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Faking Stitch #3
The Mistletoe Tryst
By day, she shows off the accomplishments she learned to entrap a husband. By night, he teaches her what a man really wants.
Socialite Lady Sophie has no intention of marrying… until her uncle's death means certain bankruptcy. Her family are certain that if obscenely wealthy Mr. Marmaduke Bains is shown her ladylike accomplishments, he’ll propose before twelfth night.
Sophie is less convinced.
First, her accomplishments are faked.
Second, though he makes her heart race, she’s had nothing but sarcasm and teasing from her friend’s elder brother.
Duke (not Marmaduke or Mr. Bains, thanks all the same) is baffled when the woman he’s wanted since they first met is suddenly being nice to him.
A “chance” nighttime meeting reveals the scheme and Duke proposes a wager: if by New Year Sophie can master talents a man really wants in a wife, he’ll marry her. If she doesn’t enjoy their lessons, he’ll gift her ten thousand pounds.
By day, Sophie demonstrates her genteel accomplishments. By night, Duke acts out her scandalous fantasies. Lines blur between winning and losing, real and pretend, and love and hate, as the clock ticks down to midnight. Then Sophie’s cousin arrives, and declares he’s going to marry her…
A steamy Regency enemies to lovers romance, with a meddling family, best friend’s brother, and Happily Ever After.
Socialite Lady Sophie has no intention of marrying… until her uncle's death means certain bankruptcy. Her family are certain that if obscenely wealthy Mr. Marmaduke Bains is shown her ladylike accomplishments, he’ll propose before twelfth night.
Sophie is less convinced.
First, her accomplishments are faked.
Second, though he makes her heart race, she’s had nothing but sarcasm and teasing from her friend’s elder brother.
Duke (not Marmaduke or Mr. Bains, thanks all the same) is baffled when the woman he’s wanted since they first met is suddenly being nice to him.
A “chance” nighttime meeting reveals the scheme and Duke proposes a wager: if by New Year Sophie can master talents a man really wants in a wife, he’ll marry her. If she doesn’t enjoy their lessons, he’ll gift her ten thousand pounds.
By day, Sophie demonstrates her genteel accomplishments. By night, Duke acts out her scandalous fantasies. Lines blur between winning and losing, real and pretend, and love and hate, as the clock ticks down to midnight. Then Sophie’s cousin arrives, and declares he’s going to marry her…
A steamy Regency enemies to lovers romance, with a meddling family, best friend’s brother, and Happily Ever After.
153 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 7, 2023
17 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
About the author
Eve Pendle
30 books165 followersEve lives in England and writes angsty, snarky and passionate Victorian era romance. She has National Trust membership, a prince-charming husband, and a crazy dog. She loves wearing dresses and eating chocolate.
You can get a free sexy historical romance story from Eve when you sign up for her new-releases email list at evependle.com
You can get a free sexy historical romance story from Eve when you sign up for her new-releases email list at evependle.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
April 20, 2024
I read Eve Pendle back in 2018 with Six Weeks with a Lord and really liked it. I wasn't taking very good notes back then so have no recollection of it. I just wrote down that I liked it. After that, I tried another of her books and didn't like it at all and actually returned it. Since then I haven't really gotten anymore of her books. But recently, while going through and cleaning out my book list, I saw she has more books out now so I decided to try her once more. I am glad I did. Even though this series books are super quick reads, so far Book 1 and 2 have been super cute reads. I decided to go ahead and finish the series.
I loved Sophie and Duke. It's funny, they didn't have a huge storyline but just fucked all the time. it was a fun read. 😄
I loved Sophie and Duke. It's funny, they didn't have a huge storyline but just fucked all the time. it was a fun read. 😄
January 16, 2024
Not loving the mental gymnastics in this one. We’ve also had two lip bites, one use of “tummy” and he’s told her he’s going to “spin her to the stars” , euphemism for orgasm, but it made me imagine something that looked like a blow up doll ascending into the sky. Spinning of course. - some of this was sweet and somewhat steamy
December 21, 2023
Lady Sophie has no intention of marrying until her uncle's death means an uncertain future for her , her mother & brother. Her family are certain that if extremely wealthy Mr. Marmaduke Bains is shown her ladylike accomplishments, he’ll propose. Duke is invited for the festive season & a “chance” night time meeting reveals the scheme and Duke proposes a wager: if by New Year Sophie can master talents a man really wants in a wife, he’ll marry her. If she doesn’t enjoy their lessons, he’ll gift her ten thousand pounds.
An ideal story to warm you on a winter’s day, Duke & Sophie are perfect for each other, their chemistry sizzles but it is the verbal banter which is so, so good. I loved how their relationship changes & deepens. He’s been smitten for a while but she’s kept her cards close to her chest so it’s only as the ‘games’ progress that she admits to her feelings. A lovely steamy romance
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
An ideal story to warm you on a winter’s day, Duke & Sophie are perfect for each other, their chemistry sizzles but it is the verbal banter which is so, so good. I loved how their relationship changes & deepens. He’s been smitten for a while but she’s kept her cards close to her chest so it’s only as the ‘games’ progress that she admits to her feelings. A lovely steamy romance
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
December 29, 2023
3.5 stars. Good setup but at times felt more like a trope collection than a plot.
March 14, 2025
This was barely 3 stars for me and my least favorite of the three stories. There isn't much of a plot here and it's basically just several sex scenes (if that's all you want, then you might enjoy this more than I did). They had minimal banter - one of my favorite things in romances - and I felt her personality abruptly and completely changed. She's very cool and formal and a bit cutting in the first scene and then suddenly she's diffident and almost meek at times. I get that she's not as experienced but I felt her minimal spark from the first scene diminished. I also HATE when a male character calls the female "good girl" or "that's a good girl," especially during a sexual encounter. It just makes me think of talking to a dog or a child and not sexy to me at all (and I think he said it in every encounter).
I nearly gave it 2 because I just didn't like the story but ended up with 3 because I liked the characters and I did finish it.
I nearly gave it 2 because I just didn't like the story but ended up with 3 because I liked the characters and I did finish it.
December 18, 2023
I didn't know I was into MMCs who know they like someone from the get go and I tell you now this book has opened my eyes because it is a treat.
Our very wealthy, handsome, not really all that rakish middle class MMC doesn't want to pursue his best friend's sister - he knows she won't go for him, so he settles for barbed conversation and secretly lusting after her. I was already swooning. His name is Marmaduke - Duke for short - which I think should give you a strong idea about the tone this story is striving for. Our socialite FMC Sophie however finds herself in a bit of a pickle that Christmas, when her family's funds abruptly drying up leaves her no choice but to wed speedily. And who better to try and convince than... you can see where this is going. But, and this is where the magic in this story begins, Duke calls her out on her families machinations and the story turns into a bedding lessons, role playing delight as the two work out whether or not they would be good for each other. Yesssssssss.
I'm not going to spoil the climax for you here but I was chuckling away reading it. This story doesn't take itself too seriously and as a result is just delightful to read. The spicy scenes are spicy and also really loving - particularly the parts told from Duke's POV as its obvious just how into Sophie he is. There aren't many side characters, but Sophie's mother really stood out to me and I would have loved more of her humour. I know I say this a lot with novellas but I really mean it - I would totally eat up this story as a full length book. More of Sophie's mum, more dances, more role playing late at night? That said the story felt completely fully formed, and the romance didn't feel forced at all. I just want more because I was having such a good time reading it.
I received an advance reader copy of this book, this review is both voluntary and entirely my own.
Our very wealthy, handsome, not really all that rakish middle class MMC doesn't want to pursue his best friend's sister - he knows she won't go for him, so he settles for barbed conversation and secretly lusting after her. I was already swooning. His name is Marmaduke - Duke for short - which I think should give you a strong idea about the tone this story is striving for. Our socialite FMC Sophie however finds herself in a bit of a pickle that Christmas, when her family's funds abruptly drying up leaves her no choice but to wed speedily. And who better to try and convince than... you can see where this is going. But, and this is where the magic in this story begins, Duke calls her out on her families machinations and the story turns into a bedding lessons, role playing delight as the two work out whether or not they would be good for each other. Yesssssssss.
I'm not going to spoil the climax for you here but I was chuckling away reading it. This story doesn't take itself too seriously and as a result is just delightful to read. The spicy scenes are spicy and also really loving - particularly the parts told from Duke's POV as its obvious just how into Sophie he is. There aren't many side characters, but Sophie's mother really stood out to me and I would have loved more of her humour. I know I say this a lot with novellas but I really mean it - I would totally eat up this story as a full length book. More of Sophie's mum, more dances, more role playing late at night? That said the story felt completely fully formed, and the romance didn't feel forced at all. I just want more because I was having such a good time reading it.
I received an advance reader copy of this book, this review is both voluntary and entirely my own.
December 17, 2023
(Marma)Duke Bains, the male lead, is in trade and knows he’ll never be accepted by the nobility. Sophie, the female lead, is a lady by name but it’s a known secret that her father is not the earl who raised her. When her family’s financial situation becomes desperate, Sophie’s brother summons Duke to attempt to elicit a proposal for Sophie. Once he understands, Duke offers Sophie a deal. He loves her and has always wanted her but not as a transaction; maybe he can convince her to want him…
This novella is dual POV, well written and edited, and a steamy, fast-paced, historical Christmas romance. I enjoyed Duke’s acerbic assessment of the situation contrasted with his genuine care for Sophie and his desire to have a serious relationship with her. I enjoyed Sophie’s wish for more from life and empathised with her lack of trust in men. I enjoyed the speedy but genuine relationship development and the playful and steamy intimate scenes. I enjoyed the resolution and what I hope is the setup for the next story in the series.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
This novella is dual POV, well written and edited, and a steamy, fast-paced, historical Christmas romance. I enjoyed Duke’s acerbic assessment of the situation contrasted with his genuine care for Sophie and his desire to have a serious relationship with her. I enjoyed Sophie’s wish for more from life and empathised with her lack of trust in men. I enjoyed the speedy but genuine relationship development and the playful and steamy intimate scenes. I enjoyed the resolution and what I hope is the setup for the next story in the series.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
December 19, 2023
This was a really great Christmas novella. Duke is a wealthy merchant and he is infatuated with Lady Sophie who is living in genteel poverty. When the story starts, It’s sort of like immature love where the boys pick on or goad the girls they like. It’s fun and flirty. Then, Sophie learns she must marry because their uncle died and he was the one supporting them. A solution is needed quick, and Duke is the answer. I laughed at how they paraded Sophie in front of Duke at first. I could feel her embarrassment! It was great. Surmising the truth, Duke poses an offer to Sophie. He will teach her what a man really wants in a possible wife and he will marry her or if she doesn’t like it, he will give her 10 thousand pounds. The games run wild and so do emotions and hearts. The end of the book was especially a whirlwind. I do hope we get to see what happens with the side characters as I did feel a bit of whiplash over them.
Overall, I recommend this book. The hero loves the girl from the start and doesn’t stop. It’s swoon worthy for sure!
I received and arc for an honest review.
Overall, I recommend this book. The hero loves the girl from the start and doesn’t stop. It’s swoon worthy for sure!
I received and arc for an honest review.
December 23, 2023
Omg. Christmas. Steamy. Novella. This is my 2nd Eve Pendle novella and she is fast becoming a new favourite of mine. Mr. Marmaduke Bains has been infatuated with Lady Sophie, his sister's friend, for awhile but has maintained an antagonistic facade to ensure he doesn't forget her. I love the prologue that takes place months before to establish the connection early on to set the stage. What follows is some awkward entrapment attempts as Sophie's fortune changes, and they look to entrap Duke, who sees it for what it is, and would be bought but obviously wants her to want him, even if it's just for bedsport. And then a wager commences. The role playing, the yearning.. it's so sweet, intense and sexy. What I wasn't sure about was the abrupt lead up to the climax and whether it was related to book 2 in the series but it doesn't matter because the ending was sweeping and I hope there is a book 4 that comes out of it!!
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Heart flutters: ❤️❤️
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Heart flutters: ❤️❤️
December 24, 2023
A steamy story. Lady Sophie appears as a quite correct Lady. No one has attracted her over a couple of seasons. One of her friends brother made his money in trade and she and he soar with each other. Then circumstances change and she need a rich husband quickly.
An enemies to lovers story. There were one or two bits that didn’t seem quite right. Their house was letting in water but I think the previous Earl would have resolved this? Then there is references to stainless steel and Victorian’s. Stainless was about at the time of the story but was more common later on, and the dates of the story are not Victorian era. Lastly the current Earl suddenly appears without any real prior reference which seemed a bit random.
However just a minor blipsfor me. A pleasant story which I enjoyed so 4 stars.
An enemies to lovers story. There were one or two bits that didn’t seem quite right. Their house was letting in water but I think the previous Earl would have resolved this? Then there is references to stainless steel and Victorian’s. Stainless was about at the time of the story but was more common later on, and the dates of the story are not Victorian era. Lastly the current Earl suddenly appears without any real prior reference which seemed a bit random.
However just a minor blipsfor me. A pleasant story which I enjoyed so 4 stars.
December 17, 2023
Sophie and Duke do not get along, even though Sophie is friends with Duke’s sister. Some nonsense about being different social stations. Except when Sophie’s family is suddenly low on funds, they scheme to match her up with the wealthy tradesman, Duke. He comes to visit at Christmas, instantly takes note of both their impoverished conditions and Sophie’s strange behavior, and he asks her directly what’s going on. Knowing she’s caught, Sophie tells him exactly what the problem is, and he proposes some sort of trial run at seduction to see if they’ll suit for marriage. Of course, they do, but neither is sure if the affection is true or if it’s just an act to gain security. Overall, a quick and steamy read.
December 23, 2023
Two endearing characters
I loved this book, which follows the development of Sophie and Duke's romance. Sophie and Duke were already acquainted at the start of this novella. Their relationship is then distant, and distrust seems present between the two. But we also sense an attraction, especially from Duke. Events in Sophie's life will bring a rapprochement between the two. They will then progressively discover each other, both personally and intimately. We will witness magnificent scenes between the two, very well written, both in terms of dialogue and descriptions.
I enjoyed reading this steamy historical Christmas romance novella with its two endearing characters.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved this book, which follows the development of Sophie and Duke's romance. Sophie and Duke were already acquainted at the start of this novella. Their relationship is then distant, and distrust seems present between the two. But we also sense an attraction, especially from Duke. Events in Sophie's life will bring a rapprochement between the two. They will then progressively discover each other, both personally and intimately. We will witness magnificent scenes between the two, very well written, both in terms of dialogue and descriptions.
I enjoyed reading this steamy historical Christmas romance novella with its two endearing characters.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 20, 2023
How I love Eve Pendle’s books!!! She never, ever disappoints me. The hero of this book in particular is so swoon-worthy, strong and commanding, a real self-made man, but also very vulnerable and very much in love with the heroine. I so love when he falls first and has to find a way to make the heroine fall in love with him (or simply realize that she already loves him). And Duke finds a very creative way… Such a wonderful read! I couldn’t put it down! Short, but not too short, and so well written!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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December 24, 2023I loved this very entertaining Christmas novella. Such an engaging enemies to lovers story, interfering family members, a wager, steamy love lessons, and a promise of marriage!
Lady Sofia has no intentions of marrying until her family is faced with bankruptcy her family antics trying to highlight her achievements that don’t exist along with the wager Duke proposes made for a witty, funny, and mischievous romantic story.
Eve Pendle writes such delightful Christmas novellas and this one was deliciously enjoyable! I received an ARC (advanced review copy) from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily, all thought and opinions are my own.
Lady Sofia has no intentions of marrying until her family is faced with bankruptcy her family antics trying to highlight her achievements that don’t exist along with the wager Duke proposes made for a witty, funny, and mischievous romantic story.
Eve Pendle writes such delightful Christmas novellas and this one was deliciously enjoyable! I received an ARC (advanced review copy) from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily, all thought and opinions are my own.
December 23, 2023
I did enjoy the interaction between Marmaduke (Duke) Baines and Lady Sophie, the teasing banter made me smile. Sophie needed to marry someone with money to help her family. Duke didn’t want anyone to marry him for his wealth. I enjoyed the way he set about finding out if Sophie had any feelings for him. Sophie was quite naive about certain things, I found this surprising given her mother’s background. I also found her mother’s attitude towards people in trade quite astonishing, again given her previous occupation. This was a fun, lighthearted read that I enjoyed.
December 25, 2023
Quite a tryst! I don't even think mistletoe was involved. Great book, good characters and enough steam to curl the pages. Lady Sophia and Duke (Marmaduke) Baines, a wealthy man of trade, strike sparks off of each other from the start. Her family invites him for Christmas to get him to marry her because they are in dire straits. Duke and Sophie strike a bargain. What a bargain it is. The heat level is scorching! I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the others in the series. I recommend this book.
TG
I received a ARC of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
TG
I received a ARC of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 22, 2023
A bit of a slow burn to start, but once the wager is made it's full steam ahead. And boy oh boy is it steamy in the back half of the book. I was a bit thrown off by the abrupt presence of Lord Castlemere in the story and his proposal. I feel like I missed reading a prior book that might have explained this part. Oh well, overall I enjoyed this story and it was a fun and quick holiday read.
December 26, 2023
Good and Steamy Holiday Romance
A very enjoyable and very hot Christmas Regency romance. The story is a bit improbable, but that’s a feature in holiday romance for me. I liked the main characters and the secondary cast. The resolution felt a little rushed but that is pretty common with novellas. I’ve enjoyed the entire series. A good and steamy Christmas book.
A very enjoyable and very hot Christmas Regency romance. The story is a bit improbable, but that’s a feature in holiday romance for me. I liked the main characters and the secondary cast. The resolution felt a little rushed but that is pretty common with novellas. I’ve enjoyed the entire series. A good and steamy Christmas book.
October 10, 2024
Duke quickly sees through Sophie's family's scheming, which is cringe-worthy to read, especially Sophie's reading a letter out loud. But things get better as he and Sophie enter into an agreement and some role playing. Light, amusing reading.
I read this in an ARC of the anthology Under the Mistletoe with a Duke; the thoughts expressed are my own.
I read this in an ARC of the anthology Under the Mistletoe with a Duke; the thoughts expressed are my own.
October 21, 2024
Sampling the Pie….
Pieces of this story really made me smile. I liked how Sophia and Duke had some history to build on despite her family’s matchmaking efforts. When their “game” ensues, it was interesting hearing the wavering and changing perceptions they had of each other. It was satisfying to see freedom of choice in life and love win out in the end.
Pieces of this story really made me smile. I liked how Sophia and Duke had some history to build on despite her family’s matchmaking efforts. When their “game” ensues, it was interesting hearing the wavering and changing perceptions they had of each other. It was satisfying to see freedom of choice in life and love win out in the end.
December 20, 2023
This was so much fun to read. The story is well written with great characters. Based on the end of the second book, I had hoped this story was happening next. The role playing was interesting to read. I think the epilogue was the best I have ever read.
December 20, 2023
A fun, steamy, smexy, flirty romance. Very entertaining novella and I was hooked with this enemies to lovers story with lessons of love and a wager that turns it all around. Duke and Sophie are really quite perfect, loved their banter and passion.
January 22, 2024
In a nutshell, a feel good story where the characters explore romance while enacting a few different kinks BUT since it is set in the historical times, its a new experience (😉).
Things I liked best:
-Historical Romance
-Enemies (sort of)-to-lovers
-Kinky
-A courtship disguised as a bet
-The DUKE wants a love match!
-No third act breakup (or rather salvaged before it could get ugly)
Read it for when you're in the mood for some breezy and light reading.
December 7, 2025
A game between Duke and Sophie becomes real love
Marmaduke (Duke - Gina’s brother) and Sophie play though a series of fantasies over the Christmas season which eventually end in their realising they are in love.
Marmaduke (Duke - Gina’s brother) and Sophie play though a series of fantasies over the Christmas season which eventually end in their realising they are in love.
December 15, 2025
solid like Bains stone
A fun story! Same tropes as the rest of the series. The witty banter is great. Surely spicy…but not too much. And the romance is sweet. Love the role play. Not so much about the “embroidery “ as the prior novel.
A fun story! Same tropes as the rest of the series. The witty banter is great. Surely spicy…but not too much. And the romance is sweet. Love the role play. Not so much about the “embroidery “ as the prior novel.
December 21, 2023
This book was so good!
Fast paced. Short, spicy and sweet. Enemies to lovers.
I loved Duke & Sophie.
Super spicy read too! Definitely recommend.
"𝐿𝑒𝓉 𝓂𝑒 𝓉𝑒𝒶𝒸𝒽 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔, 𝒻𝒾𝓇𝓈𝓉."
Fast paced. Short, spicy and sweet. Enemies to lovers.
I loved Duke & Sophie.
Super spicy read too! Definitely recommend.
"𝐿𝑒𝓉 𝓂𝑒 𝓉𝑒𝒶𝒸𝒽 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔, 𝒻𝒾𝓇𝓈𝓉."
December 27, 2023
Loved this book!
I love the characters and the way they warm my heart (and other places). Next years reading list keeps growing with each book I read this Christmas season.
I love the characters and the way they warm my heart (and other places). Next years reading list keeps growing with each book I read this Christmas season.
October 3, 2024
3.5 stars
December 9, 2024
A very fun copulation of Christmas short stories. Festive, fun for the holidays
December 30, 2023
Wonderful story of Lady Sophie, needing to help her family out of their financial troubles and Mr. Marmaduke Bains, rich businessman that could definitely help with that. Loved the banter between these two, their lessons and how their love gets in the way. Great read for some romance, some chuckles and to warm up your heart.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews