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!
~~~
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
Jack Skeffington is a privateer, Ex-pirate, smuggler, a widower with two ten-year-old twins, how is that for staying busy. They live in Cressmouth AKA Christmas. He owns land here. The twins are quite precocious and always into mischief. He has to meet with a smuggling associate and the twins burst in twice so yes he needs a governess. So he goes to Desiree le Duc to see how he looks for a governess.
It ends up that her family needs money so they can pay off a very large debt and then they can go back to France. Their family all meet the guillotine and thanks to Uncle Jasper they had escaped. They were so young when it happened. She was nine and her brothers are older. She becomes Jack’s temporary Governess. He has her live at his place.
It was an excellent story, of sacrifices, love, good wine, and sweet children. The characters are so wonderful and it’s fun to watch a man who doesn’t want to marry again, fall in love. Erica Ridley is a wonderful author, she always writes books that are warm and lifts you up to feel great.
I received this ARC from the author and voluntarily reviewed this book. (less)
What can you say, another excellent sweet read from Ms Rdiley and the town of Christmas. This is #6 and I have loved them all. Each one is so special and brings the smiles to your face and this one is no different. The hero was charming and loving, the heroine smart and sassy and throw in a set gorgeous twins and the scene is set for a romantic and loving tale. There was a small sex scene in this book but as usual, I skipped it. Now we wait for the next instalment. I received this as an ARC and freely did my review.
This is a story of a highly competent woman, Desiree, who finds herself a governess to a duke’s twin children. The duke, Jack, and his children fall in love with her. She must choose between going with her brothers who are returning to France or the duke’s family which she has come to love as well. This is a delightful love story. I received an ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.
Highly entertaining, action packed, sexy and engaging journey filled with intriguing charters, witty banter and a passion that will not be ignored…… a great read from beginning to end. Really enjoyed this emotional and heartwarming adventure!.
I loved the whole book, from the beginning to end. Absolutely recommend it!!!
Here we are back at Cressmouth where every day is Christmas and every visit is fun.
Jack Sheffington is a smuggler (a smuggler supervisor, actually) and the single father of Cressmouth’s rambunctious and lovable twins, Frederick and Annie. He is also friends with the owners of the local smithy the le Ducs. Driven from France as children, they long to go back and restore their name and vineyards. Desiree le Duc is beautiful, intelligent, creative, and inventive. She wants to help her brothers raise enough money to go back to France, so she agrees to be temporary governess to the Sheffington twins. The plan is to stay with the children and help find a “real” governess. This should work just fine. Even though there might be a little attraction between them, Jack does not want a wife and Desiree wants to go home. This will be strictly a business relationship. We must remember, however, that this is Cressmouth, the Christmas town.
Lovable, quirky characters and a happy story with a holiday feel make this one not to miss. There is even a spoiled hog and some geese who do not like to be watched while they are a-laying.
There is something about this author that has me coming back for more from this time period. I so also delight in the governess story line like this one has. Jack is the single parent that has not one but two that need tending too. In this time that usually meant about all aspects of life. Desiree needs to work so she is the one for the job. As the story unfolds you are caught up into the path it takes. The chemistry builds but that doesn’t change what a part of her heart desires. You stay with this one because you want to know what transpires. Do we get torn or do we get the prize only the end will tell.
The Duke’s Bride by Erica Ridley
12 Dukes of Christmas #6
Loved this story! Jack Skeffington is busy as a father and smuggler but realizes that he needs a governess for his two young scamps so he asks Desiree le Duc for names of people he might hire. Her choice is to work for him herself so she can add to the family coffers thus enabling them to return to France, take their land back and make the vineyards workable again. This had romance, family, community and was a joy to read.
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
Jack Skeffington is the logistical genius at the head of an international smuggling operation, but the brilliant widower struggles to manage his ten year old twins. He’s come to the conclusion that it’s time to find them an experienced governess who’ll be firm with them, but instead he winds up with help from the lovely sister of his French business associates.
Desiree le Duc shares her elder brothers’ dream of returning to France although she’s no longer sure she’ll fit in there. Before any of the le Ducs return to France, however, they must pay off a significant debt on their property in Cressmouth. To help with the repayment of the debt, Desiree accepts a well-paid position as temporary governess for Jack’s children. But neither she nor Jack are quite prepared for how permanent their developing feelings become, especially when Desiree and her brothers’ moving date is accelerated.
This quick, cute read really had everything I look for: the pace was fast, there was some steam that felt right for the couple, both Jack and Desiree stood boldly to proclaim their feelings to each other, even the children were cute. This was a lovely story of love and family and I loved it. Definitely one of my favorites if not the favorite of this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is part of the 12 Dukes of Christmas, so far I have loved them all. Can’t wait for the next one !
This one is about a Jack Skeffington a single father, widower, and smuggler. He lost the love of his life when his wife died.
Now he has closed his heart to anyone but his rambunctious, 10 year old twins, Frederick and Annie.
These two are way to smart and crafty for their own good. Their mother was teaching then before she passed and since their father has let them run loose. It’s time for a governess. But where or how will he find one. Sebastien and Lucien le Duc are the only blacksmiths in Cressmouth and Jack’s favorite billiards
opponents along with their sister Mademoiselle Desiree le Duc. They are french and had to flee during the revolution that claimed their parents. The children love going to their house for the pet pig chef . The brothers need to pay off the land for Uncle Jasper who saved them and has been their only family. He has two years left on a twenty-five year lease. As soon as they have it paid they can return to France and take their place in society again. As Desiree was only nine when they left she doesn’t feel she fits in totally at Cressmouth, or will fit in back in France either.
When Jack ask Desiree to help him find a tutor for his children and tells her the amount he is willing to pay she is shocked. She doesn’t know anyone but knows the amount will help pay off their debt much sooner.
Her brothers hate the idea of her working or being close to Jack.
As she falls for the children and Jack they will both have to re-think what they really want out of life.
While Jack be able to keep his heart closed off to all, or can he chance loving and maybe losing other he cares for. Will the Children every accept other woman then Desiree who they love cause she can do
everything they like only better. Desiree has always thought she would be leaving for France as soon
as the loan was paid. Could she live without her brother’s , even for the man she is in love with ?
So many questions and twist and turns. You need to get a copy and get started to see how it all works out
for everyone. Truly a good read all around.
I received and ARC from the author and would like to thank her. I’m voluntarily giving this review.
A cute, quick read
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 the next book in this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC.
I really liked the story of Jack and Desiree, watching how they had both had slight “crushes” on each other but quickly realized the feelings went deeper. The quiet times in the cellar were cute, but I truly adored Jack’s twins! Having gone through so much they were quite mature! And Desiree’s brothers coming soon with their stories is going to be awesome! Thank you for the advanced copy, this book is well worth the read!
ONE FASCINATING EXPERIENCE!!!
Cheers! Erica absolutely nailed all of the emotions spinning through this bad boy running rampant, unchecked, blazing this baby together piece by piece flawlessly. Amazing scenario’s that punch dead center with such intensity and glittering precision, propelling this bad boy into a tailspin with stunning impacts, blowing this baby wide open. Jumping hoops, hurdling the trials and tribulations that tests our characters in ways they never saw coming. The chemistry builds as each layer is peeled back exposing a growing bond and amplifying affections that catapult this jewel to life beautifully. The characters are authentic, original and realistic with depth and qualities that blend and flow. The personalities are well matched and brought together smoothly. The scenes are so graphically detailed it paints an incredible backdrop that feels as though you’re right there with them. Fantastic job Erica, thanks for sharing this little gem with us.
What a sweet, charming, fun story.
Désirée was someone that I really liked. She was so talented and I enjoyed her “inventions”. She was not only smart but funny, semi-wild and she tries so hard to improve the lives of those around her. She also loves from a big heart. I can also see why so many people adored her. She might not feel like she belonged anywhere but so many people around her would disagree.
Jack never stood a chance when it came to Désirée. Her beauty called to him but as he got to know her, he found he enjoyed so much more about her. Jack was a character all on his own too. He has a wicked sense of humor and a very other side of the law “job”. He also loves his children with all that is in him and that is shown time and again. “Family first” is more than just a motto to him. And it’s something that both of the main characters live.
Jack’s children, Annie and Frederick don’t want a governess. But it doesn’t take long for Désirée to charm them and encourage them to grow. She has a unique way of teaching them and it works. The close relationship between Annie and Désirée has it’s own funny moments.
I liked how the story ended and that it includes a good Epilogue.
” I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”
A widower father with a pair of rambunctious twins, Jack Skeffington has vowed never to give his heart to another woman after losing his wife. His son and precocious daughter are in complete agreement with him. In fact, the twins are quite determined never to allow another woman into their lives under any guise, who might steal some of their father’s limited attention from them. However, Désirée le Duc isn’t just any woman. She is a friend that can outwit them, outrun them and outride them and she has their full respect. Thus, when Jack suggests that Désirée act as governess to his children on a temporary basis until such time as he can find a proper governess, the children make room for her in their hearts and lives. Despite Désirée’s attraction for Jack, family is her first priority and she and her brothers are working hard to return to their vineyard in France and reclaim their inheritance. Having dissected feelings, Désirée battles with her love for the Skeffington family, but it is allure of Jack’s wine cellar that ultimately makes her realise where her priorities lie. The 12 Dukes of Christmas is a delightful series, and the le Duc siblings appear in most of the stories, making this an interesting read. I loved this witty romance and the twins, in particular, made it a fun read. I received a copy of this book through NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Another cute romance in the Christmas village of Cressmouth, featuring a French refugee, a smuggler and two rambunctious children.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Desiree and her two brothers fled France after their parents and most of their family was executed in the war with Napoleon. Their family had been wealthy vineyard owners. They came to live in England, at Cressmouth with a family friend, Uncle Jasper. Her brothers learned to run the smithy from Uncle Jasper and took it over after Uncle Jasper became too infirm. But the family dreams of returning to their rightful legacy, as soon as they can pay off the loan on Uncle Jasper’s land.
Jack is a dashing widower with a set of 10 year old boy/girl twins. Jack makes his living smuggling spirits. After the death of his wife, he has vowed never to love again or to wed again. I need of a governess for his children, Jack asks Desiree to help him find a qualified one. In the interim, Desiree becomes their governess.
Predictably, Jack and Desiree fall for one another. But can they be together when Desiree’s brothers plan on returning to France and Jack has made a vow to never love again? It may be simplistic but I love this series. They are sweet and all have a HEA. And who wouldn’t love a place where it was Christmas all year long?
This is the perfect kind of Christmas story for my gooey marshmallow heart. Jack and Désirée are utterly charming together. Jack’s a frazzled single father, but everything he does is for the best of his children Désirée pines for home, but is that home in France or England? The pair long for each other but they’re both protecting their hearts from being hurt again. I loved the low angst level in this story. I know some people will think it was too sweet, but for me it was just right. The best part of the comic relief comes in the for of Jack’s twins who are whirlwinds of precocious energy that kept everyone on their toes. Already I’m looking forward to the next book which might enlighten us with even more of the le Duc siblings’ history.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author through NetGalley.
This is a very enjoyable story of two individuals who like each other but don’t want a serious relationship.
She becomes a temporary nanny to his 10 year old twins who don’t want one as they want to keep their father to themselves after the loss of their mother. This delightful story will take you on a wonderful journey of discovery that each one takes.
It’s a match made in adventure and there’s heartache up ahead. Jack and Desiree take the unconventional route to romance. The Duke’s Bride is not for the faint of heart. Ridley sprinkles her own brand of captivating into this brew of lost hearts, wicked adventure and mischievous romance and creates a tasty blend of unforgettable.