I would usually hesitate to dive into a series with more than 3 books, but now these give me a comfortable go to when I more often than not need a reliably fun entertaining read. Sit back, sip some tea and escape for a bit into another world and another time.

My thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is the 5th book in the 12 Dukes of Christmas series.  It can easily be read as a standalone, but I have been reading them in order.  At around 200 pages long this is a novella length book.  I gave it a 3 stars or 6/10.

This is the story of the Duke of Azureford and Miss Carole Quincy. Can Miss Quincy bring the Duke out of his shell? He is a slightly shy man, who comes across a tad ignorant to some, but this is down to his shyness only. They are poles apart, but there is a saying about opposites attracting. Why not grab a copy to see if this proves to be the case in this story.

This was the perfect read to dip in and out of, it's a great addition to the series and I look forward to reading #6 soon.

This is interesting, romantic and sweet. Carole dreamed of becoming an architect and designer, and a life where women were allowed to do the same things as men. But she spent her life taking care of her widowed father and their home. She loved reading about anything, liked studying math and lived for the one hour a week her father came out of his office to play billiards with her. She never planned on getting married because her father needed her, and there were plenty of children around to play with. Adam was shy and tongue tied when he had to talk to people in a social setting, despite being one of the best speakers in parliament. He decided to go to Cressmouth in order to become more relaxed around people. His first step is turning his library into a billiards room so that he could hold a tournament and make friends. His first day back he has a visit from Carole, who's looking for her lost sketchbook, but claiming it's an earring she's looking for. When Carole learns about the billiards room, she begs Adam to let her design it. He only agrees after she shows him a sketch of what it could look like. They spend time together during all of the construction, then she teaches him how to play. He begins kissing her at one point, and using her as his base to list the attributes he wants in his duchess. Neither was going to fall in love. But it happened anyway. They have a lot of fun getting to know each other, and the maid and butler add some comedy to the mix. I love this series, every book.

I enjoyed Carol and the Duke of Azureford's love story. This one was more of a 3.5 read for me. It wasn't a stand out read, but still a great story with cheeky characters. The budding romance between his man and her last was a refreshing addition that I rarely read in historicslr romances.

A typical Erica Ridley romp, which is to say, endearing characters, a plot just on the edge of implausible that turns out to be delightfully engrossing and a romance that had me rooting for true love to win out.  In a word - perfect! Thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for the opportunity to read an ARC.  4.5 stars!

Perfectly charming and heartwarming characters. Just enough romance! Interesting plot that kept me thoroughly engaged throughout. Enjoyed every minute of it!

I received with thanks an ARC copy of Dukes, Actually from Webmotion and Netgalley.

This is my review of Dukes, Actually by Erica Ridley. This was published on 29th October 2019
I will start by saying I love historical romances and this one definitely fits what I am looking for. I have read books by the author before and I continue to enjoying the authors writing style. 

Would recommend if you love a Historical Romance

The Duke of Azureford  has Miss Carole Quincy  assist in his being more in line to woo an eligible spouse however these two find a spark they cannot hide.
Ebook from Netgalley and publishers with thanks. Opinions are entirely my own.

This was a very cute and quick read.  The premise of opposites attract is an oldy but a goodie.  I loved how shy but determined the Duke of Azureford (Adam) is.  Carole on the other hand is bold and outgoing, together they are adorable.  I enjoyed the unique twist this book took with opposites attracting.  The characters and plot were so cute, I could not put it down.

Erica Ridley has a way to get to get readers heart. In her books you will find great historical romance theme, sexy scenes, and of course a great historical background and plot. 
No matter what book you will pick by her... You will be left breathless after reading. That is how good she is.

This is a well-written book which kept my attention throughout  ,I enjoyed reading this entertaining series
With captivating opposites in a small village setting , a lovely romance story. The characters are delightful and intriguing.

A book for a rainy Sunday afternoon

I was given an ARC of this book by Netgalley and the Publisher in exchange for an honest review

So, while this was a Christmas themed release, I am presenting it in March.  Because I read it in March.  And it worked.  It wasn’t soooo Seasonal that it felt weird, and if Hallmark can run Christmas movies right now, I figured some of you wouldn’t mind a little Christmas book review.

The Christmas isn’t over the top, either.  There are some threads loosely tied to the Partridge in a Pear Tree song, and a couple of mentions to the Season, but other than that it easily could have been a New Years or late winter book.

I am so glad I picked this book to break my stall.  It was delightful, sweet, and featured absolutely lovable MCs with very little angst (perfect for the holiday season or a global pandemic).

The Duke is delicious.  Tall, dark and handsome, and super shy guy.  Cinnamon roll to a tea.  He enlists the help of his popular, charismatic neighbor to help him set up his billiard room and become the toast of local Society.  He is supportive, kind, and very intelligent.  All in all a sigh worth hero.

Carole is delightful, a bit like Emma in her duty to her father and popularity in her town.  She also is an avid draughtswoman and lover of maths.  I like that she has some depth of character but is not necessarily an obvious tortured type.

Along the help-another-find-a-lover trope lines, this book features a bit of holiday magic but mostly a lot of joy and sweet love.  This is a case of characters finding their complimentary match and making it work despite obstacles.

Most of the obstacles come in the form of personal reservations, including Carole’s decision to stay unwed.  I enjoyed how Ridley worked with this subtly and honestly, and the depression of Carole’s father. Although not much is shared about Carole’s father, it is clear he suffers from ongoing depression mainly as a result of his wife’s death.  Its a tough subject that isn’t given a lot of on page time, but I felt Ridley was nonetheless gentle with it.

Its kisses only with one scene that gets close to some heavy petting, but generally good for readers who prefer closed door intimacy.

I highly recommend this book for any season and readers who love a shy, cinnamon roll of hero and a whip smart, character of a heroine.

★★★★★★ 4.75 out of 6 Kisses only help-another-find-a-lover trope filled gooey historical with light Christmas/Seasonal Themes

Wow this is filled with lots of sexy times with conflicting emotions, love, lust, and a little danger. This book is a must read!

A thoroughly charming and uplifting romance.
Much of this story takes place in the Duke's library where, the shy and socially awkward, Adam and the girl next door become good friends and more. There are plenty of cute and funny moments that make the story lighthearted and I couldn't help but smile all the way through this book. A lovely romance and my favourite in the series so far.

*Thank you NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review*
This book follows Carole, a feminist interior designer, and Adam, a shy Duke, two characters I very much enjoyed. I like the way the romance built in the second half and the obvious care that Adam had for Carole and that all their physical encounters were very consensual. However, I felt like the book was very slow moving in the first third and did not really focus on the romance aspect as much as I would have liked it to. I also wish that the fortune teller that Adam meets would have been tied into the end of the story, as Adam references this occasion many times throughout the book. Overall, this was a fun read, but it isn't something that will stick with me.

I always think every heroine in the Dukes series is my favorite until I read the next one but I REALLY love Carole. She is fun and a risk taker. She is not immune to the cuteness of her Duke neighbor. When the two are brought together to help the Duke improve his social graces and romantic sparks fly. Such a sweet story.

“Dukes, Actually” (12 Dukes of Christmas #5) by Erica Ridley.  

The Duke of Azureford shyness is seen by many as arrogance and aloofness. But he has a plan to change other people’s opinions about him. First to learn how to flirt with woman. Two build a magnificent billiards room to entertain. 

Miss Carole Quincy is an outgoing and flirtatious Lady who sees no harm in helping the Duke with both learning how to flirt and also assist with the design of his new billiards room. Everyone wins. And what is the harm in some flirting lessons? 

This was an adorable read of opposites falling in love. I am likely to read this particular one story again. 

Star rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

[** I received “Dukes, Actually” (12 Dukes of Christmas #5) by Erica Ridley via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 
Thank you to publishers and Netgallery for the opportunity to review this book.]
#12dukes #NetGalley

Carole loses her prized journal in Adam’s library during a party. Now six months later, she is on a mission: find her illustrated journal before someone else finds it and creates a scandal. Her biggest hurdle is to find an entry into Adam’s home. I thought the premise of the book was a little weak including the fortune teller who’s fortune is not mentioned again in the book in terms of its relevance. But I loved both Adam and Carole’s characters. They were sweet and utterly lovable and their story bringing out the holiday spirit. 

* I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review*

Always a winning author for me. Immersive world, steamy interactions, and a HEA. What more do you need?

Another winner in this Christmas series!  Book 5  was just as magical and wonderful as the previous installments.  The main characters are interesting and engaging as well as the sub-characters.  It has a blend of drama, humor and romance that I found hard to put down.  Excellent read!