Full review can be found here:

https://nordie.wordpress.com/2018/10/29/book-review-once-upon-a-duke-by-erica-ri...

Full review can be found here:

https://nordie.wordpress.com/2018/10/29/book-review-once-upon-a-duke-by-erica-ri...

Once Upon a Duke by Erica Ridley is a darling, historical, holiday-themed romance that is perfect to add to your TBR shelf!

This book is just a sweet delight. I was seeking something fast, light-hearted, comedic, romantic and simple and this book fit the bill.

Benjamin, the Duke of Silkridge has returned to his old town when his Grandfather died for the will reading. He stumbles upon his first crush and lost love, Noelle, who worked for his Grandfather. The feelings are very much mutual for Noelle as well. Ben, our resident Scrooge, must complete a Christmas-themed task to be able to get what his Grandfather left him in the will, but it brings him closer to Noelle in the process... Sparks fly and drama ensues, all in a town called Christmas and during the holiday season.

This is one of those books you curl up under a good blanket with some hot tea and just sink into it. Relaxation and simplicity works super well for titles like these, and I mean that in a good way. It's fun and lovely, exactly what a romance and historical romance reader loves! It's also PG, so it's a lovely book to get started into the historical romance genre.

I am definitely going to continue with this series if I can find it. I'd like to see all 12 of the Dukes find love since this series is just so lovely! Good job Erica Ridley, you've crafted a historical romance masterpiece.

Four out of five stars.

I found this book via Bookbub! ( )

Good, but..

I have always enjoyed an Erica Ridley book, and overall this was enjoyable. With that being said, I felt the pace was very slow as we were reminded of the internal conflicts over and over, but most disappointing was that while this was all hinged on the perfect kiss, the author felt it necessary to insert an “obligatory sex scene” (and yes, it felt obligatory, like the author felt she had to include it when, in fact, it would have been stronger without it). Now, I like my steamy romances, but when my heart is sighing on that perfect kiss, to suddenly change it up when the book is nearly done took away from the romance and the sigh-worthy relationship I had been enjoying. ( )

I have to say I'm a bit disappointed by this book. I really expected more.

So we met Duke of Silkridge in his home in London, while he hears the news that his grandfather has died. He leaves his home and departs for the town, where he spent his childhood (This all happens during the Christmas holidays). At first, he is strongly annoyed by the people, and the atmosphere, but long as he stays, more he starts liking the small town of Christmath.

The heroine - Noelle, was a great character, and a definition of a strong female character. She was smart, thoughtful, caring, sincere, and broken, by the same duke. So when he arrives in town, she wants to get rid of him as fast as possible, while in the meantime trying to not fall in love with him, again.

The thing I liked about this novella is the strong sense of feminism in the book, even tho the book is a historical romance, in a period in which the women didn't really have any power, the author has done an amazing job including small things that prove that men are dependable by women. And for that, the book was a great read.

I find it a bit short, and respectively, undeveloped, but the wring was flawless.

My other note is that I would've enjoyed reading about their special night together.
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