In Love and War by Carla Kelly

Approximately 225 pages.
Beloved romance writer Carla Kelly shares a treasured collection of wonderfully written stories of dashing war heroes and the sassy heroines who can’t help falling for them. From daring sea captains to genteel lords, there’s a little something for every heart’s fancy. Readers everywhere will adore these four regency romances—now available together for the first time in one must-have book!

This collection includes 4 short stories:

*The Light Within--Blessing, a widow from America, meets a hopeless man who has just returned from Waterloo.

I thought this was a great story. I felt sorry for the hero, since his older brother gambled away pretty much everything they owned, but I found him to be quite funny. He would say things that would come across in ways that he didn't mean them to. 

*A Hasty Marriage--Ann, a spinster in her early 30s, goes to help her old governess and meets a sea captain from America, who suddenly sets sail when war breaks out...with her on board his ship.

I really enjoyed the interactions between Ann and Hiram. I loved how he meant to show her affection in one way and ended up doing more than he'd planned on. I loved the "kidnapping." Their hesitant attraction for one another was so endearing...and obvious, even though they both seemed in denial about it.

*Something New--A major brings an orphaned girl to his lieutenant's wedding and everyone wants him to get rid of her...everyone except the bride's widowed sister, Audrey.

I love how the heros in these stories act like twitterpated fools and do the unexpected. The women are almost as bad, but it's so darling and makes me sigh. Marie Deux was just an adorable little orphan girl who succeeded in fulfilling her wishes and bringing love back into the lives of those around her.

*The Background Man--A man who runs a classy hotel seems content with life...until a female guest shakes things up.

These stories really are fun and a great escape. I enjoyed the romance in this one as well, although I must admit, the middle two stories were my favorites. This is a really fun series with stories that satisfy.

I would definitely give this collection 5 Stars! It was darling and each story was different, yet had that bond of love and war to tie them together. A definite must-read for any Carla Kelly and *clean* romance fan.

Meet the Author:

Award-winning author Carla Kelly is a veteran of the New York and international publishing world. The author of more than thirty novels and novellas for Donald I. Fine Co., Signet, and Harlequin, Carla is the recipient of two Rita Awards (think Oscars for romance writing) from Romance Writers of America and two Spur Awards (think Oscars for western fiction) from Western Writers of America. She is also a recipient of a Whitney Award for Borrowed Light and My Loving Vigil Keeping.