Title: Kiss of a Duke
Author: Erica Ridley
Series: 12 Dukes of Christmas #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Historical romance, Regency romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

I read the first book in the 12 Dukes of Christmas series last year for Christmas and absolutely loved the premise and story. But, as always, I ended up somewhat distracted and didn’t get much further into the series. Reading Kiss of a Duke reminded me what it was I enjoyed so much about the first book. And why it is such a nice and calm diversion.

I love that there are a number of allusions to turtle doves (2 turtle doves from the carol) throughout this story. It ties in great with the partridge in a pear tree from the first book. And it is just one of many hints to Christmas stories and carols.

Nicholas is also a wonderful character. He’s a rake who doesn’t believe in love and gets reformed. I mean, it’s a pretty classic bit of character development. But it’s classic for a reason, and something I thoroughly enjoy. As is the fact that Penelope is ‘logical’ and doesn’t believe in love. Watching these two bumble into each other in my mind’s eye was a fantastically funny adventure.

Lastly, the fact that Nicholas has a lot in common with Saint Nick or Father Christmas was really cute. I loved picking up on all of these hints and allusions. Now I can’t wait to see what else Ridley weaves into her romances with Wish Upon a Duke.

Image source: Amazon

Title: Once Upon a Duke
Author: Erica Ridley
Series: 12 Dukes of Christmas #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Historical romance, Regency romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

I was a bit tentative to read this at first – I mean, a story set around Christmas. And dukes and… yeah, it just sounded kind of kitschy. But, whilst it was fairly predictable and stereotypical, it was epically fun and special. The whole idea of the spirit of Christmas was woven throughout the storyline beautifully. And, it was incredibly fun to find some of those little easter eggs of Christmas tales that Ridley managed to weave through the storyline.

One of my favourite easter eggs was most definitely the partridge in a pear tree… I can only assume that the other 12 days of Christmas presents will find their way into the rest of the books about the 12 dukes. It may not be Christmas time at the moment – but that carol has definitely been echoing in my head since I read the name of the series…

I like that Noelle (and I JUST got that Christmas name), is focused on community and love. She is such a sweet lead, and if I find that a bit of an unrealistic characterization, it is still just beautiful. After all, she is the one who falls in love with a humbug and decides to spend the rest of her life with him… not a choice for the faint of heart.

This is a great second chance love story. The fact that it is set in a village lovingly called Christmas and features a humbug and woman named Noelle… well, it just makes it all that much cuter. I might have found it a little bit too sickly cute at times. But, overall, I think that this was incredibly enjoyable and a nice, fun and light read.

Image source: Goodreads