Lucien has a goal and nothing is going to distract him from returning to France to claim his inheritance. Unfortunately, he makes a promise to his young nephew and niece to learn English, something he has stood against the whole time he has resided in Cressmouth, where Christmas is a year-round event. His quest takes him to the Marlowe Castle library where he literally runs into the outrageous Miss Meg Church and before he knows it, she is tutoring him in English. Lucien is uptight and controlled, whereas Meg spills every thought, much to Lucien's bewildered amusement. The unlikely couple have more in common than initially meets the eye, but it could just be that their very heritage will stand in the way of them finding happiness. This well written novella has laugh out loud moments, but there is also an underlying pain as both Lucien and Meg have to deal with their past. Having met these characters in previous books in the series, I enjoyed reading about their story. I received a copy of this book through NegGalley and this is my voluntary and honest review.

Another delightful and funny addition to the Dukes of Christmas series. Not the best so far but still a relaxing read.

This is my fair and honest review, voluntarily given, in my own words for this ARC. I have said it before (several times) and will say it again. I am not a very "christmas tale" kind of woman but I LOVE this series!!! Buy the full series and read in order if you can.

This is one of the sexiest stories I have read that is pretty much clean. Meg had me in stitches waiting to see what Lucien would say or do with her innuendoes. I could imagine his face and had to laugh. This is by far my favorite book and couple in this series. Meg and Lucien are delightful characters who grow to love each other deeply. Ms. Ridley’s writing is impeccable as always and her storytelling is flawless.

When the last Le Duc ready to leave soon for France finally needs help from an english miss ...

And this series continue with each new book a lovely romance.
No it is Lucien’s turn, the taciturn, secretive French smithy to find his happily ever after.
Meg is not the usual spinster, I would call her the feminine version of a rake or rogue, she is very free, maybe a bit too modern but she enjoys her life with no reputation to protect as a merry spinster.
Lucien has spent his life doing the right things to provide for his family but also keep his family legacy’s promise. But now it is time to going back claim what was his, it will be an alone trip as his siblings have found their other half here in England.
Up to them to mend what might keep them apart if they are willing to see what really counts.

A lovely tale with reverse roles in this couple, about where you belong and to whom.
4.5 stars

I was granted an advance copy by the author and preordered my own.
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.

This was a fantastic Christmas gift from Erica Ridley to her readers! The only drawback to it is the fact we have to wait almost a year for the next title in this fabulous series.

We readers have been waiting for Lucien’s story for a long time, and not only did it NOT disappoint; it was my favorite of the three le Duc siblings’ stories.

I absolutely loved the idea of the hero needing lessons in another language and that that kept him from socializing with the village around him. I felt it was a very interesting take on a grumpy hero. Meg was certainly not your average historical romance heroine, either! I wasn’t sure I would like her at first but I really did by the end. She was unconventional and a lot of fun.

The town of Cressmouth is always a pleasure to visit and I can’t wait for the last 4 titles next year!!

*I received an eARC from Erica Ridley in exchange for an honest review.