A Partridge in a Pear Tree

The Twelve Days of Christmas #12

by Emily E.K. Murdoch

It’s 1819, and Isabella is not going to look at her pear tree again…

Isabella Fitzroy should never have been there. The lane in Bath was a completely random accident, as was the vicious attack she witnessed.

But when the man who defended himself so powerfully steals a kiss and then appears in the pear tree by her bedchamber window that evening, Isabella knows she’s in trouble. After all, Guy Partridge is not the sort of man she should be associating with. No family, no title, no name—but fingers that know precisely how to tease and please…

Swiftly losing her innocence but unable to say no to the man who is swiftly stealing her heart, Isabella knows precisely what she wants from Guy…though he has a secret or two which may stop her in her tracks.

A Partridge in a pear tree and Christmas will never be the same again…

Genres: Novella, Christmas, Historical Romance, Romance, Historical Fiction, Holiday, Family

105 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 23, 2022

About the author

Emily E.K. Murdoch is also known as Emily Murdoch.

Emily Murdoch is a medieval historian and writer. Throughout her career so far she has examined a codex and transcribed medieval sermons at the Bodleian Library in Oxford, designed part of an exhibition for the Yorkshire Museum, worked as a researcher for a BBC documentary presented by Ian Hislop, and worked at Polesden Lacey with the National Trust. She has a degree in History and English, and a Masters in Medieval Studies, both from the University of York. Emily is currently working on a new four part Regency novella series, two of which are now published.

You can follow her on twitter and instagram @emilyekmurdoch, find her on facebook at www.facebook.com/theemilyekmurdoch, and read her blog at www.emilyekmurdoch.com

Reviews

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

The final Fitzroy to find love, Isabella is not one for attention. She longs for solitude, and though she loves her family, and her many nieces and nephews, a bit of peace and quiet is more than enough. Especially when her parents tip toe around her, as do her sister, over her lack of a husband. So when she comes across the handsome and alluring Guy Partridge on a walk in Bath, she wants to see him again and again. And when he climbs the pear tree outside her bedroom for the very same reason, she's not about to say no to spending the night with him. But is he ready for marriage, or is it all just a fling? This one was perfect for tying up the entire series. The whole family were descending on Chalcroft for Christmas, and Isabella, Joy, and Sophia were the last to become engaged, but all did over the course of the period. I think the last few pages in this book were fantastic, and we get happy news for one couple I've been longing to hear from again. Such a good series to binge in the lead up to Christmas!

[Diana N. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good conclusion to the series! Isabella, the last of the Fitzroy cousins, finally finds love.

I liked the creative use of the theme in this book even if it was a bit campy. Guy Partridge, sneaks up to see Isabella many times via the pear tree outside her window.

This was definitely close to a love at first sight type romance. The only thing I would have liked was a little more about Guy's background. It is explained, but very generically. Even so, the climbing the tree part was very romantic and really every girl's dream event.

I really loved this series from start to finish and the variety it brought while sticking to the 12 Days of Christmas theme!

Thank you to Dragonblade and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

"In the Fitzroy family, every Christmas must have a little scandal."

What a lovely way to end the series! Isabella Fitzroy met Guy Partridge by chance while visiting Bath and she was drawn to him instantly. A stolen kiss and a promise to see her again led to Guy daring to climb the pear tree outside Isabella's bedchamber, making A Partridge in a Pear Tree a completely original take on the final day of Christmas. Isabella was entranced by Guy and the effect he had on her, the feeling mutual, and desire sparked between them as they could do nothing but surrender to their attraction. Isabella's dreams and fantasies were coming to life right before her eyes.

I loved how everything about Isabella and Guy was forbidden, everything from his climbing in her window to them not having been formally introduced to a very steamy carriage ride. It was scandalous and sexy, deliciously steamy, and I loved every minute of it! The give and take of pleasure, gentle teasing and words of seduction pulled me into their story and I felt the depth of their passion and connection. Guy was the perfect combination of gentleman and rake, going after what he wanted, giving even more in return, but never pushing Isabella too far. I loved the power Isabella had over him and how she affected him so deeply. And I loved how he brought out Isabella's wild and rebellious side, infusing her with a sense of boldness she never had before.

