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The Earl I Want for Christmas
After six fruitless London seasons, Lady Lydia Winthrop has resigned herself to marrying the perfectly adequate local vicar. Armed with her books, piano, and loved ones, she is determined to make a happy life with the man of her family’s dreams. That is, until Gabriel D’Aeth, the new Earl of Chatham, returns to Dorset, stirring memories of their long-ago Christmas Eve kiss. Lydia can’t commit to a faithful marriage until she manages her unruly interest in the wicked earl. Fortunately, she has a plan…
When his uncle stole the woman he thought he loved, Gabo fled his family estate in a blaze of misery—but not before indulging in a smoldering Christmas Eve kiss with the innocent debutante next door, the lovely Lady Lydia. After years of debauchery, Gabo has returned as the new Earl of Chatham, ready to settle old scores. Yet his homecoming forces Gabo to confront that same meek debutante turned stunningly appealing woman and her tantalizing request: lessons in the sexual arts before her marriage to another. Revenge can wait a week with a bargain this salacious.
Now the worst rake in London and Dorset’s most respectable spinster are headed for an illicit holiday escape before they return to their ordinary lives. Four nights of pleasure will certainly be enough to exhaust their inconvenient attraction. They couldn’t possibly want more than that.
Could they?
When his uncle stole the woman he thought he loved, Gabo fled his family estate in a blaze of misery—but not before indulging in a smoldering Christmas Eve kiss with the innocent debutante next door, the lovely Lady Lydia. After years of debauchery, Gabo has returned as the new Earl of Chatham, ready to settle old scores. Yet his homecoming forces Gabo to confront that same meek debutante turned stunningly appealing woman and her tantalizing request: lessons in the sexual arts before her marriage to another. Revenge can wait a week with a bargain this salacious.
Now the worst rake in London and Dorset’s most respectable spinster are headed for an illicit holiday escape before they return to their ordinary lives. Four nights of pleasure will certainly be enough to exhaust their inconvenient attraction. They couldn’t possibly want more than that.
Could they?
190 pages, ebook
First published November 15, 2023
2 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
About the author
Colleen Kelly
3 books29 followersColleen Kelly has been on a single track to romance writing since she read her first Jane Austen and her first Jude Devereaux within weeks of each other at the age of twelve. Along the way she spent a year at a British boarding school, earned a PhD in Victorian literature, wrote and edited for a romance reviews magazine, and taught many kids to write academic essays.
She lives not-too-far from NYC with her criminally cute husband, three kids, and dog (adjective applied to all the aforementioned).
She lives not-too-far from NYC with her criminally cute husband, three kids, and dog (adjective applied to all the aforementioned).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
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December 21, 2023DNFing bc I can’t be bothered to read a book about a dude named Gabo who always thought of her innocence while bedding everyone and everything for the past six years. It’s just uninteresting.
I prefer my heroes to have their rake era before meeting the heroine 🤷♀️ I’ve just never liked a character thinking about the other MC while still being with others. I see why people like it—pining, angst, etc—but it’s not for me. He also saw her for the first time in 6 years and was like her tits jiggle now, yay.
To top it off, she was going to marry someone else and that’s just not a trope I like. When I read the back I was like ehhhh do I want to read this but I had fomo and then immediately didn’t have fomo. I got to like page 30. If the plot is my jam, I wouldn’t have many reservations reading more from the author.
I prefer my heroes to have their rake era before meeting the heroine 🤷♀️ I’ve just never liked a character thinking about the other MC while still being with others. I see why people like it—pining, angst, etc—but it’s not for me. He also saw her for the first time in 6 years and was like her tits jiggle now, yay.
To top it off, she was going to marry someone else and that’s just not a trope I like. When I read the back I was like ehhhh do I want to read this but I had fomo and then immediately didn’t have fomo. I got to like page 30. If the plot is my jam, I wouldn’t have many reservations reading more from the author.
December 27, 2023
absolutely scrumptious
November 18, 2023
There was a lot here that I liked, but in the end, the novella length didn't do this any favors. Was fully ready to give this four stars until it went off the rails a bit in the last 20%. I also wasn't quite sure how I was supposed to feel about some of the supporting characters (I think the brother and his wife were ultimately supposed to be likable, but sometimes they kinda weren't?? I'm weirdly more interested in Vanessa than in reading the follow up novella about the brother and his wife), and honestly Gabriel's family situation seemed to be such a mess that I think more time should have been spent working through that.
Anyway! This was fun enough and read quickly. I would try a full length story from this author.
Anyway! This was fun enough and read quickly. I would try a full length story from this author.
December 23, 2023
Well written, romantic and very steamy novella. Sex lessons, close proximity and a dash of second chance. There's only so much development you can do in novella length but this author gave it her best shot. I also found the least sexy name for a MMC: Gabo. In spite of the blech faces I kept making every time his name came up, I enjoyed myself which says a lot because I hated that name with the fire of a million suns.
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
🔥🔥🔥/5
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
🔥🔥🔥/5
July 15, 2025
5 out of 5 stars😍😍😍 absolutely DELICIOUS. Big Lisa Kleypas romance/steam vibes that I ADORED🥰 Gabriel was delicious and rough and I loved every bit of this classic histrom hero (done so well I might add). Can’t wait for more from Ms. Kelly!! Her writing is so clear and lovely and intentional. It’s really a pleasure to read. Also: can this please be in print so I can have it for my shelves??? Thank you🤤
December 5, 2025
Light on plot, heavy on spice, with an MMC who cuts the FMC out of the decision to marry by telling her brother that he ruined her.
Barely a holiday novella.
Barely a holiday novella.
November 15, 2023
4.5 stars rounded up for some holiday cheer! A Christmas novella featuring sex lessons between a bold woman who wants to make her own choices and an earl who has a lot of feelings that he's kept away to prevent his heart from being broken again. Plus a DELIGHTFUL 12 Days of Christmas tribute.
Genre: historical romance, Christmas romance
Dorset, England, 1818
Six years ago, Lydia Winthrop, stole her first kiss on her eighteenth birthday on Christmas Eve. The rogue in question, Gabriel D’Aeth, heir to the Earl of Chatham. She knows D’Aeth is wrong for her, so she’s content enough with a passionate kiss. Except that in the six years since, no kiss has equalled his; and she’s tested every suitor since just to be sure. Now that her family wants her settled, Lydia is prepared to accept a proposal from Reverend Chilton, the local vicar, because he’ll make the good sort of husband she thinks she needs. But not before she makes a daring proposal to Gabriel D’Aeth: a week of passion before she agrees to marry someone else.
What an utterly charming debut novella! It’s got all the Christmas charm, the passion of the sex lessons trope, and heartwarming and cozy vibes.
Gabo D’Aeth is a rake with a lot of feelings. He had his heart broken by a cold-hearted woman (who married the last earl instead), so he guards any true emotion even from himself. It’s a joy to watch the bold Lydia help Gabo melt. Lydia, as brazen as her request for lessons may have been, is truly interested in being a good daughter, sister, and wife, she just recognizes that she doesn’t quite fit the mold.
The novella leans just sentimental enough with its grand gesture to make your heart swell with Christmas spirit. But it’s also balanced with the right level of steam to keep you warm on a cold night.
Thank you to @colleenkellyauthor for an eARC for review. The Earl I Want for Christmas is available TODAY when you sign up for her newsletter at the link in her bio!
Genre: historical romance, Christmas romance
Dorset, England, 1818
Six years ago, Lydia Winthrop, stole her first kiss on her eighteenth birthday on Christmas Eve. The rogue in question, Gabriel D’Aeth, heir to the Earl of Chatham. She knows D’Aeth is wrong for her, so she’s content enough with a passionate kiss. Except that in the six years since, no kiss has equalled his; and she’s tested every suitor since just to be sure. Now that her family wants her settled, Lydia is prepared to accept a proposal from Reverend Chilton, the local vicar, because he’ll make the good sort of husband she thinks she needs. But not before she makes a daring proposal to Gabriel D’Aeth: a week of passion before she agrees to marry someone else.
What an utterly charming debut novella! It’s got all the Christmas charm, the passion of the sex lessons trope, and heartwarming and cozy vibes.
Gabo D’Aeth is a rake with a lot of feelings. He had his heart broken by a cold-hearted woman (who married the last earl instead), so he guards any true emotion even from himself. It’s a joy to watch the bold Lydia help Gabo melt. Lydia, as brazen as her request for lessons may have been, is truly interested in being a good daughter, sister, and wife, she just recognizes that she doesn’t quite fit the mold.
The novella leans just sentimental enough with its grand gesture to make your heart swell with Christmas spirit. But it’s also balanced with the right level of steam to keep you warm on a cold night.
Thank you to @colleenkellyauthor for an eARC for review. The Earl I Want for Christmas is available TODAY when you sign up for her newsletter at the link in her bio!
December 31, 2023
A perfect free-with-the-newsletter holiday novella? This book was so freaking good!
… Just a sweetheart heroine hiding in the library at a ball, oops the hot rake is also in there, oops they kiss… and then BAM.
This book became a story I did not expect at all.
Rather than list tropes or plot things (because I want you to be as taken off guard by then as I was), I want to speculate on some of this book’s secret sauce ingredients….
❄️ A hero who was a Capital-R Rake, aka kind of a bastard. He was malicious, vain, a sulky baby, selfish… the list goes on and on. And the deeper a hole he dug for himself, he more gleeful I became. It made his rake reformation arc DELICIOUS. And it made his grovel scrum-diddly-umptious.
❄️ Sunshine-y dreamer heroines can sometimes be written as if they don’t have a flaw, and therefore be cheated out of a character arc. But not this heroine. We kind of put her through it, and I was obsessed.
❄️ There was some particularly compelling ‘get him/her out of my system’ delusion.
❄️ And this was way hotter than I expected!
Also, the man read Persuasion by Jane Austen and identified with the way Captain Wentworth thought about the Asp (his first ship). Which is a reference that I can’t stop thinking about 😆
… Just a sweetheart heroine hiding in the library at a ball, oops the hot rake is also in there, oops they kiss… and then BAM.
This book became a story I did not expect at all.
Rather than list tropes or plot things (because I want you to be as taken off guard by then as I was), I want to speculate on some of this book’s secret sauce ingredients….
❄️ A hero who was a Capital-R Rake, aka kind of a bastard. He was malicious, vain, a sulky baby, selfish… the list goes on and on. And the deeper a hole he dug for himself, he more gleeful I became. It made his rake reformation arc DELICIOUS. And it made his grovel scrum-diddly-umptious.
❄️ Sunshine-y dreamer heroines can sometimes be written as if they don’t have a flaw, and therefore be cheated out of a character arc. But not this heroine. We kind of put her through it, and I was obsessed.
❄️ There was some particularly compelling ‘get him/her out of my system’ delusion.
❄️ And this was way hotter than I expected!
Also, the man read Persuasion by Jane Austen and identified with the way Captain Wentworth thought about the Asp (his first ship). Which is a reference that I can’t stop thinking about 😆
November 21, 2023
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for a honest review.
This one was cute. My favorite thing was the play on the 12 days of Christmas (I have a sentimental attachment to that song).
For me the lexicon has to be refined and the novella form probably constricted the story a bit.
Not the most memorable but the premise is fun and this novella is free via the author’s newsletter
This one was cute. My favorite thing was the play on the 12 days of Christmas (I have a sentimental attachment to that song).
For me the lexicon has to be refined and the novella form probably constricted the story a bit.
Not the most memorable but the premise is fun and this novella is free via the author’s newsletter
December 14, 2023
Loved it. Perfect novella. Very very hot (especially the mirror scenes). Beautifully written. Give me more by Colleen Kelly NOW.
November 16, 2023
Ok this SLAPPED??? We love to see it.
November 25, 2023
TL;DR: too wordy and slow. I stopped reading this book with a trope I love (sex lessons) after day 1 (of four promised days) of lessons because I was bored.
I was super stoked when I heard about this novella and practically ran to my computer to sign up for the newsletter it was to come in.
So I am very sad to report that I was utterly bored. For example: I noticed I was on page 30 and continued to “read” for another hour and only made it to page 52 because this book could not keep my attention.
Two specific complaints: 1-a reader should not be left wondering how to pronounce one of the MC’s names til almost halfway through the book unless there is some important reason for it. D’Aeth? Not a usual or easy name to figure out, so each time it was written was a yank back into reality and out of the story. (Also: Gabo for Gabriel’s nickname just thrown out there with no explanation? I hate it.)
2-as a reader, I absolutely do not need to know every detail of the little things, especially during a sexy times scene. The “lavender-scented soap he took from a tray beside the tub while she entered the warm water”—so… just “lavender soap” is fine, I can assume it’s the scent and not some lavender spikes that he is rubbing on her. And I can also picture without being told that it was near the tub because THAT MAKES SENSE. And the whole “she entered the warm water” sounds bland and clinical.
I don’t know, maybe I’m being too picky, and maybe everyone else will love this book, but it’s a complete drag for me and I’m officially DNFing at 47%. :(
I was super stoked when I heard about this novella and practically ran to my computer to sign up for the newsletter it was to come in.
So I am very sad to report that I was utterly bored. For example: I noticed I was on page 30 and continued to “read” for another hour and only made it to page 52 because this book could not keep my attention.
Two specific complaints: 1-a reader should not be left wondering how to pronounce one of the MC’s names til almost halfway through the book unless there is some important reason for it. D’Aeth? Not a usual or easy name to figure out, so each time it was written was a yank back into reality and out of the story. (Also: Gabo for Gabriel’s nickname just thrown out there with no explanation? I hate it.)
2-as a reader, I absolutely do not need to know every detail of the little things, especially during a sexy times scene. The “lavender-scented soap he took from a tray beside the tub while she entered the warm water”—so… just “lavender soap” is fine, I can assume it’s the scent and not some lavender spikes that he is rubbing on her. And I can also picture without being told that it was near the tub because THAT MAKES SENSE. And the whole “she entered the warm water” sounds bland and clinical.
I don’t know, maybe I’m being too picky, and maybe everyone else will love this book, but it’s a complete drag for me and I’m officially DNFing at 47%. :(
December 11, 2023
4.5 stars!
December 5, 2023
‘Tis the season for holiday novelas and you absolutely must gift this one to yourself, FOR FREE, from the lovely Colleen Kelly’s newsletter (sign up in her Instagram bio)!
Anyway, now that you have your free new gift in hand, this book is about a fleeting and incendiary encounter on the eve of Lydia’s 18th birthday with the Earl of Chatham Gabriel D’Aeth (heretofore Gabo) …who then flees the country for the next several years. What seems to be a quick but passionate kiss will set the standard for Lydia and lead her through 6 London seasons (and several investigative kisses) without similar passion to that which she felt all those years ago. But now Lydia is on the cusp of a sensible, if passionless, betrothal and Gabo has returned for his earldom, upending her desires and possibly her reputation in the process!
Lydia was such a fun MC! Constantly bumping up against the restraints of her position in society, Lydia can’t seem to do anything quite right (*cue difficult mother/daughter relationship*). But despite the constant chastisements from
her mother, Lydia continues to grab for her autonomy in one of my favorite historical romance ways—soliciting sex lessons! I loved seeing Lydia stand up for herself and ask for what she wanted and refuse what she didn’t.
Gabo was a delightful rake and purveyor of sex lessons. Scorned before and now sworn off of love, he tries to hold Lydia at arms length but is unable to resist the chemistry and tension between them. I adored the moments when he let his uncaring rakish facade drop and showed some vulnerability. I also loved the way he praised and cared for Lydia during their…. lessons.
This was a delightful debut from Kelly and I can’t wait for what she writes writes next!
December 18, 2023
Such a sweet Christmas novella. Our fmc has her first kiss on her birthday, Christmas eve, only to be ruined for all future prospects. But no one knows. Not even the rake who stole her heart. 6 years later, still unmarried, looking for someone to match his intensity, but also being pressured to say yes to this sweet vicar man out of fear he'll be the last to propose.
Their paths cross again(only naturally, they are neighbors after all) and so begins the journey to their HEA.
It's sweet, sultry, silly at times, heartfelt in their individual back stories and paced beautifully.
Second chance
Reformed rake
Bedding lessons
Broken Boy
Strong willed fmc
Wonderful Christmasy moments
(12 days of Christmas references)
Lots of snow
Secret rendezvous
My wife
🌶🌶🌶/5
Their paths cross again(only naturally, they are neighbors after all) and so begins the journey to their HEA.
It's sweet, sultry, silly at times, heartfelt in their individual back stories and paced beautifully.
Second chance
Reformed rake
Bedding lessons
Broken Boy
Strong willed fmc
Wonderful Christmasy moments
(12 days of Christmas references)
Lots of snow
Secret rendezvous
My wife
🌶🌶🌶/5
November 19, 2023
Oh okay, this was perfection.
Swoony, smutty, fun, soft, hot as hell, heartbreaking, and all in a delicious novella?!
It’s a newsletter exclusive so def go sign up!!
Swoony, smutty, fun, soft, hot as hell, heartbreaking, and all in a delicious novella?!
It’s a newsletter exclusive so def go sign up!!
December 7, 2024
I can’t believe a book this good is a newsletter freebie! What the heck?!
November 28, 2025
Sweet and sexy Christmas novella that was free with the author’s newsletter.
I really enjoyed the variation on the 12 days of Christmas song.
I will admit Lydia felt very different from the other novella but I still really enjoyed!
I really enjoyed the variation on the 12 days of Christmas song.
I will admit Lydia felt very different from the other novella but I still really enjoyed!
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December 21, 2025DNF at about the one-third mark. Nothing wrong with it, necessarily, just not my thing.
November 11, 2023
A lot of novellas leave me wanting. They’re just too short for any character development. But this author succeeds in drawing excellent characters with growth and change, as well as an engaging plot, and plenty of spice 🔥, all in less than 200 pages. I’d say that’s talent! I thoroughly enjoyed the romance, and the spice was well-done. I definitely recommend this one. I received an ARC from the author to review. All opinions are my own.
December 16, 2024
This was such a delicious Christmas novella, and overall the most satisfying that I’ve read this year. It nails both the romance and the Christmas vibes. I cannot believe it was free with the author’s newsletter! I cannot wait to see what she produces next! My friends promised this delivered, and they were absolutely correct. A lovey little treat to devour while I was home sick in bed! The best grand gesture Christmas gift ever!
December 3, 2025
After Lydia has the most exhilarating kiss on her 18th birthday, she’s rejected proposal after proposal, chasing that feeling. When the kiss-giver, and scandalous Earl next door returns after 6 years gallivanting the continent, he’s wondering why she’s not married, and she’s wondering why he’s still so mouthwatering. So she does what any sane girl about to marry a vicar would do: she invites him on a four-day f*ckfest in a different town under the guise of learning how to please her husband. In reality, she’s just trying to get him out of her system. Which always works so well…
This one was oh so hot, and Lydia was such a fun character. She’s unashamed of her pleasure, and Gabo is more than willing to deliver on it. There’s so much spice in this one, but it also did well in delivering on an emotional connection between the two. Gabo is a mess, and messy men are some of my faves. Especially when they have such strong heroines to set them straight. This one kept me surprised and invested until the end! As always, Colleen Kelly delivers such a great story in so few pages. She’s a master of the novella space, and I can’t wait to see what’s next! I read Bitty and Rex first, and let me just say it was so cute seeing them all deeply married in this. Bitty is a favorite character, and I’m totally remembering why after reading this.
5/5
This one was oh so hot, and Lydia was such a fun character. She’s unashamed of her pleasure, and Gabo is more than willing to deliver on it. There’s so much spice in this one, but it also did well in delivering on an emotional connection between the two. Gabo is a mess, and messy men are some of my faves. Especially when they have such strong heroines to set them straight. This one kept me surprised and invested until the end! As always, Colleen Kelly delivers such a great story in so few pages. She’s a master of the novella space, and I can’t wait to see what’s next! I read Bitty and Rex first, and let me just say it was so cute seeing them all deeply married in this. Bitty is a favorite character, and I’m totally remembering why after reading this.
5/5
November 7, 2023
This story is a complete and utter delight! I bounce back to historical romance every so often when the mood strikes, and this novella was perfect--witty and steamy and full of feels. I had an absolute blast and this definitely triggered my desire to dive back into regency romance. Beautifully written and so much fun to join this couple on their journey to HEA!
November 26, 2023
This novella absolutely delivers. A few of my fave things about Lydia and Gabo:
✔️A “good girl” FMC who just wants to live a little before doing the right thing
✔️A rake of the highest order who just wants to be loved a little
✔️A clandestine getaway
✔️A whole lot of 🔥🔥🔥 starting with a carriage scene you do not want to miss
✔️A very personal nickname
✔️A dramatic and hurtful (but ultimately forgivable) move by the MMC to get the girl
✔️A very sweet over the top attempt at a grand gesture followed by an honest and thoughtful conversation
Plus a rake who uses protection!! No #romancemath needed here.
If you liked 9 Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake you will love this! I am so looking forward to what Kelly gives us next.
✔️A “good girl” FMC who just wants to live a little before doing the right thing
✔️A rake of the highest order who just wants to be loved a little
✔️A clandestine getaway
✔️A whole lot of 🔥🔥🔥 starting with a carriage scene you do not want to miss
✔️A very personal nickname
✔️A dramatic and hurtful (but ultimately forgivable) move by the MMC to get the girl
✔️A very sweet over the top attempt at a grand gesture followed by an honest and thoughtful conversation
Plus a rake who uses protection!! No #romancemath needed here.
If you liked 9 Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake you will love this! I am so looking forward to what Kelly gives us next.
December 20, 2023
The Earl I Want for Christmas is Colleen Kelly’s debut novella, and it’s stunning in its scope, heat, and emotional impact. Lydia has a life-changing moment on her 18th birthday when she shares a passionate kiss with her neighbour and resident rake, Gabriel D’Aeth. Too bad he vanishes afterwards for six years while she measures each of her suitors by that incendiary kiss. No one measures up and after all the failed marriage proposals, Lydia is being pressured to accept the suit of the vicar. A nice man who will provide Lydia with a safe life. Before agreeing to the suit, Lydia asks Gabriel for four days of sex lessons. She wants to be prepared to bring some passion to her future life as the vicar’s wife. Gabriel, hiding his own pain after being jilted by a woman who marries his uncle instead, decides that a diversion with the lovely Lydia is just what he needs.
This novella packs a lot of punch for such a short work. There’s humour, angst, passion, steam, and some truly boneheaded decisions on the part of the morally grey hero. I enjoyed Kelly’s writing style, the unique seaside setting, and the way she shows us the developing relationship rather than just telling us. The Christmas details were lovely and make this a solid festive read for the season. The ending is a bit rushed but given that we know so much about the hero and heroine, it was justifiable. I will definitely be checking out more from this new writer! 4.5 stars rounded to 5
This novella packs a lot of punch for such a short work. There’s humour, angst, passion, steam, and some truly boneheaded decisions on the part of the morally grey hero. I enjoyed Kelly’s writing style, the unique seaside setting, and the way she shows us the developing relationship rather than just telling us. The Christmas details were lovely and make this a solid festive read for the season. The ending is a bit rushed but given that we know so much about the hero and heroine, it was justifiable. I will definitely be checking out more from this new writer! 4.5 stars rounded to 5
November 15, 2023
An absolute delight of a novella. This story is exactly what I’m looking for in a holiday read. It’s seasonal with nods to the holiday and tradition, but so endearing that I would read it year round. The Earl I Want for Christmas is perfectly paced and packs an excellent balance of plot and character development within its length.
The story begins on the eve of Lydia’s 18th birthday during which she meets Gabriel, who gives her her first kiss, and then fasts forward 6 years later. In the present day Lydia has been living in the shadow of her sisters death, trying to maintain status as a perfect daughter. She’s had 6 years of proposals from men who aren’t able to pass her kiss test. She’s feeling familial pressure to settle down therefore she’s about to accept defeat (and consider the town vicar) when who should return, the one and only rake she’s never forgotten.
Gabriel is a wounded soul. The night that he met Lydia he had his heart broken by his betrothed and has been carrying those scars, waiting for the opportunity to inherit and exact his revenge. However, he hasn’t forgotten Lydia and when she presents an offer for him to teach her about the bedroom arts he simply cannot refuse. The only rule is that there will be no feelings and if she’s caught there will be no marriage. Ok then Gabo! Good luck with that!
Lyddie and Gabo’s brief time together is so sweet in addition to steamy. Both of these characters are carrying past hurt and fear and it’s so satisfying to see them open up to one another and reach for their happiness. I was so proud of Lydia as she learned to stand up for her own desires and of Gabo for his willingness to be vulnerable. Lydia may fall first, but Gabo truly does fall harder and his fight to win her heart will have you swooning!
I was honored to ARC read in exchange for an honest review. This novella is available to readers who subscribe to Colleen’s website. I highly recommend it!
The story begins on the eve of Lydia’s 18th birthday during which she meets Gabriel, who gives her her first kiss, and then fasts forward 6 years later. In the present day Lydia has been living in the shadow of her sisters death, trying to maintain status as a perfect daughter. She’s had 6 years of proposals from men who aren’t able to pass her kiss test. She’s feeling familial pressure to settle down therefore she’s about to accept defeat (and consider the town vicar) when who should return, the one and only rake she’s never forgotten.
Gabriel is a wounded soul. The night that he met Lydia he had his heart broken by his betrothed and has been carrying those scars, waiting for the opportunity to inherit and exact his revenge. However, he hasn’t forgotten Lydia and when she presents an offer for him to teach her about the bedroom arts he simply cannot refuse. The only rule is that there will be no feelings and if she’s caught there will be no marriage. Ok then Gabo! Good luck with that!
Lyddie and Gabo’s brief time together is so sweet in addition to steamy. Both of these characters are carrying past hurt and fear and it’s so satisfying to see them open up to one another and reach for their happiness. I was so proud of Lydia as she learned to stand up for her own desires and of Gabo for his willingness to be vulnerable. Lydia may fall first, but Gabo truly does fall harder and his fight to win her heart will have you swooning!
I was honored to ARC read in exchange for an honest review. This novella is available to readers who subscribe to Colleen’s website. I highly recommend it!
November 17, 2023
Well this was absolutely the perfect way to start my holiday reading.
Lydia, a source of disappointment to her mother, has never gotten over her first kiss with Gabriel, the rake next door. A kiss that took place on her eighteenth birthday which falls on Christmas Eve. Six years later she's finally willing to settle for the very proper vicar when Gabriel comes back into her life, so she decides the only way to get over him is to get, well, under him first. There are carriage rides, inns, baths, book shops, stockings, the twelve days of Christmas! Seriously, this is a teach me trope Christmas gift and I enjoyed every second of it.
The story starts on a Christmas Eve, but I wouldn't say the first part of the story felt particularly Christmassy - the focus is much more on Gabriel and Lydia's steamy antics and emotional development. That really changed towards the end, and I adored the twelve days of Christmas plot. I don't want to spoil it for people, but I was giggling away reading it. So this is very much a festive read, but if you're after a reformed rake sex lessons romp thats big on emotions then I'd say you're fine to read this any time year.
Such a good read, I'll be following Colleen Kelly's writing with interest - I'm already looking forward to when A Midsummer's Night's Duke is released (please don't make me wait until June). I requested an ARC for this because I'm impatient and want to read all the festive goodies (review very much my own), but you can get this by signing up to Kelly's newsletter which I am doing!
Lydia, a source of disappointment to her mother, has never gotten over her first kiss with Gabriel, the rake next door. A kiss that took place on her eighteenth birthday which falls on Christmas Eve. Six years later she's finally willing to settle for the very proper vicar when Gabriel comes back into her life, so she decides the only way to get over him is to get, well, under him first. There are carriage rides, inns, baths, book shops, stockings, the twelve days of Christmas! Seriously, this is a teach me trope Christmas gift and I enjoyed every second of it.
The story starts on a Christmas Eve, but I wouldn't say the first part of the story felt particularly Christmassy - the focus is much more on Gabriel and Lydia's steamy antics and emotional development. That really changed towards the end, and I adored the twelve days of Christmas plot. I don't want to spoil it for people, but I was giggling away reading it. So this is very much a festive read, but if you're after a reformed rake sex lessons romp thats big on emotions then I'd say you're fine to read this any time year.
Such a good read, I'll be following Colleen Kelly's writing with interest - I'm already looking forward to when A Midsummer's Night's Duke is released (please don't make me wait until June). I requested an ARC for this because I'm impatient and want to read all the festive goodies (review very much my own), but you can get this by signing up to Kelly's newsletter which I am doing!
November 15, 2023
A dark angel gave Lady Lydia Winthorp a taste of heaven on Christmas Eve, her eighteenth birthday. Now, six years later, she still craves a second bite. Her angel has returned and even though she’s as good as betrothed to another, she can’t help but wonder… A bold proposition - a ruse to quench her thirst - she asks him to teach her the art of love without consequences or regrets.
In his deepest darkest moment Gabriel d’Aeth gifted a young lady a most exceptional moment of bliss and then he vanished. Time and distance may have healed some old wounds and petrified his heart, but that one moment with her never left him… Her request intrigues him. It might even cost him his soul. Then again, he no longer has one.
📚 A delightfully witty and deliciously steamy Christmas novella that may evoke a sudden need for a couple of days by the sea…
Lydia is brave and curious, determined to see their deal through and enjoy the ride. Gabo thinks himself the devil - an impregnable fortress - yet this lady has the secret map to his soft and tender center. And yes, he screws up, but he’s rather original and endearing in his grovelling.
A very naughty and captivating read with some very touching vulnerable moments! I enjoyed it very much and now, so can you because it’s free with the author’s newsletter.
Go! Subscribe and enjoy this delectable morsel!!
In his deepest darkest moment Gabriel d’Aeth gifted a young lady a most exceptional moment of bliss and then he vanished. Time and distance may have healed some old wounds and petrified his heart, but that one moment with her never left him… Her request intrigues him. It might even cost him his soul. Then again, he no longer has one.
📚 A delightfully witty and deliciously steamy Christmas novella that may evoke a sudden need for a couple of days by the sea…
Lydia is brave and curious, determined to see their deal through and enjoy the ride. Gabo thinks himself the devil - an impregnable fortress - yet this lady has the secret map to his soft and tender center. And yes, he screws up, but he’s rather original and endearing in his grovelling.
A very naughty and captivating read with some very touching vulnerable moments! I enjoyed it very much and now, so can you because it’s free with the author’s newsletter.
Go! Subscribe and enjoy this delectable morsel!!
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January 25, 2024Thank you to the author for the ARC of this! You can read it for free by signing up to her newsletter.
I don't read a huge amount of historical romance, but this was a strong reminder that I need to!
When Lydia has an explosive first kiss with neighbouring earl Gabriel one Christmas Eve (also her eighteenth birthday), she spends the next six years measuring every kiss against it. To placate her family, she finally agrees to marry a vicar, though her plans are derailed when Gabriel blows back into her life.
Determined to live a little before settling down to a life of propriety, she talks Gabriel into four days of sex lessons. What follows is a collection of deliciously steamy moments, including carriage rides and baths. But of course, the more they get to know each other, the less likely that they'll be getting this out of their system...
What follows is some terrible decision making on the part of the hero, and a truly spectacular grovel.
If you love a reformed rake, I can't recommend this highly enough! Although it is decidedly set at Christmas time, it's not so festive that you can't enjoy it year-round!
I don't read a huge amount of historical romance, but this was a strong reminder that I need to!
When Lydia has an explosive first kiss with neighbouring earl Gabriel one Christmas Eve (also her eighteenth birthday), she spends the next six years measuring every kiss against it. To placate her family, she finally agrees to marry a vicar, though her plans are derailed when Gabriel blows back into her life.
Determined to live a little before settling down to a life of propriety, she talks Gabriel into four days of sex lessons. What follows is a collection of deliciously steamy moments, including carriage rides and baths. But of course, the more they get to know each other, the less likely that they'll be getting this out of their system...
What follows is some terrible decision making on the part of the hero, and a truly spectacular grovel.
If you love a reformed rake, I can't recommend this highly enough! Although it is decidedly set at Christmas time, it's not so festive that you can't enjoy it year-round!
November 5, 2023
Soon-to-be spinster Lydia is contemplating accepting a proposal from her latest suitor, the local vicar. When her dashing and rakish neighbor Gabriel returns to his estate, she is distracted by the memory of her first kiss with him six years prior. Before committing herself to a boring marriage with the vicar, she proposes an affair with Gabriel to experience passion while she has the chance. Gabriel is definitely not marriage material after being spurned by his previous fiance but he does intend to follow through with Lydia’s demands. While their affair is definitely very steamy and their expectations are made clear up front, we also get to see the honorable side of Gabriel as he interacts with others in town along with the care and tenderness he shows Lydia. Quick to read, with lots of spice and heart.
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