What do you think?
Rate this book
The Rake Chronicles #3.5
When the Lord Adored Me
Lord Edgar Huntington isn’t sure how he fell in love with his best friend, Lady Petunia Carrington, but he did, and it has been a complete disaster. Before Petunia left to travel Europe, he proposed to her, but she refused. Her reason? They’re great as friends, but as a married couple, they’d be miserable. And the worst part is that Edgar knows Petunia is right. They’re total opposites…and yet he can’t help wanting her.
Lady Petunia Carrington is finally returning from England after her year abroad. She has enjoyed her time away and has had a few adventures of her own…but, really, she can’t wait to get back to London to see her best friend, Lord Edgar. He proposed to her before she left and she refused him. But now she has had a complete change of heart.
When Petunia and Edgar reunite, attraction crackles, but it is Edgar this time who doesn’t see a future. Petunia suggests that they embark on an affair over the twelve days of Christmas to get the attraction out of their systems before returning to a lifetime of friendship—and Edgar accepts. But will Petunia and Edgar be able to go back to just being best friends after almost a fortnight of passion? Or will they find the HEA that they didn’t think was possible?
Lady Petunia Carrington is finally returning from England after her year abroad. She has enjoyed her time away and has had a few adventures of her own…but, really, she can’t wait to get back to London to see her best friend, Lord Edgar. He proposed to her before she left and she refused him. But now she has had a complete change of heart.
When Petunia and Edgar reunite, attraction crackles, but it is Edgar this time who doesn’t see a future. Petunia suggests that they embark on an affair over the twelve days of Christmas to get the attraction out of their systems before returning to a lifetime of friendship—and Edgar accepts. But will Petunia and Edgar be able to go back to just being best friends after almost a fortnight of passion? Or will they find the HEA that they didn’t think was possible?
ebook
First published November 30, 2024
1 person is currently reading
103 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
December 27, 2024
This short and sweet Christmas novella is served with a heavy heaping of spice that is done SO well that you won’t mind one bit that at times it’s nearly every other page. It delivers on its premise and then some-two best friends who realize they want to be married but worry about their incompatibility steal away to spend the 12 days of Christmas together to try to get their attraction past them and move on with what they think they want for their lives…and despite being a short, fast paced story there is so much character development, longing and humor. I read this in just a few hours and while it is certainly holiday themed it would be a fun read any time of year. I’ll for sure be back to read more Lydia Lloyd!
December 2, 2024
Rating: 4.5/5
I loved this sweet little novella. This was a surprisingly tender character exploration - set within a 12-days-of-Christmas-let's-just-get-it-out-of-our-systems sexual retreat for two besotted friends. Lloyd deftly navigates friends-to-lovers, nailing the challenges in the transition from friends to more - the feeling of remarkable intimacy and comfort counterbalanced with anxiety and vulnerability. I loved these two people and how well they knew themselves and each other - and how Lloyd used their differences as fulcrums for their own self-discovery. This is lighthearted - while also being tender and earnest - and delightfully sexy.
I loved this sweet little novella. This was a surprisingly tender character exploration - set within a 12-days-of-Christmas-let's-just-get-it-out-of-our-systems sexual retreat for two besotted friends. Lloyd deftly navigates friends-to-lovers, nailing the challenges in the transition from friends to more - the feeling of remarkable intimacy and comfort counterbalanced with anxiety and vulnerability. I loved these two people and how well they knew themselves and each other - and how Lloyd used their differences as fulcrums for their own self-discovery. This is lighthearted - while also being tender and earnest - and delightfully sexy.
December 3, 2024
Friends to lovers meets opposites attract in this regency romance Christmas novella from Lydia Lloyd.
Lloyd does great job creating an HEA for two people who, despite years of friendship and love, seem very incompatible.
It was funny, romantic, and super hot but never gratuitously (not that I object to gratuitous sex obviously). The 12 days of gifts and the flash forward in the epilogue were a VERY NICE touch.
There is some mild slut shaming and I’d have preferred the third act breakup had it been less cruel to her.
Lloyd does great job creating an HEA for two people who, despite years of friendship and love, seem very incompatible.
It was funny, romantic, and super hot but never gratuitously (not that I object to gratuitous sex obviously). The 12 days of gifts and the flash forward in the epilogue were a VERY NICE touch.
There is some mild slut shaming and I’d have preferred the third act breakup had it been less cruel to her.
December 2, 2024
This may very well be my favourite Lydia Lloyd romance yet!
~ Petunia & Edgar ~
As the youngest of many, she’s an impulsive outgoing little imp stealing into her neighbour’s - a renowned rake - garden for strawberries and... his little brother - a shy thoughtful man who prefers books over parties. They become fast friends; perfectly at ease, yet too different to be more... She wants all the razzle dazzle town has to offer, he prefers country quiet. She ventures on a grand tour with her mother, he hides in his study with his translations.
But what are grand adventures when your other half isn’t by your side?
It takes her 9 months and a foolish flirtation to realise she shouldn’t have turned him down, and when, 3 months later, she offers for him and he refuses, she needs a plan to win him back! The Twelve Days of Christmas turn into a secret getaway, awkward confessions, an endearingly clumsy discovery of passion, demimonde masquerades, naughty fieldtrips, precious gifts and the realisation nothing will ever be the same again... or will it?
I loved seeing this duo stumble their way to a happily ever after! They’re both so perfectly lovable and imperfect. I loved the role-reversal - she the fresh rakess, he the wallflower with hidden depths - and the way I got a front-row seat to their discovery of each other.
Fun, fast and utterly charming! A story both heartbreaking and heartwarming, a stunning third-time’s-the-charm friends-to-lovers romance with tons of humour, heart and all the LL signature spice!
The shortness of this novella made sure this story was distilled to its essence; still perfectly true to this author’s unique playful style, but without all the superfluous embellishments from her novels - which I greatly enjoyed by the way; they were just a bit much.
Often less is more, and to me that’s perfection.
A marvellous read, and best of all, it’s free with a newsletter subscription, so grab it while you can!
~ Petunia & Edgar ~
As the youngest of many, she’s an impulsive outgoing little imp stealing into her neighbour’s - a renowned rake - garden for strawberries and... his little brother - a shy thoughtful man who prefers books over parties. They become fast friends; perfectly at ease, yet too different to be more... She wants all the razzle dazzle town has to offer, he prefers country quiet. She ventures on a grand tour with her mother, he hides in his study with his translations.
But what are grand adventures when your other half isn’t by your side?
It takes her 9 months and a foolish flirtation to realise she shouldn’t have turned him down, and when, 3 months later, she offers for him and he refuses, she needs a plan to win him back! The Twelve Days of Christmas turn into a secret getaway, awkward confessions, an endearingly clumsy discovery of passion, demimonde masquerades, naughty fieldtrips, precious gifts and the realisation nothing will ever be the same again... or will it?
I loved seeing this duo stumble their way to a happily ever after! They’re both so perfectly lovable and imperfect. I loved the role-reversal - she the fresh rakess, he the wallflower with hidden depths - and the way I got a front-row seat to their discovery of each other.
Fun, fast and utterly charming! A story both heartbreaking and heartwarming, a stunning third-time’s-the-charm friends-to-lovers romance with tons of humour, heart and all the LL signature spice!
The shortness of this novella made sure this story was distilled to its essence; still perfectly true to this author’s unique playful style, but without all the superfluous embellishments from her novels - which I greatly enjoyed by the way; they were just a bit much.
Often less is more, and to me that’s perfection.
A marvellous read, and best of all, it’s free with a newsletter subscription, so grab it while you can!
December 9, 2024
REVIEW
Score: 4/5
POV: Dual
Heat Level: 5+/5
Tropes: Novella; HR; Christmas; best friends to lovers; he falls first; mutual pining; virgin MMC
Likes:
*Edgar!! You can’t not like him. He’s so wonderful and you just want him to have to happiest life with Petunia!
*the 12 days of Christmas added into the story to keep it Christmas themed
Dislikes:
* lots of fluff/inner monologues which I did skim a bit. Was probably added so it was entirely too short of a book.
This was such wonder historical romance Christmas novella! Like I can see myself rereading this during future Christmas’s. Edgar is so hot in his I’m your best friend but also hopelessly in love with you and nothing can stop it no matter how much I wish I could way! 🥹
Petunia is great too but I’m sorry my dear girl but Edgar does outshine you haha. The spice is super 🥵🌶️ in this one! Would recommend for sure. I think maybe the only way to get this book is by signing up for Lydia’s newsletter. That is how I got it. I’m unsure if she’ll put it on Amazon or if it’s already there.
4/5
Score: 4/5
POV: Dual
Heat Level: 5+/5
Tropes: Novella; HR; Christmas; best friends to lovers; he falls first; mutual pining; virgin MMC
Likes:
*Edgar!! You can’t not like him. He’s so wonderful and you just want him to have to happiest life with Petunia!
*the 12 days of Christmas added into the story to keep it Christmas themed
Dislikes:
* lots of fluff/inner monologues which I did skim a bit. Was probably added so it was entirely too short of a book.
This was such wonder historical romance Christmas novella! Like I can see myself rereading this during future Christmas’s. Edgar is so hot in his I’m your best friend but also hopelessly in love with you and nothing can stop it no matter how much I wish I could way! 🥹
Petunia is great too but I’m sorry my dear girl but Edgar does outshine you haha. The spice is super 🥵🌶️ in this one! Would recommend for sure. I think maybe the only way to get this book is by signing up for Lydia’s newsletter. That is how I got it. I’m unsure if she’ll put it on Amazon or if it’s already there.
4/5
December 1, 2024
4.5/5 When the Lord Adored Me is 3.5 in the Rake Chronicles. I squeezed this novella in as my last read for November with minutes to spare.
It was such a fun and lighthearted read filled with self-reflection and plenty of naughty bits. I loved their backstory and resonated with Petunia’s thoughts when Edgar asked her to marry him. The way that they knew and cared for each other as friends allowed for open communication and ability to problem solve more efficiently.
Both the MC were endearing with Petunia outgoing and Edgar more reserved but both were steadfast in who they were. I loved the possessiveness and passion Edgar discovered and the vulnerable side Petunia was able to show him. The reflection and growth each went through to arrive at the resolution needed for their HEA left me with that warm cozy feeling.
This holiday novella was fast paced and an easy read that won’t disappoint.
There are six plus encounters.
I received this novella through the author’s newsletter.
It was such a fun and lighthearted read filled with self-reflection and plenty of naughty bits. I loved their backstory and resonated with Petunia’s thoughts when Edgar asked her to marry him. The way that they knew and cared for each other as friends allowed for open communication and ability to problem solve more efficiently.
Both the MC were endearing with Petunia outgoing and Edgar more reserved but both were steadfast in who they were. I loved the possessiveness and passion Edgar discovered and the vulnerable side Petunia was able to show him. The reflection and growth each went through to arrive at the resolution needed for their HEA left me with that warm cozy feeling.
This holiday novella was fast paced and an easy read that won’t disappoint.
There are six plus encounters.
I received this novella through the author’s newsletter.
December 30, 2024
This was my favorite of the series. I really liked how the main characters moved from friends to lovers, it was a joy to read. The feelings and emotions fealt very realistic. The play on the 12 days of Christmas was so sweet and hot
It’s 4 1/2 and not 5 because of two minor complaints:
1) The hero’s name is Edgar
2) Towards the end it really needed another full intimate scene
But again very minor complaints, especially when this novella (that reads more as a short novel) is free via the author’s newsletter.
It’s 4 1/2 and not 5 because of two minor complaints:
1) The hero’s name is Edgar
2) Towards the end it really needed another full intimate scene
But again very minor complaints, especially when this novella (that reads more as a short novel) is free via the author’s newsletter.
December 26, 2024
This might be my favorite Lydia Lloyd novel so far. A second chance, childhood friends to lovers romance arc with a virgin MMC and experienced FMC doing a "twelve days of Christmas" scheme to "get it out of our systems"? I mean, I ate it up with a spoon. A delightful little novella and a perfect way to remind myself to get back to the rest of this series in the new year!
December 25, 2024
I think this is my favorite book by Lydia so far and we stan two pump chump virgin heroes.
December 6, 2024
Characters: Petunia and Edgar
Friends to lovers, 12 days of Christmas deal, lots of sexy times, virginal hero (has only wanted the heroine), non virginal heroine)
Petunia while traveling through Europe with her mother, loses her virginity to an older man and realized that she really wanted Edgar (her best friend and neighbor) to be the one to have given her virginity too. Before she left for Europe, Edgar asked her to marry him and Petunia declined his marriage proposal. She is gone almost a year, when she keeps thinking about Edgar and realized that she made a mistake and really does want to marry Edgar.
Within the year of her being away, Edgar has written letters to her, but also has tried to get over the heartbreak of Petunia rejecting his marriage proposal, but he came to terms with it and realized that they were too different to make each other happy.
When Petunia comes back, not only did she climb through his window at night to surprise him, and end up seeing him masturbating. But she also gets told by Edgar that she was right to deny his proposal. Petunia decides to do a 12 days of Christmas with him, where her and Edgar will be by themselves getting intimate. Edgar agrees to her plan. So now Petunia has to convince Edgar that they will be perfect together.
Friends to lovers, 12 days of Christmas deal, lots of sexy times, virginal hero (has only wanted the heroine), non virginal heroine)
Petunia while traveling through Europe with her mother, loses her virginity to an older man and realized that she really wanted Edgar (her best friend and neighbor) to be the one to have given her virginity too. Before she left for Europe, Edgar asked her to marry him and Petunia declined his marriage proposal. She is gone almost a year, when she keeps thinking about Edgar and realized that she made a mistake and really does want to marry Edgar.
Within the year of her being away, Edgar has written letters to her, but also has tried to get over the heartbreak of Petunia rejecting his marriage proposal, but he came to terms with it and realized that they were too different to make each other happy.
When Petunia comes back, not only did she climb through his window at night to surprise him, and end up seeing him masturbating. But she also gets told by Edgar that she was right to deny his proposal. Petunia decides to do a 12 days of Christmas with him, where her and Edgar will be by themselves getting intimate. Edgar agrees to her plan. So now Petunia has to convince Edgar that they will be perfect together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2024
— rating: 4.5 stars
This novella was recommended by Kalyani who had posted about it on her insta stories and let me know that it was a freebie you got if you signed up for the author’s newsletter. As I’d mentioned, it’s been a long time since I last read a historical romance, so it was a lovely return to the genre with this short, steamy yet sweet novella. I had never read any of this author’s previous work so I wasn’t sure what to expect beyond the fact that it was a friends to lovers story and it was short, but I’m glad I picked it up. The main characters were such unconventional couple, with Edgar being a such a sweetie who had been yearning after Petunia for so long, and Petunia who was such a blunt, adventurous and outgoing female lead. Their dynamic against the historical background made for a very interesting story and their chemistry was amazing. The humour was so great, although it did go away after a while which was such a shame because I really did appreciate it. I think I might give the full length novels from this series a go and continue with it. It depends on how the first book goes, but I’m definitely interested in reading them in the new year.
This novella was recommended by Kalyani who had posted about it on her insta stories and let me know that it was a freebie you got if you signed up for the author’s newsletter. As I’d mentioned, it’s been a long time since I last read a historical romance, so it was a lovely return to the genre with this short, steamy yet sweet novella. I had never read any of this author’s previous work so I wasn’t sure what to expect beyond the fact that it was a friends to lovers story and it was short, but I’m glad I picked it up. The main characters were such unconventional couple, with Edgar being a such a sweetie who had been yearning after Petunia for so long, and Petunia who was such a blunt, adventurous and outgoing female lead. Their dynamic against the historical background made for a very interesting story and their chemistry was amazing. The humour was so great, although it did go away after a while which was such a shame because I really did appreciate it. I think I might give the full length novels from this series a go and continue with it. It depends on how the first book goes, but I’m definitely interested in reading them in the new year.
December 16, 2024
4 ⭐️
This novella starts off with Petunia ruining herself because girl’s just looking for a good time, not a long time with a hot Count. And then afterwards, realizes she in fact does want a long time with a certain someone she left back home. Her best friend, Edgar, who proposed to her (and she rejected) before leaving on her trip. Now it’s Christmas time and she’s made it back to London and what does my girl do- climb in his window while he’s pleasuring himself thinking about her. What a great reunion between these two that starts a back-and-forth you have to love in a book like this. They soon embark on a 12-days-of-christmas-friends-with-benefits situation that is truly the best level of craziness for a histrom.
This has:
✨ best-friends-t0-lovers
✨ FMC not a virgin
✨ scholarly MMC (who IS a virgin)
✨ he falls first
Read this if you like friends-to-lovers, virgin heroes, sexual tension up the wazoo, and Christmas! This was my first book by Lydia Lloyd, and honestly what a great start. I’m now determined to go back and read the remaining Rake Chronicles. The only reason this is not a 5-star, is that I didn't love the third act break-up miscommunication trope. BUT thankfully, since it's a novella, we resolved things quickly. This also has one of the best epilogues I've ever read- I love a peak into the very distant future and it was such a nice touch to this friends-to-lovers story. I received this for free after signing up for Lydia Lloyd's newsletter- and I would recommend everyone do it too!
This novella starts off with Petunia ruining herself because girl’s just looking for a good time, not a long time with a hot Count. And then afterwards, realizes she in fact does want a long time with a certain someone she left back home. Her best friend, Edgar, who proposed to her (and she rejected) before leaving on her trip. Now it’s Christmas time and she’s made it back to London and what does my girl do- climb in his window while he’s pleasuring himself thinking about her. What a great reunion between these two that starts a back-and-forth you have to love in a book like this. They soon embark on a 12-days-of-christmas-friends-with-benefits situation that is truly the best level of craziness for a histrom.
This has:
✨ best-friends-t0-lovers
✨ FMC not a virgin
✨ scholarly MMC (who IS a virgin)
✨ he falls first
Read this if you like friends-to-lovers, virgin heroes, sexual tension up the wazoo, and Christmas! This was my first book by Lydia Lloyd, and honestly what a great start. I’m now determined to go back and read the remaining Rake Chronicles. The only reason this is not a 5-star, is that I didn't love the third act break-up miscommunication trope. BUT thankfully, since it's a novella, we resolved things quickly. This also has one of the best epilogues I've ever read- I love a peak into the very distant future and it was such a nice touch to this friends-to-lovers story. I received this for free after signing up for Lydia Lloyd's newsletter- and I would recommend everyone do it too!
December 16, 2024
I thoroughly enjoy Ms. Lloyd’s writing. Edgar and Petunia were beautiful. I loved that Edgar was shy, bookish, and scholarly, but he didn’t skimp on passion. Petunia was as a bit of a wild card, but she still possessed an innocence that was endearing. I just love friends to lovers, and this one didn’t disappoint. It still had angst and flair, but it wasn’t over the top. There was plenty of steam. I loved how Edgar flared with jealousy, and it incited new and strong reactions in him that were not typical. It was superb. The epilogue was very sweet and whimsical. I loved the shift from future to current time there. It was different, but it worked so well to continue their story.
Thank you for another wonderful read Ms. Lloyd!
Thank you for another wonderful read Ms. Lloyd!
December 29, 2024
3.5. This was very sweet! Sometimes I think romance books over looks how fun it can be to explore sex together. And these two declare they have no holds bars to love each other for 12 days and they do explore each other. I loved his humiliation kink, I mean I know why but yessss. And petunia was very much who I wish to be: easy going, extroverted, kind, and trying to punish and explore life without fear. They were every well suited for each other. I just didn’t cRe for the third act break up in such a short novella and I wish they would have had lovers talks in bed discussed their fears and how to move forward potentially together. It’s a easy to read novel that I recommend signing up for the authors news letter to get.
December 3, 2024
Lady Petunia is off on an adventure through Europe with her mother after rejecting her best friend Lord Edgar’s proposal. And when she’s busy with another man, she realizes she made a horrible mistake and would rather be with Edgar. As soon as she gets home, she goes to belated accept his proposal, but he’s spent the past year trying to get over her and realize that they’re total opposites and might not be able to build a marriage together. Somehow, they end up in a 12 days of Christmas bargain at Edgar’s brother’s townhouse that’s used for liaisons. We’re in for a steamy treat for most of the book, but still with amazing emotional connection and depth. Loved this quick and dirty read.
December 27, 2024
Novellas in historical romance are always the best!
There’s always a well developed plot!
SoOOOOO Edgar is a Virgin & Funny AF!
Petunia is well has tasted it but never enjoyed it, so when this friends with benefit, shall i say that decided that YESSSS, they are horny for each other, they were Marvellously well 💥!
Edgar is stupid but i like him & Pet is just the definition of cool girl (if that exist in that century)
Lydia Lloyd’s writing is funny & warmth! I think this is my favourite of her books~🥳
There’s always a well developed plot!
SoOOOOO Edgar is a Virgin & Funny AF!
Petunia is well has tasted it but never enjoyed it, so when this friends with benefit, shall i say that decided that YESSSS, they are horny for each other, they were Marvellously well 💥!
Edgar is stupid but i like him & Pet is just the definition of cool girl (if that exist in that century)
Lydia Lloyd’s writing is funny & warmth! I think this is my favourite of her books~🥳
July 7, 2025
What a fun novella with some really unique and engaging characters! The mix of spice and emotional development was just wonderful. This novella works particularly well because the author features two characters who are best friends and are already in love with each other, so she doesn’t have to pack too much character development into such a short work. Instead, the characters have space to breath and overcome their fears of being together, which makes this novella both very steamy and very emotionally gripping.
December 16, 2024
Fun spicy holiday historical romance.
This was a fun and spicy read. It is perfect if you are looking for a spicy holiday read or need something to get you out of a reading slump.
I would recommend if you have read the others in this series. I also really like the historical romance novellas for people who want to try one but aren’t sure. This one would be really good to try.
Spice level: ODD open door descriptive language used.
This was a fun and spicy read. It is perfect if you are looking for a spicy holiday read or need something to get you out of a reading slump.
I would recommend if you have read the others in this series. I also really like the historical romance novellas for people who want to try one but aren’t sure. This one would be really good to try.
Spice level: ODD open door descriptive language used.
December 3, 2024
whewwww that was hot! a perfectly lovely steamy historical holiday romance between two best friends who realize they want to knock boots badly (but also know their lives are incompatible) so they go on a little getaway to boink till it’s out of their systems! A strategy that has never worked in the history of time but entertains me thoroughly nevertheless
Read
December 11, 2024At 235 pages this novella felt like a whole novel, which is a pretty sweet for a newsletter freebie!
It had a fun 12 Days of Christmas “let’s get it out of our systems” friends to lovers premise. It was super sweet and perfectly steamy.
I've only read one other book in this series, so chaos reading is totally fine - you won't be lost or confused.
It had a fun 12 Days of Christmas “let’s get it out of our systems” friends to lovers premise. It was super sweet and perfectly steamy.
I've only read one other book in this series, so chaos reading is totally fine - you won't be lost or confused.
March 16, 2025
Such a sweet, swoony and totally spicyyy novella from the talented Ms. Lloyd. I really like her writing style and the chemistry between the MC's is very explosive. I love the friends-to-lovers, let's-just-try-to-bang-it-out-of-our-systems trope. The steamy scenes are so🔥 but the romance is really there as well. The love and mutual pining between the MC's is chef's kiss. Such a good, quick read.
December 10, 2024
This is a fun holiday novella as two best friends decide to give themselves the 12 days of Christmas to “get it out of their system”. Much steam ensues.
I loved getting to know Petunia and Edgar.
Lydia Lloyd has created a lovely story where her flawed characters get their HEA.
I loved getting to know Petunia and Edgar.
Lydia Lloyd has created a lovely story where her flawed characters get their HEA.
December 22, 2024
I really enjoyed how hard the hero pines for the heroine but is aware of the reality that their incompatibility wouldn't make a lasting relationship. While the heroine, like a bull in china shop head smash into everything trying to hold onto what she had.
December 1, 2024
This was a hot and sweet Christmas novella with a great sex pact between friends and good holiday vibes. Histrom perfection!
December 18, 2024
3.5 stars
December 24, 2024
1. Dual POVs
2. Opened Door Romance
3. Friends to Lovers
4. Opposites Attract
5. Virgin MMC
2. Opened Door Romance
3. Friends to Lovers
4. Opposites Attract
5. Virgin MMC
January 8, 2025
such a fun & steamy best friends to lovers romance!!
Read
January 8, 2025this was so much fun!! more best friends to lovers historical romances please
January 13, 2025
These people are SO horny for each other
January 21, 2025
Such a fun, spicy novella! Gimme all the virgin heroes!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews