Reviews with content warning for Death - In Which Matilda Halifax Learns the Value of Restraint

I was expecting this to be, I dunno, more focused on BDSM but it was a bit tame? Then again this is a novella

Super hyped for Vasti's debut though 😌 and Spencer's book!!!

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overflowingshelf's review

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emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

CW: BDSM elements (spanking/restraints); references to sexual assault; infidelity; death of a spouse

If there were a perfect novella, In Which Matilda Halifax Learns the Value of Restraint would be it (and I am tough on novellas, so that is high praise!). I loved this one so much as everything from the romance to the characters captured my heart. I could seriously read a whole book about Christian and Matilda. I loved them so much!

Matilda Halifax and her twin sister have always been the most scandalous ladies in London. But by accidentally selling erotic drawings of the notorious, brooding Marquess of Ashford, she may have ended up over her head. Since Christian de Bord, Lord Ashford, was accused of murdering his wife, he’s withdrawn from society and determined to protect his younger sister Bea from the gossip. But when his face appears in a salacious pamphlet, he’s thrust back into the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Matilda is determined to make things right, even if that means stepping in as Bea’s new painting teacher and being stuck in a carriage with Christian and his scowls for days on end. But it takes a Halifax Hellion to turn Christian’s life upside down and show him that love may be worth the risk.

Hello, Christian, my new book boyfriend. My god, I loved this man from the moment he showed up on the page. This poor, broken man needs love so much. Everyone thinks he’s a monster, but he’s a man that’s been hurt badly by someone close to him. I liked that he has a wicked side and isn’t ashamed of it. He also clearly cares deeply for his sister, even if he doesn’t know how to express it adequately. Watching him go soft around Matilda was my favorite as he tries to be so gruff and tough, but he cannot say no to Matilda no matter how much he thinks he should.

If I had to choose a Halifax Hellion to be friends with, I would choose Matilda. I connected with her instantly (and maybe I loved her a little more as she’s a vegetarian like me). She feels quieter and more reserved than her sister, and she’s incredibly empathetic as she puts others before herself. But she’s also bold, courageous, and confident. She’s very emotionally complex, and I loved that about her.

The romance in this novella is absolute fire and my favorite part. From Matilda and Christian’s first meeting, the chemistry is there, and the sparks jump off the page whenever they’re around each other. I loved watching them circle each other and struggle to fight the feelings that were bubbling to the surface. This was the perfect age-gap romance for me as I liked that Christian was a bit older in their relationship and appreciated that the power dynamics were very balanced. I also adored Vasti’s spin on the only one-bed trope involving a very pissed-off wet cat named Angelica Kauffman (a true scene stealer).

Also, this book was so SEXY. I think this might be the sexiest novella I’ve ever read, as Vasti definitely one-upped herself with the sex scenes in this. For a novella that is less than 200 pages, it gives us multiple sexy scenes, including some with light bondage, that deliver the heat!

I truly adore Vasti’s writing style, as her character have such distinct voices they feel like they jump off the page. The dual POV helped ratchet up the sexual tension and move the story along. I also loved how Vasti weaves humor into her stories. Both with this novella and Margo’s novella, I found myself giggling at a witty turn of phrase and a funny situation her characters would get into.

I could go on and on about this novella, which is impressive as it’s only around 150 pages! I definitely think this is one of my favorite books I’ve read so far this year, and I cannot wait to check out Vasti’s debut novel Ne’er Duke Well coming out from St. Martin’s Press in 2024.

If you’re looking for a sexy, romantic historical romance, In Which Matilda Halifax Learns the Value of Restraint is the perfect story. Oh, and did I mention it’s FREE? All you have to do is sign up for Alexandra’s newsletter, and you’ll get this novella along with In Which Margo Halifax Earns Her Shocking Reputation. Sign up here: https://www.alexandravasti.com/

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sydapel's review

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emotional lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.75

unlike the first one, I think this could have merited a full length novel. Everything felt a little too rushed and forced unfortunately. I'm still really excited about this author though, and can't wait for her debut novel in 2024!

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wilybooklover's review

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emotional lighthearted medium-paced

3.0

I enjoyed this, but not as much as Margo's book.

Surprisingly, it wasn't the age gap that bothered me like I thought it would, but rather the hero's hot-cold 'I am not worthy' routine that got a bit old. Buuut he was secretly very sweet to both Matilda and his sister, so... I liked him in the end. There wasn't as much BDSM activity as I expected based on the hints in the previous novella but it was still very hot.

I also wish the twins had had some sort of on-page reconciliation. I'm assuming that they did, at some point in the future, but the story ends quite abruptly and there is no epilogue.

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ameliabee33's review

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adventurous funny lighthearted tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

🔥🔥🔥/5

An absolute SNACK of a book! A gem! I ate it tf up! The Halifax Hellions are girls that say "fuck you" to society and I am here for it. Earlier his year I read Margo's book, so I was very excited to read Matilda's companion novel. This gives us Matilda's pov and context as to why she ran away with Lord Ashford.

Matilda accidentally caused scandal for Lord Ashford and his family, and she is determined to help him. When she decides to be Ashford s sister's painting tutor, Matilda semi-forcibly convinces Ashford to take her to his estate and pose as a couple on the way there. Obviously, the logical cover to this scandalous decision is to tell everyone that they ran away to get married. Obviously.

Things I LOVED:
▪︎ "my/his wife" energy while they were on the road (I counted 5x and 1 "Good girl" which also belongs on this list because jfc why wouldn't it)
▪︎the emphasis on safety and control in the BDSM scenes
▪︎how Ashford will literally just do whatever Matilda asks of him because he is WHIPPED
▪︎ the depth of Matilda's character- a painter!!! Genuinely wants to do good!!! Has taken on the role of the protector, a god and victim complex at the same time (like the eldest daughter)
▪︎celestial attributes
▪︎how Ashford would literally do anything for his sister Bea 😭 he has a nickname for her "little bee"

Erotic drawings in pamphlets, forced proximity in carriage rides, only one bed, a pesky cat, family, emotionally stunted men, dramatic riding out into the rain to save someone from danger- this book is a delight! I enjoyed the other side of the story, as compared to the first book, and Matilda did not disappoint! The Halifax Hellions are a great historical romance read and I cannot reccomend them enough 💕

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the_reader_reads_stuff's review

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Just lovely!
The opening two chapters are hilarious.

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unsuccessfulbookclub's review

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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