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Maiden Lane #10.5
Once Upon a Moonlit Night
From New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Hoyt comes a delightful Maiden Lane novella that begins once upon a moonlit night---and ends wickedly, wonderfully ever after . . .
Hippolyta Royle is running for her life. Pursued by hounds on a cold rainy night, the heiress flags down a passing carriage and throws herself at the mercy of the coach's occupant. Whoever this handsome traveler may be, he is her only hope to escape a terrible fate. But should he agree to escort her to safety, he's in for much more than he bargained for . . .
At first Matthew Mortimer doesn't believe Hippolyta's story, that she's a fabulously wealthy heiress who's been kidnapped. He assumes she's a beggar, an actress, or worse. But once his new travel companion washes the mud from her surprisingly lovely face, and they share a breathtaking kiss, there is no turning back . . .
Hippolyta Royle is running for her life. Pursued by hounds on a cold rainy night, the heiress flags down a passing carriage and throws herself at the mercy of the coach's occupant. Whoever this handsome traveler may be, he is her only hope to escape a terrible fate. But should he agree to escort her to safety, he's in for much more than he bargained for . . .
At first Matthew Mortimer doesn't believe Hippolyta's story, that she's a fabulously wealthy heiress who's been kidnapped. He assumes she's a beggar, an actress, or worse. But once his new travel companion washes the mud from her surprisingly lovely face, and they share a breathtaking kiss, there is no turning back . . .
87 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 5, 2016
178 people are currently reading
2289 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Hoyt
49 books7,191 followersElizabeth Hoyt is a New York Times bestselling author of historical romance. She also writes deliciously fun contemporary romance under the name Julia Harper. Elizabeth lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota with three untrained dogs and one long-suffering husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 442 reviews
February 6, 2017
For everyone who wondered "what the hell ever happened to Hippolyta?" after reading the last book. All your questions are answered. Except, the burning question on my mind: Who the hell names their daughter Hippolyta? That wasn't answered.
All I can think of is this:
Nuff said...
All I can think of is this:
Nuff said...
April 24, 2020
I thought I had to gird my loins…
I finished and enjoyed Duke of Sin with the question…But what happened to poor Hippolyta?…burning through my brain. When I found out that we would be getting a novella telling us all about it, I was very excited. Yesterday, I went to Goodreads to update and list it as currently reading. While I was there I noticed that there were a few less than stellar ratings. What? How could that be? It’s a novella, what on earth could go wrong? Well, I didn’t look at the review before starting, but I girded my loins as I started waiting for it all to fall apart.
….and waited
…and waited
…and waited
Ummm…it didn’t happen. I didn’t find the bad bit. I’m not discounting someone else’s opinion, each to their own and all that jazz, but I’m not sure what the bad bit was. Look, it wasn’t perfect by any means. The sexy times were a wee bit modern and very steamy (but who am I to question whether back in the olden days they talked dirty or not). It also all kind of fell into place a bit too easily and the characters did fall in love very quickly. BUT…I read romance to escape from reality and this little treat hit the spot for me.
Hippolyta and Matthew have a very unusual first meeting and neither of them is in a position that shows themselves off in a favourable light. Hippolyta has escaped kidnapping and Matthew is returning from his overseas adventures to do his duty now that he is an Earl. Matthew doesn’t believe that the muddy and smelly Hippolyta could possibly be a rich heiress and she thinks he’s a dishevelled and rude working man in need of funds.
The story has a touch of mystery mixed into their adventure. There is seduction and temptation that neither can deny. Both characters are also learning to have the courage to be true to yourself. While it wasn’t perfect, it was a perfectly fine little story to answer my questions and give me the historical romance fix I was looking for.
I can’t wait for Duke of Pleasure and I hope my guess is right in who the newest Ghost of St Giles is.
Stacey is Sassy, received an advanced copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.
I finished and enjoyed Duke of Sin with the question…But what happened to poor Hippolyta?…burning through my brain. When I found out that we would be getting a novella telling us all about it, I was very excited. Yesterday, I went to Goodreads to update and list it as currently reading. While I was there I noticed that there were a few less than stellar ratings. What? How could that be? It’s a novella, what on earth could go wrong? Well, I didn’t look at the review before starting, but I girded my loins as I started waiting for it all to fall apart.
….and waited
…and waited
…and waited
Ummm…it didn’t happen. I didn’t find the bad bit. I’m not discounting someone else’s opinion, each to their own and all that jazz, but I’m not sure what the bad bit was. Look, it wasn’t perfect by any means. The sexy times were a wee bit modern and very steamy (but who am I to question whether back in the olden days they talked dirty or not). It also all kind of fell into place a bit too easily and the characters did fall in love very quickly. BUT…I read romance to escape from reality and this little treat hit the spot for me.
Hippolyta and Matthew have a very unusual first meeting and neither of them is in a position that shows themselves off in a favourable light. Hippolyta has escaped kidnapping and Matthew is returning from his overseas adventures to do his duty now that he is an Earl. Matthew doesn’t believe that the muddy and smelly Hippolyta could possibly be a rich heiress and she thinks he’s a dishevelled and rude working man in need of funds.
The story has a touch of mystery mixed into their adventure. There is seduction and temptation that neither can deny. Both characters are also learning to have the courage to be true to yourself. While it wasn’t perfect, it was a perfectly fine little story to answer my questions and give me the historical romance fix I was looking for.
I can’t wait for Duke of Pleasure and I hope my guess is right in who the newest Ghost of St Giles is.
Stacey is Sassy, received an advanced copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.
March 4, 2017
*** 3.25 ***
Not bad. It is a novela, so it is short and excuses the meteoric acceleration from an accidental meeting on a rainy night in the middle of the road by a bedraggled young woman and an impoverished nobleman in his carriage, who offered her a ride, to marriage... The girl is the hairess who ran away from an insane kidnapping Duke, and she is fortunate to run into a young, handsome and mostly honorable gentleman, who thinks she is a bagger traveling actress or a very low class prostitute. Money does seem to fix many things...
Not bad. It is a novela, so it is short and excuses the meteoric acceleration from an accidental meeting on a rainy night in the middle of the road by a bedraggled young woman and an impoverished nobleman in his carriage, who offered her a ride, to marriage... The girl is the hairess who ran away from an insane kidnapping Duke, and she is fortunate to run into a young, handsome and mostly honorable gentleman, who thinks she is a bagger traveling actress or a very low class prostitute. Money does seem to fix many things...
February 23, 2019
4.5 stars
Surprisingly good! Loved it!
Surprisingly good! Loved it!
June 25, 2016
This publishes on my BIRTHDAY!!!!! So excited. =)
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
Once Upon a Moonlit Night by Elizabeth Hoyt
Book 10.5 of the Maiden Lane series
Publisher: Forever
Publication Date: July 5, 2016
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC from NetGalley
***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***
Summary (from Goodreads):
From New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Hoyt comes a delightful Maiden Lane novella that begins once upon a moonlit night—and ends wickedly, wonderfully ever after...
Hippolyta Royle is running for her life. Pursued by hounds on a cold rainy night, the heiress flags down a passing carriage and throws herself at the mercy of the coach's occupant. Whoever this handsome traveler may be, he is her only hope to escape a terrible fate. But should he agree to escort her to safety, he's in for much more than he bargained for.
At first Matthew Mortimer doesn't believe Hippolyta's story, that she's a fabulously wealthy heiress who's been kidnapped. He assumes she's a beggar, an actress, or worse. But once his new travel companion washes the mud from her surprisingly lovely face, and they share a breathtaking kiss, there is no turning back.
What I Liked:
Oh how this book was fun, sweet, steamy, and heartwarming! The Maiden Lane series is one of my favorite historical romance series (if not my favorite). I was beyond excited to see that Hoyt would be publishing a novella - especially when it was revealed that Hippolyta Royle would be the protagonist. I LOVE how Hoyt places Hippolyta's story.
You don't have to have read the previous books in the series to understand and enjoy this novella, but I recommend you read at least Duke of Sin (heck, the whole series, but Duke of Sin for sure). I mention book ten specifically because Once Upon a Moonlit Night starts exactly as a scene from Duke of Sin ends - with Hippolyta running from Ainsdale Castle, after Bridget rescues her and sends her away with a little money.
Hippolyta has been running from the hounds that are chasing her, courtesy of the duke who kidnapped her. She runs into the road and stops a carriage, owned by Matthew Mortimer. Matthew doesn't believe her when she says that she is Hippolyta Royle, the richest heiress in London, but he lets her in the carriage anyway. Matthew has just returned from traveling around the world; his cousins have passed away, and he has been left the earldom. But he doesn't tell Hippolyta all of that. No, he plans on dumping her off at the nearest posting in, and going about his business. But whether or not he thinks she is a beggar, he can't help but feel a little protective over her... and attracted to her. And Hippolyta can't help but feel safe with Matthew, and more than grateful. But what will happen when Matthew finds out that Hippolyta wasn't lying about who she was?
Ahhh, this novella was lovely. Usually I avoid novellas like the plague, but I love Elizabeth Hoyt and the Maiden Lane series, and there was no way I was missing Hippolyta's story. And it turned out to be so fun and so sweet!
Hippolyta is kind and a little innocent, but also a little regal. From the start, Matthew doesn't quite think she's a beggar, but he doesn't believe her when she says she's Hippolyta Royle. She is inquisitive and intelligent, and much more than a rich, pretty girl.
Matthew! He used to be Mr. Mortimer, a young cartographer. Now he is going to London to take on an earldom, and become the Earl of Paxton. Matthew is a little gruff, and he doesn't like Hippolyta at all, at first. In fact, he doesn't want anything to do with her. But something won't let him let her go.
The romance between these two is so fiery! It's a good hate-to-love romance, which I love. At first, Hippolyta is a little haughty yet desperate, and Matthew is irritated and in disbelief (but he doesn't ignore her pleas for help). It was so cute to see them go from absolute irritation and annoyance with each other, to passion and love. While this is only a novella, time does pass, enough for me to *believe* their relationship.
Half the story is spent on the road, with Matthew helping Hippolyta get to some posting in, and then Hippolyta's father finding her starts the second half. What ensues is a little bit of chaos! But I love how things worked out. Matthew and Hippolyta are such a sweet pair, passionate and caring and protective of each other.
Yes, there were some steamy scenes in this book. It's a novella, but there were at least two (maybe three?). Hoyt never skimps on those, which I love! *fans self*
Overall, this novella is totally worth the read. Hippolyta and Matthew are unlike any other couple in the Maiden Lane series - though you could say that each couple in the series is wholly unique (which is totally true!). I'm glad Hoyt decided to write about Hippolyta specifically!
What I Did Not Like:
Obviously I wanted MORE! I mean this in the best of ways.
Would I Recommend It:
I highly recommend this novella, if you're a Hoyt fan, and/or fan of the Maiden Lane series. Historical romance fans should definitely give this series a chance! My personal favorite is Duke of Midnight, with Duke of Sin slightly behind. Only slightly!
Rating:
4.5 stars. I'm rounding down to 4 stars because you all know me and my pickiness about the 5-star rating. I am such a huge fan of this novella, and this series in general!
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
Once Upon a Moonlit Night by Elizabeth Hoyt
Book 10.5 of the Maiden Lane series
Publisher: Forever
Publication Date: July 5, 2016
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC from NetGalley
***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***
Summary (from Goodreads):
From New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Hoyt comes a delightful Maiden Lane novella that begins once upon a moonlit night—and ends wickedly, wonderfully ever after...
Hippolyta Royle is running for her life. Pursued by hounds on a cold rainy night, the heiress flags down a passing carriage and throws herself at the mercy of the coach's occupant. Whoever this handsome traveler may be, he is her only hope to escape a terrible fate. But should he agree to escort her to safety, he's in for much more than he bargained for.
At first Matthew Mortimer doesn't believe Hippolyta's story, that she's a fabulously wealthy heiress who's been kidnapped. He assumes she's a beggar, an actress, or worse. But once his new travel companion washes the mud from her surprisingly lovely face, and they share a breathtaking kiss, there is no turning back.
What I Liked:
Oh how this book was fun, sweet, steamy, and heartwarming! The Maiden Lane series is one of my favorite historical romance series (if not my favorite). I was beyond excited to see that Hoyt would be publishing a novella - especially when it was revealed that Hippolyta Royle would be the protagonist. I LOVE how Hoyt places Hippolyta's story.
You don't have to have read the previous books in the series to understand and enjoy this novella, but I recommend you read at least Duke of Sin (heck, the whole series, but Duke of Sin for sure). I mention book ten specifically because Once Upon a Moonlit Night starts exactly as a scene from Duke of Sin ends - with Hippolyta running from Ainsdale Castle, after Bridget rescues her and sends her away with a little money.
Hippolyta has been running from the hounds that are chasing her, courtesy of the duke who kidnapped her. She runs into the road and stops a carriage, owned by Matthew Mortimer. Matthew doesn't believe her when she says that she is Hippolyta Royle, the richest heiress in London, but he lets her in the carriage anyway. Matthew has just returned from traveling around the world; his cousins have passed away, and he has been left the earldom. But he doesn't tell Hippolyta all of that. No, he plans on dumping her off at the nearest posting in, and going about his business. But whether or not he thinks she is a beggar, he can't help but feel a little protective over her... and attracted to her. And Hippolyta can't help but feel safe with Matthew, and more than grateful. But what will happen when Matthew finds out that Hippolyta wasn't lying about who she was?
Ahhh, this novella was lovely. Usually I avoid novellas like the plague, but I love Elizabeth Hoyt and the Maiden Lane series, and there was no way I was missing Hippolyta's story. And it turned out to be so fun and so sweet!
Hippolyta is kind and a little innocent, but also a little regal. From the start, Matthew doesn't quite think she's a beggar, but he doesn't believe her when she says she's Hippolyta Royle. She is inquisitive and intelligent, and much more than a rich, pretty girl.
Matthew! He used to be Mr. Mortimer, a young cartographer. Now he is going to London to take on an earldom, and become the Earl of Paxton. Matthew is a little gruff, and he doesn't like Hippolyta at all, at first. In fact, he doesn't want anything to do with her. But something won't let him let her go.
The romance between these two is so fiery! It's a good hate-to-love romance, which I love. At first, Hippolyta is a little haughty yet desperate, and Matthew is irritated and in disbelief (but he doesn't ignore her pleas for help). It was so cute to see them go from absolute irritation and annoyance with each other, to passion and love. While this is only a novella, time does pass, enough for me to *believe* their relationship.
Half the story is spent on the road, with Matthew helping Hippolyta get to some posting in, and then Hippolyta's father finding her starts the second half. What ensues is a little bit of chaos! But I love how things worked out. Matthew and Hippolyta are such a sweet pair, passionate and caring and protective of each other.
Yes, there were some steamy scenes in this book. It's a novella, but there were at least two (maybe three?). Hoyt never skimps on those, which I love! *fans self*
Overall, this novella is totally worth the read. Hippolyta and Matthew are unlike any other couple in the Maiden Lane series - though you could say that each couple in the series is wholly unique (which is totally true!). I'm glad Hoyt decided to write about Hippolyta specifically!
What I Did Not Like:
Obviously I wanted MORE! I mean this in the best of ways.
Would I Recommend It:
I highly recommend this novella, if you're a Hoyt fan, and/or fan of the Maiden Lane series. Historical romance fans should definitely give this series a chance! My personal favorite is Duke of Midnight, with Duke of Sin slightly behind. Only slightly!
Rating:
4.5 stars. I'm rounding down to 4 stars because you all know me and my pickiness about the 5-star rating. I am such a huge fan of this novella, and this series in general!
December 2, 2017
What do you do when you finish reading Oathbringer and nothing else fantasy is going to compare for a little while? If you are me you go on a romance kick for awhile.
Hippolyta Royal has been of the outskirts of the Maiden Lane series for awhile now. In Duke of Sin she was kidnapped by our favorite bad boy and helped to escape but then we get nothing of if she made it back to London. This is that story of how she flagged down a carriage while completely bedraggled and was able to catch both a lift and a husband on the way back to London.
Matthew is pretty down to earth for an Earl. Well that could be because he has been making maps of India for years and has only recently returned to England because of his recent inheritance of the Earldom. But he knows a scam when he sees one, he is a man of the world after all and the stinky, muddy, tangled mess of a woman sitting across from him in the carriage can not be an heiress. First off her name is Hippolyta, udderly ridiculous. She should have picked a better cover story, but he will see her back to London non-the-less.
This was a cute story of mistaken identity and getting to know someone when you don’t have any expectations of them due to title and station. It unfolds pretty well if fast but this is a novella so no time to lollygag on the romantic front.
My only complaint is the blackmail. It has been a continuing theme for Hippolyta in the other books that she is being blackmailed but the actual reason for the blackmail comes to light in this book and I thought it was kinda soft. Maybe in this time period ‘’the reason’ is a big deal but it didn’t really seem like it and I honestly assumed that everyone one London already had some idea.
Still a fast read with a lighter tone than a few of the other books of this series and a good pallet cleanser.
Hippolyta Royal has been of the outskirts of the Maiden Lane series for awhile now. In Duke of Sin she was kidnapped by our favorite bad boy and helped to escape but then we get nothing of if she made it back to London. This is that story of how she flagged down a carriage while completely bedraggled and was able to catch both a lift and a husband on the way back to London.
Matthew is pretty down to earth for an Earl. Well that could be because he has been making maps of India for years and has only recently returned to England because of his recent inheritance of the Earldom. But he knows a scam when he sees one, he is a man of the world after all and the stinky, muddy, tangled mess of a woman sitting across from him in the carriage can not be an heiress. First off her name is Hippolyta, udderly ridiculous. She should have picked a better cover story, but he will see her back to London non-the-less.
This was a cute story of mistaken identity and getting to know someone when you don’t have any expectations of them due to title and station. It unfolds pretty well if fast but this is a novella so no time to lollygag on the romantic front.
My only complaint is the blackmail. It has been a continuing theme for Hippolyta in the other books that she is being blackmailed but the actual reason for the blackmail comes to light in this book and I thought it was kinda soft. Maybe in this time period ‘’the reason’ is a big deal but it didn’t really seem like it and I honestly assumed that everyone one London already had some idea.
Still a fast read with a lighter tone than a few of the other books of this series and a good pallet cleanser.
July 6, 2016
Readers of Duke of Sin, the recently released tenth book in Elizabeth Hoyt’s hugely popular
Maiden Lane
series will recall that one of the many nefarious plots engineered by the Machiavellian Duke of Montgomery was the kidnapping of Miss Hippolyta Royle, the wealthiest heiress in England. In that book, she was freed by the Duke’s housekeeper, the enterprising Bridget Crumb, who helped her to escape onto the moors – and then we heard nothing more of her. I admit, that loose plot-thread did seem rather strange, but fortunately, anyone wondering what happened to Miss Royle after she fled Ainsdale Castle can put their minds at rest, as her fate is revealed in the novella, Once Upon a Moonlit Night.
She stumbles into the path of an oncoming carriage, which – fortunately – stops so that its angry occupant can ask her what the hell she’s playing at. Dirty, bedraggled and smelling of sheep rather than roses, Hippolyta’s assertion that she is a wealthy heiress is promptly dismissed by Matthew Mortimer, explorer, cartographer and newly minted but improverished Earl of Paxton. He’s tired from his journey home from the Indian Ocean, disgruntled because he had to make it at all and in no mood to humour a down-on-her-luck actress/thief/tart.
The first part of the novella is a road-trip romance in which the two protagonists get off on completely the wrong foot but, during the course of a few days, come to realise that perhaps there is more to the other than meets the eye. The sparks fly from the get-go and the air between them crackles with sexual tension, even though Matthew is pretty abrasive for the first part of the journey and makes no bones about the fact that he believes Hippolyta to be a whore. By the second day, however, they really start talking to each other and he starts to wonder if perhaps he’s misjudged her. But before he can really make his mind up, the two of them are discovered in the yard of a coaching inn by her father who is outraged at the idea that his daughter has spent several days unchaperoned with a man, leaving Matthew with little option but to ask for her hand.
The story then fast-forwards a couple of weeks to the hasty wedding ��� and the wedding night – and the reappearance of a figure from Hippolyta’s past who threatens to expose a buried family secret (that isn’t much of a secret to anyone who has read Duke of Sin) which could ruin her in society.
Once Upon a Moonlit Night is an entertaining, quick read that is as well-written as one would expect from this author, but it does suffer from “novella-itis” in that it feels rather rushed, especially in the second half. The central characters are reasonably well drawn, and while Matthew is a bit of a grouch to start with, in his favour, he’s the type of hero who, once he realises what he wants, doesn’t dither or deny, he goes for it. But I couldn’t quite work out what happened to Hippolyta, who has been an intriguing, exotic figure in the earlier books in which she has appeared. She begins this tale as spirited and able to give as good as she gets, but then turns into a wimpy damsel in distress immediately after her wedding night. She receives a blackmail note and just runs off instead of having a simple conversation with Matthew, and I thoroughly disliked the use of such an obvious contrivance to create dramatic tension.
Ultimately, this is a story of two … not quite halves. The first, in which the author develops the relationship between Hipployta and Matthew and skilfully brings the sexual attraction between them to the boil gets four stars, but the second, which is a bit of a let-down, gets three, hence my overall grade. I enjoyed the novella and I’m glad Ms. Hoyt took the opportunity to tie up the loose ends of Hippolyta’s story, but I think it needed a bit more time and space in which to play out.
She stumbles into the path of an oncoming carriage, which – fortunately – stops so that its angry occupant can ask her what the hell she’s playing at. Dirty, bedraggled and smelling of sheep rather than roses, Hippolyta’s assertion that she is a wealthy heiress is promptly dismissed by Matthew Mortimer, explorer, cartographer and newly minted but improverished Earl of Paxton. He’s tired from his journey home from the Indian Ocean, disgruntled because he had to make it at all and in no mood to humour a down-on-her-luck actress/thief/tart.
The first part of the novella is a road-trip romance in which the two protagonists get off on completely the wrong foot but, during the course of a few days, come to realise that perhaps there is more to the other than meets the eye. The sparks fly from the get-go and the air between them crackles with sexual tension, even though Matthew is pretty abrasive for the first part of the journey and makes no bones about the fact that he believes Hippolyta to be a whore. By the second day, however, they really start talking to each other and he starts to wonder if perhaps he’s misjudged her. But before he can really make his mind up, the two of them are discovered in the yard of a coaching inn by her father who is outraged at the idea that his daughter has spent several days unchaperoned with a man, leaving Matthew with little option but to ask for her hand.
The story then fast-forwards a couple of weeks to the hasty wedding ��� and the wedding night – and the reappearance of a figure from Hippolyta’s past who threatens to expose a buried family secret (that isn’t much of a secret to anyone who has read Duke of Sin) which could ruin her in society.
Once Upon a Moonlit Night is an entertaining, quick read that is as well-written as one would expect from this author, but it does suffer from “novella-itis” in that it feels rather rushed, especially in the second half. The central characters are reasonably well drawn, and while Matthew is a bit of a grouch to start with, in his favour, he’s the type of hero who, once he realises what he wants, doesn’t dither or deny, he goes for it. But I couldn’t quite work out what happened to Hippolyta, who has been an intriguing, exotic figure in the earlier books in which she has appeared. She begins this tale as spirited and able to give as good as she gets, but then turns into a wimpy damsel in distress immediately after her wedding night. She receives a blackmail note and just runs off instead of having a simple conversation with Matthew, and I thoroughly disliked the use of such an obvious contrivance to create dramatic tension.
Ultimately, this is a story of two … not quite halves. The first, in which the author develops the relationship between Hipployta and Matthew and skilfully brings the sexual attraction between them to the boil gets four stars, but the second, which is a bit of a let-down, gets three, hence my overall grade. I enjoyed the novella and I’m glad Ms. Hoyt took the opportunity to tie up the loose ends of Hippolyta’s story, but I think it needed a bit more time and space in which to play out.
July 4, 2018
It was good. I like the “real man” type of heroes that Hoyt writes. The ones who have a temper, who might not look great (tho this one does), who curses and throws things around, maybe a bit Neanderthal like. This is one of those heroes. And I enjoyed him. Maybe a bit too rough on the first time deflowering of the woman, not that she seemed to mind, but goes with his character I guess.
The heroine I was a bit disappointed in. Not that there’s anything wrong with her per se, but there was a lot of buildup from other books about her and for some reason I thought she’d be special. Apart from her recognition what a mongoose is, she’s like any other British lady, not at all special in behavior Ben tho she grew up in India and . So heroine definitely didn’t live up to the hype. And for heaven sakes! With a name like hippolyta royale she should be special!!
3.5 stars.
The heroine I was a bit disappointed in. Not that there’s anything wrong with her per se, but there was a lot of buildup from other books about her and for some reason I thought she’d be special. Apart from her recognition what a mongoose is, she’s like any other British lady, not at all special in behavior Ben tho she grew up in India and . So heroine definitely didn’t live up to the hype. And for heaven sakes! With a name like hippolyta royale she should be special!!
3.5 stars.
October 24, 2023
Short and mid
This was a very short novella that answered the question of what happened to Hippolyta Royles after her kidnapping in the previous book. It was too short to really have much story and Matthew was a huge ass to her for no real reason other than that this book needed drama of some sort.
I was looking forward to Hippolyta’s story as she was an interesting and mysterious character in several of the previous books, but this book didn’t present her well and she didn’t even seem like the same person. So the story was alright but I wished Hoyt had given this character a full length novel with all the intrigue and action of previous books. 😏
Side notes: 1. the term fat tits was used here way too many times 😱. 2. Even in a 87 page novella Hoyt insists on bogging her story down with the dumb fairytales at the beginning of the chapters, blerg. I skip them.
This was a very short novella that answered the question of what happened to Hippolyta Royles after her kidnapping in the previous book. It was too short to really have much story and Matthew was a huge ass to her for no real reason other than that this book needed drama of some sort.
I was looking forward to Hippolyta’s story as she was an interesting and mysterious character in several of the previous books, but this book didn’t present her well and she didn’t even seem like the same person. So the story was alright but I wished Hoyt had given this character a full length novel with all the intrigue and action of previous books. 😏
Side notes: 1. the term fat tits was used here way too many times 😱. 2. Even in a 87 page novella Hoyt insists on bogging her story down with the dumb fairytales at the beginning of the chapters, blerg. I skip them.
December 29, 2023
1st read: December 2022
2nd read: December 2023
This novella is sweet, but I liked the first half much better than the second. The second half was fine, but it was rushed and didn't quite connect with the rest of the story.
********************
Original review:
Hippolyta is escaping from the villain who kidnapped her, when she sees Matthew's carriage going down the road and talks him into giving her a ride. Hippolyta tells Matthew that her father is wealthy and will pay him a reward for helping her, but Matthew thinks that she is a con woman because of her appearance.
At first the characters couldn't stand each other, but over the course of their travels they get to know and begin to care for each other. It was actually pretty sweet.
2nd read: December 2023
This novella is sweet, but I liked the first half much better than the second. The second half was fine, but it was rushed and didn't quite connect with the rest of the story.
********************
Original review:
Hippolyta is escaping from the villain who kidnapped her, when she sees Matthew's carriage going down the road and talks him into giving her a ride. Hippolyta tells Matthew that her father is wealthy and will pay him a reward for helping her, but Matthew thinks that she is a con woman because of her appearance.
At first the characters couldn't stand each other, but over the course of their travels they get to know and begin to care for each other. It was actually pretty sweet.
January 11, 2023
Once Upon a Moonlit Night is a novella set in 1741 England. It begins with Hippolyta fleeing for her life from a madman (whom we meet only through her report) when she stumbles upon a carriage and pleads for escort to safety. The story takes place over a couple of days of travel before a happenstance ending. I would have found this more satisfying had I read (or remembered that I read) any prior books in this series. I didn’t realize this was a novella from a series until I had already begun. Having no further background than what’s presented here, I didn’t find the story with enough depth to recommend it unless you’ve met the characters previously.
July 9, 2023
That was pretty damn disappointing.
Hippolyta is escaping from an evil lord who had kidnapped her and locked her in his cellar. Shes tumbling through rain and swampy land with his hound dogs chasing her. Then she flags down a carriage that happens by and talks the self important Matthew Mortimer into letting her in.
He thinks she's lying and just some vagabond girl out to grift unsuspecting men from their cash.
He was so unwilling to believe her that he was belligerent about it.
He treats her like a trash, giving her the high hat. He even almost left her at an inn to take the next public coach. She's so filthy from her escape that there's a good chance the coach wouldn't even let her in and the inn keeper certainly wouldn't let her in the Inn. If his conscience hadn't gotten the better of him, she would have been raped and maybe even worse.
So this poor young woman has been kidnapped from her home, tied up in a dank cellar, running for her life from hounds, almost gang raped, and treated like scum by her rescuer...
I was savouring the buildup because I was so SOOOO looking forward to him eating crow, when he finds out she was telling the truth all along.
Does this ever happen?
NOPE, no, it does not.
There is no comeuppance. There is no apology. There is no regret for the way he treated her. There isn't even any acknowledgement of how awfully she's been treated. I thought he would at least think back to the sound of the hound dogs chasing her and feel some guilt for his piss poor rescue.
NOTHING.
They run into her father at an inn yard on their way to London, and she is the one to get tongue tied and unsure of herself. SHE! who had been a strong character up until this point. Now when the story should have gotten good, the climax fails.
The whole book was like bad sex. Kinda titillating but ultimately disappointing.
They go on to rush into a marriage (cause she was compromised) and a disappointing wedding night.
There's a brief kerfuffle about some jackass blackmailing her that didn't amount to much.
To top off the whole disappointing tale, the bad guy who kidnapped her never sees any justice. In fact nobody even tries to confront him.
Matthew was disappointingly unromantic. As though he sees her more like an object or possession than a person. The only thing in his favour is that he isn't prejudiced against Hippolyta (once he realizes she isn't a tramp that is...). Hippolyta never finds her backbone again after they marry.
Meh.
safety is OK.
Hippolyta is escaping from an evil lord who had kidnapped her and locked her in his cellar. Shes tumbling through rain and swampy land with his hound dogs chasing her. Then she flags down a carriage that happens by and talks the self important Matthew Mortimer into letting her in.
He thinks she's lying and just some vagabond girl out to grift unsuspecting men from their cash.
He was so unwilling to believe her that he was belligerent about it.
He treats her like a trash, giving her the high hat. He even almost left her at an inn to take the next public coach. She's so filthy from her escape that there's a good chance the coach wouldn't even let her in and the inn keeper certainly wouldn't let her in the Inn. If his conscience hadn't gotten the better of him, she would have been raped and maybe even worse.
So this poor young woman has been kidnapped from her home, tied up in a dank cellar, running for her life from hounds, almost gang raped, and treated like scum by her rescuer...
I was savouring the buildup because I was so SOOOO looking forward to him eating crow, when he finds out she was telling the truth all along.
Does this ever happen?
NOPE, no, it does not.
There is no comeuppance. There is no apology. There is no regret for the way he treated her. There isn't even any acknowledgement of how awfully she's been treated. I thought he would at least think back to the sound of the hound dogs chasing her and feel some guilt for his piss poor rescue.
NOTHING.
They run into her father at an inn yard on their way to London, and she is the one to get tongue tied and unsure of herself. SHE! who had been a strong character up until this point. Now when the story should have gotten good, the climax fails.
The whole book was like bad sex. Kinda titillating but ultimately disappointing.
They go on to rush into a marriage (cause she was compromised) and a disappointing wedding night.
There's a brief kerfuffle about some jackass blackmailing her that didn't amount to much.
To top off the whole disappointing tale, the bad guy who kidnapped her never sees any justice. In fact nobody even tries to confront him.
Matthew was disappointingly unromantic. As though he sees her more like an object or possession than a person. The only thing in his favour is that he isn't prejudiced against Hippolyta (once he realizes she isn't a tramp that is...). Hippolyta never finds her backbone again after they marry.
Meh.
safety is OK.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2016
I was eager to pick up Once Upon a Moonlit Night and find out what happed to Hippolyta Royale after escaping from the Duke of Montgomery’s clutches! Hippolyta was purported to be the richest heiress in England and therefore a much sought after catch, but running through the muddy hills of England have made her a sodden mess. She’s not out of danger, though, because the Duke’s men are still pursuing her. When a carriage comes barreling by and she jumps at the chance for a ride back to London. The carriage owner is infuriating even if he is sexy as sin!
Matthew Mortimer is home after the last couple of years sailing the Indian Ocean to step into his role as Earl of Paxton. The title sounds grand, but so are the debts that accompany it. When he comes upon Hippolyta soaked and covered in mud, he assumes she’s commoner trying to swindle him out of money, but allows her to ride with them to the next town anyhow. Her demeanor and spunk in spite of her situation intrigue Matthew and he can’t help feeling like he must protect this woman.
Little Hippolyta cleans up very well and soon Matthew can’t fight the desire and attraction brewing between them.
This was a fun, short and steamy romance! I loved the push and pull between Matthew and Hippolyta! Once Upon a Moonlit Night is novella done right: a fix of romance and HEA in a short amount of pages. This is a must for any Maiden Lane fan, but it’s not necessary to read any of the previous books to enjoy Hippolyta and Matthew’s story.
A copy was kindly provided by Forever Yours via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 28, 2016
4 "A Chance Road Encounter Leads to the Perfect Match" Stars for the story and 5 Stars for the narration!
Source: Library-Loan.
Source: Library-Loan.
August 19, 2017
Cold, wet, and covered in mud, Heiress Hippolyta Royle has escaped from her kidnapper and is trying to find the nearest village. As the hounds are getting closer to finding her, she flags down a coach and begs for the occupants to help her. Although Matthew Mortimer is willing to help the filthy woman travel to the next stop along the coach road, he doesn't believe her outlandish story that she is a kidnapped heiress. But when Matthew sees Hippolyta after she washes away the mud, he volunteers to take the beautiful woman to London himself.
This novella is a good addition to the Maiden Lane series. We know Hippolyta from previous books in the series. She escaped the Duke of Montgomery it the last book that we read, but we weren't told what actually became of her until this book. This was a nice, romantic and entertaining story. My rating: 4 Stars.
This novella is a good addition to the Maiden Lane series. We know Hippolyta from previous books in the series. She escaped the Duke of Montgomery it the last book that we read, but we weren't told what actually became of her until this book. This was a nice, romantic and entertaining story. My rating: 4 Stars.
January 23, 2018
It was ok. Matthew and Hippolyta had nice chemistry, and the beginning of the book was fun. Then it was all squished into another 40 pages and was ultimately a disappointment. No chance for tension or for Matthew's character to be fully fleshed out.
In short, it was a typical novella. Very few deliver IMO.
In short, it was a typical novella. Very few deliver IMO.
July 5, 2016
In this delicious offering from Elizabeth Hoyt, readers are thrown back into the Maiden Lane world and are once again reunited with Hippolyta Royle. Now if you’ve read the previous full-length book in this series, DUKE OF SIN, then you may be familiar with Hippolyta. She was the woman who Val kidnapped and wanted to make his wife before the heroine released her. So when I say that she’s been through a lot, I really mean it. The poor girl has been so strong though and I obviously had an immediate connection with her character from the very first page.
As we see her trying to return back to her home safely, she encounters another traveler named Matthew Mortimer. He’s handsome, intelligent, but also extremely wary of her. He doesn’t believe her when she says she is Hippolyta Royle instead he thinks of her as a beggar and an actress, trying to seduce men along the road and taking them for all he’s worth when he least suspects it.
And yet, he returns for her when he leaves her without clothes or money to feed herself, unable to bear the fact that she is alone. A romance blooms between the two, but for a short story, it’s quite believable. I will say that it took me a while to get into Matthew’s character simply because he was so mean to Hippolyta in the beginning. She’d been through some terrible things already that she doesn’t deserve judgment from a complete stranger as well. I felt a certain protectiveness towards Hippolyta’s character and that was why Matthew had so much against him in the beginning. And yet, by the end of the story, I was just in love with him as Hippolyta was.
So I would say that if you are thinking of trying this series, start at the beginning. You can happily jump into this story, however, you should read DUKE OF SIN first I think since that’s where Hippolyta’s journey really starts. I’m glad Elizabeth Hoyt took the time to write this story for her. I never thought I’d see her again, but now she has a HEA and I think out of all the characters in this series, Hippolyta was the one that deserved it the most.
June 22, 2017
2.5 grumpy, tired, back to work stars.
Perhaps I'd rate this a bit higher if I was less moody. But, ho hum.
I had such hopes for Hippolyta's book. I thought she'd end up with Valentine, so much for that. Then I was rather aggrieved to find she'd been consigned to a novella. But still: where there's Hoyt, there's hope.
Or not.
This was intensely mediocre. Nuts and bolts is fine. Sex, as ever: good.
But I found I did not like the H/h. Hippolyta becomes a rather whiny, entitled creature, helpless without a man around to assist. Matthew is moody and charmless. They develop an instant animosity to one another, but it's all jarringly formulaic and then too easily overcome by a hearty dose of lust and not much else.
Hippolyta's interesting and difficult background is reduced to being the centrepiece of an easy and cheap finale at the book's conclusion.
The best thing about this book is the mongoose, which probably isn't what Hoyt was aiming for.
Perhaps I'd rate this a bit higher if I was less moody. But, ho hum.
I had such hopes for Hippolyta's book. I thought she'd end up with Valentine, so much for that. Then I was rather aggrieved to find she'd been consigned to a novella. But still: where there's Hoyt, there's hope.
Or not.
This was intensely mediocre. Nuts and bolts is fine. Sex, as ever: good.
But I found I did not like the H/h. Hippolyta becomes a rather whiny, entitled creature, helpless without a man around to assist. Matthew is moody and charmless. They develop an instant animosity to one another, but it's all jarringly formulaic and then too easily overcome by a hearty dose of lust and not much else.
Hippolyta's interesting and difficult background is reduced to being the centrepiece of an easy and cheap finale at the book's conclusion.
The best thing about this book is the mongoose, which probably isn't what Hoyt was aiming for.
November 11, 2025
rating: 3.5★
this was pretty satisfactory novella! i thought the relationship development was good in the short amount of time although i'm disappointed that 1. hippolyta didn't get a full book like i had been expecting for her and 2. matthew was kind of a dick in the beginning.
bonus for a hisrom protagonist who's a WOC (half-indian) but again, would have liked a full book! also tommy 🐾
this was pretty satisfactory novella! i thought the relationship development was good in the short amount of time although i'm disappointed that 1. hippolyta didn't get a full book like i had been expecting for her and 2. matthew was kind of a dick in the beginning.
bonus for a hisrom protagonist who's a WOC (half-indian) but again, would have liked a full book! also tommy 🐾
May 27, 2025
Swoon worthy alpha hero. Beautiful, feisty heroine. Isn't that what we read Historical Romance, or really any Romance for? You have both in this one and a touch of mystery to add to a wonderful story.
Once upon a moonlit night, or rather in this case, a dark and stormy one, a beautiful woman flees the clutches of a man bent on her rumination and stumbles into the path of the carriage of Matthew Mortimer, the Earl of Paxton. He, of course thinks her an escaped maid or a beggar or just a lady of the evening. But Hippolyta Royle is the toast of London, an extremely wealthy heiress who was kidnapped by the Duke of Montgomery.
While not believing her story, Matthew agrees to escort her to London and as a gentleman vows that her virtue is safe with him. That is a vow Matthew comes to regret.
Once upon a moonlit night, or rather in this case, a dark and stormy one, a beautiful woman flees the clutches of a man bent on her rumination and stumbles into the path of the carriage of Matthew Mortimer, the Earl of Paxton. He, of course thinks her an escaped maid or a beggar or just a lady of the evening. But Hippolyta Royle is the toast of London, an extremely wealthy heiress who was kidnapped by the Duke of Montgomery.
While not believing her story, Matthew agrees to escort her to London and as a gentleman vows that her virtue is safe with him. That is a vow Matthew comes to regret.
July 8, 2016
I really enjoyed this latest addition to Elizabeth Hoyt’s fabulous Maiden Lane series. This novella follows Hippolyta Royle’s “adventures” after escaping the clutches of the wicked Duke of Montgomery (DUKE OF SIN)
I love the unconventional first meeting between Hippolyta and Matthew. I had a vivid picture of the wet, bedraggled, dirty, smelly Hippolyta trying to convince a disbelieving Matthew that she is telling the truth and she is really an heiress! It’s hardly surprising he doesn’t believe a word and is convinced that she is either a beggar, an actress or a whore. Given the circumstances, I can forgive his boorish attitude and rather coarse language and to his credit he does take pity on her and offer to give her a lift to the next town.
Well, it was a cold and wet night after all, and he had a bit of soft spot for scamps who could tell a cock-and-bull story with a straight face.
Matthew is both surprised and impressed by Hippolyta’s intelligence and wit and starts to have doubts about his original assumptions. He also feels very protective towards her while she feels safe with Matthew. I love the scene where Matthew walks in on Hippolyta while she is soaking naked in a tin bath, and he sees for the first time just how beautiful she is.
Ms Hoyt is excellent at building sexual tension and those who enjoy their romances with a goodly dose of sexy times will be more than satisfied(no pun intended).
I admire Hippolyta’s spirit when she attends Viscount D’Arque’s ball, knowing the potential scandal it would create and I love how Matthew is a solid presence, supporting and encouraging her.
…she stumbled a bit.
But Matthew caught her so that none of those watching could see the hesitation. “Head held high, Princess, “he murmured in her ear.
D’Arque and his grandmother, Lady Wimple, also rally round to offer their influential support and it was wonderful to see Hippolyta triumph. I think Lady Wimple sums it up perfectly.
“Well! This is all very satisfactory. I can’t think when I’ve seen a scandal with greater dash.”
I cheered when the blackmailer is well and truly hoisted by his own petard and thoroughly thrashed by Matthew. I also enjoyed seeing, Sir George, Hippolyta’s father, put the final nail in the blackmailer’s coffin.
Last but not least, I must mention Tommy Teapot, Matthew's pet mongoose, a real charmer who steals very scene he's in.
My only criticism is that I would love to have spent more time with Hippolyta and Matthew and see them enjoying their Happy Ever After.
Favourite Romantic Quotes
“Beggar or heiress. Princess or pauper. I didn’t give a goddamn who or what you were, Hippolyta, I just wanted you.”
He’d stood by her, had believed in her when she’d been hopeless. Had rescued her and argued with her and made love with her and she…She loved him, her pirate, her husband, her Matthew.
MY VERDICT: This novella is a must read for all fans of the Maiden Lane series. For those who have yet to read this brilliant series…what are you waiting for?
The Maiden Lane series so far (click the book cover for more details):
- 29th November 2016
**I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review. **
This review is also posted on my Rakes and Rascals Blog:
https://rakesandrascals.wordpress.com...
I love the unconventional first meeting between Hippolyta and Matthew. I had a vivid picture of the wet, bedraggled, dirty, smelly Hippolyta trying to convince a disbelieving Matthew that she is telling the truth and she is really an heiress! It’s hardly surprising he doesn’t believe a word and is convinced that she is either a beggar, an actress or a whore. Given the circumstances, I can forgive his boorish attitude and rather coarse language and to his credit he does take pity on her and offer to give her a lift to the next town.
Well, it was a cold and wet night after all, and he had a bit of soft spot for scamps who could tell a cock-and-bull story with a straight face.
Matthew is both surprised and impressed by Hippolyta’s intelligence and wit and starts to have doubts about his original assumptions. He also feels very protective towards her while she feels safe with Matthew. I love the scene where Matthew walks in on Hippolyta while she is soaking naked in a tin bath, and he sees for the first time just how beautiful she is.
Ms Hoyt is excellent at building sexual tension and those who enjoy their romances with a goodly dose of sexy times will be more than satisfied(no pun intended).
I admire Hippolyta’s spirit when she attends Viscount D’Arque’s ball, knowing the potential scandal it would create and I love how Matthew is a solid presence, supporting and encouraging her.
…she stumbled a bit.
But Matthew caught her so that none of those watching could see the hesitation. “Head held high, Princess, “he murmured in her ear.
D’Arque and his grandmother, Lady Wimple, also rally round to offer their influential support and it was wonderful to see Hippolyta triumph. I think Lady Wimple sums it up perfectly.
“Well! This is all very satisfactory. I can’t think when I’ve seen a scandal with greater dash.”
I cheered when the blackmailer is well and truly hoisted by his own petard and thoroughly thrashed by Matthew. I also enjoyed seeing, Sir George, Hippolyta’s father, put the final nail in the blackmailer’s coffin.
Last but not least, I must mention Tommy Teapot, Matthew's pet mongoose, a real charmer who steals very scene he's in.
My only criticism is that I would love to have spent more time with Hippolyta and Matthew and see them enjoying their Happy Ever After.
Favourite Romantic Quotes
“Beggar or heiress. Princess or pauper. I didn’t give a goddamn who or what you were, Hippolyta, I just wanted you.”
He’d stood by her, had believed in her when she’d been hopeless. Had rescued her and argued with her and made love with her and she…She loved him, her pirate, her husband, her Matthew.
MY VERDICT: This novella is a must read for all fans of the Maiden Lane series. For those who have yet to read this brilliant series…what are you waiting for?
The Maiden Lane series so far (click the book cover for more details):
- 29th November 2016**I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review. **
This review is also posted on my Rakes and Rascals Blog:
https://rakesandrascals.wordpress.com...
July 13, 2016
This novella can be read as a stand alone, but if you have read Duke of Sin (if you haven't you must, must, must) you will recognize our heroine, Hippolyta Royle. She is the richest heiress in England, and in Duke of Sin, found herself kidnapped by the duke himself. (oh that naughty duke). The heroine in Duke of Sin helps Hippolyta escape, and this is where Once Upon a Moonlit Night starts. Hippolyta is running in the dark and rain from hounds chasing her and a carriage happens by. Hippolyta is soaked, extremely muddy and not dressed well. She begs the person inside the coach to let her in, and he finally agrees.
This man is named Matthew Mortimer. He is an earl who has spent the last two years in India creating maps and collecting scientific things. When news reached him that his cousin had died and he was expected home to run the family's failing estate, Matthew hesitantly agreed. He looks upon this bedraggled, dirty person who claims to be wealthy and is sure she is telling him a tale. He calls her princess but also is certain she is an actress or something worse. But, he lets her in his carriage until they get to the next town.
As they travel, they realize they have common interests. Hippolyta was born in India (Matthew doesn't believe her of course) and she is well educated when he speaks of maps and even when his pet mongoose makes an appearance (Tommy Teapot the mongoose is super cute in this book). Matthew starts to feel protective of Hippolyta and allows her to travel in his carriage on the way to London.
They are so cute together! Hippolyta thinks Matthew is just a beast for being so rude to her and thinking she is a lowly actress. But she also becomes quite attracted to him and they have really nice chemistry. Being novella length this one is quick but well done. It felt like a complete love story to me. Highly recommend
Grade: B+
This man is named Matthew Mortimer. He is an earl who has spent the last two years in India creating maps and collecting scientific things. When news reached him that his cousin had died and he was expected home to run the family's failing estate, Matthew hesitantly agreed. He looks upon this bedraggled, dirty person who claims to be wealthy and is sure she is telling him a tale. He calls her princess but also is certain she is an actress or something worse. But, he lets her in his carriage until they get to the next town.
As they travel, they realize they have common interests. Hippolyta was born in India (Matthew doesn't believe her of course) and she is well educated when he speaks of maps and even when his pet mongoose makes an appearance (Tommy Teapot the mongoose is super cute in this book). Matthew starts to feel protective of Hippolyta and allows her to travel in his carriage on the way to London.
They are so cute together! Hippolyta thinks Matthew is just a beast for being so rude to her and thinking she is a lowly actress. But she also becomes quite attracted to him and they have really nice chemistry. Being novella length this one is quick but well done. It felt like a complete love story to me. Highly recommend
Grade: B+
July 30, 2016
Entertaining for me but I'm a little bit bothered and annoyed by the heroine's "I'm a princess so serve me" attitude. I know she's an heiress and she has the right to complain about some things but I find it overacting when she asked the hero to carry her because the road is muddy.
June 5, 2017
Very enjoyable read. This is probably my favourite period drama / period romance series.
Loved the new character and learning more about a minor character from previous book's.
Loved the new character and learning more about a minor character from previous book's.
March 22, 2022
3.25 stars
Hippo gets her HEA after her escape from Montgomery’s castle. Road trip, one bed only, forced marriage tropes, and of course blackmail (lol) in this novella!
Hippo gets her HEA after her escape from Montgomery’s castle. Road trip, one bed only, forced marriage tropes, and of course blackmail (lol) in this novella!
December 20, 2018
Un relato entretenido que no hubiera sido una mala novela
July 20, 2017
Originally posted at Booklovers For Life
This novella was so. much. fun!! I was excited to read Once Upon a Moonlit Night when I found out it would be Hippolyta’s story – her appearance in Duke of Sin had me intrigued by her character, and I’m glad we get to find out what happens to her after certain events in the previous book. Hippolyta and Matthew’s romance is pure fun and sexiness – if you want something short and sweet, this novella is perfect for historical romance lovers!
After escaping from a man who kidnapped her, heiress Hippolyta is out in the cold, rainy night all by herself – until she sees a carriage passing by and tries to flag it down. Inside lies Matthew Mortimer, a wickedly handsome man who doesn’t appear to believe Hippolyta’s claims of being an heiress, but reluctantly gives her a ride to the nearest inn. He thinks she’s a beggar, so he hides the fact that he’s an earl so she won’t take advantage of him. But being stuck with one another in such close proximity proves to be difficult with the chemistry brewing between them. They aren’t who they think they are, yet they want each other anyway – but what happens when truth of their heritages is revealed?
I adored the contrast between Hippolyta and Matthew – she’s a haughty yet innocent heiress who’s always got her chin pointed up, and he’s a gruff, sarcastic, newly appointed earl who doesn’t want the earldom. They’re irritated with each other for a majority of the book, and it was fun to watch them slowly fall for one another in between the hilarious banter.
Once Upon a Moonlit Night is a satisfying novella I really have no complaints about. The characters are developed and lovable – Hippolyta and Matthew are so, so cute together! – and the steaminess is off the charts despite the short book length. I’d definitely recommend this one for fans of the Maiden Lane series, especially if you’ve read Duke of Sin. Plus, there’s pet mongoose! If nothing else, at least read this novella for the pet mongoose.
Thanks to the publisher for generously providing me an ARC to review.
Quotes are taken from the ARC and are subject to change in the final version.
Amazon Ebook: http://amzn.to/1Xy4Hix
Audible: http://amzn.to/29tO7hl
Liked this review? Subscribe to Booklovers For Life for more!
This novella was so. much. fun!! I was excited to read Once Upon a Moonlit Night when I found out it would be Hippolyta’s story – her appearance in Duke of Sin had me intrigued by her character, and I’m glad we get to find out what happens to her after certain events in the previous book. Hippolyta and Matthew’s romance is pure fun and sexiness – if you want something short and sweet, this novella is perfect for historical romance lovers!
After escaping from a man who kidnapped her, heiress Hippolyta is out in the cold, rainy night all by herself – until she sees a carriage passing by and tries to flag it down. Inside lies Matthew Mortimer, a wickedly handsome man who doesn’t appear to believe Hippolyta’s claims of being an heiress, but reluctantly gives her a ride to the nearest inn. He thinks she’s a beggar, so he hides the fact that he’s an earl so she won’t take advantage of him. But being stuck with one another in such close proximity proves to be difficult with the chemistry brewing between them. They aren’t who they think they are, yet they want each other anyway – but what happens when truth of their heritages is revealed?
He lifted his head and covered her mouth again, kissing her desperately, like a man who had been deprived of light and sound and sensation. Of life itself.
She was his heartbeat.
I adored the contrast between Hippolyta and Matthew – she’s a haughty yet innocent heiress who’s always got her chin pointed up, and he’s a gruff, sarcastic, newly appointed earl who doesn’t want the earldom. They’re irritated with each other for a majority of the book, and it was fun to watch them slowly fall for one another in between the hilarious banter.
Once Upon a Moonlit Night is a satisfying novella I really have no complaints about. The characters are developed and lovable – Hippolyta and Matthew are so, so cute together! – and the steaminess is off the charts despite the short book length. I’d definitely recommend this one for fans of the Maiden Lane series, especially if you’ve read Duke of Sin. Plus, there’s pet mongoose! If nothing else, at least read this novella for the pet mongoose.
“Beggar or heiress. Princess or pauper. I didn’t give a goddamn who or what you were, Hippolyta, I just wanted you.”
Thanks to the publisher for generously providing me an ARC to review.
Quotes are taken from the ARC and are subject to change in the final version.
Amazon Ebook: http://amzn.to/1Xy4Hix
Audible: http://amzn.to/29tO7hl
Liked this review? Subscribe to Booklovers For Life for more!
July 21, 2017
3.5 stars. An enjoyable little romp that takes up Hippolyta Royle's story directly where we left it off in the middle of Duke of Sin. Hippolyta is an intriguing character who popped up several times in earlier books in the series. We find out a bit more about her unusual background in Duke Of Sin, but in this novella she meets her match.
Matthew Mortimer is a mapmaker who has recently returned to England after unexpectedly inheriting an earldom. Their meet cute in the middle of a rainy English night is fun. Matthew accidentally rescues Hippolyta, and they are forced to spend a few days travelling together.
Due to the length limitations of a novella, I usually find them pretty pointless, as the story can't really develop. But now and then you read a good one, like this. Yes, it all felt a bit rushed, but it was still an enjoyable read. It would have been four stars for me, except I found some of the language and descriptions in the sex scenes just too explicit for my taste. To me it was verging on porn. I have found this in a couple of other books in this series too. I know many readers love this style, but I personally prefer a little more modesty and discretion in the sex scenes. Sometimes, a bit less is actually more.
I also think there was a missed opportunity for a complete novel focussing on Hippolyta. She is a fascinating character, and Matthew is a good match for her, but after the intriguing glimpses of her in some of the other books, it seemed like her own incredible story would unfold one day. Well, it did, but in a slightly rushed and abbreviated fashion.
Oh well, onto Duke of Pleasure :)
Matthew Mortimer is a mapmaker who has recently returned to England after unexpectedly inheriting an earldom. Their meet cute in the middle of a rainy English night is fun. Matthew accidentally rescues Hippolyta, and they are forced to spend a few days travelling together.
Due to the length limitations of a novella, I usually find them pretty pointless, as the story can't really develop. But now and then you read a good one, like this. Yes, it all felt a bit rushed, but it was still an enjoyable read. It would have been four stars for me, except I found some of the language and descriptions in the sex scenes just too explicit for my taste. To me it was verging on porn. I have found this in a couple of other books in this series too. I know many readers love this style, but I personally prefer a little more modesty and discretion in the sex scenes. Sometimes, a bit less is actually more.
I also think there was a missed opportunity for a complete novel focussing on Hippolyta. She is a fascinating character, and Matthew is a good match for her, but after the intriguing glimpses of her in some of the other books, it seemed like her own incredible story would unfold one day. Well, it did, but in a slightly rushed and abbreviated fashion.
Oh well, onto Duke of Pleasure :)
September 19, 2020
Hippolyta Royle, last seen on the lam after being kidnapped by Val in Duke of Sin, finds a ride in a carriage with a lord who thinks she is a doxy. What is normally my jam in tropes (Carriage! Only one bed at the inn!) is clumsily handled. Matthew Mortimer kind of treats her poorly (oh if only I had known you were a lady) and ultimately is redeemed, but I just find myself side-eying everything. There's a mongoose which I guess is kind of fun, and I cannot comment on the rep of Hippolyta's big secret (her mother is Indian and she was being blackmailed by Val to keep this a secret).
I don't know, just didn't work for me.
I don't know, just didn't work for me.
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