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The Turners #3.5
A Little Light Mischief
A seductive thief
Lady’s maid Molly Wilkins is done with thieving—and cheating and stabbing and all the rest of it. She’s determined to keep her hands to herself, so she really shouldn’t be tempted to seduce her employer’s prim and proper companion, Alice. But how can she resist when Alice can’t seem to keep her eyes off Molly?
Finds her own heart
For the first time in her life, Alice Stapleton has absolutely nothing to do. The only thing that seems to occupy her thoughts is a lady’s maid with a sharp tongue and a beautiful mouth. Her determination to know Molly’s secrets has her behaving in ways she never imagined as she begins to fall for the impertinent woman.
Has been stolen
When an unwelcome specter from Alice’s past shows up unexpectedly at a house party, Molly volunteers to help the only way she knows how: with a little bit of mischief.
Lady’s maid Molly Wilkins is done with thieving—and cheating and stabbing and all the rest of it. She’s determined to keep her hands to herself, so she really shouldn’t be tempted to seduce her employer’s prim and proper companion, Alice. But how can she resist when Alice can’t seem to keep her eyes off Molly?
Finds her own heart
For the first time in her life, Alice Stapleton has absolutely nothing to do. The only thing that seems to occupy her thoughts is a lady’s maid with a sharp tongue and a beautiful mouth. Her determination to know Molly’s secrets has her behaving in ways she never imagined as she begins to fall for the impertinent woman.
Has been stolen
When an unwelcome specter from Alice’s past shows up unexpectedly at a house party, Molly volunteers to help the only way she knows how: with a little bit of mischief.
119 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 6, 2019
152 people are currently reading
4469 people want to read
About the author
Cat Sebastian
27 books5,124 followersCat Sebastian has written sixteen queer historical romances. Cat’s books have received starred reviews from Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, and Booklist.
Before writing, Cat was a lawyer and a teacher and did a variety of other jobs she liked much less than she enjoys writing happy endings for queer people. She was born in New Jersey and lived in New York and Arizona before settling down in a swampy part of south. When she isn’t writing, she’s probably reading, having one-sided conversations with her dog, or doing the crossword puzzle.
The best way to keep up with Cat’s projects is to subscribe to her newsletter.
Before writing, Cat was a lawyer and a teacher and did a variety of other jobs she liked much less than she enjoys writing happy endings for queer people. She was born in New Jersey and lived in New York and Arizona before settling down in a swampy part of south. When she isn’t writing, she’s probably reading, having one-sided conversations with her dog, or doing the crossword puzzle.
The best way to keep up with Cat’s projects is to subscribe to her newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 813 reviews
July 16, 2019
Even though I've definitely burned myself out on historical romances, I still rather enjoyed this one! If you're a fan of the genre and want to read something fast and fun and also really, really gay, I highly recommend!
January 3, 2020
I'm not sure whoever coined the saying "be gay, do crimes" was necessarily thinking about a historical f/f romance novella about two gals falling in love while getting revenge on a Very Bad Man, but I'm hoping they'd be happy with this literary embodiment of that slogan. While I think this novella could possibly have used another editing pass - it felt a bit too vignette-y in the beginning, maybe? and the relationship and characters could have benefited from a bit more depth? - I am 100% here for f/f romance revenge stories (see also Courtney Milan's Miss Martin's Incomparable Adventure). This is lovely wish fulfillment, the bi rep warmed my heart, the main characters are wonderful for each other, and also the cover is gorgeous.
November 19, 2021
I was sent this book as an advanced copy by the publisher via Edelweiss for reviewing purposes, but all opinions are my own.
Historical romance is a genre I rarely read but with the recent surge of f/f historical romance I find myself more and more interested in the genre. Or maybe it's just that I'm so starved of f/f that I'll read it no matter the genre.
This was my first book by Cat Sebastian and after hearing great things by my friends I was maybe slightly disappointed that I couldn't give this novella a full 5 stars, but I still enjoyed it a lot, and it did made me curious to try her full length novels.
The story follows Alice, a disowned woman, and Molly, lady's maid and former thief. The book is quite short so things move quickly in terms of both characters realizing their attraction to each other, and what worked well is their difference in experience when it comes to attraction to other women. It was still "slow burn" enough if you keep in mind that this is a novella that has to start and end in less than 100 pages, and I really enjoyed it. There also was no relationship drama or misunderstanding/miscommunication, which I always appreciate.
The main social theme was how Alice, who comes from an abusive home, has been wrongfully disowned by her father because of, you guessed it, misogyny. And like in all the best fiction, the revenge is so, so sweet. I am personally all for f/f histrom being about badass women getting revenge on the shitty men in their lives, and this is the third f/f histrom I've read that follows this pattern and I have to say I don't mind it one bit if all the other historical sapphic fiction sees not only women getting together but also overthrowing the patriarchy in small but significant ways.
In terms of what didn't make this a 5 stars, it's a mix of things but I feel like most of it is just this not being my comfort genre. I also felt like I could have done with a little more relationship development. I'm all for women liking each other and it not being complicated or too angsty, even in historical times. And I really did love the romance, I just think it was a little forgettable for my taste. But there was so much I loved, and it's refreshing to see a relationship between two women where they're certainly aware of the world they live in but they also never face homophobia on the page. Also, did I mention one of the main characters has a little daughter? I've never an f/f where one of them is a mom of a small kid that gets to be part of their eventual happy ending.
For those who haven't read the rest of this series: I haven't either and I still enjoyed it. I do feel like maybe I lacked a bit of context (both in-the-series and historical), but the book one cameo had me intrigued and curious to eventually read that book and properly meet those characters.
So overall I would say this is an excellent read both if you're not a historical romance reader but want to read more f/f no matter the genre and if you're used to historical fiction and are looking to read more diverse and get into some sapphic reading.
Historical romance is a genre I rarely read but with the recent surge of f/f historical romance I find myself more and more interested in the genre. Or maybe it's just that I'm so starved of f/f that I'll read it no matter the genre.
This was my first book by Cat Sebastian and after hearing great things by my friends I was maybe slightly disappointed that I couldn't give this novella a full 5 stars, but I still enjoyed it a lot, and it did made me curious to try her full length novels.
The story follows Alice, a disowned woman, and Molly, lady's maid and former thief. The book is quite short so things move quickly in terms of both characters realizing their attraction to each other, and what worked well is their difference in experience when it comes to attraction to other women. It was still "slow burn" enough if you keep in mind that this is a novella that has to start and end in less than 100 pages, and I really enjoyed it. There also was no relationship drama or misunderstanding/miscommunication, which I always appreciate.
The main social theme was how Alice, who comes from an abusive home, has been wrongfully disowned by her father because of, you guessed it, misogyny. And like in all the best fiction, the revenge is so, so sweet. I am personally all for f/f histrom being about badass women getting revenge on the shitty men in their lives, and this is the third f/f histrom I've read that follows this pattern and I have to say I don't mind it one bit if all the other historical sapphic fiction sees not only women getting together but also overthrowing the patriarchy in small but significant ways.
In terms of what didn't make this a 5 stars, it's a mix of things but I feel like most of it is just this not being my comfort genre. I also felt like I could have done with a little more relationship development. I'm all for women liking each other and it not being complicated or too angsty, even in historical times. And I really did love the romance, I just think it was a little forgettable for my taste. But there was so much I loved, and it's refreshing to see a relationship between two women where they're certainly aware of the world they live in but they also never face homophobia on the page. Also, did I mention one of the main characters has a little daughter? I've never an f/f where one of them is a mom of a small kid that gets to be part of their eventual happy ending.
For those who haven't read the rest of this series: I haven't either and I still enjoyed it. I do feel like maybe I lacked a bit of context (both in-the-series and historical), but the book one cameo had me intrigued and curious to eventually read that book and properly meet those characters.
So overall I would say this is an excellent read both if you're not a historical romance reader but want to read more f/f no matter the genre and if you're used to historical fiction and are looking to read more diverse and get into some sapphic reading.
August 30, 2019
Last week, I had the pleasure of spending a few hours with Ms.Olivia Waite's latest historical wlw romance. I was hooked and before finishing the book, I began searching for more of such genre. Thankfully, Tara reviewed and recommended A Little Light Mischief by Cat Sebastian. My smile was as wide as Tim Curry's when he discovered the credit card used by Macaulay Culkin to check himself in The Plaza was a stolen one.
I immediately purchased the audiobook, (later discovered that the ebook and audio are available on Scribd) Morag Sims' performance enlivens the portrayal of both leads.
In this short but packed with emotions story, an unlikely friendship turned something magical between the lady's maid and the vicar's daughter. This book had insta-attraction but it didn’t bother me. Why? The way it happened was quite funny and adorable, plus Molly and Alice were the type of ladies that knew how to appreciate the good ones + never taking anything for granted. Their chemistry was so palpable and the sexual tension is delectable! But most of all, they were honest with each other about everything – their feelings, their thoughts. They were equals in everything- friends, lovers, crime and it just made me so happy that I got to read a book where the leads didn't act like the ones in contemporary romance where relationships ridden with communication gaps and character/s stupidity.
I was 3-4 stars cruising through a great part of the book and then the best, crazy and wicked twist happened and I saw the entire story in a different light + the reasons above, my red color pencil aimed at nothing but the best..
It's only words, and words are all I have to create curiosity.
" You've made me feel like I deserve good things. And you're the best thing of all"
" You're so warm. Don't let go of me. I love you. Don't you love me too much to let me freeze?"
125 pages, 2hrs 43mins listening time.. Priceless💕
I immediately purchased the audiobook, (later discovered that the ebook and audio are available on Scribd) Morag Sims' performance enlivens the portrayal of both leads.
In this short but packed with emotions story, an unlikely friendship turned something magical between the lady's maid and the vicar's daughter. This book had insta-attraction but it didn’t bother me. Why? The way it happened was quite funny and adorable, plus Molly and Alice were the type of ladies that knew how to appreciate the good ones + never taking anything for granted. Their chemistry was so palpable and the sexual tension is delectable! But most of all, they were honest with each other about everything – their feelings, their thoughts. They were equals in everything- friends, lovers, crime and it just made me so happy that I got to read a book where the leads didn't act like the ones in contemporary romance where relationships ridden with communication gaps and character/s stupidity.
I was 3-4 stars cruising through a great part of the book and then the best, crazy and wicked twist happened and I saw the entire story in a different light + the reasons above, my red color pencil aimed at nothing but the best..
It's only words, and words are all I have to create curiosity.
" You've made me feel like I deserve good things. And you're the best thing of all"
" You're so warm. Don't let go of me. I love you. Don't you love me too much to let me freeze?"
125 pages, 2hrs 43mins listening time.. Priceless💕
June 2, 2021
This was a fun, sapphic historical romance! This is a class difference romance between a lady and a lady's maid and it was so adorable how they were constantly distracted by each other when they were in the same room. They're both very intrigued by each other, but don't initially know what to do about it. I loved how much background we got for the two women, even though this was a novella. The two go to a house party and must stay together and that's when sparks fly. They also team up to enact revenge on a man who wronged one of them and I loved that! This was short and quick and I'm excited to read more of Cat Sebastian's F/F romance!s!
August 20, 2019
This book is a freaking delight. Despite being a novella, the character work is excellent, especially Alice's arc from woman who tries not to be noticed at the beginning to a goddamn powerhouse by the end.
The chemistry between Molly and Alice is also fabulous and well worth showing up for. If you haven't read any of Cat Sebastian's other Turner books, you can still read this one. I haven't read them and I adored this.
The chemistry between Molly and Alice is also fabulous and well worth showing up for. If you haven't read any of Cat Sebastian's other Turner books, you can still read this one. I haven't read them and I adored this.
September 29, 2019
This is my very first historical FF romance. Although I own all Turner books by Cat Sebastian, I haven’t gotten around to listening to them yet. 😅 And although, I have not read any books in this series, this can perfectly standalone and I can follow the storyline easily. 😌
Alice was casted away by her own father a few months ago because of a sin she didn’t even commit. Now she’s in London being a lady companion, safe and sound and well-fed for the first time in her life. Her life is going pretty well except for the mischievous and bold Molly Wilkins who’s the lady maid of her benefactor. Alice knows Molly is trouble. Yet, she can’t seem to stay away from the bright, seductive smiles and soft swell and curves of Molly. When both Alice and Molly had to accompany their Mistress to a country estate for a ball, they found themselves unable to deny their attraction anymore. And the man who upended Alice’s life is attending the same ball. So Alice and Molly decided to take a sweet revenge with a little light mischief which will change their lives forever.
Sweet, sensual, high-hearted and delightful. 😊 Loved it. ❤️ I think the narrator also did a good job narrating for this story. I’m enchanted by Cat Sebastian’s intriguing Turners world. I think I have to make time to start listening the previous audios in the series ASAP. Recommended for anyone who likes to venture into FF world and are looking for a sweet short listen. 😉
4.25 Embrace me and never let go stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Audio rating
Story - 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Narration - 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Performance - 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Overall - 4.25 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Alice was casted away by her own father a few months ago because of a sin she didn’t even commit. Now she’s in London being a lady companion, safe and sound and well-fed for the first time in her life. Her life is going pretty well except for the mischievous and bold Molly Wilkins who’s the lady maid of her benefactor. Alice knows Molly is trouble. Yet, she can’t seem to stay away from the bright, seductive smiles and soft swell and curves of Molly. When both Alice and Molly had to accompany their Mistress to a country estate for a ball, they found themselves unable to deny their attraction anymore. And the man who upended Alice’s life is attending the same ball. So Alice and Molly decided to take a sweet revenge with a little light mischief which will change their lives forever.
Sweet, sensual, high-hearted and delightful. 😊 Loved it. ❤️ I think the narrator also did a good job narrating for this story. I’m enchanted by Cat Sebastian’s intriguing Turners world. I think I have to make time to start listening the previous audios in the series ASAP. Recommended for anyone who likes to venture into FF world and are looking for a sweet short listen. 😉
4.25 Embrace me and never let go stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Audio rating
Story - 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Narration - 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Performance - 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Overall - 4.25 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
November 4, 2019
2.5 STARS
This was a sweet enough one time read (kinda), but it lacked that sizzle and spark I was so hoping for.
The chemistry and tension between Alice and Molly didn’t singe the pages, nor did it have me riveted. The relationship development between them was missing some oomph.
Overall I found myself coasting through this rather than paying too much attention to events. Nevertheless, I must say I did enjoy how Alice went back and taught her idiot of a father a lesson, and I really like the cover.
This was a sweet enough one time read (kinda), but it lacked that sizzle and spark I was so hoping for.
The chemistry and tension between Alice and Molly didn’t singe the pages, nor did it have me riveted. The relationship development between them was missing some oomph.
Overall I found myself coasting through this rather than paying too much attention to events. Nevertheless, I must say I did enjoy how Alice went back and taught her idiot of a father a lesson, and I really like the cover.
May 24, 2023
➥ 4 Stars *:･ﾟ✧
This was pretty delightful for being my first foray into hr. But firstly, I love this cover. Molly (h) was quite charming. I found her funny and attractive. This moment was just...ugh...
🤭🤭🤭 So cute! I also enjoyed Alice's (h) character. She had a lot of growth: she had been disowned by her bastard father after screaming when a man showed her his "prick" as she calls it, without her asking. But! she gets revenge and retribution. Oh and the revenge is so sweet and so cute because they do it together!!
I was a bit confused (and still am) as to who was the maid or if they both were or how they were employed...that whole thing. But it's okay, I can work with being blissfully ignorant 😛.
There wasn't much smut (💔) but there was one vague scene that was still quite cute. On another note, these women were very...soft. And there's nothing wrong with that, obviously, but I would have enjoyed seeing them have a little more grit to them. They were funny though.
The ending was adorable ugh it just put me in such a good mood. And they lived happily ever after ✨
"You're so warm. Don't let go of me. I love you. Don't you love me too much to let me freeze?"
━━━━━━━━━━━ ♡ ━━━━━━━━━━━
This was pretty delightful for being my first foray into hr. But firstly, I love this cover. Molly (h) was quite charming. I found her funny and attractive. This moment was just...ugh...
"Now for the lip rouge," siad Molly.
"No rouge."
"Only a little," Molly protested. "Right here." She traced her thumb slowly along Alice's lower lip.
"No lip rouge."
When Alice spoke, the pad of Molly's thumb brushed the soft, wet inside of her lip. "We can do it the other way then," Molly murmured, and leaned close, brushing her mouth against Alice's.
🤭🤭🤭 So cute! I also enjoyed Alice's (h) character. She had a lot of growth: she had been disowned by her bastard father after screaming when a man showed her his "prick" as she calls it, without her asking. But! she gets revenge and retribution. Oh and the revenge is so sweet and so cute because they do it together!!
I was a bit confused (and still am) as to who was the maid or if they both were or how they were employed...that whole thing. But it's okay, I can work with being blissfully ignorant 😛.
There wasn't much smut (💔) but there was one vague scene that was still quite cute. On another note, these women were very...soft. And there's nothing wrong with that, obviously, but I would have enjoyed seeing them have a little more grit to them. They were funny though.
"I'd like to see anybody try and bother us. I've three knives and a reputation for bloodshed."
The ending was adorable ugh it just put me in such a good mood. And they lived happily ever after ✨
━━━━━━━━━━━ ♡ ━━━━━━━━━━━
November 5, 2020
These covers! I'm coming to the conclusion that the older ladies I saw reading Harlequin romances when I was a kid were actually reading some quality literature...because, once again, just like Olivia Waites' historical f/f novels, this has a delightful, well-written story behind the cover.
The blurb already explains the premise of the story well...but it goes for the salacious and doesn't hint at the strong friendship and bond the two ladies form before any real flirting comes into play. Both Molly and Alice are more complex than they initially seem and the author did a great job of revealing tidbits here and there to tease those out. They make for a really lovely couple.
The entire unfolding of the story was nicely done and I enjoyed it. My only gripe is I think the resolution probably wouldn't have played out so well in real life but the author still made it plausible. And, it was needed to get the feel good ending.
Morag Sims is the narrator behind the audiobook, the same narrator for Olivia Waites' stories, and I'm pretty sure no other narrator could do a better job. I absolutely love her voice.
This is a novella so it's just 2-3 hrs long.
Recommend.
*The audiobook is available on Scribd.
The blurb already explains the premise of the story well...but it goes for the salacious and doesn't hint at the strong friendship and bond the two ladies form before any real flirting comes into play. Both Molly and Alice are more complex than they initially seem and the author did a great job of revealing tidbits here and there to tease those out. They make for a really lovely couple.
The entire unfolding of the story was nicely done and I enjoyed it. My only gripe is I think the resolution probably wouldn't have played out so well in real life but the author still made it plausible. And, it was needed to get the feel good ending.
Morag Sims is the narrator behind the audiobook, the same narrator for Olivia Waites' stories, and I'm pretty sure no other narrator could do a better job. I absolutely love her voice.
This is a novella so it's just 2-3 hrs long.
Recommend.
*The audiobook is available on Scribd.
August 10, 2019
A Little Light Mischief is a really wholesome sapphic Historical Romance that I would definitely recommend if this is something you're craving more of.
“You've made me feel like I deserve good things. And you're the best thing of all.”
While this is technically part of a series, you can definitely read this without having read anything else in this series. I was definitely a little bit confused in the beginning, simply because there were so many names that I didn't know and I was just missing general context but this ended up not being an issue after the first couple of pages.
This is a sapphic Historical Romance exactly like I love it. It is so very wholesome and has no homophobia in it. I loved the development between the two characters and it was as slow burn as a Romance novella could be.
I also loved that there was a storyline included about women coming together to go against the shitty men in their life. There is nothing better than two ladies falling in love and ON TOP OF THAT have a tiny revenge storyline against shitty men. THE BLESSINGS 👌🏻
There was a surprising amount of character development in this novella that really surprised me. Alice really learns to come out of her shell and use the skills she already has through being with Molly and I loved that. It is a story where Alice doesn't become an entirely different person because of her love interest but just really understands herself and how brave she can be!
“At first, she reassured herself that everyone must have this difficulty: women's bodies were just good and one did enjoy looking at good things.”
Overall I just really enjoyed this novella and think it is a great addition to the otherwise quite empty vast space of sapphic Historical Romance. But at the end of the day it is still just a novella that will probably not really stay with me for long, which is why I gave it 3.5 stars.
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I received an ARC through Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review!
September 10, 2019
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Alice was disowned by her family for something that wasn't her fault but her new situation has her with idle hands for the first time in her life and eyes that can't help but follow the maid.
Molly was used to doing whatever it took to survive, thievery and cheating, but she finally has a stable working situation and is determined to not lose it. The new companion in the house, however, has her wanting to live life in a different reckless way.
Alice was overwhelmed by this sudden sense of common feeling with a woman whose life had been so different from her own, but who had wound up in roughly the same place.
A Little Light Mischief, is a novella in the Turner series, but as a newcomer, I didn't have any problem starting here. There were some names and relationships that had me feeling a little lost in the beginning but the author keeps the focus on Molly and Alice and their character and relationship development.
As a novella, around a 100pgs, there usually isn't much time to get the characters where they need to be but Sebastian creates a believable (and easy to relish in) arc of Molly giving validation to Alice's feelings and anger of being wronged, sharing in them from her own life experiences, and providing a way for Alice to get some vindication, even with danger to herself.
But now Molly knew she might actually like Miss Stapleton, and she rather wished she didn’t.
Molly and Alice were strong characters but, probably due to the page count restrictions, secondary characters fell a bit short, like the woman employing Molly and taken in Alice as her companion; readers of the series might have more character information and foundation here. I would have also liked to have more with Molly and her daughter, their relationship and the way Sebastian brought Alice into their fold (Alice writes stories that Molly's daughter ends up liking) was sweet but I still felt I was missing more emotional support to Molly's character and the story.
Suddenly she was very aware of the fact that if she moved her own hand a bit to the side, her own little finger would touch Molly’s.
Even with Molly as the maid in the household Alice currently lived in, I didn't feel a problem with any power imbalances between the two. Alice's situation was just as precarious as Molly's, Alice was disowned by her family, was lucky to have someone take her in as a companion, and didn't have enough money to survive on her own. Their class stations are obvious but the way Sebastian wrote the characters, emotions, and actions, I didn't feel anyone was taking advantage of the other. What I felt was two people from different walks of life, having a fabric of shared experiences, attracted to each other, and coming together.
A Little Light Mischief had some longing looks, sweetness, frustration, thievery, steam, empowerment, and love. Readers of the Turner series will not want to miss this one and newcomers will certainly enjoy Molly and Alice taking what's theirs.
Today would be the first time she had taken for herself.
Alice was disowned by her family for something that wasn't her fault but her new situation has her with idle hands for the first time in her life and eyes that can't help but follow the maid.
Molly was used to doing whatever it took to survive, thievery and cheating, but she finally has a stable working situation and is determined to not lose it. The new companion in the house, however, has her wanting to live life in a different reckless way.
Alice was overwhelmed by this sudden sense of common feeling with a woman whose life had been so different from her own, but who had wound up in roughly the same place.
A Little Light Mischief, is a novella in the Turner series, but as a newcomer, I didn't have any problem starting here. There were some names and relationships that had me feeling a little lost in the beginning but the author keeps the focus on Molly and Alice and their character and relationship development.
As a novella, around a 100pgs, there usually isn't much time to get the characters where they need to be but Sebastian creates a believable (and easy to relish in) arc of Molly giving validation to Alice's feelings and anger of being wronged, sharing in them from her own life experiences, and providing a way for Alice to get some vindication, even with danger to herself.
But now Molly knew she might actually like Miss Stapleton, and she rather wished she didn’t.
Molly and Alice were strong characters but, probably due to the page count restrictions, secondary characters fell a bit short, like the woman employing Molly and taken in Alice as her companion; readers of the series might have more character information and foundation here. I would have also liked to have more with Molly and her daughter, their relationship and the way Sebastian brought Alice into their fold (Alice writes stories that Molly's daughter ends up liking) was sweet but I still felt I was missing more emotional support to Molly's character and the story.
Suddenly she was very aware of the fact that if she moved her own hand a bit to the side, her own little finger would touch Molly’s.
Even with Molly as the maid in the household Alice currently lived in, I didn't feel a problem with any power imbalances between the two. Alice's situation was just as precarious as Molly's, Alice was disowned by her family, was lucky to have someone take her in as a companion, and didn't have enough money to survive on her own. Their class stations are obvious but the way Sebastian wrote the characters, emotions, and actions, I didn't feel anyone was taking advantage of the other. What I felt was two people from different walks of life, having a fabric of shared experiences, attracted to each other, and coming together.
A Little Light Mischief had some longing looks, sweetness, frustration, thievery, steam, empowerment, and love. Readers of the Turner series will not want to miss this one and newcomers will certainly enjoy Molly and Alice taking what's theirs.
Today would be the first time she had taken for herself.
November 6, 2020
*little disclaimer
I have been in the biggest reading slump of my life since the end of august… it lasted for about two months and was absolutely awful… fortunately around the end of october I finally got out of it and got back to reading more like I am used to :) unfortunately I still don’t want to sit down and write *proper* reviews… you know, detailed and with full and coherent sentences… ;) usually when I get like this I can wait it out and then catch up on everything once that mood passes, but it’s not looking like it’s going anywhere anytime soon… so what I am gonna do is update all of the ones I still haven’t written (and all of my future ones will look like that as well, unless something magically changes) with this little disclaimer at the top and then a bit of an intro plus some random and chaotic thoughts… ;) I mean… it’s better than no review at all, right? :) some of them will include spoilers, some of them won’t, but don't worry, if there will be any spoilery things I share with you in my review, they will be always at the end of it, clearly marked and initially hidden from view, so there’s no way you will read anything accidentally :) ok, I think that covers everything that I needed to share with you :) we good? awesome :) then let’s just dive in ;)
When I say that I want a cute and fun FF romance, this is the type of story I mean :) even though it’s a novella and I would obviously love a longer story about Alice and Molly I adored this little gem with all my heart… the chemistry between them was off the charts and the shenanigans they got themselves into were hella entertaining to read about ;) even though it’s part of the series, it works perfectly well as a standalone… although I’m not gonna lie… based on how much I loved it, I now want to read everything else Cat Sebastian ever wrote :)
XOXO
A
I have been in the biggest reading slump of my life since the end of august… it lasted for about two months and was absolutely awful… fortunately around the end of october I finally got out of it and got back to reading more like I am used to :) unfortunately I still don’t want to sit down and write *proper* reviews… you know, detailed and with full and coherent sentences… ;) usually when I get like this I can wait it out and then catch up on everything once that mood passes, but it’s not looking like it’s going anywhere anytime soon… so what I am gonna do is update all of the ones I still haven’t written (and all of my future ones will look like that as well, unless something magically changes) with this little disclaimer at the top and then a bit of an intro plus some random and chaotic thoughts… ;) I mean… it’s better than no review at all, right? :) some of them will include spoilers, some of them won’t, but don't worry, if there will be any spoilery things I share with you in my review, they will be always at the end of it, clearly marked and initially hidden from view, so there’s no way you will read anything accidentally :) ok, I think that covers everything that I needed to share with you :) we good? awesome :) then let’s just dive in ;)
When I say that I want a cute and fun FF romance, this is the type of story I mean :) even though it’s a novella and I would obviously love a longer story about Alice and Molly I adored this little gem with all my heart… the chemistry between them was off the charts and the shenanigans they got themselves into were hella entertaining to read about ;) even though it’s part of the series, it works perfectly well as a standalone… although I’m not gonna lie… based on how much I loved it, I now want to read everything else Cat Sebastian ever wrote :)
XOXO
A
July 5, 2019
A Little Light Mischief is an f/f historical romance novella set in London in 1818. It follows two women as they fall in love and get revenge against the man who wronged one of them.
It is part of a series, but I can tell you that you don't need to have read the previous books to understand it - I haven't, I don't know what they're about, and I had no problems with understanding the context. What I struggled more with was the writing style: English is my second language, and I often struggle with books that sometimes go out of their way to sound "older". It is an added wall, when this already isn't my language to begin with, so I connected with the story less.
I've recently read another historical romance set around the same time that didn't make me feel this way while not sounding "modern" either, so this is something I noticed.
Apart from that, I loved A Little Light Mischief. It's exactly what the title and the cover promise it is: a fun, romantic read about two women in love who also get into some mischief, and I love this small, recent trend of f/f historical romance that comment on misogyny and a little also on homophobia while not being about queer pain at all. It's escapism, as it should be.
Also, I will always think that novellas are the best format for romance, at least for me. A Little Light Mischief is long enough to develop the romance but too short to need relationship drama or much more conflict, and there's still space for a sex scene, which is the perfect combination. All the fun without any of the boredom, drawn-out miscommunication or pacing problems.
It is part of a series, but I can tell you that you don't need to have read the previous books to understand it - I haven't, I don't know what they're about, and I had no problems with understanding the context. What I struggled more with was the writing style: English is my second language, and I often struggle with books that sometimes go out of their way to sound "older". It is an added wall, when this already isn't my language to begin with, so I connected with the story less.
I've recently read another historical romance set around the same time that didn't make me feel this way while not sounding "modern" either, so this is something I noticed.
Apart from that, I loved A Little Light Mischief. It's exactly what the title and the cover promise it is: a fun, romantic read about two women in love who also get into some mischief, and I love this small, recent trend of f/f historical romance that comment on misogyny and a little also on homophobia while not being about queer pain at all. It's escapism, as it should be.
Also, I will always think that novellas are the best format for romance, at least for me. A Little Light Mischief is long enough to develop the romance but too short to need relationship drama or much more conflict, and there's still space for a sex scene, which is the perfect combination. All the fun without any of the boredom, drawn-out miscommunication or pacing problems.
August 24, 2020
I have been slightly disappointed with a couple of sapphic romances in fantasy I’ve read this year, so when I decided to pick up a f/f historical romance, I thought why not try a known author and that’s how I ended up with this one. And it was exactly what I was expecting.
This is a novella on the shorter side, so I knew not to expect too much. But it was such a fun and sweet romance that I was delighted. A story of how a disowned gentlewoman and a lady’s maid/ former thief fall in love, it has its sexy moments, as well as some very interesting scenes of the women deciding to take charge of their own lives. Ofcourse it’s more exciting when it comes with a little side of douchebag men being shown their place, and the women realizing their worth doesn’t depend on others; and they are allowed to have their own desires and wants.
I loved the interactions between Molly and Alice, the slight banter was just what this story required. It took me a while to realize that Molly is a character I had already met in the first book of the series and it was nice to see her get her own book. And I was delighted to see a cameo of Jack as well. Mrs. Wraxhall was also excellent female character here, so supportive of all the women in her household.
Overall, this was very enjoyable and I would definitely recommend if you would like to read a lovely sapphic histrom. It maybe on the shorter side, but it made me feel very happy but also wish it was longer. It also works well as a standalone, so you wouldn’t have to read the original trilogy to pick this one up.
This is a novella on the shorter side, so I knew not to expect too much. But it was such a fun and sweet romance that I was delighted. A story of how a disowned gentlewoman and a lady’s maid/ former thief fall in love, it has its sexy moments, as well as some very interesting scenes of the women deciding to take charge of their own lives. Ofcourse it’s more exciting when it comes with a little side of douchebag men being shown their place, and the women realizing their worth doesn’t depend on others; and they are allowed to have their own desires and wants.
I loved the interactions between Molly and Alice, the slight banter was just what this story required. It took me a while to realize that Molly is a character I had already met in the first book of the series and it was nice to see her get her own book. And I was delighted to see a cameo of Jack as well. Mrs. Wraxhall was also excellent female character here, so supportive of all the women in her household.
Overall, this was very enjoyable and I would definitely recommend if you would like to read a lovely sapphic histrom. It maybe on the shorter side, but it made me feel very happy but also wish it was longer. It also works well as a standalone, so you wouldn’t have to read the original trilogy to pick this one up.
November 4, 2019
3.5 Stars for this regency romance novella
I never read any regency romance books - lesbian or straight (at least as far as I remember). This was highly rated by a couple of my reviewer friends, so I decided to give it a shot. I enjoyed it.
Alice Stapleton is a vicar's daughter who is sent to live as a Lady's Companion for the very wealthy Mrs. Wraxhall. Alice thought she would be working as a member of the staff or as her Lady's maid. But she was told to "Simply adorn the drawing room, my dear." Previously, she had cleaned, took care of her siblings and basically ran the household as a servant for her father. Uncomfortable around Mrs. Wraxhall's friends, she hid out in the sewing room as much as she could. It was there that she met and "observed" Mrs. Wraxhall's Lady's maid, Molly. It was humorous as Alice surreptitiously watched Molly, especially as she adjusted her bodice.
I enjoyed the story of their friendship and more between of them. I especially liked the growth of Alice from weakness to strength.
I'm going to have to check out more f/f Regency Romances that have been liked by my Goodreads friends... Purely academic curiosity, of course.
I never read any regency romance books - lesbian or straight (at least as far as I remember). This was highly rated by a couple of my reviewer friends, so I decided to give it a shot. I enjoyed it.
Alice Stapleton is a vicar's daughter who is sent to live as a Lady's Companion for the very wealthy Mrs. Wraxhall. Alice thought she would be working as a member of the staff or as her Lady's maid. But she was told to "Simply adorn the drawing room, my dear." Previously, she had cleaned, took care of her siblings and basically ran the household as a servant for her father. Uncomfortable around Mrs. Wraxhall's friends, she hid out in the sewing room as much as she could. It was there that she met and "observed" Mrs. Wraxhall's Lady's maid, Molly. It was humorous as Alice surreptitiously watched Molly, especially as she adjusted her bodice.
I enjoyed the story of their friendship and more between of them. I especially liked the growth of Alice from weakness to strength.
I'm going to have to check out more f/f Regency Romances that have been liked by my Goodreads friends... Purely academic curiosity, of course.
October 8, 2019
Listened to this one in the car last week while stuck in traffic. Not a bad way to pass some time discovering an author and narrator I wasn't familiar with.
The story itself was surprisingly sweet but given that the book is part of an M/M series I really didn't know what to expect. I found myself really liking the main characters however and wish the book was a little longer. Part of the reason for that is the excellent job done by narrator Morag Sims.
For such a short book, the story has a great build up to Alice discovering the many delights of the female anatomy. Rest assured though, things get hot without getting overly explicit so feel free to read this anywhere.
Overall rating is 3,5*
Thanks for the rec Farah :)
The story itself was surprisingly sweet but given that the book is part of an M/M series I really didn't know what to expect. I found myself really liking the main characters however and wish the book was a little longer. Part of the reason for that is the excellent job done by narrator Morag Sims.
For such a short book, the story has a great build up to Alice discovering the many delights of the female anatomy. Rest assured though, things get hot without getting overly explicit so feel free to read this anywhere.
Overall rating is 3,5*
Thanks for the rec Farah :)
August 7, 2019
Is this my new favorite Cat Sebastian? Yes, yes it is.
June 27, 2025
A really enjoyable, short but sweet novella. Somehow had plenty of time for an empowerment little arc for wallflower Alice. I don't read a lot of romance these days, but I do have some authors that work for me and who I will keep reading. Cat Sebastian is definitely one of them! Both Alice and Molly are well-developed and charming characters and they really shine together (and help each other shine). Also, not sure what the historical version of a U-Haul is, but this kinda has it! Why wait, though?
September 25, 2019
★★★★☆ | Sexy and important!
➽ SUMMARY
A reformed thief and a penniless lady. What those two could possibly want from each other? They don't know either but they can't stop wanting it. And after some secrets are revealed and a certain unwanted man makes an appearance — there will be time for a little light mischief!
➽ CHARACTERS
Alice Stapleton — Alice had a busy life and now she has nothing but time for herself. And sometimes time to humour the Lady who took care of her and accompany her to parties. So, she spends her time trying to embodier tissues and not gawking at a certain maid, thank you very much. But what will happen if she is forced into her proximity?
Molly Wilkins — Molly is not ashamed of her past of thieving and sleeping around for some nice bracelet that would keep her fed for weeks. However, now she's got a good job and wishes to live an honest life. She has a reason to. And this reason is why she must remember that seducing a proper Lady who is under the care of her employer is a bad idea. Well, bollocks.
➽ RELATIONSHIPS
Despite the differences in social position and character, Molly and Alice have enough in common to develop a deeper understanding and comradery so the undeniable sexual tension is not the only thing that brings them together. They have to work on their trust issues and share some of their secrets but in the end, they just seem to work together and work together. There is both: passion and understanding between them.
➽ WHY IS THIS BOOK IMPORTANT??
Both Molly and Alice experienced certain things that made their lives very difficult. Molly came from low and everything she owns she earned herself. She also has a person to provide for but she works so hard she barely sees them. Alice, turned away from her home, relies on the goodness of the Lady who took her in but has no perspectives of gaining any independence so she is constantly wary not to lose the roof over her head again.
Seeing them learn to trust each other and stand on their feet, while under the care of another strong but complicated woman, is truly a wonderful experience.
"You've made me feel like I deserve good things. And you're the best thing of all."
➽ SUMMARY
A reformed thief and a penniless lady. What those two could possibly want from each other? They don't know either but they can't stop wanting it. And after some secrets are revealed and a certain unwanted man makes an appearance — there will be time for a little light mischief!
➽ CHARACTERS
Alice Stapleton — Alice had a busy life and now she has nothing but time for herself. And sometimes time to humour the Lady who took care of her and accompany her to parties. So, she spends her time trying to embodier tissues and not gawking at a certain maid, thank you very much. But what will happen if she is forced into her proximity?
Molly Wilkins — Molly is not ashamed of her past of thieving and sleeping around for some nice bracelet that would keep her fed for weeks. However, now she's got a good job and wishes to live an honest life. She has a reason to. And this reason is why she must remember that seducing a proper Lady who is under the care of her employer is a bad idea. Well, bollocks.
➽ RELATIONSHIPS
Despite the differences in social position and character, Molly and Alice have enough in common to develop a deeper understanding and comradery so the undeniable sexual tension is not the only thing that brings them together. They have to work on their trust issues and share some of their secrets but in the end, they just seem to work together and work together. There is both: passion and understanding between them.
➽ WHY IS THIS BOOK IMPORTANT??
Both Molly and Alice experienced certain things that made their lives very difficult. Molly came from low and everything she owns she earned herself. She also has a person to provide for but she works so hard she barely sees them. Alice, turned away from her home, relies on the goodness of the Lady who took her in but has no perspectives of gaining any independence so she is constantly wary not to lose the roof over her head again.
Seeing them learn to trust each other and stand on their feet, while under the care of another strong but complicated woman, is truly a wonderful experience.
___________________________
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March 18, 2023
This was cute!! But I wish it was a full novel because the relationship felt pretty rushed (not angry bc I knew it was a novella).
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶️.5/5
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶️.5/5
May 24, 2020
Absolutely loved this 😍. For my full thoughts, please tune in to our discussion of this book on the Read Smut Podcast later this year. If anything, this definitely makes me want to read more by Cat Sebastian!
September 19, 2019
The blurb doesn't do this little gem justice. It really doesn't do much for the two main characters, either, who are lovely separately, and even lovelier together. It makes Molly seem like a common thief, and Alice like a boring nobody. They are both much more three-dimensional than that, much more charming and likable, too.
A Little Light Mischief is a return to form for Cat Sebastian. I haven't really enjoyed her last several published books as much as her previous ones; but also, it's literally a return to her first series, The Turners. There's even a little cameo from Jack and Oliver from the first book. I just really loved the whole atmosphere of this book; it felt very playful both in the plot and in the relationship between Molly and Alice, yet it took their emotional arcs seriously.
When I heard this was a novella, I was a bit disappointed, but now having read it I think that's the perfect length. There was just the right amount of story to fit in a 100 pages, and I'm glad she didn't try to stretch it out with manufactured drama.
[4.5 stars]
A Little Light Mischief is a return to form for Cat Sebastian. I haven't really enjoyed her last several published books as much as her previous ones; but also, it's literally a return to her first series, The Turners. There's even a little cameo from Jack and Oliver from the first book. I just really loved the whole atmosphere of this book; it felt very playful both in the plot and in the relationship between Molly and Alice, yet it took their emotional arcs seriously.
When I heard this was a novella, I was a bit disappointed, but now having read it I think that's the perfect length. There was just the right amount of story to fit in a 100 pages, and I'm glad she didn't try to stretch it out with manufactured drama.
[4.5 stars]
March 17, 2023
This was a very quick and enjoyable sapphic historical romance. Alice is the companion to a very wealthy lady who keeps finding herself drawn to Molly, the lady’s maid. Cat Sebastian is able to give both women fleshed out backstories and create believable chemistry and an interesting plot in a pretty short page count. I feel like this could’ve been a 5 star romance for me if it was a full novel. But even with just over 100 pages there’s a compelling story. I definitely recommend this for people who enjoy sapphic romances and “be gay, do crime” plots.
August 17, 2019
3.5 stars
These two would've deserved a full-length novel is all I'm saying…
There was really a lot of character development for such a short novella, and I really loved watching Alice going from hiding in the shadows to fighting for what she wants. I just wish there'd be more space to see her shine.
As for the rest of the cast, it was lovely seeing Molly as more than a side-character, I just wish there'd been more.
I loved that this had a short scene with Jack and Oliver, I missed those two.
This can be read as a stand-alone, you don't really need to know anything about the rest of the series (although I would recommend it anyway, because it is awesome!!!!).
Really, this was a lovely short story with great characters and, as the title promises, some mischief making. I just wish it had been longer.
These two would've deserved a full-length novel is all I'm saying…
There was really a lot of character development for such a short novella, and I really loved watching Alice going from hiding in the shadows to fighting for what she wants. I just wish there'd be more space to see her shine.
As for the rest of the cast, it was lovely seeing Molly as more than a side-character, I just wish there'd been more.
I loved that this had a short scene with Jack and Oliver, I missed those two.
This can be read as a stand-alone, you don't really need to know anything about the rest of the series (although I would recommend it anyway, because it is awesome!!!!).
Really, this was a lovely short story with great characters and, as the title promises, some mischief making. I just wish it had been longer.
August 11, 2019
I loved it but I want moooore! From a technical point of view the book is pretty much just as long as it's supposed to be but it was such a treat to see Alice come out of her shell and now I'm feeling a little bereft because we only got this short glimpse into her story.
But damn, that author can write!
Highly recommended!
PS. Word of warning just so you can brace yourself - the book ends at 80% as the rest is previews for other books.
But damn, that author can write!
Highly recommended!
PS. Word of warning just so you can brace yourself - the book ends at 80% as the rest is previews for other books.
November 15, 2019
This audio book was a real delight, mainly because the dialogue was very nicely in period and the narration was perfect. Morag Sims made this novella into 2 hours and 45 minutes of pure delight. She effortlessly went from highborn lady to working class accent. I loved how she voiced Molly.
Such a shame author Cat Sebastian mainly writes m/m because A Little Light Mischief was a proper lesfic gem. If highly recommend.
f/f
Themes: Regency England, bored out of her skull, bugger, ogling the lady’s maid, a bit of thieving, treated unfairly, blossoming, sweet revenge.
4 Stars
Such a shame author Cat Sebastian mainly writes m/m because A Little Light Mischief was a proper lesfic gem. If highly recommend.
f/f
Themes: Regency England, bored out of her skull, bugger, ogling the lady’s maid, a bit of thieving, treated unfairly, blossoming, sweet revenge.
4 Stars
August 13, 2019
Well written little historical fiction novella. Two very likable MC’s with fleshed out backgrounds and personalities. Which is impressive considering the short length of book. Ending felt a bit rushed, but really a minor quibble.
June 30, 2023
a sapphic historical romance novella and it was so good!! This is part of a bigger series and normally I don’t read out of order but it was so good. Actually hope to go back and read the rest of the series now!
May 19, 2020
Link to bookstagrams:
https://www.instagram.com/p/B0z9I4hgx...
https://www.instagram.com/p/BzTooLpgJ...
Love, love, love this adorable f/f novella between a lady’s maid/former thief and a disowned daughter of a vicar. You will love this if you enjoy any of the following:
⚔️🔥Revenge on despicable men (aka tearing down the patriarchy)🔥⚔️
🛌Bed sharing in a house party. Swoon🛌
👗One heroine constantly helping out the other heroine in and out of her clothes. Why the hell don’t we have more f/f lady’s maid romances?👗
🔓Unrepentant thievery and heist plotting 🔓
💖Absolute zero external or internal homophobia (there’s no angst about the couple or “we can’t be together because it’s wrong!” Hallelujah)💖
👩👩👧Single mom heroines! This was unexpected but I liked the subplot very much! And you can just tell they’re going to be such good parents to the little girl👩👩👧
***
Honestly, all my criticisms stem from the desire that this was a novel instead. This isn’t exactly fair criticism because, well, it is a novella. I wish we had seen the daughter more (especially more interaction with Alice and Katie) and I wish there was more relationship development (e.g., that we had seen more of their relationship progress after their first intimate encounter). But these are very small negatives when I think about how much I adored Alice and Molly together.
Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I’ve interacted with the author, but these are my honest opinions about the book
https://www.instagram.com/p/B0z9I4hgx...
https://www.instagram.com/p/BzTooLpgJ...
Love, love, love this adorable f/f novella between a lady’s maid/former thief and a disowned daughter of a vicar. You will love this if you enjoy any of the following:
⚔️🔥Revenge on despicable men (aka tearing down the patriarchy)🔥⚔️
🛌Bed sharing in a house party. Swoon🛌
👗One heroine constantly helping out the other heroine in and out of her clothes. Why the hell don’t we have more f/f lady’s maid romances?👗
🔓Unrepentant thievery and heist plotting 🔓
💖Absolute zero external or internal homophobia (there’s no angst about the couple or “we can’t be together because it’s wrong!” Hallelujah)💖
👩👩👧Single mom heroines! This was unexpected but I liked the subplot very much! And you can just tell they’re going to be such good parents to the little girl👩👩👧
***
Honestly, all my criticisms stem from the desire that this was a novel instead. This isn’t exactly fair criticism because, well, it is a novella. I wish we had seen the daughter more (especially more interaction with Alice and Katie) and I wish there was more relationship development (e.g., that we had seen more of their relationship progress after their first intimate encounter). But these are very small negatives when I think about how much I adored Alice and Molly together.
Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I’ve interacted with the author, but these are my honest opinions about the book
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