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Spindle Cove #1.5
Once Upon a Winter's Eve
Some wallflowers bloom at night… Violet is a quiet girl. She speaks six languages, but seldom raises her voice. The gentlemen aren’t beating down her door. Until the night of the Spindle Cove Christmas ball, when a mysterious stranger crashes into the ballroom and collapses at Violet’s feet. He’s wet, chilled, bleeding, and speaking in an unfamiliar tongue. Only Violet understands him. And she knows he’s not what he seems. She has one night to draw forth the secrets of this dangerously handsome rogue. Is he a smuggler? A fugitive? An enemy spy? She needs answers by sunrise, but her captive would rather seduce than confess. To learn his secrets, Violet must reveal hers—and open herself to adventure, passion, and the unthinkable… Love.
180 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 15, 2011
1165 people are currently reading
5029 people want to read
About the author
Tessa Dare
49 books15.2k followersSign up for Tessa's newsletter and be the first to hear about new books and hot deals! http://tessadare.com/newsletter-signup/
Tessa Dare is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of fourteen historical romance novels and five novellas. Her books have won numerous accolades, including Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA® award (twice!) and the RT Book Reviews Seal of Excellence. Booklist magazine named her one of the “new stars of historical romance," and her books have been contracted for translation in more than a dozen languages.
A librarian by training and a booklover at heart, Tessa makes her home in Southern California, where she lives with her husband, their two children, and a trio of cosmic kitties.
Tessa Dare is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of fourteen historical romance novels and five novellas. Her books have won numerous accolades, including Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA® award (twice!) and the RT Book Reviews Seal of Excellence. Booklist magazine named her one of the “new stars of historical romance," and her books have been contracted for translation in more than a dozen languages.
A librarian by training and a booklover at heart, Tessa makes her home in Southern California, where she lives with her husband, their two children, and a trio of cosmic kitties.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,437 reviews
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May 31, 2019DNF at about 40%
I have been on a mission to read all the "unread" books on my and this book was next up in line. I honestly do not remember why I bought this book, because I haven't read any others in the series, but I was willing to give it a shot.
I felt I was missing something when reading this, so it's possibly not a standalone? Or easily read as one? The beginning was intriguing but then it took a turn and no longer held my interest.
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I have been on a mission to read all the "unread" books on my and this book was next up in line. I honestly do not remember why I bought this book, because I haven't read any others in the series, but I was willing to give it a shot.
I felt I was missing something when reading this, so it's possibly not a standalone? Or easily read as one? The beginning was intriguing but then it took a turn and no longer held my interest.
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August 12, 2020
This is a short story set in Spindle Cove about a lady who falls for a spy that washes up on shore during a Christmas dance.
There's a bit more to Violet and her mystery man's story than first appears and it's fun to watch it all unfold. Definitely short, but also definitely sweet.
A nice filler if you're craving a bit of Tessa Dare's trademark romance.
There's a bit more to Violet and her mystery man's story than first appears and it's fun to watch it all unfold. Definitely short, but also definitely sweet.
A nice filler if you're craving a bit of Tessa Dare's trademark romance.
August 5, 2016
❀ Cute but a bit silly. ❀
I liked Violet a lot but, however, couldn't connect with our broody hero mostly because I don't think I would ever forgive him if he treated me the way he treated Violet. Their banters were quirky and entertaining, though. This is a nice holiday-spirited novella but overall nothing special. At least not for me since it didn't move me in any way. The other novella - Beauty and the Blacksmith was a bit more interesting in my opinion.
I liked Violet a lot but, however, couldn't connect with our broody hero mostly because I don't think I would ever forgive him if he treated me the way he treated Violet. Their banters were quirky and entertaining, though. This is a nice holiday-spirited novella but overall nothing special. At least not for me since it didn't move me in any way. The other novella - Beauty and the Blacksmith was a bit more interesting in my opinion.
August 26, 2024
Read for Bingo Challenge, “Holiday Themed Book.” Square B2
Set in Spindle Cove, this was cute with a touch of sly humor. However, not exactly what I was expecting. When December rolls around I’ll ask Santa for more holiday cheer and less intrigue/action. Meanwhile, decent fluff.
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Set in Spindle Cove, this was cute with a touch of sly humor. However, not exactly what I was expecting. When December rolls around I’ll ask Santa for more holiday cheer and less intrigue/action. Meanwhile, decent fluff.
【01】 【02】【03】 【04】【05】
【⭕️】【⭕️】【08】 【09】【10】
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February 22, 2019
I mean, my heart swells every time I read one of her books.
September 20, 2013
I'm keeping this review short and sweet, just like the book - Spindle Cove is a wonderful series, and this book is an absolute delight! Romantic, steamy, exciting and witty, a truly entertaining story!
February 7, 2017
The heroine;
The hero;
The story;
The hero;
The story;
January 2, 2018
2,5 Stars
A very fluffy “second-chance” and Christmas themed novella, though written with the author’s usual charm and wit. And it was nice revisiting Spindle Cove's world once again.
December 12, 2021
slapable hero makes for a meh read!!
2,5⭐
2,5⭐
November 3, 2016
“I take you, Violet Mary, to be my wife. To have, to hold. To love, honor, and cherish. To amuse, to pleasure, to make smile and laugh. To dance with, at every opportunity. To respect always, and tease on occasion. To confide in, whenever need be. To treasure, protect, admire-“ She couldn’t help but laugh. “I don’t think these words are in the vows.” “They’re in my vows,” he said gravely.
After a bitter disappointment, Violet Winterbottom has stopped believing in happily ever after. But one winter’s eve, when she is standing quietly in the corner of a ballroom and a tall, handsome stranger covered in dirt and blood comes in and collapses at her feet, she feels an instant attraction to this man that is too powerful to be ignored. He sure looks different from Lord Christian Pierce, her childhood friend (or “The Disappointment” as Violet has come to think of him). The boy who used to exchange phrases in foreign languages with her just to see if she could figure out what language it was. The one who disappeared without another word after he slept with her, breaking her heart with just one little note. The one who, for some reason, is now pretending to be a simple farmhand from Brittany…
I absolutely loved this story. I loved how, despite everything, Violet and Christian had the courage to give each other a second chance, to get to know the people they had become while they were apart. How he literally risked his life to see her just because he had heard that her family had finally had enough and intended to marry her off as soon as possible. A perfect Christmas novella, and a great addition to the Spindle Cove series.
After a bitter disappointment, Violet Winterbottom has stopped believing in happily ever after. But one winter’s eve, when she is standing quietly in the corner of a ballroom and a tall, handsome stranger covered in dirt and blood comes in and collapses at her feet, she feels an instant attraction to this man that is too powerful to be ignored. He sure looks different from Lord Christian Pierce, her childhood friend (or “The Disappointment” as Violet has come to think of him). The boy who used to exchange phrases in foreign languages with her just to see if she could figure out what language it was. The one who disappeared without another word after he slept with her, breaking her heart with just one little note. The one who, for some reason, is now pretending to be a simple farmhand from Brittany…
I absolutely loved this story. I loved how, despite everything, Violet and Christian had the courage to give each other a second chance, to get to know the people they had become while they were apart. How he literally risked his life to see her just because he had heard that her family had finally had enough and intended to marry her off as soon as possible. A perfect Christmas novella, and a great addition to the Spindle Cove series.
December 25, 2018
Lovely little story.
July 18, 2020
Ohow Wow..!Thrilling,hilarious and so so so sexy!!!!!!
You should read this novella directly after "A Night to Surrender" so you are not confused with the circumstances,and we follow a once again,a very unique love-story.I remember Violet Winterbottom from the first book,and i was so surprised to how spirited and passionate she was in this one.I love woman who knows what she wants.And the way she claimed her man in the near end,what a woman!
So Christian Pierce was the man who left Violet a year ago after a night full of passion.But dear God did he fight for her!Christian do eventually earn her love,and his OH SO BEAUTIFUL love for her made me fed a few tears.He craved all of her and showed it with all his heart.
The way they fled from Spindle Cove all the way through Summerfield was so hilarious,and the stolen moments of kissess and love-making was so incredible romantic!
An incredible novella with Amazing hero and heroine.They both were golden together!
***
As quiet strokes of the oars carried him away, he gazed at her. His fierce angel, guiding his way through the darkness.
You are my life’s bright star.
No matter what occurred, he would make his way back to her. Always.
“I will return to you,” he vowed, pulling on the oars. “I swear it. And when I come for you, Violet…don’t let me find you hiding in the corner.”
-Christian
You should read this novella directly after "A Night to Surrender" so you are not confused with the circumstances,and we follow a once again,a very unique love-story.I remember Violet Winterbottom from the first book,and i was so surprised to how spirited and passionate she was in this one.I love woman who knows what she wants.And the way she claimed her man in the near end,what a woman!
So Christian Pierce was the man who left Violet a year ago after a night full of passion.But dear God did he fight for her!Christian do eventually earn her love,and his OH SO BEAUTIFUL love for her made me fed a few tears.He craved all of her and showed it with all his heart.
The way they fled from Spindle Cove all the way through Summerfield was so hilarious,and the stolen moments of kissess and love-making was so incredible romantic!
An incredible novella with Amazing hero and heroine.They both were golden together!
***
As quiet strokes of the oars carried him away, he gazed at her. His fierce angel, guiding his way through the darkness.
You are my life’s bright star.
No matter what occurred, he would make his way back to her. Always.
“I will return to you,” he vowed, pulling on the oars. “I swear it. And when I come for you, Violet…don’t let me find you hiding in the corner.”
-Christian
August 21, 2012
http://www.demonloversbooksandmore.co...
Violet Winterbottom had her heart shattered. Above and beyond broken. Like that scene from Sex and the City where Carrie was broken up with via Post It note. Yeah, that bad.
So Violet does something not too many heroines in Historicals do-She grows up. She gets over him. She moves away to Spindle Cove, and realizes that she doesn't need a man to be happy.
Then a dangerous, bloody, bedraggled stranger falls at her feet (literally) and passes out. But the one phrase he speaks is in a language no one recognizes, but Violet is exceptional at languages and is picked to stay with him as his interpreter.
He strongly resembles The Disappointment (her nickname for Christian-and btw, tell me you don't think of The Situation, the guy from Jersey Shore?), but Violet can't be certain. And once he admits who he is, Violet tells him to leave (go girl!). But he doesn't, and she makes him earn her trust once again, which I love that they didn't just jump into bed-she made him work for her heart.
Christian also realizes that Violet is not the same girl next door he left. She has become a woman who knows her own mind, and doesn't hesitate to aim her pistol at him. He knows he has to work hard to keep her, and a kiss and asking her to wait for him won't cut it.
The rest of the novella is filled with everything from espionage to kissing. It was definitely worth the $.99 (or the $.79 for you kindle-ites).
A fast, enjoyable read, that made the hero earn his happy ending.
Violet Winterbottom had her heart shattered. Above and beyond broken. Like that scene from Sex and the City where Carrie was broken up with via Post It note. Yeah, that bad.
So Violet does something not too many heroines in Historicals do-She grows up. She gets over him. She moves away to Spindle Cove, and realizes that she doesn't need a man to be happy.
Then a dangerous, bloody, bedraggled stranger falls at her feet (literally) and passes out. But the one phrase he speaks is in a language no one recognizes, but Violet is exceptional at languages and is picked to stay with him as his interpreter.
He strongly resembles The Disappointment (her nickname for Christian-and btw, tell me you don't think of The Situation, the guy from Jersey Shore?), but Violet can't be certain. And once he admits who he is, Violet tells him to leave (go girl!). But he doesn't, and she makes him earn her trust once again, which I love that they didn't just jump into bed-she made him work for her heart.
Christian also realizes that Violet is not the same girl next door he left. She has become a woman who knows her own mind, and doesn't hesitate to aim her pistol at him. He knows he has to work hard to keep her, and a kiss and asking her to wait for him won't cut it.
The rest of the novella is filled with everything from espionage to kissing. It was definitely worth the $.99 (or the $.79 for you kindle-ites).
A fast, enjoyable read, that made the hero earn his happy ending.
December 5, 2017
Ridiculous.
This book's premise was ridiculous too, but in this case it was so fun. It didn't try to do too much, it made you love and admire both characters. And holy sweet-talker. Could that be cheesy? If it is I don't care! It was was swoony and romantic.
Christian was my kind of hero. Devoted, honest, a bit of a badass. He assumed Violet was smart, she didn't need to prove anything. He wanted to deserve her. All packed in a little Christmas novella? I normally wouldn't read these, and I'm so glad I did. I love that Violet never regretted her decision and she was strong enough to know her own worth and figure out a path on her own.
A few more quotes:
This book's premise was ridiculous too, but in this case it was so fun. It didn't try to do too much, it made you love and admire both characters. And holy sweet-talker. Could that be cheesy? If it is I don't care! It was was swoony and romantic.
Christian was my kind of hero. Devoted, honest, a bit of a badass. He assumed Violet was smart, she didn't need to prove anything. He wanted to deserve her. All packed in a little Christmas novella? I normally wouldn't read these, and I'm so glad I did. I love that Violet never regretted her decision and she was strong enough to know her own worth and figure out a path on her own.
A few more quotes:
November 26, 2020
Another insomnia induced read and review. As far as novellas go I thought this was good. There was enough development and backstory for both our leads to get me invested in their story and it felt well concluded. I always like how Tessa Dare addresses consent and boundaries within her stories - Violet is at all times in control of what she does and doesn't want. She's also an incredibly intelligent woman who speaks several languages who just so happens to be mending a broken heart in Spindle Cove. Christian I was less enamoured with, although we see enough of his past to understand his actions. Still think Violet could have done better for herself though.
Also loved the little glimpse into Susanna and Bram's life following A Night to Surrender and seeing them still all happy and in love. Sometimes you need that bit of escapism these books provide, and I definitely got what I needed from it.
Also loved the little glimpse into Susanna and Bram's life following A Night to Surrender and seeing them still all happy and in love. Sometimes you need that bit of escapism these books provide, and I definitely got what I needed from it.
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April 26, 2025I think this is a case of a good idea in a book that was WAY too short. Once Upon a Winter's Eve is a historical romance novella following wallflower linguist Violet Winterbottom. When a man stumbles bleeding into a holiday ball, she is the only person who can understand him. But what if he's actually the man who coldly left her years ago?
I think the idea here was a solid one, but given the amount of hurt done to the heroine, I didn't find it believable that things could be resolved so easily in a single night. It's a VERY short novella, and it needed much more time to allow space for the characters and relationship to develop, and for healing to take place. It's not a bad book per se, just disappointing due to the length. Although I will say, some of how the sex in the book is handled is kind of cringey, and like I said, I REALLY needed more time for any redemption of the reprehensible behavior of the hero.
I think the idea here was a solid one, but given the amount of hurt done to the heroine, I didn't find it believable that things could be resolved so easily in a single night. It's a VERY short novella, and it needed much more time to allow space for the characters and relationship to develop, and for healing to take place. It's not a bad book per se, just disappointing due to the length. Although I will say, some of how the sex in the book is handled is kind of cringey, and like I said, I REALLY needed more time for any redemption of the reprehensible behavior of the hero.
December 17, 2021
Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy this as much as I hoped for. The problem mostly lies with the hero, whom I detest. What a cad and a bounder despite his protestations of love (yeah, whatever). After spending the night with the heroine, he left her the next day with only a note. 26 words. That's it. And the heroine happened to be a long-time neighbour. Poor Violet! I just didn't buy his reasons for his hasty disappearance. If he really loves her, he'd find a better way to say goodbye. Violet had to go to Spindle Cove due to fear of pregnancy. I think she deserves so much better than the so-called hero. Ms. Dare writes very well and it's just the way she writes the hero's character that I'd take exception. So, only 3 stars from me.
February 15, 2021
Adorable story with a bit of reality suspension.
Over a year ago, Violet's true love left her without saying goodbye. She fled to Spindle Cove to lick her wounds. Now she she's getting a second chance at love!!
Over a year ago, Violet's true love left her without saying goodbye. She fled to Spindle Cove to lick her wounds. Now she she's getting a second chance at love!!
February 6, 2022
Overall a great Saturday night read!
While I'm surprised by the number of low ratings/DNFs, I'm SO glad I read it immediately after finishing the first book in the series. If I hadn't, I probably wouldn't have enjoyed it quite as much.
Violet and Christian's story is steamy and sweet, with two of my favorite tropes—childhood-friends-to-lovers and second-chance-at-love—plus a healthy dose of polyglotism and espionage. I definitely enjoyed it and can't wait to continue with the series!
While I'm surprised by the number of low ratings/DNFs, I'm SO glad I read it immediately after finishing the first book in the series. If I hadn't, I probably wouldn't have enjoyed it quite as much.
Violet and Christian's story is steamy and sweet, with two of my favorite tropes—childhood-friends-to-lovers and second-chance-at-love—plus a healthy dose of polyglotism and espionage. I definitely enjoyed it and can't wait to continue with the series!
November 20, 2011
4 stars – Historical/Holiday Novella
This is a delightfully engaging and romantic historical holiday novella with a great story, intriguing characters, and the perfect amount of steam to warm you up on a cold winter’s night. And for only .79 cents on Kindle, it’s a cozy read indeed.
This is a delightfully engaging and romantic historical holiday novella with a great story, intriguing characters, and the perfect amount of steam to warm you up on a cold winter’s night. And for only .79 cents on Kindle, it’s a cozy read indeed.
December 2, 2015
I loved this novella! A very swoony, second chance romance of sorts. The hero was beyond dreamy.
March 14, 2016
Still not fully over this:
“During fair weather seasons, we have a schedule here in Spindle Cove. Mondays, we have country walks. Tuesdays, sea bathing. We spend Wednesdays in the garden. And on Thursdays”—she jammed a lead ball into the barrel—”we shoot.”
December 15, 2018
2 'The Disappointment' stars
The Disappointment - that's how the heroine called the hero. And, yes, I was disappointed too. I love Tessa Dare's book but the plot of this one is too silly. At least it was short and free, so no harm done. Oh, well. Moving on.
The Disappointment - that's how the heroine called the hero. And, yes, I was disappointed too. I love Tessa Dare's book but the plot of this one is too silly. At least it was short and free, so no harm done. Oh, well. Moving on.
May 26, 2016
This little novella was beyond adorable. Second chance romance and espionage make this little story just a bit silly and all sorts of swoony.
October 20, 2022
"Once Upon a Winter's Eve" is the story of Violet and Christian.
Strong heroine, repentful hero, a sweet second chance romance with a heartwarming ending. Enjoyed the novella!
Safe
3/5
Strong heroine, repentful hero, a sweet second chance romance with a heartwarming ending. Enjoyed the novella!
Safe
3/5
June 28, 2021
This is a steamy, entertaining, well-written, historical romance novella. It has likable, engaging characters, a strong and capable female protagonist, a heart-warming romance, intrigue, and a happily ever after ending. It is the second entry in Ms. Dare's outstanding "Spindle Cove" series. I am looking forward to reading the next entry in this series with great anticipation. I listened to the audio version of this novel, and the narrator, Ms. Mary Jane Wells, has a wonderful voice and does an excellent job depicting the voices of the characters and their personalities.
Want to read
December 6, 2018FREE today at Amazon US, 12/5/18!
February 3, 2017
2'5 mñestrellitas. Yo no sé por qué se hacen estas novellas que te intentan contar mil cosas en una longitud tan breve. Pues haz un libro y ya! Es una microhistoria de amor que podía haber sido un libro decente y que aquí queda raruna. Hay que explicar las cosas y no dejarnos sin nuestros momentos añksñajdñsñaks pero no hay páginas! Terror supremo! Pues hago un relato que parece sacado de El equipo A en la época enagüil y ya. Tiene cosas cuquis y otras sin pies ni cabeza. Además que no conecto yo mucho con el modo de escribir de esta mujer, habrá que ver si me conquista en el siguiente libro
September 10, 2019
I thought this novella was okay. The book itself is good, it's funny, fast paced, has built some character depth (which I get is hard in a short amount of pages). I absolutely loved the beginning and was so excited for this story. But. This hero. I just could NOT like him much after what he did. I felt like he did not admit/grovel nearly enough and the heroine was just such a pushover for him. So really just a character disconnect. It has great reviews, anyone else will probably love it. He just made me mad.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,437 reviews