Hidden secrets added a twist to their relationship and I would have liked to see that explored further with a little more angst. But I loved the way Isabella grew more confident in what she had to offer as she lost her innocence and embraced her relationship with Guy completely. There was so much truth in the way they looked at each other, straight through to their souls with a love that was all-consuming and so real. They evoked intimacy and vulnerability in each other, transforming love at first sight into hopes for the future. As one of the last Fitzroys to find her HEA, I loved how much joy Isabella brought to her family as they all celebrated her finding love. The family dynamics and the strength of the love and affection within Isabella's family added to this heartwarming story. A few unexpected surprises ended the series and brought the entire family together for a Christmas filled with love and happiness.

** Special thanks to Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. Available December 23, 2022. **

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isabella is the last Fitzroy cousin to find a husband and she finds him by herself in Bath. A self-made man, Guy Partridge has a questionable past. Who is he? He entices Isabella with kisses and makes unexpected appearances at her window after climbing her pear tree. In just a few days they fall in love. This book moves very quickly and ends abruptly. Includes mild descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

[Emilija · Rating 1 out of 5]

I think I'm in the minority here, but Guy comes across as a creep, and I don't like him. He literally stalked Isabella across the country (or as across a country as Bath to Chalcroft is) and then kept turning up wherever she was, including her bedroom.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the final story in this series that features 12 cousins from three related families, so readers of the previous books will want to know how the series concludes.

Read full review in the 2023 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read. Enjoyed it. 4☆

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Isabella was the last Fitzroy to find love. I liked how the series took place over years, as that made it more realistic in all 12 ladies finding their man. A kiss from a stranger within like 15 minutes of meeting him is scandalous even now. You know she's been sheltered when that is viewed as a positive event.

It's crazy how she decided to be with a criminal (I'm not sure how someone can go from stealing people's money to being a "gentleman" but so be it). He seems fun and crazy enough to fit in with the fam. The ending really threw me because why did no one questions her bringing a man from upstairs?? and with her hair down?!

Otherwise, a fun series.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isabella Fitzroy should never have been there. The lane in Bath was a completely random accident, as was the vicious attack she witnessed. But when the man who defended himself so powerfully steals a kiss and then appears in the pear tree by her bedchamber window that evening, Isabella knows she’s in trouble. After all, Guy Partridge is not the sort of man she should be associating with.
The final book in this delightful series & Isabella is the final Fitzroy to find love. A well written quick read, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I really liked both Guy & Isabella they fell for each other at their first meeting & their feelings quickly grew & deepened, I loved that he was honest with her. It was also good to catch up with the other siblings & cousins but I would have loved an epilogue to draw everything together
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Magen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful end to this series! A quick and sexy story with the last unmarried Fitzroy girl and a handsome stranger. Great series, I'm looking forward to going back through the earlier books of the Fitzroy's and Emily EK Murdoch's previous books.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

A lovely end to the series. I loved the last scenes with all the family gathered for Christmas together.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isabella Fitzroy finds her Patridge

Isabella is the last Fitzroy left that isn't engaged or married. She wonders if she will ever find herself a husband.
She goes to Bath to visit her Aunt and Uncle, just to get away from her parents. She is supposed to stay for a week. Maybe being alone with her cousin and her parents, she might find something exciting to do.
But when she got there, she got restless and decided to go for a walk and spots this gentleman with a top hat. She tries not to look interested. So she walks in the opposite direction and bumps into him when he is having a confrontation with another man. He punches the man in the nose.
She looks at him in disbelief but is also intrigued.
She talks to him and walks away and gets in the family coach. He helps her to get in and then steals a kiss. She's stunned and can't stop thinking of him.
She goes back home and thinks she will never see him again. But he surprises her by being at a dinner party that her parents and Isabella are invited to. They talk in whispers so her parents won't hear them. He tells how much he wants her. At the end of the evening, they each go their own way.
He surprises her by climbing up a pear tree to watch her dream of him. He climbs through her window. He pleasures her. She has never been touched by a man. This goes on for days. He sneaks up into her bedchamber at night. He finally admitted to her his feelings. He tells her the truth of his past. She doesn't care. She wants him to make love to her.
They do find their happy ever after. She and Joy let the familiar know that have found their loves.
Great twelve stories of the Fitzroy girls and finding the loves of their lives. Fantastic job to Emily E K Murdoch.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for the copy of this ebook and this is my freely given opinion.

This is the final story of the 12 days series, and about the final single female Fitzroy, Isabella. She just wants to escape all the Fitzroys for a day alone. It must be overwhelming at Christmas to be surrounded by all the hubbub of the expanding family, with all the cousins, their various spouses, and growing next generation... especially when you are one of the few singletons left, so Isabella just wants a day to to herself in Bath, and finagles this around the same time as Joy has her story told in Two Turtle Doves.

During her alone time, she runs into Guy Partridge who boldly pursues her back to her family farm and climbs up the pear tree outside her window, and secretly seduce her while the family gathers.

OK, I found that some of the other stories tried too hard to fit the 12 days themes, with varying levels of success... but I did like it here with the persistent Guy Partridge climbing her pear tree for their illicit liaisons. This was a cute ending to the series with the gathering of the clan and a nice continued HEA for another of the Fitzroy couples from earlier.

3.5 stars out of 5.

Generally a fun themed series centered around the holiday season, for a light reading treat.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the final of the 12 book series of hot and steamy regency romance novellas by Emily EK Murdock. The nice thing about novellas is that you don’t have this long drawn out girl loves boy, girl loses boy, girl gets boy back. It is more like girl gets boy again and again. Like the other books, the gentleman is hot and heavy to bed the women before marriage, and they have no problem with this. Well, not so much no problem. They do think of their repulation, and then they give in, because, what the heck.

It is kind of fun, as long as you realize that all will get married in the end, so no out of wedlock babies here. Just a little premature, as one of the women noted in an earlier book.

In this one Guy Partridge climbs Isabella’s pear tree, which is right outside her bedroom window. There are also scenes in her carriage as well. All fun and games.

So, if you want a quick, sweet, slightly innocent regency romance, I would suggest this final book in the series, as well, I presume the rest of the books.


Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, in the moment, love at first sight tale.
The final installment in a really enjoyable series that evolves around the theme: The Twelve Days of Christmas.
Isabella, on a quest for a spot of solitude, finds adventure and spontaneity in the arms of the intriguing Mr Guy Partridge. In this love at first sight tale where a chance encounter sparks an intense attraction and a well placed pear tree gives them the opportunity to come together and explore the instant connection that blooms between them.
Ending the series with a touch of whimsy as each tale has brought a smile to my face and provided a fun, quick, read that's brimming with the chaos of family, from the point of view of each Fitzroy lady as they attempt to deal with their insecurities and just happen to fall hard as they stumble across love in the process. With a spot of steam to heat up the attraction and add a touch of naughty to the innocence interwoven within.
With some welcoming news at its conclusion that I, like so many others who have read the entire series have been hoping for, to round off this cute, heartwarming series!

[Amberreads.alot · Rating 3 out of 5]

And finally all twelve Fitzroy women are married! This final entry into Emily EK Murdoch's Twelve Days of Christmas series of novellas is a fun and steamy read. It felt like Ms. Murdoch had some leftover steam from some of the previous books and decided to put it all in here. While I don't have a problem with steaminess, the couple here seems to connect over little else. The insta-lust becomes insta-love within days, but there is little interaction beyond the physical. It is hard to see a real connection between Isabella and Guy. The ending to this novella also feels as abrupt as the endings to the previous books in the series, even as Ms. Murdoch closes the circle on a thread that has run through many of the previous stories. I would have like some sort of epilogue featuring a Christmas several years in the future. Good but not great, 3 stars.

Thank you to Dragonblade and NetGalley for an ARC of this title. The opinions herein are my own.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love At First Kiss

A very pleasing end to this fabulous series! The last of the Fitzroy ladies finds her HEA.

A chance meeting in Bath between Guy and Isabella with just one kiss in the family carriage has Guy falling in love with her.

Isabella was instantly enthralled with him and when he followed her home and climbed the Pear Tree to woo her, their fate was sealed.

Enjoy this beautifully written novella, full of passion, steam, instant love, a man who knows what he wants and goes after it, a few surprises and of course the family get together at Christmas with all the children.

Although you can read this book as a standalone romance, I would definitely recommend reading all in the series to get a feel of each romance with all the love and emotion Emily puts into all her writing.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Partridge in a Pear Tree is a romantic novel by Emily EK Murdoch, the last of her Twelve Days of Christmas series. I think she just ran out of time, or out of ideas, or who knows what. This last novel is short, thankfully, and ridiculous. A man she doesn’t know meets her by climbing the pear tree outside her window. Mr. Partridge. This was a huge project, one Murdoch took on, presumably by her own choice, and she handled fairly well until the end. The books got shorter and the plots lamer. She should have started sooner, and released one at a time. I didn’t get that sense. Pointless.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of A Partridge in a Pear Tree by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #EmilyEKMurdoch #APartridgeInAPearTree

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final installment of The Twelve Days of Christmas series brings us Isabella's story, the final Fitzroy to find love. Isabella does not like attention, especially the way her family acts around her given the fact that she is still not married. When she decides to escape for a bit and takes a walk, she meets Guy and is instantly attracted to him. The feeling was mutual and their chemistry was off the charts. Guy was not the type of man Isabella should associate with, but that didn't stop her from giving in to her attraction.
This was a delightful end to what has been an amazingly entertaining series. I'm definitely looking forward to what Ms. Murdoch brings us next!
I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Cherie S · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Fitzroy's, Christmas, Happiest of Ending for All:
Wow! to all of the Fitzroy family and their thrillingly passionate love stories.
Even though this is the last book of the series it was filled with lots of sizzling romance, desirous tension between Isabella the last to find love and Guy the flirtatious savior who went to great heights to find her.
A very happy ending for the entire Fitzroy family.
Lots of different emotions throughout the series, along with humor, and lots of romance.
A Bravo! to the author for the ingenious way, she incorporated the titles into the plot in each book.
Adult Advisory:
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest opinion.

[JudyAnnLovesBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not gonna lie, I’m kind of upset that this series has come to an end. I’ve enjoyed reading each book and following the shenanigans of the Fitzroy family.

And with this book, 𝗔 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗗𝗚𝗘 𝗜𝗡 𝗔 𝗣𝗘𝗔𝗥 𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗘, Isabella Fitzroy gets her much deserved happily ever after! I enjoyed watching Guy sweep Isabella off her feet. From their first meeting to the very end, they shared incredible chemistry and kept me glued to my kindle.

I’m giving this entire series the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are three Fitzroy brothers, each with different interests, each the father of daughters, twelve in total. This story is about Isabella, the last of the Fitzroy cousins to find her happily ever after. During a stroll in Bath, she watches a gentleman thwart a robbery. He then tips his hat and steals a kiss. This is love at first sight for both of them. Isabella doesn’t believe it; Guy wants to convince her. A noise outside her bedroom window draws her attention. What does she see? Guy Partridge in her Pear tree. This brings the song and the series to a close. It is a heartwarming story with an abundance of humor and a bit of steam. The story and the series end with the family gathered at Chalcroft for Christmas, and with more than one happy surprise. Cute story and happy holiday series.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily reviewing it.

[Mary Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

When we started this mini series the heros were soldiers, doctors, noble men, as we get to the end we have dodgy solicitors come journalists who betray Isabella and now a 'sharker' aka a retired? con man, I'm feeling sorry for Isabella. As with the other books lots of heavy petting or sex outside of marriage.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Linda S Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

A man named Partridge in a Pear Tree

I really enjoyed this series of twelve books which were mostly novelas. Some were 4 stars but most were 5 stars. When one ended I immediately started the next one. There were some grammar errors in them but I didn't let that bother me to much. There needs to be a proof reader and a editor.
Over all, Emily picked an amazing them for these stories.

[Melinda Greathouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isabella and Guy's story was utterly enchanting. I almost hated to get to the end of it, because it means the series is over, and I have so enjoyed the Fitzroy family. The last installment in this series does not disappoint. Don't miss it!

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and am providing a review voluntarily.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Isabella witnesses a violent attack and then is kissed by the man who had defended himself. Guy is attracted to Isabella instantly and climbs her pear tree to get to know her better. This love at first sight story is the end of a 12 days of Christmas series. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for my honest review.

[Avril Hemingway · Rating 4 out of 5]

The final book in this sweet series with Isabella the final Fitzroy to find love. A well written quick read, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I really liked both Guy & Isabella they fell for each other at first sight. It was also good to catch up with the other couples from the series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sara Adrien · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know that this is a wonderful holiday series. Each of the sisters and cousins have a chance at love. But here, we have a seductive hero who made me chuckle. No spoilers from me but I highly recommend this book for any woman who wishes a man would whisper such sweet nothings in her ears! Again, well-done, Emily!

[Donique Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

The following are my thoughts as I read this book. Isabella Fitzroy…a spinster, tired of the pity looks for being unmarried, wants to experience life as an ordinary person. Guy Partridge…a self made gentleman, has a few enemies, likes to climb trees. This adorable story was mainly told through the perception of the h. The h’s day as an ordinary person had a unexpected ending LOL. This was simply a sweet and steamy love story. Definitely steamy steam here.

[Stephen Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

A magnificent ending to the series

This is a magnificently thought out ending to this amazing seasonal series of steamy stories, which are all themed around the amorous adventures of the daughters of three brothers. All the characters are crafted with the strength and courage to go after their desires.