This book was my favourite in the Have Yourself a Merry Little Scandal anthology published last year. We have a spirited and independent heroine, a gruff and intimidating hero (who is not a member of the ton) a hidden love, an unknown threat, disguise and adventure. Highly recommended.owned5 s Amber1,264 1 follower

I didn't realize this came out almost the same time as book 6, but this was such a sweet extra story.
We get a virgin hero spy and the spymasters daughter.
Thomas and Victoria have been in love almost since they met when her father adopted him into their home at 14 to train as a spy, even though they try so hard to deny their feelings for each other.
Victoria is brave and loyal and Thomas would do anything to keep her safe but he'd never crush her spirit as it's one of his favorite things about her.
Watching them give in to their feelings was fun.4 s Mephala346 11

(Read as part of free anthology Mistletoe, Mulled Wine, and Maybe a Duke )


Light and entertaining read; a quiet sweet romantic story of two childhood friends who secretly (or maybe not so much) loved each other for years.

This novella had a little rough start; it does a good job in introducing the main characters and the nature of their relationship (oh, the pining!), but takes a while for the plot to move allowing Victoria and Thomas to have more scenes together.

But when they finally do – somewhere around the middle of the story – their undeniable chemistry shines brightly. I really enjoyed they teasing banter, or how gradually releveled their true feelings for each other. The few glimpses of their childhood friendship were very sweet and warm, showing how close their were despite the differences in their social standing and life’s circumstances.

Thomas had a pretty nicely developed backstory that brought some angst, and added extra depth to his reluctance to start a romantic relationship with Victorian - whom he loved for years. It wasn’t only about class difference or the dangers of Thomas’s job – he also carried some survivor’s guilt.

Laura Trentham is, once gain, a new author for me and I’m already interested in reading at least two other books from the series this novella comes from.

3,75 (rounded to 4)/5 stars
19th-century childhood-friends christmas ...more3 s Tina Miles389 5

A short novel, lots of steamy scenes, good sexual tension in the book. Characters aren’t as developed as in a longer novel but that’s ok. We see some crossover with other characters in the series which is always nice to see. I enjoyed this one. 3 s Pam Bereznak1,328 80

Love Laura Trentham.2 s Laura Harris695

dynamic heroine/ bodyguard romance, fantastic read

If you feisty heroines and strong silent heroes this books for you. Victoria is the devilishly smart daughter of the spymaster and Thomas is the spymasters apprentice/ bodyguard. Thomas was brought into the home as an orphan at14. Victoria was 11. A friendship bloomed then blossomed in secret. It’s fun to guess what does the spymaster know and how did they stay away from each other for years. It’s a fun read for a lazy afternoon. 1 Linda J.1,284 12

I purchased this as part of a multi author bundle called HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE SCANDAL.

Does this follow all the worry of Regency Rules and how the Ton will think, no. Is it one heck of a ride to get to HEA -big yes.

This is filled with romance, suspense, mystery and villains. The character's are richly written and their feelings come through.

There is passionate, sweet lovemaking, outside of marriage - heat level 3.5 out of 5, I think described twice.

The H is an orphan who is indebted to the h's father from rescuing him and teaching him skills. The h is the only child of a spy master and has loved the H for years. The H feels he is not right for the h because his blood isn't blue (ton standards). I loved these two together and made how they find their way to each other entertaining ride.

No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romance and some steam. (ljb)
Stephen Williams1,290 4

Another wonderful book to add to the series

This is another wonderfully written story that is a great addition to the series. The plot is one of emotional turmoil interspersed with a bit of suspense. The brilliantly crafted characters are portrayed with great courage and determination to overcome their fears and problems to achieve their dreams. This is a steamy historical romance that will also be enjoyed by those who love a bit of mystery. Angela2,020 11

A bodyguard story – yes, please. The class distinction stories are always so good. I’m not good enough, yes you are. Thomas and Victoria are so sweet together and grow as a couple. How can Victoria convince Thomas they are meant to be together, yes he knows but is very resistant. Spy stories are some of my favorites and the little mystery in this short story really grabs your attention. Oh, and there is a little scandalous secret…shh, not telling. I read this as part of an anthology. Gail L.2

Highly enjoyable series

I enjoyed every book in the series. I am praying that the author has more in store as other characters deserve a book as well. I enjoyed all the stories,the danger and suspense in each book is a great backdrop and I will read these books again and again. Heat level is just right and secondary characters from the other books make regular appearances which is fun to read NoodleSkadoodle98

I really enjoyed this novella, i wish it was a full novel and not a short one. it was sweet, hero and heroine grew up together in same household (hero was training to be a spy and bodyguard for heroine's family). they fell in love while growing up together (mutual pining). Hero and heroine are also around the same age (hero might be a year or 2 older) so it's ways nice seeing a young hero in HR romance.

overall fun read.childhood-friends spy virgin-hero ...more Lisa Mills935 2

An interesting addition

Again, although not many direct ties to the other stories this was a fun read. Garrick is introduced in Deli man's story and although we have met Hawkins in most of the other stories we meet his family here. An interesting premise, the daughter of the spy master acting as a spy almost herself. Angela Harriman380

Enjoyable

I d the story mostly. As usual the characters were easy to relate with and the action was exciting and intriguing. But the heroine kept repeating the same stupid mistakes. It's one thing to be strong-willed, it's quite another to be heedless and headstrong. The hero wound up chasing after to rescue her from her own stupidity. Not my favorite. Dishari Sinha263 6

Though this is a novella but it's my favourite from the series. I simply loved Thomas & Victoria. They are made for each other & their lovemaking were steamy. I loved the fact that both had been in love with each other for as long as they can remember. I also loved the fact that both the protagonist share their first time with each other. Mel1,084 2

That was pretty cute. The mistaken identity factor was not horrible, and forced to share one bed is a fun trope, done well here. I d Thomas and Victoria and their dedication toward protecting one another a lot.books-i-own ebooks read-in-2021 Ann Gonzalez1,376 13

Loved it!

I really enjoyed this book. I d Thomas and Victoria and did not want the story to end. This book can be easily read alone, but it is a very interesting series. Each book has intrigue, humour, daring heroines, and brave heroes. KAREN MARTIN370

Another wonderful story

The story of Victoria and Garrett is one of friendship and young love. With a small bit of mystery, to help thingsvalong. This is a shorter story than previous ones and set around Christmas. I enjoyed this book. Space Cowgirl3,995 130

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