One Night with a Duke: A Regency Holiday Romance

Erica Ridley

Oct 2020 · 12 Dukes of Christmas Book 10 · Erica Ridley

About this ebook

From a New York Times bestselling author: Sparks fly in this definitely-not-falling-in-love workplace romance between a handsome drifter chasing adventure, and a small-town jeweler who would never leave her home behind…

Dashing Scot Jonathan MacLean never returns to the same town twice. The happy-go-lucky philanthropist seeks constant adventure… and is desperate to outrun his past. When a blizzard traps him in a tiny mountaintop village, he meets a woman who tempts him with dreams he'd long since abandoned: Home. Community. Love. But other people’s livelihoods depend on him leaving for good as soon as the snow melts.

No-nonsense jeweler Angelica Parker has spent her life fighting for recognition. She's Black, she's a woman, and she will prove her creations are the equal to any artisan in England. With the project of a lifetime on the line, there's no room for error—or distractions. Especially not the handsome charmer whose unquenchable cheer and melting kisses have become more precious than jewels...

The 12 Dukes of Christmas is a series of heartwarming Regency romps nestled in a picturesque snow-covered village. Twelve delightful romances… and plenty of delicious dukes!

Ratings and reviews

This was nice, though I enjoyed Dawn with a Duke more. Jonathan tosses his money around; it seems he's trying to "bribe" people to like him. This puzzled me at first as in book 9 as his cohort in the their "Fit for a Duke" business scheme is very much worried about their financial success. Jonathan's over-generosity is later clarified. Angelica is concentrating on completing her contract successfully and has no time for romance. Jonathan very gently woos her, but Angelica thinks a future together is impossible with their opposite lifestyles - she's rooted while he's a rover. An answer is not too easily found. I read an advanced copy and voluntarily post this review.

Well! Now I know what was going on while Calvin and Belle were caught in the snowstorm. That being said, I don’t recommend reading this book without having read Dawn with a Duke first. Charming rogue and apparent wastrel, Jonathan MacLean is carefully guarding hidden depths behind that façade. Angelica Parker is succeeding in a world that’s telling her she shouldn’t. On the surface, this pair shouldn’t work. Angelica has strong ties to Cressmouth and the people around her, while Jonathan has never been anyplace he wanted to return to. And yet, this pair are drawn to each other. I thoroughly enjoyed their story, and, to be honest, I wish it had been longer. Both Jonathan and Angelica have backstories that could have been expanded on further, and I would have loved to have read more about that. The ending is everything that is sweet and adorable, I just thought it came about a touch too quickly. The further into the series we get, the more I’m falling in love with Christmas. I kind of never want to see the series end. I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author through NetGalley.

I have read all the books in this series, The 12 Dukes of Christmas, and have enjoyed every single one. This 10th offering is no different. It has delightful main characters, enjoyable secondary characters, a plausible plot, witty dialogue, and a sweet and charming romance. This book, One Night With a Duke, is a standalone work but it might help some readers if they read the previous offering, Dawn With a Duke, before this one. The main character, Jonathan MacLean, is the business partner of Calvin McAlistair featured in the previous work. Jonathan is a philanthropist. He has done well for himself and likes to help others by investing in their potential businesses or other endeavors. He doesn’t stay permanently anywhere and enjoys his life of adventure by going from place to place. He is most dismayed when a blizzard forces him to stay awhile in the village of Cressmouth, known for celebrating Christmas all year round. Christmas is one holiday Jonathan never celebrates. Though Jonathan is friendly with everyone he meets in Cressmouth, for some reason he is drawn to Angelica Parker, a local jeweler artist. He starts visiting the shop every day. Angelica came to Cressmouth seven years ago when she had a chance to leave the family business in London and open her own in Cressmouth. She signed an agreement to fulfill a seven-year commitment. Jonathan makes it clear to Angelica that his stay in Cressmouth is only temporary. Once he and Calvin meet with the Duke of Nottingham about the Fit for a Duke clothing line, Jonathan is off for another adventure and business opportunity. Jonathan and Angelica have both experienced pain and heartache in their lives but each had focused on finding success in their life. Their journey to a HEA is a bit rocky at times. Their story was very engaging and kept my interest until the last page was read. I happily rate it 4 stars with a mild heat level and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.