A seductive thiefLady’s maid Molly Wilkins is done with thieving—and cheating and stabbing and all the rest of it. She’s determined to keep her hands to herself, so she really shouldn’t be tempted to seduce her employer’s prim and proper companion, Alice. But how can she resist when Alice can’t seem to keep her eyes off Molly?Finds her own heartFor the first time in her life, Alice Stapleton has … first time in her life, Alice Stapleton has absolutely nothing to do. The only thing that seems to occupy her thoughts is a lady’s maid with a sharp tongue and a beautiful mouth. Her determination to know Molly’s secrets has her behaving in ways she never imagined as she begins to fall for the impertinent woman.
Has been stolen
When an unwelcome specter from Alice’s past shows up unexpectedly at a house party, Molly volunteers to help the only way she knows how: with a little bit of mischief.
more
This is a super sweet little Tale about two women who certainly never expected to embark on a romance. Quick paced and frothy.
Some books are over far too soon, and some characters say goodbye long before we’re ready, but when the time spent together is this good, a reader can hardly complain.
A Little Light Mischief is a Regency romance between two young women in early 19th century London that’s as amusing and adorable as its leads. It’s a story of kinship, friendship, and companionship that is full of playful verbal sparring before the will-they/won’t-they romance finds its heart. Molly is a lady’s maid, a young woman who lives for a daughter she only sees for an hour each night, while Alice is the discarded daughter of a vicar, her reputation sullied by a vicious lie, who only wants to disappear and not be noticed. Their employer, Mrs. Wraxhall, is a woman I wish we saw more of, but what little we do see presents her as an uncommonly open-minded and supportive Lady who, I suspect, sees more than she lets on (especially towards the end).
These are all strong, independent women, full of purpose and passion. Each has been impacted by the men in their lives, but they have not allowed those experiences to define them. They’re as admirable as they are likable, which makes the blossoming romance something special. For the most part it’s stolen glances, soft caresses, carefully chosen words, hidden feelings, and romantic insecurities, but that makes the pivotal kiss that much more significant. I do love that mutual bosom appreciation was such a playful part of their flirting, as it fits so well with their banter.
There is a subplot of avenging the patriarchy in the latter chapters, but it’s less about revenge and more about empowerment, keeping the focus firmly on Molly and Alice. No spoiler, this is a happily-ever-after story, but it’s one that is well-earned and well-deserved. I’ll definitely be reading more of Cat Sebastian – no matter how many odd looks or sideways glances it earns me – because this was satisfying in a way that I needed.
This was a rather darling and charming novella and I totally enjoyed it. Alice and Molly were adorable together. Molly’s daughter, Katie was charming and well written and added not distracted from the story. Alice found her voice, Molly figured out herself. We got to see some Jack and Oliver which was VERY fun. It was just a pleasure to read and made my evening.
Do judge this book by its luscious cover!
London, January 1818
Molly Wilkins is happy to be a lady’s maid, it’s so much better than the life she led before. Alice Stapleton is bored; she’s grateful that Mrs Wraxall took her in as a companion, but Alice is not used to being decorative and embroidering handkerchiefs. This leaves her ample time to ogle Molly, and wonder if Molly is on the up-and-up. One evening Alice follows Molly on one of her mysterious errands. And it was the beginning of a very beautiful friendship.
A LITTLE LIGHT MISCHIEF is a lovely F/F romance, lovingly written with just a touch of steam. It was nice that the aristocracy was in the background, it gives us a look at how the other half lives. I absolutely adored Molly, so straightforward, no-nonsense, and very clever. Alice, as a vicar’s daughter never had a chance to assert herself, but getting closer to Molly emboldens her, and she finally fights for what’s hers. It was interesting to see that both women were much more alike than they had assumed. And what terrific banter they shared!
Of course, I would have loved for this novella to be longer; I can’t get enough of Cat Sebastian. But I was a little disappointed as the book is even shorter than I expected, because it contains a lengthy excerpt of A Duke in Disguise. Still, we get the necessary backstories, a solid plot, justice at last for Alice, and several sweet and touching moments. The ending and the (too short) epilogues are wonderful, even though I wanted more. Given the length of this book, I would not have expected any typos. There is only one, but seeing “annunciating” instead of “enunciating” was a bit of a shock, particularly in the finished product from a major publisher.
I must comment on the luscious cover; isn’t it something to behold? This charming story, although part of the Turner series, stands entirely on its own. Now, I have to wait for Cat Sebastian’s next book!