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Faking Stitch #1
The Mistletoe Trap
Alternative cover editions for this ASIN can be found here, here and here.
Five years after breaking Amelia Chilson's heart, he's back.
Robert Danbury wants the mistletoe kiss Amelia denied him years ago, but nothing more. Loving a woman again is an unthinkable risk. They just have to make it through Christmas without kissing or killing each other.
Over presents and under mistletoe the past is revealed.
Their mistakes are sweet, ugly, delicate, and unassailable. Botanist Robert might be able to grow pineapples almost as perfect as the ones Amelia can picture in her embroidery, but they can't change the past. Especially when Robert's daughter is a constant reminder.
Then, they're caught innocently in bed together, and Robert has an instant to choose: Amelia's reputation, their lost love, or his conscience.
Length: 30,000 words
Tropes: second chance; enemies-to-lovers; scandal; compromised
Heat level: medium-high.
Content Notes can be found before the Contents page.
Note: this novella was first published in the 2018 charity Regency Christmas anthology, Love Rekindled at Christmas.
Five years after breaking Amelia Chilson's heart, he's back.
Robert Danbury wants the mistletoe kiss Amelia denied him years ago, but nothing more. Loving a woman again is an unthinkable risk. They just have to make it through Christmas without kissing or killing each other.
Over presents and under mistletoe the past is revealed.
Their mistakes are sweet, ugly, delicate, and unassailable. Botanist Robert might be able to grow pineapples almost as perfect as the ones Amelia can picture in her embroidery, but they can't change the past. Especially when Robert's daughter is a constant reminder.
Then, they're caught innocently in bed together, and Robert has an instant to choose: Amelia's reputation, their lost love, or his conscience.
Length: 30,000 words
Tropes: second chance; enemies-to-lovers; scandal; compromised
Heat level: medium-high.
Content Notes can be found before the Contents page.
Note: this novella was first published in the 2018 charity Regency Christmas anthology, Love Rekindled at Christmas.
100 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2018
113 people are currently reading
269 people want to read
About the author
Eve Pendle
30 books167 followersEve lives in England and writes angsty, snarky and passionate Victorian era romance. She has National Trust membership, a prince-charming husband, and a crazy dog. She loves wearing dresses and eating chocolate.
You can get a free sexy historical romance story from Eve when you sign up for her new-releases email list at evependle.com
You can get a free sexy historical romance story from Eve when you sign up for her new-releases email list at evependle.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
June 28, 2023
EP writes cleverly but so very anachronistically.
This is another silly mc-separating MU story. Actually a completely non-MU!
I mean how can two people in love botch up things so badly.
And too much of modern sensibilities for me to settle in happily.
Young respectable Regency spinsters - all 23 yo of age - do not take lovers.
For one, it'd be courting scandal even they go about it secretly (although how to find lovers if you are to be secretive in the first place?) and what about the risk of getting pregnant? I could accept it if she was a few years older but to already have two lovers under her belt when she was so shy and awkward at 18 that she botched her courtship with the H?
So, the shy wallflower turns cool as cucumber sexual prowler.
And the poor H has been with only one woman - his wife.
As if one sexual anachronism isn't enough, the h's aunt also has her own lesbian affair going on - not very discreetly too.
No way am I suggesting that people of those times were sexless or all straight but one reads HRs for the correct social mores.
Coming back to the h/H, they have a very boring chemistry.
Or barely any chemistry, even after they have sex.
The MU in the past - is so strange but ... but yes, also novel!
This is another silly mc-separating MU story. Actually a completely non-MU!
I mean how can two people in love botch up things so badly.
And too much of modern sensibilities for me to settle in happily.
Young respectable Regency spinsters - all 23 yo of age - do not take lovers.
For one, it'd be courting scandal even they go about it secretly (although how to find lovers if you are to be secretive in the first place?) and what about the risk of getting pregnant? I could accept it if she was a few years older but to already have two lovers under her belt when she was so shy and awkward at 18 that she botched her courtship with the H?
So, the shy wallflower turns cool as cucumber sexual prowler.
And the poor H has been with only one woman - his wife.
As if one sexual anachronism isn't enough, the h's aunt also has her own lesbian affair going on - not very discreetly too.
No way am I suggesting that people of those times were sexless or all straight but one reads HRs for the correct social mores.
Coming back to the h/H, they have a very boring chemistry.
Or barely any chemistry, even after they have sex.
The MU in the past - is so strange but ... but yes, also novel!
November 20, 2021
This was a delightful and well written story. The characters were also well develop. I only wish the main characters payed Edith more attention.
January 22, 2019
Short story that was originally part of an anthology has some really cute aspects but is a bit disjointed. I loved the embroidered sampler with the [insert eggplant emojis] and insults like RATBAG. I'm stealing that word. Also, the heroine is funny and likable. The hero was fine and their history was a bit complicated. Overall a cute, short read. I would definitely read more by this author.
December 16, 2021
Sorry, I just didn't like the writing and felt many sentences needed more work. Some made no sense to me at all. Parts were okay, but I could not finish.
April 19, 2024
I read Eve Pendle back in 2018 with Six Weeks with a Lord and really liked it. I wasn't taking very good notes back then so have no recollection of it. I just wrote down that I liked it. Right after that, I had gotten another of her books and didn't like it at all and actually returned it. While going through and cleaning out my book list this past week, I saw she has more books out now so I decided to try her once more.
I liked Robert and Amelia. Cute story and cute read. I may have to finish up this series. :)
I liked Robert and Amelia. Cute story and cute read. I may have to finish up this series. :)
December 4, 2021
Amelia has been told that Robert will be arriving for Christmas. They were friends once, but he married another. Unfortunately, his wife died.
Epilogue: tells of Amelia having just given birth to a baby boy, who they called Andrew.
An entertaining story, but have read similar stories like this one. It was o.k. 3☆
Epilogue: tells of Amelia having just given birth to a baby boy, who they called Andrew.
An entertaining story, but have read similar stories like this one. It was o.k. 3☆
March 17, 2022
After her best friend chose to marry another woman, Amelia had resigned herself to life as a spinster. She had an embroidery profession, donated to a charity, and lived as a companion to her aunt in London. But a family Christmas party drags her home and finds Robert, her childhood best friend, now recently widowed, and his family on the guest list. Amelia has her opportunity to befriend his adorable daughter and confront him about why he chose someone else.
There were really two separate acts to this novella. In the first half of the book, the hero and heroine spend most of the time resenting each other. Robert was mad at Amelia for rebuffing him when they were younger, for turning away when he wanted a kiss under the mistletoe. And she was mad at him for marrying someone else. I loved the mention of Pride & Prejudice and likens herself to sweet, painfully shy Jane who has trouble outwardly showing affection. And then because of complications (being caught together, though nothing actually happened), their relationship felt forced. I did love the second chance trope and finding romance later in life (though this isn’t too much later to really qualify as later in life).
The second half of the book reminded me of Bridgerton where the hero attempted to use the heroine’s naivety to avoid sex (in this case to avoid losing another wife in childbirth), though Amelia wasn’t innocent (which felt too modern for the time period and gets mentioned frequently), so she knew better, and she wasn’t weak-willed and knew what she wanted, which led to a fascinating battle of wills. And, yes, I loved the embroidery piece she made for Robert. (There is a bit of graphic sex in this).
There were really two separate acts to this novella. In the first half of the book, the hero and heroine spend most of the time resenting each other. Robert was mad at Amelia for rebuffing him when they were younger, for turning away when he wanted a kiss under the mistletoe. And she was mad at him for marrying someone else. I loved the mention of Pride & Prejudice and likens herself to sweet, painfully shy Jane who has trouble outwardly showing affection. And then because of complications (being caught together, though nothing actually happened), their relationship felt forced. I did love the second chance trope and finding romance later in life (though this isn’t too much later to really qualify as later in life).
The second half of the book reminded me of Bridgerton where the hero attempted to use the heroine’s naivety to avoid sex (in this case to avoid losing another wife in childbirth), though Amelia wasn’t innocent (which felt too modern for the time period and gets mentioned frequently), so she knew better, and she wasn’t weak-willed and knew what she wanted, which led to a fascinating battle of wills. And, yes, I loved the embroidery piece she made for Robert. (There is a bit of graphic sex in this).
December 11, 2022
The Mistletoe Trap is a cute little novella set during Christmas time. The love story between Amelia and Robert is so sweet. Amelia is a companion to her aunt and visits her parents house during the Christmas holiday. Her mother has a house party and invites the person who broke Amelia's heart when she was younger. Not only does her mother invite him but she sits him beside her for meals. The insuing story involves being caught in a compromising position and the ramifications. This is a fun little quick read for the holidays.
February 14, 2020
This is a well written short story with a cast of colorful characters and an entertaining story line. The author does a great job moving the story with the misunderstandings,laughter and love. Add in the sexual and passionate romance with detailed scenes and you have an enjoyable read. It moves quickly and smoothly and gave me plenty of laughs reading this story and would recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
June 6, 2019
Enjoyable read even though this Regency romance had a quirky title for a historical novel.
June 11, 2019
An enjoyable read about second chances & misunderstandings.
I really liked the characters, especially our heroine.
Sexy and witty, the love story was reignited between those two.
I really liked the characters, especially our heroine.
Sexy and witty, the love story was reignited between those two.
March 8, 2025
It was nice. The miscommunication is strong in this one, though.
November 26, 2025
I don’t think those fictional characters should end up together…
December 24, 2022
Venus-Mars misunderstandings abound, second chances pop up, a 4-yr-old sweetens the deal, spicy encounters raise the alarm level to 5, and Christmas gets very, vert, very merry.
November 24, 2023
Yeah, I don't really know what to say about this book. It kind of was enjoyable. But I was confused sometimes about which POV I was reading. Things happened kind of fast. And the word use for his part was cringe, I can't.
January 6, 2019
Oh, this book was so amazing! The story was so, so good I have to say it was really perfect! The romance and the interactions between Amelia and Robert melted my heart. The last pages were an amazing surprise – specially because how caring and sweet Robert was! I super recomend the read. Also, I can wait to read more books by Eve Pendle!
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January 27, 2021🙍♀️Shy heroine who hides her feelings in her embroidery.
🌱Botanist hero who really messed everything up with a pineapple.
💗Whoops, now they have to marry
💗They missed their chance at love years ago...
🌟Right?
🍍🌲🍍🌲🍍🌲 Confusion about pricks and pineapples 😆
🌱Botanist hero who really messed everything up with a pineapple.
💗Whoops, now they have to marry
💗They missed their chance at love years ago...
🌟Right?
🍍🌲🍍🌲🍍🌲 Confusion about pricks and pineapples 😆
July 31, 2023
“I don’t want my wife to die in childbirth” is not one of my fave tropes…also I feel like the MCs could have easily solved 5 years worth of drama by just being slightly less idiotic but that’s just me.
January 5, 2019
A fun, pithy story from this brilliant author that I was happy to read all in one sitting.
February 22, 2020
Good Characters Enliven Familiar Trope
This is the second book I have read by this author, and I enjoyed this one as I did the last. Even though this is a relatively quick-read novella, she has created some delightful characters—the hero and heroine, of course, most notably as well as the widower hero’s daughter. I always enjoy a book with a well-drawn child character. While sometimes the grand misunderstanding trope, where people who love each other are separated for years because of a misunderstanding gets blown up out of proportion, is overdone, this book succeeds because of the characters. The hero and heroine are believable and likable. I appreciated that the heroine has forged her own path in her time of separation from the hero, creating an embroidery business. She is strong and resourceful. The hero was conflicted, as most romantic heroes are, but we see his good side in how he treats his four-year-old daughter. It was sweet how the heroine and the little girl, who is very shy, got on so well at the very start. This is a steamy read. I liked how the writer was able to weave in references to embroidery in the sections told from the heroine’s perspective; it definitely could be a way that she would order and process her world.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
This is the second book I have read by this author, and I enjoyed this one as I did the last. Even though this is a relatively quick-read novella, she has created some delightful characters—the hero and heroine, of course, most notably as well as the widower hero’s daughter. I always enjoy a book with a well-drawn child character. While sometimes the grand misunderstanding trope, where people who love each other are separated for years because of a misunderstanding gets blown up out of proportion, is overdone, this book succeeds because of the characters. The hero and heroine are believable and likable. I appreciated that the heroine has forged her own path in her time of separation from the hero, creating an embroidery business. She is strong and resourceful. The hero was conflicted, as most romantic heroes are, but we see his good side in how he treats his four-year-old daughter. It was sweet how the heroine and the little girl, who is very shy, got on so well at the very start. This is a steamy read. I liked how the writer was able to weave in references to embroidery in the sections told from the heroine’s perspective; it definitely could be a way that she would order and process her world.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
February 20, 2020
A wonderfully romantic historical novel.
At the age of 18, Amelia is too shy to express her feelings towards Robert. He, on the other hand, does not believe that she answers his feelings and marries someone else. Amelia's heart is broken and she promises never to get married. She leaves for London where she is a companion for her great aunt.
Robert loses his wife during the birth of his daughter. He focuses on the education of his daughter and promises never to marry himself again. He doesn't want to lose another woman in childbirth. Amelia and Robert cannot keep their vow when they meet again after 5 years.
A sweet story with beautifully described love scenes. This story shows once again that communication is very important in a relationship. Before you know it you have lost what you have found
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
At the age of 18, Amelia is too shy to express her feelings towards Robert. He, on the other hand, does not believe that she answers his feelings and marries someone else. Amelia's heart is broken and she promises never to get married. She leaves for London where she is a companion for her great aunt.
Robert loses his wife during the birth of his daughter. He focuses on the education of his daughter and promises never to marry himself again. He doesn't want to lose another woman in childbirth. Amelia and Robert cannot keep their vow when they meet again after 5 years.
A sweet story with beautifully described love scenes. This story shows once again that communication is very important in a relationship. Before you know it you have lost what you have found
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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December 31, 2024This mini-review is part of a list titled "Christmas House Parties" that can be read in full at The Smut Report
This is a second chance single parent romance. Amelia thought Robert was courting her, and was blindsided five years ago when he announced his engagement to someone else; Robert thought Amelia liked him, but she didn’t let him kiss her under the mistletoe, so he turned his focus elsewhere. But their parents are friends, so they find themselves at the same house party. Awkward. Especially when they find themselves compromised.
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This is a second chance single parent romance. Amelia thought Robert was courting her, and was blindsided five years ago when he announced his engagement to someone else; Robert thought Amelia liked him, but she didn’t let him kiss her under the mistletoe, so he turned his focus elsewhere. But their parents are friends, so they find themselves at the same house party. Awkward. Especially when they find themselves compromised.
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December 18, 2024
Not only is this a second chance romance, but also a regency romance set at Christmas time. It is really cute and filled with the typical misunderstandings of a second chance romance. Amelia and Robert are also immensely likeable and unforgettable. The perfect couple to lead this story. One that left me smiling and feeling nostalgic for Christmases that I haven’t even experienced!
The Mistletoe Trap is a holiday novella with lots and lots of kisses under the mistletoe (which is of little surprise considering the title). Plus, it is a key part of the actual storyline. Kisses denied and given under the mistletoe being the driver for their story. I also love that, although this is a regency romance novella, it’s one that doesn’t take a simpering woman as a lead. Rather, Amelia is able to take charge of her own life after being snubbed by Robert. She might not have had the original romance that she wanted, but she managed to find happiness in her own life anyway.
This is a great historical romance that takes place at Christmas. It is all about new beginnings and saying goodbye to the mistakes of the past. Although Amelia and Robert might end up trapped into their new happily ever after. It’s ultimately what they both want, and they are well equipped to set off into a beautiful happily ever after with one another. A simple and joyous read that left me smiling and relaxed.
The Mistletoe Trap is a holiday novella with lots and lots of kisses under the mistletoe (which is of little surprise considering the title). Plus, it is a key part of the actual storyline. Kisses denied and given under the mistletoe being the driver for their story. I also love that, although this is a regency romance novella, it’s one that doesn’t take a simpering woman as a lead. Rather, Amelia is able to take charge of her own life after being snubbed by Robert. She might not have had the original romance that she wanted, but she managed to find happiness in her own life anyway.
This is a great historical romance that takes place at Christmas. It is all about new beginnings and saying goodbye to the mistakes of the past. Although Amelia and Robert might end up trapped into their new happily ever after. It’s ultimately what they both want, and they are well equipped to set off into a beautiful happily ever after with one another. A simple and joyous read that left me smiling and relaxed.
February 27, 2020
This is a short but enjoyable read about second chances and misunderstandings. The book had an entertaining storyline that kept me engaged throughout. There was plenty of witty dialogue between the characters with a good dose of humor mixed in and gave me plenty of laughs along the way (starting with the title - quirky but cute!). The characters were interesting and likable and had great personalities, and you could definitely feel the chemistry between Amelia and Robert. This was a cute, short story and I would definitely recommend for a nice cozy afternoon read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 27, 2021
I finished this short story/book a few hours ago. It was about a young woman having not gotten married yet and being at home for Christmas time. Her Mother having invited some family friends over for Christmas and was a Man that was a Widower with a young daughter that she used to be interested in. Christmas Eve she gets a bit drunk and he helps her up to her room and is laying beside her fully clothed and she has went to sleep when a Mrs. Wisbech came to the room and found them, so he said that they were engaged. So they got married and left for his place where there was some problems but they got solved and they were very happy in the end. I liked reading this story.
June 29, 2021
Amelia was distressed when her mother invited Robert's family to Christmas, not informing her until the last minute. Sadly, due to a lack of communication and a ploy by the competition, Robert married another, caught in a tangled web. Though his wife died during during childbirth, leaving him and his young daughter traumatized. There were many awkward moments between Robert and Amelia, but they couldn't deny their attraction to one another. Yet, there was much to overcome. A short novella with a lovely cover and Christmas theme, however it has some explicit sexual scenarios - an interesting read for most.
December 30, 2021
Sexy second chance story
This was not a clean story, but it was well written (even though American English is used) & edited. I did enjoy this second chance story, but the constant “why did he marry someone else” & “I can’t risk getting her pregnant” did drag things down. However, I really liked Amelia as she was so enterprising. I also liked Robert’s efforts & gestures in making Amelia understand how much he loved her. I’m glad the author mentioned dear Great Aunt Henrietta in her epilogue.
This was not a clean story, but it was well written (even though American English is used) & edited. I did enjoy this second chance story, but the constant “why did he marry someone else” & “I can’t risk getting her pregnant” did drag things down. However, I really liked Amelia as she was so enterprising. I also liked Robert’s efforts & gestures in making Amelia understand how much he loved her. I’m glad the author mentioned dear Great Aunt Henrietta in her epilogue.
January 22, 2021
Errors in Judgement
Amelia and Robert grew up knowing each other since their parents were friends. During Amelia’s first season they become reacquainted but do not fully understand what the other wants resulting in Robert marrying someone else. Several years following the death of his wife during the birth of his daughter they meet again during Christmas party. The problem is they still need to work out their problems.
Amelia and Robert grew up knowing each other since their parents were friends. During Amelia’s first season they become reacquainted but do not fully understand what the other wants resulting in Robert marrying someone else. Several years following the death of his wife during the birth of his daughter they meet again during Christmas party. The problem is they still need to work out their problems.
October 23, 2021
Not Very Believable
I usually love a second-chance-at-love Regency romance. If it is at Christmas, even better. Sadly, The Mistletoe Trap by Eve Pendle was too unbelievable for me to enjoy. The story was okay, but I didn't like either the heroine or the hero. I'm just glad this was a fairly short read with a happy ending.
Content 411: In addition to some mild swearing, there is also some sexual intimacies.
I usually love a second-chance-at-love Regency romance. If it is at Christmas, even better. Sadly, The Mistletoe Trap by Eve Pendle was too unbelievable for me to enjoy. The story was okay, but I didn't like either the heroine or the hero. I'm just glad this was a fairly short read with a happy ending.
Content 411: In addition to some mild swearing, there is also some sexual intimacies.
September 25, 2022
Cute Christmas tale
Miscommunication and the youth of the lead characters delays their love. He married another and she was heart broken. Five years later he shows up unexpectedly for Christmas with a daughter in tow. His wife died in childbirth and he's vowed to never marry again. Guess he never heard "never say never". The outcome was clear from pretty much the first page but still an entertaining read.
Miscommunication and the youth of the lead characters delays their love. He married another and she was heart broken. Five years later he shows up unexpectedly for Christmas with a daughter in tow. His wife died in childbirth and he's vowed to never marry again. Guess he never heard "never say never". The outcome was clear from pretty much the first page but still an entertaining read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews