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Maiden Lane #10.7
Once Upon a Christmas Eve
A heartwarming stand-alone novella from New York Times best-selling author Elizabeth Hoyt!
Adam Rutledge, Viscount d'Arque, really rather loathes Christmas. The banal cheerfulness. The asinine party games. And, worst of all, the obligatory trip to the countryside. His grandmother, however, loves the holiday - and Adam loves his grandmother, so he'll brave the fiercest snowstorm to please her. But when their carriage wheel snaps, they're forced to seek shelter at the home of the most maddening, infuriating, and utterly beguiling woman he's ever met....
Sarah St. John really rather loathes rakes. The self-satisfied smirks. The sly predatory gazes. Oh, and the constant witty banter rife with double meaning. But in the spirit of the season, she'll welcome this admittedly handsome viscount into her home. But as the snowstorm rages, the Yule log crackles, and the tension rises, Sarah and Adam find themselves locked in a fiery, passionate kiss. If love is the true meaning of Christmas, it's the one gift this mismatched pair can't wait to unwrap.
Adam Rutledge, Viscount d'Arque, really rather loathes Christmas. The banal cheerfulness. The asinine party games. And, worst of all, the obligatory trip to the countryside. His grandmother, however, loves the holiday - and Adam loves his grandmother, so he'll brave the fiercest snowstorm to please her. But when their carriage wheel snaps, they're forced to seek shelter at the home of the most maddening, infuriating, and utterly beguiling woman he's ever met....
Sarah St. John really rather loathes rakes. The self-satisfied smirks. The sly predatory gazes. Oh, and the constant witty banter rife with double meaning. But in the spirit of the season, she'll welcome this admittedly handsome viscount into her home. But as the snowstorm rages, the Yule log crackles, and the tension rises, Sarah and Adam find themselves locked in a fiery, passionate kiss. If love is the true meaning of Christmas, it's the one gift this mismatched pair can't wait to unwrap.
3 pages, Audiobook
First published December 5, 2017
172 people are currently reading
1915 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Hoyt
49 books7,180 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 419 reviews
November 16, 2023
3.5 stars
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Disillusioned early on about rakes, Sarah St. John has always given Adam Rutledge, Viscount d'Arque, the cold shoulder. When he shows up unexpectedly at her home and is forced to spend Christmas, the complicated feelings she's always had, start to get even more complicated.
Adam would do anything for his grandmother; even spend a week celebrating Christmas at the St. John residency. Thinking to entertain himself challenging Sarah, he soon finds it backfiring on him, as he's the one left feeling outgunned.
The last installment in the Maiden Lane series, you could easily pick this up as a standalone; you would miss an early glimpse of d'Arque in a previous book but there is really no connection to the series overall.
Sarah St. John should have been utterly forgettable.
This is a novella slightly under 100pgs and I'm here to tell you that you're going to end up feeling cheated. The weather is cold, there is a search for some holly and an ending Christmas Eve ball but I did think this lacked a solid holiday read feel. However, this doesn't matter because the reason for the season is d'Arque. Nothing else. The absolute caring way he treats his grandmother was shown brilliantly and provided some depth of character. His sheer sexiness though, steals the show. He's able to keep himself rather emotionally contained, except when he gets around Sarah and then we get to see cracks form in the façade; I live for the cracks. He's sexy, smooth, sparking, and a bit unraveling when he's with her and I loved every second of it.
Sarah St. John loathed rakes.
Sarah was the perfect combination of stiff and melting when she was around d'Arque. Her past hurt helps us understand why she tries to keep d'Arque at a distance but it also ends up feeling rushed and forced as the emotional pain isn't given enough room to develop with the small page count. I loved how she stepped up to d'Arque's challenging but also how she softened to his touch. Her family round out the secondary characters and I missed seeing more interactions with her sisters as I think this would have filled out her character even more.
"Careful, sweetheart," he rasped in her ear, his breath brushing her neck, and it was strange because she could've sworn there was real concern in his voice. "you nearly fell at my feet just then."
There's some mini trials and tribulations going on in this novella but the core of the story and why you're going to want to read it, is the interaction between Sarah and d'Arque. They are the couple who give you shivers up and down your spine. They snap, spark, crash, and melt together in a way that make you want to reread their story as soon as you finish. I will spend more time of my life than is healthy wishing the author had chosen to write a full length novel for them. There's a point where d'Arque says:
"I want you." He fought to keep his voice level. Civilized. "In every way."
The way this is dragged out of him had me thinking of Sebastian St. Vincent. In a full novel, I think d'Arque would have seriously challenged St. Vincent in the eyes of many romance readers for favorite rake.
Hoyt is very good at small impactful emotions and outside the main couple's relationship, there is a scene where Sarah's sister starts to blame herself for a man's actions and after her family support, their mother says the line: "I shall have to warn my friends about him.”. This may be a case of what's in the news timing but this little scene hit me in the feels. The women's network; created out of necessity, caring, and bravery. In the past and present, sometimes we women have been the only recourse and this added scene is again one of the numerous reasons I read romance, it understands, tells, and celebrates us women.
Look, issues get brought up and moved on from quickly (d'Arque's parents' death) and the ending is so outrageously abrupt. Seriously, Hoyt gives us one of my favorite proposal lines ever and then slammed me into a "the end" wall. I loved what Hoyt gave me of d'Arque almost as much as I hated how little she gave me of d'Arque. At the end of the day though, if you're looking for a quick escape, d'Arque won't disappoint.
He broke their kiss and laid his forehead against hers. "Make me stop."
"I can't," she whispered.
"Then we're doomed," he said, his voice husky and low. "For I'm unable to stop myself. I want you. Day and night and all the time in between. I want you."
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Disillusioned early on about rakes, Sarah St. John has always given Adam Rutledge, Viscount d'Arque, the cold shoulder. When he shows up unexpectedly at her home and is forced to spend Christmas, the complicated feelings she's always had, start to get even more complicated.
Adam would do anything for his grandmother; even spend a week celebrating Christmas at the St. John residency. Thinking to entertain himself challenging Sarah, he soon finds it backfiring on him, as he's the one left feeling outgunned.
The last installment in the Maiden Lane series, you could easily pick this up as a standalone; you would miss an early glimpse of d'Arque in a previous book but there is really no connection to the series overall.
Sarah St. John should have been utterly forgettable.
This is a novella slightly under 100pgs and I'm here to tell you that you're going to end up feeling cheated. The weather is cold, there is a search for some holly and an ending Christmas Eve ball but I did think this lacked a solid holiday read feel. However, this doesn't matter because the reason for the season is d'Arque. Nothing else. The absolute caring way he treats his grandmother was shown brilliantly and provided some depth of character. His sheer sexiness though, steals the show. He's able to keep himself rather emotionally contained, except when he gets around Sarah and then we get to see cracks form in the façade; I live for the cracks. He's sexy, smooth, sparking, and a bit unraveling when he's with her and I loved every second of it.
Sarah St. John loathed rakes.
Sarah was the perfect combination of stiff and melting when she was around d'Arque. Her past hurt helps us understand why she tries to keep d'Arque at a distance but it also ends up feeling rushed and forced as the emotional pain isn't given enough room to develop with the small page count. I loved how she stepped up to d'Arque's challenging but also how she softened to his touch. Her family round out the secondary characters and I missed seeing more interactions with her sisters as I think this would have filled out her character even more.
"Careful, sweetheart," he rasped in her ear, his breath brushing her neck, and it was strange because she could've sworn there was real concern in his voice. "you nearly fell at my feet just then."
There's some mini trials and tribulations going on in this novella but the core of the story and why you're going to want to read it, is the interaction between Sarah and d'Arque. They are the couple who give you shivers up and down your spine. They snap, spark, crash, and melt together in a way that make you want to reread their story as soon as you finish. I will spend more time of my life than is healthy wishing the author had chosen to write a full length novel for them. There's a point where d'Arque says:
"I want you." He fought to keep his voice level. Civilized. "In every way."
The way this is dragged out of him had me thinking of Sebastian St. Vincent. In a full novel, I think d'Arque would have seriously challenged St. Vincent in the eyes of many romance readers for favorite rake.
Hoyt is very good at small impactful emotions and outside the main couple's relationship, there is a scene where Sarah's sister starts to blame herself for a man's actions and after her family support, their mother says the line: "I shall have to warn my friends about him.”. This may be a case of what's in the news timing but this little scene hit me in the feels. The women's network; created out of necessity, caring, and bravery. In the past and present, sometimes we women have been the only recourse and this added scene is again one of the numerous reasons I read romance, it understands, tells, and celebrates us women.
Look, issues get brought up and moved on from quickly (d'Arque's parents' death) and the ending is so outrageously abrupt. Seriously, Hoyt gives us one of my favorite proposal lines ever and then slammed me into a "the end" wall. I loved what Hoyt gave me of d'Arque almost as much as I hated how little she gave me of d'Arque. At the end of the day though, if you're looking for a quick escape, d'Arque won't disappoint.
He broke their kiss and laid his forehead against hers. "Make me stop."
"I can't," she whispered.
"Then we're doomed," he said, his voice husky and low. "For I'm unable to stop myself. I want you. Day and night and all the time in between. I want you."
January 10, 2018
*3.5 stars*
A sweet holiday novella, perfect for those who like historical romance shorts and appropriate for those new to the Maiden Lane series.
Though I own quite a few books in Elizabeth Hoyt's Maiden Lane series, I haven't actually read any (I know, I know!). However, I'm a sucker for a cute Christmas story, so I decided to give this one a whirl.
My struggle with novellas, especially ones where I don't have a ton of backstory, is that they don't have time to really develop feelings. I struggled with the rushed-feeling pace with Once Upon a Christmas Eve. However, despite the fact that the feelings escalated too quickly, I really enjoyed the enemies-to-lovers theme. I love a hate-sexual tension scenario, and with a snowed-in situation to boot, it was especially satisfying.
I have to go back and see if my enjoyment of this one improves by reading the series, but I still thought it was a cute, easy to read novella, especially if holiday stories are your thing. I wish it had been even longer so I could have gone from like to love.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
A sweet holiday novella, perfect for those who like historical romance shorts and appropriate for those new to the Maiden Lane series.
Though I own quite a few books in Elizabeth Hoyt's Maiden Lane series, I haven't actually read any (I know, I know!). However, I'm a sucker for a cute Christmas story, so I decided to give this one a whirl.
My struggle with novellas, especially ones where I don't have a ton of backstory, is that they don't have time to really develop feelings. I struggled with the rushed-feeling pace with Once Upon a Christmas Eve. However, despite the fact that the feelings escalated too quickly, I really enjoyed the enemies-to-lovers theme. I love a hate-sexual tension scenario, and with a snowed-in situation to boot, it was especially satisfying.
I have to go back and see if my enjoyment of this one improves by reading the series, but I still thought it was a cute, easy to read novella, especially if holiday stories are your thing. I wish it had been even longer so I could have gone from like to love.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
December 15, 2017
Much as I’m a fan of Elizabeth Hoyt’s
Maiden Lane
series, I’m not a great fan of novellas and after having read and been somewhat 'meh' about Once Upon a Maiden Lane, I was going to give this a miss. But the fan in me said “you might as well – you’ve read all the others” (books in the series, that is), so I did read it… and I should have stuck to my guns, because Once Upon a Christmas Eve is rather a disappointment.
Very few authors, IMO, really know how to get it right when it comes to novellas (Courtney Milan is always the one that comes to mind who DOES get it right) and most of those I read tend to be rushed and lacking in depth; plus the current vogue for getting in at least one sex scene regardless of page count means there is even less time spent developing a relationship. And that’s the case here.
What makes it worse, however, is that the hero, Adam Rutledge, Viscount d’Arque, popped up as one of those secondary characters who took on a life of his own in an earlier book in the series, and many fans (including me) had hoped Ms. Hoyt was planning to make him a hero in one of the later books in the series. Sadly, that didn’t pan out – and instead we’ve got this woefully underdeveloped tale of a hardened rake who falls in love in the blink of an eye with a young woman who intrigues him because she hates rakes and doesn’t want anything to do with him.
Sarah St. John had a bad experience some years earlier when she was almost ravished by a handsome charmer who, when they were caught in a compromising position, blamed her and said she led him on. Mortified, Sarah has shunned society ever since, and absolutely detests rakes. When Viscount d’Arque shows up on the doorstep of the St. John’s country home asking for help because his carriage has been damaged, the family extends their hospitality to both d’Arque and his grandmother, with whom he had been travelling. Sarah is not at all pleased at the prospect of having a handsome, charming, flirtatious rake in the house, and determines to keep her distance. D’Arque is – of course – intrigued by pretty much the only woman he’s ever met who has resisted him and decides he might as well spend the next few days trading barbs with Sarah … except it’s he who ends up feeling discombobulated as he realises that the lovely spitfire has somehow got under his skin.
There’s no question that Ms. Hoyt knows how to write a sexy hero, and d’Arque certainly delivers on the sexy; he’s suave and smooth and completely contained – until he’s around Sarah and the cracks in his façade begin to show. He obviously cares for his grandmother a great deal, and his relationship with her is very well written and gives added depth and insight to his character. But Sarah’s ‘disgrace’ is too obviously just a convenient plot device and a reason for her to dislike d’Arque on sight. A well-bred young woman’s reputation was incredibly important, it’s true, but there’s not enough here about what Sarah went through to make her attitude believable.
I suppose my biggest beef is to do with wasted potential. Ms. Hoyt is, of course, entitled to write her books the way she wants to, and obviously, the Maiden Lane series took a direction which ended up precluding her from writing d’Arque a full-length novel. But my first thought after I finished reading was “what a waste of a great character”.
On a more positive note, I enjoyed the snippets from The Frog Prince that prefaced each chapter; those were a nice little tongue-in-cheek nod to the more complex ‘legends’ that feature in the earlier books.
Once Upon a Christmas Eve can be read as a standalone as it doesn’t require any knowledge of what has gone before. Prepare to enjoy the banter as d’Arque and Sarah cross swords and the sparks fly but overall this story suffers badly from what I call “novella-itis” (it’s rushed and underdeveloped) – and if you’re a fan of the series and have been waiting for a story about d’Arque, you might be just a tad disappointed.
(Note: The Kindle edition ends at around the 75% mark; the remaining space is taken up by previews of other Maiden Lane titles.)
Very few authors, IMO, really know how to get it right when it comes to novellas (Courtney Milan is always the one that comes to mind who DOES get it right) and most of those I read tend to be rushed and lacking in depth; plus the current vogue for getting in at least one sex scene regardless of page count means there is even less time spent developing a relationship. And that’s the case here.
What makes it worse, however, is that the hero, Adam Rutledge, Viscount d’Arque, popped up as one of those secondary characters who took on a life of his own in an earlier book in the series, and many fans (including me) had hoped Ms. Hoyt was planning to make him a hero in one of the later books in the series. Sadly, that didn’t pan out – and instead we’ve got this woefully underdeveloped tale of a hardened rake who falls in love in the blink of an eye with a young woman who intrigues him because she hates rakes and doesn’t want anything to do with him.
Sarah St. John had a bad experience some years earlier when she was almost ravished by a handsome charmer who, when they were caught in a compromising position, blamed her and said she led him on. Mortified, Sarah has shunned society ever since, and absolutely detests rakes. When Viscount d’Arque shows up on the doorstep of the St. John’s country home asking for help because his carriage has been damaged, the family extends their hospitality to both d’Arque and his grandmother, with whom he had been travelling. Sarah is not at all pleased at the prospect of having a handsome, charming, flirtatious rake in the house, and determines to keep her distance. D’Arque is – of course – intrigued by pretty much the only woman he’s ever met who has resisted him and decides he might as well spend the next few days trading barbs with Sarah … except it’s he who ends up feeling discombobulated as he realises that the lovely spitfire has somehow got under his skin.
There’s no question that Ms. Hoyt knows how to write a sexy hero, and d’Arque certainly delivers on the sexy; he’s suave and smooth and completely contained – until he’s around Sarah and the cracks in his façade begin to show. He obviously cares for his grandmother a great deal, and his relationship with her is very well written and gives added depth and insight to his character. But Sarah’s ‘disgrace’ is too obviously just a convenient plot device and a reason for her to dislike d’Arque on sight. A well-bred young woman’s reputation was incredibly important, it’s true, but there’s not enough here about what Sarah went through to make her attitude believable.
I suppose my biggest beef is to do with wasted potential. Ms. Hoyt is, of course, entitled to write her books the way she wants to, and obviously, the Maiden Lane series took a direction which ended up precluding her from writing d’Arque a full-length novel. But my first thought after I finished reading was “what a waste of a great character”.
On a more positive note, I enjoyed the snippets from The Frog Prince that prefaced each chapter; those were a nice little tongue-in-cheek nod to the more complex ‘legends’ that feature in the earlier books.
Once Upon a Christmas Eve can be read as a standalone as it doesn’t require any knowledge of what has gone before. Prepare to enjoy the banter as d’Arque and Sarah cross swords and the sparks fly but overall this story suffers badly from what I call “novella-itis” (it’s rushed and underdeveloped) – and if you’re a fan of the series and have been waiting for a story about d’Arque, you might be just a tad disappointed.
(Note: The Kindle edition ends at around the 75% mark; the remaining space is taken up by previews of other Maiden Lane titles.)
October 25, 2023
I love when a rake comes undone.
“You undo me, I’ve never been so pathetic in all my life”
A sweet holiday novella taking place in the maiden lane world. Bringing Lord D’Arque and Sarah St. John, characters from previous books, together at a Christmas house party. Typical snowed in together, machinations from older relative and avoidance of love by the rake hero due to childhood and avoidance of rakes from the heroine due to bad experiences, this wasn’t exactly original, but it was sweet and sensual and a light Christmas read.
The epilogue was just the ending of the dumb fairytales the author insists on having as chapter openings so we see nothing of them beyond the proposal. Bummer. This author is terrible at epilogues.
Can be a stand alone but I enjoyed it more because it had previous characters and I knew all the back stories.
“You undo me, I’ve never been so pathetic in all my life”
A sweet holiday novella taking place in the maiden lane world. Bringing Lord D’Arque and Sarah St. John, characters from previous books, together at a Christmas house party. Typical snowed in together, machinations from older relative and avoidance of love by the rake hero due to childhood and avoidance of rakes from the heroine due to bad experiences, this wasn’t exactly original, but it was sweet and sensual and a light Christmas read.
The epilogue was just the ending of the dumb fairytales the author insists on having as chapter openings so we see nothing of them beyond the proposal. Bummer. This author is terrible at epilogues.
Can be a stand alone but I enjoyed it more because it had previous characters and I knew all the back stories.
November 25, 2017
This was lovely!
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
Once Upon a Christmas Eve by Elizabeth Hoyt
Book 13.5 of the Maiden Lane series
Publisher: Forever Yours
Publication Date: December 5, 2017
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC from NetGalley
Summary (from Goodreads):
Adam Rutledge, Viscount d'Arque, really rather loathes Christmas. The banal cheerfulness. The asinine party games. And, worst of all, the obligatory trip to the countryside. His grandmother, however, loves the holiday—and Adam loves his grandmother, so he'll brave the fiercest snowstorm to please her. But when their carriage wheel snaps, they're forced to seek shelter at the home of the most maddening, infuriating, and utterly beguiling woman he's ever met.
Sarah St. John really rather loathes rakes. The self-satisfied smirks. The sly predatory gazes. Oh, and the constant witty banter rife with double meaning. But in the spirit of the season, she'll welcome this admittedly handsome viscount into her home. But as the snowstorm rages, the Yule log crackles, and the tension rises, Sarah and Adam find themselves locked in a fiery, passionate kiss. If love is the true meaning of Christmas, it's the one gift this mismatched pair can't wait to unwrap.
What I Liked:
This novella was so cute! I adore the Maiden Lane series, and I love the holidays, so this story fit my mood perfectly. I tried to leave this one until closer to the publication date, but I was just too excited about a holiday romance. This is also the last story of the Maiden Lane, which is equal parts exciting and heartbreaking. Mostly heartbreaking. But it's a great add-on to the end of the series and I'm left with a feeling of contentment.
This novella tells the short love story of Sarah St. John and Viscount d'Arque. Sarah is the younger stepsister of Godric St. John, the male protagonist of book five (Lord of Darkness). She is spending the holidays with her mother, younger sisters, stepbrother, sister-in-law, and several other guests. An unexpected guest arrives due to a broken-down carriage, and it's someone that Sarah despises. Adam Rutledge is handsome, charming, rich, titled, and seemingly perfect - and a notorious rake. Sarah wants nothing to do with rakes after an embarrassing happenstance nearly ruined her reputation. But for the few days that Adam stays with the St. John family (because of the broken carriage, the snowstorm, and Adam's grandmother's health), Sarah begins to realize that Adam is not the careless rake she thought he was. And Adam begins to realize that he wants Sarah, and not just because she is so good at acting like she hates him. The holidays are a perfect time for stolen kisses and warm embraces and blooming love stories. As our protagonists find out!
