I love Christmas anthologies. You get a set of short stories with the magic of a Chistmas romance. What more could you ask for? This anthology is a set of Regency romances with abduction subplots. I honestly can probably count on one hand the number of historical romances I've read where the abduction was the main plot and not just a last ditch effort by the villain. I think that's what makes this antholoy stick out in my mind.

All three stories hold their own. None of them felt lacking for me and I find it hard to name a favorite or a weak link. I got the feeling that all three stories were parts of series from each of the authors and now I feel compelled to go find out for sure. I'm especially hoping that the families in Mary Jo Putney's book have their own stories.

I found all three books had well developed characters and romance as well as satisfying plots with enough drama to make them interesting. I'd totally recommend this anthology to lovers of historical romance that like a little more than your typical balls and house parties to sink their teeth into.

These three winter-themed novellas are sure to appeal to lovers of historical romance. At least two tie into ongoing series, but all can be read as stand-alones.

“A Christmas Abduction” by Madeline Hunter

It’s hard to talk about “A Christmas Abduction” without giving away the plot, but let’s start with the fact that Caroline is orphaned and poor, that she’s desperately trying to keep her family estate afloat, and that the “bone” she has to pick with Thornhill is on someone else’s account, not her own. Given the title, I’m sure you can guess that an abduction is in the offing. Thornhill (of course) proves to be not quite the reprobate Caroline thinks he is, and his subsequent acquaintance with her has a very salutary effect on his character. Both the plot and the main characters are likeable enough, but I couldn’t quite buy into Caroline falling for Adam before knowing the truth; it was out of character. The story would have worked better as a longer novella or a novel, with more time to develop the characters and perhaps build more conflict with some of the secondary characters (particularly Adam’s cousin and Caroline’s sister.) On the whole, I enjoyed this story, but it was my least favorite in the book, and the only one I feel would have benefited from being longer.

“A Perfect Match” by Sabrina Jeffries

I enjoyed this story so much that I promptly purchased the first book in the Duke Dynasty series (of which the story is a part) and requested an ARC of the second book. Jeffries writes with both humor and emotion, and I loved both the hero and the heroine. Heywood’s attraction to Cassandra despite his need to marry a rich heiress, and her reluctance to admit her wealth to him, were both completely in character. Normally I’m annoyed by relationships where the conflict could be resolved if they just talked to each other honestly and openly, but in this story, the trope worked for me because their respective silence came out of who they were. I also tend to roll my eyes at the “I’m kidnapping you for your own good” trope, but I bought it in this case, because once again, it flows from who Heywood is. I hope the rest of the series is as good as “A Perfect Match”, because I want to know more about this family!

“One Wicked Winter Night” by Mary Jo Putney

Putney’s swoonworthy second-chance love story pulls together threads and families from several other books/series, notably the Rains and Lawrence families. We see Julia Rains Randall, her husband Alex, and her brother Anthony (now the earl of Castleton, and the hero of this novella) from Never Less Than A Lady (Lost Lords #2), alongside Athena and Will Masterson from Once a Soldier (Rogues Redeemed #1), and Gabriel Hawkins and Rory Lawrence from Once a Scoundrel (Rogues Redeemed #3). Rory’s aunt Diana, mentioned in Once a Scoundrel, is only 5 years older than Rory and is the heroine of this story. She is an absolute delight. There’s also a charming cat called “the Panda”, plus delightful banter, real passion, and heartwrenching pain between the two lovers. You could certainly enjoy “One Wicked Winter Night” without having read any of the books it ties into, but for me, the pleasure was heightened by seeing all these the characters from the former books and realizing how they are all linked together.

In summary, I highly recommend Seduction on a Snowy Night for lovers of Regency-era romance looking for a little winter warmth. “A Perfect Match” and “One Wicked Winter Night” were my favorites, and together were worth the whole price of admission (so to speak.) And if I enjoy Jeffries’ Duke Dynasty novels as much as I did the short story, I’ll have discovered a whole new series to love.

Seduction on a Snowy Night is a lovely Christmas-themed anthology featuring three accomplished writers that will give you hours of reading enjoyment.

In Madeline Hunter's A Christmas Abduction, Caroline Durham kidnaps Adam Prescott, Baron Thornhill, as she's been led to believe he is the scoundrel who compromised her sister and left her pregnant. Caroline has been trying to keep her family together and rebuild their horse breeding farm. Adam learns more about his captor and is intrigued and attracted. A resourceful man, he manages to get free - but does he really want to leave?

A Perfect Match by Sabrina Jeffries features Colonel Lord Heywood Wolfe, the younger brother of the Duke of Armitage from Project Duchess, the first book in the Duke Dynasty series. He is home from his regiment and is on a mission to deliver a message to his friend Douglas' sister, Kitty.

Heywood is keen to meet the "lady who wrote the fascinating letters" that Douglas received that sustained him through many battles. It doesn't hurt that Kitty is an heiress, and Heywood needs money to rebuild the estate he inherited. When he meets Douglas' cousin, Cassandra Isles, he is attracted to her and soon realizes she is the true author of the letters. The dilemma is that Cassandra is a poor relation - or is she? She wants a man to care for her and not her fortune, so a little deception is in play.

One Wicked Winter Night from Mary Jo Putney reunites Lady Diana Lawrence and Anthony Raines, Duke of Castleton, and gives them a second chance at love. The story ties into Putney's Lost Lords series as Anthony is the brother of Julia from Never Less Than a Lady.

Diana returns to England after traveling the world and living in India. While at a masquerade, she encounters Anthony, and the magic is still there. Years before, Anthony had proposed marriage to Diana. She had deemed it impossible as Anthony was younger and his father was against the match. This time, Anthony is determined and will not let her go again, no matter what.

"It seems that what I want is you. No one else will do."

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Three mistresses of Regency Romance, have combined their skills to create this anthology. The common thread is they happen around Christmas. Some of the characters sounded familiar, and have appeared in on of the authors' series and some will appear in future books. The heroes of the first 2 stories, are forced to wed for money instead of love, because the relative who was supposed to be taking care of the family properties and fortune were unethical. However, love does win out in the end. The third story is a second chance for two, who were separated by a hare filled man. If you are a fan of Regency Romances, especially from these authors, then this is a must read.

I read an ARC from NetGalley.com. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.

This winter, steal away with the reigning queens of Regency Romance
. . . to a surprise snowstorm, the comfort of a blazing fire, and the heat of a lover’s kisses
This was a great anthology by three authors whose books I love. I devoured the stories in no time. I highly recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

4.5*
Seduction on a snowy night
**A Christmas Abduction
Madeline Hunter
4*
Caroline Dunham has been working her family horse farm since her fathers death. On her sisters word that Adam Prescott, Baron Thornhill ruined her, she comes up with a scheme to make things right. Little did she know that Adam would prove to be a honorable man and their attraction would be so strong.
**A Perfect Match
Sabrina Jeffries
5*
Oh how I loved this story. It was the perfect Christmas romance. It has seasonal cheer, suspense, laughter and tears.
After years of listening to his friend Douglas’ letters from home Colonel Lord Heywood Wolfe has fallen in love with his sister Kitty. She witty, smart and funny and comes with a dowery he needs to reconstruct his estate. How ever when Heywood steps in to protect Kitty it’s Miss Cassandra Isles her cousin that temps him like no other. Can he give up his dream for the girl he loves or choose the dowery?
** One Wicked Winter Night
Mary Jo Putney
4*
I love second chance romance.
Lady Diana Lawrence and Anthony Raines we’re friends who’s friendship soon turn to romance when they were young. Until the day Diana left and broke both of their hearts.
Now seven years later when they meet at a ball old feelings good and bad come to light. Anthony now the Duke of Castleton sees this as a chance to get some answers

Going into this book, I had high expectations. Three rock star romance authors coming together to write a Christmas themed romance novel? Yes, please! This book doesn’t disappoint. Readers will get three happily ever afters...what more could a reader want for the holidays?

In the first story, A Christmas Abduction by Madeline Hunter, Caroline is trying to unravel the mystery that her sister, Amelia’s pregnancy came about. Amelia is keeping secrets and the new Baron Thronhill bears the brunt of Caroline’s scorn. She is conflicted when she finds herself falling for him. Caroline has fallen from high society, so there is a bit of a class issue going on. Our hero finds redemption, we have a fierce heroine to get to know, a little bit of mystery and a happy ending. A perfect winter getaway.

In our next story, A Perfect Match by Sabrina Jeffries, our heroine is secretly rich. She keeps it a secret because she does not want to end up married for the wrong reasons. She is very close with her cousin Kitty, who has many qualities but faces a reading disability that was probably not known in Regency England. So, that was a bit of an unusual, but powerful twist that leads to a happy ending in this story. Just like in the first story, there is a bit of abduction going on here which makes the story that much more exciting.
Finally, we get to Mary Jo Putney’s story, One Wicked Winter Night. Personally, wickedness is a powerful seduction...so it starts off right by just the title. Lady Diana Lawrence is pretty much on the shelf. She has spent the majority of her life traveling the world and has found life to be richer without the strict societal expectations of the upper class. She has spent a lot of time living in India but realizes that it might be time to head home to England because “home” is still a pretty powerful force. Lady Diana ends up at a masquerade ball with the Duke of Castleton and the flame that burned between them has still not been extinguished. Diana is not really interested in being shackled to a man, so the Duke decides to kidnap her cat. There are some laugh out loud parts in the dialogue that make this story totally worth reading. I loved all three stories and I think it’s perfect for winter reading. If you are looking to buy Christmas presents for your favorite romance readers, this is a great choice! I hope you love it as much as I did.

This is 3 for 1 book!
Pub Date: September 24, 2019
***ARC was provided to me by Net Galley and the Publisher for a fair and honest review***

Story 1: A Christmas Abduction
Author: Madeline Hunter

Overall rating: 4/5

Heroine (Caroline Dunham): 3/5 Her family was slighted in more ways than one and she has a propensity for revenge. She has been managing her father’s horse farm for the past two years and is rather good at it.

Hero (Baron Adam Thornhill): 4/5 He has a reputation in London for being an inebriated rake but he is trying to be a better man.

Plot: 3.5/5 Caroline kidnaps Adam Thornhilll, a baron who she believes has slighted her family. He takes to being held hostage for the holidays very well and even starts falling for his pretty guard. They both realize that they have been wrong about the other and want to make amends.

Personal Review: A story of loss and revenge that has a cute ending. Good, quick holiday themed read. I would read more from this author in the future.

Story 2: A Perfect Match
Author: Sabrina Jefferies

Overall rating: 4/5

Heroine (Cassandra Isles): 4/5 She wants her wealthy but dim witted cousin settled in a good marriage before she reveals that she is also an heiress. To society she is the poor relation so she can be sure that she won’t be troubled with fortune hunters again.

Hero (Lord Heywood): 4/5 Heywood is a soldier and would like to leave that life behind and settle his inherited estate. But he needs a wealthy wife so that he can tend to the property because he hasn’t been able to earn enough in the army.

Plot: 4/5 Heywood and his friend Douglas and had gotten through the war because of Douglas’ sister’s regular letters. Before returning to England, Heywood is so charmed by them that he clears it with Douglas to marry Kitty if she’ll have him. The pair learn that an old enemy of theirs, Mr. Malet was seeking revenge in the form of Kitty’s hand. Heywood picks up both Kitty and her cousin Cass from a ball in the nick of time and whisks the girls to his family estate. They are snowed in and secrets are revealed. Heywood finds he wants Cass but can’t have her if he also wants to do right by his estate since she isn’t an heiress. Will love matter more than his dream?

Personal Review: I loved this little story. I had read some of Jefferies’ work before and love this overall series. Cass and Heywood are well written characters and have very defined motivations for their actions.

Story 3: One Wicked Winter’s Night
Author: Mary Jo Putney

Overall rating: 3/5

Heroine (Diana Lawrence): 3/5 She has traveled the world over and has finally come back to England to settle. She’s almost thirty and believes herself to be very firmly on the shelf

Hero (Anthony Raines, Duke of Castleton): 3/5 He lived under the thumb of his father for so long and believed love to be lost to him.

Plot: 3/5 Diana and Anthony had shared a love long ago and have now surprisingly found each other in a ballroom. When she refuses to acknowledge their attraction, Anothony steals away with her beloved cat. Will she meet his terms to get Panda back?

Personal Review: Putney really loves explanation points. It was almost distracting. But the story was short and sweet.

I love the idea of this book. It contains three Christmas-themed historical romance novellas. I like the occasional novella because it's nice opportunity to try a new author without the commitment to a full novel. Unfortunately the shorter format also means the author doesn't have as much time for storyline and character development. I found these stories to be sweet but not particularly engaging. I don't think I had enough time to get to know the characters to really root for them. There also wasn't enough time to develop anything but a basic plot which means you really had to count on liking the characters. I think some of the stories fit into series; if I was familiar with the characters from other books, it might have been easier to fall into these stories.

Madeline Hunter wrote A Christmas Abduction. This one might be my favorite. Caroline Dunham believes that Baron Thornhill owes something to her family and she's going to make sure he is accountable, so she kidnaps him. From there, the plan doesn't go exactly as she planned.

A Perfect Match by Sabrina Jeffries. Cassandra doesn't want to be married for her fortune, so she keeps it a secret. Colonel Heywood needs a fortune and, due to a misunderstanding, thinks Cassandra's cousin might be the one.

One Wicked Winter Night is by Mary Jo Putney. I love that the main character is living in India at the start of the book. Lady Diana has decided it's finally time to come back to England. Little did she know one of her first encounters would be with a former love...

In my opinion, these are mostly 'closed door' romances and there is not any swearing. :-) They are gentle reads- best read with a cozy blanket and a cup of tea.

Thanks to the Kensington Books and NetGalley for an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This anthology will get you in the Christmas spirit. You will want to cozy up by a nice fire, with a blanket and a warm cup of tea to read these stories. All three stories were quick and easy to read. Just what I was looking for!
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and authors for this ARC.

Seduction on a Snowy Night will charm you with its underlying theme of abduction to bring about very romantic HEAs for three sweet couples. Each book is unique and enchanting in its own way! Perfect for a winter or Christmas weekend!

A Christmas Abduction, by Madeline Hunter, has one sister seeking vengeance for her sister. Caroline and her employees abduct Baron Thornhill believing he seduced her sister Amelia, getting her with child. Amelia named Thornhill as the father of her child. Unfortunately, Caroline begins to fall for the rake she believed seduced her sister. He happens to be the cousin of a neighbor headed there for a visit when abducted.

I loved the way he offers a compromise of long-ago knights who were allowed to assist his captors. Thornhill ends up saving Caroline’s life while ‘in captivity.’ Thornhill’s reputation and his activities weren’t good, so it was hard for Caroline to believe him when he said he had not compromised Amelia.


A Perfect Match, by Sabrina Jeffries, has female cousins who are both heiresses, Cass’ is wealth has been a secret. Cass is older thank Kitty by four years and has grown up protecting her. Cass eventually reveals to Colonel Lord Heywood that Kitty has a bit of a learning disability and that is why she has covered for Kitty in numerous ways, one of which was writing to Kitty’s brother Douglas in the military. Douglas and Heywood shared their letters from home while on the battlefield. It appears Heywood was falling in love with Kitty through her letters to Douglas, but in reality, it was Cass who wrote the letters.

I love how Heywood continues to try to convince everyone he was protecting Kitty by bringing her to his family estate, not abducting her and Cass. Ha! He and Douglas planned for them to marry if Kitty was amenable, but love has its own plan. Heywood falls in love with the poor cousin Cass. Heywood needed Kitty’s inheritance so he could rebuild his estate.

I love how Heywood’s own family calls his bluff keeping him on his toes, especially as it comes to Cass. And, good for Kitty in following her heart, too!


One Wicked Winter Night, by Mary Jo Putney, is a sweet opportunity for a second chance. Anthony ‘abducts’ Diana’s pet Panda. This is a cat loving family in which kittens/cats are important secondary characters. Years prior Anthony had wanted to marry Diana. She bolted and traveled the world. Forward to current day, they meet again at a masquerade ball and make an instant connection. Diana believes she is now too old to marry, being several years older than Anthony. He is having none of it and abducts her cat. Anthony insists on answers as they reach a sweet HEA.

I really enjoyed seduction on a snowy night anthology especially the Madeline Hunter’s novella. It was a different kind of novella. It opens up with Lord Thornill being kidnapped at an inn by gun point by two strangers. Adam has no idea why he is being kidnapped and goes along with it. He really finds himself in the novella he’s known as a penniless baron who gets help from his cousin. He learns a lot about himself and starts helping out at the house and starts to fall for Carolyn who has abducted him. I would definitely recommend all of the books. Sabrina Jeffries is always a given. I love to read her books and this one is just a continuation of her new series. It is just very enjoyable about the Wolfe’s. I can’t wait till her other new book comes out about them. I would definitely recommend this a anthology to anyone who listens and loves a good romance.

Three sweet stories that all involve snow. Great for when you want a novella not a novel. You can read all three in a sitting on one at a time.

A Christmas Abduction
Short Story on Seduction on a Snowy Night Anthology
By Madeline Hunter

Kensington Books - October 2019

Historical Romance


Adam Prescott, Baron Thornhill, had been travelling to join his family for the holidays when he'd heard a woman in distress. Unfortunately, that woman was part of the ruse and he quickly found himself facing a pistol and unceremoniously abducted. His two abductors were obviously not in the habit of such shenanigans, and Adam was somewhat intrigued as to why he specifically had been sought. Not his wallet, not a ransom. It was an intriguing mystery, as was the woman who now kept him a willing prisoner.

Caroline Dunham had many reasons not to like this man. He was a rake and a scoundrel. And there was what he had done. Her family had had so many losses. Instead of the privileged life she had been born to, she now worked alongside the remaining help. She could accept much, but not what Adam Prescott had done. Her plan was for him to face what had happened, and she was certain he would do what was right.

She never anticipated that everything she had believed in was a mistake, and that the one man who had seemed so very wrong in every way may just be perfect for her.

A Christmas Abduction was a romance with a slight mystery, a redeemed hero and a formidable heroine. Caroline is willing to stand up and fight for her family, friends, and home. She makes some mistakes, after all, abducting someone for good reasons really isn't the best idea, but she is determined to see things done right. Adam shows he is a hero from the beginning and is equally determined not only to understand all that is going on, but also to win and woo Caroline.

Kathy Andrico - KathysReviewCorner.com


A Perfect Match
Duke Dynasty Series - Book 2
Short Story on Seduction on a Snowy Night Anthology
By Sabrina Jeffries

Kensington Books - October 2019

Historical Romance


Colonel Lord Heywood Wolfe was on a mission. He needed to find Miss Katherine Nickman, and it had nothing to do with his interest in the witty woman who had written to her brother Douglas, his friend and fellow member of the Hussars. No, he had promised her brother that he would protect her from Lionel Malet. His simple plan goes awry when he is forced to protect both Kitty and her cousin Miss Cassandra Isles by taking them to Armitage Hall.

It was for her protection, not an abduction.

But it is immediately clear that Kitty was not the young lady who had written Douglas. From the first moment he meets Cass, he is enchanted by her verbal sparring. This was the woman he had known he could fall for, but she lacked the one thing that he needed. A fortune. He didn't consider himself a fortune hunter, but only with an infusion of funds could he retire and save his inheritance. If he married only for love, he would have to continue to work away from his family and lose the estate.

A Perfect Match was an entertaining interlude to tide readers until the next full length Duke Dynasty story. Heywood is a perfect hero determined to do the right thing. I enjoyed seeing him overcome the obstacles he has placed on himself to find happiness with the only woman who he would ever love. I adored revisiting this family and look forward to the next story.

Kathy Andrico - KathysReviewCorner.com


One Wicked Winter Night
Short Story on Seduction on a Snowy Night Anthology
By Mary Jo Putney

Kensington Books - October 2019

Historical Romance


Lady Diana Lawrence had returned home to England. She had travelled throughout Europe and had been living in India when she realized she wanted to be home. She would miss her friends, but wanted to be with family. She had left years earlier after a failed romance. Although she knew their paths might cross, she never expected it to happen so quickly.

When Anthony Raines, Duke of Castleton, allowed his sisters to cajole him into attending a costume ball, he never expects to face his past. Diana was just as enchanting and intriguing as before. Years may have passed, and they may have both changed, but the chemistry between them burned just as bright. However, Diana's reticence when it came to a relationship with him remained.

One Wicked Winter Night was a reunion romance with fascinating felines and a distinctly independent heroine. Diana's experiences abroad would not allow her to meekly settle for any hero. She needed someone of equal will who appreciated her exactly as she was. Anthony fit that role as hero perfectly. I enjoyed the cats and their "breeds" and both Anthony and Diana's interactions with their respective families. Based on multiple references of past events, there was a strong indication this is part of a series.

Kathy Andrico - KathysReviewCorner.com

Lovely Christmassy anthology, by some absolute favourite authors.

Madeline Hunter’s A Christmas Abduction, is the enemies to lovers romance with a twist. Impoverished horse breeder and orphan Caroline Dunham kidnaps the wastrel and rake Baron Thornhill, to ensure he lives up to his responsibilities, unfortunately he won’t stay locked up, and she is becoming more and more drawn to him. This was a lovely story with all of Madeline Hunter’s trademarks, a independent and daring heroine who does something unusual or outrageous, a truly rakish hero with lots of faults, not just a womaniser, who always evades her plans and twists them to his own ends. Eventually the hero realises he can’t live without her, and settles down into a reformed and attentive lover/husband.

Sabrina Jeffries A Perfect Match was my favourite of the three stories, Cassandra is busy protecting her well dowered yet naive cousin Kitty, also a heiress, who has been hurt by love before, she has asked her extended family to keep her own dory secret, as she wants to be courted for herself. She is at a ball trying to protect Kitty from the villainous fortune hunter Lionel Malet. She bumps into Colonel Lord Heywood Wolfe at a ball, he ihas been sent by Kitty’s brother Douglas to warn her away from Malet, and marry her if possible, as he is in need of a fortune to restore his inheritance, and has been enchanted by Kitty’s letters to Douglas. He is immediately attracted to Cassandra’s capable forthrightness and sense of humour, and disappointed by Kitty’s fragility and lack of wit. He overhears Malet planning to abduct Kitty to Gretna Green, so he spirits both girls away first and takes them to his mother. The family welcome both girls, and soon the weather is too bad for them to leave. He soon works out Cass has been writing to Douglas to help Kitty, and falls in love with her, but he can’t reconcile his need for money. He struggles to decide what to do, and Cassandra struggles to tell him about her money. Will pride and misunderstandings come between them before we get to an HEA? This was a nice set up for The Bachelor, where Malet is the villain again and we will read Gwyn and Major Wolfe’s story, with a glimpse at characters from previous and future books too.

Mary Jo Putney’s One Wivked Winter Night is a classic second chance romance with young lovers who parted due to a wicked and abusive father, and find each other again. Daphne is thirty, and has spent the last 7 years travelling abroad. In India now, she decides she misses England, now that her god daughter and niece Aurora (Rory) has left and married Captain Gabriel Hawkins (in Once A Scoundrel). Daphne lost her true love Anthony, because his father threatened retribution on many people if she did. She refused Antony and left England and hasn’t seen him since. Dressed as an Indian princess, she is kissed by a dashing Corsair at a masquerade ball, and she discovers he in Anthony, now Duke of Castletown. They still have a spark, but can Anthony convince Daphne they both deserve an HEA, together? Some of this was lovely, but I found some of the Indian culture stuff a bit clunky. The ‘Hindu Dancing’ for example, that’s like saying ‘Christian Dancing’ what’s wrong with Indian dancing, or even ‘Bharat Natayam’ which is the dance style described. Still generally good and beautifully written as always with this author.

Recommended

I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and all opinions are my own.

Also posted on Goodreads

A delightful Christmas anthology composed of three novellas.

A CHRISTMAS ABDUCTION by Madeline Hunter
This was my first work from Madeline Hunter that I have read, and I will defiantly be coming back for more! A CHRISTMAS ABDUCTION is a delightful tale of an abduction turned love story… when Caroline decided to abduct her sisters seducer and make him marry her, she doesn’t expect to fall in love with him! With Christmas looming, will she be able to fix her families problems with aid of the rake accused of causing them?

A PERFECT MATCH by Sabrina Jeffries
Who know the abduction of a wealthy debutant would in in the marriage of her cousin to the to the same man! A delightful story of a soldier attempting to rescue his best friends sister from a ruinous fortune hunting rake. The dialogue between the characters was fun and their banter easily draws you in. This was an amusing addition to the latest Jeffries series, Duke Dynasty.

ONE WICKED WINTER NIGHT by Mary Jo Putney
This was a fun novella that incorporated beloved characters form Putney’s Lost Lords and Rogues Redeemed series! A lost love has returned to London and the unrequited pair are reunited at a masquerade ball. Old feelings still run hot for these two star-crossed lovers… but can they get over the hurtles that tore them apart seven years ago in order to make a future together now? A Christmas meow-ricle is needed!

The selections of Christmas novellas is sure to warm your hearth on a cold winters eve! Seduction on a Snowy Night by Madeline Hunter; Sabrina Jeffries & Mary Jo Putney was released September 24th, 2019.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kensington Books through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#SeductionOnAsnowyNight #MadelineHunter #SabrinaJeffries #MaryJoPutney #NetGalley #pinkcowlandreads

These stories and their authors are a wonderful way to start your Holiday Season. Three best selling authors offer up the opportunity to indulge in cozy evenings by the fire in your favorite chair with a hot cup of cocoa.

A Christmas Abduction, by Madeline Hunter, is the tale of an older sister trying to put right the seduction of her younger sister by a scoundrel. Her plan to kidnap the Gentleman on his way to his cousins for the Christmas Holidays goes awry when they find that they are attracted to each other. An enjoyable adventure with great characters, witty dialogue, with a love story that will warm your spirit and touch your heart.

A Perfect Match by Sabrina Jeffries, a hero appears at a ball to rescue a young lady who is in danger of being abducted by a fortune hunter. He is under the impression that the young lady is the author of a plethora of amusing letters sent to her brother who is in the military with this gentleman. He needs an heiress to restore his estate, only he discovers that the lady who actually wrote the letters is the poor cousin. Will he do the right thing or follow his heart and marry the poor lady who has won his heart. I also loved the way the author inserted lines from Christmas Carols into the witty dialogue

One Wicked Winter Night by Mary Jo Putney, an independent intelligent woman who has traveled the world has decided to go home to England. Seven years earlier she was separated from the man she loved and now here he is again, pursuing her. She will not succumb to his seduction and have her heartbroken again. He decides that they deserve a second chance and kidnaps her beloved cat to get her alone and convince her that they belong together. This is classic Mary Jo Putney, I have always loved her writing and this novella is no different. A beautiful story with wit, passion, and love.

All there of these stories are must-reads. Do not miss them

This is an amazing collection of Christmas novellas. Each one is well developed and doesn't feel that is rushed or requires disbelieving. I loved these and wish that that they would have each been full length books so I could keep reading.

These novellas by three of today's leading authors of Regency romances share a very loose theme - kidnapping, snow and Christmas - but are otherwise not linked. 'A Christmas Abduction' by Madeleine Hunter may be my favorite story, but I enjoyed all three. Each of them has an original storyline and engaging main characters and is well-constructed for such a short work.

A Christmas Abduction by Madeline Hunter

Caroline Dunham has a bone to pick with notorious rake Baron Thornhill—and a creative plan to insure his undivided attention. Yet once in close quarters, she finds herself beholden to their smoldering connection . . .

Good story. Adam is on his way to his cousin's house for Christmas. He's not enthused about it as he is expected to announce his engagement to a woman he doesn't particularly like. However, it is an alliance thing, and he'll take one for the family. He doesn't expect to get kidnapped on his way there. As he is not wealthy, he has no idea what his captor wants. Caro is not interested in Adam's fortune or lack of it. She has far more personal plans for him.

I liked both Adam and Caro. He is a decent guy at heart. He's made mistakes, admits to them, and wants to change. He takes his abduction in stride and is more amused than angered by it. Once he figures out who she is, he believes he knows the why. He is impressed by Caro's efforts to keep things running and, drawn to her, finds himself wanting to help. For her part, Caro is determined to make the notorious rake do the right thing. But the more time she spends with him, the less rakish he appears to be.

There are sparks between Adam and Caro from the start. Besides the attraction, Adam finds himself feeling protective of Caro, especially after the incident at the pond. He's stunned when she finally tells him why he's there and vehemently denies the charge. Caro can't believe she's attracted to Adam after what he did, but she can't deny what is between them. I liked seeing them talk and get to know each other. The more I learned about Caro's reasons for having Adam there, the more I suspected that there was additional information that she was unaware of. I was not surprised by the truth when it came out. I loved Adam's actions to fix the situation. I loved the ending, as Adam finally found his purpose in life, and Caro found the support that she needed.


A Perfect Match by Sabrina Jeffries
Series: Duke Dynasty (Book 1.5)

Whisked away from a wintry ball by the officer she knew only through letters, Cassandra Isles struggles with her feelings for the commanding Colonel Lord Heywood. For he, secretly a fortune-hunter, must marry for money to save his estate—and Cass, secretly an heiress, will accept nothing less than love . . .

Good story. Cass and her cousin Kitty are at a winter ball where Cass does her best to keep Kitty out of the clutches of an unsuitable man. Though he presents well, there is something about him that Cass doesn't trust. Her suspicions are reinforced by the arrival of Colonel Heywood, who brings a message from Kitty's brother with news of the man's perfidy. Heywood arrives in time to overhear plans to abduct Kitty to Gretna Green, so he kidnaps Kitty and Cass first.

I liked both Cass and Heywood. Cass is independent, smart, and protective of her young cousin. She is also cynical about men, having been courted for her fortune in the past. Now she puts out that she is the poor relation, wanting to be courted for herself. Heywood is an honorable man who has spent many years as a soldier, but he longs for peace and a family of his own. His father left him some property, but it is in poor repair, which means Heywood must marry a woman who has money.

I liked the development of the relationship between Cass and Heywood. It begins with a bit of mistaken identity, as Cass has been writing letters to Kitty's brother in Kitty's name. Douglas shares those letters with Heywood, who has fallen in love with the writer, whom he believes is Kitty. This is convenient because Kitty is an heiress. It doesn't take long for him to realize that Kitty is not what he thought and that it is her poor cousin Cass who won his heart. Cass is equally drawn to him, but having been burned once she is wary. I loved seeing them spend time together, matching wits in some excellent banter. As their feelings for each other deepen, Heywood realizes that he'd rather give up his land than Cass. As Cass realizes her feelings for Heywood, she feels guilty about keeping the truth from him. Heywood disappointed me with his reaction when she confessed, his injured pride causing him to say some terrible things. Fortunately he sees the light in time to save her from near disaster and is properly contrite. Cass takes her share of the blame, too, which was nice to see. I liked the epilogue also.

Heywood's family was terrific, and I look forward to seeing more of them. His mother led an intriguing life, and it affected each of her children. I loved the closeness of the family and the lovingly done teasing among them all.

My only quibble in the story was the frequent insertion of lines from modern Christmas carols as parts of conversations. I found myself rolling my eyes each time it happened, as it would pull me out of the story.



One Wicked Winter Night by Mary Jo Putney
Series: Rogues Redeemed (Book 3.5)

Dressed as a veiled princess, Lady Diana Lawrence is shocked to discover that the mysterious corsair who tempts her away from the costume ball is the duke she once loved and lost. Now snowed in with Castleton at a remote lodge, will she surrender to the passion still burning hotly between them?

Good second chance love story. I loved that this was Diana's tale, who was part of Rory's story in Once a Scoundrel. Diana left England seven years earlier, fleeing the memories of a love gone wrong. She became an independent woman of means thanks to an import/export business she owns with a friend. The story opens as Diana receives a letter from Rory, inviting her back to England for a visit. Diana realizes that she is homesick and makes the decision to return home to stay. The only downside is the chance that she will run into the man she loved.

Anthony recently inherited the dukedom from his late, unlamented father. The previous duke had been a cruel man, and Anthony worked hard to be nothing like him. He is a quiet, kind man who loves his two sisters. He avoids social events whenever possible, as he has become the target of every eligible miss and her mother since becoming the duke. His sisters convince him that attending a costume ball will be fun as he can maintain anonymity while there.

I loved the meeting between Diana and Anthony. She and Rory dressed as Indian dancers and performed for the ball's attendees. Anthony was intrigued by the veiled dancer and requested a dance. The sparks between them led to an explosive kiss. To say they were shocked to discover who was behind the masks was putting it mildly. Though Anthony let Diana get away once, he is now determined not to let it happen again. Diana is still insistent that there is no chance of anything between them. I loved Anthony's spur-of-the-moment plan to get Diana to himself long enough to get to the bottom of her resistance, though Diana took a rather stupid risk to get there quickly. Once they were together, Anthony's patience and understanding broke through the guilt that had driven her away and kept her away. Those moments between them were emotional and heartwarming. Their happy ending was great. I loved their arrival at his sister's house and how Diana was embraced by them.

One of my favorite things in the story that had me in giggles was the creativity of the names they had for the cats' species. I also liked seeing Will and Athena again (loved their costumes for the masquerade ball) and Rory and Gabriel. I loved the fun that Rory and Diana had planning and doing their dance.