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When She Was Naughty
A Christmas Eve ball.
A light-hearted beauty.
An earl who needs to come in from the cold.
All year long, Chloe Garland’s been trading witty remarks and heated glances with her nemesis, the arrogant Lord Cheverell. But when Chloe tricks him into wearing a hideous waistcoat—complete with sequins, pompoms, and jingle bells—to her family’s Christmas Eve party, she may have gone too far. Her penalty? A single, scorching kiss—and a Christmas gift she never expected.
Love.
A light-hearted beauty.
An earl who needs to come in from the cold.
All year long, Chloe Garland’s been trading witty remarks and heated glances with her nemesis, the arrogant Lord Cheverell. But when Chloe tricks him into wearing a hideous waistcoat—complete with sequins, pompoms, and jingle bells—to her family’s Christmas Eve party, she may have gone too far. Her penalty? A single, scorching kiss—and a Christmas gift she never expected.
Love.
67 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 24, 2020
149 people are currently reading
1516 people want to read
About the author
Tessa Dare
51 books15k followersSign up for Tessa's newsletter and be the first to hear about new books and hot deals! http://tessadare.com/newsletter-signup/
Tessa Dare is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of fourteen historical romance novels and five novellas. Her books have won numerous accolades, including Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA® award (twice!) and the RT Book Reviews Seal of Excellence. Booklist magazine named her one of the “new stars of historical romance," and her books have been contracted for translation in more than a dozen languages.
A librarian by training and a booklover at heart, Tessa makes her home in Southern California, where she lives with her husband, their two children, and a trio of cosmic kitties.
Tessa Dare is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of fourteen historical romance novels and five novellas. Her books have won numerous accolades, including Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA® award (twice!) and the RT Book Reviews Seal of Excellence. Booklist magazine named her one of the “new stars of historical romance," and her books have been contracted for translation in more than a dozen languages.
A librarian by training and a booklover at heart, Tessa makes her home in Southern California, where she lives with her husband, their two children, and a trio of cosmic kitties.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 517 reviews
December 27, 2021
i love you without reserve or limit!!!!!
December 30, 2022
A very (very) short novella about a sweet Christmas romance.
There really isn't much to this one other than the heroine tricks the hero into wearing an ugly Christmas sweater to bring his arrogant self down a peg or two, only to discover that he wore it because he was in love with her and wanted her approval.
Hard not to fall for a guy who wears hideous Christmas sweaters.
Why is that, ladies?
I'm not 100% sure, but I'm thinking it's because we think it means they'll be willing to do other uncomfortable things later on down the line. Like squash scary-looking unidentifiable bugs and check out weird noises in the middle of the night.
Maybe it is just the neighbor's cat making sweet, sweet love to his girlfriend, but it could also be that freaky kid from The Grudge trying to break into the house!
Whether or not Lord Cheverell will be willing to throw himself on demons or kill spiders isn't answered between these pages, but it does look as though these two will live happily ever after they tie the knot. It's a cute Christmas-y romance that fans of Tessa Dare can use to tide themselves over till her next full-length novel hits the shelves.
There really isn't much to this one other than the heroine tricks the hero into wearing an ugly Christmas sweater to bring his arrogant self down a peg or two, only to discover that he wore it because he was in love with her and wanted her approval.
Hard not to fall for a guy who wears hideous Christmas sweaters.
Why is that, ladies?
I'm not 100% sure, but I'm thinking it's because we think it means they'll be willing to do other uncomfortable things later on down the line. Like squash scary-looking unidentifiable bugs and check out weird noises in the middle of the night.
Maybe it is just the neighbor's cat making sweet, sweet love to his girlfriend, but it could also be that freaky kid from The Grudge trying to break into the house!
Whether or not Lord Cheverell will be willing to throw himself on demons or kill spiders isn't answered between these pages, but it does look as though these two will live happily ever after they tie the knot. It's a cute Christmas-y romance that fans of Tessa Dare can use to tide themselves over till her next full-length novel hits the shelves.
January 9, 2021
3.5 “I have always wanted more” stars⭐️
“...if I were to kiss you, Chloe, it would not be disappointing. If I kissed you, it would become my life’s purpose, my sole reason for existing, to make that kiss so deeply, lushly, passionately soul-stirring that from this night forward, for the remainder of your days, any other kiss from any other man would turn to ash on your lips.”
I feel like it's been ages since I'd last read a historical romance. I'd almost forgotten how much I love being lost in that world! This was such an enjoyable holiday novella, cute and funny, just what I've come to expect from Tessa Dare! 💖
“...if I were to kiss you, Chloe, it would not be disappointing. If I kissed you, it would become my life’s purpose, my sole reason for existing, to make that kiss so deeply, lushly, passionately soul-stirring that from this night forward, for the remainder of your days, any other kiss from any other man would turn to ash on your lips.”
I feel like it's been ages since I'd last read a historical romance. I'd almost forgotten how much I love being lost in that world! This was such an enjoyable holiday novella, cute and funny, just what I've come to expect from Tessa Dare! 💖
December 29, 2020
A sweet, short, Christmas story. And a freebie 😄
He came to stand before her.
And then he dropped to one knee.
She jumped to her feet. “What are you doing?”
He stood again. “I mean to propose marriage. You’re holding the ring. I’m not being precisely subtle about it.”
December 29, 2020
Anything that Tessa Dare seems to write is gold.
May 15, 2023
sometimes straights do have rights
December 6, 2021
EXCUSE ME I didn't think this book would end so abruptly. UGH I adored the banter and the couple but I needed it to be longer
3.5
3.5
March 17, 2021
"When she was Naughty" is Tessa Dare`s new christmas novella about the carefree Chloe Garland who pranks her nemesis into wearing a ugly christmas westcoat.Imagine her surprise when he confess to how hopelessly he have been in love with her all along.
This story just made me fan myself cuz it was soooo romantic!Justin Earl of Cheverell and lady Chloe Garland were opposite in character but totally blended together.For being a short story i found it to be so fuzzy,sweet and romantic.Justin sure is a romantic hero despite his intimidating presence.He was so swoonworthy that i wanted to get to know more about him and found his devotion and love for Chloe sooooo romantic!I mean,who could say no to such a man!!??Thank you Tessa Dare for sending this novella for free as a holiday gift to my e-mail.I already know that i will read it all over again!
***
" I don’t know how people survive this love business. The world is alive to a painful, bewildering degree. I’m nothing but a raw, throbbing nerve. My heart lives outside my body, where it’s more likely to be bruised than delighted. It is torment, and yet”—he exhaled,resigned—“a lifetime of torment wouldn’t be enough. I love you without reserve or limit.” -Justin
This story just made me fan myself cuz it was soooo romantic!Justin Earl of Cheverell and lady Chloe Garland were opposite in character but totally blended together.For being a short story i found it to be so fuzzy,sweet and romantic.Justin sure is a romantic hero despite his intimidating presence.He was so swoonworthy that i wanted to get to know more about him and found his devotion and love for Chloe sooooo romantic!I mean,who could say no to such a man!!??Thank you Tessa Dare for sending this novella for free as a holiday gift to my e-mail.I already know that i will read it all over again!
***
" I don’t know how people survive this love business. The world is alive to a painful, bewildering degree. I’m nothing but a raw, throbbing nerve. My heart lives outside my body, where it’s more likely to be bruised than delighted. It is torment, and yet”—he exhaled,resigned—“a lifetime of torment wouldn’t be enough. I love you without reserve or limit.” -Justin
December 7, 2023
Too short, but so cute. You know, when I was younger, a boy would pull my hair and act just awful to me. I never dreamed he liked me. Chole Garland has known Justin, Lord Cheverell, for about a year now. His cousin has married Chole's brother so that makes them family, of a sort. Anyway, Justin has been mean to her, or so Chole always thought. So, she had decided to execute a little prank on him by getting him to wear a hideous waistcoat (think ugly Christmas sweater in modern times) she made for him to her family's Christmas Eve ball. The prank backfires and Chloe apologizes. But she receives a truth session with Justin and a gift she never expected him to proffer.
December 26, 2020
❄❄ A delightful Christmas shortie and freebie from Tessa Dare. ❄❄
December 30, 2020
When She Was Naughty is quintessential Tessa Dare in short form! She offered it as a freebie and it's a funny, charming holiday romance that puts a historical spin on the ugly Christmas sweater in the form of an overly festive waistcoat!
Chloe has spent the year trading jabs with the earl, trying to get him out of his stiff shell. On Christmas Eve she finally has a foolproof plan- trick him into wearing a Christmas waistcoat festooned with lopsided snowflakes, baubles, and tassels! But she gets more than she bargained for when that seemingly cold demeanor isn't what it seems...
This was brief, entertaining, and the perfect holiday short when you need a pick me up. Thanks to Tessa Dare for bringing joy into a difficult year!
Chloe has spent the year trading jabs with the earl, trying to get him out of his stiff shell. On Christmas Eve she finally has a foolproof plan- trick him into wearing a Christmas waistcoat festooned with lopsided snowflakes, baubles, and tassels! But she gets more than she bargained for when that seemingly cold demeanor isn't what it seems...
This was brief, entertaining, and the perfect holiday short when you need a pick me up. Thanks to Tessa Dare for bringing joy into a difficult year!
December 23, 2022
This was great! But if you’re saying “naughty” at least have some hanky panky! God he was so besotted though we stan
December 2, 2022
2.5/3 stars
Tessa Dare is always a favorite author of mine for historical romance.
Since Christmas is around the corner and I’m a bit of a grinch right now, I thought I would check out this novella for some much needed cheer.
The writing was good along with the characters.
It was just too short for me and the ending was a bit more abrupt than I wanted.
Definitely looking forward to reading a new book by her soon…hopefully!
Tessa Dare is always a favorite author of mine for historical romance.
Since Christmas is around the corner and I’m a bit of a grinch right now, I thought I would check out this novella for some much needed cheer.
The writing was good along with the characters.
It was just too short for me and the ending was a bit more abrupt than I wanted.
Definitely looking forward to reading a new book by her soon…hopefully!
August 31, 2021
Short and sweet!
January 2, 2021
A very sweet, short, light Christmas read. A wonderful freebie and gift by Tessa Dare
March 29, 2022
Chloe Garland tricks Justin, Lord Cheverell, into wearing an ugly waistcoat. He tricks her into feelings. THE END.
1. Okay, this was cute but absolutely suffered from its brevity. This review may end up being longer than the thing which is a mite worrying.
2. I enjoyed the shades of Darcy in Justin's "judgy" demeanor: how he studies Chloe because he's entranced by her and is misunderstood for that awareness; how his attempts to engage in conversation and feelings sounds like he's shutting down the conversation; how he's so excited about the Christmas party—until he realizes that Chloe's tricked him. Like, this was the shit. It was enjoyable.
3. Chloe was more disappointing—not because she's a bad character but because all of her feelings and thoughts are left off page. After Justin's revelation, she shows up the next morning With Feelings—and we, the humble audience, don't get any insight into how or why she's suddenly Got It Bad. It just kind of takes the wind out from under an otherwise enjoyable little romp.
4. Dare's need to link her historicals to contemporary trappings remains...fine. It's not my favorite of her quirks as an author, but it's the one I dislike the most.
1. Okay, this was cute but absolutely suffered from its brevity. This review may end up being longer than the thing which is a mite worrying.
2. I enjoyed the shades of Darcy in Justin's "judgy" demeanor: how he studies Chloe because he's entranced by her and is misunderstood for that awareness; how his attempts to engage in conversation and feelings sounds like he's shutting down the conversation; how he's so excited about the Christmas party—until he realizes that Chloe's tricked him. Like, this was the shit. It was enjoyable.
3. Chloe was more disappointing—not because she's a bad character but because all of her feelings and thoughts are left off page. After Justin's revelation, she shows up the next morning With Feelings—and we, the humble audience, don't get any insight into how or why she's suddenly Got It Bad. It just kind of takes the wind out from under an otherwise enjoyable little romp.
4. Dare's need to link her historicals to contemporary trappings remains...fine. It's not my favorite of her quirks as an author, but it's the one I dislike the most.
December 28, 2021
UGH THIS WAS SO PERFECT BUT WHY COULDN’T IT BE LONGER??????? 😩😩😩
December 23, 2021
This is a such a fun little story that had me laughing out loud. Our heroine plays a prank on the hero because she thinks he hates her, but in fact he’s been pining over her for years. A short, sweet and adorable Christmas romance I highly recommend!
December 26, 2020
Short, sweet, and Christmassy. Loved.
January 2, 2021
Un relato, si puede llamarse así, porque son un par de escenas
Divertidas y con el toque que tiene Tessa Dare, me lo he pasado muy bien con este conde estirado y ella, sabe a muy poco, pero es un regalo de la autora y ya es de mucho agradecer
Una lectura para navidades ;)
Divertidas y con el toque que tiene Tessa Dare, me lo he pasado muy bien con este conde estirado y ella, sabe a muy poco, pero es un regalo de la autora y ya es de mucho agradecer
Una lectura para navidades ;)
January 2, 2021
When I saw Tessa Dare comparing this short story to the ugly Christmas sweaters scene in the Bridget Jones movie, I knew I had to read it immediately! Tessa Dare truly wrote a very cute Christmas novella. It was very heartwarming and it's the perfect quick read to kick off this new year.
December 27, 2020
This is a well-wrtiten, entertaining, sweet, historical fiction, Christmas novella. It has likable, engaging characters, a heart-warming romance, Ms. Dare's classic humor and wit, and a happily ever after ending.
January 2, 2021
This was so freaking sweet and funny 🥰 Only thing missing is an epilogue.
January 11, 2021
Such a charming novella. Loved the serious, stiff hero and sweet, wild heroine.
Safe and recommended.
Safe and recommended.
December 16, 2021
Short but cute.
December 28, 2020
A cute and sweet short story about a stuffy earl and vivacious woman who tells hi it’s an ugly waistcoat party. Think Bridget Jones’ Diary ugly sweater scene lol
Review posted on Got Fiction? book blog
Review posted on Got Fiction? book blog
December 26, 2020
What a happy surprise this was! This is exactly what you would think a novella from Tessa Dare would be, sweet and fun. Hopefully this will tide me over until The Bride Bet is released. Side night: the title is super silly.
October 18, 2023
Loved this! It's a lovely historical novella (very short read) set around Christmas. I haven't read Tessa Dare in a long time and shame on me because it was so well written.
P.S. It was 99 cents on Amazon if that helps sway you towards reading this.
P.S. It was 99 cents on Amazon if that helps sway you towards reading this.
December 29, 2020
Meh. It was okay. Very short.
December 23, 2023
2nd read 12/28/2021:
Enjoyed this even more around christmas time and Manford Manly McManning is still the best name ever
1st read 03/08/2021:
Manford Manly McManning is hands down the best name in existence
Enjoyed this even more around christmas time and Manford Manly McManning is still the best name ever
1st read 03/08/2021:
Manford Manly McManning is hands down the best name in existence
Displaying 1 - 30 of 517 reviews