Sophie Barnes

Yes part of the reason I wanted to read this book was because the heroine's name is Alexandra. I don't find that many in genres I like so I tend to leap on them. It helps that this is a historical romance and I have read Sophie Barnes before (Miss Rutherford Got Her Groove Back).

This was disappointing on a lot of levels. Here's what I liked though: the heroine and hero had a bantering relationship that had me cracking up, her brothers Ryan and William were just as insane as she was, Michael (Ashford) tried really hard to do right by her and not let her idiocy deter his good intentions.

Now everything I didn't like--I felt like Barnes told us entirely too much about why Alexandra was this unique refreshing woman. A lot of what she did in this book wasn't just 'headstrong' it was downright suicidally reckless. Most of her plans were actually. I couldn't for the life of me see where this 'intelligent' 'clever' woman was that everyone kept talking about. Intelligent women don't march around in a foreign port of call in breeches talking to lecherous men. Clever women don't let a guy feel them up while asking suspicious questions.

The story also seemed to go from manic comedy of errors to deadly serious hunt for a spy to lustful illicit romp back to comedy of errors with very little transition. Much like Ashford I was dizzy in parts because Barnes would trip back and forth with very little thought to story progression at times. In fact even though I loved the bantering chemistry all the characters shared with each other, it became grating when they should be focusing on the larger picture. Someone chasing you with a gun, stow the banter and high tail it as far away as possible as quickly as possible.

In the end this book made me question everyone's sanity more often then anything else. While I appreciated the fact the guy had to work for it, I felt Barnes told us more about him being this rakehell then actually showing us. As for Alexandra, well...god help me if I'm ever that much of a ninny.… (mere)

I will, as normal, review each story separately then the collection as a whole.

"Mistletoe Magic" by Sophie Barnes

What better way for Connor Talbot, Earl of Redfirn to spend the holidays than convincing Leonora Compton that the only match she needs to make is with him!

This a cute story--Lenora and Redfirn are at cross purposes in regards to the charges they are trying to marry off, so it makes for some funny moments. I'm not wholly convinced by the romance though, Lenora is more understandable then Redfirn who seems to just suddenly decide 'This chit ain't half bad!'.

"His Perfect Gift" by Karen Erickson

The Duke of Ashton has had three years to plan for his perfect Christmas present-the Lady Eleanor Fitzsimmons as his wife. Now, all he has to do is convince the reluctant lady…

I liked this story far more. I feel bad for Ashton since he's getting one hell of a mother-in-law, but he seems happy enough. I thought when everything was finally laid out between Eleanor and Ashton, it was done well, but Erickson's inclusion of the younger brother's romantic foibles went nowhere really, so I'm not entirely sure why they were included.

"War of the Magi" by Rena Gregory

Phin Baldwin does not believe in Christmas magic….until the clever and beautiful Ginny Overton gets it into her head to show him how wonderful it can be when wishes come true.

This was an amusing story that had a couple surprises. This another story with the hero has a sudden epiphany that is largely told to us, not shown. I liked Ginny, her loyalty to her neighbors and father did her credit and her clever ruse certainly made for a great way to bring holiday cheer!

"Her Christmas Knight" by Sandra Jones

Just returned from the Crusades, marriage is the last thing on Sir Caerwyn’s mind. But will he be able to resist Lady Nia, the thief of his boyhood heart, when she tempts him yet again?

Unfortunately this one wasn't for me. I'm not fond of medieval set romances and had a hard time really getting into the story as a result (which isn't to say Jones can't write, just...wrong genre for me.)

"Tempting Mr. Weatherstone" by Vivienne Lorret

Responsible Ethan Weatherstone is determined to save Penelope Rutledge-and her reputation-from her silly scheme, but can he save himself from the temptation of her lips?

This was by far my favorite story. It was so well-rounded and well-thought out. Even knowing how it would end out (its a romance after all), I found myself feeling utterly heart broken for first Penelope because Ethan is such a dunderhead and then Ethan because he obviously cared far too much. Lorret did a wonderful job and I think was the perfect compliment to the season.

These stories may have been better served by not having the couples anticipate their wedding night so often. In a few cases it just didn't make sense because the couple didn't know each other that long (looking at you Lenora and Redfirn). of the five only two felt like they had a beginning, middle and end (Lorret and Gregory's). Its my understanding that only Barnes is a previously published author--this certainly makes me hope to see more from the others!… (mere)

A Duke’s Lesson in Charm by Sophie Barnes
Gentlemen Authors #3

Bumbling, anxiety ridden, difficult encounters had two people who could be perfect for one another staying far apart until something changes ~ Fun read for today!

What I liked:
* Callum Davis, Duke of Stratton: kind, caring, good friend, most of his inheritance spent, guardian of his cousin’s son, debut novel written with two friends soon to be published, has an interesting situation with Lady Emily
* Lady Emily Brooke: loving daughter of Lord & Lady Rosemont, good friend to Harriet and Ada, owner of Heidi her canine companion, writes a column for a newspaper, has an interesting situation with Callum
* Peter: orphaned, in the care of Callum, grieving, begins to come out of the darkness when he meets Emily’s pet – Heidi
* That Callum puts Peter first and is willing to approach Emily for Peter’s sake
* The correspondence between Callum and Emily that broke the ice and the ongoing growing relationship between them
* The way communication between Callum and Emily managed to overcome many issues that began to crop up but managed to be nipped in the bud
* Emily’s parents: loving, wise, wanted the best for their daughter, admirable
* That this stands alone without reading the first books in this series

What I didn’t like:
* Usually, I manage to put in a villain here BUT there weren’t any true villains in this book – I will say that the grief due to the loss of a loved one, though a bit of a catalyst, did make me think of people I have had to say goodbye to in the past.

Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars… (mere)

Love by mishap!

What’s better than one author who is likened to Jane Austen? Why three gentlemen writers who join together to write a romance novel—three Dukes to be exact! Add to this a literary reviewer who’s anonymous, who’s followed closely by the ton, and goes by the name of the ‘Lady Librarian’ and you have a book with a most interesting, intriguing even, slant.
Pieces of the story pulled at my heartstrings. I liked the characters of Callum Davis, Duke of Stratton and Lady Emily, the Earl of Rosemount’s daughter. I liked the inclusion of Stratton’s ward Peter and Emily’s dog Heidi as a hook for getting the unlucky couple together.
Romance by chance or mishap? The fact that Stratton couldn’t put a foot right with Lady Emily was too too delicious and absurd. The resulting romance was somewhat rushed. Mind you Stratton was pretty desperate by this stage.
A charming read! (As this is the third in the series I felt I’d unfortunately missed some of the backstory.)

An Independently Pub. ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author.… (mere)