Published by WebMotion on January 5, 2019
Genres: Fiction, Romance, Historical, Regency, Victorian, Holidays, Romantic Comedy
Pages: 200
Format: eBook
Source: ARC
Goodreads
A feel good, opposites attract romance between a grumpy hero and an indomitable heroine, from a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author:
Miss Virginia Underwood cannot resist rescuing a stray. Her latest find turns out to be a surly, reclusive war hero trying to recover from his wounds in peace. He doesn't want her help—and Virginia definitely doesn't want to fall in love. Not when a future with him would mean returning to the the same haut ton who laughed her out of Town during her very first Season.
Theodore O’Hanlon, Viscount Ormondton, sequestered himself far from London to heal in anonymity. For now, he can be himself. As soon as he returns, he's meant to wed the woman his father selected years before. But when Miss Underwood turns his carefully mapped life upside-down, Theo must decide which battles are truly worth fighting for.
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Erica Ridley’s newest regency romance series features twelve delightful laugh-out-loud romps… 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 DukeGet your Duke today!
Never Say Duke proved to be another adorable installment of the 12 Dukes of Christmas by Erica Ridley and without a doubt is my new favorite of the series.
I have adored Virginia throughout the series and was pleased to see her get a chance at her own happily ever after. Struggling with large crowds, loud noises, and the intricacies of social interactions, Virginia spends much of her time avoiding extended interactions with the other residents and tourists of Christmas. Theo has just returned from war suffering from debilitating injuries. Determined not to return to London until fully healed, he chooses to convalesce at a good friend’s cottage in the village of Christmas. Virginia, a resident of Christmas, takes in injured strays and nursing them back to health. When she meets Theo, she decides to nurse him back to health. Theo initially rejects Virginia’s expertise but soon she and her quirks woo Theo.
Watching their relationship bloom was adorable and gave me such a warm and cozy feeling. Theo’s begrudging acceptance and later admiration for Virginia felt realistic. Virginia’s straightforward thoughts and behaviors were a breath of fresh air. Miscommunication, while realistic, becomes frustrating. I do wish we had a chance to delve into their time apart a little bit more, but that is just because I’m greedy and didn’t want this lovely story to come to a close so quickly. As a tiny side note, I am hoping that the rearrangement of the library is noticed by the Duke of Azureford and that he will give the reaction I’m hoping for.
Never Say Duke is a quick, cozy romance and exactly what I needed and its what you need too! Theo will forever be on my list of book boyfriends. His adoration and complete acceptance of Virginia is swoon-worthy. I am looking forward to the next story coming out of the village of Christmas.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
