I received this book for review from netgalley. I wish there was a way to give half stars but there's not, so I will just say I give it 3.5 stars.

This is the first book I've read that I hated the main male character. Benjamin is the type of guy that thinks he has to do what society thinks he should. I did start to like him but not until the last few chapters. Now I loved Noelle, I think she is probably one of my favorite female characters. She is witty, kind, strong and independent. The storyline was good, however, it was very slow compared to what I'm used to reading. I didn't like how the grandfather wasn't really explained as far as why he treated the town so good but his grandson was nothing to him.

I have always liked this author, but this is definitely not one of my favorites by her. I would recommend this book to other historical romance lovers. I think it is good for those that prefer less sex scenes

Once Upon a Duke is a regency romance loosely based upon A Christmas Tale. The Duke of Silkridge hates Christmas, all it has ever brought was loss. He lost his mother shortly after his birth near Christmas, and his father followed her a few years later at Christmas. His maternal grandfather, Jacob Marley created Christmas, the town that celebrates Christmas year round. Now Silkridge must return to the town he hates to reclaim the last remnant of his family with reading of his grandfather's will. Noelle Pratchett is the only bright spot in Christmas but he rode away from her after one memorable kiss. The Scrooge in this story, the Duke of Silkridge must learn to love the holiday, readjust his view of love, and grab second chances when they fall in his lap. Throw in a pygmy goat named Tiny Tim and you have a charming Christmas tale that leaves the reader longing for Christmas and Hallmark movies. The story leaves you smiling and lighthearted with its sweet HEA. My voluntary, unbiased review is based upon a review copy from Netgalley.

This was a quick and delightful read, if a little cheesy. Benjamin, now a duke, returns to his grandfather's mountain home for the reading of that estranged relation's will. Noelle, a beloved member of his grandfather's Christmas themed town, remembers Benjamin from before, and she also remembers his abrupt departure without a goodbye. Through this short story, Benjamin deals with his grandfather's final manipulation and learns to open himself up to the possibility of caring for another person again, while Noelle learns to see outside her narrow little world and believe in her own worthiness. If you're looking for a quick read to get you into the Christmas spirit, this is it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

I always enjoy Regency Christmas stories, especially those that come out just a bit early, before the actual season, to get me in the mood. Erica Ridley’s early offering, ONCE UPON A DUKE, was just what I needed! It’s a lighthearted novella that fairly flies along on sleigh runners, with peeks of some famous Christmas stories and characters that can’t help but make you smile.

Of course, what’s a Christmas story without a Scrooge? Benjamin, Duke of Silkridge, has no problem filling those shoes, despite the charming optimism of Noelle Pratchett, a long-ago love. In fact, he manages to be grumpy despite an entire village that exudes good cheer — year-round, no less. With a number of sly references to so many Christmas related themes and characters, you can’t help but anticipate the next one, rarely to be disappointed!

The best part about this fun read? It’s just the first of a planned series of three releases in The Twelve Dukes of Christmas! Now, there may have been some hints about where the other eleven dukes (or, perhaps “dukes”?) may come from, but with all the surprises in ONCE UPON A DUKE, I’m not making any bets!

I really liked this story. But I have to confess, at times it was just a bit too much Christmas for me.

Both main characters are lovely and they both work towards their HEA. The witty banter and additional characters make it wonderful read on a cold autumn evening.

A delightful page-turner! Noelle and Benjamin are different; yet share intriguingly similar pasts/pains. Both searching for an elusive, something. Love the whimsical satire and the enticing dialog. Wise, intelligent, alpha characters, men and women, along with an enjoyable plot makes for a satisfying start to this series.
Voluntarily read ARC, through Netgalley and publisher, for honest review.

The main characters from the story of Christmas Carol happened to be in this story. Jacob Marlowe is Benjamin’s grandfather, Ghost Past is Noelle and their past together, Ghost Present is his fun loving cousin and heir Christopher, Tiny Tim happens to be a Pygmy goat his grandfather got from his travels, also the phrase Humbug is mentioned many times and Ben will be called E. Scrooge. 12 dukes of Christmas one is a stud race horse, two are titled Dukes, one a cologne, and so on and 1 partridge in a pear tree. I wished it had a date that this was supposed to be set in. There is no big drama bomb just 2 wannabe couple wanting what’s the other doesn’t until the end where they each finally come to their senses and admit something. The whole time Ben was there in Cressmoith/Christmas he wanted one thing only, the heirloom his grandfather stolen to cause more heartache in Ben. The only emotional part is when he talks about the grandfather he knew (who was the opposite of the town’s hero) and the unkind words directed to a child about his grandfather would pick his daughter over her child anyway to keep her alive and healthy. And that’s not the worse of what he told a young Ben, when you read it it will cause some tears. This is a clean romance not dirty words nor cursing with a HEA with quick chapters to get it.

I enjoyed this Erica Ridley book which was loosely based on A Christmas Carol.
Benjamin had an excellent reason for disliking Christmas. Both of his parents had died on that illustrious holiday. The only reason Benjamin has returned to Cressmouth is to retrieve his mother's locket that his grandfather had taken from Jim five years ago and refused to return.
Noelle like all of the residents of this town that celebrated Christmas year round loved the holiday and it's spirit.
She loved Benjamin too but wanted to hate this man who had left her and Cressmouth behind.
Will these two continue to be at odds or could they give their love a second chance?
I gave this book 4.5 of 5.0 stars for storyline and character development and a sensual rating of 3.0 of 5.0 flames. There isn't an abundance of intimacy between our hero and heroine in this heartwarming story but it is an essential part of this story.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this title to read from the author.
This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

A Scrooge-like Duke is no match for the spirit of the townsfolk of “Cressmouth,” or is that “Christmas?” Cozy up with Erica Ridley’s ONCE UPON A DUKE and ring in the Christmas (or is that Cressmouth) spirit as one dour duke returns to the home where he only knew pain in order to fulfill his late grandfather’s last wishes.

All Benjamin wants is to retrieve the last item he has to remember his mother and father, but his cold and calculating grandfather has made even that a painful experience, or is there more to that Will than meets the eye?

Noelle Pratchett never forgot the young Duke who kissed her then disappeared into the night. Now he’s back, a hardened soul. Can the spirit of Christmas year round in Cressmouth thaw his frozen heart? Maybe meeting Tiny Tim will help? Lovely, quirky characters, light, feel-good reading!
Get ready to laugh, to chuckle and to fall in love with Cressmouth and its jolly inhabitants in this historical romance nestled in a small snow covered village where there must be some magic in the air!

The perfect gift to give to yourself or anyone who loves a sweet romance with a holiday feel!

I received a complimentary ARC edition from WebMotion!

Series: 12 Dukes of Christmas - Book 1
Publisher: WebMotion (October 9, 2018)
Publication Date: October 9, 2018
Genre: Historical Romantic Holiday
Print Length: 169 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
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'Once Upon A Duke' is a historical romance written with bits of humor.
Benjamin Ward, the fifth Duke of Silkridge, returns to retrieve the only thing he wanted from his grandfather and runs into Noelle Pratchett, the young lady he ran away from in his past.
It has a happy ever after, sensual scenes, and multi-faceted characters set in a winter wonderland town.
It is novella length and perfect for distraction when you must wait.
I received a NetGalley ARC to peruse.

I loved,Loved the uniqueness of this story.
Bewaring of ghost from Christmas past has never been so interesting.
I fell in love with the main characters and the adorable town named Christmas that was not really named Christmas.
Highly recommend.❤

A whimsical read. Not what I expected but nevertheless enjoyable. The first part of a series. I look forward to reading the next

Cute, quick read. I would have preferred it to be longer and have more development but i really liked it anyway. I wanted more of the couple's backstory. I want to know what is next. I assume here will be more. It doesnt end on a cliffhanger but it is to be pary of anseries... i think.

Such a delightful and heartwarming tale. I loved the idea of a town called Christmas and the spirit that goes with it.
Noelle and Benjamin are such a sweet couple. This story is definitely for people over 18, a little sensual dialogue is to be had. The characters are warm and friendly. The description makes the village seem like a winter wonderland. Anytime you get a book from Ms. Ridley you know you have a winner and it was. It was hard to put the book down, so I didn't, read it straight thru.
I received this ARC from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.

The story revolves around Benjamin, the Duke of Silkridge, who is returning to his grandfather’s castle in order to retrieve his mother’s locket, which is the only picture he has of her before she died. He has no intentions of staying any longer than it takes to hear his grandfather’s will read and then retrieve the locket. Parts of the book run parallel to the Christmas Carol and Benjamin is definitely Scrooge. The last time he was here he kissed Noelle and then abruptly left without telling Her why. He lives such a preorganized life that she had no place in it. There is a HEA but a lot happens before that comes about, especially his realizing he needs her in his life. The book is a great read and I would highly recommend it.

This was a charming Christmas novel that touched on themes of Dicken's A Christmas Carol. There was transparency that the author knew A Christmas Carol wasn't written until years after the Regency period setting of 'Once Upon a Duke'. This was a tender, delightful offering that had limited graphic sex and introduced us to a lovely locale in Northern England. I look forward to more of the 12 Dukes series.

Once Upon A Duke, is a great Christmas novel. It resembles both the 12 Days of Christmas and the Christmas Carol.

Thanks to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

I have read previous books by this author and for the most have had a good experience. Unfortunately this novel did not meet her usual standard. The story is based on a popular Christmas song the 12 days of Christmas where a grumpy Duke has to perform a final act in celebration of Christmas in order to receive a locket with his parent's picture. He falls in love again with the heroine and their rekindled romance is lukewarm at best. Full of cheesey lines and references to the town where Christmas is celebrated year round. Just not the author's best work.

Once Upon a Duke by Erica Ridley was about the Duke of Silkridge (Benjamin) who’s mother passed away a month after he was born from complications. His grandfather, Mr. Marlowe, had just passed away so Benjamin was on his way to Cressmouth to finally get the locket back that his grandfather had stolen from him five years previously. He saw Noelle Pratchett, who he didn't get to say his goodbye to as his grandfather wanted that locket and when he got it, he kicked his grandson out. She was heartbroken and now afraid if she lets him back into her life, he will again leave. I received a review copy of this book for my honest review.

I loved the village! The people are amazing who live there. Benjamin is seriously a "Scrooge" and Noelle is all the ghosts in 1, yet not dead. I really liked the story but have many questions left after reading it! We never got a good idea of WHY his uncle did what he did and made Benjamin build an aviary. There was no "clearing up" anything. Also, we only found out about 2 of the dukes in the town, yet everyone talks about how there's a dozen. I did like the book and will read more into the series, I just don't like unanswered questions! Thank you for the advanced copy.