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Saints and Sinners #1
The Duke and I
Christmas is the season for family, fun and for falling in love in this delightful holiday romp by bestselling author Heather Boyd!
Widowed Nicolas Westfall, the Duke of Stapleton, cannot prevent the upcoming debut for his youngest daughter no matter how much he wishes her eventual marriage wouldn’t leave him all alone. Convinced to host a Christmas Ball to prepare her for the season, he’s aware he’s considered a catch on the marriage mart too, but Nicolas is drawn to companion Gillian Thorpe instead.
Gillian was hired to prepare the duke’s daughter for her first season, but its not easy when the girl hasn’t the least interest in the men and the widowed father makes her knees weak when he laughs with her. Gillian respects and admires (perhaps too frequently) the Duke of Stapleton and when she’s lured into a mistletoe kiss with him, will she be able to stop at one or even want to?
Saints and Sinners series:
Book 1: The Duke and I (Nicolas and Gillian)
Book 2: A Gentleman's Vow (Gideon and Jessica)
Book 3: An Earl of Her Own (Adam and Rebecca)
Book 4: The Lady Tamed (Jeremy and Fanny)
Widowed Nicolas Westfall, the Duke of Stapleton, cannot prevent the upcoming debut for his youngest daughter no matter how much he wishes her eventual marriage wouldn’t leave him all alone. Convinced to host a Christmas Ball to prepare her for the season, he’s aware he’s considered a catch on the marriage mart too, but Nicolas is drawn to companion Gillian Thorpe instead.
Gillian was hired to prepare the duke’s daughter for her first season, but its not easy when the girl hasn’t the least interest in the men and the widowed father makes her knees weak when he laughs with her. Gillian respects and admires (perhaps too frequently) the Duke of Stapleton and when she’s lured into a mistletoe kiss with him, will she be able to stop at one or even want to?
Saints and Sinners series:
Book 1: The Duke and I (Nicolas and Gillian)
Book 2: A Gentleman's Vow (Gideon and Jessica)
Book 3: An Earl of Her Own (Adam and Rebecca)
Book 4: The Lady Tamed (Jeremy and Fanny)
103 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2018
865 people are currently reading
702 people want to read
About the author
Heather Boyd
110 books754 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Heather Boyd believes every character she creates deserves their own happily-ever-after—no matter how much trouble she puts them through. With that goal in mind, she writes steamy romances that skirt the boundaries of propriety to keep readers enthralled until the wee hours of the morning. Heather has published over sixty regency romance novels and shorter works full of daring seductions and distinguished rogues. She lives north of Sydney, Australia, with her trio of rogues and a four-legged overlord. To learn more visit www.Heather-Boyd.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
dnf
December 7, 2021DNF 40% Just no
December 21, 2019
.
A very quick satisfying little amuse bouche.
Nicholas is 44 and has been widowed for many years. When he meets Gillian (28) he knows that she would be perfect as a companion for his youngest daughter who is almost old enough for her coming out.
He has older children alternatively help and hinder their romance. Especially his eldest daughter, Rebecca who is a sour termagant.
I liked that there were no true villains but just regular people.
It's not an insta love either despite the shortness of the read. Many months pass before they think to explore a closer relationship. The author takes the time to show how they appreciate each other as people and not just objects of lust.
There's one MU near the end instigated by Rebecca's big mouth. But it wasn't a big deal.
Both MCs are widowed but his marriage was happier than hers. Still I didn't feel that Gillian was in any way second best.
The ending was dramatic yet sweet and a wee bit humorous.
Safety is all good
A very quick satisfying little amuse bouche.
Nicholas is 44 and has been widowed for many years. When he meets Gillian (28) he knows that she would be perfect as a companion for his youngest daughter who is almost old enough for her coming out.
He has older children alternatively help and hinder their romance. Especially his eldest daughter, Rebecca who is a sour termagant.
I liked that there were no true villains but just regular people.
It's not an insta love either despite the shortness of the read. Many months pass before they think to explore a closer relationship. The author takes the time to show how they appreciate each other as people and not just objects of lust.
There's one MU near the end instigated by Rebecca's big mouth. But it wasn't a big deal.
Both MCs are widowed but his marriage was happier than hers. Still I didn't feel that Gillian was in any way second best.
The ending was dramatic yet sweet and a wee bit humorous.
Safety is all good
December 25, 2021
This is a nice novella. Widowed Duke and the widowed companion of his young daughter fall in love.
November 17, 2021
Enjoyed this novella. Interesting characters and looking forward to reading others in the series.
June 18, 2018
❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
I’ve not read Heather Boyd before, so this was a first for me .
I quite enjoyed this book .
The characters were good and I liked the chemistry between the to leads .
I’m intrigued to see wether Jessica and Giddy are an item maybe in a future book .
In all a likeable story and enjoyable read .
I received an advanced copy of this book and chose to submit a review
💋💋
I’ve not read Heather Boyd before, so this was a first for me .
I quite enjoyed this book .
The characters were good and I liked the chemistry between the to leads .
I’m intrigued to see wether Jessica and Giddy are an item maybe in a future book .
In all a likeable story and enjoyable read .
I received an advanced copy of this book and chose to submit a review
June 29, 2018
Widowed Nicolas Westfall, the Duke of Stapleton, cannot prevent the upcoming debut of his youngest daughter Jessica no matter how much he wishes her eventual marriage wouldn’t leave him all alone. Gillian Thorpe was hired as a companion to prepare Jessica for her first season, but it's not easy when the girl hasn’t the least interest in the men and its the widowed father makes her knees weak when he laughs with her. Nicolas abhors Christmas nonsense, but he’s hosting a Christmas house party so that his youngest daughter can experience mixing with adults before her society debut the following year. Nicholas keeps finding mistletoe & then there’s his daughter’s companion Gillian who he can’t get out of his thoughts
I read this short story as part of the Hot Winter Nights anthology & loved it then, it’s now been expanded. An enthralling, sizzling story of finding love a second time around, I especially liked that Nicolas is a grandfather & Gillian is also mature, their attraction has gradually grown over the nine months Gillian has worked for the Duke. It’s amazing what mistletoe can do
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
I read this short story as part of the Hot Winter Nights anthology & loved it then, it’s now been expanded. An enthralling, sizzling story of finding love a second time around, I especially liked that Nicolas is a grandfather & Gillian is also mature, their attraction has gradually grown over the nine months Gillian has worked for the Duke. It’s amazing what mistletoe can do
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
February 26, 2023
Lovely novella, with Cinderella vibes. Well, their "date" ended poorly, but I loved that the MC went ice skating! Nicolas is 44, and Gillian is 28. A Duke and his youngest daughter companion.
I finished this book in about 2 hours while drinking my morning coffee 😌
I finished this book in about 2 hours while drinking my morning coffee 😌
July 5, 2018
3.5 stars - rounded up because this was an ARC and will probably (hopefully) be corrected before release.
Nicolas Westfall, the Duke of Stapleton is a widower with several grown children, his youngest daughter Jessica is almost ready to make her come out and he needs someone to guide her. Enter Gillian Thorpe.
Gillian is a widow and has just lost her position as a governess when she meets Nic. She agrees to be Jessica's companion and will help prepare her for her upcoming season. She and Nic get on very well together and keep their relationship strictly professional for almost nine months, then a kiss under the mistletoe opens the flood gates and their relationship takes a steamy turn!
Nic is falling hard for Gillian and decides to ask her to marry him once all his houseguests leave. Gillian is also falling for Nic, but he has made no promises or spoken of a future, so when Nic's eldest daughter Rebecca says that Nic is going to marry and Gillian is no longer needed, she has no reason to believe it is not true and agrees to take another job.
I thought this was a very sweet story of second chance love, it was well paced for a novella and very steamy without being gratuitous, the characters were likable (except his daughter Rebecca) and the ending was very sweet and satisfying. There were a lot of typos, title errors and an inconsistent timeline - but they didn't really ruin the story for me, but they were distracting if you are a detail oriented reader (and I am). But overall it was a nice short book and I will be looking forward to the next installment.
* I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher*
Nicolas Westfall, the Duke of Stapleton is a widower with several grown children, his youngest daughter Jessica is almost ready to make her come out and he needs someone to guide her. Enter Gillian Thorpe.
Gillian is a widow and has just lost her position as a governess when she meets Nic. She agrees to be Jessica's companion and will help prepare her for her upcoming season. She and Nic get on very well together and keep their relationship strictly professional for almost nine months, then a kiss under the mistletoe opens the flood gates and their relationship takes a steamy turn!
Nic is falling hard for Gillian and decides to ask her to marry him once all his houseguests leave. Gillian is also falling for Nic, but he has made no promises or spoken of a future, so when Nic's eldest daughter Rebecca says that Nic is going to marry and Gillian is no longer needed, she has no reason to believe it is not true and agrees to take another job.
I thought this was a very sweet story of second chance love, it was well paced for a novella and very steamy without being gratuitous, the characters were likable (except his daughter Rebecca) and the ending was very sweet and satisfying. There were a lot of typos, title errors and an inconsistent timeline - but they didn't really ruin the story for me, but they were distracting if you are a detail oriented reader (and I am). But overall it was a nice short book and I will be looking forward to the next installment.
* I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher*
July 3, 2018
When a father hosts a week-long Christmas party to prepare his daughter for her come out season, it could only be a success, right? Nicholas Westfall, the Duke of Stapleton only wanted his daughter Jessica be happy, and with the aid of her paid companion, Widow Gillian Thorpe he was trying! When an unexpected meeting under the mistletoe brings Nicholas and Gillian together, what could be better? His daughter loves Gillian and he is finding out how much he is attracted to her. A sizzling attraction and some mischief make this story a must read! This novella was part of the Hot Winter Nights collection with several other authors.
April 29, 2021
I absolutely loved this Novella!! The Duke and I wish it could have been longer. I was very sorry when it ended.
Nicolas Westfall Duke of Stapleton has hired a Lady's Companion for his youngest daughter Jessica. Jessica is to make her come out into society next season.
Gillian has been taken in and employed by Fanny the Dukes widowed middle daughter. Fanny is very kind and always helps out anyone in need. She had rescued Gillian from a very nasty Lady she was employed by as a Lady's Companion.
Nicolas hires Gillian to be Jessica's Lady's Companion and teach her the ways of married life. How to interact with the young men of the Ton. After 9 months of talking daily and seeing the way Gillian treats and loves Jessica. He pursues her. Gillian is a 28 year old widow. Her husband was 25 years her senior and died and left her with nothing. He was not a good lover at all. So when Gillian starts to feel sexual sensation for the Duke she is surprise. The Duke and Gillian have one HOT Sensual Relationship. They really do grow in love with each other!! Nicolas is only 44 his first marriage was at the young age of 17 after being caught in a compromising position with his now deceased wife.
I just loved this Novella!!
Nicolas Westfall Duke of Stapleton has hired a Lady's Companion for his youngest daughter Jessica. Jessica is to make her come out into society next season.
Gillian has been taken in and employed by Fanny the Dukes widowed middle daughter. Fanny is very kind and always helps out anyone in need. She had rescued Gillian from a very nasty Lady she was employed by as a Lady's Companion.
Nicolas hires Gillian to be Jessica's Lady's Companion and teach her the ways of married life. How to interact with the young men of the Ton. After 9 months of talking daily and seeing the way Gillian treats and loves Jessica. He pursues her. Gillian is a 28 year old widow. Her husband was 25 years her senior and died and left her with nothing. He was not a good lover at all. So when Gillian starts to feel sexual sensation for the Duke she is surprise. The Duke and Gillian have one HOT Sensual Relationship. They really do grow in love with each other!! Nicolas is only 44 his first marriage was at the young age of 17 after being caught in a compromising position with his now deceased wife.
I just loved this Novella!!
April 21, 2024
This was a fast and easy regency era romance. I didn’t realize it took place around Christmas until I started it and I don’t mind reading holiday books at any time of the year but it ended up not really giving a lot of Christmas vibes. This was a pretty surface-lever read because of how short it was. I didn’t feel that connected to the characters but their romance was sweet.
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February 25, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/25/2021)! 🎁
June 12, 2018
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.
Nicolas appoints Gillian, a down-on-her-luck governess, to be his daughter Jessica's companion. He also anticipates that she will prepare Jessica for her coming out/season and explain the facts of life to her. He chooses Gillian for this task because he likes her and she is a widow, despite the fact that he has just met her, and despite the fact that Jessica has numerous siblings and (presumably) other relations.
I really didn't get on with this novel: I only managed to get to the end because I felt obliged to review it. I was distracted by the way the ages of the various characters didn't quite work (Nicolas needed to be at least 51 by my reckoning, rather than 49), the way the oldest of Jessica's sisters was sometimes Rebecca and sometimes Fanny, the totally inappropriate-for-the-period way Nicolas and Gillian spoke to and treated one another, the way no one even commented on the fact that Nicolas had daughters older than Gillian etc etc.
The characters were superficial - Nicolas reflects at one point that he knows little of Gillian's past, despite his having a (presumably slim) "employment file" for her, and this is how I felt about her too. She was happy to sleep with her employer with seemingly no concern about a possible pregnancy or worries about her long term prospects or even a moral qualm. I think there was one fairly humorous line, and otherwise every one took themselves deadly seriously.
Not for me.
Nicolas appoints Gillian, a down-on-her-luck governess, to be his daughter Jessica's companion. He also anticipates that she will prepare Jessica for her coming out/season and explain the facts of life to her. He chooses Gillian for this task because he likes her and she is a widow, despite the fact that he has just met her, and despite the fact that Jessica has numerous siblings and (presumably) other relations.
I really didn't get on with this novel: I only managed to get to the end because I felt obliged to review it. I was distracted by the way the ages of the various characters didn't quite work (Nicolas needed to be at least 51 by my reckoning, rather than 49), the way the oldest of Jessica's sisters was sometimes Rebecca and sometimes Fanny, the totally inappropriate-for-the-period way Nicolas and Gillian spoke to and treated one another, the way no one even commented on the fact that Nicolas had daughters older than Gillian etc etc.
The characters were superficial - Nicolas reflects at one point that he knows little of Gillian's past, despite his having a (presumably slim) "employment file" for her, and this is how I felt about her too. She was happy to sleep with her employer with seemingly no concern about a possible pregnancy or worries about her long term prospects or even a moral qualm. I think there was one fairly humorous line, and otherwise every one took themselves deadly seriously.
Not for me.
January 20, 2022
The Duke and I, Book 1 in the Saints and Sinners series, was about His Grace Nicolas Westfall, the Duke of Stapleton, and Miss Gillian Thorpe, companion to the Duke's daughter.
I have to admit...it was a nice love story. My main issue is that the author had problems with titles and forms of address. Dukes/Duchesses are NOT referred to as "Lord" or "Lady"! They are addressed as "Your Grace", "Your Graces", "His Grace", "Her Grace", Duke, Duchess, Sir, Madam. The Duke is also addressed with his name (i.e. Stapleton). To refer to a Duke or Duchess with the "my lord/my lady" is entirely inappropriate. For an author of historical novels to get the form of address wrong is quite disheartening. No employee or servant worth their weight in gold would ever be caught using the wrong form of address. This author is not the only one I've noticed using the wrong form of address. It would behoove all authors to do a tad more research on their subjects, their countries, and their ways of life before submitting them for print.
It was a bit too modern and a tad disrespectful on the part of the companion. She was by far too familiar with the Duke than she should have been. There was just too much wrong to truly enjoy this book. Definitely not five-star worthy and I won't be reading the rest of the series.
I have to admit...it was a nice love story. My main issue is that the author had problems with titles and forms of address. Dukes/Duchesses are NOT referred to as "Lord" or "Lady"! They are addressed as "Your Grace", "Your Graces", "His Grace", "Her Grace", Duke, Duchess, Sir, Madam. The Duke is also addressed with his name (i.e. Stapleton). To refer to a Duke or Duchess with the "my lord/my lady" is entirely inappropriate. For an author of historical novels to get the form of address wrong is quite disheartening. No employee or servant worth their weight in gold would ever be caught using the wrong form of address. This author is not the only one I've noticed using the wrong form of address. It would behoove all authors to do a tad more research on their subjects, their countries, and their ways of life before submitting them for print.
It was a bit too modern and a tad disrespectful on the part of the companion. She was by far too familiar with the Duke than she should have been. There was just too much wrong to truly enjoy this book. Definitely not five-star worthy and I won't be reading the rest of the series.
May 7, 2023
Love Blooms
Nicolas needs a companion to prepare his youngest daughter for her coming out, but he doesn't expect to find her so charming.
Gillian is a widow in her twenties, the duke is forty-four, these were considered old in the nineteenth century, yet both are lively and passionate.
A sweet forbidden romance.
Nicolas needs a companion to prepare his youngest daughter for her coming out, but he doesn't expect to find her so charming.
Gillian is a widow in her twenties, the duke is forty-four, these were considered old in the nineteenth century, yet both are lively and passionate.
A sweet forbidden romance.
June 26, 2018
The ''The Duke and I'' is a short, mature romantic novella, It is a Second Chance at love sorts story where two people discover love again in there life...well presented ,well written, scripted book ...Heather is a very competent,able author who doesn't disappoint her readers ... she always comes up with a freshness to her stories even though the story line is predictable ...
This book presents the story of widowed Nicola Westfall, the Duke of Stapleton and Gillian, also a widow who becomes his daughter's companion. They soon start to have feelings for each other. But with the difference in their stations , spite ,opposition from Nicolas daughter Rebecca there future together looks uncertain .... Nicolas's character is absolutely adorable and his persistent pursuit of Gillian is so sweet ... You can feel the sizzling chemistry , sparks, between the two characters...The only drawback was the age factor ...It didnt sit well with me that Nicolas daughter are elder to Gillian somehow it didnt synch with story, characters ...
otherwise a sweet ,short book for a lazy afternoon...Heather is a good writer ...
This book presents the story of widowed Nicola Westfall, the Duke of Stapleton and Gillian, also a widow who becomes his daughter's companion. They soon start to have feelings for each other. But with the difference in their stations , spite ,opposition from Nicolas daughter Rebecca there future together looks uncertain .... Nicolas's character is absolutely adorable and his persistent pursuit of Gillian is so sweet ... You can feel the sizzling chemistry , sparks, between the two characters...The only drawback was the age factor ...It didnt sit well with me that Nicolas daughter are elder to Gillian somehow it didnt synch with story, characters ...
otherwise a sweet ,short book for a lazy afternoon...Heather is a good writer ...
May 14, 2021
my personal markers for a great read...1. smart and engaging writing, 2. Humorous, 3. sexy interactions 4. stories with family/friends 5. badass woman 6. will reread the book/series yearly.
3/5 romance along with hotness and steam
——————————————————
(4 stars rating has all the above)
(5 stars rating has HIT all the markers by 🤯...that good)
3/5 romance along with hotness and steam
——————————————————
(4 stars rating has all the above)
(5 stars rating has HIT all the markers by 🤯...that good)
September 4, 2024
A nice, little novella with a 40-something MMC and FMc in her late 20s. She’s a hired companion. He’s a doting father who wants his wild daughter ready for society.
This avoids feeling too fast by using a time jump. It’s a great way to keep to the novella while making the relationship believable and not “insta-love.”
This avoids feeling too fast by using a time jump. It’s a great way to keep to the novella while making the relationship believable and not “insta-love.”
January 11, 2022
#7 of 2022
August 25, 2023
Funny and sweet with the surprising matchmaker!
November 15, 2021
DNF This one had a promising beginning, but the timelines and ages of the characters really threw me off, for example the Hero is supposed to have several grown children, with only his youngest unmarried daughter at home who is about to have her first season, but the book says he is only 44 years old! Like when did he start having these kids, at 14. Plus, from the way the book started I thought the hero and heroine were of a similar age and experience, but then you find out there is a 15 year age gap between them. Normally a bit of an age gap doesn't bother me, but this one is kind of large, and with there already being a power imbalance in the relationship, this bothered me. Although this might not bother anyone else.
reluctant-dnf
March 10, 2025Forgot I had this book ... and turns it there was a reason.
DNF at 37%
I was originally intrigued by the premise. The hero is an older man with grown up children and the heroine is a widow. But this was reading like any other romance and the grown up children were reading like brats.
The characterization also felt forced. The characters feel like they are following the dictates of the plot rather than being real. At one point the hero is described as not having has a romance for a while but literally a few paragraphs later he thinks about how unused he is to “being distressed by pretty widows”. So he has had recent experience or this is just what the plot needs him to chase the heroine.
Either way I was bored so I’m moving on.
DNF at 37%
I was originally intrigued by the premise. The hero is an older man with grown up children and the heroine is a widow. But this was reading like any other romance and the grown up children were reading like brats.
The characterization also felt forced. The characters feel like they are following the dictates of the plot rather than being real. At one point the hero is described as not having has a romance for a while but literally a few paragraphs later he thinks about how unused he is to “being distressed by pretty widows”. So he has had recent experience or this is just what the plot needs him to chase the heroine.
Either way I was bored so I’m moving on.
January 3, 2022
I was disappointed in this book, which at first I believed to be very promising. The writing seemed lazy to me, where the author didn't take the necessary time to build any of the relationships or characters, making the whole thing come across as very shallow. It had a lot of potential, with fun ideas of 2nd chances at love, but fell short.
Read
April 7, 2025DNF 45% not for me
November 30, 2021
This was a very quick, satisfying first story to a series. Don't let the three stars fool you, I did enjoy the book. It was quick, the romance satisfying. The steaminess of it wasn't in vast amount, but what was there made me smile. I'm not in a hurry to read the books after it, but I have added them to my to-read list so I don't forget about them.
To my understanding, this book was about Nicolas, who is the father of three daughters that will be the focus of the following three books. And while I'm not sure my interest in Rebecca can be saved, I do love Jessica and what I saw of her in this book, and so I do want to read the next book at some point, which is about her.
More on this book, Nic and Gillian make me smile. The flirtations and the steam (though in short supply) satisfied me and my romantic heart to pieces. I stress again that this is a short book. So, you know, everything happens kind of quick and you have to be okay with that up front. But I didn't mind the quick. There is actually technically a gap, so it isn't actually insta-love, which I know some people hate. It's just that we don't actually get to read about any of the time period before these two start coming together. They meet, Gillian becomes hired as a companion, and then boom!, we fast-forward to nine-months in the future.
The whole danger with the ice bit (trying not to be spoilery) was unnecessary in my opinion. I didn't mind it, but it didn't really add anything to the story. It didn't drive the romance to increase or become more desperate in my opinion. It didn't make anybody realize just how lucky they were or force anybody to realize they were in love, like some dangerous or near-death experiences do. It was just... there. So I didn't mind it, but it was wholly unnecessary.
And this needs to be stressed. I hate, hate, hate, hate, hate (really, I hate it) the miscommunication trope in stories. Hate it with a passion. And that happens here. (Part of why I really don't like Rebecca. She was freaking rude as hell, and trying to run everybody's lives, being all up in everybody's business like she was born with the right to do that. Yeah, really don't like her. Not sure how there's any chance of redemption there yet, but if I get around to reading the second book, maybe I'll change my mind. Maybe.) Anyway! So there's that moment when the two main characters aren't in sync. Rebecca spouts off and Gillian begins thinking one thing which is in the complete opposite direction of what Nic is thinking. This is resolved quickly though. Like, within a couple days, it's fixed. So... I still hate this trope... but I still liked this story. (In all likelihood, this is why this book is getting three instead of four stars though.)
I'm satisfied. I don't feel like I wasted my time. I found one typo, and it was early in the book and I can't even remember where it was. So kudos for that. This book was also free when I got it, but the rest are not and I'm still thinking about reading them eventually, which is always a good sign from me.
Three solid stars. :)
To my understanding, this book was about Nicolas, who is the father of three daughters that will be the focus of the following three books. And while I'm not sure my interest in Rebecca can be saved, I do love Jessica and what I saw of her in this book, and so I do want to read the next book at some point, which is about her.
More on this book, Nic and Gillian make me smile. The flirtations and the steam (though in short supply) satisfied me and my romantic heart to pieces. I stress again that this is a short book. So, you know, everything happens kind of quick and you have to be okay with that up front. But I didn't mind the quick. There is actually technically a gap, so it isn't actually insta-love, which I know some people hate. It's just that we don't actually get to read about any of the time period before these two start coming together. They meet, Gillian becomes hired as a companion, and then boom!, we fast-forward to nine-months in the future.
The whole danger with the ice bit (trying not to be spoilery) was unnecessary in my opinion. I didn't mind it, but it didn't really add anything to the story. It didn't drive the romance to increase or become more desperate in my opinion. It didn't make anybody realize just how lucky they were or force anybody to realize they were in love, like some dangerous or near-death experiences do. It was just... there. So I didn't mind it, but it was wholly unnecessary.
And this needs to be stressed. I hate, hate, hate, hate, hate (really, I hate it) the miscommunication trope in stories. Hate it with a passion. And that happens here. (Part of why I really don't like Rebecca. She was freaking rude as hell, and trying to run everybody's lives, being all up in everybody's business like she was born with the right to do that. Yeah, really don't like her. Not sure how there's any chance of redemption there yet, but if I get around to reading the second book, maybe I'll change my mind. Maybe.) Anyway! So there's that moment when the two main characters aren't in sync. Rebecca spouts off and Gillian begins thinking one thing which is in the complete opposite direction of what Nic is thinking. This is resolved quickly though. Like, within a couple days, it's fixed. So... I still hate this trope... but I still liked this story. (In all likelihood, this is why this book is getting three instead of four stars though.)
I'm satisfied. I don't feel like I wasted my time. I found one typo, and it was early in the book and I can't even remember where it was. So kudos for that. This book was also free when I got it, but the rest are not and I'm still thinking about reading them eventually, which is always a good sign from me.
Three solid stars. :)
June 12, 2018
Oh my goodness, this book was so sweet! Seriously, I simply couldn't put it down because I loved those characters so hard.
The story itself, well, it is nothing unusual, him falling for the unsuitable servant, his daughter's companion with or without wedding bells ringing at the hopefully happy ending but those characters made it very special. I loved Nicolas and his unabashed pursuit of Gillian. You can feel their chemistry and talk about sparks, right? It's fireworks, actually.
And don't get me started on Gillian, she is such a delight with her refreshing honest, her lovelyness and her capability to love (and to protect when it comes to her young charge and those around them). I loved that despite him pursuing someone in his employ, you never feel like Nicolas was pressuring Gillian, all their interactions are based on respect and honor and of course - love. The kind of love that doesn't care about outward appearances or status but that feels deep and warm and turns those fireworks into some kind of glowing and heart-warming fire.
I really enjoyed reading this book and felt myself grinning and swooning all the way to the last page!
The story itself, well, it is nothing unusual, him falling for the unsuitable servant, his daughter's companion with or without wedding bells ringing at the hopefully happy ending but those characters made it very special. I loved Nicolas and his unabashed pursuit of Gillian. You can feel their chemistry and talk about sparks, right? It's fireworks, actually.
And don't get me started on Gillian, she is such a delight with her refreshing honest, her lovelyness and her capability to love (and to protect when it comes to her young charge and those around them). I loved that despite him pursuing someone in his employ, you never feel like Nicolas was pressuring Gillian, all their interactions are based on respect and honor and of course - love. The kind of love that doesn't care about outward appearances or status but that feels deep and warm and turns those fireworks into some kind of glowing and heart-warming fire.
I really enjoyed reading this book and felt myself grinning and swooning all the way to the last page!
March 27, 2021
Nicholas Westfall is a middle aged duke with mostly grown children but for his youngest daughter.
He hires Gillian Thorpe to be her companion and prepare for her presentation into society. During a Christmas house party Nicholas continually finds mistletoe everywhere and believes it is being placed around him by his daughters companion. They develop a friendship which grows into a relationship
and he comes to realize he can remarry and have his own love and his family too. Gillian hears that he plans to let her go when his daughter goes to stay with her sister after the party and prepares to leave the house with a broken heart. The young people save the day and bring them together.
The book is easy to read, no real complicated story her just a lot of unsaid words and misunderstanding as older people find they need love as well as the young ones. Sex scenes are not terrifically expressive and fit into the story. The characters are deep or hard to understand nor do they wallow in the mire while love says them. They are mature and step forward toward their own happiness.
He hires Gillian Thorpe to be her companion and prepare for her presentation into society. During a Christmas house party Nicholas continually finds mistletoe everywhere and believes it is being placed around him by his daughters companion. They develop a friendship which grows into a relationship
and he comes to realize he can remarry and have his own love and his family too. Gillian hears that he plans to let her go when his daughter goes to stay with her sister after the party and prepares to leave the house with a broken heart. The young people save the day and bring them together.
The book is easy to read, no real complicated story her just a lot of unsaid words and misunderstanding as older people find they need love as well as the young ones. Sex scenes are not terrifically expressive and fit into the story. The characters are deep or hard to understand nor do they wallow in the mire while love says them. They are mature and step forward toward their own happiness.
April 13, 2021
Duke Nicolas Westfall has done an admirable job of successfully raising his large brood of children (3 boys & 3 girls???) by himself, but when it comes to the baby, Jessica, he's having a hard time admitting that she's ready for a season. When his daughter Fanny rescues governess Gillian Thorpe from an unfortunate situation, Nicolas decides she's the perfect person to hire as a companion for Jessica to get prepare her for her season. The three get on quite well, but when Nicolas is persuaded to hold a Christmas party, the plans change. Nicolas and Gillian share a mistletoe kiss that ignites their buried passions for each other, and eventually they work out the evil machinations of his other daughter Rebecca and get their HEA. Quick read, more descriptive sex than most Regency romances, but not excessive. No language.
November 23, 2021
This was the perfect book to raise my spirits as we go into the dark days of the year. It was a lovely story and the plot moved along very quickly. The two main characters, Nicolas and Gillian were such nice people that you are absolutely rooting for everything to work out, even when it seems that his eldest daughter is about to put a spoke in the works. But, thank goodness, love finds a way and Nicolas realizes what is going on in time to mend all the injured feelings.
The writing is good, with proper grammar, spelling and syntax. This is something that I particularly appreciate in a book. Thank you, Heather Boyd!
I am so glad that this Kindle edition was on offer recently and it arrived at just the perfect time.
The writing is good, with proper grammar, spelling and syntax. This is something that I particularly appreciate in a book. Thank you, Heather Boyd!
I am so glad that this Kindle edition was on offer recently and it arrived at just the perfect time.
July 4, 2018
This was such an entertaining read, the story moved long at a good pace and kept my interest throughout. I liked the characters of Gillian Thorpe and Nicolas Westfall, the Duke of Stapleton. Although a companion. Gillian was quite forthright in her opinions, especially where the welfare of Jessica was concerned. I loved the connection between Nicolas and Gillian and their growing affection for each other. There is an interfering relation with which to contend. This is a novella and can be read in an afternoon, however it is a very satisfying read. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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