Take a photo of a barcode or cover
transientmeow's review against another edition
3.0
Overall a good series of stories, though I enjoyed Rodale's and Linden's contributions the most.
"That Rogue Jack" by Maya Rodale - Lady Sophronia is a hoot and it was nice to have a heroine who wasn't of the highest station in life. She actually had a job to do (albeit one she seemed to spend less and less time at as the story progressed) and her survival and position in life depended upon doing it well. Jack is a somewhat forgettable hero, but I think he makes a good foil to Henrietta's serious nature.
"P.S.I Love You" by Miranda Neville - The letter conceit was fun, and I'm glad the heroine called Christian out on the pompous tone of the first letter. I didn't really believe the ending but whatever.
"When I Met My Duchess" by Caroline Linden - Favorite of the bunch. Another heroine who has a job, but this time against the wishes of her family and one she enjoys very much. I appreciate her loyalty to her sister and willingness to sacrifice for her, even as Cleopatra has to suffer through her parents awful remarks about her. I'm glad they finally got told off in the end! I don't think this story would have worked so well if
"How Angela Got Her Rogue Back" by Katherine Ashe - Meh. I'm not really a fan of time-travel romance. The comic book concept was fun and I enjoyed that the hero had a passion for something other than sporting and drinking, but the story was just okay. I can't suspend disbelief enough to go along with Angela being accepted by all the party guests while knowing very little of how to behave in high society and running about with no family. And I'm biased against heroes who have too "modern-sounding" names, so I would have preferred he be called Trenton all the time, not Trent - though I'm guessing nicknames were a thing even in the Regency era.
"That Rogue Jack" by Maya Rodale - Lady Sophronia is a hoot and it was nice to have a heroine who wasn't of the highest station in life. She actually had a job to do (albeit one she seemed to spend less and less time at as the story progressed) and her survival and position in life depended upon doing it well. Jack is a somewhat forgettable hero, but I think he makes a good foil to Henrietta's serious nature.
"P.S.I Love You" by Miranda Neville - The letter conceit was fun, and I'm glad the heroine called Christian out on the pompous tone of the first letter. I didn't really believe the ending
Spoiler
where Frank gives up so quickly and all is right between Rosanne and Chris"When I Met My Duchess" by Caroline Linden - Favorite of the bunch. Another heroine who has a job, but this time against the wishes of her family and one she enjoys very much. I appreciate her loyalty to her sister and willingness to sacrifice for her, even as Cleopatra has to suffer through her parents awful remarks about her. I'm glad they finally got told off in the end! I don't think this story would have worked so well if
Spoiler
Helen hadn't been able to find a happy ending with James. I did like the fact that she wasn't all that excited to be marrying a duke - I can imagine it would be a frightening prospect for a young, sheltered girl at that time."How Angela Got Her Rogue Back" by Katherine Ashe - Meh. I'm not really a fan of time-travel romance. The comic book concept was fun and I enjoyed that the hero had a passion for something other than sporting and drinking, but the story was just okay. I can't suspend disbelief enough to go along with Angela being accepted by all the party guests while knowing very little of how to behave in high society and running about with no family. And I'm biased against heroes who have too "modern-sounding" names, so I would have preferred he be called Trenton all the time, not Trent - though I'm guessing nicknames were a thing even in the Regency era.
lifeisbetterwithbooks_'s review against another edition
4.0
Each story in this anthology is written by a different author and is about a different couple who is attending the Duke's wedding at Kingstag Castle. I'm sure some of their storylines will intersect, and I am stoked to read each one!! I will review each one and give my castings.
That Rogue Jack by Maya Rodale
This is my first novel/novella by Maya Rodale--though I have many of her works downloaded on my tablet--and I have to say it will not be my last! I thoroughly enjoyed this short as Rodale seemed to pack so much into it. Jack is a total charmer, complete with a Smile that inspired a brand of smelling salts(!!), while Henrietta is the no-nonsense, staid companion to the older Lady Sohpronia. All her life, Henrietta has had to be proper and responsible in order to keep her position as companion to Sophronia, so she has watched from the sidelines as Jack charmed his way through life and countless adventures. However, when the Duke entrusts Jack with safekeeping the family ring, the Duke's mother enlists Henrietta to make sure whimsical Jack actually has them in time for the wedding. Thus, Henrietta is swept into a whirlwind of secret rendezvous and nighttime adventures with Jack as they search for the ring (that Jack lost/misplaced), while Jack learns to see Henrietta (whom he's known all his life) in a new and lovely light. A wonderful romance of two unlikely people getting to know each other and falling in love because of the balance they bring the other! 4.5 stars
My Jack, gorgeous blue eyes and his infamous Look ;)
P.S. I Love You by Miranda Neville
Ugh, this novella. It disappointed me so much!! For me, the pacing was too slow and I think the courtship between Frank and Rosanne went on for much too long. The beginning chapter was interesting at first, then seemed to drag and morphed into a dragging story as well. I think part of the problem was the MCs didn't do anything (besides mope for someone they couldn't have). Unlike the first novella where the MCs had a goal they were trying to accomplish, Rosanne and Christian (and Frank) weren't really worried or occupied with anything besides falling in love with each other. Add in the fact that I wanted Rosanne to hurry up and realize what an amazing and broken hero Christian was (my favorite kind really), and I was definitely ready for the next installment. Christian was really the saving grace in this novella for me; he was so caring and sarcastic and beautiful inside and out. I LOVED him, so when Rosanne finally realized he was her REAL messenger of love I just about died. Overall, it was an boring start, an okay but long middle with a much better ending. 3.5 stars
My lovely Captain Christian Lord Bruton, with his hardly visible scar..
When I Met My Duchess by Caroline Linden
I found this story to be much more enjoyable than the last, but definitely not up to par to the first one. I keep comparing each story to the first (and subsequently find them lacking) which I find very telling. I did enjoy this one though. Gareth, Duke of Wessex, thinks he has found the perfect bride. Miss Helen Gray is polite, reserved, and perfectly demure--the perfect candidate to become Duchess to his grand estate. Except when she and her family arrive at Kingstag Castle for the wedding, lightning strikes (literally) and he has eyes only for her scandalous and outspoken sister, the widowed Cleo Barrows. I liked their chemistry and Gareth's complete fascination with her and Cleo's independence and openness. However, again my main problem with this story was the character's lack of action! Maybe it's unfair to hold novellas to the same standard as I do to full-length historicals, but I've read other novellas (by the amazing Tessa Dare) that include adventure, mystery, and of course a lovely HEA. Even the first story of this anthology included a mission for the characters to complete (and ultimately bring them together), which is what I love to read. Anyway, enough of that. Overall, this story was cute in its forbidden and star-crossed love, and I really did enjoy the neat way it all worked out in the end. 4 stars
My Gareth, Duke of Wessex, looking on as Cleo steps down from the carriage, lightning strikes, and his world tilts on its axis....
How Angela Got Her Rogue Back by Katharine Ashe
What a fabulous ending to this anthology! Ashe completely succeeded in pulling me back into this world and the intertwining characters, leaving me breathless for more. This was my first time-traveling historical romance (no I haven't read Outlander, don't kill me!!!), so I really didn't expect much going in. But I have to say, I kinda loved it. I haven't been into contemporary romances lately, but this story nicely blended the contemporary genre into the historical world that I love so much and I found myself really enjoying it. Angela was a very relatable, strong, and tenacious heroine (which I love), and Trent was just lovely--he was kind, caring, artistic **swoon**, yet vulnerable and unsure. I LOVED their courtship/romance, and their ending had me on the verge of heartbreak and tears at the unfairness of it all. Overall, this is a tie for my favorite with the first story That Rogue Jack because this story wasn't just about the romance--the MCs (mainly Angela) were looking/working towards SOMETHING and there was a villain to vanquish. Love! 4.5 stars
My lovely Trenton "Crash" Ascot, Viscount Everett, comtemplating what the hell he's gotten himself into with the crazy beautiful American :)
Overall rating for the anthology, 4 stars!!! Definitely worth the read!
That Rogue Jack by Maya Rodale
This is my first novel/novella by Maya Rodale--though I have many of her works downloaded on my tablet--and I have to say it will not be my last! I thoroughly enjoyed this short as Rodale seemed to pack so much into it. Jack is a total charmer, complete with a Smile that inspired a brand of smelling salts(!!), while Henrietta is the no-nonsense, staid companion to the older Lady Sohpronia. All her life, Henrietta has had to be proper and responsible in order to keep her position as companion to Sophronia, so she has watched from the sidelines as Jack charmed his way through life and countless adventures. However, when the Duke entrusts Jack with safekeeping the family ring, the Duke's mother enlists Henrietta to make sure whimsical Jack actually has them in time for the wedding. Thus, Henrietta is swept into a whirlwind of secret rendezvous and nighttime adventures with Jack as they search for the ring (that Jack lost/misplaced), while Jack learns to see Henrietta (whom he's known all his life) in a new and lovely light. A wonderful romance of two unlikely people getting to know each other and falling in love because of the balance they bring the other! 4.5 stars
My Jack, gorgeous blue eyes and his infamous Look ;)
P.S. I Love You by Miranda Neville
Ugh, this novella. It disappointed me so much!! For me, the pacing was too slow and I think the courtship between Frank and Rosanne went on for much too long. The beginning chapter was interesting at first, then seemed to drag and morphed into a dragging story as well. I think part of the problem was the MCs didn't do anything (besides mope for someone they couldn't have). Unlike the first novella where the MCs had a goal they were trying to accomplish, Rosanne and Christian (and Frank) weren't really worried or occupied with anything besides falling in love with each other. Add in the fact that I wanted Rosanne to hurry up and realize what an amazing and broken hero Christian was (my favorite kind really), and I was definitely ready for the next installment. Christian was really the saving grace in this novella for me; he was so caring and sarcastic and beautiful inside and out. I LOVED him, so when Rosanne finally realized he was her REAL messenger of love I just about died. Overall, it was an boring start, an okay but long middle with a much better ending. 3.5 stars
My lovely Captain Christian Lord Bruton, with his hardly visible scar..
When I Met My Duchess by Caroline Linden
I found this story to be much more enjoyable than the last, but definitely not up to par to the first one. I keep comparing each story to the first (and subsequently find them lacking) which I find very telling. I did enjoy this one though. Gareth, Duke of Wessex, thinks he has found the perfect bride. Miss Helen Gray is polite, reserved, and perfectly demure--the perfect candidate to become Duchess to his grand estate. Except when she and her family arrive at Kingstag Castle for the wedding, lightning strikes (literally) and he has eyes only for her scandalous and outspoken sister, the widowed Cleo Barrows. I liked their chemistry and Gareth's complete fascination with her and Cleo's independence and openness. However, again my main problem with this story was the character's lack of action! Maybe it's unfair to hold novellas to the same standard as I do to full-length historicals, but I've read other novellas (by the amazing Tessa Dare) that include adventure, mystery, and of course a lovely HEA. Even the first story of this anthology included a mission for the characters to complete (and ultimately bring them together), which is what I love to read. Anyway, enough of that. Overall, this story was cute in its forbidden and star-crossed love, and I really did enjoy the neat way it all worked out in the end. 4 stars
My Gareth, Duke of Wessex, looking on as Cleo steps down from the carriage, lightning strikes, and his world tilts on its axis....
How Angela Got Her Rogue Back by Katharine Ashe
What a fabulous ending to this anthology! Ashe completely succeeded in pulling me back into this world and the intertwining characters, leaving me breathless for more. This was my first time-traveling historical romance (no I haven't read Outlander, don't kill me!!!), so I really didn't expect much going in. But I have to say, I kinda loved it. I haven't been into contemporary romances lately, but this story nicely blended the contemporary genre into the historical world that I love so much and I found myself really enjoying it. Angela was a very relatable, strong, and tenacious heroine (which I love), and Trent was just lovely--he was kind, caring, artistic **swoon**, yet vulnerable and unsure. I LOVED their courtship/romance, and their ending had me on the verge of heartbreak and tears at the unfairness of it all. Overall, this is a tie for my favorite with the first story That Rogue Jack because this story wasn't just about the romance--the MCs (mainly Angela) were looking/working towards SOMETHING and there was a villain to vanquish. Love! 4.5 stars
My lovely Trenton "Crash" Ascot, Viscount Everett, comtemplating what the hell he's gotten himself into with the crazy beautiful American :)
Overall rating for the anthology, 4 stars!!! Definitely worth the read!
allya24's review against another edition
3.0
That rogue Jack 3.5 stars. Loved the hero, ADHD and all. But the novella syndrome strikes again, giving us underdeveloped characters. Had potential.
Ps I love you 3 stars. Quite unremarkable
When I met my duchess 3 stars. I liked that it was instalove but at the same time it wasn't. Love at first sight is not love. It's attraction. But attraction makes you like twice. And love at second glance... again wish the characters were more developed, they seem a bit too flat at times
How Angela got her rogue back 3.5 stars. I liked the premise of the book, the historian going back in time to create history. I liked the romance. But... I don't know. Maybe because of the setting in an anthology of historical romances in which this story was the only fantastical one makes it less believable, or less enjoyable. The heroine's personality and behavior are a tad incongruent, and the "going to break every rule" doesn't quite solve it.
I wish I had liked it more, because the wedding blended seamlessly between the different stories. And they are well written. But... Maybe I'm getting more demanding in the new year.
Ps I love you 3 stars. Quite unremarkable
When I met my duchess 3 stars. I liked that it was instalove but at the same time it wasn't. Love at first sight is not love. It's attraction. But attraction makes you like twice. And love at second glance... again wish the characters were more developed, they seem a bit too flat at times
How Angela got her rogue back 3.5 stars. I liked the premise of the book, the historian going back in time to create history. I liked the romance. But... I don't know. Maybe because of the setting in an anthology of historical romances in which this story was the only fantastical one makes it less believable, or less enjoyable. The heroine's personality and behavior are a tad incongruent, and the "going to break every rule" doesn't quite solve it.
I wish I had liked it more, because the wedding blended seamlessly between the different stories. And they are well written. But... Maybe I'm getting more demanding in the new year.
rwbrock's review against another edition
4.0
Overall 4+⭐️.
Rodale-Jack, an easily distracted rogue, has lost the Duke’s heirloom betrothal ring and lady’s companion Henrietta must help him find it. This was my least favorite of the four as I didn’t especially enjoy the flow of the writing here. 3⭐️
Neville-The scarred Earl of Bruton helps his dull cousin Frank woo Lady Rosanne through letters and loses his own ❤️. I really loved this one! Sweetly written with a strong but sensitive hero who is himself wooed by an intelligent, feisty heroine. 4.5⭐️ Linden-The Duke realizes he is betrothed to the wrong sister in a case of love at first sight with her widowed sister Cleo. Also nicely written about an honorable man who is totally at a loss as to how to correct his mistake and marry the independently original sister of his fiancé without being a total cad. 4.3⭐️
Ashe-Angela, a 21st-century American academia, rights a wrong and meets her match in Trenton, a British viscount caught in an impossible situation, 200 years in the past. This one was really fun as well, as I don’t believe Ashe has ever written a time-travel romance before. 4.4⭐️
I enjoyed this anthology, most especially Linden’s, Ashe’s and Neville’s novellas. (In Neville’s case, this was sadly some of her last writing as she passed last year). Fun and light-hearted reads nicely pieced together as a whole. Totally recommend.
Rodale-Jack, an easily distracted rogue, has lost the Duke’s heirloom betrothal ring and lady’s companion Henrietta must help him find it. This was my least favorite of the four as I didn’t especially enjoy the flow of the writing here. 3⭐️
Neville-The scarred Earl of Bruton helps his dull cousin Frank woo Lady Rosanne through letters and loses his own ❤️. I really loved this one! Sweetly written with a strong but sensitive hero who is himself wooed by an intelligent, feisty heroine. 4.5⭐️ Linden-The Duke realizes he is betrothed to the wrong sister in a case of love at first sight with her widowed sister Cleo. Also nicely written about an honorable man who is totally at a loss as to how to correct his mistake and marry the independently original sister of his fiancé without being a total cad. 4.3⭐️
Ashe-Angela, a 21st-century American academia, rights a wrong and meets her match in Trenton, a British viscount caught in an impossible situation, 200 years in the past. This one was really fun as well, as I don’t believe Ashe has ever written a time-travel romance before. 4.4⭐️
I enjoyed this anthology, most especially Linden’s, Ashe’s and Neville’s novellas. (In Neville’s case, this was sadly some of her last writing as she passed last year). Fun and light-hearted reads nicely pieced together as a whole. Totally recommend.
purple_galaxy's review against another edition
Not the biggest fan of this narrator.
joanav's review against another edition
4.0
I’ve received an eARC at no cost to the authors.
Of the four authors who wrote this anthology, I had only ever read books written by two of them, Caroline Linden, and Katharine Ashe – both authors I had really enjoyed and, therefore, had expected a good book from. They did not disappoint.
The first three stories are historical regency, and the last one has a paranormal/magical setting involving both the our current time and the Regency era, which I thought I wasn’t going to like because I was hoping for a typical historical romance story – it ended up being my favourite!
It was a fun and enjoyable book, with our usual rogues, and heroines that dazzled us with their intelligence and witty retorts. Each novella brought a unique element to complete the story, and it was exciting to see how every piece started to fit and make sense as a whole. I’ll, definitely, be reading more books written by these authors.
Of the four authors who wrote this anthology, I had only ever read books written by two of them, Caroline Linden, and Katharine Ashe – both authors I had really enjoyed and, therefore, had expected a good book from. They did not disappoint.
The first three stories are historical regency, and the last one has a paranormal/magical setting involving both the our current time and the Regency era, which I thought I wasn’t going to like because I was hoping for a typical historical romance story – it ended up being my favourite!
It was a fun and enjoyable book, with our usual rogues, and heroines that dazzled us with their intelligence and witty retorts. Each novella brought a unique element to complete the story, and it was exciting to see how every piece started to fit and make sense as a whole. I’ll, definitely, be reading more books written by these authors.
jlovesromance's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
ilaurin's review against another edition
Audio book. Collection of stories, building on each other. I think the authors had fun to setup the scene for the next author. There was even a time traveler story, which while I did not enjoy the modern part of it, was fine when in regency time (not usually my cup of tea but glad I listened to it all).
balletbookworm's review against another edition
4.0
Very sweet collection of four novellas from Avon Romance authors Katherine Ashe, Caroline Linden, Miranda Neville, and Maya Rodale who all also have novels coming out later this year. The stories all involve guests (or crashers) of the Duke of Wessex at his wedding (he's the hero of the third story). First three novellas are straight-up Regency romance with the fourth a time-travelling Regency/contemporary mashup.