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Happily Ever After #3
Once Upon a Duke's Dream
Bradley Hainsworth, Duke of Carrington, has no time for the ton or their games, let alone finding a wife. He’s a man consumed with revenge and clearing his best friend’s name. All roads lead to one Gerard Durand, and Bradley won’t rest until he brings the man responsible to justice. When the opportunity to investigate further through Gerard’s alluring stepsister presents itself, Bradley can’t resist.
Isabella Marriott knows better than anyone that her stepbrother Gerard is not above lying and cheating to get his hands on what he wants. She must find her grandmother’s long-lost diary without raising his suspicions in order to find the jewels that will provide her the ticket to freedom.
Bradley is captivated by the beautiful Isabella, though he isn’t sure if he can trust the stepsister of the man he suspects. When they find the truths they are searching for, will they determine their feelings for one another are real, or simply a means to their own ends?
Isabella Marriott knows better than anyone that her stepbrother Gerard is not above lying and cheating to get his hands on what he wants. She must find her grandmother’s long-lost diary without raising his suspicions in order to find the jewels that will provide her the ticket to freedom.
Bradley is captivated by the beautiful Isabella, though he isn’t sure if he can trust the stepsister of the man he suspects. When they find the truths they are searching for, will they determine their feelings for one another are real, or simply a means to their own ends?
188 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 28, 2017
876 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
About the author
Ellie St. Clair
209 books374 followersEllie St. Clair writes heartwarming Regency romances with spirited heroines, swoon-worthy heroes, and happily ever afters. Her passion for history shines through in richly drawn characters and romances brimming with irresistible tension.
A former journalist with an incurable love of history, she is the author of popular series such as Remingtons of the Regency and The Bluestocking Scandals. She lives in Saskatchewan, Canada, with her husband and three children.
When she isn’t crafting romantic tales or keeping up with her kids, she’s mainlining coffee, sweating it out on her Peloton, valiantly attempting to keep her plants alive, planning her next dog rescue, or dreaming of lake escapes.
Ellie loves corresponding with readers, so visit her website, email her, sign up for her newsletter or join her Facebook group for exclusive content, giveaways, and sneak peeks at upcoming books.
Contact her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/elliestclair, and sign up for her mailing list at http://www.elliestclair.com/subscribe.
A former journalist with an incurable love of history, she is the author of popular series such as Remingtons of the Regency and The Bluestocking Scandals. She lives in Saskatchewan, Canada, with her husband and three children.
When she isn’t crafting romantic tales or keeping up with her kids, she’s mainlining coffee, sweating it out on her Peloton, valiantly attempting to keep her plants alive, planning her next dog rescue, or dreaming of lake escapes.
Ellie loves corresponding with readers, so visit her website, email her, sign up for her newsletter or join her Facebook group for exclusive content, giveaways, and sneak peeks at upcoming books.
Contact her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/elliestclair, and sign up for her mailing list at http://www.elliestclair.com/subscribe.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
May 27, 2020
"Once Upon a Duke's Dream" is the third book in the series that was just an okay read for me. Although it was a very short story, the writing with the time period just didn't pan out for this historical romance. If you can get past that, the story will keep you entertained and I give my props to Ms. St. Clair for making what could have been a bad book into a enjoyable read.
3-Stars
3-Stars
April 14, 2018
WOW what can I say "Once Upon A Duke's Dream" is another very well written story by Ellie St. Clair. This author writes intelligent heroines and hero's, without the usual misunderstanding that last through out an entire story. These Lead characters figure out the truth of the misunderstands and resolve them quickly as most real people do. I also, like the way one book ends and the next begins at the last books ending. Just a great overlap without Cliffhangers.
Bradley Hainesworth, The Duke of Carrington is on the hunt for the French Spy that killed his best friend as they escape France. The hunt leads him to the Gerald Durand the stepson of an English Viscount who has died and left his entire fortune to his daughter Isabella. Gerard has pushed his way in on his stepsister Isabella Marriotts home he wont leave her home. He has basically taken over. Trying to marry Isabella off to garner her fortune that her father the viscount left her. Isabella has a strong dislike of her stepbrother and know he is trying to steal her fortune. She just doesn't quite know how he will do it.
At a Ball in London Isabella meets Bradley the Duke of Carrington and they immediately are attracted to each other. Bradley is at the Ball looking for the French Spy who killed his best Friend Roger and when he is invited to a prompt House Party by her stepbrother whom he knows is a French he immediately excepts. Bradley is pretty sure that Gerard is the spy he is looking for and figures he can find evidence at the house party. Bradley learns quite quickly that the home belongs to Isabella and not her stepbrother and notices that she is not very fond of her stepbrother. There attraction grows and they both are looking for evidence of his treason against England.
The ending of the story is neatly put away and I just love these two characters together. Both are intelligent smart and witty.
Bradley Hainesworth, The Duke of Carrington is on the hunt for the French Spy that killed his best friend as they escape France. The hunt leads him to the Gerald Durand the stepson of an English Viscount who has died and left his entire fortune to his daughter Isabella. Gerard has pushed his way in on his stepsister Isabella Marriotts home he wont leave her home. He has basically taken over. Trying to marry Isabella off to garner her fortune that her father the viscount left her. Isabella has a strong dislike of her stepbrother and know he is trying to steal her fortune. She just doesn't quite know how he will do it.
At a Ball in London Isabella meets Bradley the Duke of Carrington and they immediately are attracted to each other. Bradley is at the Ball looking for the French Spy who killed his best Friend Roger and when he is invited to a prompt House Party by her stepbrother whom he knows is a French he immediately excepts. Bradley is pretty sure that Gerard is the spy he is looking for and figures he can find evidence at the house party. Bradley learns quite quickly that the home belongs to Isabella and not her stepbrother and notices that she is not very fond of her stepbrother. There attraction grows and they both are looking for evidence of his treason against England.
The ending of the story is neatly put away and I just love these two characters together. Both are intelligent smart and witty.
October 3, 2022
Even though I read this to the end, I didn't really like it and I don't know why. I was probably tired, reading up to 3am. Will try to read it again later, maybe. 2☆
July 25, 2018
Nothing entirely new but it definitely was nicely written and included lovely characters.
I was quite fond of the fact that there isn't much drama in this one. By drama I mean issues between the MCs and by issues I mean conflict (both external and internal). Liked that their issues were solved pretty quickly, liked the plot behind the story, would have loved to hear more about the side characters crucial to the plot, though (like the hero's bf who died or the heroine's grams)
Especially loved that the heroine wasn't a pushover, she gave into her feelings quickly yes but when he couldn't yet admit His feelings she was quite stubborn and he had to explain himself first before anything else happened. You go girl!
Anyways, found the characters likeable. Sweet read, not entirely clean, quite lovely
I was quite fond of the fact that there isn't much drama in this one. By drama I mean issues between the MCs and by issues I mean conflict (both external and internal). Liked that their issues were solved pretty quickly, liked the plot behind the story, would have loved to hear more about the side characters crucial to the plot, though (like the hero's bf who died or the heroine's grams)
Especially loved that the heroine wasn't a pushover, she gave into her feelings quickly yes but when he couldn't yet admit His feelings she was quite stubborn and he had to explain himself first before anything else happened. You go girl!
Anyways, found the characters likeable. Sweet read, not entirely clean, quite lovely
November 21, 2017
Another great book from Ellie
Really enjoyable , the story was constant action and was well written
Our Duke is also an agent of the crown looking for a French spy , he suspects the step brother of our heroine , but is he right ,and if he is , does that mean she is involved.
I received a copy of this book and chose to submit a review
Really enjoyable , the story was constant action and was well written
Our Duke is also an agent of the crown looking for a French spy , he suspects the step brother of our heroine , but is he right ,and if he is , does that mean she is involved.
I received a copy of this book and chose to submit a review
April 27, 2018
LOVE IS FOUND WHILE ON MISSING TREASURE HUNT
Ellie St Clair is receiving 3.5 STARS for Once Upon a Duke's Dream: A Historical Recency Romance (Happily Ever After Book 3) her romantic lead Isabella has been back in England for two years from France because her Father & Step-Mother died, her awful unlikable Step-brother who is French has recently showed up and she is afraid he is in some way conspiring to take her home because he's looking for a wife, Gerald has no money, no prospects & loves Napoleon , Isabella supports all he does , so why is he here however in the midst of all of this turmoil Isabella quietly looks for her Grandmother 's dairy that tells where a hidden family treasure is buried. Next, our Duke, Bradley is member of the Home Office, in other words foreign interference & intelligence used for & against England both overseas and at home, he had worked in France undercover years back along with a childhood friend and they returned to England and his friend was shot & died, Bradley knew it was a French Spy that did it and had been searching for that Spy and suffering awful nightmares reliving the shooting and horror & stress. Isabella and Bradley have to quietly get together after Gerald tried to poison Brad and has plans for her. The storyline is fantastic and the characters laid out as they are are loved and/or despised and/or not even anything, the writing is great however it only got the 3.5 because it feels like there are large groups of paragraphs, nay chapters probably that somehow were left out leaving the story ok and readable but so much it feels left unsaid. Ellie St Clair, is this perhaps really going to rewrite as part as a longer stand alone that you flesh out, giving it all the danger, mystery and share the love story in not to forget the treasure hunt.
WARNING: 17 &UP
Ellie St Clair is receiving 3.5 STARS for Once Upon a Duke's Dream: A Historical Recency Romance (Happily Ever After Book 3) her romantic lead Isabella has been back in England for two years from France because her Father & Step-Mother died, her awful unlikable Step-brother who is French has recently showed up and she is afraid he is in some way conspiring to take her home because he's looking for a wife, Gerald has no money, no prospects & loves Napoleon , Isabella supports all he does , so why is he here however in the midst of all of this turmoil Isabella quietly looks for her Grandmother 's dairy that tells where a hidden family treasure is buried. Next, our Duke, Bradley is member of the Home Office, in other words foreign interference & intelligence used for & against England both overseas and at home, he had worked in France undercover years back along with a childhood friend and they returned to England and his friend was shot & died, Bradley knew it was a French Spy that did it and had been searching for that Spy and suffering awful nightmares reliving the shooting and horror & stress. Isabella and Bradley have to quietly get together after Gerald tried to poison Brad and has plans for her. The storyline is fantastic and the characters laid out as they are are loved and/or despised and/or not even anything, the writing is great however it only got the 3.5 because it feels like there are large groups of paragraphs, nay chapters probably that somehow were left out leaving the story ok and readable but so much it feels left unsaid. Ellie St Clair, is this perhaps really going to rewrite as part as a longer stand alone that you flesh out, giving it all the danger, mystery and share the love story in not to forget the treasure hunt.
WARNING: 17 &UP
November 26, 2017
3.25 stars
I would like to thank the author for providing a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.
Once Upon a Duke's Dream is the third book in the Happily Ever After series, it can be read as part of the series or as a standalone.
Bradley is a spy for the British government trying to route out French spies. Isabella has returned from France after her fathers death, to run her home. Unfortunately her step brother has followed her and seems intent on taking everything from her.
This is not a clean regency romance.
I would like to thank the author for providing a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.
Once Upon a Duke's Dream is the third book in the Happily Ever After series, it can be read as part of the series or as a standalone.
Bradley is a spy for the British government trying to route out French spies. Isabella has returned from France after her fathers death, to run her home. Unfortunately her step brother has followed her and seems intent on taking everything from her.
This is not a clean regency romance.
November 23, 2017
I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review. Bradley is trying to find the murderer of his friend, Roger and possible French spies. Together he and Isabella confirm the spy is her stepbrother. Bradley assists her in locating her grandmother’s diary that leads to a fortune. There is a lot more to their story and it is a great read. The last two chapters appear to have been rushed but this does not detract from the story.
November 25, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Bradley has one thing on his mind and that is clearing the name of his good friend. All roads lead to a guy named Gerard Durand. He solicits the help of Gerald's stepsister in obtaining evidence. When she finds her grandmother's diary it leads to the a treasure and also the clues they need. Bradley and Isabella find themselves attracted to each other. A good read, but no spoiler here.
March 5, 2018
Great Read!
Ellie St. Clair has written a great book. Isabella is a young woman who returns to London to face the ton and the scandal her father created years ago. She hopes to enjoy freedom for the first time , however it is short lived as her overbearing step brother appears. What follows is surprising and intriguing with many twists of the plot. I can't wait to read her next book!
Ellie St. Clair has written a great book. Isabella is a young woman who returns to London to face the ton and the scandal her father created years ago. She hopes to enjoy freedom for the first time , however it is short lived as her overbearing step brother appears. What follows is surprising and intriguing with many twists of the plot. I can't wait to read her next book!
December 3, 2017
Hero: Bradley/Carrington Heroine: Isabella
Reading Enjoyment:4.5* I enjoyed reading this fun/witty, dramatic, and exciting story that is well written with charismatic characters and kept me at in engrossed in the story. The story progressed steadily, has well developed characters and a very happy and satisfying HEA!! Working together they find what they both were searching for and much more.
Reading Enjoyment:4.5* I enjoyed reading this fun/witty, dramatic, and exciting story that is well written with charismatic characters and kept me at in engrossed in the story. The story progressed steadily, has well developed characters and a very happy and satisfying HEA!! Working together they find what they both were searching for and much more.
January 30, 2018
Uncovering a Traitor
What a way for the Duke of Carrington to find out who murdered his friend, Roger. He not only five days the traitor but he finds something he wasn't expecting, love. This series involving all these Dukes was such a quick, fun escape as I adore historical romance. Nice job! Wish there would be a story about Alastair and Olivia even if he isn't a Duke :)
What a way for the Duke of Carrington to find out who murdered his friend, Roger. He not only five days the traitor but he finds something he wasn't expecting, love. This series involving all these Dukes was such a quick, fun escape as I adore historical romance. Nice job! Wish there would be a story about Alastair and Olivia even if he isn't a Duke :)
January 11, 2023
A Wonderful, Entertaining, Suspenseful & Romantic Book
The characters and the story was well written.
Isabella never thought she would marry & was desperate to find her grandmother's diary.
Bradley was in search for his friends murderer & ends up at a house party trying to find evidence he needs to get justice.
On to see how Olivia's journey in the next book in this series.
The characters and the story was well written.
Isabella never thought she would marry & was desperate to find her grandmother's diary.
Bradley was in search for his friends murderer & ends up at a house party trying to find evidence he needs to get justice.
On to see how Olivia's journey in the next book in this series.
December 11, 2017
EXCITING REGENCY ROMANCE
A love struck Duke and a willing Lady, makes for exciting and also danger as her step-brother is a spy for the French. Thank you for and excellent story, Danny and Debbie Scott.
A love struck Duke and a willing Lady, makes for exciting and also danger as her step-brother is a spy for the French. Thank you for and excellent story, Danny and Debbie Scott.
January 18, 2018
I liked the story line and that the heroine didn't have any "angst" per se from the hero, except for about 2 minutes. The reason for no 5 star was at the end, it read as if the hero/heroine hadn't had any type of sexual relations.
July 27, 2018
Great
These happily ever after books are really good books. They flow very well and have the right amount of plot and romance in them. Bradley and Isabella are both great characters and are very strong.
These happily ever after books are really good books. They flow very well and have the right amount of plot and romance in them. Bradley and Isabella are both great characters and are very strong.
February 26, 2020
Good people win while the bad ones do not.
Fun reading about the good guys and the bad. It supports friends who are loyal and those who are not. Without the sex, it would be a good read for the younger teenagers of today.
Fun reading about the good guys and the bad. It supports friends who are loyal and those who are not. Without the sex, it would be a good read for the younger teenagers of today.
March 26, 2020
Just okay
Not one of my favorites. I just felt there was no real character development. Both hero and heroine were very shallow. I read the previous 2 books in this series and loved them but this was just so okay.
3 1/2 stars rounded up to 4.
Not one of my favorites. I just felt there was no real character development. Both hero and heroine were very shallow. I read the previous 2 books in this series and loved them but this was just so okay.
3 1/2 stars rounded up to 4.
May 28, 2021
Another brilliant story to add to the series
This is another brilliantly written story that adds to the series. This plot which is a bit spicy in the end, is full of great characters who have to ferret out a French spy, as well as solve a treasure hunt.
This is another brilliantly written story that adds to the series. This plot which is a bit spicy in the end, is full of great characters who have to ferret out a French spy, as well as solve a treasure hunt.
December 5, 2017
once Upon A Duke's Dream
Once again I have had a wonderful read your books are amazing I have enjoyed each one I have read. Thank you for your wonderful Talent
Once again I have had a wonderful read your books are amazing I have enjoyed each one I have read. Thank you for your wonderful Talent
December 7, 2017
Loved romance novels
Love Reading the series romance novels. Please write more series books. Thank you very much for these books. Thank you
Love Reading the series romance novels. Please write more series books. Thank you very much for these books. Thank you
December 21, 2017
Exciting
Well written wild ride. Treason, lost treasure, moves quickly. It is a well written fast paced story. The three stars are for the cheap sex.
Well written wild ride. Treason, lost treasure, moves quickly. It is a well written fast paced story. The three stars are for the cheap sex.
March 27, 2018
Predictable.
September 2, 2018
Ausom
I really enjoy reading an these books are amazing .they are priced at good prices So keep them coming thank you
I really enjoy reading an these books are amazing .they are priced at good prices So keep them coming thank you
April 3, 2018
Once upon a Duke's Dream
First the title is misleading! What an interesting read, fascinating to the end of time travel. Like nothing I have read before. Enjoyed very much.
First the title is misleading! What an interesting read, fascinating to the end of time travel. Like nothing I have read before. Enjoyed very much.
April 16, 2018
The characters are real personalities not extraordinary heroes.
I have enjoyed the series of Dukes and their lovely brides to be. It has been a fun and loyal adventure.
I have enjoyed the series of Dukes and their lovely brides to be. It has been a fun and loyal adventure.
April 29, 2018
Deception
A good addition to the collection. Intrigue, deception and attraction. It has it all. You should definately read the series in order.
A good addition to the collection. Intrigue, deception and attraction. It has it all. You should definately read the series in order.
July 26, 2018
Once on a Dukes Dream
A well written story with spies , a traitorous stepbrother, a grieving duke, and an innocent young girl caught in the middle
A well written story with spies , a traitorous stepbrother, a grieving duke, and an innocent young girl caught in the middle
October 5, 2020
Loved it very nice story. It had everything ,laughs, love, intrigue, and suspense.
November 4, 2020
Great read
Another well written book, I couldn’t put down full of twists and turns I guessed what would happen and felt great when it turned out I was correct
Another well written book, I couldn’t put down full of twists and turns I guessed what would happen and felt great when it turned out I was correct
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews