Allison: The Duke and Miss Christmas | Amelia Grey | Novella Review

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Crispin, the Duke of Hurst, has never met a woman he couldn't handle--until he's hit over the head with a basketful of mistletoe by a young lady who mistakes his intentions. When he gets into a tussle with her--and she can hold her own--Crispin knows he has finally met his match.
Miss Gwen Prim is mortified that she attacked a duke, but even more concerning is the way her resolve melts when she's near him. She's never felt this way about a London gentleman in her life. And with the magic of Christmas in the air, she may end up with a proposal she didn't expect...in this delightful Regency gem, The Duke and Miss Christmas by New York Times bestselling author Amelia Grey

I love historical fiction, especially historical fiction with a dash of romance, and if you set it during Christmas time, you’ve probably got me hook, line, and sinker. This is exactly what occurred when I read The Duke and Miss Christmas by Amelia Grey. The first time that Crispin and Prim meet, it is under unusual circumstances, as Prim misreads the situation and winds up attacking Crispin with a flower basket thinking that he is trying to abduct her younger sister when all he was doing was helping her after she had gotten injured. After the attack, Prim refuses to give her real name so Crispin nicknames her Miss Christmas. Somewhat insulted, she fires back with a nickname of her own for him, Mr. Ogre, and almost immediately the sparks begin to fly between them as they tease each other without knowing who the other one actually is.

When it is revealed by her brother-in-law that Mr. Ogre is actually Crispin, Duke of Hurst, the awkwardness begins to set in for Prim. She is embarrassed by her actions and the way in which she so brazenly attacked this man who she didn’t even know. She knows that it was an improper way to act especially for a lady in her current standing. Luckily for her, Crispin reassures her that everything is indeed forgiven, and that she has nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, he is actually impressed by the way that she came to her sister’s defense so quickly, and so admirably. There is an attraction between them, one that he would like to pursue but, ultimately it is up to her on if they move forward together or not.

I enjoyed the way that Amelia Grey wrote the relationship between Crispin and Prim. From their first meeting, the two characters were able to go toe-to-toe with each other. Their banter was light hearted and fun but there were also some more serious moments when they were debating with each other over a courtship. I liked the way that the time period was represented and the way that Crispin and Prim discussed the implications of her being courted by a Duke, seventh in line for the heir. Of course, there is also another man who has been trying to court Prim for many years but who doesn’t hold a candle to Crispin. As much as she tries, Prim cannot deny what is going on between her and Crispin, and how much she would like to give it a chance.

One thing I did wish was that there was more time to develop what was happening between the two characters but given the fact that this was a novella, I understood that time was kind of limited in that manner. And the relationship didn’t feel too rushed, I just would have liked to see what could have happened if it was a full length novel. I think that is why I’m so curious about the other books in this series now. The Duke and Miss Christmas was my first experience reading Amelia Grey and I really liked the way that she captured the story and the chemistry between Crispin and Prim. I look forward to hopefully checking out more of her books in the future. I sincerely recommend that you do the same!