One Night with a Duke by Erica Ridley

One Night with a Duke Series: the Twelve Dukes of Christmas series book #10
on October 9, 2020
Genres: Fiction / Romance / Historical / Regency
Pages: 206
Goodreads

Dashing Scot Jonathan MacLean never returns to the same town twice. The happy-go-lucky philanthropist seeks constant adventure… and is desperate to outrun his past. When a blizzard traps him in a tiny mountaintop village, he meets a woman who tempts him with dreams he'd long since Home. Community. Love. But other people’s livelihoods depend on him leaving for good as soon as the snow melts.

Talented jeweler Angelica Parker has spent her life fighting for recognition. She's Black, she's a woman, and she will prove her creations are the equal to any artisan in England. With a contract anchoring her in place for seven years, she lands the project of a lifetime. There's no room for error—or distractions. Such as the charming drifter whose warm embrace and melting kisses have become more precious than jewels...

One Night with a Duke is book ten in the Twelve Dukes of Christmas series. Although you don’t need to read these books in order, I highly recommend reading Book nine “Dawn with a Duke” before this one. Personally, book nine was my favorite. I struggled with this story. I felt it lagged a bit in the middle, and the heroine didn’t impress me. At times she came across snippy and rude – not very likable. However, this author is very skilled. One of my favorite passages follows: “His blood thrummed. He caressed her cheek, lightly, softly. Drawing her in but only if she wanted to come. She leaned forward, tilting her face into his hand, toward him. He brushed his mouth over hers, once, twice, then kissed her fully. Completely. He, too, could spot a diamond. But he didn’t want to take anything from her. He wanted to give.” I loved this scene. You can “feel” the words. Overall, it was okay but not my favorite.