Megan Frampton

A duke's daughter. An irrestible earl. And an energetic Corgi named Mr. Shorty. What more could you want in a Christmas novella by Megan Frampton? It's Christmastime in London, and Lady Pearl Howlett is eagerly ready for the festivities—until her family goes off to their country estate...accidentally leaving her home alone! But she's not dismayed. Rather, she's thrilled to do exactly what she wants. Unfortunately, this daughter of a duke doesn't know how to do anything. The Earl of Llanover has come to London to take refuge in his godmother's townhouse, free to be as awkward and grumpy as he wants. With his pet Corgi, Mr. Shorty, for company, Owen Dwyfor is ready for a quiet holiday away from his mother and sisters who would have him married off. That is, until his godmother's neighbor, Lady Pearl Howlett comes barging in to his solitude. After some reluctance, the two come together for a joyous—and steamy—Christmas they won't forget.

A Duke's Daughters Novella

The Earl's Christmas Pearl

Don't read this for a dive into the historical period. This is ridiculous and fluffy, but festive and sweet. A riff of of the concept of the Home Alone movie. With that as the inspiration, I think you can know what level of silliness to expect. There are festive vibes and trappings. This is super short, so don't read this if you are not prepared for instalove. It is entertaining and has a holiday mood. If that is all you require, you will be just fine reading this. Like holiday candy, it melts quickly and is forgotten. I am between a 2.5 and a 3 for this because I would have liked a little more believeability and development to the relationship. But a 2.5 would be punishing the book for something it never pretended to be striving for.

Cheryl Hedlund

Grace O'Callaghan

Definitely not for those that want historical accuracy, but a fun Christmas romance.

When accidentally left alone for Christmas Pearl is excited to have an adventure on her own. Owen is an earl and often feels used without anything being given in return and is perfectly happy to spend some time alone over Christmas. When our two characters bump into each other could they perhaps be each other’s new adventure?

The setup of the story is pretty weak in my opinion. Pearl’s mother and her sister forgets to take her with them to the countryside. It’s stated that their mother is forgetful, but her sister too? It’s already hard to believe and the fact that two people forgot is unforgivable.

Apart from the setup the rest of it is decent. Nothing stand out but I was able to buy into the romance even though it happened in such a short amount of time. I usually hate insta love but despite how short it was the love wasn’t immediate.

I can’t say the characters are the best but fro such a short story they’re pretty good. Both are distinct and have clear arcs. Pearl is the overlooked sister of the family. Not too much of anything to stand out. She’s stubborn and isn’t afraid to get what she wants.
Owen is a grump at the start but he’s actually very considerate and gentle.

I have to admit that I love a good pun. But some of them were such a stretch they had me cringing.

The sex scenes were quite enjoyable. Again some horrible puns but pretty steamy and consensual.

A quick holiday romp to get you in the festive mood. Don’t think I’ll be reading any more from this series though.

b.andherbooks

Lady Pearl is the daughter and sister no one ever notices, which means she gets left behind in her family's London home after a large shopping trip. With no servants and no food in the house, she appeals to her grumpy neighbor, the Earl of Llanover for assistance. He's alone in London with only his Corgi Mr. Shorty for company, in order to recover from a leg injury he sustained on his Welsh sheep farm. While trying to maintain propriety, the two share the holiday season and fall in love while getting to know one another and getting snowed in.

Really cute and steamy novella, a fun read for the season. I think if the characters had known each other even a little bit before the novella begins it would have helped strengthen their truly whirlwind romance.

I received a free copy in exchange for a fair review.

The Earl's Christmas Pearl A Duke's Daughters Novella

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