What Happens Under the Mistletoe [Anthology 4-in-1]

Loved reading this book. Each of the four stories is beautifully written and can transport you to that time. Makes any person want to be in the Christmas spirit.

While reading this book I have found 2 new authors that I can now say that I will be reading again.

I loved that this book had two stories about second chances at people who have had a past together that were able to work threw it and come out on top. and the two stories that were about people just meeting and finding love where great as well. This is a book that I will be rereading and will be passing along to my family members to read.

What Happens Under the Mistletoe by Sabrina Jeffries, Karen Hawkins, Candace Camp, and Meredith Duran is a 2015 Pocket Star Publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher as an XOXpert, the official street team of XOXO After Dark.

Every year a slew of holiday anthologies hit the market ranging from syrupy heartwarming tales to silly and funny capers, all centered around the most anticipated holiday of the season. But, few of these compilations have a star studded group of seasoned authors gathered in one place, like this one does.

If you are a fan of regency period historical romance, then you will recognize these authors and you know you can count on them, which, for me is a huge selling point, mainly because I know show more there will be no weak entries, and each story is one of high quality and authenticity.

“Sweet Emblem of returning peace
The heart’s full gush, and love’s release;
Spirts in human fondness flow
And greet the pearly Mistletoe.”

-Anonymous

Sabrina Jeffries kicks the party off with a unique tale involving the dangers of mill workers and the horrible practice of hiring underage staff and subjecting them to long hours, little pay, and dangerous work conditions.

Amanda is from America, an heiress, running a successful mill, but has traveled to England to see why their businesses are more profitable. She encounters Stephen, a man on a mission, to report on the unsafe environment of mills. He lumps Amanda in with the worst of the lot, sparking a challenge between them, and a little chemistry too. Can Amanda prove she’s not all the other mill owners? Can she calm Stephen’s hot temper and join forces with him to make positive changes? Maybe- with a little help from the Christmas spirit, a sly kiss under the mistletoe and a little soul searching.

I liked this story because it featured an American, a dedicated business woman, and a little action and adventure, plus it had a depth to it, something that many regency stories seem to lack these days.

The second, and the lengthiest story is “Twelve Kisses to Midnight by Karen Hawkins and the third story is “By Any Other Name” by Candace Camp. Both stories are solid offerings, with Ms. Hawkins being the most prominent story included in the anthology.

Closing the book is Meredith Duran’s “Sweetest Regret”. This story has a touch of intrigue, which is always fun, but the story title suggested some regret is involved, and indeed a young couple in love were driven apart, losing two years together as a result. However, this delightful second chance love story, ends with the couple finally making up for all that lost time. There is some cute banter in this one and I really loved the ending.

Overall, this Christmas anthology is one of the best I’ve read this year. You really can’t go wrong with the group of talented authors gathered in one place.

4 stars show less

The Heiress and the Hothead by Sabrina Jeffries
Series: Sinful Suitors (Book 1.5)

Stunned by the heat of an unexpected kiss on a cold winter's eve, two strangers from vastly different worlds turn hotheaded principles into burning passion.

I loved this story. Having read The Art of Sinning, the first book in the Sinful Suitors series, I was intrigued by Jeremy's sister Amanda. She is an independent woman who owns and runs the family mills in America. One reason for being in England is to find out why their mills are so much more profitable. There she encounters Lord Stephen Corry, younger brother of a marquess, who has made a career of investigating and writing about the terrible conditions of English mills. Their first meeting is quite show more fiery, as he kisses her under the mistletoe, believing her to be someone else. Stephen had hoped to interview Amanda, but their initial encounter has put them at odds. Still, he won't give up and strikes a bargain with her, where they can both get what they want. Neither had expected the sparks that flew between them.

I really enjoyed the unusual aspect of the story. Both Amanda and Stephen have similar goals, but approach them in different ways. Stephen is focused on exposing the worst and forcing change that way. Amanda looks at the way things are done and tries to figure out how to make them better at her own mills. I loved her strength of will and determination. Stephen was a little harder to like because of his stubbornness and tunnel vision when it came to mill owners, but he grew on me by the end.

I liked the development of their relationship as they worked together on his investigation of the local mill. I really enjoyed seeing Amanda shut Stephen down on some of his deepest prejudices. The more time they spent together the more he realized that he could be himself with her. Amanda saw that Stephen was a man who accepted her for who she was. The heat between them was fierce the closer they got. Neither of them could see a way to bring their different worlds together until a near tragedy opened their eyes to possibilities. The scene in the mill was rather improbable, but the ending was quite romantic.

Twelve Kisses by Karen Hawkins
Series: Oxenburg Princes (Book 2.5)

In the snowy Scottish countryside, a rakish duke has an unforgettable holiday encounter when the alluring lady he surprises under the mistletoe is not who he expected, but a long-lost love with a score to settle.

A good second chance story. Marcus and Kenna had been engaged years before, but ended the engagement a month before the wedding. Kenna then married another man, but became a widow a few months before the story begins. Marcus isn't too happy to see Kenna at the same house party, as it brings back memories of what they had. That night he kisses her under the mistletoe, thinking that she is someone else. Unfortunately they are discovered, creating a scandal that Kenna does not need at this point in her life.

Marcus has spent the last few years in the diplomatic service, and is currently back in Scotland. Seeing Kenna again brings back the memories of what they had, and though he won't admit it, he has never forgotten her. He's got too much pride to let anyone see that he is still affected by the sight of her, and instead treats her with disdain. Then that kiss explodes between them. Though he won't admit it, he feels partly responsible. When he discovers she plans to ride over to her father's home and ask for his help, his protectiveness kicks in and he tries to stop her.

Kenna was heartbroken by the end of their engagement, and gave in to her father's pressure to marry someone else when it was over. Now that she's a widow, he is pressuring her once again to marry the man of his choice, and she only wants to live her life. The scandal created by Marcus's kiss causes her to ride to her father's to ask for his help in squashing it, even though she knows that there will be consequences. Marcus's attempts to stop her only increase her determination..

Riding off into a pending snowstorm isn't the smartest move, but Kenna's stubbornness won't allow her to admit that Marcus is right. Fortunately, he follows her, and they end up stranded in a cottage together. Forced together they finally have the chance to confront their pasts and see that both had made mistakes. Their conversations were helped along by the rather unique decorating in the cottage, as their similar sense of fun and the ridiculous bring them closer together.

The ending was good as they discover that their time together was extended by the machinations of Tata Natasha. Kenna's father and hopeful fiance arrive and try to force their will on Kenna, but she has finally gained the maturity to stand up to them both. There is also an interesting twist involving the rejected suitor that is the final nail in his coffin. I really enjoyed Tata Natasha's blunt observations about the people around her.

By Any Other Name by Candace Camp
Series: Secrets of the Loch (Book 2.5)

Edinburgh is aglitter for Christmastime as Candace Camp sends a curious gentleman in hot pursuit of an intriguing lady in disguise -- one who refuses to reveal her true identity, though she fears he has already stolen her heart with his kiss.

Fun story. Rylla is distraught over the argument between her brother and father that sent her brother running from his family. After several days of not hearing from him, she is worried that something has happened to him, and is determined to search for him herself. To that end, she disguises herself in boy's clothing and heads out to the gambling dens to look for him.

Gregory is there keeping an eye on his cousin Andrew (brother to Isabel of Treasured), who is not known for his good luck in gambling. While there, he spots a young man who he suspects is going to be the next victim of the men he is playing cards with. When he leaves, Gregory spots a tail and follows just in time to rescue him from a robber. Taking the boy back to his rooms, he's stunned to discover a woman underneath the boy's clothing. He's also quite drawn to her.

This begins a period of cat and mouse, as Rylla is determined to protect herself from scandal by not telling him who she is. Gregory is equally determined to find her. Her attempts to mislead him cause some pretty funny moments, as he initially pursues the wrong woman. Once he discovers her true identity, he agrees to help her find her brother. Rylla is determined to be involved in the search, and her arguments are quite persuasive. It doesn't hurt that Gregory will take any excuse to spend time with her. The chemistry between them is very strong, and Gregory has a hard time trying to behave honorably. Rylla doesn't help, as she is determined to explore her feelings for him. I enjoyed seeing how everything worked out for them.

There was also a secondary romance between Andrew and Rylla's friend Eleanor. The sparks between them were also fun, as Andrew is the irresponsible gambler and Eleanor the daughter of a minister and a woman with decidedly different values. I loved their interactions and the effect they had on each other. Andrew's actions at the end were awkward and sweet and pretty funny.

Sweetest Regret by Meredith Duran

Will the festive spirit of the season sweep Meredith Duran's feisty heroine beneath the mistletoe -- and back into the arms of the dashing rogue who broke her heart two years ago?

Terrific second chance story. Georgie is the daughter of a British diplomat who rushes off a few days before Christmas to deal with a crisis, leaving her to entertain a houseful of foreign guests. To top it all off, he tells her that one of them may have stolen an important letter, and charges her with finding it before they leave. To help her with that task, he has sent for one of his underlings - the very man who broke her heart two years earlier.

Lucas was on his way to England anyway because of a family issue. Stopping in to help Georgie isn't high on his list of pleasant activities after the way she had treated him two years earlier. He'll do what he must and be on his way, making sure that she doesn't get another shot at his heart.

First, I have to say that I disliked Georgie's father from the very beginning. His attitude toward her was very condescending, as though she couldn't really be trusted to manage on her own. The more I learned about him during the story, the less I liked him.

The early encounters between Georgie and Lucas were very contentious. Each of them blames the other for what had happened in Munich, and the verbal arrows fly fast and furious. As each one looks back to those days, they can't understand why the other behaves as if they are the injured party. When they really let go with their tempers, suddenly they realize that their stories do not match. Actually talking to each other about what happened, they discover that they had been parted by the machinations of Georgie's father.

I felt really bad for Lucas, who had suffered all his life because of who his parents were. Because of that, he was a little too quick to believe the lies that Georgie's father told him, and his pride wouldn't let him contact Georgie to convince her. Georgie has her own insecurities, considering herself rather plain and boring. She certainly didn't think that she was enough to keep the interest of a handsome and charming man like Lucas.

Once they straightened out the truth about the past, it didn't take long for them to make up for lost time. I loved seeing them work together to find the missing letter, while entertaining the crowd of foreign diplomats. I loved their determination to be together now, though Georgie worries about the havoc that her father could cause to Lucas's career.

When Georgie's father returns, he admits to his interference both then and now, claiming he only wanted what was best for her. But Georgie is wise to him now, and displays her own form of making her point. I loved seeing her stand up to her father and his antics. It is even more satisfying when Lucas returns from his family business with his own plans for their future. show less

What happens under the mistletoe is a collection of four short stories from Sabrina Jeffries, Karen Hawkins, Candace Camp and Meredith Duran. Most of the stories are part of a series, but the magic of the stand alone books worked again and it doesn't affect the reader if he hasn't read the series. The only thing that was affected was my bank account because I added a bunch of books on my to read list.

All the stories are short which means that some aspects of the book is not as developed as the others. It's mostly about the romance which was fine by me. I don't expect from stories under 100 pages to have the characteristics of a full elnght novel (aka developed charcaters, full background story if needed, all the threads tied etc.) so I show more am advising to consider that before you buy the book. When a novella has all that I applaud it, but I don't expect every short story to have that.

The connection between these stories is a kiss under the mistletoe and it's the only thing they have in common. Their genres are different. My favorite story was In By Any Other Name. Each story is unique and fun to read. It's a good book to gift to someone and I am thinking of buying it for my best as a Christmas gift. Below you can read my review for two of the stories.

The Heiress and the Hothead by Sabrina Jeffries: If I had to describe the story in one word that would have been mills. Other than the romance, the mills are the most mentioned thing in this book, which made me feel weird, but makes complete sense since we are talking about an era where people were working on them. It gives to the reader a deeper knowledge of how things worked then and it's heartbreaking.

In By Any Other Name by Candace Camp: This was a very satisfying story and I am glad I had the chance to read it. There is something in this story that captured me and when I finished it I though that it was going to be my favorite. It's the best story I read since Walk Through Fire. I finished it with a happy smile on my face. An added bonus was Andrew and Eleanor's story. You could see it from a mile away that these two were meant for each other and I was willing to read their story if the author decided to publish one. I liked how the heroine went to find out what happened to her brother. She had balls. show less

This anthology was a great way to get ready for the holidays. And look at this author line-up... 4 greats from the realm of historical romance. I was uber excited to give Christmas books a try when I saw that. I don't know why I usually shy away from holiday books... it seems rather silly to me now. I think its because I don't want to read Christmas books when its not Christmas time, and I never think to pick them up come December. So now that I have jumped on the holiday bandwagon, I hope I can fit a few more festive books in before this Christmas.

The Heiress and the Hothead by Sabrina Jeffries: 3.5 stars / 2 flames
This story is part of the Sinful Suitors series, the first book came out earlier this year. Our heroine in the story is show more Amanda Keane, sister of the hero from book one. Amanda is an American heiress, owner of cotton mills in her own right. Our hero, Stephen, is a journalist and writes about the horrid circumstances in English mills, hoping to shock society into reform. Our H/h pairing was combative for much of the story, but it was an enjoyable read. There was an oddly placed intimate scene that had me raising an eyebrow, but it was fun nonetheless.

Twelve Kisses to Midnight by Karen Hawkins: 4 stars / 2 flames
This second chance romance is part of the Oxenburg Princes series. I have been reviewing that series on the blog, so I was happily surprised to see this story is related. While the hero was not one of the princes, Marcus is a close friend and adviser to Prince Nikolai. The gypsy grandmother in this series is always meddling in the love lives of her grandsons, and it was nice to see her antics only have a rudimentary effect on the story. It made the antics more amusing than aggravating. Marcus and Kenna have always had one of those explosive love-hate relationships... so there was a lot of drama to get over past hurts and find their way back to each other in this story. I loved the snowed-in plot line - they are always such fun.

By Any Other Name by Candace Camp: 4 stars / 2 flames
This was my first story by Candace Camp... I have several of her books but have not picked one up before now. This little Scottish story was so cute. I like the stories where the heroine goes carousing dressed as a man, they are always such fun. And Rylla was beguiling in her interactions with Gregory. This was one of those sweet romances that give you a toothache, but you won't mind it one bit.

Sweet Ruin by Meredith Duran: 4.5 stars / 2 flames
This ended up being my favorite story in the anthology which surprised me because its a second chance romance. I usually do not get into the second chance romances because there is so much angst and drama, and Sweet Ruin did look like it was heading in that direction. However, I ended up loving the Georgie and Lucas. They learned they were betrayed by someone close to them, and I was ecstatic that they realized the truth of the deception early on in the story. I didn't want them to be at each other's throats the entire time. I joined in the outrage with Georgie and Lucas against the culprit, and I was so happy they got their HEA. show less

Usually I read Christmas stories during holidays, and so I did this one, but it took me this long to catch up to reviewing it.

All the stories were well written and plotted. I found them all to be fast paced and interesting, and if you asked me which one was my favorite, I couldn’t tell you. I liked them all equally and for that I thank the authors for giving me heroes and heroines that were strong, complex and fun.

From Stephen and Amanda, who were totally opposites, to Nikolai and Kenna, finding themselves compromised; from Rylla, who’s masquerading as a boy and then ends up being rescued by Gregory, to second chance at love with Georgie and Lucas, I just liked watching them spar and fall in love.

As anthologies go, this one has a show more few of my favorite authors and I highly recommend you sample them all, just in case you’ve never read them.

Melanie for b2b

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher show less

This review was originally posted on Bookish Things & MoreQuickie Review
This was my first historical romance read ever!!! And I definitely think I'll be reading more.

Each story is pretty short, and will have you in the Christmas spirit. They all have angst, lust, and dashing heroes and heroines. It took me a bit to get used to the dialogue, but once I picked it up, I was sucked in.

I think my favorite stories were by Sabrina Jeffries and Meredith Duran's. They were fun and had a ton of flirting.

I can't say much because the stories are fast, and I don't want to ruin anything for you. This is definitely a book to read during the holidays.