***Originally published in The Grand Mistletoe Assembly, this stand-alone novella now features an all-new prologue and epilogue***A woman with a secret. A second son with no connections. Will they find a way to formally meet before they are parted for the holidays?
High society's rules make it impossible to meet. Is their love doomed to remain a scandalous secret?
She is his perfect woman in every way except social standing. While Cameron is determined to find someone to formally introduce them before they are forced apart for the holidays, Isabelle scrambles to find an honorable solution for their hidden romance.
With Christmas quickly approaching, will they finally begin their public courtship during the most wonderful time of the year or will duty stand in their way?
A tale of etiquette, expectations, and enduring passion.
Can be read as a standalone story or as part of the Inconvenient Brides series of steamy Regency romance books.The Trouble with Titles is a delightful Christmas novella in the Inconvenient Brides series of steamy Regency romance books. If you like worthy heroes, fast-paced plots, and enduring connections, then you’ll adore Nina Jarrett’s charming novel. Can be read as a standalone book.
Nina started writing her own stories in elementary school but quickly grew distracted when she finished school and moved on to non-profit work with recovering drug addicts. There she worked with people from every walk of life from privileged neighborhoods to the shanty towns of urban and rural South Africa.
One day she met a real-life romantic hero. She instantly married her fellow bibliophile and moved to the USA where she enjoyed a career as a sales coaching executive at an Inc 500 company. She lives with her husband on the Florida Gulf Coast.
Nina believes in kindness and the indomitable power of the human spirit. She is fascinated by the amazing, funny people she has met across the world who dared to change their lives. She likes to tell mischievous tales of life-changing decisions and character transformations while drinking excellent coffee and avoiding cookies.
Thanks to BookSprout for a copy of this novella and this is my freely given opinion.
This is an adorable Christmas themed short story from the Inconvenient Brides series, that was originally published in the Grand Mistletoe Assembly anthology, with some changes since then (did not read it in the anthology before reading this version).
This is such a sweet little romance about a young man and a young woman who make a rather sudden connection to each other, but because of the social constraints at the time, cannot move forward as they wish without formal introductions to each other. Their efforts are thwarted for various reasons, and they are fearful that their chance to move forward with a courtship is missed. Until, by luck/chance/fate, they reconnect at a house party, and their love is given a chance to flourish. Isabelle and Cameron's start to love is bumpy, but there are still a few secrets to share before their HEA.
If you have read other stories in the series, you will understand some of Isabelle's fears, because of the nature of her connection to the Saunton family.
~ Isabelle & Cameron ~ A woman with a secret, she would rather read a book than be paraded through London’s ballrooms by the Earl of Saunton and his wife - until a handsome young man draws her attention away from the pages… He’s a former officer and a second son with no connections, determined to find someone to formally introduce him to his bewitching bookish wallflower before they are forced apart for the holidays. With Christmas quickly approaching, the couple scrambles to find an honourable solution for their hidden romance.
They move in lofty circles, but neither of these MCs has a title, nor aspirations to gain one. A bookshop in a nice country village that’s his dream and one she’d be overjoyed to share with him. All that stands between them is an introduction following high society’s strict rules...
Sometimes a lovely small story is an excellent pallet cleanser - no major drama, no angst and plenty of pure and honourable romantic feelings. Ballrooms, stolen moments, an illusive best friend who shows up at exactly the right time, an exodus to the country and an intimate house party. This was a charming, warm & fuzzy, short novella with just a hint of steam, and one I really enjoyed!
The cover is beautiful and the story more beautiful. A short and sweet romance between two people who are born illegitimate thanks to their so called noble gentlemen father's makes an interesting reading. The authoress has picturised their budding love story skillfully as always. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was an absolutely delightful love story. It is well written and had an original storyline. The characters were charming. I enjoyed how a chance interesting first meeting leads to an intriguing attempt towards a proper introduction. I was really entertained with how a romance came to be and with such a happy ending. I highly recommend reading!
“A Waltz With Isabelle” is Book 5 in Nina Jarrett’s Inconvenient Brides series. This sweet novella is about two adult bookworms. Cameron Bolton sees a new face at a society ball, except she is not watching the dancing or the myriad of society personalities milling about, she was seated and discretely reading a book tucked in the folds of her skirt. He was instantly charmed and needed to meet and talk to this fellow reader who touched his heart, Isabelle Evans. Cameron also loved to read, his lifelong goal was to open a bookshop. This novella follows Cameron and Isabelle through their discreet discussions, their efforts to meet, according to society standards, and their courtship as they get to know one another. However, both of them held family secrets close to their heart that could potentially turn the other person away. This story has to move quickly because it is a novella, but , we are already familiar with the world they live in and other supporting characters because of the other books in the series. This story can stand on its own without reading the series beforehand. I did enjoy the story, the two main characters were likable and deserving of their happy ever after. This story isn’t as in depth as those that are much longer but it does manage to include some spice and a satisfying conclusion. It also manages to give us a sneak peek at the next book in the series starring Cameron’s best friend, Brendan Ridley. Recommended as part of the series or as a stand-alone Regency romance, especially if you are looking for a shorter, sweeter story that doesn’t take long to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review, my thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
I enjoy most books written by this author, so when I saw this book show up on a book review site, I snapped it up without reading the description. There are just some authors you do that with! When I started to read the story, I seemed very familiar. As I kept reading, too familiar! I even went back and searched through my Goodreads shelves to see if a book with this title by this author was in it. There was not. But, mystery solved: a version of this story without the prologue and epilogue was a part of a multi-author collection called The Grand Mistletoe Assembly. This story was actually my favorite in that collection, where it was called Miracle on Saint James Street.
While it is a very quick read novella, the author constrained it perfectly in a unique and delightful way. Not limiting the story in some way is often problematic in novellas; authors try to shoehorn in too much story in the limited word real estate. Instead, in this book, the author makes the main conflict about how this couple—who had a furtive, enlightening, and promising conversation on the sidelines of a major ton ball—can be officially introduced so they can pursue furthering their somewhat, to this point, improper acquaintance. I could see how back in the day getting a proper introduction to a person you may be interested in could be quite difficult, provoking you to exhaust the possibilities. The resolution to this, after both of them trying to figure out how to arrange it, was elegantly done and pure fun to watch unfold. A true delight, even the second time around! I loved the new setup and end; very satisfying. Highly recommended.
I received a free digital copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
What a truly sweet Christmas novella! I enjoyed every page of Isabelle and Cameron's story.
Isabelle grew up in a loving home fully aware that the man she called father was not her biological father. When the Earl of Saunton, her half brother, learned of her existence he sought her out with the hope of, discreetly, welcoming her into his family and sponsoring a come out for her.
Cameron is the second son to a baron and a newly returned officer trying to find his place in civilian life once again. With no real interest in fancy balls, soirees, or high society at all he's content to remain on the fringes, dreaming of the bookstore he intends to own someday and living a quiet life in the country.
Taking in a ball from the sidelines, Cameron's eyes are drawn to a beautiful woman covertly reading in a chair and he immediately feels a connection. Knowing full well he can't just approach her without a formal introduction, he hides behind her, just out of sight and strikes up a quiet conversation with her. Their attraction is instant and they devise a plan to be formally introduced.
Sounds simple but their plans are thwarted time and again. Their chances quickly slip away as the season is about to end and Isabelle will return to the country for the holidays in a few short days, they give up any hope of a proper introduction. But by some twist of fate, they have both been invited to the same house party!
This was a charming, very low angst story that can be finished in one sitting. Both MC's were so sweet and brought a smile to my face when they were finally, FINALLY introduced. The support of their family and friends was so heartwarming. A great read to escape the stress of the holiday season or any day of any season.
I first read this story as part of the *Grand Mistletoe Assembly* series, where it was presented in a shorter format. I enjoyed it then, but with the additional prologue and epilogue, it’s even better now, especially as it seamlessly connects to Brendan’s story, *Long Live the Baron.*
In this tale, we meet Isabelle, who has just been introduced to her older brother, an Earl, who is sponsoring her debut into society. However, her secret is that she is his illegitimate sister. Raised by the man she believed to be her father and her mother, she wasn’t a member of society, but grew up loved and happy, Isabelle is now being presented as a distant relative.
Isabelle struggles to find her place in society, and at a ball, while engrossed in a book, she catches the attention of Cameron. He is immediately intrigued, but despite their initial conversation, a formal introduction is required for anything to progress. You’d think this would be simple, but it’s anything but—especially as Cameron is a second son with little influence. What follows is a delightful, humorous adventure as they attempt to secure a proper introduction.
I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet and entertaining story of two people drawn to each other, despite the obstacles keeping them apart. The journey to their eventual connection was charming and fun to read. I always appreciate a well-written Christmas romance, and this one didn’t disappoint. Having enjoyed other stories in this series, I’m looking forward to reading more of Nina Jarrett’s work.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A Waltz with Isabelle is a novella in Nina Jarrett’s Inconvenient Brides series featuring Miss Isabelle Evans – the illegitimate half-sister of the Earl of Saunton and Cameron Bolton, second son of a Baron. Isabelle has grown up in a loving family but has recently been claimed by her half-brother the Earl who is wishing to make amends for his fathers misdeeds. Encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity she is in London for the season. Although her newfound family are lovely she longs for the comfort of home. Cameron Bolton is a second son of a baron and although he has access to the upper echelons of the Ton he is never very comfortable amongst them. Home after the wars, he longs to settle somewhere and open a bookshop. When he spies a beautiful young lady absorbed in a book he is captivated. Etiquette dictates that he cannot approach her without an introduction but he manages to sneak a stolen moment with her. But Isabelle is due to leave for the country soon. Now Cameron has to find someone to formally introduce them before Isabelle is lost to him for another year. This is a charming tale of two kindred spirits who find each other but have to find a way to be together according to the etiquette of the time. Both Isabelle and Cameron are likeable leads and we are rooting for them to find a way. I loved the resolution and the inclusion of familiar characters from Nina’s world. I received an advanced review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a heartwarming and deliciously romantic Christmas novella that captures the essence of Regency romance with charm, elegance, and just the right dash of heat. Nina Jarrett is one of my favorite authors, and she does a masterful job of weaving a tale of secret love, societal hurdles, and the timeless magic of the holiday season in this captivating installment of the Inconvenient Brides series.
Isabelle and Cameron’s story is a sweet yet tension-filled journey through the rigid expectations of high society. Their longing to be together despite the rules and reputations at stake makes for a deeply engaging read. The story is crafted with the perfect blend of witty dialogue, heartfelt emotion, and romantic tension that kept me turning the pages, all while painting a vivid picture in my mind.
Although part of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone. It’s a perfect if you're looking for a quick, satisfying love story filled with dashing heroes, determined heroines, and the irresistible spirit of Christmas.
A charming, steamy, and utterly delightful novella—perfect for cozying up with on a winter’s night.
I received a complimentary copy from BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving my review.
I already knew the story from the „Great Mistletoe Assembly Anthology“, but it's been revised and new scenes and chapters added, including a prologue that I missed in the previous version and that now better explains Isabelle's background, a chapter with some steam, and an epilogue that sets the story in a new timeline to the „Inconvenient Brides“ series. I enjoyed this quick read love story with its endearing characters who face some social obstacles before finding their happy ending, and of course reuniting with most of the other characters from the series.
When Cameron Bolton, a former army officer, meets Isabelle Evans, the illegitimate sister of the Earl of Saunton, at a ball reading, he is instantly intrigued by the beautiful woman but has no clue how to approach her without a proper introduction. Fate seems to be against them but there is a chance that they can be properly introduced at the Great Mistletoe Assembly...
I recommend this lovely novella to anyone who has already read the original version, and to those who like sweet stories about love at first sight with a little spice.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Society in this time period seems to go out of its way to make love impossible. One of their “rules” is that a man and woman must be properly introduced to each other before they can avoid scandal and be allowed any chance at all of a courtship. And in this story, Isabelle Evans would rather read a good book than bother with social functions. But when she finally does take notice of a young man worth a second look, she can find no one to introduce them formally. Cameron Bolton likewise is scrambling for someone to introduce him to the lovely lady. With the Christmas holiday approaching, threatening to keep them distanced from each other, their public courting may be even further delayed when they still haven’t been introduced at the final ball. Will a party they are mutually invited to attend provide the means for their formal introduction at last so their romance can officially proceed? Or will his being a Baron’s “second son” without connections and her “secret” making her an illegitimate “sister” of Richard , the Earl of Saunton, keep Cameron and Isabelle from finding happiness together?
Isabelle has recently discovered that she has an older half brother who also happens to be The Earl of Saunton. Wanting to right the wrongs of his father, the Earl decides to sponsor Isabelle as a distant cousin. While at a ball she meets a handsome stranger, but unfortunately having not been properly introduced, they are forced to meet in secret until an acquaintance introduces them.
Not willing to be deterred they come up with the perfect plan to be introduced at the final ball before the holiday season. As luck would have it, circumstances keep Isabelle from attending the ball, and thus the two lovers are kept apart. Will these two find each other soon or will they have to wait to reunite after the holidays?
These two were so charming. I really felt the instant connection between them. Ms. Jarret manages to pack a lot of emotion into this little novella. While I’ve not read any of the other books in the series, I found this book could be read as a stand alone. I will say, I am definitely eager to pick up the other books in this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Well written, fast paced novella. Another fantastic story in the Saunton's family series. Isabelle is the half sister to the new Earl of Saunton- Richard. Richard has found out that his late father had many illegitimate children so he tries to find them and help them with this info. Isabelle is asked to go to London and face society as his distant relative so she can make a good match. At a ball, she secretly talks to Cameron, the second son of a Baron. He tries to get an introduction to her but is having a hard time. They try again at the last ball of the season but again fate steps in. On his way home, he runs into his friend and is ask to go to a family house party . It's then the two of them get together and feelings grow. Both love to read and have dreams of a owning a book store. They have a happily ever after. Can't wait for the next story in this series. Would recommend this story and the rest of this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I wondered why this story was so familiar to me. I have “The Grand Mistletoe Assembly” anthology. Nevertheless, it’s a delightful novella in which two like-minded individuals happen upon each other at a ball. Isabelle Evans is a bookworm who has just discovered she is a half sister to the Earl of Saunton, and he wants to introduce her to society. While she is occupied with a book, Isabelle is unaware of being admired by Cameron Bolton, also a bookworm, who has just left military service. Read how these two try to navigate the etiquette the ton demands for polite society and how their plans to attend the Grand Mistletoe Assemby are thwarted by unforeseen events. Rest assured, readers can look forward to an HEA.
I highly recommend the subsequent series that follows this prequel. The author excels at characters with depth, intricate yet familiar storylines, and witty intelligent dialogue. Enjoy this 5 star 🌟 read. I have received an ARC from the author and I am leaving an unbiased review voluntarily.
A delightful novella in the Inconvenient Brides Series Isabel is another by-blow of the notorious old Earl of Saunton, bluestocking, with a love of book and teaching, and wallflower. The current Earl, Richard, wishes to give her the opportunity to be introduced to Society. Mr. Cameron Bolton is a spare to an obscure barony in the far North, more interested in books than in balls and affaires of the ton. They meet at a ball, where Isabel sits with the wallflowers, reading a book she had smuggled in. Attracted to her, he desperately searches for somebody to formally introduce him to her before the exodus of the ton to their country estates. Their hopes for an introduction are thwarted when her chaperone, the countess is feeling poorly and thinks that her baby is coming early. Will their feelings finally get a chance to develop? And will their dreams of a life together be realised? I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved A Waltz With Isabelle by Nina Jarrett—it’s a sweet and heartwarming short story that ties beautifully into the Inconvenient Brides series. Here we follow Isabelle, the lost half-sister of the Earl of Sounton, and Cameron, a former army captain in retreat who wants nothing more than to properly court her. What I enjoyed most was how Jarrett teases both the characters and the readers, creating clever little obstacles that keep Isabelle and Cameron from being formally introduced. The anticipation makes their eventual connection all the more satisfying.
Though short, the story captures all the charm of a full-length regency romance—warmth, longing, and the sense of propriety being both a barrier and a delight. It’s the perfect story to swallow in one go, leaving you smiling and eager for more of Jarrett’s regency world. A lovely addition to the series and highly recommended for fans of sweet, romantic escapes.
Isabelle knew that her sire and father were two different people, but she was unprepared for a half-brother to show up at her father’s home wanting to do right by her. Much to her discomfort, she was thrust into high society after having groen up in an academic home. Cameron, who had recently sold his commission and returned to London, was dragged to a ball and abandoned by his good friend Brendan Ridley. He noticed a lovely young lady surreptitiuosly reading a book, and after a clandestine conversation, he tried to figure out a way to gain a formal introduction. For a week their best laid plans were thwarted until a prayed for miracle ocurred. This story has shy glances, steamy kisses and a coincidence or two. I loved it! It really is a sweet story!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Isabelle Evans is a woman with a secret. She is an illegitimate daughter of a peer who has now be claimed by her true family though it remains undisclosed to the public. She loves reading her books and is totally absorbed in one when she is seen by Cameron Bolton a handsome second son who also enjoys books and is captivated by this enchanting lady. Now he only has to find someone to formally introduce them so they can become more than shy wallflowers and before their families decamp for the holidays. Fate intervenes and they spend time getting to know each other with Christmas quickly approaching. he is truly a gentleman in love and she is smitten with him. A sweet tale with a nod to correct etiquette. Respect, love and a building passion make this a charming read. don’t miss it!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This quick reading, part of the Inconvenient Brides series, come to complete the Earl of Saunton’s quest to correct his father’s mistakes. Finding an illegitimate brother and now a sister, the Earl encounters himself with Isabelle Evans, a girl lucky enough to have been raised in a loving family in spite of her real father’s identity. The Earl offers her a season and an opportunity to live as a family in London. One night she has a secret encounter with an enticing young man but they need to find someone to formally introduce them so Cameron can court Isabelle and hopefully marry her.
This was a sweet and easy reading. No suspense or drama that characterized the rest of the book in this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
4.5/5⭐️ Both Isabelle and Cameron are bookworms and they meet at an event. Unfortunately, etiquette requires them to be formally introduced. Thus, Cameron seeks ways to find someone to introduce them. His efforts do not produce results but fate steps in to bring them together before Christmas.
Both of our main characters love books, and I enjoyed the discussion on etiquette during that period in time. I can’t imagine needing a formal introduction just to speak with someone! 😆
As this is a novella, the pace moves quickly but it is easy to believe that these two book lovers end up together! I enjoyed the various references to the classics like Pride and Prejudice.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a sweet novella about Isabelle and Cameron. They were a really cute couple that saw one another at a ball, after having a secret conversation, they both knew that they were meant to be together. The only problem was finding a connection that could properly introduce. After a few failed attempts, fate and a Christmas miracle gave them exactly what they wanted and a HEA. This book was full of genuinely good people with good hearts. There were no villains, no scheming exes, and no doubts about their feelings. This was a straightforward love story that included a little steam toward the end after the happy ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Isabelle Evans is shocked when her brother, the Earl of Saunton, comes to her parents home to meet her. She is soon residing in his home where he plans to introduce her to society. She inappropriately meets Cameron Bolton, the second son of a Baron at a ball. After several attempts to get someone to introduce them, Cameron is invited to a house party by his friend, Brendan Ridley. Lo and behold, the house party is hosted by Brendan's brother in law the Duke of Halmesbury, who just happens to be the cousin to Isabelle. A Waltz with Isabelle is a short but sweet novel of two like minded people who find love. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This author's stories are a delight, and this is no exception. Isabelle and Cameron meet at a ball, but they must have an introduction. In Regency times, men and women must be introduced before they can converse. What follows is a great deal of maneuvering to get that introduction. Isabelle is illegitimate, and Cameron is the second son of a baron. Society decrees that they cannot marry. However, society does not know Isabelle's secret. Her half-brother is determined to fix his father's mistakes, so everyone believes Isabelle is a distant cousin.
I enjoyed this story and the entire series. I recommend it to those who like Regency romance with steam.
Easy to Read and Enjoy! This is a nicely told and easy to read story where we learn about how Isabelle and Cameron met and their very unusual courtship. I am so pleased that I live in this era and not in that one where the young had to wait for an introduction before they were permitted to even speak to one another. I originally read this story as a part of the Grand Mistletoe Assembly Anthology and have just finished reading an early copy which has been nicely rounded off with a new prologue and epilogue. The above is my voluntary review of this new addition to this series and I am happy to recommend it.
A sweet, charming story and a little steamy at the end. I thoroughly enjoyed it, perfect for when you just want a little pick me up and don’t have time to delve into a full length book.
Even though it’s short Nina Jarrett gives her two lead characters depth and I could believe in them.
This novella is part of the Inconvenient Brides series which can all be read as stand alone stories but have interconnecting characters. I have now read quite a few and can definitely recommend them to anyone who likes historical romance with added spice.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This Regency romance novella is part of the Inconvenient Brides series. I've read some of the previous books in the series and I enjoyed them, so I was looking forward to this.
It takes place during the festive season, and I felt that kind of added to its charm. The main characters, Isabelle and Cameron, were both bookworms, which I appreciated. I liked them both as characters, and enjoyed their interactions.This was a short read, but it was both sweet and spicy; a lovely little winter warmer.
Thank you to Booksprout and the author for a free copy to review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another story in the inconvenient brides series, although we can easily assume that bride Isabelle is very welcome to Cameron.
Isabella, half-sister of the illustrious Earl of Saunton, is found by her brother and introduced into his world. There she meets Cameron, who just returned from India, and who is just as uncomfortable as she is in this society. They seem destined, but it turns out not so easy to meet each other according to the rules of the ton.
Sweet romantic story. Like other books in the series, it can be read as a standalone, but it's just more fun once you've read them all. Accessible, pleasant writing style