Oh! I have waited for Virginia’s story, Temple Grandin of the Regency Era. Ms. Ridley masterfully creates an endearing and enduring story of love, loss and acceptance. This story is so wonderfully tender and heartfelt. It was pure joy to read!

A moving and romantic story..Theo is a disabled and scarred veteran of the Napoleonic Wars, hiding out at a Duke's estate. He is rescued from his misery and hopelessness by Virginia, a quirky woman who is hiding out herself. She has a traumatic past that has left her without self confidence but hasn't damaged her sweetness. The two develop a relationship and then must face their demons to have a HEA.

Virginia Underwood was discarded by her parents. They had no love for their eldest daughter. When she escaped from the asylum where they sent her, she found her way to the village of Christmas. Here she keeps to herself and helps save strays. She has found acceptance here. When her roguish cat, Duke, decides to pay an unannounced visit, Virginia meets Theodore O'Hanlon, Viscount Ormondton. He has come here to heal after being severely injured in the war. He wants to be left alone to brood which is impossible with Virginia around. From the first meeting I could feel their spark of attraction. They have common ground - parental expectations. It was unbelievable how Virginia's parents acted when she didn't make an advantageous match. I admired how she created a life without them. She's a capable woman with a loving heart. Mr. T doesn't want to see people until he's healed from his injuries . He's understandably upset about his upcoming engagement. I laughed at his first encounter with Virginia and Duke. It was a pleasure to see them grow together and find love. I was glad that Theodore was strong enough to ignore family and society's expectations and go for love. I am always happy visiting Christmas. It's nice seeing familiar people. Romance and HEA are always possible here. Erica Ridley writes such strong characters. They leave an impression with their passion and sassy dialogue. I'm looking forward to the next 12 Dukes of Christmas story.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.

This series never disappoints. It's light and fluffy, funny and heartwarming. True, it's fluff and every little thing is neatly wrapped up in the end, but on the plus side, there is very little drama, and just a story of two people who couldn't deserve happiness more finding their happily ever after. I loved that both protagonists were more than the cliché they seemed at first (tortured war hero meets young and eccentric/ "different" heroine). I loved that Virginia, who in the previous stories was forever saying the wrong thing, got her own book. She is one heroine who deserves the adjective "unique": shipped off to an asylum by parents who never understood her and her anxieties and wanted to be rid of an unmarriageable daughter, she has carved out a life for herself where she can be whatever she wants to be, and in Theo she finds the perfect person for her! I just wish her issues would have been explored more deeply and not everything had been so easily solved. If you're looking for lovely, short, cozy stories, give this series a chance.

Never Say Duke is the fourth installment in Erica Ridley's charming series, 12 Dukes of Christmas. Don't let the series title fool you, it's not specifically a Christmas story but instead takes place in the charming little town called Christmas.
Virginia is a caring recluse who suffers from extreme social anxiety. She could be described quite accurately as an empath, caring for injured animals and those who need her most. One day during her morning constitutional with her curious cat, Duke, she finds a baby bird who has fallen from it's nest. She climbs the tree and returns it to its home. But while she is doing her act of charity, the insufferable Duke runs into the open window of an unsuspecting guest.
Thomas, or Mr. T as the house staff knows him, is in hiding. He's a war hero who has returned home battle scarred. His face is covered in bandages to hide the scars that he has sustained. He is confined to a wheel chair and fears that he may never walk again. But when a beautiful woman comes knocking on his door to retrieve her cat, she sees his state and her heart goes out to this man. Virginia removes his bandages and realizes that here is the most handsome man her eyes have ever beheld. Much to the dismay of Thomas, Virginia takes it upon herself to help this man heal. Will they weaken each others defenses, much like the bandages that were hiding Thomas' scarred face?

NEVER SAY DUKE is the fourth book in the Twelve Dukes of Christmas series. Each will stand on its own, but I recommend reading them all and in the order of release.

Virginia has been present in the previous three books, each time poetically providing insightful suggestions or observations that lead to a happier conclusion. For herself, she doesn’t see happiness. She believes herself to be disposable. After all, her own parents said she was. I understand that perception. I’ve been there.

Then her cat, Duke, leads her on a merry chase that ends at the home of the Duke of Azureford’s front step. There, his friend Theo is convalescing his battle wounds. This is the beginning of an unasked-for friendship that could be more… if only Theodore didn’t have responsibilities in London and Virginia didn’t believe she was incapable.

Like a little girl who wrote a letter to the New York Sun, this Virginia needed to also see a newspaper. In the end, a follow up article could have said, “Yes, Virginia, there can be a happily-ever-after for you too. You only have to believe in yourself and accept that he does too.”

I loved this Christmasy story and I’m sad that I will need to wait until October for the next one to be released! Meanwhile, I’ll tell you that the cat, Duke, stole the show (and more than his fair share of ice cream).

One of my favorite bits of this series is how the lyrics from the 12 Days of Christmas are brought into the story. There is a partridge and a pear tree in ONCE UPON A DUKE. The two turtle doves in KISS OF A DUKE are beautifully brought to life as perfume bottles. In WISH UPON A DUKE, three French hens are found in the stars. The fourth book had the four calling birds drawn on cards along with an explanation about how they are actually Cally Birds. I’m looking forward to five golden rings!

Note: While I received this book as a gifted ARC via NetGalley, my opinions are my own and are given freely.

For the fourth Duke of Christmas, Erica Ridley gave to me… an autistic heroine.

Yep. An honest-to-goodness historical romance heroine who is very clearly on the spectrum, Virginia has trouble reading the emotions of other people unless they’re smiling or frowning. She hates crowds, loud noises, bright lights, anything sudden, and people who don’t say what they mean. She loves animals (especially Duke, her irascible and hilarious cat) and in her own way, she’s quite brilliant. It’s just that to most people, she appears extremely peculiar.

Of course, in the early 19th century, diagnosis for autism was a long way in the future, and what happened to Virginia was something which probably happened to all too many people, most especially powerless young women - her family put her in a lunatic asylum. Fortunate enough to escape and find her way to the tiny town of Christmas, she carved out a place for herself under the town’s benevolent guardian and vowed never to set foot in the society world which so utterly rejected her again.

Theodore is in Christmas to recover quietly from a serious injury he sustained on the battlefield, and Virginia takes him on much like one of her injured wildlife patients. The more time he spends with her, the better he comes to understand her. There’s a lovely line where he finally figures out why her cat is so irascible which is a perfect allegory for Virginia herself:

“The cat wasn’t the prickly, antisocial creature he had seemed. He had just been waiting to be treated like he mattered.”

Theodore is the first person in a long time to treat Virginia as though she matters, to be fascinated with her just as she is. He’s one of the nicest, most considerate heroes I’ve read in a long time, quickly coming to understand what she needs and careful of her special nature. This is a beautiful romance and probably my favourite of this genuinely charming series so far. Five stars.

This is a super sweet romance that will have you melting

Theodore O’Hanlon, Major Viscount Ormondton has returned from war as scarred man and he has retreated to Cressmouth to recuperate This is the Christmas town that Miss Virginia Underwood has also retreated to after getting out of the asylum her parents placed her in after her social awkwardness embarrassed then to their friends in the Ton. They meet one another when her cat Duke escapes and hides in the cottage that tHeodore is staying in. Virginia has never been able to resist a stray and decides that he will be her next patient. As they get to know on another first they become friends then they fall in love Do they have any chance at a HEA when she is afraid to go in public and he has obligations to his name and estate. Will they find a compromise You will have to read to see

I was given a copy of this book but thi is true and honest review

After being shot and trampled, Theodore heads to a village called Christmas to recover from his severe injuries. He's hiding and wants no one to see him or know who he is as he tries to recover. Enter a sweet lady with a funny cat who doesn't quite fit in to society and struggles with social situations. She takes care of strays and when she sees Theodore immediately adopts him as one of her strays to heal whether he likes it or not. I loved this story, grumpy, hurt man, learns to heal and be vulnerable in the face of Virginia's quirky strength. This is a feel good romance with endearing characters, that heal and support each other. This is a new to me author, I hope to read more of, I'm so glad I received a copy from #NetGalley to review.

Another fabulous installation in the Dukes of Christmas series.

I truly liked both main characters; their characters, problems and inhibitions were very realistic.. The banter was hilarious, as was the feline MC.

The library scene was my favourite of all. You'll know why, when you get to it.

Take a short break from real life and dive into Christmas for a few hours.

This is hilariously funny, heartbreaking, sweet and romantic. Theodore is gruff, sarcastic, charming and sweet. Virginia is bold, determined, caring, generous and vulnerable. Theodore was seriously injured during a battle and sent home, but he didn't want to go to London until he was healed, so his friend, the Duke of Azureford, let him stay at his house in Christmas. Virginia lives in Christmas because her parents left her in a madhouse and she escaped, when she got to Christmas she decided to stay because everyone accepted her. One day while walking her cat, Duke, the cat jumped into an open window at the Duke's home. So Virginia went to get him and found Theodore, half bandaged, sitting in his wheeled chair. She immediately took charge of him, which he didn't appreciate, and went to see him every day to help him build up his strength so that he could walk again. As they get to know each other, Theodore is incensed by the way her parents have treated her, so he takes it upon himself to build up her self-esteem, and falls in love. Their interactions are funny, sweet and entertaining. I cannot recommend this series enough, it's brilliant, every book is better than the last. They have intriguing storylines and brilliant and charming characters.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.

Theodore O'Hanlon, Viscount Ormondton was injured in the war. He is in Christmas to heal in anonymity, as far away from London as possible. His solitude is interrupted by Virginia Underwood and her cat Duke. Virginia is determined to help Theo heal from his wounds. She pokes and prods her surly patient until he starts responding. Theo has a woman who his father selected as his bride when he was young who is pushing him to make the betrothal official. But, he has fallen in love with Virginia. Is her love worth fighting for?

What a wonderful book! I loved the characters. Virginia was an amazing heroine. She was such a strong woman. Theo was the battle scared hero that needed to heal, but he found unconditional love. I like that the characters from the other books make an appearance. This was such a sweet read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher. Thank you!!

Never Say Duke is the 4rth book in the 12 dukes of Christmas series. It can be read as a complete stand-alone, but I got the impression that the couples from the previous books make an appearance. The title of the book is very fitting to the story and it was one of the reasons I laughed when I was reading it. The novella was heartwarming and I loved reading it on a very rare for me snowy afternoon. There was some drama with Beatrice aka the woman Theodore was supposed to marry because their fathers made a deal, but overall it was good and I don't see a reason why someone wouldn't like it. Virginia's past is heartbreaking and I felt so sad reading her story. Never say duke is a book you should (if not must) read. You won't regret it!

This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

This is such a fun series and I have enjoyed each of the books. Virginia is such an odd "bird" that she did not fit into society so her parents shipped her away in a very cruel way.

Theo returned from war with injuries and Virginia loves rescuing wounded animals so they kind of were meant for each other. Then, they both are injured by a statue of Cupid, so you know they are meant for each other.

Parts were funny as Virginia gets Theo to move around by tempting him with ice cream! The cat named Duke is such a fun addition and too funny that he will hiss at "Duke" but loves to be called "Your Grace!"

Not sure who is left for the real Duke as his story is next so I am eagerly waiting for the next Duke book!

Virginia is a delightfully unique heroine!

Theo has sequestered himself at his friend's remote guest house, hoping to recover from his crippling war wounds in complete privacy. Virginia has devoted her life to rescuing and rehabbing all sorts of wounded animals, and she sees Theo as just another creature needing her help. Neither one expects that they could develop anything more than a nurse/patient relationship, since Theo is expected to marry the woman his father chose years ago, and Virginia knows there's absolutely no way she'd ever be accepted in Theo's titled life.

I love how the author described just enough of Virginia's atypical personality traits to give us an understanding that she'd fall somewhere on the autism spectrum today, without anachronistically giving us an actual label or diagnosis. Theo's tender insight into how to make her comfortable around him was very sweet, and the epitome of gentlemanly behavior. That he would want to shows just how quickly he fell for her, long before he could even admit it to himself.

It was refreshing to see Virginia completely accepted for who - and h0w - she is in the charming community of Christmas. Even so, the epilogue was even more satisfying and did much to right the wrongs that she had endured. It's a wonderful romance, and my favorite of this series so far. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

The fourth book in Erica Ridley’s 12 Dukes of Christmas series, is heartwarming, touching, and fun. The antics of ‘Duke’ make the story even more enjoyable. A gentleman who has decided to hide from society until his wounds are healed, is befriended by a society outcast female with healing abilities. As each helps the other overcome their individual difficulties, a trusting friendship blooms between them and grows into love. The three main characters are developed just enough to not distract from the story, and items from traditional Christmas stories/poems/songs are once again inconspicuously interwoven in the story. Look for the next four books to be released October to December 2019.

Just when I think I have read the best book in this series, another one comes along that seems even better! Of course it is my favorite trope of the wounded hero who needs to find love and happiness. A cottage, a black cat and a town names Christmas finds Major Theodore, Viscount Ormondton, arriving in the town to stay in his friend's cottage and lay low. He has to recover from his mental and physical wounds from the war before he can return to society and take his position.
But who should find him but a cat named Duke and then to follow his owner, lovely Virginia Underwood who lives in the town. Virginia has her own past and wounds to deal with but she has a wonderful nurturing nature that immediately draws her to Theodore to help him heal.
As they get to know each other, truths are revealed about her background which just touch the heart. There are many twists and turns as these two find out about each other and it seems impossible for them to be together. Can they find their happy ending?
As all of the other stories in this series, there was humor, a zany cat and two wonderful characters that will reach out to you from the pages!!

Never Say Duke proved to be another adorable installment of the 12 Dukes of Christmas by Erica Ridley and without a doubt is my new favorite of the series.

I have adored Virginia throughout the series and was pleased to see her get a chance at her own happily ever after. Struggling with large crowds, loud noises, and the intricacies of social interactions, Virginia spends much of her time avoiding extended interactions with the other residents and tourists of Christmas. Theo has just returned from the war, suffering from debilitating injuries. Determined not to return to London until fully healed, he chooses to convalesce at a good friend’s cottage in the village of Christmas. Virginia, a resident of Christmas, takes in injured strays and nursing them back to health. When she meets Theo, she decides to nurse him back to health. Theo initially rejects Virginia’s expertise but soon she and her quirks woo Theo. Watching their relationship bloom was adorable and I am hoping that the rearrangement of the library is noticed by the Duke of Azureford and that he will give the reaction I’m hoping for.

Never Say Duke is a quick, cozy romance with a cast of lovable secondary characters. Theo will forever be on my list of book boyfriends. His adoration and complete acceptance of Virginia is swoon-worthy. I am looking forward to the next story coming out of the village of Christmas.

Fourth in this wonderful series.Loved continuing the adventure romances intrigue of these characters.So well written so intriguing.so much fun. #netgalley #webmotion

The fourth book in Erica Ridley’s 12 Dukes of Christmas series is a shiny, glittering star of a read, that may well have just become my favourite of her books!

Oh, this book was so sweet! I was a little apprehensive on starting this one, as the heroine is Virginia Underwood, who has been a background character in the previous three books. I’ve found her to be a bit annoying, as she has a habit of speaking in airy nature-related metaphors and then wandering off mid-conversation – BUT. Getting to see her as a POV character was amazing, as you really get to understand her, and she ended up becoming one of my favourite romance heroines.

Virginia is almost certainly autistic. This is not explicitly stated, as the term really wasn’t used until the 20th century, but she has a lot of traits that would be recognised as such today. She can’t abide crowds, or overwhelming sensory input; doesn’t know when to make eye contact or how to make small talk. She has very niche interests and is a keen observer of situations. People think she’s weird – to the point that her parents, seeing that she wasn’t going to be a success in society, put her in an insane asylum on the other side of the country. Yeah. Virginia’s been through a lot.

But she’s so strong – she escaped from the asylum and made a life for herself in Cressmouth. One that works for her on her own terms. As more of her backstory was revealed, I felt so strongly for her! It was really interesting to realise that I’d been much the same as her horrible parents when I assumed that she was just a quirky background character. Actually, reading this book, you can see how wonderfully caring and nurturing Virginia is. I fell completely in love with her.

But that would make a terrible romance novel, so luckily there’s someone else who can fall in love with her too – Theodore, Viscount Orpington, who’s anonymously come to Cressmouth to recover from terrible war wounds. He is, understandably, pretty crotchety at the beginning of the book, as he has badly injured his leg, to the point that he needs a wheelchair to get around, and his face has been scarred. He has no interest in anything other than sitting alone in the dark until he has healed. Luckily, Virginia, with her experience of caring for the town’s animals, is well aware that’s a terrible way to heal, and takes charge of his recovery. As she puts him through physical therapy, she also starts to melt his hardened heart…

Honestly, these two are so perfect for each other that it makes me grin. They are both so kind and loving, but have been forced to squash it down in order to get along, so seeing them warm up to each other is wonderful. I particularly loved how completely accepting Theodore was of Virginia, which was such a shock to her. How wonderful for her to find someone who sees her as she is truly, and has no interest in making her do things she is uncomfortable with. There’s a great moment where he offers to do something for her, and she says something like, “I’d rather just take one new experience at a time,”, and he instantly accepts that and changes his plans. He makes her so comfortable, and that comfort and openness and acceptance between them is what makes this romance so lovely to read.

Oh, and I’d be remiss not to mention my favourite character: Duke. Duke is a big ornery fluffball of a cat, who provides the initial reason for our two lovers-to-be to meet. He is so much fun! I love when books include cats, and Duke is a perfectly catty cat, with realistic catty traits. He made me smile so much. I hope we see more of him in cameos in later books!

This book is a little less Christmassy than the others, being set in April. Although Cressmouth celebrates Christmas all year round, the introverted personalities of our two leads means that there is less interaction between them and the villagers, so there’s not as much festivity as in previous books. I think this could easily be read all year round! It’s just absolutely lovely. It’s definitely become my favourite in this series, if not of all of Erica’s books, and any fans of historical romance should pick it up immediately. Five out of five stars!