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Moonlight Square #0.5
One Moonlit Night
Presenting the wildly romantic new Regency series from New York Times bestselling author, Gaelen Foley…
WELCOME TO MOONLIGHT SQUARE ~ REGENCY LONDON’S MOST EXCLUSIVE ADDRESS!
At the ripe old age of two-and-twenty, Lady Katrina Glendon just can’t seem to snare a husband. Whether her frank tongue or slightly eccentric ways bear the blame, she faces a houseful of younger sisters clamoring for her, the eldest, to marry and move aside before they all end up as spinsters. When her latest suitor defects and proposes to another girl, Trinny throws up her hands in despair of ever finding a fiancé. But sometimes destiny waits just around the corner…and love lives right across the square!
Gable Winston-McCray, the charming, understated Viscount Roland saunters through life as a wealthy, sophisticated rakehell and man-about-town. Heir to an earldom, the handsome hedonist would rather dally with bored Society wives than acquire a bride of his own, much to his father’s dismay. Until, one moonlit night, fate strikes! Unsuspecting neighbors meet and become flirtatious allies. So when Gable receives his father’s ultimatum to wed or go penniless, he offers Trinny a marriage of convenience. Alas, the pretty redhead cannot possibly accept such an unfeeling proposal—even if her dear “Lord Sweet Cheeks” might be the man of her dreams…
WELCOME TO MOONLIGHT SQUARE ~ REGENCY LONDON’S MOST EXCLUSIVE ADDRESS!
At the ripe old age of two-and-twenty, Lady Katrina Glendon just can’t seem to snare a husband. Whether her frank tongue or slightly eccentric ways bear the blame, she faces a houseful of younger sisters clamoring for her, the eldest, to marry and move aside before they all end up as spinsters. When her latest suitor defects and proposes to another girl, Trinny throws up her hands in despair of ever finding a fiancé. But sometimes destiny waits just around the corner…and love lives right across the square!
Gable Winston-McCray, the charming, understated Viscount Roland saunters through life as a wealthy, sophisticated rakehell and man-about-town. Heir to an earldom, the handsome hedonist would rather dally with bored Society wives than acquire a bride of his own, much to his father’s dismay. Until, one moonlit night, fate strikes! Unsuspecting neighbors meet and become flirtatious allies. So when Gable receives his father’s ultimatum to wed or go penniless, he offers Trinny a marriage of convenience. Alas, the pretty redhead cannot possibly accept such an unfeeling proposal—even if her dear “Lord Sweet Cheeks” might be the man of her dreams…
152 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2015
189 people are currently reading
449 people want to read
About the author
Gaelen Foley
44 books1,894 followersGaelen Foley is the New York Times, USA Today, and Publisher's Weekly bestselling author of twenty historical romances set in the glittering world of Regency England. Her books are available in sixteen languages and have won numerous genre awards, such as the Bookseller's Best, the NJRW Golden Leaf (three times), the CRW Award of Excellence, the National Reader's Choice Award, the Beacon, and the Holt Medallion.
A Pennsylvania native, Gaelen holds a B.A. in English literature with a minor in Philosophy from the State University of New York, College at Fredonia, a quaint lakeside village where Mark Twain once owned a home. It was here, while studying the Romantic poets, such as Wordsworth, Byron, and Keats that she first fell in love with the Regency period in which her novels are set. Gaelen lives in western Pennsylvania with her college-sweetheart husband, Eric, a schoolteacher, with whom she co-writes middle grade fantasy adventure novels under the pen-name, E.G. Foley. (See www.EGFoley.com.) She is hard at work on her next book.
A Pennsylvania native, Gaelen holds a B.A. in English literature with a minor in Philosophy from the State University of New York, College at Fredonia, a quaint lakeside village where Mark Twain once owned a home. It was here, while studying the Romantic poets, such as Wordsworth, Byron, and Keats that she first fell in love with the Regency period in which her novels are set. Gaelen lives in western Pennsylvania with her college-sweetheart husband, Eric, a schoolteacher, with whom she co-writes middle grade fantasy adventure novels under the pen-name, E.G. Foley. (See www.EGFoley.com.) She is hard at work on her next book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
November 26, 2015
This book was just a jumble of awkwardness. Everything felt weirdly out of sync and messy. It has some nice parts, but none of which were actually brilliant enough to make you forget about its flaws.
Sigh. I just hate doing this to a writer I actually like.
But well, here goes.
First, the execution of the plot is just bad. The whole "rake needs a wife to get inheritance" premise has been used time and time again, and I'm okay with that. I don't care if it's cliche as long as the execution is okay. Unfortunately for this book, that's not the case. There's no structure to the events at all. There was no proper build-up. This is how I envision the writer's thought process while making this novella:
"Oh, maybe I should put a kissing scene here. But won't that be too sudden? Oh well!" *inserts kissing scene*
"Oh, maybe I should put a fondling scene here. But won't that be too strange? Maybe that won't make sense. Oh well!" *inserts fondling scene*
MOST OF THE EVENTS DID NOT MAKE SENSE TO ME. There were too many unnecessary occurrences that made everything messy. They also made the characters inconsistent. Like, on one scene Trinny would be the wise, independent girl and then another, she would be all snarky and emotional. Gable would be a devil-may-care type of guy in one chapter and the guy who cared too much in the next. Moreover, none of the characters were likeable because they weren't fleshed out enough. There characterisation was too poor to make you like them.
Really now. For a writer of Ms. Gaelen Foley's calibre, these errors shouldn't even be here. These are better off saved for newbies in the industry.
Second, I didn't like the anachronistic quality of the story. I normally overlook historical inaccuracies, but it's hard to do that when they're so much in every damn chapter. For example, sharing an ice cream in public in REGENCY London is definitely not okay. Hell, just staring at a woman back then would be cause for the lady's father to demand matrimony! The characters' attitudes and dialogues were too modern to make sense, as well.
Overall, this was just okay--the unimpressive-not-really-worth-my-time-but-no-regrets type of okay.
Sigh. I just hate doing this to a writer I actually like.
But well, here goes.
First, the execution of the plot is just bad. The whole "rake needs a wife to get inheritance" premise has been used time and time again, and I'm okay with that. I don't care if it's cliche as long as the execution is okay. Unfortunately for this book, that's not the case. There's no structure to the events at all. There was no proper build-up. This is how I envision the writer's thought process while making this novella:
"Oh, maybe I should put a kissing scene here. But won't that be too sudden? Oh well!" *inserts kissing scene*
"Oh, maybe I should put a fondling scene here. But won't that be too strange? Maybe that won't make sense. Oh well!" *inserts fondling scene*
MOST OF THE EVENTS DID NOT MAKE SENSE TO ME. There were too many unnecessary occurrences that made everything messy. They also made the characters inconsistent. Like, on one scene Trinny would be the wise, independent girl and then another, she would be all snarky and emotional. Gable would be a devil-may-care type of guy in one chapter and the guy who cared too much in the next. Moreover, none of the characters were likeable because they weren't fleshed out enough. There characterisation was too poor to make you like them.
Really now. For a writer of Ms. Gaelen Foley's calibre, these errors shouldn't even be here. These are better off saved for newbies in the industry.
Second, I didn't like the anachronistic quality of the story. I normally overlook historical inaccuracies, but it's hard to do that when they're so much in every damn chapter. For example, sharing an ice cream in public in REGENCY London is definitely not okay. Hell, just staring at a woman back then would be cause for the lady's father to demand matrimony! The characters' attitudes and dialogues were too modern to make sense, as well.
Overall, this was just okay--the unimpressive-not-really-worth-my-time-but-no-regrets type of okay.
September 19, 2015
What a lovely first entry into a new series by one of my favorite historical romance authors.One Moonlit Night is the prequel novella that introduces us to the inhabitants of Moonlight Square.
Trinny,the eldest of six daughters and Lord Roland ,heir to an earldom meet that fateful night and life as Trinny knows it,is about to be changed on the advice she has been given by Lord Roland.
This was pure romance ,very little in the way of angst ,no mystery or revenge plot,just pure,simple romance.
I enjoyed this very much and looking forward to the next book in this series as the Duke and Felicity really intrigued me.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review and in no way affected my thoughts upon review.
Trinny,the eldest of six daughters and Lord Roland ,heir to an earldom meet that fateful night and life as Trinny knows it,is about to be changed on the advice she has been given by Lord Roland.
This was pure romance ,very little in the way of angst ,no mystery or revenge plot,just pure,simple romance.
I enjoyed this very much and looking forward to the next book in this series as the Duke and Felicity really intrigued me.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review and in no way affected my thoughts upon review.
August 31, 2016
I absolutely loved this novella! There are no dangers threatening the hero and heroine and no great hidden secrets, just a heart-warming story of two people falling in love.
This prequel novella forms a charming introduction to Gaelen Foley’s new series, which centres around the wealthy, aristocratic residents of Moonlight Square, an elegant London garden square.
The scene where Katrina (Trinny) and Gable first meet in the garden square is one of my favourites. I enjoyed their light-hearted banter in the course of which they strike up an unlikely friendship…true friends who are refreshingly open and honest with each other.
Gable is a dedicated rake but he won me over with the kindness and understanding he shows towards Trinny. He proves to her that she is a beautiful and desirable woman and encourages her to embrace spinsterhood and become an independent woman.
I adore heroines who don’t conform to Society’s definition of how a proper lady should act. Trinny‘s frankness and odd topics of conversation have sent her suitors fleeing in the opposite direction. So when she decides to take Gable’s advice and grab her “freedom” with both hands, I cheered her all the way as she tells her parents….
“The important thing is, my dear esteemed parents, I wish to be an independent lady, free of husbands. I do not fear this fate. I do not scorn it. I embrace it happily.”
The romance is sweet, heart-warming and funny. One of my favourite scenes takes place in the pantry, when a delightfully tipsy Trinny succumbs to some feverish kisses from Gable.
“Hey!” she protested as he lifted her wineglass out of her hand, setting it aside. “I was enjoying that!”
“You’ll enjoy this, too. Trust me,” he said in a husky voice, leaning down before her chair. With a gentle pressure of his fingertips under her chin, he raised her head and kissed her— a soft, satin caress of his mouth on hers.
Another is where Gable, having been threatened with penury by his father unless he marries, arrogantly believes that Trinny will accept his marriage proposal, only to have the wind knocked out of his sails!
I enjoyed seeing how each of them grows and changes in the course of the story, particularly Gable. His realisation that he will lose Trinny forces him take a long hard look at himself and instils in him a desire to turn his life around. It was also satisfying to see him realise that he has misjudged his father. Their reconciliation scene is so heart-warming.
Talking about fathers, I loved Trinny’s… always so understanding and kind.
Papa was sitting with his feet up, having a smoke in his study at the front of the house. She paused at the threshold and turned to her lifelong champion. “Did he say something to you, Papa?”
“I’ll be here if you need me,” was all he said, and sent her a wink.
I love the names the Grendon sisters have thought up for the eligible bachelors of Moonlight Square. Gable is “Lord Sweet Cheeks” which has nothing to do with his strikingly handsome face!!
I was so intrigued by the obvious tension between Gable’s friend, the scandalous Duke of Netherford and the very prim and proper Miss Felicity Carvel that I immediately bought DUKE OF SCANDAL .
MY VERDICT: This is an excellent introduction to what promises be a delightful and entertaining series.
REVIEW RATING: 5/5 STARS
Moonlight Square series to date (please click on book cover for further details):
This review is also posted on my Rakes and Rascals Blog:
https://rakesandrascals.wordpress.com...
This prequel novella forms a charming introduction to Gaelen Foley’s new series, which centres around the wealthy, aristocratic residents of Moonlight Square, an elegant London garden square.
The scene where Katrina (Trinny) and Gable first meet in the garden square is one of my favourites. I enjoyed their light-hearted banter in the course of which they strike up an unlikely friendship…true friends who are refreshingly open and honest with each other.
Gable is a dedicated rake but he won me over with the kindness and understanding he shows towards Trinny. He proves to her that she is a beautiful and desirable woman and encourages her to embrace spinsterhood and become an independent woman.
I adore heroines who don’t conform to Society’s definition of how a proper lady should act. Trinny‘s frankness and odd topics of conversation have sent her suitors fleeing in the opposite direction. So when she decides to take Gable’s advice and grab her “freedom” with both hands, I cheered her all the way as she tells her parents….
“The important thing is, my dear esteemed parents, I wish to be an independent lady, free of husbands. I do not fear this fate. I do not scorn it. I embrace it happily.”
The romance is sweet, heart-warming and funny. One of my favourite scenes takes place in the pantry, when a delightfully tipsy Trinny succumbs to some feverish kisses from Gable.
“Hey!” she protested as he lifted her wineglass out of her hand, setting it aside. “I was enjoying that!”
“You’ll enjoy this, too. Trust me,” he said in a husky voice, leaning down before her chair. With a gentle pressure of his fingertips under her chin, he raised her head and kissed her— a soft, satin caress of his mouth on hers.
Another is where Gable, having been threatened with penury by his father unless he marries, arrogantly believes that Trinny will accept his marriage proposal, only to have the wind knocked out of his sails!
I enjoyed seeing how each of them grows and changes in the course of the story, particularly Gable. His realisation that he will lose Trinny forces him take a long hard look at himself and instils in him a desire to turn his life around. It was also satisfying to see him realise that he has misjudged his father. Their reconciliation scene is so heart-warming.
Talking about fathers, I loved Trinny’s… always so understanding and kind.
Papa was sitting with his feet up, having a smoke in his study at the front of the house. She paused at the threshold and turned to her lifelong champion. “Did he say something to you, Papa?”
“I’ll be here if you need me,” was all he said, and sent her a wink.
I love the names the Grendon sisters have thought up for the eligible bachelors of Moonlight Square. Gable is “Lord Sweet Cheeks” which has nothing to do with his strikingly handsome face!!
I was so intrigued by the obvious tension between Gable’s friend, the scandalous Duke of Netherford and the very prim and proper Miss Felicity Carvel that I immediately bought DUKE OF SCANDAL .
MY VERDICT: This is an excellent introduction to what promises be a delightful and entertaining series.
REVIEW RATING: 5/5 STARS
Moonlight Square series to date (please click on book cover for further details):
This review is also posted on my Rakes and Rascals Blog:
https://rakesandrascals.wordpress.com...
July 5, 2020
CUUUTE!!😍😍
Para ser una historia corta me gustó DEMASIADO, lo disfruté mucho y sí hubiera deseado un libro largo para ellos.
Gable y Trinny hacen una pareja bien linda, me encantó su relación, como comenzó con una amistad hasta que se fue dando su amor y obviamente al no tener tantas páginas no tuvo un gran desarrollo.
Y luego también es sobre un matrimonio por conveniencia ay nooo TODO LO QUE ME GUSTA.
Me encantó que ella se hiciera del rogar y que pusiera de rodillas a ese libertino.
Me gusta mucho la autora pero no sentí su estilo tan marcado pero fue refrescante.
Y sí le voy a dar 4 estrellas y para ser una historia corta eso es demasiado, así de mucho me encantó.
Para ser una historia corta me gustó DEMASIADO, lo disfruté mucho y sí hubiera deseado un libro largo para ellos.
Gable y Trinny hacen una pareja bien linda, me encantó su relación, como comenzó con una amistad hasta que se fue dando su amor y obviamente al no tener tantas páginas no tuvo un gran desarrollo.
Y luego también es sobre un matrimonio por conveniencia ay nooo TODO LO QUE ME GUSTA.
Me encantó que ella se hiciera del rogar y que pusiera de rodillas a ese libertino.
Me gusta mucho la autora pero no sentí su estilo tan marcado pero fue refrescante.
Y sí le voy a dar 4 estrellas y para ser una historia corta eso es demasiado, así de mucho me encantó.
December 28, 2022
4 Estrellitas ¡Qué ganitas tenía de estrenar ésta serie! Moonlight Square es una de las últimas series que publicó mi queridísima Gaelen Foley.
Moonlight Square es una exclusiva plaza de Mayfair en Londres donde viven nuestros protagonistas.
Lady Katrina es la mayor de seis hermanas, y a pesar de ser muy hermosa es incasable. Una noche en que uno de sus ultimos pretendientes la ha rechazo, la sorprende llorando el vizconde Roland, un famoso libertino.
Lo suyo será un flechazo muy sensual y breve, donde cada uno se irá conociendo y cambiando las circunstancias de sus vidas a las que creía que iban destinados.
Un relato corto, pero más largo de lo acostumbrado, donde ha faltado un algo, pero muy bonito y del estilo de la autora.
Me ha dejado con muchas ganas de continuar la serie.
Moonlight Square es una exclusiva plaza de Mayfair en Londres donde viven nuestros protagonistas.
Lady Katrina es la mayor de seis hermanas, y a pesar de ser muy hermosa es incasable. Una noche en que uno de sus ultimos pretendientes la ha rechazo, la sorprende llorando el vizconde Roland, un famoso libertino.
Lo suyo será un flechazo muy sensual y breve, donde cada uno se irá conociendo y cambiando las circunstancias de sus vidas a las que creía que iban destinados.
Un relato corto, pero más largo de lo acostumbrado, donde ha faltado un algo, pero muy bonito y del estilo de la autora.
Me ha dejado con muchas ganas de continuar la serie.
September 16, 2015
One Moonlit Night was a novella that I thoroughly enjoyed! It was charming, romantic, and very sweet. It really sparked my interest in the upcoming Moonlight Square Series. The characters of Gable, Viscount Roland, and Tinny, Lady Katrina Glendon, were both great! They were likable from the beginning, and I thoroughly enjoyed their interactions with one another. I loved the ease that was between them almost from their first meeting, and the friendship that developed between them. The storyline was one that I truly enjoyed, and it kept me captivated throughout the novella.
The eldest of six sisters, Lady Katrina Glendon has had several seasons and still hasn't landed a husband. Her younger sisters are ready for their turn, and want to see her married off to any man who will have her. When the latest suitor proposes to someone else, it brings chaos to the family, and Katrina despairs of ever finding a husband.
What she finds instead is an unlikely friend in Gable Winston-McCray, Viscount Roland. A rake, and proud of it, Gable immediately develops a tender spot for his new friend Tinny. As his rakish ways catch up with him, he has to face some major changes that leave him thinking of Tinny in a different way.
In One Moonlit Night, wonderful main characters, an interesting story, and a picturesque regency setting all come together to create a delightful novella. Although a short story, I didn't feel like this one lacked anything. The story and characters were very well developed. There were also very interesting minor characters that I will be glad to see become prominent in the series. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
The eldest of six sisters, Lady Katrina Glendon has had several seasons and still hasn't landed a husband. Her younger sisters are ready for their turn, and want to see her married off to any man who will have her. When the latest suitor proposes to someone else, it brings chaos to the family, and Katrina despairs of ever finding a husband.
What she finds instead is an unlikely friend in Gable Winston-McCray, Viscount Roland. A rake, and proud of it, Gable immediately develops a tender spot for his new friend Tinny. As his rakish ways catch up with him, he has to face some major changes that leave him thinking of Tinny in a different way.
In One Moonlit Night, wonderful main characters, an interesting story, and a picturesque regency setting all come together to create a delightful novella. Although a short story, I didn't feel like this one lacked anything. The story and characters were very well developed. There were also very interesting minor characters that I will be glad to see become prominent in the series. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
November 18, 2018
3/5 cautious and confused stars.
My first forray into reading Gaelen Foley, always an author I wanted to try. So I started with a novella to see how I like the writing style, and I am intrigued enough to read some of the other books that appeal to me.
Fair warning there are enough spoilers here.
As for the story; the plot goes something like this. Katrina has just been jilted by a man she asssumed was courting her, and now he's engaged to someone else. Her sister's are furious - no, not with the cad that jilted their eldest sister, but with her because without her marrying they'll never be allowed to marry and will forever remain spinsters. First of all, I've never up until this book read that without the eldest marrying, the younger sister's can't. But okay, plot device it is then.
What takes some time getting used to is the simple cruelty Katrina's sisters show, almost begging their father to marry her off to an old, boring man who's she clearly terrified of being married to. I don't know if this done for comic relief, but it didn't have that effect on me for sure. All I thought was that this poor girls deserved better sisters. Getting back to the plot, Katrina finds a gazeebo of sorts to cry her heart out, and you really do feel for her. She's struck with the question "What did I do wrong?" when she learns that she had been kept aside in favor of another woman. All you really hope at that point is that the hero will show her how special she is. Well he does, in a way I suppose.
Our hero, Gable is on his way to the same gazeebo (to find the earring a married woman he had been fornicating with earlier that day lost during - well - the fornicating ), and comes across the watering pot that Katrina has become. They have a charming encounter for sure, and you instantly see that despite his rakish behaviour, he's a very kind and friendly person, he doesn't scoff at Katrina's odd behaviour but instead finds it charming. The author does a wonderful job of setting up their meet cute, and you root for the pair instantly.
Katrina plans to become a spinster, and Gable plans to live his life of debauchery, drinking and gambling. His father throws a curveball and suddenly Gable needs to marry - Katrina is his first choice. But for all the wrong reasons. This is one of the times in the book where I definitely did not like the hero, but thankfully it seems neither did the heroine because Katrina gave him a resounding no. You see, he assumed since him and Katrina were such good friends and seemed to share a good rapport, emotional and physical, she'd make him a perfect wife. But he intended to continue his life the same way; gambling, drinking and dallying with pretty widows and willing wives of other men.
"No thanks. I'll not be made a laughingstock over a cheating husband," she said.
She rejects him because she realizes that if she allowed herself to, she could love him - but he wouldn't be faithful. I'll tell you now this entire plotline was slightly angsty (also unneccessay) - but I don't really know if it hit the mark. To be honest, I can't for the life of me decide if I like the way the whole I'm-going-to-continue-to-bang-women-after-I-marry thing was dealt with well or terribly. I'll just list down what my thoughts were lol:
1. On one hand I hate that he even made an offer knowing full well he'll continue the way he always had. But on the other hand I like that he never lied to her about anything, and never meant to flatter and win her now, only to deceive her later. As is, they'd only known each other long enough to have an affinity for the other - not long enough for love or even close to it.
2. He retracts his offer of marraige as soon as she tells him that he could break her heart if she married him. I liked that. But barely a little while later he found himself determined to have her as his wife because he couldn't stop thinking about her.
3. However, at no point did it occur to him that perhaps he needs to court her properly, and set aside his decision to continue his whoring ways. But, at the same time I appreciate that he wouldn't let himself make any false promises to her. His inner monologues show you that he'd never do anything that would hurt her. Ugh this was so confusing.
4. The entire confrontation between them was once again over his ways and how she wouldn't be seduced by him - but it felt like it had something lacking. The topic of their fight, the topic of the entire angst in this book is extremely serious, and extremely emotional but it's handled with kid gloves throughout.
5. On one hand I appreciate that because of that it isn't super angsty, and that they have mature, reasonable reactions and discussions. But at the same time; it feels lacking the magic to make you fall for the couple. Or I'm insane IDK.
Katrina as a character is solid through and through. Gable, apart from the way he first proposes to her, doesn't do a single bad thing throughout the book. He isn't going to top any charts for best hero, but Foley managed to make him a thorough rake without making him despicable. I loved their dialogues and even the fight they have - though again kid gloves - but it had an impact on me for sure.
I like how the ending was done however. I loved watching Gable come to terms with his feelings and how me moved ahead with getting Katrina back. But more so, with how he made her feel secure enough to agree to marry him.
I think overall, I've realized I would absolutely love this book purely based on the wonderful writing, the chemistry between the MC's if only the whole unfaithful husband thing wasn't hanging over the romance the whole time. It's even more decidedly a bad decision because the poor guy doesn't even once do or think anything to make us not like him. Ugh I'm so confused.
And I just realized I've written a damn long review. Sigh. I apologize to anyone reading this mess.
My first forray into reading Gaelen Foley, always an author I wanted to try. So I started with a novella to see how I like the writing style, and I am intrigued enough to read some of the other books that appeal to me.
Fair warning there are enough spoilers here.
As for the story; the plot goes something like this. Katrina has just been jilted by a man she asssumed was courting her, and now he's engaged to someone else. Her sister's are furious - no, not with the cad that jilted their eldest sister, but with her because without her marrying they'll never be allowed to marry and will forever remain spinsters. First of all, I've never up until this book read that without the eldest marrying, the younger sister's can't. But okay, plot device it is then.
What takes some time getting used to is the simple cruelty Katrina's sisters show, almost begging their father to marry her off to an old, boring man who's she clearly terrified of being married to. I don't know if this done for comic relief, but it didn't have that effect on me for sure. All I thought was that this poor girls deserved better sisters. Getting back to the plot, Katrina finds a gazeebo of sorts to cry her heart out, and you really do feel for her. She's struck with the question "What did I do wrong?" when she learns that she had been kept aside in favor of another woman. All you really hope at that point is that the hero will show her how special she is. Well he does, in a way I suppose.
Our hero, Gable is on his way to the same gazeebo (to find the earring a married woman he had been fornicating with earlier that day lost during - well - the fornicating ), and comes across the watering pot that Katrina has become. They have a charming encounter for sure, and you instantly see that despite his rakish behaviour, he's a very kind and friendly person, he doesn't scoff at Katrina's odd behaviour but instead finds it charming. The author does a wonderful job of setting up their meet cute, and you root for the pair instantly.
Katrina plans to become a spinster, and Gable plans to live his life of debauchery, drinking and gambling. His father throws a curveball and suddenly Gable needs to marry - Katrina is his first choice. But for all the wrong reasons. This is one of the times in the book where I definitely did not like the hero, but thankfully it seems neither did the heroine because Katrina gave him a resounding no. You see, he assumed since him and Katrina were such good friends and seemed to share a good rapport, emotional and physical, she'd make him a perfect wife. But he intended to continue his life the same way; gambling, drinking and dallying with pretty widows and willing wives of other men.
"No thanks. I'll not be made a laughingstock over a cheating husband," she said.
She rejects him because she realizes that if she allowed herself to, she could love him - but he wouldn't be faithful. I'll tell you now this entire plotline was slightly angsty (also unneccessay) - but I don't really know if it hit the mark. To be honest, I can't for the life of me decide if I like the way the whole I'm-going-to-continue-to-bang-women-after-I-marry thing was dealt with well or terribly. I'll just list down what my thoughts were lol:
1. On one hand I hate that he even made an offer knowing full well he'll continue the way he always had. But on the other hand I like that he never lied to her about anything, and never meant to flatter and win her now, only to deceive her later. As is, they'd only known each other long enough to have an affinity for the other - not long enough for love or even close to it.
2. He retracts his offer of marraige as soon as she tells him that he could break her heart if she married him. I liked that. But barely a little while later he found himself determined to have her as his wife because he couldn't stop thinking about her.
3. However, at no point did it occur to him that perhaps he needs to court her properly, and set aside his decision to continue his whoring ways. But, at the same time I appreciate that he wouldn't let himself make any false promises to her. His inner monologues show you that he'd never do anything that would hurt her. Ugh this was so confusing.
4. The entire confrontation between them was once again over his ways and how she wouldn't be seduced by him - but it felt like it had something lacking. The topic of their fight, the topic of the entire angst in this book is extremely serious, and extremely emotional but it's handled with kid gloves throughout.
5. On one hand I appreciate that because of that it isn't super angsty, and that they have mature, reasonable reactions and discussions. But at the same time; it feels lacking the magic to make you fall for the couple. Or I'm insane IDK.
Katrina as a character is solid through and through. Gable, apart from the way he first proposes to her, doesn't do a single bad thing throughout the book. He isn't going to top any charts for best hero, but Foley managed to make him a thorough rake without making him despicable. I loved their dialogues and even the fight they have - though again kid gloves - but it had an impact on me for sure.
I like how the ending was done however. I loved watching Gable come to terms with his feelings and how me moved ahead with getting Katrina back. But more so, with how he made her feel secure enough to agree to marry him.
I think overall, I've realized I would absolutely love this book purely based on the wonderful writing, the chemistry between the MC's if only the whole unfaithful husband thing wasn't hanging over the romance the whole time. It's even more decidedly a bad decision because the poor guy doesn't even once do or think anything to make us not like him. Ugh I'm so confused.
And I just realized I've written a damn long review. Sigh. I apologize to anyone reading this mess.
July 8, 2021
Es un relato corto, simpático y entretenido
Me ha gustado, lo he leído para conocer la pareja protagonista del siguiente
Me ha gustado, ante todo, la caída fragante del libertino aunque en tan pocas páginas y con tan breves momentos es muy increíble todo
Estoy todavia dando vueltas a cómo es posible la situación de la protagonista, es algo que no está explicado o yo, al ser en inglés, no he sabido interpretar
Ahora sí, a por el duque!!!!
Me ha gustado, lo he leído para conocer la pareja protagonista del siguiente
Me ha gustado, ante todo, la caída fragante del libertino aunque en tan pocas páginas y con tan breves momentos es muy increíble todo
Estoy todavia dando vueltas a cómo es posible la situación de la protagonista, es algo que no está explicado o yo, al ser en inglés, no he sabido interpretar
Ahora sí, a por el duque!!!!
November 21, 2015
4.5 "The Bluestocking & Lord Sweet Cheeks" Stars! If you're looking for a short and fun historical romance, then One Moonlit Night may just be the book you've been looking for. I loved the depth of the characters and entertaining banter between the hero and the heroine. Moreover, the book pokes fun at the double standard prevalent between men and women in the Regency era without coming across as too political. By pitting two characters together, each who have sworn off marriage (for vastly different reasons), Ms. Foley brings together two characters who are perfectly matched without all the distractions of courtship that were so tedious in the day. The premise and execution were excellent and I highly enjoyed this little treasure.
After numerous failed courtship attempts, Lady Katrina Glendon, the oldest of a brood of sisters, has finally given up her quest for marriage and has decided to wholeheartedly embrace the spinster life. Of course this news comes much to the elation of the gaggle of sisters who had been waiting for her, as the oldest, to marry first before they could tie their knot.
Katrina too seems happy with her decision until a certain well-known rake, Gable Winston-McCray, a Viscount and heir to an Earl, and who she has coined "Lord Sweet Cheeks," takes her into his confidence and proclaims his desire to be "friends." As the two start depending on each other more and more as their friendship blossoms, each begins to see the brighter side of marriage. But can two people who have sworn off marriage, ever consider changing their destiny?
What a treat! One Moonlit Night is the novella prequel to the Moonlight Square Series, a new historical romance Regency series which will tell the romantic stories of the residents of the exclusive, upper crust Moonlit Square. With the very promising start of One Moonlight Night, which has introduced a number of secondary characters who will no doubt form the basis for further entertaining romantic reads, I'm now looking forward to reading more of this series!
Source: Review copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
After numerous failed courtship attempts, Lady Katrina Glendon, the oldest of a brood of sisters, has finally given up her quest for marriage and has decided to wholeheartedly embrace the spinster life. Of course this news comes much to the elation of the gaggle of sisters who had been waiting for her, as the oldest, to marry first before they could tie their knot.
Katrina too seems happy with her decision until a certain well-known rake, Gable Winston-McCray, a Viscount and heir to an Earl, and who she has coined "Lord Sweet Cheeks," takes her into his confidence and proclaims his desire to be "friends." As the two start depending on each other more and more as their friendship blossoms, each begins to see the brighter side of marriage. But can two people who have sworn off marriage, ever consider changing their destiny?
What a treat! One Moonlit Night is the novella prequel to the Moonlight Square Series, a new historical romance Regency series which will tell the romantic stories of the residents of the exclusive, upper crust Moonlit Square. With the very promising start of One Moonlight Night, which has introduced a number of secondary characters who will no doubt form the basis for further entertaining romantic reads, I'm now looking forward to reading more of this series!
Source: Review copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
July 9, 2018
Series: Moonlight Square 0.5
Publication Date: 9/11/15
This novella is a delightfully warm and sweet introduction to the Moonlight Square series. The characters are all great – not a clunker in the bunch (especially Trinny’s father) and the story flows quickly and smoothly. One thing I really loved is that the two main characters were open and honest with each other, there were no huge, ugly secrets hanging over their heads and they actually talked. Wow! How different is that?
I loved the conversations and witty repartee between Gable and Trinny. They are both bright and funny and totally relatable people. Their internal dialogue is as entertaining as their verbal dialogue.
Gable Winston-McCray, Viscount Roland, is basically a man ‘ho. I’m not normally a fan of that trope, but it was handled really well in this book. Gable is living the high life, he’s heir to an earl, he’s handsome, he’s charming, and he has it all. The ladies pursue him, he doesn’t have to pursue them. He thinks he is the happiest of men – until he has his grand epiphany. “You were right about me, Trinny. I see that now. But you were wrong about one thing… A leopard can change his spots”. So, while he was a womanizing rake, he won me over when he was so kind to Trinna.
Lady Katrina (Trinny) Glendon is the oldest of six sisters and at two and twenty she is having absolutely no luck on the marriage mart. She is just an odd duck – everyone thinks so – especially her sisters. Her latest prospect for a husband has just gotten engaged to someone else and her sisters are blaming her for ruining their chances. Because she is the oldest, the younger sisters cannot marry until she does and that doesn’t appear to be happening and the sisters are fiercely angry. After a particularly hateful argument with her sisters she flees the house and runs into the park across from their home – she just needs a good cry.
Trinny cries her heart out – deep, wrenching sobs. What can she do? Her sisters expect her to marry, but she just can’t seem to attract any serious suitors. What is wrong with her? Why is she such an odd duck? Then, she hears “Ahem”. She looked up with swollen eyes and red nose to see a tall, broad-shouldered figure standing in the moonlight.
Their meeting in the gazebo in the park was one of my very favorite scenes. He was so sweet and caring and they were so honest with each other. I loved that the Glendon girls had given all of the bachelors in the neighborhood nicknames so they could keep them all straight. Gable’s nickname was Lord Sweet Cheeks and that was her first thought when she recognized him.
I loved the ending and it very nicely sets up the next book.
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
Publication Date: 9/11/15
This novella is a delightfully warm and sweet introduction to the Moonlight Square series. The characters are all great – not a clunker in the bunch (especially Trinny’s father) and the story flows quickly and smoothly. One thing I really loved is that the two main characters were open and honest with each other, there were no huge, ugly secrets hanging over their heads and they actually talked. Wow! How different is that?
I loved the conversations and witty repartee between Gable and Trinny. They are both bright and funny and totally relatable people. Their internal dialogue is as entertaining as their verbal dialogue.
Gable Winston-McCray, Viscount Roland, is basically a man ‘ho. I’m not normally a fan of that trope, but it was handled really well in this book. Gable is living the high life, he’s heir to an earl, he’s handsome, he’s charming, and he has it all. The ladies pursue him, he doesn’t have to pursue them. He thinks he is the happiest of men – until he has his grand epiphany. “You were right about me, Trinny. I see that now. But you were wrong about one thing… A leopard can change his spots”. So, while he was a womanizing rake, he won me over when he was so kind to Trinna.
Lady Katrina (Trinny) Glendon is the oldest of six sisters and at two and twenty she is having absolutely no luck on the marriage mart. She is just an odd duck – everyone thinks so – especially her sisters. Her latest prospect for a husband has just gotten engaged to someone else and her sisters are blaming her for ruining their chances. Because she is the oldest, the younger sisters cannot marry until she does and that doesn’t appear to be happening and the sisters are fiercely angry. After a particularly hateful argument with her sisters she flees the house and runs into the park across from their home – she just needs a good cry.
Trinny cries her heart out – deep, wrenching sobs. What can she do? Her sisters expect her to marry, but she just can’t seem to attract any serious suitors. What is wrong with her? Why is she such an odd duck? Then, she hears “Ahem”. She looked up with swollen eyes and red nose to see a tall, broad-shouldered figure standing in the moonlight.
Their meeting in the gazebo in the park was one of my very favorite scenes. He was so sweet and caring and they were so honest with each other. I loved that the Glendon girls had given all of the bachelors in the neighborhood nicknames so they could keep them all straight. Gable’s nickname was Lord Sweet Cheeks and that was her first thought when she recognized him.
I loved the ending and it very nicely sets up the next book.
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
May 14, 2016
This book was really cute. The relationship between Gable and Trinny starts off as a friendship after Gable gives her some advice about leaving behind the tired game of finding a husband. She decides she won't get married and will live her life unmarried and free. Of course everything gets super complicated when she Gable asks for her hand after his father gives him the ultimatum of either getting married or being cut off. He decides the best candidate is Trinny as they get along well but when she refuses him everything changes for them. I really like how they became friends first then lovers much later. Their love is very sweet and romantic. I also love the little appearances of Jason and Felicity even though they aren't together yet. Overall a great romance. Definitely recommend.
October 7, 2015
Gaelen Foley's prequel novella for her new self published Regency series, Moonlight Square. Her Knights Miscellany series is one of my favourites so I was looking forward to this one.
Well, I liked it but didn't love it. I'm not sure if that was because being a novella it was too short to develop the characters fully or because the trope of the rake and the bluestocking isn't one of my favourites. ( Although in Tessa Dare's A Week to be Wicked it is done brilliantly.) Nevertheless, she has set up the scenario quite nicely for the full length novel so I will reserve my judgement till then.
★★★☆ (3.5 stars)
Well, I liked it but didn't love it. I'm not sure if that was because being a novella it was too short to develop the characters fully or because the trope of the rake and the bluestocking isn't one of my favourites. ( Although in Tessa Dare's A Week to be Wicked it is done brilliantly.) Nevertheless, she has set up the scenario quite nicely for the full length novel so I will reserve my judgement till then.
★★★☆ (3.5 stars)
September 19, 2015
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I love Ms. Foley. I think I've read everything she's written. This is a great start to a new series. I loved Gable and his crew of BFFs. They are going to make for great heroes. Katrina is a quiz. First time I've heard someone called that. Very sweet epilogue with a nice lead in to the next book.
My only disappointment was the lack of steamy scenes that Ms. Foley has done so well in previous books.
I love Ms. Foley. I think I've read everything she's written. This is a great start to a new series. I loved Gable and his crew of BFFs. They are going to make for great heroes. Katrina is a quiz. First time I've heard someone called that. Very sweet epilogue with a nice lead in to the next book.
My only disappointment was the lack of steamy scenes that Ms. Foley has done so well in previous books.
June 1, 2018
Lovely novella!
Gable (the rake) meets Katrina (the spinster) in a private garden next to their home. She is crying her eyes out for yet another “suitor” was marrying someone else and he was looking for the earring that his married paramour had lost there earlier while they were having a clandestine tryst.
Trying to cheer her up, he shows there is nothing wrong with her and comes with the theory that she was sending all her suitors away in a unconscious knowledge they (and even marriage) were not what she really wanted.
A sweet friendship comes from the episode, but Gable is very set in his ways and Katrina now values herself too much to marry a rakehell.
My first book by this Author but certainly not the last.
Gable (the rake) meets Katrina (the spinster) in a private garden next to their home. She is crying her eyes out for yet another “suitor” was marrying someone else and he was looking for the earring that his married paramour had lost there earlier while they were having a clandestine tryst.
Trying to cheer her up, he shows there is nothing wrong with her and comes with the theory that she was sending all her suitors away in a unconscious knowledge they (and even marriage) were not what she really wanted.
A sweet friendship comes from the episode, but Gable is very set in his ways and Katrina now values herself too much to marry a rakehell.
My first book by this Author but certainly not the last.
September 18, 2015
Thank you to the author for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I first fell in love with Gaelen Foley’s writing years ago when I read her Knight Miscellany series, and with Lord of Fire and Devil Takes a Bride, she solidified her spot as one of my favorite historical romance authors. For some reason, I hadn’t read anything from in years, and I’m not sure why. I’m going to remedy that by diving into her backlist.
One Moonlit Night is the novella that kicks off the author’s brand new series, Moonlight Square. Trinny Glendon knows just how brutal the ton can be. After all, her own sisters are in such a hurry to marry her off that they’re willing to foist her off on a most undesirable bachelor just so the next sister in line can be married off. But after a chance encounter in Moonlight Square, Trinny’s life changes dramatically when she takes matters into her own hands and dives headfirst into spinsterhood. Trinny, however, doesn’t count on the charming Viscount Roland upsetting her plans. One of my favorite parts of this book was the camaraderie between Trinny and Gable. It was clear they desired each other, but neither let it overtake them. (Not right away, anyway.) Their feelings grew as their friendship grew; the connection between them was solid and very sweet. Trinny and Gable brought out the best in each other and challenged each other. I really enjoyed the pacing of this story; there are things that happen to speed things up (Gable being a little hot-headed was a real catalyst,) but it works here. I think Gable may have turned his rakehell ways around just a tad too abruptly, but this was a novella. You have to work with the word count, and it didn’t make me love the story any less. It just made me want more! I loved the steamy scenes in this one, so there was an eventual advantage to Gable and his roguish ways. This story had some intense moments, but it was broken up with bits of humor. I could help but giggle at the names Trinny and her sisters gave the gentlemen to keep them straight. (Gable was Lord Sweet Cheeks!)
One Moonlit Night was a wonderful start to a new series, and a perfect reintroduction to Gaelen Foley. I can’t wait to read the next in the series!
This review was originally posted at Badass Book Reviews.
I first fell in love with Gaelen Foley’s writing years ago when I read her Knight Miscellany series, and with Lord of Fire and Devil Takes a Bride, she solidified her spot as one of my favorite historical romance authors. For some reason, I hadn’t read anything from in years, and I’m not sure why. I’m going to remedy that by diving into her backlist.
One Moonlit Night is the novella that kicks off the author’s brand new series, Moonlight Square. Trinny Glendon knows just how brutal the ton can be. After all, her own sisters are in such a hurry to marry her off that they’re willing to foist her off on a most undesirable bachelor just so the next sister in line can be married off. But after a chance encounter in Moonlight Square, Trinny’s life changes dramatically when she takes matters into her own hands and dives headfirst into spinsterhood. Trinny, however, doesn’t count on the charming Viscount Roland upsetting her plans. One of my favorite parts of this book was the camaraderie between Trinny and Gable. It was clear they desired each other, but neither let it overtake them. (Not right away, anyway.) Their feelings grew as their friendship grew; the connection between them was solid and very sweet. Trinny and Gable brought out the best in each other and challenged each other. I really enjoyed the pacing of this story; there are things that happen to speed things up (Gable being a little hot-headed was a real catalyst,) but it works here. I think Gable may have turned his rakehell ways around just a tad too abruptly, but this was a novella. You have to work with the word count, and it didn’t make me love the story any less. It just made me want more! I loved the steamy scenes in this one, so there was an eventual advantage to Gable and his roguish ways. This story had some intense moments, but it was broken up with bits of humor. I could help but giggle at the names Trinny and her sisters gave the gentlemen to keep them straight. (Gable was Lord Sweet Cheeks!)
One Moonlit Night was a wonderful start to a new series, and a perfect reintroduction to Gaelen Foley. I can’t wait to read the next in the series!
This review was originally posted at Badass Book Reviews.
February 18, 2020
~3.5~
This novella is Gaelen Foley's first salvo into the battlefield of self publishing and the beginning of her newest historical romance series--a novella. The new series is called Moonlight Square.
This novella felt as if it wanted to be a full 250 page novel, but was restrained into the lower page-count of a novella giving the story a kind of choppy quality.
Despite this issue, I liked the story because the author craftily shows that the H REALLY is a rake (not just some empty label) but avoids offending HR readers who: 1) don't want to see the H knock boots with anyone but the heroine or 2) offended by accurate sexual behavior/libido of a wealthy early 19 C man of fashion 0r 3) un-PC treatment/views of women.
. I don't object to HR heroes who "gasp" act like men, but Gaelen Foley manages to make me believe this dude is truly a rake, instead of an empty label that I find in other HR by other authors, and thus, pleasing the HR readership who want Hs to be soy boys. This was tricky, by it was nicely done.
Also, the author included the period detail/behavior that was missing from her last series due imposition of THAT publisher's atrocious formulas for an HR. I'm so glad Gaelen Foley freed herself from those tyrants!
This book was not perfect, but "proving" that the H was a rake and including the subtle period detail/behavior that others might miss and that I love go a long way in pleasing me.
This novella is Gaelen Foley's first salvo into the battlefield of self publishing and the beginning of her newest historical romance series--a novella. The new series is called Moonlight Square.
This novella felt as if it wanted to be a full 250 page novel, but was restrained into the lower page-count of a novella giving the story a kind of choppy quality.
Despite this issue, I liked the story because the author craftily shows that the H REALLY is a rake (not just some empty label) but avoids offending HR readers who: 1) don't want to see the H knock boots with anyone but the heroine or 2) offended by accurate sexual behavior/libido of a wealthy early 19 C man of fashion 0r 3) un-PC treatment/views of women.
. I don't object to HR heroes who "gasp" act like men, but Gaelen Foley manages to make me believe this dude is truly a rake, instead of an empty label that I find in other HR by other authors, and thus, pleasing the HR readership who want Hs to be soy boys. This was tricky, by it was nicely done.
Also, the author included the period detail/behavior that was missing from her last series due imposition of THAT publisher's atrocious formulas for an HR. I'm so glad Gaelen Foley freed herself from those tyrants!
This book was not perfect, but "proving" that the H was a rake and including the subtle period detail/behavior that others might miss and that I love go a long way in pleasing me.
February 13, 2017
4.5 stars!!!
Oh my gosh this novella was FANTASTIC. Gable (aka Lord Sweet Cheeks) and Trinny (horrible nickname to take from the much more beautiful Katrina but I digress) were absolutely adorable together and shared terrific chemistry and hilarious banter. The story was light with an almost fairy tale-like air to it. Trinny even got a Scottish castle, along with a rakish but ultimately doting Prince Charming, in the end; not a bad deal by any means.
One Moonlit Night also happened to be my introduction to Gaelen Foley's writing and now I'm officially hooked.
Oh my gosh this novella was FANTASTIC. Gable (aka Lord Sweet Cheeks) and Trinny (horrible nickname to take from the much more beautiful Katrina but I digress) were absolutely adorable together and shared terrific chemistry and hilarious banter. The story was light with an almost fairy tale-like air to it. Trinny even got a Scottish castle, along with a rakish but ultimately doting Prince Charming, in the end; not a bad deal by any means.
One Moonlit Night also happened to be my introduction to Gaelen Foley's writing and now I'm officially hooked.
December 26, 2015
SUPER cute novella. It didn't feel too rushed either. I liked that Gable and Trinny started off as friends, which probably helped a lot. Gable was absolutely adorable and super charming. He reminded me of Matthew Goode. I wished we got a full sex scene though, NO USE TELLING ME THEY HAD SEX ON EVERY SURFACE IN MCCRARY CASTLE IF YOU DON'T SHOW ME.
November 16, 2015
LOVE LOVE loved it! I should look for more short stories. I don't know why, but for HR the shorter the book, the better xD
March 23, 2019
It was a very enjoyable short read.
I do loved how the couple meet, how each has an impact in the other’s life, and how slowly but surly they fall for another.
Trinny and Gable are very likable characters, she wants to fulfill her life other than settling only to free the way to the marriage mart for her younger sister, so after Gable’s encounter, she thinks that maybe spinsterhood might bring more joy than a poor marriage of convenience, but it has also its downsides, like loneliness, no real freedom, no child.... while Gable thought he could live his life his way for much more longer than he expected. But some time, wrong decisions bring havoc in one’s life.
So yes it was the story of a rake redeeming his past actions, from the point he thinks he can continue as before even if he has to get married, then stunned because he was refused by the spinsterish maid and angry because she rubbed in his face how he lived his life without any care for others sensibilities and finally when he opens his eyes and sees what he has always longed for and he neglected it.
A cute short story, 5 stars for the entertainment and the sweet groveling of the cad.
I do loved how the couple meet, how each has an impact in the other’s life, and how slowly but surly they fall for another.
Trinny and Gable are very likable characters, she wants to fulfill her life other than settling only to free the way to the marriage mart for her younger sister, so after Gable’s encounter, she thinks that maybe spinsterhood might bring more joy than a poor marriage of convenience, but it has also its downsides, like loneliness, no real freedom, no child.... while Gable thought he could live his life his way for much more longer than he expected. But some time, wrong decisions bring havoc in one’s life.
So yes it was the story of a rake redeeming his past actions, from the point he thinks he can continue as before even if he has to get married, then stunned because he was refused by the spinsterish maid and angry because she rubbed in his face how he lived his life without any care for others sensibilities and finally when he opens his eyes and sees what he has always longed for and he neglected it.
A cute short story, 5 stars for the entertainment and the sweet groveling of the cad.
October 26, 2022
Really fun story. Very much enjoyed it as I haven't read any romance novels in years. When the mood strikes me I hope to continue this series.
September 17, 2015
This was a great novella! I usually don’t like them because I never have enough info about characters and plot. This was different. Ms Foley wrote a lovely story and introduction to a new series.
Katrina is almost a spinster, she isn’t married till 22 years of age. Her younger sisters are guilting her because they can’t marry till she does. She’s an unconventional lady, she always tells what she thinks and men find that off-putting, she’s also kind of a bluestocking.
Gable(I don’t like that name) is a rake who loves to have fun. He beds other men’s wives, he races, he drinks and he doesn’t want to marry. When he finds our heroine alone and crying in their neighborhood park, he manages to convince her to tell him her woos. He then proceeds to give her amazing advice. Katrina listens to him, unfortunately for him(I won’t tell you why because that spoils everything).
I had great fun reading this. The writing is a bit contemporary, but I didn’t mind it in this instance because it worked great. I totally recommend it.
I got an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Katrina is almost a spinster, she isn’t married till 22 years of age. Her younger sisters are guilting her because they can’t marry till she does. She’s an unconventional lady, she always tells what she thinks and men find that off-putting, she’s also kind of a bluestocking.
Gable(I don’t like that name) is a rake who loves to have fun. He beds other men’s wives, he races, he drinks and he doesn’t want to marry. When he finds our heroine alone and crying in their neighborhood park, he manages to convince her to tell him her woos. He then proceeds to give her amazing advice. Katrina listens to him, unfortunately for him(I won’t tell you why because that spoils everything).
I had great fun reading this. The writing is a bit contemporary, but I didn’t mind it in this instance because it worked great. I totally recommend it.
I got an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 9, 2019
Nice, silly romance between Katrina and Gable (totally silly, non-Regency-type names ffs!) but with a few duhs slotted in.
Katrina gets dumped by a so-called suitor, so she vows to give up on the idea of marriage, and sobs her heart out in a gazebo in the neighborhood park - where Gable finds her when he's searching for an earring of a 'lady' who he f**ked that afternoon in the same gazebo. Outcome is they both believe they're now friends. But then Gable's father tells him he must marry within the next 4 weeks - or else!
1st duh is when Gable tells Katrina that she should do as she wants and relish her independence. 2nd duh is when Gable assumes Katrina would welcome a proposal of a marriage of convenience (hmm, have I told you Gable is a first class rake aka arsehole?)
Lots more silly duh's happen along the way (not really interesting enough to bother about here), until both MCs decide they actually like each other enough to call it love.
OK novella which introduces a number of characters who will obviously appear in the series; OK writing from a decent author.
Katrina gets dumped by a so-called suitor, so she vows to give up on the idea of marriage, and sobs her heart out in a gazebo in the neighborhood park - where Gable finds her when he's searching for an earring of a 'lady' who he f**ked that afternoon in the same gazebo. Outcome is they both believe they're now friends. But then Gable's father tells him he must marry within the next 4 weeks - or else!
1st duh is when Gable tells Katrina that she should do as she wants and relish her independence. 2nd duh is when Gable assumes Katrina would welcome a proposal of a marriage of convenience (hmm, have I told you Gable is a first class rake aka arsehole?)
Lots more silly duh's happen along the way (not really interesting enough to bother about here), until both MCs decide they actually like each other enough to call it love.
OK novella which introduces a number of characters who will obviously appear in the series; OK writing from a decent author.
April 2, 2022
It's just taken 5 hours to read for me!🥰 a good story, so brief and lovely
October 4, 2015
Lady Katrina Glendon, Trinny to family and close friends, is the eldest daughter out of six to the Earl of Beresford. She despairs when her last prospective suitor proposes to another woman, and she grows despondent when her parents consider marrying her to an eccentric, older lord. Trinny runs to a private park only available to Moonlight Square residents to escape her parents' vast disappointment and nurse her wounded feelings. She has a surprise encounter with her handsome neighbor, the rakish Gable Winston-McCray, in the moon-drenched park. Gable convinces Trinny not to follow their peer's preconceived mandates for her sex and not to settle for some loveless marriage. The rake's advice emboldens her to give up on marriage and embrace her spinsterhood, only to have the man return to shake Katrina's new-found convictions on remaining unwed.
Gable Winston-McCray, Viscount Roland, is the Earl of Sefton's heir. He is also a well-known rakehell, one who enjoys gambling, drinking, and cavorting around with married women. Gable unexpectedly encounters a distraught lady while searching the private garden's grounds for his paramour's lost bauble. He cannot help but find the woman's eccentric banter refreshing as she helps hunt for the missing earring. To thank Lady Katrina for her selfless assistance, Gable counsels her against entering into a cold marriage. Gable's father issues him an ultimatum after discovering his duel with his lover's disgruntled husband: marry a suitable woman in three weeks time or be cut off financially. He is delighted to see Katrina's name on his father's list of candidates and proceeds to convince the entrancing lady to accept his suit.
There is something about Katrina that appeals to me. In fact, I identified with her, knowing firsthand how it feels being seen as the odd person all because my views and interest differs from anyone else's. I like how Katrina forms no grand designs or illusions where the handsome rake is concerned after he aids her; instead, she forages a friendship between them. The two may be the most unlikely couple but I approve of their pairing. Katrina and Gable prove to benefit each other's inner growth – she acting as Gable's voice-of-reasoning and he prodding Katrina to find her self-worth. What really made me like Katrina is when she stands her ground against Gable's enticing proposal, keeping to her convictions about wanting love instead of settling into a loveless arrangement.
Gable, to me, is the best kind or rakehell. He could have behaved snobbish or indifferently towards a despondent woman's plight, yet Gable tries to cheer her up without knowing what upset her or the facts. It is such a sweet thing for a man to do for a woman he only knows in passing. He may not have set out to help another person but Gable shows he is a considerate guy. I adore how he cautions her from following the expectations of their castes, of not wanting her to become like the women he often chooses to dally with. I like the positive influence Katrina has on Gable. She induces him to self-reflect on his current lifestyle, to do a little soul searching of his own, so the want to change is his own construct rather than forced upon him.
It was a nice change for me to break away from the usual paranormal and suspense and return back to the genre responsible for my reading obsession. It strangely felt like I rediscovered old favorites and old times. Gaelen Foley's style reminded me what it was about her regency/historical romances that I enjoyed so much and initiated me to become a fan. The author has a knack for creating such multi-dimensional and likable characters.
ONE MOONLIGHT NIGHT is a sweet and heart-warming romance that demonstrates with the right temptations anyone can reform and change. The prequel is an exceptional introduction into the author's new, impending regency series, MOONLIGHT SQUARE. Gaelen Foley neatly lays down the foundation and introduces possible candidates for future heroes and heroines of upcoming books. I am eagerly anticipating the forthcoming books in this series.
Review courtesy of Romance Junkies
November 26, 2015
Originally Reviewed For: Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy
Gaelen Foley remains one of my favorite authors. She usually writes stories that share the seedier side of Regency England but this Novella was fun. It had a fluffiness about it that I have yet to see in a Gaelen Foley novel which made it kind of fun. An interesting twist from Ms. Foley.
Gable Winston-McCray, Viscount Roland is suave and sophisticated and just a tad too good looking for everyone's good. He has no problem just smooozing his way through life. When he accidently bumps into a neight One Moonlit Night *grins* (Couldn't help myself) an interesting friendship springs up. But when his father puts his foot down, marriage or no more allowance (what's a 20 something male doing with an allowance anyway) he decides, hey why not the girl next door? Only she's not falling for it... What, he has to "WORK" for it? No way, but of course it's the only way this errant Viscount will ever discover that real love exists.
Lady Katrina Glendon just can't seem to land a man. She's passably pretty, has a decent dowry, others with way less to show for it are reeling them in, why can't she? What's worse, her selfish, bratty, self absorbed sisters can't marry until she does. Finally she declares she's through, no marriage for her. Take her out of the picture she will live her life as the spinster aunt. Only now that she's made the decision, life is getting much more interesting.
I really enjoyed this novella but Katrina's sisters almost ruined the book for me. I hate secondary characters that are so strident they take over the book (and not in a pleasant manner) Every time one of the sibling brats spoke up I wanted to rip out the pages. Yes they bothered me this much. Enough to take what could have been a 5 star Novella to barely a 4. Honestly, I might have even gone to a 3.5 but that would ruin the rest of Ms. Foley's fantastic work.
Katrina and Gable did something that doesn't always happen in Regency Romance, they became friends first. Their romance was sweet, especially since it went on in private without friends and family forcing their hands.. Ok, Daddy is insisting he marry but there was nothing about finding a friend first.
So aside from the strident sisters, an excellent book.
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Take Me, provided by the author for an honest review.
Gaelen Foley remains one of my favorite authors. She usually writes stories that share the seedier side of Regency England but this Novella was fun. It had a fluffiness about it that I have yet to see in a Gaelen Foley novel which made it kind of fun. An interesting twist from Ms. Foley.
Gable Winston-McCray, Viscount Roland is suave and sophisticated and just a tad too good looking for everyone's good. He has no problem just smooozing his way through life. When he accidently bumps into a neight One Moonlit Night *grins* (Couldn't help myself) an interesting friendship springs up. But when his father puts his foot down, marriage or no more allowance (what's a 20 something male doing with an allowance anyway) he decides, hey why not the girl next door? Only she's not falling for it... What, he has to "WORK" for it? No way, but of course it's the only way this errant Viscount will ever discover that real love exists.
Lady Katrina Glendon just can't seem to land a man. She's passably pretty, has a decent dowry, others with way less to show for it are reeling them in, why can't she? What's worse, her selfish, bratty, self absorbed sisters can't marry until she does. Finally she declares she's through, no marriage for her. Take her out of the picture she will live her life as the spinster aunt. Only now that she's made the decision, life is getting much more interesting.
I really enjoyed this novella but Katrina's sisters almost ruined the book for me. I hate secondary characters that are so strident they take over the book (and not in a pleasant manner) Every time one of the sibling brats spoke up I wanted to rip out the pages. Yes they bothered me this much. Enough to take what could have been a 5 star Novella to barely a 4. Honestly, I might have even gone to a 3.5 but that would ruin the rest of Ms. Foley's fantastic work.
Katrina and Gable did something that doesn't always happen in Regency Romance, they became friends first. Their romance was sweet, especially since it went on in private without friends and family forcing their hands.. Ok, Daddy is insisting he marry but there was nothing about finding a friend first.
So aside from the strident sisters, an excellent book.
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Take Me, provided by the author for an honest review.
October 26, 2017
(2.5 stars) I must be in Romance Bizarro World again. I want to like this novella. So many other readers have given it 5 stars that I'm sure there's something wrong with me (again/still/as usual). I also want to like it because it's not an Inferno Club story by the author. Once some years ago I enjoyed Foley's work (LORD OF FIRE/LORD OF ICE/ THE DUKE, etc.) but when she started up that silly, infernal series she lost me. And now it appears she's going back to the more traditional HR plots with this new series, so good on that.
But this little novella (overpriced, BTW) was pretty much bland and run-of-the-mill in plot and characters. You know, bluestocking, misunderstood young woman who can't attract a suitor to save her soul and a handsome, fun-loving, marriage-averse rake. Yeah, sounds familiar, doesn't it?
I guess it's cute. At least I am to understand that from reading other reviews and if I had not read so many hundreds of stories before in my lifetime with the same plot perhaps I would agree. Unfortunately I've been around the romance block so many times that this novella didn't even come close to making a bleep on my cute radar.
Not only that but, really, must the story be laden with so much anachronistic dialogue? Somebody here is "filthy rich". Another calls out, "Don't do anything I wouldn't do." The answer to the question "Are you quite clear on what's expected of you?" is "Crystal", of all things. Then there's "You really are a piece of work" and "You did not really just say that to me" or "Ow! Do you mind? Bullet wound" or "Not bad!" and more, more, more. Every page has somebody saying something that doesn't sound like 1800s English.
Yeah, I know. I'm old and crotchety and should just shut up. But really, there was only one critical review here out of the 50 posted on Amazon before mine and I decided maybe two would make it slightly more fair and balanced. There does seem to be quite a marketing promotion going on.
But this little novella (overpriced, BTW) was pretty much bland and run-of-the-mill in plot and characters. You know, bluestocking, misunderstood young woman who can't attract a suitor to save her soul and a handsome, fun-loving, marriage-averse rake. Yeah, sounds familiar, doesn't it?
I guess it's cute. At least I am to understand that from reading other reviews and if I had not read so many hundreds of stories before in my lifetime with the same plot perhaps I would agree. Unfortunately I've been around the romance block so many times that this novella didn't even come close to making a bleep on my cute radar.
Not only that but, really, must the story be laden with so much anachronistic dialogue? Somebody here is "filthy rich". Another calls out, "Don't do anything I wouldn't do." The answer to the question "Are you quite clear on what's expected of you?" is "Crystal", of all things. Then there's "You really are a piece of work" and "You did not really just say that to me" or "Ow! Do you mind? Bullet wound" or "Not bad!" and more, more, more. Every page has somebody saying something that doesn't sound like 1800s English.
Yeah, I know. I'm old and crotchety and should just shut up. But really, there was only one critical review here out of the 50 posted on Amazon before mine and I decided maybe two would make it slightly more fair and balanced. There does seem to be quite a marketing promotion going on.
September 20, 2015
At least 4.5 stars, so rounding up.
The novella begins with a roomful of squabbling younger sisters, angry that the eldest has not gotten herself married, so that the rest of them are stuck waiting in the queue, either for an impending marriage or for a vacated bedroom!
Meanwhile, erstwhile-noted elder sister, Lady Katrina Glendon, has gone to the gated park in their square to shed her tears in solitude. Unbeknownst to her, another visitor comes to the park to retrieve a lost item; he is a notorious rake, Gable Winston-McCray, Viscount Roland, and he has interrupted her to offer his handkerchief to move her along. He tosses off some advice, encouraging her to become her own woman, and to be a spinster if marriage is not for her. It certainly is not for him.
Katrina heeds these words, and the story is off and running. Foley writes intelligently and her characters and story do not suffer overmuch because of the constraints of the novella format. In my opinion, she is one of the best authors in the Romance genre, and I encourage her fans and those new to her to check out this story. It sets up the Moonlight Square series, yet it stands alone as its own story. I'm looking forward to the first longer book, due in mid-October.
For those who wish to know, there is one scene of interrupted intimacy, but there is little cursing if memory serves.
I am very pleased to have received this book in exchange for my honest review.
The novella begins with a roomful of squabbling younger sisters, angry that the eldest has not gotten herself married, so that the rest of them are stuck waiting in the queue, either for an impending marriage or for a vacated bedroom!
Meanwhile, erstwhile-noted elder sister, Lady Katrina Glendon, has gone to the gated park in their square to shed her tears in solitude. Unbeknownst to her, another visitor comes to the park to retrieve a lost item; he is a notorious rake, Gable Winston-McCray, Viscount Roland, and he has interrupted her to offer his handkerchief to move her along. He tosses off some advice, encouraging her to become her own woman, and to be a spinster if marriage is not for her. It certainly is not for him.
Katrina heeds these words, and the story is off and running. Foley writes intelligently and her characters and story do not suffer overmuch because of the constraints of the novella format. In my opinion, she is one of the best authors in the Romance genre, and I encourage her fans and those new to her to check out this story. It sets up the Moonlight Square series, yet it stands alone as its own story. I'm looking forward to the first longer book, due in mid-October.
For those who wish to know, there is one scene of interrupted intimacy, but there is little cursing if memory serves.
I am very pleased to have received this book in exchange for my honest review.
February 11, 2021
I enjoyed this entertaining beginning to the new series. The prequel offered enough teasers to pique my interest in the upcoming books, but they did not draw my attention from the relationship between the main characters or get in the way of the story.
On the surface, the plot was standard historical romance fare: a rakehell lordling fell in love with an odd duck of a spinster. But the love story was not a typical drawing room romance. Starting with the unconventional introduction, their encounters rarely followed the socially acceptable norms and their conversations were typically more frank than polite. None of which seemed out of place for the era - always a plus in my book.
I really enjoyed their repartee, even more so when the heroine refused to sacrifice her newfound beliefs for a convenient marriage when the hero was pressured to offer one. As the story progressed, it became apparent that the hero and heroine would make a well-suited couple, despite the superficial differences. Even if the final plot twist was a bit of a stretch, I was already too attached to the characters to quibble over details.
On the surface, the plot was standard historical romance fare: a rakehell lordling fell in love with an odd duck of a spinster. But the love story was not a typical drawing room romance. Starting with the unconventional introduction, their encounters rarely followed the socially acceptable norms and their conversations were typically more frank than polite. None of which seemed out of place for the era - always a plus in my book.
I really enjoyed their repartee, even more so when the heroine refused to sacrifice her newfound beliefs for a convenient marriage when the hero was pressured to offer one. As the story progressed, it became apparent that the hero and heroine would make a well-suited couple, despite the superficial differences. Even if the final plot twist was a bit of a stretch, I was already too attached to the characters to quibble over details.
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