Though all the novellas in this series stand pretty well alone, I think this one is best read in conjunction with Dawn with a Duke, since it follows Jonathan McLean, the other half of the partnership behind the Fit for a Duke clothing enterprise. Arriving in Cressmouth, Jonathan is annoyed to be stranded for a few days awaiting his partner’s arrival. Exploring the town, he meets jeweller Angelica Parker, and finds himself enchanted.

I loved the fact that Angelica was a Black woman running her own business, and a skilled one at that, in the Regency era. Nor does the author shy away from pointing out that Black people were experiencing racism and discrimination at the time in England, although we don’t really see Angelica experience it directly. Jonathan is a gadfly, a man who never returns to the same town twice, but in Cressmouth he starts to realise maybe there can be something good about living in a place where everyone knows your name.

I did really enjoy this, but I think it was just too short and all wrapped up too neatly and rapidly. It was a story that justified a full book rather than a novella, because both Angelica and Jonathan had a lot of story to tell and I’m not sure it was really done justice here; it felt too rushed.

And as a hobby jeweller, I was wincing at the timeframes Angelica was apparently working in, without so much as an apprentice to help her out. You couldn’t do that today, using modern equipment, without some help. The author had the right tools and terminology, but Angelica should have had a shop assistant to handle sales and at least one apprentice to do the grunt work of cleaning and polishing anyway, with the rate of production she was apparently keeping up. Of course, said assistant and apprentice would have been thoroughly in the way of the romance, so I understand the artistic licence being taken… but perhaps just a few less pieces being made would have made it more believable to me, at least.

I’m not going to knock off a star for the jewellery thing because most people wouldn’t have a clue that it was even an issue, but I am going to take one off because I think the story was simply too rushed. It’s an enjoyable read but too much was skimmed over.

Jonathan MacLean is Calvin McAllister's partner (DAWN WITH A DUKE). Jonathan is waiting for Calvin to arrive in Cressmouth/Christmas to give their business proposal for Fit For A Duke to the Duke of Nottingvale. Exploring the village, Jonathan meets the jeweler, Angelica Parker. Jonathan presents a carefree facade, but he's really a lonely man. As their affection for each other grows to love they have to learn to compromise. A delightful romance that includes the joy of Christmas with family.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

Another wonderful story, the pomp and ceremony is fanatastic, I loved the story too.

I received a copy and I am voluntarily leaving my own honest opinion

ONE NIGHT WITH A DUKE by Erica Ridley is an unusual book found within the series The Twelve Dukes of Christmas. It is the tenth book and I was quite surprised by how much it was an anachronism. Although obviously very well researched, I felt I needed more background to appreciate a Regency love story between an obscenely rich, itinerant gentleman and a Black jeweler who wants nothing so much as a place to call her own. For a lrelatively short book, it had an awful lot going on and I felt that some of the issues were shortchanged because of it. Because of that, I had a difficult time enjoying the book. However, I do admire Ms. Ridley’s unusual take on subjects seldom, if ever, discussed in a historical Regency romance.

I received a pre-release ARC from the author and NetGalley. The opinions are my own.

I thought that this was a really wonderful read. Romantic, emotional and heartfelt, I loved Angelica and Jonathan's story. I found both these characters quite likable and in Jonathan's case there's a lot more than just surface here and it takes a bit to get a clear picture of exactly who Jonathan is. I felt the pull of attraction was strong and their chemistry tangible. This was one of those couples that had characters that seemed a bit lost and incomplete until fate drew them together to make that meant-to-be pairing.

This is a charming story about two somewhat wounded souls who find each other and fall in love-even with some obstacles to overcome.

The story started out a bit slow as we get to know Jonathan Maclean, who appears to be a happy go lucky guy with more money than he knows what to do with. He seemed a bit goofy to me at first.

He came to Cressmouth (i.e. Christmas) for a business meeting with the Duke of Nottingvale. and his partner Calvin, a talented tailor to pitch a ready made clothing line that he has invested in and is hoping the Duke will too.

Jonathan wanders out of his lodgings and into a jewelry store seeking adventure and discovers Angelica Parker, who is a jeweler and the proprietress of the store. Jonanthan believes her to be the most stunning woman he has ever beheld in his life. and Angelica believes him to be unsettlingly handsome.

Jonathan is stranded in Cressmouth by a snowstorm and Calvin appears to be delayed by the same storm. He begins to spend more time with Angelica and that is where the story really begins to shine. The dialogue is witty and the characters shine.

I received an ARC from the author via NetGalley but that did not influence my opinion of the book in any way.

Delightful book 10 in the 12 Dukes of Christmas series. Erica Ridley tells the story of a jeweler, Parker, who wants to prove that she can be successful. Along comes MacLean who just wants to help everyone to make a success of their lives. Parker doesn't want the distraction of MacLean and treasures family. MacLean has no family, just wants to make everyone happy, and does not want any permanent connections. MacLean becomes Parker's 'footman', and in the process wonders what it would be like to have permanent connections.

The book was good, perhaps not as strong and entertaining as her other novels. But still worthy of the author. The chemistry between the two was believable and I enjoyed reading their journey. The ending is of course obvious but that’s nice with these sort of stories. But it did seem shorter than normal, or was that my imagination? Overall 3/4 stars

A blizzard traps Jonathan MacLean in a tiny mountaintop village where he meets woman and a talented jeweler Angelica Parker. She wants to establish herself as an artist in England and she doesn’t need the distraction of a man. She’s made a name for herself despite black and a woman and this contract is her life hood and it needs to succeed. How can she maintain a stable life and love a wandering young man she comes to love? A fascinating story of two people drawn together and love will always find a way to conquer their hearts. I have voluntarily read and reviewed these excellent stories.

I overall enjoyed this book. I felt as if the hero was a little immature at times with his optimistic attitude towards everything. I liked feeling the chemistry between the MCs the first time they met. A little shorter than I like so that I can get more of a feel for them but overall a very enjoyable book

Welcome back to Cressmouth! I seriously need to find this place and go! Who knows what I might find!

Jonathan MacLean did not sit around and dream about adventure, no he lived it! He tried never to travel to the same place twice, but keep going from town to town. But now he had a meeting to attend in Cressmouth, but he had to explore first. Imagine, the first shop he went into, a jewelry shop.. and there she was!

This was the most unusual, wonderful story I have to say. Jonathan was constantly talking, asking questions, staying busy. Angelica had worked hard so long to prove herself with her jewelry design and shop but had not felt taken seriously until Jonathan. These two understood each other on some level that was amazing.

But as the snow falls and he gets stuck in town, a lot is going to happen that is both unexpected but fated it seems!
Really enjoyed this and the authors notes and historical facts is so enlightening!!

If you read the previous book, Dawn with a Duke, you met Calvin's friend and partner, Jonathan McLean.
He's a charismatic, funny, slightly hyperactive character, whose principle is never to visit the same place more than once.
He is an investor of ordinary people. When he meets new places, he has contact with unknown people (artists, craftsmen, tailor), invests in their talent making them famous, and earns his percentage. Yes, he is very rich and has a good business acumen.

"I'm not funding charites. I'm providing capital in exchange for healthy interest rates. I make money using other people's genius."

He came from Scotland to Cressmouth - the city known as Christmas - because he would have a business meeting with the Duke of Nottingvale, to convince the nobleman to invest in a new venture called Fit for a Duke, ready-made collection of men's apparel.
The great genius was Calvin, the tailor. Jonathan had drawn the sketches (which still needed to be painted) and would enthusiastically present their new endeavor.
He arrived in the city two days before the scheduled date and the city was plagued by the arrival of a storm. This meant that Calvin would not be able to arrive, just as the meeting with the duke would have to be rescheduled.
While in town, he would try to behave like a local.
But actually, Jonathan didn't even know what it was like to behave like a local. He never stayed more than seven days anywhere he arrived. His conversations with people were interested but superficial.
At Christmas, he started to feel a little uncomfortable for something he hadn't known for a long time: family.
All of this because of Angelica.

Angelica is an independent, black woman from a family of jewelers who has had to show her worth since her older brother Luther became responsible for their father's store. Angelica was as talented as Luther, maybe even a little more, but because she was a woman she was passed over.

"Once she received the recognition she craved, then and only then would she entertain the notion of marrying a husband of her own choosing (...) She did not need or want a man to make her life complete. Angelica was enough, all on her own."

So, she decided it was time to show her worth. She made a seven-year deal with Mr. Malowe, and although she had to give up the company - and noise - of her family, she moved on.
Her goal was close to being achieved, and with the help of the other inhabitants of Christmas, so helpful and careful with each other, she would succeed.
And then this strange, smiling, investor appeared, who would stay in the city for a few days, and not to be bored - he is fascinated by Angelica's beauty and also by her talent with jewelry - he offers to be her footman.

And Jonathan begins to meet the inhabitants.
And Jonathan knows Angelica's story.
And he is fascinated to realize not only that he was facing another genius that he could invest his money, but that she made him feel unknown things... and began to have the desire to belong.

"Miss Parker was dangerous. He liked her because he didn't have to try to like her."

And between hard work, opportunities, getting to know Ignatius Sancho's history and their own feelings, the couple would have to find a middle ground so that the love that was beginning to grow would be polished as the most beautiful Christmas jewel.
5 stars

Another winner in this series. Can a travel-loving man and a homebody find a compromise? That is the question facing Angelica and Jonathan. He has spent his life roaming from one place to another, never staying long enough to make friends. She moved to a small village out of necessity, but misses her large family. When they meet in her small jewellery shop, both are drawn together. But can he really stay in one place and is she willing to give up her livelihood in order to be with him? A sweet Romance with a HEA. Worth a read!

I recieved an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley.

Angelica Parker is a talented jeweler in the town of Cressmouth who has been determined to make her jewelry store a success and she is so close. Jonathan Maclean is a Scotsman who travels all over and never stays in one place for long. He comes to Cressmouth, and is instantly intrigued by Angelica. Love slowly builds between the two during the Christmas holiday.

I enjoyed the relationship between Jonathan and Angelica, and the fact that someone is addressing a biracial relationship in historical romance. It really felt like the author put so much research into this story, and I appreciate that.

It was overly sweet, and I wish there was a little more angst. I was missing that sexual tension, but the epilogue was very sweet.

3 1/2 stars, just because it made me happy. In the previous book, we get a small glimpse at Jonathon MacLean and Angela Parker. Jonathon is a truly go-lucky kind of person. His personality is so silly and laissez-faire that you can't help but like him. He is running from his past and in order to never be hurt, he never stays in one place long enough to form any kind of relationship. Until a blizzard trapped him in a town known for their Christmas spirit. Angela is a woman who is trying to make a name for herself with her jewelry shop and does not have time for distractions, especially one that will just leave when the storm passes. It's a fun jaunt with these two as we watch their relationship grow.
This is a cute story. It's clean, it's silly, it's just a fun distraction from all the heavy and dark that can be a part of real life.

Thank you NetGalley and WebMotion for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This is the first book I've read by this author and the idea of an interracial couple set during this time had me wanting to read it ASAP.
However I found myself bored by the main male character Jonathans POV which made it difficult for me to continue. I persevered but the lack of chemistry and plot left me wanting more.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher/author for a copy to review

I received a copy from NetGalley; this is my honest review.
-I think it would have been better to read this book before Dawn with a Duke, not after.
-My first LOL moment was when Angelica calls Jonathan "Lord Rakish McChatterbox". He really does talk a lot. The author repeats 2-3 times that Angelica would gladly listen to him read anything because of "the low, smooth timbre of his voice, the soft burr on his tongue".
-Jonathan reminds me of the opera singer Jonathan Antoine; that is the picture I had in my head when I read "Jonathan" all through the book.
-It's funny, it's charming, it makes you think about your priorities and also why we do certain things. It can be sad a bit but finishes with a joyful reunion.

I really love historical fictions especially ones with a Scottish prescencr. I would really love to visit Scotland as live goes on.

Jonathan and Angelicas love story is a beautiful one, no author can go wrong for me when writing Historical Romance.

Jonathan is a traveller and investor who never visits one place twice, he has no home, a go lucky fun guy seeking his next best adventure.

Angelica is a black jeweller who has become somewhat of a recluse in her bid to become the most successful jeweller of the Christmas Village, Cressmouth.

Jonathan is at Cressmouth to pitch his work to the Duke, he doesn't like Christmas through no fault of his as he comes to realise, he stumbles into Angelicas jewellery shop and we view the beautiful love story between this two and how love makes them complete each others goals and grow.

I loved this story, a quick, light read with  fun, captivating characters, I loved Angelica's strength and resilience and I loved Jonathan's nature . This story was a bit rushed but in all a cool read.

You should read this if you love Interracial romance, stories with no sex scenes, light, fun, stories and if you are a lover of Historical Fiction!

𝘚𝘤𝘰𝘵 𝘑𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘔𝘢𝘤𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘯 happy-go-lucky philanthropist seeks constant adventurer who is desperate to outrun his past and someone who never returns to the same town twice. At first, I wasn't really feeling him that much but as the story goes on, he was just so adorable tbh. He's smart, wise, sociable, relatable and also kind. I wsh our generation now have like him (but more kind).

𝘈𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘢 𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘳 a black woman and also an amazing jeweler who's fighting for her shop and wants to prove that she can make a living. Angelica's really a character I admired so much in this book, she was passionate, strong and ambitious and also someone who takes a risk and work and work hard for it to be worth it. There's not much a complain on her character since again, the story really.

These characters are amazing in so many ways. The story might not have that much plot (since the book was pretty short) but atleast the characters were written so well. A very well character-driven book. I would say that this book is really made for Christmas with its genuine and wholesome atmosphere and also the adorable characters that just never failed to make me smile.

I love the fact that this book tackled a little about the discrimination among our Black brothers and sisters and also kudos to the author who inserted some references in the last part of the book that we could read on.

Not much to say on this book since this was really short but I think this one's a good one.

I really really enjoyed this book. Is a short love story with beautiful main characters in a small town that everyone call Christmas.
Angela is our black heroine that owns a jewelry store. Johnathan is a scottie with a free spirit that never stays in a place more than a couple of days, but he has to wait a week for his friend Calvin to arrive to the small town. They start spending more and more time together and at the end of the week they have to decide what to do about their love.
The story is a low burn romance with sweet moments and funny dialogs.
I've received a copy of this book and all the options are my own