What do you think?
Rate this book
Dear Stranger
From the author of Loving the Marquess
At a masked ball, where no one is what they seem, a jaded rake is surprised by his reaction to the one woman he should not pursue.
During a masked ball, Sophie Crandle's mask gives her the courage she needs to follow the man she expects to propose to her into the gardens, where she brazenly asks him for the one thing that will tell her if she can accept him--a kiss. And what a kiss it is! Her elation turns to horror, however, when she realises she is kissing the wrong man. The man who has awakened her desire is not the man who is courting her, but his brother, the Earl of Dearbourne. A notorious rake, he is more likely to ruin Sophie than provide her with the social acceptance she needs.
Richard Hearst, the Earl of Dearbourne, receives the shock of his life when he discovers the beautiful woman falling apart in his arms thinks she is kissing someone else. He is determined to claim her for himself...even if the man she is meant for is his brother.
At a masked ball, where no one is what they seem, a jaded rake is surprised by his reaction to the one woman he should not pursue.
During a masked ball, Sophie Crandle's mask gives her the courage she needs to follow the man she expects to propose to her into the gardens, where she brazenly asks him for the one thing that will tell her if she can accept him--a kiss. And what a kiss it is! Her elation turns to horror, however, when she realises she is kissing the wrong man. The man who has awakened her desire is not the man who is courting her, but his brother, the Earl of Dearbourne. A notorious rake, he is more likely to ruin Sophie than provide her with the social acceptance she needs.
Richard Hearst, the Earl of Dearbourne, receives the shock of his life when he discovers the beautiful woman falling apart in his arms thinks she is kissing someone else. He is determined to claim her for himself...even if the man she is meant for is his brother.
114 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 7, 2012
33 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
About the author
Suzanna Medeiros
80 books248 followersUSA Today bestselling author Suzanna Medeiros was born and raised in Toronto, Canada. Her love of reading led her to pursue a degree in English Literature from the University of Toronto. After working at a number of interesting places, including a federal inquiry, a youth probation office, and the Office of the Fire Marshal of Ontario, she decided to pursue her first love—writing.
Suzanna is married to her own hero and survived raising twins. When she isn't writing, she loves reading and playing video games.
She would like to thank her parents for showing her that love at first sight and happily ever after really do exist.
To learn about Suzanna's future books, sign up for her newsletter at https://www.suzannamedeiros.com/newsl....
Suzanna is married to her own hero and survived raising twins. When she isn't writing, she loves reading and playing video games.
She would like to thank her parents for showing her that love at first sight and happily ever after really do exist.
To learn about Suzanna's future books, sign up for her newsletter at https://www.suzannamedeiros.com/newsl....
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 25, 2018
This novella started off on a steamy HOT note and was going really great until the author just ruined the ending with a fizzled out reconciliation scene. I was so disappointed with that ! All the sexy hot build up, the chemistry, the raunchy verbal banter and the H's wily scheming creates delicious conflict but then it ends with a bland reunion of the MC's. All the ingredients for a perfect quickie romance were here. We have a hot blonde H in the form of Richard, the rakish Earl of Dearbourne:
And a beautiful, young heiress heroine called Sophie Crandle, whose aunt is bullying her into marrying the H's younger brother Henry.
Sophie meets Richard while they're both at a masquerade ball and she asks him to kiss her because she thinks he's Henry. Henry's close to proposing to the heroine but she needs to know if they're physically compatible before she can marry him. The H is a rogue who takes her up on the kiss because he's not the type to deny a beautiful young lady such a special request. I was glued to the pages and celebrating, at this point, because the chemistry between these MC's was off the charts !
Everything was going so well and I won't reveal further details because it's such a short novella and doesn't deserve to be spoilt; suffice it to say that the H pulled out his "A" game when it came to scheming and plotting to get Sophie away from Henry and into his own arms. Their sexual relationship was also a bit unconventionally clandestine since the H had not yet been ready to propose marriage. I did enjoy his jealousy whenever other young men started to court her, but her aunt threw a huge obstacle into the MC's romance when she blackmailed Sophie into accepting another man's marriage proposal. The MC's are estranged for a short while and the heroine refuses to see the H. He sends her a letter, which she doesn't read and the author forgets to even mention the contents of that all important note to the reader ! That was not well done at all ! I like having all loose ends tied up. The ending was also very tame and abrupt:
“You don’t mean…” He nodded. “I think it fitting that we take a page from your parents’ book and elope.” She kissed him then, and this time she knew exactly who she was kissing…the one man who was meant for her.
Suzanna Medeiros. Dear Stranger (Kindle Locations 806-808). Total-E-Bound Publishing. Kindle Edition.
I cannot believe that so much pathos and angst ends on such a simple note and that's why I can only give this novella 3 stars instead of the 4. The author should not have ended the story in that way because the reader deserved more:
And a beautiful, young heiress heroine called Sophie Crandle, whose aunt is bullying her into marrying the H's younger brother Henry.
Sophie meets Richard while they're both at a masquerade ball and she asks him to kiss her because she thinks he's Henry. Henry's close to proposing to the heroine but she needs to know if they're physically compatible before she can marry him. The H is a rogue who takes her up on the kiss because he's not the type to deny a beautiful young lady such a special request. I was glued to the pages and celebrating, at this point, because the chemistry between these MC's was off the charts !
Everything was going so well and I won't reveal further details because it's such a short novella and doesn't deserve to be spoilt; suffice it to say that the H pulled out his "A" game when it came to scheming and plotting to get Sophie away from Henry and into his own arms. Their sexual relationship was also a bit unconventionally clandestine since the H had not yet been ready to propose marriage. I did enjoy his jealousy whenever other young men started to court her, but her aunt threw a huge obstacle into the MC's romance when she blackmailed Sophie into accepting another man's marriage proposal. The MC's are estranged for a short while and the heroine refuses to see the H. He sends her a letter, which she doesn't read and the author forgets to even mention the contents of that all important note to the reader ! That was not well done at all ! I like having all loose ends tied up. The ending was also very tame and abrupt:
“You don’t mean…” He nodded. “I think it fitting that we take a page from your parents’ book and elope.” She kissed him then, and this time she knew exactly who she was kissing…the one man who was meant for her.
Suzanna Medeiros. Dear Stranger (Kindle Locations 806-808). Total-E-Bound Publishing. Kindle Edition.
I cannot believe that so much pathos and angst ends on such a simple note and that's why I can only give this novella 3 stars instead of the 4. The author should not have ended the story in that way because the reader deserved more:
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2021
Nice, light and of course improbable story!
May 16, 2016
This novella by Ms. Suzanna Medeiros surprised me with some witty humor, a charming story and nice characters. Okay Ms. Medeiros is a new author for me but I am a sucker for a steamy regency historical romance that I couldn’t resist it either. I liked the synopsis of the book plus the beginning of the story was charming and lastly the female protagonist. The story isn’t bad even though I don’t usually like to read sex scenes preferring more witty sexual banter and hot kisses in a regency story but the sex was well written and very tasteful not being overly erotic. Lately I am in the mood to read novellas because usually novellas put me of the mindset on a beach with great weather which we haven’t been having nice weather with it being cold and rainy. So since I read by mood I have to appease it I want a shorter romantic story with characters and a quick resolve.
Lady Sophie Crandle has been attempting to get her betrothed Henry Hearst to kiss her, so comes up with a brilliant plan. Sophie spies a man leaving the crowded room at a masquerade ball. Intending to follow the man out to the garden to receive a long-awaited kiss from her supposed betrothed Henry Sophie is entranced and desires the man that she is kissing. Unfortunately the man is not Henry her betrothed that she is kissing but Henry’s older brother and the earl of Dearbourne Richard.
Really I liked Sophie she was a determined young lady that somewhat follows some of the rules of propriety sure she breaks that by getting Henry or rather Richard to seduce and kiss her in the gardens. I didn’t understand her true family relations with her aunt and wanted a little more explanations of that though. I also wanted to know what she does that sets her apart from her female peers and even why Richard likes her. So I felt that Sophie despite her female lustful cravings for Richard needed a little bit more evolvement. Richard on the other hand might have been described as a rake but I didn’t really see that. He did annoy me though why did it take so long for him to make a decision into marriage when he turned Sophie into a mistress which made me a little peeved. So he wasn’t winning any points with me. Even Henry Sophie’s betrothed made me wonder what happened with him and Ellen. Still I enjoyed the story, can recommend it for my friends that want to break away from the old staid regency and will get more books from Ms. Medeiros.
Lady Sophie Crandle has been attempting to get her betrothed Henry Hearst to kiss her, so comes up with a brilliant plan. Sophie spies a man leaving the crowded room at a masquerade ball. Intending to follow the man out to the garden to receive a long-awaited kiss from her supposed betrothed Henry Sophie is entranced and desires the man that she is kissing. Unfortunately the man is not Henry her betrothed that she is kissing but Henry’s older brother and the earl of Dearbourne Richard.
Really I liked Sophie she was a determined young lady that somewhat follows some of the rules of propriety sure she breaks that by getting Henry or rather Richard to seduce and kiss her in the gardens. I didn’t understand her true family relations with her aunt and wanted a little more explanations of that though. I also wanted to know what she does that sets her apart from her female peers and even why Richard likes her. So I felt that Sophie despite her female lustful cravings for Richard needed a little bit more evolvement. Richard on the other hand might have been described as a rake but I didn’t really see that. He did annoy me though why did it take so long for him to make a decision into marriage when he turned Sophie into a mistress which made me a little peeved. So he wasn’t winning any points with me. Even Henry Sophie’s betrothed made me wonder what happened with him and Ellen. Still I enjoyed the story, can recommend it for my friends that want to break away from the old staid regency and will get more books from Ms. Medeiros.
March 24, 2023
For quick, hot, steamy story you have to reaD this one.
Lady Turner, Aunt Jane takes in her niece , Sophie Crandle, after her parents death. With the scandal her mother caused eloping with a commoner, Aunt Jane does on the stipulation Sophie be the proper prim young lady following Aunt Jane's guidance and choice for husband. Trying to laSt a year until she gets her inheritance, Sophie is surprised to find she likes Aunt Jane's choice of Henry Hearst.
Until she mistakes his brother, Richard Hearst, the Earl of Dearbourne, for Henry. Known for being a rake and scoundrel, Richard sets his sights on her.
Find out how things end in this steamy romance.
Lady Turner, Aunt Jane takes in her niece , Sophie Crandle, after her parents death. With the scandal her mother caused eloping with a commoner, Aunt Jane does on the stipulation Sophie be the proper prim young lady following Aunt Jane's guidance and choice for husband. Trying to laSt a year until she gets her inheritance, Sophie is surprised to find she likes Aunt Jane's choice of Henry Hearst.
Until she mistakes his brother, Richard Hearst, the Earl of Dearbourne, for Henry. Known for being a rake and scoundrel, Richard sets his sights on her.
Find out how things end in this steamy romance.
June 12, 2025
This short novella is the story of Sophie Crandle and Richard Hearst, the Earl of Dearbourne, Sophie is being courted by Henry Hearst, Richard’s brother, and she decides that before she accepts an offer of marriage from Henry she needs to know how she’d feel when he kissed her. An opportunity arises at a masked ball and the kiss is everything she’s hoped for and more, until she realises she’s kissing the wrong brother………..
There’s not much of a plot, but this is a fast paced and well written story with plenty of spice, so worth a read in my opinion.
There’s not much of a plot, but this is a fast paced and well written story with plenty of spice, so worth a read in my opinion.
August 29, 2020
Short and Sweet
I admit this is a very short novella and I wish it was a bit longer at the end so we could see a more developed happily ever after for Sophia but, I don't think the story is lacking any major conclusion.
I admit this is a very short novella and I wish it was a bit longer at the end so we could see a more developed happily ever after for Sophia but, I don't think the story is lacking any major conclusion.
September 19, 2022
This is the first historical romance I listened to it on audiobook. It was a good story. The narrator did sound a bit robotic but other than that it was a juicy read (listen...lol)
September 21, 2022
Listened to the audiobook of this novella. Easy fast read, but rather predictable.
February 19, 2013
Sophie is an heiress seeking respectability who falls for the rakehell Richard after mistakenly kissing him at a masquerade thinking he's the younger brother she's almost betrothed to. Her struggle between propriety and passion form the crux of the story.
A short and un-engaging story. The writing is forced and explanations are given for things one would assume are known to the characters concerned. For example: Richard talking of giving Henry Sommerfield and explaining that it is not entailed - something Henry would have known.
Richard's change in character from a well known rake to a caring brother and lover, is too drastic an about face too early in the story, even considering this is a novellaThe need to elope at the end seems entirely against character, for Richard as an Earl, who in any case would be expected to marry and Sophie is an appropriate candidate. And for Sophie who is betrothed and doesn't even consider her fiance's feelings, social norms or her aunt who has taken her in and expects Sophie to follow norms, and has not been portrayed as anything other than caring (and once, disappointed).
A short and un-engaging story. The writing is forced and explanations are given for things one would assume are known to the characters concerned. For example: Richard talking of giving Henry Sommerfield and explaining that it is not entailed - something Henry would have known.
Richard's change in character from a well known rake to a caring brother and lover, is too drastic an about face too early in the story, even considering this is a novellaThe need to elope at the end seems entirely against character, for Richard as an Earl, who in any case would be expected to marry and Sophie is an appropriate candidate. And for Sophie who is betrothed and doesn't even consider her fiance's feelings, social norms or her aunt who has taken her in and expects Sophie to follow norms, and has not been portrayed as anything other than caring (and once, disappointed).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2014
Suzanna MedeirosSophie wants to kiss her almost fiancé to see if they are compatible in passion. She kisses him at a masquerade and the sparks fly between them. One little problem, she kissed and enjoyed his brother, the Earl. Richard is so in lust with Sophie that he must find a way to get his brother away from her. I enjoy novellas because sometimes I just need to entertain my mind without a 300 page book. Also to see if I like new author. Ms. Medeiros has written great characters, funny situations, great steamy scenes and has made me a new fan. I give this novella 4 fingers up and 7 toes.
historical
January 4, 2019A case of mistaken identity…
During a masked ball, Sophie Crandle’s mask gives her the courage she needs to follow the man she expects will propose to her into the gardens, where she brazenly asks him for the one thing that will tell her if she can accept him—a kiss. And what a kiss it is! Her elation turns to horror, however, when she realizes she is kissing the wrong man. The man who has awakened her desire is not the man who is courting her, but his brother, the Earl of Dearbourne. A notorious rake, he is more likely to ruin Sophie than provide her with the social acceptance she needs.
A woman he should not pursue…
Richard Hearst, the Earl of Dearbourne, receives the shock of his life when he discovers the beautiful woman falling apart in his arms thinks she is kissing someone else. He is determined to claim her for himself…even if the man she is meant for is his brother.
During a masked ball, Sophie Crandle’s mask gives her the courage she needs to follow the man she expects will propose to her into the gardens, where she brazenly asks him for the one thing that will tell her if she can accept him—a kiss. And what a kiss it is! Her elation turns to horror, however, when she realizes she is kissing the wrong man. The man who has awakened her desire is not the man who is courting her, but his brother, the Earl of Dearbourne. A notorious rake, he is more likely to ruin Sophie than provide her with the social acceptance she needs.
A woman he should not pursue…
Richard Hearst, the Earl of Dearbourne, receives the shock of his life when he discovers the beautiful woman falling apart in his arms thinks she is kissing someone else. He is determined to claim her for himself…even if the man she is meant for is his brother.
October 12, 2013
A girl is about to get a proposal and wants to test if she will enjoy their marriage bed. And to get he groom-to-be she sneaks out of masquerade ball room and asks him to kiss her in a maze. Unfortunately, or fortunately, it turns out that she kisses a brother of her intended and after that everything goes to hell. Very fast paced short story.
March 24, 2013
Such a short story, hard to write a real review.
November 19, 2016
Re-read this. I can see why it's only a 3* from me. It's a lovely story with sexy bits, but it felt like the ending just cut off suddenly. I was quite surprised when there were no more pages.
December 2, 2014
Very good read
I love this author. She brings the story to life . Dear Stranger was a fast paced and interesting read.
I love this author. She brings the story to life . Dear Stranger was a fast paced and interesting read.
March 16, 2015
Such a sweet and realistic story that brings the characters and your own feelings forward.
A fantastic short read!
A fantastic short read!
April 30, 2017
Rated 3.5
December 30, 2017
I really enjoyed Sophia and Richard's story! Mistaken identity leads to true love. What more can you ask for?
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews