‘The Truth About Lord Stoneville’ by Sabrina Jeffries

STORY: They’re the scandalous Sharpes, five hell-raising siblings tainted by a shocking family legacy. Now each faces a daunting ultimatum: marry by year’s end—or kiss their inheritance good-bye.

In the two decades since a tragic “accident” took the lives of his parents, Oliver Sharpe, the Marquess of Stoneville, has survived the scandal surrounding that fateful night by living as an unrepentant rakehell. And with his grandmother vowing to disinherit him if he doesn’t settle down and wed, he plans to fulfill the bargain in true Sharpe style—by bringing home a fake fiancée from a brothel! But his scheme is derailed when he rescues an American beauty in a dire predicament instead.

Maria Butterfield came to London to track down her groom-to-be, who’s gone missing, but her engagement won’t stop Oliver from getting what he wants: her, in his bed. His rebellious masquerade may call his grandmother’s bluff, but it’s soon made all too real—by a love that tempts him to be a hellion no more.

REVIEW: Hester Plumtree is the owner of the family brewery and grandmother to her late daughter’s grown children.  None of these Hellions of Halstead Hall have any interest in marrying.  They are content with their lives just as it is.  However, Hester is determined to see them married and settled.  Therefore, she gives them an ultimatum to be married within a year or risk being cut off.

Oliver is the oldest and heir and the pressure is on him to marry soon.  Hoping to thwart his grandmother’s edict, he decides to find a woman from a brothel to bring home to wed.  But when he happens upon Maria Butterfield, an American who has journeyed to the England to find her betrothed, he finds she is perfect for his scheme.

She is the heiress to the New Bedford Shipping Lines in the U.S. and has not heard from her fiancé who was to go to England to look for business for her American company.   When she spots a satchel that belongs to her fiancé, she tries to grab it only to be caught by Oliver.  He assumes she is trying to steal it and instead of turning her over to the authorities she agrees to pose as his fiancé for just a day.  As with all great plans like this, her stay increases and the characters all interact into a terrific story.

I truly enjoyed this novel and especially the humorous banter between Oliver and Maria.  Once again, Sabrina Jeffries has displayed her writing talents beautifully.

*Connie for b2b

*Book provided by my local Library.

‘Twas the Night After Christmas by Sabrina Jeffries

STORY: Pierce Waverly, the Earl of Devonmont, has been estranged from his mother for most of his life. When his mother’s new companion, Mrs. Camilla Stuart, writes to tell him that his mother is seriously ill, he goes home.

But when he learns that the lovely widow tricked him in order to effect a holiday reconciliation, he refuses to stay—unless she meets his “terms.”

Somewhere between trying to seduce the beautiful Camilla and struggling with the cruel memories of his childhood Christmases, Pierce discovers that not only does forgiveness go two ways, but that love can blossom even in the coldest of winters.

REVIEW: If you are a fan of Ms. Jeffries, then I know for sure you’ll get this book, however, if you’ve never ever heard of her name [OMG! Where have you been all this time?], this is a perfect book to start you on a journey of discovery.

Even though we’ve encountered this novel’s hero in Ms. Jeffries earlier books, this story stands on its own and you need not [but you really should, just because they’re awesomely good as well] read the earlier books.

Pierce Waverly was a mix of Alpha and Beta heroes. As a child he battled asthma and for the longest time he couldn’t understand the reasons behind his exile from the only home he knew. What hurt the most is the abandonment of his parents, though. For years he would spend his school vacations with his cousins until he became an adult.

Miss Camilla Stuart was an exemplary companion to the Dowager Countess of Devonmont, Pierce’s mother. Through her conversations and astute observation of the older woman, she notices her silent suffering and decides to interfere by sending Pierce a missive informing him that his mother is ill.

This was such a heartwarming Christmas tale that will keep you spellbound from the first to the last page. The story delves with past mistakes, regrets and many misunderstandings and assumptions, but the heart of it is the love of a mother for her son and the sacrifice she gives for his protection.

It made me  go through many emotions; making me cry and laugh and sigh, but it was never ever boring! I highly recommend you read this one.