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12 Dukes of Christmas #7
The Duke's Embrace
Unpaid and under-appreciated journalist Miss Eve Shelling never goes anywhere without a trusty notebook and her overprotective Duenna—who happens to be a bullmastiff. Eve learned the hard way that men are not to be trusted. She’s definitely not falling head-over-heels for the deceptively charming subject of her front-page column.
Local blacksmith Monsieur Sébastien le Duc is the pillar of his community—when he’s not pillaging elsewhere. He’s a rakish dandy with a heart of stolen gold and two teeny tiny secrets. One happens to be a wee international smuggling operation. The other involves losing his heart to an ambitious journalist determined to expose the truth at any cost…
Local blacksmith Monsieur Sébastien le Duc is the pillar of his community—when he’s not pillaging elsewhere. He’s a rakish dandy with a heart of stolen gold and two teeny tiny secrets. One happens to be a wee international smuggling operation. The other involves losing his heart to an ambitious journalist determined to expose the truth at any cost…
Audiobook
First published December 3, 2019
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About the author
Erica Ridley
133 books2,204 followersGet freebies and 99¢ deals at: https://ridley.vip
Erica Ridley is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of historical romance novels, including THE DUKE HEIST, featuring the Wild Wynchesters. Why seduce a duke the normal way, when you can accidentally kidnap one in an elaborately planned heist?
In the 12 Dukes of Christmas series, enjoy witty, heartwarming Regency romps nestled in a picturesque snow-covered village. After all, nothing heats up a winter night quite like finding oneself in the arms of a duke!
Two popular series, the Dukes of War and Rogues to Riches, feature roguish peers and dashing war heroes who find love amongst the splendor and madness of Regency England.
When not reading or writing romances, Erica can be found eating couscous in Morocco, zip-lining through rainforests in Costa Rica, or getting hopelessly lost in the middle of Budapest.
Erica Ridley is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of historical romance novels, including THE DUKE HEIST, featuring the Wild Wynchesters. Why seduce a duke the normal way, when you can accidentally kidnap one in an elaborately planned heist?
In the 12 Dukes of Christmas series, enjoy witty, heartwarming Regency romps nestled in a picturesque snow-covered village. After all, nothing heats up a winter night quite like finding oneself in the arms of a duke!
Two popular series, the Dukes of War and Rogues to Riches, feature roguish peers and dashing war heroes who find love amongst the splendor and madness of Regency England.
When not reading or writing romances, Erica can be found eating couscous in Morocco, zip-lining through rainforests in Costa Rica, or getting hopelessly lost in the middle of Budapest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews
December 3, 2019
She wanted to follow her dreams and she was willing to work hard for them. All Eve wanted was the opportunity to prove her worth as a journalist, an adult of worth, a nearly impossible dream, even though her father owned the newspaper and never forgot her one huge misstep in the romance department. Now she has her chance, or so she thinks when she begins to write a front page story of the upstanding blacksmith, Sebastien le Duc and his family.
What she discovers is that the handsome Frenchman has another, much more nefarious career, contraband smuggler. Too bad she couldn’t have discovered that before he smuggled away her heart. Now she must choose between the man she loves and printing the truth, which would surely ruin him. Does she follow her dream or her heart? Could there be more to Sebastien’s story than meets the eye?
THE DUKE’S EMBRACE by Erica Ridley is a tale of choices, of taking a chance and of finding what is truly important in life. Once again, Ms. Ridley builds a romance when one least expects it around two likable and strong characters in the charming village of Cressmouth where anything can happen and love is just around the corner. Sweet, sometimes humorous and always entrancing, this author’s writing will take readers back in time to an era when choices were not always an option, but another woman ahead of her time dares to defy the “rules” but can she defy her heart?
I was invited to receive a complimentary ARC edition from WebMotion. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Series: 12 Dukes of Christmas - Book 7
Publisher: WebMotion (December 3, 2019)
Publication Date: December 3, 2019
Genre: Historical Romance
Print Length: 204 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
What she discovers is that the handsome Frenchman has another, much more nefarious career, contraband smuggler. Too bad she couldn’t have discovered that before he smuggled away her heart. Now she must choose between the man she loves and printing the truth, which would surely ruin him. Does she follow her dream or her heart? Could there be more to Sebastien’s story than meets the eye?
THE DUKE’S EMBRACE by Erica Ridley is a tale of choices, of taking a chance and of finding what is truly important in life. Once again, Ms. Ridley builds a romance when one least expects it around two likable and strong characters in the charming village of Cressmouth where anything can happen and love is just around the corner. Sweet, sometimes humorous and always entrancing, this author’s writing will take readers back in time to an era when choices were not always an option, but another woman ahead of her time dares to defy the “rules” but can she defy her heart?
I was invited to receive a complimentary ARC edition from WebMotion. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Series: 12 Dukes of Christmas - Book 7
Publisher: WebMotion (December 3, 2019)
Publication Date: December 3, 2019
Genre: Historical Romance
Print Length: 204 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
December 15, 2023
A fun holiday romance novella! Miss Eve Shelling longs to be a serious journalist, but her father only wants trite and repetitive Christmas articles in the paper they publish. She's determined to bring something fresh and decides to write about the le Duc family, in exile from France and working as blacksmiths. But things heat up with Sebastien- one of the brothers... This was delightful and perfect if you want something short, a bit spicy, and festive. The audio narrator isn't my favorite but she's fine. I received an audio review copy of this for review via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
December 29, 2023
I listened to this short audiobook whilst preparing Christmas Eve dinner. At under 4 hrs listening time it's perfect for listening whilst doing chores.
Even though its a novella it still has a substantial storyline, 2 French aristocratic brothers having fled the French revolution 20yrs earlier long to go back to France from England. They plan on selling the 'smithy' and return at Christmas time. When Eve a local journalist decides to write an article about them for the local gazette sparks fly between Eve and the younger brother Bastion threatening their plans for a return to France.
Is nice enough story, unfortunately I did not develop and of the 'feels' with this one not sure why.
A nice enough short listen though.
Even though its a novella it still has a substantial storyline, 2 French aristocratic brothers having fled the French revolution 20yrs earlier long to go back to France from England. They plan on selling the 'smithy' and return at Christmas time. When Eve a local journalist decides to write an article about them for the local gazette sparks fly between Eve and the younger brother Bastion threatening their plans for a return to France.
Is nice enough story, unfortunately I did not develop and of the 'feels' with this one not sure why.
A nice enough short listen though.
December 2, 2019
Eve Shelling longs to be a serious journalist, but when her exposé about the founder of Cressmouth aka Christmas is published, her father, the owner of the Cressmouth Gazette is livid and says they only write about Christmas. She argues and he agrees to let her write one “non-Christmas” story as long as he approves the subject and the story before it is published.
Sébastien “Bastien” le Duc and his brother Lucien are the local blacksmiths in town, they came to Cressmouth many years ago when they were rescued from the “terror” in France, but even after 18 years, they long to return to their home. Now that the wars are over and it is safe to return, they have a plan to go just as soon as they sell the smithy. Lucien wants to leave immediately, but Bastien says they need to some time and plans to leave on twelfth night.
Eve is watching the swans – the subject of her non-Christmas story, when her friend Margaret Church joins her and suggests she write a feature about a local citizen. Eve loves the idea and when they notice the le Duc brothers, she decides they are perfect for her story. Eve doesn’t trust men, past experience taught her a hard lesson and she vows to never be duped again. But her interest in Bastien is purely professional, she has no interest in him personally – Really! Alright, he is handsome and well dressed, so much so that his admirers call him “Beau”, but there is more to him than his fashion sense and that is what she needs to learn.
When Bastien approaches Eve about taking out an advert in the Gazette, she jumps at the chance to spend time with him writing the perfect listing for the smithy. She tells him of the swan story and he offers to introduce her to a local artist who would be happy to draw something for the paper. She immediately questions his motives, why would he help her? He says she is helping him, so he will help her.
As the days pass, Eve and Bastien’s friendship deepens and stronger feelings grow, but they each have secrets, Bastien is leaving soon and she has dreams that don’t include handsome, well-dressed blacksmiths, only a fool would fall in love…
I thought this was a sweet novella with more depth than I was expecting. Bastien and Eve are both likeable characters with a great chemistry between them. I thought the story was well written, paced nicely, had a bit of steam, a bit of heartache and a very well thought out HEA. This is the seventh book in the series, but it can easily be read as a stand-alone title. I am happy to recommend this title and look forward to future installments in this series!
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the Publisher*
Sébastien “Bastien” le Duc and his brother Lucien are the local blacksmiths in town, they came to Cressmouth many years ago when they were rescued from the “terror” in France, but even after 18 years, they long to return to their home. Now that the wars are over and it is safe to return, they have a plan to go just as soon as they sell the smithy. Lucien wants to leave immediately, but Bastien says they need to some time and plans to leave on twelfth night.
Eve is watching the swans – the subject of her non-Christmas story, when her friend Margaret Church joins her and suggests she write a feature about a local citizen. Eve loves the idea and when they notice the le Duc brothers, she decides they are perfect for her story. Eve doesn’t trust men, past experience taught her a hard lesson and she vows to never be duped again. But her interest in Bastien is purely professional, she has no interest in him personally – Really! Alright, he is handsome and well dressed, so much so that his admirers call him “Beau”, but there is more to him than his fashion sense and that is what she needs to learn.
When Bastien approaches Eve about taking out an advert in the Gazette, she jumps at the chance to spend time with him writing the perfect listing for the smithy. She tells him of the swan story and he offers to introduce her to a local artist who would be happy to draw something for the paper. She immediately questions his motives, why would he help her? He says she is helping him, so he will help her.
As the days pass, Eve and Bastien’s friendship deepens and stronger feelings grow, but they each have secrets, Bastien is leaving soon and she has dreams that don’t include handsome, well-dressed blacksmiths, only a fool would fall in love…
I thought this was a sweet novella with more depth than I was expecting. Bastien and Eve are both likeable characters with a great chemistry between them. I thought the story was well written, paced nicely, had a bit of steam, a bit of heartache and a very well thought out HEA. This is the seventh book in the series, but it can easily be read as a stand-alone title. I am happy to recommend this title and look forward to future installments in this series!
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the Publisher*
December 13, 2020
It just isn't Christmas without at least ONE Dukes of Christmas book! As with the others, short, sweet and a great escape into Regency England.
The only thing keeping this from being a full five stars was the use of the term, with quotation marks "fake news". That booted me RIGHT out of the book and reminded me of the here and now, which is the opposite of what I read fiction books for.
Despite that, the characters were fully fleshed out, the secondary characters who are going to be starring in their own book were also developed and while the story SEEMED to be going in a bad direction, the author deftly prevented it from going where I was worried it was heading. So, excellent read and highly recommended, as with all of the others.
4, it's not Christmas without the Dukes, stars. Note: there is a rather heated naughty scene between two non-married characters, though not explicit, the reader can fill in the gaps, so not 100% clean. Didn't bother me, but I know some readers don't enjoy that and may not be suitable for younger readers.
My thanks to NetGalley and WebMotion for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
The only thing keeping this from being a full five stars was the use of the term, with quotation marks "fake news". That booted me RIGHT out of the book and reminded me of the here and now, which is the opposite of what I read fiction books for.
Despite that, the characters were fully fleshed out, the secondary characters who are going to be starring in their own book were also developed and while the story SEEMED to be going in a bad direction, the author deftly prevented it from going where I was worried it was heading. So, excellent read and highly recommended, as with all of the others.
4, it's not Christmas without the Dukes, stars. Note: there is a rather heated naughty scene between two non-married characters, though not explicit, the reader can fill in the gaps, so not 100% clean. Didn't bother me, but I know some readers don't enjoy that and may not be suitable for younger readers.
My thanks to NetGalley and WebMotion for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2019
Another very enjoyable story set in the town of Christmas!!
Sébastien le Duc wants nothing more than to help his brother get back to their beloved France. Miss Eve Shelling wants nothing more than to prove to her father what a serious journalist she can be. Together they work to reach their respective goals and begin falling in love along the way.
This was such a fun read! I’m a big fan of enemies to lovers stories and even though Bastien and Eve didn’t outright dislike each other, they were more antagonistic towards each other to begin with. The progression from not friends to friends to lovers took time, and I love that.
I thought Bastien was a lot of fun and liked that there was more to him than being a dandy. I enjoyed discovering his other side right alongside Eve. Every heroine in this series has been fabulous, and Eve is no exception. She grew into her own person more as the story progressed and that is a joy to read.
Of course, I CANNOT wait for Lucien’s story!!
*I received an eARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
December 11, 2019
Part of Erica Ridley’s 12 Dukes of Christmas series about a small town the residents have turned into a permanent Christmas-themed tourist attraction, you don’t need to have read the rest of the series to enjoy this rather charming novella. Sébastien le Duc, French aristocrat turned blacksmith, is the hero of this one, and Miss Eve Shelling his heroine. Eve and her father run the Cressmouth Gazette, more of a promotional pamphlet extolling the town’s virtues than an actual newspaper, but Eve dreams of being an actual journalist. When Bastien asks for her help writing an article to paint the smithy in a favourable light for a potential buyer as he and his brother have plans to return to France, Eve’s willing to oblige.
When she uncovers the truth about how the le Ducs have reversed their fortunes, however, she has a decision to make. Tell the truth and destroy Bastien and his family, or pass up the greatest chance she’ll ever have to make her name as a serious journalist?
This is a romance, so you can probably guess how it turns out. It’s also a fairly short novella so the author doesn’t really do much of a deep dive into the ethics of smuggling, making it feel just a little shallow in execution. Bastien and Luc as gentlemen blacksmiths didn’t really ring true either; they just wouldn’t have been on a social level with Eve despite their backgrounds once they started engaging in trade at that hands-on level.
I’ve really enjoyed other books in this series, and though this one has its moments, it just didn’t quite click for me. Eve and Bastien went from not liking each other much to intimacy really quickly, and I wanted more interaction with Eve’s cute dog Duenna, who didn’t get nearly enough of the spotlight. Important things like Eve’s moral dilemma got rushed over, and I think the novella length did this particular story no favours. It needed to be about twice as long to explore all the nuances. I’m giving it three stars.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley.
When she uncovers the truth about how the le Ducs have reversed their fortunes, however, she has a decision to make. Tell the truth and destroy Bastien and his family, or pass up the greatest chance she’ll ever have to make her name as a serious journalist?
This is a romance, so you can probably guess how it turns out. It’s also a fairly short novella so the author doesn’t really do much of a deep dive into the ethics of smuggling, making it feel just a little shallow in execution. Bastien and Luc as gentlemen blacksmiths didn’t really ring true either; they just wouldn’t have been on a social level with Eve despite their backgrounds once they started engaging in trade at that hands-on level.
I’ve really enjoyed other books in this series, and though this one has its moments, it just didn’t quite click for me. Eve and Bastien went from not liking each other much to intimacy really quickly, and I wanted more interaction with Eve’s cute dog Duenna, who didn’t get nearly enough of the spotlight. Important things like Eve’s moral dilemma got rushed over, and I think the novella length did this particular story no favours. It needed to be about twice as long to explore all the nuances. I’m giving it three stars.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley.
December 18, 2023
Newly out on audio, this was another great dual POV, opposites attract historical romance from one of my fav authors. A spicy slow burn that sees a wannabe woman journalist falling for what she thinks is a misunderstood French immigrant. Unfortunately she discovers his dangerous secret and has to choose between reporting it and keeping him safe. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
October 5, 2020
Eve wanted to be a journalist and to write the kind of stories that her archaic father disapproved of. Her father was a dismissive bitter man. Because of a bad connection Eve made long ago her father wanted to hear nothing she had to say and Eve had reconciled long ago with that fate.
Eve knows of the handsome rake Sébastien le Duc and wants nothing to do with him. Sébastien isn't just a rake. Eve discovers he's a smuggler as well. Will the heart overpower the head? Eve has a good story to share, a truth, but will she do it?
I would give this 3.75 rating. It was a good story with lots of witty banter.
****Not my best written reflection, but wanted to write something a bit more.
Eve knows of the handsome rake Sébastien le Duc and wants nothing to do with him. Sébastien isn't just a rake. Eve discovers he's a smuggler as well. Will the heart overpower the head? Eve has a good story to share, a truth, but will she do it?
I would give this 3.75 rating. It was a good story with lots of witty banter.
****Not my best written reflection, but wanted to write something a bit more.
Read
December 26, 2019Unfortunately this book wasn't holding my attention. I ended up skipping quite a bit so I'm not rating it. The storyline wasn't interesting to me.
November 25, 2019
The Duke's Embrace
12 Dukes of Christmas Series #7
Erica Ridley
https://www.facebook.com/ericaridley/
Release date 12/03/2019
Publisher Webmotion
Blurb :
Unpaid and under-appreciated journalist Miss Eve Shelling never goes anywhere without a trusty notebook and her overprotective Duenna—who happens to be a bullmastiff. Eve learned the hard way that men are not to be trusted. She’s definitely not falling head-over-heels for the deceptively charming subject of her front-page column.
Local blacksmith Monsieur Sébastien le Duc is the pillar of his community—when he’s not pillaging elsewhere. He’s a rakish dandy with a heart of stolen gold and two teeny tiny secrets. One happens to be a wee international smuggling operation. The other involves losing his heart to an ambitious journalist determined to expose the truth at any cost…
My review :
When looking for the one news that will launch her journalist’s career, a miss must decide what is worth, love or scoop ...
With each new addition in this series, Mrs Erica Ridley offers more and more surprising portraits from this out-of-time Christmas themed town.
After the Le Duc sister, now it is time for one of the brother.
Sébastian is so much more than his dandy appearance let suggest. He is no empty headed haughty French man, but a kind, careful man who made do with what life taught him. For his family, he will do anything, even going against the law, or follow his brother because it is his goal to go back to France.
Eve since a dramatic event has locked her heart, she makes do, she bends to her father’s will, trying to mend their shattered relationship. But when in need of an advice, it comes from the person she expected the least. Now indebted, she agree to his demand and when she saw him as a ne’er-do-well, she discovers his dandy like attires are only for show, daily he is a smithy, working his hands for his family.
I confess I was upset at Eve for shunning Bastian, she based her opinion on his appearance when he was able to see past her disheveled aspect.
Hopefully she fast changes her opinion, realizing there are many layers on Mr Le Duc, he can’t be summarized by his choice of clothes.
This seventh book is one more great tale about seeking what one really wants.
5 stars
I was granted an advance copy by the author, I preordered my own too.
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
12 Dukes of Christmas Series #7
Erica Ridley
https://www.facebook.com/ericaridley/
Release date 12/03/2019
Publisher Webmotion
Blurb :
Unpaid and under-appreciated journalist Miss Eve Shelling never goes anywhere without a trusty notebook and her overprotective Duenna—who happens to be a bullmastiff. Eve learned the hard way that men are not to be trusted. She’s definitely not falling head-over-heels for the deceptively charming subject of her front-page column.
Local blacksmith Monsieur Sébastien le Duc is the pillar of his community—when he’s not pillaging elsewhere. He’s a rakish dandy with a heart of stolen gold and two teeny tiny secrets. One happens to be a wee international smuggling operation. The other involves losing his heart to an ambitious journalist determined to expose the truth at any cost…
My review :
When looking for the one news that will launch her journalist’s career, a miss must decide what is worth, love or scoop ...
With each new addition in this series, Mrs Erica Ridley offers more and more surprising portraits from this out-of-time Christmas themed town.
After the Le Duc sister, now it is time for one of the brother.
Sébastian is so much more than his dandy appearance let suggest. He is no empty headed haughty French man, but a kind, careful man who made do with what life taught him. For his family, he will do anything, even going against the law, or follow his brother because it is his goal to go back to France.
Eve since a dramatic event has locked her heart, she makes do, she bends to her father’s will, trying to mend their shattered relationship. But when in need of an advice, it comes from the person she expected the least. Now indebted, she agree to his demand and when she saw him as a ne’er-do-well, she discovers his dandy like attires are only for show, daily he is a smithy, working his hands for his family.
I confess I was upset at Eve for shunning Bastian, she based her opinion on his appearance when he was able to see past her disheveled aspect.
Hopefully she fast changes her opinion, realizing there are many layers on Mr Le Duc, he can’t be summarized by his choice of clothes.
This seventh book is one more great tale about seeking what one really wants.
5 stars
I was granted an advance copy by the author, I preordered my own too.
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
December 1, 2019
The Duke’s Embrace by Erica Ridley
12 Dukes of Christmas #7
Monsieur Sebastien “Bastien” le Duc is one of three French children brought to England by their during the French revolution. They lost their parents and land but have made a life and home in Cressmouth, England. Their income comes from the blacksmith shop and a side business with t heir friend...an illegal business that sees them all much more financially comfortable. In the last book their sister met the man she would marry and in the next story it will be older brother Lucien’s turn to meet and marry. But, this is Bastien’s story and a fun one it was indeed.
Miss Eve Shelling is the woman that Bastien will fall for and she will reciprocate by falling for him, too. The two will have a few hurdles to overcome as they move toward their happily ever after. She has dreams and so does he but as the two are dreams are not on the same continent it might be difficult to fulfill booth dreams...or will it?
I liked Bastien even though he was a bit of a dandy...a strong, wise, intelligent dandy who also is strong and manly from his work at the smithy. I also liked Eve and felt sorry for her having to deal with her rather repressive father and the backstory she has had to live with. I LOVED Duenna the bullmastiff at Eve’s side...and then there was Chef the pig...I wonder if Chef and Duenna will become best of friends as time goes on? I can’t wait to read Lucien’s story next.
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review of this novella length story.
4 Stars
12 Dukes of Christmas #7
Monsieur Sebastien “Bastien” le Duc is one of three French children brought to England by their during the French revolution. They lost their parents and land but have made a life and home in Cressmouth, England. Their income comes from the blacksmith shop and a side business with t heir friend...an illegal business that sees them all much more financially comfortable. In the last book their sister met the man she would marry and in the next story it will be older brother Lucien’s turn to meet and marry. But, this is Bastien’s story and a fun one it was indeed.
Miss Eve Shelling is the woman that Bastien will fall for and she will reciprocate by falling for him, too. The two will have a few hurdles to overcome as they move toward their happily ever after. She has dreams and so does he but as the two are dreams are not on the same continent it might be difficult to fulfill booth dreams...or will it?
I liked Bastien even though he was a bit of a dandy...a strong, wise, intelligent dandy who also is strong and manly from his work at the smithy. I also liked Eve and felt sorry for her having to deal with her rather repressive father and the backstory she has had to live with. I LOVED Duenna the bullmastiff at Eve’s side...and then there was Chef the pig...I wonder if Chef and Duenna will become best of friends as time goes on? I can’t wait to read Lucien’s story next.
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review of this novella length story.
4 Stars
December 31, 2019
A perfect Christmas Historical Romance.
The women empowerment is strong in this one.
Eve is a journalist, or at least she's trying to, since she's the manager, writer and printer of the Gazette her father owns. Said father is overprotective and he decides which content may go in the journal, focusing on their town, specifically in Christmas in they town. But Eve wants to report real news and become a serious journalist, whatever it takes.
Sebastien le Duc is a blacksmith and a French refugee from the Revolution. He and his sibling want to go back to their country asap, and that Christmas it may be possible. Only if they manage to sell their smithy. And here enters the help of Eve and the Gazette.
When Sebastien and Eve start interacting, sparks fly, and everyone's plans are not so clear anymore.
This was really nice, and really fast paced, and you could totally feel the sizzling chemistry between the main character.
Their relationship, since their acquaintance to their friendship to something more, is really healthy, passionate but with strong companionship and support, specifically from Bastien to Eve and her wants and dreams. And Eve is a really empowering character who stands for what he wants and learns to be considerate of other people feelings, and her own.
And there's a cool dog which complements the story perfectly.
All the cute Christmas feels.
The women empowerment is strong in this one.
Eve is a journalist, or at least she's trying to, since she's the manager, writer and printer of the Gazette her father owns. Said father is overprotective and he decides which content may go in the journal, focusing on their town, specifically in Christmas in they town. But Eve wants to report real news and become a serious journalist, whatever it takes.
Sebastien le Duc is a blacksmith and a French refugee from the Revolution. He and his sibling want to go back to their country asap, and that Christmas it may be possible. Only if they manage to sell their smithy. And here enters the help of Eve and the Gazette.
When Sebastien and Eve start interacting, sparks fly, and everyone's plans are not so clear anymore.
This was really nice, and really fast paced, and you could totally feel the sizzling chemistry between the main character.
Their relationship, since their acquaintance to their friendship to something more, is really healthy, passionate but with strong companionship and support, specifically from Bastien to Eve and her wants and dreams. And Eve is a really empowering character who stands for what he wants and learns to be considerate of other people feelings, and her own.
And there's a cool dog which complements the story perfectly.
All the cute Christmas feels.
December 1, 2019
Eve, aspiring journalist and sole employee of her father’s quarterly newspaper, wished she could write about more interesting things than theater schedules, sleigh ride rates and cookie recipes. Bastian Le Duc, the dandy of the French refugee siblings who run the smithy in town, seeks out her help in advertising said smithy for sale, so he and his brother can return to France. Sparks fly and Bastian’s foreseeable departure is becoming a concern, as well as Eve’s ambition to write a “real” story …
I did have a major problem with the actions of the heroine towards the end, obviously to add some tension to the story. Even if it was dissolved fairly quickly, I would have strangled her if she'd materialized before me at that moment!
Other than that it was another very cute, romantic, and well written romance novella set in the town of Christmas, where the holiday cheer goes on all year round.
I did have a major problem with the actions of the heroine towards the end, obviously to add some tension to the story. Even if it was dissolved fairly quickly, I would have strangled her if she'd materialized before me at that moment!
Other than that it was another very cute, romantic, and well written romance novella set in the town of Christmas, where the holiday cheer goes on all year round.
December 3, 2019
Eve Shelling wanted to be a serious journalist, she had a love for writing. Unfortunately, she had a father who didn’t appreciate her and all that she did. He had a poor opinion of women and their capabilities. He really annoyed me!
Sebastian ( Bastien) was known as a well groomed dandy but there was much more to him as Eve found out. I enjoyed how they got to know each other but what could come of it, as Bastien was selling up and moving back to his homeland. This was an enjoyable read and I was glad to read that some people were more than willing to put their trust in women. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Sebastian ( Bastien) was known as a well groomed dandy but there was much more to him as Eve found out. I enjoyed how they got to know each other but what could come of it, as Bastien was selling up and moving back to his homeland. This was an enjoyable read and I was glad to read that some people were more than willing to put their trust in women. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 2, 2019
I am SO enjoying the 12 Dukes of Christmas series!! I was looking forward to reading Sébastien's story and Erica Ridley did not disappoint. I just loved his fun character and being quite the dandy had some hilarious moments. Eve was his perfect opposite and adding her bullmastiff in the mix made for such a delightful story.
Decisions...hard decisions....had to be made, though. Sébastien has to choose between going back to France with his brother Lucien or stay in England for love. Eve has to choose between standing up to her father, writing the kind of stories SHE wants for the newspaper or leaving England. Once she learns of Sébastien's secrets, she has another decision to make!!
I was given an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Decisions...hard decisions....had to be made, though. Sébastien has to choose between going back to France with his brother Lucien or stay in England for love. Eve has to choose between standing up to her father, writing the kind of stories SHE wants for the newspaper or leaving England. Once she learns of Sébastien's secrets, she has another decision to make!!
I was given an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
November 20, 2019
This is a sweet love story about people who have to make tough choices. And lots of times it's hard to make those choices. I enjoyed the way our hero and heroine approached their problems. Love or homeland? Love or career? To find the answer you'll have to read their story. It's very enjoyable!
April 12, 2020
My Rating: 3.5🌟
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e-Book/ Netgalley/ January2020
Thank you Netgalley and the author for the review copy. All opinions are my own and not influenced in any way.
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I am a huge fan of Erica Ridley's 12 Dukes of Christmas series and it is no surprise that I have come this much into a series!.
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This book follows an enthusiastic journalist, Eve Shilling, who wants to establish herself and experience writing radical articles in the community, and a hardworking blacksmith, Sébastien le Duc, who just seems to harbor secrets that can put his family's life at stake.
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First, as usual, I loved the writing and the word choices used for the characters and it went really well with the personalities of them as well. When you compare the storyline with the previous titles, I feel the flow could have been better and I didn't get the feel-good element after I finished the book. But when you take the book as a stand-alone, the story was quite unique and I really enjoyed the simple banter among the two main characters.
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Overall, I am really glad I am continuing with the series and if you are looking for a short historical romance series, I definitely recommend this one!
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e-Book/ Netgalley/ January2020
Thank you Netgalley and the author for the review copy. All opinions are my own and not influenced in any way.
.
I am a huge fan of Erica Ridley's 12 Dukes of Christmas series and it is no surprise that I have come this much into a series!.
.
This book follows an enthusiastic journalist, Eve Shilling, who wants to establish herself and experience writing radical articles in the community, and a hardworking blacksmith, Sébastien le Duc, who just seems to harbor secrets that can put his family's life at stake.
.
First, as usual, I loved the writing and the word choices used for the characters and it went really well with the personalities of them as well. When you compare the storyline with the previous titles, I feel the flow could have been better and I didn't get the feel-good element after I finished the book. But when you take the book as a stand-alone, the story was quite unique and I really enjoyed the simple banter among the two main characters.
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Overall, I am really glad I am continuing with the series and if you are looking for a short historical romance series, I definitely recommend this one!
January 4, 2020
Aspiring, though currently unpaid and unappreciated, journalist Eve Shelling learned early on the painful lesson that men cannot be trusted. So she focuses on her paper and not falling for the charming subject of her latest article. Sebastien le Duc runs the village blacksmith shop along with his brother, Lucian. He's a dandy with hidden secrets, like his involvement in a smuggling operation, but he has a good heart and he and his brother are now finally able to sell their shop and at last return to their homeland in France. But when he loses his heart to Eve, and the ambitious journalist learns his secrets, it may be too late for Sebastian to have any future at all.
I found Bastien to be adorable, but Eve just made me angry at the end. She couldn't be bothered to listen to her Bastien's story and instead blabbed to her father, with no concern for Bastien's safety or that of his family and instead feeding right into her father's prejudices. Of course she did get her head on straight in the end, but I wound up feeling like it wasn't really fair for Sebastien to be subjected to such threats from her without a proper apology in the end of ever getting to really explain himself, meanwhile Eve wound up getting everything she'd ever wanted. Nonetheless, this was still an enjoyable read and I look forward to Lucien's story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I found Bastien to be adorable, but Eve just made me angry at the end. She couldn't be bothered to listen to her Bastien's story and instead blabbed to her father, with no concern for Bastien's safety or that of his family and instead feeding right into her father's prejudices. Of course she did get her head on straight in the end, but I wound up feeling like it wasn't really fair for Sebastien to be subjected to such threats from her without a proper apology in the end of ever getting to really explain himself, meanwhile Eve wound up getting everything she'd ever wanted. Nonetheless, this was still an enjoyable read and I look forward to Lucien's story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 3, 2019
The Duke's Embrace is the seventh book in the 12 Dukes of Christmas series by Erica Ridley. I have read the first six books and have loved every one, but you don't have to have read them to enjoy this one. It can easily be read as a standalone book.
One of the things I love about this book (and series) is where it is set, the beautiful town of Cressmouth lovingly known as Christmas because it's a town where it's like Christmas all year round. Now, who wouldn't want to live in a place like that?
Sebastian and Lucien Le Duc that is who. They are French brothers who were forced to flee France during the French revolution and have worked hard to earn the money to go back there to reclaim their title and land. During their time in England, their sister has found love, married and doesn't want to move back to France, but it's still Seb and Lucien's main goal and they are on the cusp of finally meeting that goal. A big hiccup nearly stops them in the tracks and they realise the best way forward is to sell the Smithy they own and operate. Keeping that in mind Seb decides that the best way to advertise the sale is to get the local newspaper to print an advertisement for them. To do that he needs to speak to the woman who runs it.
Miss Eve Shelling is that woman. The paper is owned by her father, but Eve is the woman who finds the articles, sets up the printer, prints the newspaper and gets it distributed. She is underpaid and under-appreciated but she loves being a journalist. What she really wants is to write a good article of interest rather than just the normal Christmas articles. A friend suggests that she start a column featuring a person of interest in every issue. So when Sebastian approaches her about an advertisement and she learns his story she asks if she can write about it.
What she doesn't dream when she first gets to know him better is that she could end up falling for him. She also doesn't dream that she could find out something about him and his brother that could make her as a journalist if she wrote about it, but that would crush any hopes of a future with Seb. Not to mention the damage it would do to Seb and Lucien.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story because not only did we have the budding romance between Seb and Eve, but there was an amazing collection of other characters that kept the story exciting. Eve's dad for one was a character that I wasn't sure whether to love or hate. Then there were all the silly young females that fawn all over Seb in the hope of having his attention. I think Lucien is a deep, fabulously strict character. Living in England for all these years and he still refuses to speak English! I am very much looking forward to his story which is next in this series. Lucien is going to lose his heart and I look forward to seeing the changes in him as that happens! For now, though, I just want to recommend that you read this book, it will leave you smiling.
One of the things I love about this book (and series) is where it is set, the beautiful town of Cressmouth lovingly known as Christmas because it's a town where it's like Christmas all year round. Now, who wouldn't want to live in a place like that?
Sebastian and Lucien Le Duc that is who. They are French brothers who were forced to flee France during the French revolution and have worked hard to earn the money to go back there to reclaim their title and land. During their time in England, their sister has found love, married and doesn't want to move back to France, but it's still Seb and Lucien's main goal and they are on the cusp of finally meeting that goal. A big hiccup nearly stops them in the tracks and they realise the best way forward is to sell the Smithy they own and operate. Keeping that in mind Seb decides that the best way to advertise the sale is to get the local newspaper to print an advertisement for them. To do that he needs to speak to the woman who runs it.
Miss Eve Shelling is that woman. The paper is owned by her father, but Eve is the woman who finds the articles, sets up the printer, prints the newspaper and gets it distributed. She is underpaid and under-appreciated but she loves being a journalist. What she really wants is to write a good article of interest rather than just the normal Christmas articles. A friend suggests that she start a column featuring a person of interest in every issue. So when Sebastian approaches her about an advertisement and she learns his story she asks if she can write about it.
What she doesn't dream when she first gets to know him better is that she could end up falling for him. She also doesn't dream that she could find out something about him and his brother that could make her as a journalist if she wrote about it, but that would crush any hopes of a future with Seb. Not to mention the damage it would do to Seb and Lucien.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story because not only did we have the budding romance between Seb and Eve, but there was an amazing collection of other characters that kept the story exciting. Eve's dad for one was a character that I wasn't sure whether to love or hate. Then there were all the silly young females that fawn all over Seb in the hope of having his attention. I think Lucien is a deep, fabulously strict character. Living in England for all these years and he still refuses to speak English! I am very much looking forward to his story which is next in this series. Lucien is going to lose his heart and I look forward to seeing the changes in him as that happens! For now, though, I just want to recommend that you read this book, it will leave you smiling.
December 14, 2019
Bastien le Duc can't wait to get home to France, but he and his brother are out of money. So they decide to sell the smithy for extra cash, but need help finding a buyer. Miss Eve Shelling, editor of the Cressmouth Gazette seems the perfect choice. She wants nothing more than to be an investigative reporter, but her father holds all the control over the paper and won't allow her to practice it on his paper. She gets the idea to help with the sale of the smithy by writing an interest piece all about it. This puts her in close proximity with Bastien, who is so much more than Eve first thought. The attraction simmers between them and he's so much fun to be with, but she can't fall in love with him because he's leaving in a little more than a month. When her father refuses her article about the smithy, she goes to see Bastien and overhears a conversation which has her doubting the man she thought he was.
This is almost the exact same plotline as the book before it and the one before that. Hero or heroine can't have a relationship because they're leaving, other can't have a relationship because of [insert reason], so no problem sexing it up in the meantime. Only to find that it's more than just sex/kissing, what have you. Sure the details change just a bit and at least the smuggling snafu created an extra bit of angst, but essentially Bastien's leaving is kinda what held them back...or at least him from committing. I was a bit thrown off by the ending, where Eve learns that Bastien and his family have been breaking the law through smuggling and threatens to print it. That apparently puts Bastien in the right and it's Eve who has to come apologizing to him... I'm not sure I see how Bastien is blameless since she's right, he is breaking the law and from her moral point of view, he lied to her. That was a bit confusing, but it was still kinda cute. I especially liked Duenna.
This is almost the exact same plotline as the book before it and the one before that. Hero or heroine can't have a relationship because they're leaving, other can't have a relationship because of [insert reason], so no problem sexing it up in the meantime. Only to find that it's more than just sex/kissing, what have you. Sure the details change just a bit and at least the smuggling snafu created an extra bit of angst, but essentially Bastien's leaving is kinda what held them back...or at least him from committing. I was a bit thrown off by the ending, where Eve learns that Bastien and his family have been breaking the law through smuggling and threatens to print it. That apparently puts Bastien in the right and it's Eve who has to come apologizing to him... I'm not sure I see how Bastien is blameless since she's right, he is breaking the law and from her moral point of view, he lied to her. That was a bit confusing, but it was still kinda cute. I especially liked Duenna.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 6, 2019
The Duke’s Embrace is the seventh book in the 12 Dukes of Christmas series by Erica Ridley. This was another awesome book for the series! Eve Shelling was under-paid and under-appreciated by her father who owned the Cressmouth Gazette. She was ambitious and wanted the Gazette to become something better than a quarterly paper that only contained information about the town’s festivities for Christmas. She thought it should contain things about the actual people and families that lived in Cressmouth, when her father was happy to continue reissuing old issues. Compromising with her father and trying to find an in between was becoming hard. She was excited when she came up with the idea to write an article about the Le Duc’s smithy to help them find a buyer for the business.
Sebastien “Bastien” le Duc and his family owned and operated the local blacksmith. They were determined to return to their home country of France after earning enough money to pay for their uncle to have his home. His family was also part of a secret smuggling operation that helped to supplement their income. They were planning on returning to France after they sold the smithy right after Christmas. He didn’t plan on falling for Eve or dreading to leave Cressmouth.
This was a short and fast paced book to read, but such a fun book. I loved the characters in the book. Sebastien was a dandy who loved his family and was not afraid of hard work. His loyalty to his family was strong and his skills as a problem solver helped them to survive. Eve was determined and had a good vision for the Gazette to make a difference to the people who actually lived in Cressmouth year-round. I can’t wait to read the next book and see Lucien get his happy ever after.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Sebastien “Bastien” le Duc and his family owned and operated the local blacksmith. They were determined to return to their home country of France after earning enough money to pay for their uncle to have his home. His family was also part of a secret smuggling operation that helped to supplement their income. They were planning on returning to France after they sold the smithy right after Christmas. He didn’t plan on falling for Eve or dreading to leave Cressmouth.
This was a short and fast paced book to read, but such a fun book. I loved the characters in the book. Sebastien was a dandy who loved his family and was not afraid of hard work. His loyalty to his family was strong and his skills as a problem solver helped them to survive. Eve was determined and had a good vision for the Gazette to make a difference to the people who actually lived in Cressmouth year-round. I can’t wait to read the next book and see Lucien get his happy ever after.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 24, 2024
I really loved this. Erica Ridley's books don't always hit for me, but more often than not they do, and this was definitely one of them. As I've said before, her greatest strength as an author lies in her ability to make her characters feel real and three-dimensional. You care for them, you want them to succeed in their aims, you find yourself rooting for them. Even when the plot occasionally moves too fast and is too convenient, and rough patches are too quickly smoothed over, as happens a few times in this one, the charisma of the characters wins out and I find that I don't even mind.
The Dukes of Christmas books are always fun, and I always find myself anticipating where the story will lead. You know from the start that nothing too bad will happen, and that everything will be resolved happily. But that doesn't take away from the fun of getting there. Eve and Bastien were such endearing characters, and Lucien was as well, though he tried his best not to be. I felt for both Eve and Bastien, with their dreams and struggles, and I thought they had delightful chemistry together. By the end, I found myself wishing we'd seen more of Lucien, because when he wasn't being sullen he turned out to be funny and rather delightful.
The narrator wasn't my favorite at first, but grew on me as the story progressed. I enjoyed her performance of Eve, but her performance of Bastien and Lucien was my favorite part. Their French accents were just a touch comical, and clearly at least partially consciously put on, which fit with their characters.
Thanks to NetGalley and Spotify Audiobooks for providing an early audio copy for review.
The Dukes of Christmas books are always fun, and I always find myself anticipating where the story will lead. You know from the start that nothing too bad will happen, and that everything will be resolved happily. But that doesn't take away from the fun of getting there. Eve and Bastien were such endearing characters, and Lucien was as well, though he tried his best not to be. I felt for both Eve and Bastien, with their dreams and struggles, and I thought they had delightful chemistry together. By the end, I found myself wishing we'd seen more of Lucien, because when he wasn't being sullen he turned out to be funny and rather delightful.
The narrator wasn't my favorite at first, but grew on me as the story progressed. I enjoyed her performance of Eve, but her performance of Bastien and Lucien was my favorite part. Their French accents were just a touch comical, and clearly at least partially consciously put on, which fit with their characters.
Thanks to NetGalley and Spotify Audiobooks for providing an early audio copy for review.
December 2, 2019
3.5 Stars
“Sometimes hope is the most precious gift we can have.”
Would be journalist Eve Shelling has stumbled upon a story to end all stories and finally gain her the respectability of being a reporter. But if she publishes, it could cost her the happily ever after she never dreamed she’d have…
Sebastien le Duc is one of two brothers who work the local smithy. Having fled France during the revolution, they have wished for nothing but to return to their homeland. Finally, with the funds they have saved smuggling brandy and champagne, they have paid their debts and can petition to have their lands and home returned to them. But Bastien may have found a new home in the arms of one very beautiful and outspoken Miss Eve Shelling…that is until she threatens to expose him and his family for their illegal deeds.
Eve and Bastien are both torn between doing what everyone expects or following their hearts and making a future for themselves…wherever that may be…
The Duke’s Embrace is a quick read, and while I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the other stories in the series, this one just felt a little rushed. Either that, or perhaps it was my burning need to reach into the book and smack Eve around a wee bit. Bastien was forever putting everyone’s feelings above his own, so my heart felt he deserved better. Overall, it’s an enjoyable romance I would recommend to fans of this genre.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **
“Sometimes hope is the most precious gift we can have.”
Would be journalist Eve Shelling has stumbled upon a story to end all stories and finally gain her the respectability of being a reporter. But if she publishes, it could cost her the happily ever after she never dreamed she’d have…
Sebastien le Duc is one of two brothers who work the local smithy. Having fled France during the revolution, they have wished for nothing but to return to their homeland. Finally, with the funds they have saved smuggling brandy and champagne, they have paid their debts and can petition to have their lands and home returned to them. But Bastien may have found a new home in the arms of one very beautiful and outspoken Miss Eve Shelling…that is until she threatens to expose him and his family for their illegal deeds.
Eve and Bastien are both torn between doing what everyone expects or following their hearts and making a future for themselves…wherever that may be…
The Duke’s Embrace is a quick read, and while I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the other stories in the series, this one just felt a little rushed. Either that, or perhaps it was my burning need to reach into the book and smack Eve around a wee bit. Bastien was forever putting everyone’s feelings above his own, so my heart felt he deserved better. Overall, it’s an enjoyable romance I would recommend to fans of this genre.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **
December 3, 2019
The Duke's Embrace by Erica Ridley is book 7 in the 12 Dukes of Christmas Series. This is the story of Sébastien le Duc and Eve Shelling. I have read the previous book which I think did help for me to enjoy this one but with that said you could make this a standalone book if you wish to do so. Eve is the daughter of the owner of the Cressmouth Gazette which has made wanting to be a journalist in her blood but her father wants her to do all the unpaid work with the printers and finding stories but doesn't want her writing anything that he doesn't approve which is most everything other than light stories and Christmas stuff. But Eve has weaken him to agree to write a story that has more if he approves of it. This leads her to Seb who along with his siblings had to flee France and their history. So now Seb and his siblings have been working to get money to return home and their position. Somethings they have been doing is not on the up and up to make quick money. Seb goes to the paper to put in a advertisement for selling their Blacksmith business which leads him to start working with Eve. Seb is finding Eve to be so much more than what she gives out. But she is starting to dig into what else they do behind the scene which could bring trouble to his family.
Enjoyed their story.
Enjoyed their story.
November 26, 2019
4.5 Stars
Unpaid and under-appreciated journalist Miss Eve Shelling never goes anywhere without a trusty notebook and her overprotective Duenna—who happens to be a bullmastiff. Eve learned the hard way that men are not to be trusted when she was sixteen. Local blacksmith Monsieur Sébastien le Duc is a rakish dandy with a heart of stolen gold and two teeny tiny secrets.
A lovely read of two people who have been neighbours for years who suddenly find they are more than smitten with each other. Bastien & his brother having been trying to repay their debt so that they can sell the smithy & return to France. Eve wants to add more grit to the Cressmouth paper but her father is adamantly against it. When Eve offers to place an advert for the sale of he smithy she's thrown together with Bastien & sparks fly. This is the seventh book in the series & whilst it could be read on its own the whole series has such a feel good feeling to it that I’d recommend reading the whole series. Bastien & Eve are both strong characters who fall in love only for a secret to nearly tear them apart. I loved both of them. Another well written page turning read that I read in two sittings.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Unpaid and under-appreciated journalist Miss Eve Shelling never goes anywhere without a trusty notebook and her overprotective Duenna—who happens to be a bullmastiff. Eve learned the hard way that men are not to be trusted when she was sixteen. Local blacksmith Monsieur Sébastien le Duc is a rakish dandy with a heart of stolen gold and two teeny tiny secrets.
A lovely read of two people who have been neighbours for years who suddenly find they are more than smitten with each other. Bastien & his brother having been trying to repay their debt so that they can sell the smithy & return to France. Eve wants to add more grit to the Cressmouth paper but her father is adamantly against it. When Eve offers to place an advert for the sale of he smithy she's thrown together with Bastien & sparks fly. This is the seventh book in the series & whilst it could be read on its own the whole series has such a feel good feeling to it that I’d recommend reading the whole series. Bastien & Eve are both strong characters who fall in love only for a secret to nearly tear them apart. I loved both of them. Another well written page turning read that I read in two sittings.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
December 13, 2019
Eva Shelling wants to be a respected journalist. She knows that won't happen unless her father agrees to let her write more relevant stories. The paper needs to be more that a travelogue praising Cressmouth. Since her father owns the paper I didn't think she would be successful. Eva deserves her father's respect and his love, but he won't do that. I hated to see her blame herself for her mother's death. Meanwhile local blacksmith Sebastien le Duc and his brother want to sell their business and go to France. They've been living in England for years. Now they can go home and try to reclaim their birth right. Can Sebastien leave this snowy village where he's found love? He knows the more time he and Eva spend together, the more he wants to be with her forever. I enjoyed watching their love grow. I wanted them to be happy. They both deserve it. The past has caused them both so much pain. Eva's father is a problem. I didn't want him to destroy their future. I wasn't sure that he could be stopped. Erica Ridley wrote a sweet, emotional romance that made me smile. I liked both the setting and the characters.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
December 22, 2023
A Christmas town and Christmas gazette Gazette owner wants paper to be all holiday fluff. His daughter and the only journalist wants it to be a real paper.
On the hunt for story to bring some true journalism to the Christmas gazette, Miss Eve Schelling finds more than she bargained when she looks deeper into the local blacksmith shop.
Local blacksmith Mossier, Sebastian Leduc is ready to leave England for his home country France. He and his brother will be there by the end of The holidays if the sale of their shop goes smoothly. Needing a little help to get the word out and find the right person to fill their shoes for their community, Sebastian enlists the skills of local journalist, Eve shilling to get the word out.
Working closely together these two who have been relative neighbours for years find a spark between them just at the time when he is about to leave and she has the opportunity for her big journalist big break!
Not quite an enemies to lovers, but definitely an opposites attract situation. I love how these two unique characters come together and are able to see the best in each other unlike anyone else ever had.
I had the opportunity to listen to the audiobook narrated by Rosie Akerman. I found that in some parts the narration pacing felt off and the quick transitions between the hero and heroine perspective was difficult to catch. I also thought the accent used for our French hero sounded more like a Spanish accent. Overall, the narration was fine and didn’t detract or improve the story as a whole.
Ratings:
Story 4⭐️
Audio 3⭐️
Thanks to Spotify Audiobooks for the ALC review copy care of Netgalley.
On the hunt for story to bring some true journalism to the Christmas gazette, Miss Eve Schelling finds more than she bargained when she looks deeper into the local blacksmith shop.
Local blacksmith Mossier, Sebastian Leduc is ready to leave England for his home country France. He and his brother will be there by the end of The holidays if the sale of their shop goes smoothly. Needing a little help to get the word out and find the right person to fill their shoes for their community, Sebastian enlists the skills of local journalist, Eve shilling to get the word out.
Working closely together these two who have been relative neighbours for years find a spark between them just at the time when he is about to leave and she has the opportunity for her big journalist big break!
Not quite an enemies to lovers, but definitely an opposites attract situation. I love how these two unique characters come together and are able to see the best in each other unlike anyone else ever had.
I had the opportunity to listen to the audiobook narrated by Rosie Akerman. I found that in some parts the narration pacing felt off and the quick transitions between the hero and heroine perspective was difficult to catch. I also thought the accent used for our French hero sounded more like a Spanish accent. Overall, the narration was fine and didn’t detract or improve the story as a whole.
Ratings:
Story 4⭐️
Audio 3⭐️
Thanks to Spotify Audiobooks for the ALC review copy care of Netgalley.
December 8, 2019
The charming village of Cressmouth plays host again to the next installment in the series. This time we meet Eve Shelling, running the Cressmouth Gazette on behalf of her ageing father. She wants nothing more than to be recognized as a serious reporter, and to do that she has to change the tone of their quarterly paper to a more serious one. She has the idea to write about the upstanding citizens of their village, starting with the Le Duc brothers, who run the blacksmith.
Sebastian le Duc had one ambition, to return to France with his brother, Lucien, to reclaim their birthright. But his goals become more muddled the more time he spends in Eve’s company.
Another short story filled with interesting characters and an interesting story arc. Sebastian seems frivolous on the surface, but he turns out to be kind, loyal, and filled with dreams of his own. I liked Eve as a character. She was funny and interesting. Both Sebastian and Eve had to make some choices and adjust their goals for their futures.
I really enjoyed this book, and would love to read Lucien’s story.
I received an advanced copy of the book from Netgalley to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Sebastian le Duc had one ambition, to return to France with his brother, Lucien, to reclaim their birthright. But his goals become more muddled the more time he spends in Eve’s company.
Another short story filled with interesting characters and an interesting story arc. Sebastian seems frivolous on the surface, but he turns out to be kind, loyal, and filled with dreams of his own. I liked Eve as a character. She was funny and interesting. Both Sebastian and Eve had to make some choices and adjust their goals for their futures.
I really enjoyed this book, and would love to read Lucien’s story.
I received an advanced copy of the book from Netgalley to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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