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Love was not part of the plan when this marriage was arranged…

Rhys Bettencourt, Baron Trevelaine, had every intention of avoiding his family’s curse. An arranged marriage to a plain bluestocking of fortune should have ensured her survival in childbirth and the provision of at least one heir. But practical Catherine undermined her betrothed’s scheme by unexpectedly capturing his heart. The sole way for Rhys to protect her is to deny them both physical satisfaction—until he learns of her plan to leave him and knows he has to act.

Two years into her arranged marriage, Catherine despairs of ever bearing a child. She flees to Rockmorton Manor for Christmas, only to find Rhys waiting for her, determined to convince her to stay with him. Does he want Catherine or her fortune? Confused and uncertain, Catherine discovers pages of sensual advice left in her chamber, which provide hope that her marriage might be saved.

Armed with information and with little to lose, Catherine embarks upon a campaign of seduction that Rhys finds himself powerless to resist—even as he fears for Catherine’s fate if he succumbs. Caught between love and the wretched curse, can Rhys find a way to keep his cherished wife safely by his side?

150 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 26, 2022

279 people are currently reading
201 people want to read

About the author

Claire Delacroix

123 books518 followers
New York Times bestselling author Claire Delacroix sold her first book in 1992, an historical romance called ROMANCE OF THE ROSE. Since then, she has published over sixty romance novels and novellas, and has also been published under the names Claire Cross and Deborah Cooke. She has an honours degree in history, with a focus on medieval studies. She is an avid reader of medieval vernacular literature, fairy tales and fantasy novels.

For books written under the pseudonym, Claire Cross, see:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...

For books written under Claire's own name, Deborah Cooke, please see:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...

In October and November 2009, she was the writer in residence for the Toronto Public Library, the first time that the library has hosted a residency focused on the romance genre.

Visit her two websites here:
http://www.delacroix.net
http://www.deborahcooke.com

Like her Facebook Fan Pages here:
http://www.facebook.com/AuthorClaireD...
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDebora...

Subscribe to her monthly newsletter to keep up to date and receive special offers:
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5 stars
175 (42%)
4 stars
144 (34%)
3 stars
75 (18%)
2 stars
15 (3%)
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6 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for Becca.
703 reviews120 followers
July 27, 2022
Aw this was sweet. I'm currently sweating in the summer heat and this was a fun break since there was a lot of snow and cold weather in this story, but not an overabundance of Christmas-themed things which I'm really only in the mood for at Christmas-time.

I found both of these characters and their fears to be well-developed and in this case, more believable for why their marriage was so stilted after two years. Delacroix explored a lot of angles for why things were strained and then proceeded to put her characters in situations that allowed them to address the issues one by one. Most of the awkwardness happened before the story opened and was relayed in flashbacks or thoughts from the characters and most of the meat of this story detailed their forward progress as it finally happens. The epilogue also addressed a lot of questions and I was glad it was there, especially with what the Baron feared. It definitely provided a satisfying, long HEA.

Overall, it was a delightful, character-driven story with the added humor of the beautiful Esmerelda leaving naughty notes and dressing in a horrendous disguise of a formidable aunt. Eurydice (from Delacroix's last set in A Most Inconvenient Earl) makes a few nice appearances too. I'll definitely be continuing with the series and seeing what Esmerelda will do next.

I received an ARC from this author. All opinions (as usual) are my own <3
Profile Image for Kathy.
1,110 reviews4 followers
July 21, 2022
A complex romance with partners that obviously care for each other, but cannot move forward without help. And oh, what help they get! A really compelling start to this series, and I hope that these characters are revisited in subsequent books. A sensual, interesting peek in an unconventional marriage.
Profile Image for Rosemary.
788 reviews6 followers
January 12, 2025
I got this without reading the excerpt. The writing was good, but I did not enjoy it at all. This not a trope I like. I was just annoyed and felt bad for the FMC. The grovel was just not convincing either.
Profile Image for Dorel.
4,341 reviews38 followers
February 11, 2024
This is the 1st book I read by Claire Delacroix. I'm sorry I stopped reading this story 📖 at chapter 2 because it didn't grab my interest.
Profile Image for Glittergirl.
938 reviews16 followers
July 25, 2022
I rarely give 5 stars to a short story but this one earned it. This book has characters that were in A Most Inconvenient Earl #4 Brides of North Barrows. I went back to review the story and it made this story so much richer but it isn't necessary.. This series is about helping unhappy or unfulfilling marriages become all they can be. I adore the premise. It's a guide written by a courtesan for women who seek to deepen their intimate relationship. Most society women know nothing of the bedroom arts until their husband tutors them. Sometimes they need a little help...

Catherine Carruthers is a desperate wife. She has a two year arranged marriage to Rhys Bettencourt, Baron Trevelaine. She wants more than their monthly meetings going over the household accounts. She yearns to be in a loving union like her parents. Her father is part owner of Carruthers & Carruthers & Company, very successful publishers. Her marriage brought funds back to the title to keep it afloat. She has a head for accounts and reads manuscripts for her Dad's company. She found immediately after their marriage that Rhys estate manager was embezzling funds for years, draining the coffers. This Christmas story takes place at her friend Eurydice Montgomery's (A Most Inconvenient Earl) country house. Eurydice secures the help of Esmeralda Ballantyne, a courtesan disguised as great aunt, Mrs. Delilah Oliver.

Rhys inherited his title at twelve when his father died. He made his son vow on his death to marry a woman he did not love. If he did the family curse with happen once again and she'd die birthing his heir. Rhys saw it happen to his father, and later to his three sisters. He was forced by gambling debts into an arranged marriage by the Duke of Haynesdale, Damien De Vries. Damien will play a role in this series as well. Rhys is desperately trying to stay away from Cathrerine as he's fallen in love with her.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
79 reviews3 followers
July 20, 2022
A fun Regency romp!

Eurydice Montgomery has found such love and happiness in her marriage that she wants all her friends to feel the same way. She hatches a plan with her husband’s ex-lover, Esmeralda, to instruct Caroline Bettencourt on the art of seducing her husband, Rhys.

Caroline is sad and confused how her marriage of two years is going. There is little romance between Caroline and Rhys and Caroline has decided to spend Christmas with The Montgomery’s and decided if she will return to her father after the new year.

Rhys catches onto her scheme to be away for Christmas and beseeches his friend Sebastian to let him join them for the holiday. Hence, Rhys greets Caroline when she arrives. With the help of Mrs. Oliver, aka Esmeralda, she learns she is still a virgin and there would be no intimacy until Rhys confesses what he considers “the family curse.”

Once Caroline and Rhys plainly speak their feelings Rhys promises to all the delights of being husband and wife. This was a fun read and I look forward to other tales from the “Ladies Essential Guide in the Art of Seduction.
Profile Image for PlotTrysts.
1,204 reviews472 followers
December 18, 2025
For today's review we're bringing you this kinda ridonk series starter featuring a 2-year-old marriage-in-crisis thanks to the fact that the MMC is in love with his wife. Because, in his family, if you fall in love with your spouse, someone's dying in childbirth. He thought he'd outsmart the curse by marrying someone he could NEVER love, but if historical romance has taught me anything, it's that the last man on Earth you could be prevailed upon to marry ends up being your soul mate. I don't make the rules, I just report them to you.⁠

There is a just-as-ridonk frame story of a courtesan with a heart of gold who's now beloved by her previous connections' wives for helping them conquer their husbands ... in bed. We will both be honest: this story was very appealing, and if we continue the series, it will be thanks to this framework.⁠

Candy Cane Rating: 1. Pick this up because it's a ridiculous historical romance, not because you want to read about Christmas cheer, wassailing, kisses under the mistletoe, wintry weather, etc. etc. 🤷‍♀️⁠

7-Word Summaries:⁠

Meg: Marriage in crisis due to family curse.⁠

Laine: Christmas! taking advantage of women's sexual ignorance.⁠
Profile Image for Mary.
525 reviews3 followers
July 27, 2022
This is a Regency story set at Christmas time at a country estate. What's a young bride to do when her husband has completely ignored her for two years? Sure, he has welcomed her help with the books and keeping his finances in order, but there has been no romance between them. While the groom's reasons for avoiding her are touching, she has no idea what she is doing wrong. If things don't improve, she's just going to move back to her father's house. Luckily a friend comes to the rescue by convincing an experienced mistress to come to the country house party and give the woman advice for spicing things up in the bedroom. A mistress in disguise, a secret sexual advice book, and plenty of attraction between the bride and her reluctant groom make this a story with a lot of humor and romantic tension.

Can't wait to read more books featuring The Ladies Essential Guide to the Art of Seduction!
Profile Image for Elizabeth Connor.
1,464 reviews41 followers
November 17, 2022
Rhys Bettencourt promised his father that he wouldn’t marry for love because the family curse dictated that wives who were loved would die in childbirth. So he settles for an arranged marriage to Catherine Carruthers, and when he realizes he’s falling in love with his wife, he does everything he can do to avoid impregnating her. She thinks he doesn’t care for her and confides in a friend who enlists the help of her husband’s former mistress, Esmeralda (who is now her friend) to give Catherine advice on seducing her husband. Meanwhile, Catherine has decided she will move back home to live with her parents. When Rhys finds out, he realizes he must convince her to stay, but as long as he holds back and refuses to ‘do the deed’ he won’t be able to keep her. It’s a great story with a bit of a teaser involving Esmerald who I expect to be featured in a future book.

I read this as part of the Twelve Lords of Yuletide collection.
151 reviews
July 22, 2022
This lovely story is unusual for a romance in that the H and the h are already married, albeit in an apparently cold and loveless arranged marriage. But lurking beneath the façade are deep feelings on both their parts. Rhys Bettancourt deeply cares for his wife, Catherine, but given the experiences of his family, he is fearful of exposing his true feelings. Enter a mutual friend, who leaves tantalizing pages of sensual advice in Catherine’s room, advice which she is all too eager to follow. This is an emotional, beautifully written novella that really evokes the atmosphere of the regency period in which it is set with the descriptive language and dialogue. I highly recommend this excellent story! A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion.
4,125 reviews21 followers
July 25, 2022
The Christmas Conquest by Claire Delacroix is a rather unique take on the marriage of convenience theme. The marriage goes wrong in that the husband falls completely in love with his wife. Then afraid of “the family curse” he does not behave as a husband in love would do.

Marriages in trouble are a favorite of mine so I found this story to be a delight. Meddling friends who mean well as well as a husband who does not accept his wife leaving make it a great historical romance. Now if Rhys Bettencourt, Baron Trevelaine and Catherine can work out their problems than there must be hope that Esmeralda will get her story too because even a courtesan deserves a HEA especially this one.

The publisher/author gave me a complimentary ARC of the book which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Naomi Bell.
322 reviews17 followers
July 23, 2022
As an avid fan of Claire Delacroix, I knew that I would enjoy The Christmas Conquest, but I was unprepared to be so thoroughly swept up in its brilliance. Rhys is a man who intends to protect his wife at all costs. But Catherine is a firebrand who intends to have her way, regardless of the risks. She has an unlikely ally in Esmeralda, who plays the part of a long lost aunt. Armed with a secret manuscript entitled The Ladies Essential Guide to the Art of Seduction, Catherine defies propriety and goes after what she wants, her husband. Claire is an incredible writer who blends high quality writing with intriguing tales. Her characters come to life; they have depth and intricacies. I loved this story. And I love the fact that is the first in the new series!!! I cannot wait to read the rest.
201 reviews1 follower
November 2, 2024
Christmas Seduction

Such a richly rewarding story! This is indeed a Christmas conquest as Rhys and Catherine, seemingly estranged husband and wife, both show up at a friend's house for Christmas. He is intent on seducing her to keep her from leaving. She is hoping to move him from disinterest to interest in her as a woman and as his wife. Anonymous letters left for Catherine change her and Rhys. The developments between these two left me wanting to read to the end. And Mrs. Oliver, particularly the detailed descriptions of her dress, speech, and drinking habits, was a hoot! I hope she, too, finds her HEA. This was another eminently satisfying story from one of my favorite authors.
Profile Image for Bridget.
322 reviews1 follower
November 23, 2024
Fun Recency of enlightening young somen

Catherine and Rhys had an arranged marriage. Her dowry saved his barroncy. But he refuses to consumate the marriage due to a promise he made his dying father. That women die in child birth when giving birth to an heir. Esmeralda a famed courtesan is requested by a family friend to help save Catherine and Rhys marriage. Clever ways to reduce one's husband are delivered to Catherine on how to flirt and seduce while on a holiday vacation. Esmeralda is in disguise as in old stodgy widow to discreetly provide assistance and advice.
Profile Image for Nicola Day.
128 reviews2 followers
December 29, 2024
This book was a nice little festive story about a woman trying to learn how to seduce her husband. 
I enjoyed the idea of her learning these lessons through reading a book (which is her learning about her sexuality from another woman.)
I'm really glad the book had the additional epilogue that was formerly only available for email subscribers. It was a much-needed addition in my opinion and I would have been a bit disappointed in the book without it. 

All in, a not bad little Christmas story to finish the year. 

Downloaded for free on kindle. 
Profile Image for Katherine.
316 reviews8 followers
July 24, 2022
The Christmas Conquest, by Claire Delacroix, is the first book in a new series, The Ladies' Essential Guide to the Art of Seduction.

Rhys and Catherine have been wed for two years but Rhys has been keeping his distance from Catherine out of fear of a family curse. Still, he believes his wife is happy with their once a month meetings to review their finances, unfortunately he couldn't be more wrong. Luckily the pair have some scheming friends who want to see their marriage succeed.

With a courtesan in disguise leaving anonymous notes with instructions on seduction in unexpected places at a small holiday gathering in the country, our couple's problems are soon addressed, but not without some hilarious moments along the way.

The Christmas Conquest is a charming, fairly lighthearted, and humourous story, and for me it was timely as I always find myself craving a Christmas romance in the middle of the summer. I'm looking forward to reading more of this series.
Profile Image for Lesley.
2,454 reviews17 followers
November 10, 2022
Can a sterile marriage be saved with a courtesan’s advice, or will the new year see this couple part for ever? Due to past family tragedies, for every one step forward gained in the couple’s intimacy, this was followed by two steps back. Note: the matchmaking courtesan was a hoot.
Read in the Twelve Lords for Yuletide anthology.
Profile Image for jay.
95 reviews25 followers
Read
May 16, 2024
Short and fluffy story about a man who continuously lies to his wife...because he loves her. What? 👀

323 reviews
September 15, 2024
Advice for the lovelorn

Married to a man for convenience because of gambling debt. How could she win her husband or leave him? Upon coming to a friend's home for Christmas a sudden paper begins to appear instructing her on how to seduce her husband. Could this be the answer to her problem?
1,443 reviews1 follower
December 1, 2024
This was decent...

I'm not huge "marriage in trouble" fan. But, I do like a good house party themed story and this was fun in some parts. I struggled to connect to Catherine and Rhys, so that also made it challenging to be invested in their romance. There were some holiday feels, but not as much as I'd like.

But, it was fine.
Profile Image for Kathy.
1,700 reviews5 followers
December 8, 2024
An excellent book of an unconsummated marriage. But charlotte didn’t know that. For two years her husband did not come to her so she felt he wasn’t interested. He however, was afraid of a family curse which means the loved wife will die in childbirth. It is kind of fun how she learned how babies are conceived.
Profile Image for Purpleallison Hoffman.
294 reviews
June 23, 2025
The book was very meh. The writing was fine, but I didn't care about any of the characters. And there were a lot of them, it was difficul to keep track of who was who in the beginning.
Romance rating: 3.5. Sexy times rating: 1. Kissing, a little bit of touching, but otherwise fade to black. Overall rating 2.75, rounded up
Profile Image for AmazingJ.
991 reviews7 followers
September 17, 2024
A Wonderful, Entertaining & Romantic Story.

I really enjoyed reading this book.

Catherine & Rhys were wonderful & Delightful characters.

I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
85 reviews
October 31, 2024
They truly loved each other but didn't know how to show it to each other!

This story was a little slow to start but it was worth sticking with it in the end! It's sad that girls aren't told ahead of time what to expect in a marriage back in the 1800's!
1,690 reviews29 followers
January 26, 2025
Wanted to like this, and it had moments, but overall it didn't come together in a satisfying way. In essence, the reason for them to be apart felt completely manufactured, and had they actually felt the way they claimed to, should have been overcome earlier. It just didn't quite work...
2,363 reviews6 followers
December 5, 2025
A former courtesan aids a young lady with her marriage bed issues upon the recommendation of a former clients wife, now friend, she disguises herself at a holiday party at their home and in the end all is finished nicely. Except a duke begins to suspect something is off. Thus the series begin
1,779 reviews6 followers
July 26, 2022
This was an entertaining, well-written historical romance. It was clever, steamy, charming and I didn't want to put it down. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.
474 reviews2 followers
July 28, 2022
This was a wonderful romance story. I enjoyed it so much. It takes place at Christmas time. The lady learns to seduce her husband. They finally fall in love enough that they admit it.
508 reviews
August 16, 2022
Oh my

This is an absolutely awesome story. I am very happy Esmeralda will be back. Some places had me laughing out loud
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews

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