Category: Novella

Kiss Me, Kitty by Shana Galen – A Duke by Any Other Name Anthology

On By TracyIn Anthology, Georgian Era (1714-1837), Movie / Story Retelling, Novella, Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820), Series Crossover, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

A Duke By Any Other Name: A Historical Romance AnthologyA Duke By Any Other Name: A Historical Romance Anthology by Shana Galen

Tracy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: A Duke by Any Other Name Anthology

Release Date: February 14, 2025

NOTE: I only read Shana Galen’s contribution “Kiss Me, Kitty”, so my general rating of 4.5 stars for the book is based on that story.

When Edmund Peters learns that his family’s neighbor, the Viscount Featherswallow is trying to marry off his eldest daughter, Miss Katherine “Kitty” Featherswallow, he rushes to London to stake his claim before she is betrothed to another. Edmund has loved Kitty for years, but it never seemed like the right time to tell her, but now that her father has decided that she must marry before her younger sister, he knows he has to speak up or risk losing her. And knowing Kitty as he does, he knows he has his work cut out for him, but he also knows she is worth the effort.

With her younger sister Bianca, being endangered by fortune hunters, their sends her to the country and makes it known that Bianca cannot wed until Kitty is married. Bianca and Kitty are as different as night and day, Bianca is petite, soft-spoken and kind, Kitty is not, she is tall, voluptuous and aggressive. Most men are terrified of her and she is fine with that, but when Edmund arrives and makes it clear that he wants to marry her, it terrifies her. And despite her feelings for him, she doesn’t believe that he could really love her. Will she take a chance or will she let her fears ruin her chance for true love?

This was a very cute short story twist on the “Taming of the Shrew” is part of the “A Duke by Any Other Name” Anthology. Kitty and Edmund have been friends for most of their lives and it is clear that their relationship was established long before this story begins, so despite being a short story, it doesn’t feel rushed or incomplete. This story is tied to the Twenty-One days with the Lyon novella and if you are reading both, I would recommend reading that book first. Overall, this was a cute story that was a quick, fun read and one I would be happy to recommend.

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

Miss Barton’s Mysterious Husband by Anna Campbell

On By TracyIn Christmas, Georgian Era (1714-1837), Novella, Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820), Series Crossover, Top Pick - Highly Recommended, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Miss Barton’s Mysterious Husband (Mayfair Christmas Romance, #1)Miss Barton’s Mysterious Husband by Anna Campbell

Tracy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: Mayfair Christmas Romance, #1 & Cinderellas of Mayfair, #0.5

Release Date: December 10, 2024

When Sir Roland Destry sets out from London to visit his friend Sir Hugo and his family for Christmas, he could never have imagined the turn his life was about to take. For the last three years, his life has been dark and joyless, but an epic storm and a washed-out bridge are about to bring him face to face with the only woman he has ever loved, Charmian Barton, his wife. Glaring at him as if he is the reason he hasn’t seen her in three years! Well, now that he has finally found her, and he isn’t leaving until he gets some answers!

Charmain Barton, the daughter of a wealthy self-made man, met Sir Roland Destry at a house party and fell head over heels in love with the charming young man. When he proposed, she happily agreed, and they eloped. But after only two weeks of wedded bliss, an argument separated our lovers and has kept them apart ever since. But now Roland is here at her aunt’s inn, and she wants answers, even if her aunt Janet seems to be trying to get rid of him as soon as possible!

This was a well-written, sweet (and spicy) second-chance romance. I loved Roland and Charmain, they were clearly in love and despite the betrayal that kept them apart for three years, neither gave up hope of one day reconciling. I loved that they actually talked to each other, rather than assuming they knew what happened and when they learned the truth of their long separation, I love that they confessed their love and regretted their youthful fight and the time it cost them. I do think they went easy on the person that kept them apart, but it was Christmas, and they got their happy ending (and an epilogue) so, all’s well that ends well in this delightful story. This is the prologue to a new series, so this is the perfect place to start. I loved this book and am happy to recommend the title to my fellow romance lovers (especially if you love a good second chance romance)!

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