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A Rake in Winter
Librarian's note: This is an Alternate Cover Edition for ASIN: B01IDJT8H0.
Lady Emma Sterling has always been the perfect lady. Which is why no is more shocked than Lady Emma herself when she accidentally indulges in a bit too much elderberry wine and wakes up the next morning in bed with none other than Lord William Prescott, England’s most notorious rake!
Humiliated and ashamed, Emma would like to pretend the whole thing never happened. Unfortunately, Will isn’t about to let her go that easily. Enchanted by her deep blushes and scandalized glances he’s as determined to pursue Emma as she is to avoid him.
When they are trapped together during a winter storm Emma is left with no choice but to finally confront her conflicted feelings for the handsome rogue who has been slowly stealing her heart. But will their Christmas affair end in love… or disaster?
A Rake in Winter is a holiday novella of approximately 30k words.
Lady Emma Sterling has always been the perfect lady. Which is why no is more shocked than Lady Emma herself when she accidentally indulges in a bit too much elderberry wine and wakes up the next morning in bed with none other than Lord William Prescott, England’s most notorious rake!
Humiliated and ashamed, Emma would like to pretend the whole thing never happened. Unfortunately, Will isn’t about to let her go that easily. Enchanted by her deep blushes and scandalized glances he’s as determined to pursue Emma as she is to avoid him.
When they are trapped together during a winter storm Emma is left with no choice but to finally confront her conflicted feelings for the handsome rogue who has been slowly stealing her heart. But will their Christmas affair end in love… or disaster?
A Rake in Winter is a holiday novella of approximately 30k words.
138 pages, ebook
First published October 11, 2016
178 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
Jillian Eaton
89 books488 followersJillian Eaton has written over forty historical romances and is known for finding the perfect balance between "intense emotions, sizzling chemistry, and light-hearted humor" (Swept Away by Romance). She grew up in Maine and now lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and their three boys on a 17-acre farm where they rescue and rehabilitate senior horses.
When she isn't writing, working at the barn, or playing a cutthroat game of Harry Potter Monopoly with her family, Jillian enjoys gardening, hiking, and being an adjunct professor at her Alma mater, Delaware Valley University.
If readers are new to her books, she always suggests the following:
Sweet and Swoony Romance: Duke at First Sight
Spicy and Mysterious: A Dangerous Seduction
All Around: Bewitched by the Bluestocking
Bit Darker: The Duchess Takes a Lover
When she isn't writing, working at the barn, or playing a cutthroat game of Harry Potter Monopoly with her family, Jillian enjoys gardening, hiking, and being an adjunct professor at her Alma mater, Delaware Valley University.
If readers are new to her books, she always suggests the following:
Sweet and Swoony Romance: Duke at First Sight
Spicy and Mysterious: A Dangerous Seduction
All Around: Bewitched by the Bluestocking
Bit Darker: The Duchess Takes a Lover
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
November 29, 2020
Sweet and well written but the romance didn't really develop between the two main characters
from-the-author
December 18, 2016For the month of December 50% of the digital earnings from A Rake in Winter will be donated to UNICEF in an effort to help the children of Syria. If you would like to donate directly, please visit www.unicef.org.
Every donation counts, no matter how small.
Every donation counts, no matter how small.
August 11, 2017
Nice beginning, sweet ending, but no middle. Where's the rest of story?
Felt like a novel which was begun, abandoned midway, and then prepared for sale by tacking on a brief wedding epilogue.
I was enjoying the story- Interesting characters, plot and good writing style - until it abruptly ended.
I'm baffled and frustrated because I truly wanted to know how the romance developed.
There's fair amount of detail about the couple's backgrounds, Emma's cat named Hamlet, some of the secondary characters, and the host and hostess's marital problems.
Yet nothing between the time Emma asks Will to court her and the epilogue of where she is about to walk down the wedding aisle.???
*Spoilers
Emma and Will are opposites who are attracted to each other at an overnight party. She notices him and wants to ask about him, but her friend hides in kitchen after arguing with her husband.
Emma follows to offer support. The two end up sharing woes and too much wine.
Will spots Emma as she staggers back to gathering. He walks her to garden where Emma's confession leads to him giving her first-ever kiss. Emma wakes to Will sleeping in her bed. Although nothing occurred, she fears their attraction.
After other guests depart for sleigh ride, Will and Emma share passionate encounter. (Fairly clean if not for mention of breasts). He proposes. She declines then has second thoughts.
She follows him to deserted cottage where she asks him to court her before proposing again.
What happens next in their relationship?
Nada. Zip. Nothing.
Just a brief epilogue to fulfill HEA requirement.
Felt like a novel which was begun, abandoned midway, and then prepared for sale by tacking on a brief wedding epilogue.
I was enjoying the story- Interesting characters, plot and good writing style - until it abruptly ended.
I'm baffled and frustrated because I truly wanted to know how the romance developed.
There's fair amount of detail about the couple's backgrounds, Emma's cat named Hamlet, some of the secondary characters, and the host and hostess's marital problems.
Yet nothing between the time Emma asks Will to court her and the epilogue of where she is about to walk down the wedding aisle.???
*Spoilers
Emma and Will are opposites who are attracted to each other at an overnight party. She notices him and wants to ask about him, but her friend hides in kitchen after arguing with her husband.
Emma follows to offer support. The two end up sharing woes and too much wine.
Will spots Emma as she staggers back to gathering. He walks her to garden where Emma's confession leads to him giving her first-ever kiss. Emma wakes to Will sleeping in her bed. Although nothing occurred, she fears their attraction.
After other guests depart for sleigh ride, Will and Emma share passionate encounter. (Fairly clean if not for mention of breasts). He proposes. She declines then has second thoughts.
She follows him to deserted cottage where she asks him to court her before proposing again.
What happens next in their relationship?
Nada. Zip. Nothing.
Just a brief epilogue to fulfill HEA requirement.
November 22, 2017
Simply Marvelous!
What a diverting and sigh inducing novella this is! Loved the 2 main characters. There's nothing better then a rake whom reforms himself for his lady. The white kitty is an excellent addition. If you're in the mood for a witty and light hearted tale, don't pass this by!
What a diverting and sigh inducing novella this is! Loved the 2 main characters. There's nothing better then a rake whom reforms himself for his lady. The white kitty is an excellent addition. If you're in the mood for a witty and light hearted tale, don't pass this by!
January 7, 2021
I loved this read.
Although it is a Christmas love it was not an insta-love. Emma was almost immediately attracted to William, he did not allow himself to be entangled in her wooing. She made him work for her love and for them to truly have a future together with love and she succeeded.
Although it is a Christmas love it was not an insta-love. Emma was almost immediately attracted to William, he did not allow himself to be entangled in her wooing. She made him work for her love and for them to truly have a future together with love and she succeeded.
June 25, 2017
Juvenile
August 23, 2021
A Rake in Winter (aka Lady Emma's Christmas Affair) was about Lady Emma Sterling, a somewhat gullible lady of unimpeachable reputation, and Lord William "Will" Prescott, the Earl of Prescott, England’s most notorious rake, and the heir to the Marquess of Ware.
Invited to attend a dinner party at her best friend's home, Emma met Will for the first time when, after witnessing her best friend, Vivian, and her husband argue publicly, Will quietly approached her and asked if she thought her two friends would end up divorced.
When sparks flew between them, taking them both by surprise, Emma rushed off in confusion and went looking for Vivian. finding her crying in the kitchen, the two friends over-indulged in elderberry wine. Waking the next morning in the same bed with Will, Emma was even more confused...and worried, especially when she learned that she would have to spend another day and night in the same house with Will due to the snowstorm that had trapped them all in one place.
There was a lot of chemistry, attraction, and passion between Will and Emma from beginning to end of the story. There was also angst, drama, humor, and fear of the unknown. It was nice to see the HEA.
Invited to attend a dinner party at her best friend's home, Emma met Will for the first time when, after witnessing her best friend, Vivian, and her husband argue publicly, Will quietly approached her and asked if she thought her two friends would end up divorced.
When sparks flew between them, taking them both by surprise, Emma rushed off in confusion and went looking for Vivian. finding her crying in the kitchen, the two friends over-indulged in elderberry wine. Waking the next morning in the same bed with Will, Emma was even more confused...and worried, especially when she learned that she would have to spend another day and night in the same house with Will due to the snowstorm that had trapped them all in one place.
There was a lot of chemistry, attraction, and passion between Will and Emma from beginning to end of the story. There was also angst, drama, humor, and fear of the unknown. It was nice to see the HEA.
November 3, 2021
What happens when a young lady who always abides the rules of society and a rake who never behaved gentlemanly crash on an evening dinner at some friend's house?
Lady Emma still has not had any gentleman who courted her. Despite already participating in numerous seasons, at age 22 her parents fear, she'll end a spinster. When her best friend Vivian, who married the year before, invites her to a dinner party, she's not as hopeful as her mother to find a suitable man there.
Lord William Prescott has meandered the last decade and is a rake of the first order. But when he gets a glimpse of Lady Emma, he has to find out, why he's drawn to her.
After this fateful evening, the two find themselves falling in love.
Can Will persuade Emma to give him a chance? Can Emma find it in herself to marry a rake?
Lady Emma still has not had any gentleman who courted her. Despite already participating in numerous seasons, at age 22 her parents fear, she'll end a spinster. When her best friend Vivian, who married the year before, invites her to a dinner party, she's not as hopeful as her mother to find a suitable man there.
Lord William Prescott has meandered the last decade and is a rake of the first order. But when he gets a glimpse of Lady Emma, he has to find out, why he's drawn to her.
After this fateful evening, the two find themselves falling in love.
Can Will persuade Emma to give him a chance? Can Emma find it in herself to marry a rake?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2018
Their chemistry build-up (stage of falling in love) was sooo fast that I find ridiculous. Attraction or lust growth might be more possible.
Is it just me or the author was not that knowledgeable about the Regency period? If Emma was 22 years old and in the marriage market for 7 years, then she made her coming-out at the age of 15. Shouldn't she be in the schoolroom at that age? 17 or 18 was the age for debut during that era.
Lastly, what happened to Vivian (Emma's best friend) and Rodger's marriage? Did they had a divorce or made a reconciliation? What is the point of inserting a drama/saga (which is irrelevant to the protagonists' love story, by the way) if there will not be any closure on it? Unless the writer plans to write a different novella/novel about it.
Is it just me or the author was not that knowledgeable about the Regency period? If Emma was 22 years old and in the marriage market for 7 years, then she made her coming-out at the age of 15. Shouldn't she be in the schoolroom at that age? 17 or 18 was the age for debut during that era.
Lastly, what happened to Vivian (Emma's best friend) and Rodger's marriage? Did they had a divorce or made a reconciliation? What is the point of inserting a drama/saga (which is irrelevant to the protagonists' love story, by the way) if there will not be any closure on it? Unless the writer plans to write a different novella/novel about it.
August 25, 2018
I would have given this delightful romance a five, but the courting was missing. Lady Emma Sinclair went to her best friends dinner party. She was twenty two, and had been out for seven years. Her parents hoped she would meet an eligible gentleman. She does meet a gentleman, who is titled, and able to care for her financially, but he is a reported rake. I really liked William, and Emma together. I did not like the fact that it just gets a good start, and we are rushing for the end. It was romantic, and even funny. I wanted more. They had a six or seven month engagement. We did not get to much of any of that. The ending, and epilogue was appreciated, but still left me wanting. 3.5 stars.
March 17, 2018
Cute story
I enjoyed this! The heroine was just adorable, and the hero was everything he should be - a handsome rake who falls in love. The prim and proper heroine meets him at a house party, where she drinks a bit too much. She is twenty-two, was raised to behave correctly at all times and had never been kissed. Men found her to be too proper.
The hero was attracted by her looks but found there was more to her. And she made him want to be a better man and to make a commitment.
Definitely recommend.
I enjoyed this! The heroine was just adorable, and the hero was everything he should be - a handsome rake who falls in love. The prim and proper heroine meets him at a house party, where she drinks a bit too much. She is twenty-two, was raised to behave correctly at all times and had never been kissed. Men found her to be too proper.
The hero was attracted by her looks but found there was more to her. And she made him want to be a better man and to make a commitment.
Definitely recommend.
July 23, 2020
Radiates festive warmth and fun!
Instantly captures your attention and warms your heart; finding just the right mix between smooth charm, sentimentality and bewildering instant attraction.
A fun, lighthearted read, with engaging characters that bring out the best in each other, are full of wit, are most definitely not perfect but charm and worm a place into your heart anyway.
A quick winter read that will leave you with a smile on your face and a warm feeling inside - like all the best romantic novella's should in my opinion no matter how cliched that may sound!!
Instantly captures your attention and warms your heart; finding just the right mix between smooth charm, sentimentality and bewildering instant attraction.
A fun, lighthearted read, with engaging characters that bring out the best in each other, are full of wit, are most definitely not perfect but charm and worm a place into your heart anyway.
A quick winter read that will leave you with a smile on your face and a warm feeling inside - like all the best romantic novella's should in my opinion no matter how cliched that may sound!!
November 2, 2019
The story was easy to read in one evening. Only 11 chapters, plus a prologue and epilogue.
It begins with a flash forward.
Again, the author uses less than a dozen characters to tell the tale. Bliss!
I could do without the heroine giving in to the hero's demands so quickly, but that is a personal choice. Therefore, I would give the story a 3.75, not a 4, if it were possible.
Typos: "it was a diner party," "Which I why I am here," "carry her the hearth where," etc.
February 6, 2020
I really enjoyed this story . It was sweet and a wonderful feel good tale. I do wish there were more about Rodger and Vivian Lakewood
I really enjoyed this story. It was sweet and witty, very refreshing. I wish there was more about Rodger and Vivian Lakewood. They seem to be a very troubled and interesting couple. I wonder if they were able to stay together. I think theirs is a very interesting tale.
I really enjoyed this story. It was sweet and witty, very refreshing. I wish there was more about Rodger and Vivian Lakewood. They seem to be a very troubled and interesting couple. I wonder if they were able to stay together. I think theirs is a very interesting tale.
August 3, 2017
Funny and cute
Jillian Eaton has written a clever and funny Recency Romance. I almost laughed out loud in several places. I would recommend this story to anyone who enjoys fun in their life.
Jillian Eaton has written a clever and funny Recency Romance. I almost laughed out loud in several places. I would recommend this story to anyone who enjoys fun in their life.
November 17, 2018
Perfect is not what everyone requires
I very much liked this tale of two individuals finding each other is truley what each needed and desired. A lovely story and a great way to spend a day.
I very much liked this tale of two individuals finding each other is truley what each needed and desired. A lovely story and a great way to spend a day.
December 26, 2019
Special
Another great love story that will win your heart. Don't start it late in the eve ing, thougg, because you will definitely be up until the wee hours because you can't beat to put it down
Another great love story that will win your heart. Don't start it late in the eve ing, thougg, because you will definitely be up until the wee hours because you can't beat to put it down
December 23, 2021
Really enjoyed this novella. I liked Emma’s proposal, much more realistic portrayal, even though we didn’t get to watch the courtship. But the meet cute and the events that followed were fun and believable.
January 7, 2025
I guess my steak is broken I was just tired last night.
When I first read half it I was bored but maybe because I was tired and just tried to get thorough it quickly. The next time I picked this book up again I loved it. The romance was just so sweet and the cat is one of the best parts
When I first read half it I was bored but maybe because I was tired and just tried to get thorough it quickly. The next time I picked this book up again I loved it. The romance was just so sweet and the cat is one of the best parts
July 6, 2017
As romantic novellas go, this was a peach. Plenty of chemistry, characters and plot but just one snapshot in time. Will read more by this author.
August 3, 2017
Amusing read.
All your ideals sometimes need to go on the back burner. Sweet fun for three however I did wonder what happened to her married friends relationship.
All your ideals sometimes need to go on the back burner. Sweet fun for three however I did wonder what happened to her married friends relationship.
January 15, 2018
A Rake in Winter
The characters were great this was a funny and living read I they just need to be a little longer.
The characters were great this was a funny and living read I they just need to be a little longer.
November 28, 2024
Kind of cute, but too much repetition.
August 22, 2019
I love Will & Emma, this is my favorite so far by this author. Christmas in July read.
October 17, 2016
Good Read!
I don't like short stories, however, this is an excellent romance. Truly realistic, opposites do attract! I loved it! I highly recommend! Thanks! Enjoy!
I don't like short stories, however, this is an excellent romance. Truly realistic, opposites do attract! I loved it! I highly recommend! Thanks! Enjoy!
March 4, 2017
ENTERTAINING & AMUSING
This book might have been short but it was VERY funny and I couldn't put it down until I finished it! Emma's love for he fat and Will's growing love for him was GREAT! Enjoy it.
This book might have been short but it was VERY funny and I couldn't put it down until I finished it! Emma's love for he fat and Will's growing love for him was GREAT! Enjoy it.
June 15, 2018
Love this author.
October 14, 2016
Just okay
This author is hit or miss. I've enjoyed a few, so if a title and description seem worthy, I'll give her book a chance. The two protagonists were fairly fleshed out, but not as good as some. The plot of the hero and heroine being trapped together at a house party as they fall in love (within 24 hours) can be interesting if we know a little more about them than the author gives us. Of course this is more of a short story than a novella, so perhaps I expect too much.
This author is hit or miss. I've enjoyed a few, so if a title and description seem worthy, I'll give her book a chance. The two protagonists were fairly fleshed out, but not as good as some. The plot of the hero and heroine being trapped together at a house party as they fall in love (within 24 hours) can be interesting if we know a little more about them than the author gives us. Of course this is more of a short story than a novella, so perhaps I expect too much.
October 12, 2016
I loved this short story. The banter between Will and Emma was enjoyable and funny, and then there was Hamlet, Emma's cat (always good to have a cat in a story).
5*****
5*****
November 12, 2016
Just an ok novella. I liked the characters but it was way too short and fast to have any depth at all.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews