A gentleman undone - Cecilia Grant

Lydia Slaughter understands the games men play—both in and out of the bedroom. Not afraid to bend the rules to suit her needs, she fleeces Will Blackshear outright. The Waterloo hero had his own daring agenda for the gaming tables of London’s gentlemen’s clubs. But now he antes up for a wager of wits and desire with Lydia, the streetwise temptress who keeps him at arm’s length.

A kept woman in desperate straits, Lydia has a sharp mind and a head for numbers. She gambles on the sly, hoping to win enough to claim her independence. An alliance with Will at the tables may be a winning proposition for them both. But the arrangement involves dicey odds with rising stakes, sweetened with unspoken promise of fleshly delights. And any sleight of hand could find their hearts betting on something neither can afford to risk: love.

My thoughts:

So this was one of those where a courtesan gets to marry a nobleman, and we all know that in the end no one will give a f.

Lydia is a courtesan. Her protector is young, handsome, but she does want to be on her own. Maybe she could gamble and earn some money...duh, yes she will. She is also wicked smart when it comes to numbers.

Will fought at Waterloo, sold his commission and now he just wants to earn money to save a widow. I mean I got you lost one of your men, but I am pretty sure more died and also left widows behind. But fine, help that one.

They meet, they find that might be able to help each other. And he will fall for her, and she, well I never really felt her part. To be honest, it just felt like she understood he was a better catch and went for it. I am not a romantic today it seems. But hey, that does not mean she can fancy him still, and understand that he will give her a better life.

Conclusion:
Lots of gambling. Some passion and drama´.

Mass Market Paperback, 350 pages
Published May 29th 2012 by Bantam
Blackshear Family #2
Historical romance
Own

2 Xmas novellas- Historical romance style

With one more errand to go—the purchase of a hunting falcon—Andrew Blackshear has Christmas completely under control. As his sister’s impending marriage signals the inevitable drifting-apart of the Blackshear family, it’s his last chance to give his siblings the sort of memorable, well-planned holiday their parents could never seem to provide. 

He has no time to dawdle, no time for nonsense, and certainly no time to drive the falconer’s vexing, impulsive, lush-lipped, midnight-haired daughter to a house party before heading home. So why the devil did he agree to do just that? 

Lucy Sharp has been waiting all her too-quiet life for an adventure, and she means to make the most of this one. She’s going to enjoy the house party as no one has ever enjoyed a house party before, and in the meanwhile she’s going to enjoy every minute in the company of amusingly stern, formidably proper, outrageously handsome Mr. Blackshear. Let him disapprove of her all he likes—it’s not as though they’ll see each other again after today. 

…or will they? When a carriage mishap and a snowstorm strand the pair miles short of their destination, threatening them with scandal and jeopardizing all their Christmas plans, they’ll have to work together to save the holiday from disaster. And along the way they just might learn that the best adventures are the ones you never would have thought to plan. 

My thoughts:

Xmas freebie was on my mind as I downloaded this book and at once I went to my nook.

Reading about a couple, oh forget this, I can't rhyme.

Andrew needs a hunting bird and meets Lucy. She wants to go to a xmas party, he is all proper and stiff.

Long story short, he saves the day so she can attend the party but boom! they get stranded and get to know each other. And fall in love :)

Cute and fun.

Kindle Edition, 188 pages
Published December 4th 2014 by Cecilia Grant
Blackshear Family 0.5
Historical romance
Own

Down through the years, enchantment touches a tall gray house in Grosvenor Square. The legend of Lady Winterson’s Christmas ball promises true love and happiness to one lucky couple. Who will feel the magic this winter?

1803 - The Seduction of a Duchess by Shana Galen 

Rowena Harcourt, the Duchess of Valère, never forgot the handsome footman who helped her escape the French Revolution. For fourteen years, Gabriel Lamarque has loved Rowena—now at Lady Winterson’s Christmas ball, has fate finally delivered a chance to win her hand?

1818 - One Kiss for Christmas by Vanessa Kelly 

Nigel Dash is London’s most reliable gentleman, a reputation he never minded until he fell in love with beautiful Amelia Easton. Unfortunately, Amelia sees Nigel as a dependable friend, not a dashing suitor. At Lady Winterson’s famous Christmas ball, Nigel vows to change Amelia’s mind—by sweeping her off her feet.

1825 - His Christmas Cinderella by Anna Campbell 

At the season’s most glittering ball, a girl who has never dared to dream of forever after discovers a Christmas miracle.

1830 - The Last First Kiss by Kate Noble 

Susannah Westforth has always loved Sebastian Beckett – but he’s only ever seen her as a friend. When Sebastian takes his Grand Tour, Susannah transforms herself into a woman he’ll notice. Now Sebastian is back, just in time for Lady Winterson's Christmas ball – but the last thing he expects to see is his little Susie, all grown up...

You’re invited to join the whirling dance at Lady Winterson’s sparkling Christmas ball, where miracles happen and true love shines forever. How can you resist? 

My thoughts:

1803 - The Seduction of a Duchess by Shana Galen 

It was a good short story. I got the backstory and could just fall into the world. Also it was nice that an older woman found romance for once. Wohoo for her! And with a younger man ;)

The story does mention people from her series, but it works splendidly as it is.

1818 - One Kiss for Christmas by Vanessa Kelly 

This was a sweet story where the beta gets the girl. And I liked Nigel, sure he was dependable, but hey when did that turn bad? He was wonderful :) I am glad she finally saw the light.

1825 - His Christmas Cinderella by Anna Campbell 

A Cinderella story, where I went all awww, how sweet! A girl of meager means gets her Lord :)

1830 - The Last First Kiss by Kate Noble 

I did like this one, he came back, and she was all changed and he was all no! You are my little Susie! But oh no, she was a woman now. And he fell fast and then they lived happily ever after.

I liked these short stories! Cute, fun and they all took place during this Winter Ball :) Perfect before xmas.

Kindle Edition, 166 pages
Published October 10th 2013
Historical romance
Own