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Christmas in the Duke's Arms
Sophia McPherson has always dreamed of wedding for love, but her time to find it has run out. Her father is dying, and her cousin is trying to force her into marriage in order to obtain her inheritance. Desperate, she seeks out the Duke of Westhaven, a widower who gossip says needs a wealthy wife immediately to save his family from ruin. She offers him a bargain: his name and protection for her money, with an assurance that she has no interest in the emotionally skittish rake’s affection. And it’s the truth. Though she did secretly hold a tendre for the man once, she wisely quashed it when she discovered he was not a noble knight in shining armor but an undeniable, uncaring rogue.
Nic would rather drink poison than marry again. Yet, he’s suddenly in the untenable position of needing to wed to protect his sister’s future. So when a virtual stranger crashes the dinner party where he’s seeking a bride who wants as little to do with him as he does with her, and the woman offers a marriage with no attachments, he eagerly accepts. It’s the perfect solution for a man who believes love is for fools. They’ll wed and live their separate lives.
But when a surprising stipulation to Sophia’s inheritance comes to light, the disenchanted duke and determined lady are forced to spend more time together than planned. And what started as a calculated match between a retired dreamer and a jaded rogue may end up being the very thing that brings them the love they lost faith they’d ever find.
Nic would rather drink poison than marry again. Yet, he’s suddenly in the untenable position of needing to wed to protect his sister’s future. So when a virtual stranger crashes the dinner party where he’s seeking a bride who wants as little to do with him as he does with her, and the woman offers a marriage with no attachments, he eagerly accepts. It’s the perfect solution for a man who believes love is for fools. They’ll wed and live their separate lives.
But when a surprising stipulation to Sophia’s inheritance comes to light, the disenchanted duke and determined lady are forced to spend more time together than planned. And what started as a calculated match between a retired dreamer and a jaded rogue may end up being the very thing that brings them the love they lost faith they’d ever find.
123 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 3, 2021
43 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Julie Johnstone
96 books762 followersJulie Johnstone is a USA Today and #1 Amazon bestselling author. Scottish historical romance and Regency historical romance featuring highlanders and aristocrats are her love, and she enjoys creating both with a hefty dose of twists, plenty of heartstring tugs, and a guaranteed happily ever after.
Her books have been dubbed "fabulously entertaining and engaging," making readers cry, laugh, and swoon. Johnstone lives in Alabama with her very own lowlander husband, her two children - the heir and the spare, her snobby cat, and her perpetually happy dog.
In her spare time she enjoys way too much coffee balanced by super hot yoga, reading, and traveling.
Sign up for her newsletter here: http://juliejohnstoneauthor.com/newsl...
Her books have been dubbed "fabulously entertaining and engaging," making readers cry, laugh, and swoon. Johnstone lives in Alabama with her very own lowlander husband, her two children - the heir and the spare, her snobby cat, and her perpetually happy dog.
In her spare time she enjoys way too much coffee balanced by super hot yoga, reading, and traveling.
Sign up for her newsletter here: http://juliejohnstoneauthor.com/newsl...
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 13, 2021
Really cute read. Even though I felt there was good depth of characters, I would have loved more depth. Enjoyed the story.
December 19, 2021
This is an OK romance novella, but it was too short to have as much character development as I like. I wanted more back story on both Nic and Sophia. It gets 3 stars from me.
Nic was hard to like, with his determination that he was never going to trust a woman again. His plan for a marriage of convenience with a heiress, just because he needed money, was awful. He was at least honest about that, though, and made no attempt to dupe the women he was considering. He did get better, but I still thought he was wrong to assume all women were as bad as his mother and his wife.
Sophia was likable, and I liked that she was willing to sacrifice herself to protect the people she cared for. She knew that her father's will would leave them destitute, and she didn't want that to happen. I also liked that she didn't try to force Nic to love her, even when she realized she was in love with him.
I did think that Nic got past his distrust of women a bit too quickly to believe, since he admitted he was in love with Sophia in only a month. A man who detested women as much as he did, and had so much residual anger toward them, would be unlikely to fall in love that quickly.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
Nic was hard to like, with his determination that he was never going to trust a woman again. His plan for a marriage of convenience with a heiress, just because he needed money, was awful. He was at least honest about that, though, and made no attempt to dupe the women he was considering. He did get better, but I still thought he was wrong to assume all women were as bad as his mother and his wife.
Sophia was likable, and I liked that she was willing to sacrifice herself to protect the people she cared for. She knew that her father's will would leave them destitute, and she didn't want that to happen. I also liked that she didn't try to force Nic to love her, even when she realized she was in love with him.
I did think that Nic got past his distrust of women a bit too quickly to believe, since he admitted he was in love with Sophia in only a month. A man who detested women as much as he did, and had so much residual anger toward them, would be unlikely to fall in love that quickly.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
December 5, 2021
Sophia McPherson has always dreamed of wedding for love, but her time to find it has run out. Her father is dying, and her cousin Gordon is trying to force her into marriage in order to obtain her inheritance. Desperate, she seeks out the Duke of Westhaven, a widower who gossip says needs a wealthy wife immediately to save his family from ruin. She offers him a bargain: his name and protection for her money, with an assurance that she has no interest in the emotionally skittish rake’s affection. Nic would rather drink poison than marry again. Yet, he’s suddenly in the untenable position of needing to wed to protect his sister Anna’s future. So when a virtual stranger crashes the dinner party where he’s seeking a bride who wants as little to do with him as he does with her, and the woman offers a marriage with no attachments, he eagerly accepts. It’s the perfect solution for a man who believes love is for fools. They’ll wed and live their separate lives. But when a surprising stipulation to Sophia’s inheritance comes to light, the disenchanted duke and determined lady are forced to spend more time together than planned.
A very well written engrossing read, which I found very hard to put down & devoured it on a cold wet December afternoon. The characters had lovely depth but then the author doesn’t do two dimensional even in a novella. I loved both Nic & Sophia, the chemistry between them sizzled & their verbal banter was delicious. I loved that Sophia never gave up on Nic & gradually wormed her way under his defences but he was determine to resist. The story flowed effortlessly, I was left with a feeling of hope & a tear in my eye. A really lovely short story, wich I loved
A very well written engrossing read, which I found very hard to put down & devoured it on a cold wet December afternoon. The characters had lovely depth but then the author doesn’t do two dimensional even in a novella. I loved both Nic & Sophia, the chemistry between them sizzled & their verbal banter was delicious. I loved that Sophia never gave up on Nic & gradually wormed her way under his defences but he was determine to resist. The story flowed effortlessly, I was left with a feeling of hope & a tear in my eye. A really lovely short story, wich I loved
December 7, 2021
Perfect afternoon read!
4.5 Stars
Sophia and Nic are so far apart socially, but so similar in what they both want and need. Having someone love and cherish them is what they each want but have never had.
The premise of this story is wonderful. I love a strong woman who takes charge of her destiny because the men in her life are buffoons. She just wants to make sure she and the three most important people in her life have a home and are taken care of.
This was fun to read and watch as walls came down, some crashing may have been involved, for both of them. Each of them filled empty voids for the other and but their best laid plans, A marriage of convenience, to waste. Ms. Johnstone brings a depth of emotion to this novella that makes you think it is longer and I love that! You feel the struggle in Nic to keeps his walls up and you want to hug him and assure him it will all be well. I would really like to see Anna get her her story to see how Nic and Sophia's love helps her find the same.
Settle into your favorite chair, gather your throw, A plate of holiday cookies and a nice cuppa tea and enjoy!!
4.5 Stars
Sophia and Nic are so far apart socially, but so similar in what they both want and need. Having someone love and cherish them is what they each want but have never had.
The premise of this story is wonderful. I love a strong woman who takes charge of her destiny because the men in her life are buffoons. She just wants to make sure she and the three most important people in her life have a home and are taken care of.
This was fun to read and watch as walls came down, some crashing may have been involved, for both of them. Each of them filled empty voids for the other and but their best laid plans, A marriage of convenience, to waste. Ms. Johnstone brings a depth of emotion to this novella that makes you think it is longer and I love that! You feel the struggle in Nic to keeps his walls up and you want to hug him and assure him it will all be well. I would really like to see Anna get her her story to see how Nic and Sophia's love helps her find the same.
Settle into your favorite chair, gather your throw, A plate of holiday cookies and a nice cuppa tea and enjoy!!
December 7, 2021
Nic and Sophia
What a lovely novella, just in time for Christmas. Sophia has never felt loved by her father, and her mother had left when she was three, so she doesn't really have any memories of her. Sophia did create her own family with a few of the employees of her father's gaming hell.
Nic sustained emotional damage from the way his parents treated him, as well as a betrayal by a friend and his late wife. The only person he cares about is his younger sister, Anna.
In order for Nic to keep up the Ducal estate and provide a reasonable facade of respectability for Anna, he needs to find a wealthy woman. In order for Sophia to keep the gaming hell and provide a home for her created family, she needs the protection of a gentleman.
Neither Nic, nor Sophia could have predicted the outcome of their bargain.
What a lovely novella, just in time for Christmas. Sophia has never felt loved by her father, and her mother had left when she was three, so she doesn't really have any memories of her. Sophia did create her own family with a few of the employees of her father's gaming hell.
Nic sustained emotional damage from the way his parents treated him, as well as a betrayal by a friend and his late wife. The only person he cares about is his younger sister, Anna.
In order for Nic to keep up the Ducal estate and provide a reasonable facade of respectability for Anna, he needs to find a wealthy woman. In order for Sophia to keep the gaming hell and provide a home for her created family, she needs the protection of a gentleman.
Neither Nic, nor Sophia could have predicted the outcome of their bargain.
December 20, 2021
Terrific
Sophia finds out that she needs to wed someone in order for her to become the owner of her father's club so she goes to Nic who desperately needs money so when a woman comes to him about A marriage in exchange for her money but she wants her club and her freedom but he has a few stipulations of his own.. It's a marriage of convenience only but they find a bump in a road that forces them to spend time together and with a little dancing and ice skating.. Love blossoms.. What a delightful Christmas read..
Only thing I felt was that this story was rushed other than that it was amazing.
Sophia finds out that she needs to wed someone in order for her to become the owner of her father's club so she goes to Nic who desperately needs money so when a woman comes to him about A marriage in exchange for her money but she wants her club and her freedom but he has a few stipulations of his own.. It's a marriage of convenience only but they find a bump in a road that forces them to spend time together and with a little dancing and ice skating.. Love blossoms.. What a delightful Christmas read..
Only thing I felt was that this story was rushed other than that it was amazing.
February 5, 2022
Our past now present
Sophia father is horrid and wealthy gaming club owner. Nic is a Duke because his father owed money to self said club! Sophia and Nic strike a bargain to convince the solicitor of true love to keep the club from hands of a nasty relative yet provide a home for Sophia eccentric family.
Nic is starved for love first from his parents then his first wife who cuckold him.
He's only has his sister Anna anyone else he refuses to love! Well Sophia creeps into his heart anyway! Nic pushes her away one time too many now she stays at the club. Nic finally knows what he wants but is it too late? Love this story short and sweet!
Sophia father is horrid and wealthy gaming club owner. Nic is a Duke because his father owed money to self said club! Sophia and Nic strike a bargain to convince the solicitor of true love to keep the club from hands of a nasty relative yet provide a home for Sophia eccentric family.
Nic is starved for love first from his parents then his first wife who cuckold him.
He's only has his sister Anna anyone else he refuses to love! Well Sophia creeps into his heart anyway! Nic pushes her away one time too many now she stays at the club. Nic finally knows what he wants but is it too late? Love this story short and sweet!
December 30, 2021
Miss Sophia Mcpherson needs to protect herself and the people that depend on her. Her father is dying, and her cousin is hovering to claim everything.
The Duke of Westhaven has suffered betrayal in his past from everyone who should have loved him. Never will he allow anyone to hurt him again.
A gambling club might seem an unusual place to mend what ails our characters, but that's what it does.
A short but very sweet Christmas historical romance. I'm not sure if it's part of a series, but the characters have a lot more to offer if it is.
Good fun.
The Duke of Westhaven has suffered betrayal in his past from everyone who should have loved him. Never will he allow anyone to hurt him again.
A gambling club might seem an unusual place to mend what ails our characters, but that's what it does.
A short but very sweet Christmas historical romance. I'm not sure if it's part of a series, but the characters have a lot more to offer if it is.
Good fun.
Read
December 15, 2021Honorably mad-gical!
Nicolas Thornhill, The Duke of Westhaven can be downright maddening when it comes to giving in to any of his softer emotions that are not duke like, especially when it pertains to a particular Scottish club owners daughter, A Miss Sophia McPherson, who magically shows up at his home offering him the answer to his financial woes, with one or two conditions of her own attached to the bargain!
Nicolas Thornhill, The Duke of Westhaven can be downright maddening when it comes to giving in to any of his softer emotions that are not duke like, especially when it pertains to a particular Scottish club owners daughter, A Miss Sophia McPherson, who magically shows up at his home offering him the answer to his financial woes, with one or two conditions of her own attached to the bargain!
December 29, 2021
A poignant Christmas tale!
Nic, the Duke of Westhaven, has absolutely no reason to trust people. Growing up with horrible parents, he’s learned to create barriers to protect himself. Until that is, he encounters Sophia McPherson. The woman whose father contributed to his own father’s ruin. He has no reason to trust her, and yet, he’s powerless against her. Through her, he learns to trust, and to love again!
Nic, the Duke of Westhaven, has absolutely no reason to trust people. Growing up with horrible parents, he’s learned to create barriers to protect himself. Until that is, he encounters Sophia McPherson. The woman whose father contributed to his own father’s ruin. He has no reason to trust her, and yet, he’s powerless against her. Through her, he learns to trust, and to love again!
December 8, 2021
I'm a fan of this rock star author
And this story just prove's why. He's a broken hearted man BB who needs a wife in name only and she's the daughter of a club owner who needs a husband to save the club. This is so full of doubt, hurt, and barriers around a heart and yes love so good
And this story just prove's why. He's a broken hearted man BB who needs a wife in name only and she's the daughter of a club owner who needs a husband to save the club. This is so full of doubt, hurt, and barriers around a heart and yes love so good
December 13, 2024
Loved this story!!
