Enjoyable and steamy all wrapped up in one festive package. Stolen kisses soon turn into so much more for childhood friends Olivia and Luke. Get out your dancing shoes and some sherry and join the Fitzroy Christmas Eve Ball.

This book felt the most like Christmas in the series so far. Moat of the cousins (9 ladies dancing) came to Charlcroft for a Christmas ball. Even a wreath making activity Gabe the story more of a Christmas feel.

The romance in this one was definitely steamy between Olivia and her childhood friend Luke. I think it was all of the little bits of teasing. Some simple touches drove the characters crazy.

I enjoyed the romance, but Olivia definitely was quick to freak out and get jealous. She was a little bit over the top, but I think that was intentional.

I'm excited for the next book. Some big hints were given at the end for Kitty's story. That will define be interesting.

Thank you to Dragonblade and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.

Olivia has grown up with her friend Luke as almost a brother. When he comes for Christmas she must find the courage to admit to her feelings for him. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for my honest review.

Family, Ballrooms, Romance:
This series is full of excitement similar to a whirlwind tornado.
Many things are happening all at the same time.
We meet Olivia who is looking forward to the holiday. She has sweet
memories of her childhood friend Luke whom she kind of had a fancy for growing up. She feels like she has outgrown those silly romantic feeling by now.
When Luke arrives, she soon realizes those feelings are still there.
We follow them through many ups and downs, surprises, misconceptions,
desirous passion and more.
A delightful Christmas romance that is part of this enjoyable series.
Adult Advisory:
I voluntarily read and review an advanced copy for my honest opinion.

It’s now 1815 & Olivia Fitzroy is excited for the family Christmas party at Chalcroft, seat of the Fitzroys, and is furious when an unexpected guest arrives: Luke Kingsley. Her childhood friend who in her heart is now far more than a friend, she is determined not to let her fanciful affection show. But dancing around each other isn’t possible in the confines of Chalcroft, and Luke has his own secrets that he won’t reveal as the dance brings them closer together.
The fourth book in the series & it’s now two years on, another charming read, Luke & Olivia were childhood friends but earlier in the year her feelings changed & deepened but Luke seemed uninterested. I really liked both Luke & Olivia but they both annoyed me & I wanted to shake them & tell them to talk to each other – it would have saved so much soul searching. I did love the chemistry between them. Then there's Kitty acting strangely! A well written quick read, which I read in a sitting
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

This is a really enjoyable festive novella - it’s the first I’ve read in this series, which wasn’t an issue but I suspect I would have had a deeper understanding of the character interactions if I’d read the three previous instalments. Olivia is convinced her love for childhood friend Luke is unrequited, and would therefore find it much easier if he stayed far away from her and especially didn’t encroach on a family Christmas. However, Luke has plans of his own and the results are spicy! The author paints a convincing portrait of festive family chaos, tying it neatly into the nine ladies dancing of the title, and I’d definitely be interested to read more about the Fitzroys.

He Always Knew What He Wanted!

Olivia had grown up with Luke and it came to her at Easter time that she had fallen in love with him! Her father had invited Luke to the Christmas festivities and she wasn’t happy to have to face him knowing how she felt about him and that he didn’t feel the same way.

How wrong she was! Luke was everywhere, wanting to be in her company and wanting to get involved in the things she was doing for the festive season. Kissing her when she least expected it, thinking he was just using her until the steam level grew and they both gave into their feelings.

I love the way all the family interact and meet up for the festive season and I noticed within the story the ‘de petras’ were mentioned and the way the ‘Nine Ladies Dancing’ was incorporated within the storyline was genius. The mystery of what Kat has been up to which should be solved in the next book. The interaction between the cousins and sisters and the excitement of the ball and festive season are quite wonderful.

Another recommended great read to get you into the festive mood.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.