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12 Dukes of Christmas #1-2
12 Dukes of Christmas: Books 1 and 2
ONCE UPON A DUKE
Enjoy a fun regency romp featuring a spinster in a counting house, a grumpy duke, goats, true love, and a partridge in a pear tree. What could go wrong? Absolutely everything!
KISS OF A DUKE
A delightful romp featuring a rake (the sexy kind), a perfumer (of the chemist heroine variety), two turtle doves, one true love, and a kiss to last a lifetime.
Enjoy a fun regency romp featuring a spinster in a counting house, a grumpy duke, goats, true love, and a partridge in a pear tree. What could go wrong? Absolutely everything!
KISS OF A DUKE
A delightful romp featuring a rake (the sexy kind), a perfumer (of the chemist heroine variety), two turtle doves, one true love, and a kiss to last a lifetime.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 16, 2020
1246 people are currently reading
222 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 37 reviews
July 21, 2021
What could be more fun than a year-round Christmas village in Regency England where the guests and some of the residents get their tinsel in a tangle? Light, flirty, and sometimes silly, but flavored with engaging characters who need some Christmas magic and romance.
This set contains the first two books in the 12 Dukes of Christmas series.
Once Upon a Duke introduces a scrooge-like duke and a seemingly perpetually festive lady accountant in a second chance romance A Christmas Carol retelling. Introduced the series setting, the village cast of characters, and a pair who seem hopeless at first.
Kiss of a Duke continues the series with the previous hero's cousin, a confirmed rake, and a brilliant lady chemist who both think love and romance are for the birds. A science experiment goes wildly awry when something more than animal attraction interferes.
Both stories are entertaining, but also present a nice romantic tangle. Quick reads and a little steamy, but also heartwarming. I can recommend them for someone who wants a light, fast historical holiday romance read.
This set contains the first two books in the 12 Dukes of Christmas series.
Once Upon a Duke introduces a scrooge-like duke and a seemingly perpetually festive lady accountant in a second chance romance A Christmas Carol retelling. Introduced the series setting, the village cast of characters, and a pair who seem hopeless at first.
Kiss of a Duke continues the series with the previous hero's cousin, a confirmed rake, and a brilliant lady chemist who both think love and romance are for the birds. A science experiment goes wildly awry when something more than animal attraction interferes.
Both stories are entertaining, but also present a nice romantic tangle. Quick reads and a little steamy, but also heartwarming. I can recommend them for someone who wants a light, fast historical holiday romance read.
November 18, 2020
Love this series...set in Cressmouth where it is Christmas year round each book provides a story that includes a duke though the Duke might not always be human and the duke may not be the one who falls in love.
December 26, 2022
yay!
This is an adorable book and I loved every word. Off to the next in the series! Christopher’s turn next.
This is an adorable book and I loved every word. Off to the next in the series! Christopher’s turn next.
Want to read
November 10, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/10/2020)! 🎁
December 13, 2020
1. ONCE UPON A DUKE -3.5 STARS
I liked the last part of the book better than the beginning. It was a unique premise based on the Scrooge. It was hard to feel a connection to this couple when she is full of spirit and then he is the exact opposite.
We have lovemaking outside of marriage, very mildly described. No cheating, no cliffhanger, we do get HEA and a slow journey to get there. I am not going into the premise of the story, as many have explained it better than I can. Just what you may get out of reading it. (ljb)
2. KISS OF A DUKE - 4.5 STARS
I purchased this as part of a bundle that was offered called 12 DUKES OF CHRISTMAS (Books 1-2). I enjoyed this one more than the first book.
This is a unique story with a women chemist making perfume. They are alone A LOT, and no-one questions it. Not sure of exact time period, but actions and language more modern. I still enjoyed the journey and loved the H/h were not interested in love. How they both came around was entertaining. They both had skills that weren't normal and I found it interesting too.
We have lovemaking, outside of marriage, heat level 3.5 out of 5 and only described two times I think.
Interesting secondary character's too. I hope the story on the H's brother goes on sale because he was a likable character.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romance and spice. I can't improve on the blurb, just recommending this story. (ljb)
I liked the last part of the book better than the beginning. It was a unique premise based on the Scrooge. It was hard to feel a connection to this couple when she is full of spirit and then he is the exact opposite.
We have lovemaking outside of marriage, very mildly described. No cheating, no cliffhanger, we do get HEA and a slow journey to get there. I am not going into the premise of the story, as many have explained it better than I can. Just what you may get out of reading it. (ljb)
2. KISS OF A DUKE - 4.5 STARS
I purchased this as part of a bundle that was offered called 12 DUKES OF CHRISTMAS (Books 1-2). I enjoyed this one more than the first book.
This is a unique story with a women chemist making perfume. They are alone A LOT, and no-one questions it. Not sure of exact time period, but actions and language more modern. I still enjoyed the journey and loved the H/h were not interested in love. How they both came around was entertaining. They both had skills that weren't normal and I found it interesting too.
We have lovemaking, outside of marriage, heat level 3.5 out of 5 and only described two times I think.
Interesting secondary character's too. I hope the story on the H's brother goes on sale because he was a likable character.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romance and spice. I can't improve on the blurb, just recommending this story. (ljb)
January 7, 2021
Two wonderful love stories!
The first story is about Noelle and Benjamin, Duke of Silkridge. They had know each other several years before and Benjamin had left Noelle without a goodbye. He had to return to Cressmouth or Christmas as the residents called it, for the reading of his grandfather’s will. He didn’t like Christmas since he had lost so much at Christmastide. Noelle loved Christmas. There story has a lot of roadblocks but can love find a way? You will have to read to find out.
The second one is set in Cressmouth with Benjamin’s cousin, Nicholas or Saint Nick, as he is called. He is a known rake with a hidden secret. Penelope is a chemist with no time for love. She has developed a perfume that helps men to win ladies’s attention and now she is trying to develop one to help women. She uses Nick as a test subject. Will the perfume change his ways?
This is my honest review and I can say if you like reading about love then this is a great choice!
The first story is about Noelle and Benjamin, Duke of Silkridge. They had know each other several years before and Benjamin had left Noelle without a goodbye. He had to return to Cressmouth or Christmas as the residents called it, for the reading of his grandfather’s will. He didn’t like Christmas since he had lost so much at Christmastide. Noelle loved Christmas. There story has a lot of roadblocks but can love find a way? You will have to read to find out.
The second one is set in Cressmouth with Benjamin’s cousin, Nicholas or Saint Nick, as he is called. He is a known rake with a hidden secret. Penelope is a chemist with no time for love. She has developed a perfume that helps men to win ladies’s attention and now she is trying to develop one to help women. She uses Nick as a test subject. Will the perfume change his ways?
This is my honest review and I can say if you like reading about love then this is a great choice!
November 18, 2020
ONCE UPON A DUKE - The fun, laughable moments are great & Erica writes her characters to be loved by her readers & they make you feel like you are right there in Christmas.........I mean Cressmouth with them. I highly recommend this book & I hated for it to end but will look forward to Book 2!
KISS OF A DUKE - Whew, what a story - I loved it. Penelope Mitchell, chemist living in Cressmouth & sexy, handsome, notorious rake, Nicholas Pringle (aka St. Nick), 1st in line for a Dukedom were a great couple. They had such chemistry - bawdy bantering, wicked witticisms, bodacious biscuit making, ravishing romance & luscious love. I would highly recommend this read to all historical romance lovers - you will hope this St. Nick comes down your chimney soon!
KISS OF A DUKE - Whew, what a story - I loved it. Penelope Mitchell, chemist living in Cressmouth & sexy, handsome, notorious rake, Nicholas Pringle (aka St. Nick), 1st in line for a Dukedom were a great couple. They had such chemistry - bawdy bantering, wicked witticisms, bodacious biscuit making, ravishing romance & luscious love. I would highly recommend this read to all historical romance lovers - you will hope this St. Nick comes down your chimney soon!
November 29, 2020
Triple bargain
This box set of the first two novels in the 12 Dukes of Christmas series is a good bargain to start with and it gets better when you find that it also gives you a link to a free prequel novella. I strongly recommend that you hold back on the main novels to read the prequel first, as it it provides an explanation of the village and castle that provide the backdrop to the series.I
The whole series is written in a lovely and fun manner. The stories gallop along at a great pace with lots of chuckles along the way.
Although it's set in England you must suspend belief because there is absolutely nowhere in real life England with the geography described.
I couldn't put this set down and need to read more by this author!
This box set of the first two novels in the 12 Dukes of Christmas series is a good bargain to start with and it gets better when you find that it also gives you a link to a free prequel novella. I strongly recommend that you hold back on the main novels to read the prequel first, as it it provides an explanation of the village and castle that provide the backdrop to the series.I
The whole series is written in a lovely and fun manner. The stories gallop along at a great pace with lots of chuckles along the way.
Although it's set in England you must suspend belief because there is absolutely nowhere in real life England with the geography described.
I couldn't put this set down and need to read more by this author!
December 12, 2020
Once Upon A Duke
A sweet tale of a Duke allowing love into his life. In the past he has closed himself off from all emotion, due to the loss of his parents but a return to the village of Cressmouth, better known as Christmas, reunites him with the one woman who breaks through his icy exterior.
Kiss of a Duke
Biscuit Loving Rake. Penelope is a lady chemist who doesn’t believe in love (it’s unscientific) who after the success of her fragrance for men, decides to work on a perfume for women. To prove that it works she targets rake Nicholas Pringle, if he pays attention to her whilst she is looking as unattractive as possible but wearing the perfume, that will be empirical proof. However, her test gets out of hand. A fun read.
A sweet tale of a Duke allowing love into his life. In the past he has closed himself off from all emotion, due to the loss of his parents but a return to the village of Cressmouth, better known as Christmas, reunites him with the one woman who breaks through his icy exterior.
Kiss of a Duke
Biscuit Loving Rake. Penelope is a lady chemist who doesn’t believe in love (it’s unscientific) who after the success of her fragrance for men, decides to work on a perfume for women. To prove that it works she targets rake Nicholas Pringle, if he pays attention to her whilst she is looking as unattractive as possible but wearing the perfume, that will be empirical proof. However, her test gets out of hand. A fun read.
December 31, 2022
Absolutely delightful!
Erica Ridley has a glorious talent for writing engaging, exciting historical romance with delightful characters. If you don't devour these two stories and not be able to wait to continue the series, there's something seriously wrong with you. You interest will be captured in the first chapter, and you won't be able to stop reading until you reach the last. You'll tear up and double over in laughter at the witty banter engaged in by the protagonists. You'll lose yourself in the emotional conflicts and heartwarming conclusions. Start with one Ridley story, and you'll want to read them all. She has a style that draws you in and keeps you hostage.
Erica Ridley has a glorious talent for writing engaging, exciting historical romance with delightful characters. If you don't devour these two stories and not be able to wait to continue the series, there's something seriously wrong with you. You interest will be captured in the first chapter, and you won't be able to stop reading until you reach the last. You'll tear up and double over in laughter at the witty banter engaged in by the protagonists. You'll lose yourself in the emotional conflicts and heartwarming conclusions. Start with one Ridley story, and you'll want to read them all. She has a style that draws you in and keeps you hostage.
December 22, 2020
3-stars out of 5 ONCE UPON A DUKE
4 stars out of 5 Kiss of a Duke
Overall I'll be holiday generous and give it 4 stars
Ridley's writing improved from the first book to the next. She over explains, is rather redundant, making you want to skip through paragraphs and pages.
The second book (novella) has far more wit and charm. I’m being generous giving this collection of two a 4 star review. I have many friends/family who are writers not to be a bit sympathetic on what a 3 star review could mean to their reputation.
Unless you all have other holiday books to recommend, I think I'm done with this theme.
4 stars out of 5 Kiss of a Duke
Overall I'll be holiday generous and give it 4 stars
Ridley's writing improved from the first book to the next. She over explains, is rather redundant, making you want to skip through paragraphs and pages.
The second book (novella) has far more wit and charm. I’m being generous giving this collection of two a 4 star review. I have many friends/family who are writers not to be a bit sympathetic on what a 3 star review could mean to their reputation.
Unless you all have other holiday books to recommend, I think I'm done with this theme.
March 8, 2021
The series has good moments of difference, relatable logic to the use of sweet words, and exciting wonder truly captivating. Historical Romance books gives me such fasination the theory "Love is Chemistry" notion was thrilling. I enjoyed taking the time to visit Cressmouth, the town where Christmas is all year around. The experiment gets more enriching, the fragrance of scent leveling the playing field is swoon worthy, & the double adventure was indeed clear. Historical romance is a sort of reading guilty pleasure and Erica Ridley once again captivates my interest. Thanks to Bookbub for the book 1 reccomenation which lead my curiosity towards reading book 2.
December 19, 2020
12 Dukes of Christmas (Book 1-2): Holiday Romance Collection
The first two book in this series. The first book -Once Upon a Duke - the love story of Benjamin and Noelle. Benjamin has come to Christmas for the reading of his grandfather's will. He learn of how Noelle has keep the town going. Will he find love and closer ? Book 2 - Kiss a Duke - the love story of Penelope and Nick. Penelope has invented a perfume called Duke. And Nick has come to stop the production of it. Will he or will he find love?
The first two book in this series. The first book -Once Upon a Duke - the love story of Benjamin and Noelle. Benjamin has come to Christmas for the reading of his grandfather's will. He learn of how Noelle has keep the town going. Will he find love and closer ? Book 2 - Kiss a Duke - the love story of Penelope and Nick. Penelope has invented a perfume called Duke. And Nick has come to stop the production of it. Will he or will he find love?
December 22, 2020
Goodness.
This novel had a lot of good moments, a lot of sweet moments; BUT it also had lot of just okay moments and just a sliver of the romance that the title implied. However, even though there were times when it would lull, I never pondered choosing another novel for immediately something would grab my attention again. There was always something slightly spicy or mysterious which would reel me back in to stick by the side of this author. In the end, though, I'm glad I finished reading this novel.
This novel had a lot of good moments, a lot of sweet moments; BUT it also had lot of just okay moments and just a sliver of the romance that the title implied. However, even though there were times when it would lull, I never pondered choosing another novel for immediately something would grab my attention again. There was always something slightly spicy or mysterious which would reel me back in to stick by the side of this author. In the end, though, I'm glad I finished reading this novel.
January 23, 2021
Blue-blooded gentlemen, competently unconventional ladies, a village nicknamed "Christmas" and plays on "duke" - these combine to give us 2 very delightfully different regency romances that engaged my imagination as well as my funny bone. From a ludicrous bequest to a mating scent, these 2 novels whetted my appetite for this author's work and the possibilities for the gentlemen and ladies of "Christmas" village abound. More, please!
March 19, 2022
#1 Duke - and he knows it!
All he wants is to do his best for England. Oh, and get the necklace that his grandfather stole from him that is the only picture there is with his whole family. So when he goes to claim it . . .and meets a young woman he liked . . . nothing goes the way he expected!!!! SUPERB STORY. Can’t wait to read the next book in this series!!! I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
All he wants is to do his best for England. Oh, and get the necklace that his grandfather stole from him that is the only picture there is with his whole family. So when he goes to claim it . . .and meets a young woman he liked . . . nothing goes the way he expected!!!! SUPERB STORY. Can’t wait to read the next book in this series!!! I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
November 21, 2020
Two Delights
Cousins that go the village of Cressmore with name all years round of Christmas, the Duke goes to hear his Grandfather’s will read, but can’t forget a certain lady. The other, Duke’s cousin is mad at chemist for making a certain perfume named Duke that’s ruining his life! Very good books!
Cousins that go the village of Cressmore with name all years round of Christmas, the Duke goes to hear his Grandfather’s will read, but can’t forget a certain lady. The other, Duke’s cousin is mad at chemist for making a certain perfume named Duke that’s ruining his life! Very good books!
December 19, 2021
Christmas is a small town in northern England that embodies the Christmas spirit year round. The characters are quirky and well-developed. There is a loose tie-in with the 12 days of Christmas song. The dukes are not all what you were expecting. The romance is strong and made me want to read the rest of the series.
December 26, 2024
delightful!
This delight read is peopled with memorable characters, from the handsome rake and the focused lady scientist to the delightful animal lady and the stargazer. The well-crafted plot moves briskly with enough tension to engage but not enough to make the reader too anxious. Enjoy!
This delight read is peopled with memorable characters, from the handsome rake and the focused lady scientist to the delightful animal lady and the stargazer. The well-crafted plot moves briskly with enough tension to engage but not enough to make the reader too anxious. Enjoy!
February 19, 2021
2 of 12!
Both books 1 and 2 of the 12 Dukes of Christmas by Erica Ridley are wonderful reads! I have had the opportunity to read both singarily and now together! Never tire of them! Enjoy these wonderful books for yourself to see what I mean. 👍😊
Both books 1 and 2 of the 12 Dukes of Christmas by Erica Ridley are wonderful reads! I have had the opportunity to read both singarily and now together! Never tire of them! Enjoy these wonderful books for yourself to see what I mean. 👍😊
December 27, 2021
Always a must
Anything by Ms. Ridley us on my list and the Dukes of Christmas bring a smile and a small escape into a never ending Yuletide with full characters and complete stories though I'm always left wanting them to not end.
Anything by Ms. Ridley us on my list and the Dukes of Christmas bring a smile and a small escape into a never ending Yuletide with full characters and complete stories though I'm always left wanting them to not end.
December 10, 2023
second book was better…
For me the second book was more enjoyable and I give 4 stars while the first I would have given 2 stars so we split the difference. I really want to smell what the Duke and Duchess scents from book 2 were like.
For me the second book was more enjoyable and I give 4 stars while the first I would have given 2 stars so we split the difference. I really want to smell what the Duke and Duchess scents from book 2 were like.
November 19, 2020
Very Entertaining!
Great stories about various 'kinds' of Dukes all of which are full of humor and great entertainment.
Great stories about various 'kinds' of Dukes all of which are full of humor and great entertainment.
November 25, 2020
Light hearted!
Quick read, interesting stories. They are entertaining and funny with unusual stories. You will be captivated and will want to read mire.
Quick read, interesting stories. They are entertaining and funny with unusual stories. You will be captivated and will want to read mire.
December 12, 2020
Unbalanced
The stories were fun but the inconsistency in his grandfather’s character was never adequately explained. Still, two fun romps to kill a snowy afternoon.
The stories were fun but the inconsistency in his grandfather’s character was never adequately explained. Still, two fun romps to kill a snowy afternoon.
December 19, 2020
I loved the book, Historical romance is one of my favorite genres.
December 21, 2020
Two cute Christmas time stories
December 31, 2020
Unusual and totally pleasing
Not the typical 1900 Ish century romance.. It is more realistic, honest happening. happenings, not pie in the sky all pomp and circumstances. Fun, realistic and satisfyingly. I chuckled, I stressed and I sighed. Great stories.
Not the typical 1900 Ish century romance.. It is more realistic, honest happening. happenings, not pie in the sky all pomp and circumstances. Fun, realistic and satisfyingly. I chuckled, I stressed and I sighed. Great stories.
January 2, 2021
Fun little Christmas romances.
January 3, 2021
Terrific stories
Loved these two novels. The plots were really different and the characters engaging. The town of Christmas and its characters were delightful!
Loved these two novels. The plots were really different and the characters engaging. The town of Christmas and its characters were delightful!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews