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Devilish Debutantes #6
To Hell and Back
A widow, her man of business, and a second chance at love...
Eve Mossant's life has been quite turned over. As has the carriage she was traveling in to attend her estranged husband's funeral. Thank heavens for Mr. Waverly, her ever dependable man of business. She wouldn't know where she'd be without him...
Eve Mossant's life has been quite turned over. As has the carriage she was traveling in to attend her estranged husband's funeral. Thank heavens for Mr. Waverly, her ever dependable man of business. She wouldn't know where she'd be without him...
155 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 24, 2019
174 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
Annabelle Anders
142 books1,318 followersMarried to the same man for over 25 years, I am a mother to three children and two Miniature Wiener dogs.
After owning a business and experiencing considerable success, my husband and I got caught in the financial crisis and lost everything in 2008; our business, our home, even our car.
At this point, I put my B.A. in Poly Sci to use and took work as a waitress and bartender (Insert irony). Unwilling to give up on a professional life, I simultaneously went back to college and obtained a degree in Energy Management.
And then the energy market dropped off.
And then my dog died.
I can only be grateful for this series of unfortunate events, for, with nothing to lose and completely demoralized, I sat down and began to write the romance novels which had until then, existed only my imagination.
After publishing over twenty novels now, with one having been nominated for RWA’s Distinguished ™RITA Award in 2019, I am happy to tell you that I have finally found my place in life.
Thank you so much for being a part of my journey!
To find out more about my books, and also to download a free novella, get all the info at my website!
www.annabelleanders.com
JOIN MY NEWSLETTER: https://www.annabelleanders.com/newsl...
FOLLOW ME ON AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/Annabelle-Ande...
AND FACEBOOK: :https://www.facebook.com/Annabelle.An...
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After owning a business and experiencing considerable success, my husband and I got caught in the financial crisis and lost everything in 2008; our business, our home, even our car.
At this point, I put my B.A. in Poly Sci to use and took work as a waitress and bartender (Insert irony). Unwilling to give up on a professional life, I simultaneously went back to college and obtained a degree in Energy Management.
And then the energy market dropped off.
And then my dog died.
I can only be grateful for this series of unfortunate events, for, with nothing to lose and completely demoralized, I sat down and began to write the romance novels which had until then, existed only my imagination.
After publishing over twenty novels now, with one having been nominated for RWA’s Distinguished ™RITA Award in 2019, I am happy to tell you that I have finally found my place in life.
Thank you so much for being a part of my journey!
To find out more about my books, and also to download a free novella, get all the info at my website!
www.annabelleanders.com
JOIN MY NEWSLETTER: https://www.annabelleanders.com/newsl...
FOLLOW ME ON AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/Annabelle-Ande...
AND FACEBOOK: :https://www.facebook.com/Annabelle.An...
AND BOOKBUB: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/annab...
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 13, 2024
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers
Overall: 4.5 rounded ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔 (Maybe a bit more for the heroine if you read the prior books)
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥
Humor: Not much
Perspective: Third person from both hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? medium to fast
When mains are first on page together: almost immediately
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: No
Format: listened to audiobook from the library (Hoopla) – it was an add on ending to one of the audiobooks earlier in the series
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
I think so yes – if you think you will read this series in entirety it’s better in order for sure. If you are just looking for a novella and won’t return, you could grab this one alone without confusion. (To explain: This story’s heroine, Eve, is Rhodas mother (who is the heroine from the prior book Hell of a Lady (book 4) and there is references to what happens in that story. And Rhoda’s story happens kind of concurrently with book 3, Hell’s Belle and is probably best to read that one first. But then you’ll want to read book 2, Hell in a Hand Basket before book 3 because book 3 gives away a lot of the plot points of that book...Overall there’s not a ton of character cross over though, it’s more the order of events and how they are referenced in future stories)
Basic plot:
When Eve’s husband passes, she finds she can rely on her man of business for so much more than she thought...
Give this a try if you want:
- this is historical but I couldn’t place a time period – maybe Regency?
- widow and mother heroine
- working class hero – he is the family’s man of business
- some unrequited longing from the hero
- novella
- light road trip feels
- celibate heroine
- celibate hero
- average novella steam (one scene)
Ages:
- Didn’t catch but they are older – I would guess the youngest would be late 30s but maybe early to mid 40s (heroine has a grown daughter that is featured in book 4)
First line:
“Ma’am, please sit down.”
My thoughts:
I loved this novella!!! I didn’t realize at first how these characters related into the story, but once I realized she was Rhoda’s mother I loved it even more. She has some page time in Rhoda’s story and we know her marriage was not a happy one, so I am loving seeing her get her own HEA.
This is a novella and has some decent road trip vibes – the heroine’s husband has passed and she brings her man of business for the viewing and making sure everything is in order, legally. I ate up the unrequited love the hero felt for the heroine and how protective and gentle he was with her.
Overall, this was a lovely and quick read! I think I would have loved one more steamy scene between them after everything was kind of ‘sorted out’ but that’s okay.
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
Overall: 4.5 rounded ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔 (Maybe a bit more for the heroine if you read the prior books)
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥
Humor: Not much
Perspective: Third person from both hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? medium to fast
When mains are first on page together: almost immediately
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: No
Format: listened to audiobook from the library (Hoopla) – it was an add on ending to one of the audiobooks earlier in the series
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
I think so yes – if you think you will read this series in entirety it’s better in order for sure. If you are just looking for a novella and won’t return, you could grab this one alone without confusion. (To explain: This story’s heroine, Eve, is Rhodas mother (who is the heroine from the prior book Hell of a Lady (book 4) and there is references to what happens in that story. And Rhoda’s story happens kind of concurrently with book 3, Hell’s Belle and is probably best to read that one first. But then you’ll want to read book 2, Hell in a Hand Basket before book 3 because book 3 gives away a lot of the plot points of that book...Overall there’s not a ton of character cross over though, it’s more the order of events and how they are referenced in future stories)
Basic plot:
When Eve’s husband passes, she finds she can rely on her man of business for so much more than she thought...
Give this a try if you want:
- this is historical but I couldn’t place a time period – maybe Regency?
- widow and mother heroine
- working class hero – he is the family’s man of business
- some unrequited longing from the hero
- novella
- light road trip feels
- celibate heroine
- celibate hero
- average novella steam (one scene)
Ages:
- Didn’t catch but they are older – I would guess the youngest would be late 30s but maybe early to mid 40s (heroine has a grown daughter that is featured in book 4)
First line:
“Ma’am, please sit down.”
My thoughts:
I loved this novella!!! I didn’t realize at first how these characters related into the story, but once I realized she was Rhoda’s mother I loved it even more. She has some page time in Rhoda’s story and we know her marriage was not a happy one, so I am loving seeing her get her own HEA.
This is a novella and has some decent road trip vibes – the heroine’s husband has passed and she brings her man of business for the viewing and making sure everything is in order, legally. I ate up the unrequited love the hero felt for the heroine and how protective and gentle he was with her.
Overall, this was a lovely and quick read! I think I would have loved one more steamy scene between them after everything was kind of ‘sorted out’ but that’s okay.
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
October 17, 2019
Barely three stars. I just wasn’t interested in the H or the h. I think a bit of the heroine’s life, and some interactions with her man of business (prior to the evil estranged husband’s demise) would’ve helped me care.
September 24, 2020
To Hell and Back
Devilish Debutantes, Book 6
Annabelle Anders, author
This sassy little short story is part of the Devilish Debutantes series. And I for one was so happy Ms. Anders decided to write yet another story in this series. Mrs. Marigold Evelyn "Eve" Mossant is a devoted mother to Rhododendron, Coleus and Hollyhock. She escaped a dangerous and unhealthy marriage, with her daughters in tow. Now living in London in a modest town-home, she took a chance and placed a bet on her oldest daughter, Rhoda, and won! Afraid her husband would fine out about her new wealth, she hired Mr. Niles Waverly, a financial investor and employee of Thomas Findlay. Thinking her money and she were safe, she was about to make an big financial investment herself. However, she gets word that her estranged husband is dead. What is she to do; but to travel to the estate and settle his affairs. After all, she will have to relinquish the property to his only male heir and nephew, Darius Mossant. Following this last task that connects her to her estranged husband, she will finally be free to live as she pleases. Or will she?
In lies a well told tale of Eve and Nile's journey, as they travel to the estate. Leave it to Ms. Anders to develop a plot that is mesmerizing, interesting and adventurous. This story is a light and easy read that can be read in one lazy afternoon, with a lovely glass of good olde iced tea beside you. The characters are funny and entertaining. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and the ability to return to the cast of characters I have come to love. I do hope Ms. Anders will write Coleus and Hollyhock's stories as well. After all, I have no doubt she can come up with a theme for their respective story lines, much like she did with Eve and Niles story of second chance love. Get your book now friends. I highly recommend this book.
Devilish Debutantes, Book 6
Annabelle Anders, author
This sassy little short story is part of the Devilish Debutantes series. And I for one was so happy Ms. Anders decided to write yet another story in this series. Mrs. Marigold Evelyn "Eve" Mossant is a devoted mother to Rhododendron, Coleus and Hollyhock. She escaped a dangerous and unhealthy marriage, with her daughters in tow. Now living in London in a modest town-home, she took a chance and placed a bet on her oldest daughter, Rhoda, and won! Afraid her husband would fine out about her new wealth, she hired Mr. Niles Waverly, a financial investor and employee of Thomas Findlay. Thinking her money and she were safe, she was about to make an big financial investment herself. However, she gets word that her estranged husband is dead. What is she to do; but to travel to the estate and settle his affairs. After all, she will have to relinquish the property to his only male heir and nephew, Darius Mossant. Following this last task that connects her to her estranged husband, she will finally be free to live as she pleases. Or will she?
In lies a well told tale of Eve and Nile's journey, as they travel to the estate. Leave it to Ms. Anders to develop a plot that is mesmerizing, interesting and adventurous. This story is a light and easy read that can be read in one lazy afternoon, with a lovely glass of good olde iced tea beside you. The characters are funny and entertaining. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and the ability to return to the cast of characters I have come to love. I do hope Ms. Anders will write Coleus and Hollyhock's stories as well. After all, I have no doubt she can come up with a theme for their respective story lines, much like she did with Eve and Niles story of second chance love. Get your book now friends. I highly recommend this book.
December 31, 2019
Sometimes you have to go to Hell and Back to find a happy ever after. At least that is what it seemed Eve Mossant's life had been with her disgraceful libertine and wastrel husband and finally she was a Widow.
"Two years had passed since she's last seen him. They hadn't lived together in over a decade. She hadn't had relations with Jean Luc for thirteen years and seven months. She was Free."
Mr Niles Waverly, Eve's man of business had relayed the news to her, as he had kept her assets safe from her husband from some winnings she had earned.
As Eve and Niles make their way to her deceased husbands estate, they run into all kinds of trouble with the weather and Eve begins to take notice of how handsome Niles is.. something she had not really noticed before.
A wonderful journey of self discovery and second chances that was truly awesome. A mature couple that show love can be found when least expected. Perfect!!
"Two years had passed since she's last seen him. They hadn't lived together in over a decade. She hadn't had relations with Jean Luc for thirteen years and seven months. She was Free."
Mr Niles Waverly, Eve's man of business had relayed the news to her, as he had kept her assets safe from her husband from some winnings she had earned.
As Eve and Niles make their way to her deceased husbands estate, they run into all kinds of trouble with the weather and Eve begins to take notice of how handsome Niles is.. something she had not really noticed before.
A wonderful journey of self discovery and second chances that was truly awesome. A mature couple that show love can be found when least expected. Perfect!!
December 22, 2019
Eve Mossant's life has been quite turned over. As has the carriage she was travelling in to attend her estranged husband's funeral. Thank heavens for Mr. Niles Waverly, her ever dependable man of business. The author is one of my must read authors & this captivating novella is just so good. I loved the Devilish Debutantes & so pleased to read Eve & Niles’ story, a definite 5 star read I first read this lovely novella in the Second Chance Love boxed set
August 21, 2019
After many years as wife and mother, an unexpected and sensual connection for a unique and deserving widow. So happy to see the more mature H/h. Proof that it doesn’t require a debutante just beginning her first season or a young lord searching for his new bride to be an alluring and amazing adventure. Absolutely captivated by Eve and Niles’ story! And I promise you’ll love it too.
❤️💜❤️💜❤️
❤️💜❤️💜❤️
May 21, 2021
I was hesitant to read this book as, once again, it is not about a debutante, but rather about a debutante's mother. Not certain why this book and the one before it were included in the series.
I also had issues with the main female character as she was in a couple of other books in the series and, while I realized this book would expound on the reasoning behind it, wasn't, in my opinion, such a good character to have warranted her own story. Sometimes authors might not realize that they do a disservice to the characters they offer up in their stories that the reader either takes a great liking to them, or the reader utterly detests them. That made it hard for the reader to see such characters get their own story and change their demeanor so powerfully. In the case of Mrs. Mossant, this particular reader took a profound disliking due to her appearances in the other books and how she was represented in them. In the two previous books in which she appeared, she came across as a conniving, manipulative woman. But in this book, Eve Mossant was written as a kind, gentle, woman.
With that said, the two main characters had a subtle chemistry and a mild passion between them. There was drama, intrigue, but very little (if any) humor. Other than the fact that this book was not about a debutante, the only other issue I found with it was that it just didn't have the same...oompf that the other books did. There was hardly anything about it that was appealing. It just didn't connect with the rest of the series, perhaps because very few of those other characters were involved.
While it was a decent story, it did not merit being included in the Keeper for the Shelves books.
I also had issues with the main female character as she was in a couple of other books in the series and, while I realized this book would expound on the reasoning behind it, wasn't, in my opinion, such a good character to have warranted her own story. Sometimes authors might not realize that they do a disservice to the characters they offer up in their stories that the reader either takes a great liking to them, or the reader utterly detests them. That made it hard for the reader to see such characters get their own story and change their demeanor so powerfully. In the case of Mrs. Mossant, this particular reader took a profound disliking due to her appearances in the other books and how she was represented in them. In the two previous books in which she appeared, she came across as a conniving, manipulative woman. But in this book, Eve Mossant was written as a kind, gentle, woman.
With that said, the two main characters had a subtle chemistry and a mild passion between them. There was drama, intrigue, but very little (if any) humor. Other than the fact that this book was not about a debutante, the only other issue I found with it was that it just didn't have the same...oompf that the other books did. There was hardly anything about it that was appealing. It just didn't connect with the rest of the series, perhaps because very few of those other characters were involved.
While it was a decent story, it did not merit being included in the Keeper for the Shelves books.
August 28, 2022
Loved this additional installment in the Devilish Debutantes series! This one is about Eve Moussant, mother of Rhoda, one of the four original debutantes in the series. She and Niles, her man of business, are on the way to Pebbles Gate where Mr. Moussant has finally kicked the bucket after years of opium and orgies. Of course the path is not smooth with a carriage accident and a diabolical plot against Eve. But love prevails and makes this an enjoyable romance between two forty somethings.
October 28, 2022
Wonderful story of recently widowed Eve Mossant and her man of business, Mr. Niles Waverly. Having a business relationship can get in the way of a personal one, but can a trip in a carriage finally bring these two together? Loved these two, and could feel all they were feeling (such good writing!). Part of a series but can be read as a standalone.
December 6, 2023
I was hesitant to read this book because I thought I would be bored, but boy was I wrong. The main characters were perfection, the story was sweet, but I wish it was longer.
It was nice to read a second chance story about two main characters over 40 years old for a change. A beautiful and romantic novella not to be missed!
It was nice to read a second chance story about two main characters over 40 years old for a change. A beautiful and romantic novella not to be missed!
February 23, 2023
I love that Rhoda’s mom found her happily ever after also! This story was on the same recording as the one about Rhoda and Justin. It’s about time these unhappy marriages are dispensed with and the moms have a HEA also!
March 3, 2020
Lovely story
Life can be full of second chances at love but only if you take them. Excellent story that grips you from the start.
Life can be full of second chances at love but only if you take them. Excellent story that grips you from the start.
April 12, 2020
An enjoyable short read.
A lovely novella from the series, of Rhoda’s mum. As always, funny, interesting, romantic and exciting. Never fails to keep me hooked.
A lovely novella from the series, of Rhoda’s mum. As always, funny, interesting, romantic and exciting. Never fails to keep me hooked.
May 7, 2020
This story is much more enjoyable if you read the first books and meet the heroine and her daughters. It's a short lovely read in the series.
August 13, 2021
Love in Unlikely Places
Throughly enjoyed Niles and Eve’s story. He felt he was beneath her, she thought she was too old for love.
Throughly enjoyed Niles and Eve’s story. He felt he was beneath her, she thought she was too old for love.
April 13, 2022
This was a sweet story. It felt a little repetitive in parts.
November 15, 2023
Solid 3.5 stars. Better than a lot of books, but not quite good enough for a 4 star rating. But I enjoyed the whole series a lot.
November 6, 2019
A nice regency that has the nice spin of a couple that are both over 40 yrs, and a second chance. After Eve’s estranged husband passes away, she needs to travel with Niles Waverly, her man of business to see to the end of the affairs. When the carriage has an accident, she is stuck at an inn with her companion for a couple of days.
This is a quick, easy read that I finished in a couple of hours. I enjoyed the strength that the author gave to Eve, but I would have liked to see more from Niles also. In giving the woman so much independence and strength, it took a bit away from the main male character. In all, this was a nice romance with nice paced plot.
This is a quick, easy read that I finished in a couple of hours. I enjoyed the strength that the author gave to Eve, but I would have liked to see more from Niles also. In giving the woman so much independence and strength, it took a bit away from the main male character. In all, this was a nice romance with nice paced plot.
October 22, 2019
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
💋💋
Eeeeek!
Oh wow I love Annabelle’s Devilish Debutantes Series
It’s just awesome.
Reading Eve & Niles story has been so wonderful
Its funny ,muddy and romantic, in a Knight on a white horse kind of delicious way .
I know I’ve not made much sense so far , but this book had me all kinds of excited .
The characters, as always ,are perfectly matched , and the storyline is second to non , perfection.
Can you tell I loved this one , I hope so . :)
💋💋
Eeeeek!
Oh wow I love Annabelle’s Devilish Debutantes Series
It’s just awesome.
Reading Eve & Niles story has been so wonderful
Its funny ,muddy and romantic, in a Knight on a white horse kind of delicious way .
I know I’ve not made much sense so far , but this book had me all kinds of excited .
The characters, as always ,are perfectly matched , and the storyline is second to non , perfection.
Can you tell I loved this one , I hope so . :)
Read
August 4, 2019Never too late
Lady Moussant lost a horrible husband abusive whoring man! She has desires suppressed for more than a decade! Mr Waverly is enamored of
Her and insists on traveling with her to her husband funeral! Broken carriage wheels, inclement weather all conspire to give Lady Moussant a second chance!
Lady Moussant lost a horrible husband abusive whoring man! She has desires suppressed for more than a decade! Mr Waverly is enamored of
Her and insists on traveling with her to her husband funeral! Broken carriage wheels, inclement weather all conspire to give Lady Moussant a second chance!
August 6, 2019
Romance
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novels series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novels series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews