Reviews

Wish Upon a Duke by Erica Ridley

sarah_moynihan's review against another edition

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4.0

'Rumor has it, charming adventurer Christopher Pringle is finally ready to settle down. He's searching for a free-spirited bride to join him on his travels. But when the matchmaker he hires turns out to be the woman he had a public spat with the day before, nothing goes as planned!

Miss Gloria Godwin loves exploring the world… from the safety of a book. She detests her dashing client's attempts to force her from her comfort zone. It should be easy to marry off the handsome heir to a dukedom. But the more she tries to match him to other women, the harder it gets to say goodbye…'
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Wish Upon a Duke is the third book in Erica Ridley's novella holiday series, 12 Dukes of Christmas set in the mythical Christmas wonderland of Cressmouth, loveingly known as 'Christmas' to its residents.

I think this has been my favorite in the series thus far. The relationship between Nick and Gloria felt the most believable and fleshed out. I liked both chaacters, both made changes and sacrifies for one another.

This novella is fun and light-hearted with holiday references, you'll need to suspend belief a little, same as the other books in this holiday series, but it makes for an amusing read.

jillmlong's review against another edition

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4.0

I have come to love this series of books. Each story takes place in a picturesque village covered in snow all year round. The stories are romantic and quick to read. What I love most is the characters. They are all strong women who overcome their personal fears that are holding them back. Many characters are introduced in one story and you will find them again in the next.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

raven_beauty's review against another edition

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5.0

Hello!✨ What a wonderful regency read leading into the joyous season of Christmas!

scribe391's review against another edition

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adventurous funny hopeful 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

3.0

Thirty-two year old Christopher Pringle visits Marlowe Castle to find his matchmaker.
He finds Miss Gloria Godwin giving star tours, pointing out constellations.

bookishplantmom's review against another edition

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lighthearted relaxing fast-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

3.5

karentje's review against another edition

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5.0

I love this series! All the characters are as endearing as the picturesque town of Christmas (formerly known as Cressmouth) that serves as a perfect background for these heartwarming holiday romances.

Christoper Pringle is that rare thing in romance novels, a non-rakish hero who actually wants to get married and is searching for a true life partner. Though he does need to adjust his vision a bit about what that might entail exactly. Gloria’s matchmaking attempts make for very entertaining reading, especially the unexpected twist concerning her career. Didn’t see that one coming. Go Penelope go!
I loved both Christopher and Gloria in the previous books and I really liked that two people who so dreamed of finding a partner wind up with each other. Christopher is very serious-minded and a stickler for rules, whereas Gloria is far more fanciful in her approach to life, yet still these outwardly different characters have a lot in common. They share a passion for travel and astronomy, and they both know what it’s like to be overlooked and feel unnoticed among a crowd of people. I think Christopher must sometimes have felt a little like Alice in Wonderland during his first conversations with Gloria, who chastises him for “ruining perfectly good imagination with unnecessary facts”. Gloria is very intelligent, independent and has a great sense of humor. She’s his perfect match.

One of the things I most love about Erica Ridley’s writing is the heartfelt moments that sneak up on you amidst the lighthearted banter. There is always some underlying sadness or hidden struggle that adds an element of realism to the story and makes the characters’ emotions more intense.
Absolutely recommend this.

yumeshi's review against another edition

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3.0

Free kindle book

I read this after finishing WoR by Brandon Sanderson, which has around 1300 pages. I needed something short to read before sleeping, something I could finish and start a new longer book the next day.
It fulfilled its purpose perfectly. It was very short and a quick read. It was a very simple romance with no unnecessary drama, which I appreciated.
Had I not get this for free I would most likely never read it. But if you need an easy story to read before bedtime, it is just fine.

freemajo's review against another edition

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3.0

Opposites attract: He wants rules, stability and travel—she wants improv, whimsy, and her village. He’s boring; she’s 1800s Stargirl.

kay_slayerofbooks's review against another edition

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4.0

Okay, cute!

This is the best example of compromising for love. It was refreshing.

4 stars

leahkarge's review against another edition

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fast-paced
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

2.0

It didn’t feel like the characters really had enough time to get to know each other. And the big conflict and resolution all happened in the last 5% of the story, so it was all wrapped up way too quickly.