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books_and_more_books_byt's review against another edition
5.0
The Duke’s Bride is the sixth bride in the 12 Dukes of Christmas series. The series is written about couples that find their happy ever after in Cressmouth, a village by Marlowe Castle. Even though it’s a series, the books can be read as standalones. This book is Jack Skeffington and Desiree le Duc’s story. It was a fun, fast romance to read. The characters were perfect for each other. Jack was great at arranging smuggling details but couldn’t control his ten-year-old twins. He is not interested in another marriage but needs to find a tutor for his children. Desiree and her brothers had escaped France when she was nine years old. Her brothers were determined to return to France and to reclaim their property. When Jack ask her for help finding his kids a governess, Desiree volunteers so she can help contribute to the family’s income. After she falls in love with Jack can she give up him and the children up to return to France? This was a fun book that was hard to put down once I started. I can’t wait to read Sebastien’s story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
hookedbythatbook's review
4.0
Jack Skeffington rules his world as a smuggling mastermind, but he is losing the battle when it comes to parenting his twins. The household doesn’t lack for love, just some structure. Jack asks Desiree le Duc to take on the job of temporary governess until he can find a real one. Desiree and her two brothers desperately need the money to help pay off a loan so that they can return to France and claim their birthright.
Although short, this story packed quite a punch. Jack and Desiree are both interesting and engaging characters. The chemistry between them is off the charts. Desiree quickly becomes an integral part of their little family and all three Skeffingtons are loath to let her go. Desiree’s brothers desire more for her than staying in England, but even they had to give in to the obvious love between Jack and Desiree.
It was a fun, exciting read and I would like to read the other books in the series.
I received an advanced copy of the book from Netgalley to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Although short, this story packed quite a punch. Jack and Desiree are both interesting and engaging characters. The chemistry between them is off the charts. Desiree quickly becomes an integral part of their little family and all three Skeffingtons are loath to let her go. Desiree’s brothers desire more for her than staying in England, but even they had to give in to the obvious love between Jack and Desiree.
It was a fun, exciting read and I would like to read the other books in the series.
I received an advanced copy of the book from Netgalley to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
lkpij's review
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
hannas_heas47's review
4.0
Thanks to the publisher for an ARC to read and give my honest opinion.
Love the bodice ripper cover, it is absolutely perfect! Book starts off with Jack, a privateer that smuggles wine and champagne, looking for a governess for his twins. Desiree is a jack of all trades woman who agrees to teach Jacks children, who seems to have a keen eye on a Jack. Sparks fly.
What did I like? Desiree was an above average woman which made her a delightful governess for those hellion ten year old twins. The whole story was just pleasant, and an easy page turner.
Would I buy this book? This is a delightful series, and yes I would buy or recommend to anyone who loves historical romance. It’s a light romance with no drama or dark stuff. An easy and happy read.
Thoughts for the author? Thanks for a quick and beautiful story! 12 dukes is a great series!
Love the bodice ripper cover, it is absolutely perfect! Book starts off with Jack, a privateer that smuggles wine and champagne, looking for a governess for his twins. Desiree is a jack of all trades woman who agrees to teach Jacks children, who seems to have a keen eye on a Jack. Sparks fly.
What did I like? Desiree was an above average woman which made her a delightful governess for those hellion ten year old twins. The whole story was just pleasant, and an easy page turner.
Would I buy this book? This is a delightful series, and yes I would buy or recommend to anyone who loves historical romance. It’s a light romance with no drama or dark stuff. An easy and happy read.
Thoughts for the author? Thanks for a quick and beautiful story! 12 dukes is a great series!
spirit_animal_margaret_hale's review
5.0
This one and #12 were my favorites of the series and they both have truly likable heroines, but Desiree is my absolute favorite. A good read all around with fairly low angst. (H is a widower and single father; h lost her parents and everything really, in french revolution--but this book and the series in general are lighter in tone than that would suggest on the surface. )
One note about many of the heroines in this series...when the author gives us spunky/fun/lively heroines, she truly does a fabulous job making them likable at the same time. They aren't the tstl type or the hellion spoiled brat. So thankful for that!!
One note about many of the heroines in this series...when the author gives us spunky/fun/lively heroines, she truly does a fabulous job making them likable at the same time. They aren't the tstl type or the hellion spoiled brat. So thankful for that!!
millerbca's review
2.0
Boring
I found this book boring and dull. It lacked details and substance that is usually found in her books. I hope the other ones are better.
I found this book boring and dull. It lacked details and substance that is usually found in her books. I hope the other ones are better.
ctsquirrel's review against another edition
4.0
Good chemistry, but it felt a bit like an established couple romance. They've been friends a while, but this is the first time they've been alone together.
Some quotes I liked:
“I was born in the south of France and grown in the north of England. I feel replanted. Neither fully French, nor fully English. I am one of your grapes, frozen in the wrong region.”
“Marriage is exactly like smuggling. Have to be willing to lose later in order to win now. No risk, no reward. If you don’t go after her while you’ve got the chance…”
Some quotes I liked:
“I was born in the south of France and grown in the north of England. I feel replanted. Neither fully French, nor fully English. I am one of your grapes, frozen in the wrong region.”
“Marriage is exactly like smuggling. Have to be willing to lose later in order to win now. No risk, no reward. If you don’t go after her while you’ve got the chance…”
crownoflaurel's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
karentje's review
4.0
Désirée and Jack are enchanting together and theirs is just such a heartwarming story! It was as much a story about finding love, as it was about finding family. I especially adored all the scenes with the twins, especially the ones with story time and the star walks. Frederick and Annie are precocious and utterly lovable, and they excel at helping the grownups see what’s important.
Désirée’s parents remain quite shadowy figures and I’d have expected her to have more memories of them. The story only touches very lightly on the horrific events that drove her from her native country, but growing up an orphan in a strange land has left Désirée feeling insecure and out of place. She’s very determined to be loved and useful, to be French and English, to be there for her brothers always, at the risk of losing her chance at a family, at love and happiness.
She’s the kind of character that you want to hug even after she beats you soundly at billiards. Jack is a wonderful main character, devoted to his kids, understanding and capable of great love, even if not immediately willing to risk heartbreak again.
I was very happy with how the main conflict in the story was resolved. The epilogue was sweet perfection.
Désirée’s parents remain quite shadowy figures and I’d have expected her to have more memories of them. The story only touches very lightly on the horrific events that drove her from her native country, but growing up an orphan in a strange land has left Désirée feeling insecure and out of place. She’s very determined to be loved and useful, to be French and English, to be there for her brothers always, at the risk of losing her chance at a family, at love and happiness.
She’s the kind of character that you want to hug even after she beats you soundly at billiards. Jack is a wonderful main character, devoted to his kids, understanding and capable of great love, even if not immediately willing to risk heartbreak again.
I was very happy with how the main conflict in the story was resolved. The epilogue was sweet perfection.
jillmlong's review
5.0
Erica Ridley does it again! I love the books in this series and this book was no exception. I flew through this book, so engrossed in the story that I finished it in one sitting.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this ARC.