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Danby Summons #1
The Viscount's Sweet Temptation
Lady Harriet Thornhill knows the summons from her grandfather means he’s decided whom she must marry. Determined that she’d only marry a man of her choosing, she stows away in her friend’s father’s carriage, only to find herself alone with young Archibald Napier,Viscount Morley.
Morley’s plans for a quiet Christmas vanish when he discovers the sweet young lady hiding under the blankets in his carriage. As she claims an acquaintance with his sister, he feels duty-bound to see her safely back to her family.
A broken carriage wheel leaves them stranded, and Harriet’s reputation is at stake. Morley’s not ready to take a wife, until he’s told he wouldn’t be a suitable husband for her. With memories of her sweet, tempting kiss filling his thoughts, he prepares to fight for the hand of the woman he believes he could love.
Morley’s plans for a quiet Christmas vanish when he discovers the sweet young lady hiding under the blankets in his carriage. As she claims an acquaintance with his sister, he feels duty-bound to see her safely back to her family.
A broken carriage wheel leaves them stranded, and Harriet’s reputation is at stake. Morley’s not ready to take a wife, until he’s told he wouldn’t be a suitable husband for her. With memories of her sweet, tempting kiss filling his thoughts, he prepares to fight for the hand of the woman he believes he could love.
79 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 28, 2013
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53 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 31, 2018
Pleasant story. Enjoyable. 4☆
March 7, 2024
An okay story. Very superficial live at first sight story.
December 13, 2013
The Viscount's Sweet Temptation
Lady Harriet Thornhill, with her family, is summoned for a visit by her grandfather, the Duke of Danby. Lady Harriet knows just what this summons really means: he has decided to marry her off, whether she is ready to be wed or not. She is decidedly NOT ready to marry and, en route to the Duke, she slips away from her family, hoping to find refuge with her dearest friend.
Lord Archibald Morley just escaped being trapped into marriage by a scheming lady and is off to spend a quiet holiday with his aunt -- away from marriageable young ladies! Archie is shocked and horrified to find his sister's best friend stowed away in his carriage and turns around to return Lady Harriet to her parents immediately. The pair might managed to keep their scandalous unchaperoned journey (in a closed carriage, no less!) quiet if not for the weather and a broken wheel. Alone together overnight and unable to keep the truth from Lady Harriet's family, there is no alternative for the pair but to wed, whatever Archie and Harriet's feelings on the matter. And what about that kiss...
This novella is a sweet little romance. A light, quick holiday read. Both Harriet and Archie are likable characters (once Archie settles down a bit, though he is awfully condescending right to the end)in a difficult situation, and both handle themselves with grace. Mostly. Archie's recent brush with a conniving female does not bode well for Harriet at first, but her close friendship with his sister ease's matters.
I had a few "technical" difficulties with this story, as you will see below, but my real stumbling block was that I just wasn't involved in it. I read it, I followed the action, I smiled at the little humorous moments, and I was distantly satisfied by the gradual "falling in love" process between the two main characters. However, I simply was not truly "into" the story. I really didn't much care what happened to Harriet and Archie, or the Duke's plots, or the other marriageable family members. I wasn't really drawn in. Perhaps I wasn't in the right mood (although if a story can draw me in, it usually will no matter my mood), but although nice and sweet, this story just didn't win me over. I enjoyed it. It was nice. But that was all, for me. I needed more detail, more involvement with these characters. I like a nice gentle romance as much as I like the more intense, emotional Regencies, but I need to have some interest in the characters either way. I need to care, and I just didn't really warm up to this story.
Although I enjoy regencies very much, I am not a stickler for complete accuracy in character and plot. I tend to take each story as it presents itself, suspend disbelief, and accept what the author is saying with the rationalization that individuals have always existed that defy the accepted "norm." All I ask is that the story remain consistent within itself and true to the world and characters it creates. If a character behaves in a way that is unlikely (not impossible!) due to time period or setting (even plot to an extent), but that is true to the character, I'm perfectly willing to suspend disbelief and roll along with the story. However, someone acting out of character AND out of place and time is just far too jarring for me as a reader.
A story set in the Regency period assumes a specific and rigid code that governs the behavior of ladies and gentlemen. If a character breaks those rules, I expect the author to make me believe that the character's actions make sense within the parameters of THIS story, in THIS Regency world. I have difficulty really believing that Lady Harriet would run from her family in the middle of the night, even if she believed herself to be hiding in a friend's carriage. The author simply did not make me feel enough urgency to escape on Harriet's part to overcome the societal strictures on young, unmarried ladies, nor the general "niceness" of Harriet's character. To subject her family to such fear and worry on her behalf, defy her grandfather's summons, and hide out in a carriage is rather extreme behavior for such a "nice young lady." Especially considering she is such a lousy conspirator that she blurts out about the previously unmentioned kiss at the worst moment.
In short (too late), this is a nice little Regency romance. Sweet, but without any meat to it. Even a gentle romance shouldn't be so beige.
I received this as a download from Netgalley.
**NOTE: This is a revised version of the novella of the same name available in A Summons from Yorkshire and A Christmas Courtship anthologies.**
Lady Harriet Thornhill, with her family, is summoned for a visit by her grandfather, the Duke of Danby. Lady Harriet knows just what this summons really means: he has decided to marry her off, whether she is ready to be wed or not. She is decidedly NOT ready to marry and, en route to the Duke, she slips away from her family, hoping to find refuge with her dearest friend.
Lord Archibald Morley just escaped being trapped into marriage by a scheming lady and is off to spend a quiet holiday with his aunt -- away from marriageable young ladies! Archie is shocked and horrified to find his sister's best friend stowed away in his carriage and turns around to return Lady Harriet to her parents immediately. The pair might managed to keep their scandalous unchaperoned journey (in a closed carriage, no less!) quiet if not for the weather and a broken wheel. Alone together overnight and unable to keep the truth from Lady Harriet's family, there is no alternative for the pair but to wed, whatever Archie and Harriet's feelings on the matter. And what about that kiss...
This novella is a sweet little romance. A light, quick holiday read. Both Harriet and Archie are likable characters (once Archie settles down a bit, though he is awfully condescending right to the end)in a difficult situation, and both handle themselves with grace. Mostly. Archie's recent brush with a conniving female does not bode well for Harriet at first, but her close friendship with his sister ease's matters.
I had a few "technical" difficulties with this story, as you will see below, but my real stumbling block was that I just wasn't involved in it. I read it, I followed the action, I smiled at the little humorous moments, and I was distantly satisfied by the gradual "falling in love" process between the two main characters. However, I simply was not truly "into" the story. I really didn't much care what happened to Harriet and Archie, or the Duke's plots, or the other marriageable family members. I wasn't really drawn in. Perhaps I wasn't in the right mood (although if a story can draw me in, it usually will no matter my mood), but although nice and sweet, this story just didn't win me over. I enjoyed it. It was nice. But that was all, for me. I needed more detail, more involvement with these characters. I like a nice gentle romance as much as I like the more intense, emotional Regencies, but I need to have some interest in the characters either way. I need to care, and I just didn't really warm up to this story.
Although I enjoy regencies very much, I am not a stickler for complete accuracy in character and plot. I tend to take each story as it presents itself, suspend disbelief, and accept what the author is saying with the rationalization that individuals have always existed that defy the accepted "norm." All I ask is that the story remain consistent within itself and true to the world and characters it creates. If a character behaves in a way that is unlikely (not impossible!) due to time period or setting (even plot to an extent), but that is true to the character, I'm perfectly willing to suspend disbelief and roll along with the story. However, someone acting out of character AND out of place and time is just far too jarring for me as a reader.
A story set in the Regency period assumes a specific and rigid code that governs the behavior of ladies and gentlemen. If a character breaks those rules, I expect the author to make me believe that the character's actions make sense within the parameters of THIS story, in THIS Regency world. I have difficulty really believing that Lady Harriet would run from her family in the middle of the night, even if she believed herself to be hiding in a friend's carriage. The author simply did not make me feel enough urgency to escape on Harriet's part to overcome the societal strictures on young, unmarried ladies, nor the general "niceness" of Harriet's character. To subject her family to such fear and worry on her behalf, defy her grandfather's summons, and hide out in a carriage is rather extreme behavior for such a "nice young lady." Especially considering she is such a lousy conspirator that she blurts out about the previously unmentioned kiss at the worst moment.
In short (too late), this is a nice little Regency romance. Sweet, but without any meat to it. Even a gentle romance shouldn't be so beige.
I received this as a download from Netgalley.
**NOTE: This is a revised version of the novella of the same name available in A Summons from Yorkshire and A Christmas Courtship anthologies.**
October 20, 2013
I was in the mood for a quick sweet novella I could read in one sitting so I gave this one a try. I enjoy reading books from this time period and didn't end up disappointed but did wish for a little bit more than what I got. Sweet Temptation was a little too "insta-love" for me and I didn't really feel the connection between the two of them but I enjoyed the story-line.
There were a few crude comments and talk of escapes in a widow's bed and I wondered a couple times if this would be a stay a clean read or if it would push the limits as it felt a couple times like it was walking that fine line. It has a memorable plot line and I would try another book by this author.
Rating: 3.5 Stars - Good Book
Content: a few crude comments, mention of sewing "wild oats" being acceptable but other wise clean.
Source: Netgalley Review Copy
Just .99 cents on Amazon.
October 8, 2013
Lady Harriet Thornhill is not ready to get married and when her grandfather the Duke of Danby summons her she knows he has picked a husband for her. In utter despair she runs away. Archibald Napier, Lord Morley isn't ready to get married either in fact he just escaped being trapped by a conniving Lords daughter and is on his way to spend the holiday with his Aunt when he finds a stowaway in his carriage. Lady Harriet mistaking Morley's carriage for her best friend's, Morley's little sister, family carriage finds her self in a compromising predicament, alone with a man in his private carriage. It would have been fine Morley was on his way to return her to her family when the carriage wheel breaks and they are stuck over night together, then of course their was that little kiss. A little kiss that torments Morley can he do the unthinkable and offer for her hand in marriage? Can they both comes to terms with the idea of marriage with someone with the possibility of love?
Aileen Fish is quickly becoming a favorite of mine with her sweet stories and tempting situations with character so easy to fall in love with.
Aileen Fish is quickly becoming a favorite of mine with her sweet stories and tempting situations with character so easy to fall in love with.
September 24, 2014
A short sweet read!!!
h: Lady Harriet Thornhill
H: Archibald Napier,Viscount Morley
So Harriet the good daughter is at an inn on the way to her grandfather the Dukes house for the Christmas holiday The only only reason the Duke would have called her and her family to his house was if he has her husband picked out for her. What can Harriet do? In a mans world where women have no voice? So she sees her friends carriage outside she decided to get in and leave so her grandfather will have no choice but to call it off. Morley stops to change horses and get some food then back on the road to Baths when he hears a rat.....but it not a rat it a lovely girl. So he caught with her and to his surprise her father doesn't want him to marry his daughter. He is so happy about it....or is he? There was just something about her and their kiss. He turns around and goes to get her and then they get their Happily ever after.
Great book short and to the point. Loved it!!
h: Lady Harriet Thornhill
H: Archibald Napier,Viscount Morley
So Harriet the good daughter is at an inn on the way to her grandfather the Dukes house for the Christmas holiday The only only reason the Duke would have called her and her family to his house was if he has her husband picked out for her. What can Harriet do? In a mans world where women have no voice? So she sees her friends carriage outside she decided to get in and leave so her grandfather will have no choice but to call it off. Morley stops to change horses and get some food then back on the road to Baths when he hears a rat.....but it not a rat it a lovely girl. So he caught with her and to his surprise her father doesn't want him to marry his daughter. He is so happy about it....or is he? There was just something about her and their kiss. He turns around and goes to get her and then they get their Happily ever after.
Great book short and to the point. Loved it!!
October 16, 2013
THE VISCOUNT'S SWEET TEMPTATION by AILEEN FISH is an interesting, quick Regency Historical Romance. #1 in the "Danby Christmas Summons. A novella. Fast paced. A sweet tale of romance, and love. Archibald Napier,Viscount Morley and Lady Harriet Thornhill Christmas may never be the same again. What started out to be a lurk to get away from Lady Harriet's Grandpapa's summons turns out to be Morley's most cherished day. A sweet Christmas read! Received for an honest review from the publisher and Net Galley.
**NOTE: This is a revised version of the novella of the same name available in A Summons from Yorkshire and A Christmas Courtship anthologies.**
RATING: 4
HEAT RATING: SWEET
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
**NOTE: This is a revised version of the novella of the same name available in A Summons from Yorkshire and A Christmas Courtship anthologies.**
RATING: 4
HEAT RATING: SWEET
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
October 28, 2013
This is a short story. I liked the premise and I liked the first part of the story, however, considering the Morely initially wanted nothing to do with Harriet and her scheme, and the limited time that he had with Harriet his quick turn around and realization of love seemed out of place for how he was initially portrayed. There definitely needed to be some additional time spent on his coming to the realization of loving Harriet, in my opinion. I think if this had been a longer novel it would have been a 4 or 4.5 for me, as I enjoyed the writing and the initial development of the story. I will look for more by Fish in the future.
I received this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 28, 2014
This was a sweet story. It was a nice romantic novella to read in an evening. It concerns 2 families who are close but yet they don't know each other. Harriet runs away to escape her grandfather,the Duke of Danby. She just knows he will force her to marry. Archie, the Viscount Morley, is brother to Harriet' s best friend Ellie. Harriet stows away in Archie' s carriage because she thinks Ellie has the carriage. Archie and Harriet are found by her parents. So follows the usual "You have to marry! No I don't!"reputation problems. This story ended as I thought but it didn't get to that point as I expected. This is a good read for when you are waiting. Do give this book a chance. You will like it.
July 24, 2015
I read this short, fun novella as part of the "A Summons From the Duke of Danby" anthology. The duke has decided it's time his grandchildren got married. He's got a stack of special licenses, and he's not afraid to use them!
Lady Harriet is determined to marry a man of her own choosing, so she can't bear to face the duke because she thinks he has already picked someone for her. She stows away in her friend's family carriage, thinking the two of them can come up with a way to avoid her fate. However, it's her friend's brother, Archie (better known as Viscount Morley) who is actually in the carriage.
Will Harriet be compromised? Will Archie be leg-shackled? Will the duke get his way? I recommend you read this sweet story to find out!
Lady Harriet is determined to marry a man of her own choosing, so she can't bear to face the duke because she thinks he has already picked someone for her. She stows away in her friend's family carriage, thinking the two of them can come up with a way to avoid her fate. However, it's her friend's brother, Archie (better known as Viscount Morley) who is actually in the carriage.
Will Harriet be compromised? Will Archie be leg-shackled? Will the duke get his way? I recommend you read this sweet story to find out!
September 30, 2013
Harriet wants to avoid the arranged marriage her grandfather has planned, so she stows away on her friend's father's carriage believing her friend was traveling on it. Instead, her friend's brother, Viscount Morley, is on board and the two are discovered alone.
This is a very short tale but I think the relationship progresses believably given the constraints of the time. Harriet is a bit silly, but it fits with the lighthearted tone of the story.
All around, a sweet traditional Regency story which should be appreciated by those looking for no sex with their romance.
This is a very short tale but I think the relationship progresses believably given the constraints of the time. Harriet is a bit silly, but it fits with the lighthearted tone of the story.
All around, a sweet traditional Regency story which should be appreciated by those looking for no sex with their romance.
January 3, 2016
Superb!
Worth buying as well as worth buying ... Interesting characters and beautifully written storyline ...
Worth buying as well as worth buying ... Interesting characters and beautifully written storyline ...
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews