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Mischief #1
A Little Night Mischief
Regency romance author Emily Greenwood makes a strong debut with a playful series about young ladies who discover that a little mischief can be a good thing!
When Miss Felicity Wilcox's uncle gambles away the estate, she decides to disguise herself as a ghost to rid her home of the handsome new owner. Except James Collington doesn't scare easily, and haunting his nights is turning out to be far more amusing mischief than she ever would have guessed. With everything to lose, these two adversaries can't allow their hearts to rule—or can they?
When Miss Felicity Wilcox's uncle gambles away the estate, she decides to disguise herself as a ghost to rid her home of the handsome new owner. Except James Collington doesn't scare easily, and haunting his nights is turning out to be far more amusing mischief than she ever would have guessed. With everything to lose, these two adversaries can't allow their hearts to rule—or can they?
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
32 people are currently reading
569 people want to read
About the author
Emily Greenwood
9 books96 followersUSA Today bestselling author Emily Greenwood worked for a number of years as a writer, crafting newsletters and fundraising brochures, but she far prefers writing playful love stories set in Regency England. She lives in Maryland with her husband and two daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 22, 2016
I gave this a C- over at AAR which I suppose is 2.5 stars
This regency era romance from debut author Emily Greenwood promised much. There’s a certain whimsical nature to the plot, the hero is quite devastatingly gorgeous (aren’t they all?), and the writing is well-crafted. But it became clear quite early on that the premise, while rather delightfully quirky, was also extremely flimsy, and I found that the heroine got on my nerves quite quickly.
Felicity Wilcox is twenty years old, and thanks to a profligate uncle, she and her somewhat eccentric father find themselves ousted from their family home, Tethering, and have to move in to Blossom Cottage, a much smaller house on the edge of the estate.
The book opens with Felicity being almost knocked into a stream and rescued by a handsome stranger. They converse, share a picnic and are instantly attracted to each other. When they go their separate ways, Felicity allows herself to dream a little about him, wondering if she will ever see him again.
When he turns out to be none other than Mr. James Collington, the man who won the Tethering estate from her uncle, she is furious – as much because she fancies him as because he’s living in her old home – and is then determined to get him to leave the house, by whatever means necessary.
A few days later, she overhears some servants at Tethering gossiping about someone having a morbid fear of ghosts and immediately jumps to the conclusion that they are talking about James. Felicity comes up with a plan to scare him away by dressing up as a ghost and prowling around the house at night making spooky noises.
James is, however, wise to her almost straight away; and when her ghostly apparition doesn’t affect him at all, she tries to embarrass him by disguising herself as the local tart and flaunting herself before some of his friends and family.
Throughout all this, the two are so hot for each other it’s a wonder they don’t spontaneously combust, although I regret to say that the sex scenes don’t really measure up. There’s one that’s so ridiculous that it actually made me start to laugh rather than make me want to fan myself!
Now, I have no problem with fluff – in fact I enjoy a nice, light-hearted read, and I had high hopes for this book. But sadly, the premise is so flawed as to have made it difficult for me to enjoy the story. The whole thing is built on a very unsteady foundation. Felicity’s uncle lost his estate at the gaming tables, not an unusual basis for an historical romance. But Felicity has it in her head that this cannot be legal and contacts the family solicitor in the hopes that the transaction will be proven unlawful and James Collington will be shown to have no rights to the property.
From that conviction stem all her schemes to get rid of James – and yet I kept asking myself why Felicity, supposedly an intelligent woman, would have the notion that there was anything to be done which could return the property to her and her father (who, by the way, was able to accept the situation). Perhaps one could say that she was so desperate as to clutch at straws, but it just didn’t ring true – and as for the idea about pretending to be a ghost, well that just rang stupid.
And then there’s the fact that, although she wants to get James out of the house, she’s besotted with him, as is he with her. About half-way through the book, Felicity learns from the solicitor that there’s nothing to be done, and she’s pretty much admitted to herself that she’s in love with James – but because she’s decided that she will never marry, is determined there can be nothing between them. I couldn’t help but ask myself, Why?
The reason for her reluctance to marry James is, while probably a big deal at the time, surely nothing that they couldn’t work out between them –and when they’re caught in a compromising position, they do end up marrying. So why on earth set it up as an obstacle in the first place? A better bet would have been to use the fact of James’ dishonesty. He’s been planning to sell the estate ever since he acquired it, in order to clear the debts amassed by his late brother, but never told Felicity of his intention – and once he realizes he should have told her, it’s too late and she finds out by accident. Oops.
I’m afraid that I lost patience with Felicity quite early on, and although James was a more engaging character – not only handsome, but capable, intelligent, and witty – I was still shaking my head at his stupidity in not owning up to Felicity his plans for the estate, because let’s face it – truth will out. Especially in a romantic novel.
On the whole, I liked the author’s style of writing – even though it was liberally peppered with the Americanisms that litter so many historical romances (“gotten” is NOT a real word, people!) – and she had a sure hand with much of the dialogue. But no amount of descriptions of how gorgeously broad-shouldered/tight-buttocked/well-muscled the hero is (and there are a lot of them) will make up for a plot with more holes than the best Emmental.
This regency era romance from debut author Emily Greenwood promised much. There’s a certain whimsical nature to the plot, the hero is quite devastatingly gorgeous (aren’t they all?), and the writing is well-crafted. But it became clear quite early on that the premise, while rather delightfully quirky, was also extremely flimsy, and I found that the heroine got on my nerves quite quickly.
Felicity Wilcox is twenty years old, and thanks to a profligate uncle, she and her somewhat eccentric father find themselves ousted from their family home, Tethering, and have to move in to Blossom Cottage, a much smaller house on the edge of the estate.
The book opens with Felicity being almost knocked into a stream and rescued by a handsome stranger. They converse, share a picnic and are instantly attracted to each other. When they go their separate ways, Felicity allows herself to dream a little about him, wondering if she will ever see him again.
When he turns out to be none other than Mr. James Collington, the man who won the Tethering estate from her uncle, she is furious – as much because she fancies him as because he’s living in her old home – and is then determined to get him to leave the house, by whatever means necessary.
A few days later, she overhears some servants at Tethering gossiping about someone having a morbid fear of ghosts and immediately jumps to the conclusion that they are talking about James. Felicity comes up with a plan to scare him away by dressing up as a ghost and prowling around the house at night making spooky noises.
James is, however, wise to her almost straight away; and when her ghostly apparition doesn’t affect him at all, she tries to embarrass him by disguising herself as the local tart and flaunting herself before some of his friends and family.
Throughout all this, the two are so hot for each other it’s a wonder they don’t spontaneously combust, although I regret to say that the sex scenes don’t really measure up. There’s one that’s so ridiculous that it actually made me start to laugh rather than make me want to fan myself!
Now, I have no problem with fluff – in fact I enjoy a nice, light-hearted read, and I had high hopes for this book. But sadly, the premise is so flawed as to have made it difficult for me to enjoy the story. The whole thing is built on a very unsteady foundation. Felicity’s uncle lost his estate at the gaming tables, not an unusual basis for an historical romance. But Felicity has it in her head that this cannot be legal and contacts the family solicitor in the hopes that the transaction will be proven unlawful and James Collington will be shown to have no rights to the property.
From that conviction stem all her schemes to get rid of James – and yet I kept asking myself why Felicity, supposedly an intelligent woman, would have the notion that there was anything to be done which could return the property to her and her father (who, by the way, was able to accept the situation). Perhaps one could say that she was so desperate as to clutch at straws, but it just didn’t ring true – and as for the idea about pretending to be a ghost, well that just rang stupid.
And then there’s the fact that, although she wants to get James out of the house, she’s besotted with him, as is he with her. About half-way through the book, Felicity learns from the solicitor that there’s nothing to be done, and she’s pretty much admitted to herself that she’s in love with James – but because she’s decided that she will never marry, is determined there can be nothing between them. I couldn’t help but ask myself, Why?
The reason for her reluctance to marry James is, while probably a big deal at the time, surely nothing that they couldn’t work out between them –and when they’re caught in a compromising position, they do end up marrying. So why on earth set it up as an obstacle in the first place? A better bet would have been to use the fact of James’ dishonesty. He’s been planning to sell the estate ever since he acquired it, in order to clear the debts amassed by his late brother, but never told Felicity of his intention – and once he realizes he should have told her, it’s too late and she finds out by accident. Oops.
I’m afraid that I lost patience with Felicity quite early on, and although James was a more engaging character – not only handsome, but capable, intelligent, and witty – I was still shaking my head at his stupidity in not owning up to Felicity his plans for the estate, because let’s face it – truth will out. Especially in a romantic novel.
On the whole, I liked the author’s style of writing – even though it was liberally peppered with the Americanisms that litter so many historical romances (“gotten” is NOT a real word, people!) – and she had a sure hand with much of the dialogue. But no amount of descriptions of how gorgeously broad-shouldered/tight-buttocked/well-muscled the hero is (and there are a lot of them) will make up for a plot with more holes than the best Emmental.
dnf
June 16, 2013Quit on page 112.
Ran out of patience between the heroine's behavior (which would prompt a scathing "Oh, GROW UP!" from a ten-year-old) and the writing ("He pushed his lips outward in a shrug" being a particularly lol-worthy example).
This is a shrug, apparently:
Having a POV character not-think about what they're thinking about is an awkward, unnatural way to create intrigue. When you leave gaping holes, readers fill them in independently. I would have rather known what her problem with marriage was up front and watched her dealing with it than be told ten times she's never getting married and wonder how much longer it's going to take to find out why. (I lost interest before finding out. I filled in the gaping hole with the two most obvious possibilities: "She boned the obnoxious vicar and doesn't want a husband to find out she's not a virgin" or "She boned the obnoxious vicar, and he was so bad at it, she doesn't ever want a man touching her again.")
And I can understand not having the money to fix the roof and repair the windows of the ancestral home, but it is not a big deal that the new guy had the dining room table polished. What the hell was she DOING all the years she was in charge of the house if she couldn't be bothered to keep the furniture clean? Methinks her snide thoughts about the woman with the remarkable gift for looking busy while never doing a half day's work in her entire life should have been self-directed.
Ran out of patience between the heroine's behavior (which would prompt a scathing "Oh, GROW UP!" from a ten-year-old) and the writing ("He pushed his lips outward in a shrug" being a particularly lol-worthy example).
This is a shrug, apparently:
Having a POV character not-think about what they're thinking about is an awkward, unnatural way to create intrigue. When you leave gaping holes, readers fill them in independently. I would have rather known what her problem with marriage was up front and watched her dealing with it than be told ten times she's never getting married and wonder how much longer it's going to take to find out why. (I lost interest before finding out. I filled in the gaping hole with the two most obvious possibilities: "She boned the obnoxious vicar and doesn't want a husband to find out she's not a virgin" or "She boned the obnoxious vicar, and he was so bad at it, she doesn't ever want a man touching her again.")
And I can understand not having the money to fix the roof and repair the windows of the ancestral home, but it is not a big deal that the new guy had the dining room table polished. What the hell was she DOING all the years she was in charge of the house if she couldn't be bothered to keep the furniture clean? Methinks her snide thoughts about the woman with the remarkable gift for looking busy while never doing a half day's work in her entire life should have been self-directed.
June 20, 2013
I received a copy of this book from Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange of an honest review!
A delightfully charming read, sprinkled on top with mischief.
A Little Night Mischief is the first book in the Mischief series, and it did not disappoint me.
After winning the Tethering estate during gambling, it became the perfect solution for James Collington to restore it and sell the land in order to save his family name and Granton Hall his family estate. Little did James know that inheriting the land was going to come with Felicity Wilcox, an impoverished young woman who lives in a small cottage on it's lands with her father.
James had startled Felicity who fell into the river and he rode in to save the day. Her beauty causing a big imprint on his heart and suddenly his needs are aflame and she is the only one who can calm them down.
Felicity feels the manor rightfully belongs to her and is horrified upon learning that the handsome man that rescued her is now the rightful owner of Tethering, a place she grew up in. Unable to let go of her home, she resolves into a little mischief of her own, trying to send James Collington fleeing. Her pranks had me giggling. Upon thinking that she learned about Collington's biggest fear. Felicity ends up 'haunting' the estate as a ghost of Lovely Annabelle. The interaction between her and Collington is fun, witty and heartwarming. I couldn't help but feel attached to Felicity and everything she stood for. Really, all she wanted to do was have her home back. A home her uncle gambled away. A home she had promised her mother to take care of. She is poor, unmarried and lives with her father that keeps pushing her into marriage.
Felicity also doesn't feel she could ever marry after having a scandalous night with her friend Crispin who is now the town Vicar and is pushing Felicity into marriage.
I have to admit. I liked James at the beginning. He found Felicities antics amusing, especially with the maid and cook that she had recommended – both who were terrible until he showered them with remarkable compliments. The attraction between them was apparent, and had James not thinking clearly most of the time – but that did not stop the man from coming back for more. I found myself wanting to knock his head to the wall when the man became completely oblivious towards the end of the book. Not realizing that Felicity wanted love out of marriage and not out of convenience. Also for a man who was trying so hard to save his family name and his family home, he was a buffoon when it came to realizing why Felicity could not let go of Tethering and why selling it hurt. Really, this line of questioning coming from a man who was willing to sell someone's home and do everything to save his own?
Overall, I loved the story. It was charming and romantic, set on a small town estate away from London and the Dukes and Duchess'. A very refreshing, fun and entertaining story that had me falling in love with the idea of Felicity and James and their Happily Ever After.
Looking forward to the next book of the series!
A delightfully charming read, sprinkled on top with mischief.
A Little Night Mischief is the first book in the Mischief series, and it did not disappoint me.
After winning the Tethering estate during gambling, it became the perfect solution for James Collington to restore it and sell the land in order to save his family name and Granton Hall his family estate. Little did James know that inheriting the land was going to come with Felicity Wilcox, an impoverished young woman who lives in a small cottage on it's lands with her father.
James had startled Felicity who fell into the river and he rode in to save the day. Her beauty causing a big imprint on his heart and suddenly his needs are aflame and she is the only one who can calm them down.
Felicity feels the manor rightfully belongs to her and is horrified upon learning that the handsome man that rescued her is now the rightful owner of Tethering, a place she grew up in. Unable to let go of her home, she resolves into a little mischief of her own, trying to send James Collington fleeing. Her pranks had me giggling. Upon thinking that she learned about Collington's biggest fear. Felicity ends up 'haunting' the estate as a ghost of Lovely Annabelle. The interaction between her and Collington is fun, witty and heartwarming. I couldn't help but feel attached to Felicity and everything she stood for. Really, all she wanted to do was have her home back. A home her uncle gambled away. A home she had promised her mother to take care of. She is poor, unmarried and lives with her father that keeps pushing her into marriage.
Felicity also doesn't feel she could ever marry after having a scandalous night with her friend Crispin who is now the town Vicar and is pushing Felicity into marriage.
I have to admit. I liked James at the beginning. He found Felicities antics amusing, especially with the maid and cook that she had recommended – both who were terrible until he showered them with remarkable compliments. The attraction between them was apparent, and had James not thinking clearly most of the time – but that did not stop the man from coming back for more. I found myself wanting to knock his head to the wall when the man became completely oblivious towards the end of the book. Not realizing that Felicity wanted love out of marriage and not out of convenience. Also for a man who was trying so hard to save his family name and his family home, he was a buffoon when it came to realizing why Felicity could not let go of Tethering and why selling it hurt. Really, this line of questioning coming from a man who was willing to sell someone's home and do everything to save his own?
Overall, I loved the story. It was charming and romantic, set on a small town estate away from London and the Dukes and Duchess'. A very refreshing, fun and entertaining story that had me falling in love with the idea of Felicity and James and their Happily Ever After.
Looking forward to the next book of the series!
April 29, 2013
A very cute historical romance! A Little Night Mischief was a sweet book that charms.
Felicity was a good heroine, though I had a couple of issues with her that made me knock off a star. She was very stubborn in her opinions and that ended up being to her disadvantage. Despite her good impression of James in their anonymous first meeting, she immediately hates him for being the man that won her house in a game of cards. At first, it was understandable. But, after James showed himself to be a good man, a true gentleman, her persistence in thinking bad of him was frustrating. And even after she decided that she did like James, she insisted upon trying to drive him away, this time in order to protect her heart. It wasn't a major problem, but it was irritating.
Nonetheless, I did like her character. Later in the book, she loosens up and becomes a genuinely likable heroine. If anything, her stubbornness revealed a strength of character. And, besides that, she was a clever, strong woman whose determination was admirable.
James was amazing from the beginning. He had his reasons for seeking to own the estate, which were selfless in nature. He was so sweet and charming. He had me falling for him within the first chapter. As I mentioned before, he was a true gentleman. He was utterly perfect, everything a romance hero should be.
The romance between these two was very sweet, despite the obstacles. Even when they were at odds, it was clear that they were perfect together. And when the sparks flew, it got hot!
The plot was fast paced. I loved the playfulness within the book. With the tag line for the series, I was hoping for that and this book delivered. The lightheartedness was so cute. It had me smiling throughout the whole book. And it kept me hooked all the way to the sweet, perfect ending.
A Little Night Mischief was a lovely, lighthearted, historical romance. Lovers of romance, you should definitely give this book a read.
*Thanks to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for a copy!
Felicity was a good heroine, though I had a couple of issues with her that made me knock off a star. She was very stubborn in her opinions and that ended up being to her disadvantage. Despite her good impression of James in their anonymous first meeting, she immediately hates him for being the man that won her house in a game of cards. At first, it was understandable. But, after James showed himself to be a good man, a true gentleman, her persistence in thinking bad of him was frustrating. And even after she decided that she did like James, she insisted upon trying to drive him away, this time in order to protect her heart. It wasn't a major problem, but it was irritating.
Nonetheless, I did like her character. Later in the book, she loosens up and becomes a genuinely likable heroine. If anything, her stubbornness revealed a strength of character. And, besides that, she was a clever, strong woman whose determination was admirable.
James was amazing from the beginning. He had his reasons for seeking to own the estate, which were selfless in nature. He was so sweet and charming. He had me falling for him within the first chapter. As I mentioned before, he was a true gentleman. He was utterly perfect, everything a romance hero should be.
The romance between these two was very sweet, despite the obstacles. Even when they were at odds, it was clear that they were perfect together. And when the sparks flew, it got hot!
The plot was fast paced. I loved the playfulness within the book. With the tag line for the series, I was hoping for that and this book delivered. The lightheartedness was so cute. It had me smiling throughout the whole book. And it kept me hooked all the way to the sweet, perfect ending.
A Little Night Mischief was a lovely, lighthearted, historical romance. Lovers of romance, you should definitely give this book a read.
*Thanks to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for a copy!
June 16, 2013
A LITTLE NIGHT MISCHIEF by Emily Greenwood is a light-hearted Regency romp with serious undertones about the misadventures of two very determined people who clash on their journey to love.
Felicity considers Tethering, the estate where she grew up, her home, even though the place belongs to her uncle. When her uncle loses the property to James in a card game and then dies, Felicity believes she has every right to take the place back. Specifically, by some ghostly and other mischief designed to convince James the holding is more trouble than it’s worth.
James wants to clear his family name tarnished by his brother and buy back his own debt-ridden family home. He needs the money from the sale of Tethering to do both. If he can only stop Felicity from undermining his efforts.
A LITTLE NIGHT MISCHIEF is full of laughs as Felicity concocts one hare-brained scheme after another in her increasingly desperate and futile attempts to dislodge James from her life. She is charming, if a little too stubborn, in her insistence that Tethering is rightfully hers, even as she admits her growing attraction to and liking for James.
James is equally charming even if he’s a little too certain he always knows what’s best, and especially when he keeps vital information from Felicity as he grows to care for her.
And while A Little Night Mischief is a romance, the story is also a parable on the folly of blindly holding onto something too tightly when the object of your desire may no longer meet your needs.
There are also several appealing secondary characters, like James’s Aunt Miranda, and Crispin, the village vicar. I liked Crispin very much, and would like to see how his story continues.
A LITTLE NIGHT MISCHIEF is a fun romance. Enjoy.
Thank you all,
Linda
ARC provided by Sourcebooks
Felicity considers Tethering, the estate where she grew up, her home, even though the place belongs to her uncle. When her uncle loses the property to James in a card game and then dies, Felicity believes she has every right to take the place back. Specifically, by some ghostly and other mischief designed to convince James the holding is more trouble than it’s worth.
James wants to clear his family name tarnished by his brother and buy back his own debt-ridden family home. He needs the money from the sale of Tethering to do both. If he can only stop Felicity from undermining his efforts.
A LITTLE NIGHT MISCHIEF is full of laughs as Felicity concocts one hare-brained scheme after another in her increasingly desperate and futile attempts to dislodge James from her life. She is charming, if a little too stubborn, in her insistence that Tethering is rightfully hers, even as she admits her growing attraction to and liking for James.
James is equally charming even if he’s a little too certain he always knows what’s best, and especially when he keeps vital information from Felicity as he grows to care for her.
And while A Little Night Mischief is a romance, the story is also a parable on the folly of blindly holding onto something too tightly when the object of your desire may no longer meet your needs.
There are also several appealing secondary characters, like James’s Aunt Miranda, and Crispin, the village vicar. I liked Crispin very much, and would like to see how his story continues.
A LITTLE NIGHT MISCHIEF is a fun romance. Enjoy.
Thank you all,
Linda
ARC provided by Sourcebooks
March 29, 2014
A wonderful historical romance! I love the humor and the love story! :)
November 16, 2017
Spoiler alert. I couldn't finish it I didn't want to see his reaction when he found out she wasn't a virgin.
July 17, 2013
For this review and more visit my blog
I loved the blurb for A Little Night Mischief and couldn’t wait to get stuck in, but it was not quite what I expected and I didn’t really like it.
Felicity is devastated when she learns her Uncle lost their family home whilst gambling. Forced to move out with little money Felicity and her family are starting to struggle. When she meets the new owner James she hopes she can appeal to his moral side and get him to give up his winnings but James has secrets of his own and refuses. She decides that she must do anything and everything in her power to chase him off and regain what is hers.
A Little Night Mischief started well. I enjoyed the story in the beginning and thought it was sweet and nicely written but it soon started to go downhill. I hate books that make the reader work unnecessarily hard for information. Felicity is constantly mentioning that she has taken a vow to never get married, this fact is repeatedly drilled into the readers brain but you are not told why she has taken this vow (even though it was extremely easy to work out.) Why the mystery? Why keep mentioning it? It would have made a lot more sense to just explain early on why Felicity didn’t want to marry and then use that knowledge to further the character instead of every couple of pages being dramatically reminded that Felicity was staying away from men and flirting and marriage.
The characters were also a problem. Felicity was childish and unlikeable. I understood her view point and even enjoyed some of the mischief she got up to but I didn’t like her as a person. I think some of her efforts to get rid of him were a bit ridiculous; pretending to be a ghost is one of them. She wasn’t the sharpest tool in the shed throughout a lot of this novel and lost her conviction fairly early on.
James was ok at first he seemed genuine and nice but he got worse. I understood his situation was bad but I felt like he didn’t really care that he was going to toss a young woman and her father out of their home. He lies to Felicity, hides the fact that he was planning to sell her home and seduces her. He was also fairly oblivious to Felicity’s feelings. The romance was ok, it was sweet at times but quite predictable. There was a silly sex scene that was funny but ruined the mood of the romance.
I wanted to like this one but it was not for me at all.
The publisher provided me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
August 24, 2016
Felicity Wilcox has a profligate uncle who has lost her home gambling, the home she promised her mother she'd take care of on her mother's death bed. With a scatterbrained father, she has had to grow up faster than most, managing the estate until the new owner arrives and scrimping to stretch their resources so they can survive.
James Collington is determined to rescue his family's estate and redeem the family name from the scandal his brother created. In so doing, he enters into a gamble and wins a country estate, which he plans to fix up and sell in order to pay off the debt on his own family home. What he doesn't plan on is the plucky young woman who appeals to his sense of honor and tries to talk him into refusing his prize, something he can't do.
Felicity embarks on several plans to drive the new owner away, unaware of his long-term plans to sell her family home, but James Collington is far too appealing, and in spite of her desire to thwart him at every move, she finds her feelings ensnared as he matches her game of wits, incident by incident.
I found Felicity to be endearing, mainly because she was unapologetically who she was. Not fashionable, not wealthy - ruined. Her playful spirit buoys her up through difficult times, along with her "I can do anything" attitude. And James is an alluring man who has issues of his own. A worthy foil, he isn't aware of his own faults until his aunt delicately points them out to him, and then he has to come to terms with them on his own.
I found this to be well written, well plotted, and a thoroughly enjoyable romp with secret passages inside a manor house, a hero and a heroine who play well off each other, both with strong personalities. Excellent characterizations. This is one I would read a second (and potentially more) times.
James Collington is determined to rescue his family's estate and redeem the family name from the scandal his brother created. In so doing, he enters into a gamble and wins a country estate, which he plans to fix up and sell in order to pay off the debt on his own family home. What he doesn't plan on is the plucky young woman who appeals to his sense of honor and tries to talk him into refusing his prize, something he can't do.
Felicity embarks on several plans to drive the new owner away, unaware of his long-term plans to sell her family home, but James Collington is far too appealing, and in spite of her desire to thwart him at every move, she finds her feelings ensnared as he matches her game of wits, incident by incident.
I found Felicity to be endearing, mainly because she was unapologetically who she was. Not fashionable, not wealthy - ruined. Her playful spirit buoys her up through difficult times, along with her "I can do anything" attitude. And James is an alluring man who has issues of his own. A worthy foil, he isn't aware of his own faults until his aunt delicately points them out to him, and then he has to come to terms with them on his own.
I found this to be well written, well plotted, and a thoroughly enjoyable romp with secret passages inside a manor house, a hero and a heroine who play well off each other, both with strong personalities. Excellent characterizations. This is one I would read a second (and potentially more) times.
May 29, 2013
Books in general are great ways to escape reality for a time. Romance specifically gives a reader the chance to experience some of the strongest emotions there are for two people: attraction, lust and that ever powerful Love. I began my read of A Little Night Mischief needing that escapism from some hard things that were happening in my real life and I wanted to live vicariously through the characters while I dealt with other kinds of emotions. Sadly, there wasn’t quite enough within this story to serve as a good diversion and I found myself disengaged from the main characters throughout.
Tethering Hall has recently come under new ownership and this doesn’t sit well at all within the heart of its former mistress Felicity Wilcox. Forced to live in a small cottage on the manor’s property, Felicity has found little success working with solicitors and local magistrates to question the legality of her uncle gambling the house right from under her and her father. Felicity isn’t ready to give up her fight when she finally comes face to face with the new owner and she’s momentarily hopeful that the young gentleman who won the house might possibly release his claim after they had a pleasant meeting before all the official introductions took place. But all her hopes are quickly dashed when Mr. James Collington will not sign over the house to her and he intends on improving the property and make it a suitable place to live again.
For the full review please go to http://www.thewindowseat13.com/2013/0...
Tethering Hall has recently come under new ownership and this doesn’t sit well at all within the heart of its former mistress Felicity Wilcox. Forced to live in a small cottage on the manor’s property, Felicity has found little success working with solicitors and local magistrates to question the legality of her uncle gambling the house right from under her and her father. Felicity isn’t ready to give up her fight when she finally comes face to face with the new owner and she’s momentarily hopeful that the young gentleman who won the house might possibly release his claim after they had a pleasant meeting before all the official introductions took place. But all her hopes are quickly dashed when Mr. James Collington will not sign over the house to her and he intends on improving the property and make it a suitable place to live again.
For the full review please go to http://www.thewindowseat13.com/2013/0...
March 16, 2019
The cover of this book GOT ME. The little smiles on their faces, that's not something I see a lot of on a romance cover and honestly. I want to see it more. I think maybe I've seen it on a Tessa Dare novel (When A Scot Ties The Knot I think...which is a FOREVER FAVE). So I was intrigued, and the concept gave me hopes.
But something fell apart for me, and I can't even really put my finger on it. Perhaps it's my own currently stressed out state that I couldn't seem to get into the story line as much as I wanted.
I enjoyed James and Felicity, and they definitely had chemistry. The mischief was...not mischievous enough I think. The same trick played out over and over. I had hopes when Felicity introduced a staff of characters meant to torment James, but in the end that was a bit underwhelming and easily fixed without any true catastrophes to be seen.
I guess I just wanted a bit more from that aspect. And a bit less of the prior relationship with the vicar (I'm not going to spoil things). I wanted playful, and a more in depth look at James and his story of trying to undo the damage his sibling did to his family name by taking on responsibilities and roles that he never really wanted. And I wanted him to better understand Felicity's need to keep her family home, especially after all of the work she put into it.
But that's just my view of things.
Happy Reading!!!
But something fell apart for me, and I can't even really put my finger on it. Perhaps it's my own currently stressed out state that I couldn't seem to get into the story line as much as I wanted.
I enjoyed James and Felicity, and they definitely had chemistry. The mischief was...not mischievous enough I think. The same trick played out over and over. I had hopes when Felicity introduced a staff of characters meant to torment James, but in the end that was a bit underwhelming and easily fixed without any true catastrophes to be seen.
I guess I just wanted a bit more from that aspect. And a bit less of the prior relationship with the vicar (I'm not going to spoil things). I wanted playful, and a more in depth look at James and his story of trying to undo the damage his sibling did to his family name by taking on responsibilities and roles that he never really wanted. And I wanted him to better understand Felicity's need to keep her family home, especially after all of the work she put into it.
But that's just my view of things.
Happy Reading!!!
December 4, 2013
When I saw the preview for this book on NetGalley, I thought, "This looks cute." When I got the approval to read, I was pleasantly surprised. This is a great first book by a new author. There are definite fits and starts that are part of any first books but a solid start to a series I will continue to read.
Random thought: total props to creating what is a new (at least to me) description for boobs on page 361, "her delirium-inducing bosom." What a great use of a hyphen!
Felicity Wilcox is upset (to say the least) when her uncle loses her family home in a card game. She meets the new owner when he almost runs her down. He doesn't and light flirtation ensues.
James Collington doesn't realize that the girl he assumed was a governess is actually part of the family he is kicking out. Actually, he doesn't even know he's displacing them as her uncle lied through his teeth saying no one lived there.
What's a girl to do? Pretend to be a ghost? Okay then.
There were other misunderstandings, maybe few too many, but the conclusion was satisfying.
Random thought: total props to creating what is a new (at least to me) description for boobs on page 361, "her delirium-inducing bosom." What a great use of a hyphen!
Felicity Wilcox is upset (to say the least) when her uncle loses her family home in a card game. She meets the new owner when he almost runs her down. He doesn't and light flirtation ensues.
James Collington doesn't realize that the girl he assumed was a governess is actually part of the family he is kicking out. Actually, he doesn't even know he's displacing them as her uncle lied through his teeth saying no one lived there.
What's a girl to do? Pretend to be a ghost? Okay then.
There were other misunderstandings, maybe few too many, but the conclusion was satisfying.
July 21, 2013
I really enjoyed reading this book. Felicity and James were such entertaining and lovely characters. They both had their flaws but you were rooting for them the whole story. Felicity wants to keep her beloved home in the family but thanks to an irresponsible uncle that dream can come true. James is now the owner of her family home and has plans that would greatly upset Felicity if she were to know about them. Felicity tries desperately to get James to leave by "haunting" him but James is smart and catches on to what she is up to. They both seem to suit each other with their single minded focus, dedication to their families and ability to forgive. This was a great summer read. I can't wait for the next books in the Mischief series. If the next book is anything like this one I recommend reserving a copy asap! I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
May 8, 2014
In A Little Night Mischief, we get to know the vibrant character of Felicity Wilcox. She wants nothing more than to regain ownership of the Tethering estate. But the charming James Collington has won the ownership in a game of chance. He needs the estate to fix a wrong and Felicity wants to fulfill a promise she made to her dying mother. Their journey through the book is both heartwarming and comical (I literally laughed out loud).
All in all everything about this book makes it a great read. The undeniable chemistry between Felicity and James, secret pasts, sudden interest in Felicity's love life......all wonderful elements that make this book come to life for the readers. I was addicted to this book from page one, anxious to see what would happen next. By far, this is one of the best books I have read in a long time.
All in all everything about this book makes it a great read. The undeniable chemistry between Felicity and James, secret pasts, sudden interest in Felicity's love life......all wonderful elements that make this book come to life for the readers. I was addicted to this book from page one, anxious to see what would happen next. By far, this is one of the best books I have read in a long time.
May 10, 2014
This was such a sweet, fun, cheerful book - until the ending. I guess, technically, it had a happy ending - at least the main character seemed pleased with how things turned out, but I was hugely disappointed. I'm not really sure what else to say about this book. I've never had a romance that made me sad at the end. Very strange.
September 14, 2017
I had already read 2 of this author's books for a different series and I decided to give this one a try to see if she stayed just as good (sometimes they don't) but she did. The main character, Felicity Wilcox was a riot. She is upset because her stupid uncle lost her home in a card game and now she must try and get it back. She kept doing crap that had me rolling. Poor James didn't stand a chance with her hunting him, trying to thwart him at every turn only for him to turn it around on her. I love these two together. She really brought these characters to life and I enjoyed the ride. Most read the next one. LOVED IT!!
October 20, 2019
Great fun!
My first book by Emily Greenwood and I truly enjoyed it, fast paced lots of dialogue. I love all the pranks she tried to play on him, it was most entertaining!
I also founded to be very sensual. Can’t wait to read more books by this author.
My first book by Emily Greenwood and I truly enjoyed it, fast paced lots of dialogue. I love all the pranks she tried to play on him, it was most entertaining!
I also founded to be very sensual. Can’t wait to read more books by this author.
October 28, 2021
A great read.
I like the plot of this book.
A different twist to the story.
I have not a book of this period
where a member of the ton
gave up his home to go to Spain
and run a vineyard.
I agree with Emily books of this
period are the chocolate of
love stories.
I like the plot of this book.
A different twist to the story.
I have not a book of this period
where a member of the ton
gave up his home to go to Spain
and run a vineyard.
I agree with Emily books of this
period are the chocolate of
love stories.
October 14, 2013
Originally Posted at http://www.bookchickcity.com/2013/09/...
Felicity Wilcox is an uncommon young woman who is determined to get her way, no matter what the circumstances against her – or what she has to do in order to win. James Collington is driven by his past into actions which make Felicity’s future plans an impossibility and neither of them look likely to bend.
Felicity and James do not meet in the most opportune of circumstances, but there is an instant attraction between them which they are refreshingly open about despite the historical setting of the novel. This makes it all the more upsetting for Felicity when James later turns up at her door – not as her suitor, but as the man who has won her home on a bet and is determined to take it away from her. Although fallen on hard times due to the same uncle that bet away her family home, Felicity is adamant that she will get Tethering back – as adamant as James is that such a thing will never occur.
The attraction plus the cross purposes at which the two characters find themselves produce the expected fireworks as the two are thrown together by circumstance and Felicity’s rather hopeless father. The contrast between the animosity and the attraction between them is really well done and believable – Felicity clearly wants to hate James but can’t, and James wants her with a strength that he cannot let alter his plans.
Neither Felicity or James are perfect characters – and that is what makes them so enjoyable to read about. They are both driven essentially by selfishness and it is interesting to watch as they become less self-involved and learn to care about the other’s feelings. Felicity’s attachment to her the house which reminds her of her mother is understandable, but her efforts to run James off are childish. When she discovers his supposed fear of spirits (the paranormal rather than the alcoholic sort) her subsequent plan to drive him away results in some rather comic occurrences, although James certainly doesn’t find them so. Felicity is also imperfect in another way – certainly in the eyes of society – as she is not a virgin. A dalliance when she was younger has led her to the conclusion that she can never marry, which is another reason why she wants to secure Tethering. This is obviously mentioned in the story, and I think it is handled very well, and unlike most other books which have broached the same subject.
The storyline itself is not particularly original, and there is not a lot of fleshing out. There is vague reasoning as to why our main characters are set on their prospective goals, but nothing which really gets to the crux of why they are so driven and determined to succeed. However, the addition of the storyline in which Felicity pretends to be the resident spirit Lovely Annabelle lends a comic element to it, and there are nuances enough to make it stand out from other novels with similar storylines. It is very much a character driven novel, however, which makes it fortunate that the two main characters are so well drawn.
The copy I read was an ARC, and as such the following might have changed in the finished product, but it is worth mentioning that the writing is a little clumsy at times. It wasn’t so much an issue with grammar as much as it was just odd phrases or cadence, but for a debut author writing historical romance it was really quite well done in my opinion.
VERDICT
All in all, I very much enjoyed A Little Night Mischief. Although it recovered old ground, the humour and characterisation made up for it and made the story seem fresh somehow. Although I started off wondering how these two characters could ever get it together when each threatened the other’s dream but I was convinced before half-way through that they were meant to be and would find a way to be together. I might have wished for a little more fleshing out on the lesser characters, but I will definitely be reading the next book – where that will hopefully happen.
Felicity Wilcox is an uncommon young woman who is determined to get her way, no matter what the circumstances against her – or what she has to do in order to win. James Collington is driven by his past into actions which make Felicity’s future plans an impossibility and neither of them look likely to bend.
Felicity and James do not meet in the most opportune of circumstances, but there is an instant attraction between them which they are refreshingly open about despite the historical setting of the novel. This makes it all the more upsetting for Felicity when James later turns up at her door – not as her suitor, but as the man who has won her home on a bet and is determined to take it away from her. Although fallen on hard times due to the same uncle that bet away her family home, Felicity is adamant that she will get Tethering back – as adamant as James is that such a thing will never occur.
The attraction plus the cross purposes at which the two characters find themselves produce the expected fireworks as the two are thrown together by circumstance and Felicity’s rather hopeless father. The contrast between the animosity and the attraction between them is really well done and believable – Felicity clearly wants to hate James but can’t, and James wants her with a strength that he cannot let alter his plans.
Neither Felicity or James are perfect characters – and that is what makes them so enjoyable to read about. They are both driven essentially by selfishness and it is interesting to watch as they become less self-involved and learn to care about the other’s feelings. Felicity’s attachment to her the house which reminds her of her mother is understandable, but her efforts to run James off are childish. When she discovers his supposed fear of spirits (the paranormal rather than the alcoholic sort) her subsequent plan to drive him away results in some rather comic occurrences, although James certainly doesn’t find them so. Felicity is also imperfect in another way – certainly in the eyes of society – as she is not a virgin. A dalliance when she was younger has led her to the conclusion that she can never marry, which is another reason why she wants to secure Tethering. This is obviously mentioned in the story, and I think it is handled very well, and unlike most other books which have broached the same subject.
The storyline itself is not particularly original, and there is not a lot of fleshing out. There is vague reasoning as to why our main characters are set on their prospective goals, but nothing which really gets to the crux of why they are so driven and determined to succeed. However, the addition of the storyline in which Felicity pretends to be the resident spirit Lovely Annabelle lends a comic element to it, and there are nuances enough to make it stand out from other novels with similar storylines. It is very much a character driven novel, however, which makes it fortunate that the two main characters are so well drawn.
The copy I read was an ARC, and as such the following might have changed in the finished product, but it is worth mentioning that the writing is a little clumsy at times. It wasn’t so much an issue with grammar as much as it was just odd phrases or cadence, but for a debut author writing historical romance it was really quite well done in my opinion.
VERDICT
All in all, I very much enjoyed A Little Night Mischief. Although it recovered old ground, the humour and characterisation made up for it and made the story seem fresh somehow. Although I started off wondering how these two characters could ever get it together when each threatened the other’s dream but I was convinced before half-way through that they were meant to be and would find a way to be together. I might have wished for a little more fleshing out on the lesser characters, but I will definitely be reading the next book – where that will hopefully happen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2013
I completely enjoyed every moment I spent reading this story. It drew me in right from the first with a sweet, romantic little "meet cute". The chemistry and attraction was off the charts leaving them both a little starry-eyed and hoping for more. Of course, their second meeting didn't go quite so well. (Cue the humorous tone set throughout the book.)
Felicity and James were a hoot trying to outdo one another and keep a step ahead in their little game. Or often in James' case trying to keep up and not be caught too off guard by Felicity's outrageous antics. They were both so caught up in their battle with each other and there battle to resist the charms of the other and yet still accomplish their conflicting goals, the fact that they were falling head over heels for each other didn't dawn on either of them until it was too late.
The secondary characters were well written with distinct personalities and provided a great audience to the sparring H/h, even when they were clueless to the power struggle really going on. However, they were ironically more aware of the growing attraction between the two who themselves were trying to ignore it. Not that they could. I especially liked the contributions of James' cousin Hal and Crispin the Vicar.
Of course. as with many situations where each is trying to accomplish something at odds with what the other person wants, secrets are kept until the "right time" comes to spill. And inevitably the beans are spilled prematurely with devastating results. Such being the case here as well and the question becomes how to get past it. The course then becomes a matter of what one truly values and how far one will go to reach across the breach. This hopefully explains why I was fully captivated by "A Little Night Mischief" from beginning to end and why I highly recommend it for any romance reader!
*I received this book through a giveaway.
Felicity and James were a hoot trying to outdo one another and keep a step ahead in their little game. Or often in James' case trying to keep up and not be caught too off guard by Felicity's outrageous antics. They were both so caught up in their battle with each other and there battle to resist the charms of the other and yet still accomplish their conflicting goals, the fact that they were falling head over heels for each other didn't dawn on either of them until it was too late.
The secondary characters were well written with distinct personalities and provided a great audience to the sparring H/h, even when they were clueless to the power struggle really going on. However, they were ironically more aware of the growing attraction between the two who themselves were trying to ignore it. Not that they could. I especially liked the contributions of James' cousin Hal and Crispin the Vicar.
Of course. as with many situations where each is trying to accomplish something at odds with what the other person wants, secrets are kept until the "right time" comes to spill. And inevitably the beans are spilled prematurely with devastating results. Such being the case here as well and the question becomes how to get past it. The course then becomes a matter of what one truly values and how far one will go to reach across the breach. This hopefully explains why I was fully captivated by "A Little Night Mischief" from beginning to end and why I highly recommend it for any romance reader!
*I received this book through a giveaway.
June 21, 2013
A LITTLE NIGHT MISCHIEF by Emily Greenwood is an amazing debut Regency Historical Romance. "Mischief"#1,what an amazing beginning for this talented author. Follow, James Collington and Felicity Wilcox on a wild journey of witty banter,a bit of mystery,lots of passion,and a love to write home about. The plot was intriguing and the characters engaging. James is teetering on the edge of debtor's prison,due to no fault of his own. Felicity's uncle,has gambled away her inheritance,her beautiful manor,the Tethering estate. She is determined to run James off,but little does she know he can't be scared off by a little old ghost,a few devilish attempts at bad food,a bit of inconvenience or a few hauntings. The characters are fun, light-hearted,engaging and will grab you from the first page. The secondary characters are a hoot as well. For a little light reading and a romp through Regency England,"A Little Night Mischief" will not disappoint any Historical readers or those who enjoy a fast paced story with wonderful characters and plot. Ms. Greenwood is an author to watch for in the future. She is talented and a credit to the genre. I was highly impressed with Ms. Greenwood's creativity and her ability to draw the reader into her story and hold them there. I can hardly wait to see what she has in store for her next "Mischief" tale. A must read! Received for an honest review from the publisher.
RATING: 4.5
HEAT RATING: MILD
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Review courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
RATING: 4.5
HEAT RATING: MILD
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Review courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
June 21, 2013
Ms. Greenwood's writing shows promise as a debuting author - the reason for upping the rating by 1 to 3 stars.The plot outline has elements of humour, always a welcome tilt. The hero, James Collington, is an alpha hunk, however has a sensitive side which shows in his caring for his aunt and the persistence he shows in pursuit of his goals, romantic and otherwise. That his drive to succeed and pragmatism nudge him off the path of romantic 'hero'dom is to be expected. The heroine Felicity is spunky and TSTL - an unnerving combination. I've heard and read of phone sex but a door as a medium for sex talk...that's a new one - read the book to discover what I mean!
March 23, 2016
This light hearted debut is fun and entertaining. I giggled throughout reading it.
The story is fast paced and the characters might have been a bit more rounded, but the plot and romance of these two was entertaining enough for me to overlook that part.
Once in a while I'm in a mood for a story that is filled with humor and sweet romance, and this one had all of that.
Melanie for b2b
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher
The story is fast paced and the characters might have been a bit more rounded, but the plot and romance of these two was entertaining enough for me to overlook that part.
Once in a while I'm in a mood for a story that is filled with humor and sweet romance, and this one had all of that.
Melanie for b2b
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher
July 29, 2014
I just couldn't get into this one. The heroine was unbelievably childish and a bit stupid and the hero was very generic. There wasn't anything particularly wrong with the book, I just couldn't get myself to care, even with the vague and dramatic references in Felicity's thoughts ( didn't like the vagueness about why she wouldn't marry at all). With such a huge TBR pile, I am just not wasting more time on this one. It just wasn't for me.
June 16, 2013
Cute read. The heroine is young (20) so just be prepared for this if used to a more mature heroine. The setting is fun. Would be an easy summer read at the cottage or beach. Is available in EBook edition.
June 10, 2013
It was an ok read. The plot was slightly less than exciting, though. Yo know something had to give, and what happens is expected. The end was a bit of a gloss-over.
March 15, 2014
The pace of the plot is too slow. There is very little chemistry between the two main characters. The cover is warmer than the story inside.
October 9, 2015
Lots of fun to read. Not a serious book but I just wanted something light to read for doctor's offices. Book 2 looks fun too.
May 15, 2016
STUPIDSTUPIDSTUPID
Oh My God.
Stupid.
Oh My God.
Stupid.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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