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Breaking the Rules of the Beau Monde #2
Until Spring: Breaking the Rules of the Beau Monde-Special Prequel
They broke the rules for fun. They fell in love forever.
Strangers to lovers
A cabin in the rain
A life lesson from a cow
And a dare that changed everything
When Remington Hawke crossed an ocean to visit his birthplace, he never anticipated there would be no room at the inn. But a chance encounter and a brilliant game of billiards resulted in an invitation he could not refuse and a woman he could never let go.
At twenty-five, Lovie Wright was on the shelf—not that she cared or even felt it. At least not until a stranger from out of town came along and challenged her complacency.
“You want to kiss me, Lovie Wright.” Those famous words would be her downfall or the beginning of everything. One thing was certain, however, the man who made that statement, that dare, was her future.
All it takes is a little imagination and one sprig of mistletoe.
A special prequel to jump-start a fabulously fun series
Find all of Shannon's books on her Goodreads Author page
Strangers to lovers
A cabin in the rain
A life lesson from a cow
And a dare that changed everything
When Remington Hawke crossed an ocean to visit his birthplace, he never anticipated there would be no room at the inn. But a chance encounter and a brilliant game of billiards resulted in an invitation he could not refuse and a woman he could never let go.
At twenty-five, Lovie Wright was on the shelf—not that she cared or even felt it. At least not until a stranger from out of town came along and challenged her complacency.
“You want to kiss me, Lovie Wright.” Those famous words would be her downfall or the beginning of everything. One thing was certain, however, the man who made that statement, that dare, was her future.
All it takes is a little imagination and one sprig of mistletoe.
A special prequel to jump-start a fabulously fun series
Find all of Shannon's books on her Goodreads Author page
154 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 22, 2024
3 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Shannon Gilmore
16 books105 followers
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Writing character driven romance, because when you fall in love, the world falls away
You can find me on my website ShannonGilmoreAuthor.com
Writing character driven romance, because when you fall in love, the world falls away
I’m Shannon Gilmore, a multi-award-winning author of historical romance. My Ruined Rakes series won the Silver Quill® award and was nominated for the Golden Heart® from Romance Writers of America. I fell in love with historical romance reading Johanna Lindsey, Judith McNaught, and Julie Garwood—and I like to think it even helped me find my husband. When I’m not creating stories of heroes with soft hearts, I enjoy crafting, quilting, and playing video games. Most of all, I love sharing my stories with readers like you—you make writing a joy!
Looking for a new series? Come discover Breaking the Rules of the Beau Monde filled with steamy romance and charming stories that will make you laugh and cry. Follow your favorite heroes and heroines through storms, UNCHAPERONED carriage rides, WICKED wagers, and STUBBORN women who demand to be heard. Some rules are meant to be broken when love is on the line.
You can find me on my website ShannonGilmoreAuthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 16, 2024
When Remington Hawke crossed an ocean to visit his ailing grandmother, he never anticipated he would arrive too late or that he wouldn’t find somewhere to stay. But a chance encounter with Dalton Rochester, some whiskey & a brilliant game of billiards result in an invitation he could not refuse. At twenty-five, Lovie Wright is happy looking after her brother Hudson & Dalton until a stranger arrives.
A quick delicious novella which I read straight through. I loved both Hawke & Lovie, they are attracted to each other from their first meeting & the air sizzles around them but it is their banter which is so, so good. I loved their deepening feelings but as he’s only in England until spring can they find a HEA?
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
A quick delicious novella which I read straight through. I loved both Hawke & Lovie, they are attracted to each other from their first meeting & the air sizzles around them but it is their banter which is so, so good. I loved their deepening feelings but as he’s only in England until spring can they find a HEA?
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
September 10, 2024
Reread this today, I think I liked it even more. Hawke is soo charming like how could Lovie resist him! Sexy sweet romantic.
July 31, 2024
I was one of the lucky few who got an ARC copy for ‘For a Scandalous Wager’ - book 1 in the ‘Breaking the Rules of the Beau Monde’ series - before the release was cancelled earlier this year.
