From start to end, the scandalously naughty Meg (my spirit animal) made this novel an instant hit and her encounters with Lucien and how easily she made him submit to her seductive ways were thus far my favorite scenes throughout my read . It had everything you're looking for: historical elements, tempting heroine, brooding hero and a whirlwind (more like instant love) romance that will surely knock you off your feet. I had this down in one sitting and it definitely felt a lot shorter than 200 pages. Nevertheless, a quick and easy read that any reader can find enjoyable.

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Learning a new language can be very embarrassing as an adult, especially when you plan to leave. Life in Christmas has different ideas. Lucien learns he can learn to speak English and fall in love. ( )

How can you have 12 Dukes of Christmas when one of them is planning to move back to France. Lucien le Duc has been waiting half his life to return to France to claim his family's titles and lands. Now, as he has his tickets in hand he finds himself attracted to a Christmas spinster who isn't looking for marriage but only for a good time.
As Meg spends time helping Lucien learn to speak English with naughty language. The more time they spend together the more time they want but they are on a fixed timetable. When things look the most hopeless they each come to a realization that home isn't a physical place but the person you are with.
I received and advanced copy of this book. ( )

I love both Meg and Lucien. Meg is so spunky, kind, and is always so herself and not ashamed of it that you can't help but love her and want to be her friend. Lucien was forced to leave France when he was young and has taken care of his family for years. I love how much he loves his family and his home country. He will do anything for them. He has dreamed of returning to France and reclaiming his family name and lands and in a few weeks, he is about to get his wish. But he is going to miss his family. He always thought they would return together but his brother and sister are both married and have put down roots in the town of Christmas. Lucien doesn't speak English and is proud of it but he decides to learn so he can better communicate with his family and make them feel at home if they ever come to France. Meg offers to help him. Meg slowly teaching him and him relaxing around her and showing a different side of himself to her was so heart-melting and tender. I love how their relationship grows in this book and loved watching these two find they're happily ever after. This is a very feel-good read with a bit of spice. It is the perfect Christmas read. I highly recommend it.

*I was given this copy for an honest review by Erica Ridley via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.*

Rating: 5 stars

Content: Adult ( )

The Duke’s Desire by Erica Ridley
12 Dukes of Christmas #8

Lucien le Duc is a man who has had the goal of returning to France with his siblings since he first arrived in England many years ago. He has worked hard to earn enough to keep the family safe and keep them together even though what he was doing was not what he dreamed of. Recently both his brother and sister have found spouses so he might be returning to France alone. He has remained “French” even in his speaking until...something happens that makes him think he might want to speak English, too.

Meg Church lives with her cousin and is a bit of a free spirit. She has eyed Lucien a time or two (or three or four or more) and thinks he is a hunk and a half but as he will soon leave he is more a dream to her than anything else...until...he asks her for English lessons.

Their time together is spent talking and some of the talk is...earthy, fun and had me smiling...a lot. The two have an issue that will need to be resolved before they can achieve their HEA but the journey, at least for this reader, was a treat and a half.

Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars ( )