Wedding Her Christmas Duke: A Historical Regency Romance (Seductive Scoundrels)

"Tantalizing. Fascinating. Enthralling. And so many more words ending in ing." ★★★★★ ~ Lori Dykes "This is a quick happy holiday tale and another success for the Sutcliffe Christmastide house party." ★★★★★ ~ PeggyC51 Fun Fact About Collette: Collette's favorite historical romance tropes to read are arranged marriages or marriages of convenience, enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, second chance romances, and beauty and the beast historicals. You'll often find those same tropes in her historical romances too."This is such a sweet and spicy romance I was captivated from the start. I loved the witty dialogue, her imagery, her characters and the way she makes you feel a part of the story ." ★★★★★ ~ Daisy "...a love at first sight romance that is sweet & fun with humor & romance ..." ★★★★★ ~ Lana Birky "Intertwining lives, strengthening friendships, a community of ever deepening connections. With each story, characters move from predictably flat to vibrantly real ." ★★★★★ ~ Lee A. "I was enchanted with the story and the characters . Ms. Cameron has a talent for writing delightful works that have witty characters both main and secondary, engaging stories using tropes that are familiar yet can captivate and maintain my interest, lots of droll humor, a nasty character or two, and what I love above all, lightly sweet yet deliciously spicy romance." ★★★★★ ~ Diana A. "A delightful story , quick and easy to read, interesting characters, well rounded story" ★★★★★ ~ April Girl " This may have been a short story but my goodness it definitely ticked all the boxes when it comes to what I want from a Christmas romance." ★★★★★ ~ AnnMarie "I enjoyed reading this Captivating story that is well written with misunderstandings and secrets." ★★★★★ ~ Sharon "This is a convoluted tale of love and misunderstanding. Collette Cameron has written an amazing tale ." ★★★★★ ~ Brenda Dear Reader,For those skeptical about love at first sight, such as Justina and Baxter experienced, scientific studies have proven it exists. Interestingly, many of those who fall in love almost instantly and marry remain married decades later. I personally know of multiple instances, including myself. My husband asked me to marry him after two weeks, and at the writing of this letter, we've been married thirty-seven years. WEDDING HER CHRISTMAS DUKE is a lighthearted, quick read. Though it has a holiday element, the story can be enjoyed any time of the year.If you're curious about some of the other characters you met in WEDDING HER CHRISTMAS DUKE, you can find all of the series that have been written so far on my website - collettecameron.com/seductive-scoundrels-series/. Watch for HOW TO WIN A DUKE'S HEART, Sophronie Slater and Evan Gordonstone, Duke of Waycross's story and THE DEBUTANTE AND THE DUKE, Rayne Wellbrook and Fletcher McQuinton, Duke of Kincade, romances coming soon. And yes, Aunt Emily does find love. I bet you can guess who her hero is after reading this story.Hugs,Collette From the Inside Flap Have you read all of Collette Cameron's Regency and Scottish Historical Romances ? Here's a list of what's available and what's coming next. Happy reading! THE HONORABLE ROGUES® Are you ready for rousing, emotional, and romantic historical Regency romance quick-read capers you won't want to put down?·A Kiss for a Rogue·A Bride for a Rogue·A Rogue's Scandalous Wish·To Capture a Rogue's Heart·The Rogue and the Wallflower·A Rose for a Rogue·'Twas the Rogue Before Christmas·A Rogue Worth the Risk CASTLE BRIDES SERIES Enthralling Scottish Regency adventures brimming with intrigue, lovable scoundrels, strong heroines, and unforgettable sizzling romance.·The Viscount's Vow·Heart of a Highlander-prequel to The Highlander's Heiress·The Highlander's Heiress·The Earl's Enticement THE CULPEPPER MISSES: REGENCY HISTORICAL ROMANCES Read the Culpepper sisters series for page-turning, humorous, and satisfying historical Regency romance romps you can't forget. Giggles guaranteed.·The Earl and the Spinster·The Marquis and the Vixen·The Lord and the Wallflower·The Buccaneer and the Bluestocking·The Lieutenant and the Lady HIGHLAND HEATHER ROMANCING A SCOT SERIES Spin-off of the Castle Brides Series Pamper yourself with Scottish Regency historical romances packed with intrigue, smoldering passion, and page-turning surprises.·Triumph and Treasure·Virtue and Valor·Heartbreak and Honor·Scandal's Splendor·Passion and Plunder·Seductive Surrender·A Yuletide Highlander SEDUCTIVE SCOUNDRELS SERIES Indulge in these captivating, emotion-laden and quick-read historical Regency romances sure to warm your heart and put a smile on your face.·A Diamond for a Duke·Only a Duke Would Dare·A December with a Duke·What Would a Duke Do?·Wooed by a Wicked Duke·Duchess of His Heart·Never Dance with a Duke·Earl of Wainthorpe·Earl of Scarborough·Wedding Her Christmas Duke·The Debutante and the Duke·Earl of Keyworth·Loved by a Dangerous Duke·How to Win a Duke's Heart·When a Duke Loves a Lass DAUGHTERS OF DESIRE SERIES (Scandalous Ladies) Read these sweet, inspirational Regency romances featuring loveable rogues, scandalous secrets, a pinch of mystery, and a dash of humor for page-turning reads you won't soon forget.·A Lady, A Kiss, A Christmas Wish·No Lady for the Lord·Love Lessons for the Lady·His One and Only Lady·Never a Proper Lady·Lady Tempts a Rogue CHRONICLES OF THE WESTBROOK BRIDES A dazzling new series introducing the Westbrook family from USA Today bestselling author Collette Cameron. Perfect for Bridgerton fans, this saga is chock-full of humor, intrigue, heartwarming loyalty, and sigh-worthy romantic adventures, featuring charming and often scandalous rogues and the spirited and unconventional women who become the Westbrook Brides.· Midnight Christmas Waltz - Prequel· Mission at Midnight· The Midnight Marquess - Coming Soon! · Moonlight Wishes & Midnight Kisses - Coming Soon! · Holly, Mistletoe, & Snow - Coming Soon! · Wishing Upon a Midnight Star - Coming Soon! · Kiss a Rake at Midnight - Coming Soon! · Unmasked at Midnight - Coming Soon! · Once Upon a Midnight Dream - Coming Soon! · The Wallflower's Midnight Waltz - Coming Soon! HEART OF A SCOT Indulge in these captivating, emotion-laden and quick-read historical Regency romances sure to warm your heart and put a smile on your face.·To Love a Highland Laird·To Redeem a Highland Rake·To Seduce a Highland Scoundrel·To Woo a Highland Warrior·To Enchant a Highland Earl·To Defy a Highland Duke·To Marry a Highland Marauder·To Bargain with a Highland Buccaneer·A Christmas Kiss for a Highlander BUNDLED SETS Escape into Regency England with these delightfully entertaining and sigh-worthy happily ever after historical romance collections that will keep you turning the pages for hours. Who needs sleep, anyway?·Seductive Scoundrels Series 1-3·Seductive Scoundrels Series 4 - 6·The Culpepper Misses 1 - 2·The Honorable Rogues®, Books 1 - 3·The Honorable Rogues®, Books 4-6·Heart of a Scot Series Books 1 - 3· Daughters of Desire, Books 1 - 2· Highland Heather Romancing a Scot, Books 1 - 2 Excerpt - Wedding Her Christmas Duke Bathhurst Hotel and Spa Bath, Somerset, England 15 November 1810 Justina Farthington laughed as she and her widowed aunt, Emily Grenville, tried in vain to dodge the large, soggy snowflakes sifting from the pewter gray sky with the rambunctious abandon of a litter of kittens playing in a sack of spilled flour. The pathway to the hotel wasn't long, but the snow made walking difficult. "It's a good thing we didn't plan on reaching home today," Justina said, tilting her head to better study the ominous sky. A plump snowflake plopped ontoxa0Previewxa0her chin, and she laughed again. Grateful for her warm leather gloves, she swiped the moisture away. "We'd never have made it to Bristol in this weather.""In all of my years, I have never known it to snow this heavily in Somerset in November," Aunt Emily declared, clutching Justina's hand for balance. A good five inches of snow had already accumulated. Though it was scarcely an hour past one in the afternoon, steel gray blanketed the town so popular with the upper ten thousand, giving the appearance of early twilight. The pouting sky showed no signs of relenting in its unrepentant white onslaught upon the earth either. Surely snow in Somerset wasn't so scarce. "Yes, all thirty of them," Justina remarked dryly while concentrating on keeping snow from sneaking into her half-boots. "And because you're so well-traveled." "Hush, Justina Madalene Honoria Farthington. Really . Reminding me of my advanced age and that I'm on the shelf is beyond the pale," Emily huffed good-naturedly, even as a frown puckered her brow. Oh, my heavens. Auntie used my full name. She is in a fine fettle, then. "Lest you forget, I am widowed and a decade your senior. And, I'll remind you, dear niece, that I have seen much more of this often-unforgiving world than you." "Of course," Justina murmured demurely. Aunt Emily wasn't done, however. "You know full well I accompanied my brother on his diplomatic jaunts for several years. It simply does not snow several inches before Christmastide in our part of the world." A touch of genuine concern had leeched into her usually tranquil tones. Was her aunt worried they'd be stranded here? What did it matter? Their finances, though not abundant, were sufficient to accommodate an extended stay. No one except two doddering servants, well past their prime, awaited them at home in Bristol. And the Sutcliffes' Christmastide house party didn't begin until the twenty-second of December--a full month away. In point of fact, Justina and her aunt were invited to come a few days prior. Nonetheless, they could while away for a fortnight in Bath, and no one would be the wiser, much less worried or concerned. A grin played around the edges of Justina's mouth. Oh, how she looked forward to the Sutcliffes' house party. Her dearest friends--young women she'd met at the finishing school her widowed aunt had insisted she attend--were also invited. Genuine excitement that today's gloomy weather and the disruption to their travel plans couldn't diminish bubbled along her veins. Clutching Justina's hand tighter, Aunt Emily clicked her tongue, reminding Justina very much of their elderly neighbor, Gertrude Howerton. Nearly blind and well on her way to becoming deaf as well, Gertrude was forever fussing over something, tsking , clucking, and murmuring, "Mercy," or "God save me," while forcefully pounding her cane on whatever unfortunate surface she happened to be upon, or prodding the legs of whoever happened to be in proximity of the flailing stick. She was precisely the type of eccentric old bird Justina hoped she'd be in her dotage. Though still a beautiful woman, Aunt Emily dressed and acted like a seventy-year-old spinster. If a man so much as gave her a second glance, with her lips pursed, she turned her frostiest green-eyed star upon him. Usually, that was sufficient to send any would-be swains trotting hastily in the other direction. She never--truly never--spoke of her marriage or dead husband, an officer in His Majesty's Navy. Once that first year together, struggling to find the right words in her stilted English, Justina had dared ask Emily about her husband. Distress had ravaged her aunt's pretty features before she'd managed, "It is not something I ever speak of." Justina had never poked her nose into Aunt Emily's personal business again. Somehow, she sensed it wasn't just grief that tied her aunt's tongue and caused the haunted shadows in her pretty eyes. "It is most unfortunate that the Royal Arms Hotel suffered fire damage, and we are obliged to find lodgings elsewhere." Aunt Emily signaled the drivers to wait. "Richard always insisted we stay at the Royal Arms." In truth, this was the third establishment the women had stopped at, seeking rooms for the night. Who would've guessed so many dratted people were traveling in November despite the awful roads? With a wan smile, Aunt Emily allowed, "My brother was rather rigid and unyielding in his ways. A deeply devout man, Richard never stepped over the mark or outside Society's strictures." Justina kept her response to herself. Whenever Aunt Emily mentioned Richard Farthington, Justina couldn't prevent her heart from cramping. Not over his death, for she hadn't known the man, but for all that had come afterward. Could he really have been gone nearly a decade? How well she remembered that day less than a month before her tenth birthday. The day after her beloved mother had died in their humble Viennese hovel and her cantankerous Austrian grandfather had presented Justina at Richard Farthington's doorstep, proclaiming she was his illegitimate daughter. "I've no use for a uneheliches Kind " --bastard child-- "under my feet," grandfather had pronounced coldly in his German spattered, halting English. "Farthington impregnated my daughter, and he can deal with das Mädchen now that my Elsa is gone, ja ?" He hadn't even looked back but had left Justina standing bereft and teary-eyed with an equally confused and grief-stricken Emily Grenville. She'd buried her brother, Richard, a mere two days prior after he'd succumbed to lung fever. Except for each other, Justina and Aunt Emily were indeed two women alone in the world. As always, when reminiscing about her previous life, melancholy infused Justina. She cut a sideways glance at the woman who'd become mother, sister, and friend to her in the ensuing years. The woman who'd accepted a child she neither knew nor could vouch for her paternity and brought that same frightened and sad little girl to England to be raised as a gentle-woman. The only person, save Wenzel Trattner, Justina's grandfather, who knew the secret of her birth and guarded it like the most precious of gems. Aunt Emily had, however, changed Justina's given name from Friederike, giving her a feminine version of Richard Farthington's middle name, Justin. For that, Justina was grateful. Simply put, Friederike was a mouthful, and she would have had to continually explain her name's origin had she kept it. Although, in retrospect, she might've enjoyed being called Freddie. The great-granddaughter of a viscount, Emily Grenville, had taken a grief-stricken child beneath her wing that awful afternoon when the charcoal grey Vienna sky had also been cloaked with grumpy clouds. Collette Cameron®, USA Today bestselling author, creates Sweet-to-Spicy Timeless Romance ® tales that are both "witty" and "impossible to top". Her focus on Scottish and Regency settings, featuring rogues and rapscallions as well as intelligent heroines, has earned her accolades from both readers and reviewers.Stay up-to-date on Collette's latest releases and sales by following her on Amazon and BookBub. Sign up for her mailing list at collettecameron.com/TheRegencyRoseGift for a free starter library, entertaining newsletters, and the chance to participate in book news, giveaways, and contests. With over 55 books published and multiple writing awards, Collette infuses her captivating historical romances with a touch of humor, inspiration, and the occasional appearance of dogs and birds. Visit collettecameron.com to enter her world of witty and inspiring historical romance. Read more