The Viscount's Tempting Minx: Dukes of War, #1

By Erica Ridley

A heartwarming, laugh-out-loud, feel-good romp from a New York Times bestselling author:

 

Certain individuals might consider Lady Amelia Pembroke a managing sort of female, but truly, most people would be lost without her help. Why, the latest on-dit is that rakish Viscount Sheffield is canceling the fête of the year because he hasn't time for silly soirees. He doesn't need time-he needs her!

 

When a flash of lightning destroys the venue for his family's annual Christmas ball, Lord Benedict Sheffield intends to enjoy a relaxing holiday for once. But after twelve days of beguiling Lady Amelia's guerrilla tactics, he's up to his cravat with tinsel... and tumbling head over heels in love.

 

The fan-favorite Dukes of War series features roguish peers and dashing war heroes who return from battle only to be thrust into the splendor and madness of Regency England.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Erica Ridley
• Release date: Oct 15, 2014
• ISBN: 9781939713261

Erica Ridley

Erica Ridley is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of witty, feel-good historical romance novels. When not reading or writing romances, Erica can be found riding camels in Africa, zip-lining through rainforests in Costa Rica, or getting hopelessly lost in the middle of Budapest.

Book preview

The Viscount’s Tempting Minx

The Viscount’s Tempting Minx

Dukes of War #1

Erica Ridley

Contents

An irresistible temptation…

Also by Erica Ridley

Acknowledgments

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Thank You For Reading

The Earl’s Defiant Wallflower

Sneak Peek

Once Upon a Duke

Sneak Peek

The Duke Heist

About the Author

Original Title: The Viscount’s Christmas Temptation

Copyright © 2014 Erica Ridley

All rights reserved.

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Cover design © Teresa Spreckelmeyer

Model photography: VJ Dunraven, PeriodImages

All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the author.

An irresistible temptation…

Certain individuals might consider Lady Amelia Pembroke a managing sort of female, but truly, most people would be lost without her help. Why, the latest on-dit is that rakish Viscount Sheffield is canceling the fête of the year because he hasn't time for silly soirees. He doesn't need time—he needs her!

When a flash of lightning destroys the venue for his family’s annual Christmas ball, Lord Benedict Sheffield intends to enjoy a relaxing holiday for once. But after twelve days of beguiling Lady Amelia’s guerrilla tactics, he’s up to his cravat with tinsel...and tumbling head over heels in love.

This book includes a Sneak Peek of The Earl’s Defiant Wallflower

PLUS: Every Dukes of War romance is now available in paperback, e-book, and audiobook!

Grab a FREE bonus epilogue:

Just click on http://ridley.vip/amelia for a FREE Lady Amelia bonus story!

Grab a Free BookHistorical Romance Book Club

Also by Erica Ridley

The Dukes of War:

The Viscount’s Tempting Minx

The Earl’s Defiant Wallflower

The Captain’s Bluestocking Mistress

The Major’s Faux Fiancée

The Brigadier’s Runaway Bride

The Pirate's Tempting Stowaway

The Duke's Accidental Wife

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The Wild Wynchesters:

The Duke Heist

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Rogues to Riches:

Lord of Chance

Lord of Pleasure

Lord of Night

Lord of Temptation

Lord of Secrets

Lord of Vice

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The 12 Dukes of Christmas:

Once Upon a Duke

Kiss of a Duke

Wish Upon a Duke

Never Say Duke

Dukes, Actually

The Duke’s Bride

The Duke’s Embrace

The Duke’s Desire

Dawn With a Duke

One Night With a Duke

Ten Days With a Duke

Forever Your Duke

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Gothic Love Stories:

Too Wicked to Kiss

Too Sinful to Deny

Too Tempting to Resist

Too Wanton to Wed

Too Brazen to Bite

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Magic & Mayhem:

Kissed by Magic

Must Love Magic

Smitten by Magic

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The Wicked Dukes Club:

One Night for Seduction by Erica Ridley

One Night of Surrender by Darcy Burke

One Night of Passion by Erica Ridley

One Night of Scandal by Darcy Burke

One Night to Remember by Erica Ridley

One Night of Temptation by Darcy Burke

Acknowledgments

As always, I could not have written this book without the invaluable support of my critique partners. Huge thanks go out to Emma Locke and Erica Monroe for their advice, encouragement, and slaps upside the head. You are the best!

I also want to thank the Dukes of War facebook group, the Historical Romance Book Club, and my fabulous street team. Your enthusiasm makes the romance happen. Thank you so much!

Four left for war...

One stayed home.

Chapter 1

December 12, 1815

London, England

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Lady Amelia Pembroke glanced up from the well-worn almanac in her lap as her brother, the Duke of Ravenwood, strode into the yellow parlor with a distracted frown.

The yellow parlor, despite being part and parcel of the winter ducal mansion, was strictly Amelia’s domain. The bookcases were lined with rows of leather-bound journals containing page after page written in Amelia’s small, precise hand. The cherrywood table nearest the bay windows contained the day’s correspondence, stacked according to priority. The oversized basket beside her wingback chair brimmed with a week’s worth of periodicals, the ink worn gray from having been handled many times.

Amelia marked her place with a crisp green ribbon and set the almanac aside. Her brother’s presence could only mean he needed her wisdom on some matter. There was nothing she cherished more than the opportunity to put her mind to practical use.

Although she knew a kiss was not required of her—being an unproductive use of one’s time—she rose from her chair to buss her brother’s cheek. Ravenwood had always been a very solemn, duty-oriented young man, but both his smiles and his presence had been far scarcer these past few months, ever since his childhood friends finally came home from war.

Some of them, that was. A black armband never failed to encircle Ravenwood’s upper left arm. She fought the urge to hug him close. Were it not for having already inherited a dukedom, he would undoubtedly have followed his friends off to war.

Less certain was whether he would have made it home.

She walked to the fire to mask her shiver.

Good morning, brother. To what do I owe the honor of this visit? When he didn’t join her before the fire, she turned to face him. Is anything amiss?

Ravenwood ran a hand through his wavy chestnut hair, upsetting the careful work of his valet.

Or not. Given the popularity of the frightened owl hairstyle today, Amelia couldn’t fathom much effort being involved at all.

He glanced at the clock upon the mantel. I hate to bother you with last minute changes—

Whatever the issue, have no fear. My plans are meticulous enough to withstand disruptions of any sort.

Yes, well, even you could not have foreseen this disaster, and nothing will fix it. This afternoon’s luncheon—

Before he could complete this thought, a knock sounded upon the parlor door.

With an apologetic smile, Amelia held up a brief finger to indicate the conversation would continue shortly. One moment, I’ve been awaiting a messenger. Enter!

One of the lead footmen slipped into the room, his face concerned. I was unable to fetch Miss Azzara, my lady.

She raised a brow. She was not at home?

Oh no, my lady. Were that the case, I would surely have awaited her return. I’m afraid Miss Azzara has contracted the mumps, and will not be able to perform today after all.

Ravenwood’s mouth parted in surprise. Miss Azzara of Drury Lane? You’d mentioned we would provide musical entertainment as part of today’s luncheon, but I never dreamt you meant the second-most celebrated opera singer in all of London.

A good thing, too, since it seems it shan’t happen.

Let this be a lesson, Amelia. No plan is too meticulous for unforeseen circumstances to derail.

She inclined her head to her brother and turned to address

Reviews for The Viscount's Tempting Minx

[julienne_preacher · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This novella is a poorly cut version of something that might have been really good. Shortness of the book is a problem, because the characters are so undeveloped. The heroine is intriguing in her organising ways, but the hero doesn't even have that one attribute. Good writing, though; I just need more to a story than the bones.

[jbarr5 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Viscount's Christmas Temptation by Erica RidleyShe has taken care of her brother and his estate and she realizes he will never choose a bride til she herself has a new job by being married.The annual Christmas party is usually held at the Marshall estate but this year it's undergoing large renovations that will not be ready so the ball has been cancelled.She takes it upon herself to solict his help and money and her ideas to make the Christmas ball happen. He follows her around to other locations til they realize it's really her brother's estate that can handle it all and they make it happen. Excerpts from other books are included.Love having read this one as I've read many in the series and have enjoyed them. Love hearing of the kissing ball and know it's really mistletoe.Received this free review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

[karla9brandenburg · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A charming Christmas novella - Ms. Ridley does not disappoint. Amelia is a control freak uber organizer, and at the ripe old age of 29, she figures if she doesn't get married, her brother won't, which means the family line won't continue. So she sets out to snare a husband, except it doesn't go quite according to her plan, or the contingency plan, or the perfect way she's laid things out. Fun, sweet, engaging, another thumbs up.

[mariajusino · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Good Story but too short

This was a nice short story. I read the book in less than 2 hours. I really enjoyed it. I recommend it.

[shaunesay · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Very cute and just what I needed for a quick Christmas read. I finished it early this morning while trying to get sleepy after some Christmas Day prep, it was perfect timing!

Amelia is a great character, and there isn't anything she can't organize into submission, including Viscount Benedict! She has a Christmas plan that depends on his agreement, and she isn't giving him a choice. She brings him around to her way of thinking exactly as expected, but he has a few tricks of his own for her to crack that iron clad planning.

A recommend from me if you're looking for a light, quick, seasonal historical romance.

#COYER Generator Fuel #1

[westlinwind-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I'm a big fan of this character. I'd love to see more of her out in the world fixing it. Being a viscountess seems a poor scope for her abilities!

[caittilynn · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was a fun, short read. I haven't read any of the other books by this author, but will in the future. Amelia Pembroke is an efficient, managing woman who always gets her way. Now it is up to the Viscount to convince her he is just what she wants.

[jamie.crosby · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Viscount's Christmas Temptation is a prequel to Erica Ridley's first series, Dukes of War. In London, England in 1815 Lady Amelia Pembroke, meticulously ran her younger brothers estate. She had be running it since their mother died when Amelia was only twelve. Now as a spinster at the age of nine and twenty, she realizes that unless she finds a husband her brother will never marry for fear of displacing his sister when she wife took over his estate. Not wanting to stand in the way of her brother's happiness,Lady Amelia concocts the rational idea of narrowing down her potential suitors by crossing off those without the right rank or the right reputation. She then planns to meet the ones that were suitable all under the same roof at the Sheffield seventy fifth annual Christmas ball. When her brother told her that the Christmas ball was canceled, Amelia decided to take things into her own hands. Even if it meant working the Viscount Sheffield, a man known for his reckless night time behavior. Will she find a husband? Do opposites really attract? Is being rational the right approach to love?Though this prequel was short the author did a wonderful job giving the right amount of details in regards to the characters personalities and the setting. Anything more would have slowed down the plot of the story, making the story seem to drag on. Since that wasn't the case the plot smoothly went from one event to the next like one dancing to a slow song. .I recommend for anyone who likes romance or historical fiction stories. I received this book as an ARC from Librarything.com. All my opinions are my own

[libgirl69 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was a fun read. Basically, the party must happen, and ps, marry me. Lol.

[lizbuckley · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I received this book in exchange for my honest review. The Viscount's Christmas Temptation by Erica Ridley was a light, historical romance where my only complaint was that it was too short. The lead character, Lady Amelia Pembroke, was portrayed as a strong woman who did not need a man, but decided due to her age and love of her brother, that it was time she married. She was not concerned about love or looking for love....and that is where the story begins. The author did an excellent job of letting each character's personality shine through and painted a nice picture of the setting, a small town in London in the 1800's, Christmas time. I would recommend this book.

[inishowen_cailin · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A charming and funny introduction to the Dukes of War series. I loved it. It was just enough rouse my interest in reading the next in the series.I imagine (hopefully) that Amelia and Lord Sheffield will feature in consequent titles and that Lord Pembroke will get his own HEA.

[cathygeha · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I believe I have a new favorite author. The first book I read by Ms Ridley reminded me of regency romances I enjoyed when much younger but I do believe these are even better than those I read decades ago. I know that when I am looking for a fun read with wonderful characters that are not the usual run of the mill male and female often found in regency romances I will look to see what this author might have written. In this novella Benedict and Amelia do fall in love but in the doing so they manage to seek out what the other is missing in life and willingly provide it. A truly fun story that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys a clean romance set in the regency era.

[jak910717 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I don't read novellas regularly, but the price was right as I received a free e-copy in exchange for my honest review. I'll let you get the actual plot description elsewhere, as it is easy to find. The main character is organized to the point of being a control freak, but I liked her anyway. The author's use of humor kept Lady Amelia from being someone I'd rather slap than see getting the hot guy. It also piqued my curiosity for more work by this author who was previously unfamiliar to me. I will probably need to check out the Dukes of War series now. Many thanks to Erica Ridley for the opportunity to read this fun and entertaining work.

[eyes92c · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Love comes a calling!How can one resist a blurb that has a confirmed rake 'up to his cravat with tinsel'?That was enough to intrigue me. And intriguing this novella definitely is!What a challenge Lord Benedict Sheffield sets himself?There's twelve days before Christmas...'and twelve nights to teach lady Amelia to enjoy life.'Lady Amelia Pembroke is certainly a take charge young woman who works at a task with a Machiavellian eye for detail and is always six moves ahead of the game.When she determines to take up or over the Sheffield family's annual Christmas ball it's full steam ahead.A NetGalley ARC

[steven.wade · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Funny, witty, delightful. I would have given it five stars if it had been longer and more detailed. I will look for this author more often. You should too.

[jaiw-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This very short, scant 60 page, book starts off with an intriguing uber organized lady and her plans to "take charge" of the biggest social event of the season. The ending arrives suddenly and, though romantically nice, is too unlikely to be believable. That said I'd like to read another of Ms. Ridley's books.

[marthajeanne · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I do not suggest reading this if you are not conversant with the normal expectations of Regnancy romance, or if you take the genre seriously.For all that the story takes place in the familiar setting of Regency London, neither Lady Amelia Pembroke nor Lord Benedict Sheffield is believable as a Regency character. In such a short piece of prose the reader can have fun laughing at the incongrueties.

[deshanya · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I received an electronic copy of this book in return for a review.A delightful story of a managing woman who has all the details under her control at all times and who ends up with a suitor who both appreciates the quality and likes to work against it at the same time.The heroine's attention to detail is clever, but the characters themselves are shallow. It's a good read, but not a particularly satisfying one.

[wyvernfriend · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Amelia Pembroke runs her brother's life, and now she realises that if he is to marry, she needs to first. With her he has no real reason to, without her he might get the wherewithal and might have a wife want to marry him who wouldn't feel that he was being outmanaged by Amelia. Amelia decides that she's going to attend a Christmas Ball that happens every year and that most of the Ton attend, only this year, the ballroom is burnt down. Lord Sheffield has decided to cancel, she wants this ball, she makes sure it happens but doesn't realise what's going to happen to her in the meantime.I liked it as a fluffy romance.

[sheriawilkinson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Viscount's Christmas Temptation (The Dukes of War, #1)
by Erica Ridley

Lady Amelia Pembroke, a near thirty year old singe socialite discovers that the Sheffield's 75th annual Christmas ball will be canceled due to a storm damaging the ballroom.

Amelia decides to approach Lord Benedict Sheffield, with a solution to keep the Christmas tradition going. Viscount Sheffiled is not to worried about this soiree happening, but Amelia is strong willed and won't back down. Will Amelia be able to pull this off with less than two weeks? And is something brewing between the two of them?

Strong willed and determined to get her way, Amelia is very likable. Sheffield is likable as well, even with his opposite personality (than Amelia). Watching Amelia with her fantastic ideas, and the attraction slowly building between the too was enjoyable to see.

A well written historical/romance. Vivid detail, and dialog really pulls you into the story and the minds of Amelia And Benedict. Add to it the Christmas season, (it) makes a sweet romance . I highly recommend The Viscount's Christmas Temptation to those who love a charming historical/romance.

[julesgdside · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was a quick and enjoyable read. I really like the heroine, who was a bit Sherlock-esque (BBC Sherlock).

[anuttyquilter · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

When I compare my reading experience to other people’s reviews, I often think that I have read an entirely different book as their reviews are often in direct contact to mine. Perhaps these people are less stingy with their reviews than me or they expect so much less from their reading experience than I do. This book is a case in point.I am not really sure why this book is subtitled as a prequel as there is only one fleeting mention made to the dukes of war.This is a Novella rather than a full length and for this reason the main characters here fall in love deeply in less than 12 days. They are not in infatuation, or in lust but rather real deep love. The characters have clearly defined personalities and this reader liked the female lead (Lady Amelia) with her organisational skills from the first. The Viscount is equally a strong character who cannot help but fall for this formidable female and readily falls for her honey trap. This novel was quite charming with the occasional humorous episode. Amelia clearly knew how to manage her man! Without him realising that he was complying with her wishes (something modern women clearly do every day).The story is straightforward with no miscommunications or unnecessary drama. When I finished the book I was like ‘Ahhhhhhh’. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and hope that the remaining novels in the series are as good.I was surprised, however, that this novella only comprised 75% of the book with the remainder being a preview of the first full book of the series. If I wanted to read a preview of the next book I would have purchased a free sampler from Amazon.So if you are looking for a short, light, funny read with likeable characters this is one for you. I personally am looking forward to reading the series proper.Full Disclosure: ARC received from Netgalley for an honest review.

[vera_mallard-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

STORY-LINE THE VISCOUNT'S CHRISTMAS TEMPTATION:The Viscount's Christmas Temptation's a clean sweet romance between two independent strong people. Lady Amelia Pembroke manages things, from her brother's household to persuading Viscount Benedict Sheffield his annual Christmas party must go on. For Amelia has decided to choose her future husband from the attendees using Debrett's Peerage. She sets out to manage Lord Benedict Sheffield the way she manages everything, like a tiny general in charge of Her Majesties troops.After lightning and subsequent fire destroy the ballroom, Sheffield's determined to forgo the Christmas party for much-needed rest and relaxation. Amelia's determined to manage him into changing his mind for she knows all he needs is her to pull off the party.Grab a seat, get comfortable, and enjoy this short sweet romance. My regency historical romance novel review of The Viscount's Christmas Temptation follows.CHARACTERS, PLOTTING, DEVELOPMENT:Although a short read of 180 pages, I found I enjoyed this sweet clean romance between two dominate personalities. The writing is clear, clean, and the story-line progresses smoothly. Ridley included all the elements needed to craft an attention holding enjoyable book for an afternoon of reading relaxation.Ridley created a strong independent woman in Amelia during a time period of woman's repression. Amelia understands the art of controlling and managing people with grace and finesse. Lord Sheffield's character is typical for his time, however as time progresses, he sees Amelia as a sweet determined woman with a loving personality. I enjoyed watching Amelia managing Sheffield, but watch out, Amelia just might find herself managed and maneuvered as well.Also, the pace of the storyline's on target as it transitions from one scene to another smoothly. Ridley's development of the characters throughout the book's fine. I loved watching these two dance around each other as they came to understand their feelings and each other.Finally, in concluding my regency historical romance novel review of The Viscount's Christmas Templeton, I found a well-written story-line, believable characters, and sweet clean romance which had no need of sex to satisfy the reader. The book will provide an entertaining afternoon read.THE VISCOUNT'S CHRISTMAS TEMPTATION RECOMMENDATION: STARS 4I would not hesitate to buy this book for my self or friend. I found The Viscount's Christmas Temptation suitable for older teens, young adults, and adults.FINALLY, PLEASE NOTE:Additionally, I received this book from the author and chose to voluntarily review the book with an honest regency historical romance book/novel review. Lastly, book reviews of any novel are dependent on the book review author’s opinion. Consequently, all book reviews on-line and on my blog, are my opinions. In addition, the ARC did not affect my voluntary regency historical romance novel review.

[arlenadean · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Book Description..."Certain individuals might consider Lady Amelia Pembroke a managing sort of female, but truly, most people would be lost without her help. Why, the latest on-dit is that rakish Viscount Sheffield is canceling the fête of the year because he hasn't time for silly soirees. He doesn't need time—he needs her!When a flash of lightning destroys the venue for his family's annual Christmas ball, Lord Benedict Sheffield intends to enjoy a relaxing holiday for once. But after twelve days of beguiling Lady Amelia's guerrilla tactics, he's up to his cravat with tinsel . . . and tumbling head over heels in love."Title: The Viscount's Christmas Temptation Author: Erica RidleyPublisher: Intrepid Reads Series: The Duke of War 0.5Reviewed By: Arlena DeanRating: 5Review:"The Viscount's Christmas Temptation" by Erica RidleyWhat I enjoyed about the read.....I liked this historical romantic novella which was this author's 'The Dukes of War 0.5' series. We find Lady Amelia Pembroke all involved with her brothers estate but now that she is almost thirty she thinks it is time for her to find herself an husband. I love how this author presents it all to the reader. Poor Lord Benedict Sheffield didn't know what to think of Lady Amelia's arranging his 'annual Sheffield Ball' but he would soon find out. In the end will Lady Amelia learn that there is more to life than the daily fixed schedule and have some fun in her life with love and some laughter. Will Lord Sheffield be the one to do this? I don't want to give any of this away but to say you must pick up this good read to see how this author will bring it all out to the reader. It will be quite interesting and very captivating as you read through this good story. If you are looking for a good charming loving read you have come to the right place for "The Viscount's Christmas" will give it all to you and more leaving you wanting the next series.... The Earl's Defiant Wallflower (The Duke of War #1).