This is a beautifully tender and emotionally rich Regency romance that tugs at the heartstrings and delivers all the swoon-worthy moments I look forward to in a historical romance. With a “beauty and the beast” flair, this story pairs a scarred, reclusive duke with a spinster heroine who’s braver than she knows—and the result is pure magic.

Jonas Langford, once the ton's golden boy, now hides from society, convinced no woman could ever love the man he’s become. Enter Ailis Temple: self-possessed, quietly daring, and determined to secure a charitable donation—even if it means bargaining kisses with a brooding duke. Their deal is outrageous, scandalous... and undeniably compelling.

From their very first interaction, the chemistry sizzles beneath layers of emotional restraint. The snowy forced proximity, the heart-healing slow burn, and the clever banter make this a thoroughly engrossing read.

As part of The Silver Dukes series, the novel has a more mature tone. It leans into stories of second chances, overlooked heroines, and silver-streaked heroes with devastating pasts. This isn’t just a romance, it’s a journey toward healing, self-worth, and unexpected joy.

I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review.

Snowfall and the Duke is the fourth book in Platt's The Silver Dukes series. This was my first time reading a book by Platt so I don't know how this book compares with the other books in the series. The Silver Duke series is a romance series where all of the MMCs are over the age of 40, which was a refreshing change of pace. But I'm going to be honest with you, this book wasn't a good fit for me.

The first page of the book you're already thrown into a conversation with the FMC and the MMC. They've known each other for years, and there's not much tension written into the story. They're not enemies and they're not friends. The romance is very plain white bread, and the spice barely counts as spice. There's minimal pining and not a lot of events occur in the book.

There were also a lot of time while reading the book where the dialogue or character actions felt so out of place with the historical setting. Characters said things like, "[they're] popping babies out." And as someone who has studied history in depth, it just hit me like a bucket of cold water.

I'm rating Snowfall and the Duke 2.5 stars rounded up.

Honest, trustworthy with a beautiful smile and the niece of the vicar, Ailis isn't afraid to exchange banter with Jonas, the Duke of Ramsdale. Asking for donations to fund the Christmas party for the village, she takes the challenge of exchanging ten kisses for each donation. Having never been kissed at just shy of thirty, how could she not accept. Jonas is surprised she actually agrees and looks forward to each kiss. A snowstorm and fall from her horse, creates an opportunity for Jonas to take care of her. Days of spending time together and their kisses start to melt his heart. Ailis has already given hers. But a house party for Christmas may break them apart.
Very sweet with amusing banter, these two were meant to be together.
Mild descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

This cozy winter romance was a sweet escape! The setting completely stole the show for me — it had that magical, snow-dusted countryside vibe that makes you want to curl up by the fire with a cup of tea. ❄️🔥

While I didn’t fall head-over-heels for the characters like I have in other historical romances, the wintry atmosphere and charming period details made this a worthwhile read.

If you love historical fiction with a dash of romance and a touch of holiday charm, this one’s worth checking out! 💌📖

Meara Platt has a wonderful way of telling a story and this book is another fine tale. No games, no lies or misunderstandings, her characters are forthright and truthful in their relationships. Ailis and Jonas are a grumpy- sunshine duo and about as opposite as possible. Jonas has mental and physical scars from his time as a prisoner of war and Ailis is a rector’s niece who has a way of seeing past the roar of the grumpy Duke. Their negotiations over 10 kisses keeps the story moving along nicely and add in an injury and a snowstorm and who wouldn’t fall in love? Loved this bit of Christmas in July, it truly was a gift.

Snowfall And The Duke is a cozy, feel-good Regency romance. Jonas Langford, the Duke of Ramsdale, is scarred from war and perfectly content hiding away from society—until Ailis Temple literally crashes into his life (and onto his property) during a snowstorm.

What starts as a cheeky bargain—ten kisses in exchange for a donation—turns into something much more meaningful. Jonas might seem gruff, but he’s never cruel. He doesn’t mock Ailis; in fact, he admires her for her strength, conviction, and compassion. Ailis, for her part, couldn’t care less about his title, wealth, or scars—she sees the man underneath, and that’s who she falls for.

I think the two of them are more alike than they realize—both carrying quiet pain from the war, just in different ways. Adding warmth and wit to the story is Jonas’s mother—an absolute gem of a character and a master schemer in the best way. Her subtle matchmaking and loving interference add delightful moments throughout the book.

If you like snowed-in romances, slow burns, and characters with real emotional depth, this one’s a winner. It’s sweet, a little cheeky, and full of heart.

Huge thank you to Meara Platt, NetGalley, and Dragonblade Publishing for the e-ARC.

#NetGalley #MearaPlatt #SnowfallAndTheDuke #DragonbladePublishing #eARCreview

This was a fun and cute read. I enjoyed the winter setting. I liked the grumpy sunshine vibes. The banter between Jonas and Ailis was very entertaining. This book makes me want to read about the rest of the Silver Dukes. It had everything you could want in a Historical Romance.

Jonas Langford, Duke of Ramsdale is a man few dares approach as he scares most of them. However, Miss Ailis Temple (or Temple of Virtue as Jonas calls her) is the exception to the rule! Having lost both her parents while still young, she was adopted and raised by her uncle who is the local vicar in the village. She is always doing good and caring for those in need.

While trying to secure funding for the upcoming village Christmas party, Ailis approaches the Duke of Ramsdale for the umpteenth time in the hope of getting a contribution from him. Jonas is very intrigued and attracted to Ailis and proposes to give her £1,000 for ten kisses! Ailis, who has never been kissed, decides to take him up on the offer / challenge. Unfortunately, while they were negotiating the deal, the weather becomes decidedly worse and when the meeting concludes and she makes her way back to the village, Ailis falls from her horse and dislocates her shoulder. With the worsening of the weather, she has no choice but to remain in his home until the snow abates, and her shoulder improves.

Liked reading it and other books from Meara Platt but found it a little slow at times. I received an ARC from the publishers and NetGalley and submit my honest review voluntarily.

"𝑰𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒒𝒖𝒊𝒆𝒕 𝒉𝒖𝒔𝒉 𝒐𝒇 𝒇𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒏𝒐𝒘, 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒃𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒊𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒆, 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆, 𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒎𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒃𝒆 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒉𝒊𝒎."

Meara Platt’s Snowfall and the Duke is a heartwarming holiday romance that glows with emotional depth, gentle humor, and the redemptive power of love. Ailis Temple, the spirited and selfless niece of the village Vicar, is the embodiment of warmth in a wintry world. Jonas Langford, the Duke of Ramsdale, brooding with a past as stormy as the blizzard that traps them, is her reluctant counterpart. Watching these two opposites thaw each other's defenses is a delightfully slow-blooming joy.

Set against the backdrop of a snow-covered countryside, the story delivers a perfect blend of historical authenticity and heartfelt romance. Platt’s signature charm comes through in every corner; from the duke’s humorous trials with the ton's most eligible diamonds to the wonderful and fun Duke's staff, and the housekeeper was priceless! The emotional weight carried by Jonas’s strained family ties adds surprising richness to an already layered narrative.

And that ending? Both surprising and soul-satisfying, topped by a tender wedding night that feels earned, delicate, and deeply romantic. This is a story where love doesn’t just conquer; it heals, redeems, and blooms like firelight in a winter storm. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

This historical romance is the fourth book in a series centered around heroes who carry a little silver in their hair. This particular hero has stayed at his country estate, determined that his brother is welcome to carry the title forward. He is never going to marry.
Our heroine is the local vicar's niece. Just because the duke doesn't mix with the people from his village, doesn't mean he can get away with not contributing to the funds raised for the needy at the Christmas ball.
This is a light hearted, amusing story with fabulous characters. It's very nice to see slightly older lead characters.
Great fun.

Ailis Temple, the local vicar’s niece, has never been kissed, and nearing 30 years of age, has accepted that that will never change. But when the handsome and muscular (oh so muscular) Duke of Ramsdale offers to donate the entire sum of money she needs to help support the poor through the cold winter, in exchange for ten kisses, she seizes what might be her last chance at this experience. They both know it can never be anything more. But with a snow storm raging outside, she is forced to weather it out at his mansion. And being forced to enjoy each others’ company, they realise just how pleasant things could be...

In my opinion, what really carried this book were the two main characters, who were likeable and dynamic, especially after the first few chapters when the book really hit its stride. Their personalities are well thought out, and their banter makes sense and feels believable. She is innocent and naive, but not a damsel in distress, she has her own opinions and feels like a fully fleshed out character. He is grumpy, yes, but there is more to him than meets the eye. In short, they both have depth, which I find is sometimes lacking in romance novels. The writing flowed nicely and it was hard to put this book down, I kept wanting to read just one more page, and one more.

For me, the weakest part of the book was the start, where, I felt, too much focus was put on the physique of the two main characters, and it felt a bit flat with the book describing repeatedly how attractive the characters were, but after the first few chapters this improved and the book could really shine.

I think this book would be good for anyone who wants to see believable characters who genuinely like each other, and who can help each other heal.

I received a free digital ARC copy of this book for reviewing from Dragonblade Publishing via Netgalley, which I am very thankful for. However, my review is based on my honest opinions.

Snowfall has caused calamities before but when it's in Regency era and with a Duke, you know it's gonna be good.
Ten little kisses, no big deal. But when each kiss has to be different, thats when hearts start bending.
Absolutely wonderful. I was more than slightly amused when the servants and just about everyone is in on the match making. I smirked more than once at the antics. A little surprised at who did what. But it was absolutely perfect. Beauty and this beast remake. The same yet not.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with guidelines.

4th in the series from Meara Platt and it just may be my favorite so far. Deemed the next "Silver Duke" by his friends, Jonas Langford, Duke of Ramsdale is not happy. He was held prisoner during the war and was badly burned and feels no one will love a man covered in scars.. So, he likes being alone, but he doesn't figure out he's lonely until Miss Temple comes to call and a snowfall keeps her close. Ailis Temple, is the Vicar's niece, and is loved by everyone. She comes to see the Duke for funds to help the people that live on or near his estate. Jonas throws a challenge: 10 kisses for 1000 pounds, she accepts. Why not, almost 30 and never been kissed. This may be her only chance since she is firmly on the shelf.. While they've been arguing, the snow starts to fall.

The meddling mother and younger brother Edward bring levity to these two main characters. She wants a house party at Christmas to find Jonas a wife and Edward brings friends that bet against Jonas marrying, And they'll assist in anyway they can, including marrying the competition.

Through manipulation and humor these two are brought together. A lovely story of believing in love, opening yourself up and sharing your heart
I'd love a story for his younger brother Edward, he deserves his on HEA.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

Thank you NetGalley. Miss Temple is living with her uncle at the vicarage and helping him to get funds for the poor. She stops to see the Duke and he gives her a hard time about donating to help. Finally they make a deal that he will donate for 10 kisses from her. She strikes the bargain and leaves. The snow is starting to fall. He sees her fall from her horse. She has a dislocated shoulder and he knows how to fix that but cares her in and puts her in his bed as none of the bedrooms are made up. She has to stay as it keeps snowing. Then he receives word his mother and brother are coming with guests. He has to get Evie home but they arrive before he can do it. They have a plan to get her out of the house.

Meara has done it once more, she’s just awesome with these stories.

Girl meets Duke, no hope of love but you just watch this space.

Meara has an incredible talent for turning the tables and ripping your heart out on the way.
I can’t wait for more, totally addicted to her books now.

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review

5 stars

Good story. Our heroine dsilocates her shoulder near our hero, the grumpy duke's house. He puts her right and she recuperates at his place. He realises that though she'd almost 30 she hasn't been kissed and she realises that she can gave passion and money for her charities.

He's been badly scared and lost his joie de vivre. He's annoyed at his friends making him a silver duke which puts a target on his back from the meddling debutantes. Luckily there's a HEA.

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

This is such a great book, it started out strong and just kept getting better. I really love books that start out with the feeling of knowing that
the main characters have the ability to tell it like it is while still giving humorous comebacks that are really funny. The cold grumpy Duke is not as bad as everyone thinks he is. Although he is still trying to hide his scars and protect his heart. Ailis, who is our heroine and spinster, has had enough of the Duke’s teasing and being put down, to last her a lifetime. The two seem to get deeper and deeper into trouble and closer and closer in their feelings for each other. Plan to have a really good read with a few tears.

One should never judge a book by its cover, as Ailis Temple discovered when she challenged Jonas, the Duke of Ramsdale. Both the main characters in this sweet romance have their shields up, preventing anyone from getting too close to them. When Jonas barters ten kisses from Ailis to pay for the parish's charity work, he does not expect her to agree with him. Nervous of the outcome, Ailis's concern for the poor under her uncle's spiritual care outweighs her scruples. An epic snowstorm, an injury, and being confined to Jonas's bed raise all sorts of concerns when his family descends on him for the Christmas season. The novel is witty and entertaining, and as Jonas starts to unravel his past, he discovers that love and trust go a long way to bring healing and new beginnings. I received a copy of this delightful romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley, and this is my honest and voluntary review.

I loved the connection between Jonas and Ailis. This story had some really good romance connection I really liked the snowed in theme feel of the story it made it feel like a cozy setting. I also liked how it was a beauty and the beast retelling, hints of this in the story. I love how he had bargained with her, by striking a bargain with her. She is to give him ten kisses, a hundred pounds a kiss. They had such good chemistry it was a great story. Thank you netgalley for the arc!

Think back to Beauty and the Beast and you will see a few similarities. Jonas Langford, Duke of Ramsdale is in hiding. Avoiding London and the ton, but his fellows dukes, those he thought were friends has entered his name at White’s as the next to marry. And his mother and brother has decided to bring a few of the first diamonds to his doorstep for a house party over the Christmas holidays. Bah humbug! The only one who he can tolerate is the victor’s niece.
Miss Ailis Temple is beloved by all. Making it her mission to help her uncle care for his flock this season even if it means going to the grumpy Duke to get a donation. And as the afternoon wears on and the snowflakes start to fall Ailis and the Duke come to an unusual agreement. Ten kisses and for each the Duke will donate 100 pounds.
Fun read with all the antics that occur during the party and the Duke realizing what he truly wants but can he reveal his true self. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this wonderful story. All opinions expressed are my own.