomime. Much to their chagrin, the passion of old still exists between them, but they both know that’s not always enough.
This was a sweet second chance story and I loved that both Cyrus and Isabelle were mature and self-aware enough to realize and acknowledge the role they both played in the dissolution of their engagement. This made their reconciliation all the sweeter as they came to a new understanding and learned from their old mistakes. They were very endearing as a couple, and I was left believing their relationship would be a solid and lasting one.
Compromise under the Mistletoe by Janna MacGregor 3/5
Lady Caroline Whitmore has been living in London, estranged from her husband, Lord Stephen, for the past year. She is only meeting him now because they must put on a display indicative of matrimonial bliss if she hopes to receive her inheritance from her uncle, the duke. Stephen has missed his wife and is determined to find out where it all went wrong, but Caroline is wary of being hurt again so it will take some effort for these two to meet in the middle.
This one was probably my least favorite of the collection, but it was still a solid story. I think the steamy connection between Stephen and Caroline was handled well. The two had always been able to get along well in the bedroom but not outside so I was afraid they would fall into bed too quickly here. Fortunately, that didn’t happen, and we got to see them learn how to communicate in a mature and open way that I found satisfying. Caroline was frustrating for me as she had her guard up so high that Stephen’s efforts at fixing things and trying to talk to her were often shut down before he even got started. Luckily for her, he was very determined and eventually won her over with some middle ground and I was happy to see them both learn to give a little and understand one another more.
Mistletoe & Mischief by Erica Ridley 3/5
After a couple of failed seasons, shy heiress Louisa Harcourt is firmly on the shelf. Her mother has decreed that she must marry by the end of the party, but all Louisa wants is a quiet corner in which to write her poetry. When she meets brooding poet Ewan Reid, Louisa amends those desires to include holing up in a cozy writing retreat with him. But Ewan has a secret and when Louisa learns the truth, he’s sure she’ll want nothing more to do with him.
I didn’t love this story, but I still enjoyed it. I think Louisa’s mother and her ultimatums would’ve proven too much if this had been a full-length novel and her ridiculousness had been allowed to carry on for longer. As it was, having to contend with her in this short story was more than enough, especially when her resistance faded away so unbelievably quickly. I wasn’t the biggest fan of Louisa, who somehow felt a bit flat to me. Ewan had a bit more depth but his inner monologues about his situation with his grandfather and their business grew rather repetitive. I did like Ewan and Louisa as a couple however, and I’m glad their spat upon the revelation of Ewan’s secret didn’t last too long. Ewan also gets bonus points for a great public declaration.
Overall, this was an excellent collection with lots of stories that are perfect to curl up and spend a few hours of escape with.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 15, 2021
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
A Mistletoe Kiss by Eloisa James
A Mistletoe Kiss introduces Lady Cressida, the youngest daughter of the Duke of Greystoke. Now I was not a fan of the duke because of his abuse of his daughter over the years. He used her to plan his famous revelry, letting everyone believe he was the mastermind behind this huge event. To rub salt into the wound, he took away her chances of getting married by refusing to offer a dowry on her behalf, all because he wanted her to continue planning the event, even after his death. He made her feel unworthy. So, one could understand her insecurities about her ability to attract a prospective husband and why she didn’t buy Elias’s sudden interest in her.
Cressida was a wonderful character. I loved how she slowly gained her confidence regarding her attractiveness. I had fun watching her put Elias in his place. He was so used to women falling all over him. It was a novelty for him when Cressida showed a lack of interest. It was fun watching him grovel.
The romance developed quickly and, to be honest, it didn’t feel authentic, at least on Elias’s part. His feelings were so sudden, especially seeing he paid her no attention over the years.
Overall, an adorable read.
Wishing Under the Mistletoe by Christi Caldwell
In Wishing Under the Mistletoe, Christi Caldwell delivered an adorable Christmas second chance romance. Isabelle, the granddaughter of the Duke of Greystoke, ended her engagement ten years ago. She did so believing her betrothed, Cyrus, valued his business more than their relationship. During that time, she left home to pursue her passion as a play-writer.
Now she has returned home to direct the theatre production of Cinderella at her grandfather’s famous revelry. A dream she harbored since childhood. What she never expected was to be partnered with the man she left ten years ago. Feelings they thought dead came alive and sparks flew with a vengeance.
It took ten years, but they finally got it right. They never blame each other for the break-up, but took responsibility for their role in the ending of their relationship. Such a wonderful and endearing couple, which made it easy to root for them. I adored this story and the end totally had me swooning.
Compromise Under the Mistletoe by Janna MacGregor
In Compromise Under Mistletoe, Lady Caroline Whitmore, granddaughter to the Duke of Greystoke, has been separated from her husband, Stephen, for a year. She left the matrimonial home as she felt neglected by her husband. Now she needs him to accompany her to the Duke’s famous revelry and help her pretend they have reunited, so she could get early access to her inheritance. Stephen plans to use this occasion to woo his wife and convince her to return home.
I enjoyed this story, despite the frustration actions of the couple. Their problems arose out of their failure to communicate. Stephen had a difficult task convincing Caroline he had changed. She shot down his many attempts of try to show her how much he appreciated her. The fact she never communicated to him how she felt and what she needed from him made me want to scream.
I loved how it all worked out in the end, although something serious had to happen for them to recognize what had been missing from their marriage all along.
Overall, a solid story.
Mischief and Mistletoe by Erica Ridley
Mischief and Mistletoe introduce Miss Louisa Harcourt, 23 years old without a marriage prospect. An article in the gossip column, painting her as being dull and undesirable, hindered her prospects of finding a husband. This di not phase Louisa, as her interest lies in writing poetry. Her mother, however, had different ideas. Forced to attend the duke’s famous revelry, as her mother saw it as her last chance to find a suitable husband. Someone who possessed a title.
Louisa dreaded going to the revelry, especially knowing her mother was pushing for to entertain the two most undesirable candidates. Then she met Ewan, a fellow poet, and the revelry no longer seems such a horrible place to be.
I enjoyed Louisa and Ewan’s story. They made a wonderful couple, but Ewan had a secret, which, if revealed, could ruin his chance with Louisa. This secret weighed heavily on him, the more he got to know Louisa. His support of her dreams enhanced their relationship. His romantic gestures were sweet and fitting.
Mischief and Mistletoe was a wonderful story, and I loved how it all worked out for Ewan and Louisa.
This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
A Mistletoe Kiss by Eloisa James
A Mistletoe Kiss introduces Lady Cressida, the youngest daughter of the Duke of Greystoke. Now I was not a fan of the duke because of his abuse of his daughter over the years. He used her to plan his famous revelry, letting everyone believe he was the mastermind behind this huge event. To rub salt into the wound, he took away her chances of getting married by refusing to offer a dowry on her behalf, all because he wanted her to continue planning the event, even after his death. He made her feel unworthy. So, one could understand her insecurities about her ability to attract a prospective husband and why she didn’t buy Elias’s sudden interest in her.
Cressida was a wonderful character. I loved how she slowly gained her confidence regarding her attractiveness. I had fun watching her put Elias in his place. He was so used to women falling all over him. It was a novelty for him when Cressida showed a lack of interest. It was fun watching him grovel.
The romance developed quickly and, to be honest, it didn’t feel authentic, at least on Elias’s part. His feelings were so sudden, especially seeing he paid her no attention over the years.
Overall, an adorable read.
Wishing Under the Mistletoe by Christi Caldwell
In Wishing Under the Mistletoe, Christi Caldwell delivered an adorable Christmas second chance romance. Isabelle, the granddaughter of the Duke of Greystoke, ended her engagement ten years ago. She did so believing her betrothed, Cyrus, valued his business more than their relationship. During that time, she left home to pursue her passion as a play-writer.
Now she has returned home to direct the theatre production of Cinderella at her grandfather’s famous revelry. A dream she harbored since childhood. What she never expected was to be partnered with the man she left ten years ago. Feelings they thought dead came alive and sparks flew with a vengeance.
It took ten years, but they finally got it right. They never blame each other for the break-up, but took responsibility for their role in the ending of their relationship. Such a wonderful and endearing couple, which made it easy to root for them. I adored this story and the end totally had me swooning.
Compromise Under the Mistletoe by Janna MacGregor
In Compromise Under Mistletoe, Lady Caroline Whitmore, granddaughter to the Duke of Greystoke, has been separated from her husband, Stephen, for a year. She left the matrimonial home as she felt neglected by her husband. Now she needs him to accompany her to the Duke’s famous revelry and help her pretend they have reunited, so she could get early access to her inheritance. Stephen plans to use this occasion to woo his wife and convince her to return home.
I enjoyed this story, despite the frustration actions of the couple. Their problems arose out of their failure to communicate. Stephen had a difficult task convincing Caroline he had changed. She shot down his many attempts of try to show her how much he appreciated her. The fact she never communicated to him how she felt and what she needed from him made me want to scream.
I loved how it all worked out in the end, although something serious had to happen for them to recognize what had been missing from their marriage all along.
Overall, a solid story.
Mischief and Mistletoe by Erica Ridley
Mischief and Mistletoe introduce Miss Louisa Harcourt, 23 years old without a marriage prospect. An article in the gossip column, painting her as being dull and undesirable, hindered her prospects of finding a husband. This di not phase Louisa, as her interest lies in writing poetry. Her mother, however, had different ideas. Forced to attend the duke’s famous revelry, as her mother saw it as her last chance to find a suitable husband. Someone who possessed a title.
Louisa dreaded going to the revelry, especially knowing her mother was pushing for to entertain the two most undesirable candidates. Then she met Ewan, a fellow poet, and the revelry no longer seems such a horrible place to be.
I enjoyed Louisa and Ewan’s story. They made a wonderful couple, but Ewan had a secret, which, if revealed, could ruin his chance with Louisa. This secret weighed heavily on him, the more he got to know Louisa. His support of her dreams enhanced their relationship. His romantic gestures were sweet and fitting.
Mischief and Mistletoe was a wonderful story, and I loved how it all worked out for Ewan and Louisa.
This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
March 10, 2022
This book features a collection of stories that all take place against the backdrop of the Duke of Greystoke’s Christmas Revelry....
"Mistletoe Christmas" by Eloisa James is the first short in this anthology and tells the story of the Duke's daughter, Cressenda, who is the actual architect behind the party, even though her father claims all the glory for the exclusive affair. The Duke is selfish and awful (and dying.) He's pushed Cressie to make the party the centerpiece of her life, forcing her to miss out on a real season or a chance to find a husband. He has even given away her dowry in an effort to bribe his heir to keep the party going after his death. And just when she'd given up hope, Elias (friend to the aforementioned heir) decides to make her his wife.
This is definitely an instalove story. In just a matter of hours, Elias goes from seeing her as a frumpy nobody to a woman he can't live without. Of course, Cressie has trouble believing him. No one has ever wanted her. It's kind of sad. And this romance moves really fast. But James does a good job setting up this great party and Cressie as a character. Elias... not so much. But I guess it was enough that he was handsome and saw value in Cressie when no one else did.
It was... ok.
I liked the second story, "Wishing Under the Mistletoe" by Christi Caldwell, a bit more. I find that short stories work better for me when the hero and heroine already have a history. Here, Isabelle and Cyrus are reunited 10 years after they broke off their engagement. The son of a servant, Cyrus was more focused on making money than his fiancee, and as the granddaughter of a duke, she couldn't see outside of her own life experiences to understand why.
Fate (or maybe some well meaning loved ones) throw them together on a project for the Revelry and all their old feelings come rushing back. I felt like Cyrus was a bit more in the wrong in their past than Isabelle was, and she had to do a little more work to give them their HEA, but overall, I enjoyed the journey. (Like I said before, class differences are like catnip for me.)
"Compromise Under the Mistletoe" by Janna MacGregor was another second chance at love story, and it echoed the previous story a little. Unlike Isabelle and Cyrus, Stephen and Caroline are married, but estranged. She left him a year earlier because (like Cyrus) he was inattentive and too focused on his work. Other than their time in the bedroom, he treated her like an afterthought. They reunite at the Revelry so she can try to convince the duke to release her trust early. The only catch... she and Stephen have to convince the old man they are a happy couple first.
It rang a little hollow for me after reading such a similar-themed story right before it. And like Isabelle, Caro takes on some of the blame for their problems, though Stephen was clearly more in the wrong.
Meh.
"Mischief & Mistletoe" by Erica Ridley was probably my favorite of the short stories. It followed Louisa, a closet-poet with a mother bent on securing her an adventitious match at the party. Ewan is known as a poet, but it's actually just a cover story so he can do his real work as a gossip writer for his grandfather's newspaper. I'm not a big fan of a big secret trope, but I did like the dynamic between the hero and heroine. Plus, I almost always prefer a hero in trade to a lord.
Overall, a solid collection of historical shorts.
"Mistletoe Christmas" by Eloisa James is the first short in this anthology and tells the story of the Duke's daughter, Cressenda, who is the actual architect behind the party, even though her father claims all the glory for the exclusive affair. The Duke is selfish and awful (and dying.) He's pushed Cressie to make the party the centerpiece of her life, forcing her to miss out on a real season or a chance to find a husband. He has even given away her dowry in an effort to bribe his heir to keep the party going after his death. And just when she'd given up hope, Elias (friend to the aforementioned heir) decides to make her his wife.
This is definitely an instalove story. In just a matter of hours, Elias goes from seeing her as a frumpy nobody to a woman he can't live without. Of course, Cressie has trouble believing him. No one has ever wanted her. It's kind of sad. And this romance moves really fast. But James does a good job setting up this great party and Cressie as a character. Elias... not so much. But I guess it was enough that he was handsome and saw value in Cressie when no one else did.
It was... ok.
I liked the second story, "Wishing Under the Mistletoe" by Christi Caldwell, a bit more. I find that short stories work better for me when the hero and heroine already have a history. Here, Isabelle and Cyrus are reunited 10 years after they broke off their engagement. The son of a servant, Cyrus was more focused on making money than his fiancee, and as the granddaughter of a duke, she couldn't see outside of her own life experiences to understand why.
Fate (or maybe some well meaning loved ones) throw them together on a project for the Revelry and all their old feelings come rushing back. I felt like Cyrus was a bit more in the wrong in their past than Isabelle was, and she had to do a little more work to give them their HEA, but overall, I enjoyed the journey. (Like I said before, class differences are like catnip for me.)
"Compromise Under the Mistletoe" by Janna MacGregor was another second chance at love story, and it echoed the previous story a little. Unlike Isabelle and Cyrus, Stephen and Caroline are married, but estranged. She left him a year earlier because (like Cyrus) he was inattentive and too focused on his work. Other than their time in the bedroom, he treated her like an afterthought. They reunite at the Revelry so she can try to convince the duke to release her trust early. The only catch... she and Stephen have to convince the old man they are a happy couple first.
It rang a little hollow for me after reading such a similar-themed story right before it. And like Isabelle, Caro takes on some of the blame for their problems, though Stephen was clearly more in the wrong.
Meh.
"Mischief & Mistletoe" by Erica Ridley was probably my favorite of the short stories. It followed Louisa, a closet-poet with a mother bent on securing her an adventitious match at the party. Ewan is known as a poet, but it's actually just a cover story so he can do his real work as a gossip writer for his grandfather's newspaper. I'm not a big fan of a big secret trope, but I did like the dynamic between the hero and heroine. Plus, I almost always prefer a hero in trade to a lord.
Overall, a solid collection of historical shorts.
September 27, 2021
A Mistletoe Kiss by Eloisa James - 5 stars
I adored Cressie and Elias's story!
Wishing Under the Mistletoe by Christi Caldwell - 5 stars
I adored Cyrus and Isabelle's story!!
Compromise Under the Mistletoe by Janna MacGregor - 4 stars
I really enjoyed Caro and Stephen's story!
Mischief and Mistletoe by Erica Ridley - 4 stars
I enjoyed Ewan and Louisa's story.
Four of my favorite authors, I knew I would be in for a treat! I loved how they were able to weave all four of their stories together and you couldn't tell that they were written by 4 different people. This is a wonderful Christmas treat for my historical romance lover!
I adored Cressie and Elias's story!
Wishing Under the Mistletoe by Christi Caldwell - 5 stars
I adored Cyrus and Isabelle's story!!
Compromise Under the Mistletoe by Janna MacGregor - 4 stars
I really enjoyed Caro and Stephen's story!
Mischief and Mistletoe by Erica Ridley - 4 stars
I enjoyed Ewan and Louisa's story.
Four of my favorite authors, I knew I would be in for a treat! I loved how they were able to weave all four of their stories together and you couldn't tell that they were written by 4 different people. This is a wonderful Christmas treat for my historical romance lover!
September 24, 2021
A Mistletoe Christmas brings together four popular historical romance authors to write an interconnected collection about four couples who fall in love and find their HEAs in the midst of an old Duke’s Christmas Revelry, which is established to be a long-held tradition.
“A Mistletoe Kiss” by Eloisa James kicks off the anthology, and while I haven’t read anything from her in a while (her recent series hasn’t appealed to me), I really enjoyed this one. I loved how it set up the concept of the Revelry by introducing the crochety old Duke at death’s door through the eyes of his daughter and nephew’s friend, who are the central couple. Cressie doesn’t have a lot of prospects, except in managing the old Duke’s affairs, something of which she’s well aware of. However, she has long been in love with her cousin’s friend, Elias. Meanwhile, the wastrel cousin has offered Elias money to marry her. I loved the journey of Elias proving to Cressie how he truly feels about her and that he didn’t entertain his friend’s offer.
“Wishing Under the Mistletoe” is Christi Caldwell’s contribution, and it’s a heartfelt and emotional read, as is her trademark. I really liked the exploration into Isabella and Cyrus finding each other again after the demise of their betrothal years ago. The hurt feelings, the pride on both sides, I loved how that was conveyed, yet how it all ended up culminating in the realization that they should try this time to do things right. Isabelle in particular is also interesting in how she sets herself apart from her aristocratic origins, and she was especially easy to root for.
“Compromise Under the Mistletoe” by Janna MacGregor is about an estranged married couple coming back together, and it is sweet, if not immune to some of the typical pitfalls. It does rely on miscommunication, which can be frustrating, but I did enjoy that Caroline made a life of herself when she felt she wasn’t valued.
“Mischief & Mistletoe” by Erica Ridley closes out the anthology on a good note. While not my favorite of the stories, it still has its good points. I love that Louisa has an interest in poetry, and that leads her to bonding with another poet during the Revelry. While the romance felt the weakest in this one, especially with Ewan being a bit secretive, I still liked it for the most part.
The stories overall are enjoyable, and I like the way they slyly nod to one another with the shared cast of overlapping characters (three of the heroines are relatives of the old Duke, for example) and different perspectives of roughly the same passage of time. And where the backgrounds of the heroines might have felt a bit too interconnected, I did like the diverse backgrounds for the heroes, from aristocratic to untitled poet, thus giving different dynamics and stakes to each couple.
This is a pretty solid anthology overall, and it should please many from the collective readerships of the authors. I would also recommend it to anyone looking for a good historical read to kick off the Christmas season.
“A Mistletoe Kiss” by Eloisa James kicks off the anthology, and while I haven’t read anything from her in a while (her recent series hasn’t appealed to me), I really enjoyed this one. I loved how it set up the concept of the Revelry by introducing the crochety old Duke at death’s door through the eyes of his daughter and nephew’s friend, who are the central couple. Cressie doesn’t have a lot of prospects, except in managing the old Duke’s affairs, something of which she’s well aware of. However, she has long been in love with her cousin’s friend, Elias. Meanwhile, the wastrel cousin has offered Elias money to marry her. I loved the journey of Elias proving to Cressie how he truly feels about her and that he didn’t entertain his friend’s offer.
“Wishing Under the Mistletoe” is Christi Caldwell’s contribution, and it’s a heartfelt and emotional read, as is her trademark. I really liked the exploration into Isabella and Cyrus finding each other again after the demise of their betrothal years ago. The hurt feelings, the pride on both sides, I loved how that was conveyed, yet how it all ended up culminating in the realization that they should try this time to do things right. Isabelle in particular is also interesting in how she sets herself apart from her aristocratic origins, and she was especially easy to root for.
“Compromise Under the Mistletoe” by Janna MacGregor is about an estranged married couple coming back together, and it is sweet, if not immune to some of the typical pitfalls. It does rely on miscommunication, which can be frustrating, but I did enjoy that Caroline made a life of herself when she felt she wasn’t valued.
“Mischief & Mistletoe” by Erica Ridley closes out the anthology on a good note. While not my favorite of the stories, it still has its good points. I love that Louisa has an interest in poetry, and that leads her to bonding with another poet during the Revelry. While the romance felt the weakest in this one, especially with Ewan being a bit secretive, I still liked it for the most part.
The stories overall are enjoyable, and I like the way they slyly nod to one another with the shared cast of overlapping characters (three of the heroines are relatives of the old Duke, for example) and different perspectives of roughly the same passage of time. And where the backgrounds of the heroines might have felt a bit too interconnected, I did like the diverse backgrounds for the heroes, from aristocratic to untitled poet, thus giving different dynamics and stakes to each couple.
This is a pretty solid anthology overall, and it should please many from the collective readerships of the authors. I would also recommend it to anyone looking for a good historical read to kick off the Christmas season.
April 5, 2022
This was... Fine? I dunno. I think I was hoping for something else. I think I need to stop reading romance novellas for a bit. Recently I haven't been able to find one I enjoy. None of these are any particular exception.
1. The Eloisa James irritated me. I liked the characters, but it relies on a trope that I've decided I'm just done with, and that is a heroine's parents/guardians/whomever being the literal worst and in some way or other deciding the heroine needed or deserved no options and should live their life being subservient. (Note: this can happen to the hero as well, but it's often the heroine - substitute either or, I am gender-neutral in my frustration with this trope.) The absolutely hideous Duke as head of the family killed most hope I had of liking this, particularly when it was compounded by absolute calousness on the part of his heir, and the heir's close friend (the hero). This would have needed a full novel to show enough growth that I thought he deserved the heroine. This is not a full novel. Like, it had moments, but seriously, there are some problematic elements.
2. The Christi Caldwell is basically what if you gave Ebeneezer Scrooge a happy ending. A stable boy's son gets an education and becomes a workaholic to make something of himself and 'deserve' his fiance (the Duke's granddaughter - this difference in station is somehow... not an issue, which was refreshing). She gets fed up waiting around for him to set a date and calls it off. They meet again in 10 years. I actually almost really liked this. They kept actually having talking to each other, having realizations, and then growing. I didn't love every conclusion the came to, but on the whole I was onboard. Plus their chemistry was kind of fantastic. To the extent that it was rather unclear why they weren't just back together. And then the hero seemed to fall back into his old ways, and to resolve this the narrative ran full speed ahead into a very public proposal, and it was shocking how quickly I checked out. Would consider more from this author though.
3. The Janna McGreggor is reuniting spouses, so obviously it is my favourite. It is not particularly realistic. I don't care. Two estranged spouses are pretending to be a happy couple so our heroine can get her inheritance early. I was onboard. Of course, the hideous, hateful Duke had to rear his ugly head for no good reason, but at least he was more ignoreable in this one.
4. The Erica Ridley was fine, but mostly forgetable. It featured an annoying meddling mother with a heart of gold who I couldn't warm to.
I mean, if anyone has any recommendations for romance novels that do not feature hateful parents, or a hero and a heroine whose central conflict is defined by a difference in stations, or really any romance novels where you think that the couple may be able to continue living relatively contented lives, if the romance doesn't work out (i.e. it's not some sort of "last chance to avert disaster"), I'm all ears.
1. The Eloisa James irritated me. I liked the characters, but it relies on a trope that I've decided I'm just done with, and that is a heroine's parents/guardians/whomever being the literal worst and in some way or other deciding the heroine needed or deserved no options and should live their life being subservient. (Note: this can happen to the hero as well, but it's often the heroine - substitute either or, I am gender-neutral in my frustration with this trope.) The absolutely hideous Duke as head of the family killed most hope I had of liking this, particularly when it was compounded by absolute calousness on the part of his heir, and the heir's close friend (the hero). This would have needed a full novel to show enough growth that I thought he deserved the heroine. This is not a full novel. Like, it had moments, but seriously, there are some problematic elements.
2. The Christi Caldwell is basically what if you gave Ebeneezer Scrooge a happy ending. A stable boy's son gets an education and becomes a workaholic to make something of himself and 'deserve' his fiance (the Duke's granddaughter - this difference in station is somehow... not an issue, which was refreshing). She gets fed up waiting around for him to set a date and calls it off. They meet again in 10 years. I actually almost really liked this. They kept actually having talking to each other, having realizations, and then growing. I didn't love every conclusion the came to, but on the whole I was onboard. Plus their chemistry was kind of fantastic. To the extent that it was rather unclear why they weren't just back together. And then the hero seemed to fall back into his old ways, and to resolve this the narrative ran full speed ahead into a very public proposal, and it was shocking how quickly I checked out. Would consider more from this author though.
3. The Janna McGreggor is reuniting spouses, so obviously it is my favourite. It is not particularly realistic. I don't care. Two estranged spouses are pretending to be a happy couple so our heroine can get her inheritance early. I was onboard. Of course, the hideous, hateful Duke had to rear his ugly head for no good reason, but at least he was more ignoreable in this one.
4. The Erica Ridley was fine, but mostly forgetable. It featured an annoying meddling mother with a heart of gold who I couldn't warm to.
I mean, if anyone has any recommendations for romance novels that do not feature hateful parents, or a hero and a heroine whose central conflict is defined by a difference in stations, or really any romance novels where you think that the couple may be able to continue living relatively contented lives, if the romance doesn't work out (i.e. it's not some sort of "last chance to avert disaster"), I'm all ears.
September 7, 2021
I’m not a huge novella fan. I like looong books with lots of character development and an intricate plot. There is one exception, however. The exception is holiday novellas. Especially the house party variety. Often at the holidays I just need a little escape for ~30 minutes or an hour, and can’t spare the time or mental energy for a good thick novel. Oh yes, a Christmas anthology is *JUST* the thing. I read this one on Labor day, as I have the ARC, but I will almost certainly revisit this anthology during the height of the holiday stress. These are Novellas that can easily be revisited. The best thing about house party themed historicals is that everyone falls head over heels in less than a fortnight. It is so fun!
A Mistletoe Kiss by Eloisa James:
Eloisa James is a treasure! I loved Cressie! I could not believe how ill she was treated by her father. I really wished the story was longer (I know, I know, that’s ALWAYS my problem with Novellas). The story felt a bit rushed. I did enjoy the characters and loved the setting. Though I felt it was a bit rushed, It was a full story. Every necessary detail is there, and we aren’t left with a bunch of loose ends. It was lovely.
Wishing Under the Mistletoe by Christi Caldwell:
This one has all of that particular Christi Caldwell magic! Cyrus and Isabelle deserve a second chance as adults with fully formed brains, and boy did Christi deliver. I love every single page. All Cyrus and Isabelle needed was a good conversation. They never stopped loving each other. *swoon*. Truly an excellent novella.
Compromise Under the Mistletoe by Janna MacGregor:
Caroline and Stephen are another couple here for a second chance. They also could absolutely resolve a lot if they had sat down and had a frank conversation with each other. They need a chance to learn to speak each other’s language, and what better setting for it than a house party!? The story is lovely, the characters are excellent. I had forgotten how much I enjoy Janna MacGregor’s style. I need to go catch up on her back canon. Cannot wait!
Mischief & Mistletoe by Erica Ridley:
I think this one might have been my favorite in the anthology. Again, Erica Ridley delivers. Louisa is a poet, Ewan is a “poet”. It’s a match made in heaven! Or is it? Dun Dun Duuuun. Secrets and deceptions come close to keeping this pair apart. I thoroughly appreciated Louisa. She is a pragmatic heroine. Ewan could have been a bit more honest with her. I’m not holding a grudge, he made up for it. I love this story. It kept me on my toes for sure. I did not know how Erica was going to make love triumph, but I knew she would. *melodramatic sigh*. This was a lovely note to end the anthology on.
If you, like me, absolutely need a quick little bed time read to unwind during the holiday season, or a good launch into the Christmas spirit, grab this book and a warm mug of peppermint tea and settle in!
A Mistletoe Kiss by Eloisa James:
Eloisa James is a treasure! I loved Cressie! I could not believe how ill she was treated by her father. I really wished the story was longer (I know, I know, that’s ALWAYS my problem with Novellas). The story felt a bit rushed. I did enjoy the characters and loved the setting. Though I felt it was a bit rushed, It was a full story. Every necessary detail is there, and we aren’t left with a bunch of loose ends. It was lovely.
Wishing Under the Mistletoe by Christi Caldwell:
This one has all of that particular Christi Caldwell magic! Cyrus and Isabelle deserve a second chance as adults with fully formed brains, and boy did Christi deliver. I love every single page. All Cyrus and Isabelle needed was a good conversation. They never stopped loving each other. *swoon*. Truly an excellent novella.
Compromise Under the Mistletoe by Janna MacGregor:
Caroline and Stephen are another couple here for a second chance. They also could absolutely resolve a lot if they had sat down and had a frank conversation with each other. They need a chance to learn to speak each other’s language, and what better setting for it than a house party!? The story is lovely, the characters are excellent. I had forgotten how much I enjoy Janna MacGregor’s style. I need to go catch up on her back canon. Cannot wait!
Mischief & Mistletoe by Erica Ridley:
I think this one might have been my favorite in the anthology. Again, Erica Ridley delivers. Louisa is a poet, Ewan is a “poet”. It’s a match made in heaven! Or is it? Dun Dun Duuuun. Secrets and deceptions come close to keeping this pair apart. I thoroughly appreciated Louisa. She is a pragmatic heroine. Ewan could have been a bit more honest with her. I’m not holding a grudge, he made up for it. I love this story. It kept me on my toes for sure. I did not know how Erica was going to make love triumph, but I knew she would. *melodramatic sigh*. This was a lovely note to end the anthology on.
If you, like me, absolutely need a quick little bed time read to unwind during the holiday season, or a good launch into the Christmas spirit, grab this book and a warm mug of peppermint tea and settle in!
September 30, 2021
Mistletoe Christmas by Eloisa James
Poor Cressida, her father was such an asshole! Put her down her entire life so she could not see her worth. At least she knows she is awesome at organizing the yearly party (that her asshole father takes credit for). She stays in the shadows, until someone finally notices her. Awww Elias, he saw beyond everything and the both deserved their happiness
Wishing Under the Mistletoe by Christi Caldwell
I get why she left him, he was all about work. Gotta make some money to prove everyone he is worthy..though! I sure would have liked to see how on earth a stableboy ended up engaged to a Duke's granddaughter?!
Anyway a nice second chance romance. They talk it through, they see the light
Compromise Under the Mistletoe by Janna MacGregor
Another second chance romance. Married couple had lots of hawt sex, but never talked (like hello it takes the both of you.) And now they are pretending to be in love, and will obvi finally talk and be happy again.
Mischief & Mistletoe by Erica Ridley
Lady Louisa is a spinster thanks to gossip columns. Now is her last chance, and she is seen for once, but gives her heart to a poet. And awww, xmas times, they fall for each other and well he does have a bad secret. Grrr
All in all sweet and good stories. It sounds like a fun revelry for sure. And at the end I am left thinking, whose original story is it? When will the viscount find love? He needs love too ;)
Good narrator, since it was 4 stories, I never felt lost, I always knew in which story I was even though some characters walked through them all. Nice distinct voices.
Poor Cressida, her father was such an asshole! Put her down her entire life so she could not see her worth. At least she knows she is awesome at organizing the yearly party (that her asshole father takes credit for). She stays in the shadows, until someone finally notices her. Awww Elias, he saw beyond everything and the both deserved their happiness
Wishing Under the Mistletoe by Christi Caldwell
I get why she left him, he was all about work. Gotta make some money to prove everyone he is worthy..though! I sure would have liked to see how on earth a stableboy ended up engaged to a Duke's granddaughter?!
Anyway a nice second chance romance. They talk it through, they see the light
Compromise Under the Mistletoe by Janna MacGregor
Another second chance romance. Married couple had lots of hawt sex, but never talked (like hello it takes the both of you.) And now they are pretending to be in love, and will obvi finally talk and be happy again.
Mischief & Mistletoe by Erica Ridley
Lady Louisa is a spinster thanks to gossip columns. Now is her last chance, and she is seen for once, but gives her heart to a poet. And awww, xmas times, they fall for each other and well he does have a bad secret. Grrr
All in all sweet and good stories. It sounds like a fun revelry for sure. And at the end I am left thinking, whose original story is it? When will the viscount find love? He needs love too ;)
Good narrator, since it was 4 stories, I never felt lost, I always knew in which story I was even though some characters walked through them all. Nice distinct voices.
September 30, 2021
4 authors, 4 HEA all taking place at one Christmas House Party.
Each story was unique and offered very different paths to the HEA.
I loved that all of these characters existed during each story. They were all written by different authors but characters crossed over and it worked really really well. The stories didn't feel disjointed or odd together, they were woven together nicely and fit in a perfect anthology of love, passion, dreams, and joy.
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I have to admit my favorite story was Compromise Under the Mistletoe by MacGregor- a bit of second chance romance mixed with enemies to lovers for this estranged but married couple and of course some Mistletoe kisses!
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Definitely recommend for those who love histrom!!
Each story was unique and offered very different paths to the HEA.
I loved that all of these characters existed during each story. They were all written by different authors but characters crossed over and it worked really really well. The stories didn't feel disjointed or odd together, they were woven together nicely and fit in a perfect anthology of love, passion, dreams, and joy.
.
I have to admit my favorite story was Compromise Under the Mistletoe by MacGregor- a bit of second chance romance mixed with enemies to lovers for this estranged but married couple and of course some Mistletoe kisses!
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Definitely recommend for those who love histrom!!
January 14, 2022
The Duke of Greystoke's annual Christmas Revelry is the setting for unexpected love. Mistletoe, an unexpected suitor, a second chance and a matter of class. A dying Duke controlling the lives of his family does not go as he planned. Four great love stories that embrace the Christmas spirit, by four favorite authors.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Merged review:
The Duke of Greystoke's annual Christmas Revelry is the setting for unexpected love. Mistletoe, an unexpected suitor, a second chance and a matter of class. A dying Duke controlling the lives of his family does not go as he planned. Four great love stories that embrace the Christmas spirit, by four favorite authors.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Merged review:
The Duke of Greystoke's annual Christmas Revelry is the setting for unexpected love. Mistletoe, an unexpected suitor, a second chance and a matter of class. A dying Duke controlling the lives of his family does not go as he planned. Four great love stories that embrace the Christmas spirit, by four favorite authors.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Read
October 6, 2021It's so hard to rate this kind of anthology! I enjoyed the shared setting a lot, and I also really enjoyed the first and last novellas in it (by Eloisa James and Erica Ridley). For various reasons, the middle two novellas didn't work for me, personally, as a reader. However, I was still glad to have bought a copy because I enjoyed the other two stories in it so much. So...? I'm leaving this one without any particular star rating because I'm not sure what the right rating would be, but I did enjoy it overall, and I think personal taste factors heavily into what worked vs didn't work in my own reading.
September 2, 2021
I enjoyed the fast pace of each story. I was thoroughly entertained by each story. The characters witty and charming. I really loved the romance between the couples. They were the most exciting parts to the stories. The journey in their stories was a treat to read. The collaboration of each authors story was a bonus for this book.
September 26, 2021
Reviewed for
Wit and Sin
“A Mistletoe Kiss” by Eloisa James
Lady Cressida is the youngest daughter of the Duke of Greystoke and has been running the Revelry for years. No one knows that she is the brain behind her father’s infamous party; all they see is a dowdy woman no one would look twice at. No one, except Elias, Lord Darcy de Royleston…
Eloisa James kicks off the Revelry with “A Mistletoe Kiss”. Cressie is brilliant, talented, and heartbreakingly lonely. Her father has beaten her down emotionally in order to keep her under his thumb and running the Revelry. As a last straw, he’s given away her dowry and now Cressie feels like she’ll be trapped even after his death. She wants a home and family of her own, but how can she trust when Elias starts flirting with her? Elias sees Cressie for all that she is, though not at first. I liked that he fell for her as he got to know her (though it does happen fairly quickly) and he does have to prove it. More than the happily ever after, I was rooting for Cressie to break free of her father’s control. I won’t spoil what happens, but of course there’s a delightful, satisfying ending.
“Wishing Under the Mistletoe” by Christi Caldwell
It’s been ten years since Cyrus Hill has seen Lady Isabelle Wilkshire. Their last communication was her breaking off their engagement. But now that they’re thrown together at the Revelry, perhaps Cyrus has a chance to see where he went wrong all those years ago. And maybe even win back the woman who has always held his heart.
“Wishing Under the Mistletoe” has elements of A Christmas Carol, albeit with a much happier ending. Cyrus isn’t cold and cruel like Scrooge, but having been the stablemaster’s son in love with a lady, he was very aware with their differences in station and was more focused on working and growing his coffers than paying attention to Isabelle. Cyrus is still focused on growing his business when they are reunited, but Isabelle calls out to him as always. What I appreciated about this story is that Christi Caldwell didn’t make everything Cyrus’s fault. Isabelle had her own part to play in the falling apart of their relationship. She needed to listen to Cyrus as much as he did to her. I enjoyed watching them learn from their past mistakes and open up their hearts for a second chance at love. Isabelle and Cyrus have a natural chemistry that makes their story fly by and I enjoyed it immensely.
“Compromise Under the Mistletoe” by Janna MacGregor
It’s been a year since Caroline left her husband, but her uncle has demanded that she and Stephen make an appearance at the Revelry. If Caroline wants to claim her inheritance, she must pretend to be reconciled with her husband. She strikes a bargain with Stephen, but what she doesn’t expect is to find the man she left eager to win her back.
I adore a good second chance romance and Janna MacGregor has penned a great one in “Compromise Under the Mistletoe”. Caroline had her reasons for leaving Stephen, but it wasn’t because he was a bad person. Rather, she felt like she wasn’t important to him. Stephen is hoping to win her back by finding out what he did wrong. The sparks between them burn hot the instant they’re reunited, but in order to get the happily ever after they desire both Stephen and Caroline need to work on their communication.
It’s easy to root for this couple because they’re clearly meant to be. They have great chemistry, a natural compatibility in bed and out, but they just need to learn and grow a bit in order to make a life together. I loved watching them both come to understand each other and was delighted by “Compromise Under the Mistletoe” from beginning to end.
“Mischief & Mistletoe” by Erica Ridley
Louisa Harcourt is at the Revelry to catch a title and make her mother’s dreams for her come true. There are two available viscounts who may be amenable to marrying the woman society deems utterly forgettable, but it’s brooding poet Ewan Reid she can’t seem to stay away from…
“Mischief & Mistletoe is a delight. Erica Ridley delivers a tale of rather ordinary people on the fringes of society that warms the heart. Louisa has a dowry but after the scandal sheets dubbed her dreadfully dull, she can’t seem to catch a husband. Men don’t see her…until Ewan. Ewan is known for being brooding and handsome – he’s invited to house parties everywhere for just that reason. But the poet has a secret, one that is slowly tearing at his soul. Louisa, a poet herself, is delighted to meet someone who finally understands her. I loved their interactions and how Ewan supported and believed in Louisa’s writing. Both Louisa and Ewan have good hearts, though Ewan has made mistakes in the past which may haunt him now. I was rooting for them every step of the way and found their romance to be heartwarming and utterly charming.
Mistletoe Christmas features four stories of women who won’t settle for less than they deserve, which I loved. All four stories are charming holiday romances, but they’ve got added depth with characters who take charge of their future rather than bending to the whims of society. Janna MacGregor’s installment was my favorite of the lot, but there’s something for any historical romance fan to warm your heart this winter.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
“A Mistletoe Kiss” by Eloisa James
Lady Cressida is the youngest daughter of the Duke of Greystoke and has been running the Revelry for years. No one knows that she is the brain behind her father’s infamous party; all they see is a dowdy woman no one would look twice at. No one, except Elias, Lord Darcy de Royleston…
Eloisa James kicks off the Revelry with “A Mistletoe Kiss”. Cressie is brilliant, talented, and heartbreakingly lonely. Her father has beaten her down emotionally in order to keep her under his thumb and running the Revelry. As a last straw, he’s given away her dowry and now Cressie feels like she’ll be trapped even after his death. She wants a home and family of her own, but how can she trust when Elias starts flirting with her? Elias sees Cressie for all that she is, though not at first. I liked that he fell for her as he got to know her (though it does happen fairly quickly) and he does have to prove it. More than the happily ever after, I was rooting for Cressie to break free of her father’s control. I won’t spoil what happens, but of course there’s a delightful, satisfying ending.
“Wishing Under the Mistletoe” by Christi Caldwell
It’s been ten years since Cyrus Hill has seen Lady Isabelle Wilkshire. Their last communication was her breaking off their engagement. But now that they’re thrown together at the Revelry, perhaps Cyrus has a chance to see where he went wrong all those years ago. And maybe even win back the woman who has always held his heart.
“Wishing Under the Mistletoe” has elements of A Christmas Carol, albeit with a much happier ending. Cyrus isn’t cold and cruel like Scrooge, but having been the stablemaster’s son in love with a lady, he was very aware with their differences in station and was more focused on working and growing his coffers than paying attention to Isabelle. Cyrus is still focused on growing his business when they are reunited, but Isabelle calls out to him as always. What I appreciated about this story is that Christi Caldwell didn’t make everything Cyrus’s fault. Isabelle had her own part to play in the falling apart of their relationship. She needed to listen to Cyrus as much as he did to her. I enjoyed watching them learn from their past mistakes and open up their hearts for a second chance at love. Isabelle and Cyrus have a natural chemistry that makes their story fly by and I enjoyed it immensely.
“Compromise Under the Mistletoe” by Janna MacGregor
It’s been a year since Caroline left her husband, but her uncle has demanded that she and Stephen make an appearance at the Revelry. If Caroline wants to claim her inheritance, she must pretend to be reconciled with her husband. She strikes a bargain with Stephen, but what she doesn’t expect is to find the man she left eager to win her back.
I adore a good second chance romance and Janna MacGregor has penned a great one in “Compromise Under the Mistletoe”. Caroline had her reasons for leaving Stephen, but it wasn’t because he was a bad person. Rather, she felt like she wasn’t important to him. Stephen is hoping to win her back by finding out what he did wrong. The sparks between them burn hot the instant they’re reunited, but in order to get the happily ever after they desire both Stephen and Caroline need to work on their communication.
It’s easy to root for this couple because they’re clearly meant to be. They have great chemistry, a natural compatibility in bed and out, but they just need to learn and grow a bit in order to make a life together. I loved watching them both come to understand each other and was delighted by “Compromise Under the Mistletoe” from beginning to end.
“Mischief & Mistletoe” by Erica Ridley
Louisa Harcourt is at the Revelry to catch a title and make her mother’s dreams for her come true. There are two available viscounts who may be amenable to marrying the woman society deems utterly forgettable, but it’s brooding poet Ewan Reid she can’t seem to stay away from…
“Mischief & Mistletoe is a delight. Erica Ridley delivers a tale of rather ordinary people on the fringes of society that warms the heart. Louisa has a dowry but after the scandal sheets dubbed her dreadfully dull, she can’t seem to catch a husband. Men don’t see her…until Ewan. Ewan is known for being brooding and handsome – he’s invited to house parties everywhere for just that reason. But the poet has a secret, one that is slowly tearing at his soul. Louisa, a poet herself, is delighted to meet someone who finally understands her. I loved their interactions and how Ewan supported and believed in Louisa’s writing. Both Louisa and Ewan have good hearts, though Ewan has made mistakes in the past which may haunt him now. I was rooting for them every step of the way and found their romance to be heartwarming and utterly charming.
Mistletoe Christmas features four stories of women who won’t settle for less than they deserve, which I loved. All four stories are charming holiday romances, but they’ve got added depth with characters who take charge of their future rather than bending to the whims of society. Janna MacGregor’s installment was my favorite of the lot, but there’s something for any historical romance fan to warm your heart this winter.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
December 17, 2021
I liked this Christmas anthology but I will admit it wasn't really a favourite. I think the peak of my excitement and interest was during the first two short stories but after that my interest waned.
These novellas were okay but none of them were memorable. I doubt I would ever pick this book up as a reread.
These novellas were okay but none of them were memorable. I doubt I would ever pick this book up as a reread.
September 29, 2021
A quartet of novellas all set at the same Christmas house party, the Duke of Greystoke’s infamous Revelry. But the Duke is ailing, and the future of the Revelry is in doubt.
A Mistletoe Kiss by Eloisa James
Oh wow, I hated Cressida’s father so much. And in fact her older sisters and her cousin Val, too, for allowing her to be so demeaned and exploited for so long. Elias at least recognised her for the treasure she was, but frankly it took him far too long.
There’s an inherent problem in a story like this with a limited time frame. The entire thing takes place over, I think, three days, and it progresses from Elias barely being aware of Cressida’s existence to both of them convinced they are passionately in love with each other… and I’m afraid I just don’t quite buy instalove at that speed. Three stars.
Wishing Under The Mistletoe by Christi Caldwell
This second-chance romance is much more my speed. The duke’s granddaughter Isabella was engaged to be married ten years ago to Cyrus, son of the head stableman (which did take quite a lot of suspension of disbelief, to be honest). Cyrus has been educated and is now an investment manager, looking after investments for various rich men, but he’s also become too buried in his work. Isabella calls off the engagement because she’s not prepared to come second to it. When they are reunited at the Revelry and forced to work together, it becomes clear that they’ve both grown up in the intervening years and are now ready to fall in love again.
I liked this one a lot and because of the history, it didn’t feel rushed despite the short length… though it really never did get explained just how a duke’s granddaughter was permitted to become engaged to a stablemaster’s son in the first place. I’ll give this one four stars.
Compromise Under The Mistletoe by Janna MacGregor
An estranged couple have to pretend to be happily married in another second-chance romance. Caroline walked out on her husband Stephen a year ago because she was tired of being less important to him than apparently everything, including his prize cow Betsey. She wants to open an art exhibition space for women in London, but to do it, she needs the money from her trust… and her uncle the Duke won’t release it unless she and her husband attend his Revelry… and appear to be happily married.
Stephen clearly has ulterior motives from the beginning; he wants his wife back. I don’t think we really got enough information on the background to how it all went wrong, and Stephen and Caroline definitely didn’t talk it out properly, but that’s a hazard of such a limited word count. A good story, though. Four stars.
Mischief & Mistletoe by Erica Ridley
Louisa Harcourt wants nothing more from life than peace and quiet to write her poetry, but her ambitious mother is having none of it. Louisa must find a titled husband at the Revelry… or her mother will select one for her and force a compromise. Heirs to a dukedom and a marquessate are in the mix, but it’s brooding poet Ewan, a plain Mister, who catches Louisa’s eye.
Interestingly, this was the one story in the bunch that didn’t feel rushed, and didn’t try to pack too much in. I really liked Ewan and how he appreciated Louisa: there was a significant issue because he was hiding something massive and as usual with men, he waited too long to come clean and got found out. He did follow up with a quite magnificent grovel, though, and I enjoyed the epilogue where we saw how their relationship worked in the real world. My favourite story of this collection: I’ll give it five stars.
This collection was one which got better as I went through the stories: the first one was in my opinion the weakest. Most of these authors do normally write full-length and this shorter format does them no favours as they are struggling to get a whole story told in the limited word count: Ridley I know does write novellas (check out her 12 Dukes of Christmas series) and I could really tell because her story felt like the most complete and not rushed. Overall a decent collection with some enjoyable reads. Four stars.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
A Mistletoe Kiss by Eloisa James
Oh wow, I hated Cressida’s father so much. And in fact her older sisters and her cousin Val, too, for allowing her to be so demeaned and exploited for so long. Elias at least recognised her for the treasure she was, but frankly it took him far too long.
There’s an inherent problem in a story like this with a limited time frame. The entire thing takes place over, I think, three days, and it progresses from Elias barely being aware of Cressida’s existence to both of them convinced they are passionately in love with each other… and I’m afraid I just don’t quite buy instalove at that speed. Three stars.
Wishing Under The Mistletoe by Christi Caldwell
This second-chance romance is much more my speed. The duke’s granddaughter Isabella was engaged to be married ten years ago to Cyrus, son of the head stableman (which did take quite a lot of suspension of disbelief, to be honest). Cyrus has been educated and is now an investment manager, looking after investments for various rich men, but he’s also become too buried in his work. Isabella calls off the engagement because she’s not prepared to come second to it. When they are reunited at the Revelry and forced to work together, it becomes clear that they’ve both grown up in the intervening years and are now ready to fall in love again.
I liked this one a lot and because of the history, it didn’t feel rushed despite the short length… though it really never did get explained just how a duke’s granddaughter was permitted to become engaged to a stablemaster’s son in the first place. I’ll give this one four stars.
Compromise Under The Mistletoe by Janna MacGregor
An estranged couple have to pretend to be happily married in another second-chance romance. Caroline walked out on her husband Stephen a year ago because she was tired of being less important to him than apparently everything, including his prize cow Betsey. She wants to open an art exhibition space for women in London, but to do it, she needs the money from her trust… and her uncle the Duke won’t release it unless she and her husband attend his Revelry… and appear to be happily married.
Stephen clearly has ulterior motives from the beginning; he wants his wife back. I don’t think we really got enough information on the background to how it all went wrong, and Stephen and Caroline definitely didn’t talk it out properly, but that’s a hazard of such a limited word count. A good story, though. Four stars.
Mischief & Mistletoe by Erica Ridley
Louisa Harcourt wants nothing more from life than peace and quiet to write her poetry, but her ambitious mother is having none of it. Louisa must find a titled husband at the Revelry… or her mother will select one for her and force a compromise. Heirs to a dukedom and a marquessate are in the mix, but it’s brooding poet Ewan, a plain Mister, who catches Louisa’s eye.
Interestingly, this was the one story in the bunch that didn’t feel rushed, and didn’t try to pack too much in. I really liked Ewan and how he appreciated Louisa: there was a significant issue because he was hiding something massive and as usual with men, he waited too long to come clean and got found out. He did follow up with a quite magnificent grovel, though, and I enjoyed the epilogue where we saw how their relationship worked in the real world. My favourite story of this collection: I’ll give it five stars.
This collection was one which got better as I went through the stories: the first one was in my opinion the weakest. Most of these authors do normally write full-length and this shorter format does them no favours as they are struggling to get a whole story told in the limited word count: Ridley I know does write novellas (check out her 12 Dukes of Christmas series) and I could really tell because her story felt like the most complete and not rushed. Overall a decent collection with some enjoyable reads. Four stars.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
August 10, 2021
Mistletoe Christmas: An Anthology, four stories by four wonderful authors:
Eloisa James, Christi Caldwell, Janna MacGregor and Erica Ridley.
There is one thing I love more than romantic Christmas stories, which is when there is an anthology of them that are set at the same event. The event in this anthology is the Duke of Greystoke's Christmas Revelry. Each author tells the tale of a different couple in attendance at the Revelry for one reason or another.
Eloisa's story A Mistletoe Kiss is about Lady Cressida, the Duke's youngest daughter. He treats her terribly, making her feel dowdy, trying to keep her to himself so that she can make sure that his Christmas event, which takes year-long planning, will be perfect and the talk of society. She has little self-confidence and believes she is past any hope of marriage.
Elias, Lord Darcy de Royleston is looking for a wife. The last person he is interested in for that post is Cressie, the very plain cousin of his friend and the Duke's heir, Val. Throughout the Revelry, he comes to see her in a different light and wants nothing more than to marry her. With an interfering Duke in the mix, will he be able to get what he wants?
Christi's story Wishing Under the Mistletoe is about the Duke's granddaughter Isabelle. Invited to be in charge of the Revelry's theatrical entertainment Isabelle doesn't know that the man she was once betrothed to, Cyrus, will also be at the Revelry. He has been tasked with helping her. He has no idea either that he will be seeing her there and the flood gates of the past whoosh open as soon as they see each other. Will they have a second chance at love, or will the thing that separated them in the past still stand between them now?
Janna's contribution Compromise Under the Mistletoe tells the story of a married couple Caroline, the Duke's Niece, and Stephen whose marriage is floundering. After a year apart they are both ordered to attend the Christmas Revelry together. They have to prove that they are happily married or the Duke won't let her have money that is in trust for her. Can they pull off the charade, or will it become more than make-believe?
Erica's contribution to Mistletoe and Mischief is the fourth and final story in the book. This time it only partly involves a relative of the Duke in as much as he wants his nephew Val to marry this season and provide the family with an heir. He could marry Miss Louisa Harcourt. She, with her mother, have been invited to the Revelry. Louisa's mother has told her that she has to find a husband this season and will push her towards whatever titled man she thinks might take her on. The problem is that the only man she is interested in is a famous poet. He isn't rich, and he isn't suitable. Louisa wants him but knows she has to keep her mother happy, so how will the predicament resolve?
This anthology was an absolute delight to read. It may be a Christmas themed book but it can be enjoyed any time of the year. It will definitely put you into the festive spirit.
Eloisa James, Christi Caldwell, Janna MacGregor and Erica Ridley.
There is one thing I love more than romantic Christmas stories, which is when there is an anthology of them that are set at the same event. The event in this anthology is the Duke of Greystoke's Christmas Revelry. Each author tells the tale of a different couple in attendance at the Revelry for one reason or another.
Eloisa's story A Mistletoe Kiss is about Lady Cressida, the Duke's youngest daughter. He treats her terribly, making her feel dowdy, trying to keep her to himself so that she can make sure that his Christmas event, which takes year-long planning, will be perfect and the talk of society. She has little self-confidence and believes she is past any hope of marriage.
Elias, Lord Darcy de Royleston is looking for a wife. The last person he is interested in for that post is Cressie, the very plain cousin of his friend and the Duke's heir, Val. Throughout the Revelry, he comes to see her in a different light and wants nothing more than to marry her. With an interfering Duke in the mix, will he be able to get what he wants?
Christi's story Wishing Under the Mistletoe is about the Duke's granddaughter Isabelle. Invited to be in charge of the Revelry's theatrical entertainment Isabelle doesn't know that the man she was once betrothed to, Cyrus, will also be at the Revelry. He has been tasked with helping her. He has no idea either that he will be seeing her there and the flood gates of the past whoosh open as soon as they see each other. Will they have a second chance at love, or will the thing that separated them in the past still stand between them now?
Janna's contribution Compromise Under the Mistletoe tells the story of a married couple Caroline, the Duke's Niece, and Stephen whose marriage is floundering. After a year apart they are both ordered to attend the Christmas Revelry together. They have to prove that they are happily married or the Duke won't let her have money that is in trust for her. Can they pull off the charade, or will it become more than make-believe?
Erica's contribution to Mistletoe and Mischief is the fourth and final story in the book. This time it only partly involves a relative of the Duke in as much as he wants his nephew Val to marry this season and provide the family with an heir. He could marry Miss Louisa Harcourt. She, with her mother, have been invited to the Revelry. Louisa's mother has told her that she has to find a husband this season and will push her towards whatever titled man she thinks might take her on. The problem is that the only man she is interested in is a famous poet. He isn't rich, and he isn't suitable. Louisa wants him but knows she has to keep her mother happy, so how will the predicament resolve?
This anthology was an absolute delight to read. It may be a Christmas themed book but it can be enjoyed any time of the year. It will definitely put you into the festive spirit.
December 25, 2021
✨Eloisa went hard on this novella.✨
I was too lazy to write down quotes and I hate myself for it. Idk but it reminded me of it’s a wonderful life. He had George Bailey energy.
Eloise’s story was absolutely perfect. Jilted woman, woefully-unobservant-until-precisely-the-right-moment man, everything. It’s the type of novella in an anthology that would make it five stars even if the other stories wished dishonor on your cow. Ms. James went so hard and she did it for us.
Tropes: Cousin’s best friend, childhood friends but strangers, groveling.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶/5
__________
✨The feminine urge to throw myself upon the top step of a staircase and cry in a fancy dress.✨ But in a she’s-sad-now-but-her-broad-shouldered-love-will-kiss-it-better-in-twenty-pages main character type of way.
Also ever since Taylor Swift sang it, kiss it better is a main character phrase. I love how they were both flawed and came to grow super naturally and beautifully.
Yes my friends, this one made me cry. The ending was just so heartfelt and it was a second chance romance that had me feeling ALL the things. It’s not normally my trope but in this Christmas Carol-esque novella, it totally was. They also made merry use of a pianoforte.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶/5
__________
✨Two second chance romances in a row was a lot for someone who doesn’t love the trope.✨ I think it would have been better for him to have been the one who’d left. Caroline’s reasoning a lot of the time was her never telling him how she was feeling and the whole thing about her money/trust was kinda useless bc she would have had it in a year and they could’ve made it work until then.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶🌶🌶/5
__________
✨Apparently I’m just a bad person because all of these self-sacrificing characters willing to have a life of unhappiness to make someone else happy just…don’t do it for me.✨
I just wasn’t really a fan of this last story. It ended very cute and the parental figures in their lives made a turn around, but I’m never a fan of such self sacrificing characters. I get it was the time but I also just get so exhausted and this was a short novella! Not very steamy at all compared to the rest of the stories.
If I would have read a full novel of this I simply don’t think I would have had a good time. I did like the premise of it and was intrigued. I don’t understand though how he got away with never publishing a poem of his lol. Also Derham’s character wasn’t very consistent throughout the stories. I couldn’t decide if I liked him or didn’t and I definitely thought he’d get a story.
⭐️⭐️.75/5 🌶🌶/5
__________
Overall, I would buy this book for the first two novellas. Give the others a shot but I think the pick and choose nature of anthologies is a draw not a deterrent. It followed the same house party and all characters were connected in some way, shape or form. Eloisa’s was my favorite!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️*/5 🌶🌶🌶**/5
*I averaged all the ratings for a total of 81% so 4/5 will have to do.
**There’s enough sex to satisfy
I was too lazy to write down quotes and I hate myself for it. Idk but it reminded me of it’s a wonderful life. He had George Bailey energy.
Eloise’s story was absolutely perfect. Jilted woman, woefully-unobservant-until-precisely-the-right-moment man, everything. It’s the type of novella in an anthology that would make it five stars even if the other stories wished dishonor on your cow. Ms. James went so hard and she did it for us.
Tropes: Cousin’s best friend, childhood friends but strangers, groveling.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶/5
__________
✨The feminine urge to throw myself upon the top step of a staircase and cry in a fancy dress.✨ But in a she’s-sad-now-but-her-broad-shouldered-love-will-kiss-it-better-in-twenty-pages main character type of way.
Also ever since Taylor Swift sang it, kiss it better is a main character phrase. I love how they were both flawed and came to grow super naturally and beautifully.
Yes my friends, this one made me cry. The ending was just so heartfelt and it was a second chance romance that had me feeling ALL the things. It’s not normally my trope but in this Christmas Carol-esque novella, it totally was. They also made merry use of a pianoforte.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶/5
__________
✨Two second chance romances in a row was a lot for someone who doesn’t love the trope.✨ I think it would have been better for him to have been the one who’d left. Caroline’s reasoning a lot of the time was her never telling him how she was feeling and the whole thing about her money/trust was kinda useless bc she would have had it in a year and they could’ve made it work until then.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶🌶🌶/5
__________
✨Apparently I’m just a bad person because all of these self-sacrificing characters willing to have a life of unhappiness to make someone else happy just…don’t do it for me.✨
I just wasn’t really a fan of this last story. It ended very cute and the parental figures in their lives made a turn around, but I’m never a fan of such self sacrificing characters. I get it was the time but I also just get so exhausted and this was a short novella! Not very steamy at all compared to the rest of the stories.
If I would have read a full novel of this I simply don’t think I would have had a good time. I did like the premise of it and was intrigued. I don’t understand though how he got away with never publishing a poem of his lol. Also Derham’s character wasn’t very consistent throughout the stories. I couldn’t decide if I liked him or didn’t and I definitely thought he’d get a story.
⭐️⭐️.75/5 🌶🌶/5
__________
Overall, I would buy this book for the first two novellas. Give the others a shot but I think the pick and choose nature of anthologies is a draw not a deterrent. It followed the same house party and all characters were connected in some way, shape or form. Eloisa’s was my favorite!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️*/5 🌶🌶🌶**/5
*I averaged all the ratings for a total of 81% so 4/5 will have to do.
**There’s enough sex to satisfy
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