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Hide and Seek
"Welcome home, Mrs Fitzherbert."
Maria has remarried, and unlike her unreformed rake of a first husband, her dear second husband Frederick is sweet, kind and incredibly proper. He is not the sort of man to take liberties with a lady who is not his wife.
Except now, after a quiet service in the village chapel, Maria is his wife. The boundaries have shifted. And after a two-year courtship and an agonising one-year engagement, Maria and Frederick can barely keep their hands from one another once they enter the front door. Perhaps a brief respite before departing for their honeymoon might make the long train ride bearable?
Interruptions abound, and to keep themselves distracted until they can have some privacy, Maria proposes they play parlour games. But during a game of Hide and Seek, Maria finds more than she was expecting.
Is Frederick really the man he claimed to me? Or has Maria been duped by a cad again?
Hide and Seek is a light-hearted, steamy, romantic short story about love, trust and second chances.
It is the perfect quick read for those who believe that nice guys really do finish last.
Maria has remarried, and unlike her unreformed rake of a first husband, her dear second husband Frederick is sweet, kind and incredibly proper. He is not the sort of man to take liberties with a lady who is not his wife.
Except now, after a quiet service in the village chapel, Maria is his wife. The boundaries have shifted. And after a two-year courtship and an agonising one-year engagement, Maria and Frederick can barely keep their hands from one another once they enter the front door. Perhaps a brief respite before departing for their honeymoon might make the long train ride bearable?
Interruptions abound, and to keep themselves distracted until they can have some privacy, Maria proposes they play parlour games. But during a game of Hide and Seek, Maria finds more than she was expecting.
Is Frederick really the man he claimed to me? Or has Maria been duped by a cad again?
Hide and Seek is a light-hearted, steamy, romantic short story about love, trust and second chances.
It is the perfect quick read for those who believe that nice guys really do finish last.
32 pages, ebook
Published May 24, 2022
18 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
About the author
Alivia Fleur
13 books57 followersAlivia Fleur writes steamy romantic fiction for history lovers. In her stories, curious and consenting adults explore their desires as they search for their own happy ever after.
Alivia lives with her husband on a farm a long way from anywhere interesting. When not herding sheep or checking fences, she enjoys reading romance, drinking tea and eating cake, preferably all at once.
WEBSITE
https://aliviafleur.com/
NEWSLETTER: An Old Fashioned Quickie
https://aliviafleur.com/contact/
AMAZON
https://www.amazon.com/author/aliviaf...
INSTAGRAM
@aliviafleur_writes
Alivia lives with her husband on a farm a long way from anywhere interesting. When not herding sheep or checking fences, she enjoys reading romance, drinking tea and eating cake, preferably all at once.
WEBSITE
https://aliviafleur.com/
NEWSLETTER: An Old Fashioned Quickie
https://aliviafleur.com/contact/
AMAZON
https://www.amazon.com/author/aliviaf...
@aliviafleur_writes
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
May 13, 2022
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥
Humor: Just a touch
Perspective: Third person, I want to say it was all from the heroine’s perspective?
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and Tartans Book Club )
Basic plot:
Maria and Frederick are finally married after a long 2 year courtship and 1 year engagement. Ready to attend their honeymoon, they find ways to spend time waiting for the train – but secrets that hurt also come to light.
Give this a try if you want:
- A short read! Goodreads logs it as 32 pages
- Steamy feel for the page count – 1 partial and 1 full
- Widow heroine,
- Focus on the couple (no mystery, dangers, etc) with some light emotional angst
Ages
- Heroine is 29, couldn’t find age for hero (would guess similar age though)
My thoughts:
I really enjoyed this story! Frederick is so damn sweet as a hero, I just adored him. Especially as the ending is all revealed and I just melted...Maria I loved too. She is recovering from a husband that used her and hurt her and I’m so glad she has Frederick to heal all her wounds.
Another thing I liked about this one, was the heroine married down. The hero is a ‘mere’ mister and the heroine is a former Marchioness and daughter of a Baron. Society turns her back on her once the engagement was announced.
Once in awhile I come across an author that their prose just catches me. It makes me stop and reread passages because I love them so much. Makes me fall into the story so thoroughly I can’t be pulled out – and if I am I cannot wait to return. This is fairly rare for me, but I found it here. And in a short story no less, so I am utterly impressed with Alivia Fleur. I adored her writing style and I am left wanting more only because I am so sad it’s over.
I think shorts are hard to really establish that tension, some character depth, make the sex hot but still emotional, and wrap the story up in a complete way. I found that here but with such fabulous writing I was absolutely wanting more. All I have to say is I will be stalking Miss Fleur hard for further releases and definitely gobbling up her other shorts that are released. I was emotionally engaged with this characters and ending up loving them – I know in a full length novel she will absolutely decimate my heart in the best way.
Content Warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥
Humor: Just a touch
Perspective: Third person, I want to say it was all from the heroine’s perspective?
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and Tartans Book Club )
Basic plot:
Maria and Frederick are finally married after a long 2 year courtship and 1 year engagement. Ready to attend their honeymoon, they find ways to spend time waiting for the train – but secrets that hurt also come to light.
Give this a try if you want:
- A short read! Goodreads logs it as 32 pages
- Steamy feel for the page count – 1 partial and 1 full
- Widow heroine,
- Focus on the couple (no mystery, dangers, etc) with some light emotional angst
Ages
- Heroine is 29, couldn’t find age for hero (would guess similar age though)
My thoughts:
I really enjoyed this story! Frederick is so damn sweet as a hero, I just adored him. Especially as the ending is all revealed and I just melted...Maria I loved too. She is recovering from a husband that used her and hurt her and I’m so glad she has Frederick to heal all her wounds.
Another thing I liked about this one, was the heroine married down. The hero is a ‘mere’ mister and the heroine is a former Marchioness and daughter of a Baron. Society turns her back on her once the engagement was announced.
Once in awhile I come across an author that their prose just catches me. It makes me stop and reread passages because I love them so much. Makes me fall into the story so thoroughly I can’t be pulled out – and if I am I cannot wait to return. This is fairly rare for me, but I found it here. And in a short story no less, so I am utterly impressed with Alivia Fleur. I adored her writing style and I am left wanting more only because I am so sad it’s over.
I think shorts are hard to really establish that tension, some character depth, make the sex hot but still emotional, and wrap the story up in a complete way. I found that here but with such fabulous writing I was absolutely wanting more. All I have to say is I will be stalking Miss Fleur hard for further releases and definitely gobbling up her other shorts that are released. I was emotionally engaged with this characters and ending up loving them – I know in a full length novel she will absolutely decimate my heart in the best way.
Content Warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
April 30, 2022
Things I didn’t know I needed until right now - Steamy Victorian short stories!
This book hit my reading sweet spot and did so in just 30 minutes! I enjoyed it more than I expected.
It was sweet, sexy and satisfying in a way that surprised me. I think I just discovered my next book obsession! Well down Alivia Fleur, well done!
I’m giving 𝗛𝗜𝗗𝗘 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗦𝗘𝗘𝗞 the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!
This book hit my reading sweet spot and did so in just 30 minutes! I enjoyed it more than I expected.
It was sweet, sexy and satisfying in a way that surprised me. I think I just discovered my next book obsession! Well down Alivia Fleur, well done!
I’m giving 𝗛𝗜𝗗𝗘 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗦𝗘𝗘𝗞 the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!
May 10, 2022
Hide and Seek is a short erotic story set in the Victorian era. It starts on Maria and Frederick's wedding day. They've courted for over two years and done nothing more than kiss. They are both super ready to take the next step, but they keep getting interrupted at very inconvenient moments.
For a story that's less than 45 pages long, it manages to include a believable conflict and a little surprise for readers. It is primarily an erotic story of a couple that's very hot for each other, so the climax is just what you'd expect!
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the story.
For a story that's less than 45 pages long, it manages to include a believable conflict and a little surprise for readers. It is primarily an erotic story of a couple that's very hot for each other, so the climax is just what you'd expect!
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the story.
May 10, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for this ARC in exchange for my fair and honest opinion. All opinions are my own.
Rating: 3 Stars
Publication: May 24, 2022
Number of Pages: 32
This a very, very short novella by Alivia Fleur, new author to this reader. “Hide and Seek” is a second chance love for Maria Fitzherbert, as she looks forward to a marriage to Frederick as opposite as the one her first husband left dented in her heart…one filled with infidelity. After they are married, interruptions invade their every moment of trying to find an intimate moment. As a remedy, they play games that engage them into some heated and steamy moments prior to their true departure for their honeymoon. They decide to play hide and seek. While Maria search for a place to hide, she uncovers a letter to Frederick from one of her deceased husband’s mistresses and believes she has made a mistake in marrying Frederick.
This hide and seek was a very…and I mean very short novella that had me wanting more of the story and not just this little bit of read that was less than an hour for me. A short role of reversal as she was the dominant and had all the sexual experience and he had none. Instead of hide and seek, I think follow the leader should have been built in as well. Glad it ended in a HEA.
Rating: 3 Stars
Publication: May 24, 2022
Number of Pages: 32
This a very, very short novella by Alivia Fleur, new author to this reader. “Hide and Seek” is a second chance love for Maria Fitzherbert, as she looks forward to a marriage to Frederick as opposite as the one her first husband left dented in her heart…one filled with infidelity. After they are married, interruptions invade their every moment of trying to find an intimate moment. As a remedy, they play games that engage them into some heated and steamy moments prior to their true departure for their honeymoon. They decide to play hide and seek. While Maria search for a place to hide, she uncovers a letter to Frederick from one of her deceased husband’s mistresses and believes she has made a mistake in marrying Frederick.
This hide and seek was a very…and I mean very short novella that had me wanting more of the story and not just this little bit of read that was less than an hour for me. A short role of reversal as she was the dominant and had all the sexual experience and he had none. Instead of hide and seek, I think follow the leader should have been built in as well. Glad it ended in a HEA.
May 5, 2022
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and this is my freely given opinion.
This is a VERY short little novella - my biggest quibble with it was that it was too short. Maria, the new Mrs. Fitzherbert was a widow who was burned by her husband's infidelities. She somehow found a second chance at love, and after a long courtship, and engagement, married Frederick. He is a sweet gentleman who did not overstep the boundaries with Maria, despite her being a widow, and after the wedding, they seem eager to consummate their wedding, after such a long wait. However, there are many distractions and interruptions. They engage in a game to pass the time until they can depart on their honeymoon, and during a session of Hide and Seek, Maria discovers something that makes her suspect Frederick is not the gentleman that he seems, and is fearful that he may have more in common with her deceased husband.
I enjoyed this novella, but have to admit it left me wanting more. This is very short; can be read in a fraction of an hour, but I was left wanting to know more about Maria's past and her relationship with her first husband, and also her relationship with Frederick, especially considering what we find out about him, because he seems like a sweet, loving gentleman.
3.5 stars out of 5.
This is a VERY short little novella - my biggest quibble with it was that it was too short. Maria, the new Mrs. Fitzherbert was a widow who was burned by her husband's infidelities. She somehow found a second chance at love, and after a long courtship, and engagement, married Frederick. He is a sweet gentleman who did not overstep the boundaries with Maria, despite her being a widow, and after the wedding, they seem eager to consummate their wedding, after such a long wait. However, there are many distractions and interruptions. They engage in a game to pass the time until they can depart on their honeymoon, and during a session of Hide and Seek, Maria discovers something that makes her suspect Frederick is not the gentleman that he seems, and is fearful that he may have more in common with her deceased husband.
I enjoyed this novella, but have to admit it left me wanting more. This is very short; can be read in a fraction of an hour, but I was left wanting to know more about Maria's past and her relationship with her first husband, and also her relationship with Frederick, especially considering what we find out about him, because he seems like a sweet, loving gentleman.
3.5 stars out of 5.
May 10, 2022
At 29, Maria, the widowed Marchioness of Walsham, never thought she would marry again, but now six years after the death of the Marquess, she is married once more. But this time, she is sure things will be very different because while the Marquess was a scoundrel and a rake, a country solicitor, Mr. Fredrick Fitzherbert is nothing like him!
And after 3 years mourning the Marquess, 2 years courting, and a year-long engagement, she is finally happily married and ready to move beyond the sweet kisses that she has shared with Fredrick, but one thing after another prevents our newlyweds from getting to know each other better, until a game of hide and seek leads Maria to a heartwrenching discovery and may end her marriage before it even begins.
This short story was a fun, quick read with very likable characters, a believable plot, and some very warm love scenes. The book isn’t perfect, there are numerous title errors and the heroine did overreact, but Fredrick is a sweetheart and together he and Maria are adorable. In the end, I loved this short story and would love to read more short stories about their road to HEA.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
And after 3 years mourning the Marquess, 2 years courting, and a year-long engagement, she is finally happily married and ready to move beyond the sweet kisses that she has shared with Fredrick, but one thing after another prevents our newlyweds from getting to know each other better, until a game of hide and seek leads Maria to a heartwrenching discovery and may end her marriage before it even begins.
This short story was a fun, quick read with very likable characters, a believable plot, and some very warm love scenes. The book isn’t perfect, there are numerous title errors and the heroine did overreact, but Fredrick is a sweetheart and together he and Maria are adorable. In the end, I loved this short story and would love to read more short stories about their road to HEA.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
May 7, 2022
A short story, but the right amount of romance and plot.
Maria is getting her second chance at love and hopes her husband isn't like the first. This book takes place right after the new marriage and Maria teaches her new husband a thing or too.
Being a short story, I was worried that it would not have enough detail to have a developed plot, but really it wasn't lacking at all. I enjoyed that it was a standalone story since I'm used to reading them in collections with a theme.
A nice breath of fresh air between reading other books!
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy of this ARC for my honest review.
Maria is getting her second chance at love and hopes her husband isn't like the first. This book takes place right after the new marriage and Maria teaches her new husband a thing or too.
Being a short story, I was worried that it would not have enough detail to have a developed plot, but really it wasn't lacking at all. I enjoyed that it was a standalone story since I'm used to reading them in collections with a theme.
A nice breath of fresh air between reading other books!
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy of this ARC for my honest review.
April 29, 2022
This is such a sweet and well written short story, that is the perfect way to spend a lunch break or a quick read in the morning or before bed. This is the first novel I have read by Alivia Fleur and I found the writing to be quickly engaging and well balanced and paced. This novel is a quick story that revolves around a newly married couple and their first intimate time together. Fleur beautifully balances the quick introduction of this couples while also providing the insight and context to the heroine, whom the story is more actively told from, in third person. I really enjoyed getting this charming, sweet and sensual introduction to Alivia Fleur's work and I definitely will be exploring her backlist! Would highly recommend it you need a really quick escape that provides a glimpse into the beginnings of a marriage and the strength and value that the heroine learns to demand from her partner.
Thank you to Alivia Fleur and NetGalley for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you to Alivia Fleur and NetGalley for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 26, 2022
Have you ever read a book just because of its cover? That’s what this was.
This was a historical romance novella with a short satisfying preview of their romance. It had enough for me to be satisfied with this small glimpse of their desire for each other. It’s smoldering and smexy. I enjoyed everything about it and hope the author wants to write novels.
I’m definitely reading another one by Alivia Fleur.
Thanks to the author via NetGalley.
This was a historical romance novella with a short satisfying preview of their romance. It had enough for me to be satisfied with this small glimpse of their desire for each other. It’s smoldering and smexy. I enjoyed everything about it and hope the author wants to write novels.
I’m definitely reading another one by Alivia Fleur.
Thanks to the author via NetGalley.
May 25, 2022
Two newly weds, passion and a little secret…
Such a sweet and steamy short story! The author is very talented and I enjoyed this novella quite a lot. Pity she hasn’t written full length novels yet! I would buy them immediately. The two characters are well defined even in the few pages of the story and their chemistry showed! Definitely worth reading.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Such a sweet and steamy short story! The author is very talented and I enjoyed this novella quite a lot. Pity she hasn’t written full length novels yet! I would buy them immediately. The two characters are well defined even in the few pages of the story and their chemistry showed! Definitely worth reading.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 2, 2022
First of all, let me tell you that I have nothing against this book. This is exactly what some people need, it's exactly what some people want. I am not 'some people'.
The principle of this 30 minute read is pure regency smut. There's no way around saying this. That's just what it is.
I felt that the characters and the storyline weren't deep enough for me to be able to connect with them, however, I do understand that this was only a book that you could read in half an hour and I really can't expect serious character arcs from that.
Overall, I did like it, it just wasn't my thing. It's as simple as that.
If you're into quick romances and just pure light smut, this is a book for you, guaranteed. As for trigger warnings: obviously sex scenes, cheating, mention of death.
Thank you so much regardless for the DRC to NetGalley and Alivia Fleur of course! <3
The principle of this 30 minute read is pure regency smut. There's no way around saying this. That's just what it is.
I felt that the characters and the storyline weren't deep enough for me to be able to connect with them, however, I do understand that this was only a book that you could read in half an hour and I really can't expect serious character arcs from that.
Overall, I did like it, it just wasn't my thing. It's as simple as that.
If you're into quick romances and just pure light smut, this is a book for you, guaranteed. As for trigger warnings: obviously sex scenes, cheating, mention of death.
Thank you so much regardless for the DRC to NetGalley and Alivia Fleur of course! <3
July 10, 2022
This story is an old-fashioned quickie. 32 pages long. A newly wed couple consummate their marriage. She is a window he is a virgin.
I have read hotter stuff but it was sexy and read well.
Virgin rating:
Innocence of virgin hero: 3/5
Innocence in losing it: 3/5
Build up to losing it: 5/5
Hotness of losing it: 3/5
Busted touching himself: no
POV of losing it: female
I have read hotter stuff but it was sexy and read well.
Virgin rating:
Innocence of virgin hero: 3/5
Innocence in losing it: 3/5
Build up to losing it: 5/5
Hotness of losing it: 3/5
Busted touching himself: no
POV of losing it: female
June 17, 2025
3.8/5 stars — a very sweet historical romance short story! I think it was pretty well paced with exposition, drama, and romance, for its brevity, and I do love a nice guy love interest 🤭 writing was a little repetitive in a few spots considering how short it is, but overall I had a good time!
thank you to netgalley and spencer & co publishing for a n eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Pacing: 4/5
Writing: 3/5
Enjoyment: 4/5
thank you to netgalley and spencer & co publishing for a n eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Pacing: 4/5
Writing: 3/5
Enjoyment: 4/5
May 3, 2022
Frederick is the virgin in this case. Maria has been previously married and is a widow.
Maria has remarried, and unlike her unreformed rake of a first husband, her dear second husband Frederick is sweet, kind and incredibly proper. He is not the sort of man to take liberties with a lady who is not his wife.
Except now, after a quiet service in the village chapel, Maria is his wife. The boundaries have shifted. And after a two-year courtship and an agonising one-year engagement, Maria and Frederick can barely keep their hands from one another once they enter the front door. Perhaps a brief respite before departing for their honeymoon might make the long train ride bearable?
Interruptions abound, and to keep themselves distracted until they can have some privacy, Maria proposes they play parlour games. But during a game of Hide and Seek, Maria finds more than she was expecting.
Is Frederick really the man he claimed to me? Or has Maria been duped by a cad again?
This short story is a good one.
I received a complimentary copy of this story from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this story which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Maria has remarried, and unlike her unreformed rake of a first husband, her dear second husband Frederick is sweet, kind and incredibly proper. He is not the sort of man to take liberties with a lady who is not his wife.
Except now, after a quiet service in the village chapel, Maria is his wife. The boundaries have shifted. And after a two-year courtship and an agonising one-year engagement, Maria and Frederick can barely keep their hands from one another once they enter the front door. Perhaps a brief respite before departing for their honeymoon might make the long train ride bearable?
Interruptions abound, and to keep themselves distracted until they can have some privacy, Maria proposes they play parlour games. But during a game of Hide and Seek, Maria finds more than she was expecting.
Is Frederick really the man he claimed to me? Or has Maria been duped by a cad again?
This short story is a good one.
I received a complimentary copy of this story from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this story which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
May 4, 2022
4 ⭐️ / 3 🌶
Well written, sexy & short. That’s how I’d describe this novella. The characters interactions are tender and sweet, with detailed spice, perfect for anyone who enjoys their romance with a side of historical and smutty.
For such a small novella, there’s not much to say. Our main characters play a few games and things get a bit messy. A bit dirty too, but I won’t be giving away any spoilers… you’ll just have to read it for yourself!
I rated this book four stars because of the author’s sophisticated writing style and because it simply just warmed my heart at how cute the story was. Three spices are all due to the sexual tension and the elaborate scenes detailing the perfect amount of information. My only complaint is that it wasn’t kinky, which if you know me and the books I read, it’s a must!
Well written, sexy & short. That’s how I’d describe this novella. The characters interactions are tender and sweet, with detailed spice, perfect for anyone who enjoys their romance with a side of historical and smutty.
For such a small novella, there’s not much to say. Our main characters play a few games and things get a bit messy. A bit dirty too, but I won’t be giving away any spoilers… you’ll just have to read it for yourself!
I rated this book four stars because of the author’s sophisticated writing style and because it simply just warmed my heart at how cute the story was. Three spices are all due to the sexual tension and the elaborate scenes detailing the perfect amount of information. My only complaint is that it wasn’t kinky, which if you know me and the books I read, it’s a must!
December 16, 2022
A delightful quickie!
This short read can be summed up in three words ... a delightful quickie. At under 40 pages, it’s a short and delightful read, and it’s also about a couple of newlyweds desperate to ‘get jiggy’ despite the interruptions of the housekeeper.
Oodles of fun, teasingly tempting, and tastefully steamy ... why not sneak a peek yourself?
This short read can be summed up in three words ... a delightful quickie. At under 40 pages, it’s a short and delightful read, and it’s also about a couple of newlyweds desperate to ‘get jiggy’ despite the interruptions of the housekeeper.
Oodles of fun, teasingly tempting, and tastefully steamy ... why not sneak a peek yourself?
May 22, 2022
The author calls this a quickie. It is, but a lot happens when newlyweds try to consummate their marriage and keep getting interrupted by the staff. A game of hide and seek reveals a secret. Heat level 2.
December 10, 2022
Hide and Seek is a sweet and steamy short story about a newlywed couple. After 2 years of courtship, Maria and Frederick are finally married. This short novella managed to pack all the essential elements of both a story and a romance. I really enjoyed it and I'm hoping this broke my reading slump.
May 4, 2022
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.".
I didn't know that Hide and Seek was a short story.. I enjoyed Maria and Frederick story. 4 stars love the cover....
Thanks Netgalley for a arc copy of this book for a honest review
Happy Reading Lisa 📚
I didn't know that Hide and Seek was a short story.. I enjoyed Maria and Frederick story. 4 stars love the cover....
Thanks Netgalley for a arc copy of this book for a honest review
Happy Reading Lisa 📚
May 13, 2022
First I would like to say thank you to Aliva Fleur and Xpresso Book Tours for sending me this e-arc from NetGalley. This review is my own thoughts with no influence.
Hide and Seek is a short and steamy historical Regency-era romance novella. If you are looking for a quick read that leaves you falling in love with a Mister instead of a Duke who may or may not have a secret he is keeping from his new missus, then this book is for you.
What I loved about this book is how even though it was a short 42 pages it really made me feel single all the same in this book the roles are reversed instead of him being dominated it's her and he just obeys. Everyone needs to read this book.
Available May 24.
Hide and Seek is a short and steamy historical Regency-era romance novella. If you are looking for a quick read that leaves you falling in love with a Mister instead of a Duke who may or may not have a secret he is keeping from his new missus, then this book is for you.
What I loved about this book is how even though it was a short 42 pages it really made me feel single all the same in this book the roles are reversed instead of him being dominated it's her and he just obeys. Everyone needs to read this book.
Available May 24.
December 16, 2022
I’ve always said that anticipation is the best aphrodisiac. This delectable short story proves it.
I’m giving full stars to Hide and Seek because I know how challenging it can be to succinctly write an engaging short story with a compelling arc and believable characters with palpable conflict and tension that leads to a satisfying conclusion. Ms. Fleur’s story hit all of the right notes for me.
I’m giving full stars to Hide and Seek because I know how challenging it can be to succinctly write an engaging short story with a compelling arc and believable characters with palpable conflict and tension that leads to a satisfying conclusion. Ms. Fleur’s story hit all of the right notes for me.
June 19, 2022
Book # 19: Hide and Seek by Dianne Haley
Maria has remarried, and unlike her unreformed first husband, her dear second husband, Frederick, is sweet, kind and incredibly proper. Now properly married, they. can't keep their hands to themselves, but interruptions pop up at every turn. Maria proposes they play parlour games. But during a game of Hide and Seek, Maria finds more than she was expecting.
A super quick, steamy, "historical" book. I was able to read the book in under 45 minutes. I don't generally read short pages (goodreads says it was 32 pages), so I found it hard to rate this book. It's not long enough to build character development, but within these short pages, you did get a feel for Maria and Frederick. It's definitely a great book for a quick read and if you like a steamy scene.
I rate this book as 3.5 🌟!
I'd like to say a huge thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
#readingchallenge #reading2022 #springreading2022 #booklover #bookworm #bookwormlife #booksofinstagram #bookstagram #netgalley #readinggoals #hideandseek #aliviafleur #aliviafleurbooks
Maria has remarried, and unlike her unreformed first husband, her dear second husband, Frederick, is sweet, kind and incredibly proper. Now properly married, they. can't keep their hands to themselves, but interruptions pop up at every turn. Maria proposes they play parlour games. But during a game of Hide and Seek, Maria finds more than she was expecting.
A super quick, steamy, "historical" book. I was able to read the book in under 45 minutes. I don't generally read short pages (goodreads says it was 32 pages), so I found it hard to rate this book. It's not long enough to build character development, but within these short pages, you did get a feel for Maria and Frederick. It's definitely a great book for a quick read and if you like a steamy scene.
I rate this book as 3.5 🌟!
I'd like to say a huge thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
#readingchallenge #reading2022 #springreading2022 #booklover #bookworm #bookwormlife #booksofinstagram #bookstagram #netgalley #readinggoals #hideandseek #aliviafleur #aliviafleurbooks
August 7, 2023
This novelette is another deceptively simple plot about love, trust and second chances that hits all the right notes! The third story by Alivia Fleur that I’ve read, and it’s just as delicious as ‘Tryst with a Viscount’ and ‘The Portrait Sitting’ – do check them out if you haven’t already!
After a two-year courtship and a one-year engagement Maria can finally call herself Mrs Fitzherbert. Unlike her lying and cheating first husband, solicitor Frederick Fitzherbert is a gentle, honest and incredibly proper man.
The newlyweds can barely keep their hands of each other, but a little privacy does not seem to be in the cards while they wait to leave on their honeymoon. So Maria proposes they play a game of hide seek. Looking for the best hiding spot, she stumbles upon something that reminds her all too much of her past…
To find out just how innocent Frederick really is, go and read this steamy little morsel!
PS: he really is innocent!
After a two-year courtship and a one-year engagement Maria can finally call herself Mrs Fitzherbert. Unlike her lying and cheating first husband, solicitor Frederick Fitzherbert is a gentle, honest and incredibly proper man.
The newlyweds can barely keep their hands of each other, but a little privacy does not seem to be in the cards while they wait to leave on their honeymoon. So Maria proposes they play a game of hide seek. Looking for the best hiding spot, she stumbles upon something that reminds her all too much of her past…
To find out just how innocent Frederick really is, go and read this steamy little morsel!
PS: he really is innocent!
October 20, 2023
Wow, just wow. What the author managed to accomplish in less than 35 pages was more than some authors manage to convey in a 300+ page novel. I really felt like I knew both Maria and Frederick, and felt the depth of their love and devotion to one another, by the end.
This short story was a lovely, funny and STEAMY read. I will definitely be going back to it in the future when I need a quick, spicy and heartwarming story.
I stumbled across this since I'm always looking for Well done, I've already bookmarked Alivia's other stories to hopefully read soon.
This short story was a lovely, funny and STEAMY read. I will definitely be going back to it in the future when I need a quick, spicy and heartwarming story.
I stumbled across this since I'm always looking for Well done, I've already bookmarked Alivia's other stories to hopefully read soon.
October 25, 2022
This was Fredrick & Maria’s story. After a quiet service in the village chapel, Maria is his wife. The boundaries have shifted. And after a two-year courtship and an agonising one-year engagement, Maria and Frederick can barely keep their hands from one another once they enter the front door. Perhaps a brief respite before departing for their honeymoon might make the long train ride bearable?
Interruptions abound, and to keep themselves distracted until they can have some privacy, Maria proposes they play parlour games. But during a game of Hide and Seek, Maria finds more than she was expecting. This was an intriguing slow-burn. Loved it. And a new author, for me. And am voluntarily leaving my review.
Interruptions abound, and to keep themselves distracted until they can have some privacy, Maria proposes they play parlour games. But during a game of Hide and Seek, Maria finds more than she was expecting. This was an intriguing slow-burn. Loved it. And a new author, for me. And am voluntarily leaving my review.
April 26, 2022
I knew this was a novella but at 32 pages this can be called a short story. It essentially takes place on the afternoon of a couple's wedding day. Maria was married before and after properly mourning her rake of a husband she has given up her title to marry a country lawyer Frederick. With such a short story kudos to the author for getting in a bit of back story for both and even a brief point of conflict before they consummate the marriage. The writing is fine but there isn't enough to comment more. Thank you to NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 28, 2022
Hide and Seek is a Victorian short-story about newlyweds Maria and Frederick. Desperate to pass the time until they can celebrate their marriage in privacy, they turn to parlour games to keep themselves occupied. However, Maria soon discovers that Frederick is not who she thought him to be - will the marriage make it through the night?
This short story was shockingly full of plot while still delivering on the expected steam. Definitely recommend to romance lovers. I read this after feeling burnt out from a string of more serious novels, and it was the perfect way to reset.
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This short story was shockingly full of plot while still delivering on the expected steam. Definitely recommend to romance lovers. I read this after feeling burnt out from a string of more serious novels, and it was the perfect way to reset.
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
May 11, 2022
A short story so not too much is learned about the characters, especially the hero.
Maria has remarried and spent two long years being courted by a man who was different than her former husband - who cheated often and seemed to be a cold-hearted man. Her new husband, Frederick is sweet, kind, gentle, and proper - or so Maria thinks once they are together. Frederick wants to prove worthy of Maria's love and affection and uses a way that is shocking yet seems to work out well in the end.
This story includes -
❤️Parlor games
❤️A male virgin
❤️An overbearing housekeeper
❤️Rainstorm passion
* Recieved this arc for a review *
Maria has remarried and spent two long years being courted by a man who was different than her former husband - who cheated often and seemed to be a cold-hearted man. Her new husband, Frederick is sweet, kind, gentle, and proper - or so Maria thinks once they are together. Frederick wants to prove worthy of Maria's love and affection and uses a way that is shocking yet seems to work out well in the end.
This story includes -
❤️Parlor games
❤️A male virgin
❤️An overbearing housekeeper
❤️Rainstorm passion
* Recieved this arc for a review *
May 11, 2022
A fun, sweet, erotic historical romp between two newlyweds as they try to find their footing and find time alone together. This was only some 40 odd pages, so it’s a quick read. Honestly, I’d love a longer version of this too! The hero is shy, sweet, and unsure of himself which is a fresh change from the aristocratic alpha males we see so often! The heroine gave up her titles to marry her sweet country solicitor and wants nothing more than to consummate their marriage. This had great tension, a bit of angst running through, and great, fleshed out MC’s!
May 15, 2022
Maria is desperate to be alone with her new husband Frederick Fitzherbert but it seems that they will have to be creative if they are to be alone. Yet when she decides to play a game of Hide and Seek, she begins to wonder if her husband is not the honourable man she thought. Despite being a very short novella, this book manages to convey all the emotions needed for an engaging romance. A lovely read.
I received an advanced review copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. All thoughts and comments are my own.
I received an advanced review copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. All thoughts and comments are my own.
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