I don’t usually read regency stories but had to as julie is a big favorite of mine. I was relieved we didn’t have to read about balls & the politics of the ton. Instead we get to follow the healing of a duke’s heart to accept the risks of being in love & building a life. Fun time involved with this family.
I don’t usually read regency stories but had to as julie is a big favorite of mine. I was relieved we didn’t have to read about balls & the politics of the ton. Instead we get to follow the healing of a duke’s heart to accept the risks of being in love & building a life. Fun time involved with this family.
December 6, 2021
Short but oh so sweet.
This is a novella, I loved the characters. Warm, caring and loving even after all the disappointments and hurt they dealt with. I just wish it had been longer, more. Happy reading! Lori😺
This is a novella, I loved the characters. Warm, caring and loving even after all the disappointments and hurt they dealt with. I just wish it had been longer, more. Happy reading! Lori😺
December 7, 2021
The Bargain
A perfect solution for Nic & Sophia. They would marry for convenience, but found her inheritance came with a clause for a love match. Would a white dog, ice skating and dancing bring them together?
A perfect solution for Nic & Sophia. They would marry for convenience, but found her inheritance came with a clause for a love match. Would a white dog, ice skating and dancing bring them together?
December 17, 2022
Quick Read
This book was an enjoyable, quick read.
There were no great surprises, nor did it need any. It was a predictable storyline, but it was well-written and the characters likeable.
This book was an enjoyable, quick read.
There were no great surprises, nor did it need any. It was a predictable storyline, but it was well-written and the characters likeable.
December 7, 2021
Touching love story
This story started with two people feeling unloved. Nic and Sophia had fallen in love and didn’t know it. Loved it.
This story started with two people feeling unloved. Nic and Sophia had fallen in love and didn’t know it. Loved it.
December 7, 2021
Great Christmas Story
Nic and Sophia’s story makes you see everyone can have a second chance and also have the dream they dreamt of.
Nic and Sophia’s story makes you see everyone can have a second chance and also have the dream they dreamt of.
December 9, 2021
It the beginning of a trilogy What happens to his sister?
It ended just as it was beginning to get good. Need know how this family grows. Guess this one need to be a trilogy
It ended just as it was beginning to get good. Need know how this family grows. Guess this one need to be a trilogy
December 12, 2021
The h did all the work
I was really frustrated that the h had to do all the work in the relationship. The ending was also too abrupt.
I was really frustrated that the h had to do all the work in the relationship. The ending was also too abrupt.
December 13, 2021
Perfect
A perfect story of hurt and love. Two people find a forever love despite having been hurt and ignored by people in their lives who should have cared!!!
A perfect story of hurt and love. Two people find a forever love despite having been hurt and ignored by people in their lives who should have cared!!!
December 18, 2021
Excellent!!!
Excellent book! I couldn't put it down and was so tired for work the next day! Definitely worth it though; Julie delivered yet again!
Excellent book! I couldn't put it down and was so tired for work the next day! Definitely worth it though; Julie delivered yet again!
December 23, 2021
Ok
This is a good afternoon read. It was very entertaining, but I thought it ended rather quickly. Was a little disappointed
This is a good afternoon read. It was very entertaining, but I thought it ended rather quickly. Was a little disappointed
December 27, 2021
Cute romantic festive novella.
Good story well written. One steamy scene. Happy ever after. I enjoyed it. Needed small getaway and this was perfect!
Good story well written. One steamy scene. Happy ever after. I enjoyed it. Needed small getaway and this was perfect!
January 18, 2022
Christmas dreams
Can come true. The twists and turns that cause Sophia to turn to the unfeeling and rakish Duke to save her club when her father dies.
I recommend the story highly.
Can come true. The twists and turns that cause Sophia to turn to the unfeeling and rakish Duke to save her club when her father dies.
I recommend the story highly.
May 15, 2023
true love
This book was amazing. Two people needing love and acceptance. Finding love in the end and changing their course for happiness.
This book was amazing. Two people needing love and acceptance. Finding love in the end and changing their course for happiness.
September 12, 2025
Nice short read
This book is a story that goes quick, has great characters, and enjoyable. I always look forward to books by Julie Johnstone.
This book is a story that goes quick, has great characters, and enjoyable. I always look forward to books by Julie Johnstone.
December 10, 2021
Perfect, loved this story! It had a lot of emotion packed in, lots of heartache and yet so witty and hopeful between Nic and Sophia. Love comes to them when least expected and their journey is joyful through the heartache. The pace of this story was just right and Julie Johnstone weaves a wonderful Christmas romance.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews