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The Dukes' Ladies #13
Olive at the Ballroom
In the Scottish winter, love is the warmest embrace.
Lady Olive has left behind the world of London's high society for a winter's stay in Scotland with her eccentric aunt and uncle. But a terrible accident leaves her stranded in the middle of nowhere with her overbearing mother and no way to continue their journey. Just when all hope seems lost, a handsome stranger named Julius Burke comes to their rescue.
Julius is instantly drawn to Olive's beauty. Despite her mother's disapproval, they develop a deep connection during their stay at the aunt's manor.
But with misunderstandings and mischief afoot, their budding romance faces obstacles at every turn. As tensions mount, Olive must fight for her happiness and for the man she loves. Will they be able to overcome their misunderstandings and find their way to each other's hearts or will they live apart?
The second novel in the captivating Belles of the Ball Series is here for you!
*If you like engaging characters, heart-wrenching twists and turns, and lots of romance, then you’ll love “Olive at the Ballroom”!
A captivating regency romance of 90,000 words, written by Abby Ayles.
No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a sweet happily ever after.
Also available with Kindle Unlimited!
Buy “Olive at the Ballroom” and unlock the exciting story of Olive and Julius today!
Lady Olive has left behind the world of London's high society for a winter's stay in Scotland with her eccentric aunt and uncle. But a terrible accident leaves her stranded in the middle of nowhere with her overbearing mother and no way to continue their journey. Just when all hope seems lost, a handsome stranger named Julius Burke comes to their rescue.
Julius is instantly drawn to Olive's beauty. Despite her mother's disapproval, they develop a deep connection during their stay at the aunt's manor.
But with misunderstandings and mischief afoot, their budding romance faces obstacles at every turn. As tensions mount, Olive must fight for her happiness and for the man she loves. Will they be able to overcome their misunderstandings and find their way to each other's hearts or will they live apart?
The second novel in the captivating Belles of the Ball Series is here for you!
*If you like engaging characters, heart-wrenching twists and turns, and lots of romance, then you’ll love “Olive at the Ballroom”!
A captivating regency romance of 90,000 words, written by Abby Ayles.
No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a sweet happily ever after.
Also available with Kindle Unlimited!
Buy “Olive at the Ballroom” and unlock the exciting story of Olive and Julius today!
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 19, 2023
118 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
Abby Ayles
141 books704 followersAbby Ayles was born in the northern city of Manchester, England, but currently lives in Charleston, South Carolina, with her husband and their three cats. She holds a Master’s degree in History and Arts and worked as a history teacher in middle school.
Her greatest interest lies in the era of Regency and Victorian England and Abby shares her love and knowledge of these periods with many readers in her newsletter.
In addition to this she has also written her first romantic novel, The Duke's Secrets, which is set in the era and is available for free on her website. As one reader commented – ‘Abby’s writing makes you travel back in time…’
When she has time to herself, Abby enjoys going to the theatre, reading and watching documentaries about Regency and Victorian England.
Her greatest interest lies in the era of Regency and Victorian England and Abby shares her love and knowledge of these periods with many readers in her newsletter.
In addition to this she has also written her first romantic novel, The Duke's Secrets, which is set in the era and is available for free on her website. As one reader commented – ‘Abby’s writing makes you travel back in time…’
When she has time to herself, Abby enjoys going to the theatre, reading and watching documentaries about Regency and Victorian England.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 27, 2024
Olive at the Ballroom
It was a cute story. I was happy the mother finally is happy. This novel had no evil person. No mean girls either.
It was a cute story. I was happy the mother finally is happy. This novel had no evil person. No mean girls either.
September 14, 2023
Abby Ayles pulls you in with her writing! The characters in "Olive at the Ballroom" are down to earth and welcoming!
Lady Olive Brent and Lady Adelia Smith are going to Scotland to visit Lady Olive's aunt and uncle when their carriage goes off the road in a terrible snowstorm. Leo and Daisy, their beloved pugs are joining them on this journey to Scotland.
Lady Adelia is very opinionated and ungrateful! In reference to Lady Flora and Laird Hector, Lady Adelia says:
"They don't have the same graces as English dukes as far as I am concerned. And who knows what scandalous behaviors they practice?".
Olive views things very differently, she loves her aunt and uncle and hopes to have a loving marriage like they have.
Julius Burke rescues Lady Adelia and Lady Olive Brent after he comes upon their carriage accident. He finds Lady Olive in the snow, Julius found Lady Olive as Leo was barking and wouldn't leave her side until she was found! Julius takes them the rest of the way to Glengill Castle where a nervous Lady Flora and Laird Hector Finlay are waiting for their arrival!
The servants at the Castle just roll their eyes at the things Lady Adelia says! Aunt Flora and Uncle Hector are very easy going, they also roll their eyes at Lady Adelia. The help at the castle is very impressed with Lady Olive, she is not like her mother at all!
A great story of how they all survive being snowed in in Scotland with Lady Adelia!
Lady Olive Brent and Lady Adelia Smith are going to Scotland to visit Lady Olive's aunt and uncle when their carriage goes off the road in a terrible snowstorm. Leo and Daisy, their beloved pugs are joining them on this journey to Scotland.
Lady Adelia is very opinionated and ungrateful! In reference to Lady Flora and Laird Hector, Lady Adelia says:
"They don't have the same graces as English dukes as far as I am concerned. And who knows what scandalous behaviors they practice?".
Olive views things very differently, she loves her aunt and uncle and hopes to have a loving marriage like they have.
Julius Burke rescues Lady Adelia and Lady Olive Brent after he comes upon their carriage accident. He finds Lady Olive in the snow, Julius found Lady Olive as Leo was barking and wouldn't leave her side until she was found! Julius takes them the rest of the way to Glengill Castle where a nervous Lady Flora and Laird Hector Finlay are waiting for their arrival!
The servants at the Castle just roll their eyes at the things Lady Adelia says! Aunt Flora and Uncle Hector are very easy going, they also roll their eyes at Lady Adelia. The help at the castle is very impressed with Lady Olive, she is not like her mother at all!
A great story of how they all survive being snowed in in Scotland with Lady Adelia!
September 2, 2023
Perfect!
As the widow, Lady Olive should be able to decide her own future, but her overbearing mother does not see it that way. She is determined to marry Olive to another rich, titled gentleman regardless of his age. Olive hoped to escape her mother’s machinations when she traveled to Scotland to visit her aunt and uncle at their castle for Christmas but her mother accompanies her. A snowy accident and a rescue by a handsome stranger make for a rocky start to the trip.
Julius Burke is fascinated by the beautiful woman he rescued but he is not a noble and could never hope to win her affections. Olive is impressed by his kindness and intelligence and their friendship blossoms. Her mother’s elitist attitudes and plotting cause tension and misunderstandings. Olive will need to find a way to overcome them if she wants the happiness she is seeking.
What an enjoyable romance! Abby Ayles always creates the settings and characters that touch my heart. I received an advance copy but my review is honest and voluntary.
As the widow, Lady Olive should be able to decide her own future, but her overbearing mother does not see it that way. She is determined to marry Olive to another rich, titled gentleman regardless of his age. Olive hoped to escape her mother’s machinations when she traveled to Scotland to visit her aunt and uncle at their castle for Christmas but her mother accompanies her. A snowy accident and a rescue by a handsome stranger make for a rocky start to the trip.
Julius Burke is fascinated by the beautiful woman he rescued but he is not a noble and could never hope to win her affections. Olive is impressed by his kindness and intelligence and their friendship blossoms. Her mother’s elitist attitudes and plotting cause tension and misunderstandings. Olive will need to find a way to overcome them if she wants the happiness she is seeking.
What an enjoyable romance! Abby Ayles always creates the settings and characters that touch my heart. I received an advance copy but my review is honest and voluntary.
September 9, 2023
Olive and her mother Lady Adelia live together as both are widows. Olive is still young, so her mother is trying to find her a wealthy husband and doesn't want to hear Olive say she will only marry for love.
As Olive prepares to go to Scotland for the holidays, she sincerely hopes her mother decides against going with her, as her mother isn't pleased at all about it and let's her know all about it.
On the way to Scotland, the driver continues on in the weather and ends up in a wreck in the road and cold. Olive isn't sure about what to do, so she tries to find the driver and ends up on the ground.
Julius Burke comes upon the wreck and goes right to work at helping rescue them.
After they make their destination, Lady Adelia seems to be grumpy at everyone and determined to continue to set Olive up with a wealthy man, anyone but the man who rescued them.
Absolutely a wonderful read and worth it! Grab this book and number one as well, they're a great read!
As Olive prepares to go to Scotland for the holidays, she sincerely hopes her mother decides against going with her, as her mother isn't pleased at all about it and let's her know all about it.
On the way to Scotland, the driver continues on in the weather and ends up in a wreck in the road and cold. Olive isn't sure about what to do, so she tries to find the driver and ends up on the ground.
Julius Burke comes upon the wreck and goes right to work at helping rescue them.
After they make their destination, Lady Adelia seems to be grumpy at everyone and determined to continue to set Olive up with a wealthy man, anyone but the man who rescued them.
Absolutely a wonderful read and worth it! Grab this book and number one as well, they're a great read!
October 7, 2023
What kind of adventure can a young widow hope for as she leaves London going to Scotland for the holidays? Olive is looking forward to spending the holidays with her aunt and uncle even if her complaining and opinionated mother, Lady Amelia comes on the trip with her. Their carriage has an accident due to the winter weather and are rescued by a handsome stranger, Julius Burke. What will happen as Olive and Julius spend time together since Julius is encouraged to stay at the home of Aunt Flora and Uncle Laird Hector till the weather clears? Lots of interesting things happen in this story and that includes few surprises you might not see coming. I know this is in a series, but I would have liked a different title more suited to this story.
September 6, 2023
Had my reservations at first...
Lady Adelia was such a pain - so rude - too uppity - True TON fashion.
I really liked getting to know Olive and Julius and reading their adventures. Aunt Flora and Uncle Laird Hector are amazing family, anyone would welcome them with open arms and lots of love. Viscount/Lord Fergus is an awesome character who kept life moving - even with Adelia and her outspoken words and actions, especially when it came to Sheena and Rosy.
Best of luck to each of the characters and their futures.
Lady Adelia was such a pain - so rude - too uppity - True TON fashion.
I really liked getting to know Olive and Julius and reading their adventures. Aunt Flora and Uncle Laird Hector are amazing family, anyone would welcome them with open arms and lots of love. Viscount/Lord Fergus is an awesome character who kept life moving - even with Adelia and her outspoken words and actions, especially when it came to Sheena and Rosy.
Best of luck to each of the characters and their futures.
September 20, 2023
Lady Olive was widowed as a young woman. She decides to visit her Aunt and Uncle in Scotland. Her mother insists on coming along; her one purpose is to have Olive marry a wealthy man. Olive is interested in falling in love, or not marrying at all. In a snowstorm in Scotland, the horse goes off the road and the carriage is tipped on its side. Julius Burke arrives on the scene and rescues them and takes them in his carriage to her relatives. It’s Christmas time and others will be joining them at the castle.
September 23, 2023
🔗🔗ONE TANTALIZING TREAT🔗🔗
Scorching skivvies sue! Abby whips this bad boy out, winds up and watches it swirl, kicking up dust and busting down walls with this incredibly tantalizing, delightfully beguiling, wonderfully compelling rock-my-world tempest, testing the boundaries and leveling the field, catapulting this baby to staggering heights. Temperament and perceptions in every thread you unravel, your drawn into this intricate web so securely and precise, laying out all the chills, spills and gut-wretching feels into play front and center, blasting this jewel into a tailspin with astonishing results. The characters interactions and charged atmosphere, along with relatable qualities and individual traits, blend and flow adding depth and diversity, transforming into genuine charismatic personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and graphic descriptions creating an elaborate backdrop that feels as though you were transported to ground zero with them. Fantastic job Abby, thanks for sharing this amazing treat with us.
Scorching skivvies sue! Abby whips this bad boy out, winds up and watches it swirl, kicking up dust and busting down walls with this incredibly tantalizing, delightfully beguiling, wonderfully compelling rock-my-world tempest, testing the boundaries and leveling the field, catapulting this baby to staggering heights. Temperament and perceptions in every thread you unravel, your drawn into this intricate web so securely and precise, laying out all the chills, spills and gut-wretching feels into play front and center, blasting this jewel into a tailspin with astonishing results. The characters interactions and charged atmosphere, along with relatable qualities and individual traits, blend and flow adding depth and diversity, transforming into genuine charismatic personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and graphic descriptions creating an elaborate backdrop that feels as though you were transported to ground zero with them. Fantastic job Abby, thanks for sharing this amazing treat with us.
December 12, 2023
Great Book
I really enjoyed this book. It showed how difficult it was for Olive to understand her mother and the reason she wanted her to marry a person of wealth and titled, but Olive fell in love with a Veterinarian Surgeon and married for love. I like all the I formation the book offered about Christmas time in Scotland and how they celebrate Christmas and New Year there. A very interesting book.
I really enjoyed this book. It showed how difficult it was for Olive to understand her mother and the reason she wanted her to marry a person of wealth and titled, but Olive fell in love with a Veterinarian Surgeon and married for love. I like all the I formation the book offered about Christmas time in Scotland and how they celebrate Christmas and New Year there. A very interesting book.
April 1, 2025
I really enjoyed this story. Olive went to visit her aunt in Scotland. She had an accident in the snow on the way there. Julius, a veterinarian for the army horses, came by and rescued Olive and her mother. While Olive stayed at her Aunt's castle, Julius stayed there bec the roads were not safe to travel. While they both were guest at her Aunt's castle, Julius and Olive got to know each other. I didn't like her mother trying to force Olive to marry a rich man. It had a great ending.
September 11, 2023
Olive and Julius
with misunderstandings and mischief afoot, their budding romance faces obstacles at every turn. Will they be able to overcome their misunderstandings and find their way to each other's hearts or will they live apart? You must read this amazing story.
with misunderstandings and mischief afoot, their budding romance faces obstacles at every turn. Will they be able to overcome their misunderstandings and find their way to each other's hearts or will they live apart? You must read this amazing story.
March 28, 2024
Olive at the Ballroom by Abby Ayles is a Christmas story that brings in characters from her other books in this series. It is lighthearted and a fairly quick read. There are some updates on past romances and slight references to characters that will get their own stories written. I felt it was a take on Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night"
I gave it 4 stars.
I gave it 4 stars.
September 2, 2023
Enjoyed this book from the start. Great characters even Lady Adelia and all her complaints. The story of Lady Olive and Julius in the far reaches of Scotland.
October 15, 2023
Love this series
I loved getting lost in this book. The characters are very relatable. These books have made me wish I had more time to read.
I loved getting lost in this book. The characters are very relatable. These books have made me wish I had more time to read.
December 31, 2023
Major editing needed: Chapter 8 character returns home. Chapter 19 he leaves again.
Chapter 36 knight for night.
Interesting twist in mother's matchmaking plot.
Chapter 36 knight for night.
Interesting twist in mother's matchmaking plot.
April 13, 2024
Olive and Julius found love
Adelia and Fergus surprised each other with their manipulations. In the end both couples were happy and that is what matters.
Adelia and Fergus surprised each other with their manipulations. In the end both couples were happy and that is what matters.
July 29, 2024
Repetitive
September 22, 2023
What a sweet story of finding happiness! Having been through marriage without love once, both Olive and her mother have very different ideas of what the ideal husband encompasses. I must say, Amelia initial as the textbook unlikeable mother dictating all aspects of her daughter’s life. Set in Scotland for Christmas, both culture and extreme weather changes were thrown into the mix. I had to smile watching two very different branches of romance evolve. Love brings out the best in people- it is absolutely true!
I received an ARC and am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews