Virginia is a delightfully unique heroine!

Theo has sequestered himself at his friend's remote guest house, hoping to recover from his crippling war wounds in complete privacy. Virginia has devoted her life to rescuing and rehabbing all sorts of wounded animals, and she sees Theo as just another creature needing her help. Neither one expects that they could develop anything more than a nurse/patient relationship, since Theo is expected to marry the woman his father chose years ago, and Virginia knows there's absolutely no way she'd ever be accepted in Theo's titled life.

I love how the author described just enough of Virginia's atypical personality traits to give us an understanding that she'd fall somewhere on the autism spectrum today, without anachronistically giving us an actual label or diagnosis. Theo's tender insight into how to make her comfortable around him was very sweet, and the epitome of gentlemanly behavior. That he would want to shows just how quickly he fell for her, long before he could even admit it to himself.

It was refreshing to see Virginia completely accepted for who - and h0w - she is in the charming community of Christmas. Even so, the epilogue was even more satisfying and did much to right the wrongs that she had endured. It's a wonderful romance, and my favorite of this series so far. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

The fourth book in Erica Ridley’s 12 Dukes of Christmas series, is heartwarming, touching, and fun. The antics of ‘Duke’ make the story even more enjoyable. A gentleman who has decided to hide from society until his wounds are healed, is befriended by a society outcast female with healing abilities. As each helps the other overcome their individual difficulties, a trusting friendship blooms between them and grows into love. The three main characters are developed just enough to not distract from the story, and items from traditional Christmas stories/poems/songs are once again inconspicuously interwoven in the story. Look for the next four books to be released October to December 2019.

Just when I think I have read the best book in this series, another one comes along that seems even better! Of course it is my favorite trope of the wounded hero who needs to find love and happiness. A cottage, a black cat and a town names Christmas finds Major Theodore, Viscount Ormondton, arriving in the town to stay in his friend's cottage and lay low. He has to recover from his mental and physical wounds from the war before he can return to society and take his position.
But who should find him but a cat named Duke and then to follow his owner, lovely Virginia Underwood who lives in the town. Virginia has her own past and wounds to deal with but she has a wonderful nurturing nature that immediately draws her to Theodore to help him heal.
As they get to know each other, truths are revealed about her background which just touch the heart. There are many twists and turns as these two find out about each other and it seems impossible for them to be together. Can they find their happy ending?
As all of the other stories in this series, there was humor, a zany cat and two wonderful characters that will reach out to you from the pages!!

Never say Duke is a sweet romance between a woman who doesn’t fit the mold and was cast away. Virginia is one very strong woman who collects and heals strays. So when Lord Ordmonton finds his way to Christmas. He’s just one more stray to heal.

A war hero, Theo wants to go someplace to heal before he returns to the ton , his soon to be betrothed, and his cousins first season. He’s too busy feeling sorry for himself to realize he holds his fate in his hands.

Together they heal each other and between Prancer and Duke and many other strays it’s a good read as these two search for their place and heal.

Never Say Duke proved to be another adorable installment of the 12 Dukes of Christmas by Erica Ridley and without a doubt is my new favorite of the series.

I have adored Virginia throughout the series and was pleased to see her get a chance at her own happily ever after. Struggling with large crowds, loud noises, and the intricacies of social interactions, Virginia spends much of her time avoiding extended interactions with the other residents and tourists of Christmas. Theo has just returned from the war, suffering from debilitating injuries. Determined not to return to London until fully healed, he chooses to convalesce at a good friend’s cottage in the village of Christmas. Virginia, a resident of Christmas, takes in injured strays and nursing them back to health. When she meets Theo, she decides to nurse him back to health. Theo initially rejects Virginia’s expertise but soon she and her quirks woo Theo. Watching their relationship bloom was adorable and I am hoping that the rearrangement of the library is noticed by the Duke of Azureford and that he will give the reaction I’m hoping for.

Never Say Duke is a quick, cozy romance with a cast of lovable secondary characters. Theo will forever be on my list of book boyfriends. His adoration and complete acceptance of Virginia is swoon-worthy. I am looking forward to the next story coming out of the village of Christmas.

Fourth in this wonderful series.Loved continuing the adventure romances intrigue of these characters.So well written so intriguing.so much fun. #netgalley #webmotion

The fourth book in Erica Ridley’s 12 Dukes of Christmas series is a shiny, glittering star of a read, that may well have just become my favourite of her books!

Oh, this book was so sweet! I was a little apprehensive on starting this one, as the heroine is Virginia Underwood, who has been a background character in the previous three books. I’ve found her to be a bit annoying, as she has a habit of speaking in airy nature-related metaphors and then wandering off mid-conversation – BUT. Getting to see her as a POV character was amazing, as you really get to understand her, and she ended up becoming one of my favourite romance heroines.

Virginia is almost certainly autistic. This is not explicitly stated, as the term really wasn’t used until the 20th century, but she has a lot of traits that would be recognised as such today. She can’t abide crowds, or overwhelming sensory input; doesn’t know when to make eye contact or how to make small talk. She has very niche interests and is a keen observer of situations. People think she’s weird – to the point that her parents, seeing that she wasn’t going to be a success in society, put her in an insane asylum on the other side of the country. Yeah. Virginia’s been through a lot.

But she’s so strong – she escaped from the asylum and made a life for herself in Cressmouth. One that works for her on her own terms. As more of her backstory was revealed, I felt so strongly for her! It was really interesting to realise that I’d been much the same as her horrible parents when I assumed that she was just a quirky background character. Actually, reading this book, you can see how wonderfully caring and nurturing Virginia is. I fell completely in love with her.

But that would make a terrible romance novel, so luckily there’s someone else who can fall in love with her too – Theodore, Viscount Orpington, who’s anonymously come to Cressmouth to recover from terrible war wounds. He is, understandably, pretty crotchety at the beginning of the book, as he has badly injured his leg, to the point that he needs a wheelchair to get around, and his face has been scarred. He has no interest in anything other than sitting alone in the dark until he has healed. Luckily, Virginia, with her experience of caring for the town’s animals, is well aware that’s a terrible way to heal, and takes charge of his recovery. As she puts him through physical therapy, she also starts to melt his hardened heart…

Honestly, these two are so perfect for each other that it makes me grin. They are both so kind and loving, but have been forced to squash it down in order to get along, so seeing them warm up to each other is wonderful. I particularly loved how completely accepting Theodore was of Virginia, which was such a shock to her. How wonderful for her to find someone who sees her as she is truly, and has no interest in making her do things she is uncomfortable with. There’s a great moment where he offers to do something for her, and she says something like, “I’d rather just take one new experience at a time,”, and he instantly accepts that and changes his plans. He makes her so comfortable, and that comfort and openness and acceptance between them is what makes this romance so lovely to read.

Oh, and I’d be remiss not to mention my favourite character: Duke. Duke is a big ornery fluffball of a cat, who provides the initial reason for our two lovers-to-be to meet. He is so much fun! I love when books include cats, and Duke is a perfectly catty cat, with realistic catty traits. He made me smile so much. I hope we see more of him in cameos in later books!

This book is a little less Christmassy than the others, being set in April. Although Cressmouth celebrates Christmas all year round, the introverted personalities of our two leads means that there is less interaction between them and the villagers, so there’s not as much festivity as in previous books. I think this could easily be read all year round! It’s just absolutely lovely. It’s definitely become my favourite in this series, if not of all of Erica’s books, and any fans of historical romance should pick it up immediately. Five out of five stars!

This is the 4th book in the 12 Dukes of Christmas and I have to wonder, can they get any better. Am absolutely loving this series. Each book I read as soon as I get them and read them in one sitting. The emotion and feeling that Ms Ridley writes into these books is amazing. There is humor, sadness and serious emotional issues that she handles with love and care. This book, two every damaged people find restoration and love helped along by an amazing cat. The secondary characters add to the joy of reading this book. You just can’t go wrong with these books. Even though it is part of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone book. It is sad that the next one won’t be released till Oct 19, so we now wait with baited breath for the next one. This was a clean read and I received it as an ARC.

Never Say Duke is another great regency in the Twelve Dukes of Christmas series. Ms Ridley has a talent for unusual heroines that draws the reader into the story and leaves you emotionally invested. Socially awkward and uncomfortable with crowds, Virginia Underwood has an affinity for animals and is always saving strays. When a wounded Viscount shows up under the name of Mr. T, Virginia appoints herself his nurse and adopts yet another stray. An unlikely friendship turns into more for the mismatched couple as they learn to embrace who they are and work towards a sweet HEA. I really enjoyed the unconventional personality that Virginia has and Duke the cat is awesome sauce. This story will become a permanent addition to the shelf of books I reach to for a pick me up when life drags me down, a fun, sweet read. My voluntary, unbiased review is based upon a review copy from Netgalley.

Delightful regency tale!

I was completely won over by the rather unusual Miss Virginia Theodore and her cat Duke. A satisfyingly lyrical story spread liberally with a crazy cat, a wounded warrior (Theodore O’Hanlon, Viscount Ormondton) hiding out from his perhaps betrothed, and a mysterious young woman who is totally unexpected in both thoughts and habits. Ice cream and kisses sprinkle the way and if the two lead characters have troubled pasts then so much the better. Healing is a wonderful journey.
I smiled a lot and I loved that crazy cat with its so independent nature. Whimsical moments are prompted by the unusual actions of the Duke of Azureford redoubtable butler Swinton.

A NetGalley ARC

Having been on a recent historical romance binge, this is my first book by Erica Ridley and will most definitely not be my last.
She has written a beautifully engaging love story with thoroughly likeable characters. You can feel Virginia's anxiety and Theo's determination bleeding through the pages.

Never Say Duke is the fourth book in the 12 Dukes of Christmas series. I loved this sweet romance! Theodore is viscount who joined the army to fight in France. He becomes an Army Major. While in battle he becomes seriously injured. Therefore he travels to Christmas to recuperate anonymously. It is because a cat named Duke that he meets our heroine, Virginia. Virginia has appeared in the previous stories and we see that she is a gentle soul who loves to take care of injured animals. It is then that she takes upon the task of becoming Theodore's nurse. Theodore initially refuses her help. It is these scenes that made the story so sweet. She is helping him recuperate physically while he helps her recuperate of her emotional scars. Though the story is not a long one it was very well written and gave this reader all the feels when it comes to reading a romance story.
I highly recommend this series. Each book can be read as a stand alone. I've been lucky to read them all so far. I do have to say that this is my favorite one. I will definitely will continue with the series.
There are no sexy times included, but it was not necessary to the story.
*Thank you to the publisher/author for the ARC I got through NetGalley for review.*

Never say Duke by Erica Ridley is book 4 in the 12 Dukes of Christmas. Virginia Underwood is always rescuing stray animals. Her latest turns out to be a war hero returning to heal his many wounds. Theodore O’Hanlon, Viscount Ormondton, is staying in Christmas at a friend’s summer cottage. He doesn’t want anyone to know who he is and where he is as he recuperates from facial and leg wounds received in war. When he is healed, he is to return to London and ask Lady Beatrice to marry him. This was all prearranged by their fathers. He is in his room when Miss Underwood charges in to capture her cat that had entered the cottage through an open window. From there, the story is so sweet as she strives to heal his knee. Loved this story as well as all the others I have read by Erica Ridley. A complimentary copy was received from Net Galley and this is my honest review.

My favorite book in the series so far! I loved Virginia from her small cameos in the previous books and knew there was a great story there. Her vulnerability is hidden by her compassion for those that are hurt and her candor and poetic turn of phrases is refreshing. Theo’s acceptance of Virginia and her quiet doctoring is touching and it’s lovely to sense them falling in love as the pages turn. The scene stealer in this book is His Grace, Duke.

This book was LOADS better than I expected it to be. I love Erica Ridley, I don’t know why I would ever have underestimated her, but I have learned my lesson. Never again!

Virginia was such a lovely heroine. I absolutely adored her. I love quirky heroines, and Virginia was among the best I’ve ever read. Theodore also was a wonderful character. He was honorable, dashing, understanding, and just… *swoon* Anyone that knows me knows that I have a weakness for those wounded war hero stories, this is absolutely no exceptions.

This entire book was fantastic. I fell into the story from page one, and did not put it down. I even loved the supporting characters! Even the cat! I spent the whole of this Saturday morning in Christmas. It was so fun! I cannot wait to return!

