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.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading the different stories of the guests stranded at the inn during a raging snowstorm. Each story was the same timeline, just from individual POVs. While some of the details overlapped and I skipped over them, all three novellas were enjoyable and kept me turning the pages. My favorite story was by Madeline Hunter. I loved the story of Jenna and Lucas and how their relationship developed. It was good to see Jenna's brother finally be held accountable for his despicable actions against his sister.

This new Christmas anthology features three brand new connected novellas by three of the biggest names in Historical Romance. Each of these Regency-era novellas is set at the White Rose Inn where each couple has been stranded by a snowstorm just days before Christmas…

When We Finally Kiss Good Night by Sabrina Jeffries, 4 stars: Fans of the Duke Dynasty series will be thrilled to discover that playwright and friend of the Duke of Thornstock, Konrad Juncker is reunited with Vanessa’s friend Flora Younger, when they are both stranded on a way to the Duke of Armitage’s house party – a party that they didn’t know the other was attending. Years ago these two met in Bath and Flora believed that Konrad was courting her, but when he disappeared without even a goodbye, her heart was broken and her future took a dramatic change. Konrad regrets his actions in Bath, but he has secrets that even now prevent him from offering for Flora and he knows he should stay away from her, but he can’t seem to stop himself. This second chance romance is sweet, but a little slow-moving, however, the love scenes are on the warmer side and the ending is fabulous!

The Unexpected Gift by Madeline Hunter, 3 stars: Jenna Waverly, the owner of the White Rose Inn usually closes her establishment for the Christmas holiday, but this year her plans are drastically changed when a storm brings not only stranded travelers looking for shelter, but also brings an unconscious and very ill man to her door. Lucas Avonwood works for the Home Office, but his trip to the White Rose Inn has nothing to do with his work, this is personal. He was on his way to the inn to find the man who had an affair with his cousin and then stole a broach before disappearing when he took ill and fell off his horse. He awakes to find himself in the very inn he was planning to visit, being tended by a woman who may or may not be party to the scam against his cousin. While I did enjoy reading this novella, I thought of the three novellas in this collection, this story had the hardest job selling the romance, as it featured two strangers meeting and falling in love in literally a matter of days, and while that has been done in books before, for me, it didn’t feel genuine in this story.

When Strangers Meet by Mary Jo Putney, 4.5 stars: It has been 7 years since Kate Macleod has seen her husband, Daniel Faringdon, a husband she met, married, and parted with all on the same day, a man she never expected to see again. But apparently, fate has decided that she is not done with these two. Daniel has returned to England after years away to assume his newly inherited title of Baron Elland, and was just as surprised to see Kate as she was to see him, he wasn’t even aware their marriage in Bombay all those years ago was legal, but now that he does and has been reunited with his wife, he isn’t ready to let her go again. But keeping Kate won’t be easy, especially since she was in the process of having him declared dead so she could remarry! This was a fast-paced, nicely plotted novella with just a bit of kissing and a believable HEA.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*

When We Finally Kiss Goodnight
Sabrina Jeffries
This story is part of the Duke Dynasty series.
Konrad Junker is finally having to find a new path in life and it may take him to the fork in the road from his path. He has always regretted the way things ended abruptly in Bath years ago. Now he may finally have a chance to explain and follow the path he wants with her.
Flora is looking forward to spending Christmas with her closest friend. The fact that she is now married to a Duke is something Flora has accepted. When she and her employer are suddenly stranded at an inn due to inclement weather she fears she'll miss the holiday festivities entirely. Then to run into the one man she hasn't been able to purge from her memories when she has no means to escape. It's time for her to finally reveal the truth of what happened after he disappeared from her life and find a way to move forward. Can they overcome the past and find a future together?

The Unexpected Gift
Madeline Hunter
I really love how the stories are interconnected to one another. It's like getting another layer with each one you read.
Jenna Waverly is the owner of the White Rose Inn. She was closed for Christmas until an unexpected storm stranded travelers. Even more concerning is the very ill man found in the snow drifts. Unsure if the illness is contagious she keeps him separated from the other guests and cares for him herself.
Lucas Avonwood is on a mission, not for the home office, but for a personal favor to his cousin. And a fever and head injury is not how he plans to resolve this issue. But when faced with the conundrum that is Jenna he wants nothing more than learn about her and uncover her secrets. As they spend time together during his recovery he finds himself drawn to her. And he has to decide how to deal with the questions he has about the Inn and finding the scoundrel he's been searching for.

When Strangers Meet
May Jo Putney
In a most unexpected twist we find our final couple are actually married. It's certainly a unique spin on long lost spouses.
Kate Macleod is on her way to spend time with the family of what would be her betrothed, if she wasn't already married. It's complicated, but they are fast approaching a time when her vanished husband can be declared legally dead. Until fate truly steps in at the White Rose Inn and gives her a Christmas to remember and a choice to make.
Daniel Faringdon has returned to England after a seven year absence. He's come home to fulfill his obligations to his family. After years away in India he expects a less than welcoming homecoming, so the surprising encounter with Kate and the reprieve from the storm have given him cause to celebrate. And when he finds out their "marriage" was actually legal he's not ready to call it quits, regardless of the obstacles.

I've always loved anthologies, especially for the holiday season. You still have time to read here and there but typically not enough to read a full length book. Yuletide kiss is a gift from the authors to you! In my opinion there is not a weak story in the three - all are engaging, have story lines that draw you in and keep you turning the pages, past when you planned to stop!. The story lines are are interwoven through the theme of strangers stranded during the holidays at the same inn. You are rooting for each couple to find their happily ever after. Two couples have a history - but so different yet vastly interesting. When We Finally Kiss Good Night by Sabrina Jeffries promises a chance at redemption and love realized. The Unexpected Gift is by Madeline Hunter is just that - and unexpected visitor with unexpected ties to someone at the inn - a bit of a mystery but also a chance for someone to change the course of their life (one they were happy with) for a different dream. Lastly When Strangers Meet by Mary Jo Putney features a hero who strives to redeem himself, and an unexpected surprise early on when to stranded guests meet each other. It does not sugar coat certain aspects of life and war but shows how one can take an opportunity to improve oneself and earn the respect and love of another. This book is one that I'll be saving to read each season. It leaves you with a warm glow for the holidays!

2.5 stars

This is a nice idea but after the first story I just got bored. This is a collection of 3 historical romances about characters stranded at an inn due to a snow storm right before Christmas. The first story is a second chance romance about characters that courted 8 years ago or so and then the hero left. They both end up at the inn and things go from there. The second romance it about the inn's owner caring for a sick man that was found in the storm and the romance that develops between them. The final story is about two characters that had a fake marriage years ago, that turns out to be real, and they see if there is something between them to keep the marriage going.

The positives of this are that the characters are developed really well for each story considering they are novellas. The reader definitely gets a full picture of who the characters are, where they came from, and what their goals are. Each character feels like an individual and stands out from one another.

The first story was good, solid, it kept me entertained. Then the second story was set during the same time in the same place just following different characters so we got the same exact scenes over again from another characters perspective. There wasn't much added with having the different perspectives to make me want that view. I got bored with the second story and by the third I was skimming through. This is way way way too repetitive I understand what the authors were trying to do in creating multiple love stories happening in the same inn but I think it could have been done differently. I would have preferred one story that had 3 love stories in it so we only saw each scene one time rather than 3 times.

I found that each story dragged, they all could have been 50 pages shorter and I think it wouldn't have changed anything with the story. I would recommend picking the story that sounds the most interesting and reading that 1 but there is no need to read all 3 stories.