Sometimes long-held secrets are the very things that will eventually lead to freedom.Lady Amelia Jane Coventry-Smythe wants nothing more than to shut herself away to mourn in private all the people she lost from her life over the years. Unfortunately, peace is not hers, for the one man she never hoped to see again has just landed in her parlor by mysterious circumstances, with an invitation to … invitation to her Christmastide house party in hand… and her addiction to him flares anew.
Cornelius Matthew Edgerton, Marquess of Winchester, is perplexed thanks to the arrival of holiday invitation. He hasn’t heard from Lady Amelia in thirteen years… not since he abruptly left her bed during an affair that he never forgot. Encouraged to attend by her cousin—his best friend—when he arrives at the manor house, his reception is decidedly cool, even though the heat between him and the lady still lingers.
Underlying polite public interactions, desire builds and explodes into frantic need, but while the two of them draw closer in new understanding and friendship, danger threatens both of their lives. As Christmas morning arrives, emotions boil over to sour the blooming romance. Only a miracle—and perhaps forgiveness—can help them find the happily ever after they never had the first time around.
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WOW… Such emotion this story had. Fear, melancholy, anger, angst, desperation, regret, loss, anxiety, hopelessness, panic, worry and many, many more. Then there was attempts at honesty that hurt so deeply it was easy to become extremely vexed with the other person. Especially because it went both ways. Amelia and Cornelius took fifteen years to reconcile their relationship. But it was worth every moment of bliss and pain. Eventually Cornelius and Amelia reconciled and accepted they were always meant to be together. A very exciting, heartfelt emotional journey. I highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Reunited
I was pleased to be reading about an older couple. Cornelius and Amelia were a couple meant to be together. After Cornelius made his choice to return to his service to the crown leaving Amelia behind she made a decision that would forever change her life. When they meet again both are carrying secrets that could be very damaging to their fragile new relationship. Cornelius I liked from the beginning to the end. Amelia was a love hate character for me. She was very self absorbed in her own grief she used it as a shield and a weapon. Not to say Cornelius didn’t have a few weapons of his own. I knew who the bad guy was from the beginning. I think he got off way too easy considering how much trouble he caused. Once all the secrets were out and pride pushed aside Cornelius and Amelia received the best Christmas present, their happy ever after.
Cornelius, the Marquess of Winchester, had been involved with Amelia when they were younger, but left her in bed and had not seen or talked to her for many years. Now many years later he is invited to a Christmas house party to introduce Amelia’s niece to the ton. There was surprise, secrets and misunderstandings between the two. With a Christmas miracle involved the two finally come to an understanding.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed this new “Colors of Scandal” Regency read. It’s nicely developed and well written with an intriguing plot. This is a fun read with forgiveness and miracles. Cornelius and Amelia are strong characters and the chemistry and dynamics between them is intriguing and interesting. I enjoyed the banter and sparring. This is a good story and I love how it unfolded.
Book four in the Colors of Scandal series this time the color is read and is a very good Christmas story. Lady Amelia Jane Coventry-Smythe and Cornelius Matthew Edgerton, Marquess of Winchester meet again at her Christmas party when he received a invitation to her Christmastide house party, they have not seen each other in thirteen years. There is suspense, drama, danger, attempted murder, and a second chance, I enjoyed reading this story. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Such a wonderful story and throw in the holiday and it makes it even more special!
Amelia is having a house party and none other than Cornelius, a man from her past shows up. A past relationship had ended abruptly and now they were facing each other again. Is here a chance for them yet?
Lovely story that held me captive until the end!
This series is so very, very good! The intrigue and mystery woven into this second chance romance were well-done and I really liked that the MCs were somewhat on the older side having been lovers thirteen years earlier to the house party currently taking place. A wonderful story that shows how love can bloom and flourish once again despite lying dormant for a number of years! Ms. Sookoo has brought us another emotional, heart-warming, and beautifully written historical Christmas romance that can be read and enjoyed any time of the year!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Their love was like a Phoenix rising again.
I wonder is there a Christmas miracle somewhere on the horizon? Amelia is stuck in her own self-made purgatory. Now with the Christmastide house party, she must deal with Cornelius Matthew Edgerton, the Marquess of Winchester after 13 years of separation. This was a great set-up for the whole tale. The steam, banter, and charming characters made this a very entertaining book. The characters are on the older side but it just showed how no matter the age misunderstandings and assumptions can occur. Stealing from the author their love was like a Phoenix rising again. I highly recommend this gem and hope you check it out. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
ONE ENTHRALLING DELIGHT
Splendid! Sandra doesn’t skip a beat, cranking this puppy up full throttle with incredible ease, dishing out some harsh facts, callous means and relentless pursuits, raising the stakes and keeping you riveted on a razors edge, launching this jewel to a whole new level. Sparks ignite as captivating drama, perilous intrigue, unfolding revelations, mounting suspense and intense situations makes for one thrilling wild ride, blasting this baby to life flawlessly. Crushed barriers and locked perimeters, restrictions are amplified and tested, exposing the soaring ups and agonizing downs, propelling this jewel into the eye of the storm, blowing it into a tailspin with an astonishing realization. The attraction and chemistry builds as each layer is peeled back, baring incredibly deep emotions and an undeniable connection, binding them to one another beautifully. The characters, banter, dialogue and interactions, along with relatable qualities and individual traits, adding depth and diversity, transforming into outstanding personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and graphic descriptions creating an elaborate backdrop that feels as though you were transported to ground zero with them. Remarkable job Sandra, thanks for sharing this little guy with us.
