From a New York Times bestselling author: Sparks fly in this definitely-not-falling-in-love workplace romance between a handsome drifter chasing adventure, and a small-town jeweler who would never leave her home behind… desperate to outrun his past. When a blizzard traps him in a tiny mountaintop village, he meets a woman who tempts him with dreams he’d long since abandoned: Home. Community. Love. But other people’s livelihoods depend on him leaving for good as soon as the snow melts.
No-nonsense jeweler Angelica Parker has spent her life fighting for recognition. She’s Black, she’s a woman, and she will prove her creations are the equal to any artisan in England. With the project of a lifetime on the line, there’s no room for error—or distractions. Especially not the handsome charmer whose unquenchable cheer and melting kisses have become more precious than jewels…
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!
~~~
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
Well-traveled Scotsman Jonathan MacLean makes a point of never visiting the same town twice. He’s always seeking adventure and full of positivity as he searches for talented individuals in which to invest, whilst also running away from his loneliness and a painful past. When he’s trapped in a small mountain town during a snowstorm, he befriends the local jeweler, a beautiful woman who has him thinking of home and permanency. But Jonathan’s longing has been buried for a long time and his partners in his newest business venture depend on him resuming his travels once the snow clears.
Angelica Parker had fought hard for recognition not just as a jeweler but as an artist and successful businesswoman. Her contract has kept her rooted in Cressmouth for seven years but it’s almost up now and her latest commission stands to finally get her name out there and bring the notoriety she craves. This close to her goal, she has no time for distractions, especially handsome, chatty gentlemen with no plans to stay.
This was a sweet, light-hearted story of acceptance and belonging. Angelica and Jonathan were adorable together and I loved their ability to reevaluate their respective stances and seek a compromise. Though this was lacking in steam, it was a charming story and is beginning to get me into the Christmas spirit a bit early.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
What a fabulous story! Jonathan, a constantly traveling investor and salesman, arrives in Cressmouth for a business meeting with the Duke. He wanders into a shop run by a lovely, intriguing, incredibly talented jeweler named Angelica. A snowstorm delays the Duke’s arrival and, therefore, Jonathan’s departure. How wonderful that Angelica and Jonathan agree they are both far too busy to even think of romance! Really?!
Charming, lovable characters and an enthralling tale. Loved it!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader copy of this book.
I thought that this was a really wonderful read. Romantic, emotional and heartfelt, I loved Angelica and Jonathan’s story. I found both these characters quite likable and in Jonathan’s case there’s a lot more than just surface here and it takes a bit to get a clear picture of exactly who Jonathan is. I felt the pull of attraction was strong and their chemistry tangible. This was one of those couples that had characters that seemed a bit lost and incomplete until fate drew them together to make that meant-to-be pairing. I am posting an independent, impartial review.
This was a very interesting story in that Angelica is a beautiful black woman and a jeweler. Jonathon is a rolling stone who never stays in one place very long. But when he walks into her shop in a town known for Christmas he doesn’t expect to be so taken wit Angelica. So taken that he spends every day at her shop. Both are cautious to be only friends but love has a way of sneaking in. But the only way the can be together is to compromise which is hard since Angelica worked hard to own her business and Jonathon thinks he must always be on the road. A Christmas miracle is needed. I received a complimentary copy and I am voluntarily reviewing.
One Night With a Duke is the next story in Erica Ridley’s the “Twelve Dukes” Series. It can be read as a stand alone. What an interesting and enjoyable read.
Once again, Ms. Ridley has brought her readers into her world with her vivid descriptions, and entertaining characters. Unique and unpredictable story, staring an interracial couple, prejudice, witty, and playful banter. Ahh, so much about Jonathan and Angelica’s story is touching, charming and enjoyable. A fun, sweet read which will capture your heart, as you turn the pages of this impressive story. Well done, Erica Ridley!!
#12Dukes #NetGalley #EricaRidley
“I voluntarily received a complimentary copy, however, these are my honest opinions. I was in no way required nor compensated to write a review.”
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Sweet
Reviewer: AprilR
*** An amazing interracial romance ***
I would like to applaud Erica Ridley for introducing an interracial couple into her story. This is the first historical story I have read with this type of romance. I loved that Angelica was an independent jewelry store owner. She crafted everything she sold and had been waiting seven long years for her agreement with Mr. Marlowe to end and she would own the shop and home outright. Christmas eve was her celebration date. Too many years passed where she could not be with her family in London. But during Christmastide the whole family would come to Cressmouth /aka /Christmas to celebrate with her. This year a happy go lucky Scotsman stopped at her store and both their lives were changed. Jonathan was a traveling man. No home no roots no long-term commitments to anyone. Christmas was something he avoided like the plague. But for Angelica he would suffer for a few hours than leave. But when he was around her family, he became happy, felt warmed by their acceptance and friendship and their curiosity to know more about him. Angelica and her family made him feel things he never wanted to feel. But for some unknown reason the feelings were not unwelcome. Things were complicated because Angelica was established and had roots Jonathan did not. Could he? Would he? How far was he willing to compromise his life to include Angelica and vice versa. He could not make this decision alone. A wonderful tale of two opposites finding love with each other. This book is a sweet escape and well worth the time.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.
One Night with a Duke: A Regency Christmas Romance
12 Dukes of Christmas Series 10
Erica Ridley
https://m.facebook.com/ericaridley/
Release date 10/09/2020
Publisher Webmotion
From a New York Times bestselling author: Sparks fly in this definitely-not-falling-in-love workplace romance between a handsome drifter chasing adventure, and a small-town jeweler who would never leave her home behind…
Dashing Scot Jonathan MacLean never returns to the same town twice. The happy-go-lucky philanthropist seeks constant adventure… and is desperate to outrun his past. When a blizzard traps him in a tiny mountaintop village, he meets a woman who tempts him with dreams he’d long since abandoned: Home. Community. Love. But other people’s livelihoods depend on him leaving for good as soon as the snow melts.
Dashing Scot Jonathan MacLean never returns to the same town twice. The happy-go-lucky philanthropist seeks constant adventure… and is desperate to outrun his past. When a blizzard traps him in a tiny mountaintop village, he meets a woman who tempts him with dreams he’d long since abandoned: Home. Community. Love. But other people’s livelihoods depend on him leaving for good as soon as the snow melts.
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!
Will this Christmas heal his lost little boy’s heart …
Of all the 10 stories I have read so far, I wonder if this one does not top all the others, even if I just loved many of them like the previous one, which if the other side of the coin, I drank this story in no time.
At first sight, Jonathan might appears as fickle, going from one place to another, strutting his wealth and bragging his many stories, when he is a man haunted by his past.
While presenting himself as a butterfly going from one flower to the next, always looking for fresher pastures. In his peculiar way, he helps others to better themselves, he recognizes overlooked talents and he does what nobody has done for him, he believes in them and is the spark than ignites what was burgeoning.
Angelica sacrificed a part of her freedom to follow her dream, after seven years, she is finally close to her goal, to have her own jewelry. And now she is within an inch of making it real, the seducing tramp won’t wreck her ambitions by making her long for something else.
Jonathan is like a wisp, where he goes, joy follows. He has a way to make people at ease. But for once, he discovers what it is to be appreciated and awaited for one’s self, to get to know others outside the classic passing greetings, to share happy memories…
When Angelica comes to term with her own issues, because while Jonathan is easy to listen, does she hear to her heart’s contents too.
A beautiful tale of a man who does magic with others’ gifts but must learn to receive too and the woman who might partake his life if he is willing to put some roots with her.
5 stars
I was granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272830/posts/715397859049388/?extid=0&d=n
I have yet to read an Erica Ridley historical romance that I didn’t like. One Night With a Duke is the perfect follow up to Dawn with a Duke and I insist you read them together. It works perfectly fine as a stand alone too.
If you are looking for a fun, Christmas treat filled with heart then you’ve got it right here. I was so excited to read this because of all the hints sent Johnathan’s way at the end of Dawn with a Duke. Johnathan is Scottish? dashing, rich and a wanderer who never travels anywhere twice. He makes investments and is partners on an upcoming fashion line (Fit for a Duke).
Jonathan is exploring town when he stumbles upon the most beautiful woman he has ever seen. Angelica is an ambitious jeweler with immense talent. Angelica is black and moved to this town from London. She is working very hard to her shop her own. Angelica has streamlined her life so there is no time wasted. Ridley does an excellent job weaving in history through their backstories.
I really enjoyed this book. It is low on steam but lovely relationship building. If you need a cozy, winter escape this will be delightful.
Thank you NetGalley and Erica Ridley for the chance to read an ARC! All opinions are my own.
When I come back in the next life, I want to live in Cressmouth – the people, the town, the dukes are all so inviting! Our visitor to Cressmouth in this 10th Book in the series is Jonathan MacLean, a happy-go-lucky, handsome philanthropist that I didn’t care for in the beginning with the way he threw money around, was overly friendly, constantly on the move – not only his body but the fact he didn’t have a home. But the more I got into the backstory of his life, I understood it was his mechanism for dealing with his past.
Now an exact opposite to Jonathan was Angelica Parker who was not only beautiful but she owned her own jewelry shop, designed all her pieces, worked constantly, was very calm & she didn’t want money but wanted to be recognized for her talents. She loved living in Cressmouth, she loved her large family who visited her once a year, which was wonderful – now she just needed that one break for success!
They were truly opposites, but the slow burning romance came about by building a friendship & enjoying each other’s company. It was fun, sad, happy, romantic & they both learned to “Stop & Smell the Roses”!
I was gifted the Advanced Reader Copy of this book & all opinions are my own & have been voluntarily given.o
“The best adventures are unpredictable.”
Erica Ridley continues her light-hearted holiday romance series with Jonathan and Angelica. One Night with a Duke is an opposites attract love story with the picturesque backdrop of the Christmas village fans of this series have come to expect. Highly recommend!
This book centers around drifter Jonathan MacLean who never returns to the same town twice because he is trying to outrun his past. While in a small town for a business meeting he gets snowed in by a blizzard and meets a woman who is just the opposite. She is desperate to stay where she is, she has a business to run. However, she tempts him with dreams he’d long given up on: Home. Community. Love. But his whole reason for coming there was to make this deal that depended on him to then leave and travel from town to town.
The story itself is cute and another take on the Christmas holiday.
I’ve read many books by this author and I feel this one let me down. The storyline was very slow and redundant and seemed to be going nowhere fast. The middle of the book really lagged. Yes, the two main characters evolved, but at a snails pace.
Will I buy another book by this author, yes. Every author has a mediocre book now and again.
#12Dukes #NetGalley
There are some of Erica’s stories that I read and say to myself, she cannot write a more romantic book. Okay, this is one also. At first I thought Jonathan was like a little kid, always trying to please others and never sticking around. But the more his story comes to light, the more you realize that he is afraid of getting close to others and why he is afraid. Angelica works herself constantly and strives to be the best jeweler she can be. The slow burn romance with him reading to her, him making sure she has enough food and takes breaks is so sweet and kind. They were meant to be. Her calming him down and him building her up. What a fabulous relationship and great story.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
This is second part of Dawn with a Duke. This story take part at the same time as Cavin McAlistairs and Lady Isabelle does. Both are snowed in and can’t leave. Jonathan McLean is a partner to Cavin.
He is the artist for the new line of affordable clothes that are high quality, affordable, and require no valet. They are for the common people who want to look like a Duke for special events.
He has made it to Cressmouth, the town that is Christmas all year. Unfortunately, Jonathan doesn’t hold much with anything to do with the season. He has traveled everywhere looking for business ventures. He never goes to the same place twice and usually only stays one night at any of them. If no one knows you then you can’t get hurt.
While looking for something to do he goes into a jewelry store and sees the most beautiful women he has ever come across. Jonathan is never at a loss for words till now. Angelica is the owner of the shop, very busy with orders and does not have time for a Handsome stranger. She has worked hard for recognition. She had a lot to overcome, she is black and on her own. Her own family can’t understand why she didn’t just stay in London and work for her brother who took over their father’s shop when he died. She has a loving big family. Loves Christmas and all that goes with it.
At first it seems these two have nothing in common. But as they spend time together, we learn
more of Jonathan’s past, why he travels and has no true home.
Angelica also has a past she keeps hidden. Will these two be able to overcome all and find a happy
ever after? Can they see past hurts and move on to what both really want? Will they wait till it is too late ?
This is a sweet loving story of two people with more in common then they think.
It is a clean story and any age could read and enjoy it.
Other great tale with the Cressmouth village and all its wonderful characters.
I do hope you give it a try all the books in the series can be read as standalone but so much
better read in order.
I received and ARC from the author and want to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am voluntarily giving it.
Jonathan MacLean is on his way to Cressmouth to meet with the Duke of Nottingvale about investing in a business venture. Jonathan is a bit of a nomad, traveling around the country, but never staying anywhere long enough to lay down roots and he has a steadfast rule – he never visits the same place twice. He arrives to learn that the snow will certainly keep him in town longer than expected and will delay the arrival of the Duke and his business partner Calvin. Unable to just wait around for the snow to stop, he decides to venture out and meet the people of Cressmouth. He enters the jeweler’s shop and feels like he has been struck by lightning – the jeweler is the most stunning woman he has ever seen!
Angelica Parker is the jeweler in town, she came to Cressmouth seven years ago to make a name for herself. She was invited to set up shop by Mr. Marlowe and he made her an outrageous offer – he would provide her with rooms in the castle and a shop at no charge, but she must stay in Cressmouth for seven years – no exceptions – if she leaves, even for a day, the contract is void and she will owe an obscene amount of money, however, if she fulfills the contract, everything is hers, free and clear – this Christmas will be her seventh year and she is looking forward to travel – but she plans to stay in Cressmouth. Her family comes each year to visit her, but they don’t understand why Angelica agreed to the contract – they have a successful shop in London and think she should have married and stayed with them. Angelica longs to be acknowledged for her talent and knows that if she stayed in London – that would never happen. She is happy in Cressmouth, but still hasn’t achieved the recognition she dreams of. She has no idea how much her live will change when a handsome young man comes into her shop!
What a sweet novella this was! It is well written and chocked full of interesting historical facts regarding slavery in Regency-era Britain. Jonathan and Angelica are very complex characters and I am impressed by how well Ms. Ridley was able to flesh them out considering this is a novella. The story has a lot of emotion, some laughs, warmish love scenes, delightful secondary characters, compromise and a sweet HEA, complete with an epilogue. This book is the tenth book in the series, but it can easily be read as a standalone title with no problems.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me.*
Candy Briggs’s Reviews > One Night with a Duke
One Night with a Duke by Erica Ridley
One Night with a Duke (12 Dukes of Christmas Book 10)
by Erica Ridley (Goodreads Author)
Candy Briggs’s review Sep 27, 2020, · edit
bookshelves: to-read
One Night With a Duke
Erica Ridley
Mr. Jonathon MacClean is an investor, traveler, and all-around nice guy. He does have a policy of never visiting a town more than once. But he has some past issues he needs to take care of. His personality is cheerful, Kind, and respects everyone.
Miss Angelica Parker is beautiful, black, and a very talented Jeweler. She has a huge family and moved to Christmas to open her own shop. They come up to visit her once a year and she does miss them so.
A lovely story of two lonely people but in different ways. When they meet there is an attraction between them. The characters are lovely and engaging. They enjoyed spending time with each other and playing with her nieces. The tale is fun and you watch as he brings her out of the store so she can relax, so she works better. Before she never left her store just kept working as long as she could. She was getting to the end of the seven years so she could own her store. she was concerned about when the time for him to leave and move on would affect her.
I received this ARC from The author and voluntarily reviewed it.
Stunning, delightful Christmas romance!
Every time I read one of the 12 Dukes of Christmas I’m convinced it’s better than the last, and this one really stands above the rest. Angelica shines as the independent and immensely talented jeweler who is determined to call her own shots despite the heavy odds stacked against her. Jonathan is happy to live as an itinerant traveler/salesman because having no roots equals having no risks to his heart.
Christmas only brings heartache to Jonathan, so he’s trying to avoid it as much he can in the tiny mountain village that celebrates the holiday year-round. In Angelica he finds a kindred spirit who calms and centers him despite their vastly different outlooks on life.
Social issues – women’s rights, racism, slavery – are all handled brilliantly with a matter-of-fact approach that showcases the best in human virtue rather than dwelling on the worst. Nothing is swept under the rug, but issues are accepted and overcome with grace and dignity above all.
This was a beautifully sweet, tender romance that knocked down all their self-erected walls and brought these two wonderfully caring people to their well-deserved HEA. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
This is a tale of being recognized as significant and being valued. Each of these characters are striving to succeed and be seen as a someone. I thought it was well crafted and an interesting take on the different ways these individuals attempted it. It’s a timely story as the heroine is a black woman kicking against society’s strictures of the time. Her hero is an illegitimate scottish son of a laird. I found their story fascinating and different.
Angelica Parker is the daughter of a black jeweler who had a successful shop in London. She and her elder brother learned the trade from their father and competed with each other at every turn. She had the talent but her brother being the eldest was heir to the business. When Angelica was offered a chance of her own shop in Cressmouth she jumped at the opportunity to use her gift and not just be someone’s wife. The catch was she couldn’t leave town for seven years. After the seven years the shop and her apartment in Marlowe’s castle was hers. This story takes place during the last days of her contract. Her family is important to her and they come to visit every Christmas since room and board are free to them, a free Christmas vacation.
Jonathan MacLean is a footloose philanthropist. He never visits the same place twice always seeking new people and investment opportunities. His aim is to find talented people struggling to advance their ideas but lacking funds to do so. He provides the funds and helps with the business to get them on their feet. We find he has a trust fund provided by his father, guilt money as he sees it. He can’t seem to give the money away but he seeks to be independently successful on his own efforts. While he’s in Cressmouth waiting on his partner, he stumbles on Angelica and without realizing it finds a kindred soul. He’s waiting on the weather so he and his partner in Fit For A Duke can present their investment proposal to the Duke.
Jonathan is unknowingly running away from intimacy. He knows everyone and no one really. He’s all surface and when he ‘s stuck in Cressmouth because of the snowstorm, he discovers true relationship for the first time. He struggles with how to embrace change and love. Angelica is fighting with the world’s expectations for a woman to be of more value than just a wife . She wants to be valued and rewarded for her talent. I loved watching Erica bring these people together and opening their eyes to possibilities.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Since they occurred concurrently, it was fun to read Jonathan MacLean’s story after reading Calvin McAlistair’s story in Book 9 Dawn with a Duke. I loved how Jonathan interacted with everyone far and wide, it was very entertaining. Angelica Parker was such a strong woman to set out on her own to achieve her dreams! Another great addition to the 12 Dukes of Christmas series.
This was nice, though I enjoyed Dawn with a Duke more.
Jonathan tosses his money around; it seems he’s trying to “bribe” people to like him. This puzzled me at first as in book 9 as his cohort in the their “Fit for a Duke” business scheme is very much worried about their financial success. Jonathan’s over-generosity is later clarified.
Angelica is concentrating on completing her contract successfully and has no time for romance. Jonathan very gently woos her, but Angelica thinks a future together is impossible with their opposite lifestyles – she’s rooted while he’s a rover. An answer is not too easily found.
I read an advanced copy and voluntarily post this review.
4.5 Stars
Dashing Scot Jonathan MacLean never returns to the same town twice. The happy-go-lucky philanthropist seeks constant adventure and is desperate to outrun his past. When a blizzard traps him in a tiny mountaintop village, he meets a woman who tempts him with dreams he’d long since abandoned: Home. Community. Love. But other people’s livelihoods depend on him leaving for good as soon as the snow melts. Talented jeweller Angelica Parker has spent her life fighting for recognition. She’s Black, she’s a woman, and she will prove her creations are the equal to any artisan in England especially as good as her brothers. With a contract anchoring her in place for seven years, she lands the project of a lifetime. There’s no room for error or distractions.
This is the tenth book in this fun entertaining series. I didn’t like Jonathan at all at the beginning & his bon homie annoyed me. However the more I read the more his backstory was revealed the more I grew to like him. I did love how generous he was not only by showering people with money ie his driver but he also gave his time to help. Angelica was lovely & I did love how their relationship developed. Also how from their very meeting he bolstered her confidence, in fact he bolstered everyone’s confidence. Another feel good read which I found hard to put down
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read