From a New York Times bestselling author: Unpaid and under-appreciated journalist Miss Eve Shelling never goes anywhere without a trusty notebook and her overprotective Duenna—who happens to be a bullmastiff. Eve learned the hard way that men are not to be trusted. She’s definitely not falling head-over-heels for the deceptively charming subject of her front-page column.Local blacksmith Monsieur … front-page column.
Local blacksmith Monsieur Sébastien le Duc is the pillar of his community—when he’s not pillaging elsewhere. He’s a rakish dandy with a heart of stolen gold and two teeny tiny secrets. One happens to be a wee international smuggling operation. The other involves losing his heart to an ambitious journalist determined to expose the truth at any cost…
The 12 Dukes of Christmas is a series of heartwarming Regency romps nestled in a picturesque snow-covered village. After all, nothing heats up a winter night quite like finding oneself in the arms of a duke!
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The Twelve Dukes of Christmas:
- Once Upon a Duke
- Kiss of a Duke
- Wish Upon a Duke
- Never Say Duke
- Dukes, Actually
- The Duke’s Bride
- The Duke’s Embrace
- The Duke’s Desire
- Dawn with a Duke
- One Night with a Duke
- Ten Days with a Duke
- Forever Your Duke
more
I find it so frustrating when I come to the end of a book and I’m at a complete loss for words. This was a mostly light story that was fun and I enjoyed reading it, yet somehow it didn’t have the same impact on me that I usually expect this author’s work to have. Perhaps it was the shorter length of this book that didn’t allow me to get as completely swept away in their world as I’d hoped, because I’ve been anxiously awaiting the stories of the le Duc siblings. Though I have to give Ms. Ridley honors for one of the most reprehensible parental figures I’ve ever read. For me, Eve and Bastien’s story is all about the choices we make and being true to your heart. I’m already excited to see what Lucien’s book will bring us.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author through NetGalley.
I felt this is the most sober of the series so far. Eve has a rude awakening when her father announces he’s giving up the “newspaper” she has been publishing without much help from him. Otherwise a bold, young woman, she reluctantly swallows this as would be expected in the period. Bastien is less memorable.
I read an advance copy; the thoughts expressed are my own.
Eve is determined to become a well-known newspaper columnist. Sebastian has one goal – return to France. Another good tale from the village of Cressmouth, affectionately known as Christmas. I received an ARC of his story.
I always enjoy revisiting Cressmouth.
What I liked:
The writing style
The characters
Part of a series: 12 Dukes of Christmas
Standalone
HEA
Epilogue
I look forward to reading Lucien’s story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC.
Miss Eve Shelling is twenty-four and still at home. She wants to be a Journalist. Her father bought a small newspaper in Cressmouth(AKA Christmas). A quaint town at the top of a mountain, she actually runs it, writes it, and ships it. Her constant companion is her faithful Bull Mastiff, Duena. Her father blames her for the death of her mother and has no respect for her.
Monsieur Sebastien le Duc is a blacksmith, along with his brother. They own the smithy as well. They are French and had been bought to England during the purge in France by their uncle. They had lost their parents at that time. They were so young and their uncle taught them all he knew.
As usual Erica Ridley did a wonderful job with this story. The characters are captivating and fun. The surroundings are lovely, the castle, trees, and snow. She has brought together all these elements to make a heartwarming, loving and entertaining book. It is for the older generation, the over eighteen bunch. I love the novel and read it straight thru.
I received this ARC from the author and it was my pleasure to voluntarily review it.
3.5 stars
Eve runs the Cressmouth paper with her controlling father. She dreams of becoming a serious journalist. She has had some bad experiences with men in the past and doesn’t trust them. But Bastien le Duc is making her rethink that.
Bastien le Duc is a blacksmith and well regarded in the community. But there is a part of himself that is hidden from everyone else. He has his secrets. One of these is that he is involved in a smuggling operation with his brother and another Cressmouth resident.
He and Eve begin to fall for each other but there are many obstacles in their way. When Eve learns about the smuggling, will Bastien lose his head for treason in addition to losing his heart to Eve?
I have loved this series. This book fell a little flat for me compared to the othere but it was still a good read. I cannot wait for the next book.
The Frenchman and the Journalist.
Eve Shelling desperately wants the Cressmouth Gazette to be more than “a long-winded promotional pamphlet” but her father, who owns the newspaper, is resistant to any article that might be deemed controversial. When Bastien le Duc asks for her help in selling the smithy, Eve sees a way to write a human interest story, little knowing that the le Duc family are hiding darker secrets. Another enjoyable story set in Christmas.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Le Duc family are still trying to return to France to hopefully gain their birthright well, Desiree won’t be going to France as she has wed Jack her brothers’ partner in a smuggling operation. Sébastien le Duc, better known as Bastien has promised his elder brother, Lucian, they will have the money needed to return home when they sell their blacksmith business. This brings him to Evie a young woman with hopes of becoming a real journalist if her father would just let her put something worthwhile in their quarterly paper. Bastien had helped Evie and was told the favor would be returned, so he asked her to run an advert in her paper to help him sell his business, she not only agrees but would like to include a story of his family and the trials they have faced As will happen when two like-minded persons are thrown together feelings can grow despite what fate may do to stop it, see how Bastien and Evie will find a way for love to grow.
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley
The Duke’s Embrace by Erica Ridley is book 7 in the 12 Dukes of Christmas Series. This is the story of Sébastien le Duc and Eve Shelling. I have read the previous book which I think did help for me to enjoy this one but with that said you could make this a standalone book if you wish to do so. Eve is the daughter of the owner of the Cressmouth Gazette which has made wanting to be a journalist in her blood but her father wants her to do all the unpaid work with the printers and finding stories but doesn’t want her writing anything that he doesn’t approve which is most everything other than light stories and Christmas stuff. But Eve has weaken him to agree to write a story that has more if he approves of it. This leads her to Seb who along with his siblings had to flee France and their history. So now Seb and his siblings have been working to get money to return home and their position. Somethings they have been doing is not on the up and up to make quick money. Seb goes to the paper to put in a advertisement for selling their Blacksmith business which leads him to start working with Eve. Seb is finding Eve to be so much more than what she gives out. But she is starting to dig into what else they do behind the scene which could bring trouble to his family.
Enjoyed their story.
Eve and Bastien’s story will take you on a journey of their self discovery and overcoming obstacles that make them who they are and what makes each one special.
I enjoyed seeing them find their uniqueness and each other.
This is the seventh book in the twelve book Dukes of Christmas series. Like all the others, it can be read alone. Eve is a woman trying to make her way in a man’s world of newspaper reporting. She must decide whether to publish a story that will hurt the people she knows and loves. Sebastien must choose between going home, to France, or staying in England with Eve. I am enjoying this series and can’t wait for Lucien’s story! I received an ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.
ONE MAGNIFICENT EXPERIENCE!!!
Blackguard! Erica flipped the coin, placed the bet, ramping up the stakes, mastering the game and owning the whole shebang blasting this baby to life brilliantly. Establishing well rounded scenario’s, revving up the anticipation and adrenaline with such intensity and precision, fusing this gem together flawlessly. Sparks fly as drama, intrigue, deception, secrets and mounting suspense swirls, blasting this baby into the eye of the storm, breaking it down, throwing it into a tailspin with astonishing impacts. The chemistry builds as each layer is peeled back exposing an undeniable bond and amplifying affections that fuses this jewel together beautifully. The personalities are well matched and blended with just enough flaws for diversity. The characters and scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and colorful descriptions so rich and lively, they blend and flow magnificently. Remarkable job Erica, thanks for sharing this little jewel with us.
I’ll be honest and say this was not my favourite. Don’t get me wrong it WAS an enjoyable read but something about Eve was bothering me and I just can’t seem to find the reason behind it.
I did like Sebastian; I mean who doesn’t like a dandy with all the right words.
Once again the banter was funny and the chemistry/love between the characters was believable. I’m excited to see who’ll be paired with Lucien; i have a feeling he’ll be my favourite in the series.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
3.5 Stars
“Sometimes hope is the most precious gift we can have.”
Would be journalist Eve Shelling has stumbled upon a story to end all stories and finally gain her the respectability of being a reporter. But if she publishes, it could cost her the happily ever after she never dreamed she’d have…
Sebastien le Duc is one of two brothers who work the local smithy. Having fled France during the revolution, they have wished for nothing but to return to their homeland. Finally, with the funds they have saved smuggling brandy and champagne, they have paid their debts and can petition to have their lands and home returned to them. But Bastien may have found a new home in the arms of one very beautiful and outspoken Miss Eve Shelling…that is until she threatens to expose him and his family for their illegal deeds.
Eve and Bastien are both torn between doing what everyone expects or following their hearts and making a future for themselves…wherever that may be…
The Duke’s Embrace is a quick read, and while I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the other stories in the series, this one just felt a little rushed. Either that, or perhaps it was my burning need to reach into the book and smack Eve around a wee bit. Bastien was forever putting everyone’s feelings above his own, so my heart felt he deserved better. Overall, it’s an enjoyable romance I would recommend to fans of this genre.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **
I enjoyed this book. I thought the storyline was fun and the characters likable. Bastian and Eve had great chemistry and I enjoyed seeing the sparks fly between them. Eve was quite spunky and Bastian is a quite charming rascal. Together I thought they made a great couple. There is plenty of emotion in this read. Both of these characters tugged at my heartstrings. All together a very enjoyable read that left me eager for the next book in this series.
Erica Ridley offers another charming, witty, laugh out loud moments addition to her well-received 12 Dukes of Christmas series with The Duke’s Embrace. Eve Shelling is a journalist for the local newspaper in the village of Cressmouth, popularly known as Christmas. She yearns to be a true journalist, doing investigative reporting, rather than rehashing the same local news in the monthly publication. Her father opposes her wishes as he is the publisher of the Gazette and insists she writes happy stories about Christmas and its happenings and people. The local blacksmith and handsome dandy, Monsieur Sébastien le Duc, becomes captivated by Eve one day when she rebuffs him and walks away. He is very used to females fawning over him so Eve is quite unusual. Ms. Ridley did a wonderful job with how she portrayed the developing friendship between Eve and Bastien which was turning into something more than either expected. There are surprises and secrets which are revealed and challenges to overcome. Overall, this was a very romantic, sweet read. I’m looking forward to the next tale in the series, about Bastien’s brother, Lucien, and Miss Margaret Church.
I was fortunate to receive an ARC of this work and voluntarily submit this review. All opinions stated are my own. I rate this work at 4 ½ stars with a mild heat level.
Wonderful, sweet romance! Snappy, fresh writing, crisp dialogue, and great characters. Sebastien le Duc finally meets a girl who doesn’t swoon over him, Miss Eve Shelling. Eve discovers that Sebastien may be more, much more, than Cressmouth’s resident handsome dandy. But Sebastien is headed back to France — isn’t he?
Another great time in Northern England in the “Christmas Village”. I really liked this one as Eva is a one woman printing newspaper machine and is trying to own her life. She notices Sébastien le Duc and let’s him do her a favor which leads to them talking more and learning about each other. I really like Eva in this book and the power she got in the end.
This is such a fun series and I’m behind on reading them all, they can be read stand-alone but I want to go back and read the previous ones as well! This village is cute and also learning a little history on the side!
Overall, I give it 4 stars!
Note: ARC from Netgalley and author in exchange for an honest review!
I loved the ambitious Eva who talked her father into spending her dowery on a printing press so that she could practice her journalistic abilities by publishing the quarterly Chrismas Gazette. Of course, any reader could guess she’d fall for the jack-of-all-trades blacksmith Monsieur Sébastien le Duc, who cooks French dishes and tailors his own clothes. Too bad this dandy’s main ambition is to return with his older brother to reclaim his title and land from which they’ve been estranged by the French Revolution. Also too bad, they’ve indulged in smuggling Champagne and brandy in order to pay off their uncle’s debts before they leave. Eva finds out about their smuggling and makes the mistake of telling her father who hates the Frenchmen. Will Eva publish her knowledge, ensuring herself a job on a big-city daily, or will she escape her beloved village to flee with Sebastion to France?
Bastien and Eve lay it all on the line for love!
This wonderful couple just about broke my heart. They’re both so perfect for each other, building each other up and wanting the best for the other. They’ve each had such tragic losses in their early lives; the emotional healing they received from sharing with each other was cathartic even while reading about it was heart-wrenching. I loved seeing both these characters let their guards down and be real with each other.
But this isn’t a sad story; there’s plenty of humor and a dash of steam as these two figure out how to fulfill the le Ducs’ dream of returning to France as well as securing Eve’s independence from her father. The HEA was as satisfying as it was inventive. I’m looking forward to the next visit to the charming community of Cressmouth. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.