Dukes, Actually by Erica Ridley is another gem. The personality of each character is so distinct! They are delightful as I got to know each one. And, in combination they are dazzling. The storyline is cute and fun. I enjoyed every page! Love the Christmas "themes!"

Absolutely adored this book. I love whenever Erica has a new book in this series and can’t wait to read them. I love how completely pulled into the characters you get and how invested you are. There is enough explanations in the book to read it as a stand-alone but if you read them in order you might pick up on more. A great read.

I liked this installment in the 12 Dukes of Christmas series, as I enjoy the community dynamics and the complicated and sometimes quirky characters. I was amused by the mature romance going on in the background behind the lead characters' story. The twist that brought about the happy ending was a terrific departure from the typical direction I was expecting things to take.
I voluntarily read a complimentary copy provided by the author via Netgalley and I offer my honest opinion in response.

Yay, Erica did it again! I love coming back to Christmas, to meet new inhabitants and see how they learn to enjoy the village. This time it is the Duke of Azureford, Adam, who realizes that he needs to overcome his shyness if he ever wants to find a wife. Because currently, everybody thinks that Adam is an arrogant prick, because he doesn't talk to anyone. So, he has decided he will give a big party in his winter estate at Christmas. But the idea of having to talk to people all the time pretty much scares Adam. So, now he has an idea to transform one of his rooms into a billiards room. Surely, that can't be too difficult?
Miss Carole Quincy is the neighbor of Adam. She isn't shy at all, but she hides a secret: she loves architecture and she would like to reorganize rooms. But no woman is allowed to do stuff like that. When she accidentally loses one of her secret sketchbooks at the Duke's place, she tries to retrieve it. But she is caught by Adam. In exchange of his silence on the sketchbook, Carole promises to help him create his billiards room and help him overcome his shyness. But while they bicker and banter, a beautifully romance is blossoming. And not only between Adam and Carole... Swoon and sigh and enjoy the story! Five out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.

This is one of the 12 Dukes of Christmas series. You have Miss Carole Quincy who lives next door to the Duke of Azureford. She is a modern women who has been brought up by her father to be an expert at billiards. She has a passion for architecture and is keen to design the Dukes new billiards room. The Duke is thought to be aloof but just finds small talk difficult. This is an enjoyable story as you follow them overcoming society’s dictates to find all they need is each other.
I was given an ARC of this book by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

A fun, enjoyable, lovely read about two opposite people who have become friends. She is outgoing and friendly, he is reserved and does not know how to communicate. And yes, the fifth book in the 12 Dukes of Christmas series includes five golden rings symbolism. Truly a relaxing read, it's hard to give to much feedback without spoilers; five golden stars for Erica Ridley.

Carole and Adam find themselves drawn to each other regardless of what society dictates. Carole has a loving and forceful character, she is confident in who she is and what she desires. Adam knows what is expected of him as the duke but he also knows what he wants, and a marriage without love is not in the books for him. A sweet and tender romance between two opposites, it was heartwarming the way love entwined them without them being aware of it.

The characters in this latest entry in the Dukes of Christmas series are swept together by their determination to improve their situations. Parliamentary business comes easily to the Duke but small talk does not. His lovely neighbor strikes him speechless, yet he is determined to master the arts of sociability by learning billiards. It so happens that Miss Carole Quincy has been playing since childhood, in an effort to sustain her deathly depressed father after her mother's death. Her love of geometry has led her into exactly the mastery needed for the sport.

The incidents that bring them together will require them both to step out of their comfort zones and into something they thought impossible-- true love. And there are far too many fey coincidences with a fortune teller and servants flirting to be entirely realistic this time. The attraction between Azureford and Carole is so overwhelming that we are swept along by it against our better judgment. Suspension of disbelief is required in this imaginary Alpine corner of Regency England, evidently.

Really enjoyed this action packed, funny, charming and engaging adventure filled with interesting charters, witty banter, thrilling twists and exciting passion..... was a great read from beginning to end.

