Dawn with a Duke: A Regency Holiday Romance

Erica Ridley

Sep 2020 · 12 Dukes of Christmas Book 9 · Erica Ridley

About this ebook

From a New York Times bestselling author: Secrets and scandal abound when two delightful, strong-willed opposites are snowbound together in this laugh-out-loud, feel-good romance!

As the daughter of a duke, Lady Isabelle’s pristine reputation is paramount. Her high status is how she’ll attract the titled suitor her mother insists she wed. When Belle’s chaperone falls ill en route to a party, she must pose as an independent widow to avoid gossip. Why not have a wee innocent flirtation with a handsome tailor staying at the same inn? She’ll be gone in the morning…

A sudden blizzard upends Calvin McAlistair’s plans when he’s snowbound at a posting-house. He has no time to play lady’s maid to the helpless beauty next door, no matter how much he enjoys unbuttoning the straitlaced widow. His future depends on impressing an important investor… who will ruin them both once they realize Calvin has spent a scandalous fortnight with Lady Isabelle!

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!

THE 12 DUKES OF CHRISTMAS:

1. Once Upon a Duke

2. Kiss of a Duke

3. Wish Upon a Duke

4. Never Say Duke

5. Dukes, Actually

6. The Duke's Bride

7. The Duke's Embrace

8. The Duke's Desire

9. Dawn with a Duke

10. One Night with a Duke

11. Ten Days with a Duke

12. Forever Your Duke

Ratings and reviews

That was so much fun. I can’t for the life of me think that it’s the least bit realistic for the time, but I enjoyed the ride too much to quibble over the historical accuracy of it. I thought Calvin was adorable. His social awkwardness found a twin in my own. Belle and her circumstances made me want to cry over all the opportunities her station in life were forcing her to forgo. I thought that together they made a very sweet pair, and I’m already looking forward to seeing what else was happening in Cressmouth while they were snowed in. I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author through NetGalley.

Dawn with a Duke by Erica Ridley is a very enjoyable addition to her well-received 12 Dukes of Christmas series. I have read all of the books in the series and found each of them to be witty, feel-good historical romances. They are filled with good humor, a nice flow to the prose, and a sweetly-spicy romance with the intimacy not overplayed. Dawn with a Duke has two engaging main characters and a clever premise to the story. Calvin McAlistair, a talented tailor with well-thought-out plans for his business, is staying at an inn which is now snowbound. Lady Isabel, “Belle,” finds herself snowbound at the same inn when her maid/chaperone falls ill. To get a room, she poses as a widow. Belle is the daughter of a Duke and her brother is the current Duke. Growing up she was always expected to be responsible and not do anything to harm her reputation. She’d never been alone before so with an ill chaperone she was faced with having to do many things herself, but she did need some help her with her buttons. It was delightful how she and Calvin developed a friendship and eventually a growing attraction to one another. She is impressed with Calvin’s talent as a tailor and his plans to expand his business. Calvin was impressed and grateful for the talents Belle had with her paintings and illustrations. Their sojourn at the snowbound inn changed both of them. Their romance was really sweet. I loved Belle’s first impression of Calvin…"He was like a portrait entitled “Dangerous Rake: Virtuous Ladies Should Not Dare Come Near.” I received an ARC of this work which has in no way influenced my voluntary and honest review. All opinions stated are my own. Book rating: 4 stars; Heat rating: 2 ½ - 3 stars.

Dawn with A Duke is book nine in the 12 Dukes of Christmas series. I adored this book. The plot is fresh and unique. Calvin McAlistair is the perfect flawed hero - reclusive, a bit shy, and sometimes a curmudgeon. A man with whom any reader can relate. Lady Isabelle is a delightful heroine. Trapped in the confines of nobility, Belle longs for more in life. Her plight was accurately portrayed - a wealthy woman caught in the expectations of her family and society. Most of these women had very little say in their destiny. This author does a magnificent job weaving the Regency Era and its trappings with a dream-like romance. So far, my favorite book in this series.