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Today I’m reviewing two novellas that I received some time ago from the author. Regency romances are my weakness, and I thoroughly enjoyed these short Regency stories! Yesterday I interviewed Lily White Lefevre, the author of these books. Be sure to read on to catch her interview. Certainly an author to watch!
What You Will by Lily White Lefevre
ASIN: B0053H9OUM
Source: I received a copy of this book from the author to read and review
Viola Gardener is tired of living in the shadow of her vivacious twin. When her parents host a Twelfth Night masquerade, she decides to dress up as the one thing sure to catch the attention of the man of her dreams: her sister!
Viola Gardner is the quiet unassuming twin sister of outgoing and flirtatious Olivia. She decides to have one night of fun at the Twelfth Night masquarade and party. She dresses up as her sister to give her the courage to approach the only man who has ever interested her, Leighton Fortesque or Lord Carrick. She knows that Leighton wouldn’t ever notice her, but she wants to have just one night of fantasy! She waits for his arrival at the ball and convinces him to follow her out onto the terrace. Thinking that Viola is Olivia, Leighton reluctantly follows, uncertain of the motivation behind the request. Both Leighton and Viola are surprised by the passion that flares between them! Viola runs off in surprise, leaving Leighton to figure out what happened.
This short little story was totally delightful. The characters were very well crafted! The motivation behind Viola wanting to break out of her shell was believable and her shock at her encounter with Leighton was very well written. This story rocked right along taking the reader for a little glimpse into the glittery world of a Regency romance. Although only 38 pages, this story felt longer. I will look for more written by this author!
Amazon Purchase Link for What You Will (Twelfth Night)
Twelfth Night by Lily White LeFevre
ISBN/ASIN: B005DFY4ZY
Publisher: Amazon Publishing
Release: 2011
Olivia Gardener is the toast of London. Charismatic and beautiful, she can command the attention of every man in the room—except the one she wants. But when a risqué wager threatens to go too far, will her old friend prove she already has his heart and save her from her own folly?
Twelfth Night is the second short story that I have read by Lily White LeFevre. Twelfth Night focuses on Olivia Gardener’s experiences at a Twelfth night celebration! We have already heard about her sister, Viola’s experience at their parent’s party. It’s now time to tell the other part of the story – the view from Olivia’s perspective!
Olivia is the more outgoing of the two sisters. Always surrounded by admirers at parties; always pushing the envelope with her flirting; always skirting scandal. She’s happy that her sister’s future will be settled soon, but does she want Francis for herself? To make matters worse, she enters into a wager with her gentlemen friends that she can get Lord Carrick to kiss her by the end of the evening.
This short little story is wonderful. Although it is only 40 pages, it also feels like a full story. It covers the activity over the span of several hours at a ball. The description of the characters is rich and detailed. I loved the character of Olivia. She is lively and vivacious, but that hides her true nature which is more thoughtful. Francis is also different than the front that he presents to the world. These two characters in particular are very well written. We come to know them through their thoughts and action and we cheer for their success! This author’s writing is richly descriptive. It is easy to close one’s eyes and the ballroom with beautifully gowned women and dapper young men plays out in one’s mind.
I highly recommend this book – especially to be read after What You Will. The two books serve as a great set of wonderful reads! I look forward to anything else this author writes!
Amazon Purchase Link for Twelfth Night
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