Miss Delia Somerset is stranded in a blizzard—alone, penniless, and certain to perish--but her luck takes a turn when handsome and honorable Jack Thorne appears to save her.
Viscount Stark, isn’t at all happy about having to travel home for the holidays and is even less pleased at having to stop for the bedraggled snow angel freezing on the road.
After sharing a chamber with her, and a very magical night, however, Jack can’t help but believe that Delia might be his very own Christmas miracle.
Delia Somerset is a side-character in Cocky Earl and Cocky Baron. This novella was originally published in the 2021 Christmas Anthology titled, The Rogue Who Stole Christmas.
Married to the same man for over 25 years, I am a mother to three children and two Miniature Wiener dogs.
After owning a business and experiencing considerable success, my husband and I got caught in the financial crisis and lost everything in 2008; our business, our home, even our car.
At this point, I put my B.A. in Poly Sci to use and took work as a waitress and bartender (Insert irony). Unwilling to give up on a professional life, I simultaneously went back to college and obtained a degree in Energy Management.
And then the energy market dropped off.
And then my dog died.
I can only be grateful for this series of unfortunate events, for, with nothing to lose and completely demoralized, I sat down and began to write the romance novels which had until then, existed only my imagination. After publishing over twenty novels now, with one having been nominated for RWA’s Distinguished ™RITA Award in 2019, I am happy to tell you that I have finally found my place in life.
Thank you so much for being a part of my journey!
To find out more about my books, and also to download a free novella, get all the info at my website!
On her journey north to take up her position as companion to an elderly countess, Miss Delia Somerset finds herself stranded, penniless, in a snowstorm and sure to freeze to death. Luckily for her, a handsome stranger appears just in time to save her.
Jack Thorne, Viscount Thorne, is already not thrilled to be traveling to his home to spend Christmas with his boisterous family and he's certainly not happy to be slowing his progress to stop for a bedraggled, half-frozen miss. However, after he winds up spending a shockingly magical night together, Jack begins to believe Delia is exactly what he's always needed.
This sweet little novella is basically everything you might want in a feel-good Christmas romance. While it was a little lighter on steam that I had hoped it might be, this was snowstorm, only one bed, instalove goodness. I wasn't super crazy about Jack mistaking Delia for a prostitute, but things were cleared up before it went to far and he actually wound up being really sweet to her. His realization of his feelings for her and determination to find her once he did was everything. I loved that part and the fact that he realized his feelings and didn't question them, but rather took immediate action was fantastic. I think that lack of angst and lack of time to have miscommunications is what I love about novellas. If you're look for something cute to curl up with and get into the holiday spirit, this is a good choice.
Delia Somerset is stranded in a blizzard—alone, penniless, and certain to perish—but her luck takes a turn when handsome and honourable Jack Thorne, appears to save her. The Viscount Stark, isn't at all happy about having to travel home for the holidays and is even less pleased at having to stop for the bedraggled snow angel freezing on the road. I first read this lovely novella in The Rogue who stole Christmas anthology, I loved it then & I still love it. Opposites attract in this engrossing novella. Wonderful characters & a well paced story had me devouring it in a sitting. I especially loved Delia whose glass is always three quarters full. My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Very enjoyable, quick read for the Christmas season. Miss Delia Somerset has already fallen on hard times, when on her way to her new position of companion she gets stuck in a blizzard. Jack Thorne, Viscount Stark is on his way home to visit his family when his coach almost runs over a young lady. Loved Delia for her optimism. Very satisfying HEA.
Delia has gotten off the mail coach one stop before she should have. There's no room at the inn, and she hasn't enough money anyway. Delia decides to walk through the bitter cold and snow to her destination, which is to her new employment. Jack To The Rescue: Lord Jack Thorne, Viscount Oswald. - His coach stops when he sees Delia laying on the ground. I loved reading this enjoyable short story. A very HEA too. 4☆
This is my 37th book by Annabelle Anders. She is one of my favorite authors.
I know this is a novella which I am not a great fan of but have loved this series so wanted to read it to complete that series. Super quick but good read.
JUST A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS STORY!!! Merry Miss by Annabelle Anders is book 9 in the Cocky Gents and though in a series this book can be read as a standalone. I have to say that I am a huge fan of Annabelle and what I like most is the wit she puts into her books. I always find myself cracking up at the one liners or after thoughts. It can be the most tragic of circumstance and she still manages to had humor to it. This book was just too fun to read. I found this book to be very well written, wonderful characters, original, had the real feel of the regency era, vivd descriptions and just a joy to read! Annabelle never disappoints. This story has a Lady who is going to work as a companion, a viscount who doesn’t like the holidays, a brother with a very serious gambling debt, getting off that the wrong stop, having to walking a snowstorm, nearly being frozen to death, being picked up by a stranger, mistaken identity, a loving family, a sister with 10 children, staying together at an inn and falling in love. I am very highly recommending you read this book. It is just WONDERFUL!!!
I own this book twice - it was part of a bundle called A ROGUE WHO STOLE CHRISTMAS. I wasn't paying attention to the blurb and it does state it was previously part of this above mentioned bundle and I purchased the novella - again. Then I also received an ARC, all opinions are my own and freely given. Original review in A Rogue Stole Christmas was dated 11-16-2021.
A lot packed into this novella - all good! Your heart will be warmed by the h and her outlook on life. She turns or tries too, a bad situation into a silver lining. The H is jaded and sees Christmas as a chore he needs to get through.
The H finds the h on the side of the road and takes her for a prostitute. When our h realizes what he assumes it made for interesting conversations.
There is lovemaking, outside of marriage, heat level 4 out of 5. Sweet ending, no cheating, HEA, some romance and a tad of spice. (ljb).
Merry Miss was a nice, quick holiday historical romance.
Delia’s brother has gambled away their family’s fortune, forcing her to take up a job as a lady’s companion. On her way to her job, she nearly perishes in a snowstorm and would have if Jack’s carriage hadn’t happened upon her.
Delia is a sweetheart, very kind, and steadfastly optimistic. Jack gets grumpy around the holidays but beneath it all lies a soft heart.
Amidst waiting out the storm and much miscommunication, an attraction swiftly builds between them. Delia and Jack are very sweet together and respectful of one another. Delia’s hopeful but somewhat naive nature slowly melts the coldness around Jack’s heart, making him rethink what he truly wants.
I wish there had been another chapter or epilogue to see how others react to how the main characters’ story-lines concluded or see a glimpse of Jack and Delia’s future.
I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an advance reader copy of this story.
Such a cute Christmas tale. Our heroine, Delia, is a likeable girl trying to make the best of a bad situation, her brother has lost all the family money, as they all seem to do. She's been lucky enough to acquire a job as a ladies companion, she's trying very hard to keep a good attitude. Jack is unlikeable at first, just another arrogant toff who looks down his nose at Delia, and everyone else too. He soon changes his tune and realizes she's the best thing he's ever rescued from the side of the road. I was hoping for a Christmas ghost but no such luck. I did get everything else including an HEA.
I didn't even make it halfway through the book, the heroine was too pathetic for me. She got off the coach at the wrong stop. She used most of her money to buy pretty gloves and then didn't have enough money to pay for another coach or to stay at an inn, so she decides to walk to her destination in a storm. She gets rescued by the horny hero, who leaves all her belongings on the side of the road and refuse to go back and get them. The hero is so horny he thinks she's a prostitute. He takes her to an inn and commence to ravish her. And this is where I refuse to read anymore. The hero is a horndog and the heroine is pathetic. I will never understand why female authors make their heroines extremely naive and dumb.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Aww! Jack & Delia are absolutely adorable. This story is such a sweet and touching tale. Grumpy meets sunshine for sure. Delia is the epitome of sunshine, with her endless silver linings. What most people would take as shortcomings or even tragedies, she manages to find a happy nugget and create a silver lining. Whereas Jack is simply miserable with life, caught in his own duldrums unable to see the joys in his life. He desperately needs Delia to help him appreciate the goodness that surrounds him. The Cinderella spectacles at the end was a lovely touch. A beautiful addition to Annabelle’s delightful Cocky Gents.
Delia is an innocent, naive lady who sees a silver lining in every situation and has the strength to make it happen. After several mishaps, she finds herself walking in a snowstorm with little money but a handsome gentleman in a carriage stops to help her.
Jack, Viscount Stark hates Christmas, well not Christmas but going to his family's home and it's always a miserable time. Suddenly he sees a woman in the snow and believes she is a lady of the night and takes her to the nearest inn. Jack shares a room with Delia, and they spend a magical night but then what happens? You must read this book to find out!
Delia was forced to take work as a lady’s companion after her brother gambled away their fortune. She ended up getting off the mail coach a stop too early and was stuck walking through a snow storm because she didn’t have enough money for a room. Jack was traveling home for the holidays and found Delia along the road in the snow so he came to her rescue. Their story is full of some sweet moments as well as some major misunderstandings. By the end of the story Jack had begun to believe in Christmas miracles after he finds Delia again.
Do you believe in Christmas and silver linings and insta-love? This story is an absolute delight to read. It is short but really gets you in the spirit of Christmas. I smiled throughout the entire book and laughed in a few places. Annabelle’s wit really shines in this story. Delia is a force to be reckoned with in that she does not shy away from anything. Jack is a total dream. He wants to be naughty but has a deep seated kindness that always wins out in regards to Delia.
A short forced proximity story. Delia is traveling to her new position as a lady’s companion, but gets off at the wrong stop, in a snowstorm. Jack is reluctantly on his way home for Christmas. Since Delia can’t afford a room, she decides to walk the rest of the way. In the snowstorm. Jack rescues her, and there’s only one room at the inn.
Not clean, but definitely not as spicy as Anders’ other stories. You don’t have to have read the other Cocky Gents stories to enjoy this one, but they’re all worth reading, especially if you enjoy this one. I received an ARC and enjoyed it, thanks Annabelle!
Aw sweet! Great short read. This is part of the Regency Cocky Gents series but is a standalone. This book is about Miss Delia Somerset and Jack Thorne, Viscount Stark. Stuck together due to a storm their attraction to each other can't be denied. Delia is traveling because she is to become a lady's companion due to family finances. Jack is traveling home for Christmas. A case of mistaken identity and Christmas magic makes this a lovely read.
I received a free copy of this book for my honest review.
Merry Miss Regency Cocky Gents, Book 9 Annabelle Anders, author
I can always depend on Ms. Anders to delivery an entertaining story that offers love and happiness ever after. This darling Christmas story brings two unsuspecting people together via a snowstorm in the dead of winter. A lost heroine on her way to her new position, as a companion and a handsome Lord to her rescue equates to love at Christmastime.
I received an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
I previously read this story in the collection of stories called The Rogue who stole Christmas. I enjoyed this book the first time I read it and I enjoyed it again when I recently read it. I always enjoy books by this author and jump at the chance to read one of her stories. Jack and Delia are both adorable in their own way, she is sweet, kind and looks for the “silver lining” in everything that happens, and he is deep down a gentleman and a caring man. When they found each other, I felt like it was meant to be. I received an ARC of this book, and I am leaving my honest opinion.
Really such a sweet little story. It is very insta love cause it is a short novella but it made sense I can see why these two would be instantly in love with one another. There were a few things where I’m like who did he not know but you know what Delia was so darn delightful how could it not cloud his judgement.
They meet in a blizzard she thinks he is her prince and he is hoping for a distraction from not wanting to deal with all the feeling Christmas brings up for him. It is sexy even though it is fade to black. Loved it.
Originally named The Reliable Rogue - This was a decent story. I didn't understand how she could be quite so naive and willing to jump into bed with the guy (he's her first kiss and suddenly she's in bed and her breast is exposed? Just seemed WAY too fast for a sheltered girl. And then she asks if he's in love with her? I cringed as much as she did). I did like them together and really liked Jack's character and how he evolved in such a short story. And I felt she should have been just a little annoyed that he hid who he was but overall it was a good story.
This is another great addition in the Cocky Gents series.
She expected to be alone for Christmas and he expected to despise Christmas like always and to never marry.
But afrer spending time in a inn together as virtual strangers and they begin to get know each other, it's as fate put them together and they realize that she sees he is her Christmas Miracle and He sees her as his Christmas Angel. Snow has a way melting hearts
A great addition to the Cocky Gent series.
I received this as a gift from the Author in exchange for an honest review and these are purely my thoughts and no one else's.
Delia is on her way to become a companion to an elderly lady. She gets off the mail coach at the wrong stop and has little money. She starts walking in a snowstorm hoping someone will come along. Jack, Viscount Stark is on his way to his family's home, when he finds her in the snow. He thinks she is a lightskirt and takes her to an inn. When he finds out Delia is not what he thought she was, they part ways. It is an enchanting, heartwarming story, with a bit of spice. I gave it 5-stars.
Merry Miss by Annabelle Anders was an unputdownable read for me. Delia and Jack are captivating. Wallflowers and honorable gentlemen are one of my weaknesses. Add in the Sunshine/Grump trope and it sealed the deal for me. I loved the chapter names! They were a nice touch. I only wish there would have been an epilogue.
I received an ARC from the author. The review above is my honest opinion to the book.
I loved reading this novella the first time I read it, the characters and story are just as enjoyable this time round. Delia Somerset is lost in the snow on her way to her new post as a companion. Jack Thorne is on his way to his beloved grandparents home for the holiday season. Jack chances upon Delia when his carriage almost runs her over in the ensuring snowstorm, this starts a wonderfully passionate journey of discovery one filled with silver linings, passion and hopefully love.
Steamy romance; there is no technical consummation although there is intimate contact. Jack rescues Delia. They clarify their standards and hopes. They come to build the necessary or at least the preliminary parts of a true romance and relationship. Their paths merge at Jack's castle home with his family arriving for Christmas. Technically a HFN but practically an HEA.
I say this book took off on a smashing good induction to the holidays with a heated embrace with a twenty one year old woman at an inn. Well the book reads fast. The entertainment keeps the reader turning the pages. The book does it’s funny moments where Delia finds herself asking is she dead. I was hoping that the Viscount would turn around to retrieve her glasses. The book is a cute little read to pass your time with some chocolate cocoa.
This is a sweet Christmas story that pairs a disillusioned noble with a down on her luck wallflower turned companion. There is an amusing misunderstanding that turns into something more for them both, something very unexpected that they almost lose before they suddenly and unexpectedly get it back.
Just a very cute story that i very much enjoyed.
I received an ARC copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving this review.
Delia, a sweet, overlooked spinster, meets Jack, a hard man who doesn’t like Christmas at all and is not looking forward to spending the festivities with his family. An incautious walk in the snow and a misunderstanding bring them together and propel them toward their happy ending. I loved Delia who with her sweetness and refreshing innocence was able to charm a grumpy Jack!
Perfect and just in time for Christmas. When circumstances and a bit of confusion throw Jack And Delia together it is just what they both need for a Christmas miracle. With with and passion this is a perfect read to get you in the mood for Christmas and love.