How the Dukes Stole Christmas

A Holiday Romance Anthology

By: Tessa Dare, Sarah MacLean, Sophie Jordan, Joanna Shupe

Narrated by: Justine Eyre

Christmas magic is in the air... From the ballrooms of London, to abandoned Scottish castles, to the snowy streets of Gilded Age New York, four bestselling authors whip up some unforgettable romance...with a little help from some enchanted shortbread.

""Meet Me in Mayfair"" by Tessa Dare
Louisa Ward needs a Christmas miracle. Unless she catches a wealthy husband at the ball tonight, the horrid, heartless Duke of Thorndale will evict her family from their beloved Mayfair home. But when her friend begs to switch dance cards, Louisa finds herself waltzing with the enemy: the horrid, heartless--and unexpectedly handsome--Thorndale himself. Now the duke's holding her future in his hands...and he's not letting go.

""The Duke of Christmas Present"" by Sarah MacLean
Rich and ruthless, Eben, Duke of Allryd, has no time for holidays. Holidays are for whimsy and charm--the only two things his money cannot buy. Lady Jacqueline Mosby is full of both, even now, twelve years after she left to see the world. When Jacqueline returns for a single Christmas, Eben can't resist the woman he never stopped loving...or the future that had once been in reach. It will take a miracle to convince her to stay...but if ever there were a time for miracles, it's Christmas...

""Heiress Alone"" by Sophie Jordan
When Annis Bannister's family leaves her behind in the rush to escape an impending snowstorm, she finds herself stranded in the Highlands, left to fend off brigands terrorizing the countryside, robbing homes locked up for winter. Her only hope falls on her neighbor, a surly hermit duke who unravels her with a look, then a kiss ... until she fears the danger to her heart outweighs the danger of brigands and snowstorms.

""Christmas in Central Park"" by Joanna Shupe
Women all over America devour Mrs. Walker's weekly column for recipes and advice. No one knows Rose, the column's author, can't even boil water. When the paper's owner, Duke Havemeyer, insists she host a Christmas party, Rose must scramble to find a husband, an empty mansion, and a cook. But Duke is not a man easily fooled and she fears her perfect plan is failing--especially when Duke's attentions make her feel anything but professional. To save her career will she give up her chance at love?

Only one story worth the credit.

I was disappointed in this anthology, particularly the second story, which was so tedious. The only story that earned an A was the one by Joanna Shupe.

A Delicious Taste of Christmas

The continuing thread of shortbread cookies will make your mouth water. Okay, the magic cookies sound vile but the results are positive. I enjoyed each unique story of finding unexpected love during the holidays. Christmas is a time of romance and magic, add in strong characters and you have a recipe that will delight. You don’t have to wait until next Christmas to enjoy these holiday stories.

4 Fun Christmas Novellas

Each of these 4 short stories still felt like full novels due to the details & character development where I felt immersed. So fun to have 4-in-1! Three ongoing themes throughout all 4 stories are: Dukes, Christmastime, and Shortbread (hilarious descriptions of Shortbread in each + a recipe at the end).
All four read like regency novels, but the third story for whatever reason the narrator does not have an accent.
Loved the first story, enemies to lovers and so sweet how they come together, some found family. The banter!
The second story was a little more depressing in that bone deep long-lost intense love with some Notebook vibes (but happier ending), past and present, and some comedic relief. 12 years apart is rough!
The third story is sweet, a great plot resulting in found family and change of plans, with a little danger along the way. Funny characters in this one!
The fourth story was another great plot resulting in found family as well. Super funny at how she accepts she cannot cook/bake. Intriguing deception & ruses!
All in all, all four were great plots and I enjoyed them. Note: Open door bedroom scenes in all but the first story.

Disappointing narration

I hate to speak ill of Justine Eyre’s narration, but it was painful at times to listen to. Her voicing of the male leads, in particular, was distracting and disappointing. And the attempt at annunciating every word (i.e.- “I do not wish...”) made the interaction feel unnatural.
The stories were “ok”.

Good

I like this grouping of fun Christmas stories. The 1st and last stories where the best. The middle 2 stories were good. The third story was sort of a Home Alone take off. My biggest issue with it was the sudden ending. I was hoping for some epilogue where her family comes back for her and her sisters realize she won the elusive Duke. Bit disappointing that it just ended with no real wrap up. The fourth story was a direct steal from a 1940s Christmas movie "Christmas in Connecticut"...one of my favorites. I don't mind a "redo" and this one was first rate. Justine Eyre was good, her male voice was good. Overall I would recommend. It was a fun Christmas compilation.