This was cute, but I wanted more of the focus to be on the MCs falling in love? Short time jumps were used to establish their relationship off page, which kept me emotionally at arm’s length. I liked that their friendship grew from their insta-love by the end and they fully supported each other. I was also hoping to be shown more development of their intimacy. I felt like the perfect opportunity was missed when the MCs first met and the FMC clearly had mild hypothermia. All in all, this was a cozy, feel-good holiday romance.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance reader copy. All thoughts are my own.

I do love the cover, but this story didn't work for me. When a book is this short, every word counts -- every descriptive phrase or sentence of dialogue -- and I didn't feel that I got to know any of the characters at all. Additionally, as another reviewer pointed out, the dialogue was much too modern-sounding (though in researching whether a nineteenth-century character could possibly have said "Wow," I did learn that the word has been around since the early sixteenth century! who knew?). A few modern turns of phrase don't have to be a dealbreaker in a historical -- however, when the heroine's younger sister blurted out "Wait, have you guys kissed?" I felt a bridge had been crossed.

On the plus side, this will only take you about 30 minutes to read. And really, that cover.

Many thanks for the opportunity to read and review!

An Arranged Christmas by Mary E. Taylor

This was a very fast read and a cute book. I liked the characters relationship together and thought they fit very well together.

Very short chapters which I really like. I do wish the author went more into details with the book. At times I felt like the story would jump to fast to the next setting and I felt like I missed something that happened between the viscount and Adalyn.

It was a quick fun read though!

I actually thought this was adorable. It's a quick read, and took me personally 30 minutes to enjoy it. I enjoyed the use of more complex vocabulary words, especially the unusual "superb" and the plot is fast paced and light hearted. It did seem a bit cliché in the end where they decide to change tradition and marry because they want to, not because they were told to.

A cute holiday romance perfect for the holiday season also a quick read i flew through it love both the main characters and the development of their romance

This is a silly but still kind of cute little Christmas romance.
Adalyn is being married off since her parents are in dire straights financially (Doesn’t stop them throwing money around on balls and dinners etc but anyway).

Adalyn runs away from home. It’s winter and cold and she’s not dressed according.

‘Lady Adalyn Newton couldn’t feel her legs anymore. The blood coursing through her veins was rich with adrenaline, forced through her body by a pounding heart. Her muscles ached, and her chest burned from the bitter cold air, but she didn’t dare stop. Even in this state, she understood what stopping meant. It signified giving in. Giving in to shackles, slavery, and isolation…’

So we know from the first page she’s a drama queen. She’s actually a bit of a contradiction. Throughout most of the book she’s like a toddler throwing a tantrum. But despite how childish and annoying she is I still quite enjoyed the read. It helps that Bain is lovely.

I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by the publisher and NetGalley.

"Can Bain bring forth a Christmas miracle and prove his love to his reluctant bride-to-be?

Not if she has anything to say about it.

Her family faces financial ruin, but Lady Adalyn can't accept that the only way to save them is to marry for money, not love. When her parents arrange for her to wed a stranger despite her objections, she flees her childhood home. Just when she thinks her daring escape has been a resounding success, she finds herself in more trouble than ever.

When her knight in shining armor sweeps in like a fairytale, Adalyn can hardly believe it. He's charming and dashing, with the most beautiful green eyes she's ever seen. She's completely smitten with her handsome stranger. That is, until she realizes who he is...

Viscount Bain Cooke can't believe his luck. His future bride is witty and beautiful, with a strong mind and delightfully sharp tongue. She's less than thrilled with their engagement, but he couldn't imagine a better fit. He only has until Christmas Day to change her mind, and time is running out.

Can Adalyn open her heart to the possibility of love in her arranged marriage?

If you enjoy sweet, regency romances with strong heroines, sweet gentlemen and a touch of Christmas spirit, you'll love An Arranged Christmas."

Because I have to vary up my holiday reading. I can't read ALL murder mysteries...

Beautifully romantic Christmas romance! A cute story of meeting your forever love while being forced into an unwanted marriage. Adalyn fights tooth and nail against her parents wishes even if it means being obstinate and rude. Of course the young man in question has a different opinion about the whole matter but unsure how to proceed. Despite the uncomfortable circumstances, Adalyn and Bain manage to work through a compromise to everyone’s satisfaction and into a happy ending.
I received an advanced reader copy for free from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

Super sweet and charming Christmas read. Great storyline and great characters. I loved the way she brought the man she didn't want to marry into the house
4 stars

This was a short sweet novella set during the Christmas holiday season. In a time where arranged marriages were common, Lady Adalyn Newton is determined to live life on her terms. Then Viscount Blane Cooke enters the picture in a most unexpected way!

This story is a short quick read that will bring a smile to your face and joy to your heart.

If you want a few hours of lighthearted escape, this is the book book for you.

I received an advanced copy of the book for an honest review.

A quick, fun read....However, there are times when the dialogue feels a touch too 20th/21st century when the time period is supposed to be Regency. Also, it may seem like the romance happens out of thin area...but actually a quick friendship is what blossoms into love. A sweet holiday story.

I was a bit ambivalent before picking this book as this is not the typical romance I read and the cover was giving me mixed vibes, but the Christmas component made me want to give it a try.
Sadly, after reading it, I confirm that this type of romance is not my cup of tea. I think I'll stick to contemporary chick-lit.

An Arranged Christmas by Mary E. Taylor

This regency novella is the first in a new series and is an easy read to enjoy.

Adalyn is being forced into marriage by her parents and whilst running away in the cold she gets herself into trouble. A handsome stranger saves her and Adalyn is grateful until she discovers he is in fact her intended new husband.

I really enjoyed this story and felt like there were some amusing moments as Adalyn and the Viscount bantered with one another throughout. The writing flowed really well and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

Thank you to the author, publishers and netgalley for my ARC of this novella which is due out in December.

This book had my attention from the first page and never let it go. The story is not just an old plain romance novel but has few unexpected twists and had me worried for a moment. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this book to anyone who loves romance novels.

This was great. I had a lot of fun getting into it. Christmas is around the corner - so of course, what better way to get into something than this: highly recommend to get you into the mood!

A nice, sweet, clean romance, but I do wish the author had deigned to put a longer ending, or else an epilogue on, as it felt like the ending was too quick