3.5 stars - Is this supposed to be a novella? Because it felt like one. I enjoyed it, as I do all of the offering from Erica Ridley. I do, however, wish it had 2-3 more scenes to see intimacy growing between the two main characters. I would have also appreciated a scene or two showing the heroine arriving, preparing for, and adjusting to the obvious changes that being introduced to London society would bring about. As is, it feels less fleshed-out than her other novellas.

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

Dukes, Actually by Erica Ridley is the fifth book in the 12 Dukes of Christmas. These books include quirky characters, a town always full of Christmas spirit and lots of hope and love. Miss Carole Quincy has to take care of her father and the household. She lives for the time when her father comes out of his study and plays a game of billiards with her.

The Duke of Azureford is a shy, reticent person. He has a plan to be a more open person capable of finding a bride. Meanwhile Carole Quincy lost her journal in her neighbor’s house and has to find it, before it is found by others. Carol and the Duke work together to help him and find each other.

Erica Ridley books are fun reads. The characters are always interesting and multi faceted. I like how they are so determined to help others. Dukes, Actually by Erica Ridley is a good read.

While I love reading historical romance books and the author is one of my favourites in the genre, this book felt a bit too short of everything for me.
It felt too easy and not that much suspense and angsty or even funny moments in big doses to keep my attention to much or to make it memorable.
Looking forward to other books though because I won’t give up reading anything by the author for sure.

I loved reading Carole and Adam's story. Carole is exactly my kind of heroine - interesting, multi-talented, but still with complexities and insecurities. A woman who reads math books and plays a mean game of billiards, who knows what she wants and figures out how to achieve it.
Adam is not your cookie-cutter hero. Yes he's a duke and he's wealthy, etc. But he's incredibly shy - it feels like it's nearly a crippling shyness in one-to-one social situations. You don't come across that often in books. He's endearing and I love the fact that he takes Carole seriously - not just playing along to keep her happy.
This book is one of those perfect read-in-an-afternoon gems where you can lose yourself in a happy place for a while.
As with all Erica Ridley's books that I've read, I'd recommend this book to fans of historical romance.

Great hero, great heroine, and perfect story line. I absolutely adore Erica Ridley's writing style and plots.

This is wonderful fun, lots of great characters and an interesting story to keep you reading. I liked the humour in the book and enjoyed the pace and style of writing.

I like all of Erica’s books that I’ve read so far and this one is another winner, Very sweet and charming story. Loved it. Thank you publisher and netgalley for this arc in exchange of an honest review.

Book five of the 12 Dukes of Christmas series a well written Regency story that held my interest throughout. This is Adam the Duke of Azureford and Miss Carole Quincy who he wants to help him find a wife with these Required Qualities for my Future Wife with these characteristics she must be Friendly, Fearless, Good with children, Must like each other!!, Honest, Reciprocates feelings, Thoughtful, Puts family first,Knows what she wants, Does everything she can to achieve it, and Even though she doesn’t need me… still wants me. It will take him awhile to realize she is right in front of him. I enjoyed reading their story.

I've read several books by this author- they are usually good, this time I was tad disappointed. The characters were really nothing wow. Adam wasn't as he was described. when we read these novels we all know the ending. it's the in-between part that intrigues us. This book was just - everything fell into place too easily. Father automatically got better- how about adding a convo with Judith or something? Adam was magically just waiting? and bumped into her. and she had too much courage to say what she had to infant of people. It was just too cookie cutter for me.

A short, lighthearted and fun read.

I'm a fan of historical romance, although I read mostly contemporary rom-coms. When I do go for historicals, I like them to be lighthearted and fun, and Erica Ridley is one of my go-to historical authors.

Adam is a serious introvert, and he's looking for the perfect Duchess. While he's confident in Parliament, he's so tongue-tied in social settings that it's adorable.

Carole Quincy is content to be a spinster, run her father's house, be everyone's best friend but never have love herself.

Adam decides he's going to be a new man, and he enlist Carole's aid. Along the way, they discover each other, and they fall in love. It really seems like a case of opposites attract, but in reality they are each other's complement in such a great way.

Adam, a shy duke and Carole, a lively neighbor make for another wonderful story from Erica Ridley. She is one of my favorite authors and I try to buy as many of her books as I can. This is a sweet story, you will enjoy.