Mary's Christmas Knight

Rougemont #1.5

by Moriah Densley

Mary Cavendish’s corset is already too tight. All the lovely Christmas food is tempting her, and that’s bad news for her dream of attracting a “knight on a white charger" — not that volunteering at the parish hospital is how she expects to meet him. Enter a mysterious Christmas Eve patient, who is none other than the famous Shakespearean actor Sir Wesley Samuel Darcy. Mary finds him arrogant, too forward... and maddeningly handsome.

When Mary learns Sir Wesley has been invited to spend Christmas with her family at Rougemont, she vows to resist the charming London rogue. Wesley thinks finding the perfect present for Miss Cavendish will tempt her — she’s not as prim as she pretends to be. Mary turned down six proposals last Season, and she’s not about to give in to a rake. But if Mary can’t resist the sugarplums, how can she resist the dashing Sir Wesley?

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Christmas, Regency Romance, Regency

75 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 6, 2013

About the author

Moriah Densley sees nothing odd at all about keeping both a violin case and a range bag stuffed with pistols in the back seat of her car. They hold up the stack of books in the middle, of course. She enjoys writing about Victorians, assassins, and geeks. Her muses are summoned by the smell of chocolate, usually at odd hours of the night. By day her alter ego is your friendly neighborhood music teacher. She lives in Las Vegas with her husband, four children, and two possibly brain-damaged cats. Published in historical and paranormal romance, Moriah has a Master's degree in music, is a 2012 RWA Golden Heart finalist, 2012 National Reader's Choice Award winner in historical romance and '12 NRCA "Best First Book" finalist.

Reviews

[Carol Cork *Young at Heart Oldie* · Rating 4 out of 5]

**4.5 Charming Stars**

I’m always delighted when I discover a new author who captures my imagination with her wonderful writing, her originality and her vibrant characters and Moriah Densley did just that. I loved this engaging novella!

Mary is an unconventional heroine, volunteering as a nurse at the local parish hospital. It is plain to see that she genuinely cares about her patients showing them real kindness, compassion and respect and their love for her in return is obvious.. Her insecurities about her fuller figure are only too familiar and easy to sympathise with. After all, most of us have probably had concerns about our bodies sometime in our lives.

Despite his scandalous reputation and his initial boorish behaviour, I couldn’t help but like Wesley and his droll sense of humour. Of course, the molten-chocolate voice, the remarkable sea-god eyes and the block-shaped pectorals the size of lamb roasts had nothing to do with it. To be fair, he does have reason to be ill-tempered, what with being mobbed by admirers at the train station, waylaid by a stagecoach robber and then, to top it all, having his injury tended by the most argumentative of women. I love that he recognises Mary’s worth and is honest about his feelings for her and not willing to give up the chase.

Their romance was an enchanting blend of…

Sharp, witty banter:

She sighed. “Must we do this on the floor, or is there a chance of moving the procedure to the bed, like civilized people?”

He made a sound like humf. “There is seldom much civilized about it whether I do it on the floor or a bed. But I’ve never had any complaints.” His vainglorious smirk turned into a salacious leer, which she found unnecessary.

“My, my. I do believe I’ve just been scandalized by a bawdy joke.” This time she poked him in the ribs with the needle. “Oh, my poor maiden ears.”

Tender, romantic moments:

“What if you’ve enchanted me? Stopped time so that two days feels longer. Long enough to recognize a sympathetic soul. Long enough to know I don’t want to leave you.”


Lush, sensual moments:

Her skin shivered with a nervous energy the same time a warmth radiated from the inside out, growing hotter by the minute. The contradicting sensations seemed to pull time in both directions.

Sweet, gentle moments:

She returned to find Rebecca Montegue laughing, in magical baby peals that probably summoned pixies and springtime. Granted, she didn’t know any better. Then Mary saw why: Sir Wesley puffed out his cheeks and crossed his eyes, then blew air in a rude noise Rebecca found hilarious.

My only criticism is that the novella ended on a cliff-hanger and it wasn’t until I read more about the Rougemont series at the end of the story that I discovered that Mary and Wesley’s story continues in MARRIED QUITE CONTRARY coming in February 2014. I would have appreciated some indication in the book blurb that this was a prequel which would be continued.

I was enchanted by this sweet, romantic story and will definitely be reading more of the Rougemont series.

REVIEW RATING: 4.5/5 STARS

Rougemont series (click on the book cover for more details):

[Lady Wesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story, but I want my HEA! It just stops like a Georgette Heyer novel.

[Katrina Passick Lumsden · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmm. A part of me thinks I should rate this higher, but you know what? Without an ending, I can't bring myself to do it. This novella cost as much as the two full-length novels in this series, and while I liked both characters, there just wasn't enough here to justify the price or the time spent reading it. It just ends...on a rather cliffhangerish note. There's barely even any romance. So yeah, a little disappointing.

[☽ Rhiannon ✭ Mistwalker ☾ · Rating 3 out of 5]

FAR too short! Great setup and a dash of angsty insecurity with a plump and unconventional heroine and dashing hero. I loved the premise and the characters but it was over in the blink of an eye! Still, I was thrilled to find a chubby historical heroine, I thought I’d read them all. (3.5 stars)

[Wendy *Sebella Blue* Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

One would think that Mary Cavendish was a saint in training with her volunteer work at the parish hospital, the Cockington Beautification Committee, and anywhere else that she can fit in her schedule. While she is indeed a lady filled with charity and compassion, she is also a woman with an urgent need to curtail her appetite for sumptuous holiday treats that attack her ever expanding waistline. With a corset designed to rob her of her ability to breathe and her quest to find a "knight on a white horse" to wed, it is imperative that she look her best.

Acclaimed Shakespearean actor, Sir Wesley Darcy is not having a good start to his holiday. Enduring a robbery attempt, an overturned carriage, and a painful shoulder injury, Wesley now finds himself in a hospital on Christmas Eve being treated by a woman who makes it more than clear that she finds him to be quite the cad. Sensing the passion underneath her innocent exterior, Wesley is beyond pleased to find that his enticing nurse will also be spending the holidays at Rougemont. Despite their innocuous beginnings, he intends to win Mary's heart and show her the adventures that have been sorely lacking in her life.

Moriah Densley has fast become one of my favorite new authors. Her stories are very reminiscent of the great Johanna Lindsay's Mallory series and Catherine Coulter's Brides series. Her characters are fun and immeasurably likable. Historically factual, Moriah's books fly by so quickly, I am always shocked and sad when they end for too quickly. I love the fact that characters from her precious stories are revisited, and in this short but wonderfully fulfilling book that the entire Cavendish clan makes an appearance. Mary is a wonderful heroine. She has her share of insecurities, but puts on a brave front that sometimes comes across as being a bit staid to her family. The dashing Wesley sees past this and is instantly captivated by her curves and sharp wit. They were absolutely perfect together. This is a sweet, lighthearted, romantic and beautifully written tale that is sure to bring a smile to even the most sour of Scrooges this holiday season.

[Preet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mary Cavendish is someone I met in Song for Sophia. The good news is you don't have to read that book first in order to know what's going on. Her figure isn't like her sisters' or aunt's and she's trying to resist all the temptations the holidays bring with delicious food and get down to her dream corset size. Mary could be almost any woman who isn't happy with her body. It's really easy to sympathize with her, as most of us have been in her shoes. She volunteers and gives her all at the hospital where she meets the (in)famous Sir Wesley Darcy to whom she has an attraction she can't deny as much as she tries and would like to. Sir Wesley on the other hand while definitely more experienced than Mary is attracted to her and more than willing to be honorable about his intentions while being slightly ungentlemanly. He just can't resist her. I really enjoyed the dialogues between the two. I also felt my mouth water with Ms. Densley's luscious descriptions of the Christmas feast and treats Mary was trying to resist. My pasta dinner just didn't cut it after that.

4 stars really doesn't say how much I liked this novella. 4.5 is more realistic. I'd love to give the novella five stars but I've docked 0.5 for two reasons: 1. I was overwhelmed and confused by all the names bandied about in regards to those present at Rougemont. And the second reason was because it was over too soon. I know, it's a novella so I wasn't going to get a 300 page book, but I want to know what happens next with Mary and Sir Wesley Darcy! The plus side is that there will be more to their story so all I have to do is wait. Humph. I do not like waiting, but since The King of Threadneedle Street will be coming out within a month I think I'll manage somehow.

[Teresa Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh what to say about this book! I devoured it in just a few hours one afternoon and still am thinking about the story. Moriah has done it again with this wonderful Christmas novella about a society spinster and society celebrity.

In this book we follow the Christmas adventure of the lovely Mary Cavendish, a character whom I immediately fell in love with. She is trying to avoid the “spinster” mark, while keeping herself busy in a local hospital and awaiting someone that truly cherishes her and understands that she is more than a ball gown and a dowry. Not to mention she is constantly obsessing about not indulging to much in holiday delights as she is trying to achieve a more society friendly figure.

On Christmas Eve, she finds herself working at the hospital when after a rough go of things the oh so handsome Darcy lands in her care. While she finds him nothing short of scandalous, she cannot in good
consciousness not take care of his wounds and send him on his way.

Just when Mary thinks that she will go home and spend Christmas in the bosom of her family she discovers that the holiday is not going to go as she has planned when the handsome Darcy finds his way into her holiday plans. Together they must learn to put aside the social expectations if they really want to find out who each other truly is on the inside, while enjoying the holiday joys around them.

I completely enjoyed this book and I couldn’t put it down. Moriah built these characters beautifully and the world around them comes alive and keeps the story in period and exciting. I am so looking forward to see what she comes up with next!

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartwarming sweet romance that picks you up and brightens any day. Tis the season for giving and Mary the lady she is of her time does give. She gives of her time to the hospital and also herself to her family when at home. It is Christmas eve and and she is helping at the hospital but also wanting to get to Christmas midnight services. Not realizing until to late her misinterpretation of gestures and comments by the doctor realizes the gift left was more than likely not welcomed. On top of that it is revealed he is Jewish and has no moves to ask her to services. She also has a misconception of herself all to easily done by someone with a big heart and not vain. What she sees of herself is not what someone else will see. No services for her because in comes a emergency, but sadly one that can not be saved. But after the fact I would say Mary herself is the one who is about to be saved by Wesley when she comes to his aide. When finished they find themselves going to the same destination and oh what an interesting ride to her home it turns out to be. Being that he is invited to the holidays, a sweet play by play begins and it is most enchanting to read. He is drawn to her and sees so much more then even most of her family does. Very intriguing indeed the want and desire and over a short period of time sweeps her off her feet by his charm and sincerity. Story such a nice flow to it and just the right opener for this series and the sweet beginning of Mary and Wesley.

[Janice Hougland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, how I love this author's descriptive writing style! I've always considered myself the queen of short sentences and use as few words as possible to explain myself, but this author has me beat, hands down. She speaks to my heart with her writing and with such wit...I found myself chuckling throughout this short romance. The love scene in the library in this novella had me holding my breath and then exhaling loudly with a thumping heart...I swear I was swooning! The way it ended has me believing there's got to be another story that comes after this...and I can't wait for it to be released! I am so glad I was introduced to Ms. Densley and her books a few months ago. I intend on reading everything she writes. Readers will not be disappointed in her stories a single iota.

[Kate Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Poor Mary thinks she needs to lose a few pounds (who doesn't think that some days?!?) and with her corset too tight she runs into a theater legend and takes an instant dislike to him. He on the other hand is enchanted and thinks she is perfect the way she is.

Fortunately, the author doesn't leave it at that - we get to see the internal debates and the growth that the characters go through. We get to see the understanding that comes when you get to know the real person and stop taking them at face value. It's a lesson that never gets old, and I loved the way it was presented in this book (even if that wasn't the authors intent!)

A feel good read that I highly recommend to anyone!

[Laurel Wistrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful story. Mary wants a knight on a white charger, but gets Darcy, who is really such a man. I love the way Moriah developed the characters and storyline. There was no dragging it. Mary's tender heart towards the sick she is tending to her brashness to Sir Wesley were a great contrast. It is such an upbeat love story and I can't wait to read more about Mary and Sir Wesley. I recommend this book to everyone.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book from Moriah I have had the pleasure of reading. I loved it! I felt I could relate to Mary with her eating habit. I love the writing style. I can't wait for Mary's full novel to release. I want more of her and Wes! I recommend this book! It's only 99 pennies so it's worth the buy! I love the Rougemont series!

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very fun story with two sarcastic fun loving characters. I wish it was longer but I've learned there will be more of this story coming out next year. Which makes me happy because I was not happy with abrupt end to the story.

I like this author's style of writing and I look forward to reading more from her.

[Jodi Ciorciari-marinich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read Moriah's other books and this one did not disappoint. the love story was great plus the heroine was likeable because she wasnt perfect. I only wish the story was longer would have liked to see the whole story play out further

[Debbie Carnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved Mary's Christmas Knight, only wrong with it was there should have been more :). I didn't want it to end.

Its a very fast read and a fun read, I really enjoyed it.

[Sylvia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really loved the other stories of this series. This story is too short and rushed. Hopefully in the next book, it will be developed.

[Shirley Hamlod · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this short story. The way that Mary and Wesley relate to one another is nice. I wanted to read the continuation but I can't seem to find it on Amazon. I'd like to know how their relationship prospers!

[Krystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have so many feelings about this novella that I hardly know where to begin this review!

To begin with, I enjoy the works of Ms. Densley. Her Rougemont novel Song for Sophia is one of my favorites, and I was thrilled to see some of the characters from there appear in this one as well.

I immediately felt a connection with Mary. She's a nurse, helping to care for sick and injured people, and you can immediately tell that she cares deeply about the people she comes into contact with. She sings for a dying man, even though she thinks her voice is insufficient. She sutures a mans wounds even when the man is being insufferable. I wanted to know everything about her, how she was, what made her tick, etc.

Mary is also heavily self-conscious about her body. And while some people may not agree with a character with such a series complex, I found it refreshing. No one is perfect, every body is different. And no, I may not agree with a young woman thinking herself too "heavy", but I do agree with that being an issue facing many women, even today, and I while I appreciate Sir Wesley not seeing her that way, I wish it would have been addressed. I wish Mary could have seen herself the way he saw her, or if he had at least brought it to her attention.

However, I would not call this a novella. I would call it a "teaser" or a "jumping off point". There were so many details that I felt were left out. To start with, even being billed as a novella, this left me with too many unanswered questions. What was Sir Wesley like before his fiance' died? How did he cope with her death? What made him propose to Mary after only knowing her for a couple of days? Why did Mary turn down six different marriage proposals during the last season? There were so many things that could have been expanded on, that I felt the story was missing a lot of good detail.

The ending wasn't even much of an ending, leaving his proposal (as quick as it came), unanswered. I was taken by surprise when the book came to an abrupt ending the way that it did.

Thankfully, Ms. Densely will be giving these two their own story entitled Married Quite Contrary, which I can't wait to read! I need to know what happens between these two!

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't think of a more wonderful way to spend a few hours on a cold winter than reading Moriah Densley's novella Mary's Christmas Knight. Those familiar with Densley's work will remember Mary Cavendish from Song for Sophia, but fortunately Mary's Christmas Knight stands on its own as well - though I can't promise it won't leave you begging for more.

Chronologically Mary's Christmas Knight fits perfectly between Song for Sophia and the soon to be released The King of Threadneedle Street (due on 12/13/13). The story was funny and light and a truly lovely read. Sir Wesley Darcy, a famous actor, is injured after being robbed and goes to the hospital on Christmas Eve where Mary Cavendish is working. This isn't love at first sight however as Mary finds Darcy arrogant but she is nevertheless tempted by his je nai sais quoi.
Read this wonderful novella to find out what happens to Mary Cavendish, a wonderful character a reader cannot help but fall in love with.

Mary's Christmas Knight, as all of Moriah Densley's work, is filled with wonderful human characters that immediately captivate the reader and invest you in the outcome of their lives. Densley is able to set these human characters in an approachable historical context and leaves the reader to enjoy the ride. Mary's Christmas Knight is a must read for this holiday season and a wonderful way to get into the holiday spirit, but I would suspect The King of Threadneedle Street will make it onto many lists this year.

[Jennifer Kirkwood (Levac) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. You can find the original review on Genuine Jenn

This is a Christmas Novella, so it was a very quick read. I love how the author gets right into the story from the beginning, we learn about Mary on Christmas eve and how she is a nurse and crushing on the doctor. Mary is a very likable character and you feel sad about the doctor is totally oblivious to Mary liking him. Sir Wesley on the other hand took some getting used to especially as this is a regency novella I wasn't expecting Sir Wesley to be so forward towards Mary, he really was a bit of an a#@. By the end of the novella I was finding it hard to resist Sir Wesley and hoping that Mary would give him a chance and see where things could go with him. I found myself wishing the book was a bit longer and we could see more of a romantic relationship develop between Mary and Sir Wesley. One thing I wasn't a fan of was the beginning of each chapter there was a quote, excerpt from history. I am not really a history buff or poetry. Other than that I give this book a 3.75 out of 5 stars.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary is intelligent, caring, and has hidden depths her family does not see. She has refused 6 proposals because she is looking for love. Wesley, with his sea glass green eyes, is an ex-navy Second Lieutenant, who is wonderful to look at, has a voice that can melt butter, and as an actor that is a good thing. He is also very scandalous and self-assured.

They meet Christmas Eve after an accident. They have an immediate ease with each other and Mary finds herself unable to hold her tongue with him. They then find they will be spending time together for the holidays. Sparks, insights and accord follow. He sees the hidden depths in Mary and appreciates them very much.

This is a wonderful tease of a read. We are given a hint of two fabulous characters. We met them both in other stories by Ms. Densley. Their story is just two days long, but they feel like a life time. The tenderness Wesley shows Mary in the Library and other private encounters melts my heart. I wanted the story to continue to their happily ever after! It is a fun, fast and feisty story. I am hoping they are in coming books about life at Rougemont.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Susie Carson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This charming novella by Moriah Densley fits in nicely between Song for Sophia and King of Threadneedle Street. It has been a while since I read Sophia, but I didn't feel like I was missing anything. The novella can stand completely alone. The heroine, Mary, is adorably self-conscious about her weight, and our hero, Mr. Darcy (!) can't wait to convince her that she is beautiful just the way she is. That alone would make me love the book, but it was also smart, funny, and just spicy enough to make you blush (just a little)! Mary and Darcy are perfect for each other. I just wish the book was a little longer! Then again, I can just go back and read Song for Sophia again...and Threadneedle comes out soon! Merry Christmas to me.

[Judy · Rating 2 out of 5]

*Spoiler* What? I thought it was a complete story. I knew it was a novella, but I thought it would be complete. It's not and although I love Ms. Densley's writing, I felt this book to be "off" primarily due to the fact that Mary Cavendish knew Sir Wesley only one day and yet decided to sit in his lap and nap for 7 hours on Christmas Eve. Oh, and yes, he proposed one day after meeting her??? In my opinion the story-line didn't come across as believable - not at all.

At any rate, If there was a warning in the book's description that this was not a complete story, I missed it. Apparently there will be another book about the H/h in Year 2014.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Chirstmas Knight by Moriah Densley. was an amazing love story as long as you dont get caught up in how unusual this love story really is. These two main characters no matter how unlikely really made me happy usually i try not to become to engaged in the love stories however a select few stories that are amazing i can never ignore the love story that unfolds. This story earns a 5 and if possible i would have given it a higher score. It was that great of a read. I would recommend this story to anyone, it doesnt matter if you are into historical, present, or futuristic romance stories. This is the one for you.

[Eugenie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moriah Densley has done it again in writing a touching novella about a strong, well-educated woman looking for love. The main character, Mary, longs to be appreciated for who she is but thinks that she is not attractive compared to her thin sisters. Wesley, the man who wants to win her love, has a reputation as a rake. I liked the interplay between these two characters throughout the book. The book ended too soon however and left me unsatisfied. I know that a sequel is planned but somehow I still wanted more out of this book.

[Mackenzie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lady Mary Cavendish meets Sir Wesley Darcy, a actor with a darkened reputation. At the end of her nursing shift at a hospital Mary must tend to a wounded person. This individual is Sir Wesley who becomes captivated by Mary. Lucky for him it is the Christmas season and he has been invited to stay with the family by her brother.

I did not realize this was part of a series and I felt a little lost without any background setting. This and the fact that the story is a huge cliff hanger.... it left me without the Christmas cheer that usual holiday stories often provide.

[Debra Lambert Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read another book by Moriah Densley and thoughly enjoyed it. Mary helps in the hospital and meets Wesley, who was hurt---Mary reminds me of me---always thinking she is too big---compares herself to others---and then along comes Wesley who thinks she is just right! He has a so called reputation---we all know how people like to talk---but is he as bad as others say---I can not wait to read the next part of the book to find out how things go.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story, which contains approximately 75 words, was an engaging read that is highly recommended. Moriah Densley has a way with words that I find most clever and refreshing. This story contains a rake, a heroine with a mind of her own, and humorous secondary characters that had me smiling along the way. I think this author is wonderful with her winsome way with words and heartwarming romance stories. I think you should read it today :)

[Sammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dear Santa,

For Christmas I would like Sir Wesley Samuel Darcy wrapped in a bow.

Love,

Sammy

Densley is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. She writes the most delicious heroes like Darcy, here. I hope he stays true to this representation of himself in the actual novel.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary is a nurse at the local hospital and is still there on Christmas Eve when an emergency comes in. She stays and eventually takes care of one of the injured, Sir Wesley, a well-known stage actor. In the course of this short story, they recognize in each other a kindread spirit. This is only the beginning of their story; just a peek at their beginning.