What do you think?
Rate this book
Secret Brides #3.5
It Happened Under the Mistletoe
Can happily ever after begin with one Christmas kiss?
When Oliver Townsende escapes to his friend’s house for a Christmas party, he intends to avoid the hordes of marriage-minded misses who have been dogging his steps in London ever since he inherited a dukedom. He soon learns a bit of Yuletide peace and quiet is too much to ask for. When he encounters Miss Cerian Blake, who’s dodging her own unwanted set of admirers, the two decide to join forces and fake an infatuation to keep their suitors at bay. But when a bough of mistletoe becomes involved, will their Christmastime prank turn into a love to last all seasons?
When Oliver Townsende escapes to his friend’s house for a Christmas party, he intends to avoid the hordes of marriage-minded misses who have been dogging his steps in London ever since he inherited a dukedom. He soon learns a bit of Yuletide peace and quiet is too much to ask for. When he encounters Miss Cerian Blake, who’s dodging her own unwanted set of admirers, the two decide to join forces and fake an infatuation to keep their suitors at bay. But when a bough of mistletoe becomes involved, will their Christmastime prank turn into a love to last all seasons?
81 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 29, 2013
About the author
Valerie Bowman
73 books1,744 followersValerie Bowman is an award-winning author who writes historical and contemporary romance.
Valerie’s debut novel was published in 2012. Since then, her books have received starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, Booklist, and Kirkus. She’s been an RT Reviewers’ Choice nominee for Best First Historical Romance and Best Historical Romance Love and Laughter. Two of her books have been nominated for the Kirkus Prize for fiction.
Valerie grew up in Illinois with six sisters (she’s number seven) and a huge supply of romance novels. After a cold and snowy stint earning a degree in English Language and Literature with a minor in history at Smith College, she moved to Florida the first chance she got. Valerie now lives in Jacksonville with her family including her rascally dogs. When she’s not writing, she keeps busy reading, traveling, or vacillating between watching crazy reality TV and PBS.
Visit Valerie on the web at www.ValerieBowmanBooks.com and sign-up for her newsletter at: https://valeriebowmanbooks.com/newsle...
Be sure to follow Valerie Bookbub for the latest on sales https://www.bookbub.com/authors/valer...
Valerie’s debut novel was published in 2012. Since then, her books have received starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, Booklist, and Kirkus. She’s been an RT Reviewers’ Choice nominee for Best First Historical Romance and Best Historical Romance Love and Laughter. Two of her books have been nominated for the Kirkus Prize for fiction.
Valerie grew up in Illinois with six sisters (she’s number seven) and a huge supply of romance novels. After a cold and snowy stint earning a degree in English Language and Literature with a minor in history at Smith College, she moved to Florida the first chance she got. Valerie now lives in Jacksonville with her family including her rascally dogs. When she’s not writing, she keeps busy reading, traveling, or vacillating between watching crazy reality TV and PBS.
Visit Valerie on the web at www.ValerieBowmanBooks.com and sign-up for her newsletter at: https://valeriebowmanbooks.com/newsle...
Be sure to follow Valerie Bookbub for the latest on sales https://www.bookbub.com/authors/valer...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
October 29, 2013
I can read Valerie Bowman’s books anytime, anywhere! I tune everything and everyone out when I read her books. She writes funny, sensual and romantic characters so well that they feel like my friends. By the time I reach the end of the book, I hate to leave my new friends. I want to stay just a bit longer among them…
This novella was too short for me, yet it packed a punch and accomplished so much within the confines of a ‘novella’.
I have no doubt that you’ll love the hero as much as the heroine. Both were so charming and witty I kept chuckling and laughing as they tried to navigate their budding relationship and many envious guests at the house party that they’re both attending.
I also liked the secondary characters; Kate Townsende was such charming hostess [from 'Secrets of a Scandalous Marriage'], Sir Gilliam and Lady Selina were positively squirming with envy, but Lady Selina’s mama took the cake and I loved, just LOVED when she got hers!
Oh, and I must not forget ...for the rest of my review, I thank you for jumping over to b2b....
http://bookworm2bookworm.wordpress.co...
Melanie for b2b
*Book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
This novella was too short for me, yet it packed a punch and accomplished so much within the confines of a ‘novella’.
I have no doubt that you’ll love the hero as much as the heroine. Both were so charming and witty I kept chuckling and laughing as they tried to navigate their budding relationship and many envious guests at the house party that they’re both attending.
I also liked the secondary characters; Kate Townsende was such charming hostess [from 'Secrets of a Scandalous Marriage'], Sir Gilliam and Lady Selina were positively squirming with envy, but Lady Selina’s mama took the cake and I loved, just LOVED when she got hers!
Oh, and I must not forget ...for the rest of my review, I thank you for jumping over to b2b....
http://bookworm2bookworm.wordpress.co...
Melanie for b2b
*Book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
August 5, 2013
Originally given 4.5 hearts at Rookie Romance.
N'awwww, this is a very sweet holiday romance. I really enjoy Valerie Bowman's books, and this is no exception.
Oliver is charming and handsome, but is struggling with his newly inherited dukedom. The debutantes haunt his every step and he's despairing about whether he could find a wife who would want him for him. I really liked Oliver, he's very sweet and melted my heart.
Cerian is fun, a little bit mischievous and true to herself. She is having a season, but doesn't feel comfortable mingling with the ton, their scrutiny worries her. Cerian is a fun and very likable heroine. And I kind of have to mention that she has my name, which is pretty unusual. So I decided that I was very much the heroine in this!
Oliver and Cerian's relationship is very sweet, but they do their hardest to deny how they feel about each other. They are exactly what the other needs though, and they had a steamy chemistry that they couldn't ignore.
Overall, this is a great Christmas novella. It's short and sweet, with a mysterious cat thrown in for good measure! Exactly what I wanted to read as the holidays get closer, and another fab addition to the Secret Brides series!
*I received a review copy from the publisher, via NetGalley, for my honest review. Thank you!
N'awwww, this is a very sweet holiday romance. I really enjoy Valerie Bowman's books, and this is no exception.
Oliver is charming and handsome, but is struggling with his newly inherited dukedom. The debutantes haunt his every step and he's despairing about whether he could find a wife who would want him for him. I really liked Oliver, he's very sweet and melted my heart.
Cerian is fun, a little bit mischievous and true to herself. She is having a season, but doesn't feel comfortable mingling with the ton, their scrutiny worries her. Cerian is a fun and very likable heroine. And I kind of have to mention that she has my name, which is pretty unusual. So I decided that I was very much the heroine in this!
Oliver and Cerian's relationship is very sweet, but they do their hardest to deny how they feel about each other. They are exactly what the other needs though, and they had a steamy chemistry that they couldn't ignore.
Overall, this is a great Christmas novella. It's short and sweet, with a mysterious cat thrown in for good measure! Exactly what I wanted to read as the holidays get closer, and another fab addition to the Secret Brides series!
*I received a review copy from the publisher, via NetGalley, for my honest review. Thank you!
January 7, 2015
This is such a great novella! I really love reading anything by Valerie Bowman. These characters are written with such wonderful personalities that you are automatically drawn to them. The secondary characters are fantastic all on their own. I couldn't get enough of this story. It was short, sweet, and left me wanting more.
An absolutely a fabulous read.
October 22, 2013
This was a nice light easy read historical romance novella... It only took me a couple hours to read.
A 22 y/o girl is invited to a week long party at her cousins house. She is trying to thwart some men's attention & hides. A gorgeous man ducks into the silver closet to avoid some overly anxious maiden's attention. The silver closet is otherwise occupied by a beautiful & funny woman.
Together they hatch a plan to thwart their admirers.
This was a nice sweet light romance. It was worth the read & it's clean enough to share with your mother & not be embarrassed.
A 22 y/o girl is invited to a week long party at her cousins house. She is trying to thwart some men's attention & hides. A gorgeous man ducks into the silver closet to avoid some overly anxious maiden's attention. The silver closet is otherwise occupied by a beautiful & funny woman.
Together they hatch a plan to thwart their admirers.
This was a nice sweet light romance. It was worth the read & it's clean enough to share with your mother & not be embarrassed.
December 5, 2023
A very sweet, fun, lighthearted Holiday novella. Really enjoyed it!
November 14, 2013
3.5 stars!
I find this novella delightful and not pretending at all.
Love the chemistry between the hero and heroine. In fact, it is much better than some of the historical romance that I have read, even though this is just a novella.
Oliver and Cerian want to break free from the pursuing suitors of the ton who thinks about snagging them for marriages.
I find both characters are intelligent and funny.
A highly recommended quick read!
I find this novella delightful and not pretending at all.
Love the chemistry between the hero and heroine. In fact, it is much better than some of the historical romance that I have read, even though this is just a novella.
Oliver and Cerian want to break free from the pursuing suitors of the ton who thinks about snagging them for marriages.
I find both characters are intelligent and funny.
A highly recommended quick read!
November 2, 2015
Another cute Christmas novella! I loved Merry the cat bringing Oliver and Cerian together. I really liked Oliver and Cerian's conversations together, they were a well matched pair, full of wit and humor and easy chemistry.
November 5, 2013
Now this one , I simply adored!!
November 15, 2025
This was fine, moved a little too slow at times despite being only 81 pages and didn’t really keep me gripped.
The fmc has NLOG syndrome and the duke doesn’t have much of a personality other than “oh poor me I’m a duke and every woman here wants me due to my title”
This novella takes place at a house party and although the setting is exciting nothing exciting happens. It’s cute and cosy but I’d like a tiny semblance of a plot please
August 2, 2020
This novella started out cute and ended up stupid. 2 stars seems generous because everything past the halfway point was awful, lazy, way too cheesy.
Safe
Safe
October 10, 2013
Oliver Townsende has just inherited a dukedom, immediately skyrocketing his eligibility on the marriage market. While at a friend’s Christmas party, the young ladies and their matchmaking mamas in attendance immediately and aggressively pursue Oliver. While on the run from one particularly persistent young lady, Oliver encounters Miss Cerian Blake who is avoiding her own admirers. When they both realize they can help one another out, Oliver and Cerian agree to a false courtship to throw off their admirers for the remainder of the house party. Of course, the attraction between the two of them makes it difficult for both Olivier and Cerian to remember that they are just pretending.
It Happened Under the Mistletoe was an adorable little novella! This was my first experience with Valerie Bowman and I loved the sense of humour that was perfect for a holiday themed read. The whole opening scene was just hilarious!
Hunted. That’s what he was. Hunted like a fox. And just like a fox, he’d been forced to…run.
Oliver Townsende skidded across the perfectly polished marble floor in the foyer of Lord Medford’s country. He rounded the imposing column at the edge of the space and took off down the nearest corridor. Behind him, the slapping of slippers against the parquet floor indicated that his flight was not in vain. He was, indeed, still being chased.
He glanced to his right. By Jove, was that a cat hurrying alongside him? He resisted the urge to rub his eyes. He looked again. Yes. There was indeed a furry feline romping to his right. Medford owned a cat? And more importantly, who was the cat hoping to avoid? Surely not the same young lady? (from p. 4)
This open was great and I love the sense of fun that was evident from the first line. Yes, the premise was ridiculous and the idea of a grown man running down the halls to escape the clutches of a determined debutante was silly, but that was the best thing about this novella. This was a short work that you didn’t have to take too seriously. It was short, sweet and threw a smile on my face. It kind of reminded me of those made-for-tv Christmas movies that I devour over the holidays. You don’t watch them because they are examples of the best movies on the planet; you watch them because they are fun and cozy. It Happened Under the Mistletoe was exactly like these movies, and I enjoyed every page of Oliver and Cerian’s courtship.
The romance between Oliver and Cerian was cute and light, and on the whole very tame. Those looking for a hot and heavy romance should probably say away from this one, but, if you looking for something cute and funny this is worth the read. I would have rated the book higher; however, I felt that there was something missing as I haven’t read the other books in the series, so I was a little lost with the references to characters from the previous book. Overall, I enjoyed getting to experience a new author and I will definitely be back for more from Bowman.
It Happened Under the Mistletoe was an adorable little novella! This was my first experience with Valerie Bowman and I loved the sense of humour that was perfect for a holiday themed read. The whole opening scene was just hilarious!
Hunted. That’s what he was. Hunted like a fox. And just like a fox, he’d been forced to…run.
Oliver Townsende skidded across the perfectly polished marble floor in the foyer of Lord Medford’s country. He rounded the imposing column at the edge of the space and took off down the nearest corridor. Behind him, the slapping of slippers against the parquet floor indicated that his flight was not in vain. He was, indeed, still being chased.
He glanced to his right. By Jove, was that a cat hurrying alongside him? He resisted the urge to rub his eyes. He looked again. Yes. There was indeed a furry feline romping to his right. Medford owned a cat? And more importantly, who was the cat hoping to avoid? Surely not the same young lady? (from p. 4)
This open was great and I love the sense of fun that was evident from the first line. Yes, the premise was ridiculous and the idea of a grown man running down the halls to escape the clutches of a determined debutante was silly, but that was the best thing about this novella. This was a short work that you didn’t have to take too seriously. It was short, sweet and threw a smile on my face. It kind of reminded me of those made-for-tv Christmas movies that I devour over the holidays. You don’t watch them because they are examples of the best movies on the planet; you watch them because they are fun and cozy. It Happened Under the Mistletoe was exactly like these movies, and I enjoyed every page of Oliver and Cerian’s courtship.
The romance between Oliver and Cerian was cute and light, and on the whole very tame. Those looking for a hot and heavy romance should probably say away from this one, but, if you looking for something cute and funny this is worth the read. I would have rated the book higher; however, I felt that there was something missing as I haven’t read the other books in the series, so I was a little lost with the references to characters from the previous book. Overall, I enjoyed getting to experience a new author and I will definitely be back for more from Bowman.
October 28, 2013
My Rating: 4.5/5
Sweet, light, and a perfect holiday read, It Happened Under the Mistletoe was a lovely historical romance novella. I really enjoyed reading this wonderful book. It's the kind of sweet romance that just makes you smile. I loved this book!
Oliver and Cerian were great character. Both were very likable and I thought they were wonderful. Cerian was lovely, a heroine that was easy to like. Oliver was a total sweetheart. He sure knew how to make a romantic gesture. He was just adorable and I really liked him.
The romance was super sweet with a touch of spicy. My once issue with this novella is that Oliver and Cerian were somewhat stubborn about admitting their feelings to themselves and to each other. It was frustrating, when it was so obvious how they were both head over heels for each other. But, otherwise, I thought they were perfect together. Their relationship was so sweet and the chemistry between them was steamy.
The plot went by quickly. I was hooked the entire way through. I really enjoyed the sweet story and the ending had me smiling.
It Happened Under the Mistletoe was a fantastic holiday novella. It was so sweet and I enjoyed every bit of it. Lovers of romance, if you want a brilliant holiday read, then you have to check this one out.
*I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Sweet, light, and a perfect holiday read, It Happened Under the Mistletoe was a lovely historical romance novella. I really enjoyed reading this wonderful book. It's the kind of sweet romance that just makes you smile. I loved this book!
Oliver and Cerian were great character. Both were very likable and I thought they were wonderful. Cerian was lovely, a heroine that was easy to like. Oliver was a total sweetheart. He sure knew how to make a romantic gesture. He was just adorable and I really liked him.
The romance was super sweet with a touch of spicy. My once issue with this novella is that Oliver and Cerian were somewhat stubborn about admitting their feelings to themselves and to each other. It was frustrating, when it was so obvious how they were both head over heels for each other. But, otherwise, I thought they were perfect together. Their relationship was so sweet and the chemistry between them was steamy.
The plot went by quickly. I was hooked the entire way through. I really enjoyed the sweet story and the ending had me smiling.
It Happened Under the Mistletoe was a fantastic holiday novella. It was so sweet and I enjoyed every bit of it. Lovers of romance, if you want a brilliant holiday read, then you have to check this one out.
*I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
November 15, 2013
This is a frothy light love story for the holidays.
Cerian and Oliver arrive a a holiday house party and become prey for different reasons.
Cerian is the daughter of a wealthy man. Men who need money are looking at her and her dowry as the answer to a prayer. The fact she is lovely is jut another selling point.
Oliver has recently inherited the title of Duke. Many women would love to become the Duchess to a handsome man. And those women are not afraid to pursue their goal.
Trying to avoid the hunters becomes a problem for both of them. Their method of discouraging others does not go quite as planned.
This is an easy read. It is just right for the holiday season. We see each of the two main characters as people who are very nice and not the kind of people who deserve to be forced into marriages that are convenient for other people.
There is romance, there is humor and most of all there is tenderness and attraction between Cerian and Oliver.
If you are looking for a quick and charming read to warm your holiday, this is the book for you.
I won the book in a contest with the understanding that I would provide an honest review. All these thoughts are mine alone.
Cerian and Oliver arrive a a holiday house party and become prey for different reasons.
Cerian is the daughter of a wealthy man. Men who need money are looking at her and her dowry as the answer to a prayer. The fact she is lovely is jut another selling point.
Oliver has recently inherited the title of Duke. Many women would love to become the Duchess to a handsome man. And those women are not afraid to pursue their goal.
Trying to avoid the hunters becomes a problem for both of them. Their method of discouraging others does not go quite as planned.
This is an easy read. It is just right for the holiday season. We see each of the two main characters as people who are very nice and not the kind of people who deserve to be forced into marriages that are convenient for other people.
There is romance, there is humor and most of all there is tenderness and attraction between Cerian and Oliver.
If you are looking for a quick and charming read to warm your holiday, this is the book for you.
I won the book in a contest with the understanding that I would provide an honest review. All these thoughts are mine alone.
November 2, 2013
I bought and read this in one sitting. Related to the Secrets trilogy by Valerie Bowman, this is a fun romp at a Christmastide visit throwing Oliver and Cerian together. The first time was by accident as they both hid in silver closet avoiding unwanted suitors. They concoct an idea to throw off the suitors by pretending to be enamored with one another. Throw in a cat who shows up at the most convenient times, and mayhem, adventure, some kissing, and suddenly it's no longer a game. They're perfect for each other, but they have to accept each other, and know love is true, before they can finally take on the ton, and see they're destined to be together. All thanks to some mistletoe.
November 3, 2013
I don't normally read Historical Romance, but this one written by Valerie Bowman is strong enough to make me rethink that decision. This novella was short sweet and spicy. The fact that it is also a Holiday book, makes it that much better.the lead couple, though stubborn, were endearing, and also a bit racy. I found it to be well written, with an actual story, albeit in novella format. The settings were detailed beautifully and really made the story come alive. I would read more in this genre from Ms. Bowman.
*I received my copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
*I received my copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
November 9, 2015
Take one magical matchmaking cat, two adorable leads and a very special silver closet and you've got It Happened Under the Mistletoe. I found Valerie Bowman's writing charming if not containing a great amount of depth but then again I was in the mood for a more fluffy, straightforward type of story so it worked well in this case. Here, the plot was sans drama, with Oliver and Cerian's unlikely friendship turned romance at its center, as it should be. I had a big smile on my face throughout so I couldn't ask for much more from a holiday novella. And seriously, we need more cats in HRs.
August 2, 2013
This novella was a delightful combination of kisses, mistletoe, a silver closet, a Duke, a heroine who wants to marry for love and a cat. It was a treat to revisit Medford and Kate also. Time well spent.
December 18, 2013
This is a really sweet and delightful novella of two strangers who, despite wanting to be anywhere else than at this house party, came to meet and fall in love. Also a side surprise of a cute cat who knows more than it shows...:)
September 5, 2013
I can totally see myself or anyone else reading this book on Christmas morning. It's short and sweet and great. I had many warm feelings about the book and I enjoyed it very much.
November 4, 2013
I absolutely loved this story. This was the perfect story to start reading for the holidays. I really liked the chemistry between Oliver and Cerian. And I wish I had a silver closet!
Read
September 12, 2016My only complaint is that it was too short.
December 6, 2025
I really enjoyed the set up of this one and the truly instant chemistry between Oliver and Cerian. I bought into it so easily and I really enjoyed the play into a fake courtship scheme in an effort to keep both of their avid suitors at bay. But obviously they’re so attracted to each other, and have been from the moment of their closet meet cute that I doubted it would be fake for long. I love when characters are so hot for each other- it’s fun and also just provides some real sexy tension. This one also had all the great trappings of a house party historical romance with the forced promimity, parlor games that lead to trouble, and meddling mamas with the worst of intentions. It was fun and overall just a really great time! I really enjoy this author’s writing and the way she integrates humor throughout. It felt just the right amount of lighthearted!
5/5
5/5
December 31, 2023
WHEN DOES PRESENCE TURN REAL
OLIVER - Who should never had been Duke, due to deaths in his family he was The New Duke his friend has invited him and others to a HOUSE PARTY in London with groups of unattached men and Ladies looking to marry Oliver was concerned these girls and their mother's wanted a Duke he wanted love.
CERIAN a wealthy Welsh girl who's mother wanted her daughter to marry into gentry, she was worried she would be offered marriage because of the wealth of her family she wanted love.
BOTH TRIED TO HIDE AWAY BUT THEY BOTH CHOOSE THE SAME HIDING PLACE.
I LOVED IT THE INTERACTION BETWEEN OLIVER AND CERIAN IS BRILLIANT.
WHO'S CAT IS IT ?
OLIVER - Who should never had been Duke, due to deaths in his family he was The New Duke his friend has invited him and others to a HOUSE PARTY in London with groups of unattached men and Ladies looking to marry Oliver was concerned these girls and their mother's wanted a Duke he wanted love.
CERIAN a wealthy Welsh girl who's mother wanted her daughter to marry into gentry, she was worried she would be offered marriage because of the wealth of her family she wanted love.
BOTH TRIED TO HIDE AWAY BUT THEY BOTH CHOOSE THE SAME HIDING PLACE.
I LOVED IT THE INTERACTION BETWEEN OLIVER AND CERIAN IS BRILLIANT.
WHO'S CAT IS IT ?
September 5, 2019
This is book 3.5 in the Secret Brides series. The newly minted Duke of Markingham is being chased by a bevy of young misses at this Christmas House Party. All except one. Miss Cerian Blake is being chased for her large dowry. When the two meet, they join forces to elude those after them, and they find that have far more in common. Can a duke and a Welsh nobody make their own happily ever after?
June 30, 2018
In this book, the h/h have their first encounter in a silver closet when they are hiding from their respective suitors. Cerian and Oliver get to meet each other for a brief moment, allowing them to see past each others shells.
I picked up this book because I occasionally enjoy Ms. Bowman, I like books set at Christmas, and I like novellas. This book didn't need to be read with the others in the series.
I picked up this book because I occasionally enjoy Ms. Bowman, I like books set at Christmas, and I like novellas. This book didn't need to be read with the others in the series.
October 9, 2020
This is a sweet little Christmas themed story about Miss Cerian Blake and Oliver Townsende, the duke of somethingsomething, who meet in the silver closet when they're both hiding from their respective suitors.
My only complaint is that it was too short.
My only complaint is that it was too short.
November 26, 2020
This one started well but slid downhill rather quickly. Fun and fluff turned into angst and drama. Oliver and Cerian began as a fun couple, but the angst between the two soured my enjoyment of them. Even the ending wasn’t able to save this novella from being mediocre.
November 14, 2022
super cute
Super cute Christmas love story :)
Full of hijinks, sassiness, and best of all a dose of Christmas magic. This book will definitely put keep a smile on your face and warmth in your heart.
Super cute Christmas love story :)
Full of hijinks, sassiness, and best of all a dose of Christmas magic. This book will definitely put keep a smile on your face and warmth in your heart.
May 7, 2024
It was OK-cute. Nothing wrong. It wasn't good, wasn't bad. Just OK. I didn't fall for this one. The characters were decent enough, just a bit on the boring side but, the cat added a great touch to the story.
New to me author, I would give her another try.
New to me author, I would give her another try.
June 3, 2017
Very delightful quick read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews