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. My Review:
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
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.
Erica Ridley learned to read when she was three, which was about the same time she decided to be a writer when she grew up. Now, she's a USA Today best-selling author of historical romance novels.
Her latest series, The Dukes of War, features charming peers and dashing war heroes who return from battle only to be thrust into 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.