A Yuletide Kiss
Authors: Madeline Hunter, Sabrina Jeffries, Mary Jo Putney
Reviewer: Jen
Rating: B
What I’m Talking About:
A Yuletide Kiss is an entertaining Christmas-centric historical romance with a fun twist. Each of the three standalone romances are part of the same story. I love the concept. The anthology focuses on a few sets of travelers that become stranded at the White Rose Inn, which is closed for the holiday. Each author writes about the same three days, each taking on a different couple finding its HEA.
I picked up the anthology because I enjoy the Duke Dynasty series from Ms. Jeffries, and the story When We Finally Kiss Good-Night is part of that world. Konrad Juncker is an important side character from the series and good friend to one of the main characters, Thornton. In his story, he reconnects with his longtime love, Flora Younger, after leaving her without word years ago. The story is sweet, and I enjoyed watching them reconnect and move beyond the hurt from their youth. My biggest issue was that Flora was a bit too naive when the couple joins together. She thinks… “Wait, why did he have something protruding from between his legs? ‘What is this?’ she asked as she laid her hand on it.” I’m sorry but NOOOO! She can be a virgin and inexperienced. But to not even know the male anatomy – what a penis is… that’s a bit ridiculous.
The second story, The Unexpected Christmas Gift, focuses on the proprietor of the White Rose, Jenna Waverly and the mysterious, ill stranger Mr. Lucas Avonwood. I liked that they are both a bit older, and I loved how the forced proximity of his illness brings them so close. There is a great twist that comes out as the story progresses, and the conclusion of their tale is super satisfying.
The final story in the anthology, When Strangers Meet, is probably my favorite because of the set up. Stranded traveler Kate Mcleod is shocked when she sees Daniel Faringdon at the inn. He saved her from being sold to the highest bidder years ago in India, and she hasn’t seen him since, assuming he may be dead. I love that right from the start Daniel sees his future with Kate. They take time to get to know one another, and Daniel urges Kate to discover what she really wants in a future husband. Very sweet romance.
In the end, A Yuletide Kiss anthology is a fun, sweet historical romance, perfect for the holidays. I enjoyed reading multiple perspectives of the same event at the White Rose Inn.
My Rating: B, Liked It
Jen
About the Book:
THE UNEXPECTED GIFT by Madeline Hunter
Jenna Waverly has closed her inn, anticipating a blissfully quiet Christmas, until a snowstorm brings the first of several strangers to her property. Lucas Avonwood, as charming as he is secretive, is on a mission to track down a scoundrel, but the inn’s lovely owner is giving him a more compelling reason to stay . . .
WHEN WE FINALLY KISS GOOD NIGHT by Sabrina Jeffries
When Flora Younger first met Konrad Juncker, she thought she’d found her match, only to have her hopes dashed. Konrad is now a famous playwright whose plays Flora has secretly panned in reviews. But a chance meeting in a secluded inn may help them rewrite this star-crossed romance . . .
WHEN STRANGERS MEET by Mary Jo Putney
Kate Mcleod is shocked to find that her fellow guest in the snowbound inn is the dashing soldier who may or may not be her husband. Daniel Faringdon barely remembers that long-ago night when he rescued her from disaster, but the desire they discover now will be impossible to forget, or to ignore . . .
Release Date: September 28, 2021
Publisher: Kensington
Series: Anthology
Genre: Historical Romance, anthology
Format(s): paperback (368 pages), e-book, audiobook
Book Source: NetGalley
Purchase Info:
Amazon (affiliate link)