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12 Dukes of Christmas #3

Wish Upon a Duke

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Rumor has it, charming adventurer Christopher Pringle is finally ready to settle down. He's searching for a free-spirited bride to join him on his travels. But when the matchmaker he hires turns out to be the woman he had a public spat with the day before, nothing goes as planned!

Miss Gloria Godwin loves exploring the world… from the safety of a book. She detests her dashing client's attempts to force her from her comfort zone. It should be easy to marry off the handsome heir to a dukedom. But the more she tries to match him to other women, the harder it gets to say goodbye…

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First published November 20, 2018

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About the author

Erica Ridley

130 books2,201 followers
Get 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.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 276 reviews
Profile Image for Samantha.
530 reviews136 followers
June 22, 2024
⭐⭐⭐💫
3½ stars.






➕ What I liked :


Rather interesting main characters.

Opposite attract.

Somewhat unconventional and whimsical/quirky heroine.

Astronomer heroine.

Good hero.

Funny moments.

Country setting. (Not set in London.)

Light enemies to lovers vibe.

Not a rake or philanderer/womanizer hero.

Interesting side characters.

Good romantic build up and chemistry.

Rather good and interesting plot.









➖ What I disliked:


The heroines phobia did not really make sense… not from how she lived her life and “played” make-believe of traveling…. And the heroines unwillingness to participate in any type of adventure was not logical and was also rather annoying.

And again … So far….. the character description/visual appearance/character choices in this series is somehow both vague and formulaic.
What little info there is about the main characters appearance/looks is mostly about their hair color and eye color… not much else is mentioned. (especially about the heroines.)
All the main characters so far have different or very different personalities and personas which is really great. 👍👍
But when it comes to appearance/looks the main characters of this series kind of blend together and become formulaic.

A tad bit too anachronistic in some parts.


The main characters were rather interesting👍...... but it would have been great with a little more depth and a little more time for them to get to know each other more.
Profile Image for Sarah.
554 reviews35 followers
January 17, 2021
'Rumor has it, charming adventurer Christopher Pringle is finally ready to settle down. He's searching for a free-spirited bride to join him on his travels. But when the matchmaker he hires turns out to be the woman he had a public spat with the day before, nothing goes as planned!

Miss Gloria Godwin loves exploring the world… from the safety of a book. She detests her dashing client's attempts to force her from her comfort zone. It should be easy to marry off the handsome heir to a dukedom. But the more she tries to match him to other women, the harder it gets to say goodbye…'
______________________________

Wish Upon a Duke is the third 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 think this has been my favorite in the series thus far. The relationship between Nick and Gloria felt the most believable and fleshed out. I liked both chaacters, both made changes and sacrifies for one another.

This novella is fun and light-hearted with holiday references, you'll need to suspend belief a little, same as the other books in this holiday series, but it makes for an amusing read.
Profile Image for Jen.
3,484 reviews27 followers
December 19, 2018
This book follows "Kiss of a Duke" and really should be read after that one. The MCs in this one are the brother of the H and the BFF of the h in the preceding book and it helps in keeping the characters in order.

To be honest, in the preceding book, I liked these characters better than when their story was expanded in this one. I can't quite put my finger on it, but they seemed...more interesting in the other book?

I could have maybe read these books too close together and the luster is rubbing off of the star, but it didn't have the same feel as the other book to me.

Now, that is NOT to say that this was a bad book, far from it. I did enjoy it and I can't wait to read the next one in the series, it's just this one had a slight slump for me.

It nicely avoids the trope of two women competing for the attentions of the same man, which I greatly appreciate. The MCs from the previous book also make an appearance in this one, so continuity is there, which I appreciate as well. Probably not overly historically accurate, but that's not why I am reading the series.

Not a bad book and one I would recommend, with the warning that the preceding book should be read first. 3, solid I still want to read the next one, stars.

My thanks to NetGalley and WebMotion for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
Profile Image for Andrea.
1,263 reviews160 followers
November 19, 2018
I adore this series! It's the perfect holiday fluff to get you into the Christmas spirit! And this one is my favorite yet. I've been looking forward to Gloria and Christopher's story ever since they were introduced, and it was a delight! A lovely wallflower who loves watching the stars because they make her feel closer to her deceased parents, and a rule-following, no-nonsense stickler for propriety? My favorite kind of people!

Gloria and Christopher are both just waiting to be noticed: she because she has secluded herself in a sleepy little village where it is Christmas all year round and refuses to let anyone get to close, and he because he has spent his entire life in the shadow of his rakish brother while all he wants is to find true love. They are both just the nicest people, and I wanted them to get their happily every after since the moment I met them. I loved how both brought out the best in each other, how patient Christopher was and how Gloria slowly teased him out of his stick-in-the-mud attitude. It was wonderful to see them grow closer!

This series really a delight if you are looking for short, sweet, comfy romances that warm your heart!

*I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Mephala.
378 reviews15 followers
May 23, 2020
The second book in 12 Dukes of Christmas series, Wish Upon a Duke , is very similar to the previous one, as it also has a certain modern feel to it.

To be honest, I liked this book more than Kiss of a Duke , probably because I liked the main couple more.
Although I enjoyed Penelope and Nick’s story, Gloria and Christopher’s just feels more fleshed out. And the characters themselves appear to be more developed, but perhaps it’s because we were introduced to them in the previous story.

I really liked that Christopher was somewhat awkward and maybe even insecure about himself, and his "unconventional" interests made him quite likable. The same can be said about Gloria, although sometimes her quirkiness felt a little over the top.

The premise of a matchmaking is fun and I wish it was more of it, but I guess the length of the book prevented more plot development.

It’s once again an enjoyable fun book, that doesn’t necessary feel very historical.

The one thing that prevents me from giving it higher rating than I gave the previous one, is the ending.
It’s happy ever after for our couple, but I felt the resolution of the main conflict between the hero and the heroine wasn’t really… a resolution at all.
Theirs was a very interesting dynamic – with Christopher devoted to travelling and Gloria being a hard core homebody (because of a very good reason) – that could have produced some quite engaging story. I just think this completely opposite attitudes could have been explored more.

Erica Ridley’s book is a short-ish, light story great for a relaxing sunny afternoon.

3+/5 stars
Profile Image for Sophia.
Author 5 books402 followers
July 25, 2021
After enjoying his brother's romance, I was also set to see serious Christopher Pringle going on his wife hunt with the reluctant assistance of Matchmaker, Miss Gloria Godwin, stargazer and more.

Wish Upon a Duke is the third of the Twelve Dukes of Christmas series of loosely connected holiday town themed historical romance.

Wish Upon a Duke finds us still in the isolated, snowy mountain top village of Cressmouth where its Christmas all the time and romance seems to be in the air. With Nick the rake wedded and happy, his younger brother, Chris, thinks he has a decent shot of finding a woman to love him and go on wondrous traveling adventures with him because Chris never stays in one place longer than a month.
But suddenly, with the Rake reformed, Chris is inundated by eligible and excited young ladies who are more interested in a mild flirtation or easy seduction than love. His new sister in law determines this calls for a matchmaker to help direct his efforts. Too bad, he's already made a bad first impression on the village matchmaker when he all but called her a nitwit on her stargazing walk the previous night.

Gloria is still twitted about the proper, rule-following Chris insulting her intelligence in front of the group she was guiding. She knows her stars- boy, does she know them. She wishes on her Duke star frequently to find her own man to love and love her back. But, Chris is the opposite of what she wants. He's a rules guy and worse, he won't be staying in Cressmouth and never going anywhere. Gloria is determined that bad things happen whenever she left home so she refuses to set foot outside her village and she enjoys her make believe imaginary trips and pretend for fun. But, one failed match after the next, it grows harder and harder to see why this beautiful man can't be for her.

With a new couple comes a new set of difficulties. Christopher grew up in the same acrimonious household as Nick. Nick channeled his escape into raking while Christopher escapes his past in never staying still. Meanwhile, Gloria lost her sailor father at sea, her fiancee left for India with promises to return and didn't, and her mother faded away in grief so Gloria avoids any part of life that reminds her of these losses. Both are engaging, fun people and enjoy some flirty and then sexy encounters. It was obvious what had to happen to make it work, but they both had to let go of the past.

So, another light, fast, and sexy installment in the series. It doesn't dig too deep, but remains an entertaining romance. I look forward to seeing our quirky bird expert, Victoria, find romance next.
Profile Image for AnnMarie.
1,304 reviews34 followers
November 18, 2018
Wish Upon a Duke is the third book in the 12 Dukes of Christmas series by Erica Ridley. It can easily be read as a standalone story but if you are anything like me you will enjoy catching up with characters from the previous books in this instalment if you have read the previous two.

