I have very much enjoyed Erica Ridley’s “Twelve Dukes of Christmas” series. DAWN WITH A DUKE is the ninth book in this delightful series and continues the engaging plot twists that demonstrate that a duke is not always a duke...

In DAWN WITH A DUKE, the majority of the story does not take place in the lovely village of Cressmouth, better known as Christmas for its year-round holiday spirit. Instead, we join two stranded travelers, Lady Isabelle (a duke’s sister) and Mr. Calvin McAlistair, Both Belle and Calvin are on their separate ways to Christmas when they fall victim to a chaperone with the flu and a blizzard that just won’t give up. Their gradually developing friendship allows them each to reveal hidden talents and hidden secrets.

Although I enjoyed the book, I would not rate it as a favorite of the series. Being stranded at a small posting house limited the number of characters introduced, and I missed the interactions of the characters found in the beautiful town of Christmas. That, however, is a small issue from what is, overall, a lovely adventure. I received a complimentary pre-release copy of the book from the author and NetGalley, but this opinion is entirely my own, freely provided.

I really liked the book. I like how independent and strong the main female character Belle was and I enjoyed her journey through discovering herself and her worth from the beginning to the end of the book. I also liked the Calvin the main male character however I don't feel like this character was as fleshed out as the main female character. He seemed a little bit more flat and I felt there was not as much character growth with him. I also struggled to feel as much chemistry from the characters as I would have liked.

I enjoyed the writing very much. This was my first book from Erica Ridley that I have read and I did not realise it was number 9 in a series but I will definitely be checking out more from this author in the future and will be picking up more books in this series in particular because I would like to read about more of her characters and hope some of the side characters in this book feature in previous books because I did like them very much.

I loved the setting for this novel and how the hero and heroine met. It was a situation I had not thought about before and it was so interesting. I'm looking forward to the rest of the 12 Dukes of Christmas series!

Lady Isabella or Bella as she prefers has bee brought up to know what her duties are being the daughter of a Duke and has every intention of fulfilling them. When she must stop at an inn to get help for her sick maid she knows she must protect her reputation so she poses as a widow and not using her real name. Calvin is a tailor of little means but a great dream for the future, he wants to start a line of ready-made clothes for the regular man so they too can dress to impress at an affordable price. He works around the clock time enough for fun when he gets his dream. When a blizzard strikes everyone is stranded at the inn where help is short because of this Bella must seek help from Calvin, she is amazed by his designs and he confides in her that the deadline to complete everything is approaching fast and is not sure if his partner will be able to color the pictures for their catalog. Bella is quick to show her coloring skills and ends up working with him. As the snow slows and her maid recovers she knows her time as an independent woman is coming to an end, and Calvin must also move on to find his dream. What happens when Bella tells the truth of who she really is what will Calvin say and what would the do.

Dawn with a Duke is another winning historical romance that turns the genre on its head as a Lady finds love with a common man. Lady Isabelle always seems to be on the outside looking in as her mother's rules for what a Duke's sister will and won't do seem to stifle all the things that she enjoy. An ill maid/chaperone leaves Belle unattended at a posting-house. To protect her impeccable reputation, Belle pretends to be a wealthy widow. Calvin McAlistair is not good with social graces or people in general, preferring his own company. A tailor by trade with big plans for his future that rely on a Duke for backing, Calvin never planned to fall for a wealthy widow who cannot seem to fend for herself but love has other plans. Sweet with unconventional characters, the story brings smiles and happiness for a feel good read with a memorable HEA that will leave you coming back for more of the 12 Dukes of Christmas series by one of my favorite writers of historical romance. My voluntary, unbiased review is based upon a review copy from Netgalley.

This was a very enjoyable read and a great new addition to this series. Belle and Calvin's story was a entertaining blend of sweetness, humor, emotion, drama and heart. Calvin was 5 star book boyfriend winner that will have you totally wishing he available in the real world just on the hopes you could get a chance with him! As for Belle, I liked her but I so wish that chosen to be honest before push came to shove. Despite that though, I felt that this was a really good read that had a couple you couldn't help but fall in love with.

On her way to spend Christmas with her brother, Lady Isabelle is forced to stop at an Inn to wait out a blizzard. Her maid is sick and is unavailable to chaperon her for her stay, so for the first time in her life, Isabelle is on her own. She meets Calvin McAlistair, a tailor who is embarking on a new business venture. Isabelle fieels her new , independent self blossoming is Calvin's company but what can come of a relationship between a tailor and a duke's sister? The story was well done, showing the development of both the relationship between Calvin and Isabelle as well as how they both grow as people in their new circumstances. I got very caught up in the romance and consider this one a keeper.

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC. I haven't read the previous installments in this series, but quite enjoyed this one. You'll definitely have to suspend familiarity with historical romance social strata, etc. here, but at the same time it shone a light on the day to day realities of people in those strata, which I thought really enriched the story. It was a quick read and super sweet. The ending could have been a bit longer and more detailed (or subtle) instead of basically wrapping up with one big blow-up, but it worked out alright. Would definitely curl up with it over hot chocolate during the holidays.

Finally managed to get this downloaded, and guess what? I LOVE this book. I am now a new fan of this author. I couldn’t recommend this enough.

This was a delightful romance between two characters who at first glance appear to come from different worlds but as one pretends to be a widow instead of the duke’s daughter that she is, love blossoms. The characters were well thought out and you couldn’t help but cheer for them.

Reared to believe that image and reputation are everything, Lady Isabelle finds herself in a dilemma when stranded in a snowstorm with a sick companion. Forced to make a quick decision, Belle assumes the role of a widow with a fictitious name, whilst her maid is put in the sick room with others suffering from the same malady. When an immaculately attired gentleman invites her to join him at his table, given that there is no other seating space in the room, Bella takes a chance and joins him. Despite their initial caution towards each other, there is attraction and a meeting of minds as they find themselves enclosed in an inn whilst the storm rages outside. Calvin offers Belle the opportunity to explore her creative side and to discover that she can be useful and have a purpose in life. All she needed was someone to believe in her. This delightful romance, part of the 12 Dukes of Christmas series, is as well-written, entertaining, witty, and enjoyable as all the previous books. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

Good historical romance with strong leading characters, great read for a wet afternoon.. All works out right in the end

I received an advanced reader’s copy of Dawn with a Duke by Erica Ridley.

This entire series has been an enjoyable read. I thought Bella and Calvin were an adorable couple. I loved that they shared quiet moments together and we get to see their relationship develop. Isabelle has some realizations as a result of this relationship and is able to value her skills and finally be able to go after what she wants.

I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.

This is the ninth book in the "12 Dukes of Christmas" series. It had a different feel to it. Lady Isabelle feels bad when her chaperone gets sick, but she uses the opportunity to have the freedom and independence her station as a duke's daughter doesn't give her. Pretending to be a widow, she meets the handsome Calvin McAlistair. Isabelle discovers that she needs Calvin because without him unbuttoning her dress, she is trapped in her clothes! As their relationship develops, Isabelle finds out more about Calvin and helps him.

I liked how Isabelle changed while she was at the inn. She was able to develop her personality from a daughter of a duke to an independent young woman. Calvin was a determined business man who was making his future better. He didn't expect to find the woman he desired while snowbound at an inn, but he did!

I really wish that the end of the book could have been developed more and the book was longer. It was one of the best books in this series.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by the Author and NetGalley. Thank you!!

Dawn with a Duke is the 9th book in the 12 Dukes of Christmas series by Erica Ridley. It can be read as a standalone, but if you haven't read the previous books I am sure you will want to after reading this one.

Lady Isabelle is on her way to her brother's Christmas party when she ends up snowbound at a posting inn. She has had to make an unplanned stop there because her lady's maid is very ill with the flu. The latter is quarantined with staff from the Inn who have also contracted the flu, leaving Isabelle (Belle) to cope on her own. Coping by herself is something she has never had to do.

Calvin McAlistair has been at the inn a while but he too is now snowbound. He is sitting by himself in the very crowded inn when Belle arrives and is told to look for a seat so that she can have some food. Calvin sees there is nowhere else for her to sit and welcomes her to his table. He likes to keep to himself so is surprised with himself for offering her a seat.

That is their introduction to each other and when circumstances have them spending their days together they become firm friends. The problem is that Belle has had to lie about who she is in order to save her reputation having to stay at the inn on her own. Calvin doesn't think he is good enough for her and that is without him knowing that she is a Lady. That doesn't stop either of them feeling attracted to each other but can that attraction lead anywhere? Of course, it can, but can it last when there are so many lies to be revealed.

This story is fabulous, I love that Calvin is a tailor and I love his business plans. He is such a wonderful character and I dreaded the moment he would discover that Belle had lied to him. I knew it wouldn't be pretty and I wish I could have jumped into the book to comfort him when it happened. I just hoped that Belle would find a way to make good, and she did of course, so I was left with a big smile on my face. I am sure you will end up smiling too.

A delightful romance to savor and enjoy filled with witty dialogue and amazing characters as Erica Ridley so artfully pens!
On her way to Cressmouth and Marlow Castle with her mail Ursula, Lady Isabelle is force to stop and take refuge at the Inn due to Ursula's sickness. Posing as widow, Mrs. Lepine due to her being the daughter of a Duke, Belle tries to make the best of things until the can get to her brother's house.
Calvin McAllister is also on his way to Marlow Castle. He is a talented tailor and hopes to meet with The Duke of Nottingvale, Belle's brother, during Christmastide.and get some backing.
When these two meet they seem to be pulled together and Belle helps him with his designs to be presented. The plot thickens and as the two work together they grow closer.
Loved this addition to this wonderful series and as always the author wraps us up in a story that brings humor and a little intrigue that leaves us only wanting more!

-- Read this review, and others, on my blog at www.hookedbythatbook.com --

Lady Isabelle has made peace with her lot in life as a duke’s sister – keep quiet, smile a lot, and marry well. But obviously there is more to the lady, and she isn’t extremely excited about this future. So when our beleaguered lady finds herself stranded at an inn, because of her maid’s flu, she makes the best of the situation at hand. She styles herself as a widow, and befriends the unsuspecting Calvin. Calvin is on a mission to convince a duke to invest in his clothing business. And his potential investor is none other than Isabelle’s brother. Gasp!

Well, the two of them hit it off spectacularly, but are they destined to only share a few days together?

This is a great series, and thankfully you don’t have to read them in order. This book is another light, fun, romantic read, with interesting characters. Calvin and Isabelle both act like the mature adults that they are, and are therefore able to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings (well, maybe not all of them).

Do yourself a favour, and add it to your to-read list, and read it on a day where you need a pick-me-up, or any other day will also do.

Thank you to Webmotion and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Oh my goodness, was this amazing!!! Where do I begin!! Calvin and Belle make the perfect couple!! So much sweet but secure tension...and a lovely winter, Christmas romance!! From the opening paragraph, I was hooked! Erica Ridley has a great way with words, and I am drawn into time and place immediately. I started reading this book last night at 1 am and could not put it down. I had to do after about 100 pages, as I needed to sleep, but I practically flew through the rest of this. The dialogue is perfect and conveys not only the frustrations of each character but also serves to illustrate a building relationship. As an aside, I am a huge fan of actor Daniel Day-Lewis, and I loved him as well as his character in 'Phantom Thread.' This book reminds me a bit of this movie...which is also one of my favorites! Now this book is one of my favorites as well! :)

My oh My Erica just keeps getting with this series. I've loved them all but this one was really special.
Lady Isabelle is the daughter of a Duke, and now the sister to a Duke. The most powerful, handsome most wanted Duke. All of her 24 years she has been told what to think, do and how to act. Lessons began very early so she could marry just the right ton man. One with the proper title so her mother
would not be shamed. She has been told by her father, women don't think, and cannot do anything.
They are to look pretty and marry well. WOW... Isabelle is different than most ton Lady's she doesn't really like doing nothing, going to balls, making small talk about nothing. She loves painting and does so when her mother isn't making her walk in the park to be seen, visiting other ton women to be seen and balls every night to be seen... She decides to go to her brothers for the Christmas ball he has every year to just get away. She has friends in Cressmouth. The best laid plans don't always work out, or do they?? On the way her best friend, almost a sister and her maid Ursula fall sick with influenza. They are forced to stop at The Hoot & Holly Inn. As the storm gets worst, and with her maid unable to help her she is in deep trouble.
She meets another traveler one Calvin McAlistair. He is undeniably handsome and perfectly Dressed as any Gentleman she had ever seen.
Looks are not always what they seem. Both Calvin and Isabelle have always felt like they don't belong anywhere. Calvin can pass as a ton gentleman but he really isn't. Isabelle has been raised in the ton and never feels like she is good enough.
As they spend time together, learn about and fight the attraction they both feel. Many secrets are shared.
This is a wonderful love story about what love can overcome if you give it a chance.
Will these two fight for what they want or do what is excepted for both their classes ?
I don't want to say too much as will ruin the story for you. The secrets and surprises make the store
so wonderful. Trust me the ending is beyond amazing....
Be sure and get you copy you will not able to put it down...
I received an ARC from the author and want to thank her.
This is my honest opinion and am voluntarily giving it.

What happens when Lady Belle gets the chance to just...be? She finds true love, but more importantly, herself. Being the sister of a duke can be lonely--something that Ridley points out in several previous stories in the 12 Dukes of Christmas series--but Belle seems to be even more so. And it was easy to connect to her feelings about society, herself, the world, and being invisible. I feel like Lady Amelia would be a fantastic friend for Belle.

Ridley brings a lot of depth to Belle's journey, outside of the romance. Her worry over Ursula--companion, maid, and friend all in one. What really works best is that Calvin, the hero, offers support beyond desire. For a non-titled gentleman, he shows far more pragmatism in relationships and love. It's more than a distraction. And he treats Belle fairly. Consent is important in their communication, a common Ridley element. Sexy times with a lot of intimacy. The scenes were believable but no less filled with heat.

The only really downside I had was some of the phrase repetition in some scenes. I would have liked a little more in the scenes inside and around the Hoot & Holly (terrific name!), not just their rooms. Belle's love of nature would have been a great scene. Playing in the snow, seeing the world, as she re-envisions it on the page.

Highly recommend!