“‘Twas the Night After Christmas” is a delightful historical romance by Sabrina Jeffries that poignantly depicts the defining elements that shaped the“‘Twas the Night After Christmas” is a delightful historical romance by Sabrina Jeffries that poignantly depicts the defining elements that shaped the hedonistic Earl of Devonmont who was used as a foil in the machinations of the Sharpe siblings (from the series 'The Hellions of Halstead Hall') as well as by his own cousin who became part of that illustrious family. The counterpoint of the interaction between the Earl and his estranged mother and the unwilling dance of attraction for his mother’s companion is a deftly handled tale that contrasts the public and private personas that each presents. I enjoyed the gradual blossoming of the relationships between a damaged soul who discovers that there are others who have their own scars to bear and the women who care for him in their own ways. It is a wonderful description of how each person’s experience colors their perceptions which may or not bear any resemblance to reality. A wonderfully romantic tale that evokes the Christmas season yet can be appreciated at any time of the year, I look forward to more stories in this delightful series.
Pierce Waverly lost his parents at the age of eight, not because of their deaths but because they ceased to interact with him directly. The bewildered heir succeeded to the title and became the Earl of Devonmont upon his father’s death but failed to reconcile with his mother despite her overtures which came much too late, as far as her proud son was concerned. The widowed Camilla Stuart treasures her position as companion to the dowager, Lady Devonmont, but wants to alleviate the sadness she sees in the woman she has come to treasure. Camilla’s methods are a little radical and she quickly discovers that the emotionally armored Earl demands payment for his grudging cooperation with results that she failed to anticipate. The problem is that she has secrets of her own that may cause her to regret meddling in a situation that has been painful for both stubborn participants but the benefits of reconciliation may be a Christmas gift that none of them could have ever predicted. A lovely and heartwarming story that showcases the talents of gifted author.
submitted to Night Owl Reviews
A copy of this title was provided in exchange for an honest review...more
“Fascinated” by Marissa Day continues her tale of a Regency England that is populated by Sorcerors and Catalysts as well as non-magical humans. Edward“Fascinated” by Marissa Day continues her tale of a Regency England that is populated by Sorcerors and Catalysts as well as non-magical humans. Edward Randall, Baron Carstairs is part of a club of magic users who work for the Crown to help protect England against the depredations of the Fae. He has resigned himself to a practical loveless marriage with the unremarkable Alicia Hartwell and is startled to realize that his complacent bride-to-be has a decided interest in certain lascivious activities but doesn’t seem to be consistent about her reactions. Alicia has always felt rather removed from her emotions and is unable to explain why she feels so little comfort in her family other than her cousin Verity. The shockingly carnal pictures that Edward helps her experience aid him in reaching through the mists that muffle Alicia’s emotions but also make her more susceptible to attacks. Together they must find an answer to the puzzle behind Alicia’s affliction even as they search for a way to protect themselves and their country from the most powerful Fae they have ever opposed.
Ms Day is very adept at combining the rigid codes of behavior that are characteristic of Regency novels and turning expectations on their heads by exploring the sexuality of her characters in sometimes unexpected settings. This heroine’s apathy is breached by encouraging her voyeurism and giving her the courage to grasp her own passion. Exposure (figuratively and literally) to multiple carnal encounters including M/M and a menage a trois allow Alicia to become a sensual being despite efforts to keep her oppressed.
Lady Jessica Sheffield marries Benedict Sinclair, Viscount Tarley, escaping her abusive father by marrying the suitor he has chosen for her. Alistair Lady Jessica Sheffield marries Benedict Sinclair, Viscount Tarley, escaping her abusive father by marrying the suitor he has chosen for her. Alistair Caufield has dealt with his own demons by becoming an excellent lover and flees from the siren who tempts him with her innocence. Seven years later, Jessica is a widow and Alistair is confident and successful enough to court and seduce her. Jessica's sister has also fled their abusive father but has landed in a marriage that is a living nightmare, unaware that Jessica's brother-in-law, Michael, has pined after her for years. Both women must shed their pasts in order to grasp their future but radical changes in their attitudes will be required before they can have any significant change in their situation. A sensual and enthralling tale of redemption and salvation....more
Very nicely crafted Regency novella, complete with atypical characters who have come from very difficult backgrounds to recreate themselves as respectVery nicely crafted Regency novella, complete with atypical characters who have come from very difficult backgrounds to recreate themselves as respectable members of society. Intriguing connection between a Bow Street Runner and a dressmaker who has a sideline of her own. Great as a compact tale peopled with interesting characters, would be even nicer as a novel....more
3 1/2 stars. An intriguing look at one woman's desperate ploy to retain the estate that she has come to care deeply for...not for its profits but rath3 1/2 stars. An intriguing look at one woman's desperate ploy to retain the estate that she has come to care deeply for...not for its profits but rather for the people who staff it. Martha Russell, new widow, decides to hire her neighbor to perform stud service so that she can claim a pregnancy and hopefully obtain a male heir for the property. The neighbor, Theophilus, is astounded by the forthright woman who does not want to experience carnal pleasures, just to receive his seed. Theo has been sent to Sussex to learn how to administer an estate and in hopes that he will mature from his excesses. The unlikely pair slowly teach each other more than they ever imagined as they attempt to fulfill the requirements of their unusual bargain. The story was a bit slow at first but gradually unfolded so that the characters demonstrated some depth. Not sure how comfortable I am with the justification for the potential defrauding nor the collusion between the two but this was a nice debut and I will look forward to other works from this author....more
Edward, the Earl of Heyward, wouldn't have wanted the title the way he inherited it. He had a comfortable existence, had desultorily made plans for hiEdward, the Earl of Heyward, wouldn't have wanted the title the way he inherited it. He had a comfortable existence, had desultorily made plans for his future matrimony with his comfortable friend and thought he was content to never love. Lady Angeline Dudley turns all of his preconceived notions on end and refuses to be cowed by her unhappy childhood. Despite very little in common, the two of them gradually learn about love and romance even though there are significant obstacles to their relationship. Another exquisitely penned romance from a wonderfully lyrical and romantic author....more
Daphne Joyce has provided shelter to many women who have secrets in their past and it is understood that none of them will pry into each other's backgDaphne Joyce has provided shelter to many women who have secrets in their past and it is understood that none of them will pry into each other's backgrounds nor feel obligated to reveal anything. The death of the Duke who owns the property that Daphne has parlayed into a thriving business which provides flowers and plants to much of the ton's households causes her to need to interact with the dissolute Duke of Castleford. He is puzzled by the bequest of four small properties and begins by meeting the lovely Daphne and deciding that she will be his next romantic conquest. She, of course, has her own opinion of this plan and does her best to thwart the arrogant nobleman. The jaded Duke is strangely willing to change his well-established patterns but that may not be enough to capture his reluctant prey who has plenty of secrets to protect. Nice cameos from the heroines of the previous volumes in the series....more
Not sure if it's the characters or the plot that I found a bit uncomfortable. Tortured brother returns home to look for missing married sister, finds Not sure if it's the characters or the plot that I found a bit uncomfortable. Tortured brother returns home to look for missing married sister, finds her best friend risking reputation to also search. Group of women all with dysfunctional marriages, very dark story....more
Gideon Rosedale has never known any other life except that involved with being a prostitute. He is hired to travel to Scotland and act as a companion Gideon Rosedale has never known any other life except that involved with being a prostitute. He is hired to travel to Scotland and act as a companion to Lady Isabella Stirling whose husband has sequestered her there for the past 5 years. The youthful passions that Isabella displayed have been crushed out of her spirit but she gradually starts to trust Gideon as he reawakens her desires. The question is whether she can give her heart and body to a man who is not her husband and who may not be able to give an equal trade in return. A different twist on typical Regency romance which focuses on uncomfortable subjects told with a sensuality and unflinching honesty....more
Nicely escalating story, Sebastian St. Cyr's friend, surgeon and anatomist Paul Gibson, embroils him in a murder mystery when the illegally obtained cNicely escalating story, Sebastian St. Cyr's friend, surgeon and anatomist Paul Gibson, embroils him in a murder mystery when the illegally obtained corpse displays signs of an assassin's touch rather than the weak heart which was ostensibly the cause of death. Sebastian and Lady Hero Jarvis are still coping with the repercussions of their unplanned intimate encounter and the antipathy between her father and everyone else does not help. Ongoing tensions between England and many other countries, including the upstart United States complicate the investigation as more and more foreign policies begin to become pertinent to the case. Macabre humor abounds as the stolen corpse is in great demand. St. Cyr's background continues to be alluded to as he copes with his changed circumstances. Enjoyable addition to the series....more
Third in The Hellions of Halstead Hall series, focuses on Minerva Sharpe, author and barrister Giles Masters who has hid his activities for the Home OThird in The Hellions of Halstead Hall series, focuses on Minerva Sharpe, author and barrister Giles Masters who has hid his activities for the Home Office behind an insouciant facade. Minerva has loved him since his support of her as a child but he has successfully pushed her away for years. She obtained her revenge by using a thinly disguised version of him in her books but he seizes the perfect opportunity to woo her when she tries to thwart her grandmother's plans to see her wed. The problems arises when his penchant for deceit and misdirection encounters her demands for absolute truth. The mystery of Minerva's parents' unsavory deaths continues to slowly unravel as another of the Hellions meets a match. ...more
Beyond Innocence: Edward Burbrooke goes to extreme lengths to protect his younger brother Freddie from becoming ostracized for his homosexual tendenciBeyond Innocence: Edward Burbrooke goes to extreme lengths to protect his younger brother Freddie from becoming ostracized for his homosexual tendencies. Unfortunately the young country innocent, Florence Fairleigh, groomed to become Freddie's bride is an irresistible temptation to Edward himself.
Beyond Seduction: Headstrong Lady Merry Vance goes to very extreme lengths to avoid being forced into a marriage that she doesn't want. Living with and posing as the model for artist Nicolas Craven succeeds in destroying her reputation but certainly broadens her education as well as changes his lifestyle. He has no idea that the young maid that he has rescued and moved into his house is a highborn innocent but he is quite willing to educate her in the mysteries of passion while he attempts to paint one of his masterpieces....more
Vivacious widow is flighty and fashionable. Bereft best friend returns to town with last bequest and discovers that he is going to have to deal with wVivacious widow is flighty and fashionable. Bereft best friend returns to town with last bequest and discovers that he is going to have to deal with widow far more than he would like. Final task takes both on trip to foreign lands and forces them to face uncomfortable truths about who is truly a friend. A bit superficial and somewhat difficult to have empathy with all of the characters....more
Beauty and the Brute by Virginia Henley follows a pair who were married through the machinations of tA sensual trio of tales set in Regency England.
Beauty and the Brute by Virginia Henley follows a pair who were married through the machinations of their gambling fathers when she was an immature 13 years old and he was a callow undisciplined 18 year old. He leaves immediately for a Grand Tour and matures into a seasoned responsible adult while she develops into a Toast of the Ton. Three years later he returns and decides to seduce his innocent bride and establish a true marriage but she has her own agenda. A bit disturbing given the age of the bride and the resolution of their issues is a bit abrupt, not to mention that horse riding astride while wearing a habit is scandalous but the story has nicely penned intimate encounters.
How to Seduce a Wife by Kate Pearce addresses the communication problems between a husband who is trying to treat his wife as an object on a pedestal while she is searching for the ardent lover that his reputation had led her to expect. She seeks for the lusty relationship found in her books while he wants to avoid creating the unhappy marriage of his parents. A house of sexual pleasure may be the best way for them to learn to share their deepest desires. Delightfully spicy novella with engaging characters and imaginative solutions.
Not Quite a Courtesan by Maggie Robinson introduces the Shaw brothers whose interactions with heiress cousins are complicated by the risque nature of the family businesses. The cousins have had their own disappointing experiences of married life but the brothers will try their best to resolve matters so that all parties are well content. An entertaining look at a slightly bawdy business enterprise intermixed with a look at some of the salacious objects brought back from other countries as souvenirs. An entertaining erotic farce....more
Meg Gillingham inherited a pagan statue that grants wishes that have a "sting" in the solution. Glib Lord Saxonhurst crosses paths with her when she wMeg Gillingham inherited a pagan statue that grants wishes that have a "sting" in the solution. Glib Lord Saxonhurst crosses paths with her when she wishes for a solution to the lecherous landlord lusting after her sister and he is reminded that he has 24 hours to get married. He has an evil grandmother, Meg can't understand the antipathy and decides to meddle. A mysterious murder, eccentric but devoted servants, scheming relatives, and a misogynistic parrot all meld into an entertaining tale....more
Entertaining twist on the impoverished female becoming a teacher to support herself while fleeing from wicked relative theme. Difficult to be tasked wEntertaining twist on the impoverished female becoming a teacher to support herself while fleeing from wicked relative theme. Difficult to be tasked with teaching young marriageable females the joys of the marriage bed when one's own marital status has been lied about. The seductive artist/neighbor is an exceedingly adept tutor and their interactions are enjoyable, not bad for an initial effort....more