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One Winter's Night
A Regency Christmas story full of romance and intrigue with an ending to melt the heart.
An earl keen to avoid marriage.
Hugo de Wold, Earl of Denham, made a foolish vow to take a wife by his thirtieth birthday. The fact the event falls on Christmas Day prompts his mother to invite potential brides to Wollaston Hall to celebrate the festive season. Time and the weather are against him. The sudden snowstorm means the roads are impassable, and so all he can do is suffer their intolerable company. That is until a late-night visitor brings a welcome diversion.
A lady desperate to help her grandfather reunite with a lost love.
The plan was simple, or so Miss Lara Bennett thought. With her carriage stuck in the snow, she would take refuge at Wollaston Hall. Her grandfather would battle the bitter conditions to come to her rescue, and in the process reunite with a lost love. Except no one could have predicted she’d become embroiled in a murder investigation. No one warned her of the earl’s handsome countenance, or that a connection would spark between them hot enough to melt the snowdrifts.
170 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 2, 2019
242 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
About the author
Adele Clee
54 books531 followersAdele Clee writes historical romance mysteries set in the early nineteenth century. Her stories blend romance with intrigue, gothic atmosphere, and a touch of scandal, often unfolding in Regency and early Victorian London. Readers praise her scarred heroines, brooding heroes, and the way love and mystery intertwine across each series.
Amazon - http://author.to/AdeleClee
Download the complete Adele Clee reading list here: https://www.adeleclee.com/booklist.html
Amazon - http://author.to/AdeleClee
Download the complete Adele Clee reading list here: https://www.adeleclee.com/booklist.html
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
December 14, 2020
“I loved you the moment you swept in with the snowstorm. Marry me. Let us both choose love over duty.”
This was my first Adele Clee novel and trust me, it won't be my last. I have never been a festive reader but I think the author may have just rectified that. The romance and the whodunnit side plot were both equally compelling. Hugo and Lara have easily made it onto my 'favorite couples' list... and that's saying a lot! Hugo was so charming and Lara was so intelligent. They were both so perfect for each other and oh so easily lovable!
One Winter's Night had the perfect amount of Christmas spirit, romance and suspense to keep me hooked. Even the secondary characters were interesting! Great read if you're in the mood to snuggle up in bed and get lost in some swoon-worthy romance!
Rating: 4/5
October 31, 2019
Magical things happen when one opens their door to a stranger on a cold winter's night.
This was not my favorite novella by the amazing Adele Clee, but it was still an engaging murder mystery romance. Indeed, the story had me guessing who the murderer was the whole way through, and I was still surprised with the ending. The romance between both couples was sweet and satisfying in their final happiness, and I'm glad Penelope and Montague finally got an opportunity to be giddy in love. There was some mild angst but nothing overly dramatic (thankfully no OW drama). Another satisfying read from Adele!
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
no-way-jose
August 18, 2024Note to self: murder mystery romance, not my fav trope. (with seeming insta-gut clenching and pining.)
October 29, 2019
❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
A wonderful seasonal romance with a hit of murder mystery, perfect reading for a frosty afternoon.
This is a winter wonderland full of surprises.
Suspicion abounds when a matchmaking house party / seasonal birthday bash, turns to the macabre and diverts to a murderers playground.
Very enjoyable read and full of surprises.
Hugo de Wold , Earl Of Denham has an interfering mother, who wants only to get him married by the time he’s 30 , that’s 2 days away . 3 young ladies have been invited for him to make his choice.
He doesn’t want any of them .
Then a stranger arrives.
Clad in a red cloak and covered in snow she’s not an invited guest more a stranded traveler, but from that moment something is different, she’s a breath of fresh air to Hugo and he’s falling, hook, line and sinker for the beautiful woman .
Destiny is calling.
Miss Lara Bennet is not all she seems but that would go for many at this party.
She’s a beautiful woman, she’s also the granddaughter of his mother’s past love , but Hugo doesn’t know the half of it.
When a murder is committed outside his gates he must start to question everything and everyone.
Loved this story , not your run of the mill soppy romance as my hubby would say , this one has got a bite to it , really gives you something to get you teeth into .
Excellent stuff , and brilliantly written.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
💋💋
A wonderful seasonal romance with a hit of murder mystery, perfect reading for a frosty afternoon.
This is a winter wonderland full of surprises.
Suspicion abounds when a matchmaking house party / seasonal birthday bash, turns to the macabre and diverts to a murderers playground.
Very enjoyable read and full of surprises.
Hugo de Wold , Earl Of Denham has an interfering mother, who wants only to get him married by the time he’s 30 , that’s 2 days away . 3 young ladies have been invited for him to make his choice.
He doesn’t want any of them .
Then a stranger arrives.
Clad in a red cloak and covered in snow she’s not an invited guest more a stranded traveler, but from that moment something is different, she’s a breath of fresh air to Hugo and he’s falling, hook, line and sinker for the beautiful woman .
Destiny is calling.
Miss Lara Bennet is not all she seems but that would go for many at this party.
She’s a beautiful woman, she’s also the granddaughter of his mother’s past love , but Hugo doesn’t know the half of it.
When a murder is committed outside his gates he must start to question everything and everyone.
Loved this story , not your run of the mill soppy romance as my hubby would say , this one has got a bite to it , really gives you something to get you teeth into .
Excellent stuff , and brilliantly written.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
September 4, 2021
A holiday house party romance w/ mystery. A murder?
Treason? Bedlam? Also an older couple entertained a
2nd chance. Gave it 3.5 stars.
Hugo (an earl) & Lara (granddaughter of a peer, dtr of
a late artist father) met by chance. Or did they? Hugo's
cheerless mother hosted a house party for potential
brides. Several woman espec. Miss Harper envisioned
a future w/ Hugo. He clicked w/ none of them. But
Lara? Hugo & 2 others discovered his male friend
bleeding in the snow.
Hugo showed his romantic side in word and deed. Not
insincere seduction words. He confided in Lara that
she engaged his mind and body (said w/ more finesse).
Beauty Lara had confidence, not cockiness, common
sense & steadiness. A good couple and good sleuths
RE the mystery.
Treason? Bedlam? Also an older couple entertained a
2nd chance. Gave it 3.5 stars.
Hugo (an earl) & Lara (granddaughter of a peer, dtr of
a late artist father) met by chance. Or did they? Hugo's
cheerless mother hosted a house party for potential
brides. Several woman espec. Miss Harper envisioned
a future w/ Hugo. He clicked w/ none of them. But
Lara? Hugo & 2 others discovered his male friend
bleeding in the snow.
Hugo showed his romantic side in word and deed. Not
insincere seduction words. He confided in Lara that
she engaged his mind and body (said w/ more finesse).
Beauty Lara had confidence, not cockiness, common
sense & steadiness. A good couple and good sleuths
RE the mystery.
December 11, 2019
Hugo de Wold has unwillingly made a vow to lift his mother's sullen spirits, a vow to marry by his thirtieth birthday. The deadline to keep his vow to his mother lands on Christmas day and so he finds himself host of a holiday gathering at Wollasten Hall with all the potential brides that his mother has invited in attendance. Merely suffering through the gathering with no intention of selecting a bride, despite his word, everything changes starting with the surprising arrival of a stranded traveler, a Miss Lara Bennet, and is then thrown into even further disarray when a late guest is found attacked at the gate. Attending the party with a plan of her grandfather's devising, things begin to shift for Lara when she finds herself trapped by the weather and harbouring a mutal attraction to her host. She must work alongside him to unmask a murderer among her fellow guests and unveil a plot before anything more sinister can befall their party.
_____________________
I thought One Winter's Night had a really strong start and I was intrigued by the premise. The initial attraction between Hugo and Lara felt compelling, especially considering her deception. But it devolved quickly into constant pining and lustful glances and ponderings, which annoyed me. From a believable attraction and solid story, combined with an intruiging murder mystery to disappointing back-and-forth used to draw out the tension while he dithers over whether to remain unattached or submit to his attraction.
I love a mystery paired with historical romance, but I was disappointed by this one. First, the mystery was clearly taking a second place to the romance, seeming to be almost forgotten while furthering the narrative of their relationship at times. (If one of my friends was murdered, I certainly wouldn't be entertaining thoughts of having sex with someone whilst stood next to their corpse.) Also, this is probably just me being picky, but the author clearly either wasn't familiar with, or decided to overlook, the restrictions placed on unwed ladies and the importance of a chaperone in order to perserve a lady's reputation and standing in society. Lara is constantly going off in the company of (unwed) gentlemen with no chaperon, not even the bare minimum of an accompanying maid. And each time other characters are aware of her going off with these gentlemen and yet no one seems to think anything about this...not even Hugo's mother who is supposedly a stickler?
Overall I would consider reading another book by Adele Clee, but I was disappointed by this book and cannot personally recommend it to anyone.
_____
I read this book with my Kindle Unlimited membership.
_____________________
I thought One Winter's Night had a really strong start and I was intrigued by the premise. The initial attraction between Hugo and Lara felt compelling, especially considering her deception. But it devolved quickly into constant pining and lustful glances and ponderings, which annoyed me. From a believable attraction and solid story, combined with an intruiging murder mystery to disappointing back-and-forth used to draw out the tension while he dithers over whether to remain unattached or submit to his attraction.
I love a mystery paired with historical romance, but I was disappointed by this one. First, the mystery was clearly taking a second place to the romance, seeming to be almost forgotten while furthering the narrative of their relationship at times. (If one of my friends was murdered, I certainly wouldn't be entertaining thoughts of having sex with someone whilst stood next to their corpse.) Also, this is probably just me being picky, but the author clearly either wasn't familiar with, or decided to overlook, the restrictions placed on unwed ladies and the importance of a chaperone in order to perserve a lady's reputation and standing in society. Lara is constantly going off in the company of (unwed) gentlemen with no chaperon, not even the bare minimum of an accompanying maid. And each time other characters are aware of her going off with these gentlemen and yet no one seems to think anything about this...not even Hugo's mother who is supposedly a stickler?
Overall I would consider reading another book by Adele Clee, but I was disappointed by this book and cannot personally recommend it to anyone.
_____
I read this book with my Kindle Unlimited membership.
November 6, 2019
One Winter’s Night
by Adele Clee
Another fantastic story by Adele Clee!
The Earl of Denham, Hugo de World had foolishly given a promise that he’d choose a wife by his 30th birthday has him in a foul mood. Partly because it’s his birthday on Christmas, because the candidates his mother has chosen are not what he’d want in a wife but mostly he wants a partner to at least spark some kind of affection in him. Not the cold calculated marriage his mother is pushing him to make. To make matters worse the blizzard outside has every one snow bound and the roads unsafe for travel.
Miss Laura Bennett is desperate to help her grandfather reconnect with the love of his life, even if she has to brave the storm and make an unannounced appearance at Wollaston Hall. What she never expected was to find herself embroiled in a murder mystery or loose her heart to the handsome Earl.
I honestly have to say that Adele Clee is one gifted author, she seamlessly intertwines mystery, romance and intrigue so well that you’re guessing at who could be the villain, I was really on tenterhooks until the mystery was solved. The romance is tastefully done, not so much angst as per her usual stories, just the right amount.
I enjoyed this latest by Adele Clee, she’s an amazing author that keeps the reader engrossed and engaged in her books. I highly recommend her to anyone that loves romance, intrigue and mystery.
I recieved a complimentary copy from the author. This is my honest unbiased opinion.
by Adele Clee
Another fantastic story by Adele Clee!
The Earl of Denham, Hugo de World had foolishly given a promise that he’d choose a wife by his 30th birthday has him in a foul mood. Partly because it’s his birthday on Christmas, because the candidates his mother has chosen are not what he’d want in a wife but mostly he wants a partner to at least spark some kind of affection in him. Not the cold calculated marriage his mother is pushing him to make. To make matters worse the blizzard outside has every one snow bound and the roads unsafe for travel.
Miss Laura Bennett is desperate to help her grandfather reconnect with the love of his life, even if she has to brave the storm and make an unannounced appearance at Wollaston Hall. What she never expected was to find herself embroiled in a murder mystery or loose her heart to the handsome Earl.
I honestly have to say that Adele Clee is one gifted author, she seamlessly intertwines mystery, romance and intrigue so well that you’re guessing at who could be the villain, I was really on tenterhooks until the mystery was solved. The romance is tastefully done, not so much angst as per her usual stories, just the right amount.
I enjoyed this latest by Adele Clee, she’s an amazing author that keeps the reader engrossed and engaged in her books. I highly recommend her to anyone that loves romance, intrigue and mystery.
I recieved a complimentary copy from the author. This is my honest unbiased opinion.
November 2, 2019
This was an entertaining read, not only was there romance but also a murder to solve. Hugo de Wold, Earl of Denham had promised to marry by his 30th birthday. Hence, the Christmas house-party, that his mother had organised. Hugo wasn’t keen to marry. Miss Lara Bennett was stranded due to the weather and arrived at the house. There was an instant attraction and there were some very passionate scenes but not all is as it seems. How will Hugo react when he discovers the truth? Also there is the murderer to uncover and a surprise reunion.
February 14, 2021
To appease his mother, Hugo de Wold, the Earl of Denham, conceded to her demands, agreeing to choose a woman to marry by his thirtieth birthday. His birthday happens to coincide with Christmas Day, leaving his mother with the perfect opportunity to invite eligible ladies to celebrate the season. Now Hugo has just two days to uphold the agreement and a snowstorm has rendered travel impossible, leaving Hugo stranded in the ladies' insufferable company. But other travelers also find themselves stranded and a late, unexpected guest turns Hugo's household upside down in a not-altogether-unwelcome manner.
Miss Lara Bennett feels awful about the slight deception she's perpetrating, but she didn't have the heart to refuse her grandfather's plea to help him reunite with a lost love. Her carriage is stranded in the snow and she's taking refuge at Wollaston Hall for her grandfather to come to her gallant rescue and also be reunited with his lady love at the same time. But Lara never expected to become entangled in a murder investigation or to feel such a strong connection to the handsome but wary earl.
I loved this book. It pulled me in and I couldn't put it down. The instant chemistry between Hugo and Lara was great and so was the mystery element. With multiple potential villains lurking about, it was nice to see Hugo and Lara stick together and be logical about everything, thus avoiding some plot devices which I find to be annoying. This was a great festive read and also wound up being very appropriate for my Halloween reading. I'm very much looking forward to the next book from Ms. Clee.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
Miss Lara Bennett feels awful about the slight deception she's perpetrating, but she didn't have the heart to refuse her grandfather's plea to help him reunite with a lost love. Her carriage is stranded in the snow and she's taking refuge at Wollaston Hall for her grandfather to come to her gallant rescue and also be reunited with his lady love at the same time. But Lara never expected to become entangled in a murder investigation or to feel such a strong connection to the handsome but wary earl.
I loved this book. It pulled me in and I couldn't put it down. The instant chemistry between Hugo and Lara was great and so was the mystery element. With multiple potential villains lurking about, it was nice to see Hugo and Lara stick together and be logical about everything, thus avoiding some plot devices which I find to be annoying. This was a great festive read and also wound up being very appropriate for my Halloween reading. I'm very much looking forward to the next book from Ms. Clee.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
October 23, 2019
This was a fun story to read and with the added murder mystery, it made it even more interesting to read!! Every time I thought I had figured out who the culprit was, there would be a few twists and turns and then I was proven wrong! lol
Lara and Hugo's story includes love at first sight, secrets, a murder, an old love reignited, etc., all taking place during Christmas! There's never a dull moment at Wollaston Hall. I thought this was a well written story and the characters very realistic.
I was given an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Lara and Hugo's story includes love at first sight, secrets, a murder, an old love reignited, etc., all taking place during Christmas! There's never a dull moment at Wollaston Hall. I thought this was a well written story and the characters very realistic.
I was given an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Want to read
December 14, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/14/2020)! 🎁
October 11, 2021
4.5 stars
Really good...really enjoyed!!
Really good...really enjoyed!!
October 25, 2019
I loved this book! Not only did I get a wonderful romance but also a well plotted "whodunit" & it really did keep me guessing until the very end. Ms. Clee has a talent for pulling you in to the story & this time it was a murder mystery with a Christmas Party - with invited & uninvited guests.
Hugo de Wold, Earl of Denham is to pick a bride from the 3 single ladies his Mother, Lady Penelope has invited to the party at Wollaston Hall. This was after Hugo promised to be betrothed by his 30th birthday, which is Christmas Day. Now a snow storm will keep all the guests there longer as the roads were impassible & a new lady seeks shelter from the storm.
The lady seeking shelter is Miss Lara Bennett after her carriage becomes stuck in the snow. She is welcomed but will her grandfather's plan work - he will search for her & find her at Wollaston Hall the next day & in doing that, he will reunite with a past love.
Hugo & Lara instantly feel an attraction but neither expected a romance that could melt all the snow off the roads around Wollaston to follow, or a murder of a friend, or the 40 year rekindling of a old romance. This story was fun, exciting, romantic & you will never guess who the murderer will be. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a spicy read with a mysterious murder.
I was gifted the Advanced Reader Copy of this book & all opinions are my own & have been voluntarily given.
Hugo de Wold, Earl of Denham is to pick a bride from the 3 single ladies his Mother, Lady Penelope has invited to the party at Wollaston Hall. This was after Hugo promised to be betrothed by his 30th birthday, which is Christmas Day. Now a snow storm will keep all the guests there longer as the roads were impassible & a new lady seeks shelter from the storm.
The lady seeking shelter is Miss Lara Bennett after her carriage becomes stuck in the snow. She is welcomed but will her grandfather's plan work - he will search for her & find her at Wollaston Hall the next day & in doing that, he will reunite with a past love.
Hugo & Lara instantly feel an attraction but neither expected a romance that could melt all the snow off the roads around Wollaston to follow, or a murder of a friend, or the 40 year rekindling of a old romance. This story was fun, exciting, romantic & you will never guess who the murderer will be. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a spicy read with a mysterious murder.
I was gifted the Advanced Reader Copy of this book & all opinions are my own & have been voluntarily given.
Read
November 19, 2019There is a murderer among them and treachery abound.
Hugo's mother is determined to make her son wed. She has invited three marriage minded young ladies to spend the holiday at their home to put them at the feet of her son.
Hugo isn't attracted to any of these women. But when a stranger shows up he is immediately drawn to her.
Lara is there due to her grandfather's long list love who happens to be Hugo's mother.
Let the games commence.
Suddenly murder and treachery are the name of the game.
Which one of the guests is a murderer?
Is the murderer one of the three women who are invited guests or the man who is one of the ladies brother?
I enjoyed reading this book by Adele Clee. It isn't the first book I have read by this Author but it may be the most enjoyable and entertaining.
I gave this book 4.4 of 5.0 stars for story line and characterization.
I read this book as a borrowed copy via Kindle Unlimited.
This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Hugo's mother is determined to make her son wed. She has invited three marriage minded young ladies to spend the holiday at their home to put them at the feet of her son.
Hugo isn't attracted to any of these women. But when a stranger shows up he is immediately drawn to her.
Lara is there due to her grandfather's long list love who happens to be Hugo's mother.
Let the games commence.
Suddenly murder and treachery are the name of the game.
Which one of the guests is a murderer?
Is the murderer one of the three women who are invited guests or the man who is one of the ladies brother?
I enjoyed reading this book by Adele Clee. It isn't the first book I have read by this Author but it may be the most enjoyable and entertaining.
I gave this book 4.4 of 5.0 stars for story line and characterization.
I read this book as a borrowed copy via Kindle Unlimited.
This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
October 23, 2019
Adele Clee's stories never cease to hold my attention so thoroughly that all else seems to fade into the background until I have read the very last word.
This one, in particular, has a pair of main characters in Hugo de Wold, Earl of Denham and Miss Lara Bennett who are simply made for each other and whom I couldn't help but love.
I also loved the plan she worked out and executed to help her grandfather.
Oh, by the way, there is another love affair being rekindled in this story as well as the new one between the main characters.
Besides all this falling in love, (such a delight) there is also a murder mystery to solve.
The story is really well planned and written so that it reads effortlessly and I can recommend it as an easy and quick read.
I read an Advance Reader Copy of the ebook and this is my voluntary and unbiased review.
This one, in particular, has a pair of main characters in Hugo de Wold, Earl of Denham and Miss Lara Bennett who are simply made for each other and whom I couldn't help but love.
I also loved the plan she worked out and executed to help her grandfather.
Oh, by the way, there is another love affair being rekindled in this story as well as the new one between the main characters.
Besides all this falling in love, (such a delight) there is also a murder mystery to solve.
The story is really well planned and written so that it reads effortlessly and I can recommend it as an easy and quick read.
I read an Advance Reader Copy of the ebook and this is my voluntary and unbiased review.
November 3, 2019
Great
I found this a really good book. Lara is a strong character. She wants to marry for love after her parents happy marriage but never expects to find it with Hugo De Wold at a Christmas house party at his home. I loved the plot that moved the story along and how they eliminated suspects along the way.
I found this a really good book. Lara is a strong character. She wants to marry for love after her parents happy marriage but never expects to find it with Hugo De Wold at a Christmas house party at his home. I loved the plot that moved the story along and how they eliminated suspects along the way.
October 28, 2019
Another wonderful 'who-done-it'. Everybody has an agenda! There are plenty of things happening that make it almost impossible to guess who the villain is. It's a great mystery. And even the side characters are well developed. I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
December 7, 2022
As always this author has thrills and chills!
Lara arrives at a house party where Hugo Aka Lord Denham must choose a bride!
Lara Bennett arrives and they each are drawn to each other but Lara has secrets!
The night they meet Hugo friend is found murdered on the way back from retrieving Lara luggage from her stranded coach!
Once Lara’s plan is revealed as her real purpose well Hugo goes cold as he hates being lied to! He has promised to wed by Christmas!
He has been pursued and chased by many a scheming lady so he’s very suspicious by nature! This story has many twists and turns the least of which one scheming lady will do anything and I mean anything to become Hugo countess and at one point it seems her scheme will succeed but Hugo has found love and that he will not loose!
I love the chemistry and the immediate banter between the two!
Hugo and his HEA by his birthday a seemed like a foregone conclusion until it’s not!
Someone is ransacking rooms and distributing the deceased body looking for clues?
Can they stop a murderer and Penelope Aka Lady Denham has just been reunited with her lost love of over 40 years! Can try two have a HEA with a murder and secret meetings in bedrooms going on!?
What a ride nonstop action! Did not put it down! Bravo!
Lara arrives at a house party where Hugo Aka Lord Denham must choose a bride!
Lara Bennett arrives and they each are drawn to each other but Lara has secrets!
The night they meet Hugo friend is found murdered on the way back from retrieving Lara luggage from her stranded coach!
Once Lara’s plan is revealed as her real purpose well Hugo goes cold as he hates being lied to! He has promised to wed by Christmas!
He has been pursued and chased by many a scheming lady so he’s very suspicious by nature! This story has many twists and turns the least of which one scheming lady will do anything and I mean anything to become Hugo countess and at one point it seems her scheme will succeed but Hugo has found love and that he will not loose!
I love the chemistry and the immediate banter between the two!
Hugo and his HEA by his birthday a seemed like a foregone conclusion until it’s not!
Someone is ransacking rooms and distributing the deceased body looking for clues?
Can they stop a murderer and Penelope Aka Lady Denham has just been reunited with her lost love of over 40 years! Can try two have a HEA with a murder and secret meetings in bedrooms going on!?
What a ride nonstop action! Did not put it down! Bravo!
February 16, 2024
5 points! Incredibly great novel!
It’s simply wonderful that this is a separate book by the author, and not part of a series, because despite the minimalist format, the story turned out to be complete, despite the fact that everything came together in less than a week. Both heroes are very ideal: young, beautiful, correct and decent, there is no gross vulgarity in their relationship, everything develops, although quickly, but completely logically, bed scenes are full of love, and not just lust. The murder investigation added intrigue, because the “villains” gave themselves away and self-destructed, so this is not the strongest part of the story. In general, I liked the couple, I’m glad that both young and old found their love. It’s very pleasing that since this is not part of the series, the epilogue became a laconic conclusion to the story and told us that the heroes had a full family, and did not hint at the next couple, as happens in auto series.
Overall everything is very good. Anyone who knows this author will understand that this cannot be said about each of her books, that often the plots contain a lot of illogical haste and superficial relationships, vulgar sex, etc. So read with pleasure!
It’s simply wonderful that this is a separate book by the author, and not part of a series, because despite the minimalist format, the story turned out to be complete, despite the fact that everything came together in less than a week. Both heroes are very ideal: young, beautiful, correct and decent, there is no gross vulgarity in their relationship, everything develops, although quickly, but completely logically, bed scenes are full of love, and not just lust. The murder investigation added intrigue, because the “villains” gave themselves away and self-destructed, so this is not the strongest part of the story. In general, I liked the couple, I’m glad that both young and old found their love. It’s very pleasing that since this is not part of the series, the epilogue became a laconic conclusion to the story and told us that the heroes had a full family, and did not hint at the next couple, as happens in auto series.
Overall everything is very good. Anyone who knows this author will understand that this cannot be said about each of her books, that often the plots contain a lot of illogical haste and superficial relationships, vulgar sex, etc. So read with pleasure!
January 23, 2022
I've read and enjoyed several Adele Clee books but this was such a misstep I am wondering what happened. Tonally weird, veering between elements of farce at really inappropriate moments with a half-arsed mystery plot and a fairly dull romance. And several words that do not mean what she seems to think they mean. . Also, a personal bugbear - having the other women repeatedly described as "ugly" really gets on my tits.
December 9, 2021
Romance & Mystery combined
Hugo an Earl has promised his mother he will select a wife by his 30th birthday only a few days away. His mother has invited several young women to their estate for the Christmas holiday. Things are livened up when another single women, Lara, shows up which is followed by the murder of one of the male guests. Lara and Hugo meet and realize they need to work together to solve the mystery. Love is in the air along with the mystery.
Hugo an Earl has promised his mother he will select a wife by his 30th birthday only a few days away. His mother has invited several young women to their estate for the Christmas holiday. Things are livened up when another single women, Lara, shows up which is followed by the murder of one of the male guests. Lara and Hugo meet and realize they need to work together to solve the mystery. Love is in the air along with the mystery.
October 27, 2020
Love anything by this author.
I really enjoyed this story, Christmas stories are wonderful, but at times they can be a bit on the dull side. This story kept moving and had mystery, suspence, romance, second chances and excitement. If mentioning other aspects with the story would give away too much. Happy reading znd Merry Christmas
I really enjoyed this story, Christmas stories are wonderful, but at times they can be a bit on the dull side. This story kept moving and had mystery, suspence, romance, second chances and excitement. If mentioning other aspects with the story would give away too much. Happy reading znd Merry Christmas
December 28, 2022
This was a thoroughly enjoyable novella. Hugo is contemplating marriage to three undesirable ladies at his house party. A heavy snowstorm causes a beautiful stranger to seek refuge. The stranger has some secrets. A sweeping romance and a murder mystery kept me glued to the pages. There is a lot of story packed into this one.
January 16, 2023
Murder and unexpected visitors
Hugo is trapped. His mother has invited house guests that include 3 single females, one of whom Hugo is expected to wed. But a winter storm brings a damsel in distress to his door as well as the murder of a friend. It doesn't take Hugo long to realize that something nefarious is afoot. A bit too explicit for my tastes.
Hugo is trapped. His mother has invited house guests that include 3 single females, one of whom Hugo is expected to wed. But a winter storm brings a damsel in distress to his door as well as the murder of a friend. It doesn't take Hugo long to realize that something nefarious is afoot. A bit too explicit for my tastes.
March 15, 2020
Great read!
Loved the characters, loved the storyline. A very enjoyable historical romance. A young woman agrees to help her grandfather reunite with his lost love and she finds love. Very HEA.
Loved the characters, loved the storyline. A very enjoyable historical romance. A young woman agrees to help her grandfather reunite with his lost love and she finds love. Very HEA.
March 16, 2021
I mostly enjoyed the story and the mystery was good, but the characterization of the side character Miss Purdue was weirdly anti-feminist (despite Adele Clee writing lots of strong female characters in her other novels).
December 18, 2021
A very good read!
An enjoyable historical holiday story, my first by this author. The story was well written and without any typos or plot holes to interrupt a good read. I've added this author to my Whitelist and look forward to reading more of her work.
An enjoyable historical holiday story, my first by this author. The story was well written and without any typos or plot holes to interrupt a good read. I've added this author to my Whitelist and look forward to reading more of her work.
January 3, 2022
This is a good romance by a new author for me. It’s romance with a side a suspense. Lara and Hugo are attracted to each other at first site, but are they duty bound as with the times or will love win out? I look forward to reading another book.
May 3, 2020
This was okay, but I didn't love it. I just couldn't get into it and I wasn't captivated by the characters. It was a pleasant enough read, just not one of the author's best.
August 23, 2020
A great way to spend time... an Historical, Regency book with detective/PI action, mystery, suspense... that concludes with not one but two beautiful love stories.
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