Once Upon a Duke
A Regency Christmas Romance
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3.7 • 275 Ratings
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- $3.99
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- $3.99
Publisher Description
Beware romantic spirits from Christmas past...
Due to the terms of an estranged relative's will, the Duke of Silkridge must revisit the cold, unforgiving mountains where he lost everything he once loved. As soon as he restores his family legacy, he'll return to London where he belongs. He definitely won't rekindle the forbidden spark crackling between him and the irresistible spitfire he'd left behind...
Noelle Pratchett is immune to charming scoundrels like the arrogant duke. He stole her heart, stole a kiss, and then stole away one night never to return. Now he's back—and they both know he won't stay. But how can she maintain her icy shields when every heated glance melts her to her core?
The 12 Dukes of Christmas is a laugh-out-loud historical romance series of heartwarming 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!
Customer Reviews
A great read for some ‘me’ time
Once upon a Duke
This is the first book in a new series by Erica. The town of Cressmouth has changed its name to Christmas in order to reinvigorate the area. It’s a year round Christmas feast. Although I love the anticipation of Christmas only being once a year, this is a fun concept for a series. With a mix of the Twelve days of Christmas and a Christmas Carol (poetic license on the date), there are a wealth of characters to encounter. Many of the minor characters in this book will probably get their own time to shine in the coming stories.
In this story we meet Benjamin, Duke of Silkridge, and Noelle. Each of these characters have abandonment issues: Noelle was left in a basket on a doorstep as a baby and Benjamin lost both of his parents during the Christmas season. Because of this loss Benjamin is a Christmas humbug. “...In a world where nothing lasted, it was better not to try, not to be disappointed, not to get hurt...” (Excerpt)
Noelle, however, “...had strived to be an indispensable part of her community. Not just to be needed, to be wanted, ... to ensure she would never again be left behind.” (Excerpt)
They have known each other for many years, really belong together, but think it is impossible. Benjamin returns to Cressmouth for the reading of his Grandfather’s will and rekindles his relationship with Noelle.
The story is light, fun and full of hope and positivity. There is a character that speaks in bird analogies and lone Pygmy goat. It is the perfect pick-me-up. I look forward to getting the same feeling from the other books in the series on the lead up to Christmas. The writing is very descriptive, allowing the reader to visualise the scenery with ease, such as, “...the endless gray skies above had begun to clot with heavy clouds.” (Excerpt).
This story is a wonderful way to spend some ‘me’ time.
Once upon a duke
It’s good I like it cause it’s mentions my dogs name duke
Once upon a Duke
I love the way you have celebrated the spirit of Christmas and the love that sustains it, reawakening a cold heart to hope and joy
The splendor of Cressmouth/Christmas as it celebrates a year long festive season creates a great backdrop to the central love story
I loved reading the book
John