A fun sweet read! Highly recommend.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for my ARC.

Christmas Kisses had a little bit of everything in it. I thought the anthology was well put together and I couldn't have asked for better authors!

This is a great collection of Holiday stories and is perfect for some light reading during your holiday reprieve. A wonderful selection of authors who help to spread the romance during the holidays. Overall very enjoyable!

This book was read thanks to NetGalley.


This is an anthology with different love stories, based on Christmas, we have different stories so it has for everyone, it's a great book for those who love short but good love stories but want to read a variety at once, I cannot pick one because I loved them equally.

An enjoyable regency holiday romance anthology with ten entertaining stories by ten truly awesome authors.

The Wallflower’s Christmas Wish by Cheryl Bolen
Diana is treated like a servant by her stepmother and stepsisters since her father died. The one joy in her life is painting, and she is quite good. When Elvin’s sister asks for a portrait of him for Christmas, he remembers a young woman he met while she was painting in the park. While Diana paints the portrait, her stepmother constantly attempts to turn Elvin’s attention to her daughters. It doesn’t work. He only has eyes for Diana. This is a lovely Cinderella story with a fantastic surprise at the end.

A Kiss From a Captain by Samantha Grace
Captain Gabriel Brazier lost part of his leg in the war, but has fought back and learn to walk again (even ride a horse again). He and Laurel are attracted to each other, but he doesn’t think he is worthy of her love because of his injury and scars. Laurel doesn’t let his scars affect the way she feels for him, but doesn’t know how to break through his defenses. It seems they are at an impasse. Riddles and working together to solve a mystery of anonymous letters from an admirer found in her bedchamber begin to break down the barrier between them. There is a little twist concerning the letters that might lead to more than one HEA.

A Rogue’s Christmas Wish by Lana Williams
Believing he could succeed better without her, Mary sent Arthur off to London without her. She later came to London for employment to help her family. Her life in London was filled with abuse, fear, and shame. Requests from their families to come for Christmastide results in a shared ride to their hometown. This time together gives them the opportunity they need to talk, put the past behind them, forgive each other and themselves, and plan for the future. This is a very emotional story with a well-deserved happy ending.

‘Twas the Rogue Before Christmas by Collette Cameron
Lenora Audsley is usually content not to be the center of attention, but when she sees two thugs attacking two elderly women, she rushes in to help them. Jason Steele is an American Sea Captain, torn between his return to the sea and his visit with his maternal grandmother. As soon as he sees his grandmother and her maid being attacked, he runs to their rescue. He is taken by surprise to find his grandmother and a young woman attacking the attackers. Well, it is love at first sight for the Jason and Lenora. There are some problems, however. Her brother is determined they will not see each other. His love of the sea and America (his home) and her desire to live in London is another issue. Compromise is a wonderful idea. Will they be able to find an agreeable one? It is Christmastide, and wishes have been known to come true. A delightful story with great characters.

Bound to the Belgian Count by Sasha Cottman
After a brief courtship, Max and Lily married and were quite happy until his uncle arrived. He adamantly opposed their marriage. The night he arrived, Max disappeared, for nine months. Lily is shocked when a badly injured Max appears just in time to contest her request for an annulment. The judge decides to delay his decision to give them a chance to perhaps work things out. Will they be able to sort out all that happened and start again? This one is quite emotional. I love Max and Lily. They are loving, kind, and caring. They truly deserve a Christmas miracle.

Embracing Scandal by Barbara Monajem
Harriet’s viciously stern stepfather banishes her from her home for something he deems immoral. When Jonathan comes to ask for her hand in marriage, the vicious vicar tells him she is dead. Two years fate brings them back together. This is a lovely second chance story. There is a wonderful HEA, and a fitting comeuppance for the villains.

A Viscount for Christmas by Suzanna Medeiros
Celia has known and loved Isaac from afar for years. He is friends with his younger sisters.
While attending a house party, they are discovered in a compromising position and, of course, betrothed. Celia has no desire to trap Isaac into marriage, so they need a plan. However, as they spend time together, they find that they might not want a way out. This is a delightful holiday story with a sweet happy ending.

The Impetuous Heiress by Alina K Field
Fitz and Mel met at a fall house party. They fell in love and became engaged. Fitz was called home because his father was very ill. After a while, Mel decided he might be jilting her, and for several very good reasons, she traveled to his home, intending to break their engagement. Fitz had been neglectful of her, but he had a lot on his mind which he had not explained to Mel. He doesn’t want to break the engagement, but it might not be easy to convince Mel. An emotional story with interesting characters and a holiday happy ending.

A Duchess for Christmas by Alanna Lucas
This one touches and warms your heart. Deeply in love, but separated by his duties when Edward unexpectedly becomes a duke. Due to her circumstances and a misunderstanding, Grace marries someone else. Three years later Edward, looking for his runaway cousin, finds her managing the Home for Desolate Ladies. They find they still have strong feelings for each other, but Grace has secrets that may very well keep them apart. Edward isn’t giving up easy. This is a wonderful and emotional second chance story. The characters are complex and interesting. Christmas is the best time of the year for miracles, and this one will result in more than one happy ending.

Let It Snow by Heather Boyd
He is her brother’s best friend and a consummate rake. Luc ha actually changed his ways, but she doesn’t know it. At a rather unsavory house party he is keeping an eye on Yvette because her brother is not a very good chaperone. She decides she has had enough of scoundrels and decides to leave. Fortunately, Luc follows her. When her carriage breaks down, he takes her to his grandmother’s house. Maybe he will have an opportunity to prove himself and woo her while they are stranded by the snowstorm. I like this story. It is fun and the characters are likeable.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

3.6 average rating of all 10 stories

The Wallflower’s Christmas Wish (Brides of Bath) by Cheryl Bolen - Cinderella inspired, cute but the writing style didn't click with me. I didn't like how they spoke about the appearance of other women for no real good reason. 3 stars

A Kiss From a Captain (An Everly Manor Happily Ever After) by Samantha Grace - Quite enjoyed this one! Thought the scavenger hunt was super fun! 4 stars

A Rogue’s Christmas Kiss (The Rogue Chronicles) by Lana Williams - Fairly cute second change romance overall, but I didn't like the "I was raped but sleeping with you will heal me" thing. 3 stars

’Twas the Rogue Before Christmas (The Honorable Rogues®) by Collette Cameron - I loved the meet cute in this one and I'm a sucker for a sea captain hero. 4 stars

Bound to the Belgian Count (London Lords) by Sasha Cottman - Cute, but lacked a lot of necessary tension. 3 stars

Embracing the Scandal by Barbara Monajem - A solid entry, gave me more Christmas spirit than a lot of the others which I really liked, 4 stars

A Viscount for Christmas by Suzanna Medeiros - My second favorite in the collection. This one worked well as a novella length story as it wasn't rushed like some of the others ended up being. And it was very Christmasy! 4 stars

The Impetuous Heiress (The Upstart Christmas Brides) by Alina K. Field - Not a fan of how the pregnancy storyline played into this one. And found the story to have too much conflict and not enough romance. 3 stars

A Duchess for Christmas (Forgotten Heiress) by Alanna Lucas - This was a much better version of a pregnancy story line in a romance. Very cute and Christmasy. 4 stars

Let it Snow by Heather Boyd - My favorite in the collection. This was the most well written in the collection and another set up that worked really well as a novella. 4 stars

A KISS UNDER THE MISTLETOE
Ten delightful short stories of second chance or unexpected love developing over Christmas.
Each story contains obstacles to a happy ending. What a treat that this group of favorite authors got together to write an anthology! One anthology you definitely want to read for the holidays.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

A nice collection of holiday-themed romances. All are novella length.
All these authors were new to me so it was a treat to get to read some new stories. While I did not finish the entire book before the book was published and my review sent, the stories I did read were very well done and I skimmed through the rest. Each story does have a short synopsis beforehand.
The only critique I have is that a few of the stories do seem a bit choppy and move along at a very fast pace due to being short. But that is also due to having so many different writing styles and authors. The storylines are all so well done, I would have loved to have these full-length novels to really flesh out the characters and extend their storylines.
The romance scenes are not explicit and range from passionate kisses to bedding with more left to the reader's imagination.
Overall I would recommend this for anyone who is a fan of historical romance, likes collections, likes short novella-length stories.
I received an advanced copy in exchange for my review

I do so adore an anthology.

The real standout was Lana Williams contribution.
Her story was charming, second chances, though Mary Alice had a lot to overcome.
Arthur Reeves and Mary Alice were great characters, well defined with a bitter sweet punch.

Recommend.

The Wallflower’s Christmas Wish (Brides of Bath) by Cheryl Bolen

A Kiss From a Captain (An Everly Manor Happily Ever After) by Samantha Grace

A Rogue’s Christmas Kiss (The Rogue Chronicles) by Lana Williams

’Twas the Rogue Before Christmas (The Honorable Rogues) by Collette Cameron 5 Stars
Lenora Audsley is content to stay in the background until she sees two elderly women being attacked & robbed in a London street, she doesn’t think but acts & throws herself into the fray to help. Captain Jason Steele longs to be back at sea but he’s also loving getting to know his maternal grandmother. When two robbers attempt to steal her reticule he rushes to help but is amazed to see a young lady aiding the two older ladies. There’s an immediate connection between Jason & Lenora but a stern half brother & the call of the sea may separate them. A wonderful short story with brilliant characters & a delightful love at first sight romance. An added bonus is that we catch up with characters from earlier books

Bound to the Belgian Count (London Lords) by Sasha Cottman

Embracing the Scandal by Barbara Monajem

A Viscount for Christmas by Suzanna Medeiros

The Impetuous Heiress (The Upstart Christmas Brides) by Alina K. Field

A Duchess for Christmas (Forgotten Heiress) by Alanna Lucas

Let it Snow by Heather Boyd 5 Stars
When the worst scoundrel in her acquaintance rescues Yvette from a winter storm, she fears a holiday spent dodging his attempts at seduction. But more than one yuletide surprise awaits as she discovers Luc is a man of surprising patience, and passion for just one woman…Yvette herself. I loved the chemistry between Luc & Yvette & how he had to work to woo her

Ten short stories some of them linked to series but all of them easily read on their own. These are ideal for curling up when there’s a couple of hours to spare

I'm not sure where to start. I have enjoyed many of theses authors book previously. They did not disappoint in these stories either. I'm not going to go through each of the stories, because they are short stories and giving away more that what is already in the description would give too much away. However, out of the 10 stories I really enjoyed 8 of them. The other 2 were not bad, but just not really for me. All of them are the perfect length to read one right before bed, or when you have an hour or two and want to get in a full story. If you like Historical Romance books this is a wonderful set of novellas.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I enjoyed this anthology very much. It has the Christmas spirt that we all look for in this kind of books.
Some of these stories were really engaging and others not so much. My favorite ones were:
1) The Wallflower’s Christmas Wish by Cheryl Bolen: The characters are interesting and well developed. The story is sweet and romantic.
2)Bound to the Belgian Count by Sasha Cottman: This story broke my heart! All the suffering! I couldn´t put it down. It’s really good. This is a new author for me, one I’m going to check out!
3) A Viscount for Christmas by Suzanna Medeiros: This one is my favorite! It´s romantic, entertaining, sexy and sweet. Viscount Thornton is everything that’s right in this world and Celia was my favorite female character in all the stories.
If you are looking for an easy to read anthology that is all about love, Christmas, kisses and rakes, do yourself a favor and go for this one!
I think this is a great way to meet a lot of new authors.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Overall
Christmas Kisses delivered a fantastic mix of holiday stories sure to warm your heart. Each novella was unique and contributed to an exciting read. Each story is reviewed separately below.

