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
4.5 stars
Lady Isabelle “Belle”, sister to Duke of Nottingvale is on her way to Cressmouth for Christmas when her maid takes ill and she insists they stop in Houville. Worried about ruining her reputation, she tells the innkeeper she is a widow, Mrs. Lepine, thinking they will only be there for one night. She is out of her element tries to make the best of things, but is unsure what she is supposed to do, as she has never been on her own before. She is looking at the crowded dining room and notices a handsome, well dressed man. He beckons her over and invites her to sit at his table. Grateful, Belle immediately takes a liking to the handsome stranger.
Calvin McAlister is in Houville preparing for the opportunity of a lifetime, he and his partner Jonathan MacLean have come up with a revolutionary idea – a line of ready-made formal wear for the average man. They will plan to sell or rent their cloths in shops, but primarily by mail order. Up until now it has been a dream, but the chance to have the Duke of Nottingvale as an investor could make that dream a reality. Calvin is a recluse by nature and feels uncomfortable in social situations, making his partnership with Jonathan perfect. Jonathan will handle the people and Calvin the clothes. So it makes no sense to him why he offered to share his table with the lovely stranger. As soon as he offers, he regrets his decision, but is delighted to discover, Mrs. Lepine feels just as awkward as he does and that he enjoys her company.
Belle and Calvin will grow much closer when a bout of the flu leaves the inn shorthanded and leaves Belle without a maid’s assistance in dressing – a task she hires Calvin to do! When he discovers what a talented artist she is, he hires her to finish painting his catalogue sketches. They are falling hard, but when the truth of who she is comes out, will their love survive?
This was a well written, nicely paced, absolutely delightful novella. Belle and Calvin are wonderful characters who are perfect for each other despite their social status disparities. This book had secondary characters, but they really play a very small role in the story, also this book was a bit steamier than the previous offerings in the series (not a complaint!) but it fit the story and I loved the ending. I am happy to recommend this book, it is the ninth book in the series, but it can easily be read as a stand-alone title.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
This is another of the great series 12 DUKES OF CHRISTMAS. This story focuses on Lady Isabelle, sister of the Duke of Nottingvale who hosts the 12 days of Christmas each year, as she travels to Cressmouth for the Yuletide and must stop because of the sickness her lady’s maid has contracted. She registers as a widow to protect her reputation since her lady’s maid will be in the sick chamber. She finds herself snowed in and decides to rely on the tailor in the next room who volunteered to open and close her dress for her. The author very cleverly crafted their conversations as they slowly get to know and rely on each other. Eventually, the tailor allows her to come to the large window in his room to watercolor the sketches his partner has drawn. Snowed in, they spend their days together sewing and painting in silence, sharing meals, having tea, and watching the sun go down each evening before he unbuttons her dress and she returns to her room for the night. Will the commoner and the Duke’s sister fall in love? What happens when she finds out the big investor they have been working to impress is her own brother? The plot causes both protagonists to change their outlook and behaviors in major ways making this a five-star read.
ONE DELIGHTFUL TREAT
Silent oops! Erica delivers another beautifully composed and compelling treat with this fun-filled delight, stepping out of character, weaving deception and getting busted make one thrilling piece for this mixed up, matched up pair, fusing this little gem together seamlessly. Toss in all the drama, humor, secrets, deception, intrigue and escalating suspense, you have one riveting adventure. Boundaries are heightened and exploited, exposing the frenzied facts, dodged deals and electrifying escapades, igniting a fierce determination with such exuberance and vigor, keeping you riveted and frozen to your seat, laying on the humor, laugh-out-loud and thrilling treats, testing our characters in ways they could have never anticipated. The attraction and chemistry collides with such ease, exposing profound emotions, binding them to one another beautifully. The characters, dialogue, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits add depth and diversity, transforming them into lovable personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and vivid descriptions creating an elaborate backdrop that makes the storyline explode. Fantastic job Erica, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.
The setting of Dawn With a Duke is just outside of Cressmouth at a small posting-house we’re Lady Isabelle must stay during a blizzard. With her lady’s maid sick what can Isabelle do but create Mrs. Belle Lepine a widow… one must save one’s reputation! Calvin McAlister, a recluse, has one thought and I one thought only… to build an empire with his business partner. Calvin has no time for distractions but Belle is a temptation he is finding hard to resist. Erica Ridley’s characters are well thought out and each one comes across clearly as their individual personalities become more than just part of the tale they take you on a journey filled with sizzling passion, drama, longing to belong, reaching for your dreams and finding that someone special.
Lady Isabelle and Calvin
a great story well written with a plot that has some intriguing twists for the characters to overcome she’s a Lady and he’s a commoner tailor. It’s furnished with an outstanding cast of characters, charm, humor, and emotional intensity are on full display.
Dawn with a Duke by Erica Ridley
12 Dukes of Christmas #9
Just what I needed today! I needed to escape from a world that seems filled with more negative than positive and is too hot and humid to contend with. So, instead of sweating it out at home, I began to read and soon found myself in a carriage heading to Cressmouth with Lady Isabelle Borland and her ill maid. The carriage was forced to stop at an inn, weather and illness prevented moving on and it allowed Isabell to meet and get to know tailor Calvin McAlistair. The fun bit was being given a ringside seat to the development of their friendship and a bit more and what a fun escape it proved to be!
What I liked:
* Isabelle: dutiful daughter, skilled artist, and ready for but not sure how to have and be more. She and Calvin were perfect for one another.
* Calvin: quiet loner, talented tailor, and ready to achieve his dreams if he can find someone to invest in them. He is perfect for Isabelle.
* Ursula: a good friend to Isabelle as well as her lady’s maid. I would love to find out if she ever finds her own happily ever after.
* The writing that put a smile on my face over and over as I read this story.
* The way Isabelle and Calvin saw the best in one another and so easily slipped into a pattern that made them both happy.
* Wondering who would be the next in line for a story in this series (Johnathan & Angelica)
* Reading new terms for garments worn in the past, looking them up and learning something new.
* All of it really!
What I didn’t like:
* Being reminded of the status of women long ago…
Did I enjoy this book? Definitely
Would I read more in this series? As soon as possible!
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
This is a very sweet story that is a little out of the norm, like a lot of Erica’s books. The angle with Calvin being a tailor is so unique and I loved how he was proud of his profession and willing to share it with a stranger at an inn. Belle was just as sweet and her passion for painting comes through in her words and actions. A little bit of class struggle but when Belle charges in at the end, it is oh so romantic. Another great addition to the Dukes of Christmas.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
Reared to believe that image and reputation are everything, Lady Isabelle finds herself in a dilemma when stranded in a snowstorm with a sick companion. Forced to make a quick decision, Belle assumes the role of a widow with a fictitious name, whilst her maid is put in the sick room with others suffering from the same malady. When an immaculately attired gentleman invites her to join him at his table, given that there is no other seating space in the room, Bella takes a chance and joins him. Despite their initial caution towards each other, there is attraction and a meeting of minds as they find themselves enclosed in an inn whilst the storm rages outside. Calvin offers Belle the opportunity to explore her creative side and to discover that she can be useful and have a purpose in life. All she needed was someone to believe in her. This delightful romance, part of the 12 Dukes of Christmas series, is as well-written, entertaining, witty, and enjoyable as all the previous books. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
This is #9 in the series of Dukes of Christmas. Even though the series is about Dukes, they are not all about actual dukes and this one was a lovely variation on the subject. I loved this read, maybe one of my favorites. It was about real people and real relationships. Both characters were unpretentious and just plain loveable. Ms Ridley is so talented at writing these stories, drawing the reader into the point where it is hard to put the book down and when you are finished, you are waiting for the next one. There was some mild sex in this book which this reviewer skipped as usual but the real focus of this story was about the characters getting to know each other even when one of them is hiding their real identity. It was just a marvelous read and not one that needs to be kept as a Christmas read. Read it all year long. I received this as an ARC from Netgalley and freely do my review.
A swoon worthy story. When Belle pretends to be a widow to save her reputation while stranded at an inn she doesn’t expect to meet a handsome fellow. Turns out Calvin who is a tailor, is staying next door to her. Her maid being severely ill is unavailable to help her unbutton her dress. In desperation she has Calvin undo her buttons.
This is just the beginning of a forbidden relationship and a working relationship as she helps him out. When they fall in love and Belle reveals her status as a Dukes sister Calvin is hurt and feels used. Will Belle take the next step to repair their relationship or will she do her duty to her family and find a duke or better?
I received a complimentary copy and I am giving a review voluntarily.
Erica Ridley’s Dawn with a Duke is a delightful holiday historical romance. It is part of Ridley’s 12 Dukes of Christmas series but works nicely as a stand alone.
Lady Isabelle is on her way to her Duke Brother’s Yuletide party when her maid (and bestie) falls very ill with influenza. There is also some very heavy snow to take into account. They stop at a posting-house in so Ursula has time to recover. Belle has always been under a lot of pressure from her Mother, so she is naturally quite paranoid of the scandal that will follow staying at an Inn unchaperoned. She decides to sign in as a widow, Mrs. Lepine.
Calvin McAlistair is a brilliant tailor who has also become snowbound at the same posting-house. He is hard at work at his next project and doesn’t have room for distractions…like sharing a meal with a lovely Mrs Lepine or helping her with the buttons on her gown.
I love a Christmas story and Erica Ridley never disappoints. This is such a fun, whimsical tale. I love both characters and the situations they find themselves in… whether it is Belle seeking a maid at the crazy busy posting Inn or the companionable duo at work. Belle is so funny and a talented artist. Calvin is delectable.
I’m now dreaming of holiday snow and cuddling up with a blanket before the fire.
Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for a review.
I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an advance readers copy of this story
Dawn With A Duke, by Erica Ridley, is available at booksellers on 9-4-2020. Once again we’re in Cressmouth, or Christmas, and I’m loving it. Part of the 12 Dukes Of Christmas series it works as a stand alone story but it makes you want to get more involved with the series and this magical town.
I’m giving out a rare 5 stars for Calvin and Isabella’s journey. It’s just so cute and heartwarming and I was rooting for these 2 from the start. I actually was trying to guess how they would work thing out, good ending by the way. 2 wonderful, likeable characters and a perfect Christmas setting.
#EricaRidley #Netgalley #12DukesOfChristmas #DawnWithADuke
Welcome back to the wonderful, rural town of Cressmouth, where it’s Christmas every day of the year! Erica Ridley has written another delightful start to the new Christmas holiday season in Book 9 in the 12 Dukes of Christmas historical romance series. All the books can be read as standalones but you won’t want to miss any of them. Ms. Ridley gives us strong characters to root for, a plot brimming with humor and a slow burning romance with a HEA.
You will love Mr. Calvin McAlistair, the handsome, owner of a new clothing company (if he can secure an investor), Fit for a Duke; with ready to wear dressy clothing for commoners with affordable prices.
Lady Isabelle Borland is the sister to the Duke of Nottingvale, beautiful and has been raised to be the perfect lady. At four and twenty, she does not like the rules of society and the lack of rights women have in their own lives.
Calvin and Belle were both on their way to Cressmouth but stopped at an inn the little town at the bottom of the mountain – he stopped to ready his presentation for the investor meeting & she stopped to get aid for her sick maid. A blizzard forced them to stay for days at the inn & the romance that bloomed between the room neighbors was sweet, fun and very romantic!
I was gifted the Advanced Reader Copy of this book & all opinions are my own & have been voluntarily given.
Dawn with a Duke: A Regency Christmas Romance
12 Dukes of Christmas Series #9
Erica Ridley
https://www.facebook.com/ericaridley/
Release date 09/04/2020
Blurb
From a New York Times bestselling author: Secrets and scandal abound when two strong-willed opposites are snowbound together in this laugh-out-loud, 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 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!
My review
Will she follow or break the rules she was breed in …
I follow this series since its first book, and each is a delight as the duke is oft far from the usual and expected peer of the realm.
This new couple is a fun association, as they each stand at one edge of the society’s ladder.
Yet they are so complementary.
Belle has been repeated again and again what she must do or not and thinking is one of the deeds a lady must forbore. Her lady’s edicts are so engrained in her, she at first chooses greater discomforts to lesser one to follow the rules as to be at ease she would have to set aside everything she had been taught.
It was fun to see her discover by herself the many impediments her breeding weights on her freedom. It was like she landed in the twilight zone, as she has to think and rethink everything twice from Lady Isabelle’s view then her new alter ego’s.
Calvin is such a sweetheart, while he dresses like a man of the ton, he is no gentleman nor rake, just a man who wants to better his fellow men’s life. He is devoted to his trade which he envisions like a kind of affordable art, he creates but it is not for an elite, it must be shared for everyone.
I loved how they come from strangers to neighbors of unfortunately stuck in the same place to a kind of associates before becoming friends.
This new addition to this series is a cheerful and delight, with two out of the ordinary people.
5 stars
I was granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272830/posts/690955908160250/?extid=9O8uePc0BgMIqJzo&d=n
Loved it! Set in a snowbound inn a few miles distance from Cressmouth (the village that celebrates Christmas all year round), Lady Isabelle finds herself assuming a fake name and identity to protect her reputation. After one night of sleeping in her clothes with her stays sticking into her tender flesh, she agrees to the assistance of a handsome young tailor in loosening her clothing but she does make him sign a contract that he must never in future divulge that he knows her. Over the course of two weeks their mutual admiration for each other’s talents deepens into romantic feelings. But Belle has been brought up to know her duty as a Duke’s daughter is to marry well and Calvin has no idea that she is from the highest echelons of the aristocracy. Things can not end well.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
What a wonderful romance on the way to Christmas!
Calvin and Belle find themselves snowed in just long enough to fall in love! Both are on their way to Cressmouth, the mountain town where Christmas is celebrated year-round, and circumstances force them to rely on each other far more than propriety would allow.
I absolutely adored the way these two were so uncharacteristically at ease with each other right from the start. It’s a perfect match of two people who have a deep, innate connection even though they’re from such far different worlds.
Watching them fall in love is the sweetest part of the story, and just as their forever seems within reach, all Belle’s secrets come rushing out and their HEA appears to have melted away with the snow. I really liked the way the author developed these characters. Belle’s dilemma was heartbreaking, and her bravery to overcome it was admirable.
This entire series is enchanting and I can’t wait to read the next installment. Do yourself a favor this holiday season and binge-read all of these delightful books. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I am so happy I read this book, (I waited a year for). This story by Erica Ridley is nice and light, it kept me smiling the whole time I was reading. This book is part of the 12 Dukes of Christmas series. Four books have been published each year. You do not have to read the other books to enjoy this one, but I will tell you I have read all of them and enjoyed each one. This book is about Calvin who is a tailor, who wants to start a business and Bella, who is a Lady pretending to be a widow. They meet when they both stay at an inn. I loved this book of how Calvin appreciates Bella for who she really is.
I received an ARC copy of this book for my honest opinion.
This is a charming story set around the Christmas holiday season. It is an easy, fun read and I highly recommend it.
Lady Isabella and her maid, who she is extremely close to are traveling to her brother’s estate to spend the Christmas season. On the way, her maid becomes extremely ill and the snowy weather gets bad forcing them to stop at an inn on the way. They discover her maid has influenza.
Belle has had propriety preached to her forever, she is the daughter of a Duke after all, and decides that for sake, she can’t use her real name and title. She poses as a well to do widow and meets Calvin, a tailor who is in the area to pitch a business idea to a potential investor.
They end up being snowed in at the inn and Belle has to call on Calvin’s assistance to help with her buttons as her maid in incapacitated.
What follows is a slow burn of a romance where Belle and Calvin learn of each others dreams and talents and fall in love.
You may need to suspend your belief a time or two, but it is a gem of a romance and unless you are a real stickler for historical accuracy it shouldn’t bother you.
I received an ARC of the book but any opinions expressed are my own
Lady Isabelle Borland (Belle) is the sister of the Duke of Nottinvale, who has the annual Yuletide bash every winter in Cressmouth. Belle decides to travel early, so she can visit with her friend Angelica, but on the way her maid and friend Ursula gets very sick and they are forced to stop at The Hoot & Holly inn. The flu is going around and Ursula is taken to the sick room. But now she doesn’t have the required maid/chaperone required by a Lady. So quick thinking, she pretends to be a widow, Mrs. Lepine. The inn is very crowded and she ends up sharing a table with taciturn Calvin McAlistair, a talented tailor, who with his partner is developing a line of ready made “fit for a duke” line of clothing. Their prospective investor is Nottingvale. While they are snowed in and Ursula is sick, Belle finds that she can’t manage her clothing without her maid, so Calvin gallantly steps in to help her and thus their friendship begins. Belle is a talented watercolor artist, whose talents have not been appreciated because she is “a lady”, but Calvin does. It is a sweet, charming story, as the author’s always are. The characters are adorable and of course there is the HEA.
“I’ll be back for as long as you want me…”
“I’ll always want you.”
Belle and Calvin’s romance is what I’d consider a historical insta-love story. While traveling to the picturesque Town of Cressmouth, a snow storm keeps them staying in an inn where they become comfortable companions then lovers…never dreaming that it would develop into something so much more…
Erica Ridley’s characters just make you smile when they get their HEA! I adore this series and can’t wait for the next installment!
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **