This was my first novel by Erica Ridley, and I highly enjoyed the reading experience. I appreciated that I didn't need to really read the previous books in the 12 Dukes of Christmas series to understand this one. I loved the set up between Belle and Calvin. I thought that first unexpected meeting and charisma over pies was incredibly sweet and fit in with the whole feel of the plot. I did find that some of it was predictable, but I think a little predictability is okay in romance. You want the main characters to end up together in the end. It's one of the beauties of romances. It was clear that they would find their way to each other, even though the journey to get to this inevitable ending was fun and sweet to witness. Overall, this was a nice read that definitely gets you in the Christmas spirit.

Dawn with a Duke is the ninth book in the 12 Dukes of Christmas series and like the eight before, this one was just as enjoyable. Erica Ridley's writing is always consistent and I know when I sit down to read, I'll not want to stop until the final happily ever after.

Dawn with a Duke showcases Lady Isabelle (a duke's daughter) with a commoner - Calvin McAlistair. They are both staying at an Inn near Christmas, where Isabelle's brother is hosting his Christmas ball. For Lady Isabelle, to avoid scandal as her chaperone did not make it to the Inn due to a snowstorm, she poses as a widow. And Calvin is a designer, hoping to secure the backing of a duke for his line of suits for the commoner.

Calvin and Isabelle have awesome chemistry. And I love how Isabelle's artistic talents help Calvin with his endeavors. Of course their lives will be entwined, and of course they will end up together. But how they fight their attraction, realize their connections, and then accept their Happily Ever After is the fun in this story.

Lady Isabelle Borland traveled with her maid, Ursula, to Cressmouth, a city also known as Christmas, for the Yulitide party that her brother, the Duke of Nottingvale offered every winter.
Unfortunately, along the way Ursula was very ill, and Isabelle thought it would be better to stop at an inn so that the maid could rest and be examined by a doctor.
The last stop before Cressmouth was Houville, Hoot & Holly inn.
Upon arriving there the discovery was frightening. There was a wave of influenza around the place and many other people were sick, including some employees of the inn. This meant that the place was overcrowded and the service was precarious.
Even so, Isabelle managed to get the last available room.
The cafeteria, also packed, she had no alternative but to share a table with a stranger.
In order not to damage her reputation, she began to introduce herself as Mrs. Lépine, a widow.

The gentleman was Calvin McAlistair. He had no title. In fact, he was on his way to Cressmouth for a business meeting with his partner, Jonathan MacLean, and a future investor to the work Calvin had been working on for months.

Calvin was a tailor. He learned the trade from his mother, a famous seamstress in London. He did not think to be another tailor for the noble and very wealthy people, who already had their favorite tailors. He wanted to sell clothes to the common people, but with the same quality as if it were custom-made. The label would be called "Fit for a Duke".

"And what do you deserve? Should you not gain recognition for your efforts in addition to financial compensation and the joy of sharing your work?"
"I don't care what about people think of me. I'm trying to improve how they see each other. I want to give them the means to full confident and fashionable, even if they're spending the evening at home with a book and a cat."

After the first pleasant conversation, Belle and Calvin discovered that they were staying in neighboring rooms. But he was not there to distract himself, even though that widow was extremely beautiful.
However, Belle encountered an obstacle: her dresses.

In the absence of her maid, she had no way of removing the buttons on the back of her clothes, and there was no innkeeper available to help her. It was then, when she made a different proposal to Calvin...

From this business arrangement that the two started to make, Belle got to know Calvin's work, and offered to paint the sketches made by Jonathan, which would be presented to the investor.

And from those visits to Calvin's room to work, the first kisses came.

A storm caused them to stay at the inn for more days than planned, and the feelings between them grow.

Calvin discovered that Belle was not only an excellent water colorist, but her drawings were like a dream. She had the desire to publish them in a book (but how could she, being Duke's daughter and sister?)

The day before their last night, she finally found out who Calvin's investor would be, and decided that she deserved to have a worthy farewell... and they had a night far beyond kissing.

The next day, the truth.

Calvin felt doubly deceived, not only because she was not a widow, but also because she was the sister of a duke. Their lives were not made to cross, much less to fall in love, but who could give orders to the heart?
Calvin had a life plan to go on (and he hoped from the bottom of his heart that he wouldn't go bankrupt before he even started), and Belle had a princess life to live.
How could they be a couple with a world of differences between them?

"Don't wait for a hero. Be one."

4 stars

I am not new to Regency romances. I've read every Julia Quinn book published up to this point, and many more by other authors. I'm currently challenging myself to reread every Quinn book by the end of this year. While they are my favorite, sometimes I need a different kind of historical romance.

Dawn With a Duke caught my eye because of the series name, the Twelve Dukes of Christmas. I mean, who can pass up a Christmas romance?

Adding to the appeal of the story is the snowstorm and illness that keeps everyone locked in for two weeks. The perfect time in Regency romance to fall desperately in love.

But what made this book truly special is the people. I loved the juxtaposition of Bella, a literal belle of the ball and high society miss, and Colin, a unique kind of working man. His use of clothing as armor reminded me of my use of makeup as a way to show the world who I really am. And his creativity and love of fashion made him something of a kindred spirit.

The plot had a solid amount of drive and interesting twists, with my favorite type of ending. One in which everyone is not just happy, they are happily themselves. It is always a wonderful addition to a happily every after when the romance helps the couple become the best versions of themselves.

While books like these follow a formula (and that's a large part of their charm), they are still incredibly satisfying. They always make me look at my husband in a much for romantic light. We're ensconced in the suburbs in a comfortable upper middle class life, and after 14 years, our marriage does somewhat lack a spark. But books like these with their sweet details make me think that the spark could still be there.

Dawn with a Duke is a lovely reminder to all of us that the best way to love and to live is by finding people who bring out the best in us.

I have read all of this books in this series so far and this one is by far my favourite! Lady Isabelle is caught in a snowstorm on her way to Cressmouth and her ladies maid is sick with the flu, so she ends up alone for quite some time under an assumed identity at an inn. Calvin is at this same inn completing work on a very important project. Calvin is working on a line of ready-to-wear fashionable mens clothing (a new idea during these times) and Isabelle ends up painting the styles for the catalogue. These two end up working together and falling for each other. Only Calvin doesn't know her real identity, or that his investor is her brother.

I enjoyed this story so much! The only downside for me was the ending wrapping up so quickly and there were a few moments where I could only suspend my disbelief so far. But still so worth this quick read.

Erica Ridley wrote "Dawn With A Duke" .... need I say more? I received an ARC of this love story from Netgalley. Calvin McAlistair and Lady Isabelle Borland, two beautiful and talented people are stuck in the same hotel because of a snow storm. They are spectacularly in need of each other without knowing it. Belle pretends to be someone she'd like to be but who in real life is who she really is. Another fabulous romantic story.

Most of this ninth book in the 12 Dukes of Christmas series, unlike its predecessors, mainly does not take place in the town of Cressmouth, aka Christmas. Unlike many of the other books, this one actually takes place at Christmastime. Lady Isabelle and her maid become snowbound on their way to her brother, the Duke of Nottingvale's annual Yuletide party. Unfortunately, her maid becomes ill and needs to be isolated with others who are also sick. This leaves Belle on her own for the first time in her life so she claims to be a widow to save her reputation. Calvin McAlistair has been staying at the same inn working on a proposal for none other than Belle's brother. Of course, neither is aware of that fact. Circumstances draw them together, finding them enjoying each others company and becoming a little more than friends. To say much else would give away too much and i don't like to write spoilers. One of the best things about this series is discovering who or what the duke is in the book. Erica Ridley never disappoints with her tales. They are a delight to read.

Instantly you love, sympathize, and understand the heroine Lady Isabelle. She is kind and generous and a true artist at heart. Unfortunately her lady’s maid doesn’t enjoy the snowstorm having caught a terrible fever. To avoid ruin, Lady Isabelle deploys a false identity (no knew practice for her) and develops an all-too-relatable sweet, tender, joyous friendship/partnership with her handsome inn neighbor.

You hope and hope that these characters end up happy and together, but this story doesn’t follow the predictable path of most historical romances.

I love all of Ms. Ridley’s literary works and Dawn with a Duke doesn’t disappoint. Five out of five! Thank you netgalley.com fir the advanced ecopy jn exchange for an honest review. This one gave me all the feels.

This book is another good story in Ridley's series 12 Dukes of Christmas. It has romance, Christmas spirit, and a smart, beautiful, talented character in Belle.

Number 9 in the Dukes of Christmas stories / novellas.
As always in this series a very sweet story with a soupcon of feminine issues in the 19th century. Here we are thinking about the fact that women, especially in higher levels of society, were items for sale or barter. They were to do as they were told in all aspects of their life and their husbands, fathers, brothers or other male relatives were their owners. And mothers and older women reinforced this attitude as they had succumbed to it. Women of the higher ranks must never go anywhere without a female companion not be seen alone with a male. And of course the garments that they wore were not designed to be easily put on and off without help. It wasn’t until 1848 that corsets were made with front lacing so that a person could take them off herself. And whilst coats (pelisse)

might have front frogging fasteners, most upper-class dresses were fastened at the back so as not to spoil the line/effect.
Ready to wear clothing of any style and quality were not available, most people mad either own or employed someone to make them for them.
This story looks at how the first manufactured garments began in the nineteenth century and how ready to wear clothes could be made and sold. In fact ready to wear clothing has a much older history than this -The Short History Garment Industry from Bellatory says that ancient Babylonia shipped and distributed some ready-to-wear garments as early as 1400 BCE (BC). In Ancient Rome, garments were produced in workshops of up to 100 workers to outfit the military. But even in the 19th century, whilst ready to wear was still developing, most garments relied on hand stitching and it wasn’t until the late 1800s that factories were supplying large quantities of clothing.

I enjoyed this novella, but would have love to have read this in a longer format which allowed for the romance within it to develop a bit further, and to avoid the perfect clean ending that ended up happening! The romance between Belle and McAlistair was really sweet, and I enjoyed seeing how their initial 'meet-cute' unfurled to become a friendship and then into a love story. However, the primary conflict between them just resolved itself way too easily and quickly, and, as much as I hate OTT angst in romance novels, this novella could have done with a bit more drama in those last few pages, if only to make the story feel more plausible and realistic. I imagine it ended like this as like a Christmas thing, so I'll give it the benefit of the doubt, but I really do feel like the novella would have been strengthened by developing the story further with the parts after their time in the inn together, and a more realistic ending. 3-3.5 stars :)

This book was kindly given to me by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!

Regency romance is my guilty pleasure - I love sitting on the sofa on a rainy afternoon with one! Add Christmas into the mix and I'm usually sold.

This one was a little bit disappointing - the setting/place names kept distracting me from the rest of the story, and every time I raged at the ridiculousness of a village in ENGLAND being called Houville and a town at the TOP OF A MOUNTAIN being called Cressmouth, it distracted me from the story. It was like the author decided that England is actually Montana or something.

The plot itself was pretty enjoyable, and I did like the fact that the MC had an interest other than just men. On the whole, fairly forgettable though (except the ridiculous place names).

‘Dawn with a Duke‘ is the ninth story in the ‘12 Dukes of Christmas‘ series. Although I’ve purchased the previous titles (in a binge-buying spree), frankly time got away from me before I could read them prior to this release. So, it’s a good thing these are Christmas themed stories for I can get caught up easily over the next few weeks. It’s also a good indicator to me (one who tries to read series in order) that this title could be read and completely enjoyed on its own, which makes me believe the earlier ones could be read that way as well.

Most of what you’d want to know before picking up this title can be found in the Cover Description. What can’t be felt there is the utter rightness of these two people being together, slowly falling in love in spite of their differences, or finding a way to make sure that love lasts a lifetime – no matter what life or society tossed their way. I liked Belle and Calvin so much. Yes, there is a feel of steamy chemistry between them, yet there is also the feeling of a slow burn, a getting to know each other through those quiet moments, a sense that they are exactly what the other needs in their lives.

I had an excellent time in this world, which only makes me want to start a binge-reading of the earlier titles immediately. If you love a really good romance with believable people in unusual circumstances then you’ll want to pick up ‘Dawn with a Duke‘ right now.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

Dawn with a Duke is the 9th book in the 12 Dukes of Christmas series.
This time Cressmouth (aka Christmas) is not actually the scene of all the action.
Calvin and Isabelle are stuck in a posting inn on the way to Christmas. Calvin is trying to get his business up and going. Isabelle is on her way to her friend's and then her brother's place.
Circumstances throw them together, giving them both a chance to break out the restrictions normally placed on them by their respective positions in society.
I really liked both Calvin and Isabelle. Although Calvin is a little slower to get to know than most heroes, he's definitely worth the wait.

Gosh I love this series! Every single book makes me smile. Isabelle was an absolute delight and I loved how she wasn't your usual HR heroine. And Calvin, well he was just perfect. I enjoyed that they were from different stations and their connection felt very real. Their banter was so fun & their chemistry had that great blend of naivety of the time and still hot. I loved it!

Another little love nugget from Erica Ridley. Bite-sized, yet filling. You can read a Ridley romance in a day or savor it for a week, but you'll always get a satisfying meet-cute, a woman struggling against the patriarchy, one steamy love scene and a happy ending.

The star-crossed couple in this one is trapped together in at an inn during a snowstorm. Ooh la la! The only thing I had trouble believing was the ending. Everyone in Belle's family was perfectly fine with her marrying a commoner? Really? She didn't know her family too well, did she? She's got the most forward thinking brother of the era!

It was all wrapped up a little too nicely and quickly. I kind of wanted her NOT to admit she had lied or find out his investor was her brother and them both to part ways wishing they'd kept in touch. THEN have them run into each other at her brother's Christmas party and realize the truth/work it out. More drama build up that way!

Daughter of a Duke is suddenly sideline by her maid's illness. In a snowstorm, she must stay in a very small village without an attendant to dress and undress her. Her very attractive neighbor offers her his service with a sign document that he will never divulge to the social circles of the ton. Hence begins a relationship that ends in true love.

When a snow storm and a sick maid leave Lady Isabelle stranded at a posting house on her way to a Christmas party, she poses as a widow to avoid all gossip. She didn't plan on meeting Calvin McAlistair and he didn't plan on meeting her. Calvin is trying to get the last bits of his business proposal worked out and cannot afford the distraction.

Dawn with a Duke is a super cute, sweet and quick read with a little bit of humor. I liked that Calvin was "average" and that Lady Isabelle was the one to make a grand gesture. I've really enjoyed the slightly interconnected series. Definitely recommend especially if you're short on time and want or just love Christmas and regency. Excited to see where the next story goes.

Emotionally thrilling roller-coaster adventure filled with engaging charters, interesting dialog, heart racing twists, exciting turns and passion. Really enjoyed this edge of your seat witty and fun adventure. Great reading!

I’ve read most of the books in this charming series by Erica Ridley, but it doesn’t matter if you haven’t read any of them; you could absolutely pick up here and thoroughly enjoy it, because they’re all standalone. In this one, Lady Isabella, sister of the Duke of Nottingvale, has to interrupt her journey to Cressmouth when her maid and dear friend falls ill. Snowbound in an inn with no maid to help her out, Bella rather desperately asks a gentleman for assistance.

Tailor Calvin MacAlistair has grand plans to launch a line of ready-to-wear fashion for aspiring gentlemen and no time to pamper ladies who can’t manage to undo their own buttons. Except you can’t really leave a lady trapped in a gown, can you? And once they start talking, they discover they rather like each other… and might just be able to help the other one out.

Things go wrong when Bella discovers Calvin is seeking her brother’s patronage, but by then it’s rather too late to guard their hearts. Bella has to decide what she wants out of life, if she’s willing to let her mother and brother dictate the mold she is to fit herself into, or if she is willing to step outside those bounds and follow her heart.

This is an absolutely delightful series and this might be one of my favourites yet. I really enjoyed Bella getting to make her own decision and having agency; while Calvin provided a pathway for her, she was the one who seized it with both hands. Five stars for a thoroughly enjoyable read.