This is the 4th book in the 12 Dukes of Christmas and I have to wonder, can they get any better. Am absolutely loving this series. Each book I read as soon as I get them and read them in one sitting. The emotion and feeling that Ms Ridley writes into these books is amazing. There is humor, sadness and serious emotional issues that she handles with love and care. This book, two every damaged people find restoration and love helped along by an amazing cat. The secondary characters add to the joy of reading this book. You just can’t go wrong with these books. Even though it is part of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone book. It is sad that the next one won’t be released till Oct 19, so we now wait with baited breath for the next one. This was a clean read and I received it as an ARC.

Never Say Duke is another great regency in the Twelve Dukes of Christmas series. Ms Ridley has a talent for unusual heroines that draws the reader into the story and leaves you emotionally invested. Socially awkward and uncomfortable with crowds, Virginia Underwood has an affinity for animals and is always saving strays. When a wounded Viscount shows up under the name of Mr. T, Virginia appoints herself his nurse and adopts yet another stray. An unlikely friendship turns into more for the mismatched couple as they learn to embrace who they are and work towards a sweet HEA. I really enjoyed the unconventional personality that Virginia has and Duke the cat is awesome sauce. This story will become a permanent addition to the shelf of books I reach to for a pick me up when life drags me down, a fun, sweet read. My voluntary, unbiased review is based upon a review copy from Netgalley.

Delightful regency tale!

I was completely won over by the rather unusual Miss Virginia Theodore and her cat Duke. A satisfyingly lyrical story spread liberally with a crazy cat, a wounded warrior (Theodore O’Hanlon, Viscount Ormondton) hiding out from his perhaps betrothed, and a mysterious young woman who is totally unexpected in both thoughts and habits. Ice cream and kisses sprinkle the way and if the two lead characters have troubled pasts then so much the better. Healing is a wonderful journey.
I smiled a lot and I loved that crazy cat with its so independent nature. Whimsical moments are prompted by the unusual actions of the Duke of Azureford redoubtable butler Swinton.

A NetGalley ARC

Having been on a recent historical romance binge, this is my first book by Erica Ridley and will most definitely not be my last.
She has written a beautifully engaging love story with thoroughly likeable characters. You can feel Virginia's anxiety and Theo's determination bleeding through the pages.

Never Say Duke is the fourth book in the 12 Dukes of Christmas series. I loved this sweet romance! Theodore is viscount who joined the army to fight in France. He becomes an Army Major. While in battle he becomes seriously injured. Therefore he travels to Christmas to recuperate anonymously. It is because a cat named Duke that he meets our heroine, Virginia. Virginia has appeared in the previous stories and we see that she is a gentle soul who loves to take care of injured animals. It is then that she takes upon the task of becoming Theodore's nurse. Theodore initially refuses her help. It is these scenes that made the story so sweet. She is helping him recuperate physically while he helps her recuperate of her emotional scars. Though the story is not a long one it was very well written and gave this reader all the feels when it comes to reading a romance story.
I highly recommend this series. Each book can be read as a stand alone. I've been lucky to read them all so far. I do have to say that this is my favorite one. I will definitely will continue with the series.
There are no sexy times included, but it was not necessary to the story.
*Thank you to the publisher/author for the ARC I got through NetGalley for review.*

Never say Duke by Erica Ridley is book 4 in the 12 Dukes of Christmas. Virginia Underwood is always rescuing stray animals. Her latest turns out to be a war hero returning to heal his many wounds. Theodore O’Hanlon, Viscount Ormondton, is staying in Christmas at a friend’s summer cottage. He doesn’t want anyone to know who he is and where he is as he recuperates from facial and leg wounds received in war. When he is healed, he is to return to London and ask Lady Beatrice to marry him. This was all prearranged by their fathers. He is in his room when Miss Underwood charges in to capture her cat that had entered the cottage through an open window. From there, the story is so sweet as she strives to heal his knee. Loved this story as well as all the others I have read by Erica Ridley. A complimentary copy was received from Net Galley and this is my honest review.

My favorite book in the series so far! I loved Virginia from her small cameos in the previous books and knew there was a great story there. Her vulnerability is hidden by her compassion for those that are hurt and her candor and poetic turn of phrases is refreshing. Theo’s acceptance of Virginia and her quiet doctoring is touching and it’s lovely to sense them falling in love as the pages turn. The scene stealer in this book is His Grace, Duke.

This book was LOADS better than I expected it to be. I love Erica Ridley, I don’t know why I would ever have underestimated her, but I have learned my lesson. Never again!

Virginia was such a lovely heroine. I absolutely adored her. I love quirky heroines, and Virginia was among the best I’ve ever read. Theodore also was a wonderful character. He was honorable, dashing, understanding, and just… *swoon* Anyone that knows me knows that I have a weakness for those wounded war hero stories, this is absolutely no exceptions.

This entire book was fantastic. I fell into the story from page one, and did not put it down. I even loved the supporting characters! Even the cat! I spent the whole of this Saturday morning in Christmas. It was so fun! I cannot wait to return!

Laugh out loud moments will keep you turning the pages of Never Say Duke. Fourth in the 12 Dukes of Christmas series is a charming tale of a wounded war hero, Theo, who is trying to convalesce in secret and in a quiet atmosphere of anonymity. Sweet, well loved Virginia takes him on as one of her wounded creatures. She is going to make sure he heals quickly and thoroughly. With the help Swinton, the Duke of Azureford’s butler, Virginia comes and goes whether needed or not.

The Duke of Azureford sent his butler a note of introduction for Theo telling him not to mollycoddle Theo. Swinton not only pulls out the note as needed to remind Theo of his ‘normal’ treatment, he share the note with Virginia. She loves and cares for all wounded creatures and, in the process, wins over Theo’s heart. The trouble is, Theo is almost betrothed to another and has been since birth.

Back to sweet Virginia, you realize fairly quickly that she is on the autism spectrum. This makes you love her all the more. Virginia is protected by the people of the charming village of Christmas. They protect her as well and love her tremendously. Virginia knows and realizes that family is whom you chose, not to whom you were born. The characters in the previous books in the series are her chosen family.

The title Never Say Duke has the honor of being the cat’s name. Duke, the cat, responds like a dog. Virginia has trained Duke to follow her commands - most of the time. He, also, has a will of his own and begins to stick with our wounded war hero. So, our hero Theo is not a duke, but is heir to a marquisette.

Don’t miss this book! It may be after the Christmas season, but this book and this series will be delightful reading any time of the year. Erica Ridley is one of my go to authors when needing a great weekend book to read!

I received an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review

I loved this story- so sweet and heart wrenching. I’d love to see more romances with ASD heroines. Perfect

This is the fourth book in the series. I couldn't wait to read it. I loved hearing about the other characters from the previous books too. Another winner! It was well told. I liked that they both had to overcome issues. I love the cat. Too funny! Great read!

NEVER SAY DUKE by Erica Ridley gave me more smiles and laughs than I’ve had in a long time - and that’s saying something, since I read it just after celebrating the holidays! Wait until you’re introduced to the Duke in the story! He’s amazing!

Forgive me for all the exclamation points, but this is a story that deserves them. NEVER SAY DUKE is the fourth novel in the series The Twelve Dukes of Christmas and I do believe it’s the best so far. I was thrilled to receive a pre-release copy via Net Galley and it seemed like an unexpected Christmas gift. Without any doubt in my mind, I will reread it. Often.

Theodore O’Hanlon, Viscount Ormondton, has arrived in the town of Cressmouth, better known as Christmas, to recuperate from his severe war wounds. He is grouchy (rightfully so, due to pain) and wishes to remain totally anonymous. However, Virginia Underwood, a permanent resident of the town, arrives on his doorstep to reclaim her cat, who had invited himself into Theodore’s borrowed cottage by way of an open window.

Virginia is known for taking in wounded stray birds and animals, caring for them with tender devotion. Despite his initial snarls, she decides that Theodore is her next rehab patient and is slowly able to work her way into the heart of this lovely man, announcing she will nurse him. Gradually, gently, and painstakingly, she does just that. (As a nurse, myself, I must admit, she did a very credible job, too!)

As Theodore progresses, he realizes what a treasure Virginia is , but also comes to realize that she has secrets of her own. It is absolutely not my place to define a character for a writer, but I believe that Virginia has Asperger’s, on the very mild end of the autism spectrum. Theodore’s acceptance of Virginia exactly as she is, is a sparkling bit of pleasure. There are some very difficult battles to wage, for both of them, and the wonderful way they deal with them, is a joy to behold.

Oh, you just have to read it! It’s a laugh-out-loud treasure and also one of the sweetest love stories you can imagine! (There go the exclamation points again! Sorry/not sorry!) Please do!

I love, love, love this story! Virginia is different...in a wonderful way. She helps everyone she finds in need from birds to war heroes! Theo has such a heart! He has committments to his father that he has no choice about...or does he.

This story is magical. You'll laugh, feel sad. Feel joyfilled. Just a very lovely story!! Enjoy it.

This story is more in line with what I know this author is capable of. Both characters are charming, and flawed in their own way. The addition of the cat (whose name I dare not speak) was a wonderfully comical addition that added more laugh out loud moments than I can count.

The chemistry between these two was interesting - in that I thought Theo would be too stubborn to actually listen - so seeing not only they pair confide in one another, but having Theo performing the rehabilitation tasks set before him (even when there was no one to see) added to my overall enjoyment of this story.

I will say that my few "problems" with this story stem from the fact that while I enjoyed watching these two interact with one another, I do wish we would have seen more of a conflict between Lady Beatrice (who dare I hope will get her own story), as well as how Theo's father reacted when he introduced Virginia as his wife, but even without those instances this was still a very enjoyable story that I feel will appeal to fans of this author.

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

I loved having this chance to finally get to know Virginia better. Her roll in the previous books had left me thinking she was a bit of an odd duck. And, while she isn’t the typical Regency woman, all her cryptic comments and actions now make much more sense. She’s been hiding so much strength, passion, and a heartbreaking vulnerability. Theodore is every inch the strong, silent, noble man – not just a nobleman. A war hero who deeply values his honor, he’s a little at a loss when he’s sidelined by his injuries and Virginia forces him to accept her help as his nursemaid. (And that of Duke, her temperamental cat with more personality than this book can hold.) I loved this pair together. Watching them open up to one another liquified my gooey marshmallow heart.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author through NetGalley.

This is the fourth book in the Twelve Dukes of Christmas series. This is Miss Virginia's story. Virginia always takes in strays. She donated the partridge for the aviary in Christmas. Sometimes things she says don't always make sense to anyone but her. Her cat, Duke can never resist an open window. While she was taking a walk, Duke goes into Lord Azureford's cottage. He is not at home but someone else is there. It's Theodore, Lord Ormondton. He is there, anonymously, recovering from war injuries before he goes to London. She goes in to get Duke and sees his bandages. She thinks he is the most handsome man she has ever seen despite his face being scarred. Virginia starts helping him with recovery even if he doesn't want it.  The more she visits, the more they care for each other. She never wants to go back to London and society and he is to become betrothed to someone whom their parents have picked out. She will never marry. Her secrets and abandonment issues will prevent it. She will live forever in the castle in Christmas, seeing her few friends when they are there. When his recovery is complete and he readies to leave for London to take up his duties, will be be able to leave Virginia? This is my favorite book so far. I loved all the the characters, especially Duke. The interactions between the H & H was magical. I received this book from Net Galley and WebMotion for a honest review. The opinions are my own. 5+

Yes, Virginia, there is a Viscount...

Miss Virginia Underwood cannot resist rescuing a stray. Her latest find turns out to be a surly, reclusive war hero trying to recover from his wounds in peace. He doesn't want her help—and Virginia definitely doesn't want to fall in love. Not when a future with him would mean returning to the the same haut ton who laughed her out of Town during her very first Season.

Theodore O’Hanlon, Viscount Ormondton, sequestered himself far from London to heal in anonymity. For now, he can be himself. As soon as he returns, he's meant to wed the woman his father selected years before. But when Miss Underwood turns his carefully mapped life upside-down, Theo must decide which battles are truly worth fighting for.

I love this series. In all of them so far there has been a bit of hope, humor, and most of all love. This one doesn't deviate from this vein.
This quick read is book #4 in the Twelve Dukes of Christmas series. In this one the Duke is a cat by that name instead of our hero. You feel like saying "Yes Virginia There is a Santa Claus".
Virginia is a rescuer of all creatures be they fowl, feline or in this case a man. She can't help herself. After being sent to an asylum by her family and finally escaping the horrid place, she has a penchant for helping others in need. That fact has lead her to help Theodore O’Hanlon, Viscount Ormondton even if he at first refuses that assistance.
Like all of the books in this series it isn't a lengthy read but a very satisfying one though.
Sit back, relax and read Never Say Duke, 12 Dukes of Christmas book #4.
I gave this book 4.75 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization. This sweet novella and the first three in the series are not to be missed. Look for the rest to come soon.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book from the author via NetGalley. This in no way affected my opinion of this novella which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

After being badly injured in the war against Napoleon, Theodore O'Hanlon, Viscount Ormondton, has come to the village of Cressmouth (nicknamed Christmas) to recuperate in his friend's vacation cottage. The major is confined to a wheelchair with a damaged knee and bandaged face, hiding out from society and his overbearing father, a marquess, who disapproves of his only son and heir's behavior in going off to fight and expects him to wed the woman the marquess has chosen for him. Miss Virginia Underwood has never been able to pass up an injured animal in need of care and determines that she must care for Theo as well, despite his surly attitude and lack of cooperation.

I enjoyed the development of this story and the main characters' relationship. I appreciated that Theo was decisive and there was none of the back and forth drama that's so common in the genre and so irritating to read. In the previous installments of this series Virginia has been one of my least favorite secondary characters, as her habit of speaking in vague metaphors annoyed me, but that has been toned down some in this book and she has a tragic backstory and relatable social awkwardness that makes her likeable. This book wasn't steamy at all, unlike its predecessors, but I find that, because of the storyline itself, this is my favorite of the series thus far; plus no cheesy puns in this one, which could be good or bad depending on your perspective. Either way, it's a fun, quick read.

I received a complimentary ARC via NetGalley. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Now this is a love story. Theo and Virginia are two hurt soles,that come together through Duke the cat. Duke plays a wonderful role in this book. Together along with Duke they learn to heal and learn what true love is. A wonderful clean read.

I love this whimsical series of romances set in the village of Christmas in bygone times. As the series progresses, characters who are the main focus of one book fade into the background and then other characters come to the fore. I’m looking forwards to reading the next in the series.