“Twas the Night after Christmas (Hellions of Halstead Hall #6) by Sabrina Jeffries

Historical Romance

Pierce Waverly, the Earl of Devonmont, has been a side character in the Hellions series and now in "Twas the Night after Christmas he has his own story.  Here is what Goodreads says:

Pierce Waverly, the Earl of Devonmont, has been estranged from his mother for most of his life. When his mother’s new companion, Mrs. Camilla Stuart, writes to tell him that his mother is seriously ill, he goes home. But when he learns that the lovely widow tricked him in order to effect a holiday reconciliation, he refuses to stay—unless she meets his “terms.” Somewhere between trying to seduce the beautiful Camilla and struggling with the cruel memories of his childhood Christmases, Pierce discovers that not only does forgiveness go two ways, but that love can blossom even in the coldest of winters.

I loved the story.  It is filled with heart-warming moments and characters that I cared about.

Plot:  This had what seemed like a simple plot but turned out to be very intricate.  Pierce’s parents sent him away at age 8 and never let him come home of see them after that.  It took until the end of the book to find out why.  I truly had no idea why Pierce’s Mother did what she did.

Characters:  Pierce is a rogue but his actions have been to punish his parents.  Now that his Father is dead his Mother would like to see him again but Pierce inside is still a small boy has been hurt but does not know why.  Camilla Stuart can’t understand why Pierce treats his Mother like he does and tries to help.  She is a torn between the two.  Lady Devonmont loves her son Pierce but believes she deserves the way Pierce ignores her. 

Tension:  The interaction between the characters is very well thought out.  That interaction keeps up the tension and there is plenty. There is the tension between Pierce and his Mother, between Pierce and Camilla, and between Camilla and Lady Devonmont.  Throw in some side issues and the story moves briskly.

Worldbuilding:  Part of the worldbuilding for the story was done in previous Hellion’s books.  We see mentions of previous main characters in the story and meet a few as side characters in the book.

‘Twas the Night After Christmas was a really satisfying read.  It had everything I look for in a romance;  great characters, good plot and a wonderful HEA.

Galley Books released 'Twas the Night After Christmas by Sabrina Jeffries in 2012.