The Duke Who Despised Christmas

Christmas Dukes #1

by Scarlett Scott

From USA Today bestselling author Scarlett Scott comes a new holiday romance about a brooding, scarred duke hiding from the pain of the past and the unexpected woman who heals his heart...

Quint, the Duke of Sedgewick, is a recluse by choice. Ever since the fire that claimed his wife’s life and left much of his body brutally scarred, he has retreated from polite society. He’s content to keep to his country estate with no one for company, save a handful of servants, everyone else be damned. But when a new housekeeper arrives at Blackwell Abbey before Christmas, his self-imposed solitude is disrupted by a raven-haired menace who turns his world upside down with holly boughs, fir trees, and sinful temptation.

Joceline Yorke has spent the last few years of her life in service, sending her earnings home to her mother and siblings. When she accepts an unusually high-paying position as a housekeeper, she finds herself journeying north to a duke who dismisses her upon sight. But Sedgewick is no match for her sunny determination to earn the veritable fortune she stands to collect if she can convince him to keep her on as his housekeeper. She begins a campaign to melt his ice with Yuletide decorations, bright smiles, and Christmas cheer.

To his dismay, Quint finds himself increasingly drawn to the spirited Joceline, despite the guilt and bitterness that are never far. And the more time she spends in the surly duke’s maddening presence, the more Joceline realizes there’s tenderness hiding beneath his stern facade. But a duke doesn’t marry his housekeeper, and when Sedgewick’s mother arrives with a prospective bride in tow, the impossibility of their situation has never been clearer…unless they follow their hearts on Christmas Eve.

Heat Scorching hot! Don't say you weren't warned

Genres: Historical Romance, Christmas, Romance, Holiday, Novella, Historical, Fiction

155 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 14, 2024

About the author

USA TODAY bestselling author Scarlett Scott writes steamy Victorian and Regency historical romances with strong, intelligent heroines and sexy alpha heroes. She lives in Pennsylvania and Maryland with her Canadian husband, their adorable identical twins, a demanding diva dog, and one zany cat.

For Scarlett's latest releases, exclusive excerpts, contests and more, visit her website, http://www.scarlettscottauthor.com

Reviews

[Merry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rate this 4.25* because it is a sweet romance about a "Mary Poppins" (without the magic) housekeeper that brings a grieving wounded duke back to life. I was all for 5* here. BUT it is a short story and the need to tie up all loose ends made for too quick of a wrap up to the story.

[Izzie (on pause) McFussy · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5⭐️ The rating might have suffered because of the previous book I read, Duke of Midnight, which was similar and better. This one boasted a Beauty and the Beast theme set during Christmas. In a head spinning transition from hate to love, Quint lusted for his housekeeper, Joceline. Because of the class difference, he took his sweet time overcoming society’s rules before offering marriage. At least that’s what I believe happened. Finished two days ago. It’s fading from my memory.

👍Honorable mention goes to the dowager duchess.
👎No humor or banter.

Because Lori brought up haiku… let’s see if I can make her regret it:

“New housekeeper? Bah!”
But she’s pretty. From there it’s
a slippery slope.

⛷️🎄⛷️🎄⛷️🎄⛷️🎄⛷️

[Christi (christireadsalot) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Duke Who Despised Christmas is a new holiday, enemies to lovers, age gap, class difference (housekeeper x Duke), historical romance with beauty and the beast vibes!

Quint, the Duke of Sedgewick, is tired of his mother trying to get him back into society. She just sent the third housekeeper his way in the past six months and he isn’t a fan of all the holiday cheer and decor this new housekeeper seems to be behind. He’s so appalled by all the Christmas decor that he fires Joceline on the spot. But then she reminds him that his mother actually hired her and not him, therefore she’s staying on.

Quint lost his pregnant wife in a fire two years prior before the holidays. He blames himself and does think on it often throughout the story. He’s also physically scarred (chest, stomach, arms, hands) from the fire as well and wears gloves to hide his scars. Joceline and Quint are pulled towards one another and their feelings of love come pretty quickly, but it is a novella after all. This has age gap as well (he’s 35, she’s 25). I do think the story kinda wrapped up quickly, I wanted a bit more time with them as he had a lot of feelings to work through. But I just always enjoy this author’s historical romances and I’m excited that there will be more holiday romances to come in the future from her!

[Irina · Rating 2 out of 5]

When she touched him, he felt whole again. When she kissed his scars without revulsion, her soft lips feathering over the ruined flesh, he felt only desire for her. Love for her, too. So much love.


If you think about not finishing a novella of about 100 pages, it's a sign. And not a good one.

This Christmas novella about a broken duke and his perfect-in-every-single-regard housekeeper absolutely did not do it for me. The duke is suffering from deep sorrow and guilt over the death of his wife and unborn child two years ago, but one look at his new (unwanted) housekeeper reawakens his lust and one kiss leads instantly to devoted love. Grief? What grief? Vanished into thin air! I don't mind insta-lust, but here it didn't work for me; not in this constellation and situation. And hearing one thousand times about the inappropriateness of their relationship didn't make it any more believable that two adults can't control their lust and their actions. These two people and their love story didn't touch me at all.

This was my first book by Scarlett Scott, and I guess you shouldn’t judge an author by one book (let alone a novella), but I can’t say I’m impressed.

[Serial Romance Librarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had Christmas cheer, grumpy-sunshine, forbidden romance, and instalove. I’m not a fan of the latter and I felt like this book did a 180 from the duke being icy toward his housekeeper, doing the dirty, and then declaring their love for one another. I thought Jocelyn was very reckless for succumbing to the duke so easily and for risking a pregnancy with no guarantee whatsoever from him! How often did aristocracy marry below their station I wonder?

[Oleander · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't hate this but it's just been done better and I found it blah. The epilogue was the best part. It was very detailed and sweet.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

The storyline was good, but the romance felt rushed

3.75 stars

I did like the storyline. It was a familiar Christmas tale of a grumpy Scrooge character who hates while his love interest brought holiday cheer. There was this back and forth between them as they battled on in the holiday spirit. It was entertaining to watch.

The transition to that to romance was very rushed. At first I didn’t feel the chemistry or connection between the two due to them making that leap. There needed to be a little more build up and development there. Plus a lot of the focus of the relationship became about the physical not the emotional. It just felt out of left field as they declared their love to one another.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quint, the Duke of Sedgewick, is a recluse by choice. Ever since the fire that claimed his wife’s life and left much of his body brutally scarred, he has retreated to his estate in northern England with a handful of servants. Joceline Yorke has spent the last few years of her life in service, sending her earnings home to her mother and siblings. When she accepts an unusually high-paying position as a housekeeper, she finds herself journeying north to a duke who dismisses her upon sight. But Sedgewick is no match for her sunny determination to earn the veritable fortune she stands to collect if she can convince him to keep her on as his housekeeper. She begins a campaign to melt his ice with Yuletide decorations, bright smiles, and Christmas cheer.
A lovely romance. Grumpy meets sunshine one of my favourite tropes. I loved how Joceline gradually melted Quint’s heart & the epilogue was beautiful. Strong characters, a well paced story, sizzling chemistry, a meddling mother & set in my neck of the woods. I devoured it in a sitting & was left with a smile on my face
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Debbie DiFiore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story

It is short and it is very sweet. I loved how he changed after he met her. She was so good for him. I wish she would have had him firing the idiot butler too. Just a rotten guy! And his Mother! My goodness she was horrid. It touched me how both of their hands were damaged in different ways. It seemed symbolic to me. The epilogue was adorable. With babies. And its totally safe. I love this writer!.

[RachelReadsandSings · Rating 5 out of 5]

A grumpy, scarred duke and his housekeeper who has no problem standing up to him? Perfection. Looooooved how Quint ended up falling hard for Joceline and how sweet/tender he was with her. This gave me butterflies in my stomach 🥰🥰🥰

[Just A Girl With Spirit · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love a scarred hero and a widower who falls for his housekeeper. This book was exactly what I needed.

[Athanasia ♥︎ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aww yess nothing says merry christmas quite like a historical with a grumpy duke!

A cute and romantic novella full of deep emotions. Quint and Joceline were stubborn but not unkind and able to see when they were at fault, which created the perfect dynamic for forced proximity. The manner in which their scars matched was so sweet! The perfect story to make one believe in Christmas miracles and nightmares especially Quint's mother... jeez!

also...the smelling thing at the beginning sounded too much like an omegaverse!!!

Tags:
Historical Romance⚔️🏰🐲
Burned/Scarred MMC👀👀👀
Widower MMC❤️‍🩹 💔
Housekeeper FMC 🧼🧽🧹
Grumpy/sunshine🙄🤭🥰
Learning intimacy💁👌😍
Forced proximity 👉👈🤦🔗
Insecurity 😥🪞😬
Mitual pinning ❤️‍🩹💔
Parental death(mentioned) 🪔🩸💔
Miscommunication😵‍💫⚠️
Angst😐😑😬
Christmas novel 🎅🎄❄️☃️🎁🦌
Standalone👤🤩 🥳
HEA🔔👰🏼🌠

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

Really good read.
I loved the characters, the surly Duke, the outspoken Housekeeper.
The two of them bounced off each other perfectly.
This was a lovely book that gives you all the feelings you’re looking for in a seasonal romance.

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review

[Lucy Qhuay · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5 stars*
Sweet, but nothing too deep.

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my 74th book by Scarlett Scott. She is definitely one of my top favorite authors. She is actually one of my top favorites. I have been reading her since 2016. I love her stories and her writing and she writes such damn good, yummy, hot sex scenes. I know I will always get a good read from her.

I liked this story. It was a cute read but short. I wish the characters would have developed a little more early on. I felt it was a bit rushed. But overall a good read.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was just ok. A lot of repetition of he’s a Duke and she’s a housekeeper so they can’t be together. Felt like it was mentioned every chapter. Like others said it felt too rushed - in a day he goes from firing her to keeping her. Then maybe a week to being polite and then a few weeks he’s decided he’s over his grief, he loves the housekeeper and they have sex. The only thing that saves that is he has every intention of being with her.

Also didn’t understand some of the characters. He’s got his whole staff frightened but dances attendance for days on people he doesn’t want in his home. Why? Suddenly he can’t stand up to anyone. And the butler is the opposite-starts out as scared of his own shadow to suddenly being a condescending and “in charge” butler.

This trope isn’t my favorite and was hoping for a bit more.

[Michele Denenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading The Duke Who Despised Christmas, by Scarlett Scott. The book was so wonderful. You will love the main characters. They are so endearing. Scarlett Scott is one of my overall favorite authors. Her books are everything you want to read. I just loved reading this book. The reader is taken away by the story of this book. I could read it again!

[Mim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grumpy x sunshine, beauty and the beast, light and short Christmas read. Perfect for bored mood

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so cute 🥹 I love a tortured hero and I also really enjoy historicals with class difference.

[Kristi Hudecek-Ashwill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a mixed-class, beauty and the beast trope. Quint, the Duke of Sedgewick, is our scarred hero while Joceline is his housekeeper. The story is mired in Christmas, which usually annoys me, since I seriously despise this holiday, but it was necessary for the development, especially at the beginning.

Joceline (Mrs. Yorke) was sent to Blackwood Abbey to be a housekeeper by Quint's mother. Quint has a skeleton crew for a staff, is reclusive, moody, and has fired every housekeeper his mother has sent him. He is adamantly opposed to having one, so when Mrs. Yorke shows up and starts decking out his house for Christmas...well, he couldn't have that.

Joceline is young for having such an important job, but she is taking care of her mother and siblings and when the Dowager offered her such a handsome salary, she was determined to earn it, no matter how growly and disagreeable the duke was. She had a job to do and money to earn and would put up with just about anything to keep her job. Except that.

But that didn't mean she didn't find Quint attractive. She found him to be very handsome, but any sort of relationship outside of him being her employer and her being his housekeeper would never be. There was a stigma that went with those types of relationships and she didn't want to bring that down on either of them.

There were a few things that stood out for me with this book. The chemistry between Quint and Joceline was great. The taboo of their relationship was clearly an issue for her, no matter what he said. The clandestine meetings were teasers as to what was to come. The ending was absolutely beautiful. Oh, and I finally got me a hero with long hair! Woot!

I did enjoy this story and will definitely read more by this author.

[Marguerite · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️, 🌶️🌶️
At 143 pages, this was a very quick, enjoyable read. Loved the two main characters, Joceline and Quint.

11-22-2025 Reread this novella again and it’s still a very enjoyable read. I’ve changed my rating from four stars to five stars.

[Reene Lim · Rating 4 out of 5]

i’ve finished the book in one seating! your typical grumpy-sunshine couple romance!

it was incredibly sweet and wholesome, and short as per novellas go. i liked how there was a christmas backdrop painted to set the scene, which is precisely what i’m looking for at this time of year.

the plot follows a very traditional damsel in distress sunshine female MC whilst we follow a grumpy needs to be healed male MC. if you’re looking for something that’s unique and challenges social norms, this story is unfortunately not for you. however, i was in the mood for something comforting and familiar, and this was it.

a few things of note: the first is that i feel like the exploration of joceline’s years of service as a housekeeper and its roles could be explored more. and the topic of the duke’s grief can also be explored to a deeper extent. i felt that both of these were brushed off as a few sentences and it was done. would like to see more of this as i felt like this would add to the character development, overall discussion, and perhaps make this story more memorable.

although the chemistry between the two characters were convincing, and undeniable so that was pleasant to read. i’d say that the spice level is 2.5/5!

overall, a solid 3.5 /5 rounded up! 🌟

[Sonia N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an incredibly beautiful romance!
Quint the Duke of Sedgewick is a brooding recluse hiding from society after the tragedy he faced with his late wife. He is content to live in the country, with his scars and his loss.
Mrs. Jocelin Yorke shows up before Christmas as his new housekeeper. And even though she is very beautiful she goes to great lengths to keep busy and perform her duties. But the Duke makes it impossible.
This is such a well written book with developed characters. Quint is stubborn and set in his ways but Joceline is going to help him. As they time together a beautiful attraction and understanding develops between them.
I found myself feeling so emotional for Quint but Joselin is the perfect Christmas gift for him!
Ohh! And the ending is just absolutely perfect and beautiful! They deserved this priceless ending! I more than enjoyed reading this romance!

[Marla Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Duke had hidden himself away from the world for two years after the fire and death of his wife. Jocelin had been hired by his mother to put his house in order. Their prickly first meeting because he wanted to be left alone and Jocelyn needed to make this housekeeper job permanent. They awakened feelings they weren’t expecting in each other. And it was a scandalous situation that they couldn’t act on. Or could they? A very enjoyable hot and steamy Christmas read!

[Midniteillusion · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute short read. I would have rated it 5 stars but the ending was rushed. It was out of sync with the pacing of the rest of the book.

I liked that other staff was aware and behaved they way they would have for the time period.

I look forward to the next book in the series next year.

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

KU. December Reads. Christmas 2025. Novella. Tropes: Christmas Romance, Victorian Romance, Grumpy-Sunshine, Class Difference, Widower, Work Romance, Forbidden Love, Fairytale, Woman Housekeeper, Disabled MC.

MC's h. Jociline, Mrs. Yorke, housekeeper, 25, has to work to support her mother and siblings.
H. Duke of Sedgewick, Quint, 35, widower for two years. Wife and unborn baby died in a housefire. He tried to save them but couldn't. He is grieving and tortured.

This is a beautiful love story, perfect for Christmas. It is a story of hope from turning a heart from despair to love again. Quint, 35 is not living anymore. He seems to have died along with his wife two years before. He lives as a recluse with a handful of servants. He has many scars from the fire after a beam colapsed on top of him trying to save his wife and unborn child.

Along comes Jocilin Yorke, 25 a beautiful young woman who happens to be his new housekeeper. He immediatley dismisses her. However she stays because his mother the Duchess hired her promising her $50 for decorating for Christmas and $100 for the year. It was double what she earned at her last post and her mother and siblings needed that money.
She finally convinces her he needs a housekeeper after listing all the problems in the household. He actually hires her himself.

She thinks he is the most handsome man she has ever seen. He thinks he is a monster. He thinks she is too beautiful to be a housekeeper and imagines kissing her. She thinks she is nothing special and just wants to do a good job. She is outside in the garden making a wreath for the Front door and he doesn't want her to catch a chill. He goes out to help her and gives her his coat and even hangs the wreath on his front door.

After a few weeks of being there, Quint asks to speak to her privately. He tells her he is attracted to her and can't stop thinking about her. She tells him the same thing. They begin to kiss and kiss and kiss. They are starting to get hot and heavy when his mother and her houseguests arrive. The Butler knocks on the door letting them know.

Afterwards Mrs. Yorke is reprimanded by the Butler. He tells her he will let the Duchess know if she does anything inappropriate again with the Duke.

That evening, Quint goes to Jocilin's room and they make love all night long. The next morning, Quint's mother heard gossip that he spent the night with the housekeeper. He doesn't dispute it and tells his mother that he is marrying Jocilin Yorke. She is quite upset and he asks her and her guests to leave.

10 years later: Quint 45, Jocilin 35. They have been married 10 years and have 4 children, 2 girls and 2 boys and one on the way. Jocilin's mother and siblings live with them at Blackwell Abby,

Opinion: This was a fairytale story, a Beauty and the Beast /Grumpy/Sunshine tale. It was short and sweet and swoon worthy. I loved the characters and the premise. I gave this 4 stars.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful gem of a story and if you like class difference, then this is the book for you! I discovered that I love the class difference trope now (who knew). Jocelin and Quint were perfect together (in the end) and it’s a Christmas book which is my absolute favorite!! But watch out you might just burned your fingers from the spice in this story!! Never say you weren’t warned!

Quint & Jocelin's story is a scandal ready to happen. Quint (the Duke of Sedgwick) is a widower & a recluse because of his wife and child’s death and his terrible physical scars while trying to rescue them during the fire that took their lives. Jocelin Yorke is his housekeeper (hired by his Mother in secret) to bring Christmas to the household in preparation of bringing a potential bride for him to the household for the holiday season. Also, Jocelin doesn’t know that is why she is actually brought to the house and this situation leads to awkwardness later.

Quint is not happy in the slightest with the surprise housekeeper and the way she's turning his household upside down with the decorations, aroma of pine boughs and upheaval of new staff & he lets her know in no uncertain terms, he even tries to send her away but since his Mother hired her, she will only be sent packing on his Mother’s say so. As you can imagine, the sparks fly immediately and don’t let up throughout most of the book, the banter, the push and pull, the back and forth of the characters was entertaining and engaging and so fun to read! The spice was off the charts fantastic!! I absolutely recommend this book & everything this author has to offer, you won’t be sorry!! 💙💜📚⭐️🌶️🌶️🌶️❣️♥️🥰

[Ann Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a Christmas romance! This book was a great combination of main characters. The only thing better than a grumpy, scarred recluse is a headstrong housekeeper that refuses to bow down to her employer. Quint, the Duke of Sedgewick, became a recluse after he was burned trying to save his wife. Joceline became a housekeeper to support her family so she took on the role given to her by the Dower Duchess of Sedgewick. Decorating for Christmas created a little Christmas magic went a long way.
This story was a quick, easy read with some passionate kisses and a bit of heat. I look forward to Scarlett Scott's new holiday tradition of adding to the series. I just wish it wasn't only for Christmas because I am ready for more of the series.

[Jeriann Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Delightful Christmas Romance

Widower Quint is a duke living as a recluse in a crumbling manor and Joceline the young woman forced to forego her dreams to work as a domestic. They clash over her plans to festoon the manor with Christmas cheer, but end up falling in love. This is an enjoyable read.

[Alicia Peacock · Rating 3 out of 5]

Historical Christmas story based on beauty and the beast. Enjoyed the overall story. A steamy section that seemed like it went a bit to long. I would have rather had more time spent seeing them fall in love.