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The Spinster's Seduction
A gentleman never breaks his word… but for her, he'd risk everything.
At seven-and-thirty, Miss Evelyn Davenport has long accepted her fate as a spinster. For the most part, she doesn’t mind. But there is one thing she has yet to experience: sex. There’s only one man she trusts with her body—her closest friend, Charles Hardinge, the Marquess of Rotherham. The man she has secretly loved since childhood.
Committed to a life of indolence, Charles cares for nothing—save for Evelyn. When she asks him to seduce her, he finds himself torn between honour and all-consuming desire. But there is little he has ever denied her, even when her request stirs a hunger only she can satisfy.
If he could, he would ask her to be his wife. There’s just one problem—he’s promised to another.
At seven-and-thirty, Miss Evelyn Davenport has long accepted her fate as a spinster. For the most part, she doesn’t mind. But there is one thing she has yet to experience: sex. There’s only one man she trusts with her body—her closest friend, Charles Hardinge, the Marquess of Rotherham. The man she has secretly loved since childhood.
Committed to a life of indolence, Charles cares for nothing—save for Evelyn. When she asks him to seduce her, he finds himself torn between honour and all-consuming desire. But there is little he has ever denied her, even when her request stirs a hunger only she can satisfy.
If he could, he would ask her to be his wife. There’s just one problem—he’s promised to another.
144 pages, Paperback
Published March 19, 2025
About the author
Terri Mackenzie
8 books51 followersA long-time lover of historical romance, Terri Mackenzie knew from an early age that she wanted to write romance, and from a slighter older age that she wanted them spicy. Now she’s a ghostwriter and author of steamy historical romances, and has never once looked back.
In her books, you will find witty, often wilful heroines, and emotionally complex heroes*. Love always wins out—though sometimes it’s a rocky journey to get there.
*That or an emotionally stunted rake with commitment issues. Take your pick.
In her books, you will find witty, often wilful heroines, and emotionally complex heroes*. Love always wins out—though sometimes it’s a rocky journey to get there.
*That or an emotionally stunted rake with commitment issues. Take your pick.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
August 26, 2025
3.5⭐️ A sweet mix of steamy and dreamy.
Quibble
Mackenzie took artistic license and colored outside Victorian lines.
🌹My thanks to emtee for bringing this charmer to my attention.🌹
Quibble
Mackenzie took artistic license and colored outside Victorian lines.
🌹My thanks to emtee for bringing this charmer to my attention.🌹
August 26, 2025
3.5 stars
My first by this author and all I can say is wow… I was not expecting such sweet, steamy, swoony, friends-to-lovers goodness! Especially not within the shorter page count of a novella. Bonus points for the MCs being “older”; she was late 30s, he was almost 40.
A man in love, true, soulmate love, gets me every time 😍
He couldn’t help his grin, and finally his boyhood training clicked into place. “Under the arch,” he murmured, “love shines bright. Sweet whispers, the heart takes flight.” “Beautiful.” “Do you know the story behind it?” She shook her head. “Just that a stonemason built it for his love before they ran away together. Their story has been lost to time.” “And yet the arch endures.”
“I cannot believe in spells and enchantments,” he said, taking her hand and holding it against his heart.
“But if enduring love is magic, then I will bow to its power, and claim it for my own.”
He kissed her, their mouths warm against the chill in the air.
“I vowed this on our wedding day, but let me do so now under the words of a man long dead. I love you, Evelyn Hardinge, and I will continue to love you until my body is dust and my soul elsewhere. If the only thing I am known for, like this stonemason, is loving you, then I will accept that with readiness. My life will be complete.”
My first by this author and all I can say is wow… I was not expecting such sweet, steamy, swoony, friends-to-lovers goodness! Especially not within the shorter page count of a novella. Bonus points for the MCs being “older”; she was late 30s, he was almost 40.
A man in love, true, soulmate love, gets me every time 😍
He couldn’t help his grin, and finally his boyhood training clicked into place. “Under the arch,” he murmured, “love shines bright. Sweet whispers, the heart takes flight.” “Beautiful.” “Do you know the story behind it?” She shook her head. “Just that a stonemason built it for his love before they ran away together. Their story has been lost to time.” “And yet the arch endures.”
“I cannot believe in spells and enchantments,” he said, taking her hand and holding it against his heart.
“But if enduring love is magic, then I will bow to its power, and claim it for my own.”
He kissed her, their mouths warm against the chill in the air.
“I vowed this on our wedding day, but let me do so now under the words of a man long dead. I love you, Evelyn Hardinge, and I will continue to love you until my body is dust and my soul elsewhere. If the only thing I am known for, like this stonemason, is loving you, then I will accept that with readiness. My life will be complete.”
March 23, 2025
What a really sweet friends to lovers story! In the beginning, this one raised so many questions. How did he not admit his feelings for her for yeeeaars?! Why did she not approach him earlier?! We knew it, their friends and family knew it, how did these two dunderheads not know it?! As the story progresses, we learn the reasons and become their biggest fans.
Evelyn and Charles's story is a beautiful illustration of how deep friendship can blossom into romance. There are no dramatic twists, just a satisfying realization of love that brings everything together. Despite the low angst, the emotional stakes remained high, and kept me fully invested. Their chemistry grew with each honest conversation, making them both rethink their relationship and start to wonder what if? The growing tension between them was thrilling yet comforting, creating a perfect blend of emotions. The balance of charm, warmth, and authenticity in their story makes it easy for me to recommend this.
There are multiple open door scenes that are both explicit and sweet.
This is a wonderful addition to the Later in Life series featuring older mains that reminds us that it's never too late to find love.
I was honored to receive an early copy from the author (thank you!) All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Evelyn and Charles's story is a beautiful illustration of how deep friendship can blossom into romance. There are no dramatic twists, just a satisfying realization of love that brings everything together. Despite the low angst, the emotional stakes remained high, and kept me fully invested. Their chemistry grew with each honest conversation, making them both rethink their relationship and start to wonder what if? The growing tension between them was thrilling yet comforting, creating a perfect blend of emotions. The balance of charm, warmth, and authenticity in their story makes it easy for me to recommend this.
There are multiple open door scenes that are both explicit and sweet.
This is a wonderful addition to the Later in Life series featuring older mains that reminds us that it's never too late to find love.
I was honored to receive an early copy from the author (thank you!) All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 6, 2025
Romantic
Tropes: friends to lovers
Steam level: 2-3
4.25 stars. Loved that both MC's are older (late 30's) and have wonderful chemistry. Dialog and characterization are excellent, elevating the usual tropes.
Tropes: friends to lovers
Steam level: 2-3
4.25 stars. Loved that both MC's are older (late 30's) and have wonderful chemistry. Dialog and characterization are excellent, elevating the usual tropes.
March 4, 2025
I love friends to lovers and reformed rake tropes and this book delivered. I enjoyed being able to see both Charles and Evelyn's POV to understand their pasts and how they got to their HEA. The secondary characters helped to move the story along. The ending was sweet going back to the lovers arch where they first saw each other as a couple. I can't wait to see how the lovers arch helps with other couples.
March 31, 2025
Terri Mackenzie is a new author for me. This is only my 6th book by her. She was recommended from one of steamy FB groups. I really loved her Finders Keepers series. I was glad to see this new series out and with a few authors I read.
I really liked Evelyn and Charles. I hate that they took so long but glad they were best friends all those years. That is unusual for the "ton". Overall great read and loving this series.
I really liked Evelyn and Charles. I hate that they took so long but glad they were best friends all those years. That is unusual for the "ton". Overall great read and loving this series.
May 28, 2025
Charles is a rake, closing in on 40 and engaged (transactionally) to a boring woman half his age. But then his age-appropriate BFF Evelyn (a silver fox spinster) proposes a friends-with-benefits situation before he ties the knot so she can gain some sexual experience….and lo, his long-repressed more-than-friendly feelings for her resurface.
Give me 14 more! Friends-to-lovers doesn’t always hit for me, but this was an absolute delight and so romantic.
Give me 14 more! Friends-to-lovers doesn’t always hit for me, but this was an absolute delight and so romantic.
May 19, 2025
Friends to lovers: quick and easy read
4.5/5 I enjoyed this unrequited love and friendship to lovers novella. It was a quick read featuring long time best friends that are in their late 30s. With Charles finally marrying in a society match, Evie realizes that if she ever wants to experience what it’s like to be intimate with a man-it’s now or never.
It’s a shorter story but I felt for Evie. She’s never been outgoing and has always been seen as different but her friendship with Charles has always fulfilled her and been enough. Charles has lived up his bachelor days, and his friendship with Evie has been the only thing he’s ever taken seriously. He’s oblivious to his feelings for Evie though and when she proposes bedroom lessons - it’s the wake up call he needed.
I liked that there was some resistance from Charles and that Evie was persistent, it created tension before he relented. All of their family was supportive which made it an easy read where it was only themselves they had to overcome.
A great read if you’re looking for something quick, written well, and some heat. The Spinster’s Seduction is part of the multi author series The Lover’s Arch: Later in Life. It can be read as a standalone.
There are two open door encounters.
4.5/5 I enjoyed this unrequited love and friendship to lovers novella. It was a quick read featuring long time best friends that are in their late 30s. With Charles finally marrying in a society match, Evie realizes that if she ever wants to experience what it’s like to be intimate with a man-it’s now or never.
It’s a shorter story but I felt for Evie. She’s never been outgoing and has always been seen as different but her friendship with Charles has always fulfilled her and been enough. Charles has lived up his bachelor days, and his friendship with Evie has been the only thing he’s ever taken seriously. He’s oblivious to his feelings for Evie though and when she proposes bedroom lessons - it’s the wake up call he needed.
I liked that there was some resistance from Charles and that Evie was persistent, it created tension before he relented. All of their family was supportive which made it an easy read where it was only themselves they had to overcome.
A great read if you’re looking for something quick, written well, and some heat. The Spinster’s Seduction is part of the multi author series The Lover’s Arch: Later in Life. It can be read as a standalone.
There are two open door encounters.
December 19, 2025
Ohh, such a great reading 📚!!!
I will appropriate myself of the author's words, I will however disagree with the first part, eheh! Because this is one of my absolute favourite tropes: "Friends to lovers isn't usually my preferred trope, but I adored the way Charles and Evelyn were with each other."
I absolutely love the way the couple interacted, the years left apart, the hardened rake, the grey hair, and also the level of steam between the both.
Once again the Lover's Arch delivered another good story!
The Earl's Gamble by Stevie Sparks (Rags to Riches, Dominant Heroine)
The Devil's Bargain by Mihwa Lee (Enemies to Lovers Forced Marriage)
The Countess's Awakening by Lavinia Glen (Interracial Romance Class Differences)
The Spinster's Seduction by Terri Mackenzie (Friends to Lovers Bedroom Lessons)
The Viscount's Second Chance by Kelsey Swanson (Second Chance Childhood Friends)
-------------
Note to my future self: You can absolutely reread it! Trust me! 🥰🥰🥰
I will appropriate myself of the author's words, I will however disagree with the first part, eheh! Because this is one of my absolute favourite tropes: "Friends to lovers isn't usually my preferred trope, but I adored the way Charles and Evelyn were with each other."
I absolutely love the way the couple interacted, the years left apart, the hardened rake, the grey hair, and also the level of steam between the both.
Once again the Lover's Arch delivered another good story!
The Earl's Gamble by Stevie Sparks (Rags to Riches, Dominant Heroine)
The Devil's Bargain by Mihwa Lee (Enemies to Lovers Forced Marriage)
The Countess's Awakening by Lavinia Glen (Interracial Romance Class Differences)
The Spinster's Seduction by Terri Mackenzie (Friends to Lovers Bedroom Lessons)
The Viscount's Second Chance by Kelsey Swanson (Second Chance Childhood Friends)
-------------
Note to my future self: You can absolutely reread it! Trust me! 🥰🥰🥰
April 19, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
This is one of those really rare instances where friends to lovers really worked for me. I don’t know how Terri did it but she managed to make a novella a slowburn and I absolutely adore when authors do that because it’s pretty difficult to do but the payoff is huge!
Loved this story, loved Evie and Charles and I need more mature couples in histrom STAT because this was an absolute breath of fresh air and so needed.
Will definitely be picking up this author again
This is one of those really rare instances where friends to lovers really worked for me. I don’t know how Terri did it but she managed to make a novella a slowburn and I absolutely adore when authors do that because it’s pretty difficult to do but the payoff is huge!
Loved this story, loved Evie and Charles and I need more mature couples in histrom STAT because this was an absolute breath of fresh air and so needed.
Will definitely be picking up this author again
March 6, 2025
I love a good friends to lover story and I definitely love a more mature hero and heroine.
This is only my second book by this author and I can say I'm just as blown away with this book as I wad with the other book I read by her.
I was hooked from the beginning to the end of this story.. I definitely can't wait to read more in this series and more from Terri.
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.
This is only my second book by this author and I can say I'm just as blown away with this book as I wad with the other book I read by her.
I was hooked from the beginning to the end of this story.. I definitely can't wait to read more in this series and more from Terri.
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.
March 16, 2025
This was one of my most favourite books I've read so far this year I loved the writing style it flowed so effortlessly. The wit and banter between Everlyn and Charles is hilarious, I love the absolute attraction that just draws them together. The intimacy scenes were super steamy and really well written. I would recommend this book.
April 17, 2025
Best friends for decades, Evie asks Charles to teach her about seduction. As a spinster, she wants the experience with the only man she's ever loved. What does it take for her best friend, a rake, to realize he's in love with Evie? An older couple in their late thirties.*
Descriptive sex.,
Descriptive sex.,
May 16, 2025
4.5 stars
A charming story of long-time friends finally finding their happiness with each other. Loved this!
A charming story of long-time friends finally finding their happiness with each other. Loved this!
March 24, 2025
This Later in Life Romance was a heartwarming and beautifully written friends to lovers' history romance. The story was delightful, emotional, and gave a deliciously refreshing story. I enjoyed the strong bond, the compelling chemistry, and the undeniable feelings for one another. The ending was lovely. I highly recommend reading!
March 16, 2025
ARC review for "The Spinster's Seduction" by Terri Mackenzie, part of the "Lovers Arch" cluster of novellas, focussing on older couples.
The last time I reviewed a novella by Ms Mackenzie, I ranted and raved about how wonderful it was.... I fear I'm going to be repeating myself!
This story was utterly delightful, from the first page I was instantly hooked on the main characters, their history and relationship, and I couldn't wait to see how they progressed to their HEA. And Ms Mackenzie did NOT disappoint. I was joyful and replete by the end of it, and then returned to page one and read it all over again!
Our main characters are 39 year old Charles, heir to a dukedom, privileged and coasting through life from one hedonistic pleasure to the next. He is described as laconic, drawling and selfish. Gambling, drinking, women, shirking his duties to his father's disappointment. The whole shebang. The one honourable constant in his life is his decades long friendship with 37 year old Evelyn, an introvert spinster who is blunt to a fault, and devoted to caring for her elderly father.
I absolutely loved all their interactions. Charles and Evelyn get heaps of page time together, talking about the eponymous "seduction", but also just as old friends who knows each other so well that they can say anything and everything to one another. Charles is about to enter an indifferent arranged marriage with a young debutante, and Evelyn decides to seize her chance to have one little piece of pleasure - and a piece of Charles for whom she has a tendre - before he is lost to her forever.
Charles' manner with Evelyn is really interesting - he clearly adores her, uses endearments, touches her casually, calls on her without a chaperone - and yet he has not pursued marriage with her. He has put her on a bit of a pedestal as the one pristine untainted positive in his life, and he greatly fears wrecking their friendship with his base desires.
Until Evelyn bowls him over with her request for bedroom lessons. The lessons are gorgeously and elaborately written. The awkwardness of friends becoming lovers, years long suppressed crushes finally seeing the light of day, and Charles finally getting his act together and realising he should have married Evelyn years ago. It was just delightful.
The steam scenes are utterly sublime. Urgh. Yes. Charles is so wonderful, the way he loves Evelyn and is determined to make the lessons only about her pleasure, but the scenes are interspersed with their charming comfortable banter that you can see them tumbling headlong into the love that has always been there between them. There are 2 full steam scenes, and 1 heavy clinche.
One thing I really appreciated was the way the Other Woman was dealt with. Though she was entering their marriage with convenience only in mind, and Charles was totally disinterested in her, she is not demonised. Her reputation, her future, and her honour are gracefully dealt. I also loved seeing the minor characters contributing to the story - Evelyn's loving gentle father, Charles' fraught relationship with his disappointed parents. His parents are the main couple from Ms MacKenzie's first book "In Search Of A Hero", which I'll be sure to add to my to-read list!
I highly recommend this beautiful, romantic, and delicious novella. 5/5 stars! The book comes out on 24th March, and I believe is available on Kindle Unlimited.
The last time I reviewed a novella by Ms Mackenzie, I ranted and raved about how wonderful it was.... I fear I'm going to be repeating myself!
This story was utterly delightful, from the first page I was instantly hooked on the main characters, their history and relationship, and I couldn't wait to see how they progressed to their HEA. And Ms Mackenzie did NOT disappoint. I was joyful and replete by the end of it, and then returned to page one and read it all over again!
Our main characters are 39 year old Charles, heir to a dukedom, privileged and coasting through life from one hedonistic pleasure to the next. He is described as laconic, drawling and selfish. Gambling, drinking, women, shirking his duties to his father's disappointment. The whole shebang. The one honourable constant in his life is his decades long friendship with 37 year old Evelyn, an introvert spinster who is blunt to a fault, and devoted to caring for her elderly father.
I absolutely loved all their interactions. Charles and Evelyn get heaps of page time together, talking about the eponymous "seduction", but also just as old friends who knows each other so well that they can say anything and everything to one another. Charles is about to enter an indifferent arranged marriage with a young debutante, and Evelyn decides to seize her chance to have one little piece of pleasure - and a piece of Charles for whom she has a tendre - before he is lost to her forever.
Charles' manner with Evelyn is really interesting - he clearly adores her, uses endearments, touches her casually, calls on her without a chaperone - and yet he has not pursued marriage with her. He has put her on a bit of a pedestal as the one pristine untainted positive in his life, and he greatly fears wrecking their friendship with his base desires.
Until Evelyn bowls him over with her request for bedroom lessons. The lessons are gorgeously and elaborately written. The awkwardness of friends becoming lovers, years long suppressed crushes finally seeing the light of day, and Charles finally getting his act together and realising he should have married Evelyn years ago. It was just delightful.
The steam scenes are utterly sublime. Urgh. Yes. Charles is so wonderful, the way he loves Evelyn and is determined to make the lessons only about her pleasure, but the scenes are interspersed with their charming comfortable banter that you can see them tumbling headlong into the love that has always been there between them. There are 2 full steam scenes, and 1 heavy clinche.
One thing I really appreciated was the way the Other Woman was dealt with. Though she was entering their marriage with convenience only in mind, and Charles was totally disinterested in her, she is not demonised. Her reputation, her future, and her honour are gracefully dealt. I also loved seeing the minor characters contributing to the story - Evelyn's loving gentle father, Charles' fraught relationship with his disappointed parents. His parents are the main couple from Ms MacKenzie's first book "In Search Of A Hero", which I'll be sure to add to my to-read list!
I highly recommend this beautiful, romantic, and delicious novella. 5/5 stars! The book comes out on 24th March, and I believe is available on Kindle Unlimited.
March 26, 2025
5 ⭐️
I knew the moment I read the summary for this novella a few weeks ago, I would love it as it contains my all-time favorite trope. And I was not at all disappointed. This novella proved why childhood friends to lovers is such a superior trope and the way these two have such easy report and history was fun to read. This was a beautiful, low-angst love story about two best friends who finally admit their love for each other after years of avoiding that very topic until Charles is pressured to marry and Evelyn requests he seduce her before he’s betrothed- just so she knows what if feels like 😉
Charles & Evelyn
Charles is a fun kind of character because he’s so rakish, irresponsible, but also so clearly dedicated to his bestie, Evie. It was shown on multiple occasions his overarching preference for her and I love how he recognizes his love for her in boyhood but doesn’t recognize that it hasn’t gone away. It’s so d*mn cute and so classic himbo behavior, and he’s so honestly lucky Evie stuck around for him. Which is also what makes her character so perfect for him. Their families are also so sweet and I’m glad both supportive of their love. I was a little worried since the setup is Charles’ parents convincing him to settle down with a bride, but knowing that they were also doing it so he’d come to his senses was perf! I also adored Evie and her relationship with her father, she was such a sweet and loyal protagonist.
This was a perfect novella! It had the right mix of humor and love to create such a stellar romance. Again- this is my personal catnip, and it’s done so very well here I could not have asked for a better version of this story. I really loved how these characters felt fleshed out even in the abbreviated length, and I truly felt like I knew them by the end. This possibly comes from the fact that they’re besties and are their true selves around each other, so we as the reader get to see that through these moments.
I knew the moment I read the summary for this novella a few weeks ago, I would love it as it contains my all-time favorite trope. And I was not at all disappointed. This novella proved why childhood friends to lovers is such a superior trope and the way these two have such easy report and history was fun to read. This was a beautiful, low-angst love story about two best friends who finally admit their love for each other after years of avoiding that very topic until Charles is pressured to marry and Evelyn requests he seduce her before he’s betrothed- just so she knows what if feels like 😉
Charles & Evelyn
Charles is a fun kind of character because he’s so rakish, irresponsible, but also so clearly dedicated to his bestie, Evie. It was shown on multiple occasions his overarching preference for her and I love how he recognizes his love for her in boyhood but doesn’t recognize that it hasn’t gone away. It’s so d*mn cute and so classic himbo behavior, and he’s so honestly lucky Evie stuck around for him. Which is also what makes her character so perfect for him. Their families are also so sweet and I’m glad both supportive of their love. I was a little worried since the setup is Charles’ parents convincing him to settle down with a bride, but knowing that they were also doing it so he’d come to his senses was perf! I also adored Evie and her relationship with her father, she was such a sweet and loyal protagonist.
This was a perfect novella! It had the right mix of humor and love to create such a stellar romance. Again- this is my personal catnip, and it’s done so very well here I could not have asked for a better version of this story. I really loved how these characters felt fleshed out even in the abbreviated length, and I truly felt like I knew them by the end. This possibly comes from the fact that they’re besties and are their true selves around each other, so we as the reader get to see that through these moments.
March 24, 2025
This is a wonderful best friends to lovers novella with two older main characters and it is a fantastic read.
The friendship between Charles and Evelyn began years ago. They are now so comfortable with each other that they can speak their minds about anything without fear of offending the other. Evelyn is thirty seven years old and he is almost forty. Neither have married and have secretly been in love with the other since they were teenagers. Charles has developed a reputation of being a rake and is quite vain. Evelyn has been looking after her elderly father since her mother died just before her first season. She rarely goes out into society and when she does, Charles seeks her out to support her.
Charles is now being encouraged to find a wife. Evelyn knows she will be a spinster but she still wants to know about pleasures in bed and asks Charles to be her tutor. Charles is shocked and thinks it’s a bad idea, he doesn’t want to do anything to risk their friendship. When she tells him she will find someone else to introduce her to bed sport he agrees to her request. An upcoming betrothal for Charles adds a bit of angst to the story but the way it is dealt with is novel and interesting.
There is plenty of steam in this plot but it is really well written. I love the banter between Evelyn and Charles. The secondary characters are wonderful too. There’s a lovely surprise about Charles that is so endearing.
I’m so glad they got there happily ever after and there was a great epilogue to finish their story off.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves reading historical romance.
I received a special copy of this book from the author. I’m voluntarily leaving this review.
The friendship between Charles and Evelyn began years ago. They are now so comfortable with each other that they can speak their minds about anything without fear of offending the other. Evelyn is thirty seven years old and he is almost forty. Neither have married and have secretly been in love with the other since they were teenagers. Charles has developed a reputation of being a rake and is quite vain. Evelyn has been looking after her elderly father since her mother died just before her first season. She rarely goes out into society and when she does, Charles seeks her out to support her.
Charles is now being encouraged to find a wife. Evelyn knows she will be a spinster but she still wants to know about pleasures in bed and asks Charles to be her tutor. Charles is shocked and thinks it’s a bad idea, he doesn’t want to do anything to risk their friendship. When she tells him she will find someone else to introduce her to bed sport he agrees to her request. An upcoming betrothal for Charles adds a bit of angst to the story but the way it is dealt with is novel and interesting.
There is plenty of steam in this plot but it is really well written. I love the banter between Evelyn and Charles. The secondary characters are wonderful too. There’s a lovely surprise about Charles that is so endearing.
I’m so glad they got there happily ever after and there was a great epilogue to finish their story off.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves reading historical romance.
I received a special copy of this book from the author. I’m voluntarily leaving this review.
March 19, 2025
I really enjoyed this „Later in Life", friends-to-lovers romance that was sweet and spicy at the same time. The plot is very well written, moving and has endearing protagonists. Evie is a spinster who is mostly content with her life, and Charles is a rake who wants to change his ways. Their friendship was lovely and natural, and it was beautiful how they finally admitted their love for each other and came together.
Before her best friend Charles Hardinge, the Marquess of Rotherham and son of the Duke of Norfolk, with whom she has been in love for many years, gets engaged to someone else out of duty, spinster Evelyn Davenport wants to experience passion for once in her life and asks Charles to teach her. Charles has enjoyed his rakish, superficial life of debauchery for years, but Evelyn has always been his constant and confidante. So he is hesitant at first, as he too has long harboured secret feelings for Evelyn, but she has never wanted to marry and he does not want to ruin her and jeopardise their lifelong friendship, and ultimately he agrees…
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mature couples in historical romances and stories about lifelong friends who finally admit their true feelings for each other and get their deserved happy ending.
I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.
Before her best friend Charles Hardinge, the Marquess of Rotherham and son of the Duke of Norfolk, with whom she has been in love for many years, gets engaged to someone else out of duty, spinster Evelyn Davenport wants to experience passion for once in her life and asks Charles to teach her. Charles has enjoyed his rakish, superficial life of debauchery for years, but Evelyn has always been his constant and confidante. So he is hesitant at first, as he too has long harboured secret feelings for Evelyn, but she has never wanted to marry and he does not want to ruin her and jeopardise their lifelong friendship, and ultimately he agrees…
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mature couples in historical romances and stories about lifelong friends who finally admit their true feelings for each other and get their deserved happy ending.
I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.
March 27, 2025
Thanks to the author for a copy of this enovella and this is my freely given opinion...
This is a short novella in the Lovers' Arch series, and what can I say. I love all the stories I have read in this series so far because they are more mature couples. They are also connected by a shared legend about an ancient Roman arch that is a legendary monument to a pair of lovers lost in the mists of time. A cute overarching (no pun intended) connection.
In this particular one, the FMC is a mid 30s silver fox virgin spinster, Miss Evelyn Davenport. She has inured herself to her spinster life, except she wishes to experience the pleasures of the flesh. The only person she trusts is her very good friend, Charles, whom she also has secretly loved since childhood. Charles, the Marquess of Rotherham and heir to a dukedom is dilletante rake. But he is coming to the point of his life where he should consider settling down with a bride, and work on continuing his family line. Evelyn wishes to approach him with her proposition before she loses him to his future bride.
I love the childhood friends to lovers theme, with missed cues and misunderstandings, with the two friends having a long road before they open their eyes and learn to appreciate what was there all along and find their happy ending.
4.75 stars out of 5
This is a short novella in the Lovers' Arch series, and what can I say. I love all the stories I have read in this series so far because they are more mature couples. They are also connected by a shared legend about an ancient Roman arch that is a legendary monument to a pair of lovers lost in the mists of time. A cute overarching (no pun intended) connection.
In this particular one, the FMC is a mid 30s silver fox virgin spinster, Miss Evelyn Davenport. She has inured herself to her spinster life, except she wishes to experience the pleasures of the flesh. The only person she trusts is her very good friend, Charles, whom she also has secretly loved since childhood. Charles, the Marquess of Rotherham and heir to a dukedom is dilletante rake. But he is coming to the point of his life where he should consider settling down with a bride, and work on continuing his family line. Evelyn wishes to approach him with her proposition before she loses him to his future bride.
I love the childhood friends to lovers theme, with missed cues and misunderstandings, with the two friends having a long road before they open their eyes and learn to appreciate what was there all along and find their happy ending.
4.75 stars out of 5
March 9, 2025
Another smash hit from Terri Mackenzie! For me, her writing and characters just get better and better. I loved this story of a skinny, aging (out of his big “prime” years), dissolute rake and his best friend since childhood who is an introverted but blunt spinster. The two seemed so normal and natural. Their chemistry was so evident and lovely, even if the virgin spinster had to plead with the rake to kiss her.
I loved how Charles knew he had a thing for Evelyn once in his youth and just buried it away for 20+ years, but he couldn’t help but be her absolute best friend all that time. She was always the one he tried to care for in a crowd, even when he was aloof and uncaring to everyone else. He didn’t shy away from the rake had been and it was refreshing to see that his youthful passions and vices took their toll on him physically. It was also equally lovely that Evelyn saw that but didn’t care. She loved him for the man he was to her for so many years.
The ending and culmination of the story seemed to flow naturally and believably. I enjoy reading a hero who comes to his senses by logical means and not some pie in the sky outlook.
Give this story a chance. It’s full of friendship, trust, love, and passion.
I loved how Charles knew he had a thing for Evelyn once in his youth and just buried it away for 20+ years, but he couldn’t help but be her absolute best friend all that time. She was always the one he tried to care for in a crowd, even when he was aloof and uncaring to everyone else. He didn’t shy away from the rake had been and it was refreshing to see that his youthful passions and vices took their toll on him physically. It was also equally lovely that Evelyn saw that but didn’t care. She loved him for the man he was to her for so many years.
The ending and culmination of the story seemed to flow naturally and believably. I enjoy reading a hero who comes to his senses by logical means and not some pie in the sky outlook.
Give this story a chance. It’s full of friendship, trust, love, and passion.
March 18, 2025
A swoony and charming best friends to lovers romance
Evelyn & Charles
They grew up on neighbouring estates – he a duke’s heir, she a lady. They both believed the ship had sailed when they each realised they felt more than friendship for the other, and so she, a quiet introvert, meandered through her seasons until she was firmly on the shelf, and he adopted a libertine life of leisure to drown out his aching heart.
Two decades passed, and realising he’s on the verge of marrying for duty, she decides to go after the one thing only he can give her: a passionate affair that won’t ruin her reputation.
Of course he declines – that’s the honourable thing to do – but... he’s just a man, and what man can resist his dearest friend, the only woman who ever stirred him body and soul?
A delightfully lighthearted read with a sprinkling of fairytale magic!
A tender, heartwarming and deliciously steamy romance based on trust and respect. Two soulmates finally taking that leap of faith – not that they know it while it’s happening – and it was so lovely to see their family and friends waiting in the wings to give that extra little nudge when necessary. Everybody saw it coming for years – everybody, except them.
I really enjoyed the smooth flow and simple beauty of this tale!
The perfect little novella for a cosy afternoon read!
Evelyn & Charles
They grew up on neighbouring estates – he a duke’s heir, she a lady. They both believed the ship had sailed when they each realised they felt more than friendship for the other, and so she, a quiet introvert, meandered through her seasons until she was firmly on the shelf, and he adopted a libertine life of leisure to drown out his aching heart.
Two decades passed, and realising he’s on the verge of marrying for duty, she decides to go after the one thing only he can give her: a passionate affair that won’t ruin her reputation.
Of course he declines – that’s the honourable thing to do – but... he’s just a man, and what man can resist his dearest friend, the only woman who ever stirred him body and soul?
A delightfully lighthearted read with a sprinkling of fairytale magic!
A tender, heartwarming and deliciously steamy romance based on trust and respect. Two soulmates finally taking that leap of faith – not that they know it while it’s happening – and it was so lovely to see their family and friends waiting in the wings to give that extra little nudge when necessary. Everybody saw it coming for years – everybody, except them.
I really enjoyed the smooth flow and simple beauty of this tale!
The perfect little novella for a cosy afternoon read!
March 18, 2025
This was my first Terri MacKenzie and I really liked it! It's part of the "Later in Life" series that I've been finding a bit hit or miss. This? It was a hit, for sure.
Evelyn and Charles have been friends for decades. Evelyn has been in love with him since she was 15 and he was 17, but Charles had a lot of wild oats to sow. Now he's 39 and all but engaged to a 20-year-old debutante, and Evie has realized that her last chance to seduce him has arrived.
So: she just straight up asks him. He's all honorable and stuff, even though he's a rake, and he initially says "No," leading to one of my favorite microtropes OF ALL TIME: when the dude is like, "Oh, you think I'm not attracted to you? My boner begs to differ."*
ANYWAY, Charles allows himself to be seduced, only to realize that maybe, just maybe!, he should be proposing to his best friend instead of the woman he's supposed to want.
This is way low angst, sweet but sexy, nicely written, and just what I wanted during a high stress time.
*I lovingly call this the "hips don't lie" trope.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novella.
Evelyn and Charles have been friends for decades. Evelyn has been in love with him since she was 15 and he was 17, but Charles had a lot of wild oats to sow. Now he's 39 and all but engaged to a 20-year-old debutante, and Evie has realized that her last chance to seduce him has arrived.
So: she just straight up asks him. He's all honorable and stuff, even though he's a rake, and he initially says "No," leading to one of my favorite microtropes OF ALL TIME: when the dude is like, "Oh, you think I'm not attracted to you? My boner begs to differ."*
ANYWAY, Charles allows himself to be seduced, only to realize that maybe, just maybe!, he should be proposing to his best friend instead of the woman he's supposed to want.
This is way low angst, sweet but sexy, nicely written, and just what I wanted during a high stress time.
*I lovingly call this the "hips don't lie" trope.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novella.
April 16, 2025
Sometimes you just want a happily ever after without having your heart stomped on first. That is exactly what this book is. This is the sweetest childhood friends to the most passionate lovers story with the fun premise of lessons in seduction. Evie and Charles have been each other’s person for as long as they can remember, secretly in love with one another. Although they have both daydreamed about marrying, certain things have held them back. Yea, it may have taken Charles 20 years to get his woman, but now he’s not f*cking around. (Well, not figuratively at least.)
In the best way possible, I felt like I was going to barf the entire time while reading this book. The romance is so emotionally gripping that my stomach was constantly doing flip-flops. I was so nervous that there would be some angsty conflict that would dilute the love story, but sometimes you don’t need that. I appreciate that Terri Mackenzie recognized the perfect amount of trouble needed to draw the characters together.
In the best way possible, I felt like I was going to barf the entire time while reading this book. The romance is so emotionally gripping that my stomach was constantly doing flip-flops. I was so nervous that there would be some angsty conflict that would dilute the love story, but sometimes you don’t need that. I appreciate that Terri Mackenzie recognized the perfect amount of trouble needed to draw the characters together.
March 24, 2025
The spinster‘s seduction
Basic plot:
Evelyn is 37-years old and a spinster in the eyes of the ton. She doesn‘t mind, but there is one thing she would like to experience: s£x.
So who better to ask than her childhood friend Charles, with whom she has been secretly in love for over 20 years?
My thoughts:
I‘ve said it before, but I just have to say it again: I adore the „Later in life“ series. All books in this series featuring the MMC and FMC in their 30s and 40s are incredibly great.
I couldn‘t put this book down and read it almost in one sitting. The theme of this one around Evelyn and Charles is a friends to lovers story that includes seduction lessons.
the developement of the relationship between the two is so heartwarmingly written, how Evelyn and Charles realize that they have actually loved each other their whole lives.
Because of the winter environment, the snowing and the cold, this was such a cozy read.
Loved it!
Basic plot:
Evelyn is 37-years old and a spinster in the eyes of the ton. She doesn‘t mind, but there is one thing she would like to experience: s£x.
So who better to ask than her childhood friend Charles, with whom she has been secretly in love for over 20 years?
My thoughts:
I‘ve said it before, but I just have to say it again: I adore the „Later in life“ series. All books in this series featuring the MMC and FMC in their 30s and 40s are incredibly great.
I couldn‘t put this book down and read it almost in one sitting. The theme of this one around Evelyn and Charles is a friends to lovers story that includes seduction lessons.
the developement of the relationship between the two is so heartwarmingly written, how Evelyn and Charles realize that they have actually loved each other their whole lives.
Because of the winter environment, the snowing and the cold, this was such a cozy read.
Loved it!
March 31, 2025
Evie & Charles are the perfect example of what friends to lovers can be. A lifetime of devoted friendship hiding desire and affection that had not yet grown to maturity. This is what their relationship needs, the maturity of time. All good things come to those who wait, and their patience was rewarded with an unshakable conviction. Evelyn had always loved sweet Charles, but as men often do, he needed time to grow up. It Amy have taken him longer than necessary, deluded by indolence, but once his eyes were opened he quickly realized why he was so hesitant to marry. That the love of his life was beside him all along, and he could not give that up for the world. I loved that most everyone in their life already knew what these two hid even from themselves. They all waited, hoping they would wake up and see what was right before their eyes all along. A beautiful story of friendship' and the love that blooms with time.
March 29, 2025
This sweet, romantic novella by Terri Mackenzie was so good. She just keeps getting better and better!
I was lucky to get the arc of the later in life novellas collection as you don't often read main characters that are both in their forties or older.
I loved the friends to lovers trope and lessons in seduction to the 37 year old spinster, Evie Davenport. Charles, the Hero is a rake, but he is kind and the happy go lucky friend you can always depend on to make things better.
I loved seeing their best friendship develop into more, even though Charles has always loved Evie.
I loved seeing the relationship Evie has with her father. It was beautiful.
If you love a friends to lovers, older min characters and lessons in seduction, then this is the one for you.
I received an arc via the author and this opinion is my own and review is submitted voluntarily.
I was lucky to get the arc of the later in life novellas collection as you don't often read main characters that are both in their forties or older.
I loved the friends to lovers trope and lessons in seduction to the 37 year old spinster, Evie Davenport. Charles, the Hero is a rake, but he is kind and the happy go lucky friend you can always depend on to make things better.
I loved seeing their best friendship develop into more, even though Charles has always loved Evie.
I loved seeing the relationship Evie has with her father. It was beautiful.
If you love a friends to lovers, older min characters and lessons in seduction, then this is the one for you.
I received an arc via the author and this opinion is my own and review is submitted voluntarily.
March 7, 2025
A new story in this series about “later in life” characters and I love how these authors are featuring older characters in their stories. Older means more mature, more understanding and more sensual freedoms. Terri portrays that in this story to a tee. Evelyn knows she doesn’t want to live life without knowing pleasure so she asks her friend, Charles to help her. Yes, this is the best friend trope which is not normally a trope I gravitate to but in this story it worked. Charles is such a sweetie even though he is described as a rake of the worst kind. I do wish it was shown that he is a rake because we only had his word and I was not convinced he was a rake. The story ends on a super sweet note.
March 18, 2025
How I ADORED this novella! Charles is undoubtedly a rake and also not the brightest bulb in the box in my opinion (he’s always loved Evelyn, for pity’s sake, and he never seriously offered for her!), but he’s also sweet and caring and he’s always been the best of friends to her. Evelyn just sort of “drifted on” during her life and she turned thirty-seven without having really lived. I liked that she decided to at least experience something, but maybe she should have been bolder sooner… I found myself quite irritated by both of them! But
the writing is GORGEOUS and emotional and everything I want in a romance. Mackenzie continues to grow as a writer and every book she writes is better than the last!
the writing is GORGEOUS and emotional and everything I want in a romance. Mackenzie continues to grow as a writer and every book she writes is better than the last!
June 12, 2025
Evelyn has been in love with her best friend, Charles, since she was 15 years old but they’ve always remained platonic. Now she’s a 37 year old spinster and Charles is on the verge of becoming formally betrothed to a 20 year old debutante. Evelyn sees an opportunity to finally experience sex and have a chance to be with Charles, however briefly, before he’s out of her reach forever. So, she asks him to have sex with her. Because that won’t complicate anything between them.
I don’t love a friends to lovers trope when they’ve been friends for so long because i think it’s hard for an author to justify why it took them so long to finally give in, romantically. But it does work really well here. Evelyn and Charles wouldn’t have necessarily worked out as a couple when they were younger because he was awfully determined to maintain his dissolute ways.
The evolution of their friendship to more felt so natural and with each conversation and moment of honesty, they each realise that there has always been something between them and it’s finally time to acknowledge it.
This is pretty low angst, but felt deeply emotional as both characters had moments of realisation and vulnerability. I thought the pacing worked well and there was just enough tension to give us a really satisfying resolution.
I don’t love a friends to lovers trope when they’ve been friends for so long because i think it’s hard for an author to justify why it took them so long to finally give in, romantically. But it does work really well here. Evelyn and Charles wouldn’t have necessarily worked out as a couple when they were younger because he was awfully determined to maintain his dissolute ways.
The evolution of their friendship to more felt so natural and with each conversation and moment of honesty, they each realise that there has always been something between them and it’s finally time to acknowledge it.
This is pretty low angst, but felt deeply emotional as both characters had moments of realisation and vulnerability. I thought the pacing worked well and there was just enough tension to give us a really satisfying resolution.
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