These book are like comfort food for me. They're short, lovely, and just leave you happy.

The latest addition to the series features a lovely and confident young woman who hides behind her logic, and a shy, awkward duke-next-door who is rather desperate to come out of his shell. I loved how both helped each other out without noticing it, and it was delightful to see Adam slowly become more open. Cue some cute bickering, and I really couldn't ask for much more.

My favorite moment? Adam trying out pick-up lines on Carole:

He hugged himself and gave an exaggerated shudder. "I must be a Christmas snowflake, because I've fallen for you." She covered her face with her hands. "No. Absolutely not." He pulled her hands from her face and gazed down at her soulfully. "May I borrow an atlas? I keep getting lost in your eyes." "If she has an atlas, she'll hit you with it," Carole said warningly.

3.5 stars

This is a solid short read. The characters are fleshed out well. The writing flows nicely. My only problem with the book was that it was too short. The ending felt a little rushed to me. I would have loved, loved, loved the book if it would have been a little longer and given the characters some more time to get to know each other.

Overall, recommended.

I received a free copy from Netgalley.

The Duke of Azureford, Adam, is shy, but most people believe he is cold and aloof. Making conversation is hard for him, but he plans on starting one... with the addition of a billiards room to his home. With billiards being all the rage, Adam is sure to attract new friends. What he isn't counting on is finding an unlikely ally in his neighbor, Miss Carole Quincy.

Although Carole entered Adam's home under the pretense of finding a lost earring, she cannot help but want to help him. Together, they work on his billiards room. So what if there's a little flirting along the way. They both know she's not what Adam needs in a wife. Find out what happens in DUKES, ACTUALLY.

Author Erica Ridley's 12 DUKES OF CHRISTMAS series just keeps getting better. Her latest installment, DUKES, ACTUALLY, had me hooked from page one. Things to love about the book: we're back in the town of Christmas, it is centered around the holidays, there's a fortune teller... the list goes on. Adam and Carole are absolutely perfect for one another. The attraction is instant, but of course, things get in the way. So glad they were able to get their HEA. I give DUKES, ACTUALLY a 3.5 star rating. I cannot wait for the next duke's novel.

I received an advanced reader’s copy of Dukes, Actually.

Adam, the Duke of Azureford and Carole Quincy are likable characters. They complemented each other so well. I felt the story wasn’t rushed and they were well-developed as characters. I liked how different facets of Adam and Carole were shown as they spent time together and got to know each other. They were both caring and kind characters. I loved how the romance between them was built throughout the story.

This is a cute addition to the 12 Duke of Christmas series. I look forward to the next book.

This was cuuuuttteee.

✓: Adam, aka Azureford, is a shy guy, not a fly guy; it's hot and I loved him for it.
✓: I deeply appreciated and related to Adam's introvert-perfect plan of how to make friends and meet a perfect potential bride. (Basically?: Step 1: Billiards table. Step 2: Host party. Step 3: ??? Step 4: Friends! Bride! No more social awkwardness!) Seriously, so adorable. (And maybe too relatable, ahem.)
✓: Adam's ongoing list on Traits he wants in his future bride. So lovely.
✓: Carol, who everyone admires for her kind, giving nature (and really does have one) and her love of billiards and architecture. I had a moment when I thought it might be too gimicky but it worked out rather well, especially given the length.
✓: The Great Obstacle made sense!
✘: Sometimes the cuteness bordered on contrived. I liked it for the most part, however.
✘: Yes, the whole story took place in only 200 pages, but the falling action felt like a "blink of an eye" quick when I would've loved a few more details.


tl;dr: 3.75. Super cute all around.

“…the perfect match is two imperfect people who happen to be perfect for each other.”

The Duke of Azureford is determined to step out of his introverted shell and become a new man…a man that can start the new London season looking for a perfect bride to be his Duchess and provide him an heir. Laying out a plan to create a billiards room in his country cottage and practice his socializing skills on the locals, the one thing he didn’t plan on was his feisty and beautiful neighbor, Miss Carole Quincy. Miss Quincy is like a ray of sunshine casting light on his dark shadow. With her help, Azureford knows he will be able to succeed in his plan…but as he spends more time in Carole’s company, he discovers that he may have found everything he ever wanted in a bride within a few steps from his front door.

Carole Quincy is fascinated by her neighbor, the Duke of Azureford. Coming off cold and snobbish, she quickly realizes he’s actually shy and socially awkward. Carole agrees to help him learn the art of billiards, and introduce him to the village residents so he may practice before returning to London to search for a bride. But with each passing day, Carole grows to care more and more for her Duke, who does not seem to mind her own personality quirks. If only she had the qualities and resources to be a Duchess…if only she were free to love him wholeheartedly.

Hidden away in the confines of a country cottage, Adam and Carole become the best of friends who don’t have to pretend to be something they aren’t and grow to love each other just as they are.

Dear Reader, I absolutely loved Erica Ridley’s Dukes, Actually. This story is a sweet romance that warmed my heart and brought a smile to my face with their HEA. Highly recommend this quick read and look forward to future installments to the series!


**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **

DUKES, ACTUALLY by Erica Ridley continues her romantic and humorous Regency series, “The Twelve Dukes of Christmas,” set in the town of Cressmouth— or, as the townspeople know it, Christmas. Located in the far north of England, it is a town of great cheer and a way of keeping the holiday spirit the whole year through.

To this little town comes Adam, Duke of Azureford, to stay in his summer cottage. Seen as aloof and unfriendly, he hopes to find a way, while living in this small town, to overcome his shyness and put paid to his unwarranted reputation. He has a plan, but he never took into account that his next-door neighbor is Miss Carole Quincy, a cheerful, outgoing young lady who is a friend to everyone.

Bit by bit, Adam and Carole find that they complement each other, even as Adam continually is reminded of a gypsy fortune teller’s prophetic observation to keep the phrase “five golden rings” in mind. (They’re everywhere!) The Duke’s commitment is to have a beautiful billiards room and learn to play the game in an effort to become more comfortable speaking with others in social situations. Carole’s commitment is to care for her widowed father, but also to create beautiful spaces, such as a spectacular billiards room for the Duke. How did falling in love get into the mix?

I adore the humor that creeps into each page of Erica Ridley’s “Twelve Dukes of Christmas” books, as well as her tongue-in-cheek references to Christmas. Although I received a pre-release copy of the book, please don’t discount my opinion, for it is sincere. I’ve been waiting since last winter to have another “Dukes” book to enjoy and cannot wait for the next!

Absolutely loved Azureford and Carole! Separately and together. She helped him become comfortable with himself and he helped her to acquire her dreams.
A shy Duke and a confident Miss are a wonderful combination and Erica Ridley made them work so well. I laughed a number of times and ended this book with a big smile on my face. Love those types of books. They make my heart swell.

I always enjoy Mrs Ridleys boom and this one was not the exception! I just live the way she creates her stories, her descriptions, everything!!

A solid 4.0 sweet-romance stars

Dukes, Actually is the 5th installment in the 12 Dukes of Christmas by Erica Ridley. I have not yet had a chance to read any of the others but I love the premise of historical romance surrounding the holiday season.

The Duke of Azureford is thought to be arrogant and aloof but in reality, he is extremely shy. In attempts to better himself and shed his shy demeanor, he sets up a house party at his new residence in Northern England. Unfortunately, such immersion therapy wasn't what the doctor ordered and he spends his entire party off in a corner in his best imitation of a marble column and trying to be too obvious about watching his alluring neighbor.

Miss Carole Quincy has a taste for fast carriages, billiards, her mysterious new neighbor, and architecture(!?!). While at his house party, she sneaks into one of his rooms and indulges in her favorite pastime... sketching out architectural drawings and then inserting women engaging in forbidden acts such as smoking cheroots and swilling ale. A mishap has her losing said sketchbook into the Duke's library with no feasible way to get it back without causing scandal. If her book is found, she and her family will be ruined.

And thus we begin our tale. The Duke has been away for 6 months while to House of Lords was in session and has now returned with plans for a new house party. Miss Quincy has been patiently biding her time until the tenant at the Duke's neighboring house vacates and the narrow strip of time before the Duke arrives to gain entrance to the house under a false pretense so she may find her book. Carole fails her first attempt but when she finds the Duke arriving at his residence, she tries again and quickly a sort of give and take friendship is formed.

The Duke, Adam, is aiming to donate his vast library to make room for a billiard table. Carole is an expert at billiards and she desperately wants to just once utilize her architectural skills. (Plus, if she inserts herself into helping catalog his library donation, she can covertly search for her lost sketchbook). Adam lets known his plans to use his to-be-acquired billiards table and subsequent games to help him practice conversing and flirting to help him be ready for the next season in London so he may find his bride amongst the ton. Carole is all too eager to help. A fast friendship, and a little more, quickly forms but they both know that a true relationship between them can never work. Carole has decided to never marry but she needs to stay near her father who is suffering from long-term depression since losing his wife. Adam recognizes that, due to his station, he must marry the correct bloodline with the correct dowry and the correct land just as all his forefathers before him. The angst was nearly palpable.

While we have some steamy kisses and a steamy discussion of going all the way, this book remains in the PG version of romance. In my opinion, this does not detract from the story at all and it kept it light and sweet. I, also, absolutely love when we read books about (and get to witness) people bettering themselves. Not only do you witness Adam coming out of his shell with Carole but you see him support Carole in her designs for the billiards room.

This was a really sweet story about Adam and Carole but also Adam's long-time butler and Carole's long-time lady's maid. I loved the little snippets about the fortune teller and Adam's reactions as the story transpired.

I recommend for those needing a dose of sweetness in their day. Can't wait for more in the series!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for this generously provided ARC!

This was an extremely cute romance to curl up with on a cold day!

The Duke of Azureford, perceived as aloof while he is only extremely shy, comes to his summer house with the intention to work on his social ineptness in order to find a suitable duchess.
His neighbor, a common lady well loved in town for her sunny character and willingness to help, is not suitable as a wife, but he accepts her help in reforming him.

I loved the characters, their interaction, the development of their relationship, ... everything. One of the best books in the series so far (and, as all of the books, enjoyable as a standalone).
During the story he makes a list of "Required Qualities for my Future Wife", one of them:
<b>Even though she doesn't need me ... still wants me</b>
Swoon worthy!

Clean romance, only kissing, bit of groping, nothing else, another big plus.

Highly recommended!

Cressmouth England near Marlow Castle

Carole Quincy is the next door neighbor to Adam Farland, the sixth Duke of Azureford. He is a very busy man used to speaking before large groups of people, but he cannot easily carry on a one-on-one conversation with anyone. He never knows what to say and is simply shy. But, he knows he needs to find a duchess and needs help learning to flirt with young ladies.

When he moved into his summer cottage, he courageously invited a number of neighbors to a dinner party, but he found himself unable to say much to them. At that party, Carole lost a sketchbook that she had hidden in her reticule. She loves to sketch all sorts of things and she most certainly doesn’t want the sketchbook to be found by someone. Pretending she lost an earring at the dinner party, she asks to visit the library where she placed the book to hide it. Pushing her way past the butler, she finds that the books have all been rearranged and now she cannot find it. Enter Adam and from him she learns that he is donating the majority of his library to Marlow Castle. Carole is so scared that the book will fall into the wrong hands. So, she offers to help him sort the books and, hopefully, will find her sketchbook. Their time together becomes fun for both of them. Realizing that Adam is shy, Carole works to help him relax and open up.

Carole is a brainiac who loves trigonometry, and such. She has the capability to sketch things to perfection. She and her father play billiards together and she has become quite the expert. He decides he wants a pool table in his home and needs her help in designing the room and teaching her how to play. They become even closer and even though they are attracted to one another, Carole knows that he needs to marry a woman in his social status and not plain her. Will they know heartbreak?

I loved how Adam respected Carole so much that he would not allow himself to take advantage of her. I also loved Judith and Swinton. They made me smile. A great story. Don’t miss it.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

such a cute story. i love the role reversal where the male was shy. it was so cute. great characters and setting. it was definitely different with billards being a focal point and design.

Dukes, Actually is the 5th book in the 12 Dukes of Christmas Book series. It is another great novella by this author and perfect for a cozy read on a cold day. The novellas in this series all take place in the town of Cressmouth, that had been nicknamed Christmas. They are all fast past, have fun characters and can be read as standalones.
Adam, the Duke of Azureford, appeared cold and aloof, but instead he was shy and didn’t know how to make conversation. It was spring and he decided to return to his summer cottage in Christmas to learn how to converse and flirt in order to find a bride. He is going to change his library into a billiards room, learn to play billiards, the have a party and practice conversing with others before he returns to London for the season.
Carole Quincy loved her father, architecture, and billiards. She was cheerful, outgoing, and loved by all. She had dropped her book of drawings at Adam’s party six months prior and needed to retrieve it before anyone saw her drawings. She wasn’t expecting Adam to be at his summer cottage or his library to be rearranged and complicating her search for her book. Once she learned of Adam’s goals, she wanted to help him.
Carole knew she could never leave Cressmouth because her father would have no one to take care of him. Adam thought he had to marry brilliant society lady. Could their future be together when they both had different plans? I received an ARC and am voluntarily providing a review.

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

Dukes, Actually, by Erica Ridley, is available at booksellers on 10-22-19. Book 5, in Ms Ridley's 12 Dukes Of Christmas series, may be the best yet. I became invested in the characters, mostly the hero, and that makes for a pleasant read. Our couple are immensely likeable, although not a contemporary book, their situations are relatable in 2019.

Adam Farland, Duke of Azureford, is an exceedingly shy man. Handsome as any duke ever, smart, sought after in Parliament, he's tongue-tied in social settings. He has a wonderful home in Cressmouth, aka Christmas, and his plan to become New Adam revolves around it. Like so many of us he thinks there must be a list of things to do in order to change. I like list too so I understand Adam. He wants so much out of life but can't get out of his own way. Miss Carole Quincy is a resigned spinster who looks after her emotionally cutoff father. She also runs the house, plays with local children, plans parties, is a BFF to everyone in the village. Anything to keep busy and not feel so abandoned, lost, and alone. As Carole helps Adam with his plan it beings up old feelings of loss, her family, her future family. She so attracted to Adam, he makes her want things again. Adam opens up to Carole and it's a case of opposites attract. In this case they help each other to find the path to healing. My current favorite line is "A man in possession of a fine billiard room is undoubtedly in want of a wife".

I won't go into to much explanation of the plot, that's your treat to enjoy. These two characters deserve an HEA, they try so hard you root for them. I appreciate that Ms Ridley sent me in search of a definition, that's always fun. I now know what a belvedere is. I hope you enjoy Adam and Carole's story as much as I did. Happy reading.

#Netgalley #EricaRidley #Dukes,Actually #12DukesOfChristmas

A light hearted, engaging story by a new author to me. Great likeable characters – I loved that Adam was not a dissolute rake as in many of these historical romances. Carole is the more confident one who proposes to teach Adam some social skills. I loved how her interests were not typical of females of that era. Funny dialogue especially as Carole and Adam become more comfortable with each other. Sweet romance. Enjoyable read.

Writing is hard, and I've read Erica Ridley before and enjoyed at least one other novel from her, but this unfortunately was a DNF. I love romance, and I love tropes, and yet Dukes Actually did not gel at all for me. I even skipped ahead to see if I was just not getting the cadence of the novel, and landed on an exchange where the young heroine "waves an invisible fan" as she teases the stoic hero, and then the HERO KNOCKS THE INVISIBLE FAN OUT OF HER HANDS.

Readers: At that moment, I was lost. That is one of the silliest things I've ever read in three decades of romance reading. I could not continue. Like, how is that even possible to do?! Sadly, that's how I felt about the entire story.

Two stars because this still might be someone else's kinda jam.

eARC provided by NetGalley. Review reflects only my opinions.

I loved this story as it different from most romances in that the Duke is the one who needs help and his neighbor, a hoyden who loves fast carriages, is a whiz at billiards playing with her father from the age of 8,
The Duke of Azureford, Adam Farland has no friends, most think is too arrogant, cause he never speaks to people unless he has too. But it is because he is an introvert, shy never know what to say or how. Now he has a plan that he hopes will change all that. He is going to build a billiard room in his house and invite
people to come play. Before he can do that he needs to get rid of most of the books in the library.
Carole, is the neighbor to Adam, and during the only parry he had she lost her most important item she owns, her sketchbook.
As she tries to find it helping Adam catalog the library and then teaching him to play billiards these two learn a lot about each other.
What both thought they needed and wanted and what is really important to them
This is a great romance, funny, sad, sexy too, with help from her 60 year old maid, who has been with her since birth and his butler who has been with the Dukes family forever these two find the greatest gift,
I was given and ARC from Netgallery and am giving my honest opinion.
Be sure and get your copy, do not want to miss this one. Enjoy

What happens when you put a shy and withdrawn man and a sassy woman together? I'll tell you what - You get a story that will light up your face and make you believe that love conquers all.

This is a story about two people who couldn't be more different but as you keep reading you quickly realize how perfect they are for one another. The side characters gave this story that final touch for it to be just perfect. I was rooting so hard for them to overlook the "obstacles" in their way and (finally) see how they'll never find better person to spend their life with.

If it's not clear - I absolutely loved this book 😍

Imagine a shy and introverted Duke and an outgoing, flirtatious young miss striking a bargain to help the socially awkward lord come out of his shell and find an appropriate wife.

DUKES, ACTUALLY by Erica Ridley is another quirky, yet charming tale filled with fun characters, a little romance and, as always, Ms. Ridley’s ability to pull it all together and leave her readers smiling!

I received a complimentary ARC edition from Erica Ridley/WebMotion! This is my honest and voluntary review.

Series: 12 Dukes of Christmas - Book 5
Publisher: WebMotion (October 22, 2019)
Publication Date: October 22, 2019
Genre: Historical Romance
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
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