I’ve read many romance novels that weren’t to be taken too seriously or full of fun cliches, tropes, and dialogue. I was hoping this would be the same, especially given it’s apart of a longer series with a charming little tagline. But I was sorely disappointed.

The main character is insufferably stupid and beyond naive, the romantic lead is a liar and quite cruel if you really think about it, the sex scenes were unbearable because of the context you have as the reader, and overall it’s not long enough to give any depth or interesting take on the subject matter.

Perhaps if this was a stand alone book that was more 100 pages it could’ve worked as you’d have more time to establish romantic chemistry and connections. But instead we’re given an insanely rushed introduction to a “love” story that borderlines on the lead character being obsessive over the man.

Maria and Walter's story is number seven in Emily E.K. Murdoch's Twelve Days of Christmas series. I really enjoyed the character growth in Maria, and I thought she made a good, if sometimes frustrating, heroine. I was a little annoyed by Walter and the depiction of his profession, but it didn't ruin the story for me. I don't want to go into too much detail to avoid spoilers. Overall, I highly enjoyed this book.

An enjoyable story, a light Christmas romance filled with love. Maria is shy and Walter is mysterious and handsome with secrets but they fall hard and fast towards a satisfying happy ending.

Maria, the quietest and most introverted Fitzroy daughter, meets a man who is renting a cottage in the village. Surprised at how comfortable she is around him, she proceeds to answer all his many questions about her family. What starts out for Walter as an assignment quickly turns into much more. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for my honest review.

4 stars

The writing is good.

For me I felt the hero was an idiot. If a person passes on information to a newspaper they can't complain when the articles aren't complimentary. I was also disappointed in the heroine compromising her feelings about her sisters and mothers sadness because of the great sex/heavy petting. Perhaps he./she is redeemed in the cross over with other books?


I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

𝗦𝗜𝗫 𝗚𝗘𝗘𝗦𝗘 𝗔 𝗟𝗔𝗬𝗜𝗡𝗚 is the sixth book in The Twelve Days of Christmas series and is Maria and Walter’s love story. She is quiet and reserved, pretty beyond words. He’s a charming rogue. They fall hard and fast for each other despite a misunderstanding that threatens to tear them apart. This was a pleasurable, read in one sitting regency romance. TBR and Enjoy.

An Emotional Journey:
The Fitzroy family is enjoying the Christmas holiday season.
This story is about the very quiet and shy Maria that enjoys her own company. A bit of an introvert it seems.
An interesting meeting of a stranger at the door has Maria dismayed and intrigued by this young man named Walter.
Another unforeseen meeting has her even more interested.
From there a blossoming romance begins, or does it?
There's something unusual about Walter.
There are many surprises in this story which leads to a happy ending for the Maria who is his Golden Goose.
Adult Advisory: