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Loving Lady Dervish - A Veiled Seduction Novella
After nearly five years of torment at the hands of society's worst gossips, Lady Phoebe Anson is finally making her escape, following her dream to author botany texts--even if she must pretend to be a man to do it. When her one-time friend, Lord Malcolm Gray, happens upon her at the Frost Fair and uncovers her plot, Phoebe refuses to let him ruin her life--again.
But Malcolm isn't the young fool he once was, though he knows he has much to atone for where Phoebe is concerned. And he has no intention of letting his "whirling dervish" get away this time...
*This novella originally appeared in the 2016 limited edition historical romance novella duet A MIDWINTER'S SCANDAL with Erin Knightley*
But Malcolm isn't the young fool he once was, though he knows he has much to atone for where Phoebe is concerned. And he has no intention of letting his "whirling dervish" get away this time...
*This novella originally appeared in the 2016 limited edition historical romance novella duet A MIDWINTER'S SCANDAL with Erin Knightley*
131 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 9, 2017
22 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Heather Snow
17 books213 followersHeather Snow is an award winning historical romance author with a degree in Chemistry who found she much preferred creating chemistry on the page, rather than in the lab. She lives in the Midwest with her husband, two rambunctious boys and one very put upon cat. She loves to hear from readers, and can be reached at Heather@HeatherSnowBooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 19, 2017
It's kinda funny that I didn't realize I had already read a book by this author. The sad part is that I actually liked this novella better than her debut novel. Maybe there are less chances of messing things up if there are less pages..
I'm a sucker for the friends to lovers trope, especially stranded childhood friends, so I knew this novella would work for me. I appreciated that our heroine wanted to do something with her life and wasn't actually looking for a viscount to marry. I loved that he fell for her first (literally hehe) and that he learnt that her drawings were not just an excuse to escape marriage. It was also cute how the two stories from A midwinter's scandal were connected in the end. You don't always get that in anthologies with two or more authors.
I'm a sucker for the friends to lovers trope, especially stranded childhood friends, so I knew this novella would work for me. I appreciated that our heroine wanted to do something with her life and wasn't actually looking for a viscount to marry. I loved that he fell for her first (literally hehe) and that he learnt that her drawings were not just an excuse to escape marriage. It was also cute how the two stories from A midwinter's scandal were connected in the end. You don't always get that in anthologies with two or more authors.
July 4, 2017
I readily admit, totally here for a heroine with a dream to illustrate botany texts.
Not gonna lie, that's my favourite part.
I get that it's a novella - I knew that going in. I get that results in stuff being sped up. But in this case, it also resulted in the requirement for Phoebe's father to be literally the worst.
The romance is fast, but mitigated by childhood friendship and growing up together.
Fun, fluff. But in the end, I was not entirely sold.
The botanical stuff is pretty much the best part.
Not gonna lie, that's my favourite part.
I get that it's a novella - I knew that going in. I get that results in stuff being sped up. But in this case, it also resulted in the requirement for Phoebe's father to be literally the worst.
The romance is fast, but mitigated by childhood friendship and growing up together.
Fun, fluff. But in the end, I was not entirely sold.
The botanical stuff is pretty much the best part.
March 23, 2017
2.5 stars
What I enjoyed most about this novella was the artistic/sciencey pursuits of the heroine, Phoebe. She had aspirations of becoming an illustrator for a renowned botanist and was determined to reach that goal no matter the vast array of obstacles that stood in her way. Phoebe was a force to be reckoned with and I loved her for it.
Well said, Phoebe!
As to the other aspects of the story, namely the hero and the romance, I was far less impressed. There was nothing wrong with Malcolm per say, and I did appreciate how much he came to appreciate Phoebe’s brilliance. He even gifted her with a very rare Lady of the Night plant! But as a character, he did nothing for me. The romance followed a similar suit in that I just didn’t really care much for it, or about it at all. So while Phoebe herself got high marks, my lower rating reflects the underwhelming feeling everything else gave me in contrast.
I will say that I did love the epilogue as it featured not only Phoebe and Malcolm, but also Juliette and Sebastian from Erin Knightley’s companion novella Once Jilted, Twice Shy. Seeing both couples interacting (and in Juliette's own newly built? conservatory no less!) and happily married was an unexpected, but very welcome treat.
What I enjoyed most about this novella was the artistic/sciencey pursuits of the heroine, Phoebe. She had aspirations of becoming an illustrator for a renowned botanist and was determined to reach that goal no matter the vast array of obstacles that stood in her way. Phoebe was a force to be reckoned with and I loved her for it.
“You’re right. There are no guarantees. But even tomorrow is promised to no one. And though the world may be cruel, I’d rather take my chances in freedom than continue to live under another’s thumb. I shall be the only one to decide my fate.”
Well said, Phoebe!
As to the other aspects of the story, namely the hero and the romance, I was far less impressed. There was nothing wrong with Malcolm per say, and I did appreciate how much he came to appreciate Phoebe’s brilliance. He even gifted her with a very rare Lady of the Night plant! But as a character, he did nothing for me. The romance followed a similar suit in that I just didn’t really care much for it, or about it at all. So while Phoebe herself got high marks, my lower rating reflects the underwhelming feeling everything else gave me in contrast.
I will say that I did love the epilogue as it featured not only Phoebe and Malcolm, but also Juliette and Sebastian from Erin Knightley’s companion novella Once Jilted, Twice Shy. Seeing both couples interacting (and in Juliette's own newly built? conservatory no less!) and happily married was an unexpected, but very welcome treat.
February 12, 2017
This was a well-written, enjoyable book. Lady Phoebe Anson has plans to earn her own living illustrating botany texts so she can avoid being forced into an arranged marriage by her father. She encounters Lord Malcolm Gray unexpectedly, who had been a friend from childhood, until he made her the subject of society gossip five years previously. Malcolm sees Phoebe in a new light and Phoebe asks him to help her with her plans for independence. This was a sweet, entertaining novella.
September 13, 2018
A lovely novella of childhood friends turned something a bit more :)
February 12, 2017
Despite being a novella this story delivers. Malcom and Phoebe are quite adorable and I love that Phoebe has dreams and is actually going for them. A great short read that will stay with you.
February 15, 2017
Loving Lady Dervish is exactly what you expect from Heather Snow. Unique, surprising, brave, intelligent women. The men are always terrific as well. This story is fun and romantic. You will be happily surprised at all the story packed into this novella. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
February 22, 2018
Loving Lady Dervish is a fabulous short story. It is a sweet romance with Malcolm and Phoebe. I loved it!
The audible version is wonderful too. The narrator has the perfect voice for it.
5 plus stars.
The audible version is wonderful too. The narrator has the perfect voice for it.
5 plus stars.
March 4, 2017
3.5 Stars
I have been a fan of the Veiled Seduction series since I cracked the first book open. The reason why is I love the characters and the writing. Heather Snow has a beautiful way with words, and her characters, the heroines especially, are strong, independent and smart. I must’ve missed this novella when it released as part of an anthology so I was really excited to be getting a new to me story by a favorite author I hadn’t read in a while.
LOVING LADY DERVISH is adorably charming! The heroine is not the classy “lady” you would expect to find in society. She’s a free spirit, she has hopes and dreams. And she’s desperately seeing to break out of the female mold society wants to box her in. Marriage is not at the top of her priorities. She has a passion for nature and wants to one day become an author in the subject. Today, she’s trying her hardest to get her foot in the door for her career.
But her family has other plans, and she’s resorted to faking a courtship with her childhood friend and neighbor, Malcolm Gray. Fake courtship quickly turns into real love that stemmed from a lifelong friendship.
I loved Phoebe’s personality, her aspirations and determinations to follow her dreams. And once Malcolm was introduced, I couldn’t help but fall for his steady personality. He’s the perfect match for her! This short novella packed in everything that it had to. Their feelings developed nicely and weren’t rushed. I think I always have an easier time with that when the characters have had a long connection before, like in this case. But I found this novella so enjoyable and I can’t wait to get more books by Ms. Snow in the near future!
If you haven’t tried this series yet, then be sure to put it on your must read lists. I’ve always said this is a hidden gem in the historical romance genre.
I have been a fan of the Veiled Seduction series since I cracked the first book open. The reason why is I love the characters and the writing. Heather Snow has a beautiful way with words, and her characters, the heroines especially, are strong, independent and smart. I must’ve missed this novella when it released as part of an anthology so I was really excited to be getting a new to me story by a favorite author I hadn’t read in a while.
LOVING LADY DERVISH is adorably charming! The heroine is not the classy “lady” you would expect to find in society. She’s a free spirit, she has hopes and dreams. And she’s desperately seeing to break out of the female mold society wants to box her in. Marriage is not at the top of her priorities. She has a passion for nature and wants to one day become an author in the subject. Today, she’s trying her hardest to get her foot in the door for her career.
But her family has other plans, and she’s resorted to faking a courtship with her childhood friend and neighbor, Malcolm Gray. Fake courtship quickly turns into real love that stemmed from a lifelong friendship.
I loved Phoebe’s personality, her aspirations and determinations to follow her dreams. And once Malcolm was introduced, I couldn’t help but fall for his steady personality. He’s the perfect match for her! This short novella packed in everything that it had to. Their feelings developed nicely and weren’t rushed. I think I always have an easier time with that when the characters have had a long connection before, like in this case. But I found this novella so enjoyable and I can’t wait to get more books by Ms. Snow in the near future!
If you haven’t tried this series yet, then be sure to put it on your must read lists. I’ve always said this is a hidden gem in the historical romance genre.
March 10, 2018
Loving Lady Dervish is a thoroughly enjoyable historical romance by Heather Snow. This is a short story in the Veiled Seduction Series where all the heroines are intelligent and confident women compared with the men who struggle to live up to their titles or the responsibilities thrust upon them. Loving Lady Dervish is no different.
This story revolves around Lady Phoebe Anson who plans to earn her living illustrating botany texts rather than being forced into an arranged marriage by her father. She unexpectedly encounters her childhood friend Lord Malcolm Gray at the Frost Fair and he is drawn to her like a moth to flames. Trying to atone for a few snide remarks he made five years ago that made Phoebe the subject of society gossip (he said she was a "whirling dervish"), Malcolm agrees to help with her plans for independence.
Snow's writing is simply mesmerizing. Although the audiobook runs just over three hours, I was fully engrossed in the story and couldn't stop listening to it until I was finished. I especially appreciated the journey that Malcolm took from being a reluctant lord to supporting Phoebe in her desire for independence, even if it meant he had to give her up just after realizing he was desperately in love with her.
I listened to the Audible version of this story narrated by the outstanding Kate Marcin. She really brought the characters to life, giving each character their own distinct voice. In summary, I can't wait for the next book written by Heather Snow and narrated by Kate Marcin. Brava!
This story revolves around Lady Phoebe Anson who plans to earn her living illustrating botany texts rather than being forced into an arranged marriage by her father. She unexpectedly encounters her childhood friend Lord Malcolm Gray at the Frost Fair and he is drawn to her like a moth to flames. Trying to atone for a few snide remarks he made five years ago that made Phoebe the subject of society gossip (he said she was a "whirling dervish"), Malcolm agrees to help with her plans for independence.
Snow's writing is simply mesmerizing. Although the audiobook runs just over three hours, I was fully engrossed in the story and couldn't stop listening to it until I was finished. I especially appreciated the journey that Malcolm took from being a reluctant lord to supporting Phoebe in her desire for independence, even if it meant he had to give her up just after realizing he was desperately in love with her.
I listened to the Audible version of this story narrated by the outstanding Kate Marcin. She really brought the characters to life, giving each character their own distinct voice. In summary, I can't wait for the next book written by Heather Snow and narrated by Kate Marcin. Brava!
March 3, 2018
The chemistry between Lady Phoebe Anson and Lord Malcolm Gray practically sizzles! The characters have depth and spunk, the dialogue was great, and I couldn't put it down! Phoebe is a genuinely likable heroine with her quirky nature, pure enthusiasm and the joy she displays. Malcolm is her perfect counterpart (and a heart stopping hero!) with his intricate mix of protectiveness, deep emotions, strength and determination. An amazing novella and a must read (or listen to!) book!
October 14, 2017
Terrific novella from Heather Snow. Characters, setting and dialogue were all terrific. Thank you, Lisa H., for the recommendation. (more later)
May 10, 2018
4.5 stars
February 13, 2019
A sweet enjoyable story. Heather Snow is an excellent author and I will be looking for more of her books.
February 10, 2017
I have been a fan of the Veiled Seduction series since I cracked the first book open. The reason why is I love the characters and the writing. Heather Snow has a beautiful way with words, and her characters, the heroines especially, are strong, independent and smart. I must've missed this novella when it released as part of an anthology so I was really excited to be getting a new to me story by a favorite author I hadn't read in a while.
LOVING LADY DERVISH is adorably charming! The heroine is not the classy "lady" you would expect to find in society. She's a free spirit, she has hopes and dreams. And she's desperately seeing to break out of the female mold society wants to box her in. Marriage is not at the top of her priorities. She has a passion for nature and wants to one day become an author in the subject. Today, she's trying her hardest to get her foot in the door for her career.
But her family has other plans, and she's resorted to faking a courtship with her childhood friend and neighbor, Malcolm Gray. Fake courtship quickly turns into real love that stemmed from a lifelong friendship.
I loved Phoebe's personality, her aspirations and determinations to follow her dreams. And once Malcolm was introduced, I couldn't help but fall for his steady personality. He's the perfect match for her! This short novella packed in everything that it had to. Their feelings developed nicely and weren't rushed. I think I always have an easier time with that when the characters have had a long connection before, like in this case. But I found this novella so enjoyable and I can't wait to get more books by Ms. Snow in the near future!
If you haven't tried this series yet, then be sure to put it on your must read lists. I've always said this is a hidden gem in the historical romance genre.
*ARC provided by author
Reviewed by Francesca
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February 11, 2017
I've never read anything by Heather Snow before so this was a great place to start. This sweet, clean story was a delight to read. Phoebe and Malcolm have know each other since childhood but one stray comment that Malcolm made when Phoebe was making her come out has ruined her life for the past five year. Now at 22, facing marriage to a detestable old man (in trade) Phoebe meets up with Malcolm again and asks him to participate in a faux courtship just until she can be hired as an illustrator for a famous botanist.
The fwoo-age (as she calls it) soon turns into actual wooing and Malcolm is under her spell. Will she choose between being a Viscountess or an independent life as an illustrator? Now that Malcolm has found love, can he let her be free to pursue her dreams?
The fwoo-age (as she calls it) soon turns into actual wooing and Malcolm is under her spell. Will she choose between being a Viscountess or an independent life as an illustrator? Now that Malcolm has found love, can he let her be free to pursue her dreams?
February 26, 2018
I enjoyed reading listening to this book. I found myself smiling, laughing and even sad at a point. But the author pulled you in to want to know what happened to Phoebe.
Poor Phoebe, alone with a father who wants to sell her off to a man with means. Thus, giving him the opportunity to get a new wife who would possible bare him a son. But Phoebe has other plans. She in working on her freedom since she has reached her majority. A chance meeting with a childhood friend gives her the opportunity to seal her plans. But not all works out that way. What would you give to the person you love the most? Malcolm gave her freedom and in return she gave him her love.
Poor Phoebe, alone with a father who wants to sell her off to a man with means. Thus, giving him the opportunity to get a new wife who would possible bare him a son. But Phoebe has other plans. She in working on her freedom since she has reached her majority. A chance meeting with a childhood friend gives her the opportunity to seal her plans. But not all works out that way. What would you give to the person you love the most? Malcolm gave her freedom and in return she gave him her love.
July 26, 2018
Spontaneous and free~spirited, artistic yet awkward Lady Phoebe had only one Season and it was painfully but unwittingly cut down by her old friend and only love, Lord Malcolm. That was 5 years ago, now both older and wiser at the Frost Fair, they met again under inauspicious yet puzzling circumstances (because of a piece of paper with the name P.A. Ellison printed on it unknowingly left on the ice by Phoebe) . Hopefully, this time, they will fix things between them and get to know each other all over again as mature persons. This novella is in tandem in A Midwinter's Scandal Duet with Erin Knightley's: Once Jilted Twice Shy novella.
May 15, 2017
This was an excellent story. It was light and easy to read. I enjoyed this short historical romance story after the deeply depressing book I just finished.
As in the other books I read by Heather Snow, the female lead character is a smart independent women, who has to fight for her dreams. This being a romance, you know the story will have a happy ending, and that is always wonderful. We all want a happy ending.
As in the other books I read by Heather Snow, the female lead character is a smart independent women, who has to fight for her dreams. This being a romance, you know the story will have a happy ending, and that is always wonderful. We all want a happy ending.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews