From a New York Times bestselling author: Single father and confirmed bachelor Jack Skeffington is the mastermind behind an international smuggling ring, yet unable to control his rambunctious ten-year-old twins. What he needs is a stern, experienced, no-nonsense governess. What he gets is his business partner’s untouchable sister, whose delectable body Jack yearns to pull close.Mademoiselle … yearns to pull close.
Mademoiselle Désirée le Duc cannot wait to return to France and regain her lost vineyard. But to do so, she must repay crippling debt. Determined to buy freedom, she accepts temporary employment from an Englishman with a wicked smile and a big… wine cellar. His kisses taste like heaven and his arms feel like home. How can she choose between two families separated by the sea?
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
THE DUKE’S BRIDE is the sixth book in the Twelve Dukes of Christmas series. Though each will stand on its own, I highly recommend every book in this series.
The le Ducs were French aristocracy in line for the throne at the time of the revolution. Their parents met the guillotine, but Désirée and her two brothers were smuggled away by a family friend. This makes Désirée French by birth and blue blood, but she has spent most of her life in England.
Jack has no title. In fact, he is one step up from a pirate. Well, in truth, he used to be a pirate! What could he offer a lady of breeding?
Oh, come on! You know the answer by now. This is what I love about romances. True love doesn’t care about your background or pedigree. True love cares about your heart, your humor, and your character. Désirée and Jack are both the strong type of people I would want to know.
One of the reoccurring elements of this series is to weave a bit of the 12 Days of Christmas into the story and they have been coming in order. This is the sixth book, so we had six geese a layin’. Jack’s children loved to see the geese in the park and are excited to know that there will soon be new goslings. We’ve also had billiards playing (in book 5) that returned, stargazing (book 3), and racing horses (repeatedly).
We are only half way through the 12 Days and the 12 Dukes. I am looking forward to swans, ladies, maids, etc.
Note: While I received this book as a gifted ARC, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
Title: THE DUKE’S BRIDE
Series: Twelve Dukes of Christmas #6
Category /Genre: Historical Romance
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Grammar/editing: book received as an unedited ARC
Received from: Erica Ridley
Jack Skeffington, widower, father of twins, wine connoisseur and smuggler is meeting with his ship captain, Capt. Redmire, trying to find a new smuggling route, when his ten year old son Fredrick bursts in the room upset that his sister Annie is beating him and his friends at hoops, Jack sends him off and picks up where he left off, after he maps the new route, the meeting is interrupted again, this time by his daughter Annie. Once he takes care of her, Redmire tells him that he needs a wife. Jack is clear, he had a wife, he loved her and lost her, he will not do that again and his children won’t accept another woman in their lives. But he will consider a governess.
Desiree le Duc is the sister to blacksmiths Sebastian “Beau” and Lucien le Duc and has many times been called the most beautiful woman in Cressmouth. Desiree and her siblings fled the French revolution after losing their parents and their lands, they settled in Cressmouth 18 years ago with an English family friend, who they lovingly call Uncle Jasper. She is content, but her brothers long to return to France and reclaim their stolen heritage. They have worked hard to pay off the lease on the property so they can leave Uncle Jasper taken care of and they are close to their goal – Lucien says another year at most. So when Jack offers an outrageous amount of money to be a temporary governess to his twins, she jumps at the chance.
Jack is attracted to Desiree, but he knows an affair is out of the question and he can’t offer her anything more, so he ignores the desire simmering in him and resolves to be friends with her – a friend he most definitely won’t be kissing.
Desiree fits right into their family and has to fight her own feelings, she can’t let herself fall in love with Jack or the twins since her time in Cressmouth is limited. But despite the best of intentions, that is exactly what happens and when she asks Jack to be her lover, she wonders how she will be able to walk away.
Jack finally admits he has fallen in love with her and knows that she wants to return to France, so he “helps” her brothers by paying them a huge payout for their help in the last smuggling run. He will let her go if that is her true desire, but he hopes she will choose to stay.
When her brothers announce that they will be returning to France immediately, Desire is torn, between helping her brothers win their heart’s desire and seizing her own..
This was a very well written novella with wonderful characters, amusing banter, steamyish love scenes, second chances and dreams coming true. This is the sixth book in the series, but it is easily read as a standalone with no issues.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the Publisher.*
The Duke’s Bride (12 Dukes of Christmas…by Erica Ridley…This is the 6th Duke of Christmas book…thanks to Erica Ridley for letting me read this book and be invested in this wonderful series. Jack Skeffington( widowed father of 10 year old twins, smuggler) Mademoiselle Desiree le Duc ( sister of he business partners) I have loved everyone of these books and each can be read as a stand alone…but read them all you will love them. This book has everything…lots of laughs, very few tears, wonderful friends and family, two adorable twins, a pig, torn loyalties, Oh yes and who is the 6th Duke? A love story with some steam all getting us to a very HEA. I can’t wait for the next book Sebastien’s story.
Jack Skeffington is an ex-pirate, smuggler and widower, with 10 year old twins, living in Cressmouth, an ideal little town for raising children, however, his dream is to own his own vineyard. He has vowed to never marry again, as neither he or his children could weather the heartbreak of another loss, after his wife, Sally, had succumbed to typhus. However, they need a governess. The 3 le Ducs siblings have been living in Cressmouth for 18 years, after their parents were beheaded during the French Revolution and they were rescued by “Uncle” Jasper. The situation in France now allows them to return and reclaim their family’s land, but they can’t leave Jasper until they can pay off the loan for the land they have. Jack asks Desiree for help finding a governess, and she accepts the job, as a way to help contribute to the paying of the loan, temporarily until he can find someone to fill the position permanently for the next 8 years. But the twins and Jack come to love Desiree and she them, so what will happen to all their fine laid out plans?
As always, a delight to read, with endearing characters, witty banter and a compelling story. I read an ARC as part of the author’s “review crew”. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.
Jack Skeffington is a eligible widower (which he vows never to allow love in to his heart again) a landowner, a smuggler but most importantly the father of 10 year old twins, Annie & Frederick. Jack loves his rambunctious, opinionated children to a fault & his exhaustion has caused him to look at the facts – he needs a governess for them.
Mademoiselle Désirée le Duc came to Cressmouth 18 years ago with her 2 older brothers after the death of their parents & their escape from France. Her brothers, Sébastien & Lucien were Cressmouth’s only blacksmiths & Jack’s favorite billiards opponents. They cannot wait to return to France & regain the life they left but first they must repay a crippling debt. Her brothers want to find her a rich Frenchman but she really wants nothing to do with marriage – she wants to get her vineyard back in France.
Jack decides he will talk to the beautiful, enticing Désirée when he goes for his weekly pool games with his friends, Lucien & Sébastien. She would know young ladies from the village that might be needing a governess position. When Jack approaches Désirée with his question, she agrees to be a temporary governess to Annie & Frederick.
All of the fun starts here with twins to steal your heart, a feisty governess who can do anything or will at least try, a wonderful father & kind man with romance, fun, love, family & a HEA. This was another wonderful trip to Cressmouth/Christmas!
I was gifted the Advanced Reader Copy of this book & all opinions are my own & have been voluntarily given.
This story is about a father who loves his children and loved his wife. I find that appealing in a story. A lot of stories have the father/husband not particularly caring for their lost spouse and it is wonderful to read when one does. The progress of love between Désirée and the children and Désirée and Jack was a wonderful love story. Children can be a big no for me in stories but this story shows the love these children had for their governess and was a bright part of the story.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
“The Duke’s Bride” by Erica Ridley
Another wonderful Regency romp in ‘The 12 Dukes of Christmas series’. I received an ARC of this story from the author with the request for an honest review. Well, I truly enjoyed my time with Desiree le Duc and Jack Skeffington and his children, too!! It is a light easy read. Come visit the town of “Cressmouth” where there is a little bit of Christmas every day all year long. Happy Reading! !
This is the 6th book in the 12 Dukes of Christmas series, and what can I say but I have loved them all. Every time I read one I fall in love. I fall in love with the characters. I fall in love with the stories. I fall in love with Erica Ridley writing style. I fall in love with everything about this book. I believe you will love Jack and Desiree, Frederick and Annie, and Lucien and Bastien. You do not have to read any other of the books in the series to enjoy this one, but why not read them all and be happy.
The Duke’s Bride
12 Dukes of Christmas Series #6
Erica Ridley
https://www.facebook.com/ericaridley/
Release date 11/12/2019
Publisher Webmotion
Blurb :
Single father and confirmed bachelor Jack Skeffington is the mastermind behind an international smuggling ring, yet unable to control his rambunctious ten-year-old twins. What he needs is a stern, experienced, no-nonsense governess. What he gets is his business partner’s untouchable sister, whose delectable body Jack yearns to pull close.
Mademoiselle Désirée le Duc cannot wait to return to France and regain her lost vineyard. But to do so, she must repay crippling debt. Determined to buy freedom, she accepts temporary employment from an Englishman with a wicked smile and a big… wine cellar. His kisses taste like heaven and his arms feel like home. How can she choose between two families separated by the sea?
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!
My review :
When one is decided to never engage his heart again and the other will soon leave behind her adoptive country, can they have a future together…
I loved all the stories in this series, but so far this one has become my favorite, it combines everything I love in romance, a strong and caring hero with a sweet sense of humor, a clever and unusual heroine with a heart of gold and two adorable and funny hellions.
This beautiful story made me laugh, smile but also cry at all the silly talks, antics but also thoughtful reflections of the twins.
Jack might more than border illegality with his smuggling business, yet it began to provide for his family and in the process help others when wars and its stigmas left many with nothing to live with. He is also aware it might come to an end and he expanded his sources of incomes.
He lacks only one thing, a woman in his life and his heart, but having lost his first love, he is unwilling to risk his heart again.
Désirée has lived most of her life in this peculiar city but as a French emigrant, borrowing time in England until her family’s return to France now the war is over. And with only her brothers as kin, she will go where they decide. She knows what they have lost and they hope to regain, but what does her heart truly desires?
Their relationship progresses slowly from friends to confidents, each sharing their fears and hopes until they realize choices which might hurt them will have to be made.
Mrs Erica Ridley with this wondrous tale outdid herself, from the so thoughtful father Jack is, to the inventive and resourceful Désirée and the full of mischiefs and vibrant twins, she offers us an amazing tale of acceptance and love.
5 stars as there is no higher rating.
By the way I agree with the Veuve Clicquot champagne …
I was granted an advance copy by the author and prior to it, preordered my own.
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272830/posts/494741827781660?d=n&sfns=mo
This is a quick, predictable (for hist-rom readers) and more or less whimsical read. Redmire, Jack’s friend and business partner, suggests Jack re-marry – or at least hire a governess for his 10-year old twins. That sets off this basically “seduce the governess who is so good with the children” story. Often the children steal the scenes.
When Mademoiselle Désirée le Duc agrees to be a temporary governess for Jack Skeffington’s 10-year-old twins, she has no idea that her life will take an unexpected turn. Along with her brothers, Desiree has dreamed for 18 years of the day when they pay off their English lease and return to France to recover their lands and her brother’s title. Jack has had tender feelings for Desiree for years, but when she comes to live under his roof, both of them discover a passion long hidden. Now Desiree is torn–the day her family has dreamed of is at hand, but she can leave the man and children she has come to love as her second family?
I really loved this story. Jack and Desiree were delightful and the antics of the twins had me chuckling throughout the book. Ms. Ridley has written another very enjoyable story and it kept me turning the pages to see how Desiree would choose where her life’s journey would go next.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.
I loved this book! Plan to read all 12!
Erica Ridley has quite the imagination. Each of her 12 Dukes of Christmas characters are unique, quirky, lovable, and just plain fun. Most of all, I love that the dukes can be anyone or anything. With each book you wonder which duke will show up next. In The Duke’s Bride, the Duke is not male, but the very feminine, one Desiree le Duc. She and her family came to Cressmouth after fleeing the reign of terror in France. They have made a comfortable life, but are anxious for the day they can return to France. Jack Skeffington and his ten year old twins have found a home in Cressmouth after becoming a widower. Friendship over billards and Jack’s wine smuggling enterprise, has made them friends. The twins need a governess. Desiree becomes the interim, temporary governess. What happens when friendship becomes more? What will happen when the le Ducs are able to return to France? Will Desiree left with her brothers? This is one of the best series I have read! I received this eBook from NetGalley for an honest review.
Another great love story from the author that has become one of my favourite for the historical romance genre and an autobúy as well.
All the great love stories have to go through a lot to get that well-wished and deserved happy ever after and this story is not missing anything.
Great writing, great characters and the interesting story overall, I honestly cannot recommend this book enough.
This was a short and sweet recency romance . Although it is book 6 in the Dukes of Christmas series it can easily be read as a standalone. If you are looking for an easy , fun, flirty festive historical read then this is a good book for you.
I received this copy from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
Mademoiselle Désirée le Duc is immediately lovable. She’s smart, witty, inventive, and loves their hog! She puts her two brothers first because even though they were only a year and three years older than she when her parents met the guillotine, they have protected, cared for, and promised her restoration to her homeland vineyard, dowery, and nobility across the sea from their current home in Cressmouth, England. Desiree knows everyone in the Christmas village, but she is especially enamored by Jack Skeffington, who comes monthly to play billiards with her family. Jack has been responsible for the brothers being able to earn extra money by assisting him in his smuggling operation bringing in wine from France during the war. She was surprised when he asked her to be a temporary governess for his twin 10-year-olds. The brothers first said ‘No’ but changed to ‘She can’ when Jack indicated his twins were too rambunctious for her. Within two days she moved into the Skeffington home, where the twins made room in their hearts for her. Readers will enjoy the romance between Desiree and Jack and these two families!
I usually really like Erica RIdley’s books, but this seemed to be very quick, no real tension or problems. The twins immediately love Desiree as does Jack, she almost immediately loves him too. Her family goes along with the romance easily. Just no tension or problems. It went very quickly as a read.
Another lovely “duke” story in this tender, romantic series. Desiree le Duc is torn between two countries, and torn because of loyalty to her family. Jack Skeffington is adamant that he never again finds love, and loss. Adorable twins, some amazing French wine, nightly fireside chats, and a hunt for a new, permanent, governess, somehow all lead to a wonderful HEA. Highly recommended.
I received an advance reader copy of this book, and am happily leaving my honest opinion of it. Honestly!
This is book 6 in a series, but each book can be read as a standalone.
Jack is a smuggler and widowed father of two twins. He isn’t looking for another wife because he doesn’t want the heartache of loving and losing again, and he doesn’t want his children to experience that kind of loss again, either. But he does need a governess because his children are always underfoot while he’s trying to conduct business.
Desiree has fled her home in France with her brothers after they lost their parents. Her brothers long to go home and reclaim their parents home, but they don’t have the money to do so. When Desiree gets the opportunity to get the money for them by becoming Jack’s governess, she takes it.
The attraction between Jack and Desiree is obvious from the start, but the fight their feelings thinking it is the best for the family. Desiree bonds with the children immediately, but won’t let herself be more than friends with Jack since she is leaving.
4.5 Stars
“Loving someone in the future doesn’t mean you loved someone in the past any less.”
Jack Skeffington, single father of two rambunctious twins, has come to the realization that he must begin his children’s education. No longer should they be allowed to run amok; he seeks guidance from the one woman he feels comfortable enough to ask for assistance in procuring a governess. Having lost his wife and first love to illness, Jack has sworn never to feel that heartache again. But a certain mademoiselle may have just what it takes to steal this smuggler’s heart…
Desiree le Duc has one dream…to return to her beloved France with her brothers. Always feeling out of place amongst the English, Desiree jumps at the chance to become the temporary governess for known ex-privateer Jack Skeffington. With the wages he will pay, she will be able to add to the funds saved over the years, and finally make her dream a reality. But as the days pass, and she grows to love the family she has been welcomed into, she begins to ponder exactly what dream she wishes to fulfill…
The Duke’s Bride is a delightfully sweet historical romance guaranteed to warm your heart! Loved and highly recommend!
**I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book that I received via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **