Iron Canuck Reviews & More: Book Tour: On This Christmas, I Thee Wed (Christmas in the Castle) by Virginia Barlow with an excerpt, a giveaway, and my review

ON THIS CHRISTMAS I THEE WED

by Virginia Barlow

GENRE: Holiday Historical Romance

BLURB:

Bartered to Viscount Hudson Becker by her father, Lady Lavinia Holbrook escapes her arranged marriage and travels to her Godmother, the Duchess of Chauncy to seek asylum. Determined to put men and marriage behind her, she is unprepared for the duke's interest or his heated kisses. The Duke of Chauncy believes love is a weakness and refuses to take a bride despite his mother's scheming. When the duchess makes a wager he will marry by Christmas, he considers the matter a lark. Until Lavinia gets under his skin, and he rethinks his position on love and happy ever afters.

EXCERPT:

The door to her chamber opened with a rush of warm air. A hearty fire crackled on the hearth as she strolled inside and sank onto the bed. Her tight bodice would be too uncomfortable to sleep in and she sat up with a groan to work the lacing of her gown. She must mention to the duchess she would require a lady’s maid since she abandoned Margret in Waterdown with her veil and wedding slippers. Her mood lightened at the thought, and her bodice came off with a tug. Her petticoats followed, and Lavinia removed her slippers and stockings with a loud yawn. Her stays followed, and then, with a shrug, she removed her garter and slipped into bed in her chemise and pantalets.

The crisp, clean sheets were magic against her tired flesh, and with another lusty yawn, she closed her eyes and received the fright of her life.

“I am, of course, delighted with your unexpected presence in my chamber, and although you cannot stay, you may offer my gratitude to my mother for sending you.”

Lavinia froze and turned her head toward the deep voice coming from the direction of the hearth. Panic surged through her as she grappled with the realization that a man occupied her chamber.

“What?” Her eyes widened as they settled on the imposing figure of the Duke of Chauncy reclining in a brocade chair clad in nothing but a pair of form-fitting black trousers.

Oh God, what had she done?

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Virginia Barlow has been a dreamer her whole life. She loves reading, traveling, and roses. She will dive headfirst into any romance she can get her hands on in any genre. Although her first love is Regency Romance and always will be. Something about the era calls to her soul like a siren’s song rising from the depths.

She loves to write steamy romances whether fantasy, historical, or contemporary, all are liberally spiced with adventure and sensual, seductive heroes. Her heroines are just as compelling with equal parts intelligence, sass, and backbone. They give as good as they get whether saving their man’s life or responding to his heated kisses, they’re all in.

The most important thing in Virginia’s life is her family, and spending time with them. When she is not bouncing a grandbaby in her arms or handing out popsicles, she is writing and dreaming up her next love story. Virginia has published fifteen romance novels with another two on the way and has half a dozen more circling around inside her head eager to make their debut.

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19838312.Virginia_Barlow

https://www.virginia-barlow.com/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/3046288755596817/

https://x.com/Virgini35142126

https://www.instagram.com/virginia.barlow/

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GIVEAWAY

The author will be awarding a digital copy of A Lilli By Any Other Name to a randomly drawn winner.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f5046/

My Review - 4 1/2 of 5 stars -

4 1/2 stars. I enjoyed this story. Lavinia took her future into her own hands, running away to prevent a marriage she did not want. Her escape was aided by her friend and led her to Oliver. He had no plans on getting married despite his mother's wishes and machinations until Lavinia arrived. Their connection changed both of their conceptions of love and marriage. A slow start to this story continued to a faster pace and a wonderful couple in love.