The Wallflower’s Christmas Wish (Brides Of Bath) by Cheryl Bolen
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This novella is a fresh take on a Cinderella story. The plain spinster Diana Furness finds herself painting Bath’s most eligible bachelor, Sir Elvin Steffington. This was my first adventure by Cheryl Bolen, and I fell in love with Elvin and Diana. The story was intricate and captivating. There was so much great content packed into a mighty yet short story. The couple’s burgeoning romance was heartwarming. This was a part of a series and I am going to add these books to my list! I would read this author again. A gem of a Christmas romance!

A Kiss From A Captain (An Everly Manor Happily Ever After) by Samantha Grace
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This author gets moved to the top of my TBR list! I was enchanted with this swoon-worthy read. Captain Gabriel Brazier and Lady Laurel as a couple are perfection. The storyline was oh-so-romantic; the couple's courtship was warm and lovely. I could not put this novella down; it captured my attention on page one. I am a sucker for a war hero needing the love of a strong woman, and this story is the epitome of that sentiment. A Kiss From A Captain is a fantastic Christmas journey with passion and heart. I enjoyed every moment of this eye-catching, heart-pounding read!

A Rogue’s Christmas Kiss (The Rogue Chronicles) by Lana Williams
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Arthur and Mary have a turbulent past. Mary broke Arthur’s heart long ago. Now both have gone on with their lives. Arthur has become successful, and Mary is hiding a dark secret. Fate brings them together. The couple must overcome past tragedy and heartache to find the love they are both meant to share. I have read Lana Williams before, and I always enjoy her works. As usual, with this author, the plot is enjoyable, and I am always invested in the characters. This is an intricate, well-developed story for a short novella. I was captivated by this tale of redemption and second chances during the magical time of Christmas!

‘Twas The Rogue Before Christmas (The Honorable Rogues) by Collette Cameron
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Jason Steele, an American shipping captain, is longing to leave England for adventure again. Jason’s plans get turned upside down when he rescues Lenora Audsley. Jason and Lenora are from different worlds. However, their passion burns bright in the face of adversity. I enjoyed this story; it is fundamentally about two people who do not belong. Jason is a free spirit, and Lenora is cautious but holds a spark of adventure. Together the couple is electric, and I enjoyed their road to a happily-ever-after. I have seen Collette Cameron’s books throughout the years but have never read one until now. I am glad this collection was an introduction. I would read this author again. The storyline was different and held a glimmer of excitement. This was an energetic Christmas journey!

Bound To The Belgian Count (London Lords) by Sasha Cottman
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Count Maximilian de Viron and Lily have a whirlwind romance. Shortly after the wedding, Max disappears and abandons Lily, leaving her angry and alone. When Lily attempts to annul the marriage, she encounters the broken man who used to be her husband. The couple must live under the same roof, eat meals together, and talk to one another until Christmas to achieve the annulment. Max and Lily must navigate through misconception, misdirection, and devastation to rediscover the fervent love they have for one another. Max has the world on this shoulders, controlled by another who has his nefarious plans. These two star-crossed lovers shine brightly. The writing is superb, and the plot is different, and kept my interest well into the night. I am a super fan of Sasha Cottman, and this lovely little Christmas tale exceeded all my expectations!

Embracing The Scandal by Barbara Monajem
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This tale is full of brilliant storytelling and compelling characters. This one focuses on a scandal and how it shapes two young people’s lives. My favorite line is when a character advises to “embrace the scandal.” Harriet eventually owns her truth, and that makes her powerful. Jonathan is such an understanding, empathetic hero. The cantankerous and outrageous secondary characters make this novella shine. I have not read this author before, and I will definitely be reading her again. This is a character-driven plot that centers on an entertaining, intricate, romantic story. Written with love and care, Embracing The Scandal has wit, heart, and love. This is a Christmas story for all of us with less than perfect pasts, showing that the past doesn’t define us but rather what we choose to do with the future. All this knowledge is wrapped up prettily into a festive Christmas story sure to warm your heart.

A Viscount For Christmas by Suzanna Medeiros
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I found yet another pleasant surprise with this lovely novella by new to me author Suzanna Medeiros. I loved Suzanna’s writing style. She takes a forced engagement and makes it into an entertaining, passionate love story. Thornton and Celia are both well-developed, lovable characters. The plot is lovingly crafted, and the house party was the perfect backdrop. The couple’s Chemistry was ignited at their first unique encounter. A Viscount For Christmas is a romantic, clever, artistic read that is not to be missed!

The Impetuous Heiress (The Upstart Christmas Brides) by Alina K. Field
⭐️⭐️⭐️
I had a difficult time warming to this story. Fitz was self-absorbed and off-putting. He was selfish and self-centered, thinking only of himself and neglecting those under his care. However, we come to understand the issues that contributed by the conclusion of the story. These issues were eye opening and helped me warm to Fitz. Mel was overly tolerant of Fitz. Both had secrets. Fitz’s redemption at the conclusion convinced me he had truly changed. Mel was presented as the victim, which she was. The plot and writing style was great; I was not overly fond of the personalities of the characters. Fortunately, there was a satisfying, hopeful, happy ending—a good Christmas story.

A Duchess For Christmas (Forgotten Heiresses) by Alanna Lucas
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a fantastic, romantic second-chance romance set at Christmas. Edward and Grace have been in love since childhood. Through a series of tragic events, the couple is torn apart. Years later, they find each other again. The couple must brave the heartache of the past to enjoy their bright future full of love. Edward and Grace were both relatable, lovable characters. There is a secondary storyline that parallels, and it enhances the plot ten-fold. Carefully and wonderfully written, this heart-warming, passionate romance warmed my heart. Alanna Lucas has weaved a truly mesmerizing tale of love’s healing gift.

Let It Snow by Heather Boyd
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This novella focuses on Luc, the worse kind of scoundrel and prim and proper Yvette. Through a series of calamitous circumstances, the couple has plenty of time to discover that these two opposites may be perfect for each other. For such a short story, Luc and Yvette were well-developed characters. Luc’s grandmother was a fantastic secondary character. This story had romance and heart. Luc has to put much effort into wooing Yvette; their bond grows slowly. However, the story was well-paced and entertaining. Let It Snow was a perfect way to end a delightful Christmas collection!

In conclusion, the four-star reviews were the majority of the collection. However, the five-star reviews followed at a close second. I enjoyed every one of these novellas, some more than others. However, each distinctive plot contributed to an amazing, entertaining, and fascinating read. Christmas Kisses is an excellent example of what a good anthology should convey. This is a read you don’t want to miss. Great job to all the authors for creating riveting stories and unforgettable characters!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book through Netgalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I would have read more but I seemed to have read some of them before.
A Wallflower's Christmas: This one is new to me. It was very good. A chance encounter convinces him the exceedingly plain Miss Furness is the only person in Bath capable of painting his portrait, but he must first convince this talented amateur.
Twas The Rogue Before Christmas: I think I have read this book before. It was so familiar to me. Will Jason and Lenora surrender to the magic of the holiday season—and each other— before it’s too late?
Let It Snow: Again I think I have read this book before.
A Viscount For Christmas: This book was very good. It was new to Yvette would only give him her heart, it could be the happiest holiday ever..
A Duchess For Christmas: This book was very goQod. The plot was of a lost love and a pregnant girl who was lost Can the spirit of Christmas and love from the past, heal the present, and bring a happy future?

I really enjoyed getting to explore the work of authors unfamiliar to me with this book. There are ten short stories in this collection and they are quite varied, despite having a Christmas / Winter regency theme. I liked the fact that there were a lot of ordinary heros and heroines, not just the gentry / aristocracy which is the norm for this genre. Some stories were better than others but all are well worth a read.

An anthology of ten Christmas themed historical romance novellas that gives little bursts of festivity in bite size portions. I appreciated that not all of the novellas were set dead on Christmas as it made the collection more readable due to its flexibility. All of the novellas featured are entertaining and worth reading in their own right.

It has been a joy to find new historical romance authors and series. Some novellas have interesting and unique premises or aspects making them worth a read. The romance is also top notch and perfect when you want a quick book to get lost in.

My favourite was A Kiss from a Captain by Samantha Grace. The riddle/treasure hunt aspect of the book is fun and not one I have read often. It was entertaining in itself trying to solve the riddles and puzzles set. I loved the relationship between Laurel and Gabriel as it had a lovely basis of friendship for the romance. Gabe's straight talking valet was an asset and highlight to the story. I also appreciate how the disability in this book isn't constantly focused on or mentioned by characters. Gabe's amputation was handled tastefully and in an educational emotional manner.

I would definitely recommend this collection as lighthearted festive relief from a hectic season.

I realize it is hard to go into character and plot depth in short stories. I gave this book a 4 star overall even though most of the stories received a 3 star review.
A Wallflower’s Christmas Wish by Cheryl Bolen 4 stars This is a Cinderella story about Diana (whose stepmother treats like a slave) who is a talented painter. She comes across Elvin who is looking to have his portrait done. Their relationship flourishes when they spend time together.

A Kiss From A Captain by Samantha Grace -3 ½ stars
An injured soldier, Gabe, hopes he is enough for the woman he admires, Laurel. As he helps her solve the mystery of whom is sending her letters of admiration, they grow close.

A Rogue’s Christmas Wish by Lana Williams- 4 stars
A seamstress with a secret past, Mary, finds love again when she accidentally encounters her old friend Arthur.

'Twas the Rogue Before Christmas by Collette Cameron 3 ½ stars
Sea Captain Jason falls for Lenora when he comes upon her defending his grandmother from ruffians. Can she love a sea captain who will be gone from her for long periods of time?

Bound By The Belgian Count by Sasha Cottman 3 stars
Abandoned by her husband a week after their wedding, Lily finally decides to file for a divorce. Max arrives at court to contest the divorce and the judge decrees they must spend time with each other. Will that be enough to repair their marriage?

Embracing Scandal by Barbara Monajem- 3 stars
Harriet poses nude for an artist in order to get enough money to run away from her overzealous vicar stepfather. When the artist skips town, her stepfather throws her out and declares her dead. Harriet goes to work as a teacher and later as a governess. She meets her old beau who believed her to be dead. They renew their feelings for each other.

A Viscount For Christmas by Suzanna Medeiros -3 stars
A mistake causes Issac to be caught in a compromising situation with Celia. Celia has always loved him, but does not want to force him to marry. They must come to grips in regard to their betrothal.

The Impetuous Heiress by Anna K. Field- 3 stars
Fitz becomes engaged to Mel then rushes home because his father is ill. Not having heard from Fitz, Mel decides to confront him. He has much to make up for.

A Duchess For Christmas by Alanna Lucas- 3 stars
When Edward goes searching for his missing niece, he encounters Grace, the woman of his past that got away. They discover the misunderstandings that kept them apart and rekindle their friendship.

Let It Snow by Heather Boyd -3 ½ stars
Yvette is forced to flee a scandalous house party. When her coach becomes stuck, she is saved by Luc, a man she knows to be a rouge. Spending time with Luc, she realizes he is not as terrible as she thought.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for my honest review.