Lady Amelia Jane Coventry-Smythe had been abandoned in her bed by Cornelius Matthew Edgerton, Marquess of Winchester, thirteen years earlier as he walked out on her. She certainly never imagined seeing him again, especially after all this time had passed. Yet he shows up in her parlor with an invitation to her Christmas house party meant to introduce her brother Peter’s daughter Rebecca to the ton. Not sure how she should feel now, it is still apparent that not all of those old feelings for Cornelius had died!
Cornelius is likewise confused over the invitation. Her cousin Charles, however, encouraged him to attend. He feels the coolness of her initial greeting, but it doesn’t take long until the fire between them begins to heat up again.
There were secrets in their past that will have consequences. And a touch of danger adds to the suspension of the story line. The characters are delightful and the reader will enjoy their reunion. Is it too late to hope for a HEA? Grab your copy and enjoy!
This is so good! Cornelius was a spy for the Crown. He met Amelia when he went to her home to tell her of her brother’s death in the war. Anger is passion and they shared three days of it before Cornelius went off on another mission, breaking her heart. Amelia suffered so much loss. Her brother and two husbands died in the war. Her parents both died, leaving her with the care of her brother’s daughter and an ne’re do well cousin who was now left to take over the earldom. When Cornelius mysteriously got invited to Amelia’s Christmas house party, thirteen years after he had last seen her, things got interesting. This is a wonderful story full if intrigue, heartache, misunderstandings, lies, danger, love and forgiveness. How many times can a heart break and be put back together? The characters are fabulous. Ameila’s pain, strength, resolve and confusion make her a very sypathetic and relatable figure. Cornelius is a man who has searched his soul and sought to overcome failure, grief and loss, both emotional and physical….making him a hunk with heartache. The real hero in this story is someone in service who is steadfast and true with a romantic heart. Once you start this book, you will not want to put it down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I absolutely adored this story. We have old flames reunited but not with the best outcome. They keep running into each other. There are secrets and misunderstandings that have led to the place they are now. Amelia and Cornelius have a past. They are together in a situation that is strained. I thought that the plot was great and the writing flowed well. The book was amazing. It kept me engaged and I did not want to stop reading. The way Sandra spun her tale was just perfect. Great book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lady Amelia Jane Coventry-Smythe wants nothing more than to shut herself away to mourn in private all the people she lost from her life over the years. However she promised her brother Peter that she would lokk after his daughter Rebecca, so Amelia arranges a house party to introduce Rebecca to the ton. Unfortunately, peace is not hers, for the one man she never hoped to see again has just landed in her parlour by mysterious circumstances, with an invitation to her Christmastide house party in hand. Cornelius Matthew Edgerton, Marquis of Winchester, is perplexed thanks to the arrival of holiday invitation. He hasn’t heard from Lady Amelia in thirteen years… not since he abruptly left her bed during a short affair that he never forgot. Encouraged to attend by her cousin—his best friend Charles—when he arrives at the manor house, his reception is decidedly cool, even though the heat between him and the lady still lingers.
A charming second chance romance with an older couple, Cornelius has his fortieth birthday on Christmas Eve, oh boy did their attraction sizzle & their verbal bantering was priceless. However secrets from many years ago nearly force them apart. I loved both Cornelius & Amelia who were both strong characters. I was a bit surprised at Amelia’s reaction to some of Charles’ accusations but after her wobble she reverted to type. Well written & well paced I read this lovely seasonal book in two sittings. I would love Rebecca & Edward to find their HEAs
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Characters Unbelievable and At Times Unlikeable
I have read several books by this author, and I usually enjoy her historical romances immensely. Unfortunately, that was not the case with this book. I just didn’t see a proper romantic arc happening between the couple. Both seemed to fly off the handle rather quickly, each declaring mentally several times that the other had never loved him or her because of one action or inaction in the present or past. At times, they acted and thought more like moody teens than the mature thirtysomethings they were Their relationship seemed to bobble between unrestrained passion (though I felt no chemistry between them) and cold distance caused by secrets and misunderstandings. The two aspects just didn’t jibe for me. And whenever they swung to the lows, the same exact thoughts ran through each of their heads each time. The author didn’t vary their emotional or mental response to whatever was happening. This made the characters two dimensional, not quite believable, relatable, and even at times unlikable. Each character had a big secret, and their reactions to their reveals were overblown and irrational. Especially for the hero, who left without a goodbye some years before, his response to her in general and to her secret seems way out of bounds. He’s the one who left! He couldn’t have expected her to carry a torch for him forever when he’s the one that made that choice so long ago after just three days together. I first liked the idea of a cousin (who inherited the heroine’s brother’s title) who wasn’t the bad guy from the start, as they usually are in Regency stories where the heroine is left behind after a father or brother dies, but the author even had to make that abnormal twist not be what it seemed. And after all that happened in the suspense part of the book, I could not quite believe the heroine’s reaction at the culmination. Seriously, didn’t she care in the least that the guy she stayed back with, spurning the hero after his secret reveal, had attempted murder several times? Seriously! I don’t like it when the heroines act stupid, and this one did several times in the book, but especially at this last point. While I adore many of this author’s books, this one left me cold on several counts.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Two lovers get an unexpected chance when danger brings them closer together during the holiday season. I voluntarily received this book for an honest review.
It was nice to read a story about slightly older (34 and 40yrs) with life experience (ahem, both married twice, each losing spouses to illness and war). The past connection between Amelia and Cornelius kept drawing them together at her house party. I could feel the anguish they each had around their past relationship albeit for slightly different reasons. Some misunderstandings and assumptions made over the years kept both characters guarding their feelings. The added suspense of Cornelius being in danger nicely added to the already present turmoil in the plot. I enjoyed the interactions the characters had as they struggled around trying to resolve issues from the past. It also made me smile to hear words of wisdom about life and love from the two youngest characters. A second chance for love at set at Christmas ending in a satisfying HFN made this novel an enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.