Cover Image: Forever Your Duke

Forever Your Duke

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Member Reviews

This was my first arc, so it was a slightly new experience, but I really enjoyed it!

The reason I picked this up was because I'd been seeing this in my feed, and seeing 'Duke', 'Christmas', and 'Romance', I was sold. This might be one of the very few Christmas themed books I've read this month, but this was definitely one of the best.

Though, when I say best, I do not say this is the best romance I've ever read. Or even the best Christmas romance. Or the best Historical Romance. Ratehr, this was one of the best in terms of enjoyment.

This book is pure indulgence. It reads like a crack fic in some places, but I love it for that. I read this when I wasn't able to sleep, and finished it in one sitting, under one and a half hour, because this was short and sweet.

We had the opposites attract trope and the insta-love trope (are you in disbelief that I liked a insta-love? Believe me I am too), but it was done so well, and and not only done well, but...I don't know exactly, but the execution was just awesome!

That being said, I probably liked the dog and Gertie more than I did the actual characters, but who cares?

In some portions this seemed so bewilderingly stupid and awkward that I had to put down the phone and scream into my pillow because everyone around me was sleeping. Not that I would have screamed if everyone was awake, but you get the point.

This book reminded me a lot of Serpent & Dove, in the sense that Cynthia Louise and her vulgarity and boisterousness reminded me a lot of Lou's. really, when I was reading 'wenching-ladies', all I could think of was 'Big Titty Liddy'. And similarly, Alexander and his closetedness, the obsession with 'duty' and 'the right thing', reminded me a lot of Reid.

On the whole a very good feel good romance, but be warned, this is not supposed to make sense. This is pure indulgence. I recommend it to anyone who likes historical romance, dukes and their duchies, boisterous and loud characters paired with shy and uptight ones, and a good feel-good romance to commemorate the holidays.

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Thank you netGally for the advance reader's copy.

This might be my favorite book out of the 2 books I’ve read in this series and Cynthia probably my fave heroine so far 🧡.

Forever your Duke follows our two main character, Alexander-the Duke, a very responsible and perfectionist and is very pressured thanks to his dear mother, who is hosting a Yuletide and at the same time who will be choosing his bride.

Cynthia Louise who is our strong-independent-and an unapologetic heroine who is so done with the society’s opinions about women who remained unmarried in their late 20’s who decided to do what she wants and at the same time is the chaperone of Gertie, her cousin to the Yuletide as one of the candidates.

Gertie who is the youngest cousin of Cynthia- who is unwilling and doesn’t want to marry the Duke, she might be my fave character in this book, she’s just so precious and I really like her tbh.

This book is very sweet, light, humorous and insightful in the aspect of how women were treated before by the society and I really enjoy the dialogues about it.

My most favorite thing about this book were the interactions between characters, especially with Cynthia and Gertie, The Duke with his Sister and also our leads. It was very lovely to me.

Overall this is a 5⭐️ for me. Definitely a must read!

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What a fun book. Cynthia was the most unconventional and exciting character. The Duke had me enthralled from the start. Two worlds colliding into one party and they had me smiling and chuckling the whole time. A great addition to the series that can also be read as a stand-alone. Book provided by NetGalley.

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This was the PERFECT Christmas read, and this book is exactly how I spent most of my Christmas Day (with absolutely NO regrets). I love Erica Ridley's writing, and she always does such a fantastic job bringing the reader right into the historical/regency setting. Cynthia and the Duke had instant chemistry, and I enjoyed every minute of watching their love story unfold.

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This is Cynthia Louise and Alexander’s story. She was scandalous and he was a proper Duke looking for a proper bride. Her cousin would be a proper bride. The two of them were drawn together. There are many antics. She is his true love. He has to decide does he want a proper bride or a hoyden. This book was wonderful.

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This was an easy, enjoyable read but not my favorite in the series. Disappointed at the lack of sex. Can’t wait for Ms. Ridley’s next title though!!

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I received an advanced reader’s copy of Forever Your Duke by Erica Ridley.

The Duke of Nottingvale and Cynthia Louise Finch were such great characters. I loved how their opposite personalities were shown. They each had something to learn from the other. And despite the fact that society wouldn’t approve of a match between them, they complemented each other.

I loved the little moments they shared as they fell along the path to love. Their self-realizations were poignant moments in the story.

I really enjoyed this story and I’m saddened this is the last set in the village of Cressmouth.

Overall, a fun and satisfying end to the 12 Dukes of Christmas series.

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Fun and sexy. Loving Erica Ridley's characters. loved the cover and looking forward to her next works.

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I generally like Erica Ridley's books and have enjoyed a couple of the Christmas (Cressmouth) locale ones. But to me these are her weakest ones. This was the weakest of them all. The heroine was supposedly a 30-year-old happy-to-be-a spinster. But I found her obnoxious, pushy, selfish, self-centered and rude to her hosts. She was certainly a poor model for the debutante she was trying to push at the duke. She showed up at the house party with a puppy that bothered everyone and was just forgiven because he was supposedly cute. She claimed no interest in the duke and then monopolized his time. She even took him snow skiing LONG before snow skiing was a recreational sport -- so where did she get the equipment for the two of them? On top of all that, the "romance" happened too quickly to be believable. I generally enjoy self-effacing spinster stories -- this was not one of them. Sorry, Erica, cannot recommend this one. #ForeverYourDuke #NetGalley

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This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

So sad that this is the last in the Duke series but this might be my favorite of all the books! I loved that we see a bit of Belle and others from the last couple books - Olive needing clothing was kind of funny (if you read her book then you understand that!)

I loved that Cynthia was so free to be herself but then was confronted that she turned it around so she was actually falling into a pattern and still not really true to herself. Vale/Alexander had a long road to get out of the life that was expected of him and wondered how he was ever going to change!

Glad that a love match could work out and not have them living in a strict shell of a life! Great HEA and finale for the series!!

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I enjoyed reading this book very much. I even laughed out loud at some very funny scenes and sarcastic remarks exchanged between the main characters.
Cynthia is the kind of heroine I enjoy reading about - she is strong, independent, adventurous and not afraid to go after what she wants (except for the guy, of course). And the Duke is a lovely portrayal of a man shackled by the restraints and responsibilities of the title that was passed on to him way too soon in his life.
I love how the two balanced each other out and what great chemistry they had.
It was 3 am when I went to sleep because I simply could not stop reading before I reached the end of the book.
I will admit, at times, the heroine's shenanigans/adventures were a bit over the top, especially given that she was a woman in Victorian era. Also, I would have liked a bit more background and see more in-depth character development. But I know, I know, this is a part of a series, 12 Dukes for Christmas. :) I will definitely check out more works from Erica Ridley. I love a good laugh, and it seems she can write her stuff well. :)
I received a copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

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Quick, fun read with an audacious, lively heroine who teaches a duke that there’s more to life than just duty.

"Miss Finch was the opposite of proper. She was a firework in a box of candles."

Cynthia Louise Finch is on a mission to matchmake her young cousin to Alexander Borland, Duke of Nottingvale, whose famous Christmas party, this year, is also a mission to find a suitable, respectable wife. Two words that no one would ever use to describe Cynthia, who has forged her own path of happiness after failing to make a match during her previous London seasons. He's always noticed her but he's always chosen to look away. However, this year, for some reason, he's finding it very hard to look away...or keep away from her.

"We all eventually die, whether we want to or not. The question is how you want to live."

This was an enjoyable romp. Cynthia is an absolute delight who really strives to live life to the full on her own terms. Alexander has had his duty drummed into him ever since he was born, but Cynthia shows him that he can do his duty and also enjoy life. Cynthia is by no means without her soft spots, as she wears her bad reputation like a suit of armour. The two of them together were funny, full of banter, and pretty darn sweet!

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Arc provided via Netgalley
This was a very light, fun (and even sexy at times) read!
It was refreshing to see a 30 year old leading lady who doesn't give a shit as opposed to a 22 year old being called a spinster.
I would have liked to see a bit more depth in Alexander and Cynthia's relationship tho, specially their thoughts on each other from the past 12 years instead of just those few days.
If you're looking for a quick and entertaining historical romance, with just enough christmasy vibes to make you feel warm and cozy, I'd say give this a go!

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I loved this Christmas romance! The heroine, Cynthia Louise Finch is a spinster who has embraced that role and decided to live life to the fullest outside of society’s expectations for a young lady. The hero, Alexander, Duke of Nottingvale, thinks he must follow all of rules and marry the perfect duchess. Of course, these two clash from the very begging of his Christmas house party to find a wife.

This story is set in a beautiful Christmas village and is the 12th in the series. I was able to enjoy it out of order, but I think it would have been even more fun if I knew all of the other characters.

I enjoyed watching Cynthia break through the hero’s shell and help him realize that there is more to life than duty. There are some fun historical elements, like popular songs, games, and skiing!

This is an excellent romance for the holiday season. Oh, though some other reviewers complained that it is sex free. But I thought there was a good amount of flirtation and chemistry, so it did not bother me.

I received an advanced readers copy of this book from the publisher and Net Galley in return for a fair review.

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This was by far my favorite book of this series. Cynthia and the Duke of Nottingvale are perfect for one another. This book shows that love doesn't come in a neatly wrapped package, even if that is what duty demands. Readers will enjoy every moment of this book. This is the perfect little village for romance in Christmas!

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Miss Cynthia Louise Finch decided a long time ago society put her on the shelf and she started pleasing herself and became an unapologetic hoyden breaking all the rules. His Grace Alexander Borland, Duke of Nottingvale knows his responsibilities and he’s decided to pick a bride at the end of his winter ball. Unknowingly Alex has always been attracted to Miss Cynthia, but he’s always known she’s not the perfect Duchess and he’s suppressed his feelings. He wants a lady to lead by example and Cynthia his definitely setting the wrong kind of example. Fate has thrown them together and Christmas magic is in the air. Alex learns maybe its okay to follow his heart and not what society and his mother thinks is the perfect bride for him. Does he want a marriage with his mother’s idea of a perfect wife or his own? I have voluntarily read and reviewed these excellent story filled with romance.

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The final book in the "Duke" series. In this story we get to see the Duke of Nottingvale invite some suitable women to his home to have a Cinderella-type week, where he must pick his bride by the end of the festivities. There are many eligible bachelorettes, along with their escorts. I think we all know from the beginning where this story is going, and that's okay. It was fun to watch the romance play out and see how these two main characters bring the best out of each other. A sweet ending to this series.

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

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This was a fabulous conclusion to the series. I loved every single bit of the story and think it might have had the most heart and humour yet. My only complaint is that I read it too quickly and wanted so much more! It was very easy to read and kept me quite engaged (the ski scene.... Oh my!) The leads (they're wonderful) fell in love so quickly, and everything resolved just-like-that. I really wish it had been just a bit "meatier" but that could be sheer selfishness on my part because I read it in one sitting.

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This was such a sweet and nice read. And I truly enjoyed this read. Writing is so beautiful and I just needed some historical romance.
This was 3.5 stars book for me
Thanks to Netgalley for this ARC.

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I fitting end to a great series! Erica Ridley knows how to tell stories that keep you entertained and wanting more. Forever Your Duke is no exception. I look forward to more from this author!

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