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The Hesitant Husbands #4
A Very Viscount Christmas
The Marquess and Marchioness of Clydon request the pleasure of your company this December at their annual Christmas house party. Honored guests are invited to spend this Christmastide at Carcliffe Castle, where a suite of winter adventures and explorations will be enjoyed by all...
Harriet Pratt’s place on the shelf is becoming more firmly solidified with each passing season. When her longtime friend, Madison, invites her to spend Christmas in the country, it is the perfect excuse for Harriet to escape her mother’s disappointed glances. But she soon discovers that Carcliffe Castle is a place of mystery, where new adventures... and temptations... await around every corner.
When he arrives to spend the holidays with his longtime family friends, Leland Bowden, Viscount Bayfield, is looking forward to a quiet and contemplative retreat. But his hostess has different plans in mind, and before long, Lee finds himself, again and again, in the presence of the beguiling Miss Pratt. It seems that the very walls of Carcliffe Castle are conspiring to throw them together. Before long, Lee begins to wonder if it is fate—or something headier—that is playing with their hearts.
Harriet Pratt’s place on the shelf is becoming more firmly solidified with each passing season. When her longtime friend, Madison, invites her to spend Christmas in the country, it is the perfect excuse for Harriet to escape her mother’s disappointed glances. But she soon discovers that Carcliffe Castle is a place of mystery, where new adventures... and temptations... await around every corner.
When he arrives to spend the holidays with his longtime family friends, Leland Bowden, Viscount Bayfield, is looking forward to a quiet and contemplative retreat. But his hostess has different plans in mind, and before long, Lee finds himself, again and again, in the presence of the beguiling Miss Pratt. It seems that the very walls of Carcliffe Castle are conspiring to throw them together. Before long, Lee begins to wonder if it is fate—or something headier—that is playing with their hearts.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 18, 2021
214 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Cara Maxwell
26 books125 followersBringing fresh perspective and punch to the genre readers already know and love, Cara Maxwell is dedicated to writing spirited heroines and irresistible rogues who you will root for every time. A lifetime reader of romance, Cara put pen to paper (or rather, fingers to keyboard) in 2019 and published her first book. She hasn’t slowed down from there.
Cara is an avid traveler. As she explores new places, she imagines her characters walking hand-in-hand down a cobblestone path or sharing a passionate kiss in a secluded alcove. Cara is living out her own happily ever after in Seattle, Washington, where she resides with her husband, daughter, and two cats, RoseArt and Etch-o-Sketch.
Cara is an avid traveler. As she explores new places, she imagines her characters walking hand-in-hand down a cobblestone path or sharing a passionate kiss in a secluded alcove. Cara is living out her own happily ever after in Seattle, Washington, where she resides with her husband, daughter, and two cats, RoseArt and Etch-o-Sketch.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 25, 2023
This is a new author for me. I do like to let you guys know when it is a new author. I recently read another new author that I enjoyed and read her whole 4 book series back-to-back but then after that, I read another new author and didn’t even finish Book 1. So even though I do thorough research on new authors, I don’t always find a gem.
My first book by Cara Maxwell was One Race to Ruin (Racing Rogues Book 1). It was a pretty good read but I decided not to read the remaining books in the series just yet. Wanted to try a new series of hers first. I chose this Hesitant Husbands series and I am glad I did. I am really enjoying this series and their stories. I do like a bit more steam in my books but they are still good reads.
I really enjoyed reading Arie and Lee's story. I liked their personalities. I liked the little bit of drama. Just an overall cute read of a cute couple.
My first book by Cara Maxwell was One Race to Ruin (Racing Rogues Book 1). It was a pretty good read but I decided not to read the remaining books in the series just yet. Wanted to try a new series of hers first. I chose this Hesitant Husbands series and I am glad I did. I am really enjoying this series and their stories. I do like a bit more steam in my books but they are still good reads.
I really enjoyed reading Arie and Lee's story. I liked their personalities. I liked the little bit of drama. Just an overall cute read of a cute couple.
November 18, 2021
When you take a house party and set it during the Christmas time in the Regency Era, I am immediately on board. I found this novel to be an absolute delight and the perfect Holiday treat to cozy up with on a cold Winter's night in preparation for the Holiday season. Cara Maxwell does a lovely job of weaving together a romance between two people who are cautious and hesitant about entering into a romantic relationship. By creating the delightful setting of a house party around the twelve days of Christmas, the hero and heroine find themselves in proximity with each other, experiencing odd happenstances and mysterious events surrounding the castle they are currently residing, and slowly grow a friendship and love that they did not expect to find. Maxwell's writing is accessible and conversational, the story is well paced and the romance has a delightful level of steam and sweetness.This is the fourth book in the Hesitant Husband series, and it is the first book I have read in this series. I think it reads fine as a standalone but we do get lots of glimpses and interactions with the couples from the first three novels, which definitely intrigues me and excites me to go back and read their romances.
The romance at the heart of this novel is between Arie (Harriet) and Lee. Arie has been out in society for four years and at the age of 24 considers herself a spinster, she also has an outstanding reputation and has been very careful when it comes to finding herself in compromising situations. Arie has the secret dream of what the perfect courtship and proposal of love and marriage would look like to her but when she and Lee, a Viscount and a brother to one of the house guests, are found early in the morning in each other's company they feel obligated to enter into a marriage. Lee, a confirmed bachelor at the age of 37, has been slowly falling in love with Arie since the moment he spotted her at the start of this house party and is excited by the marriage while also acknowledging this is not the way he would have gone about it. Marriage and mysteries slowly bring this couple together and they discover a truth and beauty to love they did not expect.
I really found Arie and Lee's love story to be delightfully sweet. Maxwell takes the time for Arie and Lee to get to know each other, even though this novel spans only 12 days. I love that Lee is the one to fall first and I love that he is kind and considerate of Arie's needs. Lee does not want to pressure Arie or move too quickly with her so he is the perfect patient hero as he waits for her to feel ready and safe to take their relationship into a more physical place. I love that Arie is able to discuss this with Lee and that she feels respect and understanding from him. I love that Arie learns that falling in love does not always happen the way you expect it to, but however it happens it is beautiful and precious. The mystery and intrigue around the castle is very secondary in my opinion, this novel really focuses on Arie and Lee learning more about each other and softly falling in love. This low angst novel is delightfully steamy in the later half of the novel and Maxwell does a lovely job with these scenes. I really love that Arie learns that she loves just sleeping with Lee and waking up wrapped in his arms and that is now the way she wants to spend every morning for the rest of her life.
I would highly recommend this sweetly sensual love story, if you love a small house party, if you love a winter setting and you love watching two people softly fall into love than this is a great book to try out. What a perfect holiday treat!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The romance at the heart of this novel is between Arie (Harriet) and Lee. Arie has been out in society for four years and at the age of 24 considers herself a spinster, she also has an outstanding reputation and has been very careful when it comes to finding herself in compromising situations. Arie has the secret dream of what the perfect courtship and proposal of love and marriage would look like to her but when she and Lee, a Viscount and a brother to one of the house guests, are found early in the morning in each other's company they feel obligated to enter into a marriage. Lee, a confirmed bachelor at the age of 37, has been slowly falling in love with Arie since the moment he spotted her at the start of this house party and is excited by the marriage while also acknowledging this is not the way he would have gone about it. Marriage and mysteries slowly bring this couple together and they discover a truth and beauty to love they did not expect.
I really found Arie and Lee's love story to be delightfully sweet. Maxwell takes the time for Arie and Lee to get to know each other, even though this novel spans only 12 days. I love that Lee is the one to fall first and I love that he is kind and considerate of Arie's needs. Lee does not want to pressure Arie or move too quickly with her so he is the perfect patient hero as he waits for her to feel ready and safe to take their relationship into a more physical place. I love that Arie is able to discuss this with Lee and that she feels respect and understanding from him. I love that Arie learns that falling in love does not always happen the way you expect it to, but however it happens it is beautiful and precious. The mystery and intrigue around the castle is very secondary in my opinion, this novel really focuses on Arie and Lee learning more about each other and softly falling in love. This low angst novel is delightfully steamy in the later half of the novel and Maxwell does a lovely job with these scenes. I really love that Arie learns that she loves just sleeping with Lee and waking up wrapped in his arms and that is now the way she wants to spend every morning for the rest of her life.
I would highly recommend this sweetly sensual love story, if you love a small house party, if you love a winter setting and you love watching two people softly fall into love than this is a great book to try out. What a perfect holiday treat!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 18, 2021
Grab your favourite hot drink, a blanket and a cozy corner and prepare to finish this one in a sitting.
Arie is "on the shelf" after 4 seasons on the London marriage market and not bothered by it one bit. I love her sassy nature and confidence. She understands how the world works but she's ready to play by her own rules.
Lee is the ultimate proper rule follower but there's more to him than meets the eye. He's pretty certain that he's destined for a life of bachelorhood until he meets Arie. Like an angel on earth, he's completely smitten.
They have such chemistry from the get go and it's wonderfully woven into a heartwarming holiday story. The setting is a castle with a group of guests that are to spend Christmas through New Year's together and there's intrigue, banter and tons of fun holiday events that just evoke feelings of nostalgia and endearment.
The bonus is that you get to catch up with all the couples from the Hesitant Husbands books. Not just cameos either. They're all a part of Arie and Lee's story and it's a super satisfying way to end the series.
This isn't a long book but it's perfectly paced and the steam hits all the right notes for a historical romance.
This is a standalone and not to worry if you haven't read the other books but seriously, why haven't you? Gift yourself with a binge read this holidays and get into the Hesitant Husbands series!
Arie is "on the shelf" after 4 seasons on the London marriage market and not bothered by it one bit. I love her sassy nature and confidence. She understands how the world works but she's ready to play by her own rules.
Lee is the ultimate proper rule follower but there's more to him than meets the eye. He's pretty certain that he's destined for a life of bachelorhood until he meets Arie. Like an angel on earth, he's completely smitten.
They have such chemistry from the get go and it's wonderfully woven into a heartwarming holiday story. The setting is a castle with a group of guests that are to spend Christmas through New Year's together and there's intrigue, banter and tons of fun holiday events that just evoke feelings of nostalgia and endearment.
The bonus is that you get to catch up with all the couples from the Hesitant Husbands books. Not just cameos either. They're all a part of Arie and Lee's story and it's a super satisfying way to end the series.
This isn't a long book but it's perfectly paced and the steam hits all the right notes for a historical romance.
This is a standalone and not to worry if you haven't read the other books but seriously, why haven't you? Gift yourself with a binge read this holidays and get into the Hesitant Husbands series!
November 13, 2021
🎄A Very Viscount Christmas 🎄
A Holiday Regency Romance
The Hesitant Husbands series
✒️ Cara Maxwell
https://www.facebook.com/caramaxwellr... Release Date 11/18/2021
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BGZXPK9/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
The Marquess and Marchioness of Clydon request the pleasure of your company this December at their annual Christmas house party. Honored guests are invited to spend this Christmastide at Carcliffe Castle, where a suite of winter adventures and explorations will be enjoyed by all …
Harriet Pratt’s place on the shelf is becoming more firmly solidified with each passing season. When her longtime friend Madison invites her to spend Christmas in the country, it is the perfect excuse for Harriet to escape her mother’s disappointed glances. But she soon discovers that Carcliffe Castle is a place of mystery, where new adventures … and temptations … await around every corner.
When he arrives to spend the holidays with his longtime family friends, Leland Bowden, Viscount Bayfield, is looking forward to a quiet and contemplative retreat. But his hostess has different plans in mind, and before long Lee finds himself again and again in the presence of the beguiling Miss Pratt. It seems that the very walls of Carcliffe Castle are conspiring to throw them together. Before long, Lee begins to wonder if it is fate – or something headier – that is playing with their hearts.
A Very Viscount Christmas is a steamy special holiday addition to Cara Maxwell’s bestselling Hesitant Husbands series
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will their forced circumstances draw a bridge between them or bring them together …
It is good my first read by the author was the the previous book in this series, the hosts of the heroes for the twelve days of Christmas.
So I meet again the couple from the first story and the heroine’s friend, now turned as the one in this book.
I do not know if I was heard by the author but I remember remarking heroes had no age mentioned, but here we learn how old they are.
At time I first thought Arie ( Harriet) very prudish, but if I had been in her shoes, I would have certainly feel the same, 24 years old, never having been kissed, forewarned of all the rakes and rogues tricks, sheltered all her life, it is more than understandable she views intimacy as an intrusion. So she needs time to adjust to her new circumstances, even more when she followed all the rules and finds herself thwarted unexpectedly. She is a woman who had set the course of her life on one path, and suddenly everything is turned upside down. So she must learn at her own pace to navigate her new life.
Lee (Leland) is the follow the rules kind of man, he is set on doing his duty to his title and not one to walk astray. So as he is charmed by Arie, never he will try to trap her, upon the few days he get to know her, he is set on courting her.
Then everything is disrupted, up to them to find a way toward the other.
A lovely holiday romance with a dash of mystery and magic and a couple destined to be together but who has to work to reach the right equilibrium.
5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CWOX_pDo...
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
#bookstagram #historicalromance #romance #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #bookblog #romanceauthor #bookblogger #2021read #bookstagrammer #bookreview #romancebookreviewer #arcreader #bookquote #romancestagram #readersofinstagram #bookbirthday
A Holiday Regency Romance
The Hesitant Husbands series
✒️ Cara Maxwell
https://www.facebook.com/caramaxwellr... Release Date 11/18/2021
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BGZXPK9/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
The Marquess and Marchioness of Clydon request the pleasure of your company this December at their annual Christmas house party. Honored guests are invited to spend this Christmastide at Carcliffe Castle, where a suite of winter adventures and explorations will be enjoyed by all …
Harriet Pratt’s place on the shelf is becoming more firmly solidified with each passing season. When her longtime friend Madison invites her to spend Christmas in the country, it is the perfect excuse for Harriet to escape her mother’s disappointed glances. But she soon discovers that Carcliffe Castle is a place of mystery, where new adventures … and temptations … await around every corner.
When he arrives to spend the holidays with his longtime family friends, Leland Bowden, Viscount Bayfield, is looking forward to a quiet and contemplative retreat. But his hostess has different plans in mind, and before long Lee finds himself again and again in the presence of the beguiling Miss Pratt. It seems that the very walls of Carcliffe Castle are conspiring to throw them together. Before long, Lee begins to wonder if it is fate – or something headier – that is playing with their hearts.
A Very Viscount Christmas is a steamy special holiday addition to Cara Maxwell’s bestselling Hesitant Husbands series
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will their forced circumstances draw a bridge between them or bring them together …
It is good my first read by the author was the the previous book in this series, the hosts of the heroes for the twelve days of Christmas.
So I meet again the couple from the first story and the heroine’s friend, now turned as the one in this book.
I do not know if I was heard by the author but I remember remarking heroes had no age mentioned, but here we learn how old they are.
At time I first thought Arie ( Harriet) very prudish, but if I had been in her shoes, I would have certainly feel the same, 24 years old, never having been kissed, forewarned of all the rakes and rogues tricks, sheltered all her life, it is more than understandable she views intimacy as an intrusion. So she needs time to adjust to her new circumstances, even more when she followed all the rules and finds herself thwarted unexpectedly. She is a woman who had set the course of her life on one path, and suddenly everything is turned upside down. So she must learn at her own pace to navigate her new life.
Lee (Leland) is the follow the rules kind of man, he is set on doing his duty to his title and not one to walk astray. So as he is charmed by Arie, never he will try to trap her, upon the few days he get to know her, he is set on courting her.
Then everything is disrupted, up to them to find a way toward the other.
A lovely holiday romance with a dash of mystery and magic and a couple destined to be together but who has to work to reach the right equilibrium.
5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CWOX_pDo...
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
#bookstagram #historicalromance #romance #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #bookblog #romanceauthor #bookblogger #2021read #bookstagrammer #bookreview #romancebookreviewer #arcreader #bookquote #romancestagram #readersofinstagram #bookbirthday
November 5, 2021
A Sweet and Steamy Story, Perfect for the Season
This was such a lovely, slow-burn Christmas romance! Perfect for a cozy winter night. The setting of a medieval castle out in the English countryside during the holidays, replete with a large extended family and a few mysterious guests, and full of food and laughter, made for a wonderful setting. The book manages to pack in a tender love story, a mini-intrigue/scandal, and extended cameos and updates from all of the characters we've grown to know and love throughout the Hesitant Husbands series.
The hero of the story is Christopher's younger brother, Lee, the Viscount Bayfield. Lee is a rather serious, mature man. He has yet to wed--not because he is a rake nor because he is so opposed to marriage, but simply because he has not met the right woman yet. Enter Harriet "Arie" Pratt, who made a memorable appearance in the last book in the Hesitant Husband's trilogy. Harriet is now twenty-four, firmly on the shelf, and "growing old" with grace and dignity. Lee is taken with her immediately and when the castle repeatedly seems to push them together, he is not at all dismayed.
Historical romance readers are all too familiar with the tired old trope of the virgin heroine who must be carefully wooed on her wedding night. Nevertheless, Cara Maxwell manages to breathe fresh life into Harriet's experience of matrimony, the anxiety-inducing wedding night, and her first experiences in the bed chamber, somehow managing to make these moments both heartbreakingly poignant and sympathetic while also erotic!
Pick up this story to read now or save for the holidays! You won't be disappointed by this charming Christmas tale!
This was such a lovely, slow-burn Christmas romance! Perfect for a cozy winter night. The setting of a medieval castle out in the English countryside during the holidays, replete with a large extended family and a few mysterious guests, and full of food and laughter, made for a wonderful setting. The book manages to pack in a tender love story, a mini-intrigue/scandal, and extended cameos and updates from all of the characters we've grown to know and love throughout the Hesitant Husbands series.
The hero of the story is Christopher's younger brother, Lee, the Viscount Bayfield. Lee is a rather serious, mature man. He has yet to wed--not because he is a rake nor because he is so opposed to marriage, but simply because he has not met the right woman yet. Enter Harriet "Arie" Pratt, who made a memorable appearance in the last book in the Hesitant Husband's trilogy. Harriet is now twenty-four, firmly on the shelf, and "growing old" with grace and dignity. Lee is taken with her immediately and when the castle repeatedly seems to push them together, he is not at all dismayed.
Historical romance readers are all too familiar with the tired old trope of the virgin heroine who must be carefully wooed on her wedding night. Nevertheless, Cara Maxwell manages to breathe fresh life into Harriet's experience of matrimony, the anxiety-inducing wedding night, and her first experiences in the bed chamber, somehow managing to make these moments both heartbreakingly poignant and sympathetic while also erotic!
Pick up this story to read now or save for the holidays! You won't be disappointed by this charming Christmas tale!
November 14, 2021
Christmas time is coming and brings romance books!
It's Christmas 1815 and the Marquess and the Marchioness of Clydon, host a Christmas house party.. Among the guests are Miss Harriet Pratt and Leland Bowden, Viscount Bayfield. Arie is considered being on the shelf, which is mostly ok for her since she's looking for a love match. From the first moment he meets her, Lee knows she's special and the one for him.. After being found in a compromising situation, they are forced to marriage..
"A Very Viscount Christmas" is a slow-burn Christmas story that you can read in one sitting.. We have a forced marriage between a grumpy hero and a sunshine heroine (really only those are enough reasons to pick this immediately) and a dashing villain that looks for a legendary treasure..
Cara Maxwell was on my radar for a while now, and this is the first book that I'm picking. It's the 4th of "The hesitant husbands" series and can be read as a standalone. Couples from the previous books appear, but we have no trouble following and I'm looking forward to go back and read their stories..
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It's Christmas 1815 and the Marquess and the Marchioness of Clydon, host a Christmas house party.. Among the guests are Miss Harriet Pratt and Leland Bowden, Viscount Bayfield. Arie is considered being on the shelf, which is mostly ok for her since she's looking for a love match. From the first moment he meets her, Lee knows she's special and the one for him.. After being found in a compromising situation, they are forced to marriage..
"A Very Viscount Christmas" is a slow-burn Christmas story that you can read in one sitting.. We have a forced marriage between a grumpy hero and a sunshine heroine (really only those are enough reasons to pick this immediately) and a dashing villain that looks for a legendary treasure..
Cara Maxwell was on my radar for a while now, and this is the first book that I'm picking. It's the 4th of "The hesitant husbands" series and can be read as a standalone. Couples from the previous books appear, but we have no trouble following and I'm looking forward to go back and read their stories..
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 17, 2021
The castle has a mind of its own …. helpful breezes causing occupants to look out the window at the right time; doors mysteriously close and lock; voices heard from far away. Harriett and Leland meet at Marquess and Marchioness of Clydon’s holiday house party at Carcliffe Castle. Harriett is a beautiful, unmarried 24year old daughter of a Viscount, who wants to marry for love. She finds herself receiving the attentions of both a Viscount and a rake, one of whom gives her tingles and the other the shivers. All goes well, until it doesn’t and the consequences are steep. The characters are fabulous. There are several young couples, made up of siblings and good friends; a spoiled inappropriate pre-debutante (who you want to smack), and her clueless parents; a debonair fortune hunter; and an all around good guy. In this book you will find a treasure hunt; rushed weddings; a suspicious fire; and an abduction. I found this to be an entertaining tale filled with surprises, delightful dialogue and steam.
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.
October 14, 2023
Full-length Christmas themed story
Book 4 in this series loosely ties in the verses from the 12 days of Christmas. A Christmas house party that was essentially set up to bring the two MC together. After being found in a compromising situation, they find themselves married. The MMC wasn’t necessarily hesitant to become a husband like in the other books of this series but merely hadn’t had enough time to get to know Harriet to offer marriage. Though, they both felt attraction to one another prior to marriage. It did seem a bit weak that the FMC was so hesitant about consummating their marriage but did lead to somewhat humorous and frustrating interruptions to their consummation. I did enjoy that this was a full length novel and not a novella as most Christmas time stories are. The epilogue offers a peak from the other couples in the series this far at the 12th Night Ball, wrapping up the series. Book 5 jumps ahead to Henry and Madison’s (Book 1) daughter Nora.
Favorite quote: “To a happy marriage,” Henry said. “When you find it, it is a gift. On the way there, well, ... we drink.”
Book 4 in this series loosely ties in the verses from the 12 days of Christmas. A Christmas house party that was essentially set up to bring the two MC together. After being found in a compromising situation, they find themselves married. The MMC wasn’t necessarily hesitant to become a husband like in the other books of this series but merely hadn’t had enough time to get to know Harriet to offer marriage. Though, they both felt attraction to one another prior to marriage. It did seem a bit weak that the FMC was so hesitant about consummating their marriage but did lead to somewhat humorous and frustrating interruptions to their consummation. I did enjoy that this was a full length novel and not a novella as most Christmas time stories are. The epilogue offers a peak from the other couples in the series this far at the 12th Night Ball, wrapping up the series. Book 5 jumps ahead to Henry and Madison’s (Book 1) daughter Nora.
Favorite quote: “To a happy marriage,” Henry said. “When you find it, it is a gift. On the way there, well, ... we drink.”
November 18, 2021
It is a well written beautiful romantic story, well developed, with an eye for detail. During the Christmas season, Leland, Viscount Bayfield and Miss Harriet Pratt reside at the mysterious Carcliffe Castle, along with other guests. The hostess wants to couple both, and the castle also seems to do its best for that. A myth about a treasure, a fortune hunter and a spoiled young lady almost throws a spanner in the works, but of course everything ends well. Characters are well described, the story flows nicely and written in an accessible writing style, only for me personally I found the pace a bit too slow. Harriet-Arie- is a stylish lady, but at some point becomes a bit whiny. The cheeky and spoiled debutante Susan provided some spice in the story and, in my opinion, could have been more prominent in the picture. Moderate steamy scenes, stylishly described
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 19, 2025
A Very Viscount Christmas, book 4 in Cara Maxwell’s Hesitant Husband’s series was a true delight and full of the holiday joy you would expect. Invited to a holiday house party at the country home Carcliff Castle, by the Marquess and Marchioness of Clydon, we get to visit with all of our favorites, Henry and Maddie host Theo and Kelly, and Christopher and Neera; along with Christopher’s brother Leland and Maddie’s friend Harriett (Ari) Pratt, who at one time sought the affection of Henry, but is now on the shelf, and others. Legends has it that the castle is haunted, but it’s more that it has a mi d for matchmaking and throws Lee and Ari together. I loved this so much! Again, I listened to the audiobook narrated by Sophie Hunter Scott, who does an amazing job.
November 24, 2025
Magic from mayheim
As I am reading this series out of order, I find I will need to get the other stories.
What a delight this one was. With the theme of the 12 day of Christmas as the chapter titles it is a new way of hearing/reading the song.
With such great characters from the other books blending with the new couple makes the story of the castle stand out more. Having a beautiful back drop of the countryside, the snow, and two people who hardly thing they are worth finding love, all the better.
The house party just seems to flow and the castle shenanigans bring you along smoothly. The writing is great, the story compelling, the banter wistful, and the HEA a thrilling ride.
As I am reading this series out of order, I find I will need to get the other stories.
What a delight this one was. With the theme of the 12 day of Christmas as the chapter titles it is a new way of hearing/reading the song.
With such great characters from the other books blending with the new couple makes the story of the castle stand out more. Having a beautiful back drop of the countryside, the snow, and two people who hardly thing they are worth finding love, all the better.
The house party just seems to flow and the castle shenanigans bring you along smoothly. The writing is great, the story compelling, the banter wistful, and the HEA a thrilling ride.
November 19, 2021
This is absolutely a delightful Christmas story complete with an enchanted castle and a sweet romance between an endearing hero and heroine. Miss Harriet Pratt attends a Christmas house party at the home of her dear friend, Madison, a Marchioness. At 24, Harriet, is becoming a spinster, having rejected suitors for the past four seasons, because she’d yet to find a love match. But then she meets Lee, Viscount Bayfield! Adding in all the magic of the season and the castle, the author cleverly incorporates the Twelve Days of Christmas into the storyline, along with charming dialogue and banter, to make a very entertaining read.
November 20, 2021
A Beautiful Story . . .
This is a sweet story with an air of enchantment as Miss Harriet Pratt is invited to attend her friend Madison’s Christmas house party at Carcliffe Castle. At 24 and unmarried, Harriet is looking at spinsterhood because she won’t just settle for a suitor but requires love.
At the party, Harriet meets Leland Bowden, Viscount Bayfield. Their banter and dialog is wonderful as they get to know each other. And with their paths crossing frequently – as if by magic? -- will the enchantment and mystery of Carcliffe Castle draw these two people together this Christmas?
This is a sweet story with an air of enchantment as Miss Harriet Pratt is invited to attend her friend Madison’s Christmas house party at Carcliffe Castle. At 24 and unmarried, Harriet is looking at spinsterhood because she won’t just settle for a suitor but requires love.
At the party, Harriet meets Leland Bowden, Viscount Bayfield. Their banter and dialog is wonderful as they get to know each other. And with their paths crossing frequently – as if by magic? -- will the enchantment and mystery of Carcliffe Castle draw these two people together this Christmas?
November 23, 2021
The fourth book in the Hesitant Husbands series Madison and Henry bring their friends to their home for Christmas. We get more of Lee and Arie, Meera and Christopher and Kelly and Theodore and another couple Drake and Susan Thornton. The story has couples madly in love, suspense, drama, twists and turns. The story was well worth reading. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 21, 2025
Good Christmas Story
A delightful yuletide tale that sparkles with wit sharper than a festive elf's retort, where characters collide like unwrapped presents in a holiday hurricane. This merry gathering crackles with comedic electricity, serving up humor so delectable it could make Santa chuckle and camaraderie so infectious it threatens to spread faster than fruitcake at a family reunion.
A delightful yuletide tale that sparkles with wit sharper than a festive elf's retort, where characters collide like unwrapped presents in a holiday hurricane. This merry gathering crackles with comedic electricity, serving up humor so delectable it could make Santa chuckle and camaraderie so infectious it threatens to spread faster than fruitcake at a family reunion.
December 22, 2021
Good Victorian Christmas
This was an enjoyable but sometimes slow story. The setting was nice and helped give me the Christmas spirit and I liked the romance combined with a little mystery. The female character was at times frustrating and not as likable as I would've hoped though.
This was an enjoyable but sometimes slow story. The setting was nice and helped give me the Christmas spirit and I liked the romance combined with a little mystery. The female character was at times frustrating and not as likable as I would've hoped though.
January 20, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this Christmas read. I liked the house party atmosphere and the mystery which was presented. There was some Christmas magic which helped the romance along and some sizzle. Absolutely enjoyable. The characters were endearing, and the storyline was well done. I do recommend this book.
I was gifted this book as an ARC and this is my voluntary and honest review.
I was gifted this book as an ARC and this is my voluntary and honest review.
November 19, 2021
Wow!
Best of the series! Our 3 former couples celebrate Christmas together, with other friends. There is mystery, ghosts, a new romance, and hidden treasure. It is an eventful 12 days of Christmas!😷
Best of the series! Our 3 former couples celebrate Christmas together, with other friends. There is mystery, ghosts, a new romance, and hidden treasure. It is an eventful 12 days of Christmas!😷
December 5, 2021
my thought I’m
This was a great conclusion to an engaging series. I throughly love it. Each couple was unique in how they came together and how they all ended up at the same holiday party.
This was a great conclusion to an engaging series. I throughly love it. Each couple was unique in how they came together and how they all ended up at the same holiday party.
December 15, 2021
Allow a full day for this NC17 Regency twelve days of Christmas set at Carcliffe Castle in Surrey in 1815 where the Marchioness is determined to play matchmaker.
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.
March 16, 2022
A bachelor and a lady on the shelf!!
A great romp a Christmas party the twelve days, a scoundrel, A young woman crazed with the want of a man, light hearted couples and a stead Discount and an heiress nearly on the shelf.
A great romp a Christmas party the twelve days, a scoundrel, A young woman crazed with the want of a man, light hearted couples and a stead Discount and an heiress nearly on the shelf.
August 26, 2022
Maxwell sets her historical romance in 1815 at Carcliffe Castle, during the Twelve Days of Christmas.
Harriet Pratt accepts an invitation to spend the winter holidays, where she meets Viscount Bayfield.
Maxwell begins each chapter with a chorus from: The Twelve days of Christmas.
Harriet Pratt accepts an invitation to spend the winter holidays, where she meets Viscount Bayfield.
Maxwell begins each chapter with a chorus from: The Twelve days of Christmas.
November 23, 2022
Magical Christmas Love Story
Sweet, slightly steamy love story. Strong, proper H/h find love at where else but a house party. Brings the Hesitant Husband's together again in a fun story that's an easy read by the 🔥.
Sweet, slightly steamy love story. Strong, proper H/h find love at where else but a house party. Brings the Hesitant Husband's together again in a fun story that's an easy read by the 🔥.
November 18, 2021
Nothing but exquisite!! What else can one expect. This is the kind of book you open and read while walking, stiring soup on the stove and when you are supposed to be sleeping.
December 13, 2021
A mysterious Christmas story
This is a mysterious Christmas story in that there is an underlying story of love and mystery.
Cara Maxwell has written a good tale.
This is a mysterious Christmas story in that there is an underlying story of love and mystery.
Cara Maxwell has written a good tale.
February 5, 2022
A delightful regency romance with wonderful characters and engaging story. Nothing warms my heart more than a regency Christmas and falling in love.
June 23, 2025
Great ending of the series
This one was fun! All the players interacting to end the series! Thank you for a great series to read!
This one was fun! All the players interacting to end the series! Thank you for a great series to read!
November 1, 2025
A wonderful Christmas read.
Lee and Arie are drawn to each other upon first meeting, but it takes a mistaken incident to force their relationship.
Lee and Arie are drawn to each other upon first meeting, but it takes a mistaken incident to force their relationship.
May 22, 2023
House parties seem like the best possible diversion, best when you are a guest. A house party during Christmas would be wonderful.
Miss Harriet Pratt, Arie to her friends, has managed to avoid scandal in the marriage mart to the brilliant age of 24. She is a trial to her mother, who just wants to see her settled. She is smart, pretty and wistful. She wants what her friends have- someone to love and children of her own.
Being thrown together during the festivities they are fun to see grow attached to each other. The fun gets interrupted frequently by a soon to be debutante who is reaching. This is a great holiday story with a surprise at the end that I did not see coming, but it made Arie and Lee's HEA all the better.
This is the first story by Ms Maxwell that I have read and before finishing I had already downloaded the other books in this series. I like her attention to detail, her humor and her ability to bring out tender moments very effortlessly. Her description of Arie watching the young children had me pausing to catch my breath. I am looking forward to more of her work.
Disclaimer: I received a complementary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in anyway.
Miss Harriet Pratt, Arie to her friends, has managed to avoid scandal in the marriage mart to the brilliant age of 24. She is a trial to her mother, who just wants to see her settled. She is smart, pretty and wistful. She wants what her friends have- someone to love and children of her own.
Being thrown together during the festivities they are fun to see grow attached to each other. The fun gets interrupted frequently by a soon to be debutante who is reaching. This is a great holiday story with a surprise at the end that I did not see coming, but it made Arie and Lee's HEA all the better.
This is the first story by Ms Maxwell that I have read and before finishing I had already downloaded the other books in this series. I like her attention to detail, her humor and her ability to bring out tender moments very effortlessly. Her description of Arie watching the young children had me pausing to catch my breath. I am looking forward to more of her work.
Disclaimer: I received a complementary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in anyway.
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