The Countess of Marsden invites you to her house party! Seven nights and days of frolic, gossip, dancing…and matchmaking for her three nieces.
Sad, isn’t it, that none of the Craymore sisters wishes to wed?
Exciting, isn’t it, that three war heroes arrive who know precisely what they want for Christmas?
Wonderful, isn’t it, that each might gain the most precious Christmas gift of all?
She’s through with love.
Miss Delphine Craymore fell in love once, and she'll never fall again. Actually, she likes men, talking with them, dancing with them—and dreaming of what might have been. Most think she’s a flirt. Del’s merely intent on allowing herself a few happy minutes to substitute for the one lover she cannot forget.
At her Aunt Gertrude’s Christmas house party this year, the one man she does not wish to charm walks in and declares he’s ready to make amends. He’s wounded, charming and intent on wooing her.
But can she trust him? And if she falls for him again, and he asks her to marry him, can she desert her two sisters who have been her stalwart companions through countless tragedies?
He’ll never want any other woman.
Neville Vaughn, Viscount Bromley, asks his friend the Earl of Marsden if he might accompany him to his step-mama’s house party in Brighton. It’s Christmas, and Neville’s probably intruding, but he’s in a rush to change every aspect of his life. Years ago at another house party, he fell in love at first sight with delightful Del Craymore. He asked her to marry him—and then had to abandon her. Now, he’s free of the shackles that bound him to a woman he did not love. And before he returns to France to a marvelous future with prestige and wealth beyond his dreams, he must convince Del to forgive him.
But she’s changed.
Can he not prove he’s a better man? And can the two of them make a stable future from the ashes of their past mistakes?
I love to cook, hate to dust, live to travel and read and write! I've written #1 bestselling Regencies as well as contemporary romances starring SEALs that readers love! Come to my website, read my FREE books and buy my others! Then write to me. Love to hear from readers, especially those who dig my history, my sense of humor and my heroes.
This is a lovely, very romantic read. It is well-written and the characters are fun, three-dimensional, well-developed and very likable. The first novella in the series set up the stories for all three Craymore sisters and the war heroes who love them.
The Craymore sisters, Bee (Belinda), Del (Delphine) and Marjorie are living with their aunt, Countess Marsden because their father and brother died within weeks of each other and left them at the mercy of an avaricious cousin. He put them out and didn’t even let them keep a memento of their mother. They love their aunt and appreciate the largess of her and her step-son Griffith Harlinger, the fourth Earl of Marsden. However, they don’t like accepting charity and each of them is actively looking for a way to support themselves. Marjorie and Griff’s romance was featured in the last book and this one features Del and Neville Vaughn, Viscount Bromley.
Neville received a letter from his aunt Penelope (Penn) saying that her good friend, Gertrude, Countess Marsden, is having a Christmas house party with the express purpose of marrying off her three nieces. Neville met and fell in love with Del a couple of years prior. He proposed and she accepted. That same night, his nasty piece-of-work father appeared and announced Neville’s betrothal to another woman. Neville refused, but his father had the means to force him into the marriage. Needless to say, Neville and Del’s parting was not a pleasant one. Now, Neville’s father is dead as is his wife, and he’ll do whatever is necessary to make amends and win Del’s hand in marriage. Neville begs for a three-week leave from his post in war-torn France and seeks out the Earl of Marsden at Wellington’s headquarters in Paris. He asks Marsden for an invitation to the house party and tells him why it is so important to him.
Del was shocked and dismayed when the crowd parted on the first day of her aunt’s house party and she saw the man who broke her heart. She’s never forgotten nor forgiven him. He’d proposed to her and crushed her heart all in the space of a few short hours. She is still angry, but she can’t be rude at her aunt’s party – besides – she’s a sweet and kind young woman and he’s a wounded war hero. He comes straight to her and the wooing begins. She’s distrustful, but she still cares.
It was lovely to watch Neville woo Del. I think we’d all like to have our loves woo us that way. He’s sweet and thoughtful and caring and slowly wears her down. I loved watching their story unfold. Now, I can hardly wait to see Bee and Alastair’s love story.
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
Miss Delphine Craymore fell in love once and she'll never fall again. Actually, she likes men, talking with them, dancing with them—and dreaming of what might have been. Most think she’s a flirt. Del’s merely intent on allowing herself a few happy minutes to substitute for the one lover she cannot forget. Neville Vaughn, Viscount Bromley, asks his friend the Earl of Marsden if he might accompany him to his step-mama’s house party in Brighton. It’s Christmas and Neville’s probably intruding, but he’s in a rush to change every aspect of his life. Years ago at another house party, he fell in love at first sight with delightful Del Craymore. He asked her to marry him and then had to abandon her. This is the second of the Christmas Belles trilogy & is a lovely read of second chances & righting misunderstandings. Del & Neville have always loved each other but circumstances pulled them apart, then there was the Battle of Waterloo & Neville was injured. The road to their HEA was a delightful engrossing read.
Three sisters. Three war heroes. A seven day Christmas House Party given by Aunt Gertrude! The writing of Cerise Deland with her wonderful characters and descriptions that make you feel you are in Regency, England! Perfect! Delphine Craymore and her two sisters were living with their aunt after losing their father and brother just weeks apart. Having to find a refuge after their blackguard cousin made them leave, they turned to their aunt. But they were determined to marry in order to not be a burden on her. A broken heart by the man she loved, Del still remembered how she and Neville became betrothed and then he broke it off. (you will have to find out those details!) But what should happen? Neville shows up and is determined to win her back. Wounded from the war, he only has a few weeks until he has to report back. Can Del forgive and trust him? Will Neville convince her of his sincerity and help her understand what happened? Sit back and watch this story unfold that will make your romantic heart smile!!
One thing is for sure, I do wish I could have been at Aunt Gertrude's Christmas party! lol Soooo much going on!! The stories in this series revolve around 3 sisters who live with their aunt and when she hosts a Christmas party, the last thing they expected is for their past loves to make an appearance and who want a second chance. This one is Delphine and Neville's story....
Delphine had never recovered from the hurt Neville had caused her when he had ended up marrying someone else. Now back from the war and a widower, he shows up at Aunt Gertrude's Christmas party and begs Delphine for a second chance. I loved the way he wooed her and what a wonderful character he was!! She is not so quick to forgive him but once she hears what had truly happened, it doesn't take long before she gives in to passion and the love she never forgot.
It felt a bit odd reading some of the same scenes that happened in the first book but then we must remember that each story happens at the same time and is seen from a different perspective. I always enjoy the epilogues as well:)
Miss Delphine Craymore is thinking about becoming a governess to be self-reliant. When the man who broke her heart returns from war, she is afraid to trust him. Neville Vaughn, Viscount Bromley, sees Aunt Gertrude's Christmas house party as the opportunity for a second chance with Del. Only he has a secret that might be a strike against him. Steam and a little humor. Enjoy the party. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
There is no denying I love Ms. DeLand’s stories. Her characters are lovely. I do love second chance romance. Neville and Delphine are caught up in family problems which leave them to be driven apart. Oh and a scarred hero, yep, right on board with that. Even though Neville is scarred he vows to regain his only love’s favor. A very sweet story.
Oh how I just love attending a Regency Christmas House Party. The Viscount's Only Love by Cerise DeLand is book 2 in the Christmas Belles series. This is the first book that I have read of Cerise but let me tell you it won’t be the last. What a great surprise and there is nothing better than finding a new author. Though in a series this regency story can be read as a standalone. Cerise characters are truly wonderful and you can’t help but fall in love with them. Her descriptions are vivid and I felt like I was back in the 1800s. Cerise is a very talented writer with an amazing imagination. This story has wounded from war, heartbreak, endurance, a forced marriage, a holiday house party, misunderstandings, surprises, forgiveness, understanding, caring, kindness, a loving family, destitute, thoughtfulness, old scars and yes, love. I highly recommend this book, you won’t be disappointed.
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
This book is the second in the Christmas Belles series. It is also the a reunion story... and what could be better than reuniting with a lost love than at Christmas?
If you read my review of The Earl's Wagered Bride, book one in the series, you would have discovered that the three books in this series happen simultaneously. I found this quite interesting as scenes that happened in this first book, occur again in this second book, but just from a different perspective.
So this is the love story of Delphine and Neville. These two met and fell in love years earlier and ultimately Delphine was jilted by Neville. Fast forward a few years and now Neville wants to rekindle his relationship with Delphine and gets himself invited to his friend's house party in order to hopefully reconcile.
Delphine has a huge heart. But after having her heart broken by Neville, she's concentrated on her charitable persuits and keeps men at arms length. That doesn't mean she doesn't flirt or enjoy their attention, she's just not interested in a relationship. I like that Delphine is independent, but saddened that she had haredened her heart. But she has this soft spot that Neville is totally willing to exploit in order to win her hand.
Neville is a character of growth, which is seen during flashback and talk of the past. He's now worthy of Delphine. I also liked that Neville was a wounded war hero... making him more real than a lot of the seemingly perfect heroes in romance novels.
All in all, I enjoyed this story more than the first book in the series. And I can't wait to move on to book three. Well done!
She’s through with love. Miss Delphine Craymore fell in love once and she'll never fall again. She is thought by members of the ton as a flirt. Abandoned in the past by the man she loved, she will never trust another man with her heart.
He’ll never want any other woman. Neville Vaughn, Viscount Bromley, asks his friend the Earl of Marsden if he might accompany him to his step-mama’s house party in Brighton. It’s Christmas and Neville’s probably intruding, but he’s in a rush to change every aspect of his life. Years ago at another house party, he fell in love at first sight with delightful Del Craymore. He asked her to marry him, and then had to abandon her. I loved Del and Neville's second chance story. So far I found it to be the more intriguing of the first two stories. I look forward to finding out what happens with the third sister and the man meant for her. I gave book #2 of this novella trio 4.8 of 5.0 stars for story line and characterization. This cover art was also the better of the first two. Cover art is what draws me in first then the blurb . If the two don't intrigue me the book usually falls flat in my estimation. I received a complimentary ARC of this book to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and left a voluntary review of.
This is the second book in the Christmas Belle's Series. The three young daughters, of the disgraced and deceased Viscount, have vowed to never marry. The youngest, Del Craymore, was to be married years before, to Neville Vaughn, Viscount Bromley. Due to unforseen circumstances, Neville broke Del's heart and married someone else. Now years later Neville has returned, injured and wanting a second chance with Del. An invitation to a Christmas party from Countess Marsden arrives for a friend of Neville's. Attending the party as a guest would put Neville back in touch with Del. But is it too late? Will old wounds heal so this young couple can find their way back to the love they once shared? Author Cerise DeLand has written another novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat and hoping for love to win again!
The Viscount's Only Love is a fine addition to the Christmas Belles series begun in the first novella, The Earl's Wagered Bride. Cerise DeLand excels again at creating a believable storyline with engaging characters whom you fall in love with. There were three heroes that returned from war, intent on wooing three sisters. Three sisters who didn't plan to marry but find out that plans do change. In The Viscount's Only Love, our second sister learns that she can give love a second chance. This was a lovely romance enhanced with some sweet passion...a great combination to enjoy.
Reasons I enjoyed this book: romantic, happily ever after, wonderful characters, original, steamy, and entertaining.
A marvelous addition to the Christmas Belles book series, The Viscount's Only Love, is an engaging read. The mending broken hearts over a seven day Christmas House Party is romance writing at it’s finest.
The Countess of Marsden matchmaking skills are in dire need to bring together two hearts that were cruelly torn apart by circumstances. Tensions between Miss Delphine Craymore, orphaned niece of Gertrude Marsden, and Neville Vaughn, the Viscount Bromley. The cruel father of Neville Vaughn, who is now the Viscount Bromley, made an unwanted betrothal for him on the night he fell in love at first sight. The past weighs heavily on their hearts, but love and Christmas magic will mend what was once broken.
WOW what a Fantastic Story! Cerise DeLand's characters chemistry is heart warming, sweet and palpable. Del and Neville are believable and so realistic with such depth and individuality it's easy to relate to. The Viscount's Only Love will keep you turning the pages as you want to see if Neville will get a second chance with Del. Join Aunt Gertrude’s Christmas house party as Marjorie, Belinda and Delphine Craymore are in for a surprising week is frolicking, wooing, fun and finding that one special person that will make it a wonderful Christmas. I always enjoy how well the author brings in the other characters from the earlier series, it's like revisiting old friends that you haven't seen for a while. It was nice to catch up with them.
Del is the youngest of three Craymore sisters-who are daughters of a disgraced and deceased Viscount. Their aunt who is a wealthy and aristocratic countless wants them to marry well-even without having dowries. The Countess has a Christmas house party and Neville is one of the guests. Del had her heart broken by Neville when she was 17 and several years have passed since she has seen him. She is still hurt and doesn't want to see him or trust him ever. Cerise DeLand weaves a beautiful love story of the two. It is a lovely and charming tale to read at Christmas or any season.
The Countess of Marsden invites a group of people for a house party for Christmas at her home. The purpose of this house party is to marry off her three nieces. Which none of them appear to want. Miss Delphine Craymore has no plans to marry anyone regardless of what her aunt wants. As Del, her aunt, and her two sisters began to greet the guests three gentlemen enter the house Neville Vaughn, Viscount Bromley. Neville and Del were to marry at one time and he married another woman. To find out everything that's going to happen to them you have to read the book it's a good book.CCerise Deland erise Deland
Neville has made it through the was but not unscathed. He limps and uses a cane from a foot and knee injury. He’s coming home hopefully to finally marry the woman he has loved for years. The only problem is he married another that his father basically forced him too. Delphine has never forgiven nor forgotten her one true love that married another after asking her for her hand. She is even more surprised to see him at her Aunts Christmas house party. Can Neville explained what happened and can Delphine forgive him so they can have their happily ever after. Another wonderful novel by the author.
This is one Christmas ball I would have loved to be at. Love is in the air, but first there is healing to be done. This couple had been torn apart by circumstances beyond their control several years prior. He has made his way back to her, but needs to win her back again. Although he has been injured and is a true hero, he’s not sure she will take him back. She has emotional wounds as well. Not only from his long ago actions, but the actions of others as well. Read on to find out how they overcome the trials thrown their way!
This is the second in the Christmas Belles series.
The story takes place at the same time as the first and involves Del and Neville.
Neville is trying to come to terms with the injuries he sustained at Waterloo.
He was compelled by his father to marry another woman rather than the one he loved (Del) or he would not be given the money he needed to buy his commission in the army.
Now both his despotic father and the woman he married but did not love are dead.
Will he be able to convince Del of his affections?
I know back in the day many married for title, land and money only. It was a shame that some men didn't even touch their wife after marrying. What a waste. This book was very romantic and passionate. I learned quite a bit about the nobility of the 1600-1800's. A very enjoyable book. Del and Neville made a good pair. It took them years to actually meet again but it was worth it.
This book was just as great as the first one.. I definitely look forward to the rest of the series.. A wonderful 2nd chance romance.. Amazing characters great details and just overall an amazing story..
A lovely read, a story filled with a second chance at love for Neville and Delphine. They have wonderful chemistry and a connection with secret gifts and kisses that bring them back together.