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Christmas Seduction
In a time when marriage had little to do with love and everything to do with money, Alexander Fenhurst, Duke of Wyndbourne, never expected a love match. But he also didn’t expect his wife to run into the arms of another man only a month after their nuptials. Having discovered her in the embrace of another man—and well aware of her dislike of him—he did what any self-respecting man would do. He left his Scottish estate and spent almost a year climbing the Alps and indulging his passion for adventure.
But no amount of adventure will change the fact he needs an heir. Resigned to the knowledge he somehow needs to win over his wife enough to allow him in her bed, Alex returns to Scotland for Christmas to celebrate... and seduce.
Emma Fenhurst, Duchess of Wyndbourne, has spent almost a year alone and miserable. She hadn’t expected much from her marriage, but she had at least expected a child or two, and Alexander had never seemed a cruel man. But after their fleeting first month of marriage, he tired of her and fled to France. Lonely and desperate for a child, the news of her estranged husband’s return summons her courage and determination. By the end of the Christmas celebrations, she will be with child and intends to do all she can to draw her husband into her bed. However, while she means to share her body with him, some secrets must remain just that—secret.
Will the festive period bring them closer together or will their plans draw them further apart? Is there any chance for an arranged marriage to bring happiness... and maybe even love?
But no amount of adventure will change the fact he needs an heir. Resigned to the knowledge he somehow needs to win over his wife enough to allow him in her bed, Alex returns to Scotland for Christmas to celebrate... and seduce.
Emma Fenhurst, Duchess of Wyndbourne, has spent almost a year alone and miserable. She hadn’t expected much from her marriage, but she had at least expected a child or two, and Alexander had never seemed a cruel man. But after their fleeting first month of marriage, he tired of her and fled to France. Lonely and desperate for a child, the news of her estranged husband’s return summons her courage and determination. By the end of the Christmas celebrations, she will be with child and intends to do all she can to draw her husband into her bed. However, while she means to share her body with him, some secrets must remain just that—secret.
Will the festive period bring them closer together or will their plans draw them further apart? Is there any chance for an arranged marriage to bring happiness... and maybe even love?
83 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 29, 2014
19 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Holt
316 books700 followersSamantha Holt resides in Warwickshire, England, with her twin girls, having followed her soldier husband around the UK for nearly 10 years. Growing up in Hampshire, she was inspired by the authors Jane Austen and Elizabeth Gaskell, both of whom lived and wrote only miles from her home town.
Samantha loves the romance genre and has been devouring romantic literature for as long as she can remember. History is another passion of hers and she loves to combine her love for history and romance into exciting and passionate tales.
Samantha loves the romance genre and has been devouring romantic literature for as long as she can remember. History is another passion of hers and she loves to combine her love for history and romance into exciting and passionate tales.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 4, 2022
Alexander y Emma llevan un año aprox de casados. De los cuales solamente han pasado un mes juntos. El resto del tiempo Alexander se la pasó escalando los Alpes. Huyó de su casa en Escocia cuando descubrió que su nueva esposa tenía un amante. Ahora tiene que regresar porque necesita un heredero.
Me gustó. Siento que hubiera sido un muy buen libro si se hubiera extendido un poco más.
PD. No hay 'engaño amoroso' de ninguna de las dos partes. 🤭
Me gustó. Siento que hubiera sido un muy buen libro si se hubiera extendido un poco más.
PD. No hay 'engaño amoroso' de ninguna de las dos partes. 🤭
November 28, 2019
Christmas Seduction was my first Samantha Holt read and it certainly has me curious about the author’s other work. As Samantha Holt has been sitting on my to-read list for a while, I’ll certainly be reading some of the books I have waiting on my Kindle.
Although Christmas Seduction wasn’t quite a full four-star rating, it was close enough for me to round my rating up. I was sucked in from the start and enjoyed being given something a bit different in the genre. It wasn’t the usual historical romance, which had me loving the change. Add in the humour and feels this one provided, and I was happy to round this rating up even though I would have liked a wee bit more.
All in all, Christmas Seduction has me more than willing to read more of Samantha Holt’s work.
Although Christmas Seduction wasn’t quite a full four-star rating, it was close enough for me to round my rating up. I was sucked in from the start and enjoyed being given something a bit different in the genre. It wasn’t the usual historical romance, which had me loving the change. Add in the humour and feels this one provided, and I was happy to round this rating up even though I would have liked a wee bit more.
All in all, Christmas Seduction has me more than willing to read more of Samantha Holt’s work.
November 26, 2019
In a time when arranged marriages had little to do with love, Alexander
never expected a love match. Neither did Emma--but she had hoped for more
than being abandoned instantly! However, Alexander is back and if there is
ever a time for romance and second chances, it's Christmas.
A lovely romance of misunderstandings & misconceptions, if only they’d talked
never expected a love match. Neither did Emma--but she had hoped for more
than being abandoned instantly! However, Alexander is back and if there is
ever a time for romance and second chances, it's Christmas.
A lovely romance of misunderstandings & misconceptions, if only they’d talked
November 24, 2019
Misunderstandings abound in this Scottish Christmas romance, as Alexander, Duke Of Wyndbourne and his wife Emma struggle to find each other through a maze of difficulties. Thinking his wife had been unfaithful to him, Alexander takes off to the Alps instead of dealing with the problems at home. On his return, he finds his household disintegrating before his eyes, and yet the young couple still skirt around their problems. Constant interruptions make reconciliation next to impossible, but when Alex and Emma eventually do talk, they discover that together they can tackle anything. The story is sweet and one can only feel sad that they wasted so much time not discussing their problems.
April 30, 2015
Romantic and funny..
OMG! I have never seen two people have so much trouble having sex. LOL, it was so funny how much trouble they had. They got so close one time and the roof caved in. Poor, Alex and Emma.
This was such a great little story. Except for a couple of servants there was only the two of them. There was a little bit of angst, a little bit of a misunderstanding, some serious sexual tension through the entire book, and two nice people falling in love. It only had 83 pages but I felt like I read an entire novel. It really was an excellent novella. Samantha Holt does the best sexual tension I’ve ever read.
OMG! I have never seen two people have so much trouble having sex. LOL, it was so funny how much trouble they had. They got so close one time and the roof caved in. Poor, Alex and Emma.
This was such a great little story. Except for a couple of servants there was only the two of them. There was a little bit of angst, a little bit of a misunderstanding, some serious sexual tension through the entire book, and two nice people falling in love. It only had 83 pages but I felt like I read an entire novel. It really was an excellent novella. Samantha Holt does the best sexual tension I’ve ever read.
July 12, 2017
kindle e-book
November 25, 2017
Misunderstandings abound between Alexander, the Duke of Wyndbourne and his new wife Emma. Married after only 3 weeks of courtship and feeling pressure from their parents, they really had not had time to get to know each other. After only a short time Alex sees his wife embracing a strange man and makes the assumption she is having an affair. Really? The silly man goes off and stays away much too long. But it is almost Christmas and he decides he must come back and do his duty to produce an heir. Emma has been lonely and trying to manage the estate. I love this novella. As she always does, the author brings the characters alive and makes you fall in love with them. Be delighted by and smiling as you read and know there is a magic in Christmas!!
October 5, 2017
Christmas Seduction by Samantha Holt is an entertaining holiday read. Ms Holt has given us the gift of a well-written book. This is a fairly short read, perfect for those with limited time for reading. Alexander and Emma's story is loaded with drama, bits of humor and sizzle. I enjoyed reading Christmas Seduction and look forward to reading my next Samantha Holt book. Christmas Seduction is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
December 20, 2022
Christmas Romance
What a wonderful Christmas romance. When misunderstanding keeps them apart the Christmas season is perfect to put them together. This novella was a perfect holiday read. Getting you in the spirit of romance and love. With lovable characters and the perfect setting you cant help but fall in love.
What a wonderful Christmas romance. When misunderstanding keeps them apart the Christmas season is perfect to put them together. This novella was a perfect holiday read. Getting you in the spirit of romance and love. With lovable characters and the perfect setting you cant help but fall in love.
November 18, 2017
WONDERFUL!
What a DELIGHTFUL BOOK! I really enjoy short stories when I have a doctor appointment. This one was really good and showed how much shyness can be misconstrued and all can be overcome just by talking. Enjoyed very much!
What a DELIGHTFUL BOOK! I really enjoy short stories when I have a doctor appointment. This one was really good and showed how much shyness can be misconstrued and all can be overcome just by talking. Enjoyed very much!
September 18, 2023
An engaging romance. Alex and Emma find their second chance for love in their marriage, with past misunderstandings and getting to know each other taking them on a wonderful journey of love, caring and belonging.
October 21, 2016
This is a cute little story about a couple who didn't really know each other when they got married. Due to misunderstandings they were separated for a year till he came home to celebrate Christmas. I really enjoyed it.
September 22, 2023
This was a sweet story about misunderstandings and second chances. Emma and Alex each had interesting background details that came together to complete the story.
March 5, 2025
It was fine for what it was. If it were fleshed out into a full novel, it would have been better.
April 20, 2015
OMG! I really loved this little novella. It's another great story by Ms. Holt. To date I've read several of her books including, To Steal a Highlander's Heart, Assassin, The One Knight Collection, Borderland Bride, and Hunting His Highland Lass, to name a few. I just finished this one and am currently reading, The Warrior's Reward. So far, there isn't a single book by this author that I've not liked. Some I've liked a lot, some, like this one, I've absolutely loved. She has very quickly become a favorite. In any event, the story that unfolds in CHRISTMAS SEDUCTION is sweet, engaging, and very touching. It's a really good example of what can go wrong when two people, who are in essence strangers, marry. After sharing exactly three dances together Alex offers for Emma's hand in marriage. His reasons for doing so were four-fold; she was beautiful, she had the right pedigree and wealth, she made his stomach tingle, and his family was pushing for the match. That was it.
After they marry, the two innocents fumble their way through the wedding night then spend the next month of their marriage being reserved, stiff, and proper with one another. Alex thought Emma was cold and haughty, while Emma believed Alex found her annoying. When Alexander sees Emma in the arms of a man he believes to be her lover, rather than confront his errant wife, he packs up and takes off to go mountain climbing. When the story begins, it is one year later and Alex is just returning home for the Christmas holidays. It is his intention to seduce his wife back into his bed so that he can impregnate her with the necessary heir, before he goes off again. As he arrives he sees his "cold, reserved" wife awaiting him on the front steps.
In reality, Emma is anything but cold. In fact, the opposite is true; she is warm, kind, gentle, and loving. She is also extremely shy and insecure. Poor Emma was raised by cold, undemonstrative parents whose only goal in life for her was that she make a good marriage. Her mother was so critical and demanding of Emma that she be the perfect lady, even going so far as to tell Emma that her sense of humor was "gauche and indelicate", that Emma grew into a woman who was overly conscious of everything that she said and did, and all sense of fun and spontaneity was smothered out of her personality.
When Alexander returns home after a year he has a plan to seduce Emma, but Emma too has her own plans; she is going to seduce Alex so she can get a baby to love and take care of. Thus sets the scene for the next few days over the holiday season. Reading about how Emma and Alex finally get to know one another and grow to love each other was a joy. The story is very sweet and very engaging and one that I wholeheartedly recommend as a worthwhile read. FYI this is not a clean romance. There are a couple of love scenes which are fairly graphic, although not, IMO, overly so. Furthermore, no crude language is used. Happy reading!
After they marry, the two innocents fumble their way through the wedding night then spend the next month of their marriage being reserved, stiff, and proper with one another. Alex thought Emma was cold and haughty, while Emma believed Alex found her annoying. When Alexander sees Emma in the arms of a man he believes to be her lover, rather than confront his errant wife, he packs up and takes off to go mountain climbing. When the story begins, it is one year later and Alex is just returning home for the Christmas holidays. It is his intention to seduce his wife back into his bed so that he can impregnate her with the necessary heir, before he goes off again. As he arrives he sees his "cold, reserved" wife awaiting him on the front steps.
In reality, Emma is anything but cold. In fact, the opposite is true; she is warm, kind, gentle, and loving. She is also extremely shy and insecure. Poor Emma was raised by cold, undemonstrative parents whose only goal in life for her was that she make a good marriage. Her mother was so critical and demanding of Emma that she be the perfect lady, even going so far as to tell Emma that her sense of humor was "gauche and indelicate", that Emma grew into a woman who was overly conscious of everything that she said and did, and all sense of fun and spontaneity was smothered out of her personality.
When Alexander returns home after a year he has a plan to seduce Emma, but Emma too has her own plans; she is going to seduce Alex so she can get a baby to love and take care of. Thus sets the scene for the next few days over the holiday season. Reading about how Emma and Alex finally get to know one another and grow to love each other was a joy. The story is very sweet and very engaging and one that I wholeheartedly recommend as a worthwhile read. FYI this is not a clean romance. There are a couple of love scenes which are fairly graphic, although not, IMO, overly so. Furthermore, no crude language is used. Happy reading!
December 3, 2014
This was a wonderful story of two people wishing their marriage was better, but neither of them have the courage to try to change it.
Alexander and Emma had met only a few times when they married. They were both inexperienced in the bedroom and their relationship was very stilted. A month into their marriage Alex see's Emma in an embrace with another man who he assumes is her lover, which out having an explanation with her about it, he leaves her to go adventuring.
But now he's back, determined to make something of his cold marriage, and cold wife, and he needs an heir.
Emma has spent the last year since Alex left trying to look after her husbands estate, it's been hard and lonely and she now wishes a child. Her husband has returned but she has no idea how to seduce him.
The trials and stumbling between Alex and Emma is a delight to read, as we see the couple finally learn to trust each other, and find true love. A loverly romantic read.
Alexander and Emma had met only a few times when they married. They were both inexperienced in the bedroom and their relationship was very stilted. A month into their marriage Alex see's Emma in an embrace with another man who he assumes is her lover, which out having an explanation with her about it, he leaves her to go adventuring.
But now he's back, determined to make something of his cold marriage, and cold wife, and he needs an heir.
Emma has spent the last year since Alex left trying to look after her husbands estate, it's been hard and lonely and she now wishes a child. Her husband has returned but she has no idea how to seduce him.
The trials and stumbling between Alex and Emma is a delight to read, as we see the couple finally learn to trust each other, and find true love. A loverly romantic read.
December 6, 2014
Christmas Seduction is an enjoyable holiday story. Alexander, Duke of Wyndbourne, has been away for a year. He left Emma to manage his estate. Now he's back and wants to seduce her so he can sire an heir. However, his plans don't go quite as planned. Emma is beautiful and desirable, but she's has a secret. Will his seduction work? Will her secret keep them apart? Alex is a strong, passionate man who wants a loving wife and family. He's just not sure how to approach his lady wife. Emma doesn't want to be alone. She wants love, passion and children. Why does disaster always happen when they try to be together? I love the charming characters and the snappy dialogue. The Christmas setting adds so much to this romantic story. Samantha Holt made me laugh at the frustration these two experienced whenever they tried to make love. This romance made me smile. As always Samantha Holt does not disappoint.
April 19, 2016
Setting: Scotland, 1879
Genre: Romance
Alexander and Emma married because of familial and societal expectations. They didn't know one another well, as they'd met on only at a few social gatherings. About a month of rather stilted interaction and fumbling marital relations, Alex saw Emma embrace a man he assumed was her lover and, without confrontation or explanation, he took off adventuring. Now, he's back to get an heir on this cold, distant woman to whom he is married. Emma, shy and socially awkward, has spent the past year overseeing her husband's estate. Now, she wants a child, but has no idea how to seduce her man.
This is a well-written short story about two people trying to reach the same goal without communicating with one another. Neither knows how to go about dealing with the other, nor how to drop their own barriers. It's about them learning to trust and love one another.
Genre: Romance
Alexander and Emma married because of familial and societal expectations. They didn't know one another well, as they'd met on only at a few social gatherings. About a month of rather stilted interaction and fumbling marital relations, Alex saw Emma embrace a man he assumed was her lover and, without confrontation or explanation, he took off adventuring. Now, he's back to get an heir on this cold, distant woman to whom he is married. Emma, shy and socially awkward, has spent the past year overseeing her husband's estate. Now, she wants a child, but has no idea how to seduce her man.
This is a well-written short story about two people trying to reach the same goal without communicating with one another. Neither knows how to go about dealing with the other, nor how to drop their own barriers. It's about them learning to trust and love one another.
January 16, 2015
Alexander, Duke of Wyndbourne, has returned at Christmas after a year's absence because he needs an heir. His intention, to seduce his wife Emma who he left to run his Scottish estate after a month of marriage when he saw her embracing another man whom he assumed to be her lover. Unfortunately he was wrong about what he saw. Now there are two people who know very little about each other and have been apart for a year but who are married with an entailed estate to manage and provide for. Emma loved her husband desperately and wanted children but she didn't know what to make of him now. Alexander thought she had been unfaithful to him, maybe still was but he needed an heir and he intended to seduce her. As they each danced around each other, trying to figure out what the next step should be, two flawed people will come to find love at the most magical time of year.
January 10, 2015
Sweet Novella!
This is a sweet romance novella!
This is a sweet Christmas romance. Emma and Alex were married because of money and social standing. They never expected love, however when Alex sees Emma hugging another man after they were married he takes off and leaves Emma to take care of everything while he is gone. When Alex returns a year later she is determined to seduce Alex because she wants a baby. But can they make their marriage work and work out the many misunderstandings. This is a sweet romance with a HEA. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this author.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
This is a sweet romance novella!
This is a sweet Christmas romance. Emma and Alex were married because of money and social standing. They never expected love, however when Alex sees Emma hugging another man after they were married he takes off and leaves Emma to take care of everything while he is gone. When Alex returns a year later she is determined to seduce Alex because she wants a baby. But can they make their marriage work and work out the many misunderstandings. This is a sweet romance with a HEA. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this author.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
December 11, 2014
A sweet, quick Christmas read. Filled with holiday spirit, passion, romance and a wonderful HEA. A few misunderstandings, a fast wedding, and passionate embraces makes this a fun, enjoyable, and satisfying read. The characters will capture your heart. The storyline is fun and interesting.
* Personal buy*
Rating: 4
Heat rating: mild
Reviewed by: AprilR
* Personal buy*
Rating: 4
Heat rating: mild
Reviewed by: AprilR
November 20, 2015
Lovely little novella about estranged spouses reconciling. I loved both main characters. First try of this author, would be interested to read more of her work.
January 23, 2015
Lovely main characters, funny and paranoid!
A delightful Victorian novella.
A delightful Victorian novella.
June 16, 2015
short and sweet.
I particularly enjoyed that it was story of innocent misunderstandings being resolved and all the foibles along the way.
I particularly enjoyed that it was story of innocent misunderstandings being resolved and all the foibles along the way.
April 17, 2016
This was a nice, quick, second-chance romance set in the Christmas season. I enjoyed the festivities that the couple engaged in to make a great Christmas for themselves.
December 27, 2016
Simply Sweet
This was a fun read with some sweet passion and a simple, short story that resolved quickly and far too easily but it was still quite enjoyable.
This was a fun read with some sweet passion and a simple, short story that resolved quickly and far too easily but it was still quite enjoyable.
December 26, 2016
Um pouco repetitivo, mas tem seu brilho. Duas pessoas que, por causa de problemas de comunicação, sofrem durante 1 ano longe um do outro.
historical
January 15, 2019In a time when marriage had little to do with love and everything to do with money, Alexander Fenhurst, Duke of Wyndbourne, never expected a love match. But he also didn’t expect his wife to run into the arms of another man only a month after their nuptials. Having discovered her in the embrace of another man—and well aware of her dislike of him—he did what any self-respecting man would do. He left his Scottish estate and spent almost a year climbing the Alps and indulging his passion for adventure.
But no amount of adventure will change the fact he needs an heir. Resigned to the knowledge he somehow needs to win over his wife enough to allow him in her bed, Alex returns to Scotland for Christmas to celebrate... and seduce.
Emma Fenhurst, Duchess of Wyndbourne, has spent almost a year alone and miserable. She hadn’t expected much from her marriage, but she had at least expected a child or two, and Alexander had never seemed a cruel man. But after their fleeting first month of marriage, he tired of her and fled to France. Lonely and desperate for a child, the news of her estranged husband’s return summons her courage and determination. By the end of the Christmas celebrations, she will be with child and intends to do all she can to draw her husband into her bed. However, while she means to share her body with him, some secrets must remain just that—secret.
Will the festive period bring them closer together or will their plans draw them further apart? Is there any chance for an arranged marriage to bring happiness... and maybe even love?
But no amount of adventure will change the fact he needs an heir. Resigned to the knowledge he somehow needs to win over his wife enough to allow him in her bed, Alex returns to Scotland for Christmas to celebrate... and seduce.
Emma Fenhurst, Duchess of Wyndbourne, has spent almost a year alone and miserable. She hadn’t expected much from her marriage, but she had at least expected a child or two, and Alexander had never seemed a cruel man. But after their fleeting first month of marriage, he tired of her and fled to France. Lonely and desperate for a child, the news of her estranged husband’s return summons her courage and determination. By the end of the Christmas celebrations, she will be with child and intends to do all she can to draw her husband into her bed. However, while she means to share her body with him, some secrets must remain just that—secret.
Will the festive period bring them closer together or will their plans draw them further apart? Is there any chance for an arranged marriage to bring happiness... and maybe even love?
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews