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The Twelve Days of Seduction
Alexander Hunt, Eighth Duke of Berresford, is aware his ward's governess misrepresented herself to gain employment, and he’s quite displeased, even if she is one of the most intelligent women’s he’s ever met. His ward deserves a reputable governess, so he threatens to give Adriana the sack mere days before Christmas.
Desperate to convince the sexy duke not to tear her from the little girl she's grown to adore, Adriana challenges him to prove she’s not the reputable governess he believed he hired. If he can seduce her before the Twelve Days of Christmas have come to an end, she will leave without protest.
But when they find the challenge more difficult than either imagined, can they face the consequences of their decisions?
Desperate to convince the sexy duke not to tear her from the little girl she's grown to adore, Adriana challenges him to prove she’s not the reputable governess he believed he hired. If he can seduce her before the Twelve Days of Christmas have come to an end, she will leave without protest.
But when they find the challenge more difficult than either imagined, can they face the consequences of their decisions?
82 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 5, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
August 26, 2018
The Twelve Days of Seduction by Maire Claremont and Eva Devon is a standalone historical romance. The story is set Yorkshire just before Christmas in the year 1859 and is a novella length read.
Alexander Hunt is a Duke who has hired Adriana to be his ward's governess but when it comes to his attention that Adriana is not who she claims to be he approaches her. Adriana doesn't want to lose her place so she counters the Duke with an offer, to give him twelve days to seduce her to prove she's not whom she claims and she will leave if he does.
Obviously with this one having seduction in the title there are some steamy moments to the story along with a plot bringing the characters around to their HEA. Being a fairly quick read at novella length of course there isn't a ton of depth to the story but it wasn't really bad overall.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Alexander Hunt is a Duke who has hired Adriana to be his ward's governess but when it comes to his attention that Adriana is not who she claims to be he approaches her. Adriana doesn't want to lose her place so she counters the Duke with an offer, to give him twelve days to seduce her to prove she's not whom she claims and she will leave if he does.
Obviously with this one having seduction in the title there are some steamy moments to the story along with a plot bringing the characters around to their HEA. Being a fairly quick read at novella length of course there isn't a ton of depth to the story but it wasn't really bad overall.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
December 25, 2017
Good enough.
December 30, 2013
The Twelve Days of Seduction by Maire Claremont is a December 2013 Entangled Flaunt publication.
I was provided a copy of this book in conjunction with a book tour, in exchange for an honest review.
For the past year, Adriana has been working as a Governess for little Georgiana. Her father, Alexander, a duke ( not by blood), has never told his daughter the truth about her parentage. When he discovers that Adriana has a sordid past, he deems her unfit to work with his daughter. Adriana is crushed. She had begun to love this family and thought maybe she had finally found a place to light. She is also in love with Alexander.
Alexander desires her as well and offers her a proposition. She can stay, not as a governess, but as his mistress. Adriana will not instantly agree to such a situation. She gives him twelve days to seduce her.
This charming Christmas themed historical novella takes us through the twelve days Alexander has to convince Adriana to be his mistress. In that twelve day period he will get to know Adriana as a person and much more will develop between them than just a physical attraction. The pace is set perfectly. There is a slow courtship beginning with the couple talking and getting to know each other, and then it moves forward to a scorching crescendo.
Overall this was unique romantic story that I really enjoyed. This one is an A.
I was provided a copy of this book in conjunction with a book tour, in exchange for an honest review.
For the past year, Adriana has been working as a Governess for little Georgiana. Her father, Alexander, a duke ( not by blood), has never told his daughter the truth about her parentage. When he discovers that Adriana has a sordid past, he deems her unfit to work with his daughter. Adriana is crushed. She had begun to love this family and thought maybe she had finally found a place to light. She is also in love with Alexander.
Alexander desires her as well and offers her a proposition. She can stay, not as a governess, but as his mistress. Adriana will not instantly agree to such a situation. She gives him twelve days to seduce her.
This charming Christmas themed historical novella takes us through the twelve days Alexander has to convince Adriana to be his mistress. In that twelve day period he will get to know Adriana as a person and much more will develop between them than just a physical attraction. The pace is set perfectly. There is a slow courtship beginning with the couple talking and getting to know each other, and then it moves forward to a scorching crescendo.
Overall this was unique romantic story that I really enjoyed. This one is an A.
March 29, 2018
3.5 yuletide stars!
While the employer/governess trope isn’t always my cup of tea, I rather enjoyed this particular take on it very much. I loved how it started off as a game of seduction for the hero, but as he got to know the heroine, really know her, their interactions slowly morphed into wooing and genuine courtship despite the aray of obstacles stacked against them. Eva Devon (a new to me author) infused her writing with such tender emotion that even with all the lust between Adriana and Alexander, I found myself completely believing their romance and rooting for them to defy the odds and live happily ever after as a family alongside Alexander’s darling young daughter Georgiana. The heartwarming Christmas-y feels sprinkled throughout the story proved contagious as well and I left the novella with a smile of contentment on my face. I do wish the story had been longer, but that criticism is almost always a given when dealing with a novella, especially one I loved as much as this one. I’ll be seeking out more of the author’s work in the future.
While the employer/governess trope isn’t always my cup of tea, I rather enjoyed this particular take on it very much. I loved how it started off as a game of seduction for the hero, but as he got to know the heroine, really know her, their interactions slowly morphed into wooing and genuine courtship despite the aray of obstacles stacked against them. Eva Devon (a new to me author) infused her writing with such tender emotion that even with all the lust between Adriana and Alexander, I found myself completely believing their romance and rooting for them to defy the odds and live happily ever after as a family alongside Alexander’s darling young daughter Georgiana. The heartwarming Christmas-y feels sprinkled throughout the story proved contagious as well and I left the novella with a smile of contentment on my face. I do wish the story had been longer, but that criticism is almost always a given when dealing with a novella, especially one I loved as much as this one. I’ll be seeking out more of the author’s work in the future.
December 4, 2017
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 3.5*
This novella was a surprisingly good read! It started out a bit weird, but then I got into it. At 120 pages, it's very quick, and as you can imagine, things don't get as developed as they could. I could have actually read a full version of this, but then I also loved how easy it was to get through. I could just enjoy it without getting too bogged down. I was also not feeling too great when I started it, but because it was quick and light, it was a great pick-me-up.
The story is told over twelve chapters and swaps narration between Adriana, a "governess", and Alexander, a duke. Adriana is quite scrappy but very caring underneath it all, while Alexander is your typical brooding hero. After discovering that Adriana isn't who she says she is, Alexander threatens to throw her out on Christmas Eve, but she negotiates a deal, giving her twelve more days to convince him to let her stay. During those twelve days, we learn about the young Georgiana, and about Adriana's background. I would have liked a bit more on both, but it was enough to make me care about them. (Alexander is a duke and can do what he wants; I didn't feel the need to worry about him.)
What starts out purely as mutual attraction quickly grows to more over the course of two weeks, and it really is rather sweet. I liked the ending, though I did think it was a little bit rushed and convenient.
Overall, an enjoyable historical romance that hit all the right notes for me while helping to get me into the Christmas spirit!This review was originally posted on Love in a time of Feminism
Rating: 3.5*
This novella was a surprisingly good read! It started out a bit weird, but then I got into it. At 120 pages, it's very quick, and as you can imagine, things don't get as developed as they could. I could have actually read a full version of this, but then I also loved how easy it was to get through. I could just enjoy it without getting too bogged down. I was also not feeling too great when I started it, but because it was quick and light, it was a great pick-me-up.
The story is told over twelve chapters and swaps narration between Adriana, a "governess", and Alexander, a duke. Adriana is quite scrappy but very caring underneath it all, while Alexander is your typical brooding hero. After discovering that Adriana isn't who she says she is, Alexander threatens to throw her out on Christmas Eve, but she negotiates a deal, giving her twelve more days to convince him to let her stay. During those twelve days, we learn about the young Georgiana, and about Adriana's background. I would have liked a bit more on both, but it was enough to make me care about them. (Alexander is a duke and can do what he wants; I didn't feel the need to worry about him.)
What starts out purely as mutual attraction quickly grows to more over the course of two weeks, and it really is rather sweet. I liked the ending, though I did think it was a little bit rushed and convenient.
Overall, an enjoyable historical romance that hit all the right notes for me while helping to get me into the Christmas spirit!This review was originally posted on Love in a time of Feminism
December 15, 2014
I received an ARC through NetGalley.
4.5★
The Twelve Days of Seduction is a nearly perfect novella. Why nearly? Because I needed it to be longer, or even a full length novel! The duke's seduction of his governess was over far too quickly. It was delicious, tortuous, and should have been dragged out more! Alexander Hunt is ready to throw his daughter's governess out into the snow when he learns that she's not who she said she is. Ana Grey is really Adriana Flint, an authoress from a poor family. However, the discovery of her identity is just an excuse, since Alexander wants her in his bed. He proposes that she become his mistress instead. Adriana has a proposal of her own: he has twelve days to seduce her, or else she gets to stay as governess. Game on!
Of course, Alexander and Adriana have to fall in love. Her seduction was much more than a sexual feat. It made the duke look at her as more then what she can provide for him. He even started considering the rest of his staff as people rather than just servants to be commanded. But the actual seduction was great, too! Alexander and Adriana are sizzling! They definitely did not make it the full twelve days, and Adriana's position at the end also changed. It all just moved way too fast. I did get teary eyed in the epilogue, because the duke's small heart grew three sizes that day. The Twelve Days of Seduction is a fabulous story and left me wanting more!
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
4.5★
The Twelve Days of Seduction is a nearly perfect novella. Why nearly? Because I needed it to be longer, or even a full length novel! The duke's seduction of his governess was over far too quickly. It was delicious, tortuous, and should have been dragged out more! Alexander Hunt is ready to throw his daughter's governess out into the snow when he learns that she's not who she said she is. Ana Grey is really Adriana Flint, an authoress from a poor family. However, the discovery of her identity is just an excuse, since Alexander wants her in his bed. He proposes that she become his mistress instead. Adriana has a proposal of her own: he has twelve days to seduce her, or else she gets to stay as governess. Game on!
Of course, Alexander and Adriana have to fall in love. Her seduction was much more than a sexual feat. It made the duke look at her as more then what she can provide for him. He even started considering the rest of his staff as people rather than just servants to be commanded. But the actual seduction was great, too! Alexander and Adriana are sizzling! They definitely did not make it the full twelve days, and Adriana's position at the end also changed. It all just moved way too fast. I did get teary eyed in the epilogue, because the duke's small heart grew three sizes that day. The Twelve Days of Seduction is a fabulous story and left me wanting more!
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
January 3, 2018
This was the Christmas short story that put all the other Christmas short stories that I read this holiday season to rest. It was cute, heartfelt, touching, and just absolutely wonderful all around story.
I think the author gave the characters a lot of depth in just 120 pages. We got to learn about them as we went and what all they have been through. We didn't focus on the romance entirely, which is a wonderful break from some over produced Christmas romances.
I definitely think the introduction to the child helped mold the story into what it was, as well as the main character having a horrid back story. It wasn't all, "Everyone is a billionaire and has too much money to be happy and blah, blah, blah." Definitely worth your time! Give it a read.
I think the author gave the characters a lot of depth in just 120 pages. We got to learn about them as we went and what all they have been through. We didn't focus on the romance entirely, which is a wonderful break from some over produced Christmas romances.
I definitely think the introduction to the child helped mold the story into what it was, as well as the main character having a horrid back story. It wasn't all, "Everyone is a billionaire and has too much money to be happy and blah, blah, blah." Definitely worth your time! Give it a read.
November 20, 2017
The Twelve Days of Seduction by Eva Devon. This is this is the story of Alexander Hunt, Eighth Duke of Berresford and Adriana Flint.
Adriana has been acting as a governess for Georgiana for about a year when Alexander finds out she isn't who she has said that she was. But Adriana has fallen in love with Georgianna and Alexander. Alexander gives her a choice to be his mistress but she counter offers that he try to tempt her for 12 Days to prove she can be a moral strong governess. But will their attraction take over?
Enjoyed!
Adriana has been acting as a governess for Georgiana for about a year when Alexander finds out she isn't who she has said that she was. But Adriana has fallen in love with Georgianna and Alexander. Alexander gives her a choice to be his mistress but she counter offers that he try to tempt her for 12 Days to prove she can be a moral strong governess. But will their attraction take over?
Enjoyed!
December 26, 2013
Originally Reviewed For: Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy
It started on Christmas Eve so what better day to post my review about The Twelve Days of Christmas Seduction, than on Christmas Eve? Marie Claremont is one of the reigning queens of them and bloody. Champion of those who live UN the shadows, reminding us that they too (they especially) need to find the light of love.
Raised in the very gutters of London, Adriana Flint has risen high enough to have obtained a position as governness. But all of her secrets have come tumbling out and now she is desperate to stay. Having fallen in love with her charge she tempts the duke with a challenge. Use the twelve days of Christmas to seduce her, not physically but emotionally.
Alexander Hunt, Eighth Duke of Berresford is not quite the pompous pratt he could be but even he draws the line at allowing a governess with no morals care for his ward. While he has no problem taking her to bed he can't allow her to stay. But he is intrigued by her challenge and gives her the twelve days of Christmas to prove him wrong, never even dreaming of finding his own lost heart.
A perfect Christmas Eve Romance, short, sweet and full of hope for two lost souls. Marie Claremont has managed to convey the brooding lushness of her world in just a few short pages. Of course after reading this I wanted more... but this book is a seductive tease leaving you wanting more and yet when the final page has been turned you do believe in the miracle of love.
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of The Twelve Days of Seduction, provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released on December 30, 2013
It started on Christmas Eve so what better day to post my review about The Twelve Days of Christmas Seduction, than on Christmas Eve? Marie Claremont is one of the reigning queens of them and bloody. Champion of those who live UN the shadows, reminding us that they too (they especially) need to find the light of love.
Raised in the very gutters of London, Adriana Flint has risen high enough to have obtained a position as governness. But all of her secrets have come tumbling out and now she is desperate to stay. Having fallen in love with her charge she tempts the duke with a challenge. Use the twelve days of Christmas to seduce her, not physically but emotionally.
Alexander Hunt, Eighth Duke of Berresford is not quite the pompous pratt he could be but even he draws the line at allowing a governess with no morals care for his ward. While he has no problem taking her to bed he can't allow her to stay. But he is intrigued by her challenge and gives her the twelve days of Christmas to prove him wrong, never even dreaming of finding his own lost heart.
A perfect Christmas Eve Romance, short, sweet and full of hope for two lost souls. Marie Claremont has managed to convey the brooding lushness of her world in just a few short pages. Of course after reading this I wanted more... but this book is a seductive tease leaving you wanting more and yet when the final page has been turned you do believe in the miracle of love.
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of The Twelve Days of Seduction, provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released on December 30, 2013
August 20, 2017
First time reading Marie Claremont in the anthology All I Want For Christmas Is A Duke. The author has a Gothic sensibility to her writing, which I favor, so I would read her again.
I am rating this story 3.5 Gothic Fairytale stars.
I loved how dramatic this short started out! Our heroine is being called out as misrepresenting herself to her employer the Duke, our hero. Ooooooo...dun dun dun!
But it's the other parts of the initial set up for her backstory (how did she get to this place at this time?); her counteroffer to the Duke (really? a woman in her position, in that scenario, in that time period?? Hmmm); and the akwardness of the whole employer/employee thingy that all niggled warnings to me that this could go to fantasyland in a heartbeat in that first chapter.
I read on.
It's a Christmas short, so I was pretty sure a HEA was at the end, some holes in a story can be forgiven ;) Those holes are the reason for only rating it 3.5 stars.
Because this author gave me Alexander Hunt, the 8th Duke of Berresford. He seemed a bit of an opportunistic cad at first, until he defended our heroine's words in front of his peers! Bam. Damn. Game on. And then he took responsibility for his past...and gave Adriana and Georgiana a future. *Swoonworthy*
I am rating this story 3.5 Gothic Fairytale stars.
I loved how dramatic this short started out! Our heroine is being called out as misrepresenting herself to her employer the Duke, our hero. Ooooooo...dun dun dun!
But it's the other parts of the initial set up for her backstory (how did she get to this place at this time?); her counteroffer to the Duke (really? a woman in her position, in that scenario, in that time period?? Hmmm); and the akwardness of the whole employer/employee thingy that all niggled warnings to me that this could go to fantasyland in a heartbeat in that first chapter.
I read on.
It's a Christmas short, so I was pretty sure a HEA was at the end, some holes in a story can be forgiven ;) Those holes are the reason for only rating it 3.5 stars.
Because this author gave me Alexander Hunt, the 8th Duke of Berresford. He seemed a bit of an opportunistic cad at first, until he defended our heroine's words in front of his peers! Bam. Damn. Game on. And then he took responsibility for his past...and gave Adriana and Georgiana a future. *Swoonworthy*
January 11, 2015
4 Stars
Adriana Flint was born the granddaughter of an earl, but is forced to earn her own living because her mother was cast out by her parents when she married beneath her station. She is a published author, but that doesn't allow her enough money to live on, so she also works as a governess to a young girl she has come to love deeply. Just as Adriana begins to feel secure in her position, her charge's guardian, the duke, discovers the truth about her identity and threatens to throw her out of his household.
Alexander, the duke, has always noticed how attractive Adriana was, but he believed that it was improper for him to become involved with his ward's governess. Now, however, since she has been deceiving him, he feels he can proposition her. He tells her she can stay, but only as his mistress. In turn, Adriana agrees, but only if he can seduce her during the twelve days of Christmas.
As the seduction begins, we find that Alexander is not quite so conventional, and that Adriana is very honorable, despite her checkered past. The seduction quickly turns to love and leads to a satisfying happy ever after. This is a quick and enjoyable read, and I recommend it.
Adriana Flint was born the granddaughter of an earl, but is forced to earn her own living because her mother was cast out by her parents when she married beneath her station. She is a published author, but that doesn't allow her enough money to live on, so she also works as a governess to a young girl she has come to love deeply. Just as Adriana begins to feel secure in her position, her charge's guardian, the duke, discovers the truth about her identity and threatens to throw her out of his household.
Alexander, the duke, has always noticed how attractive Adriana was, but he believed that it was improper for him to become involved with his ward's governess. Now, however, since she has been deceiving him, he feels he can proposition her. He tells her she can stay, but only as his mistress. In turn, Adriana agrees, but only if he can seduce her during the twelve days of Christmas.
As the seduction begins, we find that Alexander is not quite so conventional, and that Adriana is very honorable, despite her checkered past. The seduction quickly turns to love and leads to a satisfying happy ever after. This is a quick and enjoyable read, and I recommend it.
November 2, 2014
Short but sweet romance between a duke and his governess. I loved how well Maire Claremont showed Alexander and Adriana getting to know each other. There is plenty of steam, but it never overtakes the emotional side. I really wish this had been fleshed out to a full-length novel, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
I received a free copy of this book from Entangled Publishing via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free copy of this book from Entangled Publishing via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 18, 2017
3.0 stars
Don't let the title fool you!
Okay, I have to admit...the title left me a bit curious and I couldn't resist!
This sweet, little short read from author Eva Devon really surprised me with the lovely spin she put in this story.
For the past year Adrianna Flint has been the governess to the daughter of one of the most powerful dukes in London. She seems to be the perfect governess. The duke's daughter loves her and Adrianna has grown to love little Geogianna in return. Adrianna is happy with her place in the duke's household, the duke is grateful that his daughter has Adrianna and little Georgianna's world has been a happy place ever since Adrianna became a part of it.
So everyone is happy! Well... you ask, What's the problem?
You see, Adrianna Flint is not who she says she is or pretends to be. When the duke discovers the truth of her past Adrianna finds her way on the fast lane to unemployment which might as well be a death sentence to a woman in her time.
What could she possibly do to save herself and convince the duke not to throw her out into the snow as he threatened to do but instead convince him that she is worthy of her place in his household?
She enters a bargain with the duke whom she has admired from a distance for the past year. She will grant him 12 days to seduce her. If she succumbs to his attentions she will stay as his mistress not his daughter's governess but, if he fails she remains in his employ.
Alexander Hunt is the duke who has been secretly enthralled with Adrianna for the past year as well. He has wanted her but due to her position and his daughter's happiness he has never attempted or dared to pursue his growing feelings for Adrianna. But, when the object of his hidden passion offers him the opportunity he is no fool to balk at it.
At this point I'm thinking okay....this is going to be the cliche sweet, talking duke buttering his governess to get her in the sack right? Wrong!
What follows was a journey deeper than physical attraction. It was a journey into the heart. I really wished this story would've been a full blown novel!
His seduction had been far more powerful than any game of gifts and double entendre. No, his seduction had been of her very soul.
The characters were believable. I really liked both Adrianna and Alexander as they both struggle to leave the pains of their pasts behind and give the flicker of trust in each other a fighting chance for happiness and true love.
Rules of society clashes with rules of the heart and rules of the mind leaving only room for a heartfelt at times heartbreaking path to the one person that makes your life all kinds of wonderful!
This was my first introduction to Eva Devon. I look forward to picking up some of her other works in the future. This novella left me with a teary-eyed smile but I wanted more! I think the author could've given us much more. Hence why it only gets 3 stars.
This was also a GR Daily Reads freebie!
Short, sweet story with heart and a little sexy times too!
Don't let the title fool you!
Okay, I have to admit...the title left me a bit curious and I couldn't resist!
This sweet, little short read from author Eva Devon really surprised me with the lovely spin she put in this story.
For the past year Adrianna Flint has been the governess to the daughter of one of the most powerful dukes in London. She seems to be the perfect governess. The duke's daughter loves her and Adrianna has grown to love little Geogianna in return. Adrianna is happy with her place in the duke's household, the duke is grateful that his daughter has Adrianna and little Georgianna's world has been a happy place ever since Adrianna became a part of it.
So everyone is happy! Well... you ask, What's the problem?
You see, Adrianna Flint is not who she says she is or pretends to be. When the duke discovers the truth of her past Adrianna finds her way on the fast lane to unemployment which might as well be a death sentence to a woman in her time.
What could she possibly do to save herself and convince the duke not to throw her out into the snow as he threatened to do but instead convince him that she is worthy of her place in his household?
She enters a bargain with the duke whom she has admired from a distance for the past year. She will grant him 12 days to seduce her. If she succumbs to his attentions she will stay as his mistress not his daughter's governess but, if he fails she remains in his employ.
Alexander Hunt is the duke who has been secretly enthralled with Adrianna for the past year as well. He has wanted her but due to her position and his daughter's happiness he has never attempted or dared to pursue his growing feelings for Adrianna. But, when the object of his hidden passion offers him the opportunity he is no fool to balk at it.
At this point I'm thinking okay....this is going to be the cliche sweet, talking duke buttering his governess to get her in the sack right? Wrong!
What follows was a journey deeper than physical attraction. It was a journey into the heart. I really wished this story would've been a full blown novel!
His seduction had been far more powerful than any game of gifts and double entendre. No, his seduction had been of her very soul.
The characters were believable. I really liked both Adrianna and Alexander as they both struggle to leave the pains of their pasts behind and give the flicker of trust in each other a fighting chance for happiness and true love.
Rules of society clashes with rules of the heart and rules of the mind leaving only room for a heartfelt at times heartbreaking path to the one person that makes your life all kinds of wonderful!
This was my first introduction to Eva Devon. I look forward to picking up some of her other works in the future. This novella left me with a teary-eyed smile but I wanted more! I think the author could've given us much more. Hence why it only gets 3 stars.
This was also a GR Daily Reads freebie!
Short, sweet story with heart and a little sexy times too!
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November 18, 2021The Twelve Days of Seduction was about His Grace Alexander Hunt, the Duke of Berresford, and Miss Adriana Flint.
Upon realizing that Adriana was in his home under false pretenses, Alexander threatened to fire her and send her away without a reference. He offered her another choice instead...for her to become his mistress rather than his ward's governess. Desperate to not be separated from her charge, she then countered his threat and subsequent offer with a challenge. If he could seduce her in the remaining twelve days of the year and prove her to be an unfit governess for his ward (or was she his daughter? Seems like the author couldn't make up her mind as she went back and forth between writing her as a ward, then daughter), she would accept the dismissal without a fight.
There was not a whole lot to this novella. Adriana had been living in the duke's home for about a year or so under an assumed name. The way the story began, with Alexander confronting Adriana with the fact he was aware of her deception, was a bit odd. There was no background information ever given as to why she chose to hide her identity. There was no information given as to what made the duke suspicious of her...or even why. There was a complete lack of...well, to be honest, there was a total lack of a great deal of information. None of it made sense. So the duke desired her from the beginning...she desired the duke from the beginning...but the lie lay between them...so they taunted each other with threats and counter-threats in order to sleep together.
It was a book of...complete confusion from start to finish and it was utter nonsense. No, it was a waste of my time to read. There wasn't really much romance going on. Sure there was lust aplenty...but that's not romance, that's just sex. That's all this book was about...deception, threats, and sex, with a little girl thrown in as bait to hold on to what everyone wanted out of the situation. She was a bargaining chip and nothing more. Disgusting.
This book does not get any stars from me and it wasn't anywhere near good enough to be a consideration for the Keeper for the Shelves collection. I'm just glad I didn't spend a dime on it or even that would have been a waste.
Upon realizing that Adriana was in his home under false pretenses, Alexander threatened to fire her and send her away without a reference. He offered her another choice instead...for her to become his mistress rather than his ward's governess. Desperate to not be separated from her charge, she then countered his threat and subsequent offer with a challenge. If he could seduce her in the remaining twelve days of the year and prove her to be an unfit governess for his ward (or was she his daughter? Seems like the author couldn't make up her mind as she went back and forth between writing her as a ward, then daughter), she would accept the dismissal without a fight.
There was not a whole lot to this novella. Adriana had been living in the duke's home for about a year or so under an assumed name. The way the story began, with Alexander confronting Adriana with the fact he was aware of her deception, was a bit odd. There was no background information ever given as to why she chose to hide her identity. There was no information given as to what made the duke suspicious of her...or even why. There was a complete lack of...well, to be honest, there was a total lack of a great deal of information. None of it made sense. So the duke desired her from the beginning...she desired the duke from the beginning...but the lie lay between them...so they taunted each other with threats and counter-threats in order to sleep together.
It was a book of...complete confusion from start to finish and it was utter nonsense. No, it was a waste of my time to read. There wasn't really much romance going on. Sure there was lust aplenty...but that's not romance, that's just sex. That's all this book was about...deception, threats, and sex, with a little girl thrown in as bait to hold on to what everyone wanted out of the situation. She was a bargaining chip and nothing more. Disgusting.
This book does not get any stars from me and it wasn't anywhere near good enough to be a consideration for the Keeper for the Shelves collection. I'm just glad I didn't spend a dime on it or even that would have been a waste.
December 3, 2017
Heart felt poignant Christmas Story!
Publisher's Description: Alexander Hunt, Eighth Duke of Berresford, is aware his ward's governess misrepresented herself to gain employment, and he’s quite displeased, even if she is one of the most intelligent women’s he’s ever met. His ward deserves a reputable governess, so he threatens to give Adriana the sack mere days before Christmas. Desperate to convince the sexy duke not to tear her from the little girl she's grown to adore, Adriana challenges him to prove she’s not the reputable governess he believed he hired. If he can seduce her before the Twelve Days of Christmas have come to an end, she will leave without protest. But when they find the challenge more difficult than either imagined, can they face the consequences of their decisions? My Thoughts: This amazingly well written holiday romance novella is not to be missed.. Adriana has come to love her charge as if she were her own child. She is aware that Georgiana is more than the Dukes ward. She is his daughter. This fact is something that members of the ton are not aware of but they do speculate. When Alexander let's Adriana know he is aware of her secret he also threatens to dismiss her from her position as his daughter's governess. They enter into a bargain of seduction. They find their bargain more challenging to carry out than they could have imagined.
This sweetly romantic tale is one for the keeper shelf. Although I was provided a complimentary digital copy of this book from the publisher to read and review, I loved it enough that I choose to purchase it from Amazon.
I gave this lovely Christmas tale of happily ever after 5.0 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization and a sensual rating of 4.5 of 5.0 flames. This is a sweetly sensual romance that I wanted to keep to reread whenever I need a happy bit of tears.
I read and reviewed this book voluntarily and all thoughts are my own.
Publisher's Description: Alexander Hunt, Eighth Duke of Berresford, is aware his ward's governess misrepresented herself to gain employment, and he’s quite displeased, even if she is one of the most intelligent women’s he’s ever met. His ward deserves a reputable governess, so he threatens to give Adriana the sack mere days before Christmas. Desperate to convince the sexy duke not to tear her from the little girl she's grown to adore, Adriana challenges him to prove she’s not the reputable governess he believed he hired. If he can seduce her before the Twelve Days of Christmas have come to an end, she will leave without protest. But when they find the challenge more difficult than either imagined, can they face the consequences of their decisions? My Thoughts: This amazingly well written holiday romance novella is not to be missed.. Adriana has come to love her charge as if she were her own child. She is aware that Georgiana is more than the Dukes ward. She is his daughter. This fact is something that members of the ton are not aware of but they do speculate. When Alexander let's Adriana know he is aware of her secret he also threatens to dismiss her from her position as his daughter's governess. They enter into a bargain of seduction. They find their bargain more challenging to carry out than they could have imagined.
This sweetly romantic tale is one for the keeper shelf. Although I was provided a complimentary digital copy of this book from the publisher to read and review, I loved it enough that I choose to purchase it from Amazon.
I gave this lovely Christmas tale of happily ever after 5.0 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization and a sensual rating of 4.5 of 5.0 flames. This is a sweetly sensual romance that I wanted to keep to reread whenever I need a happy bit of tears.
I read and reviewed this book voluntarily and all thoughts are my own.
November 29, 2017
Reputations are fickled things, they are difficult to hold and so easy to lose.
Adriana Flint aka Anna Grey has lived a hard and exposed life. From the Bohemian lifestyle of her parents, she was exposed to the ugly side of life at a very early age. Her youth was spent doing whatever she could to survive. To avoid sinking into the throngs of the “ladies of the night,” she made a bold decision to break the shackles of her sad and desperate life and become Adriana Flint, the governess.
The omissions and half-truths she employed to secure a position as governess to Georgiana, ward to Lord Alexander Hunt, Eighth Duke of Berresford, have been discovered and Lord Berresford is castigating her for immorality; she is in fact, a novelist. This does not fit in the traditionally acceptable and very restricted mold of a tutor to a young and impressionable girl. He berated her and threatened to have her thrown out of Highburn Castle, his family’s country estate. She reasoned with him and even considered begging him not to deprive her of the only true home she had ever known. He countered her plea with a proposal of his own; become his mistress. Although the desire and passion were mutual, she was afraid of being emotionally and socially hurt and presented a counterproposal; he would be granted twelve days to seduce her. This will be a twelve-day quest of discovery and possible surrender for two enigmatic souls.
Each year, as the Yuletide season approaches, I am drawn to Christmas tales. I have read all of the traditional stories multiple times so I now seek fresh stock. This novella falls into that category and gives the holiday season a new flavor. This story combines the biggest thrill of Christmas, anticipation, with the most intense human emotion, love, and creates a memorable story of passion and fulfillment.
Adriana Flint aka Anna Grey has lived a hard and exposed life. From the Bohemian lifestyle of her parents, she was exposed to the ugly side of life at a very early age. Her youth was spent doing whatever she could to survive. To avoid sinking into the throngs of the “ladies of the night,” she made a bold decision to break the shackles of her sad and desperate life and become Adriana Flint, the governess.
The omissions and half-truths she employed to secure a position as governess to Georgiana, ward to Lord Alexander Hunt, Eighth Duke of Berresford, have been discovered and Lord Berresford is castigating her for immorality; she is in fact, a novelist. This does not fit in the traditionally acceptable and very restricted mold of a tutor to a young and impressionable girl. He berated her and threatened to have her thrown out of Highburn Castle, his family’s country estate. She reasoned with him and even considered begging him not to deprive her of the only true home she had ever known. He countered her plea with a proposal of his own; become his mistress. Although the desire and passion were mutual, she was afraid of being emotionally and socially hurt and presented a counterproposal; he would be granted twelve days to seduce her. This will be a twelve-day quest of discovery and possible surrender for two enigmatic souls.
Each year, as the Yuletide season approaches, I am drawn to Christmas tales. I have read all of the traditional stories multiple times so I now seek fresh stock. This novella falls into that category and gives the holiday season a new flavor. This story combines the biggest thrill of Christmas, anticipation, with the most intense human emotion, love, and creates a memorable story of passion and fulfillment.
December 6, 2017
The Twelve Days of Seduction by Eva Devon is a historical romance with a Christmas theme and reminiscent of Jane Eyre. Adriana Flint is a notorious authoress who has been living a disguised life as governess Ana Grey. When the Duke, Alexander Hunt, finds out that his ward's governess has a less than reputable reputation, he is in a bind. His ward, and illegitimate daughter, has bonded with Miss Grey and there is also the small matter of his attraction to her that he cannot deny. His offer to make her his mistress is met with her counter offer that he seduce her for 12 days.
The themes of Christmas and spirit of Jane Eyre are worked throughout. As a shorter work, it is streamlined, with characters who have secretly been pining for each other. Adriana's character is a combination of a smart, worldly woman, with someone who is self-conscious and worried about the perception of society. I found her endearing, complicated and well devised as a character. Alexander as a character is one that is both in a bind but also one that has the power to sweep aside an hint of impropriety, if he finds the right reason and means. He is more that just attracted to Adriana he respects her and learns from her. These two characters and Georgiana are a family who just doesn't know it yet.
Overall, The Twelve Days of Seduction by Eva Devon was a lot of fun, romantic, and dynamic. I love Jane Eyre and Christmas so I was envisioning scenes and settings covered in snow. I couldn't put it down.
(I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book I received for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my open and honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.)
The themes of Christmas and spirit of Jane Eyre are worked throughout. As a shorter work, it is streamlined, with characters who have secretly been pining for each other. Adriana's character is a combination of a smart, worldly woman, with someone who is self-conscious and worried about the perception of society. I found her endearing, complicated and well devised as a character. Alexander as a character is one that is both in a bind but also one that has the power to sweep aside an hint of impropriety, if he finds the right reason and means. He is more that just attracted to Adriana he respects her and learns from her. These two characters and Georgiana are a family who just doesn't know it yet.
Overall, The Twelve Days of Seduction by Eva Devon was a lot of fun, romantic, and dynamic. I love Jane Eyre and Christmas so I was envisioning scenes and settings covered in snow. I couldn't put it down.
(I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book I received for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my open and honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.)
April 4, 2019
Free holiday download seems to equal lame reading experience. You'd think I'd learn, but sometimes I need a break from the heavy (both literally and metaphorically) stack of books I have waiting to be read. And besides, my downloads aren't always free, they're just Nook ebooks of the day, so people regularly pay for them, and they must have some value, right?
First off, this 80 page novella (which I flew through in less than an hour), would have been better expanded into a full-length novel. The basic idea was interesting: girl from questionable background takes on a new identity and lies to get a respectable job as a governess. After a year in her position, in which she bonds tightly with her slightly handicapped charge, her employer (who of course is young, handsome, and single) discovers the truth and threatens to throw her out on Christmas Eve. She begs to stay, wherein they strike a deal that she has 12 days to become his mistress and prove she actually is respectable and should be allowed to stay with his daughter. The anachronism in this is lightly passed over.
The problem is this: the author spends no time developing her plot or her characters, which might actually make the reader care about what is going to happen. She gives a quick background of the situation, and jumps right in to the attraction between the main characters. The whole year of building is ignored, giving us no chance to see that Adriana is actually a good person, or to learn that Alexander is more than sparkling eyes, a ducal title, and a broad chest. And then she races through the 12 days of Christmas, as if she's writing a story outline and only cares about getting to the consummation scene. Lame lame lame.
First off, this 80 page novella (which I flew through in less than an hour), would have been better expanded into a full-length novel. The basic idea was interesting: girl from questionable background takes on a new identity and lies to get a respectable job as a governess. After a year in her position, in which she bonds tightly with her slightly handicapped charge, her employer (who of course is young, handsome, and single) discovers the truth and threatens to throw her out on Christmas Eve. She begs to stay, wherein they strike a deal that she has 12 days to become his mistress and prove she actually is respectable and should be allowed to stay with his daughter. The anachronism in this is lightly passed over.
The problem is this: the author spends no time developing her plot or her characters, which might actually make the reader care about what is going to happen. She gives a quick background of the situation, and jumps right in to the attraction between the main characters. The whole year of building is ignored, giving us no chance to see that Adriana is actually a good person, or to learn that Alexander is more than sparkling eyes, a ducal title, and a broad chest. And then she races through the 12 days of Christmas, as if she's writing a story outline and only cares about getting to the consummation scene. Lame lame lame.
January 2, 2018
This was free from Kindle and I didn’t realize how short it was until I downloaded it. It only took about two hours to read. I felt like I started a book in the middle. Adriana has been working for the duke as a governess for the past year and he has found out she lied about her past. If this was a full length story this would have been a dramatic scene, instead it was confusing. From there it gets steamy pretty quickly and without knowing the backstory of the characters it seemed incredibly unrealistic.
May 9, 2018
Very light, holiday inspired reading. It was really too short. Could’ve been much better had it expanded on the premise and given the main characters more time to actually get to know each other before they fell madly in love. Or maybe they kind of were before it even started, but we missed all of those early interactions that were only briefly mentioned. I didn’t feel the intensity in this book that I felt in the Once Upon a Duke that I read just before this.
December 13, 2018
"The Twelve Days of Seduction" by Faire Claremont is an old-fashioned Christmas romance. The secret was a bit confusing to me, but the style of writing was perfect for the time period. I was a little leery of the employer/employee relationship, but the steamy parts were portrayed in heart pounding romance. I found myself giggling and rooting for the love story to continue! A lovely light holiday read for romance enthusiasts.
December 16, 2017
The Twelve Days Of Seduction by Eva Devon is a well-written historical romance. Ms. Devon has filled this book with amazing, lovable characters. Adriana and Alexander's story is loaded with drama, humor and spice. I enjoyed reading The Twelve Days Of Seduction and look forward to many more books by Eva Devon in the future. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
December 17, 2017
A Christmas novella
I say novella because it was short. For its length the character development was what it could be but I felt it focused to much on the heroine and not the hero- I don’t think I learned much about him at all. Predictable of course. Otherwise sweet and short Christmas read.
I say novella because it was short. For its length the character development was what it could be but I felt it focused to much on the heroine and not the hero- I don’t think I learned much about him at all. Predictable of course. Otherwise sweet and short Christmas read.
December 12, 2020
A triumphant seasonal story
This is a triumphant seasonal story that will keep you entertained on a winter's night. The plot is full of emotional passages, and the characters are beautifully portrayed, with the strength to overcome their social divide. This book would be great reading for anybody who loves steamy historical romances.
This is a triumphant seasonal story that will keep you entertained on a winter's night. The plot is full of emotional passages, and the characters are beautifully portrayed, with the strength to overcome their social divide. This book would be great reading for anybody who loves steamy historical romances.
February 9, 2021
Very interesting story with good characters. The length is short. The Duke,Alexander, discovers his governess is really an author of fiction books. Adriana grew up in the bad part of London with parents who paid little attention to her. As governess to Alexander’s ward Georgiana, Adriana loves the handicapped child. Alexander finds he loves Adriana.
February 22, 2021
This is a short Christmas themed romance with a bit of a twist on the Governess theme. Although I would have appreciated a longer story with more details on Adriana’s past, the relationship that developed in the story was slow burning and romantic with an appealing happily ever after. An entertaining read that gave me a desire to read more books by Eva Devon.
April 13, 2024
A most beautiful ending…beginning and middle
I have always loved novellas for they get right to the heart of the story, but I would have loved for this story to continue in perpetuity. It is so heartwarming and for very few words, the characters are brought to such brilliance. A must-read! Happy Tears
I have always loved novellas for they get right to the heart of the story, but I would have loved for this story to continue in perpetuity. It is so heartwarming and for very few words, the characters are brought to such brilliance. A must-read! Happy Tears
November 28, 2017
Who's seduction was it?
A charming and yet cautionary tale of the wickedness and weakness of the ton to belittle those beneath them with an inspiring conclusion of those that rise above with intelligence, will and integrity even in lies through the magic of love!
A charming and yet cautionary tale of the wickedness and weakness of the ton to belittle those beneath them with an inspiring conclusion of those that rise above with intelligence, will and integrity even in lies through the magic of love!
December 7, 2017
A good premise that needs more flesh on the bones.
I LOVED the idea, but everything happens too fast because the story's too short. A chance to get to know the characters would have made it more engaging & earned 5 stars.
I LOVED the idea, but everything happens too fast because the story's too short. A chance to get to know the characters would have made it more engaging & earned 5 stars.
December 18, 2017
I've been reading pretty heavy stuff lately and needed a quick break. This was free on Barnes & Noble's Free Nook Friday, so I gave it a shot. It was a quick read and I feel meh about it. I deleted it off my Nook as soon as I was done reading it, so it's not a keeper.
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