What do you think?
Rate this book
School For Heiresses #2.5
Ten Reasons to Stay
A delightful eNovella from New York Times bestselling author Sabrina Jeffries about a young woman who learns that you can’t learn about love from a textbook. In Ten Reasons to Stay, previously published in the anthology The School for Heiresses, lessons go far beyond etiquette and needlepoint. Eliza Crenshawe’s lesson is to look before she leaps. But when she discovers that her new guardian plans to marry her off without so much as a Season, she forgets all that. She flees—on a horse she unwittingly steals (oops!)—from Colin Hunt, a newly minted earl who wants nothing more than for her to go home…or stay forever.
106 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 6, 2013
75 people are currently reading
1001 people want to read
About the author
Sabrina Jeffries
88 books4,797 followersSabrina Jeffries is the NYT bestselling author of over 50 novels and works of short fiction (some written under the pseudonyms Deborah Martin and Deborah Nicholas). Whatever time not spent writing in a coffee-fueled haze of dreams and madness is spent traveling with her husband and adult autistic son or indulging in one of her passions—jigsaw puzzles, chocolate, and music. With over 11 million books published in print and electronically in 25 different languages, the North Carolina author never regrets tossing aside a budding career in academics for the sheer joy of writing fun fiction, and hopes that one day a book of hers will end up saving the world.
She always dreams big.
She always dreams big.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
May 25, 2017
Some insta loves work for me and some don't this one didn't. I just didn't feel any connection at all between Eliza and Colin. None! No real passion and I didn't believe their feelings for each other. I just didn't work. Maybe if it was longer than 150 pages.
April 18, 2013
I am not a historical romance lover. I think because all of the stories tend to seem repetitive to me. You know, virgin girl, rich guy, a lot of blushing and boobs heaving... it gets old. This one, for some reason, worked more for me than most. One thing that I liked about it was there was a bi-racial MC, something I don't often see in these sort of books. It was nice to see something different brought to the table. The insta-love still read as false but I have to say that I had an enjoyable reading experience.
May 8, 2013
Romance novels tend to get a bad reputation of the sort that oftentimes I can be seen red-faced and quite literally running through the library to the check out with an armful of books with the red heart of shame on the side binding. To be fair, the majority of the genre is deserving of this mark of shame. While the writing, character, and plot development of many Regency romances these days are superior to those of the past, there are still books that fall short. This novella is one of them.
Eliza is in trouble. Her despicable drunkard of a guardian is trying to marry her off to a friend, so she disguises herself as a boy, and is caught running away while trying to steal a horse from the Colin, the new Earl of Monteith. Colin is a half-caste and newly returned from India, still smarting from the memory of his wife's death. He catches Eliza, is instantly suffused with lust from the sight of her shapely body in boys' clothing, and dismisses her story as a schoolgirl's wild imagination. Their subsequent fall into love is not so much love as it is lust.
Eliza is described from the summary as being taught at a school where her lessons are "to look before she leaps," but we see no evidence of that here. I am tempted to despise Colin for his brusque dismissal of Eliza's story, but frankly, I see no reason that he should have believed her. She lies, appears flighty, annoying, and overly chatty exactly like one of the Ton's silly misses.
His attraction to her, to the very end, seems to be based off nothing but pure lust. In a novella of barely 90 pages, there is not much room for characterization, and as much room is allocated, not much is used by Ms. Jeffries to make the characters seem real. Half the book is of their attraction and subsequent lovemaking. Of course, there is a HEA, but it feels forced, and the title of the book is largely a misnomer.
Eliza is in trouble. Her despicable drunkard of a guardian is trying to marry her off to a friend, so she disguises herself as a boy, and is caught running away while trying to steal a horse from the Colin, the new Earl of Monteith. Colin is a half-caste and newly returned from India, still smarting from the memory of his wife's death. He catches Eliza, is instantly suffused with lust from the sight of her shapely body in boys' clothing, and dismisses her story as a schoolgirl's wild imagination. Their subsequent fall into love is not so much love as it is lust.
Eliza is described from the summary as being taught at a school where her lessons are "to look before she leaps," but we see no evidence of that here. I am tempted to despise Colin for his brusque dismissal of Eliza's story, but frankly, I see no reason that he should have believed her. She lies, appears flighty, annoying, and overly chatty exactly like one of the Ton's silly misses.
His attraction to her, to the very end, seems to be based off nothing but pure lust. In a novella of barely 90 pages, there is not much room for characterization, and as much room is allocated, not much is used by Ms. Jeffries to make the characters seem real. Half the book is of their attraction and subsequent lovemaking. Of course, there is a HEA, but it feels forced, and the title of the book is largely a misnomer.
May 7, 2013
I was quite looking forward to this novella, as I really enjoyed the School for Heiresses series, but unfortunately this one was not a good read. It feels like the author simply pasted a forced marriage plot with two flat characters and threw in an abundance of sexual tension and decided her work was done. For an erotica, this might have worked, but not for a historical romance.
In order to escape her drunken guardian's dictate to marry, Eliza Crenshawe runs to a neighboring estate to steal a horse. However, she happens to get caught by Collin Hunt, the new Earl of Monteith, whose horse she was trying to steal. Collin, a half-Indian who mourned the death of his wife for four years, found his body boiling for Eliza, despite not believing her story at all. Eliza, thinking of more ways to escape from Monteith, offers to pleasure him, something that is totally scandalous for a girl of her age and schooling. The next day, Monteith finally finds out who her guardian is, and feels bad for not believing in Eliza. Of course, he comes back to Eliza, and they share a passionate night before Eliza decides that she's not good enough for Monteith, and returns to reason with her uncle, whom, just some time ago, she resolved to not do. And of course, our hero saves the day, and they live happily-ever-after.
The plot here is rather interesting and could go many directions, but this one unfortunately involved more sex scenes than character interactions. I understand that a novella does not have the space to explore much character depth, but this level of shallowness is not necessary, and more to the point, it gives me a headache to see characters behaving like children. Monteith comes off initially as an emotionally troubled hero with a cynical view on life, yet we only see him talk about his sad past, without really showing his capacity for love. Eliza is a quirky heroine, but one who can't seem to make up her mind. One moment she's trying to escape from Monteith (which she tries several times to no avail), the next she's trying to tempt him to a bargain. She behaves like a seductress one moment and a virginal miss the next, all the while thinking that all of her problems will somehow be solved when she goes to Honiton.
I have rarely given a book such a low rating, and would not have if this story had more depth or even remotely intelligent leads; certainly not one of Mrs. Jeffries's finest works.
In order to escape her drunken guardian's dictate to marry, Eliza Crenshawe runs to a neighboring estate to steal a horse. However, she happens to get caught by Collin Hunt, the new Earl of Monteith, whose horse she was trying to steal. Collin, a half-Indian who mourned the death of his wife for four years, found his body boiling for Eliza, despite not believing her story at all. Eliza, thinking of more ways to escape from Monteith, offers to pleasure him, something that is totally scandalous for a girl of her age and schooling. The next day, Monteith finally finds out who her guardian is, and feels bad for not believing in Eliza. Of course, he comes back to Eliza, and they share a passionate night before Eliza decides that she's not good enough for Monteith, and returns to reason with her uncle, whom, just some time ago, she resolved to not do. And of course, our hero saves the day, and they live happily-ever-after.
The plot here is rather interesting and could go many directions, but this one unfortunately involved more sex scenes than character interactions. I understand that a novella does not have the space to explore much character depth, but this level of shallowness is not necessary, and more to the point, it gives me a headache to see characters behaving like children. Monteith comes off initially as an emotionally troubled hero with a cynical view on life, yet we only see him talk about his sad past, without really showing his capacity for love. Eliza is a quirky heroine, but one who can't seem to make up her mind. One moment she's trying to escape from Monteith (which she tries several times to no avail), the next she's trying to tempt him to a bargain. She behaves like a seductress one moment and a virginal miss the next, all the while thinking that all of her problems will somehow be solved when she goes to Honiton.
I have rarely given a book such a low rating, and would not have if this story had more depth or even remotely intelligent leads; certainly not one of Mrs. Jeffries's finest works.
February 21, 2016
Colin Hunt, the new Earl of Montieth, catches a thief in the process of stealing one of his horses. He is surprised when the thief turns out to be Eliza Crenshawe, a student from Mrs. Harris' School for Young Ladies. Eliza was visiting her drunken uncle for the holidays when she was told that she would marry an older neighbor the next day. Not wanting to marry, Eliza runs away and tries to find transportation back to London. Colin doesn't believe her outlandish story, but finds her fascinating, especially when Eliza wants to make a bargain...In exchange for helping her escape, she'll give Colin a night of pleasure he will never forget.
This story is 91 pages and suffers from being way too short. Colin and Eliza meet late one night and find insta-love within 24 hours. My rating: 2 Stars.
This story is 91 pages and suffers from being way too short. Colin and Eliza meet late one night and find insta-love within 24 hours. My rating: 2 Stars.
June 19, 2017
Do you know how rare that is, to be seen for what one is and not what one appears to be?”
November 30, 2025
Eliza Crenshawe is running for her life. Her father has just past, leaving her in the care of his brother (the magistrate). Little did he know that his brother has been lost in the cups since his wife death and has acquired overwhelming debts. Her uncle decides to use Eliza and her inheritance to barter out of his debts, literally selling her to off in marriage. This ends up sending Eliza running right into Colin Hunt’s life.
Colin Hunt has recently returned from India to claim his property as Earl. He discovers a horse thief in his barn. His unexpected visitor is about to rock his world and turn his plans upside down.
A spicy and smart heroin, Eliza gives Colin, the jaded Earl, a run for his money. This was a fun and boarder line erotic historical romance. Novella in length, the story was well written and fast paced. Enjoyable, quick, easy, fun read with a very fiery romance, Ten Reasons to Stay is definitely a perfectly delightful read.
This ARC copy of Ten Reasons to Stay was provided by Pocket Books in exchange for an honest review.
Colin Hunt has recently returned from India to claim his property as Earl. He discovers a horse thief in his barn. His unexpected visitor is about to rock his world and turn his plans upside down.
A spicy and smart heroin, Eliza gives Colin, the jaded Earl, a run for his money. This was a fun and boarder line erotic historical romance. Novella in length, the story was well written and fast paced. Enjoyable, quick, easy, fun read with a very fiery romance, Ten Reasons to Stay is definitely a perfectly delightful read.
This ARC copy of Ten Reasons to Stay was provided by Pocket Books in exchange for an honest review.
April 3, 2013
Ten Reasons to Stay by Sabrina Jeffries was originally published in the anthology "The School for Heiresses". This is a short story/novella about to be released in e book format.
Eliza has run away from home because her guardian has arranged a hasty marriage for her that she doesn't want. Intending to "borrow" a horse, she is caught red handed by Colin Hunt.
Colin is recently returned to England from India. His wife died and he has been consumed with guilt. He plans to marry someday, but to a wife that is biddable and will allow him to live his life in peace.
But, once he meets Eliza those plans may go up in smoke.
The one thing about short stories is that the show build up to romance and sensuality is absent. In this story though, the plot was planned out in such a way that the rushed romance makes sense. Eliza is in danger from her guardian and Colin can't allow her be used that way and so comes to her rescue. In the process, Colin comes to terms with his wife's death and the guilt he has lived with.
Although this is a short story, there is some depth. There is also sweet romance, sensuality and humor. Overall this one gets an A. Thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for the e book edition of this novella.
Eliza has run away from home because her guardian has arranged a hasty marriage for her that she doesn't want. Intending to "borrow" a horse, she is caught red handed by Colin Hunt.
Colin is recently returned to England from India. His wife died and he has been consumed with guilt. He plans to marry someday, but to a wife that is biddable and will allow him to live his life in peace.
But, once he meets Eliza those plans may go up in smoke.
The one thing about short stories is that the show build up to romance and sensuality is absent. In this story though, the plot was planned out in such a way that the rushed romance makes sense. Eliza is in danger from her guardian and Colin can't allow her be used that way and so comes to her rescue. In the process, Colin comes to terms with his wife's death and the guilt he has lived with.
Although this is a short story, there is some depth. There is also sweet romance, sensuality and humor. Overall this one gets an A. Thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for the e book edition of this novella.
August 11, 2015
Ten Reasons to Stay
The Characters:
Eliza Crenshawe
Colin Hunt
The Story:
A quick, and I do mean quick, little love story. Eliza and Colin have great chemistry from the first page. It does border on insta-love but I can look past it for them. The way the uncle flips plays out rather strangely.
Overall, I enjoyed the story.
The Random Thoughts:
3 Stars
The Characters:
Eliza Crenshawe
Colin Hunt
The Story:
A quick, and I do mean quick, little love story. Eliza and Colin have great chemistry from the first page. It does border on insta-love but I can look past it for them. The way the uncle flips plays out rather strangely.
Overall, I enjoyed the story.
The Random Thoughts:
3 Stars
April 21, 2013
*I received a free ARC of Ten Reasons to Stay from Pocket Star via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review*
Very quick and hot historical romance. This and other reviews can also be found on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews.
Full review to come soon.
Very quick and hot historical romance. This and other reviews can also be found on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews.
Full review to come soon.
March 29, 2013
The Girl Can Rock a Pair of Breeches
When it comes to historical romances, I like my heroines quirky. The more off beat the better. Sure, this can lead to some historically inaccurate situations (most women during the Regency period probably didn’t have the nerve to disguise themselves like a man and attempt to steal a horse) but that doesn’t bother me. I read to be entertained and the prim and proper folk just don’t work for me. Luckily there’s nothing proper about Ten Reasons to Stay.
I loved Eliza. She’s smart in a crisis, witty and above all else brave. Most nineteen year old single ladies of the ton would simply accept a loveless marriage brokered by their guardian in order to pay off debts. Instead of going through with a marriage certain to make her unhappy, Eliza decides to make a break for it and head to London, on her own and in disguise. Come to think of it that idea may not be so hot, but at least it led her to Colin. Hot, sexy widowed Colin. As soon as the recently titled Earl figures out the man trying to steal his horse is actually a woman, things start to heat up. Colin isn’t buying any of her crazy stories but he’s instantly attracted to her.
Ten Reasons to Stay is a novella and it reads like one. The story takes place over the course of about 2 days so there’s not a huge amount of character development. Because the majority of the story is Eliza and Colin’s interactions with one another, both via conversation and some bedroom action, I bought into the eventual happy ending. They both have strong personalities and it makes for an entertaining read. Yes, maybe Colin didn’t have to work too hard to get virginal Eliza to drop her breeches but that seems to be the norm when it comes to a novella sized story, even a historical romance one.
My only complaint is that the story wraps itself up in a neat and tidy bow too quickly to be believed, even for a shorter story. The ending felt a little off because of it.
Ten Reasons to Stay is a humorous and sexy story. This is my first book from this author and I’m already hunting down more of her work to read in the future.
ARC provided from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review
When it comes to historical romances, I like my heroines quirky. The more off beat the better. Sure, this can lead to some historically inaccurate situations (most women during the Regency period probably didn’t have the nerve to disguise themselves like a man and attempt to steal a horse) but that doesn’t bother me. I read to be entertained and the prim and proper folk just don’t work for me. Luckily there’s nothing proper about Ten Reasons to Stay.
I loved Eliza. She’s smart in a crisis, witty and above all else brave. Most nineteen year old single ladies of the ton would simply accept a loveless marriage brokered by their guardian in order to pay off debts. Instead of going through with a marriage certain to make her unhappy, Eliza decides to make a break for it and head to London, on her own and in disguise. Come to think of it that idea may not be so hot, but at least it led her to Colin. Hot, sexy widowed Colin. As soon as the recently titled Earl figures out the man trying to steal his horse is actually a woman, things start to heat up. Colin isn’t buying any of her crazy stories but he’s instantly attracted to her.
Ten Reasons to Stay is a novella and it reads like one. The story takes place over the course of about 2 days so there’s not a huge amount of character development. Because the majority of the story is Eliza and Colin’s interactions with one another, both via conversation and some bedroom action, I bought into the eventual happy ending. They both have strong personalities and it makes for an entertaining read. Yes, maybe Colin didn’t have to work too hard to get virginal Eliza to drop her breeches but that seems to be the norm when it comes to a novella sized story, even a historical romance one.
My only complaint is that the story wraps itself up in a neat and tidy bow too quickly to be believed, even for a shorter story. The ending felt a little off because of it.
Ten Reasons to Stay is a humorous and sexy story. This is my first book from this author and I’m already hunting down more of her work to read in the future.
ARC provided from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review
June 7, 2013
Also posted at my blog, TBR MOUNTAIN RANGE.
TEN REASONS TO STAY is a sassy and flirty historical novella perfect for a break in-between reading novels. It has enough historical flavor to give you a feel for the time period but moves quickly enough to read in a short amount of time.
I bought this eBook to read because we started a group book discussion at Romance Junkies Readers, reading books chosen from Romance Junkies’ Recommended Reads, and this is our first one. I haven’t read any of Sabrina Jeffries’ novels, so this was a great way to be introduced to her style.
Colin Hunt, the Earl of Monteith, doesn’t expect to nab a horse thief during his first evening at his inherited property, Chaunceston Hall. Bad goes to worse when he realizes the horse thief is a young female disguised as a boy, on the run from the arranged marriage her guardian is forcing her into.
Colin is the perfect dark brooding hero who is persistent and sometimes aggressive, but no more so than the heroine, Eliza Crenshawe wants him to be. Eliza quickly learns how to push Colin beyond reasoning, hoping to throw him off his game long enough to allow her escape. Protective due to a devastating past experience, Colin isn’t about to let Eliza leave and travel by herself as was her initial intent. In the end, will their cat and mouse game be too tempting to resist, vowing to make it forever?
This historical novella immediately reminded me of those spicy reads in the 1970s that were sometimes lovingly called “Bodice Rippers”. Having cut my romance reading teeth on such evocative stories, I have fond memories of the style of book that initiated me into a lifetime of reading pleasure. TEN REASONS TO STAY is definitely a hot little number and a fun romp from infatuation to lust to love. The characters are realistically drawn for the times and very entertaining together.
Although TEN REASONS TO STAY is part of the SCHOOL FOR HEIRESSES series by Sabrina Jeffries, it was easy to read as a standalone without reading the previous books. In fact, it has made me realize that I’ve been missing out!
TEN REASONS TO STAY is a sassy and flirty historical novella perfect for a break in-between reading novels. It has enough historical flavor to give you a feel for the time period but moves quickly enough to read in a short amount of time.
I bought this eBook to read because we started a group book discussion at Romance Junkies Readers, reading books chosen from Romance Junkies’ Recommended Reads, and this is our first one. I haven’t read any of Sabrina Jeffries’ novels, so this was a great way to be introduced to her style.
Colin Hunt, the Earl of Monteith, doesn’t expect to nab a horse thief during his first evening at his inherited property, Chaunceston Hall. Bad goes to worse when he realizes the horse thief is a young female disguised as a boy, on the run from the arranged marriage her guardian is forcing her into.
Colin is the perfect dark brooding hero who is persistent and sometimes aggressive, but no more so than the heroine, Eliza Crenshawe wants him to be. Eliza quickly learns how to push Colin beyond reasoning, hoping to throw him off his game long enough to allow her escape. Protective due to a devastating past experience, Colin isn’t about to let Eliza leave and travel by herself as was her initial intent. In the end, will their cat and mouse game be too tempting to resist, vowing to make it forever?
This historical novella immediately reminded me of those spicy reads in the 1970s that were sometimes lovingly called “Bodice Rippers”. Having cut my romance reading teeth on such evocative stories, I have fond memories of the style of book that initiated me into a lifetime of reading pleasure. TEN REASONS TO STAY is definitely a hot little number and a fun romp from infatuation to lust to love. The characters are realistically drawn for the times and very entertaining together.
Although TEN REASONS TO STAY is part of the SCHOOL FOR HEIRESSES series by Sabrina Jeffries, it was easy to read as a standalone without reading the previous books. In fact, it has made me realize that I’ve been missing out!
April 30, 2013
I was thrilled when I was given this ARC, even though I am not a huge fan of novella's, I found this was to be thoroughly entertaining. It definitely didn't have no slow start, very quick paced and easy to get into the flow of the story. I really enjoyed the charming characters that had me from the first page of the story.
It starts out with a young woman trying to steal (borrow) a horse, to escape a forced marriage and ends up a prisoner in a Gothic castle of a house with Colin Hunt who has recently returned from India. Instantly we see sparks fly between these two like fireworks, and I found their romance a adventure. It was a quick and fast read and I probably read in within a hour, only 150 in my nook, so it didn't take very long to read----which is sometimes nice. I felt instantly drawn into this endearing love story that captivated me from the first line. Sabrina Jeffries always delivers in a outstanding way where she writes such stories with charm and flair. LOVED IT!!!
Favorite Quote
"Have you no sense of danger, you little fool?" he exploded as he bent close. "No idea of how you tempt fate every time you open that reckless mouth of yours?"
"Not where you're concerned,"she shot back. "Perhaps you alarm others with that black scowl, but I can tell a gentleman when I see one, and you--"
He cut off her words with a hard kiss.
He'd meant it to shut her up, to shock her. Unfortunately, he did far more than that. It mad him conscious of her as a woman. A desirable Woman.
It starts out with a young woman trying to steal (borrow) a horse, to escape a forced marriage and ends up a prisoner in a Gothic castle of a house with Colin Hunt who has recently returned from India. Instantly we see sparks fly between these two like fireworks, and I found their romance a adventure. It was a quick and fast read and I probably read in within a hour, only 150 in my nook, so it didn't take very long to read----which is sometimes nice. I felt instantly drawn into this endearing love story that captivated me from the first line. Sabrina Jeffries always delivers in a outstanding way where she writes such stories with charm and flair. LOVED IT!!!
Favorite Quote
"Have you no sense of danger, you little fool?" he exploded as he bent close. "No idea of how you tempt fate every time you open that reckless mouth of yours?"
"Not where you're concerned,"she shot back. "Perhaps you alarm others with that black scowl, but I can tell a gentleman when I see one, and you--"
He cut off her words with a hard kiss.
He'd meant it to shut her up, to shock her. Unfortunately, he did far more than that. It mad him conscious of her as a woman. A desirable Woman.
March 27, 2013
Previously published in the anthology the School for Heiresses, Ten Reasons to Stay by Sabrina Jeffries is a quick read when you are short on time and need a slightly sassy break from reality! Eliza Crenshawe, dismayed that her guardian is planning on marrying her off, attempts to flee by “borrowing” a horse from a neighboring estate.
Colin Hunt, the recently titled Earl of Monteith, searching for peace from the tortured memories of his wife’s brutal murder in India, has just taken up residence in his family’s estate. He sees a boy attempting to steal one of his horses, yep, it’s actually Eliza. As she relates her unbelievable tale of woe, Colin, of course does not believe her and feels the need to “demonstrate” what could happen to her on the road alone. Enough said about that. Let’s just say Eliza is a quick and eager study! What if her tale is true? Will Colin save Eliza from her fate? Can he live without her saucy attitude?
This can only be classified as a fun read! Any longer than a novella and the sparks would have ignited into an inferno as these two teased and taunted their way through those ten reasons!
This ARC copy of Ten Reasons to Stay was provided by Pocket Books in exchange for my honest review. This book is set for publication on May 6, 2013.
Colin Hunt, the recently titled Earl of Monteith, searching for peace from the tortured memories of his wife’s brutal murder in India, has just taken up residence in his family’s estate. He sees a boy attempting to steal one of his horses, yep, it’s actually Eliza. As she relates her unbelievable tale of woe, Colin, of course does not believe her and feels the need to “demonstrate” what could happen to her on the road alone. Enough said about that. Let’s just say Eliza is a quick and eager study! What if her tale is true? Will Colin save Eliza from her fate? Can he live without her saucy attitude?
This can only be classified as a fun read! Any longer than a novella and the sparks would have ignited into an inferno as these two teased and taunted their way through those ten reasons!
This ARC copy of Ten Reasons to Stay was provided by Pocket Books in exchange for my honest review. This book is set for publication on May 6, 2013.
March 28, 2013
Despite my love for the School for Heiresses series, I didn’t end up liking this on as much as Jeffries’ other books, I think because it was a novella format. I think it’s a huge challenge for authors to convince readers of a romantic relationship in such a short span of time, which is why I find that characters with an already established history work better in a romantic novella. Unfortunately, Eliza and Colin do not have any history and they meet for the first time at the beginning of the novella, making their falling in love rather unrealistic. But, this is also my personal opinion – I’m just not a big fan of these quick romances. I would have preferred this one to be a full-length novel, which the characters relationship could have developed in a realistic pace.
In spite of my dislike of the whirlwind romance the novella still had all the elements that make Jeffries’ novels awesome. We’ve got a touch of humor, some unusual circumstances, and some steamy, romantic scenes. In the end I was happy with the book, but I have definitely found Jeffries other books to be better.
A review copy was provided by the publisher for review via Edelweiss.
In spite of my dislike of the whirlwind romance the novella still had all the elements that make Jeffries’ novels awesome. We’ve got a touch of humor, some unusual circumstances, and some steamy, romantic scenes. In the end I was happy with the book, but I have definitely found Jeffries other books to be better.
A review copy was provided by the publisher for review via Edelweiss.
June 20, 2014
beautiful little story. I only have one negative, they fell in love way too fast, even for a romance. I love fanciful, but it still has to be somewhat believable. I enjoyed Eliza, she was a strong well -developed character. And Colin was different in a good way. I liked that he wasn't all English, it added something special to the plot.
May 12, 2015
Titillating and intriguing, until suddenly... they realized they loved each other after having known each other for one day. And all the issues laid out were automagically resolved with that.
I realize it's a novella, but even in those you can convey longer time periods than that.
I realize it's a novella, but even in those you can convey longer time periods than that.
![Profile Image for ᑭᑌᑎƳᗩ [Punya Reviews...].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1572968006i%2F3840999._UX200_CR0%2C33%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
Want to read
May 10, 2013I actually read this novella from the anthology and remember liking it. I'm a big fan of SJ's School for Heiresses series. It's been 3/4 yrs though. :)
April 15, 2013
Rated 5 Blue Ribbons and RR for Recommended Read! Review coming soon from Romance Junkies!
June 13, 2013
I loved this beautifully rendered tale. This is the first time that I have read Sabrina Jeffries, but it will in no way be my last time. This is the perfect introduction to Ms Jeffries' writing!
September 9, 2024
I liked that the author tried to give a HEA to a character she had mentioned in the past. I also liked the fact that the character was from a different place and had a mixed race background. However I’m not convinced that the author did a very good job of representation of that race. Several times she used words that she not explain but were understandable in the written context as naughty words. But when I actually tried to research those words they seemed to have different meaning or connotation than she had implied. Also she mentoned henna tattoos around lips which I have had a hard time finding actual reference to in real life. All this left me really feeling like this person who was supposed to be a representation of another race was really just a judgmental white man of the time with no real understanding of the race they were trying to “represent”.
On top of that they “fell in love” so quick. And it didn’t make sense to me that the other characters of the series that were mentioned but not sent for right away and used to help smooth the story line. And then at the end the “bad” guy had a complete 180 character change and became the loving doting person who would ruin themselves to allow a happy marriage? I’m sorry but that convenient but not believable.
On top of that they “fell in love” so quick. And it didn’t make sense to me that the other characters of the series that were mentioned but not sent for right away and used to help smooth the story line. And then at the end the “bad” guy had a complete 180 character change and became the loving doting person who would ruin themselves to allow a happy marriage? I’m sorry but that convenient but not believable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2021
The further I got into the book, the worse it got.
This book takes place over 2 days.
I liked the beginning when Colin and Eliza meet because their interaction was funny.
Then when they talk more in Colin’s house, it got a bit annoying as Eliza wouldn’t tell Colin the whole truth. It was understandable as they only just met but it was annoying.
The ending was the worst part of this book, not only because of something that Eliza did but also because of the way Eliza’s uncle was suddenly a good person.
There were no side characters.
I didn’t like this book but I still want to read other books in this series as I liked the first book.
This book takes place over 2 days.
I liked the beginning when Colin and Eliza meet because their interaction was funny.
Then when they talk more in Colin’s house, it got a bit annoying as Eliza wouldn’t tell Colin the whole truth. It was understandable as they only just met but it was annoying.
The ending was the worst part of this book, not only because of something that Eliza did but also because of the way Eliza’s uncle was suddenly a good person.
There were no side characters.
I didn’t like this book but I still want to read other books in this series as I liked the first book.
January 25, 2018
I think it’s very difficult to write a novella that achieves the same outcome as a full size novel without making it eyeroll-worthy. (I honestly don’t know how many times I rolled my eyes when reading this, I lost count.) The easiest way to do it, in my opinion, is to create some sort of backstory between the two main characters, so that their relationship is returned to, not started anew. A good example for this sort of technique is “Once Upon a Winter’s Eve” by Tessa Dare. It’s almost impossible to have two characters meet, have sex and fall in love in the space of 90 pages, and especially of two (!!) days in terms of plot. Has there been something between the characters prior to the story, the whole dynamic would’ve been more believable and their “I love you” a lot less superficial and out of nowhere.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2023
Historia Corta
Colin (primo de Simon – protagonista del libro anterior) después de ser nombrado Conde, escondiéndose de su pasado en su nueva mansión se topara con Eliza una chica que huyendo de un matrimonio concertado , quien se encargó de ella después de la muerte de sus padres.
Inicialmente él no creerá su historia, sin embargo pese a todos los malentendidos la atracción será inevitable y pasaran la noche juntos. Aunque después de esto ella huye él la encontrara y ayudara
Él tiene un complejo sobre su herencia: madre hindú/padre inglés – Siempre se ha sentido algo discriminado.
No fue demasiado emocionante, tal vez por lo corto no alcance a entusiasmarme demasiado con los protagonistas siendo Colin un poco más interesante.
Seguiré con lo demás de la serie.
Colin (primo de Simon – protagonista del libro anterior) después de ser nombrado Conde, escondiéndose de su pasado en su nueva mansión se topara con Eliza una chica que huyendo de un matrimonio concertado , quien se encargó de ella después de la muerte de sus padres.
Inicialmente él no creerá su historia, sin embargo pese a todos los malentendidos la atracción será inevitable y pasaran la noche juntos. Aunque después de esto ella huye él la encontrara y ayudara
Él tiene un complejo sobre su herencia: madre hindú/padre inglés – Siempre se ha sentido algo discriminado.
No fue demasiado emocionante, tal vez por lo corto no alcance a entusiasmarme demasiado con los protagonistas siendo Colin un poco más interesante.
Seguiré con lo demás de la serie.
December 9, 2017
This story was so refreshing! Not your typical hero or heroine really. Colin is half-Indian and a recently titled Earl. The heroine is one of the few ladies who do not consider the color of his skin to be of major import. Their interactions are so fun and extremely sexy! Finally, a story that features male and female masturbation as though they weren't a mortal sin. (I often wonder about that with these men in romance novels walking around with perpetual erections...you know..whether they take it in hand??)
May 5, 2020
Ebook less than 85 pages
Bland, insta-lust to insta-love within a few sentences.
Villain not much of a villain, MCs live happily ever after and I have a reason NOT to read the rest of the books in this series.
Bland, insta-lust to insta-love within a few sentences.
Villain not much of a villain, MCs live happily ever after and I have a reason NOT to read the rest of the books in this series.
July 3, 2021
A short novella about the Duke of Foxmoor's cousin, mentioned in book 2 of the series. With the story so short the happy ending came quickly but the plot was fun and interesting. This is one of the short stories in the anthology "The School for Heiresses."
August 22, 2022
It was pretty good, especially with Eliza being quite stubborn, and I know it's a novella but they fell in love within 48 hours. It doesn't seem remotely realistic. But still an enjoyable read, especially as it relates to Colin, the Duke of Foxmoor's cousin.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2020
I enjoyed reading.
April 5, 2020
Sparks Fly
Good plot with two fascinating characters! An enjoyable read! Meant for each other! Madly in love at first sight! Beautiful sexy romance!
Good plot with two fascinating characters! An enjoyable read! Meant for each other! Madly in love at first sight! Beautiful sexy romance!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews