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伯爵と花嫁の十二夜
Wrong man
Lady Julia Whitney is at her wit's end. Her perfect beau just won't propose! But she's struck upon a plan to ensure her marriage by Christmas. Between masquerades and mistletoe, she finds herself fully compromised by the wrong man!
Right husband?
Captain Dunbar cannot believe he's fallen for this chit's game! Now he must marry society miss Lady Julia with nothing to connect them other than incredible passion. But he's about to discover that the best Christmas presents come in surprising, and delightful, packages!
Lady Julia Whitney is at her wit's end. Her perfect beau just won't propose! But she's struck upon a plan to ensure her marriage by Christmas. Between masquerades and mistletoe, she finds herself fully compromised by the wrong man!
Right husband?
Captain Dunbar cannot believe he's fallen for this chit's game! Now he must marry society miss Lady Julia with nothing to connect them other than incredible passion. But he's about to discover that the best Christmas presents come in surprising, and delightful, packages!
279 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 2015
21 people are currently reading
542 people want to read
About the author
Annie Burrows
184 books311 followersI've been published by Mills & Boon since 2007..but I'd been making up stories in my head for as long as I can remember. It was a long walk home from school, and there were no ipods in those days to keep you amused! When I wasn't daydreaming, I had my nose stuck in a book. My parents used to take me to the library every Saturday, until I was old enough to get there on my own, and my house was always full of books.
During school holidays, the whole family loved to visit stately homes and castles. As soon as we got home, my older sister and I would either dress up as lords and ladies, and romp around the garden, or, if it was raining, retreat to our bedroom where we would draw intricately detailed plans of our very own imaginary stately home, complete with secret tunnels, dungeons, and usually, a maze in the extensive grounds.
When I was old enough to go to university, I studied English literature, with Philosophy. I was not sure what I wanted to do after that, but meeting a handsome student of maths, who was the owner of a very powerful motorbike helped me make up my mind. Reader, I married him.
For many years I felt it was important to stay at home to raise our two children, but one day, when the youngest had gone to senior school, I began to wonder if all those stories I made up to occupy my mind whilst attending to mundane chores, would interest anyone else.
I started to write some of them down, and eventually decided that one of them was "deep" enough to merit attention from publishers. It took me almost two years to complete, mainly because I kept tearing it up and starting all over again. And having to keep going out to work to help pay for school fees, then university tuition, slowed progress down as well.
Needless to say, this masterpiece was rejected by every single publisher I sent it to, but by this time, writing had become an addiction.
Four more stories got rejected, before Mills & Boon bought "His Cinderella Bride", a regency romance.
I do have some other interests, besides writing! I love spending time pottering in my garden. And recently I've taken up ballroom dancing as a way to try and keep fit (and keep the romance alive in my marriage!)
During school holidays, the whole family loved to visit stately homes and castles. As soon as we got home, my older sister and I would either dress up as lords and ladies, and romp around the garden, or, if it was raining, retreat to our bedroom where we would draw intricately detailed plans of our very own imaginary stately home, complete with secret tunnels, dungeons, and usually, a maze in the extensive grounds.
When I was old enough to go to university, I studied English literature, with Philosophy. I was not sure what I wanted to do after that, but meeting a handsome student of maths, who was the owner of a very powerful motorbike helped me make up my mind. Reader, I married him.
For many years I felt it was important to stay at home to raise our two children, but one day, when the youngest had gone to senior school, I began to wonder if all those stories I made up to occupy my mind whilst attending to mundane chores, would interest anyone else.
I started to write some of them down, and eventually decided that one of them was "deep" enough to merit attention from publishers. It took me almost two years to complete, mainly because I kept tearing it up and starting all over again. And having to keep going out to work to help pay for school fees, then university tuition, slowed progress down as well.
Needless to say, this masterpiece was rejected by every single publisher I sent it to, but by this time, writing had become an addiction.
Four more stories got rejected, before Mills & Boon bought "His Cinderella Bride", a regency romance.
I do have some other interests, besides writing! I love spending time pottering in my garden. And recently I've taken up ballroom dancing as a way to try and keep fit (and keep the romance alive in my marriage!)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
September 17, 2016
I've given this a B at AAR.
I freely admit that I can’t walk past a compromised-into-marriage story without giving it at least a second and third look. The Captain’s Christmas Bride sucked me in straight away with the immediate clash of personalities between the two protagonists; the spoilt princess used to getting her own way, and the blunt-spoken, somewhat forbidding ex-naval man who is utterly furious at having been duped by a mere chit of a girl – and one he doesn’t even like very much at that.
The thing that lifts what could have been a fairly run-of-the-mill story into the above average bracket is the way in which Annie Burrows gradually reveals the heroine not to be at all what she seems to be, and shows both principals coming to a greater understanding of each other through their interactions with one another and with those around them.
Now aged twenty, Lady Julia Whitney, daughter of the Earl of Mountnessing, is the apple of her father’s eye. She has been his hostess since the death of her mother (his second wife) and he has indulged her in almost everything – except when it comes to her choice of a husband. Julia wants to marry David, a young man she has known for several years and who is studying to be a doctor, but her father won’t hear of it. David is below her in station and the earl believes he is a fortune hunter. Desperate to get her own way on this, Julia concocts a plan with the help of a couple of friends; disguised in a rather daring gown and wearing a mask, she will entice David away from that evening’s masquerade ball and take him somewhere quiet and dark where they will be discovered (by her friends) engaged in some illicit kisses. Once she is compromised, her father will have no alternative but to allow the match.
Everything goes according to plan. David follows Julia to the deserted and very dark orangery and kisses her with the sort of passionate fervour that makes her head spin and her knees buckle. Before long, he’s under her skirts and she’s on her back, an enthusiastic partner in her own ruin. Julia hadn’t intended things to go quite so far, but as they will have to get married now, she is not too concerned. Until, that is, she and her lover are discovered by her friends … and David, who is quite clearly appalled.
Julia is horrified when she discovers that the man she had believed to be David is, in fact, Captain Lord Alec Dunbar, the handsome but rather stern naval hero who arrived uninvited a couple of days earlier in search of his sister, who is another of the earl’s guests. Dunbar is furious – both at himself and with Julia – believing it to have been her intention to trap him into marriage all along. Nevertheless, he is too much the gentleman to blacken the name of a lady, regardless of her actions, and makes it clear that he intends to do the right thing.
When the couple confronts Julia’s father and make him aware of what has happened, Alec refuses to allow Julia to take the blame, insisting instead that they are very taken with each other and got carried away. Given the strength of his appalled reaction to her, Julia is surprised at Alec’s words, yet later, finds herself standing up for him when the earl all but accuses him of being a fortune hunter. In a way, this sets the tone for their relationship in the early stages, with each of them being alternately surprised by a kindness on the part of the other, only to be infuriated by a careless action or comment shortly afterwards.
One of the things that works best about the story is the way in which Julia is slowly revealed not to be at all the sort of pampered brat she at first appears. As we – and Alec – come to know her better, she is shown to be a good-hearted and dependable young woman who puts others before herself, often under trying circumstances. Her family is dysfunctional, to say the least – her older brothers are unhappily married and not discreet about their various extra-marital affairs, her father loves her, but is constantly judging her against her mother’s memory, her aunts are somewhat eccentric and all of them have, for years, been so wrapped up in their own battles, that none of them has had much time or affection to spare for Julia. To make matters worse, she discovers that the woman she had regarded as her best friend has betrayed her and had never been a true friend. Yet through it all, Julia continues to serve as hostess, making sure the house runs like clockwork and that everyone is comfortable, all while trying to adjust to marriage to a man she hardly knows and who, at times, seems to dislike her intensely.
Alec is a handsome, commanding hero, but he’s also quick to judge and isn’t exactly tactful when it comes to his new wife. Believing she deliberately entrapped him makes him prone to think the worst of her at times; but at others, he is able to look beyond the poised, cool exterior she affects to see the vulnerable, insecure woman underneath. Both characters have to come to see themselves and those around them differently, and it’s this aspect of the story I enjoyed the most; watching Alec and Julia come to a greater understanding of themselves and each other in spite of the somewhat inauspicious beginning to their relationship.
The ending is a little drawn-out and somewhat silly, but it does have some interesting insights to offer on Julia’s character and provides Alec with the chance to undertake a very public grovelling session.
Those few criticisms aside, I really enjoyed The Captain’s Christmas Bride. Alec and Julia are engaging, imperfect characters whose explosive chemistry in the bedroom is another of the book’s plus points. Ms Burrows writes with a great deal of flair and emotional insight, and while the book is a quick read, it’s a satisfying one.
I freely admit that I can’t walk past a compromised-into-marriage story without giving it at least a second and third look. The Captain’s Christmas Bride sucked me in straight away with the immediate clash of personalities between the two protagonists; the spoilt princess used to getting her own way, and the blunt-spoken, somewhat forbidding ex-naval man who is utterly furious at having been duped by a mere chit of a girl – and one he doesn’t even like very much at that.
The thing that lifts what could have been a fairly run-of-the-mill story into the above average bracket is the way in which Annie Burrows gradually reveals the heroine not to be at all what she seems to be, and shows both principals coming to a greater understanding of each other through their interactions with one another and with those around them.
Now aged twenty, Lady Julia Whitney, daughter of the Earl of Mountnessing, is the apple of her father’s eye. She has been his hostess since the death of her mother (his second wife) and he has indulged her in almost everything – except when it comes to her choice of a husband. Julia wants to marry David, a young man she has known for several years and who is studying to be a doctor, but her father won’t hear of it. David is below her in station and the earl believes he is a fortune hunter. Desperate to get her own way on this, Julia concocts a plan with the help of a couple of friends; disguised in a rather daring gown and wearing a mask, she will entice David away from that evening’s masquerade ball and take him somewhere quiet and dark where they will be discovered (by her friends) engaged in some illicit kisses. Once she is compromised, her father will have no alternative but to allow the match.
Everything goes according to plan. David follows Julia to the deserted and very dark orangery and kisses her with the sort of passionate fervour that makes her head spin and her knees buckle. Before long, he’s under her skirts and she’s on her back, an enthusiastic partner in her own ruin. Julia hadn’t intended things to go quite so far, but as they will have to get married now, she is not too concerned. Until, that is, she and her lover are discovered by her friends … and David, who is quite clearly appalled.
Julia is horrified when she discovers that the man she had believed to be David is, in fact, Captain Lord Alec Dunbar, the handsome but rather stern naval hero who arrived uninvited a couple of days earlier in search of his sister, who is another of the earl’s guests. Dunbar is furious – both at himself and with Julia – believing it to have been her intention to trap him into marriage all along. Nevertheless, he is too much the gentleman to blacken the name of a lady, regardless of her actions, and makes it clear that he intends to do the right thing.
When the couple confronts Julia’s father and make him aware of what has happened, Alec refuses to allow Julia to take the blame, insisting instead that they are very taken with each other and got carried away. Given the strength of his appalled reaction to her, Julia is surprised at Alec’s words, yet later, finds herself standing up for him when the earl all but accuses him of being a fortune hunter. In a way, this sets the tone for their relationship in the early stages, with each of them being alternately surprised by a kindness on the part of the other, only to be infuriated by a careless action or comment shortly afterwards.
One of the things that works best about the story is the way in which Julia is slowly revealed not to be at all the sort of pampered brat she at first appears. As we – and Alec – come to know her better, she is shown to be a good-hearted and dependable young woman who puts others before herself, often under trying circumstances. Her family is dysfunctional, to say the least – her older brothers are unhappily married and not discreet about their various extra-marital affairs, her father loves her, but is constantly judging her against her mother’s memory, her aunts are somewhat eccentric and all of them have, for years, been so wrapped up in their own battles, that none of them has had much time or affection to spare for Julia. To make matters worse, she discovers that the woman she had regarded as her best friend has betrayed her and had never been a true friend. Yet through it all, Julia continues to serve as hostess, making sure the house runs like clockwork and that everyone is comfortable, all while trying to adjust to marriage to a man she hardly knows and who, at times, seems to dislike her intensely.
Alec is a handsome, commanding hero, but he’s also quick to judge and isn’t exactly tactful when it comes to his new wife. Believing she deliberately entrapped him makes him prone to think the worst of her at times; but at others, he is able to look beyond the poised, cool exterior she affects to see the vulnerable, insecure woman underneath. Both characters have to come to see themselves and those around them differently, and it’s this aspect of the story I enjoyed the most; watching Alec and Julia come to a greater understanding of themselves and each other in spite of the somewhat inauspicious beginning to their relationship.
The ending is a little drawn-out and somewhat silly, but it does have some interesting insights to offer on Julia’s character and provides Alec with the chance to undertake a very public grovelling session.
Those few criticisms aside, I really enjoyed The Captain’s Christmas Bride. Alec and Julia are engaging, imperfect characters whose explosive chemistry in the bedroom is another of the book’s plus points. Ms Burrows writes with a great deal of flair and emotional insight, and while the book is a quick read, it’s a satisfying one.
September 9, 2015
This was OK. Nothing worth writing home about. I only picked it up coz of the hot cover.
January 29, 2016
Very good book. Julia has found the man she wants to marry, but he isn't cooperating. It doesn't help that her father thinks he's a fortune hunter. So Julia comes up with a plan to force the issue. Unfortunately for her, she ends up with the wrong man. Alec has come to Julia's home following his sister, who he believes is in danger of doing something stupid. As a captain in the navy, he has spent most of his life with men and is taken unaware by Julia's actions. Suddenly, what he thought was an interlude with an experienced woman turns into so much more.
I must admit that I didn't like Julia much at the very beginning. Tricking a man into marriage is never a good idea. She came across as rather spoiled. It was rather amusing to see her get carried away in the heat of the moment, not having realized that things could go farther than she planned. I thought that she redeemed herself pretty well when she wanted take the blame for the whole fiasco.
I did like Alec. Yes, his actions weren't the best, but at least he thought he was with someone of like mind. When the truth came out, he immediately stepped up to do what was right. What especially impressed me was that he didn't lay the blame at Julia's feet, but instead tried to protect her from her father's anger.
Once the initial brouhaha is over, both Julia and Alec accept that their marriage is inevitable, and determine to make the best of it. Alec especially sees the benefits, in that the passion between he and Julia had been incredible. Getting to know each other outside the bedroom, where they have no trouble at all, is a roller coaster process. Alec begins to see Julia as a warm and generous woman who puts everyone else's needs before her own. He is also still somewhat distrustful, believing that she is pining after the other man. He has moments of great kindness and understanding, such as when she discovers that the woman she thought of as her friend had actually betrayed her in the worst way. He is also a bit rough around the edges and tends to be rather blunt. This frequently gets him in trouble when something he says doesn't come out quite the way he meant. Julia quickly sees that Alec is a much better man than David ever was. She'd like to make their marriage work, but there are times that she thinks he doesn't even like her, much less want to be married to her. It seems to her that every time she tries to do something nice for him he takes it the wrong way. She loves what they have together behind closed doors, but she wants more than that.
Things are moving along quite well, when a major misunderstanding comes between them. Julia takes an action attempting to protect Alec's sister, Lizzie, but he jumps to the wrong conclusion. To make matters worse, he says some very cruel things and refuses to allow her to explain. I was impressed with Julia's ability to appear unmoved and carry on as if nothing had happened, and I loved the way that it drove Alec nuts. Eventually he realizes how badly he behaved and that he really wants to make things right. His method was a bit on the elaborate side, but ended up being very effective. I really loved the way that he brought the whole family into it.
The only other thing I would have liked would be a glimpse into their future. I would like to know if Alec went back to the navy or stayed ashore and took up his duties to his estates.
I must admit that I didn't like Julia much at the very beginning. Tricking a man into marriage is never a good idea. She came across as rather spoiled. It was rather amusing to see her get carried away in the heat of the moment, not having realized that things could go farther than she planned. I thought that she redeemed herself pretty well when she wanted take the blame for the whole fiasco.
I did like Alec. Yes, his actions weren't the best, but at least he thought he was with someone of like mind. When the truth came out, he immediately stepped up to do what was right. What especially impressed me was that he didn't lay the blame at Julia's feet, but instead tried to protect her from her father's anger.
Once the initial brouhaha is over, both Julia and Alec accept that their marriage is inevitable, and determine to make the best of it. Alec especially sees the benefits, in that the passion between he and Julia had been incredible. Getting to know each other outside the bedroom, where they have no trouble at all, is a roller coaster process. Alec begins to see Julia as a warm and generous woman who puts everyone else's needs before her own. He is also still somewhat distrustful, believing that she is pining after the other man. He has moments of great kindness and understanding, such as when she discovers that the woman she thought of as her friend had actually betrayed her in the worst way. He is also a bit rough around the edges and tends to be rather blunt. This frequently gets him in trouble when something he says doesn't come out quite the way he meant. Julia quickly sees that Alec is a much better man than David ever was. She'd like to make their marriage work, but there are times that she thinks he doesn't even like her, much less want to be married to her. It seems to her that every time she tries to do something nice for him he takes it the wrong way. She loves what they have together behind closed doors, but she wants more than that.
Things are moving along quite well, when a major misunderstanding comes between them. Julia takes an action attempting to protect Alec's sister, Lizzie, but he jumps to the wrong conclusion. To make matters worse, he says some very cruel things and refuses to allow her to explain. I was impressed with Julia's ability to appear unmoved and carry on as if nothing had happened, and I loved the way that it drove Alec nuts. Eventually he realizes how badly he behaved and that he really wants to make things right. His method was a bit on the elaborate side, but ended up being very effective. I really loved the way that he brought the whole family into it.
The only other thing I would have liked would be a glimpse into their future. I would like to know if Alec went back to the navy or stayed ashore and took up his duties to his estates.
September 5, 2015
Typical man of course Alec blames his woman on things, ‘then what the hell was all that… fondling about? You cannot deny you got me all primed up before leading me out here.’ Alec could be a sweet man, ‘aye. Before. That is how a husband should bed his wife, I think.’ He shook his head ruefully as he turned her to one side, so that he could undo the ties at the back of her dress. ‘Not hard, and fast, as though her own pleasure is of no account.’ Jesus he could be so sexy, ‘you promised to obey me, woman,’ he growled provocatively, rolling her into the centre of the bed and pinning her down. ‘And I promised to cherish you. I cannot have you leaving this room until you look…’ He ground into her with his hips. ‘Sufficiently cherished.’ I really enjoyed this book, I loved Alec.
December 4, 2015
2.5 stars.
I enjoyed this book up to the point of the "big misunderstanding". After that, the actions of both characters annoyed me. Would have enjoyed this more if the author had continued developing the characters and their growing affection for one another, rather than try to add the unnecessary drama towards the end. There was enough inner conflict to keep things interesting. The writing was good and the premise had potential but the last part of the book kind of spoiled it for me.
I enjoyed this book up to the point of the "big misunderstanding". After that, the actions of both characters annoyed me. Would have enjoyed this more if the author had continued developing the characters and their growing affection for one another, rather than try to add the unnecessary drama towards the end. There was enough inner conflict to keep things interesting. The writing was good and the premise had potential but the last part of the book kind of spoiled it for me.
January 12, 2016
Mistaken identity leads to love
Lady Julia comes up with a scheme to compromise herself with the man she thinks she loves at her families masquerade but a case of mistaken identity ends with her having to marry the wrong man. Captain Alex Dunbar came to the house party in search of his wayward sister only to be lured into a compromising position with his hosts scheming daughter and forced to do the honorable thing and marry her. This was an enjoyable story that captured my attention right from the very first page. I wanted to find out how Alex and Julia would finally work out their issues and find their happily ever after. It was a rocky road for the couple with a huge misunderstanding to occur but it ended with Julia having married the right man after all. I understood why Alec felt he could not trust Julia. He was after all lured into a marriage trap even if he wasn't the intended victim. I genuinely liked Julia and felt sorry for the position she found herself in. These were two people who definitely belonged together. Wonderful story.
Lady Julia comes up with a scheme to compromise herself with the man she thinks she loves at her families masquerade but a case of mistaken identity ends with her having to marry the wrong man. Captain Alex Dunbar came to the house party in search of his wayward sister only to be lured into a compromising position with his hosts scheming daughter and forced to do the honorable thing and marry her. This was an enjoyable story that captured my attention right from the very first page. I wanted to find out how Alex and Julia would finally work out their issues and find their happily ever after. It was a rocky road for the couple with a huge misunderstanding to occur but it ended with Julia having married the right man after all. I understood why Alec felt he could not trust Julia. He was after all lured into a marriage trap even if he wasn't the intended victim. I genuinely liked Julia and felt sorry for the position she found herself in. These were two people who definitely belonged together. Wonderful story.
December 21, 2016
It was going so well and then "the big misunderstanding" and I almost stopped reading.
There had to be some other way of dealing with their origins as a couple than
So sad, because I really liked Alec up until that point. So sad.
There had to be some other way of dealing with their origins as a couple than
So sad, because I really liked Alec up until that point. So sad.
Read
January 12, 2016"With unconventional twists on traditional themes, Burrows’ latest delights by bringing the spirit of the holiday to readers. She’s taken the forced marriage premise and added a masquerade, charming characters, a hero to die for and enough heated love scenes to light up a Christmas tree. The poignancy and humor will make any reader a Burrows fan" (RT Book Reviews, 4 stars).
April 24, 2019
The Captain's Christmas Bride" by Annie Burrows (2015)
This is Lady Julia Whitney and Captain Alex Dunbar's story.
Lady Julia Whitney was in love with a young man named David. Her father was against the marriage so Julia decided she would have to stage a situation where she would be compromised and then her father would have to allow them to marry. She decided t would be during the masquerade ball. She saw David in his costume and grabbed his hand and led him to the orangery.
Being in his arms and all that passion was just what she wanted until her friend Marianne walked in on them. Unfortunately she was accompanied by David. If that was David over by the door, who was she embracing.
Captain Alex Dunbar was shocked to find that the woman he was lying with was not the actress he thought her to be but the young Lady of the house...Julia!
So much for best laid plans and just the beginning for Julia and Alex. Happy Reading! Reading Genie
This is Lady Julia Whitney and Captain Alex Dunbar's story.
Lady Julia Whitney was in love with a young man named David. Her father was against the marriage so Julia decided she would have to stage a situation where she would be compromised and then her father would have to allow them to marry. She decided t would be during the masquerade ball. She saw David in his costume and grabbed his hand and led him to the orangery.
Being in his arms and all that passion was just what she wanted until her friend Marianne walked in on them. Unfortunately she was accompanied by David. If that was David over by the door, who was she embracing.
Captain Alex Dunbar was shocked to find that the woman he was lying with was not the actress he thought her to be but the young Lady of the house...Julia!
So much for best laid plans and just the beginning for Julia and Alex. Happy Reading! Reading Genie
December 12, 2021
Definirei questo libro una sorta di romanzetto bipolare. Parte con una sequela di scene piccanti abbastanza nonsense, per poi trasformarsi in una fiction Rai da prima serata in stile Tutti Pazzi per Amore. Cosa che ci permette di assaporare frasi deliziose e contrastanti come "La stava prendendo come uno stallone faceva con la sua cavalla" e "Era appena volata via sulle ali dell'amore". Il tutto condito da una buona dose di mascolinità tossica ( con la scusa di un appena accennato e poco convincente contesto storico) , felicissimi refusi e personaggi molto confusi sulla propria personalità. Mi azzarderei ad affermare che si tratta del classico libro brutto al punto tale da fare il giro e diventare una perla trash.
July 15, 2019
I picked this one up to start with because it wasn't about a duke. So happy to have a story about someone who is a little lower down the ranks. Also I generally really like books by Annie Burrows, her writing is excellent and her characters are convincing. I liked Julia's character progression from someone who is a little naive to someone who finally realises what love is all about, and from being someone who is just thinking about what she wants out of life to someone who is willing to sacrifice her own reputation for someone else. I also liked the way that Alec truly tries to understand her instead of being a standoffish husband. Would recommend this book for anyone who likes historicals.
December 18, 2023
Not the best Annie Burrows, has one of those big events that she loves at the end but I felt it was a bit weird (sometimes happens) although it does accomplish most of what it wants to do (show us a bit more about the FL's family circumstances).
Notable for our Annie is that ML is not an outright jerk, but he does have a temper that causes some problems. Because it takes place over the course of a Christmas house party it's all very rushed, but that's the very point of things. Never really got a handle on the ML's age in relation to FL's other than "older".
Entertaining read, will revisit.
Notable for our Annie is that ML is not an outright jerk, but he does have a temper that causes some problems. Because it takes place over the course of a Christmas house party it's all very rushed, but that's the very point of things. Never really got a handle on the ML's age in relation to FL's other than "older".
Entertaining read, will revisit.
August 26, 2017
4 Stars! Christmas time...1815.
Lady Julia Whitney tries to get the man she "loves" to marry her, she disguises herself at a masquerade ball and is determined to get him to propose. Unfortunately, for her, she compromises herself with the wrong man. Or is he the right man?
"Love for the man who'd finally seen beneath her mask to the girl she truly was inside. And loved her-just as she was."
Lady Julia Whitney tries to get the man she "loves" to marry her, she disguises herself at a masquerade ball and is determined to get him to propose. Unfortunately, for her, she compromises herself with the wrong man. Or is he the right man?
"Love for the man who'd finally seen beneath her mask to the girl she truly was inside. And loved her-just as she was."
July 23, 2019
I enjoyed this but the ending left me frustrated. I wanted more. There were unanswered questions such as - did he go back to sea? Did he swallow his pride and use her dowry to pay the mortgages on his estates? Where did they live? An epilogue would have been good!
December 3, 2019
Wow
I enjoyed this novel. Somehow though people do not change their spots the way they did in this book. So I was a bit disappointed at the climax which is why I could only give it 3 stars.
I enjoyed this novel. Somehow though people do not change their spots the way they did in this book. So I was a bit disappointed at the climax which is why I could only give it 3 stars.
October 18, 2017
A story about deception, love and the ability to find true love despite the course taken. Don't miss this captivating read.
March 28, 2019
Η αποπλάνηση του λοχαγού...
December 13, 2019
The captain's.......
A cute, easy read story. Likable characters with somewhat interesting dialogue. Not great literature, but I am not looking for great literature.
A cute, easy read story. Likable characters with somewhat interesting dialogue. Not great literature, but I am not looking for great literature.
Want to read
May 11, 2021Η Αποπλάνηση του Λοχαγού -Annie Burrows , Κλασσικά, 411
January 17, 2023
it was pretty cute, the starting was just a bit weird and fast. i liked the characters, especially the h.
February 21, 2016
Consistently superb, supremely talented and a wonderfully gifted storyteller, Annie Burrows has become a firm favourite with readers of Regency romances the world over and in The Captain’s Christmas Bride, she has once again penned a fantastic tale full of humour, passion and heart you will not be able to resist!
Lady Julia Whitney is head over heels in love with a man her father does not approve of, but despite this setback she is not about to give up without a fight! Determined to marry the man she has loved for most of her life, Julia hatches a plan where she will dress up as the resident opera singer at a masquerade ball and entice David into the orangery where they will then be caught in a compromising position and be forced to wed to protect her reputation. Having spent an age ensuring that her plan goes off without a hitch, Julia is positive that she will be engaged by the end of the night. However, what she hadn’t banked on was on getting caught in flagrante with the wrong man: the honourable – and wickedly handsome – Captain Alec Dunbar!
Alec would do anything for his sister Lizzie – even endure the tedious social whirl and mind-numbing parties and balls given by bored society ladies like Julia Whitney! When a temptress seduced him at yet another social event, Alec had thought of nothing other than alleviating the boredom and having some fun – he had certainly never imagined that he would end betrothed to a perfect stranger. But when his sense of honour dictated that he do the decent thing, Alec found himself with no other option other than to propose to Lady Julia Whitney!
Julia is absolutely incensed! She cannot believe that her perfect plan has gone awry and that she is being forced to endure all of eternity with the wrong man. Although she cannot deny that she has been unable to stop thinking about Alec and his wickedly tempting seduction, David was the only man she had ever contemplated marrying. However, she soon discovers the benefits of having Alec as her lawfully wedded husband!
Intense passion quickly gives way to a love that simply cannot be denied. As the scales fall from Julia’s eyes, she soon realises that David had been playing her for a fool and that Alec has got more than his honour and his seductive kisses to recommend him….
Will it take a Christmas miracle to make Julia and Alec realise that happiness can be within their reach, but only if they are willing to face up to the truth about their feelings for one another? Or will they let their pride get in the way of their happiness?
Annie Burrows can do no wrong in my eyes! Her books never fail to make me laugh, touch my heart and keep me up way past my bedtime and The Captain’s Christmas Bride is certainly no exception! Wickedly witty, wonderfully poignant and difficult to put down, this captivating tale of unexpected passion and red-hot seduction is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat and eagerly turning the pages late into the night!
I adored Julia’s determination, her resilience and sense of humour and Alec was a deliciously brooding Regency hero who is more than a match for Mr Darcy!
A mesmerizing Regency romance that is going straight to my keeper shelf, The Captain’s Christmas Bride is a delight from start to finish!
Lady Julia Whitney is head over heels in love with a man her father does not approve of, but despite this setback she is not about to give up without a fight! Determined to marry the man she has loved for most of her life, Julia hatches a plan where she will dress up as the resident opera singer at a masquerade ball and entice David into the orangery where they will then be caught in a compromising position and be forced to wed to protect her reputation. Having spent an age ensuring that her plan goes off without a hitch, Julia is positive that she will be engaged by the end of the night. However, what she hadn’t banked on was on getting caught in flagrante with the wrong man: the honourable – and wickedly handsome – Captain Alec Dunbar!
Alec would do anything for his sister Lizzie – even endure the tedious social whirl and mind-numbing parties and balls given by bored society ladies like Julia Whitney! When a temptress seduced him at yet another social event, Alec had thought of nothing other than alleviating the boredom and having some fun – he had certainly never imagined that he would end betrothed to a perfect stranger. But when his sense of honour dictated that he do the decent thing, Alec found himself with no other option other than to propose to Lady Julia Whitney!
Julia is absolutely incensed! She cannot believe that her perfect plan has gone awry and that she is being forced to endure all of eternity with the wrong man. Although she cannot deny that she has been unable to stop thinking about Alec and his wickedly tempting seduction, David was the only man she had ever contemplated marrying. However, she soon discovers the benefits of having Alec as her lawfully wedded husband!
Intense passion quickly gives way to a love that simply cannot be denied. As the scales fall from Julia’s eyes, she soon realises that David had been playing her for a fool and that Alec has got more than his honour and his seductive kisses to recommend him….
Will it take a Christmas miracle to make Julia and Alec realise that happiness can be within their reach, but only if they are willing to face up to the truth about their feelings for one another? Or will they let their pride get in the way of their happiness?
Annie Burrows can do no wrong in my eyes! Her books never fail to make me laugh, touch my heart and keep me up way past my bedtime and The Captain’s Christmas Bride is certainly no exception! Wickedly witty, wonderfully poignant and difficult to put down, this captivating tale of unexpected passion and red-hot seduction is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat and eagerly turning the pages late into the night!
I adored Julia’s determination, her resilience and sense of humour and Alec was a deliciously brooding Regency hero who is more than a match for Mr Darcy!
A mesmerizing Regency romance that is going straight to my keeper shelf, The Captain’s Christmas Bride is a delight from start to finish!
September 1, 2016
Loved how Alec grovelled at the end! As a hero he could in turns be alpha and a**hole, but I understood where he was coming from. Julia's scheming led to their compromise being witnessed so he was suspicious of her character from the beginning. I normally hate my couples to be found in intimate moments and you couldn't get more intimate than this round- they were caught in the act itself and worse for the heroine Julia, it was the wrong man she's caught with-- by her sweetheart who was SUPPOSED to be the one comprising her! Not to be too spoilerish but things turned out well afterall. While I hate this trope I understand the need for this compromise to be so thorough Julia and Alec could not simply get out of marriage. This gives both a chance to discover each other because both would otherwise not give each other a second look! My heart broke when Alec jumped to conclusion and did not let Julia explain her action which saved his sister. He redeemed himself wonderfully but I wonder what if his sister did not reveal the truth...
Julia's so called best friend and sweetheart deserved each other and I'm glad our heroine realised early on, even before her wedding night, that she wasn't really in love with her doctor as no way did she feel devastated by the loss of him.
The ending was really touching because Alec showed her that even though we were led to believe her family members just enjoyed being mean and playing politics among themselves, when Alec called upon them they unhesitatingly helped out just to show their love for her. That's how a family should be...we can have rivalry or fight but when one's happiness is threatened family should help/show love.
I too agree with some reviewers; I want to know how their HEA is like...will Alec get command of a ship? Or is he willing to see sense and swallow his pride to use Julia's dowry and redeem his lands to become a proper earl? Now I wonder if Alec's precosious sister gets her story too! Lovely and sexy book. 3.5*
Julia's so called best friend and sweetheart deserved each other and I'm glad our heroine realised early on, even before her wedding night, that she wasn't really in love with her doctor as no way did she feel devastated by the loss of him.
The ending was really touching because Alec showed her that even though we were led to believe her family members just enjoyed being mean and playing politics among themselves, when Alec called upon them they unhesitatingly helped out just to show their love for her. That's how a family should be...we can have rivalry or fight but when one's happiness is threatened family should help/show love.
I too agree with some reviewers; I want to know how their HEA is like...will Alec get command of a ship? Or is he willing to see sense and swallow his pride to use Julia's dowry and redeem his lands to become a proper earl? Now I wonder if Alec's precosious sister gets her story too! Lovely and sexy book. 3.5*
October 3, 2015
Oh did I love how this story progressed! Lady Julia Whitney is so tired of waiting for the man who has been courting her to propose. So she underhandedly concocts a scheme to trap him into marriage by way of a masquerade ball and a compromising position. Dressed up like a courtesan, Julia lures who she believes is her intended into close quarters and a heated interlude that can't be tamed takes place.
Captain Dunbar, a Scot with an attitude was under the impression that the exotically inviting woman he held in his arms and ravaged was indeed a worldly woman. not the virgin he just despoiled and was discovered with by not only her the lady's best friend, but by the very man she had intended to trap. Hmmm curiouser and curiouser this gets by the minute. Now Captain Dunbar and Lady Julia must quickly marry to save whatever reputation she has left, but she is in denial of all that just happened and he truly just wants to get back to the seas.
When Julia finally comes to terms with the need for marriage, she finds that she was not only betrayed by her best friend, but by the man she wanted to marry as well. Captain Alec Dunbar watches as Julia seemingly pines over her lost love, and he doesn't understand it one bit. But what's done is done and now as a married couple, Julia and Alec must make the best of it and work their way against a tide of misunderstanding and indifference and see how it all plays out.
THE CAPTAIN'S CHRISTMAS BRIDE is the first book I have read by Annie Burrows even though I have several on my TBR shelf. After this wonderful read, I am grabbing those books, dusting them off and settling in to enjoy them. Annie Burrows is a fabulous writer with a great voice. I loved this story from beginning to end especially how it drew out every emotion imaginable.
Bravo to Ms. Burrows. Grab this book as soon as you can and enjoy it!
~KIMBERLY~
December 23, 2025
The Captain’s Christmas Bride by Annie Burrows is a charming, festive Regency romance that delivers exactly what I hoped for: mistaken identities, a dash of scandal, and a couple whose chemistry practically glows like candlelight on Christmas Eve.
Lady Julia Whitney’s desperate attempt to secure a proposal from the “perfect” man goes delightfully awry, landing her in the arms—and ultimately the life—of the wrong gentleman entirely. Captain Alec Dunbar is gruff, honorable, and utterly unprepared for the whirlwind that is Julia. Their forced‑marriage setup is classic, but Burrows gives it a warm, humorous twist that makes the journey feel fresh.
I really enjoyed Alec and Julia together. Their personalities balance each other beautifully—her impulsiveness and determination meeting his steadiness and reluctant tenderness. Watching them move from confusion and frustration to genuine affection was one of the highlights of the book. Other reviewers often mention the fun banter, the cozy holiday atmosphere, and the satisfying emotional payoff, and I completely agree.
This is a light, festive read perfect for anyone who loves Regency romances with a touch of Christmas magic. It’s sweet, spirited, and full of heart—an ideal pick for curling up with a blanket and a cup of cocoa.
Lady Julia Whitney’s desperate attempt to secure a proposal from the “perfect” man goes delightfully awry, landing her in the arms—and ultimately the life—of the wrong gentleman entirely. Captain Alec Dunbar is gruff, honorable, and utterly unprepared for the whirlwind that is Julia. Their forced‑marriage setup is classic, but Burrows gives it a warm, humorous twist that makes the journey feel fresh.
I really enjoyed Alec and Julia together. Their personalities balance each other beautifully—her impulsiveness and determination meeting his steadiness and reluctant tenderness. Watching them move from confusion and frustration to genuine affection was one of the highlights of the book. Other reviewers often mention the fun banter, the cozy holiday atmosphere, and the satisfying emotional payoff, and I completely agree.
This is a light, festive read perfect for anyone who loves Regency romances with a touch of Christmas magic. It’s sweet, spirited, and full of heart—an ideal pick for curling up with a blanket and a cup of cocoa.
December 14, 2015
A Christmassy, compromised-into-marriage Regency story. Apart from the 'compromise' part at the beginning, I thought the characters showed intelligence and warmth. Lady Julia is a fairly unloved lady, and she begins to blossom and unfurl as the Captain shows her integrity and care. The romance begins. Then there was an inexplicable Big Misunderstanding moment which spoilt it for me. That sort of story device in a romance is so very last century. Yes, there was the required grovel at the end, but by then the hero had fallen from (my) grace. A shame, because apart from that it was a good story and I really liked that Captain!
June 9, 2016
It's been a while since I've kept a Mills and Boon romance this is a definite exception
Nothing much really happens but it is a well written, crafted romance.
Our heroine decides to trap the man she fancies herself in love with in a compromising position, at a masquerade, being a masquerade she gets the wrong man and is forced to marry Captain Dunbar.
Somebody she had barely noticed only there to keep an eye on his sister.
They are physically compatible and they of course fall in love by the end of the book.
I liked the interactions though sometimes the Captain is inclined to jump to conclusions Burrows doesn't use sex to carry the book a very good read
Nothing much really happens but it is a well written, crafted romance.
Our heroine decides to trap the man she fancies herself in love with in a compromising position, at a masquerade, being a masquerade she gets the wrong man and is forced to marry Captain Dunbar.
Somebody she had barely noticed only there to keep an eye on his sister.
They are physically compatible and they of course fall in love by the end of the book.
I liked the interactions though sometimes the Captain is inclined to jump to conclusions Burrows doesn't use sex to carry the book a very good read
did-not-finish
December 13, 2015I'll be honest, I wanted to read this because I like the cover. But only a chapter or so into the book, and I'm really bothered by the level of deceit. And yes, I guess that makes me a weirdo, being upset at the idea of so much lying to get a husband. But she's dressing up as another woman in attempt to seduce the man she wants to marry? That seems to very wrong. Maybe it would make more sense if I'd read further, but I'm setting it aside for now.
I'm not putting it on the DNF list just yet because I may return to it later.
I'm not putting it on the DNF list just yet because I may return to it later.
November 11, 2015
My favorite are the love stories that start with a mistake and keep on with a big misunderstanding before everything goes for the best. So this one I really liked and the writing was also good.
Mi piacciono tantissimo le storie d'amore che iniziano come un errore e proseguono con un clamoroso fraintendimento prima che le cose si sistemino, quindi questa era perfetta ed anche ben scritta.
THANKS TO NETGALLEY AND HARLEQUIN FOR THE PREVIEW!
Mi piacciono tantissimo le storie d'amore che iniziano come un errore e proseguono con un clamoroso fraintendimento prima che le cose si sistemino, quindi questa era perfetta ed anche ben scritta.
THANKS TO NETGALLEY AND HARLEQUIN FOR THE PREVIEW!
January 25, 2016
First read Annie Burrows' The Rake's Secret Son as part of a Christmas anthology. Kept a lookout for her name and was happy to find a full novel this time. A Christmas setting as well. A great book to keep me company during the Blizzard of 2016. So well written. Excellent characters. Kept me guessing about how this could become a 'happily ever after' story. Will continue to look for her books.
January 25, 2016
Lady Julia Whitney is trying to get her beau to propose so she concocts a plan to entrap him, only the man she entraps isn't the man she wants but she finds herself drawn into a relationship with Captain Dunbar who is used to being in command and finds it hard to trust.
Entertaining and fun.
Entertaining and fun.
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