[Audiobook Review] Once Upon a Duke by Erica Ridley

In this spirited, holiday regency romance, Benjamin, the Duke of Silkridge, returns home to fulfill his grandfather's dying wishes and to reclaim the only remnant of his mother he has left. But Benjamin is a scrooge-y, business-focused man, and leaving London and returning home means holiday cheer and seeing Noelle again. Noelle: the woman he kissed five years ago and the woman who is below the social standing for any self-respected duke. Benjamin knows there's no future for him back home, and he knows there's no future with Noelle. But then his grandfather's final wishes are read, and Benjamin realizes he's going to be stuck back home for longer than he's like. But with Noelle there to rekindle the flame, maybe even a scrooge can find the joy in Christmas once again. 

Once Upon a Duke was a fun, quick listen - complete with holiday spirit, life lessons, love that transcends societal expectations, and the perfect grumpy/sunshine couple. It's rare for me, but I actually loved this historical romance more for the story's message than for the romance between the main characters. I definitely did enjoy the main characters as well, but Ridley incorporated such a nice message for the holiday season into this romance and I loved seeing Benjamin realize the true meaning of home and family. If you love a grumpy character, you'll definitely enjoy Benjamin; he is Scrooge incarnate, perfectly content to do the bare minimum for his childhood home if it means getting back to London and the House of Lords as soon as possible. For Benjamin, it was always duty over love. And then Noelle made her perfect, sunshiny entrance, proving to Benjamin that the holiday spirit does not have to die with the last of his family. Noelle is confident, talented, and everything Benjamin could want in a duchess despite her social standing. If you're looking for a quick historical romance featuring second chances for the holidays, look no further than Once Upon a Duke by Erica Ridley. 

The audiobook version of Once Upon a Duke was narrated by Rosie Ackerman. Ackerman did a fantastic job on the narration. This was the first audiobook I listened to featuring her voice work, and she seemed to have the perfect tone and cadence for historical romance. While Ackerman didn't vary her voice too much between Noelle and Benjamin's point of views, I found it easy to tell when the perspectives changed. It was equally easy to tell when secondary characters were speaking. I enjoyed Ackerman's recording of Once Upon a Duke and recommend either (or both!) the story and the narration. 

A huge thank you to Erica Ridley for sending me a Netgalley widget for the audiobook version of Once Upon a Duke. The audiobook was produced by OrangeSky Audio.

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Release date: 11/16/21
Format: ALC
ALC provided via: Erica Ridley, OrangeSky Audio, and Netgalley