Once Upon a Christmas Eve by Elizabeth Hoyt (Maiden Lane #12.6)
Released: December 5, 2017
Historical Novella
Forever
Reviewed by Mandi
This is a really cute novella with great holiday cheer. Adam Rutledge, Viscount d’Arque, is not a fan of Christmas, but he adores his grandmother, which is why he finds himself escorting her to a friend’s house, for the holidays. But due to a bad winter storm, their carriage breaks down and Adam gets on his horse to find shelter, before his grandmother gets too cold. He finally sees lights in the distance, and knocks on the door of a mansion for to ask for hospitality. To his surprise, he knows the person that opens the door.
Sarah St. John (sister of Godric St. John from Lord of Darkness, book five) really isn’t a fan of Adam, who she has met at a ball or two during the season. She hates rakes – the way they charm their way through life. They are hosting some people for Christmas, and although Sarah isn’t a fan, she, along with Godric St. John and his wife, welcome Adam and his grandmother into their home. When his grandmother comes down with a bad cough during the night, they are stuck in the house until she recovers. Adam falls for Sarah hard, and courts (pretty quickly – it’s a short book!) her through Christmas eve.
I love a holiday novella that actually feels Christmasy and this one really does. They tromp through the snow and gather holly, they decorate for Christmas. There is a big ball on Christmas eve. Sarah goes from rolling her eyes at Adam’s antics to stealing kisses from him in dark corners. It’s really cute and I had a fun time reading it.
My Kindle copy ended at 75% so heads up for that. The romance is a bit rushed – it helps to know that going in. I hope Hoyt writes more of these novellas. I’m loving them.
Grade: B+
This does sound tempting! Thanks for the review, Mandi.