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The Notorious Briarwoods #18
The Viscount's Absolutely Tempting Twelve Days
Laertes Ripton, Viscount Hawthorne, son of Lady Perdita Briarwood, is flying high after successfully helping his friend the Duke of Crestfield find joy in his life once more. The Twelve Days of Christmas are afoot and nothing could go wrong, could it? When Laertes meets Crestfield’s sister, Lady Seraphine, he’s certain his Christmas present has arrived, but unwrapping her may prove difficult, for the beautiful, brilliant young lady is determined to be perfect in every way and her idea of perfection might be very different than what the Briarwoods and Laertes offer.
The price of perfection is exceptionally high for Lady Seraphine, sister of the Duke of Crestfield. Latin, French, and German are all easy for her, she sings with more skill than the greatest Paris opera star, and her ability to charm is all but legend in the ton. But though she has never let herself be anything less than perfect, Seraphine never feels like she’s enough in her mother’s eyes, or even her own. When she meets Laertes and his fiery kiss awakens a desire to be loved within, can she see that Laertes loves her for the woman she is and not for all the things she forces herself to be? Or will her pursuit of perfection destroy her chance at true love?
The price of perfection is exceptionally high for Lady Seraphine, sister of the Duke of Crestfield. Latin, French, and German are all easy for her, she sings with more skill than the greatest Paris opera star, and her ability to charm is all but legend in the ton. But though she has never let herself be anything less than perfect, Seraphine never feels like she’s enough in her mother’s eyes, or even her own. When she meets Laertes and his fiery kiss awakens a desire to be loved within, can she see that Laertes loves her for the woman she is and not for all the things she forces herself to be? Or will her pursuit of perfection destroy her chance at true love?
- GenresChristmas
160 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 25, 2025
89 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
January 18, 2026
Oliver 's sister Seraphine turned up at the Briarwood Christmas just as Oliver and Phoebe decided to marry, and although delighted to see her brother looking so free and happy, she's a little surprised at all the children being with the adults and no one appearing to mind.
Since she was a small girl her mother has groomed Seraphine to be perfect, to ready her to marry a prince or an arch duke, and Seraphine is always perfect..
But that day s,he arrived at the Briarwood estate, something flickered and although she tried to be a perfect, mixing with the family makes her realise something is missing.
Now his sister Phoebe is betrothed to his best friend Laertes is feeling a little melancholy and evening playing for his family hasn't lifted him as it normally does, but then Seraphine sits next to him on the piano stool and they play together
Over the days they get closer and Seraphine starts to live a little, but then her mother turns up and is unhappy.
Both ladies arriving without an invitation is odd, but fits in this book well. So happy to see this glorious family again.
Since she was a small girl her mother has groomed Seraphine to be perfect, to ready her to marry a prince or an arch duke, and Seraphine is always perfect..
But that day s,he arrived at the Briarwood estate, something flickered and although she tried to be a perfect, mixing with the family makes her realise something is missing.
Now his sister Phoebe is betrothed to his best friend Laertes is feeling a little melancholy and evening playing for his family hasn't lifted him as it normally does, but then Seraphine sits next to him on the piano stool and they play together
Over the days they get closer and Seraphine starts to live a little, but then her mother turns up and is unhappy.
Both ladies arriving without an invitation is odd, but fits in this book well. So happy to see this glorious family again.
December 30, 2025
Still loved it but not my favorite……….
I love these stories, but they seem to be taking a turn toward a focus on the education of mental illness. While I enjoy that they display how family lines can be affected, I would like more of the humor and enjoyment that is a staple of the Briarwood family. It still had moments that made me laugh out loud though. The family love is still present and I really liked the input from the hero’s father, the Earl of Hythe. This was a story of self love and acceptance. Two souls, Laertes and Seraphine, that had their own difficulties but were made to help heal one another. He knew she was his person from the moment they met, but he had to wait for her to choose herself over pleasing her mother. In the end, the love of the Briarwood family won them all over and there was a HEA for all that ended with several weddings.
I love these stories, but they seem to be taking a turn toward a focus on the education of mental illness. While I enjoy that they display how family lines can be affected, I would like more of the humor and enjoyment that is a staple of the Briarwood family. It still had moments that made me laugh out loud though. The family love is still present and I really liked the input from the hero’s father, the Earl of Hythe. This was a story of self love and acceptance. Two souls, Laertes and Seraphine, that had their own difficulties but were made to help heal one another. He knew she was his person from the moment they met, but he had to wait for her to choose herself over pleasing her mother. In the end, the love of the Briarwood family won them all over and there was a HEA for all that ended with several weddings.
December 24, 2025
When Laertes Ripton, Viscount Hawthorne, meets his friend Oliver's sister Lady Seraphine, he knows
she is the only one for him. Seraphine who was brought up to be perfect at all times, being a Duke's daughter, was told that no one but an Archduke or Prince would do. But when she meets Laertes and their chemistry together is off the charts, will she give in to love or hold off for the life she was always told she needed.
This is a lovely story with lots of fun Briarwood family, some steamy scenes, and a wonderful Christmas theme.
she is the only one for him. Seraphine who was brought up to be perfect at all times, being a Duke's daughter, was told that no one but an Archduke or Prince would do. But when she meets Laertes and their chemistry together is off the charts, will she give in to love or hold off for the life she was always told she needed.
This is a lovely story with lots of fun Briarwood family, some steamy scenes, and a wonderful Christmas theme.
December 27, 2025
Beautiful story!
Eva, thank you for sharing your amazing wisdom through your stories of embracing family and love. Your stories help us to see undesirable aspects of ourselves that are calling us to accept and love instead of running or closing ourselves off. I look forward to reading more of your beautiful stories.
Eva, thank you for sharing your amazing wisdom through your stories of embracing family and love. Your stories help us to see undesirable aspects of ourselves that are calling us to accept and love instead of running or closing ourselves off. I look forward to reading more of your beautiful stories.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A lovely romance where letting go of expectations and perfection can lead to the truest love. Laertes and Seraphine find their love and harmony in a most complete and satisfying happily ever after.
January 4, 2026
The rest of the Crestwoods become Briarwoods, with a double wedding on 12th night
January 4, 2026
Awesome loved it
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews