I read another Ridley novel before it and I really have to say that they tend to be average and quite unrealistic. It's okay to create a fantasy but his series is just ... too unrealistic in my opinion.
This time we have a war hero - Theodore O'Hanlon, Viscount Ormondton- who has horrible injuries and wants to stay in Christmas in full anonymity. And we have a young lady who loves her strays. Miss Virginia Underwood takes care of her birds, the strays and always has a cat that follows her around. She is interesting who this new resident is even if he doesn't want any contact to anybody from town.

The lengths some people will go to to protect their image and their identity. So much turmoil stems from secrets and misunderstandings. Birds, ice cream, and a unique cat all add to the fun, romance, and joy. I look forward to meeting more of Ms. Ridley's characters.

Just finished this book, which I received via Netgalley, and I'm in two minds about it.

On the one hand, it's a very well written book, about an injured war hero recovering in a small town, and a socially awkward, animal-loving baron's daughter who serves as his nurse. The plot moves along well, the individual incidents that build up their relationship are interesting, and the dialogue is good.

On the other hand, it's a low steam, low drama book. The war hero is almost engaged to someone else, and our heroine knows he ought to marry her because he's a viscount and she's a perfect society lady (unlike the heroine, who is awkward with people). The way in which the plot resolves itself is surprisingly low-key and tension-free. I like that the heroine is honest with the hero and doesn't hide her history. At the same time, it all resolves itself very quickly. And to add to it, there's no great sexual chemistry. It's got a quaintly nineteenth-century feel to it.

Anyway, if you're looking for a well-written, low-steam historical romance, this is it. Five stars on that count.
If you want something with more punch, move along... this is a four-star at best (which is why I rated it as such).

PS- bonus points for the adorable cat that allows our hero and heroine to meet. He was the funniest character in the whole book.

When Theodore “Theo” O’Hanlon Viscount Ormondton, shows up in Christmas England at his friend, the Duke of Azureford’s secluded cottage he expects no one to know that he is there or who he really is. Theo’s intent is to heal while there at the cottage in peace and quiet. As Theo is looking out the window he sees a strange phenomenon a woman walking with a cat who acts like a dog. The woman turns out to be Miss Virginia Underwood out for her constitutional with Duke her faithful companion and cat. Ever since Virginia has come to Christmas she has taken in the wounded nursing them back to health. When Virginia and Theo meet, Theo doesn’t want Virginia’s help in the least and Virginia no matter how unsavory Theo is, pushes into his life and unwillingly nurses him back to health whether he wants it or not. Will Virginia be able to save Theo without losing her heart in the process and will Theo be able to withstand falling in love as well?
These books are just wonderfully delightful! We are back again in Christmas England a town forever supposedly trapped in the time of this wondrous holiday where caroling, sleigh rides and snow is in abundance plus the people love being there. The story does come alive and is easily imagined along with the crazy zany characters which even Scrooge will find it hard to avoid the Christmas spirit! Plus the books don’t have to be read in order and can easily stand alone but just to learn who the characters really are it might not hurt to start from the beginning anyway. Theo the moody injured hero appears to be crass and cross but due to his curiosity and willingness to open up really has a loving heart. Virginia the impulsive feisty heroine is truly a delight, making her just a great person! Her spirit is infectious and really it’s hard not to love her too! The next book is definitely something to look forward to and of course eagerly anticipated as well!

Never Say Duke is a delightful and entertaining read. It brings together two people who have been dealt with different impositions and yet, they heal each other.

Theodore is a war casualty who has escaped to Christmas to heal in anonymity, peace and quiet. He has more or less accepted his fate until, he sets foot in Christmas.

Virginia is now a resident of Christmas after being dealt some unfair and cruel cards by her parents. Her passion is rescuing injured animals and nurse them back to life. Her new patient comes under a different guise, complety.

When Virginia's cat strays she comes face to face with a grouchy Theodore. She is not put off in the slightest and ignores his attitude. He tries to push her away, but she is more persistent than anticipated. Besides, he is fascinated by her outlook on life and the more time they spend together, the more they understand each other. His future lies in London and she has no intention of ever returning to London and the ton. Christmas is now her home where she is not judged for being who she is.

Virginia and Theodore are interesting characters who help each other overcome their fears and they are both loving and lovable. I like the dynamics between them. Flaws aside, they make the perfect couple. It's a light, interesting, fun and romantic read.

I was kindly issued with an eARC from Netgalley and the views expressed are my personal opinion.

4 stars

Enjoyed this book, liked the hero and the heroine and especially the cat Duke.

I have enjoyed this author in the past so will look out for her books in the future.

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

This was an absolutely-delightful, romantic romp. It had all the essential elements that make for a great, historical romance read. The story line was interesting, and the characters were complex and rich with life. I enjoyed this book immensely!

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley & WebMotion in order to read and provide a voluntary and honest review, should I choose to do so.

#12dukes #NetGalley

This is a really sweet, quirky story. I really liked the h and thought her one of my favorites of all the Erica Ridley characters. I think because I can totally understand her. The H was ok. Not great, not bad. It seemed like a quick read as I got through it in one day. But then I usually devour Ms. Ridley’s books. I definitely recommend this sweet and CLEAN story!

I always love Erica Ridley's historical romance. And Never Say Duke is another example of a fast, fun, read. And the chemistry is realistic and the issues are real.

Theo, Viscount of Ormondton is back from the war, though injured physically and mentally. No doubt he has PTSD but that's quite a modern term. He convalesces away from London and the ton at his friend's house- the Duke of Azureford's cottage in the village of Christmas. Here he meets another stowaway, Ms. Virginia Underwood. She has her own demons with the anxiety she has and how her family has treated her in the past.

Now we know they're going to get together. How they manage to break the barriers is the lure of the story. And Ms. Ridley always does it so effortlessly.

In the end- the characters both have a realistic level of development and we understand their union. At least with a modern day lens, I do. I'm not sure how realistic this would have played out in the 1800s but, hey, that's why I read- To escape and have a happily ever after I can mostly believe.

The fourth book of this series reveals that it is who we are that matters, not how we appear. This story begins with a Vicount arriving in Christmas anonymously so he can heal his war wounds. Virginia stumbles upon this man when retrieving her cat that had wandered in his window. Noticing his condition, Virginia declares herself his nurse and returns daily to tend to him. They fall in love.

Virginia is a socially awkward, lyrical, unusual character who does not like crowds or loud noises. Viscount Ormondton is an injured soldier with a familial duty to bear when he is healed.

While I am glad Virginia finally got her story, I am done with Christmas novels now. Overall, this was a quick, easy read that historical romances readers may enjoy.

This was my first book by Erica Ridley and what a fun read it was. I fell in love with the two main characters from the beginning of the story. The wounded war hero only wanted to hide away and heal. The heroine only wanted to rescue injured strays. The banter between them is very funny. Their road towards love is a rocky one but one you will want to be a part of. It is laugh out loud funny but also rugged on my heartstrings. I highly recommend this book. It is one you will not regret reading. I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Never Say Duke (12 Dukes of Christmas, #4)
by Erica Ridley

BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY.......

I am wary of such a long series for many reasons HOWEVER, this one does not disappoint. Rather it is the absolute creativity of the author or the subject line each book has been a truly good read. Light , funny, layered stories that keep the reader entranced and chuckling at times. Each page a wonderful journey. I will keep looking for the next work by this author for she has a wonderful way of writing a story as well as the characters, the plots being fresh and just so many facets of life. A truly gifted writer. I received a copy of the ARC via NetGalley, all opinions expressed here are my own and voluntary.

This was my first book by Erica Ridley and what a fun read it was. I didn’t read the 3 previous books in this series but they appear to be about friends of Virginia who is the heroine in this book. Virginia has problems not fitting into society and prefers a simpler life away from London and crowds. Theo is back from war with injuries which make him self conscious. These 2 were made for each other - accepting each other for who they are as a person, not who they are in society. Very low steam - just a sweet, fun read.

I'm a big fan of Erica Ridley's stories. They're sweet and sexy without being overly angsty. I'm tired of brooding broken heroes and I almost quit once I realized a few pages in that Theo has battle-scarred and injured.
Virginia is the best character that is potentially on The Spectrum that I've read. She displays the traits without it being written to define her or simply make her seem quirky.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Amazing and funny at times. Quite predictable storyline. Virginia is a lovely person who enjoys helping people. Pleased it has a happy ending. I will definitely look forward to read more books in this series and othereby Erica Ridley.

An emotionally heart-wrenching story of the misunderstood, the abandoned and the unloved. Our heroine, Miss Virginia Underwood because she is deemed to have an odd eccentric personality, she is told she is unfit for society and is cast aside to an asylum. (heavy sigh) I cannot imagine what that must have felt like. To be so unloved by parents and tossed away as if one did not matter. While reading this my heart went out to Virginia and her sweet gentle ways. She was always trying to learn how to fit in. She just wanted to be "normal". (whatever that means) This book touched my soul. Our hero, Theodore O'Hanlon, Major Viscount Ormondton is a military man who was stationed in France to fight the war against Bonaparte. His face and leg were injured. One side of his face was disfigured and his knee was so broken that it was impossible to be set correctly. Theodore lived in the shadow of a domineering father who expected him to put duty above all else. He just wanted to be accepted for himself and valued, to be helpful, to be useful. He was also feeling dejected by the injuries to his face. He believed he was to ugly to look upon and that others would cringe in fear looking at him. At first, when Virginia and Theodore met, they semm not have very much in common. But as you read the story it reveals the pain and sorrow of the similarities between them. This is an excellent book and I highly recommend it. I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Such a lovely read. The writing and romance was sweet and even though a HEA is always on the cards I loved reaching that ending with these compelling characters. Great writing and an adorable plot.

This was a charming book with enough originality in the heroine's character to stand out. Virginia Underwood, a kind of stray herself, takes in strays - animals and now a person. I enjoyed seeing how her anxieties and panic attacks were portrayed and the support which both her partner and friends gave her. The book zips along and is peppered with amusing animal anecdotes. As with anything in this genre, the outcome is expected, but the journey here is satisfying.

Never say Duke was a great read, it is another story that takes place in the magical town of Christmas, that I so want to visit by the way. Its main characters are Virginia Underwood, a wonderfully kind, caring woman, that lives to care for those that need help. But no matter how kind she is, some people just haven't been able to look beyond some of her other odd behaviors. Theodore O’Hanlon, however, is not known to be so kind, at least not since returning from war. He has come to the town of Christmas to heal in peace, without his friends or family, or anyone really knowing that he is there. He has great plans to stay to himself and not see other people, until he meets Virginia, and then nothing seems to go as he had planned. However somethings just turn out better when the plans change.
This was another great read from Erica Ridley, that I would say "Yes go out and buy!" Cant wait for the next one.

I received a copy of this book via Netgalley, and is the fourth in the “12 Dukes of Christmas” series.


Having just returned from war, scarred in body and mind, Theodore O’Hanlon (“Mr T”), Major Viscount Ormondton, borrows the Duke of Azureford’s cottage in Christmas, in order to recover from his injuries in peace. He intends to remain completely anonymous, but much to his dismay, he gets an unexpected visitor on his first full day of solitude – a cat named Duke, who detours from his daily constitutional with his human to come and visit. His human is Virginia Underwood, resident of Christmas, a woman who cannot resist rescuing strays or tending the wounded. Knowing the Duke of Azureford is away, she realises that Duke has effectively let himself into the house, and she goes to find him and take him away. However, not only does she find Duke, she finds Theodore and insists on helping him – despite all his refusals.

Theodore is intrigued by Virginia and begins to look forward to her visits. They talk and she learns that he is expected to marry the daughter of his father’s friend – he will do it, because Theodore always keeps his promises and does his duty. His father arranged it, his betrothed has made it clear that she expects their announcement to happen almost immediately after he returns from war. Everyone expects it, so why is he beginning to question that decision?

The more time they spend together, the more she pushes him and under her care, he begins to heal, both physically and mentally. He learns more about her past, which is as shocking as is it heartbreaking. She loves Theodore, but when she learns who he really is, isn’t sure she could stand being part of his world, plus there is the little problem of the soon to be betrothed. Theodore also gets to learn more about her childhood – as the oldest daughter, who was unlikely to marry (mainly for her “personality issues”), and therefore preventing her younger sisters from marrying, she was committed to an asylum by her parents. Her desire to remain in Christmas is mainly to keep off people’s radars (she had escaped from the asylum years before, and believes that if she’s found, she would be recommitted), and because she hates being in crowded places, with too much noise, and too many people.

After a romantic, platonic evening, an unexpected visitor arrives at Theodore’s door, reminding Virginia why the two of them can never be together and she leaves.

Meanwhile, Virginia has been running the aviary, but the castle steward has decided to hire a “professional” veterinarian (read: a man) to run it as it gets bigger. Virginia feels that the sole reason for her to remain at the castle has been removed, even when the steward realises his mistake and asks for her to come back, in a much reduced capacity. Almost immediately afterwards she receives news of an unexpected windfall, which opens up her options, so she doesn’t have to fall back into her past life.

The final chapters push both the characters out of their comfort zones – Virginia enters the packed aviary to find her friend Penelope for comfort, and Theo makes his first appearance in public with his scarred face visible.

I certainly enjoyed this book, and it fitted in well with the previous books in the series. Most of the secondary characters (who remembers the valet?!) are virtually non existent, and other residents of Christmas only appear as and when necessary. Therefore the book can be read standalone and it is not necessary to have read the previous books. Whilst set in the town of Christmas, it’s not actually a Christmas themed book, so can be read any time of the year