The Duke's Bride

12 Dukes of Christmas #6

by Erica Ridley

Single father and confirmed bachelor Jack Skeffington is the mastermind behind an international smuggling ring, yet unable to control his rambunctious ten-year-old twins. What he needs is a stern, experienced, no-nonsense governess. What he gets is his business partner’s untouchable sister, whose delectable body Jack yearns to pull close.

Mademoiselle Désirée le Duc cannot wait to return to France and regain her lost vineyard. But to do so, she must repay crippling debt. Determined to buy freedom, she accepts temporary employment from an Englishman with a wicked smile and a big… wine cellar. His kisses taste like heaven and his arms feel like home. How can she choose between two families separated by the sea?

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Christmas, Regency, Historical Fiction, Regency Romance

200 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 12, 2019

About the author

Get 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.

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

She longed for home, the French vineyard her family lost, but how could she get the money she needed? He may be a successful smuggler, but as a single father of creatively mischievous twins, he was floundering…and their story is a wickedly fun and flirtatious tale by Erica Ridley called THE DUKE’S BRIDE, because sometimes two hearts, two ten-year-olds and necessity equal love when you least expect it!

Quick, fun reading with just enough spice and “kid cuteness” to make me smile! Desiree was a delight and watching another man fall to a strong-willed woman was priceless! It never gets old! Erica Ridley has another hit in a spirited series that any historical romance reader will love!

I was invited to receive a complimentary copy from WebMotion!

Series: 12 Dukes of Christmas - Book 6
Publisher: WebMotion (November 12, 2019)
Publication Date: November 12, 2019
Paperback: 200 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Tanya Sridhar · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't decide if I liked it or didn't like it, or just kinda-sorta-liked it.

[Tracy Emro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack Skeffington, widower, father of twins, wine connoisseur and smuggler is meeting with his ship captain, Capt. Redmire, trying to find a new smuggling route, when his ten year old son Fredrick bursts in the room upset that his sister Annie is beating him and his friends at hoops, Jack sends him off and picks up where he left off, after he maps the new route, the meeting is interrupted again, this time by his daughter Annie. Once he takes care of her, Redmire tells him that he needs a wife. Jack is clear, he had a wife, he loved her and lost her, he will not do that again and his children won’t accept another woman in their lives. But he will consider a governess.

Desiree le Duc is the sister to blacksmiths Sebastian “Beau” and Lucien le Duc and has many times been called the most beautiful woman in Cressmouth. Desiree and her siblings fled the French revolution after losing their parents and their lands, they settled in Cressmouth 18 years ago with an English family friend, who they lovingly call Uncle Jasper. She is content, but her brothers long to return to France and reclaim their stolen heritage. They have worked hard to pay off the lease on the property so they can leave Uncle Jasper taken care of and they are close to their goal – Lucien says another year at most. So when Jack offers an outrageous amount of money to be a temporary governess to his twins, she jumps at the chance.

Jack is attracted to Desiree, but he knows an affair is out of the question and he can’t offer her anything more, so he ignores the desire simmering in him and resolves to be friends with her – a friend he most definitely won’t be kissing.

Desiree fits right into their family and has to fight her own feelings, she can’t let herself fall in love with Jack or the twins since her time in Cressmouth is limited. But despite the best of intentions, that is exactly what happens and when she asks Jack to be her lover, she wonders how she will be able to walk away.

Jack finally admits he has fallen in love with her and knows that she wants to return to France, so he “helps” her brothers by paying them a huge payout for their help in the last smuggling run. He will let her go if that is her true desire, but he hopes she will choose to stay.

When her brothers announce that they will be returning to France immediately, Desire is torn, between helping her brothers win their heart’s desire and seizing her own.

This was a very well written novella with wonderful characters, amusing banter, steamyish love scenes, second chances and dreams coming true. This is the sixth book in the series, but it is easily read as a standalone with no issues.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the Publisher.*

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Christmas Novella called the Dukes’s Bride however the only Duke is the French h Desiree le duc. The H is a smuggler Jack Skeffington former Privateer during the war with France of wines from France and other countries. He was married to Sally and had twins a boy Frederick and girl Annie . Sally contracted Diptheria and died. When the twins were 10 he needed to hire a governess for his twins. He asked Desiree to fill in as a temporary governess until they found a permanent one. The le ducs Lucien, Bastien and Desiree had to flee France after their parents were guillotined to death during the French Revolution. They came with their Uncle Jasper to England and learned Blacksmithing to survive. Their plan was to go back to France someday. Now that Bonaparte was defeated they found out they could reclaim their land vineyards in Bordeaux. They needed to pay off their debt in Cressmouth to help their Uncle Jasper before they could leave. Jack and Desiree spent time together and they were both secretly attracted to each other. The children and Desiree were taken with each other too. Jack asks Desiree to marry him. She does but she was torn between her brother’s and Jack and his twins. They compromised and lived in France for the summers and Cressmouth in the winter.
This was a delightful story.

[Sandra Moreira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet. Loved the kids!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack Skeffington is the logistical genius at the head of an international smuggling operation, but the brilliant widower struggles to manage his ten year old twins. He's come to the conclusion that it's time to find them an experienced governess who'll be firm with them, but instead he winds up with help from the lovely sister of his French business associates.

Desiree le Duc shares her elder brothers' dream of returning to France although she's no longer sure she'll fit in there. Before any of the le Ducs return to France, however, they must pay off a significant debt on their property in Cressmouth. To help with the repayment of the debt, Desiree accepts a well-paid position as temporary governess for Jack's children. But neither she nor Jack are quite prepared for how permanent their developing feelings become, especially when Desiree and her brothers' moving date is accelerated.

This quick, cute read really had everything I look for: the pace was fast, there was some steam that felt right for the couple, both Jack and Desiree stood boldly to proclaim their feelings to each other, even the children were cute. This was a lovely story of love and family and I loved it. Definitely one of my favorites if not the favorite of this series.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...

[Elodie’s Reading Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Duke's Bride
12 Dukes of Christmas Series #6
Erica Ridley
https://www.facebook.com/ericaridley/
Release date 11/12/2019
Publisher Webmotion

Blurb :

Single father and confirmed bachelor Jack Skeffington is the mastermind behind an international smuggling ring, yet unable to control his rambunctious ten-year-old twins. What he needs is a stern, experienced, no-nonsense governess. What he gets is his business partner’s untouchable sister, whose delectable body Jack yearns to pull close.

Mademoiselle Désirée le Duc cannot wait to return to France and regain her lost vineyard. But to do so, she must repay crippling debt. Determined to buy freedom, she accepts temporary employment from an Englishman with a wicked smile and a big… wine cellar. His kisses taste like heaven and his arms feel like home. How can she choose between two families separated by the sea?

The 12 Dukes of Christmas is a series of 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!

My review :

When one is decided to never engage his heart again and the other will soon leave behind her adoptive country, can they have a future together...

I loved all the stories in this series, but so far this one has become my favorite, it combines everything I love in romance, a strong and caring hero with a sweet sense of humor, a clever and unusual heroine with a heart of gold and two adorable and funny hellions.
This beautiful story made me laugh, smile but also cry at all the silly talks, antics but also thoughtful reflections of the twins.
Jack might more than border illegality with his smuggling business, yet it began to provide for his family and in the process help others when wars and its stigmas left many with nothing to live with. He is also aware it might come to an end and he expanded his sources of incomes.
He lacks only one thing, a woman in his life and his heart, but having lost his first love, he is unwilling to risk his heart again.
Désirée has lived most of her life in this peculiar city but as a French emigrant, borrowing time in England until her family’s return to France now the war is over. And with only her brothers as kin, she will go where they decide. She knows what they have lost and they hope to regain, but what does her heart truly desires?
Their relationship progresses slowly from friends to confidents, each sharing their fears and hopes until they realize choices which might hurt them will have to be made.
Mrs Erica Ridley with this wondrous tale outdid herself, from the so thoughtful father Jack is, to the inventive and resourceful Désirée and the full of mischiefs and vibrant twins, she offers us an amazing tale of acceptance and love.
5 stars as there is no higher rating.

By the way I agree with the Veuve Clicquot champagne ...

I was granted an advance copy by the author and prior to it, preordered my own.
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.


https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...

[AnnMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Duke's Bride is the sixth book in the 12 Dukes of Christmas series by Erica Ridley. This book, like all of the others, can easily be read as a standalone.

Jack Skeffington previously a privateer, now part of an international smuggling ring, is also a single father of twin 10-year-olds. Full of zing and character the children run rings around everybody and Jack decides they need a governess. They will benefit from being taught, and he will benefit from having some peace in order to concentrate on his work.

Mademoiselle Désirée le Duc and her brothers were forced to leave France when there was an uprising against the aristocracy. Now everything is calm and they are welcome to return. Unfortunately, they have to repay a loan before they can leave, and after 18 years that loan is close to being paid in full. The family are practically counting the hours until they can go home.

When Desiree learns that Jack needs a governess she offers her services at least temporarily until he can find somebody more qualified. He happily accepts. Her brothers aren't pleased because they don't want her to work, but she wants to help with paying back the loan and the money Jack is offering cannot be sneezed at.

What none of them expects to happen is for the sparks to fly between Jack and Desiree. During the day she is the governess that the children love. Before bed, she is a woman that enjoys passionate embraces and kisses from their father. They both know she is planning on returning to France, and that Jack would never leave Cressmouth, but they figure some kissing won't do any harm if they have no expectations of a future together.

The problems arise when Desiree finds herself possibly falling for Jack, and she adores his children. She has planned for 18 years to return to France with her brothers, can she give up on those plans and her family in order to stay with Jack and the children?

This was a great fast-paced novella with wonderful characters. Of course, I loved Jack and Desiree, but I also thought his children were fabulous. They really added some fun and also some emotional moments to the story. Desiree's brothers are so sweet too, so protective and caring of her, it's no wonder she is torn between a life with them in France and staying with Jack in England.

This series of books have been fabulous reads, of course, including this one, and I look forward to the ones to follow. I definitely recommend them. Oh, and if I could live in a place like Cressmouth I would move right now!!

[Maura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Desiree le Duc lives with her two brothers and they're all exiles from France who've been waiting to go home for 18 years. However, to do that, they need money. So when her brothers' friend and fellow smuggler, Jack Skeffington, comes asking for advice about a governess for his ten-year-old twins, Desiree volunteers as temporary governess. But Jack is clear he wants no emotional attachments - he never plans to remarry and he doesn't want his kids getting attached to Desiree only for her to leave. Desiree promises she can do that, even if that means steering clear of Jack, who shares her attraction. But she can't keep from falling in love with the children, nor they with her. And the more time she spends with Jack, the more the emotional attachment between them grows as well...and leads straight to a v-card dispensing on a basement sofa. So what choice will Desiree make when her brothers decide they have enough money to return to France immediately? Which family will she choose?

This very much felt a bit like a repeat of the last story - where the central angst in the relationship comes from the fact that one must leave and the other is too afraid to risk asking the other to stay. That was a bit disappointing. Also doesn't look like we'll get much different for the rest of the le Duc siblings either...they all plan on leaving. We'll see... I really did enjoy how well the author incorporated Desiree into the family and how natural it felt to have the whole family together. Desiree and the kids were a delight to see together, and jack himself was a great father. His being a smuggling leader didn't feel like it was a necessary part of the story though. Felt superfluous. Once again, I have mixed feelings about Jack being willing to take Desiree's virginity knowing she's leaving/he's not marrying. I like that he respects HER decision and that she knows her own mind and reminds her about his not-honorable intentions. But, at the same time...mixed feelings. The epilogue was much appreciated so that we get an idea how they ended up working through the whole "return to France" thing. Cute story, but we need a new source of angst.

[Carole Burant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack and Désirée's story was an absolute delight to read! It was lovely to read a lighthearted story with no great angst, villains or misunderstandings. Jack's 10 year old twins really steal the spotlight, though, and they had me giggling throughout the book with their antics. Both Jack and Désirée are also wonderful characters and they come together so naturally and the big decision she has to make at the end is figured out beautifully.

My first language is French so it was fun to be able to understand whenever Désirée or her brothers spoke French:) This was definitely one of my favorite 12 Dukes of Christmas stories!

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Romanticamente Fantasy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dorox - per RFS
.
Jack Skeffington è vedovo con due gemelli a cui badare; molto vivaci ma privi di qualsiasi istruzione, lo esasperano al punto da decidere di cercare un’istitutrice per la loro educazione. La sua scelta ricade su Désirée le Duc, una vicina di casa francese. Quella che doveva essere una collaborazione momentanea, porterà invece a risvolti inaspettati.

Jack è un uomo che si è chiuso in se stesso, dedito al lavoro e alla famiglia, soprattutto in seguito alla morta della moglie. Non è (quindi) più disposto ad amare nessuno per paura di soffrire, l’unica cosa che conta per lui sono i suoi figli. Désirée ha un solo sogno, quello di tornare nella sua terra natia, la Francia, e vivere la sua vita lì. I due protagonisti sembrano avere ambizioni diverse, ma per entrambi il fulcro intorno al quale gira tutto è la famiglia, valore di assoluta importanza. Nonostante ciò i loro sentimenti iniziano a venire fuori, specialmente grazie a quella che è una convivenza costante, e l’ausilio delle due piccole “pesti”.

Ambientato nei primi dell’800 in Inghilterra, il romanzo ripercorre quelle che sono le abitudini e gli avvenimenti sociali e culturali del tempo, che caratterizzano e sono presenti anche nella vita dei due protagonisti, per esempio il contrabbando oppure quelli che sembrano essere i conflitti tra Francia e Inghilterra.

La lettura è molto scorrevole, la storia è incalzante; ricca di avvenimenti comici in un quadro prettamente familiare, ti fa immaginare la vita domestica del tempo. Tuttavia sembra dare un po’ troppo per scontato alcune dinamiche, come lo sviluppo del rapporto dei protagonisti, che sembrano ritrovarsi innamorati dall’oggi al domani, come se fosse una piccola favola o meglio un colpo di fulmine. Avrei dunque preferito un evolversi più lento ma realistico, che rendesse il tutto più forte e anche chiaro.

È una lettura leggera, adatta a questo periodo autunnale, da accompagnare con una copertina e magari una tazza di tè. Ho amato l’ambientazione e la purezza che viene fuori dal rapporto d’amore tra Jack e Désirée, che in alcuni momenti preferiscono pensare più agli altri che alla propria felicità; leggere un po’ di più e in maniera approfondita delle loro emozioni non mi sarebbe dispiaciuto.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really am enjoying this series of the 12 Dukes of Christmas. This particular entry was a tad spicier than the last two, which isn't what I look for in a romance, but it made sense with the storyline. I wasn't overly pleased with the illegal activities of the MC H and the blind-eye everyone turned towards it, but I expect most people preferred their alcohol than wanted to debate just how bad rum-running was in the grand scheme of things. Again, his profession made sense, though I prefer my Heroes to be on the correct side of the law, it wasn't a huge detraction from the story.

This wasn't my favorite entry in the series, but I didn't dislike it either, so a solid 3 stars. I am looking forward to the next book in the series, which I probably won't get to until next Christmas to be honest. I really enjoy reading these during the Christmas season, since they take place in a Christmas village. It helps to make my season a little brighter. I highly recommend the series if you enjoy Regency romances. These are novellas, so easy to binge them, they are all interconnected, which I really like and while they are shorter than the average book, I feel the characters are all well fleshed out and the town is it's own character, growing with each story. Highly recommended, though it might be best to read them in order.

My thanks to NetGalley and WebMotion for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.

[Heike · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, almost no conflict, a bit too much about the kids, even if those are rather nice kids. It just reads along with a feel good vibe, both main characters are very likeable.

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 recommend other books in the series that I liked even better, like
Kiss of a Duke or
Dukes, Actually

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader’s copy of The Duke’s Bride.

I loved this friends to lovers story. Jack and Désirée were such great characters. The moments shared between them revealed who they were as characters. The conflict over their feelings and attraction for each other maintained the sexual tension throughout the story. The romance was developed over the course of the story and didn’t feel rushed.

The secondary characters were interesting and contributed to the story, enriching it further.

This is one of my favorite stories in the series so far and I’m looking forward to the next book.

[Jessica Grogan · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this title wasn’t my favorite of the series, it was still an enjoyable read.

Désirée le Duc doesn’t feel as if she’s English despite living in England most of her life but doesn’t feel French either since she barely remembers even living in France. All she really wants is to find a place she feels she belongs. Jack Skeffington has two children that need a governess and a smuggling business that needs his attention. Together, can they solve each other’s problems?

I liked both Désirée and Jack, even if neither really stood out like Erica Ridley’s characters usually do. As far as her heroines, Désirée was rather bland but nice enough. Jack didn’t really stand out much as a hero, either, but he was a nice guy and a good father.

I feel like the smuggling business was kind of glossed over and it certainly didn’t seem overly dangerous. It seemed like it was an attempt to make Jack more interesting. It didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story, though.

I found the story to be an overall pleasant read. There wasn’t a lot of conflict, which I’m okay with. I prefer my romances without a lot of angst.

It’s always nice to visit Cressmouth again and see characters from other books! Lucien and Bastien stole the show in the scenes that featured them, and I can’t wait to read their stories!!

*I received an eARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Duke’s Bride by Erica Ridley
12 Dukes of Christmas #6

Loved this story! Jack Skeffington is busy as a father and smuggler but realizes that he needs a governess for his two young scamps so he asks Desiree le Duc for names of people he might hire. Her choice is to work for him herself so she can add to the family coffers thus enabling them to return to France, take their land back and make the vineyards workable again. This had romance, family, community and was a joy to read.

Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

[Lori D · Rating 5 out of 5]

What could sway a single father of twins and confirmed bachelor to possibly put his heart out there again? Maybe a beautiful, intelligent, frenchwoman who comes into his and his children's lives?
A wonderful addition to this delightful series that always make me happy as the next story is published. Jack Sheffington is such a great hero.. Strong, caring, loves his children beyond measure and a great sense of humor. Needing a governess for his children, he enlists the help of Desiree le Duc, who agrees to help until someone can be found. What she does not forsee though is how much se will grow to love the twins, while already in love with there father.
Amazing witty dialogue, humor and high emotions draw this story to the best conclusion and I could only smile as I turned the last page! Fabulous!

[Lana Birky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack Skeffington is a eligible widower (which he vows never to allow love in to his heart again) a landowner, a smuggler but most importantly the father of 10 year old twins, Annie & Frederick. Jack loves his rambunctious, opinionated children to a fault & his exhaustion has caused him to look at the facts - he needs a governess for them.

Mademoiselle Désirée le Duc came to Cressmouth 18 years ago with her 2 older brothers after the death of their parents & their escape from France. Her brothers, Sébastien & Lucien were Cressmouth’s only blacksmiths & Jack’s favorite billiards opponents. They cannot wait to return to France & regain the life they left but first they must repay a crippling debt. Her brothers want to find her a rich Frenchman but she really wants nothing to do with marriage - she wants to get her vineyard back in France.

Jack decides he will talk to the beautiful, enticing Désirée when he goes for his weekly pool games with his friends, Lucien & Sébastien. She would know young ladies from the village that might be needing a governess position. When Jack approaches Désirée with his question, she agrees to be a temporary governess to Annie & Frederick.

All of the fun starts here with twins to steal your heart, a feisty governess who can do anything or will at least try, a wonderful father & kind man with romance, fun, love, family & a HEA. This was another wonderful trip to Cressmouth/Christmas!

I was gifted the Advanced Reader Copy of this book & all opinions are my own & have been voluntarily given.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmm, didn't love it but didn't hate it. It wasn't as enjoyable as others in this series. 3☆

[Lou Ambrose’s Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was fun. Single dad smuggler and a handy makeshift governess to two rambunctious children? Sign me up. It wasn’t as steamy as I was hoping for but I liked the characters too much to really care.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did like the main characters in this book. Desiree was such a kind and loving woman. She was also capable, bold and adventurous. Desiree wanted to return to France with her family. Jack is a handsome widower and father of twins who has no wish to remarry. This story moved along at a good pace, there was the sibling rivalry and the growing affection between Jack and Desiree. However they both had families to consider. This was an engaging read. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Single father and confirmed bachelor Jack Skeffington is the mastermind behind an international smuggling ring, yet unable to control his rambunctious ten-year-old twins. What he needs is a stern, experienced, no-nonsense governess. Mademoiselle Désirée le Duc cannot wait to return to France along with her two brothers and regain thier lost vineyard. But to do so, they must repay crippling debt. Determined to buy freedom, she accepts temporary employment from Jack
A lovely addition to the series & I think this is my favourite so far. I loved both Jack & Desiree. He didn’t want to marry again & the twins Frederick & Annie didn’t want a new mother but they’d all always liked Desiree as when she became their temporary governess these feelings grew. A lovely read of a family finding love again
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Single father and confirmed bachelor Jack Skeffington is the mastermind behind an international smuggling ring, yet unable to control his rambunctious ten-year-old twins. What he needs is a stern, experienced, no-nonsense governess. What he gets is his business partner’s untouchable sister, whose delectable body Jack yearns to pull close.
Mademoiselle Désirée le Duc cannot wait to return to France and regain her lost vineyard. But to do so, she must repay crippling debt.
This is Book #6 of the Twelve Dukes of Christmas series. The first four were published last year and it keeps us on our toes anticipating the latest book in this wonderful Holiday series. I have read all of them so far and as I indicated look forward to the next one to release. All of these books contain a Duke tucked away in the story although it may not be the main character. These are fun and well thought out Holiday tales, some are Christmas and some continue into the New Year.
I gave this book 4.25 of 5.0 stars for story line and characterization.
I received this book as a complimentary ARC via NetGalley.
I read and reviewed it voluntarily and all thoughts are my own.

[Niki (nikilovestoread) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Duke's Bride by Erica Ridley is the sixth book in the 12 Dukes of Christmas series. It's a sweet story of second chances and finding where you are really meant to be.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable book about a young woman with two very overprotective brothers and the brother's business partner who is widowed with two ten year old twins. Mademoiselle Desiree le Duc is an amazing character. Mature, intelligent, ingenious, inventive, curious, investigative, hardworking, loyal and loving. Lucien and Sebastien are the only family Desiree has. Because of the war in France her kind and loving aristocratic parents were killed and she and her brothers fled France. A kind Englishman, a friend of their family, Jasper took in the three orphans as family and smuggled them to England. The le Duc's dream is to return to France reclaim what they could of their home and property and live there. In the meantime, the brother's business partner, Jack Skeffington needed a governess for his twins Frederick and Annie. During their monthly billiards game, he brought up the need and asked Desiree what she thought. What I loved about this book was the unusual witty repartee between Jack and Desiree. It was if they were speaking a different language. It was such fun to read along. Desiree accepted the governess position against Lucien's wishes. She wanted to help monetarily towards their goal to return to France which was now within reach. This is such a delightful story. It was wonderful how professor like Desiree was always looking for solutions or trying to improve existing methods. It did not matter the subject she was invested in so much knowledge. She shared what she knew with the children and they adored her. She was also an aspiring cook/chef and she was a unique entertaining unexpected treasure of a governess. She was conflicted on her love for Jack and the twins. She lived two thirds of her life in England and although she looked forward to living in France with her dearest brothers, she had to decide what was more important to her. More importantly did Jack love her as she did him? Now Jack's business would eventually fizzle out due to the end of the war. He dreamed of owning his own vineyard and producing his own wine. Was it only a dream or did it have possibilities? This is a wonderful book to read. I truly enjoyed it. The characters are witty and fun and have great personalities. There are no villains in this story, only obstacles to the future and happiness. I do recommend this book. I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Courtney · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's not that the writing is terrible, but...



This book is just so boring. The characters are boring, the story is boring. There's no chemistry, no oomph. It's just a bunch of words with nothing behind it. I couldn't care about anything in here.

Jack needs a governess for his kids because they're getting older. There is a family from France that he does business with, and he decides to ask the sister for help finding a suitable woman for the job. He mentions briefly that Desiree is beautiful so won't need to work because someone will snatch her up soon, and that's pretty much the only build-up we ever get for this relationship.

Because of the amount of money he's offering, Desiree decides to take the job on temporarily herself.

Nothing much happens, and then suddenly they kiss, and then they talk a lot about how they shouldn't do more because his wife died and he's scared of being in a relationship, and she's planning to return to France and reclaim her family's riches or something.

The relationship building is basically nil in here. I never felt anything between the characters. Everyone was pleasant, but boring.

And there's no duke in here...there's some weird thing in the end about Desiree being a "duke" because her brother might be titled in France now or something. I don't know. It's over, and I've begun forgetting it already.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

A widower father with a pair of rambunctious twins, Jack Skeffington has vowed never to give his heart to another woman after losing his wife. His son and precocious daughter are in complete agreement with him. In fact, the twins are quite determined never to allow another woman into their lives under any guise, who might steal some of their father's limited attention from them. However, Désirée le Duc isn't just any woman. She is a friend that can outwit them, outrun them and outride them and she has their full respect. Thus, when Jack suggests that Désirée act as governess to his children on a temporary basis until such time as he can find a proper governess, the children make room for her in their hearts and lives. Despite Désirée's attraction for Jack, family is her first priority and she and her brothers are working hard to return to their vineyard in France and reclaim their inheritance. Having dissected feelings, Désirée battles with her love for the Skeffington family, but it is allure of Jack's wine cellar that ultimately makes her realise where her priorities lie. The 12 Dukes of Christmas is a delightful series, and the le Duc siblings appear in most of the stories, making this an interesting read. I loved this witty romance and the twins, in particular, made it a fun read. I received a copy of this book through NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Duke’s Bride is the sixth instalment in the 12 Dukes of Christmas series and I have to say that this series just keeps getting better with each new book. Jack Skeffington is a widowed father of 10 year old twins. After the death of his beloved wife he’s decided he’s not risking his heart again and devotes his life to raising his twins, Fred and Annie and filling his substantial cellar with contraband wines and champagnes smuggled in from France. He wants more for his children though and, worried about their education, decides to engage the services of a governess for them. Desiree Le Duc is the only sister of the village blacksmiths. Exiled from France 18 years ago the aristocratic Le Duc family’s only dream is to return to their homeland and reclaim their vineyards as well as their standing in the community. But is this Desiree’s dream as well or will she have to choose between her family and the man she loves?

I loved the characters in this book especially the mischievous twins whose personalities shone through. The way the relationship between Jack and Desiree develops slowly as they gradually go from being friends to realising how much they have come to care about each other is done at a pace so nothing feels rushed even though this is a novella length story. A five star read from me.

[Vania Nunes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack was a very successful widower in his activity as a international smuggling ring, especially champagnes. He was an expert on the subject. But if there was one thing he needed help with, he was dealing with his 10-year-old twin children, Frederick and Annie.
When one of his friends tells him that he needs the help of a governess, Jack nods.

The le Duc siblings (Sebastien, Lucien and Désirée) had fled France not to suffer the same end as so many family and friends, the guillotine.
They were welcomed by Uncle Jasper, who was now too old, needed their help to pay the lease. But they could not wait to return to their country and take possession of their property, especially the vineyard (Désirée's big dream).

They helped Jack with some of his business, and when Désirée found out how much Jack would pay the governess, she volunteered, even if it was temporary.

The truth was, the twins were very intelligent and all that energy of them soon turned to love for Désirée.

Jack was also more than fascinated by the French girl, but he knew her work there was temporary. How could he convince her that it was worth her to stay in England and together raise a family?
5 stars

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack Skeffington is the widowed father of twins. He is meeting with the captain of his ship to find a new smuggling route when his twins disrupt the meeting. The captain tells Jack he needs a wife. Jack won't love and lose again, but he knows he needs a governess for his wild children.

Desiree le Duc is the sister of Cressmouth's blacksmiths. Beau, Lucien, and Desiree are working hard to pay off the lease on their property so they can return to France. Lucien says they need another year to earn the money. When their friend Jack offers Desiree an outrageous amount of money to be a temporary governess, she jumps at the chance.

When Jack helps her brothers pay off their debt faster, he realizes that he loves Desiree. She is torn between helping her brothers or having her own HEA.

I loved this book! It was so well written. I enjoyed the introduction to the le Duc family.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by the author and NetGalley. Thank you!