Dawn with a Duke: A Regency Holiday Romance

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.

What a wonderful romance on the way to Christmas! Calvin and Belle find themselves snowed in just long enough to fall in love! Both are on their way to Cressmouth, the mountain town where Christmas is celebrated year-round, and circumstances force them to rely on each other far more than propriety would allow. I absolutely adored the way these two were so uncharacteristically at ease with each other right from the start. It's a perfect match of two people who have a deep, innate connection even though they're from such far different worlds. Watching them fall in love is the sweetest part of the story, and just as their forever seems within reach, all Belle's secrets come rushing out and their HEA appears to have melted away with the snow. I really liked the way the author developed these characters. Belle's dilemma was heartbreaking, and her bravery to overcome it was admirable. This entire series is enchanting and I can't wait to read the next installment. Do yourself a favor this holiday season and binge-read all of these delightful books. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

Lady Isabelle and Calvin McAlistair meet when a blizzard strands them at an inn just outside of Cressmouth, the Christmas town. Isabelle to pretend to be a wealthy widow to protect her reputation. Isabelle and Calvin have a lovely dinner. When they go upstairs to retire, Isabelle realizes that with her maid ill with the flu and the inn is short of staff for the same reason, she is going to need help with her buttons. She turns to Calvin for help, and the fun begins. Calvin is a brilliant clothing designer and Isabelle is an extremely talented artist. They work together to produce a catalogue of clothing for Calvin’s new (hopefully) business. The more time they spend together, the stronger their attraction grows. Everything is absolutely wonderful until the snow stops and Isabelle reveals who she really is. What happens now? This is a charming story filled with humor and warmth. The main characters are from different stations, but are perfect for each other. Each of them appreciates the talent of the other. They work and laugh together and make each other feel good. There is no nasty villain and not much angsty drama. I enjoyed and recommend this delightful romantic tale in the spirit of Christmas and Cressmouth, a lovely addition to this happy series. Oh, yeah, there are nine drummers drumming. You and Calvin have to look closely to find them. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.