Great collection of period erotica. ( )

Well, this one definitely delivers on what the blurb offers. Overall, this was a pretty good collection of stories, meaning that there were more that I liked than I disliked.

Lips Like Heaven (M/F) - The writing of this one was cute. I love when authors play with using funny and archaic euphemisms.

The Engagement Party (M/F) - I wanted this story to be part of a longer book. Really interested in what happened afterwards. Seriously, is there a book version of this story? Cause if there is, I want it. Now.

Hitting The Right Notes(M/F/F) - Less successful for me. For some reason Lily immediately came across as much younger than I think she actually was, so I was immediately off-balance and that just continued til the end.

Wanton Wagers (M/F) - Adorable! I really am a sucker for adorable couples, and I wanted to read more about Anne and John. So cute.

The Kiss (M/F) - This was the least successful story of the bunch for me. I don't like infidelity, and in the end just really did not like Sidonie. This one also ends on something of a cliffhanger. Not sure if it actually leads to more, or was just written to leave the reader guessing, but it definitely leaves you wondering what happened next.

The Lady and the Maid (F/F) - I got the idea of this one pretty early on, and it just isn't my thing so I skimmed it. Well written and seemed sweet.

The Architect (M/F, F/F, M/F/F implied) - This story seemed to want to shove too much into too short a medium. It felt like a larger story truncated to just the sexy bits. Would have been better with more character development but of course there wasn't room.

Peekaboo Lace (M/F) - Interesting until it was confusing, and then I was interested again because I wanted the confusion cleared up. Too bad I'm still confused about what exactly their relationship was and why she was running all over England with him chasing behind.

Christmas Carol (M/F) - Words not to use in sexy scenes: Chewing. Bloated. Hairy. Mauled. Thoughts I was left with at the end? Enjoy that UTI, Carol.

ARC courtesy of HarperCollins UK, Avon, via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. ( )

*Book source ~ NetGalley

Historical romances are typically depicted as being prim and proper with little in the way of steaminess. Well, they used to be. Nowadays they can be quite steamy. They also rarely tell the tales of those who keep things running smoothly for the rich and privileged. This anthology is the exact opposite with nine steamy tales of things that could possibly have happened behind the scenes of any manor house.

Lips Like Heaven by Donna George Storey ~ Naughty naughty. And nom! One of my favorites.

The Engagement Party by Alegra Verde ~ Eh. Some would call this a spanking good time, but I’m not too impressed with this one.

Hitting the Right Notes by Rose de Fer ~ A nice twist to this one. A favorite.

Wanton Wagers by Morwenna Drake ~ It’s ok.

The Kiss by Ludivine Bonneur ~ Least favorite.

The Lady and the Maid by Kathleen Tudor ~ Another favorite.

The Architect by Mina Murray ~ Meh.

Peekaboo Lace by Flora Dain ~ Oooh…love the twist ending.

Christmas Carol by Heather Towne ~ Another meh. ( )