The Duke's Bride: A Regency Holiday Romance

Short and cute. 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. I read a free advance copy; the thoughts expressed are my own.

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.

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?