Julia Quinn

Karen Hawkins

Suzanne Enoch

Mia Ryan

Who Stole Lady Neeley's Bracelet? Was it the fortune hunter, the gambler, the servant, or the rogue? All of London is abuzz with speculation, but it is clear that one of four couples is connected to the crime. Lady Whistledown's Society Papers, May 1816 Julia Quinn enchants: A dashing fortune hunter is captivated by the Season's most desired debutante . . . and must prove he is out to steal the lady's heart, not her dowry. Suzanne Enoch tantalizes: An innocent miss who has spent her life scrupulously avoiding scandal is suddenly—and secretly—courted by London's most notorious rogue. Karen Hawkins seduces: A roving viscount comes home to rekindle the passionate fires of his marriage . . . only to discover that his beautiful, headstrong bride will not be so easily won. Mia Ryan delights: A lovely, free-spirited servant is dazzled by the romantic attentions of a charming earl . . . sparking a scandalous affair that could ruin them both. You'll hear it first from Lady Whistledown

Lady Whistledown Strikes Back

Connor 

maybe 3.5--I really just did not enjoy Mia Ryan's story in this one. Overall I found these four not as well done as the previous collection, but still entertaining. (I totally called the solution to the mystery from the first, too, although perhaps that's not surprising.)

Tate

Rating: 3.5 stars 

Favorite Quotes:
	“I looked at you twice, and I saw what you are,”
		“And what is that?”
	“Mine.” 

Summary: A historical romance anthology all threaded together in Lady Whistledown columns and the hunt for a missing ruby bracelet. A self-confessed fortune hunter and the season’s greatest heiress. A respectable young Miss secretly courted by the most notorious rake. Estranged spouses tentatively rekindling a once flaming passion. An ambitious servant, a charming Earl, and their scandalous romance.

Review: The nature of a romance anthology entails a rushed plot and an ‘insta-love’ devotion to each other. The test that I believe measures the quality of a novella is if I would read a full-length novel 
The First Kiss by Julia Quinn
Again, Quinn has penned my favorite of the four. Peter and Tillie were so sweet, and I loved that Tillie was really the one who pursued Peter and knew what she wanted. Peter’s respect and reverence for Tillie really cemented that he was less a greedy fortune hunter and more possessed practical knowledge that he cannot provide for a family without a sizable dowry. My favorite part was Peter’s conversation with Tillie’s father, ugh so sweet!
The Last Temptation by Mia Ryan
Belle was a good protagonist who had a unique ambition and drives. Truthfully, all that I remember of Anthony’s character was that he was supportive of Belle’s ambition of a trade, apart from that there was nothing remarkable about him. This was cute but forgettable.
The Best of Both Worlds by Suzanne Enoch 
The rake and the respectable Miss. that they fall hard for is a trope that will always hit the spot for me. Xavier’s relentless courting and Charlotte’s parents scheming to keep them apart was utterly entertaining. I loved how Charlotte grew in confidence as the plot unfolded and her parents essentially serving as antagonists created a compelling dynamic. 
The Only One For Me by Karen Hawkins 
	A relatively interesting premise but ultimately the details were not enough to keep me engaged. The reason for the estrangement was rocky and it didn’t make me sympathize with either Max or Sophia, and their reconciliation journey was very much one-sided. I found Sophia and Max to be both frustratingly stubborn and I am certain I could not have endured a full-length novel following these two!

Lady Whistledown Strikes Back

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