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Never the Bride #8.5
Always the Mistletoe
Always under mistletoe but never the bride—but not this Christmas...
Lady Prudence Lennox is of age and tired of being treated like a child. Her brothers are married and settled, but they still think of her as their baby sister, which is growing increasingly irritating.
Especially when the Reverend Michaels is visiting for Christmas.
He's only four years older than her but has never seen her as a woman before—and she's determined that, this Christmas, as they meet under the mistletoe, all that is going to change.
This novella is a steamy Regency romance with a happily ever after, no cliffhangers, and is part of a series that can be read in any order.
(Note: This story was first published as part of the Dragonblade Publishing Boxed set, O Night Divine, December 2020)
Lady Prudence Lennox is of age and tired of being treated like a child. Her brothers are married and settled, but they still think of her as their baby sister, which is growing increasingly irritating.
Especially when the Reverend Michaels is visiting for Christmas.
He's only four years older than her but has never seen her as a woman before—and she's determined that, this Christmas, as they meet under the mistletoe, all that is going to change.
This novella is a steamy Regency romance with a happily ever after, no cliffhangers, and is part of a series that can be read in any order.
(Note: This story was first published as part of the Dragonblade Publishing Boxed set, O Night Divine, December 2020)
52 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 17, 2020
About the author
Emily E.K. Murdoch
148 books286 followersEmily E.K. Murdoch is also known as Emily Murdoch.
Emily Murdoch is a medieval historian and writer. Throughout her career so far she has examined a codex and transcribed medieval sermons at the Bodleian Library in Oxford, designed part of an exhibition for the Yorkshire Museum, worked as a researcher for a BBC documentary presented by Ian Hislop, and worked at Polesden Lacey with the National Trust. She has a degree in History and English, and a Masters in Medieval Studies, both from the University of York. Emily is currently working on a new four part Regency novella series, two of which are now published.
You can follow her on twitter and instagram @emilyekmurdoch, find her on facebook at www.facebook.com/theemilyekmurdoch, and read her blog at www.emilyekmurdoch.com
Emily Murdoch is a medieval historian and writer. Throughout her career so far she has examined a codex and transcribed medieval sermons at the Bodleian Library in Oxford, designed part of an exhibition for the Yorkshire Museum, worked as a researcher for a BBC documentary presented by Ian Hislop, and worked at Polesden Lacey with the National Trust. She has a degree in History and English, and a Masters in Medieval Studies, both from the University of York. Emily is currently working on a new four part Regency novella series, two of which are now published.
You can follow her on twitter and instagram @emilyekmurdoch, find her on facebook at www.facebook.com/theemilyekmurdoch, and read her blog at www.emilyekmurdoch.com
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 16, 2022
It was just the right length of story to finish just after midnight. It was an o.k. story, but a very short read. Couldn't really get to know the characters, apart from the two main ones. A nice short. 3☆
July 26, 2022
4.5 STARS
I purchased this as part of a multi-author bundle called O'Night Devine.
At first I didn't care for the H because of his obsession with money and envious of the h's family. They've been friends since children, but he became a Minister and the h's family became titled and wealthy.
Then as an onion is peeled, we discover why the H is worried about money. Cute story, with little on Christmas except hanging Mistletoe, but still enjoyable. Only kisses. The ending was perfect. (ljb)
I purchased this as part of a multi-author bundle called O'Night Devine.
At first I didn't care for the H because of his obsession with money and envious of the h's family. They've been friends since children, but he became a Minister and the h's family became titled and wealthy.
Then as an onion is peeled, we discover why the H is worried about money. Cute story, with little on Christmas except hanging Mistletoe, but still enjoyable. Only kisses. The ending was perfect. (ljb)
August 2, 2022
Prudence & Alexander. Cheezy potatoes! She is the Duke of Mercia's youngest sister and he has been a family friend since they were children. He went off and became a vicar. She has secretly loved him and decides she is going to tell him how she feels during his Christmas visit. Somehow, he managed to stop seeing her as a child/little sister and they kiss. He's always pinching pennies (to support his cousin's 3 children after he died). The Duke threatens to withhold her dowry to confirm he was wanting her for her money. They profess their love for each other.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2022
Love finally acknowledged
Prudence is excited for Christmas and one handsome Vicar! Alex aka Alexander was their friend from childhood but lately very pennypinching. Alexander is alone and has always celebrated with them but not daring to see Prudence as a young woman.
When a snowfall and mistletoe works their magic.
They are caught in an embrace hot enough to melt snow.
When Alexander's secret comes out about his stinginess it is even more of a need for a Christmas miracle. Can Alex persuade Prudence and then his love is true?
Prudence is excited for Christmas and one handsome Vicar! Alex aka Alexander was their friend from childhood but lately very pennypinching. Alexander is alone and has always celebrated with them but not daring to see Prudence as a young woman.
When a snowfall and mistletoe works their magic.
They are caught in an embrace hot enough to melt snow.
When Alexander's secret comes out about his stinginess it is even more of a need for a Christmas miracle. Can Alex persuade Prudence and then his love is true?
April 28, 2025
Short and slightly steamy Christmas tale. Prudence has been friends with Reverend Michaels (along with her siblings) since they were children.
Now the older brother has inherited his title and a considerable fortune. The reverend comes to visit for Christmas and he and Pru discover their love for each other. There is a minor stumble when Will threatens to withhold her money but all works out well in the end.
Now the older brother has inherited his title and a considerable fortune. The reverend comes to visit for Christmas and he and Pru discover their love for each other. There is a minor stumble when Will threatens to withhold her money but all works out well in the end.
April 16, 2023
Prudence is determined to get Alexander under the mistletoe this Christmastide and let him know how she feels about him. Alexander, a vicar, seems to be obsessed with money and she's worried that her dowry is all he's interested in. It's not until almost the end that we find out why he's been pinching every penny. It's an ok story but didn't really grab my interest.
December 9, 2025
As we near the end of the reading challenge I was looking for some shorter Christmas-y reads. This one was recommended on reddit but I didn't think much of it. I'm not sure novellas are for me - I didn't know enough about any of the characters to feel much of anything. Two stars for some lovely holiday place setting and a first kiss by a snowy open window ❄️
December 9, 2025
It was just okay. The dialogue wasn’t interesting and a lot of this short story was wasted on a dinner scene that didn’t add anything. The hero didn’t sound attractive at all and not sure why he had to keep the secret he was keeping.
August 3, 2022
Short and sweet
The novella was short and sweet. Normally, I would read in a single session. However I have other commitments that come first. Still good in 2 readings.
The novella was short and sweet. Normally, I would read in a single session. However I have other commitments that come first. Still good in 2 readings.
September 10, 2022
forgettable
Too short! No much background for the story! Not good for a historical novel. Where was the history of Christmas that could have been included? Boring
Too short! No much background for the story! Not good for a historical novel. Where was the history of Christmas that could have been included? Boring
October 29, 2024
There was no character development because it was so short. It was also very, very stupid.
April 11, 2023
A short and engaging Christmas romance. I enjoyed Prudence and her Reverend find love.
October 12, 2023
Sweet
A very short, sweet novella. Prudence has always been in love with Alexander, and with the Christmas season coming, Alexander is coming to visit. Mistletoe is key to her plan.
A very short, sweet novella. Prudence has always been in love with Alexander, and with the Christmas season coming, Alexander is coming to visit. Mistletoe is key to her plan.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews