A Very Scandalous Holiday (Entangled Scandalous)

by Professor Nancy Fraser, Sophia Garrett, Amber Lin, and Crista McHugh

[Angie]

I received an ARC through NetGalley.

A Very Scandalous Holiday is a charming collection of Historical Romance novellas set around the holiday season. They're each from a different time period and have varying levels of holiday cheer and steam. Overall, I did enjoy it, although none of them particularly stood out to me.

Letters at Christmas by Amber Lin ★★★☆☆

This story follows Sidony and Hale's reunion after a three year seperation. They were childhood friends and teenage lovers before Hale set off to sea in order to make his fortune. He didn't want to marry Sidony as a poor man, and he promised to write to her every day that he was away. Well, Sidony didn't received a single later and she is understandably angry when he returns. Hale bets her that she'll accept his marriage proposal before Christmas Day, three days away. Over the next three days, they have several tender moments and some steamy ones! By Christmas, Sidony realizes that letters mean nothing, she just wanted him back home, safe, and with her. As far as holiday cheer goes, this one contains the hottest sleigh ride I have ever seen. Other than that, it was just okay.


Eight Tiny Flames by Crista McHugh ★★★★☆

Set during WWII, Captain Joseph Klein and Leuitenant Ruth Mencher are an army doctor and nurse based near the front lines. Both are Jewish, although Joe keeps it secret. However, Ruth insists on lighting her menorah with him every night, and indulging in some games and dancing. Their romance was very subtle but very sweet! I liked how this story centered about Hannakuh rather than Christmas, since it's not something I've read much about.

Erin’s Gift by Nancy Fraser ★★☆☆☆

I was most excited for this one, since it takes place in 1920 Chicago. Unfortunately, I feel like that amazing setting went to waste. It started off great, with Erin being dragged to a speakeasy with her rich friends. There's a raid and everyone is arrested. Lucky for Erin, her BFF's brother, Seth, is a lawyer and he bails them out, but sadly he can't help her keep her room at the boarding house or her job which have strict rules regarding jail time. Then Seth gives Erin the position as nanny to his son, and she comes to live with them. They spend Thanksgiving and Christmas together and of course fall in love. The story was sweet, but overall it was quite boring. The love story paled in comparison to Erin's flashy night out with friends.

An Eternity of You by Sophia Garrett ★★★☆☆

We're back to the Regency period with this one. The Duke of Sharrington has just returned to town after his father's passing only to find everything in ruin. While he was trying to escape his past, he completely missed his father's failing mental health and ability to care for their properties. Now he's back and determined to set things straight, and get a second chance at love with the local surgeon. I liked this one because I'm a fan of misunderstands and enemies to lovers. Rebecca believes that the duke just abandoned her and turned a blind eye to their son, when really he had no clue. He's desperate to prove his love to her and win her back, and they share a few steamy scenes. This is one story that I would have liked to read a full length book of. I think it would have been stronger if their romance could have been developed more.

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.