Duke in a Box: Twelve Steamy Historical Holiday Novellas
This was a limited edition/release Holiday anthology, released 2022. Unfortunately, it's out of print, but if you can find a copy, I encourage you to pick it up!
My review: 4/5 Stars
This was a fun anthology! I did feel like some of the stories were too short/too fast and there were a couple where it felt like you already had to know the backstory/characters, but it was still a fun read and gave me more authors to add to my TBR!
The Duke Who Came to Christmas Dinner by Amy Rose Bennett 3 Stars! This was okay but things moved quickly. I did like how Anna finally laid everything on the line regarding her feelings for Thomas, although I did wish she'd bothered to actually talk to him when things went south rather than putting words in his mouth. Thomas was decent as well and I liked that he finally realized how he felt and put actions behind his words.
Mrs. Peabody and the Unexpected Duke by Grace Callaway 4 Stars! I think this was one of my favorites! I loved the relationship between Mrs. Peabody and Hawker even when it was just sniping. I loved that Hawker knew how he felt and didn't back down when Mrs. Peabody tried to make him. The series this came from has actually been on my TBR for a bit, but I might have to start it just so I can see more of them!
Yule Be My Duke by Darcy Burke 3 Stars! This one was okay. I did feel like the animosity between Cecilia and John was ridiculous because they were both responsible for what happened between them and everyone's reactions were just childish. Honestly, I feel like Cecilia was out of line, more than John even. At least when we saw the scenes from his POV, he was more of a klutz than actively malicious. The snake thing was out of line, I'll admit, but everything else was ridiculous. And Cecilia's choice in getting him lost was admittedly inspired but kind of lacking in planning because weather not withstanding, she didn't seem to have planned on animals or lack of light. But I did like that they finally talked to each other and worked things out.
The Frosty Duke by Lila DiPasqua 3.5 Stars! This was pretty cute. I laughed at Lewis' reaction to Ella because he was so shocked, but I liked that he finally decided to help her out. His lessons were interesting and I liked that he told her to be confident. I liked Ella too. I did think her plan was a little dangerous/not as well thought out as it could be, but it was an inspired plan. I also liked Lewis standing up for her at the end.
Desert Island Duke by Kate Bateman 3 Stars! While Caro's amnesia response was a little ridiculous, I liked the relationship between she and Max. I feel like it was a little better when Max remembers things. It was interesting seeing the way Max had felt about her all this time and I did kind of roll my eyes at a few of his reasons for not doing anything. Their resourcefulness on the island was interesting and I liked how they were able to figure out how to find food and shelter and things.
Her Duke at Midnight by Christy Carlyle 3 Stars! This one needed to be longer. It was clear that something had happened previously that put Adam in his mood, and while it was explained to an extent, I just feel like we needed more to fully understand his reputation. I did like Cecily deciding to go after what she wanted, even before she realized she wanted Adam.
Her Duke With Benefits by Jess Michaels 3.5 Stars This was cute. I liked the second chance aspect and how they both acknowledged to having had feelings but had walked away. I also liked the gifts they exchanged because they were simple but also felt like they fit. I did wish we'd gotten a little more on Alice's relationship with her husband because it felt like she was misinterpreting a vow that she didn't have to.
The Duke Deal by Valerie Bowman 2.75 Stars I hate to say it, but I didn't like this one as much as I normally would. I love a good marriage in trouble/second chance story, I do. But the fact that they were in trouble because Veronica was too stubbornly stupid to bother talking and was also blaming Sebastian for her father's infidelity and then Sebastian was too proud to bother trying to push for Veronica to listen, just made me so frustrated. Honestly, I would have preferred he actually cheated. At least that would have made Veronica's actions more justified. Granted, she did acknowledged she'd been an ass but I still spent most of the story rolling my eyes every time she'd say "there's no more to say on the matter". Especially once she found things out about Sebastian's mother, the fact that every time she started to wonder, she immediately said "no, he's just like father" was frustrating. Sebastian wasn't much better but he could have told Veronica several things during their courtship, etc so he's not entirely blameless either. Although I can't fault his reasoning on some of the subjects.
Audacious by Minerva Spencer 3 Stars There was too much "we can't" talk that basically disappeared. I did like Toni pointing out that she was an adult but Lucas' constant "but your father" started to grate. I will admit that I laughed a little at the comment regarding Lucas' black eye at the wedding because you know there was a fight that's now over.
My Duchess, My Wife by Sasha Cottman 2.75 Stars This was one where it felt like you needed to already be "in the know" to fully understand the characters. I'd hoped for more sneaking off for private time, but we got a lot of Caroline refusing to let anyone else help her because then they might run out of blankets and Ewan wanting to have some of the sneaking off time. I will admit to being curious about the rest of the characters and their stories, but I feel like that shouldn't have been the focus of this story.
Undressing the Duke by Erica Ridley 3.5 Stars! I giggled at this one. Donovan was super adorable as he tried to fight his feelings for George and I kind of liked the fact that George was like "yeah but what if?" I did like the fact that George acknowledged not wanting to take up his post again because he'd already been sacked twice so who knew when Donovan would change his mind again. Then I liked Donovan's response and his decision to find his happiness even if it didn't mean a bride like his mother was pushing for.
Right Place, Wrong Duke by Elisa Braden 3 Stars! This was okay, but it needed to be longer. Lucie's plan was not well thought out at all (like Silas pointed out) but I feel like there needed more backstory because I'm guessing she hadn't thought out what to do if Dingwall said no. Or came out with guards. I liked Silas showing her she was desirable and how she started to care for him.
