Five Gold Rings

The Twelve Days of Christmas #8

by Emily E.K. Murdoch

It’s 1817, and five gold rings are perfect Christmas presents…

Esther Fitzroy is bored of all the gentlemen lining up to propose matrimony—only because her father’s rising fortune means a bigger dowry. At least she’s not like the poor Duke of Kendal, who according to the latest scandal, has lost his entire fortune. So when John (Jack to the ladies), the Duke of Kendal suddenly arrives at the Fitzroy home and starts inexpertly wooing her, Esther knows precisely what he wants, her dowry. But she wants his heart.

Determined to make him fall in love with her before he asks for her hand, Esther starts a dangerous game with a gentleman far more accustomed to seduction than she could ever imagine.

Purchasing five gold rings as presents for her sisters is nothing to what Jack wants to give her this Christmas. Five gold rings may be perfect gifts, but Esther only wants one from Jack—and she may not wait to receive one before giving up her heart…and her body.

Genres: Historical Romance, Christmas, Regency, Holiday, Family, Novella, Romance

128 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 25, 2022

About the author

Emily E.K. Murdoch is also known as Emily Murdoch.

Emily Murdoch is a medieval historian and writer. Throughout her career so far she has examined a codex and transcribed medieval sermons at the Bodleian Library in Oxford, designed part of an exhibition for the Yorkshire Museum, worked as a researcher for a BBC documentary presented by Ian Hislop, and worked at Polesden Lacey with the National Trust. She has a degree in History and English, and a Masters in Medieval Studies, both from the University of York. Emily is currently working on a new four part Regency novella series, two of which are now published.

You can follow her on twitter and instagram @emilyekmurdoch, find her on facebook at www.facebook.com/theemilyekmurdoch, and read her blog at www.emilyekmurdoch.com

Reviews

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack, the Duke of Kent lost everything in a speculation. He needs to marry an heiress. The husband of one the Fitzroy sisters suggested he court Hester. His pursuit of Hester takes a turn when he begins to really like her and finds her very attractive. She knows of his lack of money, but doesn't care. He makes her feel wonderful. If she can make him fall in love with her, then her dowry would be the answer to his problem. You can't help but like Jack, even if you question his sincerity. A quick read with a clever way to incorporate the five rings. I just wish there was an epilogue.
Descriptive sex. I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

[Bonnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this from NetGalley and this is my freely given opinion.

This is the story of Esther, one of the sisters of the London Fitroy's, the younger sister of Caroline and Jemima. She is leery of men who have been courting her because of her father's wealth and her large dowry, knowing that many, if not all of those suitors are fortune hunting.

Her sister, Caroline, has become a bit of a gossip and shared with them the ill fortunes of the Duke of Kendal. He is impoverished because of a lost investment, and in need of a wealthy wife. It turns out that he is a friend of the Earl of Cheshire, Caroline's husband, who points him in the direction of Esther to woo.

Esther knows he is likely wooing her for her dowry, but decides that she will work to earn his love and devotion as well, and ends up falling in love with him.

This was an OK story for me, and that was mainly because there was a background story of Lucy and her friend Percy who obviously loves her. But I could not warm to a story about romantic hero being a fortune hunter and her own family presenting her on a silver platter for said fortune hunter, especially when she had rejected others for the same. He did later redeem himself in showing some shame for approaching her for her dowry, but it still made me a bit cold. This is where reading something about his perspective could have helped flesh out the story and add depth and understanding for Kendal, for me.

2.5 stars out of 5.

[Emilija · Rating 5 out of 5]

2021 52 Book Challenge - Christmas Mini Challenge - 5) Five Golden Rings

I actually really enjoyed this story. I really liked Esther as a character, and I haven't seen much of her in the series before, and I liked Jack as well. Shame that they couldn't communicate with each other properly until 5% before the end of the book, but hey, there wouldn't be a novel if they couldn't.

I also liked the subplot, setting up Lucy and Percy for the next novel.

[Diana N. · Rating 4 out of 5]

To be a Duke and completely broke. What Jack needed was a wealthy woman to remedy that. Enter Ester Fitzroy who he would get to know just for that reason. What was not expected was love.

I liked Esther a lot in this book, she knew of the financial situation, but that didn't really matter to her. She was a woman before her time since she really was taking the lead in her relationship. She knew what she wanted and went for it.

I wish the characters had some other unique interests to bring them together, but I ended up liking them anyway. Plus their interactions got pretty steamy.

I'm excited for which next Fitzroy cousin will find love.

Thank you to Dragonblade and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.

[Laura Harris · Rating 2 out of 5]

one perspective with lots of day dreaming

Esther is one of six sisters. She’s the oldest unmarried sister of very wealthy father. Jack the Duke of Kendal is broke. He needs a wealthy bride. Esther is aware. She falls instantly in lust for him, and plans to seduce his heart. The story is told through Esther’s voice, day dreams and thoughts. There is very little action or real story about the interactions. It’s more like a young girl’s fantasy about what falling in love is like and how sex is love. There is something concerning about the use of sex to express love.

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

Miss Esther Fitzroy knows that her recently increased dowry is the main reason why so many gentlemen seem to be vying for her hand, and she doesn't like it one bit. One man even dared to approach her father and ask to marry her, without them ever speaking. So when she learns about the Duke of Kendal, Jack to his friends, who finds himself penniless, and now seems to want to spend time with her, Esther knows he wants her dowry. Planning to make him fall in love, she sets out to seduce him, but forgets that by doing so, she risks her own heart. I reckon this book more than made up for how bad book 7 was. Esther and Jack were a great couple, and though I think they could've been a little more open with each other, for the time period, money was rarely discussed, and definitely not with a lady. I feel like because of the way they spent time together, they were able to get to know each other better, though I do have some questions about Jack's family, and just how bad his financial situation was. Even so, a really enjoyable book, and one which has definitely set up for Lucy and Percy's story in book 9.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Esther Fitzroy is introduced to John (Jack to the ladies), the Duke of Kendal by her brother in law & he starts inexpertly wooing her, Esther knows precisely what he wants, her dowry. But she wants his heart. Determined to make him fall in love with her before he asks for her hand, Esther starts a dangerous game with a gentleman far more accustomed to seduction than she could ever imagine.
Purchasing five gold rings as presents for her sisters is nothing to what Jack wants to give her this Christmas.
Esther is the eighth Fitzroy to find love & another well written novella, the pace was good & I really liked both Esther & Jack, the chemistry between them sizzled. I loved their journey to finding love. It also gave a hint for Percy & Lucy’s story. I must admit I was left wanting more, especially for Jack to regain his fortune, I hope there’s an update in the remaining books
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5/5.0

Historical Romance readers must consider an evening with this entertaining novella, perhaps sipping a glass of wine, during any season!

Read full review in the 2023 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[TJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/5.0

The perfect example of a contemporary romance in costume. The anachronisms are blaring and often times eye-rolling and that is a HUGE pet-peeve of mine. BUT, for those who this problem doesn’t plague, the overall story and set-up was actually quite fun.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Esther is a Queen! Oh you want me for my dowry? Hah! I’m gonna make you love me.

Definitely my favorite lead characters of the series and best book yet.

[Jaime · Rating 3 out of 5]

💜💙❤️Welcome to a Christmas Season full of love, longing, romance, and of course happy endings - This is a fun series you don’t want to miss and is easily enjoyed no matter the time of year! ❤️💙💜

✒️Emily EK Murdoch is a wonderful historical romance writer and she excels at writing long series with multiple connected characters yet each story being a standalone. This time she has taken the holiday season by storm and created a charming and heartfelt bundle of historical romances using the theme of the beloved “Twelve Days of Christmas” a world wide and timeless holiday carol. 🎶

From the publisher’s statement: ❤️‍🔥This novella is a steamy Regency romance with a happily ever after, no cliffhangers, and is part of a series which can be read in any order - but follow the numbers down for the best reading experience!
Note: This series is part of Dragonblade's Flame line, so this is a sexy, steamy, and scorching-hot read with multiple sex scenes. Be advised.”❤️‍🔥

This story is based on the 5th day of christmas and occurs in 1817, and five gold rings are perfect Christmas presents…As noted in previous books this series of novellas follows the twelve single female Fitzroy cousins and watching each of them meet their perfect match while falling in love over Christmastime. So before the reader even starts the stories it’s clear they are going to be quick happily ever after romances with the added magic and whimsical feelings associated with Christmas in the early 19th century.

The MCs are Esther Fitzroy and John aka Jack The Duke of Kendal. Simply put Esther is put off by all the scheming, plotting, and planning that goes into getting married - she wants to be wanted, adored, desired, and loved by a man who simply can’t help himself but to need her - instead, thanks to her very large dowry the only men interested in her are those who want her money first and her as an afterthought. She is over it. Esther makes a decision that she will settle for nothing less than love. So when John (Jack to the ladies), the Duke of Kendal suddenly arrives at the Fitzroy home and starts inexpertly wooing her, Esther knows precisely what he wants, her dowry. But she wants his heart.

This time Esther is determined to up the ante so to speak and she begins a dangerous game of cat and mouse using seduction as a method to capture the Dukes heart. While Five gold rings may be perfect gifts, Esther only wants one from Jack—and she may not wait to receive one before giving up her heart…and her body. 💍🔥❤️‍🔥

Much like some of the earlier novellas in the series this one had a little overlap with the next and I enjoyed how that ties the sisters’ stories together. I always love to catch glimpses of previous characters as well as those newer characters with stories yet to come. I thought this was an easy read, enjoyed it in one sitting, and I loved watching the hero fall in love.

I recommend this book and series if you are looking for a quick enjoyable story with a happily ever after. Make sure you read the series in order which is inline with how you would sing the last verse of the carol. The Twelve Days of Christmas

Book 1 - Twelve Drummers Drumming
Book 2 - Eleven Pipers Piping
Book 3 - Ten Lords a Leaping
Book 4 – Nine Ladies Dancing
Book 5 – Eight Maids a Milking
Book 6 – Seven Swans a Swimming
Book 7 – Six Geese a Laying
Book 8 – Five Gold Rings
Book 9 – Four Calling Birds
Book 10 – Three French Hens
Book 11 – Two Turtle Doves
Book 12 - A Partridge in a Pear Tree

Overall 3.5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ | 4 Flames 🔥🔥🔥🔥

📚Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from Dragonblade Publishing via Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, comments, and interpretations of the story are my own and bias free. I did not receive any money in exchange for this review. Thank you to the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to review. 🦄

#TwelveDaysofChristmas #DragonbladePub #Novella #HolidayRomance #HistoricalRomance

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Esther Fitzroy (of the London Fitzroys) meets the handsome, young, charismatic Duke of Kendal she hatches a plan. With him in need of a substantial cash injection to save his penniless dukedom and her in possession of a very generous dowry - Esther thinks they could be a perfect match. All she has to do is make him fall in love with her. Because if she’s bringing the money to the relationship the least he could do is give his heart to her.

Five Gold Rings was a fun and romantic tale of two lovely people falling in love. I liked Jack and I liked Esther and most of all I liked them together. They have chemistry. And I also liked Esther’s scheming. She is trying to be the mastermind of this entire courting scenario and it amused me because I had the sense that she’s not normally all that cryptic and Machiavellian. But she cares - very much so - for her new beau.

Much like some of the earlier novellas in the series this one had a little overlap with the next and I enjoyed how that ties the sisters’ stories together. It will always surprise and shock me a little with the liberties the Fitzroy women allow men they’ve just met (and sometimes in surprising locations) but it’s hard to deliver a completed love story with multiple romantic trysts in novella form so I’ll give them a pass and try not to be too scandalised (and try not to think about how they haven’t been taken advantage of so far in their young naive lives. I joke. They can be as amorous as they want wherever they want and I’ll keep reading and enjoying their love stories).

Great addition the the series as a whole and is making me all the more exciting for the lead up to Christmas!

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable quick read where the heroine compels you to keep reading!
With a delicious touch of blush inducing naughtiness to hype up the intimacy, raise it a rung on the steam-ometer and keep you invested.
Esther is just so lovable, easy to like and champion in her determined quest to seduce Jack into loving her. The subtle build of sexual tension as the hunger for intimacy seeps through their initial attraction - depicted in loaded looks and hopeful, nervous, yearning, as the pair strain to receive any sign the other is just as susceptible to their charm, is growing to crave their touch, presence and even the possibility of a much deeper, more rewarding, connection - is engaging in its reading. Especially, as it adds a spark to their chemistry that builds in intensity and creates a spot of angst as you feed on Esther's worry that Jack, in dun territory financially, may only ever want her for her dowry. Colouring her view and clouding her commitment as she attempts to dampen down her fast flourishing feelings for him as she tries to analyse his motives and make him reassess his own feelings by falling just as irredeemably in return. A fun read and addition to the series that opens up a world of pleasure for our heroine and moves past our hero's desperate need for money, to open his heart and introduce the promise of love, connection and mutual passion into the mix. With rather joyful results!

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*

I have found over many many Emily EK Murdoch novels that her work is very hit or miss with me. Unfortunately, this one was a miss. I have really enjoyed the creativity in connecting these stories to the 12 Days of Christmas song, but I found this one to be lacking in several ways. The connection to the 5th day for this book was more of an afterthought. Esther was a weak character. She is another example in this series of the dangers of sheltering young women - as soon as she gets near a good looking man she becomes a thoughtless (as in, she doesn't have a thought in her head) silly girl. There is nothing interesting about her and I found her to be a very one-dimensional and boring character. Because all the conversations between her and Jack occur off the page it's never shown what they come to like about one another - all the reader is left with is that she likes him for being very good looking and he likes her for her having lots of money. Her plan to seduce him and hope he falls in love with her is risky and could have ended badly for her had it not worked. I've also found that if one hasn't read the first in the series (12 Drummers Drumming) Jemima would seem like a terrible person which I don't like because so far she's the most interesting of all the Fitzroy women. This is definitely my least favorite of the series.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Five Gold Rings by Emily EK Murdoch is a simple novel about two members of the ton. The young woman is Esther and she is the daughter (step) of a wealthy man who has five daughters. She has step-sisters, half-sisters, and full sisters. She also has a massive dowry. As do many sisters, she and hers gossip. The newest on dit is regarding the Duke of Kendal, whom she assumes to be old and gray. It seems he has lost his fortune and is penniless. Who should walk in the room at that moment with her brother-in-law, but the Duke of Kendal, who may be penniless, but is far from old and gray.

Esther is a Regency woman, not completely convinced of her own worth. Jack was charming and honest, although not honest when he should have been. Really, they were both kind of wimpy characters beset by the bane of romance: failure to communicate. It started with walks with the family and quickly escalated. You know the end. It felt like a rushed book, one without a true play. It was a very unlikely storyline. It was pleasant enough, but not one of her best.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Five Gold Rings by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #EmilyEKMurdoch # FiveGoldRings

[Mary Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

A Quick read. Again the stories are overlapping. This is Esther and Jack's story and we are also hearing about Lucy & Percy. Jack is a duke but his father lost loads of money on investments. In the first book I thought Esther's father was only comfortably off as Jemima was prepared to live with Hugh in poverty but it now seems that Esther has a good dowry. Being shy she wants to be able to pick the man that gets her wealth and hope he falls in love with her. Caroline's husband suggests to Jack that Esther would be a good prospect. So Jack sets out to court Esther just for her money. It's a realistic story and Esther is pragmatic. I was a bit surprised at some of the antics Esther got up with and like her sisters she was willing to sleep with the hero before they were engaged which I'm not sure would have been the norm.

I'm enjoying this series and looking forward to four calling birds....

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the eighth installment of The Twelve Days of Christmas series, and what a great group of stories so far! This latest one also did not disappoint. This is Caroline and Jemima's younger sister Esther's story. Esther is cautious of any suitors she gets, as she believes them to only be after her dowry. When Jack, the Duke of Kendal attempts to court her, she also thinks him no different from the rest. Jack is an impoverished duke and in dire need of money, so of course his first intention of courting Esther was her generous dowry. But Esther had plans of her own and was determined to make him fall in love with her. If he gets her money, it's only fair that she have his heart.
This was another fun and romantic addition to the series. Jack and Esther were great together and had wonderful chemistry. I enjoyed the story and look forward to the next one!
I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Esther meets her Duke

Esther Fitzroy is talking with her sister Caroline. She explains to her family about the Duke of Kendal and how he has lost everything he owns. His ship sunk, and all the cargo was lost.
The Duke showed up at the house with Caroline's husband.
Esther was attracted to him right from the start. She could fall for him. She knew he would have to get him to fall in love with her before she would tell him about her dowry. She had a substantial amount of money. Her father had done many good investments.
She had never been attracted to a gentleman before meeting Jack, Duke of Kendal.
He doesn't feel like much of a man without having any money.
He wants and desires her. She wants him to. She doesn't want to get hurt.
I found this sister different from the others. She was quiet but had a big heart for a man down on his luck. Love will bring happiness for the right reasons.
Great story by Emily Murdoch

[Amberreads.alot · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is probably my favorite entry thus far in Emily EK Murdoch's 12 Days of Christmas series. FMC Esther Fitzroy is more self-aware than her sisters and cousins thus far, and her love story with MMC Jack, the Duke of Kendal, manages to be sweet and steamy at the same time.

The reader and Esther are well aware of Jack''s precarious financial position and his likely motivation at least in starting court Esther. Even though told only from Esther's POV, the reader is able to follow Jack's growing discomfort with his initial motivation as he gets to know Esther more. And at least this reader like him for it. I also loved the demonstration of starting and finishing uncomfortable discussions. Neither Esther or Jack lose their head or behave unreasonably as they reach understanding of each other, and the demonstration of healthy - albeit a little late - communication is lovely.

4 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade for the ARC of this novella. The opinions herein are my own.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Duke Needed An Heiress

I thought one of the previous stories in the series was my favourite but I have to say this story between Esther and Jack the Duke of Kendal is my new favourite.

Jack had no money and needed to marry a heiress which is why he looked to woo Esther. Esther knew men wanted her for her fortune but when Jack started to look at her, she decided if he wanted her and her money, he would have to fall in love with her.

Emily writes such wonderful stories which are warm, passionate, romantic, full of steamy but meaningful moments and which warm your heart.

Another wonderful recommended novella, I can’t wait for the next sister to find love.

I voluntarily read and reviewed and ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The latest instalment in this series of Christmas-themed novellas focuses on Esther, a bookish type with hidden depths, who doesn’t know what to do with her sudden attraction to a penniless duke. Jack, however, knows exactly what to do about it and communicates it in a delightfully and unconventionally forward manner - but is this about money, or love?
I enjoyed the chemistry between the main characters, the sisterly interactions, and the hints of Lucy and Percy’s story, plus the focus on the pragmatism that drove many matches in this era. An enjoyable addition to the series with intriguing hints of more to come.
Thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy; all opinions are my own.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are three Fitzroy brothers, each with different interests, each the father of daughters, twelve in total. Arthur Fitzroy has six daughters, three of whom have married. It’s the holiday season of 1817 and Stuart introduces Jack, the Duke of Kendal, to the family. Jack and Esther are immediately attracted. She knows he is interested in her dowry, but could there be more? Another entertaining story of the Fitzroy cousins. The characters are likeable and charming. The story is a quick happy read.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily reviewing it.

[Michelle Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very quick, easy, and fun read, with some steaminess. Five Gold Rings had a great MFC; Esther knew what she wanted and went after it, without guile.

I haven’t read any of the other titles in the author’s Twelve Days of Christmas series, but, loving bite-sized portions of historical romance with all the spice, I am planning on doing so 🙂



Available with Kindle Unlimited as of 11/25/22



eARC kindly provided by Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley. Opinions shared are my own.

[JudyAnnLovesBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝗙𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗚𝗢𝗟𝗗 𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦 was a read in one sitting romance that had me from the first page. Esther was a woman after my own heart. She was strong and determined and not afraid to go after what she wanted, I liked this about her. Although a Duke, Jack had his fair share of problems. Destitute and desperate he sets out to find a woman with a hefty dowry. Esther is such a woman but she possess something even greater, his heart, I enjoyed watching the, fall in love. I’m giving 𝗙𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗚𝗢𝗟𝗗 𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦 the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!

[Donique Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

The following are my thoughts as I read this book. I’m continuing my backwards reading of the series. Esther Fitzroy…a London Fitzroy, the peace keeper, has a large dowry. Jack…Duke of Kendal, friend of the Earl of Cheshire, in need of a rich wife. This seems like a situation made for a business arrangement. Oh my a quick introduction to passion. Sometimes the h does too much thinking. Ok no dilly-dallying found here. LOL “thank you.” I must say this one was still steamy but the bedroom descriptions weren’t as detailed.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

Another Fitzroy sister has fallen in love. Out of 12 cousins so far we have 8 paired off and all of them but 1 so far have acted like a wanton harlot. They are supposed innocent and in good society but their parents pay litt!e attention to anything they do. here was Esther, running around with a duke of all people, acting salaciously, without the first question from her parents. I had high hopes for this series, and it started out great, but its been rushed and about the same story every book, just charts names and place back and forth.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Esther’s large dowry has attracted all kinds of penniless rogues, but she is holding out for a love match. Having inherited a dukedom riddled with debt, Jack must find an heiress. Esther can not fight the attraction she feels for the handsome duke. She plans to seduce him into falling in love with her. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for my honest review.

[Sara Adrien · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I smiled the entire time I read this book. Lovely story and an easy read. It was the perfect thing to read in one sitting on Thanksgiving weekend, just when the book came out. I don't want to give too much away but it is a fun level of steaminess and the characters super sweet. I am about to read the next in the series.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Esther met Jack the Duke of Kendal through her brother-in-law. She knew right away he didn't have any money. She wondered whether he was marrying her for her dowry which was substantial but she didn't care because she loved him. She bought 5 gold rings for her sisters though she knew he couldn't buy her even one gold ring. Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read this series.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ester Fitzroy is introduced to Jack, the Duke of Kendal by her sister and brother-in-law. Ester is tired of meeting men only because of her large dowry, yet the Duke needs to marry someone with a large dowry.

I enjoyed Ester and Jack, and their uncertainty at times about their courtship. Jack needs money, and Ester wants to marry for love. Great characters!