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The Duke Under the Mistletoe: A steamy Christmas novella
New York City socialite, wealthy heiress, and duchess against her will.
She didn’t want to get married. Not yet. And certainly not to a cold, haughty aristocrat.
But her mother had other plans.
Now, she’s a duchess about to spend Christmas alone at her new husband’s crumbling country estate.
There’s just one problem.
He’s unexpectedly decided to join her.
Impoverished duke, London’s most eligible bachelor, and husband against his will.
He may descend from one of the noblest families in England, but he’s swimming in a century’s worth of debt.
His only hope was to secure a wealthy wife.
But his duty isn’t over.
Because he needs an heir.
And there’s only one way to get one…
Novella
Heat Scorching!
She didn’t want to get married. Not yet. And certainly not to a cold, haughty aristocrat.
But her mother had other plans.
Now, she’s a duchess about to spend Christmas alone at her new husband’s crumbling country estate.
There’s just one problem.
He’s unexpectedly decided to join her.
Impoverished duke, London’s most eligible bachelor, and husband against his will.
He may descend from one of the noblest families in England, but he’s swimming in a century’s worth of debt.
His only hope was to secure a wealthy wife.
But his duty isn’t over.
Because he needs an heir.
And there’s only one way to get one…
Novella
Heat Scorching!
90 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 4, 2025
204 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
Scarlett Scott
121 books1,561 followersUSA 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
For Scarlett's latest releases, exclusive excerpts, contests and more, visit her website, http://www.scarlettscottauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 8, 2025
3.5 stars. Historical romance novella, set around Christmas, following an American heiress and the English Duke she was paired with (by her parents) to marry. A year into their marriage and she thinks she’s spending the holidays at his crumbling country estate solo, but he shows up too and their marriage really begins!
Cute and quick, historical holiday novella on KU.
Cute and quick, historical holiday novella on KU.
December 16, 2025
No angst!
November 29, 2025
Lillian didn’t want to get married. But her mother had other plans. Now, she’s a duchess about to spend Christmas alone at her new husband’s crumbling country estate until he unexpectedly decided to join her.
Alaric may descend from one of the noblest families in England, but he’s swimming in a century’s worth of debt. His only hope was to secure a wealthy wife.
An absolute delight, I loved Alaric & Lillian they’ve fallen for each other but don’t really know each other which leads to lack of communication, misassumptions & time apart before they find themselves at the dukedom’s country seat. A quick romance which I read in a sitting & just loved it. It made me smile & left me with a feel good feeling
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
Alaric may descend from one of the noblest families in England, but he’s swimming in a century’s worth of debt. His only hope was to secure a wealthy wife.
An absolute delight, I loved Alaric & Lillian they’ve fallen for each other but don’t really know each other which leads to lack of communication, misassumptions & time apart before they find themselves at the dukedom’s country seat. A quick romance which I read in a sitting & just loved it. It made me smile & left me with a feel good feeling
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
November 30, 2025
What’s a girl to do when her parents steamroll her into marrying a duke, only to find herself abandoned in a drafty pile of bricks for Christmas? Enter Miss Lillian Amelia Penrose, New York socialite, heiress with more backbone than baubles and a very reluctant duchess. However, after the wedding (even before the bedding) she's been sipping her mulled wine alone for a month, when her disappearing bridegroom decides to join her for the holiday.
Alaric Rothwell, Duke of Wentworth, is drowning in debt and duty, but let’s be honest; he’s also drowning in his own stubborn fear and pride. Six months of betrothal, one hasty marriage, and zero communication later; these two are practically strangers. Cue the misunderstandings, the frosty silences, and the kind of tension that makes you want to lock them in the library until they kiss it out.
Scarlett Scott delivers a novella that’s equal parts of cozy Christmas glow and marital fireworks. Watching Lillian and Alaric stumble, spar, and finally talk (hallelujah!) is like unwrapping the best kind of present: messy, heartfelt, and topped with a bow of genuine love. It’s quick, it’s witty, and it left me grinning like I’d just caught the duke under the mistletoe myself. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Alaric Rothwell, Duke of Wentworth, is drowning in debt and duty, but let’s be honest; he’s also drowning in his own stubborn fear and pride. Six months of betrothal, one hasty marriage, and zero communication later; these two are practically strangers. Cue the misunderstandings, the frosty silences, and the kind of tension that makes you want to lock them in the library until they kiss it out.
Scarlett Scott delivers a novella that’s equal parts of cozy Christmas glow and marital fireworks. Watching Lillian and Alaric stumble, spar, and finally talk (hallelujah!) is like unwrapping the best kind of present: messy, heartfelt, and topped with a bow of genuine love. It’s quick, it’s witty, and it left me grinning like I’d just caught the duke under the mistletoe myself. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 30, 2025
I always love a good Christmas novella, but add in a marriage of convenience and it is even better. This is a short book and easy to read in one sitting. The characters are well-written and likable. Alaric and Lillian started out the engagement and marriage with the wrong idea of the other. Thankfully they got it all worked out and had a very Merry Christmas with a little added spice.
December 5, 2025
I am honestly tired of second chances books. It always starts with the hero leaving the heroine for months or years. Not my favorite trope and it’s basically super predictable. 1st thing that annoyed me was that Alaric left Lilian alone with no word for a month without communication after they got married. 2nd he say that he left her alone so she can get use to marriage. Like wtf (get use to marriage?? By what? Being left alone and abandon?) This could’ve been better but I am not a fan of books where there is some abandonment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2025
Scarlett hits it over the Christmas tree again!! Lillian Penrose is an American heiress whose father comes to an agreement with the impoverished English Duke, Alaric, The Duke of Wentworth. On the day of their betrothal, they share one very steamy kiss and after that Alaric becomes quite chilly because he found (by accident) a letter and misconstrues Lily’s affection for another man. The two, pushed into keeping their betrothal contract obligation, carry on with the wedding and after the wedding Lillian is ignored and abandoned from the onset of their marriage. She escapes to their now country estate for Christmas. But Lillian has a surprise in store, she has no idea that Alaric has decided to join her after spending months in Scotland with her father and an architect and licking his wounds from that mysterious letter he found. Suddenly this estranged couple have to figure out how to communicate which leads to consummating their marriage (spicy scenes)! Things heat up, all brought on by the promise of that firey kiss at their betrothal and things take a wonderful turn! All leading to a lovely HEA! My only quibble was this book was too short!! I love this couple and their journey toward their HEA!!
December 11, 2025
Such a delightful little novella that brings all the feels of romance and Christmastide! There are such likable characters in Alaric, the impoverished Duke, and his outspoken American heiress, Lillian, that the reader is endeared to them from the start of their awkward marriage of convenience. A simple misunderstanding gets them off to a difficult start with each doubting the other’s affections. Once that was cleared up, they couldn’t keep their hands off of each other, and their HEA was shining bright in their future!
December 4, 2025
I love love loved Lillian and Alaric's story! I'm a sucker for a second chance romance after a misunderstanding and this didnt disappoint! I flew through this novella and it was so fun and easy to read. I loved how Alaric had loved her all along and how Lillian was blissfully unaware, all for them to come together beautifully in the end. A fantastic start to this year's festive season!
December 7, 2025
Was looking forward to this coming out and it didn’t disappoint- a short and spicy novella of an arranged marriage turned into love match. Great quick read!
December 17, 2025
It took way too long to read 80 pages. This book was a miss for me.
I felt some connection to Lillian in the beginning but then the character went flat.
I felt nothing for Alaric and nothing between them.
I have no idea how either thought they were in love with the other. They didn’t even get to know one another.
Neither one of them have any personality either.
Also no Christmas vibes at all. This story could have taken place anytime anywhere.
I felt some connection to Lillian in the beginning but then the character went flat.
I felt nothing for Alaric and nothing between them.
I have no idea how either thought they were in love with the other. They didn’t even get to know one another.
Neither one of them have any personality either.
Also no Christmas vibes at all. This story could have taken place anytime anywhere.
December 5, 2025
The Duke Under the Mistletoe by Scarlett Scott is a fun holiday novella. Do yourself a favor: curl up by the fireplace with your favorite hot drink and enjoy!
I thoroughly enjoyed this he fell first marriage of convenience story. I’m not the biggest fan of flashbacks in books, but I enjoyed this story so much that I think my brain tuned them out after a while.
I never thought that I would enjoy the marriage of convenience trope as much as I have been lately. Ms. Scott wrote it to perfection with the added bonus of it being also falling into the “he fell first” category! I have a soft spot for that trope because in my experience my husband fell first.
This novella isn’t as steamy as her full length books are, but it’s likely due to the length of the story.
I received an ARC. The opinions expressed above are mine.
I thoroughly enjoyed this he fell first marriage of convenience story. I’m not the biggest fan of flashbacks in books, but I enjoyed this story so much that I think my brain tuned them out after a while.
I never thought that I would enjoy the marriage of convenience trope as much as I have been lately. Ms. Scott wrote it to perfection with the added bonus of it being also falling into the “he fell first” category! I have a soft spot for that trope because in my experience my husband fell first.
This novella isn’t as steamy as her full length books are, but it’s likely due to the length of the story.
I received an ARC. The opinions expressed above are mine.
December 4, 2025
Scarlett always writes such likeable characters that you want to spend time with, like American heiress Lillian and impoverished English duke Alaric. After one steaming kiss on the day of their betrothal, Alaric backs off to the point of chilly. After being pushed by her parents into the marriage and ignored from the onset of that marriage, Lillian escapes to the duke's country estate for Christmas. She has no clue that he's decided to join her after spending months in Scotland. Finally these two virtual strangers have to figure out how to communicate--and consummate! Things start to heat up and the promise of that initial scorching kiss comes to fruition. This is a fun Christmas HEA that will definitely warm you up!
December 6, 2025
This is my 82nd book by Scarlett Scott. She is definitely one of my top favorite authors. 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. Although to be honest and this has never happened, I actually didn't read her last book that she wrote with another author. It was in first person, which she has never done and I HATE first person views. So it was sad but I hated it and couldn't get past the Prologue. So glad to see she has another new book out so quickly.
I enjoyed this book. I liked the storyline. I hate that it was so short because I love reading Scarlett's book. I liked Lillian and Alaric.
I enjoyed this book. I liked the storyline. I hate that it was so short because I love reading Scarlett's book. I liked Lillian and Alaric.
December 7, 2025
Communication is the key! We have a New York heiress with new money and an English Duke impoverished from generations of over indulgence before him!
Alaric the Duke of Wentworth is instantly charmed by the beauty in front of him!
Lillian Penrose had no intention of being the dutiful daughter except she had no choice but to acquiesce to her mother’s ambition!
Alaric wants to give Lillian time to be his wife but when he finds a disturbing letter he distanced himself to protect his heart!
It is his duty to sire an heir but Lillian wants so much more!
Can these two have an honest conversation in the midst of Christmas season?
Bravo there is hope for a Christmas miracle needed for these two.
Alaric the Duke of Wentworth is instantly charmed by the beauty in front of him!
Lillian Penrose had no intention of being the dutiful daughter except she had no choice but to acquiesce to her mother’s ambition!
Alaric wants to give Lillian time to be his wife but when he finds a disturbing letter he distanced himself to protect his heart!
It is his duty to sire an heir but Lillian wants so much more!
Can these two have an honest conversation in the midst of Christmas season?
Bravo there is hope for a Christmas miracle needed for these two.
December 10, 2025
This was a quick and straightforward story set at a country home with two people quickly overcoming a misunderstanding that has continued for several months. If you can forget that if they'd just talked once in those months, they wouldn't be where they are, it is an entertaining read.
I liked when he announced his reason for his arrival was to "attend to his husbandly duties" and she dropped her teacup in shock. I wish there had been a bit more of that kind of teasing/flirtation. The title says "steamy," but I wouldn't consider this story that steamy (yes there is a sex scene but it's not as steamy as others by this author). This isn't a bad thing for me, but some people might feel misled by the title.
Overall it was an enjoyable read. 3.5 stars
I liked when he announced his reason for his arrival was to "attend to his husbandly duties" and she dropped her teacup in shock. I wish there had been a bit more of that kind of teasing/flirtation. The title says "steamy," but I wouldn't consider this story that steamy (yes there is a sex scene but it's not as steamy as others by this author). This isn't a bad thing for me, but some people might feel misled by the title.
Overall it was an enjoyable read. 3.5 stars
December 2, 2025
I loved this! It's Alaric & Lillian's story & was a short & quick read. They find themselves in a marriage of convenience & neither really knows the other. She didn't want to get married, but her mother had different ideas; he needs a wife to help with his finances. They didn't expect the attraction to each other, but she ends up alone in his estate for a little while anyways. When he shows up unexpectedly, the feelings & the attraction grows. They spend time together to get to know one another & to straighten up some assumptions that they made about the other. I loved this! It was a feel-good Christmas novella; the spice was fantastic & I highly recommend this book & author!
December 1, 2025
A wonderfully sweet and steamy story about two people caught up in their own feelings and misunderstandings. Alaric is an impoverished Duke who meets Lillian who is a wealthy American heiress. While they are destined to become betrothed and married, she is rebellious at first while he begins to care for her. Their first kiss curls the toes.
Once back in England, they need to come to terms with each other.
I devoured it in one sitting enjoying the Christmas setting.
Scott knows how to spin an engaging tale and hook us into the romance.
I received an ARC but the honest opinion is my own.
Once back in England, they need to come to terms with each other.
I devoured it in one sitting enjoying the Christmas setting.
Scott knows how to spin an engaging tale and hook us into the romance.
I received an ARC but the honest opinion is my own.
December 6, 2025
Lillian, an American heiress just wanted to spend Christmas alone at Wentworth Abbey, her husband's crumbling estate. Lillian's mother had arranged for her to marry Alaric, the Duke of Wentworth, and Lillian soon learns he is expected to join her for Christmas. Lillian and Alaric have yet to spend time together since Alaric was away in Scotland soon after they married.
This delightful holiday novella is Lillian and Alaric's heartwarming journey from married strangers to intimacy and love. Loved it!
This delightful holiday novella is Lillian and Alaric's heartwarming journey from married strangers to intimacy and love. Loved it!
December 15, 2025
A Christmas gift indeed
A wealthy beauty , An arranged marriage to an impoverished duke what was her family thinking she didn’t want to marry someone she didn’t know and to top it all move to England .
He left right after they wed and all alone , he had done what was needed to save the line he married wealth , he now had to beget an heir .
Miss-understandings and miss trust kept them apart until Christmas Eve and love blossomed .
An enjoyable Christmas’s story by this lovely author .
A wealthy beauty , An arranged marriage to an impoverished duke what was her family thinking she didn’t want to marry someone she didn’t know and to top it all move to England .
He left right after they wed and all alone , he had done what was needed to save the line he married wealth , he now had to beget an heir .
Miss-understandings and miss trust kept them apart until Christmas Eve and love blossomed .
An enjoyable Christmas’s story by this lovely author .
December 6, 2025
I absolutely loved this wonderful Christmas romance, Alaric needs a wealthy heiress to restore his estate depleted coffers, Lillian is an American heiress whose parents see Alaric as the perfect husband for their daughter, a daughter who believes herself in love with her art tutor. For Alaric it is love at first sight, but a hidden letter shatters his heart, can he marry a woman who loves another. The answer is yes as he needs and love her, but will she in time learn to need and love him.
December 1, 2025
I just loved this short, cute book. It is about a married couple who married for convenience and when a miss understanding happened it kept them separated. While Lillian is staying at their country house to celebrate the holidays, Alaric, her husband the Duke, decides he will spend the holiday there with his wife.
I received an ARC of this book, and I am leaving my honest opinion.
I received an ARC of this book, and I am leaving my honest opinion.
December 4, 2025
A beautiful romance where he falls for her first! An American heiress marries a handsome Duke in a marriage of convenience.
Alaric may be impoverished but he very handsome and is a sought after by the ladies. After they are married she is left alone in one of his estates.
A misunderstanding between them kept them apart. Lillian and Alaric eventually work out what was bothering them.
This is such a beautiful, well written and with great attention to details story!
Alaric may be impoverished but he very handsome and is a sought after by the ladies. After they are married she is left alone in one of his estates.
A misunderstanding between them kept them apart. Lillian and Alaric eventually work out what was bothering them.
This is such a beautiful, well written and with great attention to details story!
December 10, 2025
Alaric and Lillian
Wonderful character and book. Ms. Scott U.N. never leaves you hanging from the first page to the last. Alaric has love a Lillian from the moment he meant her and she returned his love not knowing until their first Christmas eve. They get their HEA and so much much more. Happy reading! 🙂
Wonderful character and book. Ms. Scott U.N. never leaves you hanging from the first page to the last. Alaric has love a Lillian from the moment he meant her and she returned his love not knowing until their first Christmas eve. They get their HEA and so much much more. Happy reading! 🙂
December 17, 2025
Soo sweet
Ohh this novella pulled at my heartstrings. You have two people who wanted different things out of life, and not with each other. However, once they start to spend time wirh each other they learn they're alike in more ways than one. This is a perfect Christmas story for me.
Ohh this novella pulled at my heartstrings. You have two people who wanted different things out of life, and not with each other. However, once they start to spend time wirh each other they learn they're alike in more ways than one. This is a perfect Christmas story for me.
December 7, 2025
I adore Christmas novella this one was no exception Lillian and her duke were 2 awesome characters. They were meant to be together and a great HVA. Quick read cause you want to know what happens. Thanks,Scarlett
December 10, 2025
Wonderful Christmas story,
I love this authors work and the story was shorter than her other books, but a great story none the less. Two souls who didn't realize they were meant for one another, fear was keeping them apart but all is good at the end. Enjoy!
I love this authors work and the story was shorter than her other books, but a great story none the less. Two souls who didn't realize they were meant for one another, fear was keeping them apart but all is good at the end. Enjoy!
December 13, 2025
swoon!!!!
Love this book so much. This is my second historical romance and I’m getting hooked I think. So excited. Love how they fall in love and how the magic of the season brings them together.
Love this book so much. This is my second historical romance and I’m getting hooked I think. So excited. Love how they fall in love and how the magic of the season brings them together.
December 19, 2025
Loved it as I’ve loved everything Scarlett Scott has written. I think I’ve read all of her books and I loved this one too. Only bad thing was that it was too short! Realizing it was a Novella, I knew it would be shorter than most of her stories but I still had to read it.
Keep ‘em coming Scarlett and keep up the heat!
Keep ‘em coming Scarlett and keep up the heat!
December 19, 2025
Low angst and sweet (bust still spice).
This was a lovely, low-angst, easy read. If you o KU have a little time to relax during the Holidays, this is a great book to get a little sweet and spicy romance fix.
This was a lovely, low-angst, easy read. If you o KU have a little time to relax during the Holidays, this is a great book to get a little sweet and spicy romance fix.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews