Once Upon a Duke

Once Upon a Duke by Erika Ridley
12 Dukes of Christmas book 1. Historical romance with references to characters from historical Christmas characters. Second chance troupe.
Benjamin returns to his ancestral home for the reading of his Grandfather’s will. He only wants a locket but ends up staying to comply with the terms of the will. Noelle, as bookkeeper helps Ben while also trying to convince him that Christmas in Cressmouth is a wonderful place to live.

It’s a holiday story with references to Christmas characters that Noelle loves and Ben just wants to runaway from. As Ben and Noelle work together, their attraction reignites but Ben is adamant about going back to Parliament. He’s still hurt by the past and also knows that Noelle show more will never be accepted in society because of her abandoned orphan status.
A sweet holiday romance that all comes together in the epilogue.

🎧 I listened to an audiobook version that was narrated by Rosie Ackerman. The performance was rich with humor and joy of the holiday season. Male and female voices were distinct and clear. I found the most conversational speed to be 1.3.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley and OrangeSky Audio. I also purchased a copy to keep. show less

I really liked this story. But I have to confess, at times it was just a bit too much Christmas for me.

Both main characters are lovely and they both work towards their HEA. The witty banter and additional characters make it wonderful read on a cold autumn evening.

Once Upon a Duke by Erica Ridley
The Twelve Dukes of Christmas #1

What a delightful story! With snippets that reminded me of fairytales, plays, movies and Christmases past this story was a joy from beginning to end :) Okay…there may have been some angst and drama and lovelorn looks but what a joy this was to read today!

Second chances at love do occur but only when people are willing to open not only their hearts but their minds to what is truly important and then take the steps necessary to move into that happy place they thought would never occur for them. Benjamin and Noelle have not seen one another for five years but neither has stopped thinking about the other. Will the reading of the will of his grandfather finally give him peace show more or is there more that is required?

I am smiling as I type. I thoroughly enjoyed everything about this story and look forward to reading the next one in the series as soon as I can get my hands on it! And the twelve dukes? Smiling some more as I think about the ones I have met in this book already :)

Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars show less

Good, but..

I have always enjoyed an Erica Ridley book, and overall this was enjoyable. With that being said, I felt the pace was very slow as we were reminded of the internal conflicts over and over, but most disappointing was that while this was all hinged on the perfect kiss, the author felt it necessary to insert an “obligatory sex scene” (and yes, it felt obligatory, like the author felt she had to include it when, in fact, it would have been stronger without it). Now, I like my steamy romances, but when my heart is sighing on that perfect kiss, to suddenly change it up when the book is nearly done took away from the romance and the sigh-worthy relationship I had been enjoying.

Once Upon a Duke by Erica Ridley is a darling, historical, holiday-themed romance that is perfect to add to your TBR shelf!

This book is just a sweet delight. I was seeking something fast, light-hearted, comedic, romantic and simple and this book fit the bill.

Benjamin, the Duke of Silkridge has returned to his old town when his Grandfather died for the will reading. He stumbles upon his first crush and lost love, Noelle, who worked for his Grandfather. The feelings are very much mutual for Noelle as well. Ben, our resident Scrooge, must complete a Christmas-themed task to be able to get what his Grandfather left him in the will, but it brings him closer to Noelle in the process... Sparks fly and drama ensues, all in a town called show more Christmas and during the holiday season.

This is one of those books you curl up under a good blanket with some hot tea and just sink into it. Relaxation and simplicity works super well for titles like these, and I mean that in a good way. It's fun and lovely, exactly what a romance and historical romance reader loves! It's also PG, so it's a lovely book to get started into the historical romance genre.

I am definitely going to continue with this series if I can find it. I'd like to see all 12 of the Dukes find love since this series is just so lovely! Good job Erica Ridley, you've crafted a historical romance masterpiece.

Four out of five stars.

I found this book via Bookbub! show less

Once Upon A Duke, by Erica Ridley, was originally published in October of 2018. Once is book 1 in Ms Ridley's 12 Dukes Of Christmas series. Although I like the book the ending felt a little rushed. The characters are enjoyable, you can see the set-up for future books with interesting secondary people. Ms Ridley has started off the series with a nod to A Christmas Carol. The hero's grandfather is named Jacob Marlowe, for heavens sake. The duke keeps saying humbug & is told this is his last chance. Set against the setting of the village of Cressmouth, a.k.a. Christmas, it's a spot-on location for a scrooge to find his redemption. Sometimes a hero can become a hero by realizing all he has thrown away but can have again. It's a lovely story show more and I was enthralled from beginning to end. I just wish the redemption/ending had been more fleshed out.

#EricaRidley #onceUponADuke #12DukesOfChristmas #Amazon #Webmotion #HistoricalRomance #ChristmasRomance show less

I received this book for review from netgalley. I wish there was a way to give half stars but there's not, so I will just say I give it 3.5 stars.

This is the first book I've read that I hated the main male character. Benjamin is the type of guy that thinks he has to do what society thinks he should. I did start to like him but not until the last few chapters. Now I loved Noelle, I think she is probably one of my favorite female characters. She is witty, kind, strong and independent. The storyline was good, however, it was very slow compared to what I'm used to reading. I didn't like how the grandfather wasn't really explained as far as why he treated the town so good but his grandson was nothing to him.

I have always liked this author, show more but this is definitely not one of my favorites by her. I would recommend this book to other historical romance lovers. I think it is good for those that prefer less sex scenes. show less