The Viscount’s Christmas Temptation

Summary: Lady Amelia Pembroke has been managing her household ever since her father died and her younger brother became the duke. She is well-prepared and manages all problems with consummate ease.

Amelia is 30 years old and is worried that her brother depends too much on her and is putting off seeking a bride. So she intends to find a husband and leave him. She thinks the seventy-fifth Annual Sheffield Christmas Eve Ball is the perfect occasion to find a husband who matches all her selection criteria.

When she learns that the venue for the ball is burned down and that the ball has been cancelled, she goes to Viscount Benedict Sheffield’s house, introduces herself, and offers to arrange the ball.

Benedict lives by the clock: eight in the morning to eight at night is his time for duty and eight in the night to eight in the morning is his time for debauchery.He is intrigued by Amelia.

This book by Erica Ridley is about how Amelia and Benedict manage each other and also manage to fall in love with each other.

My thoughts: Although this book is meant for Christmas, it is not just a holiday read. It has a light-hearted story, with interesting characters and funny, charming banter.

It is a novella; so the happy and predictable ending seemed rushed.  There are no miscommunications or villainous characters. Needless to say, there is no unnecessary drama.

Amelia and Benedict are mischievous, quirky and strong characters. Similarly, Amelia’s long-suffering brother is also a great character. Their interaction is wonderful.

I laughed while reading this book. It reminded me of Georgette Heyer, whose books I love.

Note: The publishers, Intrepid Reads, gave this book to me in exchange for an honest review. I thank them for that.