#ARCBookReview: Never Say Duke (12 Dukes of Christmas #4) by Erica Ridley

About the Book:

Title and Author: Never Say Duke by Erica Ridley
Series: 12 Dukes of Christmas #4
Publication Date: 5th January 2019
Genre: Historical Romance, Regency Romance, Christmas Romance

ARC Book Review:

Never Say Duke by Erica Ridley is the first book that I have read in 2019 and I am so happy to have started with this absolutely lovely romance.


The story takes us to Christmas, a small town in the Northern most part of England where it is Christmas all year round. People of this town are poles apart from the Londoners. They are happier, friendlier and more welcoming to any and everyone who comes to their town. It is this warmth and acceptance that attracts visitors from all over the country to visit this remote town.


Virginia Underwood has made her home in Christmas and is happy with her life. Often made to feel unwelcome because of her unconventional and quirky ways, she has found acceptance in her small town and has friends who truly care for her but despite all this, she knows there are some milestones in her life she will never reach like falling in love, marriage, having a family and doing all the things that other people take for granted but that she has difficulty doing. A nurturer by nature, she cares for strays and is often happier with them than with humans.


Mr. T who is actually Major Viscount Ormondton has come to Christmas to heal from his war injuries before he makes it known to the world of his return and is ready to take up his responsibilities in London.
A chance encounter brings him face to face with Virginia and soon they become close.


The beauty of this book is the crisp narration that had me feeling like I was there every step of the story. Everything felt like happening in technicolor around me. I loved the characters, the world building, the emotional play and the subtle messages that the author conveyed through this book. I love Erica Ridley’s writing and she outshines herself in this book and this series.


Two imperfect people, braving their own fears and insecurities can become perfect when they come together to complement each other. The importance of acceptance of one’s partner in a relationship is beautifully brought out in this beautiful book.


Ormondton’s acceptance of Virginia’s quirkiness and readiness to see beyond while Virginia’s acceptance of his drawbacks to look beyond them to his heart had me openly crying and then falling in love with these characters a little more as the story progressed.


I absolutely adored Virginia’s cat and his antics had me laughing all through the book. 


A perfect mix of humor, clean but intense romance and an emotionally rich story, Never Say Duke by Erica Ridley is another great addition to the already must-read 12 Dukes of Christmas series. I have read all the past three books in this series and they keep getting better and better with each new installment. All are standalone romances but the characters make appearances across the books.


A book that left me goofily smiling at the end and feeling proud of the protagonists, I enjoyed each second spent reading Never Say Duke by Erica Ridley and give it 4.5 super shiny stars out of 5 and Njkinny strongly recommends it to everyone.

An inspiring story that teaches us to stay strong, believe in ourselves even if others don’t and never stop trying to better ourselves without letting the negativity get to us, I know I will re-read this book any time I feel down and so look forward to the next books in this series.


I received an ARC from the publishers via Netgalley and I am very thankful to them. The above is my honest and unbiased review that is in no way influenced.

Buy From:

Amazon.in



Until later,
Njkinny