a_ab's review
4.0
This collection of short novellas is both entertaining and fun. Nothing pretentious - just plain good entertainment and exactly what I needed as a palette cleanser.
brookeonbooks's review against another edition
3.0
This is a collection of three historical romance novellas that share a common element: all feature an autumn masquerade ball in the story line. I greatly enjoyed all three stories, which were set in Regency England, depicting strong female characters who know their own mind as they navigate perilous romantic waters in an era where love matches were not at all the thing. I appreciated that two of the three stories included an epilogue to nicely conclude the tale. I was also pleased that one of the novels focused on a male lead that was not a wealthy, titled gentleman as the romantic male character so often seems to be.
ghumpherys's review against another edition
5.0
Not surprisingly, I loved this collection! This seems to be a new series from the Timeless Romance Anthologies (which I adore). Instead of six novellas, this collection has only three and they are all Regency stories. These are some of my very favorite authors and I love being able to read each story in a sitting. And of course, the happy endings always make smile!
In this collection, each of the stories has something to do with a masquerade ball. I think I enjoyed all of the stories equally -- there was a girl trying hard act so that a potential suitor would not like her (often with hilarious results), there was a shy girl who was able to gain some confidence behind a mask, and there were twins who had to trade places. Loved them all!
I received a free e-book of this book in exchange for an honest review.
In this collection, each of the stories has something to do with a masquerade ball. I think I enjoyed all of the stories equally -- there was a girl trying hard act so that a potential suitor would not like her (often with hilarious results), there was a shy girl who was able to gain some confidence behind a mask, and there were twins who had to trade places. Loved them all!
I received a free e-book of this book in exchange for an honest review.
kathleenmcg's review
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
nicolepeck's review against another edition
4.0
A Merry Dance by Josi S. Kilpack: This was a fun story with entertaining characters and story line. There was a lot of humor in this one that I appreciated, as well as how the characters began falling in love with each other. It got a bit sticky towards the end when Neville made a reappearance and Lila had to come to terms with her feeling for both men. There were many sweet moments as well, though the immaturity of Lila frustrated the situations sometimes as well. A great read!
Unmasking the Duke by Donna Hatch: Hannah is very shy, but she thinks the Duke of Suttenberg is extremely stuck-up, especially since he never seems to remember having met her every time he encounters her. However, the autumn masque changes all that when behind their masks they meet at the ball, neither knowing who the other is. Hannah's personality blossoms behind her Aphrodite mask and falls for the charming Musketeer who notices her and listens to her opinions and enjoys her conversation. This was a fun, light, and enjoyable novella trying to connect the two characters after the ball as the Duke tries to discover the identity of his Aphrodite, while Hannah shies away after realizing that her Musketeer is indeed the Duke!
What's in a Name? by Nancy Campbell Allen: What happens with identical twins whose personalities are complete opposites living with an aunt who favors one over the other and pushes her toward marriage with a duke when she's in love with the village doctor? They switch places, of course! A cute story about two love stories, though the focus is mainly on the duke and Penny's story, with Persephone's and the doctor's being secondary. A cute, funny, enjoyable, entertaining story.
Overall, I enjoyed the theme of the masquerade balls in each story. While the stories were sometimes predictable and cheesy, I still enjoyed the entertainment and break from reality. :)
***I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.***
Unmasking the Duke by Donna Hatch: Hannah is very shy, but she thinks the Duke of Suttenberg is extremely stuck-up, especially since he never seems to remember having met her every time he encounters her. However, the autumn masque changes all that when behind their masks they meet at the ball, neither knowing who the other is. Hannah's personality blossoms behind her Aphrodite mask and falls for the charming Musketeer who notices her and listens to her opinions and enjoys her conversation. This was a fun, light, and enjoyable novella trying to connect the two characters after the ball as the Duke tries to discover the identity of his Aphrodite, while Hannah shies away after realizing that her Musketeer is indeed the Duke!
What's in a Name? by Nancy Campbell Allen: What happens with identical twins whose personalities are complete opposites living with an aunt who favors one over the other and pushes her toward marriage with a duke when she's in love with the village doctor? They switch places, of course! A cute story about two love stories, though the focus is mainly on the duke and Penny's story, with Persephone's and the doctor's being secondary. A cute, funny, enjoyable, entertaining story.
Overall, I enjoyed the theme of the masquerade balls in each story. While the stories were sometimes predictable and cheesy, I still enjoyed the entertainment and break from reality. :)
***I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.***
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