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A Mistletoe Match for the Earl: A Spicy Victorian Historical Romance
The start of a lively new spicy Victorian trilogy, Wayward Wallflowers, from Eva Shepherd
Snowed in
With the new Earl…
After a disastrous Season, Alice has given up on marriage for herself, but not for her friends. This Christmas, she’ll matchmake her friend with a neighboring Earl. Only when Alice calls upon him, she finds James a changed man—scarred, brooding, grumpy! And now she’s snowed in with him…
James Marlowe, the new Earl of Thornwood, has returned to take possession of his neglected Lake District estate and heal his broken heart. He has no need of Alice’s irritating Christmas cheer. But when an awkward mistletoe kiss turns passionate, the ice begins to melt around his frostbitten soul…
From Harlequin Your romantic escape to the past.
Wayward Wallflowers
Book 1: A Mistletoe Match for the Earl
Snowed in
With the new Earl…
After a disastrous Season, Alice has given up on marriage for herself, but not for her friends. This Christmas, she’ll matchmake her friend with a neighboring Earl. Only when Alice calls upon him, she finds James a changed man—scarred, brooding, grumpy! And now she’s snowed in with him…
James Marlowe, the new Earl of Thornwood, has returned to take possession of his neglected Lake District estate and heal his broken heart. He has no need of Alice’s irritating Christmas cheer. But when an awkward mistletoe kiss turns passionate, the ice begins to melt around his frostbitten soul…
From Harlequin Your romantic escape to the past.
Wayward Wallflowers
Book 1: A Mistletoe Match for the Earl
272 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published November 25, 2025
1 person is currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Eva Shepherd
86 books25 followersAfter graduating with degrees in history and political science, Eva Shepherd worked in journalism and as an advertising copywriter.
She began writing historical romances because it combines her love of a happy ending with her passion for history.
She lives in Christchurch New Zealand, but spends her days immersed in the world of late Victorian England.
She began writing historical romances because it combines her love of a happy ending with her passion for history.
She lives in Christchurch New Zealand, but spends her days immersed in the world of late Victorian England.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
December 14, 2025
I'm a simple girl with simple wants around the holidays. Give me a well-executed snowed-in story, and I will be happy. And that’s exactly what we have with A Mistletoe Match for the Earl by Eva Shepherd.
Alice Lambton has made her peace with spinsterhood after a disastrous London season and has retreated to her family’s country home, where she pours her energy into hosting festive holiday gatherings. This Christmas, she sets her sights on the new Earl of Thornwood, convinced that introducing him to her dear friend, Beatrice, might save her from a miserable marriage.
James Marlowe, newly returned from America and nursing both physical and emotional scars, wants nothing to do with society or matrimony. He’s determined to keep to himself until Alice appears on his doorstep with a Christmas invitation and a snowstorm traps them together, upending both their carefully laid plans.
I had a great time reading this book. Was it a bit silly? Sure. But like I said, I'm a simple person with simple wants in a snowed-in holiday novel, and this checked the box for the trope. James is broody and scarred after an accident in New York left him with lingering injuries. He's Not Fit For Company™️ and Will Never Love™️ in all the clichéd ways, and I ate it up. Alice remembers James from when they were children—he was her brother's best friend—but hasn't seen him since she was just a girl herself. Now he's all hot and dangerous-looking, and she can't help but wonder why she's so fixated on matching him up with Beatrice when she wants to jump him.
What I thought worked so well about this book was that the snowed-in portion is only the first half. In the second half, we see the consequences of their extreme awareness of each other. And more importantly, literally everyone in Alice and James’s lives sees how aware they are of each other, even if they don’t.
Things did get a little repetitive at times, especially Alice's constant inner monologue about Beatrice, but I still had a great time reading this.
4 stars.
Alice Lambton has made her peace with spinsterhood after a disastrous London season and has retreated to her family’s country home, where she pours her energy into hosting festive holiday gatherings. This Christmas, she sets her sights on the new Earl of Thornwood, convinced that introducing him to her dear friend, Beatrice, might save her from a miserable marriage.
James Marlowe, newly returned from America and nursing both physical and emotional scars, wants nothing to do with society or matrimony. He’s determined to keep to himself until Alice appears on his doorstep with a Christmas invitation and a snowstorm traps them together, upending both their carefully laid plans.
I had a great time reading this book. Was it a bit silly? Sure. But like I said, I'm a simple person with simple wants in a snowed-in holiday novel, and this checked the box for the trope. James is broody and scarred after an accident in New York left him with lingering injuries. He's Not Fit For Company™️ and Will Never Love™️ in all the clichéd ways, and I ate it up. Alice remembers James from when they were children—he was her brother's best friend—but hasn't seen him since she was just a girl herself. Now he's all hot and dangerous-looking, and she can't help but wonder why she's so fixated on matching him up with Beatrice when she wants to jump him.
What I thought worked so well about this book was that the snowed-in portion is only the first half. In the second half, we see the consequences of their extreme awareness of each other. And more importantly, literally everyone in Alice and James’s lives sees how aware they are of each other, even if they don’t.
Things did get a little repetitive at times, especially Alice's constant inner monologue about Beatrice, but I still had a great time reading this.
4 stars.
December 4, 2025
So cute! The miscommunication did make my head spin a little and I needed James to get some modern therapy stat, but this was sweet. The amount of Christmas was perfect, not too cheesy but enough to give the holiday mood. The love confession scene was extra cute as well. Will continue with this series for sure!
dropped
December 21, 2025It was going alright, but then at 57% it got too silly for me. I was fine with that in general, but there is a limit to that. It also got hella repetitive. However, if you are looking for a comforting Christmas read set in some historical period, and do not mind closing an eye to some funny bits, this one is for you.
Want to read
November 2, 2025Holiday Romance, Historical Fiction, Sagas, Regency Romance, Victorian Historical Fiction
Miniseries
Wayward Wallflowers (Book #1)
Miniseries
Wayward Wallflowers (Book #1)
December 2, 2025
Beautifully written! I just love a good matchmaking story gone awry. This is James and Alice's book. I couldn't put it down. Hope you love it as much as I did.
December 16, 2025
3.75 Stars
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews