A Yuletide Toss of the Dice

by Collette Cameron

They never realized just how thin the line between hate and love could be… until they tumbled over it.

Aubriella Penford is used to being an outsider in Regency London’s High Society. Her love for science and lack of social graces set her apart from the other ladies of the ton, making her the odd one out at every glittering ball. So when her lifelong rival—and her brother’s best friend—unexpectedly offers to help her through a Christmas house party, she’s skeptical. Can she really trust the man who’s vexed her since childhood? Even more surprising is that she accepts, setting the stage for an unforgettable holiday romance.


Jackson Matherfield, a self-made gentleman, has always preferred hard work to the frivolities of society. Having clawed his way out of poverty to support his family, he’s not one for festive gatherings or small talk. He certainly never expected to be intrigued by Aubrie’s sharp wit and keen intellect at a holiday party. Yet here he is, captivated by the very woman he’s always sparred with.

A scandalous wager, an unexpected snowstorm, and a daring rescue reveal a deeper connection than they ever imagined. As the season of joy unfolds, will their newfound bond lead to a Christmas happily ever after, or heartbreak? Escape into this heartwarming enemies-to-lovers Regency romance filled with festive cheer, sizzling chemistry, and a touch of holiday magic.

Kindle Edition

First published November 5, 2024

About the author

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USA Today Bestselling author Collette Cameron® is renowned for her captivating, humorous, and heartwarming Scottish and Regency historical romance novels. With over 65 published titles, over 1.6 million books sold around the world, and multiple writing awards to her credit, Collette is a well-known author in the world of historical romance.

Readers love her witty and relatable characters including daring rogues, dashing scoundrels, and the strong and spirited heroines who capture their hearts. From the rugged highlands to the refined drawing rooms of Regency England, Collette’s novels will transport you to another time and place, where love and adventure are just a page away.

Collette’s Sweet-to-Spicy Timeless Romances® are the perfect escape for readers looking for romantic escape, poignant inspiration, engaging humor, and entertaining stories.

Based in the Pacific Northwest, Collette is surrounded by the lush greenery and rainy skies that inspire her writing. She dreams of one day splitting her time between the Pacific Northwest and Scotland. In the meantime, she indulges in her love of all things cobalt blue, dachshunds, chocolate, and of course, crafting her next historical romance.





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Reviews

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aubriella Penford is used to being an outsider in Regency London’s High Society. Her love for science and lack of social graces set her apart from the other ladies of the ton, making her the odd one out at every glittering ball. So when her lifelong rival and her brother’s best friend unexpectedly offers to help her through a Christmas house party, she’s skeptical. Jackson Matherfield, a self-made gentleman, has always preferred hard work to the frivolities of society. Having clawed his way out of poverty to support his family, he’s not one for festive gatherings or small talk. He certainly never expected to be intrigued by Aubrie’s sharp wit and keen intellect at a holiday party. A scandalous wager, an unexpected snowstorm, and a daring rescue reveal a deeper connection than they ever imagined
A very lovely friends to lovers novella, which introduces us to the characters in a new series. I loved Aubriella & Jack, she’s an intelligent wallflower & seen as a misfit, Jack has been her friend for years but grows to love her for herself. An absolute gem
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aubriella and Jack, her brother's best friend, have been at odds with each other for fifteen years. At a Christmas house party, deeper feelings and a perilous rescue, leads to a happiness neither expected.
A clean romance and the beginning of a new series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book gifted by the author.

[BooksBooksandmoreBooks69 · Rating 5 out of 5]

New series by one of my favourite historical romance authors.

This one set in the regency romance genre. And you can’t be Collette for a good drama.

Enemies to lovers, this pair have known each other for years. Brother’s friend, who sees her as nothing more than a nuisance.

Collette writes sweet/clean/slow burn romance. And after some of the dark romances I’ve read recently, this is my palate cleanser. A great plot with lots of drama

And it’s a Christmas story, so getting into the spirit (slowly 😉)

Aubriella “Aubrie” isn’t your usual debutante. She’s happier studying science than attending balls and idle chitchat. It makes her awkward and uncomfortable in these social situations.

Jackson “Jack” didn’t come from a rich family. He’s worked hard to be where he is today. Looking after his family has been his priority, he has no time for dances and fending off matriarchs wanting their daughters married off! But that’s not to say he hasn’t had his share of dalliances.

Aubrie and Jackson have that spark that lights up the page. They might antagonise one another, but I got that vibe as soon as they come together.

So how does the relationship develop? Well… A house party starts out as a friend helping out, but watching the lovely young lady has Jack seeing Aubrie in a different light. So setting his sights on capturing this fascinating creature, Jack uses all of his charm and wit. But Aubrie isn’t going to make this easy. She doesn’t trust him as far as she can throw him! A cad surely doesn’t change overnight?!

There were several moments that caught me off guard. Loved the ladies circle. We also meet the couple that will be in the next book. The banter had me laughing m, and the gossiping ladies circle made me want to join them for tea and chat.

If you like your romance with mystery/suspense/and soulful kisses, then this one just might fit the bill.

🦋

[Stephanie Herron · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet and clean novella that has witty dialogue, a variety of characters, and a dash of danger. Aubriella is intelligent and ignored by her family. Jackson is a friend of her brothers and has always been around. At a Christmas party, things take a turn for the worst, and misunderstandings lead to a bit of a dangerous situation. Eventually, it leads to a happy ending for Jack and Aubriella and some clues for the next book.

[Lyn D Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a charming love story set at a house party during Christmas. The characters were delightful, intelligent, and strong-willed. I enjoyed the humor, witand perplexity of one another's true feelings. The dramatic incidents also kept me entertained. The ending was very happy. I highly recommend reading!

[Patricia Wissore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the Christmas holiday story! Aubriella and Jack were fun to watch fall in love. There wasn't really a protagonist to make things difficult. I can't wait to read Roxina and Shelby's story. Thank you for the advanced copy, it was a great story!
Patti Wissore

[Suzette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Collette Cameron writes a spectacular story. Aubriella is a firebrand of a character. She is from a family of wealthy commoners and has a penchant for learning new things. Jackson is a self-made man who is driven to succeed. The plot of the story is about these two characters who have had an antagonistic relationship until everything changes. It is set at Christmas. It is an easy page turning story to read with wonderful dialogue. It will make a great Christmas gift to yourself and a friend.

[Kristi Hudecek-Ashwill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack is Aubrie’s brother’s friend, so they knew each other long before the house party they were going to for Christmas.

Aubrie thought Jack was incredibly handsome, as did most other women, and thought he was a rake. Jack thought Aubrie was eccentric and a bit of a wallflower and it wasn’t until this house party that he saw her for who she really was.

Aubrie wasn’t an ordinary woman. She was acutely interested in anatomy and in this day, would have the makings of a doctor. But she and a few of her friends run betting books for ladies only, so they have money of their own and don’t have to rely on men for it. It’s secret and helps the women who are in financial straits. In addition to that, she is overlooked and ignored by almost everyone, including her family.

She and Jack put stakes on a game of Hazard and the outcome changed everything. That’s all I will say about that. No spoilers.

This book was a delight to read. It wasn’t too heavy on the Christmas theme, even if it is set at Christmas time (thank you, dear author). The chemistry between Jack and Aubrie flew from the screen without much angst between them, a refreshing change for me, but there was plenty of tension between other characters. The combination of these kept the story moving toward the ending I was hoping for.

The characters are not members of the ton. They have jobs and rely on their hard work and earnings to live. I loved that.

Another slam-dunk for Collette Cameron

*I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily left a review

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun, entertaining read. Jack and Aubrie are interesting, intriguing, complex, wounded, strong, entertaining characters. I enjoyed their romance and the path it took to get to their HEA. The secondary characters added to the fabric of the story and my enjoyment. I’m looking forward to reading more books in this world and series. The story is easy to read and get into.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Yamlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully well written Novella to kick start this new series and with the added bonus of a holiday flare.
Jack and Aubrie have known each other since childhood with Jack being her brother’s best friend and were unaware they had feelings for each other until that dare and kiss.
A sweet story which captivated me from start to finish and which I highly recommend.

[Gayla McNicholas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A witty tale about a socially awkward woman on the cusp of spinsterhood and the attractive longtime friend of her brother discovering they are more than frienemies. Aubriella really does not want to attend the upcoming Yuletide house party but Jack has vowed to stick by her side and help her avoid any embarrassing situations. Their banter was entertaining and their burgeoning relationship was engaging to read. The attraction between them was palpable. This was a great start to a new series.
I received an ARC of this book and have voluntarily reviewed it with my own honest opinion.

[Donna Nalbandian Woerner Homschek · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet well written fast paced story. Aubriella is not your usual young lady prattling and gossiping. She intelligent, pretty, kind with interests that she believes leaves her on the shelf. Jackson she has known for years and they are always at odds, until they are not.

[Julia David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Aubriella and Jack. It seems as if Aubriella is invisible to her family. She thinks that if she disappeared, no one would notice. Jack sees her. He has been tormenting her since they were children. But Aubriella makes Jack feel alive when they argue, and he finally realizes that he loves her. Aubriella has been at odd with Jack for so long that when he is nice to her, she wonders why. But as they spend time at the house party, she realizes that there is more to him than she thought. Can they ever find common ground? Will he be able to convince her that he really does love her?

[Nanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun, fast read. Aubriella Penford and Mr. Jack Matherfield have known each other for fifteen years! They grew up together as Jack is her brother Emmet's best friend. Aubriella, Elli to her friends has had to put up with the sinfully handsome and seldom serious rouge teasing and taunting her. He is a rake and has women falling at his feet wherever he goes. Elli is part of “Ladies of Opportunity” a club for women that has a betting book just like white’s does for men!! Ellis is a spinster, very smart and wanted to be a Dr. Which would never happen in 1818 England. Her family overlook her most of the time. Her younger sister, Jessamine and her older brother, Emmet get all the attention from their parents. Her mother is known for saying Ellie” doesn’t attention don’t worry.” Both Ellie and Jack have to attended a holiday party which is always hard for Ellie, Jack offers to help her and stay by her side! Oh, my why would he do that? Both are about to find out even more about the other that didn’t know. Secrets, feeling, danger and a surprise ending. What a book! This is a great story about second changes and love. Perfect for the upcoming season. Am looking forward to the next story in this new series by Collette. This book can be read by any age group and enjoyed by all. Be sure and add it to your Christmas list. I received an ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it

[Terrie Norris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aubriella and Jack have vexed each other since childhood. Now as adults they are at a Christmas house party, one Jack has offered to help get Aubriella through. When he hears her negative comments about herself, he kisses her and tells her to never think of herself as undesirable. Oh my, but that kiss changes everything about their relationship!

This was such a feel-good story! This enemies-to-lovers story was a slow burning romance with great banter. I was delighted to see a story between working-class people, and I loved that Jackson was a self-made man who own business with his brothers. Jackson saw Aubrie for the woman she was – intelligent, thoughtful, independent, humorous, and quirky – when all her family saw was an oddball wallflower. Someone who, if ignored, would either conform or blend into the woodwork. This heartwarming story also has wonderful secondary characters, suspense, gambling, a snowstorm, and lovely Christmas vibes.

Grab a warm beverage and get cozy on the couch as you enjoy another winner by Collette Cameron. I am so looking forward to more stories in this series. If this charming introduction is a preview, we are in for a treat with these new characters and storylines. Thank you to Ms. Cameron for an Advanced Reader Copy. I voluntarily read the book and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Linda J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a feel-good story of two people who antagonize each other. The H has known he's cared for the h for years. But the h and he just butt heads, so she sees him more of a friend of her brothers who bothers her.

I loved the way they found out what each meant to the other. It was a slow burn that had the perfect pacing to their HEA.

There was a hiccup with a women trying to get her hands on the H. What I absolutely enjoyed was how the H told the father of the nasty women what he would do if he forced his hand - PRICELESS! The H wasn't about to succumb to blackmail.

Great banter between the MC. The way the H stood up for the h with her parents was a feel good moment too.

Then we are treated to a second couple. What made it perfect, CC didn't just give us a teaser at the end of this story. She weaved this couple into this story, and it immediately made me hope they would get their story. I was so excited to read at the end, that theirs is next in the series.

No cheating, no cliffhanger, little on Yuletide feeling, romance builds slowly and clean with a few kisses. Some suspense, surprises, twists, and a sweet story for any time of the year.

I received ARC and all opinions are my own and freely given. (ljb)

[Fiona Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Sensible daughter Aubriella was mostly invisible - even to her family. Having reached the age of 24, without being ensnared in the marriage trap, she travels, somewhat unwillingly with her family to a regular Christmastide houseparty. Also invited to this event is her brother’s long time friend, Jackson who promises to stay by her side in a bid to help her enjoy herself a little more than usual. In due course the holiday sees some interesting events, but also for Aubriella these lead to her and her friend escaping and returning to London. That journey was not without mishaps, however and the young ladies are rescued by Jack and another friend before they become victims of unsavoury characters. And this leads to Jackson discovering that after a 15 year acquaintance, he has fallen in love with Aubriella.
There is plenty of action to make this a really enjoyable read and of course Collette brings us principal characters who are quite delicious, along with the not-so-nice to add interest to the plot.

[Lana Birky · Rating 5 out of 5]

The tale of Jackson Matherfield and Aubriella Penford was utterly engrossing, especially since they weren't mingling with London's high society. They were a breath of fresh air, free from the usual social chains and the race to the altar. Jackson was an orphan, and Aubriella might as well have been, given her parents' lack of interest. At the ripe age of four-and-twenty, she was still single, probably because her brains scared off the gentlemen. Her older sister was already hitched, and the younger one was the family starlet, hogging all the parental spotlight. Poor Aubriella was practically invisible, except to Jackson, her brother's pal. He spent most of his time ribbing her, but then the ribbing took a sweet turn. It was heartwarming to see Jack not just notice Aubriella's quirks but actually adore them; he stood up for her and swept her off her feet, shattering her doubts about ever finding love and belonging.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. I loved the characters of Jackson Matherfield and Aubriella Penford. Jackson was a self made man and with his brothers owned four restaurants. I liked that he was sure of himself and would not be easily manipulated. I also liked the way that he was aware of Aubrie as an intelligent woman and how her family neglected her. Aubrie was quite independent and would have loved to have been able to take up,scientific studies. I like the way they really got to know each other but Aubrie can be quite impetuous, once an idea takes hold. This isn’t about people from the aristocracy but about people who work for a living, so that made a nice change. I’m looking forward to the next in the series. I received a few and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Nancy H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jackson and Aubriella have known each other for years, but in the not so distant past something happened and Aubrie doesn’t view Jack as kindly as previously. The initial interaction between our two main characters outside of an exclusive establishment sets the stage for the rest of their story. Or so we think. Upcoming forced proximity at an annual Christmas house-party necessitates a truce, and fosters trust Aubrie didn’t think she’d be able to have with Jack. As their story unfolds and our couple begins to get closer, an unexpected event causes Aubrie to doubt Jack’s intentions and word. Told with the author’s trademark humor and sweet sensitivity, A Yuletide Toss of the Dice is a beautifully woven tale of finding love in an unexpected place.

[Christine Woinich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aubriella and Jackson were a fun and interesting couple. I enjoyed her love of science, felt sorry for her feelings of being overlooked, and cheered when she realized her worth. Jackson worked so hard to help his family and himself, and he was not comfortable with gatherings. Still, he decided to help Aubriella, and the two found out that they really did not hate each other. Love and acceptance won out. I had tears near the end, happy ones. A wonderful start to this new series.

I received an ARC, and this is my unsolicited review.

[iread · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual, this author writes another wonderful, toe curling romance! A Yuletide Toss of the Dice is book one in the Ladies of Opportunity series. This story has such charming characters. I really loved the hero Jack Matherfield’s personality. He has a depth that is rare to find in other regency romances. I also love the “enemy to lovers” trope. The heroine Aubriella struggles with social anxiety and ends up feeling like the odd duck in a group - an experience many of us can relate to. This is a sweet romance. Really enjoyed this story. Can’t wait for more.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this enemy to lovers romance. Aubrielle has always felt left out and Jack was a form of torture with his teasing and good looks. When he promises to stay by her side during a house party things seem to be going well. Until he can't keep a promise and chases Aubriella away. This will make him realize how much he cares for her. Witty, romantic and cheeky.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely sweet romance with a holiday flare. Aubriella and Jack have a love hate relationship for years. Until it stops being an argument. Fast paced, great banter and joyous this is one not to miss out on. The first in a new series, I expect will be a huge success all around.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aubrie feels she doesn’t fit, anywhere. Her family seems to feel the same. Jack is a childhood friend who sees her as more. When Jack and Aubrie attend the same house party, he realizes that she is his treasure. A delightful friends-to-lovers romance and an interesting start for a new series.

[Aj · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful, engaging romance. Jack and Aubrie are frenemies since childhood, loved their journey of discovering their love for each other.

[Lea Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun

A very enjoyable story. Wonderful characters, plot, and a great happy ever after. I highly recommend this book to all who enjoy regency holiday romance.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved reading Jackson Matherfield and Aubriella Penford's story of two people who have known each other forever. Theirs is an enemies to lovers story where love has always been under the surface, but never acknowledged until fate and a snowstorm shows them what they truly feel.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A spicy friend to lovers' story with great characters.
Aubriella is a spinster who is pretty much ignored by everyone, including her family. Jack is a childhood friend. This was an interesting read.