Adam was introduced early in the series, at least in book five for sure (possibly earlier but I can't remember). He flirted with Megs (Godric's wife) in book five, and Godric hasn't really liked him since. Sarah St. John has never liked him. But Adam is very much a misjudged man. He is definitely a rake, but he's actually a sweet guy underneath his playful, wicked facade. He is a good man despite his reputation.
Sarah seems innocent and sweet and boring, just how she wants it. Years ago, she experienced an untoward encounter with a gentleman that could have led to ruin. Years later, she has continued to shut down courtships and turn away gentlemen, because she doesn't want her reputation to be damaged. Something about Adam makes her blood heat, and not in a bad way. Sarah may act prim and proper, but she loves Adam's wickedness.
Hate-to-love romances are my favorite, and this romance was a wonderful example of the trope. The animosity is obvious, but there is more simmering beneath the surface. Adam and Sarah clash over and over, and there is plenty of banter and wit in this story. I loved seeing them fall for each other. It was sweet and passionate, with just enough chemistry.
I love holiday stories! This novella is very much centered around Christmas, with everyone having gathered at Hedge House for Christmas. There is something joyful and romantic about the Christmas season, and it shines in this book. I am loving this year's holiday romances - this novella included, of course!
This story was short (it's a novella) but it is very lovely. If you're looking for something short and sweet and swoony, try this novella. Usually I don't bother with them but this story was adorable. Plus, there are plenty of Godric/Megs cameos! And of course the novella ends beautifully. I love Adam and Sarah together and I'm so glad Hoyt wrote this novella.
What I Did Not Like:
Nothing to complain about! This novella was quite wonderful.
Would I Recommend It:
I definitely recommend this novella to anyone who has read any of the Maiden Lane books. Like I said, usually I don't bother with novellas because they're such a tease and way too short. But this novella was very complete, and didn't feel too short or rushed. The romance was written so well and I loved the characters. It was a refreshing, sweet, fun story to read - and perfect for the holidays.
And for those that have not read any of the Maiden Lane books - of course I highly recommend the series, and starting from the beginning, at that. But the novellas are also a great way to get into the series. Short and sweet and completely uniquely Elizabeth Hoyt. I personally think no one writes historical romance quite like Hoyt. She has her own style and level, and while I love many HR writers and their books, I think Hoyt is one of the best!
Rating:
4 stars. I'm really sad about this series ending. Duke of Desire is the last full-length novel, and the novellas that have been published this year are among the last short additions. I am so hoping for a Maximus/Artemis novella or epilogue or something! Duke of Midnight was my favorite.
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
Once Upon a Christmas Eve by Elizabeth Hoyt
Book 13.5 of the Maiden Lane series
Publisher: Forever Yours
Publication Date: December 5, 2017
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC from NetGalley
Summary (from Goodreads):
Adam Rutledge, Viscount d'Arque, really rather loathes Christmas. The banal cheerfulness. The asinine party games. And, worst of all, the obligatory trip to the countryside. His grandmother, however, loves the holiday—and Adam loves his grandmother, so he'll brave the fiercest snowstorm to please her. But when their carriage wheel snaps, they're forced to seek shelter at the home of the most maddening, infuriating, and utterly beguiling woman he's ever met.
Sarah St. John really rather loathes rakes. The self-satisfied smirks. The sly predatory gazes. Oh, and the constant witty banter rife with double meaning. But in the spirit of the season, she'll welcome this admittedly handsome viscount into her home. But as the snowstorm rages, the Yule log crackles, and the tension rises, Sarah and Adam find themselves locked in a fiery, passionate kiss. If love is the true meaning of Christmas, it's the one gift this mismatched pair can't wait to unwrap.
What I Liked:
This novella was so cute! I adore the Maiden Lane series, and I love the holidays, so this story fit my mood perfectly. I tried to leave this one until closer to the publication date, but I was just too excited about a holiday romance. This is also the last story of the Maiden Lane, which is equal parts exciting and heartbreaking. Mostly heartbreaking. But it's a great add-on to the end of the series and I'm left with a feeling of contentment.
This novella tells the short love story of Sarah St. John and Viscount d'Arque. Sarah is the younger stepsister of Godric St. John, the male protagonist of book five (Lord of Darkness). She is spending the holidays with her mother, younger sisters, stepbrother, sister-in-law, and several other guests. An unexpected guest arrives due to a broken-down carriage, and it's someone that Sarah despises. Adam Rutledge is handsome, charming, rich, titled, and seemingly perfect - and a notorious rake. Sarah wants nothing to do with rakes after an embarrassing happenstance nearly ruined her reputation. But for the few days that Adam stays with the St. John family (because of the broken carriage, the snowstorm, and Adam's grandmother's health), Sarah begins to realize that Adam is not the careless rake she thought he was. And Adam begins to realize that he wants Sarah, and not just because she is so good at acting like she hates him. The holidays are a perfect time for stolen kisses and warm embraces and blooming love stories. As our protagonists find out!
Adam was introduced early in the series, at least in book five for sure (possibly earlier but I can't remember). He flirted with Megs (Godric's wife) in book five, and Godric hasn't really liked him since. Sarah St. John has never liked him. But Adam is very much a misjudged man. He is definitely a rake, but he's actually a sweet guy underneath his playful, wicked facade. He is a good man despite his reputation.
Sarah seems innocent and sweet and boring, just how she wants it. Years ago, she experienced an untoward encounter with a gentleman that could have led to ruin. Years later, she has continued to shut down courtships and turn away gentlemen, because she doesn't want her reputation to be damaged. Something about Adam makes her blood heat, and not in a bad way. Sarah may act prim and proper, but she loves Adam's wickedness.
Hate-to-love romances are my favorite, and this romance was a wonderful example of the trope. The animosity is obvious, but there is more simmering beneath the surface. Adam and Sarah clash over and over, and there is plenty of banter and wit in this story. I loved seeing them fall for each other. It was sweet and passionate, with just enough chemistry.
I love holiday stories! This novella is very much centered around Christmas, with everyone having gathered at Hedge House for Christmas. There is something joyful and romantic about the Christmas season, and it shines in this book. I am loving this year's holiday romances - this novella included, of course!
This story was short (it's a novella) but it is very lovely. If you're looking for something short and sweet and swoony, try this novella. Usually I don't bother with them but this story was adorable. Plus, there are plenty of Godric/Megs cameos! And of course the novella ends beautifully. I love Adam and Sarah together and I'm so glad Hoyt wrote this novella.
What I Did Not Like:
Nothing to complain about! This novella was quite wonderful.
Would I Recommend It:
I definitely recommend this novella to anyone who has read any of the Maiden Lane books. Like I said, usually I don't bother with novellas because they're such a tease and way too short. But this novella was very complete, and didn't feel too short or rushed. The romance was written so well and I loved the characters. It was a refreshing, sweet, fun story to read - and perfect for the holidays.
And for those that have not read any of the Maiden Lane books - of course I highly recommend the series, and starting from the beginning, at that. But the novellas are also a great way to get into the series. Short and sweet and completely uniquely Elizabeth Hoyt. I personally think no one writes historical romance quite like Hoyt. She has her own style and level, and while I love many HR writers and their books, I think Hoyt is one of the best!
Rating:
4 stars. I'm really sad about this series ending. Duke of Desire is the last full-length novel, and the novellas that have been published this year are among the last short additions. I am so hoping for a Maximus/Artemis novella or epilogue or something! Duke of Midnight was my favorite.
December 9, 2018
This was a nice quickie but I’ve waited so long for Viscount d’Arque’s story! I just wish he’d had his own full length novel. Ugh!!!
December 1, 2017
Sarah St. John and Viscount Adam d’Arque have crossed paths, but it wasn’t a friendly exchange, because Sarah so clearly hated Adam on sight. Sarah isn’t fond of rakes, gentleman who seduce and carouse without thought for the women they hurt. But Sarah is about to get another, lovelier version of Adam as their lives are thrown together this holiday season.
Adam is accompanying his Grandmother to their yearly Christmas destination in the country, when their carriage breaks down in a storm. They have no choice but to take shelter at the St. John’s, imposing on them during their holiday festivities, something Adam would love to avoid, but he’s worried about his beloved ailing Grandmother. Seeing Sarah St. John again is an irritation, since she clearly despised him on their first meeting, but he’ll just have to make the best by teasing and tormenting her. As he gets to know Sarah, Adam is feels an irresistible pull towards this sweet, infuriating woman.
I just love a good antagonistic romance, and Elizabeth Hoyt makes them so much fun! There’s snips and snipes, sexual tension brewing under the surface, fun banter back in forth until Sarah and Adam realize they actually like each other. But can Sarah trust Adam with her heart? And is Adam interested in forever?
Elizabeth Hoyt’s talent as a writer shines even in a short number of pages. Once Upon a Christmas Eve is a steamy, chemistry filled romance in a Winter wonderland setting, perfect for the season!
A copy was kindly provided by Forever via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Adam is accompanying his Grandmother to their yearly Christmas destination in the country, when their carriage breaks down in a storm. They have no choice but to take shelter at the St. John’s, imposing on them during their holiday festivities, something Adam would love to avoid, but he’s worried about his beloved ailing Grandmother. Seeing Sarah St. John again is an irritation, since she clearly despised him on their first meeting, but he’ll just have to make the best by teasing and tormenting her. As he gets to know Sarah, Adam is feels an irresistible pull towards this sweet, infuriating woman.
I just love a good antagonistic romance, and Elizabeth Hoyt makes them so much fun! There’s snips and snipes, sexual tension brewing under the surface, fun banter back in forth until Sarah and Adam realize they actually like each other. But can Sarah trust Adam with her heart? And is Adam interested in forever?
Elizabeth Hoyt’s talent as a writer shines even in a short number of pages. Once Upon a Christmas Eve is a steamy, chemistry filled romance in a Winter wonderland setting, perfect for the season!
A copy was kindly provided by Forever via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 30, 2018
I don't know why other readers rated this one lower than the other novella I just finished. This is exactly what I would like to read in a shorter book - all of it focused on the two main characters with little distraction.
And EH delivers. I have always liked heroes that are a little "bad" but really good deep down inside. This is what we get in D'Arque. Adam. I also happen to love the name Adam, my crush in 4th grade, don't you know :P A very solid, manly name, at odds with his rakish reputation. Perfect.
I like a heroine who distrusts beauty and flirtatiousness. Dare I say it reminds me of myself?? And Sarah is just that. But there's chemistry that's undeniable, and sometimes a spark is all it takes, then the courage to blow it into a full-blown fire.
Well done, Ms Hoyt.
And EH delivers. I have always liked heroes that are a little "bad" but really good deep down inside. This is what we get in D'Arque. Adam. I also happen to love the name Adam, my crush in 4th grade, don't you know :P A very solid, manly name, at odds with his rakish reputation. Perfect.
I like a heroine who distrusts beauty and flirtatiousness. Dare I say it reminds me of myself?? And Sarah is just that. But there's chemistry that's undeniable, and sometimes a spark is all it takes, then the courage to blow it into a full-blown fire.
Well done, Ms Hoyt.
March 4, 2018
It was....ok.
That's all I got.
That's all I got.
December 9, 2017
Very disappointed in this. The leads here deserved something more, much more. They were compelling characters and were a fitting pairing, that had been anticipated since book 5 of the series. This was a short novella, and it was way too rushed and wholly unsatisfying. Also, the accompanying fairy tale was annoying, definitely my least favorite fairy tale of all her books.
November 12, 2025
rating: 3.75★
an enjoyable novella that has quite the range.
bonus for a reformed rake and christmas holiday vibes!
an enjoyable novella that has quite the range.
bonus for a reformed rake and christmas holiday vibes!
January 15, 2019
3'5 🌟
Es muy complicado dar más valoración a un relato pero este es muy entretenido. Estoy convencida de que habría sido un libro estupendo.
Y con esto finalizo la serie Maiden Lane! Muy muy recomendable!
Es muy complicado dar más valoración a un relato pero este es muy entretenido. Estoy convencida de que habría sido un libro estupendo.
Y con esto finalizo la serie Maiden Lane! Muy muy recomendable!
December 10, 2017
3.5 stars for Viscount d’Arque.
Rant.... give us the option to rate with half stars please Goodreads.
Rant.... give us the option to rate with half stars please Goodreads.
December 5, 2017
With the last book in the Maiden Lane series, Elizabeth Hoyt delivers a fantastic read filled with a swoonworthy romance and holiday spirit. Although I’m sad that this series has come to an end, all the books in the series have been favorites of mine. This novella captures the same fun banter and sinful heroes that I have come to love about this series.
If you’ve followed the series thus far, then you will be familiar with the hero. He was a man who made quite an impression in previous books. I didn’t expect him to get a book, but I was presently surprised with the way Hoyt handled this one. As a rake hero would suggest, this book has a ton of fun flirting and sexy scenes. But it was also funny to see how Adam’s charm didn’t always work on Sarah. For him, I think she was a breath of fresh air. Where loads of women throw themselves at him, Sarah has been immune to this particular rake from the beginning. I loved reading their conversations and eventually seeing how Adam was able to win her over. So if you enjoy rakish heroes who work hard to win over their heroine, I’m sure you’ll get a kick out of this one.
September 16, 2018
Adam Rutlege, Viscount d'Arque, is traveling with his grandmother to visit family for the Christmas holiday when the carriage loses a wheel. The stranded passenger and their servants end up staying at Hedge House where the inhabitants are celebrating the holidays. Sarah St. John has met Adam before and knows his reputation. He may flirt with her and tease her, but Sarah isn't about to fall for a rogue like him.
This short story closes out the Maiden Lane series. The only characters we see from the other books in the series are Sarah's half-brother Godric St. John and his wife, Megs. In this story, Sarah has been hurt by a rogue in the past and isn't about to let is happen a second time. Adam would rather be at his club than celebrating the holidays. But the carriage accident, a snow storm, and his grandmother's health make it so they must stay in Sarah's home for several days.
I didn't hate the story, but I didn't think it was very good either. Neither the story or the characters were memorable to me. I'll probably forget everything about it in a matter of days. My rating: 3 Stars.
This short story closes out the Maiden Lane series. The only characters we see from the other books in the series are Sarah's half-brother Godric St. John and his wife, Megs. In this story, Sarah has been hurt by a rogue in the past and isn't about to let is happen a second time. Adam would rather be at his club than celebrating the holidays. But the carriage accident, a snow storm, and his grandmother's health make it so they must stay in Sarah's home for several days.
I didn't hate the story, but I didn't think it was very good either. Neither the story or the characters were memorable to me. I'll probably forget everything about it in a matter of days. My rating: 3 Stars.
February 10, 2018
Sigh.
This was fine. Sara St. John, who hates rakes because of Reasons, is displeased when rake Adam Rutledge, Viscount d'Arque, shows up at the family home for Christmas. And as everyone knows: Christmas + boners + emotional constipation = TRUE LOVE.
I think part of the problem was that I was strapping myself in for a longer story. Actual conversation and healing from Sarah. Real confession and growth from Adam. BUT NOPE. This is a novella so they dance around their ~issues and like a rat-infested kitchen, the moment they shine any light on the situation, EVERYTHING IS FINE THE RATS ARE MIRACULOUSLY GONE.
(The rats are not gone. The rats are in the cupboard shitting in your Weetabix please ACTUALLY DEAL WITH YOUR NONSENSE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD.)
This was fine. Sara St. John, who hates rakes because of Reasons, is displeased when rake Adam Rutledge, Viscount d'Arque, shows up at the family home for Christmas. And as everyone knows: Christmas + boners + emotional constipation = TRUE LOVE.
I think part of the problem was that I was strapping myself in for a longer story. Actual conversation and healing from Sarah. Real confession and growth from Adam. BUT NOPE. This is a novella so they dance around their ~issues and like a rat-infested kitchen, the moment they shine any light on the situation, EVERYTHING IS FINE THE RATS ARE MIRACULOUSLY GONE.
(The rats are not gone. The rats are in the cupboard shitting in your Weetabix please ACTUALLY DEAL WITH YOUR NONSENSE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD.)
January 26, 2021
'Adam Rutledge, Viscount d'Arque, really rather loathes Christmas. The banal cheerfulness. The asinine party games. And, worst of all, the obligatory trip to the countryside. His grandmother, however, loves the holiday - and Adam loves his grandmother, so he'll brave the fiercest snowstorm to please her. But when their carriage wheel snaps, they're forced to seek shelter at the home of the most maddening, infuriating, and utterly beguiling woman he's ever met....
Sarah St. John really rather loathes rakes. The self-satisfied smirks. The sly predatory gazes. Oh, and the constant witty banter rife with double meaning. But in the spirit of the season, she'll welcome this admittedly handsome viscount into her home. But as the snowstorm rages, the Yule log crackles, and the tension rises, Sarah and Adam find themselves locked in a fiery, passionate kiss. If love is the true meaning of Christmas, it's the one gift this mismatched pair can't wait to unwrap.'
_________________________
Once Upone a Christmas Eve is a holiday novella by Elizabeth Hoyt and I read it as it was included as a bonus in the kindle edition of My One and Only Duke by Grace Burrows.
This is a short novella at less then 100 pages and it felt very rushed. I understad these characters are known from other books in the series and I have not read anything else from the series, perhaps things would not have felt so rushed if I had previously. But there is so little relationship developement showed and the enemies to lovers feels so abrupt as a result.
I didn't really enjoy this novella, it waa just okay. This si the first work that I have read by Elizabeth Hoyt, but novellas are not really a great indicator of an authors work so I plan to read a full-length book by her at some point in the future.
Sarah St. John really rather loathes rakes. The self-satisfied smirks. The sly predatory gazes. Oh, and the constant witty banter rife with double meaning. But in the spirit of the season, she'll welcome this admittedly handsome viscount into her home. But as the snowstorm rages, the Yule log crackles, and the tension rises, Sarah and Adam find themselves locked in a fiery, passionate kiss. If love is the true meaning of Christmas, it's the one gift this mismatched pair can't wait to unwrap.'
_________________________
Once Upone a Christmas Eve is a holiday novella by Elizabeth Hoyt and I read it as it was included as a bonus in the kindle edition of My One and Only Duke by Grace Burrows.
This is a short novella at less then 100 pages and it felt very rushed. I understad these characters are known from other books in the series and I have not read anything else from the series, perhaps things would not have felt so rushed if I had previously. But there is so little relationship developement showed and the enemies to lovers feels so abrupt as a result.
I didn't really enjoy this novella, it waa just okay. This si the first work that I have read by Elizabeth Hoyt, but novellas are not really a great indicator of an authors work so I plan to read a full-length book by her at some point in the future.
July 23, 2021
I loved this so much! My one big complaint is WHY was this not made into a full length novel to conclude the series?!?!? I much rather would’ve had Adam and Sarah as the book 12 couple over who we got, and I left this novella wishing so badly for a more fleshed out story. However, for how short this was, I adored it, and am glad to be leaving this series on such a high note.
February 26, 2018
I saved Hoyt's novellas for last since I was burning through the full novels.
The novellas are now like little treats after filling up on big meals. :-)
All are delicious!
The novellas are now like little treats after filling up on big meals. :-)
All are delicious!
December 15, 2024
Sweet story about an almost spinster with a cloudy reputation and a rake. Our Heroine wants nothing to do with our Rake who has taken an interest in her.
February 17, 2018
Elizabeth Hoyt gives us one more Maiden Lane story to love in this short holiday read. The heroine is Sarah St. John (younger sister to Godric for those of your familiar with the series.) At 27, she is a bit old to be an unmarried miss, but a house party courtesy of her mother might find her the perfect husband. Then Adam, Viscount d’Arque, shows up at the front door. His carriage has had an accident with his grandmother inside and they need a place to stay. Of course, the St. John family can’t say no even if Godric would love nothing better than to send the man packing… after all, he flirted shamelessly with Godric’s wife back in the day and the memory is still irksome.
Godric isn’t the only one who wants Adam to get lost. Sarah is no fan either. She loathes rakes and she takes every opportunity to let him know that. Instead of putting him off, though, she intrigues him. Every other woman tends to fall at his feet. Her saltiness only piques his interest. Sarah has plenty of reason to be tart, we learn, and there is more to Adam than his reputation might lead everyone to believe.
The story follows their dance from enemies to lovers and it’s great fun. As a novella, everything moves rather quickly. And though this is the last hurrah for Maiden Lane (and it’s nice to see Godric and Meg) this wasn’t the big closure story you might expect. (You can find that in Once Upon a Maiden Lane.) This is just a sweet romance set in the world of all the characters I’ve grown to love. I actually kind of preferred it this way.
Bittersweet to say goodbye to a series I’ve loved for a long time, but at least it goes out on a high note.
*ARC provided by publisher
Godric isn’t the only one who wants Adam to get lost. Sarah is no fan either. She loathes rakes and she takes every opportunity to let him know that. Instead of putting him off, though, she intrigues him. Every other woman tends to fall at his feet. Her saltiness only piques his interest. Sarah has plenty of reason to be tart, we learn, and there is more to Adam than his reputation might lead everyone to believe.
The story follows their dance from enemies to lovers and it’s great fun. As a novella, everything moves rather quickly. And though this is the last hurrah for Maiden Lane (and it’s nice to see Godric and Meg) this wasn’t the big closure story you might expect. (You can find that in Once Upon a Maiden Lane.) This is just a sweet romance set in the world of all the characters I’ve grown to love. I actually kind of preferred it this way.
Bittersweet to say goodbye to a series I’ve loved for a long time, but at least it goes out on a high note.
*ARC provided by publisher
December 20, 2022
Supposedly this is 10.7 in the Maiden Lane series, but it feels like it should fall earlier. It features Adam, Lord d'Arque as the MMC and Miss Sarah St. John as the FMC, both of whom appeared in book 5. In particular you may remember d'Arque from Thief of Shadows and Lord of Darkness, where he was villain-adjacent.
But if you don't remember that, don't worry! Apparently the tragic backstory we know about (see spoilers below*) has been supplanted by a CHRISTMASTIME tragedy. Sarah has her own sadly tragic past. (If you know anything about Elizabeth Hoyt, you can probably guess it has something to do with SA... and you'd be right.) They come together in this holiday novella when Adam's carriage breaks an axle in a snowstorm, leaving him snowed in with the St. Johns.
3-Word Summaries:
Meg: Rake makes good.
Laine: Loathing or lust?
*Mild spoilers:
But if you don't remember that, don't worry! Apparently the tragic backstory we know about (see spoilers below*) has been supplanted by a CHRISTMASTIME tragedy. Sarah has her own sadly tragic past. (If you know anything about Elizabeth Hoyt, you can probably guess it has something to do with SA... and you'd be right.) They come together in this holiday novella when Adam's carriage breaks an axle in a snowstorm, leaving him snowed in with the St. Johns.
3-Word Summaries:
Meg: Rake makes good.
Laine: Loathing or lust?
*Mild spoilers:
December 12, 2017
This novella felt very rushed and wasn't as well fleshed out as the last. A lot was crammed in to try and round the story out but it just kind of jumbled it instead. Godric St John's book was one of my most-disliked of the series though so honestly I'm not too surprised that this wrap-up for the series he happens to feature in was meh for me. Also, what was up with the total lack of relevant epilogue in this one?
November 26, 2017
My review cross-posted from
Wit and Sin
Adam Rutledge, Viscount d’Arque and admitted rake, loathes Christmas. Sarah St. John loathes rakes. It’s only fitting, then, that the two of them fall in love at Christmastime in the absolutely delightful Once Upon a Christmas Eve . I love a romance where a rake falls for the “on-the-shelf” heroine who isn’t impressed by his charm or good looks so this story was right up my alley.
It’s attraction masked by dislike at first sight when it comes to Adam and Sarah. Adam is used to women falling at his feet, so Sarah’s withering comments ruffle his feathers a bit. While Adam does live up to his reputation when it comes to women, he’s also smart, a genuinely nice man, and a grandson who loves his grandmother very much – how can you resist him? Even someone like Sarah, whose past experiences have given her good reason to distrust charming men, can’t hold out against Adam for very long. She’s his match in every way. She’s quick, intelligent, and clearly loves her family. Sparks strike immediately between these two, and even when they’re bickering the energy between them makes their back-and-forths fun to read. I couldn’t put this story down because Elizabeth Hoyt’s writing had me so wrapped up in Adam and Sarah’s romance. Since this is a novella, they do fall in love rather quickly, but with two such well-suited leads and a wealth of Christmas spirit shining on the page, I didn’t mind the swiftness and simply enjoyed the ride. And what a lovely ride it was. Sarah and Adam’s romance is engaging, sensual, fun, and left me smiling.
Once Upon a Christmas Eve is part of Ms. Hoyt’s Maiden Lane series, but even if you’re new to the books you can easily start with Sarah and Adam’s story. As a fan of the series, I was delighted that Godric and Megs (of Lord of Darkness) played supporting roles and it felt like a little gift to get a peek into their post-happily ever after lives. The only downside of this novella was it brought home once again how much I hate to see the Maiden Lane series end. Ms. Hoyt’s characters are always unique, interesting, and endearing and Adam and Sarah are no exception. If you’re looking for a heartwarming historical romance to get you in the holiday spirit, you definitely want to read Once Upon a Christmas Eve !
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Adam Rutledge, Viscount d’Arque and admitted rake, loathes Christmas. Sarah St. John loathes rakes. It’s only fitting, then, that the two of them fall in love at Christmastime in the absolutely delightful Once Upon a Christmas Eve . I love a romance where a rake falls for the “on-the-shelf” heroine who isn’t impressed by his charm or good looks so this story was right up my alley.
It’s attraction masked by dislike at first sight when it comes to Adam and Sarah. Adam is used to women falling at his feet, so Sarah’s withering comments ruffle his feathers a bit. While Adam does live up to his reputation when it comes to women, he’s also smart, a genuinely nice man, and a grandson who loves his grandmother very much – how can you resist him? Even someone like Sarah, whose past experiences have given her good reason to distrust charming men, can’t hold out against Adam for very long. She’s his match in every way. She’s quick, intelligent, and clearly loves her family. Sparks strike immediately between these two, and even when they’re bickering the energy between them makes their back-and-forths fun to read. I couldn’t put this story down because Elizabeth Hoyt’s writing had me so wrapped up in Adam and Sarah’s romance. Since this is a novella, they do fall in love rather quickly, but with two such well-suited leads and a wealth of Christmas spirit shining on the page, I didn’t mind the swiftness and simply enjoyed the ride. And what a lovely ride it was. Sarah and Adam’s romance is engaging, sensual, fun, and left me smiling.
Once Upon a Christmas Eve is part of Ms. Hoyt’s Maiden Lane series, but even if you’re new to the books you can easily start with Sarah and Adam’s story. As a fan of the series, I was delighted that Godric and Megs (of Lord of Darkness) played supporting roles and it felt like a little gift to get a peek into their post-happily ever after lives. The only downside of this novella was it brought home once again how much I hate to see the Maiden Lane series end. Ms. Hoyt’s characters are always unique, interesting, and endearing and Adam and Sarah are no exception. If you’re looking for a heartwarming historical romance to get you in the holiday spirit, you definitely want to read Once Upon a Christmas Eve !
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
December 31, 2017
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup.
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2yOnRcj
Christmas and Elizabeth Hoyt. I was in!
The Gist: Well, In Adam's opinion Christmas sucks. As does having a carriage break down on a snowy night and your only option being to seek refuge at a festive Christmas house party. *hangs head*
I liked Adam and Sarah and that they're both a little growly. She may not be all that impressed with him there at first, yall. But he totally melts a girl's heart with how he dotes on his grandmom and, yeah, he got to Sarah bit by bit. I love house parties, too, so that was fun. It was a good mix of funny, sweet and a little steamy, too.
Overall, Once Upon a Christmas Eve was fairly cute but it did feel rushed at the end and not as satisfying an ending to the series as I'd hoped. It just needed a bit more to fleshing things out. But, still, not bad.
December 5, 2022
This was cute and def pretty light and fluffy for its place in the series! 3.5/5 and one sex scene
P.S. She so real for tearing that wig off of him whenever she could
P.S. She so real for tearing that wig off of him whenever she could
December 9, 2021
We got some real sour characters in this one with no chemistry
Want to read
May 17, 2022enemies to lovers, forced proximity because of a snow storm, christmas. what else could i ask for tbh
March 22, 2022
Adam Rutledge (who?) aka Viscount d’Arque (oh, that guy!) and his grandmother get snowed in at Sarah St John’s country home at Christmas time. He’s a rake and she hates rakes blah blah blah.
I enjoyed this little novella but it definitely could’ve been a longer story.
I enjoyed this little novella but it definitely could’ve been a longer story.
December 28, 2017
Reviewed for THC Reviews
Once Upon a Christmas Eve is the final wrap-up novella in Elizabeth Hoyt’s Maiden Lane series. It’s been a great ride, and I’m sorry to see it finish. But as clichéd as it may be, all good things must come to an end. This is a story that I know many long-time fans of the series have been clamoring for. As for me, it was a welcome addition to the series, but not one that I was going ga-ga for, like so many others. If memory serves, Sarah and Adam were first introduced in Sarah’s brother, Godric’s book, Lord of Darkness, which was over four years ago. I have some vague recollection of an attraction between them, and in checking my review of that book, I discovered that I mentioned Sarah possibly making a good heroine. However, I recall so little of them that I wouldn’t have been bothered one way or the other, even if they hadn’t gotten their own novella. As it is, I liked the characters and their story was nice, but it was somewhat lacking in substance. Therefore, I could only give it four stars, which is perhaps a tad generous, but I often tend to be more forgiving of deficiencies in novellas since there’s less room for story development. So as long as it holds my attention fairly well and has decent characterizations and plot, then I’m generally happy.
Sarah had a bad experience with a rake in her youth that led to her reputation being ruined. Therefore she doesn’t trust them. Adam is as rakish as they come. He knows how appealing he is to women and is always pursuing a different woman, most of whom are married. He hates Christmas for sympathetic reasons, but because he loves his grandmother and wants to make her happy, he’s taking her to the country for the holidays when their carriage breaks down on a cold, snowy night. Riding to the nearest estate for help, he finds the St. John family in residence with their holiday festivities in full-swing. Adam and his grandmother, who has a bad cough, end up staying through the holiday, which gives Adam time to woo Sarah, who is rather dismissive of him at first. However, the attraction between them burns bright.
While the physical attraction between Adam and Sarah is immediate, I can’t say that I felt much of an emotional connection at first. In fact, I detected a bit of telling rather than showing, which is highly unusual for this talented author. That combined with the rapid pace of the story-telling made it difficult for me to engage with the characters on the deeper level that I crave. It was in the couple of quieter moments they shared, when stories of their pasts began to emerge, that I really started connecting with them. But ultimately I found myself wishing that the story was just a little longer to delve a bit more deeply into their respective issues. As is, they overcome them in pretty short order, leaving nothing more than for Sarah to decide whether she can trust Adam enough to give him her heart and Adam to decide if he finally wants to settle down. All of this occurs in a matter of days, so it’s a little too quick to be completely believable, but overall it wasn’t too bad.
As for the supporting cast, all the St. Johns were there along with a few new holiday house party guests, but the only previous characters to put in an appearance were Godric and Megs. While they’re one of my favorite couples and I very much enjoyed seeing them, I still found this to be a tad disappointing. In this respect the previous novella, Once Upon a Maiden Lane probably would have been a more fitting end to the series, only because all the characters appeared (in cameo) at the very end. This might have been because Once Upon a Christmas Eve was originally slated for a 2016 release, but for some reason was pushed back until this year (2017). This was a relatively minor thing, though. It might not have been the most memorable story with which to end this long-running series, but I did like it. Now I’m just patiently waiting to see what Elizabeth Hoyt comes up with next.
Once Upon a Christmas Eve is the final wrap-up novella in Elizabeth Hoyt’s Maiden Lane series. It’s been a great ride, and I’m sorry to see it finish. But as clichéd as it may be, all good things must come to an end. This is a story that I know many long-time fans of the series have been clamoring for. As for me, it was a welcome addition to the series, but not one that I was going ga-ga for, like so many others. If memory serves, Sarah and Adam were first introduced in Sarah’s brother, Godric’s book, Lord of Darkness, which was over four years ago. I have some vague recollection of an attraction between them, and in checking my review of that book, I discovered that I mentioned Sarah possibly making a good heroine. However, I recall so little of them that I wouldn’t have been bothered one way or the other, even if they hadn’t gotten their own novella. As it is, I liked the characters and their story was nice, but it was somewhat lacking in substance. Therefore, I could only give it four stars, which is perhaps a tad generous, but I often tend to be more forgiving of deficiencies in novellas since there’s less room for story development. So as long as it holds my attention fairly well and has decent characterizations and plot, then I’m generally happy.
Sarah had a bad experience with a rake in her youth that led to her reputation being ruined. Therefore she doesn’t trust them. Adam is as rakish as they come. He knows how appealing he is to women and is always pursuing a different woman, most of whom are married. He hates Christmas for sympathetic reasons, but because he loves his grandmother and wants to make her happy, he’s taking her to the country for the holidays when their carriage breaks down on a cold, snowy night. Riding to the nearest estate for help, he finds the St. John family in residence with their holiday festivities in full-swing. Adam and his grandmother, who has a bad cough, end up staying through the holiday, which gives Adam time to woo Sarah, who is rather dismissive of him at first. However, the attraction between them burns bright.
While the physical attraction between Adam and Sarah is immediate, I can’t say that I felt much of an emotional connection at first. In fact, I detected a bit of telling rather than showing, which is highly unusual for this talented author. That combined with the rapid pace of the story-telling made it difficult for me to engage with the characters on the deeper level that I crave. It was in the couple of quieter moments they shared, when stories of their pasts began to emerge, that I really started connecting with them. But ultimately I found myself wishing that the story was just a little longer to delve a bit more deeply into their respective issues. As is, they overcome them in pretty short order, leaving nothing more than for Sarah to decide whether she can trust Adam enough to give him her heart and Adam to decide if he finally wants to settle down. All of this occurs in a matter of days, so it’s a little too quick to be completely believable, but overall it wasn’t too bad.
As for the supporting cast, all the St. Johns were there along with a few new holiday house party guests, but the only previous characters to put in an appearance were Godric and Megs. While they’re one of my favorite couples and I very much enjoyed seeing them, I still found this to be a tad disappointing. In this respect the previous novella, Once Upon a Maiden Lane probably would have been a more fitting end to the series, only because all the characters appeared (in cameo) at the very end. This might have been because Once Upon a Christmas Eve was originally slated for a 2016 release, but for some reason was pushed back until this year (2017). This was a relatively minor thing, though. It might not have been the most memorable story with which to end this long-running series, but I did like it. Now I’m just patiently waiting to see what Elizabeth Hoyt comes up with next.
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