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juliannerose99's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars rounded up- the .5 marked off because of the very end, otherwise I loved this book. The emotional depth of this book really surprised me in the best way- it starts off as a wager between two best friends for the rakish lord to get five kisses from a determined spinster (who we knew from the prologue had been cruelly jilted at the altar while pregnant 5 years before), and while both characters showed immediate like ability I cringed at the deceit of the wager to Lizzie, who had already been through enough betrayal.
But, the book pivoted quickly into a deep relationship between Hal and Lizzie, joined together against a mutual enemy, a lord looking to blackmail Lizzie into marriage. It was refreshing to have a book which starts with a trope where you imagine a third act breakup from hidden motives and misunderstandings, to a book which follows two people falling deeply for each other in a caring, compassionate, and sexy relationship.
Virginia Heath is always good at bringing real character depth to her romances, so the conflicts and burgeoning love between Hal and Lizzie were all highly believable and I could hardly put the book down while reading, to see how it would all play out!
**spoiler!**
My one (pretty huge) frustration was the very end when Hal acknowledged Lizzie’s son as his own in a public party without first consulting her ! ! ! It was out of left field for his very caring, loving character- and while it sped up a HEA, I wish he and Lizzie had discussed it in private and she gave her permission first before being put on such a public spot. I liked how the book acknowledged the gender imbalances of regency social politics of the time, and how Hal and Lizzie worked to overcome this, but please gosh do not take away a mother’s agency in this public way (!!). :/
But, the book pivoted quickly into a deep relationship between Hal and Lizzie, joined together against a mutual enemy, a lord looking to blackmail Lizzie into marriage. It was refreshing to have a book which starts with a trope where you imagine a third act breakup from hidden motives and misunderstandings, to a book which follows two people falling deeply for each other in a caring, compassionate, and sexy relationship.
Virginia Heath is always good at bringing real character depth to her romances, so the conflicts and burgeoning love between Hal and Lizzie were all highly believable and I could hardly put the book down while reading, to see how it would all play out!
**spoiler!**
My one (pretty huge) frustration was the very end when Hal acknowledged Lizzie’s son as his own in a public party without first consulting her ! ! ! It was out of left field for his very caring, loving character- and while it sped up a HEA, I wish he and Lizzie had discussed it in private and she gave her permission first before being put on such a public spot. I liked how the book acknowledged the gender imbalances of regency social politics of the time, and how Hal and Lizzie worked to overcome this, but please gosh do not take away a mother’s agency in this public way (!!). :/
scoutmomskf's review against another edition
5.0
This was a fun book to read and kept me hooked from beginning to end. It opens with a prologue describing Lizzie's excitement at marrying the man she loves, despite others' warnings that he isn't to be trusted. That fact becomes all too clear when her fiancé fails to appear for the wedding, having eloped with a richer girl instead. Devastated and pregnant, Lizzie relies on her family's support. She has her baby, and with their help, raises him in secrecy.
Five years later, her father is determined to find Lizzie a husband, while she is equally determined to remain single. Forced back into society regularly to endure her father's attempts, she swears this will be the last time. She has her own plans for her future, starting the day after Twelfth Night. In the meantime, she must endure her father's parade of eligible "dullards."
Hal Stuart is confused and troubled. He spent most of his adult life indulging in every rakish vice he could find and avoiding all responsibilities, reveling in angering his cold, controlling father. In the year since inheriting the title, Hal discovered that he likes estate management, testing his mettle in the financial markets, and even listening to the debates in the House of Lords. Even worse, he seems to have lost all interest in sowing the wild oats he's sure he still has in him. He also has no interest in falling victim to the hordes of debutantes determined to snag his very eligible self. In an effort to cheer him up, Hal's brother-in-law challenges him to The Mistletoe Wager. Hal must get five separate kisses, in five different locations from a woman of Aaron's choosing. Supremely confident in his abilities, Hal accepts. Then he learns that his target is "Sullen" Lizzie Wilding.
In the first pages, I wasn't sure I was going to like Hal. The bet, and his overwhelming confidence that he would win, put me off a little bit. But I also had the feeling that there was more to him than it appeared, simply because of how he already left his rakish ways behind him. I loved the first meeting between Hal and Lizzie. She was doing her best to hide from her persistent suitors when Hal joined her. I loved how she had no trouble informing him that he was wasting his time if he was trying to flirt with her. Hal quickly realized his original plan wasn't going to work, switched tactics by telling her that he was also hiding, and using her as a shield against "the baying hordes." Hal was immediately intrigued by her wit and beauty, and I loved their banter as she tried to drive him away. I enjoyed his proposition that they team up and protect each other during the upcoming month of Christmas festivities.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Hal and Lizzie. Though she first rejected his idea, she quickly came to realize that it would have its benefits. Over the next week, they sought each other out at various functions, becoming fast friends as they talked about anything and everything. I loved seeing Lizzie go from tarring Hal with the same brush as her ex-fiancé to realizing that there was much more to him. Meanwhile, Hal found himself more and more fascinated by Lizzie, seeing the intelligent and fun woman beneath the standoffish exterior. There were some terrific scenes of their growing friendship. My favorite was the one at Hambly's toy store. I loved watching Hal help Lizzie pick out a veritable army of toy soldiers for her son, even though he didn't know it at the time. Lizzie returned the favor after a hilarious conversation about his efforts as the "naughty uncle" buying for his nieces.
I loved watching the trust between Lizzie and Hal blossom. Lizzie doesn't trust easily after her ex-fiancé's betrayal. That trust was critical, as Lizzie called upon Hal's vow to be there for her if she needed him. The first instance was when her father sprung a dinner party on her; one that included three of his "dullard" choices as suitors for her. A panicked note to Hal inviting him to the same dinner brought him running. That dinner was fantastic as Hal showed those men up as what they were, both subtly and bluntly.
That trust became even more vital when one of Lizzie's suitors enlists her ex-fiancé in a scheme to blackmail her into marrying him. Ockendon knows more than Lizzie realizes, and his threats against her, her son, and her father plunge her into despair. I loved seeing Hal's protectiveness and support even before he found out about her son. That discovery provided a small bump in their relationship, though Hal recovered quickly and came through it like a champ. He realized that "Lizzie was his friend. She was in trouble. An innocent little boy was in trouble, too."
I loved watching the amiable and charming Hal as he transformed from a lovable scoundrel to a warrior protecting his woman. There was no doubt in my mind that he would succeed in finding a way to protect the woman he loved. His efforts were thorough and determined, and he refused to give up. His actions were vividly described, and I was on the edge of my seat as each step was revealed. The final confrontation was tremendous and I loved how Hal pulled it off. I ached for Lizzie, who by this time knew that she had fallen in love with Hal, but was also convinced that she was not worthy of him because of her past. The ending was fantastic with an unexpected solution that warmed my heart and made me love Hal even more.
Five years later, her father is determined to find Lizzie a husband, while she is equally determined to remain single. Forced back into society regularly to endure her father's attempts, she swears this will be the last time. She has her own plans for her future, starting the day after Twelfth Night. In the meantime, she must endure her father's parade of eligible "dullards."
Hal Stuart is confused and troubled. He spent most of his adult life indulging in every rakish vice he could find and avoiding all responsibilities, reveling in angering his cold, controlling father. In the year since inheriting the title, Hal discovered that he likes estate management, testing his mettle in the financial markets, and even listening to the debates in the House of Lords. Even worse, he seems to have lost all interest in sowing the wild oats he's sure he still has in him. He also has no interest in falling victim to the hordes of debutantes determined to snag his very eligible self. In an effort to cheer him up, Hal's brother-in-law challenges him to The Mistletoe Wager. Hal must get five separate kisses, in five different locations from a woman of Aaron's choosing. Supremely confident in his abilities, Hal accepts. Then he learns that his target is "Sullen" Lizzie Wilding.
In the first pages, I wasn't sure I was going to like Hal. The bet, and his overwhelming confidence that he would win, put me off a little bit. But I also had the feeling that there was more to him than it appeared, simply because of how he already left his rakish ways behind him. I loved the first meeting between Hal and Lizzie. She was doing her best to hide from her persistent suitors when Hal joined her. I loved how she had no trouble informing him that he was wasting his time if he was trying to flirt with her. Hal quickly realized his original plan wasn't going to work, switched tactics by telling her that he was also hiding, and using her as a shield against "the baying hordes." Hal was immediately intrigued by her wit and beauty, and I loved their banter as she tried to drive him away. I enjoyed his proposition that they team up and protect each other during the upcoming month of Christmas festivities.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Hal and Lizzie. Though she first rejected his idea, she quickly came to realize that it would have its benefits. Over the next week, they sought each other out at various functions, becoming fast friends as they talked about anything and everything. I loved seeing Lizzie go from tarring Hal with the same brush as her ex-fiancé to realizing that there was much more to him. Meanwhile, Hal found himself more and more fascinated by Lizzie, seeing the intelligent and fun woman beneath the standoffish exterior. There were some terrific scenes of their growing friendship. My favorite was the one at Hambly's toy store. I loved watching Hal help Lizzie pick out a veritable army of toy soldiers for her son, even though he didn't know it at the time. Lizzie returned the favor after a hilarious conversation about his efforts as the "naughty uncle" buying for his nieces.
I loved watching the trust between Lizzie and Hal blossom. Lizzie doesn't trust easily after her ex-fiancé's betrayal. That trust was critical, as Lizzie called upon Hal's vow to be there for her if she needed him. The first instance was when her father sprung a dinner party on her; one that included three of his "dullard" choices as suitors for her. A panicked note to Hal inviting him to the same dinner brought him running. That dinner was fantastic as Hal showed those men up as what they were, both subtly and bluntly.
That trust became even more vital when one of Lizzie's suitors enlists her ex-fiancé in a scheme to blackmail her into marrying him. Ockendon knows more than Lizzie realizes, and his threats against her, her son, and her father plunge her into despair. I loved seeing Hal's protectiveness and support even before he found out about her son. That discovery provided a small bump in their relationship, though Hal recovered quickly and came through it like a champ. He realized that "Lizzie was his friend. She was in trouble. An innocent little boy was in trouble, too."
I loved watching the amiable and charming Hal as he transformed from a lovable scoundrel to a warrior protecting his woman. There was no doubt in my mind that he would succeed in finding a way to protect the woman he loved. His efforts were thorough and determined, and he refused to give up. His actions were vividly described, and I was on the edge of my seat as each step was revealed. The final confrontation was tremendous and I loved how Hal pulled it off. I ached for Lizzie, who by this time knew that she had fallen in love with Hal, but was also convinced that she was not worthy of him because of her past. The ending was fantastic with an unexpected solution that warmed my heart and made me love Hal even more.
abderiandumpling's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
alisonb's review against another edition
5.0
Loved this story- it has everything! I didn’t highlight much because it would have been too much. There were secrets, and wagers, secret child, jilted bride, wonderful humor, and a slow burn romance. I have to read this again!
arthur_pendrgn's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.25
It's a blend of a modern single mother and the trappings of the Regency. It beggars belief that no one--not governesses, tailors, seamstresses, grocers, neighbors, passersby--would have learned there was a child in that house.
rani_reeds's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
jessbookishlife's review
5.0
This book was amazing. I only put it down because I had to go to sleep, but once I woke up I got back to it.
Like I said before, this is my first Virginia Heath's book so I wasn't familiar with her style or writing, and that's something I love when I find a new-to-me author and get to read their books for the first time. It's all new and exciting, and I know I will re-read her book again and again in the future. And I will certainly recommend it when people ask me for a Christmas book.
The story starts with the female main character, Elizabeth 'Lizzie' Wilding, waiting in the church for her fiance, the man she thought as the love of her life, only to have him jilt her. ['jilt', a new word for me, which isn't a surprise since I haven't read many historical romances and English isn't my first language.] The fact that he jilt her, left her facing a scandal, not only because he was leaving her for another woman, but he was also leaving her pregnant.
Then the story jumps 5 years, Lizzie is now older and has sworn off men, and sworn of marriage. She just wants to be left alone, happy and contempt, with her little boy, George. She has decided to leave her aristocratic life and move away, so she can have peace and so that Georgie can have a normal childhood, like any other kid, that's what Lizzie wishes for herself but most importantly for her son. A normal life where George doesn't have to hide forever.
Unfortunately for her, Lizzie's father has other ideas, and has decided that she needs to get married, that it would be in her best interest to find a husband that could protect her. So, there she is, in a ballroom, where she ends up meeting Henry 'Hal' Stuart, Earl of Redbridge.
(I'm not going to give any spoilers about the rest, this is just the initial part of the book.)
There were a lot of funny moments. Lizzie and Hal's interactions were fun to read and they certainly had chemistry. He tries to break her walls little by little with every meeting and every conversation they have, which makes me so happy. And she's now like other women, what makes him even more intrigued by her.
I love Lizzie. She has this fire-y personality and she's not afraid to say what she thinks. She's very protective of her family, and especially of her son, which totally makes sense, she's a mom. A really good mother and everything she does, she does it for him, for Georgie. And that warms my heart and makes me so happy. That at first I was always thinking "I really hope she gets happiness soon because she deserves it."
Hal... What can I say about him? I know I would have a lot of fun with this book once I started reading about him and his and his brother-in-law talk. He's a new Earl, and all the single women are attracted to him like his the new shining object at the shore. But he doesn't want them, he got bored at all that attention and he doesn't want to get married.
As I was reading the book, I could see that he wasn't just a gorgeous and funny man, Hal's smart and kind, a loving man, loyal to his family and he certainly loves his nieces, the two Hellions-in-training, also know as Prudence and Grace, he's the naughty uncle and has "invested hours schooling them in the subtle art of practical jokes and taught them to be resourceful with the materials at hand." (page 95)
Overall it was such a festive and fun book to read. There were some turns and twist that made me stay at the edge of my seat. I could say more, but then I could be also say some spoilers so I'm not risking it. All people need to know if that if the want to enjoy a good, funny and amazing love story during Christmas time, this is a book for you.
That been said, do I recommend this book? Of course I do!
It was a 5* read, so I absolutely recommend this book to every one.
Like I said before, this is my first Virginia Heath's book so I wasn't familiar with her style or writing, and that's something I love when I find a new-to-me author and get to read their books for the first time. It's all new and exciting, and I know I will re-read her book again and again in the future. And I will certainly recommend it when people ask me for a Christmas book.
The story starts with the female main character, Elizabeth 'Lizzie' Wilding, waiting in the church for her fiance, the man she thought as the love of her life, only to have him jilt her. ['jilt', a new word for me, which isn't a surprise since I haven't read many historical romances and English isn't my first language.] The fact that he jilt her, left her facing a scandal, not only because he was leaving her for another woman, but he was also leaving her pregnant.
Then the story jumps 5 years, Lizzie is now older and has sworn off men, and sworn of marriage. She just wants to be left alone, happy and contempt, with her little boy, George. She has decided to leave her aristocratic life and move away, so she can have peace and so that Georgie can have a normal childhood, like any other kid, that's what Lizzie wishes for herself but most importantly for her son. A normal life where George doesn't have to hide forever.
Unfortunately for her, Lizzie's father has other ideas, and has decided that she needs to get married, that it would be in her best interest to find a husband that could protect her. So, there she is, in a ballroom, where she ends up meeting Henry 'Hal' Stuart, Earl of Redbridge.
There were a lot of funny moments. Lizzie and Hal's interactions were fun to read and they certainly had chemistry. He tries to break her walls little by little with every meeting and every conversation they have, which makes me so happy. And she's now like other women, what makes him even more intrigued by her.
I love Lizzie. She has this fire-y personality and she's not afraid to say what she thinks. She's very protective of her family, and especially of her son, which totally makes sense, she's a mom. A really good mother and everything she does, she does it for him, for Georgie. And that warms my heart and makes me so happy. That at first I was always thinking "I really hope she gets happiness soon because she deserves it."
Hal... What can I say about him? I know I would have a lot of fun with this book once I started reading about him and his and his brother-in-law talk. He's a new Earl, and all the single women are attracted to him like his the new shining object at the shore. But he doesn't want them, he got bored at all that attention and he doesn't want to get married.
As I was reading the book, I could see that he wasn't just a gorgeous and funny man, Hal's smart and kind, a loving man, loyal to his family and he certainly loves his nieces, the two Hellions-in-training, also know as Prudence and Grace, he's the naughty uncle and has "invested hours schooling them in the subtle art of practical jokes and taught them to be resourceful with the materials at hand." (page 95)
Overall it was such a festive and fun book to read. There were some turns and twist that made me stay at the edge of my seat. I could say more, but then I could be also say some spoilers so I'm not risking it. All people need to know if that if the want to enjoy a good, funny and amazing love story during Christmas time, this is a book for you.
That been said, do I recommend this book? Of course I do!
It was a 5* read, so I absolutely recommend this book to every one.
beamcas's review
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
lamcginnisbooks's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed this book- thought it was a winner from the very first page! Hal is positively swoon-worthy, and Lizzie is the heroine we all wish we could be! The pacing is great, which makes for a fun read!