Once Upon a Duke: A Regency Holiday Romance

Erica Ridley

Oct 2018 · 12 Dukes of Christmas Book 1 · WebMotion

About this ebook

A heartwarming, second chances, reunion romance from a New York Times bestselling author: 

Enjoy a fun regency romp featuring a spinster in a counting house, a grumpy duke, goats, true love, and a partridge in a pear tree. What could go wrong? Absolutely everything!

Beware romantic spirits from Christmas past...

Due to the terms of an estranged relative's will, the Duke of Silkridge must revisit the cold, unforgiving mountains where he lost everything he once loved. As soon as he restores his family legacy, he'll return to London where he belongs. He definitely won't rekindle the forbidden spark crackling between him and the irresistible spitfire he'd left behind...

Noelle Pratchett is immune to charming scoundrels like the arrogant duke. He stole her heart, stole a kiss, and then stole away one night never to return. Now he's back—and they both know he won't stay. But how can she maintain her icy shields when every heated glance melts her to her core?

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

Enjoy this light-hearted and rather silly romp as author Erica Ridley takes you through the season of Christmas—in a village which celebrates Christmas all-year-round. Christopher Pringle is rather a character if I must say so. He likes things tied up in nice little packages (all puns intended), rather a control freak and definitely a very serious man. He had one passion—the stars, the night sky and that happened to be the linchpin for a romance and happy ever after ending. It’s true, he needed to get married. His betrothed had to fit into his schedule and be a person who would travel with him, for he loved to travel. Christopher had only two weeks to find a wife in this little village. It suited him better than searching in London. He was also noted to never stay more than one month in any one place. He never broke rules and always stayed on schedule. But even though he was much of a pill, I liked him. He was polite, curious, and intrigued with life. Running out of time, he engaged Miss Gloria Godwin, NOT ENGAGED as engaged, but to have her help him with his ‘project’. Based on his criteria, Miss Godwin provided many candidates, but none intrigued Christopher. But, she intrigued him. Miss Gloria Godwin loved the stars, passionately love them. Her father taught her everything about the stars since he sailed the seas and they were his navigator. She stayed in this little village which celebrated Christmas all-year-round because she is scared to leave it. She is full of phobias as you’ll see. But she is full of romance and the need to marry for love if she marries at all. When Christopher and Gloria meet, they clash. She teaches the tourists about the stars, but in her tour she adds her own take on them. They are not The Chained Maiden, The Bird of Paradise, or the Scorpion. They are something else entirely. This disturbs Christopher’s sensibilities and the two get off on the wrong foot. But this very irritation keeps Gloria in his mind and eventually he is hooked! Love is not an easy path for Christopher and Gloria. Personalities insist each of their ways is best. Watch what happens as the story unfolds. This is an easy read, light and entertaining. It is also a bit unique which will keep you thinking about it long after you’ve closed the cover.

This story definitely had me laughing throughout the whole book. This story takes on A Christmas Story vibes because everyone is happy to live in Christmas (Cressmouth). The town is full of unique and fun people that will win you over and have you in the Christmas spirit. That spark from 5 years before is still there and no matter what they tell themselves it is going to get stronger. They quickly realized they couldn't let go of those feelings and that the Christmas spirit was bringing them together.  Noelle is magical in her own way. She does the work of multiple people and does it quickly. She knew something had caused him to leave before and understood once he told her everything. I loved her right away because she instantly makes you smile with how she does things and talks to him. Benjamin hates Christmas because it brings back horrible memories of pasts Christmases. He broke my heart because of how much he desperately wanted that heirloom. The Christmas spirit slowly lightened him up the longer he was there. He found what he really needed. Copy provided for an honest and voluntary review

Due to the terms of an estranged relative's will, the Duke of Silkridge must revisit the cold, unforgiving mountains of Northern England where he lost everything he once loved. As soon as he restores his family legacy, he'll return to London where he belongs. He definitely won't rekindle the forbidden spark crackling between him and the irresistible spitfire he'd left behind... Noelle Pratchett is immune to charming scoundrels like the arrogant duke. He stole her heart, stole a kiss, and then stole away one night never to return. A lovely start to a new series. I was drawn in from the first page & enthralled all the way through. The characters have plenty of depth & are likeable. Benjamin & Noelle are delightful, they've been in love for years but each wants to live at opposite ends of the country where they think they are needed. Fuzzy Wig made me smile & added humour to the book. I look forward to the rest of the series My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

About the author

Erica Ridley is a USA Today and New York Times best-selling author of historical romance novels. Her most popular three series, The Dukes of War, Rogues to Riches, and The 12 Dukes of Christmas, feature roguish peers and dashing war heroes amid the splendor and madness of Regency England. When not reading or writing romances, Erica can be found riding camels in Africa, zip-lining through rainforests in Costa Rica, or getting hopelessly lost in the middle of Budapest.