The Duke's Desire: A Regency Holiday Romance

Delightful, fun and flirty romance! Meg is everything that Lucien is not. She's outspoken, flirty, adventurous, and wants nothing more than to live in Cressmouth forever. He's broody, taciturn, frustrated, and can't wait to return to France. What they have in common is a deep loyalty to their families and an undeniable attraction to each other. Lucien's family suffered greatly in the recent French revolution, but after twenty years of safety and security in England, all Luc wants is to return to the home and heritage he left behind. Meg's family had a much different experience in France, one that she has no desire to return to. I enjoyed the banter and playfulness between these two, and appreciated the deftly-handled role reversal that was unusual in a Regency-era story, yet it perfectly matched the personalities of the main characters. It's always wonderful to see the emphasis on family in a romance, and here it was used to great effect all around. As the third story focusing on the le Duc siblings, this one brings a bit of closure for the entire family. I have thoroughly enjoyed this entire series, and my only disappointment is that we have to wait another ten full months before the next Dukes of Christmas tale is published. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

Meg is on the wild side; Lucien is sober and determined to return to France. Opposites attract, right? In this installment of the series Lucien realizes he has a very good reason to finally learn English - his sister's stepchildren and possible future nephews and nieces. The English lessons with Meg also serve for them to learn more about each other, although they both believe it will probably lead no where, except heartbreak. Nice story. I read an advance copy and voluntarily post this review.

The Duke’s Desire is book 8 in Erica Ridley’s 12 Dukes of Christmas romance series. So far I have loved each one of Ridley’s books. I have scored them with 5 star reviews because I felt that’s what they deserved. Unfortunately I can only give a four star review for this one. I loved the hero, but hated the heroine. Lucien le Duc is one smoldering, hot Frenchman. I enjoyed his taciturn personality, and his glaring silent rebukes. I enjoyed watching him gradually melt. But the heroine Meg Church just didn’t grab my heart. I thought her too vulgar and unbelievable for her Regency setting. Her crudeness and self centered lust made her unappealing and unbelievable. I am still a Ridley fan, just not a fan of this book. I was given a copy of this book.