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I Will Light Your Way Home
Not yet published
Expected 23 Jan 26
A mother’s nightmare…
Fourteen-year-old Arley West, Duke of Osborne, is missing.
However, only his mother, the widowed Duchess Lorelei, is worried. Everyone else insists that Arley is merely testing his wings, sowing wild oats and behaving as young, titled men often do. And she should leave his recovery to those who know better.
Lorelei isn’t convinced. Desperate, she turns to the last man she should—the estate manager, Tillman Masters.
A penitent heart…
Tillman has loved Lorelei since the day he met her. He is no fool—he knows there could never be a match between the two of them. But it is not only the strictures of society that keeps his heart silent, as Tillman carries a secret tightly tied to Lorelei’s past. For him, working the land is penance. Keeping his distance is protection. But when Lorelei asks for his help, he cannot refuse.
A secret set free…
Together, they set out to find Arley, but the search uncovers more than the young duke. As truths rise and long-buried emotions surface, Lorelei and Tillman must confront the shadows that brought them together… and the ones that keep them apart.
Fourteen-year-old Arley West, Duke of Osborne, is missing.
However, only his mother, the widowed Duchess Lorelei, is worried. Everyone else insists that Arley is merely testing his wings, sowing wild oats and behaving as young, titled men often do. And she should leave his recovery to those who know better.
Lorelei isn’t convinced. Desperate, she turns to the last man she should—the estate manager, Tillman Masters.
A penitent heart…
Tillman has loved Lorelei since the day he met her. He is no fool—he knows there could never be a match between the two of them. But it is not only the strictures of society that keeps his heart silent, as Tillman carries a secret tightly tied to Lorelei’s past. For him, working the land is penance. Keeping his distance is protection. But when Lorelei asks for his help, he cannot refuse.
A secret set free…
Together, they set out to find Arley, but the search uncovers more than the young duke. As truths rise and long-buried emotions surface, Lorelei and Tillman must confront the shadows that brought them together… and the ones that keep them apart.
113 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication January 23, 2026
9 people want to read
About the author
Alivia Fleur
14 books57 followersAlivia Fleur writes steamy romantic fiction for history lovers. In her stories, curious and consenting adults explore their desires as they search for their own happy ever after.
Alivia lives with her husband on a farm a long way from anywhere interesting. When not herding sheep or checking fences, she enjoys reading romance, drinking tea and eating cake, preferably all at once.
WEBSITE
https://aliviafleur.com/
NEWSLETTER: An Old Fashioned Quickie
https://aliviafleur.com/contact/
AMAZON
https://www.amazon.com/author/aliviaf...
INSTAGRAM
@aliviafleur_writes
Alivia lives with her husband on a farm a long way from anywhere interesting. When not herding sheep or checking fences, she enjoys reading romance, drinking tea and eating cake, preferably all at once.
WEBSITE
https://aliviafleur.com/
NEWSLETTER: An Old Fashioned Quickie
https://aliviafleur.com/contact/
AMAZON
https://www.amazon.com/author/aliviaf...
@aliviafleur_writes
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
It’s never too late for love…
Lorelei, aka Her Grace the Duchess of Osborne, has spent her life trying to please dukes: first her condescending father, then her neglectful husband. She’s tried to be the absolute best daughter, wife, and duchess possible. Her reward? Heartbreak and humiliation.
The one bright light in Lorelei’s life is her fourteen-year-old son, Arley, but even that relationship is tainted. In the wake of her husband’s death, her father took control of the sensitive boy, sending him to a harsh boarding school far from his mother’s influence.
Now Arley has run away from school, and neither the schoolmaster nor anyone else seems to know where he’s gone. In a rare fit of defiance, Lorelei refuses to sit home and wait for news. She has reason to believe her son has fled to London. Contemplating the myriad dangers that might befall him makes her ill. She has to find her son and bring him home. Now.
Tillman Masters is the only person Lorelei can turn to for help. For the ten years of her widowhood, Lorelei has treasured every moment she’s spent with her estate manager, even though they’ve never spoken of anything more stimulating than crop rotations. Lorelei would be shocked to know that Tillman has been in love with her ever since the long-ago day she arrived at the estate as a young, hopeful bride.
Lorelei and Tillman race to London in pursuit of young Arley. In the city she hasn’t seen since her wedding, Lorelei’s past and present collide. Tillman has kept more from Lorelei than the stunning truth of his love. His secret amounts to yet another betrayal in her life. Can the perfect duchess find the courage to forgive - and to embrace a future she never could have imagined?
I thoroughly enjoyed this prequel to Alivia Fleur’s Honeysuckle Street series. The author’s characters are complex, her writing is engaging, and the plot moves along at a fast, absorbing pace. It was fun getting a glimpse of Honeysuckle Street before the new townhouses are built and their various eccentric residents move in. I would have loved the story to have been a bit longer! After I finished, I couldn’t resist revisiting Arley’s book, A Most Improper Duchess.
I received an ARC of I Will Light Your Way Home in return for an honest review. I will end by saying I honestly think you will not be disappointed if you read this book and the entire Honeysuckle Street series!
Vibe: Emotional, Hopeful
Tropes: Victorian England, Friends-to-Lovers, Older Lovers, Class Difference, Healing Emotional Scars
Heat Rating: Open Door
Lorelei, aka Her Grace the Duchess of Osborne, has spent her life trying to please dukes: first her condescending father, then her neglectful husband. She’s tried to be the absolute best daughter, wife, and duchess possible. Her reward? Heartbreak and humiliation.
The one bright light in Lorelei’s life is her fourteen-year-old son, Arley, but even that relationship is tainted. In the wake of her husband’s death, her father took control of the sensitive boy, sending him to a harsh boarding school far from his mother’s influence.
Now Arley has run away from school, and neither the schoolmaster nor anyone else seems to know where he’s gone. In a rare fit of defiance, Lorelei refuses to sit home and wait for news. She has reason to believe her son has fled to London. Contemplating the myriad dangers that might befall him makes her ill. She has to find her son and bring him home. Now.
Tillman Masters is the only person Lorelei can turn to for help. For the ten years of her widowhood, Lorelei has treasured every moment she’s spent with her estate manager, even though they’ve never spoken of anything more stimulating than crop rotations. Lorelei would be shocked to know that Tillman has been in love with her ever since the long-ago day she arrived at the estate as a young, hopeful bride.
Lorelei and Tillman race to London in pursuit of young Arley. In the city she hasn’t seen since her wedding, Lorelei’s past and present collide. Tillman has kept more from Lorelei than the stunning truth of his love. His secret amounts to yet another betrayal in her life. Can the perfect duchess find the courage to forgive - and to embrace a future she never could have imagined?
I thoroughly enjoyed this prequel to Alivia Fleur’s Honeysuckle Street series. The author’s characters are complex, her writing is engaging, and the plot moves along at a fast, absorbing pace. It was fun getting a glimpse of Honeysuckle Street before the new townhouses are built and their various eccentric residents move in. I would have loved the story to have been a bit longer! After I finished, I couldn’t resist revisiting Arley’s book, A Most Improper Duchess.
I received an ARC of I Will Light Your Way Home in return for an honest review. I will end by saying I honestly think you will not be disappointed if you read this book and the entire Honeysuckle Street series!
Vibe: Emotional, Hopeful
Tropes: Victorian England, Friends-to-Lovers, Older Lovers, Class Difference, Healing Emotional Scars
Heat Rating: Open Door
Review of advance copy received from Author
Prequel #2 to Alivia Fleur’s Honeysuckle Street series is a thoroughly enjoyable read!
Lorelei is a character to root for. She spent her childhood and marriage trying to be the perfect daughter and wife, always blaming herself for her failures rather than realizing that nothing was ever going to please her narcissistic father and husband. Old habits die hard - even though Lorelei has been a widow for a decade, she still hides inside the shell of the woman she's become. That is until Arley, her beloved fourteen-year-old son runs away from the abusive boarding school her father insisted he attend. It's the last straw! Lorelei is done being obedient. She'll break any rule to see her son safe.
Tillman has been in love with Lorelei since the day her husband brought her the ducal estate as a young, hopeful bride. Part of Tillman's job is taking care of his employer's less reputable affairs, including the mistress and bastard son Lorelei knew nothing about before the reading of her husband's will. Tillman is hopelessly in love but he knows better than to think he and Lorelei could ever be together. A duchess and an estate manager? Not gonna happen.
Then Lorelei needs Tillman to help her find Arley, and the rigid lines of their impersonal relationship begin to dissolve...
I've enjoyed the entire Honeysuckle Street series to date. This story gives you a glimpse of the street as it was before the modern townhouses were built, before all the neighbors moved in, and even before Spencer the Cat became the lane's unofficial mayor. After finishing this prequel, I just had to reread Arley’s book, A Most Improper Duchess, in which Lorelei and Tillman appear.
I received an ARC of I Will Light Your Way Home in return for an honest review.
Tropes: Victorian England, Friends-to-Lovers, Older Lovers, Class Difference, Healing Emotional Scars
Heat Rating: Open Door
Lorelei is a character to root for. She spent her childhood and marriage trying to be the perfect daughter and wife, always blaming herself for her failures rather than realizing that nothing was ever going to please her narcissistic father and husband. Old habits die hard - even though Lorelei has been a widow for a decade, she still hides inside the shell of the woman she's become. That is until Arley, her beloved fourteen-year-old son runs away from the abusive boarding school her father insisted he attend. It's the last straw! Lorelei is done being obedient. She'll break any rule to see her son safe.
Tillman has been in love with Lorelei since the day her husband brought her the ducal estate as a young, hopeful bride. Part of Tillman's job is taking care of his employer's less reputable affairs, including the mistress and bastard son Lorelei knew nothing about before the reading of her husband's will. Tillman is hopelessly in love but he knows better than to think he and Lorelei could ever be together. A duchess and an estate manager? Not gonna happen.
Then Lorelei needs Tillman to help her find Arley, and the rigid lines of their impersonal relationship begin to dissolve...
I've enjoyed the entire Honeysuckle Street series to date. This story gives you a glimpse of the street as it was before the modern townhouses were built, before all the neighbors moved in, and even before Spencer the Cat became the lane's unofficial mayor. After finishing this prequel, I just had to reread Arley’s book, A Most Improper Duchess, in which Lorelei and Tillman appear.
I received an ARC of I Will Light Your Way Home in return for an honest review.
Tropes: Victorian England, Friends-to-Lovers, Older Lovers, Class Difference, Healing Emotional Scars
Heat Rating: Open Door
Review of advance copy
Advanced reader copy from The Berry Agency.
I really enjoyed the whimsical feel and the ease it took me to read this wonderful novella. From the very first pages, the story drew me in with its gentle tone and emotional undercurrent, making it easy to settle into the world and connect with the characters.
The author does a beautiful job balancing a mother’s fear with quiet determination, creating a sense of urgency without overwhelming the reader. Lorelei is a compelling and relatable protagonist strong, loving, and unwilling to be dismissed when it comes to her child. Her journey feels heartfelt and genuine, and her emotional depth adds weight to every decision she makes.
Tillman’s character adds an extra layer of tenderness to the story. His devotion, restraint, and unspoken love bring a slow-burn romance that feels natural rather than forced. The tension between duty and desire is handled with care, giving the novella a romantic ache that lingers long after the final page.
What stood out most was how smoothly the story flowed. The pacing was just right for a novella never rushed, yet never dragging and the emotional beats landed beautifully. The whimsical tone softened the heavier themes, creating a reading experience that felt comforting, immersive, and satisfying.
Overall, this was a charming, emotionally rich read that proves a shorter story can still leave a lasting impression. I would happily recommend this novella to anyone who enjoys heartfelt romance, strong characters, and a touch of whimsy woven through a meaningful story. Though I have not read others in this series I did not feel like I could not follow the characters and story. A wonderful Novella that has made me add the others to my list of books to be read.
I really enjoyed the whimsical feel and the ease it took me to read this wonderful novella. From the very first pages, the story drew me in with its gentle tone and emotional undercurrent, making it easy to settle into the world and connect with the characters.
The author does a beautiful job balancing a mother’s fear with quiet determination, creating a sense of urgency without overwhelming the reader. Lorelei is a compelling and relatable protagonist strong, loving, and unwilling to be dismissed when it comes to her child. Her journey feels heartfelt and genuine, and her emotional depth adds weight to every decision she makes.
Tillman’s character adds an extra layer of tenderness to the story. His devotion, restraint, and unspoken love bring a slow-burn romance that feels natural rather than forced. The tension between duty and desire is handled with care, giving the novella a romantic ache that lingers long after the final page.
What stood out most was how smoothly the story flowed. The pacing was just right for a novella never rushed, yet never dragging and the emotional beats landed beautifully. The whimsical tone softened the heavier themes, creating a reading experience that felt comforting, immersive, and satisfying.
Overall, this was a charming, emotionally rich read that proves a shorter story can still leave a lasting impression. I would happily recommend this novella to anyone who enjoys heartfelt romance, strong characters, and a touch of whimsy woven through a meaningful story. Though I have not read others in this series I did not feel like I could not follow the characters and story. A wonderful Novella that has made me add the others to my list of books to be read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Fourteen year old Arley West, the Duke of Osborne, has disappeared, which barely raises an eyebrow as it’s brushed off as youthful rebellion, a privileged boy stretching his independence as young noblemen are supposedly inclined to do. The only person truly alarmed is his mother, the widowed Duchess Lorelei, who refuses to accept such easy explanations and is told repeatedly to leave the matter in more capable hands.
Unwilling to sit by and wait, Lorelei turns to the one man she never expected to ask for help: Tillman Masters, the estate’s manager.
Tillman has carried feelings for Lorelei since the moment they met, though he knows full well that nothing could ever come of them. Social boundaries are only part of the problem, he also bears a secret connected to Lorelei’s past, one that keeps him grounded in guilt and restraint. Working the land is his atonement; emotional distance is his shield. Yet when Lorelei seeks his help, refusal is impossible.
As they search for the missing duke, they uncover far more than Arley’s whereabouts. Old truths come to light, buried emotions resurface, and both Lorelei and Tillman are forced to face the history that binds them and the barriers that still stand between them.
I found this novella an absolute delight. From the opening pages, I was drawn in by the warm tone and emotional depth, which made it effortless to become invested in the story and its characters.
The author skilfully balances a mother’s fear with her quiet resolve, creating urgency without tipping into melodrama. Lorelei is a strong, believable heroine, devoted, determined, and unwilling to be dismissed when it comes to her child. Her emotions feel authentic, and her choices carry real weight.
Tillman brings a tender, understated romance to the story. His loyalty, self control, and unspoken longing create a slow burn dynamic that feels organic and deeply affecting. The pull between responsibility and desire is beautifully handled, leaving an emotional resonance that lingers well beyond the final page.
As a prequel to Alivia Fleur’s Honeysuckle Street series, this story was a pleasure to read. The characters are layered, the writing engaging, and the plot moves along at a brisk pace. It was especially enjoyable seeing Honeysuckle Street before the townhouses are built and its residents arrive.
Overall, this is a charming and emotionally satisfying read that I would happily recommend to readers who enjoy heartfelt romance, complex characters and an engaging narrative.
Unwilling to sit by and wait, Lorelei turns to the one man she never expected to ask for help: Tillman Masters, the estate’s manager.
Tillman has carried feelings for Lorelei since the moment they met, though he knows full well that nothing could ever come of them. Social boundaries are only part of the problem, he also bears a secret connected to Lorelei’s past, one that keeps him grounded in guilt and restraint. Working the land is his atonement; emotional distance is his shield. Yet when Lorelei seeks his help, refusal is impossible.
As they search for the missing duke, they uncover far more than Arley’s whereabouts. Old truths come to light, buried emotions resurface, and both Lorelei and Tillman are forced to face the history that binds them and the barriers that still stand between them.
I found this novella an absolute delight. From the opening pages, I was drawn in by the warm tone and emotional depth, which made it effortless to become invested in the story and its characters.
The author skilfully balances a mother’s fear with her quiet resolve, creating urgency without tipping into melodrama. Lorelei is a strong, believable heroine, devoted, determined, and unwilling to be dismissed when it comes to her child. Her emotions feel authentic, and her choices carry real weight.
Tillman brings a tender, understated romance to the story. His loyalty, self control, and unspoken longing create a slow burn dynamic that feels organic and deeply affecting. The pull between responsibility and desire is beautifully handled, leaving an emotional resonance that lingers well beyond the final page.
As a prequel to Alivia Fleur’s Honeysuckle Street series, this story was a pleasure to read. The characters are layered, the writing engaging, and the plot moves along at a brisk pace. It was especially enjoyable seeing Honeysuckle Street before the townhouses are built and its residents arrive.
Overall, this is a charming and emotionally satisfying read that I would happily recommend to readers who enjoy heartfelt romance, complex characters and an engaging narrative.
Review of advance copy
Thank you Alivia Fleur and the Berry Agency for the opportunity to review this e-ARC!
4.5 ⭐
I really enjoyed this novella and it is the perfect escape for when you're craving a cosy, emotional, and heartwarming romance set in the Victorian era!
There were many reasons this story intrigued me but the main one is that I'm an absolute sucker for class gap romance (blame Titanic for that) and the deep yearning that is often accompanied with this trope. I'm glad to say this story didn't disappoint! Alivia's writing is beautifully descriptive yet easy to follow, which made the reading experience highly immersive.
Considering this is a novella I still felt like I was able to connect with, and understand each of the characters - from Lorelai's repressed feminine rage, to Tillman's pining, and their desires to break free from the repressive social structures of the Victorian times. Again, I think this is credit to the masterful writing and Alivia's ability to pack complexity and depth into a short amount of pages.
Although this story is the second installment of the Before Honeysuckle Street series, it can definitely be read as a standalone (as was my experience). I'm looking forward to reading more from the series!
4.5 ⭐
I really enjoyed this novella and it is the perfect escape for when you're craving a cosy, emotional, and heartwarming romance set in the Victorian era!
There were many reasons this story intrigued me but the main one is that I'm an absolute sucker for class gap romance (blame Titanic for that) and the deep yearning that is often accompanied with this trope. I'm glad to say this story didn't disappoint! Alivia's writing is beautifully descriptive yet easy to follow, which made the reading experience highly immersive.
Considering this is a novella I still felt like I was able to connect with, and understand each of the characters - from Lorelai's repressed feminine rage, to Tillman's pining, and their desires to break free from the repressive social structures of the Victorian times. Again, I think this is credit to the masterful writing and Alivia's ability to pack complexity and depth into a short amount of pages.
Although this story is the second installment of the Before Honeysuckle Street series, it can definitely be read as a standalone (as was my experience). I'm looking forward to reading more from the series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Alivia Fleur excels at the historical romance novella, so I wasn't surprised at how much I enjoyed this romance between a dowager duchess and her estate manager.
The standout here is that Fleur allows Lorelei, the FMC, to be truly flawed. We know that her marriage was unhappy, but we also know that she never took any steps to defy her husband or, after his passing, her father's "guidance" - until now. She's finally learning how to be herself after years of trying to please her father and husband. During those years, however, she forgot to prioritize her son, which is now having serious consequences: he's disappeared from school and her father is more concerned about covering up any possible scandal than figuring out why his grandson is acting out.
This is a romance, but it's also a story of self-actualization and about how even when we start to do the right thing, years of inaction still have consequences. While it's not as steamy as some of Fleur's other novellas, it does succeed on the unconventional HEA front! It's especially fun for anyone who's been reading the Honeysuckle Street series.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novella.
The standout here is that Fleur allows Lorelei, the FMC, to be truly flawed. We know that her marriage was unhappy, but we also know that she never took any steps to defy her husband or, after his passing, her father's "guidance" - until now. She's finally learning how to be herself after years of trying to please her father and husband. During those years, however, she forgot to prioritize her son, which is now having serious consequences: he's disappeared from school and her father is more concerned about covering up any possible scandal than figuring out why his grandson is acting out.
This is a romance, but it's also a story of self-actualization and about how even when we start to do the right thing, years of inaction still have consequences. While it's not as steamy as some of Fleur's other novellas, it does succeed on the unconventional HEA front! It's especially fun for anyone who's been reading the Honeysuckle Street series.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novella.
Review of advance copy received from Author
For a short read, this story packs in a remarkable amount of emotion, angst, and drama without ever feeling rushed. From the very beginning, Lorelei is searching desperately for her fourteen-year-old son who has run away from school. She is dismissed by both her father and the headmaster, who insist she is overreacting and should simply return home and let them handle it. But a mother’s love is far stronger than that.
During her search, Lorelei is assisted by her steward, and as they work together she comes to rely on him more and more, gradually realising that their bond runs deeper than she ever allowed herself to acknowledge. The emotional journey is just as compelling as the external search—can Lorelei finally stand up for herself and allow herself to want something for her own happiness?
This is a strong and touching addition to the Honeysuckle Street prequel series, delivering depth, tension, and heartfelt character growth in a very short space.
During her search, Lorelei is assisted by her steward, and as they work together she comes to rely on him more and more, gradually realising that their bond runs deeper than she ever allowed herself to acknowledge. The emotional journey is just as compelling as the external search—can Lorelei finally stand up for herself and allow herself to want something for her own happiness?
This is a strong and touching addition to the Honeysuckle Street prequel series, delivering depth, tension, and heartfelt character growth in a very short space.
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December 28, 2025It was a good backstory from the Honeysuckle Street series, where we see Arley's mother find her HEA. It was different for me because I don't remember reading many books where the, dowager duchess, marries someone who isn't an aristocrat, especially one who was employed by her late husband, the duke, and now by her, since most of the times it's the other way around, which was interesting.
The truth is, I was a little worried about the whole situation with Arley and Lorelai's father, but I was glad that in the end, everything worked out.
I haven't read Arley's book yet, but I know about him from other books/characters in the series, and after reading this book, I'm eager to read his book and find out what's going through his head and what happens to Lorelai and Tillman in the future.
Thanks to the author for the free ARC.
The truth is, I was a little worried about the whole situation with Arley and Lorelai's father, but I was glad that in the end, everything worked out.
I haven't read Arley's book yet, but I know about him from other books/characters in the series, and after reading this book, I'm eager to read his book and find out what's going through his head and what happens to Lorelai and Tillman in the future.
Thanks to the author for the free ARC.
January 5, 2026
💫ARC review courtesy of The Berry Agency💫
Thank you to The Berry Agency and Alivia Fleur for the opportunity to read this e-ARC. This was such a nice little read. The characters were well rounded and developed, the pacing was great, and the writing was fantastic - these are all aspects that I find a lot of novellas can struggle to do well but Fleur does all 3 spectacularly. It was so sweet and satisfying to watch the relationship between Lorelei and Tillman, they are such a good couple. This is apart of a prequel series to another series but that didn’t negatively affect the reading experience at all as someone new to this world. It can definitely be read and left as a standalone but the writing absolutely has me tempted to pick up more in this series.
Thank you to The Berry Agency and Alivia Fleur for the opportunity to read this e-ARC. This was such a nice little read. The characters were well rounded and developed, the pacing was great, and the writing was fantastic - these are all aspects that I find a lot of novellas can struggle to do well but Fleur does all 3 spectacularly. It was so sweet and satisfying to watch the relationship between Lorelei and Tillman, they are such a good couple. This is apart of a prequel series to another series but that didn’t negatively affect the reading experience at all as someone new to this world. It can definitely be read and left as a standalone but the writing absolutely has me tempted to pick up more in this series.
January 12, 2026
Thank you Alivia and The Berry Agency for the opportunity to ARC read this novella.
An easy 5 ⭐️ read for me. The writing was easy and beautiful, and I was impressed by how intriguing this was for a short read.
The setting and society reminded me of Bridgerton. It hooked my attention quickly, and I was even more impressed by how seamlessly the author made me care about the Duchess! I was absolutely rooting for her and her plight, and Tillman was just lovely.
I couldn’t fault this book at all. It’s amazing what Alivia accomplished in 100 pages. She certainly knows what she’s doing, and I’ll be sure to read her other books - especially now knowing this is a prequel. I need to know more!
Extra points given for Cecil. He knew exactly what he was doing, and I love him for it.
An easy 5 ⭐️ read for me. The writing was easy and beautiful, and I was impressed by how intriguing this was for a short read.
The setting and society reminded me of Bridgerton. It hooked my attention quickly, and I was even more impressed by how seamlessly the author made me care about the Duchess! I was absolutely rooting for her and her plight, and Tillman was just lovely.
I couldn’t fault this book at all. It’s amazing what Alivia accomplished in 100 pages. She certainly knows what she’s doing, and I’ll be sure to read her other books - especially now knowing this is a prequel. I need to know more!
Extra points given for Cecil. He knew exactly what he was doing, and I love him for it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I will start by saying I love this author’s writing. I typically resonate and find shared understanding with many of her characters. I had to say this book was difficult for me to read. I found it a bit slow and more focused on Lorelei finding her son rather than the relationship between her and Tillman. I mean, I knew it was there and what was going to happen, but I had a hard time engaging in their chemistry and relationship.
With that said, as a general story of a widow learning who she is, it was a great story. There was heartache and grief and drama. It was still well written and moving. As a romance story, it just didn’t hit me the same way, but I am still pleased to have read it.
With that said, as a general story of a widow learning who she is, it was a great story. There was heartache and grief and drama. It was still well written and moving. As a romance story, it just didn’t hit me the same way, but I am still pleased to have read it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
When I read the description of the story I thought it would be interesting to read. I will say the description was more interesting than the story itself. The writing was strong and kept the story flowing giving you a feel for each character. The issue I had was Lorelei was not very likable for me. She seem to always have her head buried and relayed on others to solve/fix her problems. The other issue I had is she talked about how close she was to Arley while he was growing up but their relationship as mother and son seemed very strained. Overall the book was a good read once you figure out each character's nature and focus on the plot instead of the character.
January 7, 2026
3.5 Stars ARC REVIEW
Okay the relationship between Lorelei and Tillman is so good, and the understanding Tillman has of Lorelei is honestly so sweet.
I feel like this book focused more on the historical side and Lorelei’s focus on finding her son rather than the relationship with Tillman but i feel like it ended in such a spot that the next story will continue to explore the relationship.
Overall a really solid and short read that I enjoyed! Being a novella the pace of the book was perfect, with just enough to keep you going! I think i read this book in literally two nights!
Okay the relationship between Lorelei and Tillman is so good, and the understanding Tillman has of Lorelei is honestly so sweet.
I feel like this book focused more on the historical side and Lorelei’s focus on finding her son rather than the relationship with Tillman but i feel like it ended in such a spot that the next story will continue to explore the relationship.
Overall a really solid and short read that I enjoyed! Being a novella the pace of the book was perfect, with just enough to keep you going! I think i read this book in literally two nights!
December 31, 2025
Thanks so much to the author for the eARC. All thoughts are my own.
I was so excited for this little prequel novella. I absolutely loved Arley’s story in A Most Improper Duchess so I was really looking forward to getting an insight into his mother and her story.
And it did not disappoint. This was short and sweet and a bit of an emotional rollercoaster and I enjoyed every moment. Lorelei and Tillman were wonderful together and Lorelei’s strength really shone through.
I was so excited for this little prequel novella. I absolutely loved Arley’s story in A Most Improper Duchess so I was really looking forward to getting an insight into his mother and her story.
And it did not disappoint. This was short and sweet and a bit of an emotional rollercoaster and I enjoyed every moment. Lorelei and Tillman were wonderful together and Lorelei’s strength really shone through.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A quick and gentle story of Lorelei, a windowed duchess, and Tillman, her estate manager, getting their HEA.
Tillman has been in love with Lorelei for ten years! Through her marriage and widowhood. That's devotion for you!
This was steamy, and I really enjoy Alivia Fleur’s approach to intimate scenes with lots of respect and caretaking.
Beautifully written. Highly recommended.
Thank you Alivia Fleur for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Tillman has been in love with Lorelei for ten years! Through her marriage and widowhood. That's devotion for you!
This was steamy, and I really enjoy Alivia Fleur’s approach to intimate scenes with lots of respect and caretaking.
Beautifully written. Highly recommended.
Thank you Alivia Fleur for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a readable short story focusing on how a widow grew from being a shrinking Violet still in mourning for a husband who had died a decade before into a bold woman who exerts her own choices in life. She overcomes an overbearing father and rescues her son from a brutal boarding school before settling with a man who would cherish her. An absorbing, interesting read
December 16, 2025
Captivating! I loved this book. Had me enthralled. I loved the era and story of the classes. Loralei married for love however he had another life and she was a socially suitable choice. Her son goes missing from boarding school and she learns to stand up for herself and her son. Whilst finding true love. Beautiful story. Thankyou to the Berry Agency for the read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This story was absolutely full of emotion and I think I am a little bit obsessed with Tillman and his long hair! Such a beautiful prequel to the Honeysuckle Street series - and as always just an all round INCREDIBLE read - spicy, sweet and totally addictive!
Thank you so much to the author for my advanced copy - all opinions are my own :)
Thank you so much to the author for my advanced copy - all opinions are my own :)
Review of advance copy received from Author
A beautiful story about a Duchess who finally ends up with a wonderful guy who's been in love with her for years. She had been surrounded by abusive men in the past, but no more. May we all find such a great man as Tillman.
Thank you to Alivia Fleur for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
Thank you to Alivia Fleur for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a beautiful novella
One that shows a mother’s love will stop at nothing.
Happiness is worth fighting society norms for
I can not wait to read more from this author to see more of the characters
One that shows a mother’s love will stop at nothing.
Happiness is worth fighting society norms for
I can not wait to read more from this author to see more of the characters
Review of advance copy received from Author
I would like to thank the author for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
This was enjoyable, but I didn’t feel very connected to the characters.
This was enjoyable, but I didn’t feel very connected to the characters.
December 20, 2025
I really loved this prequel to Arley’s story and it made me want to re-read A Most Improper Duchess. In my opinion Lorelei is the perfect example of women’s conditions at the time: most ladies were brought up to be basically living dolls with no opinions of their own, beautiful and accomplished, but destined to silently endure betrayals and be generally clueless to what happened around them. This is certainly the case with the heroine of this book, but I’m happy that she finally saw the light and especially the wonderful man who had loved her for many years in silence. Heartbreaking and beautiful, gorgeous writing as always!
January 7, 2026
Alivia has done it again!
It is amazing how she can express such heartfelt emotions and yearnings within the confinement of a novella.
I practically inhaled this story as I had to learn what becomes of Lorelei & Tillman - it is a love worth waiting for.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It is amazing how she can express such heartfelt emotions and yearnings within the confinement of a novella.
I practically inhaled this story as I had to learn what becomes of Lorelei & Tillman - it is a love worth waiting for.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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