After seven long years in Devon, Lady Maud Worlington returns to London to reclaim life on her own terms, but a nefarious shadow and the prospect of financial ruin dog her steps. An impulsive and unforgettable kiss under the mistletoe creates a connection with Geoffrey, the handsome, young Duke of Tilbury. Yet as pleasant as it is to have a suitor, Maud is not sure how a boy of one-and-twenty can … can prove an equal partner in life and the equal of all the forces mounted against her.
The Duke of Tilbury considers himself as adept at managing matters as he is at swordplay, but his beautiful new acquaintance Lady Worlington has other ideas about how to manage her complicated life. Intrigued by their stolen kiss, Geoffrey pursues Lady Worlington’s affections, only to be foiled by the lady’s own doubts, by rivals for her hand, and by a sudden death that affects both their families. When Jacob Pevensey, the investigator from Bow Street enters the scene, the duke becomes a prime suspect in the murder case. Truths are unearthed that Geoffrey would rather keep hidden, and the twelve days of Christmas race toward a perilous end.
This Regency novel of romantic suspense was inspired by the medieval events surrounding the sinking of the White Ship in 1120. It is the third novel in the Pevensey Mysteries but can be read with enjoyment as a standalone Christmas novel.
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I really enjoyed the writing style of the author. This is the first book I’ve read from her and I loved how she described the setting with grand detail. I could see the clothing they wore during the time period in the book by the vivid accounts of the material. I loved how prim and proper the characters talked and how they seemed to have an uncanny elegance about them. I wasn’t sure what to expect from the book but I was very pleased with the story line.
Maud is quite a character with her having lost her husband while she was still young. When she returns to her family home, she must suddenly attend a ball of somewhat for her brother and soon to be bride. I don’t think Maude was quite prepared for the festivities but what a trooper she was. What really made me chuckle was the intriguing Geoffrey. He is a gentleman and has a glimmer of hope to have Maude notice him. I had to shake my head at the reason Maude thought it was improper to be with Geoffrey. She found him to be so much younger than her and that would cause a scandal. What I really think is that she doth protest too much. There certainly is not that much difference in their age, so what else is keeping her from the dashing Geoffrey?
One of the things I most enjoyed about the book was that it was not only a romance but a mystery as well . There is a sudden death that will shake the town to its core. It was most unexpected and I had a suspicion of who was behind it. Maude has been hiding something from others that she fears will ruin her reputation. Was that the cause of the mysterious death that accrued? When an unexpected encounter between two characters take place, I was on the edge of my seat as I read about it.
The story takes place twelve days before Christmas and I found it to be refreshing and full of surprises. You must read the book to find out if Maude and Geoffrey become a couple and don’t miss out on a mystery that is sure to entice readers.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
This author is new to me, and I will certainly be looking for more of her works. This story, that seemed to start out so sedately, became a real page turner as I tried to figure out what on earth might happen next and who did it anyway! Set in Regency times, we are reminded of what it means to be the heir of the family fortune and the devastation of being ‘born on the wrong side’ of the blanket. A time when being female meant you were there to make sure the house ran smoothly, the children were well cared for and to look beautiful on your husband’s arm. The author has taken all these lovely details and woven a story with enough mystery to keep you wondering. Add a little adventure and some romance, and you have a lovely afternoon of enjoyment.
I received this ebook through CelebrateLit and this review gives my personal impressions and opinions.
Rosanne Lortz is a new author to me, one whose work I will certainly read in the future. This book was the third installment of the Pevensey Mysteries series, but totally stands on its own. Though it was primarily a mystery, there was a lovely romance to go along with it.
Geoffrey, the Duke of Tilbury, meets Maud, Lady Worlington, at a ball celebrating the engagement of his sister Helena and Maud’s brother Will. Geoffrey is not thrilled with the match. He is, however, thrilled with Maud after a fiery kiss under the mistletoe. Maud is older than Geoffrey, and she thinks that at age 21 he is still a boy. She is recently widowed (she was married to a much older man) and is dogged by financial issues and her odious stepson. Maud tries to discourage Geoffrey, but isn’t very successful. He may be young, but he’s mature and knows what he wants.
A death that impacts both of their families really gets the mystery rolling along. Geoffrey is a suspect, and Maud’s stepson is making her life a living hell. Throw in red-haired Bow Street Runner Pevensey, and you have a mystery with a HEA that will get you into the Christmas spirit. I definitely need to go back and read the first two books, since this one was extremely enjoyable.
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Geoffey Angiers, the young Duke of Tilbury, cannot like his sister Helena’s choice of husband. However, Will Aldine’s sister, Lady Worlington, is another matter entirely. A Christmas kiss under the mistletoe confirms Geoffrey’s suspicions: the widow Maud is as delicious as a Christmas pudding. As the days of Christmas march on, attraction turns to genuine affection. But does the lovely Maud feel the same?
Maud, Lady Worlington, knows very well the loneliness of being wed to an older man. Though she finds Lord Tilbury appealing, she is eight years his senior. She knows that will never do. He would surely tire of her and their marriage would become the same loveless sham she had endured with her late husband. When her stepson arrives with news that is sure to put an end to any marriage prospects for her, Maud does not know where to turn. And then someone is murdered. The stakes just got higher.
A duel for Christmas is the third book starring sleuth Jake Pevensy, Bow Street investigator. He is an appealing character who makes me want to read the other books in the series. However, he does not make an appearance until halfway through the story. The first half of the book is dedicated to the romance while the scene is being set for the murder. As such, the romance is not an aside, but a satisfyingly integral part of the story.
This is my first book by Rosanne E. Lortz and I must say I adore the way she turns a phrase. Her vocabulary and cadence is authentic and exquisite. One thinks of Georgette Heyer when reading her words. The mystery is robust enough to make one unsure of who did it or why, but the plum of this book is the romance between Maud and Geoffrey. The fact that the characters and some of the circumstances are based on the medieval Stephen and Maud makes me like it all the more. Rosanne E. Lortz is a new favorite!
A duel for Christmas
Maud and Geoffrey did have quite a story and adventure. I am not really sure if they ever got together. You will have to read and see. For someone that likes to read the Regency time period I believe they will really enjoy the book. Has a little romance, adventure and mystery.
It was a little hard for me to get into it but for me got more interesting about half way through when the mystery started. I think that was a lot because I don’t read this time period very often. Mostly they were called by their first name but sometimes by Lord or Lady and their last name. I did find interesting on how they delivered messages to each other.
I received an advanced copy of the book from the publisher and Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write an positive review. This is my own opinion.
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This is a new author for me, but combining my favorite time period to read about and Christmas sounded like a book I wanted to try, and largely, I’m glad I did. There were some things I liked about this Regency story, including the heroine. She is 26 and a widow, both uncommon for female leads in many novels. She is intelligent and unwilling to settle for marriage with just any man, a fairly strong character who has faced difficulties and come out the better for it, though not without scars.
The mystery worked with the story, though at times it almost caused the book to read as two different halves: the characters who dominated the first half almost became secondary as the previously unmentioned Bow Street runner took on the main character slot for a while. And with him came more secondary characters; I did not realize this was third in a series when I selected it, only that it was a Christmas Regency, but it does read well as a standalone, and the two storylines merged well once the other set of people was introduced and established.
I did not enjoy the language I encountered in this book, however. First, the underground gambling dens. While I looked up and verified the naming was correct and not merely a typo, it still surprised me to come across the specific name. Secondly, epithets, while also historically accurate and not technically considered cursing, especially by today’s standards, were not really necessary either. This could be just my personal preference, as I read everything with my daughters in mind, so I can give that a pass for this reason. But the final problem, I cannot. I understand the terms of “wrong side of the blanket” and “by-blow,” plus the author explained the man was born out of wedlock, but to have the curse word denoting that was unnecessary, and multiple uses of it, some as blatant cursing (toward the end of the book) rather than in reference to parentage, even more so. None of these examples added to the story in any way, nor did it contribute to what was already understood from the other terms used. If these items had been omitted, I would have rated the book more highly.
While this is an interesting story and seems historically accurate in its details, the frequent alcoholic consumption, drunkenness, and cursing means it was not the book for me and I cannot recommend it, especially for anyone younger than adult. It is not marked as Christian fiction, but I did expect it to be clean—though to be fair, that was also my own expectation rather than a way it was marketed online. I can say there is no on-page sex, but I wouldn’t say that makes it clean in my opinion. It’s a shame, too, since the writing and story itself were quite good apart from the foul language.
I received a review copy of this book from Celebrate Lit and was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own.
Abounding with surprises and unexpected twists A Duel for Christmas, by Rosanne E. Lortz, is a thoroughly enjoyable novel! Exceptionally well-written from start to finish, this book is truly a pleasure to read. With its terrific blend of romance, history, and mystery, A Duel for Christmas is utterly compelling and satisfying.
Well-crafted elements of plot, characterization, and setting come together artfully to create an alluring reading experience. With a sumptuously intriguing plot reminiscent of those written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle or Agatha Christie, this novel is extremely clever and character-driven. This book creatively explores the themes of loss, love, redemption, honor, and courage through a diverse cast of entertaining and compelling characters who are richly developed and truly likable. Their strength and determination in the face of injustice is truly inspiring. Their idiosyncrasies, motivations, fears, desires, convictions, and choices shine with meaning. Integral to the story, the setting is just as enjoyable and memorable as any of the characters. Regency London and its fully detailed surroundings provide a fitting backdrop to the twelve days of Christmas and the events that make each day important to the unfolding story.
Like a favorite holiday tradition, A Duel for Christmas is a book that should be enjoyed again and again. Ms. Lortz’s richly descriptive style and attention to historical detail are deeply satisfying and memorable. The romance and mystery within this novel are elements worthy of being savored. This book is unforgettable and immensely entertaining. I recommend it wholeheartedly.
*I received a copy of this novel through the author and Celebrate Lit. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.
This book was my introduction to Rosanne E Lortz’s writing and I believe I have missed out much by not having picked up her books earlier! I did not realize that this book was #3 in the Pevensey Mysteries series until Mr. Pevensey was introduced about a third way into the book, but it can definitely be read as a stand alone. The author combines witty, clever, and fun writing with some fascinating facts from medieval English history transposed into Regency era. Add a mix of intrigue and mystery to the plot with quite a few surprises along the way and you get a fantastic read that keeps you guessing as to what will happen next and who really is the villain.
Though the title suggests Mr. Pevensey is the main character, he is one of several. Mr. Pevensey, as a Bow Street Runner, is meticulous, thorough, and fair in his assessment of facts and people. He becomes involved in the affairs of the upper crust when an incident ties all of the characters in a tragic bind. Geoffrey, the young duke, is upright, protective, loyal, tender, and far more mature than his stated age. His younger sister Helena becomes engaged to Will, a future viscount, and that’s when Geoffrey meets Will’s widowed sister Maud and their mutual attraction ignites. Will and Maud’s half-brother Ralph, who is quite like Geoffrey, rounds out the cast of characters who needs to delve through layers of deceit and evil plot to arrive at the correct conclusion. Reading the book was like seeing the board game Clue being played out before my eyes; it’s quite a well-done mystery.
I’m suspecting there will be another Pevensey Mystery book in the future and can’t wait to read it. I received a copy of the book from the author/publisher via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to write a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
A Duel for Christmas is the first book I have read by Rosanne E. Lortz so I wasn’t sure what to expect but I sure did enjoy it! Even though it is third in a series, it is definitely a stand-alone read. Occasionally I would wonder about something but it was not distracting to the story, in fact, I might just have to go back are read the first two in the set. I loved the characters…strong, evocative, and well-rounded with their flaws apparent as well as their strengths. I especially liked Ralph, the half-brother from the wrong side of the blanket. With a conniving cousin, a self-righteous stepson, and an all too young admirer, the heroine, Maud, has her hands full trying to straighten her life out. The author keeps interest high and the story moves quickly through the twelve days of Christmas with malice, mayhem, and murder. I enjoy trying to figure out how in the world the characters are going to get out of the situations that an author has put them in and there were some interesting twists and turns that I did not see coming. The author gives a wonderful glimpse into the time period of the 1800s of England and even into a bit of the seamier side of life. I enjoyed her occasional use of colloquial terms and a bit of humor (‘he likes to see you shaking in your stays’). A Duel for Christmas is an engaging book that lovers of historical romance stories will not want to miss.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required and the opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.
I do enjoy stories of strong women. Lady Maud married young for financial security and pays for it dearly before and after her much older husbands death. A little mystery, a little romance and even a duel of honor! Interesting characters and the story certainly kept my attention. I really liked how it ended! I was gifted a copy. No review was required and my review is voluntary..