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Lords of Disgrace #1
His Housekeeper's Christmas Wish
'Tis the season for mischief!
Accidentally colliding with Tess Ellery on the icy streets of Ghent is definitely not how resolute bachelor Alexander Tempest, Viscount Weybourn, intended to start the festive period. He may have mistaken her for a nun, but there's nothing innocent about his reaction to Tess's delicious curves…
When Tess is left stranded, Alex is honor-bound to take her home…as his housekeeper! And despite his long-held rule of spending Christmas alone, Tess's vivacity soon has this brooding lord determined to make all her Christmas wishes come true!
Accidentally colliding with Tess Ellery on the icy streets of Ghent is definitely not how resolute bachelor Alexander Tempest, Viscount Weybourn, intended to start the festive period. He may have mistaken her for a nun, but there's nothing innocent about his reaction to Tess's delicious curves…
When Tess is left stranded, Alex is honor-bound to take her home…as his housekeeper! And despite his long-held rule of spending Christmas alone, Tess's vivacity soon has this brooding lord determined to make all her Christmas wishes come true!
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 20, 2015
50 people are currently reading
596 people want to read
About the author
Louise Allen
424 books331 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
This author also writes under the name Francesca Shaw.
I have had my nose buried in a history book - fact or fiction - for as long as I can remember, but even more important to me are the places and the objects that conjure up the past. My first attempt at historical fiction at the age of eight was three pages of improbable medieval drama set in the local castle.
With a degree in geography and archaeology I love to try and 'read' the landscape and the buildings in it for clues about the past. Virtually any place can trigger ideas for plots, but I am particularly inspired by Venice, Burgundy, Mediterranean islands and the Hertfordshire and Norfolk countryside.
I live in England in a village in Bedfordshire with my long-suffering husband. He is not sure whether to be flattered or alarmed to be told he is the inspiration for all my romantic heroes! Whenever possible we escape to our cottage on the North Norfolk coast where Percy, the bossy pheasant, allows us to share the garden.
My resolution every time I start on a new plot is to plan it carefully, make copious notes first and write lots of drafts in a disciplined and orderly manner. What inevitably happens is that the story starts to write itself in my head until it gets completely out of control - meanwhile my study floor becomes a sea of open books, prints and maps and I am found sitting in the car at traffic lights, muttering dialogue. At that point I have to start writing, knowing full well that the hero and heroine are going to take over and sabotage all my attempts at discipline. It is, after all, their story.
This author also writes under the name Francesca Shaw.
I have had my nose buried in a history book - fact or fiction - for as long as I can remember, but even more important to me are the places and the objects that conjure up the past. My first attempt at historical fiction at the age of eight was three pages of improbable medieval drama set in the local castle.
With a degree in geography and archaeology I love to try and 'read' the landscape and the buildings in it for clues about the past. Virtually any place can trigger ideas for plots, but I am particularly inspired by Venice, Burgundy, Mediterranean islands and the Hertfordshire and Norfolk countryside.
I live in England in a village in Bedfordshire with my long-suffering husband. He is not sure whether to be flattered or alarmed to be told he is the inspiration for all my romantic heroes! Whenever possible we escape to our cottage on the North Norfolk coast where Percy, the bossy pheasant, allows us to share the garden.
My resolution every time I start on a new plot is to plan it carefully, make copious notes first and write lots of drafts in a disciplined and orderly manner. What inevitably happens is that the story starts to write itself in my head until it gets completely out of control - meanwhile my study floor becomes a sea of open books, prints and maps and I am found sitting in the car at traffic lights, muttering dialogue. At that point I have to start writing, knowing full well that the hero and heroine are going to take over and sabotage all my attempts at discipline. It is, after all, their story.
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September 17, 2016
Louise Allen is one of my favourite Mills and Boon/Harlequin authors, so I was pleased to see that she has a new series underway, four books under the collective title of
Lords of Disgrace
, of which His Housekeeper’s Christmas Wish is the first. I admit that I rolled my eyes a bit at the name of the hero – Alex Tempest – who sounds like he belongs in a 1960s spy series; but otherwise, this is a well-written, suitably heart-warming and not too schmaltzy seasonal story about an impoverished young woman who brings festive cheer back into the life of a man who has been estranged from his family for ten years and seems likely to remain so.
Orphaned a decade earlier, Tess Ellery has been brought up by the nuns at the convent in Ghent, but following the death of her aunt, Sister Boniface, and since she does not want to take holy orders, is being sent to a convent in England until she can be found suitable employment as a governess or companion. She is on her way to the canal to catch the boat to Ostend when a man slips on the ice and accidentally careens into her, knocking her down. Her ankle is sprained, and the gentleman – who later introduces himself as Viscount Weybourn – will not take no for an answer when he insists on carrying Tess through the streets of Ghent to an inn where, he assures her, her ankle will be tended to by a doctor. In a brief scene, we are introduced to the remaining three “disgraces”, Grant Rivers, Crispin de Feaux and Gabriel Stone, whose obvious affection and easy friendship fascinates Tess, who lacks anything that even vaguely resembles a family.
During the journey to England, Tess talks about how unlikely it is she will be able to find a position before Christmas and how lovely it would be to be able to spend such a special time with a family. She asks Alex about his Yuletide plans, and is disappointed when he curtly informs her that he doesn’t see his family and that he plans to spend Christmas as he always does, at his own home in London, comfortably surrounded by good food, good wine, a pile of books and a bottle of brandy.
While they are travelling together, Alex is becoming more and more intrigued by “his little nun”, because Tess, while her clothes are shabby and her circumstances unfavourable, has obviously been well brought up. He is also finding himself feeling unaccountably protective and, worse, attracted to her; but she is most definitely off limits. She’s an innocent, she’s in his care and besides, he has spent the last decade deliberately eschewing emotional attachments and isn’t about to abandon that determination for the sake of a drab slip of a girl.
When it becomes impossible for Tess to remain at the convent in London, Alex’s protective instincts are immediately at war with his sense of propriety. He wants to keep Tess safe, but she can’t live under the same roof as a young, unmarried man, so he arranges for her to go to stay with his housekeeper at her lodgings. But when that lady becomes ill, Tess returns to Alex’s town house and takes charge of the household, her goodness and lively nature very quickly winning over all the staff as she does so.
When Alex receives a letter from his mother begging him to return to his family home, he is conflicted. On the one hand, during the last Christmas he spent at home, he and his father had a blazing row which led to Alex vowing never to return. On the other, for his mother to be begging for his help means something must be wrong – and in the end, his conscience will not allow him to ignore her plea.
I enjoyed the story, which is sweet but not without its darker moments. Tess bears the stigma of illegitimacy, as well as that of the scandal of her parent’s elopement; and Ms Allen makes no bones about the perilous nature of her situation as a woman without friends or family. She is an odd but engaging mixture of innocence and… well, perhaps not experience, but definitely a kind of intuitive wisdom that enables her to see through the peripheries to the things that are really important. It is perhaps a bit of a stretch to believe that, with her convent upbringing, she would be as willing as she is to give herself to Alex outside of marriage, but Ms Allen has written her in such a way that her actions are in character and consistent with her love for Alex and her desire for his happiness.
Alex makes for a very attractive hero and is a genuinely good man upon whom circumstances forced self-sufficiency at an early age. Following the unfounded accusations thrown at him by his father, he left Tempeston determined to make his own way in the world and worked hard, both to earn his living and to wall off his emotions, forcing himself not to care too much about his separation from home the family he loves. He has cultivated a reputation as a man of imperturbable demeanour, and I enjoyed the way Tess gradually gets under his skin and he allows her to see a side of him not normally shown to any other than his closest friends.
Louise Allen has struck the right balance in this book between the love story and the need to include elements which make for a feel-good, Christmassy read without going overboard with the sugar. The historical background may not be especially detailed, but even so, this is no wallpaper historical in which the characters are modern people dressed in long frocks and tight breeches. The romance between Alex and Tess is allowed time to grow and the strength of their attraction is palpable. I enjoyed His Housekeeper’s Christmas Wish and will definitely be reading Grant’s story in His Christmas Countess when it appears in December.
Orphaned a decade earlier, Tess Ellery has been brought up by the nuns at the convent in Ghent, but following the death of her aunt, Sister Boniface, and since she does not want to take holy orders, is being sent to a convent in England until she can be found suitable employment as a governess or companion. She is on her way to the canal to catch the boat to Ostend when a man slips on the ice and accidentally careens into her, knocking her down. Her ankle is sprained, and the gentleman – who later introduces himself as Viscount Weybourn – will not take no for an answer when he insists on carrying Tess through the streets of Ghent to an inn where, he assures her, her ankle will be tended to by a doctor. In a brief scene, we are introduced to the remaining three “disgraces”, Grant Rivers, Crispin de Feaux and Gabriel Stone, whose obvious affection and easy friendship fascinates Tess, who lacks anything that even vaguely resembles a family.
During the journey to England, Tess talks about how unlikely it is she will be able to find a position before Christmas and how lovely it would be to be able to spend such a special time with a family. She asks Alex about his Yuletide plans, and is disappointed when he curtly informs her that he doesn’t see his family and that he plans to spend Christmas as he always does, at his own home in London, comfortably surrounded by good food, good wine, a pile of books and a bottle of brandy.
While they are travelling together, Alex is becoming more and more intrigued by “his little nun”, because Tess, while her clothes are shabby and her circumstances unfavourable, has obviously been well brought up. He is also finding himself feeling unaccountably protective and, worse, attracted to her; but she is most definitely off limits. She’s an innocent, she’s in his care and besides, he has spent the last decade deliberately eschewing emotional attachments and isn’t about to abandon that determination for the sake of a drab slip of a girl.
When it becomes impossible for Tess to remain at the convent in London, Alex’s protective instincts are immediately at war with his sense of propriety. He wants to keep Tess safe, but she can’t live under the same roof as a young, unmarried man, so he arranges for her to go to stay with his housekeeper at her lodgings. But when that lady becomes ill, Tess returns to Alex’s town house and takes charge of the household, her goodness and lively nature very quickly winning over all the staff as she does so.
When Alex receives a letter from his mother begging him to return to his family home, he is conflicted. On the one hand, during the last Christmas he spent at home, he and his father had a blazing row which led to Alex vowing never to return. On the other, for his mother to be begging for his help means something must be wrong – and in the end, his conscience will not allow him to ignore her plea.
I enjoyed the story, which is sweet but not without its darker moments. Tess bears the stigma of illegitimacy, as well as that of the scandal of her parent’s elopement; and Ms Allen makes no bones about the perilous nature of her situation as a woman without friends or family. She is an odd but engaging mixture of innocence and… well, perhaps not experience, but definitely a kind of intuitive wisdom that enables her to see through the peripheries to the things that are really important. It is perhaps a bit of a stretch to believe that, with her convent upbringing, she would be as willing as she is to give herself to Alex outside of marriage, but Ms Allen has written her in such a way that her actions are in character and consistent with her love for Alex and her desire for his happiness.
Alex makes for a very attractive hero and is a genuinely good man upon whom circumstances forced self-sufficiency at an early age. Following the unfounded accusations thrown at him by his father, he left Tempeston determined to make his own way in the world and worked hard, both to earn his living and to wall off his emotions, forcing himself not to care too much about his separation from home the family he loves. He has cultivated a reputation as a man of imperturbable demeanour, and I enjoyed the way Tess gradually gets under his skin and he allows her to see a side of him not normally shown to any other than his closest friends.
Louise Allen has struck the right balance in this book between the love story and the need to include elements which make for a feel-good, Christmassy read without going overboard with the sugar. The historical background may not be especially detailed, but even so, this is no wallpaper historical in which the characters are modern people dressed in long frocks and tight breeches. The romance between Alex and Tess is allowed time to grow and the strength of their attraction is palpable. I enjoyed His Housekeeper’s Christmas Wish and will definitely be reading Grant’s story in His Christmas Countess when it appears in December.
December 7, 2016
Mein Blick fiel im Laden auf dieses Cover und normalerweise lese ich solche Hefte nicht, aber das Cover wirkte so wundervoll weihnachtlich und ich wollte wissen, welche Geschichte sich dahinter verbirgt. Nachdem ich die Inhaltangabe gelesen hatte nahm ich es mit. Und was soll ich sagen? Einmal mit dem Lesen begonnen konnte ich auch schon nicht mehr aufhören. Der Einstieg viel mir auch äußerst leicht, denn die Geschichte beginnt dort wo der Klappentext ansetz, nämlich beim Zusammenstoß von Alexander und Tess. Ich wollte wissen was das für zwei Charaktere sind und wie ihre Vergangenheit und Gegenwart aussieht. Die Autorin hat einen wunderbar sanften und schönen Schreibstil. Man kann sich sofort in die Charaktere hineinversetzen und diese beiden Personen, Tess und Alexander, werden so ausführlich und doch im richtigen Maß geschildert, dass man meint sie direkt vor Augen zu haben. Tess ist wirklich eine entzückende Persönlichkeit, unschuldig und doch nicht blind für die gesellschaftlichen Ereignisse ihrer Zeit, habe ich sie sofort in mein Herz geschlossen. Alexander ist der Inbegriff von einem Lebemann und Aristokraten, aber auch er hat seine Vergangenheit, die ihn geprägt hat. Beide Charaktere waren mir äußerst sympathisch und mit ihnen ein Stück des Weges zu gehen war einfach wunderschön. Man erfährt einiges über die Gesellschaft dieser Jahre und wie schwer das Leben war. Und die Anziehungskraft der beiden ist deutlich spürbar und doch scheint ein Zusammensein unmöglich. Zwischen Hoffen und Bangen treibt einen die Autorin in diesem Roman voran. Zudem geht es auf Weihnachten zu und passte perfekt in die Adventszeit. Weihnachten hat jedoch hier für Alexander und Tess unterschiedliche Bedeutungen und ich musste öfter schmunzeln.
Ich muss sagen, dass ich solch ein ausgesprochen wunderbares und besinnliches Lesevergnügen nicht erwartet hatte. Die zarten Annährungen und die ein oder andere intime Szene fügt sich wirklich grandios ein und wirkte auf mich überhaupt nicht plump oder schmökerhaft. Es war alles im richtigen Maß und ergab für mich ein perfekt abgerundetes Gesamtergebnis. Ich werde sicher nun öfter zu solch einer Geschichte greifen und mich mitreißen lassen. Dieser Roman hatte so gar nichts mit dem allgemeinen Klischee vom Schmökerroman gemein. Ich bin begeistert und wünsche mir öfter solch romantische und herzerwärmende Weihnachtsgeschichten.
Ich muss sagen, dass ich solch ein ausgesprochen wunderbares und besinnliches Lesevergnügen nicht erwartet hatte. Die zarten Annährungen und die ein oder andere intime Szene fügt sich wirklich grandios ein und wirkte auf mich überhaupt nicht plump oder schmökerhaft. Es war alles im richtigen Maß und ergab für mich ein perfekt abgerundetes Gesamtergebnis. Ich werde sicher nun öfter zu solch einer Geschichte greifen und mich mitreißen lassen. Dieser Roman hatte so gar nichts mit dem allgemeinen Klischee vom Schmökerroman gemein. Ich bin begeistert und wünsche mir öfter solch romantische und herzerwärmende Weihnachtsgeschichten.
July 24, 2024
Decisamente fuori stagione. 🎄🎅🏻🪅
Infatti, leggere di vischio, ceppi di Natale, cori di mezzanotte, punch caldi sotto la neve e apertura di regali, con 35 gradi e umidità alle stelle e’ stata un’esperienza ai confini della realtà.
Però ogni tanto qualche salto temporale e climatico fa bene.
Qui abbiamo un visconte antiquario che vive burbero, cinico e solo, in rotta da decenni con la famiglia, e che vuole solo ubriacarsi e stordirsi con gli amici in serenità. Ma mentre va a cenare si scontra per strada con una quasi suora, senza parenti ne’ futuro, e tuttavia entusiasta del poco e fanatica dei preparativi natalizi.
Dunque, un tizio che vuole sono rintanarsi e trascorrere le festività in sordina, facendo finta di niente, e una fanciulla decisa a rallegrare la vita di chi la circonda. Cosa vi ricorda?
Il Grinch (affascinante e nobile) in epoca regency è servito.
Infatti, leggere di vischio, ceppi di Natale, cori di mezzanotte, punch caldi sotto la neve e apertura di regali, con 35 gradi e umidità alle stelle e’ stata un’esperienza ai confini della realtà.
Però ogni tanto qualche salto temporale e climatico fa bene.
Qui abbiamo un visconte antiquario che vive burbero, cinico e solo, in rotta da decenni con la famiglia, e che vuole solo ubriacarsi e stordirsi con gli amici in serenità. Ma mentre va a cenare si scontra per strada con una quasi suora, senza parenti ne’ futuro, e tuttavia entusiasta del poco e fanatica dei preparativi natalizi.
Dunque, un tizio che vuole sono rintanarsi e trascorrere le festività in sordina, facendo finta di niente, e una fanciulla decisa a rallegrare la vita di chi la circonda. Cosa vi ricorda?
Il Grinch (affascinante e nobile) in epoca regency è servito.
December 14, 2019
3,5 stars
December 26, 2020
I normally enjoy Louise Allen's historicals, and this one was no exception. This book combines light humor and darker issues for a warm, engaging Christmas tale. The book opens in Ghent when Alex Tempest literally knocks Tess Ellery off her feet. Seeing her drab apparel, he thinks that the convent-raised Tess is a nun at first, though his friends quickly correct her.
When the incident causes Tess to miss her boat to England, Alex gallantly assists her in getting to London, where a sister convent will help the poor orphan to find respectable work. However, when circumstances make it impossible for Tess to remain in the convent, Alex finds himself bringing her into his ragtag household as a housekeeper.
Tess has had a very sheltered upbringing, and Alex is acutely aware of this, so the book starts off as a friendship of sorts, with Alex very much cast in the role of protector. Kind, sensible Tess finds ways to bring warmth and holiday cheer into the household, and we see Alex's house starting to become more of a home. For the first half of the book, this story looks like a warm and light, if slightly forgettable, Christmas story.
However, Alex is summoned home to his estranged family due to a crisis. Tess and Alex's employees come to assist, and while the warmth and Christmas cheer continue to flow, the author introduces some darker moments into the story. For starters, Tess and Alex are no longer cocooned in Alex's cozy home; they have to deal with Alex's family and the larger world - and the issues of Tess' birth and comparative lack of resources and standing take on new importance. She is very much alone in the world, and the author shows her precarious position all too well.
While there is a bit too much of the "I'm not worthys" going around in this tale and some of the plot points related to Alex's estrangement from his family made me cringe, I did enjoy this book overall. In addition to the warmth I love in holiday romances, the author does a lovely job of creating her characters and drawing readers into the heart of the story. This was a lovely and slightly nostalgic read.
CW: Discussion of off-page assault; some bigoted references to homosexuality (countered by other characters)
When the incident causes Tess to miss her boat to England, Alex gallantly assists her in getting to London, where a sister convent will help the poor orphan to find respectable work. However, when circumstances make it impossible for Tess to remain in the convent, Alex finds himself bringing her into his ragtag household as a housekeeper.
Tess has had a very sheltered upbringing, and Alex is acutely aware of this, so the book starts off as a friendship of sorts, with Alex very much cast in the role of protector. Kind, sensible Tess finds ways to bring warmth and holiday cheer into the household, and we see Alex's house starting to become more of a home. For the first half of the book, this story looks like a warm and light, if slightly forgettable, Christmas story.
However, Alex is summoned home to his estranged family due to a crisis. Tess and Alex's employees come to assist, and while the warmth and Christmas cheer continue to flow, the author introduces some darker moments into the story. For starters, Tess and Alex are no longer cocooned in Alex's cozy home; they have to deal with Alex's family and the larger world - and the issues of Tess' birth and comparative lack of resources and standing take on new importance. She is very much alone in the world, and the author shows her precarious position all too well.
While there is a bit too much of the "I'm not worthys" going around in this tale and some of the plot points related to Alex's estrangement from his family made me cringe, I did enjoy this book overall. In addition to the warmth I love in holiday romances, the author does a lovely job of creating her characters and drawing readers into the heart of the story. This was a lovely and slightly nostalgic read.
CW: Discussion of off-page assault; some bigoted references to homosexuality (countered by other characters)
December 23, 2015
Good book. Tess went to live with her aunt at a convent in Ghent when her parents died. It wasn't a pleasant upbringing, but her needs were met. When her aunt died, it was made clear to her that if she wasn't planning to become a nun herself, it was time to go. She was given the option of returning to England where a job would be found for her. As she was making her way to the docks and the ship that would take her there, she was run into and injured by Alex Tempest.
Alex felt guilty about hurting the lady he first thought was a nun. He took her back to his inn and his friends to take care of her injuries. In his attempts to take care of her, he caused her to miss the boat she was supposed to be on, so he promised to get her where she was supposed to be. Though he's trying to do the right thing, he doesn't think about the consequences of a young woman traveling with a single man. When the convent in London refuses to help her because of it, Alex promises to help her.
I liked Tess a lot. She's a very practical young woman thanks to her time at the convent, but she also looks for the good in people. She accepts Alex's help because she really has no choice, but plans to start looking for a position after the holidays. When she ends up filling in for Alex's ill housekeeper, her strengths really start to show. She is incredibly organized and soon has Alex's household running smoothly. She also has her own agenda, having discovered that Alex is estranged from his family and doesn't celebrate Christmas at all. She is determined to bring him into the Christmas spirit and is relentless in that pursuit. She is also attracted to him, but knows nothing can come of it. Her parents may have been well born, but she is illegitimate and therefore not eligible for a man like Alex.
Alex is something of a self made man. At the age of seventeen he had a falling out with his father over a buildup of events culminating in the death of a friend. He hasn't been home or spoken to his father since. Instead he has a thriving art dealer business, good friends, and an absolute distant for the fuss of the Christmas holidays. Though he's a bit cynical, at heart he is a good man, and when he collides with Tess he is determined to take care of her. He knows he has to be careful of her reputation, and does everything he can to protect her. He is also attracted to her, but tries to control himself around her.
I loved seeing the relationship grow between Alex and Tess. He is determined to help and protect her, especially from himself. He is known for keeping his cool under all circumstances, but something about Tess really gets under his skin. It was fun seeing him agree to do things with and for her that he never would have done before. In spite of her innocence, Tess has a way of seeing what people really need, and she sees that, contrary to what he says, Alex really misses his family. She's determined to give him a real Christmas because of it. And though she knows nothing can come of it, Alex finds a way into her heart.
Things get really interesting when Alex receives a letter from his mother, begging him to come home. His father is ill and Alex is needed on the estate. He's more nervous about going home than he will admit and asks Tess to go with him. Next thing he knows, the entire household is going, with Tess no longer the housekeeper but a friend he is helping. I loved seeing how they rearranged everyone's roles. Once they arrive at Tempeston, the reader begins to get the background of the issues between Alex and his father. It was fun to see Alex's satisfaction in showing off his success. With a few little prods from Tess, he makes progress in repairing his relationships with his father and brother.
The attraction between Tess and Alex grows stronger. I loved seeing the way that Tess tries to draw him further into the Christmas preparations. Both are fighting the attraction but it is a losing battle. Tess doesn't want to miss out on the experience she could have with him, so she goes after what she wants. Alex doesn't resist too hard, but there are still some guilty feelings over what he sees as his less than honorable actions. In his attempts to take care of her he makes some rather significant mistakes, causing a rift between them. How he makes up with her is unusual, and almost makes things worse before it gets better.
I liked the realistic view of what kind of life Tess could expect as an illegitimate woman. Life wasn't easy for women such as her. I liked her rescue of Dorcas and Daisy, as her kind heart saw a way to help them at the same time they could help her. I also enjoyed the look "below stairs" during the time Tess was acting as housekeeper. Alex was also honest about what might happen after they marry.
Alex felt guilty about hurting the lady he first thought was a nun. He took her back to his inn and his friends to take care of her injuries. In his attempts to take care of her, he caused her to miss the boat she was supposed to be on, so he promised to get her where she was supposed to be. Though he's trying to do the right thing, he doesn't think about the consequences of a young woman traveling with a single man. When the convent in London refuses to help her because of it, Alex promises to help her.
I liked Tess a lot. She's a very practical young woman thanks to her time at the convent, but she also looks for the good in people. She accepts Alex's help because she really has no choice, but plans to start looking for a position after the holidays. When she ends up filling in for Alex's ill housekeeper, her strengths really start to show. She is incredibly organized and soon has Alex's household running smoothly. She also has her own agenda, having discovered that Alex is estranged from his family and doesn't celebrate Christmas at all. She is determined to bring him into the Christmas spirit and is relentless in that pursuit. She is also attracted to him, but knows nothing can come of it. Her parents may have been well born, but she is illegitimate and therefore not eligible for a man like Alex.
Alex is something of a self made man. At the age of seventeen he had a falling out with his father over a buildup of events culminating in the death of a friend. He hasn't been home or spoken to his father since. Instead he has a thriving art dealer business, good friends, and an absolute distant for the fuss of the Christmas holidays. Though he's a bit cynical, at heart he is a good man, and when he collides with Tess he is determined to take care of her. He knows he has to be careful of her reputation, and does everything he can to protect her. He is also attracted to her, but tries to control himself around her.
I loved seeing the relationship grow between Alex and Tess. He is determined to help and protect her, especially from himself. He is known for keeping his cool under all circumstances, but something about Tess really gets under his skin. It was fun seeing him agree to do things with and for her that he never would have done before. In spite of her innocence, Tess has a way of seeing what people really need, and she sees that, contrary to what he says, Alex really misses his family. She's determined to give him a real Christmas because of it. And though she knows nothing can come of it, Alex finds a way into her heart.
Things get really interesting when Alex receives a letter from his mother, begging him to come home. His father is ill and Alex is needed on the estate. He's more nervous about going home than he will admit and asks Tess to go with him. Next thing he knows, the entire household is going, with Tess no longer the housekeeper but a friend he is helping. I loved seeing how they rearranged everyone's roles. Once they arrive at Tempeston, the reader begins to get the background of the issues between Alex and his father. It was fun to see Alex's satisfaction in showing off his success. With a few little prods from Tess, he makes progress in repairing his relationships with his father and brother.
The attraction between Tess and Alex grows stronger. I loved seeing the way that Tess tries to draw him further into the Christmas preparations. Both are fighting the attraction but it is a losing battle. Tess doesn't want to miss out on the experience she could have with him, so she goes after what she wants. Alex doesn't resist too hard, but there are still some guilty feelings over what he sees as his less than honorable actions. In his attempts to take care of her he makes some rather significant mistakes, causing a rift between them. How he makes up with her is unusual, and almost makes things worse before it gets better.
I liked the realistic view of what kind of life Tess could expect as an illegitimate woman. Life wasn't easy for women such as her. I liked her rescue of Dorcas and Daisy, as her kind heart saw a way to help them at the same time they could help her. I also enjoyed the look "below stairs" during the time Tess was acting as housekeeper. Alex was also honest about what might happen after they marry.
December 4, 2016
The beginning was a little unbelievable, but I understand that Ms. Allen needed a way to introduce the "Elements". But, after a hapless start I really enjoyed the story. When Tess showed up at Alex's townhouse after being assaulted I was hooked. She managed to hold on to her portmanteau, the cat and also her dignity by beating off her attackers.....my kind of gal to be sure, even though a bit unlikely for the times. What happen next was very plausible and I always enjoy romances where the heroine works her magic on the the hero's efficiently run household. Alex was great in that he just enjoys the ride with little objection. I loved the part where he comes home early to find Tess and his staff decorating for the holiday.....it was lovely.
And then we have a road trip! Alex's attitude (which was very appreciated) in going home after a ten year absence was "well I'm here what's next on the agenda?" instead of broody and irrational. He was a very likable. Again while some of the scenes between Tess and Alex at Tempeston were unlikely for the period I really liked how everything was resolved in the end.
This book was uneven, but the writing just flowed and I enjoyed the heroine and her "honest ways". Tess made the book for me, without her wonderful characterization the book would have been mediocre at best.
And then we have a road trip! Alex's attitude (which was very appreciated) in going home after a ten year absence was "well I'm here what's next on the agenda?" instead of broody and irrational. He was a very likable. Again while some of the scenes between Tess and Alex at Tempeston were unlikely for the period I really liked how everything was resolved in the end.
This book was uneven, but the writing just flowed and I enjoyed the heroine and her "honest ways". Tess made the book for me, without her wonderful characterization the book would have been mediocre at best.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2016
Je suis rentrée dans ma période "romance historiques de Noël" et j'ai commencé ce livre, parce que Noël et le résumé me tentait.
Bon le résumé comme d'hab, il remixe les trucs à sa sauce....
Mais j'ai vraiment aimé. On part sur une romance classique, c'est Noël, le héros n'aime pas Noël mais il a quand même un bon fond, il sauve une jeune fille en détresse, etc.
Sauf que la psychologie du héros et la cause de ses problèmes est beaucoup plus subtile et intéressante, sur le rapport père-fils et l'image que l'on donne de soi.
L'héroïne a un passé plus classique, qui tend un peu à rallonger la sauce sur la fin, avec ses propres doutes et incertitudes à elle, mais à part ça, je l'ai beaucoup aimé, car elle a les pieds sur terre et du répondant.
Et puis il y a un chaton qui s'appelle Noël ^^. Et beaucoup d'humour ^^
Bon le résumé comme d'hab, il remixe les trucs à sa sauce....
Mais j'ai vraiment aimé. On part sur une romance classique, c'est Noël, le héros n'aime pas Noël mais il a quand même un bon fond, il sauve une jeune fille en détresse, etc.
Sauf que la psychologie du héros et la cause de ses problèmes est beaucoup plus subtile et intéressante, sur le rapport père-fils et l'image que l'on donne de soi.
L'héroïne a un passé plus classique, qui tend un peu à rallonger la sauce sur la fin, avec ses propres doutes et incertitudes à elle, mais à part ça, je l'ai beaucoup aimé, car elle a les pieds sur terre et du répondant.
Et puis il y a un chaton qui s'appelle Noël ^^. Et beaucoup d'humour ^^
November 15, 2015
Received this as a Goodreads giveaway.
Even though it was a Christmas-themed book AND the heroine had even spent much of her life in a convent, there was very little actual religion in it, so it didn't come off as preachy as some other Christmas romances do.
Overall, I liked it. Although the hero was a bit of a rake, he was likeable - despite his bad habit of not letting the heroine finish a sentence, and he did try hard to fight/hide his lustful feelings. The heroine was sweet without being an idiot, and willing to stand up for herself.
I did catch at least one editing error - the aunt who became a nun was originally Tess's father's sister - but toward the end of the book, hero thought she had been the mother's sister.
A pleasant, fast read.
Even though it was a Christmas-themed book AND the heroine had even spent much of her life in a convent, there was very little actual religion in it, so it didn't come off as preachy as some other Christmas romances do.
Overall, I liked it. Although the hero was a bit of a rake, he was likeable - despite his bad habit of not letting the heroine finish a sentence, and he did try hard to fight/hide his lustful feelings. The heroine was sweet without being an idiot, and willing to stand up for herself.
I did catch at least one editing error - the aunt who became a nun was originally Tess's father's sister - but toward the end of the book, hero thought she had been the mother's sister.
A pleasant, fast read.
January 10, 2023
Perfect, no notes.
November 1, 2015
A deliciously fun read!
A timely Christmas story with just the right touch of sentimentality and humour.
Our hero, Alexander Tempest, Viscount Weybourn has locked off his emotions and been estranged from his family for many years.
Our heroine, Tess Ellery, is a delightful mix of gamine type wisdom with an innocence that sees through to the heart of things.
Tess keeps rescuing the down trodden and uncared for--from humans to animals.
And the human she wants to rescue is the one who effectively knocked her off her feet and then continued to make assumptions...dratted man, that were entirely off the mark and that led to Tess being Weybourn's temporary housekeeper. Of course his staff love her and Tess' guilessness worms it's way underneath Alexander's indifferent mask and into his heart.
Ah! But things are never so simple as to immediately lead to a HEA. The route is twisted and captures attention in this seasonal story that salutes the essence of Christmas.
A NetGalley ARC
A timely Christmas story with just the right touch of sentimentality and humour.
Our hero, Alexander Tempest, Viscount Weybourn has locked off his emotions and been estranged from his family for many years.
Our heroine, Tess Ellery, is a delightful mix of gamine type wisdom with an innocence that sees through to the heart of things.
Tess keeps rescuing the down trodden and uncared for--from humans to animals.
And the human she wants to rescue is the one who effectively knocked her off her feet and then continued to make assumptions...dratted man, that were entirely off the mark and that led to Tess being Weybourn's temporary housekeeper. Of course his staff love her and Tess' guilessness worms it's way underneath Alexander's indifferent mask and into his heart.
Ah! But things are never so simple as to immediately lead to a HEA. The route is twisted and captures attention in this seasonal story that salutes the essence of Christmas.
A NetGalley ARC
November 21, 2015
Amazing what a bus trip will do to your reading!
After Tess Ellery leaves the convent in Ghent where she has been living for a while since her parents died, the last thing she expected to happen is for an aristocratic Englishman, Alexander Tempest, Viscount Weybourn, to bowl her over and to damage her ankle, but at least he offered to take her to a doctor, who happens to be one of his friends. When he doesn't wake her early enough for her transport to England he offers take her there himself, but it's dangerous, they are starting to feel something for each other and things get complicated when her sanctuary in England rejects her and she has to seek Weybourn out for help.
There she finds herself caught up in his life and they become more attracted, but can they survive his issues and her past?
It was a good read.
After Tess Ellery leaves the convent in Ghent where she has been living for a while since her parents died, the last thing she expected to happen is for an aristocratic Englishman, Alexander Tempest, Viscount Weybourn, to bowl her over and to damage her ankle, but at least he offered to take her to a doctor, who happens to be one of his friends. When he doesn't wake her early enough for her transport to England he offers take her there himself, but it's dangerous, they are starting to feel something for each other and things get complicated when her sanctuary in England rejects her and she has to seek Weybourn out for help.
There she finds herself caught up in his life and they become more attracted, but can they survive his issues and her past?
It was a good read.
December 10, 2019
Wonderful Story
What a wonderful sweet story. Louise Allen covers difficult issues in her books with such care and thought, and this book had a number of such issues. Tess Ellery a young woman brought up strictly in a convent, was knocked off her feet, quite literally by the most wonderful man, Alex Tempest, Lord Weybourn. He is one of the nicest male characters I have read of in a while and it was impossible not to fall in love with him, there was no wonder Tess did. Both of the central characters had, had difficult beginnings and they were definitely made for one another. Secondary characters, Dorcas, Annie and baby Daisy, were wonderfully written as were, Alex's household staff, and who could not love the 'fur ball's in the shape of Noel, (ginger kitten), and Ophelia (oversize hound pup)
The story was quite heart rending at times as the couple's relationship developed, and with Tess feeling totally unworthy of Alex's regard, but with Alex being the adorable man he was pushed on regardless and found a way through their problems.
I would thoroughly recommend this book, a lovely story with a Christmas theme as well, perfect for this time of year.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
What a wonderful sweet story. Louise Allen covers difficult issues in her books with such care and thought, and this book had a number of such issues. Tess Ellery a young woman brought up strictly in a convent, was knocked off her feet, quite literally by the most wonderful man, Alex Tempest, Lord Weybourn. He is one of the nicest male characters I have read of in a while and it was impossible not to fall in love with him, there was no wonder Tess did. Both of the central characters had, had difficult beginnings and they were definitely made for one another. Secondary characters, Dorcas, Annie and baby Daisy, were wonderfully written as were, Alex's household staff, and who could not love the 'fur ball's in the shape of Noel, (ginger kitten), and Ophelia (oversize hound pup)
The story was quite heart rending at times as the couple's relationship developed, and with Tess feeling totally unworthy of Alex's regard, but with Alex being the adorable man he was pushed on regardless and found a way through their problems.
I would thoroughly recommend this book, a lovely story with a Christmas theme as well, perfect for this time of year.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
July 13, 2017
A little sweeter and more treacle-y, stereotypical Harlequin category romance than Allen usually writes, but enjoyable nonetheless. The heroine was raised by nuns in Bruges and ends up through a series of coincidences working as the hero's housekeeper while teaching him to love Christmas and reunite with his semi-estranged family. As usual Allen keeps things a little more contemporary and realistic than perhaps the stereotypical Harlequin category romance from the seventies (the hero's estrangement from his family is caused by ), but both hero and heroine are frankly kind of boring. The subplot involving the heroine felt kind of tossed-in and tacked-on, but a nice read overall.
July 30, 2018
Love this book. It's romantic and heartwarming. Of course, I love Christmas romances so this one was right up my alley. I wasn't sure though because of it being a historical time piece but I loved every minute of it. I love that the lowly girl, Tess, brought the high born Viscount, Alex, out of his shell and healed what was broken inside him. She helped him mend things with his family and in doing so made everyone's Christmas brighter. I loved the ending and I can't wait to read the next book. I got a glimpse of the other three men in the beginning of this book. I loved the whole elementals nicknames they had going on and I can't wait to read Grant, Cris and Gabriel's stories as well. Well done to the author.
August 29, 2018
Book 1, the little nun and the art dealer
This is book 1 in a 4 book series of for longtime male friends. The reader is introduced to all four early in the book, but the majority of the story is about Alex. His friends do not reappear.
I read book 4 first and the friends do make appearances there.
This is a spicy romance. The author is new to me and I’m really enjoying the series. I like romances that involve a large cast while moving the romance of the main characters along. Family and friends.
This is book 1 in a 4 book series of for longtime male friends. The reader is introduced to all four early in the book, but the majority of the story is about Alex. His friends do not reappear.
I read book 4 first and the friends do make appearances there.
This is a spicy romance. The author is new to me and I’m really enjoying the series. I like romances that involve a large cast while moving the romance of the main characters along. Family and friends.
June 6, 2017
This was an enjoyable, easy and relaxing read. Good holiday read. It all begins with a young girl, seemingly a nun, accidentally colliding with a young man, bachelor, Alex Tempest, Vicount Weybourn.
Tess, the girl, is sheltering in the nunnery because she is an illegitimate orphan, hardly a suitable match for a viscount. But despite their obviously different and complicated family backgrounds, love wins through in the end.
Tess, the girl, is sheltering in the nunnery because she is an illegitimate orphan, hardly a suitable match for a viscount. But despite their obviously different and complicated family backgrounds, love wins through in the end.
September 23, 2018
It was a good book, just a tad too melodramatic to the end. I missed the lightness and fun from the beginning.
But I think that's the catch with these Christmas stories....everything has to be 100% perfect. Perfect love, perfect family, forgiveness and acceptance.
This book would have been perfect to me without the absolute perfectness.
But I think that's the catch with these Christmas stories....everything has to be 100% perfect. Perfect love, perfect family, forgiveness and acceptance.
This book would have been perfect to me without the absolute perfectness.
December 17, 2025
This was a nice Christmas book. A quick read that I found I had a hard time putting down. It revolves around family and learning to forgive past mistakes. The second half of the book was especially good, although I would have preferred more yearning and more detailed spicy scenes. Alex was a wonderful MMC though.
December 20, 2019
After a few more "serious" books needed a sappy one again. And since I'm currently already in the Christmas spirit and obsessed with the Christmas movies, I needed one in a Christmas theme.
It's perfect for what I wanted and needed.
It's perfect for what I wanted and needed.
December 30, 2017
Loved this series - historical romance at its best!
February 11, 2019
Great start to the series, a rake, an orphan n a fun household of servants with Christmas spirit
December 11, 2019
Unbelievable but enjoyable enough - liked the characters & there was "enough" Christmas for seasonal reading. Probably 3.5 for the genre
March 5, 2020
Fabulous hero.
January 5, 2023
If you start this series, make sure you have all of the books because you will want to devour them all in one go.
October 8, 2021
Parts were super sweet.
December 12, 2018
2 e 1/2
"L'amore. Ecco la ragione del dolore al petto, del ridicolo ottimismo che si trasforma nella disperazione più nera. Non è soltanto attrazione o desiderio. Sono innamorato di Tess."
Onestamente questo è uno di quei libri che non ti lascia assolutamente nulla, né in positivo né in negativo XD Non è un brutto libro, si fa leggere senza problemi e intrattiene anche ma diciamo che non ho avito fretta di finirlo, era più un tappabuchi tra una lettura e l'altra...comunque i vari lord amici di Alex sembrano interessanti (chi più chi meno XD) e credo che potrebbero riservare sorprese ;D
"L'amore. Ecco la ragione del dolore al petto, del ridicolo ottimismo che si trasforma nella disperazione più nera. Non è soltanto attrazione o desiderio. Sono innamorato di Tess."
Onestamente questo è uno di quei libri che non ti lascia assolutamente nulla, né in positivo né in negativo XD Non è un brutto libro, si fa leggere senza problemi e intrattiene anche ma diciamo che non ho avito fretta di finirlo, era più un tappabuchi tra una lettura e l'altra...comunque i vari lord amici di Alex sembrano interessanti (chi più chi meno XD) e credo che potrebbero riservare sorprese ;D
May 29, 2016
Multi award-winning historical romance author Louise Allen kicks off her fabulous new Lords of Disgrace series with a tender, heartwarming and irresistible tale of secrets, intrigue and passion, His Housekeeper’s Christmas Wish.
The future is looking bleak for Tess Ellery. After being orphaned at a tender age, Tess had been brought up in a convent in Ghent, which has been her home for the past decade. Now that she has matured, Tess can no longer rely on the charity of the nuns in the convent and, having refused to take holy orders, is being sent to England in order to find a position as a governess or a ladies’ companion. With no job, no home and not a single friend in the world, Tess is feeling lonely, uncertain and frightened of what the future might hold, but little does she realise that her life is about to be turned upside down by an unexpected encounter with the dashing Alex Tempest, Viscount Weybourn…
Alex might have been born into an aristocratic family, but his life has not been exactly a bed of roses either. Estranged from his family, Alex cannot remember the last time he had spoken to his father, who thinks that his son is a feckless dandy who cares more about fashion and fripperies than honour, duty and responsibility. Alex has spent most of his life keeping emotions at bay and his feelings closely guarded, but when he stumbles upon the exquisite Tess Ellery, he feels duty bound to escort her to England and to ensure that she comes to no harm under his watch. But both of them are ill prepared for the maelstrom of danger and desire which they are about to tumble into…
In order to maintain a modicum of respectability, Tess ends up masquerading as Alex’s housekeeper, but the more time she spends with him, the more she finds herself falling head over heels in love with him. However, Tess knows that her feelings can never be reciprocated for an aristocrat like Alex might have no qualms about sharing his bed, but he could never share his life with her for he can never marry someone with a secret as scandalous as hers!
Alex has always been a hardened cynic, so he is flabbergasted when he finds himself unable and unwilling to stop thinking about Tess! But is he willing to put his heart on the line for her? Or will he be forced to opt for duty over his heart’s desire?
Louise Allen is a phenomenally talented writer of historical romance and she never fails to pen exquisitely passionate, wonderfully intriguing and highly accurate and mesmerizing Regency novels that sweep the reader off into a world she never wants to leave and His Housekeeper’s Christmas Wish is certainly not an exception. A compelling, poignant and atmospheric tale of powerful secrets, unexpected passion, healing from the past and taking a chance on love, His Housekeeper’s Christmas Wish pits a strong, independent and resolute heroine against a charismatic, charming and handsome hero in a captivating Regency romance that will hold readers spellbound.
Unforgettable, enthralling and impossible to put down, His Housekeeper’s Christmas Wish is another stellar historical romance from one of the genre’s finest writers: Louise Allen!
The future is looking bleak for Tess Ellery. After being orphaned at a tender age, Tess had been brought up in a convent in Ghent, which has been her home for the past decade. Now that she has matured, Tess can no longer rely on the charity of the nuns in the convent and, having refused to take holy orders, is being sent to England in order to find a position as a governess or a ladies’ companion. With no job, no home and not a single friend in the world, Tess is feeling lonely, uncertain and frightened of what the future might hold, but little does she realise that her life is about to be turned upside down by an unexpected encounter with the dashing Alex Tempest, Viscount Weybourn…
Alex might have been born into an aristocratic family, but his life has not been exactly a bed of roses either. Estranged from his family, Alex cannot remember the last time he had spoken to his father, who thinks that his son is a feckless dandy who cares more about fashion and fripperies than honour, duty and responsibility. Alex has spent most of his life keeping emotions at bay and his feelings closely guarded, but when he stumbles upon the exquisite Tess Ellery, he feels duty bound to escort her to England and to ensure that she comes to no harm under his watch. But both of them are ill prepared for the maelstrom of danger and desire which they are about to tumble into…
In order to maintain a modicum of respectability, Tess ends up masquerading as Alex’s housekeeper, but the more time she spends with him, the more she finds herself falling head over heels in love with him. However, Tess knows that her feelings can never be reciprocated for an aristocrat like Alex might have no qualms about sharing his bed, but he could never share his life with her for he can never marry someone with a secret as scandalous as hers!
Alex has always been a hardened cynic, so he is flabbergasted when he finds himself unable and unwilling to stop thinking about Tess! But is he willing to put his heart on the line for her? Or will he be forced to opt for duty over his heart’s desire?
Louise Allen is a phenomenally talented writer of historical romance and she never fails to pen exquisitely passionate, wonderfully intriguing and highly accurate and mesmerizing Regency novels that sweep the reader off into a world she never wants to leave and His Housekeeper’s Christmas Wish is certainly not an exception. A compelling, poignant and atmospheric tale of powerful secrets, unexpected passion, healing from the past and taking a chance on love, His Housekeeper’s Christmas Wish pits a strong, independent and resolute heroine against a charismatic, charming and handsome hero in a captivating Regency romance that will hold readers spellbound.
Unforgettable, enthralling and impossible to put down, His Housekeeper’s Christmas Wish is another stellar historical romance from one of the genre’s finest writers: Louise Allen!
December 26, 2016
Originally reviewed at My Devastating Reads I ran across Louise Allen a summer or two ago and I immediately fell in love with her storytelling. So when I had the chance to snatch up one of her series, I was handsy, I'll admit. I needed a lighter read and one in a different setting after the last book I read, and this one fit the ticket.
I've only read a novel or two (I think) set at Christmas time in a historical setting, so I was looking forward to this novel. It was sweet, funny and I loved the hero. Alex is hardly a player as some English lords tend to be, and as the series title might suggest, but he isn't exactly stuffy. I liked that he was a gentleman who wasn't a conformer but made his own way in the world and yet, still knew his duty. A series of ridiculous circumstances throw these two together, and then, the consequences from misunderstanding why Tess is travelling alone with a man throw them together yet again. Alex feels obligated to help Tess. And then comes the letter from his mother.
Here the story really starts to pick up and we come to understand Alex a little more. I really felt for him, and I adored that he wasn't too proud to return home, to be his father's son. And I liked his family, even though I had thought I wouldn't. And I really loved seeing him and Tess fall in love. I was upset by Tess a little, since she is so insistent that she and Alex cannot be together, but I understand her reasoning and I know it comes from a place of deep love. I was glad to see this happily ever after unfold as it was well earned.
A sweet romance, filled with wonderful characters, humor and a budding love set at the most wonderful time of the year, this is one holiday read that brought a smile to my face.
I've only read a novel or two (I think) set at Christmas time in a historical setting, so I was looking forward to this novel. It was sweet, funny and I loved the hero. Alex is hardly a player as some English lords tend to be, and as the series title might suggest, but he isn't exactly stuffy. I liked that he was a gentleman who wasn't a conformer but made his own way in the world and yet, still knew his duty. A series of ridiculous circumstances throw these two together, and then, the consequences from misunderstanding why Tess is travelling alone with a man throw them together yet again. Alex feels obligated to help Tess. And then comes the letter from his mother.
Here the story really starts to pick up and we come to understand Alex a little more. I really felt for him, and I adored that he wasn't too proud to return home, to be his father's son. And I liked his family, even though I had thought I wouldn't. And I really loved seeing him and Tess fall in love. I was upset by Tess a little, since she is so insistent that she and Alex cannot be together, but I understand her reasoning and I know it comes from a place of deep love. I was glad to see this happily ever after unfold as it was well earned.
A sweet romance, filled with wonderful characters, humor and a budding love set at the most wonderful time of the year, this is one holiday read that brought a smile to my face.
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