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A Bluestocking Christmas
As a young man, Simon, Viscount Wycombe learned the painful truth that a tradesman’s daughter is suitable only for liaisons and nothing more. But Ivy Beecham is a far cry from his preconceived notions, and he’s determined to have her. But when she rejects him, it only increases his determination to seduce her into a world of sin and pleasure.
Ivy Beecham knows first-hand that handsome aristocrats like Simon can’t be trusted. But the intellectual scoundrel is hellbent on making her his mistress, using every means at his seductive disposal. When she refuses to give away her heart on Christmas Eve, a ghostly specter shows her in one night why her surrender can be the greatest gift of all.
Ivy Beecham knows first-hand that handsome aristocrats like Simon can’t be trusted. But the intellectual scoundrel is hellbent on making her his mistress, using every means at his seductive disposal. When she refuses to give away her heart on Christmas Eve, a ghostly specter shows her in one night why her surrender can be the greatest gift of all.
180 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 12, 2012
16 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
About the author
Monica Burns
52 books509 followersAn award-winning author of spicy historical and paranormal romance, Monica Burns penned her first short romance story at the age of nine when she selected the pseudonym she uses today.
Facebook Reader Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/Monic...
Her historical book awards include the 2011 RT BookReviews Reviewers Choice Award and the 2012 Gayle Wilson Heart of Excellence Award for Pleasure Me .
She is also the recipient of the prestigious paranormal romance award, the 2011 PRISM Best of the Best award for Assassin’s Heart .
From the days when she hid her stories from her sisters to her first completed full-length manuscript, she always believed in her dream despite rejections and setbacks. A workaholic wife and mother, Monica believes it’s possible for the good guy to win if they work hard enough.
Facebook Reader Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/Monic...
Her historical book awards include the 2011 RT BookReviews Reviewers Choice Award and the 2012 Gayle Wilson Heart of Excellence Award for Pleasure Me .
She is also the recipient of the prestigious paranormal romance award, the 2011 PRISM Best of the Best award for Assassin’s Heart .
From the days when she hid her stories from her sisters to her first completed full-length manuscript, she always believed in her dream despite rejections and setbacks. A workaholic wife and mother, Monica believes it’s possible for the good guy to win if they work hard enough.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 2, 2016
(3.5 stars rounded down to 3.)
Note to self: I must read more of Monica Burns' works. Why isn't she as popular as the others, I wonder? Well, okay, I admit, I've read only one of her books—a mistake I intend to rectify soon—but surely, she writes better than a handful of popular "rising stars" I've encountered this year.
Needless to say, I really enjoyed A Bluestocking Christmas. I didn't expect to, really. It had elements I dislike in a romance novel:
But Monica Burns managed to pull them off. Even when the H was a self-important prick at first (to be fair, the heroine did set him in his place, and he redeemed himself in the end). Even when there was a weird ghost incident in the story. Even when the heroine was rather free with her favours.
I particularly enjoyed seeing how both the H and h developed in such a short span of time. For a novella, there's a considerable amount of character development that happened in the story. And that's something I really appreciate.
So yes, I do recommend this if you're looking for a quick and sweet read. :)
Note to self: I must read more of Monica Burns' works. Why isn't she as popular as the others, I wonder? Well, okay, I admit, I've read only one of her books—a mistake I intend to rectify soon—but surely, she writes better than a handful of popular "rising stars" I've encountered this year.
Needless to say, I really enjoyed A Bluestocking Christmas. I didn't expect to, really. It had elements I dislike in a romance novel:
1. An experienced heroine. I prefer virgin ones, yes.
2. The H is of a higher social class than the h, and this serves as a major conflict in the story. I don't like this for the reason that this normally ends up with the h suffering. I prefer it to be the other way around, with the h being the one with the higher social standing.
3. Some random paranormal shit in an HR setting. Please, unless it's explicitly stated in the blurb, and unless the HR setting was based in a different world of some sort, paranormal shit and HR shouldn't mix together.
But Monica Burns managed to pull them off. Even when the H was a self-important prick at first (to be fair, the heroine did set him in his place, and he redeemed himself in the end). Even when there was a weird ghost incident in the story. Even when the heroine was rather free with her favours.
I particularly enjoyed seeing how both the H and h developed in such a short span of time. For a novella, there's a considerable amount of character development that happened in the story. And that's something I really appreciate.
So yes, I do recommend this if you're looking for a quick and sweet read. :)
September 17, 2016
I've given this a C+ at AAR, so that's 3.5 stars
If you’re looking for a quick, spicy seasonal read, then A Bluestocking Christmas might fit the bill, but the essence is on the ‘spice’, as the content is very weighted in favour of the sex scenes, of which there are quite a few for a novella. That’s all well and good, because Monica Burns writes them very well, but if you’re looking for something that is more focused on the emotional development of the central romance, then perhaps you might want to look elsewhere.
Ivy Beecham is independently wealthy, courtesy of her tradesman father, but chooses to work at the London Library, simply because she adores books and likes to be among them. Although her mother came from an aristocratic family, Ivy has a massive chip on her shoulder when it comes to the nobility, courtesy of a youthful betrayal and a harsh upbringing by her aunt and uncle who took her in after the death of her parents and treated her like dirt because of her “commoner” blood.
Simon Carleton, Viscount Wycombe found his youthful self on the receiving end of a similar kind of betrayal, but in reverse when he was younger, when the young woman he wanted to marry was shown to be a gold-digger in the worst possible way. His protective instincts are aroused when it seems that his nephew is besotted with Ivy and is about to offer her marriage, and Simon confronts Ivy angrily, telling her he will never allow such a match.
Naturally, Ivy is furious, not only at the viscount’s high-handedness, but at the thought that she could ever want to have anything to do with a member of the peerage. With Simon’s suspicion of commoners and Ivy’s distaste for the nobility, theirs is an unlikely pairing, yet the heat that sparks between them whenever they set eyes on each other is undeniable.
The book opens in media res, with the couple having a massive row and seemingly about to part forever. Paying homage to Charles Dickens, Ms Burns has Ivy meet an oddly familiar spectre who tells her that he can grant her wish to forget all about Simon and their relationship, but before he can do so, she must look back over their time together to see if that is what she truly wishes. The spirit guides Ivy back through her time with Simon, showing how they met, how they became lovers and, she has to admit, how she fell in love with him, something she had not intended to do.
The story is well-constructed and the employment of a mysterious ghost adds to the Christmassy feel of the book, but I found it really difficult to like Ivy a lot of the time because she is just SO biased against a certain strata of society and tends to tar all aristocrats with the same brush. There’s no denying that the gap between rich and poor at this time in history was a massive one, but that didn’t mean that every member of the nobility was cruel and heartless. Simon is a far more attractive, reasonably-minded character in that respect, because while he was undeniably hurt in his youth by a scheming young woman, and he does jump to conclusions about Ivy initially, for the most part he has retained his perspective and tends to take people more on their own merits. He’s an intelligent, sexy hero who realises that Ivy isn’t like any other woman, and the way he woos her with words is nicely done.
But Ivy is so intransigent that I came really close to losing all sympathy for her towards the end of the book. Fortunately, she sees the error of her ways and all ends happily, with much love and forgiveness all round.
A Bluestocking Christmas is entertaining, but ultimately, focuses more on the physical relationship between the protagonists than on the emotional one, and I felt the lack of an emotional connection between them. That’s often the problem with a shorter format – but Ms Burns writes intelligently, and can certainly turn up the heat when needed. I may well seek out one of her full-length novels to see how she incorporates those successful elements into the longer form.
If you’re looking for a quick, spicy seasonal read, then A Bluestocking Christmas might fit the bill, but the essence is on the ‘spice’, as the content is very weighted in favour of the sex scenes, of which there are quite a few for a novella. That’s all well and good, because Monica Burns writes them very well, but if you’re looking for something that is more focused on the emotional development of the central romance, then perhaps you might want to look elsewhere.
