A frosty bluestocking and a hot-blooded rake. A stolen kiss and a Yuletide wedding. Sparks fly, but will hearts melt this Christmas?When confirmed bluestocking, Tessa Penrose, is thoroughly compromised at a Yuletide ball by Jasper, the Earl of Arlington, she is none too pleased to have to marry him. But not only her reputation is at stake. Can Tessa trust this disreputable rogue with a secret she … secret she will do anything to hide?
One thing is certain: she dare not trust her husband with her heart.
Author’s note: This novella originally appeared in the Bluestocking Belles’ Mistletoe, Marriage, and Mayhem box set.
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I enjoyed read this holiday read. Jasper and Tessa are a cute couple who by accident have been forced to marry. The writer wanted the readers to get familiar with the couple. She shared the couples background story that had led them to the alter. Both souls had heartfelt secrets that they needed to dare with one another. They struggled with, if they were to share these secrets, could they really be loved. This is a clean sweet read. I voluntary reviewed this ARC after receiving a free gifted copy.
Well done short story with the requisite happy end. Jasper is caught in a trap of his own making, but readily accepts his unexpected fate. Tessa is doubtful, but is willing to try for the best.
This is a very short book with an amazing wonderful story. Within the first chapter you will totally dislike Jasper Hargreaves, Earl of Arlington. He proves himself to be a rake and drunk. Jasper is a war veteran of the Battle of Waterloo . He has deep secrets from things that happened in the war and after . He is not social, doesn’t dance and prefers widows to bluestocking young ladies. So why does he find himself at the coming out ball for the youngest sister of his good friend Chris, the Viscount Trevilian. He find a corner to more or less hid in. When a lusty widow, Lady Montagu who had a tryst with him 18 months ago suggest they meet on the second floor landing he agrees whole heartily.
Tessa Penrose is the oldest sister of Chris, she is an artist, and spinster by choice. She also has deep secrets that she hid from all. She doesn’t like balls, dancing or most things the ton loves. She love being alone in studio with just her thoughts and paints. She leaves the ball for the quiet of her favorite place her studio, but Fate doesn’t let her enjoy long. She hears a couple in the hallway making their way toward her, and enter her room not knowing she is behind the curtains.
She is trapped, and has no choice but to hear what goes on between Jasper and Lady Montagu !
When her Aunt finds her and Jasper both together and kissing they are compromised. In 1816 if a young man and unwed Lady were found together doing just about anything they had to get married.
How will this end for either of them ? Neither wanted to get married every, both have secrets they hid from all.
So far Jasper has proved to be a pretty bad guy, and she is a shy young lady. Does Jasper have other side ? Does she ?
They have much to work on and out if either is to find a happy ever after.
This is a very fast read, with a lots of depth for a short story, trust me if you give it a chance your going to love it at the end.
I hope you do, I don’t usually read short stories but am glad I gave this one a try. Amy Rose Bennet is a great author and doesn’t disappoint….
Such an enjoyable read and I literally could not put the book down until I’d finished reading it! Tessa and Jasper are so perfect for each other and it goes to show no one needs to be perfect to have a HEA!! Highly recommend this book, very well written.
Beautiful
This was a very happy Christmas novella. When 2 people because of circumstance come together to find love is great.
This novella is the sweetest and most tender romance I’ve read in a long time. The writing is fluid and descriptive, and the characters are both likable and believable. This is a clean romance that is suitable for any reader. It is free of blatant sexual content and vulgar language. It is truly a perfect holiday read.