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12 Dukes of Christmas #11
Ten Days with a Duke
Olive Harper's family has been feuding with the Westons for decades. The Westons’ stud farm is the biggest, but the Harpers’ is the most famous... and she's the sole heiress. Or was, until her father brokers a truce by offering the Weston heir the Harper farm. The only way to get it back is to marry the knave who kissed her and humiliated her, twice—or prove to her father that some rifts can never be healed.
Scholar and botanist Elijah Weston is dreadful at feuding. For one, he prefers horticulture to horses. For two, he's been desperately in love with his mortal enemy ever since he kissed her—and, yes, publicly destroyed her—all those years ago. When he's given ten days to win Olive's heart, he arrives with marriage license in hand. But where lies and double-crosses abound, how can lifelong rivals learn to trust their hearts?
Scholar and botanist Elijah Weston is dreadful at feuding. For one, he prefers horticulture to horses. For two, he's been desperately in love with his mortal enemy ever since he kissed her—and, yes, publicly destroyed her—all those years ago. When he's given ten days to win Olive's heart, he arrives with marriage license in hand. But where lies and double-crosses abound, how can lifelong rivals learn to trust their hearts?
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 13, 2020
173 people are currently reading
1148 people want to read
About the author
Erica Ridley
129 books2,197 followersGet freebies and 99¢ deals at: https://ridley.vip
Erica Ridley is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of historical romance novels, including THE DUKE HEIST, featuring the Wild Wynchesters. Why seduce a duke the normal way, when you can accidentally kidnap one in an elaborately planned heist?
In the 12 Dukes of Christmas series, enjoy witty, heartwarming Regency romps nestled in a picturesque snow-covered village. After all, nothing heats up a winter night quite like finding oneself in the arms of a duke!
Two popular series, the Dukes of War and Rogues to Riches, feature roguish peers and dashing war heroes who find love amongst the splendor and madness of Regency England.
When not reading or writing romances, Erica can be found eating couscous in Morocco, zip-lining through rainforests in Costa Rica, or getting hopelessly lost in the middle of Budapest.
Erica Ridley is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of historical romance novels, including THE DUKE HEIST, featuring the Wild Wynchesters. Why seduce a duke the normal way, when you can accidentally kidnap one in an elaborately planned heist?
In the 12 Dukes of Christmas series, enjoy witty, heartwarming Regency romps nestled in a picturesque snow-covered village. After all, nothing heats up a winter night quite like finding oneself in the arms of a duke!
Two popular series, the Dukes of War and Rogues to Riches, feature roguish peers and dashing war heroes who find love amongst the splendor and madness of Regency England.
When not reading or writing romances, Erica can be found eating couscous in Morocco, zip-lining through rainforests in Costa Rica, or getting hopelessly lost in the middle of Budapest.
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December 3, 2020
I read almost everything that Erica Ridley writes, but it's rare that her books rise above 3-stars for me. I enjoy everything, but they tend to be more pleasant than exceptional. However, sometimes she comes out and wows me, and Ten Days with a Duke was one of those times.
One of the best things about Erica Ridley is her pacing. Her stories are quick and move along speedily, and they never fail to keep my attention. However, that's often a double-edged sword because sometimes the relationship building feels rushed. In Ten Days with a Duke, it felt just right.
I love, love, love a good enemies-to-lovers story, and I got a true one here. Sure, the male MC doesn't feel the animosity that the female MC experiences, but it was a real enemies-to-lovers. Elijah had to really prove himself to Olive to win her over, and I liked how Olive didn't give in easily.
I enjoyed the fact that Olive's father was deaf, and I liked the addition of sign language in the story. It was interesting to read the afterward from the author and find out a little bit more about sign language during that time period. I also loved the details about caring for horses and botany, which is Elijah's passion.
My one issue is that I didn't think Elijah's father needed any sort of redemption storyline. I won't go into it much, but I thought he was a cruel, horrible man, and he didn't need to be softened up at all. It actually knocked the story down 1/2 a star for me because it felt off for his character. However, despite that, I enjoyed the heck out of Ten Days with a Duke, and it gave me the lovely Christmas warm and fuzzies that I crave this time of year.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
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One of the best things about Erica Ridley is her pacing. Her stories are quick and move along speedily, and they never fail to keep my attention. However, that's often a double-edged sword because sometimes the relationship building feels rushed. In Ten Days with a Duke, it felt just right.
I love, love, love a good enemies-to-lovers story, and I got a true one here. Sure, the male MC doesn't feel the animosity that the female MC experiences, but it was a real enemies-to-lovers. Elijah had to really prove himself to Olive to win her over, and I liked how Olive didn't give in easily.
I enjoyed the fact that Olive's father was deaf, and I liked the addition of sign language in the story. It was interesting to read the afterward from the author and find out a little bit more about sign language during that time period. I also loved the details about caring for horses and botany, which is Elijah's passion.
My one issue is that I didn't think Elijah's father needed any sort of redemption storyline. I won't go into it much, but I thought he was a cruel, horrible man, and he didn't need to be softened up at all. It actually knocked the story down 1/2 a star for me because it felt off for his character. However, despite that, I enjoyed the heck out of Ten Days with a Duke, and it gave me the lovely Christmas warm and fuzzies that I crave this time of year.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
goodreads|instagram|twitter|blog
December 2, 2020
Horses, Regency, romance... Time to celebrate Christmas! And get some strategic alliances done. A different take on Romeo & Juliet: where their house reps have some brains and use them. Nothing much happens, not really, other than some marriage and stuff. Horsebreeding never sounded as attractive as here (though, of course, it's more of a hard work and less of a pretext to traipse around some pastures).
Q:
If the next happened to mention the presence of a botany text at the table, after Father expressly forbade scholarly pursuits until the betrothal was announced, the current fraught situation would become even more untenable. (c)
Q:
He lifted his rolling pin to motion Eli in.
Splendid. (c)
Q:
Audiences typically consisted of Father vociferously objecting to everything Eli did or thought, followed by a detailed description of what the perfect heir ought to be. (c)
Q:
Eli took a hesitant step forward.
All four horses took several steps back.
“I’m impressed,” said Miss Harper. “I expected Duke not to like you, but you seem to actively repel all of my horses.” (c)
Q:
Rhiannon was a Welsh fairy goddess with dominion over animals, which might sound lovely to be compared to. (c)
Q:
It’s instinct. I would run from a viper and I would chase away a rat. Even if it appeared on my doorstep brandishing a marriage license. (c)
Q:
Saying no had been like... an entire year’s worth of Christmases, all at once. (c)
Q:
Taking a lover was fantastic and freeing, like riding over the hills with the wind in her hair. (c)
Q:
Who cared if his intentions were dishonorable? So were hers.
All she wanted from him were three more days of kisses and caresses, followed by a firm and lasting goodbye. (c)
Q:
Q:
If the next happened to mention the presence of a botany text at the table, after Father expressly forbade scholarly pursuits until the betrothal was announced, the current fraught situation would become even more untenable. (c)
Q:
He lifted his rolling pin to motion Eli in.
Splendid. (c)
Q:
Audiences typically consisted of Father vociferously objecting to everything Eli did or thought, followed by a detailed description of what the perfect heir ought to be. (c)
Q:
Eli took a hesitant step forward.
All four horses took several steps back.
“I’m impressed,” said Miss Harper. “I expected Duke not to like you, but you seem to actively repel all of my horses.” (c)
Q:
Rhiannon was a Welsh fairy goddess with dominion over animals, which might sound lovely to be compared to. (c)
Q:
It’s instinct. I would run from a viper and I would chase away a rat. Even if it appeared on my doorstep brandishing a marriage license. (c)
Q:
Saying no had been like... an entire year’s worth of Christmases, all at once. (c)
Q:
Taking a lover was fantastic and freeing, like riding over the hills with the wind in her hair. (c)
Q:
Who cared if his intentions were dishonorable? So were hers.
All she wanted from him were three more days of kisses and caresses, followed by a firm and lasting goodbye. (c)
Q:
November 13, 2020
Such sweet, adorable romance. Eli was a really great hero, I loved his passion for botany and for helping women have a safer labor. I am sad that this is the second to last book in this series, because I really have enjoyed it. Especially these last couple of books, they have been so great! Can't wait for the last book!
June 26, 2025
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥
Humor: A bit
Perspective: third person from both hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? medium
When mains are first on page together: soon in (chapter 1, about 11%)
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes, very soon in the future
Format: voluntarily read an advanced reader copy through NetGalley that I am very, very late getting to
Why I chose this book: I grabbed a bunch of Erica Ridley’s Christmas stories around this time (2020)
Mains: This is a M/F relationship between a cishet hero and heroine
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
This is part of the 12 Dukes of Christmas series – I have read out of order and found them all really readable alone. I’m not sure if it’s truly best in order for overlapping themes - they seem really independent of each for the most part.
Basic plot:
Olive’s father is ready for the 30 year feud to end – by arranging a marriage between his daughter and their enemy’s son.
Give this a try if you want:
- Regency romance - 1814
- rival families
- enemies (on her her side) to lovers
- unrequited longing (from the hero)
- Christmas time
- horse loving heroine
- botany loving hero
- ASL rep – heroine and hero both know sign language – heroine’s father is deaf
- feels like a bit of a shorter page count than a lot of HR
- arranged marriage-ish
- medium steam – this one has 2 full scenes though they are a bit on the short side (and slower burn)
Ages:
- I think the heroine is around 24, hero is around 26
First line:
Miss Olive Harper clapped a hand over her mouth to hide her laughter, but the shaking of her shoulders gave her away
My thoughts:
I’ve read a few of these (mostly the latter half of the series) and totally out of order – but I’ve really enjoyed them! Maybe next holiday season I will have to go through and catch all the ones I missed.
I find Ridley’s books delightful – I like the focus on the mains and I find a lot of her relationships just super romantic! I ate up the longing from the hero in this book and appreciated the botany and horse loving background/hobbies/careers our couple had. I think I was a touch frustrated with the hero and how he wouldn’t just be honest with the heroine sooner about what was happening – and also how he went about opening up to her about it (open mouth, insert foot….) but overall this one had a lot I loved.
I will say the ending was weird how it mentioned a confrontation to 'fix' things with the main villain of this story but we don't see it.... and I don't recall anything fixed in the next book of the series which I did happen to read...
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: 5
Average rating from me: 4.6 stars
Favorite book: Forever Your Duke (soooo funny and cute! But no sex sadly...)
Quotes any typos are my own! I am bad with typos, I apologize
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥
Humor: A bit
Perspective: third person from both hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? medium
When mains are first on page together: soon in (chapter 1, about 11%)
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes, very soon in the future
Format: voluntarily read an advanced reader copy through NetGalley that I am very, very late getting to
Why I chose this book: I grabbed a bunch of Erica Ridley’s Christmas stories around this time (2020)
Mains: This is a M/F relationship between a cishet hero and heroine
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
This is part of the 12 Dukes of Christmas series – I have read out of order and found them all really readable alone. I’m not sure if it’s truly best in order for overlapping themes - they seem really independent of each for the most part.
Basic plot:
Olive’s father is ready for the 30 year feud to end – by arranging a marriage between his daughter and their enemy’s son.
Give this a try if you want:
- Regency romance - 1814
- rival families
- enemies (on her her side) to lovers
- unrequited longing (from the hero)
- Christmas time
- horse loving heroine
- botany loving hero
- ASL rep – heroine and hero both know sign language – heroine’s father is deaf
- feels like a bit of a shorter page count than a lot of HR
- arranged marriage-ish
- medium steam – this one has 2 full scenes though they are a bit on the short side (and slower burn)
Ages:
- I think the heroine is around 24, hero is around 26
First line:
Miss Olive Harper clapped a hand over her mouth to hide her laughter, but the shaking of her shoulders gave her away
My thoughts:
I’ve read a few of these (mostly the latter half of the series) and totally out of order – but I’ve really enjoyed them! Maybe next holiday season I will have to go through and catch all the ones I missed.
I find Ridley’s books delightful – I like the focus on the mains and I find a lot of her relationships just super romantic! I ate up the longing from the hero in this book and appreciated the botany and horse loving background/hobbies/careers our couple had. I think I was a touch frustrated with the hero and how he wouldn’t just be honest with the heroine sooner about what was happening – and also how he went about opening up to her about it (open mouth, insert foot….) but overall this one had a lot I loved.
I will say the ending was weird how it mentioned a confrontation to 'fix' things with the main villain of this story but we don't see it.... and I don't recall anything fixed in the next book of the series which I did happen to read...
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: 5
Average rating from me: 4.6 stars
Favorite book: Forever Your Duke (soooo funny and cute! But no sex sadly...)
Quotes any typos are my own! I am bad with typos, I apologize
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
January 31, 2024
⭐⭐
2 stars.
➕ What I liked :
Some parts of the relationship between the heroine and her father and that there was mentions of sign language because the heroines father was deaf.
The horses.
Tall heroine.
➖ What I disliked :
Too many clichés/platitudes.
Nothing really gets settled or resolved with the main characters fathers and what happens at the end with them is rather unlikely.
Some parts were stilted and cringey.
The romantic build up and chemistry was rather unconvincing/stilted and somewhat rushed… and there was no real “spark” between the main characters.
The ending felt abrupt and unresolved/underdeveloped.
Some serious issues are more or less glossed over… such as bullying, social ostracism, child abuse (physical and emotional/psychological)
Even when factoring in the heroes bad childhood and what he went through….
The hero was rather indecisive/irresolute and did not even try to stand up to his father at all as a teenager and hardly at all as a adult either.
The hero did not own up to his attraction to/for the heroine…. And he also did not really own up to the duplicity he was sent to do to the heroine and her father… until it was almost to late.
The hero is also not very charming and not confident but unassertive and almost meek.
The heroes awful father got no real comeuppance.
The heroes father should not have been “forgiven” or had any place in the main characters life, he was a awful father and a horrible bully of a man.
And he did nothing to atone for what he did to the hero, to the heroine etc. and he did nothing redeeming.
This was more about lust than love.
Too much focus on looks.
Anachronistic.
The sudden flip of personality from the hero.
(He was one character for the majority of the story and then all of a sudden he does a total 180.)
March 19, 2022
This was the 11 th book in the series of 12 Dukes of Christmas. The Duke in this story was the stallion Duke Olives horse from Harper Farms. The h is Olive Harper determined to be an independent woman spinster and the H is Elijah Weston son a Olive’s fathers arch nemesis a Marquee.
November 10, 2020
Ten Days with a Duke: A Regency Christmas Romance
12 Dukes of Christmas Series #11
Erica Ridley
https://www.facebook.com/ericaridley/
Release date 11/13/2020
Publisher Webmotion
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
From a New York Times bestselling author: a second chances, enemies-while-lovers reunion romance where nothing is as it first appears, and everyone’s motives are suspect…
Olive Harper's family has been feuding with the Westons for decades. The Westons’ stud farm is the biggest, but the Harpers’ is the most famous... and she's the sole heiress. Or was, until her father brokers a truce by offering the Weston heir the Harper farm. The only way to get it back is to marry the knave who kissed her and humiliated her, twice—or prove to her father that some rifts can never be healed.
Scholar and botanist Elijah Weston is dreadful at feuding. For one, he prefers horticulture to horses. For two, he's been desperately in love with his mortal enemy ever since he kissed her—and, yes, publicly destroyed her—all those years ago. When he's given ten days to win Olive's heart, he arrives with marriage license in hand. But where lies and double-crosses abound, how can lifelong rivals learn to trust their hearts?
Welcome to a heartwarming series of fun Regency romps nestled in a picturesque snow-covered village. After all, nothing heats up a winter night quite like finding oneself in the arms of a duke!
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will the past and scheming parents keep them apart ...
Oh my!
I adored this one.
This series is fabulous and each new installment is a marvel to cheer the mood.
After I am a sucker for romance with scholars as they are the male counterpart of Bluestockings or wallflowers as often overlooked with disdain.
And Elijah is seen as unworthy by his cruel father.
How he made do with such an ugly soul, is simply astonishing, a proof of his resilience.
Yet sure, he was ready to follow his father’s scheme but it is for a greater cause.
He is such a good man but embroiled in his sire’s need of revenge, he is torn between two fires when he wants only to make things right for the woman he wronged a decade ago and has never stopped to think about.
Olive emerged stronger from the issues of her youth, and while she made a cross on some of her dreams, she rebuilt herself in a more successful and liberated version of her old self.
She is suffering from the after effects of her encounter with Eli’s demonic father, yet, she is no more the young girl of 14 who ran away.
And what began as a lark with Elijah, turns into an exploration of their feelings and the healing of their twisted relationship.
I just loved them together, they chalenge one another, reopen festering wounds to better cure them but also smooth their scars.
I just does not agree with the non punishment of the Marquess, he deserves to be thrown from a horse and trampled by it, or the less bloodthirsty version a bit of groveling to request his son and Olive’s forgiveness.
5 stars
I was granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
12 Dukes of Christmas Series #11
Erica Ridley
https://www.facebook.com/ericaridley/
Release date 11/13/2020
Publisher Webmotion
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
From a New York Times bestselling author: a second chances, enemies-while-lovers reunion romance where nothing is as it first appears, and everyone’s motives are suspect…
Olive Harper's family has been feuding with the Westons for decades. The Westons’ stud farm is the biggest, but the Harpers’ is the most famous... and she's the sole heiress. Or was, until her father brokers a truce by offering the Weston heir the Harper farm. The only way to get it back is to marry the knave who kissed her and humiliated her, twice—or prove to her father that some rifts can never be healed.
Scholar and botanist Elijah Weston is dreadful at feuding. For one, he prefers horticulture to horses. For two, he's been desperately in love with his mortal enemy ever since he kissed her—and, yes, publicly destroyed her—all those years ago. When he's given ten days to win Olive's heart, he arrives with marriage license in hand. But where lies and double-crosses abound, how can lifelong rivals learn to trust their hearts?
Welcome to a heartwarming series of fun Regency romps nestled in a picturesque snow-covered village. After all, nothing heats up a winter night quite like finding oneself in the arms of a duke!
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will the past and scheming parents keep them apart ...
Oh my!
I adored this one.
This series is fabulous and each new installment is a marvel to cheer the mood.
After I am a sucker for romance with scholars as they are the male counterpart of Bluestockings or wallflowers as often overlooked with disdain.
And Elijah is seen as unworthy by his cruel father.
How he made do with such an ugly soul, is simply astonishing, a proof of his resilience.
Yet sure, he was ready to follow his father’s scheme but it is for a greater cause.
He is such a good man but embroiled in his sire’s need of revenge, he is torn between two fires when he wants only to make things right for the woman he wronged a decade ago and has never stopped to think about.
Olive emerged stronger from the issues of her youth, and while she made a cross on some of her dreams, she rebuilt herself in a more successful and liberated version of her old self.
She is suffering from the after effects of her encounter with Eli’s demonic father, yet, she is no more the young girl of 14 who ran away.
And what began as a lark with Elijah, turns into an exploration of their feelings and the healing of their twisted relationship.
I just loved them together, they chalenge one another, reopen festering wounds to better cure them but also smooth their scars.
I just does not agree with the non punishment of the Marquess, he deserves to be thrown from a horse and trampled by it, or the less bloodthirsty version a bit of groveling to request his son and Olive’s forgiveness.
5 stars
I was granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
August 22, 2022
Olive Harper’s father has been feuding with Elijah Weston’s father since Olive and Elijah were kids. The feud is nasty. Weston wants to be better than the Harper’s and will use any means to see them fall…including the humiliation of Olive. But now their fathers want to see a reconciliation, and arrange for Olive and Elijah to marry. Elijah is ready to do whatever his father wants, truth be told, he’s been in love with Olive since the day he hurt her so horribly. But Olive isn’t about to take this lying down. She’s going to put Elijah through his paces, challenge him and then refuse to marry him at the end of the ten day period she’s given. Even if she does love him, it doesn’t mean anything.
I will say this - the first 75-80% of this book is pretty darn spectacular. I REALLY enjoyed Olive and Elijah’s figuring each other out. There’s a lot of angst created by Elijah’s actions in the past, and he never once deflects blame or is anything less than truly regretful. Elijah is humble and so incredibly respectful. That’s how I want second chance romances to go. If a party was hurt, I want the one who did the hurting to own up to it and atone. Elijah does this. Throughout their whole relationship, he leaves the decisions up to Olive. Olive sets the pace. Olive decides the outcome. Even Olive later realizes the ways in which she’s hurt Elijah (more recently) and owns up to that as well. Their story and romance was really touching and their chemistry was great. Another layer of tension gets added on because Thing is, even this gets wrapped up fairly well. Their handling of this situation, Elijah’s dealing with his father, it all works. If it had just ended there with their happy ending and Elijah’s father being condemned to a lonely life of bitter regret and hatred, I would have been happy.
But no. In the end, the author does a complete switch, makes him seem like a decent person who really does want a reconciliation and all is forgiven. Let’s be reminded here: Elijah’s father emotionally abused and controlled his son for years. Elijah makes it very clear that life with his father was miserable and that his father had never actually treated him like a son. This is a man who, not only humiliated and blacklisted the innocent daughter of the man he was feuding against, but planned to do it again, bigger this time, all so he could gain a title and finally “be better than the Harper’s.” This is a hateful man who has A LOT to atone for. But he does none of it. He does nothing to earn his forgiveness. And the story ends with him reunited with his former friend, invited to the frickin wedding and back in everyone’s good graces. I like to see villain’s punished for their misdeeds and this guy is no different. That was a pretty big let down for me. But then I guess punishing Elijah’s father would mean punishing Elijah (and him continuing to be disowned and penniless) and I guess we couldn’t have that…
I will say this - the first 75-80% of this book is pretty darn spectacular. I REALLY enjoyed Olive and Elijah’s figuring each other out. There’s a lot of angst created by Elijah’s actions in the past, and he never once deflects blame or is anything less than truly regretful. Elijah is humble and so incredibly respectful. That’s how I want second chance romances to go. If a party was hurt, I want the one who did the hurting to own up to it and atone. Elijah does this. Throughout their whole relationship, he leaves the decisions up to Olive. Olive sets the pace. Olive decides the outcome. Even Olive later realizes the ways in which she’s hurt Elijah (more recently) and owns up to that as well. Their story and romance was really touching and their chemistry was great. Another layer of tension gets added on because Thing is, even this gets wrapped up fairly well. Their handling of this situation, Elijah’s dealing with his father, it all works. If it had just ended there with their happy ending and Elijah’s father being condemned to a lonely life of bitter regret and hatred, I would have been happy.
But no. In the end, the author does a complete switch, makes him seem like a decent person who really does want a reconciliation and all is forgiven. Let’s be reminded here: Elijah’s father emotionally abused and controlled his son for years. Elijah makes it very clear that life with his father was miserable and that his father had never actually treated him like a son. This is a man who, not only humiliated and blacklisted the innocent daughter of the man he was feuding against, but planned to do it again, bigger this time, all so he could gain a title and finally “be better than the Harper’s.” This is a hateful man who has A LOT to atone for. But he does none of it. He does nothing to earn his forgiveness. And the story ends with him reunited with his former friend, invited to the frickin wedding and back in everyone’s good graces. I like to see villain’s punished for their misdeeds and this guy is no different. That was a pretty big let down for me. But then I guess punishing Elijah’s father would mean punishing Elijah (and him continuing to be disowned and penniless) and I guess we couldn’t have that…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2020
A historical enemies to lovers romance.
Continuing in the 12 Dukes of Christmas series, book number 11 features Olive and Elijah who are both casualties of a feud between their fathers. Trying to mend the rift, both of the fathers agree to marriage between their offspring and Eli is sent to Christmas with a marriage license to propose to Olive. Olive is not ready to hand her home and her whole purpose in life to the man who humiliated her and sets Eli a nearly impossible challenge over 10 days.
This book contains everything I have come to enjoy from an Erica Ridley story in that it is well written, has strong female characters that are able to fend for themselves which is unlike a lot of other books set in this time period. Not everything as it seems as well with a couple of plot twists that had me shouting ‘dont do it’ and a few humorous moments also.
I like that these books can be read as standalone yet give the reader an increasing sense of this charming place known as Christmas.
The Duke in this book is also as many dukes appear to be, standoffish and unapproachable at first yet once you get to know them they are loyal and caring.
Another great read!
Continuing in the 12 Dukes of Christmas series, book number 11 features Olive and Elijah who are both casualties of a feud between their fathers. Trying to mend the rift, both of the fathers agree to marriage between their offspring and Eli is sent to Christmas with a marriage license to propose to Olive. Olive is not ready to hand her home and her whole purpose in life to the man who humiliated her and sets Eli a nearly impossible challenge over 10 days.
This book contains everything I have come to enjoy from an Erica Ridley story in that it is well written, has strong female characters that are able to fend for themselves which is unlike a lot of other books set in this time period. Not everything as it seems as well with a couple of plot twists that had me shouting ‘dont do it’ and a few humorous moments also.
I like that these books can be read as standalone yet give the reader an increasing sense of this charming place known as Christmas.
The Duke in this book is also as many dukes appear to be, standoffish and unapproachable at first yet once you get to know them they are loyal and caring.
Another great read!
December 15, 2020
ARC kindly provided by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*3.5 stars*
This is my first read from Erica Ridley and my, my, this was a solid one. This is a an enemies-to-lovers, second-chance romance between Olive and Eli, after an incident years ago when they were teenagers turned sour and Eli humiliated Olive in public. Olive Harper had been insecure ever since and held a grudge against Eli Weston and his father.
I loved how different this was compared to the regular duke/rogue/rake/scoundrel trope. Olive is a horse caretaker and rider (also a former competitive horse racer) at her family's stud farm and she's one of the best in the field. She's passionate about what she does and I loved seeing that. I especially loved that Olive doesn't let this hinder her passion for horses since her humiliation years ago also involved her being called a 'horse girl'. simply because she had larger front teeth which is not something I read about often in historical romances. Eli also has an unconventional passion: he is a botanist and wants to further his research in medicine to hopefully improve the process of childbirth and help women around the world. Again, not a scenario I read often at all.
I loved Eli and Olive together. I liked Eli more than Olive as her defensive attitude got a bit old further on. The first half of this book was a bit slow at first and I wasn't really into it. It may just be me as I've never read Ridley's earlier books in this series, so adjusting to all the side characters took a bit of my brain power. I also didn't like how easily the feud between their fathers got so easily solved at the end, because part of the reason I liked the middle chunk of this book so much was seeing Eli's dilemma to the problem and I was anticipating how it would be solved near the end. Alas, I was disappointed at the resolution of that aspect.
I'll definitely keep an eye out for other works by this author if the synopsis or trope catches my eye. This was not bad for a relatively short book.
November 18, 2020
This title was yet another great addition to the 12 Dukes of Christmas series!!
At the beginning of this title, I was so afraid it was going to be a second chance romance. Thankfully, that was not the case! Yes, Olive Harper and Elijah Weston have a past, but not a past relationship. So we get to read all about it as they get to know each other rather than constantly reading how they wished things had happened differently.
I did find myself liking Eli a lot more than Olive as her stubbornness got kind of old after a while. I applauded her for being so determined to keep her farm but felt it got in the way of other things at times. But Eli was such a sweet and unique guy that I felt he really complemented Olive’s personality very well.
I was also a little disappointed with what happened between the fathers. It just seemed too easy after all the years they fought.
I am both crazy excited and super sad about the next title. I am excited to see the Duke of Nottingvale finally get his HEA but I am so sad to see this series end.
*I received an eARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
At the beginning of this title, I was so afraid it was going to be a second chance romance. Thankfully, that was not the case! Yes, Olive Harper and Elijah Weston have a past, but not a past relationship. So we get to read all about it as they get to know each other rather than constantly reading how they wished things had happened differently.
I did find myself liking Eli a lot more than Olive as her stubbornness got kind of old after a while. I applauded her for being so determined to keep her farm but felt it got in the way of other things at times. But Eli was such a sweet and unique guy that I felt he really complemented Olive’s personality very well.
I was also a little disappointed with what happened between the fathers. It just seemed too easy after all the years they fought.
I am both crazy excited and super sad about the next title. I am excited to see the Duke of Nottingvale finally get his HEA but I am so sad to see this series end.
*I received an eARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
March 1, 2022
In this 11th installment of Erica Ridley’s 12 Dukes of Christmas series, set in the wonderful town of Christmas, two arch enemies since childhood find their Happy End.
Olive Harper is a horse woman through and through, and when her family’s stud farm is in danger to fall into the hands of their feuding neighbors, she needs to find a way to save it.
Meanwhile Elijah Weston, son of the feuding neighbors, doesn’t really care about horses or feuding – quite the opposite: he is and always was in love with Olive. Now he has ten days to prove it.
Okay, here is the horse breeder's daughter who has teeth like a horse and is forced by her beloved (!) father to marry her arch teenager enemy boy who wounded her heart and soul for forever when he insulted her at age 14.
And there is nerdy other-horse-breeder's son who has no interest in horses whatsoever and is a huge disappointment for daddy but always loved Miss Horse teeth - being forced to marry her.
Oh well.
Erica Ridley is one of my go-to authors when it comes to historic regency. This novella did not work very well for me, though.
Olive Harper is a horse woman through and through, and when her family’s stud farm is in danger to fall into the hands of their feuding neighbors, she needs to find a way to save it.
Meanwhile Elijah Weston, son of the feuding neighbors, doesn’t really care about horses or feuding – quite the opposite: he is and always was in love with Olive. Now he has ten days to prove it.
Okay, here is the horse breeder's daughter who has teeth like a horse and is forced by her beloved (!) father to marry her arch teenager enemy boy who wounded her heart and soul for forever when he insulted her at age 14.
And there is nerdy other-horse-breeder's son who has no interest in horses whatsoever and is a huge disappointment for daddy but always loved Miss Horse teeth - being forced to marry her.
Oh well.
Erica Ridley is one of my go-to authors when it comes to historic regency. This novella did not work very well for me, though.
November 12, 2020
The future Duke has ten days to charm the strong-willed Olive Harper into marrying him, yet he’ll be lucky to get her to tolerate his presence. A sturdy horsewoman who stands as the only heir to her father’s stud farm, she has no interest in giving her entitlement over to a husband, especially not Elijah Weston for numerous reasons. But sometimes, there is more to a story or a man than meets the eye…
TEN DAYS WITH A DUKE is Erica Ridley’s latest in her historical romance series revolving around the holidays and a special village where the Christmas spirit is alive and well year round. Delightfully sassy, boldly endearing and not quite what you are expecting, this time out, Ms. Ridley has a slight change in tone, but never a change in her engaging character development or the romance you are sure will bloom!
I was invited to receive a complimentary ARC edition from WebMotion and Erica Ridley! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Series: 12 Dukes of Christmas - Book 11
Publisher : WebMotion (November 13, 2020)
Genre: Historical Romance
Print length : 204 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
TEN DAYS WITH A DUKE is Erica Ridley’s latest in her historical romance series revolving around the holidays and a special village where the Christmas spirit is alive and well year round. Delightfully sassy, boldly endearing and not quite what you are expecting, this time out, Ms. Ridley has a slight change in tone, but never a change in her engaging character development or the romance you are sure will bloom!
I was invited to receive a complimentary ARC edition from WebMotion and Erica Ridley! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Series: 12 Dukes of Christmas - Book 11
Publisher : WebMotion (November 13, 2020)
Genre: Historical Romance
Print length : 204 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
November 19, 2020
Oh, we are nearing the end of our 12 Dukes of Christmas series and it is getting so exciting! We have our 11th Duke, people! And, he's... well he's a horse. *I am trying so hard right now not to put in a Mr. Ed quote. -I know, I'm showing my age again and need to tuck that right back on in-*
We are back, once again in the town of Cressmouth where it's Christmas all year long. The Harpers have a famous stud farm featuring the most prized horse in all the realm, Duke. The Harpers have been feuding with the Westons, owners of the biggest stud farm, for decades. They used to own a stud business together but a rift caused one of the biggest feuds around. Now, Olive Harper's father has decided enough is enough. In one smooth action, he is going to ensure his daughter's future with a husband to care for her and the business and end the rift with the Westons' once and for all, with a betrothal.
Elijah Weston has been a horrible knave of a man to Olive, not once but twice. His cruel actions have caused life-long insecurities in Olive that she has had no choice but to live with and cost her her season in the ton. And now, her father had decreed that she must marry Elijah in order to have some say or control over the stud farm she has meticulously worked at and built to its prestigious heights it is today.
Now, I am the first to admit, I have a hard time with second chance romances. There are bridges on fire and rapids underneath, and I just don't forgive that easily... so, needless to say, I have a hard time reading them. But, as always, Erica Ridley pulls it off in such a way, that I didn't mind it all too much. It was an enhancement to the story rather than a detractor. I couldn't help but feel for Olive with her life-long insecurities that were likely not even the slightest bit true. Poor thing! And the suffering in silence of Elijah. I couldn't help but continue to be furious with the Fathers (Weston AND Harper). Olive's father was no innocent old man in these machinations. I hoped for more from them in the end about how ashamed they were with their actions, but... se la vie.
I enjoyed how Harper's strength as a horsewoman didn't incite male blah blah blah stupidity with Elijah. His pursuits were completely alternate to Olive's but they also complimented what she did. It was nice. Elijah was not challenged by a strong woman and he encouraged her to be so. It was refreshing. Also, the application of sign language and including a character who was deaf was very nice.
As always, I enjoyed this book immensely, and cannot wait for our 12th and final duke in Forever Your Duke. (psst... It's the Duke of Nottingvale... squee! Finally!)
*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
We are back, once again in the town of Cressmouth where it's Christmas all year long. The Harpers have a famous stud farm featuring the most prized horse in all the realm, Duke. The Harpers have been feuding with the Westons, owners of the biggest stud farm, for decades. They used to own a stud business together but a rift caused one of the biggest feuds around. Now, Olive Harper's father has decided enough is enough. In one smooth action, he is going to ensure his daughter's future with a husband to care for her and the business and end the rift with the Westons' once and for all, with a betrothal.
Elijah Weston has been a horrible knave of a man to Olive, not once but twice. His cruel actions have caused life-long insecurities in Olive that she has had no choice but to live with and cost her her season in the ton. And now, her father had decreed that she must marry Elijah in order to have some say or control over the stud farm she has meticulously worked at and built to its prestigious heights it is today.
Now, I am the first to admit, I have a hard time with second chance romances. There are bridges on fire and rapids underneath, and I just don't forgive that easily... so, needless to say, I have a hard time reading them. But, as always, Erica Ridley pulls it off in such a way, that I didn't mind it all too much. It was an enhancement to the story rather than a detractor. I couldn't help but feel for Olive with her life-long insecurities that were likely not even the slightest bit true. Poor thing! And the suffering in silence of Elijah. I couldn't help but continue to be furious with the Fathers (Weston AND Harper). Olive's father was no innocent old man in these machinations. I hoped for more from them in the end about how ashamed they were with their actions, but... se la vie.
I enjoyed how Harper's strength as a horsewoman didn't incite male blah blah blah stupidity with Elijah. His pursuits were completely alternate to Olive's but they also complimented what she did. It was nice. Elijah was not challenged by a strong woman and he encouraged her to be so. It was refreshing. Also, the application of sign language and including a character who was deaf was very nice.
As always, I enjoyed this book immensely, and cannot wait for our 12th and final duke in Forever Your Duke. (psst... It's the Duke of Nottingvale... squee! Finally!)
*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
November 20, 2020
I love the fact that Ms Ridley has characters that are not typical of Regency romances. While there is a mix of titled and commoners as characters, there are also people with disabilities, such as Olive's father, who is deaf. Their differences are not played up nor are they treated any differently and that is what I love with this series. It is inclusive of everyone and in 'Christmas' everyone is welcome and treated equally.
I love an enemies to lovers story and this one did not disappoint. Olive and Eli were meant for each other and I loved how passionate Eli was about discovering a way to protect women in childbirth from the poor outcomes often associated with labor.
I can't wait to get my hands on the last in the series.I received an arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I love an enemies to lovers story and this one did not disappoint. Olive and Eli were meant for each other and I loved how passionate Eli was about discovering a way to protect women in childbirth from the poor outcomes often associated with labor.
I can't wait to get my hands on the last in the series.I received an arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 13, 2020
I did like the characters of Elijah and Olive very much. Elijah had such a hard time with his father, who tried to control his every actions. His main focus was that of botany and especially the area where plants and their properties could help in a medical way. Olive was an expert at training horses but she had a poor opinion of herself. I loved the way that Olive and Eli deepened their relationship but unfortunately Eli’s father was still on the scene to cause trouble. This was a most engaging read with a satisfying ending. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 15, 2021
Quick unedited thoughts
I loved this book one! Eli and Olive’s story was the cutest. Both are put in a situation due to their stubborn fathers. It’s a rivalry that has gone on to long and has gone too far. Why do we hurt the people we love the most? I was holding my breathe hoping Eli would do the right thing and come out of this as the winner. Olive’s father and horse Duke stole my heart. Eli’s father is petty and plain awful. I wanted harm to come to him. He taught Eli how to sign......
I received this advanced reader copy from WebMotion via Netgalley
I loved this book one! Eli and Olive’s story was the cutest. Both are put in a situation due to their stubborn fathers. It’s a rivalry that has gone on to long and has gone too far. Why do we hurt the people we love the most? I was holding my breathe hoping Eli would do the right thing and come out of this as the winner. Olive’s father and horse Duke stole my heart. Eli’s father is petty and plain awful. I wanted harm to come to him. He taught Eli how to sign......
I received this advanced reader copy from WebMotion via Netgalley
November 13, 2020
Ten Days with a Duke by Erica Ridley
12 Dukes of Christmas #11
A young girl wins a horse race
A young boy, smitten, kisses her
Young love thwarted by ridicule
A second chance arranged
But
Will they take it or lose out again?
Burly Botanist Elijah Weston sows up with books and a wedding license ready to marry Olive Harper only to have her totally against the idea. The two are thrust together for ten days in a semblance of courtship but will the time to suffice for them to rekindle the feelings they had in their teens? Are they compatible or truly opposites with no hope of romance at all? As with previous books…there IS a DUKE but it is not human in this story.
What I liked:
* The return to Cressmouth…most commonly referred to as Christmas
* Olive: strong, horsewoman, independent, wounded, wonderful, leery, and yet perhaps open to a HEA with the right person.
* Elijah: strong, smart, dedicated, dreamer, scientist, goal driven, wonderful, kind, and realistic though he would love to win Olive’s heart.
* Mr. Harper: I did love this man…a father who loves horses but loves his daughter even more.
* The writing, story and how it all worked out.
* Counting down the ten days
* The kind little and bigger things that Olive and Elijah did for one another.
* All of it really except…
What I didn’t like:
* Mr. Weston: a spiteful mean man more intent on feuding than much of anything else – his interactions with his son and others were reprehensible.
* The pain both Olive and Elijah endured at times in their lives
* Knowing that this series will end with the next book…
Did I like this book? YES!
Would I read more in this series? Definitely!
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
12 Dukes of Christmas #11
A young girl wins a horse race
A young boy, smitten, kisses her
Young love thwarted by ridicule
A second chance arranged
But
Will they take it or lose out again?
Burly Botanist Elijah Weston sows up with books and a wedding license ready to marry Olive Harper only to have her totally against the idea. The two are thrust together for ten days in a semblance of courtship but will the time to suffice for them to rekindle the feelings they had in their teens? Are they compatible or truly opposites with no hope of romance at all? As with previous books…there IS a DUKE but it is not human in this story.
What I liked:
* The return to Cressmouth…most commonly referred to as Christmas
* Olive: strong, horsewoman, independent, wounded, wonderful, leery, and yet perhaps open to a HEA with the right person.
* Elijah: strong, smart, dedicated, dreamer, scientist, goal driven, wonderful, kind, and realistic though he would love to win Olive’s heart.
* Mr. Harper: I did love this man…a father who loves horses but loves his daughter even more.
* The writing, story and how it all worked out.
* Counting down the ten days
* The kind little and bigger things that Olive and Elijah did for one another.
* All of it really except…
What I didn’t like:
* Mr. Weston: a spiteful mean man more intent on feuding than much of anything else – his interactions with his son and others were reprehensible.
* The pain both Olive and Elijah endured at times in their lives
* Knowing that this series will end with the next book…
Did I like this book? YES!
Would I read more in this series? Definitely!
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
December 7, 2020
3.5☆
TEN DAYS WITH A DUKE by Erica Ridley is the 11th entry in her 12 DUKES OF CHRISTMAS series. I read the first one, ONCE UPON A DUKE, a few days before this one and although I wasn't a big fan of it, it did provide me with some background for this one. And this one I enjoyed far more.
It's a relatively short and simple story about Olive Harper, a very successful horse breeder, whose family has been feuding with the Westons, another family of horse breeders, for decades. One day Elijah Weston turns up on Olive's doorstep, special license in hand, and reveals a plot by Olive's father to marry the two. Olive is furious, because not only is Elijah's family her enemies in both business and life, but Elijah himself once humiliated her with a kiss. A kiss she's had trouble forgetting. And so has Elijah.
It was cute, guys. It all takes place in the town of Cressmouth, called Christmas by the villagers, a town that goes all-in when it comes to Christmas celebrations. There wasn't a lot of focus on the town or on Christmas as such in this one, but that's fine. I thought the story could have benefitted from a higher page count, but on the other hand, it was quite refreshing that there simply wasn't room for the usual "I'm upset so I'll storm off and then weeks will pass before we talk this out" nonsense you're usually subjected to in historical romance.
It was rather sweet, much like a Christmas treat, and like with Christmas treats, I'll probably consume the lot of them in no time at all.
I received TEN DAYS WITH A DUKE as an ARC from NetGalley. This has in no way affected my review. All opinions are my own.
TEN DAYS WITH A DUKE by Erica Ridley is the 11th entry in her 12 DUKES OF CHRISTMAS series. I read the first one, ONCE UPON A DUKE, a few days before this one and although I wasn't a big fan of it, it did provide me with some background for this one. And this one I enjoyed far more.
It's a relatively short and simple story about Olive Harper, a very successful horse breeder, whose family has been feuding with the Westons, another family of horse breeders, for decades. One day Elijah Weston turns up on Olive's doorstep, special license in hand, and reveals a plot by Olive's father to marry the two. Olive is furious, because not only is Elijah's family her enemies in both business and life, but Elijah himself once humiliated her with a kiss. A kiss she's had trouble forgetting. And so has Elijah.
It was cute, guys. It all takes place in the town of Cressmouth, called Christmas by the villagers, a town that goes all-in when it comes to Christmas celebrations. There wasn't a lot of focus on the town or on Christmas as such in this one, but that's fine. I thought the story could have benefitted from a higher page count, but on the other hand, it was quite refreshing that there simply wasn't room for the usual "I'm upset so I'll storm off and then weeks will pass before we talk this out" nonsense you're usually subjected to in historical romance.
It was rather sweet, much like a Christmas treat, and like with Christmas treats, I'll probably consume the lot of them in no time at all.
I received TEN DAYS WITH A DUKE as an ARC from NetGalley. This has in no way affected my review. All opinions are my own.
November 8, 2020
Ten Days with a Duke By Erica Ridley is the eleventh book in the series 12 Dukes of Christmas. I have enjoyed each of the books in this series. The books are light hearted love stories with unique characters and fun situations. The village is Cressmore but called Christmas with all the variety of characters makes it just a fun place to visit. The fact that all the stories in this series are set in Christmas is just icing on the cake.
In this particular novel we are introduced to Olive Harper and her famous horses. She is all about the training and caring of her horses and looks forward to continuing her life in just that vein. Her father however, has a different idea.
Elijah Weston is a scholar and botanist. His family owns the largest horse farm in the nation. A long time ago, Olive and Elijah’s parents were friends and partners. His father is forcing him to participate in a scheme to make the Harper’s pay.
Elijah and Olive have no desire to marry or even form a relationship, but they are forced together. Both feel forced by their family, but slowly are feeling more for each other. I loved them together (perhaps even they might be my favorite pair). Ten Days with a Duke by Erica Ridley was a good read.
In this particular novel we are introduced to Olive Harper and her famous horses. She is all about the training and caring of her horses and looks forward to continuing her life in just that vein. Her father however, has a different idea.
Elijah Weston is a scholar and botanist. His family owns the largest horse farm in the nation. A long time ago, Olive and Elijah’s parents were friends and partners. His father is forcing him to participate in a scheme to make the Harper’s pay.
Elijah and Olive have no desire to marry or even form a relationship, but they are forced together. Both feel forced by their family, but slowly are feeling more for each other. I loved them together (perhaps even they might be my favorite pair). Ten Days with a Duke by Erica Ridley was a good read.
November 18, 2020
Partial Series Review on https://mimisworldofstories.blogspot....
Although Elijah (male protagonist) lacked a bit of dimension, the story had tention, a strong female lead, and a bit of naughtiness. The ending (without giving too much away) was slightly too sacharine and quick, I would have loved to see what happened in the last chapter as a complete sequel.
I received a copy from the publisher for review, opinions are entirely my own.
Although Elijah (male protagonist) lacked a bit of dimension, the story had tention, a strong female lead, and a bit of naughtiness. The ending (without giving too much away) was slightly too sacharine and quick, I would have loved to see what happened in the last chapter as a complete sequel.
I received a copy from the publisher for review, opinions are entirely my own.
November 13, 2020
I'm not sure why I'm surprised that this story applied to me so much. It was absolutely lovely story about a second chance at finding forgiveness and love at the same time.
Both Olive and Eli were so easy to love and you can't help but root for them to let the past stay in the past and finally grab the happiness that has averted them for over a decade.
Novella no. 11 left me with the biggest smile on my face and I got to say I'll be sad when we read the last book in the series.
***Review copy received by the author for an honest opinion***
Both Olive and Eli were so easy to love and you can't help but root for them to let the past stay in the past and finally grab the happiness that has averted them for over a decade.
Novella no. 11 left me with the biggest smile on my face and I got to say I'll be sad when we read the last book in the series.
***Review copy received by the author for an honest opinion***
November 12, 2020
Ten Days with a Duke is the eleventh book in the 12 Dukes of Christmas series by Erica Ridley. I have had the joy of reading all of the previous books in the series, but you don't have to have done so to enjoy and follow this one. It can easily be read as a standalone book.
Olive Harper has always had a low opinion of herself thanks in great part to Elijah Weston and his father, the latter being a long time sworn enemy of Olivia's father. Years ago Elijah humiliated her and changed the course of her life. Rather than being able to focus on marrying and having a family, she focused on becoming a first-class horse breeder and handler. She achieved her goal and is content living with her father and running the horse farm.
Elijah hated that he hurt Olive especially as he at just 16 years old knew that he admired and possibly loved her. He only humiliated her because to not have would have caused terrible repercussions from his father who had caught them kissing. Then and now he has lived under his father's thumb and that is why years later he finds himself at Olivia's door with an offer of marriage for her.
Olivia's father decided that the family feud had gone on for far too long, he wrote to Elijah's father with the idea that their offspring married. Surprisingly he agreed. With the fathers in agreement and with Elijah doing what he was told, it was now up to him to convince Olivia to marry him. She, of course, is horrified at the idea, there is no way she will marry the man who had hurt her so badly. Elijah definitely has his work cut out for him. She agrees to give him 10 days to prove himself to her. So, does he convince her to marry him, or not?
This was such a lovely story with a twist or two that I didn't see coming. I loved watching Elijah and Olivia getting to know each other and finding that they liked each other even if there was always the trust issue between them. I enjoyed reading about Olivia's love of horses and the great light-hearted moments where Elijah is trying to get over his fear of them. Another big selling point to this story is that Olivia's father is deaf. Having a deaf daughter I appreciate that the author has a great understanding of the difficulties with communication between deaf and hearing people and it showed with her writing.
I really enjoyed this story and am sad that the next book will be the last. If you haven't read the previous books in this series you really should, they are all just as great as this one.
Olive Harper has always had a low opinion of herself thanks in great part to Elijah Weston and his father, the latter being a long time sworn enemy of Olivia's father. Years ago Elijah humiliated her and changed the course of her life. Rather than being able to focus on marrying and having a family, she focused on becoming a first-class horse breeder and handler. She achieved her goal and is content living with her father and running the horse farm.
Elijah hated that he hurt Olive especially as he at just 16 years old knew that he admired and possibly loved her. He only humiliated her because to not have would have caused terrible repercussions from his father who had caught them kissing. Then and now he has lived under his father's thumb and that is why years later he finds himself at Olivia's door with an offer of marriage for her.
Olivia's father decided that the family feud had gone on for far too long, he wrote to Elijah's father with the idea that their offspring married. Surprisingly he agreed. With the fathers in agreement and with Elijah doing what he was told, it was now up to him to convince Olivia to marry him. She, of course, is horrified at the idea, there is no way she will marry the man who had hurt her so badly. Elijah definitely has his work cut out for him. She agrees to give him 10 days to prove himself to her. So, does he convince her to marry him, or not?
This was such a lovely story with a twist or two that I didn't see coming. I loved watching Elijah and Olivia getting to know each other and finding that they liked each other even if there was always the trust issue between them. I enjoyed reading about Olivia's love of horses and the great light-hearted moments where Elijah is trying to get over his fear of them. Another big selling point to this story is that Olivia's father is deaf. Having a deaf daughter I appreciate that the author has a great understanding of the difficulties with communication between deaf and hearing people and it showed with her writing.
I really enjoyed this story and am sad that the next book will be the last. If you haven't read the previous books in this series you really should, they are all just as great as this one.
November 17, 2020
Another great story set in the town of Cressmouth. I love that Elijah is a hot nerd who found the best way to thwart his father was by building his body physically. Olive is a wonderful person who shows how even though you have been hurt in the past you can still use that hurt and focus on being something great. This is just the best of love stories as Olive and Elijah find that what had separated them as teenagers is no longer important. What is important is the future and the love they have for each other.
May 30, 2024
(Source)
My Thoughts 💭
Usually read historical romance for shts and giggles, but this one was really fun! One of the MC's parents being deaf and using sign language as a means of communication was a nice touch. The book in terms of writing, story, and characters was pretty nice too. The two MC's both having a passion outside of their romance was also refreshing. Would recommend as a good read for anyone looking for a historical romance.
★★★.5☆☆
ℹ Disclosure:
I received an eARC copy of this book from WebMotion via NetGalley and I’m reviewing it voluntarily.
November 18, 2020
The Duke in this, the eleventh book in Erica Ridley’s 12 Dukes of Christmas series, is actually a horse - a prize stud stallion belonging to Olive, the story’s heroine, a hyper-competent Horse Girl. Asked by her father to marry the son of their greatest enemy in order to resolve an ancient feud, she very sensibly says, absolutely not… until she discovers she stands to lose everything if she doesn’t even give her potential suitor a chance.
The only thing Elijah Weston wants to do is pursue his botanical research studies as he seeks to identify a medical treatment for the condition that killed his mother. Held hostage by his father’s refusal to fund his research, he’s forced into going along with his father’s wishes… which aren’t necessarily what Olive thinks they are.
There’s an awful lot going on here and so many things to notice, including Olive’s Deaf father and the way they speak in sign language, the horsey knowledge sprinkled all over the place, and Elijah’s botanical research, plus the romance, the parental manipulation (and abuse) and more. There was also a slightly weird thing where Elijah’s father, the fifth son of an earl, had a courtesy but non-hereditary title of marquess - which is higher ranked than an earl - which just would not be a thing, something I would expect an author of Ridley’s stature and skill to know.
I feel like, as Ridley has got deeper into this series, she has constrained herself a bit too much with the limited word count on these novellas. There is just Too Much Plot for a story this short. There’s no space to revisit the characters who charmed us so thoroughly in the earlier books, something that’s usually a ‘selling point’ in a big series - getting to see other couples progressing with their relationships. There’s just no word count for anything more than a couple of quick mentions in passing, because the plot of this one is so complex Ridley doesn’t have the words to spare… and even then some things get skimmed over. I was disturbed, for example, by the fact that Elijah’s father clearly physically and mentally abused him and then they just… encouraged his father to ‘kiss and make up’ his old feud with Olive’s father, without actually addressing the abuse of his son? You don’t just handwave that stuff away because you haven’t left yourself enough word count to deal with it.
I do love this series. It’s charming and (mostly) light-hearted and delightfully diverse, but the later books in the series have suffered due to the constraints of a short word count, and I think Ridley needed to ease up on herself a little and just make the later ones a bit longer. Or cut back on the sheer amount of plot she was shoehorning in, one or the other. I’ll give this four stars for all the things I did like about it, but I wanted a lot more.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
The only thing Elijah Weston wants to do is pursue his botanical research studies as he seeks to identify a medical treatment for the condition that killed his mother. Held hostage by his father’s refusal to fund his research, he’s forced into going along with his father’s wishes… which aren’t necessarily what Olive thinks they are.
There’s an awful lot going on here and so many things to notice, including Olive’s Deaf father and the way they speak in sign language, the horsey knowledge sprinkled all over the place, and Elijah’s botanical research, plus the romance, the parental manipulation (and abuse) and more. There was also a slightly weird thing where Elijah’s father, the fifth son of an earl, had a courtesy but non-hereditary title of marquess - which is higher ranked than an earl - which just would not be a thing, something I would expect an author of Ridley’s stature and skill to know.
I feel like, as Ridley has got deeper into this series, she has constrained herself a bit too much with the limited word count on these novellas. There is just Too Much Plot for a story this short. There’s no space to revisit the characters who charmed us so thoroughly in the earlier books, something that’s usually a ‘selling point’ in a big series - getting to see other couples progressing with their relationships. There’s just no word count for anything more than a couple of quick mentions in passing, because the plot of this one is so complex Ridley doesn’t have the words to spare… and even then some things get skimmed over. I was disturbed, for example, by the fact that Elijah’s father clearly physically and mentally abused him and then they just… encouraged his father to ‘kiss and make up’ his old feud with Olive’s father, without actually addressing the abuse of his son? You don’t just handwave that stuff away because you haven’t left yourself enough word count to deal with it.
I do love this series. It’s charming and (mostly) light-hearted and delightfully diverse, but the later books in the series have suffered due to the constraints of a short word count, and I think Ridley needed to ease up on herself a little and just make the later ones a bit longer. Or cut back on the sheer amount of plot she was shoehorning in, one or the other. I’ll give this four stars for all the things I did like about it, but I wanted a lot more.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
November 17, 2020
We are in the final stretch of the 12 Dukes of Christmas series, and now we are introduced to a couple who have known each other for a long time, but because of a misunderstanding, what was supposed to be a magical day - the first kiss - has become cause for shame and hurt.
Years ahead, the couple finds themselves in a situation not very pleasant (at least for her): they should get married. How could they get rid of that commitment made by their parents... when, in fact, they wanted it too, but didn't want to admit the strong feeling between them?
Olive and Elijah. Their parents had once been close friends and partners as horse trainers. But a confusion years ago - at the time when each one got married, caused them to fight and break off relationships and partnership.
The years passed and Mr Harper proved to be much more successful at his stud farm than Lord Milbotham.
And despite the distance and animosity, their children, Olive and Elijah knew each other, and one day, Elijah's kiss on Olive caused her reputation to be shaken. Thereafter, Olive decided that both Lord Milbotham and his son Elijah were hateful people.
What Olive didn't know was that Elijah was already in love with her and didn't know how to do it right.
Six years later, the surprise. The two enemies said it was time for that fight to end, that their business would be more prosperous if they joined forces again, and that the best way to seal the union was through the marriage of their children.
Elijah knew nothing about horses, and he actually preferred botany. But marrying Olive was something he really wanted. But that was not her opinion.
As an only child, she was sure she would inherit her father's farm, and training horses was her life.
Getting married would mean giving up everything she worked for. When her father insists that she needed to give Elijah a chance, they decided that in the next ten days the couple would be together to get to know each other better.
Elijah's plan was to make Olive fall in love with him.
Olive's plan was to make it as hard as possible to make Elijah give up on her.
Who will win?
5 stars
Years ahead, the couple finds themselves in a situation not very pleasant (at least for her): they should get married. How could they get rid of that commitment made by their parents... when, in fact, they wanted it too, but didn't want to admit the strong feeling between them?
Olive and Elijah. Their parents had once been close friends and partners as horse trainers. But a confusion years ago - at the time when each one got married, caused them to fight and break off relationships and partnership.
The years passed and Mr Harper proved to be much more successful at his stud farm than Lord Milbotham.
And despite the distance and animosity, their children, Olive and Elijah knew each other, and one day, Elijah's kiss on Olive caused her reputation to be shaken. Thereafter, Olive decided that both Lord Milbotham and his son Elijah were hateful people.
What Olive didn't know was that Elijah was already in love with her and didn't know how to do it right.
Six years later, the surprise. The two enemies said it was time for that fight to end, that their business would be more prosperous if they joined forces again, and that the best way to seal the union was through the marriage of their children.
Elijah knew nothing about horses, and he actually preferred botany. But marrying Olive was something he really wanted. But that was not her opinion.
As an only child, she was sure she would inherit her father's farm, and training horses was her life.
Getting married would mean giving up everything she worked for. When her father insists that she needed to give Elijah a chance, they decided that in the next ten days the couple would be together to get to know each other better.
Elijah's plan was to make Olive fall in love with him.
Olive's plan was to make it as hard as possible to make Elijah give up on her.
Who will win?
5 stars
November 15, 2020
This is book 11 in the 12 Dukes of Christmas book series. It isn't necessary to have read the other books first to enjoy this one, although I intend to as I would like to know more about the town where Christmas is celebrated all year long. While every book in this series has the word 'duke' in the title, the duke in question may not be who or what you expect.
One thing I loved about this book is that not every major character is an aristocrat. Olive, the heroine, works on her father's horse farm, which she mostly runs now that he is older, and expects to inherit one day. Her father is deaf, and Olive and he communicate via sign language. Years before, he had a partnership with a nobleman who was also a close friend. They had a serious quarrel that resulted in ending both the partnership and the friendship. His ex-partner took the land, and he kept the horses. Olive is badly shocked when her father tells her that he and his ex-partner now want to mend their feud by the marriage of their children.
Elijah, the hero, is the son of the noble ex-partner, a marquess. Elijah isn't comfortable around horses at all. He is a botanist whose passion is developing medicines from plants and has been under his father's unkind thumb for his entire life. He and Olive had been close friends growing up, but he had hurt her very badly when he mocked her about her appearance when she was a young girl.
This is an excellent and unusual love story and I highly recommend it. I received an ARC of this book from the author and publisher via Netgalley. These are my opinions of the book.
One thing I loved about this book is that not every major character is an aristocrat. Olive, the heroine, works on her father's horse farm, which she mostly runs now that he is older, and expects to inherit one day. Her father is deaf, and Olive and he communicate via sign language. Years before, he had a partnership with a nobleman who was also a close friend. They had a serious quarrel that resulted in ending both the partnership and the friendship. His ex-partner took the land, and he kept the horses. Olive is badly shocked when her father tells her that he and his ex-partner now want to mend their feud by the marriage of their children.
Elijah, the hero, is the son of the noble ex-partner, a marquess. Elijah isn't comfortable around horses at all. He is a botanist whose passion is developing medicines from plants and has been under his father's unkind thumb for his entire life. He and Olive had been close friends growing up, but he had hurt her very badly when he mocked her about her appearance when she was a young girl.
This is an excellent and unusual love story and I highly recommend it. I received an ARC of this book from the author and publisher via Netgalley. These are my opinions of the book.
November 14, 2020
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Ten Days with a Duke is my favorite of the series so far (even if I have some issues with where it falls in the series, given that it would have been a perfect tenth entry with that title…but I can see why the over-arching plot made this order necessary, even though I haven’t read the entire series yet).
Prior installments have been more fun and surface level, but I like the way this one grappled with the emotional weight of the characters’ past actions, thus making the transition from mortal enemies to lovers feel more well earned. I deeply resonated with Olive, whose self-confidence is destroyed thanks to the Westons and refuses to associate with them again. And there’s also a great growth arc for Elijah, who knows from the beginning he did wrong and works hard to prove he’s changed and win her heart. And the fact that this is complemented by Olive‘s love of horses (her favorite being called Duke) and Elijah working to overcome his fear of them is also beautiful.
I enjoyed this installment, and given what’s been set up, I can’t wait to see what goes down in the final book (I’ll hopefully read the rest before then!) If you love historical holiday romance, this series has been a delightful, from the town of Christmas (actually called Cressmouth) to the wonderful, dynamic characters.
Ten Days with a Duke is my favorite of the series so far (even if I have some issues with where it falls in the series, given that it would have been a perfect tenth entry with that title…but I can see why the over-arching plot made this order necessary, even though I haven’t read the entire series yet).
Prior installments have been more fun and surface level, but I like the way this one grappled with the emotional weight of the characters’ past actions, thus making the transition from mortal enemies to lovers feel more well earned. I deeply resonated with Olive, whose self-confidence is destroyed thanks to the Westons and refuses to associate with them again. And there’s also a great growth arc for Elijah, who knows from the beginning he did wrong and works hard to prove he’s changed and win her heart. And the fact that this is complemented by Olive‘s love of horses (her favorite being called Duke) and Elijah working to overcome his fear of them is also beautiful.
I enjoyed this installment, and given what’s been set up, I can’t wait to see what goes down in the final book (I’ll hopefully read the rest before then!) If you love historical holiday romance, this series has been a delightful, from the town of Christmas (actually called Cressmouth) to the wonderful, dynamic characters.
November 12, 2020
“If the only way to be together is on your terms, then I accept them, whatever they are. I would rather have a little piece of you than nothing at all.”
Olive Harper has proven herself an expert when dealing with her beloved horses…but when it comes to matters of the heart, she’s not willing to allow herself to be once again hurt and humiliated. So, when the one person in her life that managed to turn her heart to ice shows up with a marriage license in hand, Olive swears to never yield…but little by little, her cold heart starts to thaw for a man that has just as much to lose…
Elijah Weston is once again staring into the eyes of his one and only love. After years of abuse and humiliation from his father, he’s being forced to do the very thing he swore against…hurt his beloved Olive…again…
Olive and Elijah start their rocky romance as enemies, but little by little, they grow to know each other and see the truth behind the actions of long ago…and together, their love affair may be the very thing to heal the rift between their families.
Erica Ridley’s 12 Dukes of Christmas is such a heart-warming series, and this latest installment may be one of my favs! Loved and highly recommend!
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **
Olive Harper has proven herself an expert when dealing with her beloved horses…but when it comes to matters of the heart, she’s not willing to allow herself to be once again hurt and humiliated. So, when the one person in her life that managed to turn her heart to ice shows up with a marriage license in hand, Olive swears to never yield…but little by little, her cold heart starts to thaw for a man that has just as much to lose…
Elijah Weston is once again staring into the eyes of his one and only love. After years of abuse and humiliation from his father, he’s being forced to do the very thing he swore against…hurt his beloved Olive…again…
Olive and Elijah start their rocky romance as enemies, but little by little, they grow to know each other and see the truth behind the actions of long ago…and together, their love affair may be the very thing to heal the rift between their families.
Erica Ridley’s 12 Dukes of Christmas is such a heart-warming series, and this latest installment may be one of my favs! Loved and highly recommend!
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **
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