Dukes, Actually: A Regency Holiday Romance

I found myself thoroughly charmed with the story Erica Ridley wrote for her fifth novella in the 12 Dukes of Christmas series. Quite a few of the characters featured in the previous works make appearances again and I was delighted with the tale Erica Ridley wove about the two main characters, Miss Carole Quincy and Adam Farland, the Duke of Azureford. Carole is known as a beautiful, incorrigible hoyden and Adam is known as a very stuffy, proper Duke. Carole and Adam are complete opposites in temperament. She is unpredictable, outspoken, loves architecture, and makes fanciful drawings in her sketchbook. Adam may be a Duke and seems unapproachable but he is actually very shy and his greatest wish when he returns to Cressmouth is to make friends in the community. When he first arrives, he has a hilarious encounter with the Cressmouth fortune teller. His “fortune” she tells him are things he already knows about himself. I was in stitches when the conversation got convoluted with omens of “economic instability,” “share your balls,” “follow five golden rings,” Dukes Actually.” This encounter was a wonderful foretaste of what was to come. I loved reading the story of Carole and Adam. Though their relationship starts a little rocky, they develop an easy-going friendship and respect for one another. Their tale is filled with humor, a sweet blossoming romance, and left me wishing I could start reading the next book in the series. I highly recommend this one. I received an ARC of this work and offer this voluntary and unbiased review. All opinions stated are my own.

Adam and Carole prove that friends make the best lovers. Adam knows he's supposed to marry someone "appropriate" to ensure the continuation of his title, yet his shyness has kept him from being able to make the rounds of the Marriage Mart to find a suitable match. Carole, still adrift from the loss of her mother as a young girl, is determined to remain single so she can focus on her devotion to her father and protect herself from future grief. These two embark on a mutually beneficial friendship, knowing from the start that there's no possibility of a future relationship. This story was so sweet, engaging, and instantly captivating. Both Adam and Carole are likable characters, and their blossoming feelings made for a beautifully understated romance. I really enjoyed the way they each brought out the best in each other. The heartwarming HEA was doubly satisfying as it resolved a secondary romance as well. I have loved each of these literary visits to this magical town, and highly recommend this book along with the entire series. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

FREAKING AWESOME!!! Pegging partners! Erica troupes a kaleidoscopic reign as she tosses all the revelations, determination and triumph into one incredible mix that blaze this baby to life spectacularly. Daunting circumstances and enthralling events set the stage as shenanigans run rampant with all the wonder fusing this bad boy together sleek, shiny and tight. Erica weaves a web around us drawing us deeper and deeper until everything else ceases to exist. Pushing through trials and tribulations keeping pace with a slew of plot twists and sharp turns blaze this bad boy to life with staggering results. The characters are authentic, original and realistic with depth and qualities that's easy to relate. Their personalities bloom and blend together with smooth even grace. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and descriptions you have no problem picturing each scenario creating a colorful backdrop that makes the storyline pop. Fantastic job Erica, thanks for sharing this bad