Member Reviews

Seven favorite authors use Christmas as the background for couples to have an opportunity to get to know each other and fall in love. Each story is independent of the others with different tropes. Once again I had to read the complete anthology instead of just the novellas requested for review. How could I not read them all! Nice job ladies!
Expect the unexpected in this delightful anthology. Clean to steam.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

Was this review helpful?

A fun collection of seven regency romances, set around the holiday season. Each is a stand-alone story but gives an insight into each author’s style and there is a style of writing for everyone..

Was this review helpful?

A delightful range of romance, set amongst the Christmas festive period. There are seven authors, each immersing the reader.
Bree Wolf: Once Upon and Aggravatingly Heroic Kiss – An introduction to the Whickerton series, with Edith finding her perfect match in Jasper, who helps her play matchmaker to her friend Adele. A fun and lively story.
Sydney Jane Baily: A Diamond for Christmas – A story to mirror that of Romeo and Juliet, with Caroline and Geoffrey fighting their attraction as they try to overcome their two families at odds with each other.
Tracy Sumner: The Governess Gamble – American heiress, Francine finds herself in foreign territory when she lands in England. In an odd turn of events, Francine finds herself acting as governess to Chance’s new ward. Plenty of chemistry!
Fenna Edgewood: The Countess’s Christmas Groom – Two people from different classes, a countess and a groomsman, find love. find romance. A sweet romance.
Charlie Lane: A Very Daring Christmas – Bram, steward to a wealthy dowager finds love with the dowager’s granddaughter Pippa.
Jennifer Monroe: Gentleman of Christmas Past – When Phillip meets Agnes, he is determined to restore his fortune, to keep Agnes by his side.
Meredith Bond: Christmas Intrigue - A novella that finds mischievous Prudence forcing Prince Alexander, to live life and love.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

My favorite holiday anthology this year!

This delightful collection consists of seven novella-length but still substantial stories, each with a solid HEA. The stories are either part of an existing series or introducing a new one. Quite a few of these are by authors I truly enjoy, so I knew right from the start that I'd have a lot of fun with this book and I was not disappointed.

Once Upon an Aggravatingly Heroic Kiss by Bree Wolf pairs the enterprising Edith with the dashing Jasper, who soon finds that he's way out of his depths trying to keep up with Edith's matchmaking efforts for her friends. We get a true Love At First Sight attraction as well as a couple bonus romances as Edith sorts out just who belongs with whom.

A Diamond for Christmas by Sydney Jane Baily is a Romeo & Juliet tale, with Caroline and Geoffrey trying to get to the bottom of the feud between their parents in the hopes of ending the only stumbling block to their HEA. This story was perhaps the silliest of the set, but it was still good fun with charming characters.

The Governess Gamble by Tracy Sumner tells the story of an American heiress and a beleaguered viscount, complete with secrets to be revealed, reputations at stake, and a young child at the heart of it all. The writing here was insightful and compelling, making this an invaluable addition to the Duchess Society series. Chronologically, it fits between books 1 and 2 of that series.

The Countess’s Christmas Groom by Fenna Edgewood has the widowed sister of a duke contemplating her attraction to a young man who is far more than his current station would imply. This story begins a new series that thoughtfully crosses class lines and elevates character over pride and status.

A Very Daring Christmas by Charlie Lane pits our young couple, Pippa and Bram, against a dowager duchess who has very strong opinions about everyone in her extended family. Working against Grandmama's machinations proves to be exactly what these two needed in order to find their own HEA.

Gentleman of Christmas Past by Jennifer Monroe delivers a Life of Job story, where our hero, Phillip, has many trials to overcome in order to prove to himself that he's worthy of Agnes, the object of his affection. I would have preferred maybe one or two fewer tragedies in the process of uniting this couple, but in the end love wins out.

Christmas Intrigue by Meredith Bond gives us a house party during the holidays that is also hosting the negotiations for a peace treaty with a small European country. Alexander is invited to England to represent his brother, the Crown Prince, and is frustrated by the confusing approach to negotiations employed by his English counterparts, one of whom is Prudence's father. I loved the way the author built in plenty of intrigue and tension without ever giving us a villain. Once the secrets are revealed, all of the previous activities make perfect sense and I was delighted with the HEA.

If you follow any of these authors, you don't want to miss their additions to their unique literary worlds, and you're likely to find a few new authors to appreciate as well. This is an outstanding collection and I highly recommend it. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

Was this review helpful?

4.5 Stars. This anthology has seven historical romance Christmas novellas. At this time I just read the Tracy Sumner book The Governess Gamble and am going to save the rest until closer to Christmas. American heiress Franny flees the U.S. in favor of finding a nobleman desperate for money. She volunteers to fill in as governess at the home of Chance Allerton and finds herself falling for both him and his new ward. Chance in tern finds Franny absolutely charming and the two cannot stay apart.

I really liked both Chance and Franny. The plot is one that I have read dozens of times, but it’s a classic for a reason. I liked that Franny was wealthy so while she was technically acting as Chance’s employee, it didn’t feel like an icky power dynamic. The book was nice and steamy. I also greatly appreciated that Chance’s ward was not annoying and acted her age. Because this was a novella, things did move quickly, but that just kept me engaged as a reader.

I absolutely love Tracy’s writing style. Her books are just so easy to read and feel like reading a book written by a friend. While I have read the other books in The Duchess Society series, it’s been a while, so I was nervous that I wouldn’t remember the other characters and be lost in this book. I was pleased to find that while there were characters from the series present, enough context was given so I could fully enjoy the book, which means that this book can absolutely be read as a standalone.

Thank you to WOLF Publishing and Tracy Sumner for the ARXs in exchange for an honest review. I am a member of Tracy Sumner’s street team.

Was this review helpful?

This was a well-written, entertaining anthology consisting of seven Regency romance novellas. Each is a standalone story, though each also links to the author's series. They were fun, sweet, steamy and action packed. I enjoyed this anthology and highly recommend it to others.

Was this review helpful?

The Naughty or Nice Holiday Anthology has a delightful selection of holiday stories to warm your heart on a cold fall or winter’s day. Several of my favorite authors have novellas in this anthology. Class differences and forbidden romance are two common tropes in this compilation so it would be like catnip for you if those are among your favorites.

Two novellas that really stood out for me were The Governess Gamble by Tracy Sumner and The Countess’s Christmas Groom by Fenna Edgewood. In The Governess Gamble Chance gave Mac some stiff competition for my favorite hero of hers. I love the titles of the chapters. Tracy has a way of having her characters unwittingly fall in love that’s so easy to read. One of my favorite parts of the novella was the bargain Chance and Franny struck and its fulfillment. The Countess’s Christmas Groom is a story of class difference and dramatic action. Fenna wrote Ash and Kat’s story so beautifully that I didn’t realize they’d fallen in love until it had already happened. Oh, and Oliver is a hidden gem. I’d love to read his story in the future.

All of the novellas are well written and will be read again closer to the holiday season. Who knows? Maybe they’ll become a Christmas classic like Miracle on 34th Street and enjoyed year after year!

I received an ARC. The review above reflects my thoughts and opinions.

Was this review helpful?

Naughty of Nice: A Holiday Regency Anthology

Seven stories by seven different talented historical romance authors grace this holiday anthology with something for every reader. Sit down and read them all one after the other or enjoy the pleasure of spreading the holiday spirit out over the season. I have met a new author or two that I will look for to read in the future! That said, with almost half the books read…I look forward to enjoying the rest and will savor them one at a time.

My favorite was Tracy Sumner’s THE GOVERNESS GAMBLE with an American heiress taken to England to buy a title. Franny was not taken with Chance’s title but was taken with him and that the two were so perfect for one another was evident before the end of the story. I have been following this series and loved this story.

Fenna Edgewood’s THE COUNTESS’S CHRISTMAS GROOM was rather improbable in some ways, but a delight as slightly older Lady Katherine and Ashley Spencer found their way together. I loved the way he was with her and the openness of her family. I look forward to reading more in this series in the future.

Another status unequal romance occurred in A VERY DARING CHRISTMAS by Charlie Lane. In this story a steward and the granddaughter of his employer share a kiss that leads to…well…to this story. I had more trouble with this than the previous two stories but found it enjoyable, too.

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by these authors? Yes

Thank you to the authors and Wolff Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

Was this review helpful?

A good anthology set around Christmas from author's I enjoy. There is something for everyone here. The books are part of ongoing series the authors are involved in and the biggest problem might be having yo buy all the books in the series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Was this review helpful?

A Regency Holiday Anthology - Sign me up! 𝗡𝗔𝗨𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗬 𝗢𝗥 𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗘 put me in the holiday spirit and I have zero regrets!

I am a huge fan of anthologies such as these and gobble up the individual stories on my lunch break or during a coffee run. It was a great way to get my pre holiday fix and has me looking forward to reading more by the individual authors within.

I’m giving 𝗡𝗔𝗨𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗬 𝗢𝗥 𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗘 the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!

Was this review helpful?

Wonderful! I have read all but 1 of the 7 authors and loved finding a new one. Each novella is a part of a series the author has written, so it was nice to visit again or meet new characters. All are set during the Christmas season, each uniquely different and all have their HEA ending. A favorite……I can’t decide! A great way to enjoy your week, one a day will keep the blues away……and there are 7 stories to enjoy.
Thank you NetGalley for this eARC. I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story. #NetGalley #NaughtyorNice #WolfPublishing

Was this review helpful?

A fun collection that's perfect for this time of year. The stories are full of variety so there's something for lots of readers to enjoy.

Was this review helpful?

There are few things in literature that I love as much as holiday anthologies. I had read books by a few of these authors, but it was so nice to be introduced to new authors as well. Although some are parts of already established series, you do not have to have read any books in those series in order to enjoy these. There isn't a weak story in the group, which is rather impressive because there is usually at least one that I'm not a big fan of.

Once Upon an Aggravatingly Heroic Kiss (Bree Wolf) - This is a 3 romances for the price of 1! Although the primary romance is between Edith and Jasper there are also brief glimpses of the love developing between Adele and MacKinnear and Mary and Aberley. I would happily read stories with these other couples as the main focus.

A Diamond for Christmas (Sydney Jane Baily) - My favorites parts of this book are the final few chapters as everyone meets up at the inn. There is so much humor and heart in these chapters, exactly what you want in a holiday romance. And Caroline and Geoffrey make such a sweet couple.

The Governess Gamble (Tracy Sumner) - This is part of a series that I have been reading since the beginning so it was nice to get a Christmas check-in with characters I have met before. I loved how Franny and Chance (much like characters in previous books) were truly partners and supported one another's work. Franny's relationship with Kat was very sweet. I don't usually like the "governess-single father" trope, but it works very well here.

The Countess's Christmas Groom (Fenna Edgewood) - I think this is my favorite story in the anthology. I'm not sure if a duke would really be okay with his sister marrying a member of the staff, but I'm glad this one was. Katherine went through a terrible first marriage and deserved to have someone love her and treat her well. Ashley helping to defend her and her son solidified that he was that someone.

A Very Daring Christmas (Charlie Lane) - I was glad that Bram pretty much gave up the dowager's challenge right away because he wanted to see Phillipa happy and that Phillipa was willing to give Bram a second chance. I also really liked the banter between Bram and the dowager - it added the right amount of humor to the characters and story.

Gentleman of Christmas Past (Jennifer Monroe) - I have read one of the books from this series so it was really nice to get the full backstory for Agnes. She certainly had an interesting life prior to meeting Mr. Porter. I loved that she never gave up on Phillip and did what she could to help him. As for Phillip, he did have some atrociously bad luck, but I was glad that he didn't get caught up in despair as would have happened in so many other stories.

Christmas Intrigue (Meredith Bond) - This was probably my second favorite story in the collection. The chemistry between Alexander and Prudence was clear from the beginning. Which made you want to smack Alexander over the head when he refused to see that Prudence was so perfect for him.

Was this review helpful?

These stories are neat and bring enjoyment through the special Christmas season. I especially loved Bree Wolf's story as she is an all time favorite of mine. She manages to build a world within her story that invites readers. All in all these stories are fun and enchanting.

Was this review helpful?

The title certainly can describe the different stories in this collection written by some of the best selling romance authors. The stories certainly have different story lines, characters, secrets and love along the way. Some are nice, interesting and sweet stories and there are some on the more "steamy" side. You will need to read them all to find which one is your favorite story..

Was this review helpful?

Seven charming love stories...a wonderful pre-Christmas read. Three of the authors were new for me, and this was probably the best way of being introduced to their writing. Definitely recommended reading!

Thanks to NetGalley and Wolf Publishing for this advanced review copy, which I voluntarily read. All thoughts are my own.

Was this review helpful?

This is seven short stories in one book. I must confess, I began with the two authors I am more familiar with. It was a great opportunity to read five more new-to-me-authors.

I am giving this compilation 4/5. I very much enjoyed five of the stories and two were 3/5.

Thank you to NetGalley, WOLF Publishing and all of the authors for allowing me an advanced copy of these short stories.

Was this review helpful?

Seven Christmas themed Georgian/regency romances. Most are part of an ongoing series that I haven’t read, but I never felt lost since I didn’t know the author or their characters. Still, old fans might be more captivated than new readers.

As all anthologies go, some stories have more depth and development, and carry their weight, and others are skimmable at best.

Bree Wolf: cute simple story where a scheming matchmaker finds her own match

Sydney Jane Baily: forbidden love/insta love with a drawn out conclusion

Tracy Sumner: American governess with hidden identity works for a rakish viscount with a secret hobby. Both are lonely. Most fully realized novella of the group and I’ll seek out her books

Fenna Edgewood: ridiculous insta lust between a widowed countess and a younger groom. Every plot point is unrealistic.

Charlie Lane: a more believable class difference where an anxious lady and the steward who kissed are pitted against each other by her controlling grandmother.

Jennifer Monroe: looming bankruptcy prevents a man from proposing to a forthright woman. Not really Regency accurate and I had to skim it. My least fave.

Meredith Bond an impulsive troublemaker falls for a younger son of a principality during treaty negotiations again a house party. I skimmed it.

Was this review helpful?

All of the untold stories I have been waiting for from my favorite my favorite authors.
Bree Wolf - Grandma Edie wasn't always a grandma, shocking I know. But once a matchmaker always a match maker. I absolutely adored her sneaking. But she could have done the same without lying so much.
Sydney Jane Bailey- I have been waiting for the parent's story. Absolutely more than I had been expecting. I really enjoyed the banter between the couple.
Tracy Sumner- The match making Duchess society disapproves of the match but not for the reasons you might think. Very steamy book but you can't quite skip the steamy scenes because they discuss important things. Wonderful story.
Fenna Edgewood- WOW what a great tale I had not heard of this series but I will definitely keep an eye out.
Charlie Lane- i didn't recognize the series til the very end! Excellent book, I adored the ending. Although for me it started a little slow. Once the ball got rolling.....what a great read.
Jennifer Monroe- i just loved Mrs Rutley's story. I really like that she included the story of the top. Its included in one of her students stories....... You'll have to read it. :)
Meredith Bond- she is a new to me author but her tale was engaging and spirited. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more!!
I recieved a free copy so that I might tell you what I honestly think. Hope you enjoyed my review. Now go enjoy the book

Was this review helpful?

This was such a fun set of reads! The seven stories were paced well and had a lot of great characters and plots. I enjoyed the holiday/winter touches throughout each story.

Was this review helpful?