This feature is for short reviews, reviews of books in a series where it might feel repetitive, or (as Michelle suggested) books I was too lazy to write a “real” review for. Today’s stories are all part of the collection A Christmas to Remember.
I really enjoyed all 4 stories – I kept thinking that the one I was reading was my favorite, until I’d get to the next one. Ultimately I think story #3 was my favorite… But I’d give each of them at least 4 stars.
I Will by Lisa Kleypas 
This is one of my favorite tropes – pretend relationship turned real. I really loved these characters and the way Andrew, Lord Drake, grows through his relationship with Caroline.To be reinstated into his father’s will, Andrew, Lord Drake, must court a respectable woman-his friend’s spinster sister, Miss Caroline Hargreaves. After he blackmails Caroline into helping him, the charade begins-but is it really a charade once love takes hold of their hearts…?
Another great trope – the second chance romance! I was particularly excited to read this one because I know the author (have for years) and have never read any of her books. I was thrilled when it lived up to the person 🙂 Again, really great characters and the way Allstair respects and wins back Meredith is absolutely swoonworthy.Alistair Wakefield, the Marquess of Chetwyn, devastated Lady Meredith Hargreaves when he proposed to another. But when he becomes free to pursue her, it’s too late for she’s on her way to the altar….. As Christmas approaches, Chetwyn vows to lure Lady Meredith back into his arms.
No Groom at the Inn by Megan Frampton 
I think this one was actually my favorite in the collection. It’s back to that great trope of a pretend relationship turned real. I just loved the characters and the way they work together to try to fool everyone into thinking they are engaged. I think what made the trope work particularly well in this story are the reasons they are pretending – James because he doesn’t want to be pursued relentlessly for marriage… or break his mothers heart; Lady Sophronia because her father passed away and she needs a place to live to have her independence, which he’s offering her. So they both are throwing everything into it – not realizing that they are actually falling in love. A great story and I really wanted more!James Archer detests his mother’s matchmaking ways. When ordered to attend a Christmastime house party filled with simpering maidens, he produces a fiancée-Lady Sophronia Bettesford. James and Sophronia pretend to be in love for one month. But their pact soon turns into love.
The Duke's Christmas Wish by Vivienne Lorret This one took a little getting into – it just wasn’t quite as compelling as the other stories. I enjoyed the way science and technology was involved – the hero liked inventing things and the heroine had a knack for understanding them as well. But since that’s not my thing, it didn’t excite me as much as the other books. But still, the characters were very likeable and enjoyed watching them fall in love, despite being supposedly wrong for each other… according to The Duke’s very own marriage formula.To the Duke of Vale, science solves everything-even marriage. When the impulsive Ivy Sutherland makes him question all of his data, he realizes that he’s overlooked a vital component in his search for the perfect match: love.
Wouldn’t this fit into the Christmas in July? I’m holding others I have until that time. Anne – Books of My Heart
Lol yeah I should, but that would mean rescheduling and it was enough effort to get it scheduled one time 🙂