Dawn with a Duke by Erica Ridley | ARC Review

Series: 12 Dukes of Christmas, #9
Traits & Tropes: class difference; forced proximity
Genre/Setting: Historical; Regency, Northeast England; 1814
Publication Date: 09.04.20
Heat Level: 3/5
Rating: 3.5/5

It is imperative that, as the daughter and sister of a duke, Lady Isabelle maintain a sterling reputation so she can marry well and finally earn her mother’s approval.  But when she’s snowed in at a posting inn and left unchaperoned when her maid falls ill, Lady Isabelle claims to be a widow to avoid any scandal.  And while she’s an anonymous widow, there’s no harm in indulging in a bit of a flirtation with the handsome tailor in the neighboring room.

Even snowed in Calvin McAllistair has plenty of work to do and no time for buttoning and unbuttoning the proper, but rather helpless, widow next door.  He certainly shouldn’t be flirting with her.  He needs to focus on wooing an investor to secure his business and therefore his future, all of which could be ruined when he learns his beloved Belle is actually sister to the very duke whose investment is so vital to Calvin’s plans.

This was a quick and enjoyable read.  My only complaint was the fact that Isabelle’s near constant reiteration of her need to keep her reputation unsullied and do her duty to her family got really old and repetitive very quickly.  However, that annoyance did make it all the more satisfying when Belle finally decided to stand up for herself and what she wanted rather than just going along with her family’s wishes.  Thankfully, her maid had a good head on her shoulders and was able to make Belle see sense.  That bit of development, along with Calvin’s adorable social awkwardness made this worth the read and I look forward to the next book.

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

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https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3048854192