ARC Review: The Duke’s Bride by Erica Ridley

Posted November 22, 2019 by Alana in Book Reviews, Historical Romance, Regency Romance, Romance / 0 Comments

The Duke's Bride by Erica Ridley
Series: 12 Dukes of Christmas #6
Published by WebMotion on November 2019
Genres: Fiction, Romance, Historical, Regency, Victorian, Holidays, Romantic Comedy
Pages: 200
Format: eBook
Source: ARC

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?

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I have enjoyed all of the Dukes of Christmas thus far, but Jack Skeffington is in the running for all time favorite putting him in direct contention with Theodore for my affections. Not only was Jack a swoon-worthy bachelor in his own right, but his interactions with his children were heartwarming. I could probably count on one hand the number of historical romances that I have read that feature a single father hero and I was a bit nervous that I wasn’t going to enjoy this latest installment. I’m thrilled that this isn’t the case!

Jack was a well-rounded character that adored his children even if they are a couple of hellions. The twins were delightful and their adoration for their father was just so sweet. That little family unit really made this a great story. Desiree wasn’t quite as engaging for me, but I thought she was charming enough. I truly loved the scenes that featured her brothers and their overprotective natures.

Definitely a sweet addition to the gaggle of Dukes or le Duc’s that find their way to Cressmouth. If you enjoyed Tessa Dare’s Governess Game, I think you would enjoy this sweet Christmassy novella!

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

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About Erica Ridley

Erica Ridley is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of historical romance novels.

In the new 12 Dukes of Christmas series, enjoy witty, 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!

Her two most popular series, the Dukes of War and Rogues to Riches, feature roguish peers and dashing war heroes who find love amongst the splendor and madness of Regency England.

When not reading or writing romances, Erica can be found riding camels in Africa, zip-lining through rainforests in Costa Rica, or getting hopelessly lost in the middle of Budapest.

Anonymously, Alana