It’s hard to rate these anthologies, especially since the writing quality among the authors is often inconsistent. However, I started reading this twice and just couldn’t get into it, so, it’s a DNF for me. I’ve given it 3* based solely on the ratings I’ve given these authors in the past, but I wouldn’t recommend this book.

4.5 stars rounded up to 5

This was a really sweet holiday romance. I enjoyed reading each author's contribution and quite enjoyed the ongoing storyline woven through each novella. Prior to this anthology, I had only read books by Sabrina Jeffries. This being the first time reading anything by Madeline Hunter and Mary Jo Putney, I was quite pleased with their writing styles. While this book contained very little steam, the love stories were cute. Holiday novellas are always a nice way to celebrate the holidays through books we read.

I will add, the steam level for this book was very low. So, if this is a factor you consider prior to reading a new book, keep this in mind. I hate when I begin a romance novel and find out it's almost a closed-door romance. However, if you like to skim the sex scenes, this book is perfect for you. Having read Sabrina Jeffries before, I'll add that she is usually a mid-range steam level. Much more so than in this novella. I can only assume the lack of steam is to possibly gain more readers by not overwhelming them with too much steam...??? (Insert shoulder shrug here.) Although, if that's the case, my opinion is to bring on the steam, if that's their writing style. I think more readers would flock to those new-to-them authors if the steam level is adequately reflected across the board.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review & feedback.

A Yuletide Kiss is a Christmas collection written by three of the most popular regency romances of today. All three romances are set at a small country inn where a group of travelers are stranded from a winter storm. There is a touch of spice, mistletoe, and the spirit of the holidays through out all three.

The first story An Unexpected Christmas Gift is written by Madeline Hunter. It follows inn owner Jenna Waverly as she tries to handle her unexpected guests at the inn and an attractive man to boot. The attractive man Lucas Avonwood is on a mission of his own - tracking down a scoundrel who has been swindling people out of valuable money and items. It was easy t like both Jenna and Lucas and the attraction was very much present. The romance is quick and when an unexpected conflict arises, it is wrapped up quickly. Maybe too quickly actually. I think if that had been developed a little bit more, it would have been more believable.

When We Finally Kissed Goodnight has a touch of the enemies to lovers troupe which author Sabrina Jeffries is just so good at. Konrad and Flora have a bit of a romantic history but haven't seen each other in years. There is a strong chemistry between them and plenty of spice as they explore their dynamic together. There is a secret handing over them which creates some tension until it is resolved. Apparently, these characters are part of the Duke Dynasty series by the author but, I did not feel like I was missing any information. Their history and connection was well laid out and believable and they were easy to root for as well.

When Strangers Meet is the final story and honestly my favorite of the three. Kate Macleod and Daniel Faningdon have not seen each other in years but are legally married. Daniel married Kate in order to help save her from a horrible situation seven years earlier and then disappeared. Within no sightings of this man, Kate believed him to be dead and was beyond surprised to find him at this inn. These two characters are so funny and I loved watching them reconnect. They had several things to work out between them and actually took the time to do so.

A Yuletide Kiss is an anthology filled with Christmas spirit and Christmas traditions. I loved how the guests at all the inn all pitched in and did their part to make everyone feel welcome and spread holiday spirit. Each had their own level of heat but all were seat and were just so enjoyable to read.

**Rating; 3.5 Stars

This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

Wow, three different stories over the same few days as a snowstorm strands travelers at Mrs. Waverly's White Rose Inn when she was giving her staff a well deserved break!

Each story features one couple from the group that was stranded by one of the three authors. So, it was fun to see the same setting but from three different perspectives and three different romances!

Each one had different features and thoroughly enjoyed all of them as these were authors that I have read books in the past.

A Yuletide Kiss is an entertaining Christmas-centric historical romance with a fun twist. Each of the three standalone romances are part of the same story. I love the concept. The anthology focuses on a few sets of travelers that become stranded at the White Rose Inn, which is closed for the holiday. Each author writes about the same three days, each taking on a different couple finding its HEA.

I picked up the anthology because I enjoy the Duke Dynasty series from Ms. Jeffries, and the story When We Finally Kiss Good-Night is part of that world. Konrad Juncker is an important side character from the series and good friend to one of the main characters, Thornton. In his story, he reconnects with his longtime love, Flora Younger, after leaving her without word years ago. The story is sweet, and I enjoyed watching them reconnect and move beyond the hurt from their youth. My biggest issue was that Flora was a bit too naive when the couple joins together. She thinks… “Wait, why did he have something protruding from between his legs? ‘What is this?’ she asked as she laid her hand on it.” I’m sorry but NOOOO! She can be a virgin and inexperienced. But to not even know the male anatomy - what a penis is… that’s a bit ridiculous.

The second story, The Unexpected Christmas Gift, focuses on the proprietor of the White Rose, Jenna Waverly and the mysterious, ill stranger Mr. Lucas Avonwood. I liked that they are both a bit older, and I loved how the forced proximity of his illness brings them so close. There is a great twist that comes out as the story progresses, and the conclusion of their tale is super satisfying.

The final story in the anthology, When Strangers Meet, is probably my favorite because of the set up. Stranded traveler Kate Mcleod is shocked when she sees Daniel Faringdon at the inn. He saved her from being sold to the highest bidder years ago in India, and she hasn’t seen him since, assuming he may be dead. I love that right from the start Daniel sees his future with Kate. They take time to get to know one another, and Daniel urges Kate to discover what she really wants in a future husband. Very sweet romance.

In the end, A Yuletide Kiss anthology is a fun, sweet historical romance, perfect for the holidays. I enjoyed reading multiple perspectives of the same event at the White Rose Inn.

My Rating: B

What a wonderful Box Set with some totally amazing authors. I am a fan of these authors but if you are a beginner in their writing then this would be a good book to start with. This would make a great Christmas Gift.

Three historical romances by three of the bestselling romance authors.
It was a lovely escape read.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an arc in exchange for my honest review.

Loved the Sabrina Jeffries story- I requested this for her story. I enjoyed the Madeline Hunter one but I'm not a big fan of Mary Jo Putney.

This was an entertaining Christmas romance anthology. I like that the stories all take place at the same time at the same inn, so we get to see the characters show up in each of the stories. The various travelers are stuck at an inn during a snow storm and must come together to get through and enjoy the holiday. m

My favorite was "When We Finally Kiss Good Night," by Sabrina Jeffries. This story includes characters that have appeared in her Duke Dynasty Series. You do not need to have read the series to enjoy the story, but it helps. That story made me very happy.

Overall, this is a neat collection of historical romances that go beyond the typical Christmas stories,. I recommend it if you are looking for an interesting holiday read.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publishers and the authors for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I am getting into the Christmas spirit and this collection of 3 novellas from Sabrina Jeffries, Madeline Hunter and Mary Jo Putney is the perfect way to do so.

Each story is short and sweet, perfect to read with a glass of mulled wine and the fire on - or, as I am in the Southern Hemisphere, with a cold brewski.

All three couples converge on an Inn in the snow and the stories intersect artfully.

I enjoyed them all, particularly the last one by Mary Jo Putney where two adventurers meet each other after years of separation and discover that they are married to each other legally. How inconvenient (or the opposite!)

Great festive fun.

These were great sweet/sexy stories. I enjoyed the theme and how they ran along side each other, you see the different writing styles and I appreciated each one and it’s individuality.

Great read. I like that this story followed the travelers from one story to the other. I liked all the characters and the storyline throughout. Looking forward to reading more stories from these authors. These stories put me in a feel-good mood and didn't let go! Bravo authors!

When We Finally Kiss Good-Night by Sabrina Jeffries - 4 stars out of 5
This was a wonderful kick off to this series of short stories!

Both of these characters are strong, fully developed characters in their own right. In this story specifically, you get to see that Konrad is more than just a "pretty face" and an "accomplished playwright". You get to see the way he is willing to do what is needed, even when he might find it distasteful (like joining the other gentleman in hunting). I found the way he was willing to enlist others to help erect a Christmas Tree just because Flora was afraid she would miss seeing the one at their destination endearing. It was easy to see why she, and so many others, were smitten with him. I also enjoyed how she was willing to stand up for herself and what SHE wanted out of life.

I loved the chemistry between Konrad and Flora, in fact, I was hoping the two of them would get their happily-ever-after after seeing them in Undercover Duke. I enjoyed watching them open up to one another, although I think a lot of their issues could have been resolved a lot sooner had they just taken taken the time to listen to one another and really hear what the other was saying.

And while yes, these characters do come from a larger body of work, in this instance, you do not need to have read the prior novels in order to understand and enjoy this one. This one seemingly takes Konrad and Flora out of their world and places them inside a new one where they can get to know one another properly before they must rejoin the world that they know (but even when that happens, it is easy enough to follow along with what you need to know).

I can't wait to read more from this author (especially if she has more to tell about the Dukes in this family).

*******

The Unexpected Gift by Madeline Hunter - 3 stars out of 5
The second novella in the A Yuletide Kiss anthology was a cute read, even if I did prefer the moments when Jenna tended to Lucas to the moments when they joined the rest of the guests (mainly because when they were with the others it felt like a re-telling of scenes I had already read in the first novella, just from the point of view of Jenna and/or Lucas).

I felt like those moments that were just them allowed us the opportunity to experience their connection while also getting to know parts of them that they kept hidden from the others. I also agree with the author's thoughts that it gave their relationship an intimate feel long before they were physically intimate with one another.

The only other complaint that I have with this one was that the ending, while going exactly as I had anticipated as far as the one side-story, felt very rushed and all too easily wrapped up. I wanted more drama there, and more of a confrontation between Jenna, her brother, and Lucas.

I hope to see more of these characters in a full-length novel sometime in the future as I am curious as to not only Jenna's future with Lucas, but how her brother does when he takes over the inn. I would definitely read more from this author!

******

When Strangers Meet by Mary Jo Putney - 2.5 stars out of 5
The final novella in the A Yuletide Kiss anthology was the hardest for me to get into and enjoy. While it was a well-written story some of it was just too "out there" to be believable. I wish there had been more between Kate and Daniel (I have no idea who the synopsis is referring to as the Hero of this was named Daniel Farrington who was actually a newly inherited Lord). On their own they seemed interesting characters, but very one-dimensional as we were missing a lot of important background information on them.

I also found it a bit unbelievable that Kate could have ever seriously considered Edmund as a potential second husband when they too knew so little about each other (for example how did he not know she intended to keep working once they married? How did she not know he didn't like animals?). It was little things like this that gave me pause. I also wish that we would have gotten an epilogue or something showing the lovers a year or two down the road. To see how they navigated their marriage now that they decided to actually live as man and wife.

Sadly, as this was the third novella it was also hit with the same curse as the second; the re-telling of scenes we have already seen. Now while I understand why that was done (to show the same scene from the perspective of the new characters), I feel like it would have been a better use of the author's time to give us more private moments between the characters to make their love story seem more believable.

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

This was an alright Christmas anthology. It seems that some of these main characters have shown up in the authors' previous books so I imagine you would like it more if you're familiar with them.

I liked that these stories all took place at the same time and place, where a bunch of travellers were forced to stay at an inn during Christmas time when the weather goes bad.

First story is a second chance romance between two travellers, the second story is about the innkeeper and her romance with an injured traveller (lots of caretaking which I always love), and the third is about two travellers who, surprisingly, were previously married in what they thought was a pretend ceremony but was actually valid seven years before.

That said, these three authors are completely new to me so I didn't feel any prior attachment, and that's maybe why I wasn't too invested in the love stories. They were a bit too quick and insta-lovey most of the time (the second-chance being the only one I could partially believe, but even that seemed too rushed). I also wished that the level of steam was consistent because the three stories had VERY different standards.

Overall, a nice anthology to give me Christmas vibes but since they are short stories, I ended up not loving them as much as I wanted to.