Ivy Beecham is independently wealthy, courtesy of her tradesman father, but chooses to work at the London Library, simply because she adores books and likes to be among them. Although her mother came from an aristocratic family, Ivy has a massive chip on her shoulder when it comes to the nobility, courtesy of a youthful betrayal and a harsh upbringing by her aunt and uncle who took her in after the death of her parents and treated her like dirt because of her “commoner” blood.
Simon Carleton, Viscount Wycombe found his youthful self on the receiving end of a similar kind of betrayal, but in reverse when he was younger, when the young woman he wanted to marry was shown to be a gold-digger in the worst possible way. His protective instincts are aroused when it seems that his nephew is besotted with Ivy and is about to offer her marriage, and Simon confronts Ivy angrily, telling her he will never allow such a match.
Naturally, Ivy is furious, not only at the viscount’s high-handedness, but at the thought that she could ever want to have anything to do with a member of the peerage. With Simon’s suspicion of commoners and Ivy’s distaste for the nobility, theirs is an unlikely pairing, yet the heat that sparks between them whenever they set eyes on each other is undeniable.
The book opens in media res, with the couple having a massive row and seemingly about to part forever. Paying homage to Charles Dickens, Ms Burns has Ivy meet an oddly familiar spectre who tells her that he can grant her wish to forget all about Simon and their relationship, but before he can do so, she must look back over their time together to see if that is what she truly wishes. The spirit guides Ivy back through her time with Simon, showing how they met, how they became lovers and, she has to admit, how she fell in love with him, something she had not intended to do.
The story is well-constructed and the employment of a mysterious ghost adds to the Christmassy feel of the book, but I found it really difficult to like Ivy a lot of the time because she is just SO biased against a certain strata of society and tends to tar all aristocrats with the same brush. There’s no denying that the gap between rich and poor at this time in history was a massive one, but that didn’t mean that every member of the nobility was cruel and heartless. Simon is a far more attractive, reasonably-minded character in that respect, because while he was undeniably hurt in his youth by a scheming young woman, and he does jump to conclusions about Ivy initially, for the most part he has retained his perspective and tends to take people more on their own merits. He’s an intelligent, sexy hero who realises that Ivy isn’t like any other woman, and the way he woos her with words is nicely done.
But Ivy is so intransigent that I came really close to losing all sympathy for her towards the end of the book. Fortunately, she sees the error of her ways and all ends happily, with much love and forgiveness all round.
A Bluestocking Christmas is entertaining, but ultimately, focuses more on the physical relationship between the protagonists than on the emotional one, and I felt the lack of an emotional connection between them. That’s often the problem with a shorter format – but Ms Burns writes intelligently, and can certainly turn up the heat when needed. I may well seek out one of her full-length novels to see how she incorporates those successful elements into the longer form.
December 13, 2014
What a delightful treat this novella was! It had all the elements that make the perfect holiday read.
An innovative, wonderfully evocative, intensely emotive, heart-warming romance
A strong, intelligent, dependable, caring, and delightfully arrogant hero who has a very seductive way with words
An beautiful, spirited, intelligent, spinster, librarian heroine who hides a passionate nature
An enigmatic ghost who must persuade the heroine to let go of the past and open her heart to love, trust and forgiveness to find true happiness
Powerful emotional conflict, fiery passion and lush sensuality
Lots and lots of steamy, HOT love scenes
Leaves you with a lovely, warm, tingly feeling
RATING: ★★★★★
SENSUALITY RATING: POSITIVELY SIZZLING
This review is also posted on my blog:
http://rakesandrascals.wordpress.com/...
An innovative, wonderfully evocative, intensely emotive, heart-warming romance
A strong, intelligent, dependable, caring, and delightfully arrogant hero who has a very seductive way with words
An beautiful, spirited, intelligent, spinster, librarian heroine who hides a passionate nature
An enigmatic ghost who must persuade the heroine to let go of the past and open her heart to love, trust and forgiveness to find true happiness
Powerful emotional conflict, fiery passion and lush sensuality
Lots and lots of steamy, HOT love scenes
Leaves you with a lovely, warm, tingly feeling
RATING: ★★★★★
SENSUALITY RATING: POSITIVELY SIZZLING
This review is also posted on my blog:
http://rakesandrascals.wordpress.com/...
March 8, 2015
Loved it. It is like a Christmas story, in a very romantic way. I liked how the author build the h/h of story. It is a good thing that it is only a novella. Since it is focused more about the heroine. There are some issues that need to be addressed for the hero's part, but I think it is good of the author not to prolong the story since it might bore the readers.
I liked the story,but it lacked the emotions that I wanted to be involved between the h/h. It is a 4 stars. Now I am intrigued more about this author.
I liked the story,but it lacked the emotions that I wanted to be involved between the h/h. It is a 4 stars. Now I am intrigued more about this author.
November 27, 2015
This was a good story with a nod to Charles Dickens thrown in. It is very clever and I liked their mutual love of books.
December 15, 2014
My first by this author and I'm surprised by how much I enjoyed this story! It was a delightful read, filled with love, romance and even a ghost! It had a bit of a Dickens feel to it. It was different and I loved the plot with the ghost showing Ivy what she was missing by all the unforgiveness in her heart. Even though it was a novella the story flowed and the characters were solid. And there's lots of hot and steamy romance which I loved.
December 25, 2018
A Bluestocking Christmas is a historical romance that I read in a day. A well-paced seasonal read with a Dickens vibe to it because there was an enigmatic ghost guiding the Heroine, persuading her to let go of the past and open her heart to find true happiness.
Simon Carlton, Viscount Wycombe, is a strong, intelligent, and delightfully arrogant Hero.
Ivy Beecham is a spirited, intelligent librarian, who is also an heiress.
The word play between Simon and Ivy was originally different to the normal courtships and smart.
Their intimate times were wonderfully slow, and I liked the library setting which featured in many of them.
I recommend this story as an above average read.
Simon Carlton, Viscount Wycombe, is a strong, intelligent, and delightfully arrogant Hero.
Ivy Beecham is a spirited, intelligent librarian, who is also an heiress.
The word play between Simon and Ivy was originally different to the normal courtships and smart.
Their intimate times were wonderfully slow, and I liked the library setting which featured in many of them.
I recommend this story as an above average read.
December 25, 2021
Really Very Good!
What an unusual take on 'A Christmas Carol' but it really was very good and totally readable!
I loved the wordplay and the slow burn sizzling seduction with it.
Simon was absolutely yummy as the hero. Ivy almost didn't get her chance at love because she was so stubborn but not having all the true facts can really mess with one's mind.
This is a beautiful love story and I have enjoyed reading it so much.
What an unusual take on 'A Christmas Carol' but it really was very good and totally readable!
I loved the wordplay and the slow burn sizzling seduction with it.
Simon was absolutely yummy as the hero. Ivy almost didn't get her chance at love because she was so stubborn but not having all the true facts can really mess with one's mind.
This is a beautiful love story and I have enjoyed reading it so much.
July 28, 2017
It was a cute short story about a woman who has been hurt. She tries to protect herself by pushing everyone away. It falling the concept of the ghosts of Christmas's past. I love this story and would reread it again.
January 2, 2022
I did enjoy this book even though it did drag a bit. Simon was as hot as hot can get and Ivy was as much his equal. I only with that Ivy and Caroline would of worked out their problem in the end of the book.
December 8, 2020
Sultry, hot Christmas Carol
Everyone loves a Christmas story. Ivy a commoner who is afraid to love Simon because of his bloodline is shown she can loved.
Everyone loves a Christmas story. Ivy a commoner who is afraid to love Simon because of his bloodline is shown she can loved.
January 1, 2022
Very nice book. Highly recommended
January 8, 2019
A matter of class
A young woman carries pain and resentment from her treatment by her family as a child. When she first meets Simon at the library, the attraction between them is totally unexpected, on both sides. He's a peer and she is a commoner. Can a ghost and forgiveness convince her that love conquers all?
A young woman carries pain and resentment from her treatment by her family as a child. When she first meets Simon at the library, the attraction between them is totally unexpected, on both sides. He's a peer and she is a commoner. Can a ghost and forgiveness convince her that love conquers all?
October 22, 2013
Originally published at Rookie Romance.
The blurb for this book instantly drew me in, although I was worried that the 'ghost/Dickens' element would become kind of weird. But it actually blends in with the story seamlessly. You read Simon and Ivy's story as though you're looking back at it, and you can see Ivy's evolution as she realises how much she needs to let go of the past in order to move forward and find happiness.
Ivy is clinging on to bitterness and pain from her past, which means she holds a deep distrust of the peerage. She's an independent, and passionate woman hidden underneath the image of a staid librarian.
Simon has his own issues from the past that mean he doesn't trust 'commoners' at all. He's very intelligent and wonderfully arrogant, with a persistence and stubbornness that can't be matched!
Despite their mutual mistrust of each other's social classes, Ivy and Simon have so much in common. They're both incredibly intelligent and lovers of literature. Their battles of word and wit were brilliant, and I loved how that's how Simon starts to break down Ivy's barriers. Their chemistry was intense, and crazy passionate! My kindle was steaming up so much, and there was a seductive sensuality woven throughout so much of the story.
I loved the 'ghost' aspect of the story, it was very unusual and rather unique. I wish that the conflict between her and her cousin, Caroline, had been explored a little more thoroughly. I was happy with the outcome, but I was still not entirely sure what had happened all those years ago.
This is a perfect story for the holidays! It's a quick read, packed with literary quotes, passion, love and forgiveness. A great introduction to Monica Burns, and I'll definitely be reading more from her in the future.
*I received a review copy of the book from the author, for my honest review. Thank you!
The blurb for this book instantly drew me in, although I was worried that the 'ghost/Dickens' element would become kind of weird. But it actually blends in with the story seamlessly. You read Simon and Ivy's story as though you're looking back at it, and you can see Ivy's evolution as she realises how much she needs to let go of the past in order to move forward and find happiness.
Ivy is clinging on to bitterness and pain from her past, which means she holds a deep distrust of the peerage. She's an independent, and passionate woman hidden underneath the image of a staid librarian.
Simon has his own issues from the past that mean he doesn't trust 'commoners' at all. He's very intelligent and wonderfully arrogant, with a persistence and stubbornness that can't be matched!
Despite their mutual mistrust of each other's social classes, Ivy and Simon have so much in common. They're both incredibly intelligent and lovers of literature. Their battles of word and wit were brilliant, and I loved how that's how Simon starts to break down Ivy's barriers. Their chemistry was intense, and crazy passionate! My kindle was steaming up so much, and there was a seductive sensuality woven throughout so much of the story.
I loved the 'ghost' aspect of the story, it was very unusual and rather unique. I wish that the conflict between her and her cousin, Caroline, had been explored a little more thoroughly. I was happy with the outcome, but I was still not entirely sure what had happened all those years ago.
This is a perfect story for the holidays! It's a quick read, packed with literary quotes, passion, love and forgiveness. A great introduction to Monica Burns, and I'll definitely be reading more from her in the future.
*I received a review copy of the book from the author, for my honest review. Thank you!
October 10, 2013
this is the first book by Monica Burns that I bought....... I fell in love with Simon and Ivy's story when I first read it........... The story starts out with a misunderstanding between Simon and Ivy in regards to Simon's nephew Anthony and when Simon confronts Ivy about his nephew she takes a fence to Simons accusation and they part on bad then Simon realizes he was wrong so then he tries to apologize with flowers and a note which Ivy rejects and sends back a note ............................ and the WORD SEDUCTION begins which it leads her to fall in love with Simon's; then he tries to fix the rife between Ivy and her cousin Caroline only to make matters worse Ivy tells Simon she no longer wants to see him so she flees to her sanctuary the library for a little peace of mind and meets a special Christmas ghost to show her the era of her ways and with he's help she's able not only to for give Simon but she also is able to reconcile with her cousin Caroline. so in the end everything is rectified and everyone is one big happy family like it should be and Simon and Ivy live a happy life together...............
December 8, 2015
This was a great holiday read. Sophisticated and intellegent! This novella is a beautiful love story about leaving to trust and allowing others into their live and heart.
Simon is an aristocrat who has had his heart broken by a woman he loved when he was younger. This woman also happened ot be "common". Ever since then, his opinion of woman is one that isn't high.
Ivy has had her own heart broken by an aristocrat and similar to Simon has a bad opinion of all aristocrats. She will not allow him and his sudcutive workds to penetrate her walls.
As the blurb says, there's a Dicken's twist. This adds that holiday charm and a bit of mystery. This is a Monica Burns book so there are some sexy, steamy scenes. however, they are classy and fit well for the story.
Overall, a great quick read to put you in the holiday mood.
This and other reviews available at Viviana, Enchantress of Books
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, Monica Burns in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
Simon is an aristocrat who has had his heart broken by a woman he loved when he was younger. This woman also happened ot be "common". Ever since then, his opinion of woman is one that isn't high.
Ivy has had her own heart broken by an aristocrat and similar to Simon has a bad opinion of all aristocrats. She will not allow him and his sudcutive workds to penetrate her walls.
As the blurb says, there's a Dicken's twist. This adds that holiday charm and a bit of mystery. This is a Monica Burns book so there are some sexy, steamy scenes. however, they are classy and fit well for the story.
Overall, a great quick read to put you in the holiday mood.
This and other reviews available at Viviana, Enchantress of Books
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, Monica Burns in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
September 18, 2013
Ivy Beecham is and heiress and a librarian. A very unusual combination. Simon Carlton, Viscount Wycombe, knows she works at the London Library and believes she is a fortune-hunter trying to ensnare his nephew. When he approaches her, he finds a beautiful educated spitfire who is not impressed with his title or position. Their war of words fuels an intense physical attraction. They become lovers. Distrust leads Ivy to break off her liaison with Simon. As Ivy seeks solace in the library, a ghostly apparition appears. Will he help these two soul mates find their HEA? Monica Burns writes a wonderful story that is filled with emotion and white hot romance. Ivy and Simon are so perfectly matched. They are intelligent, strong willed and passionate. I loved the ghostly apparition that helped guide Ivy. This is a wonderful way to put you in the holiday mood.
November 18, 2013
I have always enjoyed books by Monica Burns and I immediately jumped at the chance to read this. I thought it would be an odd pairing to have a “Dickens-like” theme to a romance story but I thought it was very well executed despite it being a novella.
I enjoyed the interactions between Ivy and Simon and thoroughly enjoyed how their physical and emotional attraction blossomed. I fell in love with Simon off the bat. He is the typically emotionally scarred hero that I always fall in love with. Although he had a tendency to jump into conclusions (accusing Ivy of being a fortune hunter), he was my guy. The only drawback that I did not like about the story is Ivy herself. Although I liked her feisty attitude toward Simon, I did not warm up to her as I hoped.
I recommend this book to those who love second chances and short holiday romances.
I enjoyed the interactions between Ivy and Simon and thoroughly enjoyed how their physical and emotional attraction blossomed. I fell in love with Simon off the bat. He is the typically emotionally scarred hero that I always fall in love with. Although he had a tendency to jump into conclusions (accusing Ivy of being a fortune hunter), he was my guy. The only drawback that I did not like about the story is Ivy herself. Although I liked her feisty attitude toward Simon, I did not warm up to her as I hoped.
I recommend this book to those who love second chances and short holiday romances.
January 22, 2013
I really liked Simon, but I wasn't crazy about Ivy. She was just a little too bitter for me even though it was totally understandable based on her childhood experiences. I just wasn't a fan of the "cover my ears, I'm not listening" aspect of her character. Of course, had she listened, there wouldn't have been much of a story. :) She just came across as more bitter and negative than say, needing to be convinced that she was a lovable person. I think I would have liked her better if she had lacked a little confidence in who she was and not so much just hated the nobility. It made her seem kind of shallow, which was part of the resolution, but also one dimensional.
October 16, 2015
I find arrogance unbecoming
I did fine with this story save for the acute arrogance of Lord Simon. I like a romance and passion, but initially seeing a woman as just something to bed eats at me till I want to call on the NaziFeminists. Simon eventually turns it down several notches and Ivy becomes a person with value other than her bodacious body. I like the Dickens storyline of Past, Present and future. The love discovered and the erotic love scenes were nicely done. I enjoy Monica Burns books and look forward to more.
I did fine with this story save for the acute arrogance of Lord Simon. I like a romance and passion, but initially seeing a woman as just something to bed eats at me till I want to call on the NaziFeminists. Simon eventually turns it down several notches and Ivy becomes a person with value other than her bodacious body. I like the Dickens storyline of Past, Present and future. The love discovered and the erotic love scenes were nicely done. I enjoy Monica Burns books and look forward to more.
October 6, 2013
Once again, Monica Burns tells a beautiful love story. This is a sexy and seductive holiday novella by an author who writes provocative yet heartwarming stories with characters that really make me feel for them. For my full review, on my blog: http://tinyurl.com/pvd9y72
December 10, 2016
Well written reprise of a Dickens favorite, with a sexy hero and a strong, intelligent heroine. Throw in a few other great poets and you get a sassy, fun story with a little tug on the heart strings. A little spice for the holidays. I will definitely be reading more Monica Burns.
October 7, 2013
Review to come.
October 13, 2013
loved loved loved this fabulous christmas story that takes place in a library! :) it was amazing! oh and very hot! you won't be dissapointed!
November 27, 2015
Enjoyed
I like any story that is a take off of A Christmas Carol. If you like steamy love scenes you will enjoy it
I like any story that is a take off of A Christmas Carol. If you like steamy love scenes you will enjoy it
November 24, 2015
A Lusty, Merry Christmas Tale!
So much fun to read while still steaming up the windows. This tale of forgiveness and love will warm your heart and heat up your e-reader! Loved it!
So much fun to read while still steaming up the windows. This tale of forgiveness and love will warm your heart and heat up your e-reader! Loved it!
October 10, 2016
Erotic Historical Romance
This is a good story about two people who are prejudice against each other's class. It is a highly erotic book yet it has a good story as well.
This is a good story about two people who are prejudice against each other's class. It is a highly erotic book yet it has a good story as well.
June 18, 2017
To be honest, I am in a bit of a yo-yo position regarding this book. If I take just the story line and follow Miss. Ivy Beecham and her love for Simon, I would be truely impressed. A love story with a moral. Any time works for me.
Ivy had a difficult childhood with her aunt and uncle, after the death of her parents. She was looked down upon just because her father was not from the nobility but was a tradesman. If she had any moments of love and understanding, it was from her cousin Caroline. So, when it was Caroline who betrayed her and took away her first love, she could not bear it nor forgive Caroline. Now fate had changed their destiny and Caroline was the destitute with three kids and Ivy was the heiress. But Ivy found it hard to forgive and in the process jeopardised her relation with her own true love, Simon.
Now enters the Christmas spirit of forgiveness in the form of a ghost who takes Ivy through her life making her realise what she has and what she might lose. Beautiful isn't it?
But for all the romance lovers out there, there is nothing angelic about this book. It is HOT. The love scenes studded in this book makes it rather a erotic historical Romance. Simon knows he wants Ivy, though he has reservation about the common class, stemmed from losing his girlfriend to his father. [OUCH!!!!] So when his nephew told him that he had made acquaintance with a certain lady from the common class, Simon was out to protect him, only to fall in love with her. He found that she was not only attractive but very well read and could match him in prose or poetry from the lines for Wilde or Eliot.
I loved the story line and even if it is an erotic fiction, each page turner almost having a love scene is a bit too much. [ again can be a selling factor].
Another problem I had was the abruptness of Caroline's story. I am sure many would argue that she is not a part of this story but there are many questions left hanging with reference to her [unlesss there is a prequel which I am not aware of]. Moreove with regard to her, Ivy came out to be very stubborn and instead of sympathising with her, you tend to get angry at her. But Simon makes up for all her faults.
Would I recommend... Definitely.
www.rubinaramesh.com
Ivy had a difficult childhood with her aunt and uncle, after the death of her parents. She was looked down upon just because her father was not from the nobility but was a tradesman. If she had any moments of love and understanding, it was from her cousin Caroline. So, when it was Caroline who betrayed her and took away her first love, she could not bear it nor forgive Caroline. Now fate had changed their destiny and Caroline was the destitute with three kids and Ivy was the heiress. But Ivy found it hard to forgive and in the process jeopardised her relation with her own true love, Simon.
Now enters the Christmas spirit of forgiveness in the form of a ghost who takes Ivy through her life making her realise what she has and what she might lose. Beautiful isn't it?
But for all the romance lovers out there, there is nothing angelic about this book. It is HOT. The love scenes studded in this book makes it rather a erotic historical Romance. Simon knows he wants Ivy, though he has reservation about the common class, stemmed from losing his girlfriend to his father. [OUCH!!!!] So when his nephew told him that he had made acquaintance with a certain lady from the common class, Simon was out to protect him, only to fall in love with her. He found that she was not only attractive but very well read and could match him in prose or poetry from the lines for Wilde or Eliot.
I loved the story line and even if it is an erotic fiction, each page turner almost having a love scene is a bit too much. [ again can be a selling factor].
Another problem I had was the abruptness of Caroline's story. I am sure many would argue that she is not a part of this story but there are many questions left hanging with reference to her [unlesss there is a prequel which I am not aware of]. Moreove with regard to her, Ivy came out to be very stubborn and instead of sympathising with her, you tend to get angry at her. But Simon makes up for all her faults.
Would I recommend... Definitely.
www.rubinaramesh.com
historical
January 4, 2019WARNING: An intelligent, well-read hero who uses illicit wordplay to get what he wants meets a librarian resistant to his words of seduction until the ghost of Christmas past comes calling.
Sinful words, wicked pleasures and a ghost all add up to A Bluestocking Christmas with a Dickens of a twist.
As a young man, Simon, Viscount Wycombe learned the painful truth that a tradesman’s daughter is suitable only for liaisons and nothing more. But Ivy Beecham is a far cry from his preconceived notions, and he’s determined to have her. But when she rejects him, it only increases his determination to seduce her into a world of sin and pleasure.
Ivy Beecham knows first-hand that handsome aristocrats like Simon can’t be trusted. But the intellectual scoundrel is hellbent on making her his mistress, using every means at his seductive disposal. When she refuses to give away her heart on Christmas Eve, a ghostly specter shows her in one night why her surrender can be the greatest gift of all.
Sinful words, wicked pleasures and a ghost all add up to A Bluestocking Christmas with a Dickens of a twist.
As a young man, Simon, Viscount Wycombe learned the painful truth that a tradesman’s daughter is suitable only for liaisons and nothing more. But Ivy Beecham is a far cry from his preconceived notions, and he’s determined to have her. But when she rejects him, it only increases his determination to seduce her into a world of sin and pleasure.
Ivy Beecham knows first-hand that handsome aristocrats like Simon can’t be trusted. But the intellectual scoundrel is hellbent on making her his mistress, using every means at his seductive disposal. When she refuses to give away her heart on Christmas Eve, a ghostly specter shows her in one night why her surrender can be the greatest gift of all.
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