From a New York Times bestselling author: The Duke of Azureford isn’t the arrogant, aloof lord his peers perceive him to be. Yes, he’s awkward, but he has a plan to fix it. In order to woo a respectable lady, he must learn how to flirt. The completely inappropriate girl next door would make a perfect instructor, but a terrible duchess. So why can’t he walk away?Incorrigible hoyden Miss Carole … walk away?
Incorrigible hoyden Miss Carole Quincy likes fast carriages, carom billiards, and the beautiful, buttoned-up Duke of Azureford. She’d be delighted to help him out of his shell and into her arms. Who cares if they’re just pretending to flirt? The heady, breath-taking, soul-consuming feeling inside her runaway heart surely can’t be love…
The 12 Dukes of Christmas is a series of heartwarming Regency romps nestled in a picturesque snow-covered village. After all, nothing heats up a winter night quite like finding oneself in the arms of a duke!
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The Twelve Dukes of Christmas:
- Once Upon a Duke
- Kiss of a Duke
- Wish Upon a Duke
- Never Say Duke
- Dukes, Actually
- The Duke’s Bride
- The Duke’s Embrace
- The Duke’s Desire
- Dawn with a Duke
- One Night with a Duke
- Ten Days with a Duke
- Forever Your Duke
more
Romantic, sweet, thoughtful and swoony. A novel that will surely warm your heart. I love that they inevitably fall in love with each other. I love that the novel have just the right heat level. A perfect romance.
Miss Carole Quincy is a young lady who has been managing her father’s household since she was a young child when her mother died. She worries about her reclusive father and loves playing with the neighborhood kids. In fact, everybody in town loves the outgoing young lady. She wasn’t surprised that she was invited to the Duke of Azureford’s dinner party at his newly acquired summer cottage next door, but she was surprised by the haughty, non-responsive manner he treated his guests, including her. Little did she know the shy Adam bought the cottage to practice making small talk so he can overcome his inability to charm ladies by the next London season so that he can find a suitable duchess. This book was very entertaining as these two seemingly very opposite personalities find their similarities and come to really enjoy each other with no plans to be in a relationship. The ending will surprise yet be all you were hoping for!
This one was super cute. A love story of opposites attract. I enjoyed the fact the heroine in this one was full of confidence and skills usually unheard of for a lady of that era. It was really sweet and I will definitely check out more from this author.
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.
DUKES, ACTUALLY is the fifth book in the Twelve Dukes of Christmas series. Though each will stand on their own, I highly recommend reading them all.
Usually I relate to the girl in a romance novel, because … well…. I’m a girl, but this time it was the duke; I have often been called arrogant when in truth I’m too introverted to interact. If only it were possible to build a billiards table at work and gain the admiration of my peers!
I love this story of shy mutual interest that builds and builds as the room around them builds into something more useable for party he has planned. Their journey together is sweet and sassy with some great laugh out loud moments.
I loved Adam’s slow growth in confidence and his quiet acceptance of Carole just as she is. Instead of wishing she were different, he hopes his future duchess will be just like her… until he can only see her as his future duchess. Sigh!!
Note: While I received this book as a gifted ARC via NetGalley, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
Title: DUKES, ACTUALLY
Series: Twelve Dukes of Christmas #5
Category /Genre: Historical Romance
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Grammar/editing: received as an unedited ARC
Received from: Erica Ridley
Another magical romance by the amazing Erica Ridley! I know when I start to read one of her stories, I will not be moving anytime soon. Plus there may be times I burst out laughing and others when I can only sigh.
Imagine a shy, introverted Duke. One who needs to learn to flirt to attract a potential bride. Then imagine a lady who is totally the opposite to the point of being everything bright and fun.
So begins Carole and her part time next door neighbor, Adam the Duke of Azureford’s story!
Carole had been to a dinner party the Duke had given and lost her precious sketchbook. Well precious my not be the word for it… Scandalous is others got hold of it! Trying to find it, with an excuse of a lost earring, she begins to have conversations with him and realizes he is really shy.. That is the reason he hardly talks to anyone! But oh, did I mention how handsome she found him?
All I want to do is tell you the entire story because it was so humorous and truly delightful! I loved these two opposites that really did have one thing in common and who could have possibly know!
Prepare to be thoroughly entertained and smiling like crazy as you turn the pages!!!
Dukes, Actually is a standalone book in the 12 Dukes of Christmas series. The Duke of Azureford is extremely shy and awkward but everyone mistakes his behavior for rudeness or snobbishness. But the Duke has a plan to force himself into social situations and to find himself a wife. Miss Carole Quincy loves to draw the life she imagines for herself, a life of smoking, drinking, and playing billiards, doing the things men take for granted. A misplaced sketchbook puts Carole at risk and the only way to find it is to help the Duke of Azureford convert his library into a billiard room. Some corny pick up lines later and I found myself falling for the Duke. Funny and sweet, the story amuses and ends with a charming HEA that is totally predictable but irresistible just the same. My voluntary, unbiased review is based upon a review copy from Netgalley.
This enchanting story of Adam and Carole will touch your heart. Two opposites, one a shy Duke and the other an outgoing commoner, who don’t realize that they need each other. He asks her to coach him on becoming more out going with strangers so that he can find a wife and she plans on never getting married so she can stay with her widowed father. Oh but things don’t always go smoothly or as planned.
I really love this series!
Book #5 in this charming set of stories. Carole helps her neighbor, the shy Duke of Azureford, set up a billiards room and teaches him to play the game, in order for the duke to learn how to socialize. He is in need of friends, and a ton wife, after all. Though they each have obligations that preclude keeping the other in their defined lives, love does find a way. Highly recommended!
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this wonderful book, and have happily left my very honest review.
Dukes Actually is the fifth book in the Twelve Dukes of Christmas series by Erica Ridley and appropriately the theme of ‘five gold rings’ runs throughout this novella. The Duke of Azureford is a man who has no problem standing before his peers in parliament debating the latest bills but when it comes to a social setting he is painfully shy and tongue-tied giving everyone the impression that he’s arrogant and aloof. He has come to his cottage in Christmas to learn how to make friends so that on his return to London he can find a lady with the suitable attributes required to be his Duchess. He soon meets the acquaintance of his neighbour, Carole Quincy, a woman most unsuitable but gradually, as he gets to know her better, he begins to realise that she meets all the requirements on his list.
The books in this series are light-hearted, quick & easy, humorous reads, perfect to fill a couple of hours on a rainy afternoon. And Dukes Actually has got to be one of my favourite books in the series so far mainly because, other than the ‘five gold rings’ theme, Christmas itself with all its schmaltzy joy & happiness because it’s Christmas isn’t dominating the story
Even though the story has no particular tie to the Christmas season, it still manages to embody all the magic of the holiday. The most capable young woman in all England and the shy socially awkward Duke. On the surface, it doesn’t sound like a match made in heaven, but in the hands of this author that’s exactly what Adam and Carole’s story becomes. As the pair were falling in love with one another, I fell in love with them. I enjoyed reading this story so much and I can’t wait to get my hands on the next in the series.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author through NetGalley.
So far I’ve loved every book in this series. Carole and Adam were fun to watch as they fell in love, but I was almost more caught up in Judith and Swinton’s romance! Loved the imperfect chaperone! Thank you for the advanced copy, I only ended up crying at chapter 16!
I really enjoyed this story in the 12 Dukes of Christmas series. It was such a delight to read and one of my favorites. I love the town of Cressmouth, better known as Christmas, I think I could live in a town like that. Beautiful story, beautiful characters. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read an early copy. I have chosen to leave a review.
It has been a while since I smiled so much and chuckled as I did while reading this book. I loved it. It is endearing, charming, whimsical, caring with a romance so sweet it was hard to put this book down. The main characters, Carole and Adam were well written, realistic, down-to-earth, open minded, relaxed with each other. There were no pretenses between them. Adam starts the ball rolling when he is convinced by Carole to help him achieve his goals. Together they achieve goals they never thought they would. A very pleasant read and I highly recommend. I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cute story about an extremely shy Duke who decides to practice his social skills on the free-spirited lady next door. I received an ARC of this book.
As usual Erica Ridley has written a heartwarming and wonderful story. It starts at Cressmouth in England, also called Christmas. The atmosphere is Christmasy, people are friendly, happy and kind.
The Duke of Azureford, Adam, has given the impression of unfriendliness because he is so shy. He has come back to try to change himself and become more. He meets Miss Carol Quincy, she helps him
with the billiard room he wants and over 5 or 6 weeks, they become close. Carol’s father lost her mother a few years back and has not left his office but one hour a day to play billiards with his daughter.
I love this sweet tale of giving, friendship, and love. The characters were great and put this novel over the top. It kind of makes you feel all fuzzy inside. I highly recommend this book and hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
I received this ARC from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.
As always, Erica Ridley delivers! Dukes, Actually is a fun, sweet, clean, romantic, and imaginative tale. Carole and Adam (the actual Duke) along with Carole’s personal maid and the Duke’s butler are absolutely wonderful characters. The dialogue is crisp and witty and the way the love affair blooms is perfect. Bravo!
I received an advance copy of this book with no strings attached.
Christmas is in the air. The Duke of Azureford is determined to make himself more comfortable around people. His neighbor Carole is a social butterfly and they strike a bargain that should benefit them both. This is another fun story in the town of Christmas which involves a fortune teller and a flirty maid. It is fun and charming as these two unlikely people find that they are perfect for each other.
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.
What happens when you put a shy and withdrawn man and a sassy woman together? I’ll tell you what – You get a story that will light up your face and make you believe that love conquers all.
This is a story about two people who couldn’t be more different but as you keep reading you quickly realize how perfect they are for one another. The side characters gave this story that final touch for it to be just perfect. I was rooting so hard for them to overlook the “obstacles” in their way and (finally) see how they’ll never find better person to spend their life with.
If it’s not clear – I absolutely loved this book