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Ladies of the North #Prequel
The Duke's Winter Promise
The duke kept the secret, but the sin was his to bear. More than anything, he did not wish for word of it to reach Emily’s ears. When the truth surfaces, Alexander may lose the only woman he's ever loved.
Miss Emily Ingram is a lady. At least she has the appearance of one. Secretly, Emily would much rather return to the days of her childhood raising trouble with her wild brother and his best friend, the handsome Alexander. Emily's mother, the Viscountess of Kentleworth has other ideas.
Emily is given the Christmas holiday to choose between her London suitors.
Alexander may be a duke, but he is not a proper gentleman. He fears he is too late to win the lady’s affection. He only has until the New Year to discover Emily’s feelings. As the holiday festivities begin, an event from his past may sever their childhood friendship and extinguish any chance at love between them.
Will the duke’s secret destroy the love he hoped to kindle in her very proper heart?
Will practical and determined Emily overcome what keeps them apart?
One can hope for a Christmas miracle. After all even the coldest heart can melt.
Though part of a series, all of Isabella Thorne’s novels are standalone stories, and can be read in any order.
Miss Emily Ingram is a lady. At least she has the appearance of one. Secretly, Emily would much rather return to the days of her childhood raising trouble with her wild brother and his best friend, the handsome Alexander. Emily's mother, the Viscountess of Kentleworth has other ideas.
Emily is given the Christmas holiday to choose between her London suitors.
Alexander may be a duke, but he is not a proper gentleman. He fears he is too late to win the lady’s affection. He only has until the New Year to discover Emily’s feelings. As the holiday festivities begin, an event from his past may sever their childhood friendship and extinguish any chance at love between them.
Will the duke’s secret destroy the love he hoped to kindle in her very proper heart?
Will practical and determined Emily overcome what keeps them apart?
One can hope for a Christmas miracle. After all even the coldest heart can melt.
Though part of a series, all of Isabella Thorne’s novels are standalone stories, and can be read in any order.
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 6, 2019
757 people are currently reading
225 people want to read
About the author
Isabella Thorne
83 books105 followersIsabella Thorne is an author of Regency and Georgian Romance. The first grown-up books she read were historical, authored by Georgette Heyer, Victoria Holt and Anna Seton. Unfortunately, for her own daughters, the beauty and hallmark of Regency Romance, witty dialogue and the manners of the time, have been overshadowed by explicit books instead of true Regency Romance. Regency Romance includes a more formal language, longer sentences and ballrooms instead of bedrooms.
With a return to romance, Isabella Thorne hopes you will enjoy her light fun books. You can share them with your daughters with the guarantee that although there is romance aplenty, and a bit of sexual tension and a kiss, there is nothing explicit in her books. They are clean and wholesome reads with lots of humor and upbeat "fun poking" at the English mannerisms of the time.
Because I love the pageantry of the period, I love to include true events or set stories during a war--the English were involved in so many of them at this time! You will find bits of history scattered through the books and an occasional historical figure, but these books are FICTION and not intended to be a definitive history. None of the Peerage of (any land) actually existed. I hope that all the British and the die-hard historical readers will please forgive this passionate American if I make any mistakes, and send an email off to isabellathorne@christianromancestories.com I will make corrections.
I endeavor to make the heros and heroines true to their time period. That means that many women may seem weak at first glance, but they soon find their inner grit. Unlike today's heroines, the Regency heroine could not openly defy convention at the time. Instead, she had to find a way around the convention. That is half the fun! Likewise, heros were expected to be chauvinistic. In fact, the etymology of chauvinism shows that the word chauvinism did not appear until the late 1800's and then was a pejorative term the English had for the French who continued to be slavishly patriotic to Napoleon. What we call chauvinistic, the Regency called masculine or virile. I will always choose to make my characters as historically correct as possible, even if that means they seem a bit politically incorrect to today's audiences.
I am a meticulous perfectionist who taught AP English for 20 years at the high school level before moving to teach at a community college because I was disheartened by the decline in American education, especially the decline of the reading level. Be forewarned that the longer sentences in my books cause an upward trend in the reading level, which settles at about seventh grade, instead of the fourth grade level found in newspapers and many, so called, adult books. An occasional typo may slip by me, but is usually caught by my editor, who is a fellow teacher, or by my Beta and ARC readers who are marvelous. You can expect long sentences in my books, just like they were in yesteryear. You may even learn a few new words. I hope so! I guess I am still a bit of a teacher at heart.
Stop by my website, www.isabellathorne.com for a free story and a notification of special sales.
If you love my books, PLEASE REVIEW and SHARE.
Air Kisses!
Isabella Thorne
With a return to romance, Isabella Thorne hopes you will enjoy her light fun books. You can share them with your daughters with the guarantee that although there is romance aplenty, and a bit of sexual tension and a kiss, there is nothing explicit in her books. They are clean and wholesome reads with lots of humor and upbeat "fun poking" at the English mannerisms of the time.
Because I love the pageantry of the period, I love to include true events or set stories during a war--the English were involved in so many of them at this time! You will find bits of history scattered through the books and an occasional historical figure, but these books are FICTION and not intended to be a definitive history. None of the Peerage of (any land) actually existed. I hope that all the British and the die-hard historical readers will please forgive this passionate American if I make any mistakes, and send an email off to isabellathorne@christianromancestories.com I will make corrections.
I endeavor to make the heros and heroines true to their time period. That means that many women may seem weak at first glance, but they soon find their inner grit. Unlike today's heroines, the Regency heroine could not openly defy convention at the time. Instead, she had to find a way around the convention. That is half the fun! Likewise, heros were expected to be chauvinistic. In fact, the etymology of chauvinism shows that the word chauvinism did not appear until the late 1800's and then was a pejorative term the English had for the French who continued to be slavishly patriotic to Napoleon. What we call chauvinistic, the Regency called masculine or virile. I will always choose to make my characters as historically correct as possible, even if that means they seem a bit politically incorrect to today's audiences.
I am a meticulous perfectionist who taught AP English for 20 years at the high school level before moving to teach at a community college because I was disheartened by the decline in American education, especially the decline of the reading level. Be forewarned that the longer sentences in my books cause an upward trend in the reading level, which settles at about seventh grade, instead of the fourth grade level found in newspapers and many, so called, adult books. An occasional typo may slip by me, but is usually caught by my editor, who is a fellow teacher, or by my Beta and ARC readers who are marvelous. You can expect long sentences in my books, just like they were in yesteryear. You may even learn a few new words. I hope so! I guess I am still a bit of a teacher at heart.
Stop by my website, www.isabellathorne.com for a free story and a notification of special sales.
If you love my books, PLEASE REVIEW and SHARE.
Air Kisses!
Isabella Thorne
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
November 27, 2023
A sweet, clean, Christmas themed, historical romance!
This is a childhood friends to lovers story and it had all the tension without any mention of spice.
It was language free. Definitely recommend!
This is a childhood friends to lovers story and it had all the tension without any mention of spice.
It was language free. Definitely recommend!
January 24, 2020
Made For Each Other💘
A Regency House Party at Christmas⛄begets a Romance💕
Lady Emily💃💋, her brother, Lord Edmund, and his friend the future Duke, Alexander🐺, were great childhood playmates and friends. They had lots of fun with harmless pranks and outside activities. Emily💃 even saved Alexander's life once when a prank with an old wagon went wrong and he got a huge splinter driven into his arm. Emily💃 had sense enough to wrap his arm tightly to stop the flow of blood.
Alexander🐺 loved Emily💃 because she was beautiful, and interested in everything and wasn't afraid to do anything or talk about it all.
Alexander🐺 was sent off to Cambridge, and then Emily💃 was sent off to a young lady's finishing school. When Alexander🐺🍆⛲ returns as the Duke and meets Emily💃💋 again for The first time in years, she doesn't recognize him, but he would know her anywhere! He had imagined himself married👰 to her since they were children!
Emily💃💋 is bowled over by the now tall, handsome, and outgoing Alexander🐺🍆⛲, but all her fancy schooling makes her hold back on her true feelings. Alexander🐺🍆⛲ sees what the school has done to her and hopes he can revive her true personality. He wants the bold young woman Emily💃💋 was before she was made into a boring, inane, and overly polite lady of the ton. Is the Emily💃💋 he knew still in there?....
ARC Received from Candid Book Reviews📚
I also got the ebook with KU.
I've read a fair number of Ms Thorne's books now, and I've enjoyed every one of them! She's a premier author of Regency Era Historical Romance💕!
A Regency House Party at Christmas⛄begets a Romance💕
Lady Emily💃💋, her brother, Lord Edmund, and his friend the future Duke, Alexander🐺, were great childhood playmates and friends. They had lots of fun with harmless pranks and outside activities. Emily💃 even saved Alexander's life once when a prank with an old wagon went wrong and he got a huge splinter driven into his arm. Emily💃 had sense enough to wrap his arm tightly to stop the flow of blood.
Alexander🐺 loved Emily💃 because she was beautiful, and interested in everything and wasn't afraid to do anything or talk about it all.
Alexander🐺 was sent off to Cambridge, and then Emily💃 was sent off to a young lady's finishing school. When Alexander🐺🍆⛲ returns as the Duke and meets Emily💃💋 again for The first time in years, she doesn't recognize him, but he would know her anywhere! He had imagined himself married👰 to her since they were children!
Emily💃💋 is bowled over by the now tall, handsome, and outgoing Alexander🐺🍆⛲, but all her fancy schooling makes her hold back on her true feelings. Alexander🐺🍆⛲ sees what the school has done to her and hopes he can revive her true personality. He wants the bold young woman Emily💃💋 was before she was made into a boring, inane, and overly polite lady of the ton. Is the Emily💃💋 he knew still in there?....
ARC Received from Candid Book Reviews📚
I also got the ebook with KU.
I've read a fair number of Ms Thorne's books now, and I've enjoyed every one of them! She's a premier author of Regency Era Historical Romance💕!
August 26, 2020
3.5 stars
This was the story of two people. Emily and Alexander, who knew each other during their childhood and are now meeting again after an absence of eight years. During the book there were a number of childhood reminiscing, may be a little too much for my taste. Emily was always trying to be the perfect lady, without the spark she had when she was younger. She seemed to have allowed her mother too much influence. I did feel sorry for Alexander, being tarnished by his father’s reputation. Thank goodness for Emily’s brother, Edmund. He was like a breath of fresh air! He still had a sense of mischief about him and was definitely his own man as far as his parents’ influence was concerned. I would love to read his story. The first part was a bit too slow for me but the second half had more events that kept my interest. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was the story of two people. Emily and Alexander, who knew each other during their childhood and are now meeting again after an absence of eight years. During the book there were a number of childhood reminiscing, may be a little too much for my taste. Emily was always trying to be the perfect lady, without the spark she had when she was younger. She seemed to have allowed her mother too much influence. I did feel sorry for Alexander, being tarnished by his father’s reputation. Thank goodness for Emily’s brother, Edmund. He was like a breath of fresh air! He still had a sense of mischief about him and was definitely his own man as far as his parents’ influence was concerned. I would love to read his story. The first part was a bit too slow for me but the second half had more events that kept my interest. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 26, 2020
The Duke's Winter Promise: A Christmas Regency Romance by: Isabella Thorne
The Duke's Winter Promise: A Christmas Regency Romance by: Isabella Thorne Reviewed by (Isha Coleman) for Candid Book Reviews
First love. First heartache. Unforgettable romance. Alexander and Emily were everything I could have hoped for and more captivating then I could have possibly dreamed. Thorne breathes new life into a sometimes stuffy genre with less steam and more heart. The Duke's Winter Promise is a tale of young love and adult mistakes. It's a story of healing and forgiveness that pulls at your heartstrings with a vengeance. This may have been my first Isabella Thorne novel but I can assure you it won't be my last.
The Duke's Winter Promise: A Christmas Regency Romance by: Isabella Thorne Reviewed by (Isha Coleman) for Candid Book Reviews
First love. First heartache. Unforgettable romance. Alexander and Emily were everything I could have hoped for and more captivating then I could have possibly dreamed. Thorne breathes new life into a sometimes stuffy genre with less steam and more heart. The Duke's Winter Promise is a tale of young love and adult mistakes. It's a story of healing and forgiveness that pulls at your heartstrings with a vengeance. This may have been my first Isabella Thorne novel but I can assure you it won't be my last.
March 19, 2020
so i am going to admit that i personally didnt enjoy this book... its not because of the author though.. it was well written and a good storyline.. its just not my cuppa tea.. that being said if you enjoy a good clean fun sweet story by all means pick this up.. it was sweet and the author did an amazing job writing it and it was cute.
July 4, 2023
DNF at 20%.
Emilly and BFF Anne completed finishing school.
They fancied themselves ladies now. They sat in a
common area comparing male suitors for looks, titles,
dispositions, positive and negative relatives, who
had a feud w/ whom. They were tacky and immature.
This convo would've been better behind closed doors.
This seemed more modern than an HR.
Emilly and BFF Anne completed finishing school.
They fancied themselves ladies now. They sat in a
common area comparing male suitors for looks, titles,
dispositions, positive and negative relatives, who
had a feud w/ whom. They were tacky and immature.
This convo would've been better behind closed doors.
This seemed more modern than an HR.
September 22, 2020
The Duke’s Winter Promise by Isabella Thorne
This book had some promise but fell short on execution.
This book comes in at 321 pages which would normally take me about six hours to read but ended up taking over nine due to grammatical problems. It is a stand-alone, regency romance with a HEA and no cheating (other than some of the secondary characters in the past) and no cliffhangers. The language is clean with no explicit sex except for some kissing. The grammatical issues were a problem and interrupted the flow of the story as I tried to figure out what the author meant to say, which made the story feel like it was plodding along. The errors ranged from typos, to using the wrong homonym, to incorrect prepositions with verbs, to the wrong verb tense or verb form, to the just plain wrong word and were sometimes several per page – more than fifty for the whole book.
The plot was a ‘friends falling in love’ trope. Basically, they hadn’t seen each other since childhood and now meet again as adults. There were a few twists and secrets in the plot but was honestly on the boring side and didn’t really leave a lasting impression. The sentence structures were more complex than most of what I have encountered lately and very enjoyable to read if not for the errors. The characterizations were fine but I didn’t connect with them very well. The heroine spent a lot of time remembering and worrying which made me impatient for the story to get on with it. Scenes could have been more descriptive and included more atmosphere. The story had a lot of angst and second-guessing oneself along with jealousy, reminiscing, scandalous secrets or not so scandalous, and a hero trying to live down his father’s reputation.
Overall, I felt that the story could have been good but needed more passion (not to be confused with sexual desire). Without the errors, I would give it a C+/B-; but with, it gets a D (2 stars).
I was given an ARC of this book in the hopes that I would voluntarily leave an honest review.
This book had some promise but fell short on execution.
This book comes in at 321 pages which would normally take me about six hours to read but ended up taking over nine due to grammatical problems. It is a stand-alone, regency romance with a HEA and no cheating (other than some of the secondary characters in the past) and no cliffhangers. The language is clean with no explicit sex except for some kissing. The grammatical issues were a problem and interrupted the flow of the story as I tried to figure out what the author meant to say, which made the story feel like it was plodding along. The errors ranged from typos, to using the wrong homonym, to incorrect prepositions with verbs, to the wrong verb tense or verb form, to the just plain wrong word and were sometimes several per page – more than fifty for the whole book.
The plot was a ‘friends falling in love’ trope. Basically, they hadn’t seen each other since childhood and now meet again as adults. There were a few twists and secrets in the plot but was honestly on the boring side and didn’t really leave a lasting impression. The sentence structures were more complex than most of what I have encountered lately and very enjoyable to read if not for the errors. The characterizations were fine but I didn’t connect with them very well. The heroine spent a lot of time remembering and worrying which made me impatient for the story to get on with it. Scenes could have been more descriptive and included more atmosphere. The story had a lot of angst and second-guessing oneself along with jealousy, reminiscing, scandalous secrets or not so scandalous, and a hero trying to live down his father’s reputation.
Overall, I felt that the story could have been good but needed more passion (not to be confused with sexual desire). Without the errors, I would give it a C+/B-; but with, it gets a D (2 stars).
I was given an ARC of this book in the hopes that I would voluntarily leave an honest review.
November 1, 2020
This book was an okay read as far as story line goes. It promised a Christmas story but felt light on the Christmas to me. Needed some editing for typos and to eliminate some repetitious content.
I thought Emily was rather stiff but probably written that way to show how finishing school and her mother had taken her natural personality out of her and made her "proper", and rather boring. I liked the Duke in many ways but I didn't find his prank with the buddies amusing but rather immature. But I did like that he wasn't a stuffy duke. I liked the story well enough to finish it but found parts of it very predictable (I could see the big conflict coming a long way out) and I really wasn't convinced that Emily would actually make a scene in the church or that her parents would sit there and watch it. We didn't really see how they reacted at all. Would have been more believable in someone sitting room instead of a church. It did show that Emily was willing to set aside being proper for love and perhaps that was the point.
The ending part of the book had a lot of kissing which I guess was making up for lost time but I got bored with that part. I don't need a play by play.
Sex: passionate kissing, references to prior debauchery
Language: no
Violence: no
I thought Emily was rather stiff but probably written that way to show how finishing school and her mother had taken her natural personality out of her and made her "proper", and rather boring. I liked the Duke in many ways but I didn't find his prank with the buddies amusing but rather immature. But I did like that he wasn't a stuffy duke. I liked the story well enough to finish it but found parts of it very predictable (I could see the big conflict coming a long way out) and I really wasn't convinced that Emily would actually make a scene in the church or that her parents would sit there and watch it. We didn't really see how they reacted at all. Would have been more believable in someone sitting room instead of a church. It did show that Emily was willing to set aside being proper for love and perhaps that was the point.
The ending part of the book had a lot of kissing which I guess was making up for lost time but I got bored with that part. I don't need a play by play.
Sex: passionate kissing, references to prior debauchery
Language: no
Violence: no
September 3, 2020
☃️☃️ONE ENCHANTING DELIGHT☃️☃️
Wonderful! Isabella delivers with this killer storyline and gripping plot, keeping you riveted and frozen to your seat, with this delectable delight, laying this baby bare, pulling those heartstrings and cranking up the thrill, propelling this gem together flawlessly. Entangled, entwined and tightly combined, baring the crazy quirks and defying bents, putting our characters through their paces, testing them in ways they could have never envisioned. Shenanigans run rampant and havoc is rife, dishing out the drama, turmoil, intrigue, humor, revelations, escalating suspense and intense situations, make for one highly combustible adventure. Boundaries are heightened and exploited, baring the fervent facts, daunting deals and electrifying escapades, blasting this baby into the eye of the storm, slamming it into a tailspin with a life altering realization. The instantaneous attraction and chemistry builds as each layer is peeled back exposing profound emotions and an thrilling connection, binding them to one another perfectly. The characters, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits add depth and diversity, transforming into outstanding personalities. The scenes are abundantly descriptive with colorful details that blend and flow, creating a majestic backdrop that's so rich and lively it feels you were transported to ground zero with them. Remarkable job Isabella, thanks for sharing this little guy with us.
Wonderful! Isabella delivers with this killer storyline and gripping plot, keeping you riveted and frozen to your seat, with this delectable delight, laying this baby bare, pulling those heartstrings and cranking up the thrill, propelling this gem together flawlessly. Entangled, entwined and tightly combined, baring the crazy quirks and defying bents, putting our characters through their paces, testing them in ways they could have never envisioned. Shenanigans run rampant and havoc is rife, dishing out the drama, turmoil, intrigue, humor, revelations, escalating suspense and intense situations, make for one highly combustible adventure. Boundaries are heightened and exploited, baring the fervent facts, daunting deals and electrifying escapades, blasting this baby into the eye of the storm, slamming it into a tailspin with a life altering realization. The instantaneous attraction and chemistry builds as each layer is peeled back exposing profound emotions and an thrilling connection, binding them to one another perfectly. The characters, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits add depth and diversity, transforming into outstanding personalities. The scenes are abundantly descriptive with colorful details that blend and flow, creating a majestic backdrop that's so rich and lively it feels you were transported to ground zero with them. Remarkable job Isabella, thanks for sharing this little guy with us.
August 31, 2020
The Duke's Winter Promise was a regency romance set in the English countryside in the winter and there are lots of Christmas preparations. Siblings, Emily and Edmund, are visiting their aunt and uncle and they have fond memories of spending time there when they were younger. They reunite with childhood friends, Anne and Alexander, who Emily and Edmund spent a lot of time with. He's now a duke and hopefully nothing like his father. Anne was her best friend and they picked up as if they had spent no time apart. There are lots of misunderstandings between Emily and Alexander who haven't seen each other in many years. They were always confidantes but will they still be now that she must pick among several suitors back home in London to marry?
There are lots of activities and celebrations since it's the holiday season and we get to know the characters a little at a time. Edmund really knows his sister and knows what she wants even if she's not aware of it. I loved their interactions and how he tried to tell her that love is important in a marriage and not to give in to their parents. He's also on the hot seat since their parents also think it's time for him to settle down. The story has a nice flow to it but every now and again it would be choppy. There are many stories being told and they're woven in and out but there are definitely loose ends that I hope are addressed in another book. There is a happily ever after or two that are nicely revealed especially with the epilogue. I liked the cover.
There was a sneak peek of the first book in the Baggington Sisters Collection, The Countess and the Baron - Prudence. It definitely whet my appetite for more!
Ms Thorne is a new to me author. I plan on reading more of her books.
There are lots of activities and celebrations since it's the holiday season and we get to know the characters a little at a time. Edmund really knows his sister and knows what she wants even if she's not aware of it. I loved their interactions and how he tried to tell her that love is important in a marriage and not to give in to their parents. He's also on the hot seat since their parents also think it's time for him to settle down. The story has a nice flow to it but every now and again it would be choppy. There are many stories being told and they're woven in and out but there are definitely loose ends that I hope are addressed in another book. There is a happily ever after or two that are nicely revealed especially with the epilogue. I liked the cover.
There was a sneak peek of the first book in the Baggington Sisters Collection, The Countess and the Baron - Prudence. It definitely whet my appetite for more!
Ms Thorne is a new to me author. I plan on reading more of her books.
March 22, 2023
This is the first story I’ve read by Isabella Thorne, and she did a wonderful job of capturing my interest. The Duke’s Winter Promise is a clean regency romance with many heart-warming interactions between our protagonists.
Isabella did an excellent job with both the world building as well as the character development. Her writing helped me to feel like I was watching these events unfold in front of me, and I really enjoy reading more about the regency era. There are many characters that I enjoyed seeing them grow and learn, and seeing how they have perhaps redeemed themselves from earlier transgressions. I liked hearing about some of the adventures that the characters went on when they were children as well. The romance will certainly delight if you are interested in a clean, but slow moving romance. Isabella certainly had me swooning at a few points in the story.
The story is fairly introspective, and so there is a lot of time spent in thoughts and sometimes we are “told” more than we are “shown.” Our primary protagonist was perhaps a little too focused on propriety in the early stages of the book, and I wasn’t quite clear why she didn’t even consider Alexander as an option. I also think the protagonist jumped to a conclusion a little too rashly, which I felt was insulting to Alexander.
All that being said, I still really enjoyed this book. Isabella was able to transport me to a regency world that was well crafted, the romance was a primary focus that was delightful, and the plot and stories were interesting and engaging. I’m interested to read more of her work in the future!
Isabella did an excellent job with both the world building as well as the character development. Her writing helped me to feel like I was watching these events unfold in front of me, and I really enjoy reading more about the regency era. There are many characters that I enjoyed seeing them grow and learn, and seeing how they have perhaps redeemed themselves from earlier transgressions. I liked hearing about some of the adventures that the characters went on when they were children as well. The romance will certainly delight if you are interested in a clean, but slow moving romance. Isabella certainly had me swooning at a few points in the story.
The story is fairly introspective, and so there is a lot of time spent in thoughts and sometimes we are “told” more than we are “shown.” Our primary protagonist was perhaps a little too focused on propriety in the early stages of the book, and I wasn’t quite clear why she didn’t even consider Alexander as an option. I also think the protagonist jumped to a conclusion a little too rashly, which I felt was insulting to Alexander.
All that being said, I still really enjoyed this book. Isabella was able to transport me to a regency world that was well crafted, the romance was a primary focus that was delightful, and the plot and stories were interesting and engaging. I’m interested to read more of her work in the future!
August 31, 2020
Emily is finally going back to Northwickshire and meets Alexander again, her childhood friend. They both long for the relationship to be as free and unrestrained as during their childhood. Unfortunately, now that Emily is a Lady in pursuit of a husband (her parents’ decree), and Alexander is a duke, propriety gets in the way…
It took me a few chapters to get into the flow of the story, but once I was hooked, I could barely stop reading. It seems like it must have been a pain to live in those times, in which old friends could not be talking together without going against propriety. Apparently, there were rules regarding nearly everything. Being lucky to be born in my time, I enjoyed reading about the problems the characters encountered on their quest to love. This book is highly entertaining ☺.
It took me a few chapters to get into the flow of the story, but once I was hooked, I could barely stop reading. It seems like it must have been a pain to live in those times, in which old friends could not be talking together without going against propriety. Apparently, there were rules regarding nearly everything. Being lucky to be born in my time, I enjoyed reading about the problems the characters encountered on their quest to love. This book is highly entertaining ☺.
October 11, 2020
They finally saw the light!
Ah the younger days of a Lady when all she had to think of was who to marry of all the eligible men of the Ton. All the adults thought of was listing all the eligible men who would inherit titles one day that their daughters could marry. Emily had two such men to choose from. However, neither one held much interest to her, they didn’t make her blood boil, her pulse increase, her skin tingle. But the Duke that she knew since childhood made her weak in the knees. Although a single misunderstanding kept them from taking the plunge until her brother protested loudly to both his sister, Emily and also to his friend Alexander, the Duke. I’m glad her brother tried to talk, or yell, some sense into the both of them for that is exactly what I wanted to do. They were being stupid. In the end, however, they finally saw the light and reached their HEA.
Ah the younger days of a Lady when all she had to think of was who to marry of all the eligible men of the Ton. All the adults thought of was listing all the eligible men who would inherit titles one day that their daughters could marry. Emily had two such men to choose from. However, neither one held much interest to her, they didn’t make her blood boil, her pulse increase, her skin tingle. But the Duke that she knew since childhood made her weak in the knees. Although a single misunderstanding kept them from taking the plunge until her brother protested loudly to both his sister, Emily and also to his friend Alexander, the Duke. I’m glad her brother tried to talk, or yell, some sense into the both of them for that is exactly what I wanted to do. They were being stupid. In the end, however, they finally saw the light and reached their HEA.
February 23, 2020
Is a very sweet and romantic book. Pretty much a clean book. With a chaste kiss here and there. The characters are well written. The plot is very much right in your face, but how they get there finally is kinda funny. There was only at one point I wanted to smack both of them. But it is what it is.
Emily is all grown up and Alexander realizes now that, now that he is a Duke. He needs a wife to help complete the picture if him bringing change to the estate. Good change. And with her being his childhood bestie, he wants to court her now. But bad things come up and rumors of past happenings rear their ugly heads once again. Things are said in anger without thought to the truth. Can he figure out a way to court her and permission to marry her? Or will he fail?
Emily is all grown up and Alexander realizes now that, now that he is a Duke. He needs a wife to help complete the picture if him bringing change to the estate. Good change. And with her being his childhood bestie, he wants to court her now. But bad things come up and rumors of past happenings rear their ugly heads once again. Things are said in anger without thought to the truth. Can he figure out a way to court her and permission to marry her? Or will he fail?
December 27, 2022
Childhood friends desire a different relationship as adultx
Being raised by his despotic father Alexander spent time with Emilies aunt and uncle where her brother was his best friend. They spent time together doing all the things children do with Emily tagging along. When she goes to finishing school she no longer gets to visit the country. When they meet again as adults their closeness is still there but feelings are mature rather than childish.
I despaired of them having an honest conversation and acknowledging their feelings. Their situation was resolved in a much different manner than expected.
I found the characters to be engaging and the story well written and interesting. I recommend if you are looking for a clean historical romance.
Being raised by his despotic father Alexander spent time with Emilies aunt and uncle where her brother was his best friend. They spent time together doing all the things children do with Emily tagging along. When she goes to finishing school she no longer gets to visit the country. When they meet again as adults their closeness is still there but feelings are mature rather than childish.
I despaired of them having an honest conversation and acknowledging their feelings. Their situation was resolved in a much different manner than expected.
I found the characters to be engaging and the story well written and interesting. I recommend if you are looking for a clean historical romance.
February 24, 2023
Christmastide childhood friends to a forever love
The young girl who romped in the countryside with her younger brother and his friend has grown up and been polished into a proper young lady, ready to make a proper Ton match. Watching Emily try to balance Society expectations against countryside freedoms and the changed relationships with long-separated old friends was entertaining. The changes she is navigating drive this story wirh great success. The fact that her brother's friend has inherited his father's ducsl title and estate may certainly go a long way to reconcile her parents to this match.
I received an ARC copy of this story from the author via BookFunnel and voluntarily chose to share my review.
The young girl who romped in the countryside with her younger brother and his friend has grown up and been polished into a proper young lady, ready to make a proper Ton match. Watching Emily try to balance Society expectations against countryside freedoms and the changed relationships with long-separated old friends was entertaining. The changes she is navigating drive this story wirh great success. The fact that her brother's friend has inherited his father's ducsl title and estate may certainly go a long way to reconcile her parents to this match.
I received an ARC copy of this story from the author via BookFunnel and voluntarily chose to share my review.
January 12, 2020
Well . . .
I am surprised I even finished this book. The characters are poorly drawn and the plot was nigh on ridiculous. Nothing smacked of realistic human interaction or motivation. I love Regency romance novels as much as the next reader, particularly if they are set at Christmastime, but this book is not worth the read even if it is free. I rarely write reviews or award only two stars, but I wanted to urge readers to turn elsewhere. There is too much good Regency romance for this tripe to occupy your reading hours. Ms. Thorne has written much more enjoyable novels that are worthy of her talents.
I am surprised I even finished this book. The characters are poorly drawn and the plot was nigh on ridiculous. Nothing smacked of realistic human interaction or motivation. I love Regency romance novels as much as the next reader, particularly if they are set at Christmastime, but this book is not worth the read even if it is free. I rarely write reviews or award only two stars, but I wanted to urge readers to turn elsewhere. There is too much good Regency romance for this tripe to occupy your reading hours. Ms. Thorne has written much more enjoyable novels that are worthy of her talents.
February 8, 2020
A Christmas romance and an epiphany
This is a lovely historical romance - if you like maddeningly clueless heroes and incredibly over-starched heroines. Alexander and Emily are childhood friends who don't recognize that adulthood has changed the tenor of their relationship until it is nearly too late. As much as I liked these two, I really wanted someone to bash them over the head, lock them in a room, and keep them there till they came to their senses. Fortunately, the author intervened before such drastic measures were taken. (Although other drastic measures may have been employed...)
This is a lovely historical romance - if you like maddeningly clueless heroes and incredibly over-starched heroines. Alexander and Emily are childhood friends who don't recognize that adulthood has changed the tenor of their relationship until it is nearly too late. As much as I liked these two, I really wanted someone to bash them over the head, lock them in a room, and keep them there till they came to their senses. Fortunately, the author intervened before such drastic measures were taken. (Although other drastic measures may have been employed...)
January 5, 2023
Emily and Alexander have been friends since childhood. Emily had been finished and Alexander grew up with a father who was the rake of the town. He threw the wildest parties. He did all this in front of his wife. His father died but people just assumed that Alexander was like his father. Emily comes back to visit her aunt and uncle and wants to know what type of man Alexander is now. It seems that Alexander is interested in her and he hints that he wants her but he never actually says that. So misunderstandings abound and things go awry. A good book but a little slow and repetitive but enjoyable just the same.
March 3, 2021
Can childhood friends grow up and fall in love? With all the complications of growing up with controlling parents it is often hard to find that you need to trust your memories and trust your best friends if you want your happily ever after. You need to trust your heart and be able to speak of your feelings and not let society dictate how you should act and how you should feel . Things are not always as they appear and people can grow. This is the story of trusting yourself and those you have always loved! No spoilers!
December 7, 2019
WOW... talk about tension and suspense, jumping to conclusions, insecurity, fear of rejection... dang this story takes the cake. I was on edge the whole time reading this. The H/h had a difficult time reconnecting after eight long years. Slowly but surely the feelings grew. But scandal was right around the corner and could not wait to muck everything up. Thank goodness the h's brother had his head screwed in right and made the way for them to be together. A very good read.
December 18, 2019
This is different, definitely unique. I like that they were childhood friends and get a chance to become more. I didn't really like that the drama caused the plot to shift focus to that and become more about the secret than Emily & the Duke building a new level to an old friendship. Too much misery and just not enough happiness throughout to balance things out. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 29, 2020
The Duke's Winter Promise: A Christmas Recency Romance
The love story of Emily and Alexander.Emily and her brother have return to the country to stay with her aunt and uncle for the Christmas holidays. Alexander is the the Duke of Bramblewood and he has been in love with Emily sense they were children. How he want her as his duchess. Can they find love with all the secrets he holds. Ok story.
The love story of Emily and Alexander.Emily and her brother have return to the country to stay with her aunt and uncle for the Christmas holidays. Alexander is the the Duke of Bramblewood and he has been in love with Emily sense they were children. How he want her as his duchess. Can they find love with all the secrets he holds. Ok story.
December 13, 2019
A delightful coming-of-age story that is perfect for the holiday season! Childhood friends, apart a few years in which they mature, meet again— a perfect basis upon which to build a mature relationship. I enjoyed the way Emily gradually realizes her feelings for Alexander, and how they must overcome the problems from Alexander’s past before they can have their HEA.
April 27, 2020
A well written Christmas Regency Romance story that kept me turning pages. Miss Emily Ingram is a young woman with a mind of her own and Alexander Burgess, the Duke of Bramblewood loves her but might lose her. I enjoyed seeing this story come together with the help of her brother Edmund. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 24, 2020
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great drama and romance with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great drama and romance with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
December 13, 2019
Emilyr& Alexander had a friend ship from childhood... Yet a s adultsthey are of different classes Alex fears Emi ly's finishing school has changed lher fun loving selfself. Emily is cned about sca loving ndal around the Duke family... It takes them sometime to sort things out live happily after..
January 1, 2020
A well-written story with wonderful characters and plot...
Christmas time is perfect to decide what you want for your life...
A young lady that need to decide a husband..
An old friend with a strange past...
Twists... surprises until the end...
A book for all that love Regency...
Christmas time is perfect to decide what you want for your life...
A young lady that need to decide a husband..
An old friend with a strange past...
Twists... surprises until the end...
A book for all that love Regency...
July 30, 2020
Childhood love
Love was fated between Emily and Alexander they were childhood friends ,he had loved her from the age of eight ,when fate reversed itself and he could lose her to another he had to make a choice love with Emily or misery with another.
Thank you ❤
Love was fated between Emily and Alexander they were childhood friends ,he had loved her from the age of eight ,when fate reversed itself and he could lose her to another he had to make a choice love with Emily or misery with another.
Thank you ❤
July 31, 2020
Ebook
She is home from London to revisit her childhood home. The boy she loved has grown up but she shouldn’t want to marry him. Her parents want her to marry well, not for love. But it’s so hard when she still loves him but there are so many obstacles in their way.
She is home from London to revisit her childhood home. The boy she loved has grown up but she shouldn’t want to marry him. Her parents want her to marry well, not for love. But it’s so hard when she still loves him but there are so many obstacles in their way.
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