All I Want for Christmas Is a Rogue

by Amanda Mariel

Amidst the enchanting wintry landscapes of Regency England, fate weaves an unexpected story of love and redemption. Lady Emily Fairchild, a spirited widow carrying the weight of her past, crosses paths with the charismatic rogue, Mr. Nicolas Winters, the second son of a prestigious earl.

When a twist of destiny brings Nicolas wounded and unconscious to Emily's door, her compassionate heart compels her to nurse him back to health. As he gradually awakens, an air of mystery surrounds the captivating stranger. Bound by the festive spirit of Christmas and the welcoming embrace of Emily's home, their initial encounter evolves into a profound connection neither could foresee.

As the holiday season unfolds, their intertwined pasts unravel, and sparks of emotions ignite between them. Yet, the shadows of their pasts threaten to keep them apart. Will the magic of the holiday season and the undeniable bond they share be enough to dismantle the barriers, allowing love to blossom?

Prepare to be enthralled by a tale of healing, newfound possibilities, and the enduring strength of love in this captivating Regency romance set against the backdrop of a Regency Christmas.

194 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 19, 2024

About the author

Amanda Mariel, an accomplished wordsmith, holds dual master's degrees in liberal arts and education, specializing in the captivating realms of history and literature. Beyond her academic pursuits, she embraces the joyful chaos of motherhood, tending to both her cherished teenagers and her trio of adored fur babies. Among them, a noble Bernese Mountain Dog named Blaze, and two cats of distinct character, Ezra and Puff, share their home.

A USA Today Bestselling luminary, Amanda Mariel conjures vivid tapestries of eras long past, drawing inspiration from the languid cadence of days gone by. With pen poised and imagination unfurled, she traverses the annals of time, weaving tales that illuminate historical landscapes with finesse and flair. Her creative spirit finds respite in reading, traversing new horizons through travel, and capturing moments through the lenses of both her camera and artistic endeavors. Yet, it is in the embrace of family that she finds her truest sanctuary.

To delve deeper into Amanda's captivating world visit www.amandamariel.com. While there, an invitation to join her newsletter promises a gateway to the latest from Amanda Mariel's literary treasury, and an opportunity to claim a complimentary eBook.

Amanda's passion extends to her readers, welcoming their voices and stories into her narrative realm. Engage with her through email at amanda@amandamariel.com, or connect via her social Media channels.

Facebook: facebook.com/AuthorAmandaMarie1
Twitter: twitter.com/AmandaMarieAuth
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Amidst the prose and parchment, Amanda Mariel etches a profound connection, bridging eras, hearts, and minds, creating a legacy that resonates through the corridors of time.

Reviews

[Samantha · Rating 1 out of 5]

⭐
1 star.

👎



DNF @ 40%.


Underwhelming.


Uninteresting main characters.

Lacking romantic build-up and chemistry.

Formulaic.

Thin plot.

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my 28th book by Amanda Mariel. I have been reading her since 2020. Her books are usually short reads and she writes a lot of anthologies. I do like her writing and her stories.

This was a super cute and super sappy love story. I enjoyed reading Emily and Nicolas's story. Even though it was sappy it made me smile and gave me all the feels. It is one of those reads where you say, "AWWW" at some point. :) Cute read.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will Her Rogue Return ? . . .

Nicolas Winters is rushing to his sister’s aid when he has a bad fall from his horse as a storm rages around him. He is unconscious when Lady Emily Fairchild’s footmen discover him. They take him to Greystone Manor where Lady Emily takes care of him during the two weeks he is healing. They both become attracted to each other. But when Nicolas remembers that his sister had needed him urgently, he took off to go to her without explaining or letting Lady Emily know of his feelings for her. Will he return to her by Christmas and explain? Would she be willing to forgive his abandonment and allow their love to bring them together for a HEA?

The narrator for the audiobook version, Charlie Albers, brings the “reading” experience alive for the listener with her delightful British accent. She does a good job with the multiple voices to personalize the story and make it easier for the listener to get an accurate impression of what each character is like. It helps to set the mood, familiarize the reader with the characters, and offers a pleasant way to “read” and enjoy the book.

[Slwd · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Widow and the Rogue

“All I Want For Christmas is a Rogue” written by Amanda Mariel is book three in the Regency Hearts Aflame series, it also is part of the Wicked Widows series. This Regency Christmas romance is a fast read that centers on widow Emily Fairchild and the rogue Nicholas Winters. In a hurry to return to London to save his sister from an unwanted marriage, Nicholas takes off on horseback in spite of the winter snowstorms. He is hurt along the way and is discovered by Emily’s staff. She takes him in and begins the task of nursing Nicholas back to health. This time together allows them to get to know one another, they also feel drawn to one another. This story focuses solely on their journey. This is a nice enjoyable story with some steam thrown in to add a level of spice. We don’t get a lot of background or depth to the characters, but perhaps we don’t really need more than the author provides. This is a novella, after all, and only so much can be included. The road to a happy ever after is a bit stormy like the weather. Second guessing and mistakes are made until Christmas wishes are fulfilled. An easy pleasant read for one of those afternoons when you need a distraction for a few hours and a novella to pass the time. The last chapter/epilogue felt out of place and not needed to conclude the story. Give the novella a try and see what you think.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review, my thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

[Jamie Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming Later-in-Life Regency Romance

Audiobook Review:
While I wasn't wild about how the hero very stupidly took off in a threatening storm after being warned several times, everything after that was absolutely a holiday romance delight! Where do I even start about the things I enjoyed? I love how this takes place between an older-than-average couple in historical romance. The hero and heroine are both decidedly in their mid-30s. She's even the mother of a tween son away at Eton, who comes home during his Christmas break. The heroine takes in the hero after he's been gravely injured during the snowstorm and slowly nurses him back to health. Although she knows of his reputation as a rogue, she finds herself drawn to him romantically. Of course, he has to stupidly separate from her in a painful way, but he soon comes to realize how much she has truly come to mean to him. I love how the author didn't linger on misunderstandings and division. Instead, each comes with an open heart to the possibility of a shared future despite the pain caused and the forgiveness sought. The book has a double epilogue, including one very near the time when the main story happens and one 15 years later. Such a wonderful story with believable, likable characters you can’t help but root for. The narrator does a great job distinguishing between the different characters, and her English accent gives the story more interest. Highly recommended.

I received a promo code for this audiobook, but that did not affect my review.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

We have Lady Emily Fairchild, a spirited widow and a member of the Wicked Widows club! She has been widowed for a couple of years and feeling lonely this holiday season close to Christmas!
We have Nicolas Winters second son an unrepentant rake and rogue but loyal to his family!
When he received an urgent missive that his sister Joslyn is compromised he braves treacherous weather to get to her.
But the best laid plans lands him at Emily’s door injured and with fever!
The two grow close as he recovers! But Nicolas afraid of his feelings leaves her after a night of intimacy!
Emily was in her feelings and wondering if Nicholas was living up to his reputation!
His brave sister rewrote her own story from the Cad who tried up compromise her with a happy ending! Nicholas confessed his feelings to the delight of his whole family and he was strongly encouraged to make amends!
But maybe Emily is not so easily swayed! You have to read for the surprise ending and a glimpse into their future! Bravo well done!

[Jayne Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a lovely story! Nicolas is thrown from his horse during a violent winter storm, and found unconscious by the side of the road by footmen from Greystone Manor, home of the widowed Lady Emily Gilford. For two weeks Nicolas convalesces under Emily’s care and feelings develop. The sudden memory of why Nicolas was out in the storm in the first place leads to hasty decisions and broken hearts. But a little time apart solidifies his feelings, and a contrite and hopeful Nicolas returns to Greystone Manor just in time for Christmas. I love his family’s Christmas surprise. In this sweet story a charming rogue and a usually proper widow find happiness in each other. There are delightful little touches sprinkled about, adding depth and sparkle, and the characters are all wonderful and caring. This is a delightfully uplifting Christmas story!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carmel Zumbo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amidst snowy wintry weather Lady Emily Fairchild, a widow living alone is notified that there is an injured man on her property. Little does she know he is the infamous rake Nicolas Winters, the second son of a prestigious earl. He was trying to reach and save his compromised sister when he was involved in a serious accident.
So then destiny brings Nicolas wounded and unaware of his plan to reach his sister, Emily shows nursing him back to health. As he slowly awakens, he finds himself captivated by this beautiful stranger.
As he recovers and the holiday season unfolds, emotions ignite between. She needs him and he feels they are not meant for each other.yet they cannot walk away from their feelings. This story is engaging and sweet. Their HEA is romantic and the epilogue so satisfying. These two are meant for each other.

[Pat Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emily is a widow, simply surviving and not thriving. Nicolas is a rogue, bent on saving his sister from a fortune hunter. An accident brings them together. I loved how Emily’s senses were reopened when caring for Nicolas and how he felt she was something special. This story is not very “deep” as it is a short book, but was still sigh worthy and heart-wrenching. It was wonderful to see his parents be so supportive, when so many times they are not. I was a bit confused by Emily’s response to Nicolas’s reappearance, especially after the letter she wrote, but the HEA was beautiful as well as the surprise on Christmas Day. I absolutely ADORED the epilogue-not very often do we get to see the ending like that. A good , quick read with wonderful chemistry between the two makes it worth the read.

I received this story for free and these are my own views.

[Rose Seals · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written story by this exceptional author. Full of hope, love, magic, family and friends with lots of twists. Nicholas is with his friends when his sister sends him a letter to help her. She was tricked b a nasty fortune hunter who wanted her for her money. So he leaves to head for London to help her . A huge snowstorm stops him after his head hits a tree branch causing him to be hurt. After being found and taken to a home of Emily, she and her staff care for him till his health returns. As he recovers, they spend time together and have some steamy scenes between them. He leaves again to help his sister but realizes he should have told her how he felt. When he returns, he declares his love to her. They have their happily ever after and both get their Christmas wish. Would recommend to others.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Donise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily gets an unexpected Christmas surprise when two of her grooms find an unconscious man and his patiently waiting horse while out gathering more firewood and checking on the animals. As Emily nurses the stranger back to health she can't help but be drawn to him. Our hero is intrigued by the beautiful widow who is taking care of him but he is not sure that he is worthy enough for him. The attraction between these two is a beautiful thing to read about and watch grow. The love our hero has for his sister is admirable. This was a lovely story to read and it will probably go on my 'to read again' shelf.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Charmaine Fernando · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Emily Fairchild is a widow living alone. During a particularly snowy winter, she is notified by her servants that there is an injured man on her property. The injured man is the infamous rake, Nicolas Winters, the second son of a prestigious earl who was on his way to save his sister from a fortune hunter.

Seeing as the accident happened on her property, Emily decides to assist nurse Nicolas back to health. As Nicolas regains his health, the two start an unlikely friendship and feelings no doubt develop soon after.

A sweet romance that I enjoyed. I received an ARC from the publishers and Booksprout and submit my honest review voluntarily.

[Tiffany P · Rating 3 out of 5]

Novella about a holiday romance found while Emily nurses Nicolas back to health after he is injured during a snowstorm. There was no villain or plot twists, just a story of strangers falling in love and finding a HEA. I didn’t really connect with the couple and their path to love didn’t really appeal to me so I could only give 3 stars because the story was just okay for me. The love story just lacked depth.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[FULVIA BELLINATO · Rating 5 out of 5]

Duty and respectability are at war with desire and recklessness in this heartwarming and sweet Christmas tale.
Emily finds herself taking care of rogue Nicolas after a nasty fall. Trapped together for days, for the first time since becoming a widow, Emily wants something for herself apart from raising her son and running the estate.
And for the first time in his life Nicolas wants to be more than a notorious rake after his next conquest. Can he convince Emily he’s changed?
It’s my first book by this author but it won’t be the last!

[Sahar's Honest Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Blooms at Christmas Time

When Emily rescues a man from certain death, she has no idea how much her life will change. On his way to London to rescue his sister, Nicolas is caught in a snowstorm and nearly dies. Emily nurses him back to health, and in the meantime, the two fall in love. Emily tries to resist her feelings, and Nicolas still has his mission to London. Will the two embrace the love that’s blossomed between them? For the answer, you will want to listen to this lovely tale. I enjoyed both the story and the audio performance.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun, entertaining read. Nicolas and Emily are interesting, intriguing, complex, captivating, strong, entertaining characters. I enjoyed their romance and the path it took to get to their HEA. They are fun to spend time with. The secondary characters added to the fabric of the story and my enjoyment. The story is easy to read and get into.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story from beginning to the end.

The chemistry between the two characters is undeniable..

This story is full of love, laughter, steam and so much more..

I loved the secondary characters too!

I can't wait to read the next book from Amanda..

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest voluntary review and this is purely based upon my own personal opinion and that of no one else.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio Review: All I Want for Christmas Is a Rogue: Regency Hearts Aflame (Wicked Widows) by Amanda Mariel

Narrated by Charlie Albers

Regency rhapsody has a way of casting a spell on the heart. Mariel captures the magic of romance and all the feelings in between. Nicholas and Emily turn unexpected into unforgettable. From sweet, serendipity to heartbreaking, romance, All I want for Christmas is a Rogue is irresistible.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicolas is determined to help his sister avoid an unwanted marriage to a rogue who tried to compromise her. On his way to London in the midst of a storm, he is thrown from his horse. He is taken in by Lady Emily Fairchild. Together with her household, she cares for him. During his recovery, they begin to have feelings for each other. When he leaves for London, neither is sure about their future. This short story is a lovely romance with likeable characters. It takes place during the holidays and comes to a very surprising end on Christmas day with friends, family, and a happy couple.
I received a special copy of this book via BookSprout and voluntarily reviewed it.

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Emily and Nicolas's story starts on a stormy night during Christmas time. It is a well written story. I enjoyed the passion between the two characters. They face their challenges but the author writes it very interestingly. The story is never boring but entertaining.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicolas is on his way to rescue his sister from a greedy rake when he falls from his horse and Emily’s household ends up rescuing him. He’s stranded there recovering during the storm and a friendship that turns into more develops between them. Their steamy romance escalated quickly but he has to leave to save his sister. Can he overcome the hurt he caused Emily before it’s too late?

[Suze82 · Rating 5 out of 5]

when it´s right
As a widow Emily faces less restrictions as far as propriety is concerned, so I can see nothing wrong about nursing a wounded stranger back to health. Who cares he is a rogue, when the chemistry is right, why shouldn´t he want to reform his ways for his true love?

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this wonderful story of a spirited widow who rescues a injured man and nurses him back to health. Unbeknownst to Emily Nicholas is the second son of an Earl and a rogue. Will his convalescence lead to something more for the young widow and can a rogue like Nicholas be reformed.

[Kira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this is a great novel the author did a great job with writing this book I really enjoyed the storyline this book is a great book to read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lyn D Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a charming and delightful love story. A rake, a snowstorm, an accident, a widow, and fate make for a very entertaining and lovely Christmas romance. I enjoyed how a sudden romance became such a beautiful and true love. The ending was very happy and wonderful. I highly recommend reading!

[Lisa H · Rating 4 out of 5]

He left her…

Emily takes in an injured Nicolas during a snow storm. She’s a widowed lady with a son. They end up hooking up and as he’s a well known rake, he leaves her with a note. He isn’t even able to help his own sister (she had to rescue herself) but he botched things up royal with Emily.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful Christmas romance just in time for the holidays. I loved how the romance bloomed between Emily and Nicolas, even when it wasn’t what they wanted.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patricia Lloyd-Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

All I want for Christmas is a rogue.

Emily and Nicholas have a love everlasting story. It was a bit too sugary for me, but that is just my opinion! Life is ,in reality,a little harsher than depicted here.

[Kim Mears]

This is the third book in the series.

It is a regency era romance story.

I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend reading it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bitterblue's books · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty moderate read, the story was overall a bit generic, but still an enjoyable book with interesting characters!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.