In the last book, Christopher's twin met and married his soulmate. Now it's Christopher's turn. He wants to marry for love and his main requirement in a wife is that she loves adventure and to travel. He has a month to find the said wife, and when it's suggested that he use a matchmaker to help him he agrees.

Gloria Godwin lives in Cressmouth and is determined to never leave there. She does love the place but secretly she would love to be able to travel. Fear holds her back after losing people she loves thanks to travelling, so she contents herself with reading about people and places. She also loves the stars/astrology and once a year she takes guests on a walking tour where she shows and names the stars and constellations. A serious start which then leads to a fanciful one when she gets people to pick names by saying what they themselves think the stars look like. It was during the fanciful part of the tour that she and Christopher first engage. There is an attraction for both of them at first sight, but the minute that Christopher hears her naming the stars all wrong he tells her off.

It is, therefore, a shock to them both when the next day Christopher is knocking on her door with his request that she be his matchmaker. Of course, he didn't know it was her that he had been sent to, hence them both being as shocked as each other. Gloria's friend made the suggestion that she help Christopher and it's only because of that that she agrees.

The problem is that the more time that they spend together the more they find themselves possibly falling for each other. A worse pairing couldn't happen because they are absolutely opposite to each other. Gloria wants stability and to stay in Cressmouth, Christopher wants to travel, explore and have many adventures. Can she overcome her fears for them to have a chance at love together, or will her fears win out? Can Christopher really expect her to change so dramatically when it seems her fear is so overwhelming? Is there any chance of a compromise or will Christopher have to choose one of the many other women vying to become his wife?

This was a lovely, lighthearted quick read set in the lovely Christmasy town of Cressmouth. A place full of fabulous unique people that will make you smile. Christopher and Gloria are the perfect couple and the perfect example of opposites attracting. When they give in to that first kiss it was just perfect and from that moment on you just knew that they would have to end up together. Reading their romance develop was just wonderful and had me smiling. I really loved this story and can't wait for the next one. Why can't I live in a place like Cressmouth?!
Profile Image for Elodie’s Reading Corner.
2,554 reviews152 followers
November 20, 2018
I do like Erica Ridley’s books, they are easy read with wits, humor and no weak characters despite their flaws.
Here we have two main characters who have totally opposite view of life, one can’t stay in one place while the other won’t move out safe range.

Gloria wishes very much to be seen for once, to not be overlooked anymore and to find love, but in some ways, she hides herself in plain sight, playing the silly girl with her way to twist things.
She is smart and resourceful, so certain of what will be her future but she too longs for some kind of adventures, without risks, she has built walls around her home she forbids herself to trespass.
She feels secure in her remote town, there she can’t be hurt, but life wherever it takes place is no safe thing.

Christopher is one to follow the rules, nothing can make him bend them, he also has an innate need to keep moving, but now after years of going from one place to another, he hopes to share it with someone but his dream-bride-to-be is quite elusive, he is not attracted by the women who are close to his ideal but he can’t take his sight out from the woman who is so wrong.
At the end, every personality trait he thought important is undermined when compared to the attraction he felt for Gloria, the one woman who can dismantle and assembly objets as a second nature but sees stars not as well known schemas.

From the beginning, they know they have opposite aspirations but maybe love could help them overcome their difference. Not easy but with a little faith...
Profile Image for Niki (nikilovestoread).
848 reviews86 followers
December 28, 2019
I have really been enjoying reading my way through Erica Ridley's 12 Dukes of Christmas series. Lighthearted fun with charming characters and sweet storylines makes them perfect for getting in the Christmas spirit or, if you're like me, and wanting to hang onto it a bit longer.

Now that his notorious brother is finally settling down, Christopher Pringle finds himself in the spotlight. While he yearns to find his soulmate, he doesn't really know how to cope with all this attention after living in his brother's shadow all his life. At the urging of his brother and his future sister-in-law, he hires a matchmaker, Gloria Godwin, to help him find his perfect wife. Gloria has dreamed of finally being seen for once in life, but her fear of putting herself out there has always held her back. Gloria finds multiple women who are everything Christopher claims he's looking for, but it's the matchmaker herself he can't get out of his mind even though they are opposites in every way.
Profile Image for Jessica Grogan.
531 reviews25 followers
December 10, 2018
I felt like this title got off to a slightly slower start than the previous one, but I loved it in the end.

I love enemies to lovers stories and thought this was a great one. I really liked Christopher from his brother’s book and was really excited to read his story. Gloria was a very sweet woman and I enjoyed her backstory and getting to know her better.

I loved Gloria’s attempts at matchmaking and thought it was a very different way to have two people fall in love. I also thought the conflict was a very real one and that it was resolved in the best way possible.

I cannot wait for the next title in this series!!

*An eARC was provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest view.
Profile Image for 🦉Maggie Whitworth.
3,254 reviews113 followers
November 19, 2018
❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋
Back in the beautiful Christmas village, where romance lives and thrives .
Christopher is next in line to be a Duke , but is finding it hard to find the right woman .
Gloria is a bookaholic and is employed by Christopher to find him said wifey , but that’s a challenge when she’s slowly starting to want the position herself.
Another great festive romp , some good amusing banter and a pleasing outcome for all .
Excellent to relax with a brew and enjoy EricaRidleys great talent .
I received an advance copy of this book and chose to submit a review
1,691 reviews29 followers
July 8, 2020
Well, this was fun. You know what you're getting with this series, likeable characters, in a likeable setting falling in love without too much drama. This is basically a fairly simple love story. No one nearly dies, no one gets kidnapped, no one mopes around angsting up the place endlessly. The characters have their issues, and those issues form the dramatic plot, but mostly it's just fluffy fun. There wouldn't be enough plot for a full length novel, but this works as a novella.

I mean, I don't think I could read the 12 stories in a row, but as an occasional distraction, I enjoy them.
Profile Image for Page Grey (Editor).
718 reviews419 followers
November 18, 2019
3.5 stars.

This is such a good read but I was expecting both of the characters to be more humorous, because in the previous book, they seemed so funny, especially Christopher. But anyway, still enjoyed this one. Another great read from the ever-reliable Erica Ridley. Her books are my go-to when I'm bored.
Profile Image for Maureen.
1,025 reviews
March 11, 2022
This is the 3rd book in the 12 Dukes of Christmas. The h is Gloria Godwin a romantic at heart looking for true love. She is also an astronomer. Her closest friends are Penelope Mitchell a perfumer who is in love with Nicholas Pringle notorious rake and secret glass blowing artist also brother to Chris Pringle. She is also friends with Virginia Underwood who lives at the Castle and is a poet and heals animals. The H is Chris Pringle an adventurist and wanting to settle down to find a wife. He asks Gloria to find him a match. Both Chris and Nick are first cousins to the Duke of Selkridge who married Noelle in the first story.
Christmas themes: Chris and Nick Pringle (Santa names) The Duke in this story is Draco the star 🌟
Quote:

““When I was little, I misheard several constellation names, and believed for years that ‘Draco’ was actually ‘Duke’.”
First Kiss:

“He cradled her face in his hands. His kiss was not tentative or polite but raw. A blatant claiming. Not a bright spot in the night, but a sky full of shooting stars. Instead of promises, each kiss demanded complete possession. She was happy to oblige.”

““Everything carries risk,” Christopher said gently. “Nothing always works out. Life is about doing it anyway.”

““You see three French hens up there”“in the sky,” she repeated in disbelief. “You.”

“I love you,” she said in a rush, before fear could hold her back. “Sometimes I lose my breath from the force of it. I look at you and all I can think is that I never knew my heart could stretch so big to fit this much inside.”

““You’re the love of my life,” she said with a choking laugh. “I don’t want to live without you. Not for a single day.”

“He straightened his shoulders. “So, in response to my earlier question…”
“Here is the answer.” She pressed his hands to her lips for a kiss, then dropped to one knee. “Mr. Christopher Pringle.”
His eyes sparkled. “It’s actually ‘the Right Honorable’ but I wouldn’t dare interrupt.”
She smacked his leg. “Ahem. The following question goes out to “the Right Honorable and Insufferably Pedantic Mr. Christopher Pringle, explorer of the world.”
“You know, I think that is my full name.” His warm gaze was full of love.
Her heart sang. “Would you make me the happiest of women and be my husband, now and forever?”
He pulled her up and into his arms for a kiss. “I love you, soon-to-be Mrs. Pringle.”
“I love you, newest resident of our humble village.” She peered up at him through her lashes. “Did you ever think you’d fall for the matchmaker?”
“I fell for you before I knew you were the matchmaker,” he admitted.
Profile Image for Janet.
5,195 reviews66 followers
November 19, 2018
Rumour has it, charming adventurer Christopher Pringle is finally ready to settle down. He’s searching for a free-spirited bride to join him on his travels. Miss Gloria Godwin loves exploring the world… from the safety of a book. She’s trying her hand at being a matchmaker but detests her dashing client’s attempts to force her from her comfort zone. It should be easy to marry off the handsome heir to a dukedom.
Another heart warming story that I was loathe to put down & read in two sittings. The story flowed very well & the characters were well fleshed, I particularly liked that with each book in the series we are introduced to some new characters so it builds the whole community of the village & hopefully some of these characters will also have their stories. Chris & Gloria are delightful, she has always been attracted to Chris & thinks he hasn’t noticed her. They then have a misunderstanding but gradually begin to become friends, like each other, the road to their HEA is amusing, poignant & had me smiling
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Profile Image for Ami.
6,247 reviews489 followers
August 10, 2021
3.5 stars

I wasn't completely sold on Gloria's reasons for fear of travel. I mean, I could believe of one not wanting to travel when she experienced things like Gloria, BUT in this book, Gloria was also full of dreams and imagination, and she still play make-believe of traveling. That just doesn't click with me. And Christopher's change of heart feels too sudden.

But in overall, it's still an enjoyable quick read from Ridley. I loved Gloria and Christopher's interaction throughout - including those moments of making pudding and caroling. AND since Gloria is playing as Christopher's matchmaker, I got to meet some of the characters I believe will star in their own book.
Profile Image for Heike.
662 reviews55 followers
November 20, 2018
Christopher is looking for a wife. One that would travel and see the world with him. And like the stars. Yet he finds himself surrounded only by ladies looking for a quick romp, after his brother, a famous rake, is not available any more. A friend suggests Gloria as a match maker for him, but upon visiting with her he recognizes her as an ignorant dreamer he met the night before.
Gloria, herself an accomplished astronomer, likes to play out her imagination even if she is aware of underlying science. When Christopher belittles her, she is too proud to set him right.
The uneasy couple sets out to find a wife for Christopher, while reluctantly start to appreciate each other.

This was, like the other "Dukes of Christmas" novellas, an easy and entertaining read. It did not capture me as much as Kiss of a Duke, probably because both characters acted unnatural (e.g. Christopher jumping to conclusions way too fast), and Gloria's phobia for water did not make any sense to me. And Christopher was the one who had to make all the compromising.

Don't let this scare you away, though - well written and well worth the time spend!

A 3-star rating for me is a book I enjoyed, I will look for other books of the author, but I do not see me reading this same book again. 4-stars would be a book kept on my shelf to re-read. This novella was close, but not close enough to a 4-star read.
Profile Image for Cande.
1,068 reviews192 followers
Read
January 5, 2025
This was so fun, another story with hilarious interactions of back and forth, love professed, and a need to have an open conversation to make their story work. This book is getting a little bit more love than Never Say Duke because both hero and heroine are astronomers and I adore the way they talk about their profession. Again, perfect hit. And yes, I'm reading the books out of order, look away.
Profile Image for Dianne.
6,817 reviews633 followers
November 18, 2018
What a delightfully charming romance! Prepare to smile, chuckle and feel a little giddy reading Erica Ridley’s latest addition to the 12 DUKES OF CHRISTMAS holiday series! WISH UPON A DUKE is another quick read that trumpets fun, feel good reading from one of the most consistently entertaining historical romance authors.

He loves to travel the world, she refuses to leave the tiny hamlet of Christmas, heck, they seem to be like oil and water, not that it should matter because Gloria is only playing matchmaker for the handsome Christopher Pringle. But what happens when a fanciful young lady and a fact-driven gentleman find that opposites really do attract?

I absolutely love Erica Ridley’s style of writing historical romance. It is always rich in the details of the era without being stuffy or over-burdened with “vapor-inducing” moments! Feisty heroines, sturdy heroes and the magic of love fills each book and this one is no exception!

I received a complimentary ARC edition from WebMotion!

Series: 12 Dukes of Christmas - Book 3
Publisher: WebMotion (November 20, 2018)
Publication Date: November 20, 2018
Genre: Historical Holiday Romance
Print Length: 159 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com

Profile Image for Olga Miret.
Author 44 books250 followers
November 26, 2018
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an ARC copy of this novel, which I freely chose to review.
I do not read many novels in this genre, but I am due to translate a novel in the genre from Spanish into English and wanted to do some research by reading some modern novels set in the period.
I have not read any of the other novels in the series, although I understand, from reading some of the reviews, that it is quite popular.
The story seems to be one of opposite attracts, with the man being a stickler for facts and lover of adventures, while the woman loves fantasy and is afraid of travel. As we get to know the characters, we realise that Gloria is knowledgeable and both share a love for technology and astronomy. When she ends up being his matchmaker, we know what to expect. There is love at first sight, a sex-scene that it is explicit but not as detailed as others I have read (and of course, it is wonderful even if it is the first time for her, at least), and a happy ending as required. I quite liked the characters, although they were both quite extreme in their positions, and the speed at which things developed between them required some suspension of disbelief, but I don’t think it was beyond the standards of the genre.
The story is told in the third person, without relying too heavily on descriptions, but provides enough details to help us imagine a romantic setting that perfectly suits the story. It flows well, and it has the usual will they/won’t they moments, without going over the top and making readers get impatient.
A short and light read, with engaging characters and fun moments and although the story is not outstanding for its originality, it should satisfy fans of the genre.
Profile Image for Nicole.
1,253 reviews100 followers
November 19, 2018
Christopher has lived his life mostly in the shadow of his devilishly handsome and rakish brother. Chris wants to settle down with a wife who is his perfect match so he does not repeat the mistakes he saw his parents make. Now that his brother is engaged, Chris finds himself suddenly surrounded by single ladies. Since Chris' policy is to never spend more than a month in one place, at the suggestion of his brother's fiancee, he enlists the help of a matchmaker to speed along the process of finding a wife. Gloria, the matchmaker, is Chris' perfect opposite in every way and refuses to ever leave her home, while Chris finds happiness in travel and adventure. Despite their differences, Chris finds himself inexplicably drawn to one another, but will their attraction be enough to make up for their differences?

I found this quick Christmasy novella to be very enjoyable, although Gloria's fears were rather feebly founded. As with the previous installments in this series, you'll need to suspend your disbelief a bit and embrace the cheesiness to really enjoy them, but this one comes with references to Santa's reindeer and a TLC song if you can get behind it.

I received a complimentary ARC via NetGalley. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Alison.
3,696 reviews145 followers
December 1, 2018
Three and a half stars.

Third novella in a series set in the English village of Cressmouth (Christmas).

Miss Gloria Godwin is a remarkable young woman, astronomer and mechanical engineer, she was traumatised by first her father's death at sea and then her fiance travelling to India and never returning. As a result, she has a pathological fear of water and travel. Despite this fear she loves to read about travel.

The Right Honourable Mr Christopher Pringle, previously the quiet overlooked Pringle brother, is getting a taste of what it feels like to be the most eligible bachelor in the village, he is swamped by eager single women desperate for his hand in marriage. Christopher loves to travel, he makes a point to never stay more than one month in one place, but he would like to share that life with someone so he engages a matchmaker to find him a wife.

Christopher's soon-to-be sister in law recommends Gloria as a matchmaker, and she does indeed find women who exactly meet Christopher's requirements, the only trouble is the infuriating matchmaker appears more and more attractive every day. It's a pity that their interests are so different.

This was a charming Christmas novella, Gloria takes delight in teasing Christopher and indulging her imagination, Christopher helps her overcome her fears.

I received a free copy of this book from the author via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Liz.
2,127 reviews15 followers
November 27, 2018
Christopher Cringle is about to set out on the adventure of a lifetime and it’s one he would love to share with his bride. As a favour to a friend Gloria Godwin endeavours to help Christopher find his ideal woman. But although she finds several candidates that match up to his particular list of requirements Christopher finds himself drawn more and more to Gloria who pretty much drives him to distraction with her complete disregard of rules and her re-naming of the constellations. Is it a case of opposites really do attract but can it last?

The further into the 12 Dukes of Christmas series I get the more I love it. This book is a short, heartwarming addition to the series just perfect for this time of the year. The hero is a product of his upbringing but gradually Gloria makes him relax more and not take everything so seriously. At the same time Christopher encourages Gloria to break free of her comfort zone and to try new things. I loved that neither of them had to give up everything for the other. They learnt the art of compromising. And catching up with some familiar characters in this book was an added bonus. Can’t wait for the next book in the series.

545 reviews3 followers
January 20, 2024
From the Amazon blurb: A star-crossed lovers, opposites attract, feel good romance from a New York Times bestselling author:

Rumor has it, charming adventurer Christopher Pringle is finally ready to settle down. He’s searching for a free-spirited bride to join him on his travels. But when the matchmaker he hires turns out to be the woman he had a public spat with the day before, nothing goes as planned!

Miss Gloria Godwin loves exploring the world… from the safety of a book. She detests her dashing client’s attempts to force her from her comfort zone. It should be easy to marry off the handsome heir to a dukedom. But the more she tries to match him to other women, the harder it gets to say goodbye…

I really enjoy these books. They're fun reads and go really fast . . . or maybe it's just that I didn't want to put it down. This one I finished in a day.

Her resident characters are original and maybe a little 'quirky' yet very human as are the young men who come visit "Christmas" for whatever reason and wind up finding their perfect matches. I found myself laughing out loud more than once and yet there were a couple times I was almost on the verge of tears.

Profile Image for Caitlyn Lynch.
Author 210 books1,825 followers
November 22, 2018
Third in Erica Ridley’s charming The 12 Dukes Of Christmas series of novellas, Wish Upon A Duke follows Christopher Pringle, the younger brother of Nicholas who found his match in Kiss Of A Duke.

After a life in his brother’s shadow, Christopher has fairly simple wants and needs, and the one thing he desperately wants is a wife. Honestly, he thinks his requirements are fairly broad - rational, logical, must love travel - so Gloria, the matchmaker whose help he engages, shouldn’t have too much difficulty helping him find a wife.

Gloria’s beautiful herself, but utterly unsuitable, of course. Her wild flights of fanciful imagination drive him around the bend, but above all, she won’t set foot outside the town of Christmas.

Watching Nicholas fall for Gloria quite against his own will and inclination was delightful, and the story also flips on his head the trope (which I despise) of the woman giving up what she cares about to be with the man. Instead, Nicholas made the decision to give up a dream to be with Gloria, hoping and trusting that she might one day be able to share his dreams, but more than willing to accept her and love her either way. It was well done and genuinely romantic, the kind of moment which brings a lump to the throat.

This is another lovely addition to a delightful series I’m really enjoying. Five stars.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
Profile Image for Shan ~A~.
3,404 reviews66 followers
December 29, 2023
Christopher Pringle & Gloria Godwin

Okay, I went into this thinking the book was about a Duke. I didn't read who it was about, or I would have remembered that Christopher is in line for the Dukedom, but not an actual duke.

Anyway, Gloria ends up playing matchmaker for Christopher, because he's looking for a bride who enjoys the adventurous lifestyle he like to lead. However, things take a turn when they realize they are both attracted to each other.

The thing is Gloria has a lot of fears when it comes to traveling, so how will the ever be able to be together when one longs to leave and the other longs to stay?

These book so far have just been okay for me. The are good, solid, quick reads, but it's missing the hilarity I was expecting. I do like the fact that since they've basically created a Christmas town, they do Christmas related things all the time including caroling in February.
Profile Image for Lori D.
4,080 reviews131 followers
November 19, 2018
The stars align with this fun and humorous Christmas novella! Do opposites attract? Well yes they do! Is it an easy journey to love? Well it can be challenging, but with Christoper, who is seeking a wife, thinks he will find the "perfect" woman for him and fall in love. With the help of Miss Gloria Godwin, matchmaker, there seems to be no doubt she will find that lady. But as the two spend time together, what could possibly happen? Christopher loves to travel and be orderly while Gloria is the exact opposite! She tends to break the rules and wants to stay close to home. But wait, isn't she the matchmaker for him, and not the intended?
A regency romp that will delight you as the humor comes off the pages and these two opposites pull together!!
Profile Image for Regan.
795 reviews4 followers
November 7, 2020
Adorable

I thought that this was a holiday book, but it turns out that the town is called Christmas. Gloria lost both her fiancé and her family because of adventure. Then her friend asks her to play matchmaker for her soon to be brother in law, Christopher. Chris likes facts, rules, and adventure. Gloria’s vivid imagination drives him crazy! Despite their mutual attraction, they know they aren’t right for each other. But as the time gets closer for Chris to sail to India, will they be able to let go?
I loved this book and I recommend it to everyone.
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