One Starlit Night

by Carolyn Jewel

A passionate affair 10 years gone by. Some feelings never fade away. Portia Temple is set to marry a dull man to escape her exasperating sister-in-law. Ten years prior, she thought she'd met the love of her life in Viscount Northword, but circumstances beyond their control forced the two of them apart. As Portia prepares to give herself away for good, Northword returns, and with him come feelings she'd buried long ago.Ten years away from Doyle's Grange isn't long enough for Northword to forget Portia and the love they shared. He tells himself it's wrong to interfere in her life, but he can't help but intervene with his words, his body, and the truths of his heart.One Starlit Night is a Regency romance novella featuring two lovers reunited after a decade apart. If you like second chance romances, steamy encounters, and friends to lovers, then you'll love Carolyn Jewel's intense and believable story.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Regency, Novella, Anthologies, Ebooks

121 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2012

About the author

Carolyn Jewel was born on a moonless night. That darkness was seared into her soul and she became an award winning and USA Today bestselling author of historical and paranormal romance. She has a very dusty car and a Master’s degree in English that proves useful at the oddest times. An avid fan of fine chocolate, finer heroines, Bollywood films, and heroism in all forms, she has two cats and a dog. Also a son. One of the cats is his.

Reviews

[Wollstonecrafthomegirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you don’t think about it too much, this is a good book. I raced through it.

I am a big fan of Jewel’s writing. She does angst very well and sex even better than that and this book has both those in spades. The book also feels very historically apt and the writing is fluent and lyrical. I like a reunited lovers plot, particularly where the two don’t hate one another and this one was done well. I completely bought the tension between them, sexual and otherwise.

But, actually, when I sat back after finishing the book - feeling buoyed by having read a great little story - and started to think about it, it’s rather lacking in substance. The story hangs entirely on the angst and there is limited characterisation of the H/h beyond them being two individuals shaped and damaged by their earlier affair. The plot also doesn’t hang together that well. The heroine's motivations for breaking with the hero in the first place if she stays with him it’ll harm her brother are contradicted by her motivations for not getting back together with him she is engaged to someone else who her brother does not like and who will not help his career, when others – including the hero – he does like and would help her career. Her fierce dislike of her sister-in-law was also very thin, given that she just didn’t seem that objectionable as a character. It is a novella so there's perhaps always some sacrifice of plot and character to the reduced available word count.

All that said: I really enjoyed this, it was entertaining, engaging and fluently written. More than the sum of its parts in a lot of ways (which sounds like something I've written about Jewel before). Would recommend.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful romance about a love thought gone! Portia and Viscount Northwood shared a brief, passionate affair ten years ago and the ramifications are still being felt today. It caused deep heartache for Portia and Northwood and also her brother. But with Portia set to wed a dull man just to escape her maddening sister in law, Northwood can not let his feelings be disregarded any longer. A wonderfully rounded romance dealing with the difficulties of a second chance romance and great supporting characters (seriously, Portia's sister in law is going to be someone who want to smack!) with a good dose of steam! I could have used a mini epilogue though but thats just me...love my epilogues :) 4 1/2 stars

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

One again, Carolyn Jewel gutted me. Such a moving, beautifully written story.

[Lara · Rating 2 out of 5]

My first by this author and most likely my last. There wasn't anything inherently wrong with it, there just wasn't anything that great about it.

Some of the story didn't seem to hold up from beginning to end. Like the author had an idea or two and then changed her mind along the way. We spend way too much time in Crispin's thoughts at the beginning and near the end, wherein he's thinking of all the women he's bedded since his wife's passing. (That always makes me uncomfortable.) And he just never seemed to ... I don't know fight for her. He claims to have loved her deeply and more than she did him, but I just didn't feel that. He didn't come for her after his wife's death. He only showed up out of duty. If she'd not gotten engaged he would have continued to stay away.

For me this didn't read like a Courtney Milan or Kerrigan Byrne novel. Those books are historically accurate and convey a sense of authenticity. This book, to me, read more as a romance set in historical times. (Really? She's almost bare between her legs naturally? Nope. No woman in that day and age is going to have a Brazilian, thank you very much.)

And don't get me started on the sister-in-law, Eleanor. I have no earthly idea what Magnus saw in her. I don't even know much about her other than she's manipulative, meddling, and essentially an airhead. Is she much younger than Magnus? (That would explain what he saw in her.) How does Portia feel about having a younger woman take over her home? Is she in fact Portia's age? Why is she practically a spinster then? Honestly, what is her purpose other than impetus to Portia's marriage? Oops. I got started on Eleanor.

The best thing about this story is that it's a novella, and therefore a very quick read. Fans of Julia Quinn would probably like this author. I, however, am not a fan of Ms. Quinn either.

[guiltless pleasures · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve never read any Carolyn Jewel before. Another histrom author to add to my TBR.

I may drop this to 4 stars later, but for now - wow. Incredible writing, very hot sex scenes, vividly rendered atmosphere, and a subtly drawn absolute monster in the form of Portia’s sister-in-law, Eleanor. I could hardly bear it when she was around, in the best possible way.

4.5 stars

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I haven't read any other books by this author, so I don't have anything to compare this too.

The secondary characters didn't lend much to the story but annoyance (our heroine has some very oblivious relations), and being a novella you don't get enough background to understand why Portia allows the browbeating. Crispin seemed like a good enough fellow; caring, confused, working through past hurts, all of that.

The end was abrupt, like the author ran out of paper and said "well, that'll be good enough". Also, I'm not sure if this is part of a series, but there are large enough chunks missing from the story that it feels like some of it is answered in other books.

[Kiranjot Bhullar]

The book starts in Crispin's POV and he talk like there is a dark secret in his and Portia's past. But soon comes Eleanor, Portia's sister in law and she is screechy. Everytime she tries to be innocent and proper, she is interfering, nagging and irritating. But it was a disturbing book. I understood why he married someone else. I understood even if it was twisted. But I didn't understand many other things. Throughout the book we get a feeling that Portia and Crispin used to love each other, but there is no shadow of that love in the present. The author doesn't let Portia and Crispin's feelings develop before forcing sex and marriage on them. They should have danced more around each other before the abrupt ending.

[So · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very quick read, but so much heartache and emotions that goes on in such a short story. There was humor, sarcasm and love. Usually all the charcter thoughts and content between dialogue can get boring but so many passages just seems to want to punch your heart into pieces and also make you laugh.

Portia's sister-in-law, Eleanor, doesn't like the green walls in the parlor and how she doesn't like green and that she wants to change the color. And the male lead, Crispin, asks Portia "What color would you do the room in?" And she replies, "Green, I fear." Because she had it painted green. Haha, made me literally LOL.

A very good read. It was a short story. Definitely not a slow burn romance but a rekindled love story with renewed romance.

[penelopewanders]

I read this as part of a collection I downloaded to read while travelling. Little did I know that it would not come to my kindle, which always makes it slightly more complicated (my ipad’s battery life is not what it should be).
This novella about a young woman trying to find her way with a new sister-in-law who is making her life miserable - in the very sweetest way- while being reunited with the love of her life, is entertaining. As is common with novellas, the resolution is a bit slick. A good read nonetheless.

[Maida · Rating 3 out of 5]

3+ stars This is the first time I've read a Carolyn Jewel book. Although I liked that she wrote a complete story, my enjoyment of Word and Portia's romance was overpowered by annoyance over Eleanor. When a secondary character looms larger than the leads, I can't really grade it higher. A pity because there's some good writing there.

[Jazzysmum · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet Story about a lost love, a misunderstanding and the guilt from the past.
Why did Eleanor remind me of the Curate's ( Mr E) wife in Emma? - decidng what was best for all and forcing it on them .
A pleasing conclusion where Portia stood up for herself and she and Crispin found that true love never dies AWWW

[Rebecca · Rating 2 out of 5]

I finished it, but it was not interesting.

[Lissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

pretty boring second chance love story brothers best friend, child hood friend to lovers

[May Mostly Romance · Rating 2 out of 5]

เราชอบเรื่องนี้มากที่สุดในเรื่องสั้นสามเรื่องที่รวมอยู่ในหนังสือ Midnight Scandals นะคะ แต่นั่นก็ไม่ใช่เป็นความชื่นชมที่มากมายอะไร เพราะปกติเราไม่ชอบอ่านเรื่องสั้นเป็นทุน

เราชอบความรู้สึกที่พระนางมีให้กัน ความโหยหาคิดถึงกัน ความรักในอดีต ส่วนนี้ได้ใจเราไปแล้ว แต่ช่วงเวลาอื่นในเรื่องกลับไม่น่าสนใจเท่าไหรนัก รวมไปถึงพฤติกรรมของนางเอกที่เป็นปัญหาใหญ่ของเรา (จะบอกว่าเราหัวโบราณก็ได้นะคะ เรารับไม่ได้กับการตัดสินใจของนางเอก) ดังนั้นเราจึงไม่แน่ใจว่า เราจะให้อภัยเธออย่างที่พระเอกรู้สึกได้ไหม (การให้อภัยเฉพาะประเด็นการตัดสินใจที่เธอทำนะคะ ไม่ใช่เรื่องอื่นที่เกิดกับความสัมพันธ์ของทั้งคู่)

นอกจากนี้เรารู้สึกว่า ถ้าพระเอกยังรักนางเอกมากขนาดนี้ เขาควรจะกลับมาหาเธอให้เร็วกว่านี้

โดยรวมเป็นที่อารมณ์เรื่องอย่างเดียวเลยค่ะที่เราชอบเรื่องนี้มากกว่าเรื่องอื่น เพราะอย่างน้อยตอนอ่านเราก็ยังได้ลุ้นว่า พระนางจะหาทางออกกันยังไง ผิดกับอีกสองเรื่องที่เหลือที่อ่านไปแล้วก็นิ่ง (แบบไม่แคร์)

คะแนนที่ 60 (คะแนนเท่ากันกะสองเรื่องนั้นแหละค่ะ แต่เรารู้สึกผูกพันทางอารมณ์กะเรื่องนี้มากกว่า)

[Suzanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't know what to think about this story. Parts I loved and other parts were frustrating as hell. There seemed to be no reason they shouldn't be together, from page one, besides lack of communication and "don't wanna" without much elaboration. Not an emotionally satisfying book, not much of a plot, not really any character arc. For all that, I did like some aspects of it, especially the way the sister-in-law was written (she was the most annoying character and pretty much the antagonist, but I felt her character was better described than the hero and heroine both).

I think this one needed a better plot and pacing to succeed.

[Dishari Sinha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story started slow & then eventually start making sense. I didn't like Crispin at the beginning, as I thought him he cheated on Portia. He got married when Portia had been pining for him. But, then I get to know their story & I felt for him. They were young. I liked Crispin at the end. I also like Magnus. He is a artist & not very practical & oblivious about his sister & his best friend. I was two minds about Eleanor. whether to like or or dislike her. She strongly believes that what she thinks is the only right thing. But she is not a bad person. I liked Portia throughout. I wish to know about their story more.

[Jujubee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found this read in Seven Wicked Nights anthology. Never read Carolyn Jewel before. Loved it! Not an original trope, but this second chance at renewing love despite deep losses, family interference/social circumstance, and mistakes of youth almost seemed to much to over come? Well, this author had me glued to my e-reader! This short story was packed with heartfelt yearnings...the raw passion...the struggle to put thoughts to words denied too long *sigh* This is exactly why I read romance...for the *feelz*

[ᑭᑌᑎƳᗩ [Punya Reviews...] · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

Read in the anthology, Midnight Scandals.

Review is in the following link along with the other two stories but beware, spoiler alert applies!

http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this as a part of the 7 Wicked Nights novella set that just came out on Sept. 16 and loved it. I'm a huge fan of romantic angst, and what's more heart-wrenching than lovers separated by circumstances beyond their control suddenly reunited after 10 years?

High drama. Childhood lust and affection growing up. Heart-ripping love.

READ IT. (review to follow on my blog)

[crashqueen73 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This would be about a 3.5 for me. The writing was good and the storyline was too (mind you, the sister in law annoyed the crap out of me- I think that she was supposed to!!!) I feel like there could have been more... it felt a tiny bit lacklustre for me. The relationship between the H/h felt strained and stilted but still readable! Just not awesome for me.

[Kirsten Lenius · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was origionally part of an anthology of three stories set in the same location and revolving around a theme of scandal. In this, an Earl returns to his childhood area just before the young woman he lived dearly is to be married and finds the feelings between them remain.

[Andrea (mrsaubergine) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The end was a bit rushed, but other than that this was a gorgeous little story, full of UST and well-painted characters. I'm a little puzzled by the title, though - to my mind the *ahem* best bit happened during an afternoon hail storm ;)

[Dao · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Don't be unhappy. You know I can't bear it."
"I want what slipped away before."
"You have all of me. There's nothing more of me to give. You have everything."

That did it for me. A Saturday morning in bed, languidly reading this lifelike, intense love story of what once was lost.

[MT931 · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short story but still a good read.

[Georgiana]

Midnight Scandals anthology

[Rosa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite, but ok.

[Seema · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was short and an excuse to write two elaborate sexually explicit scenes in the pretext of a story. I don't know why I even bother to pick up these books.

[Aldora Iruana · Rating 2 out of 5]

did not like this at all

[Sharyn]

DNF

[RomLibrary]

Ten years away from Doyle’s Grange isn’t quite long enough for Viscount Northword to forget Portia Temple, or their passionate adolescent affair. Portia, however, is about to marry another man. Northword tells himself it is wrong to interfere in her life at this late hour, but interfere he cannot help, with his words, his body, and the truths of his heart.