I enjoyed this short and sweet Christmas read and it is one of the only festive books I finished last month, although this was possibly due to the short read time.

I didn't find myself getting invested in the characters but there is a second book to continue Cecilia and Davin's story, which may contain more about these characters and help the reader invest in them.

This isn't going to challenge for a spot in my top ten books of the year but it wasn't entirely terrible. Am easy and short read that's perfect for this season.

I read It Takes a Spy last year and since it's the continuation of Lady Cecilia and Devin's story I feel like it was written and read in the wrong order.
This short beginning read is delightful though and since I have read it already I will endeavor to re-read It Takes a Spy.
I still have both the ARC and the published book on my kindle but will need to download either one again in order to re-read and enjoy that book again.
The original published date of It Takes a Spy was in 2014 and I read and reviewed it in 2018.
I gave this prequel novella 4.25 of 5.0 stars for story line and characterization even though it went back in the history of this series.
I was familiar with Cecilia, her family and Devin from It Takes a Spy although Devin's family was new to the cast of characters.

This was an entertaining read. Devin, the youngest son of the Earl of Vincent, is determined to propose to Cecilia, much against his parent’s wishes. His mother, in particular, has another young lady lined up for him. Cecilia is a very caring person and provides for the local orphanage. There are a number of misunderstandings and a more spiteful person you could not find than Devin’s mother. I did wonder if Devin was ever going to stand up for Cecilia. However, this story isn’t finished, it is a short read and there is more to follow in Book 2, which at the moment of writing is free. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I had a hard time staying engaged in the story line. Even though I tried to put myself in Cecilia’s place, I still had a hard time empathizing with her frustrations over the lack of letters. I do get it, but she seemed to harp on it a lot. Seemed like she could have expounded on the why it was important more.

It was hard to go past such an interesting title and this was such a sweet romance! Devin Montlake, is keen to marry Lady Cecilia, a woman he has known since childhood. However, his parents are not keen on her social standing, given her father’s propensity for bad business dealings. So, his parents do not invite Cecilia to their Christmas gathering but Devin decides to do so anyway, and this makes for an entertaining story.
Both characters were so right for each other but after six months apart, cracks begin to appear. Cecilia is uncertain of their future with his parents in the background raising doubts whilst Devin, is confident in his ability to have it all. Their story does not end when the book finishes in what looks to be an interesting addition to the storyline and romance between this engaging pair.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Lovely festive read. It was a heart warming romance. It was a wonderful book to read. It was well written and flowed well.

I should've DNFed as I was never emotionally invested in the characters or their situation. Honestly, the writing isn't terrible but the novella focused more on how the hero's mother disapproved of the match than the actual romance itself. I felt so dissatisfied when I reached the end. Not for me, but your mileage may vary.

I didn't realise this was a prequel story to a series - that's brilliant, because this was really sweet and enjoyable! It tells the story of how Cecilia and Devin got engaged during an extremely awkward house party, despite the various familial issues working against them. I loved both characters, and their sweet natures - the fact that they were in love was clear from the start, and I have a real soft spot for stories that take place at house parties, with their little bubbles of drama and politeness. It's a nice introduction to the characters and I'd be interested to read the other books!

Lady Cecilia Is Cordially Disinvited for Christmas
A Secrets and Seduction series 0.5
Sheridan Jeane
https://m.facebook.com/SheridanJeane/
Release date 10/08/2019
Publisher Flowers and Fullerton

Blurb

Weary of the long hours he's been spending on a make-or-break legal case, Devin Montlake, the youngest son of the Earl of Vincent, is thrilled at the prospect of spending Christmas with his childhood love Lady Cecilia. With professional success almost within his grasp, he can finally formalize their understanding. Unfortunately, his interfering family's House Party might well be his last chance.


Believing they've been disinvited to the Vincent’s Christmas gathering, Lady Cecilia and her family are surprised when they receive Devin's last-minute plea to attend. Lady Cecilia knows the Vincents want better for Devin than the daughter of an impoverished earl, and, after months of Devin's silence, she isn’t sure what to expect. Does Devin plan to break things off with her in person, or will he ask for her hand in marriage? And if he does propose after so much time apart, how can she be sure she is still first in Devin's heart?

My review :

Is their love doomed from the start as everyone is set against it...

So this one book is a prequel of already published series, it introduces the main couple of the first book and some other characters who will be featured in the others.
It is short fast paced read which closes on a happily for now end, but open to many more questions.
Lady Cecilia is young, impetuous and unsure of herself which is quite normal.
Devin is more on the arrogant side, he knows what he wants but was unable to comprehend none can read his mind.
So when they rekindle their relationship after six silence months, none is prepared for the doubts and meddling people coming between them.

I do not know if it is reflecting the stories to come after as they appear to hold some investigations and mysteries but I liked the historical setting, rules and facts, and wanted to know more about the destiny of theses characters.
A sweet introduction to future heroes and heroines.
4 stars

I was granted through Netgalley an advance copy. Here is my true and unbiased opinion.