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Half Moon House #1.8
A Waltz in the Park
James Vickers once believed honor and family duty to be his life's work. Now he knows better--and he's appointed himself as silent witness to his father's sins. His greatest goal is to act as the continuously pricking thorn in his lordship's side--and scandal is his greatest weapon. He has no use for an innocent young miss.
Propriety is Miss Adelaide Stockton's most important asset. She must be all that is prim and proper if she's to live down her parent's misdeeds and have any hope of catching a husband. She must avoid scoundrels like Vickers at all costs. Yet fate has thrown them together--and given each a key to the other's ambition. A bargain is struck...but together they find that gaining what one desires most is far more difficult than a waltz in the park.
Propriety is Miss Adelaide Stockton's most important asset. She must be all that is prim and proper if she's to live down her parent's misdeeds and have any hope of catching a husband. She must avoid scoundrels like Vickers at all costs. Yet fate has thrown them together--and given each a key to the other's ambition. A bargain is struck...but together they find that gaining what one desires most is far more difficult than a waltz in the park.
ebook
First published February 24, 2015
About the author
Deb Marlowe
83 books448 followersUSA Today Bestseller Deb Marlowe loves History, England and Men in Boots. Clearly she was destined to write Historical Romance and Mystery.
A Golden Heart winner and Rita Finalist, Deb grew up in Pennsylvania with her nose in a book. Luckily, she'd read enough romances to recognize the true modern hero she met at a college Halloween party—even though he wore a tuxedo T-shirt instead of breeches and tall boots.
A proud geek, history buff and story addict, she loves to talk with readers and to create historical recipes in her modern kitchen. Check it out at Deb Marlowe's Historical Kitchen on her website.
A Golden Heart winner and Rita Finalist, Deb grew up in Pennsylvania with her nose in a book. Luckily, she'd read enough romances to recognize the true modern hero she met at a college Halloween party—even though he wore a tuxedo T-shirt instead of breeches and tall boots.
A proud geek, history buff and story addict, she loves to talk with readers and to create historical recipes in her modern kitchen. Check it out at Deb Marlowe's Historical Kitchen on her website.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 12, 2026
James gets his HEA.
James Vickers has been at odds with his dissolute father for years.
Adelaide Stockton is looking for love and is trying to live down the scandal her parent’s precipitous marriage caused years ago. Her father is now travelling abroad following the death of her mother.
The two are bought together by Hestia.
Together they must work together to uncover his father’s potentially treasonous plotting.
In the end they achieve their HEA.
James Vickers has been at odds with his dissolute father for years.
Adelaide Stockton is looking for love and is trying to live down the scandal her parent’s precipitous marriage caused years ago. Her father is now travelling abroad following the death of her mother.
The two are bought together by Hestia.
Together they must work together to uncover his father’s potentially treasonous plotting.
In the end they achieve their HEA.
April 25, 2019
James Vickers, known as a rake and a rogue, realizes his well-earned reputation will be at stake when he is unexpectedly enchanted by the latest darling of the beau monde. Is Miss Adelaide Stockton worth the risk and the end of the feud he has engaged in to torment his father? Underlying secrets that explain his detestable behavior are revealed.
While not my favorite in this series, this is still an enjoyable Regency romance. Vickers is introduced in Half Moon House book 1, and it would be best to read that first to understand this character.
While not my favorite in this series, this is still an enjoyable Regency romance. Vickers is introduced in Half Moon House book 1, and it would be best to read that first to understand this character.
May 15, 2015
A Waltz in the Park by Deb Marlowe is a fantastic novella that was hard to put down. Not ever having read or listened to any other Half Moon House book, or any other book by Deb Marlow for that matter, I wasn't sure what to expect. I received a copy of this audiobook in exchange for a review and was pleasantly surprised with this complete story and loved both lead characters who were well developed. At almost four hours, it's the perfect length.
Adelaide Stockton is the pinnacle of propriety who is on the marriage mart after her mother's death and father's abandonment. James Vickers hates his father because of his poor treatment of women and believes him to be a traitor to the Crown. Because of his father's position and past misdeeds, James does everything to make his father look bad, including acting scandalously and pretending to be the worst sort of rake. Adelaide and James first find themselves glancing at each other across a crowded ballroom, then confiding in each other in order to obtain proof of his father's treachery, and finally waltzing together in the park by the end of the book. I loved the ending!
Elizabeth Klett’s narration is simply fantastic. She really brought the characters to life, giving each character their own distinct voice. She was very believable and helped me become totally engrossed in the story. I can't wait to read my next book by Deb Marlowe and narrated by Elizabeth Klett!
Adelaide Stockton is the pinnacle of propriety who is on the marriage mart after her mother's death and father's abandonment. James Vickers hates his father because of his poor treatment of women and believes him to be a traitor to the Crown. Because of his father's position and past misdeeds, James does everything to make his father look bad, including acting scandalously and pretending to be the worst sort of rake. Adelaide and James first find themselves glancing at each other across a crowded ballroom, then confiding in each other in order to obtain proof of his father's treachery, and finally waltzing together in the park by the end of the book. I loved the ending!
Elizabeth Klett’s narration is simply fantastic. She really brought the characters to life, giving each character their own distinct voice. She was very believable and helped me become totally engrossed in the story. I can't wait to read my next book by Deb Marlowe and narrated by Elizabeth Klett!
March 1, 2015
A charming and delightful "clean" Regency romance!
I fell in love with this novella. It was only the second book by Deb Marlowe, but I love this one so much that I want to read the whole series! Deb Marlowe is a really good Regency romance writer. If you like Candice Hern, Lisa Kleypas, or Sabrina Jeffries, try this novella.
James Vickers is a viscount's son with a bad reputation, and he is having an ongoing battle with his father. Adelaide is a young lady entering society who trying to do right by her family while also trying to be true to herself. The main characters in this book have complex motivations and are quite likeable. These two people are not one-dimensional at all. The author also does a great job with the couple's interactions and conversation with each other. There are some swoon-worthy moments! I also really like the plot developments. In addition, there are some unique and sparkling secondary characters. I really want Hestia to have her happily ever after, too.
This is a "clean" romance (just kissing), which was really nice. I can recommend it to a wider audience who want romance without the love scenes.
I fell in love with this novella. It was only the second book by Deb Marlowe, but I love this one so much that I want to read the whole series! Deb Marlowe is a really good Regency romance writer. If you like Candice Hern, Lisa Kleypas, or Sabrina Jeffries, try this novella.
James Vickers is a viscount's son with a bad reputation, and he is having an ongoing battle with his father. Adelaide is a young lady entering society who trying to do right by her family while also trying to be true to herself. The main characters in this book have complex motivations and are quite likeable. These two people are not one-dimensional at all. The author also does a great job with the couple's interactions and conversation with each other. There are some swoon-worthy moments! I also really like the plot developments. In addition, there are some unique and sparkling secondary characters. I really want Hestia to have her happily ever after, too.
This is a "clean" romance (just kissing), which was really nice. I can recommend it to a wider audience who want romance without the love scenes.
March 16, 2015
James Vickers is considered wicked by London Society. He'll do everything in his power to upset his father. He's determined to make him pay for hurting his mother. I laughed when he meets a very proper debutante who captures him with her wit and her spirit. He is drawn to her and she to him. Will they give into love? Miss Adelaide Stockton is called 'The Celestial' because she is perfect. She never makes a misstep. This façade hides the real passionate woman who wants to be herself and enjoy life. James and Addy have a special connection which drew me in. They were real as were their emotions. I enjoyed seeing them work together to accomplish their goal. The secondary characters added to the story. I especially enjoyed Hestia Wright. Here was a woman who was wise and compassionate. I would like to learn more about her. The setting was picturesque and provided the perfect background for this lovely romance. Deb Marlowe wrote a wonderful novella. It captured my heart with its romance, understanding and healing. The ending was perfect. It had me tearing up.
April 9, 2015
I enjoyed this novella and I would like to read more in Deb Marlowe's Half Moon House series. Adelaide is trying very hard to be everything that is proper and perfect for her first season. Her mother died recently and her father left her with relatives for her season and she misses both of her parents. The first time she sees James Vickers, she is enthralled and captivated, even though he doesn't have a good reputation she wants to know him.
James is captivated by Adelaide, whose nickname this season is The Celestial, he is suprised that no one sees beyond the facade she shows in public. He is working to settle an old vendetta against his father, and can't get caught up with a perfet society miss because that would make his father happy. But James has to decide if he will give up his own happiness just to make his father unhappy.
This is a sweet, clean romance, I like romances steamier, but I really enjoyed Adelaide and James' story.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
James is captivated by Adelaide, whose nickname this season is The Celestial, he is suprised that no one sees beyond the facade she shows in public. He is working to settle an old vendetta against his father, and can't get caught up with a perfet society miss because that would make his father happy. But James has to decide if he will give up his own happiness just to make his father unhappy.
This is a sweet, clean romance, I like romances steamier, but I really enjoyed Adelaide and James' story.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 8, 2015
A Half Moon House series novella.
Miss Adelaide Stockton has to act the prim and proper miss in public to try and make society forget the scandal of her parent's marriage. She didn't count on the one person to see through her persona being a scoundrel. Try as she might, she just can't stop thinking about him.
James Vickers is trying to bring down his father. The key to that just might be with Adelaide's aunt. As he tries to find answers, he finds himself getting closer and closer with Adelaide who happens to be the wrong type of person to fit in with his plans.
Can James get revenge on his father and find the love of his life?
This was a great quick read. Marlowe has a way of quickly drawing you into her stories and giving you the satisfaction of a full novel with her novellas. I loved seeing Hestia again!!
I can't wait for more Half Moon stories!!
Thanks go out to Night Shift Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
Miss Adelaide Stockton has to act the prim and proper miss in public to try and make society forget the scandal of her parent's marriage. She didn't count on the one person to see through her persona being a scoundrel. Try as she might, she just can't stop thinking about him.
James Vickers is trying to bring down his father. The key to that just might be with Adelaide's aunt. As he tries to find answers, he finds himself getting closer and closer with Adelaide who happens to be the wrong type of person to fit in with his plans.
Can James get revenge on his father and find the love of his life?
This was a great quick read. Marlowe has a way of quickly drawing you into her stories and giving you the satisfaction of a full novel with her novellas. I loved seeing Hestia again!!
I can't wait for more Half Moon stories!!
Thanks go out to Night Shift Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
February 24, 2015
This was such a fun read! Adelaide Stockton struggles with the scandal of her parents' past, as she grieves her mother's death. Sent to her father's family to find a suitable husband, she must walk a fine line of being prim and proper. She meets James Vickers, a man with his own family agenda. What I love about the two of them is their banter. Adelaide doesn't seem afraid of him, and that's what seems to intrigue him.
I loved seeing more of Hestia as well. For a novella, you could read this one alone before reading the other book in her Half Moon House series, but where is the fun in that?
I loved seeing more of Hestia as well. For a novella, you could read this one alone before reading the other book in her Half Moon House series, but where is the fun in that?
March 11, 2015
I can honestly say I love Deb Marlowe. She is one of those rare authors where you know that every book you read by her no matter what genre will an entertaining read. I received an ARC of A Waltz in The Park and completely fell in love. Each of the main characters are projecting an image that they want others to believe is the real them. Adelaide in trying to be prim and proper and with James, the more scandalous the better. What I found adorable and interesting was that although they fool many with their facades, they cannot fool each other. I loved this story. A beautiful story about the importance of being who you are that I would recommend.
April 20, 2015
again, another fabulous book by Deb Marlowe. in this book she represents well defined complex characters with stories worth reading. I believe this book can be enjoyed by all, not only historical romance lovers.
February 13, 2015
Love this series--Hestia is one of my all time favorite characters. Addy and Vickers are wonderful together.
March 30, 2021
Very good story. I liked this one much better than
An Unexpected Encounter
. The characters were more interesting and the story more complex. Addy is a young woman whose life has been upended by the death of her mother. Her father leaves her and her baby sister with relatives and goes off on a journey alone. Addy's great-aunt believes the best thing to do is marry Addy off as soon as possible, while Addy isn't so sure. She tries to be everything her aunt requires while wanting to be true to herself. It isn't an easy process, especially after she catches sight of James Vickers across a crowded ballroom.
James cultivated a scandalous reputation intentionally. Once proud of his family name, everything changed after he learned something horrifying about his father. Now he uses scandal to remind his father of what he knows. James appeared in the previous book, An Unexpected Encounter , as the friend who let Lisbeth down and rejected his guardianship of Aurelia. A conversation with his friend Hestia at the end of that book turned his efforts in a slightly different direction, still against his father but with a changed intent. While his scandalous reputation remains, his pursuit of it diminished, and a more honorable man begins to emerge.
I liked the first meeting between Addy and James. He is determined to speak with Addy's chaperone, her cousin Rosemond, who was one of his father's mistresses. Rosemond put those wild days behind her to help with Addy's season and wants nothing to do with him. Addy promises James that she will help him with Rosemond if he introduces her to Hestia. James hesitates because he can't see how an innocent can help him but decides to give her a chance. The attraction that flares between them complicates matters.
I loved the complex and complicated steps that James and Addy had to take to carry out their plans. Addy has quite the inventive mind, while James has plenty of experience in sneaking around. As their search for the proof James needs against his father throws them together frequently, James and Addy learn more about each other. The more they know, the greater the feelings that develop between them, but the obstacles in front of them grow too. The tension mounted as they came closer to finding what was needed. I ached for them both when using that information could destroy Addy's family. Both James and Addy had decisions to make after harsh words flew between them. James received some excellent advice and used it effectively to solve part of his problem. Meanwhile, Addy faced her role in their argument and realized she had a choice to make. I loved her big moment as she showed James how important he was to her. The epilogue was a terrific wrap-up to the story.
#netgalley
James cultivated a scandalous reputation intentionally. Once proud of his family name, everything changed after he learned something horrifying about his father. Now he uses scandal to remind his father of what he knows. James appeared in the previous book, An Unexpected Encounter , as the friend who let Lisbeth down and rejected his guardianship of Aurelia. A conversation with his friend Hestia at the end of that book turned his efforts in a slightly different direction, still against his father but with a changed intent. While his scandalous reputation remains, his pursuit of it diminished, and a more honorable man begins to emerge.
I liked the first meeting between Addy and James. He is determined to speak with Addy's chaperone, her cousin Rosemond, who was one of his father's mistresses. Rosemond put those wild days behind her to help with Addy's season and wants nothing to do with him. Addy promises James that she will help him with Rosemond if he introduces her to Hestia. James hesitates because he can't see how an innocent can help him but decides to give her a chance. The attraction that flares between them complicates matters.
I loved the complex and complicated steps that James and Addy had to take to carry out their plans. Addy has quite the inventive mind, while James has plenty of experience in sneaking around. As their search for the proof James needs against his father throws them together frequently, James and Addy learn more about each other. The more they know, the greater the feelings that develop between them, but the obstacles in front of them grow too. The tension mounted as they came closer to finding what was needed. I ached for them both when using that information could destroy Addy's family. Both James and Addy had decisions to make after harsh words flew between them. James received some excellent advice and used it effectively to solve part of his problem. Meanwhile, Addy faced her role in their argument and realized she had a choice to make. I loved her big moment as she showed James how important he was to her. The epilogue was a terrific wrap-up to the story.
#netgalley
December 22, 2020
I absolutely adored A Waltz in the Park, a Half Moon House novella, by Deb Marlowe. James Vickers, who you meet in a previous book, thrives on scandal as a weapon against his father. Adelaide Stockton must conform to the strict rules of propriety, in order to live down the scandal of her parents past. But when these two meet, sparks fly, and they must decide if the love growing between them is worth the risk of giving up the battle, or as easy as a waltz in the park!
May 20, 2018
James is intent on using scandal to get back at his father for past sins. Addie strives to be the perfect lady to counter the past scandal of her family. They are powerfully drawn to each other though their views often clash. If you are familiar with the Half Moon House books, you know that, of course, Hestia will gently lead both of them to the right conclusions.
April 16, 2018
A very different kind of love story. Very agreeable characters and was well written. I like the idea of "stories" coming to someone and how useful it can be. Read and find out what I mean.
June 8, 2020
Addy 💛James
A perfect romance. A lot going on in this quick and rewarding read.
A perfect romance. A lot going on in this quick and rewarding read.
October 24, 2021
2.5
Don’t know what to feel haha the romance is decent, but the plot (mystery) took up most of the story.
Don’t know what to feel haha the romance is decent, but the plot (mystery) took up most of the story.
March 15, 2017
*I received a copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
I love that this one continues with James. This one has a mystery that involves people in their lives that you will not realize what it is until you get to the end.They started out just helping each other for different reasons and then slowly put down the walls. Hestia, of course, was involved in it and I loved the story about Adelaide's parents and the scandal. The ending is my favorite out of all the books I have read.
Adelaide is definitely a girl with a plan. Everyone thinks her the prim and proper girl, but she has a sassy side and loves adventure. I loved her right away because she didn't skirt around questions and knew how to read people. She was smart and at times forward in a good way.
James has changed a lot, but still makes it his mission to drive his father crazy. I knew there was a reason for why he did this stuff, but in no way expecting the reason. His reason made complete sense and showed the real him. I loved how he could see people for what they were and how he was with his mother.
I love that this one continues with James. This one has a mystery that involves people in their lives that you will not realize what it is until you get to the end.They started out just helping each other for different reasons and then slowly put down the walls. Hestia, of course, was involved in it and I loved the story about Adelaide's parents and the scandal. The ending is my favorite out of all the books I have read.
Adelaide is definitely a girl with a plan. Everyone thinks her the prim and proper girl, but she has a sassy side and loves adventure. I loved her right away because she didn't skirt around questions and knew how to read people. She was smart and at times forward in a good way.
James has changed a lot, but still makes it his mission to drive his father crazy. I knew there was a reason for why he did this stuff, but in no way expecting the reason. His reason made complete sense and showed the real him. I loved how he could see people for what they were and how he was with his mother.
March 21, 2017
A quick, light regency read. While I enjoyed the book I felt at times the story line was confusing and could have used a little more explanation about the characters and their relationships. I think there was enough 'story' in here to make it a novel and it lacked as a novella.
March 12, 2015
James Vickers hates his father and blames him for the accident that has left his mother with brain damage. Adelaide Stockton finds herself on the marriage mart after her mother has died and her father has gone to the continent. Known as the Celestial, she finds herself attracted to James Vickers who has a bad reputation. Soon they find themselves confiding in each other and since her chaperone used to be a favorite of Vickers' father, they must meet to exchange information.
Great story and can be read as a stand alone short story which you must do since it is so good.
Great story and can be read as a stand alone short story which you must do since it is so good.
March 5, 2015
Oh, my gosh! Where do I start?! I LOVED this book! Each story is so fabulous, and after each one I would think, "This is why I love this author!" What could be more fun than four of the best historical authors taking one common thread and weaving together romantic tales of love with humor and history and honest feelings. Now I get to sit back and debate which one was my favorite. I can't wait to tell my friends about this one! Thank you, ladies, for another fabulous read.
January 23, 2016
A good read.Elizabeth Klett does a good job narrating. A proper girl trying to stay that way encounters a not so proper man who is the bane of his family.Will they come together?You know they will...probably.'
This audiobook was provided to me at no cost for a fair and honest review
This audiobook was provided to me at no cost for a fair and honest review
April 12, 2017
Brilliant!
I really enjoyed reading this novella. It has been a while since I read a historical romance but I am glad that I did. Especially from a author that I admire a lot.
James Vickers is an absolute hearthrob. I loved the way he saw through people's intentions so easy.
Addy was really intriguing too. I loved that she had the guts to go towards Vickers and seek his help. I smiled delightfully.
I might make a drawing of Addy and James. They were very interesting to read. :D
I really enjoyed reading this novella. It has been a while since I read a historical romance but I am glad that I did. Especially from a author that I admire a lot.
James Vickers is an absolute hearthrob. I loved the way he saw through people's intentions so easy.
Addy was really intriguing too. I loved that she had the guts to go towards Vickers and seek his help. I smiled delightfully.
I might make a drawing of Addy and James. They were very interesting to read. :D
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews