ARC Review: One Night with a Duke by Erica Ridley

From the blurb:

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

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

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!


Heather's rating:

 

I read all of Erica Ridley's books, and I always enjoy them, even if they don't often wow me. One Night with a Duke was another pleasant historical holiday read from Erica Ridley with some really great features that will stand out to readers.

I adored the fact that we got a Black female MC in a historical romance. I read a lot of historical romance, and to find diversity there, especially in European romances, is exceedingly rare. POC existed, of course, during that time period in Europe, and they deserve to be included in historical romance. I was so, so pleased to see the cover of this book, and I couldn't wait to get started.

The story is sweet and has a ton of Christmas spirit, just like I was expecting from this series. I think it's a bit better if you've read Dawn with a Duke prior to reading this one, since the stories are intertwined, but it isn't necessary.
 
I enjoyed the female MC, Angelica, a ton. She is a strong, talented jeweler who has worked hard her entire life to prove herself. I really enjoyed her, even though I thought some of the details of her life and past were slightly underdeveloped (not that surprising for a novella).

The male MC, Jonathan, on the other hand wasn't quite my cup of tea. He seemed a bit... manic, and he came across as a kind of a lot. I thought his boisterous personality was overwhelming, and I found him to be edging towards annoying rather than charming. I also didn't love his instalove with Angelica. I prefer my romances to be more slow burn in general, though I know that's harder for a novella. His backstory was interesting as it evolved, but I also think it could have used more fleshing out.

One Night with a Duke is a sweet, easy to read romance that will please Erica Ridley fans. I loved the diversity, and I hope Erica Ridley continues to use more non-white characters in her romances.

*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*

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Happy reading, my friends!