A CHRISTMAS TO REMEMBER is an entertaining anthology of
historical romances by various authors with a Christmas
theme, or take place around Christmas time. Each story has
something that will appeal to historical romance fans --
including enemies-to-lovers, love at first sight, pretend
romances that turn real, and second chance at love tropes.
For me, this collection is a great mix of some of my
favorite authors, and a potential new favorite.
"Deck the Halls With Love" by Lorraine
Heath is a novella in the Lost Lords
of Pembrook series. It's not absolutely necessary,
but reading LORD OF
TEMPTATION before reading this novella will give the
reader a greater insight into these characters. Out of a
noble, but misguided, sense of obligation Alistair
Wakefield, the Marquess of Chetwyn rejected the woman he
secretly longed for in an attempt to marry another. In "Deck
the Halls With Love," Chetwyn gets a last chance to win Lady
Meredith Hargreaves before she marries someone else.
Chetwyn is charming as he tries to woo Meredith, and the
depth of his feelings for her make his pursuit more
endearing. Even though her feelings are hurt after
Chetwyn's initial rejection, I like how Meredith is smart
enough to work things out and conclude on her own that her
fiancé is not worthy of her. The feelings of love and joy at
the conclusion of "Deck the Halls With Love" are palpable
and make this a very satisfying ending for readers.
"No Groom at the Inn" by Megan
Frampton is a Dukes
Behaving Badly holiday novella. Megan Frampton is
the only author in this anthology whose books I haven't
read yet. Reading and enjoying "No Groom at the Inn" has
made me curious to read other books by Megan Frampton. I
love a resourceful heroine, house parties, and stories with
pretend romances that turn real, and this story has all three.
James Archer finds Lady Sophronia Bettesford when she as at
a very low point in her life. With no other prospects or way
of supporting herself, Sophronia is on the verge of leading
a miserable existence relying on the charity of a distant
relative. A bargain is reached that will solve both of their
problems if Sophronia agrees to pretend to be James' fiancé
for a short duration. Although Sophronia sees some worrying
traits James has in common with her late father, James is a
likable fellow who is very fond of his mother. It's not
before Sophronia becomes his dear Sophy to James, and James
gets past Sophronia's defenses. It's amusing and
enchanting watching Sophy and James fall for each other
against their better judgment.
"The Duke's Christmas Wish" by Vivienne
Lorret, is a prequel to her Season's
Original series, and it might just be my favorite
story in this anthology. I'm happy to have discovered this
series now -- after books have already been written for this
tale's fascinating supporting characters. Ivy Sutherland is
not looking for a husband for herself, but for her friend
Lilah instead. Lilah's father's will has left her in a bit
of a pickle unless she marries well and quickly. Despite
Ivy's best efforts to have Lilah catch the Duke of Vale's
eye, she bewitches him instead. This is a tale of love at
first sight, and the two people who unsuccessfully try to
fight it's pull. I like how Ivy and North find common
ground, which only increases their attraction. In a short
span of time, Vivienne Lorret builds some fabulous
characters and weaves an erotic spell with some amazing
sexual tension, with a pinch of humor thrown in.
Romance stars Lisa Kleypas, Lorraine Heath, Megan
Frampton, and Vivienne Lorret prove in this collection of
stories that love is the most magical during Christmas…
"I Will" by Lisa Kleypas
To be reinstated into his father’s will, Andrew, Lord Drake,
must court a respectable woman-his friend’s spinster sister,
Miss Caroline Hargreaves. After he blackmails Caroline into
helping him, the charade begins-but is it really a charade
once love takes hold of their hearts…?
"Deck the Halls With Love" by Lorraine Heath
Alistair Wakefield, the Marquess of Chetwyn, devastated Lady
Meredith Hargreaves when he proposed to another. But when he
becomes free to pursue her, it’s too late for she’s on her
way to the altar….. As Christmas approaches, Chetwyn vows to
lure Lady Meredith back into his arms.
"No Groom at the Inn" by Megan Frampton
James Archer detests his mother’s matchmaking ways. When
ordered to attend a Christmastime house party filled with
simpering maidens, he produces a fiancée-Lady Sophronia
Bettesford. James and Sophronia pretend to be in love for
one month. But their pact soon turns into love.
"The Duke’s Christmas Wish" by Vivienne Lorret
To the Duke of Vale, science solves everything-even
marriage. When the impulsive Ivy Sutherland makes him
question all of his data, he realizes that he’s overlooked a
vital component in his search for the perfect match: love.
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