The Duke's Embrace is the seventh book in the 12 Dukes of Christmas series.
I really enjoyed reading this book! It's set in a small whimsical village where Christmas is celebrated through out most of the year. They tend to have very long winter weather.
This one tells the story of Eve, who is responsible for, mostly of all the jobs, of the Cressmouth Gazette. She is a little bored with writing the same stories every quarter. She's always arguing with her father about changing or adding different columns to the gazette. Sebastian approaches her because he is interested in selling his smithy in order for him to finally have enough funds to travel back to his home country of France. He and his siblings had to leave it behind when their parents were killed. They've been living in this small village since they were very young and were waiting for the right time to leave. There is nothing holding them back...so far.
Eve and Sebastian get to know each other better when they decide to help each other out. She'll place the ad in her gazette and he'll help her write an article about his life as a blacksmith and what it entails to run this type of business.
Things get interesting when they begin to explore their feelings for each other. Sadly they do understand that their relationship can't go nowhere, since he is close to leaving. I liked that to make their relationship work sacrifices had to be done on both their parts. I'm glad those sacrifices brought a HEA for them.

Thank you the author for providing the ARC through NetGalley for an honest review.

The Duke's Embrace by Erica Ridley is book 7 in the 12 Dukes of Christmas Series. This is the story of Sébastien le Duc and Eve Shelling. I have read the previous book which I think did help for me to enjoy this one but with that said you could make this a standalone book if you wish to do so. Eve is the daughter of the owner of the Cressmouth Gazette which has made wanting to be a journalist in her blood but her father wants her to do all the unpaid work with the printers and finding stories but doesn't want her writing anything that he doesn't approve which is most everything other than light stories and Christmas stuff. But Eve has weaken him to agree to write a story that has more if he approves of it. This leads her to Seb who along with his siblings had to flee France and their history. So now Seb and his siblings have been working to get money to return home and their position. Somethings they have been doing is not on the up and up to make quick money. Seb goes to the paper to put in a advertisement for selling their Blacksmith business which leads him to start working with Eve. Seb is finding Eve to be so much more than what she gives out. But she is starting to dig into what else they do behind the scene which could bring trouble to his family.
Enjoyed their story.

I love Erica Ridley's books. I received an ARC of this e-book from the author as well as Netgalley. Not only do we see a sweet romantic relationship between Beau and Eve, but also the aspirations of a budding journalist. In a world of men, both domineering and powerful, Eve wants to stand out as a reporter and be recognized for her writing skills and independent of her father. I can't say enough about the beautiful writing style of Erica Ridley.

I have truly enjoyed the, 12 Dukes of Christmas stories. The Duke's Embrace is Sebastien and Eve's story. I could feel Eve's frustration at not getting to run the paper as she sees fit. Bastien comes across as a carefree type person to others. Until it comes to his family. He is very serious then.

This is the seventh book in the twelve book Dukes of Christmas series. Like all the others, it can be read alone. Eve is a woman trying to make her way in a man’s world of newspaper reporting. She must decide whether to publish a story that will hurt the people she knows and loves. Sebastien must choose between going home, to France, or staying in England with Eve. I am enjoying this series and can’t wait for Lucien’s story! I received an ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.

The seventh Dukes of Christmas story does not disappoint. Sebastien le Duc, local blacksmith of French origin, wants to pay the family debts to move back to France with his siblings. Eve Shelling, local (investigative) journalist, dreams of the story that could make her breakthrough. When Eve and Bastien start spending time together both their dreams might come true, or they might discover that another dream is much more interesting to pursue.

I am SO enjoying the 12 Dukes of Christmas series!! I was looking forward to reading Sébastien's story and Erica Ridley did not disappoint. I just loved his fun character and being quite the dandy had some hilarious moments. Eve was his perfect opposite and adding her bullmastiff in the mix made for such a delightful story.

Decisions...hard decisions....had to be made, though. Sébastien has to choose between going back to France with his brother Lucien or stay in England for love. Eve has to choose between standing up to her father, writing the kind of stories SHE wants for the newspaper or leaving England. Once she learns of Sébastien's secrets, she has another decision to make!!

I was given an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

3.5 Stars

“Sometimes hope is the most precious gift we can have.”

Would be journalist Eve Shelling has stumbled upon a story to end all stories and finally gain her the respectability of being a reporter. But if she publishes, it could cost her the happily ever after she never dreamed she’d have…

Sebastien le Duc is one of two brothers who work the local smithy. Having fled France during the revolution, they have wished for nothing but to return to their homeland. Finally, with the funds they have saved smuggling brandy and champagne, they have paid their debts and can petition to have their lands and home returned to them. But Bastien may have found a new home in the arms of one very beautiful and outspoken Miss Eve Shelling…that is until she threatens to expose him and his family for their illegal deeds.

Eve and Bastien are both torn between doing what everyone expects or following their hearts and making a future for themselves…wherever that may be…

The Duke’s Embrace is a quick read, and while I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the other stories in the series, this one just felt a little rushed. Either that, or perhaps it was my burning need to reach into the book and smack Eve around a wee bit. Bastien was forever putting everyone’s feelings above his own, so my heart felt he deserved better. Overall, it’s an enjoyable romance I would recommend to fans of this genre.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **

Unpaid and under-appreciated journalist Miss Eve Shelling never goes anywhere without a trusty notebook and her overprotective Duenna—who happens to be a bull mastiff.

Local blacksmith Monsieur Sébastien le Duc is the pillar of his community—when he’s not pillaging elsewhere. He’s a rakish dandy with a heart of stolen gold and two teeny tiny secrets.

Eve and Sébastien's story is a very engaging one. I really enjoyed the read and actually went back and re-read portions of it. It is an unforgettable Christmas story with romance thrown in for good measure. We had previously met Sébastien in previous books in the series and know that he is the brother who has more or less conformed to his new surroundings.
Eve is both surprised and annoyed with Sébastien when she discovers that he has been smuggling.

I gave this seventh book in this series 4.59 of 5.0 stars for story line, plot and characterization.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

Eve Shelling longs to be a serious journalist, but when her exposé about the founder of Cressmouth aka Christmas is published, her father, the owner of the Cressmouth Gazette is livid and says they only write about Christmas. She argues and he agrees to let her write one “non-Christmas” story as long as he approves the subject and the story before it is published.

Sébastien “Bastien” le Duc and his brother Lucien are the local blacksmiths in town, they came to Cressmouth many years ago when they were rescued from the “terror” in France, but even after 18 years, they long to return to their home. Now that the wars are over and it is safe to return, they have a plan to go just as soon as they sell the smithy. Lucien wants to leave immediately, but Bastien says they need to some time and plans to leave on twelfth night.

Eve is watching the swans – the subject of her non-Christmas story, when her friend Margaret Church joins her and suggests she write a feature about a local citizen. Eve loves the idea and when they notice the le Duc brothers, she decides they are perfect for her story. Eve doesn’t trust men, past experience taught her a hard lesson and she vows to never be duped again. But her interest in Bastien is purely professional, she has no interest in him personally – Really! Alright, he is handsome and well dressed, so much so that his admirers call him “Beau”, but there is more to him than his fashion sense and that is what she needs to learn.

When Bastien approaches Eve about taking out an advert in the Gazette, she jumps at the chance to spend time with him writing the perfect listing for the smithy. She tells him of the swan story and he offers to introduce her to a local artist who would be happy to draw something for the paper. She immediately questions his motives, why would he help her? He says she is helping him, so he will help her.

As the days pass, Eve and Bastien’s friendship deepens and stronger feelings grow, but they each have secrets, Bastien is leaving soon and she has dreams that don’t include handsome, well-dressed blacksmiths, only a fool would fall in love…

I thought this was a sweet novella with more depth than I was expecting. Bastien and Eve are both likeable characters with a great chemistry between them. I thought the story was well written, paced nicely, had a bit of steam, a bit of heartache and a very well thought out HEA. This is the seventh book in the series, but it can easily be read as a stand-alone title. I am happy to recommend this title and look forward to future installments in this series!

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the Publisher*

This review is voluntary and in my own words. Another in this really delightful series. I have said it before and still hold to it...i do not seek out Christmas stories....unless it is this series. They are just so witty and funny!

Another of the Twelve DUKES of Christmas. Miss Eve Shelling is a journalist and works for her father's paper in the little village of Cressmouth or Christmas as it is sometimes known. There is a holiday spirit there year round. Eve wants to write as a serious reporter and her father wants only positive news as always. As she goes on her investigative assignments with her Duenna, a bullmastiff, she meets the la Duc brothers. Sébastien and Lucien. The more she sees Bastion, the more she wants to. He makes her tingle. Lucien is determined to go back to France and expects Bastion to go with him. Bastion doesn't want to go now that he has gotten to know Eve. When Eve finds out there are some illegal activities, she is torn. Will it be love or justice? I loved both of these characters. They have to be together to be happy. Now I'm waiting to see if Lucien will be hit by Cupid as well. I received this book from Net Galley and the publisher for a honest review.

Another great time in Northern England in the "Christmas Village". I really liked this one as Eva is a one woman printing newspaper machine and is trying to own her life. She notices Sébastien le Duc and let's him do her a favor which leads to them talking more and learning about each other. I really like Eva in this book and the power she got in the end.

This is such a fun series and I'm behind on reading them all, they can be read stand-alone but I want to go back and read the previous ones as well! This village is cute and also learning a little history on the side!

Overall, I give it 4 stars!

Note: ARC from Netgalley and author in exchange for an honest review!

Eve, aspiring journalist and sole employee of her father’s quarterly newspaper, wished she could write about more interesting things than theater schedules, sleigh ride rates and cookie recipes. Bastian Le Duc, the dandy of the French refugee siblings who run the smithy in town, seeks out her help in advertising said smithy for sale, so he and his brother can return to France. Sparks fly and Bastian’s foreseeable departure is becoming a concern, as well as Eve’s ambition to write a “real” story …

Another very cute, romantic, and well written romance novella set in the town of Christmas, where the holiday cheer goes on all year round.

Ah, another delightful whimsical romance set int eh village of Christmas. An excellent way to spend my Sunday morning. This series is absolutely enchanting.

It's hard to have to continuously prove one's self worth and ambition. When it comes to love love over ambition, there is really no choice.

Sebastien is striving to do anything he can, to return to his beloved France. His family needs come first.

Eve's past has left a tarnish on her relationship with her father and she is willing to go to any length to get the respect and recognition she deserves.

Sebastien has always seen beneath Eve's rumpled exterior, but being French, he thinks that the English ladies are only after one thing. Nothing permanent, but gratifying. When Eve enrols his help for an article in her gazette, she realises than there is more to him than his dandy demeanour.

They come to a mutual agreement of doing each other favours to reach their goals. It turns out that there is more to their feelings, and now it's decision time.

They approach and overcome their difficulties admirably, even when Eve discovers Sebastien's secret. It's a beautiful tale of the magic of Cressmouth also known as Christmas. A charming read.

I was kindly issued with an eARC from Netgalley and the views expressed are my personal opinion.

Bastien and Eve lay it all on the line for love!

This wonderful couple just about broke my heart. They're both so perfect for each other, building each other up and wanting the best for the other. They've each had such tragic losses in their early lives; the emotional healing they received from sharing with each other was cathartic even while reading about it was heart-wrenching. I loved seeing both these characters let their guards down and be real with each other.

But this isn't a sad story; there's plenty of humor and a dash of steam as these two figure out how to fulfill the le Ducs' dream of returning to France as well as securing Eve's independence from her father. The HEA was as satisfying as it was inventive. I'm looking forward to the next visit to the charming community of Cressmouth. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

After reading the last book I was anxiously waiting on Bastien’s (and Lucien’s) book. This is a lovely story of do I or don’t I want to leave my life when I meet someone and go back to who knows what with my brother. Bastien is definitely swoon-worthy and gobble up good and you see why Eve fell for him. But can she overcome his little side venture enough to stay with him? Eve wants more than just being a pawn for her father’s newspaper and good for her she gets it. Bastien and Eve are a feel-good couple.

The Duke’s Embrace by Erica Ridley is book 7 in the 12 Dukes of Christmas Series. I have loved each of Ridley’s stories. They can truly be read as stand-alone books. I think this hero was one of my favorites. Monsieur Sebastien le Duc is a dandy - an incredibly masculine dandy. That sets him apart from most Regency character heroes. In other books, a dandy ( someone who is unduly devoted to style and appearance) is generally seen as foppish. But in The Duke’s Embrace, Sebastien is an incredibly masculine blacksmith. “She let her gaze linger on the muscles of his upper arm, on the breadth of his strong shoulders, on the thrilling familiarity of his wide, firm mouth and how sensual it had felt against her own.” There is a very steamy sex scene. Looking forward to the next book in this series. I was given a copy of this book.

When looking for the one news that will launch her journalist’s career, a miss must decide what is worth, love or scoop ...

With each new addition in this series, Mrs Erica Ridley offers more and more surprising portraits from this out-of-time Christmas themed town.
After the Le Duc sister, now it is time for one of the brother.
Sébastian is so much more than his dandy appearance let suggest. He is no empty headed haughty French man, but a kind, careful man who made do with what life taught him. For his family, he will do anything, even going against the law, or follow his brother because it is his goal to go back to France.
Eve since a dramatic event has locked her heart, she makes do, she bends to her father’s will, trying to mend their shattered relationship. But when in need of an advice, it comes from the person she expected the least. Now indebted, she agree to his demand and when she saw him as a ne’er-do-well, she discovers his dandy like attires are only for show, daily he is a smithy, working his hands for his family.

I confess I was upset at Eve for shunning Bastian, she based her opinion on his appearance when he was able to see past her disheveled aspect.
Hopefully she fast changes her opinion, realizing there are many layers on Mr Le Duc, he can’t be summarized by his choice of clothes.

This seventh book is one more great tale about seeking what one really wants.
5 stars

I was granted an advance copy by the author, I preordered my own too.
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.