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Belles of Christmas #5
A Duke for Lady Eve
All she wants is to be a Lady. All he wants is an honest wife.
After escaping to the garden for a reprieve from the stuffy ballroom, Miss Evelyn Trainor bumps into a handsome stranger through a hedge. When he boldly requests an introduction, she lies and tells him a fake name, Lady Eve, positive she’ll never see him again.
But when she returns to the country for Christmas and finds her handsome stranger—the Duke of Alverton—has moved in next door for the holidays, she does what she must to guard her secret. For he has declared the importance of titles and cannot find out she is a commoner.
The Duke of Alverton has been taught one thing his entire life: rank matters above all else. Having recently inherited the dukedom, he is overcome by the inundation of matchmaking mamas and escapes to the country for Christmas.
When he arrives in the country and finds the woman from the ball who not only intrigues him, but carries the rank of Lady, he knows he has found his future wife.
Book 5 in the Belles of Christmas series, A Duke for Lady Eve is a standalone Regency holiday romance. The series can be enjoyed in any order:
Unmasking Lady Caroline by Mindy Burbridge Strunk, Book 1
Goodwill for the Gentleman by Martha Keyes, Book 2
The Earl's Mistletoe Match by Ashtyn Newbold, Book 3
Nine Ladies Dancing by Deborah M. Hathaway, Book 4
After escaping to the garden for a reprieve from the stuffy ballroom, Miss Evelyn Trainor bumps into a handsome stranger through a hedge. When he boldly requests an introduction, she lies and tells him a fake name, Lady Eve, positive she’ll never see him again.
But when she returns to the country for Christmas and finds her handsome stranger—the Duke of Alverton—has moved in next door for the holidays, she does what she must to guard her secret. For he has declared the importance of titles and cannot find out she is a commoner.
The Duke of Alverton has been taught one thing his entire life: rank matters above all else. Having recently inherited the dukedom, he is overcome by the inundation of matchmaking mamas and escapes to the country for Christmas.
When he arrives in the country and finds the woman from the ball who not only intrigues him, but carries the rank of Lady, he knows he has found his future wife.
Book 5 in the Belles of Christmas series, A Duke for Lady Eve is a standalone Regency holiday romance. The series can be enjoyed in any order:
Unmasking Lady Caroline by Mindy Burbridge Strunk, Book 1
Goodwill for the Gentleman by Martha Keyes, Book 2
The Earl's Mistletoe Match by Ashtyn Newbold, Book 3
Nine Ladies Dancing by Deborah M. Hathaway, Book 4
214 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 2, 2019
409 people are currently reading
445 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
December 29, 2019
This was a nice Christmas story. Evelyn tells a white lie that bites back and she must deal with the consequences. The duke was not my favorite and at one point I was hoping someone else might be the love interest, but I knew that couldn't happen. He changes just in the nick of time to save this little story for me. This is a proper romance that is very chaste.
February 6, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up for this sweet regency.
When Miss Evelyn Trainor plays pirates with her younger twin brothers she's always Lady Eve; what young girl doesn't pretend to be a lady or a princess? While at a masquerade ball in London with her Aunt Edith, she escapes to the garden to be alone. Only she's not really alone. The Duke of Alverton, who's also escaping to a garden to be alone is on the other side of the hedge that divides the adjoining estates. When he inquires her name she tells him "Lady Eve". What's the harm, she's wearing a mask and what are the odds she'll ever see him again?
The odds are not in Evelyn's favor. Soon after she and her aunt return to her family's country house, Evelyn discovers the Duke of Alverton is visiting his friend, the Earl of Sanders, whose estate borders Evelyn's family's. As you can imagine this is not a good thing. Of course they run into each other and Evelyn tries to be as vague as possible when answering questions about herself. The Duke is attracted to her and she to him, but after a time she decides she can no longer pretend to be Lady Eve and will have to tell Lord Alverton the truth. Of course, before she has a chance to do that, something happens to one of her brothers and Lord Alverton finds out there is no Lady Eve.
I liked the main characters, although each has their shortcomings to overcome. Evelyn thinks less of herself than she should and the Duke has been raised to value status above everything else. I enjoyed their interactions with each other, and their friends. I admit that at certain times in the story I wanted Evelyn to end up with the sweet and kind Dr. Cooper.
I didn't care for the Duke's mother and thought someone of her rank and status would've cared more for the type of woman she wanted her son to marry. I didn't understand why Evelyn didn't confront her father more directly about the family's finances, and I wanted to know what happened to Aunt Edith who lied about Evelyn needing to get married to save the family from the poor house.
This is the first book I've read by this author. It's part of a series, but each book is a standalone. I read it for a Facebook book club. I'll definitely read another book by this author.
When Miss Evelyn Trainor plays pirates with her younger twin brothers she's always Lady Eve; what young girl doesn't pretend to be a lady or a princess? While at a masquerade ball in London with her Aunt Edith, she escapes to the garden to be alone. Only she's not really alone. The Duke of Alverton, who's also escaping to a garden to be alone is on the other side of the hedge that divides the adjoining estates. When he inquires her name she tells him "Lady Eve". What's the harm, she's wearing a mask and what are the odds she'll ever see him again?
The odds are not in Evelyn's favor. Soon after she and her aunt return to her family's country house, Evelyn discovers the Duke of Alverton is visiting his friend, the Earl of Sanders, whose estate borders Evelyn's family's. As you can imagine this is not a good thing. Of course they run into each other and Evelyn tries to be as vague as possible when answering questions about herself. The Duke is attracted to her and she to him, but after a time she decides she can no longer pretend to be Lady Eve and will have to tell Lord Alverton the truth. Of course, before she has a chance to do that, something happens to one of her brothers and Lord Alverton finds out there is no Lady Eve.
I liked the main characters, although each has their shortcomings to overcome. Evelyn thinks less of herself than she should and the Duke has been raised to value status above everything else. I enjoyed their interactions with each other, and their friends. I admit that at certain times in the story I wanted Evelyn to end up with the sweet and kind Dr. Cooper.
I didn't care for the Duke's mother and thought someone of her rank and status would've cared more for the type of woman she wanted her son to marry. I didn't understand why Evelyn didn't confront her father more directly about the family's finances, and I wanted to know what happened to Aunt Edith who lied about Evelyn needing to get married to save the family from the poor house.
This is the first book I've read by this author. It's part of a series, but each book is a standalone. I read it for a Facebook book club. I'll definitely read another book by this author.
March 4, 2020
I loved this book and how Evelyn pretended to be a Lady, not to catch a Duke but because she pretended to be one when she was a little girl. I definitely pretended to be a princess when I was a girl. And then reading and learning that Evelyn plays with her younger brothers and is a pretend lady in their games is sweet too.
Alverton is used to young women throwing themselves at his feet. He hears the song of an angel and is drawn to the voice. A masked lady is attached to the voice and he earnestly offers to court her. And what does she do? Refuses him! This has never happened to him and Alverton eventually questions everything he was taught and how a Duke should act.
This was a sweet romance and I didn’t know how it truly was going to go! Even for Julia, Evelyn’s best friend. I would love another book so the other man may get his heart’s desire.
So much of this book was off of tiny lies which made larger problems for the characters. Evelyn is a strong woman and willing to do work. She is a little clueless at times but her blind ignorance is somewhat enduring. Alverton’s gruff exterior matches the wintry scene but proves beauty can be found in the quiet stillness of a wooded winter wonderland.
Alverton is used to young women throwing themselves at his feet. He hears the song of an angel and is drawn to the voice. A masked lady is attached to the voice and he earnestly offers to court her. And what does she do? Refuses him! This has never happened to him and Alverton eventually questions everything he was taught and how a Duke should act.
This was a sweet romance and I didn’t know how it truly was going to go! Even for Julia, Evelyn’s best friend. I would love another book so the other man may get his heart’s desire.
So much of this book was off of tiny lies which made larger problems for the characters. Evelyn is a strong woman and willing to do work. She is a little clueless at times but her blind ignorance is somewhat enduring. Alverton’s gruff exterior matches the wintry scene but proves beauty can be found in the quiet stillness of a wooded winter wonderland.
January 20, 2020
Romance - Sweet and Clean
Language - None
Violence - None
Reread - Possibly
**Though part of a series, this is a stand-alone book and does not need to be read in any particular order.**
This was a great book. Oh what a tangled web we weave when being deceitful, even when not done to be malicious.
The character growth of Lord Alverton, and even Evelyn, was good. Both were prideful and selfish in their own way. Lord Alverton because he had been taught to be so, Evelyn because she couldn't get past what she saw was her own failings. I wanted to reach through and shake both of them. It was nice seeing Lord Alverton become more charitable and the influence that Evelyn had on him. I rooted for their HEA.
SIDE NOTE - No spoilers, but there are times when I wish we got to see the effects on the mean and spiteful when our couples announce their relationship and how good it would be to see them taken down a notch. Too often we go from them declaring their love and becoming engaged, to the epilogue years later. I feel like the kid on the Princess Bride movie, Who gets Humperdinck, in the end? Is it Inigo? Who?
Language - None
Violence - None
Reread - Possibly
**Though part of a series, this is a stand-alone book and does not need to be read in any particular order.**
This was a great book. Oh what a tangled web we weave when being deceitful, even when not done to be malicious.
The character growth of Lord Alverton, and even Evelyn, was good. Both were prideful and selfish in their own way. Lord Alverton because he had been taught to be so, Evelyn because she couldn't get past what she saw was her own failings. I wanted to reach through and shake both of them. It was nice seeing Lord Alverton become more charitable and the influence that Evelyn had on him. I rooted for their HEA.
SIDE NOTE - No spoilers, but there are times when I wish we got to see the effects on the mean and spiteful when our couples announce their relationship and how good it would be to see them taken down a notch. Too often we go from them declaring their love and becoming engaged, to the epilogue years later. I feel like the kid on the Princess Bride movie, Who gets Humperdinck, in the end? Is it Inigo? Who?
June 1, 2020
I loved the premise of A Duke for Lady Eve: Evelyn meets a duke at a masquerade and decides to pretend to be a lady far above her own humble station, just for fun. After all, she’ll never see him again, right? Unfortunately for her, she crosses paths with him again during her Christmas holiday and must maintain the charade. Although I would have welcomed a few more tense but fun situations with Evelyn trying to maintain the charade, especially as the duke shows increasing interest in her, those that were included were fun and engaging.
I really enjoyed my reading experience, but it was a very interesting one for me considering this is the first book I’ve read in years where I actually didn’t want our hero and heroine to get together, considering I was firmly on the team of Dr. Cooper in this mild love triangle. He was not only in love with Evelyn for years, but was such a kind, wonderful, service-oriented man, with a long friendship between him and our heroine. But I was undoubtedly projecting my own feelings on our heroine considering I’d happily marry Dr. Cooper myself, and perhaps I shall considering he’s currently still available unless the author writes another story for him.
My favorite aspect of the story was the message about seeing your own worth and not being afraid to reach for love, a lesson the hero learns as he grows from being proud and arrogant to becoming the man deserving of Evelyn, who was a good influence for him. His attitude was the primary obstacle keeping them apart, so it was wonderful watching him finally overcoming it in order to achieve his happily ever after.
Overall, A Duke for Lady Eve was an enjoyable way to pass the evening, although I’ll have to rewrite the ending in my head to match Evelyn with sweet Dr. Cooper…or perhaps I won’t so I can have him.
I really enjoyed my reading experience, but it was a very interesting one for me considering this is the first book I’ve read in years where I actually didn’t want our hero and heroine to get together, considering I was firmly on the team of Dr. Cooper in this mild love triangle. He was not only in love with Evelyn for years, but was such a kind, wonderful, service-oriented man, with a long friendship between him and our heroine. But I was undoubtedly projecting my own feelings on our heroine considering I’d happily marry Dr. Cooper myself, and perhaps I shall considering he’s currently still available unless the author writes another story for him.
My favorite aspect of the story was the message about seeing your own worth and not being afraid to reach for love, a lesson the hero learns as he grows from being proud and arrogant to becoming the man deserving of Evelyn, who was a good influence for him. His attitude was the primary obstacle keeping them apart, so it was wonderful watching him finally overcoming it in order to achieve his happily ever after.
Overall, A Duke for Lady Eve was an enjoyable way to pass the evening, although I’ll have to rewrite the ending in my head to match Evelyn with sweet Dr. Cooper…or perhaps I won’t so I can have him.
December 2, 2019
A Duke for Lady Eve was an enjoyable Regency romance that kept me entertained with its fresh plot and well written story-line. Evelyn Trainor has always dreamed of what her life would be like if she had instead been born "Lady Eve". When a chance encounter with a Duke allows her a moment of pretend, she claims to be the lady of her day dreams thinking she'll never see the Duke again. Duke Alverton is tired of the women chasing his title and done with the ladies of the ton. When he dances with Lady Eve he is completely refreshed at her openness and in many ways her resistance to him. When fate throws the two together again and again, Evelyn must confess to Alverton who she really is, but can the truth really be seen for what it is between the both of them?
What I enjoyed most in this story was that after Evelyn confessed the truth and Alverton later shared his true feelings, Evelyn didn't just accept Alverton's feelings and in her sincerity she really thought herself unsuitable to the Duke. This made the growth and changes in Alverton more believable and him more of a champion for recognizing it was those very things that made Evelyn a true Lady. The story has great side characters, so much so that I want to know what happens to them. There were moments though that because of having so many side characters, I wasn't always positive of how their backgrounds exactly fit in. Overall I enjoyed this book and would recommend it.
What I enjoyed most in this story was that after Evelyn confessed the truth and Alverton later shared his true feelings, Evelyn didn't just accept Alverton's feelings and in her sincerity she really thought herself unsuitable to the Duke. This made the growth and changes in Alverton more believable and him more of a champion for recognizing it was those very things that made Evelyn a true Lady. The story has great side characters, so much so that I want to know what happens to them. There were moments though that because of having so many side characters, I wasn't always positive of how their backgrounds exactly fit in. Overall I enjoyed this book and would recommend it.
February 10, 2021
I really quite enjoyed this story. It’s actually the first one in this series that I have read so I can honestly say it’s fine to read as a stand-alone of you so wish haha
I thought this was a fun and enjoyable read. I don’t want to give any spoilers away so I can’t go into it but suffice it to say that the storyline is funny and enjoyable and that the characters are all engaging and lovable... well, except for one character perhaps but I’m sure that’s intentional. This is a clean and wholesome read. I am always happy to recommend Kasey Stockton’s books as I haven’t read one yet that I didn’t enjoy.
Audible Version:
The narration for the audiobook was quite well done I think. I found Deborah Balm’s tone quite enjoyable to listen to and the pace and pitch was good.
I received a free copy of this book, however this in no way influenced my opinion and I am under no obligation to leave this review.
I thought this was a fun and enjoyable read. I don’t want to give any spoilers away so I can’t go into it but suffice it to say that the storyline is funny and enjoyable and that the characters are all engaging and lovable... well, except for one character perhaps but I’m sure that’s intentional. This is a clean and wholesome read. I am always happy to recommend Kasey Stockton’s books as I haven’t read one yet that I didn’t enjoy.
Audible Version:
The narration for the audiobook was quite well done I think. I found Deborah Balm’s tone quite enjoyable to listen to and the pace and pitch was good.
I received a free copy of this book, however this in no way influenced my opinion and I am under no obligation to leave this review.
January 15, 2021
This is the first book I’ve read from Kasey Stockton and I’m already a fan with just one story. It was completely charming and I found it hard to put down. If you choose to read this one, you won’t be disappointed.
December 25, 2024
Cute…
Enjoyable read. The story is sweet with some great messages along the way. Adorable little Christmas story with some fun and loveable characters.
Enjoyable read. The story is sweet with some great messages along the way. Adorable little Christmas story with some fun and loveable characters.
December 5, 2019
An exceptional story.
I enjoyed this book very much. This is very much a story about overcoming a mountain of pride to realize the love your life is right in front of you. It is also about realizing your worth and not being afraid to reach for the love that is yours for the taking. The hero and heroine are very well-developed, likable characters. I just love a hero that undergoes change to make him even more perfect. I wish we could have learned more about the best friends of our leading lady and gentleman. They deserved to be developed a bit more.
I enjoyed this book very much. This is very much a story about overcoming a mountain of pride to realize the love your life is right in front of you. It is also about realizing your worth and not being afraid to reach for the love that is yours for the taking. The hero and heroine are very well-developed, likable characters. I just love a hero that undergoes change to make him even more perfect. I wish we could have learned more about the best friends of our leading lady and gentleman. They deserved to be developed a bit more.
December 26, 2019
Well written story but a bit tiresome.
The story is quite well written with good character development. I did find the plot to be somewhat lacking. There was nothing new or original with the story, just a lot of predictable twists where obstacles are constantly thrown up to keep the hero and heroine from being together. I honestly felt like smacking the heroine a few times. An okay read if you have some time to burn.
The story is quite well written with good character development. I did find the plot to be somewhat lacking. There was nothing new or original with the story, just a lot of predictable twists where obstacles are constantly thrown up to keep the hero and heroine from being together. I honestly felt like smacking the heroine a few times. An okay read if you have some time to burn.
December 17, 2022
This was just okay. I actually didn’t think Evelyn and the Duke had very much chemistry although I liked the premise of the story a lot and was excited to read it. They just needed some more “warmth” if that makes sense. I was missing all of the small, but significant moments that end up in them having feelings for each other. I actually felt myself kind of wishing Evelyn would end up with Dr. Cooper and liking the Duke’s best friend better than the Duke, which probably weren’t great signs.
December 15, 2020
Quite a treat!
I’m a sucker for a love story involving a Duke! This one was so sweet, moves quickly and had just enough side characters to make it interesting. I really enjoyed it!! Which is a blessing because I’ve needed a good book lately.
I’m a sucker for a love story involving a Duke! This one was so sweet, moves quickly and had just enough side characters to make it interesting. I really enjoyed it!! Which is a blessing because I’ve needed a good book lately.
December 19, 2025
A little slow in the middle, but the last few chapters were full of drama and so wonderfully swoony!
December 26, 2020
How could Eve get her Duke?
Yes, Lady Eve got her Duke, but it is the beginning and middle of the story that is the best part. Lady Eve was not really a Lady when she first met Duke Alverton. He insisted on an introduction upon hearing her sweet alto voice singing in the gardens next door during his neighbor’s masquerade. He had no intention of attending the ball but quickly made his way there and sought her out for the the next set. Then he quickly left again. With such a whirlwind of actions, Eve could hardly believe that she would ever see the Duke again. Once the ball and the season was over and she and her aunt had returned to her home in the country, she expected her ordinary life to continue. But it was never ordinary after that. Ms Stockton’s writing skills are evident throughout this story as one twist after another unexpected twist occurs. It made for a very entertaining read. It seemed that at one point all hope had been lost, however, a happy solution found its way into the story. It was a great feeling and relief fir me when it did for I personally became bereft when I thought things would not turn out the way I had hoped. But Ms Stockton created a wonderful happy ending with a perfectly satisfying epilogue. This read was totally worth my time as I was found with a wide smile on my face when all was said and done.
Yes, Lady Eve got her Duke, but it is the beginning and middle of the story that is the best part. Lady Eve was not really a Lady when she first met Duke Alverton. He insisted on an introduction upon hearing her sweet alto voice singing in the gardens next door during his neighbor’s masquerade. He had no intention of attending the ball but quickly made his way there and sought her out for the the next set. Then he quickly left again. With such a whirlwind of actions, Eve could hardly believe that she would ever see the Duke again. Once the ball and the season was over and she and her aunt had returned to her home in the country, she expected her ordinary life to continue. But it was never ordinary after that. Ms Stockton’s writing skills are evident throughout this story as one twist after another unexpected twist occurs. It made for a very entertaining read. It seemed that at one point all hope had been lost, however, a happy solution found its way into the story. It was a great feeling and relief fir me when it did for I personally became bereft when I thought things would not turn out the way I had hoped. But Ms Stockton created a wonderful happy ending with a perfectly satisfying epilogue. This read was totally worth my time as I was found with a wide smile on my face when all was said and done.
January 9, 2021
I listened to the audio version of this book. The narrator was fabulous. Loved her. Very soothing voice like I imagine for Lady Eve. And I enjoyed the story too. I liked that Evelyn was able to teach the Duke about service and caring for people, even if they aren't his concern, sheerly by example instead of being lectured or even talking about it really. The Duke wasn't entirely likable in the beginning but he was intriguing. And actually, his behavior toward Lady Eve was likable and he is charming. It is just with everyone else he isn't very likable. His attraction to Eve was intriguing. What was it about her, besides her singing voice? Something obviously.
I loved the feel of this book if that makes any sense. There wasn't too much angst as Evelyn tried to figure out how to save her family.
I also enjoyed the secondary love story as brief as it was. Felt sad for the doctor but believe that someday he'll find his true love too.
Enjoyable, pleasant, clean read.
No sex, language or violence
*I received a complimentary Audio-book from the author and voluntarily chose to review it.
I loved the feel of this book if that makes any sense. There wasn't too much angst as Evelyn tried to figure out how to save her family.
I also enjoyed the secondary love story as brief as it was. Felt sad for the doctor but believe that someday he'll find his true love too.
Enjoyable, pleasant, clean read.
No sex, language or violence
*I received a complimentary Audio-book from the author and voluntarily chose to review it.
January 30, 2021
A Duke for Lady Eve was such a lovely story. Granted, the "deception" trope is not one of my favorites, so I was able to enjoy this one only because it didn't drag on throughout the book, but rather around the first half. I loved the character of Ms. Evelyn Trainor, especially her heart and compassion for others, whereas the Duke (Alverton) had to grow on me (but hey, that only means the author wrote him as both accurate and believable). I also loved the side characters and how real they were since I found myself invested in Julia and Dr. Cooper, for example, and didn't see the plot twist coming with the first one.
The narrator did a great job of bringing all the characters to life, though the only ones that sounded a bit forced/too high pitched were the siblings' (Harry and Jack) voices. Otherwise, I think she nailed pretty much every nuance and emotion from the vast array of characters this book has.
Overall, a great sweet Regency Romance listen perfect for all fans of the genre and/or the author.
The narrator did a great job of bringing all the characters to life, though the only ones that sounded a bit forced/too high pitched were the siblings' (Harry and Jack) voices. Otherwise, I think she nailed pretty much every nuance and emotion from the vast array of characters this book has.
Overall, a great sweet Regency Romance listen perfect for all fans of the genre and/or the author.
June 12, 2025
This is a quick, light, and enjoyable read. The writing style is smooth and engaging, as I’ve come to expect from Kasey Stockton. Unfortunately, the romance felt a little underdeveloped. That could simply be due to the length of the book… but it could also be that I greatly disliked the MMC. He had very few redeeming qualities, making it difficult to imagine any woman falling in love with him. It’s especially hard to imagine when a perfectly wonderful man, Dr Cooper, was pursuing her. What sane woman would choose Alverton over Dr Cooper?! Given their limited interactions and time spent together, one can only conclude it was the novelty of him, which hardly seems like a good foundation for a relationship.
Content:
There is no foul language, sex, or violence. The romance is limited to a couple chaste kisses. There is no really mention of faith or God.
Content:
There is no foul language, sex, or violence. The romance is limited to a couple chaste kisses. There is no really mention of faith or God.
January 16, 2025
This was an adorable Christmas read! It had a bit of Ever After vibes, which I absolutely loved. A high and mighty duke meets the only women he's ever wanted to pursue...until he finds out she lied about her titled status? YES PLEASE. I loved his character growth throughout the book and how he comes to realize that a title does not defines someone as a duchess. Beautiful sentiments, and Evelyn had her own growth, perfectly suited for her character as she learns to be just a little selfish and chooses love in the end. I did feel a little bad for poor Dr. Cooper, and I wouldn't mind Lord Sanders getting his own HEA! Someday. In the future. *WINK WINK A lovely Christmas read with all the feels
December 5, 2025
A very cute, sweet Christmas romance
This is a quick, sweet read. I enjoyed the growth of all the characters and how well we got to know everyone. Stockton has a very smooth writing style that I very much enjoyed.
I rounded up from 4.5 stars.
Content review:
Nothing objectionable. I would recommend this as a clean romance for anyone really interested in reading it...maybe 14+? The spice was limited to mentioned kisses. There is a situation described of a woman trying to "compromise" a situation but simply by the appearances of things to make him marry her. There are minor "thrills" and pining. Language was non-existent. I don't think there was any alcohol. A minor injury involved blood, another accident occurs as well.
This is a quick, sweet read. I enjoyed the growth of all the characters and how well we got to know everyone. Stockton has a very smooth writing style that I very much enjoyed.
I rounded up from 4.5 stars.
Content review:
Nothing objectionable. I would recommend this as a clean romance for anyone really interested in reading it...maybe 14+? The spice was limited to mentioned kisses. There is a situation described of a woman trying to "compromise" a situation but simply by the appearances of things to make him marry her. There are minor "thrills" and pining. Language was non-existent. I don't think there was any alcohol. A minor injury involved blood, another accident occurs as well.
December 24, 2021
A Duke and a commoner.
Evelyn is enduring season in London at the request of her father and aunt. She feels quite out of place among the gentry and titled elite and just wants to go home. She escapes the ball to the garden and meets the Duke who is instantly taken with her. She introduces herself as Lady Eve thinking she will never see him again. Then she learns he is staying in the estate adjoining her family home and her ruse will undoubtedly be discovered. Thais is a sweet story of forbidden love and is worthy of reading.
Evelyn is enduring season in London at the request of her father and aunt. She feels quite out of place among the gentry and titled elite and just wants to go home. She escapes the ball to the garden and meets the Duke who is instantly taken with her. She introduces herself as Lady Eve thinking she will never see him again. Then she learns he is staying in the estate adjoining her family home and her ruse will undoubtedly be discovered. Thais is a sweet story of forbidden love and is worthy of reading.
January 1, 2021
Clean Christmas romance
A sweet romantic Christmas story of two people who must work past misconceptions of their own and other people’s making.
Both struggle with pride and yet have a warm and generous personality.
The plot and setting as well as the characters are well developed and well written.
The storyline keeps you turning the pages to see what can happen next.
I really enjoyed reading this story!
A sweet romantic Christmas story of two people who must work past misconceptions of their own and other people’s making.
Both struggle with pride and yet have a warm and generous personality.
The plot and setting as well as the characters are well developed and well written.
The storyline keeps you turning the pages to see what can happen next.
I really enjoyed reading this story!
May 12, 2021
Clean read
Nice little read of a duke falling for a lady not of the peer after talking to her at a masquerade. She, Eve, does not feel worthy and so he must convince her but only after he realizes things himself. I found myself annoyed at Eve as she was too quick to judge and too stubborn to accept his love. That’s just my take
Nice little read of a duke falling for a lady not of the peer after talking to her at a masquerade. She, Eve, does not feel worthy and so he must convince her but only after he realizes things himself. I found myself annoyed at Eve as she was too quick to judge and too stubborn to accept his love. That’s just my take
December 29, 2021
2.5
I didn't like Alverton for about 50% of the book. Thankfully, he started to improve in the second half. I wasn't a fan of the lying-about-being-a-Lady in the first place so it took some time for me to like Evelyn.
Now that I've read the five stories, I can confidently recommend the Belles of Christmas: Frost Fair series more.
I didn't like Alverton for about 50% of the book. Thankfully, he started to improve in the second half. I wasn't a fan of the lying-about-being-a-Lady in the first place so it took some time for me to like Evelyn.
Now that I've read the five stories, I can confidently recommend the Belles of Christmas: Frost Fair series more.
May 11, 2024
insult our intelligence
giant bookish red flags waved in opening chapters.
Hero who instantly knows how special and different heroine is, based off a brief conversation in the garden, and a dance.
Heroine who is desperately downtrodden.
Just the ick.
Author could learn to show not tell, stories quality would improve.
giant bookish red flags waved in opening chapters.
Hero who instantly knows how special and different heroine is, based off a brief conversation in the garden, and a dance.
Heroine who is desperately downtrodden.
Just the ick.
Author could learn to show not tell, stories quality would improve.
December 21, 2024
Evelyn and Alverton
What I liked: flawed people
- Evelyn tells a "lie" and takes her time confessing.
- Alverton has a big ego and needs to learn to think of others.
- The twins. They are so adorable. I just want to take them home.
What I didn't like: Aunt ...
She was so demanding and felt more like a fairytale villain than a novel supporting character.
What I liked: flawed people
- Evelyn tells a "lie" and takes her time confessing.
- Alverton has a big ego and needs to learn to think of others.
- The twins. They are so adorable. I just want to take them home.
What I didn't like: Aunt ...
She was so demanding and felt more like a fairytale villain than a novel supporting character.
December 12, 2025
A clean Regency Christmas romance for a quick read. I enjoyed the plot and the MFC but thought the MMC was a little ridiculous with the insta love and pursuit of a woman who kept pushing him away. But that also made you want to keep reading to find out what happens! I enjoyed the book overall and would recommend.
September 17, 2020
Excellent
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I’m planning to read more books by these author. I like. That it’s appropriate for all ages, well written and with very likable characters. I would love to encounter these characters in another book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I’m planning to read more books by these author. I like. That it’s appropriate for all ages, well written and with very likable characters. I would love to encounter these characters in another book.
November 16, 2021
Clean Regency Rating: 4
Evelyn wanted to be Lady Eve, and she was for one moment at a masquarade ball, and was content to leave that night behind her. Until the Duke she met at the ball finds her and the ruse must continue...
This was a good story and I liked how it ended. But there was a lot that I felt could have made it better. There were things repeated and brought up a lot in the beginning of the book that were not mentioned at all near the end.
Also- I want a follow-up book about Sanders!!
Evelyn wanted to be Lady Eve, and she was for one moment at a masquarade ball, and was content to leave that night behind her. Until the Duke she met at the ball finds her and the ruse must continue...
This was a good story and I liked how it ended. But there was a lot that I felt could have made it better. There were things repeated and brought up a lot in the beginning of the book that were not mentioned at all near the end.
Also- I want a follow-up book about Sanders!!
January 9, 2022
Great story about the classas
Cute characters and story. They are worlds apart. She longs to be a lady. He longs to escape matchmaking mommas and ruthless debutante. Highly recommended for all readers.
Cute characters and story. They are worlds apart. She longs to be a lady. He longs to escape matchmaking mommas and ruthless debutante. Highly recommended for all readers.
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