I always enjoy Regency Christmas stories, especially those that come out just a bit early, before the actual season, to get me in the mood. Erica Ridley’s early offering, ONCE UPON A DUKE, was just what I needed! It’s a lighthearted novella that fairly flies along on sleigh runners, with peeks of some famous Christmas stories and characters that can’t help but make you smile.

Of course, what’s a Christmas story without a Scrooge? Benjamin, Duke of Silkridge, has no problem filling those shoes, despite the charming optimism of Noelle Pratchett, a long-ago love. In fact, he manages to be grumpy despite an entire village that exudes good cheer — year-round, no less. With a number of sly references to so many Christmas related themes and characters, you can’t help but anticipate the next one, rarely to be disappointed!

The best part about this fun read? It’s just the first of a planned series of three releases in The Twelve Dukes of Christmas! Now, there may have been some hints about where the other eleven dukes (or, perhaps “dukes”?) may come from, but with all the surprises in ONCE UPON A DUKE, I’m not making any bets!

I really liked this story. But I have to confess, at times it was just a bit too much Christmas for me.

Both main characters are lovely and they both work towards their HEA. The witty banter and additional characters make it wonderful read on a cold autumn evening.

A delightful page-turner! Noelle and Benjamin are different; yet share intriguingly similar pasts/pains. Both searching for an elusive, something. Love the whimsical satire and the enticing dialog. Wise, intelligent, alpha characters, men and women, along with an enjoyable plot makes for a satisfying start to this series.
Voluntarily read ARC, through Netgalley and publisher, for honest review.

The main characters from the story of Christmas Carol happened to be in this story. Jacob Marlowe is Benjamin’s grandfather, Ghost Past is Noelle and their past together, Ghost Present is his fun loving cousin and heir Christopher, Tiny Tim happens to be a Pygmy goat his grandfather got from his travels, also the phrase Humbug is mentioned many times and Ben will be called E. Scrooge. 12 dukes of Christmas one is a stud race horse, two are titled Dukes, one a cologne, and so on and 1 partridge in a pear tree. I wished it had a date that this was supposed to be set in. There is no big drama bomb just 2 wannabe couple wanting what’s the other doesn’t until the end where they each finally come to their senses and admit something. The whole time Ben was there in Cressmoith/Christmas he wanted one thing only, the heirloom his grandfather stolen to cause more heartache in Ben. The only emotional part is when he talks about the grandfather he knew (who was the opposite of the town’s hero) and the unkind words directed to a child about his grandfather would pick his daughter over her child anyway to keep her alive and healthy. And that’s not the worse of what he told a young Ben, when you read it it will cause some tears. This is a clean romance not dirty words nor cursing with a HEA with quick chapters to get it.

I enjoyed this Erica Ridley book which was loosely based on A Christmas Carol.
Benjamin had an excellent reason for disliking Christmas. Both of his parents had died on that illustrious holiday. The only reason Benjamin has returned to Cressmouth is to retrieve his mother's locket that his grandfather had taken from Jim five years ago and refused to return.
Noelle like all of the residents of this town that celebrated Christmas year round loved the holiday and it's spirit.
She loved Benjamin too but wanted to hate this man who had left her and Cressmouth behind.
Will these two continue to be at odds or could they give their love a second chance?
I gave this book 4.5 of 5.0 stars for storyline and character development and a sensual rating of 3.0 of 5.0 flames. There isn't an abundance of intimacy between our hero and heroine in this heartwarming story but it is an essential part of this story.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this title to read from the author.
This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

'Once Upon A Duke' is a historical romance written with bits of humor.
Benjamin Ward, the fifth Duke of Silkridge, returns to retrieve the only thing he wanted from his grandfather and runs into Noelle Pratchett, the young lady he ran away from in his past.
It has a happy ever after, sensual scenes, and multi-faceted characters set in a winter wonderland town.
It is novella length and perfect for distraction when you must wait.
I received a NetGalley ARC to peruse.

I loved,Loved the uniqueness of this story.
Bewaring of ghost from Christmas past has never been so interesting.
I fell in love with the main characters and the adorable town named Christmas that was not really named Christmas.
Highly recommend.❤

A whimsical read. Not what I expected but nevertheless enjoyable. The first part of a series. I look forward to reading the next

Cute, quick read. I would have preferred it to be longer and have more development but i really liked it anyway. I wanted more of the couple's backstory. I want to know what is next. I assume here will be more. It doesnt end on a cliffhanger but it is to be pary of anseries... i think.

Such a delightful and heartwarming tale. I loved the idea of a town called Christmas and the spirit that goes with it.
Noelle and Benjamin are such a sweet couple. This story is definitely for people over 18, a little sensual dialogue is to be had. The characters are warm and friendly. The description makes the village seem like a winter wonderland. Anytime you get a book from Ms. Ridley you know you have a winner and it was. It was hard to put the book down, so I didn't, read it straight thru.
I received this ARC from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.

The story revolves around Benjamin, the Duke of Silkridge, who is returning to his grandfather’s castle in order to retrieve his mother’s locket, which is the only picture he has of her before she died. He has no intentions of staying any longer than it takes to hear his grandfather’s will read and then retrieve the locket. Parts of the book run parallel to the Christmas Carol and Benjamin is definitely Scrooge. The last time he was here he kissed Noelle and then abruptly left without telling Her why. He lives such a preorganized life that she had no place in it. There is a HEA but a lot happens before that comes about, especially his realizing he needs her in his life. The book is a great read and I would highly recommend it.

This was a charming Christmas novel that touched on themes of Dicken's A Christmas Carol. There was transparency that the author knew A Christmas Carol wasn't written until years after the Regency period setting of 'Once Upon a Duke'. This was a tender, delightful offering that had limited graphic sex and introduced us to a lovely locale in Northern England. I look forward to more of the 12 Dukes series.

Once Upon A Duke, is a great Christmas novel. It resembles both the 12 Days of Christmas and the Christmas Carol.

Thanks to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

I have read previous books by this author and for the most have had a good experience. Unfortunately this novel did not meet her usual standard. The story is based on a popular Christmas song the 12 days of Christmas where a grumpy Duke has to perform a final act in celebration of Christmas in order to receive a locket with his parent's picture. He falls in love again with the heroine and their rekindled romance is lukewarm at best. Full of cheesey lines and references to the town where Christmas is celebrated year round. Just not the author's best work.

Once Upon a Duke by Erica Ridley was about the Duke of Silkridge (Benjamin) who’s mother passed away a month after he was born from complications. His grandfather, Mr. Marlowe, had just passed away so Benjamin was on his way to Cressmouth to finally get the locket back that his grandfather had stolen from him five years previously. He saw Noelle Pratchett, who he didn't get to say his goodbye to as his grandfather wanted that locket and when he got it, he kicked his grandson out. She was heartbroken and now afraid if she lets him back into her life, he will again leave. I received a review copy of this book for my honest review.

I loved the village! The people are amazing who live there. Benjamin is seriously a "Scrooge" and Noelle is all the ghosts in 1, yet not dead. I really liked the story but have many questions left after reading it! We never got a good idea of WHY his uncle did what he did and made Benjamin build an aviary. There was no "clearing up" anything. Also, we only found out about 2 of the dukes in the town, yet everyone talks about how there's a dozen. I did like the book and will read more into the series, I just don't like unanswered questions! Thank you for the advanced copy.

Enjoyed this tale of a town that celebrates Christmas all year long. With a taste of A Christmas Carol, it even has a Scrooge (the hero), a goat named Tiny Tim, and - yes - a partridge in a pear tree. I received an ARC of this book.

Before you crack open this book, have the tissues handy. I’m probably admitting to being a giant ball of marshmallow fluff, but this story made me bawl like baby – full out ugly crying. The circumstances that separated and have kept Benjamin and Noelle apart are completely tragic. (See the note about ugly crying above.) The village of Christmas/Cressmouth is charming, and funny, and utterly irreverent as it and all its residents work their magic to bring this star-crossed pair back together. I can’t wait to see which of the unique characters make return engagements in future books.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book.

First in Erica Ridley’s 12 Dukes of Christmas series (no, there aren’t 12 books - only 3, I believe) Once Upon A Duke introduces the village of Cressmouth, where a benevolent (but slightly bonkers) landowner has transformed a dying community into the embodiment of Christmas, year-round.

Into this charming, if twee, Christmas paradise erupts Benjamin, Duke of Silkwood, a man who (actually with justification) hates Christmas and everything it stands for. All he wants is a family heirloom stolen from him, but the terms of his grandfather’s will means he’s stuck in Christmas for the time being. Cressmouth, he means. It’s definitely called Cressmouth, not Christmas. Bah, humbug.

Orphan Noelle has never known anywhere else, never wanted any other kind of life. Cressmouth is both home and family to her, and Benjamin - well, he’s incompatible with everything she wants, everything she believes in. Except, the attraction between them is undeniable. Will the spirit of Christmas find a way into Benjamin’s frozen heart after all?

This was such a charming, light-hearted read. I raced through it, laughing out loud a few times. The eccentric characters of Cressmouth made me want to read all their stories. I’m pretty sure I can guess who the heroines of the next books will be and I’m excited to read how they’ll find love too!

A wonderful story to truly get you into the spirit of Christmas, I can’t rate this anything less than five stars.

As always, here is my promised honest and fair review. I don't usually read "christmas" stories but, th is was Erica Ridley after all. Delightfully different tale. As sweet as sugarplums.