| Title | : | The Viscount's Tempting Minx (The Dukes of War, #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 150 |
| Publication | : | First published October 21, 2014 |
here.
Certain individuals might consider Lady Amelia Pembroke a managing sort of female, but truly, most people would be lost without her help. Why, the latest on-dit is that rakish Viscount Sheffield is canceling the fête of the year because he hasn't time for silly soirees. He doesn't need time—he needs her!
When a flash of lightning destroys the venue for his family's annual Christmas ball, Lord Benedict Sheffield intends to enjoy a relaxing holiday for once. But after twelve days of beguiling Lady Amelia's guerrilla tactics, he's up to his cravat with tinsel . . . and tumbling head over heels in love.
The Viscount's Tempting Minx (The Dukes of War, #1) Reviews
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Written September 20, 2015
3.4 Stars - Bickering cute with an impressive (..to be honest quite 'tyrannical') heroine
A quickly done (Christmas) audio novella. Subtle cute but probably soon forgotten. A new author for me and two "easy & light" audiobook hours narrated nicely by
Stevie Zimmerman.
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The Viscount's Christmas Temptation is a short tale about Lady Amelia Pembroke who is the managing sort of female. Maybe an overly organized resolute pedantic, but in any case a treasure for her unmarried brother who would be lost without her help.
‘Her thirtieth birthday was coming up fast—the day after Christmas! Good heavens. A young lady in her twenties sounded ever so much more marriageable than a spinster in her thirties. Nothing for it. She’d simply have to bring a suitor up to scratch before Boxing Day.’
Moreover Amelia is near that dreaded thirty-year mark, she needs a perfect husband (and a new household to rule and manage over). A future to-be husband she plan to find by one of all those unmarried suitable noble gentlemen she will meet at the London season's highlight, in terms of large parties, the Sheffields’ seventy-fifth annual Christmas Eve ball.
Then there is a rumor that the rakish Viscount Benedict Sheffield is canceling his family's Christmas ball this year. ~ Oh no, you can't do that as simple as that. You can't just cancel... Amelia starts a complicated plan, the Viscount need help - he needs her.
‘She was too focused on the simple joys of their synchronized steps, the white puffs of vapor as they breathed, the smiling looks they exchanged at this statue or that tower.’
I enjoyed and chuckled..
The heroine is quite unique (actually pretty boring). This hero is flawless and the perfect (rake-) kind we like in our historicals. Romantic but just a kiss or two and a sweet happy (of course predictable) HEA end. ~ Without doubt a audiobook worth $2.
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I LIKE - short amusing trifle-romances -
*3.5 stars*
Well THAT was an unexpected surprise! I enjoyed this one, quite a lot, actually.
I was expecting very little from this historical romance novella. First of all, this was a freebie, and with only $1.99 extra for the matching audiobook, a total bargain. Second of all, this was an unknown author to me, with some very mixed reviews from my Goodreads friends. However, this was a very sweet story, with a smart, interesting heroine.
I adored the female MC, something that I sometimes struggle with, but I really liked her control and her sensible nature. She was really refreshing, honestly. My main complaint was not the characters or the storytelling, but in how FAST the romance progressed. I could have used waaaay more relationship development than this book gave me.
In terms of audiobook narration,
Stevie Zimmerman did a lovely job. She did excellent male and female voices (a MUST for me), and acted out the scenes well. However, the actual recording quality was a little "home recorded" for me. It was a tiny bit muffled sounding, but I got used to it as the story went on, and I didn't mind it much.
While it wasn't perfect, it was an easy, quick listen and an EXCELLENT deal. Historical audio lovers should snatch this one up. -
3.5 stars
****Kindle version is up for free right now on Amazon!!!****
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review
Amelia is the ultimate type A personality, she has been managing the household ever since at a young age her father died and her younger brother inherited the dukedom. She can anticipate any situation, is aware of any potential issues, and is the Shakespeare of to-do lists. At the horrendously "old" age of thirty, Amelia realizes that her brother is depending on her too much and putting off getting married so finding a husband gets added to her schedule. She decides that the Annual Sheffield Christmas Eve Ball will be the best place to find a husband that meets all her criteria, however, when an act of nature burns down the building where the ball is held, it is canceled for the year. This will not do, so Amelia shows up at Benedict Sheffield's home, introduces herself, and proceeds to make him feel like he is making all the decisions when in fact Amelia is simply guiding him to what she has already decided. Benedict does his best to not get caught up in the tornado that is Amelia but he soon finds his own rigid schedule of 8am-8pm work and 8pm-8am pleasure getting disrupted but not all the disrupting is happening all on Benedict's side as Amelia finds out that getting her feathers ruffled can be quite enjoyable.
Even though Amelia and Benedict are both rigid characters in a sense, they are both relatable and human enough to be enjoyable to read about. This is a novella, so the relationship aspect is accelerated so we can get our happily ever after. It works for the most part in this story with just a little side eye to how quickly our leads are in "luv". Amelia is the more flushed out character as the story follows from her lead most of the time while Benedict is hurt more by the shortness of the story. The reader gets the basic idea why Benedict keeps a strict schedule and then gets somewhat of a feel for why he falls for Amelia, her strength and managing ways are a jolt to his system. They work and play well off of each other with a couple saucy interactions.
The strength of this novella isn't so much Amelia and Benedict as it is the way it introduces what will become the Dukes of War series. Future leads are introduced with surrounding back stories and arcs vaguely alluded to and hinted at. Erica Ridley is a new to me author and I am excited to read a full length novel by her as her writing was solid and engaging but didn't quite get to stretch its legs in this short story. I am definitely adding "The Earl's Defiant Wallflower" book one in the series to my tbr pile as I can't wait to read more about these damaged heroes and their heroines. -
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Amelia Pembroke is a close approximation of what I imagine Mrs. Bennett was like as a young woman. She micromanages lovingly & is determined to make the best match for herself so she can move out of her brother's home. And what better place to meet a new beau than at the fête of the year?
Viscount Sheffield's parties are always full of men and women of the hour. But this year he has been forced to cancel because a bolt of lightning destroyed his dance hall. Amelia has ideas for replacements, though. She has contingency plans upon contingency plans set out for pretty much any occasion.
As Amelia forces herself into his life to set up the party (against his wishes), Sheffield finds himself developing first a healthy amount of respect for this stubborn and assertive woman, but then also admiration and even affection later on.
Since I just bought one of the full length novels in this series (I think it was THE BRIGADIER'S RUNAWAY BRIDE), it seemed like an opportune moment to test out the freebie I got. It wasn't a bad book, but Courtney Milan, whose works I just read, is a tough act to follow. Also, even for a short story, this moved much too fast. They went from hesitantly having crushes to totally being in love!
2 stars. -
Many thanks to the author for a copy of this book. All opinions are expressed voluntarily.
An entertaining novella from Erica Ridley, the Viscount’s Tempting Minx was like a tasty morsel that finished a bite too soon.
Amelia Pembroke has had years of practice micromanaging things and the opening scene itself gives us the level of problem handling she’s capable of. Well, no two words about it, she’s a steam roller and that character didn’t feel all that lovely to me. But the following scenes involving the organizing of the annual Christmas ball and getting thru all obstacles were easy to read and quite interesting. Being a novella, obviously, the romance feels sudden but on second thoughts it was perfect for this story. I would have loved to read more about the rakish ways of Viscount Sheffield.
There’s subtle dry humor in the dialogues being exchanged which gave me some smiles and chuckles and made it a thoroughly enjoyable story.
This review is published in my blog
https://rainnbooks.com/; Amazon India, Goodreads, and Twitter. -
arc provided by Intrepid Reads through Netgalley
In case my rating left someone in any doubt I'll just go ahead and say: I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this novella!!!
I'm one of the stingiest reviewers out there, I'm not proud of this because it means I usually don't get to enjoy things to the fullest over sometimes trivial matters, but THIS BOOK!
Lady Amelia is a very straight-forward and practical kind of lady. She anticipates contretemps, unexpected guests, dire changes of menu at the very last minute.
The thing is, as much as she enjoys managing her brother's estate, she can't help feeling as if she's holding him back from finding a wife - being completely devoted to his sister's happiness, he couldn't endure replacing her in the household - furthermore she's approaching her thirtieth birthday, so she should apply herself to finding a husband. Preferably before the New Year since it would be a waste of time to dawdle more than that.
The problem is that the crush of the year, the Sheffield's Christmas Ball, during which she'd planned on making an appropriate match for herself, has been cancelled after lightning struck Viscount Sheffield's ball room.
There is only one thing to do: go to Lord Sheffield and offer to organise the whole thing herself at a new venue.
Lord Sheffield is a rake with a schedule: from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. he is the most dutiful estate manager. From 8 p.m. onwards... it's time for debauchery in the demimonde.
Having come upon his title by chance, he's always very strict about managing everything for which he is now responsible, so the thought of having Lady Amelia try to take what should be his responsibility in the first place is understandably upsetting.
But as he'll soon find out, once Lady Amelia has something on her mind you might as well let her manage it, and you along with it.
...That's not to say that Lord Sheffield is in anyway reluctant to do a bit of managing of Lady Amelia himself.
If you love lighthearted historical romances, where everyone is reasonable and there are no miscommunications to drag the whole thing into unnecessary drama, the protagonists are equal and likeable, and you spend the whole book with a silly smile on your face...
...Well, then this is the book for you! -
This was short, but fun. Despite Christmas being in the title, I wouldn't call this a holiday read, really. I mean, it centers around a long-running party expectation but it could as easily have been any traditional annual event for all that "Christmas" (as itself) plays any kind of role.
Why'd I go off on that tangent? Anyway, the characters are charming and I liked them together. It's light so the short length works for it so I'm giving it four stars. Lady Amelia is a little too much to warrant going farther and I'm not sure I buy Benedict's reformation in so short a time, either. But I really want to believe both, so a solid four stars.
A note about Chaste: There's a kiss. Maybe another? There's no time for any more in a story this short, so it's good. -
Oh my gosh! This was a fabulously fun, sweet read. I LOVED IT. Yes, I'm gushing, just a bit.
Lady Amelia is a managing sort. But...that doesn't mean she's BOSSY. Far from it! She leads her troops (from her brother, to the staff, to Lord Sheffield) gently to where she wants them to be. They can almost imagine that it was their idea to follow through on her directions. I loved her.
Benedict was worried that she was going to be BOSSY. But then he finds himself following her directions, too! And that surprises and shocks him. He is usually the one to micro-manage EVERYTHING. Well, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Those are work hours and work must be done. After 8...all bets are off and let the FUN begin.
He decides that this managing miss needs some FUN in her life, too. And he's just the man to lead her along that path.
And what a fun filled path it is!
This little gem is free at Amazon right now (always check!). And then the author went and was mean! She gave us a little excerpt from the next book, Book 1 in the Dukes of War Series, The Earl's Defiant Wallflower (The Dukes of War #1). I WANT IT NOW!!! Now, please?
*Thank you, Netgalley and Intrepid Reads, for the opportunity to read this book! -
3/2 - I really liked Amelia and found her managerial skills laugh-out-loud funny and very impressive. I wish this had been a full length novel, I definitely think there was scope for both characters to be expanded into a 300ish page book. There wasn't really anything about the content of the book that I didn't like, it was what was missing that brought this down to a four star. I will definitely read more from this series (from the library or cheap Amazon purchase, might go check for further books in the series right now). I was lucky enough to get this one for free.
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2.5
Look at that monstrosity of the book cover. Horrible, just horrible. Don't pay attention to it.
This story is a lovely way to pass the time.
Lady Amelia Pembroke has decided that Lord Benedict Sheffield needs her help organizing a seventy-fifth annual family ball. Her plan is to choose a husband there because she has decided that her brother needs a wife. Neither will know what hit them. I like both characters.
She is never annoying. Her accomplishments are reasonably explained. She is that good at organizing.
Amelia's relationship with her brother is lovely too.'“That’s not a catalog*.” Her brother set aside his empty glass and plate to peer across the maplewood table. “Why the devil are you reading Debrett’s Peerage?” “It most certainly is a catalog, and the most expedient one at my disposal. I’ve decided to take a husband. His name must be within these pages.” “You can’t husband-hunt in a book!”
Anyway, don't expect anything deep. As a prequel to a series, it's pretty decent. Hopefully the books are the same or better.
In any case, if you need something light, this might fit the bill.
*I would prefer catalogue, but that's just me. -
Benedict and Amelia
Lady Amelia Pembroke is the sister of the Duke of Ravenwood. When the seventy-fifth Annual Sheffield Christmas Ball is canceled by Viscount Benedict Sheffield, Lady Amelia takes it upon herself to organize the ball in an alternate location. The problem is getting Lord Sheffield to agree.
Viscount Sheffield is a man who organizes his day on the eights. From 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. he conducts business. From 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. is for the pursuit of pleasure. When Lady Amelia disrupts his schedule with the preparation for the Annual Christmas Ball, he decides to humor her today and deny her tomorrow. Little does he realize he is the one being led to agree with Amelia's decision. But what is Lord Sheffield leading Amelia toward?
This is a delightful Christmas read. The characters fall instantly in love with each other. The plot is predictable. This is a short novel which ends abruptly. Still, it is a quick, easy read. -
This was a short and cute read. Clean, just a couple of (heated) kisses. Absolutely adorable. I really liked both MCs and felt their relationship believable. The time and place felt like the old Regencies I read as a teen, so it seems research, or enough to send my mind back to my high school years, was done by the author. This was a freebie ages ago when I downloaded it, it may or may not be free now. It’s a novella, so not a full book. An intro to the full books in the series. 5, brought me back, stars. Highly recommended if you like clean Regencies.
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2.5 Stars
A cute albeit short novella _ yes, I am familiar with the concept of novella _ about two people who are used to having everything controlled in their lives.
Amelia was quirky I admit, but I thought everything was just too quickly done.
Despite that, this was a cute and fast novella to occupy the time with. -
Lady Amelia Pembroke plans everything, including Lord Benedict Sheffield's cancelled 75th Christmas ball. When she shows up to inform him she's going to plan his party for him, he decides he'll go along with it—but only because something something boners.
This was cute! It could have used slightly more development—the feelings happen in a matter of paragraphs—but the characters make sense together and I always love a hero that knows what he wants (i.e., the heroine) and isn't afraid of having feelings like a grown-ass adult.
Thinking of adding Ridley to the to-read pile, so I think that makes this a success. -
The Viscount's Christmas Temptation is a delightfully charming historical romance novella. It is the prequel to Erica Ridley's "The Dukes Of War" series.
Lady Amelia Pembroke has managed the affairs of her brother's (the Duke's) estate since the age of 14 when her mother passed away. And quite efficiently too! At 29 she feels she is holding her brother back from finding a wife and producing an heir and decides it is time to find a husband.
The annual Sheffield Ball would be the perfect venue for her quest until lightning destroyed the Sheffield ballroom. Lady Amelia finagles the help of Lord Sheffield, a known lady's man and scoundrel and against his better judgment, in finding a new location for the Ball.
Spending time together not only are Lord Sheffield's immoral ways tamed but he has shown Lady Amelia that there is much more to life than a daily regimented schedule such as fun, laughter and love.
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I've come to HOPE for a non-rakish hero in these historical pieces, but I still expect them. This novel has an easygoing hero who is hardworking, handsome and witty BUT he is also a rake, which is a nicer sounding word than manwhore. His reputation with actresses and ladies of the night is well known and mentioned too many times.
Other than the hero's rep, this was a sweet novella.
No full sex scene, just a few kisses. -
Dnf'd
No adult sex scenes means I will NOT read it!
Didn't know there was no adult steam before I started it, but one of my GR friends in the group that had it as a BR let me know before I got to far.
Thank you Midniteillusion!
So I got about 15% and dnf'd.
Hope everyone else enjoys it. But it is Not my ☕ Cup of Tea! -
I really liked reading this book, it was a fabulously fun, sweet read., and I will look forward to reading other novels of Erica Ridley!
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It's a meh. Just didn't feel it. It started out cute enough and then? Downhill.
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Two managing people, one cancelled Christmas ball, and a pinch of Christmas magic might result in a holiday they will never forget. I spotted this one as a freebie a few years back and it looked like a fun one. I'm finally getting around to it for one of this season's holiday reads.
The Viscount's Christmas Temptation has since received a title change to The Viscount's Tempting Minx and received a new cover, but my review is of the older edition so I'm not sure if there have been updates since then.
The story opens with Lady Amelia sitting in the midst of perfect order and efficiency inside her caring brother's ducal house and the thought that he'll never oust her and start up his own family so she must set her mind to finding her own husband. As with everything, the lady has a list and a plan. Her future suitor must be high born so he has an estate large enough to challenge her and have a status high enough that they can entertain to her standards, but he must also need her. She determines that all the eligible prospects will attend the annual Sheffield Christmas Ball. But then her plans are checked when she discovers the Sheffield home was struck by lightning and thus the Viscount is unable to host as usual. This calls for alternate plans.
Lord Sheffield is bowled over when a business-like, managing female shows up in his home and informs him that there will be a ball in twelve days and she will make it happen. Benedict is a well-organized, take-charge type himself and bristles at the thought of his family ball segundoed in such a fashion. But, he goes along with Lady Amelia and slowly and seductively teaches her that life can include both frivolity and duty and her best laid plans for a future husband should most definitely include a certain, rakish Lord Sheffield.
This was a novella and prequel introduction to a series even though it is labeled as book one. The series is called the Dukes of War and a certain group of friends who all went to war and returned bear that title so I can guess at where the series is leading. The Viscount's Christmas Temptation, however, doesn't seem to involve a war veteran and feels more like a quick introductory story to give the reader a taste for later.
It's fun with the bantering and the humor in how Amelia is such a manager and Benedict is coaxing her to let her hair down and live a little. I had a good time and enjoyed the characters, but had a few niggles, too. It lagged a bit for me the way it was a string of encounters over the ball planning and preparations and more focus was on these series of activities than the pair getting to know each other and forming a basis for a relationship. It wasn't totally lacking nor was it utterly boring, but just, shall we say, light and fluffy.
All in all, the Viscount's Christmas Temptation was a nice, quick distraction. I do want to push forward with the series to see if it grows on me since I especially liked the flirty fun aspect of this one. Those who want a Regency RomCom would be the target for this one. -
“She said she would simply wait until you are receiving.”
Benedict put down his pen. “Wait where, pray?”
“Upon the front step, my lord. I’m afraid the lady brought...the lady brought...a book. She cannot be budged.”
A fun and quick historical romance novella with stellar banter and buckets of dry humour.
REVIEW
I picked this up on a whim because it was short and I needed a book to read while getting my nails done. And, my gods, am I happy that I did! This was so much fun.
I adored Amelia. She is always twelve steps ahead of every around her, assessing every situation and predicting any potential mishaps. She rules every room she enters and knows how to get her way without anyone realising that she is manipulating them into doing so. She is an absolute hoot with her dry humour and headstrong nature-I fell for her from page one.
I was hesitant of Benedict at first because he seemed like a typical rake. But it was cute watching him become ruffled by Amelia and the way he found himself suddenly falling for her. I laughed so much at how perturbed he was over some of Amelia's actions and the different ways he tried to win her over.
My main complaint is that it ended really abruptly. Even an additional ten or so pages would have made it better. But it is a novella, so I am not too shocked.
Overall, a super fun Christmas HR-I would 100% recommend. -
I gave this a C at AAR.
The Viscount’s Christmas Temptation is an entertaining novella/short story which is the prequel to Ms Ridley’s forthcoming Dukes of War series.
Lady Amelia Pembroke , sister of the Duke of Ravenwood, has run her family’s grand household since her teens and is now, at the grand old age of twenty-nine, quite happy organising her younger brother’s ducal existence. Until it occurs to her suddenly that while her brother is three years her junior, he’s not a boy any more and will soon be thinking about taking a wife, who will of course take over the running of his household.
With her usual fast efficiency, Amelia comes up with the solution to her problem – she’ll find herself a husband. Money isn’t a consideration as she has plenty of her own, but she wants an earl, marquess or duke, so that her children will have the natural advantages in life afforded by a courtesy title; and it would be nice if the prospective groom had a large home and a number of properties for her to manage to stop her growing bored. Fortunately for her, there will very soon be an opportunity to scope out all the prime candidates, as anybody who is anybody will be in attendance at the annual Sheffield Christmas Ball.
But there’s a snag. A freak bolt of lightning and the subsequent fire have burned down the Sheffield’s ballroom and the event has been cancelled. But that’s no impediment – Amelia will simply lend a hand to Viscount Sheffield and help him to make alternative arrangements. Even by this early stage of the story, it’s clear that Amelia "lending a hand" basically means her taking over all the arrangements, making contingency plans for her contingency plans and generally organising the hell out of everything with the sort of military precision a general would envy.
Benedict, Viscount Sheffield, hadn’t expected to inherit a title and estates, but he nonetheless takes his responsibilities seriously, works hard during office hours and plays hard out of them. The last thing he wants landing on his doorstep fifteen minutes before the end of his working day is a managing female. And worse – an intriguing managing female. Amelia spouts forth her plans for the solution to his problem – he thinks he’ll humour her and she’ll go away.
Little does he know.
Of course, Amelia finds her husband while learning that not everything has to be organised to within an inch of its life, and also that while planning is important, sometimes a deviation from that plan is not a bad thing. Like marrying a viscount instead of an earl, marquess or duke.
All in all, this is a charming story that rattles along without much pause for breath (rather like Amelia!), with the romance between the central couple happening at an eye-watering speed. Because of the story’s length (or lack of it) the characters aren’t very well developed either, but there’s a lot of humour in the writing and I have to give Ms Ridley credit for the way in which she managed to make an endearing character of Amelia, when she could so easily have been too superior and quite unbearable! And while Benedict is little more than a foil to her, he’s still quite charming, and I rather like the way he gets into Amelia’s head and works out what she’s up to without indulging in a fit of the man-sulks, while realising that she needs to learn how to let her hair down and have fun for a change.
But. And here I’m on my soapbox again. The Americanisms and modernisms are intrusive and caused me to knock off at least a half grade from my final rating. For instance – in England 2014, we don’t refer to Christmas as “the holidays”. The Christmas period is just “Christmas” – and while I haven’t looked it up, I suspect it’s even less likely to have been referred to as anything else back in 1815. So the “holiday party” referred to in the first chapter should have been called a “Christmas party”. (Actually, a “holiday party” is more likely to have meant a group of people going on holiday somewhere!)
Then there’s the fact that at the end, the hero kisses the heroine passionately on the lips a couple of times in public. It may have taken place beneath a Kissing Ball, but such a thing would still have been quite scandalous, as would the fact that after it, they’re walking along and she has her head on his shoulder. They’re not married, but even if they had been at that point, such things were just not done in public at that time. Neither would an unmarried woman be permitted to ride alone in a closed carriage with a man to whom she was not related, regardless of the fact that she regards herself as being past the first blush of youth.
I realise in the latter case, that the unchaperoned carriage journeys were needed in order to advance the plot, but it’s rather a big error, and I’m sure the author could have found a way around it.
As a result, the jury’s currently out on whether I’ll be picking up another in this series. There’s a lengthy excerpt of The Earl’s Defiant Wallflower at the end of this, which does look intriguing, although there is a similar modernity of tone which is making me hesitate.
*puts soapbox away*
All that said, The Viscount’s Christmas Temptation is a decent read, and certainly not a bad way to spend an hour or so on a winter’s afternoon. -
So, I swore I wasn’t going to read another Erica Ridley book since I felt tricked into reading The Captains Bluestocking Mistress, which I more than mentioned in my review. BUT, I broke down and bought this novella and I enjoyed immensely.
I adored both Benedict and Amelia. Him because he had a schedule for going out and being a rake and Amelia because there wasn’t a problem she couldn’t fix, including the Seventy-Fifth Annual Ball that had to have another venue because there was a fire at in the ballroom of Benedict’s home, where it was supposed to be held.
It was a fun trip to each venue Amelia took Benedict to.
There was no sex or swearing.
As to the narration: Actually, the real reason I bought this novella was because Stevie Zimmerman was narrating it and I love, love, love her. She does everything perfect: the voices and her emotions when she reads. -
What a sweet story
I love historical romance, based in an era where men were gentlemen and where women were ladies.
The heroine in this story I like a lot she was very studious and had a lot of charm. Great story. -
Doppia Recensione
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1"
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VegaVampy - per RFS
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Il visconte di Sheffield Benedict St. John non era nei piani di lady Amelia Pembroke, e per una donna che di norma è una perfetta organizzatrice, è sicuramente una grande novità.
Ci troviamo a Londra, in pieno periodo Regency, in particolare la storia inizia il 12 Dicembre del 1815.
Fin da ragazzina Amelia si è occupata della gestione della casa del fratello, duca di Ranvewood, e quando ormai trentenne si rende conto che questi, per non arrecarle dispiacere, non si sarebbe mai sposato prima di lei, decide di trovare marito in dodici giorni e che entro Santo Stefano avrà una proposta di matrimonio.
Quale occasione migliore del settantacinquesimo ballo della vigilia di Sheffield? Lì si troverà riunito tutto il ton londinese, e lei potrà scegliere tra duchi e conti; ovviamente non cerca un matrimonio d’ amore, ma un’unione che porti prestigio alla casata del fratello e la faccia sentire comunque utile.
Quando scopre che il visconte ha cancellato il ballo, a causa di un incedio che ha distrutto la sala dove si teneva da tradizione, decide di organizzarlo lei in una nuova collocazione.
Si presenta dunque a casa del visconte con mille idee, un no da parte sua non è ammesso, così i due si frequenteranno per questi fatici e galeotti dodici giorni, al fine di organizzare in tempo record il nuovo ballo.
Si tratta di un racconto di meno di 100 pagine, e normalmente è difficile trovare storie equilibrate in tutte le loro parti, quando sono così brevi, eppure Erica Ridley è stata magistrale in questo e il risultato sono 92 pagine di pura gioia.
Raramente un libro è riuscito a lasciarmi tale appagamento come in questo caso, suscitando in me, al termine della lettura, una vera e propria sensazione di felicità.
Aggiungiamoci che il romanzo si può acquistare gratuitamente su Amazon, e quindi cosa chiedere di più?
La scrittura è piena di ritmo senza essere eccessivamente veloce, e il romanticismo la fa da padrone. Non compaiono scene di sesso, ma l’attrazione tra i due protagonisti pone un velo di sensualità sulla storia, per quanto la passione non venga consumata.
Ho amato entrambi i personaggi principali; il visconte, rispetto a tanti protagonisti senza spina dorsale, ha capito come trattare Amelia, dandole uno scopo. Lei non è il tipo di donna da trattare come un soprammobile, e senza niente da gestire sarebbe appassita; al pari di lui è una donna di carattere, è “moderna” e intraprendente, un vero e proprio uragano.
Consiglio questo alle romantiche e a chi ha bisogno di un sorriso.
Per le sensazioni che mi ha trasmesso il libro questa volta farò un’eccezione e darò 5 stelle, perché nel suo piccolo è un vero gioiellino, non fatevelo scappare!
2"
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Lucia63 - per RFS
«La signora ha accennato alla natura della sua visita? Affari o piacere?»
«Entrambi, milord.»
Benedict tossì. «Entrambi?»
«La signora non ha voluto precisare oltre. Ha detto… ha detto che spiegare il suo complesso piano a un maggiordomo sarebbe uno spreco del prezioso tempo di entrambi e che ciascuno di noi opererebbe in maniera molto più efficiente se pensasse ai compiti in cui siamo esperti. Poi ha estratto un libro e un paio di occhiali e si è seduta sul gradino a leggere.»
Benedict cancellò mentalmente i suoi piani per il teatro. Amava le attrici – anzi, le trovava di grande svago – ma doveva ammettere che non era mai stato esattamente affascinato da una di esse. Erano creature semplici e attraenti, il che era precisamente la ragione per cui gli piacevano. Dopo una lunga giornata trascorsa a discutere nella Camera dei Lord, condurre trattative d’affari o gestire le proprietà che aveva dato in affitto, gli piaceva staccare il cervello e lasciare che il suo corpo prendesse le redini per qualche ora. O almeno, aveva sempre creduto che ciò gli piacesse. Cominciava a pensare che preferisse essere intrigato. Controllò nuovamente l’ora. Ancora un quarto alle otto. All’improvviso gli venne in mente una cosa. «Vuoi dire che stiamo lasciando che una signora si congeli il posteriore sul cemento coperto di melma dei nostri gradini?»
Coombs scosse la testa. «Assolutamente no, milord. La signora ha portato diversi tappeti e uno scaldino, e ha fatto pulire i gradini al suo cocchiere prima di sedersi. L’uomo la tiene d’occhio, anche se non è riuscito a convincerla a risalire in carrozza.»
Benedict si tamburellò sulla gamba con le dita. Non solo quella donna era venuta preparata nel caso avesse dovuto attendere… aveva saputo che ciò sarebbe successo! Aveva messo in conto il tempo perso, l’ingresso negato, lo sporco per terra, il tempo inclemente…
Primo di una serie, che al momento conta otto capitoli, questo non è un vero e proprio libro, ma un racconto lungo: non arriva infatti neppure alle cento pagine. È una sorta di prequel e ci presenta il Duca di Ravenwood e sua sorella, che è la vera protagonista della storia. Vengono accennati anche gli amici del Duca, che lui chiama “I Duchi di guerra”, e che sono coloro che, di capitolo in capitolo, conosceremo nei prossimi libri.
Lady Amelia è in procinto di compiere trent’anni, è sorella di un Duca, ha una dote cospicua e l’unico motivo per cui non ha ancora un marito è perché fino a questo momento non lo ha ritenuto di nessuna utilità. Tuttavia, ora le cose stanno per cambiare, si sta infatti rendendo conto che suo fratello non ha ancora pensato di sposarsi, e generare un erede, perché la ama e non vuole toglierle la gestione della casa che lei ha sempre diretto in modo impeccabile. Per questo Amelia è decisa a trovare un marito adeguato nel minor tempo possibile, e il modo migliore per riuscirci è presenziare al ballo annuale del visconte Sheffield: una delle feste più acclamate del ton, dove è sicura di poter vagliare con comodo i candidati che ha precedentemente selezionato. Ma dopo ben settantaquattro balli annuali, la festa quest’anno non è prevista: la sala da ballo degli Sheffield è andata a fuoco, non c’è tempo per riparare i danni, e nessuno sarebbe in grado di preparare un evento di tale portata in sole due settimane… nessuno tranne una donna molto determinata che si è prefissata uno scopo preciso. E la rigida routine del visconte Sheffield, sta per essere completamente sconvolta.
Amelia è una donna che ha sempre avuto un grande potere: ha diretto con mano ferma la casa del fratello fin da giovanissima, abituandosi a prevedere ogni possibile imprevisto, organizzando tutto con cura maniacale e incredibile efficienza, ma non si è mai curata troppo di sé stessa e il divertimento non è mai stato previsto nelle sue giornate. È così abituata a pianificare ogni momento della sua vita e di chi le sta vicino, che intende trovare marito servendosi di una lista di possibili candidati, scegliendolo come su un catalogo, in modo da non dover perdere troppo tempo. Il visconte Sheffield, al contrario, ha sempre saputo ritagliarsi del tempo per divertirsi, nonostante prenda estremamente sul serio il suo titolo e il lavoro che esso comporta. Dopo aver ereditato un titolo, che non si aspettava di ricevere, ha organizzato la sua vita dividendola in due parti ben distinte: dalle otto del mattino alle otto di sera si prodiga incessantemente per le sue tenute e per le persone che vi lavorano, gestendo il tutto con grande bravura. Ma dalle otto di sera alle otto di mattina vi è il teatro, il divertimento, donne belle e generose, e tutto ciò che può rendere piacevole la sua vita. Non ha mai lasciato che qualcosa lo potesse distogliere dalla sua ben collaudata routine, ma tutto questo è destinato a cambiare quando nella sua vita irrompe una donna decisa a fare in modo che il settantacinquesimo ballo degli Sheffield non venga rimandato.
Il visconte e Lady Amelia sono due personaggi abituati a gestire ogni aspetto della loro vita e poco disposti a cedere il comando, ma insieme creano una coppia davvero piacevole, e danno vita a un libro molto carino, che mi ha divertito, nonostante i limiti delle poche pagine. Tutto infatti avviene davvero molto rapidamente, ma i dialoghi sono brillanti e Amelia riesce a essere un personaggio davvero riuscito. Inoltre, la scrittura dell’autrice è leggera, ironica e riesce a strappare più di un sorriso. L’unica vera pecca è che i due protagonisti avrebbero meritato una storia con una trama più interessante e articolata e avrei preferito sapere qualcosa di più del loro passato. Ma questa autrice si è rivelata molto promettente e aspetto il libro seguente, “Il conte proibito”, di prossima pubblicazione, per confermare o meno la mia impressione. -
Lady Amelia è una forza della natura: è una donna decisa che ama comandare, non ha bisogno di nessuno e si sente realizzata nel gestire la tenuta del fratello, il duca Ravenwood.
Ormai giunta all'orribile soglia dei 30 anni si rende conto che il fratello minore potrebbe sposarsi a breve e che un'altra donna giungerà a governare la tenuta. Cosa ne sarà di lei?
Dopo attenti ragionamenti Amelia capisce che è arrivato il momento di trovarsi un marito così da poter continuare a dirigere una casa.
Il ballo annuale della vigilia del visconte Sheffield è l'occasione perfetta ma purtroppo un incendio ha devastato la sala da ballo ed Amelia si reca dal visconte pronta a risolvere tutti i suoi problemi. In pratica decide, da sola, di diventare l'organizzatrice del ballo e aiutare lord Sheffield a trovare una nuova sede.
Amelia è un'abile manipolatrice e in pratica ha già deciso tutto ma riesce a far sembrare che anche il visconte faccia qualcosa.
E quale sarà il marito adatto per Amelia?
Il visconte mi ha fatto pena: un uomo che pensa di decidere tutto da solo che viene rivoltato come un calzino da Amelia. Benedict pensa di dividere la sua giornata tra lavoro e divertimenti invece dopo l'arrivo di Amelia inizia a capire che si può essere più elastici e si può condividere la vita con qualcuno.
Amelia è simile a un bulldozer, anche se l'ho vista un po' egoista: è importante anche saper ascoltare e non pensare di avere sempre le risposte giuste.
Lo stile è molto scorrevole e il libro si legge molto velocemente anche se qualche errore blocca un po' la lettura.
Sufficiente -
Funny, witty and entertaining short story. I really liked it.
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The Viscount's Christmas Temptation by Erica Ridley is a 2014 Intrepid Reads publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Lady Amelia is a character I admired greatly for her ability to manage and organize everything. She could foresee problems in advance and was always prepared for them. When she realizes her single status is holding her brother back, she decides it is time to find a suitable husband. She approached this the same way she did everything else. With a list of names to go by she intends to meet all the eligible men of peerage at Lord Benedict Sheffield's 75th annual Christmas ball. But, for once she is taken aback to learn the ball will not be held this year due to a tragic fire. This is just the thing Amelia is best at. She will see to it the ball takes place no matter what.
Lord Benedict is a precise man, chained to his clock. He was relieved to have the annual ball canceled and now he can have a relaxing holiday. He is totally shocked to discover Lady Amelia has decided the ball will take place and even more surprised by his complete lack of control over her determined nature. Pretty soon he is completely tied up in plans for the ball, finding the perfect venue... and in Lady Amelia.
I loved this Christmas novella! This is a prelude to an upcoming series, “The Dukes of War” which, if this novella is any indication, will be one to watch for.
While I admired Amelia's talent at organizing and for planning ahead, I also saw she had little fun in her life. She was so busy managing everything for herself and others, she didn't stop to take it all in, see the hard work pay off and enjoy her success. Likewise, Lord Benedict is a slave to his pocket watch. After spending time with Amelia and seeing her inability to just relax and enjoy life, he is determined to show her how to have a good time. There are few subtle hints here we can all learn from. The holiday backdrop provides the perfect atmosphere for falling in love, and enjoying life to it's fullest, learning to prioritize our lives and to slow down and relax without managing everything to death. A sweet Christmas themed story that so far is one my favorite new holiday reads this year. 5 stars for this one. -
Lady Amelia Pembroke knows the only way she could get her younger brother, the Duke of Ravenwood, married, is to get married herself. And what better way to find a husband than at the annual Sheffield Christmas ball. Unfortunately, the annual ball is canceled due to a lightning strike, so Amelia decides to help Viscount Sheffield find another venue and organize the ball so she can find a suitable husband. But you know what they say about the best laid plans...
I've been meaning to read this for a while, ever since I enjoyed the
first book in this
series, but I somehow never took the time. I guess I prefer to read my series in bigger "gulps". So, after receiving the invitation to read the third instalment in the series, I decided it was now time to "dig out my eating utensils". Three books (in a series) in a row, no problem.
After reading it, I can't help but kick myself for not doing it sooner. I loved it. I adored Amelia, the little bulldozer that didn't know what hit her, I adored Benedict, the adorable rake that didn't know what hit him, I laughed at Amelia brother's reaction underneath the kissing ball...I loved everything. It had humor, it had romance, it had lovable characters... The only thing that might have been improved a bit was the length. It was too short. Otherwise, I have absolutely no complaints.