A Yuletide Kiss is a darling holiday anthology. This checked all my boxes for a sweet read to get into the mood for the holidays! Favorites are: some characters I knew, snowed in at an Inn, animals and intense back stories! This is worth a holiday read for all but especially fans of Sabrina Jeffries who need Konrad Juncker's story in their life!

“When We Finally Kiss Good Night” (Duke Dynasty, Book 4.5) by Sabrina Jeffries

Sabrina Jeffries sets up the main points of the anthology for all the stories to follow. I was so happy to find out that I would be reading about poet Konrad Junker and the woman he has a past with Flora Younger. Konrad is on his way to the Duke of Thornstock’s in a storm when he stops at The White Rose Inn. He helps the Innkeeper carry a sick and wounded mystery gentleman inside. He is able to take shelter there but as the Inn is closed he has to pitch in, which he does quite willingly. Konrad is at a cross-roads in his life. The Duke of Thorn is about to reveal himself as the actual playwright behind the Felix plays, leaving Konrad to decide what is next. Flora crossing his path here at the Inn makes him see that maybe he wants more from life than just the theater.

Flora is such a likable character and I love her relationship with Lady Whitmarsh. Flora left behind her family who wanted to marry her off to the wealthiest suitor to become a ladies companion. The two women have so much heart and humor together that it draws in Konrad in such a happy way. I love the sparks, the holiday surprises and the love in this story!

“The Unexpected Gift” by Madeline Hunter

Madeline Hunter's story was my favorite! We have some spicy conflict, a dash of drama and some mystery. Jenna Waverly is a smart and kind Innkeeper. She started her own business with an inheritance and the aid of her brother. Every Christmas she closes the Inn to have a few days of rest. This year a storm has stranded a sick man and a handful of guests with her. Jenna expertly cares from the sick patient who turns out to be Lucas Avonwood. Lucas has a sparkling humor and fun flirtatious manner. It is very fun to see their story together and Avonwood's mission come to life.

“When Strangers Meet” by Mary Jo Putney

I'm such a fan of Mary Jo Putney. This story has a far flung backstory which masterfully gives this short story deep emotion. These characters past traumas are offset by how funny the characters are and an adorable kitten. The plot is such a fun surprise that I will leave you to it!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. #MadelineHunter #SabrinaJeffries #MaryJoPutney #AYuletideKiss #NetGalley

A Yuletide Kiss features three interwoven stories about a group of travelers who find themselves stranded at a rural inn at Christmastime by an unexpected winter storm, and the romances that follow their forced proximity.

When We Finally Kiss Good Night by Sabrina Jeffries

Grade: B+ Sensuality: Warm

This is a second chance romance between an erstwhile playwright and a lady’s companion. Flora Younger met Konrad Juncker in Bath years earlier, but he vanished without any explanation after raising her hopes. When they come face-to-face for the first time in years, both still feel the spark, but each now has secrets from the other. If they are going to come to an understanding, they must both be willing to be honest.

An Unexpected Christmas Gift by Madeline Hunter

Grade: A- Sensuality: Warm

Jenna Waverly is the owner of the White Rose Inn, at which our protagonists have taken refuge. She plans on closing her establishment for the holidays, to give her and her staff some respite, but when the storm brings a host of guests to her door, she cannot turn them away to freeze. The most intriguing among these guests is a man who was found, clearly ill and unconscious, in the snow. Jenna tends to him, only to find that the intimacy that bond creates isn’t so easily set aside. Her patient, Lucas Avonwood, is on a mission to protect a lady’s honor, and as he becomes enchanted by the innkeeper, he can only hope that she isn’t involved in the scheme that he is investigating.

When Strangers Meet by Mary Jo Putney

Grade: B Sensuality: Kisses

This is the tale of Kate Mcleod, a woman from a prosperous family who finds herself face-to-face with the husband she barely knows. Kate and Daniel Faringdon were married almost at first sight years earlier, in dire circumstances and under duress. Unbeknownst to Daniel, the marriage was a legal one, and when he sees Kate again she tells him that they must seek an annulment, for another man wishes to marry her. Daniel asks that Kate allow him to get to know her while they are at the inn, and she agrees, for she does not love her would-be fiancé. The question is, will a few days be enough to decide to remain together for a lifetime?

I will say that there is definitely a bit of a cheesy atmosphere to Jeffries’ story, but I go for that sort of thing. I liked the conflict in Konrad about his future, and Flora is fun as well. They have good chemistry on the page and a lot of great scenes together. Jenna and Lucas’ story is probably my favorite; they have some of the best dialogue, and while Jenna is very softhearted despite her practicality, Lucas is pretty much willing to kill to protect her and will verbally eviscerate anyone who tries to pull one over on her. I liked both of their backstories a lot, and found their ending very satisfying. Kate and Daniel round out the group nicely. Daniel’s conflict is very well done and his fears all made a lot of sense and deepened his character. Kate’s indecision also tracks, and I liked her combination of strength and vulnerability.

These stories are well-written and go well together. One of the great risks of a collection in which all the stories takes place simultaneously is that the repeated scenes will get stale, but these are all cleverly told from new points of view and not hampered by too much repetition. The premise is also fun, but the reader must suspend their disbelief a tad. While Jenna and Lucas have no previous acquaintance, and their meeting and subsequent romance isn’t contrived, the other two couples do know each other, and have a history. This makes them getting stranded at an inn together, out of all of the snowy countryside in England, rather unlikely. For the Hunter story, it actually does make sense, because the protagonists are headed to the same party, but Kate and Daniel’s meeting has no such explanation.

All three tales are good reads, and I liked getting to know each character as an individual, even in the stories that focus elsewhere. The collection has good narrative cohesion and is probably one of the better anthologies I have read. I enjoyed the cottage-core, sweet Christmas vibes, and I would recommend A Yuletide Kiss.

*3.5 stars

This was an ok anthology. On a snowy icy night strangers stop at an inn for safety. While there for a few days, three couples end up falling in love. The first two stories are characters from previous books that I have read, so I was familiar with them. Their stories ended up being the best because of that familiarity. Short stories are good when you want something quick to read but you (me) end up not loving them as much because their love stories are rushed. If you're looking for some good holiday romance though, these are cute for that.

I enjoyed every story in this one. They are all well written and didn't feel rushed.

I do recommend.

3.5 stars! Christmas, regency style. Well, Christmas in an inn during a bad snowstorm anyway. A chance encounter, encounters I mean. The inn is closed but a storm forced travelers to take shelter with the proprietress and her small staff. Enjoyed the stories a lot and I liked that they each about the people in the inn. I think I enjoyed the 1st story best. A cozy Christmas anthology.

Thank you Kensington Books and NetGalley for this arc! It was a nice read.

Lots of Rooms & Romance at the Christmastime Inn

I am normally not one for anthologies, but this interconnected set was a great cozy Christmas read. The stories are linked together and have overlapping scenes and characters which I thought were really well done.

When We Finally Kiss Good Night by Sabrina Jeffries is a second-chance romance. Konrad and Flora met years ago in Bath, and he broke her heart. Now their chance meeting at the inn has brought them together a second time and sparks quickly kindle and fly. 4/5

The Unexpected Gift by Madeline Hunter was my favorite of the three novellas. Jenna Waverly is the innkeeper who finds a man injured and sick and brings him back to her inn to tend for him. Love burgeons over the sickbed, which is rather unusual. When the ill man, Lucas Avonwood, recovers, we learn he was on a mission to track down a criminal and the inn turns out to be the very place to find what he was searching for. I really loved Jenna Waverly. She's so well-developed and down-to-earth. It's so nice to have a heroine who works and is capable of running her own life, and who is somewhat more "working class" than in most Regencies. The story does establish that she is a gentlewoman. I would have loved it even more if she was not but if Lucas fell for her anyway. Either way, their romance is very sweet and believable. 5/5

When Strangers Meet by Mary Jo Putney has a fantastic twist beginning which grabs your attention right away. Kate Mcleod is a pretty redhaired young lady who comes across a man from her past who holds the key to her future. 5/5

Steam Level: 2.5/5