Category: Christmas

Dawn with a Duke by Erica Ridley

On By TracyIn Christmas, Georgian Era (1714-1837), Novella, Regency Era (1811-1820), Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Dawn with a Duke (12 Dukes of Christmas #9)Dawn with a Duke by Erica Ridley

Tracy’s rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: The 12 Dukes of Christmas, #9

Release Date; September 4, 2020

Lady Isabelle “Belle”, sister to Duke of Nottingvale is on her way to Cressmouth for Christmas when her maid takes ill and she insists they stop in Houville. Worried about ruining her reputation, she tells the innkeeper she is a widow, Mrs. Lepine, thinking they will only be there for one night. She is out of her element tries to make the best of things, but is unsure what she is supposed to do, as she has never been on her own before. She is looking at the crowded dining room and notices a handsome, well dressed man. He beckons her over and invites her to sit at his table. Grateful, Belle immediately takes a liking to the handsome stranger.

Calvin McAlister is in Houville preparing for the opportunity of a lifetime, he and his partner Jonathan MacLean have come up with a revolutionary idea – a line of ready-made formal wear for the average man. They will plan to sell or rent their cloths in shops, but primarily by mail order. Up until now it has been a dream, but the chance to have the Duke of Nottingvale as an investor could make that dream a reality. Calvin is a recluse by nature and feels uncomfortable in social situations, making his partnership with Jonathan perfect. Jonathan will handle the people and Calvin the clothes. So it makes no sense to him why he offered to share his table with the lovely stranger. As soon as he offers, he regrets his decision, but is delighted to discover, Mrs. Lepine feels just as awkward as he does and that he enjoys her company.

Belle and Calvin will grow much closer when a bout of the flu leaves the inn shorthanded and leaves Belle without a maid’s assistance in dressing – a task she hires Calvin to do! When he discovers what a talented artist she is, he hires her to finish painting his catalogue sketches. They are falling hard, but when the truth of who she is comes out, will their love survive?

This was a well written, nicely paced, absolutely delightful novella. Belle and Calvin are wonderful characters who are perfect for each other despite their social status disparities. This book had secondary characters, but they really play a very small role in the story, also this book was a bit steamier than the previous offerings in the series (not a complaint!) but it fit the story and I loved the ending. I am happy to recommend this book, it is the ninth book in the series, but it can easily be read as a stand-alone title.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*

Mistletoe, Whisky and A Rogue by Jane Charles

On By TracyIn Christmas, Georgian Era (1714-1837), Novella, Regency Era (1811-1820), Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment
Book cover for Mistletoe, Whisky and a Rogue (Scot to the Heart #4 ~ Grant and Copeland-Tilson Novella) by Jane Charles

Mistletoe, Whisky and a Rogue by Jane Charles

Tracy’s rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Series: Scot to the Heart, #4 (also ties into the MacGregor-Grant series)

Release Date July 1, 2020


Fanella Grant was hoping for adventure when she arrived at Chatwell Castle for the wedding of Lady Claresta Copeland and Donovan MacGregor – but what she finds is far more exciting and could lead to the adventure of a lifetime.

Ethan Copeland is the Duke of Ellings nephew and has traveled with some of his siblings to England. His eldest brother is in line for the dukedom as their father is his heir. Darius has come to learn about the estate and several of his siblings joined him. Ethan has enjoyed his time in England, but misses his home in New Orleans, he plans to return after the wedding, but when he meets Fanella, he is suddenly not so eager to return.

When Fanella sneaks off to explore, Ethan follows and when they hide from the servants to avoid being caught alone, they end up locked in the wine cellar for hours and they spend the time talking and drinking. Finally, Ethan recalls his pet parrots Rogue and Lady are in the kitchens and sings a song sure to bring Rogue to Ethan’s side. Ethan’s plan works and he sends Rogue to fetch his sister. Everyone is sworn to secrecy and they think they are in the clear – that is until Rogue blabs!

They manage to convince everyone that nothing happened and it was completely innocent, but the problem is, they can’t seem to stay away from each other or stop kissing, but they aren’t sure what they are feeling is love and want time to find out – but thanks to Rogue’s loose beak – they might not have a choice!

I thought this was a cute novella and I enjoyed the story, but it did drag a bit, had some title errors and I really wish the author would have included Rogue and Lady in the epilogue, they played such a big part in the story and had a bit of a storyline themselves that was dropped. Overall, it was a fun, sweet read with kissing only love scenes, likeable characters, amusing moments and HEA complete with an epilogue.

I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me.