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Sisters of Scandal #3
The Love Match
Hampshire, 1818
To her family, Olivia Middleton is a problem of the most vexing sort. With her older two sisters married off, Olivia is now the target of her mother's matrimonial scheming. Shy and somewhat plain, Olivia prefers the thrill of a gothic novel to the hunt for a husband. And as far as her family is concerned, something must be done. But Olivia has no interest in the men paraded before her-except, perhaps, the sought-after bachelor William Cross. But she's not about to inflate his already oversized ego by telling him so.
William has sworn never to wed, but that doesn't mean he can't enjoy women. What he excels at most is flirtation...unless the woman is question is Olivia Middleton. She barely bats an eyelash at his most creative compliments. She laughs at his attempts to flatter her when other ladies would swoon. William is reluctantly intrigued by Olivia, particularly when he discovers the passion simmering beneath her wallflower facade. A passion that should be to his benefit...
Because he's determined to impress her, by fair means or foul...
To her family, Olivia Middleton is a problem of the most vexing sort. With her older two sisters married off, Olivia is now the target of her mother's matrimonial scheming. Shy and somewhat plain, Olivia prefers the thrill of a gothic novel to the hunt for a husband. And as far as her family is concerned, something must be done. But Olivia has no interest in the men paraded before her-except, perhaps, the sought-after bachelor William Cross. But she's not about to inflate his already oversized ego by telling him so.
William has sworn never to wed, but that doesn't mean he can't enjoy women. What he excels at most is flirtation...unless the woman is question is Olivia Middleton. She barely bats an eyelash at his most creative compliments. She laughs at his attempts to flatter her when other ladies would swoon. William is reluctantly intrigued by Olivia, particularly when he discovers the passion simmering beneath her wallflower facade. A passion that should be to his benefit...
Because he's determined to impress her, by fair means or foul...
95 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 13, 2014
35 people are currently reading
325 people want to read
About the author
Lily Maxton
18 books158 followersLily Maxton grew up in the Midwest, reading, writing, and daydreaming amidst cornfields. After graduating with a degree in English, she decided to put her natural inclinations to good use and embark on a career as a writer.
When she’s not working on a new story, she likes to tour old houses, add to her tea stash, and think of reasons to avoid housework.
When she’s not working on a new story, she likes to tour old houses, add to her tea stash, and think of reasons to avoid housework.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
July 17, 2019
A novella, 95 pages short, so again not much depth to the story, but this was my least favourite of the first 3 as the romance felt rushed, lust based, but more importantly lacked romance and charm.
USD 0.99 Kindle Amazon
“I don’t find you…” she trailed off helplessly.
“Don’t say it,” he said. “I can tell you’re thoroughly unimpressed.”
“Perhaps you’re trying too hard,” she said.
He shot her a sour look. “Other women like my company. You may not believe this, but they actually seek me out.”
“That could be the problem,” she mused. “You’re too certain of your reception.”
USD 0.99 Kindle Amazon
“I don’t find you…” she trailed off helplessly.
“Don’t say it,” he said. “I can tell you’re thoroughly unimpressed.”
“Perhaps you’re trying too hard,” she said.
He shot her a sour look. “Other women like my company. You may not believe this, but they actually seek me out.”
“That could be the problem,” she mused. “You’re too certain of your reception.”
September 30, 2022
4.5 stars Loved it!!
The Sisters of Scandal Series. Read Books 1-3 of the Sisters of Scandal series in one night and liked each one more than the next (after reading this one and the last, had to go back and bring down the rating of the first one to a 3.5). Note that they don't have to be read in order, though I would recommend it, since it goes sister by sister and the three sisters appear in all three books. This novella was made up of some of my favorite romance elements and I SO wish it had been a full novel!!! :-( Haven't been interested in reading Book 4 and I'm sticking to that for now, but read Book 5, The Improper Bride , as an ARC and absolutely ADORED it (and luckily, that one is a full novel, so are able to enjoy the story for that much longer!).
To pass the time, she turned to the mantel and examined the figurines placed there. The one nearest was a porcelain cow. Rather ugly, she thought, as she lifted it and turned it over in her hands.Setting. 1818, Hampshire, England.
“Searching for ghosts?”
She jumped, and the cow flew out of her hand.
Mr. Cross deftly caught it in midair and set it back on the mantel where it would be safe from her. “Still skittish, I see.”
The Sisters of Scandal Series. Read Books 1-3 of the Sisters of Scandal series in one night and liked each one more than the next (after reading this one and the last, had to go back and bring down the rating of the first one to a 3.5). Note that they don't have to be read in order, though I would recommend it, since it goes sister by sister and the three sisters appear in all three books. This novella was made up of some of my favorite romance elements and I SO wish it had been a full novel!!! :-( Haven't been interested in reading Book 4 and I'm sticking to that for now, but read Book 5, The Improper Bride , as an ARC and absolutely ADORED it (and luckily, that one is a full novel, so are able to enjoy the story for that much longer!).
1. The Affair [3.5 stars] — Elizabeth, Lady Thornhill (beautiful widowed eldest sister) and Cale Cameron (bookseller and publisher)Miss Olivia Middleton, Our Heroine. I adored Olivia. She's a complete book nerd and basically your typical quiet, shy, wallflower-type HR heroine. Now that her two older sisters are married off, she's the sole focus of her mother's marital schemings and aspirations (unfortunately for her). Her Mom is definitely annoying, but makes for some funny scenes, and I also appreciated how over the course of the novella, we see her own will strengthening against that of her mother's. Wallflower heroines don't mean they're pushovers, and though Olivia is definitely cowed by her mother at the beginning, it was nice to see her start to stand-up for herself and you really see her sticking to her guns at the end, which was a very difficult situation, especially given the times. I also loved Olivia's social awkwardness and it also results in some laughable moments, when she says something that's not completely true just to make conversation and fill in the space, and then it comes back to bite her later on.
2. The Wager [4 stars] — Anne Middleton (outspoken middle sister) and Michael Grey, new Earl of Thornhill (ex-traveler, now seemingly stuffy)
3. The Love Match [4.5 stars] — Olivia Middleton (shy bibliophile youngest sister) and William Cross (ladies' man and secret writer/poet)
4. The Mistake — haven't read
5. The Improper Bride [5+ stars] — Cassandra Davis (widowed housekeeper) and Henry Eldridge, Marquess of Riverton (really not a nice guy)
... she hadn’t known what to say, and, sometimes when she didn’t know what to say, she said anything she could think of just so people would stop staring at her in expectation of an answer. Even if what she said was untruthful.Mr. William Cross, Our Hero. William was a fantastic hero and SUCH a great match for Olivia. Initially, we think he's a total flirt and ladies' man—which actually, let's be honest, he kind of is. But while his smooth way with words and suave techniques work on most all other women, he quickly finds out that's not the case with Olivia, and it's so cute to see how thrown off balance by that he is; he's almost stumped on how to interact with her. We also discover that there is way more to him than meets the eye, and this facade he puts on of being a charming rake actually hides a quick and creative mind.
She didn’t like people staring at her. She would much rather fade into the background.
Mr. Cross was silent. He leaned back in his chair, one leg stretched out. “It’s so easy with everyone else,” he muttered, sounding bemused. “With you, I keep saying the wrong things.”Other Lovely Things. The exchanges and dialogue between them are lovely; sometimes very funny and had me laughing out loud, other times very sweet and tender and completely sigh-worthy. The connection and chemistry between them was very good; Maxton really wrote a winning pair here, who fit and complement each other very, very well.
“I’m sorry,” she said, uncertain of how to respond.
He laughed. “Don’t apologize.”
“You have ink on your cheek,” he noted softly.Olivia is supposed to be rather plain and she's shy, so I'm glad that Maxton followed the logic of that and didn't have William fall in love (or in lust) with her right off the bat—it would have seemed very disingenuous. Instead, they have a couple exchanges that throw her off kilter because she finds herself enjoying them, and throw him for a loop because they're different than any of his interactions with other women, and she's different than other women as well.
She glanced at his dirty hands. “That’s your fault. I hope it washes off.”
“It should.” He stared at her as though trying to puzzle her out. “When I was first introduced to you last Season, I thought you were the picture of the wilting wallflower. But you’re not, are you?”
“I thought I was,” she said, nearly as puzzled as he was.
“But not with me?”
“Not with you,” she agreed.
“Probably because I’m so unimpressive.”
“Most likely,” she said.
And after a heartbeat, they smiled at the same time.
“Wait.” He held up his hand, halting her. They turned to face each other, and one of the horses snorted at the abrupt movement. “Why shouldn’t I desire you?”
“You’re, well…you. And I’m me. No one would expect you to look twice at me.”
“That’s the most foolish thing I’ve ever heard,” he said bluntly. “You don’t give yourself nearly enough credit.”
She tilted her head back to peer up at him from under the brim of her riding hat. “I know that being quiet and bookish doesn’t exactly make one sought after.”
“Being sought after and being desirable aren’t the same thing. Some people don’t know what to look for,” he said.
He was so vehement that her head jerked back slightly. Her eyes traced the sullen set of his jaw. “What do you see when you look at me?” she asked.
He opened his mouth. Hesitated. Then his lips curved in a wry smile. “I see an intelligent, passionate woman who’s too used to hiding what she really thinks. Although, with a mother like yours, I can’t say that I blame you.”
“Is that sincere? Or is it like your gray to silver?”
“It’s sincere.”
And she believed him. She didn’t know why, but she believed him.
February 24, 2016
Cute story, these novellas by Lily Maxton really are too short for me to feel connected in any ways but they are just cute little stories. I went through this book in 20 minutes. lol
In this book we have a shy heroine Olivia, and a "I will not get married" hero William. Both are rather typical characters. Olivia was shy and liked book. William was popular with the ladies and was not crazy about getting leg-shackled in the holy matrimony but did not mind a tupping with our bookish shy Olivia. But they got caught and after much deliberation William decided to offer for Olivia "to do the right thing". They professed love and lived happily ever after. The end.
Among all 3 sisters I liked Anne and also her story with Michael best. Then it is Elizabeth and Cale. Olivia and William come in last. I think Lily Maxton writes in a very approachable way. Her stories almost read themselves. I am not certain I would read full-length novels from her. I don't know whether the style could hold my interest for that long.
In this book we have a shy heroine Olivia, and a "I will not get married" hero William. Both are rather typical characters. Olivia was shy and liked book. William was popular with the ladies and was not crazy about getting leg-shackled in the holy matrimony but did not mind a tupping with our bookish shy Olivia. But they got caught and after much deliberation William decided to offer for Olivia "to do the right thing". They professed love and lived happily ever after. The end.
Among all 3 sisters I liked Anne and also her story with Michael best. Then it is Elizabeth and Cale. Olivia and William come in last. I think Lily Maxton writes in a very approachable way. Her stories almost read themselves. I am not certain I would read full-length novels from her. I don't know whether the style could hold my interest for that long.
April 22, 2018
Lovely little story.
November 26, 2019
A splendid novella tracing the romancing between Miss Olivia Middleton and the rather dashing Mr. William Cross. Olivia is the youngest unmarried daughter her mother is determined to marry off, preferably to a Baron or beyond. The problem is Olivia would prefer to read than ride horses or flirt (not that she was any good at either of the latter!)
Still Olivia and William's paths and interests do collide, most frequently when they shouldn't. When they are discovered after a compromising situation (as Olivia points out) to William's shock, and her parents, Olivia refuses to marry him.
A charming love story that works its way to a satisfying end, much to the chagrin of the spiteful Lady Sarah.
An Entangled Scandalous ARC via NetGalley
Still Olivia and William's paths and interests do collide, most frequently when they shouldn't. When they are discovered after a compromising situation (as Olivia points out) to William's shock, and her parents, Olivia refuses to marry him.
A charming love story that works its way to a satisfying end, much to the chagrin of the spiteful Lady Sarah.
An Entangled Scandalous ARC via NetGalley
September 28, 2014
2.5 stars
Arc Provided by Entangled Publishing through Netgalley
Release Date: October 13
First of all, let me start by saying that I am following the infamous Goodreads classification in which a two star rating is an okay read.
And by okay read,_ in this one_ I mean that I liked reading it. So why not a three star rating?
Because this was just too short!!! (yes, I know this is a novella o_O but even so, a little more development in quite a number of fronts would just do this tale justice!)
Will I be re-reading it?
Probably not, but this had some good moments that I enjoyed, and being greedy as I am, I couldn't help lamenting the fact of not having more pages to read. ( It appears I don't quite grasp the concept of novellas, lol)
“You deflect attention from yourself. You, sir, are a deflector.”
“I’m not familiar with the term,” he said smoothly.
“I don’t think we’re very different at all. You simply hide yourself in plain view. You ooze charm and—”
“I sound like an infected wound,” he remarked.
This is the story of a bluestocking and of a wanna be rake.
Apparently they wouldn't have anything in common, but matters of the heart are what they are _I could really use a little more development in this part, because it was all too quickly done _ and pretty soon, the two of them find themselves entangled, and in the middle of a scandal.
Despite the fact of this being the third in a series, I had no problem in picking up where it started.
Bottom Line, I liked the writing and the characters, but of course I would have preferred it if the plot had a little more....well, plot!
In which case this wouldn't be a novella, but a full length novel ;)
Arc Provided by Entangled Publishing through Netgalley
Release Date: October 13
First of all, let me start by saying that I am following the infamous Goodreads classification in which a two star rating is an okay read.
And by okay read,_ in this one_ I mean that I liked reading it. So why not a three star rating?
Because this was just too short!!! (yes, I know this is a novella o_O but even so, a little more development in quite a number of fronts would just do this tale justice!)
Will I be re-reading it?
Probably not, but this had some good moments that I enjoyed, and being greedy as I am, I couldn't help lamenting the fact of not having more pages to read. ( It appears I don't quite grasp the concept of novellas, lol)
“You deflect attention from yourself. You, sir, are a deflector.”
“I’m not familiar with the term,” he said smoothly.
“I don’t think we’re very different at all. You simply hide yourself in plain view. You ooze charm and—”
“I sound like an infected wound,” he remarked.
This is the story of a bluestocking and of a wanna be rake.
Apparently they wouldn't have anything in common, but matters of the heart are what they are _I could really use a little more development in this part, because it was all too quickly done _ and pretty soon, the two of them find themselves entangled, and in the middle of a scandal.
Despite the fact of this being the third in a series, I had no problem in picking up where it started.
Bottom Line, I liked the writing and the characters, but of course I would have preferred it if the plot had a little more....well, plot!
In which case this wouldn't be a novella, but a full length novel ;)
April 10, 2017
3.5 stars!
OMG THE LOVE MATCH FEATURED A MAIN COUPLE WHO BOND OVER THEIR SHARED LOVE OF BOOKS, LIBRARY SEXY TIMES GALORE AND ENDED WITH WILLIAM WRITING AND DEDICATING AN ENTIRE BOOK OF POETRY TO OLIVIA.
...clearly I cannot get through a review of a Lily Maxton book without yelling in all caps. I blame it on the prose. No, seriously. The way she’s able to weave certain words together that result in the highest emotional effect possible...it’s just incredible. And I’m probably overblowing my reading experience as Anne and Michael in The Wager still remain the only couple of this series that I can say say with confidence actually fell in love. I only got some of that same certainty from Elizabeth and Cale in The Affair, and little more so from Olivia and William here, which is no surprise really because that disbelief almost always happens when dealing with a novella. Still. As long as Lily Maxton keeps churning out lines like the ones I couldn’t help but share below, I’ll keep right on devouring her stories like the brain candy they are.
OMG THE LOVE MATCH FEATURED A MAIN COUPLE WHO BOND OVER THEIR SHARED LOVE OF BOOKS, LIBRARY SEXY TIMES GALORE AND ENDED WITH WILLIAM WRITING AND DEDICATING AN ENTIRE BOOK OF POETRY TO OLIVIA.
...clearly I cannot get through a review of a Lily Maxton book without yelling in all caps. I blame it on the prose. No, seriously. The way she’s able to weave certain words together that result in the highest emotional effect possible...it’s just incredible. And I’m probably overblowing my reading experience as Anne and Michael in The Wager still remain the only couple of this series that I can say say with confidence actually fell in love. I only got some of that same certainty from Elizabeth and Cale in The Affair, and little more so from Olivia and William here, which is no surprise really because that disbelief almost always happens when dealing with a novella. Still. As long as Lily Maxton keeps churning out lines like the ones I couldn’t help but share below, I’ll keep right on devouring her stories like the brain candy they are.
“I love you, William,” she said, as simply and naturally as breathing, because that was exactly how loving him had come to her. “You have all of me. Don’t ask me to accept anything less than all of you.”
“You’re not like my mother. I’m not like her. And I’m not like my father, either. I’m not giving my heart and soul to someone who won’t keep them safe. I’m giving them to you.” The ghost of a smile flitted across his face. “Already given,” he corrected. “I’m yours. All of me.”
January 16, 2021
Very short novella that was very entertaining and enjoyable.
Want to read
February 7, 20192/6/19 Lily Maxton's books are currently on sale for 99c via Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
December 3, 2018
3.5 "not bad" stars
October 3, 2014
The Love Match is a short, historical romance novella. Olivia Middleton is the youngest (and shyest) of three sisters and her mother despairs of her ever marrying. At a house party, while her mother schemes to get Olivia noticed by the lord of the manor, Olivia’s eye is caught by Mr. William Cross (definitely not what her mother had in mind). William is intrigued by Olivia’s quiet and shy ways, especially when she’s anything but shy in his presence. As these two get to know one another at the house party, feelings start to grow, and when a scheming party guest compromises them, they’re forced to label their relationship. William has never wanted to marry and Olivia vows to only marry for love. How’s this reluctant groom-to-be to woo his reluctant bride?
This was a quick, cute read. The novella format hampered the romance development for me in this one, as I found that William and Olivia developed strong feelings and moved their relationship much more quickly that I would have thought would have been in character. I also thought that the main conflict was wrapped up rather quickly, and I was left distrusting the hero’s motivations.
Ultimately, this was a very fast-paced read, and I think the pacing came at the expense of character development and a more natural development of a romantic relationship. I think I would have enjoyed this one if it had been at least a hundred pages longer. The short length of The Love Match did not work for me in this one and I felt that the novella was hurried.
*Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
This was a quick, cute read. The novella format hampered the romance development for me in this one, as I found that William and Olivia developed strong feelings and moved their relationship much more quickly that I would have thought would have been in character. I also thought that the main conflict was wrapped up rather quickly, and I was left distrusting the hero’s motivations.
Ultimately, this was a very fast-paced read, and I think the pacing came at the expense of character development and a more natural development of a romantic relationship. I think I would have enjoyed this one if it had been at least a hundred pages longer. The short length of The Love Match did not work for me in this one and I felt that the novella was hurried.
*Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
October 11, 2014
Olivia Middleton is the happiest crawled up with a good book (I love her already), but she is the last unmarried daughter of her family & her scheming mom wants to go to house party STALK her next prey aka son-in-law. Mr. William cross is there with his glorious hair, dazzling eyes & he is a walking heart breaker, at least that is what Olivia heard. William has never meet a female he couldn't charm or compliment until Olivia enters into his life, but she charms him with her terrible lying when she uncomfortable, which is 24/7 it seems. Everyone knows that a house party causes all kinds of scandals with nasty jealous ladies, knee melting accidental caresses, a skittish horse, scheming mamas, library hunting in unmentionables, gothic ghost stories, tangling of limbs, yelling fathers & the biggest scandal yet for the Middleton sisters. Can Olivia marry without love? Will William gives his heart a chance to be broken? Does Mama Middleton get her new titled son-in-law or does her shy wallflower TAKE the man she wants?
I have absolutely loved this Sisters of Scandal series & I have to give Entangled Publishing props for this AMAZING book cover that had LOLA, my recently named inner HO, doing her HAPPY DANCE! The hilariousness of this romance was epic & yes my peeps, my furry reading was giving the evil eye when I busted out laughing! Olivia is a girl after my own heart, she loves books because they take her for an adventure! It's like she is a skinny, prettier & younger me & I am kinda great, but slightly older, bigger & wilted! She maybe shy wallflower, but when she warms up, WATCH OUT! William was a man with a roguish rep, but he just never wanted his heart to get bruised & battered like his dad's. William was the 1st man to truly see Olivia's inner light & it warmed his cold & dark heart. Ms. Maxton didn't make Olivia a push over, but made she fight for want she wanted, ever if she was left old & lonely! Poor William had to not only bare his heart, but his writer's soul & who better to accept a writer's soul than a true book lover. Ms. Maxton also bought all the Middleton sisters back under 1 roof with hubby's in tow & I was delighted to have Elizabeth & Anne shower poor Olivia with sisterly love & nights of giggles! Mama Middleton was such a crazy loon, with totally STALKING her son-in-law as prey! Ms. Maxton gave these 2 many nights of NEKKID delight, but in those stolen moments their hearts truly bonded! This was 1 of my all time favorite series & if I could change 1 thing, Ms. Maxton longer stories PLEASE! Ms. Maxton can spin a Scandal of NAUGHTINESS with the best of them & made me laugh so hard I cried, so she earns my top score of 5 fingers up & 10 toes for her twisted tale of lovers of the written word!
NetGalley ARC given for my honest review.
I have absolutely loved this Sisters of Scandal series & I have to give Entangled Publishing props for this AMAZING book cover that had LOLA, my recently named inner HO, doing her HAPPY DANCE! The hilariousness of this romance was epic & yes my peeps, my furry reading was giving the evil eye when I busted out laughing! Olivia is a girl after my own heart, she loves books because they take her for an adventure! It's like she is a skinny, prettier & younger me & I am kinda great, but slightly older, bigger & wilted! She maybe shy wallflower, but when she warms up, WATCH OUT! William was a man with a roguish rep, but he just never wanted his heart to get bruised & battered like his dad's. William was the 1st man to truly see Olivia's inner light & it warmed his cold & dark heart. Ms. Maxton didn't make Olivia a push over, but made she fight for want she wanted, ever if she was left old & lonely! Poor William had to not only bare his heart, but his writer's soul & who better to accept a writer's soul than a true book lover. Ms. Maxton also bought all the Middleton sisters back under 1 roof with hubby's in tow & I was delighted to have Elizabeth & Anne shower poor Olivia with sisterly love & nights of giggles! Mama Middleton was such a crazy loon, with totally STALKING her son-in-law as prey! Ms. Maxton gave these 2 many nights of NEKKID delight, but in those stolen moments their hearts truly bonded! This was 1 of my all time favorite series & if I could change 1 thing, Ms. Maxton longer stories PLEASE! Ms. Maxton can spin a Scandal of NAUGHTINESS with the best of them & made me laugh so hard I cried, so she earns my top score of 5 fingers up & 10 toes for her twisted tale of lovers of the written word!
NetGalley ARC given for my honest review.
October 20, 2014
If you have just a couple of hours to immerse yourself in a regency romance, Lily Maxton’s A Love Match is a great choice that just hit the market. This novella is the third one in Maxton’s Sisters of Scandal series, and it features a delightful bookworm named Olivia Middleton who catches the attention of the charming and slightly infuriating William Cross during a country house party. Now that Olivia’s two older sisters are happily married, Olivia is forced to attend the party by her overbearing mother who can’t wait to have an empty nest. Of course, no country house party can happen without some late night trysts during which someone gets caught. The question is, will it result in a marriage between Olivia and the bachelor who states he will only marry for true love?
If you want something short and sweet, I’m quite impressed by Maxton’s ability to create such lovable/chokable/just-say-that-you-love-her already characters. The only negative I have about this book is that I wish there was more of it, which I’m not even sure that is a bad thing to say. I felt like I was finally getting to know the main characters and be fully drawn into the story and all of a sudden–poof! I’ve reached the last page. As a quick reader, I zipped through this story in under an hour. Olivia is an atypical heroine who isn’t dying to get married, and for that alone, I would have loved to have spent more time with her. It’s nice, too, to have the classic beauty in the story snubbed in favor for someone whose beauty isn’t quite as obvious.
Entangled Publishing gave me this book in exchange for an honest review. You can pick up your copy of it for just $.99 from their site as well as copies of the first two novellas in the series! Dude, three stories for $3 is a steal! You can afford to purchase them and your pumpkin spice latte without feeling too indulgent. :)
If you enjoyed my review, you can find other ones at my blog, Two Cats and a Book!
If you want something short and sweet, I’m quite impressed by Maxton’s ability to create such lovable/chokable/just-say-that-you-love-her already characters. The only negative I have about this book is that I wish there was more of it, which I’m not even sure that is a bad thing to say. I felt like I was finally getting to know the main characters and be fully drawn into the story and all of a sudden–poof! I’ve reached the last page. As a quick reader, I zipped through this story in under an hour. Olivia is an atypical heroine who isn’t dying to get married, and for that alone, I would have loved to have spent more time with her. It’s nice, too, to have the classic beauty in the story snubbed in favor for someone whose beauty isn’t quite as obvious.
Entangled Publishing gave me this book in exchange for an honest review. You can pick up your copy of it for just $.99 from their site as well as copies of the first two novellas in the series! Dude, three stories for $3 is a steal! You can afford to purchase them and your pumpkin spice latte without feeling too indulgent. :)
If you enjoyed my review, you can find other ones at my blog, Two Cats and a Book!
December 28, 2014
Sweet, but not very compelling. The main characters were initially quite engaging. The hero, for example, keeps startling the heroine by walking up behind her unnoticed, and there are some amusing exchanges between them in these scenes. He's interested in her, but not sure why, and she is not susceptible to his practiced flirtatious charm, so there's a naturalness to how things develop at first. However, there's a spiteful rival to Olivia, and Olivia's mother is a tiresome harridan caricature with an ever-twitching forehead vein.
Then things take turn for the stupid. So the first part was fine, and the second part was stuff to skim. The way the resolution was reached also was somewhat abrupt, but the hero's final grand gesture was sweet and well-suited for both characters.
2.5 stars
Then things take turn for the stupid. So the first part was fine, and the second part was stuff to skim. The way the resolution was reached also was somewhat abrupt, but the hero's final grand gesture was sweet and well-suited for both characters.
2.5 stars
February 24, 2016
Although this story is just as good as the ones before, it was not so memorable to me. You get a bookish and socially awkward youngest sister Olivia who is now the target of her mother's ruthless matchmaking schemes. She prefers books to socializing but Lady Middleton is anxious to hook her daughter up to a titled gentleman at a house-party. William Cross is not someone who'd be expected to be intrigued by the brainy beauty but he found himself more and more captivated by her.
So okay, we've been here before - nerdy girl gets the hunky hero. But in this story, the nerdy girl is also looking to score some adventure time (or rather, sexy times) with the hero through clandestine meetings in the host's library in the middle of the night. The hero also doesn't seem to be too guilt-laden to do the deed repeatedly. I just find that these characters are a bit off even from the very beginning.
A slightly above average one compared to the previous 2 books. it is also slightly longer and slightly draggier in terms of drama and conflict. I was a bit disappointed with this one but still, it is not so bad compared to some other stories I've read. So don't dismiss this book just yet. If you still like your histo-rom drama concise and compact, this is still it. Enjoy!
So okay, we've been here before - nerdy girl gets the hunky hero. But in this story, the nerdy girl is also looking to score some adventure time (or rather, sexy times) with the hero through clandestine meetings in the host's library in the middle of the night. The hero also doesn't seem to be too guilt-laden to do the deed repeatedly. I just find that these characters are a bit off even from the very beginning.
A slightly above average one compared to the previous 2 books. it is also slightly longer and slightly draggier in terms of drama and conflict. I was a bit disappointed with this one but still, it is not so bad compared to some other stories I've read. So don't dismiss this book just yet. If you still like your histo-rom drama concise and compact, this is still it. Enjoy!
June 9, 2016
I have the same comments and complaints for The Love Match as I did for Book 2 in the series, The Wager (which was a little bit better than this one). Novellas are not the right format for Lily Maxton stories. She is too good of a story teller to limit her tales to 80ish pages. The characters are interesting and the plots are unique but because they are novellas, there is not enough development in either category and the book ends up being a shadow of a tale than the story it aught to be.
She does a really good job with sexual tension and even better with the actual love scenes. I imagine they would sizzle right off the page if she were to expand them for a full novel. Her books have established a obvious pattern of virgins (or good girls in Lizzy's case) giving into temptation and then selecting the consequences rather than be in a loveless situation, etc, etc and it has begun to grow old. I hope her next book will deviate from this formula because I really like her style and depiction of the times.
She does a really good job with sexual tension and even better with the actual love scenes. I imagine they would sizzle right off the page if she were to expand them for a full novel. Her books have established a obvious pattern of virgins (or good girls in Lizzy's case) giving into temptation and then selecting the consequences rather than be in a loveless situation, etc, etc and it has begun to grow old. I hope her next book will deviate from this formula because I really like her style and depiction of the times.
October 2, 2014
Short stories are not very popular with me. I tend to feel rushed or unfulfilled. Sometimes the character development suffers. This was definitely not the case here. I loved the story! Olivia was charming and William was a great match for here. I thoroughly enjoyed this little gem.
October 28, 2014
Only thought i have is that this was short and sweet. Nothing amazing but read and enjoyed in one sitting. Characters are decent but nothing special.
arc from NetGalley
arc from NetGalley
April 25, 2017
3.5 ★★★★ rounded up to four. Very sweet short story about the misfit sister who finds true love with the man who never intends to marry.
July 16, 2018
Olivia is the third sister in her family. Her elder sisters are happily married to men they love. Her mother wants Olivia to make a good match. Only a title will do.
William is known as a women charmer. He is personable and handsome and he has vowed he will only marry when he finds a love match. In his heart he admits to himself that will never happen.
William is interested in Olivia because she is intelligent, amusing and a really bad liar. Olivia is not interested in William until she finds that he loves to read and he writes.
This is a very quick read. It is sweet and funny. These two people hold the reader's interest by being honest and truthful with one another. In other words they are not following the social rules of the ton.
I enjoyed this very short novella.
William is known as a women charmer. He is personable and handsome and he has vowed he will only marry when he finds a love match. In his heart he admits to himself that will never happen.
William is interested in Olivia because she is intelligent, amusing and a really bad liar. Olivia is not interested in William until she finds that he loves to read and he writes.
This is a very quick read. It is sweet and funny. These two people hold the reader's interest by being honest and truthful with one another. In other words they are not following the social rules of the ton.
I enjoyed this very short novella.
November 3, 2021
Olivia and William develop a beautiful relationship not solely based on their physical chemistry. I enjoyed how much they both loved books and found common threads through that. As this is a novella, things all happen relatively quickly, but I found myself not complaining about the speed at which they fall in love. Their arc is developed enough to have left me feeling satisfied.
I do wish there were more positive female characters in the story though. You have William's mother who abandoned William and his father for a new lover, Olivia's mom who is ATROCIOUS and just cruel, and Lady Sarah the jealous rival. Besides Olivia's sisters (who don't get much page time) there really isn't a positive peer friendship for her.
I do wish there were more positive female characters in the story though. You have William's mother who abandoned William and his father for a new lover, Olivia's mom who is ATROCIOUS and just cruel, and Lady Sarah the jealous rival. Besides Olivia's sisters (who don't get much page time) there really isn't a positive peer friendship for her.
February 18, 2025
This series is quite curious, starting with three novellas and then ending with two full length novels. I read the fifth book first and really liked it so I checked out the others in the series. Sadly, because the first three in the series are short novellas, you can’t really invest in them the way that you can with a novel. Though Maxton’s writing is still good and her characters interesting, there’s still a limit to how you can create fully realized characters and stories. Good, short reads, still.
February 23, 2022
I found this installment to be less appealing than the other two. I liked the set-up with a heroine who isn't impressed with a pretty face, but then it devolved into a no-strings attached affair and they get caught and need to decide what to do.
This story felt more about lust than enduring love and thus I found it less satisfying.
This story felt more about lust than enduring love and thus I found it less satisfying.
August 1, 2017
a pleasant enough read.
(i know it's a novella and to complain that it was just too short would be pointless but still!)
also both H and h love books!! so of course i'm already partial to both of them.
(i know it's a novella and to complain that it was just too short would be pointless but still!)
also both H and h love books!! so of course i'm already partial to both of them.
November 20, 2022
2’5 ⭐️
Entretenida pero nada del otro mundo. No acabé de sentir el desarrollo de la relación, o más bien, no acabé de sentir que conocía bien a los protagonistas.
Aún así, se lee bien y sirve para pasar a gustito una horita y algo con un romance.
Entretenida pero nada del otro mundo. No acabé de sentir el desarrollo de la relación, o más bien, no acabé de sentir que conocía bien a los protagonistas.
Aún así, se lee bien y sirve para pasar a gustito una horita y algo con un romance.
April 23, 2018
Olivia and William. Four to five chapters to resolve their differences. A happy ending. I felt satisfied.
October 16, 2019
I don't like the insta-love (but hey, it's a novella! What do you expect), but other than that, I like it.
December 14, 2019
If you’re gonna steam up a library you better deliver the goods. This was not the way to pace a novella.
June 17, 2025
Not as entertaining as the first two.
September 26, 2014
The Love Match (A Sisters of Scandal Novella) by Lily Maxton
Overview by Amazon:
Hampshire, 1818
To her family, Olivia Middleton is a problem of the most vexing sort. With her eldest two sisters married off, Olivia is now the target of her mother's matrimonial scheming. Shy and somewhat plain, Olivia prefers the thrill of a gothic novel to the hunt for a husband. And as far as her family is concerned, something must be done... But Olivia has no interest in the men paraded before her.
Only the charming and infuriating Mr. William Cross (a rake in the making, and certainly not a suitable husband) holds the slightest fascination for her...
After watching his father die of a broken heart, William has sworn never to wed for a love match. Yet he's intrigued by the bookish Olivia. And though he tried, staying away from her turns out to be impossible. But a scandalous liaison lands them both on the marriage block, William is shocked when Olivia refuses to wed for anything less than love - propriety be damned.
Now William must do the unthinkable... learn to love his reluctant fiancée.
This was a fun book to read on a sunny afternoon. It has a great plot, a house party, young eligible characters and two people who enjoy each other.
Olivia really enjoys Gothic novels. It made me wish I could read one of these novels from this time as they seem like fun (although there is likely nothing scandalous in them). She longs to hide away from society at this house party she has been literally dragged to by her mother. Her mother was a riot – especially since she isn’t my mother. She is obsessed with her youngest daughter capturing a titled man for marriage. Her other two daughters are married, but there is reference to how messy those matches seem to have come about.
William notices quiet Olivia. At first he interacts with her to save her from the bitter Lady Sarah, but as he gets to know her, he come to quite like her. William is a mere mister, but still considered a catch. He famously declared that he would not marry unless it was for love. Well, that declaration spread like wildfire through the ton and instead of chasing off debutantes and their matchmaking mamas, he is now under immense scrutiny. Who will be the one he loses his heart too?
This is a quick read as it is a novella. There was more than enough material to have written a full length novel, but it’s short and things move quickly. William and Olivia share confidences and time together in the library at night. He writes, she reads. However it quickly turns into kisses and then a whole lot more. After one night of kissing, they spend the rest of the time at the house party exploring each other’s bodies, thoughts and wants. They are falling for one another, yet William has not thought past the weeks at the house party.
To get the plot moving, they are found in flagrante by none other than evil Lady Sarah. She delights in their misery. Lots of yelling ensues along with a proposal from William. But Olivia is determined to marry for love or not at all. Her mother is having fits over the whole affair and it was rather humorous to watch her be denied the lofty title she so desired.
William has to face his conscience. What does he want? Does he love Olivia? They both are back in London dealing with the aftermath of the scandal. Olivia is firm on her expectations in life – she is ruined. She has no illusions that love will come to her. But it does and in such a sweet way. William realizes his heart before too long and claims the woman he needs in his life.
For a shorter story, this was a sweet read. The characters were well developed and interesting. I loved the time they spent together at night and it reinforced what a great match they were. The ending was so tender and special. If only all women were as lucky to have a man declare himself as William did.
Reviewed for www.kiltsandswords.com Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
Overview by Amazon:
Hampshire, 1818
To her family, Olivia Middleton is a problem of the most vexing sort. With her eldest two sisters married off, Olivia is now the target of her mother's matrimonial scheming. Shy and somewhat plain, Olivia prefers the thrill of a gothic novel to the hunt for a husband. And as far as her family is concerned, something must be done... But Olivia has no interest in the men paraded before her.
Only the charming and infuriating Mr. William Cross (a rake in the making, and certainly not a suitable husband) holds the slightest fascination for her...
After watching his father die of a broken heart, William has sworn never to wed for a love match. Yet he's intrigued by the bookish Olivia. And though he tried, staying away from her turns out to be impossible. But a scandalous liaison lands them both on the marriage block, William is shocked when Olivia refuses to wed for anything less than love - propriety be damned.
Now William must do the unthinkable... learn to love his reluctant fiancée.
This was a fun book to read on a sunny afternoon. It has a great plot, a house party, young eligible characters and two people who enjoy each other.
Olivia really enjoys Gothic novels. It made me wish I could read one of these novels from this time as they seem like fun (although there is likely nothing scandalous in them). She longs to hide away from society at this house party she has been literally dragged to by her mother. Her mother was a riot – especially since she isn’t my mother. She is obsessed with her youngest daughter capturing a titled man for marriage. Her other two daughters are married, but there is reference to how messy those matches seem to have come about.
William notices quiet Olivia. At first he interacts with her to save her from the bitter Lady Sarah, but as he gets to know her, he come to quite like her. William is a mere mister, but still considered a catch. He famously declared that he would not marry unless it was for love. Well, that declaration spread like wildfire through the ton and instead of chasing off debutantes and their matchmaking mamas, he is now under immense scrutiny. Who will be the one he loses his heart too?
This is a quick read as it is a novella. There was more than enough material to have written a full length novel, but it’s short and things move quickly. William and Olivia share confidences and time together in the library at night. He writes, she reads. However it quickly turns into kisses and then a whole lot more. After one night of kissing, they spend the rest of the time at the house party exploring each other’s bodies, thoughts and wants. They are falling for one another, yet William has not thought past the weeks at the house party.
To get the plot moving, they are found in flagrante by none other than evil Lady Sarah. She delights in their misery. Lots of yelling ensues along with a proposal from William. But Olivia is determined to marry for love or not at all. Her mother is having fits over the whole affair and it was rather humorous to watch her be denied the lofty title she so desired.
William has to face his conscience. What does he want? Does he love Olivia? They both are back in London dealing with the aftermath of the scandal. Olivia is firm on her expectations in life – she is ruined. She has no illusions that love will come to her. But it does and in such a sweet way. William realizes his heart before too long and claims the woman he needs in his life.
For a shorter story, this was a sweet read. The characters were well developed and interesting. I loved the time they spent together at night and it reinforced what a great match they were. The ending was so tender and special. If only all women were as lucky to have a man declare himself as William did.
Reviewed for www.kiltsandswords.com Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
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