A beauty and the beast type romance, this novella is sweet, humorous and entertaining. Having met Virginia in previous books in this series, I wondered how this gentle woman’s quirky nature would evolve. Despite her fear of noise and crowds, she is nevertheless a determined personality, especially when it comes to rescuing strays. Theo, on the other hand, is equally determined not to be rescued but Virginia’s determination and her sly ally break through his solid wall of resistance. I enjoyed the humour and interaction between Theo and Virginia, but Duke added his own flavour to the story. This story is well written, clean and can be read by most age groups. Despite the fact that it is part of a series, it is nevertheless a standalone and comes to a delightfully happy ending. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

A super sweet, Christmassy romance. Throughout, I kept thinking of the word “gentle.” The characters each showed a gentle love toward one another that was so soothing to read. I especially appreciated Theodore’s spoken commitment to effective communication that meant the relationship between the two of them would remain open and honest and trusting. Though the plot itself was relatively lowkey, the emotions packed in were intense. At one point, I even got rather teary-eyed over Virginia’s relationship with her cat. A delightful read.

A wounded soldier returns to England only wanting to hide till his wounds heal. A young lady makes it her mission to help him heal in unconventional ways. As each day passes their attraction grows. A cat named Duke and lots of ice cream contribute to healing them both. Only their identities remain a secret. Once they are revealed will it make difference? A charming love story that with squeeze your heart. A keeper.

Very enchanting. This humorous love story tugged at my heart as two souls healed and came together in a happily ever after with surprises that left me smiling. Book provided by NetGalley.

Never Say Never by Erica Ridley is the latest book in the 12 Dukes of Christmas series. Once again we are transported to the town of Christmas in the northern section of England. The small town is an unusual place with the various characters and how the town operates.

Theodore O’Hanlon, Viscount Ormondton, is hiding in the town of Christmas. He has returned from battle with a badly injured leg and various other injuries. He does not want to see anyone or let his family even know he is back in England.

Virginia Underwood seems to collect strays. Her cat, Duke, wanders into the house that Theo is hiding out at. Virginia takes his presence as an another stray to help and insinuates herself into his life, directing his treatment and pushing him to try to do more. Theo hates everything she is doing, but he finds himself doing what she asks and slowly they begin to build a friendship and more.

Never Say Never by Erica Ridley is a quick, fun read.

I read the first and second book in this series and somehow missed the third. This is the fourth book in the series and I loved it. I had to keep picking up my phone (Kindle app) to keep reading this and I had to know what happens. I love how reading the previous books in the series lets you understand the odd bit a bit better but it's more like Easter eggs and not a requirement. Love this and the other books I've already read by this author.

War heroes need saving as much as stray animals do. Virginia Underwood is determined to help this grumpy recluse who is staying at his friend's cottage and does not want anyone to know who he is or where he is.. Virginia brings Duke the stray cat she has saved with her Duke is no ordinary cat. He acts like a dog. She loans Duke to Ted (as she has been told to call him) to take care of and think about something besides himself. Ted gets to depend on Virginia's visits. Virginia has a sad background and loves living in the castle at Christmas. She has friends and can do as she pleases. Can these two from different experiences in their life find happiness?

Theodore O'Hanlon, Major Viscount Ormondton is trying to recover from his war injuries in solitude at the Duke of Azureford's cottage in Christmas. When he receives an unexpected visit from Miss Virginia Underwood, a resident of Christmas, he has no idea how much his life will change. Virginia is a nurturer of animals and she sees the reluctant Theodore as another creature who needs her help. With patience and an unfailing courage to endure the cranky and often gruff Theodore, she slowly rehabilitates him. Both are scarred, some physical and some emotion, but they grow closer. Can these two tortured souls heal each other's wounds?

This was my favorite story of the "Dukes" series so far. Virginia was such a sweet, warm-hearted and kind young woman. While her parents had thought her worthless and shipped her off to an aslyum, she managed to escape and live a quiet life in Christmas. Ms. Ridley's sensitive handling of Theodore recovering from his war injuries saved the book from being too dark. Theodore and Virginia definitely deserve their HEA.

My favourite so far, although I have to say the cover bears little resemblance to the plot.

Theodore, Viscount Ormondton, has returned from the war scarred and unable to walk. Refusing to see friends and family he has hidden himself away at his friend the Duke of Azureford's cottage in the little village of Christmas with the servants sworn to absolute secrecy.

Virginia Underwood has taken refuge in Christmas after fleeing a lunatic asylum. She has a fear of noise and crowds and keeps mainly to herself, tending to wounded animals she finds around the castle. Taking her cat Duke for his morning constitutional he jumps into an open window and meets Theo. Virginia knows that she can use her experience of healing animals to help Theo and slowly, with Theo's grudging assistance, she helps him strengthen his bad leg and start to use crutches.

As love blooms between our wounded hero and our reluctant heroine the real world intrudes, can true love overcome?

I loved this from start to finish. Although Virginia is socially awkward she is never so gauche that the reader loses sympathy for her. Although Theo wants to hide away he soon looks forward to Virginia's visit and learns to love her devil cat. Just a glorious romance from start to finish.

I received a free copy of this book from the author via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

I loved everything about this book!!! It is a good length not too long and not too short. Virginia and Theo are an adorable couple and complement each other perfectly. Throughout the book my heart broke for Virginia. The treatment by her parents is very sad. I loved the scene where Virginia slaps Theo not because he was taking liberties but because he stopped kissing her. My favorite part is when Virginia and Theo are in Azureford's library and they rearrange his books.

Nice, sweet, somewhat fluffy and totally christmassy, this story kept me reading and reading, and sighing and laughing. I really loved those characters. Our hero and our heroine seem to be some stereotypes but become so much more, the more you get to know them.

Virginia, who seems to suffer from some kind of autism, is so sweet, gentle and unique, as well as charming and witty, I love the way she cares about every stray that comes her way, no matter how many legs of wings it has. When we learned more about her past, I was furious and heart-broken for her.
Her cure of ice cream and bullying back to health works well for her (very reluctant) patient, our hero Theodore, who came to Christmas to lick his wounds in peace after having been severely wounded in the war.

Add a crazy, very independent cat named Duke and some serious chemistry and you've got a really sweet and captivating story that surprised me in a completely wonderful way.

Another amazing read by Erica ! Never say Duke was Sexy, funny and passionate.! Virginia and Theo were made for each other. I would like to see something about the Duke of Azureford. Great great book!

Very good sweet historical romance where the two characters Theodore and Virginia slowly fall in love amongst a backdrop of an era which really brought the story together. Loved the cat!

Book four in the 12 Dukes of Christmas series is here. Never Say Duke hit booksellers shelves on January 5th. Not having read any of the previous stories in this series I had no expectations, only a fresh set of eyes. I'm enchanted. Erica Ridley has a new fan.

Theodore "Theo" O'Hanlon, Viscount Ormondton, is a military man, devoted and proud. A horrific battlefield wound has him on his way back to England, discharged from service, unhappy and looking for a place to hide out and heal. A friend of his has loaned him a cottage on his estate, a few servants and the promise of anonymity while he recuperates. When his family finds out he's back in England, he'll be expected to take his place in society. This includes becoming betrothed to the woman picked out for him when he was a child. He wants to be at his best when he has to tackle this change in his life.

Miss Virginia Underwood is a lovely young lady headed for spinsterhood on the express train. She's lived in the village of Christmas for some 6 years now. She's carved out a life for herself with friends, a place to live and a purpose in life. Virginia rescues wounded animals and nurses them back to health. She has a way with animals, they take to her and she to them, they are much, much easier to deal with than people. Theo is a wounded soul that she feels the need to help on his way to recovery. She has a huge secret, not even her friends in Christmas know. I also suspect that she suffers from Asperger Syndrome, making her socially awkward. This is unforgivable in the world of the ton.

You may start reading this story for the plot and romance, which are great, but you'll stay for the cat.

I had the privilege of receiving an advance copy, ARC, of this sweet story. I enjoyed it very much and consider it a pleasure to share my opinion with you. Both are free and without obligation. Enjoy the happy ending, it's lovely.

#12dukes #neversayduke #@ericaridley #netgalley

Virginia, the arrow headed aviary keeper of Christmas, and her cat “Duke” unexpectedly meet up with a wounded war hero. Virginia decides to nurse him back to health, and after fairly little hesitation “Mr. T”, who thinks he is incognito, lets her. Of course they fall in love, but it is hopeless for both of them – or is it not?
Another very cute, romantic, and well written romance novella set in the town of Christmas, where the holiday cheer goes on all year round.

Erica Ridley never disappoints. This was another enjoyable installment of her Dukes of Christmas series. About November I love reading books with a Christmas theme so I look forward to more of the Dukes in the future! Would recommend!

Another wonderful historical drama from this talented author. It is well written and the storyline is amazing and entertaining

This is kind of charming and sweet. If you want something steamy, it’s probably not for you.

He is lovely and she’s kind of kooky, I thought they were well matched . There’s actually something special about Virginia, she’s lovely and different. I thought her challenges were well handled. And it made my heart smile

I’m not convinced it’s historically accurate but it is a lovely easy read.

I really liked this addition to the Christmas Dukes series. Theo is a war hero and ends up in Christmas to recover. Virginia is an animal lover and can’t help but heal any wounded creature, even if it’s a Duke that doesn’t want it. Great characters and a wonderful historical read. Such an entertaining read.

Yay, Duke 4 of the 12 Dukes of Christmas! This time it is Theodore, who comes to Christmas to hide from the world, while recovering from his war injuries. He is a surly and stubborn man. When Virginia accidently meets Theodore, while pursuing her escaped cat Duke into the Azureford estate, she decides this man needs some care. Together with butler Swinton, she tries to help Theodore to recover.
Virginia however, has always had problems in interacting with people. They don't understand her and they mock her and therefore she has always taken her refuge to animals. Caring for animals has always made her happy and in Theodore she recognizes a wounded animal.
Together with her crazy (and very funny) cat Duke, she is on a mission to help Theodore to be able to dance in London with his bethrothed at the next Season. While they spend time together, however, Theodore realizes he comes to care for Virginia. But can he break the vows his parents have made to the parents of his bride-to-be? And can Virginia overcome her fear of people to be with Theodore? Find out for yourself in this wonderful story. Five out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc. And I'm already awaiting the next Duke! Keep up the good work, Erica.