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Fairfax Twins #1
The Duke's Bride in Disguise
When poor orphan Ava Smith comes face to face with a girl who looks exactly like her, she is certain she has seen a ghost! But, Lady Emily Fairfax, is no ghost and is sure that she and Ava must be long lost twins. Despite her better judgement, Ava allows Emily to convince her to swap lives for a month, in order for Ava to scupper Emily’s engagement to a cold-hearted, brute of a man.
Imagine Ava’s surprise when Emily’s betrothed turns out to be none other than her unrequited crush, the Duke of Kilbride!
Raff Alexander Hamilton, the Sixth Duke of Kilbride, knows that he must do his duty to the line by marrying and procuring an heir. Love was never in the equation in his search for a bride. All that he required was a lady who was well-bred, quiet and biddable—and he thought that he had found just what he was looking for in Lady Emily Fairfax.
Imagine his surprise, when overnight, his betrothed goes from meek and compliant to outspoken, alluring, and decidedly unimpressed with him.
As Raff battles to woo his bride to be, Ava must navigate the sumptuous world of Regency London, while trying desperately not to fall in love - no matter how much her heart wants it.
Imagine Ava’s surprise when Emily’s betrothed turns out to be none other than her unrequited crush, the Duke of Kilbride!
Raff Alexander Hamilton, the Sixth Duke of Kilbride, knows that he must do his duty to the line by marrying and procuring an heir. Love was never in the equation in his search for a bride. All that he required was a lady who was well-bred, quiet and biddable—and he thought that he had found just what he was looking for in Lady Emily Fairfax.
Imagine his surprise, when overnight, his betrothed goes from meek and compliant to outspoken, alluring, and decidedly unimpressed with him.
As Raff battles to woo his bride to be, Ava must navigate the sumptuous world of Regency London, while trying desperately not to fall in love - no matter how much her heart wants it.
171 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 5, 2018
1595 people are currently reading
532 people want to read
About the author
Claudia Stone
34 books142 followersClaudia Stone was born in South Africa but moved to Plymouth as a young girl. Having trained as an actress at RADA, she moved to New York to pursue her dream of acting on Broadway in 1988. She never did see her name in lights, but she did meet a wonderful Irishman called Conal who whisked her away to the wilds of Kerry, where she has lived ever since.
Claudia and Conal have three children, a dairy farm and a boisterous, black lab called Buddy. When she has any time left over, Claudia enjoys reading Regency as well as writing it.
You can also connect with Claudia on Facebook:
fb.me/ClaudiaStoneAuthor
Claudia and Conal have three children, a dairy farm and a boisterous, black lab called Buddy. When she has any time left over, Claudia enjoys reading Regency as well as writing it.
You can also connect with Claudia on Facebook:
fb.me/ClaudiaStoneAuthor
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
February 6, 2019
This book is like empty calories. Its just drenched in sappy sweetness with nothing real to take away from it. Once eye-roll coincidence after another. One of the reasons I like historical romances are because of all the old laws and rules of society that women must navigate and fight against to achieve their happily ever after. But none of that applied to Ava and Emily. Everyone and everything opened up to them with welcoming arms of cringy happiness. It was just too magical. No conflict, no inner turmoil. Things never went wrong. No real character was needed.
October 22, 2022
Well, now I remember why I stopped reading these Kindle freebies. This was cute and harmless, but the plot was just ridiculous and clearly aimed at teenagers with a flimsy grasp of history and reality.
July 3, 2021
I thought that this book was good
December 24, 2018
Such a great story
I love Claudia Stone. Her books are sweet and romantic. There are no intimate scenes so be aware of that. Just kissing. It was another overdone trope ala Cinderella but I love that trope. Twins separated at birth meet up and switch places. One is a Lady and One is a servant. It was really really entertaining. Ava was feisty and I loved the relationship her and the maid Mary had. So cute. And I really liked the hero. He was awesome. He had panic attacks after the war and his brother dying and I sympathized with him. I did hate the scene where she is mean to him and I felt his hurt. He really loved her. Great story and I loved the ending with the newspaper article! Safe read in YOu can't wait to read Emily's story. Hope its soon.
I love Claudia Stone. Her books are sweet and romantic. There are no intimate scenes so be aware of that. Just kissing. It was another overdone trope ala Cinderella but I love that trope. Twins separated at birth meet up and switch places. One is a Lady and One is a servant. It was really really entertaining. Ava was feisty and I loved the relationship her and the maid Mary had. So cute. And I really liked the hero. He was awesome. He had panic attacks after the war and his brother dying and I sympathized with him. I did hate the scene where she is mean to him and I felt his hurt. He really loved her. Great story and I loved the ending with the newspaper article! Safe read in YOu can't wait to read Emily's story. Hope its soon.
November 16, 2019
A KU novel that I thought was just an okay read. Left me a bit empty.
April 23, 2019
Where to start..?
Cliqued, shallow twin swap historic fiction.
Some of the things that irritated me :
1) too much unnecessary back story - did the fact he was a laudanum addict add anything? No. What about her relationship with the past owner? Nope. New owner? Nope. I hate unnecessary back story information dumps. HATE! Just admit it later on in a tender moment... or just don’t... for gods sake.
2) Ava and Emily see each other. They neatly accept they are twins. No worries, no questioning. All accepted. Happy days. They swap places. Yeah like totally cool. In fact everyone is so happy, laid back and accepting (apart from Raff for about 3 minutes near the end). Yay ponies and rainbows.
3) aargh anachronisms. She’s in my space (said a society lady). Big mistake... like huge (said the duke - totes bro)
4) all the male love interests are dukes. Hot dukes. Hot, available dukes. Seriously people... I can believe there’s maybe 1 hot available duke <*cough* unicorn>... not 2
5) Authorspaining... or should that be Avasplainin? As in Ava is going to explain to you what she’s figured out just in case you didn’t get it. Sigh
6) rushed ending. I’m not going to give it away with a further rant... but opportunity at romantic declaration MISSED
Just lazy, unoriginal, kindle unlimited fluff. Sigh. And I hoped for better
Cliqued, shallow twin swap historic fiction.
Some of the things that irritated me :
1) too much unnecessary back story - did the fact he was a laudanum addict add anything? No. What about her relationship with the past owner? Nope. New owner? Nope. I hate unnecessary back story information dumps. HATE! Just admit it later on in a tender moment... or just don’t... for gods sake.
2) Ava and Emily see each other. They neatly accept they are twins. No worries, no questioning. All accepted. Happy days. They swap places. Yeah like totally cool. In fact everyone is so happy, laid back and accepting (apart from Raff for about 3 minutes near the end). Yay ponies and rainbows.
3) aargh anachronisms. She’s in my space (said a society lady). Big mistake... like huge (said the duke - totes bro)
4) all the male love interests are dukes. Hot dukes. Hot, available dukes. Seriously people... I can believe there’s maybe 1 hot available duke <*cough* unicorn>... not 2
5) Authorspaining... or should that be Avasplainin? As in Ava is going to explain to you what she’s figured out just in case you didn’t get it. Sigh
6) rushed ending. I’m not going to give it away with a further rant... but opportunity at romantic declaration MISSED
Just lazy, unoriginal, kindle unlimited fluff. Sigh. And I hoped for better
February 24, 2019
Wait... what?
Very incomplete and disjointed. The sisters reunion....what took place, when did it happen? The fathers reaction at having adopted a twin. Not a word of explanation about his own dead child. Not a word on Lady Emily’s time as Nanny Ava. Extremely disappointing book with such an incomplete story line with so many loose ends that are not addressed. The author should have completed her outline before sitting down to write.
Very incomplete and disjointed. The sisters reunion....what took place, when did it happen? The fathers reaction at having adopted a twin. Not a word of explanation about his own dead child. Not a word on Lady Emily’s time as Nanny Ava. Extremely disappointing book with such an incomplete story line with so many loose ends that are not addressed. The author should have completed her outline before sitting down to write.
December 17, 2019
Loved this novel!!!! Will say one has to suspend belief on some things as this is fiction & not practical, but one never knows back than it could happen lol I love it as it sets up the lost twins storyline nicely & doesn’t feel too rushed! Love the characters even the secondary ones feel like they were fleshed out nicely!! Can’t wait to read the next in the series!!!! Sweet easy read! Definitely recommend it!!!
January 5, 2020
A nice and quick story for a quiet Sunday afternoon. A little bit of Cinderella, a bit of Prince and the Pauper - twins separated at birth. My main harrumph is how easy everything happened, and how easy everyone took the many emotional shocks into their stride - out of everything, that was unbelievable! 😅
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2019
The book literally copied plot points from romcoms.
January 5, 2019
When they bump into each other they are shocked. They look so much alike that they think they are twins. They swap lives for a month as one is poor and the other rich who is due to marry. She finds herself falling for the duke. He is shocked at the change of attitude from her. What will happen? Will he find out who she really is? Could it be the best for them? See what will happen
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 18, 2019
I have always liked Cinderella storylines. This one did not disappoint. A different version of the Prince and the Pauper. With wonderful twists and turns. What fun to read of her first encounters with the Duke at Mr Hobbs library. I really enjoyed Ava's personality and that she did not try to "act" like Emily. She often forgot and reacted to situations as herself. A very well written engaging story that I couldn't put down. Now I have Emily's story downloaded and ready to read:)
December 30, 2018
Really cute and entertaining clean read!
February 1, 2019
It’s a cute story with enough going on to make you continue reading, but it’s not very deep or moving. A few areas that could have been changed to make for a much more rich story would have been:
1) A bit more interpersonal discovery by the two MCs regarding each of their issues (for Ava, a more personal understanding of the duke’s panic attacks and their roots; for Raff, a deeper realization of all that Ava must gone through in the orphanage once she was revealed to him. After all, he had done exploration and research on it during the course of the book.)
2) After SUCH a compelling and rich prologue, an equally rich epilogue would have been great. Where the story left off leaves the reader a bit dissatisfied and wanting just a tad more.
3) Speaking of the fabulous prologue, it would have been nice to have a bit more about the Fairfaxes (esp. Lady Fairfax) and their lives together with their daughter.
4) And the biggest one of all...if the mystery that no one else knew about had also been more of a mystery to the reader, it would have been sooo much better. *SPOILER* Why did we learn the mother died? Why did we learn that Lord Fairfax sought out one of the twins because his daughter died? Why not start the book with the twins meeting and then we unravel ALL of the mysteries right along with them? Would have been a way more compelling read. And really, all the author had to do for that to happen was rearrange the order of the telling.
In the end, I was looking for a clean, lighthearted read with ONE love interest and no TRIANGLES and very little angst and that’s what I got. So I am satisfied.
1) A bit more interpersonal discovery by the two MCs regarding each of their issues (for Ava, a more personal understanding of the duke’s panic attacks and their roots; for Raff, a deeper realization of all that Ava must gone through in the orphanage once she was revealed to him. After all, he had done exploration and research on it during the course of the book.)
2) After SUCH a compelling and rich prologue, an equally rich epilogue would have been great. Where the story left off leaves the reader a bit dissatisfied and wanting just a tad more.
3) Speaking of the fabulous prologue, it would have been nice to have a bit more about the Fairfaxes (esp. Lady Fairfax) and their lives together with their daughter.
4) And the biggest one of all...if the mystery that no one else knew about had also been more of a mystery to the reader, it would have been sooo much better. *SPOILER* Why did we learn the mother died? Why did we learn that Lord Fairfax sought out one of the twins because his daughter died? Why not start the book with the twins meeting and then we unravel ALL of the mysteries right along with them? Would have been a way more compelling read. And really, all the author had to do for that to happen was rearrange the order of the telling.
In the end, I was looking for a clean, lighthearted read with ONE love interest and no TRIANGLES and very little angst and that’s what I got. So I am satisfied.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2020
I had to drop this one star because I think the thing that would have made this book better was a bit of sexual tension. There was attraction and they were very proper but I would have liked at least one scene where they finally let go of propriety. Even if it was at the end. I don’t think it would have worked anywhere else in the story.
This was another twins swapping places book, but this one was more of a prince and the pauper style story. One twin grew up wealthy and privileged and the other grew up poor and in the working class.
I loved seeing Ava succeed and become somewhat popular in the Ton because she was different. She wasn’t as confined by all the social strictures that most of the ladies grew up learning about, so she was a bit more free which made her glow with happiness and it attracted people to her.
I hated when she had to push the Duke away. He was so insanely attracted to her and he wanted so badly to win her over. I hated it when he was rebuffed.
It made for a pretty satisfying ending though, when the truth comes out. Which brings me to another point. I’m so happy with how the truth came out. I’m so glad it was on Ava’s terms and it wasn’t something that blew up in her face and she got caught in her lie. She made the decision to tell the truth, and I think that cast her in a better light than if he found out some other way.
This was another twins swapping places book, but this one was more of a prince and the pauper style story. One twin grew up wealthy and privileged and the other grew up poor and in the working class.
I loved seeing Ava succeed and become somewhat popular in the Ton because she was different. She wasn’t as confined by all the social strictures that most of the ladies grew up learning about, so she was a bit more free which made her glow with happiness and it attracted people to her.
I hated when she had to push the Duke away. He was so insanely attracted to her and he wanted so badly to win her over. I hated it when he was rebuffed.
It made for a pretty satisfying ending though, when the truth comes out. Which brings me to another point. I’m so happy with how the truth came out. I’m so glad it was on Ava’s terms and it wasn’t something that blew up in her face and she got caught in her lie. She made the decision to tell the truth, and I think that cast her in a better light than if he found out some other way.
January 20, 2019
What a beautifully told story❤️
I loved this book! It's like! Snow White! And Cinderella! All in one, mostly Cinderella.And it all started with Lord Fairfax, loving his wife so much, he didn't want her to be hurt, knowing there new born daughter had died at birth.And so he did something so profoundly,
unbelievable,and bought her anther babygirl. Unknowing being
Unaware she was a twin.And from there, several lives are changed
And then the twins meet! And life gets very complicated,and interesting.Read the story, you won't be disappointed,it's a page turner.❤️.
. thank you!
I loved this book! It's like! Snow White! And Cinderella! All in one, mostly Cinderella.And it all started with Lord Fairfax, loving his wife so much, he didn't want her to be hurt, knowing there new born daughter had died at birth.And so he did something so profoundly,
unbelievable,and bought her anther babygirl. Unknowing being
Unaware she was a twin.And from there, several lives are changed
And then the twins meet! And life gets very complicated,and interesting.Read the story, you won't be disappointed,it's a page turner.❤️.
. thank you!
June 3, 2022
DNF.. I lost interest at how too fast things are happening and developing. One example is how fast the meeting between the twins happened like they don't know each other and snap the collided and "Wow, I have a twin sister" thing happened. Another is how disinterested the duke about his fiancée and lusted another woman and yet how could he not see that the woman he was lusting looks like his fiancée? One more thing is how fast he has suddenly develop interest on his fiancée once he noticed on a party the sudden change on her behavior and attitude. It's too quick and rush for me but I'll read the next book maybe the duke on that one is better than the one here.
July 15, 2021
The author lacks knowledge of the social mores of the English aristocracy let alone the fact there is no way in heck a child from an orphanage could speak like an aristocrat or even learn the table manners of one overnight.
This book was a fantasy novel from beginning to end. It most definitely is not a Regency novel unless one suspends disbelief into the realm of the preposterous.
I read all three books in the series.
This book was a fantasy novel from beginning to end. It most definitely is not a Regency novel unless one suspends disbelief into the realm of the preposterous.
I read all three books in the series.
August 13, 2021
This book is an example of how shallow language can ruin a good story, the plot and the characters are good but the romance wasn’t a romance. When it came to the two main characters, fantasizing about each other’s thighs and curves wasn’t romantic, every single “romantic” notion in this book was pure physical urges.
June 20, 2021
Pretty good for the genre
3.5 stars
The mystery takes center interest in this story. Fun take on the Prince and pauper theme. Very pleased with the writing style and editing, it's not Shakespeare but it's definitely a cut above usual fluff in this genre!
3.5 stars
The mystery takes center interest in this story. Fun take on the Prince and pauper theme. Very pleased with the writing style and editing, it's not Shakespeare but it's definitely a cut above usual fluff in this genre!
April 21, 2021
A pleasant version of The Prince and the Pauper. It is more of a novella than a novel. The only thing didn't like is that one character uses the word, Gemini, as a 'swear' word. It doesn't make any sense to me at all. In fact, for a while, I couldn't figure out why the word kept randomly popping up.
I immediately started reading book two but didn't get more than a few pages. Only because I was having some eye fatigue and needed a break.
Book one (Ava's story) looked good and once I started it I liked the beginning enough that I promptly bought book 2 (Emily's story) because you can't read just one. IF it was bad I could. But it seemed good right from the very start. I couldn't figure out how book three fit in so I didn't buy it at the same time. Once I got half way through book 1 it became obvious how book 3 fit in so I had to buy it right then as well. That is how enjoyable book one was.
I immediately started reading book two but didn't get more than a few pages. Only because I was having some eye fatigue and needed a break.
Book one (Ava's story) looked good and once I started it I liked the beginning enough that I promptly bought book 2 (Emily's story) because you can't read just one. IF it was bad I could. But it seemed good right from the very start. I couldn't figure out how book three fit in so I didn't buy it at the same time. Once I got half way through book 1 it became obvious how book 3 fit in so I had to buy it right then as well. That is how enjoyable book one was.
November 6, 2019
Improbable in many ways, but much fun
Two women, twins separated at birth after being left in an orphanage are reunited years later. One is a noblewoman (Emily) and the other, who is left in the orphanage, is a cleaning woman (Ava) at a bookstore. A Duke who visits the bookstore often with his sisters becomes the cleaning women's crush. And, when the two sisters meet each other and realize they are twins, they decide, for a rather tenuous reason, to switch lives for a month. And, of course, the one who grew up in a noble family has been engaged to the same Duke the cleaning woman has a crush on. The story winds wildly, crazily, and delightfully from there to a very improbable happy ending. The book is well written and the language is strong and the characters of course, make it all work together.
Two women, twins separated at birth after being left in an orphanage are reunited years later. One is a noblewoman (Emily) and the other, who is left in the orphanage, is a cleaning woman (Ava) at a bookstore. A Duke who visits the bookstore often with his sisters becomes the cleaning women's crush. And, when the two sisters meet each other and realize they are twins, they decide, for a rather tenuous reason, to switch lives for a month. And, of course, the one who grew up in a noble family has been engaged to the same Duke the cleaning woman has a crush on. The story winds wildly, crazily, and delightfully from there to a very improbable happy ending. The book is well written and the language is strong and the characters of course, make it all work together.
July 17, 2020
Engaged to a Duke
Identical twins separated at birth, Ava Smith grew up in The Asylum For Orphan Girls In Lambeth and Lady Emily grew up in a family of wealth and privilege. Meeting by chance in a bookstore, Lady Emily convinces Ava to switch places for a month. Lady Emily will take Ava's position as a governess and Ava will discourage Lady Emily's fiance from their marriage. Only Ave didn't expect to fall in love. The Duke of Kilbride is persistent, he's in love with Ava. What chance will they have when he finds out the truth? The interaction between Ava and the maid are so funny. Kilbride and Ava's interactions are so sweet. A clean romance with a lot of charm.
Identical twins separated at birth, Ava Smith grew up in The Asylum For Orphan Girls In Lambeth and Lady Emily grew up in a family of wealth and privilege. Meeting by chance in a bookstore, Lady Emily convinces Ava to switch places for a month. Lady Emily will take Ava's position as a governess and Ava will discourage Lady Emily's fiance from their marriage. Only Ave didn't expect to fall in love. The Duke of Kilbride is persistent, he's in love with Ava. What chance will they have when he finds out the truth? The interaction between Ava and the maid are so funny. Kilbride and Ava's interactions are so sweet. A clean romance with a lot of charm.
September 1, 2020
I read so many books that I only have time to briefly review the ones that really stand out. This one fits into that category. A regency romance, the story is so full of impossible and improbable coincidences that it might turn off the discerning reader. Well, I was hooked from the first page and the tale dragged me tantalizingly forward page by page. I could hardly read fast enough to see what on earth would happen next. Isn't that what a good story is supposed to do? I think this was my first read by author Claudia Stone but certainly not my last! Bravo.
April 27, 2021
I listened to the audiobook of this story. The narrators were wonderful. What happens when an orphan comes face to face with a person who looks just like you. Ava Smith is working in a book store when Lady Emily Fairfax walks in and they are both dumbfounded. How can it be possible, they look identical, but one is an orphan and one is a Lady. They are so happy, but now what do they do. Follow them as the change places for a month. Can they pull it off and can Ava as Emily cancel her engagement to the Duke of Kilbride. This is so good.
December 27, 2018
A story about the situations of orphans before sensible men decided to laws to protect them
I choise that rating because,even today, we still need laws to protect children, even if they are not orphalns! The story of twins who finally found each other was heart rending......especially since one had been adopted by a family and the other has grown up in bad orphanage to.make her own way in the world. Of course a bit of romance intering into the tale only added to a sweet tale of love and belonging!
I choise that rating because,even today, we still need laws to protect children, even if they are not orphalns! The story of twins who finally found each other was heart rending......especially since one had been adopted by a family and the other has grown up in bad orphanage to.make her own way in the world. Of course a bit of romance intering into the tale only added to a sweet tale of love and belonging!
January 8, 2019
Good Book!
I found this to be a wonderful story. It showed a connection that only identical twins can feel. Ava and Raff make a perfect couple. There are two things I wish was added to this story though. The first, I wonder what kind of connection Emily had with the Duke of Hemmsly. The second being that McCasky, I suspect knew who the upper class man was that fathered these twins
I found this to be a wonderful story. It showed a connection that only identical twins can feel. Ava and Raff make a perfect couple. There are two things I wish was added to this story though. The first, I wonder what kind of connection Emily had with the Duke of Hemmsly. The second being that McCasky, I suspect knew who the upper class man was that fathered these twins
February 12, 2019
A wonderfully reminiscent storyline.
Claudia Stone has written a great book that pulls memories from my youth, as I am an identical twin as well. Claudia captured the excitement and reality of the mischievous actions that twin girls can get into. The characters are so realistic and believable. This book would get five stars in any realm of time.
Claudia Stone has written a great book that pulls memories from my youth, as I am an identical twin as well. Claudia captured the excitement and reality of the mischievous actions that twin girls can get into. The characters are so realistic and believable. This book would get five stars in any realm of time.
April 19, 2019
Great
I found this a really good book. Ava had been alone for most of her life only finding a small family with her employer when she was sent their from age 12 from the orphanage. When her identical twin comes into the shop they decide to exchange lives for a month but things don't turn out as each planned. Raff is Ava's hero in this story and he is an extremely strong character and immediately feels a connection with Ava not realising she is not who she really is.
I found this a really good book. Ava had been alone for most of her life only finding a small family with her employer when she was sent their from age 12 from the orphanage. When her identical twin comes into the shop they decide to exchange lives for a month but things don't turn out as each planned. Raff is Ava's hero in this story and he is an extremely strong character and immediately feels a connection with Ava not realising she is not who she really is.
November 5, 2019
Loved it
I'm reminded of the Prince and the pauper. The author did a marvelous job of getting these twins to meet at age 20 and then get so many lives tangled into their scheme. Emotions run high as I saw Ava falling for the duke. I wondered how Emily was caring but I guess that's another story. Reading this makes me even more grateful to live in America and in this day and age.
I'm reminded of the Prince and the pauper. The author did a marvelous job of getting these twins to meet at age 20 and then get so many lives tangled into their scheme. Emotions run high as I saw Ava falling for the duke. I wondered how Emily was caring but I guess that's another story. Reading this makes me even more grateful to live in America and in this day and age.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews