Diana Aden
If there was ever a book in a series to be considered as the cherry on top of the sundae, this is the book. I’ve now read all books of the 12 Dukes of Christmas and this is the best and most fit ending to the series. I am sad the series has ended, but what a fun series it has been to read. Miss Cynthia Louise Finch has been in the background as one of the many supporting characters in the previous works, but in this one, she shines. And, of course, Alexander, the Duke of Nottingvale has always “existed” and been spoken of but was barely around to play much of a support character. In Forever Your Duke we finally get to know the real Alexander, the esteemed and responsible Duke who is expected this year to choose a respectable, blue-blooded debutante from those in attendance at his annual Christmastide house party. Fate has something else in mind this year for Alexander and it is packaged in an on-the-shelf spinster… Miss Finch. Alexander feels he needs “an aristocratic young lady who would bring honor and continued decorum to the esteemed Nottingvale dukedom.” In his mind, “Miss Finch was the opposite of proper. She was a firework in a box of candles.” When Cynthia is unable to foster a match between the Duke and her cousin, she volunteers to help him determine which debutante in attendance is more suited to him. It will be a Duchess Derby. I loved the humor that was woven so well throughout this work. There was a lot of “tongue in cheek” humor as well as droll wit. Alexander was under a lot of pressure from his mother to choose the right bride. The author adroitly portrays the dilemma and the contrary feelings he is going through as he spends more time with Cynthia. He starts to participate in some of the activities she does and finds out he is enjoying himself. Alexander was a man who followed rules but Cynthia encourages him to loosen up. When the house party is ending, he needed to make a choice, and Alexander chose love. What a perfect ending to a great series. Please note, I received an ARC of this work and offer this voluntary review. All opinions stated are my own.
Viper Spaulding
Enchanting Grinch-inspired romance! I've been reading the 12 Dukes of Christmas series right from the start, and I have unequivocally loved every single one. I know I've said it about every one, but this one truly is the best of the bunch. The author skillfully wove in many nods to the classic Christmas tale, without veering off track from the main plot of finding a bride for the last remaining single duke in Cressmouth. Alexander feels the weight of his title in every decision he makes, and his mother never lets him forget that his life is all about duty. When he's finally forced to confront his future and consider exactly what kind of man he wants to be aside from fulfilling his duty, his heart is right there to point him in the right direction. Cynthia Louise has been following a duty of her own, as well; one that she is likewise called upon to reexamine in the light of her future options. I loved her carefree, lively attitude and her devotion to her friends and family, but I truly respected her when she was able to look deep into her own motivations to find the freedom that she was seeking. I love how this author always does such a fabulous job of cutting through her characters' veneer, reaching deep into their hearts for the truths they need to address in order to clear the way for their HEA. The splendid build-up of attraction, chemistry, and longing was exquisitely rendered, and the climactic aftermath of the scene with the archers and Max was breathtaking and downright swoon-worthy. The HEA was everything I could hope for. Get this book, get the entire series if you haven't already, and settle in for a delightful visit to the beautiful town that celebrates Christmas year-round. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Lori Dykes
A return to the delightful Cressmouth village, where you never know what will happen, but can be assured it will be newsworthy and wonderful! Plus it is Christmastide all year round! Yes I have been ready to go since the first visit! Take one thirty year old hoyden spinster, Cynthia and her younger, shy, cousin Gertie, who is suppose to catch the eye of one Duke of Nottingvale and what do you have? An adventure full of witty dialogue, an unexpected attraction and a fun filled Christmas house party that is enchanting! Alexander was a stiff "Life would be easier if everyone followed rules. Rules let him know what to do and what to expect." Yep that is how he had lived his life. Now he needed a "proper bride." As he was greeting the guest he saw "Miss Cynthia Louise Finch. His heart stopped, then raced faster. Miss Finch was the opposite of proper. She was a firework in a box of candles....she made him feel as though he stood dizzyingly close to a statue of a Grecian goddess come to life." Thus the party begins!! So sad this is the end of this series! I have adored every story and with Erica's witty writing and creative characters, I can only look forward to her next book!
