From a New York Times bestselling author: Secrets and scandal abound when two strong-willed opposites are snowbound together in this witty, heartwarming romance! As the daughter of a duke, Lady Isabelle’s pristine reputation is paramount. Her high status is how she’ll attract the titled suitor her mother insists she wed. When Belle’s chaperone falls ill en route to a party, she must pose as an … route to a party, she must pose as an independent widow to avoid gossip. Why not have a wee innocent flirtation with a handsome tailor staying at the same inn? She’ll be gone in the morning…
A sudden blizzard upends Calvin McAlistair’s plans when he’s snowbound at a posting-house. He has no time to play lady’s maid to the helpless beauty next door, no matter how much he enjoys unbuttoning the straitlaced widow. His future depends on impressing an important investor… who will ruin them both once they realize Calvin has spent a scandalous fortnight with Lady Isabelle!
The 12 Dukes of Christmas is a series of heartwarming Regency romps nestled in a picturesque snow-covered village. Twelve delightful romances… and plenty of delicious dukes!
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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
I love this series! The latest books features Calvin McAlistair, a talented tailor, and Lady Isabelle, daughter of a duke. Calvin is working toward a dream of having the duke invest in his ready-made clothing line. Lady Isabelle has been drilled over and over that her reputation is her most precious commodity. When a snowstorm traps both Calvin and Isabelle, they soon learn that everyone needs a champion to believe in them. Is there a world where a commoner and a lady can find true love?
Calvin was such a good and honorable hero who had his own insecurities to overcome. He’s terribly awkward with people, but when Isabelle enlists his help to button and unbutton her gowns while her maid is in the sickroom, he becomes comfortable with the beauty. For the first time in her life, someone is seeing the real person instead of her rank. When Calvin agrees to let her to paint his illustrations, Isabelle is overcome with emotion that someone believes she is a talented painter. I felt bad for Isabelle especially the way her family treated her as an object instead of a young woman. That was the way of the ton in that era and I was so glad when Isabelle finally stood up for herself. Ms. Ridley writes such compelling characters and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.
My oh My Erica just keeps getting with this series. I’ve loved them all but this one was really special.
Lady Isabelle is the daughter of a Duke, and now the sister to a Duke. The most powerful, handsome most wanted Duke. All of her 24 years she has been told what to think, do and how to act. Lessons began very early so she could marry just the right ton man. One with the proper title so her mother
would not be shamed. She has been told by her father, women don’t think, and cannot do anything.
They are to look pretty and marry well. WOW… Isabelle is different than most ton Lady’s she doesn’t really like doing nothing, going to balls, making small talk about nothing. She loves painting and does so when her mother isn’t making her walk in the park to be seen, visiting other ton women to be seen and balls every night to be seen… She decides to go to her brothers for the Christmas ball he has every year to just get away. She has friends in Cressmouth. The best laid plans don’t always work out, or do they?? On the way her best friend, almost a sister and her maid Ursula fall sick with influenza. They are forced to stop at The Hoot & Holly Inn. As the storm gets worst, and with her maid unable to help her she is in deep trouble.
She meets another traveler one Calvin McAlistair. He is undeniably handsome and perfectly Dressed as any Gentleman she had ever seen.
Looks are not always what they seem. Both Calvin and Isabelle have always felt like they don’t belong anywhere. Calvin can pass as a ton gentleman but he really isn’t. Isabelle has been raised in the ton and never feels like she is good enough.
As they spend time together, learn about and fight the attraction they both feel. Many secrets are shared.
This is a wonderful love story about what love can overcome if you give it a chance.
Will these two fight for what they want or do what is excepted for both their classes ?
I don’t want to say too much as will ruin the story for you. The secrets and surprises make the store
so wonderful. Trust me the ending is beyond amazing….
Be sure and get you copy you will not able to put it down…
I received an ARC from the author and want to thank her.
This is my honest opinion and am voluntarily giving it.
Dawn with a Duke (12 Dukes of Christmas #9) by Erica Ridley Another great book in this series… Lady Isabelle “Belle” daughter of a Duke and Calvin McAlistair whose “invention” and future depend on impressing an important investor. This is there story and it has lots of feelings and aspirations, laughs, tears, intrigue, and steam to get us to a HEA. Can’t wait for #10 ONE NIGHT WITH A DUKE.
Delightful romantic tale. Calvin and Isabelle are a wonderful couple from two different backgrounds and their attraction only grows stronger the longer they are snowbound together. I loved the way he was supportive of her painting skills. The final chapters are enchanting and showed what comes of finding your true calling. A great read.
This was a sweet story of two strangers being stranded in a posting-house just before Christmas and how they help each other out. I thought this novella was well written and the characters were also loveable.
Calvin and Belle fall in love within a few days of meeting but unbeknownst to Calvin, Belle has lied about who she really is. I really liked the way the author handles their story and how it all turns out right. The ending made me smile:)
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Fit for a Duke.
Well, an uncommonly talented tailor and fashion designer, named Calvin.
What I liked? It was utterly refreshing to have our hero a tailor who is exceptional at his craft and his innovative business venture ala pret-a-porter Fit for a Duke. Loved that Calvin is socially awkward and not a rake. He’s charming and so much more interesting than the predictable boring old rake.
Belle is a dukes’ sister and has been well trained not to think and that reputation is everything. She often lacks a spine and common sense. Though she is kind and a talented artist, she takes no credit for her work.
I liked that they brought out the best in each other when they are snowed in in Houville (just embrace the Christmas themes).
Recommend for a charming read that tackles class differences (she’s a lady, he’s a tailor).
As the daughter of a duke, Lady Isabelle’s pristine reputation is paramount. Her high status is how she’ll attract the titled suitor her mother insists she wed even if he’s old enough to be her grandfather. When Belle’s chaperone Ursula falls ill en route to Cressmouth, she must pose as an independent widow to avoid gossip. Why not have a wee innocent flirtation with a handsome tailor staying at the same inn? She’ll be gone in the morning or will she?
A sudden blizzard upends Calvin MacAlistair’s plans when he’s snowbound at a posting-house. He has no time to play lady’s maid to the helpless beauty next door, no matter how much he enjoys unbuttoning the straitlaced widow. His future depends on impressing an important investor who will ruin them both once they realize Calvin has spent a scandalous fortnight with Lady Isabelle or will he.
This is the ninth book in this fun series & it’s my favourite so far. I loved both Calvin & Belle who were both very talented but both lacked self confidence but together the brought out the best in each other whilst all the while falling in love. I loved how they both blossomed in each others company. I especially loved how Belle finally decided that what she wanted was important
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Dawn with A Duke is book nine in the 12 Dukes of Christmas series. I adored this book. The plot is fresh and unique. Calvin McAlistair is the perfect flawed hero – reclusive, a bit shy, and sometimes a curmudgeon. A man with whom any reader can relate. Lady Isabelle is a delightful heroine. Trapped in the confines of nobility, Belle longs for more in life. Her plight was accurately portrayed – a wealthy woman caught in the expectations of her family and society. Most of these women had very little say in their destiny. This author does a magnificent job weaving the Regency Era and its trappings with a dream-like romance. So far, my favorite book in this series.
“Dawn with a Duke” by Erica Ridley
I did so enjoy my time within this story. A light fun Regency romance read that should not be missed. It is a stand alone read. It is one of the stories in the series “The 12 Dukes of Christmas”. There are times when I was a bit sad, and times when I was quite glad. I was entertained all the time. There was a bit of spice, but not over-done.
Yes, I loved this story. The story of “Belle” truly growing into herself, with a little(?) help from a friend.
I do hope that you enjoy this story as much as I did. Happy Reading ! !
note: I received an ARC of this story from the author with the request for my honest review.
My Favourite!
It is Lady Isabelle’s time to shine under very unusual circumstances and shine she does. She gets herself into the funniest situations involving Calvin, a Designer/Tailor, who is hoping to launch a new range of ready made clothing.
She is an extreme talented artist and helps him with pictures for a catalogue.
There are so many funny and very awkward moments for these two, BUT love has a way of mixing its nosy business into some situations and so it does!
This was such a super story. It is well written with two almost innocent characters, is very funny, swoony-romantic and such an uplifting book to read.
I loved everything about it and it is definitely on my highly recommended list.
I read an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) and this is my voluntary and unbiased review.