Then He Kissed Her

Rating:
Summary: 3 novellas in the 1700s & 1800s
Review: Love Passages by Kate Donovan
When Miranda is sent to Ryan Collier's home to be the governess to his three cousin's children, she fears she won't get to position because he thinks she's too young. He agrees, though, to give her a trial run with the two 'barbarian' boys, and the angel of a little girl. But what he doesn't know is that in the secret passages in the house lie his sister's lover and the cousin who was accused of stealing a diamond necklace, the same cousin who's children Ryan is guardian to. What he also doesn't know is that Miranda does know!
This was probably my favorite novella. This story was cute, to say the least. In the beginning, these two are unfailingly polite and aloof with each other. As the story goes on, however, I thought that Ryan turned an about-face too quickly, going from mean ogre to kindly Prince Charming. After this abrupt change, though, I liked him a lot. My favorite cahracter was Nick, the cousin accused of stealing the necklace. He was so funny and an unexpected change.

When Morning Comes by Lori Handeland
When Seth receives a letter from a lawyer informing him that his friend Henry Elliot has been killed in the Civil War and that his wife has died as well, AND that they have a child Henry wanted him to look after for him, he rushes to Virginia to see to it. Little does he know that there aren't just one but five children of various ages to look after. Add to that the southerner Ella, who was best friend to Henry's wife, will not allow a Yankee soldier to care for the precious children she loves as her own.
The only thing I didn't like about this story was that Ella left him on the first day alone with a hungry baby, an angry twelve-year-old boy, two young girls and another little boy just to show him how unskilled he was, and that he should go back to Boston where he came from. That wasn't too smart on her part.

Her Kilt-Clad Rogue by Julie Moffett
When Genevieve arrives in Scotland to take care of childhood friend Connor's eight-year-old son, she doesn't expect the coldness of the boy, or the determination of the man. Nor does she expect Connor to have been accused of murdering his wife!
This one was a little of a disappointment. Ewan, the son, was a little brat, to say the least. He had never even met an Englishwoman, yet he condemned Genevieve for something he knew nothing about. Connor, however, was a great hero. Wonderfully sexy and determined to remind Genevieve how much she loved him.

All in all, this set of stories was entertaining and a great light read.

Rating:
Summary: Add this one to the keeper shelf--Very highly recommended
Review: THEN HE KISSED HER brings together three of the strongest historical romance authors of our times, showcasing their unique voices. Authors Kate Donovan, Lori Handeland and Julie Moffett combine secret passage ways, hidden treasure and outrageous antics in a collection historical romance about governesses that fans will adore. Add this one to the keeper shelf!

Love Passages by Kate Donovan: After his adult sister's antics, Ryan has no patience for his three young charges or the new governess, Miranda Kent, who is much too young for the position. Rather than sending her packing, however, he agrees to give her a trial period to prove her abilities. It does not take long for Miranda to learn of the secret passages and lovers trysts, or for her own heart to long for what she does not have. Marvelous characterizations bring this novella vividly to life.

When Morning Comes by Lori Handeland: A friendship torn apart by the civil war has unexpected outcome when Yankee soldier Seth Torrance "inherits" his best friend's five children and property in Virginia. Out of desperation, he appeals to neighbor Ella Fontaine for help. However, Ella resents his taking over the children she has been caring for and his Yankee heritage. The children of this story add unexpected delight to a powerfully told tale.

Her Kilt-Clad Rogue by Julie Moffett: After ten years, Genevieve Fitzsimmons recalls her coming out in London and her interlude with Connor Douglas. He broke her heart once and she does not intend to give him the opportunity to do so again, even if she has come to the Scottish Highlands to become the governess of Ewan, Connor's son. Shocked by rumors that Connor murdered his wife and by his son's outrageous behavior, Genevieve becomes all the more determined to succeed. Little does she suspect the depth of Connor's feelings or how their lives will be transformed. Cultural clashes and old wounds provide impetus for new beginnings.