I was so spoiled by this absolutely excellent anthology of historical romances from three phenomenal romance authors. Admittedly, I have only read Sabrina Jeffries to this point, but you'd best believe that's going to be changing now!

All three stories run parallel in an inn closed for the holidays but opened to the stranded travellers who find themselves in need of shelter. I want to say that WHEN WE FINALLY KISS GOOD NIGHT by Sabrina Jeffries is my favorite because of its link to her exceptional Duke Dynasty series, and because I loved the second chance feels of Flora and Konrad, but then again WHEN STRANGERS MEET by Mary Jo Putney made me smile and swoon and perfectly balanced the past with the future, and was an altogether well-rounded story.

At the end of the day, though, it was THE UNEXPECTED GIFT by Madeline Hunter that has stuck with me the most since I finished by ARC of A Yuletide Kiss. I'm a sucker for a forced proximity story and this one takes that a little further than the other two. Plus, a protective alpha man who takes charge but retains a level of vulnerability...be still my beating heart.

Whichever one you end up loving most, there is something for every reader in this anthology!

When We Finally Kiss Good Night by Sabrina Jeffries:

This was such a great novella. It included so much of the Christmas traditions that began during this time period or those that had not yet spread widely. Flora and Konrad were likeable characters that I found easy to connect with. Konrad especially won my heart. He had made decisions that cost him Flora’s heart and was at a loss how to win her back. Especially since he found himself in a position that was not favorable to making her his own forever.

Despite the novella length, this felt full and well rounded. I enjoyed the secondary characters as well as the premise that brought them all together. With a bit of spice topping it off made this all the more easy to love.


The Unexpected Gift by Madeline Hunter:

This was a pleasant surprise with it’s touch of mystery running through it. It consisted of a story that was multi-layered and fully developed. Another full fledged novella as the previous one. I was a huge fan of Lucas and Jenna. Their chemistry was believable and there was an edge of anticipation as Lucas tried to find what he was looking for. That also carried with it the promise of angst that kept me on the edge.


When Strangers Meet by Mary Jo Putney:

This was a nice little read. I enjoyed that the author added the charm of a small kitten to the mix. The hero and heroine were very likeable and their story entertaining.

What a delightful surprise A YULETIDE KISS was to read

I grabbed A YULETIDE KISS to read Sabrina Jeffries short story, When We Finally Kiss Good Night, a novella that wraps up her Duke Dynasty series. And, yes, this conclusion to the tale of Konrad Juncker is immensely satisfying.

Even more satisfying is the overall premise of this book of three novellas as well as the ways the authors weave their tales together. All three stories take place in a country inn that is closed for the Christmas season. When a brutal winter storm brings stranded travelers to the door, innkeeper Jenna Waverly cannot turn them away.

Author Madeline Hunter presents Jenna’s story of caring for a wounded traveler found in the snow in The Unexpected Gift. Mary Jo Putney presents When Strangers Meet about Kate Macleod and Daniel Faringdon who met years ago in India and find they may still be linked together.

What is beautiful about this book is that the authors worked hard to repeat the common segments of the book — those pieces where all the characters interact, such as meals, working in the kitchen, celebrating Christmas Eve. Yet each story continues to its conclusion individually after guests continue on their journeys.

If you love the Christmas spirit, a bit of intrique and HEAs, A YULETIDE KISS needs to be in your TBR pile.

Sweet and spicy Christmas Regency romances

I like the writing of Mary Jo Putney so was drawn to this trilogy of interconnected Christmas Regency romances. I found it just spicy enough for my aging psyche. The three stories are connected as the groups of travelers are storm-stayed over Christmas at an inn, whose innkeeper HAD thought she could close over the season... I definitely had a smile on my face as I read the stories and watched the couples come together, have troubles, and finally the happy endings. Not great literature, but a sweet escape from normal life!

Since I had not read anything by the other two authors, I now have two new authors to read!!

Thank you to the publisher who lent me a time-limited e-arc via Netgalley. This review is optional and my own opinion.

Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy. This did not affect my rating.
*3/5*

A regency Christmas bind-up of novella's that take place in a closed Inn over Christmas.
Many chance encounters and a 3 love stories.

<i> When We Finally Kiss Goodnight - Sabrina Jeffries </i> - 3/5
Konrad Juncker is riding to a friends house when the weather takes a turn and seeks shelter at an Inn. Flora Younger and Lady Whitemarsh happen to be travelling through to the same party and need shelter as well.
Konrad and Flora knew each other in their younger days but will they get a second chance at love?
This was an average story for me but ultimately kind of forgettable. Konrad is a Poet/Playwright <spoiler> who hasn't been writing the majority of his own plays </spoiler> and Flora is a Lady's Maid and has panned Konrad's work under a penname in a paper. Hurt feelings abound but truces are made and old feelings resurface.
One thing I really enjoyed about this story was origins of the Christmas tree being introduced into society outside of Germany and Konrad and Flora writing a version of We Wish You A Merry Christmas - how they had heard a version of it from the West Country. I love those little additions.
This is the only story with a true sex scene but it wasn't graphic or overly long.

<i> An Unexpected Christmas Gift by Madeline Hunter </i> - 4.5/5
Jenna Waverly is the owner of The White Rose Inn and she usually closes it over Christmas for a few days to let the servants have a break and to get some peace and quiet for herself. The snow/ice storm has other plans when her head ostler Peter, finds an unconscious man in the snow. Jenna welcomes this guest and many more in to her Inn. She nurses the handsome Lucas Avonwood back to health.
I looove a good sick bed story and this one was like cat-nip for me. Short, Christmas-themed, and a sweet ending. A little bit of conflict with Jenna's brother but everything wraps up nicely in a Christmas bow. Lucas and Jenna have chemistry off the bat and I could have read an entire book about them.
There were a few sex scenes but they were.. closed door? nothing is described or graphic.

<i> When Strangers Meet - Mary Jo Putney </i> - 2/5
Many years ago, Kate Macleod is rescued by Daniel Farringdon. As quickly as he came in to her life, he is gone again. Until 7 years later when they come face to face at an Inn where they are snowed in. And the marriage that Daniel thought wasn't real? Turns out, it is! They spend their time stuck at the Inn getting to know each other to see if they have any kind of future together or if they should go through with an annulment. Neither party is upfront with their current station in life <spoiler> Daniel is a new Baron and Kate is a Merchant Heiress</spoiler> but this didn't cause any sort of conflict between the two.
I wanted to love this story -so much!! But there is something about Mary Jo Putney's writing that just doesn't gel with me. I love her premises so much but have been let down by the writing. There is soo much telling. Lot's of exposition with menial tasks in between that made this rather boring.
No sex scenes, only some kissing.

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Overall, I loved the thread that tied this series of novella's together and you get to see some scenes over again through all three stories but from different perspective's. Because of this, I wish that the book wrapped up more than just each story ending.

This book was short on actual steam for me.

When We Finally Kiss Good Night
Duke Dynasty Series - Book 6
Short Story in A Yuletide Kiss Anthology
By Sabrina Jeffries

Kensington Books - October 2021

Historical Romance


A Yuletide Kiss anthology consists of three interconnected stories. They all take place concurrently at an inn with minimal staff as it is closed for the holidays. This creates quite an unusual situation where the patrons have to work with the staff for meals, with interesting results including a unique lemon pie, and other chores. Although the stories are related, and a few scenes repeat from different characters' points of views, they do each stand alone. The three stories are When We Finally Kiss Good Night by Sabrina Jeffries, The Unexpected Gift by Madeline Hunter and When Strangers Meet by Mary Jo Putney.

Konrad Juncker had a secret, and it was one that could soon be revealed and would negatively impact his life. For years, he had been the name and face of a series of plays that had been very well received. He had been celebrated, but it had all been a lie. Oh, he had given advice at the playhouses, and written a section here and there, but his friend Thorn, the Duke of Thornstock, was the author. And Thorn had indicated he was finally willing to claim his writing as his own. Which put Konrad in a precarious position. Whereas a Duke could easily come out on top of a scandal of duplicity, Konrad knew he, a mere poet, would not.

He had been on his way to Armitage Hall to discuss Thorn's decision when the weather turned too difficult to continue. Luckily, he knew of a nearby inn. Although the innkeeper indicated it was closed for the holidays, she was willing to allow travelers to stay due to the conditions. Soon, others arrived, including the lovely Miss Flora Younger. A lady he had courted years earlier, and whom he dare not now that his prospects may soon be over.

Flora's relief at discovering the inn were dashed when she learned of Konrad's attendance. Even more jarring was the suspicion that her employer, Lady Whitmarsh, might be conniving to bring them together. She had no wish to revist the past, but as the days pass, Flora begins to wonder if possibly this time, her future was with this man from her past.

In When We Finally Kiss Good Night Konrad finally has his happily-ever-after. We had gotten to know a little of Konrad in the previous Duke Dynasty stories, and it had been obvious there was a history with Flora. It was wonderful to see them reunite. I enjoyed this story as part of the Duke Dynasty series, but it was also very delightful to see how it fit in as part of the A Yuletide Kiss anthology.

Kathy Andrico - KathysReviewCorner.com

The Unexpected Gift
Short Story in A Yuletide Kiss Anthology
By Madeline Hunter

Kensington Books - October 2021

Historical Romance


A Yuletide Kiss anthology consists of three interconnected stories. They all take place concurrently at an inn with minimal staff as it is closed for the holidays. This creates quite an unusual situation where the patrons have to work with the staff for meals, with interesting results including a unique lemon pie, and other chores. Although the stories are related, and a few scenes repeat from different characters' points of views, they do each stand alone. The three stories are When We Finally Kiss Good Night by Sabrina Jeffries, The Unexpected Gift by Madeline Hunter and When Strangers Meet by Mary Jo Putney.

Jenna Waverly had closed the inn for the holidays. The servants, except a couple, had been sent away, and she was looking forward to the quiet. But an unexpected storm brought several travelers to The White Rose Inn. Luckily, most were healthy and able, regardless if willing, to help. Status didn't matter when it came to eating and taking care of basic tasks. However, one arrival needed extra care. Lucas Avonwood had been found unconscious, and could have died if he had been left in the storm.

Lucas had been on the hunt for a scoundrel. It might not be official business for the Home Office, but to him, it was equally important. This respite in the inn might keep him from his quest, but Lucas welcomed the opportunity to learn more about the delightful innkeeper.

The Unexpected Gift was a delightful surprise of a romance. I hadn't expected the innkeeper from the A Yuletide Kiss anthology to have her own romance. Jenna is a businesswoman determined to run the inn her own way, and that includes when the inn is closed. She won't turn away anyone in need, but she has no qualms in telling them they have to pitch in to help. She enchants Lucas with her fierce independence.

Kathy Andrico - KathysReviewCorner.com

When Strangers Meet
Short Story in A Yuletide Kiss Anthology
By Mary Jo Putney

Kensington Books - October 2021

Historical Romance


A Yuletide Kiss anthology consists of three interconnected stories. They all take place concurrently at an inn with minimal staff as it is closed for the holidays. This creates quite an unusual situation where the patrons have to work with the staff for meals, with interesting results including a unique lemon pie, and other chores. Although the stories are related, and a few scenes repeat from different characters' points of views, they do each stand alone. The three stories are When We Finally Kiss Good Night by Sabrina Jeffries, The Unexpected Gift by Madeline Hunter and When Strangers Meet by Mary Jo Putney.

Kate Macleod had been saved before, but had ended up unexpectedly married. Now, her family believed they had a way to end the paperwork, for that was all she had. There was also a gentleman she was considering marrying in truth. On her journey to see him, the travel became precarious, so they had stopped at the nearest inn. As had a few other travelers. One of whom was her long lost husband.

Daniel Faringdon had few recollections of the night he had saved Kate. He had been at one of the lowest points of his life, and drink had been his friend. Now he discovered he had a wife, one who had been actively trying to end their marriage. He could see the positive of their union. They well suited, much more than what little he had gleaned about her new suitor. He was willing to do as she requested, he just hoped she requested they make a marriage in truth.

When Strangers Meet was a lovely reunion romance. Both Kate and Daniel had been in dire straits that night in Bombay. Although their time together had been brief, thankfully, their lives had vastly improved since then. It was fascinating to watch as these two strangers learn about each other, and choose their future.

Kathy Andrico - KathysReviewCorner.com

This was definitely a different sort of romance than I typically read. But I really did enjoy it a lot more than I thought. Sometimes I am not sure how I feel about historical romance/fiction, but this kind of story (or stories) reminds me what is great about them.

The only author I had read previously was Sabrina Jeffries and it was a while ago. But I enjoyed hearing the story of Yuncker and Flora, which was hinted at in Duke Undercover.

I loved how all the stories were brought together and all the cameos from other story characters.

If you are looking for something fun to get you in the mood for Christmas, this is for you!

5/5

“A Yuletide Kiss” by Madeline Hunter, Sabrina Jeffries, and Mary Jo Putney was so sweet and about fated mates! Heavy snow ruined plans, and I loved that it brought together people of different stations to make their Christmas season unforgettable!

In “When We Finally Kiss Good Night” by Sabrina Jeffries, we find out poet and playwright Konrad Juncker and companion Flora Younger’s story. This is part of the Duke Dynasty series, and I loved Flora’s meddling and loving employer.

In “The Unexpected Gift” by Madeline Hunter, Lucas Avonwood getting sick was a gift. Passing out in the snow brought him to the inn’s owner and hostess Jenna Waverly, but he questioned her connection to the scoundrel he was hunting.

In “When Strangers Meet” by Mary Jo Putney, I loved that Kate Macleod and Daniel Faringdon’s story was last because I was surprised to find out their connection. I did not expect it at all! Plus, we get a quick mention of a secondary love story.

Thank you to Net Galley and Kensington Books for the ARC in exchange for a honest review.

Three interconnected Yuletide novellas...

That take place when strangers are forced to take shelter at an inn closed for the holiday, during a snowstorm.
I really enjoyed Sabrina Jeffries' novella. She completes her latest series with Konrad Juncker's story and reunites him with Flora. Lovely to have his story.

I liked the story construct, of all the stories taking place at the same time frame, the same location, but then diverge to focus on each couple. I did not care for Madeline Hunter's novella, though, mainly because I did not care for Lucas and wanted Jenna to have a better hero.

So, for me, this collection is about bookends. Because I so enjoyed Mary Jo Putney's Kate and Daniel, who married seven years ago in Bombay. Let's just say Daniel didn't know he was married.

Recommend the bookends.

I really enjoyed reading these stories. Each of the different parts of the stories were woven together seamlessly. Definitely one to pick up this holiday season!

A delightful trio of holiday stories!
I recognized the characters from the Sabrina Jeffries story and I was happy to see them have a HEA. I wasn't"t familiar with the characters in the other two novellas but I became engrossed in their stories and definitely wouldn't mind reading the associated full length novels at some point.
I really enjoyed the detailed descriptions of what went into the running of a nineteenth century inn. it made the stories seem much more real.
Highly recommend this feel good group of stories.

I enjoyed each story in the wintery anthology. Some were a bit more Christmasy feeling than others. These authors are truly at the top of their game and can construct dialogue that brings the reader into the scene. The characters come to life on the page.

What I didn't like was the repetition of events in each story. I kept saying to myself”yes,yes, we already know about that.” But that is a small problem that I can overlook because of the good story telling and accomplished writing.

Three interconnected novellas that all revolve around Christmas time stuck at an inn. I think each had a great Christmas time joy and coziness. Novellas tend to lack plot development but I really feel these progressed nicely and are great examples of what novellas can and should be. Each story takes place simultaneously and sort of build off of each other. Each rely on their own tropes that are done nicely. I enjoyed them all and don't feel a disconnect between any even though they are written by three authors. I really hope this is the start of bringing back these connected stories and anthologies in the historical romance genre. A great way to show skilled writing and how great authors can work together!

Jeffries story builds off previous stories with a second chance romance and how two people of different stations can be together. Hunter's work is based on the inn keeper and a man in search of someone she may know, but first he must be nursed back to health. Putney's is about a married couple who have not seen each other since their marriage day years ago which the man thought was not legal. They must decide what to do next! There's romance, Christmas joy, a little steam, and all around Happily Ever Afters!

I have posted a review on Instagram under the handle @incoherent_life

I recieved a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a nice read with nothing to complicated.
While most Christmas anthropologies are unconnected but similar stories, these three take place at the White Rose Inn where everyone has become stranded due to a winter storm.
There is the couple who meet again after heartbreak.
The inn owner and the sick man she cares for.
And the couple who were married but estranged since the marriage wasn't throught to be real.
While it did feel repetitive in places since the stories all take place during the same few days, this book is a charming read.

Three good stories about an innkeeper who takes in a group of travelers on an icy day. Not only do the people find shelter, they find so much more. I enjoyed all of them.

I received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley. All opinions are my own. A Yuletide Kiss is an anthology of three Christmas novellas connected by location and featuring stories of travellers who meet at an inn that is closed for the holidays when a winters storm forces them to seek shelter.
The Unexpected Gift by Madeline Hunter is told from the viewpoint of Jenna Waverley, the innkeeper facing what may be her last Christmas in the inn, who rescues Home Office Agent Lucas Avonwood when he is injured while on the track of a villain who may have ties to the inn and the innkeeper.
When We Finally Kiss Goodnight by Sabrina Jeffries features Conrad Junker, a character from her Duke Dynasty series. Poet Playwright Conrad is at a turning point in his life when he encounters Flora Younger, ladies companion, aka the one who stole his heart. Still not sure that he can offer her everything she deserves, he must decide if this second chance is worth the risk of revealing the secrets keeping them apart.
When Strangers Meet by Mary Jo Putney is also a second chance at love story. When former soldier Daniel Faringdon was at the lowest point in his life, he chanced upon Kate Macleod being auctioned off by her nasty uncle. He won the auction, they were quickly married in a ramshackle ceremony, and he put her on a boat back to England, where her mother's family was. Now a newly minted baron, Daniel is shocked to discover that the marriage was valid and that Kate hoping to marry again, was about to have him declared dead. Their surprise meeting at the Inn during the storm has them wondering if that long-ago night was more than just chance.
I enjoyed reading these stories immensely and think they are perfect for curling up with on a cold evening in December or any time you want a bit of holiday cheer. Steam Level: Medium Publishing Date: September 28, 2021. #AYuletideKiss #KensingtonBooks #KensingtonRomance #TheUnexpectedGift #MadelineHunter #WhenWeFinallyKissGoodnight
#SabrinaJeffries #WhenStrangersMeet #MaryJoPutney #ChristmasAnthology #HistoricalChristmasAnthology #HistoricalRomance #HistoricalRomanceReader #RomanceReader #ChristmasNovellas #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #NetGalley

I enjoyed the interconnectedness of all three of the stories. It was an enjoyable read. I now have a group of new authors to read.

When We Finally Kiss Good-Night – Sabrina Jeffries
So we finally get Konrad’s story and what a story it is. He is always pretending but his love for Flora is not pretense but he cannot tell her all until he does and then the sparks fly. But in the meantime, Sabrina creates an atmosphere where you believe these people will feel the spirit of Christmas around them and let it seep into their hearts. A wonderful story.

An Unexpected Gift – Madeline Hunter
Who doesn’t love a book about a spy who gets hurts and ends up being tended by a woman (in this case an inn owner). He isn’t spying when things go awry but you know what I mean. I really liked the dynamics between Jenna and Lucas. I wish that more background was told about Lucas. It did not seem that things were fleshed out and maybe that is because of the length of the story. But overall it was a very nice story.

I received a copy of this book for review from NetGalley. An anthology based on the same events can be challenging to read. These three stories tell the events of the same few days, with a lot of overlapping conversations, and even the best of the best can have some inconsistencies. I think I would have appreciated this book more if I'd spread the read out rather than reading them in one sitting. It made the minor inconsistencies more obvious, instead of blending together.
Overall, this was a fun collecting of holiday stories. While I personally enjoyed the Madeline Hunter and Mary Jo Putney stories better, there was nothing wrong with the Sabrina Jeffries offering. I liked the anthology's overarching concept, and they were all fun and fluffy. (Though I was a tiny bit disappointed that there were enough beds at the inn.) If you are a fan of the genre or the authors, this will be an enjoyable read.

This Christmas anthology, from three stars of Regency romance, features three couples stranded at a country inn. Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

When We Finally Kiss Good-Night by Sabrina Jeffries
If you've read the Duke Dynasty series, you'll recognize poet Konrad Juncker. In this story, he's reunited with lost love Flora, who works as a lady's companion. The two still have feelings for one another, but their financial situation doesn't allow them to marry. Can they find a way to be together? Jeffries' deft, vivacious style makes this story a pleasure to read. Readers who've followed Konrad through the Duke Dynasty series will be happy to see him get a satisfying HEA.

An Unexpected Christmas Gift by Madeline Hunter
Innkeeper Jenna has closed the inn for Christmas, but an ice storm brings an influx of stranded travelers. Among them is Lucas, who's been struck down with a fever while on the trail of a thief. As she nurses him back to health, the two grow close. But will the information he uncovers tear them apart? This starts out as a tender romance, but the intrigue grows as the story progresses. The characters are likable and well-developed. Despite the length, this story carries a lot of punch.

When Strangers Meet by Mary Jo Putney
Kate and Langdon met briefly at a tavern in Bombay years ago. But that night changed their lives forever, even though they went their separate ways. Now reunited, do they finally have a chance to fall in love? Kate is a fun, upbeat character who brings light to Langdon's darkness. It's a pleasure to see them gradually get to know each other and discover what they can mean to each other. Kate is a smart, strong, independent woman who deserves a man who will let her be her true self, and Langdon is that man.