Lord Pierce Devonmont has delighted Ms. Jeffries' fans with his roguish ways in TheHellions of Halstead Hall Series and finally this is his story. After receiving a message from his mother's paid companion Camilla Stuart, Pierce rushes home, despite their years of estrangement, convinced that his mother is at death's door. Upon his arrival he's more than shocked to learn that his mother is not only healthy but elated to see him. Her true joy at his appearance doesn't match the same woman who coldly rejected him throughout his youth, but Pierce has been too hurt to forgive so easily.

Camilla will do anything to make Lady Devonmont happy because the dear lady has allowed Camilla to keep her son Jasper with her at Montcliff when many refused to even hire her because of the boy, and Lady Devonmont's estrangement with Pierce is something Camilla feels like she can fix if only the man would stay at Montcliff long enough to see how much he is loved. Camilla and Pierce reach an arrangement that proves very tempting for the widow. For every time Pierce stays for dinner with his mother, Camilla will entertain him in his bedchamber that night in whatever manner he finds pleasing.

I love Christmas romances and Sabrina Jeffries and this book didn't disappoint. 'TWAS THE NIGHT AFTER CHRISTMAS brought the Christmas spirit to life with wonderful characters, humor, and a great romance. I loved how the relationship between Camilla and Pierce didn't fall into a cliché. Without giving away any spoilers, the entertainment Pierce selects each night is varied and often quite humorous. Their romance is at turns sexy and bittersweet, but their surprising reactions to each is one of the best parts of the story.

Pierce is a hero who's still controlled by his past and because of this he's living a life without hope or love. For him to find either, he needs to forgive his mother, but that is hard to do when she refuses to give him any answers. Camilla is also branded by her past but it's her optimism (notice I did not say perky) and her ability to find joy where she can that make her so likable. She doesn't complain about the circumstances of her life, but makes the best of what she has and constantly strives to make life for those around her better as well. She's a strong, nurturing character and I really liked her.

Jasper, Camilla's son, is also a favorite character. Children are exceedingly difficult to write convincingly but Ms. Jeffries captured the childhood joy and language perfectly and I particularly loved his obsession with the poem 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. The history of the poem and our current holiday traditions was beautifully worked into the story and added to the magical feel of the season.

'TWAS THE NIGHT AFTER CHRISTMAS is a perfect book to bring a smile, a romantic sigh, and an affirmation that anything is possible during Christmas.