Dukes, Actually: A Regency Holiday Romance

Erica Ridley

Oct 2019 · 12 Dukes of Christmas Book 5 · WebMotion

About this ebook

A heartwarming romp between a socially awkward duke and the social butterfly who pines for him, from a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author:

The Duke of Azureford isn’t the arrogant, aloof lord his peers perceive him to be. Yes, he’s awkward, but he has a plan to fix it. In order to woo a respectable lady, he must learn how to flirt. The completely inappropriate girl next door would make a perfect instructor, but a terrible duchess. So why can’t he walk away?

Incorrigible hoyden Miss Carole Quincy likes billiards, FIX, and the beautiful, buttoned-up Duke of Azureford. She’d be delighted to help him out of his shell and into her arms. Who cares if they’re just pretending to flirt? The heady, breath-taking, soul-consuming feeling inside her runaway heart surely can’t be love…

The 12 Dukes of Christmas is a series of heartwarming Regency romps nestled in a picturesque snow-covered village. After all, nothing heats up a winter night quite like finding oneself in the arms of a duke!

Ratings and reviews

The fifth of this series set in Cressmouth, the town and its quirky inhabitants play a minor role. To secretly get her scandalous sketchbook back, undaunted Carole offers to assist Adam in cataloging and packing his library. After that, it's planning a billiard room. The time spent together serves to bring them closer and - of course - fall in love. But she's a determined spinster caring for her father, or is she? I enjoyed reading a free advanced copy and voluntarily post my review.

The Duke of Azureford is active in many committes in Parliament. He is highly thought of. But in social situations, he is a complete failure. He cannot find a wife. Some might think him a boar but the truth is he is cripplingly shy. Carole is the antethisis of the Duke. She lives next door to his small cottage in the Christmas town. She is taken by the Duke but knows she isn't Duchess material. The story is sweet and predictable. It has Hallmark written all over it. But it works and I adore the series.

Dukes, Actually is the 5th book in the 12 Dukes of Christmas series by Erica Ridley. Ridley is one of my “go to” authors. Her stories have humor and heart pounding romance. I have especially enjoyed this Christmas series. Each story takes place in a wonderful little town called Cressmouth. In Cressmouth, the inhabitants celebrate Christmas all year round. Ridley has a talent for creating characters of depth and feeling. I loved the heroine Carole Quincy - she is the sunshine in the town. Adam Farland, the sixth Duke of Azureford was a little confusing at times, but I loved his shyness. He was a very relatable character. “He wasn’t holding back now. He was taking, demanding, giving, pleading. Two souls caught in a tug-of-war between we shouldn’t be doing this and I never want to stop.” Bravo Ms. Ridley! I was given a copy of this book.