Tuesday, December 17, 2013

A Grosvenor Square Christmas by Various Authors




Four breathtakingly romantic tales of a Regency Christmas from four bestselling romance authors.

Down through the years, enchantment touches a tall gray house in Grosvenor Square. The legend of Lady Winterson’s Christmas ball promises true love and happiness to one lucky couple. Who will feel the magic this winter?

1803 - The Seduction of a Duchess by Shana Galen

Rowena Harcourt, the Duchess of Valère, never forgot the handsome footman who helped her escape the French Revolution. For fourteen years, Gabriel Lamarque has loved Rowena—now at Lady Winterson’s Christmas ball, has fate finally delivered a chance to win her hand?
Review:

It was sweet and I liked that the story featured an older heroine with grown adult children. It was a nice change that the heroine wasn't a young virgin and rather a mature woman who is still sexy and desirable. 
A very short story so I was a bit leery on marriage entering into any thoughts or conversations. Oh well. Its Christmas so let the magic work right? 
Teaser: Cute play on mistletoe usage. 


1818 - One Kiss for Christmas by Vanessa Kelly

Nigel Dash is London’s most reliable gentleman, a reputation he never minded until he fell in love with beautiful Amelia Easton. Unfortunately, Amelia sees Nigel as a dependable friend, not a dashing suitor. At Lady Winterson’s famous Christmas ball, Nigel vows to change Amelia’s mind—by sweeping her off her feet.
Review:
It is hard for anthology romance novels to have believable love stories but One Kiss for Christmas completely sold me. What a sweet and touching short love story. There was a great couple, true love and even time for an arrogant villain to be added to the mix. Great Christmas spirit throughout the story. I don't recall reading other Vanessa Kelly novels but I liked her style.
Teaser: A good Father Christmas would make a good father


1825 - His Christmas Cinderella by Anna Campbell

At the season’s most glittering ball, a girl who has never dared to dream of forever after discovers a Christmas miracle.
Review:
His Christmas Cinderella was starting out to be my favourite of the anthology but near the ending, it lost me. I loved the beginning so much and the "Cinderaellaish" circumstances that brought the pair together. However, the author lost me when she had the "Cinderella", Campion constantly doubt her Scottish "Prince", Laachlan all the way to a ball in a carriage ride. Their entire conversation made me wish that they hadn't spoke a word to each other. That conversation is where their personalities came out and I decided that I didn't like Campion at all and Lachlan seemed like a big wimp.
Teaser: A twist on a Cinderella story


1830 - The Last First Kiss by Kate Noble

Susannah Westforth has always loved Sebastian Beckett – but he’s only ever seen her as a friend. When Sebastian takes his Grand Tour, Susannah transforms herself into a woman he’ll notice. Now Sebastian is back, just in time for Lady Winterson's Christmas ball – but the last thing he expects to see is his little Susie, all grown up...

You’re invited to join the whirling dance at Lady Winterson’s sparkling Christmas ball, where miracles happen and true love shines forever. How can you resist?
Review:
Best for last. I loved The Last First Kiss! I totally adore stories when the protagonists have a memorable history dating back to their childhoods. When these types of stories are done right, they are fabulous...and The Last First Kiss was fabulous. 
All through the anthology series the readers are treated to a secondary story starring the Grosvenor Square hostess and her faithful butler. The Last First Kiss brought a completely satisfactory ending to their story. Loved it. 
The main story with Susannah and Sebastian is the story that brought all the smiles though. Great couple! 
Teaser: Childhood adoration turn adult love




2 comments:

B Reading said...

I enjoyed these stories too, a 4* read from me :)

Anna (herding cats-burning soup) said...

Loves Vanessa Kelly! She's amazing. His Mistletoe Bride was really a lovely one if you want to try her again. She also writes as VK Sykes doing sports romances with her husband!

Glad to hear you enjoyed this one. I picked it up a little bit ago and have been looking forward to it!