As the characters appear briefly in each novella, and events happen chronologically, the book should be read in order.

In A Knight Before Christmas, by Grace Burrowes, Mrs. Penelope Carrington needs money, and unless she weds by the end of the year, she will lose her late husband's inheritance. Leviticus Sparrow, Mrs. Carrington's friend and solicitor, is secretly pining for her. Penelope has set her sights on Levi; he's the only one she will consider for a second husband. Ms. Burrowes' story is ingenious, sensuous, and elegant, and her vocabulary is positively dazzling! It's spectacularly well-written, the characters are engaging, and it's very witty; it left me giggling several times. A delicious story of seduction!

Ryals Fletcher, Duke of Oxthorpe is very handsome but serious, guarded; everybody fears him and nobody really likes him. On the other hand, everybody loves the gregarious and charming, but rather plain Miss Edith Clay. Edith surmises that the Duke has been courting her cousin Louisa, but is so lacking in any social graces that he has no inkling as how to declare his love to Edith. In The Duke's Arms is simply wonderful! The characters are very complex and the interaction between Ryals and Edith is utterly compelling; it's a joy to watch Edith try to tame the gruff Duke. The story is unhurried, and it's quite the feat that Ms. Jewel can turn developing passion into something quite suspenseful. The author possesses a perfect knowledge of the period's language and idioms and writes in a fluid, flowing style that perfectly suits her characters.

In Miranda Neville's Licensed to Wed, Wyatt Herbert, Viscount Carbury, and Robina Weston were childhood sweethearts. She has no money, and Wyatt decides he should marry her so she'll want for nothing. It's on his never-ending list of things to do. Robina has refused him repeatedly on the grounds that she will marry for love or not at all; she's used to her freedom and he's too domineering to her taste. Ms. Neville's contribution is joyful, playful, as expected splendidly written, and quite funny at times. I loved that Robina is a strong and independent woman within the rules imposed by society; she's a wonderful character as is the dour Wyatt.

Throughout CHRISTMAS IN THE DUKE'S ARM, the New Sherriff of Nottingham wreaked havoc, leading to the dramatic conclusion, courtesy of Shana Galen and characters from her fabulous Lord and Lady Spy series. Weapons expert Eliza Qwillen, better known as Q, and lowly clerk Pierce Moneypence have both been sent to Nottinghamshire to catch the Sherriff, unbeknownst to either that the other one would be there. While they once shared an amorous interlude, they must forgo romance: they have a job to do. And Ms. Galen certainly does not disappoint! Those already familiar with this brilliant series will rejoice at getting a final glimpse at some beloved characters. The Spy Beneath the Mistletoe is fast paced, exciting, dynamic; the characters are delightful, and it's also very passionate. A more than fitting conclusion to a fabulous book!