What do you think?
Rate this book
'Twas the Night Before Scandal
In this Limited Edition collection, USA Today Bestselling authors Christi Caldwell and Eva Devon bring you a Regency Christmas duet, featuring two brand-new novellas full of love, laughter, and holiday cheer!
"Only For Their Love" by Christi Caldwell
Miss Carol Cresswall bore witness to her parents’ loveless union and is determined to avoid that same miserable fate. Her mother has altogether different plans—plans that include a match between Carol and Lord Gregory Renshaw. Despite his wealth and power, Carol has no interest in marrying a pompous man who goes out of his way to ignore her. Now, with their families coming together for the Christmastide season it’s her mother’s last-ditch effort to get them together. And Carol plans to avoid Gregory at all costs.
Lord Gregory Renshaw has no intentions of falling prey to his mother's schemes to marry him off to a proper debutante she’s picked out. Over the years, he has carefully sidestepped all endeavors to be matched with any of the grasping ladies.
But a sudden Christmastide Scandal has the potential show Carol and Gregory that they’ve spent years running from the one thing they’ve always needed.
"A Kiss From a Rogue" by Eva Devon
Bah and a hum bug:
Sebatian Rutherford, the new Earl of Gray, has no desire to settle down. Ever. The only thing he dislikes more than the idea of taking over his recently inherited earldom, and all it’s responsibilities, is Christmas. So, when he agrees to an arranged marriage to the former earl’s daughter, he plans on a quick wedding and a quicker return to his adventures abroad. Surely, even a hint of Christmas cheer won’t need to be shared? But when his clever new wife, Lady Marabelle begins to thaw his heart, he finds that not only is family a joy, but Christmas may be the best season to lose one’s heart.
Deck the Halls:
Lady Marabelle loves Christmas. She loves everything about it. So, when she faces her first Christmas since the death of her beloved father, married to a man she’s never met, she decides to make sure that the Christmas hating new Earl must be taught the spirit of the season. But with each day toward Christmas that comes her way, she begins to find that perhaps a marriage of convenience can be a marriage of the heart and a veritable Christmas miracle.
"Only For Their Love" by Christi Caldwell
Miss Carol Cresswall bore witness to her parents’ loveless union and is determined to avoid that same miserable fate. Her mother has altogether different plans—plans that include a match between Carol and Lord Gregory Renshaw. Despite his wealth and power, Carol has no interest in marrying a pompous man who goes out of his way to ignore her. Now, with their families coming together for the Christmastide season it’s her mother’s last-ditch effort to get them together. And Carol plans to avoid Gregory at all costs.
Lord Gregory Renshaw has no intentions of falling prey to his mother's schemes to marry him off to a proper debutante she’s picked out. Over the years, he has carefully sidestepped all endeavors to be matched with any of the grasping ladies.
But a sudden Christmastide Scandal has the potential show Carol and Gregory that they’ve spent years running from the one thing they’ve always needed.
"A Kiss From a Rogue" by Eva Devon
Bah and a hum bug:
Sebatian Rutherford, the new Earl of Gray, has no desire to settle down. Ever. The only thing he dislikes more than the idea of taking over his recently inherited earldom, and all it’s responsibilities, is Christmas. So, when he agrees to an arranged marriage to the former earl’s daughter, he plans on a quick wedding and a quicker return to his adventures abroad. Surely, even a hint of Christmas cheer won’t need to be shared? But when his clever new wife, Lady Marabelle begins to thaw his heart, he finds that not only is family a joy, but Christmas may be the best season to lose one’s heart.
Deck the Halls:
Lady Marabelle loves Christmas. She loves everything about it. So, when she faces her first Christmas since the death of her beloved father, married to a man she’s never met, she decides to make sure that the Christmas hating new Earl must be taught the spirit of the season. But with each day toward Christmas that comes her way, she begins to find that perhaps a marriage of convenience can be a marriage of the heart and a veritable Christmas miracle.
159 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 2016
50 people are currently reading
177 people want to read
About the author
Christi Caldwell
136 books2,558 followersUSA TODAY Bestselling author CHRISTI CALDWELL blames Judith McNaught's "Whitney, My Love!" for luring her into the world of historical romance. While sitting in her graduate school apartment at the University of Connecticut, Christi decided to set aside her notes and pick up her laptop to try her hand at romance. She believes the most perfect heroes and heroines have imperfections, and she rather enjoys torturing them before crafting them a well deserved happily ever after!
Christi makes her home in Charlotte, North Carolina where she spends her time writing her own enchanting historical romances, and baking surprisingly good cakes (almost 2 years in lockdown will do that) with her courageous son and twin daughters, each who with their daily antics provides limitless source material.
Christi makes her home in Charlotte, North Carolina where she spends her time writing her own enchanting historical romances, and baking surprisingly good cakes (almost 2 years in lockdown will do that) with her courageous son and twin daughters, each who with their daily antics provides limitless source material.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 9, 2016
Descriptions from Amazon.com:
"Only For Their Love" by Christi Caldwell
Miss Carol Cresswall bore witness to her parents’ loveless union and is determined to avoid that same miserable fate. Her mother has altogether different plans—plans that include a match between Carol and Lord Gregory Renshaw. Despite his wealth and power, Carol has no interest in marrying a pompous man who goes out of his way to ignore her. Now, with their families coming together for the Christmastide season it’s her mother’s last-ditch effort to get them together. And Carol plans to avoid Gregory at all costs.
Lord Gregory Renshaw has no intentions of falling prey to his mother's schemes to marry him off to a proper debutante she’s picked out. Over the years, he has carefully sidestepped all endeavors to be matched with any of the grasping ladies.
But a sudden Christmastide Scandal has the potential show Carol and Gregory that they’ve spent years running from the one thing they’ve always needed.
***
Deet's Review-
The more I read from Christi Caldwell the more I like. This novella is just packed with romance, Christmas feeling and even a surly Dowager Duchess and unrelenting matchmaking mother. It is an enemies to sweethearts trope that is well developed considering the brevity of the format of the novella. Carol and Gregory are not exactly enemies they just have avoided each other for the past four years because of their mother’s matchmaking. Having never actually been thrown together where they could develop a relationship they are quite overcome with liking each other when they do get to know each other. But, of course, there is a serious problem that arises.
Deet’s Rating: 5-stars
Christmasy Feeling: 5-stars
"A Kiss From a Rogue" by Eva Devon
Bah and a hum bug:
Sebatian Rutherford, the new Earl of Gray, has no desire to settle down. Ever. The only thing he dislikes more than the idea of taking over his recently inherited earldom, and all it’s responsibilities, is Christmas. So, when he agrees to an arranged marriage to the former earl’s daughter, he plans on a quick wedding and a quicker return to his adventures abroad. Surely, even a hint of Christmas cheer won’t need to be shared? But when his clever new wife, Lady Marabelle begins to thaw his heart, he finds that not only is family a joy, but Christmas may be the best season to lose one’s heart.
Deck the Halls:
Lady Marabelle loves Christmas. She loves everything about it. So, when she faces her first Christmas since the death of her beloved father, married to a man she’s never met, she decides to make sure that the Christmas hating new Earl must be taught the spirit of the season. But with each day toward Christmas that comes her way, she begins to find that perhaps a marriage of convenience can be a marriage of the heart and a veritable Christmas miracle.
**
Deet's Review
Oh this is truly a yummy romance. A handsome, adventurous, troubled man is about to marry a very astute, lovely woman whom he has never met. They speak only a few words before they become man and wife. Through the magic of her sweet personality she transforms this “Grinch” into a most enjoyable, loving person. All it takes is love.
Deet’s rating: 5-stars
Christmasy Feeling: 5-stars
Source: won in contest
http://ladeetdareads.wordpress.com
"Only For Their Love" by Christi Caldwell
Miss Carol Cresswall bore witness to her parents’ loveless union and is determined to avoid that same miserable fate. Her mother has altogether different plans—plans that include a match between Carol and Lord Gregory Renshaw. Despite his wealth and power, Carol has no interest in marrying a pompous man who goes out of his way to ignore her. Now, with their families coming together for the Christmastide season it’s her mother’s last-ditch effort to get them together. And Carol plans to avoid Gregory at all costs.
Lord Gregory Renshaw has no intentions of falling prey to his mother's schemes to marry him off to a proper debutante she’s picked out. Over the years, he has carefully sidestepped all endeavors to be matched with any of the grasping ladies.
But a sudden Christmastide Scandal has the potential show Carol and Gregory that they’ve spent years running from the one thing they’ve always needed.
***
Deet's Review-
The more I read from Christi Caldwell the more I like. This novella is just packed with romance, Christmas feeling and even a surly Dowager Duchess and unrelenting matchmaking mother. It is an enemies to sweethearts trope that is well developed considering the brevity of the format of the novella. Carol and Gregory are not exactly enemies they just have avoided each other for the past four years because of their mother’s matchmaking. Having never actually been thrown together where they could develop a relationship they are quite overcome with liking each other when they do get to know each other. But, of course, there is a serious problem that arises.
Deet’s Rating: 5-stars
Christmasy Feeling: 5-stars
"A Kiss From a Rogue" by Eva Devon
Bah and a hum bug:
Sebatian Rutherford, the new Earl of Gray, has no desire to settle down. Ever. The only thing he dislikes more than the idea of taking over his recently inherited earldom, and all it’s responsibilities, is Christmas. So, when he agrees to an arranged marriage to the former earl’s daughter, he plans on a quick wedding and a quicker return to his adventures abroad. Surely, even a hint of Christmas cheer won’t need to be shared? But when his clever new wife, Lady Marabelle begins to thaw his heart, he finds that not only is family a joy, but Christmas may be the best season to lose one’s heart.
Deck the Halls:
Lady Marabelle loves Christmas. She loves everything about it. So, when she faces her first Christmas since the death of her beloved father, married to a man she’s never met, she decides to make sure that the Christmas hating new Earl must be taught the spirit of the season. But with each day toward Christmas that comes her way, she begins to find that perhaps a marriage of convenience can be a marriage of the heart and a veritable Christmas miracle.
**
Deet's Review
Oh this is truly a yummy romance. A handsome, adventurous, troubled man is about to marry a very astute, lovely woman whom he has never met. They speak only a few words before they become man and wife. Through the magic of her sweet personality she transforms this “Grinch” into a most enjoyable, loving person. All it takes is love.
Deet’s rating: 5-stars
Christmasy Feeling: 5-stars
Source: won in contest
http://ladeetdareads.wordpress.com
February 5, 2017
Always tough with anthologies if the stories differ in ratings. First one, by Caldwell, was decent and enjoyable; second one, not so much ...
August 7, 2018
This is a wonderful Christmas story, one that swept me right into the middle of it, and I couldn't stop until I read the entire story in one day. The story is a suitable length, as well.... just 10 short chapters, but it had all the necessary elements...an innocent girl who is afraid to become involved with a man she doesn't know, and a young man who is an English nobleman, whose mother is determined to decide for him who his future bride will be. Both of them think they are not interested in each other, but fortunately, they have enough time together in the same house for Christmas to get to know each other. Ultimately, they make the decision for themselves, and then must convince their mothers that they have chosen one another...regardless of the disappointment that brings to Gregory's mother. There's a good bit of drama at the end of the story, some breathtaking suspense, and then the whole problem is solved when Carol "saves" Gregory. I thought it was a bit funny, really, but it was a serious moment in the story. Very entertaining, altogether!
December 6, 2017
2 excellent novellas! 4.5 stars
November 22, 2016
Two amazing authors come together to create two wonderful and heartwarming stories for Christmas. In the first story, Christi Caldwell brings back the Renshaw family from her Theodosia Sword. The current Duke a Duchess are celebrating with the Duke’s family and have invited 2 other families to celebrate with them, the Creswells and the Quigleys, both with daughters. The prize at this party is Gregory, third son of the former Duke of Devlin. His mother had been trying to get him to marry Carol Creswell for 4 seasons. Lady Minerva Quigley had been set for the current Duke before he turned around and married the daughter of the family’s arch-enemies – Theodosia. Now that the Duke is off the market, Gregory has been marked for Lady Minerva. Unfortunately, his eyes are finally opened to Carol’s appeal.
As the relationship between Gregory and Carol grows, the frustration grows for his mother and Lady Minerva – leading to some underhanded plots. The ending of this story is a great a satisfying finish. I love how Christi Caldwell is able to write strong, independent women who also are open to love if they find it.
In the second story, Eva Devon brings back characters from The Duke Goes Rogue. Lady Marabelle Danvers had been the target of a perfect ton wife by the Duke of Hunt until he met the love of his life. Lady Marabelle wanted more that the Duke could give her but she was destined to marry her father’s heir the new Earl of Gray.
Sebastian Rutherford, was raised in a typical ton family – no love and much discipline. Sebastian had been living away from England after the war and the only reason he came to claim the title is that the old Earl had once shown him kindness. He returns in time for his wedding at the worst time of year – Christmas. He hates England, hates winter and hates Christmas. His family never celebrated.
For Marabelle’s family Christmas was a time of celebration and this would be her first without her father and brother. The Marabelle and Sebastian meet just minutes before their wedding and though they are strangers there is a spark between them. Can Sebastian open up enough to let Marabelle in?
Eva Devon crafts a well written story with some heartbreaking moments as Sebastian struggles with his past and wonders whether he can change his future.
This duo was a wonderfully fun read with two great stories but two great authors.
As the relationship between Gregory and Carol grows, the frustration grows for his mother and Lady Minerva – leading to some underhanded plots. The ending of this story is a great a satisfying finish. I love how Christi Caldwell is able to write strong, independent women who also are open to love if they find it.
In the second story, Eva Devon brings back characters from The Duke Goes Rogue. Lady Marabelle Danvers had been the target of a perfect ton wife by the Duke of Hunt until he met the love of his life. Lady Marabelle wanted more that the Duke could give her but she was destined to marry her father’s heir the new Earl of Gray.
Sebastian Rutherford, was raised in a typical ton family – no love and much discipline. Sebastian had been living away from England after the war and the only reason he came to claim the title is that the old Earl had once shown him kindness. He returns in time for his wedding at the worst time of year – Christmas. He hates England, hates winter and hates Christmas. His family never celebrated.
For Marabelle’s family Christmas was a time of celebration and this would be her first without her father and brother. The Marabelle and Sebastian meet just minutes before their wedding and though they are strangers there is a spark between them. Can Sebastian open up enough to let Marabelle in?
Eva Devon crafts a well written story with some heartbreaking moments as Sebastian struggles with his past and wonders whether he can change his future.
This duo was a wonderfully fun read with two great stories but two great authors.
November 21, 2016
I was gifted a copy for an honest review. Twas the Night Before Scandal, is a joint 2 novellas. By Christi Caldwell and Eva Devon. I am going to review Ms. Caldwell's Only for Their Love first. Then come back and review Ms. Devon's. I love Ms Caldwell's stories. Only for Their Love was no different. Only For Their Love is Lord Gregory Renshaw's and Carol Cresswall's story. Want a Hallmark type Christmas movie? A Regency love story? You've got both in this book. I absolutely adored Lord Gregory Renshaw and really liked Carol from the moment she laid down on the library floor of her hosts house. I loved that Gregory was a genuinely good guy. This was just a sweet, absolutely charming Christmas story. That went way to fast, being a novella. Loved it!
Now for the second novella. A kiss From a Rogue by Eva Devon. Which I give 4 1/2 stars. Another fun, Christmas story. The story of Lord Sebastian (love that name.) Rutherford, the new 12th Earl of Gray and Lady Marabelle Danvers. I loved them both. I loved the idea that it was Marabelle who chose her husband. Even though neither had met. And that she had to teach him how to love and be loved. And about the magic of Christmas. As from his childhood with his cold parents he knew neither. Another quick, fun read to get you into the Holiday spirit.
Now for the second novella. A kiss From a Rogue by Eva Devon. Which I give 4 1/2 stars. Another fun, Christmas story. The story of Lord Sebastian (love that name.) Rutherford, the new 12th Earl of Gray and Lady Marabelle Danvers. I loved them both. I loved the idea that it was Marabelle who chose her husband. Even though neither had met. And that she had to teach him how to love and be loved. And about the magic of Christmas. As from his childhood with his cold parents he knew neither. Another quick, fun read to get you into the Holiday spirit.
November 29, 2016
Only For Their Love by Christi Caldwell
The Theodosia Sword Series
Carol Cresswell has been avoiding Gregory Renshaw for the past four Seasons. Reason one; her mother is pushing her towards him. Reason two; she overheard him saying unkind words about her. Reason three; she doesn't want a marriage like her parents had. She wants love or nothing.
Lord Gregory Renshaw is called upon to be honorable for his family's sake. It had always been thought that his eldest brother would marry Minerva and the two powerful ducal families would be united. But Damian found true love. Now he's expected to step up.
When Carol and Gregory meet under unusual circumstances while at Renshaw Castle for the Christmastide Season, they find out that they aren't who they thought the other was. They may have found out too late that they could have actually been happy together. The reader can first meet Carol in her friend Theodosia’s story; Only for His Lady.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
The Theodosia Sword Series
Carol Cresswell has been avoiding Gregory Renshaw for the past four Seasons. Reason one; her mother is pushing her towards him. Reason two; she overheard him saying unkind words about her. Reason three; she doesn't want a marriage like her parents had. She wants love or nothing.
Lord Gregory Renshaw is called upon to be honorable for his family's sake. It had always been thought that his eldest brother would marry Minerva and the two powerful ducal families would be united. But Damian found true love. Now he's expected to step up.
When Carol and Gregory meet under unusual circumstances while at Renshaw Castle for the Christmastide Season, they find out that they aren't who they thought the other was. They may have found out too late that they could have actually been happy together. The reader can first meet Carol in her friend Theodosia’s story; Only for His Lady.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
November 26, 2016
A great Novella by two awesome authors
Christi Caldwell and Eva Devon paired up and did an outstanding job on their stories.
Christi wrote about Carol Cresswell and Lord Gregory - two people who ignored each other until the pull of love touched both of them.
Eva Devon wrote A kiss from a Rogue which is about Sebastian, The Earl of Gray and Lady Mirabelle who so wants to celebrate Christmas but has lost her entire family. Sebastian has never wanted to marry but he is now going to wed Mirabelle and the electricity between them begins.
Two very good Novellas. I would recommend to anyone who is a romantic.
Christi Caldwell and Eva Devon paired up and did an outstanding job on their stories.
Christi wrote about Carol Cresswell and Lord Gregory - two people who ignored each other until the pull of love touched both of them.
Eva Devon wrote A kiss from a Rogue which is about Sebastian, The Earl of Gray and Lady Mirabelle who so wants to celebrate Christmas but has lost her entire family. Sebastian has never wanted to marry but he is now going to wed Mirabelle and the electricity between them begins.
Two very good Novellas. I would recommend to anyone who is a romantic.
November 20, 2016
Loved it!
I am not a novella person. I like long drawn out stories with full character development. But I just adored these two stories. As an avid reader of Mrs. Caldwell's work, I had already "met" Carol and Gregory. Their story was so lovely!
The second Tory was by an author I was unfamiliar with. However , this novella was a lovely introduction. I now can't wait to read all f her stories as well.
I am not a novella person. I like long drawn out stories with full character development. But I just adored these two stories. As an avid reader of Mrs. Caldwell's work, I had already "met" Carol and Gregory. Their story was so lovely!
The second Tory was by an author I was unfamiliar with. However , this novella was a lovely introduction. I now can't wait to read all f her stories as well.
November 27, 2016
Two sweet stories
Both authors have given us stories on some of their wonderful characters from previous books. Truly fun reads. But it leaves me thrusting for more,much more. I want to read on babies, loves, redemption, come uppance for dowager duchesses, and more. And I really want now to see what the future holds for Mr. Rayne! Please, please, please be in your writing caves with your muses!!<3
Both authors have given us stories on some of their wonderful characters from previous books. Truly fun reads. But it leaves me thrusting for more,much more. I want to read on babies, loves, redemption, come uppance for dowager duchesses, and more. And I really want now to see what the future holds for Mr. Rayne! Please, please, please be in your writing caves with your muses!!<3
December 27, 2016
Christmas stories to love
Looking for happily ever after during the holidays? This compilation of short stories is the answer. I enjoyed reading them immensely. Just the right amount of conflict to stir the heart, sex to titillate and with outcomes that are hopeful and uplifting without the schmaltz.
Looking for happily ever after during the holidays? This compilation of short stories is the answer. I enjoyed reading them immensely. Just the right amount of conflict to stir the heart, sex to titillate and with outcomes that are hopeful and uplifting without the schmaltz.
November 26, 2016
Excellent Novellas
These two stories are excellent and will get you in the Christmas mood.
Ms. Caldwell gives you a story of falling in love with the one you have always avoided.
Msg. Devon gives you a story of learning to love and seeing the joy in Christmas.
These two stories are excellent and will get you in the Christmas mood.
Ms. Caldwell gives you a story of falling in love with the one you have always avoided.
Msg. Devon gives you a story of learning to love and seeing the joy in Christmas.
December 4, 2016
Two excellent novellas
I must admit that I have never been a fan of short stories but these two were marvelous! I enjoyed every word in each of them and couldn't put them down until I finished
I must admit that I have never been a fan of short stories but these two were marvelous! I enjoyed every word in each of them and couldn't put them down until I finished
December 7, 2016
Cute Christmas Stories
Loved both stories. Light but perfect for the season. Both stories are well written and engaging. Short and sweet but definitely worth reading!
Loved both stories. Light but perfect for the season. Both stories are well written and engaging. Short and sweet but definitely worth reading!
December 7, 2016
A couple of very pleasing stories from two of my fave Top Ten authors. Immensely enjoyable read. I'm sure I'll be reading these again at every Christmastide.
5*****
5*****
December 21, 2016
A lovely holiday collection
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews