This is book #10 in the 12 Dukes of Christmas series of novellas by Erica Ridley. They're all standalone novellas, but this one is related to Dawn with a Duke since we see those characters reappear here, but there is no need to read them together or in order. You can if you want to, but it is unnecessary.

Jonathan arrives in town several days before his partner, so he has some time to kill waiting to get down to business. Jonathan has never really been a man to consider settling down, or even going back to the same town twice. While he's exploring the town, he meets Angeilica Parker, and he's smitten.

Angela is a highly-skilled black woman running her own business at a time/place when that is not the norm. And Erica Ridley does not shy away from the fact that this is not the norm, and that racism and sexism existing in Regency England,

This is one book where I wish it was a little bit longer. There could have been more development of the relationship and the story, although it does work well as a novella. I guess that's me being selfish and wishing for more.

This is the perfect book to snuggle up with on a cold winter's day. It's light, fun, fast-paced, and so very sweet.

Johnathan MacLean decided long ago that he would enjoy enjoy everything. His cheery spirit moves with him from town to town as he's determined to never set foot in the same place twice. One thing that dampens Johnathan's spirit: Christmas. Which is unfortunate considering he is visiting a town nicknamed Christmas during the Christmas season.

Angelica Parker has lived in Cressmouth (aka Christmas) for seven years. She has focused all her time and energy into her jewelry shop where, one day, her talent will lead her to be a grand success, proving to her family she didn't make a mistake when she left London. As a black woman, Angelica has to work harder for recognition but she has found a welcoming and supportive community in Cressmouth.

When Johnathan and Angelica meet, they are both determined not to get involved. Johnathan will be leaving and Angelica has far too much work to do. Yet, Johnathan cannot resist spending time in her shop while Angelica find his presence comforting. Soon they have to figure out whether it's possible to love each other when their lives are so very different.

I'm usually drawn to romances where the main male character is a curmudgeon. Something about a grumpy aristocrat being softened by a strong-willed women just does it for me. But it was refreshing to see the male character in this novel be so upbeat, cheerful, and supportive of others. He is generous with his time and his money, always searching for talented people with good ideas he can fund.

Angelica's reserved nature felt absolutely perfect for the character. She simplifies the rest of her life so she can devote her time and energy to her work. She is serious without being the kind of character who is boring with no sense of humor.

This is the first time I've read an historical romance with a interracial couple and it was so nice to see. I'm sure the lightness of this book can in no way capture the reality of being black in England at the time, however, it also isn't glossed over. There are discussions of slavery and Angelica challenges Johnathan, making him prove that he truly believes in abolition and in no way thinks of Angelica, or any other black person, as inferior. I do wonder what complication would ensue being in an interracial relationship in that time period but that's for a different book to address.

I thoroughly enjoyed with sweet romance story. From the start I was drawn in by Johnathan and Angelica's characters. I loved watching their relationship unfold. It's just the kind of lighthearted read that almost any reader could enjoy.

(And for those concerned with the level of intimacy, there is no sex in this book.)

Well! Now I know what was going on while Calvin and Belle were caught in the snowstorm. That being said, I don’t recommend reading this book without having read Dawn with a Duke first. Charming rogue and apparent wastrel, Jonathan MacLean is carefully guarding hidden depths behind that façade. Angelica Parker is succeeding in a world that’s telling her she shouldn’t. On the surface, this pair shouldn’t work. Angelica has strong ties to Cressmouth and the people around her, while Jonathan has never been anyplace he wanted to return to. And yet, this pair are drawn to each other. I thoroughly enjoyed their story, and, to be honest, I wish it had been longer. Both Jonathan and Angelica have backstories that could have been expanded on further, and I would have loved to have read more about that. The ending is everything that is sweet and adorable, I just thought it came about a touch too quickly. The further into the series we get, the more I’m falling in love with Christmas. I kind of never want to see the series end.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author through NetGalley.

Though not my favourite in this series, I really liked Angelia as a protagonist and also her family dynamic. Jonathan was a little annoying at the beginning but I got used to it, and I thought she did a reasonably good job of explaining why he was that way.

*** An amazing interracial romance ***
I would like to applaud Erica Ridley for introducing an interracial couple into her story. This is the first historical story I have read with this type of romance. I loved that Angelica was an independent jewelry store owner. She crafted everything she sold and had been waiting seven long years for her agreement with Mr. Marlowe to end and she would own the shop and home outright. Christmas eve was her celebration date. Too many years passed where she could not be with her family in London. But during Christmastide the whole family would come to Cressmouth /aka /Christmas to celebrate with her. This year a happy go lucky Scotsman stopped at her store and both their lives were changed. Jonathan was a traveling man. No home no roots no long-term commitments to anyone. Christmas was something he avoided like the plague. But for Angelica he would suffer for a few hours than leave. But when he was around her family, he became happy, felt warmed by their acceptance and friendship and their curiosity to know more about him. Angelica and her family made him feel things he never wanted to feel. But for some unknown reason the feelings were not unwelcome. Things were complicated because Angelica was established and had roots Jonathan did not. Could he? Would he? How far was he willing to compromise his life to include Angelica and vice versa. He could not make this decision alone. A wonderful tale of two opposites finding love with each other. This book is a sweet escape and well worth the time.

This book was a wonderful addition to The 12 Dukes of Christmas collection. Jonathan sometimes annoyed me with how cheerful he was and how he never seemed to shut up but he was a good compliment to Angelica and I liked how he was able to get her to take herself less seriously. They were a good match for each other and it was nice to see how Angelica being black was a part of the story in a positive way without negating some of the things that happened to blacks in that time period.

This is my first book by this author, and I debated between four and five stars, The first portion of the story focuses totally on the two main characters—a very successful drifter and a small town jeweler. I was enjoying the story but felt it got much more interesting as the story progressed and clues were released as to why each person was in that particular place in their lives and once other family members were introduced, The main characters are engaging, and Angelica’s brother and nieces add fun and a bit of conflict. Jonathan proves to be a sensitive caring man, and I loved the idea of him reading to Angelica while she worked. I could almost hear that Scottish burr, Angelica is driven to succeed in her long quest for recognition and ownership of her business. The reader really has to respect that. The conclusion of the book was very satisfying, and I really appreciated a look into the lives of minority lives in England in the early 1800’s.

- period interracial romance
- she's a jeweller, he's a travelling businessman
- banter was on point
- loved the cameos from Calvin
- the idiot of their own choice was brilliant.

This has been such a fun series to read. Jonathan MacLean is an outgoing Scot who is stuck in Creesmouth with a blizzard keeping him there and the men he was to do business with, out. As he is going through town he meets Angelica who is the local jeweler. They are drawn to each other but can they overcome his never having a place to settle and she never wanting to leave where she has settled. Everything can be worked out with love.

This is a great series and this book is not only a fun read but also an informative one as well... Jonathan MacLean is a traveler never visiting the same place twice while he seems happy and friendly he is just the opposite until he can have his name known throughout England and Scotland he won't be happy. Angelica Parker is also been fighting to make her name known, as a jeweler but as a black woman in a time when slavery has just ended in England she must work hard. When the two meet Johnathan is outwardly jolly self and Angelica is as usual a reserved young woman. When he keeps showing up at her door it gets harder to send him away. he awaits his partner so that they can hopefully get a sponsor for their ready-made outfits, called Fit for a Duke. When snow cuts off his partner they become closer both wonder what if but life is what it is. With Christmas almost upon them, her work is piled up, Johnathan shows her how helpful he can be as well as taking a break once in a while. In turn, she tries to make him feel the season and happiness. What will become of this mismatched but perfect couple?

One Night with a Duke is another fabulous read in the 12 Dukes series based in Christmas. There wasn’t as much dentition of other characters from the town in this story. Yet, it was as romantic and quirky as all the other stories. I especially like Jonathan and Angelica’s family.

Well-traveled Scotsman Jonathan MacLean makes a point of never visiting the same town twice. He’s always seeking adventure and full of positivity as he searches for talented individuals in which to invest, whilst also running away from his loneliness and a painful past. When he’s trapped in a small mountain town during a snowstorm, he befriends the local jeweler, a beautiful woman who has him thinking of home and permanency. But Jonathan’s longing has been buried for a long time and his partners in his newest business venture depend on him resuming his travels once the snow clears.

Angelica Parker had fought hard for recognition not just as a jeweler but as an artist and successful businesswoman. Her contract has kept her rooted in Cressmouth for seven years but it’s almost up now and her latest commission stands to finally get her name out there and bring the notoriety she craves. This close to her goal, she has no time for distractions, especially handsome, chatty gentlemen with no plans to stay.

This was a sweet, light-hearted story of acceptance and belonging. Angelica and Jonathan were adorable together and I loved their ability to reevaluate their respective stances and seek a compromise. Though this was lacking in steam, it was a charming story and is beginning to get me into the Christmas spirit a bit early.

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

I have, admittedly, missed many of the titles in this series, and yet there is something about quaint Cressmouth and the 12 Dukes of Christmas that seem comfortably familiar - akin to a warm homecoming among friends. I may have read both this title and Dawn with a Duke in the same weekend, and unfortunately, out of chronological publishing order, but it worked. I wasn't missing anything by reading this title first nor did I lose anything in reading the other title second. The entire series works well as solitary works, but of course, you miss some of the backstories of the supporting characters.

In this particular novel, I found MacLean to be so absurdly over-the-top and it worked. I questioned some of the accuracies of Black history while relating to Angela's character and appreciated the author's note addressing her research. Overall, this was another heartwarming, feel-good escape that made me sigh in satisfaction at the very last page. It was cheeky and cheerful and filled to the brim with seasonal cheer.

Another fine addition to the 12 Dukes of Christmas series, although I'm not quite sure who the Duke is in this story - maybe Duke the cat.
What I liked the best is that the Heroine is a black women who is an important member of the community and isn't really treated any differently one way r another. The hero shares her abolitionist views and there is no real mention of the fact that he is white.
I love a book with a strong, independent woman and Angelica is not only a talented jewelry designer but she has worked for 7 years to own her own shop.
I recived an advanced copy of this book in return for an honest review.

I had not read anything else by the author so I was judging the book by the cover. The title of the book lead me to expect no-strings-attached sexual escapades with the nobility but it turns out that's not what this book is about at all.

Jonathan is a Scottish drifter who sells ready-made clothing and wants to travel across the country, never returning to the same town twice. Angela is a Black jeweller who is very close to getting her own shop. He is stuck in Angela's town around Christmas time for longer than he planned to, because of snow. They form a quick friendship but neither of them expects it to become anything more, as he's about to leave soon.

I liked the book mostly for the banter because Jonathan usually says something unexpected. So many romances are rather predictable but this was a quirky, entertaining, surprising read. There are not too many historical romances with a diverse cast so that aspect was nice too. The writing flows nicely.

A minor editing note: Impassable means impossible to travel along or over. Impassible means incapable of suffering or feeling pain.

The title of the book gets explained eventually.

I read an ARC from Netgalley and this is my opinion.

I loved this one!
Jonathan and Angelica’s story touched on some very current social issues. Handled in a subtle way and combined with witty storytelling and lovable characters. I really enjoyed this addition to the series.

I read this ARC for an honest review
All thoughts and opinions are mine

Erica Ridley is one of my fave authors and this was divine

I couldn't put this down and got through it so quickly

Loved it

.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋
Romance: 💞💞💞
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡️⚡️
Sensuality: 0
Sex Scene Length: 0
Number of Sex Scenes: 0

Jonathan has been attempting to outrun his past for quite a few years. He travels from town to town, never getting rooted or making friends. He also hates Christmas, and is trapped in a town known for exactly when a blizzard hits. Here he meets a woman that captivates him from the start.

Angelica is a black woman fighting her own way to make her dreams come true. She has the skills of being a master jewelry maker, now she just needs to fully own her shop and get her name across England.

Give this book a try if you're in the mood for:
- A Christmas romance – seriously the perfect book to enjoy on a winter evening, wrapped up with a cozy blanket and a mug of hot cocoa.
- Working woman – Angelica is a jewelry designer working on owning her own shop
- Regency time period – this book takes place in a small town in 1814
- A diverse cast – heroine is black and her family has a few sweet scenes too
- Highlander hero – not a huge aspect of the book, but the hero is from Scotland and has a scottish burr
- No villain or mystery – small background mystery related to the hero's actions but this book is all about the romance
- Novella length
- Low steam – there are 2 kisses and zero scenes other than that

I am surprised at how much I enjoyed this book with it being sweet (zero sex scenes. Not even closed door. ZERO). I think with moderate steam this book would have been a favorite. I just totally fell into this world Ridley created. Utterly charmed by this fun, welcoming little mountain town village that Jonathan has been stranded in. I found both main characters unique and a breath of fresh air compared to everything else I've read recently.

Jonathan is more of a beta hero. He's so funny, and charming, and so so sweet. Filled with stories and always doing outrageously generous things to create more, I found him a delight. Angelica is definitely more straight backed. She's had to work hard for what she has, and she's not done yet. Jonathan really helps her have some fun and melts her heart.

I wasn't in love with a little bit at the end, but it was redeemed with being addressed as both characters making mistakes. It works out nicely and I'm happy to have read it. I really liked Ridley's writing and plan on trying more from her. This was my first by her.

I like the cover, as I feel like it actually matches the characters described, even the heroine's dress. I DON'T like the title and find it extremely deceiving hahaha.

SHORT BUT SWEET AND ROMANTIC

I have been back and forth with this series - loving some of the books and nothing liking others at all. I feel like the series has hit its stride in the last couple of books, and while this one didn't thrill me quite as much as the one before, Dawn with a Duke, it still made me happy.

👍 What I Liked 👍

Angelica: This was definitely a character driven romance, and therefore it's only fitting that I start off with the two main characters. Angelica was driven, determined and loyal. I loved how much she cared about not only proving herself but also her family. And the fact that she was a Black woman was so amazing - very few Historical Romances feature coloured main characters. So this was a real treat!

Jonathan: What can I say about Jonathan? Honestly, you have to experience him, because I don't think you've ever read a character quite like him before. I certainly hadn't. He was so adorable with his constant chatter and hunger for adventure. Yet, there was also a much deeper level to him and I loved witnessing that unravel.

Sweet: Honestly, this was just sweet, easy and entertaining. It's not a great work of art and it won't take you long to get through it, because there's not all that much to the plot. But it is a great way to just get away from everyday life.

One Night with a Duke
Book 10 in the 12 Dukes of Christmas Series
Rating; 3 stars
Thank you to the author/publisher for the ARC given through NetGalley for review. All opinions are my own.

One Night with a Duke is part of an ongoing series that revolves the characters that live in a small village called Cressmouth.
In book 10, which can be read as a standalone, we meet Jonathan and Angelica. I really liked them. I loved Angelica's profession. She had her own jewelry business. A business that she was running on her own. It cost her to be distant from her family but she needed to prove to them and herself that she could do it on her own. When in walks Jonathan one day and changes her life. They had great chemistry that evolved into a friendship at first. Jonathan liked to help people. He was always very giving. I loved how sweet he was to her and always trying to take care of her. Especially when she forgot to eat because she was busy. Also, we learn of the reason of why he doesn't celebrate Christmas. So when he's been always the one to give and be a wanderer, it is Angelica that shows him that life can be a little different when we decide to stay in place.
Their friendship slowly evolved to something that they both didn't expect. It took them by surprise because to pursue those feelings meant that decisions had to be made that would change their lives. Luckily for them it changed for the better.