What do you think?
Rate this book
Mary and Bright #1
An Affair at Christmastide
Nothing ushers in the holidays like mistletoe… and murder.
Widow Mary Tomlinson isn’t looking for romance. At four and thirty, she’s content enough to keep house for her brother in London, but when the opportunity to act as chaperone for her niece at a Christmastide house party comes her way, she jumps at it. Even more when she discovers the party is hosted by Viscount Stanwick, a man she used to fancy in her youth. The fly in the ointment is his brother and the troubling attraction for him she can’t quite ignore.
Inspector Gabriel Bright is attending his brother’s house party in the countryside to help his son enter society. He cares not for ton life or for settling down; he feels most vital while working cases for Bow Street, but when the butler turns up dead shortly before dinner one night and Gabriel’s son is found with the murder weapon, he’s thrown into action. This plus an impromptu kiss with a woman in the stables that excites his imagination in fires his libido might prove the company not as dull as he thought.
Possessed with organizational skills and an affinity for broken things, Mary soon is recruited to act as the inspector’s assistant as they investigate. Heat and desire simmer between them, but the two have more in common than they think when secrets from their pasts come to light during the case. If they wish to explore a life together beyond the boundaries of their torrid Christmastide affair—as well as solve the case—they’ll need to stay one step ahead of the killer.
Widow Mary Tomlinson isn’t looking for romance. At four and thirty, she’s content enough to keep house for her brother in London, but when the opportunity to act as chaperone for her niece at a Christmastide house party comes her way, she jumps at it. Even more when she discovers the party is hosted by Viscount Stanwick, a man she used to fancy in her youth. The fly in the ointment is his brother and the troubling attraction for him she can’t quite ignore.
Inspector Gabriel Bright is attending his brother’s house party in the countryside to help his son enter society. He cares not for ton life or for settling down; he feels most vital while working cases for Bow Street, but when the butler turns up dead shortly before dinner one night and Gabriel’s son is found with the murder weapon, he’s thrown into action. This plus an impromptu kiss with a woman in the stables that excites his imagination in fires his libido might prove the company not as dull as he thought.
Possessed with organizational skills and an affinity for broken things, Mary soon is recruited to act as the inspector’s assistant as they investigate. Heat and desire simmer between them, but the two have more in common than they think when secrets from their pasts come to light during the case. If they wish to explore a life together beyond the boundaries of their torrid Christmastide affair—as well as solve the case—they’ll need to stay one step ahead of the killer.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 13, 2023
46 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Sandra Sookoo
336 books274 followersSandra Sookoo is a bestselling author who firmly believes every person deserves acceptance and a happy ending. Most days you can find her creating scandal and mischief in the Regency-era, serendipity and happenstance in Victorian America or snarky humor in the contemporary world. Reading romance is a lot like eating fine chocolates—you can’t just have one. Good thing books don’t have calories!
When she’s not wearing out computer keyboards, Sandra spends time with her real life Prince Charming in central Indiana where she’s been known to goof off and make moments count because the key to life is laughter. A Disney fan since the age of ten, when her soul gets bogged down and her imagination flags, a trip to Walt Disney World is in order. Nothing fuels her dreams more than the land of eternal happy endings, hope and love stories.
When she’s not wearing out computer keyboards, Sandra spends time with her real life Prince Charming in central Indiana where she’s been known to goof off and make moments count because the key to life is laughter. A Disney fan since the age of ten, when her soul gets bogged down and her imagination flags, a trip to Walt Disney World is in order. Nothing fuels her dreams more than the land of eternal happy endings, hope and love stories.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 8, 2025
I was so happy to start a new mystery-romance series and after having appreciated a short story by this author I was expecting a nice Christmas atmosphere, a nice mystery to solve and a sweet and exciting romance...
... But some romance writers should stick to romance novels and leave mysteries to those who are more competent at writing them.
__PLOT IN SHORT __ The widow Mary Tomlinson has been living as a recluse in her brother's house for some time to take care of him and her young niece, when one day she has to accompany the girl to a ball.
The ball takes place at the house of a count with whom she lost her virginity as a young woman, only to be abandoned when he was due to marry.
Inspector Gabriel Bright is the brother of the count who hosts the ball, he too is invited to the party as a companion for his twenty-year-old son.
The inspector is also a widower and like Mary has suffered a huge disappointment in the love field.
A mutual attraction instantly sparkles between the two companions and at the ball everything seems fun until an obnoxious butler is found dead.
____________*********____________
I think the story had great potential to be a good book , unfortunately I was very disappointed by this read, it isn't well developed:
1) CHRISTMAS ATMOSPHERE = non-existent. If one of the purposes of the book is to "be Christmassy" and the word Christmas is also in the title, then the fact that Christmas is only mentioned in words and there is no Christmas atmosphere, in my opinion it's a flaw !
2) MYSTERY = nothing special and and too many things wrong :
--> The Main Male Character, despite being an inspector, takes charge of a murder case that occurred in his brother's house and his son was seen by everyone with the weapon in his hands.. CONFLICT OF INTEREST!!
---> Furthermore, he declares that he can only trust himself, AND WHO MUST ENSURE OTHERS THAT HE IS NOT CORRUPT?
---> Then as an assistant he takes the woman he kissed, another guest of the house who had had a past with his brother... UNACCEPTABLE!!
ALL GUESTS ARE SUSPECTS AND SHE HAD A SOLID MOTIVE.
---> The author also points out that they take everything with gloves and a handkerchief...BUT THE STORY TAKES PLACE IN 1818, THERE WAS STILL NO OPTION TO VERIFY FINGERPRINTS!!
---> His son, found with the bloody knife in his hand, is only 20 years old, if he is not the killer then he found the body...he is presumed to be upset...YET HIS FATHER, THE INSPECTOR, SENDS HIM TO THE ROOM AND THE OVER 2 DAYS HE FINDS TIME TO INTERROGATE 2 OTHER GUESTS (and not his son) AND TO GET EXCITED AND SPOONING AND ALMOST HAVING SEX ON THE DESK IN THE STUDY, i.e. scenes entirely inappropriate in that dramatic moment... SHOULDN'T YOU WORRY HOW YOUR SON IS?
Well in 2 days neither the hero nor the heroine of the novel cared about him.
Everything focuses on the attraction between the two protagonists and their hunger for sex.
When they finally question the boy together... suddenly he (who has a very good relationship with his father) for every movement and response seeks comfort in the woman, the heroine of the book, who is a stranger he has just met... like if he were a 6 year old... RIDICULOUS!!!
---> Then at a certain point the author has the Female Main Character, who is neither a doctor nor an investigation expert, check the dead man... and she examines the corpse like a professional, while the inspector with 20 years of experience he remains like a fool with his mouth open... the author justifies everything by saying that the protagonist is a reader of crime novels... SO ONE BECOME AN EXPERT PATHOLOGISTS ONLY BECAUSE IS USED TO READ MYSTERY NOVELS ?????
I remember you that they were in 1818, they had not mystery books so explicative as CSI tv series ( and even nowadays I doubt could know so much only by reading or watching tv ).
:-(( Of course the book is full of other bullshit that made me very nervous and ruined the reading, but it would take me too long to list them all.
3) ROMANCE = The romantic part is more suited to a contemporary story than to the early 1800s.
Audacity in main characters behaviour and double-meaning dialogues that would have been funny in a contemporary brilliant comedy, in my opinion are not so plausible in the Regency era (it is 1818), at least not for a woman who spent 10 years as a spinster, acting as governess in the house of the brother.---> It looks like the author was inspired by some modern films and adapted dialogues to a regency romance.
---> Furthermore :the book begins by showing the two protagonists respectively as lonely and partnerless people for the last 10 years, disappointed and deeply hurt by those they had loved in the past and almost on every page it is underlined that they will never openly trust someone else again.Suddenly they collide in the carriage house, without even seeing her face he feels the shape of a woman and instinctively kisses her, she feels the hard chest of a man and responds to the kiss by putting her arms around his neck.
Well... I admit that after 10 years of solitude they are hungry for stronger emotions and even sex, but two people who have been alone for ten years wouldn't be so uninhibited, they would be rather awkward, furthermore two people who fear suffering again don't throw themselves in each other's arms so immediately and with hot passion as these two do.
I find the whole thing ridiculous!
The plot is full of inconsistencies and seems to be written specifically for readers who want nothing more than to read spicy love scenes and are not interested in everything else.
I WILL NOT READ OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES, I DIDN'T LIKE IT.
Last but not least: it is the third book by the same author in which the two protagonists meet in a stable/coach shed and impulsively kiss...what a lack of imagination! Pff !!!
Thanks for reading my opinion and please forgive my bad English, since it's not my native language.
... But some romance writers should stick to romance novels and leave mysteries to those who are more competent at writing them.
__PLOT IN SHORT __ The widow Mary Tomlinson has been living as a recluse in her brother's house for some time to take care of him and her young niece, when one day she has to accompany the girl to a ball.
The ball takes place at the house of a count with whom she lost her virginity as a young woman, only to be abandoned when he was due to marry.
Inspector Gabriel Bright is the brother of the count who hosts the ball, he too is invited to the party as a companion for his twenty-year-old son.
The inspector is also a widower and like Mary has suffered a huge disappointment in the love field.
A mutual attraction instantly sparkles between the two companions and at the ball everything seems fun until an obnoxious butler is found dead.
____________*********____________
I think the story had great potential to be a good book , unfortunately I was very disappointed by this read, it isn't well developed:
1) CHRISTMAS ATMOSPHERE = non-existent. If one of the purposes of the book is to "be Christmassy" and the word Christmas is also in the title, then the fact that Christmas is only mentioned in words and there is no Christmas atmosphere, in my opinion it's a flaw !
2) MYSTERY = nothing special and and too many things wrong :
--> The Main Male Character, despite being an inspector, takes charge of a murder case that occurred in his brother's house and his son was seen by everyone with the weapon in his hands.. CONFLICT OF INTEREST!!
---> Furthermore, he declares that he can only trust himself, AND WHO MUST ENSURE OTHERS THAT HE IS NOT CORRUPT?
---> Then as an assistant he takes the woman he kissed, another guest of the house who had had a past with his brother... UNACCEPTABLE!!
ALL GUESTS ARE SUSPECTS AND SHE HAD A SOLID MOTIVE.
---> The author also points out that they take everything with gloves and a handkerchief...BUT THE STORY TAKES PLACE IN 1818, THERE WAS STILL NO OPTION TO VERIFY FINGERPRINTS!!
---> His son, found with the bloody knife in his hand, is only 20 years old, if he is not the killer then he found the body...he is presumed to be upset...YET HIS FATHER, THE INSPECTOR, SENDS HIM TO THE ROOM AND THE OVER 2 DAYS HE FINDS TIME TO INTERROGATE 2 OTHER GUESTS (and not his son) AND TO GET EXCITED AND SPOONING AND ALMOST HAVING SEX ON THE DESK IN THE STUDY, i.e. scenes entirely inappropriate in that dramatic moment... SHOULDN'T YOU WORRY HOW YOUR SON IS?
Well in 2 days neither the hero nor the heroine of the novel cared about him.
Everything focuses on the attraction between the two protagonists and their hunger for sex.
When they finally question the boy together... suddenly he (who has a very good relationship with his father) for every movement and response seeks comfort in the woman, the heroine of the book, who is a stranger he has just met... like if he were a 6 year old... RIDICULOUS!!!
---> Then at a certain point the author has the Female Main Character, who is neither a doctor nor an investigation expert, check the dead man... and she examines the corpse like a professional, while the inspector with 20 years of experience he remains like a fool with his mouth open... the author justifies everything by saying that the protagonist is a reader of crime novels... SO ONE BECOME AN EXPERT PATHOLOGISTS ONLY BECAUSE IS USED TO READ MYSTERY NOVELS ?????
I remember you that they were in 1818, they had not mystery books so explicative as CSI tv series ( and even nowadays I doubt could know so much only by reading or watching tv ).
:-(( Of course the book is full of other bullshit that made me very nervous and ruined the reading, but it would take me too long to list them all.
3) ROMANCE = The romantic part is more suited to a contemporary story than to the early 1800s.
Audacity in main characters behaviour and double-meaning dialogues that would have been funny in a contemporary brilliant comedy, in my opinion are not so plausible in the Regency era (it is 1818), at least not for a woman who spent 10 years as a spinster, acting as governess in the house of the brother.---> It looks like the author was inspired by some modern films and adapted dialogues to a regency romance.
---> Furthermore :the book begins by showing the two protagonists respectively as lonely and partnerless people for the last 10 years, disappointed and deeply hurt by those they had loved in the past and almost on every page it is underlined that they will never openly trust someone else again.Suddenly they collide in the carriage house, without even seeing her face he feels the shape of a woman and instinctively kisses her, she feels the hard chest of a man and responds to the kiss by putting her arms around his neck.
Well... I admit that after 10 years of solitude they are hungry for stronger emotions and even sex, but two people who have been alone for ten years wouldn't be so uninhibited, they would be rather awkward, furthermore two people who fear suffering again don't throw themselves in each other's arms so immediately and with hot passion as these two do.
I find the whole thing ridiculous!
The plot is full of inconsistencies and seems to be written specifically for readers who want nothing more than to read spicy love scenes and are not interested in everything else.
I WILL NOT READ OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES, I DIDN'T LIKE IT.
Last but not least: it is the third book by the same author in which the two protagonists meet in a stable/coach shed and impulsively kiss...what a lack of imagination! Pff !!!
Thanks for reading my opinion and please forgive my bad English, since it's not my native language.
December 23, 2023
Murder, Mayhem, Romance and Christmas!!
If you enjoy a wonderful Christmas story full of romance then this is your book!
If you enjoy intrigue, mystery and murder then this is a book for you!
All these aspects come together in a well written, character driven story with heat, steam, spice and low angst! Mary and Gabriel fairly danced off the page, their banter is fun and flirty!
I enjoyed this story immensely and look forward to another story with intrigue, banter, low angst, mystery, romance and heat!!
Brava Sandra!! Brava!! ♥️♥️📚📖🔥🔥
If you enjoy a wonderful Christmas story full of romance then this is your book!
If you enjoy intrigue, mystery and murder then this is a book for you!
All these aspects come together in a well written, character driven story with heat, steam, spice and low angst! Mary and Gabriel fairly danced off the page, their banter is fun and flirty!
I enjoyed this story immensely and look forward to another story with intrigue, banter, low angst, mystery, romance and heat!!
Brava Sandra!! Brava!! ♥️♥️📚📖🔥🔥
December 14, 2023
A wonderful new mystery / romance by Sandra Sookoo who always delivers a page turner. Mary and Gabriel, both mature adults who have lost their respective spouses, meet at Gabriel's brother's house party, acting as chaperones to their niece and son, respectively. Viscount Stanwick, Gabriel’s brother, and Mary's ex-lover is hosting the party.
At their first meeting, Gabriel feels an instant attraction to Mary and kisses her in the carriage room where both are searching for missing items of luggage. This sets the tone for the rest of the romance with both being mature adults are very frank with their feelings and attraction towards each other. Neither seems interested in marriage but are more than willing to see how things progress.
Not long after the festivities commence, the butler turns up murdered, and Gabriel's son is found standing over the body with a bloody knife. Gabriel, a seasoned Inspector with Bow Street after getting over the initial shock immediately commanders the situation and enlists Mary as his assistant. The chemistry between Gabriel and Mary is obvious from the get-go along with witty, playful banter and steamy chemistry.
There are many twists and turns that are quite unexpected and keep you engaged with the story till the killer is identified. A definite must read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and leave my honest review.
At their first meeting, Gabriel feels an instant attraction to Mary and kisses her in the carriage room where both are searching for missing items of luggage. This sets the tone for the rest of the romance with both being mature adults are very frank with their feelings and attraction towards each other. Neither seems interested in marriage but are more than willing to see how things progress.
Not long after the festivities commence, the butler turns up murdered, and Gabriel's son is found standing over the body with a bloody knife. Gabriel, a seasoned Inspector with Bow Street after getting over the initial shock immediately commanders the situation and enlists Mary as his assistant. The chemistry between Gabriel and Mary is obvious from the get-go along with witty, playful banter and steamy chemistry.
There are many twists and turns that are quite unexpected and keep you engaged with the story till the killer is identified. A definite must read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and leave my honest review.
December 9, 2023
Wow, what a great read, Sandra has done it again. A very different romance story with all we expect from Sandra’s stories plus a lot more. Mystery, murder and a steamy romance too. What's not to like. Both Gabriel Bright, an Inspector at Bow street and Mrs. Mary Tomlinson widow, have had plenty of heartbreak and scandal in their past. Both are at the house party given by his brother, Viscount Stanwick for his daughter. She has a past with him that left her in ruin. The only reason either is here is to help his son and her niece enter into society. They share a kiss in the stables before even knowing each other's name! Oh my! Before they can do more than talk and get each other names, the butler is murdered! Standing over the body is none other than Henry his son. As Mary and Gabriel investigated, they find so much going on at the estate. With Mary’s acting as his assistant, they get to know each other and spend a lot of time together. This is a very steamy read; with a ton of twists and turns you will not see. I can’t put it down. The ending was wonderful and kind of shocking for a romance story. But perfect for our couple. I can’t wait for the next book. Don’t wait, grab your copy and get started. I know I will be rereading this book again. I received an ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.
December 10, 2023
Very entertaining!
Oh my! I loved Mary and Gabriel‘s story! The storyline is very entertaining and layered with romance and a murder mystery. I particularly enjoyed the playful narrative, I couldn’t stop smiling. The characters are very likable, both are mature, experienced and confident. Their interactions feel cosy and natural. I liked their witty, playful and sensual banters, the steamy chemistry which sparked between them and the sexy love scenes.
Widow Mary reluctantly accompanies her niece to a Christmas house party hosted by her ex-lover who put her through scandal years ago.
Gabriel Bright is also widowed and works as an Inspector from Bow Street. He too attends his brother’s house party with his son.
Both suffered in their late marriages and don’t trust the other sex. Nevertheless they are instantly attracted to one another.
When someone is murdered during the festivities, Gabriel starts his investigations with Mary‘s assistance...
If you like historical romances with mature main characters, a touch of mystery, humor and spicy chemistry, then you’ll love this Christmas novella.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Oh my! I loved Mary and Gabriel‘s story! The storyline is very entertaining and layered with romance and a murder mystery. I particularly enjoyed the playful narrative, I couldn’t stop smiling. The characters are very likable, both are mature, experienced and confident. Their interactions feel cosy and natural. I liked their witty, playful and sensual banters, the steamy chemistry which sparked between them and the sexy love scenes.
Widow Mary reluctantly accompanies her niece to a Christmas house party hosted by her ex-lover who put her through scandal years ago.
Gabriel Bright is also widowed and works as an Inspector from Bow Street. He too attends his brother’s house party with his son.
Both suffered in their late marriages and don’t trust the other sex. Nevertheless they are instantly attracted to one another.
When someone is murdered during the festivities, Gabriel starts his investigations with Mary‘s assistance...
If you like historical romances with mature main characters, a touch of mystery, humor and spicy chemistry, then you’ll love this Christmas novella.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 12, 2023
As always an exceptional book by this author. Full of love, murder, romance, suspense, intrigue, secrets, steam , action, twists and turns. Mary is living at her brother's home , helping to run his home. She is invited to a Christmas party and runs into Gabriel. After a kiss in the stable that is not to be ignored. Mary in her past had an association with Gabriel's brother that had left her ruined. Add a murdered butler to this party and more twists happens. Mary and Gabriel team up together to find the killer. As they work together , they develop feelings for each other that they need to deal with. Has a fabulous group of characters which will entertain you thru out this book. You believe you know who did it but another turn takes you down another path. Keeps you on the edge of of your seat. Would strongly recommend to everyone.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 6, 2023
An Unusual Ending of a Dazzling Romance Story:
A plot that deals with a mystery, along with fun and intriguing romance that has quite a surprisingly unusual ending for a historical romance story.
Very enjoyable story along with fun characters. Gabriel a Bowstreet inspector and Mary a widow meet in a surprising manor and right from the start the attraction never lets up. They have a mystery to solve, overcoming unpleasant memories, discovering love and passion in a most swoon worthy way. Your ladies fan comes in handy while ready some of the more delicate scenes in their enticing tit-for-tat banter.
It does have a happy ending that the couple were very pleased with, but I must admit having been a little disappointed
Mature Advisory:
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest thoughts and opinion.
A plot that deals with a mystery, along with fun and intriguing romance that has quite a surprisingly unusual ending for a historical romance story.
Very enjoyable story along with fun characters. Gabriel a Bowstreet inspector and Mary a widow meet in a surprising manor and right from the start the attraction never lets up. They have a mystery to solve, overcoming unpleasant memories, discovering love and passion in a most swoon worthy way. Your ladies fan comes in handy while ready some of the more delicate scenes in their enticing tit-for-tat banter.
It does have a happy ending that the couple were very pleased with, but I must admit having been a little disappointed
Mature Advisory:
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest thoughts and opinion.
December 14, 2023
Another great story from Sandra Sookoo.
Both characters of Mary and Inspector Bright are forced to be chaperones to their young charges at a Christmas time house party when a murder happens. Both work together to find the culprit and find themselves unexpectedly opening their closed hearts to each other.
What I found refreshingly different with this novel is that the main characters are older, both have children to be in charge of, both have gone through messy marriages, neither is looking for love anytime soon, and a really well done mystery of who done it? As for the ending, I actually liked it, it wasn't typical cookie-cutter romance, it was mature and a choice. I cannot wait for the next book of the series.
Highly recommend this one!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Both characters of Mary and Inspector Bright are forced to be chaperones to their young charges at a Christmas time house party when a murder happens. Both work together to find the culprit and find themselves unexpectedly opening their closed hearts to each other.
What I found refreshingly different with this novel is that the main characters are older, both have children to be in charge of, both have gone through messy marriages, neither is looking for love anytime soon, and a really well done mystery of who done it? As for the ending, I actually liked it, it wasn't typical cookie-cutter romance, it was mature and a choice. I cannot wait for the next book of the series.
Highly recommend this one!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 22, 2024
A jolly good time to be had for all.
Mary is a widow filled with bitterness from her previous relationships with men. She really comes into her own and blooms when she is teamed up with the handsome Gabriel Bright of Bow Street. Ms. Sookoo works her magic as she entwines Mary and Bright’s lives together. Another very original story, Mary and Gabriel come into their own after having horrible experiences with the opposite sex in their pasts. They are both three dimensional characters with great personalities that allow for somber news when needed and laughter, too. It was entertaining trying to figure out “whodunit” along with Mary and Bright. The mystery was impossible to figure out until the very end, which is important for a good mystery novel. Although waiting is hard, this reader eagerly awaits the next novel in this series.
Mary is a widow filled with bitterness from her previous relationships with men. She really comes into her own and blooms when she is teamed up with the handsome Gabriel Bright of Bow Street. Ms. Sookoo works her magic as she entwines Mary and Bright’s lives together. Another very original story, Mary and Gabriel come into their own after having horrible experiences with the opposite sex in their pasts. They are both three dimensional characters with great personalities that allow for somber news when needed and laughter, too. It was entertaining trying to figure out “whodunit” along with Mary and Bright. The mystery was impossible to figure out until the very end, which is important for a good mystery novel. Although waiting is hard, this reader eagerly awaits the next novel in this series.
December 19, 2023
I enjoyed this Christmastime mystery that featured an older main couple. Both Mary and Inspector Bright have experienced marriages that didn't turn out well, so they are both cautious about getting involved again. That doesn't mean they don't want a little Christmas romance. The sizzling romance, as well as a murder to solve, keep them both busy at a country house party where they are also supposed to be chaperoning her niece and his son. The who-dun-it was interesting since everyone seemed to have a motive. I liked seeing how Mary was able to assist Bright in the investigation. I'm looking forward to more of their partnership.
April 1, 2024
I usually buy Sandra Sookoo’s novels without knowing the premise of the story itself. I always know it will be a wonderful and well-written Regency romance. I loved the premise of An Affair at Christmastide, an intriguing murder mystery at a holiday house party. It was refreshing to read a romance with a thirtysomething widow and a fortyish bow street runner. Both characters were likable from their first introduction, and I grew more fond of them as their romance deepened with the best flirty banter and steamy chemistry. There are lots of terrific twists and turns, plus a uniquely satisfying ending that made me super excited to read the next book in this series.
September 25, 2025
I do like this author and purchased the third book in this series but after about two pages I put it aside and went back to the beginning with this book. Story of Mary Tomlinson and Gabriel Bright a widow and a Bow Street Inspector Mary is asked to chaperone her niece to a Christmas house party where the host is known to her. She meets Gabriel. There is an immediate attraction between them but suddenly a murder happens. This is a fast paced read that held me enthralled throughout the story. I cannot express how much I enjoyed the read. For readers who love steamy reads with a fantastic plot then this is for you
December 9, 2023
A great mix of romance and suspense!
Mary and Gabriel are the main characters, and they have experience in life. We are not dealing with debutantes here; the author gives us beautiful scenes full of character and sensuality. The investigation adds an unexpected twist to a Christmas romance. The investigation is well carried out and well integrated into the romance.
We witness beautiful interactions between Mary and Gabriel. Throughout the story, we sense the tension and chemistry between the two.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Mary and Gabriel are the main characters, and they have experience in life. We are not dealing with debutantes here; the author gives us beautiful scenes full of character and sensuality. The investigation adds an unexpected twist to a Christmas romance. The investigation is well carried out and well integrated into the romance.
We witness beautiful interactions between Mary and Gabriel. Throughout the story, we sense the tension and chemistry between the two.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 28, 2024
The widowed Mary Tomlinson is chaperoning her niece to a Christmas house party and ends up volunteering to aid Bow Street inspector Gabriel Bright when the surly butler ends up dead.
This is an entertaining story. It’s definitely open door as Mary and Gabriel begin an affair. Mary has a traumatic past with the Viscount hosting the party, Inspector Bright’s older brother. The mystery kept me going but there were a couple details that made me pause and it was a bit anachronistic.
This should appeal to fans of historical romantic mysteries but there are descriptive intimate scenes.
This is an entertaining story. It’s definitely open door as Mary and Gabriel begin an affair. Mary has a traumatic past with the Viscount hosting the party, Inspector Bright’s older brother. The mystery kept me going but there were a couple details that made me pause and it was a bit anachronistic.
This should appeal to fans of historical romantic mysteries but there are descriptive intimate scenes.
September 25, 2024
This book started out as a light, entertaining romance/mystery but by the end it became silly/unbelievable left with loose ends and their relationship to be continued over the next two books causing me to lower my rating to a 3-. Even worse during an intense moment near the end the author mixed up names of a servant with that of the H's son! This author is not for me. I've tried three of her books and think I need to stop there.
December 26, 2023
What's a Christmastide House Party without Murder?!?!
This is far from the usual for this author and brilliant! I couldn't put it down! The who-done-it is intriguing, and the spicy scenes are HOT! I won't say more because I would just spoil it for others, but you NEED to read this one!!!
This is far from the usual for this author and brilliant! I couldn't put it down! The who-done-it is intriguing, and the spicy scenes are HOT! I won't say more because I would just spoil it for others, but you NEED to read this one!!!
December 29, 2023
Not too bad a Christmas read. It is a combination of romance and murder mystery. This book is the first of a Mary and Bright book series and sets up the main characters well. I liked that the heroine, Mary, was feisty and intelligent. Also, the two lovers are both the product of unhappy marriages and are not inexperienced young people. I look forward to reading another of the series.
December 23, 2023
Mary and Gabriel are attending his brother’s house party as chaperones, he for his son and she for her niece. Neither of them is endeared to the viscount for reasons of their own. Mary is a widow who cares for her brother’s house and daughter. Gabriel is an investigator at Bow Street. Her misplaced reticule and his valise result in a meeting, and a kiss, in the stables. As the party progresses so does their friendship. When the butler, who absolutely nobody likes is found murdered, Gabriel and Mary become partners (after brief tiff) become partners in the investigation. At the same time, their feelings for each other are growing. A wonderful romance with a mystery that keeps you guessing. There is the murder and its mystery with several twists and turns, secrets, a house party that even murder couldn’t interrupt, and a romance with a bit of steam. I enjoyed Gabriel and Mary, as partners and lovers. The mystery is solved, and while there is not a happily ever after yet, there is a happy ending for our couple. I look forward to seeing Mary and Bright in the future.
I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout and voluntarily reviewed it.
I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout and voluntarily reviewed it.
October 7, 2025
Very good!
This book was very good! It kept me turning pages until it was done. The two main characters were delightful. If you like historical romance and a mystery definitely give this book a try!
This book was very good! It kept me turning pages until it was done. The two main characters were delightful. If you like historical romance and a mystery definitely give this book a try!
September 27, 2024
The characters are likable. They have an instant attraction and soon act on it. The story was good but more sexy that I like. I want to read the next one to see how things play out.
September 28, 2024
Did not finish. I thought it was poorly written and the premise was unbelievable. I usually struggle through and finish most books, but I simply couldn’t stomach this.
November 3, 2024
Fun read
Fast but enjoyable read that had a very satisfying ending. Don’t pass this one bye you will completely happy with this Christmas adventure.
Fast but enjoyable read that had a very satisfying ending. Don’t pass this one bye you will completely happy with this Christmas adventure.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews