From a New York Times bestselling author: a second chances, enemies-while-lovers reunion romance where nothing is as it first appears, and everyone’s motives are suspect… until her father brokers a truce by offering the Weston heir the Harper farm. The only way to get it back is to marry the knave who kissed her and humiliated her, twice—or prove to her father that some rifts can never be healed.
Scholar and botanist Elijah Weston is dreadful at feuding. For one, he prefers horticulture to horses. For two, he’s been desperately in love with his mortal enemy ever since he kissed her—and, yes, publicly destroyed her—all those years ago. When he’s given ten days to win Olive’s heart, he arrives with marriage license in hand. But where lies and double-crosses abound, how can lifelong rivals learn to trust their hearts?
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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Olive Harper is horse mad! She eats, sleeps, and lives horses. Afterall she does run England’s most famous stud farm. Harper’s just happens to be located in Cressmouth aka Christmas where it is Christmas all year long. Elijah Weston shakes in his boots whenever he is near a horse. Unfortunately, this is not helpful when one is the heir to the Weston stud. Elijah is a scholar and botanist, using his talents to find medical cures especially for childbed fever. Although they have been feuding for years, Olive and Elijah’s fathers plot to bring them together by arranging their betrothal, albeit for different reasons. How in the world of Christmas can these two very different people be able to tolerate each other, much less marry? Their growing awareness of each other and what they do about it is the fun of this story. Just what are they willing to do for the other? And who or what is the Duke in this the eleventh book in the series? I have loved each and everyone of these tales. Each holds the reader’s interest from beginning to end. So sad that there is only one more duke to find. I received this eBook from NetGalley for an honest review.
The Duke in this, the eleventh book in Erica Ridley’s 12 Dukes of Christmas series, is actually a horse – a prize stud stallion belonging to Olive, the story’s heroine, a hyper-competent Horse Girl. Asked by her father to marry the son of their greatest enemy in order to resolve an ancient feud, she very sensibly says, absolutely not… until she discovers she stands to lose everything if she doesn’t even give her potential suitor a chance.
The only thing Elijah Weston wants to do is pursue his botanical research studies as he seeks to identify a medical treatment for the condition that killed his mother. Held hostage by his father’s refusal to fund his research, he’s forced into going along with his father’s wishes… which aren’t necessarily what Olive thinks they are.
There’s an awful lot going on here and so many things to notice, including Olive’s Deaf father and the way they speak in sign language, the horsey knowledge sprinkled all over the place, and Elijah’s botanical research, plus the romance, the parental manipulation (and abuse) and more. There was also a slightly weird thing where Elijah’s father, the fifth son of an earl, had a courtesy but non-hereditary title of marquess – which is higher ranked than an earl – which just would not be a thing, something I would expect an author of Ridley’s stature and skill to know.
I feel like, as Ridley has got deeper into this series, she has constrained herself a bit too much with the limited word count on these novellas. There is just Too Much Plot for a story this short. There’s no space to revisit the characters who charmed us so thoroughly in the earlier books, something that’s usually a ‘selling point’ in a big series – getting to see other couples progressing with their relationships. There’s just no word count for anything more than a couple of quick mentions in passing, because the plot of this one is so complex Ridley doesn’t have the words to spare… and even then some things get skimmed over. I was disturbed, for example, by the fact that Elijah’s father clearly physically and mentally abused him and then they just… encouraged his father to ‘kiss and make up’ his old feud with Olive’s father, without actually addressing the abuse of his son? You don’t just handwave that stuff away because you haven’t left yourself enough word count to deal with it.
I do love this series. It’s charming and (mostly) light-hearted and delightfully diverse, but the later books in the series have suffered due to the constraints of a short word count, and I think Ridley needed to ease up on herself a little and just make the later ones a bit longer. Or cut back on the sheer amount of plot she was shoehorning in, one or the other. I’ll give this four stars for all the things I did like about it, but I wanted a lot more.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
Another delightful time to visit the charming town of Cressmouth (Christmas) , the 11th book complete with eleven ladies dancing. The Harper Stud Farm, run by Olive and her Father, raise the finest horses in the country, only rivaled by Westons, her Father’s former partner turned nemesis. Olive has just as strong of a dislike for them after the son, Eli, had kissed her and then humiliated her years ago. Now he shows up on her doorstep to marry her and take control of her horse farm. No way would he ever win her trust or her heart! But everything magical happens in Cressmouth! This has been my most favorite series of all. I wish there were more than just twelve days of Christmas!
We are in the final stretch of the 12 Dukes of Christmas series, and now we are introduced to a couple who have known each other for a long time, but because of a misunderstanding, what was supposed to be a magical day – the first kiss – has become cause for shame and hurt.
Years ahead, the couple finds themselves in a situation not very pleasant (at least for her): they should get married. How could they get rid of that commitment made by their parents… when, in fact, they wanted it too, but didn’t want to admit the strong feeling between them?
Olive and Elijah. Their parents had once been close friends and partners as horse trainers. But a confusion years ago – at the time when each one got married, caused them to fight and break off relationships and partnership.
The years passed and Mr Harper proved to be much more successful at his stud farm than Lord Milbotham.
And despite the distance and animosity, their children, Olive and Elijah knew each other, and one day, Elijah’s kiss on Olive caused her reputation to be shaken. Thereafter, Olive decided that both Lord Milbotham and his son Elijah were hateful people.
What Olive didn’t know was that Elijah was already in love with her and didn’t know how to do it right.
Six years later, the surprise. The two enemies said it was time for that fight to end, that their business would be more prosperous if they joined forces again, and that the best way to seal the union was through the marriage of their children.
Elijah knew nothing about horses, and he actually preferred botany. But marrying Olive was something he really wanted. But that was not her opinion.
As an only child, she was sure she would inherit her father’s farm, and training horses was her life.
Getting married would mean giving up everything she worked for. When her father insists that she needed to give Elijah a chance, they decided that in the next ten days the couple would be together to get to know each other better.
Elijah’s plan was to make Olive fall in love with him.
Olive’s plan was to make it as hard as possible to make Elijah give up on her.
Who will win?
5 stars
I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an advance reader copy of this story.
Ten Days With A Duke, by Erica Ridley, is available at booksellers on 11-13-2020. We’re up to book 11 in the 12 part 12 Dukes Of Christmas series. The main female character, Olive, is so easy to identify with. She was mocked and it took hold and ruled her life. How many of us remember a slight from high school and it still stings? She’s smart, hard working, and the best with horses. She’s running the show & things are going great. Elijah is a meek academic under the thumb of his father. He’s literally been beat into submission. Marry Olive or pay the price. Cool thing is he’s always had a thing for her, this is his dream come true. They have a bunch of issues and quirks to work through and I must say they’re close to home. An enjoyable, if uncomfortable, read.
#EricaRidley #Netgalley #WebMotion #TenDaysWithADuke #12DukesOfChristmas #HistoricalRomance #Romance
This is a modern day Hatfield and McCoy story but with a twist.
The Westons and Harpers have been feuding for what seems like forever. Olive Harper’s family owns the famous Harper stud farm. It has been her legacy for forever until now. For some reason, Olive’s father gave it to their enemies, the Westons, who own the Weston stud farm, as part of a truce. The only way for poor Olive to get it back is to marry the son of her nemisis, Elijah Weston. The same man who publicly kissed her and made a spectacle of her.
Sure, Elijah Weston weston kissed Olive Harper and ruined her reputation. But he has been in love with her ever since. Can he seize the opportunity to make Olive his bride and not only heal the rift between their families but win the heart of his love?
I love the Duke stories. They are sweet and have a lot of heart.
Hint, Duke is a horse.
I thoroughly (pun intended) enjoyed this equine entry into the 12 Dukes.
Olive is an expert horsewoman. Who just had the rug pulled out from under her. Her father is selling all his shares in their farm (which she works on and manages and made into what it is) to her mortal enemy, Eli.
Eli is the more feminine, bookish, peacekeeper. I really appreciated this role reversal. She’s tough and strong and trains horses, he’s the soft, city boy. Who broke her heart when she was fourteen.
Now, he’s got ten days to win her and her horse, Duke.
Better get to work, Eli.
Tick tock.
Recommend.
Another wonderful visit to magical Cressmouth village, and this time with a feuding families, the Harpers and the Westons and their wonderful offspring Olive and Elijah
Olive Harper knew her purpose in life and excelled at it. The Harper horses she and her father raised filled all her needs and being a spinster was least of her worries. That was until her father said (in sign language) “I’ve decided on a husband for you.” Then he said his name.. No!! Elijah Weston, the boy who had humiliated her years ago!
Yes, Elijah was even more handsome than before, but no, he would have to win her and he had ten days. To say Elijah was shocked at her stipulation, is putting it mildly! It seemed “He had ten days to win the affection of a duke.”
Oh yes, humor abounds as these two face off, but what a marvelous ride they will have!!
4.5
Cute and fun
I always enjoy revisiting Cressmouth.
What I liked:
The writing style
The characters
Part of a series: 12 Dukes of Christmas
Standalone
HEA
Epilogue
I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC.
Caught in a vise between feuding fathers, Elijah Weston arrives at the Harpers’ home with a marriage license in his pocket. After thoroughly humiliating Olive at their previous meeting, Elijah is fully aware of the fact that he deserves her disdain and disgust. However, when she makes a pact with him, he overcomes his own fears to win the opportunity to make amends with her. Tension in this novel is created from the opening pages and one can only feel for both Olive and Elijah as they chart their course through troubled waters. The story is well written and emotive, laced with humour and wit, coming to a very positive conclusion. It highlights the fact that bullies can only get their way until someone stands up to them. I received a copy of this novel as a gift through NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Olive lives for Harper Farm noted for their horse breeding and trainers. Her father started the farm years ago. When her father decides she needs a husband, he offers his shares to his enemy’s son, Elijah Weston. When Elijah shows up with a special license, Olive says no with a stipulation that looks impossible for Elijah to fulfill. If she decides to say yes, he has ten day to try. There are underlying secrets that will force them both to trust each to make their own life together. A clever series set in the town of Cressmouth, known for celebrating Yuletide all year long.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Mr. Harper and Mr. Weston had been partners in raising and training horses; then something happened (we don’t know what), the business was split, and they have been feuding for decades. Now it appears they plan to repair the rift with a marriage between Elijah Weston and Olive Harper. Why, all of a sudden, do their fathers think this is a good idea. Elijah kissed Olive when they were younger, then he taunted and humiliated her. She will not let it happen again. She doesn’t know Elijah wanted to kiss her, but taunted her because he feared his father. She has no intention of giving in to this marriage, but she will take a bit of revenge with her “test.” Elijah, who is more interested in horticulture that horses, has ten days to make friends with Duke, Olive’s famous stallion. Can he do it? Maybe, but it may not make any difference. Things are not what they seem.
This is a heartwarming story. There is drama and humor in equal parts. Olive and Elijah are so good together, before and after they realize they like and eventually love each other. The story has some interesting twists, thanks to the feuding fathers. A visit to Cressmouth is always a joy. Elijah’s visit is no exception. Miracles always happen in this happy Christmas village. If Elijah and Olive can escape their manipulations, maybe the scheming fathers can call a truce. This lovely story is a wonderful addition to the series. By the way, Olivia is one of the eleven ladies dancing at Nottingvale’s Twelfth Night Ball. One more Duke to go. Wonder who it is?
I received an ARC of this book from the author and publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.
Surprising and very moving second-chance-at-love romance between two rivals. I really loved that there was so much tension and (justified) animosity between the main characters, especially on Olive’s part. She quite rightly still feels a lot of resentment and distrust toward Elijah because of a horrible “incident” in their past. There’s always two sides to any story though, and Elijah’s remorse and earnest determination to do better is clear from the onset. Later on, when we discover more about Elijah’s past and his present troubles, it’s impossible not to root for him. He is the kind of hero that you want to cuddle and never let go. He is so brave, but in ways that are not immediately apparent to others. I love that. He’s a more unassuming hero, no alpha stereotype, and seems a bit out of his element, but he is incredibly worthy of Olive. My heart ached for Olive and Elijah both throughout because they don’t have it easy, and I felt incredibly invested in their story and HEA. Olive is such a strong, wonderful character. I love that she’s such a supremely competent, self-assured heroine, at least in most aspects of her life. As always with an Erica Ridley romance, there’s lots of witty banter, a delicate touch with strong emotions, and beautiful imagery to set the scene.
This is the 11th book in the 12 Dukes of Christmas series, and it is as good as the previous stories, maybe even better. This book is about Olive Harper who owns and runs the best horse breeding and training farm in England. Elijah Weston knew Olive when they were younger, but he embarrassed her because their family was enemies. He has come to Cressmouth to end the fighting between their families by marrying Olive. She said she would give her answer after he spent 10 days with them and her horse Duke. I liked their relationship and how they both overcame the obstacles in their way. I can not wait for the last book in the series to come out. Erica Ridley writes a story so smooth the time flys.
I received an ARC copy of this book for my honest opinion.
Olive has given her heart completely to her horses and farm. Elijah’s father insists he win her heart to get her famous stud farm. Elijah cares nothing for the farm, but Olive? Oh, yes! Unfortunately, Elijah means absolutely nothing to Olive …
Wonderful characters, plot, and dialogue. Rated R for erotic scenes.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader copy of this book.
I have enjoyed this series of twelve dukes of Christmas. Not all dukes are men and this Duke is a horse. Not just any horse but one wanted by all but Olive Harper would not sell. Not for all the money in the world. He is her most prized possession. Now her father wants her to marry Elijah Weston. The two fathers have feuded for decades and Olive’s father is hoping for it to end. As Elijah had publicly humiliated her when she was 14 with a kiss, she has never forgiven him. He now has ten days to win her heart but at what expense.
I loved this story, it was one of my favourites from the series although I have enjoyed the whole series. A strong heroine and a scholarly hero. Almost everything about this book I loved except for the sex. It was a lot hotter than the last for me (I always skip the sex and it doesn’t affect my enjoyment of the book). The characters were as usual well written with lots of emotion both humour and sadness. Each book covers a different occupation which makes it an interesting read and not just your usual Ton romance. I look forward to the next book, it will be sad to see the series end. Christmas is a town I would love to visit. I received this as an ARC and freely give my review.
ONE OUTSTANDING JOURNEY
Dashing duke! Erica works her magic once again with this incredibly tantalizing delight, delivering some fierce animosity, callous actions and cruel tactics, grabbing your attention from the first sentence, till the very last word, catapulting this jewel to a whole new level. Sparks ignite as drama, intrigue, resilience, suspense and intense situations ensue in epic proportions, kicking this gem into a tailspin with astonishing impacts, merging this bad boy together seamlessly. Serendipity and mayhem descend in a flurry of mischief and wicked lessons, showcasing the crushed perimeters and broken barriers, limitations are explored and expanded, exposing the impish quirks and defying bents, bursting this baby to life brilliantly. The attraction and chemistry builds as each layer is peeled back, baring incredibly deep emotions and undeniable affections, connecting them to one another beautifully. The characters, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits adding depth and diversity, transforming into genuine charismatic personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and such vivid descriptions that feel as though you were transported to the middle of ground zero with them. Fantastic job Erica, thanks for sharing this little gem with us.
I like this book. The story is really sweet and romantic. It made me sad in different passages, but it was really enjoyable.
Olive Harper is a strong woman who suffered a public humiliation from Elijah Wenston and his father. Both families have been feuding for decades. Now both parents want them to marry each other and end the feud joining their land. But Olive doesn´t want to marry the rogue who kissed and hurt her twice.
Scholar and botanist Elijah Weston prefers horticulture to horses. He’s been desperately in love with his mortal enemy ever since he kissed her—and, yes, publicly destroyed her—all those years ago. When he’s given ten days to win Olive’s heart, he arrives with marriage license in hand. But where lies and double-crosses abound, how can lifelong rivals learn to trust their hearts?
What I like most about the story is the chemistry between them. The sweet dialogs, the steamy moments. It has a lot to enjoy and quite a bit to learn about forgiveness and second chances. I highly recommend this story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Absolutely wonderful, just couldn’t put it down. Loved the characters, story line, looked forward to what was coming. Just plain enjoyed every page to the end
I highly recommend this excellent book. Congratulations Erika, you’re a fantastic writer. Thanks for your words.