A Christmas voyage, a stolen jewel, and an unexpected romance.Much to her surprise and joy, Lady Margaret has been given the opportunity to spend Christmas traveling abroad with family friends. There’s just one caveat imposed by her brother—she must be accompanied by both a lady’s companion and the imposing Mr. Benjamin Rockwell. Though reluctant at first, Lady Margaret soon finds it diverting to avoid him whenever possible, and to tease him when it’s not. For Mr. Benjamin Rockwell, a former soldier forced to retire due to injury, this trip offers both an escape and a much-needed financial boon. Overseeing his friend’s sister, however, proves more exasperating than he had foreseen. And yet, there’s no denying the unexpected heat their fleeting moments of closeness stir inside him. When a valuable jewel disappears, suspicions fall on Lady Margaret, and it is Benjamin who steps forward to stand by her side and help unravel the truth. As their connection deepens, an undeniable attraction blossoms. But with everyone around them casting blame, will their budding romance withstand the scrutiny of the season, or will it falter before the holiday’s end, leaving them longing for what might have been? A clean and wholesome Regency romance novella, Ivy and Intrigue is full of charming characters, witty dialogue, and Christmas magic. The books in this series can be read alone and in any order. Book 1: Silver Bells and Secrets Book 2: Sugar Plums and Scandal Book 3: Frankincense and FollyBook 4: Ivy and Intrigue (coming Winter 2024)
Some books have been previously published as L.G. Rollins
Laura Rollins has always loved a heart-melting happily ever after. It didn’t matter if the story took place in Regency England, or in a cobbler’s shop, if there was a sweet romance, she would read it. Life has given her many of her own adventures. Currently she lives in the Rocky Mountains with her best-friend, who is also her husband, and their four beautiful children. She still loves to read books and more books; her favorite types of music are classical, Broadway, and country; she loves hiking in the mountains near her home; and she’s been known to debate with her oldest son about whether Infinity is better categorized as a number or an idea.
"Mr. Rockwell was proving to be everything she hadn't expected--steadfast, caring, and surprisingly kind beneath his gruff exterior."
This was such a fun, quick, Christmas read! I am here for all the novellas during Christmas. I also loved that this book included a touch of mystery-it was a fun element to round out this guardian/protector hero and feisty heroine!
If you enjoy historical romance, Christmas settings, romantic tension and a mystery to be solved I think you would absolutely LOVE this one!!
Content/Trigger: mention of injury from war resulting in health issues, minimal-mild violence, romance-kisses only.
This was the sweetest novella and it is releasing on Nov 6th! Mr. Benjamin is Lady Margaret’s bodyguard and they have been traveling together for 4 months. Although she likes to flirt with him - Lady Margaret is not a widow, never has been married or even been kissed! They start to develop feelings for one another but Benjamin does not think himself deserving of a lady’s affections. I loved how he saved her and took care of her after. I loved whenever they were in the closet hiding so they wouldn’t be found after searching for the stolen brooch. Benjamin held her to keep her safe. This book was short but still had the best moments and I am always excited for a regency romance!! This is book 4 in The Twelfth Night novella series. Thank you, Laura for gifting me with this ARC! ❤️
—Quotes ✨Because, right now, with Lady Margaret so near him, holding onto him as though she would surely be found if she let go, Benjamin could think of very little. ✨He brushed a strand of hair away from her forehead, his fingertips leaving a trail of heat across her skin. “It is as you said,” he whispered. “I will always save you.” ✨Caution tugged at her, warning her to tread carefully. But how could she, when every part of her wanted to rush headlong into his arms? Wisdom may have advised restraint, but her heart begged for more. ✨“There’s no reason to deny it,” she said. “I know what I am.” “You mean, a handful?” Margaret’s mouth dropped open. “Mr. Benjamin Rockwell, I do believe you are flirting with me.”
A new addition to the Twelfth Night series by Laura Rollins is something I’ve looked forward to every year since it began. Ivy and Intrigue, the fourth novella, is so sweet and dreamy!
While Margaret and Benjamin are not quite enemies, they are definitely at odds as the story begins. Benjamin takes his role as chaperone very seriously and also has personal reasons for holding others at a distance. Margaret has held her own for so long that she doesn’t feel she needs protecting and indeed makes a game of giving her guardian the slip. Mischief ensues, of course, much to this readers delight, followed by a mystery that requires them to work together. Also delightful are all of the details of the Christmas season - why do I love a good ice skating scene? Rollins excels especially at cozy - and often exciting - wintertime scenes. The mystery is intriguing but light enough for the length of the story, and the conclusion is oh-so satisfying.
I highly recommend this entire series to readers of Regency Christmas stories!
I received a complimentary ARC of this novella; a review was not required, and all thoughts and opinions are mine.
Stolen jewels make for a swoony romance between Margaret and Benjamin. This story was an absolute delight! I found myself smiling so much! Benjamin is tasked with looking after Margaret, his friend’s sister, at a Christmas house party. He doesn’t like it at first, especially because Margaret keeps trying to escape him or flirt with him to get a reaction from him. However, the more time they spend together, things change. Especially after a brooch is stolen, Benjamin and Margaret work together to find it and who stole it. I loved watching them working together and watching their feelings grow. Benjamin has a bad cough that makes him feel less than and I felt bad for him. Overall I really loved this story and I also like the preview of the next book at the end and am very much looking forward to it. This is a clean regency romance and I definitely recommend! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
When you want to read but don't have much time, a novella is the perfect solution, and I have just the one! This latest addition to Laura Rollins' Christmas novella series is a delightful blend of wit, mystery, and romance that captures the season's festive spirit.
Lady Margaret is a spirited young woman eager to escape the confines of her family and experience the sights of foreign lands. However, her brother is protective and has assigned the stern and brooding Mr. Benjamin Rockwell as her chaperone. At first, their interactions are marked by tension and some flirting from Margaret. But as they navigate the challenges of their journey, a deeper connection begins to form.
Mr. Rockwell is a former soldier with a troubled past who finds himself drawn to Lady Margaret's high-spirited nature. His initial reluctance to engage in her playful teasing slowly gives way to genuine affection. As they work together to solve the mystery of the missing jewel, their bond strengthens, and their feelings for each other deepen.
House parties are always a fun setting with all the different characters and the forced proximity. Dual POV is a favorite and I liked the slightly grumpy/sunshine vibe of Benjamin and Margaret. The missing jewelry was one of my favorite parts of the story and I especially liked how it helped bring Margaret and Benjamin closer. That closet scene! This book is a perfect choice for fans of Regency romance who enjoy a touch of mystery and a dash of holiday cheer.
I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Ivy and Intrigue Book #4 in the Twelfth Night Series by: Laura Rollins
-I give 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I decided long ago that I would not let society tell me who or what 1 am. That includes dukes."
~A Christmas voyage, a stolen jewel, and an unexpected romance. Much to her surprise and joy, Lady Margaret has been given the opportunity to spend Christmas traveling abroad with family friends. There's just one caveat imposed by her brother-she must be accompanied by both a lady's companion and the imposing Mr. Benjamin Rockwell. Though reluctant at first, Lady Margaret soon finds it diverting to avoid him whenever possible, and to tease him when it's not...
-This is such a charming, delightful, clean, and wholesome Regency romance novella, Ivy and Intrigue is full of charming characters, witty dialogue, and Christmas magic! 🙌🏻📚🎄❤️
“She’d found home in him. She’d found the one who would cherish her forever. The one who made her truly, incandescently happy.”
#twelvthnightseries #ivyandintrigue
"It is as you said," he whispered. "I will always save you."
#laurarollins #allaboutthebestreads
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
“I couldn’t stop myself. I have fallen for you irrevocably.”
I need more!! This was an adorable Christmas story!
Last Margaret is finally traveling abroad for the season. With the condition that Benjamin Rockwell, her brother’s appointed man, travel with her. Her favorite past time; escape his vigilant eye to wander the shops. But nothing escapes his notice. Until a jewel is stolen right in front of them, and they must join forces to find the thief.
It’s a perfect read for the season! Short enough and sweet to enjoy in one seating and to leave a taste for more. Both Margaret and Benjamin are my favorites from this book. Cannot possibly choose! She’s so fiery and witty. He’s so calm and collected. Their paring was excellent. They truly complemented each other. It felt like the kind of characters who would remain together after the happily ever after.
I just fell in love with Benjamin and his steadiness of character. I loved how he treated Margaret, even when she tested his patience. He always showed up at the right time.
Even though it’s a short book, it’s packed with mystery and romance! It’s funny in all the right places and kept me hooked all throughout. Perfect for all the warm holiday feels!
Thank you to the author for a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
This is just such a fantastic Christmas Regency novella! It has mystery, Christmas in another country, missing jewel, kidnapping, intrigue, romance… Love it!
On the previous novella, ‘Frankincense and Folly’, we find Lady Margaret enjoying her life as usual. Her brother, in appreciation of her help to his family, decides to gift her the decision of where to spend Christmas the next year, anywhere she wanted. Wouldn’t it be amazing to have a gift like that? That’s when she started thinking where to go. Perhaps, “A Christmas on the continent.” “There was no better way to spend Christmas than on a marvelous adventure.” (direct quotes from F&F)
Now this story starts off on her grand Christmas tour of the continent, she’s in Germany. And while she’s having a great time, things started getting a little out of hand with the avoidance of her “bodyguard”, Mr. Benjamin Rockwell, but that’s when the “adventure” begins. You’ll love this story.
Oh, how I love Margaret! In Mr. Rockwell’s own thoughts… “She was a spirited mixture of adventure and beauty, but she was also soft and caring.” And Mr. Rockwell as a hero! He was the perfect one! The protective, the caring… “But one thing he did know. He wouldn’t let anything happen to her.” “I knew you would be there to save me if anything happened.” And the romance? (sigh)… ”She had long since given up hope of finding someone to love, someone who would love her in return. But here he was, holding her as if she were the most precious thing in the world.”
The only sad part was that it was only a novella, too short of a story 😁 So if you like stories with all those elements included then this is the book for you.
I received a complimentary arc copy of this book but a positive review was not required. Opinions expressed are completely my own and voluntarily given.
Lady Margaret is traveling abroad for the holidays and one of her favorite pastimes is to sneak away from Benjamin Rockwell, the man her brother insisted travel with her for her protection but nothign seems to ruffle his feathers. That is, until a missing jewel forces Margaret and Benjamin to work together to catch a thief
Benjamin is exasperated with Margaret and her antics, always running away or flirting with him. Though he certainly finds her attractive, he is here on a job and refuses to let her get a rise out of him. But time together only deepens the attraction between them until he must admit that despite his best efforts, he is quickly falling for her anyway.
What you'll love: Regency era dual pov novella bodyguard romance Christmas charm slightly grumpy MMC spunky heroine catching the thief the closet scene that first kiss!!! the epilogue
This novella is the perfect addition to one of my favorite Christmas series! It is short enough to read in one sitting and sweet enough to leave a hopeless romantic like me with all the happy sighs!
Margaret was a favorite character for me in By the Light of the Setting Sun and I am SO happy she finally got her happily ever after...especially with a slightly grumpy, protective, not-looking-for-love bodyguard who truly sees her and cherishes her and is always there to rescue her. And that kiss! All the swoon, my friends.
Love all the fun holiday charm weaved into the story (like Christmas trees in Germany!) as well as the mystery and intrigue. So many fun elements to the story all wrapped up together in the perfect gift for your Christmas reading this year. Can't wait for another novella in the series to release next year!
I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.
“He wished he could say more – reassure her that he would protect her at all costs. Even should Lord Abernathy venture this far into Ingram’s room, Benjamin would find a way to keep Lady Margaret hidden.
He wasn’t sure how he’d justify being in Ingram’s closet himself, but he would think of something.
Hopefully.
Because, right now, with Lady Margaret so near him, holding onto him as though she would surely be found if she let go, Benjamin could think of very little. “
Ivy and Intrigue is a beautiful regency romance novella that is a cute fun read that will lighten your day and give you all of the cozy feelings at the same time. I absolutely loved this book from Chapter 1 – which set up the tone of banter, wit, and charm between Margaret and Benjamin– to the very last word in the epilogue that is leaving me pining for more, more and more! While it is a novella (which means you can clear your schedule for a few hours and enjoy…) it doesn’t feel rushed at all and all of my emotions were drawn out in a well-developed storyline.
Things to enjoy: Rose Shop “A man easily felled by a brisk winter wind was not deserving of a lady’s affections” Their quest (and the closet!) Being hangry The Pond The ending! – my heart just melted!!
Ivy and Intrigue is the 4th book in the Twelfth Night novellas collection (also fantastic) and while it could be read as a standalone, I highly encourage you to devour all of the novellas too!
A clean story. This novella is readable but just did not inspire or grab me, it seemed a bit low key. I think I expected Margaret to be more ‘mischievous’ given Rockwell had been sent as a ‘minder’. It merely seemed she often went off on her own with her companion, although that could be dangerous. As I usually say it’s hard to build characters in a short novella. I think though the characters were built in this one, although it lacked some ‘pace’ story wise. The ending I felt was a little off. The valet disappears with Ladies Margaret and Emily. Rockwell sees Margaret leave the drawing room, but it’s some time after he leaves and then starts getting concerned about the missing Ladies and the property is searched twice, yet when they arrive in the town Margret has only been in the shop 15 minutes. I think they would have not been as close behind, and indeed if selling stolen jewellery knowing someone will be coming after you would you be taking 15 minutes over it? Indeed why did he wait so long to get the brooch off Lady Emily? She has had it days and the Duke is talking of more searches etc. I think the valet would have persuaded Emily to let him have it sooner and he would have disappeared. So readable but only 3 stars.
“She had fought so hard to keep her heart intact, to avoid the entanglement she feared would come from getting too close. But after these past few days, she didn’t stand a chance.”
I really enjoyed this sweet, intriguing, and fun Christmas novella. I loooooved Lady Margaret in ‘By the Light of the Setting Sun’ and so when I heard she’d be getting her very own happily ever after I knew I needed to read it asap! I’m so soo glad that I did! I loved it!
There is a little bit of a mystery, some suspense, a Christmas tree, fun scenes and the sweetest romance. I loved that Benjamin and Margaret were a bit older and were unsure if they’d ever find love, until they found each other! Margaret is stubborn and adorable. Benjamin is brave and serious. I loved every interaction between them. These two together are just so fun and so perfect for each other!
Read for: 🎄spirited and tenacious FMC 🎄brave MMC 🎄Christmas time in Germany 🎄a Christmas tree 🎄a mystery 🎄the lovely forced proximity 🎄sweet and swoony romance
This book just made me giddy with happiness, it had me smiling, laughing and swooning as well. It is an absolutely lovely novella that is perfect for this Christmas/winter season! A truly enjoyable book that I can’t wait to reread.
P.S. Isn’t this cover so gorgeous! The colors are 😍! . . . Content: mild danger, kisses only
The final book in the Twelfth Night series was a bit discombobulated and seemed rushed. It felt like we were dropped in the middle of a story that had been going on for some time. There was no real introduction and the characters had already known each other and had developed basic relationships and plot points. Lady Margaret was not very likable and didn't act her age. I felt that for someone who is 34 years old, trying to slip your bodyguard is very childish and not realistic. She didn't act like someone who is already that old, she acted like an impetuous teenager and it was annoying. Rockwell was the more interesting character, and I liked him quite a bit. The only other little thing that bothered me about this book was the reusing of names from the previous books. Emily and Miles were already names that had been used in the book before this one and the fact that they were reused was even more evidence that this book was rushed out without much thought. This one was also much shorter than the others by almost 20 pages. I did enjoy the addition of a mystery to this Christmas romance and there was plenty of action that kept the story interesting. 3/5 stars.
Ivy and Intrigue is another winner of a novella in this adorable Twelfth Night series by Laura Rollins. It was cute with characters that were memorable and sweet. I loved the spunk of Lady Margaret and how she was also an older heroine for Regency romance and that her age (spinsterhood as it were) kind of played into the romance. Benjamin was a literal protector hero and I totally melted when Margaret confessed to knowing she'd always feel safe with him. They were a bit of opposites and yet the perfect match and I really enjoyed their love story. I liked the bit of intrigue in the plot with the mystery and the twist I didn't predict. It was well-paced and felt like a complete story. I also thought it was a fun setting as they were celebrating Christmas in Germany. This is a clean romance. I received an advance reader copy of this novella. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Laura Rollins weaves her storytelling magic in Book Four of the Twelfth Night series. This is a novella done exceptionally well, with a lot of action packed into a petite package. It nearly has a full-length feel, leaving the reader satisfied at its gripping conclusion. "Ivy and Intrigue" has it all... romance, danger, and mystery.
You'll want to know whether Lady Margaret will stay a spinster forever and give her handsome escort the slip, or will her life end too soon as her mischief and curiosity get the best of her?
You will enjoy some familiar characters and gear up for new stories, too! This quick Christmasy read hits the right notes just in time for the holidays!
I received a complimentary copy of the author's story to read and review. All thoughts contained here are my own.
I think I can safely say that Laura Rollins’ novellas are some of my absolute favorites! Each one is packed full of sweet romance and lovable characters. They are the perfect romance fix for when you don’t have much time or inclination to dive into something long.
Ivy and Intrigue is definitely a new favorite! I was so excited for Lady Margaret to get her story! She’s such a great character and I love the mischief she gets up to. Mr Rockwell is her complete opposite and the perfect match for her. He is so loyal and steady. A protector in every sense and has the best heart! I absolutely loved watching their relationship unfold and their happily ever after is one I’ll think about for a while! Highly recommend this sweet novella!
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Oh, that Lady Margaret is quick the slippery lady trying to ditch Mr. Benjamin Rockwell every chance she can since he has been assigned to oversee her safety. While she is attending a house party, a beloved brooch is gone missing and Margaret must uncover who the thief is to clear any suspicion that is aimed towards her.
This was a fun novella with Margaret and Benjamin realizing that the other person is not as annoying as they originally thought! Margaret finds herself in more scrapes than she cares to admit, and it’s a good thing that Benjamin is there to help her out.
I recommend this quick read with its mystery and clean romance. I was given a complimentary copy of the book. A positive review was not required, and all opinions are my own.
So good! I loved both MCs! They are so cute! Margaret is lively and drags Benjamin into things. This novella is aptly named for there is indeed intrigue! So fun! I totally relate with Margaret being in her thirties and never been kissed. That just makes it extra fun to have a FMC you can relate with on that level. Their romance was sweet and there were so many scenes I loved that I can’t pick a favorite!
💕Clean #NoSpice Regency Romance 💕Gruff Protector MMC 💕Lively FMC 💕MCs in their 30s 💕Never Been Kissed 💕Mystery/Intrigue 💕Suspense 💕Too many great scenes to allude to just one
Margaret is also in the previous novella Frankincense and Folly and the novel By the Light of the Setting Sun. 😁
Ivy and Intrigue is a delightful Christmas romance full of wit, charm, mystery, and intrigue. The short length makes for a perfect book to read on a lazy afternoon.
If you've read By the Light of the Setting Sun then you will remember Margaret. I loved watching her get her own happily ever after with Benjamin. The banter between these two was the perfect build up to THAT KISS!
Ivy and Intrigue is the fourth book in the Twelfth Night Novella series, and while it can be read on its own, I highly recommend the entire series.
This was such a charming and witty romance! I loved watching the interactions between Margaret and Benjamin. Their banter, their games of hide and seek and their close encounters while trying to solve a mystery had me laughing and swooning. The ending was utter perfection. This romance is a perfect read for the upcoming holiday season!
Language: Clean. No swearing or coarse language Plot: the title nails it. A little intrigue at Christmas. I didn’t guess who done it. Romance: Zero spice. A few sweet kisses. Romance is a growing relationship not instant attraction/lust Age: any who love Christmas and romance Thoughts: This was a darling novella. Definitely recommending to friends.
Christmas is fast approaching an travelling party visiting the continent, is getting restless. Lady Margaret has her hands in every thing and her personal guard had his hands full keeping her safe! With all the chaos and intrigue abounding, Benjamim and Margaret are sure to find true love at last in the details.
I have loved every one of the twelfth-night novellas by Laura Rollins, and this one was so fun to read.
This story holds a bit of intrigue and mystery. A bit of travel and adventure. Some truly delightful frenemies antics. And a mature yet vulnerable love story.
When Lady Margaret’s brother asks his friend to protect and escort his sister while on vacation, Benjamin does not expect her to object and finds ways to get away from him and find some freedom. Somehow Benjamin always seems to find her and then be there when she needs him most. While mostly tolerating each other initially, the two come together to solve a mystery and find they have some things in common. More familiarity leads to more feelings between them. I loved this one because each had entered a very independent stage in life, but in a way that left them a bit lonely. I loved how they took the time to get to know each other and for love to come. I also, always love a mystery.
Delightful characters and a fun plot line make this an enjoyable read. I have read each of the previous books in the series and they are great to read as standalone but I have enjoyed each in order as well. I recommend the book and author!
Another great book by Laura Rollins. You'll love this short Christmas Novella that's full of fun characters, excitement, mystery, and accidents. The story has no swearing, no alcohol, and one kisses only scene.
This was a really sweet and suspenseful novella! I love the mystery and whodunit happening in the background. The characters were adorable and the progression of their relationship felt so natural. I’d love to dive into more from this author!
Lovely little regency Christmas story, with a group of English tourists spending their holiday in Bavaria. There’s a gentle mystery concerning a lost necklace that gives the lead characters a chance to spend time together.
Possibly the absolute sweetest love realization scene I've ever read. The rest of the book is good too. Characters aren't flat and the plot is realistic.