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Dukes for Christmas #2

An Ember for a Duke

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Dreams of love are not meant for a lady’s maids. Until an acting fairy godmother, an annual masquerade, and a lost reticule lead to a life changing kiss. But will the mystery kisser ever find her?

Adeline has no family to speak of but is content working as a lady’s maid for a loving duchess. It’s not everything her heart wants, but she should be happy with enough, right? And it’s enough to do her job and make custom ordered reticules on the side. What will it take to open her heart to love and open her eyes to dream?

Luke, Duke of Stonecastle, and his family have been in mourning since their dear grandmother passed away. But this Christmas it’s time for joy, hope, and love. The plan is to host the annual masquerade ball that found both his mother and grandmother true love.

If only he can find the magically magnetic mistletoe woman… with the kindest heart and the softest, sweetest lips he has ever tasted.

An Ember for a Duke is the second novella in the steamy regency romance series: Dukes for Christmas Fairytales.

Read An Ember for a Duke to be reminded that everyone deserves love.

95 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 12, 2023

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About the author

Eliana Piers

57 books219 followers
What makes people fall in love? Why do two people end up together? Every love story is unique and that's what I love to write.


Eliana Piers has been writing and singing stories since she was five years old. After feeling inspired by authors like Julia Quinn, Tessa Dare, and Minerva Spencer, Eliana decided to test her quill on the page.


Writing about love and how two people come to connect and share parts of their souls with each other is now an obsession.


Eliana lives in Canada where she drinks ice caps every day.

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5 stars
33 (48%)
4 stars
21 (30%)
3 stars
9 (13%)
2 stars
4 (5%)
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1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Becky (romantic_pursuing_feels).
1,388 reviews1,920 followers
November 2, 2023
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers

Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋 (The one scene was very light and pretty vague)
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥
Humor: Yes
Perspective: Third person from both hero and heroine
When mains are first on page together: Pretty soon in is first appearance (chapter 1)
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: No
Format: voluntarily read an advanced reader copy from the author in e-book form
(Descriptions found at end of my review)

Should I read in order?
This one has a lot of characters mentioned from the Good Dukes series if you wanted to read that first, but I don’t think it’s totally necessary.

Basic plot:
After a mysterious mistletoe kiss, a duke uses a dropped reticule to search for her identity

Give this a try if you want:
- Regency (1816)
- Christmas time novel
- fairy tale retelling – Cinderella
- masquerade
- a dropped reticule instead of a glass slipper
- instalove
- class difference
- novella length
- lower steam – 1 scene which is pretty average for a novella but it’s on the light side.

First line:
Miss Adeline Zachary was alone in the world.

My thoughts:
I am sad I can’t say I love this one! And I’ll admit Cinderella isn’t a favorite fairy tale for me.

There were some parts I liked, and I loved the whole Christmas house party going on. But I thought the humor wasn’t as strong in this one as some of her other books. I didn’t like that the hero felt he was possibly going after two women and went as far as he did being unsure...the instalove was strong in this one so there wasn’t as much tension for me.

There were a few paragraphs where the perspectives jumped really fast, and I had to reread to see if we were in hero or heroine POV. I think this one just needs a bit more polish. Still for a quick and fun winter romp I think this will satisfy that itch.

Quotes/spoiler-y thoughts:Any mistakes/typos are my own


Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.


Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:


Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
Profile Image for Rainelle.
2,296 reviews133 followers
October 8, 2023
Another awesome and beautiful Christmas read from this writer. Who can’t help but cheer for Luke and Adeline except for everyone who loves being in love. The story was very entertaining for me. I loved the romance mainly. The characters challenged the realism of the story and provided a book worth the read for that quick read during your travels. Until next time my fellow readers. Read on! I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Profile Image for Hailey Barger.
299 reviews5 followers
October 8, 2023
THIS BOOK! I LOVED IT! It exceeded all of my expectations for a holiday story and a novella. I wish I could get more because of loving the main characters so much not because Eliana Piers didn't give plenty of story in this short novella. I didn't think I could love an Eliana Piers book or novella more than Margaret and Jonathan's story Good Duke Gone Hard because of it being a brother's best friend trope and that being one of my favorites but An Ember for a Duke is now my favorite story. Our MMC is Luke and he gives hopeless romantic. A lot of time in historical romances the MMC doesn't want to marry for love, just out of duty because they just need a wife and an heir and a spare...not Luke. And our MFC, Adeline isn't quite like other MFCs in other historical romances either.

This novella was refreshing and I didn't want to put it down at all! It's a quick and easy read and it helped me out of a reading slump. I HIGHLY recommend that you read this book. It can be read as an interconnected standalone but I recommend reading The Good Dukes series first just so you know some of the supporting characters and their stories to lead up to this novella.
Profile Image for Fanosse23.
844 reviews
October 10, 2023
I am enjoying this Dukes for Christmas Fairytales series by Eliana Piers. In this second book, she gives us a Cinderella fairytale version involving a maid and a Duke.

They meet at a masquerade ball, share a kiss under the mistletoe, have fun making snowmen and snow angels, she makes him laugh again. You will love Adeline and Luke’s story, he is absolutely perfect, sweet, caring, romantic and doesn’t care that Adeline is a maid. Is there anything better than that?

I can’t wait to see what Christmas magic Elaina Piers gives us in her next book in this enjoyable, beautifully written romantic series.

I received an ARC copy of this book from the author for my honest review.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
1,059 reviews
October 11, 2023
I’ve enjoyed every single book by this author.. this one? NO DIFFERENT SO GOOD! I enjoyed the BATB retelling more because it is my favorite but this Cinderella retelling is one of my favorites! Luke and Adeline’s story was just 😭😍🥰
I received this ARC for an honest review.
Profile Image for Majo.
392 reviews139 followers
December 28, 2025
Esta vez tenemos un retelling de cenicienta, igual de irreal que el anterior. Lleno de conveniencias e insta love, pero se perdona por el toque irreal qué tiene la serie.
Profile Image for Karmen O.
344 reviews23 followers
October 8, 2023
Adelaide is a talented, kind ladies maid to an equally lovely employer. While accompanying the family on a trip to a masquerade ball at an estate in the English countryside, she anticipates another quiet holiday. Her employer seems to have other plans in mind for Adelaide.

And the Duke of Stonecastle was not what either of them had been expecting.

All this and much more in: "An Ember for a Duke" by Eliana Piers, book two of the Dukes for Christmas novella series.
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Title: "An Ember for a Duke" by Eliana Piers, book two of the Dukes for Christmas novella series.
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Cover rating: 5/5
Story Rating: 3.25/5
Steam Rating: 🔥 (+steamy kissing)- novella
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England, 1816
Kindly Ladies Maid
Cinnamon Roll Duke
Christmas Time
Masquerade Ball
Matchmaking Vibes
House Party
Class Difference
Cinderella Retelling
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"Ember" is Piers's take on Cinderella's story and not simply a class difference troupe. I was interested to see how this story would unfold without being a simple regurgitation of the class. I am pleased to inform you, dear reader, that this was a creative and entertaining take on the classic. While retaining some of the typical Cinderella elements, Piers was able to remove some of the more traumatic elements and keep things lighthearted. This is, after all, a Christmas novella. For me, Christmas novellas should be a tad bit far-fetched and somehow magical. Piers achieved both of my expected elements with "Ember."
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As for steam, "Ember" is a bit light on the steam when compared to the first title in this series. However, I feel that one steam scene for a novella is acceptable, and what I generally expect- anything else is pure bonus. Piers's steam remains more detailed in the events before the "unificative action" between characters with lesser details of the actual act. Personally, I do not care either way as long as we have some steamy details!
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A remark I have given about Pier's writing style is my indifference towards her dialog between characters. I am so pleased to report that "Ember" sports notably stronger writing in this area. She has included far more details as to 5 actions and inner thinking of characters. This helped me to immerse myself more deeply into the plot. While I would have liked to see the story, overall, a bit more fleshed out over perhaps another 20 pages, this was a quick and cute Christmas read.
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Read as an ARC reader. Review is honest and voluntary.
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Content Warning (may contain spoilers):
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Bu*lying (not between MCs)
Mild injury (not by MCs)
Profile Image for Ruth.
348 reviews3 followers
October 10, 2023
Miss Adeline Zachary was an orphan she has been happy being a ladies maid to Margaret Duchess of Somersby, She was treated by Margaret and her husband very well. They were on their way to Glass House for a Christmas party.

They arrived at Glass House and while Adeline was getting out of the carriage she fell face first into the snow. She was helped up by a gentlemen which turned out to be the Luke the Duke of Stonecastle, but he never seen her face.

It was the night of the masquerade ball and Margaret insist that Adeline go since she was under the weather. Told her if she couldn’t be Cinderella then be the Ember. Luke was at the ball and too many determined mothers he just needed a break. He slipped out the door and found a crawling baby. He walked in the room and see a lady fixing his mother’s hem.

He waited in the hall hoping she would return this way to the ball. He asked about the baby and she said not mine, no husband, he said I must kiss you. She told him their was no need to kiss her, he showed her the mistletoe by the door. He asked again and she said yes. He said he must know her name, but Luke was called away. Adeline realized that she lost her reticule.

Adeline followed behind Luke and Margaret to where they were going to build the snowman. Margaret decided Adeline had to take over for her and left the area. They were placing the snowballs on top of each other when Luke was called away. He told Adeline to wait for him and she waited. While waiting she added twigs in shape of a heart. She went and made a snow angle, and Luke did too.

To the mystery of who the lady under the mistletoe that he kissed. Wasn’t until they won the snowman and he found out she was the person who lost her reticule, She also told him she was the lady he helped in the snow pile. The duke asked the lady maid to marry him. Love works in mysterious ways.
Profile Image for Nanna.
1,336 reviews6 followers
October 10, 2023
What a fun read. This is the second book in this series, and both are short, quick reads. They are perfect for reading at lunch, or anytime you have a moment and need a smile. Luke, the duke of Stone castle is hosting a masquerade party at Christmas in hopes of helping his family after the death of their beloved Grandmother. The masquerade party has a special meaning for the family as it was at one that both his parents and grandparents both met and fell in love. He would love to do the same. Adeline Zachary would be homeless if not for the kindness of others. She has been the lady's maid for Mary, Bella and Margaret. All have gone on to become Duchess! She now works for Margaret and her family. She is looking forward to the Christmas events at Glass Hall. She is shocked when they arrive, she falls into a snowbank only to be laughed at by one of the guests. Then is saved by the most handsome man she has ever seen. Surly he knew she was a servant? When Margaret tells her to go to the ball and enjoy herself, she is shocked to go by herself. Oh, my now what could happen at a masked ball when two people from different worlds are attracted to each other?? Adeline gets her first kiss from a stranger. I didn’t feel this was so much a Cinderella story as one about class difference. I loved the way the villain was handled. So much fun to read. For a short story it had a lot going on, Chaucey the butler and his strange behavior, some misunderstanding and a wonderful snow man. This is a steamy read for those who would like to know. Don’t miss either of these two books, they are great. I don’t usually read short stories but I’m glad I gave these a chance. I received an ARC from the author and would like to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.
1,764 reviews23 followers
October 9, 2023
Fabulous story. What an exceptionally well written, full of love, fun, action, drama, light steam, fast paced novella. Luke , the Duke , is hoping to keep his grandmothers love of the holidays alive by giving a Christmas masquerade ball. He hopes to look and find someone very much like his grandparents and parents, who married for love. He first meets Adeline as she falls face first in the snow pile helping her up , then under the mistletoe , where he kisses her. Extremely delicious, has lots of fun for all who are at this party. Wonderful characters, both bad and good, some trying to interfere with Luke matching up with Adeline. Adeline is a Lady's maid , who was asked to accompany her Duchess for the Christmas party. Luke also has a Lady who want to stop him from noticing Adeline and tries to come between them every chance she gets. Luke and Adeline share a few kisses and both know that they should be together. Does have a few lightly steamy scenes between them. Glad to read their story and can't wait to read the next one. Dreams do come true , Thank you for this story. This outstanding author has written a great novella. Would strongly recommend to everyone.
I am an ARC and leave this unbiased, honest review.
Profile Image for Matteja LV .
716 reviews27 followers
October 10, 2023
"She was anonymous. She could be an ember. She could damn well be Cinderella."

📖 An ember for a duke, Eliana Piers

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The season of Christmas books has begun! This time, a short story about a maid who gets opportunity to enjoy with the other guests at a masquerade dance, where she charms the duke and they share a kiss... then runs off before he recognizes her. And at the dance she loses her... something else, not a shoe. Dare to guess what?

Cute and short story, I was not disturbed by the instant falling in love, because the author knew how to present several short meetings between them, which were all special and romantic.

And I love the fact that we have working girl as a heroine! I would love to know how it worked out for her. Them! Really romantic scenes and nice read for christmas time!

I received ARC copy from author, all opinions are my own!

And! I love this cover!
Profile Image for Reading Adventures.
1,045 reviews9 followers
November 27, 2023
Just in time for Christmas the second book in the Dukes for Christmas Fairytales. In these wonderful fairy tale retellings you will get that perfect little twist to that classic fairy tale you have always loved. So amazing. With characters full of charisma and qualities you can’t help but love the writing of Eliana Piers. IN this story the lady’s maid Adeline is alone in the world, except the caring family that she works for. Luke, who is the DUke of Stonecastle, is trying to stay positive for his family for the holidays after losing their grandmother. The annual masquerade ball is where all the magic happens and he hopes it will happen again. This is such a fun twist on Cinderella and imagined in a whole new and fun way. In the historical setting and captivating situation you will be drawn in from the moment you begin. You are going to love the humor and add in the passion all mixed with a fairytale for Christmas who can resist. Enjoy this adventure. Don't forget there is another book in this series.
Profile Image for Janet.
5,480 reviews66 followers
October 8, 2023
Adeline has no family to speak of but is content working as a lady’s maid for a loving duchess and it’s enough to do her job and make custom ordered reticules, which have proven popular with the ton. Luke, Duke of Stonecastle, and his family have been in mourning since their dear grandmother passed away. But this Christmas it’s time for joy, hope, and love. The plan is to host the annual masquerade ball that found both his mother and grandmother true love.
An easy to read charming novella, Luke & Adeline were a delight & the chemistry between them sizzled but not everyone is pleased that Luke’s eye has turned to Adeline. With a masquerade ball, building a snowman, snow angels & a stolen kiss under the mistletoe this is a delicious seasonal story
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
533 reviews6 followers
October 10, 2023
I finished my ARC of An Ember for a Duke in about an hour and a half. I think the writing in this book is my favorite so far from Eliana Piers. I like her storytelling. It was such a heartwarming story about a lady’s maid who gets kissed by a duke under the mistletoe at a Christmas masquerade. Then, the chase is on! I loved all the sweet moments and traditions that were all throughout the book. My only qualm is that it was so short. I found that I wanted to know and see more about this couple and how things progressed for them. I usually don’t care for insta-love, but there’s really not a good way around it when you are retelling Cinderella and in such a short amount of time. Alas, such is the curse that goes along with all the blessings of a novella. For a scrumptious and sweet Christmas romance, read this book!
I can’t wait to read the next installment!!!
1,148 reviews5 followers
November 24, 2023
Short and sweet - the Duke and a ladies maid.

Luke is a Duke. His mother and sisters and him have been in mourning for the last year since his grandmother died. Now they are hosting a Christmas house party to bring some happiness back in their lives and to honor his grandmother. Adeline is a ladies maid to a Duchess. She is alone in life except for her employer who is also her friend. When they arrive at the location for the party, she is immediately met by the Duke who picks her up from her fall in the snow. They both felt a physical connection at the touch. Even though they are of different stations they seem to be thrown into situations that bring them together over and over again. A masquerade ball, a snowman building contest, a secret hideaway, a missing reticule, a conniving lady, and fate lead them to the HEA.
Profile Image for Sonia.
693 reviews16 followers
October 9, 2023
This was a cute little Cinderella story that took place in a duke's home at Christmas time. Even though there were people all around, Adeline was lonely. As a lady's maid, she had no family of her own. However, being in the employ of a kind duchess, she considered herself fortunate. For the holiday, Adeline traveled with the family to a grand house party which was hosted by a handsome duke. Her employer strongly encouraged Adeline to enjoy the festivities even though she was just a lowly servant. Then, on the night of a masked ball, Adeline met the man of her dreams under the mistletoe. This quick read was a sweet tale of insta-love with a duke.
I received a free ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Marion Löw.
980 reviews16 followers
October 11, 2023
What a charming interpretation of „Cinderella“!

As always I love Eliana Piers‘ writing style, I simply adore her playful way with words and text styles!

And once again, the characters and the storyline are related to her „Good Duke Gone“ series which I immensely enjoyed and which gives me the opportunity to encounter again the heroes and heroines from her previous books.

If you like heartwarming insta love novellas with witty banters, steamy passion and very likable characters, you will love Adeline and Luke‘s fairytale story!

This book is part the Dukes for Christmas Fairytale series but can certainly be read as standalone.
674 reviews3 followers
October 22, 2023
Adeline has decided she will be happy with her life as a lady's maid, espcially since the duchess treat her so well and inludes in almost like family. Arriving at a the home of the Duke of Stonecastle, Adeline finds herself face down in the snow as she steps down from the carriage only to have a very kind and handsome man remove the snow from her face. She is inspired to find out who he is. Adeline is talked into attending a masqurade ball at theDuke's home home they are visiting. When she is kissed under the mistletoe, she longs to know who that man was. Can a lady's maid really be like Cinderalla and find her prince charming? You will need to read this story to find out.
458 reviews8 followers
October 9, 2023
Entertaining Christmas novella

This book is a charming fairy tale. Adeline and Luke, the two main characters, are adorable. From their first meeting, we feel the chemistry between Adeline and Luke. The winter setting of this book piqued my interest. The descriptions of winter activities, as well as the exchanges they spark between Luke and Adeline, are quite entertaining. This novella is a very refreshing romance. It was a pleasure to read this fairy tale.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for CATHERINE  BURHANS .
865 reviews9 followers
October 15, 2023
This is a wonderful little Cinderella story, in which a sweet ladies maid, Adeline, gets the opportunity to attend a masquerade ball and fall in love with the handsome Duke! Luke is the dashing, kind hearted Duke, who is immediately smitten by her. Instead of a glass slipper, Adeline loses her homemade reticule, which a conniving party goer tries to claim as her own. But like all good fairytales, the poor maiden wins her Prince Charming, and they live happily ever after! A fun Christmas short story!
Profile Image for Margaret.
3,419 reviews33 followers
November 2, 2023
Miss Adeline Zachary is a ladies maid to Margaret, the Duchess of Somersby, but the duchess has always treated her as an equal.
Luke, the Duke of Stonecastle, doesn't care about anyone's station. He believes people should be treated the same. A fall head first in the snow, a kiss under the mistletoe at a masquerade ball, Luke is smitten, but who is the lady? A snowman with a heart and two people fall in love. Very short, sweet and romantic.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book gifted by the author.
Profile Image for Historical romance nerd.
65 reviews4 followers
November 30, 2023
This was adorable. I love fairytale inspired romance, and Cinderella is one of my faves. So this one really hit the mark for me. The instant connection also works for me in a fairytale setting, so this was perfection!

Duke Luke falls for lady's maid Adeline, and the whole thing was just delightful. Instead of evil stepsisters, we had an evil lady who wanted the duke for herself and a meddling butler. I appreciated this spin on things.

I loved all the snow shenanigans so much!

Just totally adorbs! Read it for the holiday feel-good vibes!
Profile Image for Gylene.
290 reviews5 followers
October 9, 2023
Adeline and Luke's story was very fun and entertaining!! Adeline is a lady's maid with no family. Luke is the Duke of Stonecastle hosting a Christmas house party to bring happiness to his family since they are no longer in mourning. The two met at the masquerade party and didn't know who each other are at first. I loved how they discovered who each other were and how they both fell in love. Cinderella is one of my favorite fairytales and this book did not disappoint!!
Profile Image for Aj.
2,600 reviews
October 7, 2023
A lovely 'Cinderella retelling' Christmas regency romance. I am falling in love with this novella series, Dukes for Christmas Fairytales. This story encompasses that love is for everyone and dreams do come true - a true romance at heart. I loved Luke and Adeline, and how they get to know each other and their chance at love is always meant to be.
2,819 reviews55 followers
October 7, 2023
This was a fresh and different take on Cinderella, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I liked that Luke isn't the typical class conscious man of that time period. The instant attraction and his natural kindness was very welcoming to read. The mean girls were a good nod to the jealous, vile step sisters , and the best part declarations of love to each other! A sweet fairytale ending.
Profile Image for Liz Ranne.
1,314 reviews29 followers
October 10, 2023
I loved this book! Luke & Adeline are so great together! This is the perfect Christmas story, it's so good! They fight to be together, although when they first meet, it's a case of mistaken identity. This book has it all, it's a short read & has snowmen building contests, mistletoe everywhere! I loved this book! Highly recommend this book & author!
Profile Image for Amanda books_ergo_sum.
677 reviews93 followers
December 31, 2023
This was super sweet! Just a lighthearted holiday Cinderella retelling. The two MCs were really wholesome. There were some festive activities. A masquerade. The angst was close to zero. And the plot zipped along—it’s only 87 pages.

If you’re craving something Hallmark-y, read this. You’re welcome.

I received this as an arc and the these thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Carolyn Meredith.
787 reviews9 followers
October 10, 2023
I loved Adeline and Luke’s story, it was so much fun. This novella is well written. It includes a mean girl and butler which end up not causing too much trouble for the couple. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Lisa C.
1,139 reviews22 followers
October 12, 2023
Wonderful story of Luke, the Duke of Stonecastle and Adeline, a lady's maid. Meeting at a Christmas house party, the attraction is perfect. Loved these characters. Novella length but complete story. Great quick Christmas read.
Profile Image for Sophia Hill.
103 reviews4 followers
November 14, 2023
Love Regency masquerade balls! You can't help but cheer Adeline and Luke on during this quick fun read. This had me smiling throughout with how sweet it is. A great holiday read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews