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Some Winter's Evening
Two perfect strangers…and the enchanted evening they can’t put behind them.
Overworked barrister Gavin Sinclair’s only plans for Christmastide are to withdraw to his sister Cora’s estate and lament that his long-awaited promotion comes at a price he isn’t certain he can pay. But when a snow squall strands him at a country inn alongside a dimpled maiden, his night takes an unexpected turn. Captivated, Gavin tries to forget his obligations for a single evening of holiday cheer. Unfortunately, his responsibilities leave little room for such magic.
Emilia Davis is a governess with no family or home to call her own, and the tenuous nature of her employment has once again pushed her to the margins and out the door. Ever an optimist, Emilia is used to making the best of her disappointments. So when a sweetly reserved stranger leaves her standing in the cold, she determines to forget him and focus on her new position working for the boisterous Travers family. That is, until the bespectacled man of her dreams unexpectedly arrives at her employer’s dinner table.
As Christmas approaches, Gavin and Emilia find themselves spending the season under one chaotic roof. Between decking the halls and staving off the chill, they can no longer deny the ardor growing between them. But when their tender romance is threatened by the most divisive trial of Gavin’s career, the looming pressures of the real world might be more than they can stand. Gavin and Emilia never thought they would find each other once, let alone twice. And if they want to hold fast this time, they’ll need to finally put their hearts before their heads.
Some Winter’s Evening is a sweet and sexy holiday novella that can be enjoyed as a sequel to Forever Your Rogue.
Overworked barrister Gavin Sinclair’s only plans for Christmastide are to withdraw to his sister Cora’s estate and lament that his long-awaited promotion comes at a price he isn’t certain he can pay. But when a snow squall strands him at a country inn alongside a dimpled maiden, his night takes an unexpected turn. Captivated, Gavin tries to forget his obligations for a single evening of holiday cheer. Unfortunately, his responsibilities leave little room for such magic.
Emilia Davis is a governess with no family or home to call her own, and the tenuous nature of her employment has once again pushed her to the margins and out the door. Ever an optimist, Emilia is used to making the best of her disappointments. So when a sweetly reserved stranger leaves her standing in the cold, she determines to forget him and focus on her new position working for the boisterous Travers family. That is, until the bespectacled man of her dreams unexpectedly arrives at her employer’s dinner table.
As Christmas approaches, Gavin and Emilia find themselves spending the season under one chaotic roof. Between decking the halls and staving off the chill, they can no longer deny the ardor growing between them. But when their tender romance is threatened by the most divisive trial of Gavin’s career, the looming pressures of the real world might be more than they can stand. Gavin and Emilia never thought they would find each other once, let alone twice. And if they want to hold fast this time, they’ll need to finally put their hearts before their heads.
Some Winter’s Evening is a sweet and sexy holiday novella that can be enjoyed as a sequel to Forever Your Rogue.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2023
61 people are currently reading
950 people want to read
About the author
Erin Langston
4 books381 followersErin Langston is an indie author of historical romances with heart and heat. Her novels have been featured in the New York Times Book Review, Library Journal, and The Washington Post, which named The Finest Print a Best Romance of 2024.
A librarian by trade, Erin lives in the Midwest with her husband and two children. A not-insignificant portion of her first novel was plotted in the preschool pickup line.
A librarian by trade, Erin lives in the Midwest with her husband and two children. A not-insignificant portion of her first novel was plotted in the preschool pickup line.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 256 reviews
December 22, 2023
Cozy and heartwarming, with all the Christmas vibes!
Erin Langston didn’t let us down. This was the sweetest novella with all the feels. Gavin was such an earnest, anxious and steadfast hero with his ruthlessly combed hair and spectacles, until he meets Emilia. It’s so fun to see a stodgier hero come unravelled. These two were a perfect match and this was such a good, well-balanced novella. It had longing, angst and steam with lots of great Travers family moments.
My only complaint is that it was so captivating that I read it in one sitting and now have to wait for her next book. 😢
I received an arc from the author in exchange for my honest review.
**************************
Update/Shameless Brag: I GOT THE ARC!!!!
Ok now I’ll shut up about it. 🤐
**************************
I’m so excited for this one! Cozy Christmas vibes with appearances from Nate and Cora? Yes please!! Here’s hoping no one is killed off in the epilogue 🤣 🤞🏻.
Erin Langston didn’t let us down. This was the sweetest novella with all the feels. Gavin was such an earnest, anxious and steadfast hero with his ruthlessly combed hair and spectacles, until he meets Emilia. It’s so fun to see a stodgier hero come unravelled. These two were a perfect match and this was such a good, well-balanced novella. It had longing, angst and steam with lots of great Travers family moments.
My only complaint is that it was so captivating that I read it in one sitting and now have to wait for her next book. 😢
I received an arc from the author in exchange for my honest review.
**************************
Update/Shameless Brag: I GOT THE ARC!!!!
Ok now I’ll shut up about it. 🤐
**************************
I’m so excited for this one! Cozy Christmas vibes with appearances from Nate and Cora? Yes please!! Here’s hoping no one is killed off in the epilogue 🤣 🤞🏻.
November 1, 2023
HAPPY RELEASE DAY!!!!!!! 💗 go read now🫵🏼
ERIN LANGSTON!!!! where were you until this year?!! at this point she's one of my favorite authors😌💖
two strangers, one night at the inn, one passionate kiss. Gavin lost his perfect stranger Emilia in the morning and there's no way he can find her😔
or
is
it
?
😋
imagine their surprise when Gavin and Emilia see each other at Cora's house🤭 now if you're wondering who is Cora? read Forever Your Rogue😋
Gavin wears reading spectacles, his ears are always pink around her and he blushes easily 🤭 and their chemistry in the bed? 😈 she knew what she was doing when she wrote those scenes 😏
“I won’t call you Miss Davis.” He set his jaw, doubling down on this small act of rebellion. “Emilia is the name you gave me at the Belle. You said we weren’t strangers when you gave it to me. And…” He turned to face her. “I don’t want to give it back.”
“I don’t care.” His voice was rough. “I don’t care about everyone. I care about you.”
He wanted her. He wanted all of her. He wanted her to see she was enough for him, just as she was.
She was a dream. His dream. His.
Gavin swallowed hard over a rising tide of yearning. He wanted…what? To pull her into his lap, to work his hands into her hair, to press his mouth against the crescent in her cheek until she laughed.
🧿no owd/omd, , no third act.
❗my dear friends, please read this book when it's out, and until then read Forever Your Rogue 💗 i loved seeing my loves nate and cora in here💖
i might edit my review before release because it looks so chaotic to me right now but i just needed to share some quotes without spoiling much 🙈
thanks to Erin Langston for this arc in exchange for an honest review!🤍
~~~~
BUT MY CALENDAR WASN'T CLEAR FOR TODAY😭
~~~
october is so slow this year 😔
waiting patiently for her to send me my arc 🧍🏼♀️ i have my calendar clear for october 15th🥺💞💖😭💓
~~~~
aHHHH SO EXCITED
BUT why a NOVELLA(iknew it was going to be a novella but still i was hopeful....)🥺😭🥺😭🥺😭🥺😭 she's the only author that can make me read an 800pages romance novel but she writes novella 😔😔😔😔
ERIN LANGSTON!!!! where were you until this year?!! at this point she's one of my favorite authors😌💖
two strangers, one night at the inn, one passionate kiss. Gavin lost his perfect stranger Emilia in the morning and there's no way he can find her😔
or
is
it
?
😋
imagine their surprise when Gavin and Emilia see each other at Cora's house🤭 now if you're wondering who is Cora? read Forever Your Rogue😋
Gavin wears reading spectacles, his ears are always pink around her and he blushes easily 🤭 and their chemistry in the bed? 😈 she knew what she was doing when she wrote those scenes 😏
“I won’t call you Miss Davis.” He set his jaw, doubling down on this small act of rebellion. “Emilia is the name you gave me at the Belle. You said we weren’t strangers when you gave it to me. And…” He turned to face her. “I don’t want to give it back.”
“I don’t care.” His voice was rough. “I don’t care about everyone. I care about you.”
He wanted her. He wanted all of her. He wanted her to see she was enough for him, just as she was.
She was a dream. His dream. His.
Gavin swallowed hard over a rising tide of yearning. He wanted…what? To pull her into his lap, to work his hands into her hair, to press his mouth against the crescent in her cheek until she laughed.
🧿no owd/omd, , no third act.
❗my dear friends, please read this book when it's out, and until then read Forever Your Rogue 💗 i loved seeing my loves nate and cora in here💖
i might edit my review before release because it looks so chaotic to me right now but i just needed to share some quotes without spoiling much 🙈
thanks to Erin Langston for this arc in exchange for an honest review!🤍
~~~~
BUT MY CALENDAR WASN'T CLEAR FOR TODAY😭
~~~
october is so slow this year 😔
waiting patiently for her to send me my arc 🧍🏼♀️ i have my calendar clear for october 15th🥺💞💖😭💓
~~~~
aHHHH SO EXCITED
BUT why a NOVELLA(iknew it was going to be a novella but still i was hopeful....)🥺😭🥺😭🥺😭🥺😭 she's the only author that can make me read an 800pages romance novel but she writes novella 😔😔😔😔
November 1, 2023
Happy Publication Day, Gavin, you deserve all the stars😍
I knew I would love a book about the shy, sweet Gavin, but even then, it exceeded my expectations. All the feels! 🥰😍🫠
Gavin and Emilia spent an unforgettable evening together but they did not expect to see each other again. Luckily they were in for a surprise and is there anything better than an “it’s you!” moment?
Gavin and Emilia were such a charming couple! Their connection was so special, they were true soulmates. And the spice! I loved how they opened up and allowed themselves to be vulnerable, it was hot but most of all beautiful and sweet. No miscommunication, no third-act breakup, just pure bliss.
And if all that goodness weren’t enough, we got to witness Nate and Cora’s HEA. Nate was still charming, hilarious, and great with kids and Cora more in love with him than ever. 🥰
Thank you so much Erin Langston for this arc, you are a genius!❤️❤️❤️
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
——
I got the arc!!! 🥳🍾🎉
I knew I would love a book about the shy, sweet Gavin, but even then, it exceeded my expectations. All the feels! 🥰😍🫠
Gavin and Emilia spent an unforgettable evening together but they did not expect to see each other again. Luckily they were in for a surprise and is there anything better than an “it’s you!” moment?
Gavin and Emilia were such a charming couple! Their connection was so special, they were true soulmates. And the spice! I loved how they opened up and allowed themselves to be vulnerable, it was hot but most of all beautiful and sweet. No miscommunication, no third-act breakup, just pure bliss.
And if all that goodness weren’t enough, we got to witness Nate and Cora’s HEA. Nate was still charming, hilarious, and great with kids and Cora more in love with him than ever. 🥰
Thank you so much Erin Langston for this arc, you are a genius!❤️❤️❤️
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
——
I got the arc!!! 🥳🍾🎉
October 23, 2023
Some Winter’s Evening is the perfect cozy season histrom novella. It was fully developed, had multiple spicy scenes, and sparked something so biblical in me.
Gavin was such a tightly wound little barrister with reading spectacles and a heart of gold. He now lives in the part of my brain with Henry Mortimer from In Which Margo Halifax Earns Her Shocking Reputation and Bram Townsend from Her Lessons in Persuasion for MANY reasons. IYKYK. *wink wink nudge nudge victory screech*
It felt like a complete 300 page book and was just incredibly impressive if I’m being honest. I’m torn between knowing it’s perfect and wanting more because I love them so much.
Thanks so much to the author for an eARC. All opinions are honest and my own.
Gavin was such a tightly wound little barrister with reading spectacles and a heart of gold. He now lives in the part of my brain with Henry Mortimer from In Which Margo Halifax Earns Her Shocking Reputation and Bram Townsend from Her Lessons in Persuasion for MANY reasons. IYKYK. *wink wink nudge nudge victory screech*
It felt like a complete 300 page book and was just incredibly impressive if I’m being honest. I’m torn between knowing it’s perfect and wanting more because I love them so much.
Thanks so much to the author for an eARC. All opinions are honest and my own.
November 2, 2023
I’ve been so excited to read this and I knew I’d devour it on release day but now it’s over and I just want to stay with Gavin (H) and Emilia (h). They were both lonely souls who needed someone special to understand them and their sweet romance was just the thing to squeeze my heart and make me shed a couple tears. Plus Nate, Cora (Gavin’s sister), and kids from Forever Your Rogue living their HEA will never not be something I want more of. This does standalone, just has scenes of those characters as a cameo. For my friends who haven’t yet tried Erin Langston, please do so and I hope you love her words as much as I do! This is written in third person, dual POV. No ow/om drama and dual virgins (sigh).
The prologue for this novella begins with Emilia working as a governess and unfortunately losing her job. I liked the intro to her personality and mindset as she’s creative and fun, but her life lacks stability and a sense of belonging. Gavin has stability as a barrister, but his life is overtaken by work, his goals, and his sense of responsibility. He’s loved by his family and yet he’s overcome with expectations and also missing something. On his way to Cora and Nate’s for Christmas, he has to stop for weather…where he meets Emilia in an adorable “I’ve mistaken you for a possible prostitute” moment. These two are precious and wonderful and they share a lovely night (just companionship) where they only exchange first names to lean into only who they are at their core vs their realities. He’s obsessed with her dimple and she loves the curl in his hair. Chemistry abounds. Gavin missteps though while trying not to go too far, Emilia misunderstands, and in the morning both are regretful but journeying on separately.
Of course because this is a romance, they’re brought back together and face the temptation of their chemistry, along with those pesky expectations. Gavin’s delightfully distracted, Emilia’s trying to play it off by calling him the wrong name, and Nate notices everything. They just never stood a chance. I loved the communication and the emotional intimacies Gavin and Emilia shared. They pay attention to each other and it’s clear how they value the other, even with their short acquaintance. They’re each truly seen by the other.
This is a steamy novella (before marriage, for those who may be sensitive to that in historicals) with a few scenes. They do have to figure things out but they get a handle on what to do quickly. I wouldn’t say this is low angst but it’s also not heavy. Lots of feels though as both main character have their insecurities and emotionally process some aspects on page. Gavin and Emilia were just so dang sincerely likable and I wanted to hug them.
In addition to the romance and the scenes of Cora and Nate’s family, there’s a plot line related to Gavin’s work and a possible promotion but involving a questionable situation. I adored how that plot line resolved esp because there’s a scene that’s made where I wanted to stand up and clap.
The ending is HEA with them married and settled into that life, with an epilogue just a short jump ahead. It left me feeling more squishy and sweet and in love though esp in regards to what was happening with Gavin’s work. I can’t wait for this author to release another book, she’s absolutely a favorite historical author for me.
The prologue for this novella begins with Emilia working as a governess and unfortunately losing her job. I liked the intro to her personality and mindset as she’s creative and fun, but her life lacks stability and a sense of belonging. Gavin has stability as a barrister, but his life is overtaken by work, his goals, and his sense of responsibility. He’s loved by his family and yet he’s overcome with expectations and also missing something. On his way to Cora and Nate’s for Christmas, he has to stop for weather…where he meets Emilia in an adorable “I’ve mistaken you for a possible prostitute” moment. These two are precious and wonderful and they share a lovely night (just companionship) where they only exchange first names to lean into only who they are at their core vs their realities. He’s obsessed with her dimple and she loves the curl in his hair. Chemistry abounds. Gavin missteps though while trying not to go too far, Emilia misunderstands, and in the morning both are regretful but journeying on separately.
Of course because this is a romance, they’re brought back together and face the temptation of their chemistry, along with those pesky expectations. Gavin’s delightfully distracted, Emilia’s trying to play it off by calling him the wrong name, and Nate notices everything. They just never stood a chance. I loved the communication and the emotional intimacies Gavin and Emilia shared. They pay attention to each other and it’s clear how they value the other, even with their short acquaintance. They’re each truly seen by the other.
This is a steamy novella (before marriage, for those who may be sensitive to that in historicals) with a few scenes. They do have to figure things out but they get a handle on what to do quickly. I wouldn’t say this is low angst but it’s also not heavy. Lots of feels though as both main character have their insecurities and emotionally process some aspects on page. Gavin and Emilia were just so dang sincerely likable and I wanted to hug them.
In addition to the romance and the scenes of Cora and Nate’s family, there’s a plot line related to Gavin’s work and a possible promotion but involving a questionable situation. I adored how that plot line resolved esp because there’s a scene that’s made where I wanted to stand up and clap.
The ending is HEA with them married and settled into that life, with an epilogue just a short jump ahead. It left me feeling more squishy and sweet and in love though esp in regards to what was happening with Gavin’s work. I can’t wait for this author to release another book, she’s absolutely a favorite historical author for me.
November 30, 2024
Truth is, I wasn’t in the best of moods to take this on, but since it’s the start of the holiday season, my friends (special shoutout to Gloria!) loved it, and it was enticingly short, here I am with a…
❄️🎄❄️🎄❄️🎄❄️
Bad Haiku on the Fly
Holiday four ⭐️.
Grinch suit locked away in trunk.
Don’t miss this sweet read!
❄️🎄❄️🎄❄️🎄❄️
Thoughts
🎁 Anachronistic but the fun third act swept away all my quibbles.
🎁 Loved the callback to the Travers Family Circus: Cora 😍, the kiddos 😍😍😍, charismatic Nate 🤩😍🍷, and Bonnet🫶🐾
🎁 Langston knows her way around sentiment:
Emilia, it was never my intention to make you feel unwanted.”
“You do want me?” Her dark eyes dilated. Her fingers slid back into his hair, burrowing in, holding tight.
“As if I were made for wanting you.”
Sincerely,
🧑🎄
❄️🎄❄️🎄❄️🎄❄️
Bad Haiku on the Fly
Holiday four ⭐️.
Grinch suit locked away in trunk.
Don’t miss this sweet read!
❄️🎄❄️🎄❄️🎄❄️
Thoughts
🎁 Anachronistic but the fun third act swept away all my quibbles.
🎁 Loved the callback to the Travers Family Circus: Cora 😍, the kiddos 😍😍😍, charismatic Nate 🤩😍🍷, and Bonnet🫶🐾
🎁 Langston knows her way around sentiment:
Emilia, it was never my intention to make you feel unwanted.”
“You do want me?” Her dark eyes dilated. Her fingers slid back into his hair, burrowing in, holding tight.
“As if I were made for wanting you.”
Sincerely,
🧑🎄
November 27, 2024
Whether this is a long novella or a short novel, it’s perfection. The writing is exquisite. The kiss next to a stable—just a kiss, mind you—is so hot I don’t understand how the building kept from burning down. The feelings, the connection, the chemistry, between Gavin and Emilia is what I hope for in every romance book I read and only occasionally find.
The characters are sublime. In addition to Gavin and Emilia, I was overjoyed to spend more time with Cora and Nate from Forever Your Rogue, another book from this author that is superb. Gavin is an overthinking, overly responsible workaholic with no social life. Emilia is a nursery governess with no family, no home, and brief terms of employment. She is as alone as Gavin feels, and both are anxious with a tinge of desperation, but neither are hopeless.
Here. I’ll let the book speak for itself. Gavin and Emilia, strangers stranded by weather at an inn’s Christmas celebration, dancing before that blistering kiss by the stable:
There was a brilliant moment when Emilia’s hand was on his shoulder, he was touching her, holding her, and then she was spinning away. In a swirl of high spirits, she rotated through the dance, changing hands with the men in their set. She was luminous and laughing, her eyes only on Gavin. His ownership of her gaze in this crowd unlocked a startling new boldness within him.
He couldn’t have said for all the money in the world what the other women looked like, but he knew the exact moment a tendril of Emilia’s hair came loose; he knew she was rushing her footwork. And he knew it would be three more beats until they were paired again.
Or how about this moment in front of a candy counter after the grocer offered Emilia a sample peppermint stick:
She’d taken the candy and unwrapped the paper, admiring the cheerful red stripe. “Look how festive!”
But then the entire operation was assailed by an onslaught so unexpectedly sensual, it had Gavin clenching his fist hard enough to pop the veins in his forearm.
He stood to the side of the counter, breathing through his nose, trying to put his gaze anywhere except the sweet hollow of Emilia’s lips as they wrapped around the peppermint stick with a sinful pop.
For the love of Christ. He was fighting his first public cockstand since he’d been a lad at Harrow. And he might be losing.
He chanced a look at her at the same moment she moved the peppermint to the corner of her mouth. His jaw grew slack at the flash of her tongue, idly lapping the column of candy.
Gavin was a well-educated man; he’d been blessed with a sharp mind and the opportunities to cultivate it. But right now, he had no thoughts except sugar and mouth and lips and Emilia.
“It really does melt on the tongue,” she marveled to the grocer.
That’s it. Gavin threw a handful of pennies on the counter. “Box up whatever she selects,” he muttered. “I’ll be outside.”
And when Gavin asks what Emilia dreams of:
“What do you wish for?” Gavin kissed her palm. “Above all else?”
“Two pegs on the wall,” she whispered. “That’s it. Two pegs on the wall, for two coats to hang, the empty sleeves brushing. That’s what I want. For someone to watch the door, to wait for me to walk through it. For someone to say, There you are. Look, I saved a spot for your coat. I saved a spot for you.”
There is nothing about this book I didn’t love.
The characters are sublime. In addition to Gavin and Emilia, I was overjoyed to spend more time with Cora and Nate from Forever Your Rogue, another book from this author that is superb. Gavin is an overthinking, overly responsible workaholic with no social life. Emilia is a nursery governess with no family, no home, and brief terms of employment. She is as alone as Gavin feels, and both are anxious with a tinge of desperation, but neither are hopeless.
Here. I’ll let the book speak for itself. Gavin and Emilia, strangers stranded by weather at an inn’s Christmas celebration, dancing before that blistering kiss by the stable:
There was a brilliant moment when Emilia’s hand was on his shoulder, he was touching her, holding her, and then she was spinning away. In a swirl of high spirits, she rotated through the dance, changing hands with the men in their set. She was luminous and laughing, her eyes only on Gavin. His ownership of her gaze in this crowd unlocked a startling new boldness within him.
He couldn’t have said for all the money in the world what the other women looked like, but he knew the exact moment a tendril of Emilia’s hair came loose; he knew she was rushing her footwork. And he knew it would be three more beats until they were paired again.
Or how about this moment in front of a candy counter after the grocer offered Emilia a sample peppermint stick:
She’d taken the candy and unwrapped the paper, admiring the cheerful red stripe. “Look how festive!”
But then the entire operation was assailed by an onslaught so unexpectedly sensual, it had Gavin clenching his fist hard enough to pop the veins in his forearm.
He stood to the side of the counter, breathing through his nose, trying to put his gaze anywhere except the sweet hollow of Emilia’s lips as they wrapped around the peppermint stick with a sinful pop.
For the love of Christ. He was fighting his first public cockstand since he’d been a lad at Harrow. And he might be losing.
He chanced a look at her at the same moment she moved the peppermint to the corner of her mouth. His jaw grew slack at the flash of her tongue, idly lapping the column of candy.
Gavin was a well-educated man; he’d been blessed with a sharp mind and the opportunities to cultivate it. But right now, he had no thoughts except sugar and mouth and lips and Emilia.
“It really does melt on the tongue,” she marveled to the grocer.
That’s it. Gavin threw a handful of pennies on the counter. “Box up whatever she selects,” he muttered. “I’ll be outside.”
And when Gavin asks what Emilia dreams of:
“What do you wish for?” Gavin kissed her palm. “Above all else?”
“Two pegs on the wall,” she whispered. “That’s it. Two pegs on the wall, for two coats to hang, the empty sleeves brushing. That’s what I want. For someone to watch the door, to wait for me to walk through it. For someone to say, There you are. Look, I saved a spot for your coat. I saved a spot for you.”
There is nothing about this book I didn’t love.
November 22, 2025
This is a good Christmas holiday story. The prologue takes place in October of 1821 in England and introduces FMC Emilia Davis. Ms. Davis is a nursery governess. A job that for most ladies, is short term if their charges are destined for Eton or another academic boarding school. Knowing what's coming, Ms. Davis accepts her termination with good grace and moves on. It's important to note that Emilia is an orphan. Her only remaining family member is someone she knows doesn't want to help her, and sees her as a burden. Between governess jobs, Emilia is resilient and frugal and supports herself doing honest hard work.
In December, Ms. Davis accepts another governess position with a family residing at Aldworth Park outside of London. Due to inclement weather conditions, the mail coach she was traveling on is waylaid at Maidenhead and she's forced to obtain a room at The Belle Inn. While there, she meets MMC Gavin Sinclair, a hard working barrister who has also been delayed in reaching his destination. Their first meeting is awkward, but later there's definite chemistry between them.
It's a predictable love story that also ignited my interest in reading the predecessor book about Nate and Cora Travers. (Cora is Gavin's sister.) It's mentioned more than once in this novella how involved Gavin was in helping his sister through a court case involving one of her children from the prior book. Forever Your Rogue is now on my TBR list.
Overall, I enjoyed Emilia and Gavin's journey to a HEA. I will definitely read more work by this author.
In December, Ms. Davis accepts another governess position with a family residing at Aldworth Park outside of London. Due to inclement weather conditions, the mail coach she was traveling on is waylaid at Maidenhead and she's forced to obtain a room at The Belle Inn. While there, she meets MMC Gavin Sinclair, a hard working barrister who has also been delayed in reaching his destination. Their first meeting is awkward, but later there's definite chemistry between them.
It's a predictable love story that also ignited my interest in reading the predecessor book about Nate and Cora Travers. (Cora is Gavin's sister.) It's mentioned more than once in this novella how involved Gavin was in helping his sister through a court case involving one of her children from the prior book. Forever Your Rogue is now on my TBR list.
Overall, I enjoyed Emilia and Gavin's journey to a HEA. I will definitely read more work by this author.
May 20, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
4½ stars.
➕ What I liked :
Rather original/unique plot.
(With the element/addition of the :Breach of promise of marriage…. Not for or about the main characters but in connection with the heroes work/profession.)
Cute/sweet and somewhat awkward couple.
Good romantic build up and chemistry.
Good steam.
Interesting main characters.
Not a overly tall hero.
(The hero is taller than the heroine but not by much.)
A lean hero and Not a big/very muscular one.
Governess heroine and barrister hero. ( hero is third son of a baron)
Some of the side characters were interesting.
The heroines insecurities were Not about her looks/body...but about her background and the differences in class etc.
Christmas vibes.
Charming and heartwarming.
➖ What I disliked:
The reckless and weird decision making from the heroine.
(She promised to stay somewhere and wait to be picked up by a footman/servant and then all of a sudden decides she will walk on her own to not be a “bother”…. But in doing that she causes issues for the footman/servant and also scares the hero because he does not know where she is… in other words causes a bother anyway… so a little bit nonsensical and contradictory.... even if it is for the drama.)
4½ stars.
➕ What I liked :
Rather original/unique plot.
(With the element/addition of the :Breach of promise of marriage…. Not for or about the main characters but in connection with the heroes work/profession.)
Cute/sweet and somewhat awkward couple.
Good romantic build up and chemistry.
Good steam.
Interesting main characters.
Not a overly tall hero.
(The hero is taller than the heroine but not by much.)
A lean hero and Not a big/very muscular one.
Governess heroine and barrister hero. ( hero is third son of a baron)
Some of the side characters were interesting.
The heroines insecurities were Not about her looks/body...but about her background and the differences in class etc.
Christmas vibes.
Charming and heartwarming.
➖ What I disliked:
The reckless and weird decision making from the heroine.
(She promised to stay somewhere and wait to be picked up by a footman/servant and then all of a sudden decides she will walk on her own to not be a “bother”…. But in doing that she causes issues for the footman/servant and also scares the hero because he does not know where she is… in other words causes a bother anyway… so a little bit nonsensical and contradictory.... even if it is for the drama.)
October 25, 2023
Absolutely charming and full of heart and warmth.
If you love: clandestine meetings at inns, a woman looking for a fresh start, sleigh rides, nerdy studious heroes with a secret tender side, troublesome but adorable nieces and nephews, and a family that will always keep you safe and warm...
Then this story is for you!
It was a complete delight to see Gavin and Emilia find each other on a winter's evening. They have a rough start with some misunderstandings but the chemistry is there. The flirtation is only supposed to last for one evening, when they can pretend to be free of all obligations. Neither expecting what they discover upon arriving at the Travers home: Gavin is there for the Christmas holiday and Emilia.. well, she's the new governess.
How will they resist each other and avoid awkward dinner conversations?
This was a well paced and robust novella. I of course wanted more time with them but I also felt very satisfied with what we got from this couple. It is clear that Gavin adores Emilia and watching him spiral into love is beautiful. Also, plenty of Travers family antics to enjoy as well!
I like this quote from Gavin:
"Emilia.. the ease I feel with you.. it's rare for me. All of this is rare. I'm not bold. I'm not a man who takes. But I'm not a man who lets go, either. And I'm not letting you go when I return to London."
Gavin doesn't do much for himself and Emilia has never had anyone put her first. Watching them find that in each other is beautiful. I really believed they just "knew" when they spend some times together over Christmas. It was so special.
I hope you give this sweet novella a try this holiday season.
5 stars
2 on the spice scale
If you love: clandestine meetings at inns, a woman looking for a fresh start, sleigh rides, nerdy studious heroes with a secret tender side, troublesome but adorable nieces and nephews, and a family that will always keep you safe and warm...
Then this story is for you!
It was a complete delight to see Gavin and Emilia find each other on a winter's evening. They have a rough start with some misunderstandings but the chemistry is there. The flirtation is only supposed to last for one evening, when they can pretend to be free of all obligations. Neither expecting what they discover upon arriving at the Travers home: Gavin is there for the Christmas holiday and Emilia.. well, she's the new governess.
How will they resist each other and avoid awkward dinner conversations?
This was a well paced and robust novella. I of course wanted more time with them but I also felt very satisfied with what we got from this couple. It is clear that Gavin adores Emilia and watching him spiral into love is beautiful. Also, plenty of Travers family antics to enjoy as well!
I like this quote from Gavin:
"Emilia.. the ease I feel with you.. it's rare for me. All of this is rare. I'm not bold. I'm not a man who takes. But I'm not a man who lets go, either. And I'm not letting you go when I return to London."
Gavin doesn't do much for himself and Emilia has never had anyone put her first. Watching them find that in each other is beautiful. I really believed they just "knew" when they spend some times together over Christmas. It was so special.
I hope you give this sweet novella a try this holiday season.
5 stars
2 on the spice scale
April 7, 2025
more men who wear spectacles in historical romance please!!
November 29, 2024
“In my experience, flirtations can be quite harmful,” Gavin groused. “To my confidence, specifically.”
Thanks to Gloria’s glorious review, I felt the urge to put my current book on hold and read this one instead. It just couldn’t wait, and after just a few pages I was absolutely enchanted by Emilia and Gavin and their accidental meeting in an inn just before Christmas.
Emilia is an orphaned governess on her way to a new position. The warm-hearted, sensitive woman is not exactly favored by fate but she tries to hold her head high and move forward “with middling grace and ample good humor”. She has accepted that, in her position as a governess, she’s interchangeable, and also that she will probably never have a family of her own. I liked her very much, but somehow…she isn’t that outstanding, and she didn’t grow on me like other heroines. In her interaction with Gavin, however, she is perfect.
Gavin, on the other hand, is very special. I don’t think I've met many romance heroes like him. At 29, the third son of a baron is an aspiring barrister with reading spectacles, dark, neatly combed hair with a tendency to curl and dark blue eyes, “the kind of blue the sky turns as the stars come out”. He suffers from insomnia and is pretty lonely, but with his workload he doesn't have time for a woman. He’s also shy and more of a listener than a talker but has a good sense of humor.
When Gavin and Emilia meet by chance at a Christmas party at this inn, they have a slight misunderstanding at first, so she upends a tankard of beer over his head. It doesn't matter, though, their attraction is immediate and the chemistry is undeniable. They spend a wonderful evening together, talking, flirting, dancing, holding hands, kissing. Sparks fly and the pages burn when they get carried away behind the barn, but in the end, Gavin pulls away, leaving Emilia alone in the snow. When he realizes his mistake in the morning, she’s gone forever, because they never learned their last names or any other personal details.
Thankfully, even though Gavin believes that “fortune never favors fools”, Emilia turns out to be the new governess for his sister’s children. So when they meet again, a golden opportunity to end their misery and loneliness presents itself, and they reach out to grab it and hold on to it. Their relationship develops inevitably and pretty uncomplicatedly – and that’s the book’s only minor flaw. Everything unfolds just a little bit too easily. (As you know, I love a decent amount of drama.)
Anyway, it’s a wonderful, heartwarming, emotional and quiet book full of tenderness and love and Christmas flair and so many beautiful sentences and paragraphs, that I (like Gloria) marked about half of the book. I’ll leave you with some of them below, but first I have to say this: The most impressive person in this book was actually Nate, Gavin’s brother-in-law, hero from Forever Your Rogue. I fell in love with him the moment he appeared! (Do I really need to mention which book sneaked to the top of my TBR list?)
Nate raised an eyebrow, and Gavin grimaced. It seemed he was always surrounded by broad-shouldered men raising their eyebrows. Gavin could only lower his.
Gavin’s most urgent problem was that Emilia had a dimple. One dimple, in her left cheek. This was perhaps more alarming than if she’d had dimples in both cheeks. The lack of symmetry confirmed an impish nature. Gavin hardly knew what to do with polite ladies, let alone impish ones.
The trouble is, when you’re always listening, sometimes people forget to hear you in return.
Their circumstances, their histories, their last names…none of it mattered. Emilia wanted to cling to this wild, unready, unexpected moment for the rest of her life.
If Gavin were the sort of man who could raise one eyebrow, he would do so now. Instead, he had to lower his spectacles to see her properly.
Her eyes were suddenly wet and stinging in the cold. “I try,” she admitted.
“That’s so much more than most people do.” His hand came to her face, and she closed her eyes. He gently pressed a fingertip to her lashes, his glove soaking up her tears before they could freeze.
A faint, hovering breath.
And then his mouth was over her eyelids. Warm, soft, easing the sting.
Gavin had never considered a town grocer to be an establishment where erotic fantasies were born. A grave mistake, on his part.
Gavin’s chest was constricting so tightly, it bruised to breathe. All the pieces of what he knew of her were falling into place like so many wind-drunk flakes of snow. She had never been to a Christmas party. She had no family. She traveled alone, on a bloody mail coach.
She’d never unwrapped a parcel selected especially for her.
No. Absolutely not.
“Choose a hair ribbon,” he said before he realized what he was thinking. “Choose ten. Whatever you like.”
Gone were his mild mannerisms—they were melting away, turning to ash, curling into smoky, blackened edges of kindling. His honorable intentions were no better than soft wood whose only purpose was to nurture flames.
“Gavin, I’m all right,” she whispered. “Stop this. You’re going to disturb everyone.”
“I don’t care.” His voice was rough. “I don’t care about everyone. I care about you.”
“You were careless,” Gavin said hoarsely. “You’re careless with yourself because nobody has ever cared for you.”
“Merry Christmas,” he finally whispered. “That’s the first thing I need to tell you.”
“Merry Christmas.” She beamed.
He pulled her close, following the stretch of her smile, brushing his lips over the curve of her cheek.
“The second thing you need to tell me?”
“I can’t remember.” He nuzzled her neck. “Your dimple wreaks havoc on me.”
“Emilia…” He tilted her chin. “The ease I feel with you…it’s rare for me. All of this is rare. I’m not bold. I’m not a man who takes. But I’m not a man who lets go either. And I’m not letting go of you when I return to London.”
“Do you know what they call the recompense for a breach of promise suit? What it’s called when an injured party is awarded a fine in the face of a broken engagement? […] A heart balm.” He sighed. “That’s the term. A heart balm. Such a lie, isn’t it? The notion a heart can be appraised, a future can be bought.”
“The night we met…my God, it was just some winter’s evening. There was nothing remarkable about the circumstances, except we were both brave enough to seize them. I shouldn’t have found you. Not the first time, let alone the second.” He touched her face. “Can’t you see? Emilia, there is no logic to the way I love you. It’s wide and wild…and it terrifies me.” His lips hovered just above hers. “But so is it my balm.”
“What do you wish for?” Gavin kissed her palm. “Above all else?”
“Two pegs on the wall,” she whispered. “That’s it. Two pegs on the wall, for two coats to hang, the empty sleeves brushing. That’s what I want.”
Thanks to Gloria’s glorious review, I felt the urge to put my current book on hold and read this one instead. It just couldn’t wait, and after just a few pages I was absolutely enchanted by Emilia and Gavin and their accidental meeting in an inn just before Christmas.
Emilia is an orphaned governess on her way to a new position. The warm-hearted, sensitive woman is not exactly favored by fate but she tries to hold her head high and move forward “with middling grace and ample good humor”. She has accepted that, in her position as a governess, she’s interchangeable, and also that she will probably never have a family of her own. I liked her very much, but somehow…she isn’t that outstanding, and she didn’t grow on me like other heroines. In her interaction with Gavin, however, she is perfect.
Gavin, on the other hand, is very special. I don’t think I've met many romance heroes like him. At 29, the third son of a baron is an aspiring barrister with reading spectacles, dark, neatly combed hair with a tendency to curl and dark blue eyes, “the kind of blue the sky turns as the stars come out”. He suffers from insomnia and is pretty lonely, but with his workload he doesn't have time for a woman. He’s also shy and more of a listener than a talker but has a good sense of humor.
When Gavin and Emilia meet by chance at a Christmas party at this inn, they have a slight misunderstanding at first, so she upends a tankard of beer over his head. It doesn't matter, though, their attraction is immediate and the chemistry is undeniable. They spend a wonderful evening together, talking, flirting, dancing, holding hands, kissing. Sparks fly and the pages burn when they get carried away behind the barn, but in the end, Gavin pulls away, leaving Emilia alone in the snow. When he realizes his mistake in the morning, she’s gone forever, because they never learned their last names or any other personal details.
Thankfully, even though Gavin believes that “fortune never favors fools”, Emilia turns out to be the new governess for his sister’s children. So when they meet again, a golden opportunity to end their misery and loneliness presents itself, and they reach out to grab it and hold on to it. Their relationship develops inevitably and pretty uncomplicatedly – and that’s the book’s only minor flaw. Everything unfolds just a little bit too easily. (As you know, I love a decent amount of drama.)
Anyway, it’s a wonderful, heartwarming, emotional and quiet book full of tenderness and love and Christmas flair and so many beautiful sentences and paragraphs, that I (like Gloria) marked about half of the book. I’ll leave you with some of them below, but first I have to say this: The most impressive person in this book was actually Nate, Gavin’s brother-in-law, hero from Forever Your Rogue. I fell in love with him the moment he appeared! (Do I really need to mention which book sneaked to the top of my TBR list?)
Nate raised an eyebrow, and Gavin grimaced. It seemed he was always surrounded by broad-shouldered men raising their eyebrows. Gavin could only lower his.
Gavin’s most urgent problem was that Emilia had a dimple. One dimple, in her left cheek. This was perhaps more alarming than if she’d had dimples in both cheeks. The lack of symmetry confirmed an impish nature. Gavin hardly knew what to do with polite ladies, let alone impish ones.
The trouble is, when you’re always listening, sometimes people forget to hear you in return.
Their circumstances, their histories, their last names…none of it mattered. Emilia wanted to cling to this wild, unready, unexpected moment for the rest of her life.
If Gavin were the sort of man who could raise one eyebrow, he would do so now. Instead, he had to lower his spectacles to see her properly.
Her eyes were suddenly wet and stinging in the cold. “I try,” she admitted.
“That’s so much more than most people do.” His hand came to her face, and she closed her eyes. He gently pressed a fingertip to her lashes, his glove soaking up her tears before they could freeze.
A faint, hovering breath.
And then his mouth was over her eyelids. Warm, soft, easing the sting.
Gavin had never considered a town grocer to be an establishment where erotic fantasies were born. A grave mistake, on his part.
Gavin’s chest was constricting so tightly, it bruised to breathe. All the pieces of what he knew of her were falling into place like so many wind-drunk flakes of snow. She had never been to a Christmas party. She had no family. She traveled alone, on a bloody mail coach.
She’d never unwrapped a parcel selected especially for her.
No. Absolutely not.
“Choose a hair ribbon,” he said before he realized what he was thinking. “Choose ten. Whatever you like.”
Gone were his mild mannerisms—they were melting away, turning to ash, curling into smoky, blackened edges of kindling. His honorable intentions were no better than soft wood whose only purpose was to nurture flames.
“Gavin, I’m all right,” she whispered. “Stop this. You’re going to disturb everyone.”
“I don’t care.” His voice was rough. “I don’t care about everyone. I care about you.”
“You were careless,” Gavin said hoarsely. “You’re careless with yourself because nobody has ever cared for you.”
“Merry Christmas,” he finally whispered. “That’s the first thing I need to tell you.”
“Merry Christmas.” She beamed.
He pulled her close, following the stretch of her smile, brushing his lips over the curve of her cheek.
“The second thing you need to tell me?”
“I can’t remember.” He nuzzled her neck. “Your dimple wreaks havoc on me.”
“Emilia…” He tilted her chin. “The ease I feel with you…it’s rare for me. All of this is rare. I’m not bold. I’m not a man who takes. But I’m not a man who lets go either. And I’m not letting go of you when I return to London.”
“Do you know what they call the recompense for a breach of promise suit? What it’s called when an injured party is awarded a fine in the face of a broken engagement? […] A heart balm.” He sighed. “That’s the term. A heart balm. Such a lie, isn’t it? The notion a heart can be appraised, a future can be bought.”
“The night we met…my God, it was just some winter’s evening. There was nothing remarkable about the circumstances, except we were both brave enough to seize them. I shouldn’t have found you. Not the first time, let alone the second.” He touched her face. “Can’t you see? Emilia, there is no logic to the way I love you. It’s wide and wild…and it terrifies me.” His lips hovered just above hers. “But so is it my balm.”
“What do you wish for?” Gavin kissed her palm. “Above all else?”
“Two pegs on the wall,” she whispered. “That’s it. Two pegs on the wall, for two coats to hang, the empty sleeves brushing. That’s what I want.”
December 1, 2024
What a sweet and beautiful love story. I've had a smile on my face and warmth in my heart all the while reading this book.
When reading HR we get all kinds of heroes, the rakes, the rogues, the aristocrats and even the vigilantes. This is the story about a third son who has no titles to his name, no wealth in his bank but only a reputation that he is building for himself. A barrister, a man of the working class, a clever man full of ethics and moral values. He was such a beautiful character.
The heroine is also not a character usually written about. She's a governess who back in the days was considered as a lower class than that of even a maid.
These two characters find in each other what they never thought they needed in life let alone in a partner. Theirs is that of a love story belonging only to hallmark or harlequin. The kind that makes you feel so good and restore hope in healthy romantic and heartwarming love.
The way this book is written proving how talented Erin Langston is in making you pay attention to the little things that gradually make you fall in love with a person.
For example, the internal struggle Gavin was having with what Emilia's dimple was making him feel on the inside, all flushed and bothered.
Or the fact that he thought he was becoming a rake because he kissed her senseless against the stables' wall.
This was so adorable and cute and lovely.
Absolutely loved it.
When reading HR we get all kinds of heroes, the rakes, the rogues, the aristocrats and even the vigilantes. This is the story about a third son who has no titles to his name, no wealth in his bank but only a reputation that he is building for himself. A barrister, a man of the working class, a clever man full of ethics and moral values. He was such a beautiful character.
The heroine is also not a character usually written about. She's a governess who back in the days was considered as a lower class than that of even a maid.
These two characters find in each other what they never thought they needed in life let alone in a partner. Theirs is that of a love story belonging only to hallmark or harlequin. The kind that makes you feel so good and restore hope in healthy romantic and heartwarming love.
The way this book is written proving how talented Erin Langston is in making you pay attention to the little things that gradually make you fall in love with a person.
For example, the internal struggle Gavin was having with what Emilia's dimple was making him feel on the inside, all flushed and bothered.
Or the fact that he thought he was becoming a rake because he kissed her senseless against the stables' wall.
This was so adorable and cute and lovely.
Absolutely loved it.
December 24, 2024
3. 5 Belle Stars ⭐️
Spicy Level:🌶️🌶️/5
Do you ever wonder about how a book ends up on your TBR and you're just like, okay, let's go with it?
𝙎𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨:
Our book opens with Emilia Davis an orphaned governess who has just lost her job and is now trying to find another one. She meets Gavin Sinclair, a London barrister, at a Tavern like two passing ships in the night after an adorable little meet-cute based on a misunderstanding where he thinks she's a prostitute. The two strike up a friendship and conversation which leads to them almost having an exciting little "passionate evening". I’m sure if this was 2024, they probably would have had sex but Gavin being the "gentleman" they go their separate ways without learning each other’s names. BUT lo and behold, both are destined for the same location. You see, Emila has just been given the position of governess to a new family, and this family also happens to be the nieces and nephews of our barrister. So, the two end up in a close proximity situation where their massive feelings of attraction don’t disappear, and they need to juggle the reality of what a relationship would look like for them, given the society they live in and their positions within that society.
𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨:
I'm not gonna lie, I was apprehensive about jumping into this because I had no idea how a historical romance had ended up on my TBR. And it wasn't just on my "Goodreads TBR" or the one you say you're going to add books to, but never do. This was physically added to my official organizational tracking TBR and it was a historical romance.
I was pretty sure I was going insane because I hadn't read historical romance, like a proper Regency Romance, in years. I stay very much in my bubble of contemporary, fluffy, and cute; where they have cell phones to communicate and women are allowed to show their ankles without being called a whore.
ANYWAY, the fates aligned and I do not like to tempt fate. And I enjoyed this! So fate and luck were on my side. Emilia was brave and sweet and while she had a terrible hand in life dealt to her she is so determined and passionate and lovely. Gavin is so addicted to work that he lets nothing phase him and doesn't ever take the time to appreciate life until Emilia blows into his world and completely turns it upside down.
The relationship felt charming and special as these two had an amazing connection and chemistry that was adorable and just made you fill up with happy vibes! The only issue I had with this is being a novella it does rush quickly into "I love you" and I did have to push aside my dislike for instalove a bit.
𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨
▶ Dual Pov
▶ Forced Proximity
▶ Almost One Night Stand
▶ Christmas Novella
▶ Regency Romance
▶ He Falls First
▶ Cute Kids
▶ Virgin FMC
and 𝙈𝙞𝙘𝙧𝙤 𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▷ Rolled Sleeves/Forearms
▷ Love's Their Smile/Laugh
▷ Cages Her With His Arms
▷ "Look at Me"
▷ "More"
Overall this was cute Christmassy vibes and just sweet and giving all the best warm vibes!
Spicy Level:🌶️🌶️/5
Do you ever wonder about how a book ends up on your TBR and you're just like, okay, let's go with it?
𝙎𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨:
Our book opens with Emilia Davis an orphaned governess who has just lost her job and is now trying to find another one. She meets Gavin Sinclair, a London barrister, at a Tavern like two passing ships in the night after an adorable little meet-cute based on a misunderstanding where he thinks she's a prostitute. The two strike up a friendship and conversation which leads to them almost having an exciting little "passionate evening". I’m sure if this was 2024, they probably would have had sex but Gavin being the "gentleman" they go their separate ways without learning each other’s names. BUT lo and behold, both are destined for the same location. You see, Emila has just been given the position of governess to a new family, and this family also happens to be the nieces and nephews of our barrister. So, the two end up in a close proximity situation where their massive feelings of attraction don’t disappear, and they need to juggle the reality of what a relationship would look like for them, given the society they live in and their positions within that society.
𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨:
I'm not gonna lie, I was apprehensive about jumping into this because I had no idea how a historical romance had ended up on my TBR. And it wasn't just on my "Goodreads TBR" or the one you say you're going to add books to, but never do. This was physically added to my official organizational tracking TBR and it was a historical romance.
I was pretty sure I was going insane because I hadn't read historical romance, like a proper Regency Romance, in years. I stay very much in my bubble of contemporary, fluffy, and cute; where they have cell phones to communicate and women are allowed to show their ankles without being called a whore.
ANYWAY, the fates aligned and I do not like to tempt fate. And I enjoyed this! So fate and luck were on my side. Emilia was brave and sweet and while she had a terrible hand in life dealt to her she is so determined and passionate and lovely. Gavin is so addicted to work that he lets nothing phase him and doesn't ever take the time to appreciate life until Emilia blows into his world and completely turns it upside down.
The relationship felt charming and special as these two had an amazing connection and chemistry that was adorable and just made you fill up with happy vibes! The only issue I had with this is being a novella it does rush quickly into "I love you" and I did have to push aside my dislike for instalove a bit.
𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨
▶ Dual Pov
▶ Forced Proximity
▶ Almost One Night Stand
▶ Christmas Novella
▶ Regency Romance
▶ He Falls First
▶ Cute Kids
▶ Virgin FMC
and 𝙈𝙞𝙘𝙧𝙤 𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▷ Rolled Sleeves/Forearms
▷ Love's Their Smile/Laugh
▷ Cages Her With His Arms
▷ "Look at Me"
▷ "More"
Overall this was cute Christmassy vibes and just sweet and giving all the best warm vibes!
November 7, 2023
Okay, I’m on board! I see why everyone looks this! Gavin is *chef’s kiss* PERFECTION !
I had a few personal niggles like, I wasn’t really feeling it when they started smooching as people who were going to move on from each other forever, but Gavin didn’t let it go too far and did the honorable thing, and he kept thinking about her and went to her room the next day to try to have a do-over 🥺
Then when they are reunited I wasn’t a fan of the typical “ it can never happen again. It’s gotta be a secret” but their chemistry was so good and they eventually gave into it. Gavin was soooo smitten 🥺
All the wrist /hand caresses ? *swoon*
These two characters were literally perfect for each other 🥲
I’m greedy so I would’ve liked to see their marriage and when they decided it was time have a baby but you’ll always find me asking for more time after the couple is happily settled. 🙈
My ratings always reflect my enjoyment of the story. And I’m just coming out of a weird funk so I’ve become even more picky in my reading choices. ❀
I had a few personal niggles like, I wasn’t really feeling it when they started smooching as people who were going to move on from each other forever, but Gavin didn’t let it go too far and did the honorable thing, and he kept thinking about her and went to her room the next day to try to have a do-over 🥺
Then when they are reunited I wasn’t a fan of the typical “ it can never happen again. It’s gotta be a secret” but their chemistry was so good and they eventually gave into it. Gavin was soooo smitten 🥺
All the wrist /hand caresses ? *swoon*
These two characters were literally perfect for each other 🥲
I’m greedy so I would’ve liked to see their marriage and when they decided it was time have a baby but you’ll always find me asking for more time after the couple is happily settled. 🙈
My ratings always reflect my enjoyment of the story. And I’m just coming out of a weird funk so I’ve become even more picky in my reading choices. ❀
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2023
Emilia is just trying to live her best Jane Eyre life but the guy she wants to buy a savory pie from thought she was a sex worker (he isn’t judging, they make good money) and she overreacts via beer dump (honestly? Fair). Gavin’s hair won’t stop curling and his sister is gross with her husband but his niblings are delectable so it’s fine. An inn? A storm! A GOVERNESS, which is this reviewer’s very favorite historical romance occupation. I highly recommend reading Forever Your Rogue before this to fully appreciate Cora’s fluttering anxiety, Nate’s impish advice, and all the “Mrs. Travers” mentions. BONUSES: a serious lawyer with rumpled linen; a justice-driven little girl; Nate just Nate always Nate crl + alt + v him we need several of him. Is there a dog? There is a dog.
November 28, 2024
For every person who laments the number of aristocrats in historical romance, there is Some Winter’s Evening by Erin Langston.
Gavin, a barrister, and Emilia, a governess, are staying at a coaching in during us snowstorm. Locals are celebrating the holidays and they join in the festivities. Over the course of the evening, they talk, they play, they dance, and they share a lovely little make out session. Gavin gets embarrassed and runs away.
A few days later, they meet again as Gavin arrives at his sister’s house for the holidays and find out that Emilia is the new governess for his niece and nephew.
Sidenote: The sister is the heroine of another book and Gavin helps her with a custody suit against her late husband’s family.
Gavin and Emilia come together a bit of a second chance romance. Well this is a novella, there is no shortage of character and relationship development here. it was a wonderful story.
It was great fun to return to Erin Langston’s world, especially knowing how the books from different eras are connected through Gavin and Emilia.
Gavin, a barrister, and Emilia, a governess, are staying at a coaching in during us snowstorm. Locals are celebrating the holidays and they join in the festivities. Over the course of the evening, they talk, they play, they dance, and they share a lovely little make out session. Gavin gets embarrassed and runs away.
A few days later, they meet again as Gavin arrives at his sister’s house for the holidays and find out that Emilia is the new governess for his niece and nephew.
Sidenote: The sister is the heroine of another book and Gavin helps her with a custody suit against her late husband’s family.
Gavin and Emilia come together a bit of a second chance romance. Well this is a novella, there is no shortage of character and relationship development here. it was a wonderful story.
It was great fun to return to Erin Langston’s world, especially knowing how the books from different eras are connected through Gavin and Emilia.
January 20, 2025
3.5/5. Sweet. Nothing too complex as expected for a novella but it entertains and reacquaints us with the much loved characters of her debut book. Rounded up for that reason.
December 3, 2024
I met a girl at an inn in the snow. She had golden hair and a golden laugh and her name was Emilia. And I kissed her.
My heart? It’s gone.
Nestled snugly between Gavin and Emilia, on a sleigh ride during a cold winter’s day.
The rest of me? In Gavin’s room, the quickly cooling bath behind me. Up in flames.
Everything they found together? That’s what I’m putting in my imaginary dollhouse.
It was rather intoxicating to see a mild-mannered man lose his mind. It made a woman act foolishly and hope dangerously.
Don’t look down.
My heart? It’s gone.
Nestled snugly between Gavin and Emilia, on a sleigh ride during a cold winter’s day.
The rest of me? In Gavin’s room, the quickly cooling bath behind me. Up in flames.
Everything they found together? That’s what I’m putting in my imaginary dollhouse.
It was rather intoxicating to see a mild-mannered man lose his mind. It made a woman act foolishly and hope dangerously.
Don’t look down.
Read
November 12, 2023I’m sorry, I just can’t. Look, I loved her first novella but thought Forever Your Rogue was seriously flawed. When this came out, I thought, “Maybe Erin Langston is just a natural novella writer and not a novelist. I’ll give this a shot and keep an open mind.”
Also, as much as I like to plow my own furrow, social media is once again saturated with bookstagrammers hyperventilating about Langston’s oeuvre, and surely I MUST have a dead heart not to be obsessed with FYR like everyone else?
Alas, I got to 14% and just don’t want to spend any more of my time on this. One of the big clangers of FYR was Langston’s insistence on dropping super-modern language into a 19th-century setting, where most of the rest of the prose is generically of that period. Here, she does it again (“There was a whole onion situation on the coach”). If you want to write a contemporary, just write a contemporary. I wouldn’t be surprised if someone said, “I know, right?!” soon.
And then it just started feeling contrived. She dumps beer on him but then he can’t get into his room so of course she insists on him using hers but she doesn’t leave the room, which would just never ever be done for someone in her position (a governess). I get Romance Reasons but goddamn they at least have to be good.
Also, as much as I like to plow my own furrow, social media is once again saturated with bookstagrammers hyperventilating about Langston’s oeuvre, and surely I MUST have a dead heart not to be obsessed with FYR like everyone else?
Alas, I got to 14% and just don’t want to spend any more of my time on this. One of the big clangers of FYR was Langston’s insistence on dropping super-modern language into a 19th-century setting, where most of the rest of the prose is generically of that period. Here, she does it again (“There was a whole onion situation on the coach”). If you want to write a contemporary, just write a contemporary. I wouldn’t be surprised if someone said, “I know, right?!” soon.
And then it just started feeling contrived. She dumps beer on him but then he can’t get into his room so of course she insists on him using hers but she doesn’t leave the room, which would just never ever be done for someone in her position (a governess). I get Romance Reasons but goddamn they at least have to be good.
December 27, 2023
Yes girl, promise to stay somewhere where someone promised to send someone to pick you up, but then suddenly decide that you don’t need no man and that you’re gonna find your way back, even though you can’t tell them you’re leaving and the ride is already on the way and they most definitely will think you got kidnapped and disappeared and cause panic. Yess girllllll so responsible and so smart of you!!!!!! Independent queeeeen!!!!! Slay!!!! /j
It was all fun and games until she showed how irresponsible she was… ick
It was all fun and games until she showed how irresponsible she was… ick
August 23, 2024
4☆ Such a sweet, cozy, and Christmas-y novella. Gavin and Emilia are adorable together, and the found family aspect was heartwarming. This author writes so beautifully and with such great care for her characters. I loved every cameo moment with the Travers family, especially dreamy Nate, who was matchmaking from the jump. 😊 My favorite is still Forever Your Rogue, which is of course a full novel and just exceptional imo. But I really enjoyed this, and can’t wait to read the next one!
September 27, 2023
A gorgeous, tender, touching, unbelievably sexy tale of two souls who find home--with each other :,) This novella is, like all Christmas-adjacent things should be, cozy and loving and magical. The characters are so charming and you find yourself rooting for them from the start. Erin weaves such lovely magic with her prose. It is a DELIGHT and I cannot wait for everyone to read it!
December 4, 2024
SO. MUCH. SWOOOON!!!!
Wow, Woww, Wowwwww!!!
This book was utter perfection! It had all the feelz of two lonely people falling in love, yearning for one another and the steam to spice it up!
I freakin LOOOOVED that both hero and heroine were virgins and their first time was tender, a little awkward but filled with emotional connection and closeness! This wasnt empty, soulless, heartless smut—this was passionate and you could feel the love leaping from the page!
And even better, the characters fit within the narrative of their time. It FELT like an historical romance instead of a crappy contemporary masquerading as an historical!
I wish i could read a book like this everyday. i wish this was what the genre was full of, instead of the manwhore slop we’re continuously peddled!
Totally safe. Dual virgins, hero and heroine belong only to each other. No others, no cheating or sharing. No abuse. Hea with epilogue one year out
Wow, Woww, Wowwwww!!!
This book was utter perfection! It had all the feelz of two lonely people falling in love, yearning for one another and the steam to spice it up!
I freakin LOOOOVED that both hero and heroine were virgins and their first time was tender, a little awkward but filled with emotional connection and closeness! This wasnt empty, soulless, heartless smut—this was passionate and you could feel the love leaping from the page!
And even better, the characters fit within the narrative of their time. It FELT like an historical romance instead of a crappy contemporary masquerading as an historical!
I wish i could read a book like this everyday. i wish this was what the genre was full of, instead of the manwhore slop we’re continuously peddled!
Totally safe. Dual virgins, hero and heroine belong only to each other. No others, no cheating or sharing. No abuse. Hea with epilogue one year out
did-not-finish
November 18, 2023DNF at 22%. Nothing wrong with it. Just not feeling it. If I ever re-read the book, I'll likely revisit reading this.
October 26, 2023
I will be seeking compensation for emotional damages because my heart has been thoroughly smushed around, squeezed, and put into a boiling pot of feelings.
I had my eyeball on Gavin Sinclair all during Forever Your Rogue. What was going on in that studious, lawyer-ly noggin of his? WELL GUESS WHAT. Erin, beloved human being, gives us Gavin’s story and it was so good I don’t even know how to review it.
I think it takes a special talent to make a novella length story a fully realized creation with characters that have dreams and hopes and disappointments to see to fruition. And Erin gave us that. All wrapped up in a “starchy, shy barrister falls in love with his nephew’s new governess after a dreamy evening at a coaching inn” bow.
Gavin and Emilia are absolutely the other half of each other’s souls. A man used to sitting in the shadows and observing and a woman that has never had anyone notice her lingering on the periphery. When you’re made to feel disposable, it takes someone that thinks you’re irreplaceable to make falling in love as passionate and worth it as Gavin does for Emilia. They think they’ll never see each other again! Wrong. Emilia thinks she’s not worth it! Wrong! There’s intimate sex and two precious dum dums falling in love and buying each other presents and Nate Travers being the DILF of the millennia. WHAT ELSE DO YOU WANT PEOPLE.
They’re so earnest, dancing around one another over the course of the Christmas holidays (at Nate and Cora’s house!! Hey Travers family!). The chemistry? Spectacular. The tension? Palpable. The yearning? So good I could cry. Try to hurt these two? I’ll bareknuckle BOX.
Throw in a spectacular law/court/trial plotline (with a supremely satisfying ending) and I couldn’t have asked for more from Erin. Cause at this point, she just raises the bar over and over and then leaps over it and takes my feelings and emotions with her.
Huge thank you to Erin for an ARC. All thoughts, opinions, and heart smushy feelings are my own.
I had my eyeball on Gavin Sinclair all during Forever Your Rogue. What was going on in that studious, lawyer-ly noggin of his? WELL GUESS WHAT. Erin, beloved human being, gives us Gavin’s story and it was so good I don’t even know how to review it.
I think it takes a special talent to make a novella length story a fully realized creation with characters that have dreams and hopes and disappointments to see to fruition. And Erin gave us that. All wrapped up in a “starchy, shy barrister falls in love with his nephew’s new governess after a dreamy evening at a coaching inn” bow.
Gavin and Emilia are absolutely the other half of each other’s souls. A man used to sitting in the shadows and observing and a woman that has never had anyone notice her lingering on the periphery. When you’re made to feel disposable, it takes someone that thinks you’re irreplaceable to make falling in love as passionate and worth it as Gavin does for Emilia. They think they’ll never see each other again! Wrong. Emilia thinks she’s not worth it! Wrong! There’s intimate sex and two precious dum dums falling in love and buying each other presents and Nate Travers being the DILF of the millennia. WHAT ELSE DO YOU WANT PEOPLE.
They’re so earnest, dancing around one another over the course of the Christmas holidays (at Nate and Cora’s house!! Hey Travers family!). The chemistry? Spectacular. The tension? Palpable. The yearning? So good I could cry. Try to hurt these two? I’ll bareknuckle BOX.
Throw in a spectacular law/court/trial plotline (with a supremely satisfying ending) and I couldn’t have asked for more from Erin. Cause at this point, she just raises the bar over and over and then leaps over it and takes my feelings and emotions with her.
Huge thank you to Erin for an ARC. All thoughts, opinions, and heart smushy feelings are my own.
November 30, 2025
3.5 stars 🌟
Nice cute Christmas story. Would have given it a 4 . But the epilogue was a bit pointless. Like I don’t know what to write, so I will throw in a sex scene.
Nice cute Christmas story. Would have given it a 4 . But the epilogue was a bit pointless. Like I don’t know what to write, so I will throw in a sex scene.
November 4, 2023
quotes:
“Look at me, he silently coaxed her.
Emilia did not look at him, so Gavin looked enough for the both of them”
“You have me breaking quills, you know,” he murmured softly, dragging his gaze over her face.
“Forgetting you is an expensive habit.”
“Miss Davis,” she reluctantly corrected.
He was silent for a beat, then he roughly shook his head. “No.”
“No?”
“I won’t call you Miss Davis.” He set his jaw, doubling down on this small act of rebellion. “Emilia is the name you gave me at the Belle. You said we weren’t strangers when you gave it to me. And…” He turned to face her. “I don’t want to give it back.”
“I don’t care.” His voice was rough. “I don’t care about everyone. I care about you.”
“Look at me, he silently coaxed her.
Emilia did not look at him, so Gavin looked enough for the both of them”
“You have me breaking quills, you know,” he murmured softly, dragging his gaze over her face.
“Forgetting you is an expensive habit.”
“Miss Davis,” she reluctantly corrected.
He was silent for a beat, then he roughly shook his head. “No.”
“No?”
“I won’t call you Miss Davis.” He set his jaw, doubling down on this small act of rebellion. “Emilia is the name you gave me at the Belle. You said we weren’t strangers when you gave it to me. And…” He turned to face her. “I don’t want to give it back.”
“I don’t care.” His voice was rough. “I don’t care about everyone. I care about you.”
November 4, 2023
4.5
There are some authors that you just click with, and Erin Langston is like that for me. I adore her writing and her characters.
Gavin was everything. He learned from his mistakes and always sought to do good. I loved his inexperience and how he was able to let loose with Emilia. I liked Emilia but I didn't quite like how forward she was with Gavin (which made it 4.5 instead of 5 stars for me), especially early on only because she had a lot to lose. It seemed to go against her character to be so forward with him. But it worked out.
The story was great, the spice was great and I cannot wait to read more from this author!
There are some authors that you just click with, and Erin Langston is like that for me. I adore her writing and her characters.
Gavin was everything. He learned from his mistakes and always sought to do good. I loved his inexperience and how he was able to let loose with Emilia. I liked Emilia but I didn't quite like how forward she was with Gavin (which made it 4.5 instead of 5 stars for me), especially early on only because she had a lot to lose. It seemed to go against her character to be so forward with him. But it worked out.
The story was great, the spice was great and I cannot wait to read more from this author!
December 10, 2024
A sweet and short romance about two overworked and shy people that had the lovliest meet cute - sadly, I lost interest after they started sleeping together... Everything became a bit too sweet for my taste. I also didn't like how the conflict felt blown out of proportions, especially for a small scale story like this one...
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