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Scandalous Seasons #5
A Marquess for Christmas
Lady Patrina Tidemore gave up on the ridiculous notion of true love after having her heart shattered and her trust destroyed by a black-hearted cad. Used as a pawn in a game of revenge against her brother, Patrina returns to London from a failed elopement with a tattered reputation and little hope for a respectable match. The only peace she finds is in her solitude on the cold winter days at Hyde Park. And even that is yanked from her by two little hellions who just happen to have a devastatingly handsome, but coldly aloof father, the Marquess of Beaufort. Something about the lord stirs the dreams she’d once carried for an honorable gentleman’s love.
Weston Aldridge, the 4th Marquess of Beaufort was deceived and betrayed by his late wife. In her faithlessness, he’s come to view women as self-serving, indulgent creatures. Except, after a series of chance encounters with Patrina, he comes to appreciate how uniquely different she is than all women he’s ever known.
At the Christmastide season, a time of hope and new beginnings, Patrina and Weston, unexpectedly learn true love in one another. However, as Patrina’s scandalous past threatens their future and the happiness of his children, they are both left to determine if love is enough.
Weston Aldridge, the 4th Marquess of Beaufort was deceived and betrayed by his late wife. In her faithlessness, he’s come to view women as self-serving, indulgent creatures. Except, after a series of chance encounters with Patrina, he comes to appreciate how uniquely different she is than all women he’s ever known.
At the Christmastide season, a time of hope and new beginnings, Patrina and Weston, unexpectedly learn true love in one another. However, as Patrina’s scandalous past threatens their future and the happiness of his children, they are both left to determine if love is enough.
137 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 3, 2014
785 people are currently reading
682 people want to read
About the author
Christi Caldwell
136 books2,557 followersUSA TODAY Bestselling author CHRISTI CALDWELL blames Judith McNaught's "Whitney, My Love!" for luring her into the world of historical romance. While sitting in her graduate school apartment at the University of Connecticut, Christi decided to set aside her notes and pick up her laptop to try her hand at romance. She believes the most perfect heroes and heroines have imperfections, and she rather enjoys torturing them before crafting them a well deserved happily ever after!
Christi makes her home in Charlotte, North Carolina where she spends her time writing her own enchanting historical romances, and baking surprisingly good cakes (almost 2 years in lockdown will do that) with her courageous son and twin daughters, each who with their daily antics provides limitless source material.
Christi makes her home in Charlotte, North Carolina where she spends her time writing her own enchanting historical romances, and baking surprisingly good cakes (almost 2 years in lockdown will do that) with her courageous son and twin daughters, each who with their daily antics provides limitless source material.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
December 22, 2024
3.5⭐️ Pretty good! My thanks to Lori for finding this treat. It was the seventh (Lucky 7!) in a string of disappointing Christmas novellas read in December.
Patrina and Weston were fated to fall in love. Her name is unusual and his is uncommonly common in HR or contemporary romance. He’s a widower with kids. She yearns for children. There’s snow. It’s Christmas. Voilà! 🎄⛄️🎄
No, really! It was sweet! 🧑🎄
Quibbles
🌨️ For two people who failed miserably to find love in the past due to impetuous decisions… it was hard to accept their insta-love. Dear Ms Caldwell, it’s not necessary for novellas to be written in real time.
🌨️ CC liberally sprinkled “mayhap” and “nay” throughout the story (and in other books). I suppose it’s for period atmosphere or her signature style, but it pulled me out of the narrative.
Patrina and Weston were fated to fall in love. Her name is unusual and his is uncommonly common in HR or contemporary romance. He’s a widower with kids. She yearns for children. There’s snow. It’s Christmas. Voilà! 🎄⛄️🎄
No, really! It was sweet! 🧑🎄
Quibbles
🌨️ For two people who failed miserably to find love in the past due to impetuous decisions… it was hard to accept their insta-love. Dear Ms Caldwell, it’s not necessary for novellas to be written in real time.
🌨️ CC liberally sprinkled “mayhap” and “nay” throughout the story (and in other books). I suppose it’s for period atmosphere or her signature style, but it pulled me out of the narrative.
December 18, 2024
I loved this story! It's a quick little love story, but it is paced perfectly, no insta-love (which is hard to do in a shorter story) and very likable characters that you cant help but root for.
I loved the first scene of throwing snowballs, the witty realistic arguing back and forth, I loved the little girl and her love for the heroine... I felt the hero was written in a very realistic grumpy way, not over the top at all, but you understood when he was unhappy. It wasn't until I reached the epilogue that I realized it was a clean romance. There was a kiss or two, but the story was so fun, engaging and romantic that I did not even notice that it was going along without any steamy scenes.
I have no idea why I have put off Christi's books for so long. I can't wait to read more!
I loved the first scene of throwing snowballs, the witty realistic arguing back and forth, I loved the little girl and her love for the heroine... I felt the hero was written in a very realistic grumpy way, not over the top at all, but you understood when he was unhappy. It wasn't until I reached the epilogue that I realized it was a clean romance. There was a kiss or two, but the story was so fun, engaging and romantic that I did not even notice that it was going along without any steamy scenes.
I have no idea why I have put off Christi's books for so long. I can't wait to read more!
December 21, 2024
This is definitely one of the better Christmas novellas I've read in recent days – just a quick feel-good story.
Despite their tragic pasts, both main characters are not too broken and very likeable. The Marquess's children are pretty cute, especially the girl and her instant adoration for Patrina, and all the scenes with the little troublemakers are funny. However, the story is short (137 pages according to Amazon), so everything happens very fast again: It takes only six days from Lady Patrina and Weston’s first eventful encounter to his proposal, and then another three or four days for a little drama to happen. Not much time for a love to unfold, but it still happens. A Christmas miracle!
3.5
(Rounded up because it was a highlight among all the bad Christmas novellas.)
Despite their tragic pasts, both main characters are not too broken and very likeable. The Marquess's children are pretty cute, especially the girl and her instant adoration for Patrina, and all the scenes with the little troublemakers are funny. However, the story is short (137 pages according to Amazon), so everything happens very fast again: It takes only six days from Lady Patrina and Weston’s first eventful encounter to his proposal, and then another three or four days for a little drama to happen. Not much time for a love to unfold, but it still happens. A Christmas miracle!
3.5
(Rounded up because it was a highlight among all the bad Christmas novellas.)
October 13, 2018
4/5 stars.
This was adorably sweet. Almost made my teeth hurt, but I was smiling like a goof ball while wincing from the sweetness. Overall a really cute, sweet, heart-warming novella. I was expecting a decent amount of angst from CC, but thankfully this was all sugar dipped in melted candy.
Patrina Tidemore had been at the center of a terrible scandal when she eloped with a base cad to greta green. However he had no intention of marrying her, only of ruining her as a revenge plot against her brother - the Earl of Sinclair. Men, I tell you.
She's living a melancholy, sad life wondering why she can never have the things she always wanted - love and a family to call her own. You know where this is going ladies. Two hellions launch snowballs at her at Hyde Park and she does what any respectable young lady would do, she hurls some back at them. Until their seething, dark and devlishly handsome (duh!) father calls her out and basically yells at her. He's the Marquess of something something, not that it really matters. All you need to know is - hot father what a tortured soul that no longer believes in love. You also better know where we go from here.
She fights back vehementaly and doesn't let him make her feel inferior - that's where our story begins. I loved the children and the interactions all 4 have together. I even loved the romance, it was really sweet and believable. This is a completely clean book so no hanky panky. Sadly.
The last scene is also amazing!!
If you're looking for a sweet, short novella with a fiesty heroine and two adorable hell raising children then look no further.
This was adorably sweet. Almost made my teeth hurt, but I was smiling like a goof ball while wincing from the sweetness. Overall a really cute, sweet, heart-warming novella. I was expecting a decent amount of angst from CC, but thankfully this was all sugar dipped in melted candy.
Patrina Tidemore had been at the center of a terrible scandal when she eloped with a base cad to greta green. However he had no intention of marrying her, only of ruining her as a revenge plot against her brother - the Earl of Sinclair. Men, I tell you.
She's living a melancholy, sad life wondering why she can never have the things she always wanted - love and a family to call her own. You know where this is going ladies. Two hellions launch snowballs at her at Hyde Park and she does what any respectable young lady would do, she hurls some back at them. Until their seething, dark and devlishly handsome (duh!) father calls her out and basically yells at her. He's the Marquess of something something, not that it really matters. All you need to know is - hot father what a tortured soul that no longer believes in love. You also better know where we go from here.
She fights back vehementaly and doesn't let him make her feel inferior - that's where our story begins. I loved the children and the interactions all 4 have together. I even loved the romance, it was really sweet and believable. This is a completely clean book so no hanky panky. Sadly.
The last scene is also amazing!!
If you're looking for a sweet, short novella with a fiesty heroine and two adorable hell raising children then look no further.
July 9, 2015
This is a charming romance by an author who has become a firm favourite of mine. Christi Caldwell always writes stories that are full of emotion and heart with characters that tug at your heartstrings.
Patrina and Weston share a common bond – both gave their love to undeserving people and both are suffering the consequences.
I felt so much sympathy for Patrina. She eloped with a man she thought loved her, only to discover that she had been duped by a heartless schemer hellbent on revenge against her brother, Jonathan. The consequences perfectly highlight the double standards of the ton – the scheming Marshville comes out of it unscathed while poor Patrina becomes a social outcast resigned to spinsterhood. She is full of regret for her foolish action because she realises that she has jeopardised her sisters’ future marital prospects. She had changed from a smiling, carefree woman into a guarded, fractious one.
Living with a wife who had betrayed him in numerous affairs during their 10 years of marriage has left Weston a bitter, angry and heartless man; one with a “steely guard around his heart”. His love for his children, Daniel and Charlotte is never in doubt but, in his desire to protect them from any further hurt, he let them run wild and they had become “reprehensible misbehavers”. The children’s unruly behaviour leads to a rather unconventional and amusing initial meeting with Patrina!
First appearances can often be deceptive. On first meeting Weston, Patrina sees him as insufferable, overbearing and aloof but gradually her opinions start to change – “The somber gentleman she’d come to expect had a lighthearted glint in his eyes”. Weston has vowed to never trust another woman but Patrina with her warmth, courage and kindness to his children threatens to slip past his defenses.
The love that grows between them is sweet and heart-warming. It was lovely to see how Patrina makes Weston happy for the first time in years and restores his jest for life while Weston and the children teach Patrina how to smile again.
Knowing that her scandalous reputation can only hurt them, I admire Patrina’s willingness to put Weston and his children’s happiness before her own. Thank goodness Weston is a hero who is not willing to give up on the woman he loves and his proposal scene is emotional, amusing and romantic.
I came to adore Weston’s children for championing of Patrina and their delightful habit of hiding behind the drapes to eavesdrop.
The curtains rustled yet again, and Amanda angled her head. “What was that?”
Weston schooled his features. “What was what?” After all, if his sister discovered Charlotte and Daniel’s tendency to eavesdrop, he’d not be spared her scathing diatribe on all the ways in which he was failing as a father.
Although Weston’s sister obviously loves her brother and the children, her attitude rankled with me. She so perfectly reflects the high-handedness of Society in her prejudice towards Patrina.
The unwavering love and loyalty of Patrina’s sisters, Penelope, Prudence and Poppy is very touching. I’m rather fond of Poppy, the youngest who seems to have a wise head on such young shoulders. I also like her directness…there’s no beating around the bush with Poppy!
The delightful Epilogue just rounds off everything in a most satisfying way.
My Verdict: Full of warmth, emotion, sadness, laughter and romance, this enchanting novella can be read any time of the year.
REVIEW RATING: 5/5 STARS
Scandalous Seasons series (click on the covers for more details):
This review is also posted on my Rakes and Rascals blog:
https://rakesandrascals.wordpress.com...
Patrina and Weston share a common bond – both gave their love to undeserving people and both are suffering the consequences.
I felt so much sympathy for Patrina. She eloped with a man she thought loved her, only to discover that she had been duped by a heartless schemer hellbent on revenge against her brother, Jonathan. The consequences perfectly highlight the double standards of the ton – the scheming Marshville comes out of it unscathed while poor Patrina becomes a social outcast resigned to spinsterhood. She is full of regret for her foolish action because she realises that she has jeopardised her sisters’ future marital prospects. She had changed from a smiling, carefree woman into a guarded, fractious one.
Living with a wife who had betrayed him in numerous affairs during their 10 years of marriage has left Weston a bitter, angry and heartless man; one with a “steely guard around his heart”. His love for his children, Daniel and Charlotte is never in doubt but, in his desire to protect them from any further hurt, he let them run wild and they had become “reprehensible misbehavers”. The children’s unruly behaviour leads to a rather unconventional and amusing initial meeting with Patrina!
First appearances can often be deceptive. On first meeting Weston, Patrina sees him as insufferable, overbearing and aloof but gradually her opinions start to change – “The somber gentleman she’d come to expect had a lighthearted glint in his eyes”. Weston has vowed to never trust another woman but Patrina with her warmth, courage and kindness to his children threatens to slip past his defenses.
The love that grows between them is sweet and heart-warming. It was lovely to see how Patrina makes Weston happy for the first time in years and restores his jest for life while Weston and the children teach Patrina how to smile again.
Knowing that her scandalous reputation can only hurt them, I admire Patrina’s willingness to put Weston and his children’s happiness before her own. Thank goodness Weston is a hero who is not willing to give up on the woman he loves and his proposal scene is emotional, amusing and romantic.
I came to adore Weston’s children for championing of Patrina and their delightful habit of hiding behind the drapes to eavesdrop.
The curtains rustled yet again, and Amanda angled her head. “What was that?”
Weston schooled his features. “What was what?” After all, if his sister discovered Charlotte and Daniel’s tendency to eavesdrop, he’d not be spared her scathing diatribe on all the ways in which he was failing as a father.
Although Weston’s sister obviously loves her brother and the children, her attitude rankled with me. She so perfectly reflects the high-handedness of Society in her prejudice towards Patrina.
The unwavering love and loyalty of Patrina’s sisters, Penelope, Prudence and Poppy is very touching. I’m rather fond of Poppy, the youngest who seems to have a wise head on such young shoulders. I also like her directness…there’s no beating around the bush with Poppy!
The delightful Epilogue just rounds off everything in a most satisfying way.
My Verdict: Full of warmth, emotion, sadness, laughter and romance, this enchanting novella can be read any time of the year.
REVIEW RATING: 5/5 STARS
Scandalous Seasons series (click on the covers for more details):
This review is also posted on my Rakes and Rascals blog:
https://rakesandrascals.wordpress.com...
February 2, 2017
A Marquess for Christmas 'A Marquess for Christmas' by Christi Caldwell is book Five in the "Scandalous Seasons" series. This is the story of Lady Patrina Tidemore and Weston Aldridge, the 4th Marquess of Beaufort. Patrinia Tidemore was introduced some in the " Always a Rogue, Forever Her Love (Scandalous Seasons Book 4)" where we met her brother Sin (his story) and her sisters. Also to make note to you this is where Patrinia was ruined. This can be a standalone book but I just wanted to let you know that part is in another book. Pratrian's sister stories are in the following books.. Prudence Tidemore story is told in the book, "Captivated by a Lady's Charm (Lords of Honor Book 2)" which I haven't read yet. Penelope Tidemore story is in "The Scoundrel's Honor (Sinful Brides Book 2)" which is out Feb 14th 2017. Poppy Story is not out yet as of this review date of Jan 2017. Patrinia was ruined when she thought she fell in love with a man she met. Only to find out that he was using her to get at her brother Sin. So now she is a scandal about town and stays mostly to herself and family. But on one of her outing she happens to met to young children and their father. This starts a short friendship between Weston and her. But Patrinia knows that it can't last as Weston has a young daughter and the town would not be kind to her if she was to associate with them. But Weston thinks that if they have a marriage of convenience she can provide being a mother to his children and might help her with the town also.
May 31, 2015
It was cute, and I liked getting to know Patrina better. Reading so many Regency books, one after another, made me realise how stupid that Society could be sometimes, with all the believing in a rumor and claiming a young lady is ruined because of it. But then again, if you really think about it, today's society is the same way. Maybe the ruination factors changed, but not how the media will shame any woman for not following a very strict rule book of how to behave.
I liked the children, especially Charlotte. I think the Marquess' sister plotline was a bit forced (and honestly, Christi, must EVERY book you write have a villain???) and as always we have a special license to wed. Here is a challenge: let's make it less about the desperation and more about them falling in love and actually waiting the three weeks to get married. It's fine when it happens in one book or another, but with Christi Caldwell, it is the rule, and there aren't exceptions for it. It would be nice not being able to guess what is going to happen based only on the previous books written by the same author. Ok, we know that this kind of book will end with a wedding, people in love and happily ever afters. But must it always be the same way?
I liked the children, especially Charlotte. I think the Marquess' sister plotline was a bit forced (and honestly, Christi, must EVERY book you write have a villain???) and as always we have a special license to wed. Here is a challenge: let's make it less about the desperation and more about them falling in love and actually waiting the three weeks to get married. It's fine when it happens in one book or another, but with Christi Caldwell, it is the rule, and there aren't exceptions for it. It would be nice not being able to guess what is going to happen based only on the previous books written by the same author. Ok, we know that this kind of book will end with a wedding, people in love and happily ever afters. But must it always be the same way?
October 1, 2015
GET A EDITOR!!
I very rarely say this but Christi Caldwell is truly in need of editor. Her timeline is just ridiculous. The first 5 stories in the Scandalous Season series, which included this one, all take place in the year 1818. So please explain to me how the Heroine of A Marquess for Christmas Lady Patrina Tidemore ages from a 19 year old to a 21 year old in the same year. Also, there is absolutely no romance in the story. Yes it is a Novella but no romance in a Historical Romance story is just strange. The story ends very abruptly. Also, in my opinion I don't like it when the heroine of the story future child with the hero will not and can not be the heir apparent. That is a personal opinion.
The story opens with Patrina sadly reflecting on the mess she has made of her life and the scandal she has caused her family. In book 4 "Always a Rouge, Forever Her Love" Patrina has eloped with Baron Albert Marshville. Albert never intended to marry Patrina he just wanted to use her to ruin her family. She is attacked in a snow ball fight by two little hellion siblings Daniel and Charlotte. They are the children of Weston the Marquess of Beaufort. Weston's wife is dead and she died betraying him with another man. Weston and Patrina meet on several other occasions and eventually realize they like each other. After a few more outings with Weston and his children Weston decides to propose marriage and Patrina except. His sister Viscount Mereweather doesn't think this is a good idea because of Patrina's botched scandalized elopement . They marry anyway END OF STORY!!
Daniel and Charlotte were endearing cute children. Patrina's sisters haven't changed a bit from bk4. The other problems I had with the story is Albert Marshville in bk4 was a Baron in bk5 AMFC he is Sir Albert Marshville and Charlotte starts out being 8 yrs old only to end up being 7, how does this happen. I think Ms. Caldwell need to read her own stories. Its a shame to think readers won't pick up on this. But if you read the reviews I guess she is right. It didn't seem to matter to devoted Fans of Christi Caldwell.
I very rarely say this but Christi Caldwell is truly in need of editor. Her timeline is just ridiculous. The first 5 stories in the Scandalous Season series, which included this one, all take place in the year 1818. So please explain to me how the Heroine of A Marquess for Christmas Lady Patrina Tidemore ages from a 19 year old to a 21 year old in the same year. Also, there is absolutely no romance in the story. Yes it is a Novella but no romance in a Historical Romance story is just strange. The story ends very abruptly. Also, in my opinion I don't like it when the heroine of the story future child with the hero will not and can not be the heir apparent. That is a personal opinion.
The story opens with Patrina sadly reflecting on the mess she has made of her life and the scandal she has caused her family. In book 4 "Always a Rouge, Forever Her Love" Patrina has eloped with Baron Albert Marshville. Albert never intended to marry Patrina he just wanted to use her to ruin her family. She is attacked in a snow ball fight by two little hellion siblings Daniel and Charlotte. They are the children of Weston the Marquess of Beaufort. Weston's wife is dead and she died betraying him with another man. Weston and Patrina meet on several other occasions and eventually realize they like each other. After a few more outings with Weston and his children Weston decides to propose marriage and Patrina except. His sister Viscount Mereweather doesn't think this is a good idea because of Patrina's botched scandalized elopement . They marry anyway END OF STORY!!
Daniel and Charlotte were endearing cute children. Patrina's sisters haven't changed a bit from bk4. The other problems I had with the story is Albert Marshville in bk4 was a Baron in bk5 AMFC he is Sir Albert Marshville and Charlotte starts out being 8 yrs old only to end up being 7, how does this happen. I think Ms. Caldwell need to read her own stories. Its a shame to think readers won't pick up on this. But if you read the reviews I guess she is right. It didn't seem to matter to devoted Fans of Christi Caldwell.
November 12, 2014
A Marquess for Christmas is an absolute must read for anyone who adores Regencies and Christmas.
I stayed up until 12:30 am finishing the book last night, and I get up at 5:00 am. I simply could not put it down. I kept telling myself just one more page, but when a story is as captivating as this, one more page isn't enough!
I adored Patrina and Weston. Ms. Caldwell's ability to weave realistic, loveable characters is a gift. The secondary characters were equally as engaging. I laughed, I cried, and when I read the last page, I sighed with satisfaction.
The story was unique and compelling too.
I can't wait to read Ms. Caldwell's next story!
I stayed up until 12:30 am finishing the book last night, and I get up at 5:00 am. I simply could not put it down. I kept telling myself just one more page, but when a story is as captivating as this, one more page isn't enough!
I adored Patrina and Weston. Ms. Caldwell's ability to weave realistic, loveable characters is a gift. The secondary characters were equally as engaging. I laughed, I cried, and when I read the last page, I sighed with satisfaction.
The story was unique and compelling too.
I can't wait to read Ms. Caldwell's next story!
December 28, 2023
The 15th Christmas Romance. This was a novella set in 1816 in December. The h Patrina(Trina) the eldest of 4 sisters, her eldest sibling Jonathan an Earl who wed a year ago to Julia the girls former governess now expecting their first child. Patrina eloped a year before with Julia's brother who stood her up. He tricked her into marrying him to get back at her brother for a gambling debt. Her reputation was ruined. She didn't have a hope of making a good match now and had been melancholy for a year. She went to Hyde Park to seek solitude away from the pity of her family and the " ton". The Marquess of Beaufort's (Weston) two mischievous children threw snowballs at her and she threw some back. He caught them and he was angry at her (Patrina ) for throwing snowballs at children. She gave her opinion that his children were out of line and exhibited poor behavior. He offered to escort her home. She refused. They meet again when Patrina spotted Charlotte all alone in the shopping district (Bond Street) looking at toys. She escorted her home and Weston invited her for ices and they met in Hyde Park to eat them. This was their first kiss. Things escalated and he asked her to marry him. She said no, then yes and no again. Finally he married her in Hyde Park with her immediate family and his children in attendance. I gave this 4 ⭐ stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2018
2.5-3 stars - Historical Romance
February 11, 2020
2.75 stars rounded up
This is my third novella from Christi Caldwell -- and I admit, I wasn't impressed with the quick timeline of marriage proposal and the "villain" near the end.
I mean, I really, REALLY am NOT a believer that one can love another within DAYS. I am not. No matter how many romance novels I read. Sure, maybe, at times, when the author is able to write certain situation/condition, that pushes the individuals to the extreme, then I can believe in intense feeling.
But this is not the case with A Marquess for Christmas. Patrina and Weston didn't share lots of times together. In fact, I thought the connection is better between Patrina and Weston's daughter. I also thought it was cheating to make Patrina a complete 180 degrees from Weston's deceased wife.
So yeah, I don't believe in their love. NONE what-so-ever. BUT, as a heroine, I kind of like Patrina. I like the way she deals with her life. I like the way she deals with Weston's children. And I wish her happiness.
This is my third novella from Christi Caldwell -- and I admit, I wasn't impressed with the quick timeline of marriage proposal and the "villain" near the end.
I mean, I really, REALLY am NOT a believer that one can love another within DAYS. I am not. No matter how many romance novels I read. Sure, maybe, at times, when the author is able to write certain situation/condition, that pushes the individuals to the extreme, then I can believe in intense feeling.
But this is not the case with A Marquess for Christmas. Patrina and Weston didn't share lots of times together. In fact, I thought the connection is better between Patrina and Weston's daughter. I also thought it was cheating to make Patrina a complete 180 degrees from Weston's deceased wife.
So yeah, I don't believe in their love. NONE what-so-ever. BUT, as a heroine, I kind of like Patrina. I like the way she deals with her life. I like the way she deals with Weston's children. And I wish her happiness.
April 1, 2017
3.5
This book has all the heartwarming ingredients you'll ever want from a huge height difference (she's only 5'3" and he's a good foot taller), snow, snowball fights, two mischievous kids, and close-knit families. I had no idea that this is a novella, so I expected more scenes (ahem.), but the pacing was done right. It was a good ride, and would definitely recommend!
This book has all the heartwarming ingredients you'll ever want from a huge height difference (she's only 5'3" and he's a good foot taller), snow, snowball fights, two mischievous kids, and close-knit families. I had no idea that this is a novella, so I expected more scenes (ahem.), but the pacing was done right. It was a good ride, and would definitely recommend!
November 13, 2014
London, Winter 1818
Lady Patrina Tidemore, age 20, is one of four sisters, Penelope, Prudence, and Poppy. Her life is rather sad because she has been ostracized by the ton. She foolishly agreed to elope with Albert Marshville, brother of her sister-in-law, Juliet. Fortunately, they did not end up getting married and she is still a chaste woman. However, all the ton sees is a ruined young woman. Her escape comes each day as she visits Hyde Park and stares at the Serpentine lost in thought.
Weston Aldridge, the 4th Marquess of Beaufort, age 32, is a widower. He was married to the beautiful Cordelia for 10 years. However, she continued to betray him with other men. After her death, he does not mourn her but is thankful for the two children he has from their marriage. Charlotte and Daniel are normal, fun-loving children.
Today, it is snowing heavily and Patrina is shocked to be the victim of children throwing snowballs at her. But when she decides to join in the fun and throw snowballs back at them, their father, Weston, arrives and he is aghast at her behavior. They argue when Weston accuses Patrina of mistreating his children not realizing that they were actually playing. They finally part on unfriendly terms. However, a chance encounter that finds Patrina rescuing Charlotte, brings them all back together.
As Weston and Patrina get to know one another a little better, theirs is a rather rocky relationship. Patrina is ashamed of her misconduct and Weston is bitter over his late wife. Are two damaged people able to set aside the past and learn to live and trust again?
This is a story that will tug at the reader’s heart strings and is written where you can actually feel their pain. I really loved it and looking forward to more novels from Christi Caldwell.
Lady Patrina Tidemore, age 20, is one of four sisters, Penelope, Prudence, and Poppy. Her life is rather sad because she has been ostracized by the ton. She foolishly agreed to elope with Albert Marshville, brother of her sister-in-law, Juliet. Fortunately, they did not end up getting married and she is still a chaste woman. However, all the ton sees is a ruined young woman. Her escape comes each day as she visits Hyde Park and stares at the Serpentine lost in thought.
Weston Aldridge, the 4th Marquess of Beaufort, age 32, is a widower. He was married to the beautiful Cordelia for 10 years. However, she continued to betray him with other men. After her death, he does not mourn her but is thankful for the two children he has from their marriage. Charlotte and Daniel are normal, fun-loving children.
Today, it is snowing heavily and Patrina is shocked to be the victim of children throwing snowballs at her. But when she decides to join in the fun and throw snowballs back at them, their father, Weston, arrives and he is aghast at her behavior. They argue when Weston accuses Patrina of mistreating his children not realizing that they were actually playing. They finally part on unfriendly terms. However, a chance encounter that finds Patrina rescuing Charlotte, brings them all back together.
As Weston and Patrina get to know one another a little better, theirs is a rather rocky relationship. Patrina is ashamed of her misconduct and Weston is bitter over his late wife. Are two damaged people able to set aside the past and learn to live and trust again?
This is a story that will tug at the reader’s heart strings and is written where you can actually feel their pain. I really loved it and looking forward to more novels from Christi Caldwell.
December 19, 2014
As I read the book I was immediately drawn into the characters and settled back looking forward to each turn of the page. I enjoyed Patrina's character from the first snow ball she hurled at Weston's children. Weston was true to what we all expect in a historical romance, dark, brooding, his heart sealed away after his wife destroys it. The children were endearing, hoping for love, but daring not to expect it. So why the low score? The ending left me feeling cheated. Yes there was the happily ever after but after all the sexual tension built up between Patrina and Weston, I would have loved to have seen the author continue on till at least the wedding night. Though her reputation was soiled, it would have been more pleasurable to witness Weston's surprise when he learns on their wedding night that his bride was still untouched. I felt as if the whole chemistry between the two was building to that moment but the author fell victim to the Victorian propriety. Still in all it was an enjoyable read if you are looking for light hearted romance.
December 5, 2014
This book was just flat out badly written. Crazy comma usage, purple prose, overuse of adjectives, weird capitalization. And the plot itself didn't make a lot of sense and really would have been better served in a full length novel. I didn't know the characters because they were both wishy-washy in their convictions and their characterization was conflicting. And this novella (I didn't realize it would be when I bought it) has one of my biggest pet peeves, which is children who are written so "precociously" that they aren't like actual children anymore.
January 18, 2021
One of the Best!
Patrina ❤️ Weston
This story is one of my favorites! I’ve read it over and over, and every time I savor the beauty and tenderness of it, and so will you. Can definitely be read and enjoyed any time of the year.
A cold and aloof lord and a ruined young lady, his precocious children, past hurts, wintry scenes and the meeting of two wounded souls. As always with this author, a mix of emotions and a deep and tender love story. I highly encourage all to read this stunning, romantic novella that will touch and warm your heart.
Patrina ❤️ Weston
This story is one of my favorites! I’ve read it over and over, and every time I savor the beauty and tenderness of it, and so will you. Can definitely be read and enjoyed any time of the year.
A cold and aloof lord and a ruined young lady, his precocious children, past hurts, wintry scenes and the meeting of two wounded souls. As always with this author, a mix of emotions and a deep and tender love story. I highly encourage all to read this stunning, romantic novella that will touch and warm your heart.
December 14, 2021
This was a pleasant read. A short one (less than 150 pages). Lady Patrina had lived through society's distasteful looks and shameful whispers of her ruin. She made a terrible mistake of eloping with a man who did not jilted her. Because of that, she'd grown immune to whatever people's thoughts were.
Weston - the hero - was a bitter father of two. His deceased wife was a philandering woman who would freely spread her legs to whoever she wished.
It's a wonder these two could find a connection between themselves.
While this was not the best book I would attest for, it was quite nice.
Weston - the hero - was a bitter father of two. His deceased wife was a philandering woman who would freely spread her legs to whoever she wished.
It's a wonder these two could find a connection between themselves.
While this was not the best book I would attest for, it was quite nice.
November 17, 2020
2.5 stars rounded up. There's not a whole lot to this, and part of what IS there is a bit unrealistic, superficial, or cliche. So, it didn't impress me much, but it also didn't annoy me, and it was a simple little story, so overall it's 'okay'.
December 3, 2014
Lovely story - but a few annoyances that bumped it down to about a B-:
- Historical nit-pick #1: The conveniently disappearing governess/nanny/nurse/whatever. In the very first scene, my brain immediately went to "why is the marquess standing around in the snow instead of their governess?"
- Historical nit-pick #2: The ever-popular "we've known each other for four hours, let's use first names!" No. Just no.
- Editing nit-picks (Kindle edition): Atrocious proofreading. "Un-phased" instead of "unfazed," blatant punctuation errors, and way too many awkward forced dialogue quirks like "Er..." and "um...."
- Historical nit-pick #1: The conveniently disappearing governess/nanny/nurse/whatever. In the very first scene, my brain immediately went to "why is the marquess standing around in the snow instead of their governess?"
- Historical nit-pick #2: The ever-popular "we've known each other for four hours, let's use first names!" No. Just no.
- Editing nit-picks (Kindle edition): Atrocious proofreading. "Un-phased" instead of "unfazed," blatant punctuation errors, and way too many awkward forced dialogue quirks like "Er..." and "um...."
December 28, 2014
I enjoyed this book, but the ending left me feeling cheated and ultimately ruined my overall impression of the book.
After all the great sexual tension and build up in the book, I had assumed their relationship would come to fruition like it does in romance novels and be consummated, but the book ends before that happens. It felt incomplete to me and therefore I felt sort of "cheated" after having read the entire build up of the story and enjoying the charactesr.
I had enjoyed the book until the lackluster ending, but it's obvious she writes romance novels for nuns, so I won't be reading another.
After all the great sexual tension and build up in the book, I had assumed their relationship would come to fruition like it does in romance novels and be consummated, but the book ends before that happens. It felt incomplete to me and therefore I felt sort of "cheated" after having read the entire build up of the story and enjoying the charactesr.
I had enjoyed the book until the lackluster ending, but it's obvious she writes romance novels for nuns, so I won't be reading another.
November 7, 2015
The theme in A Marquess for Christmas is one of recovering from betrayal to trust and find love again. It is one of Caldwell's best stories and I honestly wish it would have been a full length book, as the characters are so engaging. First you have the scandalous Patrina, whom made a dash to get elope and was cruelly betrayed, and now scorned by the ton. Then you have Weston the Marquess mentioned in the title whom was betrayed by his selfish wife, and has been left to raise two precocious children. If there ever was a book that should not be missed out on it is this one. The book actually made my heart flutter and gave be butterflies as Caldwell enveloped me in this magical story.
December 25, 2015
I do struggle sometimes with romances set in the past because sometimes the way the women are portrayed sucks or sometimes the way they get spoken to isn't very nice. However it probably is in keeping with the time.
A 'terrible' scandal has threatened this girls happiness and of course she is shunned by the 'ton' and thus becomes unwanted and ridiculed. Its pretty stupid that this used to happen just because of her reputation. And yet a man can be called a rake or a rogue and still be able to wed and not become shunned (or at least to the extent women were).
I love the children in this, the way they always hid in their father's study and listened in made me chuckle.
A 'terrible' scandal has threatened this girls happiness and of course she is shunned by the 'ton' and thus becomes unwanted and ridiculed. Its pretty stupid that this used to happen just because of her reputation. And yet a man can be called a rake or a rogue and still be able to wed and not become shunned (or at least to the extent women were).
I love the children in this, the way they always hid in their father's study and listened in made me chuckle.
August 18, 2016
Cute, but my issue is with how she is portrayed to have singlehandedly ruined her sisters, along with herself. If you read the last book, you know one of the main issues between the mc's was the difference in station, and the fact she was a governess in the H's home- how that would ruin his sisters and scandalize the ton of they married. Well, they did get hitched, but nothing is said of this having an impact on the other girls- only that Patrina's scandal ruined them all.
December 5, 2014
I adore Christi Caldwell's books - they always make me laugh or cry, sometimes both.
I loved all the characters in this story, especially Weston who was so dour at the start, but was becoming more cheerful as he became more enamoured of Patrina.
This series of books are delightful, and they have given me so much pleasure reading them.
Loved it!
I loved all the characters in this story, especially Weston who was so dour at the start, but was becoming more cheerful as he became more enamoured of Patrina.
This series of books are delightful, and they have given me so much pleasure reading them.
Loved it!
July 25, 2016
I couldn't put this book down! Such a good book!! I recommend this book, along with every book in this series!!
December 13, 2021
This was part of a bundle I purchased called DUKE THE HALLS. This is book 5 of the series and I felt I was missing parts of the story.
The h makes a mistake and takes off with the first man who paid her attention. They eloped and that is all we know. Nothing about how they or whom called off the marriage. She is ruined because she ran away with a man. How far did they get? Who talked about her eloping and ruined her reputation?
The H is the father to two children and his wife is now deceased after running away with her lover. That seems more tragic than the h's story. Society doesn't know about his wife's cheating so he isn't talked about. Just since her dying he has become cold.
I did enjoy some of the banter between the H/h. Little on romance, clean story with only kisses and mentioning of touching her on top. Enjoyed the little girl in this story - she lightened it up.
We are given a short epilogue with not important information. I wanted to know how it went with the H's sister and the h after they married. Did Society shun them after they married? Lord's name used in vain once I believe. No cheating and HEA. (ljb)
The h makes a mistake and takes off with the first man who paid her attention. They eloped and that is all we know. Nothing about how they or whom called off the marriage. She is ruined because she ran away with a man. How far did they get? Who talked about her eloping and ruined her reputation?
The H is the father to two children and his wife is now deceased after running away with her lover. That seems more tragic than the h's story. Society doesn't know about his wife's cheating so he isn't talked about. Just since her dying he has become cold.
I did enjoy some of the banter between the H/h. Little on romance, clean story with only kisses and mentioning of touching her on top. Enjoyed the little girl in this story - she lightened it up.
We are given a short epilogue with not important information. I wanted to know how it went with the H's sister and the h after they married. Did Society shun them after they married? Lord's name used in vain once I believe. No cheating and HEA. (ljb)
November 30, 2021
Christmas is coming and so are the wonderful stories compiled by several amazing authors!
There is nothing better to get you in the mood to celebrate when there is romance and
happy endings! These are some previously released tales but all together they bring
hours of reading enjoyment!
A Marquess for Christmas
Christi Caldwell
Fabulous second chance romance for our heroine, who has been ruined by running off with a cad, thinking they would be married, but instead he is only seeking revenge on her her family.
In her loneliness she goes to the park to be away from the gossip mongers. Our hero, a widower, is there with his two unruly children, who engage her with snowballs.
It all goes from there with the hero, bitter and not looking for romance due to his deceased spouse's perfidy and she knows her scandal might hurt his standings, but sometimes you just cannot help love popping up! Great story as always by this author!
There is nothing better to get you in the mood to celebrate when there is romance and
happy endings! These are some previously released tales but all together they bring
hours of reading enjoyment!
A Marquess for Christmas
Christi Caldwell
Fabulous second chance romance for our heroine, who has been ruined by running off with a cad, thinking they would be married, but instead he is only seeking revenge on her her family.
In her loneliness she goes to the park to be away from the gossip mongers. Our hero, a widower, is there with his two unruly children, who engage her with snowballs.
It all goes from there with the hero, bitter and not looking for romance due to his deceased spouse's perfidy and she knows her scandal might hurt his standings, but sometimes you just cannot help love popping up! Great story as always by this author!
October 14, 2020
Short, Sweet, and Scintillating
I absolutely loved this little story. It is short, but completely satisfying. It’s the second book that I’ve read in this series. The first was Forever Betrothed, Never the Bride, which happens to be the first book in the series. I enjoyed that book just about as much as I did this one, although I don’t see where I’d ever written a review for it.
Anyway, in this story the H and h are two awesome characters. I loved everything about them, individually and as a couple. The story is only 147 pages, so as you can imagine it moves at a quick pace. But, in spite of it's short duration, this is a FULL story! It's not like a lot of other novellas I've read that cuts corners where the h and H meet and everything is over in a day or two. This story spans several days, eight to be exact, and for me, the way the relationship between Weston and Patrina progressed was very realistic. Patrina is the younger sister (the oldest of four) of the Earl of Sin who is the hero in book four of the series, Always a Rogue, Forever Her Love. So if you've read that book you do get a chance to see what the h and H from that book are up some time after their HEA.
Patrina is sadly used by an unscrupulous bastard in a revenge plot against her brother, the Earl. The villain of the piece is none other than the Earl's brother-in-law. Apparently there was some enmity between the two men in book four, and poor Patrina was used to exact revenge. When the story starts the events surrounding the failed elopement are some nine months in the past, and Patrina is now living with the consequences. Her name has been ruined, she's now shunned by society, and any chance of marriage and a family of her own are a pipe dream. For his part, Weston deeply mistrustful of women after having been horribly betrayed by his late wife. I loved the way Ms. Caldwell handled the emotive side of the story. Both Weston and Patrina are well-drawn characters and, their responses and reactions in light of their experiences were very believable.
I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it. FYI is is a fairly clean romance. There is no sex and only a couple of heated kisses. Happy reading!
I absolutely loved this little story. It is short, but completely satisfying. It’s the second book that I’ve read in this series. The first was Forever Betrothed, Never the Bride, which happens to be the first book in the series. I enjoyed that book just about as much as I did this one, although I don’t see where I’d ever written a review for it.
Anyway, in this story the H and h are two awesome characters. I loved everything about them, individually and as a couple. The story is only 147 pages, so as you can imagine it moves at a quick pace. But, in spite of it's short duration, this is a FULL story! It's not like a lot of other novellas I've read that cuts corners where the h and H meet and everything is over in a day or two. This story spans several days, eight to be exact, and for me, the way the relationship between Weston and Patrina progressed was very realistic. Patrina is the younger sister (the oldest of four) of the Earl of Sin who is the hero in book four of the series, Always a Rogue, Forever Her Love. So if you've read that book you do get a chance to see what the h and H from that book are up some time after their HEA.
Patrina is sadly used by an unscrupulous bastard in a revenge plot against her brother, the Earl. The villain of the piece is none other than the Earl's brother-in-law. Apparently there was some enmity between the two men in book four, and poor Patrina was used to exact revenge. When the story starts the events surrounding the failed elopement are some nine months in the past, and Patrina is now living with the consequences. Her name has been ruined, she's now shunned by society, and any chance of marriage and a family of her own are a pipe dream. For his part, Weston deeply mistrustful of women after having been horribly betrayed by his late wife. I loved the way Ms. Caldwell handled the emotive side of the story. Both Weston and Patrina are well-drawn characters and, their responses and reactions in light of their experiences were very believable.
I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it. FYI is is a fairly clean romance. There is no sex and only a couple of heated kisses. Happy reading!
September 3, 2019
Intriguing love story for 2 deserving people! Loved the romance and Patrina's instant love for Lord Aldridge's kids. Was super sad to hear of the horrible treatment they suffered at the hand of their mother and the cynic the boy became because of it. Ready to read the next in the series so I can check up on everyone from this book! My only criticism is that the romance moved way too fast for Patrina and Weston needed to get his feelings in check and tell her he loved her sooner. But less than 10 days and they were engaged was way too fast for the time period! A month of courting would have been fast, but more appropriate for the era in which it was written. Overall a fantastic read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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