Laugh out loud moments will keep you turning the pages of Never Say Duke. Fourth in the 12 Dukes of Christmas series is a charming tale of a wounded war hero, Theo, who is trying to convalesce in secret and in a quiet atmosphere of anonymity. Sweet, well loved Virginia takes him on as one of her wounded creatures. She is going to make sure he heals quickly and thoroughly. With the help Swinton, the Duke of Azureford’s butler, Virginia comes and goes whether needed or not.

The Duke of Azureford sent his butler a note of introduction for Theo telling him not to mollycoddle Theo. Swinton not only pulls out the note as needed to remind Theo of his ‘normal’ treatment, he share the note with Virginia. She loves and cares for all wounded creatures and, in the process, wins over Theo’s heart. The trouble is, Theo is almost betrothed to another and has been since birth.

Back to sweet Virginia, you realize fairly quickly that she is on the autism spectrum. This makes you love her all the more. Virginia is protected by the people of the charming village of Christmas. They protect her as well and love her tremendously. Virginia knows and realizes that family is whom you chose, not to whom you were born. The characters in the previous books in the series are her chosen family.

The title Never Say Duke has the honor of being the cat’s name. Duke, the cat, responds like a dog. Virginia has trained Duke to follow her commands - most of the time. He, also, has a will of his own and begins to stick with our wounded war hero. So, our hero Theo is not a duke, but is heir to a marquisette.

Don’t miss this book! It may be after the Christmas season, but this book and this series will be delightful reading any time of the year. Erica Ridley is one of my go to authors when needing a great weekend book to read!

I received an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review

I loved this story- so sweet and heart wrenching. I’d love to see more romances with ASD heroines. Perfect

This is the fourth book in the series. I couldn't wait to read it. I loved hearing about the other characters from the previous books too. Another winner! It was well told. I liked that they both had to overcome issues. I love the cat. Too funny! Great read!

NEVER SAY DUKE by Erica Ridley gave me more smiles and laughs than I’ve had in a long time - and that’s saying something, since I read it just after celebrating the holidays! Wait until you’re introduced to the Duke in the story! He’s amazing!

Forgive me for all the exclamation points, but this is a story that deserves them. NEVER SAY DUKE is the fourth novel in the series The Twelve Dukes of Christmas and I do believe it’s the best so far. I was thrilled to receive a pre-release copy via Net Galley and it seemed like an unexpected Christmas gift. Without any doubt in my mind, I will reread it. Often.

Theodore O’Hanlon, Viscount Ormondton, has arrived in the town of Cressmouth, better known as Christmas, to recuperate from his severe war wounds. He is grouchy (rightfully so, due to pain) and wishes to remain totally anonymous. However, Virginia Underwood, a permanent resident of the town, arrives on his doorstep to reclaim her cat, who had invited himself into Theodore’s borrowed cottage by way of an open window.

Virginia is known for taking in wounded stray birds and animals, caring for them with tender devotion. Despite his initial snarls, she decides that Theodore is her next rehab patient and is slowly able to work her way into the heart of this lovely man, announcing she will nurse him. Gradually, gently, and painstakingly, she does just that. (As a nurse, myself, I must admit, she did a very credible job, too!)

As Theodore progresses, he realizes what a treasure Virginia is , but also comes to realize that she has secrets of her own. It is absolutely not my place to define a character for a writer, but I believe that Virginia has Asperger’s, on the very mild end of the autism spectrum. Theodore’s acceptance of Virginia exactly as she is, is a sparkling bit of pleasure. There are some very difficult battles to wage, for both of them, and the wonderful way they deal with them, is a joy to behold.

Oh, you just have to read it! It’s a laugh-out-loud treasure and also one of the sweetest love stories you can imagine! (There go the exclamation points again! Sorry/not sorry!) Please do!

I love, love, love this story! Virginia is different...in a wonderful way. She helps everyone she finds in need from birds to war heroes! Theo has such a heart! He has committments to his father that he has no choice about...or does he.

This story is magical. You'll laugh, feel sad. Feel joyfilled. Just a very lovely story!! Enjoy it.