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Illegitimate Bachelor #3
Seduce Me By Christmas
Even a rogue can believe in miracles...
Raoul Charlebois is nothing if not notorious. He's abandoned his wild life to search out answers to his dark past, but that doesn't stop his reputation as a rake from following him wherever he goes. In this case, it follows him to the door of a gamekeeper's cottage, where beautiful, optimistic, innocent Sarah Jefferson resides. In all his exploits, he's never met a woman like her...and that makes her all the more tempting...
At first, Sarah will have no part in whatever the devastatingly handsome visitor wants at the estate...until she realizes what he wants is her. For as the snow falls down around them, she finds that the intoxicating scent of evergreen boughs can prove incredibly seductive. And maybe there is some glimmer of good in Raoul hiding deep within. After all, Christmas has a way of bringing lost souls together...
Raoul Charlebois is nothing if not notorious. He's abandoned his wild life to search out answers to his dark past, but that doesn't stop his reputation as a rake from following him wherever he goes. In this case, it follows him to the door of a gamekeeper's cottage, where beautiful, optimistic, innocent Sarah Jefferson resides. In all his exploits, he's never met a woman like her...and that makes her all the more tempting...
At first, Sarah will have no part in whatever the devastatingly handsome visitor wants at the estate...until she realizes what he wants is her. For as the snow falls down around them, she finds that the intoxicating scent of evergreen boughs can prove incredibly seductive. And maybe there is some glimmer of good in Raoul hiding deep within. After all, Christmas has a way of bringing lost souls together...
329 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 25, 2009
27 people are currently reading
183 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Raleigh
12 books55 followersAKA Debbie Raleigh and Alexandra Ivy.
Deborah Raleigh is the author of thirty three books and novellas for Kensington Publishing. Her first regency LORD CARLTON’S COURTSHIP was nominated as Best First Regency by Romantic Times and was an Award of Excellence finalist. She has also been nominated for Career Achievement in Regency romance by Romantic Times.
She has been an avid reader since she could hold a book in her hands and always dreamed of putting her own dreams down on paper. She is married with two teenage boys who manage to keep life interesting. She loves to travel, although she is careful to call vacations research sabbaticals and considers housework optional at best.
Deborah Raleigh is the author of thirty three books and novellas for Kensington Publishing. Her first regency LORD CARLTON’S COURTSHIP was nominated as Best First Regency by Romantic Times and was an Award of Excellence finalist. She has also been nominated for Career Achievement in Regency romance by Romantic Times.
She has been an avid reader since she could hold a book in her hands and always dreamed of putting her own dreams down on paper. She is married with two teenage boys who manage to keep life interesting. She loves to travel, although she is careful to call vacations research sabbaticals and considers housework optional at best.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 26, 2020
Never a Bastard
Raoul believes he is a bastard son of an English Lord he finally decided to retire from acting and I investigate his past! Raoul wants to know why Dunnington was given $20,000 and left it as an inheritance for him Ian and Frederick! I didn't think the ending would be this amazing but it is and nicely ties up the loose ends of all 3 stories! Raoul meets Sarah the former gatekeepers daughter and surrogate mother to 2 abandoned boys! Raoul knows he's in trouble when he thinks of ways to entertain the boys and let Sarah keep complete guardianship over them! Someone wants Raoul dead when he begins to ask questions about his past! Sarah knows until Raoul discovers the truth he won't be free to love! Someone wants the truth to remain in the past bad enough to go to desperate measures! Will Raoul get to marry the one woman who can see beyond his actors face straight to his heart? Will the legacy Dunnington left live on and secrets finally laid to rest? Read on.....
Raoul believes he is a bastard son of an English Lord he finally decided to retire from acting and I investigate his past! Raoul wants to know why Dunnington was given $20,000 and left it as an inheritance for him Ian and Frederick! I didn't think the ending would be this amazing but it is and nicely ties up the loose ends of all 3 stories! Raoul meets Sarah the former gatekeepers daughter and surrogate mother to 2 abandoned boys! Raoul knows he's in trouble when he thinks of ways to entertain the boys and let Sarah keep complete guardianship over them! Someone wants Raoul dead when he begins to ask questions about his past! Sarah knows until Raoul discovers the truth he won't be free to love! Someone wants the truth to remain in the past bad enough to go to desperate measures! Will Raoul get to marry the one woman who can see beyond his actors face straight to his heart? Will the legacy Dunnington left live on and secrets finally laid to rest? Read on.....
on-kindle-to-read
November 23, 2016On sale for *.99* on Amazon
July 23, 2020
4 stars (enjoy Maureen Driscoll, Elisa Braden, Sophie Jordon, Samantha Holt)
The development and interest in main characters and secondary characters was enjoyable. I really did like the H/H for this book; very well paired as a couple.
I loved the writing around the women empowerment (it wasn’t over the top for me).
writing style is easy to follow, humorous moments, the give and take dialogue enjoyable.
Romantic/sexual content (kissing, oral, love making scenes) was throughout the book. Nothing over the top; again nicely intertwined in the story. There are a few detailed written scenes and several just mentioning the act. 2.5/5 hotness and steam.
I love series around family members or a group of friends. I love the series even more when the author intertwines those characters throughout the book series (it’s a pet peeve when authors don’t do that because what’s the point of the series and introducing the characters if they are not going to interact throughout the series). This series you have little interaction of the 3 main male characters of this series...disappointing.
would recommend this book and series (you don’t have to read them in order however it wouldn’t hurt to read them in order to get the full story throughout the series).
December 6, 2017
3.75/5
February 3, 2017
It was a good read, but not something I would want to read again.
November 30, 2014
Seduce Me By Christmas is a story by Alexandra Ivy who uses a pseudonym, for her historical works. For quite a while I only thought Ivy had books leaning toward the paranormal genre, but when I learned she had done some historical romances...I just couldn't resist, and this book just caught my eye as I was browsing and couldn't help but to get it, a perfect read to get me in the mood for the holidays. This story wasn't what I expected it to be, it was quite a splendid experience and I can tell you I definitely need to read this author more.
The story begins with a rake and scoundrel, Raoul, who is known as a bastard son of a lord of the Ton. He has made a success in being on the stage, but needs a change, and desires something more from his life. So he goes back to his roots, and meets a woman that attracts his interest. A woman that wants nothing to do with him, normally Raoul is the one that picks his women out, but he isn't used to being rejected or challenged. Sarah, is a painter and considers herself a spinster, and has taken in two orphaned boys. She has heard the numerous rumors concerning Raoul and knows that he isn't to be trusted. But when he sets out to seduce her she knows that she is in danger, of falling in love with the scoundrel, even though she knows he will only end up breaking her heart.
This story was packed with enough passion and entertainment to keep me satisfied for quite some time. I just loved everything about this book, in fact I couldn't put this one down once I really got into it. The characters were quite developed and really added some depth to the story. Raoul is the type of hero you just ache to read about. He is alpha male, loves a challenge and loves his women and sex, he is a animal in bed, but his character goes deeper than that. He is protective, intelligent, connects well with children, and has a hidden caring nature. What more do you need right? Sara is quite a unique heroine, there were many times I honestly didn't know what to think of her. I liked her but then I didn't know if I liked her. She is very willful and independent and doesn't let anyone let her guard down, and can be quite stubborn. I liked how she stands up for herself no matter what, but I do felt that she was a bit too stubborn, especially when it comes to Raoul. I know that she is just protecting herself, but Raoul really puts himself out there, and it takes quite some time before she lets him in.
Once they were together, they were just phenomenal. They definitely connect on the physical level, and boy do they have some sexy chemistry,....I felt the need to turn on the A/C in winter time....this story does know how to heat up the room. Even though on the surface the story seems like a simple enough one, it was very dynamic, and had unexpected turns in the plot I didn't expect to find, and what a mystery...I kept guessing the end result...and I was off the mark. The author sure knows how to write a story to keep you guessing and still surprise you in many different ways. The story also has a charming note to it with Christmas and I loved seeing that theme being mixed in well with the other aspects that tended to flow together quite well in this story.
Overall a sensational romance that won my heart over, heartwarming characters, a thrilling mystery, and a passionate and poignant love story! ASTOUNDING!!
The story begins with a rake and scoundrel, Raoul, who is known as a bastard son of a lord of the Ton. He has made a success in being on the stage, but needs a change, and desires something more from his life. So he goes back to his roots, and meets a woman that attracts his interest. A woman that wants nothing to do with him, normally Raoul is the one that picks his women out, but he isn't used to being rejected or challenged. Sarah, is a painter and considers herself a spinster, and has taken in two orphaned boys. She has heard the numerous rumors concerning Raoul and knows that he isn't to be trusted. But when he sets out to seduce her she knows that she is in danger, of falling in love with the scoundrel, even though she knows he will only end up breaking her heart.
This story was packed with enough passion and entertainment to keep me satisfied for quite some time. I just loved everything about this book, in fact I couldn't put this one down once I really got into it. The characters were quite developed and really added some depth to the story. Raoul is the type of hero you just ache to read about. He is alpha male, loves a challenge and loves his women and sex, he is a animal in bed, but his character goes deeper than that. He is protective, intelligent, connects well with children, and has a hidden caring nature. What more do you need right? Sara is quite a unique heroine, there were many times I honestly didn't know what to think of her. I liked her but then I didn't know if I liked her. She is very willful and independent and doesn't let anyone let her guard down, and can be quite stubborn. I liked how she stands up for herself no matter what, but I do felt that she was a bit too stubborn, especially when it comes to Raoul. I know that she is just protecting herself, but Raoul really puts himself out there, and it takes quite some time before she lets him in.
Once they were together, they were just phenomenal. They definitely connect on the physical level, and boy do they have some sexy chemistry,....I felt the need to turn on the A/C in winter time....this story does know how to heat up the room. Even though on the surface the story seems like a simple enough one, it was very dynamic, and had unexpected turns in the plot I didn't expect to find, and what a mystery...I kept guessing the end result...and I was off the mark. The author sure knows how to write a story to keep you guessing and still surprise you in many different ways. The story also has a charming note to it with Christmas and I loved seeing that theme being mixed in well with the other aspects that tended to flow together quite well in this story.
Overall a sensational romance that won my heart over, heartwarming characters, a thrilling mystery, and a passionate and poignant love story! ASTOUNDING!!
February 22, 2017
A premise that loses its novelty
The strong premise for this series, 3 illegitimate bachelors each trying to discover their father's secret, weakened for each successive book. While the books are generally well written, there just seemed to be too much of a 'sameness' to them. I won't spoil the story by going into detail, but the novelty wore off for me by the end of this third book.
To the author's credit, each book in the series is a standalone read. No cliffhangers in sight. I thoroughly enjoyed the first book, Bedding the Baron. This is a pretty good series, but I tend to like a bit more variety in stories.
The strong premise for this series, 3 illegitimate bachelors each trying to discover their father's secret, weakened for each successive book. While the books are generally well written, there just seemed to be too much of a 'sameness' to them. I won't spoil the story by going into detail, but the novelty wore off for me by the end of this third book.
To the author's credit, each book in the series is a standalone read. No cliffhangers in sight. I thoroughly enjoyed the first book, Bedding the Baron. This is a pretty good series, but I tend to like a bit more variety in stories.
June 30, 2012
This is the third book in the Illegitimate Bachelor series. It is a satisfying read, but it lacks the "pizzazz" of Bedding the Baron. Another problem is the title of this book does not follow the series: Bedding the Baron and Seducing the Viscount. That sort of thing "bugs" me. It is as if they threw away the "brand."
Raoul Charlebois is nothing if not notorious. He's abandoned his wild life to search out answers to his dark past, but that doesn't stop his reputation as a rake from following him wherever he goes. In this case, it follows him to the door of a gamekeeper's cottage, where beautiful, optimistic, innocent Sarah Jefferson resides. In all his exploits, he's never met a woman like her. . .and that makes her all the more tempting. . .
At first, Sarah will have no part in whatever the devastatingly handsome visitor wants at the estate. . .until she realizes what he wants is her. For as the snow falls down around them, she finds that the intoxicating scent of evergreen boughs can prove incredibly seductive. And maybe there is some glimmer of good in Raoul hiding deep within. After all, Christmas has a way of bringing lost souls together. . .
Raoul Charlebois is nothing if not notorious. He's abandoned his wild life to search out answers to his dark past, but that doesn't stop his reputation as a rake from following him wherever he goes. In this case, it follows him to the door of a gamekeeper's cottage, where beautiful, optimistic, innocent Sarah Jefferson resides. In all his exploits, he's never met a woman like her. . .and that makes her all the more tempting. . .
At first, Sarah will have no part in whatever the devastatingly handsome visitor wants at the estate. . .until she realizes what he wants is her. For as the snow falls down around them, she finds that the intoxicating scent of evergreen boughs can prove incredibly seductive. And maybe there is some glimmer of good in Raoul hiding deep within. After all, Christmas has a way of bringing lost souls together. . .
April 11, 2012
Okay I know for a fact the cover and title really make this book for me at least giggle and say cheesy, BUT I really enjoyed the plot. I think people were made because it was not some crazy dirty smutt or really had to little to do with seducing. I for one was okay with that, the plot was sooo much more better to me. I really like the main character male and him trying to find out why is so called Father had been son evil/mean was a thrill. The mystery he need to solve was exciting and and i think people were mad because it wasn't some hot dirty kinky book but actually focused on something other than sex. I love the fact that it was a meaningful relationship and that the male character wanted to marry the women. I feel a lot of books just have people hooking up and staying boyfriend and girlfriend forever or no real committed relationship. I like it and would tell some one else to read it.
December 30, 2015
The title makes this sound like it is a really "spicy" romance but it isn't. Not that I didn't like it but I think the title is a bit too "wild" for the content. A notorious illegitimate son of an English Lord who became an actor returns to his hometown to determine the secret his nasty "father" is keeping. He does indeed discover his true French heritage but also falls in love with a young woman who has taken in two boys much in need of a family. :-) A fun vacation read.
February 23, 2010
Great conclusion to her series of 3 friends, raised as bastards that had the good fortune to come under the protection of an excellent teacher, Mr Dunnington. This is Raoul Charlbois' turn to find the answers of his youth, and in doing so- the love of his life.
December 11, 2009
Independent woman captures the interest of actor. He is "searching for the answers to his dark past". The spirit of Christmas is at work.
March 28, 2017
Not bad but the title is misleading
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews