REVIEW: What Happens Under the Mistletoe by Sabrina Jeffries, Karen Hawkins, Candace Camp and Meredith Duran

What Happens Under the Mistletoe was a captivating historical holiday romance anthology with all four stories centering around the lovely tradition of hanging a mistletoe. Well, that–and more importantly–what happens to our characters after they encounter that first lovely kiss. With such well known authors in the genre as Sabrina Jeffries, Karen Hawkins, Candace Camp and Meredith Duran, how could this collection be anything less than stellar?
 
The Heiress and the Hothead started this anthology off with a bang. Amanda Keane and Lord Stephen Corry find themselves at odds when it comes to the subject of running a cotton mill. But they have no problem with their mutual attraction. As the owner of a mill in America, Amanda is very particular in keeping her workers safe. Stephen, however, has only seen the dark side of local mills and reports on it as a journalist. When the two come together to investigate one such company, can they put aside their differences, and their desires, to help local families from risking their lives for the profit of a unsavory businessman?

He burst into laughter. “You do speak your mind.”
“As often as I can.” And he was the first man to say so without it sounding like a criticism. To her annoyance, that softened her toward him. Somewhat.

Linking in with her Sinful Suitors series, Sabrina Jeffries managed to capture not only the feeling of giving back during the holidays, but she also paired two highly intelligent, strong-willed individuals for our reading pleasure. The title of this novella certainly gives a good feel for what the character’s personalities will be like, and what fun! I loved the verbal give-and-take between Stephen and Amanda along with the smart dialogue. The focus was split between their growing relationship and the plight of the local townspeople, specifically one particular family. With a fiery ending, literally, and tons of heartfelt emotion, I devoured this story.
 
Next up was Twelve Kisses to Midnight. Former lovers Marcus Sutherland and Kenna Stuart parted ways on bad terms, ending their relationship with each laying the blame on the other party. Years later when they have a passionate kiss under the mistletoe with mistaken identity to blame, their passion burns just as bright as it did before. Kenna’s attempt to flee the scene turns out trapping her and Marcus together in a blizzard with no one to distract them. What happens next depends upon their willingness to let the past go and embrace a new future full of honesty and openness.

‘She was here, in his arms, and all of his fury and pain from years long gone burst to the surface and would not be assuaged with anything less than possessing her, tasting her, silencing her every word with firm, possessive kisses.’

Who doesn’t love a good reunion story? And not only that, but this was also a ‘snowed in’ trope, so Karen Hawkins blessed us with a twofer. With all of that, plus the iconic Scottish sense of humor thrown in for good measure, what a gem Twelve Kisses to Midnight was. I do wish this one was a bit longer so we could have had more time with Kenna and Marcus, but I enjoyed being witness to their fights, their revelations, and definitely their reconciliation.
 
By Any Other Name finds spunky Rylla Campbell donning a disguise to search for her missing older brother Daniel. In her late night escapades, she encounters the handsome Gregory Rose in Edinburgh and their paths continue to cross. Gregory is insistent on learning the true identity of the lovely lady who has captured his heart. But Rylla must keep her true name a secret in order to protect her family, and, as it turns out, her heart as well.

“I want only to see you again.” He kissed the inside of her wrist. “Let me call on you.”
“No! You must not. Please stop trying to see me.”
“I cannot.” He stepped closer. “You bewitch me. Beguile me.” He raised a hand, curving it against the side of her face. “Please. Don’t run from me.”

If you love a bit of adventure with your passionate romance, Candace Camp’s offering is the story for you. I had a ball reading about Rylla and Gregory getting to know each other and falling in love. The things Rylla did were outrageous for the time, but it fit with her personality so well. And Gregory was such a nice guy, but he had bit of a naughty side that made this story seductive. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that there was a subplot here, with Rylla’s close friend Eleanor and Gregory’s cousin Sir Andrew finding themselves at odds, as well. That was a fun addition to the story, for sure!
 
Last but certainly not least, we have Sweetest Regret. Georgie Trent and Lucas Godwin met two years ago and had a connection that defied explaining. For a month, they carried on great conversations and shared personal stories, hopes and dreams. But they went their separate ways, neither knowing the truth behind the end of their relationship. When Lucas unexpectedly arrives at Georgie’s family home for the holiday, will they be able to end the animosity? And will their love still remain after so much time apart?

‘In that moment, he remembered everything he’d tried so long to forget. How fondly she had once gazed on him. How badly he’d ached to win her laughter, and to keep her good opinion. But he’d never had it in the first place. That had been made very clear to him.’

What a beautiful story. There was plenty of holiday charm with Georgie entertaining her father’s guests with the local English customs. But the reunion of Lucas and Georgie was what truly held me captive. I loved that we were shown a natural progression of their emotions. They started off hurt, lonely and wondering what really happened to make them part ways. Once they quit throwing verbal barbs at each other (lots of fun!) and began to communicate, that’s where things got sweet and oh-so romantic. Meredith Duran did a fantastic job with her novella and it made me want to run out and grab a bunch more of her stories to read.
 
I really can’t recommend What Happens Under the Mistletoe any more highly to historical romance lovers. This collection had the perfect balance of romance and Christmas cheer, making it simply a joy to read.

Book Info:

Publication: Published October 27th 2015 | Pocket Books | (Anthology)

New York Times bestselling authors Sabrina Jeffries, Karen Hawkins, and Candace Camp, and USA TODAY bestselling author Meredith Duran come together for a sizzling historical romance holiday anthology.

Stunned by the heat of an unexpected kiss on a cold winter’s eve, two strangers from vastly different worlds turn hotheaded principles into burning passion in Sabrina Jeffries’s delightful yuletide story, “The Heiress and the Hothead”.

In the snowy Scottish countryside, Karen Hawkins’s rakish duke has an unforgettable holiday encounter in “Twelve Kisses” when the alluring lady he surprises under the mistletoe is not who he expected, but a long-lost love with a score to settle.

In “By Any Other Name”, Edinburgh is aglitter for Christmastime as Candace Camp sends a curious gentleman in hot pursuit of an intriguing lady in disguise—one who refuses to reveal her true identity, though she fears he has already stolen her heart with his kiss.

In “Sweet Ruin”, will the festive spirit of the season sweep Meredith Duran’s feisty heroine beneath the mistletoe—and back into the arms of the dashing rogue whose carelessness soiled her reputation and sent her into exile in London?

In this all-new story collection sparkling with sexy charm and heartwarming wit, four beloved bestselling authors reveal the mix-ups and make-ups, the missed chances and golden opportunities that come but once a year.