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.

This story is more in line with what I know this author is capable of. Both characters are charming, and flawed in their own way. The addition of the cat (whose name I dare not speak) was a wonderfully comical addition that added more laugh out loud moments than I can count.

The chemistry between these two was interesting - in that I thought Theo would be too stubborn to actually listen - so seeing not only they pair confide in one another, but having Theo performing the rehabilitation tasks set before him (even when there was no one to see) added to my overall enjoyment of this story.

I will say that my few "problems" with this story stem from the fact that while I enjoyed watching these two interact with one another, I do wish we would have seen more of a conflict between Lady Beatrice (who dare I hope will get her own story), as well as how Theo's father reacted when he introduced Virginia as his wife, but even without those instances this was still a very enjoyable story that I feel will appeal to fans of this author.

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

I loved having this chance to finally get to know Virginia better. Her roll in the previous books had left me thinking she was a bit of an odd duck. And, while she isn’t the typical Regency woman, all her cryptic comments and actions now make much more sense. She’s been hiding so much strength, passion, and a heartbreaking vulnerability. Theodore is every inch the strong, silent, noble man – not just a nobleman. A war hero who deeply values his honor, he’s a little at a loss when he’s sidelined by his injuries and Virginia forces him to accept her help as his nursemaid. (And that of Duke, her temperamental cat with more personality than this book can hold.) I loved this pair together. Watching them open up to one another liquified my gooey marshmallow heart.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author through NetGalley.

This is the fourth book in the Twelve Dukes of Christmas series. This is Miss Virginia's story. Virginia always takes in strays. She donated the partridge for the aviary in Christmas. Sometimes things she says don't always make sense to anyone but her. Her cat, Duke can never resist an open window. While she was taking a walk, Duke goes into Lord Azureford's cottage. He is not at home but someone else is there. It's Theodore, Lord Ormondton. He is there, anonymously, recovering from war injuries before he goes to London. She goes in to get Duke and sees his bandages. She thinks he is the most handsome man she has ever seen despite his face being scarred. Virginia starts helping him with recovery even if he doesn't want it.  The more she visits, the more they care for each other. She never wants to go back to London and society and he is to become betrothed to someone whom their parents have picked out. She will never marry. Her secrets and abandonment issues will prevent it. She will live forever in the castle in Christmas, seeing her few friends when they are there. When his recovery is complete and he readies to leave for London to take up his duties, will be be able to leave Virginia? This is my favorite book so far. I loved all the the characters, especially Duke. The interactions between the H & H was magical. I received this book from Net Galley and WebMotion for a honest review. The opinions are my own. 5+

Yes, Virginia, there is a Viscount...

Miss Virginia Underwood cannot resist rescuing a stray. Her latest find turns out to be a surly, reclusive war hero trying to recover from his wounds in peace. He doesn't want her help—and Virginia definitely doesn't want to fall in love. Not when a future with him would mean returning to the the same haut ton who laughed her out of Town during her very first Season.

Theodore O’Hanlon, Viscount Ormondton, sequestered himself far from London to heal in anonymity. For now, he can be himself. As soon as he returns, he's meant to wed the woman his father selected years before. But when Miss Underwood turns his carefully mapped life upside-down, Theo must decide which battles are truly worth fighting for.

I love this series. In all of them so far there has been a bit of hope, humor, and most of all love. This one doesn't deviate from this vein.
This quick read is book #4 in the Twelve Dukes of Christmas series. In this one the Duke is a cat by that name instead of our hero. You feel like saying "Yes Virginia There is a Santa Claus".
Virginia is a rescuer of all creatures be they fowl, feline or in this case a man. She can't help herself. After being sent to an asylum by her family and finally escaping the horrid place, she has a penchant for helping others in need. That fact has lead her to help Theodore O’Hanlon, Viscount Ormondton even if he at first refuses that assistance.
Like all of the books in this series it isn't a lengthy read but a very satisfying one though.
Sit back, relax and read Never Say Duke, 12 Dukes of Christmas book #4.
I gave this book 4.75 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization. This sweet novella and the first three in the series are not to be missed. Look for the rest to come soon.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book from the author via NetGalley. This in no way affected my opinion of this novella which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

After being badly injured in the war against Napoleon, Theodore O'Hanlon, Viscount Ormondton, has come to the village of Cressmouth (nicknamed Christmas) to recuperate in his friend's vacation cottage. The major is confined to a wheelchair with a damaged knee and bandaged face, hiding out from society and his overbearing father, a marquess, who disapproves of his only son and heir's behavior in going off to fight and expects him to wed the woman the marquess has chosen for him. Miss Virginia Underwood has never been able to pass up an injured animal in need of care and determines that she must care for Theo as well, despite his surly attitude and lack of cooperation.

I enjoyed the development of this story and the main characters' relationship. I appreciated that Theo was decisive and there was none of the back and forth drama that's so common in the genre and so irritating to read. In the previous installments of this series Virginia has been one of my least favorite secondary characters, as her habit of speaking in vague metaphors annoyed me, but that has been toned down some in this book and she has a tragic backstory and relatable social awkwardness that makes her likeable. This book wasn't steamy at all, unlike its predecessors, but I find that, because of the storyline itself, this is my favorite of the series thus far; plus no cheesy puns in this one, which could be good or bad depending on your perspective. Either way, it's a fun, quick read.

I received a complimentary ARC via NetGalley. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Now this is a love story. Theo and Virginia are two hurt soles,that come together through Duke the cat. Duke plays a wonderful role in this book. Together along with Duke they learn to heal and learn what true love is. A wonderful clean read.

I love this whimsical series of romances set in the village of Christmas in bygone times. As the series progresses, characters who are the main focus of one book fade into the background and then other characters come to the fore. I’m looking forwards to reading the next in the series.

Never Say Duke by Erica Ridley is the first book that I have read in 2019 and I am so happy to have started with this absolutely lovely romance.

The story takes us to Christmas, a small town in the Northern most part of England where it is Christmas all year round. People of this town are poles apart from the Londoners. They are happier, friendlier and more welcoming to any and everyone who comes to their town. It is this warmth and acceptance that attracts visitors from all over the country to visit this remote town.

Virginia Underwood has made her home in Christmas and is happy with her life. Often made to feel unwelcome because of her unconventional and quirky ways, she has found acceptance in her small town and has friends who truly care for her but despite all this, she knows there are some milestones in her life she will never reach like falling in love, marriage, having a family and doing all the things that other people take for granted but that she has difficulty doing. A nurturer by nature, she cares for strays and is often happier with them than with humans.

Mr. T who is actually Major Viscount Ormondton has come to Christmas to heal from his war injuries before he makes it known to the world of his return and is ready to take up his responsibilities in London.
A chance encounter brings him face to face with Virginia and soon they become close.

The beauty of this book is the crisp narration that had me feeling like I was there every step of the story. Everything felt like happening in technicolor around me. I loved the characters, the world building, the emotional play and the subtle messages that the author conveyed through this book. I love Erica Ridley's writing and she outshines herself in this book and this series.

Two imperfect people, braving their own fears and insecurities can become perfect when they come together to complement each other. The importance of acceptance of one's partner in a relationship is beautifully brought out in this beautiful book.

Ormondton's acceptance of Virginia's quirkiness and readiness to see beyond while Virginia's acceptance of his drawbacks to look beyond them to his heart had me openly crying and then falling in love with these characters a little more as the story progressed.

I absolutely adored Virginia's cat and his antics had me laughing all through the book.

A perfect mix of humor, clean but intense romance and an emotionally rich story, Never Say Duke by Erica Ridley is another great addition to the already must-read 12 Dukes of Christmas series. I have read all the past three books in this series and they keep getting better and better with each new installment. All are standalone romances but the characters make appearances across the books.

A book that left me goofily smiling at the end and feeling proud of the protagonists, I enjoyed each second spent reading Never Say Duke by Erica Ridley and give it 4.5 super shiny stars out of 5 and Njkinny strongly recommends it to everyone.

An inspiring story that teaches us to stay strong, believe in ourselves even if others don't and never stop trying to better ourselves without letting the negativity get to us, I know I will re-read this book any time I feel down and so look forward to the next books in this series.

I received an ARC from the publishers via Netgalley and I am very thankful to them. The above is my honest and unbiased review that is in no way influenced.

Okay, I know this series is only part way through but this is my favorite book in this series so far. Virginia and Theodore are lost characters who find companionship and trust in each other. I admit to laughing out loud at the Duke’s antics and Theodore’s surliness with him. A fantastic story for everyone to read and realize we are all different and that we must find happiness for ourselves.

Brilliant! That’s the first word that came to mind after finishing “Never Say Duke” by Erica Ridley. This is Book 4 in the 12 Dukes series, and the first I read of this author. I did not know what to expect of a book taking place in a town called Christmas.

The dialogue was effervescent as champagne, a perfect read to start the New Year. Virginia was a pure delight. She was quirky without being annoying, tragically situated without wallowing and being a downer. Her chemistry with Theo, the grumpy viscount, was refreshing, and I couldn’t wait to see how they’d turn out. Very romantic, light on the passion, and I am okay with that. It’s been a while since I’ve a read a book so pleasant.

I enjoyed reading the story so much that I am looking forward to the next one in the 12 Dukes series… and I may go back and read the first three to get caught up.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced electronic copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was another enjoyable novel by Ms. Ridley, bringing together romance and Christmas. Miss Virginia Underwood is does not fit in with London society and has lived several years in the town called Christmas. She does not do well with crowds, but has a good heart. She rescues strays and cares for them until they are healed. Her next “project” becomes Theodore O’Hanlon, Viscount Ormondton. Theodore went to war to prove himself, but was injured and scarred. He goes to Christmas to heal and be away from society. He knows his duty, even though is not what he wants but what is expected of him. Theodore does not want help from Virginia, but he grows to enjoy her presence and they begin to fall in love. However, Virginia has no plans to ever marry, enjoying her freedom and her past would embarrass Theodore in society. Still, no one can deny who the heart loves and one has to face their fears to move forward in life.

Virginia does more than help heal Theo's knee. Also his pride. Theo doesn't know how he's helping Virginia heal just by being himself. The fact that she's willing to be in a crowd shows the trust and love that they share. My heart hurt for Virginia while learning what she has had to go through.

Never Say Duke is Erica Ridley’s latest entry in the Dukes of Christmas series, and another entertaining romp through the town where Christmas is decidedly not just one day in the year. This is Virginia’s story, and it is a vindication of the specialness of this rather odd woman who has been appearing in the previous stories as a side character.

It is lovely to read a historical novel(ette) without miscommunication as a necessary plot device. Virginia and Theo communicate clearly and honestly from the beginning, even if initially Theo’s communication is mostly made up of grumpy growls. Definitely readable as a stand-alone, but also enjoyable as part of the series.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Never Say Duke (12 Dukes of Christmas, #4) by Erica Ridley I absolutely love this series...Thank you Erica for letting me review this book. Virginia Underwood(collects wildlife strays and fixes them ..she is some what of a stray herself) Theodore O'Hanlon (Major Viscount Ormondton.. wounded in war and hiding out in Christmas to heal) Virginia takes on healing him and they heal each other. There is Duke the cat and other animals ... Plenty of feelings, laughs, some tears, and romance all leading to a very HEA. I can't wait to read DUKES, ACTUALLY the next book in the series.

Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Romantic Entertaining Whimsical Easy-to-read Page-turner Wonderful characters Great world building Funny Happily Ever After

So Far Theodore O’Hanlon is my favorite male character in the 12 Dukes of Christmas. However he is not the Duke in this story. That goes to a scene stealing cat named of course Duke. Duke is the reason that Theodore even meets Virginia setting the stage for them to fall in love. Are there problems? Yes some but they are very real feeling and do not keep the two apart for any time. A fun addition to the series.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.

This is my fair and honest review in return for being allowed this ARC. I LOVE this series. I am not a Christmas kinda story woman but this entire series has been so refreshing! There is hurt and darkness and and joy and obstinance and laughter and tears and just wonderful tales in EVERY SINGLE ONE. Seriously, buy the entire set and read from the first to the last.

A Sweetly Engrossing Tale.
Virginia I guess falls somewhere on the autism spectrum. Her family abandoned her due to her social awkwardness but years later she has managed to make a life for herself despite them. She is an unusual woman and has a talent for healing broken animals, such as Duke the cat, who thinks he’s a dog, and a partridge she has named Dancer. When Duke’s antics lead her to discovering an injured man, she uses her talents to heal him and in the process they fall in love. I loved this story and how all the loose ends were neatly tied up in the last chapters.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

So far, this series has not disappointed! Theodore is hiding out in Christmas to recover from his war wounds. Virginia has escaped her life by living in Christmas. This is the story of them both learning to face their fears and learn to live life which they do while falling in love. I loved Duke, the cat. His high-jinks were funny throughout the book. Swinton, the Duke of Azureford's butler stole the show for me! Thank you for the advanced copy. This is a series that I will be sad when it ends!

Miss Virginia saved the life of a cat, a magnificent creature whom she has named Duke. He answers to it with a hiss. But if you respond with 'Thank you Your Grace,' he will present his belly for petting and purr. Once he has approved of the grouchy invalid Viscount Ormondton, he is well on his way to benefiting from her incomparable way with healing creatures.

Duke is the matchmaker in this tale set in the holiday village of Christmas. Since being carried from the battlefield incognito, Ormondton has been presumed dead by the press, when he is simply hiding from an arranged marriage. Years ago, Virginia's parents committed their 'inconvenient' eldest daughter to a sanitarium, whence she escaped and was also presumed dead. Instead she became Mr. Marlowe's ward and has followed her inclinations into biology and medicine, in the estate's shelter.

Will they both step back into society, giving one another the strength to face challenges as their true selves? Theo Ormondton has the heroism and Virginia has the endurance. It's all in how they phrase it.