However, I’m happy to say it will come out later this year - that book was one witty, deliciously steamy morsel! And this special prequel novella, releasing on 08/22, is just as fun and naughty!
Lovie & Hawke
She’s a practical spinster and she doesn’t care. Sharing her cousin Rochester’s Mayfair home with him and her brother Hudson, she leads a fulfilling life running both men’s households.
He’s an Englishman from Boston, an investor’s son and a sheep farmer at heart. He braved a rough and nauseating December crossing from the States, only to arrive a few days late - his grandmother and last living relative had already passed - and on top of that, he can’t find lodgings anywhere. That is until Rochester offers him a game of billiards, some good Irish whiskey and a guestroom.
After all, it’s nearly Christmas, and no one should be alone at Christmas…
Lightning strikes the minute Lovie and Hawke meet, and they both know it. Witty banter and teasing aplenty. When Lovie convinces her men to let Hawke accompany her home - he’s travelling in that direction anyway to visit his inheritance - this novella takes a nifty twist!
It’s not what you think and I’m not giving it away, but there’s mistletoe, cows, fresh sheets, plenty of wood 😉😉, two MCs you can’t help but love, some Yuletide magic and lots of sizzle and spark!
Just read it, you won’t be disappointed!
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
However, I’m happy to say it will come out later this year - that book was one witty, deliciously steamy morsel! And this special prequel novella, releasing on 08/22, is just as fun and naughty!
Lovie & Hawke
She’s a practical spinster and she doesn’t care. Sharing her cousin Rochester’s Mayfair home with him and her brother Hudson, she leads a fulfilling life running both men’s households.
He’s an Englishman from Boston, an investor’s son and a sheep farmer at heart. He braved a rough and nauseating December crossing from the States, only to arrive a few days late - his grandmother and last living relative had already passed - and on top of that, he can’t find lodgings anywhere. That is until Rochester offers him a game of billiards, some good Irish whiskey and a guestroom.
After all, it’s nearly Christmas, and no one should be alone at Christmas…
Lightning strikes the minute Lovie and Hawke meet, and they both know it. Witty banter and teasing aplenty. When Lovie convinces her men to let Hawke accompany her home - he’s travelling in that direction anyway to visit his inheritance - this novella takes a nifty twist!
It’s not what you think and I’m not giving it away, but there’s mistletoe, cows, fresh sheets, plenty of wood 😉😉, two MCs you can’t help but love, some Yuletide magic and lots of sizzle and spark!
Just read it, you won’t be disappointed!
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
July 17, 2024
I wrote this review as part of a collection of stories (Christmas Belles). Sharing it here since the story is being released as a standalone now.
I’ve just discovered a new Wolf Publishing author that I love. The storytelling style is engaging, with clever dialogue and unusual syntax in the narrative. There aren’t a lot of unnecessary words used to fill up the page. In fact, it’s as if each word is carefully chosen for optimal effect, proving that less is more. It’s not trite, using phrases that are so overused, they’ve practically lost their meaning. It’s intelligently written, dragging the reader into the circle of friendship as if they’ve always been a part of it, understanding the inside jokes and the loving way in which Lovie, her brother Hudson, and her cousin, Rochester torment one another. When Rochester discovers Remington, newly arrived from America and in need of a place to stay, he brings him home and Remi fits right in.
From the start, Remington is persistent in telling Lovie that she’s going to kiss him. He taunts her, telling her that she wants to and that he’ll be receptive when she does. It’s a gentle teasing that eventually leads to her saying something along the lines of, fine, let’s get this over with. Of course, it’s not as simple as that. After all, this is a love story. One of the things I liked about this story is the lack of pretense. There’s no false conflict or contrived storyline to force them together. Their relationship develops organically and leads to deep love. Neither tries to hide their feelings or run away from them. The only dilemma is that Remington needs to return home to take care of his business once spring arrives. This is neatly resolved near the end.
It’s a sweet story with memorable, likable characters, and I’m interested in reading more from this series when it becomes available.
I’ve just discovered a new Wolf Publishing author that I love. The storytelling style is engaging, with clever dialogue and unusual syntax in the narrative. There aren’t a lot of unnecessary words used to fill up the page. In fact, it’s as if each word is carefully chosen for optimal effect, proving that less is more. It’s not trite, using phrases that are so overused, they’ve practically lost their meaning. It’s intelligently written, dragging the reader into the circle of friendship as if they’ve always been a part of it, understanding the inside jokes and the loving way in which Lovie, her brother Hudson, and her cousin, Rochester torment one another. When Rochester discovers Remington, newly arrived from America and in need of a place to stay, he brings him home and Remi fits right in.
From the start, Remington is persistent in telling Lovie that she’s going to kiss him. He taunts her, telling her that she wants to and that he’ll be receptive when she does. It’s a gentle teasing that eventually leads to her saying something along the lines of, fine, let’s get this over with. Of course, it’s not as simple as that. After all, this is a love story. One of the things I liked about this story is the lack of pretense. There’s no false conflict or contrived storyline to force them together. Their relationship develops organically and leads to deep love. Neither tries to hide their feelings or run away from them. The only dilemma is that Remington needs to return home to take care of his business once spring arrives. This is neatly resolved near the end.
It’s a sweet story with memorable, likable characters, and I’m interested in reading more from this series when it becomes available.
August 23, 2024
Remington Hawke returns to England from America, hoping to see his dying grandmother one last time, but he arrives too late. Struggling to find a place to stay, he crosses paths with Rochester, a professional pool player. After a night of getting foxed on Irish whiskey, Remington accepts Rochester's offer to stay at his home.
Rochester's cousin, Lovie, also lives in the house with her brother. Although wary of having a stranger under their roof, she relents in the spirit of Christmas. As she gets to know Remington, she finds herself drawn to his charm, humor, and good looks. Their connection deepens, and they eventually give in to their mutual desire. However, with spring approaching, Remington is faced with a dilemma—return to America or stay in England?
If you enjoy a lighthearted, funny, and steamy romance with well-developed primary and secondary characters, you’ll love this beautifully written Christmas story. I’m eagerly anticipating Rochester’s story in the next book.
I received a free copy of this book from the author, and am voluntarily leaving a review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rochester's cousin, Lovie, also lives in the house with her brother. Although wary of having a stranger under their roof, she relents in the spirit of Christmas. As she gets to know Remington, she finds herself drawn to his charm, humor, and good looks. Their connection deepens, and they eventually give in to their mutual desire. However, with spring approaching, Remington is faced with a dilemma—return to America or stay in England?
If you enjoy a lighthearted, funny, and steamy romance with well-developed primary and secondary characters, you’ll love this beautifully written Christmas story. I’m eagerly anticipating Rochester’s story in the next book.
I received a free copy of this book from the author, and am voluntarily leaving a review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 27, 2024
In this tale, Lovie's greenness meets Remington's seasoned savvy in a clash that's as charmingly chaotic as it is sweet. Their repartee is as sharp as a tack, their spark is off the charts, and their quest for a HEA zigzags through love's labyrinth like pros.
Remington Hawke is a standout; a dashing scoundrel and a whiz at the pool table, who finds his match in the woman he's been playfully teasing. Lovie Wright may have her moments of immaturity, but she's a gust of fresh air. Watching her evolve is as rewarding as it is credible. The dance between Lovie and Remington is the story's pulsing core, making their march to a happy ending not just convincing, but a crowd-pleaser.
This book is a treat, a testament to Gilmore's knack for spinning a yarn that'll have you coming back for more. It's as smooth as Remington's pool hustle and makes you feel like you've hit the literary jackpot. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Remington Hawke is a standout; a dashing scoundrel and a whiz at the pool table, who finds his match in the woman he's been playfully teasing. Lovie Wright may have her moments of immaturity, but she's a gust of fresh air. Watching her evolve is as rewarding as it is credible. The dance between Lovie and Remington is the story's pulsing core, making their march to a happy ending not just convincing, but a crowd-pleaser.
This book is a treat, a testament to Gilmore's knack for spinning a yarn that'll have you coming back for more. It's as smooth as Remington's pool hustle and makes you feel like you've hit the literary jackpot. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 15, 2024
Until Spring by Shannon Gilmore is the special prequel novella for her upcoming series, Breaking the Rules of the Beau Monde. It was previously published as part of Christmas Belles: A Holiday Regency Anthology, first published by Wolf Publishing this past holiday season.
I truly enjoyed Lovie and Remington's love story. Both characters were well-drawn and very likable, and how their relationship unfolds was sweet and believable. I think they both filled a need within each other, and as the author mentioned, there is so much to their story. It was as if Until Spring just scratched the surface of their relationship in this novella, and perhaps my only critical comment is that I wanted more Lovie Wright and Remington Hawke, more layers of their love story to peel away and enjoy. The set-up for Gilmore's upcoming series was perfect, as we meet both Lovie's brother, Hudson and her cousin, Dalton Rochester, who is the hero of the first book in the series, For a Scandalous Wager, coming later this fall!
All in all, a lovely story that put a smile on my face and warmth in my heart for the holidays!
I received a copy of this novella from the author, and I am leaving my review here voluntarily.
I truly enjoyed Lovie and Remington's love story. Both characters were well-drawn and very likable, and how their relationship unfolds was sweet and believable. I think they both filled a need within each other, and as the author mentioned, there is so much to their story. It was as if Until Spring just scratched the surface of their relationship in this novella, and perhaps my only critical comment is that I wanted more Lovie Wright and Remington Hawke, more layers of their love story to peel away and enjoy. The set-up for Gilmore's upcoming series was perfect, as we meet both Lovie's brother, Hudson and her cousin, Dalton Rochester, who is the hero of the first book in the series, For a Scandalous Wager, coming later this fall!
All in all, a lovely story that put a smile on my face and warmth in my heart for the holidays!
I received a copy of this novella from the author, and I am leaving my review here voluntarily.
August 26, 2024
Remington Hawke sailed from America to England to see his grandmother before she passed away, unfortunately he was too late. He tried to find a place to stay but all was full he met Rochester who invited him to play billiard and few drinks. Rochester invited him to come stay at his place they both arrive drunk, and he meets Hudson and Lovie.
Lovie wants to check on the family property and Remington is going to check on his grandmother property which is close by. Lovie returns to get Remington, and he is drunk and no staff around. They leave and then are stranded due to down tree. While Lovie and Remington await until the road is clear they become close.
I love the characters and how they interact with each other. The story line moved me shed a tear or two. Happy ending for two but what about the others?
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lovie wants to check on the family property and Remington is going to check on his grandmother property which is close by. Lovie returns to get Remington, and he is drunk and no staff around. They leave and then are stranded due to down tree. While Lovie and Remington await until the road is clear they become close.
I love the characters and how they interact with each other. The story line moved me shed a tear or two. Happy ending for two but what about the others?
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 20, 2024
Remington Hawke sailed to England to spend Christmas with his ailing grandmother, but arrives too late. He runs into Dalton Rochester, Lovie Wright’s cousin at a coffee house when he can’t find a place to stay. Rochester invites him to stay with him and his cousins for the holiday since no one should be alone. When Lovie meets Hawke and learns why he is staying with them she agrees he should not be alone and should stay with them. Let the sparks begin!!
I absolutely enjoyed reading Hawke and Lovie’s love story it was a lot of fun!! I really loved all the witty banter and teasing between them!! The secondary characters really added to the entertainment of the story and I can’t wait to read their stories in this series!! I highly recommend this book!!
I absolutely enjoyed reading Hawke and Lovie’s love story it was a lot of fun!! I really loved all the witty banter and teasing between them!! The secondary characters really added to the entertainment of the story and I can’t wait to read their stories in this series!! I highly recommend this book!!
September 1, 2024
I loved this short prequel story. A chance encounter of a stranger new to England and a bored english lord. An offer of assistance in a time of need, and a firm friendship is born. Remington Hawke, has an instant attraction to His friends cousin, who is an unconventional spinster, who has been looking after her brother and cousin for years. Both are drawn to each other, and unexpected events throw them together after getting soaked in an an abandoned cottage, just watch the steam rise. These 2 were a fun read, and I liked the banter between them and the hero's wicked humour. I would have liked to have a longer story but then I am greedy when the banter is this good.
Looking forward to the main series books
Looking forward to the main series books
August 24, 2024
This is such a delightful story. I loved Remington and Lovie’s story. They were both such likable, endearing characters. Remington Hawke was born in England but has lived nearly thirty years of life in America. He returns to his dying grandmother, only to find he has arrived too late and she has passed. A chance meeting with a man named Rochester , not only gives him a new poker friend but an invite to the man’s home for Christmas. There he meets the unconventional spinster, Lovie, and the sparks and quick banter between the two start to fly immediately! Their charming relationship soon becomes passionate as well. Too bad that Remington plans to return to his home in America come spring!
July 13, 2024
I'm not usually a fan of prequels but Shannon definitely has proven with this story that sometimes prequels can be an amazing story.
The sparks between the two characters are undeniable from beginning to the end.
Lovie and Remington's love story is so so good.
This was such a great story to setup as to what's to come next in this series.
I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
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.
The sparks between the two characters are undeniable from beginning to the end.
Lovie and Remington's love story is so so good.
This was such a great story to setup as to what's to come next in this series.
I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
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.
November 2, 2025
We have Lovie Wright and Remington Hawke! A chance encounter had Remington aka Remi invited to a round of Billiards and then as a guest for Christmas! There is instant attraction but Remi was too late to see his grandmother before she passed! He agreed to escort Lovie to their family estate to take care of business! Remi also needs to reconcile his past with his future! Lovie needs him there in London to face decisions they made together! Remi needs to close the chapter on his past! I think it was unfair that Lovie made him choose! But do they get a HEA? Read on…
July 18, 2024
Fresh Awakenings!
I loved the characters and that Hawke and Lovie (love her name) were able to find their lovely happy every after.
When one comes out of a Winter season and it's the beginning of Spring, the feeling is of fresh awakenings and this is what the story is about - A fresh love which blossoms into something better and I did enjoy that.
I have just finished reading an early copy of this book and am happy to leave my voluntary review.
I loved the characters and that Hawke and Lovie (love her name) were able to find their lovely happy every after.
When one comes out of a Winter season and it's the beginning of Spring, the feeling is of fresh awakenings and this is what the story is about - A fresh love which blossoms into something better and I did enjoy that.
I have just finished reading an early copy of this book and am happy to leave my voluntary review.
August 23, 2024
WOW! What a great pre-novel. A young man arrives in England for an important visit, but he's too late. Filled with grief, sadness and more he faces the Christmas season alone. Lovie's cousin offers to help him and so the story begins. A beautiful short story introducing more characters into the series. Beautifully written by an excellent author with creative abilities. Don't miss out on this, the series is bound to be fanominal.
September 19, 2024
Finding Love at Christmas Time
When Lovie’s cousin brought a stranger home, she was wary. Little did she know that he would change her life. Soon, she would find herself stranded with Remington at Christmas time. The two would fall in love, but Remington was going home to America in the spring. Would love find a way?
This is an entertaining historical romance novella. It is my first book by this author, but it won’t be my last. I enjoyed it and look forward to reading what comes next.
When Lovie’s cousin brought a stranger home, she was wary. Little did she know that he would change her life. Soon, she would find herself stranded with Remington at Christmas time. The two would fall in love, but Remington was going home to America in the spring. Would love find a way?
This is an entertaining historical romance novella. It is my first book by this author, but it won’t be my last. I enjoyed it and look forward to reading what comes next.
March 14, 2025
Another new-to-me author, another great read! So many readers have given excellent reviews for this book, and I totally agree with them. The book was beautifully written, with an interesting storyline and wonderful characters. I loved the interaction between Remington Hawke (Remi) and Lovie Wright. Lovie's brother, Hudson, and their cousin, Dalton Rochester, added much to the storyline. Thank you, Ms. Gilmore, for giving us a great story, I give it more than 5 stars!!!
May 30, 2025
Hawke arrives in England too late to say goodbye to his grandmother and while still overcoming the effects of weeks at sea during winter he meets Dalton and in the end stays at his home till he gos out to his grandmother’s estate near Cambridge. While there he meets the female cousin who over time comes to form an attachment with Hawke which leads to their hea and his staying permanently in England. There are open door scenes which I personally wasn’t a fan of
August 24, 2024
I found this to be a joyful romance upon a chance meeting. Remington immediately befriends Rochester who invites him home for Christmas. Remington having no family accepts. He meets Lovie and cannot help teasing her. Lovie has never met anyone like Remington. She gives her heart to him, but he has to go back to America. Will he make the right choice?
July 13, 2024
A very different story about an American man finding love in England. I loved how Remi and Lovie met, the banter between them and the angst between her brother and Remi. I especially loved the the surprise ending between Remi and Lovie. I can’t wait for the rest of the series.
November 1, 2025
Remington Hawke comes to England to see his ill grandmother only to find she died on his journey from America. He plans to wrap up her affairs and return home but a chance meeting with Dalton Rochester and his cousins changes the course of his life.
August 3, 2024
This book has quick love, small steam, no angst and very nice characters. It is the prequel to a new series coming in October. I will be looking forward to reading those books having read this one.
August 23, 2024
I love how she brings her couples together so innocently and they end up madly in love...
Read
January 15, 2025DNF 23%
August 23, 2024
I read this story as part of Christmas Belles: A Holiday Regency Anthology. It is a nice quick read with very engaging banter between the characters. I enjoyed it as the relationship just developed naturally. The hero was brought home after some whiskey and a billiard game by her cousin. He teases her into a kiss. But what happens come spring when he has to return to his business in America? Don’t worry they get their HEA. It is a good beginning for a new series.
August 26, 2024
A beautiful love story
It is a tale of happenstance, fortuitous encounters and chemistry between two men and then, between a man and a woman.
It is a transposition of Christmas: there is no place to be found at the inn, and Remington then meets Rochester, who offers him the hospitality of a nearly empty house, where he meets the woman, who will become the love of his life.
It is a tale of happenstance, fortuitous encounters and chemistry between two men and then, between a man and a woman.
It is a transposition of Christmas: there is no place to be found at the inn, and Remington then meets Rochester, who offers him the hospitality of a nearly empty house, where he meets the woman, who will become the love of his life.
August 23, 2024
“But deep inside, she knew the first time she laid eyes on this man, her life was changed forever.”
Remington comes to England to see his ailing grandmother but is too late and she has passed. He runs into Rochester, Lovie’s cousin who offers him a place to stay for a few days. It is love at first sight but both of them deny it for awhile. Fate throws them together for Christmas, and they both have known grief and loss. Can they find a way to make one life together when Remington’s work/living is an ocean away? Lots of heat and loads of heart in this story. Highly recommend.
Remington comes to England to see his ailing grandmother but is too late and she has passed. He runs into Rochester, Lovie’s cousin who offers him a place to stay for a few days. It is love at first sight but both of them deny it for awhile. Fate throws them together for Christmas, and they both have known grief and loss. Can they find a way to make one life together when Remington’s work/living is an ocean away? Lots of heat and loads of heart in this story. Highly recommend.
August 25, 2024
This romance is gorgeous in every way, I was captivated by the story and the characters. I adored Remington and Lovie, instantly attracted to each other and their banter is a delight. Lovie's brother Hudson and her cousin Rochester also framed the story so well. The best part of course is Lovie and Remington and falling in love. Beautifully written, it flowed and caressed me all the way to the wonderful happily ever after.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews