From a New York Times bestselling author: A forbidden love, opposites attract romp between a meticulously proper duke and an impishly improper spinster in this witty, feel-good romance!This year, the Duke of Nottingvale’s Christmastide house party doubles as a bride hunt. The handsome duke seeks a blue-blooded debutante as respectable as he is, and his parlor is brimming with paragons of … is brimming with paragons of propriety.
Inveterate spinster and unapologetic hoyden Miss Cynthia Louise Finch does not fit the mold. Any mold. Her younger cousin is perfect for the duke! By matchmaking the two, Cynthia will save her favorite cousin from a horrific fate. The only problem? Cynthia has always held a tendre for the duke. And for the first time, she seems to have caught his attention…
The Duke of Nottingvale knows his responsibilities: Duty and decorum above all else. A respectable lord would never sneak away for stolen moments with a fearless, audacious minx he cannot make his duchess. He definitely wouldn’t kiss her. Or fall in love…
Welcome to a heartwarming series of fun 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
Wow! What a way to end a series! Forever Your Duke is the last book in the Twelve Dukes of Christmas series and it does not disappoint. If you have read the other books in the series you know the Duke of Nottingvale “Vale” is having his Annual Christmas Party, but this year is a little different. Word is going out that he will pick a bride from among the visiting young debutants. One such young lady is Lady Gertrude who is chaperoned by Miss Cynthis Louise Finch. Although Cynthia Louise is a chaperone, she is only thirty; still young but on-the-shelf. The only problem is Lady Gertrude does not want to get married. Cynthia Louise attempts to guide the Duke toward the proper lady wife but Vale is everything proper while Cynthia Louise is not. This book is romantic, witty, very entertaining and hard to put down. I also loved the bonus prologue for the series that can be downloaded at the end of the book. I am sad to see this series come to an end but I know there will be more exciting ones soon.
Miss Cynthia Louise Finch has long given up hope of marriage, after 6 seasons of playing by the ton’s rules and no offers of marriage, she decided enough is enough and stopped trying to please the ton. In the years that have followed Cynthia Louise has had fun and in the process is no longer considered “eligible parti”. But that has stopped her from being invited to the Duke of Nottingvale’s annual Christmastide House Party. This year word is out that the duke will be choosing his bride from the invited guests. Cynthia Louise at the ripe old age of 30 will be chaperoning her cousin Lady Gertrude with the hope that Gertie and the duke will make a match.
Alexander Borland, the Duke of Nottingvale is perfect – literally – he follows all the rules, he is a perfect gentleman and host. And regardless of his personal feelings, he will choose the most suitable lady at his house party to be his duchess. And she won’t be the spinster Cynthia Louise – who is fascinating and fun and completely unsuitable. Why with so many perfect choices he shouldn’t even be giving Cynthia Louise any thought at all. But when she offers to help him choose the best possible bride from all the candidates, he jumps at the chance to spend more time with her. But only to find a bride – that isn’t her and maybe to steal a kiss or two and maybe to break a rule or two – but that is it – because no matter how much he likes her – she won’t do – definitely not – because there is not a chance in hell that this imperfect spinster could ever be his perfect match – right?
This was a well written, sweet novella with a not-so-subtle nod to the ‘Grinch that Stole Christmas’. The story is fun with lots of witty banter, naughty ditties, a heroine who has embraced her inner hoyden and a duke that needs to lighten up, a puppy named Max, skiing, arrow injuries, lots of perfect debutantes, a lame proposal, some kissing and finally a very lovely declaration scene followed by the promise of HEA. Since this is the last book in the series, I do wish there had been a more in-depth epilogue set a bit later and catching the reader up with all the “Dukes of Christmas” – but even without that, this was a sweet, low heat romance with very likable characters and happy ending.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher. *
OMG!!!OMG!!! I got this this morning and read it in one day!
This series was so fun…. All of the village characters were exciting, friendly, and Family. You knew who to go to or ask something of. You helped where you could and greeted everyone.
Now it was Alexander Borland, seventh Duke of Nottingvale, turn to be matched. A by the rules, straight laced, obligations first kind of person. Since he was thrust into the position at seventeen, it was the only rules he knew. It was like a game to him, the more he followed them the more points he gave himself. Now it was time to bride hunt. So he decided that this year’s Yuletide party would be when he did it. Giving his mother permission to make the announcement and send out invitations to marriageable ladies.
Lady Gertrude is shy, young, loved music, the piano, and needs to find a better husband than the sixth year out man her father is going to force her by the end of the year. She is hoping this party and the Duke in particular works to her advantage.
To help her and be chaperone is her cousin, Miss Cynthia Louise Finch. Her London season’s did not take but made her feel an outcast. No matter what she tried to do to be perfect or follow the rules it just left her lonely. Now she is a spinster at thirty and enjoying life. She does not care what society thinks and relishes making people see her. She enjoys her friends as they see her for who she is and love her for it.
Now imagine it……His sister has put a black mark on the family name by getting engaged to a “tailor” AND working! Oh the horror, now he has to make sure his bride is so pure and perfect. Mix in the hoyden, Miss Finch, and emotions, loneliness, and wanting to be just as happy as his sister into the Yuletide party bride hunt.
The antics that the two of them get into are uproarious funny, thrill seeking, and something so out of character for the Duke but so Miss Finch. You will laugh, cheer, and yes there will be one point you gasp and cry. A cute puppy adds to the joy but also causes a gasp. Mama Duchess is not happy with Miss Finch but plays her role to a T until her so called friends turn snobbish.
This exhilarating, thrilling book will be the fulfillment of this wonderful series. In my opinion the best of the series
A very satisfying wrap up of this series; in this concluding story there is a real duke! A few characters from earlier installments make limited cameo appearances, which I always like. But you can still follow along, even if you’ve not read their stories yet.
This is quite entertaining; a delightful, short read to help forget the outside world.
I read a free advance copy: the thoughts expressed are my own.
This is the 12th book in the 12 Dukes of Christmas series, every book was good, but I feel this was the best. I am a little disappointed this is the end of the series. What happens when a proper, respectable, straight lace Duke is looking for a proper, respectable, perfect Duchess but he meets an improper, fun loving spinster? That was this story, and it was perfect. Cynthia Louise was a spinster who was trying to help her cousin, Gertie find a husband. They went to the Duke of Nottingvale, Alexander house for a Christmastide party. Alexander decided this year he was going to look for the perfect Duchess at the party. Alexander knew Cynthia Louise, but he never really paid attention to her, but this year he could not ignore her. This book was a clean enjoyable read.
I received an ARC copy of this book for my honest opinion.
Oh say it isn’t so! The series has come to an end and this is the last installment of the 12 Dukes of Christmas and what an amazing series ot has been! In this twelfth and final installment, we return to Cressmouth and are introduced to the final Duke in this series. Alexander hosts a Christmas house party each year, and this year the house party will also serve as a means to find the Duke a wife. Cynthia is a feisty, strong-minded, brazen woman and is the opposite of the proper Duchess the Duke needs. Cynthia thinks her cousin would be the perfect match for him, but the only problem is she has held a torch for the Duke for some time and she has finally caught his attention. Will he follow his duty or his heart? A thoroughly engaging, sweet, and entertaining read, I really enjoyed reading this book and am looking forward to the next series Ms. Ridley brings our way!
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Anything by Erica Ridley is an A+ and you really feel that you KNOW the characters. I don’t like to put spoilers, so I’ll just say “READ THIS BOOK”
This is book 12 in the series. It can be read alone but is best read in sequence.
Alexander, the Duke of Nottingvale, plans to choose a bride. He has invited some eligible young women, with chaperones of course, to his estate for a Christmas celebration. Among those women is Cynthia Louise.
Cynthia is beyond the age of marriage. (Gasp, she is 30.). It seems that Cynthia no longer follows societies rules since she is on the shelf. She is, though, the chaperone to her young cousin, Gertrude. Cynthia plans on making Gertie the perfect match for the Duke.
When Cynthia offers her help to find Vale (Nottingvale) a bride, emotions become blurred.
Opinion
Yet another winner from Ms. Ridley. Cynthia has just the right mix of spunk and sincerity to make her a fun character. The stick stuck up Vale’s behind makes him a charming challenge. I love the fact that all of these young women come running to Vale’s estate, not for love but for title and he doesn’t find interest in any of them.
This book has a perfect blend of fun and historical propriety. While reading this, I questioned how I would have fared in that time. (I suspect I’m WAY too independent to have fared well.)
I cannot recommend this book, and series, highly enough to fans of historical romances. Ms. Ridley has quickly become one of my “one click” authors. Do yourself a favor and pick up this book.
Many thanks to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC of this book.
3.5 stars
Alexander, the Duke of Nottingvale, hosts a Christmas house party each year, but this year is a bit different as he’s decided to seek a bride from among the guests. He knows where his duty lies and is determined to find a bride who is as proper and respectable as he is.
Cynthia Louise Finch once adhered faithfully to all of society’s strictures. But since she was rejected by the ton anyway, she’s given up on respectability and embraced her new reputation as an unapologetically brazen spinster. Her beloved younger cousin, however, would be the perfect fit for the duke’s standards and Cynthia is determined to make a match of them to save her cousin from marriage to a man old enough to be her grandfather. Unfortunately, Cynthia has always carried a torch for the duke despite being on the periphery of his notice for years. Only this year, he seems to be noticing her for the first time.
Alexander knows he must be respectable no matter what his true desires are and yet he finds himself falling for a determinedly inappropriate woman, leaving him to decide if he’ll continue to do what’s expected of him or follow his heart.
I enjoyed this book overall, although it did seem slightly anticlimactic as the finale to this series. I loved the festive setting and these two opposites as a couple. I just wish there had been some steam and that Alexander had stood up for himself, and Cynthia, a bit sooner and more thoroughly. It was nice to see these two choose each other and make a realistic compromise to be together. Overall, I enjoyed this one and this series of light and fun escapes.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is the last book in this delightful series. It ties all the other books together in a marvelous crescendo. Like the others, it is a lol read, with wonderful characters, an interesting plot and witty banter.
Each year the ever so proper Alexander Borland, the Duke of Nottingvale hosts a Christmastide party in his “cottage” in the village of Cressmouth, aka Christmas for all the villagers. This year, he has announced that he will chose a bride and his mother has invited many proper young ladies and their mothers. But a snow storm has already messed up his plans, delaying many and stranding others along the way. In a previous book, his sister, Belle, was stranded in an inn and fell in love with one of his business partners, a tailor, making it even more important for Alexander to find the proper bride.
Cynthia Louise Finch, who lives in the near by town of Houville, has been coming to the parties for years. A spinster by choice, after being rejected by the Ton, when she was a shy young thing, she is
chaperoning her young cousin Gertie, determined to make sure that Gertie is chosen. However, it is Cynthia Louise, hoyden and life of the party that catches the Duke’s attention. But rules have guided him since he lost his father as a teenager, while Cynthia Louise, has rejected all rules, after she was rejected by society. Can two people who seem to be completely wrong for each, be exactly what the other needs?
I read an ARC as part of the author’s review crew, and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.
ONE INTOXICATING DELIGHT
Blazing blizzards! Erica shakes things up once again with this showstopping, tumultuous tilt-a-whirl, her no holds barred, no turning back and take no prisoners attitude rocks this gem to its core, hooking you from start to finish, catapulting this gem to staggering heights. Shenanigans and serendipity descend in a tempest of flights of fancy and canny maneuvers, obscured perimeters and blurred barriers solidify as limitations are amplified and tested, secrets confessed, revelations unmasked and promises made, reaching deep for every fiber of strength in a fierce surge of determination, blasting this baby to life spectacularly. The magnetism, attraction and chemistry collides with such force, baring deeply profound emotions and an undeniable bond, binding them to one another beautifully. The characters, banter, dialogue, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits, blend and flow adding depth and diversity, transforming into outstanding personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and graphic descriptions creating an elaborate backdrop that feels as though you were transported to ground zero with them. Remarkable job Erica, thanks for sharing this amazing delight with us.
Good ending to the series. I received an ARC of this book.
I read all 12 books in the series. I have read most of her books. I like to read a series in order. Each book is a stand alone, thou there are characters that appear in several books.
Best Series Ever!! I have loved every page of every book and hate to see the series conclude. Book 12 in the 12 Dukes of Christmas is a total joy, complete with delightfully quirky characters, clever and witty banter, a wonderful love story, a mischievous little puppy, and yes, even 12 Lords a leaping! I hate saying goodbye to the lovely town of Cressmouth, and do plan to revisit this series again in the future! Bravo to Erica Ridley for creating such a marvelous series!!
Quick, fun read with an audacious, lively heroine who teaches a duke that there’s more to life than just duty.
“Miss Finch was the opposite of proper. She was a firework in a box of candles.”
Cynthia Louise Finch is on a mission to matchmake her young cousin to Alexander Borland, Duke of Nottingvale, whose famous Christmas party, this year, is also a mission to find a suitable, respectable wife. Two words that no one would ever use to describe Cynthia, who has forged her own path of happiness after failing to make a match during her previous London seasons. He’s always noticed her but he’s always chosen to look away. However, this year, for some reason, he’s finding it very hard to look away…or keep away from her.
“We all eventually die, whether we want to or not. The question is how you want to live.”
This was an enjoyable romp. Cynthia is an absolute delight who really strives to live life to the full on her own terms. Alexander has had his duty drummed into him ever since he was born, but Cynthia shows him that he can do his duty and also enjoy life. Cynthia is by no means without her soft spots, as she wears her bad reputation like a suit of armour. The two of them together were funny, full of banter, and pretty darn sweet!
Not fitting into a mold has got to be the best way to live, even in the first half of the 19th century. Brava to Cynthia — you go, girl! And breaking the Duke out of his shell seemed to be impossible, and yet . . .
So worthy of a re-read. I don’t like to give away plots; I prefer to entice people with just one thought. Skiing for the first time. Read it. It’s fun and quick.
Miss Cynthia Louise Finch decided a long time ago society put her on the shelf and she started pleasing herself and became an unapologetic hoyden breaking all the rules. His Grace Alexander Borland, Duke of Nottingvale knows his responsibilities and he’s decided to pick a bride at the end of his winter ball. Unknowingly Alex has always been attracted to Miss Cynthia, but he’s always known she’s not the perfect Duchess and he’s suppressed his feelings. He wants a lady to lead by example and Cynthia his definitely setting the wrong kind of example. Fate has thrown them together and Christmas magic is in the air. Alex learns maybe its okay to follow his heart and not what society and his mother thinks is the perfect bride for him. Does he want a marriage with his mother’s idea of a perfect wife or his own? I have voluntarily read and reviewed these excellent story filled with romance.
Alexander Borland, Duke of Nottingvale, has decided that his annual Christmastide party is a perfect time to look for a wife. He is not looking for Miss Cynthia Louise Finch, a pretty, fun-loving, rule-breaking hoyden, definitely not the kind of woman he wants for his bride. However, he can’t keep his eyes and mind off her. Cynthia Louise is not looking for a husband, at least not for herself. She would like to make a match between Vale and her cousin Gertie. It seems Vale and Cynthia Louise have similar goals. Will their plans work? Will Vale find his perfect, biddable society bride, or will he take an entirely path?
This is another wonderful visit to Cressmouth, the best yet. The village is bustling and friendly. Vale and Cynthia Louise are wonderful characters. They simply fit together, whether they are at odds or at fun. A helpful sister, a sweet cousin, a delightful puppy, and even lords a-leaping through the garden add lots of fun and humor to the final tale of the Dukes of Christmas. This has been such a fun, cheerful series, and Forever Your Duke is the perfect ending.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
The Duke of Nottingvale is a responsible duke. He knows his responsibilities and is as buttoned up as they come. This year, his annual Christmas house party is a little different. It is a bride hunt. The Duke must marry and he knows that he must marry a very particular type of woman because he is, afterall, the duke.
Cynthia Louis Finch is determined that her cousin should marry the duke. If she doesn’t, her father will marry her to an old man as part of a land deal. All Cynthia Louise has to do is show the duke what a wonderful bride her cousin will make him. But there are two problems: Her cousin doesn’t want to marry the duke, or anyone else for that matter. The second is that Cynthia Louise has long been in love with the duke. Unfortunately, Cynthia Louise is most definitely not duke wife material, she is a hoyden.
I like these books. They always give me an aww feeling.
Saving her best for last, Erica Ridley writes about a duke, Alexander, who follows all the rules. When he decides to invite debutantes to his Christmas holiday house party he does so with the intent to find one to marry. What he does not expect to find is Cynthia, a local spinster who is chaperoning her young cousin, Gertie. Cynthia has been attracted to the duke for many years, but feels she is too irresponsible to be a duchess. Cynthia pushes Gertie toward the duke. The duke becomes torn between choosing a perfect woman to be his duchess or choosing the delightfully fun, inappropriate, and rule breaking Cynthia. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Webmotion for my honest review.