Lady, It's Cold Outside

Half Moon House

by Deb Marlowe

Miss Glenna Bolton is not having a Happy Christmas. She’s lost her grandfather and the bookshop they ran together. If not for the invitation from the Duke of Danby, she would have no place to go.

No Christmas festivities for Baron Ellesworth this year. His newly inherited estate is in bad shape—and so is his bank account. He’ll spend the holiday traveling to do a bit of business with Lord Danby, in hopes of bringing Christmas to Elleshaven next year.

Traveling during the holiday season doesn’t sound romantic, but a star in the East, an abandoned child and a quest for holiday cheer might just convince these two that love is the best gift of the Season.

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Historical Romance, Novella, Regency, Historical, Historical Fiction

108 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2016

About the author

USA 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.

Reviews

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady, It’s Cold Outside by Deb Marlowe
Half Moon House series #2.6. Historical holiday romance novella. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Miss Glenna Bolton loves books but sadly had to sell everything including the bookshop she ran with her grandfather. She has nothing left but an invitation from the Duke of Danby, a distance relative, to visit his estate. Maybe she can get some type of position there. She gets funding and a temporary companion from Half Moon House to travel with her in the coach. An overflowing river halts the progression of traffic and she ends up staying at an inn, befriending a boy that will only answer to Dowd, and getting help and support from an ex-soldier going in the same direction as Glenna.
Baron Ellesworth’s newly inherited estate is broke and needs an influx of cash to build new roofs for his tenants, reseed crops, and generally update the estate so it can be self sustaining. His only hope is to sell a rare book to the Duke of Danby this holiday season and save the future of so many.
Ellesworth is fascinated by the lovely woman also traveling the route. He willingly helps entertain young Dowd and helps make sure each inn they stop at has Christmas in their windows. As they get closer to their destination, they realize they have much in common, including feelings of the heart.

Heartwarming and sweet and even a bit spicy. Fate has them on the same path. Now they just need to believe. And Lord Danby is the perfect person to help them all.
Dowd helped add a bit of lightness to the journey though his simple presence also adds danger and hint of mystery.
A fantastic and complex holiday novella that will touch your heart.

[☆Dani☆ ☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I give this book 5 out of 5 Historical Holiday Stars! I just loved this sweet novella and read it in one sitting. I have been feeling down this year for the holidays because of trials in my life right now but this sweet and historical holiday romance gave me all the happy feels I was craving.

I loved Glenna and how strong she was after losing her bookstore and her grandfather. She had such a caring heart that shined through all especially when she met the child, Dowd. She fills him with hope and helps him along the way but the child’s heart isn’t the only one that she has touched. I loved how Ellsworth fell in love with Glenna and the book has just a tiny hint of mystery to it to add to the charm. This would make a cute Hallmark movie!
To read more of this review and others please visit touchmyspinebookreviews.com

[Sabrina Jeffries · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this novella! Very cute, with a wonderful hero and heroine and an adorable little boy.

[Kendall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miss Glenna Bolton has gone to her grandfather's bookstore to close it up after his death. She has been summoned by the Duke of Danby ( her grandmother's brother) to stay for Christmas. Along with her companion, Francis, they begin the long trip.

Across town, Alexander Murray, Baron Ellesworth, is planning a trip to sell some very rare books. These are the only things he has left to sell to help him return his inherited estate to become solvent once again.

These two meet when the road they are traveling on is washed out and all carriages are forced to stay at an inn for the night. Here they come across Dowd, a little boy left by a girl hired to take him to his grandmother's house. Glenna and Alex take him under there wing as the two end up traveling in the same coach. Dowd is looking for Christmas at all the stops. Glenna and Alex start to fall for each other.

A wonderful short story with a Christmas miracle vibe to it. I received this ebook for an honest review.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book SO MUCH. I'm not a huge romance buff, but enjoy the clean Regency romances and around Christmas time I tend to gravitate towards the Christmas romance books, particularly novellas as who has time for a full book during the holidays?

This book, while short, really developed the characters and I was SO HAPPY that this one trope was NOWHERE to be found.

Slight spoiler, be warned.

Usually, there is a huge misunderstanding due to mis/non-communication between the H and the h and that is what causes the RIFT, until they get back together, despite it.

The MCs, while holding some assumptions about the other, quickly spoke their minds, so they were ACTUAL ADULTS and reasonable and responsible and I FELL IN LOVE. MCs with COMMON SENSE, yet were also in love!

As soon as I got to my book store, I GUSHED about this book and asked my Boss if we can order this book and others by this author (because SERIES, WOOT!). This is one I will hand-sell the cover off of. Sweet, clean with a few kisses, Regency era romance set at Christmas-time and the h is a bookseller!

So yeah, full 5 stars on this one. Highly recommended and I am now going to add this author to my Mt. TBR.

My thanks to NetGalley and Night Shift Publishing for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy receiving books to review like this because dashes of romance are not my normal read and yet at Christmas time I'm drawn to them.

I'd not read anything previously from Deb Marlowe but rather like that this Novella's plot setting and descriptions are vivid and somewhat predictable.

This storyline begins just days before Christmas and the author boldly throws out the title of the book on the first page.

It's 1816 and Glenna Bolton is summoned to visit the Duke of Danby in Yorkshire.

As the journey begins north, there's mentions of Athena, the Goddess of defense, wisdom and crafts and we soon learn how Glenna portrays these same attributes.

I was lured into Glenna and Baron Ellesworth's lives and rather enjoyed the building and duel perspectives of characters having a common bond over books while traveling by carriage.

Delicious flavors and the aromas of Christmas trimmings are incorporated into this read, heightening our senses. And with the help of a small acquaintance called Dowd, we watch Glenna's and the Baron's emptiness disappear, as their love blooms.

Reviewed for Net Galley

[Kelly Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

A very short, but sweet Christmas romance. I wish it had been longer because it felt a bit too rushed to me, but I still enjoyed it. I did love that the title actually matched up with the story and that there was a child in the story that provided some funny moments.

I did love Glenna's personality and how she was so forward when she wanted something and stood her ground. You love her instantly and can tell she is related to the Duke of Danby.

Alex Murray the Baron of Ellesworth is someone I want to know more about. He was a soldier and is an honorable man. I did like that he jumped into action without a second thought.

It did leave me wanting more which is a good thing. I just needed more and wanted to get to know Dowd and his family.

[Jo Reads Romance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute as a button
3 stars

This is a novella associated with Deb Marlowe’s Half Moon House series. The series is linked by the owner of Half Moon House - a former courtesan who helps young women in dire straits. The owner appears briefly in this novella but having never read any other Half Moon House stories myself, I’m happy that this one stands alone quite nicely.

The story itself is quite a simple tale of finding love in the most unexpected places and at the most inconvenient times. Both Glenna and Alex are likeable characters and their romance is as sweet and adorable as could possibly be.

The romance novels that I tend to read normally have a little more passion and a lot more sex and sensuality. This has quite a different tone. It’s very chaste and, well, cute as a button. With that said, it’s still really easy to believe in the love of the main characters and wish them well on the way to their happy ending.

The Christmas theme works really well and the descriptions are very believable. I could really go for some gingerbread and snow right now!

Overall, this is a quick read (68 pages) and one that is sweet, cute and just an enjoyable romance all round.


* I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. *

[Diana in SC · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet Christmas romance!
  I had previously bought this novella when it was part of the boxed set "The Duke's Christmas Tidings", and I was extremely pleased by this sweet Christmas story.  Deb Marlowe has written another wonderful story here. It has loveable characters, Christmas cheer, and just enough conflict to keep it nicely interesting. I loved the noble hero, the feisty heroine, and the adorable little boy that they meet. This novella is related to the Half Moon series because Hestia Wright makes a brief appearance near the beginning. It was so lovely and heartwarming.  FYI, it had no sex, just kissing, and it felt very complete as a stand-alone story. If you are looking for a Regency Christmas romance, you can't go wrong with this one!
   I received a free copy from the author in return for an honest review.  All opinions are my own, and I was not paid for my review.

[Bernadette Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an entertaining short story that takes place in England at Christmas time 1816. Miss Glenna Bolton has lost her grandfather and her bookstore, but still has good friends, and is traveling to Yorkshire to spend time with her relative, the Duke of Danby. Alexander Murray, Baron Ellesworth, is also traveling the roads to Yorkshire with perspective business with the Duke of Danby. Glenna and Alexander meet and they get along very well, although there are opposites in temperament. The duke does a bit of matchmaking and other couples are mentioned, so I would like to read more about them.

I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this! It is one of my all-time favorite Christmas historical romance novellas. This was as well-written as a full length book, with a particularly admirable hero and heroine.

Typical of novellas, the plot is quick to resolve, although this storyline was exceptionally fulfilling. This is part of the Half Moon series and works delightfully as a standalone.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to thank netgalley and Night Shift Publishing for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Cute Christmas romance.

[Ashley Yungbluth · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Lady, It's Cold Outside" by Deb Marlowe is a short Novella for "A Half Moon House" series. I enjoyed this novella and felt it was just long enough for this story. Sometimes, when reading a novella, I don't feel like I get enough of the story, but Deb did a wonderful job. I was also happy to get it read during the holiday season. My favorite part is when the boy asked Ellesworth if he was a soldier. It made me chuckle with the reason he knew why. I will definitely read more in this series.

[Lisa C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enchanting, sweet, short Christmas story. Baron Ellesworth, is on his way to try and sell a most sought after book to try to keep his property afloat. Miss Glenna Bolton is on her way to meet her Great Uncle, to spend Christmas with him. Brought together by circumstances of fate - a young mischievous boy, a washed out bridge and a crowded inn, makes for a wonderful story.

[Dorel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the 1st book I read by Deb Marlowe. I liked this book's storyline. I liked Glenna's character. I liked Alex's character. I liked the ending.

[Gwen (The Gwendolyn Reading Method) · Rating 2 out of 5]

The problem with novellas is there isn't enough time to be anything BUT sacharine. Much prefer her longer books.

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady, It’s Cold Outside by Deb Marlowe is a heartwarming historical romance story. Written in a third person multiple points of view centered on both Glenna and Alexander, the desolate expressions and hopeful wishes of both Glenna and Alexander had moved my heart. I was in love with all the characters – except for one trouble-making villain. Glenna is a warmhearted girl, who is also thoughtful and caring for others; while Alexander, despite his cold manner towards Glenna, is a responsible, kind and a brave man.

As the story was set in 1816 on Yuletide season, I was awed by the vivid description that the author wrote; especially the essence of Christmas perfectly captured. She had taken care of each character and nurtured them well, giving each of her characters memorable spotlights in this book. Yet it was not overwhelming to the point of shading Glenna and Alexander. The pace of this story plot was slow, but the ending was tied up nicely with the sweetest ending. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book!

If you would love a light reading of historical romance set in Christmas season, you should check this book out!

-- I read this book in exchange of an honest review.

[Cherish · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant read from an awesome author. It was great to read about Glenna's journey with her companion Francis to Marquess of Danby's home.

I adored Alex's and Glenna's first meet up too.

There was a lot of mystery around a evil vilian occurring during the novel which kept me very interested.

I am looking forward to read more novels from the half moon series.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very short, sweet, and innocent read. The couple was cute, fell in love in two days, and were engaged within a week of meeting each other, I think. This one had the curse of the novella, too short and too rushed. This is the first book by this author I have read and it makes me wonder if all of her romances are this innocent. The couple kissed but nothing else. He was an honorable and handsome man, a well-written male lead character and I liked him. She was an outspoken, jump-in-with-both-feet-and-speak-her-mind kind of woman. She knew what she wanted and went for it. There was action in the sense of dealing with a boy almost being kidnapped and Baron Ellesworth riding to the rescue. There was Glenna's uncle who believed Baron Ellesworth was too impoverished to deserve her hand in marriage and told him to stand aside and "do right by the girl". But love wins in the end, aided of course with an outspoken and independent grandmother wanting to stand up for the man who saved her grandson, and for the woman who took her grandson in when he was stranded at their inn on their way to Danby. Cute read, but I needed more passion.
Copy gifted in exchange for an honest review.

[Jeff (buriedundermybooks) · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were so interesting things in this story. But there were clunky ones as well. It’s a common theme of two lonely, down on their Luke souls bonding together while traveling for Christmas. They collect a small boy along the way. There was a slow burn (for a novella) relationship. I hate when authors need to start with insta-love because of the length of the novella. This is an example of how it can be done better. The kidnapping plot line was weak and a little stupid IMO. It’s not a bad story but could have used a few improvements here and there. It’s worth the time I spent reading it.

[Lesley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute Christmas novella. Glenna is a poor relation of the Duke of Danby and is summoned to his house. Ellesworth is heading to the same place and they meet up and fall in love as circumstances force them together.

As with most Christmas romances, the steam is pretty non-existent. However, it is still a good read and provides a lot of Christmas cheer.

Many thanks to the author for a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Lori Meehan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cute Christmas tale of two souls on the verge of despair and a very uncertain future. Ellesworth and Glenna meet on the road when a flood washes out a bridge. They have to turn their carriages back to an Inn for the night. There's an instant attraction but Ellsworth knows a lady when he sees one and with his uncertain future he's not worthy. Glenna sees a honorable man and a future if only Ellesworth can see his worth.

[Alexandria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy a historical romance with a strong female character. Glenna did not disappoint. She lost her grandfather and her bookstore, but still has Christmas spirit. Ellesworth recently inherited an estate that is in desperate need of repairs. I liked that both characters are willing to others, but it's not over the top.

I'm a big fan of this author. This is the first book in the series that I've read, but I'm planning to add the other books to my TBR.

[Alisa Jenkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read as a Christmas in July book. it's not great, but not horrible. A short read (took me awhile because I didn't have time). it's cute, has some action, also a "clean romance". suitable really for teens and adults.
*I received my copy in exchange for an honest review

[Nancy Haddock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming!

A lovely Christmas novella! The hero and heroine we're relatable, but Dowd was my favorite character. The plot moved at a good pace, but wasn't at all rushed. I'll remember the story with a happy smile!

[kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tis the season

Cute, warm and fuzzy Christmas tale. A nice light fluffy read when you have an hour to kill and are looking for a bit of Christmas romance.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella has Christmas charm.

Glenna has lost everything. She had planned to follow in her late Grandfather’s footsteps and run his bookshop. Things did not work out as she had hoped.

But with the help of Hestia, a wonderful and generous woman who runs Half Moon House. Glenna has been provided with a wardrobe, a carriage to take her to a great uncle’s home and a companion who will help her along the way.

Baron Alex Ellesworth, a veteran who is dealing with a wounded leg, is on the way to do business with a Duke. This Duke has shown a desire to purchase a treasured book and provide enough money for Ellesworth to take care of his tenants, do some much needed repairs on his estate and make it through another year.

Dowd, is a small boy who is on the way to visit his grandmother. He is missing Christmas on his journey. The maid who was supposed to be traveling with him has abandoned him. And he refuses to tell Glenna and Ellesworth who he is.

These characters are wonderful. There is an attraction immediately between two people who are facing lives which do not look like the lives they had planned. And Dowd’s desire for Christmas gives everyone a good chance to become acquainted. There is simply no way to avoid being involved in helping Dowd make Christmas right where they are.

This is a very quick read. It is filled with happiness. When the villain is thwarted, it comes as no surprise. Of course there will not be any unhappiness in this delightful Christmas tale.

I enjoyed this book very much. In fact, if I am honest, I always enjoy stories by Ms Marlowe.

[Candy Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an enchanting tale, of a small boy, an injured warrior and a sweet and loving young woman.
Her grandfather died and she had to close up the bookstore. She had been summonded to her uncle's.
As it turns out, everyone is more or less going thee same place. Then there is Dowd, the excited and sweet boy, who wants a puppy.
I loved this fresh and loving story. Yes, there is intrigue and danger. But the Baron is an injured warrior, I mean warrior. He was in Spain, when he was injured. You can see the slight changes in the characters. The descriptions were great, snow and more snow, haha. This so worth the time to read, even if you just need a touch of happy.
I received this ARC and voluntarily reviewed it.

[Gayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady, It’s Cold Outside: A Half Moon House Novella is a sweet magical book. A bit of Christmas cheer and an excellent pick me up for any time of year. Miss Glenna Bolton needs help her bookstore has fallen on hard times. Baron Ellesworth needs help, his estate is teetering on the edge of ruin. Dowd a mysterious lad needs help, he has been abandoned by his maid. The three characters end up helping each other along the way.

Sweet characters, a bit of trouble and lots of hope made this a quick enjoyable read. I've read the Half Moon House novellas out of order but they each standalone. Very entertaining.

[Elizabeth Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miss Glenna Bolton and Alexander Murray, Baronet Ellesworth meet on the road when the bridge they need to cross gets washed out and they’re forced to stay at the same inn. He is immediately intrigued by her. They ‘adopt’ a young boy abandoned at the inn and bring him with them on the way to Glenna’s grandfather’s house. Grandpa isn’t sure Alex is good enough for Glenna, who he barely knows, but eventually relents. Meanwhile, the identity of the young boy, ‘Dowd’ is revealed.

I read this as part of the Twelve Lords of Yuletide collection.