Once Upon a Duke: A Regency Holiday Romance

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

This is a charming and humourous historical romance set in the cold, picturesque and remote village of Cressmouth. Benjamin is a Duke who is dedicated to his role in the House of Lords. Between looking after his estate and his official duties, he doesn't have time for much else. Noelle has only known one home. Cressmouth. It's a close knit community where it's Christmas all year round. She works hard to play her role in this community that she loves. Benjamin left Cressmouth five years ago and had no intention of returning. His only good memory of the place is Noelle. Before, he left, he was robbed of his most treasured family heirloom. He now has the chance to retrieve his family legacy and makes the journey to Cressmouth where Christmas is still being celebrated. He doesn't celebrate Christmas. It only brings bad memories. He hates the jolly atmosphere and his only reprieve is Noelle! It doesn't matter as he has no intention of staying, but the reading of the Will gives him no choice, but to stay and complete a task before he can claim his legacy! He finds himself working alongside Noelle and as hard as he tries, he is a unable to stay away from her. Memories of the past come flooding back, but he doesn't want a repeat of what happened before. If only their situation were different and the society wasn't so rigid in its expectations. He is impressed by Noelle's abilities and the numerous tasks that she undertakes in the castle. She fights her feelings too, but finds herself doing little things that mean a lot to him. She also finds a different side to him and the real reason why he left without saying goodbye. Will history repeat itself or will they find a way to give their hearts what they want? This is an easy to read story. It's humourous, but there is angst too. The inhabitants of Cressmouth are a jolly bunch. They also have a strong tie with one another. Noelle considers everyone to be family and nothing makes her happier than to make everyone happy. She is kind and understanding and is willing to put her heart on the line once again. Benjamin doesn't fare any better, but they both decide to fight for their hearts desire and it proves to be more than worth it. It's an entertaining and festive read and would appeal to fans of historical romance. I was kindly issued with an eARC and the views expressed are my personal opinion.

I stopped reading after chapter four. I just can't take it. There's the grandfather who's schemes I suppose would eventually lead the two protagonists together.The grandfather was the embodiment of everything I hate of a person..hypocrite. a saint to everyone outside family, but a tormentor and source of constant pain to own family members.. no matter the supposed mischievous personality, no matter what excuse the author would come up with later in the story to justify his behavior to his grandson, with the enormity of the hate and heartaches he brought to the Duke, and the ridiculous schemes the Duke has to go through for that ever important locket, just can't imagine why and how the Duke could still put up with it.. And narration make it sound like he's just playful and justifiable. And to think this was supposed to be a light, humorous story.. With such a start I just can't even establish the humour, and I honestly don't want to know how the rest of the story flowed.. Not Worth It!