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School For Heiresses #2.5
The School for Heiresses
Inspired by New York Times bestselling author Sabrina Jeffries' School for Heiresses series, this delightful anthology features four young women who learn that there's nothing textbook about love. . . .
At the School for Heiresses, the lessons go far beyond etiquette and needlepoint. In addition to teaching her students how to avoid fortune hunters, headmistress and founder Charlotte Harris proposes the radical notion that women of means need not shackle themselves to men at all -- unless they find a suitable, desirable mate. So lessons in the fine art of acquiring a loving and passionate husband are part of the curriculum at this highly unusual school. And as the holidays approach, Mrs. Harris sends her young ladies home with personally tailored lessons to work on. Will they return any closer to finding the perfect husband?
This collection includes:
Ten Reasons to Stay by Sabrina Jeffries
After Midnight by Liz Carlyle
The Merchant's Gift by Julia London and
Mischief's Holiday by Renee Bernard.
At the School for Heiresses, the lessons go far beyond etiquette and needlepoint. In addition to teaching her students how to avoid fortune hunters, headmistress and founder Charlotte Harris proposes the radical notion that women of means need not shackle themselves to men at all -- unless they find a suitable, desirable mate. So lessons in the fine art of acquiring a loving and passionate husband are part of the curriculum at this highly unusual school. And as the holidays approach, Mrs. Harris sends her young ladies home with personally tailored lessons to work on. Will they return any closer to finding the perfect husband?
This collection includes:
Ten Reasons to Stay by Sabrina Jeffries
After Midnight by Liz Carlyle
The Merchant's Gift by Julia London and
Mischief's Holiday by Renee Bernard.
416 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 26, 2006
98 people are currently reading
1573 people want to read
About the author
Sabrina Jeffries
87 books4,795 followersSabrina Jeffries is the NYT bestselling author of over 50 novels and works of short fiction (some written under the pseudonyms Deborah Martin and Deborah Nicholas). Whatever time not spent writing in a coffee-fueled haze of dreams and madness is spent traveling with her husband and adult autistic son or indulging in one of her passions—jigsaw puzzles, chocolate, and music. With over 11 million books published in print and electronically in 25 different languages, the North Carolina author never regrets tossing aside a budding career in academics for the sheer joy of writing fun fiction, and hopes that one day a book of hers will end up saving the world.
She always dreams big.
She always dreams big.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
June 10, 2025
Originally read 2018. Reread of novella #2 by Liz Carlyle Jun 2025, prior to reading her Neville series.
Original review: Overall for the whole book my ratings average out at (I guess) 2 stars. The best story was the Liz Carlyle one. The worst were the Sabrina Jeffries and the Julia London ones. Here are are my comments on each of the four stories:
Ten Reasons To Stay by Sabrina Jeffries. 1 star. Very lame, ridiculous story. I know the action in novellas can be ‘telescoped’ due to their brevity, but this one overdid that to the point of non-belief. I’ve already forgotten the MCs’ names. No, wait, I think the H had recently come into the title of Monteith. An earl? He had recently moved to England from his home in India. He was partly of Indian blood, and was experiencing some racism due to his dark skin. One night, through his window Monteith saw a young man sneaking into the stables. The servants were in bed so he raced out to stop a potential thief and instead found a young woman, daughter (or niece???) of a neighbour, dressed as a boy and trying to borrow a horse so she could run away from home. So far, everything was absolutely fine in this novella. But from this point, things went rapidly downhill. Within literally hours, these two were engaged in sexual-style kissing, conversations laden with sexual innuendo, and ultimately, sexual intercourse. (And she was a virgin of course, but still enjoyed the sex). They conveniently fell in love with each other and decided to marry within I think less than 24 hours. Uh huh. Then they solved the wicked uncle’s (or father’s?) financial and alcoholism problems and had their HEA. Uh huh………. It was just ridiculous and totally unbelievable. And I didn’t even like H or h. Just, no.
After Midnight by Liz Carlyle. 3 stars. Not bad for a novella. Unfortunately though, it also did suffer from the ‘telescoped action’ effect so common in novellas, with the protagonists falling deeply in love so quickly. (Too quickly). But apart from this, the characters were built up effectively and had some decent background as well. Martinique the MFC was secretly illegitimate, with a mother who had been a courtesan of mixed-race. The MMC had some dodgy past secrets too. Even the secondary characters had a bit of development. I suspect this could have been a full length novel actually (and probably been the better for it). It wasn’t bad, and also gave some good background info for the ‘Neville’ series of novels, which I may read eventually.
The Merchant’s Gift by Julia London. 1 star. I don’t mind the idea of a rich merchant’s daughter/ commoner falling for another merchant. Fine. The protags don’t always have to be titled LOL. (Aren’t we getting sick of DUKES for example??) But the writing was pretty lame. ‘That smile caused her body to tingle violently.’ Really??????? WTAH? I didn’t enjoy the writing style. I especially didn’t like the h, and I cannot at all see what the H saw in her to make him fall in love. In lust, OK, but love? Just, no. She was immature, self-centred and silly. The entire story was just too cheesy and obvious for me. Not my cup of tea :/
Mischief’s Holiday by Renee Bernard. 2 stars. It was OK. The writing style was fine, but the content had the typical limitations of the novella form, particularly in the limited character development. I quite liked the H in this one, but the h was a bit silly and immature. Yes, the theme of the book is young ladies emerging from school to take their place in the world, but just because you’re young and inexperienced doesn’t mean you have to be silly :/ Still, it was an OK read, and I would possibly consider a novel-length book by this author, whom I’ve not previously come across.
Original review: Overall for the whole book my ratings average out at (I guess) 2 stars. The best story was the Liz Carlyle one. The worst were the Sabrina Jeffries and the Julia London ones. Here are are my comments on each of the four stories:
Ten Reasons To Stay by Sabrina Jeffries. 1 star. Very lame, ridiculous story. I know the action in novellas can be ‘telescoped’ due to their brevity, but this one overdid that to the point of non-belief. I’ve already forgotten the MCs’ names. No, wait, I think the H had recently come into the title of Monteith. An earl? He had recently moved to England from his home in India. He was partly of Indian blood, and was experiencing some racism due to his dark skin. One night, through his window Monteith saw a young man sneaking into the stables. The servants were in bed so he raced out to stop a potential thief and instead found a young woman, daughter (or niece???) of a neighbour, dressed as a boy and trying to borrow a horse so she could run away from home. So far, everything was absolutely fine in this novella. But from this point, things went rapidly downhill. Within literally hours, these two were engaged in sexual-style kissing, conversations laden with sexual innuendo, and ultimately, sexual intercourse. (And she was a virgin of course, but still enjoyed the sex). They conveniently fell in love with each other and decided to marry within I think less than 24 hours. Uh huh. Then they solved the wicked uncle’s (or father’s?) financial and alcoholism problems and had their HEA. Uh huh………. It was just ridiculous and totally unbelievable. And I didn’t even like H or h. Just, no.
After Midnight by Liz Carlyle. 3 stars. Not bad for a novella. Unfortunately though, it also did suffer from the ‘telescoped action’ effect so common in novellas, with the protagonists falling deeply in love so quickly. (Too quickly). But apart from this, the characters were built up effectively and had some decent background as well. Martinique the MFC was secretly illegitimate, with a mother who had been a courtesan of mixed-race. The MMC had some dodgy past secrets too. Even the secondary characters had a bit of development. I suspect this could have been a full length novel actually (and probably been the better for it). It wasn’t bad, and also gave some good background info for the ‘Neville’ series of novels, which I may read eventually.
The Merchant’s Gift by Julia London. 1 star. I don’t mind the idea of a rich merchant’s daughter/ commoner falling for another merchant. Fine. The protags don’t always have to be titled LOL. (Aren’t we getting sick of DUKES for example??) But the writing was pretty lame. ‘That smile caused her body to tingle violently.’ Really??????? WTAH? I didn’t enjoy the writing style. I especially didn’t like the h, and I cannot at all see what the H saw in her to make him fall in love. In lust, OK, but love? Just, no. She was immature, self-centred and silly. The entire story was just too cheesy and obvious for me. Not my cup of tea :/
Mischief’s Holiday by Renee Bernard. 2 stars. It was OK. The writing style was fine, but the content had the typical limitations of the novella form, particularly in the limited character development. I quite liked the H in this one, but the h was a bit silly and immature. Yes, the theme of the book is young ladies emerging from school to take their place in the world, but just because you’re young and inexperienced doesn’t mean you have to be silly :/ Still, it was an OK read, and I would possibly consider a novel-length book by this author, whom I’ve not previously come across.
November 11, 2016
Relatos cortos que están bien. Pero no dejarán huella en mi memoria, tanto es así, que una amiga me comentó que el último ya lo había leído y yo no me acordaba
Sirven para leer algo cortito y bien escrito, pero demasiado basados en el aspecto físico y con alguna que otra escena divertida
Sirven para leer algo cortito y bien escrito, pero demasiado basados en el aspecto físico y con alguna que otra escena divertida
April 7, 2018
Ten Reasons to Stay, Sabrina Jeffries
The new Earl of Monteith, Colin Hunt, discovers Eliza Crenshawe trying to steal a horse. Her trousers reveal she's got LADY PARTS so he gets MAN BONERS that resolve into EMOTIONS in 24 HOURS. YIKES.
This was SO FAST. Also kind of gross: Eliza is adamant that she does not want to be returned to her guardian (who is marrying her off to a friend of his and has slapped her) but Colin doesn't want to get involved??? Other than, y'know, sexually??? Eventually he decides that she needs to be saved and proposes marriage and she discovers her Uncle is Not That Bad. 2.5 stars.
After Midnight, Liz Carlyle
Martinique is the daughter of a half-black courtesan and a French nobleman who gets adopted by her mother's husband, who dies and leaves her in the care of his brother, who sends her to England for an education. Eventually, she ends up at a house party with Justin, Lord St. Vrain. Because of a mistaken dalliance, they bone and therefore end up engaged.
This was ... way too much for a short story. Not only do you have Martinique's sprawling backstory, you have the ongoing (and unresolved) history of why her adopted step-Uncle can't stand her (which apparently has to do with his unresolved lust for her mother??), you have St. Vrain and his mangst. And the fact that after knowing each other for like 4 hours and talking for 2 minutes of those AND the fact he's on his way to sleep with another houseguest, SOMEHOW WE'RE SUPPOSED TO BELIEVE THEY FALL IN LOVE? 1.5 stars.
The Merchant's Gift, Julia London
Grace Holcomb, back from finishing school, makes Fateful Eye Contact with Barrett Adlaine while shopping for cloth. He approaches her and she snubs him. This happens like eight billion times before they realize they're IN LOVE and willing to DEFY EVERYONE to be together.
The characterization of this was just not great. Barrett is continually rejected but continues to pursue Grace because he's ~enchanted by her while Grace is interested in Barrett while continually spouting bullshit about how she's gotta marry 'up' for her father. And it's exhausting and poorly done and ugh. 2 stars.
Mischief's Holiday, Renee Bernard
Alyssa Martin is a walking catastrophe. After getting rescued by a mysterious stranger (Leland Yates), she discovers he's a guest of her fathers for Christmas. They flirt until Alyssa's cousin shows up and wreaks havoc!!
This was actually very cute and I enjoyed it quite a bit. This is mostly to do with the fact that there is no turgid declarations of TRUE LOVE after only a handful of chapters. Instead, there's this very real sensation of burgeoning feelings and the intention of marriage and it felt comfortable and good. 4 stars.
The new Earl of Monteith, Colin Hunt, discovers Eliza Crenshawe trying to steal a horse. Her trousers reveal she's got LADY PARTS so he gets MAN BONERS that resolve into EMOTIONS in 24 HOURS. YIKES.
This was SO FAST. Also kind of gross: Eliza is adamant that she does not want to be returned to her guardian (who is marrying her off to a friend of his and has slapped her) but Colin doesn't want to get involved??? Other than, y'know, sexually??? Eventually he decides that she needs to be saved and proposes marriage and she discovers her Uncle is Not That Bad. 2.5 stars.
After Midnight, Liz Carlyle
Martinique is the daughter of a half-black courtesan and a French nobleman who gets adopted by her mother's husband, who dies and leaves her in the care of his brother, who sends her to England for an education. Eventually, she ends up at a house party with Justin, Lord St. Vrain. Because of a mistaken dalliance, they bone and therefore end up engaged.
This was ... way too much for a short story. Not only do you have Martinique's sprawling backstory, you have the ongoing (and unresolved) history of why her adopted step-Uncle can't stand her (which apparently has to do with his unresolved lust for her mother??), you have St. Vrain and his mangst. And the fact that after knowing each other for like 4 hours and talking for 2 minutes of those AND the fact he's on his way to sleep with another houseguest, SOMEHOW WE'RE SUPPOSED TO BELIEVE THEY FALL IN LOVE? 1.5 stars.
The Merchant's Gift, Julia London
Grace Holcomb, back from finishing school, makes Fateful Eye Contact with Barrett Adlaine while shopping for cloth. He approaches her and she snubs him. This happens like eight billion times before they realize they're IN LOVE and willing to DEFY EVERYONE to be together.
The characterization of this was just not great. Barrett is continually rejected but continues to pursue Grace because he's ~enchanted by her while Grace is interested in Barrett while continually spouting bullshit about how she's gotta marry 'up' for her father. And it's exhausting and poorly done and ugh. 2 stars.
Mischief's Holiday, Renee Bernard
Alyssa Martin is a walking catastrophe. After getting rescued by a mysterious stranger (Leland Yates), she discovers he's a guest of her fathers for Christmas. They flirt until Alyssa's cousin shows up and wreaks havoc!!
This was actually very cute and I enjoyed it quite a bit. This is mostly to do with the fact that there is no turgid declarations of TRUE LOVE after only a handful of chapters. Instead, there's this very real sensation of burgeoning feelings and the intention of marriage and it felt comfortable and good. 4 stars.
October 14, 2010
This review is only for the Liz Carlyle story of After Midnight. Now, had this been a full length book I would have loved it. LC doesn't do as well in this format. The whole thing was forced and rushed.
If you read any of the Neville series books then you know that Martinique is mentioned in those books. What I didn't like, is that the situation between her and Keiran never really gets resolved...ever. She ends the book with Marti not knowing why Keiran couldn't stand to be around her.
It all stemmed from his unresolved feelings for her mother and his guilt over her and his brother's deaths. That's fine, but it wasn't her fault and Kieran never manned up and told her the truth, even in his own book, that was a sticky point with me. Those are the reasons for the low score.
Mari and St. Vrain worked as a couple, in the time-frame they were given. IMO, they deserved a much longer book in which to become fully developed, because they were both interesting individuals.
If you read any of the Neville series books then you know that Martinique is mentioned in those books. What I didn't like, is that the situation between her and Keiran never really gets resolved...ever. She ends the book with Marti not knowing why Keiran couldn't stand to be around her.
It all stemmed from his unresolved feelings for her mother and his guilt over her and his brother's deaths. That's fine, but it wasn't her fault and Kieran never manned up and told her the truth, even in his own book, that was a sticky point with me. Those are the reasons for the low score.
Mari and St. Vrain worked as a couple, in the time-frame they were given. IMO, they deserved a much longer book in which to become fully developed, because they were both interesting individuals.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2010
S.J. - 10 reasons to stay - 4.5 stars. I really liked the story. The only reason it didn't get 5 stars was because it was ONLY ONE DAY!!! That is way too fast for me.
L.C. - after midnight - 3 stars. The story was OK. But I really don't care for her writing. Its not my style. Not to mention there were unresolved issues in the end.
J.L. - The Merchant's Gift - 6 stars!!! Finally, a short story that doesn't evolve in 24-48 hours!!! I thoroughly enjoyed this author's take on the school for heiresses. Her characters had a chance to fall in love. That was a HUGE sell for me. I like Julia's writing. I haven't read anything of hers yet, but if it is anything like this, I will be!
R.B. - Mischief's Holiday - 5 stars. Very sweet story. Love the plot and romance between the two characters. Would have loved to see Violet get her comeuppance though.
4.5-5 stars for the whole book overall.
L.C. - after midnight - 3 stars. The story was OK. But I really don't care for her writing. Its not my style. Not to mention there were unresolved issues in the end.
J.L. - The Merchant's Gift - 6 stars!!! Finally, a short story that doesn't evolve in 24-48 hours!!! I thoroughly enjoyed this author's take on the school for heiresses. Her characters had a chance to fall in love. That was a HUGE sell for me. I like Julia's writing. I haven't read anything of hers yet, but if it is anything like this, I will be!
R.B. - Mischief's Holiday - 5 stars. Very sweet story. Love the plot and romance between the two characters. Would have loved to see Violet get her comeuppance though.
4.5-5 stars for the whole book overall.
Currently reading
May 7, 2023Reviewed for THC Reviews
When reading anthologies, I usually pick up one novella here and there to fill in gaps between longer books and rarely read them straight through. With that being the case, I've decided to post reviews of each story as I finish it. Reviews on the remaining novellas and the overall book rating will be forthcoming.:-)
Ten Reasons to Stay by Sabrina Jeffries -
After Midnight by Liz Carlyle - “After Midnight” is a prequel novella to Liz Carlyle’s Neville Family series. Like the other novellas in this anthology, it is also inspired by Sabrina Jeffries’s School for Heiresses series. However, aside from Martinique being a graduate of Mrs. Harris’s school and Mrs. Harris herself appearing briefly in the prologue, it has no other connections to that series of which I’m aware. Martinique grew up in the West Indies, but after her parents’ deaths, her uncle/guardian sent her to attend school in England. She’s just graduated and her aunt and uncle have come to take her to their cousins’ home for the holidays. Then the cousins, Lord and Lady Sharpe, will be bringing her out to society during the following season. A strong believer in Mrs. Harris’s philosophy and an heiress to a shipping fortune, Martinique has no real desire to marry, though, unless it’s for love. At her cousins’ home, she meets their neighbor, Justin, Lord St. Vrain, a gorgeous man who immediately catches her eye. Justin, however, has a wicked, rakish reputation and is only accepted at their home because Lord Sharpe’s widowed sister has been having liaisons with him for weeks. As such, he has a key to the house and accidentally ends up in bed with Martinique instead. He tries to do the gentlemanly thing, but since she, too, had piqued his desire, he can’t resist when she begs him to make love to her. But when they are caught in the act, will Justin be able to persuade Martinique that he’s genuinely fallen in love with her and that she should indeed marry him?
Martinique is the daughter of a courtesan of mixed heritage and her French lover, but her biological father basically abandoned them when he decided to marry. Her mother was lucky enough to find another man, an English aristocrat, who fell in love with and married her and adopted Martinique. But her parents were killed in a fire, leaving her stepfather’s younger brother as her guardian. He sent her to England to be educated and now the whole family is there, hoping to bring her out next season to find a husband. Martinique is part owner of the family shipping business, though, and after the lessons learned at Mrs. Harris’s school, she has no desire to marry anyone except for love. Upon meeting Justin, he instantly arouses her desire, so when he accidentally ends up in her bed, she embraces the moment and her own sensuality, asking him to make love to her. But when they are caught together, her uncle insists on a marriage. Although Martinique has fallen in love with Justin, she isn’t sure he feels the same way. She also feels unlovable herself and worries that even if he professes to love her now, he may grow tired of her in time like she believes nearly everyone else in her life has, so she’ll have to find a way to overcome her concerns before she can truly accept his suit. Aside from feeling she’s not lovable, Martinique is a confident, independent young woman who has admirable aspirations of becoming a businesswoman and will only marry if she finds the right person. It just happens faster than she thinks, when Justin comes along. I liked how accepting she is of his past foibles, and given her own background, she takes his scandalous reputation in stride. I thought she was a very nice, well-rounded heroine.
Justin earned his scandalous reputation when he ran away with his own stepmother almost a decade earlier. She was very young, nearly the same age as Justin, and he believed her pleas of being a damsel in distress. Being young and naive, he thought to be the white knight saving her from his supposedly monstrous father by whisking her away to Paris. They eventually became lovers, but she died in childbirth. With his father now gone as well, Justin has inherited the title of Lord St. Vrain, but he isn’t really accepted by polite society. However, after his neighbor’s widowed sister, Christine, took a shine to him, they’ve been secretly having an affair and she also twisted her brother’s arm to allow him entree to their home, where he meets and becomes instantly intrigued with Martinique. Feeling his affair with Christine has reached it’s end, he tries to let her down easily, but she begs him to come to her one last time. Having no idea that she’d switched rooms, he ends up in Martinique’s bed instead. When he realizes his mistake and that he has compromised a virgin, he immediately offers marriage, but when she pleads with him to make love to her instead, he can’t resist. After they’re caught and the marriage issue is forced, he’ll have to convince Martinique that he truly does love her and that this isn’t just a shotgun marriage. Justin may have a dark past, but he acknowledges his mistakes and has paid for them dearly. I like that he did the gentlemanly thing and that he didn’t push Martinique into marriage, knowing how much she wants to marry for love. Instead he leaves her a possible out, while hoping that she’ll come to love him as well.
Being a shorter novella, “After Midnight” is definitely a love-at-first-sight story. These don’t always work well for me, but this one was pretty good. Each of the characterizations are fairly well-done despite the abbreviated format. Admittedly Justin and Martinique’s relationship isn’t as well-developed as it would have been in a longer story, but they did share points of connection outside of the bedroom as they share their respective pasts and show support for one another. Their love scenes are sweet and deliciously steamy as I expect from this author. The story also gives readers a nice introduction to the Neville family. Martinique’s aunt, Xanthia, who seems very nice, becomes the heroine of the first full-length book of the series, Never Lie to a Lady. Martinique’s uncle and Xanthia’s brother, Kieran, Lord Rothewell, already intrigues me. He’ll become the hero of the third book, Never Romance a Rake. Overall, “After Midnight” was a respectable start to this new-to-me series that has left me looking forward to reading more soon. Star Rating: ****
The Merchant’s Gift by Julia London -
Mischief’s Holiday by Renee Bernard -
When reading anthologies, I usually pick up one novella here and there to fill in gaps between longer books and rarely read them straight through. With that being the case, I've decided to post reviews of each story as I finish it. Reviews on the remaining novellas and the overall book rating will be forthcoming.:-)
Ten Reasons to Stay by Sabrina Jeffries -
After Midnight by Liz Carlyle - “After Midnight” is a prequel novella to Liz Carlyle’s Neville Family series. Like the other novellas in this anthology, it is also inspired by Sabrina Jeffries’s School for Heiresses series. However, aside from Martinique being a graduate of Mrs. Harris’s school and Mrs. Harris herself appearing briefly in the prologue, it has no other connections to that series of which I’m aware. Martinique grew up in the West Indies, but after her parents’ deaths, her uncle/guardian sent her to attend school in England. She’s just graduated and her aunt and uncle have come to take her to their cousins’ home for the holidays. Then the cousins, Lord and Lady Sharpe, will be bringing her out to society during the following season. A strong believer in Mrs. Harris’s philosophy and an heiress to a shipping fortune, Martinique has no real desire to marry, though, unless it’s for love. At her cousins’ home, she meets their neighbor, Justin, Lord St. Vrain, a gorgeous man who immediately catches her eye. Justin, however, has a wicked, rakish reputation and is only accepted at their home because Lord Sharpe’s widowed sister has been having liaisons with him for weeks. As such, he has a key to the house and accidentally ends up in bed with Martinique instead. He tries to do the gentlemanly thing, but since she, too, had piqued his desire, he can’t resist when she begs him to make love to her. But when they are caught in the act, will Justin be able to persuade Martinique that he’s genuinely fallen in love with her and that she should indeed marry him?
Martinique is the daughter of a courtesan of mixed heritage and her French lover, but her biological father basically abandoned them when he decided to marry. Her mother was lucky enough to find another man, an English aristocrat, who fell in love with and married her and adopted Martinique. But her parents were killed in a fire, leaving her stepfather’s younger brother as her guardian. He sent her to England to be educated and now the whole family is there, hoping to bring her out next season to find a husband. Martinique is part owner of the family shipping business, though, and after the lessons learned at Mrs. Harris’s school, she has no desire to marry anyone except for love. Upon meeting Justin, he instantly arouses her desire, so when he accidentally ends up in her bed, she embraces the moment and her own sensuality, asking him to make love to her. But when they are caught together, her uncle insists on a marriage. Although Martinique has fallen in love with Justin, she isn’t sure he feels the same way. She also feels unlovable herself and worries that even if he professes to love her now, he may grow tired of her in time like she believes nearly everyone else in her life has, so she’ll have to find a way to overcome her concerns before she can truly accept his suit. Aside from feeling she’s not lovable, Martinique is a confident, independent young woman who has admirable aspirations of becoming a businesswoman and will only marry if she finds the right person. It just happens faster than she thinks, when Justin comes along. I liked how accepting she is of his past foibles, and given her own background, she takes his scandalous reputation in stride. I thought she was a very nice, well-rounded heroine.
Justin earned his scandalous reputation when he ran away with his own stepmother almost a decade earlier. She was very young, nearly the same age as Justin, and he believed her pleas of being a damsel in distress. Being young and naive, he thought to be the white knight saving her from his supposedly monstrous father by whisking her away to Paris. They eventually became lovers, but she died in childbirth. With his father now gone as well, Justin has inherited the title of Lord St. Vrain, but he isn’t really accepted by polite society. However, after his neighbor’s widowed sister, Christine, took a shine to him, they’ve been secretly having an affair and she also twisted her brother’s arm to allow him entree to their home, where he meets and becomes instantly intrigued with Martinique. Feeling his affair with Christine has reached it’s end, he tries to let her down easily, but she begs him to come to her one last time. Having no idea that she’d switched rooms, he ends up in Martinique’s bed instead. When he realizes his mistake and that he has compromised a virgin, he immediately offers marriage, but when she pleads with him to make love to her instead, he can’t resist. After they’re caught and the marriage issue is forced, he’ll have to convince Martinique that he truly does love her and that this isn’t just a shotgun marriage. Justin may have a dark past, but he acknowledges his mistakes and has paid for them dearly. I like that he did the gentlemanly thing and that he didn’t push Martinique into marriage, knowing how much she wants to marry for love. Instead he leaves her a possible out, while hoping that she’ll come to love him as well.
Being a shorter novella, “After Midnight” is definitely a love-at-first-sight story. These don’t always work well for me, but this one was pretty good. Each of the characterizations are fairly well-done despite the abbreviated format. Admittedly Justin and Martinique’s relationship isn’t as well-developed as it would have been in a longer story, but they did share points of connection outside of the bedroom as they share their respective pasts and show support for one another. Their love scenes are sweet and deliciously steamy as I expect from this author. The story also gives readers a nice introduction to the Neville family. Martinique’s aunt, Xanthia, who seems very nice, becomes the heroine of the first full-length book of the series, Never Lie to a Lady. Martinique’s uncle and Xanthia’s brother, Kieran, Lord Rothewell, already intrigues me. He’ll become the hero of the third book, Never Romance a Rake. Overall, “After Midnight” was a respectable start to this new-to-me series that has left me looking forward to reading more soon. Star Rating: ****
The Merchant’s Gift by Julia London -
Mischief’s Holiday by Renee Bernard -
June 27, 2009
This is an anthology about 4 heiresses that were all at Mrs Harris School for some time.
In Sabrina Jeffries Ten Reasons to Stay I think the main characters fell in lust rather than in love. The hero is very vocal about not wanting to marry and changes his mind not because of the heroine but because of her evil uncle. Then the 10 reasons he gives her are supposed to be romantic but the whole sex scene backgroung just didn't work for me. When she makes the usual sacrifice and leaves him for his own good he discovers he loves her. Well it didn't convince me. A C.
Liz Carlyle wrote After Midnight. I liked this story much more than the previous one. The main characters are immedately attracted to one another but they don't make a move till fate, or a malevolous hand, throws them together. I thought that made for a more interesting and subtle approach. I'm glad this is the beginning of a series because I want to know more, especially what Rothewell and Xanthia are hiding. Of course, that's why she left so much unsaid. Come to think of it this story is one big cliffhanger. A B.
Julia London't The Merchant's Gift was a nice story but I think I would have enjoyed it more if it had ended when the hero and heroine reunite in London. They both come from trade and the plot revolves around the heroine's father wanting her to marry within the nobility. I didn't like how she jungled two suitors at the same time, in the end I enjoyed it but I think It could have worked better without that added conflict. A B-.
Renee Bernard's Mischief's Holiday was also a good one. I particularly liked the heroine and it seems to me the story is much more about her than the hero. It's always nice to read about heroines who are a bit less than perfect and keep getting themselves in trouble and have the humour to laugh about it, this just didn't work in the scenes where everyone else laughed at her which wasn't really nice or needed. A B-.
In Sabrina Jeffries Ten Reasons to Stay I think the main characters fell in lust rather than in love. The hero is very vocal about not wanting to marry and changes his mind not because of the heroine but because of her evil uncle. Then the 10 reasons he gives her are supposed to be romantic but the whole sex scene backgroung just didn't work for me. When she makes the usual sacrifice and leaves him for his own good he discovers he loves her. Well it didn't convince me. A C.
Liz Carlyle wrote After Midnight. I liked this story much more than the previous one. The main characters are immedately attracted to one another but they don't make a move till fate, or a malevolous hand, throws them together. I thought that made for a more interesting and subtle approach. I'm glad this is the beginning of a series because I want to know more, especially what Rothewell and Xanthia are hiding. Of course, that's why she left so much unsaid. Come to think of it this story is one big cliffhanger. A B.
Julia London't The Merchant's Gift was a nice story but I think I would have enjoyed it more if it had ended when the hero and heroine reunite in London. They both come from trade and the plot revolves around the heroine's father wanting her to marry within the nobility. I didn't like how she jungled two suitors at the same time, in the end I enjoyed it but I think It could have worked better without that added conflict. A B-.
Renee Bernard's Mischief's Holiday was also a good one. I particularly liked the heroine and it seems to me the story is much more about her than the hero. It's always nice to read about heroines who are a bit less than perfect and keep getting themselves in trouble and have the humour to laugh about it, this just didn't work in the scenes where everyone else laughed at her which wasn't really nice or needed. A B-.
June 16, 2009
My two favorites were the Sabrina Jeffries story and the Liz Carlyle story. The Sabrina Jeffries story was sizzling with Colin, who is half-Indian and who recently inherited the Barony although his English family wanted to deny that his father was legally married to his Indian wife. He is Simon from Only A Duke Will Do's cousin. I really liked his chemistry with a plus-size hoyden in too tight pants who didn't give one whit that he was half-Indian. This was my favorite.
I also enjoyed the Liz Carlyle story about the half-Black niece to Kieran from Never Romance a Rake. It was a bit angsty, but you can guess why I liked it. :)
I am sad to say I found the other two stories rather forgettable. Otherwise I would have given this volume five stars.
I also enjoyed the Liz Carlyle story about the half-Black niece to Kieran from Never Romance a Rake. It was a bit angsty, but you can guess why I liked it. :)
I am sad to say I found the other two stories rather forgettable. Otherwise I would have given this volume five stars.
December 31, 2022
The first book 'Ten Reasons to Stay' was pretty good. I liked the irony of the gothic novel and the events that happened. That was a pretty good humor. I also liked the self-assurance the main female character had, it's one of those things I wish I had. I would definitely read this book again and it was a great short read. 'After Midnight' was good too. I was understanding of the outsider feeling of the main character. Christine goes on my short list, grrrr. I liked the ending and would read this again. This was a more passing the time kinda read for me. 'The Merchant's Gift' was really good too. I liked the inner turmoil shown in the lead female character. It was great how the author presented how some choices are really difficult. I definitely liked the ending. It would be something that could really happen and I'm always a sucker for a happy ending. I would definitely read this one again. 'Mischief's Holiday' was great. I would read this one again and again. It was a page-turner, you never knew what was going to happen next... . There was humnor and real life quirks. That Violet would be 'partaking of a serious tongue lashing', she deserved it, friendship be done. Overall, this book if staying on my bookshelf, I enjoyed all the stories within. (I have so many books they don't all fit on the shelf, so I have to pick my favorites to be given the honor of the bookshelf)I will be reading the other series these books are connected to. They are now in my to-read shelf. Enjoy
September 6, 2007
I used to love romance novels and I still enjoy a couple of really good authors who tell their stories with a great mix of romance, wit, humor, and fairy tale fantasy.
This book, however, didn't really do it for me. Completely formulated, the four short stories that make up the collection are pretty much the same thing you'd read everywhere. A young heiress who must make a good match of course falls for the handsome scoundrel who her family may or may not disapprove of. In a short time, they have, of course, fallen madly in love, only after an erotic encounter or two though.
Maybe I've become more of a realist, but the whole love at page three concept just doesn't do it for me anymore. I like a good romance when it's well told, but a romantic short story doesn't give me warm fuzzies. It just makes me roll my eyes and say "Next."
The saving grace was the last story though. Granted, it followed the same formula as the other ones, but it didn't rely so much on sex to progress its plot. There was sexual tension, sure...but there was also some other stuff going on that made it bearable.
Romance fans will probably really like this book, but I just found it to be okay. As a note: There are a few novels in The School for Heiresses collection, and they may actually work better than the short stories.
This book, however, didn't really do it for me. Completely formulated, the four short stories that make up the collection are pretty much the same thing you'd read everywhere. A young heiress who must make a good match of course falls for the handsome scoundrel who her family may or may not disapprove of. In a short time, they have, of course, fallen madly in love, only after an erotic encounter or two though.
Maybe I've become more of a realist, but the whole love at page three concept just doesn't do it for me anymore. I like a good romance when it's well told, but a romantic short story doesn't give me warm fuzzies. It just makes me roll my eyes and say "Next."
The saving grace was the last story though. Granted, it followed the same formula as the other ones, but it didn't rely so much on sex to progress its plot. There was sexual tension, sure...but there was also some other stuff going on that made it bearable.
Romance fans will probably really like this book, but I just found it to be okay. As a note: There are a few novels in The School for Heiresses collection, and they may actually work better than the short stories.
January 26, 2012
I enjoyed this anthology, which is rare for me because I usually don't enjoy them as much. There were 4 stories each by a different author but all involving a student of Mrs. Harris. I absolutely loved Sabrina Jeffries because I wanted to know what happened to Colin Hunt from his introduction in a previous story. I also highly enjoyed Liz Carlyle and Julia London's story. They kept to Sabrina Jeffries world very well and I hardly noticed that they were written by different authors. I did not enjoy Renee Bernard's as much however. I found myself wandering and putting it down a lot. I just wasn't drawn into the story or found myself caring much about the romance. It wasn't a bad story but just not something I would have picked up otherwise. I definitely recommend picking this book up though just so you can get some more heiress action!
July 3, 2015
Four short stories about four girls who went to the same finishing school.
Ten Reasons to stay by Sabrina Jeffries features an Anglo-Indian lord who discovers a horse thief isn't who he appears to be.
After Midnight by Liz Carlyle is the story of the daughter of a courtesan who discovers love.
The Merchant's Gift by Julia London is the story of a nouveau riche heiress who finds love where her father will never approve.
Mischief's Holiday by Renee Bernard is the story of a woman who seems to attract chaos who finally finds someone who seems to still it.
Not bad but not inspiring.
Ten Reasons to stay by Sabrina Jeffries features an Anglo-Indian lord who discovers a horse thief isn't who he appears to be.
After Midnight by Liz Carlyle is the story of the daughter of a courtesan who discovers love.
The Merchant's Gift by Julia London is the story of a nouveau riche heiress who finds love where her father will never approve.
Mischief's Holiday by Renee Bernard is the story of a woman who seems to attract chaos who finally finds someone who seems to still it.
Not bad but not inspiring.
December 18, 2011
A good introduction to the writing styles of romance authors as they tackle Jeffries's world. Pretty serviceable. I must say I was surprised at how natural these short stories were. Usually a hundred page romances feel forced and too quick. These did not seem too fast. I don't know whether that is a credit to the authors or a testament to me having read so many of the School of Heiresses books that the characters seem more fleshed out.
December 9, 2008
what a lovely anthology. i picked this one because it had 4 of my fave authors: sabrina j, julia london, renee bernard, and liz carlyle. the first two stories featured 2 steamy stories with titled men. the last two were sweet and romantic and featured Misters.
October 28, 2012
Read mostly for the Liz Carlyle novella because it is an offshoot of her Neville family series which I love and also becuase the heroine was biracial, so I curious to see how that aspect worked in the story. Very nice.
December 15, 2023
Mi reseña de esta preciosidad *________________*
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October 31, 2015
read this years ago, but the only story that still stands out to me from this anthology is julia london's 'the merchant's gift', which gets 5 stars from me. very sweet story.
March 1, 2020
Este libro lo deje abandonado un tiempo, me dio un bloqueo el año pasado y no leí mucho, este año lo volví retomar y de paso leí de nuevo las historias que ya había leído, son 4 historias con el tema en común de que son estudiantes de la escuela de señoritas de la señora Harris. Comentare por cada una.
Diez razones para que te quedes - Sabrina Jeffries.
En esta historia, nuestra protagonista Eliza escapa de la casa de su tutor llaga a la casa del conde Colin Hunt, para robar un caballo, el la descubre y la tiene prisionera en su recamara, hasta que le cuente la verdad de lo que quer��a hacer después de robar su caballo, ya que el no cree en la versión que ella le dice, así es como es su afán de ella en escapar y el de averiguar quien es y devolverla a su casa, se van conociendo.
La verdad no me agrado mucho, su relación para una noche y terminar totalmente enamorados, se me hizo muy forzada, mas con el recuerdo de el, de su esposa muerta, aunque como el mismo menciono quería mantenerse al margen, para que las cosas no salieran como en el pasado, poco le duro. es un caballero y todo pero no me logro agradar del todo la historia, es sensual las escenas y se disfruta al leerlo, pero no hay mas.
Después de medianoche - Liz Caryle
en esta historia Martinique se encuentra con Lord Saint Vrain cuando ella visita junto con su tío y tutor a unos amigos de el, es obvio que es un mujeriego, y en un azar del destino, por culpa de unos de los romances de Saint Vrain, ellos tienen un encuentro, en el que son descubiertos y todo los obliga a un cortejo, que al parecer no quieren.
Esta historia al igual que la anterior, me pareció muy rápida, y su enamoramiento repentino después de su encuentro, no lo creo. no me gusto del todo,aunque este protagonista es mas atrayente.
También me hubiera gustado mas saber de los tíos de Martique, de los cuales se habla, pero no se profundiza. A mi fue la que menos me gusto de las 4.
El regalo del mercader - Julia London
El padre de Grace, la ha enviado a la escuela para que se instruya y pueda conseguir un buen esposo con titulo, ya que aunque el posee una buena fortuna, esta proviene del comercio. Ella aunque ha hecho lo que le piden, no lo logra en sus primeras temporadas, y cuando aparece alguien que podría ser su marido ideal, también aparece Barret Adlaine, del que se siente atraída y el parece que también, pero es pretendiente que su padre no aprobaría
Después de las 2 historia anteriores, pensé que esta historia tampoco me agradaría del todo, y aunque también tiene sus detalles, esta si me gusto, ellos se conocen mas tiempo y su relación la siento mas solida, hasta la escena final, se me hizo muy linda. creo que único inconveniente fue cuando ella no se decide y piensa en casarse con el otro, pero después con su declaración, la perdono.
Vacaciones sin contratiempos - Renee Bernand
Alyssa tiene la tendencia de meterse en líos y contratiempos y después de ser salvada de su carruaje por un hombre, cuando viajaba para su hogar, se vuelve a encontrar con el y descubre que es un amigo de su padre Leland Yates. El aunque es un poco serio, parece gustarle salvar a Alyssa de tos los líos en lo que se mete.
Esta fue la historia de las 4, que mas me gusto, y aunque Alyssa es un personaje bueno, no resulta empalagoso, como muchos otros, es inocente y me encanta su relación con Leland. Mi pareja favorita de este libro.
Diez razones para que te quedes - Sabrina Jeffries.
En esta historia, nuestra protagonista Eliza escapa de la casa de su tutor llaga a la casa del conde Colin Hunt, para robar un caballo, el la descubre y la tiene prisionera en su recamara, hasta que le cuente la verdad de lo que quer��a hacer después de robar su caballo, ya que el no cree en la versión que ella le dice, así es como es su afán de ella en escapar y el de averiguar quien es y devolverla a su casa, se van conociendo.
La verdad no me agrado mucho, su relación para una noche y terminar totalmente enamorados, se me hizo muy forzada, mas con el recuerdo de el, de su esposa muerta, aunque como el mismo menciono quería mantenerse al margen, para que las cosas no salieran como en el pasado, poco le duro. es un caballero y todo pero no me logro agradar del todo la historia, es sensual las escenas y se disfruta al leerlo, pero no hay mas.
Después de medianoche - Liz Caryle
en esta historia Martinique se encuentra con Lord Saint Vrain cuando ella visita junto con su tío y tutor a unos amigos de el, es obvio que es un mujeriego, y en un azar del destino, por culpa de unos de los romances de Saint Vrain, ellos tienen un encuentro, en el que son descubiertos y todo los obliga a un cortejo, que al parecer no quieren.
Esta historia al igual que la anterior, me pareció muy rápida, y su enamoramiento repentino después de su encuentro, no lo creo. no me gusto del todo,aunque este protagonista es mas atrayente.
También me hubiera gustado mas saber de los tíos de Martique, de los cuales se habla, pero no se profundiza. A mi fue la que menos me gusto de las 4.
El regalo del mercader - Julia London
El padre de Grace, la ha enviado a la escuela para que se instruya y pueda conseguir un buen esposo con titulo, ya que aunque el posee una buena fortuna, esta proviene del comercio. Ella aunque ha hecho lo que le piden, no lo logra en sus primeras temporadas, y cuando aparece alguien que podría ser su marido ideal, también aparece Barret Adlaine, del que se siente atraída y el parece que también, pero es pretendiente que su padre no aprobaría
Después de las 2 historia anteriores, pensé que esta historia tampoco me agradaría del todo, y aunque también tiene sus detalles, esta si me gusto, ellos se conocen mas tiempo y su relación la siento mas solida, hasta la escena final, se me hizo muy linda. creo que único inconveniente fue cuando ella no se decide y piensa en casarse con el otro, pero después con su declaración, la perdono.
Vacaciones sin contratiempos - Renee Bernand
Alyssa tiene la tendencia de meterse en líos y contratiempos y después de ser salvada de su carruaje por un hombre, cuando viajaba para su hogar, se vuelve a encontrar con el y descubre que es un amigo de su padre Leland Yates. El aunque es un poco serio, parece gustarle salvar a Alyssa de tos los líos en lo que se mete.
Esta fue la historia de las 4, que mas me gusto, y aunque Alyssa es un personaje bueno, no resulta empalagoso, como muchos otros, es inocente y me encanta su relación con Leland. Mi pareja favorita de este libro.
March 31, 2023
Average is 3.75 stars for the whole book. Check out the reviews for each individual story below.
TEN REASONS TO STAY: 3 stars:
I liked it though because it is a novella it moved way too fast and was too short. I felt the story would do better as a full length novel to do it justice. I think Colin and Eliza deserve a slower build and full novel.
AFTER MIDNIGHT: 3.5 stars:
I could see the events happening though not a response such as Martinique has... but she is French and this is a romance novel... so be it. I enjoyed the story.
THE MERCHANT'S GIFT: 3 stars:
For whatever reason I instantly liked Barrett... Grace got on my nerves with how much she clung to what her family wanted and waiting so long to fess up to why she wasn't getting any suitors. I felt that Barrett didn't help with kind of being forward without really being forward.
Mischief's Holiday: 4 stars:
This is the only one where there wasn't any sex. Kissing? Yes. Boob fondling? Yes. Talk of desire and being turned on? Yup. But no actually act.
But this made it a bit more believable for the time and I just adore a FMC that can talk embarrassing situations and not let it defeat her. There were times when Alyssa compared herself with her cousin and the expectation of the society and felt a bit down but she always did buck up. Leland..., this man.... love him! Not a player, rogue, or rake and he treated Alyssa and her incidents so well. I just love him! And the dad, at the end.... love it! My favorite of the four.
TEN REASONS TO STAY: 3 stars:
I liked it though because it is a novella it moved way too fast and was too short. I felt the story would do better as a full length novel to do it justice. I think Colin and Eliza deserve a slower build and full novel.
AFTER MIDNIGHT: 3.5 stars:
I could see the events happening though not a response such as Martinique has... but she is French and this is a romance novel... so be it. I enjoyed the story.
THE MERCHANT'S GIFT: 3 stars:
For whatever reason I instantly liked Barrett... Grace got on my nerves with how much she clung to what her family wanted and waiting so long to fess up to why she wasn't getting any suitors. I felt that Barrett didn't help with kind of being forward without really being forward.
Mischief's Holiday: 4 stars:
This is the only one where there wasn't any sex. Kissing? Yes. Boob fondling? Yes. Talk of desire and being turned on? Yup. But no actually act.
But this made it a bit more believable for the time and I just adore a FMC that can talk embarrassing situations and not let it defeat her. There were times when Alyssa compared herself with her cousin and the expectation of the society and felt a bit down but she always did buck up. Leland..., this man.... love him! Not a player, rogue, or rake and he treated Alyssa and her incidents so well. I just love him! And the dad, at the end.... love it! My favorite of the four.
January 20, 2018
leído en Enero 2014
Me gustó una que otra historia.... pero en general es entretenido y para pasar el rato.
La mejor fue el relato de Renee Bernard
Vacaciones sin contratiempos
Argumento:
Líbrate de los dioses traviesos…
Con esa tendencia a no librarse de los constantes contratiempos y su forma de ser caótica, Alyssa no es la mujer más adecuada para el señor Leland Yates, el joven de porte serio que siempre se rige por la lógica y por la razón. ¿O quizá si?
Me gustó una que otra historia.... pero en general es entretenido y para pasar el rato.
La mejor fue el relato de Renee Bernard
Vacaciones sin contratiempos
Argumento:
Líbrate de los dioses traviesos…
Con esa tendencia a no librarse de los constantes contratiempos y su forma de ser caótica, Alyssa no es la mujer más adecuada para el señor Leland Yates, el joven de porte serio que siempre se rige por la lógica y por la razón. ¿O quizá si?
September 25, 2021
Absolutely loved it. I think Liz Carlyle built the most suspense because I was unsure who Martinique would end up with....Justin or Rothewell. Even in the last chapter, I expected a turnabout. Merchant's Gift was exquisite and I daresay the advice is of especial value to young ladies today. Ten Reasons to Stay was ...well, unusual, and Mischief's Holiday was sweet. Lovely read and I am glad I persevered.
September 18, 2017
I'm a slow reader and don't read books 24/7. That being said, when I finally finished this book I was sad. I didn't want it to end!! It was so good!! It had a lot of funny moments and WOW moments and OH MY moments lol!! Love it!! I love all the authors writing styles too. Can't wait to read more by these authors!! :)
November 4, 2021
Sabrina Jeffries story was great, as usual. I'd give 2 stars to the second story, and 4 stars to the third. And absolutely loved the last one, Mischief's Holiday, by Renee Bernard. [So now I'll be looking to see what else she has in print.]
I tend to resist reading the anthologies, but I do find it a great way to lean into new authors and find new series I have a good chance enjoying.
I tend to resist reading the anthologies, but I do find it a great way to lean into new authors and find new series I have a good chance enjoying.
May 13, 2020
As expected, I wasn’t crazy about the short story format/length. However, I’m happy to find a new author that introduces some laugh-out-loud humor: Renee Bernard. Going to look for full length books of hers.
August 8, 2022
Worth reading…
An assortment of authors following an assortment of leading ladies made this anthology interesting. Some stories were good and some not so great, but all in all worth reading.
An assortment of authors following an assortment of leading ladies made this anthology interesting. Some stories were good and some not so great, but all in all worth reading.
January 3, 2018
This book started it all for me and I was hooked by the authors and the stories. Can’t get enough. A must read in my opinion.
March 4, 2018
I enjoyed three out of four of the stories, but I think the last one is my favourite.
October 14, 2021
out of the four, one good story, one mediocre, the rest not read
July 30, 2022
I only got into the first novella, but it was hooky and fun (if higher on the sex quotient than I like and thus not entirely fulfilling in such a short package).
February 15, 2023
El último relato fue mi favorito.
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