Once Upon a Duke (12 Dukes of Christmas, #1)

by Erica Ridley

She knew she was being prickly. But sometimes the only way to protect oneself was to keep a safe distance from those who could inflict hurt.

“The people here are too…” “Happy?” she suggested helpfully. “Compassionate? Thoughtful?” “Friendly,” he concluded as if there were no greater horror in all the world. “Every one of them insists on conversing with me whenever I pass too close.”

“Family isn’t limited to blood. It’s who you make it. Family is a choice.” Her voice cracked. “Home is a choice.”