Thank you NetGalley. This had a variety of authors and a good way to get to know different authors. They wrote stories in the 1800s but with a thought to Shakespeare. There was a little about each author and some titles of other books they had written.

I was actually expecting all steam and no story with a line up of authors like this is. However, i was pleasantly surprised to see how well written these stories were. And I even found a few new names worth following. Usually this is he reason why I read book like this is t find out what the new authors with the publishers are like. PURCHASE. READ. ENJOY!

I received a complementary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion I have given is my own. I am disclosing this according to the guidelines.

I love that these novellas are inspired by Shakespeare’s sonnets and plays! A collection of entertaining stories from some wonderful authors. I decided to read it for Kiss Me, Kitty by Shana Galen and found some other favorite authors that I have enjoyed in the past. I also found some new to me authors and I'm excited to explore their other works. A great entertaining escape into another time and place!

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this anthology and this is my freely given opinion...

This is a cute short story historical romance anthology, with the stories inspired by Shakespeare, and contributions by many well known names to the genre. The stories are very short, so don't expect a lot of depth, and they vary in heat level. I read namely the authors I was interested in and found this to be a a light way to pass the time, in between other books. Some of the stories were a bit silly, because they are so short, not a lot of depth or back story, but generally pleasant and fun.

I got an ARC copy, but I had actually already pre-ordered it too for the pre-order price. I liked it, but definitely don't love it. The Shakespearean theme is a great idea, but I did not love how it was executed in some of the stories.

Of course, I have not read all of them yet (and quite honestly may not - only a few short story anthologies have intrigued me enough to read all the stories within them), so maybe I am as yet missing out on the real gems.

3 stars out of 5

Anthologies are always hard to rate but overall I really enjoyed most of these stories. Being Shakespeare inspired I expected some tragedy but all the stories still had a lightness to them. They were all short, bite-sized tales which sometimes made it tough to connect to characters in so short a time but still overall provided a great experience.

Reviewed on Amazon and goodreads. Amazon Link
https://www.amazon.com/review/R18K3JRX785ONG/ref=pe_123899240_1043597390_TC0301BT_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

Delightful, Historical Romance Anthology

These historical romance morsels are a delight. The stories are inspired by Shakespeare's work, but you won’t find tragedy here. Even the stories inspired by Romeo and Juliet end happily. These are well-written short stories that will delight and entertain the reader. If you are looking for stories you can finish in one sitting, this anthology fits the bill. I enjoyed this anthology and would recommend it to those who like historical romance.

I enjoyed this Shakespeare-themed anthology with authors new and old to me. Each short story can be read during a lunch break or over a cup of coffee and they all come to a good conclusion. I received a copy of this collection as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

💝 Will you accept this box of Valentine chocolates in the form of 11 fun-sized historical romance stories? I hope so, because each one is its own unique blend of sweet and/or spicy! The heroines are sometimes a bit nutty, and the heroes often have soft gooey center. 🍩

But in all seriousness, what a cool concept: historical romance authors get together and write short stories based on Shakespeare's plays! I really enjoyed comparing the stories not only to the original works, but to more recent adaptations!

Each of these is a solid historical romance that does a good job of setting up the story and providing a satisfying ending. Many of the characters were endearing and well fleshed out (as much as one could in a brief story). I really enjoyed getting to experience these authors, most of whom where new to me. It was the perfect way to get a sense of their writing style, which of course made me eager to try their full-length novellas!

I'd like to thank Dragonblade Publishing and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

This is a compilation of several novella length historical romance novels. I am not recommending as they were very shallow reads, and not particularly engaging. It was the kind of novella that 13-year old me would have been ok with. Pass--there's so much more out there to spend your time on.

Shakespearean Inspired Novellas With No Tragedies!
The Duke’s Difficult Daughter 5* by Sara Bennett. A daughter out of step with her family and required to marry first, is saved by a gamekeeper. (The Taming of the Shrew)
Her One and Only 4* by Cheryl Boleyn. In love with her neighbour, Venus Jones rejects all offers of marriage and finally decides she must take steps to get her Adonis (James Beresford) to finally see her. (Venus and Adonis - poem)
Kiss Me, Kitty 5* by Shana Galen. A companion story to the novella Twenty-One Days with the Lyon, with the older sister getting her HEA with a childhood friend. (The Taming of the Shrew #2)
Lucky Devil 3* by Lily Harlem. A lady and a stablehand marry without banns or a licence. When her father catches up the lovers are separated but they find a way to reunite. One hopes if they are to remain together they will make their marriage legal by having a second, lawful ceremony.(Cymbeline)
It’s In His Kiss 4* by Jenna Axon. This was well written but I didn’t like how William deceived her in believing he was another man.
The Play’s The Thing 5* by Susan King. Two star-crossed lovers are parted but find each other again. (Romeo and Juliet)
Wherefore Art Thou, Marmaduke? 5* By Katherine Bone. Shipwrecked and thought dead for three years, Marmaduke returns home to find his love has married another. Can they find their way back to each other? (Romeo and Juliet #2)
The Scandal of Us 5* by Amanda Mariel. Two feuding families, two star crossed lovers. Can their love bridge a centuries old wound? (Romeo and Juliet #3)
How to Catch the Duke of Your Dreams 4* by Dawn Brower. A vengeful Duke’s machinations go awry when he falls for the lady he planned to ruin
Bocca Baciata 4* by Delphine Roy. Suzanne finally gets her man at a ball, though not without him nearly losing his life. (All’s Well That Ends Well)
As I Like It, Duke 4* by Tanya Wilde. A Duke determined not to fall in love eventually realises that he has been in love with Lady Thalia for years, but has he left it too late? (As You Like It)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

By any other name....

A collection of novellas with rakish dukes and Shakespeare themes.
Fun and flirty and perfect for Valentine's Day if your jam is historical snack sized reads.
Variety is a plus.
Recommend.

Excellent collection of short stories by my favourite authors that is sure to make you laugh, cry and love. Excellent read for Valentine’s Day or any day of the year!

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley and leaving my review voluntarily.

Anthologies are always amazing and inventive designed to keep your attention.
Find it fun to discover a new author or even catch up with stories that connect to other books.
Referencing to works of Shakespeare, the stories are similar in theme and quotes.
Truly enjoyed the story referencing Romeo & Juliet also the Taming of the Shrew.
Highly recommend, will reread and enjoy all over again.

I found the idea of rethinking Shakespeare plays as historical romance would be really interesting but as I started reading through the stories in this collection I was a little disappointed with the lack of variety. There were some enjoyable ones in this collection but too many were based on Romeo and Juliet perhaps each author should have chosen a different play to make sure there was more variety. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

There were a couple of enjoyable ones in this collection. But I would have preferred less of them to be based on Romeo and Juliet, and they could have based one on much ado.

I read alot. When asked to recommend an author, series or genre, I typically recommend an anthology. A collection of short stories or novellas written by best selling authors along with debut authors. These stories are written in fewer pages than most chapters, requiring the writer to felx their skills and condense the story to satisfy the readers. Most of the anthologies are written around a topic or theme. With a release date of Valentine's Day, you know this one has to be romances. As always in a collection, some stories are better than others, but this assortment includes enough great stories to keep you company through a long evening.

Shana Galen’s novellas
Kiss me, Kitty
21 Days with the Lyon

I’ve just finished the connected novellas. Both were enjoyable. I think everything Ms. Galen writes is enjoyable. I thought they were especially good because of the parallel to Shakespeare. If you like these novellas, you will absolutely love her full length novels. Try one, you will NOT be disappointed.

Aah, so much love built into a series of short stories. Each by one of the most favored authors. Filled with creativity, romance and the aah of valentine dreams and wishes. Enjoyable characters, fill the pages and can be read within an hour or less with a lovely cup of tea and scones. Just the perfect timing for a bit of a break from your busy day. Along with a romantic sigh to remind you of the beauty found within romance and true love. Wonderfully presented!

Wow, what an incredible collection of Shakespearean theme stories by various authors!! Unlike Shakespeare’s sonnets and play that we all know end in tragedy these stories actually have a happy ending. This book was a lot of fun, very entertaining and full of romance!! I felt each story was uniquely written and each author did a fabulous job writing their story!! All of the stories had wonderful characters and was a delight to read. One of the reasons I enjoy reading anthologies they are short, quick stories and possibly finding authors that I have not read yet. This book definitely did not disappoint and I am glad I was able to read it!! I highly recommend this book!!