{12 Dukes of Christmas Review} Never Say Duke by @EricaRidley

Never Say Duke by Erica Ridley
Series: 12 Dukes of Christmas, 12 Dukes of Christmas #4
on January 5th, 2019
Genres: Historical, Romance
Format: eBook
Source: Netgalley
Buy on Amazon, Amazon Australia, Available with KU Subscription, iBooks
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Yes, Virginia, there is a Viscount…

Miss Virginia Underwood cannot resist rescuing a stray. Her latest find turns out to be a surly, reclusive war hero trying to recover from his wounds in peace. He doesn’t want her help—and Virginia definitely doesn’t want to fall in love. Not when a future with him would mean returning to the the same haut ton who laughed her out of Town during her very first Season.

Theodore O’Hanlon, Viscount Ormondton, sequestered himself far from London to heal in anonymity. For now, he can be himself. As soon as he returns, he’s meant to wed the woman his father selected years before. But when Miss Underwood turns his carefully mapped life upside-down, Theo must decide which battles are truly worth fighting for.

I received Never Say Duke for free. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Virginia has been shown little love from her family during her lifetime. After a disastrous first season, her father sent her away so her younger sisters might have a chance at good matches. Through perseverance and a determined spirit, she made her way to the town of Christmas and has made a life for herself at the Castle. She cares for every living thing and is content to do so until she realizes she wants more.

Theodore O’Hanlon, Viscount Ormondton, has come to his friend’s estate in Christmas to recuperate after severe injuries occurred while fighting in the war. He wants no soul in Christmas to know who he is, including the woman who has taken it upon herself to become his personal nurse. Virginia takes to the mysterious Mr T like she does all her wounded animals and begins to make progress despite the stubbornness she’s met with.

Ridley takes a fresh turn on the nurse/patient love story. She gives us a young woman terrified of the ton and large gatherings, yet is completely selfless when it comes to helping others. She doesn’t know the Viscount and doesn’t care who he is. He needs help and she desires to give it. I absolutely adored Virginia! She’s sweet, a little sassy, and doesn’t give in to her patient’s grumpiness. I completely understood why Ormondton chose to hide away once his family history and experiences in the war were explained. I love how Ridley brought him to life slowly as he interacted with Virginia.

Never Say Duke is a slow burn with a well earned happily ever after. I’m excited to see what Ridley has in store for the rest of the dukes!