You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
568 reviews for:
How the Dukes Stole Christmas
Sarah MacLean, Joanna Shupe, Sophie Jordan, Tessa Dare
3.66 AVERAGE
568 reviews for:
How the Dukes Stole Christmas
Sarah MacLean, Joanna Shupe, Sophie Jordan, Tessa Dare
3.66 AVERAGE
I loved the Tessa Dare and Sarah MacLean stories (no surprise there). I didn't kind Sophie Jordan's story and Joanna Shupe's just really wasn't my thing. The paper snow scene in "The Duke of Christmas Present" was the sweetest scene I've read in a long time!
Like Jo, I find it annoying that anthologies have to be given an overall assessment when their contributors vary in consistency. Sarah MacLean is my only automatic buy romance writer, and her novella was the only one that made me cry—the childhood friends normally doesn’t work for me, but throw in angst (especially of the Eliza/Ham kind), and suddenly I do not care about how people change over decades, and I am Here For It.
Tessa Dare is always solid, and hers was a little angsty but utterly delightful and made insta-lust work with plot. Sophie Jordan’s was very Sophie Jordan-y—ridiculous plot, great sexy times, insta-lust that fell short of its potential, and a vague sense of dissatisfaction at the end. Joanna Shupe’s had a lot of potential—great sexy times, promising insta-lust plot, except that the conflict kind of was too intense and really could not be fixed or plotted satisfactorily within the confines of the novella. But altogether, a decent anthology, and a good way to end the holiday season!
Tessa Dare is always solid, and hers was a little angsty but utterly delightful and made insta-lust work with plot. Sophie Jordan’s was very Sophie Jordan-y—ridiculous plot, great sexy times, insta-lust that fell short of its potential, and a vague sense of dissatisfaction at the end. Joanna Shupe’s had a lot of potential—great sexy times, promising insta-lust plot, except that the conflict kind of was too intense and really could not be fixed or plotted satisfactorily within the confines of the novella. But altogether, a decent anthology, and a good way to end the holiday season!
Hit or miss.
I'm not a big fan of short stories in general. They almost always feel stilted and rushed to me . I enjoyed sampling several different authors' styles, but most of the stories were forgettable.
I'm not a big fan of short stories in general. They almost always feel stilted and rushed to me . I enjoyed sampling several different authors' styles, but most of the stories were forgettable.
"Meet Me in Mayfair" by Tessa Dare
Ahhhhh! This was so incredibly adorable. Even if the rest of the stories are disappointing, this one alone would make the collection worth it. I'm a massive Tessa Dare fan, and this is classic Tessa, funny and shippy and adorable.
Louisa's family is to be turned out of their home after Christmas because the new Duke of Thorndale has called in her father's debts. She has one last night to attempt to snare a proposal that will save the family from a move to the Isle of Jersey. When she ends up dancing with the Duke and finding him charming, Louisa begins to question everything. Their connection is so precious and believable. Also, I love thatit's a rare instance where a couple falls in love but doesn't anticipate the wedding AND there's reference to him not lasting very long in bed the first time with her !!!
Rating: LOVE
"The Duke of Christmas Present" by Sarah MacLean
This second chance romance left me cold, which at least is fitting on a Christmas holiday. The story alternates between the present timeline, when the Duke's childhood best friend/love shows up unannounced for Christmas after twelve years apart, while she toured the world with her Aunt, and the past, when they first fell in love. While the past timeline was clearly meant to explain their love for one another, it didn't sell me on their relationship and only made their present arguments more distant and puzzling. Though I don't think this a poorly written story, I failed to connect with the relationship between these two.
Rating: Meh
"Heiress Alone" by Sophie Jordan
The concept of "Heiress Alone" is supes cute, as it's a take on Home Alone. Forgotten by her family when they left to return to England, Annis is stuck in the highlands with just two servants. She accepts her fate with solemnity, until the Duke of Sinclair arrives, announcing that she and her two servants need to come with him to his home, because thieves are about and they're in danger. This story's trope-y as hell, and I definitely had fun reading it, but it was let down by the fact that there's not enough of a connection between the MCs for love to be remotely believable.
Rating: Liked
"Christmas in Central Park" by Joanna Shupe
Shupe's offering is fairly standard romance fare, with a hard-hearted male lead finding joy and a desire for family on Christmas thanks to the heroine. Rose pretends to be Mrs. Walker, a high society lady, so she can write her advice column. When her boss Duke Havemeyer insists that she throw a party at her mansion to placate the board, she agrees, despite the fact that she's not married and has nary a mansion. The story's cute for sure, but it did suffer a bit for the short format, which made the relationship feel heavily instalove-y.
Rating: Liked
Overall, a decent and entertaining collection. Tessa Dare's piece was the draw, and it was also the standout of the collection.
Ahhhhh! This was so incredibly adorable. Even if the rest of the stories are disappointing, this one alone would make the collection worth it. I'm a massive Tessa Dare fan, and this is classic Tessa, funny and shippy and adorable.
Louisa's family is to be turned out of their home after Christmas because the new Duke of Thorndale has called in her father's debts. She has one last night to attempt to snare a proposal that will save the family from a move to the Isle of Jersey. When she ends up dancing with the Duke and finding him charming, Louisa begins to question everything. Their connection is so precious and believable. Also, I love that
Rating: LOVE
"The Duke of Christmas Present" by Sarah MacLean
This second chance romance left me cold, which at least is fitting on a Christmas holiday. The story alternates between the present timeline, when the Duke's childhood best friend/love shows up unannounced for Christmas after twelve years apart, while she toured the world with her Aunt, and the past, when they first fell in love. While the past timeline was clearly meant to explain their love for one another, it didn't sell me on their relationship and only made their present arguments more distant and puzzling. Though I don't think this a poorly written story, I failed to connect with the relationship between these two.
Rating: Meh
"Heiress Alone" by Sophie Jordan
The concept of "Heiress Alone" is supes cute, as it's a take on Home Alone. Forgotten by her family when they left to return to England, Annis is stuck in the highlands with just two servants. She accepts her fate with solemnity, until the Duke of Sinclair arrives, announcing that she and her two servants need to come with him to his home, because thieves are about and they're in danger. This story's trope-y as hell, and I definitely had fun reading it, but it was let down by the fact that there's not enough of a connection between the MCs for love to be remotely believable.
Rating: Liked
"Christmas in Central Park" by Joanna Shupe
Shupe's offering is fairly standard romance fare, with a hard-hearted male lead finding joy and a desire for family on Christmas thanks to the heroine. Rose pretends to be Mrs. Walker, a high society lady, so she can write her advice column. When her boss Duke Havemeyer insists that she throw a party at her mansion to placate the board, she agrees, despite the fact that she's not married and has nary a mansion. The story's cute for sure, but it did suffer a bit for the short format, which made the relationship feel heavily instalove-y.
Rating: Liked
Overall, a decent and entertaining collection. Tessa Dare's piece was the draw, and it was also the standout of the collection.
I love holiday novellas. I think they are the perfect way to get a quick jolt of that Christmas spirit. And I think this is a strong collection, overall. I can DEFINITELY see myself returning to this collection every year. A very fun read.
Meet Me In Mayfair - 3 stars
To be honest, I think this was the weakest one of the 4. But whatever, it's Tessa Dare. It's still cute. I just think that after the low moment, we needed to see more from the hero/ heroine and instead it just fast forwards to the resolution. Given that this is the shortest story, I'm not entirely sure why Dare couldn't have included a little bit more. Rushed ending.
The Duke of Christmas Present - 5 stars
OK, so obviously I am biased since I do a podcast with Sarah, but this was best story in the collection to me. It's highly structured with a back and forth between now and then, and it makes for a really pleasing story. Given that it's a Novella, I was thought there was some really wonderful character development of both Eben and Jack. Also, this book had really strong secondary characters, Jack's Aunt and Eben's business partner. Super great. Just what I want from a Christmas novella.
Heiress Alone - 5 stars
I loved this story, maybe because I've always loved Home Alone. I love that Annis is thrilled to be left alone and the whole way the story with the Sinclair evolves is pretty awesome. Very sexy and I was absolutely into it. Again, really strong secondary characters. Loved this story.
Christmas in Central Park - 5 stars
This book actually made me SO NERVOUS when I was reading it. Like, I was ACTIVELY ANXIOUS about how it was all going to turn out. I loved the heroine and her big group of friends who work together to basically make sure she can keep her job. This one gave me ALL THE FEELS.
Meet Me In Mayfair - 3 stars
To be honest, I think this was the weakest one of the 4. But whatever, it's Tessa Dare. It's still cute. I just think that after the low moment, we needed to see more from the hero/ heroine and instead it just fast forwards to the resolution. Given that this is the shortest story, I'm not entirely sure why Dare couldn't have included a little bit more. Rushed ending.
The Duke of Christmas Present - 5 stars
OK, so obviously I am biased since I do a podcast with Sarah, but this was best story in the collection to me. It's highly structured with a back and forth between now and then, and it makes for a really pleasing story. Given that it's a Novella, I was thought there was some really wonderful character development of both Eben and Jack. Also, this book had really strong secondary characters, Jack's Aunt and Eben's business partner. Super great. Just what I want from a Christmas novella.
Heiress Alone - 5 stars
I loved this story, maybe because I've always loved Home Alone. I love that Annis is thrilled to be left alone and the whole way the story with the Sinclair evolves is pretty awesome. Very sexy and I was absolutely into it. Again, really strong secondary characters. Loved this story.
Christmas in Central Park - 5 stars
This book actually made me SO NERVOUS when I was reading it. Like, I was ACTIVELY ANXIOUS about how it was all going to turn out. I loved the heroine and her big group of friends who work together to basically make sure she can keep her job. This one gave me ALL THE FEELS.
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I have never wanted to make shortbread more, and I think I found a new author!
This is a delightful collection of novellas from some of the best Romance authors around. Who could resist the temptation to dive into this delightful holiday treat.
Tessa Dare’s “Meet Me in Mayfair” gives a a new Duke come to town to settle some accounts. He accidentally is paired with the wrong girl for a waltz. She is prepared to hate him since when he settled his accounts, her family will be out of a home. Rather than hate each other, there is a spark that fans into a flame as the night progresses. The very outspokenness and opinions that make her unattractive to the rest of the marriageable bachelors are what attracts the Duke in the first place. The journey to their Happily Ever After is filled with fascinating conversation and actions.
Sarah MacLean’s “The Duke of Christmas Present” is a sad tale that beings tears to the eyes. Friends since childhood, when Eben becomes a Duke at the young age of 18 he fears that he cannot offer for his one true love, Lady Jacqueline until the Dukedom is on solid financial footing. While Jack waited Eben focused mor on the estate than on her and so she finally went off to travel the world with her Aunt. Fourteen years later, she is back to give him one m ore chance. As the story goes back and forth between the past and the present you can’t help but pull for these two – they each love the other but will that be enough?
Sohpie Jordan’s “Heiress Alone” – What happens when an English family on holiday in Scotland leaves for home only to forget one of their daughters? This is a funny story of how poor Annis was left behind only to find herself rescued by the Duke next door when he comes to save the 2 servants left with her. This story has a horrible snowstorm, brigands breaking into all the local homes and magical biscuits sure to bring love. The Duke ins’t looking for a wife and Annis has plans to become a nun but somehow, they are thrown together and frequently found in some state of undress in each other’s arms. This is the perfect plum in the Christmas pudding!
Joanna Shupe’s “Christmas in Central Park” – the final story in this anthology is the story of Duke Havermeyer III, owner of a New York newspaper that employs socialite Mrs Rose Walker as an advice columnist. What he doesn’t know is that Mrs Walker is really Miss Walker a struggling journalist who wants to be a reporter. The chemistry between them is strong but he thinks she is married and she is just trying to keep her job. When they finally both come clean they find the Happily Ever after they both deserve. This is the perfect ending to a great book.
Tessa Dare’s “Meet Me in Mayfair” gives a a new Duke come to town to settle some accounts. He accidentally is paired with the wrong girl for a waltz. She is prepared to hate him since when he settled his accounts, her family will be out of a home. Rather than hate each other, there is a spark that fans into a flame as the night progresses. The very outspokenness and opinions that make her unattractive to the rest of the marriageable bachelors are what attracts the Duke in the first place. The journey to their Happily Ever After is filled with fascinating conversation and actions.
Sarah MacLean’s “The Duke of Christmas Present” is a sad tale that beings tears to the eyes. Friends since childhood, when Eben becomes a Duke at the young age of 18 he fears that he cannot offer for his one true love, Lady Jacqueline until the Dukedom is on solid financial footing. While Jack waited Eben focused mor on the estate than on her and so she finally went off to travel the world with her Aunt. Fourteen years later, she is back to give him one m ore chance. As the story goes back and forth between the past and the present you can’t help but pull for these two – they each love the other but will that be enough?
Sohpie Jordan’s “Heiress Alone” – What happens when an English family on holiday in Scotland leaves for home only to forget one of their daughters? This is a funny story of how poor Annis was left behind only to find herself rescued by the Duke next door when he comes to save the 2 servants left with her. This story has a horrible snowstorm, brigands breaking into all the local homes and magical biscuits sure to bring love. The Duke ins’t looking for a wife and Annis has plans to become a nun but somehow, they are thrown together and frequently found in some state of undress in each other’s arms. This is the perfect plum in the Christmas pudding!
Joanna Shupe’s “Christmas in Central Park” – the final story in this anthology is the story of Duke Havermeyer III, owner of a New York newspaper that employs socialite Mrs Rose Walker as an advice columnist. What he doesn’t know is that Mrs Walker is really Miss Walker a struggling journalist who wants to be a reporter. The chemistry between them is strong but he thinks she is married and she is just trying to keep her job. When they finally both come clean they find the Happily Ever after they both deserve. This is the perfect ending to a great book.
I liked the first three novellas, but the last one really rubbed me the wrong way.
3 stars. Those 3 stars are only for the short story The Duke of Christmas Present by Sarah MacLean. That was the best story in this collection and the only one that was worth reading honestly. The rest were boring with unlikable Dukes and I just didn't care for them. All of the stories are well written but the other ones besides MacLeans story were underwhelming and lacked heart. It wasn't a horrible read because I found some new HR authors to read so I'm very excited about that.