A Seduction at Christmas (Holburn Series)

A Seduction at Christmas by Cathy Maxwell (2008)

Pages: 358

ISBN: 9780061350986

Description: Desperation and an empty stomach forced Fiona Lachlan to agree to a plan that ended up luring the wickedly notorious Duke of Holburn into trouble. Everything went terribly wrong, and now she has found herself posing as his ward! And while she swore nothing could make her desire a scoundrel, even if he was a duke, she is now drawing ever closer to the one man she cannot have...

The Duke of Holburn had spent years heeding this warning, and in doing so, managed to avoid the virginal young ladies who had been put in his path. But now his wild ways have gotten him into real danger. There are killers at the door and a temptingly beautiful woman in his arms. He is about to find himself seduced... and he isn't quite sure he wants to resist this time.

Review: After a wild night of debauchery, Nick (Duke of Holburn) has lost a most precious heirloom and is visited by the Oracle of Delphi where he receives the prophecy, "Beware of Innocence". Years later, Nick is still in search of his father's ring and by chance or destiny meets Fiona at an inn where he was to meet the man that stole his ring. Sparks fly between the two but that is short lived as a group of men is after them. In order to keep Fiona safe, Nick takes her home as his ward and tries to solve the mystery of who is after him.

From the start, this book just keeps the action going. There are murders, thefts, vacations, and of course romance. The characters were great. Although, towards the end the Duke was somewhat unbelievable. He said things that were somewhat out of character, but lovely things any woman would die to hear. I couldn't put this down and I just had to know what happened. Even though it is a lengthy book, it went by so fast and was over before I knew it. Even though this is a holiday book, you can enjoy it any time of the year. A must read.

Score: 4 out of 5