Christmas in the Duke's Embrace

Christmas Wishes #4

by Amanda Mariel

Disgraced and betrayed by those she trusted most, Lady Marina Ellis finds herself near death and in desperate need of rescue.

Evan Lockhart, never expected to find a woman buried in a snowbank outside of his ducal manor, but now that he has he cannot turn her away.

As Christmas approaches the pair form a bond neither expected, but can they overcome the obstacles standing between them and embrace their chance at love?

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Regency, Novella, Audiobook, Historical

80 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 27, 2018

About the author

Amanda Mariel, an accomplished wordsmith, holds dual master's degrees in liberal arts and education, specializing in the captivating realms of history and literature. Beyond her academic pursuits, she embraces the joyful chaos of motherhood, tending to both her cherished teenagers and her trio of adored fur babies. Among them, a noble Bernese Mountain Dog named Blaze, and two cats of distinct character, Ezra and Puff, share their home.

A USA Today Bestselling luminary, Amanda Mariel conjures vivid tapestries of eras long past, drawing inspiration from the languid cadence of days gone by. With pen poised and imagination unfurled, she traverses the annals of time, weaving tales that illuminate historical landscapes with finesse and flair. Her creative spirit finds respite in reading, traversing new horizons through travel, and capturing moments through the lenses of both her camera and artistic endeavors. Yet, it is in the embrace of family that she finds her truest sanctuary.

To delve deeper into Amanda's captivating world visit www.amandamariel.com. While there, an invitation to join her newsletter promises a gateway to the latest from Amanda Mariel's literary treasury, and an opportunity to claim a complimentary eBook.

Amanda's passion extends to her readers, welcoming their voices and stories into her narrative realm. Engage with her through email at amanda@amandamariel.com, or connect via her social Media channels.

Facebook: facebook.com/AuthorAmandaMarie1
Twitter: twitter.com/AmandaMarieAuth
BookBub: bookbub.com/authors/amanda-mariel
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Amidst the prose and parchment, Amanda Mariel etches a profound connection, bridging eras, hearts, and minds, creating a legacy that resonates through the corridors of time.

Reviews

[Mak ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ameiii.. In Love...

🥰🥰🥰

Tudo foi encantador, perfect... Só uma coisa... 🤭🤭

Foi muita pouca página... Deveria ter mais,, muito mais...

😍😍

Lady Marina Ellis e Evan Lockhart

🥰🥰

Encantador, lindo, beautiful, in love... Tudo foi incrível, do começo ao fim.. Marina foi forte e brava, sofreu com atitudes de pessoas ruins, mas foi recompensada por encontrar o amor de sua vida... Evan mesmo após tudo o que sofreu encontrou o amor... 🥰🥰

Quero mais... 📚📚 Desse casal incrível...

#BoaLeitura🎀 #GoodReading🎀

[Marivi Sanz · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

Lady Marina Ellis finds herself in need of help after being abandoned by her family. Evan Lockhart finds her unconscious on the snow, so he brings her to his house to help her. During her recovery, they learn the truths of each other and a bond between them is created.

It's a short, clean and sweet story. But beware of the triggers, as there is a rape attempt in the story that could upset some people. Otherwise, it's a nice story. even if there are some historical inaccuracies and insta-love (which is is not my thing and they fall in love in about three days) it was cute.

I didn't enjoy the narration at first, as I felt the diction was too slow and overdone at some points, but I increased the speed a little and it improved a lot.

I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful mystery becomes the answer to all of his prayers. Christmas in the Duke's Embrace mesmerizes with a romance that blooms from heartache and is shrouded in suspense. Marina and Evan are strangers in the night, brought together by desperation and haunted by danger. Can she outrun the demons headed her way? Mariel makes sure to keep us guessing, while running away with our hearts.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Duration: 2 hrs 6 mins.
#BennetSistersScale: Jane - 🌹🌹🌹🌹 Though rather too melodramatic to be a Jane, it is mostly defined by its overwhelming sweetness and neat, perfect ending.

Christmas in the Duke's Embrace, Christmas Wishes series, Book 4 by Amanda Mariel is a sweet, clean seasonal Regency novella in which two wounded people are thrown together in the snow.

Content warning: there is a brief reference to an attempted sexual assault. It is not central to the plot but may be upsetting for those who wish to avoid this topic altogether.

Following a brief musical introduction, we first meet our heroine as she braces herself to face her father's wrath. How she will fare away from his ire and control is uncertain, but it is clear that she must escape the fate he has planned for her.

I did find it odd that Marina did not confess to feeling much shame, instead expressing anger at her father for not supporting her and admitting to some guilt for upsetting her mother. Even her bitterness towards the man who forsook her is rather tame, and does not have the impact upon her interactions with Evan that one would expect. Consequently, this did make the story feel as though it struggled to settle into its period setting.

It was similarly unusual for the hero and heroine to be so open with each other. Not only are their conversations striking in their candour so soon after meeting, but they are each prone to laying hands upon the other with an intimacy that would have been highly taboo at the time.

Christmas in the Duke's Embrace is a very sweet tale of redemption, wrapped up in a love-at-first-sight style romance. It is not in the least bit realistic or complex, but is a nice little story nonetheless, and ideal for playing in the background while wrapping presents.

This was my first audiobook narrated by Martin Royal and I enjoyed his performance. His reading was very expressive and the voices he gave the characters were good, with diverse accents helping give the story depth.

I would recommend this audiobook to anyone who is looking for a sweeping Christmas romance between a fallen Lady and a stricken Duke.

*I received this audiobook free of charge in the hope of an honest, unbiased review.

(Click here to buy this book, listen to a sample, or add it to your wishlist!)

You can read the full review on my blog.

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[Rose Blue · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars as reviewed at TRR: https://www.theromancereviews.com/vie...

Lady Marina Ellis believed Lord Banfield when he said he loved her, that they’d wed as soon as he “settled his future.” Fully expecting to be married shortly, Marina gives in to Lord Banfield’s pleas, and soon finds herself expecting a child. Suddenly Lord Banfield rejects her, saying that they’ll never marry. The Earl Langmore, Marina’s father, is incensed with Marina and the shame she’s brought to the family. He arranges to send her away permanently to a distant relative, and have the child be taken away from her. While en route to her dour aunt’s home, her carriage is attacked by highwaymen, who abandon her to freeze in the cold and snow.

Evan Lockheart, Duke of Roxley, lives in seclusion, having no need of society who calls him the Duke of Death. Evan has lost his parents, his sister, and his wife, along with their stillborn son. His grief has convinced him that he’ll never allow himself to love again, and he’s content with his solitude. While riding one day, he comes across a bundle of cloth in the snow, and that bundle turns out to be Marina, who’s injured and freezing. Evan takes the unconscious Marina home, hoping to be able to save her life.

What follows is a sweet developing love between a man who thought he’d never feel again, and a woman betrayed who gave up all hope. I love Evan’s acceptance and lack of judgment for Marina’s situation. His care of Marina, and his willingness to accept another man’s child, even if it turns out to be a boy and his heir, makes him genuine hero material. CHRISTMAS IN THE DUKE’S EMBRACE is a very short and sweet story of two wounded souls healing each other, and finding a love that neither thought was in the cards for them.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a heartbreaking story with an HEA. I felt sad for our heroine Lady Marina Ellis. In the early 1800's society was not kind to single mothers. They were ostracized and cast aside. Sometimes left with no one to help them and no money to live on. It was very rare that the child would stay with the mother. This story details the worst and the best of what could happen. The hero, Evan Lockheart, Duke of Rowley, I feel is an aberration from the males of his time. He takes Marina into his home and puts her under his protection. There is an instant attraction between them. He becomes her champion. But I think in those days, it did not take long to ascertain whether or not someone would be a suitable marriage partner. I think in those days, they rarely took the time to really get to know one another. Happiness in marriage was a hit or miss type of relationship. Either it worked and love or affection could be found or not. Either way it was a chance people were willing to take. Maybe, I think, title and money were more important is most cases. Anyway, I found this to be an interesting read for a short story. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jamie Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Utterly Charming, Even If a Bit Unreal

Fiction, especially romantic fiction, often only has shreds of reality. This sometimes bothers me; other times, I find the story enchanting because of its sweetness or sympathetic characters, despite the unbelievability. Luckily, this story was decidedly one of the latter. Our heroine is in a tough spot when the book opens, which only gets worse before she meets the hero. He finds her in the nick of time, determined to see her well, although he is cruelly known as the “Duke of Death” because of all the personal tragedies he has suffered. These are two lost and hurting souls who find comfort—and eventually love—in each other. The duke is so sweet to her, so deeply understanding of her situation. Their brief romantic arc was lovely to watch unfold. I also loved the epilogue providing a glimpse into their lives four years later. I would not have been so nearly as forgiving as the heroine! A thoroughly enjoyable quick listen.

I received a promo code for this audiobook, but that did not affect my review.

[Beverly Laude · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short but entertaining book. Marina Ellis has been disgraced and disowned due to a rogue who took advantage of her. Now, she has been sent to live with an aunt without benefit of a maid or money. When her carriage is attacked, she finds herself having to fight for her life and her honor.

When Duke Evan Lockhart finds Marina in a snowbank, he takes her back to his manor in order to nurse her back to health. Known as the Duke of Death because of all of the people who have died around him, Evan has become a recluse. Will the two form a bond and have a happily ever after ending?

I enjoyed this book, but would warn those who have suffered a sexual assault to beware. Also, the ending was a little of a stretch for me, but it was still a quick Regency romance. The narrator did a good job and added a lot to my enjoyment of the book. I was given the chance to liten to this audiobook by the author/narrator/publisher and chose to review it.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Marina Ellis was betrayed by a man who seduced and then left her. Cast out of her parent's home, Marina runs afoul of some bandits and her situation goes from awful to worse. Evan Lockheart, the Duke of Rowley, finds Marina lying nearly dead in a snowbank by the side of the road. While nursing her back to health, he finds his own heart in danger.

I really liked this sweet romance! There's a lot packed into this novella, there's action, romance, betrayal, forgiveness, and hope. I liked both main characters and thought they were perfect together. The narration was well done. It always surprises me to hear a male narrator for a romance, but this was a good surprise, with different voices for each character and a voice that pulled me right into the story. I requested a copy of the audiobook, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.

[Trish R. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another cute Christmas story. I liked Evan and Marina but I don’t know how she could have been so forgiving to that father of hers. If I had been Marina I would have let Evan kick his rear or even call him out. What a piece of crap he was. It was pretty interesting for as short as it was.

As to the narration: I really, really do prefer a male narrator for any book because invariably a female is going to read a description of the big handsome hero and when that hero talks he sounds just like a girl. I can stand a deep voice on a heroine but when she has a horrible voice I cannot recommend that particular narrator. Martin Royal cannot do a woman’s voice so he should practice on that or not be a narrator.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Marina Ellis has been disgraced, cast out of her home, robbed and left for dead in the snow. Evan Lockhart, Duke of Rowley, has lost everyone he loved and is riding the freezing weather to get away from the memories. When he finds Marina in the snow, he rescues her. An attraction grows as they get to know each other. Is it possible that Fate has smiled on the pair? Will a Christmas miracle mend two broken hearts? This is a quick and delightful story. The main characters are great. Both are kind, caring, and in need of love. Martin Royal’s narration was quite good. If you like sweet holiday stories, I recommend Christmas in the Duke’s Embrace.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story had potential but it was just ok. Nothing to say it was Christmas except brief mention that it was. I felt the prologue was too long while the rest of story felt rushed. The father was accused of being the orchestrator of her “accident” which could have gone terribly wrong - then it was glossed over and all was easily forgiven, which ruined the story for me. It just felt like the author wanted so badly to have a happy ending on all fronts but it just didn't make sense. It barely made 3 stars for me but the writing overall was still good.

Read as part of the Lords, Ladies and Mistletoe collection

[Linda Maidani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this sweet Regency romance with great characters, romance and intrigue. she was outcast by her father for being seduced by a other of the ton who refused to marry her when she became pregnant. Her coach was attacked Nd she was left for dead in the road in the cold. A duke riding his horse found her and saved her. he had lost his parents, sister and wife and baby and was called the Duke of Death. He had become a recluse and vowed to never remarry. They fell for each other and she became his duchess. The ending was great. This was a short Christmas read and very enjoyable

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet, romantic and warm story. Evan is caring, determined, protective and lonely. Marina is sweet, vulnerable and heartbroken. Evan finds Marina frozen by the side of the road and takes her home, determined to not let her die, like every person he's loved had. There's an instant bond between them that Evan can't ignore, especially when he finds out what brought her to him. I loved Evan and Marina and their story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[nanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nunca tido lido um livro da autora e estava com um pouco de medo pois novamente julguei o livro pela capa e por incrível que pareça foi uma história maravilhosa. Apesar de ser pouca páginas não foi algo tão corrido, mas deixou com desejo de mais no final pois Evan e Marina são encantadores e tão apaixonados. Gostaria de ter visto o casamento e o nascimento dos filhos, mas amei acompanhar a história dos dois e se a autora futuramente fizesse uma releitura desse livro para mais páginas eu seria a primeira a comprar esse livro sem arrependimentos.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is about a young girl who was manipulated now she is ruined with little help from her family. It is a quick story, but very charming. I read other reviews the only thing I know is what they describe was not what I read. I do agree I wish it had been longer, but that was because I enjoyed it so much. It was a sweet and beautiful Christmas romance. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Marina Ellis was seduced by a scoundrel and a result found herself pregnant and cut off from her family in disgrace. Her father sends her away and during the journey she is set upon by highwaymen and left in the snow to die. Evan Lockheart, Duke of Rowley, aka the Duke of Death rescues her and falls in love with her. This was a short Regency romance with some suspenseful moments, a tarnished heroine, and a broken hero.

[Laila Viking · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very short but very well written historical romance. I liked the drama, action, mystery mixed with love and emotions. The characters are likeable and they are well described. They have a great chemistry between them. A couple that meets under unique conditions and has a lot thrown at them before they can have their HEA.
It is a heartwarm and captivating read. I was entertained from first to last chapter. I like it has an epilogue.

[Renate Deutsche Oma · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy historical fiction with an English setting, snow storms, an honorable duke, and an ending with a twist; then this is your holiday read. A page turning 1812 British romance with likable characters, twist and turn plot, and a satisfying resolution. A delightful snow day read. Did NOT see the ending coming, but loved the resolution.

[Phylis Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas in the Dukes Embrace by Amanda Mariel. This is about a chance meeting, the Duke rescued her, an unexpected connection, and a unique romance that survives the worst of situations, keeps you wrapped up and engaged until the very end.
My free opinion. Thanks.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ann L · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do love this time of year and the magical Christmas stories that come out, I love the way these historical romances encompasses everything you would imagine would happen, from house parties to kisses under the mistletoe, this one has it all and I loved each page

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Lady Marina Ellis and Duke Evan Lockhart's Christmas story is a story of danger, betrayal, suspense, and two lost and lonely people finding each other in a snowstorm at Christmas. I found this story to be well-written and a joy to read.

[Sherry Westendorf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of a man who finds a woman in a bad situation and it takes him and her on a journey to each other and brings along family and friends. Overcoming obstacles and much more. It is exciting, suspenseful, emotional and so much more. I was given a review copy by booksprout and voluntarily review it.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

She has been betrayed and disgraced by the ones she should have been able to trust. He is shocked to find a woman buried in the snow close to death. He knows he cannot turn his back on her. He saves her and it is the beginning of something new. Will they be able to keep it going? See if they will

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sabrina (Soter) Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

"In qualche modo lei era riuscita ad abbattere lo scudo che si era accuratamente costruito negli anni e conquistare il suo cuore. Salvare lei avrebbe salvato anche lui."

Storiella natalizia piena di bontà, amore e riscatto. Ovviamente il tutto è molto colorato di rosa perché all'epoca scandali simili non sparivano per magia nemmeno se eri un duca, e il modo in cui la famiglia ha trattato la povera Marina meritava solo che una badilata sui denti come conseguenza, altro che perdono e abbracci XD Mi ha sorpreso la valanga di sfiga del povero duca Evan (mai visti tanti lutti concentrati in così poche pagine e in un solo personaggio!) e il fatto che, rispetto a molte storie in cui le protagoniste sono vittime ingenue di maldicenze e pettegolezzi infondati, in questo caso è invece tutto vero al 100% XD

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an entertaining, fun read. Evan and Marina are interesting, entertaining, intriguing, relatable, fun characters. I enjoyed their romance and the path they took to get to their HEA. The secondary characters added to the fabric of the story.

I enjoyed the audio version of this book and the narrator.

[Carole Burant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has everything you would want in a holiday historical romance and it had my attention from start to finish. I loved the whole storyline and you can't help but fall in love with Marina and Evan. Highly recommend this one and it's going on my "must read again" shelf!!

[Hanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an awesome holiday story!!!!! I love these stories nothing goes better with the holiday season than lots of happy endings !

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful historical romance. I liked the premise of the story and the follow-thru was pretty good. Marina and Evan are a perfect couple.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet. A lovely HEA. I'm beginning to love Amanda Mariel's writing.
4 ☆