Books Like...

Containing four short regency romances set around dukes and Christmas, "How the Dukes Stole Christmas" is described as a nice, light read appropriate for the end of the year. Each novella within the anthology offers a predictable storyline with a happy ending. The book features stories of lost love, strong independent females, and passion, with elements of historical romance set during the Christmas season.

The anthology showcases different writing styles and themes, such as witty dialogue, humor, and intriguing situations. Readers can expect a mix of steamy romance, sweet moments, and strong character development across the four novellas. The book is praised for providing an escape from reality, making it a perfect read for the holiday season.

A Christmas Gone Perfectly Wrong by Cecilia Grant is a delightful novella set in the Blackshear Family series. The story follows the eldest brother, Andrew Blackshear, who is responsible for his younger siblings. When he meets Lucy Sharp, a kind and unconventional young woman, during a Christmas road trip, their lives are unexpectedly intertwined. The book explores themes of duty, decorum, and the blossoming romance between Andrew and Lucy, all set against a festive backdrop. Grant's writing style is witty, elegant, and filled with humor, creating a well-rounded historical romance that captivates readers.

In "Miracle on Ladies' Mile" by Joanna Shupe, readers are transported to the Gilded Age of New York City where Grace, a new city dweller, finds herself working on late-night holiday window displays at Macy's. A chance encounter with a mysterious man, Alex, changes her perspective on her job and life. As their relationship develops, secrets are revealed, past grief is confronted, and a heartwarming romance blossoms amidst the backdrop of the holiday season and historical details of the late 19th century.

Grace and Alex navigate through personal struggles, unexpected connections, and the complexities of their individual pasts, all while exploring themes of forgiveness, acceptance, and newfound love in a festive and historical setting. Joanna Shupe's writing style beautifully captures the essence of the Gilded Age, weaving together a tale of romance, growth, and holiday cheer in this novella set in 1895 America.

A Kiss for Midwinter by Courtney Milan is a novella in the Brothers Sinister series that delves into the story of Lydia Charingford and Dr. Jonas Grantham. Set against a historical backdrop, the book explores themes of love, forgiveness, and empowerment. The plot follows Jonas, a young doctor haunted by a past event, as he navigates his feelings for Lydia, a woman carrying a secret from her past. The writing style is described as raw, sincere, and emotionally charged, capturing the complexities of the characters' emotions and relationships.

In "The Work of Art" by Mimi Matthews, the story revolves around Phyllida Satterthwaite, a young woman facing an unwanted marriage arrangement with the sinister Duke of Moreland. Her circumstances take a turn when she confides in Captain Arthur Heywood, a war hero suffering from physical and emotional scars. As Phylly and Arthur form a bond of friendship that evolves into a heartwarming romance, they navigate through family betrayals, villainous characters, and a mysterious threat to Phylly's safety. The writing style of the book beautifully captures the Regency era with well-developed characters and a plot filled with twists and turns, keeping readers engaged till the end.

A Wallflower Christmas is a novella that serves as a delightful epilogue to the Wallflower series by Lisa Kleypas. Set during Christmas in London, the story follows the wealthy American Rafe Bowman as he arrives to meet his intended bride, Lady Natalie, but finds himself drawn to her companion, Hannah. With the Wallflowers playing matchmaker, unexpected consequences ensue, making it a Christmas to remember. The book captures the essence of Victorian celebrations, filled with romantic entanglements, witty banter, and heartwarming moments, all wrapped in Kleypas's charming writing style.

THE SIREN OF SUSSEX follows the story of Evelyn Maltravers, a determined young woman entering London society with the goal of securing a suitable husband to support her family. However, her ambitions shift when she meets Ahmad Malik, a talented tailor with a complex background and aspirations of his own. As Evelyn and Ahmad navigate the obstacles of their mixed-race and cross-class relationship, they must confront societal expectations and personal struggles. With meticulous historical details, a unique cross-cultural romance, and nuanced characters like Evelyn and Ahmad, Mimi Matthews weaves a captivating tale of love, self-discovery, and overcoming societal barriers in Victorian England.

"A Christmas Affair to Remember" by Mia Vincy follows the story of Sophie, a widow engaged to a selfish hypochondriac, and Isaac, a virgin sailor with a permanent leg injury. They embark on a brief Christmas fling to help Isaac gain experience in relationships. The book is set during a house party at Sunne Park, providing a festive backdrop for the characters' interactions. The relationship between Sophie and Isaac develops slowly but believably, with both characters being honest and direct about their desires. The writing style captures the out-of-time, surreal feeling of the holiday season, offering a sweet and charming story of two people who discover their compatibility despite their differences.

The Matrimonial Advertisement follows the story of Helena, a woman escaping her uncle's attempts to steal her inheritance, who answers an advertisement for a wife in a remote section of Devon. She meets Justin, an ex-army captain with his own secrets, and they both find solace and protection in each other. The book delves into the characters' past traumas, slowly developing their relationship from caution to friendship, trust, and eventually love. The plot unfolds with a Beauty and the Beast feel, highlighting themes of redemption, protection, and facing fears head-on, set against a Victorian Gothic romance backdrop.

'When She Was Naughty' by Tessa Dare is a heartwarming Christmas novella that tells the story of a confused relationship blossoming into a beautiful romance during the holiday season. The book is described as a light, sweet, and fun read that is both romantic and funny, featuring engaging characters and a plot that leaves readers laughing out loud. Despite being short in length, the story is beautifully written, leaving readers wishing for more.

The novella follows the mischievous heroine and the hero who has secretly been in love with her for years, leading to humorous and heartwarming moments as their feelings unfold. The writing style is described as low steam, light-hearted, and funny, creating a delightful and uplifting read perfect for those looking for a quick dose of romance and holiday cheer.