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12 Dukes of Christmas #2
Kiss of a Duke
Lady chemist Penelope Mitchell took England by storm with Duke, a perfume for men that has women swooning at their feet. To prove the same aphrodisiacal potency of her upcoming version for ladies, the new perfume must cause a rake to fall in love with her in ten days. And she has just the man in mind…
Sexy pleasure-seeker Nicholas Pringle—known as “Saint Nick” for his wicked ways—wants to end the absurd cologne that has every young buck believing himself a ladies’ man. How hard can it be to charm a spinster into changing her mind? But when Penelope does the charming, this rakish scoundrel must decide between losing the war... or losing his heart.
Sexy pleasure-seeker Nicholas Pringle—known as “Saint Nick” for his wicked ways—wants to end the absurd cologne that has every young buck believing himself a ladies’ man. How hard can it be to charm a spinster into changing her mind? But when Penelope does the charming, this rakish scoundrel must decide between losing the war... or losing his heart.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 6, 2018
848 people are currently reading
785 people want to read
About the author
Erica Ridley
130 books2,195 followersGet freebies and 99¢ deals at: https://ridley.vip
Erica Ridley is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of historical romance novels, including THE DUKE HEIST, featuring the Wild Wynchesters. Why seduce a duke the normal way, when you can accidentally kidnap one in an elaborately planned heist?
In the 12 Dukes of Christmas series, enjoy witty, 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!
Two popular series, the Dukes of War and Rogues to Riches, feature roguish peers and dashing war heroes who find love amongst the splendor and madness of Regency England.
When not reading or writing romances, Erica can be found eating couscous in Morocco, zip-lining through rainforests in Costa Rica, or getting hopelessly lost in the middle of Budapest.
Erica Ridley is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of historical romance novels, including THE DUKE HEIST, featuring the Wild Wynchesters. Why seduce a duke the normal way, when you can accidentally kidnap one in an elaborately planned heist?
In the 12 Dukes of Christmas series, enjoy witty, 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!
Two popular series, the Dukes of War and Rogues to Riches, feature roguish peers and dashing war heroes who find love amongst the splendor and madness of Regency England.
When not reading or writing romances, Erica can be found eating couscous in Morocco, zip-lining through rainforests in Costa Rica, or getting hopelessly lost in the middle of Budapest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 313 reviews
July 30, 2025
** Reread** 2️⃣
July 30, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 stars.
** First Read** 1️⃣
June 18, 2024
⭐⭐⭐💫
3½ stars.
➕ What I liked :
“Older” heroine. (34)👏👍
Mature couple.
(Both main characters are 30+)👍
Rather interesting main characters.
Sweet moments.
Funny moments.
Interesting side characters.
Heroine is a chemist/ perfumer.
Rather good and interesting plot.
Not a naive heroine… but a curious/experimenting heroine.
Country setting. (Not set in London.)
Good romantic build up and chemistry.
➖ What I disliked:
Too much focus on how very handsome the hero was.
(It was rather OTT.)
Missed opportunity to have a main character that is/was truly a sapiosexual.
(It almost seemed like the heroine was a sapiosexual for a while …. but she brought up or/and thought about or/and talked about the heroes good looks and how handsome he was a little too much and focused a little too much on that so that vibe just fizzled out.)
Would have been great with a little more background to why the heroine did not believe in love (other than her focus on science etc.) And a little more background on her family and how she ended up alone etc.
Lackluster and sparse steam/sex scene and cringey sex talk.
The character description/visual appearance of both main characters was kind of on the vague side.
(A little more info and details would have been welcome and appreciated.)
The hero was a little bit too arrogant/self-absorbed and somewhat annoying in his rake persona in the beginning of the book/story.
A tad bit too anachronistic in some parts.
Somewhat rushed.
November 12, 2018
I adored this book! Yes, it is historically inaccurate, and you should not expect much in that regard. But if all you are looking for is a short, funny, adorably sweet romance with two truly amazing leads and can ignore the silliness of the premise, this is the book for you.
"Running out of biscuits is like running out of…" "Oxygen?" she guessed. He shook his head. "Hot chocolate." "Humans can live very long lives with no consumption of chocolate," she informed him gently. "But without chocolate, are we truly living?"
I loved Nicholas, our hero. Hardened rake that he is, he is appalled when he finds out someone has created a perfume that sort of levels the playing ground by making men irresistible (don't ask… Read the author's note and just go with it) and sets out to convince the creator to cease producing it. He's not prepared to find the one woman who wants nothing for him, and it was so cute to see him fall hard for logical, scientific-minded Penelope. They had a Booth/Brennan relationship, and their bickering was just the cutest!
"But other people-" "The opinions of strangers are irrelevant. Live for yourself."
I LOVED Penelope. She was scientific and logical without coming across as silly, off-putting, or annoying, and I loved seeing her falling in love for the first time, despite trying very hard not to. IT was heart-warming and made for a perfect story for cozy evenings!
*I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
"Running out of biscuits is like running out of…" "Oxygen?" she guessed. He shook his head. "Hot chocolate." "Humans can live very long lives with no consumption of chocolate," she informed him gently. "But without chocolate, are we truly living?"
I loved Nicholas, our hero. Hardened rake that he is, he is appalled when he finds out someone has created a perfume that sort of levels the playing ground by making men irresistible (don't ask… Read the author's note and just go with it) and sets out to convince the creator to cease producing it. He's not prepared to find the one woman who wants nothing for him, and it was so cute to see him fall hard for logical, scientific-minded Penelope. They had a Booth/Brennan relationship, and their bickering was just the cutest!
"But other people-" "The opinions of strangers are irrelevant. Live for yourself."
I LOVED Penelope. She was scientific and logical without coming across as silly, off-putting, or annoying, and I loved seeing her falling in love for the first time, despite trying very hard not to. IT was heart-warming and made for a perfect story for cozy evenings!
*I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
January 17, 2021
'Lady chemist Penelope Mitchell took England by storm with Duke, a perfume for men that has women swooning at their feet. To prove the same aphrodisiacal potency of her upcoming version for ladies, the new perfume must cause a rake to fall in love with her in ten days. And she has just the man in mind…
Sexy pleasure-seeker Nicholas Pringle—known as “Saint Nick” for his wicked ways—wants to end the absurd cologne that has every young buck believing himself a ladies’ man. How hard can it be to charm a spinster into changing her mind? But when Penelope does the charming, this rakish scoundrel must decide between losing the war... or losing his heart.'
__________________________
3.5 stars, rouded down to 3 stars.
Kiss of a Duke is the second book in Erica Ridley's novella holiday series, 12 Dukes of Christmas set in the mythical Christmas wonderland of Cressmouth, loveingly known as 'Christmas' to its residents.
I enjoyed this book more than the first in the series. But I found Nicholas to be kind of annoying. His rake persona was arrogant and his idea that using a perfume is cheating when compared to his hard-earned 'skills' as a rake pretty ridiculous. And I didn't really like that Penelope was using and manipulating him most of the time for an experiment.
Overall, the novella reads like a romantic comedy and it was amusing and quick to read for the hoiday season. She's only a supporting character here, but I really like Virginia and i'm looking forward to read her book in the series.
Sexy pleasure-seeker Nicholas Pringle—known as “Saint Nick” for his wicked ways—wants to end the absurd cologne that has every young buck believing himself a ladies’ man. How hard can it be to charm a spinster into changing her mind? But when Penelope does the charming, this rakish scoundrel must decide between losing the war... or losing his heart.'
__________________________
3.5 stars, rouded down to 3 stars.
Kiss of a Duke is the second book in Erica Ridley's novella holiday series, 12 Dukes of Christmas set in the mythical Christmas wonderland of Cressmouth, loveingly known as 'Christmas' to its residents.
I enjoyed this book more than the first in the series. But I found Nicholas to be kind of annoying. His rake persona was arrogant and his idea that using a perfume is cheating when compared to his hard-earned 'skills' as a rake pretty ridiculous. And I didn't really like that Penelope was using and manipulating him most of the time for an experiment.
Overall, the novella reads like a romantic comedy and it was amusing and quick to read for the hoiday season. She's only a supporting character here, but I really like Virginia and i'm looking forward to read her book in the series.
April 12, 2020
PENELOPE WAS SWEET - BUT VIRGINIA IS THE REAL STAR
Yes, Penelope, the female lead of this book was great! I loved her ingenuity and her scientific approach to life. And I loved her chemistry with Nicholas. But honestly, my favourite part of this book was by far Virginia. I loved her quirkiness and her strange but amazing knowledge. I am really looking forward to her book!
Yes, Penelope, the female lead of this book was great! I loved her ingenuity and her scientific approach to life. And I loved her chemistry with Nicholas. But honestly, my favourite part of this book was by far Virginia. I loved her quirkiness and her strange but amazing knowledge. I am really looking forward to her book!
November 5, 2018
Received this short read as an ARC from NetGalley and it made for overall an enjoyable easy one time read.
The story is about female chemist Penelope Mitchell, who questions the validity of love as a concept, and who has made the highly popular perfume 'Duke'. A perfume that's making men usually in the shadows of natural born Rakes, irresistible to the ladies of the ton. And here is where self proclaimed Rake Nicholas comes in, he thinks the perfume is cheating, after all for him there is an art/skill to being a Rake - so he intends to stop it's continued production.
Initially I wasn't to sure how I would like it, the premise had me a tad debuious, and I was not overly keen on the first chapter but luckily the perfume issue becomes background for the interactions between Nicholas and Penelope, and that is what ensured I kept reading.
Overall good writing style which is somewhat snappy - it's a nice light read.
The story is about female chemist Penelope Mitchell, who questions the validity of love as a concept, and who has made the highly popular perfume 'Duke'. A perfume that's making men usually in the shadows of natural born Rakes, irresistible to the ladies of the ton. And here is where self proclaimed Rake Nicholas comes in, he thinks the perfume is cheating, after all for him there is an art/skill to being a Rake - so he intends to stop it's continued production.
Initially I wasn't to sure how I would like it, the premise had me a tad debuious, and I was not overly keen on the first chapter but luckily the perfume issue becomes background for the interactions between Nicholas and Penelope, and that is what ensured I kept reading.
Overall good writing style which is somewhat snappy - it's a nice light read.
November 12, 2018
There should be a new genre created for many of the new 'historical romances' coming out nowadays. It should be called "Fantasy historical romance'. In the fantasy historicals, characters wear cravats and corsets, are constrained by social norms only when it is convenient to the story, and they talk like modern day people. I'm not saying this is necessarily a bad thing, but if you've been reading historical romances for a long time, it is frustrating that there is no distinction between the two types of stories.
Erica Ridley typically markets her books as the light-hearted, unrealistic, fairtyale brain candy so I was not surprised when I went into this story that there was very little focus on the historical aspect. I wanted something silly and fun in a novella format to start getting into holiday romances and she delivered. The historical focus is non-existent. The characters are not constrained by social norms, can interact alone at all hours without anyone in the made-up town of Christmas gossipping, can call each other by first names immediately upon meeting each other, can get married without any interference from family (the hero's father is a duke), and can make heavy-handed sexual innuendo jokes in mixed company without anyone batting an eye.
If you let go of this set-up, then the rest of the story's components are quite fun and the reason I gave it 4 stars. I thought the heroine, Penelope, was a throwback to Dr. Temperance Brennan from the tv show Bones, as a hard core scientist obsessed with her perfumes (and their biological significance), her lack of belief in love, and her rational approach to life. I thought her friends Gloria and Virginia were hysterical (especially Virginia and all her bird analogies that seemed random but somehow made sense) and the presence of delicious biscuits throughout the story is always lovely. The hero, Nicholas, and his brother Christopher are both charming as well. Nicholas, for his gradual transition from rake to a man who starts to understand what love is, and Christopher, for his complete faith that love exists even though he has never seen it. The differences between the two made for some fun dialogue and I'll definitely be reading Christopher's story when it becomes available. As you can probably guess, the hero's name, obsession with cookies, his secret workshop, and at one point being on the roof, are all pretty heavy-handed references to Saint Nick for the holidays. I found this to be a bit much and stupid on occasion (cookies and the name would have been enough for me) but again, since the interactions between he and Penelope were so silly and fun, I did not lose interest in the story.
At it's core, the romance was strong. I believed the transition from logical scientist and lifelong rake into a couple in love. The fun dialogue was the strongest point. Was it historically accurate? No. But it was fun to read all the same. I loved the little gifts the leads gave each other and I loved the short format of the story. This amount of silliness would not work in a longer format, but it was a perfect morsel for this time of year.
In a nutshell, only read this story if you're into braincandy and have no expectations for an actual historical going in. Read it because you want fun dialogue and some themes that will get you in the holiday spirit and make you smile. I think that's all Ridley really intended and she does deliver on that score.
Erica Ridley typically markets her books as the light-hearted, unrealistic, fairtyale brain candy so I was not surprised when I went into this story that there was very little focus on the historical aspect. I wanted something silly and fun in a novella format to start getting into holiday romances and she delivered. The historical focus is non-existent. The characters are not constrained by social norms, can interact alone at all hours without anyone in the made-up town of Christmas gossipping, can call each other by first names immediately upon meeting each other, can get married without any interference from family (the hero's father is a duke), and can make heavy-handed sexual innuendo jokes in mixed company without anyone batting an eye.
If you let go of this set-up, then the rest of the story's components are quite fun and the reason I gave it 4 stars. I thought the heroine, Penelope, was a throwback to Dr. Temperance Brennan from the tv show Bones, as a hard core scientist obsessed with her perfumes (and their biological significance), her lack of belief in love, and her rational approach to life. I thought her friends Gloria and Virginia were hysterical (especially Virginia and all her bird analogies that seemed random but somehow made sense) and the presence of delicious biscuits throughout the story is always lovely. The hero, Nicholas, and his brother Christopher are both charming as well. Nicholas, for his gradual transition from rake to a man who starts to understand what love is, and Christopher, for his complete faith that love exists even though he has never seen it. The differences between the two made for some fun dialogue and I'll definitely be reading Christopher's story when it becomes available. As you can probably guess, the hero's name, obsession with cookies, his secret workshop, and at one point being on the roof, are all pretty heavy-handed references to Saint Nick for the holidays. I found this to be a bit much and stupid on occasion (cookies and the name would have been enough for me) but again, since the interactions between he and Penelope were so silly and fun, I did not lose interest in the story.
At it's core, the romance was strong. I believed the transition from logical scientist and lifelong rake into a couple in love. The fun dialogue was the strongest point. Was it historically accurate? No. But it was fun to read all the same. I loved the little gifts the leads gave each other and I loved the short format of the story. This amount of silliness would not work in a longer format, but it was a perfect morsel for this time of year.
In a nutshell, only read this story if you're into braincandy and have no expectations for an actual historical going in. Read it because you want fun dialogue and some themes that will get you in the holiday spirit and make you smile. I think that's all Ridley really intended and she does deliver on that score.
November 21, 2022
3.5 stars.
I ordinarily don't start consuming Christmas-themed entertainment until after Thanksgiving, but I found myself in need of some holiday cheer. Kiss of a Duke delivered!
The second installment in the sweet, quirky, and most definitely cheery series returns to the cozy mountain village of Christmas. An unlikely relationship unfolds between two polar opposites: Penelope, a subdued and serious chemist, and Nicholas, a lively and rakish duke. Neither character's exterior tells the full story, however, and they gradually share their fears and hopes and desires.
A fast and fun read, filled with delightful banter and plenty of (Christmas) spirit!
I ordinarily don't start consuming Christmas-themed entertainment until after Thanksgiving, but I found myself in need of some holiday cheer. Kiss of a Duke delivered!
The second installment in the sweet, quirky, and most definitely cheery series returns to the cozy mountain village of Christmas. An unlikely relationship unfolds between two polar opposites: Penelope, a subdued and serious chemist, and Nicholas, a lively and rakish duke. Neither character's exterior tells the full story, however, and they gradually share their fears and hopes and desires.
A fast and fun read, filled with delightful banter and plenty of (Christmas) spirit!
December 19, 2018
This was a very cute and light Regency romance, though I highly doubt it is historically accurate, that wasn't why I was reading this.
The characters had realistic-seeming quirks and issues, the setting was cute and the romance was both sweet and a tad spicy. To be honest, my favorite characters were the brother of the H and the BFF of the h, but the MCs weren't bad themselves. I really liked how the h was a scientist. Yay women in STEM!
Also, I like how there was no other female competing for the H's attention. I don't enjoy woman vs woman as a trope in romance books and it thankfully was not in play here.
All in all, a cute, quick read. Definitely recommended if you enjoy historical romance with a touch of heat. 4 solid stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and WebMotion for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
The characters had realistic-seeming quirks and issues, the setting was cute and the romance was both sweet and a tad spicy. To be honest, my favorite characters were the brother of the H and the BFF of the h, but the MCs weren't bad themselves. I really liked how the h was a scientist. Yay women in STEM!
Also, I like how there was no other female competing for the H's attention. I don't enjoy woman vs woman as a trope in romance books and it thankfully was not in play here.
All in all, a cute, quick read. Definitely recommended if you enjoy historical romance with a touch of heat. 4 solid stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and WebMotion for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
August 7, 2021
3.5 stars
Penelope Mitchell, woman of science, a perfumer, has created a sensation with Duke, a perfume that promises men that can attract ladies. She's making the female counterpart at the moment, Duchess, and in need to test herself a subject. Enter Nicholas Pringle, a self-proclaimed rake, who wants to stop Duke sales at all cost. He's just the right person for Penelope for the experiment, right?
Kiss of a Duke is another quick fun rom-com from Erica Ridley. After reading several of her books for the past month, I know what I will get myself into. An angst-free romance, with rather quirky characters and low-steam level. I had fun reading this one too - especially about 'Saint Nick's' quirks, which were totally based on Christmas tales. NICK LOVES HIS COOKIES *laugh*. I was glad that this one didn't have the usual Ridley's plot about .
I think I NEED to read Nick's brother, Chris's story next. Chris Pringle (laugh!)
Penelope Mitchell, woman of science, a perfumer, has created a sensation with Duke, a perfume that promises men that can attract ladies. She's making the female counterpart at the moment, Duchess, and in need to test herself a subject. Enter Nicholas Pringle, a self-proclaimed rake, who wants to stop Duke sales at all cost. He's just the right person for Penelope for the experiment, right?
Kiss of a Duke is another quick fun rom-com from Erica Ridley. After reading several of her books for the past month, I know what I will get myself into. An angst-free romance, with rather quirky characters and low-steam level. I had fun reading this one too - especially about 'Saint Nick's' quirks, which were totally based on Christmas tales. NICK LOVES HIS COOKIES *laugh*. I was glad that this one didn't have the usual Ridley's plot about .
I think I NEED to read Nick's brother, Chris's story next. Chris Pringle (laugh!)
December 16, 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(4.75) - This was so freaking cute!
🔔 Regency STEM!
🔔 Neurodivergent chemist FMC
🔔 "Older" FMC (34)
🔔 A cookie-loving Rake who learns to bake
🔔 Lots of banter, Dasher, and Saint Nick on the roof
Audiobook is free on Hoopla - but this is one time I kinda regret listening because there are so many cute & funny parts I want to highlight.
The only thing keeping this from being a perfect holiday novella was the mediocre spice. I will write a proper review when I have more time because there's so much more I'm leaving out.
🔔 Regency STEM!
🔔 Neurodivergent chemist FMC
🔔 "Older" FMC (34)
🔔 A cookie-loving Rake who learns to bake
🔔 Lots of banter, Dasher, and Saint Nick on the roof
Audiobook is free on Hoopla - but this is one time I kinda regret listening because there are so many cute & funny parts I want to highlight.
The only thing keeping this from being a perfect holiday novella was the mediocre spice. I will write a proper review when I have more time because there's so much more I'm leaving out.
December 4, 2019
Issy - per RFS
.
Cosa succede se un chimico crea il profumo perfetto per trasformare gli uomini di tutta Londra in libertini? Ovviamente il libertino per eccellenza si arrabbia, e non poco.
Come dicevo, un profumiere crea la combinazione perfetta di profumo per trasformare ogni uomo in un libertino, sia esso bello o brutto, alto o basso, ricco o povero.
Nicholas Pringle non può sopportare tutto ciò, dopotutto lui ha passato la sua intera vita ad essere il libertino più invidiato dagli uomini e più desiderato dalle donne, ma ora con la nascita di questo profumo vede tutto il suo lavoro farsi inutile, perché ora ogni uomo si considera un libertino e lui questo non lo può accettare. Decide così di far interrompere la produzione di DUCA il profumo crea guai, ma il destino non gioca propriamente a suo favore e quando si presenta alla festa del profumiere, scopre che lui è in realtà una lei! Già, pensate che sorpresa.
Comincia così la nostra storia, ambientata nel passato, quando i libertini erano invidiati e osannati mentre le donne nel campo della scienza erano bistrattate e completamente ignorate. Ci troviamo in un ridente paesino collinare delle campagne londinesi, dove il Natale non viene vissuto una volta l’anno ma ogni singolo giorno: benvenuti a Natale.
Penelope Mitchell è una chimica formidabile, è l’inventrice di DUCA, ha trentaquattro anni ed è sola. Attente però, a lei non pesa essere zitella, anzi. Le piace proprio la solitudine. Ed ecco che un’idea le balza in testa: rendere più libere ed emancipate le donne creando la controparte femminile di DUCA, l’ancora più combina guai DUCHESSA.
Lei che non crede nell’amore riuscirà a essere felice e a capire che quel sentimento che ti fa sentire le farfalle nello stomaco non è solo chimica?
Ora dedichiamoci a lui: Nicolas Pringle, il libertino più sexy, desiderato e invidiato – anche se ora un po’ meno – di Londra.
Nicholas non vuole l’amore, gli bastano le sue conquiste da una sola notte, ma un giorno decide di mettersi contro Penelope e farle interrompere la produzione del suo maledetto profumo. Il destino, però, ha deciso diversamente: il nostro libertino riuscirà a scendere a patti con il suo cuore e far capire a Penelope che ciò che ha nel petto non serve solo a pompare segue nel suo corpo?
Secondo voi mi è piaciuto? Caspita sì! Credo lo rileggerò almeno altre 100 volte e ovviamente anche gli altri della serie, perché per me è stato amore a prima riga. Bravissima la scrittrice a rendere i dettagli bellissimi e non noiosi. Non ho trovato errori nell’editing o almeno non mi sono saltati all’occhio.
Vi consiglio vivamente di leggere questo libro, non riuscirete a smettere. Sarete catapultati tra le righe di questa storia favolosa e fino all’ultimo punto non penserete ad altro se non all’andare avanti per scoprire ciò che accadrà.
.
Cosa succede se un chimico crea il profumo perfetto per trasformare gli uomini di tutta Londra in libertini? Ovviamente il libertino per eccellenza si arrabbia, e non poco.
Come dicevo, un profumiere crea la combinazione perfetta di profumo per trasformare ogni uomo in un libertino, sia esso bello o brutto, alto o basso, ricco o povero.
Nicholas Pringle non può sopportare tutto ciò, dopotutto lui ha passato la sua intera vita ad essere il libertino più invidiato dagli uomini e più desiderato dalle donne, ma ora con la nascita di questo profumo vede tutto il suo lavoro farsi inutile, perché ora ogni uomo si considera un libertino e lui questo non lo può accettare. Decide così di far interrompere la produzione di DUCA il profumo crea guai, ma il destino non gioca propriamente a suo favore e quando si presenta alla festa del profumiere, scopre che lui è in realtà una lei! Già, pensate che sorpresa.
Comincia così la nostra storia, ambientata nel passato, quando i libertini erano invidiati e osannati mentre le donne nel campo della scienza erano bistrattate e completamente ignorate. Ci troviamo in un ridente paesino collinare delle campagne londinesi, dove il Natale non viene vissuto una volta l’anno ma ogni singolo giorno: benvenuti a Natale.
Penelope Mitchell è una chimica formidabile, è l’inventrice di DUCA, ha trentaquattro anni ed è sola. Attente però, a lei non pesa essere zitella, anzi. Le piace proprio la solitudine. Ed ecco che un’idea le balza in testa: rendere più libere ed emancipate le donne creando la controparte femminile di DUCA, l’ancora più combina guai DUCHESSA.
Lei che non crede nell’amore riuscirà a essere felice e a capire che quel sentimento che ti fa sentire le farfalle nello stomaco non è solo chimica?
Ora dedichiamoci a lui: Nicolas Pringle, il libertino più sexy, desiderato e invidiato – anche se ora un po’ meno – di Londra.
Nicholas non vuole l’amore, gli bastano le sue conquiste da una sola notte, ma un giorno decide di mettersi contro Penelope e farle interrompere la produzione del suo maledetto profumo. Il destino, però, ha deciso diversamente: il nostro libertino riuscirà a scendere a patti con il suo cuore e far capire a Penelope che ciò che ha nel petto non serve solo a pompare segue nel suo corpo?
Secondo voi mi è piaciuto? Caspita sì! Credo lo rileggerò almeno altre 100 volte e ovviamente anche gli altri della serie, perché per me è stato amore a prima riga. Bravissima la scrittrice a rendere i dettagli bellissimi e non noiosi. Non ho trovato errori nell’editing o almeno non mi sono saltati all’occhio.
Vi consiglio vivamente di leggere questo libro, non riuscirete a smettere. Sarete catapultati tra le righe di questa storia favolosa e fino all’ultimo punto non penserete ad altro se non all’andare avanti per scoprire ciò che accadrà.
April 27, 2022
Regency England. I had mixed feelings about this one.
I thought chemist/ perfumer Penelope would be evidence-
based and circumspect. A tad too bold for me. Nicholas,
a Duke's presumptive heir, created a rake persona (which
he @times engaged in) to cover his secret, which turned
out to be not much of a secret. Pen made biscuits just how
Nick liked them: crunchy on the outside & chewy on the
inside. The 2 made a batch together. Biscuits served as
the 3rd main character?
This couple seemed wishy washy. Each needed to 'own'
& reveal his/ her feelings. Each needed to actually listen.
I thought chemist/ perfumer Penelope would be evidence-
based and circumspect. A tad too bold for me. Nicholas,
a Duke's presumptive heir, created a rake persona (which
he @times engaged in) to cover his secret, which turned
out to be not much of a secret. Pen made biscuits just how
Nick liked them: crunchy on the outside & chewy on the
inside. The 2 made a batch together. Biscuits served as
the 3rd main character?
This couple seemed wishy washy. Each needed to 'own'
& reveal his/ her feelings. Each needed to actually listen.
December 25, 2022
I loved this book! I think this was my favorite Christmas themed book this season. I’m definitely planning to reread around Christmas time again. It was so cute. I loved the FMC and MMC. This book was chocked full of interesting characters. The banter between the leads was fun and the FMC was a dorkablely charming. I can’t say how much I enjoyed this book. 🥰😍
November 4, 2018
❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
Wasn’t sure of this at first but started to get into it about chapter 5 , from then on I was hooked and really enjoyed reading it.
It was amusing and had some pretty witty conversation, thought provoking too , as to what really attracts men and women to each other and can it be influenced.
An enjoyable read in the end and definitely one to cozy in front of the fire with .
I received an advance copy of this book and chose to submit a review
💋💋
Wasn’t sure of this at first but started to get into it about chapter 5 , from then on I was hooked and really enjoyed reading it.
It was amusing and had some pretty witty conversation, thought provoking too , as to what really attracts men and women to each other and can it be influenced.
An enjoyable read in the end and definitely one to cozy in front of the fire with .
I received an advance copy of this book and chose to submit a review
November 5, 2018
I have read several books by Erica Ridley and have always enjoyed. This was another wonderful read and shall be looking forward to reading more.
My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for my copy. This is my honest review.
My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for my copy. This is my honest review.
March 11, 2022
The 2nd in the series 12 Dukes of Christmas. References to 12 days of Christmas. Two Turtledoves, Partridge in the Aviary. Both brothers have names like Santa: St. Nick and Chris Pringle.
The h is Penelope Mitchell a chemist 34 yrs old who created Duke a perfume for men and is working on Duchess for ladies. The H is Nicholas Pringle a notorious rake from London holidaying in Christmas with his brother Chris Pringle.
Penelope is a scientist and is planning on launching her ladies perfume Duchess. Nick wants to buy the perfume Duke as he doesn’t think it fair that ordinary men should have a shot beating out professional rakes like himself. She sees him as a test subject to try out Duchess to make sure it works before she launches it. Neither Nick or Penelope believe in love or marriage.
They spend time together and actually like one another enjoying each other’s company. Nick has a secret only his brother Chris knows about. He make sculptures out of glass. Both Penelope and Nick start to feel things in their hearts for one another. Are they real or is it the perfume Penelope wonders.
Nick makes her two turtle doves and declares his feelings. Penelope tells him she used him as a Guinea pig. He thinks it’s over. Penelope confides her feelings to her friend Gloria. Gloria helps her see she has genuine love for Nick. She runs to the Castle to find Nick to tell him she loves him. They embrace and she shares her feelings for him. They get married in 3 weeks.
Some quotes: To Kiss a Duke #2 Erica Ridley series 12Dukes of CHRISTMAS
CH.1.The next product I launch will be Duchess.” She straightened her shoulders in determination. “For women.”
Gloria clasped her hands to her chest. “You could make a perfume to help women find husbands?”
Penelope nodded. “Or become female rakes. Ladies’ choice. Once you attract a man, it’s up to you if you want to keep him.”
Gloria burst out laughing. “There’s no such thing as lady rakes.”
“There should be.” Penelope gave her a wicked grin. “Why should men have all the fun?”
“Speaking of rakes…” Gloria grabbed Penelope’s arm and bounced on her toes. “Don’t look now, but Nicholas Pringle just walked into the ballroom. Nicholas Pringle! Here, in this very ballroom.”
Penelope shrugged. “Who?”
“Only the most fawned-over rake to ever grace the Society pages. I recognize him from the caricatures alone. He once—Is that his brother?” Gloria let out an appreciative whistle beneath her breath. “It must be a brother. He looks just like him. Don’t look! They’ll know we’re talking about them. My heart is pounding. I can’t believe this is happening.”
“I can’t believe you’re overreacting.” Penelope gave an exaggerated yawn. “How handsome can two men be?”
“I’m not overreacting,” Gloria promised. “I’m just the first to—”Audible female gasps rippled through the crowd, followed by several dramatic swoons.
“—the first to notice,” Gloria finished smugly. “They call him ‘Saint Nick’ because he’s as wicked as they come. One look and you’re smitten.”
Penelope raised a brow.
Gloria fluttered her eyelashes. “At least I didn’t swoon.”Where are they?”
Gloria fanned her throat. “Saint Nick is the gentleman with—”
“Found him.” The strangled words barely escaped Penelope’s suddenly dry throat. Gloria was right.
From a biological perspective, he was the finest male specimen Penelope had ever seen. And as a living, breathing woman… Good heavens. All he’d need to do was jingle a bell and every woman present would clamor to be his.
Every woman but Penelope. Penelope cared about facts, about science, about logic. A natural philosopher would never select a mating partner based on external beauty alone.
“Uninterested,” she said abruptly. “Shall we find the dessert buffet?”
Duchess
Once the new perfume is ready, women needn’t bother talking to prospective gentlemen anymore,” Penelope promised. “Chemistry will take over and the subsequent natural urges will guide them straight into your arms.”
Ch.2 Nicolas and Chris Pringle:
Chris sought a gentle young lady of good breeding and pretty manners with whom he could fall in love and marry. Together they would fill a large nursery with spoiled, happy children.
Nicholas could not imagine a worse fate. His tastes ran to women who preferred a quick tumble over boring talk. Those who measured their liaisons in hours, not lifetimes. His recent fame in the caricatures had only deepened his rakish reputation. The women who chased him sought conquest, not courtship. Nicholas didn’t mind. The last thing he needed was to entangle himself with a marriageable woman. He would gladly hand all of those to his brother. “This is the birthplace of Duke,” his brother answered with reverence. “The inventor is somewhere in this room.”“That horrid perfume is a plague upon London,” Nicholas growled. “It’s ruining my life.”Nicholas narrowed his eyes. “This pox of a perfume has every dandy, greenhorn, and featherwit in London dousing himself in eau de toilette and believing himself a dashing conqueror of women.”Nicholas sent him a flat stare. “My face is real. This accursed perfume is false. It must be stopped.”Everyone’s wearing it. I know,” Chris interrupted with a grin. “That’s the point of this party. Duke works. I’ve heard no less than a dozen gentlemen swear it was their key to securing a bride.”The inventor of Duke.” Chris explained, his eyes shining. “The reason everyone’s here.”
“Wait. The evil perfumer turning every idiot in London into a self-professed rake is a woman?” Nicholas said in disbelief.
Chris raised his brows. “Are you interested now?”
“Very interested,” Nicholas replied. But not for the reason his brother expected.
He wanted a private audience with the lady perfumer for something else entirely. lifting the perfect rose a little higher so she could not miss it. “My name is—”
“‘Saint Nick’, the infamous London rake.” She pursed her lips. “I’ve heard.”
Well. That explained the frosty welcome.
“My calling card phrases it a bit differently,” he said, and tried again. “I am Mr. Nicholas Pringle of London, and I am pleased to make your acquaintance.”
“That makes one of us.”
Nicolas perfect test subject for Duchess:
Penelope slipped across the hallway into her laboratory to dab a drop of the working version of Duchess behind her ears and on her wrists.
Saint Nick was the perfect test subject. He didn’t believe in perfume or science, but rather his own mind. Indeed, the deck was stacked delightfully against her. She was likewise a perfect control subject. Not only a spinster, not only a virgin, but one who had never been so much as flirted with before. If Duchess worked on Penelope, if it could win even the smallest token of affection from a rake who was already set against her, it would be an unarguable success.
’Twas the perfect experiment.
In order to prove her theory, Saint Nick needed to become overset with enough emotion to try to kiss her. Not that she would allow such a liberty.
For the kiss to be valid, it would need to be attempted for no reason other than him being unable to hold his passions at bay. Duchess needed to let a woman bewitch a man without even trying.
First step: limit external influences. make herself appear even more unappealing than usual.
First Kiss from St. Nick
“And I’m very interested in your mouth,” he murmured huskily. He was finally kissing her. His mouth was warm and sweet and perfect.
His arms wrapped warm and tight about her. His lips were gentle against hers. Even if she swooned, he would keep her safe. But she did not dare swoon. She did not want to miss a single moment of his lips kissing hers. Their connection was not biology, but electricity. A lightning strike, again and again, anywhere their mouths or skin touched. It was the most dangerous storm she could have imagined. A hurricane of unprecedented feelings, overwhelming and unpredictable. A rush like nothing she had ever imagined.
Penelope is in love
“Because he makes me feel like there’s more to life,” Penelope admitted.
Gloria cocked her head. “Like what?”
“Like… believing in love.”
“Believing?” Gloria lay a hand on Penelope’s arm. “You are in love.””
“Devil take it, he didn’t want two”“nights with this woman. He wanted all the nights. Now unto infinity.
He dropped his head into his hands and groaned. He was in love, damn it all. And he only had two days left in Christmas. Time was disappearing fast.
He was going to have to tell her.”
“ “I love you more than alchemy and chemistry and biscuits—”
“Bad news,” he told her. “I never said I loved you more than biscuits.””
The h is Penelope Mitchell a chemist 34 yrs old who created Duke a perfume for men and is working on Duchess for ladies. The H is Nicholas Pringle a notorious rake from London holidaying in Christmas with his brother Chris Pringle.
Penelope is a scientist and is planning on launching her ladies perfume Duchess. Nick wants to buy the perfume Duke as he doesn’t think it fair that ordinary men should have a shot beating out professional rakes like himself. She sees him as a test subject to try out Duchess to make sure it works before she launches it. Neither Nick or Penelope believe in love or marriage.
They spend time together and actually like one another enjoying each other’s company. Nick has a secret only his brother Chris knows about. He make sculptures out of glass. Both Penelope and Nick start to feel things in their hearts for one another. Are they real or is it the perfume Penelope wonders.
Nick makes her two turtle doves and declares his feelings. Penelope tells him she used him as a Guinea pig. He thinks it’s over. Penelope confides her feelings to her friend Gloria. Gloria helps her see she has genuine love for Nick. She runs to the Castle to find Nick to tell him she loves him. They embrace and she shares her feelings for him. They get married in 3 weeks.
Some quotes: To Kiss a Duke #2 Erica Ridley series 12Dukes of CHRISTMAS
CH.1.The next product I launch will be Duchess.” She straightened her shoulders in determination. “For women.”
Gloria clasped her hands to her chest. “You could make a perfume to help women find husbands?”
Penelope nodded. “Or become female rakes. Ladies’ choice. Once you attract a man, it’s up to you if you want to keep him.”
Gloria burst out laughing. “There’s no such thing as lady rakes.”
“There should be.” Penelope gave her a wicked grin. “Why should men have all the fun?”
“Speaking of rakes…” Gloria grabbed Penelope’s arm and bounced on her toes. “Don’t look now, but Nicholas Pringle just walked into the ballroom. Nicholas Pringle! Here, in this very ballroom.”
Penelope shrugged. “Who?”
“Only the most fawned-over rake to ever grace the Society pages. I recognize him from the caricatures alone. He once—Is that his brother?” Gloria let out an appreciative whistle beneath her breath. “It must be a brother. He looks just like him. Don’t look! They’ll know we’re talking about them. My heart is pounding. I can’t believe this is happening.”
“I can’t believe you’re overreacting.” Penelope gave an exaggerated yawn. “How handsome can two men be?”
“I’m not overreacting,” Gloria promised. “I’m just the first to—”Audible female gasps rippled through the crowd, followed by several dramatic swoons.
“—the first to notice,” Gloria finished smugly. “They call him ‘Saint Nick’ because he’s as wicked as they come. One look and you’re smitten.”
Penelope raised a brow.
Gloria fluttered her eyelashes. “At least I didn’t swoon.”Where are they?”
Gloria fanned her throat. “Saint Nick is the gentleman with—”
“Found him.” The strangled words barely escaped Penelope’s suddenly dry throat. Gloria was right.
From a biological perspective, he was the finest male specimen Penelope had ever seen. And as a living, breathing woman… Good heavens. All he’d need to do was jingle a bell and every woman present would clamor to be his.
Every woman but Penelope. Penelope cared about facts, about science, about logic. A natural philosopher would never select a mating partner based on external beauty alone.
“Uninterested,” she said abruptly. “Shall we find the dessert buffet?”
Duchess
Once the new perfume is ready, women needn’t bother talking to prospective gentlemen anymore,” Penelope promised. “Chemistry will take over and the subsequent natural urges will guide them straight into your arms.”
Ch.2 Nicolas and Chris Pringle:
Chris sought a gentle young lady of good breeding and pretty manners with whom he could fall in love and marry. Together they would fill a large nursery with spoiled, happy children.
Nicholas could not imagine a worse fate. His tastes ran to women who preferred a quick tumble over boring talk. Those who measured their liaisons in hours, not lifetimes. His recent fame in the caricatures had only deepened his rakish reputation. The women who chased him sought conquest, not courtship. Nicholas didn’t mind. The last thing he needed was to entangle himself with a marriageable woman. He would gladly hand all of those to his brother. “This is the birthplace of Duke,” his brother answered with reverence. “The inventor is somewhere in this room.”“That horrid perfume is a plague upon London,” Nicholas growled. “It’s ruining my life.”Nicholas narrowed his eyes. “This pox of a perfume has every dandy, greenhorn, and featherwit in London dousing himself in eau de toilette and believing himself a dashing conqueror of women.”Nicholas sent him a flat stare. “My face is real. This accursed perfume is false. It must be stopped.”Everyone’s wearing it. I know,” Chris interrupted with a grin. “That’s the point of this party. Duke works. I’ve heard no less than a dozen gentlemen swear it was their key to securing a bride.”The inventor of Duke.” Chris explained, his eyes shining. “The reason everyone’s here.”
“Wait. The evil perfumer turning every idiot in London into a self-professed rake is a woman?” Nicholas said in disbelief.
Chris raised his brows. “Are you interested now?”
“Very interested,” Nicholas replied. But not for the reason his brother expected.
He wanted a private audience with the lady perfumer for something else entirely. lifting the perfect rose a little higher so she could not miss it. “My name is—”
“‘Saint Nick’, the infamous London rake.” She pursed her lips. “I’ve heard.”
Well. That explained the frosty welcome.
“My calling card phrases it a bit differently,” he said, and tried again. “I am Mr. Nicholas Pringle of London, and I am pleased to make your acquaintance.”
“That makes one of us.”
Nicolas perfect test subject for Duchess:
Penelope slipped across the hallway into her laboratory to dab a drop of the working version of Duchess behind her ears and on her wrists.
Saint Nick was the perfect test subject. He didn’t believe in perfume or science, but rather his own mind. Indeed, the deck was stacked delightfully against her. She was likewise a perfect control subject. Not only a spinster, not only a virgin, but one who had never been so much as flirted with before. If Duchess worked on Penelope, if it could win even the smallest token of affection from a rake who was already set against her, it would be an unarguable success.
’Twas the perfect experiment.
In order to prove her theory, Saint Nick needed to become overset with enough emotion to try to kiss her. Not that she would allow such a liberty.
For the kiss to be valid, it would need to be attempted for no reason other than him being unable to hold his passions at bay. Duchess needed to let a woman bewitch a man without even trying.
First step: limit external influences. make herself appear even more unappealing than usual.
First Kiss from St. Nick
“And I’m very interested in your mouth,” he murmured huskily. He was finally kissing her. His mouth was warm and sweet and perfect.
His arms wrapped warm and tight about her. His lips were gentle against hers. Even if she swooned, he would keep her safe. But she did not dare swoon. She did not want to miss a single moment of his lips kissing hers. Their connection was not biology, but electricity. A lightning strike, again and again, anywhere their mouths or skin touched. It was the most dangerous storm she could have imagined. A hurricane of unprecedented feelings, overwhelming and unpredictable. A rush like nothing she had ever imagined.
Penelope is in love
“Because he makes me feel like there’s more to life,” Penelope admitted.
Gloria cocked her head. “Like what?”
“Like… believing in love.”
“Believing?” Gloria lay a hand on Penelope’s arm. “You are in love.””
“Devil take it, he didn’t want two”“nights with this woman. He wanted all the nights. Now unto infinity.
He dropped his head into his hands and groaned. He was in love, damn it all. And he only had two days left in Christmas. Time was disappearing fast.
He was going to have to tell her.”
“ “I love you more than alchemy and chemistry and biscuits—”
“Bad news,” he told her. “I never said I loved you more than biscuits.””
February 2, 2019
4.5 stars
Penelope Mitchell is Christmas' resident chemist and newly minted celebrity - she created a cologne for men called "Duke" and it is wildly successful - based on science, Penelope formulated the scent to attract women and by all accounts it works. So well, that she has decided to create a scent for women and will call it "Duchess" - she has a base formula, she just needs to test it.
Mr. Nicholas Pringle, known by all as Saint Nick, is an unrepentant rake. He never spends more than one night with a woman and has no desire to settle down, he doesn't believe in love and has only agreed to come to Christmas to keep his brother Christopher company. While attending a party at the castle, Chris mentions that the creator of "Duke" is there and immediately Nick wants to confront her. He wants her to stop production of "Duke", it is unfair to real rakes.
He meets Penelope and offers to buy the formula, she has no intention of selling it to him, but tells him she will think on it and tells him to return the next day. Penelope decides that Nick is the perfect test subject for "Duchess", she will wear it and see if it works on men as well as "Duke" works on women. A kiss from him should be all the proof she needs, but to make things fair, she will make herself as dowdy as possible.
When he returns, she learns that Nick loves cookies, she feeds him and she is sure the perfume is working, just a kiss is all she needs. When she finally gets that proof, she decides that it is not enough and will need further research to be sure. They spend time together and Nick begins to question himself, he likes Penelope and his relationship with her has taken him to uncharted waters, he wonders if she might be the woman who finally breaks through the wall and meets the real Nick - not sure he is ready for that step, he tries to keep her at arm's length and fails.
Is it love or is it "Duchess", Penelope knows she has fallen for him, and he seems to care for her, but is it real or will it end when he learns the truth?
This was a very cute story with two very likable people, lots of cookies, secrets, chemical reactions and some corny Christmas references. The book is well written, flows nicely and is extremely entertaining. It is the second book in the series, but can easily be read as a stand alone and while there are references to Christmas, this is definitely a year-round read.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
Penelope Mitchell is Christmas' resident chemist and newly minted celebrity - she created a cologne for men called "Duke" and it is wildly successful - based on science, Penelope formulated the scent to attract women and by all accounts it works. So well, that she has decided to create a scent for women and will call it "Duchess" - she has a base formula, she just needs to test it.
Mr. Nicholas Pringle, known by all as Saint Nick, is an unrepentant rake. He never spends more than one night with a woman and has no desire to settle down, he doesn't believe in love and has only agreed to come to Christmas to keep his brother Christopher company. While attending a party at the castle, Chris mentions that the creator of "Duke" is there and immediately Nick wants to confront her. He wants her to stop production of "Duke", it is unfair to real rakes.
He meets Penelope and offers to buy the formula, she has no intention of selling it to him, but tells him she will think on it and tells him to return the next day. Penelope decides that Nick is the perfect test subject for "Duchess", she will wear it and see if it works on men as well as "Duke" works on women. A kiss from him should be all the proof she needs, but to make things fair, she will make herself as dowdy as possible.
When he returns, she learns that Nick loves cookies, she feeds him and she is sure the perfume is working, just a kiss is all she needs. When she finally gets that proof, she decides that it is not enough and will need further research to be sure. They spend time together and Nick begins to question himself, he likes Penelope and his relationship with her has taken him to uncharted waters, he wonders if she might be the woman who finally breaks through the wall and meets the real Nick - not sure he is ready for that step, he tries to keep her at arm's length and fails.
Is it love or is it "Duchess", Penelope knows she has fallen for him, and he seems to care for her, but is it real or will it end when he learns the truth?
This was a very cute story with two very likable people, lots of cookies, secrets, chemical reactions and some corny Christmas references. The book is well written, flows nicely and is extremely entertaining. It is the second book in the series, but can easily be read as a stand alone and while there are references to Christmas, this is definitely a year-round read.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
December 21, 2021
SERIE DUCHI DI NATALE vol. 2
Mi stavo dimenticando di questa serie, e dopo una ricerca sul kindle è sbucato fuori questo romanzo.
Ho deciso di dargli una seconda possiblità, anche perchè ho quasi tutta la serie.
Rispetto al primo volume ero preparata, sapevo che l'aria natalizia che cerco nei romanzi in questo periodo è praticamente assente, nonostante il titolo, che è ingannevole. Natale è un paese sperduto sulle montagne innevate dove regna sempre la magia del Natale. Che però nel racconto non si vede e non si sente.
La storia è ambientata nel 1800, penso, non è chiaro. Si parla di libertini, conti, ma potrebbe essere tranquillamente ambientato ai giorni nostri per come pensano, parlano e si comportano i personaggi.
Come vedete le premesse non sono delle migliori, per quello che cerco io. Ma ripeto, lo sapevo già. Per cui mi sono focalizzata sulla storia, e cavoli mi è proprio piaciuta.
Penelope è una chimica che ha inventato il profumo Ducadal potere afrodisiaco, usato dagli uomini sedurre le signore. Visto il successo decide di creare il profumo Duchessa per aiutare le donne a sedurre gli uomini, e ha bisogno di testare la sua creazione. Per cui ha bisogno di una "cavia".
Nicholas è un libertino che vuol far chiudere la produzione del profumo Duca perchè secondo lui è barare. Essere un seduttore è un'arte, non si dovrebbero usare artefizi. Vuole così convincere il creatore a smettere di produrre il profumo.
Tra equivoci, battibecchi, e cucinare biscotti i due scoprono che oltre alla chimica, esiste l'amore.
Peccato il finale un pò precipitoso, per il resto molto dolce e divertente.
La traduzione di alcune frasi o alcune parole mi hanno fatto storcere il naso, e se aggiungo la parte tecnica siamo a malapena a due stelline.
Se invece guardo la parte emozionale della soria, che mi è piaciuta, sono quasi quattro stelline.
Facendo una media siamo a quasi tre stelle. Un bel passo avanti per il precedente.
Consigliato a chi non si sofferma troppo sulla struttura del libro, ma vuole soltato passare alcune ore di svago romantico. ^^
Mi stavo dimenticando di questa serie, e dopo una ricerca sul kindle è sbucato fuori questo romanzo.
Ho deciso di dargli una seconda possiblità, anche perchè ho quasi tutta la serie.
Rispetto al primo volume ero preparata, sapevo che l'aria natalizia che cerco nei romanzi in questo periodo è praticamente assente, nonostante il titolo, che è ingannevole. Natale è un paese sperduto sulle montagne innevate dove regna sempre la magia del Natale. Che però nel racconto non si vede e non si sente.
La storia è ambientata nel 1800, penso, non è chiaro. Si parla di libertini, conti, ma potrebbe essere tranquillamente ambientato ai giorni nostri per come pensano, parlano e si comportano i personaggi.
Come vedete le premesse non sono delle migliori, per quello che cerco io. Ma ripeto, lo sapevo già. Per cui mi sono focalizzata sulla storia, e cavoli mi è proprio piaciuta.
Penelope è una chimica che ha inventato il profumo Ducadal potere afrodisiaco, usato dagli uomini sedurre le signore. Visto il successo decide di creare il profumo Duchessa per aiutare le donne a sedurre gli uomini, e ha bisogno di testare la sua creazione. Per cui ha bisogno di una "cavia".
Nicholas è un libertino che vuol far chiudere la produzione del profumo Duca perchè secondo lui è barare. Essere un seduttore è un'arte, non si dovrebbero usare artefizi. Vuole così convincere il creatore a smettere di produrre il profumo.
Tra equivoci, battibecchi, e cucinare biscotti i due scoprono che oltre alla chimica, esiste l'amore.
Peccato il finale un pò precipitoso, per il resto molto dolce e divertente.
La traduzione di alcune frasi o alcune parole mi hanno fatto storcere il naso, e se aggiungo la parte tecnica siamo a malapena a due stelline.
Se invece guardo la parte emozionale della soria, che mi è piaciuta, sono quasi quattro stelline.
Facendo una media siamo a quasi tre stelle. Un bel passo avanti per il precedente.
Consigliato a chi non si sofferma troppo sulla struttura del libro, ma vuole soltato passare alcune ore di svago romantico. ^^
December 28, 2019
Kiss of a Duke is the second novella in the 12 Dukes of Christmas series by Erica Ridley. The town of Cressmouth has given new meaning to celebrating Christmas all year long, even going so far as renaming their town Christmas. Nicholas Pringle, London's notorious rake "Saint Nick," made a couple brief appearances in the first book, but his story didn't end there. His reputation proceeds him when he arrives in Christmas. Heads are turning, but Penelope Mitchell, the town's lady chemist, is more interested in science. She invented a cologne for men that has the ladies swooning and has set out to create one that will have the same effect for women. A notorious rake seems the perfect subject to test it. What follows comes as a surprise to them both!
I loved this one even more than the first! The main characters are so much fun. I loved their connection, the bantering back and forth, and all the allusions to Christmas traditions and stories of the past. This series is like delicious candy. You can't stop at just one piece! I can't wait to start the next one!
I loved this one even more than the first! The main characters are so much fun. I loved their connection, the bantering back and forth, and all the allusions to Christmas traditions and stories of the past. This series is like delicious candy. You can't stop at just one piece! I can't wait to start the next one!
October 24, 2020
I picked this up for free to try the author and it was quite enjoyable. It was entertaining sweet fluff, pure and simple. It's definitely historical-lite (fantasy historical?), where historical accuracy is not at all important, but it was light and nice and upbeat and that aspect didn't bother me. It almost could have been a contemporary if people dressed differently. It was free and pleasant and short and really nice and the writing was solid, so I can't complain much. Nice, pleasant, upbeat, easy books are necessary sometimes. There's a lot of baking in this book, so it definitely made me hungry for treats. I enjoyed the MCs--a focused chemist who's always ready for an explosion and a fake-rake artist. I quite liked the secondary characters, so I may read the second book.
November 8, 2020
I really enjoyed this book!
It is HR and features Nick a known rake and Penelope who is classed as a lady chemist. Penelope is celebrating success with her men’s scent Duke which when worn is meant to cause women to fall in love and give the ordinary man a chance. Nick has many issues with this as he has worked hard for his reputation and takes these to Penelope. She sees an opportunity to trial her new female scent Duchess and if it can work on a rake and someone as ordinary as her then she has another success on her hands. Flirty and fun with some great side characters who I can’t wait to find out more about.
It is HR and features Nick a known rake and Penelope who is classed as a lady chemist. Penelope is celebrating success with her men’s scent Duke which when worn is meant to cause women to fall in love and give the ordinary man a chance. Nick has many issues with this as he has worked hard for his reputation and takes these to Penelope. She sees an opportunity to trial her new female scent Duchess and if it can work on a rake and someone as ordinary as her then she has another success on her hands. Flirty and fun with some great side characters who I can’t wait to find out more about.
November 13, 2024
I decided to binge all 12 of these books this holiday season so here is my short review! 🖤
4⭐️ rakes falling first and harder >>> | tropes: rake x spinsters, holiday romance | low steam | audio
🎄overall thoughts🎄
This book focuses on chemist Penelope and rakish duke Nicholas! The comedic vibes of this book was perfect. Penelope running an experiment on Nicholas to test her new perfume while he is trying to use his rakish still but falling for her. I loved how impressed he was by her science and how it made him want to open up and be his real self, not the one his father convinced him he had to me. I liked the confessions at the end and how sure they both were about their love in their each other.
4⭐️ rakes falling first and harder >>> | tropes: rake x spinsters, holiday romance | low steam | audio
🎄overall thoughts🎄
This book focuses on chemist Penelope and rakish duke Nicholas! The comedic vibes of this book was perfect. Penelope running an experiment on Nicholas to test her new perfume while he is trying to use his rakish still but falling for her. I loved how impressed he was by her science and how it made him want to open up and be his real self, not the one his father convinced him he had to me. I liked the confessions at the end and how sure they both were about their love in their each other.
July 6, 2020
Every so often I come across an Erica Ridley novel for about a dollar on Kobo. And I inevitably end up buying them. I mean, this one pretty much had me at Lady chemist. And I'd somehow forgotten about the whole Christmas town thing. Look, is it brilliant literature? No, but it's fun, and simple, and sweet. It's two relatively likeable people falling in love in unlikely circumstances, and surrounded by fairly charming side characters. Sometimes that's all you need.
November 9, 2018
Kiss of a Duke is the second book in the 12 Dukes of Christmas series by Erica Ridley. Although part of a series it can easily be read as a standalone story. I read the first book and loved it, and I have discovered that I love this one as much.
Lady chemist Penelope Mitchell has determined that she is a spinster for life. It doesn't bother her though as she is happy making perfumes which prove the scientific theory that its only chemical reaction that makes us want to be with a particular person. She is thrilled with the success of 'Duke' which is taking London by storm with men wooing the women of their choice because they are using it. The male version of the perfume is working so well that Penelope decides to make a female version of it, aptly named 'Duchess'.
Nicholas Pringle known for his fabulous good looks and his reputation as a rake is fuming about 'Duke'. Men should work at their reputations as a rake, not have it handed to them in a bottle. It's with this in mind that he approaches Penelope. He intends to demand she stops producing the cologne and is prepared to pay her for the rights to it so that he can make sure it never sees the light of day again. He is shocked when she tells him that not only will she not cease production, but that she is making 'Duchess' as well.
So there we have the reason why Penelope and Nick make their connection. What follows is a great, uplifting, romantic tale of how Penelope decides to try out 'Duchess' by wearing it herself around Nick and seeing if he falls for her. As it seems to be working, and boy, does it seem to be working!! she becomes upset realising that it isn't her that he is interested in, it's only the effects of the perfume. Her long beliefs about love fly out the window and she realises that she would like nothing more than to be with Nick forever. As for Nick, his outlook on love and romance, of settling down with just one woman changes dramatically too. Penelope sees the real him, and he has no secrets from her. He might even be contemplating the M word...but...what happens when he finds out that she has been using him to trial her 'Duchess' perfume. Surely all that has developed between them can't all be down to a chemical reaction, can it?
Wow wow wow, I loved this story. I absolutely adored the author's description of how women reacted in his presence, the way they swooned or preened as he passed. I could picture it, especially in large social scenes and I couldn't help but laugh out loud! Anyway, to continue; Nick changed so much and was able to be true to himself rather than carry on with the persona that people expected from him. Penelope's growth too was a delight to read. She and Nick were so perfect for each other and the closer they got to realising that, the happier I was. Their passions when they gave into them were off the charts, talk about steamy. If you like a nice sweet story with all love making behind doors this definitely is the wrong book for you. That said, there was nothing crude about the intimate scenes between our couple, nothing offensive, so even if you do like a sweet story, I can still recommend that you give this one a try. All in all, this was a perfect book that left me with a big smile on my face when I finished it. I can't wait to read the next one.
Lady chemist Penelope Mitchell has determined that she is a spinster for life. It doesn't bother her though as she is happy making perfumes which prove the scientific theory that its only chemical reaction that makes us want to be with a particular person. She is thrilled with the success of 'Duke' which is taking London by storm with men wooing the women of their choice because they are using it. The male version of the perfume is working so well that Penelope decides to make a female version of it, aptly named 'Duchess'.
Nicholas Pringle known for his fabulous good looks and his reputation as a rake is fuming about 'Duke'. Men should work at their reputations as a rake, not have it handed to them in a bottle. It's with this in mind that he approaches Penelope. He intends to demand she stops producing the cologne and is prepared to pay her for the rights to it so that he can make sure it never sees the light of day again. He is shocked when she tells him that not only will she not cease production, but that she is making 'Duchess' as well.
So there we have the reason why Penelope and Nick make their connection. What follows is a great, uplifting, romantic tale of how Penelope decides to try out 'Duchess' by wearing it herself around Nick and seeing if he falls for her. As it seems to be working, and boy, does it seem to be working!! she becomes upset realising that it isn't her that he is interested in, it's only the effects of the perfume. Her long beliefs about love fly out the window and she realises that she would like nothing more than to be with Nick forever. As for Nick, his outlook on love and romance, of settling down with just one woman changes dramatically too. Penelope sees the real him, and he has no secrets from her. He might even be contemplating the M word...but...what happens when he finds out that she has been using him to trial her 'Duchess' perfume. Surely all that has developed between them can't all be down to a chemical reaction, can it?
Wow wow wow, I loved this story. I absolutely adored the author's description of how women reacted in his presence, the way they swooned or preened as he passed. I could picture it, especially in large social scenes and I couldn't help but laugh out loud! Anyway, to continue; Nick changed so much and was able to be true to himself rather than carry on with the persona that people expected from him. Penelope's growth too was a delight to read. She and Nick were so perfect for each other and the closer they got to realising that, the happier I was. Their passions when they gave into them were off the charts, talk about steamy. If you like a nice sweet story with all love making behind doors this definitely is the wrong book for you. That said, there was nothing crude about the intimate scenes between our couple, nothing offensive, so even if you do like a sweet story, I can still recommend that you give this one a try. All in all, this was a perfect book that left me with a big smile on my face when I finished it. I can't wait to read the next one.
November 14, 2019
3.5 stars
Sweet and charming. This a quick fun read.
Sweet and charming. This a quick fun read.
November 15, 2018
ARC REVIEW
12 Dukes of Christmas #2, Back in Cressmouth, also known as Christmas, the perpetually snow covered mountain town lives Penelope Mitchell a lady chemist, and natural philosopher. Her latest claim to fame is the perfume that took the ton by storm, Duke. She didn't do it for the money she just wanted to prove to the men of the Natural Philosophers Society that she, a woman, deserved admittance. But as soon as Beau Brummel told the Prince Regent about it every man has gone out and bought a bottle.
Not everyone was happy about it though, Nicholas Pringle the heir presumptive for his cousin Duke Silkridge, thinks the perfume is cheating; it's an unfair advantage to men who don't normally possess that kind of charm. Nick, who was dubbed St. Nick ironically because he is anything but a saint, is shocked and pleased when he finds out the creator of Duke is a woman and decides he can seduce her and get her to stop production of Duke. But Penelope is not what he expected and she seems immune to his charms but for some reason he can't stay away from her.
Penelope had already decided to create Duchess the female equivalent to Duke and give women the same chance. Now she just needs to test it and what better way to test it than on a notorious rake. But the more time Penelope spends with him the more she likes him, he is so much more than the man the world sees he has hidden talents and is a much better man than he lets on. Now she starts feeling guilty and ashamed because she thinks her perfume seduced him but she's also scared that telling him the truth will break her heart.
Overall, I really liked this one. Nick is a rake but as soon as he sets eyes on Penelope that's it for him he has eye for no one else. The people of Cressmouth are wonderfully quirky, and I can't wait for Virginia and Gloria's stories. It's not necessarily a Christmas read, it takes place after, but it could be read as one. This is a delightfully fun read and as always Erica Ridley delivers a great story with wonderful characters.
12 Dukes of Christmas #2, Back in Cressmouth, also known as Christmas, the perpetually snow covered mountain town lives Penelope Mitchell a lady chemist, and natural philosopher. Her latest claim to fame is the perfume that took the ton by storm, Duke. She didn't do it for the money she just wanted to prove to the men of the Natural Philosophers Society that she, a woman, deserved admittance. But as soon as Beau Brummel told the Prince Regent about it every man has gone out and bought a bottle.
Not everyone was happy about it though, Nicholas Pringle the heir presumptive for his cousin Duke Silkridge, thinks the perfume is cheating; it's an unfair advantage to men who don't normally possess that kind of charm. Nick, who was dubbed St. Nick ironically because he is anything but a saint, is shocked and pleased when he finds out the creator of Duke is a woman and decides he can seduce her and get her to stop production of Duke. But Penelope is not what he expected and she seems immune to his charms but for some reason he can't stay away from her.
Penelope had already decided to create Duchess the female equivalent to Duke and give women the same chance. Now she just needs to test it and what better way to test it than on a notorious rake. But the more time Penelope spends with him the more she likes him, he is so much more than the man the world sees he has hidden talents and is a much better man than he lets on. Now she starts feeling guilty and ashamed because she thinks her perfume seduced him but she's also scared that telling him the truth will break her heart.
Overall, I really liked this one. Nick is a rake but as soon as he sets eyes on Penelope that's it for him he has eye for no one else. The people of Cressmouth are wonderfully quirky, and I can't wait for Virginia and Gloria's stories. It's not necessarily a Christmas read, it takes place after, but it could be read as one. This is a delightfully fun read and as always Erica Ridley delivers a great story with wonderful characters.
November 5, 2018
Penelope becomes semi-famous after she invented a perfume for men that makes women fall all over them. When infamous rake Nick meets her by chance he tries to buy the formula from her to stop production, as he is personally insulted that, with the help of this perfume, any man can be a rake like him.
Penelope, a spinster by choice who does not believe in love but only chemistry, finds him to be a good guinea pig to test her new perfume, the version for women that makes men swoon.
If the rake falls for the spinster, the formula works – doesn’t it?
This was a fast paced, very enjoyable 200page novella with very likeable, fun characters. Definitely one of my favorites by Erica Ridley.
Penelope, a spinster by choice who does not believe in love but only chemistry, finds him to be a good guinea pig to test her new perfume, the version for women that makes men swoon.
If the rake falls for the spinster, the formula works – doesn’t it?
This was a fast paced, very enjoyable 200page novella with very likeable, fun characters. Definitely one of my favorites by Erica Ridley.
November 16, 2018
I absolutely adored this title!
Penelope is my favorite kind of heroine: smart and unconventional. While Nicholas was a rather typical rake, I thought his reasons for being one were interesting. And I just really liked him too. I felt like he had a vulnerability to him that most rakes don’t.
I loved Penelope’s experiment and it reminded me a bit of the movie Love Potion No. 9. I loved the reasons Nicholas found to spend time with Penelope and found it very easy to keep reading. I received an eARC for the next title in the series and can’t wait to read it!!
Penelope is my favorite kind of heroine: smart and unconventional. While Nicholas was a rather typical rake, I thought his reasons for being one were interesting. And I just really liked him too. I felt like he had a vulnerability to him that most rakes don’t.
I loved Penelope’s experiment and it reminded me a bit of the movie Love Potion No. 9. I loved the reasons Nicholas found to spend time with Penelope and found it very easy to keep reading. I received an eARC for the next title in the series and can’t wait to read it!!
November 30, 2022
I like the nods to Christmas traditions but I just didn't care about the romance in this one.
December 19, 2021
It took a while to get into this one, but I think I liked it a little more than Once Upon a Duke last year.
For one thing, the characters had strong passions and interests that were a driving force for who they were, so it wasn't just about them as annoying romantic partners who keep dancing around the issues. I really liked the idea of a "lady chemist" and the way Penelope attempts to combat stereotypes in her work, and also the way Nicholas deals with stereotypes as he learns to except what he actually enjoys in life. This strong characterization and support makes for an interesting read and does make you want to care about the ultimate romance goal of the novel.
I also did like that this was different enough from the first one. Neither Benjamin nor Nicholas wanted to be "tied down," but it was for different reasons and they were willing to accept that their perspectives were wrong. Nicholas had a driving force that made him the opposite of a rake, so I think I enjoyed this more than I would have with an actual rake book, because I just don't like sex in books, and I'm not a fan of people who sleep around, especially if it's their whole personality (not really going off of anything I actually know, just my interpretation of the genre).
I think I'm going to be happy enough reading at least the next two for the next couple years around Christmas. They're enough of a brain break that they're not bad if I limit myself to a very small number every year.
But seriously, these people need to use their brains a little more when it comes to romance.
Disclaimer:
For one thing, the characters had strong passions and interests that were a driving force for who they were, so it wasn't just about them as annoying romantic partners who keep dancing around the issues. I really liked the idea of a "lady chemist" and the way Penelope attempts to combat stereotypes in her work, and also the way Nicholas deals with stereotypes as he learns to except what he actually enjoys in life. This strong characterization and support makes for an interesting read and does make you want to care about the ultimate romance goal of the novel.
I also did like that this was different enough from the first one. Neither Benjamin nor Nicholas wanted to be "tied down," but it was for different reasons and they were willing to accept that their perspectives were wrong. Nicholas had a driving force that made him the opposite of a rake, so I think I enjoyed this more than I would have with an actual rake book, because I just don't like sex in books, and I'm not a fan of people who sleep around, especially if it's their whole personality (not really going off of anything I actually know, just my interpretation of the genre).
I think I'm going to be happy enough reading at least the next two for the next couple years around Christmas. They're enough of a brain break that they're not bad if I limit myself to a very small number every year.
But seriously, these people need to use their brains a little more when it comes to romance.
Disclaimer:
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