I received a copy from NetGalley; this is my honest review.
#12dukes #NetGalley
-I always loved Virginia's quirky sayings in the other three books. They are à point every time.
-Theodore caught my heart when he let Virginia come back to take care of him and put his pride on the back seat.
-Both were endearing when they whispered together to prompt or explain, as an aside, even when though no one was around.
-The secondary character were really important here: Duke the cat, Swinton the butler and the castle clerk.
-Loved the twist at the end. Didn't see that coming. Good job.

This is a nice historical romance read. The plot started slower at the beginning, but quickly became one of those reads that captivates you and makes you find out more from the story line. I have enjoyed the plot, the twists and tender moments here. The only thing I would have change is the fact that there should be more "bubbly" moments instead of descriptive ones. 4 ouf 5 rating for me.

I was grateful to receive a free copy of Never Say Duke in exchange for an honest review. This was such a unique story, and the relationship between Theodore and Victoria was so entertaining. Those two were made for each other. Definitely a good book, that I would highly recommend to friends and family.

Loved Virginia and Theo together, and Duke the cat was awesome! The story line was very well written and it was great to watch Virginia and Theo find themselves with each other.

What an absolutely delightful story! The heroine is such a hoot in her naive determination to see the world the way she believes the world must be, even when she's wrong. The book alternates between the viewpoints of Virginia and the hero, Theo. The author has done an outstanding job keeping their viewpoints very distinct; the reader will have no trouble distinguishing their voices. When the book starts, Theo’s sections are more dark Regency than we expect in a romance. In his case, it's appropriate because he has been severely injured in war. (By the way, I appreciate that the author addresses the plight of a severely wounded warrior in this book; again, not common in a romance.) In fact, few know he is back in England as he retreats to his friend's estate in the country. He just wants to lay in the dark in his room away from those he knows and heal. Virginia, after her cat charges into Theo's bedroom, will have none of that. She sees that he needs a nurse, and she states that she will be that--whether he wants her to or not! She has a tendency to take in strays and hurt animals, so she can't imagine not doing taking care of this injured, hurting man. Theo makes some sarcastic demands which Virginia takes seriously. Very soon, Theo starts to warm to her--how could he not when she brings every flavor of ice cream to him!

I was surprised by the subtle and not-so-subtle humor in this book. Regency can often be written in a stuffy or pompous way, the author trying to mimic what he or she believes Regency should be. The book still felt immersed in the fictional Regency worldview without being artificial or constrained by it.

If you like well-written Regency with a touch of humor and a whole lot of heart, you might enjoy this book.

I enjoyed this book. It was very short and funny, with likeable characters and believable chemistry. If you are looking for a clean, well written and short historical romance, you may want to pick up this one.

I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book 4 in the 12 Dukes of Christmas series. I loved this story. It was a cute, fun, and romantic read. I cannot wait for the next one.

This was a fun and entertaining read. The character development is organically woven into the story. Virginia is delightful and quirky (I recognize the Asperger traits and think she is well written). I loved the conversations between Virginia and Theo, as well as their internal dialogues. The setting is familiar as I have read the previous volumes in the series; this adds to the world building, as well as catches us up on familiar characters. This is a great read to fill a few hours with sweet, sentimental smiles. Safe for all ages of romance readers.
I voluntarily read an advanced review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley and I offer my honest opinion in response.

Oh how I love this series and this book! Erica Ridley again gives us two charming and relatable characters with baggage who are drawn to each other. This is a fantastic love story that is entertaining and sweet!

Thank you for letting me read yet another wonderful book by Erica Ridley. I don’t normally read “Christmas” books but this was good. I thought the treatment of Virginia was awful. Theodore was such a ray of sun for Virginia

Erica Ridley sweeps you off your feet in this charming romance between Theodore and Virginia. Virginia can't help but feel the need to take care of the lost and injured and doesn't bat an eyelash at Theodore's attitude.

I wish I had known this was part of a series prior to reading this book, I would have started from the beginning. Never Say Duke can be read as a standalone book however, and I attribute that to the picture Ms. Ridley painted with her words. I couldn't put this book down and I will definitely be on the lookout for future titles!

Love love love this. Well written, exciting and entertaining. Touching on PTSD can be difficult but I think Erica Ridley did a wonderful job. Cant wait for more

You know I really enjoyed this story of Theo and Virginia. This was not your typical story line that is written. PTST is a real illness that Virginia had. I think that's why the two of them went together so well a war hero and a girl with a outlet on life for all creatures big and small. Thank you for this refreshing twist both saving each other and all the creatures in the world

Hmm. This book touched on subject matter that I am familiar with, and while the author clearly did research the subject, it wasn't handled realistically. So that jarred me from the beginning. However, people who are not familiar with the subject probably won't notice it. So I won't post details, I don't want to highlight it. There are also some historical inconsistencies,
Other than that, the book was short. The characters became emotionally intimate quickly. Problems were resolved quickly. There was no time to develop any of the characters or their relationships. The heroines backstory was solved in a flash (though only at the end). There were no big baddies, no real conflict. At the end everyone was happy.
I like the author, I like her writing style. I enjoyed the book.

Virginia Underwood lives in the town of Christmas where she finds refuge and a purpose by adopting and caring for stray animals and birds. She has a cat named Duke who hisses when you call him by name, but he becomes a lovable furball when you call him Your Grace. The cat was simply adorable!

Theodore O’Hanlon, Viscount Ormondton, has arrived in the town of Christmas taking shelter secretively at a friend’s home to recover from the ravages of war, and from his injuries sustained there. When Virginia meets Theodore, she can’t help but appoint herself to nurse Theodore back to health.

I was enchanted with this unique, sweet story and smart writing by Erica Ridley. I also enjoyed the witty dialogue. I could not help but fall in love with Virginia, Theodore, and Duke. I could sympathize with them and took joy in two broken souls becoming whole.

There were so many charming scenes, such as the ice cream scene, where she induces Theodore to use his crutches to reach ice cream she has placed around the room!

The cover might lead you to believe that this is a steamy Regency Romance, but it is, for the most part, a cleanly written, sweet romance (two very small suggestive phrases). The cover does not seem to fit the contents of the book.

Never Say Duke is a very heartwarming and charming read.

I received an ARC from Net Galley; this is a review with my honest opinion.

A wounded war hero, Theo, aka Viscount Ormondton, is hiding out in the country to heal. The heroine, Virginia, helps him to heal. I found the heroine to be unusual which makes this story more appealing. She is an introvert who doesn’t like crowds and lots of loud noise. I enjoyed the chemistry between them!

While Erica Ridley's stories tend to be a bit unrealistic and often verge into the territory of being boring. "Never Say Duke" isn't great in any aspect: the characters are boring and cookie cutter, the story itself has been done before and definitely done better. It's just okay for what it is.

Finally, it is Virginia Underwood's chance at love. She is constantly helping others. She is searching out wounded animals. She desires to be needed and to give love to all. When a reclusive war hero appears in her town, she makes it her mission to help him. She does not care if he does not want her help. She is going to help.

Theodore O'Hanlon, Viscount Ormondton, does not need anyone, or want anyone. That is why is has sequestered himself as far away from the ton as he can imagine. He has to heal from his wounds so he can marry the person his father has chosen for him.

As his body heals, he finds something more meaningful. A woman who won't leave him alone. A woman who helps his heart, mind and body heal. Once he is healed, he must choose to follow his heart, or his duty.

I loved this story.It is a great addition to the 12 Dukes of Christmas. Erica Ridley is a wonderful author. I am enjoying her Christmas books.

He could tell the servants who he is, surely.

Asking for help might be a good idea when you want to recover quickly.

Beatrice sounds simply charming. Not.

Gives new meaning to the term "cat burglar."

What rules?

At least he can still be gracious.

She talks to the cat like he speaks English.

Why does she have a secret sanatorium for birds? Everyone knows she rescues animals.

Poor girl has no self-confidence because of her parents.

What's wrong with carolers?

I'm not good with change either.

She makes a good physical therapist.

Haha!

Jerk parents.

Get your own life, Beatrice.

Someone please slap this solicitor, already. He should have offered her a paid position years ago.

We are all Gloria right now.

Her parents aren't exactly a great loss to humanity.

I loved this book. Virginia was so full of life and impossible not to love. Theo is so gruff, but seeing him thaw was delightful.