One Autumn Knight

by Christy Carlyle

Hyacinth Bridewell never expected to outshine her twin, Marigold, during their first Season—and society seems to agree. While her sister is declared the diamond, Hyacinth finds herself content with being a wallflower. It keeps her far from the hollow flattery of suitors more interested in the fact that she’s the sister-in-law of a duke than her heart.

Only one man catches her Sir Tristan Ashdown, a brooding paleontologist knighted by Queen Victoria herself. Brilliant and reserved, Sir Tristan is far more comfortable among ancient bones than ballroom chatter. Their paths cross only because of his younger sister, Emma—Hyacinth’s new friend and fellow wallflower. But when a charming debutante captures his notice at a rare soiree, Hyacinth resigns herself to admiring him from afar.

Then comes an invitation to an autumn house party at his aunt’s country estate, where distance fades and true connection begins. As days shorten and feelings deepen, friendship gives way to something neither dares to name. But with doubts lingering—his about being good enough for a duke’s sister, hers about never being truly seen—they must discover whether what’s grown between them is fleeting…or the love of a lifetime.

115 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 30, 2026

About the author

Fueled by Pacific Northwest coffee and inspired by multiple viewings of every British costume drama she can get her hands on, USA Today bestselling author Christy Carlyle writes sensual historical romance set in the Victorian era. She loves heroes who struggle against all odds and heroines who are ahead of their time. A former teacher with a degree in history, she finds there's nothing better than being able to combine her love of the past with a die-hard belief in happy endings.

Reviews

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my 11th book by Christy Carlyle. I read 3 of her books in 2016 and 3 more in 2019. I hadn't picked her up since this series. I didn't think she was that steamy and although the other books in this series weren't 50 shades type steamy it was well written and the sex scenes were perfect for the couple in the story and their personalities. I really loved the other books in this series.

I really liked this book. It was a good read. I liked Hyacinth and Tristan. I enjoy reading couples backstories. Why they are the way they are and what got them to the place in their life that they are currently at. I read so much I don't always remember the prior stories so sometimes forget about the past stories of friends and family mentioned but it never deters from the story. Overall a good read. Definitely recommend this author and this series.

[Becca]

Waiting on star rating and review. Hoping to hear from author message I sent. The file I received from Amazon for my preorder was only 7 chapters and incomplete and filled with typos. I’ve checked for file updates and have them automatically turned on but have not received anything. Hopefully I’ll get a response.

[Amelia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. I really enjoyed a couple of the earlier books in this series, but this novella (which seemed to have been pushed back a few times, based on the dates in Amazon Unlimited) felt pretty rushed, which is a shame because I'd been looking forward to reading scientifically-minded Hyacinth's story. Her interest in paleontology got really short shrift here though, limited to her having attended a couple of Tristan's lectures. And the insta-love didn't really feel earned. Makes me wonder if there was supposed to be a more fully fleshed out version that got chopped down.