Title: The Duke Beneath Her Mistletoe
Author: Nicki Pascarella
Genre: Regency Romance, Historical Romance, Holiday Romance
Book Blurb:
Under royal command, William Harrington, the Duke of Astleyshire, investigates a notorious writer stirring up trouble among the lower classes. Never one to back down from a challenge, he also makes a bet to bed a known man-hating lady. There is no way Georgiana Eaton will spend another season paraded in front of the ton’s eligible bachelors. She has more important things to do, like secretly writing chapbooks that support workers’ rights. When a roguish duke invites himself to her family’s holiday celebrations at Trent Castle, Georgie fights back. Never mind their intense attraction, the duke and the lady despise each other.
Believing that Winkentattle is one of Georgie’s brothers, a disgruntled William follows her to a protest where all hell breaks loose. Now William and Georgie must appease the Prince Regent, save themselves from the gallows, and make it back to Trent Castle before Twelfth Night.
My Review:
William’s mission is clear but when he discovers who is behind these worker’s rights books, he must escape a hangman’s noose and protect the lady he’s come to adore. Wow, this book is a Regency masterpiece. The characters are engaging and colorful. The narration is immersive and detailed down to the last detail. The dialogue is quick, witty, and at times humorous. The romance is enemies to lovers romance complete with disguises, sword play, and juicy tension. Hands down, The Duke Beneath Her Mistletoe is unputdownable.
Let’s start with the characters, shall we? A lady who cares deeply about worker’s rights and mistreatment risks it all to help the cause. That’s Georgie in a nutshell. She loves her family deeply yet irks the Prince Regent with her actions. She despises William at once and bates him at every turn. Georgie is my favorite kind of heroine. She is the reason alone to read this book. The rest of the characters are delightful and brilliantly written.
The setting is Regency England at Christmastide. The narration describes the local family’s traditions and activities. Immersive details add a lushness to the story. Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop. Such detail, such historical accuracy, is a feast for the senses and hooked me from the start.
The writing is impressive. I’ve read contemporary romance from this author and it’s wonderful. In my opinion, her true gift is historical romance. She pens a complex story with characters which leap from the page and historical nuances not found in many romances. Her writing is my newfound addiction, and I can’t wait for more.
If you’re a die-hard Regency romance reader like me, this is your next read. Perfect for the holidays!
My Rating: 5++ stars
Buy it Now:
The Duke Beneath Her Mistletoe (Christmas in the Castle) - Kindle edition by Pascarella, Nicki . Romance Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.
Author Biography:
Nicki Pascarella writes Contemporary and Historical romances. She enjoys mixing genres—adding mysteries to steamy small-town romances, or a pinch of paranormal fantasy to her romantic comedies. It’s all about making her readers laugh and fall in love.
Using her twenty-nine years of experience as a high school teacher and her background in creative writing and journalism, she coaches authors for The MediaCasters. Helping artists break through creative blocks is one of her passions.
When she isn't writing and editing, she reads, runs, and hangs with her husband, daughter, and Shetland sheepdogs. Nicki is also an award-winning belly dancer.
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Reviewed by: Nancy