Once Upon a Christmas Eve made me smile. Adam is a bit of a scoundrel, but has a soft heart, and even though he definitely deserves his reputation with women, he never “ruins” anyone. Sarah has run into at least one rake before, knows Adam and know his type and doesn’t want anything to do with him. So of course, in between their verbal jabs and avoiding each other, they fall in love. They make a good couple who will keep each other on their toes.

This is a novella, so the romance progresses quickly. To be honest, I wish the story had been longer. I would have liked to see more of Sarah and Adam and had their relationship progress a little more evenly. I love the Christmas house party setting and especially the last scene. I may have to read more of Hoyt’s books soon.

This was a wonderful Christmas romance — sweet and fun and a tad bit steamy.

I love a house party in a historical romance and throw in a hero who loves his grandmother and I was pretty much already smitten. When Adam, Viscount d'Arque's carriage gets stuck in the snow right before Christmas leaving himself and his elderly grandmother stranded in the snow he has no choice but to head to the nearest house and ask for help which means that he, hater of Christmas, ends up stuck at a very Christmas-y house party along with the host's sister, the very attractive, Sarah St. John. Sarah had a run in with a rake years ago and has no interest in repeating the experience but she still can't help but be attracted to Adam. I really loved both characters. Adam is rather notorious but when it comes down to it is lonely and actually a very good man underneath the cynical charm. Sarah is smart but very guarded. I loved these two together and I really loved the St. John family. However, this was a very very short novella and I came out of it feeling kind of cheated. These were great characters in a great setting and I would have loved for them to have a book of their own. Despite this it is still a fun and festive read!

~~Reviewed by AnnMarie~~

Once Upon a Christmas Eve is book 12.6 in the Maiden Lane series by Elizabeth Hoyt.

Adam Rutledge, Viscount d’Arque finds himself needing the hospitality of the St John family when his carriage wheel snaps. It’s snowing and bitterly cold, and he is with his grandmother which makes it necessary to ask for help. He’s not happy to discover that the closest help at hand is from people holding a Christmas house party. Adam hates Christmas. Still, there is no other option especially as his grandmother isn’t well.

Sarah St John is one of the daughter’s of the party’s host. She loves Christmas, she doesn’t love ‘rakes’. She considers Adam one of the worst rakes she knows. Therefore it infuriates her when she can’t help but appreciate his good looks. Adam, on the other hand, takes full advantage of those looks, and his charm to try to woo Sarah. She thinks she is immune to his charm, but it’s not his charm that starts to make her feel differently towards him, it’s the inner man that she learns more about the more time they spend together.

There isn’t any major drama in this novella, it’s a beautiful romance set at a beautiful time of the year, and the whole story had me smiling all the way through it. Even in one particular part where a gentleman forgets to actually be a gentleman, what could be a horrendous scene ends up a fun one when said man gets his comeuppance. I loved the festive atmosphere, the party games, the whole joviality of Christmas in those days. Watching Adam and Sarah develop deeper feelings towards each other was a pleasure. Adam’s grandmother was a star too. All in all this book was just perfect, a lovely quick read which left me feeling happy and festive.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers’ copy of this book.

So this is the last of the Maiden Lane series, if I had known that before reading this I probably would have been a lot more disappointed with it than I am. I was kind of hoping that she was going to just keep writing and find a new story arc to follow. I am split on this, on one hand you have great Hoyt writing with witty dialogue and wonderful characters; on the other hand you have a really short romance that makes you feel cheated that these great characters didn't get more. With how strong the animosity Sarah has toward d'Arque you would think it would take longer for her to admit to herself that he's different. d'Arque is a shameless flirt and sometimes his humor is a bit crude, but it's so funny. They met once before (back in book 5) but it didn't matter Sarah had already made up her mind to hate him because he was a rake. To d'Arque Sarah was different because she didn't fall for his charm like every other woman out there, it was obvious she hated him but he gave her no reason to.
Fast forward some time it's Christmastime and d'Arque is taking his grandmother to her cousin house for the holiday when the carriage breaks down and they must seek refuge at a local house. Fortuitously d'Arque is acquainted with St. James unfortunately his grandmother's health isn't good to travel the rest of the way and they must stay where they are and celebrate Christmas with the St. James'. d'Arque sees this as an opportunity to change Sarah's opinion of him because no matter what he feels a strong attraction to her. Sarah had a bad experience with a rake in her past that has made her hate all rakes, but the more she talks to d'Arque the more she realizes there is so much more to him the just a rake, it's making her all confused her physical attraction to him and now she finds herself actually liking him. But Sarah is looking for a husband and d'Arque doesn't think he wants to get married, ever.

Overall, I did like the story and the characters but it felt so short and rushed, and it doesn't feel like it's the conclusion to a series.

Elizabeth Hoyt delivers yet another of her trademark historical Maiden Lane romance. I have only vague recollections of Adam and Sarah, however, I'm glad to read about them both here on their journey to their HEA. Having loved this series a lot, I threw myself into this novella and it didn't disappoint. I had a fun time visiting with Megs and Godric, and it's the first time I actually read a scene where the brother approved of the suitor for his sister's hand, never mind that said suitor was a rake!

I enjoyed this book a lot! If you haven't read any book in the series yet, it's okay to start with this one if you're looking for something short and sweet. The writing flows and the plot was solid, but what else would you expect from Elizabeth Hoyt?

Another great addition to The Maiden Lane Series with the added perk of another wonderful Fairy Tale at the beginning of each chapter. This story is about Adam Rutledge, Viscount d'Arque who appears in three of The Maiden Lane Series. He comes across as a cynical bored aristocrat that barely tolerates anyone or anything. He especially hates Christmas and all its pretensions of cheer. Every year his Grandmother goes to the country for Christmas and Adam loves her so he accompanies her. Unfortunately, the carriage breaks down and they must seek refuge at the home of Godric St. John, the hero of Lord of Darkness. To top off what was turning out to be the Christmas from Hell, Sarah St. John the only woman he knew that disliked him on site and exercised her sarcastic wit on him the first and only time they met.. The true joke was that he wanted her from the first and was truly baffled by his attraction to her.

Sarah hated rakes and their games and double meanings in everything they said. She had a bad experience with a scoundrel and wants nothing to do with his type, even if he is the epitome of handsomeness and physical fitness.

Neither one of them expect to like each other, they both are in for a surprise. The more they snipe at each other with their thinly veiled insults and sly innuendos, the more they realize that they want each other with a lust that turns their lives upside down. How can she be falling for a rake? He cannot want an average looking spinster!

This is witty, laugh out loud story of two stubborn people and a plot has everything you want in a love story. Elizabeth's Maiden Lane Series is one of the best in Historical Romance and she keeps adding more outstanding stories to the Series. I loved seeing Adam get his comeuppance at the hands of Sarah. This one is worth the price as is all of Elizabeth's books.

Adam Rutledge, Viscount d’Arque, loves his grandmother and will do anything to please her, including traveling in a snow storm just before Christmas. When their carriage is damaged, the pair finds refuge in the home of Godric St. John, where friends and family have gathered for the holidays, including his lovely half-sister, Sarah.

Once Upon a Christmas Eve is a very quick, holiday-themed novella set in Ms. Hoyt’s Maiden Lane world. It is a standalone story featuring Adam Rutledge, Viscount d’Arque, and Sarah St. John. The pair met briefly once before, and through the innermost confessions of each, we learn there is a mutual attraction. However, because Adam is a confirmed bachelor (and rake), and Sarah is determined to find a respectable man to marry, the pair pull apart each time they indulge in their feelings even a tiny bit.

The story moves along rapidly, with nudges from family members helping to bring the pair together. While I think their journey deserved more time and development, it is complete. I really like both Adam and Sarah, but felt everything was rushed a bit to fit the novella-length (or shorter?) story.

In the end, Once Upon a Christmas Eve is a delightful, albeit, short historical, holiday romance. It is sweet, and a little bit sexy, with an HEA for Adam and Sarah.

My Rating: B- Liked It, but I had a few small issues

This is the final novella in Elizabeth Hoyt’s brilliant Maidenlane series. It wraps up with Adam Rutledge, Viscount d'Arque and Sarah St. John, who met in Lord of Darkness and clashed with serious sparks. Sarah and d'Arque are reunited, rather reluctantly for Christmas when a’Arque and his grandmother are stranded. The core of the story is the interaction between Sarah and d'Arque. They snap and spark together in an absolutely perfect way.
I adored Adam. The sweet way he treats his grandmother with respect and love was brilliant and made me like him even more than his sexiness. D’Arque is able to keep himself rather emotionally contained, except when he gets around Sarah and then his façade cracks.

Sarah couldn’t decide if she was going to be stiff and melting when she was around d'Arque and that was prefect. Her past is the reason she doesn’t want to get involved with d'Arque. I loved how she challenged d’Arque but also how she softened to his touch. Her family rounded out the secondary characters and I missed seeing more interactions with her sisters. Plus her family was awesome. I wanted more of her mother and to see what was going on with Charlotte and Manning.

My biggest complaint it was too short. Important issues get brought up and moved on from quickly, d'Arque's parents' death and Sarah’s past. These are significant and I felt that because of the small page count they were rushed and the emotional pain isn't given enough room to develop. Also the ending is so outrageously abrupt. We get an absolute brilliant proposal and then it’s all over. The End. I kept swiping through my kindle looking for more. Also I wanted more Grandmother and an epilogue because this was the end. I wish Hoyt had chosen to write a full length novel for them.

This is a really cute novella with great holiday cheer. Adam Rutledge, Viscount d’Arque, is not a fan of Christmas, but he adores his grandmother, which is why he finds himself escorting her to a friend’s house, for the holidays. But due to a bad winter storm, their carriage breaks down and Adam gets on his horse to find shelter, before his grandmother gets too cold. He finally sees lights in the distance, and knocks on the door of a mansion for to ask for hospitality. To his surprise, he knows the person that opens the door.

Sarah St. John (sister of Godric St. John from Lord of Darkness, book five) really isn’t a fan of Adam, who she has met at a ball or two during the season. She hates rakes – the way they charm their way through life. They are hosting some people for Christmas, and although Sarah isn’t a fan, she, along with Godric St. John and his wife, welcome Adam and his grandmother into their home. When his grandmother comes down with a bad cough during the night, they are stuck in the house until she recovers. Adam falls for Sarah hard, and courts (pretty quickly – it’s a short book!) her through Christmas eve.

I love a holiday novella that actually feels Christmasy and this one really does. They tromp through the snow and gather holly, they decorate for Christmas. There is a big ball on Christmas eve. Sarah goes from rolling her eyes at Adam’s antics to stealing kisses from him in dark corners. It’s really cute and I had a fun time reading it.

My Kindle copy ended at 75% so heads up for that. The romance is a bit rushed – it helps to know that going in. I hope Hoyt writes more of these novellas. I’m loving them.

Grade: B+

What’s it About? While on their way to a relative’s house to spend Christmas, Adam Rutledge the Viscount d’Arque and his grandmother end up with a broken carriage wheel. They’re then forced to take shelter with the St. Johns and Adam is forced to play nice (sort of) with Sarah St. John, who despises rakes with a passion. But with the Christmas spirit in full swing, these two end up spending a lot of time in each other’s company and finding out that what they thought they knew about each other wasn’t entirely true.


Overall reaction to the story? Elizabeth Hoyt doesn’t hesitate to bring her signature brand of raw passion and heart to the holiday season in Once Upon a Christmas Eve! Hoyt has seduced readers for years with her uniquely crafted Maiden Lane series and though this holiday novella is the last story in the series, it brought a smile to my face.
Adam and Sarah are familiar faces to longtime fans, Adam, the Viscount d'Arque first appeared in Thief of Shadows as a supporting character, and Sarah is the sister of Godric St. John, the hero of Lord of Darkness. These two are as mismatched as they come, Adam is a jaded, Christmas hating rake, and Sarah is a fresh, rake hating woman. They can’t be in the same room without Adam trying to make Sarah angry and Sarah responding with a scathing insult. Which is what made them such a lively pairing for this novella!

I admit I never gave Adam a second thought after he was introduced, not because he wasn’t interesting but because there was no hint that he would ever get his own story. I had hoped Sarah would though because honestly the whole St. John family is interesting. I would have never thought to pair her with Adam though which is why this novella works so well. Sarah is usually so calm, so dependable, and unflappable yet with Adam she was feisty, fierce, and so alive. And Adam was the predictable, unrepentant rake with a hidden soft side but with Sarah he was fun, charming, and just better with her. They forced each other to think outside their comfort zone and I enjoyed their verbal sparring as much as I enjoyed the physical chemistry between them. I really am going to miss this series and the characters that I’ve grown so attached to over the years, but I’m glad that we got Adam and Sarah’s story and that it’s a holiday romance.

Click It or Skip It? Click It. I’m so sentimental about this series ending and Once Upon a Christmas Eve is such a fun novella with two characters who don’t seem like an ideal couple on the surface.

Adam Rutledge, Viscount d'Arque, is traveling with his beloved grandmother, when a carriage mishap brings their journey to a screeching halt. Concerned for his frail grandmother, Adam decides to return to a house they passed a mile or two back, to see if they can take shelter there. His pounding on the door is answered by none other than Godric St. John, (one of my very favorite Maiden Lane heroes,) who is celebrating the Christmas holiday with his family. Godric and Adam return to the scene of the accident to pick up his grandmother, who is looking very unwell. One of the other houseguests happens to be a doctor, and his examination concludes that the elderly lady is very ill and should not travel for a couple weeks. Thus, Adam is now part of the St. John family Christmas house party.

Sarah St. John, Godric's sister, is very aware of Adam's rakish reputation, biting wit, and vain personality. She is not happy to have him as a houseguest, and doesn't hesitate to let him know it. Sarah harbors a particular loathing for rakes because of an incident that happened to her when she was a young lady of only sixteen. That incident severely damaged her reputation, and kept her away from town for several seasons. She has never been genuinely courted, and longs for a family and home of her own. Now at age twenty seven, she feels her chances of achieving her dream are slim.

Though Adam and Sarah snipe at each other, they feel a strong attraction, which they attempt to camouflage with their biting remarks. Adam's rakish reputation is well deserved, but over the course of the party, Sarah begins to see another side to him - his love and care for his grandmother, his genuine happiness in frolicking with a puppy, and his strong defense of another young lady at the party who is accosted by someone against her will. Adam, in turn, learns the story of how Sarah's unhappy encounter when she was young has shaped the current way she reacts to him.

Adam's own personal code doesn't let him dally with innocent ladies, yet his feelings for Sarah are strong, unlike anything he's felt before. Sarah also wants to give in to Adam, and explore these new and exciting emotions and sensations. Is it possible that these two totally dissimilar people could find a genuine love for Christmas? ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS EVE is a short, steamy, and truly romantic read. As always, Elizabeth Hoyt parallels each chapter with her take on a fairy tale, which is as entertaining and captivating as the main story. This novella is billed as the end of the Maiden Lane series, which breaks my heart, as it's absolutely one of the best, EVER, in historical romance. I have hopes that in a year or two, Ms. Hoyt will have a brilliant idea for another book or novella, which can't be suppressed, which will take us back to visit the world, or revisit the characters of Maiden Lane.

"Adam Rutledge, Viscount d’Arque, loathed Christmas. The banal cheerfulness. The sly demands for charity. The asinine party games.

Yes, he does. But he’s out in the middle of the countryside in the cold, wet weather because he adores his grandmother. He’ll do anything for her, including visit a crotchety, not so nice aunt for the holiday season simply because she wishes it. Now he’s stuck with a broken carriage and he’s worried about getting his elderly grandmother somewhere safe and warm. Which is how he ends up at the St. John residence and verbally sparring with the only woman who has never given him the time of day. In fact, he’s pretty sure she hates his guts.

"Sarah St. John loathed rakes. The self-satisfied smirks. The sly predatory gazes. Oh, and the constantly witty banter rife with double meaning. She especially hated that bit.

Yes, she does. But what is she supposed to do when Adam Rutledge, Viscount d’Arque, suddenly shows up on her doorstep in the middle of a snow storm needing help? It’s the Christmas season after all, and despite her dislike for Adam and his rakish tendencies she offers him and his grandmother a place to stay under the St. John roof. She’ll just have to try and ignore him and all the smirks, gazes, and witty banter he throws her way.

Ha! I loved this holiday novella. It’s probably my favorite novella yet this year. Despite Adam and Sarah having been previously introduced, I will admit to not really remembering much about either of them. That didn’t stop me from falling right in to their story and enjoying myself immensely. The enemies to lovers set up was done well, Adam pricks Sarah’s temper when he has the chance while Sarah bristles and volley’s barbs of her own. Yet the close proximity gets to them and they start to realize that they have tremendous chemistry.

About that chemistry… for a novella it’s got some heat. Adam and Sarah have several very well done love scenes.

Usually I go into novellas knowing the page count will limit relationship development and I kind of factor that in when rating and writing my review. Not so here. Ms. Hoyt really did an excellent job of introducing two not so well-known characters and then building their relationship to a point that by the time the HEA came I along I was fully on board and felt it to be believable. Despite this being a quick read, it never felt rushed or like any character or relationship development was scrimped on.

Whether you are a fan of the Maiden Lane series, or are just looking for a fast, fun, adorable holiday read make sure you put this one on your TBR list. It really was quite lovely. Final Grade-B+

Favorite Quote:

He broke their kiss and laid his forehead against hers. “Make me stop.”
“I can’t,” she whispered.
“Then we’re doomed,” he said, his voice husky and low. “For I’m unable to stop myself. I want you. Day and night and all the time in between. I want you.”

It’s rather astounding really when you think on it that a broken carriage wheel and axle are responsible for a happy ending for one rake and one rake hater… but stranger things have happened. Adam, the Viscount d’Arque, and his beloved grandmother were traveling to a relative’s home for Christmas. Their carriage accident on a bitter cold December night will change plans for many people, including Sarah St. John when she realizes that the insufferable rake will be forced to spend the Christmas holiday celebrations at her family home. Neither Adam nor Sarah are particularly pleased with this change in events, but one sees this as an opportunity to tease a woman who despises him for unknown reasons and for the other to dish out the best personal put downs she’s ever uttered. It’s going to be such a fun Christmas.

Both Adam and Sarah have very good reasons for their dislike for Christmas and for rakes in general. But I’ll let them explain those reasons to you, I wouldn’t want to spoil the fun. I have a soft spot for any man who shows his love and concern for his grandmother as Adam does. If he can show that love and devotion to one important woman in his life, then there is indeed hope for his romantic future. And the love Adam has for his grandmother simply flows off the page, so if for nothing more than that I would have been on team Adam from the start.

I completely enjoyed Once Upon A Christmas Eve. Not only for having the chance for another Maiden Lane novella after the official ending of the main series, but for the chance to get to know Adam and Sarah better. I liked these two characters and while I could understand why they acted as they did it was touching to watch them discover that the holidays and loving one amazing woman, or that not all men should be painted with the same brush was a fun, and sexy experience.

If you’ve loved the Maiden Lane series then you’re sure to enjoy this novella. If you’ve never visited that series, then no worries for this story is easily read without having to know what went on before. I would highly recommend Once Upon A Christmas Eve for any reader who enjoys Romance in any genre, has a good sense of humor and can enjoy an opposites attract story with glee. It is really fun to watch this couple discover just how wrong they were about each other and I got quite a few chuckles from their antics… I’m betting you would, too.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

An enjoyable one-sitting holiday read, but not one I'll likely re-read in years to come.

Once Upon a Christmas Eve by Elizabeth Hoyt (historical novella, Forever Yours, December 2017)
Once Upon a Christmas Eve is a novella set in Elizabeth Hoyt’s Maiden Lane world and has a rakish and bah humbug hero and a heroine who has no tolerance for rakes who are thrown together during a Christmas storm. Adam Rutledge, Viscount d’Arque, and Sarah St. John have crossed paths before - and Sarah has made her disdain for lord plain. However, Christmas is a time for miracles, especially when two people are forced into close proximity. These two like to pick at each other, but there is an underlying attraction that grows quickly.

Once Upon a Christmas Eve is a quick, but comforting read that is perfect for the holiday season. The romance happens fast; not a surprise given that this is a novella. It is a wonderful addition to the Maiden Lane series which has been completed. Fans of the series will not want to miss this one.

Sweet, enchanting, sexy, and heartwarming! It was fun to see Viscount D’Arque, the notorious rake, fall in love with and lose his mind over the confounding, clever Sarah St. John. An entertaining holiday treasure and essential reading for Maiden Lane fans!

Once Upon a Christmas Eve is the final novella that finishes off Elizabeth Hoyt’s long-running Maiden Lane series. It proves to be an indelible sendoff for the series.

When Adam Rutledge, Viscount d’Arque’s, carriage becomes broken during a winter storm, he knows he needs to get help immediately. He has his beloved grandmother in the coach with him and she already seems to be ill. He doesn’t want to see her get worse. He takes a horse and cautiously proceeds to a house a few miles away. When he knocks at the door, he is surprised to see Godric St. John answer the door, and even more surprised (and aroused) by the sight of Godric’s half-sister, Sarah St. John.

As soon as Adam’s grandmother is settled into the warm house, he sets his sights on Sarah. Though they had only met once prior to his arrival at her home on this treacherous evening, he clearly remembers how she did not fall at his feet. He hasn’t forgotten her.

Sarah St. John does not like or respect rakes and that is the broad brush she paints Adam with. But as the days of Christmas merriment continue, she is about to learn that he has more beneath the surface than she could have ever imagined.

Elizabeth Hoyt’s novellas are always total charmers for me and Once Upon a Christmas Eve is no different. I was immediately drawn into the chemistry between Adam and Sarah. The tension between them sizzles and soars nicely throughout the course of the story and it is obvious to the reader that these two are meant to be. That said, I love the slight obstacles that Ms. Hoyt delicately throws between the pair. It’s not a matter of miscommunication but rather, it’s a matter of truly figuring out who the person is beneath the social facade of the time period. Adam is well known for his rakish ways. Sarah’s cool indifference to him proves maddening and at first, he just wants to get beneath her skin a bit. But that proves even too tempting and soon, well, it is a raging inferno of desire between them. I know, I know, cliche but in this case, too true! Elizabeth Hoyt sets up this pair so nicely that it really is a great descriptor for their growing feelings.

Add in the festive and cheery Christmas tidings and this book has atmosphere pouring out of the pages. I loved reading about the Christmas traditions of the St. John household and of course, I enjoyed revisiting Megs and Godric.

I highly recommend Once Upon a Christmas Eve and Ms. Hoyt’s other recent novella, Once Upon a Maiden Lane. Both of these books are a wonderful denouement to the Maiden Lane series. I know I will be revisiting this charming Christmas tale for many holiday seasons to come.

we get one last peek into the maiden lane universe in once upon a christmas eve. adam rutledge, viscount d'arque hates christmas. sarah st. john hates rakes. when the rakish adam gets trapped at the st. john residence over christmas, sparks fly between these two.

it's always delightful being in the maiden lane world. pairing up d'arque and sarah is a perfect way to close out the series. and what can i say, i was just happy to enjoy one last story with this incredible cast of characters. even if, this time, i didn't get to see them all.

**once upon a christmas eve will publish on december 5, 2017. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/grand central publishing (forever yours) in exchange for my honest review.

ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS EVE by Elizabeth Hoyt follows Adam Rutledge, Viscount d’Argue, and renowned rogue as he embarks on a seduction of Sarah St. John during the Christmas holidays. ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS EVE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Adam and Sarah) ONCE UPON A CHIRSTMAS EVE finds Adam Rutledge and his grandmother accepting the hospitality of Godric St. John following the break down of their carriage as they embarked towards a Christmas celebration with family, out of town. Enter Sarah St. John, Godric’s half-sister and the woman with whom Adam will fall in love. What ensues are Adam’s attempts to prove to Sarah that his prior reputation as a rake is now in the past, and all of his attentions are sighted upon our story line heroine.

ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS EVE is a quick read; a novella length historical romance set in the days prior to the Christmas celebrations as one woman struggles with her attraction to a man whose reputation repulses but attracts the curiosity. The premise is impassioned, light-hearted and spirited; the characters are colorful and engaging; the romance is a case of insta-lust/love between two people confident in themselves yet looking for something more.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

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CHAPTER/INDIGO: (Sandy_At_the_Reading_Café) posted

This novella is the lovely conclusion to an outstanding series, Maiden Lane. It features two endearing characters that definitely needed to get their own story: Sarah St. John, the prim and proper eldest sister in the St. John family, and Adam Rutledge, Viscount d’Arque, a notorious rake with a checkered past and a master of ambiguity. Both of them appeared in “Lord of Darkness” (Maiden Lane #5).

Viscount d’Arque hates Christmas and the compulsory journey to the countryside with his grandmother. This time around, their trip is interrupted by a wrecked carriage, and they are forced to seek shelter at the family home of Sarah St. John. Adam and Sarah have met before, but they are not on friendly terms. Even though Sarah has a deep distrust of rakes, she finds herself attracted to Adam. He was drawn to her from the first, but thinks her unattainable.

The unlikely romance between the dissolute lord and the demure spinster was sweet, tender and filled with lots of delightful banter. The sexual tension comes from the back and forth between them. They have a natural connection that can’t be denied. Their relationship unfolded at a nice pace, their dialogue was smart and sharp. Sarah and Adam’s happy ending makes for a wonderful holiday romance that will leave you with a warm glow!