One Night with a Duke

Johnathan was a drifter. Always happy to meet new people in a new town and then be on his way. Until he ended up in Christmas town and meant Angelica. She’s a talented jeweler and she changes his view of everything he thought was important. They both learn that compromise is best.

Polar opposites. That’s what gregarious vagabond Jonathan MacLean and black jewelry designer Angelica Parker are. Jonathan is a refreshingly different hero. He never stays in one place longer than a week, he’s Calvin’s partner in Fit for a Duke. (Calvin and Jonathan’s stories are standouts in this series). Oh, he’s got his issues. But he sees the world with wonder. Angelica is very focused, diligent, meticulous and creative. I liked that Jonathan saw her and thought she was beautiful. Highly recommend for a refreshing historical read with great characters.

One Night with a Duke is book ten in the Twelve Dukes of Christmas series. Although you don’t need to read these books in order, I highly recommend reading Book nine “Dawn with a Duke” before this one. Personally, book nine was my favorite. I struggled with this story. I felt it lagged a bit in the middle, and the heroine didn’t impress me. At times she came across snippy and rude - not very likable. However, this author is very skilled. One of my favorite passages follows: “His blood thrummed. He caressed her cheek, lightly, softly. Drawing her in but only if she wanted to come. She leaned forward, tilting her face into his hand, toward him. He brushed his mouth over hers, once, twice, then kissed her fully. Completely. He, too, could spot a diamond. But he didn’t want to take anything from her. He wanted to give.” I loved this scene. You can “feel” the words. Overall, it was okay but not my favorite.

Jonathan MacLean is a philanthropist, adventurer, and a shrewd businessman and investor. He runs from his unhappy past and the father who never acknowledged him as fast as he can. He stays in a town no longer that he must and never visits the same town twice. He works constantly to prove he can make it on his own, without his father and his father’s money. When a blizzard strands him in Cressmouth, he explores the town. In his wanderings, he meets Miss Angelica Parker. Angelica is a talented jeweler. When her father left the family jewelry business to only her brother, she accepted a deal in Cressmouth to open her own shop. She is determined to prove herself as an artisan, to make it on her own. Jonathan is immediately stricken with Angelica. He is an irresistibly friendly chatterbox who makes others, including Angelica feel at ease. These two are falling hard for each other, but there are obstacles. The biggest, that Jonathan can’t stay still and doesn’t want to stay in one place, while Angelica wants to have roots, a home, and friends and family close by. Is there a compromise that can make them both happy, or will they just say goodbye? It’s a good thing Angelica has a big brother. This is a fast-moving (just like Jonathan) sweet story. There is good chemistry between Jonathan and Angelica. The residents and tourists in Cressmouth are friendly and welcoming and the town is festive as usual. There are appearances by characters from the other stories in the series, and some new ones. Angelica’s family is visiting for Christmas, and they are delightful, especially her nieces. I laughed when her older brother, Luther, was offended that she allowed a SCOT into her shop, when he is never allowed. Business is done, and the venture is better than expected. I love the way the story ended. One Night with a Duke is another happy visit to Christmas, and also provides insight into the Black community in England after slavery was outlawed. It is a great addition to the series. Oh, and there were ten…lads hanging ornaments. Nothing about leaping lords. A good story. I recommend it. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.