The Duke's Desire by Erica Ridley | ARC Review

Series: 12 Dukes of Christmas, #8
Traits & Tropes: virgin hero
Publication Date: 12.24.19
Genre/Setting: Historical; Regency; England, 1814
Rating: 5 stars

Since fleeing the revolution in his homeland of France after his parents were killed, Lucien le Duc has spent the last 18 years working to restore his fortune and aristocratic birthright for himself and his two younger siblings.  Now he can finally return to France; even though his siblings will not be joining him, nothing will stop his leaving, especially not a flirtatious Englishwoman.

Meg Church loves her year-round Christmas-celebrating village almost as much as she loves the freedom her spinsterhood affords her.  She has admired the perpetually scowling Lucien for years, but he pays her no notice at all.  Until suddenly he does.  Soon English lessons turn into much more, but despite their growing closeness, Lucien and Meg have different priorities that may be enough to keep them apart.

This was such a sweet story.  Lucien was adorably broody and vulnerable beneath his hard façade and Meg was delightfully brash and irreverent.  I didn't even mind that this wasn't a steamy read because these two had such great chemistry and were so sweet together.  I loved them together and they demonstrated great growth, especially for such a short novella.  I thoroughly enjoyed it.

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


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