One Moonlit Tryst

by Amanda Mariel

**Previously published in the anthology It Started With a Whisper

Lady Tabitha Pemberton wants nothing more than to enjoy her first season without becoming attached, but when Lady X writes of a forbidden tryst between Tabitha and Colin Brooks, the earl of Harcourt, everything changes. Now Tabitha must choose between her reputation and her desire to remain unattached.

Genres: Historical Romance, Novella, Audiobook

110 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 5, 2018

About the author

Amanda Mariel, an accomplished wordsmith, holds dual master's degrees in liberal arts and education, specializing in the captivating realms of history and literature. Beyond her academic pursuits, she embraces the joyful chaos of motherhood, tending to both her cherished teenagers and her trio of adored fur babies. Among them, a noble Bernese Mountain Dog named Blaze, and two cats of distinct character, Ezra and Puff, share their home.

A USA Today Bestselling luminary, Amanda Mariel conjures vivid tapestries of eras long past, drawing inspiration from the languid cadence of days gone by. With pen poised and imagination unfurled, she traverses the annals of time, weaving tales that illuminate historical landscapes with finesse and flair. Her creative spirit finds respite in reading, traversing new horizons through travel, and capturing moments through the lenses of both her camera and artistic endeavors. Yet, it is in the embrace of family that she finds her truest sanctuary.

To delve deeper into Amanda's captivating world visit www.amandamariel.com. While there, an invitation to join her newsletter promises a gateway to the latest from Amanda Mariel's literary treasury, and an opportunity to claim a complimentary eBook.

Amanda's passion extends to her readers, welcoming their voices and stories into her narrative realm. Engage with her through email at amanda@amandamariel.com, or connect via her social Media channels.

Facebook: facebook.com/AuthorAmandaMarie1
Twitter: twitter.com/AmandaMarieAuth
BookBub: bookbub.com/authors/amanda-mariel
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Amidst the prose and parchment, Amanda Mariel etches a profound connection, bridging eras, hearts, and minds, creating a legacy that resonates through the corridors of time.

Reviews

[Cheesecake · Rating 1 out of 5]

Well on the bright side... it's short.

The story reads more like a fairytale than a historical romance. Then in the last 10% an OW shows up ... a pregnant OW. It was pretty common for aristocrats to have by-blow back then, but it's not something you expect in what was otherwise an extremely fluffy read.
I thought that in keeping with the fairytale feel of the rest of the story that the OW would be resolved differently. But no.
Tabitha and her twin sister are beautiful, rich and cherished by their parents.
Colin and his friend are handsome, rich rakes. They make a bet that Colin could get Tabitha to let him kiss her. You would think that this bet would blow back in his face. But no. That part of the storyline conveniently disappears.

I did appreciate that Colin is remorseful about the way he lived his life before meeting Tabitha. There was a vague suggestion that there was a reason why he was player, like a troubled upbringing? No idea really. But it is never referred to again.

It was like the story didn't know what it wanted to be. A fluffy fairytale or what???

I am not a happy camper.

[Els · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely little story.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice short story. Enjoyable. 4☆

[iread · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Moonlit Tryst was originally released as part of a limited edition boxset titled It Started with a Whisper. But that boxset is no longer available. This is a short novella and a delight to read. I enjoyed the character’s development and the pace of the story. I will be searching out more of Ms Mariel’s stories. I highly recommend this clean romance.

[Irène Wadowski uliasz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Une histoire courte avec des personnages attachants .

[Jamie Bee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too Much Plot for a Very Short Novella

This is an exceedingly quick-read (or quick-listen) novella, weighing in at only 1 hour 22 minutes for the audiobook. As such, the author should have tightened up the plot to make the story feel believable and relatable, shrinking it down appropriately because of its briefness. At first, I just thought it would be a bit of fun Regency fluff when the hero and his friend make a wager about whether the hero can kiss a particular woman. If it had just been that kind of fluffy fun, it would have been completely fine. Instead, things take a turn where the kiss causes a compromise, necessitating a rushed betrothal, which gets further complicated by the hero's past. This could have completely worked as a long novella or proper novel. We needed to see a natural shift of thought and emotion—both characters had stated several times that neither was interested in marriage in general, let alone with each other—as well as the complications that arose. One minor quibble, because it's a subject I know about: the author mentions kaleidoscopes figuratively; however, kaleidoscopes were not invented until the very late Regency era—a happenstance discovery made during a Scottish physicist’s experiments with light and polarization—but not well-known (let alone popular) until the Victorian era. Even figuratively, the characters wouldn't think of the concept because it didn't exist back then! If you're comfortable with a super quick read/listen that has way too much plot for its relatively short word real estate, this could simply be enjoyed as a lark, but you might find yourself frustrated as I was that aspects were not further explored between this potentially interesting couple and their story.

I received a promo code for this audiobook, but that did not affect my review.

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is actually a two for the price of one novel in that you get not only the story of Lady Tabatha Pemberton and Colin Brooks, Earl of Harcourt but also the story of her twin Lady Priscilla Pemberton and Reginald St. John.

When Colin Brookes makes a wager with his friend Reginald St John that he will kiss Lady Tabatha Pemberton he has no idea what he will start Not only will he fall in love but he will also introduce his friend to the love of his life. But when an indiscretion from Colin past crashes into his life they will realize that falling in love was the easy part staying in love is much harder. Once again Amanda Mariel has written a great short story that is a delight to read. She is fast becoming a go to author for me

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Colin Brooks, Earl of Harcourt, wagers Reginald St. John that he can kiss Lady Tabitha Pemberton, he doesn’t expect to be caught, but he was. Once engaged to Tabitha, he spends time with her and they come to love each other. They discover that falling in love is the easy part. Colin has the reputation of being a rake, and when one of his past indiscretions comes to light, it could spell the end of his relationship with Tabitha. Both are heartbroken. Can Tabitha learn to trust him? Can Colin prove that he has changed and is worthy of her love?

There are actually two romances in this sweet story. Twins Tabitha and Priscilla Pemberton meet and become betrothed to Colin and Reginald. The girls have strong personalities and a wonderful relationship. Colin and Reginald are rather typical rakes until they meet the girls when, of course, they become perfect gentlemen. All four characters are likeable. You want things to work out for them.

Stevie Zimmerman is an excellent reader and made this short story a quick and enjoyable listen.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short charmer was a fun read. Not just one rogue in this one but two who will find fate has something in store for them and their names are Pricilla and Tabitha. Fate has some bumps waiting for our group, but that is what makes this a fun book to read. I am a real fan of Ms. Mariel her writing always has a touch of magic with entertaining characters and storylines. Tabitha and her rabbit, the interaction between the sisters oh, and our wonderful Lady X and let’s not forget the meeting in Hyde Park all these scenes make up this marvelous story. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Ann L · Rating 4 out of 5]

One kiss between Lady Tabitha and Colin, the Earl of Harcourt should of been just between the two of them, unfortunatley it was not and now they are engaged to be married, something she did not want on her first outing into the 'Season', after spending time together they find themselves falling in love but now secrets of a previous indiscretion comes to light and now she does not know if she can trust him, though he says he has changed, can they find tand after s[eheir happily ever after or is the relationship doomed before it can even start.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Colin and Tabitha/Priscilla and Reginald
What happens when you make a bet, and it comes back to bite you in the heart. Two rogues make a bet. One is a lady’s man, who all the girls fall for with very little effort on his part. The other bets he cannot get the elusive Tabitha to kiss him. Turning on the charm, he gets to it. Only, sparks fly and he finds he does not want it to end. Tabitha’s twin, Priscilla, gets entwined with the other rogue Reginald.
The story has 2 sweet romances with HEA. The characters are well written and interesting. I was entertained to the end. The narration was well done.
I received a free copy of this audiobook and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Linda Maidani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this short Regency romance with great characters, romance and intrigue. Two daughters of the duke were having their first season and both vowed to wait until their second year to get married and turned away all their suitors. However, two rakes made a bet that one of them could not kiss one of the sisters. At one of the balls, he got her to meet him in the conservatory and they were seen. They became engaged, but their were problems for them. The ending was unexpected.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is short, sweet and romantic. Colin is a happy rake with no plans to marry, until he kisses Tabitha, which he only did to win a bet. Tabitha has no interest in marrying this season, even after she gets caught kissing Colin, but her father gives her no choice. She allows him to court her, and finds that he is a likable, charming, sweet and caring man. Colin finds himself in love with her, and very happy about it, then all he has to do is convince Tabitha.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

One Moonlit Tryst
By: Amanda Mariel
Narrated by: Stevie Zimmerman

This quick listen was a pleasure! When a wager is set between two friends to kiss a girl, you can only imagine what may happen. Colin Brookes found out kissing Lady Tabitha was more than he bargained for! Not expecting to feel the sparks, these two dance around each other. But when Colin's past comes to haunt him, will Tabitha still be there? It's a sweet story, giving us the emotional and loving feels of this couple. Perfect length for my walk, Stevie Zimmerman kept me motivated and happy!

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love in spite of

Colin is a rake and Tabitha knows this. Colin starts in pursuit of her over a wager! Tabitha has made a promise to herself and her sister! Colin is very persuasive and they quickly become a couple! The problem with being a rake is your past catches up with you!!! Decisions need to be made, the end is not what I would have hoped for!? This is a short novella so be mindful of this but Colin's attitude towards his own shortcomings is not in my mind a hero! I do like this author but not the HEA I hoped for!!!

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is also in book form. The narrator did a great job with the story. She brought the story to life for me. Colin Brooks the Earl of Harcourt wagers with his friend that he can kiss Lady Tabitha Pemberton. But the lady is not looking for a man to web this season. So he tries to win the kiss but instead compromise the situation that leads to an unwanted bethrothal. There's a twist to the story that did surprise me.

I received a complimentary copy from the author. This is my honest unbiased opinion.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reginald St. John, Viscount Lowell bet his friend Colin Brooks, Earl of Harcourt a thousand pounds that he wouldn't be able to charm Tabitha Pemberton by season's end. Colin courts her to achieve this and in the process ends up ruining her and having to offer her marriage. But his rakish ways and unfortunate choices catch up with him and makes Tabitha question his claims of faithfulness and love. Short instant love romance story.

[Sylvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute book. Lady Tabitha Pemberton and her sister are enjoy their first season in the Ton. They make a pact to wait until next season to accepting any courts or offers. Colin Brooks, the earl of Harcourt is a temptation hard to resist. A bet between friends and masquerade and the magic happen from there. The Narration was great by Stevie Zimmerman. I like her voice and how she set the mood of the story.

[Sherry Westendorf · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read. Very enjoyable. You have twin sisters dating two gentlemen. One is considered a rake and one of his past indiscretions comes to light it puts a wrench in the relationship of one couple. It is exciting, enjoyable, emotional, suspenseful and so much more. I was given a review copy by booksprout and voluntarily review it.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short fast read of 61 pages it is a well-written story with a rogue who falls in love, but the things he has done in his past could keep him from the woman he loves. There is also a side story of another couple's romance in this book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

She wants to enjoy her first season and not getting attached to anyone. There is trouble ahead as a lady X says she has had a tryst with him. Now she has to decide what to do. Keep her reputation of stay single. What will she do? Follow what she will do

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

One debutante, two rakes, one bet. When a stolen kiss leads to scandal, Lady Tabitha must choose between marriage to a rake or ruination. But when Tabitha begins to love Colin, Earl of Harcourt, will his past indiscretions end up driving her away? I enjoyed this short, delightful Regency romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laila Viking · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am just caught so into this story. I loved it. Would have liked it to be longer. It is very short. True to its time period.
Well written with great story line and plot. Likeable characters who all are well described and likeable. I like the bet and how it develops.
The mix of secrets, humour, drama, love and twists are what makes it worth the read.

[ECReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet Story in a Tidy Little Package

This story was well-written and flowed well. The characters were likable, and the conflict quickly resolved for a happy ending. A good, light read if you have a little time for a short escape.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a good historical storyline that is pleasant. The characters are engaging and well developed. I did like reading this book.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short sweet read

This is the first book I have read by this author. Standard storyline Rake mets challenging woman , call in love. Quick sweet read

[Elsa Carrion · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good short stand alone novella. Worked for a challenge I was doing.

[Nate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked Colin and Tabatha’s book. It was an entertaining and enjoyable read. And am voluntarily leaving my review.