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Breaking the Rules of the Beau Monde #1
Until Morning: Breaking the Rules of the Beau Monde A Prequel
Come welcome Adeline and Winn to your holiday table. Don’t be fooled by Adeline’s sweet smile, she’s crazy for Winn in this Sizzling Christmas romance.
A Historical Regency Romance novella featuring:
A friends to lovers story
A trio of rule breaking women
Mistletoe and kisses
A childhood crush reborn
And a night that changed everything…
They broke the rules for fun. They fell in love forever.
What does your best friend's rake of a brother, a notorious gambler, and a winter masquerade have in common? The perfect storm for Breaking the Rules of the Beau Monde.
When Adeline Priestley receives an invitation for a Christmas mask from her friend Lady Clover, she's in for a treat because not only will her best friend Evelyn Markham be there, but she'll be bringing her brother as a chaperone. She may have made a cake of herself with her girlish crush on Winn Markham, but the appreciation in his eyes at her come out had been more than complimentary. Three years later and she wondered if his warm, umber eyes still held the same spark.
Winn Markham hasn't been home for three years, and just when he thinks his father will finally forgive him for his past dealings with card sharps, he's thrown into babysitting his younger sister for a week of post-Christmas cheer. He's not thrilled about the prospect of spending a holiday with his sister and her silly friends until he realizes that Adeline Priestley will be there.
No one: not Adeline, Evelyn, Clover, or Winn and his friends, would ever have guessed that the week would turn into such scandalous fun when one of the girls suggests a week of Breaking the Rules of the Beau Monde.
Tropes:
• Best friends brother
• Friends to lovers
• Rule breakers
• One bed
A Historical Regency Romance novella featuring:
A friends to lovers story
A trio of rule breaking women
Mistletoe and kisses
A childhood crush reborn
And a night that changed everything…
They broke the rules for fun. They fell in love forever.
What does your best friend's rake of a brother, a notorious gambler, and a winter masquerade have in common? The perfect storm for Breaking the Rules of the Beau Monde.
When Adeline Priestley receives an invitation for a Christmas mask from her friend Lady Clover, she's in for a treat because not only will her best friend Evelyn Markham be there, but she'll be bringing her brother as a chaperone. She may have made a cake of herself with her girlish crush on Winn Markham, but the appreciation in his eyes at her come out had been more than complimentary. Three years later and she wondered if his warm, umber eyes still held the same spark.
Winn Markham hasn't been home for three years, and just when he thinks his father will finally forgive him for his past dealings with card sharps, he's thrown into babysitting his younger sister for a week of post-Christmas cheer. He's not thrilled about the prospect of spending a holiday with his sister and her silly friends until he realizes that Adeline Priestley will be there.
No one: not Adeline, Evelyn, Clover, or Winn and his friends, would ever have guessed that the week would turn into such scandalous fun when one of the girls suggests a week of Breaking the Rules of the Beau Monde.
Tropes:
• Best friends brother
• Friends to lovers
• Rule breakers
• One bed
114 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 5, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 2, 2022
4.25 Stars
When Adeline Priestley receives an invitation for a Christmas masque from her friend Lady Clover she's in for a treat because not only will her best friend Evelyn Markham be there, but she'll be bringing her brother Winn as a chaperone, who she had a crush on years ago. Winn Markham hasn't been home for three years, and just when he thinks his father will finally forgive him for his past dealings with card sharps, he's thrown into babysitting his younger sister for a week of post-Christmas cheer. He's not thrilled about the prospect of spending a holiday with his sister and her silly friends until he realizes that Adeline Priestley will be there.
A delightful novella which beautifully sets the scene for a new series. Very well written with strong characters & a well paced story. I loved both Winn & Addy who unbeknown to each other had fallen for each other before Winn was banished, I loved how they reconnected, their chemistry sizzled. There were also strong secondary characters especially Winn & Addys’ friends & I look forward to their stories. A captivating read, which I read in a sitting
When Adeline Priestley receives an invitation for a Christmas masque from her friend Lady Clover she's in for a treat because not only will her best friend Evelyn Markham be there, but she'll be bringing her brother Winn as a chaperone, who she had a crush on years ago. Winn Markham hasn't been home for three years, and just when he thinks his father will finally forgive him for his past dealings with card sharps, he's thrown into babysitting his younger sister for a week of post-Christmas cheer. He's not thrilled about the prospect of spending a holiday with his sister and her silly friends until he realizes that Adeline Priestley will be there.
A delightful novella which beautifully sets the scene for a new series. Very well written with strong characters & a well paced story. I loved both Winn & Addy who unbeknown to each other had fallen for each other before Winn was banished, I loved how they reconnected, their chemistry sizzled. There were also strong secondary characters especially Winn & Addys’ friends & I look forward to their stories. A captivating read, which I read in a sitting
September 20, 2022
What a fun read! One of my favorite tropes, best friend’s brother. Addy and Winn have not seen each other for 3 years when they are thrown together at a Christmas house party. There’s a masquerade, and one of Adeline Priestley’s friends suggest that they break the rules of the beau monde. When Adeline and Winn find themselves behind closed doors for an entire night there’s barely a rule left unbroken. And their intimate conversation is adorably funny.
Although this was a novella, the characters had enough depth to feel their attraction for one another and to fall in love right along with them. The epilogue was a nice icing on the cake! Can’t wait for the rest of the series!
Although this was a novella, the characters had enough depth to feel their attraction for one another and to fall in love right along with them. The epilogue was a nice icing on the cake! Can’t wait for the rest of the series!
May 7, 2024
I mentioned in my review of Until Spring, which was a story in the Christmas Belles anthology that I wanted to read Rochester's story. This wasn't it. This is the prequel to the upcoming novel For a Scandalous Wager, which is his story, but he was a secondary character in this particular book. I wanted to see him again.
It's a Christmas house party. Everybody should be on their best behavior. Well, that's the idea of it all anyway. Evelyn can't come unless her brother, Winn, comes. He's back from a three-year exile in Bath with his friends and isn't too keen on going, but agrees as long as Rochester and Hugo can come too.
Evelyn and her two best friends, Adeline and Clover, have decided to break the rules. They're going to do whatever men do without fear of retribution. It's just a week; games, frolic, and fun. How far would they take it?
Winn is taken with Adeline and has been for a long time. She was enamored with Winn and had been for years, even after he disappeared for three years. When she kisses him square on the lips, it shocked him, but it was a game-changer. It opened up possibilities for both of them that did not exist until that moment.
I usually poo-poo Christmas stories for a variety of reasons, but I enjoyed this one. It had Christmas as a setting, but it wasn't overboard. I liked the story, loved the characters, and thought the ending was stellar.
It's a Christmas house party. Everybody should be on their best behavior. Well, that's the idea of it all anyway. Evelyn can't come unless her brother, Winn, comes. He's back from a three-year exile in Bath with his friends and isn't too keen on going, but agrees as long as Rochester and Hugo can come too.
Evelyn and her two best friends, Adeline and Clover, have decided to break the rules. They're going to do whatever men do without fear of retribution. It's just a week; games, frolic, and fun. How far would they take it?
Winn is taken with Adeline and has been for a long time. She was enamored with Winn and had been for years, even after he disappeared for three years. When she kisses him square on the lips, it shocked him, but it was a game-changer. It opened up possibilities for both of them that did not exist until that moment.
I usually poo-poo Christmas stories for a variety of reasons, but I enjoyed this one. It had Christmas as a setting, but it wasn't overboard. I liked the story, loved the characters, and thought the ending was stellar.
July 13, 2024
4.5 Stars - I thoroughly enjoyed this charming prequel to the Breaking the Rules of the Beau Monde series. This delightful novella introduces us to the captivating characters of Adeline Priestley and Winn Markham. Gilmore’s writing effortlessly brings their story to life with a perfect blend of humor, romance, and a touch of holiday magic.
Adeline, our spirited and rule-breaking heroine, finds herself reunited with her childhood crush, Winn, a rakish gambler with a heart of gold. Their chemistry is so undeniable, it practically sizzles off the page. Their interactions are filled with witty banter and playful mischief that had me chuckling out loud. The Christmas masquerade setting adds an extra layer of enchantment to their blossoming romance, making it feel like a holiday rom-com you didn’t know you needed.
The author's storytelling ability is evident as she creates a tale that is both heartwarming and entertaining. The novella’s lighthearted tone and engaging characters are sure to leave you with a smile on your face and a warm feeling in your heart. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Adeline, our spirited and rule-breaking heroine, finds herself reunited with her childhood crush, Winn, a rakish gambler with a heart of gold. Their chemistry is so undeniable, it practically sizzles off the page. Their interactions are filled with witty banter and playful mischief that had me chuckling out loud. The Christmas masquerade setting adds an extra layer of enchantment to their blossoming romance, making it feel like a holiday rom-com you didn’t know you needed.
The author's storytelling ability is evident as she creates a tale that is both heartwarming and entertaining. The novella’s lighthearted tone and engaging characters are sure to leave you with a smile on your face and a warm feeling in your heart. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 13, 2024
Adeline Prestley had a childhood crush on her best friend Evelyn Markham brother Winn. She walked around in her mother's shoes and gloves serving tea to him. She was hurt when he didn't ask her to dance at her coming out.
Evellyn was trying to get her brother Winn to chaperone at her friend Lady Clover Christmas party. She told him that her friend Adeline Prestley was going to be there too. He told her that both Rochester and Darrington was coming to see him, she told him to bring them too.
Winn decided to take his sister since he would be able to get to see Adeline. At the party the girls decided to break the rules and the men has to behave themselves.
Watching Adeline and Winn flit with each other, and he admits to her why he didn't ask her to dance. I loved this story some laughs and some tears.
Evellyn was trying to get her brother Winn to chaperone at her friend Lady Clover Christmas party. She told him that her friend Adeline Prestley was going to be there too. He told her that both Rochester and Darrington was coming to see him, she told him to bring them too.
Winn decided to take his sister since he would be able to get to see Adeline. At the party the girls decided to break the rules and the men has to behave themselves.
Watching Adeline and Winn flit with each other, and he admits to her why he didn't ask her to dance. I loved this story some laughs and some tears.
September 25, 2022
This is an enjoyable novella that uses one of my favorite tropes, "best friend's brother." Addy and Winn have known each other since they were children, and now that she is older and he is back home, they are able to reconnect and explore a romance together. The banter is fun and Addy and Winn have spicy/sweet chemistry. Because this is novella length, the conflicts are resolved very quickly, which is the only reason for the 4 stars.
Thanks to the author for the advanced reader copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
Thanks to the author for the advanced reader copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
November 15, 2024
Best friends brother that she has had a crush on since she was young and he had a crush on her when she came out. Events in his life kept him from her but at a house party they give in to their attraction and love for one another. I really liked Winn; he was handsome, kind, and protective. Adeline and her group of friends. So cute and supportive of one another. This book I think really set the series up and the maybe all the remaining couples. Unsure if our Duke will be getting a book but I wouldn’t be mad ^.^.
November 21, 2024
This delightful little story takes place at Christmastide, as three best friends come together at a week long house party given by one of the girls. As we know, anything goes at a house party and these three friends have decided to break all the rules they can. Adeline has had a crush on her friend’s brother, Winn, for years, so when he comes to the party as his sister’s chaperone, Addy knows who she’s going to be breaking rules with! A fast and furious romance ignites between those two, and makes for a very entertaining story!
June 21, 2024
Best friend's brother / childhood crush returns to claim the woman he's missed. House party with some mild gender rule breaking (women playing cards, stealing kisses, etc) and side characters that will definitely pair off in future books... as the MC couple reunite and find a nice easy way to their HEA. Very quick read novella but with enough storyline to keep it interesting and make me want to read the upcoming series.
Medium spicy but not graphic...
Medium spicy but not graphic...
October 8, 2024
Winn and Addy
This is a beautifully told Christmas story with mistletoe and sleigh ride and a friends to lovers to HEA with spicy, lovely heat!!
Loved all the people in the story and can’t wait to read their stories whom I’m betting (read the story to understand that) will have their own books in the series!!
Well done Shannon!! ♥️📖🔥
This is a beautifully told Christmas story with mistletoe and sleigh ride and a friends to lovers to HEA with spicy, lovely heat!!
Loved all the people in the story and can’t wait to read their stories whom I’m betting (read the story to understand that) will have their own books in the series!!
Well done Shannon!! ♥️📖🔥
May 28, 2026
Her best friends and she are invited to a Christmas house party. The brother of one of them, who she has admired since childhood, is acting as chaperone for his sister.
He hadn't expected that their childhood attraction would have grown, rather than diminished. Through a variety of interactions, they realize that the attraction is real.
He hadn't expected that their childhood attraction would have grown, rather than diminished. Through a variety of interactions, they realize that the attraction is real.
August 17, 2024
Such a Splendid Treat!
A week of fun where Adeline and Winn explore their mutual attraction and break all the rules doing so.
I loved this story and its characters. Just how much can they get away with without being caught.
A week of fun where Adeline and Winn explore their mutual attraction and break all the rules doing so.
I loved this story and its characters. Just how much can they get away with without being caught.
September 21, 2022
The rule-breaking premise hooked me right away! This is a delightful novella with humor, heart, and just the right amount of sizzle. ; )
September 29, 2022
I really loved Addy and Winn along with all the other characters in the book. Great read to start my holiday romance reading for the year!! I can't wait to read the rest of the books in the series!!
October 25, 2023
An enjoyable short story , love a house party don’t you .
Great characters , romance and well written .
A worthy read
Great characters , romance and well written .
A worthy read
March 28, 2024
This is a really good read. Ladies become rakes and the rakes become rule abiding men. What no one saw coming was a love for the ages.
January 19, 2025
This little novella was playful, lighthearted and perfectly deliciously naughty, and exactly what I needed last night!
Adeline and Winn have known each other forever - he’s her childhood crush and best friend’s big brother, and she’s the only girl he ever wanted to protect - but they haven’t seen the other for quite a while. He made a costly mistake trying to save his best friends and paid the price. Freshly returned from exile, his little sister drags him and his friends to her friend’s house party, and that’s where they meet again... A saucy bet to liven things up, a mutual attraction that can no longer be denied, a masquerade, a wicked night and a risky card game.
Reading this tale was simply wonderful: charming, funny and delightfully relaxing. No angst, no drama, no miscommunication. Two very lovable and mischievous MCs, supportive and equally mischievous side-characters - or should I say co-conspirators - and the perfect set-up for what comes next!
Adeline and Winn have known each other forever - he’s her childhood crush and best friend’s big brother, and she’s the only girl he ever wanted to protect - but they haven’t seen the other for quite a while. He made a costly mistake trying to save his best friends and paid the price. Freshly returned from exile, his little sister drags him and his friends to her friend’s house party, and that’s where they meet again... A saucy bet to liven things up, a mutual attraction that can no longer be denied, a masquerade, a wicked night and a risky card game.
Reading this tale was simply wonderful: charming, funny and delightfully relaxing. No angst, no drama, no miscommunication. Two very lovable and mischievous MCs, supportive and equally mischievous side-characters - or should I say co-conspirators - and the perfect set-up for what comes next!
September 25, 2023
I had a feeling I was going to enjoy this little Christmas novella and I was not disappointed.
- Regency house party
- Christmas masquerade ball
- mistletoe and breaking rules
- a rake with a heart of gold
- best friend's brother/childhood crush
Such a fun read! Medium spice. Described on page, but only one scene.
- Regency house party
- Christmas masquerade ball
- mistletoe and breaking rules
- a rake with a heart of gold
- best friend's brother/childhood crush
Such a fun read! Medium spice. Described on page, but only one scene.
October 17, 2023
What a fun read! One of my favorite tropes, best friend’s brother. Addy and Winn have not seen each other for 3 years when they are thrown together at a Christmas house party. There’s a masquerade, and one of Adeline Priestley’s friends suggest that they break the rules of the beau monde. When Adeline and Winn find themselves behind closed doors for an entire night there’s barely a rule left unbroken. And their intimate conversation is adorably funny.
Although this was a novella, the characters had enough depth to feel their attraction for one another and to fall in love right along with them. The epilogue was a nice icing on the cake! Can’t wait for the rest of the series!
Although this was a novella, the characters had enough depth to feel their attraction for one another and to fall in love right along with them. The epilogue was a nice icing on the cake! Can’t wait for the rest of the series!
October 14, 2023
I loved it, a beautiful Christmas romance. One of my favourite tropes, a wonderful 'best friends brother' story, full of mischief and rule breaking and a forever love that was captivating to read.
October 16, 2023
I loved it, a beautiful Christmas romance. One of my favourite tropes, a wonderful 'best friends brother' story, full of mischief and rule breaking and a forever love that was captivating to read.
October 18, 2023
I really loved Addy and Winn along with all the other characters in the book. Great read to start my holiday romance reading for the year!! I can't wait to read the rest of the books in the series!!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews