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hahibbard's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Cute, fun read, I love the town of Christmas!
morvvenna's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
viktorian's review against another edition
4.0
This was cuuuuttteee.
✓: Adam, aka Azureford, is a shy guy, not a fly guy; it's hot and I loved him for it.
✓: I deeply appreciated and related to Adam's introvert-perfect plan of how to make friends and meet a perfect potential bride. (Basically?: Step 1: Billiards table. Step 2: Host party. Step 3: ??? Step 4: Friends! Bride! No more social awkwardness!) Seriously, so adorable. (And maybe too relatable, ahem.)
✓: Adam's ongoing list on Traits he wants in his future bride. So lovely.
✓: Carol, who everyone admires for her kind, giving nature (and really does have one) and her love of billiards and architecture. I had a moment when I thought it might be too gimicky but it worked out rather well, especially given the length.
✓: The Great Obstacle made sense!
✘: Sometimes the cuteness bordered on contrived. I liked it for the most part, however.
✘: Yes, the whole story took place in only 200 pages, but the falling action felt like a "blink of an eye" quick when I would've loved a few more details.
tl;dr: 3.75. Super cute all around.
✓: Adam, aka Azureford, is a shy guy, not a fly guy; it's hot and I loved him for it.
✓: I deeply appreciated and related to Adam's introvert-perfect plan of how to make friends and meet a perfect potential bride. (Basically?: Step 1: Billiards table. Step 2: Host party. Step 3: ??? Step 4: Friends! Bride! No more social awkwardness!) Seriously, so adorable. (And maybe too relatable, ahem.)
✓: Adam's ongoing list on Traits he wants in his future bride. So lovely.
✓: Carol, who everyone admires for her kind, giving nature (and really does have one) and her love of billiards and architecture. I had a moment when I thought it might be too gimicky but it worked out rather well, especially given the length.
✓: The Great Obstacle made sense!
✘: Sometimes the cuteness bordered on contrived. I liked it for the most part, however.
✘: Yes, the whole story took place in only 200 pages, but the falling action felt like a "blink of an eye" quick when I would've loved a few more details.
tl;dr: 3.75. Super cute all around.
mabookyard's review against another edition
4.0
My Rating : 4
.
Thank you so much Net galley for the review copy. All opinions are my own and not influenced in any way.
.
I was already a fan of Erica Ridley since I had read few of her books when I requested this book. When I read the blurb, it really intrigued me and made me want to read this book so much that I requested it.
.
This book follows our main characters, the socially awkward Duke of Azureford and the quick witted hoyden Miss Carol. The first thing I loved about this was the character traits assigned to the main characters. I have read a lot of historical romances and this book definitely stands one step above the usual cliche characters and the way they communicate. Carol is quick to determine what she wants in life and is really determined to make things work in her favour. And the Duke is just an absolute sweetheart who is absolutely smitten ( but can't recognize that himself ) and is ready to learn from Carol on how he should behave.
.
The second is obviously the story telling style and the way this plot progressed. There are a lot of moments where the decisions of the characters doe not lead to more drama but just expresses what they actually want is quite refreshing to read about. I was so used to the historical romances etiquette that this was quite a fresh breath. It is no the most uncommon thing in these books by any means, but this just surprised me because of my previous reads.
.
Overall, if you are a fan of historical fiction or romance or just quirky characters in a book who knows what they want and is confident in expressing their opinions, definitely give this a try! This series is not a continuous series but a collection that follows different characters based on the previous books.
.
Thank you so much Net galley for the review copy. All opinions are my own and not influenced in any way.
.
I was already a fan of Erica Ridley since I had read few of her books when I requested this book. When I read the blurb, it really intrigued me and made me want to read this book so much that I requested it.
.
This book follows our main characters, the socially awkward Duke of Azureford and the quick witted hoyden Miss Carol. The first thing I loved about this was the character traits assigned to the main characters. I have read a lot of historical romances and this book definitely stands one step above the usual cliche characters and the way they communicate. Carol is quick to determine what she wants in life and is really determined to make things work in her favour. And the Duke is just an absolute sweetheart who is absolutely smitten ( but can't recognize that himself ) and is ready to learn from Carol on how he should behave.
.
The second is obviously the story telling style and the way this plot progressed. There are a lot of moments where the decisions of the characters doe not lead to more drama but just expresses what they actually want is quite refreshing to read about. I was so used to the historical romances etiquette that this was quite a fresh breath. It is no the most uncommon thing in these books by any means, but this just surprised me because of my previous reads.
.
Overall, if you are a fan of historical fiction or romance or just quirky characters in a book who knows what they want and is confident in expressing their opinions, definitely give this a try! This series is not a continuous series but a collection that follows different characters based on the previous books.
crownoflaurel's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
kimalah's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
karentje's review against another edition
5.0
Another excellent regency romance by Erica Ridley! A light romantic read that will still give you all the feels.
As per usual, there is plenty of humor in this story and wonderfully witty banter. One of my many favorites, was the scene with the fortune teller and all the golden rings that seem to haunt Adam afterwards. I’m in awe at this author’s imagination and how she keeps finding such fascinating hobbies and interests for her main characters. The sheer richness of the historical details and the light touch with which these are sprinkled across a romantic story like this one, were a delight to read.
The characters are complex and well-written, no cardboard clichés here. There are no horrible misadventures or big misunderstandings, but then the story doesn’t need such machinations to convey the love that grows ever so gently and beautifully, between Adam and Carole. I absolutely loved that the hero is the one that’s shy and a bit awkward for a change.
There were not that many interactions with the couples that have gone before or potential main characters for any books that might follow, which was a bit of a pity. This is not to say that the two main characters were left to fend for themselves in the picturesque village of Christmas. There were plenty of great interactions with other secondary characters, most importantly with the Duke’s butler, Carole’s chaperone/lady's maid and Carole’s father.
Swinton and Judith were especially cute together and I really loved the deep bond they each had with their “employer”. Carole’s father is also quite the character, a tragic and absent-minded figure, but he pulls through marvelously for his daughter. I’d love for him to get a second chance at love, actually. I would so be there for that story!
Absolutely recommend!
As per usual, there is plenty of humor in this story and wonderfully witty banter. One of my many favorites, was the scene with the fortune teller and all the golden rings that seem to haunt Adam afterwards. I’m in awe at this author’s imagination and how she keeps finding such fascinating hobbies and interests for her main characters. The sheer richness of the historical details and the light touch with which these are sprinkled across a romantic story like this one, were a delight to read.
The characters are complex and well-written, no cardboard clichés here. There are no horrible misadventures or big misunderstandings, but then the story doesn’t need such machinations to convey the love that grows ever so gently and beautifully, between Adam and Carole. I absolutely loved that the hero is the one that’s shy and a bit awkward for a change.
There were not that many interactions with the couples that have gone before or potential main characters for any books that might follow, which was a bit of a pity. This is not to say that the two main characters were left to fend for themselves in the picturesque village of Christmas. There were plenty of great interactions with other secondary characters, most importantly with the Duke’s butler, Carole’s chaperone/lady's maid and Carole’s father.
Swinton and Judith were especially cute together and I really loved the deep bond they each had with their “employer”. Carole’s father is also quite the character, a tragic and absent-minded figure, but he pulls through marvelously for his daughter. I’d love for him to get a second chance at love, actually. I would so be there for that story!
Absolutely recommend!
jillmlong's review against another edition
4.0
I love this series. Its like comfort food ... you know what you will get and it will make you feel full and happy.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this ARC.
mabookyard's review
4.0
My Rating : 4
.
Thank you so much Net galley for the review copy. All opinions are my own and not influenced in any way.
.
I was already a fan of Erica Ridley since I had read few of her books when I requested this book. When I read the blurb, it really intrigued me and made me want to read this book so much that I requested it.
.
This book follows our main characters, the socially awkward Duke of Azureford and the quick witted hoyden Miss Carol. The first thing I loved about this was the character traits assigned to the main characters. I have read a lot of historical romances and this book definitely stands one step above the usual cliche characters and the way they communicate. Carol is quick to determine what she wants in life and is really determined to make things work in her favour. And the Duke is just an absolute sweetheart who is absolutely smitten ( but can't recognize that himself ) and is ready to learn from Carol on how he should behave.
.
The second is obviously the story telling style and the way this plot progressed. There are a lot of moments where the decisions of the characters doe not lead to more drama but just expresses what they actually want is quite refreshing to read about. I was so used to the historical romances etiquette that this was quite a fresh breath. It is no the most uncommon thing in these books by any means, but this just surprised me because of my previous reads.
.
Overall, if you are a fan of historical fiction or romance or just quirky characters in a book who knows what they want and is confident in expressing their opinions, definitely give this a try! This series is not a continuous series but a collection that follows different characters based on the previous books.
.
Thank you so much Net galley for the review copy. All opinions are my own and not influenced in any way.
.
I was already a fan of Erica Ridley since I had read few of her books when I requested this book. When I read the blurb, it really intrigued me and made me want to read this book so much that I requested it.
.
This book follows our main characters, the socially awkward Duke of Azureford and the quick witted hoyden Miss Carol. The first thing I loved about this was the character traits assigned to the main characters. I have read a lot of historical romances and this book definitely stands one step above the usual cliche characters and the way they communicate. Carol is quick to determine what she wants in life and is really determined to make things work in her favour. And the Duke is just an absolute sweetheart who is absolutely smitten ( but can't recognize that himself ) and is ready to learn from Carol on how he should behave.
.
The second is obviously the story telling style and the way this plot progressed. There are a lot of moments where the decisions of the characters doe not lead to more drama but just expresses what they actually want is quite refreshing to read about. I was so used to the historical romances etiquette that this was quite a fresh breath. It is no the most uncommon thing in these books by any means, but this just surprised me because of my previous reads.
.
Overall, if you are a fan of historical fiction or romance or just quirky characters in a book who knows what they want and is confident in expressing their opinions, definitely give this a try! This series is not a continuous series but a collection that follows different characters based on the previous books.