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Greenford Waters Legacy #0.5
The Only Reason for the London Season
Sometimes love needs a little push in the right direction.
Or a good and proper shove.
At least that’s what Dianna Trowl believes, profously, or else she’d never have done what she did.
It would have been foolish, it would have been a scandal, if…it hadn’t of worked.
But it did, and sometimes the price to pay for a gentleman’s attention is worth every penny.
And convincing Lord Southridge to believe in love at first sight? Priceless.
Or a good and proper shove.
At least that’s what Dianna Trowl believes, profously, or else she’d never have done what she did.
It would have been foolish, it would have been a scandal, if…it hadn’t of worked.
But it did, and sometimes the price to pay for a gentleman’s attention is worth every penny.
And convincing Lord Southridge to believe in love at first sight? Priceless.
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First published February 10, 2014
22 people are currently reading
368 people want to read
About the author
Kristin Vayden
39 books475 followersKristin's inspiration for the romance she writes comes from her tall, dark and handsome husband with killer blue eyes. With five children to chase, she is never at a loss for someone to kiss, something to cook or some mess to clean but she loves every moment of it! She loves to make soap, sauerkraut, sourdough bread and gluten free muffins. Life is full of blessings and she praises God for the blessed and abundant life He's given her.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
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November 29, 2017Update (11/29) I'm removing my one star rating because I don't feel it is in keeping with my current rating system.
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The Only Reason for the London Season is a short story by Kristin Vayden. It's a Regency romance, which is one of my two favorite genres. Be aware that the story ends at 42% on my Kindle, followed by a preview of What the Duke Wants
I enjoyed the beginning, and the writing itself was good. The only error I noticed was "loose" rather than "lose." However, it felt more like an expanded outline than it did a short story. Here's the breakdown:
Prologue: Dianna Trowl was dissatisfied with her first season in London. She watched and listened in preparation to make more of an impression in her second season the following year.
Chapters One through Four: Dianna in her second season up until her engagement to Cambridge Whitaker, Earl of Southridge.
Chapter Five: one scene months later
Epilogue: a summary of years later, awkwardly leading into "What the Duke Wants"
What I liked:
*There was humor in the dialogue between the hero and heroine.
*The premise of the plot.
What I didn't like:
*This just felt like an expanded outline of a novella rather than a short story.
*I really felt that Chapter Five should have been the Epilogue, and the actual Epilogue should have been removed.
I will not be reading anything else by Kristin Vayden. It's very possible that her other stories are more expanded and cohesive, but I just wasn't impressed with the structure of this one.
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The Only Reason for the London Season is a short story by Kristin Vayden. It's a Regency romance, which is one of my two favorite genres. Be aware that the story ends at 42% on my Kindle, followed by a preview of What the Duke Wants
I enjoyed the beginning, and the writing itself was good. The only error I noticed was "loose" rather than "lose." However, it felt more like an expanded outline than it did a short story. Here's the breakdown:
Prologue: Dianna Trowl was dissatisfied with her first season in London. She watched and listened in preparation to make more of an impression in her second season the following year.
Chapters One through Four: Dianna in her second season up until her engagement to Cambridge Whitaker, Earl of Southridge.
Chapter Five: one scene months later
Epilogue: a summary of years later, awkwardly leading into "What the Duke Wants"
What I liked:
*There was humor in the dialogue between the hero and heroine.
*The premise of the plot.
What I didn't like:
*This just felt like an expanded outline of a novella rather than a short story.
*I really felt that Chapter Five should have been the Epilogue, and the actual Epilogue should have been removed.
I will not be reading anything else by Kristin Vayden. It's very possible that her other stories are more expanded and cohesive, but I just wasn't impressed with the structure of this one.
February 13, 2014
I received an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review...
First and foremost...if you haven't read anything by Kristin Vayden, what the heck are you waiting for? She's super amazing with her storytelling, and this genre is still new to me, but Kristin's way with words will suck you in and keep you entertained for sure!
This was a short but truly sweet story, and an awesome interduction to "What The Duke Wants". Dianna is our lovely lady of the story...she's stubborn at times, but knows what she wants and isn't afraid to go for it. She gives "girl power" a new meaning, and back in those times, you were extremely brave to step out of bounds, especially being a woman.
I loved it and will continue to be a Kristin Vayden fan, and am super excited for her upcoming release of "What The Duke Wants".
First and foremost...if you haven't read anything by Kristin Vayden, what the heck are you waiting for? She's super amazing with her storytelling, and this genre is still new to me, but Kristin's way with words will suck you in and keep you entertained for sure!
This was a short but truly sweet story, and an awesome interduction to "What The Duke Wants". Dianna is our lovely lady of the story...she's stubborn at times, but knows what she wants and isn't afraid to go for it. She gives "girl power" a new meaning, and back in those times, you were extremely brave to step out of bounds, especially being a woman.
I loved it and will continue to be a Kristin Vayden fan, and am super excited for her upcoming release of "What The Duke Wants".
July 26, 2016
I loved this short story! I give it a 4.5
Kristin did a great job!
I just wish that there had been more about their love story or even a glimpse of their wedding. They were a great couple. Dianna was the perfect mix of witty, stubborn, and tempting. I could totally picture her with her ear pressed against the grate listening to her father talk with Cambridge. I would've done the same thing :)
Aside from parts I wish would've been there this short story was GREAT! Kristin had me laughing out loud and visualizing everything that happened! I can't wait for What the Duke Wants and to see if Dianna is in it and what kind of role she will play! I see her being the stubborn, nosey mother, which is exciting to me :)
Thanks for a lovely read Kristin!
Kristin did a great job!
I just wish that there had been more about their love story or even a glimpse of their wedding. They were a great couple. Dianna was the perfect mix of witty, stubborn, and tempting. I could totally picture her with her ear pressed against the grate listening to her father talk with Cambridge. I would've done the same thing :)
Aside from parts I wish would've been there this short story was GREAT! Kristin had me laughing out loud and visualizing everything that happened! I can't wait for What the Duke Wants and to see if Dianna is in it and what kind of role she will play! I see her being the stubborn, nosey mother, which is exciting to me :)
Thanks for a lovely read Kristin!
March 22, 2014
Help! I've been robbed! I thought I was getting a deal for 99 cents, but no. This should most definitely be a freebie. Most of the 60 pages was taken up by a preview for another book anyway...which always makes me a bit upset.
Watch out...here come the spoilers (but not really because the story was so short and unoriginal there is nothing to give away). Here is what happens:
-heroine looks bad in peach colored dresses...so she *gasp* scandalously wears green
-hero is bored
-hero is intrigued by heroine's dress and strikes up a weird conversation with lots of "quipping"
- hero then compromises heroine with a kiss after this brief conversation and offers to marry her
-there is a weird epilogue that does a bad job of tying the short story into the new book the author has out
-preview of next book which is longer than the short story I paid for
-the end
Want to know why I say hero and heroine? Because the story is so short I didn't have long enough to learn their names! This was a waste or 99 cents. I've read clever short stories, but this wasn't one of them. It was just plain bad. Save your money and buy a mcdonalds hot fudge sundae instead, I wish I had.
P.s. If this was free, I wouldn't be this upset...
Watch out...here come the spoilers (but not really because the story was so short and unoriginal there is nothing to give away). Here is what happens:
-heroine looks bad in peach colored dresses...so she *gasp* scandalously wears green
-hero is bored
-hero is intrigued by heroine's dress and strikes up a weird conversation with lots of "quipping"
- hero then compromises heroine with a kiss after this brief conversation and offers to marry her
-there is a weird epilogue that does a bad job of tying the short story into the new book the author has out
-preview of next book which is longer than the short story I paid for
-the end
Want to know why I say hero and heroine? Because the story is so short I didn't have long enough to learn their names! This was a waste or 99 cents. I've read clever short stories, but this wasn't one of them. It was just plain bad. Save your money and buy a mcdonalds hot fudge sundae instead, I wish I had.
P.s. If this was free, I wouldn't be this upset...
February 22, 2014
The Only Reason for the London Season is a sweet, fun novella. I loved Dianna’s confidence when she entered the ball with her dress in the non-peach color of the season. Cambridge was charming and likeable. One of my favorite scenes was when her dad was quizzing him on WHY he wanted to marry her?
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.
February 6, 2014
I thought this was a wonderful story! It is a great intro to What The Duke Wants. I love that Dianna is not afraid to take a little risk to show the world who she really is. She shows that it doesn't matter what others think of you, it matters what you think of yourself.
November 24, 2014
I liked what I read quite a bit, but I needed more. I felt like I was just beginning to get hooked and like the characters when it was suddenly over. I think this would have been lovely as a full-length novel instead of a short story. I will definitely be giving Ms. Vayden's other work a try!
April 2, 2025
Short but fun!
Looking for a pick me up or just a short commitment to a charming read? You need search no more!
This novella delighted me (though now I'd like to read the very extended version). It's filled with humor and the not quite requisite mother of the debutant with no fashion taste, which I find delightful, (since it usually drives the poor young lady nearly mad). Thank heaven for strong wills and men that enjoy them.
To read this novel is to be thoroughly entertained!
Looking for a pick me up or just a short commitment to a charming read? You need search no more!
This novella delighted me (though now I'd like to read the very extended version). It's filled with humor and the not quite requisite mother of the debutant with no fashion taste, which I find delightful, (since it usually drives the poor young lady nearly mad). Thank heaven for strong wills and men that enjoy them.
To read this novel is to be thoroughly entertained!
February 27, 2018
Horrible. The main character, Dianna Trowl, got exactly what she wanted just because she wore a dress that was different from the other debutantes. Boring! She never once had any complications because she married someone she just met. Just seemed too unrealistic for my taste and I read fantasy novels, but at least I feel like those can possibly happen. Good thing this was a free book that I acquired.
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April 30, 2023That How You Capture A Duke
Carlotta lost everything when her fathers investment was lost. So she took up the position as a governess and captured the attention of the Duke. But that is where it ends. You don't know what happens next.
Carlotta lost everything when her fathers investment was lost. So she took up the position as a governess and captured the attention of the Duke. But that is where it ends. You don't know what happens next.
January 12, 2018
Симпатична история, но незапомняща се!
April 4, 2020
Digital decluttering
February 25, 2022
Totally disappointed Feb 2022
Far too short no substance the preview of the next book was longer than this story furthermore it doesn't marry up with the the description.
Far too short no substance the preview of the next book was longer than this story furthermore it doesn't marry up with the the description.
August 31, 2024
Not bad. I very much enjoyed the setting and honestly wish it was a longer tale.
October 3, 2014
I found this story for free (which earned it a star), after I had seen snippets of some of Ms.Vayden's other stories (two of which I do own, but have not read yet). I was curious, and the synopsis seemed promising, but unfortunately, there just isn't enough there for me to give it a higher rating.
There is no tension, no hardships, no real love story here. A young woman decides to go against the norm during her second season, meets an Earl who is determined to find a wife but utterly bored with the debutantes. They meet, have one conversation, he kisses her, they are seen by her mother, he asks for her hand and they get married. The story jumps forward several years, tells you what happened and BOOM! The book is done! It is definitely an intriguing advertisement for her later stories (a few chapters of which are given at the end of this novella), and I will be reading them as I already owned them, but had I not... I can't honestly say I would have purchased them after reading this one.
This is even more of a disappointment because there was such potential there for this to be a really wonderful story. I would have loved to have seen someone (Dianna or her parents perhaps), force the Earl of Southridge to properly court her so we could have seen more of their relationship at the beginning. I loved the characters, and the way they interacted with each other, but there should have been a bigger experience with them. I also would have loved to have read more about the years between the time they were married and the epilogue, so that I felt like everything had been tied up instead of just feeling like the author wanted to rush this particular story to entice you to read the followup novels.
There is no tension, no hardships, no real love story here. A young woman decides to go against the norm during her second season, meets an Earl who is determined to find a wife but utterly bored with the debutantes. They meet, have one conversation, he kisses her, they are seen by her mother, he asks for her hand and they get married. The story jumps forward several years, tells you what happened and BOOM! The book is done! It is definitely an intriguing advertisement for her later stories (a few chapters of which are given at the end of this novella), and I will be reading them as I already owned them, but had I not... I can't honestly say I would have purchased them after reading this one.
This is even more of a disappointment because there was such potential there for this to be a really wonderful story. I would have loved to have seen someone (Dianna or her parents perhaps), force the Earl of Southridge to properly court her so we could have seen more of their relationship at the beginning. I loved the characters, and the way they interacted with each other, but there should have been a bigger experience with them. I also would have loved to have read more about the years between the time they were married and the epilogue, so that I felt like everything had been tied up instead of just feeling like the author wanted to rush this particular story to entice you to read the followup novels.
March 19, 2014
The Only Reason for the London Season is a short story that's equally sweet. And I know the only reason for the London season. Want to take a guess? No? Well, I'll tell you anyway. It's marriage. Which means our leading role Miss Diana Trowl wants a husband and Cambridge Whitacker, the Earl of Southridge, a wife.
Diana is a sweet, smart, witty lady who devises a plan to finally use her flaming wild red hair, muddy green eyes and freckles to her advantage. Things that have previously not played in her favor because they are not in season.
I could describe Cambridge myself, but I've quoted a few passages from the book that will do it better. Since they are from the book, I've put them in spoilers for those who'd rather not see.
Diana is a sweet, smart, witty lady who devises a plan to finally use her flaming wild red hair, muddy green eyes and freckles to her advantage. Things that have previously not played in her favor because they are not in season.
I could describe Cambridge myself, but I've quoted a few passages from the book that will do it better. Since they are from the book, I've put them in spoilers for those who'd rather not see.
March 22, 2014
The Only Reason for the Season by Kristin Hayden is a quaint short story about Victorian England or a bit earlier. After going thru one season without having any dances, Dianna Trowl took matters in her hands. She made an appointment with the dress maker and purposely didn't tell her mother or the housekeeper. When the appointment drew near she took her maid with her. The in color was peach. Peach would never go with her unruly red hair and porcelain skin and green eyes. She ordered a green and a purple gown. The first ball, she wore the green gown. She found herself surrounded with young men and a full dance card. She felt eyes watching her and noticed a very tall man. They eyed each other provocably. They she spies her mom with fury in her eyes on seeing the gown. Dianna runs into the gardens. She is followed by the staring man, who turns out to be Cambridge, the Earl of Southridge. They talked and laughed and fell in love. Dianna 's mother catches them in a compromising position. Cambridge asks Lady Trowl if he could pay a call on Lord Trowl in the morning. Planning can be a very good thing.
February 7, 2014
Kristin Vayden’s The Only Reason for the London Season is a wonderful quick read. Dianna Trowl was still single this season, so she decided that she was going to take matters into her own hands and do things a little differently. Meanwhile, Lord Southridge is bored to tears with the young dull women of the season who only answer every question with a ‘yes, my lord’ or ‘no my lord.’ Will the spirited Dianna and Lord Southridge find love at first sight?
The Only Reason for the London Season is a sweet, yet sassy, happy, fun story! I adored the interactions of Dianna and Lord Southridge. Dianna is a feisty character that knows how to go after what she wants. I laughed out loud and had a smile on my face the entire time.
If you enjoy Regency Romance or are just looking for something to bring a smile to your face then go and pick up Kristin Vayden’s book!
I received an ARC of The Only Reason for the London Season from the author, in exchange for an honest review.
The Only Reason for the London Season is a sweet, yet sassy, happy, fun story! I adored the interactions of Dianna and Lord Southridge. Dianna is a feisty character that knows how to go after what she wants. I laughed out loud and had a smile on my face the entire time.
If you enjoy Regency Romance or are just looking for something to bring a smile to your face then go and pick up Kristin Vayden’s book!
I received an ARC of The Only Reason for the London Season from the author, in exchange for an honest review.
March 15, 2014
Also posted here: http://lilmissvixreads.blogspot.co.uk...
After a humiliating first season as a debutante, Dianna Trowl is back and determined to bag herself a husband- even if she has to break social convention to do so. Lord Southridge longs for nothing more than a woman who stands out from the crowd, one who isn't afraid to speak her mind. Determined to find himself a wife this season it seems as if all his prayers have been answered the minute that Dianna walks into the ballroom...
This is a short and sweet historical romance, and as an introduction to Vayden's work it worked a treat. Southridge is just perfect - tall, blue-eyed and charismatic- whilst Dianna is a quirky heroine. I liked how even in such a short story we got narrative from both of their perspectives, it made it seem all the more romantic.
4/5 stars: a wonderful little read that I would recommend to any historical romance fan.
After a humiliating first season as a debutante, Dianna Trowl is back and determined to bag herself a husband- even if she has to break social convention to do so. Lord Southridge longs for nothing more than a woman who stands out from the crowd, one who isn't afraid to speak her mind. Determined to find himself a wife this season it seems as if all his prayers have been answered the minute that Dianna walks into the ballroom...
This is a short and sweet historical romance, and as an introduction to Vayden's work it worked a treat. Southridge is just perfect - tall, blue-eyed and charismatic- whilst Dianna is a quirky heroine. I liked how even in such a short story we got narrative from both of their perspectives, it made it seem all the more romantic.
4/5 stars: a wonderful little read that I would recommend to any historical romance fan.
October 21, 2014
This was a freebie on Amazon and a very fast read. That being said, there was almost nothing vaguely historically accurate about either of the short stories contained within them. The characters spoke, thought, and acted in a completely modern fashion. That being said, the pacing was quick and the stories were somewhat sweet. I think both of the short stories within would do well if they were fleshed out a bit and made into full length novels. The second story, in particular, about the governess would make for a wonderful full length novel. Overall, it was ok and an enjoyable way to pass an hour, but has some serious problems with plot, character development, and reflecting social morays of Ton England.
February 14, 2014
It is a wonderful and fun short read!
I so love Dianna- with her vibrant green eyes, untamed hair just sold me..
Lord Cambridge Southridge.. oh wow! just wow.. =)
this is one of my favorite quote from the book. ; "It was delightful, to be loved and to love someone so fiercely in return.
anyways, i really had fun reading it, this book is a historical.. if you haven't tried historical yet this is a must-try, you'll definitely love this book..
I so love Dianna- with her vibrant green eyes, untamed hair just sold me..
Lord Cambridge Southridge.. oh wow! just wow.. =)
this is one of my favorite quote from the book. ; "It was delightful, to be loved and to love someone so fiercely in return.
anyways, i really had fun reading it, this book is a historical.. if you haven't tried historical yet this is a must-try, you'll definitely love this book..
February 4, 2015
Not so much a novella as a short story.
A young debutante decides to defy her mother and wear a colour other than the staple peach worn by all the other debutantes. She goes to a ball, sees a man, gets caught in a compromising position and they marry. The epilogue is set a long time in the future (like talking about their children).
It was ok but I'd feel short-changed if it was in an anthology!
Seriously half the book is adverts for other stories.
A young debutante decides to defy her mother and wear a colour other than the staple peach worn by all the other debutantes. She goes to a ball, sees a man, gets caught in a compromising position and they marry. The epilogue is set a long time in the future (like talking about their children).
It was ok but I'd feel short-changed if it was in an anthology!
Seriously half the book is adverts for other stories.
February 25, 2014
Love at first sight does exist! This short story was so fun and quirky! I loved the smart banter being thrown between the two characters. This is a great introduction to the book "What the Duke Wants" by the same author. I recommend this for a quick read to anyone who loves romance in regency London!
July 5, 2014
I received an ARC for my honest opinion.
I love the spunk and spirit of Dianna who decides to take matters into her own hands after a failed season. Then you have the Earl of Southridge who has suffered thru a miserable season of mindless women. "The only reason for the London season" is definitely a fun, quick read.
I love the spunk and spirit of Dianna who decides to take matters into her own hands after a failed season. Then you have the Earl of Southridge who has suffered thru a miserable season of mindless women. "The only reason for the London season" is definitely a fun, quick read.
February 21, 2014
This was a lovely short story prequel to What the Duke Wants.
We are introduced to Miss Dianna and her second season. She's learnt what not to do, can she get it right this time?
I throughly enjoyed the story, it was well written and easy to read.
As I've already read the next book (didn't realise that they were connected), I can only hope that Kristin continues with this series.
We are introduced to Miss Dianna and her second season. She's learnt what not to do, can she get it right this time?
I throughly enjoyed the story, it was well written and easy to read.
As I've already read the next book (didn't realise that they were connected), I can only hope that Kristin continues with this series.
September 30, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. Even though it is a novella I thought it still was a fun and sassy romance. Sometimes with novella's they feel very rushed like there is a lot missing, i did not get that with this book. You could still feel the emotions. It is a great introduction book for What the Duke Wants and To Tempt an Earl. It gives you the story of Lady Southridge.
March 2, 2014
Loved
Loved this short novella! Miss Dianna and the Earl of Southridge are delightful with their easy bantering with each other and their short courtship! Their characters are so much fun! A fun read when you want to read something in a short period of time!
Loved this short novella! Miss Dianna and the Earl of Southridge are delightful with their easy bantering with each other and their short courtship! Their characters are so much fun! A fun read when you want to read something in a short period of time!
May 25, 2018
A cute little read. Only a few chapters long, but well done. The last 50% of the kindle book is an excerpt of her next book, but I didn't mind because she finished this story.
language: clean, heat level: mild (some sensuality implied, but not seen!)
language: clean, heat level: mild (some sensuality implied, but not seen!)
May 14, 2014
Very cute story about a clever girl who very astutely realizes that the best way to get a husband is to stand out from the crowd, not blend in. I loved the witty banter, but wish I could have seen more of their relationship.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews